FAQ's

1) Should I replace or reface my kitchen cabinets?  The answer to this one is a fairly simple one but the financial impact can be huge.  The difference between replacing vs. refacing can be thousands of dollars.  Do you like the overall layout of your kitchen?  Are your current cabinets in good condition (not falling apart, rusting, etc) and built well?  If you answered yes to these questions, I would tend to lean towards refacing.  Again, in the end it comes down to personal preference, but if all you are looking for is a kitchen remodel with a new and fresh look, refacing will more than likely save you thousands of dollars. 

2) How can I save on my energy bill?  There are some fairly low budget things you can do to help save on your home heating and air conditioning costs. Installing ceiling fans is a great way to save on A/C in the summer!  Make sure to buy a unit that has both summer and winter settings, this will allow you to use the fan in the winter as well to push heat down from the ceiling.

Buy and use a programmable thermostat: This may seem like a no brainer, but a lot of older homes I have found, people are still using the old turn dial style.  A programmable thermostat will allow you to have your heat and A/C automatically adjust for the hours when you are away at work or sleeping at night. 

Replace old appliances with new energy efficient models.  Sure there is the expense up front, but with time the unit will pay for itself in energy savings if used the right way.

Are your windows outdated?  Consider replacing them.  Sure, windows are no cheap item, but in the long run replacing them will save you a considerable amount on your energy bills.

3) I am looking to have my bathroom remodeled.  What are some of the latest trends when it comes to the bathroom?  When it comes to bathrooms, luxury and an overall "calming" feeling seems to be what is in.  When considering your tub or shower remodel, stone, marble, and mosaics are definitely what is in.  For a tub unit, freestanding tubs are in high demand.  The problem with freestanding tubs, however, is not everyone has the room for it.  In cases like that, we can take a look at adding some type of modern design and feel to a standard tub.

4) Help!  We want to build our dream home, but are having issues getting our current home sold.  What are some low cost things we can do to make our current home more appealing to buyers?  What does the outside landscape look like?  A lot of potential buys will do drive-bys of your home before even requesting a look inside.  What does your house look like on the outside?  Is it well maintained?  Spending a little extra on the outside of your home can make people want to really take a peak at what is on the inside.

Have pets?  Many of us do... but many people also have allergies.  Consider trying to get rid of any and all evidence that Muffin and Fido have been running around the house for the last 10 years.  See if a family member is willing to take them for a while so you can get rid of as much pet dander as possible.

Smell: A recent study showed that people prefer the smell of orange over fresh baked cookies while at an open house.  http://homes.yahoo.com/news/smells-that-sell-a-house----and-those-that-don-t-195956564.html

5)  Can I save money by cutting a few corners when it comes to remodeling my home?  Well, the simple answer is yes, but do you really want to go that route?  I would recommend that rather than taking the cheap route on a few things, maybe wait a little longer to do them until you have the funds.  As a builder, I would hate to see you disappointed in the finished product and then a year or two down the road regret your decision.  Put your money into quality products that you can afford at that time.  There is nothing wrong with waiting to complete a few things.

6)  What can I do to help with the remodeling process?  What really helps me is getting the exact feel for what you are looking to accomplish.  There are very few people I meet with that just tell me I have a blank canvas, and to create what I think is best.  If I were you, start looking in books and magazines and take out or mark the pages of things you really like as well as the things you absolutely don't want.  This will help me to get a better feel what for you want and what your tastes are.  Start making a list of your likes and dislikes, and then prioritize them.

7) Typically, how long does a roof last? Standard is about 20 years, give or take depending on weather.  If you think your roof is coming towards the end of its life cycle, just have us come out and take a look at it. Better to be safe than sorry!