Make thoughtful changes in high-touch areas to really bring out the best in your home.
We get a lot of flooring questions. So here are a list of frequently asked questions and their answers pertaining to flooring.
Q: Should I install my new flooring before or after my new cabinets?
A: I like to install my new subfloor material then my cabinetry. Main reason is so I don’t damage the new flooring and the second is to save some cost. If you are installing a thick flooring like hardwood then install the cabinets on a plywood that is equal to or slightly less than the thickness of the new flooring so that the counter still ends up close to the right distance off the floor.
Q: Can I install my laminate floating flooring tight to walls and other objects?
A: No, most manufactures recommend leaving a 1/4″ – 1/2″ space. Read your installation instructions.
Q: Laminate flooring or hardwood?
A: That is a very personal choice and a lot depends on budget as well. Laminate flooring tends to generally be cheaper but there are some real high end laminates that can break the bank as well. Pets can really play havoc with a new wood floor but most laminates have a very hard surface. Weigh the pros and cons for your household.
Q: How much of a stagger between the end joints should I leave in my laminate flooring from row to row?
A: Most manufactures recommend 8″-12″.
Q: I want tile floors but they are usually so cold, how could I prevent that?
A: You could install an electric heat mat under them. They work really well whether you are doing a new home or reno.
Q: How wide should my grout line be?
A: It really depends on your taste but no less than 1/8″ and no more than 3/8″. I usually tell people to go a size smaller than they think they want as the lines can sometimes seem wider than what you pictured.
Home Flooring
Q: How long after laying my tiles can I grout them?
A: It depends on what you used to lay them but generally 24 hours. Read your product instructions, it should tell you.
Q: How long do I wait before walking on my new tile floor?
A: Most floors can take light foot traffic after 12 hours of being laid and the same for after grouting. It’s better to wait 24 if you can.
Q: Can I use hardwood in my bathroom?
A: I would not recommend it because of the moisture. Many vinyls offer a realistic wood patterns that would be better.
Q: On vinyl flooring can I just glue the perimeter?
A: Some do recommend that but I prefer to glue the whole area.
Q: Should I refinish my existing hardwoods or replace them?
A: If the existing ones are sound, not needing to much repair and are thick enough to sand, then I would refinish them. If they are less than 1/2″ thick or are missing many planks and severely gouged, then you may want to replace them.
Q: How much of a stagger between the end joints should I leave in my hardwood from row to row?
A: 6″ minimum.
Q: How long should I acclimatize my new hardwood before I install it?
A: Bring the boxes into the room they will be installed for at least 2-4 days before installing.
Q: Can I install hardwood on my concrete slab floor?
A: I would only install engineered hardwoods over a stable concrete floor that has a low moisture content because of its plywood type construction it is much more stable.
Q: Solid hardwood VS. engineered hardwood?
A: Engineered hardwood is a much more stable product and many are refinishable more than once if need be. 3/4″ solid hardwood is refinishable many many times so they may be more desirable in high traffic areas. Both can be purchased either unfinished or prefinished in a variety of colors.
Do you have a flooring or other home improvement related question?
Send us an email with your questions!!
HOW TO STAY ORGANIZED DURING A HOME REMODEL
Kitchen Remodel. Modern Design with custom built storage.
When you decide to remodel your home, excitement builds as you envision a new star. When walls get torn down and rooms get turned upside down, stress mount and chaos is upon you. Staying organized is key to keeping your sanity.
I have put together a few steps to enable a smoother renovation:
Create Project Plan
Start a listing of every task, from contracting demolition to installing light fixtures. You should break down bigger steps like “remodel the kitchen” into smaller assignments like “order cabinets.” This makes each job more manageable. Be sure to build in some extra time for unexpected issues.
Organize Communication
Communication between contractors and designers can be complicated. Designate one main contact person to streamline things. This person will handle scheduling contractors, coordinate deliveries and monitor progress.
Document Design Decision
During meetings and conversation, design decisions are made with excitement, it’s best to document, keep brochures, fabric swatches, etc. to ensure your design decision can be referenced when needed.
Transitional Storage
Construction projects inherently include mess. If you are remodeling your kitchen. It will be ideal to create a temporary kitchen space where you set-up a microwave, coffee machine and supplies to get you and the family through this transitional time.
Lastly, remodeling includes uprooting your home and daily routine. By having an organizational plan it would keep stress to a minimum.
Large Kitchen Remodel. White finish Cabinets and Stainless Steal Appliance.
FAQ
Q: How much time should I allocate for a home remodel project?
A: While contractors would provide you with a timeline, I suggest adding a 25-30% additional time cushion for unexpected delays.
Q: Can you make changes to materials or design during the remodel?
A: Yes. However, some changes would have financial implications and potentially impact your timeline. By documenting selections and decisions it would minimize second guessing your decisions.
Q: How do I limit construction mess during remodel?
A: Most contractors will seal the area they are working in to contain dust. It would be helpful if you provide them with a trash schedule, and designate a space, room or rent a storage pod to contain clutter.
Four Star Contractors works on luxury projects from small home remodels to basement apartments. Kitchen and bathrooms or also a specialty.
This basement apartment remodel boasts an open-plan living with new vinyl flooring. The updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a coffee bar, wine bar, and spacious island with counter seating that flows seamlessly into the living room with another wine bar including a wine fridge and large windows. 2 spacious bedrooms offering large closets and 2 newly renovated full bathrooms.
Basement Remodel Open space living room and kitchen
Basement Apartment Remodel – Living Area
KITCHEN
The kitchen features stainless steal appliances to compliment the white and grey stone finish. To maximize the different levels of the ceiling the cabinets were install flush with ceiling and reses lighting was installed to provide a brightness. The rectangular-shape island designed with entertaining in mind also eased circulation and added storage.
Basement Apartment Remodel – Kitchen Area
BATHROOM
No matter what look is calling your name, there are ways to translate the key elements of the style you love into your bathroom without the high price of remodeling.
Even without the massive square footage or fancy designer, you can pull together a gorgeous room with classic, crisp decorator touches that are well within reach.
Basement Apartment Remodel – Bathroom
Basement Apartment Remodel – Bathroom
FLOORING
An engineered wood floor was selected first for it’s durability (these floors will last from 20 to 100 years, depending on the thickness of of the top veneer). The best engineered wood floors available will last as long, so another consideration to keep in mind is how long you want this material to last when selecting flooring materials.
Using the selected high-quality, long-lasting engineered wood floor won’t affect the resale value of your home.
The mail living area that includes the kitchen and living room area, features the Northport White Oak Distressed Water Resistant Engineered Hardwood flooring, selected for is longevity. The durable core creates a vintage or rusting look with a distressed design to give the wood finish and antique look.
Giving the location of the rooms, the second bedroom features a Marley European Oak Wire-Brushed Engineered Hardwood. A wire-brushed textures makes the surface of your floor have a naturally textures, antique look! The scraping of with a wire brush pulls out the soft grain in the wood resulting in a real wood floor with added texture.
Basement Apartment Remodel – Bedroom
Bedroom renovation
If you’re considering a home addition or remodel, you’re in the right place. With a little planning and help from the right professionals, you can transform your home into the perfect space for you and your family.
Before you get started, it’s important to assess your needs and desires for the project. Are you looking to add extra space for a growing family or a new hobby? Or do you simply want to update your home’s look and feel? Once you’ve identified your goals, it’s time to start thinking about design and layout.
Working with a professional designer or architect can help you create a space that is both functional and beautiful. With Charlie from Four Star Construction you have over 40-years of experience in design and construction. He is able to give you in the right direction and engage an the architect for you project when it’s time to put your ideas on paper.
Home Additions can be completed in a variety of services that are design to cater to your needs, at Four Star Construction we offer the following:
- Custom Design or Build Addition: We’ll help you design and build the perfect addition to your home, ensuring it meets your unique requirements and reflects your personal style.
- Custom Basement Build or Renovation: Transform your basement into a functional living space by taking advantage of our addition services, which include basement remodeling and renovation.
- Custom Attic Build or Renovation: We can help you convert your attic into a functional and stylish living area, maximizing the potential of your home.
- Custom Natural or Composite Wood Deck: Create a stunning outdoor living space with a custom-designed and built wood or composite deck, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the New Jersey weather.
- Custom Dormer/Bump out: Enhance your home’s curb appeal and functionality by adding a dormer or bump-out, providing more space and increasing the value of your property.
- Sunroom/Screened Porch: Build a custom-designed sunroom or screened porch, adding charm and functionality to your home.
We can help you navigate the complexities of zoning laws, permits, and building codes, while also helping you choose the right materials and finishes for your project.
Remember, home additions and remodels are a big investment, so it’s important to do your research and choose the right team to help you bring your vision to life. With the right planning and execution, you can transform your home into the space of your dreams.
For those who are new to painting, the task may seem daunting. But fear not, as our beginner’s guide contains essential tips that will help you achieve a professional-looking finish.
Star by selecting you color. Our partners @homedepot have a large selection of paint. We recommend selection a paint that includes primer, this will minimize the number coats you would need to apply.
Prep- your remove by removing furniture completely to moving to the center of the room, and covering with drop cloths.
Clean the walls, before you begin painting, make sure your surfaces are clean and free of any dirt, dust, or grime that may have accumulated on them.
Patch and Sand, before you start painting, it’s also important to patch any holes or cracks in the walls and sand them smooth.
Start by painting around the edges of your surfaces with a brush, and then use a roller to fill in the rest. Be sure to use long, even strokes and apply the paint in thin, even layers. Don’t overload your brush or roller with too much paint, as this can lead to drips and uneven coverage.
In conclusion, interior painting can be a fun and rewarding DIY project, but it requires some preparation and attention to detail. By following these essential tips, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will transform your home.
How to Create the Ideal, Functional Home Office, running a business from home is both exciting and cost-effective. A home office offers you great flexibility and comfort, but if it’s not created properly, you might sacrifice performance or maximum productivity for comfort.
Hence, to ensure an ideal and functional home office, you must separate your work/business from the home environment. Here’s how you can do this.
1. Identify the key factors
There are factors to consider when creating a functional home office. These factors influence things such as the home office space, location, equipment, and so on. Answer these questions to identify the key factors;
· What work activities will be carried out in the home office?
· Will you receive visits from clients or colleagues?
· What type of equipment is required?
· What type of materials will be stored?
· Will you make video or conference calls?
· Do you often need to access files?
· Is it important for you to have peace and quiet?
· How many hours will you spend daily in the office?
2. Decide on the location
After answering the questions above a lot of things become clearer. Now you can tell if your home office can be the guest room or a more secluded or open spot in the home. The location you choose should contribute to the efficiency of your workspace. It’s often better to choose somewhere with a door, ample space, and less foot traffic from others in the home. Ensure the space has good ventilation. Sometimes a remodeling project may be what you need to set up the perfect home office location, in such a situation we are here for you.
3. Invest in equipment
Naturally, you can identify the equipment vital to your work or business. For your home office, purchase only the work equipment that you use frequently or daily. If perhaps you use a printer once in a week and not often, you could save up on space and cost by using one in the neighborhood public store.
Ensure you invest in the best quality equipment that is highly responsive, fast, and efficient. Get a separate phone line for your business. A computer is almost indispensable to any business now, invest in a good user-friendly brand. Purchase materials in bulk to save time and money.
4. Invest in ergonomic equipment
When you spend hours each day at a worktable, it can impact your health. Be sure to invest in an ergonomic work table, chairs, keyboards, and other equipment. The availability of several ergonomic designs makes it easy to choose what you need for your home office. Consider soft keyboard pads to rest your wrists, footrests, standing desks, and more.
5. Layout
An office should never be too casual and should be organized to maximize performance. For your home office layout, start with painting the walls in vibrant and office suitable colors. Next, place everything in its place. Set your table and chair some distance against a wall with a clear view of the door or exit/entry route. Materials that you use often should be closest to you. Work inspiring décor, office suitable furniture, and proper lighting should be included too.
When all these are in place, be sure to set some ground rules to complete your process of creating an ideal and functional home office. These include;
· No noise/disturbance during work hours
· Set work hours
· Avoid clutter, dirt, and distractions in the office space.
Should I Move or Remodel? – The Ultimate Checklist, there are several reasons why the thoughts of moving or renovating your current home can come to mind. It could be that your family has grown, or you have developed a dislike for the current functionality or some areas of your home. It could also be you just want something refreshing. Whatever the reason, a clear fact is that deciding on either a move or a home remodeling can be daunting. Here are the factors to consider to help you make a valid decision.
- What’s your relationship status?
I don’t mean your relationship with a spouse or lover; I mean your relationship with the house. Some people have emotional attachments to where they live, especially if they have lived there for years or gone through some rough times in the home. With a factor like this in play, it’s hard and certainly not wise to move out unless other factors can outweigh this one.
- What could either option cost?
Moving is not without a financial implication. No matter how you try to beat it, everyone always winds up with moving costs. Then there’s the issue of the costs of your new home. In most cases, you would be upgrading to a better home- how does the cost of maintenance, utility bills, and others compare against your current home. Moving might also mean selling your home and this comes with another set of costs such as realtor or agent commission, search costs, minor repairs to prep the home for sales, and more.
If you choose to stay in your old home and remodel, that is a large cost as well. You would pay professionals to assist you with the process, buy materials, and your budget comes into question. A possible benefit is that you can use a home equity loan to pay for the renovation.
- How convenient and timely are both options?
There’s hardly anything convenient about a home remodeling. There is going to be noise, dust, dirt, lack of privacy, and limited space with a home renovation. But it can’t be helped. The time this renovation would take depends on how much work you are doing. For example, if you are renovating a large part of your home, it would take more time than a simple kitchen renovation or bedroom remodel.
Moving usually includes time taken to sell your home or move, to find a new place. The inconvenience of moving only occurs when you are packing, moving, unpacking, and selling a home.
- What’s the compromise?
For a home remodeling, you might only be compromising on cost and convenience. You can rest assured of getting what you want. A move, however, can bring a few compromises here and there. Your perfect home might be in an area you don’t like. The home might lack some things you want but had to check off your list.
You can see there’s hardly a clear-cut answer. Your decision should be based on these factors and more to avoid any later regrets.
We hope Should I Move or Remodel? – The Ultimate Checklist helped you read more from Four Star Construction: HERE.
Common Myths about Home Remodeling, have you ever believed something because it seems to be common knowledge only to find out much later that everyone literally has the wrong idea? That’s how myths work, and in this age and time, there are myths about everything everywhere. This noise makes it hard to tell truth from lies and facts from myths. But today, we have got your back on debunking those myths about home remodeling. Yes, there are lots of surprises and new realizations waiting.
- Home remodeling can be DIY
A home remodeling project can be on anything from adding an extra room to changing current rooms and so on. In most cases, it involves a series of professionals each expert in their field who contribute their part to completing the remodeling project. One would expect homeowners to be thrilled by this but it turns out they only get scared. Being able to DIY a remodeling project because it’s a cheaper option is a myth. Without the proper experience, skill, and time, you would end up spending much more than the initial cost of hiring professionals. Not to mention possible damages or accidents that might occur when you choose to renovate your home yourself.
- All home remodeling projects add value to your home
The idea that remodeling your home today can help increase resale value tomorrow is probably the most popular opinion on home remodeling. While it’s not entirely wrong, the truth is this only one reason to remodel and most times, it does not apply. Remodeling should be about your comfort and current lifestyle. There’s no assurance that a potential buyer will find the changes attractive or worth higher value.
- The lower the bid the better the value
Not every contractor is out to give you the best. It’s unfortunate yet true. Hence, just because your budget seems to resonate with the lowest bid doesn’t mean you should take that option. A contractor offering the lowest bid is cutting corners somewhere to make that bid work and this could be by using inferior materials or rushing the job. Always determine credibility and other factors, in addition, to bid before hiring.
- Going green is expensive
In the long run, going green is always the cheaper option. Those seemingly expensive green products save lots of money as time goes by. Also, not all green products are expensive. Shop wisely but try not to cut corners. There are equally cost-free ways to go green that involve your daily activities.
- Home renovations wreck your home and put you out of a home until its complete
It’s understandable why many homeowners believe they have to leave their home during a remodeling project. What you don’t know is, it’s hardly necessary. Home remodeling professionals are trained to work around occupants and they hardly need the entire house to themselves to work on just a section. A reputable company will discuss and agree on a schedule with you before starting.
Also, its true remodeling can get messy, but not so much. A reputable company will discuss any major disruptive concerns with you and clean up as they go.
Hope you enjoyed Common Myths about Home Remodeling, Read more from Four Star Construction: HERE.
Planning a Kitchen Remodel, the kitchen is often regarded as the most important room in the home, closely followed by the bathroom before bedrooms and other living spaces. The kitchen is so vital that regardless of if you cook or not you still need it just to handle all your eating needs.
A kitchen remodel is not a project to be taken lightly, but it is highly rewarding in the end. You would be surprised at how many people want to remodel their kitchen – it can’t be helped because nothing beats a kitchen tailored to your taste and needs.
To help you go through this kitchen remodeling smoothly here is a valuable guide for the project.
- Start with a plan
If you have no plan, then your kitchen remodeling is a disaster waiting to happen. Planning begins by knowing what you want and why. Do you want a bigger kitchen? Why is that? These answers can influence the rest stages of the project. Next, get a clear picture of what you need. You can look to websites, magazines, and Pinterest to get a clear picture of the tastes or design you would like. They can also give you a good idea of the budget.
- You will need a budget
Knowing what you can afford helps to direct your project as well. Perhaps your budget can only accommodate a slight increase in size that is useful to know in the beginning than halfway through when you have already laid the foundation for something much bigger. Chances are you will always have some extra things you wish you included but don’t stress much about such things. Focus on what is most important for your kitchen remodel.
- Contact the professionals
With your intended design, needs, and budget in mind, it is time to call on the professionals. A kitchen remodeling project is not just any improvement project. DIYs are hardly possible or advised here so reaching out to professionals is much better. Hire a contractor and a designer who can work hand in hand to give you your dream kitchen. Look out for factors like their price and payment schedule, their past works, license and insurance, and more. Choose professionals that will make your project a success without tearing a hole through your pocket or setting you up for disappointing surprises.
- Know the timeline and make living adjustments
Now, you should be ready to begin the kitchen remodel. Get the timeline for the project and try to fix it at a time in your life where you have fewer responsibilities outside your home. For example, if you would be on a vacation soon, that might be the best time for this remodel as you don’t need to worry about work too. You also need to make some living adjustments like cooking or completely living elsewhere.
When all is done, you can enjoy your hard work and investment. If you have plans to sell your home in the future, it’s good to know that the kitchen remodel increases the value of your home and you can actually recoup the money spent.
Let us know in the comments if you enjoyed our article: Planning a Kitchen Remodel
Call Four Star Construction for a quote: 201-505-1555
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