What to Do Before Hiring Kitchen Remodeling Contractors

A kitchen remodel is so much fun in the planning stages, but when it comes to hiring contractors, it’s hard to know who to pick.

Avoid the confusion by planning ahead. Follow our tips and you’ll be armed with everything you need before you hire your kitchen remodeling contractors.

Know What You Want

The first thing you should do is know your requirements. What kind of kitchen do you need? Is it going to be state-of-the-art, will it have complex fittings, or will it be more low-key functional?

Sit down beforehand and design your ideal kitchen.

Once you have your exact wishlist in mind, you’ll know how specialized your contractor needs to be.

Fix Your Budget

Next, you need to know how much money you have to spend. If you’re on a strict budget, it’ll affect how much you can spend on your contractor.

If you’re on a budget, work out how you can reduce costs without scrimping on quality. Sites like eBay offer great deals on kitchens, so you can find low-cost cabinetry and furniture, and spend more on a quality installation.

Remember, any project will need a contingency of around 10-15% of your total budget. So know the total amount you can pay, and subtract 15%. The figure you’re left with is what to work towards with any potential kitchen remodeling contractors.

Find a Reliable Contractor

Now you’re ready to choose your contractor, there are a few things to look out for.

Ask Around

Do you have a friend, family member or neighbor who had a kitchen remodel recently? Find out the contractor they used, and what they thought.

You can also check out review websites to find out other people’s experiences with their contractors.

Interview Them

First, speak to prospective kitchen remodeling contractors on the phone. When you find ones you like the sound of, arrange to meet them at your home for a more informative discussion.

At home, give your possible contractors a thorough list of what needs to be done, and ask for a reasonable quote.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Check Out Their Work

Have a look at a contractor’s portfolio. Often, their website or social media page will have examples of previous remodels.

Don’t stop there, though. You should ask for a list of clients you can contact, and ask them what it was like working with that contractor.

The end result may have been great, but you want to know how long the work took, and how easy (or difficult) it was to deal with that particular company.

Draw Up a Schedule

The price looks good and you’re happy the contractor’s reliable. The next thing you’ll need is to know how long it’ll take, and what you should expect along the way.

Get a Solid Contract

Before you hire your chosen contractor, you’ll need to cross the ‘T’s and dot the ‘I’s.

Read through your contract, including any small print. Find out exactly what needs to happen for your remodel to work. This includes which materials will be used, and who’ll be supplying them.

Will you need permits? If so, who’ll be responsible for getting those? And make sure your contractor has liability insurance written into the contract, in case anything goes wrong.

Choose Kitchen Remodeling Contractors Wisely

Having work done on your house will make it look beautiful, but transforming your kitchen will make it the beating heart of your home.

When deciding on a contractor, you need someone you can trust. Plan ahead, use our tips above, and you’re sure to find a contractor perfect for you.

Ready to have your kitchen remodeled? Contact us for a free estimate.

 

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For the most talented remodeling contractors in Phoenix, AZ, contact Peak One Builders today!

 Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

Read related articles:

• How to Get Organized Before a Major Home Remodel


• 5 Things You Must Do Before you Hire a Contractor


• 5 Luxury Additions That Will Add Value to Your Home

What to Do Before Hiring Kitchen Remodeling Contractors

5 Do"s and Don"ts of a Shower Remodel

The shower: relaxing break from the world, or total headache-inducing nightmare?

It depends on how much you plan it in advance. Remodeling is expensive, so the more prior thought you give it, the more satisfied you’re likely to be.

That’s why we’ve put together 5 dos and don’ts of a shower remodel.

Do: Analyze the Cost

Renovations of any kind have a lot of hidden costs. Running the figures in advance could save you a lot of headaches.

Take the time to plan out exactly what you want and tally it all up.

If you’re planning to sell, now is a good time to look at how much value you can expect these modifications to add to your home. Try to make sure you’re leaving a comfortable margin for a profit on your investment down the line.

Don’t: Take it Lightly

A shower remodel isn’t the time for DIY. It’s also not the time for a bad contractor.

You need a combo of a skilled builder and plumber to pull off the remodel successfully. Try to go it alone and you’ll make mistakes that cost you in the long run.

Water damage could be the least of your worries. A shoddy shower job could be a threat to life and limb.

Do your research in advance. Seek out a local builder with a good reputation and leave it to the professionals.

Do: Think About Who It’s For

A shower doesn’t have to be a generic space. Think about who’ll be using the room and you could come up with some useful twists.

For a kids’ shower, consider lower sinks and multiple basins for a faster morning routine. Adults might lean more toward extra storage space, instead.

If this is a remodel for your family home, why not future-proof it? A few age-friendly additions now could prevent messy adaptations later on. You don’t have to go crazy with it, but a few extra handholds and rails could be a literal lifesaver.

If you’re planning to sell, don’t go too weird and wacky. A smart, modern shower will serve you a lot better when it comes to selling up.

Don’t: Skip the Pipework

Upgrading the pipework isn’t sexy, and it is costly, but you’ll thank yourself for it.

Plenty of older homes still use at least part of their original pipe network. If you leave your old pipework in situ, you could face leaks and fluctuating water pressure.

That costly water damage we mentioned? It’s even worse when it’s inside your walls.

Skip dismantling your expensive room later and do it now while the walls are already all over the floor.

Do: Plan for Surprises

A house is like a box of chocolates: sometimes you open it up and find code violations.

Particularly in an old house, you could find out that you need more extensive work to realize your vision — or even just to correct health and safety concerns.

This could cause your carefully-budgeted plans to fall to pieces. Including some scope for unpleasant surprises gives you breathing room.

Save a little more cash than you think you’ll need. If your builder comes to you with unexpected news, you’ll be ready to handle it. But make sure they’re not taking you for a ride.

Invest in a Shower Remodel

Think of your shower remodel as an investment. It’s both a literal one to increase the value of your home or an investment in the comfort of your living space. Like any investment, it’s vital to think it through in advance of any dramatic changes.

Want more home improvement advice? Be sure to follow our blog.

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For the best bathroom remodeling in Scottsdale,  the Peak One team is here to make your vision a reality!

 Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

 

Read related articles:

• How to Get Organized Before a Major Home Remodel


• 5 Things You Must Do Before you Hire a Contractor


• 5 Luxury Additions That Will Add Value to Your Home

5 Do"s and Don"ts of a Shower Remodel

5 Benefits of Having a Home Theater

Is your house just where you sleep or where you enjoy living?

A home theater can help transform your house, making it feel more luxurious.

No matter your specific tastes, you’ll find great benefits from having a customized entertainment space in your home.

Keep reading as we examine 5 of the most important below.

1. Add Value to Your Home

Creating a custom home theater space adds class and modern charm to your house. It will also increase its property value.

You can design the room to fit your specific needs and preferences. Our dedicated team can walk you through every step of the process.

Your home should be a source of luxury, replenishment, and entertainment for you and your guests.

Curious about other ways to increase value in your home? Consider these 5 luxury additions.

2. Bring the Blockbuster Movie Experience Home

With your own home entertainment system, every movie you watch will have all the advantages of going to the cinema without any of the nuisances.

The movie theater industry faces stiff competition from streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.

And because your custom theater can provide the movie-going experience, there’s even less of a reason for you feel the need to overpay for a ticket.

The main draw of movie theaters is the chance to experience the film larger than life, to get caught up in the giant sounds and sights.

Now you can authentically replicate this right in your home.

Whether you’re into epic blockbusters full of explosions and special effects, musicals with intricate choreography and sound, or anything in between; you will appreciate being in control of where, when, and how you experience the movies you love.

3. Experience Live Programming as if You’re There

Between smartphones, tablets, desktops, TVs, etc., there are tons of screen choices for consuming content. And Americans are spending more time in front of screens than ever.

For much of what we watch, it doesn’t matter. But live programming – sports and concerts, for example – visual and sound quality matter quite a bit.

A custom home entertainment system is as close as you can get to being in the ballpark or sitting in the front row without actually being there. And you’re guaranteed the best view.

Factor in custom seating and sound calibrated for the dimension in your theater room as well. You’ll hardly need to buy a ticket to another event.

4. Everything is Connected and Elevated

Your custom home theater connects all your services and devices, putting you in control of how you’re entertained.

With one remote you can control live TV, all your streaming services, content saved to your DVR, your gaming devices, and browse the internet.

The content available to you is limited only by your imagination with your customized entertainment hub.

From music videos to 3D games, you have access to the entire digital world. And because of the incredible picture and sound quality, you will enjoy this content in the most optimal way.

5. Host the Best Social Gatherings

Whether you want to throw the most amazing Super Bowl party, host a movie screening, or just have a few friends over to watch your favorite show, you will be the favored neighborhood destination because of your custom theater.

When you have company, you want them to be more than comfortable.

You can eliminate any worry about the quality of entertainment when you’ve designed your home theater specifically for this purpose.

And you will be able to tailor the experience to the particular event. The space can feel entirely different on game day from movie night.

You and your guests will appreciate these options.

Your Custom Home Theater and More

Whether you’re considering a luxury remodel or building your new home, we can help you customize it for maximum value and enjoyment.

Our team is happy to answer all your questions thoroughly and honestly. Contact us today for more info and a free estimate!

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When it comes to home remodels, put your trust in the best general contractor in Phoenix.

Contact the Peak One team to request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

 

Read related articles:

• How to Get Organized Before a Major Home Remodel


• 5 Things You Must Do Before you Hire a Contractor


• 5 Luxury Additions That Will Add Value to Your Home

5 Benefits of Having a Home Theater

What Style of Swimming Pool Should You Add to Your Home?

If you like to entertain friends and family at your home, listen up: there’s nothing more inviting than a lush, aqua blue swimming pool. And not only is it a gorgeous, eye-catching invitation to relax, but a pool also adds value to your home.

Factors to consider when adding a pool to your home include your budget; the size/space available for the pool; and the design aesthetic (“vibe”) that you’d like for your swimming pool.

Below we discuss the various styles and designs that you should consider when putting in your very own custom pool!

Above-Ground versus Below-Ground

This is your first big decision. Above-ground pools are less expensive, easier to install, and can even be moved to a different house in the future. There’s not as much digging, either — meaning less mess during installation.

The catch? These pools don’t have that lovely, seamless built-in look that many homeowners desire. And as a result, homes with above-ground pools will likely not increase much in value.

Also, above-ground pools aren’t as deep as below-ground pools. If you have kids that love to jump into the water or you plan to swim laps, consider a below-ground pool.

Modern, Rustic, or Tropical

There are a number of pool designs to consider after you’ve determined your budget and space available. Modern pools tend to have geometric lines, glass or granite features, “infinity” edges, and sometimes black pool bottoms.

Rustic pools tend to have traditional stones or boulders, and may have cactus or other natural vegetation spread around the pool. Tropical pools often have waterfalls, palm trees, and bright blue pool bottoms to give that classic Caribbean color.

Regardless of which option you choose, ensure your pool looks good with your other backyard features.

A Standard versus Zero-Entry Swimming Pool

If you’re going with a below-ground pool, consider next the entry types. Zero-entry (also known as “beach entry”) is just like it sounds: the water laps peacefully at the shallowest end and, just like a beach, and you can walk in slowly.

This is great for young children who may not want to get all the way in, or for adults who like to lay in shallow water while sunning or enjoying a drink.

A standard entry pool typically has stairs or a ladder leading into the pool. In these pools, the shallowest part of the swimming pool may be 3 or 4 feet deep. So once you’re in, you’re in.

Chlorine versus Saltwater

In addition to design, you’ll want to think about the type of water in the pool. Chlorine has been a popular option for decades, but the harsh chemicals (i.e. bleach) can damage hair, skin, and swimwear.

Saltwater is easier on skin, but installing the saltwater generator upfront is a hefty cost. So if you’re installing a pool and don’t plan to stay in the house long, this upfront cost may not be worth it. Also, some pools may end up with unsightly “saltwater rings.”

Designing a New Pool Should Be Fun!

If you’re putting in a new pool, don’t let the decisions stress you out. We can help! Contact us today to talk about swimming pool options. You’ll be relaxing in your pool with a margarita in no time!

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It’s the perfect time of year for a pool installation or pool remodeling in Phoenix, AZ. The Peak One team is here to make your vision a reality! Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

Read related articles:

• How to Get Organized Before a Major Home Remodel


• 5 Things You Must Do Before you Hire a Contractor


• 5 Luxury Additions That Will Add Value to Your Home

What Style of Swimming Pool Should You Add to Your Home?