By sarahanncox on July 1, 2010
The cost of energy is going up and you are probably seeking ways to lower your utility costs. You’ve probably already installed low energy light bulbs, low flow commodes, and low flow shower heads. Now what?
If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen, we have a couple of suggestions for improving your energy usage as well as the form and function of your home. In today’s article we will talk about the Drawer Dishwasher.
Designed to pulled out like a file cabinet drawer and available in one or two drawer configurations (as shown). With this design the loading process is cut to a single step, rather than having to open the door and then pull out the dish rack.
Each drawer can wash dishes independently. This allows you to run smaller loads more frequently. Maybe even getting the kids involved in the washing process?
Smaller load options are a benefit as you get older and the kids move on with life. You and your husband will use fewer dishes and the drawer dishwasher will allow you to do a smaller load, rather than waiting for a full load.
Stay tuned for more energy saving ideas for the kitchen.
Sarah Cox
Hardline Design
Posted in Home Improvements
By Ed on June 24, 2010
A kitchen remodel can change the feel and function of your home, but often homeowners are fearful of the price tag. Here are some suggestions to help lower the cost of your cabinets.
Kitchen cabinet price variance hinges on wood type, finish and function; but when faced with the decision to keep the kitchen the same or spruce it up for better living, budget tight homeowners seek affordable, do-it-yourself, options. When asked what our preferred “store bought” kitchen cabinet brand is, we of course prefer Cutting Edge Custom Cabinets because:
- They come assembled in segments and not modular units. This makes the cabinet stronger.
- They do not use filler panels to make up space and/or support the cabinet infringing on the storage space and cabinet function.
- They can be created to fit any kitchen and provide any function, including wine racks, pull-our pantry, spice racks, etc..
However, store bought cabinets can lower your price (in some cases) by a few thousand dollars and make the difference between remodeling or not remodeling.
We prefer IKEA cabinets over the big box store cabinets because they have a large selection of cabinet styles easy on the budget. Styles like solid wood, or particle wood, to sustainable woods. Plus IKEA has the European flare for small, multi-function purpose: so if your kitchen area is small to begin with, IKEA cabinet often serve multiple functions.
Your kitchen is often the most used space in your home. The cabinets you use should be designed to last and be convenient to your life style preferences.
Posted in Home Improvements
By sarahanncox on May 13, 2010
If you are like most home owners, you are opting for affordable home updates over expensive renovations. With the real estate market in shambles, homeowners today are seeking ways to improve the comfort and function of their living space without breaking the bank.
When considering “updating your home”, a kitchen make-over is the best way to improve the livability factor. Here are a few ideas on how you can save a bundle in the kitchen.
- Floor plan: Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining area makes the kitchen feel bigger and the dining room more open and usable.
- Cabinets: Replacing or restoring the cabinets can improve the feel and usability of your kitchen. Cabinet construction, finish and hardware options can make or break your kitchen upgrade budget. For example, painted cabinets cost more because they take longer to prepare than stained. Choosing solid doors instead of drawers can also drop the over all cost of the improvement.
- Excess: Consider ditching the garden window over the sink and the self-closing cabinet drawers. Home sweet home is more often found in countertops and flooring. Shop around for the best deal on sinks, tile and hardware–prices can vary greatly.
More often than not, the biggest budget buster is post kitchen design changes. Spending more time upfront understanding the cost versus benefit of each improvement will save money.
As written in “The New Rules of Remodeling” in the Wall Street Journal “…annual spending on remodeling is expected to accelerate this year.” While we don’t expect the economy to get better anytime soon, you shouldn’t feel “stuck” in an uncomfortable home. Affordable kitchen remodels are possible and the joys gained will pay emotional dividends that are well worth the investment.
Posted in Home Improvements
By sarahanncox on May 6, 2010
Are you pondering “how to increase your home value” or develop additional front curb appeal?
The front porch still has a connection to the hearts of every American. When looking for ways to increase the selling value, nothing says home sweet home like a cozy chair on a covered porch. Recently CNN Money concluded adding a front porch increases the value of your home.
As one of the most functional spaces in your home, your front porch can help you build connections to your neighborhood, comfortably keep an eye on your children playing in the front yard, or just enjoy the fresh air.
The front porch can be a great spot for the family pet to chill out and a nice place to sit and enjoy the Pacific Northwest’s frequent rain showers. A covered porch can also help keep your home cleaner, allowing for a dry place to store wet boots and umbreallas.
You will need to answer several questions before diving into a home improvement construction project, like a new front porch.
What style do you want the new front porch to reflect?
What, if any, easement issues exist?
Are there any foundation issues?
Do you have the necessary structural support?
The more important question to answer is will this addition be useful and enjoyable for your family?
Before putting pen to paper or seeking advise from a contractor, spend time driving around your neighborhood. Note the homes with porches you like and don’t like. Visualize yourself sitting on those porches enjoying lemonaid or spending quality time together with your family. Then try to picture your ideal new porch on your home. Does it fit with the existing architecture?
Posted in Blog
By sarahanncox on April 29, 2010
Making adjustments to your bathroom becomes necessary when a family member suddenly becomes wheel chair bound or needs care and your home is the best solution. This is a time when your house will need some adjustments to make your life easier.
Measure your current bathroom. One of the first decisions to be made is if a wall will need to be moved to allow for adequate accessibility. The decision to increase the floor space of the bathroom may save hours of future frustration. According to remodeling concepts, it is recommended that at least 60”diameter of space be allocated for wheelchair movement in the center of a bathroom.
Widening the doorway to allow adequate easement into the bathroom will help the handicap person freely self-maneuver. Although a minimum of 32” is needed, it is best to allow 36”, depending on the angle in which the wheel chair must enter.
One thing often overlooked when remodeling is the need to reinforce the walls prior to installing grab bars. This will safely allow the wheel chair bound person to transfer from chair to toilet or shower seat independently and safely.
Remodeling the shower for wheelchair access can be done in a few different ways:
- Replacing the existing shower with a specially designed insert
- Redesigning the current shower with a wider entrance
Besides the shower and widening the doorway, there are other adjustments that will help make your bathroom easier to use for a wheelchair bound person:
- Raising the toilet seat (or replacing with an ADA compliant model)
- Replacing existing sinks to allow easier wheel chair maneuvering
- Removing or replacing current cabinets to give more space
- Installing tilted mirrors
- Changing hardware on cabinets for easier gripping.
These simple changes can make a big difference!
Posted in Home Improvements | Tagged Access, Accessibility, Wheelchair
By sarahanncox on April 6, 2010
This client, a retired widow; wanted to create a lasting barrier free bathroom with a large curb-less shower, and very open Master Bathroom floor plan. She was concerned the regular floor vent wasn’t going to heat the space as warm as she would prefer. Radiant floor heat was the answer for a warm room, and warm toes.
Today’s styles are very efficient with a Thermostat control. Compared to the old styles the materials for heated floors are more affordable and the labor to install is faster & easier than before. You can install heated flooring only were you want it. For instance pick high-traffic areas to save on job costs.
In this Master Bathroom we installed the heated flooring at the toilet front through the shower front and at the vanity front. A few simple steps and your toes can enjoy the warmth of a heated floor in no time at all.
Tips on installing radiant floor underlayment and wiring for a heated floor:
For this project we are using 1/2″ concrete board underlayment, 120V spool wiring, and programmable thermostat. We floated over the existing tongue and groove decking with modified thin-set, then installed 1/2″ concrete board, with 1-1/2″ galvanized roofing nails.
Then we installed the retaining clips, wiring and thermostat sensor while following the manufacturer’s install recommendations.
Finally float over the wiring and clips entirely. We used a self- leveling floor product.
The radiant heat system is now in place, and ready for tile installation to follow.
Posted in Blog
By sarahanncox on March 22, 2010
February is a great time to plan your up coming backyard projects. Here are four smart ideas to help improve your yard and home value. With spots of sun in the sky the desire to hit the back yard is strong.
- Add a gazebo for shade
- Add step stones or walkway to tie the yard together
- A new flower bed to add color
- Add large landscape pots to highlight special areas
Real estate experts say that when it comes to your homes’ exterior and landscaping that you should spend 5 – 7% of the homes value in yard and exterior projects to fit the needs of your family. A gazebo can be an instant eye pleaser that gives your yard a finished look.![thumbs_gazebo[1]](http://hardlinedesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/thumbs_gazebo1.jpg "thumbs_gazebo[1]")
To make your new outdoor spaces accessible add walk ways for a continuous flow. This is a great way to make the property seem finished. You can use pea gravel or stepping stones or even a more permanent concrete walk.
In your flower beds and planting around your home opt for the easy landscaping. Use lots of evergreens, native plantings, perennials and bulbs that come back every year.
Lastly add a few large landscape pots. Plant them with colored or seasonal plants. Two or three large planted pots make a huge wow factor to the front of a home. Use moist control soil in the pots and these two can be easily taken care of through the warm months ahead.
A little planning ahead and you can be set for spring to create a beautiful backyard and while enjoying your new outside spaces you can have the comfort of knowing that you improvements increased your home appeal and value.
Posted in Blog
By sarahanncox on January 26, 2010
As a homeowner you may be asking is 2010 the year to remodel the kitchen, or add the new space for the family room? If the answer is yes, then here are some tips that can help make your project easier, quicker, or less expensive.
During lean times, like our current recession, contractors have cut staff levels to the point where your estimator is also the owner of the business. This means you have more negotiation power than you would have during busy construction times. However, many contractors now serving the remodel market have been mostly building new homes or commercial properties. Always ask for examples of projects contractors have completed in the last 12 months that are similar to your project.
Always do a full check of your contractors, including license, insurance, and references. Remember, a license or insurance policy in a folder does not mean they are current. Call and Check.
Spell everything out; expect nothing that’s not in writing. A good contractor will have a solid estimate, then a contract with a detailed scope of work to be preformed. Ask if you are getting a dedicated crew for your project? And ask for a job schedule? These are two things an organized contractor will have ready for you before any work begins.
Not totally sold on one contractor yet? Consider test-driving your chosen contractor on a small project, for instance, the falling down back yard fence. The home improvement economy is making a slow turn over, and your contractor will likely have time-and be glad-to come back for more improvements.
Posted in Blog
