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Up to a third of homeowners claim to have adopted a healthier lifestyle after renovating their kitchens, according to a Houzz survey. Renovating your kitchen can be an exciting endeavor. When you use the services of design-build remodeling contractors, you’re assured a streamlined renovation process.

From the planning stages of your kitchen renovation to when construction is accomplished, you can rely on the best of the best to transform your kitchen. What do you see when it comes to your dream kitchen? The most-requested and top kitchen must-haves are featured below.

1. More Storage Is a Kitchen Remodel Must-Have

Who doesn’t want more storage in their kitchen? A kitchen remodel must-have is storage. As our families grow and our desire to buy more goods at once peaks, the need for storage is essential. There are actually many ways to add more storage when it comes to kitchen renovations.

Nothing feels better than being able to step into a spacious pantry with plenty of shelving. Having adequate space goes a long way in keeping a gourmet kitchen looking fantastic and stocked. If you aren’t very good at organizing, just shut the doors to effectively hide the chaos.

Add a touch of elegance to your kitchen renovation with frosted, translucent glass doors that slide open for easy access storage and visual recognition. Store a combination of dishes, glassware, and appliances behind sliding doors to add a stylish flair. This kind of storage adds an element of elegance to any kitchen renovation.

2. Plenty of Prep Space Is a Necessity

Prep space tends to be limited in most kitchens. Is your kitchen lacking adequate prep space? The National Kitchen and Bath Association defines prep space as “a section of countertop with a continuous reach that is 24 inches deep and 36 inches wide next to the sink.”

Kitchen remodeling services can ensure that you have the proper space to prepare the dishes you love to cook without being overcrowded. Have a peninsula added for a secondary prep location on a kitchen island. It can also be the perfect serving station that’s accessible to diners seated at the island.

3. Kitchen Islands Are the Most Requested Must-Have

Islands tend to be the focal point of a kitchen. This certainly is true when it comes to a luxury kitchen renovation. Kitchen remodeling contractors can make sure you get the kitchen island of your dreams with extra storage, seating, and plenty of room for food preparation. When remodeling your kitchen to add extra space, there are gorgeous kitchen island plans ready to accommodate you.

If kitchen space is limited, there are options that can still give you the island you’ve always wanted without compromising luxury or space. For example, choosing a long and narrow design that forgoes seating offers the feel of an open kitchen without compromising comfort.

4. Kitchen Eat-In Areas Are on the Rise

You may not always want to eat in your formal dining room. Sometimes, you just want a place to relax with a light meal. Eat-in areas are fast becoming a popular request that design-build remodeling firms are happy to meet. An eat-in area can easily be built into kitchen islands if there is enough kitchen space. Consider having an eat-in nook created with a countertop bar and table for double dining.

5. Clutter-Free Kitchens Are an Organizational Must-Have

Clutter makes even the cleanest spaces look bad. When renovating your kitchen, consider this a do-over that gives you the option to de-clutter and create a useful space. Organizational systems are the key to keeping counters uncluttered. The right accessories make a kitchen look elegant and feel comfortable. Consider including utensil storage, an appliance garage, knife storage, and spice storage options when renovating. The point is to keep your kitchen looking clean and sophisticated while staying uncluttered.

When it is time to renovate multiple rooms in your home, consider multiple home addition renovations being executed at the same time. This may sound like an impossible task. However, top design build remodeling contractors specialize in home addition renovations of multiple rooms. Not surprising, up to 35% of remodeling projects include the entire home, i.e. whole home renovations. While many design build remodeling teams do an excellent job keeping your home relatively clean, it just makes sense to have multiple rooms transformed while your home is subjected to construction noise, debris, dust, paint fumes, drop cloths, and craftsmen.

Shorter Disruptions Keep Your Lifestyle Intact

No one really wants their lifestyle interrupted by messes. While it can be messy, it is still better to have home addition renovations executed for more than one room at a time. Start different room renovation projects together with the assistance of a home addition contractor who will make better use of your time by renovating many rooms at once.

You might consider making plans to move out while your home is being remodeled, or if you have a suitable basement, move into the space for the length of time it takes to complete the renovations. A first step could be to renovate your basement to include a kitchen and bathroom to ensure you have a livable space while renovations are in progress. Later the new livable space is perfect for guests.

Unified Designs Flow Better

Home addition renovations of connected open-space rooms such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room just flow better when they happen all at once. Home addition contractors are better able to streamline styles, textures, and colors so they flow effortlessly throughout connected rooms. Open-floor concept homes fully benefit from a unified design model and add an air of elegance.

Home Addition Renovations Move Quicker When Done Together

Projects for multiple rooms can be streamlined and finished quicker than individually planned renovations. Multiple home addition renovations are more efficient and let you start enjoying your luxuriously renovated home that much sooner.

Several Market Factors Are Driving Demand for Home Remodeling

If you are considering remodeling some or all of your Northern Michigan home, you are not alone. Research shows that interest in starting home renovations is high. In May, 73% of consumers indicated that they were moving ahead with home improvement and remodeling projects, according to Lightstream, an online lending division of SunTrust Bank.* 

There are several factors at play here. Housing prices are high, so remodeling your primary or secondary home makes more financial sense than moving for most. Increases in the use of spaces around the home related to decreases in travel for business and pleasure have also lead to higher levels of homeowner dissatisfaction with their homes. Kitchens in particular have seen greater use, and are a major source of homeowner frustration. Privacy concerns are also driving renovations for additions, home offices, basements, and outdoor living areas to expand livable space. 

Embarrassment is another driver in the decision to remodel. The study referenced above shows that 64% of respondents say they’re embarrassed to let others see parts of their home–even on a video conference call. 

Our experience corroborates these findings. In spite of COVID-19, and to a certain extent because of it, we have been busier than ever, and have expanded our team to respond to the surge in the demand for our services. That said, we are advising anyone considering a remodeling project for 2021 to start planning now, to ensure that their project is completed in the desired time frame.

Why You Need to Start Planning Now

If you’ve never remodeled before, you might not be aware of just how much time the planning and design phases require to ensure a project that runs smoothly, stays on budget and finishes on time. Using the McBride Method, we carefully design, plan and execute your project with seamless precision–but it’s a process that can take several months or more depending on the scope of the project. 

Before we even start to swing a hammer, we collaborate with our clients to find the best designs and solutions for their individual needs and tastes. We start with an in-depth meeting to explore the possibilities, then our design team listens and gets into the details. The designs and plans are refined with our clients in this phase. Once we have an approved design, we line up our team, trade partners, vendors, and schedule the project — getting all these moving parts aligned before we start building is the key to a successful remodel.

Design-Build Advantages

Our approach to the design-build process means you are working with a unified team. We insist on clear communication and scheduling so that nothing falls through the cracks. That communication stream includes our clients, team members, and sub-contractors. Utilizing web-based construction management tools, we collaborate and communicate with clients, team members, and trade partners throughout the process to keep projects running smoothly. The result is a worry-free experience for our clients, whether they’re here in Northern Michigan or at their winter homes elsewhere across the country.  

Resources for Getting Started

We created two resources to help you get started. Our guide to whole-home remodeling and our kitchen renovation guide are tools to help you sort through all the questions and details involved in a remodeling project. 

Contact Us

If you’re ready to modify your home for the way you want to live, get in touch to get the ball rolling. Our schedule is already filling up for 2021, so don’t delay. Call us at 231-348-2749 or complete this contact form and we’ll schedule a virtual consultation meeting via Zoom. 

We look forward to helping you make your home a happier place to live!

*Article source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hammering-it-home-covid-19-fails-to-derail-americans-plans-for-home-renovations-301077628.html

Per the U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study in 2020, guest bathrooms were one of the most popular rooms for renovating, with 25% of respondents saying they intended to renovate in the upcoming year. While trends may show which rooms are popular for renovating, the bathroom itself still stands out as one of the top starting points for a whole home remodeling project. The main priority of a bathroom is the function, although this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Top professional home remodeling contractors will make sure your bathrooms are 100% functional without sacrificing comfort, style, or design. They will ensure that you can conveniently and easily use your bathrooms while enjoying luxurious features, as well.

Know Where to Spend and Splurge

Whole home remodeling contractors can make any bathroom an appealing space. Convert the bathroom in the master suite into a place that feels more like a spa with luxurious features, such as heated floors. Professional home remodeling services can transform an otherwise utilitarian space into one of the most elegant and serene rooms in your home. Begin remodeling your home by having the bathrooms fully transformed.

Professional Home Remodeling Contractors Ensure Form Meets Function in Bathroom Flooring

A gorgeously ornate bathroom floor can be a necessity when it comes to creating a luxurious bathroom where form meets function. Of course, the flooring needs to be slip-resistant. Beyond that, the bathroom floor as décor is crucial to interior design. A superbly crafted floor will mark the room as modern and exquisite. Updated bathroom flooring is truly inspiring and adds eye-appeal and quality to a contemporary abode. Abstract layouts and the look of raw stone can make any bathroom a luxury retreat. Discuss flooring options with your design build remodeling contractor to find the one that best suits each bathroom in your home.

Only the Most Stunning Designs for Tile Will Due

Whether you want a gorgeous vanity backsplash or a mosaic wall in the shower, only the most stunning designs from professional home remodeling contractors for tile will do. An expert whole home remodeling contractor has the skills to transition a boring bathroom into an upscale bathroom with stunning tiles, inlaid designs, and patterns in a vibrant array of shades. Intricate schemes with bold hues transform the everyday use of the lavatory into a luxurious retreat. Incorporate undulating wave patterns to evoke fluidity and calm, or dramatic rug layouts in the form of hexagonal tiles that add the right amount of edge. Combine materials such as tile and marble for a remarkable palatial effect. A place of cleansing is a place of purifying where beauty helps restore you spiritually and physically.

Splurge on Beautiful Bathroom Cabinets

Don’t skimp on cabinet designs. Instead, choose vanity cabinets that are durable without sacrificing luxury. The cabinets are going to set the tone for the entire bathroom. Choose from modern cabinets that can be wall-hung to freestanding vanities that are fine furniture. Professional home remodeling contractors will be able to guide you in the right direction when it comes to choosing the perfect solution, as well as ensuring the plumbing works impeccably.

The Shower Has Become Its Own Luxurious Room

The shower has evolved and become its own luxurious room. Design build remodeling contractors know how to equip a luxe shower with an exquisite array of comforting elements such as spray heads, a rain shower head, aromatherapy, color therapy, and seating. The shower has become the new lavish bathroom element in high-end homes.

Achieve Your Desired Aesthetics

Include your desired aesthetics in every facet of your bathroom remodel. Skilled design build contractors have a planning process in place that assists clients in getting the results they want by creating a list. Together, the luxurious bathroom you’ve always wanted will be designed, built, and created to your exact standards. Prepare for your expectations to be exceeded.

According to a recent study conducted by Houzz, kitchens were named as the top priority for residential renovations. But while having a new refrigerator or backsplash can be a nice touch, those features aren’t the only ones that are required for a mind-blowing kitchen renovation.

Ultimately, kitchen renovations start with the layout. Ensuring your overall design takes all of the most important components into account will allow you to be more satisfied with your kitchen space for years to come. Below, you’ll find three tips for improving your kitchen layout during a home improvement project.

1. Place Your Sink and Stove First: Some people will try to center everything around the kitchen island or dining table. But actually, your kitchen layout should center around your sink. That doesn’t mean that your sink has to be in the middle of it all, but it should be located somewhere that’s easy to get to and that provides ample room. Ideally, the sink should be placed somewhere with an excellent view — either with a window facing the outside or with open visibility to the room. Once you know where your sink will go, you’ll want to determine where another key appliance will “live.” The stove serves an essential function for meal preparation, but it actually shouldn’t be located in the center of things. Instead, it’s best to place the stove on an exterior wall. That way, you’ll have an easier time installing proper ventilation during your kitchen renovation and won’t feel cramped when you’re cooking.
2. Create an Ideal Traffic Pattern: When working with kitchen remodeling services, one of the main features that many homeowners want to improve is the traffic flow. Although the kitchen is always going to be a popular room, there are things you can do to ensure this space doesn’t feel overly crowded. You’ll need to ensure that the main pathway is clear (even when drawers and appliance doors are opened) and that your kitchen doesn’t also serve as an entryway to your home. In addition, you’ll want to work with kitchen remodeling contractors Northern Michigan homeowners trust to ensure there will be ample room between the main appliances and other features of the room. This can result in a more comfortable experience, whether you’re cooking or socializing.
3. Find the Best Island Position: Although not every kitchen needs an island, many homeowners find that having one can be highly beneficial. An island can serve as a spot for meal preparation, storage, and even dining, depending on its design. The position of your island matters just as much as its shape and size. You’ll need to avoid blocking access to appliances while ensuring that it isn’t situated too far away. If you strike the perfect balance, you’ll be able to prepare meals more easily without feeling like you’re always bumping into something.

Creating the perfect layout is no easy task. But when you work with the kitchen renovation experts, the design phase will be a breeze. For more information on how we can take your kitchen to the next level, please contact McBride Remodeling today.

Home improvement projects are more popular than ever, especially as many of us continue to shelter in place as much as possible. And while a surprising 35% of remodeling jobs involve the entire home, there are many properties that could benefit from a single renovation project — ideally, one that increases your home’s square footage.

Home addition renovations can serve a number of important purposes. They can offer additional storage space, more privacy, or accommodate more household occupants. And while home additions may be subject to specific guidelines and ordinances, many homeowners find that these projects are well worth it; not only can they improve your overall quality of life, but they can also significantly add to a home’s value.

However, not all renovations are created equal. While some are highly desirable, others may not provide the payoff you’d think. That’s true for home addition renovations, as well. Before you start working with remodeling contractors, you’ll want to determine whether your idea for a home addition will offer a good return on your investment.

Which Home Addition Renovations Offer the Best Returns on Investment?

• Master Suite Additions: If you’ve dreamed of having a master bedroom and en suite bathroom, there’s good news. Master suite additions can provide an impressive ROI. According to Home Advisor’s True Cost Guide, homeowners can expect a 63% return on their investment when they add a master suite to their home. Although you can easily go for the “bump-out” method (which essentially involves tacking on extra space to your home’s exterior), making use of square footage you already have can also be an option. You could build a master suite addition over your garage or porch, as well as combine an existing guest room and bathroom into the finished design. Alternatively, a converted attic, basement, or garage can be turned into a master suite addition if you’re looking to get creative.
• Two-Story Additions: Home additions that span two stories may sound intimidating, but the rewards are high. In fact, Home Advisor estimates an ROI of 65% for these property additions, particularly if they include a first-floor living area and second-floor master suite. Although these additions are significant in scale, they can have a major impact on the resale value of your home, as well as your overall enjoyment of the space. If you plan to remain in your home for years to come, this can be a great option. Depending on the designs you choose, this type of addition could allow you to become a multi-generational household or comfortably age in place.
• Bathroom Additions: Bathroom renovations are among the most popular job requests contractors receive. But bathroom additions can take your home to a whole new level. Not only can this addition solve a number of problems your family might already be experiencing, but it can also allow your home to sell more quickly once it’s listed on the real estate market. Case in point, Home Advisor reports that bathroom additions can bring a 53% return on investment. A property without enough bathrooms can be a real deterrent for prospective buyers. Whether you opt for a full or half-bath, a bathroom addition can act as an important selling point — or be the very thing that keeps you from moving to a new home.

Where Can I Find Qualified Home Addition Contractors Near Me?

Ultimately, you don’t have to look farther than the top of this page to find reputable home addition renovation contractors for your next project. Whether you have a vision in mind or need some guidance to ensure your home’s value, we’re here to help. Contact McBride Remodeling today for further information.

Although 85% of U.S. homes were built prior to 1980 and are in need of improvement, bathrooms are among the most popular job requests received by design build remodeling contractors nationwide. But while your main bathroom serves some important purposes, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with its design. If you want a final result that’s more than the basics, you might want to pay attention to the latest and greatest bathroom trends. When you aren’t afraid to try something a little bit bolder, you can reap some major rewards. Here’s what many design build remodeling experts are suggesting for 2020 bathroom renovation projects.

Ban the Beige and Embrace the Black

Many homeowners want a final design that feels clean and fresh. Understandably, white bathroom designs remain popular for this reason. But there are other neutral tones that can make this space stand out. Design build remodeling professionals are seeing an uptick in demand for black tiles or dark-colored wall coverings to add a sense of modern drama. While the entire room shouldn’t feel like a cave, using black as an accent can create a sleek feel. And when done correctly, it can even make a room feel more expansive due to a more emphasized sense of depth.

Double Up

In some kitchen remodeling projects, you might observe it’s become popular to incorporate doubles of certain appliances to create a real chef’s kitchen. But that’s not the only room that might benefit from duplicate features. If you opt for a large walk-in shower, consider embracing the trend of dual showerheads. Some showers have a hand-held showerhead paired with a rainfall shower, while others feature a wall-mounted showerhead with another overhead. The end result feels more luxurious and spa-like, creating an experience that’s much more than run-of-the-mill bathing.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Many design build remodeling contractors are noticing that homeowners are willing to make a statement with their bathroom renovations. Instead of sticking with neutrals, patterned floor tiles and even wacky wallpaper are trending. Unique wall sconces, colorful tubs and sinks, and mixing and matching have now become more popular, especially in master suites and half-baths. Whether you want to put your own spin on your bathroom oasis or you’re willing to take a risk in a smaller space, don’t be afraid to embrace something outside your comfort zone. As long as you don’t plan to sell your home right away and you keep the overall decor of your home in mind, you can give yourself permission to include a design feature that you might otherwise shy away from.

If you plan on remodeling your bathroom or any other space in 2020, you deserve to work with the whole home remodeling contractors Northern Michigan residents trust. For more information on how we can bring your renovation vision to life, please contact McBride Remodeling today.

Owning a home is a rite of passage for many of us. And if you love to play host or hostess, you might see your home as a means to entertain friends and family on a regular basis. When you welcome loved ones from every corner of the globe, you know your home needs to be in tip-top shape. However, you might not see your home as your guests do. You may have already become accustomed to your property’s quirks, but visitors might feel these shortcomings translate to a lack of hospitality.

If you really want to knock the socks off your guests and make an incredible impression, you need to pay attention to the areas that really matter to visitors. Whether you’ve invited your in-laws to stay for a week or you’re making your guest room available for one night, here’s what your visitors will notice — and what you should discuss with your design build remodeling contractor.

Privacy

Privacy is an important factor for permanent members of your household and for short-term guests. Even if you have a close relationship with those who come to visit, you still need to have some physical barriers to ensure they feel comfortable in your home. If they feel like every movement or sound can be readily observed by everyone else in the house, they won’t be able to enjoy themselves during their stay.

You may want to talk to your home addition contractor about creating a separate space for guests, particularly if you have visitors who will be staying for a longer period. You might be able to create something like an in-law suite that allows for a separate entrance. Of course, you don’t have to pursue whole home renovations to create a sense of privacy. Installing a new shower curtain, adding window privacy film, or adding a sliding barn door can work wonders.

Lighting

No one wants to stay in a place that feels like a dark cave! If your home has a lack of natural lighting, especially in spaces like the bathroom and kitchen, your guests might feel frustrated. In some cases, this could even pose a safety hazard.

Those who are in the position to add some natural light in the form of windows (or even skylights) might want to talk to their renovation team about this possibility. Otherwise, you’ll need to supplement with additional lighting fixtures throughout the home. Make sure that your guests will be able to comfortably see in front of the bathroom mirror, in the cooking and dining areas, and in the guest bedroom.

Amenities

No one expects you to have the same perks as a five-star hotel, but anything you can do to add more convenience to your guests’ stay can win you some brownie points.

For instance, you might want to talk to your home addition contractor about adding an extra washer and dryer to your basement renovation or second-story addition. Since the average U.S. family does eight to 10 loads of laundry each week, this is a feature that can benefit both your family and your guests. Even a simple set of bathroom toiletries, fresh towels or linens, or an extra bathrobe can make your guests feel right at home.

Storage

If your home is lacking in storage, your family might already be short on space. But you need to make sure you have enough storage for your guests, as well. If all of your closets are overflowing, the guest room is doubling as a home office, and your basement is functioning as a large storage warehouse, your guests are going to feel cramped.

If you simply don’t have enough room for your basic needs, you should discuss a plan with your home addition contractor to create additional spaces for both your family and your guests. And if you’re renovating the bathroom, kitchen, or guest room, make sure to factor lots of built-in storage into the design!

Want to make your home even more welcoming for guests? We can take your space to the next level. Contact us today to learn more.