Luxurious Bathroom/Closet Remodel

We can’t stop raving about our latest luxurious remodel on social media. We love it so much we decided it deserves a blog of it’s own. This project was two-fold, renovating both the master closet and bath.    

Our clients dreamed of a space with plenty of storage, including that of a make-up station. Their closet and vanity were both customized to suit their style and needs.

Where only a storage rack existed before, we added additional drawers and shelves to store handbags, shoes, and clothes.

The ample storage even continues in the master bath. With an inset double vanity and marble countertop, our clients space screams luxury. The alternating sconce and mirror combination creates a well-deserved symmetry and serenity.   

In keeping with the essence of serenity, we can’t forget about the master shower. Equipped with three shower heads including a rain shower, a bench seat, and a skylight, this space is every client’s dream.

We are so glad to have given our clients a space that they now love to live in. 

Looking to remodel your space? Check out our social media pages, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, for some inspiration. Be sure to contact us when you are ready!

How long does it take to choose a paint color?

We recently ran a poll on Houzz: How long does it take to choose a paint color?

We received over a thousand votes and comments ranging from 1/2 hour to a “long time”. Choosing a color for your walls is no easy task. It is all about selecting a color scheme that will pull design elements together to create harmony and balance as well. The duration it takes a person to settle on a given color will vary from one person to the other. There are those people that will make their decision right there and then and there are those that might take months to settle.

There are those people that will make up their mind immediately. This group of people has a specific look in mind that they want to achieve. They will therefore have their mind made up on what they should get. For some it only takes them a couple of minutes to have their mind made up on what they want. Some suggested picking an inspiration and stick to it.

Some take a few days to make up their mind. One respondent said she chooses three sample paints them on the walls, one very well lite and the other dark. This way, even after selecting she does not get surprises after selecting. By narrowing down your choices you will have a smaller selection to choose from and you will not drive yourself crazy.

When there are other factors to consider such as a spouse, it might take even longer than a month. A certain respondent said she paints samples behind art and with time she takes the art down to see how the paint looks during various times of days and different weather conditions. This could make the decision making process take longer.

You might simply start simply looking at different colors, after which you start looking at the different tones and you just get even more confused. With time you start canceling off color shades that you least like and your choices become narrow with time. A particular responded suggested taking pictures of your furniture and trying to find a color that could go with your furniture. For a certain respondent it has been two years and she has not settled on a color yet.

When it comes to choosing a color, a lot of factors come into place. Some will be affected by their indecisive nature, making the process longer. Others know exactly what they want and the decision takes minutes. In the end there is no standard time, take your time to find what is right for you.

Benefits of 3D Design Build

One of the main benefits of using a contractor versed in 3D design is being able to see your plans come to life. It helps you get a good idea of what the space will actually look like when finished. Many people enjoy being able to see the space firsthand to see what works in your specific space. By having a more precise visual representation of the plans, it’s easier to tailor specific elements to your needs. Learn how the sharp details of 3D design can greatly assist a builder during the design/build process.   

What are the benefits of 3D Design Build?

One main advantage of choosing 3D design over 2D design is that you don’t have to be a CAD (Computer-Assisted Design) expert to participate in the design process. While an expert designer can see how different changes will actually work, the uninitiated can have it more easily explained through the visualization of different changes as they are made in the design program. This works well when working with your design/build contractor to figure out an actionable plan. Conversely, it shows how certain things may not work in a given space.

Another big advantage of 3D design is that you can easily incorporate late design changes into the program. Rather than having to redraft the design in 2D, and have the technical details explained to you, everyone can see the changes represented visually. It also helps to to see if any potential changes are realistic within your budget. Your contractor can more easily explain and show you how the design will work, with the use of the 3D design software.

How does 3D Design assist the design/build process?

Having a 3D image of what you’re considering allows you to shift elements around before laying anything out in official plans. Since it’s easier to communicate design ideas using 3D renderings than 2D blueprints, the design process can be ironed out with much more accuracy before building begins.

Allowing the homeowner to be more involved in the design process streamlines communication. This makes for fewer misunderstandings when it comes to design details. Everyone can clearly see what is being described. Taking ideas and visualizing them is far more powerful than explaining the details in words. It helps the designer picture the overall plan better, as well. Having everyone on the same page with a custom build is the highest priority for ensuring satisfaction at completion.

Design is All in the Details

Newer 3D design programs go further than just rendering blueprints on a 3D scale. Many allow you to include details such as colors, door styles, or even wood grains. They can also approximate lighting to some degree. Being easily able to swap out design details allows you to compare things effectively on a grand scale. Some things will inevitably look different in person, and details will probably change between design and build. But having the visual aid can help narrow down options by giving you a good approximation of how everything will look in the finished space.

 

Don’t Get Lost in the Design

In today’s home remodeling world, there is such a plethora of design options that it can quickly become extremely overwhelming trying to decide what is right for you. It’s extremely easy to become lost in the design process. This is where a design-build contractor can come in and simplify things. But some people are worried that if a designer is brought in, then they will try and force their ideas on them. Finding the right contractor is all about finding someone who will take your likes and dislikes, wants and needs into consideration that you can trust. When it comes to the kitchen, often the heart of a home, you need to know that will all work out in the end.

Organizing Your Design Ideas

Many people will advise you to create an idea folder or make virtual boards on Pinterest to help get your ideas in order. This is an excellent idea and a great starting point for meeting with a contractor to discuss what you’re looking for in your space. There are so many design resources both online and offline that you should have very little trouble finding visualizations of the essential things that you’re looking for in your kitchen. This helps you to build a design vision, or a general conception of what you want the primary design elements to be in your space. Having these visual cues is extremely helpful for both you and whichever firm you decide to work with.

Helping Form Your Design Vision

What if you don’t think you have a design vision? This is where a design-build firm really comes in handy. Find someone you can trust to take your favorite design elements and make them all work together. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, contemporary, or more modern feel, you want to find a firm that specializes in one or all of these styles. The best result tends to happen when you mix a bit of everything and design-build firms are experts on making the most out of your budget while giving you everything you need and most, if not all, of everything you want within reason.

Finding the Right Design Build Firm for Your Vision

If you find in your initial meeting with a firm is trending in the wrong direction, then that design-build firm is probably not right for you. Typically, the norm for design-build firms is to work towards your goals – so if you’re having things pushed on you, then you might just not be working with the right team. It doesn’t mean that there’s anything actually wrong with that firm – you’re simply not seeing eye-to-eye on design vision.

The important thing is to not lose yourself too much in the design. You don’t want to become so overwhelmed that you simply never start – which is what can happen sometimes. That’s why finding a design-build firm is a good idea much of the time, even if you’re pretty sure that you know exactly what you want. Having design and build under the same roof makes sure that communication issues are kept to a minimum and that you know that designer and builder will work together well.

Turn Your Basement Into an Indoor Sports Gym

Looking for time and space so you can play your favorite sports year-round? Not enough commitment or desire to run back and forth from local sports gyms? Try repurposing your basement space to create an indoor sports gym. Which sports you include are up to you. Some ideas include an indoor basketball court, an indoor football field, boxing area, fencing area, martial arts area, mini golf, and more. Be creative, as well as practical when choosing the sports that work best for your home.

Finding a  Reputable Contractor

The first step in creating your indoor sports gym is finding a reputable remodeling  contractor, such as Remodel Werks. A licensed contractor who is experienced in basement remodels is necessary for this kind of project. Permits will need to be pulled and any construction needs to be up to code. Experience is also important, due to the fact that specific materials need to be used for flooring and other aspects of a project, such as this one.

Decide Which Sports to Accomodate

How much space do you have? Discuss with your contractor what’s possible and choose the number of your favorite sports that will work for the area. Consider what you’re most likely to play, as well as what friends and family would participate in. Many people choose sports like bowling, mini golf, swimming, or basketball. However, a basement sports gym can be remodeled to include just about any sport.

Consider Usage, Space, and Lifestyle

When planning for your new basement sports gym, think about the way you intend to use it. Should it be designed for mostly your own personal use, for a family, or for a large number of friends? Will you need an extra living space or a place to relax, in addition to the sports area? Discuss your lifestyle, as well as the space available with your licensed contractor. Together, you can come up with something that incorporates various aspects of your lifestyle and usage of the space.

Remember Small Details

Whether it’s the type of flooring you prefer, a question about something your contractor suggested, or a change that seems tiny, communication is key. Keep a notebook with every detail, both large and small. This will help you remember the small details you’d like to discuss and have incorporated. Mention these items as soon as you can for the best results. Even small details are important to factor into the whole equation and can make all the difference in a successful outcome.

Enjoy Your Home Sports Gym

Once you and your contractor have discussed the way things should go and everyone has a clear picture, construction can begin. This is an exciting phase of remodeling, as you can see your dream coming together. As soon as this process is complete, the only thing left to do is enjoy your new home sports gym. Be sure to invite your favorite people over to show it off too…err, play your favorite sports with.

Call your contractor today to discover the possibilities of creating a home sports gym in your basement.

 

Why Design Build is Best For a Custom Home Library

When planning and building a custom home library, there are many things to consider. From sufficient space, to usage, design, comfort, and more, there could be a great deal to think about. This is where an experienced design build contractor will come in handy. In fact, there are many reasons going with the design build process can be the best choice for your personalized in-home library.

Proper Licensing and Communication

Some aspects of building your home library may require a permit and proper licensing. This is especially true if you will be changing the structural layout or adding/finishing rooms. For certain things, these permits can only be granted to a properly licensed contractor. Communication is key throughout the process, for this and other purposes. It’s extremely important that both the homeowner and contractor are clear with each other on what will take place.

Experience and Synergy Designing Custom Living Spaces

Design build contractors have experience planning and creating a multitude of spaces for a variety of reasons. Because they have knowledge regarding the whole picture, it eliminates the need for hiring an extra designer. The designer works on the same team as the contractor and, in some cases, may be the same person. This will often help prevent confusion regarding the end result, since you are not working with more than one company. Communication within the same company is much easier than with several outside sources.

Ability to Preview Possible Outcome

A design build contractor is involved in your entire project and can show you previews of the intended finish. Unlike some remodeling methods, a clear picture is given with discussion and input from you before and during the process. There are many effective ways to achieve an end result. However, having the ability to preview what your custom home library will look like can give you some peace of mind. From there, leaving the hard work up to the contractor can be much easier.

Whole Space Design

With design build remodeling, the whole space is taken into consideration. Your home library will be customized based upon what your space will look like at completion. Anything that is built takes into consideration area usage, other items that will be in the room, your style and needs, and more. For some, this benefit makes design build the perfect choice, in comparison to other methods. Customizing the design around the whole space, rather than just the area that needs to be constructed helps ensure the finished space is exactly what you want and need.

Your Personal Style and Needs Are Met

Speaking of wants and needs, one of the main purposes of design build is to focus on exactly that. Your design build team will be sure that the new space fits what you envisioned. They will do this by discussing the plans with you throughout the process, as well as giving you previews of what’s to come. Your home library will be designed with your exact input in mind (and is previewed and approved by you before construction. Because of this, the end result is highly likely to be exactly what works for you.

 

Indoor Sports Gym and Work-Out Rooms

Looking for time and space so you can play your favorite sports year-round? Not enough commitment or desire to run back and forth from local sports gyms? Try repurposing your basement space to create an indoor sports gym. Which sports you include are up to you. Some ideas include an indoor basketball court, an indoor football field, boxing area, fencing area, martial arts area, mini golf, and more. Be creative, as well as practical when choosing the sports that work best for your home.

Finding a Reputable Contractor

The first step in creating your indoor sports gym is finding a reputable remodeling  contractor, such as RemodelWerks. A licensed contractor who is experienced in basement remodels is necessary for this kind of project. Permits will need to be pulled and any construction needs to be up to code. Experience is also important, due to the fact that specific materials need to be used for flooring and other aspects of a project, such as this one.

Decide Which Sports to Accomodate

How much space do you have? Discuss with your contractor what’s possible and choose the number of your favorite sports that will work for the area. Consider what you’re most likely to play, as well as what friends and family would participate in. Many people choose sports like bowling, mini golf, swimming, or basketball. However, a basement sports gym can be remodeled to include just about any sport.

Consider Usage, Space, and Lifestyle

When planning for your new basement sports gym, think about the way you intend to use it. Should it be designed for mostly your own personal use, for a family, or for a large number of friends? Will you need an extra living space or a place to relax, in addition to the sports area? Discuss your lifestyle, as well as the space available with your licensed contractor. Together, you can come up with something that incorporates various aspects of your lifestyle and usage of the space.

Remember Small Details

Whether it’s the type of flooring you prefer, a question about something your contractor suggested, or a change that seems tiny, communication is key. Keep a notebook with every detail, both large and small. This will help you remember the small details you’d like to discuss and have incorporated. Mention these items as soon as you can for the best results. Even small details are important to factor into the whole equation and can make all the difference in a successful outcome.

Enjoy Your Home Sports Gym

Once you and your contractor have discussed the way things should go and everyone has a clear picture, construction can begin. This is an exciting phase of remodeling, as you can see your dream coming together. As soon as this process is complete, the only thing left to do is enjoy your new home sports gym. Be sure to invite your favorite people over to show it off too…err, play your favorite sports with.

Call your contractor today to discover the possibilities of creating a home sports gym in your basement.

 

When You Realize That You Need More Space

Getting married and starting a family is an exciting time in everyone’s lives. It is around this time that many decide to take the extra step of buying their own home. Home ownership is one of the rites of passage kinds of things that make most men and women truly feel like an adult. The combination of being a parent and owning your own home is like the ultimate American dream come true.

While owning your own home is a great thing, it also comes with its challenges. The biggest of these is when the planned family size is exceeded, especially when it is greatly exceeded. Many couples decide to have just two or three kids, but destiny deems that more is in store for them. When they have four their four bedrooms home simply isn’t able to accommodate the larger sized family.

What becomes such a problem is that many couples cannot afford to sell their current home to get a bigger one. That is an expense they simply cannot take on, especially since they have more children than what was expected. There are options that make sense, and the best one of these is the home remodel.

Remodeling your home can usually be done at a reasonable cost, keeping your financial security safer than deciding to buy a new home and move. One of the best places to start is to look at larger sized rooms and see if they can be turned into two smaller rooms. While some space is taken away by an additional wall and a new door, the fact is that two children get their own space, or four kids can share two rooms instead of just one room.

You can also look at great rooms you may have. Many families have a basement or downstairs living room that could be turned into rooms. A simple addition of walls and even a bathroom can do the trick for you and give you the added number of bedrooms that you need.

The unfinished basement is one of the best places to remodel, usually because they are made to do with as you please. Many are just big open spaces with some support beams around spread evenly around. These support beams make it easy to add walls and build the additional rooms you need.

There are times where that may not work. You may not have extra space like that, and so you will need to add space to your home. This can be costly, especially if you do not have a lot of property to build off of. For many the solution is to look at the garage as an option. The garage can be used in one of two ways to solve your problem. If you do not need to park in the garage you could turn the garage into a room or two. Frequently there is water access in the garage so a bathroom can be added as well.

If you need to have your garage space, then look into putting the room above the garage. This is obviously more costly, but is a way to use the space you have to accommodate your needs.

5 Ways to Ease Your Next Kitchen Remodel

Remodeling your kitchen can be easy, fun, and adventurous if you take the right steps and get the right people involved from the beginning. You’re getting the kitchen you’ve always wanted. That’s definitely something to take seriously. But it’s also an experience you should enjoy.

Get All Financial Parties Involved

Bring everyone together that will have anything to do with the financial aspect of the remodel. This should include anyone involved in contributing financially. That way, everyone is on the same page from start to finish. Set goals and a budget early on so that there are no discrepancies in what’s going on.

Plan Earlier Than You Want Work Completed

Start your plan well in advance of your ideal timeline for work completion. A comfortable  starting point would be around 8-12 weeks before you actually want the remodel project completed. This gives everyone enough time for planning and deciding exactly what needs to be done.

Contact/Retain a Design Build Contractor

A design/build contractor can help make what you’re envisioning come to life. Before any work is done, the contractor will help you make plans and design your kitchen with you. Then, once everyone is satisfied with the design, the same contractor will build, knowing exactly what is wanted and needed. Hiring a design/build contractor helps ease confusion that can often occur when proper plans aren’t made ahead of time.

Reconfirm Your Goals and Budgets

Do some research on your own in the comfort of your home about styles, kitchen gadgets, fixtures, countertops, appliances, flooring, and everything else you’d want and need in your kitchen. Then, reconfirm your goals and budgets with your contractor.

Set a Firm Start Date

This is important for many reasons. A start date let’s you know when to make alternate plans for kitchen use while it’s being worked on. Obviously, it also let’s the contractors know when to begin so they can put it on their schedule. As mentioned above, early planning is best.  That way, everyone is ready and aware of schedules enough In advance for proper preparation.

Make Plans For Periods of Downtime

Remember that you will be without your kitchen during the time it takes to remodel. Times will vary for each individual project. Your contractor should discuss specifics with you. Think about what will happen during your kitchen’s downtime. Where will you cook? What will you do with kids and pets? Can they be restricted to a specific area or will they need to stay with a sitter? Will you stay in the home during the remodel or will you stay elsewhere?

Important Things to Remember

  • Let your contractor know immediately if something is not going well in the process.
  • The sooner everyone is on the same page,  the smoother things will go.
  • Remember to enjoy the process. It’s not every day that you get to be involved in having your dream kitchen built.
  • Slow down and breathe. A kitchen remodel can be exciting. Don’t forget to relax and relish in the moment.

 

Shrewsbury Remodelers Use Digital Media to Boost Customer Satisfaction

The demand for remodeling services in Shrewsbury has risen significantly over the last couple of years. Kermit Baker, a director for Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard said that recent data shows the need for remodeling services may surpass the peak in 2007. Competition is increasingly in line with the market, which is forcing remodelers to leverage new digital media to improve the quality of the services that they provide.

How Will Digital Technology Affect the Remodeling Industry?

Since the Massachusetts remodeling industry is on the verge of rapid market growth, contractors must offer their services more efficiently and find more effective ways to reach customers. There are a number of ways that they are taking advantage of new technology to reach their goals.

Bruce Case, president of Case Design/Remodeling, told CNBC that social media has been a very effective outlet for reaching new customers. “Most of us got into this remodeling business because we love the smell of sawdust, we love design, we’re passionate about homes,” said Case. “Now we have to be experts in social media and all these other platforms.”

Social media isn’t just more efficient for finding new leads. It is also becoming essential for earning trust and bidding against other competitors. Consumers have abandoned using the Yellow Page and started turning to platforms such as Yelp and Houzz to locate contractors. There are a number of reasons these websites are preferable to the old Yellow Pages:

  • Contractors can update their information immediately, which makes it easier for customers to reach them.
  • Customers can view feedback from other homeowners, which helps them choose the right contractor.
  • These websites can be accessed on any device in a matter of seconds.

These websites are clearly simplifying life for both homeowners and contractors throughout Massachusetts. They are even playing an important role for the remodeling industry in Shrewsbury and the surrounding area. There are currently 406 contractors in the area listed on Yelp. Feedback among prior customers shows that the quality of these remodelers varies considerably, so these sites make it much easier for customers to make unequivocal comparisons.

At Remodel Werks, we have found that sites such as Houzz have been especially beneficial. They have helped us draw more qualified leads, so we can work with the clients that are the best fit. We have also received great reviews from previous customers such as this:

“We would highly recommend Remodelwerks. Joe and his crew created a fantastic entertainment room in our basement. We are very pleased with the result, and our kids and their friends love this new, appealing space of their own. Mark and Ron did the majority of the work. These guys are hardworking, skilled, and professional. It was a pleasure having them in our home. Remodelwerks attended to every detail, and Joe did an excellent job of designing and coordinating the project. He was at our home regularly to check on progress and kept us informed about the schedule. We will definitely hire Remodelwerks for future projects.”

Since people are highly influenced by feedback from other customers, we appreciate receiving such reviews. They prove that we take pride in the work that we deliver to our customers.