Premier Remodeling and Design: A Home In Progress

Hey everyone! Today we have a video for you, a little inside sneak peek at a home we’re working on in Red Bank, NJ. We are currently working on an old 60s apartment building that was converted into condos in the early 2000s. This condo has an absolutely amazing location; nestled on the banks of the Navesink River. However, life was passing the owners by. Unable to fully take in their surroundings, they wanted a new view.  So Premier was brought in to open up the walls and breathe life into the condo, giving the home owners a window to the world outside. Enjoy the video!

Kitchen Work Triangle: The 70-Year-Old Design You Use & Don’t Even Know About

Photo by Ben Herzog. See more traditional kitchen designs

When remodeling a kitchen, one of the most important functional aspects that needs to be incorporated is the “Kitchen Work Triangle” idea. Most likely, the kitchen you have now utilizes the principles of the Kitchen Work Triangle without you even being aware of it. The idea behind the layout is THAT good.

SO WHAT IS THE KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE?

Okay so now you’re intrigued and demanding to know what the Kitchen Work Triangle is. Is it some kind of abnormal depression over the seas of your kitchen? The sister to the infamous Bermuda Triangle? Is it some kind of wrestling submission move you should put your pots and pans into?

No, it is simply a design principle that brings together the three most-used work stations in the kitchen, the sink, the refrigerator, and the range.  The Kitchen Work Triangle idea was developed in the 1940s as a way to save time and energy during an era when kitchens were smaller and appliances were larger.  As a general rule when designing with the Kitchen Work Triangle in mind, the space between either the sink, the refrigerator, and the range should be no less than 4 feet and no greater than 9 feet.  These distance parameters really hit that “sweet spot” – allowing for your kitchen to not feel cramped, without it being too distant.

(Via Houzz)

Pulling Back The Curtains On Window Trends

Photo by Ken Levenson Architect P.C.. See more traditional kitchen designs

Windows are one of the most important aspects of a home.  A house that can boast about great windows (with an even better view) will always do better on the market.  Windows not only connect the inhabitants with the outside world, it is a great source of natural light and creates an attractive exterior.  Window remodeling has always been popular with homeowners because it can create such a dynamic change in the feel and the look of a home. Homeowners are now asking for more and more from the manufacturers of windows and we will cover some of these newly emerging trends.

Going Green and Being Energy Efficient

There are many aspects of the word “sustainability” but none more important than energy efficiency.  Not only is going “green” a cultural trend we’re seeing it also saves you some serious money.  New windows are far and away vastly superior in energy-performance compared to their old single pane relatives.  For many manufactureers of windows, Energy Star’s regulations are key and as such they keep a watchful eye and an ear to the ground regarding any new rumors about what the new energy regulations will include.

Long Lasting Glass

Another important trends when it comes to glass (the other aspect of that “sustainability” word) is durability.  Now more than ever homeowners are looking for products that will stand the test of time.  They want the best value for their money and that commonly translates into a higher quality and longer lasting item.  People are moving less and staying in the homes they own longer so it is not only in the interest in the value of the house but also in the interest of those living there that they have windows that will last.  Manufacturers have noticed this and are veering away from types of glass and windows that require a high level of maintenance and upkeep.  The less the homeowner needs to think about their windows, the better.

If you’re thinking about opening your home up and letting some light in with updated windows or putting in one new window altogether, Premier works with some of the best manufacturers around and we’d love to give you a free estimate, just shoot us an email or give us a call!

 

(Source)

New Kitchen Trends for 2012

House Logic was on hand for the Kitchen of the Year event presented by House Beautiful.  The prestigous event showcased a number of new kitchen trends that will no doubt begin making their way into kitchens everywhere.

First up was Whirlpool’s new “White Ice” appliance collection.  It seems that the reign of stainless steel has begun to end.  Other appliance companies will likely follow Whirlpool and White Ice may become the “new stainless steel” for the next decade or so.  White has the benefit of being inherently easier than stainless steel to clean and white always stays in style.  Time will tell if White Ice will stick around but it will be definitely interesting to see.  Below is an example of a kitchen decked out in White Ice.  What do you guys think?

Building off of White Ice and a trend that we may see paired with the White Ice changeover are more stylized handles and knobs for cabinets and appliances.  KraftMaid was on full display with these nickel and glass nobs. (Photo via House Logic)

Also on display were CoreGuard Sink Bases.  These handy polymer mats protect your cabinet from water damage via spills and leaks.  They’re super easy to clean up and keep looking fresh which is always a plus.  They’re a simple fix that adds years onto your newly remodeled cabinets. (Photo via House Logic)

Another great feature present at the Kitchen of the Year event were the Whisper Touch Systems present on the drawers and cabinets.  It’s amazing the tactile pleasure one gets from closing a drawer in total silence.  It’s a small addition that makes a HUGE difference in terms of a rooms feel. (photo via House Logic)

Last up was something we’ve been pinning over on our Pinterest boards, secret storage! Clever storage space is a great way to make the most of your kitchen.  It cuts back on counter clutter and will always impress guests. Plus who doesn’t want a bit of James Bond in their kitchen?

So there’s a lot to take in here. What’s a new kitchen trend you’re eager to incorporate into your kitchen? Anything you’re not buying? Let us know in the comments below and as always should you fall in love with a new trend and want to update your kitchen give us a call!

New Remodeling Trends: Drop Zones, Lifestyle Centers, and Open Family Rooms

An interesting article out of MSN last week took a look at some new trends in the world of remodeling.  One of the most intrugiung was the trend of drop zones.  Drop zones are basically debriefing rooms for your life.  They’re an area where you can sit down, take off your shoes, hang up your coat, hang up your backpack and sort your mail.

 

One trend that is on it’s way out is the two-story foyer.  We can say hasta la vista to the Sopranos look of a grand 2-story foyer with wide open spaces, vaulted ceiling and a staircase or two.  These entrances not only take up a lot of space, they are difficult to heat and thus cost more money, and people are beginning to look at their houses as things they might shack up in for awhile.  In short, stairs are a no-no as one approaches their twilight years.

Another trend that has been seeing more implementation as of late is the lifestyle room.  The lifestyle room is beginning to overthrow “Dad’s office” – typically a closed off room that housed usually one spouses work-away-from-work.  The lifestyle room is a more open and relaxed room where parents and homeowners can work on their projects and paper work.  The lifestyle room is also typically close to the kitchen so one can keep an eye on the children and/or cooking.

It’s interesting to see home design and remodeling turn to efficiency and family – with the infusion of the internet, homeowners are more savvy then ever before.  Gone are the McMansion days, homeowners have done their research and they want more bang for their buck, the most utility they can squeeze out of each space, with an eye for what will be best in the future.  If you’re looking for remodeling advice or want to implement anything you’ve seen covered – feel free to give Premier a ring: 1.855.251.3100

New Kitchen Trend: Warming Drawer

Photo by Steven Miller Design Studio, Inc.. See more modern kitchen designs

The kitchen warming drawer is a trend that seems to be popping up in kitchen renovations across the country. The good people at Houzz have done a great job showcasing this rebirth of sorts. What’s even better is that the kitchen warming drawer can now be streamlined into your kitchen’s blueprints. You’ll be surprised the places you can sneak a kitchen warming drawer into, so let’s take a look at some examples!

Photo by Dzignit, Patrice Greene. See more traditional kitchen designs

The kitchen warming drawer here was neatly added to a kitchen island, adding even more functionality to the kitchen and allowing the cooking area to be free while things like appetizers stay hot.

Photo by The Furniture Guild. See more traditional kitchen designs

This kitchen went with a more covert approach and fit their kitchen warming drawer into a regular cabinet drawer!  This shot shows that you can compartmentalize your kitchen warming drawer to accommodate a wide range of different foods.

Photo by User. See more contemporary kitchen designs

Done with baking some treats or making dinner but not everyone is back home yet? Just pop your dishes straight from the oven underneath to the kitchen warming drawer and you’re all set.
If these examples have got your curiosity going and you’d like to get a kitchen warming drawer of your own (or go for a more full-on kitchen rennovation) drop us an e-mail at shannon@premierremodels.com!

Increase Your Home’s Value

The most valuable asset that most people will ever own is their home. Over time, homes generally appreciate even when only essential maintenance is done. By investing just a little time and money to update and replace worn out fixtures and furnishings you can greatly increase your home’s value, often recovering more than the initial home improvement investment cost when you decide to sell your home.

Take A Look At Your Kitchen

If you can only do one project, update your kitchen. It’s corny but true that the kitchen is the heart of a home, drawing people in with its warmth and aromas. If you still have those 1970’s cabinets, consider replacing or re-facing them with one of the wide variety of cabinet styles available today. If your cabinets are in decent shape, consider painting them a bright white and replacing the hardware to make them look new again. Replacing your old counter tops with new granite countertops, a solid surface material or even Formica is a relatively simple project that can make a major difference. If your kitchen has room you might consider increasing your countertop space with an island. If your kitchen lacks room, perhaps you could remove a wall and open it up to an adjoining room. Now these may not be projects that just anyone would want to tackle on their own, but hiring an experience handyman would still be a very cost effective way to make improvements. A handyman’s expert advice and craftsmanship can save you time and money in the long run.

Bathrooms and Additions

A close second to a kitchen remodel are bathroom updates or additions. Your house will not appeal to many buyers with only a single bathroom and people particularly value a master bath. Look critically at your bathrooms. Is there old wallpaper that needs to come down or do they need painting? A new modern vanity and sink are inexpensive, again can make a big impact and can be installed by a handyman service in just a few hours. Perhaps your tub and toilet need to be replaced because they are old or don’t match. Updated ceramic tiles and hard flooring are attractive to new buyers who don’t want to go through the process of updating the bathrooms themselves.

Modernize Your Space

Another valuable change you can make is to take down walls to enlarge small spaces and create a more modern and open floor plan, particularly if the area connects to the kitchen. Ceilings can be vaulted to give the appearance of more space and sometimes make rooms seem brighter. You may choose to add on a room or bump out a wall and the increased square footage will always add value to your home.

Out With The Old, In With The New

We suggest that you inventory your house and update items that are worn out or clearly from another era such as gold or turquoise carpeting, hardware such as door handles, lighting fixtures and old heavy draperies. Painting rooms and removing clutter can also help increase your home’s value should you wish to sell or just need to get it appraised. You can also replace old flooring with wood, laminate or tile and add new windows which will appeal to buyers and can increase the energy efficiency of your home. Replacing your windows is also a project that can be done a few windows at a time as the budget allows.

All of these home improvements will add value to your home, not just when you sell but value in as far as quality of life as well. Premier offers free consultations on preparing your home for sale and evaluating which project would fare a better return on your investment. Please contact us at anytime Shannon@premierremodels.com

Deck/Patio Repair and Maintenance Tips

For many American homeowners, the early weeks of summer are an invitation to take the party out to the backyard patio or deck. Before you haul out the grill and light the tiki torches, however, take some time to do a little preventive repair and maintenance.

DECK/PATIO REPAIR

• First – complete a thorough inspection of the entire structure to ensure that it is safe and secure. Check for loose nails and screws, and either replace them or re-tighten them. Tighten any railings that have become loose during the winter.

• Second – look beneath the deck to confirm that beams and support poles remain in good working order. If you find structural components that are loose, rotten or out of position, for your own safety, quit using the deck and call a pro in to fix the problem.

As an additional safety precaution, replace broken or rotten deck boards before they break through completely. Boards that have become bowed or warped will also need to be replaced because they hold water and make the deck surface uneven, and create another potential safety hazard. If you’re replacing those boards with pressure-treated lumber, maximize the life of your deck by using stainless steel or high-grade galvanized fasteners designed to combat the corrosive effects of modern lumber treatment chemicals.

DECK/PATIO MAINTENANCE

Once everything is secure, clean the deck boards with a biodegradable deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew and algae. These environmentally friendly solvents are now commonly available and actually perform better than previously popular outdoor wood cleaners such as bleach. Even if your deck is made from a composite material, most manufacturers still recommend a thorough annual cleaning. During the cleaning process, also take a little time to sand down any spots that have become rough or splintered.

If the deck appears to need a lot of repair, please consider having the deck surface and railing replaced with new maintenance free composite material. Normally the structure and framing of the deck is in good shape which will allow for a simple re-facing of the deck surface. This will not only enhance the living space but resale value is a premium.

For more information and any questions feel free to take a picture of your deck and send it to Shannon@premierremodels.com and we will be happy to return some added suggestions for repair and replacement options.

Increase Your Home’s Value

As we head into the “Prime Real Estate Season” it is important to consider the simple things that can help not only sell your home, but assist in increasing the value of your house.

The most valuable asset that most people will ever own is their home. Over time, homes generally appreciate even when only essential maintenance is done. By investing just a little time and money to update and replace worn out fixtures and furnishings you can greatly increase your home’s value, often recovering more than the initial home improvement investment cost when you decide to sell your home.

If you can only do one project, update your kitchen. It’s corny but true that the kitchen is the heart of a home, drawing people in with its warmth and aromas. If you still have those 1970’s cabinets, consider replacing or re-facing them with one of the wide variety of cabinet styles available today. If your cabinets are in decent shape, consider painting them a bright white and replacing the hardware to make them look new again. Replacing your old counter tops with new granite countertops, a solid surface material or even Formica is a relatively simple project that can make a major difference. If your kitchen has room you might consider increasing your countertop space with an island. If your kitchen lacks room, perhaps you could remove a wall and open it up to an adjoining room. Now these may not be projects that just anyone would want to tackle on their own, but hiring an experience handyman would still be a very cost effective way to make improvements. A handyman’s expert advice and craftsmanship can save you time and money in the long run.

A close second to a kitchen remodel are bathroom updates or additions. Your house will not appeal to many buyers with only a single bathroom and people particularly value a master bath. Look critically at your bathrooms. Is there old wallpaper that needs to come down or do they need painting? A new modern vanity and sink are inexpensive, again can make a big impact and can be installed by a handyman service in just a few hours. Perhaps your tub and toilet need to be replaced because they are old or don’t match. Updated ceramic tiles and hard flooring are attractive to new buyers who don’t want to go through the process of updating the bathrooms themselves.

Another valuable change you can make is to take down walls to enlarge small spaces and create a more modern and open floor plan, particularly if the area connects to the kitchen. Ceilings can be vaulted to give the appearance of more space and sometimes make rooms seem brighter. You may choose to add on a room or bump out a wall and the increased square footage will always add value to your home.

We suggest that you inventory your house and update items that are worn out or clearly from another era such as gold or turquoise carpeting, hardware such as door handles, lighting fixtures and old heavy draperies. Painting rooms and removing clutter can also help increase your home’s value should you wish to sell or just need to get it appraised. You can also replace old flooring with wood, laminate or tile and add new windows which will appeal to buyers and can increase the energy efficiency of your home. Replacing your windows is also a project that can be done a few windows at a time as the budget allows.

All of these home improvements will add value to your home, not just when you sell but value in as far as quality of life as well. Premier offers free consultations on preparing your home for sale and evaluating which project would fare a better return on your investment. Please contact us at anytime Shannon@premierremodels.com