http://mitchco.ehclients.com/index.php/site/index/ en cait@mitchcogroup.com Copyright 2010 2010-07-05T22:25:27+00:00 http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/10_tips_for_a_successful_remodeling_project/ http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/10_tips_for_a_successful_remodeling_project/#When:16:30:43Z Whether your home is less than five years old or an historic property, sooner or later you may join the millions of people who remodel their homes each year. The reasons for remodeling are as varied as the projects themselves. You may choose to remodel to add comfort, convenience, space, and ultimately to enhance your investment in what may be your most valuable asset. Or, remodeling may be your opportunity to realize a dream of fine architectural design and beautiful living spaces. When it comes to planning, designing, and building successfully, we offer you these 10 tips, based on our 25 years of remodeling accomplishments. 1. Start by asking yourself several basic questions, even before any design work begins: - What are the objectives of the project and what are the problems the project should solve? - Will it comply with your city’s planning department regulations? - What is your budget? And how long will it take? - Where will you live during construction? Answer these questions on your own or with the help of professionals. 2. Organize and list your project priorities—all the things you want to add or change—by Needs/Wants/Wishes. Needs are those “must do’s” as if you are listing what you would most regret not doing. Wants are the items you would like to add or change, but they are not absolutes. Wishes are what you would love to do, but may not be financially feasible. 3. Compile a list of all you want to do, and before the design work begins, make sure that it will comply with your city’s planning department regulations. Pay attention to even the small details. The consequences of designing something that can’t be built will mean compromises down the road. And note that zoning regulations differ from town to town, can vary in different parts of your town, and they can change without notice. Work with your professional to go to each and every town department for review and approval of your plans. 4. Be clear about the money you have and are prepared to spend. Balance this against the project you want to do, considering the increase in value to the quality of your life and the added value to your home. 5. Thoroughly plan your project early and during the design phase and consider all costs, including such items as landscaping, new furniture needs, window treatments, and more. This will guard against unforeseen changes that can drive up construction costs. 6. Give yourself as much time as possible during the design process. It’s a lot easier to change designs early on than when the project is in the working drawing phase, or worse, has been built. Also, get started early, at least six to nine months ahead of the start of construction. 7. Have a professional designer help with the selections of materials, colors, etc. so that the most informed options are identified and decisions are made. An Interior Designer provides an abundance of information and savvy to pricing and buying. 8. Be realistic about the length of time the building will take. Major remodels of a kitchen or bath may take six to 12 weeks. Additions will typically take four to six months or longer. New homes will take four to 12 months or more. 9. Work with a firm that does both design and construction and uses an organized project delivery system. Such firms, sometimes referred to as design/build companies, provide a single source of accountability for all facets of the project. The project system ensures a smooth process from stage to stage. Build-able plans are identified early in the process. And you’ll save time and money in the long run. 10. Throughout the project, plan on communicating with your team often, check the work as it is being done, and be nice to yourself: go out to dinner; get away for a weekend or a vacation; and maintain as much normal-ness as possible. Remodeling 2010-03-18T16:30:43+00:00 http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/appliance_trends_the_new_washer_and_dryer_options/ http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/appliance_trends_the_new_washer_and_dryer_options/#When:22:25:27Z Washers and dryers are increasingly designed to better suit the needs of their owners – from platforms to reduce the need to bend and stoop to lots of color choices and huge reductions in environmental impact.  Manufacturers have come out with some wonderful new laundry appliances to make washing clothes a much more pleasant experience. Washers and dryers are increasingly designed to better suit the needs of their owners – from platforms to reduce the need to bend and stoop to lots of color choices  and huge reductions in environmental impact.  Manufacturers have come out with some wonderful new laundry appliances to make washing clothes a much more pleasant experience. Color Color… Colors There are lot’s of new colors to liven up your laundry room from bright red to blue to green. Stainless finishes are available as well, as laundry rooms take on more visibility in the main floors of the home. Better Height No more bending over to empty the dryer!  Platforms are now available for the front loading washer and dryers that are all the rage in appliances these days.  Raising the appliances 12-18 inches off the floor, many of these platforms also offer drawer storage for supplies, making it well worth the $150 - $200 cost for these back-savers. Efficiency These days going green is the trend for all household appliances, so watch for the Energy Star labels.  There are now more Energy Star rated appliances than ever, nearly 40% of washer/dryers are Energy Star rated, up from just 14% in 2002.  Energy Star appliances have to meet stringent federal efficiency requirements to achieve the Energy Star rating, and that efficiency comes at a cost premium, which will hopefully be offset by lower utility bills to offset the cost. Front Loading Front loading washing machines do not have the center agitator around which your sheets etc. become entangled in the spin cycle.  With the middle agitator eliminated, capacity is increased, making them much more efficient in the long run with larger loads. Features There are some fantastic new features being offered for washers and dryers, including: Tempered glass lids to eliminate the need to open lids to check status; Washers and dryers that can ‘talk’ to each other to end cycles at the same time; Reduced noise and vibration to allow the appliances to be near living areas without making their presence known; Wrinkle reducing steam cycles; and Faster spins to reduce drying time.   What are you waiting for? If you’re redecorating or remodeling your home, update to the laundry room as well.  You can save money, suit your individual style and save your back some wear and tear. Remodeling 2010-07-05T22:25:27+00:00 http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/the_importance_of_quality_in_kitchen_faucets/ http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/the_importance_of_quality_in_kitchen_faucets/#When:12:12:26Z I often compare a quality kitchen faucet to a good pair of black shoes or black suit.  It is something that you will use often and a good quality faucet will last.  I have had clients say that they can get the same faucet at Home Depot as the one we might specify from the plumbing showroom, but I remind them that the outside might match, but the inside works definitely do not.  My sister tried to get one at Home Depot, against my suggestions, and ended up with one from the plumbing showroom because she could feel the weight difference and knew that the heavier one meant it was better quality. Quality is important when selecting a faucet.  The perfect kitchen faucets combine functionality and aesthetics. The best kitchen faucets are well-made with high quality valve mechanisms and durable finishes that ensure the faucets will operate problem-free for many years to come. I often compare a quality kitchen faucet to a good pair of black shoes or black suit.  It is something that you will use often and a good quality faucet will last.  I have had clients say that they can get the same faucet at Home Depot as the one we might specify from the plumbing showroom, but I remind them that the outside might match, but the inside works definitely do not.  My sister tried to get one at Home Depot, against my suggestions, and ended up with one from the plumbing showroom because she could feel the weight difference and knew that the heavier one meant it was better quality. What you should consider when looking at kitchen faucets: Materials: Quality faucets are generally made of brass or stainless steel. The finish you see, if not brass or steel, is plated. Please keep in mind, plated finishes are generally fragile. The most durable plated finish is chrome. If you can find a PVD finish, they are generally quite durable as well. Some faucets have "living finishes" which are uncoated and will change with time. Keep in mind, a living finish is not for the messy cook!   Quality: A quality faucet should generally have some weight to it. If it feels light, consider another faucet unless your designer  or builder can give you strong recommendations. One of the most important factors is the quality of the aerator. The water should be aerated well so it does not splash when it hits the bottom of the sink or a dish you might be washing by hand. Holes in your kitchen sink If you're replacing an existing faucet, be sure to choose a new one that requires the same number of holes in the deck of the kitchen sink as the one that's being removed. One-piece faucets (with integrated handle and spout) need one hole for the handle/spout piece and usually require a separate hole for a sprayer. Traditional faucets, with hot and cold taps, require three holes for the taps and spout and a fourth for a sprayer. Don't get caught with the wrong kind of sink for your shiny, new faucets. Kitchen faucet handles Two-handle faucets: If you're lucky enough not to have to worry about fitting your new faucets into an old sink, you have many choices. Two-handle designs are usually the least expensive and offer a classic look. In addition, because of the independent controls for hot and cold water, they make adjusting the temperature easier. Single-handle faucets: Single-handle faucets are more contemporary looking and usually cost a little more than two-handle faucets. The single handle, also called a post, adjusts both the temperature and flow rate of the water. The importance of kitchen faucet valves In addition to type, style and finish of your faucets, you also will be choosing what type of valves your faucets have. Valves -- or mechanisms that take the place of valves -- are what keep your faucet from dripping. They also regulate the flow and temperature of water. There are four types of valves: Compression valves Compression valve faucets have been around the longest and are the least expensive type. They are identifiable by their separate hot and cold water handles and their action requiring you to tighten the handles down to close off the water flow. These valves will need to have washers replaced as they wear out, although it's a fairly easy process. Ball valves Ball faucets are currently the most common type of faucets in kitchen sinks and were the first type of washerless faucets. They are identifiable by their single handle which moves over a rounded, ball-shaped cap right above the base of the faucet spout. Ball valves have no washers, require less maintenance and are inexpensive to replace, but because of the number of parts which make up this type of faucet, ball faucets tend to leak more than other washerless faucets such as the cartridge or the ceramic disk type. Cartridge Cartridge faucets operate with a movable stem cartridge that moves up and down to regulate flow. They are identifiable more by how they feel when they operate than how they look. As opposed to a ball faucet that you push back to turn on, a single handle cartridge faucet operates in an "up/down" motion to adjust water volume and a "left/right" motion for temperature. Similarly, a two-handle stem cartridge faucet looks almost indistinguishable from a compression type washer faucet. However, again, you can tell the difference by how the handles feel when used. This is a more modern type of valve than the compression or ball valves and, while being more expensive, is generally more reliable and has a substantial functioning life. Ceramic disk This is the highest quality valve. Kitchen faucets with ceramic disk valves are identifiable by their single lever over a wide cylindrical body. These faucets have a wide cartridge housing two ceramic discs which slide over each other to control water flow and mixing temperature. Hardened ceramic is a durable material which is virtually indestructible and is guaranteed not to wear out, but it is obviously much more expensive than the ball valve or compression valve. Should you need to fix it, your cost will be higher, but the likelihood of a kitchen faucet with ceramic disks failing is very slim. Remodeling, Design 2010-06-29T12:12:26+00:00 http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/kitchens_without_wall_cabinets_for_more_windows/ http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/kitchens_without_wall_cabinets_for_more_windows/#When:14:48:43Z Achieving a workable balance between competing requirements in a kitchen is a large part of what kitchen designers do. For example, all good kitchens provide abundant natural light and ample convenient storage. A lot of the most useful storage is in cabinets attached to the walls of the kitchen.  Achieving a workable balance between competing requirements in a kitchen is a large part of what kitchen designers do. For example, all good kitchens provide abundant natural light and ample convenient storage. A lot of the most useful storage is in cabinets attached to the walls of the kitchen.  Large kitchen windows produce a light, airy kitchen but eliminate space for wall cabinets. Precisely where the windows go. So, if a kitchen has a lot of wall cabinets, it cannot have many windows. If it has many windows, it has to do without a lot of convenient wall storage. Wall cabinets are unquestionably useful storage, but with drawbacks. A major disadvantage is that wall cabinets make a kitchen seem smaller by closing in the space at eye level — which is where we subconsciously judge how large the space around us is. The typical rank of identical cabinets marching along the wall of a kitchen with the precise alignment of a Marine Corps drill team creates what is in effect walls within the walls of the kitchen, really closing the space in. Small kitchens in particular can greatly benefit from the perception of a larger room that results from not using wall cabinets. But smaller kitchens are also almost always desperate for more storage. The smaller the kitchen, the more acute the storage need, and the stronger the temptation to use at least some wall cabinets to meet the need. So, which way to go. No wall cabinets, lots of windows for a more open, lighter, airier kitchen. Wall cabinets, fewer windows for more storage but a room that seems smaller and more closed in. Hummmm! These custom 30" deep base cabinets (36" at the sink) create more countertop space, allow 16"-deep rather than the standard 12" wall cabinets, and have room for an appliance garage or two with enough room in front of the garage be useful for kitchen tasks. The ideal solution, of course, is a kitchen that combines both: plenty of convenient storage while eliminating most if not all wall cabinets for more light and openness. How to do this is, of course, the problem, but a solvable problem using creative design and the innovative storage solutions that have become available in recent years. Design 2010-06-15T14:48:43+00:00 http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/see_a_great_home_design_idea_clip_it_and_keep_it/ http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/see_a_great_home_design_idea_clip_it_and_keep_it/#When:00:15:43Z Here’s a handy tactic for helping get exactly the right look in your home building or remodeling project. Here's a handy tactic for helping get exactly the right look in your home building or remodeling project. Before starting work, most homeowners spend some time looking at magazines, websites, and friends' houses, gathering ideas for furniture, features and colors. When you come across an idea you like – clip it out! You can even shoot a cameraphone picture of something that catches your eye. Toss these clippings and images into a folder. Showing this folder to a designer or contractor can really help them better match the image you have in your mind for your own home. 2010-06-11T00:15:43+00:00 http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/caring_for_cabinetry/ http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/caring_for_cabinetry/#When:00:54:43Z You have remodeled your kitchen and now you want to take good care of your investment. Here are a few tips to help keep your cabinetry in top condition. You have remodeled your kitchen and now you want to take good care of your investment. Here are a few tips to help keep your cabinetry in top condition. Stained and Finished Cabinets What to Do: Do clean with Old English Spray Wood Polish once a month. Do clean heavily used areas (around the sink, the dishwasher, the stove, and the wastebasket) with Old English Spray Wood Polish once a week. Do polish using Old English Lemon Oil twice a year (this puts moisture back into the wood and keeps it looking like a piece of furniture for years). What Not to Do: Do Not wash with water (the finish is water resistant, not water proof). **If you do spill water on it, wipe if off with a clean, dry, soft rag** Painted Cabinets What to Do: Do Keep dusted with a clean, dry, soft rag. Do clean with Murphy's Oil Soap on a damp, not saturated, rag if dirty. Do dry with a clean, dry, soft rag. Do use Butcher's Wax on heavily used areas. What Not to Do: Do Not use water to clean. 2010-06-06T00:54:43+00:00 http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/tile_trends_pebble_floors_and_porcelain_that_looks_like_stone/ http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/tile_trends_pebble_floors_and_porcelain_that_looks_like_stone/#When:14:45:43Z Searching for a sharp accent? Take another look at tile. Ceramic and stone are classic tile materials, but they aren’t by any means your only choices. Glass tile is a frequent choice today that can add a sparkle to a kitchen backsplash or to your shower. Searching for a sharp accent? Take another look at tile. Ceramic and stone are classic tile materials, but they aren't by any means your only choices. Glass tile is a frequent choice today that can add a sparkle to a kitchen backsplash or to your shower. Pebble floor tiles can give bath or kitchen a natural look. Another great option is porcelain tile or glazed ceramic tile that looks like stone but is easier to clean. Porcelain tile is even being crafted to look like real hardwood to provide even more options for a warm look with a durable material. For a polished contemporary look metal offers a great look for a kitchen backsplash. Another interesting new trend is to use tile as a window casing. The important thing is to familiarize yourself with the choices available and work with an expert to get all your questions answered. 2010-05-30T14:45:43+00:00 http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/polished_chrome_is_making_a_comback/ http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/polished_chrome_is_making_a_comback/#When:14:45:43Z Polished chrome gives your plumbing fixtures a bright, clean shine. Polished chrome gives your plumbing fixtures a bright, clean shine. This look has made a comeback over the past few years, regaining popularity versus other choices like brushed nickle or copper. If you are building, remodeling, or just looking for a simple way to refresh the look of a bathroom, consider brightening up with polished chrome. Polished chrome is a classic finish that coordinates beautifully with a wide variety of fixture styles and types of décor. It works particularly well for evoking a nostalgic look, as in a 1920s- or other vintage-style bath, but also complements contemporary styles. One thing to consider, though, is that it is still challenging to find a large selection of polished chrome lighting fixtures. Remodeling, Countertops, Custom Homes, Design 2010-05-19T14:45:43+00:00 http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/quarts_or_granite_counters/ http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/quarts_or_granite_counters/#When:14:41:43Z Why 70% of New Countertops are Quartz Granite countertops have been a long-time favorite in the kitchen, and are sometimes considered a mark of luxury. But did you know that today nearly 70% of new countertops are made from quartz? Granite countertops have been a long-time favorite in the kitchen, and are sometimes considered a mark of luxury. But did you know that today nearly 70% of new countertops are made from quartz? Each surface has its advantages. Granite offers more varieties of pattern and color. But busy homeowners like the fact that quartz is also not as porous as granite, so it does not require the re-sealing that granite needs. There is no safer surface for food preparation. One difference between the two products is that when you see a sample of quartz, it will exactly match your installed countertop. While granite is a product that varies greatly because it is natural and therefore needs to have exact slabs selected. All natural stones vary greatly and need to be seen in person. If you are building or remodeling your kitchen or bath, you will appreciate the beautiful collection of colors and the exceptional performance that Quartz offers. Quartz is found in great abundance in the earth—it is second only to water as the most common mineral-based form on our planet. It is naturally hard and scratch resistant. Quartz even ranks a 7.0 on Moh's Hardness Scale, which is used to measure the scratch-resistance of a material. Only diamonds, ranking 10, topaz, and sapphire are harder than quartz. Of course at the end of the day it comes down to individual taste. Our advice is look at a variety of colors and patterns in both quartz and granite. Think about how you use the kitchen and how you prepare food. Countertops 2010-04-19T14:41:43+00:00 http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/caring_for_hardwood_flooring/ http://www.mitchcogroup.com/blog/caring_for_hardwood_flooring/#When:00:55:43Z Hardwood Floors What to Do: * Do sweep or vacuum to remove any dust or abrasive material. * Do spray a light coat of wood cleaner over soiled area or on mop. * Do mop floor in a back and forth motion (on same direction as strips). * Do place mats outside and inside entrances to prevent sand and abrasives from accumulating on floor (avoid mats with rubber or other dense backings that would prevent airflow and trap abrasives and moisture). * Do keep your pets claws well-trimmed to avoid scratches. What Not to Do: * Do Not use wax, oil-based detergents, or other household cleaning agents on the floor (these may dull or damage the finish and leave a greasy film that makes floors slippery, maintenance more difficult, and refinishing impossible without deep sanding and complete re-varnishing).   Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations (when known) for the proper care of a wood floor. Get that information from your wood floor installer/retailer, and it is also a good time to purchase your wood floor care products. Know the type of finish on the wood floor. Follow the proper maintenance procedures for the particular finish. Never wax a urethane floor. A majority of floors installed today have urethane finishes. Never use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly. The only remedy in this situation is to sand and refinish the floor. Consult with an installer, the finisher or the manufacturer if there is any doubt of the kind of floor finish. Place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit, dirt and sand. Sweep or vacuum wood floors regularly. Never wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue. Wipe up food and other spills immediately with a dry or slightly dampened towel (wipe dry). For a wax floor, buff to restore shine. You may want to invest in a buffer. Do not over-wax a wax floor. If the floor dulls, try buffing instead. Avoid wax buildup under furniture and other light traffic areas by applying wax in these spots every other waxing session. Put plastic or fabric-faced glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching. Remember: cleats, sports shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface. When moving heavy furniture, protect wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile under the legs or covering each leg with a heavy sock or half of a milk carton. For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch water.   2010-03-01T00:55:43+00:00