Southern Maryland Kitchen, Bath, Floors & Design

California, MD Home Remodeling

Southern Maryland Kitchen Bath Floors & Design

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kitchen remodeling work in progress

We’re going to cut to the chase and say that it is estimated that the average kitchen remodel comes to around $27,000, with most homeowners spending within the range of $12,000 to $60,000 on their new kitchens.

However, this generalized average hardly helps homeowners estimate the cost of a kitchen remodel in their situation since so many factors can affect it. Without a clear understanding of these factors, it becomes impossible to estimate and plan for the cost of a kitchen remodel.

Using this simple guide, homeowners and designers should be better able to estimate the price of their kitchen remodels without being blindsided by unexpected additional costs.

What Can Make Kitchen Remodeling Expensive?

By recognizing which parts of kitchen remodeling are the priciest, homeowners can narrow down the baseline cost for their specific project. Here are the top three costs:

1. Cabinets, for example, remain the highest expenditure for kitchen remodels.

Whether using mass-produced or custom cabinets, these consume nearly a third of the project’s budget on average. If you’re satisfied with your cabinetry, you can cross off the biggest expense from the average cost right away.

2. Labor costs and appliance costs occupy the second third of the average kitchen remodel’s budget.

Labor includes the cost of installing, upgrading, or relocating new fixtures, electrical systems, plumbing lines or access. The costs for on-site inspections can not be overlooked as county or city inspections can be costly in some areas.

3. The last third of the cost of the average kitchen remodel is taken up by everything else, including:

Countertops, floors, lighting, paint, backsplashes, hardware, and faucets. 

While not every remodel will deal with every factor, these are the least expensive aspects of most kitchen remodels. Ironically, they are also the aspects that DIY remodelers often fixate on at the expense of less exciting yet more pressing issues such as electrical and ventilation systems.

Factor in the Remodel Size

Not all kitchen remodels are equal; they are classified by a price point that could be cover a lot of materials in a small or standard-use kitchen, but barely scratch the surface in a large gourmet kitchen. 

newly built kitchen
  • Small remodels are typically classified as those that are priced at or below $22,000. In small remodeling jobs, the cabinets may need to be refaced but not replaced; the paint needs to be redone, or tile floors need to be regrouted not replaced.
  • Medium or mid-scale remodels, up to $46,000, may require appliance replacements or relocation, the addition of a new ventilations system, changing from electric to gas range, or all new systems, cabinets, and fixtures. Mid-scale remodels often involve minor structural changes, painting, and material upgrades. 
  • Large or full kitchen remodels, up to $60,000 and above, require complete overhauls of the space, including new electrical and plumbing work, demolition, new cabinets, floors, and appliances. Full-scale remodels may opt for upgraded high-end flooring and countertop materials as well as premium cabinetry.

Understanding the scope of the remodel helps clarify the cost even before shopping for new appliances and materials, though these numbers are generalized based on averages.

Other Factors to Consider When Remodeling a Kitchen

Factor in the Size

Consider the size of the kitchen when calculating the cost. Based on average remodeling costs, account for $75 per square foot for small remodels and $250 per square foot or more for full remodels. By this logic, and with the other factors included, you can more accurately predict your project costs since even a full remodel of a tiny kitchen likely won’t cost $60,000. 

Factor in the Location

The cost of kitchen remodeling differs by location based on numerous factors, including material costs, sales tax differences, labor costs, and more. Urban areas, and other high-cost living areas are more likely to see higher casts than in rural areas. The scope of the project or shipping costs for materials can be added expenses in either location. 

Additional Factors to Consider

Even small kitchen remodels have quirks and issues many homeowners may miss. For example, permits and inspections may be required to make certain renovations, especially if they involve changes to the square footage or electrical and plumbing systems, or if they require demolition. Building permits and inspections are additional costs that must be considered, though these can differ by location and delay or change your project.

modern kitchen under renovation with white cabinets and a large island

Repairs should also be considered. Once you pull out sinks, dishwashers, or flooring, the findings may surprise you, and not in a good way. Hidden leaks, rotting subfloors, and mold are some of the more common revelations brought about by renovations.

This may require a plumber to identify and correct the issues, costs will be added for new subfloors or drywall replacement, and in worst case scenarios, mold abatement. 

In large-scale remodeling projects, appliances and other household goods may need to be moved and stored until the project is finished, which adds additional labor and storage costs to the project. Since renting a storage unit can cost as much as $300 per month, these additional costs can quickly add up.

Trust the Pros at Southern Maryland Kitchen, Bath, Floors, and Design

Many people think DIY kitchen remodels will save money, but the truth is that even with a clear design and a strict list of priorities, remodels can be messy, costly projects. A professional remodeling company can offer access to luxury brands, experienced tradesmen, permit arrangements, plumbing and electrical expertise, custom design experts, and more to help you refine and execute your vision for your kitchen without costly mistakes.

Contact our team today to learn how Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath can help you focus on important tasks, customize a consistent stylistic vision, and minimize costs in your professional kitchen remodel.

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unassembled kitchen cabinets and countertops scattered across the floor, awaiting installation

Despite being fun to think about, without proper planning kitchen remodels can be formidable tasks. Construction, plumbing, and electrical systems are typically considered the ultimate headache for overzealous homeowners; however, as they try to choose the colors, styles, and materials for their ideal kitchen makeover these areas can quickly become overwhelming as well.

That’s why we’re sharing these tips and strategies for what to consider when tackling the daunting task of kitchen remodels. Before you buy, move, or demo anything in your existing kitchen, consider this guide as a way to prioritize and plan the remodel to prevent costly mistakes and achieve your ideal kitchen.

1. Know Your Goals

Professional tradesmen have a saying: “Measure twice, cut once.” It has a literal meaning in construction, but it also applies more broadly to any big project, which is to make mistakes while they’re free. Don’t buy materials or demo your space until you know exactly what you’re trying to achieve.

In the case of kitchens, you should ask yourself specific questions about what you hope to achieve by remodeling. Are you trying to expand the space, add more seating, upgrade the appliances, or improve the lighting? It’s probably a combination of objectives, but you should create mental and physical checklists to help make smart decisions.

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of kitchen remodeling, going down the rabbit hole of paint swatches and tile patterns. These details can quickly become costly in the absence of a clear understanding of the actual desired outcome.

2. Prioritize the Biggest Project

When remodeling a kitchen, you should make lists of priorities, but you should also create separate plans for your biggest goals in the remodel. If you’re hoping to change the floors, counters, cabinets, fixtures, lighting, appliances, or paint, you should consider each aspect of the job separately before tackling them all at once.

As an example, consider a kitchen remodel that changes the floor plan, possibly to create a more open space. A common mistake among kitchen remodelers is to choose countertop materials, buy appliances, or rework the cabinets before cementing the new floor plan.

An efficient remodeling project only moves forward because the biggest priorities are handled first. Make a list of every aspect of the project, and prioritize them by size. You don’t want to circle back to smaller projects because you did them in the wrong order.

3. Focus on Materials

the contemporary and functional design of a large modern kitchen in Maryland

While it’s more fun to haggle over the details of design, the choice of materials is actually more important to consider than the choice of style in most cases. Color and pattern choices seem like crucial concerns until you make a construction mistake like choosing a laminate, which is notoriously lacking in heat resistance, for a countertop that needs to take a beating.

Take your time researching materials before choosing designs. Glass tile, ceramic tile, stone, laminate, and hardwood each have advantages and disadvantages in different kitchen settings. If considering hardwood floors alongside new cabinets, make sure the materials are complementary and not clashing.

This can start with the basic question of whether the color scheme will be warm or cool. The most important thing is to consider how you want them to function in your new kitchen before picking colors and patterns.

4. Don’t Forget the Lighting

Lighting often gets shoved to the bottom of the priorities list in room remodels, but it should be near the top for kitchens. Kitchens need to be bright and visible, with multiple functional lighting sources. If you opt for tiny pendant lights because they look chic, you could be cheating your new kitchen out of its functionality as well as its flow.

Kitchen lighting should be plentiful without cluttering the space. Your material textures and colors should look good in the light you choose, which often means thinking of kitchen lighting in layers. Be sure to include ambient lights, task lighting, and accent lighting, considering each separately and together to maximize functionality.

Take advantage of any natural light you can to make your new kitchen feel open and airy. Take note of glares on fixtures, focal points for task-oriented lighting, and the best locations for accent lights. You should be thinking about lighting even when choosing appliances, countertop materials, tile patterns, and fixtures. After all, it’s the one room where lighting can truly make or break its entire purpose.

5. Contract Professional Maryland Kitchen Remodel Services

modern kitchen design with beautiful interior

Everyone wants to DIY their kitchen to save money, but the truth is that even with a clear design and a strict list of priorities, remodels can be messy, costly projects. One study of DIY projects found that 63% had regrets about a project (top of the list was flooring), 55% said it took much longer than planned, 50% said it was physically harder than expected, and other high scoring categories including being over budget, poor quality, etc.

A professional remodeling company can offer access to luxury brands, experienced tradesmen, permit arrangements, plumbing and electrical expertise, custom design skills, the right equipment, and more to help you refine and execute your vision for your kitchen without making costly mistakes.

Contact our team today to learn how Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath can help you focus on important tasks, customize a consistent stylistic vision, and minimize costs in your professional kitchen remodel.

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It’s believed that 52.5% of people in the city of Baltimore alone live in rented homes – and behind each one is a landlord aiming to create a beautiful place that will appeal to tenants. When it comes to designing the kitchen and keeping everything safe, secure and appealing to potential tenants looking around, meanwhile, there are some specific principles to keep in mind.

Safety First

Safety is a key issue in any rented home. The state of Maryland has a number of laws in place designed to protect tenants, such as structural safety and the maintenance of anti-fire facilities – and you’ll need to be sure you adhere to them. Providing a fire extinguisher near cooking equipment is a good move, as well as a fire blanket. And remember: if the home’s boiler is located in the kitchen, it needs to be in an accessible place so that it can be regularly accessed and serviced to check that there are no gas leaks or other problems on the horizon.

Keep It Pretty

When a potential tenant comes to view your residential rental property, it’s likely that the rooms which require the most hygiene – the kitchen and the bathroom – will be most closely scrutinized. After all, considerable amounts of time are spent in both rooms. So by regularly refreshing your kitchen’s decor and by installing a couple of high-end features (such as a mixer sink or an induction hob), your property will stand out from the rest. This may be an upfront cost, but it’s one that’s likely to pay off as it can reduce the amount of time for which your property remains vacant.

Durable And Long-Lasting

Kitchens are expensive, and there are few things worse for a homeowner than having to repair and reinstall them. For that reason, it’s often worth dealing with a high cost upfront and buying a kitchen that is built to last. Given that some tenants are sadly inclined to not look after their rented properties given that their stake in them is usually low, a kitchen made from durable materials is also a good idea.

Designing your rental home well is an important thing for landlords to do, and there’s nothing worse than making a significant design error – especially in an important, well-used but potentially dangerous area like the kitchen. So by prioritizing safety, aesthetics, and durability, you’ll be able to ensure that you don’t cause problems either for you or for your tenant.

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It’s easy for someone to verbalize a stereotypical New Year’s resolution.

We all do it every single year and tell ourselves, “this will be the year that I accomplish (insert resolution)!”. The best way to defend against those empty promises is to really invest in that resolution. Nothing worth doing is ever easy or fast. That same value goes with our pesky New Year’s resolutions. If the result of the resolution is not something worth it to us individually, why bother?

A New Year’s resolution we run into quite often here at Southern Maryland Kitchen, Bath, Floors & Design is that our customers want to be more organized in the coming year. And honestly, who doesn’t? Whether it comes to being more organized in the kitchen department or the closet department, it is such a freeing feeling to have a place for everything. Have you ever been late to work because you can’t find the shoes you’re looking for? Believe me, I’ve been there (more times than I care to admit). Now, imagine… a custom closet that has a place for all your clothing articles because your thoughtful designer counted all of your dresses, suits, purses, shoes, ties, pants, etc. and how you like to organize them. A beautiful and functional place to keep all my clothes and shoes and what nots? I’m in.

Now on the other hand, kitchen organization can (and usually is) a higher priority than a custom closet because a kitchen is often referred to as the “hub” of a family home. You want to make sure you have place for all of the pots, pans, utentsils, even a junk drawer so counters don’t become cluttered. If you’re anything like me, I have coffee pots and blenders and other small appliances that maybe overestimate the word “small”. Those appliances just eat up countertop space and can make a little amount of clutter look like a tornado slammed through your kitchen. Nowadays there are so many storage solution options when it comes to cabinetry in the kitchen. Cabinet boxes that were designed to hold spaghetti pots or, my favorite currently, a cabinet box designed to house the precious yet cumbersome Kitchen-aid mixer (unless you have one of the new pastel colored Kitchen-aids then leave that out on display because those are beautiful). From two-tiered cutlery dividers to entire tables that can be hidden in a cabinet, a kitchen remodel can make it almost too easy to stick with your New Year’s resolution of getting organized.

A final idea to consider when compiling your (seemingly ever-growing) list of resolutions for 2018, is how something as simple as some kitchen renovating in your home can easily bring a number of your New Year’s resolutions to, dare I say…a resolve.

Another year circling around this Earth makes us little humans think about how small we really are and how important our relationships are. An extremely popular resolution is spending more time with loved ones and cherishing “family time”. As I mentioned earlier, the kitchen is a popular place in any home. It’s such a central location that also serves important functions. Giving the kitchen some spatial thought with communal activity in mind can give you a kitchen design that embodies the whole idea of family time, making the resolution an afterthought because a simple idea of a kitchen remodel created that space where those interactions could easily proper. And with food? Heck yes.

This actually brings me to my last point on how a kitchen remodel can change your 2018 for the best. Americans eat out so much. In a recent Zagat survey on American eating trends, the national average of eating out came to 4.5 times a week, not even including breakfast (good thing because I’m not even going to divulge how often this girl brunches out). The cost of eating out that much definitely adds up very fast. How much more inclined would you be to cook if you had a kitchen designed around your own cooking habits with a personal aesthetic? I know I’m asking for a lot of imagining in this post but bear with me. Imagine a kitchen that flows with your house style and colors, this kitchen has the perfect amount of functionality you need because it was designed around your “power spot”, and the layout coupled with the finish hues create an air of calm and ease. A kitchen remodel pays for itself in that aspect compared to the added prices for eating out. I’m going to throw another added bonus resolution in there, weight loss! If you have a beautiful kitchen that makes it easy to get cooking, making healthy meals will be a breeze.

The verbal promises we make to ourselves at the start of every new year always seem so unattainable and foreboding; and if you don’t invest in these promises (monetarily or physically) than of course they will be unattainable. But if you think outside the box and invest some time and elbow grease, you will no doubt kick your resolution’s butt and make 2018 your year.

If you want a little help getting your New Year’s resolutions to come to fruition, give us at Southern Maryland Kitchen, Bath, Floors & Design a call. We offer completely free, no obligation design consultations that get your project going on the right foot with the right people. Our showroom number is 301-945-8353, or you can visit us online at www.SoMDKitchenBathFloors.com. Have a fun and safe New Year 2018!

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Is one better than the other? Not necessarily. Here are a few facts about each material that will help you find the right countertop for your home.

What Is Granite?

Granite is 100% natural stone mined from quarries around the world. Because of its naturalness, granite can come in variety of styles. Sometimes the coloring and style will look a bit different from the sample you choose since it is not a man-made product.

What Is Quartz?

Quartz is about 93% quartz aggregates and 7% color pigments and polymer resins. Quartz has the look of stone but is relatively customizable to your design.

Granite vs Quartz

Maintenance

Clean granite countertops daily with soap and water or household cleaner. Due to granites porous nature, some oils and acids can cause stains. Make sure to reseal your countertops once a year.

You only need to clean quartz with soap and water or household cleaner. It isn’t porous like granite, so spills won’t be a concern. It also does not require resealing due to its solidity.

Cost

Because of the quality of the materials, the cost of shipping (usually overseas), and the cost of installation, granite and quartz aren’t going to be the cheaper choice when considering countertops. But their durability and beauty are worth the investment.

Durability

Granite is resistant to heat and many other kitchen elements.

Quartz is harder than granite, therefore more durable. Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat so make sure to always sure to use heating pads before setting down hot dishes.

Making Your Decision

Now that you are a more familiar with these popular countertop materials, it’s time for you to make your decision. If you like this article and would like design help on your kitchen, bathroom, flooring or other home improvement projects, visit our showroom in the Wildewood Shopping Center in California, Maryland. You can call our showroom at 301-866-0337 and request a FREE (no-obligation) DESIGN CONSULTATION and ESTIMATE with one of our design specialists.

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Replacing flooring in your home is a great way to change the look and feel of any of your rooms this fall. Although carpet, in the past few years, has not been as popular as hard surface floors (hardwood, laminate, or tile); there have been major advancements in carpet technology that can make replacing the carpet in your home an inexpensive, long-term investment.

Types Of Carpet

Saxony (Velvet or Plush)

A more formal cut pile that tends to do well in low traffic areas, such as dining rooms and bedrooms. Saxony is soft under foot but will show traffic patterns and vacuum marks.

Textured

Also a cut pile like Saxony carpet but with a tight twisted yarn placed at different angles that reflect light differently, resulting in a textured, slightly two toned look, appearance. Textured carpets are the most popular style of carpet and are recommended for any room in your home. It also shows no traffic pattern or vacuum marks.

Loop

Often referred to as “Berber” and are generally made of Olefin, but there are also Loop carpets made of Nylon, Polyester, Triexta or a blend of various carpet fibers. Loops are available in solid colors, Berber fleck or pattern. There is also a Cut and Loop carpet, which is the combination of short tight cut pile and looped yarn creating unique patterns (thus patterned carpet). Loop carpets are very durable, fashionable and can be used in a casual or traditional setting. The multi-color and fleck loops are effective in hiding soil and stains in high traffic areas. Loop carpet is NOT recommended for homes with pets, their nails could get caught in the loops injuring your pet or pulling the yarn causing a run in the loop.

Frieze

Frieze: (Not your grandmother’s shag!) Very durable with casual comfort, high twisted, loose pile carpet. Some have flecks of other colors, there’s the barber-pole look, the spaghetti loose twist and solids. Very different from a cut pile carpet, Friezes does not show traffic patterns or vacuum marks. Highly recommended for active families, the multi-color and loose construction carpet hides soil and spills that occur between vacuuming. Frieze performs great in hallways and on steps with the spring back twist.

Carpet Fibers

Nylon

Is the most popular fiber. It was invented by Dupont in the 1930’s and is solution dyed (the color is mixed in the solution, causing the color to dye the fiber all the way through once the fiber is extruded — similar to a carrot is orange inside and out). Nylons are mostly noted for their strength, durability, resists wear and abrasion. With excellent yarn memory twist, which allows the carpet to spring back after being bent and crushed when walked on. Although Nylon is best known for wear, they are not at the top of the list for lasting stain protection. The stain protection is applied on the fiber as the carpet is produced and then applied again topically. The topical stain protection allows spills to bead up and stays on the surface of the carpet and does not penetrate through. There are several well-known stain protections “Wear-Dated with Advanced Repel Technology”  and there are also unbranded stain protection (which makes the carpet a little less expensive). Nylons offer very bright and sophisticated colors with a higher price point.

Polyester

Less expensive than Nylon but also less durable, even though they have improved in recent years. Polyesters are known for their stain resistance mainly because they are made from (some 100%) recycled plastic bottles. The plastic bottles are chipped into pieces, extruded into fibers and made into carpet. Mohawk Industries alone recycles over 3 billion pounds of plastic each year, reducing waste to our landfills. Polyester carpet is also treated with a topical stain protector (branded and unbranded). This fiber is very soft, has exceptional color clarity and is very affordable. Polyester is ideal for bedrooms and actively used rooms, but not hallways or steps.

Triexta

Better known as Smartstrand is a fairly new fiber invented by Dupont. A unique semi-crystalline (spring like) molecular structure provides Smartstrand with an incredible resiliency, in addition a stain protection built into the fiber (never wears or washed out). As proven in two “Smartstrand Challenges.” The first took place at the Birmingham Zoo, Smartstrand carpet (light beige) was installed in the living quarters of a Rhino for two weeks. After the two weeks, the carpet was vacuumed and cleaned professionally using the recommended hot water extraction method, returning the carpet to its original appearance. The second challenge was at the Dallas Zoo, installed same as before, but his time there was an Elephant, Camel and a Rhino – same two weeks, same cleaning method and again back to its original appearance. In conclusion, Smartstrand promotes the idea that if their carpet can withstand the abuse from several 7500 pound animals, it can certainly stand up to every day traffic and activities of any family. An additional bonus, Smartstrand is inherently soft (some soft as silk) due to the lack of topically applied chemicals for stain treatment (remember, stain resistance built into fiber). Last but not least, the Triexta fiber is a very green product. Its renewably-sourced polymer is manufactured using 37% bio-based corn oil. For every 7 square yards of carpet produced, a gallon of gasoline is saved.

Olefin (Polypropylene)

Olefin carpet is ideal for any room where there could be a moisture or humidity problem, such as basements, recreational rooms or screened-in porch. In addition to low moisture absorption, Olefin is a very strong fiber with many more attributes such as stain, mildew, abrasion, chemical and sunlight resistant. Many Berbers and commercial carpets are made with Olefin.

Padding

Padding is as important as or possibly more important than the carpet fiber you choose. The performance of your carpet is also based on the grade of pad installed under the carpet (base grade pad = base grade performance). UPGRADING your pad is actually more important than upgrading your carpet. I recommend no less than an eight pound density pad, even better is an eight pound pad with a moisture barrier that prevents spills from seeping down from the carpet to the pad. Without the moisture barrier, spills eventually seep down into your pad, you clean your carpet to get rid of the stain. The stain will be gone but will return in a few weeks because the stain went into the pad, became dormant and when you cleaned the carpet the moisture goes down into the pad (activating the stain) causing the stain to wick back up.

Color

When selecting the color of your carpet keep in mind that you might want to change your color scheme or even may be planning to sell your home in the near future, so chose a color that is very versatile and appealing to your possible buyer. We offer a 60 day satisfaction warranty on most of our carpet so if it is not the perfect color, we can fix it!

If you like this article and would like design help on your kitchen, bathroom, flooring or other home improvement projects, visit our showroom in the Wildewood Shopping Center in California, MD. You can call our showroom at 301-866-0337 and request a FREE, no-obligation, DESIGN CONSULTATION and ESTIMATE with one of our design specialists.