As I excitedly opened a package of 8 x 10 color samples from @SherwinWilliams this morning, I was taken back to a 35+ year memory that I thought would be fun to share. 

Does anyone remember the childhood excitement of opening a brand new giant box of Crayons on Christmas morning? That big giant box! Oh my goodness, when I think back at my sweet holiday memory this giant smile uncontrollably forms across my face and I could not contain it if I tried. The simplicity of it now brings me such joy.  And I hope that it did my parents as well. 

The scent that escapes once the lid is swung back open! Heavenly! If I am totally honest, I actually prefer the smell of the less popular and expensive brand, was it RoseArt? The name fails me but not the smell. They just took to paper differently too. Anyone else out there know what I am talking about? LOL.

Well, I must say a BIG thank you to @sherwinwilliams for the beautiful color samples and the walk down memory lane!! Today I plan to select a new front door color and accent rocking chair color. With future plans to select a new bedroom color since our baby birds have flown that bedroom nest. Now off to tape up a few color swatches in the various areas around the house!

Kristen Meetze- Capital Kitchen & Bath

Buying a home is said to be one of the best investments that a person can make, with common sentiment being that if you can commit to the home for at least five years, the real estate market in most regions will increase to where you can sell your home at a higher price than what you bought for. 

This rings particularly true for those living in the Columbia area and other trendy parts of South Carolina. The market has been particularly hot in recent years, with strong forecasts remaining in the months ahead. If you are a homeowner who wants to capitalize on this seller’s market to the fullest, consider the following remodeling projects to maximize the value of your home.

1. Add New Kitchen Surfaces

While most kitchen renovations will add value to your home, some are not scaled appropriately. For example, if you drop $75,000 into a lavish kitchen remodel, yet your home only appraises at $250,000, it will be difficult to get a good return on investment come sale time, as buyers want more in a home than just an amazing kitchen.

Therefore, in order to make the most of a kitchen remodel, it is best to undertake a project that fits the size and scope of the home. To this effect, doing a countertop replacement is a great idea to improve the desirability of any kitchen, big or small.

By choosing modern, durable countertops to be the face of the kitchen, homeowners are adding a number of features that will be appealing to buyers, including:

• An updated, aesthetically-pleasing aspect 
• A nonporous fabrication that greatly reduced the threat of staining and streamlines cleaning
• Decreased likelihood of future repair or replacement costs

2. Include Aging in Place Features

At one time, everyone’s goal for retirement was to have a home in Florida. While Florida still attracts its share of retirees, most areas in the Sunshine State are so overcrowded that those looking to live the good life after leaving the workforce have now set their sights further up the Atlantic coast, with trendy areas of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina now popular retirement destinations.

Therefore, if your home has a solid array of aging in place features–those aspects of a home that allow residents to enjoy full comfort and functionality of their property as they advance in age–it suddenly appeals to a much larger market, with this increased demand allowing you to list your home at a higher price.

The good news with most aging in place projects is that they offer outstanding return on investment, as the time and cost of including them in your home pale in comparison to the value they add. Some common aging in place renovations include:

• Adding no-slip tile to the kitchen and bathroom
• Installing custom handrails at various points in the home to aid in crouching and rising
• Using more shallow kitchen sinks to limit bending and reaching when cleaning heavy cookware
• Implementing remote control lights and HVAC systems

3. Spruce Up the Curb Appeal

While solid foundation and framing are undoubtedly at the heart of a quality house, it is hard to get buyers interested if your house does not look good. Therefore, it is essential that your property has strong curb appeal to maximize its value.

Like aging in place features, many exterior remodeling projects to enhance curb appeal significantly increase value while requiring comparatively little work. Some ideas for increasing the curb appeal of your home are:

• Replacing any dead or difficult-to-maintain lawn with water-free landscaping options, such as pea gravel or stone
• Adding a new front door and pairing it with matching exterior door trim
• Erecting a pergola to add functional space to your outdoor areas
• Laying down a modernized gravel driveway that uses innovative permeable paver grids

Conclusion

If you are in the Columbia, South Carolina area and are looking to capitalize on this hot seller’s market in real estate, there are a number of home remodeling projects that will add value to your property. Consider adding new kitchen surfaces, including aging in place features, and improving your home’s curb appeal as solid means of maximizing value returned on a comparatively small investment.

Jordan Swift is a contributor to the Innovative Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Jordan is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.

When you suffer a severe burn injury in an accident, it can feel like your whole world is turned upside down. You could have to take a prolonged leave from work or even stop working altogether. Activities that were once simple, like cooking, cleaning, and other household chores, can become impossible overnight.

A personal injury lawyer in Lexington can help you pursue monetary compensation for your injury-related damages, but he or she cannot directly make your home easier for you to live and recover in. However, he or she can refer you to professionals who can, like a contractor who specializes in renovating existing homes to be more accessible to individuals with physical limitations. Whether you need short-term accommodations or you need to permanently alter your home because of a lifetime disability, talk to your lawyer about your needs to see how he or she can help you ensure they are covered.

Renovations that can Make your Home More Accessible

There are many ways to alter a home to make it more accessible for disabled residents. You might need only one or two renovations or you might need to completely overhaul your home. A few adaptations that can be made to accommodate disabled individuals are:
● Installing a chairlift or stairlift;
● Installing a wheelchair lift platform;
● Widening doorways;
● Installing handrails or guardrails;
● Replacing the bathtub with an accessible bathtub;
● Replacing the toilets with ADA-compliant toilets;
● Lowering countertops;
● Moving light switches and other fixtures;
● Installing a wheelchair ramp outside; and
● Altering the home’s floorplan to make it possible for a resident to live entirely on the ground floor.

Funding your Accessibility Renovations

If you’re concerned about being able to afford the renovations you need to your new home, look into the funding resources the Council for Disability Rights publishes. Depending on your specific needs and circumstances, you could be eligible for one or more of the grants or other funding sources available to make homes and apartments accessible for their disabled residents.

Another potential source of funding for your accessibility renovations is your personal injury claim. Through your claim, you can pursue compensation to cover the costs of adapting your home to fit your new physical limitations. Talk to your lawyer about including this type of compensation in your claim.

Work with a Contractor who Has Experience Renovating for Accessibility

When you are renovating your home to accommodate specific needs, like your need for wider doorways or an accessible bathtub, work with a remodeling contractor who has specific experience doing the type of renovation you need. During each consultation with a prospective contractor, ask to see his or her portfolio and ask about previous jobs similar to yours.

Look online for reviews of each contractor you consider to read what previous clients are saying about his or her work. This way, you can feel confident that the contractor you hire is capable of making the renovations you need safely, on time, and in compliance with local building codes.

Wood cabinetry showcases the natural beauty that comes from the inherent characteristics of the wood. Clear or natural wood finishes enable the natural beauty of grain and color to show through. Trees are affected by the climate, the soil they inhabit, and the elements of their environment. Below, the charts show the differences in each of the wood species such as color, texture, and strength.  It is also really interesting to see that what some might consider “imperfections” are actually natural characteristics of the wood formed during the life of the tree which cause uniqueness throughout different cabinets.

Surviving a Remodel 101

So you are finally ready to remodel? Whether your kitchen or bath project takes 2 weeks or 2 months, you are going to invest a large amount of resources, time and energy into creating a beautiful and functional space. There is no doubt that this is not a normally occurring daily activity. Remodeling can be very stressful. After all, you will be living in a construction zone. It is possible to survive the sheetrock and sawdust. All it takes is some careful planning and organization and a little flexibility to ensure your project will go smoothly. The end result will be so worth it!

Communication is Key

Before any kitchen or bathroom remolding work begins, hold a pre-construction meeting with your contractor. This way any specific questions you have can be asked and the timeline can be discussed. Keep your contractor’s numbers handy because there can not too much communication. Set aside time for telephone calls and regular meetings throughout the kitchen or bath remodel to review the progress and discuss the schedule for the remaining work. Keeping the lines open will enhance your understanding of the project, provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and ultimately help make the experience a positive one for everyone involved.

The Logistics

Paying close attention to the details will go a long way in ensuring your bathroom or kitchen remodeling process goes smoothly. Your contractor should provide you with a weekly schedule of the work that’s to be done, when materials need to be ordered and when they’ll be delivered. For custom items, it is especially important to make your selections as early in the process as possible.

During the kitchen or bath remodeling process, plan for extra storage. Your contractor will have extra tools, materials and equipment in your house to complete the project, so you’ll want to find a good spot for them. And plan to protect your household items from any remodeling dust and debris. Cover your furniture and carpeting, and consider putting some furniture in storage. A good contractor also will help you cover and protect the work area!

Expect the Unexpected

The bigger the kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, the greater the potential for problems, such as late deliveries, wrong parts, adverse weather, on-the-spot changes and more. But if you keep your cool, and stay calm and flexible, you’ll be able to ensure the remodeling process still runs smoothly. It helps to designate a safe haven in your home where you can escape from the chaos and commotion of the construction. And, finally, always remember to maintain a sense of humor. It’s easy to get caught up in the inconvenience of the project, but look at the bathroom remodeling process as an adventure. Certain things are out of your control, so it’s better to laugh than to become angry.

Remodeling Specialist – Kristen Meetze, Co-Owner of Capital Kitchen & Bath
Serving Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, Chapin and Lake Murray, SC
Capital Kitchen & Bath “Simply Beautiful Results” Google or Call us today to get started!
Kristen Meetze, 803-345-5888

Bathroom Workbook: How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

Learn what features to expect for $3,000 to $100,000-plus, to help you plan your bathroom remodel.

If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, you want to update the look, increase resale value, add functionality, amenities and storage or a combination of all or some of these. Simple enough.

But the scope of the project depends on a variety factors — most of all budget, but also how long you’ve been in the house and how long you plan to stay there. As with most things, there are three levels of bathroom remodeling: good, better and best, says Leslie Molloy, a design consultant. In this new series, we’ll take you through the planning and execution process for remodeling your main bathroom.

Of course, the costs below are all relative and will depend on a variety of factors, including where you live, how old your home is and what kind of renovations have already been done. Remodeling a bathroom from the 1990s is a lot different than overhauling one built in the 1920s with mud-set floors and galvanized plumbing. “Older houses likely have had a series of previous remodels that we usually have to peel back the layers and see what’s there,” says Brad Little, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A look at three typical cost ranges

The first step is deciding which level of remodeling is right for you. Let’s take a look at three different cost ranges for bathroom remodels and common materials and finishes for each.

• The Basic Bathroom Remodel

Often runs from $3,000 (DIY) to $12,000

What you might get: You probably won’t be able to move any plumbing around, but you could replace fixtures and other materials with stock, off-the-shelf products like you’d find in a big-box store. “Off-the-shelf options have gotten a bit better in recent years,” “You can get a little creative by doing an interesting backsplash to make things look more high-end.”

Countertops: At this level, low-end granite and cultured marble are most popular.

Tile: Don’t expect to tile an entire bathroom, but you could do a bathtub or shower area with ceramic tiles or standard white subway tiles.

Walls: Apart from a bathtub tile surround or counter backsplash, painting the walls is the most affordable choice here.

Cabinets: If your cabinets are in good condition, you might just want to refinish or repaint them. Otherwise, you’re looking at off-the-shelf units.

Lighting, fixtures and finishes: All basic, off-the-shelf products. Keep in mind that because the plumbing fixtures at this level have plastic pieces on the inside, they will likely need to be replaced every five to seven years.

Tip: You can make up for the stock materials by putting more focus on the accessories. Splurge on a nice light fixture or cabinet hardware. “Accessorizing will draw the eye more so than the type of tile you have, especially if you put up a shower curtain that hides it all anyway,” says Little

Who to hire: It’s recommended that you consult with a designer for any project, but if you’re somewhat knowledgeable, you can do it yourself or hire an experienced contractor to help. Generally, permits are not needed at this level.

A basic bathroom remodel is good for you if: Your budget is limited, obviously. “Or if you’re looking to resell your home but don’t want to spend a ton to make it look nice, this is for you,” says designer Marlene Ritland.

• Mid- to Upper-Range Bathroom Remodel

$10,000 to $35,000 Why the broad range? Well, location, materials, cost of labor and project scope play into it.

What you might get: Better fixtures, like a toilet with better flushing capabilities or faucets with better flow. And new features like flooring, a vanity, a sink, lighting, window treatments, hardware, a comfort-height toilet, a 36-inch countertop, a framed mirror that matches the vanity and a recessed medicine chest — all of which are slightly better quality than from a big-box store.

Plus, you can make a few more adjustments to the layout. Maybe you’ll put in a slightly smaller bathtub to make way for a slightly larger shower. Maybe you’ll slide a sink down and move the plumbing slightly to add a tall linen cabinet.

Countertops: A higher-grade remnant or custom piece of granite, marble or quartz.

Cabinets: Semicustom pieces with higher-end finishes — glazed instead of just stained — and decorative details like cabinet legs and intricate door panels. “Maybe something made locally or in the U.S. that maximizes every inch in your bathroom for counter space,” says designer Nathan Reynolds-Poulin.

Plumbing: You can make moderate adjustments to the plumbing, like moving the faucets or shower, but the toilet will likely stay in the relative same spot. “The toilet location is the tree trunk of the drainage lines,” says Little. “If you move that to an opposite side of the room, you’ll then have to change the showerhead, drain and faucet locations. If you can keep that where it is, do it.” You might also add separate valves for temperature and flow control and showerhead pressure.

Fixtures: You can upgrade the fixtures for ones with higher-quality copper or bronze inside, which will last considerably longer than off-the-shelf units.

Tile: At this level porcelain will be your new best friend. It’s more durable than ceramic and slip resistant, and there are more color, size and design options. “Even the low-end porcelain is nearly indestructible,” says Little. Porcelain tiles are designed to mimic natural stone, and the untrained eye can’t tell the difference. “Sometimes if you look closely, you’ll see repeating patterns of the same swirls,” he says. “That’s because it’s basically a photograph of natural stone tile printed on porcelain.”

You’ll have the option of doing more interesting borders and accent tiles, and you can tile the entire room instead of just a shower or bathtub area.

Walls: You can get a bit more creative with materials and do tile walls or real beadboard for a custom look.

But it’s wise to spend the amount in there, Little adds. “You wouldn’t spend $300 per square foot in a bedroom. That’s just drywall, framing and carpeting. In the bathroom there are so many more durable finishes that will last 20, 30, 40 years. So it makes sense.”

Who to hire: You’ll likely have a team that includes a designer, plumber, plasterer, tiler, painter and other specialists.  This level requires permits.

A midrange bathroom remodel is good for you if: You’re doing a remodel for yourself and not because you plan to sell and move. You’re limited in the space or footprint, but you’ll still be able to do a lot more with finishes and fixtures and cabinetry.

• The Deluxe Bathroom Remodel

$30,000 to $100,000-plus

This level is also known as a full gut job. Everything will go away, and you’ll put things where you want. You might also punch into an adjacent room for more space or punch out the exterior. The toilet and shower might switch locations, the bathtub might go away and a sauna might come in; all-new high-end fixtures, materials, cabinets, lighting and finishes can be added. The room is likely to be larger. Detailed molding, trimwork and tilework might also be included.

Cabinetry: Solid wood construction with custom finishes and decorative accent pieces.

Tile: Natural marble, limestone or granite, all of which are more labor intensive and difficult to cut. Natural stone requires more maintenance, but every single tile has its own unique character.

Plumbing: High-end finishes and parts.

Amenities: Steam showers and radiant floor heating.

Who to hire: Depending on the scope, you might have an architect, engineers if you’re changing the footprint, a designer and all sorts of subcontractors, like a mason, a tile layer, a carpenter, a plumber, an electrician and a general contractor. It will require permits, plumbing inspections etc.

A deluxe bathroom remodel is good for you if: You have the funds, obviously. But at this level, you’re really getting the bathroom you want. Maybe you had been saving up for a new house, but with the economy you decided to stay put. Putting some money back into your home and making it more enjoyable for you is a good investment.

Planning for a Bathroom Remodel

Budget breakdown: Once you establish your budget and start hunting for materials, consider the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s cost breakdown as a guide:

• Design fees: 4 percent
• Installation: 20 percent
• Fixtures: 15 percent
• Cabinetry and hardware: 16 percent
• Countertops: 7 percent
• Lighting and ventilation: 5 percent
• Flooring: 9 percent
• Doors and windows: 4 percent
• Walls and ceilings: 5 percent
• Faucets and plumbing: 14 percent
• Other: 1 percent

Of course, it’s up to you where to spend and where to splurge, but this breakdown is a good starting point. Plus, remember to reserve an additional 10 to 20 percent for unforeseen costs that might come up during construction.

When to remodel: You can do a bathroom remodel pretty much any time of year. The most common time to start is during the winter or spring.

How long it will take: Expect a month or two of planning and picking out materials and finishes. Designer Leslie Molloy says many of her clients usually spend about four to six months doing their own research and figuring out their budget and project scope before contacting a designer. Expect three to eight weeks for construction, depending on the scope.

First step: Figure out which of the three levels of remodeling your project falls into, then start looking at photos of bathrooms to figure out what style, materials and amenities you want. Molloy advises not to get too carried away with planning before reaching out to a designer for help. Professionals can quickly assess your goals and budget to steer you toward what will work for you.

Mitchell Parker