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Get the Look of A Mediterranean Kitchen

completehi33020@gmail.com (Complete Home Improvement) — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 12:42:17 GMT

At Complete Home Improvement, kitchens are one of our specialties. So today we’re going to show you how to achieve the Mediterranean Kitchen look.

The Mediterranean Kitchen design is a favorite of many homeowners. It’s very appealing to those who like a relaxed style with a right and sunny feeling. This style is also reminiscent of the old world, particularly Italy, Greece and other Mediterranean based locations, as the name suggests. The Mediterranean style is relaxed, warm and inviting, while also elegant and sophisticated.

Elements of a Mediterranean Kitchen:

Color:

The colors are a very important part of the Mediterranean style. The look should be soothing, with rich and warm colors hues. The style pulls from the sun, sea and natural foliage that are native to the region.

Spicy reds, yellows, terra cotta colors, ocean blues, and muted greens really bring the Mediterranean style together. You should feel as though you’re on a sandy beach or in the Italian Countryside.

Tile:

The main theme of the Mediterranean is natural-looking materials. Tile is a very important choice in this style of kitchen. Not only will you see a lot of tiled floors in Mediterranean kitchens, but you will also almost always see a tile backsplash.

Hand-painted tiles are a perfect accent to add, really accentuating the old world vibe we talked about. Adding ledge stone or any other type of natural stone accent is also another great way to add some pop with your tile.

While doing some of this stonework can be time-consuming, a variety of “Natural stone tile” is much easier to install, like brick tile, ledge stone panels, or mesh back tile.

Typically, the Mediterranean kitchen will create some sort of focal point with its tile. It is typical to do it over the stove area. Use different patterns of the same tile or different tiles to accent, it’s up to you. They are still usually in the same natural hues or they are of the hand-painted variety.

Flooring:

Flooring in a Mediterranean kitchen is usually always a hardwood or tile. The hardwood can be dark and rich or lighter and more rustic or reclaimed looking. It all depends on the exact style you’re going for.

You can have a more modern Mediterranean kitchen or go more old world. Tiles are typical:

Brown

Cream

Reddish color

Any color keeping in line with the neutrals of the style.

Cabinets:

In Mediterranean kitchen design, cabinets are often constructed from high-quality woods like cherry or character maple. They can be left in their natural state. They can be stained or painted to add a colorful element to the design. You will often see pops of turquoise, green, or various other colors.

We also see the antique white cabinets often in Mediterranean kitchen design. This keeps the room light, bright and airy. Dark cabinets also work well in the space. What we do find is that almost all of the cabinets in a Mediterranean kitchen have to detail in the door.

You will virtually never see a slab or shaker door in this style of kitchen. This brings the more hand-carved look into space. You’re not looking for sleek in your cabinet door with this kitchen style. You will also see glazes or distressed finishes on these types of cabinets.

Architectural Features:

There are a few main architectural features in Mediterranean kitchen design. The first is the presence of arches. You will find beautiful arches over fireplaces, in walls, or in a hearth design. Hearths over top of the stove area are a very popular design choice as well.

Beams are another big architectural player in Mediterranean kitchens. Dark, light, rustic, thick, thin, it doesn’t really matter. You will find them in the majority of these kitchens. And for good reason, they are beautiful!

Textured walls add a very old-world feel to a Mediterranean kitchen. Most old kitchens in this area of the world had plaster or stone walls, so this brings back the original feel.

Detailed ceilings can be found in the majority of Mediterranean kitchens as well.

Trey ceilings

Tiled ceilings

Beams

Painted ceilings

It could be anything and your choices are endless. This adds some serious detail and drama to space!

Lighting:

In a Mediterranean kitchen, you need dramatic lighting. You will always find chandeliers and lots of wrought iron. You will often see pot racks double as lighting. The bigger, the better! Mediterranean kitchens have a very unique sense of style. It is the epitome of old and new, class and relaxation.

What is your favorite part of Mediterranean style kitchens? If this is your dream style of a kitchen, we hope we’ve laid out the road map for you to achieve it! If you are still confused about the design and planning, contact Complete Home Improvement. Call us now and let’s talk .

Why Outdoor Living Spaces Create Stronger Families

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 13:11:14 GMT

Outdoor Living spaces or some may refer to them as Outdoor rooms, are becoming increasingly popular, not only for entertaining but also helping create stronger families.

Here are 3 reasons why you should consider adding an outdoor living space to your home

The usable space of your backyard can be turned into a great outdoor living space. Whether you have a small or large yard, an outdoor living space enables you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in rain or shine.

Whether it’s an outdoor entertaining area, a resort-style cabana with terrace around the pool, or a pergola set-up, creating an outdoor living space adds extra value to your home and is an effective way to draw people outside.

1. Perfect for outdoor entertainment

Outdoor living spaces aren’t just great for getting guests to your event, they also help keep the party going all night long!

You don’t have to worry about everyone crowding in the living room when there’s an array of comfortable outdoor furniture waiting in the summer air.

Birthdays, holidays, and family get-togethers can be enjoyed in your own unique space that will ‘wow’ everyone. Think about creating a paved pathway from your backdoor to a covered pergola area equipped with barbecue, lounge chairs, and fire pit for the ultimate hosting space.

Create a fully equipped kitchen area outdoors so that you & your guests don’t have to worry about cleaning up inside or balancing food and drinks from the kitchen to your outdoor oasis.

For evenings, think about lining your paved pathway with tiki torches or lanterns. Install downlights in your covered outdoor space for a functional entertaining area. This is great if you want to separate guests from the main house or if you have small children—the kids can sleep peacefully in the main house while the adults continue the party outside.

2. It is an extension of your home

Outdoor living spaces can be looked at as being an extension of your home rather than a separate space. If you feel like your house is too small and you need an extra room, then it is time to invest in an outdoor living space. Utilize what you already have in your backyard and then buy key furniture pieces to make it a space that you love to spend time in.

Having a covered space equipped with all the modern conveniences of an indoor living room can create a haven to retreat to and relax in all the while enjoying the outdoors.

Not only does it add a certain luxury to everyday life, but it also adds value to your home when it comes to potentially re-selling down the road. Homeowners can envision walking outside to relax and read the morning paper as the morning sun hits the garden before heading off to work.

3. Reduce Stress

One way an outdoor living space can improve your home is by lowering your stress levels.

Outdoor living spaces create the perfect opportunity to decompress after a long, tiring day. Spending more time outdoors can also help boost your immune system. Furthermore, people who are able to spend time in nature are often healthier and happier. If they do get sick, they often recover faster.

Your outdoor living provides a space for you to get away from work and the pressures of life and take in your surroundings. Outdoor spaces are therapeutic as you focus in on your senses and enjoy the moment.

Throughout history gardens and the outdoors have been used to relieve stress and heal. Sitting outdoors provides the perfect environment to contemplate decisions and reflect on your life. Allow your outdoor space to be a getaway when you need a moment to breathe.

Start Designing Your Perfect Outdoor Living Space

As you can see, there is a multitude of benefits that come with adding outdoor living space to your home. You’ve been dreaming of expanding your living space into the outdoors for a while. Now is the time to turn that dream into a reality.

Start doing some research to get ideas and inspiration.

Already have something in mind? Contact Complete Home Improvement and they will give you the help on the design of your outdoor living space.

The 4 Most Important Spaces To Remodel In Your Home

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 15:57:40 GMT

How do you determine the most important spaces to remodel in your home that will maximize the return on your investment?

Maybe you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen. Perhaps renovate your bathroom or the master’s bedroom. Or maybe you’re planning to put your house on the market in the spring. You want to spruce up your place but need to be wise with your cash.

Well, most home improvement projects will add some value to your home. Remodels sometimes have a tendency to develop their own inertia, as decisions lead to new dilemmas, unintended consequences, and surprising outcomes. In some cases, these flights of fancy are perfectly acceptable, provided the design and completed execution truly align with the vision and budget.

But if your budget is a concern and the wise investment of limited home improvement dollars matters, then there are a few basic guidelines you should familiarize yourself with before planning to remodel. Today we review four important spaces to remodel in your home.

Kitchens

Updating a tired old kitchen is one of the wisest methods. It is a tried-and-true one of increasing the value of your home. When planning a kitchen remodel, and making design decisions and selections for plumbing fixtures, appliances, cabinets, and countertop materials, you should determine whether you are prioritizing your own design aesthetic or the return on your investment.

Either priority is perfectly acceptable, but you should understand which is your priority, or strike a balance between the two that you can feel good about.

For example, using the existing kitchen layout and affordable cosmetic materials is a sure way to keep the cost of your kitchen remodel manageable. When you start tearing out walls, bumping out the exterior home footprint to gain a few feet, and moving plumbing fixtures and appliances, the cost of the remodel will jump and your dollars will be less efficiently spent.

Adding living space

A straightforward addition of a new living room space is typically a very good investment. Newly added square footage generally increases your home’s value. There are certain costs that will be associated with your addition regardless of the size. New square footage will require the demolition of existing exterior walls, a new foundation, a new roof, new exterior siding and probably new windows.

If you are going to incur these expenses, it’s important to get value for money. It’s important that the added room is sized so that space can be efficiently produced.

Master’s Bedroom

Updating a master bedroom or remodeling and adding a new master suite is money well spent. A beautiful master’s suite will provide an impression to anyone as living in their private space and it’s of quantitative value when they like what they see.

The master bedroom suite layout can be rejiggered to provide for a more spacious bath area, with a bigger shower and updated layout. Big showers are really “in” and many people forgo a tub in the master bedroom. The real estate folks say that as long as you have one tub somewhere in the house, that the no-shower master bath is a great way to go.

Bathrooms

Personally, my favorite room in the house is the bathroom. Although all the bathrooms are important, a priority should be placed on the powder room and master bath, followed by a guest bathroom and any other secondary baths.

The same rules apply to a bathroom remodel as to the kitchen. Cosmetic changes are safer from an investment standpoint than modifications involving changed layouts or minor additions, which can result in inefficient expenses.

When it comes to finding room in your house for an extra bathroom, take a look at any extra rooms or underutilized spaces. Consider other spaces, such as closets or areas under the stairs, too. If you want a half-bath you need at least 18 square feet. If you want a full bath, including a stand-up shower, you need at least 30 square feet. If you want a bathtub, make sure you have at least 35 square feet to work with for a bathroom addition.

Moreover, the basic updates add the most value to your home.

Keep the paint fresh
Fix the roof when it leaks
Replace wood that rots,
Get rid of any mold that you find

These types of chores keep your home from deteriorating over time. We all want a healthy, solid, safe home, and looking carefully for signs of routine maintenance is a great habit to make your home a well-cared one.

When it comes to remodeling your home, the decision is yours to make.

Regardless of which projects you choose to do, it is important to make your budget and design decisions in an informed manner with a full understanding of the investment value of the money spent. This will ensure that you are happy with both the finished project and the longer-term implications of your choices.

The best way to gauge what you can expect in terms of value on home improvements is to talk to the experts . Schedule your free remodeling consultation with Complete Home Improvement.

Why The Lowest Price is the Worst Price In A Home Remodel

completehi33020@gmail.com (Complete Home Improvement) — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 11:37:07 GMT

This article will tell you why the lowest price is usually the worst price in a home remodel. Let’s talk specifically be covering the installation side of a home remodel project. Anyone who has gone through a remodel already may have already come to this conclusion, as have I, through some painful personal experiences in my life.

The Quality Triangle of a Home Remodel

They say that you can have 2 of any 3 things in a home remodel.

Cheap
Fast
Good

But only 2. Never all 3. If you want a job done fast and at a high level of workmanship, it’s not going to be the cheapest. If you’re on a budget but need quality, it defiantly won’t be a fast process. If you need it cheap and fast, it defiantly won’t be of high quality.

Now, you have to decide what two you want or can have. Unless you want to spend the better part of a year dealing with a contractor, I would assume that you want the job done decently fast. I can assume that we all want a good quality home to remodel. While our remodel doesn’t have to be astronomical in terms of cost, that means that your remodel won’t be the cheapest out there. Knowing the triangle up front helps a lot of homeowners avoid the mistake of taking the lowest bid, without regard to the consequences.

When you take the lowest bid on a home remodel

I will admit, I have fallen victim to this. I was working on a large remodeling project. I got quotes from at least 5 people. I found someone to install my windows, work on my interior framing and my roof, who was offering to do it at a much lower price than everyone else. He claimed this was because he wanted to build a relationship. That we could work together on future projects. That we would refer him to friends and family. It sounded legit. I was thrilled to get my project going and was I really going to be UNDER budget?

As work began, it seemed ok. And then things started happening. The project wouldn’t be complete 100%, but payment was being requested to get the rest of our materials. Issues were spotted and were promised to be fixed. He would be there tomorrow. Tomorrow came, but he did not. Phone calls were made but never answered. I kept being strung along, telling me that the rest of the work was going to be done and going to be done right away.

But this was not the case. I ended up cutting my losses and moving on with other options. While this may not be the scenario that you encounter with every cheap contractor that you meet, it was definitely mine, as well as that of many others that we’ve spoken to in our business.

The Real Cost of The Lowest Price

Low-cost trades have to take on more jobs to make the same money that a higher cost installer would. This means typically that they are overbooked and everyone ends up on the receiving end of poor communication and customer service. What can happen when you work with low-cost trades is that they are very short term oriented. If you have paid $1,000 for your project, and they are supposed to be there tomorrow. Then, they find another job that will pay $1,500 and they also want it done tomorrow? Guess who gets the shaft?

When you are doing an extensive home remodel project, you have to coordinate multiple trades. You could be dealing with window installers, framers, drywallers, plumbers, electricians, cabinet installers, flooring installers, tile installers, and the list goes on. In most cases, one job can’t be started until another is finished, and sometimes inspected. If you have scheduled your trades in advance, and someone cancels on you, you then have to reschedule your other trades. Depending on their other commitments, you may not be able to get back in their schedule for weeks. What are the weeks in construction worth to you?

It is estimated that rework, lost time, and rescheduling conflicts can cost up to 50% of your entire renovation project.

Lower cost trades have a much higher probability for rework, unkept commitments, and cutting corners. Again, we are not saying this of all contractors that charge a lower than average price, but if you do encounter this, we would highly recommend getting referrals from the past year and calling them to get their experience.

I hope this article has enlightened your plans and decisions in doing a home remodel. If you need help, contact Complete Home Improvement , the company that helps prepare your budget, timelines, choosing materials and brands, guides you on each step, helps choose design style and layout.

What You Need To Know Before Starting A Condo Remodel

Sat, 17 Aug 2019 15:59:13 GMT

Planning to remodel or purchase a condo in Miami? Read this before starting!

Condo construction has its own set of challenges no matter what type of condo you are remodeling. But it is always worth the effort. There are many things to consider before signing on the dotted line. Luckily, Complete Home Improvement specializes in remodeling condos, so we can give you the lowdown on what to consider!

If you consider purchasing a condo, most likely you’ll be planning to remodel. It will either be a new unit that is “designer ready”, meaning you’ll be responsible for finishing the condo, or it will be an existing unit that you want to make your own.

First, you’ll need to first define who you are, and what the primary purpose of your investment is.

If you’re an investor, your design decisions may be different as you’re not remodeling to personally live there. Your preferences don’t need to hold much weight. It will be all about the buyers or renters. If you’re going to be living there, you can make it your own and add your personality!

Although end users are primarily concerned about personal enjoyment and lifestyle, they should constantly be aware that they are still making a considerable investment in real estate. They should always look at any pre-construction purchase as a major investment for the future. As well as choosing the right design aesthetics to maximize value.

Here are the things you should consider first in remodeling a South Florida condo:

Is decorator or Designer ready?

The vast majority of pre-construction apartments are delivered in what is known as Decorator or Designer ready. This means that the apartment will be delivered to you at closing with the following:

A complete kitchen and kitchen flooring.
Finished bathrooms and bathroom flooring only.
A primer coat of paint, throughout the apartment.
The floors inside the unit and on the terraces are delivered in their original concrete condition.
It is your sole responsibility and expense of the buyer to complete the apartment, after closing?

If you’re buying a designer ready space, the great thing is that you have a blank canvas to work with. You can add the exact spaces, styles, and materials that you want to create the home of your dreams. But, you do need a professional designer to handle the design and finishing. It is way too large of a job for most any homeowner to handle themselves.

Do your research before you buy!

With many opportunities for pre-construction projects in today’s marketplace, it’s important to visit many different ones so you can make knowledgeable comparisons as to which one offers the best price and value for your investment.

Learn who the developers and their architects are, and take time to find out as much as you possibly can about their experience, success, and above all, their reputations.

Begin with knowing the rules and policies of the condo board as well as understanding your limits when it comes to structural changes in your particular home. There are some things you may want to do but won’t be able to do based on their regulations.

Work typically is not allowed on weekends. Timing also needs to be addressed with the association. Remodelers may be restricted to certain elevators and contractors also must be bonded and carry certain amounts of insurance. When you work with Complete Home Improvement, that’s never an issue.

There may be certain walls that cannot be removed, and plumbing and electric may not have much leeway either. Working with a knowledgeable construction firm that’s used to working on High Rise spaces is key in getting things done the right way.

All locations are not created equal!

Select the project with the best location that will ultimately bring you the best return when it comes time to re-sell. It’s very important for you to find out what the distances are to the beaches, shopping, restaurants, performance and sporting venues – as well as airport and ports.

And equally important is the location of your new apartment and where it’s situated in the new building. Often the lowest prices are for apartments that face west or north – and developers consistently put the highest premiums on apartments that face south or east. The best advice is to always go for the best location – at the lowest available price.

Invest Early

The most important rule of pre-construction investing is to buy during the opening pricing levels and take advantage of the best selection of available inventory. Developers often raise prices quickly, once certain percentages of sales have been reached in different lines in their inventory, so take the time to ask the developer’s on-site sales professional to inform you of how many price increases have already gone into effect since the opening of sales. If you feel you’re a little late in the process, then wait and take time to check out some other pre-construction opportunities.

Avoid buying close to the end of a developer’s marketing campaign because you will most likely be paying a highly inflated price for the unit. In addition, you will probably have to compete with many other investors in the building, who were fortunate enough to buy earlier, at much lower prices.

Compare the Quality of Luxury Finishes – before you buy!

It’s very important to compare what each condo offers, especially when it comes to kitchen cabinetry, appliance brands, and bathroom materials and fixtures. In addition, each new project features different amenities, so make sure you invest in a building that is equal or better than the competition – as this could become a big determining factor when you go to resell your unit.

Fixed fixtures in bathrooms, kitchens and even lighting are sometimes positioned to connect to the building for specific reasons such as concrete placement and plumbing. Remodeling touches can get accomplished, but knowing how to get the job done is part of the process.

If you’re buying “designer ready”, then likely the kitchen and bathrooms will be the only things that are completed, so you may not need to worry about some of those issues. When doing an overhaul on an existing condo, you need to be very cautious about layout changes.

Contact a Design-Build Firm Specializing in Condos – before you buy!

The absolute best thing you can do before investing in a designer ready condo (or a condo you want to completely remodel) would be to consult with a seasoned, experienced design-build firm who knows all the “tricks of the trade” about remodeling a high rise condominium.

They can tell you what your options
They can give you great ideas
They can give you an idea of cost up front
They can give you a clear picture of your overall investment
This service may be absolutely free to you…with no obligation whatsoever.

There are also many skilled trade risks associated with a condo renovation such as:

A leaking plumbing fitting on the 18th floor can cause much more damage than to a single family home.
The careless product placement overloading can occur on the existing concrete floors from heavy items such as crated floor stone or piling drywall in the center of a large floor span.
There are other specific risks associated with condo remodeling that causes greater exposure than the typical remodeling projects.
They are ventilation issues such as work activities that cause large amounts of dust triggering smoke alarm systems
The infiltrating the central air system of the building and transferring the smoke or dust through the entire structure.

These systemic risk of remodeling your condo can be mitigated by an experienced and professional general contractor. Using a seasoned builder will not only reduce your risk exposure but will expedite the entire renovation process.

Any remodeling project comes with a great deal of potential risk, but with a condo remodeling project, the stakes are even higher due to the exposure of other owners. In selecting your remodeling contractor, verify his condo renovation experience and discuss the workflow plan in detail to avoid an unwelcome event. Complete Home Improvement is the perfect firm for the job, and we’d be happy to provide you with any details you need to feel comfortable.

The Overview Challenges in Remodeling a High Rise Condo:

Most new condos are designer ready, meaning it’s up to you to finish them
Most high rise condominium associations have strict guidelines for construction improvements in their building.
They specify security clearance for the workman to enter the building and only allow construction activities during carefully defined hours.
Most condos restrict the number of structural changes allowed to the existing structure, such as cutting up the concrete floors or the use of jackhammers on concrete beams.
Most of all they are extremely sensitive to any activities disrupting the other condo owners.

With all of this in mind, your condo can become your dream home. And we can be the ones to give it to you! Complete Home Improvement helps prepare your budget, timeline, materials and brands. From design to finished construction, we'll guide you every step of the way! Book your free consultation online or call 954-636-2238 .

What is a Design-Build Firm And What Are The Benefits?

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 12:10:33 GMT

If you live in or around Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or West Palm Beach you have probably heard the term “ Design-Build Firm” in relation to remodeling and wondered what is it exactly and how is it differs from a general contractor.

Essentially, a design-build firm focuses on streamlining the building and design process by combining all the necessary specialist you need, all under one roof.

Design-Build firms take on the responsibilities of the architect, designer, contractor, and construction company. The designer and contractor work together from beginning to end, as a team, providing unified project recommendations to fit your budget and schedule.

The entire process is simplified and there is less room for miscommunication or mistakes to be made when you are working with a team focused on a shared project, goals & deadlines!

Changes are addressed by an entire team of professionals, which leads to collaborative problem-solving. No blame-shifting or excuses! Every project is approached with a team mentality and each team member understands the importance of completing their part of the project.

In addition to the ease of working with a team to complete your project, there are even more benefits to choosing a design-build firm:

Staying on budget from start to finish.
A single point of contact for the homeowner.
Projects are completed on time. (or possibly ahead of schedule)
Average savings of estimated 6%-10% (versus using a GC or contracting out yourself)

At Complete Home Improvement we are a design-build firm specializing in complete home renovations, from luxury condos to single-family homes. We will go over your space together and create a complete game plan for your project. Every detail is managed by our professional team, from start to finish and you get the exact result you were hoping for, and so much more!

Contact Complete Home Improvement today to book your complimentary design consultation .

Voted Best of Houzz 2014-2019 for Design and Service .