Category: Educational

Why You Need a Custom Design Package for Your Kitchen Remodel

There are a lot of variables that come into play during a kitchen remodel. The size and state of the existing kitchen, the complexity of the project, the features and amenities to be included, the structural changes that need to be made, and of course, the intended use of the remodeled space by the homeowners – that is, determining what modifications will most effectively solve the homeowner’s current issues with their kitchen. These variables are different for every project: perhaps the existing kitchen is too small and lacks storage space or the layout is dysfunctional. Maybe a remodel was started with a contractor who did things incorrectly or failed to finish the job, leaving the kitchen completely unusable. Because each of these scenarios has a different starting point and involves a different course of action to meet the homeowner’s needs, they each require their own customized design plan. Read more

Home Repairs & Modification: Do I Need a Handyman or a Contractor?

 
 


Photo Source

 
 
Any homeowner knows that maintaining a house requires a lot of work. It can feel overwhelming when you consider everything that needs to be regulated, from the up-keep of electrical and plumbing lines to managing the foundation, the heating system and the AC, the landscaping and exterior of the home, and so much more. In most cases, a licensed contractor (such as a plumber or electrician) can take care of these types of home repairs and maintenance issues. However, aside from keeping all of the mechanics of the house in proper and safe working order, most homes built even as recently as 10 years ago need some level of remodeling. This could be for functional or aesthetic purposes, and often times, both. Perhaps your kitchen cabinets need a fresh stain, or maybe you’d like the old bathtub in your master bathroom to be removed to make room for a walk-in shower. These projects might seem minor in comparison to a large-scale remodel, and leave you asking the question — does this project require a contractor or a handyman? It’s important to know the difference between the two before you hire.
 
 
Here are some tips to help you determine whether a handyman or a contractor will be the best choice for your specific project:
 
  Read more

Mike’s Guys: How to Get Rid of Ceiling Condensation

    
Photo Source

Ceiling Condensation is a common problem homeowners face and should be addressed promptly; excess moisture can eventually cause mold and mildew to form — quickly escalating a small problem into a much larger and potentially dangerous ordeal. Not only will you have to pay for a mold remediation company to handle the hazardous growth, but you’ll likely need to hire a contractor to repair the affected areas afterward. What a headache! It is helpful for homeowners to understand what causes the condensation and how to get rid of it before it becomes a bigger issue. Read more

4 Reasons to Consider a Room Addition

 
 

Photo Source

 
 

Room additions are a common request we get from our clients. The main reason being that many homeowners would rather add on to their home than jump through the hoops of buying a new home, selling their current home, and go through everything that has to take place in between. Unfortunately, adding on to an existing structure tends to be much more expensive than most people expect. Along with the hefty price tag, completing a room addition also requires a good amount of time, planning, designing, and construction. Even a room without additional plumbing still requires a foundation, adequate structural support, electrical lines, and a tie-in to the roofline. It’s essential that each of these components be done correctly and to code. However, if a you do your research and hire a professional design build firm (like Medford Design-Build) to complete the project, a room addition can be well worth the investment for your forever home. Read more

5 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Kitchen Remodel

The term “full-gut kitchen remodel” tends to make people think of an expansive, high-end kitchen with all the bells and whistles – where surrounding walls have been knocked out to create an open floor plan, the luxury countertops are never-ending, and the shiny, new appliances are massive in size, all contributing to a show-stopping completed project. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the idea of an over-the-top large kitchen remodel, only a small fraction of our clients actually have this experience. Every project is different when it comes to the size of the kitchen, it’s starting condition, the client’s aspirations for the space, and of course, the budget. More often than not, the kitchen remodels we complete are done in small or medium-sized kitchens where the clients are trying to update the aesthetic, but also make the most of the existing space. Sometimes, due to the structure of the home and other limitations, it’s simply not realistic to remove walls or install large appliances. However, just because you have a small kitchen doesn’t mean it can’t be remodeled into the beautiful kitchen of your dreams! Read more

3 Options for Completing a Pull-and-Replace Kitchen Remodel with Mike’s Guys Handyman

As our business continues to grow alongside our expanding client base, we have found that there are many homeowners looking to complete a kitchen remodel in which no walls or plumbing will be moved. We refer to these types of remodels as “pull-and-replace” projects, where the existing footprint stays the same. Original cabinets, countertops, backsplash, etc. are removed and replaced with new materials, but in the same location. Due to the simple nature of these types of projects, they do not require the full design package that would accompany a more complex kitchen remodel. Read more

4 Reasons Why You Need a Professional Interior Designer for Your Major Remodel

Along with improving the functionality of their home, the main reason homeowners choose to remodel is to refresh the appearance of a dated space. This is particularly true if the house is over 15 years old and has never been updated. Choosing paint colors, finishes, tile, countertops, and light fixtures might seem like a breeze, it’s often a bigger challenge than most homeowners realize! Even if it’s a relatively small project, hiring an interior designer will make the entire process easier and yield the best possible results. A professional designer can provide the newest ideas that will work for your home—things you may not know are available or products you may not know where to locate. They will think of details you’ll miss, and those details play a big role in the success of your project. Read more

Medford Design-Build: The Value of a Solid Reputation

The decision to remodel can be a very exciting time for a homeowner, particularly if it is something that has been anticipated for several years. It’s easy to jump in and hire the first company you run across that seems professional. Unfortunately, there are a lot of so-called “professionals” out there that don’t operate with integrity or honesty in mind, despite making a great first impression. Trust us, we’ve seen enough home renovation nightmares to know that it’s not something to rush into blindly! It’s essential to take your time and really research a company before signing on the dotted line. The best advice we can give to a homeowner considering a remodel is to hire a company with a consistent reputation. Read more

Our Off-Site Process Prior to Starting a Home Remodel

If you’ve been considering an extensive remodel, you are probably trying to mentally prepare for the weeks of construction that lie ahead for your home. Having a team of subcontractors and a project manager making visible changes to your kitchen or bathroom is a very exciting time; this is when your ideas truly come to life, as you can see the actual modifications taking place. What most homeowners don’t realize is that there is a lot of preliminary work that is done off-site prior to the demolition and construction. As anxious as many of our clients are to get started immediately after their consultation, there is a methodical process that must be followed beforehand in order to make the construction phase as smooth and seamless as possible. Read more

5 Benefits of Working with A Design-Build Firm for Your Major Remodel

The term ‘design-build’ is slowly becoming more familiar in the world of home remodeling. In the past, if someone wanted to remodel their home, they would contact a general contractor and an architect. While contractors alone can do a lot of great work, they simply do not offer the many benefits that you would receive from working with a design-build firm, such as Medford Design-Build.

Here are 5 benefits of working with a design-build for your major home remodeling project: Read more