Remodel now 2014 by Olympia Master Builders

REMODEL NOW 2014/2015

Magazine

IS DIy REALLy ChEAPER thAN A PRO? There’s a time when you’re going to want to call in the experts.

thINKING AbOUt A bAthROOM REMODEL Bathrooms are no longer simply a place of function.

REMODELING yOUR KItChEN

If done correctly, a good kitchen remodel could result in one of the greatest value increases to your home. 2014/2015 edition

a special supplement of The Olympian

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WITH FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

Design Build :: Siding :: Remodels :: Repairs :: Outdoor Living

• 3D Color Design Services • Kitchen • Bathrooms • Rot/Water Damage • Decks • Patio Covers • Additions

• 28 years of local experience • Award winning Street of Dreams builder • NAHB Member • OMB Member

360.754.1805

www.kenyon-remodeling.com

1030948-01

contractor# KENYOR*879K3

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2014/2015 edition

REMODEL NOW 2014/2015

Magazine

CONtENtS FEAtURES 05 06

WELCOME READERS

Using a remodeler who is a member of the OMB Remodelors gives you that extra assurance.

IS DIy REALLy ChEAPER thAN A PRO? Sometimes you just have to call in the experts.

2014 REMODELING ExCELLENCE AWARDS

thINKING AbOUt A bAthROOM REMODEL

25 2014/2015 edition

The best of the best – the eight winners of this year’s Olympia Master Builders’ Remodeling Excellence Awards.

Bathrooms are no longer simply a place of function, more people are opting for luxury bathrooms.

REMODELING yOUR KItChEN

Done right a kitchen remodel could result in one of the best value increases for your home.

www.omb.org 1211 State Avenue NE • Olympia, WA 98506 360.754.0912 • FAX 360.754.7448 Olympia Master Builders President

JOHN MCKINLAY Olympia Overhead Doors

OMB Remodelors Chair

MIKE AUDERER Olympia Construction, Inc.

Vice President

JOHN DZARAN

Keys Accounts Manager KAREN McCLENNEN

Editor

SALLY DARROW Olympia Master Builders

Advertising Sales Manager

MARCIA VAN DYKE

Designer

BILL WEBB

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DESIGN BUILD REMODEL INTERIOR DESIGN DRAFTING BUILT GREEN www.olyconstruction.com :: 360-451-3191 When you decide to remodel – whether it’s a bathroom remodel, a new kitchen or every square foot of your house – you not only want an expert, but also someone who cares about your home.

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eet Mike Auderer, owner of Olympia Construction. A general contractor, Mike understands the concerns of local homeowners, who might be nervous about impending work on their biggest investment. That’s why he helps his clients understand the remodeling process every step of the way, so that once the demolition begins, they can feel comfortable that their home is in good hands. Mike launched Olympia Construction in 2004, and he specializes in new residential building, remodels and additions, as well as roofing through his Olympia Construction Roofing division. Working with an expert staff, including a designer for most remodels, he brings quality and craftsmanship to every project, whether it’s renovat:: New Construction ing a master suite or :: 2012 & 2013 Olympia Master remodeling a million Builders Remodeler of the Year dollar home. His reputation for top-notch :: OMB Rex Award Winner work is reflected in the :: OMB Tour of HomesTM Award Winner multiple accolades that Olympia Construction :: In-House Drafting Design Services has won over the years :: Veteran Owned Business from the Olympia Master Builders organization, such as awards for Remodeler of the Year and Remodeling Excellence (Rex). While it means a great deal to receive honors from his building industry peers, he takes great pride in the People’s Choice awards, which are determined by local residents who vote on his remodels that are shown in the annual Olympia Master Builders Tour of HomesTM. An Olympia native, Mike cares about his community and keeping Olympia beautiful. He believes in remodeling responsibly, ensuring minimal waste from demolition and low impact to the surround-

REG# OLYMPCI936MO

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ing environment. For many years, he has donated reusable appliances and fixtures from remodeling demolitions to the Habitat for Humanity Store. The store then resells these items to fund Habitat’s low-income housing projects. The remodeling client benefits as well. Those donations, as well as energy-efficiency improvements Mike makes to a remodel, are tax write-offs for the homeowner. He also built the first floating house in Washington State to be certified by the Olympia Master Builders Built Green® program, which encourages construction of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes. He not only built it, he lives in it too! Mike is driven to provide the best customer service possible, and he responds immediately to any question a client or future remodeling client might have. For Mike, a successful remodel isn’t just quality work -- it’s a satisfied customer. If you are considering a remodel project, contact Olympia Construction and set an appointment for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Visit our new Design Center Showroom at 3015 PACIFIC AVE SE, OLYMPIA 98501 2014/2015 edition

FROM thE ChAIR REMODELORS

Welcome Readers I

hope you enjoy this edition of Remodel Now magazine, a publication of the Olympia Master Builders (OMB) Remodelors.

Included in this edition are articles on remodeling bathrooms, including the design of a new bathroom, the winners of OMB’s Remodeling Excellence (REX) Awards for 2014, and ideas for remodeling kitchens. Whether you’re thinking of a bathroom or kitchen renovation, a second-story addition or a whole house remodel, using a remodeler who is a member of the OMB Remodelors gives that extra assurance that you are doing work with a qualified, quality remodeling professional who is committed to the industry. Now is a great time to research remodeling possibilities for your home. Throughout the pages of this magazine are contractors and suppliers who would be happy to assist you with your remodel project. In addition, on the Olympia Master Builders’ website you’ll find a free searchable database of members as well as a downloadable copy of the Buyer’s Guide. For more details please visit www. omb.org or call the OMB office at 360.754.0912 or 800.456.6473. Enjoy Remodel Now!

MIKE AUDERER

Chair OMb Remodelors Olympia Construction, Inc.

2014/2015 edition

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Is DIY really cheaper than a

? SO yOU’vE RIPPED yOUR bAthROOM APARt, AND vISItED thE hARDWARE StORE FOR thE FIFth, SIxth, MAybE EvEN SEvENth tIME. IS yOUR DO It yOURSELF (DIy) ADvENtURE StILL thE FUN PROJECt yOU thOUGht It WOULD bE?

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2014/2015 edition

ChOOSING thE RIGht CONtRACtOR Unfortunately, hiring a so-called contractor doesn’t always guarantee the homeowner will avoid botched jobs, cost overruns and project delays, since these issues are also common when due diligence

is not taken and unqualified or underqualified people are hired. “I had one client who had hired a handyman who had started doing a bunch

see PRO, next page

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very year thousands of Americans embark on the task of remodeling some part of their home, either to give it a fresh new look, or to repair the wear and tear that comes with age. And while some set out with a sense of empowerment that comes from hours of watching HGTV and the DIY Network, many soon find that getting a Pro on board could have saved a great deal of time, trouble and money. Ironic, since the number one reason people choose to “do it themselves” is to curb spending. “Some homeowners do their due diligence and the end result is amazing, but for most, that’s not the case,” said John Erwin, CAPS, CGR, CGP, owner of John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. With over 21 years of experience under his belt, Erwin said he is often called in to “right” DIY projects gone wrong. “One we’re dealing with right now is a younger, single woman who is doing her own whole house remodel,” Erwin said. “The first time we met her…she had already gutted all the sheetrock downstairs and was basically camping in, as I call it, because all we saw was insulation and her furniture.” Erwin’s client had embarked on a $100,000 project with a $75,000 budget and because she encountered problems she didn’t anticipate, such as water damage and rot, she had to abandon most of her planned remodel to address these issues. Erwin estimates she’ll end up spending an additional $10,000, money she could have saved, had she called in a professional from the beginning to discuss her plans. “So now she just took ownership of her house and it’s basically just a shell,” Erwin said. “She has to finish the whole inside and she doesn’t have the money to do it. We got all the structural issues taken care of, the framing and the roof. The house is dry. She has heat; but she has no walls, I mean no sheetrock or anything,” he said. “I have no idea how she is going to be able to even finish this job.”

REMODEL NOW 2014/2015

Magazine

IS DIY REALLY CHEAPER THAN A PRO? There’s a time when you’re going to want to call in the experts.

THINKING ABOUT A BATHROOM REMODEL Bathrooms are no longer simply a place of function.

REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN

If done correctly, a good kitchen remodel could result in one of the greatest value increases to your home.

a special supplement of The Olympian

2014/2015 edition

REMODEL NOW

On the cover Photo by DIANE GASSMAN CKD, CBD, CAPS INTERIOR DIMENSIONS

On page 18 Photo COURTESY OF OLYMPIA CONSTRUCTION, INC.

On page 20 Photo Courtesy of JOHN ERWIN REMODELING, INC.

REMODEL NOW

PRO, from previous page of work on her 75-year-old home,” Steven Smith, CAPS, CGP, President of Kenyon Remodeling said. “[He] got halfway through building the shower in her master bathroom and was trying to cut in skylights in her ceilings and couldn’t figure out how to finish, so finally just quit showing up,” Smith said. It’s essential that homeowners do their homework when hiring a contractor, Olympia Master Builders Communications Director Angela White said. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Good communication is vital.” All professional contractors will be able to provide you with a list of past and current customer and other professional references, and this will help you gauge the contractor’s reputation. You may even be able to arrange to see the work in person. “Make sure you are working with a licensed, bonded and insured contractor,” White said. “An unlicensed contractor may charge less because they are not paying for consumer protection products such as a license, bonding and insurance. A registered, licensed contractor will be paying for these items that protect you as the customer,” she said. To verify whether the contractor you are considering hiring is licensed, bonded and insured, contact the State of Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries at 1-800-647-0982 or visit the L&I website at www.lni.wa.gov.

Also obtain a written contract and ensure it includes price, payment terms, sales tax, permit fees when applicable, the specific work to be performed, materials to be used, and the final clean up, review and sign-off procedure. Also, put any change orders in writing. White’s final piece of advice when hiring a professional remodeler is to make sure you like the individual, and will feel comfortable working with him or her for the length of your project. “You are inviting this person or company into your home,” she said. “And you need to have a good working relationship.” Once you’ve done your homework and are satisfied that the contractor you’ve chosen is the right person for the job, before you get started on sprucing up your home, there are a few things you should consider. Four Key Things To Consider Before Getting Started With Your Remodel

Determine your budget, and be honest about it with your contractor: “I ask people what their budget is; and sometimes I will get a response of oh, I don’t want to tell you,” Mike Auderer, President of Olympia

Construction, Inc. said. It’s a question Auderer asks to give his clients the best service, and to ensure the work he proposes is within that budget. “We’re going to know how to get the job done as close to what you want within your budget, because we know the process,” Auderer said. “So I tell them I’ve got to know your budget and if you can’t tell me, I can’t work with you,” he said. “We both want to get to the end goal so you have to be honest with me.”

Outline what the scope of work is going to be: This is especially important when getting quotes from more than one contractor. “A lot of times people let every contractor come in and give their ideas and their version of what they want to do, and then they get three or four bids that are completely different from each other,” Erwin said. “And unfortunately, more times than not, the homeowners are choosing their contractor based on price, but yet they are comparing price on apples and oranges,” he said. “So really, having a precise scope of work and details and

see PRO, next page

2014/2015 edition

PRO, from previous page specifications is really important.”

Give some thought to your living arrangements: Discuss with your contractor how much you’ll be displaced by the remodel job, and for how long. Preconstruction planning is an important point to consider, but one Erwin says many people do not think about. “For instance, if it’s the kitchen, it’s the heart of the house,” Erwin said. “So how are you going to accommodate or work things out when you have no kitchen and you want to have your morning cup of coffee?” So be sure to discuss this with your contractor. Find out how much of your space will be utilized and out of commission during the remodel process and for how long. Also think of a few alternatives that will work for you.

feeling a bit restless, and you’d like to get involved in some way, then find out if he or she offers a sweat-equity program. “Typically it would be simple things like painting,” Auderer said. “If they want to install their own millwork, their base millwork or something, I’ll let them do that.”

However, be sure to leave the more technical work to the contractor, because if your DIY job goes terribly wrong, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it, and you may end up camping in on a construction site, with no funds left in your budget to cover repairs. 

2014/2015 edition

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Consider how important your home’s resale value is to you: Your home is an investment, and potentially a good one. But you run the risk of reducing its marketability by incorporating design ideas that the majority of potential buyers may not like. So if selling is in the cards, be sure to discuss with your contractor how the changes you want will affect your home’s resale value. “I tell everybody hey make it the way you want, but if you paint your house a rainbow of bright neon colors and things like that, which you might like, well, when you try to sell your house five years from now, that really might be a hindrance,” Erwin said. “I’m conservative so I’m always thinking about cost versus value, and am I adding value to the house or am I just making it the way I want?” With all your research completed, the contractor chosen and preconstruction planning taken care of, it’s time to get started on your remodel. With the right contractor on the job, you can rest assured that your home is in good hands. However, if sitting back and watching your contractor do all the work leaves you

REMODEL NOW

Olympia Master Builders Association presents the

2014 Remodeling Excellence Awards

ince the 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Remodeling Excellence (REX) Awards have honored innovative and exceptional projects completed by members of Olympia Master Builders (OMB). This year thirteen entries representing eight categories were received by the Association. There were eight winners. All entries must adhere to strict entry rules and impartial judges from outside the OMB area judge the entries. REX award winners were recognized at the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Membership Meeting held on May 6, 2014. Paul Muldoon of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC was the Emcee of the program.

see AWARDS, next page

From left to right: Denise and Greg Amendala of Horizon Homebuilders, LLC, Jeff Kuster and his daughter Hayley of Kuster Homes and Remodeling, LLC, John Erwin and his daughter Lexi of John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. and Emcee Paul Muldoon of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. 10

REMODEL NOW

2014/2015 edition

AWARDS, from previous page

AFtER

bEFORE

Winner

bAth $25,001 tO $40,000

Kuster Homes and Remodeling, LLC. • KUSTEHR906C3

With limited square footage our design team found solutions that would make the bathroom feel like an oasis. We reduced the shower stall 12”. Large pocket doors solved the claustrophobia and corralled the vanity. Using wall cavities we incorporated a shower shelf, a storage cabinet with laundry chute and a medicine cabinet complete with LED dimmable lights. Project materials included wood cabinet, quartz counter top, granite slab shower pan, frameless shower door and floor tiles in 1/3 offset pattern.

see AWARDS, next page

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AWARDS, from previous page

AFtER

AFtER bEFORE

ExtERIOR OvER $25,000

John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. • JOHNEER928RA

Winner

Our client had two goals: build a low maintenance deck and have a roof structure to cover the new deck. Our clients choose exposed aggregate decking. The real challenge was the roof line of the new structure tying into an inside corner. We were able to over frame the existing roof line in order to seamlessly blend into the existing roof system. We installed skylights to keep light from being blocked into the kitchen and dining room. Tight knot cedar was utilized for the soffit and skylight wells.

bEFORE

bEFORE AFtER

AGING-IN-PLACE / UNIvERSAL DESIGN

Horizon Homebuilders, LLC • HORIZHL995JS

AFtER

Winner

We were contacted by our clients who had concerns for his wife’s ability to use the existing master bathroom. We widened the entry and converted the soak tub area into a barrier free roll-in shower. To maximize the light that comes in through the window we installed a full height tempered glass shower wall. We reconfigured the vanity area by removing the wall between it and the tub/shower. We relocated the toilet for easier access and replaced the tub/shower with additional cabinets. We widened the walk-in closet to accommodate a walker or wheel chair.

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see AWARDS, next page 2014/2015 edition

AWARDS, from previous page

AFtER

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AFtER

Winner KItChEN UNDER $30,000 Kuster Homes and Remodeling, LLC. KUSTEHR906C3

see AWARDS, next page 2014/2015 edition

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Satisfied with the working layout of their kitchen the directives were to eliminate the fluorescent light panel suspended ceiling and the galvanized posts in the middle of the cabinets. The fruit-themed wallpaper and the brick veneer were removed and replaced with drywall and paint. New stainless steel appliances blend in with the new surroundings. New cabinets were installed with laminate countertops. Additional cabinet space was gained by eliminated the trash compactor next to the range.

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AWARDS, from previous page

AFtER

bEFORE

Winner

ENtIRE hOUSE UNDER $150,000

John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ JOHNEER928RA

Our clients wanted a large working kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom suite, a powder room for guests and to give a bigger more open feel. We had two weeks to design and develop the project to meet a closing deadline. We created the working kitchen that would accommodate our clients part-time catering business. A powder room was added right off the family room, along with a large master bedroom/bathroom suite including a large walk-in zero clearance shower.

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www.homeresourcecompany.com 2014/2015 edition

AWARDS, from previous page

bEFORE

AFtER

Winner

ENtIRE hOUSE $150,001 tO $300,000

Horizon Homebuilders, LLC â&#x20AC;˘ HORIZHL995JS

Our clients wanted to change the layout of their home to a more open floor plan and expand other areas that would benefit their lifestyle. We removed the fireplace which dramatically changed the ambiance and remodeled the kitchen with new granite countertops, under-mount sink and pantry. A new fireplace was installed which became a sitting area. An art studio features plenty of natural lighting and a number of open shelves and cabinets. The exterior of the house had a complete makeover. We reused the bricks from the old fireplace see next page to create a sun patio. New landscaping features a Koi pond.

AWARDS,

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AWARDS, from previous page

Your New Home Is Waiting bEFORE

AFtER

Your New Home Let us the door! Isopen Waiting

bEFORE

Let us open the door!

AFtER

Winner KItChEN $30,001 tO $60,000 Kuster Homes and Remodeling, LLC. KUSTEHR906C3

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Cooper Family, Olympia LocalThe Lending Since 1906 Local Lending Since 1906 Local Lending Since 1906 “Our Friends Call Us Oly Fed” “Our Friends Us Oly Fed”BELFAIR WESTCall OLYMPIA DOWNTOWN

24081 NE State Rte 3 2420 Harrison 421 Capitol Way S Friends “Our Call Ave Us WOly Fed” 360-275-6001 360-754-3430 360-754-3400

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The homeowners wanted a kitchen updated to the current century. Even with lots of cabinets the storage was not user friendly. Moving the refrigerator made a dramatic impact and created working space next to the range. Medallion Platinum cabinets with inset doors and drawers were installed. Deep drawers and roll-out shelves maximized the storage efficiency. Completing the update, quartz counter tops with subway marble tile backsplash, tightly fit without grout lines and a block pattern tile floor were installed. The wet bar’s bi-fold doors were removed making for easier access.

HAWKS PRAIRIE

8300 Quinault Dr NE HAWKS PRAIRIE 360-493-1800 8300 Quinault Dr NE 360-493-1800

see AWARDS, next page 2014/2015 edition

AWARDS, from previous page

bEFORE

AFtER

OvERALL DESIGN ExCELLENCE - bASEMENt

John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ JOHNEER928RA

AFtER

Winner

2014/2015 edition

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Our client wanted to turn her old garage/basement into a separate and independent living space from the main floor. New concrete retaining walls and steps were built leading to the new apartment. Windows and window wells were added into the living room and new bedroom. We installed shaker style cabinets with full height white subway tile backsplash in the kitchen. Two doors lead into the new full bathroom to create both a master bath and guest bathroom. We transformed a dark, dingy garage/basement into a bright roomy one bedroom apartment.

B 18

Thinking about a

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2014/2015 edition

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TEAM Getting it right means choosing the right team for the job, and your team will likely consist of a contractor and a designer. “I will meet with clients and help them with the layout, function and design of the space that we are remodeling or building,” Diane Gassman, Principal of Interior Dimensions said. Gassman is a certified kitchen and bath designer with a degree in Interior Design. She’s also certified in “aging in place”. “I can work with them on material selection such as cabinets, countertops,

• Baths, Kitchens, & Additions • Home Accessibility Solutions • Award Winning Service

Call for Your Free Home Assessment!

– Diane Gassman, CKD, CBD, CAPS, Interior Dimensions

Remodel & Repair

Interior dimensions

see BATHROOM, next page

“I will meet with clients and help them with the layout, function and design of the space that we are remodeling or building.” 2014/2015 edition

Full Service Remodel & Repair

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Next to the kitchen, a bathroom remodel, if you get it right, is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value.

plumbing fixtures, bathing & shower system and pulling it all together for them,” she said. “It’s a lot about function, and then follows aesthetics.” Contractors carry out the work, and ensure the changes being made are structurally sound. They are also privy to the building codes or requirements set out to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of a building. These codes include specific requirements for building materials, fire protection, structural design, light and ventilation, heating and cooling, sanitary facilities and energy conservation. Building codes vary from state to state, so be sure the contractor you choose knows the codes for your area. “The starting point is to log on to, or call Labor and Industries to make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured,” Tim Dickey, CAPS, CGR, CGP, President of Dickey’s Remodel & Repair said. “You can also check to see whether there are any outstanding claims against them.”

photo © Cascade Kitchens

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hether for cosmetic reasons or functionality, bathroom remodels are among the most popular for people looking to spruce up their home.

Diane Gassman

Certiﬁed Kitchen, Bath and Aging in Place Designer

InteriorDimensionsNW.com • 360.701.8986

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“WhEN SELECtING A WALL MOUNt LIGht FIxtURE, I RECOMMEND thE LIGht bE POINtED DOWNWARDS tO ELIMINAtE ShADOWS.”

bEFORE

bAthROOM, from previous page Perhaps second only to ensuring your contractor and designer have the correct qualifications, is ensuring you are comfortable with them both, because you will be inviting them into your home and personal space for an extended period of time.

– Diane Gassman CKD, CBD, CAPS, Interior Dimensions

bUDGEt With your research done and the contractor and designer chosen, the next step should be discussing your budget with the team, so that they can advise you on materials, fixtures and a layout you can afford. A full bathroom remodel typically starts at $13,000 and can run as high as $70,000 for a brand new top of the line, luxury bathroom. However, if a full remodel is not within your budget there are some changes you can make to your existing bathroom to give it a new look. “Floors are not really expensive to do,” Dickey said. “And vanity tops have been constructed of laminate in the past, but right now you can get a stone top for the same price as a laminate top.” It’s a simple swap that Dickey says will give you a much different and more modern looking bathroom, at a fraction of the price of a full remodel. “Price should however never be at the expense of quality,” Dickey said, and as a result, there are some budget fixtures and materials that he would never recommend. “I don’t like to use inexpensive items, because then my homeowners are not happy with them, and if they have a bad experience with me, then word gets around,” Dickey said. “The problem with some of [the cheaper] products is how easily do they clean and how long do they last? I put in showers that have a 30-year warranty as opposed to others out there that have a five or a 10-year warranty,” he

AFtER

see bAthROOM, next page

AFtER 20

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bEFORE 2014/2015 edition

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT! Maintain Your Home With...

APainting,Personal Touch Maintenance & Remodeling

BATHROOM, from previous page

If you are in the market for a full remodel, then knowing what’s trending in bathroom design could certainly help you make the decisions that will add the most value to your home, and the buzz words among bathroom designers right now are zen or spa-like and low maintenance. Bathrooms are no longer simply a place of function. More people are opting for bathrooms that offer them a place to relax and unwind. And since people are spending more time in their bathrooms, naturally, they want easy to clean surfaces and fixtures. The Vanity: Starting at the top of the vanity and working your way down, Gassman says her customers are opting largely for framed mirrors, sometimes finished with a metal detail to match plumbing fixtures. “We are also recessing the mirrors and then tiling around them so that it’s

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Bathrooms are no longer

simply a place of function. More people are opting for bathrooms that offer them a place to

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flush and has a very clean look,” she said. Minimum mirror size is 24 inches wide and 30 inches high, with homeowners opting instead for smaller individual mirrors above “his and hers” sinks. Under mount sinks are 80% more popular than top mount and semi vessels, and stone is the material choice for bathroom countertops, with quartz being most popular. “We’re probably about 70% quartz and 30% granite,” Gassman said. “That’s mainly because when you have a vanity with two sinks and maybe a wall cabinet sitting on the counter, there is not a lot of visual area for granite and the movement it provides,” she said. “So we go with a neutral quartz.” Recess shaker style panels with a simple beveled edge are popular cabinet door choices. Elaborate detail is definitely not en vogue. Color choices include dark cherry,

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bAthROOM, from previous page espresso brown, off white and dark grey. Lighting: LEDs are certainly on trend for the bathroom, because of the amount of light they provide, and placement is important, particularly at the vanity. “When selecting a wall mount light fixture, I recommend the light be pointed downwards to eliminate shadows,” Gassman said. She also suggests the use of recessed can lights only for accent lighting, not for putting makeup on. “Side wall sconce lighting is very good at eye level height, or we could also add lighting up above,” she said. “So there are a lot of new creative ways of adding light to improve the makeup area.”

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Your Shower/Tub & Aging In Place: Shower curtains tend to cut light off from the shower area, so a popular trend is to install one or two can lights over the shower. Dickey recommends either one six inch or two four inch shower can lights. The desire to have easy to clean showers and tubs make polished stone and gel coated fiberglass the materials of choice because they are smooth and wipe clean easily. Frameless shower glass is also popular for this reason, because there is less hardware to clean. Homeowners can

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bAthROOM, from previous page opt for a special coating on the shower glass that makes it resistant to soap scum and mineral deposits, a good choice particularly in hard water areas. “It’s a factory finish that they put on with a 10-year warranty, and it’s similar to Rain-X, a windshield product that came out years and years ago,” Dickey said. “It causes the soap to just slide right off on the inside. It’s great stuff,” he said. “I’ve never sold a shower without it.” “People love large rain head showers, either mounted from the wall out 18 inches to give them that nice, large, rain shower effect, and/or mounted off of the ceiling,” Gassman said. “They definitely like two showerheads at a minimum, so one shower head is usually fixed, and the other one is on an arm with a hose where you can remove the shower wand and clean the shower as well as use it for specific purposes,” she said. Requests for shower benches are also common among homeowners with the space to accommodate them, while a recess foot niche for shaving is a great option for those with limited space. If you are remodeling your bathroom because of mobility issues, or you want it to stand the test of time, because you intend to grow old in your home, then working with a certified and experienced “aging in place” contractor like Tim and designer like Diane is advised, particularly when it comes to designing your shower and tub, since that’s where 35% of falls happen – a statistic that has remained constant for the past 13 years. “Low threshold showers are great, and they’re very elegant,” Dickey said. “We can put in a shower with a seat…so that a person can take their shower while seated. And we would install in a diverter valve,” he said. “This allows you to put a hand shower on a slider bar in the seated position so that the seated bather can control the water, while they are seated.” The diverter valve can then be flipped to

turn the water on for the standing bather. “That’s a real common application in a shower. So it serves the needs of a person that has accessibility issues, as well as an able-bodied person,” Dickey said. Grab or assist bars are also installed to benefit those with mobility issues as they get into and out of the shower, or studs can

The Toilet: More homeowners are opting

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thE DESIRE tO hAvE EASy tO CLEAN ShOWERS AND tUbS MAKE POLIShED StONE AND GEL COAtED FIbERGLASS thE MAtERIALS OF ChOICE bECAUSE thEy ARE SMOOth AND WIPE CLEAN EASILy.

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be installed behind dry wall or tile to accommodate bars if the homeowner prefers to have them installed at a later date.

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bAthROOM, from previous page for comfort height toilets at 17 inches rather than 15-inch toilets, because they are easier to stand from. One toilet upgrade that’s certainly trending is the soft close toilet seat. “In other words, you just get it started and then it closes itself,” Dickey said. “It’s like $20 to $25 more for that option. It’s really nice.” Aging In Place Can Be Trendy: If you’re concerned that a bathroom with accessibility or mobility assistance fixtures, features and fittings will leave your home

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looking dated or institutional, both Dickey and Gassman advise you to banish those fears. Advances in design, such as multifunctional assist bars that double as toilet paper holders and match your plumbing fixtures, or that glow in the dark, mean that you can have a bathroom designed to help you as you age, while still looking very modern and spa-like. “I actually just finished an [aging in place] project where we added a little ‘bling’ and installed custom glass sinks,” Gassman said. “So when you walk in, your eye catches this beauty of the sink and vanity area, and you’re not so focused at looking across the aisle at the large ADA

tub,” she said. “And this particular tub is mounted off of the floor and the cabinets that are used to support the bathtub are matching the vanity cabinets, so there is some continuity.” Whatever you decide on with your contractor and designer, remember that a full bathroom remodel can take up to a month to complete, depending on the amount of tile work you are having done and the amount of granite stone you’re using. Building, plumbing, and mechanical permits and inspections also affect timelines, so having an alternate plan during your remodel is vital, particularly if there is only one bathroom. In the end however, it will all be worth it, because not only is your bathroom likely to become your new sanctuary, a full remodel can also have approximately a 70% plus return on your investment, something just about every homeowner would appreciate. 

Key Tips for a Trendy Aging In Place Bathroom

2. 3.

Ensure the contractor is familiar with accessibility products and their installation. Having a Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) designation indicates a contractor or designer with a higher education level regarding construction and accessibility.

Single lever faucets versus separate left and right, hot and cold faucets facilitate easier operation Standard tubs are being replaced with walk-in tubs or transition tubs where the whole tub is at chair height off the floor for safety and ease of ingress/ egress. Shower benches can also be incorporated into a design for safety and aesthetic appeal.

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Grab or assist bars can also be very attractive and no longer have that institutional look. They can match the finish of your plumbing fixtures and they can be multifunctional. For instance, you can have a grab bar that is also a toilet tissue holder.

Comfort height toilets at 17 inches, rather than the conventional 15 inches, make it easier to sit and stand from the toilet.

Placing a combination temperature/ diverter shower valve at the seated bather location facilitates ease of use for both the able-bodied and the person with accessibility issues.

Modular vanities can facilitate wheel chairs and stools allowing users to sit while using the vanity. Tilting mirrors that can be adjusted to meet the needs of someone standing or sitting in front of the mirror are beautiful and functional. Wall sconce lighting brings the light down where it should be – near your face.

Bathroom entry doors range from 30 to 32 inches and when possible, should be 36 inches wide for safe wheelchair or walker access.

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Remodeling your

t’s the heart of your home, the place where everyone congregates, and the room that if remodeled correctly, could result in the greatest increase to your home’s value.

2014/2015 edition

Kitchen

After 21 years as a contractor, the kitchen is the room John Erwin, CAPS, CGR, CGP, owner of John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. says is his favorite to work on, and he’s done over 500 of them. “The befores and afters on a kitchen [remodel] are just tremendous,” Erwin said. “They probably give our clients the single greatest satisfaction, so we love doing them.” Key factors driving homeowners’ decisions to remodel their kitchens include a desire to make the space more functional, less dated and/or worn out and upgrades

from a spec to a custom built kitchen. A full remodel starts at around $10,000 and can run up to $75,000 depending on size and the materials and appliances used. However, if you think your kitchen is outdated, but don’t have the budget for a full remodel, there are a few things you can do to spruce it up. “If you have good cabinets…then often times, all we need to do is go in and change out the countertops, and I did this to my

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KItChEN, from previous page own home,” Erwin said. “I took out my laminate countertops and I put in granite with a nice stone tile backsplash. That really changed the whole look and feel of my kitchen, and I was able to do that very inexpensively, relatively speaking,” he said. “That’s about a $6,000 to $8,000 project.” If your cabinets are looking worn however, a brand new granite or quartz countertop may look a bit out of place. So how do you get your cabinets to match the nice, new look of your countertops and still keep the budget down? Diane Gassman, CKD, CBD, CAPS, Principal of Interior Dimensions, recommends cosmetic work such as refacing or repainting your cabinets and adding new cabinet hardware. “That has been very popular in the last five years. It cuts down cost and clients are able to achieve a new look and a better quality product,” Gassman said. “It costs less because you don’t have to tear out the entire kitchen. Many times when you remodel the kitchen, and tear out the cabinets, you need to replace the counters, and the floor also,” she said. If, however, you are on the market for a fully remodeled, brand new kitchen, the options available to you are numerous. Once you’ve chosen your contractor and interior designer, Gassman advises that your next step should be to discuss and decide on your preferred style. “We talk about whether the kitchen will have a theme that is going to blend in with the rest of the house, or if it is going to have a specific look by itself,” Gassman said. “So we determine if it’s going to be a modern, transitional, or a traditional kitchen.” Of those three themes, Gassman then works with clients to determine the style of cabinet, color, tone, cabinet hardware and countertop material. And she advises that it’s very important to select appliances early in the design process.

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“thE bEFORES AND AFtERS ON A KItChEN [REMODEL] ARE JUSt tREMENDOUS. thEy PRObAbLy GIvE OUR CLIENtS thE SINGLE GREAtESt SAtISFACtION, SO WE LOvE DOING thEM.”

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from previous page “A mistake some homeowners make is that they purchase new appliances without measuring their existing space,” she said. “That’s often one of the reasons people remodel their spaces, because the refrigerator or the range won’t fit in the existing space.” KItChEN tRENDS So what are the most common choices among homeowners remodeling their kitchens? The modern, “less is more” look is definitely popular. Homeowners are largely opting for clean lines and low maintenance. Granite and quartz are the main choices for counter tops, and shaker recess panels or flat doors are popular for the cupboards, mainly in a dark espresso

wood stain. A warm cherry wood is also a common choice. “We’re definitely seeing grey tones and dark chocolate tones,” Gassman said. “A lot of white is also coming back. So we’re seeing white cabinets, white countertops and light colored backsplash,” she said. “So it becomes very monochromatic in the space, and then you add an accessory that gives it a nice pop. And to get that pop, homeowners’ choices include satin nickel, pewter or oil rubbed bronze cabinet hardware, lighting and plumbing fixtures and stainless steel appliances. However, white appliances are also common, particularly in all white kitchens. “Sometimes when it’s a white kitchen, and it is open

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Another new trend for countertops, particularly among people who do not like the reflectiveness of polished granite and quartz, is a matte or honed satin finish. “That will then compliment the backsplash because 90% of the time we will see tile on the backsplash, and subway is a really big hit right now, a 3x6 or larger sized tile on the backsplash full height, or a

from previous page to other rooms, people don’t want to see that appliance,” Gassman said. “So they’d rather have it blend in with the cabinet. So it’s either a white appliance or it’s a wood panel that matches the cabinetry.”

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staggered brick pattern,” Gassman said. Flooring - Once you’ve decided on your cabinet and countertop, the next step is to choose your floors. Erwin advises his clients to opt for contrasting flooring instead of trying to match it with the cabinets. “You’re never going to match your floor with your cabinet, because it’s two different species of wood,” he said. “You’ll get close, but it’ll never be a perfect match.” Contrasting doesn’t necessarily mean dark to light. Erwin says contrast can be achieved by use of materials. “If you have oak cabinets, instead of doing an oak floor, maybe go for a birch or a maple floor,” he said. “You can also opt for a tile. That way, you’re picking up some of those wood tones from the cabinets in your tile.” A key consideration when planning your kitchen remodel should be how the floor connects with other rooms in the house such as the dining and family rooms, because the floor you choose for the kitchen, could affect the flooring, moldings and wall paint aesthetic throughout your home. “If there is an existing open floor plan, or a wall is removed to create a large open area, then we need to consider the flooring being the same material throughout the kitchen and living spaces,” Gassman said.

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KItChEN, from previous page “If there are different floor materials the rooms start to feel separate again and do not appear as one large area,” she said. Blending the Old With the New - If a fully modern look is not to your taste, and you

prefer your kitchen to have a more eclectic feel, then retro chic may be your preferred choice. It’s certainly trending right now, and includes melding the old with the new. Rustic choices may include flooring and furniture that will be tied in with something clean and streamlined like countertops and appliances.

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KItChEN, from previous page inexperienced contractors, or try to go it alone, one of the most common being faulty cabinet installation. Failure to use the correct tools and materials such as clamps and fillers often results in problems that include gaps and spaces between the cabinets, walls and appliances, and overhead cabinets not lining up with base cabinets “You spend a lot of money on those cabinets, and if you don’t put them in right, you blow that investment,” Erwin said. “Because when you’re ready to sell your home, if the cabinets aren’t level, if you set a marble on your countertop and it rolls off, people notice that,

maybe not the buyer, but when the home inspectors come in they recognize those kinds of deficiencies,” he said. As always, ensure your contractor is licensed, bonded and insured, and choose a designer who specializes in kitchen remodeling. “The huge value of working with a designer is that we can help you plan ahead,” said Gassman, who is a certified kitchen and bath designer and brings 33 years of experience to the table. “We help homeowners look at the big picture, the end result, and decide whether it’s a full remodel that’s very cohesive, or whether it’s in phases. This way you don’t have to redo something halfway through the remodel,” she said. 

“yOU SPEND A LOt OF MONEy ON thOSE CAbINEtS, AND

IF yOU DON’t PUt thEM IN RIGht, yOU bLOW thAt INvEStMENt.” – John Erwin, CAPS, CGR, CGP, owner of John Erwin Remodeling, Inc.

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