Kitchen and bathroom remodels are consistently popular with homeowners. Whether choosing to replace major features or create a new room, remodeling can improve the value of your home and the level of enjoyment for you and the family. We asked Mike Alfano at Alfano Home Remodeling in Shrewsbury about his thoughts on renovation ideas in today’s market.
1. What are some of the latest color trends in kitchens and baths? In today’s market, natural earth tones have been the main stay of color choices for customers. Natural elements such as limestone, travertine, and slate come in array of styles and colors that keep homes up to date. While bold reds and eye blinding yellows have tried to peek into the market, most people are staying with the classic earth tones for wall colors and tiles.
2. What types of options are people looking for most in cabinetry, storage and built in features?Customers love gadgets and storage space. From foldaway kick plate step stools and cabinets that have pop-up blender shelves, to rollouts, pullout receptacles, and hideaway spice racks, customers want it all! 
Tastes in exterior styles range from ultra modern high sheen lacquered cabinets to French provincial and country. However, the best style cabinets are woods in the cherry and maple family that will stand the test of time. “Don’t follow trends,” Mike advises his customers. “Design the kitchen of your choice as trends come and go very often. “ Follow your vision, not the neighbors.”
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the various countertop choices?A ceramic tile counter is one of the least expensive choices, but typically not the most durable. If done right it may look nice, but tile counters are less durable and the grout used is hard to maintain, even if the grout is sealed. Counters such as quartz types or Caesar stone are great for many reasons - the antimicrobial finishes and durable surfaces can be cleaned with almost anything.  They do not have the natural look that granite has but are typically very consistent in color because it is man-made. Granite, according to Mike, is the most beautiful of all surfaces, as it is not man-made and comes out of a mountain. However, granite needs a granite cleaner, not Windex, Fantastic or bleach. As for pricing, quartz and Caesar stone are usually the most expensive, while granite is right behind.
4. What is happening in appliance design to keep up with the bigger, multifunctional kitchens?
Appliances are usually the most difficult choice a customer makes. “Stainless steel is here to stay, “” says Mike. “ While black, white and almond are not as popular and the trendy colors such as green and yellow should be avoided.” Customers want appliances as large as space allows in their kitchen. Choices include bigger refrigerators with top doors and freezer bottoms, 36” to 48” wide ranges and cook tops, double wall ovens, warming drawers, built-in coffee makers, microwaves that double as ovens, wine coolers, two dishwashers, large hoods over the stove with exhaust fans. Sometimes appliances cost more than the cabinets and counters.
5. What items are consumers looking for when remodeling bathrooms?Much like kitchens, people want to fit as much as they can into their bathroom. From custom designed vanities with granite counters, to showers that resemble a carwash, there are no limits. Pull-down sprays, body sprays, double showerheads, and sometimes steam units in the shower are well liked. Custom tiled shower floors and seats in the shower are popular and add a custom element to the shower.
People love the new, more sanitary bubbler tubs that use air rather than jet propulsion. The air tubs are typically more expensive, come in many sizes and are more sanitary as dirty water does not sit in the lines
6. What can homeowners do to bring their kitchens and baths into the 21st century on a small budget?In the mid-range price scale, customers can do many things to renovate their kitchen or bath, without sacrificing quality. Homeowners can still renovate, but need to compromise on certain gadgets, or extras like mantle hoods in the kitchen and air tubs in the bathroom. People can afford to renovate: they just need to rethink their choices. Although they may not enough for the $3,000.00 tub or $1,600.00 body spray unit, they can still have a new bathroom or kitchen. “Renovate to make things new, clean, functional and enjoyable,” advises Mike.
7. What can homeowners do to find the right contractor for the job?Check references from all contractors and interview the customers as well. Make sure that the contractor has valid New Jersey insurance and licensing. Get estimates that detail what is provided so you can make valid comparisons. A price of $5,000.00 from one contractor and $10,000.00 from another means you are paying for different projects, labor, and materials
Read the paperwork/contract before signing it. Make sure to sign a contract that spells out ALL that is included. Do not assume anything is included or normal, get it in writing. Never give large deposits for labor before the job begins. “Find someone you are comfortable with, that has the right credentials,” says Mike. “Beautifying your home should be a pleasant experience.”
|
