Why Visiting A Showroom Is Critical When Choosing Your Next Kitchen Remodel Contractor
Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting undertaking.You have all these wonderful ideas and concepts flashing through your eyes and you can’t wait to get it all done. If executed well, a kitchen remodel can add convenience, class, and value to your home. To make sure that your kitchen remodel goes well so that you can enjoy all these things we advise that you pop into a showroom when choosing your kitchen remodel contractor. And here’s why:
See their expertise and skills firsthand
A showroom allows you to experience firsthandwhat your kitchen remodeling contractor can do for you. It takes a lot of guesswork out of the equation and saves you a lot of time. Instead of looking at pictures online, on a catalogue, or in an email you get to see the real thing – in person. One minute into a showroom and you can already tell if the designer fits your style or not. You will clearly see what their design strengths are and what architectural styles they lean towards. You may not even need to ask about their past work or request referrals of past clients. Everything you need to see is right in front of you. And this helps save you from choosing the wrong contractor for the job.
Discuss designs and trends one on one
Another great perk of visiting a showroom is that you get to discuss your remodel needs in a space where you can clearly explain what you want. You can point at various types of lighting, compare different types of countertops, go over various tile designs, and basically explore almost all design ideas within a practical setting. Even if you previously had no idea of what you wanted, the showroom will allow you to practically put together a vision of what design elements you’d like in your dream kitchen. This will allow you to explain your vision to the kitchen contractor, and vice versa. Communication on what you want and what they will/can do is therefore very clear and very easy as well. And that greatly helps to prevent mistakes within the entire process.
Experiment to see what works and what doesn’t
Within a kitchen design showroom you and your contractor have the ability to do a little experimenting as you try to put together the vision for your dream kitchen. It’s the perfect space for you to see what within your vision will work and what will need to be changed. From countertops to appliances, and even wall paint, a showroom will enable you to see which design ideas are good and which ones you need to rethink. And the same works for the remodel contractor. All this helps to ensure that you get better results in the end.
If you are on the hunt for a kitchen remodeling Carlsbad contractor we are just what your kitchen and home needs. Get in touch and we can set up a meet at our showroom to discuss how to bring your dream kitchen to reality.
5 Signs That Your Kitchen Needs A Remodel
The kitchen is easily the most renovated space in any part of any house. This is largely due to the fact that the kitchen experiences the most hours of tear and wear in any given household. By a rough estimate, most domestic kitchens will need some sort of renovation every five years. And that should beg the question – when was the last time your kitchen got a remodel? Below, see how you can tell whether it’s time to give your kitchen a facelift.
1. Outdated paint or wallpaper
The walls of a kitchen will betray the age and neglect that it has endured over the years. If your kitchen has peeling paint, stained wallpaper, or smoke-covered ceilings, that’s an indicator that the space could do with a fresh coat of paint and some new vibrant colors to brighten up the place again. Luckily, these are easy areas to cover. It can take as little as a day to repaint the walls; and it doesn’t cost as much.
2. Squeaky and leaking faucets
Plumbing is the key infrastructure of any given kitchen. If your kitchen has squeaky faucets or leaky pipes then that’s a clear indicator that your plumbing system needs a critical look. You may need to install new faucets and have the drain pipes reworked as well. This will help ward off leaks and burst/blocked drain pipes that could damage the walls, cause rot, and eventually stall your kitchen operations, albeit temporarily (but not without costing you some good money, of course).
3. Not enough floor space
With time, kitchens are becoming bigger and bigger. While kitchens in the past just needed to be nooks where food could be cooked and prepared in, today’s kitchens have taken over other mandates such as entertaining guests and even sharing meals. Plus, modern kitchens have to hold a lot, from appliances to pantries. So if your kitchen is starting to feel a little small, chances are that it is. And with a remodel you just may be able to increase the floor space and create a larger space.
4. Poor layout
Poor layout in a kitchen will greatly hinder its functionality. The various spaces in the kitchen need to flow seamlessly in order to allow maximum output when preparing meals, cooking, serving meals, or when cleaning up. If your kitchen’s layout is inhibiting this flow then perhaps you need a remodel to reorganize it. You could move different things about and create a new layout that puts everything where it needs to be.
5. Outdated electronics
Another way to tell if your kitchen needs to be guided into the modern era is outdated electronics. No one is saying that a kitchen has to have all the bells and whistles. But it wouldn’t hurt either if you can afford it. Besides, outdated electronics will need to be replaced eventually. If you invest in modern electronics you’ll improve the efficiency of your kitchen, increase the value of your home, and probably save more on electricity because newer electronics are likely to be more eco-friendly.
Need kitchen remodeling San Diego experts? Look no further. Creative Design & Build can reimagine your kitchen and add modern, elegant touches to it.
Does Your Bathroom Need A Remodel?
Bathrooms are some of the most ‘delicate’ spaces in any home. Unlike other rooms that can be allowed to age a little bit, bathrooms have to be in good shape all year round because they are the hygiene headquarters of any given house. The kitchen holds the same position too. However, let’s focus on the bathroom for now. How do you tell that your bathroom needs some work? Here are a few pointers.
Mold infestation
Bathrooms are highly susceptible to mold due to the water and moisture that is constantly circulating and flowing around its surfaces. The walls and ceilings are especially affected. And because most bathrooms are light in color, the mold stands out like a sore thumb creating an eyesore for all that visit. If this is the case with your bathroom, a fresh coat of paint is past due. Not only that, you may also need to improve air circulation/ventilation in there by maybe installing a larger window.
Cracked, dirty or stained tiles
Most bathrooms are covered in tiles. There are tiles on the floor and there are tiles on the walls. Over time, tiles will show signs of age (or neglect). And it does get to a point where the only solution is to replace them. If your tiles are broken, cracked, or stained, you most probably need to retile the bathroom. The same applies if the grouting on your tiles is chipped, stained or missing in whole. Retiling your bathroom not only gives it a facelift, it also helps prevent water damage behind the walls and underneath the floor.
Poor lighting
No one enjoys taking a shower or a bath in a poorly-lit space. For one, everyone needs good visibility when taking a bath. Secondly, lighting is very important if the bathroom is to be kept clean. And third, great lighting simply makes a bathroom look elegant and chic. If your bathroom has just a single lonely dim bulb or no natural light whatsoever then consider installing modern lighting, improving the flow of natural light, and probably changing the wall décor to allow better light reflection.
Leaky faucets, pipes, shower or shower base
Plumbing is critical for a bathroom. The moment pipes and faucets start to fail the bathroom starts to get dysfunctional. And you don’t want your bathroom getting dysfunctional, whether it’s the toilet, the faucet, or the shower system. Not only can it get unhygienic, messy, and wasteful on water, it can also lead to water damage, rot, mold, algae, termites, and other related issues.
Outdated features
Last but not least, your bathroom needs a remodeling if it has outdated features. It’s very important to keep your décor updated with the times. And in 2019 some features are just too drab to have anymore. For example, if your bathroom still has glass bathroom tiles or that 1960’s green wall paint then it’s time to change it. A bright contemporary theme will immediately transform your space and make you want to spend more time in there.
Say no more when it comes to bathroom remodeling San Diego. Creative Design and Build has got you covered. We will help you choose the right style, source materials, and we’ll manage the entire project from A to Z!
Stamped Concrete: What We Love About It!
Since it came into style a few years ago, stamped concrete has enjoyed great success and lots of positive feedback from clients and contractors alike. We work with stamped concrete a lot and we love it too. And the same reasons we love this paving technique are the same reasons why you might want to install the same in your driveway, poolside, patio, or other part of our outdoors.
Quick & easy to install
Stamped concrete is easy to install. The process is straightforward and not complicated at all. Once the ground has been prepared and stabilized, the concrete is simply poured into place. It is then stamped into the agreed design before being left to cure and harden. As you can see, chances of things going wrong are quite minimal here. Not only can the ground be installed within a relatively short amount of time, the process also doesn’t require fitting of pieces bit by bit as is the case with pavers.
Ideal for kids use
It is important to evaluate just how friendly your choice of paving is to your entire family. Stamped concrete provides a safe and gentle surface for kids to play on. Unlike asphalt or paving blocks which are rough and textured, stamped concrete has a smooth and even surface. Your kids can play on this surface without incurring any breaks or cuts on their skin easily. Even for textured finishes you can have smooth pebbles added onto the surface and still enjoy a smooth finish that is safe for kids’ use.
Easy to clean
When it comes to maintenance, stamped concrete and even plain concrete surfaces are quite easy to work with. They do not stain as easily as pavers, tiles or natural stone and they are easier to wipe or brush compared to asphalt. In most cases simply spraying the surface with a high pressure washer will do the trick. Whether you have kids or like to entertain outside, cleaning up after won’t be that much of a chore.
Numerous designs to choose from
One of the most attractive perks of stamped concrete is the design versatility it offers. The finished surface can be stamped into almost any design. Most interestingly, you can get designs that resemble bricks, pavers, timber, tiles, natural stone, brick, cobblestones, and more. This way you can enjoy the affordability and easy maintenance of concrete while adding the aesthetics of timber, brick or any other material.
Versatile use
The versatility of stamped concrete goes far beyond design. It also stretches to use. Grounds covered in stamped concrete can be used for a lot of uses, either exclusively or all together. These applications include parking cars, as outdoor eating areas, patio grounds, kids’ playing grounds, driveways, cleaning areas, DIY workshops, etc.
Love stamped concrete just like us? Request a quote from Creative Design & Build to see just how affordable it can get. We also provide other hardscaping options such as laying pavers and fire pit installation and more.
Important Factors To Consider Before Carrying Out A Garage ADU
A garage ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a great way to add a functional space into your home by converting your already existing garage space into something else. If carried out well, a garage ADU can expand the total livable square feet in your home, improve the value of your property, and add to the aesthetics of your home, among many other perks. However, it is not advisable to jump straight into a garage ADU. It’s important that you first weigh these important considerations first.
Your need for a garage space
When you carry out a garage ADU, you essentially get rid of your garage. It ceases to exist and converts into some other space. For that reason, it is important that you carefully consider your need for garage space. After the ADU is completed you won’t be able to reclaim your garage space back. If you plan to buy a car or sell the property in the future you might want to weigh how your ADU will affect that process.
Local building permits
Every local government has strict codes that govern construction and development. And this applies to ADUs as well. It may be illegal, you may need to carry out an inspection first, or you may even need to pay a fee. Your county or state could be an exception if you’re lucky but it is advisable to err on the side of caution. Check with your local building inspector and see what the law says about building your ADU. Your building contractor can also shine some light on this if they have carried out similar work in the area.
Budgetary requirements
Though small, a simple garage ADU could end up gobbling up quite some money before it’s completed. It is important that you tally up the costs diligently. Consult your contractor before you decide to start knocking down walls. Expenses such as insulation, roofing, electrical wiring, and flooring could push the total expenditure further up than you thought.
Construction disruptions to your ordinary life
Another factor that you should consider is how a garage ADU will cause disruptions to your ordinary life at home. For starters, if you have cars or good already under storage inside the garage you will need to clear them out. Then there’s the noise from the construction, the construction waste that will follow, and the possible knocking down of adjacent walls. Be sure that you’re ready for these disruptions and plan for them in advance so that you’re well prepared when the job starts.
Your remaining outdoor space
Last but not least, it’s also important to consider your outdoor space. Before you add another dwelling space to your home, ask yourself whether you’re okay with encroaching onto your remaining outdoor space any further. If you have a very small outdoor space, your garage ADU could take up a small portion of it thereby making it even smaller. However, if you have a huge front lawn then you won’t be as affected.
Creative Design & Build Inc. can help you plan your garage ADU in consideration of all these factors and more. We can also help you with your kitchen remodeling San Diego or bathroom remodeling San Diego project.
Great Ideas For Your Garage Space Conversion (ADU)
In this progressive age of advanced tech and amazing inventions, there are a lot of people who barely use their garage spaces. And the reason for that is they do not own cars. They either cycle to work or simply hail taxi rides from the comfort of their homes. Others own cars which they never use; they simply collect dust in the garage. If you are in a similar situation where you barely make any use of your garage space, an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) could be a great idea.
Through an ADU you get to make use of all your floor space. And, you can add an exciting new room to your home. This could be a:
- Guest wing
Want to give you and your guests more privacy? Impress your friends and family when they come to visit by providing them with their very own suite away from the main family living area. This can work well if your garage holds two or more vehicles because that provides enough space for a self-contained wing.
- Play room
Too much work and no play makes for a dull family. Give your family a space to play, laugh, and break away from the monotony that they’re used to. A play room is an exciting addition that parents, children, and guests will all love. You can add play features such as a pool table, board games, dance games, and more.
- Mud room
A garage is perfectly located to host the ideal mudroom. Make this a space where you and your kids can leave your wet clothes or muddy shoes before entering the main living quarters. This space can be made functional by adding shelving units and wall hangers to hold shoes and jackets respectively.
- Storage closet
A lot of family homes lack enough storage space. Convert your garage into a space where extra clothes, bedding, old furniture, or idle appliances can be stored until they are needed again; or until they can be disposed away. Again, most of what is needed for this conversion is built-in smart storage. Just think of all the clutter you could get out of your living room, kitchen, and bedrooms.
- Laundry room
Don’t have a perfect spot for your laundry room? Your garage can make for a cozy, spacious, and modern laundry room. It’s large enough to hold multiple washing machines and dryers, as well as washing sinks, a folding space, storage shelves, and space for holding all the dirty laundry.
- Sun room
You could also choose to convert your garage into a sun room. Sun rooms are great living spaces where you and your family can relax, have meals, host friends, and of course – enjoy nature. A sun room will also give your home an outdoor living space and look.
All the above garage ADUs would make for exciting additions to any home while adding great functionality and value to your property. At Creative Design & Build we can make these garage ADUs come to life. We are also the kitchen remodeling experts in San Diego with the experience and expertise to makeover any room in your house.
Remodeling Practices to Secure A Higher Home-Sale Price
Most home owners plan a home remodel for either of these reasons; to improve the functionality and quality of living or, in order to sell the house in the near future. The two differ in terms of feasibility. For instance, spending $65,000 on a kitchen remodel to serve you for the next two decades sounds reasonable. However, spending such an amount on your kitchen only to sell it after 8 months is a financial mis-step as the kitchen is less likely to add such a sale price to the home. Follow these remodeling practices to secure a higher sale price for your home.
Think Cost versus Value
The rule of thumb is, never spend more on a remodel than you can recoup. Before deciding on any remodeling, have your home valued by a qualified home inspector. With the figure in mind, hire a professional contractor to guide you on the cost of remodeling. A kitchen remodeling San Diego contractor can advise you on whether your kitchen needs surface remodeling or full-scale remodeling to fetch a higher sale price.
Where you can, refurbish
Remodeling is expensive. With regards to selling the house, it is better to refurbish certain rooms rather than incur the expenses of a full-scale remodeling. For instance, you can forego replacing the hardwood in your kitchen and instead, refurbish it by sanding. Also, replacing a window sash is a more viable option compared to buying entirely new windows.
Prioritize kitchens and bathrooms
According to realtors, the kitchen and bathroom of any home makes or breaks the sale. Families spend quite a lot of time in these particular rooms, making them more likely to require repairs. Additionally, when home owners buy a house, they instinctively calculate the staggering costs of remodeling the kitchen or bathroom before they can move in. Hire a bathroom remodeling San Diego company to perform a full feasibility of the state of your bathroom including any plumbing works/repairs.
Focus on countertops
The countertops on your kitchen or bathroom make up to 40% of the room’s appeal. Should you have weathered laminate countertops, replace them with ceramic, quartz or natural stone. They not only improve the optics of the room, but also reflect longevity.
Upgrade the fixtures and hardware
Any new home buyer will play around with the cabinets, dressers and other hardware to get a feel of their quality. Additionally, fixtures and hardware are among the top items that any savvy home buyer would want to remodel. Installing new fixtures and hardware will restore confidence in any home buyer.
Never forget to paint
Paint on the walls fade over time. Carefully-blended contemporary hues will transform any aged structure into a desirable home. When painting, use bright colors in space-challenged rooms as they improve ambient lighting and make the room look bigger. Also, do mind the deep shades as they tend to make a room darker in appearance.
Appearance over function
When remodeling to improve the quality of living, function usually takes the front seat. However, for resale purposes, appearance works far better than function. A home buyer will offer more if they like what they see, way before they can test the functionality of items such as a water heater.
The 5 Most Important Questions When Choosing A Designer For Your Kitchen Or Bathroom Remodel
Today, kitchen and bathroom remodels are a dime a dozen. Choosing to remodel your space is not the difficult part, clearly. The most difficult part of a remodel today is finding the right designer to work with; someone who will execute your vision as you see it. So how then can you find such a person, what do you need to look out for, what questions do you need to ask?
This is what you need to ask yourself before picking a designer for your kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel.
Have they done similar work before?
Contractors dabble in lots of fields. Most have their fingers in every type of work you can think of. And that may not necessarily be a bad thing. However, do not assume that any contractor you across automatically qualifies for the specific type of work you need done. Perhaps they have only worked on roofs and exterior works and have never built a kitchen or bathroom. So always find out if they have done similar work before. And if possible they should show you some examples for comparison.
Do they have a clear work schedule?
Still on some contractors having their fingers in various jobs, you don’t want to work with someone whose attention is split between various projects. You want a contractor that has all their focus on your kitchen or bathroom remodel. So always ask prospective candidates if they have a clear work schedule. And if they are slated to start on a certain project in the near future, make sure that they have enough time to complete your work between now and then; you don’t want them rushing your work just so they can jump onto the next job when the time comes.
Do they understand and love the idea behind your remodel?
A remodel is personal for you as the client. You are heavily invested in the process and you know exactly what you want to do to your spaces. It is important, therefore, that the remodel designer you choose to work with understands your idea and loves it just as much. That way they will be invested as well and will do whatever is needed to give you the results you want without compromising. Think about it, if your designer does not love the idea or understand it, how then can they actualize it?
Do they have great ideas to chip into the project?
It is not enough that your designer understands and loves your idea, can they add value to it as well? Can they contribute ideas to make your kitchen or bathroom even better and more durable or functional? It’s only right that they do because they are the experts and you’re paying them to add their value, skills, and experience to your project.
Are they licensed, insured, and bonded?
Last, but not least, ask your designer if they have the requisite documents to operate. These requirements will allow you to establish that you’re working with an authentic contractor and that your work is protected should anything go wrong. A state license tells you that they are allowed to do the work, insurance tells you that you will be compensated should something go wrong, and a bond assures you that your work will get completed should your contractor be unable to.
Creative Design & Build is your ideal partner for your kitchen remodeling in San Diego or your bathroom remodeling in San Diego. Talk to us today and let us help you achieve your dream space!
5 Reasons Why White Kitchens Are Coming Back
Every now and then there are certain architectural or décor aspects of a build that everyone is either getting or aspiring to get. When it comes to kitchens, white is all the rage right now. A lot of people are raving about white kitchens and can’t wait to have one. For clarity, a white kitchen is one where most of the decor is white. This includes the cabinets and drawers, the countertops, as well as the walls. You may be in the same boat. And if you’re not it helps to know why so many people are drooling for all-white kitchens.
So here’s a quick rundown of some of the perks of having a white kitchen.
White is classic/timeless
White is a classic color when it comes to many things, especially fashion. The same theory applies to kitchens. White kitchens are the same. They have a classic and timeless look that, although they might get overtaken by other trends from time to time, they will always get back in vogue. This makes a white kitchen an easy bet if you want a kitchen that will retain its looks for many years to come without needing another facelift.
White accentuates lighting really well
Another reason why lots of people are in love with white kitchens is lighting. Everyone knows that a kitchen needs to be well lit. Well white kitchens help to bounce the light around thereby keeping the entire space quite well lit. This works with both natural light as well as artificial light (white & warm). The effect is a sparkly kitchen akin to what you may see on a show room/house.
White works well with other décor aspects
When putting together a kitchen you must factor into consideration all the décor aspects involved. For example, you have the floor, the backsplash, the countertops, the lighting fixtures, etc. This might require delicate balancing if your kitchen cabinets, countertops and walls all had different colors. However, with a white kitchen you’re in luck because you have very few other colors to work with. And white works with just about every other color.
White looks clean
The kitchen needs to be the cleanest space around your house because that’s where all your food is prepared from. And it’s not just enough to keep the place clean. It helps if the space looks clean as well. Some colors and shades can easily be mistaken for dirt. And spaces with such colors are a chore to maintain. Luckily, white looks clean just by default. It’s also easy to spot dirt on white surfaces and get rid of it
Simplicity wins
Last but not least, an all-white kitchen embraces simplicity. And there’s something very charming about that. Sure, white kitchens have a very sophisticated look. They look expensive and high-end, which is good. But the concept of an all-white kitchen is quite simple in design terms. And in today’s world where it’s easy to overthink or overcomplicate what you want, simplicity sometimes is usually the answer.
We are kitchen remodeling San Diego experts and we know all about white kitchens. Talk to us about your upcoming remodeling ideas!
Hardscaping: 8 Must-Have Centerpieces for Your Outdoors
A lot of focus is usually given to the kitchen, bathroom, and other intimate spaces of the indoors. However, the outdoors too deserve just as much attention. Although most people spend much of their time indoors hence the status quo, you will realize that if you create beautiful spaces outdoors, you too will spend more time outside. Below we have compiled a list of 8 great centerpieces that can make your outdoors the perfect spot to relax in your home.
- Patio/pergola/gazebo
Every home needs a small outdoor nook where you can just lay back and enjoy the outdoor feel of sunlight and fresh air. Patios are a great way to make this happen while creating that alluring indoor-outdoor ambience. You could also change this up a bit and have your contractor build a pergola or a gazebo as well. All of these serve the same purpose and are fairly alike in design.
- A deck
A deck is a very simple (yet significant) addition for your home. It adds to the beauty of your outdoors while increasing the total livable space available to you. Whether on the front porch or the backyard, a deck will increase your home’s value while providing a great platform to host parties, relax, or have meals with your family.
- Swimming pool
Everyone loves a swimming pool. And out here in California, a swimming pool is a great way to cool off on sunny afternoons. A swimming pool is also a great recreational pastime for kids. And on the flipside, it’s the perfect spot to host weekend parties for your friends.
- Outdoor jacuzzi
if your outdoors is too small to fit a swimming pool you can still enjoy some fun time in the water by installing a jacuzzi. Small units designed for two people are great for just you and your partner to share romantic nights in. But if you want something bigger, you can install larger units that can accommodate up to 12 people easily. These are great for large families or casual get-togethers with friends.
- A fire pit
You can never go wrong with a fire pit. It’s adds warmth, character, and a pinch of romance to your outdoors. You can have one on the patio, deck or by the pool. Not only are they low maintenance, they are also quite affordable to have installed.
- Water fountain
If you enjoy eccentric tastes then a water fountain would be a good addition for you. You can have one installed on your deck, in the back garden, or by the pool. Some standalone fountains are quite affordable and don’t even need any installation whatsoever!
- A bar
Love hosting great parties at your residence? If you do then installing a bar out back would be the perfect way to take things to the next level and impress your neighbors. It’s also quite convenient when hosting guests because they can grab drinks without having to pop in and out of the kitchen.
- Tree house
If you have kids then this one will send them over the moon with excitement. You can have it built as small or large as needed. It’s a small project that can be completed in just a weekend. Not only will your kids love to show it to their buddies, it will get them out of the house more.
5 Kitchen Remodel Layouts To Consider
You one day walk into your kitchen and decide that it may be time for a remodel. But what options do you have? The traditional kitchen remodeling set up that separates the kitchen counter top from the sinks and other appliances has evolved over the years, making modern kitchens more functional work zones. We take you through the top five kitchen layouts that you can consider. So grab your notepad and let us dive right into it.
- One – Wall kitchens
Do you live in a loft or a studio apartment? Then the one –wall kitchen layout is the best for you. It is also known as the ‘Pullman kitchen’. The kitchen area is concentrated on one wall, where all the cabinets, the sink, and other kitchen appliances are fixed onto the wall. The Pullman layout allows for total maximization of the limited space. That said, this layout may require you to set up the dining area slightly away from the kitchen area due to the limited space.
- Galley Kitchens
Don’t we all love functionality? The Galley kitchen layout is ideal were one has the advantage of a slightly larger space than a loft or studio apartment allows. The kitchen is set up in a 2 wall layout where the kitchen appliances, cabinets and the sink are fixed on either side of the wall. It creates a sort of walkway right in the middle of the kitchen. Galley kitchens are simple to install, as the ‘hallway setup’ eliminates the hassle of installing troublesome corner cabinets and sinks.
- L – shaped kitchens
Don’t mind corner cabinets? Clients that wish to take advantage of the corner spaces can forgo the galley layout for the L- shaped one. It maintains a 2-walled setup; only this time, the two walls are perpendicularly adjoined, forming an ‘L’. It is ideal in houses where the walkway in galley layout does not leave enough room for traffic. The L – shaped kitchen allows for appliances and countertops to be installed to the furthest corner, maximizing the space available for traffic for a more functional work-area.
- U – Shaped kitchens
Are you more of a family guy? The U – shape kitchen; also known as the ‘horseshoe kitchen’ is just right for you. The layout is best for roomy kitchens with the advantage of occupying three walls. The sink, cabinets and appliances are installed on each wall. A counter is then installed right in the middle of the kitchen, giving it that horseshoe or ‘U’ design. If the kitchen is roomy enough, you can install dining seats around the counter. The horseshoe layout allows for functional traffic flow around the kitchen.
- Kitchen islands
Kitchen islands are not that different from U – shaped ones. The layout consists of sinks, appliances, and cabinets on the three walls. The noticeable difference is the counter in the middle of the kitchen. It is slightly larger than normal, increasing the work surface of the kitchen. Do you need more work space? You may install additional cabinets and sinks to the middle counter while leaving enough room for dining seats around it.
Creative Design & build is able to guide you on the most functional kitchen set up for your remodel based on the kitchen size, number of appliances and expected traffic for the kitchen. Contact us today and transform your old set up into your dream kitchen!
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Roofing Material For Your House
The market today offers a huge variety of roofing materials. One gets to choose between asphalt shingles, metal tiles, plastic polymer tiles, slate tiles and concrete tiles. However, with so many options to choose from, the ordinary person may find it hard trying to choose the right roofing material that suits their needs. To help with that, we have compiled for you the ultimate guide to choosing the right roofing material.
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Asphalt Shingles
What are they made of?
Asphalt shingles are made of fiberglass or organic paper fiber that is infused with asphalt then finally coated with mineral granules.
How do they look like?
Asphalt shingles present themselves as sets of 3 traditional tiles. The thicker ones are known as architectural, and are best for snow-prone areas.
Are they environmental friendly?
Asphalt shingles are oil-based, which is not environmentally friendly. They however, can be recycled and utilized in landfills.
What are they best for?
Asphalt shingles are best used on steep sloping roofs. They are also preferred in regions prone to wild fires such as California because they are fire resistant.
What are the costs?
Asphalt shingles are among the cheapest roofing material you can find. The actual cost, however, may differ depending on where you are purchasing them from.
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Metal tiles
What are they made of?
Metal tiles are available in different materials including zinc alloy, steel, aluminum and copper. To ensure durability, steel roofs are coated with zinc or a paint finish that prevents rusting.
How do they look like?
Metal tiles are presented as tiles or sheets. Once installed, they are fastened with exposed or concealed fasteners.
Are they environmental friendly?
Metal tiles are made from recycled materials. They absorb less heat compared to asphalt shingles.
What are they best for?
Metal tiles work perfectly on both steep and low roofs. They are also the best for regions that are prone to fires and harsh winds.
What are the costs?
Steel metal tiles cost less than copper metal tiles. They are generally more expensive than asphalt shingles.
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Plastic Polymer tiles
What are they made of?
These are synthetic tiles made from high-tech plastic polymers.
How do they look like?
Plastic polymer tiles resemble wood or slate. The appearance varies depending on the type and intensity of mold after long use.
Are they environmental friendly?
The high-tech plastic polymer can easily be recycled and replaced.
What are they best for?
Plastic polymer is best for moderate to steep roofs due to their heavy long-lasting nature.
What are the costs?
They are more expensive compared to asphalt shingles and steel metal tiles.
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Concrete tiles
What are they made of?
They are made of a compounded mixture of sand and cement. They are really good fire resistant material.
How do they look like?
Concrete tiles look like normal slate, clay or wood tiles. The difference is in the texture. After installation, you may paint whichever color you desire.
Are they environmental friendly?
Concrete tiles are made from natural materials (sand & cement). No adverse effects have been related to concrete tiles.
What are they best for?
They are heavy, making them ideal for steeper inclined roof designs.
What are the costs?
Concrete tiles are slightly more expensive than asphalt shingles, but less expensive compared to metal tiles.
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Slate tiles
What are they made of?
They are made from normal slate which unfortunately makes them fragile and quite expensive. They are however durable and fire resistant.
How do they look like?
Slate tiles are usually dark grey in color, with an irregular yet appealing appearance.
Are they environmentally friendly?
Slates are made from natural material, making them recyclable.
What are they best for?
Slates are best used only on steep sloping roofs.
What are the costs?
Slate tiles are the most expensive roofing materials. They, however, are among the most long-lasting roofing materials.
