Design

Summer is a time when most people are thinking about improving their beach bods. But summer is also a good time to think about improving your home.

This video offers expert tips for people thinking about remodeling.

First, kitchen and bathroom work offers the best return on investment, so that’s a good place to start.

Next, do your homework on contractors. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and scope out companies online.

Also, stay skeptical of any really low offers. As we’ve covered before, a really low offer usually means a contractor is looking to cut corners, either in quality or materials. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Elsewhere, make sure to read all contracts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for something to be explained for you. It’s common sense, but don’t sign a paper you don’t fully understand.

The tips don’t end there, though. In this article, a couple talks about their remodeling process and how enlisting help from an informational seminar put them at ease and made for a worthwhile experience.

One big takeaway from the article: find a remodeler that matches up with your ideas and then purchase only what makes you feel comfortable.

Have a good week!

If you are in the market for some new cabinets, then today is your lucky day. We’ve got two big pieces of advice for you that will take all of the fuss out of your decision-making process.

First, go with our friends at SOLLiD Cabinetry! Hey, and wouldn’t you know it, MK Remodeling & Design is an official SOLLiD Cabinetry dealer. Be sure to check out www.mk-cabinetry.com for more deals. And do not worry if you aren’t in the Phoenix area. We can ship the cabinets anywhere!

Second, check out this guide from Elle Decor! It’s got a wonderful breakdown of the pros and cons of different types of cabinets.

We’ll spotlight some of the best nuggets of info:

Wood cabinets offer a classic feel at a good price, can be easily repaired, and can be refreshed later on with a new staining or paint job.

Eco-friendly cabinets offer a more updated look without the guilt but at a higher price. They also can require a little more upkeep.

Laminate cabinets come in all kinds of colors and textures and are very affordable. While durable, deep cracks or scratches are almost impossible to repair.

Metal cabinets are sturdy and resistant to rust and stains. They tend to be more expensive and show fingerprints.

If any of these options sound good to you, head over to www.mk-cabinetry.com and scope out our latest deals.

Have a great week!

If you’re like most customers, you feel inundated with salesman speak and lofty promises.

The best way to sift through the noise is to focus on how you are treated. That’s the key point in an article came across about the 5 qualities of an expert contractor.

First, a good contractor will always put your needs ahead of a schedule, and will marry your expectations with your budget.

Second, a good contractor will have a plan in place to deal with the mess a remodel will cause.

Third, an expert contractor will be forthcoming about any unexpected challenges as they arise and will clearly explain how they will handle them. A good contractor will not cut corners.

Fourth, the best contractor is one who is licensed, insured and seeks the proper permits and paperwork.

Lastly, an expert contractor will clearly define a fair contract and outline a payment program.

If anyone you deal with falls short in any of these areas, you would be wise to start looking elsewhere.

Speaking of expert advice, we were really struck by an advice column by a handyman titled “Have realistic expectations when remodeling.”

One quote in particular was a great summary of what we regularly encounter while talking to people about remodeling.

“Reality TV does not mean you get a reality price for remodeling,” the expert says. In fact, he’d estimate that most people think jobs cost half as much as they really do as a result of unrealistic TV shows.

So, keep that budget advice and our expert contractor tips in mind when you think about your next remodeling project.

Have a good week!