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

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

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

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

3 Red Flags of “Affordable” Remodeling

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With all the beautiful interiors seen on TV shows, featured in home design magazines, and posted across Pinterest and other social media platforms, it’s no wonder home remodeling is such a hot topic among today’s homeowners. Honestly, who wouldn’t want their house to look like Chip and Joanna’s?!

Odds are, if you’re really committed to the idea of remodeling your home, you’ve probably already looked into the process and maybe have even met with a few contractors to for estimates. While it can be tempting to go all-in with the first contractor that offers you an affordable quote, the old cliché “you get what you pay for” is important to keep in mind. It’s a sad reality that many clients come to us after being ripped-off or left high-and-dry by another contractor who made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Prices might vary somewhat between remodeling contractors, but if someone quotes you a price that is thousands of dollars less than the others, it’s likely too good to be true! Read more

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

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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

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

Mike’s Guys Handyman: Why Gutter Maintenance Matters

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As a homeowner, there are many steps you can take to keep your home’s exterior in good shape. Replacing old siding, trimming away vegetation, and routinely checking the shingles for damage are a few examples. Each of these tasks will help keep your home structurally sound, keeping out things like problem-causing water and pests. One of the easier home maintenance projects that might be overlooked is maintaining the gutter system.

Your gutters are a safeguard to prevent rainwater from pooling at your home’s foundation, causing flooding and damage. They are designed to drain water out and away from your house. However, if they become blocked with leaves and other debris, they can quickly become more of a problem than a solution. The frequent storms throughout the Spring and trees shedding their leaves in the Fall result in the two times of the year when it’s most critical to have clean gutters. Failure to maintain your gutters could have drastic consequences! If you don’t think it’s a big deal and that rainwater will eventually wash away any debris, here are some of the issues you may find yourself dealing with down the road: 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