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Our 5 Favorite Finds From KBIS 2024

by Remodeling Tips

 

Every year, the Custom Craft team looks forward to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), where we get to see the latest trends, technology, and inspiration in kitchen and bath design. This year did not disappoint; we can’t wait to share our takeaways with our Montgomery County homeowners. Here are our top 5 favorite finds from KBIS 2024:

 

1.   Innovative Sink Shapes & Textures

Creative sink design was an exciting new trend highlighted at KBIS, from flower-shaped handles to faucets to basins. We observed circular wheel-shaped handles, flat, curved, and angular faucets, and eye-catching textures like the Daniel Arsham-inspired Rista sink shown here.

 

Produced by Kohler, this sink uses the latest 3D printing technology to play with shape and texture, transforming the basic bathroom sink into a work of art. Expanding on this trend, we also saw brightly colored scalloped and rippled concrete sinks by Kast and ultra-stylish sink and shower handles by Kallista.   

2.  Workstation Sinks

The bar has been raised for kitchen sinks, and now workstation sinks are in high demand. It’s easy to see why — homeowners love all the convenient features like cutting boards, mixing bowls, colanders, foldaway drying racks, and even glass rinsers that quickly and efficiently rinse out drinkware with a powerful jet of water. These accessories fit neatly into the sink thanks to a built-in ledge (or two!) around the perimeter, which frees up counter space and makes cleanup a breeze. 

3.      PITT Cooking

Home chefs everywhere are celebrating these innovative burners that they can customize to fit their needs. PITT Cooking, a Holland-based company, has developed a way to install burners directly into your countertop, with no steel or glass surrounding them. This way, the burners can be spaced however you’d like, allowing you to leave enough room to use them simultaneously and configure them for a tailor-made cooking experience.

4.      Top-Notch Technology

One of our favorite things to see at KBIS is the up-and-coming technology that opens up worlds of opportunities in our homes. Here are some tech highlights from this year’s show:

 

Kohler Numi 2.1 toilet

 

To anyone with a family member who takes too long in the bathroom: DO NOT show them this toilet. The Numi 2.1 toilet from Kohler makes doing your business feel like a trip to the spa with its unique shape built for comfort, personalized cleansing features, a motion-activated automatic lid that opens and closes on its own, a heated seat, and much more.   

 

LG Styler Steam Closet

 

This steam closet sanitizes, deodorizes, and dries with the touch of a button. Perfect for freshening up and getting the wrinkles out of your dress clothes before a night out, quickly drying your kids’ coats after they come in from outside, or even shaking the allergens off a rug before your guests come over.  

 

LG AI Robot

 

The future has arrived! This charming little companion patrols around your home on two wheels, monitoring and alerting you to anything that might require your attention. It can connect to appliances and lighting and let you know if you left a light on or a window open. Its AI technology can even read emotions and have simple conversations with you. You can have it remind you to take medications, give you a weather report, or update you on traffic before you leave for work in the morning.  

  

Kohler Stillness Bath

 

Just as we began to question whether bathtubs are necessary, Kohler has unveiled their Stillness Bath. This Japanese-style soaking tub incorporates water, fog, light, and aromas to immerse all your senses for a Zen-like experience. Fully customizable with several experience options, this small but mighty tub has everything you need to relax and rejuvenate.   

5.      Pops of Color

If there was one trend KBIS confirmed, it’s that bold, vibrant colors are making their way into our homes. We saw ceramic sinks in every color of the rainbow, Barbiecore pink refrigerators, marigold yellow ranges, pastel shower heads, and more. With a wide range of colors and options available, there’s something for every style. Whether you’re ready to go bold with an entire appliance or maybe just the handle, these pops of color are a great way to personalize and bring self-expression to your home.

 

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed a sample of the exciting new ideas from KBIS as much as we have. Feeling inspired? Contact us to get your next project started!

level 1 bold kitchen

How Bold Can You Go?

by GeneralLifestyle TipsRemodeling Tips
Has your starter home become your forever home? Maybe you love your home’s location too much to move. Or, if you’re like many Montgomery County homeowners, limited inventory and rising interest rates may have stalled your plans to move somewhere bigger and better. As more families decide to stay where they are, a new trend has emerged to keep spaces fresh, interesting, and personalized — going bold.  Bold personalization happens when we make a home design decision that goes against the grain and steps away from staying safe or neutral. Some may be ready to dive into the deep end with a unique look in every room, others would rather just dip a toe in with one small space, and many homeowners fall somewhere in between. In this blog, we’ll explore options at each level so you can decide how bold you’d like to be.  

Level 1: Barely Bold

level 1 bold kitchen
There are many reasons why homeowners don’t like to take big risks in design choices — perhaps a louder dynamic doesn’t fit their personality, they don’t have the budget for drastic changes, or maybe they’d like to resell in the near future. If you find yourself in this category but still want to incorporate a few tastefully bold choices, here are some ideas for you:

Unique Lighting

Statement lighting pieces are a relatively easy way to impact the look and style of your home. Pictured above are fun, textured lights from a recent remodel in Doylestown. Aptly named “urchin” pendants, they bring a splash of fun and personality to the kitchen. Best of all, homeowners can easily swap them out if they want something different.

Statement Tile

Whether in the kitchen or the bathroom, many homeowners incorporate statement tiles in their design. It could be as subtle as a contrasting pattern in a shower niche or a vibrant, geometric work of art behind your stovetop. Whatever you choose, your wall tile could be the perfect opportunity to be (a little) bold.   

Welcoming Wallpaper

That’s right, wallpaper is back. If you miss playful patterns on your wall, wallpaper in a smaller space such as a powder room or home office could be the just-right touch of personality you’re looking for.  

Level 2: Fairly Bold

level 2 bold living room
This next level is for homeowners who are ready to make more of an investment in their design decisions. In this category are ideas that may involve small structural changes, could cost more, and are more difficult to change. If you’re feeling confident in your design style and are staying in your home for a while, these are for you:

Ceiling Treatments

Looking for some next-level bold options? Look up! Exposed beams, coffered or tray ceilings, or even a dark, bold paint color, as in this Plymouth Meeting remodel, draw eyes upward and create a sense of grandeur. 

Creative Countertops

Countertops with dramatic veining or unique patterns are strikingly beautiful and an investment you’ll keep for a good amount of time. We’re seeing a lot of sparkling gold veining, as well as fluted or waterfall styles that make islands truly eye-catching. 

Colored Cabinets

Tired of playing it safe with wood-stained cabinets? Go bold and paint them a rich, vibrant color. Your kitchen or bathroom will benefit from the visual interest and a unique touch of personality.

Level 3: Maximum Bold

Ready to be extreme? The last level in bold personalization gets into more extensive structural changes, design choices that could be controversial for future homeowners, and changes that usually require a large investment. These aren’t for everyone, but for some, they’re exactly what’s needed to make a home truly their own.  
bold kitchen

Nontraditional Fixtures & Features

Standard, safe fixtures and features will always be popular. After all, they’re popular for a reason: most people like them! Those willing to take a bolder approach, however, could opt for an oversized or curbless walk-in shower instead of a bathtub, indulge in their own personal sauna, or carve out space for a specially designed cigar room in their basement (all real-life elements from Custom Craft remodels!). 

Structural Statement Pieces

When your home’s focal point is part of a structural element and requires a construction crew, you know you’ve reached top-level bold. Structurally bold remodeling choices include raising your ceiling height, installing floor-to-ceiling windows, or even bringing in a larger-than-life or dramatic decorative range hood to capture your guests’ attention.  

All-of-the-Above

Part of what determines how bold design choices are is how many are in a single space. Take the above example of our steampunk kitchen project — any of these design choices by themselves may not have registered as extremely bold. But combining the stunning backsplash, dramatic granite countertop, cool copper piping and trim, tongue-and-groove wood ceiling, and unique lighting makes for a one-of-a-kind, ultimate bold look.  At the end of the day, your home should reflect your personality — especially when you know you’ll be there for a long time. If you need help deciding how bold to go, our team is here to help. Our knowledgeable designers spend lots of time asking questions and listening to clients, taking cues from the rest of your home, and factoring in your budget to come up with solutions that meet your needs. Contact us today to get started with a consultation! 
Trends

The Kitchen ‘In’ List for 2024

by GeneralLifestyle TipsRemodeling Tips

Happy 2024! As we begin the new year, homeowners in Montgomery County and beyond are wondering about the latest trends in home design. The good news? Many of the trends we’re seeing have stayed steady in recent years. This means that, unlike the fleeting, gnarly trends of the ’80s, when you upgrade your home with these elements in mind, you’re creating a timeless space you’ll be satisfied with for years to come. Here are the top kitchen trends we’re seeing and how they’re likely to evolve in 2024.

Beverage Center
  1. Better Beverage Centers 

Beverage centers continue to grow in popularity year after year. Our clients love the idea of a one-stop area where guests and family members alike can help themselves to a drink (or two!) without interfering in the high-traffic zones of the kitchen. In 2024, look out for stations that go beyond the typical wine and cocktail supplies and include high-end coffee items like Nespresso machines, specialty syrups, and grinders.

Warm Stained Wood

2. Warm, Stained Wood

Custom Craft Senior Designer Julie Novak Stafford often recommends incorporating stained wood to make kitchens feel warm and inviting — especially when the majority of the cabinets have a painted finish. Homeowners can incorporate stained wood within their center islands, in floating shelves, or even as a statement butcher block countertop.

Charging Drawer

3. Top-Notch Tech

In the era of smart homes, we’re placing a premium on tech integration. Designer Grace Arndt believes in the mindful placement of smart devices and seamless incorporation into the kitchen’s design — and it all starts with uncovering how clients live their lives and use their spaces. From smart refrigerators to intelligent lighting systems, high-tech innovations aren’t just convenient; they’re an integral, personal part of the modern kitchen experience.

Calm and Convenience

4. Calm & Convenience

During the pandemic, homeowners began to place great value on serenity and simplicity in their homes. Although most people are now back to their busy lives outside the home, the appreciation for a soothing, convenient environment is here to stay. Added storage, improved layouts, and innovative lighting are just some ways to make a home centered on tranquility and wellness.

Organic

5. Organic Design

Designer Brittany Murray sees bringing the outdoors in as another prevailing theme in 2024. Homeowners are opting for large windows that flood the kitchen with natural light, as well as organic finishes like stone and wood that create a harmonious connection to nature. Natural colors further enhance the kitchen’s organic appeal.

Textural Movement

6. Textural Movement

Brittany also notes that with warm, neutral colors trending, many homeowners are looking for ways to incorporate more visual interest and dimension into their homes. Textured design elements such as a geometric backsplash, veined countertop, or open shelving are all effective ways to use texture in the kitchen. 

 

Pendant Lighting

7. Pendant Lights

It’s safe to say that statement lighting in the kitchen will continue to trend in 2024 and beyond — particularly in the form of larger-than-life pendant lights. Oversized pendant lights add a touch of drama and elegance, turning the kitchen into a space where functionality meets artistry.

Decorative Hood

8. Decorative Range Hoods

Everyone needs a range hood to keep their kitchen air fresh and clean, so why not have fun with its design? In 2024, look for range hoods made from various materials, shapes, and sizes. Whether cleverly concealed to blend in with the cabinets or designed to be a fabulous focal point, range hoods will remain an essential part of kitchen design.

Multitasking Island

9. Multitasking Islands

 In the past, many kitchen islands were crafted like a bar, with seating on one side and the chef on the other. Going forward, we’re likely to see islands becoming more like (or even replacing!) the dining room table with seating all around. Islands have also evolved from simply a place to prep food to becoming the ultimate storage opportunity for a clutter-free kitchen. Best of all, homeowners don’t have to compromise on looks, as many islands sport furniture-style legs, waterfall countertops, and other stunning design elements.

Gold Finishes

10. Glamorous Gold Finishes     

Gold and bronze accents continue to make a bold statement in kitchen design. From hardware to sinks and pendant lights, gold finishes add a touch of glamour and sophistication, elevating the space’s overall aesthetic.

Looking to update your kitchen with some of these timeless trends? We can help. Contact us to learn more about bringing your kitchen into 2024 and beyond.

Bio Block

Green Home Remodeling: Transforming Your Space With Environmentally Friendly Updates

by GeneralLifestyle TipsRemodeling Tips

Sustainability is more than just a trend — it’s become a way of life and an important responsibility, prompting many homeowners in Montgomery County and beyond to seek ways to make their living spaces more eco-friendly.

Whether you’re motivated by a desire to reduce your carbon footprint, lower energy bills, or simply live in a healthier environment, there are numerous updates you can make to your home that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. As a forward-thinking home remodeling company, Custom Craft is here to guide you through some of the top environmentally-friendly updates you can consider for your next project, as well as practical advice to keep in mind on your journey to a greener home.

How to Build a Better Home

When we sat down with Custom Craft designer Grace Arndt to discuss Barbie Dreamhouse features available to those of us in the real world, she mentioned that sustainable design was at the top of her Dreamhouse wish list.  We loved this so much that for this month’s post, we asked for her take on what it means to build a green and healthy home. Here are some of her ideas:

Find the Right Fit

If sustainable remodeling is a priority, finding a home remodeler who shares your values is essential. When interviewing potential remodelers, ask about their eco-friendly efforts. These could be anything from the materials they have available to the ethical vendors they work with.

Bio Block

At Custom Craft, one of our cabinet suppliers is Kahle’s Kitchens — a company that goes above and beyond to ensure they strictly follow environmental protocols and implement waste-eliminating and recycling initiatives. According to General Manager Scott Fair, one procedure that distinguishes Kahle’s Kitchens from other suppliers is the reuse of leftover materials. Any scraps of wood and debris they have on hand are collected, ground up, and compressed into BioBricks — two-pound pellets that can be used in wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or campfires instead of traditional cordwood. These BioBricks are used to heat the Kahle’s facility and are available to the community.

Once you’ve found a remodeler who can help you achieve your green goals, Grace also suggests communicating these goals to your designer because they “will put the extra effort into helping you reach them. Your achievements will be their achievements. It will be a team effort.”

Remember to Reuse

Before throwing anything away, reuse what you can. For example, an old vanity could be relocated to the garage or basement for a unique storage area. If you can’t reuse an item, try to find someone else who can. If your cabinets, doors, or existing furniture are in good shape but not working with your design, donate or sell them so they’ll be reused elsewhere. You never know when your unwanted items could be someone else’s treasure.   

Celebrate the Small Changes

Remember that small victories are victories nonetheless, and most of the time, little steps lead to big changes. It might not be in your budget to install solar panels on your roof, but upgrading your thermostat or swapping out that leaky basement sink could be much more attainable. Any step in the right direction should be valued and celebrated.

Sustainable Living Upgrades

With those ideas in mind, let’s dive into specific upgrades you can make that will go a long way to building a more efficient home:

Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

One of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by upgrading your windows and doors. Replacing old, drafty windows with energy-efficient models can significantly reduce heat and air conditioning costs. Look for windows and doors with ENERGY STAR certification to ensure they meet strict energy efficiency standards.

Smart Home Technology

Invest in smart home technology that allows you to monitor and control your home’s systems remotely. This can help optimize energy use, reduce waste, and create a more comfortable living space. Smart thermostats, lighting, and shower systems are just a few examples of how you can make your home smarter and greener.

U by Moen

Eco-Friendly Materials

To her earth-conscious clients, Grace suggests starting remodeling plans with environmentally-friendly materials and letting those items set the stage for the all-over look and style of the space. She also encourages her clients to invest in materials that are lasting and can be locally sourced, even if the price point is slightly higher. Some examples of eco-friendly materials include:

  • Bamboo, cork, reclaimed, or recycled flooring
  • Recycled glass, solid surface, or recycled quartz countertops
  • Low-VOC and zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes

Prioritizing sustainable materials like these in your home design sets the foundation for greener living and a healthier lifestyle overall.

Insulation Upgrades

Proper insulation is essential when maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Upgrading your insulation can reduce heat loss and gain, making your home more energy efficient. Living in an older home? The U.S. Department of Energy suggests getting an energy assessment that can tell you how well your house is insulated and where improvements can be made. If you need more insulation, look for materials made from recycled or renewable resources, like cellulose or spray foam. This improvement will likely pay for itself within a few years, even in newer homes.

LED Lighting

Switching to LED (light-emitting diode) lighting is a small change that can yield big results. LEDs are highly energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs. They come in various styles and colors, allowing you to customize your lighting to match your home’s aesthetic.

Incorporating these environmentally-friendly updates into your home remodeling project will create a more sustainable and energy-efficient living space. Not only will you contribute to a greener future, but you’ll also enjoy the benefits of reduced energy bills, improved comfort, and increased property value.

Custom Craft is here to help you achieve your eco-friendly renovation goals. Contact us today to start your journey toward a greener, more environmentally responsible home. Together, we can make a positive impact on our planet, one remodel at a time.

Marble Floor

Designing for Tomorrow: Aging-In-Place Tips for Your Next Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel

by Interior RenovationRemodeling Tips

Many homes are not well suited for older folks or people with disabilities — that’s why requests for universal design or aging-in-place remodels have become increasingly common. Whether you are welcoming a family member with different accessibility needs or planning for your own future, there are several ways to make a home safer and more comfortable for everyone — without compromising on style.

If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry. We did the hard work for you and sat down with former occupational therapist and home logistics expert Dawn Heiderscheidt of Aurora Independence to get her insights on the best aging-in-place and universal design elements to include in your next kitchen and bathroom remodel.

Marble Floor

Risk-Free Restrooms

The primary/master bathroom is often the first room that comes to mind when considering safely aging in place. We spend a lot of time in these small rooms, engaging in daily tasks that require more maneuvering than you might think. While Dawn says that every person and project is unique with very individual needs, she recommends a few staples regularly.

Safer Showers

Showers designed with safety in mind will need grab bars and a stable shower seat at a minimum. But Dawn cautions against built-in benches, which can be slippery or placed in an inconvenient spot or at a bad angle, making slips and falls more likely.

As far as shower heads go, a hand-held model is ideal. Furthermore, you may want to consider having two shower heads in case of a height discrepancy between family members, or if one person prefers to sit while another prefers to stand.

Just as important as what goes in your shower is what’s around your shower and on the floor. For example, large tiles have less grout and require less strenuous cleaning. Dawn also suggests thinking twice about sliding glass doors, as they can be very difficult to navigate around — they may not offer the clearance one needs to move from the shower chair to a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility device. Curtains are also a better option since they’re much easier to open and close. Investing in a zero-threshold, doorless shower is even less intrusive.

Clever Commodes

The most accessible toilets are high up and in an open area without a lot of walls. Although some people prefer to conceal their commodes in a water closet, these extra obstacles can cause many problems for someone with mobility issues. Dawn recommends keeping as open a floor plan as possible in the bathroom and considering a bidet for the ultimate cleaning convenience.

Sinks & Lighting

Motion sensor sinks are a great investment in the bathroom. Instead of reaching for a handle, users simply bring their hands up to the faucet, and the water turns on automatically — no fine motor movements required.

The only thing worse than needing to use the bathroom in the middle of the night is being blinded by the harsh lights when your eyes are used to the dark. Dawn suggests using baseboard lighting around the bathroom’s perimeter to avoid this. Not only is this easier on your eyes, but it also illuminates potential obstacles, and the soft glow adds a pleasing aesthetic to any space.

Kitchen - Cover Photo

Clever Kitchens

A close runner-up to the primary bathroom, the kitchen is another important area to remodel or update with universal design in mind.

Cabinets & Countertops

Just as multiple showerheads accommodate different needs in the bathroom, multilevel countertops cover all your bases in the kitchen. Ensure everyone has a safe space to eat and prepare food by providing countertops of different heights.

Regarding storage, deep drawers are much easier to rummage through than cabinets, and many people find D-ring pulls simpler to grab than a knob. Additionally, appliance lifts are a must-have to access ultra-heavy appliances like stand mixers.

 

Everything AND the Kitchen Sink

 

When choosing your kitchen sink, Dawn recommends smart faucets you can control with your voice, a wave, or a tap. These can even be programmed to fill a certain amount at a time, avoiding spills and wasted water. In addition, tall or gooseneck faucets make life a lot easier since the user can wash at the right angle, while sitting or standing, without water running down their arms while they wash.

 

Like bathroom lighting, kickplate lighting is a gentler way to grab a midnight snack or glass of water without hurting your eyes. LED lighting can also be used under cabinets and is as lovely as it is functional.

 

Other Tips

Besides kitchen and bathroom accommodations, Dawn has some excellent aging-in-place tips for other spots around the house, too:

  • If you can, avoid having any steps at all at your home’s entryway. Even a single step can be difficult for someone with mobility issues.
  • If you do have a step (yes, even just one!), make sure there are sturdy handrails to grab onto.
  • The bare minimum width for doorways is 32 inches, but to be safe, Dawn recommends going as wide as 36 inches.
  • Pocket doors are a great space-saving feature, but keep in mind their small hardware can be difficult to open and close.
  • Barn doors could be another great alternative to a swinging door that takes up valuable floor space, but they’re not ideal. They offer little to no soundproofing, which can feel awkward and intrusive.
  • It’s best to keep the owner’s suite on the first floor if possible. If not, chair lifts are a surprisingly affordable option.

With all these safety measures in place, is there any room for appealing design? Absolutely. After all, no one wants their home to feel like a utilitarian hospital. In fact, Dawn says she enjoys working with home remodelers like Custom Craft so she can collaborate with designers to create a space that represents the homeowners’ style. Our designers specialize in hiding accommodations in plain sight. In fact, many look more like style choices than safety precautions — by design.

Interested in a safe but stylish renovation with aging in place in mind? We’d love to help. Contact us for a consultation!   

Choosing A Remodeler

How to Choose a Home Remodeler: Setbacks & Solutions

by GeneralInterior RenovationNewsRemodeling Tips
Brown & White Kitchen

Thinking about upgrading your Montgomery County kitchen, bathroom, or basement? Your first step is to select a qualified remodeler to partner with you on your journey to a home you love. But how do you choose which remodeler is right for you?

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this is especially true with hiring home-building professionals. In fact, some of our clients come to us for help after having bad experiences with other remodelers and wish they had taken steps to prevent their mishaps in the first place. Here are three of the most common setbacks our clients have experienced with previous remodelers and what you can do to ensure they don’t happen to you.

THE SETBACK:  

Steak Dreams, Hamburger Budget

Remodeling involves a series of moving parts and professionals that all need to come together seamlessly. You’ll need a designer to understand your needs and help you plan your new space and a team of tradespeople ready, willing, and able to turn those plans into reality. Some homeowners hire an architectural firm to develop designs for their new space, then find a separate team for the actual construction.

Working with a separate design and build team can make it very difficult to line your dreams up with your budget. An architectural firm can make you incredible plans that look exactly like your dreams, but when priced out by a build team, those plans often cost much more than anyone can afford.

THE SOLUTION:

Remember to Research

Taking some time to look into the background, reviews, and work samples of different design and/or build teams will give you a good idea of their scope of services. Beautiful designs are great, but what do the finished products look like? What have their past clients said about how well their project followed their wishes and budget?

We might be a little biased, but this is also where hiring a design-build team like Custom Craft is a huge advantage. Our designers don’t just understand great form and function, they know how one small selection can make a $10,000 difference — and can suggest cost-effective alternatives early in the game. Then, when all professionals are working together as one unit, keeping within a budget from the beginning becomes much more manageable.

Need some guidelines on where to go and who to talk to when researching potential remodelers? There’s a blog for that! Check it out here.

THE SETBACK:

Clashing Visions

We all have our own personal styles, likes, and dislikes when it comes to the look of our home. Sometimes our preferences match current trends, and sometimes they don’t. Unfortunately, some professionals let their own opinions, rather than the homeowners, influence their designs. We’ve had several homeowners come to us after feeling unheard by previous remodelers, stating their goals were unmet.

THE SOLUTION:

Ask the Right Questions

You want your home designer to be a good listener, to guide without being pushy, and to have the experience and expertise to translate your wishes into a home that’s uniquely you. To make sure you get this, you’ll need to ask the right questions.

Part of your homework when choosing a remodeler will be to interview a few different firms. By asking questions about their process, mission, and values, you’ll get a good feel for how important client input is. If references are available, their past clients can tell you whether their home project was everything they hoped for.

It’s also helpful to take a look at their portfolio. Are there lots of different styles on display, or is it clear that a designer has a very specific style? The level of variation is often a good indicator of how well they’re listening to their clients.

Click here to learn the most important questions to ask your potential home remodeler.

THE SETBACK:

Failing to Follow-Through

We hear this one a lot. Homeowners put out calls to contractors that never get returned. Questions are answered dismissively or not at all. Or worse, the professional they found starts a job and doesn’t finish it, leaving them with a mess.

We understand how busy contractors are, and Custom Craft is no exception. Projects may not be finished as soon as clients would like, especially since we often cannot get started for several months after contracts are signed.

Some firms overpromise and underdeliver timelines to get the gig or overextend themselves so much that they can’t be good communicators. A quality home remodeler, however, will be upfront about timelines and quickly respond to inquiries.

THE SOLUTION:

Recognize Red Flags

Fortunately, with online reviews, professional organizations and communities like NARI and HOUZZ, and by asking those important questions we discussed earlier, you can tell a lot about a home remodeler’s reputation before wasting time and money. Spotting certain red flags like lack of communication, too-good-to-be-true prices, and others is crucial to getting your project done right the first time.

Curious about other red flags to look out for when choosing a home remodeler? Click here to learn more.

We want you to find the home remodeler that’s right for you. Could it be Custom Craft? Contact us to find out!

Bathroom Tile Trends for 2023

by BathroomsNewsRemodeling Tips

Planning to remodel your bathroom soon? Whether you’re updating your hall bath or transforming your primary suite, you’ll want to make sure you’re up to date with the latest tips and trends on all things tile. To fill you in, we interviewed our go-to tile expert and owner of Kulp Tile, Peter Kulp. Here’s what he’s noticed in his projects throughout Montgomery and Bucks County:

Glass towel bar

Tile Shape & Size: Bigger is Better

Tile has been getting bigger over the years, and this trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In fact, while most residential projects still use 12” X 24” tile, Peter has gotten orders for tiles as large as 4’ X 8’ or even 10’ X 5’. Homeowners enjoy larger format tiles for their clean, contemporary looks, fewer grout lines, and sustainability.

These large format tiles aren’t just for the walls but are trending on shower floors as well. Many homeowners are forgoing drains in the middle of the floor for linear drains, which act like troughs on the side of the shower. With this system, the floor no longer needs a concave shape to drain the water, which opens opportunities to use larger tiles.

As far as shape, rectangular tile is much more common than square, and almost all of Peter’s clients request a staggered, brick pattern layout.

Tile Color & Texture: Smooth Moves

According to Peter, white and gray tiles continue to trend in 2023. White tile looks clean and elegant — ideal qualities in any bathroom. Furthermore, white and gray are timeless colors that will never go out of style, meaning homeowners can enjoy the look of their new space for years to come.

Stepping away from the late-90s-early-2000s love of raw texture, today’s homeowners opt for clean lines and smooth surfaces. The look of polished marble is far more desirable in today’s bathrooms than porous materials like the limestone that was once a very popular choice.

When asked about the biggest tile trend in the last decade, Peter says small grout lines are what stick out in his mind the most. As tiles get bigger, grout joints are getting smaller. With these smaller lines, homeowners enjoy faster, easier cleaning and a more even, modern look.

Looking for a different design? We love going the opposite direction with bold, glam grout.

Glass Tile Accent Shower

Niches & Accent Tile: Practical, Stylish Solutions

Niches and accent tiles are key to achieving a one-of-a-kind style in the bathroom. Eye-level, decorative border lines in the shower were once a popular trend, but are becoming less common with the move toward larger format tiles. The small glass tiles typically used in these borders can be difficult to match up with the large, thick wall tiles.

Instead of the horizontal stripe, many Custom Craft clients have requested a vertical tile accent panel behind the fixtures that provides a visual statement as well as a convenient way of accessing the plumbing behind the wall. Shower floors and backsplashes behind the vanity are two other popular spots to get creative with accent tile.

Shower niches are also incredibly popular since they not only offer a focal point but also provide a cosmetically pleasing way of storing soap, shampoo, and more. No longer an eye sore with bulky, bullnose curbs, they are now designed to blend seamlessly into the wall and can be a natural spot to place a decorative mosaic.

Whether you stick with current trends or find your own style, your tile options are only limited to your imagination. Need help deciding what’s best for your space? We’re here for you. Contact us to learn more.

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!

Do I Need a Bathtub? Your Top Remodeling Questions, Answered.

by Remodeling TipsReturn-on-Investment
Tub After

Bathroom remodels are big, and it’s easy to see why. Your home’s primary bathroom needs to energize you in the morning as you get ready for the day and calm and relax you as you unwind at night. It should feel both luxurious and functional, with everything out of sight and readily available. All of these needs involve personal preference and taste, as well; that’s why bathrooms are often among the first rooms homeowners dream about remodeling.

Of course, the typical homeowner only stays in one place for around thirteen years, at which point their perfectly personalized home will need to appeal to potential buyers. We’re often asked if bathroom customizations will be a problem or a plus — especially when it comes to tubs. Many homeowners today are removing tubs from the primary bath, opting instead for large, sumptuous, and often high-tech showers. Will that be an issue?

We reached out to Geoff Slick from The Mark McGuire Team at Keller Williams Real Estate to get the best answer. Geoff is known throughout Bucks and Montgomery Counties as an experienced realtor with incredible integrity — he can always be counted on to help sellers get top dollar and help buyers avoid potential money pits. He thoroughly answered our tub-or-not-to-tub question — and so much more.

What Do Today’s Home Buyers Want?

Before barreling into bathrooms, we asked Geoff about the items topping buyers’ wish lists. Here are just a few:

Location, location, location

Location is the number one factor for buyers as well as homeowners deciding whether to remodel or move. Geoff tells us that recently, more people have been leaving cities for the suburbs, and the first things they look for are great school districts and thriving communities. This makes sense to us; location is the one thing even the best remodeler can’t change.

Open kitchens

Kitchens with good flow and room for several people to gather are a high priority. Open floorplans that make the kitchen part of the main living space are great for entertaining and spending time together as a family. As a bonus, a spacious island with storage and seating is hard to pass up.

Finished basements

House hunters always appreciate a nicely finished basement, particularly one with a full bathroom. From guest rooms to offices to playrooms for the kids, uses of finished basements are only limited by the imagination.

Hotel-style owner’s suite

There’s nothing like a resort’s luxurious, rejuvenating feel, so it’s no wonder many homeowners long for serene owner’s suites with spa-like bathrooms. Oversized showers, freestanding tubs, double vanities, extra storage, and exquisite lighting all go a long way to achieving that 5-star hotel feel.

Primary Shower

What About the Bathtub?

Luxurious bathrooms are desirable, and their remodeling ROI is relatively high. But is it essential to include a bathtub? Not necessarily. Geoff says that while it’s a good idea to have a bathtub somewhere in your home (it could be a deal-breaker for a future buyer with children or dogs), there’s no reason it needs to be in your primary bathroom.

In most cases, homeowners prefer showers over baths. They save time and water and may be safer and more accessible for those considering aging-in-place. 

Love your bathtub? That’s okay, too! If you’re on team tub, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Say no to massive platform tubs

Large, deck-mounted platform tubs had their moment, and now it’s time to move on. Homeowners rarely use them because they take so long to fill and lose warmth quickly. Furthermore, they take up a lot of valuable space that could be used for other in-demand things, like a large double vanity.

Consider a clawfoot

According to Geoff, freestanding soaking tubs are trending. Soaking tubs like the classic clawfoot aren’t just stunning; they’re also practical. Their depth allows homeowners to fully submerge for maximum relaxation. At the same time, they fill up quickly and retain a soothing temperature for much longer.

Have your tub and shower too

Having trouble choosing between a luxurious soaking tub and a spa-like shower? Why not have both? Freestanding tubs can be deep with a small footprint, leaving enough space for a separate walk-in shower.

Large Shower

Go ahead — take out that tub. Or don’t! In the end, it’s important to remember your remodel is personal. Make decisions based on your enjoyment and comfort first. If you don’t think you’d use a tub, go with a large, luxurious shower for your primary bathroom instead.

Whatever you decide, Custom Craft is here to help. Contact us with all your bathroom remodel questions.  

Special thanks to Geoff Slick from The Mark McGuire Team and 1SlickHome.com.  Reach out if you’re in the market for a new home (or some really great wine!) — he’s a trusted resource who will quickly become a lifelong friend.

Large Shower

Home Remodeling Planning Checklist

by Remodeling Tips

You’ve decided to go with a design build firm for your home remodel, and after some careful decision making, you’ve found a perfect team to work with. You’re closer than ever to your dream home, but there will most likely be a gap of time before your design is created and construction begins — and that’s a good thing. This pause is your opportunity to think through all the details of your project so you can easily communicate your needs and wants with your designer and ensure your finished home is perfect.

Here’s how to make the most of this time while you’re waiting to get started:

Create a Houzz Ideabook

If you don’t have a Houzz profile yet, sign up right away! Houzz is free, easy to navigate, and extremely helpful for both homeowners and the designers they’re working with. You can browse pictures of inspirational home remodels and save your favorites to your Ideabook. Once you save an image, you can even type in notes about what you like in the picture — whether it’s a color palette, your dream shower, an ideal countertop material, or whatever else catches your eye. Ideabooks make it easy for your designer to pin down your personal preferences and style.  

Large Shower

Develop a Wish List

Once you feel thoroughly inspired, make a wish list. Remodeling your master bathroom? Think about what kind of showerhead and fixtures you’ll want. Do you prefer a double or single vanity, standard subway tile or oversized? When you’ve come up with what makes the bathroom of your dreams, prioritize. Think about which items are your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and only-if there’s-money-left-in-the-budgets.

Make an Appliance Guide

If you’re refreshing your kitchen, consider the size and features needed for your appliances. Perhaps you already have a state-of-the-art refrigerator you don’t want to let go of, you’d like a separate cooktop and oven, or you absolutely need your dishwasher to be whisper-quiet so it doesn’t wake up your sleeping toddler. Appliances should be decided on and ordered very early on in the process so they can be delivered at the right time. Changing your mind or waiting to decide could cause a delay — or even a price increase.

Panel Fridge
Bright Kitchen

Research Windows & Doors

Make some time to visit local showrooms and take notes about specific windows and doors you like. Write down if there’s a certain series you’re drawn to and which features you’d like to include. A space-saving pocket or barn door could be a perfect touch in your new home office, or you may fall in love with the natural light potential of a picture window.

Investigate Lighting

While you’re at the showrooms, don’t forget to check out lighting showcases as well. Lighting choice isn’t just about style — there are several new functional options to consider, like under-cabinet, statement, or recessed. You may also fall in love with statement lighting that will become your room’s focal point.

The more thought you put in at this stage, the happier you’ll be with your remodel in the end. This is an exciting part of your journey — so have fun, enjoy, and as always, contact us if we can help in any way.

Family Room

3 Steps to Selecting Your Home Remodeler | Step 3: Red Flags

by Remodeling Tips

Searching for the perfect design-build team to bring your remodeling dreams to life? Our series on finding a quality remodeler has already brought you plenty of information on what to look for when researching potential partners, as well as what interview questions to ask potential candidates and their references.

After those two steps are complete, you’ll have a couple of great options and will be close to making your decision. Before signing a contract, however, it’s time for the third and final step to selecting a remodeler near you: noticing specific red flags. Here are the top warning signs that a design-build team isn’t your best choice:

Family Room

Red Flag #1: They offer an immediate start date

During the pandemic, families everywhere spent more time inside their homes. Our family rooms became offices, our countertops classrooms, and all the small frustrations people are normally able to overlook became excruciating pain points.

As a result, remodelers everywhere are busier than ever, and the projects they’re working on are consistently delayed with supply and worker shortages. While the tide appears to be shifting in many areas, great remodelers still have a pipeline several projects deep. In short — we’re all busy!

Large Shower

If someone tells you they can get started on anything but the tiniest home improvement project right away, beware. They might be attempting a bait and switch, offering a stellar start date only to surprise you with dramatic changes after you sign the contract. Or, they might be able to start right away because they don’t have any clients — perhaps due to inexperience or a bad reputation.

Look for:

Experienced teams with proven systems that leave nothing to chance — and an eager waiting list of prospective clients.

Living Room

Red Flag #2: The price is too good to be true

As with almost everything in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A super low price point is tempting, but suspicious. After all, they have to be making up the difference somehow — often by cutting corners, using inexperienced teams, or making you do much of the legwork to source fixtures, features, and even permits.

In addition, remodelers could start with a very low price point that doesn’t include most of what you’ll need. While even the best remodelers occasionally run into budget stumbling blocks, they’ll provide a thorough estimate that covers your project from start to finish.

Look for:

Thorough, organized, and honest estimates that won’t lead to major surprises later.

Server

Red Flag #3: They’re not very responsive

The decision to remodel is a big one. Design-build firms understand that you’ll have lots of questions before, during, and even after remodeling, and the best ones make sure to communicate well and often.

Unreturned calls or emails from the beginning could signal a communication problem, which could cause lots of headaches throughout a project. You’ll need consistent updates as your project moves along, and the assurance that you’ll be notified of any issues that come up. That’s why efficient remodelers place regular communication checkpoints in each phase of a project that allow homeowners to see how the remodel is progressing, make timely decisions, and have questions answered.

Look for:

Remodelers happy to answer your questions quickly and completely, right from the start.

Office

Red Flag #4: They’re new — or new to your needs

If they’ve gotten this far in the decision process, your candidates have likely shown you pictures of beautiful, functional homes. This red flag is your indication to pause and really consider those images. First, make sure the pictures they proudly display are actually homes they worked on and not stock photography (it happens more often than you’d think!). Second, look for homes similar to yours in style, size, or project type.

Love modern, industrial style? Don’t sign on with a group that specializes in traditional looks. Looking to reimagine your layout completely? Check that the designers or architects have experience thinking outside the box. Somewhere out there is a design-build firm with skills that suit exactly what you need.

Look for:

A portfolio full of finished homes you’d love to live in.

Paneled Fridge

Finally, a warning: Do not base your final decision on cost alone. Many people claim the best strategy is to get estimates from three remodelers and choose the one in the middle. Others claim the cheapest one will do just fine, while some always go to the most expensive. In reality, cost is only one of many factors to consider. Luckily, following our steps to selecting the right remodeler should make the process more systematic and thorough.

 

Could Custom Craft be the right home remodeler for your project? Let’s talk.

Brown & White Kitchen

3 Steps to Selecting Your Home Remodeler | Step 2: The Right Questions

by Remodeling Tips

Welcome back to our series in selecting the right home remodeler! If you’ve completed step 1 and done your research, it’s time for step 2.

In the last post, we mentioned the importance of asking for referrals from friends or family when looking for a quality home remodeler. After that initial research, you’ll have narrowed your choices to a handful of highly regarded home remodelers near you. Next, you’ll set up a consultation. This is where the remodeler will come to your home and get a general idea of your needs and wants, as well as an overview of limitations and possibilities.

This is the best time to pepper your possible partner with questions like:

What’s your process?

Look for a remodeler with an established process broken down into specific steps. Be sure to ask how your specific project fits into their process, so you understand what they’ll be doing — and what they’ll need from you — at every step.

What’s your current availability?

This is a bit of a trick question. Small projects can sometimes begin soon, but everyone is working with limited resources. Be wary of the contractor who can start work tomorrow — there’s likely a reason they’re not busy. We’ll dive into this more next month.

Brown & White Kitchen

Do you use employees or subcontractors — and how do you vet them?

Most design-build firms hire subcontractors for certain parts of the project like plumbing and electrical work, and they’ll have go-to partners they work with. You’ll want to make sure that extended team is dependable and does quality work.

Have you worked on homes like mine?

Don’t be anyone’s practice. Ask if they’ve completed work in your neighborhood, or at least for before and after images and project descriptions of homes with similar square footage and price.

Glass Cabinetry

Ideally, they’ll suggest you connect with a former client with a similar home or project. When you speak to them, be sure to ask:

Did they complete your project within the agreed timeline?

Keep in mind that — especially in the last two years — there may have been understandable setbacks. The important part of this question is to find out how those setbacks were handled and communicated.

Was the project completed within your budget? 

If it wasn’t, make sure to ask what happened. Sometimes unforeseen problems pop up or plans change, causing the final price tag to be higher than the estimate. Budget changes aren’t fun for anyone, but they’re rarely dramatic or entirely unexpected — that often indicates a too-low initial estimate.

 

Tell me about a time something didn’t go as expected. How was it resolved?

It’s very rare for projects to move forward exactly as planned. Again, the important takeaway is how issues were handled. Did they communicate problems right away? What was the solution? How did it affect the end result?  

Did you stay in your home during construction? What was that experience like?

Was the construction crew respectful and considerate? Did they keep your home clean and avoid unnecessary intrusions on the rest of your house?

Would you hire this builder for another project?

This is the most telling of all the questions. In the end, regardless of how bumpy the road was to get there, if the homeowner says they’d hire the team again, it’s a great sign you’ve found a winner.

After interviewing remodelers and references, you should feel confident with a narrowed-down list of candidates for your project. Come back next month for the final step!

Wondering if Custom Craft could help you with your next project? Contact us to find out!

Fireplace with Built-ins
Basement wet bar

Winning Wet Bars: Exploring Custom Features and Uses

by Interior RenovationRemodeling Tips

Convenient, classy, and completely customizable, wet bars are trending in more and more Montgomery County homes. Like dry bars, they provide the perfect place to grab a beverage, are excellent for entertaining, and add class and elegance to any room — with the added bonus of a sink.
Let’s explore how to incorporate a wet bar into your next remodeling project, including some fun ways to customize it to your unique style:

Wet Bar

Classy in the Kitchen

A kitchen wet bar is the perfect place for a beverage or coffee station. These homeowners opted for both, including everything they need for the perfect morning brew and happy hour cocktail. A deep, 10” bar sink keeps the area splash-free, and glass doors on the cabinets allow for the attractive display of glassware.

Separate Wet Bar

This wet bar serves as a seamless extension to the main part of the kitchen, making it easy for two people to cook and serve guests simultaneously. A beverage fridge is discreetly concealed with a panel that matches the cabinets. The same backsplash found in the kitchen was used in this space to tie the look together.

Wet Bar in Dining Room

Accessibility in the Dining Room

It happens without fail — at parties, everyone ends up in the kitchen, making it difficult for the person cooking to move around. These homeowners cleverly solved this problem by bringing their wet bar into the dining room. Now, guests can refill their drinks and socialize while keeping the kitchen clear. This elegant area also features a custom accent tile backsplash and glass door upper cabinets with built-in lighting.

Basement wet bar

These homeowners crafted the ultimate entertaining area in their basement. Their full wet bar has a beverage fridge, kegerator, wine fridge, and lots of storage space. Gorgeous bar stools ensure a comfortable spot for every guest.

Convenience in the Mudroom

Wet bars can be for more than entertaining. These homeowners have a passion for gardening, but coming back into the house with dirty hands and tools was becoming a problem. Forgoing the traditional, unattractive utility sink, they chose an elegant wet bar complete with a champagne bronze faucet and hardware and a marble-look quartz countertop. Now, they have a beautiful area right in their mudroom to clean up or grab a drink of water.

Wondering how a wet bar would work in your space? We can help. Contact us to get started planning your perfect beverage bar, entertainment spot, or elegant washing station.

Contact Us

While you’re on our website, don’t forget to check out our home remodel cost estimator that breaks down how much you can expect to spend on different types of projects.

Future deck

How to Save on Remodeling Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

by Remodeling Tips

This is the second in a series of blog articles focused on creative ways to save on remodeling costs, while still bringing your design dreams to life. In the first article, we showed you how to prioritize your renovation wish-list to stay on budget. Here, we will focus on strategies that will enable you to save money while still ensuring a high-quality renovation.

Future deck

Take a phased approach

A full project does not need to be completed all at once. For example, perhaps you want to connect your kitchen to a future deck outside, but you don’t have the budget for both. Start with the area that you’ve determined is the greater priority (likely the kitchen) and make sure it’s built in a way that will make it easy to pick up the rest of the renovation later on. If you start with the kitchen and dining room, you can add in a new door that will lead out to the future deck.

Focus on your primary goals
Sometimes, people get sidetracked with ‘nice-to-haves,’ which can cause the scope of the project (and budget) to expand.  Reeling it back in to focus on the primary objectives, and being realistic on what’s feasible for you, can help keep costs under control.

Put some ‘sweat equity’ into the project
If you have a knack for painting, maybe you opt to tackle that part of the project yourself. Our rule at Custom Craft is, for any ‘sweat equity’ work, you should perform it on the front-end or back-end of a project – not concurrent to the work we do. 

Consider energy efficiency
The U.S. Department of Energy  estimates that energy efficiency tactics can save typical households 25% on their utility bills (over $2,200 annually). Discuss with your contractor ways to be energy efficient with the following installations (as recommended by Energy.gov):

  • Appliances and home electronics
  • Insulation and air sealing
  • Lighting and daylighting
  • Space heating and cooling
  • Water heating
  • Windows, doors, and skylights

 

Know when to save and when to spend
Consider the life cycle costs of your renovation. Select materials and finishes that, over the lifetime of the product, will deliver on your investment long-term. Materials like hardwood flooring and tile, well built cabinetry, good quality plumbing and lighting fixtures will add lasting value and minimize repair/replacement costs down the road.

Be thoughtful about the contractor you pick
Your contractor should have deep expertise in the specific renovations you are seeking, make an effort to learn your greatest pain points, and be focused on delivering ROI. Contractor-client contracts should be relationship-based. At Custom Craft, we take great pride in our close attention to detail and engage fully with you from the first time we meet, to ensure we are the right fit for you. Learn more about our process here.

 

Custom Craft DBR - Design Center

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful! If you’d like to speak with us directly to do an even deeper dive into ways to save remodeling costs without sacrificing quality – or if you’re ready to kick off a project – please contact us! You can also check out our home remodeling cost guide to help determine the investment you can afford. Stay tuned for the next post of this series next month!

kitchen with barn door

Home Remodeling Costs: How to Prioritize Your Renovation Wish-List to Stay on Budget

by Remodeling Tips

Do you have a lengthy list of home renovations you’d like to get started on? Feeling paralyzed on where to start or how to prioritize projects based on the overall investment you’d like to make? You’re not alone! This is a challenge that many of our clients face – and one that we’ve solved many times! We’re here to help. 

Deciding to officially kickstart a home renovation project can feel intimidating, especially if you’re facing doubt on whether or not you can make the investment to get it all done.  The good news is that it doesn’t have to be an intimidating process or difficult to prioritize based on your budget. We have several key factors you should consider, which will help you determine where to start based on your unique circumstances and budget

How to Prioritize Your Home Renovations

Determine the size of your investment

Right from the start, it’s important to know how much you can invest in your home and let that help dictate which project you start with. Remember, a home renovation is not just any other “expense.” It’s an investment not only your family but also in the value of your home, should you consider moving in the future. However,  if you know from the get-go that you can’t currently afford the kitchen remodel you want, but you can afford something smaller, you’ll avoid wasting time and energy thinking about that big project that you just can’t swing.

Tidy Up

Clean up your home! It will give you a better picture of which area(s) need the most work.

Prioritize urgent needs

Is something leaking, or is there an underlying problem that needs to be solved to avoid damage? Determine what is actually urgent or necessary to improve the functionality of your home. For example, the bathroom shower tile is damaged and needs to be replaced. Maybe it’s time to prioritize the master bath renovation that you’ve had on your mind.

Strategize & think ahead

Think through renovations you might want to do with adjoining spaces, or as add-ons to a certain project. Will one project impact another? For example, you want to remodel your kitchen, but know that you also want to remodel the upstairs master bath at some point. If the master bath is above the kitchen, you may want to design this space ahead of time, so any plumbing changes can be planned out while the kitchen is under construction. Another example is perhaps you need new flooring in the kitchen, but know you also want to open up the floor plan to connect it with the dining room. It would make sense to prioritize the entire kitchen and dining remodel, to avoid having to redo brand new flooring that you just installed.

Know your pain points

Is there a part of your home that’s creating significant frustration? Consider the functionality of your home based on your unique circumstances. Where do you spend most of your time? Do you have children? Maybe you don’t have a space to store shoes, coats, and bags, so they end up scattered in the family room. To combat the issue, maybe you prioritize this project and remodel the laundry room or mudroom to help alleviate that stressor.

Determine your length-of-stay

Are you planning to move out of your current home any time soon? If so, think about which projects would increase your home value, and start there. This will help make your house easier to sell or increase the value. This ensures that the renovations you prioritize will benefit you over the long-term.

Consider seasonality

Is there something you want to update or build for use during the next upcoming season? Perhaps you’d like a better view of your backyard from the kitchen, in time for the beautiful fall weather and natural scenery. Or maybe you’ve been thinking about installing a fireplace for the winter. Start seasonal renovations before the season you have in mind, to ensure it’s ready for you to enjoy! 

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful! If you’d like to speak with us directly to do an even deeper dive into how to prioritize, or if you’re ready to kick off a project, please contact us! You can also check out our home remodeling cost guide to help determine the investment you can afford. 

CC_Kitchen_3_00011

Kitchen Remodel Ideas: How to Make it a Functional & Sociable Space

by Home LightingRemodeling Tips
CC_Kitchen_3_00011
In the age of social distancing, our homes have become more of a “hangout” spot than ever before.  Because of this, requests for renovations have increased, as many homeowners have had more time to assess their space and identify areas for improvement.   There has been an increased interest in kitchens, especially, as some see an opportunity to transform this space into their “living room” – a social space where small groups of family and friends can mingle around the table over snacks, drinks, or a good meal! With this in mind, we developed a list of kitchen remodel ideas you can consider, based on frequent pain points we have seen from our clients and the solutions we have implemented.
  1. Get the Lighting Right 

A dark kitchen feels uninviting for guests, can hinder productivity, and makes it difficult to read recipes or even use sharp knives. There are a variety of ways to make sure you nail your kitchen lighting:

  • Natural light: Amplify natural light with more windows. This can also provide enhanced views into the backyard or surrounding area of your home to feel more connected to nature.
  • Recessed lighting: Improve your recessed lighting, which are fixtures built into the ceiling or wall comprised of housing, trim, and bulb.
  • LED bulbs: This is an energy-saving alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. 
  • Under cabinet and in-cabinet lighting: This will eliminate shadows to provide adequate lighting for cooking.
  • Paint: Choose paint colors strategically to make the space feel brighter. 
  • Cabinets and countertops: Select finishes that will brighten the space. Consider shades of white for an illuminated and modern look!

2. Make The Space Inviting, Spacious, & Functional 

Homeowners are often frustrated by the awkward layout of their kitchen, as a cramped space makes it difficult for multiple people to be in the room. 

  • Eliminate congestion: Strategically place key features to eliminate traffic congestion and allow family members and guests to comfortably hang out, without getting in the way of someone who is cooking.
  • Enlarge the space: Consider removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create a larger footprint for your new kitchen. 
  • Add a dual-purpose island: Create space for a large island that can be used for not only meal prep, but also as a hangout spot for family and friends. 
  • Enhance storage: More on that below!

3. Amplify Storage

Inefficient storage can be aggravating and cause multiple trips to the garage, basement, and other areas of the home while cooking or doing meal prep. It also leads to clutter and can cause your space to feel smaller than it really is. 

  • Remove the soffit: This is a box-shaped structure intended to hide the wiring and mechanical components between your cabinets and your ceiling. Soffits are dated and can often make your space feel cramped. By removing it, you can then install cabinets that reach to the ceiling, allowing for more storage. If the soffit cannot be removed, there are ways to disguise it!
  • Accessorize your cabinets: Add extra shelving under countertops and on walls, free-standing shelves, toekick drawers, and cubbies.
  • Maximize corner storage: Rework blind corners with a LeMans shelving unit or a lazy susan. Blind corners are often found in older homes and can make it difficult to utilize the space in that area.
  • Upgrade your pantry: Consider replacing your old pantry closet with tall cabinetry.  A tall cabinet is much more efficient with full depth shelves, roll-out trays, and dividers.

4. Give It a Modern Makeover

Having a modern, renovated kitchen promotes sustainability and can drastically increase the value of your property, should you look to sell in the future. Here are some ideas:

  • Hardwood floors
  • Luxury vinyl flooring 
  • Stainless steel, energy-efficient appliances and new plumbing fixtures
  • Upgraded metals (matte aluminum, black stainless steel, brushed gold)
  • Open shelving and “floating” shelves 
  • Water-conserving sink faucets 
  • White cabinets accented by blue tile backsplash and newly painted walls
  • Add decor 
Kitchen with Large Island

5. Commit to the Prep Work First

Before you even get started, it’s important to ask yourself some key questions:

  • What are the pain points of your current kitchen?
  • What are your “must-haves?” 
  • What do you need more or less of?
  • Which aspects are outdated?
  • How long do you envision staying in your home? Are you planning to sell at any point?
  • What are you comfortable investing?

So, are you thinking about whether remodeling your kitchen is worth it? If your kitchen is outdated, uncomfortable, or causing traffic congestion, the answer is yes! An investment in your home is an investment in your family and quality of life. Beautiful environments increase endorphins! 

If you’re in need of a kitchen contractor, please contact us! We can have a virtual design meeting, or we can meet at our Design Center (we have several COVID-19 protocols in place, which you can find here). If you’re concerned about budget, let’s chat and we’ll determine what is feasible. 

Want to see some of these kitchen remodel ideas in action? Check out our kitchen portfolio page for before and after pictures!

House Renovation During the Coronavirus: Plan Now, Build Later!

by Interior RenovationRemodeling Tips

Before the coronavirus outbreak, did you have thoughts of starting a new house renovation project? If so, did you decide to put it on hold because of social distancing? We’d love to help you keep your design dreams moving! Although we’ve temporarily stopped active construction and closed our in-person Design Center, we can still work together virtually on project planning and design and development. 

At Custom Craft, we have a thorough preparation process that precedes production. Thoughtful design is at the heart of everything we do and ensures that we create a space that is tailored to your wants and needs, and is executed with care, high-quality craftsmanship, and efficiency. By planning now, you will: 

  • Get ahead of other prospective customers and avoid a crowded market. When the pandemic ends, many people will start requesting renovation projects at once. By getting started now, you’re far less likely to experience construction delays down the line. We’ll hit the ground running right away.
  • Focus on perfecting the details. Many homeowners get excited when they kick off a renovation project and want to rush right into construction. We’re just as excited as you are, but we encourage the opposite approach. Rushing may result in an end product that doesn’t match your vision. Since you’re spending far more time at home right now – and given that we can’t even begin construction – it’s likely you’ll be more engaged in our planning process by starting now. This will help us produce the highest-quality outcome that exceeds your expectations.

We do recognize the economic impact that the coronavirus has had on families in our community and that financially, a home renovation may not be a feasible project to take on right now. However, for those who do feel positioned to consider it, we encourage you to read on to learn more about our virtual design process and how to get started.

Phase 1: Virtual Introductions & Project Planning

Over the course of a few virtual meetings, we will:

  • Discuss your goals and objectives for the renovation and potential challenges
  • Take a virtual tour of the impacted areas in your home
  • Review and align on an initial design proposal
  • Review a preliminary scope of work (including timing and budget)

Ultimately, we consider this a partnership, so our goal in this phase is to determine whether Custom Craft is the right fit for you, and that you’re the right fit for us!

Phase 2: Virtual Design and Development Process

Once we’ve agreed to move forward, we’ll dig deeper into the project (virtually) with one of our designers. We call this your “At-Home Design Center.” We will:

  • Present a schematic drawing of your new space and a palette of finishes so you can see how the materials look side-by-side.
  • Package all of our recommended finishes and materials, which we can drop off on your doorstep, or you can pick up curbside.
  • Create a 3D rendering based on the finishes you select. This will help you visualize the new space.

Once we’ve aligned on design and budget, we’ll prep for production! We’ll create a tentative schedule, contingent upon us receiving formal approval from the government to resume construction. Important to note, even when the quarantine ends, we will continue to provide a safe environment for you and our staff, and will follow all guidelines from the CDC. Read more on our precautions here.

So, are you feeling inspired to start planning your next project? Or perhaps you just want to brainstorm some preliminary ideas? Please contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

Wishing you and your families lasting health and safety as we navigate this difficult time together.

laundry drying rack mounted on wall

Clever Laundry Solutions For Your Home

by Remodeling Tips

laundry drying rack mounted on wallMust Have Laundry Features

When it comes to remodeling, one of the most frequently overlooked areas of a home is the laundry room. Yet, when you calculate how much time is spent working in that space, it makes sense to give the design careful consideration. If you are planning to update your laundry, we recommend thinking beyond the washer and dryer by including user-friendly features to make your domestic chores less onerous.

There are a variety of clever features which can be incorporated into your laundry room to make your life easier, like this wall-mounted, retractable drying rack. Here are a few additional options to consider:

  • Laundry basket cubbies/drawers
  • Counters for clothes folding
  • Built-in cabinetry surrounding the washer & dryer
  • Pocket doors
  • Utility sinks

We have collected several project photos to illustrate how these clever solutions can be used to make your household chores easier. Tap or click on any of the images below to launch the slideshow and learn more.

To start a conversation about your next remodeling project, contact us at 610-584-0665

Entertaining-Friendly Spaces

by Remodeling Tips

Host holiday and other gatherings in stylish comfort with these custom-made serving spaces

It never fails. Whenever guests gather for an event in the home, they inevitably congregate around the kitchen. This can create quite a challenge for the hosts of the event, as they attempt to navigate around guests while they serve dinner and drinks. Sound familiar? The good news is that with some thoughtful planning, and a little Custom Craft ingenuity, your kitchen can be equipped with entertaining-friendly features to resolve these kitchen conundrums.

If you enjoy entertaining and are longing for a more functional space, consider including these features in your next remodeling project:

  • Cabinetry with serving counters placed away from the meal prep area
  • Accent lighting beneath perimeter cabinetry
  • Decorative glass to showcase stemware
  • Under counter beverage refrigerators
  • Decorative tile features for visual interest

In the slideshow below, we highlight a few of the solutions we crafted for our clients. We encourage you to toggle through the photos for ideas and inspiration. As always, if you have any questions about how you can achieve a more entertaining-friendly environment in your home, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 610-584-0665.

house-stethescope-sm

Remodelers are Like Surgeons for Your Home

by Remodeling Tips

You Need A Proper Diagnosis Before Being Prescribed A Cure

house-stethescope-sm

Your home is one of the biggest financial investments you are likely to make. It is also the hub of family life. For these reasons, when renovations become necessary it is important to select a remodeling contractor with great care–similar to selecting a physician. After all, home remodeling is a lot like surgery. Before any procedure is completed, it is critical to perform a thorough examination.

Understanding Patient History

As time consuming as it is to complete the survey forms before your doctor appointment, providing your physician with that history is important. Those factors need to be taken into consideration when analyzing your current condition and developing an appropriate treatment plan. The same concept holds true for your home. At Custom Craft, we dedicate the time to conduct a thorough interview with you to understand the circumstances that prompted you to contact us in the first place. Just like a doctors appointment, this initial assessment can be somewhat time consuming, but is essential to the success of the project.

Where Does it Hurt?

Like a doctor, we need to know what is causing your pain. Is your room too dark? Are pathways cramped? Do you lack storage? Are appliances in need of replacement? Is anything broken, leaking, or otherwise malfunctioning? These issues are what we commonly refer to as your pain points. Understanding these frustrations helps us to identify the sources of the problems, and plan appropriately to resolve these challenges to your satisfaction.

Forming the Diagnosis

Once Custom Craft has performed a thorough assessment of your home, we are able to identify the sources of the pain you are experiencing, and develop a custom solution to meet your needs. By necessity, these solutions are unique because you, your home, and your needs are also one-of-a-kind. We never use off the shelf designs. In medical terms, trying to utilize a cookie-cutter solution for a unique problem would be about as effective as applying a bandage to an ankle in order to treat a sprained wrist.

The Renovation Remedy

Similar to a surgical procedure, a remodeling project can sometimes be painful–especially during the construction phase. Let’s face it, remodeling is disruptive to daily life. That said, Custom Craft will work to ease that pain by communicating with you throughout the process, and taking measures to remove irritants like dirt and debris. We will also create temporary spaces for cooking and even doing laundry if necessary. In the end, our objective is to ensure that your renovation remedy will be well worth the investment of time and resources.

Have a problem area in your home in need of a diagnosis? Give Custom Craft a call at 610-584-0665

french door wall oven

Save Space with a French Door Wall Oven

by Remodeling Tips

french door wall ovenWhen it comes to designing kitchens, creating a safe, congestion free environment is always one of our top priorities. One of the most troublesome spots we address is the area around the oven–particularly when the oven door is open.

Traditional oven doors open from the top and extend about 20″ into the kitchen floor space on average. These drop-style doors force cooks to navigate around, and bend over, hot oven doors to get items in and out. Whilst the cook is tending to the oven, foot traffic in the immediate vicinity comes to a halt. To avoid this sort of congestion, we endeavor to place this style of appliance strategically. Because the oven needs to be located within easy proximity to the refrigerator, as well as the sink, this can create challenges and design limitations–especially in smaller spaces. Fortunately, appliance manufacturers have recently begun offering ovens with French doors which open in the middle.

When open, French doors take up significantly less floor space making them much easier for home chefs to maneuver around. In addition to their space saving benefits, French door wall ovens are easier on the back. Cooks can easily place and remove large sheets or roasting pans without awkwardly bending over a hot oven door. French doors are also easily opened and closed with one hand. In short, French door wall ovens provide home chefs with a safer, more convenient meal preparation experience.

We incorporated the GE Café Series 30” Built-in French-Door Single Convection wall oven (pictured here) in a project we recently completed for homeowners in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Follow this link to view the project photos. If you are curious to learn if a French door wall oven would be the right solution for your kitchen, give us a call at 610-584-0665. One of our designers will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

pa home remodeling newsletter

Read the Latest Home Remodeling News from Custom Craft

by Remodeling Tips

pa home remodeling newsletterIn the Spring 2018 edition of the Craftsman newsletter, we share details of a stunning contemporary first floor renovation we recently completed in Wayne, Pa. Inside you will also learn about our latest award, and how to achieve a blemish-free back splash. Plus, we also reveal the newest addition to the Custom Craft family (hint: it’s a boy!)

Tap or click this link or the thumbnail image to read the latest home remodeling news from Custom Craft.

Dust Control is Critical to a Healthy Home Remodeling Environment

by Remodeling Tips

The Importance of Dust Control for Home Remodeling

build clean dust controlDid you know that the vast majority (approximately 90 percent) of homeowners stay in their homes during remodeling projects? Unfortunately, some live to regret that decision. Why? Because of dust.

Without the proper control, dust can permeate every part of your home, from your toothbrush to your dog’s fur. Even with barrier walls in place, dust can and will find its way into your home. At Custom Craft, we recently implemented the BuildClean Dust Control System because it takes away up to 90 percent of the airborne dust, even on the most challenging projects. The BuildClean unit draws in the contaminated air and passes it through a series of filters before returning the “scrubbed” air back into the space. Watch this video for a brief demonstration of a BuildClean unit at work.

Dust isn’t just a nuisance. Remodeling and demolition dust can trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions and problems for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Jobsite dust can also have an adverse effect on the health of pets that are in the home during construction. In addition, particles from sawing, scraping and sanding can contain hazardous materials such as asbestos, arsenic or lead.

You and your family deserve the best, which is why you need to make sure your contractor has a dust control plan to meet your needs.

3D renderings enhance home remodeling process

How 3D Renderings Enhance the Remodeling Process

by Remodeling Tips

3D renderings enhance home remodeling processOnce we have developed a floorplan for a project, the next step is to work through the style and finishes for the space. Among other things, this step involves selecting cabinetry, flooring, lighting, countertops, and fixtures. It can be challenging for homeowners to communicate their style preferences in this stage. From traditional to contemporary, and everything in between, the options for finishing a space are seemingly endless which can make establishing a style preference complicated.

Most homeowners we meet need help in defining their style preference. To get things started, we have our clients prepare ideabooks in Houzz with photos of homes they find appealing. While ideabooks can be helpful in advancing the material selection process, they have their shortcomings because what works in someone else’s space may not work very well in yours. Enter 3D renderings.

A 3D rendering brings the floorplan to life. Because it is an illustration based on the actual dimensions of the space, it enables a homeowner to better visualize how their design features and material selections will look when the project is complete. Take this image for example. The top photo is how the back wall of the kitchen looked prior to our client’s renovation. The middle image depicts the 3D rendering of the floorplan we designed. The bottom image is a photo of the finished space.

As you can see, the rendering closely reflected how the finished space would appear. By providing this tool, our clients gain greater confidence that the designs we have created for them are going to suit their style tastes and preferences. 3D renderings also reduce the incidence of expensive change orders, since our clients can see how the colors and finishes will work together within the space, and make any necessary adjustments prior to ordering materials.