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?

How to Get Organized Before a Major Home Remodel

Residential remodeling is one of the most stressful home projects out there. It doesn’t just put stress on the house, it puts stress on the family.

In fact, home renovations make 12% of couples consider divorce.

But renovations don’t have to be that way, and they can be very rewarding when they’re finished. Take a look at these five tips that will help you organize before your remodel.

1. Plan Everything

The first thing you should plan is your end date. Maybe you want the renovations to be finished in time for Christmas next year or before the next school year starts. If you know when you want your home to be finished, you can plan backward and get a good starting date.

But you should always add some extra time. For example, if you know the remodel will only take three months, give yourself four months to work on it. Unexpected things have a tendency to creep up during remodels.

You should also plan out your budget. Talk to your bank about debt and cash flow management. Make a list of everything you’ll need for the remodel and how much it will cost, including things like tools, staying in a hotel, or eating out if you’re working on the kitchen.

These things will keep you from getting sidetracked.

2. Prepare Your Home

Plan on packing up anything in the way of your residential remodeling. If you’re remodeling the living room, move all your personal belongings out of the room to open up the workspace and keep them from getting damaged.

If you have a guest bedroom in your home or an empty garage, you may only have to move these to a different room. You can also rent a storage unit if you don’t have a lot of other space in the house.

3. Schedule Your Daily Routine

Set a clear start time and end time for the workers. You don’t want people coming in and out of the house when you aren’t expecting it.

Set a rule that no remodeling can begin before eight or nine in the morning. This lets your contractor get an early start to the day but it also gives you time to get out of bed without strangers running around your house.

At the end of the workday, you should also schedule some time for clean up. This may not seem very important, but if you don’t take the time to put tools away, you’ll find yourself losing them, which can slow down your next workday.

A good way to keep track of your tools is to make a designated tool location. At the end of the day, all the tools go back in their places so they are easy to find in the morning.

4. Protect Your Family

Keeping the tools in a specific location will also help you protect young children and pets.

Consider putting up gates that will keep toddlers and pets out of the remodeling area. This will keep them from straying into the wrong places and getting hurt.

5. Set Up a Relaxing Family Space

Remodels are noisy, annoying, and long. Setting up a family room that’s not touched by the remodeling will give your family a place to gather together and relax at the end of the day.

This is especially a good idea if you’re remodeling a central part of your house, like the kitchen or living room.

Start Your Residential Remodeling By Being Prepared

Remember, remodeling takes a lot of time, and you’ll need to be prepared for things like power outages, having the water shut off, and a lot of noise.

It can be a stressful project, but the best way to handle that stress is to plan. Try to keep track of what’s happening when, but always be ready for a change of plan.

Getting ready to remodel your house? Take a look at these ideas you have to include in your remodeling plans!

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Remodeling on your mind? Connect with the best general contractor in Scottsdale at Peak On Builders today!

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

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• 5 Things to Keep in Mind When Designing Your Custom Kitchen

How to Get Organized Before a Major Home Remodel

5 Things You Must Do Before you Hire a Contractor

Whether you’re needing to fix a wall inside your home or you’re looking to make your home more luxurious, it’s a lot of work to do it yourself. Opening up your home to a residential contractor is a stressful proposition. Without the right contractor, you might fear you’ll be living on a construction site for the next year.

However, the right contractor can get in, get the job done, and get the heck out of your way. All the while, you’ll want to find someone who is personable and listens to you carefully.

To figure out whether a residential contractor is right for you, follow these 5 steps to find a perfect fit.

1. Look At Their Experience

If the contractor has a website, see if you can find projects that are similar to the one you want them to do. If you’re looking to get some archways built, someone who specializes in renovating bathrooms might not be a great fit.

You’ve got the luxury dream home in your head, but can you describe it?

Read any text written so you know the lingo to use when describing what you want. If you’re using the same language, you can limit the space for misunderstanding.

See if they’ve got before and after photos of recent projects. Find someone who has been around long enough to know their grout from their spackle but also someone who stays on top of trends.

2. Check References

Most contractor sites will include some testimonials. These can be helpful but they are also usually the “greatest hits”, leaving out any conflict anyone might have had with the contractor.

If you can’t find references online or on Yelp, ask the contractor directly for some references. Be sure that the references are related to the kind of work you’re planning on getting done.

Search engines are your best friend in this respect. Do some digging and weigh the positives and negatives fairly. You never want to be a part of those renovation horror stories that end up in the news.

3. Measure Their Personality

If a residential contractor wants your business, they should act like it. If you feel uncomfortable with how they talk to you or about your project, you should seek someone else.

You might end up seeing your contractor every day for months on end. If it feels like they’re not listening to you now, will they listen to you six months from now?

Your contractor should be a good listener.

4. Look At Licenses and Insurance

For your financial security and safety, be sure your contractor is licensed and insured. Ask whether anyone they hire are employees or also contracted.

Independent contractors usually need to have their own insurance. Employees are covered by their employer.

This matters to you because any damage done by workers or any accidents they suffer could end up being a headache for you without insurance.

5. Before You Sign

You should have a clear estimate before you sign a contract. You need to have an idea what the budget is, what the schedule is and what kinds of extensions they anticipate.

If they estimate the project will take 3 months, ask what could make it take longer. They should be able to anticipate any problems and be upfront with it.

Be skeptical of any contractor who doesn’t anticipate problems in advance.

Be Sure About Your Residential Contractor

After you’ve ticked off all the boxes, you’re sure to have separated the wheat from the chaff. Having a good contractor who respects your space and your project means that you don’t end up living on a stressful construction site for the next few months.

If you’re still scratching your head about how to find a contractor in Scottsdale, contact us for more information.

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If you’re looking for a Phoenix general contractor, look no further. Our team at Peak One Builders is ready to help!

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

 

Read related articles:

• What You Should Expect from the Best Custom Home Builders


• What Makes the Perfect Luxury Guest House?


• 5 Things to Keep in Mind When Designing Your Custom Kitchen

5 Things You Must Do Before you Hire a Contractor

5 Luxury Additions That Will Add Value to Your Home

Are you thinking of selling your home?

Upgrading and renovating your home is one of the best ways to make sure it sells and that you get your money’s worth. That’s why Americans spend more than $300 billion dollars on home improvements every year.

If you’re not quite sure what you should add to your home, don’t worry. We’ve got everything you need.

Read on for some luxury home design inspiration.

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Home with Luxury Home Design

Add value to your home with our top 5 luxury additions.

1. A Walk-In Wardrobe

Lots of people dream of having the luxury of a walk-in wardrobe. Add one to your home and you’ll have potential buyers clamoring for it.

A walk-in wardrobe makes organizing clothes simple, so you don’t have to turn your bedroom upside down just to find the right outfit. It also makes you feel like you’re in your own private department store, with a world of choice in front of you.

It’s simply a must-have feature for luxury home plans.

2. An Outdoor Living Space

Upgrading your front or backyard can add a huge amount of value to your home without breaking the bank. In fact, even adding something simple like decking can give you an 80% rate of return on your investment.

If you want to take it a step further, think about building an outdoor kitchen. That way, you could host great outdoor dinner parties in the summer. Add a fireplace, and it works for the winter months, too.

3. A Swimming Pool

Building a swimming pool is a sure-fire way to add value to your home. What luxury home design could be without one?

Whether it’s a heated indoor pool with a jacuzzi spa or an outdoor pool for swimming laps, potential buyers won’t be able to resist it.

4. An Extension

If you extend the area of your home, you increase its value, it’s as simple as that!

If you have extra space available around your home, consider building an extension. It could be turned into an extra master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a games room for parties, or even a home cinema.

You’ll have to get planning permission, of course, but it’s worth it.

5. Smart Technology

These days, smart homes are becoming more and more popular. With ever-developing technology becoming more available to us, we can make our homes more efficient, more secure, and more convenient.

Now, sophisticated technology is being incorporated into smart home design to make people feel like James Bond in their own homes.

You can use smart home technology to adjust the temperature, turn on the lights, record security footage, or even feed your pets while you’re away.

Custom Home Building You Can Trust

At Peak One, we are experts in luxury home design. We’ve been doing remodeling and custom home building for years, and we’re dedicated to creating perfect homes that our clients love.

To see how we can upgrade your home with a luxury addition, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll take your dream and make it a reality, at a price you can afford.

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Are you curious about home additions in Phoenix? Peak One Builders are experts in additions that raise your home value. 

Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 to discuss creative options today!

Read related articles:

• What You Should Expect from the Best Custom Home Builders


• What Makes the Perfect Luxury Guest House?


• 5 Things to Keep in Mind When Designing Your Custom Kitchen

5 Luxury Additions That Will Add Value to Your Home