If you’re considering a remodel for your home, you’ll want to keep your storage needs in mind. Whether its a kitchen or bathroom remodel, it’s easy to get swept up in style of the room vs. the functionality. Planning ahead to add storage into your design makes the space more useful for you now and helps if you later decide to sell. Here are a few ideas for bringing more storage into your kitchen or bathroom remodel.
Cabinetry Cabinets today are not bound by the same restrictions of generations past. Today’s cabinetry comes with a wide range of storage solutions designed with ease of access. In the kitchen, for example, you can get cabinets with large drawer systems to store your pots and pans and other countertop appliances. Now, instead of getting on your hands and knees and stretching to the back of the cupboard, you can pull open the drawer and your items are right there for you. Built-In lazy susans and retractable shelving systems are available for the typically underutilized corner spaces, too. In the bathroom, look for cabinets that make good use of the space around the sink plumbing. Often this space is ignored and you’re left with a big awkward space. A simple solution to make the most of the space under the sink is to bring in sliding organizers like those typically seen in your office. You can fill each one with like items and simply pull out the one you need. Ideas include filling one with cleaning items, one with hair styling items, one with hygiene products, etc. You can also buy expandable shelves that fit around the plumbing. Shelving Shelving can help when you need certain items easily accessible on a regular basis. Think about places where this might occur most often such as near the kitchen sink or stove, the kitchen island, the bathroom sink, and the bathtub. Look for shelving that complements the design of your cabinetry to create a consistent style. Also, make sure the shelving you select gives you enough depth for holding a variety of items so you’re not limited on what you can display. Seating When it comes to storage, seating isn’t often the first thing considered but there is lots of space that can be used. A couple easy ways to add storage include selecting benches or chairs with lift tops. You can easily store less frequently used items here like seasonal table place settings and tablecloths, booster cushions for younger guests, etc. You can also look at choosing barstools that nest or tuck under your countertop. This makes your space more streamlined and creates an open feeling. Built-Ins Popular in older homes and making a comeback in newer homes, built-ins offer great storage and functionality. Whether it’s pocket storage in the bathroom walls for your perfumes, makeup, shaving goods, etc. or a built-in buffet in your dining area for your China and serving dishes, every inch is available for your use in a beautiful and stylish way. At Fort Rock Construction, we’ve been helping homeowners in the Eugene, Oregon area with kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels since 2001. Please contact us at 541-767-1611 today to see how we can help you, too.
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With the colder weather fast approaching, your home's heating system should be a priority. The Pacific Northwest, in recent years, has had its fair share of severe weather. This year is shaping up to be another chilly year. Thinking about the efficiency of your heating system now can save you money and keep you comfortable during the cold months. Here are some steps to take before the cold weather sets in and it is too late.
Energy audit The first thing every homeowner should consider before cold weather hits is an energy audit. This process involves an inspection of your home and, if done right, your utility bills to determine if your house is able to maintain temperatures efficiently. This process will alert you to any potential problem areas such as windows, doors, and insulation. After fixing any discovered issues, your heating system will be able to work less and provide more comfort. Heating system The most common types of home heating systems are boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps. All of these systems have pros and cons, and often homeowners are at the mercy of what was previously installed. The most important thing to remember is that a properly functioning system is an efficient one. If it is time for a replacement, be sure to shop around and find the most energy-efficient model available. For all types of heating, efficiency has dramatically improved over the years. Also, be sure to find a contractor who will take measurements to ensure proper sizing of your new heating system. Fort Rock Construction works with reputable heating professionals and can make recommendations for whom to contact. Go ductless For homes that don’t have existing ducting, ductless heat pumps are the way to go. Installation of these systems is minimally invasive. This type of system is extremely energy efficient and allows you to heat zones, rather than your entire home. As with all kinds of heating systems, it is strongly suggested to have an experienced professional take measurements of your home. This step ensures you will get the proper equipment size and placement for your home's size and layout. There are many ways to keep your home warm during the frigid winter months. While we at Fort Rock Construction do not install or maintain heating systems, we have relationships with reputable vendors in the Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove and surrounding areas that do. And, we can help perform any of the structural or retrofitting work that might be necessary with a heating new system. Please give us a call with any questions you might have. 541-767-1611 A basement remodel is often a homeowner’s best option when trying to add space to their home. Rather than adding to the existing structure, which requires extra permits, it is often easier to take advantage of the bare bones that already exist. Transforming a basement from large closet to livable space is one of the best ways to add value to a home. It can also save you from having to sell if you are starting to outgrow your current space.
Often, homeowners try to take this project on themselves, and it can be gratifying. However, before you embark on this journey, be aware that there are several things to consider to ensure your project is a success. Knowing what to watch out for can make all the difference in avoiding a nightmare down the road. Here are a few crucial things to think about during the planning stages of your basement remodel. City Code Check all local codes to ensure that everything you do will pass an inspection. Your locale may have requirements for factors such as ceiling height, plumbing, and egress, among others. Additionally, you may need to obtain permits before you start your remodel which requires a detailed plan and proof that you will meet the code requirements. The permit process can be lengthy, be sure to submit the necessary materials on time and double check all forms for accuracy. Moisture One of the most significant concerns in a basement remodel is moisture. It is vital for you to test your basement for moisture before you begin work. Every situation is different. Some basements are free from moisture while others need lots of work to protect and prevent damage from the wet conditions. If you find that your basement is full of moisture, it is merely a matter of taking proper precautions. Ensuring adequate drainage away from the foundation and including the right waterproof barriers are two of the many steps you can take to protect your investment. Layout Avoid wishful thinking after completing your project by considering where to place individual elements in your new space. Basements are usually lacking in natural light. It is helpful to know where the most light comes from and which feature you want in that light. The TV room, for instance, might not need as much natural light. It is also crucial to think about ceiling height. Adding lighting and other fixtures decrease ceiling height. For this reason, predetermine your possible lighting configurations and plan accordingly. This is a small sample of a large list of things to consider before a DIY basement remodel. If you're located in Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove or any of the surrounding areas and this project becomes too overwhelming, our professional team of contractors with years of experience is available to help. Our staff will make sure your project is done right, the first time. Call today to get your project started. 541-767-1611 One of the biggest decisions you will face during a kitchen or bathroom remodel is that of cabinet material. With so many options, it is helpful to know the pros and cons of each material. Speaking with an experienced contractor who can help guide you to an informed decision is another good step to take. We have compiled a list of different materials for you to use as a starting point when trying to make this choice.
Particleboard -- Particleboard is made by mixing wood particles, shavings, and sawdust. A bonding agent holds the mixture together, and the finished product is sometimes coated with wax or other finishes to give it a resistance to water and heat changes. Pros:
Cons:
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) -- Like particleboard, MDF is created by mixing a glue and sawdust. The mixture is formed into sheets and subjected to extreme pressure to form a dense board-like material. MDF is thus subject to similar pros and cons. Pros:
Cons:
Plywood -- Because of its construction, plywood is stronger than the other types of manufactured wood on this list. Plywood is constructed by bonding layers together, each time rotating the new layer by 90 degrees to add strength and durability. Pros:
Cons:
Solid wood -- Many species of solid wood are available for you to choose from. Each type of wood comes with a different grain, color, and texture. Choose the type of wood that best matches the aesthetic you are going for. Each type of wood is different; therefore, this pros and cons list is generalized. Pros:
Cons:
This list is intended to give you a basic understanding of some of the most popular options on the market for cabinets. To learn more, call us to speak with one of our experienced contractors who will ensure that you pick the best material for the job. At Fort Rock Construction, we strive to help our customers in all aspects of their kitchen and bathroom remodels. We will help you create a space that you will want to spend time in. Once an area used strictly by the people who prepared food, the kitchen has become a focal point in peoples homes. With so many shows on TV and pictures in magazines that show the “perfect” kitchen, it is hard to know where to start when thinking about what you want your kitchen to look like. Everything from colors to appliance choice can be daunting to most anyone. We have compiled some of the most popular trends happening in the kitchen to help make your decision making process a little easier. Colors Neutrals are by far the most popular color in the kitchen and, as of now, white takes the cake. Other colors, however, are starting to show up more frequently, for instance, gray is on an upward trend. Like white, gray provides an elegant and clean look and is easy to pair with other colors. On the other end of the spectrum are the bold colors such as blue which makes a kitchen a true focal point in any house. Similar to a feature wall, pops of color are being added in the kitchen by adding in a colorful sink or another accessory to create exciting contrast. Cabinets and Countertops As mentioned, neutral colors are most popular when it comes to the kitchen, and that applies to cabinets and countertops, too. One big change in the kitchen landscape is a shift from wall cabinetry to deep drawers, making those hard to reach items a thing of the past. Granite was once the king of countertops; however, quartz seems to be taking over as the most popular option in the choice for kitchen countertops. Functionality With work, family, and friends all pulling you in a million directions, it is more important than ever to have a kitchen that helps save you time. For this reason, one of the most popular trends in the kitchen is functionality. From sinks that you tap to turn on to appliances that are all connected via Bluetooth, today's kitchens are all about making it easy for you to get things done in a timely manner. Keep these trends in mind when planning a redesign of your kitchen. If you have questions about which materials are best, do not hesitate to call us. Here at Fort Rock Construction, we want to make sure that you are completely satisfied with your finished project. Making the right design and functionality choices can be difficult, and our contractor’s years of experience will ensure that your kitchen will be the envy of the neighborhood. Please contact us if we can help! We do kitchen remodels in Eugene, Springfield, and other surrounding areas in Oregon.
One of the most timeless and classic looks for your home is a porch. You can't help but make a great impression when you have a general contractor build a beautiful front porch for you. There is nothing nicer than to start or end your day relaxing while memories are made there.
When you add a porch to your home in Springfield, Eugene or Cottage Grove, many benefits come with it. If you're looking for a great outdoor living space, here are some reasons why you should consider having a porch built for your house. Benefits of a Porch
How to Plan for Adding a Porch to Your Home When you are ready to add a beautiful porch to your home, that's the time to call your remodeling contractor. A reputable remodeling contractor, like Fort Rock Construction, will have built porches for lots of homes. They will show you how a porch will beautify your home. Homes undergo many renovations and changes as you live in them. One of the most lasting and charming things you can give your home is a porch. These are the perfect places to entertain guests, watch sunrises or sunsets, or sip lemonade on a perfect summer day. If you've been dreaming of a porch for your home, please give Fort Rock Construction a call today. Our team can look at your home, make recommendations and help walk through the details of turning that dream into a reality. We service the Eugene and Springfield greater area and can be reached at 541-767-1611. You've probably heard a lot about man caves, whole basement remodels, and attic makeovers. There are always new ideas for making the most out of your home. And today's looks are all about giving you your own space while not taking away from the rest of your family. If your home has an unfinished basement or attic, now is the perfect time to call your home remodeler. It doesn't matter if you live in Eugene, Cottage Grove, Springfield, or a nearby area, the Fort Rock Construction team of experts can help you transform your unused spaces into the most enjoyable living spaces. There are any number of ideas for making the most out of unused space in your house. Let's have a look at a few of them. Man Caves / Woman Caves. We've heard about Man Caves for quite some time but they are still a great addition to any home, and they're not just for men anymore. Women are getting their own special rooms, too. These rooms can be filled with all the things he or she loves most, be it all of the sports and hobby paraphernalia or crafting supplies that don’t – and perhaps shouldn’t – have a place in the living room. When you call Fort Rock Construction, we will show you how to get the “look” you've been thinking about. Need a place for your spouse and his pals to watch the games? A comfy place to take care of your crafting or sewing or other hobby? You can make it happen when you call our remodeling team. Office Nooks. You may have turned an office into a bedroom for baby #3. So, what do you do now that you have no place for your important documents and paperwork? Especially if work from home, where will you claim for your office? Why not convert a portion of your unused attic into an office that is perfect for your needs? Or you can convert your garage into a perfectly livable room; one that you can use for office or craft space. Attic Remodels. Many older homes have attics that seem to be good for nothing but holding our collected junk from over the years and collecting dust. When you call Fort Rock Construction, a remodeling company in Eugene, we will show you all of the different ways you can make your attic a large livable space. You can add a bedroom, a bath, or convert part of it into storage space. The rest is for you. There are as many ways to use the spaces in your home as you can think up. Call our home remodeling team today for more ideas, expert advice, and hands on expertise when it comes to converting your home's unused spaces. 541-767-1611 Thinking of starting a bathroom remodel in your Eugene, Springfield, or Cottage Grove home? The bathroom may be small, but it's one of the most important rooms in your house.
Did you know that there are buyers out there who will settle on a home based solely on how dynamic the bathroom looks? That's why it's a good idea to make sure that your bathroom remodel has some influential elements that will last a long time. Remodeling a bathroom takes expertise. A complete bathroom remodel needs to be handled by a skilled, general contractor; someone with experience. Home DIY stores make it look as if you can do all of the remodeling in your home by yourself. That usually is not the case. A small kink in the works can lead to a major problem that you may not be qualified to fix.. Here are some tips for bathroom remodels:
Talk out your plans with a qualified home remodeler, like Fort Rock Construction, today. You will find we have lots of ideas for your home because we have both the experience and design skills to visualize changes. Plus, we've just about seen everything you can imagine when it comes to bathroom remodels. If you live in the Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove or surrounding area and you want your bathroom remodel completed quickly, within budget, and without damage or fuss, give us a call at 541-767-1611 for advice and assistance. For most people, the bathroom is one important room early in the morning and again, late at night. This is where you start your day and isn't it nice to know that you do it in style? If you've been thinking awhile about re-decorating your bathroom, now is the time to call your remodeling contractor. For bathroom remodels, there's nothing trendier than a great bathroom sink. Gone are the days when you had to make do with a box cabinet complete with the standard sink. Now, your options for a new bathroom sink might leave you awestruck. Trends in bathroom sinks
Bathroom sinks can be a standout feature in your home. Call Fort Rock Construction, your Eugene area home remodeler, today to make your bathroom look great! 541-767-1611 If you're doing a home remodel, the fun part doesn't happen until you finally get to start choosing the materials that will be used to finish the space. Each room is unique and should be treated so, but there are some standard guidelines for successfully choosing your materials. As a General Contractor specializing in home remodeling throughout the Eugene-Springfield area, we can help you through this process and match you up with the necessary vendors and suppliers.
1. Choose your theme When you walk through your home, is there an overall theme? Or, is every space unique? Either approach is just fine, but you'll want to make sure you have harmony between spaces so that the overall home feels cohesive and welcoming. When a home is broken up in style, it can feel jarring and uncomfortable. Whether this will be your forever home, or if you plan to sell your home someday, this is something you will want to consider. 2. Identify the main focal point Every room should have a central focal point that serves as the inspiration for everything else in the space. This focal point item is the one thing to splurge on and to get exactly as you want it. Then, when it comes to the other elements for the space, you are better able to make 'yes/no' choices because the items either work with the main focal point or they don't. And, with lesser important materials, you have more freedom to substitute with less expensive options because they're not the main draw of attention. 3. Shop, shop, shop Your general contractor will be able to match your wishlist with known vendors and suppliers, but it is okay to shop for the best prices. But, when you do this, keep these two things in mind: Make sure your contractor helps you with the ordering, so you get the correct amount, measurements, etc. and make sure your contractor is comfortable/able to work with the materials you are ordering. You might save a few dollars shopping independently, but if you need to hire a specialist to do the installation, your savings will be long gone. 4. Be flexible In the material selection process, be prepared to be flexible. You very well may run into items being on back order, a supplier not having enough of what you want, etc. You'll need to work with your contractor on what's more important... having a particular model of sink and risk running into overage costs for putting the project behind schedule, or making a compromise for a similar sink and staying on track. There's not a right or wrong here. It's just something to be prepared for so everyone can be on the same page and schedules adjusted accordingly. |
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