Are Your Windows Outdated?

Windows are not just for light and ventilation but are an expression of your home’s personality. At some point in time your windows might become outdated and require replacement. Replacing windows can be a bewildering task with an overwhelming selection of styles and designs offer. When looking at window replacements a homeowner should consider the design which must be in keeping with the existing style of the home, and they should be easy to maintain. The most popular styles are bay windows, single-hung, double-hung, bow, sliding, casement and garden windows.

Window styles can also be customized with specialty-shapes. One suggestion is to replace flat windows with bow or bay windows which create an illusion of space. The additional natural light that these windows provide adds to the texture and dimension of the house. These windows come in a range of styles, the most common being the angled bay window which angles outwards at a 30° to 45° angle. A 90° angle would make it a box bay which could be fitted with a glass roof to make it a garden window. Most bay windows allow for a window seat, as an added attraction. A window seat is a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

Specialist Advice

A remodeling specialist can offer suggestions on window replacements compatible with your existing structural style. One such company is Mediterraneo Design and Build (MDB), a Menlo Park, design and build company. They undertake all residential building projects including home remodeling. MDB is well staffed with specialist personnel which includes designers, builders and interior decorators. A homeowner gets the benefit of diverse expertise in one company. To contact MDB, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.

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.