Baltimore Interior Design and Contractor

See What the Professionals Suggest

whitepinedb — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Great info from industry leaders…

What would be the most important tip you could give someone about to start a remodeling project?

Cost Vs Value Website

whitepinedb — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 09:00:54 +0000

The Cost Vs. Value website in highly regarded in the remodeling industry. It is put together by remodeling magazine. Customers can use this website to see what people have on projects spent in their area and see the potential return on investment….

CLICK HERE

DIY vs. Professional Renovation: What to tackle yourself and what to leave to the pros

whitepinedb — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 16:16:09 +0000

“A major thing that someone can easily take on is purchasing their own materials, equipment, and appliances,” said Greg Merkel, an architect who oversaw a home renovation with his wife Catalina Rojas, also trained as an architect. Tiles, cabinetry, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, doors—there are a number of materials you can pick yourself or salvage from antique stores and flea markets.

https://www.curbed.com/platform/amp/2016/5/2/11459072/diy-renovating-professional-contractor

Finding a general contractor in Maryland for a Kitchen or Bath Remodel….

whitepinedb — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 10:00:59 +0000

Here are some tips to find a trustworthy contractor… For a kitchen or bathroom remodel you should use a general contractor or design build firm. This is a project that is beyond what a typical handyman can handle. There are tons of materials and factors that go into these larger projects, a handyman is not going to be able to help with that. Do you want to invest in the most expensive areas of your home without the help of a designer?

Check that the contractor has insurance. Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate and call the provider to ensure it’s still active. This protects you and your home!
In Maryland, ask for a copy of their MHIC license and check the MHIC website to ensure they’re in good standing.
Know what you want before getting an estimate. Contractors may be frustrated with requoting for repeated changes and redesigns. Narrow down your layout to 1-3 options and figure out the top priorities for each person involved in the remodel. One revision to an initial estimate should be able to cover all changes. Remember a contractor is also deciding if they are a good fit to work with you on your project.
Ask friends, neighbors, and relatives for suggestions on contractors but let the experts give you advice on layouts and finishes. This is their job and they’ve done thousands of remodels, don’t rely on the experience of a friends who has done one remodel.
Ask if they use subcontractors for any trades or provide everything in house. If they use subcontractors make sure it’s the same people consistently over years.
Read online reviews or ask for references.
Make sure they are legitimate and have a website.
Be realistic about availability, most cabinetry has a 4-6 week lead time. If you’re hoping to finish before a certain holiday, start the contractor interview process 4-6 months before you’re hoping to have the project done. This gives time to meet contractors, finalize design and scope, order materials and most importantly wait for the right contractor to have availability. The best contractors may not be available right away because they’re popular! Do you want to go with who’s available or who’s right for the job?
Make sure you sign a very detailed proposal, and verify the scope of work is correct.
Ask about what to expect on site and timeline. Ask how they’ll protect the rest of your home and your pets during the process.
Find out who the main contact is throughout the process and the best form of communiction- text, email, call, etc.
Make sure the contractor answers your questions quickly, this same communication style will carry though installation.
Most importantly, choose someone you feel comfortable with, someone that listens to your needs/wants. Someone that understands your style and priorities. And someone with a communication style that works well with yours.
And finally, check the payment terms. Legally no contractor in Maryland can take more than a 30% deposit. You also want to be sure you get to withhold some money until the end of the project.

Check out these simple ways to upgrade IKEA cabinetry….

whitepinedb — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 09:00:17 +0000

https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/kitchens/a32391436/ikea-kitchen-upgrades/

Warmth in a white kitchen

whitepinedb — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 16:30:46 +0000

One questions we get all the time is how to keep your space from feeling too cold when using mainly neutral whites and grays. We suggest bringing in wood accents and accessories to add color, personality and coziness. Start with a mood board showing all your kitchens together to make sure it’s cohesive and not too stark. Here’s an example of a white IKEA kitchen with bronze and light wood accents.

Here’s another example of a white IKEA kitchen with darker wood and colorful accents. Remember with open shelves or glass cabinets, you’re going to have things on display. Think about what colors you want to showcase. As you can tell we’re big fans of a colorful runner between an island and main wall of the kitchen. We also love small plant accents to bring in some life and texture. Don’t forget art on the walls too!