Posts in category: General

Fortunately, there are a lot of emerging kitchen trends that can make your kitchen feel better. Sometimes the kitchen that you once loved can start looking older and less appealing. It may not function for the way you live now.

Since your kitchen is most likely the center of your home and the place where you prepare your family meals, it just makes sense to love spending time there. Here are some great tips for falling in love with your kitchen again. Along with these tips, you can also talk to kitchen remodeling contractors for ideas on how to upgrade your kitchen.

Clean First

It’s challenging to have a clear vision of what you want your kitchen to be when it’s dirty and full of clutter. It makes sense to clean everything and put away the dishes before you take a step back and envision what you want your space to look and feel like. When your kitchen is super clean, you can see how much space you have and get a good idea of how you want it to look. If you need more storage to cut through the clutter, maybe a pantry is in your remodeling future.

Modern Appliances

Updating your appliances is also another way to get yourself to fall in love with your kitchen. Those old ovens and dishwashers are probably noisier and less efficient than they should be. There are a lot of better-looking and functioning modern appliances available for purchase now. The trick is to pick high-quality appliances that suit your budget and needs. This can even be an opportunity to get more energy-efficient appliances. Your design-build remodeling contractor can help you find what’s best for you.

Make Better use of the Space you Have

It’s always important to pay attention to space and how you use it. Sometimes you can start hating your kitchen because it’s challenging to move around due to the way things are arranged. Apart from just decluttering to increase the amount of space you have, you should also organize things in a way that makes it easier for you to move around and use your appliances. Work with kitchen remodeling contractors to reimagine the space for the kitchen of your dreams.

Upgrade Your Lighting

Lighting is a great contributor to how your kitchen looks and feels. It can also be difficult to prep and cook when there is not enough light in the kitchen. Therefore, you should upgrade your lighting to something that works with your space as a whole. Professional kitchen remodeling contractors will help create an updated lighting scheme to transform your kitchen and make it more appealing.

Industries are constantly evolving, engaging in new technologies, and refining their processes. The remodeling and construction industry is no exception. Remodeling companies are now working with designers, planners, and builders.

Design build remodeling and construction companies offer you a one-stop shop, combining all the elements of the project from design to construction to the final walk-through. This method has proven to be more productive and cost-effective. Here are some key advantages of working with design-build contractors.

Increased Efficiency

With everyone working on the project being on the same team right from the start, there’s an increase in inefficiency. If there is a problem, all the key players come together to solve it immediately. Being in the same team means everyone is aware of the other’s strengths and weaknesses and how best to complement each other.

One Point of Accountability

As there is only one team working on the project, accountability rests on the team leaders and their team. Attention is paid to all aspects of the project like planning, pricing, and scheduling. Also, all factors that affect the design-build remodeling are taken into account from the start of the project. This enables the designer to come up with a more accurate job estimate.

Highly Skilled Workforce

Design-build remodeling firms employ designers and builders who can work together. They will have a highly skilled team with members who can complement each other. When you contract such a firm, you can expect a high-quality outcome without much risk of shortfalls.

Effective Communication

Since the design build remodeling project is undertaken by one team, communication is more transparent and effective, assigning tasks and deadlines, and ensuring accountability and a project that will be finished on time and on budget.

Having a design build remodeling contractor means a quicker turnaround to the project, as various timelines are managed by one team. If there is a problem, it can be quickly resolved as all the key people, including our clients, are all looped in. This not only saves money but time as well.

The bedroom is your sanctuary, where you rest, recharge, and rejuvenate. It should be designed in a way that’s soothing and encourages a peaceful night of sleep. This opens up an opportunity to engage a professional home remodeling specialist. In this article, we look at some luxury features you can include in your master suite.

Custom Closets

Closet space is always an issue in most homes. To ensure this is not a problem in your master suite, why not have separate closet spaces for each of you? Separate closet space allows each person to be more organized and arrange their clothes, shoes, and accessories to best suit them.

Master Bathroom With All the Amenities

Bathrooms have evolved from just being about the basics. Today’s bathrooms can have all the features one can imagine. You can have a soak-in tub, separate sinks, and separate vanity areas; some even have double showers.

Sitting Area

Many people who engage with professional home remodeling services are adding a sitting area to their master suites. Sitting on the bed to talk can be a bit awkward and uncomfortable if you sit for a prolonged period. You can throw in some comfortable chairs, plush carpeting, and if you’re really into new trends, a fireplace. This can be the perfect space to sit, talk, relax, read a book, or watch your favorite show. A desk can also be added in the corner, and you have a workspace instead of an office.

Creative Master Bedroom Ceilings

Ceilings are becoming the center of attention nowadays. People are no longer interested in plain old white ceilings. To add some glamor to your bedroom, you can have your professional home remodeling contractor add a shiplap ceiling with beams.

Another popular option is the lighted tray ceiling. If you are going for something spectacular, you can also try out a circular dome. This will give your master suite a unique and luxurious look. To add to the design, you can also wallpaper your ceiling to create a stunning effect.

There are lots of ways to give your master suite an expensive and luxurious look. The tips listed above are a good starting point. You can discuss what’s best for your space with a professional home remodeling specialist for the best outcome.

Nothing affects the feel of a room more than lighting. Creating the perfect balance of light in a space can mean the difference between fostering a warm and comforting setting versus a place that feels dreary or even clinical. There are many factors to consider if you want to get it right including natural light, time of day, window location, and types of fixtures. The McBride Remodeling team is here to help you navigate this nuanced area of décor so you can get the exact atmosphere you’re looking for. 

Look at how these rooms used eye-catching and thoughtfully placed light fixtures for the perfect ambiance:

Drum Up Serious Style

This breakfast nook boasts beautiful beadboard topped by plenty of windows for natural light and a lovely drum shade chandelier. The light’s warmth is the perfect contrast to the cool tones in the room and ensures a cozy spot, rain or shine.

Make a Statement Without Stealing the Show

Here, the inset ceiling lighting does most of the work so that the pendant lights over the island counter can really shine. The minimal style glass and metal combination provide a focal point for the space that doesn’t completely take over the simple and modern farmhouse style.

Create Spatial Sections

In this room, the lighting fixtures over the table bring the focus to the dining area, while discreet overhead lighting keeps the kitchen island bright for cooking and entertaining. 

Bring Together the Simple and Striking 

This multi-armed chandelier brings the sitting area together as one cohesive section within a much larger space. This fixture may be simple, but its size and positioning in the room make it striking.

Designate a Special Corner Just for You

This beaded pendant light helps create a luxurious atmosphere over the free-standing vanity table and stool. When paired with the elegant yet practical sconces over the double-sink, it feels like a special place.

Turn on the Industrial Charm  

Opulent yet unfussy, these industrial fixtures help this kitchen feel relaxed but polished. Their distinctive flair feels warm and inviting –– especially when paired with the classic yellow Edison bulbs with exposed filaments. 

Whether your style is minimalist and modern or beautifully bohemian, there’s a statement lighting fixture perfect for your Petoskey remodel. Contact the design experts at McBride Remodeling today — let us help your style shine! 

You might be surprised to find the professional home remodeling industry is estimated to grow by 2% annually until 2025. Research shows that outdoor kitchen remodels have contributed significantly to this rise. A home with an outdoor kitchen should sell for an estimated 30% more than the expected resale price. There are many other reasons why you should consider adding an outdoor kitchen to your home.

Why Create Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen?

Having an outdoor kitchen that matches your aesthetic and is functional is a dream come true. If you’re planning to extend your space by adding an outdoor kitchen, you’re not alone. Many homeowners choose an outdoor kitchen as their main remodeling project. In fact, there’s a growing demand for this culinary amenity. Having an outdoor living space is ideal if you enjoy entertaining friends and family in summer. This is a lucrative investment that has created an opportunity for designers and architects alike.

But first, before you decide to plan your professional home remodeling, there are a few considerations. This will help to ensure that your planning aligns with the execution of your new kitchen.

Tips For Creating an Outdoor Kitchen

The following are some tips that can make your outdoor kitchen dream a reality.

Extend Your Living Space

To make space for your outdoor kitchen, you should plan for your shade and shelter requirements. How will you arrange the seating area? Will you use your patio or place umbrellas at different spots? Planning your space for summer is easy, but you should consider how your space will work in winter.

Plan Your Layout

To ensure that you can maximize your living space, you should consider planning your layout carefully. It is advisable to hire a professional home remodeling company that can reduce any concerns that you may have.

Think of Your Appliances

The types of appliances outside can be different from the ones in your conventional kitchen. For instance, you may want grills or a built-in refrigerator.

The Bottom Line

An outdoor kitchen is a valuable investment. It increases your home’s value, and provides you with ample entertainment space, making your summer evenings all the more enjoyable. Moreover, changing the scenery from your traditional kitchen to dining outside should help you to save money on eating out.

Residential renovations, while expensive, can be a lot of fun as well. Kitchens were actually named the top priority for interior renovations, according to the 2018 Home Study done by Houzz, but bathrooms ranked pretty high as well. We can see why, especially if you have young children. Remodeling a young kid’s bathroom to give them a welcoming environment can help them be more comfortable in the space. It’s also a great way to add some energy-saving updates to your home.

Here are a few ideas for remodeling a child’s bathroom.

Find a Fun Theme

A theme helps you create a unified space that your child will love. Build around your theme with flooring, paint, fixtures, and lighting. This helps create a welcoming space that may even make potty training a little easier.

Use Touchless Fixtures

Not only will this help keep the space a bit cleaner, but touchless fixtures such as faucets or toilets add a playful, magical touch to the space.

Storage

In order to keep your theme the center focus of the bathroom and avoid excess clutter, make sure your bathroom has ample storage. This can be under the vanity or in a separate cabinet if space allows.

Dark Grout

Using dark grout will help keep the bathroom looking cleaner and avoid stains from mud, dirt, and other things that kids are liable to get into.

Tiled Walls

Many residential renovations forget this option. Tile on the walls can not only create a fun design but will help keep the wall safe from water and other damage.

Hooks and Bars

Hooks for robes and towels not only solve some storage problems but provide a good place for towels to dry out after baths — and kids take a lot of baths.

Soft-Close Toilet Seats

Potty training can be a tough time. Depending on your child’s age, you may want to consider different kinds of toilet seats. A soft-close lid removes the risk of a child accidentally smashing their fingers with the seat. A removable seat will also make cleaning much easier. In most cases, a soft-close, removable seat will solve many issues.

And finally, you’re planning residential renovations, try to make upgrades that will work even as your child grows. Walls can always be painted, and with just a few simple touches, a bathroom can go from just another room to a comfortable space for all ages.

A surprising 35% of remodeling jobs are whole home renovations. If you are looking to add both value and space to your home, then one of these projects might be right for you.

Sunroom

Thinking about adding extra space but don’t want to make the commitment of a larger, more conventional home addition? A sunroom is a great option for those who want an attractive space that brings the outdoors in. Sunrooms are built with plenty of windows so that you can soak up the sun, keep an indoor garden, or simply relax in comfort. Because sunrooms are usually separated from the main part of the house, you can have both the privacy of another room and the open, sunlit experience of oversized glass windows. Want even more space? Build an outdoor patio that connects to your sunroom for entertaining and enjoying the open air.

Garage

Building a garage is one of the most popular parts of whole home renovations. While some people prefer a separate, detached garage for even more additional space, others prefer a garage that attaches to the existing home. While both have their benefits, an attached garage is the more efficient option because you have the ability to use one of your existing walls. Because you are close to the main house, you can also tie into your home’s existing electricity and plumbing. Additionally, attached garages fit more seamlessly with the look of your home, as they can be built with similar materials for a more uniform look.

Additional Bedroom and Bathroom

This is a great option for a growing family looking to add more space to their pre-existing home. Add a single room to the side of your home or build up and add a second level. Either way, the value of your home will increase while you get to enjoy the benefits of having more space. You can also go the extra mile by adding a bathroom to your extra room.

A good way to add space and value to your home is through whole home renovations. Because there are so many options to choose from, you can be sure to find one that fits your design goals, your home’s aesthetic, and your budget. Contact experienced design-build remodeling contractors, such as those at McBride Remodeling, today.

McBride Remodeling has partnered with the best of the best Petoskey area electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other professionals to ensure our homeowners get high-quality remodels that stand the test of time. We value our relationships with these trade partners — our team effort helps us complete projects efficiently and with the expertise and reliability our homeowners have come to expect.

Each spring, McBride hosts a trade partner breakfast to show our appreciation and gear up for the coming year. This year we made it virtual, scheduling times with our trade partners to pick up breakfast-to-go (locally purchased pancake mix and syrup), a goodie bag, and this year’s contracts. Although we wish we could have spent more time visiting with our partners in person, the event was a great success!

With a McBride remodel, you get not only high-quality service but also the reassurance that you are working with a company that cares ­— with strong values and an emphasis on positive relationships, both with our homeowners and our partners. After this uplifting event, we are all motivated and excited to get to work on your next project!

We’re thankful for all of our trade partners and appreciate when they share kinds words, like these from Kent at Thomas and Milliken Millwork – 

“I would like to say thank you to your team for the very thoughtful gift of breakfast and more importantly, your professionalism, attention to detail, and the dedication you show not only to your customers but to your supplier partners. Peggy and I appreciate your trust in us to help you realize the vision you have laid out for your customers. Thank you again, and here’s to a successful and healthier 2021.”

– Kent Strawderman, Thomas and Milliken Millwork

Wondering what the McBride team can do for you? Contact us today.

Thinking about remodeling your bathroom layout? This is quite popular with homeowners, as the remodeling industry is expected to continue to grow 2% annually through 2025. There are several things you need to consider when talking with design build remodeling contractors.

The Major Fixtures

You first need to catalog the configurations for the cabinets and plumbing fixtures for the bathroom. Remember, the bathroom is a highly personal space. You need to feel safe and you need it to grow with you.

Many rooms of the house have an established format. For example, the kitchen has the “work triangle.” However, with the bathroom, there is no ideal layout. The biggest consideration will be if the “guts” of your bathroom can stay put. The renovation may be simpler if you don’t have to move the plumbing and ventilation but your choices will be more limited. Although the toilet is an important fixture in the bathroom, you don’t want the focus to be on it. If possible, design your bathroom so the toilet is partially hidden. Sometimes a half wall blocking it can do wonders.

The Rules

With remodeling, there are regulations you must abide by. Remember that any changes you make to your bathroom will need to abide by your town’s local ordinances and regulations. By working with design-build remodeling contractors, you’ll have experts with you who know exactly how to follow the rules. They have plenty of experience so they’ll know how to find out what your area’s rules are and how to follow them while giving you the bathroom design you want.

You should also think about installing safety precautions, even if they aren’t mandated. For instance, it’s good to have slip-resistant surfaces and grab bars in your bathroom to prevent falls. Consider how prone your family is to accidents and how you can keep them safe in the bathroom as you determine its new layout.

Using the Space

How many people will use your newly remodeled bathroom? This will impact its layout. For example, if you have a large family that is using one bathroom, you might want to have more ventilation. If this is your master bathroom and only you and your partner will be using it, you can focus more on the luxurious features you want to incorporate and can think less about the practicalities. If this is a bathroom on the main floor of your home that your guests will use, think about how it can best suit the needs of whoever walks into it.

You’ll also need to consider the type of storage you need in the space. Do you have a closet nearby where you can store towels and some toiletries? Or does the storage need to be in the bathroom? Planning your storage needs ahead of time with design-build remodeling contractors will go a long way.

The Environment

More and more consumers are environmentally conscious. Unfortunately, half of the toilets in use today are inefficient models. An efficient toilet uses less than two gallons and the average model uses five. Your vanity faucet will probably get used daily. If you use an environmentally-friendly model, it will use 45% less water than older models. Showers are big consumers of water as well. You can save up to seven gallons per shower with a high-efficiency showerhead. Be sure to talk with your design-build remodeling contractors about the eco-friendly features you can include in your new bathroom.

Getting to design a bathroom can be fun and exciting. However, there are plenty of choices to be made before you build. Contact a professional design-build remodeling firm, such as McBride Remodeling, before you start your bathroom remodel.