Planning a Kitchen Remodel

Kitchens are the hub of the home and as is commonly known, kitchens and baths sell the home. Kitchens on average are remodeled every 12-15 years.

A kitchen remodel requires careful planning and foresight. This space, more than any other room in the home, is often the most expensive per square foot and the remodel construction phase has the potential to temporarily disrupt the family’s routines.

Homeowners should start the process by defining the scope of the kitchen remodel, often with the help of a professional kitchen designer, to determine a practical budget and a time frame for completion.

For example, if you are planning to expand the kitchen to include a breakfast nook or design an open concept kitchen with great room, change out windows or add garden access doors, the cost and timeline will reflect the structural changes and/or the new square footage added.

A successful kitchen remodel demands careful consideration of functionality in the space, efficient layouts for the work zones, aisles and traffic paths, and , proper dimensioning for locating plumbing, electrical and ventilation systems.

The development of new technologies to conserve natural resources is evident in kitchen showrooms and local home improvement centers. Energy star appliances from refrigerator/freezers to dishwashers, and low wattage fluorescent and LED under cabinet task lighting and decorative interior cabinet lighting are standard in today’s kitchens. The offerings are diverse for other design elements such as cabinetry, counter surface materials, decorative backsplash wall tiles and flooring.

Professional Remodeling

A kitchen remodeled by a professional, experienced residential construction contractor has significant advantages over the “Do It Yourself” (DIY) handyman approach.

A residential design and build company experienced in remodeling projects, offers a range of valuable services that include design development, finish selections, the permit process, project management and quality construction. One such company that serves Bay Area homeowners is Mediterraneo Design and Build (MDB) of Menlo Park, CA.

MDB has over nineteen years of experience with residential building projects including kitchen remodels. A variety of completed projects can be viewed at www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com. To contact MDB, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.

Why Remodel Your Kitchen

Kitchens on average are remodeled every 12-15 years and as is commonly known, kitchens and baths sell the home.

If you are planning a kitchen remodel it is essential to have a clear understanding of the motivating factors and personal vision for the project. Your estimated budget and timeline for the design and construction phases for the project will be determined by your expectations.

The common reasons for kitchen remodels are:

• the existing kitchen space does not meet the needs of the homeowner/s or family lifestyle
• the layout restricts functionality and accessibility
• there isn’t enough natural light or views to the exterior landscaping
• the overall kitchen style and design elements are dated
• the overall components are damaged or in disrepair from water damaged cabinetry doors, cracked tile or scratched laminate counter surfaces and worn out flooring materials
• appliance performance is poor and the water and electricity consumption demand is high
• the lighting is inadequate and inefficient
• the existing pantry, cooking equipment and serving wares storage is inadequate
• you are preparing to sell and want to present a “turn key” home to prospective buyers
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When you have assessed the “why”, you then begin to develop your personal objectives and vision for the project.

The scope of the project may be a complete remodel that involves gutting the existing kitchen, often exposing the wall studs and floor and ceiling framing.

Partial remodels may involve upgraded appliances, often with the result that the existing cabinetry may need adjustments to accommodate the new appliance dimensions or to create a built-in appearance. The existing cabinetry layout may be satisfactory but the door and drawer panels need replacement and a new counter surface is a necessity.

Knowing what you want and what you must have will influence your remodeling budget, as will the quality and cost of the materials and appliances you select.

Homeowners with “Do It Yourself” (DIY) skills may choose to execute their own project but for the majority of homeowners, a successful kitchen remodel is dependent upon the residential design and build professionals you collaborate with.

A Successful Kitchen Remodel with MDB

If you are a Bay Area resident, you should consider contacting Mediterraneo Design and Build for a complimentary consultation.

MDB, located in Menlo Park, CA, is a full range residential design & build services company with over eighteen years of experience in providing homeowners with a professional and comprehensive approach to their remodel, addition or new home project.

As MDB is a single source of service, the homeowner is better able to communicate and monitor project progress. Furthermore, single entity responsibility can result in significant cost savings.

For kitchen remodeling or any residential building project, please call MDB at (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com. Visit www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com for more information about the company and their wide variety of completed projects.

Bathroom Remodeling - The Design Component

Bathrooms today have a more important role in the home than simply a place for personal grooming. Design trends offer a wide variety of decorative options that are sure to please the senses while the elements of form and function should integrate seamlessly into every bathroom space. Plumbing fixtures and fittings, lighting, ventilation, mirrors, cabinetry and storage are components of every bathroom project.

When remodeling a bathroom consider the user/s, their habits and preferences. Designing a master ensuite bathroom has very different criteria than a Jack and Jill bathroom adjoining the kid’s bedrooms. Guest bathrooms, powder rooms and outdoor living bathing facilities all require attention to the whole house floor plan and how each bathroom will be used.

Whether the remodel will include a double person steam or spa shower, an infinity soaking tub, an accessible curbless bathing area or the space saving tub shower combination; a double vanity or single pedestal lavy; a dual flush toilet or a wall hung unit; the services of a professional bath designer will ensure a successful design project.

Plumbing fixtures and fittings and finish materials are the highlights of a themed bathroom. Creating a theme is a personal expression that requires careful planning to ensure years of enjoyment and satisfaction. Themes run the gamut from rustic mountain to sophisticated urban chic, from European minimalism to traditional luxury.

Mediterraneo Design and Build, a residential design and build firm can offer a host of suggestions to transform a bathroom or any other room in your house. Located in Menlo Park, CA this firm of building professionals undertakes complete remodeling and building projects in the Bay Area. For more information on its completed projects and the services that they offer, please visit the firm’s website www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com. To contact, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.

Design and Build: The Way to Go for Residential Construction Projects

Many people who plan to build their home are unaware of the Design and Build concept. Design and Build is a team with overall expertise which results in reduced costs, greater efficiency and on-time completion. Design and Build is possible when a firm has all the necessary skills to both design the home and construct it as well. The key advantages are fewer parties to deal with, better communications, quicker decision making, controlled project cost and executing per the established schedule. The entire process is streamlined under one company’s management taking responsibility for overseeing and coordinating the operation from start to finish.

Another significant benefit in utilizing a design and build firm, is that the team members have worked with the client since the beginning of the project, so they are fully aware of the homeowner’s requirements and expectations. This reduces the possibility of misunderstandings and misconceptions which often can result in delays and additional, unexpected costs.

Mediterraneo Design and Build (MDB) is a Bay Area company that has all the necessary skills to execute any residential building project from architectural design to the final construction inspection and project completion. MDB encourages client involvement, not merely at the inception, but throughout the course of the project. The firm completes all aspects of a building project including the issuance of required permits and scheduling of all inspections.

MDB is committed to the highest standards of building excellence and execution within the stipulated period without cost over-runs. For innovative design and expert construction, this team of architects, designers and builders located in Menlo Park offers a full service approach to your residential remodel, addition or new custom home.

To learn more about MDB's completed projects please visit the company's website at www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com. To contact MDB, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.

An Energy Efficient Home

Energy efficient homes significantly reduce standard operating costs. Installation of high efficiency heating and cooling systems, energy star rated appliances, fans, windows and glazed doors, upgraded insulation, water efficient plumbing fixtures and high efficacy lighting can save as much as 40% of the home’s operating costs.

Homes utilizing high efficiency clean energy systems improve the indoor air quality (IAQ). Health hazards related to dust mites, pollen, mold, radon, combustion by-products and contaminants are reduced.

It is commonly known that energy produced by the consumption of fossil fuels contributes to carbon emissions, global warming, acid rain and other environmental problems. Green point rated homes built according to “Build It Green” standards produce significantly less pollutants and conserve our earth’s natural resources.

Residential building systems that maximize energy efficient materials and products requires staying current on product knowledge, resources, availability and cost. This planning and selection process begins in the design phase, impacts the project costs analysis, is mandatory during the construction process and essential to living in a healthy home with a minimum fifty year life cycle.

Efficient Construction Saves Project Cost

To minimize project cost without sacrificing efficiency it is highly advisable to award the contract to a design and build firm such as Mediterraneo Design & Build (MDB). Partnering with this type of residential construction company offers distinct advantages. Key benefits are clearly defined accountability, cost effective construction, quicker and better communication and most importantly, on-time completion of your residential building project. Homeowners planning to build an energy efficient home in the Bay Area gain these advantages by contracting the services of Mediterraneo Design and Build located in Menlo Park. MDB has the necessary expertise and employs the many required skills to ensure the project is completed on time and on budget.

To learn more about MDB’s completed projects please visit the company’s website at www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com. To contact MDB, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.