Category: Educational

Mike’s Guys: 4 Things to Know About Wall Removal


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Open-concept floor plans have become one of the most sought-after features among home buyers and homeowners alike. As a remodeling company, the majority of the projects we do involve some extent of removing or shortening walls to create a more open, airy overall feel. Among the many before and after transformations we share, the ones that include a wall removal are by far the most impressive. It’s amazing how different a space can look and how much better the area can be utilized once unnecessary walls have been removed! Read more

Why You Need a Custom Design Package for Your Bathroom Remodel

There are a lot of variables that come into play during a bathroom remodel. The size and state of the existing bathroom, 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 the bathroom. These variables are different for every project: perhaps the existing bathroom is too small and lacks storage space, or maybe it is insufficient for an elderly parent that needs handicap-accessible features. Maybe a remodel was started with a contractor who did things incorrectly and failed to finish the job, leaving the bathroom completely unusable. Because each of these scenarios have different starting points and require different courses of action to meet the homeowner’s needs, they each require their own customized design plan. Read more

Remodeling for Elderly Parents: 5 Age-in-Place Options to Consider

There are many reasons homeowners choose to remodel, from updating aesthetics, to improving functionality, to increasing resale value. Another common request we receive is for assistance in making accommodations for elderly parents. This can either involve our clients remodeling their own home to allow for parents to move in or remodeling their parent’s home to prepare for aging-in-place. Either situation can be difficult, as making provisions for elderly parents can be stressful and emotional. Our goal in assisting with age-in-place remodeling is to simplify the process for both the clients and their parents to make for the best experience possible! Read more

Why You Should Avoid Add-on Items During Your Home Remodel


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Once we begin the construction of a home remodeling project with our clients, the question is often brought up if we can include another “small project” on the side while the main remodel is being completed. There is nothing wrong with doing this, so long as the additional project is discussed ahead of time and included in the Scope of Work. Unfortunately, that is not typically the case. More often than not, these requests are made directly to our Project Managers on the jobsite — a point when the down payment has already been paid, the Scope of Work has been established, the proposal has been signed, and the primary construction is already underway. It may not seem like a big deal; the workers are already there, right? The reality is that add-on items can greatly disrupt the initial plan of the project as a whole. Clients fail to realize the impact that the add-on brings to the entire home renovation timeline, as well as to their carefully budgeted finances. Read more

4 Reasons You Need a Project Manager for Your Home Remodel

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At Medford Design-Build, our tried-and-true processes are what keep our business going strong. Each member of our team truly takes pride in what we do and understands the importance of working within our processes. We don’t just want to complete your home remodeling project; we want to make sure it is done correctly, on time, to the highest level of quality, and of course, that it meets your expectations as the homeowner. With several years of experience behind us, knowledgeable leaders guiding us, and our vetted team of trade professionals working beside us, our design-build process as a whole has been developed into a seamless transaction from start to finish. Read more

How Much Will My Home Remodel Cost?

The first and most important question you should answer before starting any type of home remodel is how much it will realistically cost. Typically, there isn’t a straight-forward answer to that question without scheduling an on-site consultation and paying for a detailed estimate and design. Because no two projects and no two homeowners are the same, the total cost of your project will depend on multiple variables. This means that even if your neighbor a few houses down has the exact same floor plan as you, built in the same year, your total cost could come in more or less than theirs simply based on your unique scope of work. You also must consider the level of remodeling you intend to do – whether it is a full-gut project that involves moving walls and rearranging the original footprint, or if you just want to update the space you have with new paint, tile, counters, etc. The types of materials, finishes, hardware, and appliances you choose also impacts the final price. For example, two homeowners with the same kitchen layout will have different totals if one chooses standard elements, such as a basic undermount sink and chrome faucet, and the other chooses high-end elements, such as a farmhouse-style sink with a brushed gold faucet. Of course, everyone wants the more expensive options often featured on HGTV renovation shows. Unfortunately, these shows tend to create unrealistic expectations regarding the actual costs, timelines, and processes involved in home remodeling. Read more

3 Steps to Creating a Budget for Your Major Remodeling Project

As exciting as it is to remodel your home, one thing that has to be considered beforehand is a realistic budget. No one likes to talk money up front, but trust us, it’s better to establish your financial parameters as a first step rather than a last step! With all of the inspiring home renovation shows and pretty home transformation photos on Pinterest, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a potential remodel. Unfortunately, those TV shoes and online photos almost never tell the whole story, nor do they go into the details of actual project costs. For that reason, the picture of a high-end luxury remodel at an astoundingly low cost is painted in the mind of the consumer, creating a serious case of sticker-shock when the real price quotes are presented! Read more

Mike’s Guys Tip: 3 Options for Getting Rid of Popcorn Ceilings


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One of the top requests we get from our clients – whether they are remodeling their current home or have recently moved into an older house – is to have the popcorn ceilings removed.

These textured ceilings, also known as popcorn ceilings, acoustic ceilings or even cottage cheese ceilings, were very popular in the 1970s and ’80s as a quick and easy way to hide imperfections. Unfortunately, this texture can be very difficult to match if you have cracks or holes in need of patching. The uneven surface also catches more dust, allows for cobwebs, and really makes a home’s interior look stale and dated. These reasons alone are enough to make a homeowner opt for removing the texture! This is why we include popcorn ceiling removal in just about every home remodeling project we complete. Read more

The Importance of Interviewing Contractor References & 3 Questions to Ask


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In today’s tech-savvy society, just about everything is done online. You can order almost anything you can imagine, and have it delivered directly to you in as little as two days! You can order your groceries for the week, pay online, and have them dropped off at your doorstep without talking to anyone or changing from your bathrobe. Whether we realize it or not, the convenience of ordering products and services online is influencing the way we think and the way we shop. This generation has become shockingly accustomed to making rash decisions and receiving quick service. And, if you don’t like your purchase? Send it back and buy something else with just a few clicks on your phone or computer. The quicker the transaction and the least amount of human interaction, the better. This might sound like an incredible convenience when you’re browsing the web, but this mindset can be dangerous when you’re considering larger investments – like a home remodel. Read more

Our Foolproof 5-Step Process to Managing Your Remodel


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Being in the remodeling industry, we have regretfully heard story after story from homeowners that have had terrible experiences with their previous contractors. It never ceases to amaze us how many people have been lied to, deceived, and taken advantage of by so-called “remodeling professionals.” As unfortunate as it is, it’s true that there are contractors out there that will do whatever it takes to get your money. Not only do they lack integrity in their word, but also in the quality of their work. It’s no wonder the term “contractor” tends to put a sour taste in homeowner’s mouths! Read more