Workstation Sink

Our Top 6 Finds from KBIS 2023

by GeneralKitchensRemodeling Tips

It’s home show season, and this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas was insightful and exciting. If you’re considering a custom kitchen remodel in your Montgomery County home, here are our favorite features from KBIS to inspire your design:

 Workstation Sinks

Workstation Sink

No counter space? No problem. One of our top finds from the KBIS show is workstation sinks. These space-savvy sinks are huge this year, even appearing in a recent Custom Craft remodel!

Workstation sinks are a simple but seriously clever solution for small kitchens with little counter space. Companies like Moen and Ruvati had their latest models on display at KBIS, featuring deep basins and a built-in ledge where you can rest a cutting board, drying rack, or strainer right in the sink, freeing up your coveted counter space.

Fluted Surfaces

From tile to countertops and even faucet handles, fluted surfaces dominated KBIS. Homeowners can add exciting texture and a unique look in the kitchen with a fluted backsplash, cabinets, or even on their kitchen island backing.

Dramatic Stone Countertops

Homeowners are beginning to take a bold step away from all-white or solid-color countertops, opting for surfaces with dramatic veining, interesting textures, and bold strokes of color. Along with adding a strong focal point, these countertops offer a touch of luxury and sophistication to any kitchen.

Color

Heritage Colors

A new and daring trend is here to replace the neutral era, bright, 70’s influenced shades like orange, yellow, blue, green, red, and purple take center stage in the world of design. At the KBIS showroom, colorful sinks and toilets were showcased, while numerous kitchen appliances were also adorned with these vibrant hues, evoking a sense of nostalgia and retro charm.

Industrial Style

Colfax

No-nonsense, organic, industrial styling is big in 2023, especially in kitchen sinks. From power-boosting spring faucets to the steam-punk-inspired Pfister Colfax faucet collection, these fixtures are both extremely functional and striking.

Sustainability

Unsurprisingly, sustainability was an overarching theme in KBIS this year. We love earth-friendly appliances like Samsung’s Bespoke collection — a line of (customizable!) refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and microwaves that prioritize sustainability from distribution to disposal. Even kitchen countertops are going green, like Consentino’s Pietra Kode collection. This stunning Italian stone-inspired countertop drew a large crowd and is sure to look amazing in any home.  

 

If you’re looking to upgrade or expand your kitchen, the ideas presented at the KBIS show are a foolproof way to get started. Need help figuring out how to make them work in your home? That’s what we’re here for. Contact us to set up a consultation!

Kitchen RayTrace

Trade Secret: Chief Architect

by General

Ever struggle to visualize something based solely on an explanation or highly technical information?

Us too!

Luckily, we won’t ask you just to use your imagination — or to learn how to read blueprints. Our team uses Chief Architect‘s home architectural software to bring home plans to life through precise 3D renderings. This software has amazing advantages for both our team members and our clients. Here are the top three.

Kitchen RayTrace

First-Class Visualization

It’s a challenge to imagine how your remodeled home will look, feel, and work as our talented designers reconfigure layouts, plan additions, combine rooms, and more. With Chief Architect, you don’t have to imagine — you’ll have access to 3D renderings and walkthroughs to help you see how each room will look from any angle. After taking a virtual tour, you’ll know what your living room looks like when you’re standing in the kitchen, how your foyer will appear as you walk through your front door, or how much bigger your dining room will feel with those extra windows.

With this clear visualization, you’ll feel confident with your choices. Or, if your design isn’t quite right, you can work with your designer to make it a better fit. Remodeling is an investment, after all, and you want to make sure you’re making the right decisions every step of the way.

Kitchen Rendering

Save Time — and Money

Blueprints are difficult to read, leading to miscommunications or confusion when sharing plans. When our clients look at a 3D rendering, the design is straightforward and clear. With fewer questions and less confusion, the design process goes smoother and faster. Furthermore, changes can be made instantly with just a few clicks of a mouse. For example, if you decide to swap your hardwood floors with vinyl tile, we can quickly show you what this will look like — without going back to the drawing board and well before it becomes a costly change order.

Just how close are the renderings to reality? See for yourself! Here’s a comparison of a Chief Architect rendering and a finished living room remodel.

Ray Trace
Fireplace

Communicate Clearly

Adjusting design plans over email conversations or phone calls can be risky, stressful, and time-consuming. Instead of trying to communicate these changes with words, Chief Architect’s visual tools allow homeowners to see how changes will actually look. Designers can even produce multiple looks for homeowners to choose from, allowing more influence on the design. The options layout below shows six versions of a bathroom our designers came up with for a recent client

Layout Options

In addition, designs created in Chief Architect can be quickly shared between family members and anyone else who may be involved in your project. You can take a family vote on drawer pulls, ask your artistic friend about paint colors, or get your mom’s stamp of approval on the layout of the new in-law suite. The design process doesn’t have to be something frustrating you trudge through – it can be an enjoyable experience you feel good about.

Chief Architect technology is just one advantage that sets us apart from other home designers. Want to learn more about the Custom Craft Difference? Contact us today!

Kitchen

3 Steps to Selecting Your Home Remodeler – The Series

by General

Choosing the right remodeler is a big decision. Whether you’re remodeling your Ambler kitchen, updating your Lansdale bathroom, or modernizing your North Wales master bedroom, picking who will do the work is the difference between getting your dream house and your worst nightmare. But how do you know you’re choosing the right team? We’re here to help. Our upcoming blog series dives into the three steps to ensuring your remodel will be everything you want and need and one big misstep to avoid.  

Over the next few months, you’ll learn decision-making tips on:
  • Research: Google can only get you so far. Discover what specifically to look for (online and offline) to know you’ve found a quality remodeler.
  • Interviewing: Be prepared for your initial consultation with the right questions — and answers.
  • Red Flags: Learn the warning signs that a remodeler isn’t the right fit for you.
  • The one mistake many homeowners make — but all should avoid.
Kitchen

Get ready to discover all these ideas and more in our upcoming blog series. By the end, you’ll be a wiser consumer, feel more confident in your decisions, and have the tools you need to start transforming your house into your dream home. Stay tuned for step one coming soon!

Wondering if Custom Craft is the right remodeler for you? Let’s talk!

Group Photo 2021

Seasons Greetings!

by General

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Decorations are up, shopping is underway, and Christmas parties are in full swing. The team at Custom Craft had a great time celebrating at our holiday gathering recently — a fun evening of good company, delicious food, and holiday cheer.

Group Photo 2021

December is a great opportunity to pause and reflect on the passing year. 2021 has certainly had its ups and downs, but we’re fortunate to say that it’s been very successful for us. We have our homeowners, friends, and exceptional group of team members to thank! We’re coming up on our 40th anniversary, and we know that the people of Custom Craft are the reason for our growth and longevity — from a one-man operation in Lansdale to a premier design-build service spanning several counties.

As you celebrate with friends and family, we hope your hearts and homes are filled with joy, laughter, and love. Take an extra moment to gaze at the lights, grasp that warm mug of hot cocoa, and watch the snowflakes fall softly outside. When the New Year arrives, we’ll be anxious to hear what projects we can help you with next.

Happy holidays from Custom Craft!
Lighted Post Caps

The Three Most Important Ideas for Your Next Remodel

by General

Planning a remodel? Whether you’re getting started on a kitchen refresh, bathroom update, or even a whole-home remodel, the beginning stages can feel overwhelming. After all, a home remodel is a large investment in time and money, and you want it to be just right.

So do we.

That’s why we structure every phase of a home remodel against our three principles of design. Let’s take an in-depth look at these goals and how you can apply them in your Lansdale-area home remodeling plans:

  1. Strength & Solidity: Build to Last
Lighted Post Caps

Any structure added to your house needs to be strong enough to stand the test of time — even through heavy use and exposure to the elements. This gorgeous deck, for example, was crafted using TimberTech® polymer decking — a beautiful and low-maintenance material that’s much more resilient than wood. Whether you’re building an in-law suite addition, crafting an inviting deck, or restructuring your entryway, you’ll want to make sure you:

  • Choose quality materials
  • Protect against changes in temperature, water or moisture build-up, and other environmental factors
  • Hire knowledgeable, experienced tradespeople who work with precision, attention to detail, and know just what it takes to make sure everything they construct is built with integrity
  1. Functionality: Build to Fit
Kitchen

Many remodeling projects start with a problem. It may be that your kitchen feels dated, your dining room table isn’t cutting it as a home office, or there’s no place for your whole family to gather. This kitchen was feeling congested, and the homeowners wanted more room for entertaining. By removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room, their space is now much more open, with plenty of space for friends and family. Making your home function better and meet your needs could mean:

  • Rearranging for better flow
  • Repurposing rooms to make every space useful
  • Maximizing storage to stay organized
  • Expanding highly used rooms
  • Building an addition
  1. Appearance: Build for Beauty
Tub After

Form may follow function, but it’s equally important. You should love the way your new space looks, and it should reflect your personal style — a tailor-made retreat that you can’t wait to get back to at the end of the day. For example, these homeowners were looking to transform their master bathroom into a contemporary and clean spa-like getaway. We achieved this by installing an elegant soaking tub in front of a beautiful window and using a color scheme of warm white with grey undertones. Learning which design style or combination of styles suits you best will help you communicate with a knowledgeable designer. Some common design styles to consider include:

  • Traditional
  • Modern
  • Rustic
  • Transitional
  • Contemporary

No matter what kind of house you have, what your style is, or what type of project you’re planning, the principles of strength, function, and beauty will always be the heart of the design and structure of your remodel. With these ideas in mind, and a little help from a quality design-build firm like Custom Craft, you can construct your dream home. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today.  

Kitchen

The Design-Build Advantage

by General

What is Design-Build?

If you follow Custom Craft on social media or keep up with our blogs and newsletters, you know we’re referred to as a “design-build” firm. But what does this actually mean?

A design-build remodeling company provides a streamlined, one-stop experience for homeowners. They have established connections with designers, architects, tradespeople, materials providers, and all the other professionals needed to complete a project. In most cases, all homeowners have to do is communicate their wants and needs, and a design-build company will handle the organization and details.

With design-bid-build, on the other hand, the homeowner independently selects a designer and a contractor and coordinates the project, scheduling, and all communication between them. It’s certainly not an impossible task, but it is time-consuming — and often labor intensive.

As a design-build remodeling firm, we’re able to offer Lansdale homeowners:

More Accurate & Efficient Timelines

Our design team works closely with our trade teams to ensure everyone is available and prepared at the right stages of the remodeling process. Our calendars have to fit together like Tetris pieces to be most efficient — coordinating everyone’s schedules is vital to an on-time and on-budget project.

Talented Teams, At-the-Ready

Your home is your sanctuary; you want everyone working on it to be tried, tested, and trusted. Unfortunately, the whole remodeling industry is experiencing significant labor shortages as demand grows.

Thankfully, design-build firms can offer the kind of consistent work that the most talented and highly sought-after tradespeople are looking for. We’ve selected the best, most professional teams around Montgomery County and beyond, and we treat them right — they’re with us for the long haul.

Endless Options

COVID-related supply chain disruptions and material delays are still plaguing the industry. Sometimes, a homeowner settles on a fixture, appliance, or product only to learn it won’t be available for weeks — or even months. This could cause a ripple effect in scheduling that can throw a remodel into serious delays.

Luckily, our in-house designers make great use of our in-house showroom. If a first selection isn’t available, they can recommend an alternative that the homeowner can see, touch, and test right in the showroom without having to travel back to multiple suppliers.

Ready to experience the design-build difference for yourself? Whether you’re updating your mudroom or planning an extensive kitchen remodel, contact us (or stop by the showroom!) to get started as soon as possible!

Kitchen

Tips for Creating a Houzz Ideabook to Share with Your Contractor

by General

At Custom Craft Contractors, we are crazy about Houzz. If you haven’t discovered it yet, take some time to explore this online community dedicated to home improvement. Houzz has changed the way homeowners plan for a remodeling project. The Houzz website centers around a searchable database of project photos uploaded by remodeling professionals. To date, more than 5 million photos have been added. Similar to Pinterest, users of Houzz (also known as Houzzers) can search these photos for ideas and inspiration for their own homes. When they find images they like, they can add those photos to Ideabook folders in their account for future reference. Follow this link for some helpful tips from Houzz on how to create an Ideabook.

We like Ideabooks because they are a useful communication tool in the design process. For every room we work on, we ask our clients to prepare an Ideabook with specific types of images. Reviewing these photos together facilitates a productive dialogue about the styles and finishes our customers prefer.

If you are planning for a remodeling project in your home, here are some tips on the images you will want to include in your Ideabook:

  • Cabinetry style – For kitchens, this can include your primary cabinets and island.  For bathrooms, this would include the vanity and decorative storage cabinetry
  • Knobs & Pulls – The hardware on your cabinets can be more of an understated accent or a bold highlight. Be sure to include close-up shots with details of the style you prefer
  • Wall Tile – Whether it is the backsplash in a kitchen, or shower and tub surrounds for bathrooms, try to include photos that tie into the overall theme of the room
  • Flooring – There are many options for flooring. When adding photos to your Ideabook, try to be consistent with the material type and look, like natural wood tones, tile, or other material
  • Lighting – Lighting features can dress a room beautifully, so remember to include pictures of the type you would prefer, such as pendants, chandeliers, sconces, recessed, under cabinet, etc.
  • Plumbing fixtures – Faucets, sinks, tubs, and showers will play a role in the overall look and functionality you’re trying to achieve, so be sure to include images depicting the features you would like to see, from zero threshold shower stalls, to pot fillers over a cook top

By filling your Houzz Ideabooks with images of the features and finishes you would like in your home remodeling project, you will help your contractor develop the ideal design for your home. As always, if you have any questions about these tips, don’t hesitate to contact us at (610) 584-0665.

Gail

Please Support Team Dancer Strong

by General

The Custom Craft team is proud to support Team Dancer Strong in Alzheimer’s Association Run to Remember!

GailAlzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect the elderly – it can rob people of the best years of their lives. My wife Kristen’s beloved stepmother Gail, pictured here, was diagnosed at the age of 53. The devastating effects of this disease on Gail and our family have been swift and unrelenting.

Team Dancer Strong – comprised of Mike Dancer, Katie Osley, and Kristen Foering – are running in the Alzheimer’s Association Run to Remember Philadelphia Half Marathon in support of this amazing woman. They hope to raise awareness and some research money in hopes of finding a cure for this devastating disease.

Please consider supporting Team Dancer Strong by making a donation at http://act.alz.org/phillyr2r2014 – click “donate”, then “search for a team” and type in “dancer strong”. Or come on out and help cheer for them on November 23rd.

Team Dancer Strong thanks you for your support!

A Day in the Life at Custom Craft Contractors

by GeneralUncategorized

If you have ever wondered what it was like to work at an award-winning remodeling company, keep reading. To gain this insight, we posed a series of questions to Matt Hill, one of our lead carpenters. Here is what Matt had to share about working at Custom Craft Contractors.

1. Describe a day in the life at Custom Craft Contractors

At Custom Craft, when we are not planning we are busy creating. Each day, I arrive on a job site with a checklist of tasks to be completed that day. As the day goes by, I am checking off the tasks that have been completed to make sure we stay on schedule. At the end of each day, I am planning for the following day. I also take time to speak with homeowners, to keep them updated on our progress and respond to any questions or concerns.

2. What is your favorite aspect of working at Custom Craft Contractors?

Presenting the homeowners with a finished project that goes beyond their expectations is my favorite part of my job. It feels great to see how much they appreciate the end result, especially when it is something I have dedicated so much time to over the course of several weeks or months.

3. If Custom Craft Contractors was a car, what make/model would it be and why?

I think we’re most like a Toyota Camry. The Camry is a well built, functional car that meets just about everyone’s needs. They last a long time and they’re reliable. They also come in a wide variety of styles, colors and options to meet everyone’s tastes. Similarly, Custom Craft Contractors is versatile. We can build anything from a bathroom, to a custom home. We also have high customer satisfaction ratings.

4. Complete this sentence, “When it comes to _______________, Custom Craft Contractors does it better than any other remodeling company around.”

Customer satisfaction. It’s one of our main focuses as a company. Our people all go above and beyond to make sure that goal is met. Everyone takes personal ownership to make sure that the customer has a high level of satisfaction with our work.

5. Tell us a little about the Custom Craft team

We have a good team. Everyone has a different construction background which makes for a good blend of skills and talents. We can meet a wide variety of needs. Our team members are all ethical and professional, which is important when you are working in other people’s homes. It makes for a happier work environment when your team members all understand how to interact appropriately on the job site.

6. Share one fun fact about yourself

I enjoy backpacking. In fact, just this past weekend I went to the “Grand Canyon” of Pennsylvania, the Pine Creek Gorge. Over the course of three days and two nights, I hiked 31 miles with a group of friends.

 

Read the 2013 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report

by FinancingGeneralReturn-on-Investment

Remodeling Magazine released the 26th annual Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report to the public this past January.  It contains localized data from the Philadelphia region and compares construction costs of 35 popular remodeling projects against the resale value that these projects could add to your home. The results of this report present the homeowner with an estimate of how much of their cost is recouped at resale.

Read the report by clicking on the image to the right:

In 2013, the top three remodeling projects with the highest return rate are projected to be 1) Entry Door Replacement (steel); 2) Garage Door Replacement; and 3) Deck Addition (wood).  As the cost of living continues to improve, the demand for housing will grow. The Remodeling Cost vs. Value report is a beneficial tool that can be utilized in your home-improvement decision-making to help you to determine the next best project for you and your home.

A Remodeling Cost vs. Value iPhone app is available for free download at the AppStore and has been updated with new data.  See what your home-improvement project could be worth!

Read the Spring Issues of The Craftsman

by General

We recently introduced The Craftsman, a quarterly newsletter filled with helpful remodeling news and information. Download the latest issue. Our goal for this newsletter is to provide readers with remodeling ideas and inspiration, share details about products we love and to answer any questions they may have about home renovations.

The Craftsman is mailed quarterly to the homes of our clients, vendors and friends of the company. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please click here or email your name and address to: info@customcraftcontractors.com