Author: Sharon Huff

Kitchen Remodel
Home Improvement

Transforming Your Kitchen Into A More Efficient Space

Sharon Huff

The kitchen is the heart of your home and a central gathering space for family and friends. A kitchen remodel is an investment that can increase your property’s value and create a more enjoyable go-to space.Kitchen Remodel

Clearly define your objectives for the renovation: do you want to update aesthetics, improve functionality or add storage? Identifying your priorities early helps align your vision with your budget. Contact Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma now!

A kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals; it’s also the heart of your home. It’s where families gather and memories are made, so it’s important to have a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is functional. Whether your kitchen is looking outdated or uninspired, a remodel can breathe new life into the space and make it feel like a design haven.

Modern kitchen aesthetics focus on clean lines and clutter-free surfaces. Handle-less cabinetry and flat-panel designs create a sleek, streamlined appearance that’s easy to clean. Neutral color schemes and bold accents allow you to personalize the look without sacrificing functionality. Statement lighting fixtures, such as oversized pendants and sculptural chandeliers, serve as focal points that add visual interest to your kitchen.

While it’s tempting to incorporate the latest trends in kitchen design, opt for classic color schemes and materials that will remain attractive for years to come. Choose a design that can easily be updated with the addition of new cabinet hardware or a fresh coat of paint. If you do decide to go with a trending color or material, use it sparingly. Too many changes can quickly become overwhelming and date your kitchen.

Adding storage is often a priority for homeowners during kitchen remodeling projects. Consider installing built-in shelves, refinishing cabinets, or building a pantry. You may also be able to expand your existing space by removing a wall or creating an open-concept layout.

When considering your options for storage, think about your daily cooking needs and how they might change in the future. For example, if you entertain frequently, you may need extra countertop and storage space for serving food and drinks. On the other hand, if you have a small household that typically cooks for one or two people, you may only need additional shelving and storage space for cookbooks.

Functionality

A kitchen remodeling project can be an opportunity to create a custom culinary space that meets your personal preferences and suits your cooking style. With the right guidance from a skilled team, you can design a kitchen that combines beauty and function to make cooking and entertaining a pleasure rather than a chore.

Kitchen renovations and upgrades are one of the best ways to add value to your home. Prospective homebuyers tend to prioritize modernized kitchens when touring properties, and they can often help you get a better return on your investment when it comes time to sell.

Functionality should be a primary consideration when planning a kitchen remodel. The ideal layout should minimize the distance between key kitchen elements such as the sink, refrigerator, and stove to create a “work triangle” that promotes efficient workflow. It is also important to include ample storage, especially for frequently-used items like small appliances and cooking utensils, cleaning supplies, bulk food, and plastic containers.

There are two main types of kitchen remodeling projects: a minor remodel and a major remodel. A minor remodel is typically a cosmetic update that may include painting walls, replacing hardware, and updating lighting fixtures. A major remodel, on the other hand, may involve reconfiguring the floor plan and upgrading appliances to improve overall functionality. The team at Metro Building & Remodeling Group can assist you in creating a kitchen that is both attractive and functional. Contact us today to get started!

Safety

Remodeling a kitchen is an investment in your home, and you’ll want to ensure it’s done properly. Kitchen remodeling mistakes can make your new kitchen less functional and aesthetically pleasing, costing you more money in the long run.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is attempting to perform their own renovation without the help of a professional. It is important to consult with a professional before you start your kitchen remodel. They can guide you through the process and help you decide what is best for your space. They can also give you an accurate estimate of how much your project will cost.

Another mistake is failing to prioritize safety. It is important to follow electrical and plumbing guidelines during the renovation. A licensed professional can help you avoid costly mistakes that may endanger your family’s safety.

It is essential to plan out your kitchen during the remodeling process. This includes determining how many outlets you need and where they should be placed. You should also consider if you need to install more cabinets or appliances. Having an accurate layout will prevent your kitchen from becoming overcrowded and inefficient.

Lastly, don’t forget to plan for storage space. It is important to have enough space for all your cookware, supplies, and tools. Make sure you have room for everything you use on a daily basis, and don’t forget about larger items like your mixer, blender, and coffee grinder.

It’s also a good idea to install floors before installing cabinets, as this can reduce the risk of the floor getting damaged during the installation process. Additionally, it’s important to make a list of all the items you will need for your kitchen renovation and have them on hand. This will minimize delays caused by back orders and shipping errors.

Energy Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of kitchen remodeling is enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. Modern kitchens use less electricity and natural gas, which will reduce your utility bills and environmental footprint. You can also upgrade your appliances to energy-efficient models, which will help you cut down on greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. This will also increase your kitchen’s appeal to prospective buyers who are looking for greener properties.

Investing in a kitchen renovation can boost your home’s value and make it easier to sell. However, it’s important to consider your needs and budget before committing to a major kitchen remodel. A minor refresh typically offers a higher ROI than a luxury major remodel, according to Remodeling’s 2021 Cost vs. Value report. In fact, you can expect to recoup about 72 percent of your investment for a minor kitchen refresh.

While a full kitchen remodel is costly and time-consuming, it’s an excellent way to transform your space and add functionality to a much-used room. A full kitchen renovation includes installing new flooring, cabinets, and countertops, as well as replacing appliances and fixtures. It can also include removing walls and expanding the kitchen’s footprint.

A kitchen is the hub of a household, so it’s essential that it is comfortable and functional. This means having enough storage to accommodate your family’s needs and ensuring that there is easy access to appliances and utilities. You should also ensure that your kitchen is equipped with sufficient lighting and is well-ventilated. This will minimize the amount of dust that settles on surfaces, making it easier to clean. Also, it’s important to have enough counter space to facilitate food preparation and eating.

Value

Homebuyers place a high premium on kitchens that are updated and modern. As a result, upgrading your kitchen may help to speed up the sale of your house when it comes time to move on. In general, a well-executed kitchen remodel can return about 60% to 80% of the costs in increased home value.

However, the exact amount that you recoup will vary depending on several factors. These include the scope of the project, your location, and the quality of materials and workmanship. Additionally, the type of improvements you make will also impact resale value. For example, it is less likely to recoup the cost of a major kitchen overhaul than a minor refresh.

In general, it is wise to focus on addressing functional concerns rather than cosmetic upgrades when considering a kitchen remodel. For instance, updating an outdated kitchen with a more energy-efficient stove and appliances will likely increase resale value far more than simply painting the cabinets. In addition, it is generally best to avoid over-the-top remodeling trends that will quickly date your home and reduce its appeal to potential buyers.

If you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel, the first step is to establish what your budget is. Then, work with a professional to create a plan that meets your goals and falls within the established parameters. Finally, be sure to carefully review all estimates and costs for the project before making any final decisions.

When it comes to maximizing the value of your kitchen remodel, it is important to choose a renovation contractor that has experience and is licensed. This will help ensure that your project is completed in a timely manner and that all work is done to code.

insurance
Insurance

Protecting Your Castle: Essential Home Insurance Basics Every Homeowner Should Know

Sharon Huff

insuranceThe best home insurance providers make understanding policy terminology and coverage options easy. They offer helpful resources online or via phone to help homeowners create inventories, estimate replacement costs, and understand local risks.

Your state and ZIP code determine rates, while your credit score and claims history also play a role. Other factors include the age of your home and whether it can be rebuilt using similar materials. Visit https://www.nicholsoninsurance.com to learn more.

Homeowners insurance offers protection against the costs of repairing and replacing your home and personal belongings if they are damaged or destroyed by covered perils. Most policies also include liability coverage for accidents that happen in your house or on your property. It’s important to understand the basics of homeowners insurance so you can make informed decisions about buying a policy and what types of additional coverages may be right for you.

The most basic homeowners policy, referred to as an HO-1 or “bare bones” policy, provides only dwelling coverage. This covers the structure of your home, garages and other attached structures, as well as built-in features like heating and cooling systems and appliances. However, this type of policy does not cover personal property or liability. Most insurers offer a more comprehensive home policy called an HO-3, which provides protection for the dwelling, personal property and liability. This is the most common type of policy purchased by homeowners.

Generally speaking, most standard home insurance policies have a set monetary coverage limit for each type of damage or loss. The amount is often referred to as the dwelling coverage limit and is listed on the declarations page of your policy along with other information such as the insurer’s name, your name and address, and the policy term. A separate document known as a policy jacket includes more detailed language, including policy exclusions and definitions.

Dwelling coverage typically pays to repair or rebuild your home if it is damaged by certain events, such as fire, wind or hail. However, certain catastrophes, like flooding or earthquakes, require specialized insurance and are not typically covered by a standard home policy.

Other types of coverages included in most home policies include loss of use, medical payments and personal property. Some policies allow you to select a specific percentage of your dwelling coverage limit to be applied toward repairing or replacing personal belongings. It is a good idea to take an inventory of your possessions so you can make sure everything you own is insured.

In addition to standard home insurance coverages, most companies offer a wide variety of add-on policies or endorsements that increase the monetary limits for particular items such as jewelry, extend liability coverage and protect against rising building costs in some situations. These options are usually sold for an additional premium.

Additional coverage

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against damage to your house and personal possessions from unforeseen incidents. It also offers liability coverage in case someone is injured on the property and you are found to be at fault. The type of coverage you need depends on your unique situation, and several types of homeowners policies are available. Each of these policies covers different perils and has its own specific cost structure.

Home insurance policies generally cover the costs of repairing or rebuilding your house if it is damaged or destroyed by fire, wind, hurricanes, lightning, vandalism and other specified events. Most also cover detached structures such as a garage, tool shed or gazebo at up to 10 percent of the amount of insurance you have on your house. However, a standard policy won’t cover damage from earthquakes or floods, so you will need separate policies for these.

Other important aspects of a homeowners policy include personal property coverage and loss of use coverage. Personal property coverage pays to replace your belongings if they are stolen or damaged by covered events. This includes items like furniture, clothing, sports equipment and appliances. You can also elect to add an endorsement for valuables coverage, which extends the standard limits. Loss of use coverage pays for expenses such as hotel rooms and restaurant meals if you are forced to temporarily live elsewhere after a disaster your policy covers.

Additional coverage options include a guaranteed replacement cost policy, which gives you the highest level of protection possible. This policy will pay to rebuild your home if it is damaged or destroyed by a named event, even if the cost exceeds the policy limit. This policy will generally have higher premiums, but it may be worth the investment for many homeowners.

There are a number of other policy enhancements you can purchase to further enhance your protection. These can include medical payments to others, which pays for immediate medical treatment for guests on your property regardless of who is at fault, and ordinance or law coverage, which provides protection against rising construction costs due to a shortage of building materials following a disaster.

Deductibles

A home insurance deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurer begins to pay on a claim. It’s usually a flat dollar amount, but it can also be a percentage of your policy’s coverage amount (typically for specific types of coverage such as flood and earthquake). The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your premium will be. However, it’s important to choose a deductible that you can afford to pay in the event of a claim.

It’s a good idea to get home insurance quotes with different deductible options, so you can find the “sweet spot” between lower premiums and a deductible you can afford to pay in the event of an insured loss. Additionally, be sure to factor in any special provisions or limitations that might be included with a particular deductible option. For example, a guaranteed replacement cost deductible might only cover the amount it would take to rebuild your home as it was before the loss, whereas a basic replacement policy might include construction costs that go above and beyond what it would cost to rebuild your home to current building codes.

Deductible rates vary between insurers, but they are often based on risk assessment factors including credit score, property location, coverage options and age of the home. Some states also regulate how much you can be charged for home insurance, which might affect your coverage levels and/or deductibles.

There are many different home insurance policies on the market, including the HO-3, a standard homeowners policy, the HO-8, designed for older homes and the HO-5, which is a condominium owners’ policy.

Other options available for home insurance might include a flood insurance policy, an endorsement to your homeowners policy that covers damage caused by animals or aircraft, or coverage for the increased cost of rebuilding due to a shortage of building materials following a disaster. These options can be an excellent addition to your home insurance, but they’ll typically require a separate policy and will have their own unique deductibles. If you are interested in these additional coverages, talk to a licensed insurance professional about your options and the best way to obtain them.

Exclusions

Many home insurance policies contain exclusions that cover a variety of circumstances and perils. Some are deemed to be too risky for an insurance company to take on. Some are based on common sense: for example, wood-framed buildings will cost more to insure than cement- or steel-framed structures. Insurance companies also exclude losses related to natural disasters that are unlikely enough to cause substantial damage but too large for any insurer to take on – such as floods or earthquakes.

Other reasons for insurance policy exclusions include the fact that some types of loss are a result of negligence or a homeowner’s failure to properly maintain his property. For example, many standard homeowners policies do not cover water damage caused by termite or rodent damage, rust, rot, mold and other problems that arise as a result of neglect and inaction. It is typically possible to purchase extra coverage for these issues, however.

Water damage from sewer or drain backups is not covered in a standard home insurance policy, either, even when it is the result of heavy rains, clogged gutters and downspouts, a sump pump failure or a root invasion in your yard. In order to have this type of coverage, it is usually necessary to purchase extra coverage that is often called water backup and overflow coverage.

Another category of excluded loss is that caused by the homeowner’s intentional actions or those of members of his household. For example, if someone deliberately sets the shed on fire, home insurance will not pay to replace it. Intentional damage is also not covered by general liability coverage, which is typically purchased separately as an endorsement to a homeowners policy.

Other exclusions are the result of the fact that certain causes of loss would require so much money that insurance companies simply could not afford to pay for them with premiums collected from all customers – for example, tsunamis, mudslides and war. It is generally possible to purchase an endorsement to insure these types of losses, but the costs can be quite high. For these reasons, it is important to understand the extent of a home insurance policy’s exclusions before making any decisions about purchasing or renewing a policy.

Exterior Painting
House Painting Services

Which Paint Should You Use For Exterior Painting?

Sharon Huff

Painting your home or business is a great way to increase its curb appeal and boost resale value. But which paint should you use for exterior painting?Exterior Painting

Outdoor paint must be able to withstand winter’s cold and summer’s heat, as well as the constant forces of sunlight. It is also designed with additives to resist fading and other damage. Visit https://thompsonandboys.com/ to learn more.

Painting the outside of a building can be a huge undertaking. Having a team of experienced painters with the right tools is important to get the job done. A good paint job not only makes a home or business more attractive, it can also increase the value of a property.

The most important step in any painting project is preparing the surface. Paint does not adhere well to a dirty or rough surface. The surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned and primed to guarantee a quality paint job. If you skip this step, the paint will not last long, and it could start to chip or peel.

There are a few types of paint that can be used for exterior painting. These include acrylic-based, silicone, and grained paints. Silicone paints repel dirt, and grained paints contain ingredients that create a textured image. The type of paint that is best for the area will depend on weather conditions and how often the room is used. For example, a kitchen will need repainting more often than a bedroom, which is why selecting the proper color for each room is so important.

Unlike interior paint, exterior paint is designed to hold up against weather conditions. It is formulated with additives that help it resist fading, handle different temperatures, and avoid cracking. It is also made to be weatherproof, which means it will stand up to wind, rain, snow, and sleet.

Exterior paint is also formulated with binding resins to give it superior adhesion. This allows it to withstand changes in temperature and humidity, as well as resist damage from sunlight or other sources of UV rays. It can be combined with additives such as Outdoor Additive by Real Milk Paint to make it more durable for exterior use.

Primer

As the name suggests, primer is a base coat that helps prepare the surface for a top coat of paint. It helps the paint bond to a surface and also serves as a sealer for porous surfaces that can draw in paint and cause an uneven finish. Primers are especially important if you’re painting over bare wood or newly installed drywall.

There are a few different types of primers, each with its own purpose. Oil-based primers are typically used for exterior painting as they can withstand temperature changes while water-based primers are suitable for use on interior walls and furniture. Other additives in a primer can give it specific physical properties like stain blocking or water resistance.

If your home has mildew or mold on it, you’ll want to wash and scrub the area before you apply an anti-mold/mildew primer. Once the area is clean, you can lightly sand it to ensure the primer adheres well to the wall. It’s also wise to prime a moldy wall before you paint it to avoid future issues.

A good quality primer will also be formulated to prevent color fade, scrubbing and mildew. It can be tinted to match your new wall color, but don’t consider it a substitute for an additional coat of paint. You’ll need at least two coats of paint to cover the old wall color and the new primer.

While some paint-and-primer-in-one products are advertised as a solution to skipping the second coat, that’s usually not the case. A high-quality paint will not hide your walls in one coat, and a second coat is essential for a smooth, even finish.

If you’re working with a budget, it may make sense to purchase a primer in addition to your paint, since it will be cheaper than buying a separate gallon of each product. However, it’s best to purchase your paint in 5-gallon buckets whenever possible, as this will often save you money in the long run. Purchasing your paint in bulk also gives you access to a larger discount. Be sure to ask your local paint store for their best deals.

Paint

Painting exterior surfaces requires a special paint that stands up to varying weather conditions and protects the surface from debris. The best exterior paints contain additives that make them waterproof, able to withstand UV rays without fading, and abrasion-resistant to avoid chipping or peeling as twigs, leaves, and other items rub against the surface. The right residential exterior painters will be aware of the type of paint your home needs to stay safe and protected from the elements.

A fresh coat of paint does more than enhance curb appeal. It works as a barrier to keep out dirt, insects, and moisture that could damage or erode the wood that makes up the foundation of your home. It can also prevent mold and mildew from growing, which means a new coat of paint can save you from costly repairs in the future.

Interior paints do not have to deal with as many potentially harmful situations as exterior paints, so they don’t have the same additives to combat weather, temperature changes, and other factors that can affect their durability. Exterior paints need to hold up against all of this, so they have extra resins and additives that make them more durable and able to stand up to the harshness of outdoor environments.

In addition, exterior paints typically have a higher level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory issues when inhaled. For this reason, many homeowners choose a low-VOC or zero-VOC paint to avoid these fumes.

As a general rule, oil-based paints have longer useful lives than water-based paints, but this is not always the case. A professional will know what type of paint is best for your home and will take into account the climate in your area, as this can impact how long your paint job lasts.

Finish

Unlike interior paints, exterior paint must be able to withstand harsh weather and debris. This is why it has extra additives that can resist fading, handle changing temperatures, and prevent cracking. It also has a higher level of water-resistance and mildew-resistance.

Choosing the right sheen can make or break your project. Flat paint has very little sheen and is great for hiding imperfections on walls, but it’s not something that should be used outdoors as it won’t hold up well to sunlight and rain. Eggshell has a nice, subtle sheen and is a popular option for exterior walls. Satin is a step up from eggshell, with even more sheen and durability.

High-quality exterior paints can last 20+ years, especially on aluminum and vinyl siding. However, they do need to be properly maintained and applied. To extend the life of your paint, it is recommended to clean it regularly with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. It is also important to keep the area dry during painting, as moisture can cause the paint to sag or peel.

It’s also important to consider the climate in your area when selecting a sheen. For example, very low or extremely hot temperatures can affect the consistency of the paint and cause it to crack or flake. For this reason, we recommend working with a professional that is familiar with the local weather conditions and will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate for your project.

Deciding how many finish coats to apply depends on the condition of the home, the type of paint, and the skill of the painters. It is important to note that over-applying coats will increase the cost of your project without delivering any additional benefits. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced painter before applying any additional coats.

When choosing a residential exterior painter, it is important to review their previous work and customer reviews. You should also check that they have the proper licensing and insurance to perform work on your home. Lastly, be sure to request an upfront quote to ensure that you’re not overpaying for your paint job.