Tag: New Construction

Tips for Planning Spring Home Renovations

Spring is the perfect time to begin home projects, and if you are considering updating your kitchen or bathroom, there is no better time to start planning!  We have put together a list of quick tips to help get these projects started on the right path, making home renovations easier.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Many homeowners are eager to get outside again and look forward to landscaping and exterior repair projects. Upgrades such as adding a new deck or updating the siding on your house are popular home improvements during the Spring season. It is important to secure an appointment with a home contractor before spring as they regularly become over-booked midway into the season. Additionally, you should purchase any materials in advance so that you won’t have a shortage of supplies halfway into your project.

Certain home renovations may also require permits, which will take additional time for submission and approval before building can begin. Starting the planning process months in advance will allow proper preparation and peace of mind.

Function Over Beauty

Not all home renovations will add visual appeal, and that’s okay. Upgrading or installing new electrical, plumbing, or insulation are sometimes needed.  When making plans to renovate, other important issues can be uncovered within a project that was not anticipated but needs to be addressed. Common unforeseen problems can be leaky pipes, crooked floors, and roof repairs. If these issues are ignored, they will become more costly as time goes on, so it is essential to fix these problems early.

Choosing Your Professional

There is nothing worse than becoming one of those horror stories that you so often hear about with renovation projects. You want to avoid contractors who take shortcuts or charges double than the original quote presented. Getting stuck with a botched project that is unfinished or improperly installed is a nightmare to deal with and will only cause further problems.

When you put your home into someone else’s hands, you want reassurance that they will complete a project in a reasonable amount of time and that they have high-quality standards. It is essential to practice due diligence when selecting a licensed home contractor; having the right qualifications, experience, and positive reviews are critical when looking for professional help. Also, asking for references and getting several quotes can help assist in making your decisions less stressful.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovationsflooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



Bathroom Remodeling Must-Haves

A bathroom remodel is typically on the top of every homeowner’s dream list of upgrades they would like to accomplish in their homes. Whether the upgrade is for resale value, or for personal enjoyment to have a place to come home and relax in there is a bathroom renovation for everyone. To begin the planning process of a bathroom remodeling project, it is important to have a design in mind along with a realistic budget. Choosing to hire a professional home remodeler is a great option that can help during the planning process to make things run more smoothly. Below are a few helpful tips when doing a bathroom remodel in your home.

Before Calling the Professionals

A bathroom remodel can be very daunting, and many homeowners are eager to call their licensed contractor right away to start the project. Before you pick up that phone to call, you should first begin the initial plan with the members of your home and get a firm grasp as to your needs/ wants for your bathroom. Think of a budget you would like to stay in proximity to and always plan for a little extra because, with any renovations, there is always the possibility of unexpected issues that can arise and will increase costs later. One of the other factors that can change your mind on several details to the project other than money is timing. Be sure to expect any renovation to range from 30-90 days to complete which can be tough since the bathroom is a main room in the house, we use daily for our hygiene needs so having a backup bathroom that will be used or other obstacles will need to be thought thoroughly as well. It is also important no matter how long the renovation is taking to stick to your original plan as best as possible. Even the smallest changes can add extra money and time to the project that will be sure to ass additional frustration.

Designing Your Space

Generally, a home will consist of 1 or more bathrooms in a home with the features of a toilet, sink, and bathtub. There are optional extras such as a separate shower, dual his/her sinks and other luxuries to add into your bathroom floor plans. It is important to keep in mind what the rest of your home layout and design looks like to keep them flowing nicely together especially if it’s a joining bathroom extension to the master bedroom. Sometimes from a design standpoint is not always functional and with a bathroom that will be getting used constantly, you will want it to be designed according to a usability factor since after all the bathroom will need to fit your lifestyle needs. In some cases, if you are considering renovations to your power room bathroom, your design choices will affect your house guests as well since this will be the bathroom that they will use when visiting as well.

Making the Most of Your Dollars

If you are trying to get the best bang for your buck, there are a few ways you can cut corners when designing your bathroom renovations. First, it is highly recommended to keep the new bath’s plumbing fixtures like the existing floor plan so that new pipes/ wiring does not need to be moved can save hundreds of dollars. However, in a situation where the home is very old or outdated, a professional contractor may find that the pipes and wiring may need to be replaced anyway which may be a good time to move them to a new location if purchasing new ones already during the project. If your budget is tight and you are looking to make your room feel larger than it is without expensive expansions, a few tricks can be done for this purpose. Installing pedestal sinks are a great space saver option when choosing counters. Another great option is installing a glass shower door to make the room feel more spacious since a shower curtain will block light making it feel more enclosed. Another visual item to increase the space of the room is choosing a larger mirror for the vanity as well.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.



Tips Before You Start A New Home Remodeling Project

Starting a new home remodeling project can be very exciting but a few costly mistakes can turn your excitement into feelings of disappointment and frustration if the process is not thought through completely from start to finish. Unexpected issues or surprising circumstances can stretch your budget, but the good news is many of these issues can be avoided if a person pays attention to warning signs. Below we will give a few helpful tips to consider before beginning a home remodel project and how to make your home remodeling process smooth and enjoyable.

Create a Realistic Budget

The first step when planning any home remodeling project is, to begin with a budget and a realistic one at that. It is important to have a budget to keep costs in check. One major mistake that is made is that many homeowners have a dream design in their minds that does not always add up to the same cost of what they planned for the remodel. Having a true understanding of the pricing of materials and labor if hiring a professional home contractor will help to diminish any false expectations that may come up during the process. Another piece of decision-making for a remodel is what items you wish to splurge on the most. Choosing these items before beginning will help to keep other details of the budget in line and in balance. It’s a good idea to think about which items you will use most frequently and may help you decide their worth with a higher price tag. If working with a tighter budget, knowing that cosmetic changes are easily changed in the future will also make the planning process a little simpler.

Understand the Timeline

Not only can false expectations of cost play a factor but also in timeframes on how long the remodel will take. A professional remodeler will be much more efficient and can get a job done more quickly than a standard DIY. Living in a home during a home remodel can be a very trying experience for many homeowners since after all the main areas that many people choose to renovate are their kitchens and bathrooms. These two rooms are used constantly in our homes so when a room can be all torn apart or dust flying everywhere, it is bound to be a little stressful at times. The construction for some people can be too much to deal with so it may be a good opportunity to go on a vacation, rent/ stay with friends and family for a few days or weeks if possible. If timing is going to be an issue, you must go over these details with your contractor so that you fully understand the complexity or decide if simpler changes can be made instead.

Keeping a Positive Attitude

No home renovation will be completely stress- free and keeping a positive twist on your perspective will make the entire process easier to complete. Being prepared for days of things not going as planned and knowing that not every detail of the remodeling project will be exactly as you imagined. Sometimes the cost will have to be adjusted, or the project didn’t finish when you were expecting but that doesn’t mean the world has to end. Keeping your eye on the prize and know that remodeling your home will not last forever. If you have concerns during the remodeling process, always talk it through with your professional contractor and know that they are there to help make the process as pleasant as possible and at the end of the day they have the same goal as you do to have your home looking its best.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovationsflooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



Remodeling Your Home During the Holidays


The year has flown by and you may find yourself panicking to invite friends and family over to your home for the holidays knowing that all the home projects you were trying to get done haven’t even been started. It may be best to wait until the new year to tackle larger renovations, but the good news is that there is still plenty of time to accomplish some of the remodels before their arrival and make your home guest-ready. Before starting any home project big or small during the holiday season, it is wise to ask yourself how much holiday stress are you ready to encounter? Beginning any home project will sure to make a mess and adding on the tasks of holiday decorations, shopping, etc. might be too much for some to handle. Hiring a professional home contractor will most definitely make home remodels much less stressful and make deadlines easier to coordinate. Perhaps the dust doesn’t deter your home remodel desires, and this may be a opportune time for a few projects with having extra time off work or having some extra help home for the holidays to help as well.

Flooring Upgrades

One project that can be completed quickly is to install new carpeting, hardwood, or laminate flooring to give your guests a new wow factor for your home. This project is one that can be handled by a standard DIY homeowner but if wanting to be done even faster, a professional home remodeler can achieve this new look within only a few days depending on the square footage needed to be replaced.

Bathroom Remodels

Bathroom remodels can be from one extreme to another and if wanting to spruce up your current bathroom without having to rip out walls and having to move plumbing lines, a simple bathroom remodel can be done on a tight timeline as well. Consult with a professional home remodeler to discuss timeline needs that will depend on the size of fixtures that are being replaced. There are several factors to keep in might that can add on additional time that is out of a person’s control such as getting proper permits or inspections. Choosing certain materials can also change timelines due to special orders for custom made items so if wanting to complete the project quickly, your options could be more limited.

Updating the Kitchen

The kitchen can be a much more time-consuming area of the home when it comes to home remodeling and the larger renovations may be best to hold off until the hustle and bustle are all gone however there are a few things that can be checked off your to-do list. A few simple updates such as a new kitchen faucet, updated light fixtures, a new backsplash, and new paint can really spruce the room up. Also, if Santa decides to come early, purchasing new appliances as long as the new dishwasher doesn’t need a different location or stove need gas to be installed can also all be easy upgrades that can be done within a week or so from purchase.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovationsflooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



Benefits of Open Concept Kitchen

People often say the kitchen is the most important room of the house. Homeowners tend to spend much time in a kitchen because you’re in full control of what happens there. It’s the meeting space for families, even more so than the family room itself. You eat there, you create there, and it’s the epicenter of the smell of breakfast in the morning. It’s a very important room of the house indeed, and the design is a key reason for this. From layout to color scheme, the kitchen is also one of the most customizable rooms of the house, but how do you know which design is right for you? As time goes on the idea of an open-concept kitchen grows more and more popular, but not everybody knows exactly what that entails. Open-concept kitchens have both pros and cons, like all designs, and knowing those are key to understand whether the design is right for you.

Space           

Open-concept kitchen design is exactly what it sounds like: a design that is more open rather than constrained. Sometimes the design disrupts the idea of a “room” itself. An open-concept kitchen can often be considered an extension rather than a room, an arm of the family or living room that brings in a more inviting atmosphere to it and because of this, an open-concept kitchen can naturally make a small space feel larger. This can also add to the volume of natural light coming in through windows in other rooms. Where some kitchens can be cramped in their own rooms, open-concept kitchens flow from another room and can inherit certain traits from those rooms. Conversely, an open-concept kitchen can sometimes make a room seem too big, with a messy kitchen being far more visible to guests.

Social Aspect

As mentioned, kitchens can often be the social hub for gatherings and entertaining guests. It can feel cramped when many guests are all in one room in a closed-kitchen design, whereas an open-concept gives more breathability for a large guest list. If you have guests outside on a deck or patio being able to see the kitchen from anywhere around the house is helpful and more inviting than having a closed kitchen design in a room of the house. However, noise can be an issue with an open-concept kitchen. For those quiet dinner parties having the kitchen in its own room can let the chefs of the family do their cooking without bothering the quiet guests outside in another room. With open-concept kitchens, the noise can either be better or worse depending on the setting, with a rowdier crowd being less bothered when the kitchen is essentially in the same room.

An open-concept kitchen can be a wonderfully modern design for your home, but how you plan on using it makes a difference. Keep in mind the kind of social setting your house will be and whether you want to use your kitchen as a space to hide away and cook or an inviting extension of another room for people in which to mingle.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovationsflooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



The World of Kitchen Designs


They often say the kitchen is the real most intimate room in the home. It’s a product of its user, and it takes on the personality over time. Any kitchen lover wants it to look like the best of their personality, but the actual options are even bigger than that. When remodeling a kitchen, you want it to look as best as it can, considering how often you’ll be in it. Luckily there are many options to choose from, a few of which will be covered here.

Modern

Arguably among the most popular designs right now, this design strays away from the more natural material used in other designs in favor of more manmade material, such as laminate, ceramics and molded plastics. Darker colors are preferable here, and give the space a more comfortable atmosphere, although some may find it rather cold. The design itself can be considered originating from midcentury Nordic design, with bolder angles and flatter surfaces.

Coastal

More popular, understandably, the closer the house is to water, coastal design focuses primarily on color. Because of the proximity to water, the colors and hues tend to reflect that of the beach, with brighter browns and blues. The accessories in the kitchen tend to be more beach-focused, with artwork and wall accessories favoring sand, boats, etc. A lot of kitchens in this design reside in vacation houses, as it lends to a feeling of being on or near the beach (a great getaway trip during those harsh winter months.

Country

Whereas modern designs favor manmade material and coastal designs favor beach-themed accessories, country designs tend to mix modern elements with natural material. The amount of woods and rustic material is prevalent alongside the more country-style accessories and artwork. Farm-style imagery and wooden furniture are the main elements of pure country design, but plenty of kitchen owners are now blending country and modern designs to create a sleeker and darker-colored country design.

Colonial

Colonial kitchen design marries modern rustic atmosphere with historical context and is a favorite among lovers of American history. Because of the historical context, clues of that nature can be found adorning the walls and overall decoration. The color spectrum sticks to earth tones and more muted colors, matching that of kitchens from the 18th century, and the use of different woods for furniture and cabinetry makes this easy. The lighting used should reflect the nature of lanterns, candles, etc, and can cast a warm glow over the room that is very cozy and inviting to guests.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovationsflooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



Upgrading Your Floors? Breaking Down the 5 Most Popular Flooring Choices

When it comes to renovating your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is what type of flooring to use. For most homeowners this is not an easy choice. Balancing out the pros and cons of each flooring type, considering not only the look of it, but also its practicality can be a daunting task. What is the comfort level? Will it stand up to pets and kids? How will you maintain it? And, does it fit your budget?

Your homes location and the particular room that needs resurfacing are other factors. Homes located near the beach tend to utilize tile flooring for easier clean-up of sand. Colder climates prefer the warmth of carpet, cork, or hardwood flooring with area rugs but they’re not suggested options for bathrooms or mudrooms; tile, vinyl or linoleum are better choices.

These are questions the professionals at JFC Remodeling can help you assess. With over 30 years experience, Jason Foldenauer and his team are licensed and insured contractors ready to assist you. Compare options available below and contact them for a free consultation. 810-923-1123

Pros and Cons of Popular Flooring Options

Hardwood:

Pros: Hardwood is durable and attractive. Choose various types of hardwood and the stain color. It can be resanded and refinished several time and can last the lifetime of the house if it doesn’t get too wet.

Cons: Hardwood requires regular maintenance and can warp with moisture. It needs to be refinished periodically. It also needs a subfloor installed. It can be damaged by too much moisture and easily scratched by pets’ nails.

Cost: On average $3 to $14 per square foot for materials.

Engineered Hardwood

Pros: Less expensive than hardwood, engineered hardwood comes prefinished and is easier to install. It works better with heated floors and is less susceptible to moisture damage. Doesn’t require a subfloor.

Cons: Can only be refinished a few times.

Cost: On average $3 to $13 per square foot for materials.

Carpet:

Pros: Softer and warmer to walk on than most other materials. It’s often less expensive than other flooring.

Cons: Can be easily stained by spills and wears out more quickly than other flooring. Can be a problem for people with allergies.

Costs: On average $1 to $11 per square foot, depending upon material.

Tile:

Pros: Extremely durable, will last longer than the house, easy to clean, comes in a huge variety of styles, sizes and colors. You can even buy porcelain tile that looks like wood.

Cons: Not very comfortable to walk on and can be cold. Grout is not easy to clean, surface is hard to stand on for long periods, and anything dropped on tile breaks. Tile requires expert installation, though it can be done by a skilled DIY homeowner.

Cost: On average $1 to $10 per square foot for materials.  

Laminate:

Pros: Inexpensive, can be installed over existing floors, comes prefinished. It can also be a DIY project. It’s softer on feet than tile if it is installed with proper backing.

Cons: Can’t be refinished, can be destroyed by flooding or damaged by moisture.

Cost: On average 69 cents to $4.50 per square foot for materials.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovationsflooring upgrades, and home remodelingservices.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



Popular Spring Renovations For Your Home

It is FINALLY that time of the year, homeowners come out of hibernation and start the renovations they have been planning for all winter long.  Here we will examine the spring home improvement projects that will bring you the biggest bang for your buck while increasing function and aesthetics.

Kitchen Renovations

Let’s start with the kitchen!  Most homeowners hear the phrase kitchen remodeling and immediately rule it out because they think it is going to cost and arm and a leg.  This doesn’t have to be the case.  With the help of a local contractor your kitchen can be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary.  You don’t have to completely gut your kitchen to change the way it looks or functions.  Simple changes such as adding a touch of color to the cabinets, new hardware, and updated appliances can make a huge difference.

Updated Flooring

Spring is the perfect time to think about updating the flooring in your home.  Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it withstands the test of time.  The most common rooms in a home to replace carpet for hardwood include kitchens and dining rooms.  Carpeted bathrooms are often undesirable however wood flooring isn’t necessarily a good choice.  For bathrooms homeowners often choose ceramic or stone tile because it is durable and can withstand the moisture that is present in bathrooms.

Fresh Paint

The warmer weather presents a perfect environment for painting the interior and exterior of your home.  Spring is neither hot nor cold which makes it the perfect season to add some color to your home with a fresh coat of paint.  Paint totally changes the entire look of a room.  Changing the color of your homes exterior not only changes the look of your home, it adds to the aesthetics of the entire landscape.

Existing Decking

Deck and porch areas are best treated in the spring as well.  It is important to do a full inspection of the decking materials.  All loose and rotting boards should be replaced.  After this has been done it is time to clean the deck thoroughly which then allows stain and water preventative from adhering properly.  The same process should be followed when updating painted areas on the deck and porch. 

Deck Installation

Installing a new deck is also best done during in the spring.  Once the ground has thawed and footings can be placed a deck can be constructed.  Adding a deck to your home increases your living space.   Deck installation is not always simple.  This is especially true for raised decks or decks with multiple levels.  Hiring a contractor can turn a project that will take you a full month of weekends into a two- or three-day process which is most often the case with home improvement projects.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



Spring Benefits in Home Improvement

After months of cold weather that has left us stranded inside our homes, we all have a list of improvements we would like to see done on our homes.  It is easy to find all of the imperfections, big and small, throughout your home when there is nothing else to focus on.  With spring finally around the corner, it is the perfect time to reach out to professional contractors to start crossing off items on your renovation list.  Here’s why:

You Can Use Your Tax Return

Many Americans have recently filed their taxes and are expecting a return from the IRS.  Without an action plan most tax return checks dwindle away on unplanned expenses.  Instead of letting that money get eaten up by nonsense put the money to good use and invest in your home.  By directing the money towards a renovation that you can enjoy for years to come you won’t spend the next year wondering where the money from your tax return was wasted. 

You Will Be Prepared for The Summer Selling Season

A popular time of the year to purchase a home is between the spring and summer.  If you are thinking about selling your home soon then it is crucial to plan for it and start to prepare.  Little updates around your home can substantially increase the value of your home and the speed at which it sells.  Now is the time to make a game plan and renovate where it counts.

Good Weather Keeps Projects on Task

Without the snow and ice getting in the way remodeling projects tend to stick to their schedule.  There are fewer disruptions in transit with better weather, so materials arrive on time and are ready to go as needed.  Projects tend to take longer during extreme temperatures both hot and cold.  Spring is the perfect time for completing a renovation project within the scheduled allotment of time.

Contractor Availability

The fact is that contractors have more availability in the spring.  Contractors are notoriously busy during the summer, in fact booking months in advance for prime summer spots.  The sooner you meet with a contractor and get your project on the books the more likely it is that you will have more than one contractor to choose from during the available time frame you are hoping to work within.

The contractors at Jason Foldenauer Construction are ready this spring to offer you a free in-home consultation to get started on your list of home remodeling projects.  Let us help you get your project up off the ground today!

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

Key Elements To Consider When Deciding On A Home Renovation


Have you started to become flustered by the lack of space or look of your home?  Have you been working with a realtor to find a new home and haven’t been able to find your dream house?  Maybe you are just about ready to sell but your house needs a few updates? No matter the reason, there area options for homeowners looking to hire a professional home contractor when looking into options for updating and modifying their homes to fit their current needs.

Lots of renovations start because your family changes and the layout of the home is not working for you any longer.  Lots of renovations start in one room and then leak into other parts of the house.   Before you know it, you are looking at remodeling your whole house. Obviously, this turns a project that should be easily handled into a great undertaking.

There are a number of decisions that need to be made in any renovation.  Choices need to be made considering the budget, the purpose of the renovation, materials to be used, and so much more. Remodeling your home is an investment that should always be done in a manner that increases the value of your home. That is why having a plan in place prior to starting any renovation is important. 

Any renovation, big or small, should never start because of an idea that jumps into your head one afternoon or a solid Pinterest idea.  There is too much to consider and often ends up leading to mid-project changes.  In remodeling it is crucial to have a plan that allows you to think out every step leading you to improvements in your space.  A well thought-out, well researched renovation requires a plan. 

In order to know what you want it is important to have a vision.  You can determine a lot by looking through magazines, websites, and home improvement stores for ideas. Homeowners have their own desires for what they want from their renovations.  Consider the layout of the home as well as how the space functions.  Make a list of your must haves when creating a definitive plan for your renovation.

The size of the space is also important when considering your renovation.  Are you remodeling a room, a few rooms, or the whole house?  Are you going to add the square footage of the home by adding on or are you renovating within the space you currently have?  These decisions will need to take into consideration of the budget.

Along with the above, consider the style and design of the other room within the house when merging the décor of your renovation.  When hiring a contractor consider their ideas and suggestions.  Local contractors also have industry connections which can help ensure the project stays on a proper time line.  Hiring sub-contractors, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters is simpler when working in conjunction with a contractor that you trust.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.