NARI Supplement to Central Ohio Home & Garden Magazine

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A GUIDE TO REMODELING RIGHT

baker’s dozen

13 mistakes to avoid in your next kitchen remodel

Photo courtesy of Nicholson Builders

2010 “Best of Show” Award Winner

BIA Showcase of Remodeled Homes Small & Large Project category

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BASEMENT FINISHES | MAJOR & MINOR RENOVATIONS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL TODAY TO LEARN HOW WE CAN PUT OUR AWARD WINNING EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU.

614.846.7388 WWW.NICHOLSONBUILDERS.COM

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NARI celebrates its 25th anniversary During the past 25 years, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has been connecting central Ohio consumers with top remodeling professionals. NARI has grown to more than 250 trusted professional members since its founding as a not-for-profit trade association in 1985.

As NARI celebrates its silver anniversary, we invite homeowners to see for themselves why consumers say NARI members are making the difference in their remodeling

experiences.

For those who have had difficultly locating a skilled contractor, NARI is the best resource to turn to.

NARI contractors undergo a thorough background check and are screened using stringent criteria for experience and craftsmanship.

NARI contractors also must display a commitment to the NARI code of ethics. By reading this and future issues of NARI TODAY, homeowners can learn more about locating and working with the most trusted

professionals in the remodeling industry.

Without fail, this special advertising feature introduces homeowners to the professional members of NARI and serves as a guide to remodeling right.

In this issue, homeowners will find tools to help them feel comfortable with making decisions about their remodeling projects. Using these guides will give peace of mind and help produce winning results with your home remodeling project.

Hire a NARI professional and experience the best.

We hope you enjoy the

content of NARI TODAY. Experience the difference a NARI member can make.

If you have questions about NARI or how to locate a NARI member who can help with your remodeling needs, visit TrustNari.org to get started.

We look forward to serving you!

Bryce Jacob

President, NARI of Central Ohio Vice President, Dave Fox Design/Build Remodelers

Our Values integrity, family, honesty, respect, education

Design/Build Additions . Remodeling . Kitchens . Bathrooms .

Basements . Outdoor Living Spaces . Interior Design 1161 Bethel Rd. Columbus . Oh . 43220 . 614.459.7211

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Immerse Yourself Bathroom cabinetry should be bathed in beauty as well as function

T

he design choices homeowners make for their bathrooms are just as crucial as those made for kitchen remodeling. After all, residential bathrooms are growing in size as well as function. This makes specialized, stylish bathroom cabinetry the hot new trend.

Many homeowners are rejecting cookie-cutter builder-grade bathrooms. They aren’t just upgrading their showers to include multiple showerheads and steam functions, they’re upgrading bathroom cabinetry to be on the same level as the rest of the space ­– and a basic vanity base just doesn’t cut it.

Clever clutter control

Tried and true accessory options for kitchen cabinetry – such as pullout storage, cutlery dividers and hidden wastebaskets – are finding their way into bathroom storage now with adapted uses.

For example, one might utilize a cutlery divider in a bathroom vanity cabinet to organize makeup or medications. Similarly, many cabinet manufacturers have taken cues from commercial salon storage and now offer pullout grooming cabinets with stainless steel bins for hair dryers and hot irons.

The trend is to make each cabinet as efficient as possible by offering specialized storage for all bath items – even linens. Custom linen cabinets often are made to match vanities and provide storage for towels within easy reach of the shower or bathtub.

They even can include interior clothes hampers. Not only do these customized cabinets eliminate the need for freestanding hampers, but they offer convenience to busy, clutter-conscious homeowners.

How well a bathroom vanity functions also has to do with its size. Standard vanity height once was considered to be 30 inches, but vanities can now be found in optional 34.5-inch units – a height more common to kitchen cabinetry. This is beneficial for an aging population that prefers not to stoop as much, and it provides sheer convenience for an average-height person.

Beauty to behold

Just because bathroom cabinetry is trending toward function does not mean it lacks style or sophistication. Quite the contrary, vanities are moving away from basic and utilitarian to stylish and bold. Bathroom cabinets appear more like furniture pieces found at an antique store or a high-end furniture boutique than those of a big box store. This is because cabinet companies now offer an extensive collection of moldings and onlays to suit most any home style. Bun feet and valances can be found on what was once just a regular toekick, and decorative doors can be applied to the exposed ends of vanities for an extra touch of class. a guide to remodeling right

Although adding interior accessories and custom moldings to cabinetry will increase its price, that doesn’t mean budget-minded homeowners can’t enjoy some of these luxuries. Homeowners should be selective about which interior accessories they purchase, and select items they really will enjoy, instead of trying to fill every cabinet and drawer with a different accessory. Also, there’s no need to add every molding and onlay available. A simple molding applied to the toekick can provide a customized look without costing a fortune.

Working with an industry professional can help when it comes to selection and installation. But just getting to know cabinetry trends, what’s available, and what might make a space more beautiful and efficient is a good place to get started on any project.

By NARI member Andrea L. Cole, AKBD, The Cabinet Shop Distribution & Design Inc. www.trustnari.org

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Baker’s Dozen

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a

13 common mistakes of kitchen remodeling

1. Poor Planning

Planning is a critical first step in any remodeling project and never more so than in the kitchen. To achieve their dream kitchens, homeowners must start with what they have. What works in their kitchen? What doesn’t? Then consider the new space. How will it be used? Will there be more than one cook preparing meals at once? Will more counter or storage space be required? For the most effective layout, design plans should match lifestyles — the way a homeowner actually works and lives in the kitchen.

2. Efficiency

Floor plan is another important element of kitchen design. Most designers recommend grouping common elements in a work triangle or station. For example, consider a preparation/cooking station with a separate clean-up area. The cleanup work triangle could include a dishwasher, sink, counter space and recycling center in close proximity to one another.

The goal is to minimize the number of steps between various elements to avoid unnecessarily crossing the kitchen. Keep in mind how traffic flows. Family members traipsing through a work triangle reduce the space’s efficiency.

3. Visualization Problems

It is difficult to visualize what a room will look like from a flat line drawing.

Some remodelers negate this by using three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) plans. Others will recommend homeowners visit a showroom that has life-size models of rooms and products. If these methods aren’t working or are not available, try sketching out a full-scale chalk drawing on a garage or basement nari of central ohio

A

n extra doughnut in the baker’s dozen might be lucky, but this baker’s dozen of common kitchen remodeling blunders is no treat. In the most popular room to remodel, the potential for errors is high.

But if homeowners are aware of would-be problems from the start, they can turn this unlucky list of 13 into a truly special surprise — a beautifully remodeled kitchen.

floor. Don’t be one of the many homeowners who end up saying, “I didn’t know it would look like that.” For items with color, ask to see a large section of the item before ordering. Bold colors can look great on a small scale, but they quickly can overwhelm a large surface. Don’t rely on imagination for these important decisions.

4. Investigating Options

Homeowners should know what products are available on the market and what layouts are possible. Investigate products to discover their pros and cons. Clip photos of layouts that inspire or excite.

It’s frustrating to finish a remodeling project, only later to discover that perfect neglected detail. Take time to research the options.

5. Storage

Is the good china stored in a bedroom

closet? What about extra plastic containers? Homeowners should take time to inventory what they’ll store in the kitchen.

There are a number of cabinet accessories available to organize a variety of items, from large pots to dainty teacups. For maximum efficiency, link storage with workstations. For example, store spices near the cook top. Also consider what new storage needs will result from a remodel.

If adding a commercial-style range, for instance, a homeowner might want to purchase new cookware.

6. Safety

Homeowners must consider potential safety hazards in their kitchen designs.

For instance, an oven should not sit next to a hallway where someone easily could stumble over an open door. Investigate some of the new “smart home” technologies, such as ovens with lock-out features.

As households become more diverse and multigenerational, safety becomes a major concern.

7. Lighting

Lighting is one of the most underdesigned components of the home – and one of the most important. Lighting creates a mood and provides illumination for increased safety. There are three forms of lighting.

Ambient lighting is what illuminates an entire room. Task lighting illuminates one area for a specific task, such as undercabinet lighting focused on a countertop.

Accent lighting highlights an interesting feature, such as a prized china collection.

Homeowners should decide what moods they wish to create – romantic, functional, fun, etc. – and design a lighting plan to match.

This should be done before installing

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walls and cabinets. Don’t wait until a project is over to determine that the kitchen is too dark. Wiring needs to be installed in the walls behind the cabinets.

8. Prioritizing

In most cases, not everything homeowners wish to have in their kitchens will fit. They must prioritize their needs. For example, if someone has a small kitchen, he or she might not be able to install an island, unless willing to add more square footage.

Create a list of wishes, wants and needs, then prioritize with a budget in mind.

9. Timing

A remodeler should be able to provide specific dates for the start and substantial completion of a project. Timing might be affected by changes, unexpected occurrences or material delays; however, so most remodelers recommend that homeowners do not start a project before a major event

in the home, such as a wedding or holiday gathering.

12. Preparation

Homeowners should refer to their budgets when making product and design decisions. It is easy to overstep a prepared budget with phrases such as: “It’s only $20 more.” It is important to stay in touch with fiscal reality when creating a budget. Homeowners must decide what they can afford before they start designing.

To prepare for construction, homeowners should pack away kitchen items in clearly labeled boxes that can be moved to other parts of their homes during a project. Withhold those items needed on a daily basis, such as the coffeemaker. In addition to packing the kitchen, remove fragile items from walls in neighboring rooms. Vibrations from construction can cause them to fall, even on floors above or below.

11. Changes and the Unexpected

13. Hiring the Right Person

10. Budget

Every time a homeowner asks for changes or something unexpected occurs, there will be a delay and a cost. Homeowners should limit the number of changes they initiate during a project. If changes must be made, homeowners should be sure changes are made in writing and signed by both parties before work begins. Ask for a revised timetable and budget.

The most important step in any successful remodeling project is hiring the right person for the job. Ask friends, neighbors and colleagues for referrals. Check references and visit TrustNARI.org.

By National Association of The Remodeling Industry

Bold colors can look great on a small scale, but they quickly can overwhelm a large surface.

Don’t rely on imagination for these important decisions.

This is Chuck He shows up late, leaves early, doesn’t return your calls, and is hard to contact.

Chuck isn’t a NARI Contractor.

NARI contractors undergo a thorough background check and are screened using stringent criteria for experience and workmanship, and must display a commitment to the NARI Code of Ethics. For more information on NARI or a referral to a NARI remodeler in Central Ohio, visit www.TRUSTNARI.org or call 614-895-3080.

Call NARI, Before You’re Stuck with Chuck.

NARI of Central Ohio www.trustnari.org • 614.895.3080

8F -JTUFO 8F %FTJHO 8F 3FNPEFM

Peter A. Robinson Remodeling, LLC design/build | additions | kitchens and baths | basements | outdoor spaces Serving Central Ohio for over 30 years | 614-855-2914 | www.parremodeling.com A tradition of impeccable design, fine craftsmanship and enduring relationships.

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Project vs price

Choosing design-build rather than competitive bidding results in the best design

D

esign-build is the best way to approach remodeling, and it is the only way many homeowners do their personal projects. Why? Because the typical competitive bid process focuses on price, not project.

While working within a budget, designbuild focuses on the best design solution for you, the customer. And because of the mutual commitment between design-build contractor and customer, the contractor is motivated to bring more ideas, alternatives and solutions to the table.

Design-build allows designers, contractors and mechanical contractors to work with clients to design projects that meet their needs. They will get to know your needs, and at the same time, you will get to know your design-build team. By working together through the design process, your team can ensure that the building process goes smoothly.

If the design process does hit a snag early on, you have the option to discuss your project with other contractors. However,

a guide to remodeling right

if you are halfway through a renovation, you’re in it for the duration.

When considering design-build, you should interview potential contractors carefully. The focus should be on how their companies operate and how well their operational philosophy fits your needs. Ask for lists of projects similar to yours, and be sure to contact references. If a contractor has done a great bath makeover for a friend but has never done a kitchen, do you want your kitchen to be the first?

After selecting a design-build contractor, remember patience is needed during the design process. The contractor will need to measure your existing home and prepare design options for your consideration. Even if the first design is not your ultimate vision, it can be a starting point and provide helpful feedback for revisions.

A finished design typically requires several meetings and usually provides several

options for design and cost. With designbuild, pricing is monitored along the way.

This eliminates the disappointment of getting to the final drawings, only to find out you have gone over budget.

Since they’ve been involved from initial design through final specifications and pricing, design-build contractors know your home and your needs. Thus, they can provide you a more accurate proposal with fewer cost overruns after the process begins. This is how design-build saves time and money.

If you take the time to understand the design-build process, it’s easy to see its numerous benefits when compared to competitive bidding. Design-build is based on trust and commitment. It can provide you the best renovation experience possible.

By NARI member Todd Schmidt, CR, Renovations Unlimited

www.trustnari.org