Blank & Baker Construction Management

Celebrated Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

2011-02-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

When you are remodeling your kitchen, you definitely have thousands of ideas you can integrate in your project. The kitchen counter backsplash is an important element to any kitchen design. Planning your kitchen remodeling project becomes much easier with a little comprehensive research before you start. Magazines and the internet are great sources for finding photos of ideas you may like for your kitchen.

The backsplash for your kitchen remodeling can help brighten up the room and make it cozier while developing an environment conducive for food preparation and cooking. Tile is a common product used for a kitchen backsplash and comes in a wide variety of materials including glass, stone, ceramic, and porcelain. Tile can be installed on either in a traditional straight laid pattern or it can be arranged in any imaginable pattern with any number of accent tiles and liners.

Another common backsplash detail would be carrying the matching countertop materials up the wall. This could be in the form of a simple 4 inch tall backsplash or a carried all the way up the wall to the bottom of the upper cabinets. This provides a clean and continuous look throughout the kitchen.

Choosing the right design for your backsplash will be a lot easier if you have an idea as to what you really want for a backsplash. Some homeowners remodeling their kitchen often make the backsplash design in line with the overall theme of the house interiors while others choose to have a design that will stand out from the rest of rooms. Still not sure what you want to do, don’t worry an experienced kitchen remodeling contractor can offer some bright ideas for the perfect backsplash for your kitchen.

Luxury Bathroom Remodeling Upgrades for Your Home

2011-02-17T18:24:00.000-08:00

Have you dreamed of having the luxurious and comfortable bathroom you previously thought only existed in five star hotels? Luxury bathroom remodeling today is easier and more exciting than it’s ever been.

Luxurious upgrades are no longer limited to whirlpool tubs and heat lamps because today, manufacturers of bathroom fixtures and amenities offer a wide range of top of the line equipment to turn your master bathroom into your own private spa. Below are some of the luxurious options you consider when planning your master bathroom remodeling project.

• Luxury Bath Hardware

Heated towel racks offer that warm cozy clean fresh towel that we all love when we first step out of the shower. Continue your morning ritual while watching your favorite news program in the LCD TV that is hidden behind your mirror.

• Custom Showers

Luxury showers today can come with body sprays, handheld shower wands, rainhead from the ceiling, and steamer units for the ultimate showering experience.

• Soak in Comfort

The options available in today’s tubs is endless. Soaking tubs, hot air tubs, whirlpool tubs, and walk-in tubs are just the beginning of the choices available for your bathtub. You can also add built in sound effects and mood lighting for a more relaxing experience.

• Elegant Cabinetry

Don’t we all wish we had a little more storage for our bathroom essentials? Today’s cabinet manufacturers offer so many elegant solutions for your storage needs from furniture looking custom vanities to charming wall units. Getting rid of the clutter that has plagued our bathrooms for so long is easy with some well-appointed custom cabinetry.

Other luxurious upgrades for your bathroom remodeling project may include heated floors, sauna, or even your own personal waterfall.

2011 Kitchen Remodeling Trends

2011-01-31T17:36:00.000-08:00

Are you sick and tired of looking at your old and outdated kitchen? Do you want to turn your kitchen to a modern work of art? Are you envious of the beautiful kitchens that you see on TV? If you think that your kitchen is long overdue for a complete remodelling, then this short article may just be the thing you need to get started. Here are just some of the 2011 kitchen remodeling trends that you might want to bear in mind when conceptualizing your new kitchen design.

One of the top kitchen remodeling trends for 2011 has to be efficient closet spaces. Say goodbye to your bulky kitchen cabinets by replacing them with their space saving alternatives. What’s great about today’s cabinets is that you can get double the space without having to sacrifice practicality or style. Make sure to spread out your cabinets around your kitchen carefully so that you won’t end up with any unused space. Hide your kitchen appliances behind cabinet doors for more space on your countertops.

Another trend making the scene this 2011 involves the use of clean subdued colours. Do away with garish colour templates and tacky wallpapers and opt for a solid wall colour. For a cleaner and modern touch, make sure to do away with wall clutter. Instead of hanging up big paintings on all your available wall space, you might want to consider hanging some of your pots and pans in an artsy way. It won’t just save you a lot of space in your cabinets, but you’ll also get kudos for creativity.

And since 2011 is all about technological advances, don’t forget to update your kitchen appliances with their modern counterparts. If you can afford it, consider replacing your old refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher and microwave with more up to date items that will not only look good with your new kitchen, but save you loads of money on energy costs as well. Look for the eco friendly label when buying new kitchen appliances.

If you’re looking for ideas on how you can spruce up your kitchen, you don't have to go far just to find the inspiration you need. Simply turn on your TV, or better yet, go online for easy tips on remodelling your kitchen. Look up expert advice on keeping your kitchen neat and free of clutter so that it will be much easier for you to keep everything organized. Don’t forget to look up practical tips on how you can save space in your kitchen and achieve that clean and modern look.

What are you waiting for? Are you ready to turn your shabby kitchen into a wonderful work of art? If you’re determined to give your kitchen the modern makeover that it deserves, start looking up kitchen contractors today. But if you’re a little bit pressed for cash, you can take the DIY approach to get your kitchen transformation started. You’ll be amazed by what you can achieve just by looking up 2011 kitchen remodeling trends on the internet.

Creating Your Dream Kitchen

2011-01-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

If you’re the type who lives for the rush of creating culinary masterpieces, then you probably already have a few good ideas for the perfect kitchen. Whether you like the homey feel of a rustic cottage, or you prefer the clean lines of a modern cooking space, you need to know the basic steps on how you can put together the ideal kitchen design. The truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune just to get the kitchen that you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re determined to turn that dream kitchen into a reality, then here are a few tips to help you out.

The first step to creating your dream kitchen design is planning. Before you get carried away by the idea of putting together the ideal kitchen and start ordering new fixtures and appliances, you should first look at the space that you’ll be working with. Do a rough sketch on the things you want to add to the already existing design, as well as any changes that you may want to do with the layout. Make sure to keep your scale as precise as possible when drafting out your plan so that you won’t suddenly have to make last minute adjustments.

Once you’ve finalized your plan, the next thing that you need to do is canvass the costs of this project. Let’s face it, remodelling your kitchen isn’t actually a cheap endeavour to take on. You need to factor in materials cost, labour cost, as well as the cost of any new appliances that you may want in your new kitchen. If you’re working with a tight budget, you can cut costs by retaining the sturdy fixtures such as cabinets and countertops and giving them a new coat of paint or finish instead. Bring your old kitchen appliances back to life by having them serviced by a licensed technician.

Lastly, make sure that you look up contractors in your area who have the expertise to take on the project. Since kitchens can be a bit trickier to put together compared to bedrooms and living rooms, you need to look for a contractor who can specialize in plumbing and ventilation as well. Although hiring a contractor can eat a huge chunk of your budget, it’s always better to hire specialized help in a field you’re unfamiliar with rather than end up with a botched job because you’ve decided to do it yourself. It goes without saying that it's going to save you time, money and effort in the long run.

The key to creating your dream kitchen is inspiration so before you call the contractor or start ordering materials to create your ideal space, make sure that you know exactly how you want your kitchen to look. Don’t just rely on one design magazine or kitchen design expert to dictate what kind of aesthetics your kitchen should adhere to. Don’t hesitate to explore your different options and follow what your heart really wants. After all, you’ll need an inspired space to whip up your amazing culinary delights for your family.

Kitchen Remodeling Buyers Guide

2011-01-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

Are you thinking of remodelling your kitchen but don't know where to start? Since a kitchen makeover can prove to be a challenging task, it would probably help you a lot if you had an organized list of all the things that you're considering changing. To help you get started, here’s a short kitchen remodeling buyer’s guide that you shouldn't miss out on.

Cabinets

All kitchens need cupboards for storage so if you want to give your cooking space an updated makeover, look for cupboards that will not only provide you with the space you need, but give your kitchen a new look as well. If you're looking to save money, you might want to consider using unfinished kitchen cabinets.

Counter tops

Next on the list is the perfect counter top. Since there is a wide variety of kitchen counter tops available on the market today, make sure to choose materials that would best suit your personal needs. Don’t forget to consider your kitchen’s overall colour scheme when choosing your counter tops for a coherent finish.

Floor tiles

If you have the extra money to spend, you might want to replace your old kitchen tiles with newer and much more stylish ones. Choose kitchen tiles that won’t stain easily and are easy to clean so that you won’t have a hard time wiping off any spillage.

Sinks

Although most kitchen sinks are proven to be quite sturdy, you might want to consider replacing your old one with a much newer model. Look for a sink that is made from materials that you know will last you for a very long time since it can also set you back a small fortune.

Refrigerator

Would you want to keep your food cool and fresh without becoming a burden to the environment? Then start looking for an eco-friendly refrigerator today. Older refrigerator models don't just consume more electricity, they also produce much more CFC gases. And we all know just how bad that is for our environment.

Stove and oven

If you’re looking for a stove and oven that will help you cook all your culinary delights, then make sure to choose a model that is packed with all the features you need to enjoy efficient cooking. Take advantage of today’s kitchen technology by getting a stove and oven that can cut back your cooking time in half.

Dishwasher

Are you tired of your old beat up dishwasher that just can’t clean as well as it used to? If you want your dishes to sparkle without you having to lay your hand on it, then it’s time that you look for a better model to do the dirty work for you. Don’t hesitate to invest a bit more than what you would normally pay for as it’s bound to be worth it in the end.

Now that you have your basic kitchen remodeling buyer’s guide on hand, we hope that you’ll be able to put together your dream kitchen with ease. So long as you take the systematic and practical approach, it’s only a matter of time before you turn your dream kitchen into a reality.

Choosing the Perfect Bathtub for Your Bathroom

2010-12-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

By Iona Carina of The Chicago Real Estate Blog

When you come home feeling tired after working hard all day, what’s more relaxing than soaking yourself in a warm tub and maybe creating a spa experience with some music and aromatherapy?

Many people say that the bathroom is one of the most relaxing rooms in the house because it is the only place where you can be on your own without thinking about all the worries in the world. This is the place to put your body and mind at ease.

For that reason, some people are willing to spend a lot to create a very comfortable and relaxing bathroom. Most of the budget for constructing or renovating a bathroom will go towards the bathtub. While a few people are happy with just a shower, most would prefer a nice cozy bathtub as well.

There are different types of bathtubs that are made from different materials and come in a variety of sizes and prices. If there is already a tub in your bathroom that you are not satisfied with, you might not need to throw it away and replace it with a new one, especially if you are on a tight budget. Instead, you can choose to refinish or install liners to make it look as good as new. You may want to consult with a contractor before deciding whether it is necessary to get a new tub or not.

Different types of bathtubs

When you are constructing a new house or if your old tub’s at the end of the line, there are several tub options you can choose. Remember, before picking a particular tub, don’t forget to measure your bathroom to make sure the tub fits and that the floor is strong enough to support its weight.

- Conventional bathtubs
This type of tub is generally cheaper than the others and is available from as low as $200 and as high as $5000. Aside from its price, the reason why people choose a conventional tub is because it is easy to maintain and usually very durable.

- Soaking tubs
People also call this type of tub Greek, Japanese or Asian tubs. Normally, this kind of tub is deeper than a conventional tub (around 26 to 34 inches deep) but also shorter (the length is usually only about 4 feet). There are some longer soaking tubs available that are similar in length to the conventional tubs but of course, they are more expensive than the regular ones. Typically, a soaking tub can cost between $1400 and $6000.

- Whirlpool
This is by far the most relaxing bathtub option because it uses water jets and air jets that ease your muscles, making a hard day at work simply melt away. Cheaper whirlpools are not too expensive and start out around $600. The more luxurious options will run you about $8000 and over.

- Walk-in bathtubs
This is a specially designed bathtub for people with limited mobility. It has a watertight door so you need to enter when it is empty and drain the tub completely before exiting. Because of its design and features, walk-in tubs are more expensive than almost any other type. Regular ones cost around $1000, while the walk-in tubs that have special spa features can cost as much as $10,000.

Choosing the design and the type of bathtub is totally up to you. However, consult with your bathtub manufacturer and contractor regarding the tub and the installation process to make sure you have your dream bathtub installed correctly without any difficulties.

Mother Earth is My Best Friend: Eco-friendly options for your home

2010-12-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

By Iona Carina of The Chicago Real Estate Blog

With so many people growing more and more concerned about the environment, buying a new home these days now includes a mandatory discussion of the home’s “green elements.” As a result, many buildings in Chicago are now installing environmentally-friendly housing features. So if you find yourself with a growing conscience about your carbon footprint, here are some examples of technologies in buildings that help preserve the environment.

Solar Roof Panels

I can tell you from personal experience that solar panels are great in cutting electricity bills. Basically, panels on your roof store the heat from the sun and transform it into energy that can be used for electricity in your house. At around $700 a panel, they might seem expensive at first. But if you think about all the electricity bills you’ll save on in the future, solar panels are definitely worth it. Plus, no one can turn off the sun so you pretty much have the energy for as long as you stay under the solar roof panels.

Recycled Materials

Yes, you can build your house from recycled materials! And no, your house will never be like a huge trash container. There are companies who convert different materials like wood, paper, plastic, glass, steel and many others to beautiful cabinets, flooring materials, doors, etc for different parts of your house. As recycling those materials cuts energy consumption and saves us from the pollution, you’re really doing a favor to the mother earth.

LED

Light Emitting Diodes (or LED lights) are very energy efficient. While most light bulbs turn most of their energy into heat (that’s why you cant’t touch a light bulb when it’s on), LED lights only brightens your house. Another benefit from using LED lights is that they last much longer. They actually last up to 10 times longer than regular lights so you won’t have to change the bulbs as often anymore.

Heated Flooring

No more thick socks in the house! Wouldn’t that be nice? With a normal heater, you can lose the heat from any passages in the house. But heated flooring keeps the heat from escaping. In addition to the environmental benefits, it will definitely create a really comfortable winter in your house.

There are also many other sustainable housing features and materials that you can use to create an environmentally friendly house. So the next time you search for new homes in Chicago, you might want to consider some eco-friendly options.

Smart Budgeting For A New House In Chicago

2010-12-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

By Iona Carina of The Chicago Real Estate Blog

Maybe you’re walking around the town and see the signs new condominiums and new homes for sale in Chicago. Then you start thinking, it might be the time to make a transition from renting to owning your own property. The Chicago real estate industry keeps growing every time so it should be a good investment move to own a condo or a house.

You need to keep in mind, though, that there are expenses that you need to be ready with after you make a decision to buy a property. Calculate your budget carefully and thoughtfully beforehand so your new home can be a real comfort for you instead of a burden.

Monthly Mortgage Payment
There are expenses that surprise people who convert from renting to owning but monthly mortgage payment is not much different from monthly rental. Depending on your plan, some payment might be cheaper than renting. Preparing your budget for this is a must.

Insurance
Your condo or house needs to have insurance to protect your property from unwanted events like fire, flood, theft, etc. Of course, let’s hope that won’t happen to your house. But in case it happens, you can at least get some compensation from your valuable possessions. Also, to avoid any of those things, you can install adequate security system in your house. There are some insurance plans with a combination of house and auto insurance. It might save you some bucks.

Property Taxes
You need to check the Illinois state law in order to find out how much you will be taxed for your house or condo in Chicago. The amount depends on the value of your property so this is something to think about before signing the papers.

Homeowner’s Association Fees
These are the fees that many people tend to overlook. You will be charged with these fees if you neighborhood belong to a homeowner’s association or if you live in a condominium. The fees are generally used for the condo’s area upkeep like the water and sewage, clubhouse access, lawn and garden, swimming pool and other common areas.

Yes, it sounds like a lot but don’t be scared by the sound of expenses. Buying a real estate property gives you an ownership title which is a great investment for the future. As long as you carefully estimate your budget, then you’re on the right track.

Things to Consider Before Building Your Wine Cellar

2010-09-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

So you’ve decided you’d like to add a wine cellar to your home. Before I can sit down and come up with the perfect plan for your wine room, I need to get to know a little more about you and your wine storage needs.

1. What is your intention for this space?

Wine rooms are typically intended as a means for storage and/or entertainment. How do you plan to use this space? Are you a connoisseur or a winemaker? If so you are more likely to need to maximize you bottle capacity. Or maybe a showcase quality entertainment space is something you would value. Knowing how you plan to use the space will help us determine what type of layout and what type of racking would work best for you.

2. What is your budget?

Just like any project, a construction budget can vary greatly dependant on the finishes you desire. A wine cellar can be designed with a variety of options from wood species and racking techniques to lighting options and custom cellar doors. By knowing your budgetary constraints from the beginning we can accommodate your needs to better fit you, from modest to extravagant.

3. What are you planning to store?

How do you buy your wine? Do you buy it by the case or the individual bottle? Will you need storage for Magnums? How about case storage? Would you want a display row to showcase your favorite labels? Bin and case storage allows for a larger quantity of bottles to be stored in your wine cellar while individual bottle racking allows for better airflow.

At Blank & Baker Construction Management, we are here to satisfy your needs. Listening to you and understanding those needs is how we begin to exceed your expectations.

Contact us today and tell us about your construction needs.

Welcome to Our New Blog

2010-02-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Blank & Baker Construction Management's new blog. This is a place where clients and prospective clients can learn about what's happening in our organization, see projects we are working on as they progress, receive advice for future construction projects, and get tips for properly maintaining your home.

If you have any questions about a construction project on Chicago's North Shore or suggestions for topics you would like to see discussed on this blog, please contact Chad Blankenbaker at info@blankandbaker.com. For additional information about our firm, visit our website.