Home Improvement

If you are ready to sell your condo or townhouse and want to make it stand out in the sea of properties on the market, consider updating your kitchen to make it a focal point of your home.

The kitchen is often a central gathering place for any type of entertaining, or it can be a relaxing room for preparation of a favorite meal. When you are in selling mode, you will want it to be welcoming for all prospective buyers that tour your home. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a complete renovation to bring a sense of freshness to the kitchen. Here are some tips to get your kitchen move-in ready for the next owner: Continue reading ‘Update Your Kitchen on a Slim Budget’ »

Have you ever went into a Lowes, Home Depot or Costco and asked to see the owner? Of course not; that’s ridiculous. It does however shed some light on why purchasing services from the big box stores frequently ends in disaster.

Let me say at the outset that I have nothing against the box stores. In fact I spend several thousand dollars there every year. If I need an item they carry I pick it up, take it home, plug it in and use it. If it doesn’t work properly I return it for a replacement or my money back. No problem. Continue reading ‘Why Buying a KItchen or Bath Remodel from a Big Box Store May Not be a Good Idea’ »

The last 10 years have seen a tsunami of products from China washing up on the US market shore. One product that is having a noticeable impact on the western states is cabinetry. This article is intended to give some insight into the impact this has had on the cabinetry market as well as alert consumers regarding this products value and deficiencies.

First let me mention why I feel qualified to address the subject. I have been in the remodeling and construction industry for nearly 40 years. Currently my wife and I own and operate a kitchen and bath remodeling firm in southern California. We were involved indirectly with the importation and directly with the installation of hundreds of sets of Chinese cabinets in the past. We purchased, with others, from several manufacturing sources and have experience with over a dozen types of product. I also have numerous friends and contacts in the remodeling and construction industry across the country, who have shared their experiences with me. Also my wife is Chinese. Continue reading ‘Cheap Imported Cabinets’ »

Working in the remodeling industry for the last 38 years, and exclusively in the kitchen and bath remodeling sector for the last 8 years, I have noticed a good deal of confusion and misunderstanding regarding custom cabinetry. This article is intended to shed some light on the subject.

The dictionary defines “custom” when used as an adjective as meaning “made for an individual”. It says nothing regarding the quality of what is made. This is an important distinction primarily because people make assumptions and decisions based on the meaning they associate with a word. Continue reading ‘Custom Cabinetry Pros and Cons’ »

Well, Yes and No.

It may not be a good idea to remodel if you were just laid off or are starting a new job. It’s probably not a good idea if your adjustable rate mortgage went up and you are struggling to meet your house payments and it’s definitely not a good idea if you are living off of credit cards paying interest for everyday expenditures.

But let’s assume you’ve been on your job for awhile and your position is not in imminent danger. Let’s also assume you have chosen to live within your means and haven’t spent 6 cents for every nickel you’ve earned the last few years. And finally let’s assume that your credit is good and perhaps you even have some savings tucked away. Continue reading ‘Is Now a Good Time to Remodel My Kitchen?’ »

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