19Sep2019

Which Bathroom Upgrades Can Increase Your Home’s Value the Most?

September 19, 2019

Dennis Gehman

Bathrooms

Which Bathroom Upgrades Can Increase Your Home’s Value the Most?

There are a lot of thoughts that run through the minds of homeowners who are considering a bathroom remodeling project.

“How much does a bathroom remodel cost?”

“How long will a bathroom remodel take to complete?”

“Which contractor should I hire?”

“Will a bathroom remodel increase my home’s value?”

Often, they share these same thoughts with our team when we sit down to talk about the logistics of their project. While the answer to each question varies, let’s focus today on the last question:

“Will a bathroom remodel increase my home’s value?”

The Importance of Upgrading Your Bathroom

Did you know that a bathroom remodel can benefit your home’s value more than other remodeling projects? It’s true! A midrange (or average) bathroom remodel has a national average return on investment (ROI) of 72.7%.

Unfortunately, the opposite is true as well. A badly done bathroom remodel can ruin your whole house in the eyes of prospective buyers. Investing in your bathroom may not only increase your home’s value but it could also be the final selling point that sets your home apart from others.

But, don’t just take our word for it.

According to Zillow, an online real estate database, “Zillow data shows that bathroom remodels yield the biggest returns in terms of boosting your home’s resale value. For minor cosmetic changes, you’ll see a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1 you spend. This includes things like painting and refinishing cabinets, swapping out the mirror or upgrading hardware.”

Bathroom Upgrades That Have a High ROI

While many bathroom renovations can boost your home’s value, there are some upgrades you should consider a high priority and others that you may want to skip altogether. Here’s a closer look at the projects that are most worth your investment.

Flooring

Is your grout looking dirty? Does your tile look like it’s straight out of the ’80s? Time to update it! We recommend changing out your flooring with porcelain or ceramic tile, which is waterproof, durable, and inexpensive.

You might also consider installing heated floors, which are perfect for cold winters and may appeal to buyers more.

Vanity

The vanity area is often overlooked in favor of “bigger” renovations, but don’t underestimate the impact of updating it. Consider upgrading your countertops, faucet, and sink for maximum impact.

You also might want to extend your vanity to include double sinks, particularly in a master bathroom. And, if you’re looking for the highest ROI, opt for granite countertops with a modern sink and faucet design.

Cabinets

Take a closer look at your cabinets and try to see in from the perspective of a buyer. Do they need to be upgraded? Buyers are looking for modern, clean cabinetry. Refacing your cabinets can help make your space look more enticing.

And don’t overlook the details! Replacing the hardware on your cabinets and drawers can be an easy and relatively cheap way to freshen up the look of your cabinets.

Shower and tub

The focal point of any bathroom is the shower and/or tub, so it should come as no surprise that remodeling them offers the highest ROI. If you’re upgrading your master bathroom, replacing your tub with a large walk-in shower can raise your home’s value.

However, make sure at least one bathroom in your home has a bathtub, as buyers with small children will consider that a “must-have” feature.

Adding glass doors to your tub or shower is a high-impact upgrade that will also appeal to most buyers.

Bathroom Upgrades With a Low ROI

The most important thing to remember during a remodeling project is that your home should first and foremost serve the needs of you and your family. So, if there’s a feature you’d love to add, you should do so!

However, if your primary goal is to increase your home’s value and be more competitive on the market, you might want to skip these upgrades.

Jet tubs

Sure, the idea of soaking in a whirlpool tub in the comfort of your own home sounds great, but the reality is that they’re expensive, hard to maintain, and they break down frequently. Except in rare cases, installing a jet tub won’t bring a good ROI.

Steam showers and custom spas

Again, while a steam shower or custom spa sounds like an undoubtedly cool feature, they don’t provide a great ROI. Skip them unless you want to add them for your own enjoyment.

Easy and Cheap DIY Projects to Increase Your Home’s Value

Keep in mind that bathroom upgrades can impact your home’s value without putting a large dent in your wallet. There are several easy, low-cost projects you can do yourself to make your home more appealing.

Paint

Paint can be powerful. After all, you can transform the whole look and feel of a space with a simple coat of paint. Check out the selection at your local hardware store and get to work. You might be surprised by the impact it makes!

Lighting

Do you still have the original light fixtures in your house? If your home is more than 10 years old, chances are that your fixtures look outdated. Swap out your bathroom’s main lighting with a chic new option to refresh the whole space.

Shelving

Try adding vertical shelves to your bathroom, which take up less room than other shelving options, while still adding a good amount of storage space. All you need is a hammer, a few nails, and a level to make a significant impact in your bathroom.

Mirror

Consider replacing your old mirror with a new one to instantly update your bathroom. There are even options available now that include built-in lighting to give your space an updated, luxurious feel.

Talk to Gehman Design Remodeling About Your Bathroom Remodel

Ready to take the next step toward a new bathroom and increase your home’s value as a result? The team at Gehman Design Remodeling is here to help! We’ll work with you to determine which upgrades make the most sense for your family and your needs, develop a budget and timeline, and get to work.

30Aug2019

5 Kitchen Upgrades to Help Increase Your Home’s Value

August 30, 2019

Dennis Gehman

Blog, Kitchens

5 Kitchen Upgrades to Help Increase Your Home’s Value

If you’re considering investing in home renovations, there are probably a few questions going through your mind…

“How long will it take?”

“How much will it cost?”

“Will it help increase my home’s value?”

The answer to all of these questions ultimately depends on what type of renovation you choose to do. As experts in design remodeling services, we believe that upgrading your kitchen is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value.

Why are kitchen upgrades valuable?

It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and for good reason. Kitchens are high-traffic rooms, used for everything from the obvious, like making dinner, to other special family moments, like working on homework, laughing during late-night talks, and hosting guests.

According to an article from Forbes, “Kitchens will give you one of the biggest returns on your investment.” The article goes on to say that even simple updates can make a significant impact on your home’s value.

Experts at HGTV agree, saying, “Ask any real estate expert what the No. 1 upgrade with the greatest return is, and the answer will be the kitchen.”

So, how can you decide which kitchen upgrades will be worth your time and money? Start by thinking about what will provide the most value to you and your family. Then, narrow down your projects by reviewing the following list of upgrades that can help increase your home’s value.

Areas of your kitchen you should consider updating

Here’s a closer look at some of the most valuable kitchen renovations you can to in your home.

Floor plan

Open floor plans are becoming increasingly popular because they give your home a warm, open, and inviting vibe. Millennials, in particular, look for open concepts when house hunting. Additionally, opening up your kitchen allows you to choose from more customization options, like adding a kitchen island to your space.

Countertops

Updating your countertops can give your whole kitchen a refreshed look, but it can be hard to know which type of counters are best for your needs. At Gehman Design Remodeling, we offer the following countertop options:

Quartz
Granite
Laminate
Concrete
Solid-surfacing

Our remodeling experts on staff can walk you through the differences of each type and help you determine what you should choose.

Floors

The most valuable upgrade you can do to your floors is to install or refinish hardwood floors. Why are hardwood floors a smart upgrade? Homelight, a real estate referral company, explains, “The NAR’s (National Association of Realtors) 2017 Remodeling Impact Report projects that homes with existing hardwood floors will likely see a 100% return as the average $3,000 cost to refurbish them adds $3,000 in value.”

The Homelight article continues, “Installing wood flooring pays off almost as well, with a 91% return. Wood flooring installations that cost $5,500 are projected to add around $5,000 to the home value. However, these estimates vary depending upon the type of wood flooring you install.”

Appliances

If you’ve ever seen a house with pink appliances from the 1970s, you know that old appliances can make your whole house look outdated. When upgrading your appliances, be sure to look for energy-efficient models, which can help lower your energy use, and in turn, your monthly utility bill. You may also consider “commercial look” appliances which will give your home the look of a beautiful, high-end commercial kitchen, in a size that fits your space.

Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the first things someone sees when they walk into your kitchen. What kind of impression are your cabinets making? Whether you only want to upgrade the look of your cabinets, or you want to reconfigure them to maximize your storage space, we recommend installing all-wood cabinets in your home.

At Gehman Design Remodeling, we offer a variety of styles, colors, finishes, and hardware so your cabinets will perfectly fit your aesthetic.

What is the average ROI of a kitchen remodel?

So, how much value can you expect to get back after investing in kitchen renovations? It depends on the project, but a minor kitchen remodel can recoup an average of 81% of its cost. However, it’s important to remember that all renovations are not weighted equally.

Minor kitchen renovations have a higher ROI than luxury upgrades since they are more appealing to the masses. So, unless you want stone countertops or commercial-grade appliances for your own use, you can skip them during your renovation since they won’t add much to your home’s overall value.

What NOT to do when renovating your kitchen

Now that you have a better idea of which kitchen upgrades are worth your time and money, here are a few things you should avoid.

Non-neutral paint colors

Skip the bright colors in favor of shades of beige or gray, which will appeal to more people when you go to sell your home. If you really can’t live without a bright green wall, just be sure to paint it a more neutral color before putting your house on the market.

Wallpaper

Similarly, wallpaper can be a polarizing design choice. It can also be difficult to remove, so it’s best to avoid it altogether during the design phase of your remodel.

Luxury kitchen renovations

Like we mentioned above, luxury upgrades don’t always have a high ROI. For example, a brick pizza oven could be cool to have in your house if you’re a chef or a pizza connoisseur, but the average person doesn’t gain many benefits from having one in their home.

You’ll need to find the balance of upgrading your home with features you genuinely want and will use with features that will also appeal to a large number of people once you decide to sell.

Get a free estimate today

Ready to get started on your kitchen upgrades? Contact Gehman Design Remodeling today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. Or, check out our kitchen design portfolio to get a better idea of the work we’ve done in the past and how we can help you with your project.

Click Here to get started

As a company that’s been around for nearly 30 years, you can trust that if you come to us with an idea for your home, we’ll get it done with the highest level of customer service every step of the way. We can’t wait to help you bring your kitchen dreams to reality.

28Jun2019

Planning your Basement Remodel

June 28, 2019

fatcat strategies

Basements, Basements, Blog

Planning Your Basement Remodel

Remodeling your Basement will not only give you a relaxing space to spend time with family and friends, but it can also increase the value of your home. Just like any home renovation project, designing the perfect Basement is a process that requires careful thought and planning.

This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from the visual planning to the hands-on labor, to help ensure you don’t overlook anything while planning your Basement Remodel project. Let’s get started:

Step 1: Evaluate your space

Before you can think about the placement of decorative items, paint colors, or flooring, you need to take a few moments to evaluate your existing space. Think of the elements you want in your basement and where you want them. Do you want to make it into a man cave? Will it be a game room? Think about how you would want yourself and others to use this space.

Next, look over the items that you want to keep, you have to keep, and the items you want to donate or throw away. It may feel unnecessary, but it will save you a lot of headaches once the construction aspect of the project begins.

Keep in mind the items that you will have to keep, no matter how much space they may take. These items include the heater/AC unit and associated ductwork, water heater, well pump, sump pump and pit, electrical panel and wiring, pipes, support columns, and beams.

It’s important to remember while these items will still need to be part of your Basement, you may be able to move them to a new location during the construction process. Just be sure to work with a professional to make sure you choose a logical and realistic location if you decide to move these items.

For example, you’ll need to account for minimum space requirements and for fresh air intake for heaters. Check with your local code officials and establish these requirements for all your units before finalizing your floor plan.

Now that you have visualized your space and checked over items you’ll either keep or remove, you can move on to the next step of your Basement Remodel process.

Step 2: Beams and columns

The next step is to evaluate the fixed items in your Basement. These are items that can’t be moved and thus need to be incorporated into your planning. Home builders aren’t concerned with a basement’s feng shui when placing support beams and columns. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t make them look nice.

Let’s take a look at some solutions for your existing beams and columns:

Support columns are generally unmovable, as they are supporting the weight from above.

Here are some solutions to work around columns:

- Solution 1: Box them in and make them look decorative with trim and moldings.

- Solution 2: Plan walls so that they incorporate the column inside of the wall.
- Solution 3: Design the columns so that they’re part of the room’s environment and vibe.

Beams usually need to stay in place as well, as they span openings and are weight-bearing just like columns.

Here are some solutions to work around beams:

- Solution 1: Use the bottom height of beams to establish soffit heights. These soffits can be used to create visually pleasing coved/coffered ceilings.

- Solution 2: If ceiling height and design style permits, you can establish a dropped beam pattern across the ceiling of certain spaces to hide the beams.

- Solution 3: Again, use the bottom height of the beam to establish your ceiling height, effectively making the beam disappear altogether.
- Solution 4: Plan your walls to line up with the beam.

Now that you have covered solutions on how to work around the columns and beams, you can move on to the next step in planning out your Basement Remodel.

Step 3: Waterproofing your basement

The next step is to determine if your basement is waterproofed, i.e. dry. If it’s anything but a resounding “yes” you will need to address this prior to starting your Basement Remodel.

Major signs that indicate you may have a waterproofing issue:

Watermarks or stains on the floor and/or walls
Efflorescence on walls or floors
Musty or moldy smell
Mold growth on items stored in the space
Rotten wood framing members; especially those that are in contact with masonry surfaces
Cracks in the walls or floors

If any of these signs are present, make sure to be diligent in remediating the issues prior to moving forward with your project. The most cost-effective and timely way to address water problems is before you start remodeling your Basement.

It’s best to work with a professional when seeking help in addressing water problems in your basement. Don’t settle for subpar work. Remember, doing a thorough job now can prevent future issues from occurring down the road. Be smart in choosing the professional that fixes your water problems.

Step 4: Developing a floor plan

Now you can start the exciting step of developing a new floor plan for your Basement. Two things that are important to address are your exterior walls and your stairwell walls.

Exterior walls are what cover your foundation walls. The best thing to do is to keep them as far against the outside walls as it allows. This will maximize your usable floor space. Consider items like plumbing and water pipes, electrical wiring, and the need for access panels when planning for the walls. Keep in mind, one of the first interior walls that are generally placed is for the utility room since hiding utilities is typically a priority. Remember to take into account the code requirements for service space in front of and around the units.

Establishing your stairwell is an important aspect of your floor plan. You will need to decide a few things around your stairwell. First, do you want an enclosed or open staircase? Second, how will you utilize the space underneath the staircase? Would you want it to be a closet? Keep in mind, most codes require the underside of the staircase to be drywalled.

After the walls have been placed, take a step back and look at the remaining space. Try not to put up more walls than you need, since too many of them can restrict the usage of the space. Use a roll of masking tape and layout the placement of the interior walls to give you a feel for how the walls will impact your layout. You might also consider hiring a professional interior designer for a professional opinion on how to best utilize the space.

Step 5: Egress

For modern homes, this isn’t an issue since newer homes have a second entryway. This step applies more to older homes that never built a secondary entryway. Depending on the use of your space, you may be required to provide more egress than just two exit points.

If you add a Bedroom to your Basement, it will require its own source of egress to the outside. It could be a door or a window, but this would be an Addition to the main egress points in other parts of the Basement

Many clients ask the question “How can we get out of complying with the code?” and this comes up when we discuss the budget. An additional means of egress to your basement can easily add $5,000 or more to the cost of the project.

In response, we recommend that our clients instead ask “Why would I not want to comply with the code?” These regulations are intended to keep you and your family safe.

Let’s say you are in a situation where you and your family need to get out of the Basement quickly but two of the exits are blocked. Wouldn’t investing in the extra egress make sense? Your family’s protection is a priority and with the addition of egress, it will ensure that your family can get to safety and be protected in case of an emergency.

Step 6: Enjoy your new space!

So there you are relaxing in your Kitchen on a Monday morning when you notice that something seems off. You don’t hear hammers, power saws or drills. None of the workers came up to grab some coffee and the fresh batch of cookies you left out is untouched. Then it finally hits you that the carpenters and painters finished the project up on Friday afternoon. Your new Basement is ready to be enjoyed!

Hopefully, the project has been completed just the way you envisioned it would look. After the contractor has handed the project over to you, make sure to take the time and do the following:

Take a walk through the new Basement with your contract in hand, along with any and all additional work orders. Make sure to note any discrepancies or deviations that need to be addressed.
Look over any outstanding items that need to be completed at a time yet to be determined. You should receive this detailed list in writing, accompanied by a financial commitment and a timeframe for completion, as well as who is responsible for the completion of each of the outstanding items.
Visit and look over each space to make sure it’s similar to what you envisioned.
Enjoy and embrace your beautiful new space! Enjoy the time you spend there, as that’s why you did the project in the first place.
Throw a grand opening party. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing guests enjoying the environment that you created.

Does this guide have you feeling ready for a Basement Remodel of your own? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll be there for you every step of the way so you can be enjoying your beautiful new basement in no time.

16May2019

7 Things to Consider Before Starting a Bathroom Remodel

May 16, 2019

fatcat strategies

Bathrooms

7 Things to Consider Before Starting a Bathroom Remodel

We believe that a Bathroom Remodel is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home. However, there are a lot of decisions involved to ensure you end up with the bathroom that fits your family’s needs.

By putting extra thought and planning into what you want to accomplish with your remodel project, you are more likely to end up with the bathroom of your dreams as the end result.

This comprehensive overview will walk you through the different things you need to consider when preparing for your bathroom remodel.

1. Which bathroom do you want to remodel?

The type of bathroom you are looking to remodel will determine which upgrades make the most sense in your space. For example, you would approach a master bathroom renovation differently than you would a guest bathroom that is rarely used.

Your master bathroom is a personal space that gets used every day, so you’ll likely want to put more time and thought into how the bathroom is laid out, the materials that are used, etc. Additionally, if you share your master bathroom, you might want to consider double sinks in your vanity for extra space.

If you’re upgrading a child’s bathroom, on the other hand, you may want to focus less on high-quality style and more on functionality. After all, kids won’t care about granite floors!

2. Decide how you plan to use the space

If you plan to remodel your primary bathroom, take a moment to think about how you currently use the space and how you hope to use it in the future.

Do you get ready for the day quickly, without giving your bathroom a second thought? Or do you prefer to spend hours soaking in your tub, treating your bathroom as your own personal spa?

The materials you choose for your bathroom remodel may vary depending on your answer.

3. Determine the layout

The best way to maximize the space in your bathroom is to be strategic with the layout of the room. At Gehman Design Remodeling, we can help you determine how to best utilize your space to make your bathroom feel bigger and more functional.

We recommend designing your bathroom so that the toilet is not the first thing you see when you walk into the room. In some cases, our clients choose to add a water closet to their upgraded bathrooms, which is a separate room for the toilet with a door for added privacy.

Design with the future in mind

It’s worth noting that you should plan your layout with the future in mind. How will your family change over the next several years? Are you just starting your family or will your kids be out of the house soon?

The answer may impact how you choose to approach renovating your bathroom. Similarly, if you are planning to sell your house in the next five years, make sure any updates you make will increase your property value.

4. Decide on a bathtub, shower, or both

The main star of your bathroom should be your shower or tub area. When designing your new bathroom, you’ll need to decide if you want a shower, bathtub, or both. First, start by thinking about what makes the most sense for your daily needs.

If you have small children, you will want to make sure there is a tub in their primary bathroom. Or, if you have an older family member with more limited mobility, you might want to convert your old tub to a shower for a safer bathing option. If you’d like to have access to either, then we can help you develop a plan for that as well. If you can dream it, we can do it!

5. Think about areas that are often overlooked

There’s nothing worse than completing a bathroom remodel and realizing that you would have loved to add a feature that you failed to think about before starting the project. Avoid this regret by taking time to think through the different aspects of your bathroom that are often overlooked.

Lighting

Good lighting can make your bathroom feel bright and open, while poor lighting options can leave your space feeling dark and dreary.

Before starting on your remodel, think about how much light you want in your bathroom and plan accordingly with extra windows, beautiful fixtures, and/or recessed lights. Fortunately, there are a number of tips and tricks that can help create the perfect lighting for your space.

Storage

Don’t let storage be an afterthought when planning your bathroom remodel! Instead, plan storage options into your design for a more functional bathroom.

Think about how you would like to use medicine cabinets, space under the vanity, linen closets, etc. before you start your project. And don’t forget to install accessible outlets throughout your bathroom and in storage areas, if needed.

Flooring

Do you need to replace your current flooring? If mold or mildew has developed underneath your tile, it could lead to extra work and excess costs. You should also think about any flooring upgrades you might want to make.

For example, if you’ve always dreamed of warming your feet in the morning on heated floors, you’ll want to plan for that prior to beginning the renovation process.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key in a bathroom, as excess moisture can build up in the space and cause problems down the line. Built-in fans can help remove moisture from the air, keeping your bathroom protected from moisture-related issues.

Hot water tank

Imagine spending the money to install a new soaking tub, only to realize you can only fill it halfway before the hot water runs out. While your hot water tank isn’t actually in your bathroom, it plays a role in making your bathroom a more enjoyable space.

If you’re planning to install a soaking tub or multi-head shower, you may need to install a larger hot water heater to accommodate your new space.

6. DIY vs. Contractor

After planning out your bathroom, you may be tempted to go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route and tackle the project yourself.

While DIY may be cheaper up front, it can lead to costly issues later on if everything is not done correctly from the start.

Additionally, taking on a complicated DIY bathroom remodel is time-consuming and stressful, and you might find that you are in over your head.

This will leave you looking for a contractor to clean up what you’ve started and correct any errors you’ve made.

7. Set yourself up for success when working with a contractor

Once you’ve determined how you plan to use your new bathroom, the layout you want, and the details for your space, you’ll want to reach out to contractors to find the right team for the job.

Budget

Before you even make the initial call to a contractor, it’s best to have a set budget in your mind and a good understanding of what that budget can get you.

It will allow you to have a more honest conversation with contractors so that everyone is on the same page and it will help you feel assured that you’ll be comfortable paying for your project.

Contract

Before you sign a contract, be sure that it properly outlines the scope of your project. The contract should include:

Details about the colors, styles, and materials that will be used.
A clear description of what the contractors will do.
The approximate start and completion dates.
The total price, broken out by line item.
Information about warranties for both materials and workmanship.

Communication

As with every relationship, communication is key between you and your contractors. Never assume that your contractor is on the same page as you are. Even if it seems redundant, it’s better to spell everything out clearly so there is no confusion.

If you’re ready to begin your bathroom remodel, Gehman Design Remodeling would love to be the team you choose to work with on your project! Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

30Apr2019

The Ultimate Kitchen Remodeling Guide: What You Need to Know

April 30, 2019

fatcat strategies

Blog, Kitchens, Kitchens, Uncategorized

The Ultimate Kitchen Remodeling Guide: What You Need to Know

A kitchen remodel is an important and exciting decision. Your Kitchen is a personal retreat, the place where you start your mornings and unwind at the end of the day. Like the rest of your home, your Kitchen is a reflection of your personal style. But keep in mind that this room is also one of your home’s most purposeful and often serves multiple family members. Finding this balance between style and functionality makes a Kitchen remodel a thoughtful process.

This guide will help you evaluate your goals, ideas and options for your remodel. Hopefully your research will steer you to the best professionals for the job and to the design that will bring you the greatest pleasure.

What is Cabinet Refacing?

“Cabinet refacing” is an industry term used to distinguish the refacing process from refinishing and replacing. The word “refinishing” is used to describe the process of re-painting or re-staining the existing cabinets. “Replacing the cabinets” means that the existing cabinets and boxes are torn out, and replaced with new cabinets.

With Gehman Remodeling Cabinet Refinishing, we will:

Remove and replace cabinet doors and drawer fronts
“Reface” the exposed portion of your cabinet box frames with a wood veneer to match your new doors and drawers

With Refacing, you get new doors, new drawers, and a new cabinet face, without having to tear out your existing cabinet boxes.

With Gehman Design Remodeling Cabinet Refinishing, we will:

Re-paint or re-stain the existing exterior visible parts of the cabinets, such as doors, drawer fronts and cabinet boxes
Install new hardware – pulls / knobs and hinges

Cabinet Replacement

Some homeowners would prefer to replace their cabinets with completely new stained or painted cabinets. But, understanding your cabinet choices can be confusing – especially if you meet with multiple sales representatives from different companies. Here’s a quick guide to help with your selection.

The 5 major components of a cabinet

1. The Finish

This is the first thing you notice when looking at the cabinet. It could be a beautiful stain color that is rich and enhances the grain of the wood or a smooth painted finish that brightens the room. Whichever you prefer, it’s important to note that not all finishes are the same. Most quality cabinets use a process called conversion varnish. Sparing the details, a conversion varnish provides the most durable and longest lasting coats, whether a clear-coat on top of a stain, or paint.

2. The face frame, doors, and drawer fronts

These components come in a variety of types of wood as well as engineered products. Our focus at Gehman Design Remodeling is on solid wood components. Different wood types have different densities or durability. Softer woods will dent and scratch easier but typically cost less. Harder more dense woods will be more durable but will cost more. Gehman Design Remodeling has simplified the process by narrowing the selections down to the most common choices of wood species.

3. The Box

The box of the cabinet is where you put all your dishes. It may not be the most interesting part of the cabinet, but in some ways it’s the most important. The box is what gives the cabinet it’s strength and will ultimately play a major role in how long your cabinets last. Again, there are a variety of choices, from particle / furniture board to plywood. And this is the part where a “salesman” can really confuse people. For instance, better quality cabinets will use plywood boxes, not particle / furniture board. However, if that’s all you ask about, a “salesman” will show you a cabinet with a plywood box, but it may only have a 1/4” piece of plywood for the back and sides, or a plywood skin over particle / furniture board.

Gehman Design Remodeling offers GBB – Good, Better, Best cabinets. Our lines of cabinets are designed to provide you a cabinet with all the bells and whistles, but at an affordable price.

Good – particle / furniture board boxes covered with laminate film that looks like wood to match the solid wood front, doors and drawers
- Interior of the cabinet will be laminate film that looks like natural maple

Better – 1/2” plywood with finish wood veneer to match the wood species and finish of the solid wood front, doors and drawers
- Interior of the cabinet will be melamine laminate that looks like natural maple

Best – 5/8” or 3/4” plywood with finish wood veneer to match the wood species and finish of the solid wood front, doors and drawers
- Interior of the cabinet can be melamine laminate that looks like natural maple
  - More durable to be wiped clean with a damp cloth
- Interior of the cabinet can be natural maple wood veneer
  - Unparalleled beauty but it isn’t quite as durable as melamine

4. Drawer Construction.

The common theme for cabinets is that each part / component can be made on a quality spectrum ranging from poor to great, and everything in between. Our cabinets drawer boxes are always solid hardwood with dovetailed corners. We never use particle / furniture board, melamine or plywood drawer boxes for stained or painted cabinets.

5. The door and drawer hardware.

Soft-close concealed cup hinges and undermount drawer glides are standard on all cabinets offered by Gehman Design Remodeling.

Sinks & Bowls

Sinks have options galore. single bowl, bowl and a half, double bowl, bar, square, oval, round, rectangle, elongated, etc. Your selection won’t be right or wrong as it’s best based on your personal preference.

Installation types

Self-rimming / drop in – sit on top of the countertop. This is the only option for laminate counters. The traditional type of sink installation. Leaves an edge where the countertop and sink meet that may be difficult to keep clean.

Undermount – fastens underneath the counter leaving the edge of the counter around the sink exposed. This type of sink is NOT an option for laminate counters because the substrate under the laminate won’t hold up to moisture / dampness in the sink.

Apron front / farm sink – the sink extends through / takes the place of the false drawer front of the sink base cabinet. Front edge of the sink is finished because it’s visible.

Integral – available only in solid surface where the sink and countertop are made with the same resin materials that are fused / welded together for a seamless appearance. Easy to clean because there isn’t an edge to work with.

Stainless steel – a metal alloy made up of various metals that are 100% recyclable. It’s worthwhile paying for premium stainless because it will be easier to clean and look better. May be purchased with a coating of insulation on the outside which will keep dish water warmer longer and soften noise from dishes hitting the metal.

Porcelain coated cast iron – comes in many colors. Cast iron body holds temperature. Very durable but can be chipped if something heavy and hard is dropped on it.

Porcelain – solid and heavy used primarily for traditional farm house style apron sinks

Acrylic solid surface sinks – generally used for integral seamless sinks with solid surface counters but may be installed as an undermount in stone countertops.

Faucets

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Take your pick many styles and finishes. Solid brass body is important. Many manufacturers offer lifetime warranty. Wide spread, Single lever, pulldown sprayer, separate spray hose.

Backsplashes

Backsplash is 4” – 6” high section directly along the back of the countertop. May be material to match the counter or tile.

Wallsplash

Wallsplash is the section of wall at the back of the countertop up to the bottom of the wall cabinets. This area can be finished in many ways.

Painted, plastic laminate, wood that is stained or painted, stainless steel, granite or engineered quartz, tile.

Tile is the most common wallsplash material these days because it’s available in many shapes and colors and can be installed in specific patterns for a custom look.

Outlets

Code requires a GFCI – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter 120-volt duplex wall outlet every 4’ of running wall space along the back of the countertops as well as any solo section of counter that is 9” wide or more. Outlets on the end of peninsula counters and both sides of islands.

Outlets are necessary but often ruin the look of a beautiful tile wallsplash. An option is to move the outlets into angled power strips installed under the back of the wall cabinets. Switches can also be installed under the cabinets.

Lighting

General ceiling lighting can be surface mounted fixtures or recessed lights. Most Kitchens use LED pancake lights on dimmer switches to supply ample light to the entire space. Dimmer switches are a nice feature that can be installed on all other lights as well.

Decorative lights are used for pendant lights over the sink, island / peninsula and eating table. This is a great place to show your personality through use of color, shape and style.

Task lighting is LED strip lights under the front edge of the wall cabinets.

Ambiance lighting are LED strips inside glass door cabinets, inside deep cabinets such as pantries, lazy susan corners (base and wall), appliance garages, etc. LED strip lights may be installed on top of wall cabinets and under toe kick of base cabinets.

Interested in a remodel?

If you’re ready to take the next steps, give us a call or fill out a form and someone from our team will reach out!

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