leohillmedia

With words like “modern” and “contemporary floating around the world of remodeling, many homeowners are wondering how to update their spaces to meet these trendy ideals. While a newly updated mid-century modern living room may be on your Pinterest board, it can be an unrealistic endeavor if you live in a traditional home with all of the accompanying details. For example, walking into a sleek contemporary kitchen when the rest of the house is full of traditional arched entryways and crown molding can be a jarring experience for both you and your guests. So how can you incorporate more modern details into your remodeling project while maintaining the integrity of your traditional home? Check out the below pointers to give you some inspiration on how to make this possible.

Decide What You Love and What You Hate

The majority of the time, the easiest place to start is to create a list of what you love and hate about your home. Which parts of your space inspire you and make you feel happy and relaxed? Perhaps there are rooms and details that bring back memories and make you feel euphorically nostalgic. Home in on these aspects of your space and keep them in mind when deciding on a new design. On the flip side of this, take note of what parts of your home create negative feelings or spark no emotion. What isn’t functioning properly or causing inconvenience? Resolve to eliminate what stands out to you or design around it.

Do Not Try to Keep Up with the Joneses

It can be easy to get sidetracked by transformed spaces that you see on HGTV, in magazines, or in other people’s houses. You may be hoping that you can replicate that dreamy minimalistic kitchen into your now traditional home. However, it is important to focus on what your space looks like now and how you can improve it in a way that realistically makes sense…for you. It is also a good idea to consider other factors such as where you live and what other comparable homes in the neighborhood look like. Afterall, remodeling your home should be an investment that better prepares you for possible resale down the road.

Embrace Transitional Design

Transitional design marries both modern and traditional aesthetic so that you can truly have the best of both worlds. This style embraces elements such as stone and marble, clean lines, sleek profiles, and feminine and masculine touches. It gives the modern feel of contemporary without completely wiping out traditional detail and is a happy medium. Overall, transitional is a design favorite for homeowners who need to update their space but do not wish to move.

If you are deciding to update your space but still want to honor the traditional aspects of your home, there are steps you can take to make this happen. By creating a list of what you love and hate, remaining focused on your home and goals, and embracing transitional design, you can create a space you love. Most importantly, you can also turn to a professional who will help and guide you through this process. At Nip Tuck Remodeling, we are experts at asking you questions about your space and pointing you in the right remodeling direction. Give us a call at 425-681-7668 and partner with us!

With words like “modern” and “contemporary floating around the world of remodeling, many homeowners are wondering how to update their spaces to meet these trendy ideals. While a newly updated mid-century modern living room may be on your Pinterest board, it can be an unrealistic endeavor if you live in a traditional home with all of the accompanying details.

Creating an open floor plan within the home has been a hot remodeling trend over recent years. After spending time in an open-concept space versus a crammed kitchen and living room, it is easy to see why! On trend with celebrating Nip Tuck Remodeling’s 10^th Anniversary, below are 10 reasons to love open floor plans.

1. Better flow and continuity throughout the home

Without doors to open and close and no walls to hinder traffic, people can move through the space unhindered and avoid overcrowding. An open floorplan also allows for a more visually appealing and sensical transition between different areas of the home.

2. Great entertaining space for family and friends

Entertaining has never been easier in a home with an open floor plan! You can now cook in the kitchen while simultaneously chatting with your guests in the living room. During mealtime, you can skip the inconvenience of running from room to room to bring out refreshments or dessert.

3. Open floor plans increase your home’s value

In almost every instance, an open floor plan is highly desirable and increases your home’s value to prospective buyers. People love envisioning the possibilities of an open-concept space. It is the home layout of the present and future.

4. Better natural light and larger feel

An open floor plan omits interior walls and allows natural light to more easily travel throughout the space. It can also allow you to feel more connected to nature and the outdoor areas of your home. You can add in several windows and enjoy the view while adding a sunlit glow to the entire room.

5. Makes the kitchen and living areas the “heart of the home”  

With an open floor plan, the kitchen tends to be the focal point of the home and is where everyone will gather. This allows the homeowner to take advantage of this focal point and customize the kitchen to ensure it maximizes its full potential. Homeowners can choose their favorite appliances and add finishes that show off the center of their home.

6. Easier to keep an eye on small children and pets

Parents cooking in the kitchen or setting the dining room table can easily supervise children in the living room to ensure they are always supervised and safe. In addition, better access to views of the outside spaces of your home can help you keep an eye on your children and pets as well.  

7. Spaces can be multi-functional

With open floor plans, this space can serve as a family room, recreation room, home office, or entertainment space depending on your needs at the moment. Open-concept homes do not waste space on hallways and unnecessary walls. That allows you to get the absolute maximum use out of your square footage and ensure that no part of your home goes to waste.

8. You can customize your space and tailor it to your needs and desires

The large, central room in an open-concept home is a blank slate in which the possibilities are endless. You can arrange the furniture and design the lighting to differentiate the spaces within the central area and give the impression of different rooms without actual walls.

9. More energy efficient

In a home with an open floor plan, the cost of energy use may noticeably drop. This type of floor plan is often easier to heat and cool, making open-concept homes more energy-efficient. When it is hot outside, a single area is typically easier to keep cool than several different rooms. Conversely, the natural sunlight from windows in the cooler months may allow you to keep your space warm without a furnace.

10. Modern Aesthetic

Open floor plans are often associated with a more contemporary and modern style. They feel spacious, livable, and provide a seamless connection between the different parts of your home. Because of this, many people love both the functionality and overall look of this layout.

Due to the above reasons, it is no mystery why many people love open-concept layouts in their home! At Nip Tuck Remodeling, we can help you consider whether an open floorplan is right for you and your space.

Creating an open floor plan within the home has been a hot remodeling trend over recent years. After spending time in an open-concept space versus a crammed kitchen and living room, it is easy to see why! On trend with celebrating Nip Tuck Remodeling’s 10^th Anniversary, below are 10 reasons to love open floor plans.

Many people love the idea of a new space and cannot wait to get started with the remodeling process! However, remodeling can also be stressful and a complete change in routine for yourself and your household. Depending on the space you are updating and your family’s needs, you will need to take a variety of factors into consideration in order to prepare for the project.

Decide Whether You Will Stay or Move-Out During the Remodel

Remodels are complex, noisy, and can feel chaotic to someone who has not spent much time around a home-in-progress. Much of the stress of remodeling comes from trying to adjust to a disrupted home. Cleaning dishes in the bathroom sink, showering at the gym daily, being confined to a few rooms, or forgetting where you put something in storage can all be disruptions that are immensely annoying. The stress can extend to your children and pets too, impacting sleep schedules and breaking routines.

If you choose to stay, keep in mind that you will have limited access to the part of your home that is being updated and will need to get creative. If the master bathroom is under construction, you can obviously use the other bathrooms in the home. When it comes to the kitchen or main floor, it can be trickier to find alternate solutions. One of the best options is to create a “temporary kitchen” in the basement or other part of the home. Consider including a microwave, mini-fridge, instant pot, and table and chairs to this space.

If moving out, many families stay in a second home, Airbnb, or with loved ones. Depending on the situation, moving out can be a more convenient and cheaper option when it comes to food, laundry, and overall sanity. Not physically being present during the remodel also allows you to check-in when you feel like it. Overall, decide what will be the most comforting option to you and your family during this process.

Prepare Your Children and Pets

Kids and animals are curious by nature.  They will need to be restricted from the construction zone for their own safety.  If you have a young child who naps during the day, it will be important for you to realize construction will be continued during nap time.  It may be in your best interest to make alternative plans if your child needs a quiet space to sleep or if you have multiple children who cannot be supervised continuously.

It is also important to have work zones restricted from pets during your home renovation project. Pets frighten easily due to loud noises.  If your pet is easily upset you may want to consider finding care for them outside of the home during your remodel.

If staying in the home, talk to your children about the remodel and prepare them for what the process will look like. You can train them on which pathways to take through the home to avoid the project-site and talk about who will be entering and leaving the home.

Prepare Yourself and Set Reasonable Expectations

Your home renovation project will be loud.  Your home will be dusty.  You will not always have plumbing or electricity (especially if doing a bathroom or kitchen remodel).  Your privacy will be interrupted.  Some days you will need to have a glass of wine and unload your stress.  Other times you may need to take a walk to the park or go to the movies and vacate the construction zone. It is okay to feel stress during your remodel. Keep a positive attitude, trust your project manager, and understand the remodeling process is temporary. Once the construction and discomfort are over, you will have a beautiful new home!  

Your Remodeling Partner Should Guide and Prepare You

Most importantly, the company and project manager you are working with should fully brief you on the different phases of the project and prepare you for what this time will look and feel like. You are not alone in this process and should always feel listened to and understood! Make sure to partner with a company like Nip Tuck Remodeling from the get-go to ensure your remodel runs smoothly.   

Many people love the idea of a new space and cannot wait to get started with the remodeling process! However, remodeling can also be stressful and a complete change in routine for yourself and your household. Depending on the space you are updating and your family’s needs, you will need to take a variety of factors into consideration in order to prepare for the project.

It happens to many of us at least once throughout our lifetime. You wake up one morning and realize that your home does not fit who you are anymore. Perhaps it feels outdated, stuffy, or too small or too large. Or maybe your lifestyle and long-term goals have changed and you need a space that reflects that. You have already tried redecorating and still feel trapped. Now you have to make the big decision of whether to remodel or move. Below are some factors to take into consideration.

 

Your Location and Long-Term Goals

When working full-time and raising a family, you will most likely choose a home that is located near your job or within a reputable school district. When you retire or your children leave home, you will now have several more options available to you. You will need to think ahead of where you want to be in the next five, ten, or more years. If you are ready for an entirely new adventure, it may be a good time to move closer to family or that dreamy beach town you have been Googling. If staying in your current location and decide to age in place, you will want to take the appropriate measures to update your home.

 

Cost and Convenience of Moving vs. Staying

Moving and remodeling can both be expensive endeavors and are investments in their own right. Depending on your home’s pre-existing layout and your budget, you may consider staying and recreating the home you have always wanted. The downside is you will need to factor in months of inconvenience and limited access to your space. If the thought of a remodel gives you a headache and hurts your wallet, it may be cheaper to buy a new home with your desired layout, appliances, and perfect-for-you aesthetic. However, moving is a stressful hassle and the additional expenses (along with your new home) can add up quickly. Either way, your home should be considered a mindful investment for the future.

 

How Connected Are You to Your Home?

For many people, their house holds sentimental value. It is where they started their life with their spouse, raised children, and celebrated life’s big events and holidays. Consider whether these emotional implications are worth staying in place and remodeling to keep this special home within the family. If you feel no emotional attachment whatsoever and hold no positive feelings towards your space, it might be time to move and find somewhere you actually enjoy living.

No matter whether you choose to remodel or move, honoring your home is the most important thing. Your home is a huge part of your life and affects your happiness and well-being. It should be fully reflective of who you are and what you want out of life.  

It happens to many of us at least once throughout our lifetime. You wake up one morning and realize that your home does not fit who you are anymore.

When the sun comes out and the flowers are blooming, it’s a lovely reminder that Spring is finally upon us! Along with this beautiful season comes the responsibility of spring cleaning. We understand not everyone loves to clean. And while the idea of cleaning your entire home can sound as much fun as paying your taxes, there are less stressful ways to take on this task. Below are some simple tips to help get you started.

Create a New Cleaning Routine

After a year of COVID, most of us value proper cleaning and sanitation practices more than ever before. Taking on spring cleaning is a wonderful time to do a deep clean and then adopt a lighter continuous routine that works best for you. Try using a weekly printed or electronic chore checklist, such as these from Better Homes & Gardens. Also, use this as a great opportunity to spend time with everyone in your household. Cleaning will go by much faster and be more fun when your kids and spouse are involved!  

Organize and Clean One Room at Time

Instead of focusing on your home as a whole, spend a reasonable amount of time on each room and then move on. This will allow you to systematically clear clutter and then do a deep clean without creating a mess throughout the house. When clearing out clutter, decide what is staying and what is getting donated. Try to follow your initial gut reaction on whether to keep or dispose of an item. If it makes you happy, keep it. If you know deep down that it will continue to collect dust, get rid of it! Now that you have gone through all of the rooms individually, it will be much easier to create a cleaning schedule for each space.

Do Not Go Overboard on Cleaning Supplies

If you are needing to purchase cleaning products, consider sticking to a few items and brands that you can really trust. Adding too many cleaning supplies to your inventory will only cause more clutter. The items you choose should cover the majority of the surfaces in your home. You can then collect other specialty cleaning supplies only as needed. Also, be aware of allergens in the air from dust and pet hair. A great item to have on hand for this issue is an air purifier such as this allergen remover from Honeywell.

Address the Outdoor Chores

As the weather continues to warm, be sure to start your outdoor chores and seasonal upkeep. Take care of cleaning the grill, prepping the patio, tending to your garden, and mowing your lawn. Finally, pull out your spring items and décor for a refreshed look.

Using these tips and other pointers from the Nip Tuck Remodeling website, your home will be ready for Spring in no time!

When the sun comes out and the flowers are blooming, it’s a lovely reminder that Spring is finally upon us! Along with this beautiful season comes the responsibility of spring cleaning. We understand not everyone loves to clean. And while the idea of cleaning your entire home can sound as much fun as paying your taxes, there are less stressful ways to take on this task. Below are some simple tips to help get you started.

Easter is this weekend and there is nothing better than coloring eggs with the family and enjoying some delicious spring treats! This year, take the holiday up a notch by creating a beautiful rustic wreath that you can hang at home for many more Easters to come.

Instead of purchasing expensive pre-made decorations, why not make your own? You can find the majority of what you will need at your local dollar or thrift store. You might even have a grapevine wreath already available from past holidays that you can repurpose for this project.

Depending on the overall look you are going for, you can add speckled eggs, various imitation greenery, faux berries, and more! Get creative and make this wreath unique to you. A bright and bold wreath is fun for the holiday but you can also create a more subtle masterpiece that can be hung throughout the season.

Putting the wreath together is super easy. Use thin wire to tie in greenery and flowers and a hot glue gun to press on eggs, berries, etc. Finish off the wreath with a cute ribbon and enjoy!

Easter is this weekend and there is nothing better than coloring eggs with the family and enjoying some delicious spring treats! This year, take the holiday up a notch by creating a beautiful rustic wreath that you can hang at home for many more Easters to come.

We have all been there. There is nothing worse than expecting a situation would turn out a certain way and having things go terribly wrong. Afterall, unanticipated events are a fact of life. However, working with the right contractor will ensure your home remodel does not fall into this category and that you enjoy the remodeling experience you deserve. Below are some ways to ensure you and your contractor are on the same page – from start to finish!

Initial Consultation and Engaging the Team

Setting agreed-upon expectations early on is the key to a successful remodeling experience. Most remodeling companies start the process with an informational phone call or in-person meeting. Throughout your initial contact, it is important that you feel a warmth and welcoming energy from them. Your meetings should be both informational and fun – they are learning more about your vision and dream for your home! A reputable company will build trust with you by showing historical data from previous projects and diving deeper into logistics, timeline, and what is feasible to invest. Most importantly, both parties should wholeheartedly decide that they would like to work together. If so, a design agreement is usually drafted and signed.

Feasibility, Aesthetics, and Refinement

Once the design process starts, the flow, function, and look of your home should be the main driving force along with budget. The right company will focus in on what matters most to you and create expectations based off of a realistic scope of work and preliminary cost estimate. Questions such as how long the remodel will take, how much money will need to be put in, and how the finished result will look should be answered. Once the floor plan is solidified, your designer will start creating drawings and work with you to pick out materials and finishes. The team will work with their trusted subcontractors to provide accurate bids upfront. The final plan needs to have your approval on all levels and you should have enjoyed your experience so far.

Construction Preparation and Execution

Once design is completed and the construction agreement is signed, you need to be thoroughly prepared for what the construction process will look like. A great project manager will be a constant presence throughout this phase and will have everything scheduled out in advance. You should freely be discussing topics like your preference on the frequency of job updates, construction safety in your home, and what the workday will look like. From confirming where all of the trades will park to keeping the jobsite clean, he will be planning out both the big and small details to provide you ease of mind. During construction, having aligned expectations on the project timeline will be especially important. On some days, you might literally be watching paint dry and should be constantly updated on all progress. The company you have partnered with should you make your comfort their number one priority!  

A Completed Project – and Home You Love!

Now that all of the construction has taken place, the best part of the process has arrived. Your project is complete! You should be thrilled with the end result and feel as though your expectations have been honored throughout this journey. Once again, a reputable company will do a thorough walk-through, fix any problems that arise, and provide you with a warranty for the next year so that you can rest easy. They will want you to love your home and finished space!

When remodeling your home, expectations are everything! Be sure to only work with a company like Nip Tuck Remodeling, who values your experience and is continually aligned with your goals and vision.

While celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this month, our team has been thinking quite a bit about luck. Does luck actually exist or is there more that goes into creating the life or home we all want? As the Roman philosopher Seneca says, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. We like to think that working with a design-build company that values preparation is the opportunity you need to get “lucky” in creating the space you want. In acknowledging our company’s 10^th anniversary this year, below are 10 ways our team or any reputable design-build company ensures the creation of your dream home does not occur by luck.

1. Planning, planning, planning

What is the number one rule of remodeling? Have a plan! And then review the plan and plan some more. A plan ensures that all parties involved in the remodel know what is expected of them. It also solidifies how much the project will cost and when it will be completed. Afterall, an exceptional remodel does not happen by accident – or luck.

2. Your contractor utilizes project management and scheduling software to its fullest

The beauty of today’s technology is that you now have access to information that you would not have been privy to 10 years ago. At Nip Tuck, we use Buildertrend project management software to help schedule our projects and communicate with the homeowner, trades, and team more effectively. One of the biggest perks of this software is that it allows clients to view what is happening with their project on a daily basis and message their project manager and designer directly all in one place. The easier, the better!  

3. They have an established and trusted team of trade craftsman.

Working with new trades can often be a roll of the dice when it comes to expectations and execution of work. What happens if the plumber is never punctual or the painter charges too much for his services? At Nip Tuck, we have worked with the majority of our trades for years and there is a level of trust that we never take for granted. Homeowners can sense that relationship and are often pleased with the tradesmen who enter their home.

4. Experts at the type of project you are wanting to do

While many design-build companies offer a variety of services, they typically specialize in niche areas of remodeling as well. If they haven’t experienced parts of a unique project before, they are often connected with resources who can help them. Nip Tuck Remodeling specializes in kitchen and baths but has experience with an array of other projects.

5. The design is purposeful and not just pretty. The expectations with how it will look can be showcased with 3D technology.

The best home design is when beautiful vision and aesthetic meets functionality and purpose. Having a “pretty” kitchen will not do you any favors if it is not a practical space that you can cook in. Our team uses 3D technology through Chief Architect Software so that you can envision the look and feel of a space before we even swing a hammer.

6. Experts that are committed to creating and adhering to a budget

Perhaps one of the most stressful elements of remodeling is the idea of going over your budget. The right design-build company will help you create a project scope and provide value that matches your price point. Our process consists of refining the scope and budget until the homeowner gives a resounding “Yes!”

7. Historical proof that projects actually start and end on-time every time

When hiring an employee, most people feel that it is important to check references. The same goes for deciding on the right remodeling company. The company you choose should have a proven track record of projects that were executed on-budget and on-time. They will often have glowing reviews and project portfolios on their website. Check out some of Nip Tuck’s reviews here.

8. Expert listeners and communicators so that you feel heard

Remodeling your home is a huge emotional, physical, and financial investment. A great design-build firm will recognize this and be there to support you and make you feel heard every step of the way. That is why companies like Nip Tuck Remodeling have employees who truly care about their clients and who work at building trust through abundant communication.

9. An advocate that truly understands all of the choices and current technology so that we can educate you along the way.

Updating your home can be an overwhelming and often confusing process. Many people call into our office and are not sure where to even start! Rest assured that the right company will be an advocate for you throughout the remodeling process and use their tools and expertise to guide you and help keep you informed.

10. The entire team is working towards the end result – your happiness guaranteed.

At Nip Tuck Remodeling, we may not believe in luck but we do believe in your happiness, guaranteed! It is an expectation we want our clients to have for every project our team touches. Our work is only done when you are entirely satisfied with your new space!

Whether you decide to work with Nip Tuck Remodeling or another credible design-build company, don’t leave your remodel up to chance! If the company you work with has the above 10 traits, you will love your space and feel like the luckiest homeowner on the block! 

While celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this month, our team has been thinking quite a bit about luck. Does luck actually exist or is there more that goes into creating the life or home we all want? As the Roman philosopher Seneca says, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”.