KITCHEN REMODEL TIPS ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET

Finding out how much you can afford for your kitchen remodel is crucial. Although you can find countless articles online providing an estimate with the kitchen remodelling cost by giving you a square footage pricing for this type of project, their recommendations are often not based on reality.

Generally speaking, remodelling jobs are extremely specific to the building’s state and personal preference of the homeowner and that’s why the advice given by such articles will never be realistic.

Additionally, there are several websites that don’t provide you with accurate information about creating a budget. Instead, they give out an interpretation of the Hanley Wood’s Remodeling Cost versus Value report, which is released every year. Rather than reading the article, you can easily go online, find and read the report yourself.

Just like anything else, a kitchen remodel Myrtle Beach will cost you more than you initially thought. Meanwhile, the sky is the limit when it comes to how much you will spend. There are several factors that need to be taken into account when it comes to establishing a budget for your project.

Factors Affecting A Kitchen Remodel Budget

Home value – take into account not just the value of your home but also those within your neighbourhood, which recently had kitchen updates. You will find websites where you can just key in your address and you’ll be given an interactive map with the values as well as other pertinent details of the houses within your area. Pay close attention to homes that are similar to yours, bought recently, or have much higher values, and if possible check out what how their homes look from the inside. Once you get an idea of how their kitchen looks like, you can then imagine how you want yours to look like and tell your general contractor from Keystone General Contracting.

Wow factor – this plays a huge role in your motivations and goals. Jot down every factor that motivates you to do this home remodel. Perhaps your kitchen is already falling apart or it needs to be updated. Maybe you’d like to change its layout or you want to have a bigger kitchen so it can be a place where you, your loved ones, friends and guests can gather. Regardless of your reason, you want to have a kitchen that will wow everyone. Once you have your list, determine which motivations are the most important ones for you and create another one where these motivations are listed in order.

Longevity – you should ask yourself how long you plan to stay in your home.

Size – assess how big your kitchen is and what part in your home does it account for. If your kitchen is more than or less than 7% of your home’s total square footage, then you may have to adjust your budget accordingly.

Layout – an ornamental column can hide a sound wrapped drain pipe.

Funding – evaluate how much you can afford. In case you are financing your kitchen remodel project then you should find out who much a lender will provide you. Make sure that you can afford the loan and make repayments without ending up facing financial problems.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you are looking for the help of an expert general contractor who can bring your dream kitchen to life.

Keystone General Contracting
Myrtle Beach, SC
(843) 465-0685
https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT BATHROOM REMODEL

A bathroom remodel is a daunting project. Things are made more complicated when it comes to creating a bath space that is both serene, hyper-functional, practical, and a bit luxurious. You need to make a lot of decisions from the grout to the mirror, not to mention, the budgeting as well. Here are a few things you need to know about this type of project.

Don’t Assume Your General Contractor Is On The Same Page

If you are working with a general contractor, you need to let them know about every detail regarding your plan. You should never assume that they are all up to speed. Think of a bathroom remodel like a surgical procedure. Everything needs to be tripled checked, including every bit of detail regarding your project.

Bathroom Remodels Cost More Than You Think

A bathroom remodel Myrtle Beach doesn’t cost a few thousand dollars. The average cost for this kind of project was pegged at $11,364 back in 2016. Imagine how much it costs now? A low grade bathroom renovation with minor swaps and using less expensive materials may cost $5,000. But a top of the line renovation will cost you as much as $23,000.

You Should Reconsider Your Decision To Add A Bathtub

You may be considering adding a freestanding bath. But, you need to rethink this decision because it may not be practical to have one in the long run.

You Need Extensive Planning If You Want To Install Flattering Lights

It’s not easy to install lights especially in the bathroom. It needs careful thought and placement. It is best to talk to your general contractor about this and an electrician to make sure that you get this right the first time around.

Install Accessible Outlets

You don’t want to complete your bathroom remodel Myrtle Beach only to realize that you forgot to install accessible outlets. So be sure to include this in your planning. Your outlets must be installed in spots where it’s practical, safe, and accessible.

You Only Need To Remember A Few Types Of Tile

You only need to remember a few types of tiles when you are looking for one that will look best in your new bathroom. Subway tile, cement, natural stone, glass, and porcelain are tiles that are ideal for bathroom walls, floors, and shower stalls.

Your Grout Can Make Or Break Your New Bathroom

You may not be paying that much attention to the grout when remodeling your bathroom but it can significantly impact the final look of your new bathroom. You need to answer a few questions. Do you want the ground to be noticeable or do you want it to blend into the bathroom tile? Will it be added onto a fairly dry place or area that is always wet?

Use A Compact Toilet If You Have A Small Bathroom

Toilets come in different designs and sizes. If you have a small bathroom, then you should go with a petite toilet or a contemporary floor standing toilet.

Call Keystone General Contracting for expert assistance if you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom.

Keystone General Contracting
Myrtle Beach, SC
(843) 465-0685
https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

ROOM ADDITIONS FOR AGING PARENTS

Aging parents require a place to live and this usually means inviting them into your own home. If you have to begin making a room for your dad or mom, it’s crucial to start consider room additions just because it takes into account what your aging parent would need without having to disrupt your own life.

In-Law Suite

A granny flat or an in-law suite is an area that can be accessed through a door from the main house. It is often made by repurposing a basement, garage, or by making a totally new addition. This type of space would include everything that your parents would need like a bathroom, bedroom, and a small kitchen. In case your aging parent is self-sufficient and you need to have your own private space without having your aging parent in the way, then this room addition Myrtle Beach is the best option for you.

Update An Existing Room

It is also possible that you would like to renovate a room that you already have at home with the help of an expert like Keystone General Contracting. In case your aging parent needs more care, they would not be able to do that much for themselves. This could mean taking the time to make some upgrades to the bathroom so that it would be more user friendly for a person with mobility issues. Aside from that, you may want to convert the room so that it would make sense for the type of furniture that you will be moving in either from their existing home or from what facility or hospice recommend that you have.

An Extra Room

Another great home addition is to create an extra room. This could be downstairs if possible so you do not have to deal with mobility problems. Even though mobility may not be a problem now, it could be an issue later on. The home addition will make sure that children do not need to share a room with their grandma once she moves in. This would help avoid any kind of resentment that’s created within the family.

All times of home remodels and home additions could be make so you can make an extra room for your aging parents. You just have to check out the space that’s needed and then determine the required budget for the project. This would make it a lot easier to accommodate your aging mom or dad moving into your house.

If you are ready to talk about a home additions, call Keystone General Contracting now.

Keystone General Contracting
Myrtle Beach, SC
(843) 465-0685
https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

HOW TO CONVERT YOUR HOUSE INTO A FRIENDLY HOME FOR SENIORS

There are several changes to take into account if you are updating a home into a house that’s friendly for seniors. Form bathroom fixtures to new kitchen upgrades that are senior friendly, you need to do it right. Here are some novel ideas to help you prepare for this home remodel.

In an ideal world, a senior will live in a single story house without any rise entry or maybe in a mansion that has a functioning elevator. Many of us do not live in that perfect world.

Home Remodel Tips To Make Your Home Safe and Convenient

The pathway into several houses has uneven surfaces and cracked sidewalks, which create danger zones. Reconstruct and repave the level, smooth surfaces for better and easier movability.

You should consider adding a non slip flooring in the entryway inside your home. You must also add a non slip strip or maybe scuff the surface to encourage improved footing. Fix cracked or uneven areas on the pathway towards the house. If you could, make a no-rise entry using ramps. If you need to have stairs, you should install rails on both sides of the stairs. They must be a minimum of 1.5 inch in diameter to cater to aging grips. Improve the stair visibility by making use of contract strips at the bottom or top of the stairs. There should also be color contrasts between the rises and treads on stairs.

Convert Entryways Into Safe Zones For The Elderly.

Multitasking is never a good thing when it comes to home improvement. Make an area for your packages and bundles for both inside and outside your house. Be sure to use the surface when coming and then going so your hands are kept free as well as your balance high. There should also be at least a single covered entryway into the house. You want at least one place that’s totally protected from the elements.

Kitchen Remodel

Seniors deserve a kitchen that is functional. The kitchen remodel must prevent crouching and bending, and boost accessibility. If you could boost the aesthetics as well then that’s a plus.

Always remember that manual dexterity decreases as you grow older. So be sure that during a home remodel Myrtle Beach, the kitchen appliances work for the senior who will be living in the house and not the other way around. Install kitchen appliances with controls that are simple to use and easy to read controls and interface. Go for a wall or side swing oven for easier access to the oven and to make sure that seniors do not need to lift heavy objects over the hot door. Another wonderful addition are microwave drawers for easier access.

It is also ideal to install an open shelving design for better and easier access to items that are commonly used. You should consider converting to glass cabinet doors for your kitchen remodel Myrtle Beach so your loved one could to find what they need easily. Insulate all hot water pipes that are exposed and install faucets that are pedal controlled for easier use.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you need expert help in remodeling your home.

Keystone General Contracting
Myrtle Beach, SC
(843) 465-0685
https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

10 STEPS OF A KITCHEN REMODEL

A kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to increase the value of your home. However, do you really know the processes involved and what your expectations should be with this kind of project?

If you plan to go the DIY route, then knowing the steps involved will be helpful along the way. But if you don’t think you can’t handle this kind of renovation, then better call a kitchen remodel expert like Keystone General Contracting.

Steps Involved In A Kitchen Renovation

Tear Out And Demolish

Tear out and demolition is the first step in a kitchen remodel. Before you can make a beautiful space in your kitchen, you need to demolish and eliminate anything that’s worn out or outdated. This is the phase when you can take out anything that you no longer want to keep like flooring, fixtures, cabinetry, wall, or more.

Rough In Work

The second step is to complete the rough in work including plumbing and framing. You can consider this step as having to do with the walls and everything that is inside them. This could be as simple as moving the framing in the walls that are around the new center island.

Professional Inspection

Once the rough in work is completed, you should now call for a professional inspection. In many cases, you just have to call the country or city and schedule an appointment. For some places, you may have to pay a small fee.

Finishing The Walls

When the remodel passes the inspection then you need to complete the walls. Hang, then tape, and then finish the drywall based on your project plan. This may include all drywall needed for a countertop bar or other parts of the kitchen. In case you are not skilled in this aspect then you should consider hiring a general contractor to finish it for you.

Door and Window Installation

Installing the windows and doors is the next step after the drywall. In case you want the same structure in your old kitchen then you don’t have to do anything. Just spend some time to clean your old ones and seal any cracks that you may find around the windows with caulking.

But if you are adding new windows and doors, don’t forget to insulate them correctly. Most of the energy cost of a home every year comes from lost cold and hot air.

Plumbing Fixtures and Cabinets

The installation of cabinets and plumbing fixtures is the next step. This is also the best time to set up new countertops. In most instances, it’s considered to be the most enjoyable part of the kitchen remodel Myrtle Beach process because you will start to see your finished project take shape.

New Appliances

Once you have installed the plumbing fixtures and the cabinets, it is time to bring in your new appliances. These may include the stove, refrigerator, microwave, and many more. In case you are adding some luxury items like a water filtration system or a wine chiller, then this is the best time to do it.

New Floor Installation

At this point, you need to install your new floors. This is somewhat a contested step among several home improvement experts. There are a few who want to take care of the wood or tile installation before the cabinetry. Others want to save it for last. And there are those who choose to make this decision on a project to project basis.

New Kitchen

Now it’s time for you to celebrate! Your kitchen remodel is complete. All you need to do at this point is to sit back, relax, and be happy with your new kitchen.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you need professional help with your kitchen remodel project.

Keystone General Contracting
Myrtle Beach, SC
(843) 465-0685
https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

BATHROOM REMODEL IDEAS YOU NEED TO KNOW

A bathroom remodel will add value to your home. Aside from that, it will update its style and make it better suited to your ever changing needs. Renovations are the perfect time to give new improvements that would serve you as well as your family for several years to come. In case you are spending cash for a bathroom remodel this year, think about making at least one of these many alternations to enhance the storage, functionality, as well as comfort of your bathroom.

Low Flow, Concealed Tank Toilet

Toilets that come with hidden tanks, wherein the water storage vessel is installed inside that wall, have many advantages. They’re worth taking into account in case you are planning a bathroom remodel Myrtle Beach, especially with a small sized bathroom, where the new design could help save space.

Small and Textured Tile Shower Floor

You will have lots of tile, wall, and flooring choices to make when you are remodeling your bathroom. The most essential component for safety would be the floor tiling of the shower. Select a modest, textured shower tile. The extra grouting and texture would keep your feet from slipping when the floor becomes wet and soapy. Most contemporary bathroom tiles are simple to clean and they could use grouts that could withstand stains, humidity, and mold.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles provide you several décor and style possibilities. Mix and math different colors and patterns for improved visual impact. You can also create a harmonious look by doing something that is much more understated.

Small Plumbing Drain Pipes

This is a minor home improvement that could make a huge difference in the bathroom’s functionality. Common plumbing drain in the bathroom is 1 ½ or in some cases 1 ¼ inch- diameter pipe, generally PVC plastic. This kind of drain pipe could easily clog, especially when you have many family members utilizing the same bath or shower. The installation of diameter drains that are two inches in size will cost the same, and would significantly enhance the drainage quality of your bathroom.

Install A Tub Only If You Need It

A lot of homeowners add a tub in their bathroom because they just want to but not because they should. However, a bath tub is not a necessity, especially when you’re not taking baths. Although there are still real estate experts who argue that a bathroom that has a tub provides greater appeal to possible buyers than a bathroom that just comes with a shower, this is less true for the buyers today than it is once was.

Add A Window In The Shower

Humidity is one of the biggest enemies of a clean bathroom. Humidity that becomes trapped in the space due to insufficient or bad ventilation leads to this problem. Even though a great bathroom fan would make a huge difference, the very best ventilation is always the natural one. If you add a window in the shower, it will help keep your bathroom clean, without any sign of mold or mildew.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you need the help of experts when you remodel your bathroom.

Keystone General Contracting
Myrtle Beach, SC
(843) 465-0685
https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com

SPRING KITCHEN REMODEL IDEAS

Spring is an excellent time to start anew, particularly when you’re thinking of having a kitchen remodel. The renovation trends during this season will bring brand new life to your outdated kitchen, make sure that it is a room that you and your family will love to spend time in. Are you feeling stuck? Here are some kitchen remodel ideas to help you get started.

Bright Colors

Repaint your kitchen with a bright color of yellow. This shade will brighten up your kitchen, which makes it reminiscent of a sunny and gorgeous day. The color while complements it well but if you would like to add a bit of extra shade, then you can use other colors for the minor accents. In case you don’t like the color yellow, you can add other spring shades like green, coral, pink, aqua, light blue, and blue greens.

Timeless Aesthetics

In case you don’t like bright colors, white is a timeless shade that will look great in all seasons. The shade is bright enough in a way that it will make your kitchen look welcoming and open but still provide a timeless and elegant feel.

If you would like a more contemporary kitchen, you should combine a glass backsplash and stainless steel appliances with the color white. You can also add some shades of color around the area. White will also blend well in any kind of setting and meshes with the wood tones, so do not be scared to include a wood floor into the blend in your new kitchen.

Spacious and Stylish Kitchen Cabinets

If you are installing kitchen cabinets or if you are updating the old ones you have, then you should make sure that they are practical and stylish. Cabinets are important parts of a kitchen and it is essential to pick out cabinets that will improve the décor of the room while offering enough space.

Kitchen Cabinets Vs. Open Shelving

If you don’t like cabinets or if your kitchen does not have any, open shelving could be a wonderful option. It offers great storage space. It also creates a more modern and relaxed kitchen. Open shelves permits easy access to the things you require. Everything is in plain sight. You will find it easier to organize cups, plates, as well as other kitchenware. It is also a good way of displaying your favorite dishware.

Modern Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen’s style is defined by its countertops. It has its own personality and it could be a moving force for a brand new design for your spring kitchen.

Enhanced Kitchen Design Through Distinct Accents

Add unique accents if you are planning a kitchen remodel Myrtle Beach. Small or large kitchens look bright, improved, and creative if you add your very own special touch. Minor details will add individuality and excitement to your kitchen. Fresh fruit and spring flowers with vibrant colors, along with bold patterns, doorframes, colourful knobs, as well as customized shelving are wonderful ideas to add to your home renovation.

Call Keystone General Contracting if you need professional help in remodeling your kitchen this spring.

Keystone General Contracting
Myrtle Beach, SC
(843) 465-0685
https://www.keystonegeneralcontracting.com