Tag Archive for: Kitchen Remodel

Guide on Purchasing a Dishwasher

We love kitchen remodels. Here is a guide on purchasing a Dishwasher.

Well I will try to give you some insight into things to look for and pay attention to while shopping and comparing dishwashers.

Most dishwashers come in a standard size to fit a 24″ wide opening under your counter but there are starting to be a few smaller sizes offered (usually by special order) as well as even countertop models. So if you are limited to space you may still find something that will work for you.

Energy efficiency is a big deal when shopping for a new dishwasher. ‘ENERGY STAR‘ is the symbol for energy efficiency. Not all dishwashers qualify for this symbol but the ones that do are clearly marked in the stores and catalogues. They will all have a tag that displays the ‘ENERGY STAR’ symbol and also be labeled as to the annual energy consumption of the unit in KWH/YR.

Manufactures are also offering many models that are making the controls more out of sight by putting them along the top of the door instead of right on the front. And most major brands will offer a selection of dishwashers with a stainless steel interior (tub) these units are often the higher-end models, but this feature sure keeps them looking clean and new inside whereas the standard plastic interiors get stained over time and do not look as nice.

Well those are some of the main things to look for in a dishwasher. The color of the exterior is the final thing I will mention. Of course stainless steel is a popular choice, but there are still the old standby’s of white and black not to mention the odd time you may find a custom color you can special order.

I hope this has given you a few things to watch for or ask about as you start the task of shopping for you new appliance with these quick  Guide to Purchase a Dishwasher. At Four Star Construction we offer no-cost estimates to assist with your kitchen remodel project. Good luck!

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What included in a Kitchen Remodeling project

Every Kitchen Remodel include these base elements.  The size of your kitchen and finishing touches is what make it uniquely yours.

  • Cabinet Refacing

A cost-effective alternative to cabinet replacement is refacing.  With this process the doors and drawer fronts are replace leaving the existing cabinet boxes in place.

  • Cabinet Installation

If you just want to replace your existing cabinets.  They are simply remove and replace with new ones.  Cabinet shopping should be done in advance.  Depending on the style you are going for, you have the option to purchase stock cabinets or custom cabinets.  Cabinets would vary in styles and finishes.

  • Countertops

A variety of options are offered, including granite, quartz, butcher block, and laminate.  New countertops can completely transform the look of your kitchen.

  • Backsplash Installation

It is recommended to installed a backsplash to protect the walls and add visual interest to your kitchen.  You have a range of options to choose from include tile, glass and metal.

  • Flooring

You kitchen appearance can be significantly transform with new flooring.  Options include hardwood, tile or laminate.

  • Lighting

Good lighting is essential in any kitchen;  they varying types include under cabinets, pendant and recessed lighting.  They are install to enhance the ambiance and functionality of the space.

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Remodeling. The larges expense in any kitchen remodel are cabinets.

  • Plumbing

Includes the installation of fixtures, sinks and disposals.

  • Electrical

Includes the installation of outlets and lighting. Installation of electrical features strategic placement to improve functionality and safety.

  • Drywall and Painting

Repair of damage walls and ceiling.

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Basement Apartment Remodel

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 Apartment Remodel

Basement Remodel Open space living room and kitchen

Basement Apartment Remodel

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

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

Basement Apartment Remodel – Bathroom

 

 

 

 

Basement Apartment Remodel

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

Basement Apartment Remodel – Bedroom

Basement Apartment Remodel

Bedroom renovation

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Planning a Kitchen Remodel

 

 

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

kitchen

  1. 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.

  1. 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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