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Award-Winning Design and Remodeling Kitchen in Shawnee

As a locally owned and operated home remodeling company, Wineteer Construction is constantly reminded of the home remodeling talent within the Kansas City. Again in 2023, we were recognized in the Remodeling Institute REMY Awards for several of our projects.  Let’s outline the first of our award-winning projects below, 

Award-Winning Design and Remodeling Kitchen in Shawnee

award winning kitchen remodel

The homeowner of this award-winning design and remodeling kitchen in Shawnee was ready to bring their vision to life. The homeowner needed design and layout direction from the team at Wineteer, who has an in-house designer. The homeowners wanted to create an open layout full of culture, color, and natural light.

The deconstruction began with removing the interior walls and removing the existing triple archways.

The project layout was proposed, designed, and built by Wineteer. Our designer, Nick McIntyre, suggested this layout to provide the most flawless results, and designed the kitchen in a 3D modeling software.

A challenge that was encountered during this residential kitchen project was the furnace. When the interior walls were removed, the old furnace needed to be moved to allow for the unit to be vented properly. While removing the old furnace, the homeowner opted to replace with a 90% more efficient furnace that vented outside. This was a challenge that was executed properly, within the timeline, and within budget. 

With over three decades of design and build experience, Wineteer is equipped to handle your kitchen remodeling projects. We also work with homeowners for whole home remodeling, bathrooms, and additions

From contemporary kitchens to modern and timeless upgrades, Wineteer has remodeled hundreds of kitchens over their 35 years in business. If you’d like to browse the project gallery, click here

before kitchen remodel

 

 

 

design renderings kitchen remodel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

kitchen remodel after

 

 

 

 

If you’re in the Shawnee or Johnson County area and are looking for a home remodeling company, reach out to Wineteer for your next project! Get started by filling out this form here: https://wineteerconstruction.com/contact-us/ 

Essential Permits for Your Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel

Usually, different states or cities require different types of permits and licenses for home renovation projects. In some places, you can do many big remodeling projects even without any permission from the local authority, but in others, you’ll need specific permits, even for a few changes in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other part of your house. You should even consider your neighborhood Homeowners Association, as there are specific requirements for remodeling or additions as well. 

RELATED: If you’re in the Kansas City area, check out the latest permit requirements here: https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/permits-division

If you’re in the Johnson County, Kansas area, here is information on the permit process: https://www.jocogov.org/department/building-codes/building-permits/residential-remodel-permit

kitchen remodeling floorplan

If you’re not working with a home remodeling contractor, you will be responsible for pulling the permits yourself. There are many advantages for working with a design build firm, such as Kansas City’s Wineteer Construction, because they are familiar with each municipality’s requirements and process.  Some people avoid getting the permits just to avoid the time and cost spent on getting them. However, not getting the permits will be more disastrous. Let’s learn more about it from this article.

Do You Really Need Licenses and Permits for Remodeling?

Continue to explore the Essential Permits for Your Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel, if you remodel a kitchen or bathroom that needs necessary permits or licenses, the result can be devastating both practically and legally. 

Also, licenses and permits are needed to make sure the remodeling works and results are safe for everyone during the remodeling and after the completion of the work. If you want to resell the property and the remodeling doesn’t have the required permits, it will lead to complications, and potential buyers will refuse to be involved with the problematic property.

Unpermitted works also won’t cover any insurance, so you’ll need to spend more on the repairs in the future. Moreover, future renovations, demolitions, and obtaining necessary future requirements will be more challenging as you’ll have illegal records. That’s why it’s really important to obtain licenses and permits for even small remodeling projects when necessary.

Licenses and Permits for Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling

In this section, we’ve categorized the types of licenses and permits you’ll need to renovate your bathrooms or kitchens with different issues.

Mechanical

Bathrooms and kitchens usually have many in-built and separate appliances, including HVAC systems. If your remodeling project needs to change the systems, like how much power they’ll use, or add more mechanical parts, you’ll need mechanical permits and licenses.

electrical for home remodel Electrical

Usually, most renovations need changes to electrical wiring, fixtures, or outlets for any lighting or appliances. And any change to electrical items requires electrical licenses and permits

Plumbing

Often, bathroom and kitchen renovations require altering the plumbing items like sinks, toilets, showers, new lines or faucets, etc. For these reasons, you’d need to get plumbing permits and licenses for most of your renovations. https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/electrical-plumbing-and-mechanical-permits

Building

You’ll need building or structural permits and licenses when the bathroom or kitchen renovation requires visual and structural changes in the building. For example, adding or removing windows, doors, walls, roofs, etc. kitchen and bathroom remodeling permits

Demolition

If the bathroom or kitchen renovation work needs to do demolition of any part of the building, you’ll need special permits for the demolition works, for possible noise, to park demolition trucks in the neighborhood, and many more depending on the place you’re living.

Landscaping

You’ll need landscaping permits and licenses if you want to do any renovation work that can change the landscape on your property. For example, if you have a separate kitchen or washroom in your backyard and want to cut down any trees for it or add fences or decks for them, you’ll need permission for these changes. Check out this article, 10 Landscaping Trends to Watch in 2024, for ways to maximize your home’s curb appeal. 

Environmental

Sometimes the changes in your bathroom and kitchen can relate to environmental concerns, that’s why you’ll need permits to use different materials or appliances or change anything. Many materials, like asbestos, paints, boards, etc., can contain harsh chemicals that can lead to potential hazards. That’s why it’s really important to get environmental permits.

Accessibility

In some cases, you’ll need permits to improve the accessibility feature in your house, specifically in bathrooms, to make things easier for toddlers, the elderly, and disabled people. For accessibility features, there are specific codes, licenses, and permits, so ensure they get one, especially if the kitchen and bathrooms are open to the public. 

How to Get Remodeling Permits and Licenses

Continuing on the Essential Permits for Your Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel insight, this process can seem a bit complex and time-consuming if you’re new to this. However, if you follow these general steps, things will be easier:

  • Contact the professionals and local permit office to become familiar with the required rules, regulations, and renovation licenses for that area. If you have a design build remodeling company, similar to Kansas City’s Wineteer Construction, they will help you along the process. 
  • Create a detailed final plan on what type of work you’ll do with the help of the contractor to enlist and finalize what type of licenses and permits are needed to finish the renovation project successfully.
  • Get the necessary application, papers, and forms to obtain the permits from the local authority and submit them with accurate and necessary information. Also, make sure to provide all the documents and fees properly to avoid future complications. You can consider keeping copies of the documents for future reference.
  • You’ll need some time for the documentation to get reviewed and approved. Don’t just wait; plan for the next steps and prepare the site as the authority may want to inspect the area.
  • In case the permissions for the renovation project need essential reports on engineering tests, do the tests and provide authority with reports. You can also ask them for a representative to see the test result firsthand for quick decisions.
  • Negotiating and navigating through this process can be a bit complex, so you can get a contractor that offers to do this tedious work of gathering essential permits for your remodeling projects. You can just inspect the process when you’ve got time.

If you contact a reputed and experienced local contractor, they’ll inform you about all the licenses and permits required for your specific projects. It’ll be better if you hire a bathroom or kitchen specialist, as they usually have specific licenses and permits ready for many projects. However, to avoid more complexity, ensure the contractor you’re hiring has real licenses, not fakes.  If you’re in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer for a kitchen, bathroom, whole home, or aging in place remodel. 

A Wineteer Kitchen: Kitchen Design Tips

As we begin to long for the spring days, we are all itching for that spring remodel. One of the most common, and greatest return on investment begins with a kitchen remodel. So, if you’re interested in a kitchen remodel it’s normal to have questions about the process, especially when you aren’t familiar with the home remodeling process. Homeowners are beginning to consider home remodeling projects for 2024, so let us answer some of your questions before you get started the design process!

Today we’d like to share with you the Wineteer Construction kitchen remodeling process so you can have confidence when choosing your remodeling contractor. Residents in Kansas City trust Wineteer for their award-winning design and build, which has the most meticulous detail process. Let’s explore the process for anyone considering a kitchen remodel. gray kitchen

What is your first step when remodeling a kitchen?

Many homeowners are always curious about the process, including the timeline, budget, out of service time, and design functionality. At Wineteer Construction our primary goal is to create a space that you love. We listen to the homeowners questions, and consider each want, need, must-have, dislike, and absolute no when considering the design process. Our designer, who is also the owner of Wineteer, will speak with the homeowner and answer questions to understand the style and the use for the space, helping those who may not know exactly what they want to narrow their focus for the project. Some of these questions include:

  • Do you like lots of color or do you prefer neutrals?
  • Are you interested in adding bold accents/interesting spots of color or would you like the space to be more plain and simple?
  • How many people are cooking in the kitchen? Do we need two or three people to cross paths?
  • Do we need to add seating room for others at the kitchen?
  • Would you prefer a closed environment or open floor plan concept?
  • Do you have any children (we’re looking to see if we should add room to access cereal or items for children in lower cabinets) or pets (to add space for a dog bowl at the end of the cabinets)?
  • Are parents or those with mobility issues visiting? (Should we create an accessible space?)
  • Do you entertain frequently?

gray kitchenHow will Wineteer Construction help me to choose the materials for my kitchen remodeling project?

Many homeowners are overwhelmed with the endless options available for a kitchen remodel. According to HGTV, this article, Choosing Kitchen Materials, offers a questionnaire and worksheet option to help you get a jump start.  We will always go with you to pick out the materials for your project so you are never making design choices on your own. We typically start with the countertops before moving to the backsplash, cabinetry, appliances, lighting, hardware, and flooring.

 

Check out this kitchen remodel project we completed in Independence, MO.

What does the kitchen countertop selection process entail?

Kitchen countertop selection also begins with asking questions, including color movement, pattern variation, and color palette. We’ll help guide you if you should choose man-made quartz (which is great if you want to prevent staining), but you may opt for traditional natural stone. Countertops are like artwork as they are all unique in their own right. We’ll go with you to select your countertop and ensure that the selection will coordinate with the backsplash. We will help you choose materials that artfully work together, maybe even opting to select a different material for the island in contrast to the perimeter countertops.

design build home remodeling

How does Wineteer Construction help me choose a backsplash?

Wineteer Construction will help you select a backsplash through our proven selection methods. With our 35 years of experience designing kitchens we know when pieces need to coordinate versus contrast. We can go bold or traditional with the tile selections based on your personality and style. We want every component of your custom-kitchen to reflect you. Even if the tile we select does not have lots of color we may add various patterns in a plain or solid backsplash to ensure the backsplash is still interesting and unique for your kitchen. Since we walk into backsplash selection with the countertop decided we can show you potential tile options and patterns, similar to a visit at the optometrist. “Do you prefer choice one or choice two?”

What do we select after the countertop and tile?

Cabinetry is another major component we help our clients select during their kitchen renovation process. We have unique ways to help our clients create open space in their kitchens, such as pulling cabinets back from the kitchen window and allowing the backsplash to flow up to the ceiling and around the window. Depending on the height of the ceiling in the kitchen we may run cabinets all the way up to the ceiling or may choose to have varying heights of the cabinets. At Wineteer Construction we determine this during the design phase. We come to you with our proposed layout of your kitchen and then we work together to ensure that design makes sense for you long-term.

As your trusted contractor we will know when to recommend accent colors with glass cabinets, what exhaust systems and appliance layouts to recommend, and what features to include. We have experience creating specialty cabinets in all sorts of nooks and crannies such as spice racks, a coffee center, an appliance garage, a cutting board rollout station, and more! With cabinets, we often find that selecting the features of the cabinets can be the hardest part, but at Wineteer Construction we make it easy for you with our decades of experience. With all aspects of cabinetry, including wood species and paint or stain, we will help focus you by providing options for selection.

What are the final elements of the selection process?

We will help you determine what types of appliances (freestanding range versus cooktop and wall oven, built-in drawer microwave versus upper cabinet microwave versus freestanding microwave, any specialty appliances to include, two sinks for multi-prep cooking or only one sink), what lighting to incorporate (under cabinet, in-cabinet, and above cabinet lighting, pendants, single fixtures, and decorative lighting), hardware (pullware vs. knobs, accent hardware vs. blending in to the cabinetry), and flooring (wood, tile, or LVT plank). All of this (when carefully thought through) will bring a very unique kitchen that reflects you and your personal style and taste. Don’t wait! Let the experts at Wineteer Construction design and execute your beautiful kitchen remodeling project today

Home Remodeling Challenges: Tackling the 14 Big Concerns

When renovating your home, it’s important to make sure that it’s done properly. The renovation process itself is complex and costly, and if it’s not done properly, you are constantly in the “fixing” mode, which is expensive and exhausting. To ensure your home remodeling project is completed properly, you should be aware of common mistakes regarding the home renovation process to avoid any easily-avoided mistakes, and hopefully save from costly errors along the way. It’s important to know what the usual remodeling concerns are in order to make a proper plan, and to take necessary preventive measures. Let’s get to know the Home Remodeling Challenges: Tackling the 14 Big Concerns.

Local Building Codes

Building codes are a set of rules that you must follow when constructing or remodeling your house. These codes are there to ensure the safety and comfortability of everyone, including your neighborhood and environment. And if you break the codes, you will be punished, fined, or they can even demolish your house!

You can’t just randomly check some codes and plan accordingly, as the codes vary from palace to place and can change every year. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a local professional who has good knowledge about the current building codes. Wineteer Construction partners with Kansas City residents throughout each step of the home remodeling project. This begins with the right design and build concept, then of course logistically abiding by all codes and ordinances.  View the Kansas City codes here: https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/codes-and-ordinances

Unrealistic Budget

Without proper budgeting, the final cost can be a lot higher than what you expected it to be. Specifically, when things go wrong or there are mistakes in the process, the cost can vary a lot. When you’re dealing with multiple parts in a home remodel, any mistake can be costly and timely. Even if you hire professionals for cost estimation, they can’t always identify all the potential problems beforehand. That’s why it’s necessary to plan a realistic budget adding at least 10% extra to the expected initial cost.

RELATED: Remodeling Strong, Despite Postponements, Houzz Finds

Vague or No Research

Sometimes people start remodeling without doing any research at all; they start the whole process with just a single random idea or some furniture they like that makes them want to renovate. But it’s important to do thorough research, as your expectations may not be feasible for you. When residents find the right partnership with a home design builder, the ambiguity fades because the contractor handles each step. As with Wineteer Construction, their team handles every single step of the way after the homeowner approves the design, products, timeline, and budget. 

Contractor or Manager-Related Concerns

Many of your construction or remodeling problems can arise because of contractors or managers. For example, if you don’t hire a contractor at all but manage everything by yourself to save costs, then it can be a big mess. They are experts in their work and know what should be done to fix everything.

However, you shouldn’t hire random, cheap contractors; make sure they have the necessary licenses and experience and provide insurance. Also, don’t be careless after hiring and leave everything to them; supervise them regularly.

Not Hiring Designer

If you think you already hired a contractor, so you don’t need to hire anyone else, then you’re so wrong. A contractor can’t design or plan your remodeling project; a designer can. And if you don’t hire a good designer, your remodeled house or apartment won’t look very appealing. So, what’s the point of remodeling if they aren’t attractive enough?

No Plan, Permit or Contract

Even if you hire a contractor and designer, the remodeling process isn’t secured yet. You need to make an agreement that describes the scope of work, materials used, procurement methods, work and payment schedule, and other important issues with the entities related to the work.

And before signing the agreement and contract, you must make a thorough plan for the renovation process, considering all the small details. Also, you may require permits from the local or government sectors.

DIY Everything

Many people try doing renovations all by themselves just because they get confident enough after seeing home improvement DIY shows. But in reality, everything needs experienced hands to get done perfectly. In most cases, trying out remodeling by yourself can make things worse, and you may need to hire professionals and spend more than the service amount if you do try it out first. There are so many factors that come into play when it comes to your home remodeling project. 

Buying Furniture Too Early

You need to buy any kind of furniture or home decor just before installation. When you do remodeling, often the plan changes more or less, as do the measurements of different areas. That’s why when you buy appliances, furniture, or any other materials before the final measurements, you may need to buy them again. 

Cheap Materials

Cheap materials and furnishings are tempting to consider purchasing, because you can buy a lot of them for an inexpensive amount, but they aren’t durable enough to last long. You may need to replace them soon as they break or their color fades.

Ignoring Details

The remodeling process is huge; you need to change most things, and that’s why you usually focus on the bigger picture. But you need to consider every detail, as everything can cause potential damage.

Ignoring Curb Appeal

Curb appeal, or the visual attractiveness of your house as seen by others while standing in front of the property, is important when you’re remodeling. You may think the outside doesn’t matter much if you can remodel the interior so well. But it’s a big mistake to ignore the curb appeal, as even if the interior looks good, the curb appeal can affect potential buyers and decrease their budget.

Ignoring Safety Risks

Ignoring safety risks is a huge concern regarding remodeling your house. It will not only slow down the remodeling process, but it can also physically harm you or any other people and cause damage to the house or any furniture. Make sure to always wear protective gear while working, keep a first-aid kit by hand, and inspect frequently.

No Plan for Residents

If the remodeling process isn’t just a room or a small portion of the house, then it can be very disruptive for the occupants, as bigger renovation projects take a long time to finish. If you think about a kitchen remodel, your daily meal schedule is disrupted. So before you start the renewal process, make sure to arrange sleeping quarters, resting places, food preparation places and toilets for the people and pets in your house. It’s important to have open communication with your home remodeling company to have an understanding of the timeline. 

Project Changes

After your home renovation project begins, any change can cost more time and money, and sometimes the changes aren’t even possible. That’s why you should consider every aspect before planning and stick to the plan. 

The remodeling process can go smoothly if you hire a professional renovation team. Even if it seems costlier, the perfectly finished new look is worth it all. Moreover, it increases the property value, so you can easily get a profit from it, or any extra expenditure from mistakes can be saved.

Smart Kitchen Remodeling: Maximize Value on a Budget

We’ve all been caught in the constant scroll of “dream kitchen” posts. You know, the dreamy and gorgeous kitchens you see on Pinterest, DIY remodeling videos that make it all seem so easy, and even the before and after pictures that make your jaw drop. However, when we snap back to reality, we know that remodeling the whole kitchen can be expensive, time-consuming, and probably something you should leave to the professionals.

We want to provide some ideas for smart kitchen remodeling updates. This will allow the homeowner to maximize the resale value of your home when the real estate market is so competitive, all within your budget. Let’s get to know those ideas before you start planning for your kitchen remodeling. 

Upgrading Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets occupy most of the area of your kitchen. They can be utilized in many forms, including closed off and hidden, or without doors to showcase your minimalistic vibe.  As many kitchen remodels are now optimizing open-shelving, home remodeling companies still recommend updating your kitchen cabinets during the remodel to some capacity. To upgrade the cabinets, you can recolor them to a pleasing neutral color, or even add a pop of color. The soft colors are more popular to make the space feel more warm and inviting, but the pop of color is also fun and adds personality! 

Along with the color, there are different types of finishes that can change the vibe of the kitchen cabinets. You can also replace the cabinets or the handles with more beautiful ones. Many options to consider that will make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the kitchen. 

Upgrading Countertops

If you want a luxurious look to your kitchen, then you must update the countertops to something more aesthetic. There are many options, like using marbles, quartz, or other natural stones. These countertops are easy to clean and economical, yet they provide a lavish look to your kitchen. Countertops can certainly be the center-point of your kitchen remodel, as many of the residents prepare food, serve food, or relax around the countertops. Usually, people like white stones more as they look bright and make the space feel bigger. Check out this article on the 33 Best Types of Kitchen Countertops, which provides an option, look, and feel for all budgets and home styles. 

Upgrading Appliances

Outdated and poorly functioning appliances can make your kitchen feel out-dated, and is frankly inefficient. Among many reasons, it’s important to upgrade the kitchen appliances while remodeling to get the biggest bang for your buck. You can resell the old appliances and buy more cost-effective, eco-friendly appliances that can help you save money. You may need to spend more to upgrade those appliances at first, but in the long run, they’ll maximize the kitchen’s value. Aside from the aesthetics of new appliances, technology changes so quickly that homeowners want to have the “latest and greatest” so updating appliances is one way to stay in the game. 

Smart Kitchen Remodeling Maximize Value on a Budget

Upgrading Flooring

Flooring isn’t typically the main focus area of your kitchen, but it’s not less important when remodeling. The flooring can also be used to accent the countertops, island, or color palette. The floor used during a kitchen remodel should be durable, easy to clean, and natural looking. The flooring should be installed properly so the appliances are balanced, floor won’t squeak, and there are no uneven spots. 

Upgrading the HVAC system

It’s a good cost-saving idea to upgrade your HVAC system, specifically the kitchen system, to an eco-friendly system. You can resell the old HVAC system at a good price and get an energy-efficient HVAC system. HVAC systems not only cost less than the fuel system, but they also save a lot of money while operating.

Lightings

Lighting is very important for a kitchen renovation, because it will affect the colors and overall vibe. From can lighting to chandeliers, some lighting can be both functional and stylish; so it’s important to select the best option for your space. In addition, there are many lighting options to choose from on a budget, so look around before jumping into a purchase.

Backsplash

Many older kitchens don’t have any backsplash or sometimes have cheap contact paper that doesn’t look so good. But backsplashes can actually increase the value of your kitchen if you install a quality backsplash. A quality backsplash doesn’t have to be an extremely expensive purchase, so a kitchen remodeling project shouldn’t allocate a large portion of the budget on this. A new backsplash can make the kitchen look complete and full, and anyone visiting the kitchen will sense that the kitchen is well-maintained. 

RELATED: Where to start and stop your backsplash

kitchen island remodel Adding a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island is a popular feature because it comes with so many benefits, along with upgrading the look of the whole kitchen. It’s a kind of space that brings people’s attention while making the kitchen look bigger. Though you shouldn’t add an island to a small kitchen.

However, the island can be good storage for appliances and other products. You can hide power outlets inside the island. And you can do food prep and serving on the island counter.

Adding a Multipurpose Work Area

There is another way to maximize kitchen value while remodeling on a tight budget. You can make a multipurpose work area in the kitchen by adding a desk area where you can utilize the space for your work from home responsibilities. You can then flip it to food prep.  Also, another great use of the space is having kids use the space to do their homework while their parents can cook and supervise them. 

Additional Storage

The kitchen is a space that can always use more storage. There’s never enough room for your cutlery, Tupperware, bowls, cookware, and appliances, however the goal is always to remove the clutter from your countertop. That’s why you need to make some additional storage during your kitchen remodel. Some ideas are storage under the island, blind corners, shelving, etc. These storage units can add more value to your kitchen, and tidy up the clutter.

Declutter

Speaking of clutter, if you like watching DIY home improvement videos, then you must’ve seen how those people get rid of old materials by destroying them with hammers. Don’t just follow everything they do! You can certainly declutter and donate. 

You can carefully remove the old cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, or any other materials and list them for resale. It will bring you some good money that you can use to improve your kitchen more without spending raw money. So, it’s a good way to maximize the kitchen renovation value on a budget.

Other Ways to Save Costs

  • Avoid changing the structural system and layout of the kitchen if you want to save money.
  • Don’t buy kitchen renovation products online; it’s best if you see and buy them in person.
  • If you’re unable to pay for the remodeling process but it’s an emergency to finish the project soon, you can consider getting home renovation loans or a second mortgage and repaying them over time.
  • Don’t do midway changes while remodeling the kitchen.

Kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be a complex job if you can plan out the renovation process and budget beforehand. Some people may advise that you can save a lot by DIYing everything. But unless you’re an expert on DIY, you shouldn’t try doing everything; otherwise, it’ll be a mess and cost you a fortune. If you’re in the Kansas City area and want to consult with a design and build company, reach out to Wineteer for a free estimate. Not all home remodeling projects fit within the DIY scope, so knowing and trusting a top kitchen remodeling company can save you money in the long run. 

How to Evaluate Home Remodelers Before Hiring

Thinking of remodeling your house? Your kitchen, basement, laundry/mud room, bathroom, or outdoor space? Based on the scope of work, the design, and the budget, you will probably need a remodeler’s assistance. However, not just any home remodeling company, it must be the right fit. To hire a home remodeling company, there are many factors that the homeowner should consider, including a contractor or company who aligns with the intended design and build process, budget, timeline, and communication. Remember, only a good home remodeler can design a plan that fits your idea and budget perfectly.

Home remodeling companies can even identify the most cost-effective and resourceful methods for an expensive and elaborate project. Some homeowners receive the construction and remodeling company options from referrals, Better Business Bureau, or even simply on Google. It is overwhelming to look at an extensive list of companies, so be sure you have a thorough list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and not important. Some considerations can include experience, design and employee rapport with homeowners, dedication, temperament and communication skills. Therefore, this article will outline some essential criteria on how to evaluate home remodelers before hiring. Let’s get started. 

The Factors to Evaluate Home Remodelers Before Hiring

Remember, only an expert home remodeler can bring you success and make the most of your budget, while reducing the stress and anxiety throughout the entire process.  Homeowners need someone reliable, trustworthy, and professional, so you’re comfortable with the team in your home for weeks or even months!  Consider the below factors before hiring a home remodeler:

  1. Years of Business
    A factor to consider when thinking about How to Evaluate Home Remodelers Before Hiring is the contractors business history. It is essential for you to find out how long the potential home remodelers you are considering have been in business. Someone new, of course, can prove to be efficient, but someone years into this business will have a deeper understanding, and have more depth to the design and build process. Therefore, prioritize the ones who have worked in this field for a longer period of time. Expect experienced teams to have more familiarity with past and present market scenarios, broader connections, resourceful design elements, and valuable insights. By now, experienced home remodeling companies have learned from each project. At this point, home remodeling contractors with years of experience should be pros at seeking the best subcontractors.  However, it would be a plus if the remodelers have experience working on projects similar to yours.
  2. License and Insurance
    It is absolutely crucial to verify whether each remodeler you shortlisted is registered as a home improvement contractor. What certifications do the potential home remodeling companies hold?  In addition, when interviewing the final candidates, ask for a copy of the contractor’s workers’ compensation and liability insurance policy. Make sure the home remodeling company’s insurance policy is active.
  3. Experience and Portfolio
    Experience is one of the vital factors to look for in a kitchen and bathroom remodeler. Only an experienced remodeler can offer the best ideas on a budget, critical perspectives, help with complexities and efficiently handle unexpected events. Initially, when researching remodelers, you should look for their recent work portfolio which should be on their website. If not, feel free to ask them for some before/after pictures, and they should be able to showcase their best skills. This will give you a rough idea of how they handled their past projects.However, when the number is narrowed down to a few, you must ask for their experiences in detail and portfolio during the interview. The portfolio must reflect all the details of their previous projects. Additionally, you can request the few selected candidates to drive you to their previous project sites.
  4. Communication and Compatibility
    Proper and transparent communication is a must when it comes to an expensive home remodeling project. Remember, remodeling may be something very new to the homeowner, so it can be a process that requires hand-holding. Therefore, if the remodeler is impatient, or fails to communicate and cannot give you a detailed view of each step of the process, then mistakes (and frustrations) are inevitable. Additionally, a good contractor will keep you updated on the progress, from design to build. While interviewing each potential home remodeling company, note your feelings and first impressions. Typically, as the saying goes… trust your gut. It is essential to understand if you can keep up with their temperaments and style of conducting business. Look for someone who listens and responds to you, communicates clearly, and is focused on you in each step of the way. To give life to your vision, you must understand each other and have a compatible work relationship.
  5. Check for Online Reviews and Seek Recommendations
    One of the first things you do as the homeowner when researching remodelers is visit their website or social media pages. This is where you can find a section featuring testimonials from previous clients. Besides, you can also check out popular websites such as Angi, Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Facebook. These platforms have lists of contractors, their details and reviews from their clients.To get more recommendations, you can also speak with friends, neighbors, and relatives who have recently had remodeling work done. They can give you an accurate picture of the work’s quality, price and integrity based on their first-hand experiences. 
  6. Contract and Written Estimates
    Before you decide on the remodeler, you should ask for a written estimate. It could be in the form of a bidding document. The document tells you what to expect, with details on inventories and the expected prices. Do you choose the one that has the lowest estimate? No, the lowest estimate does not necessarily mean the best offer, but the contractor may often come out as inefficient. Or the contractor will inundate you with change orders, which will end up costing you more than a higher budgeted amount to begin with. Instead, try to choose based on pricing that is fair, both with respect to your budget and market price.  When both parties agree, you must create a contract paper describing every aspect. You may hire a lawyer to outline each of the segments, plans and discussions in detail. Make sure they should comply with local and international laws.
  7. Timeline and Schedule
    Setting a timeline and scheduling the work requires a discussion with the selected remodeler. Firstly, check for their availability. They may be equipped with other projects as well. If you have a contractor who is ready to begin the work tomorrow… run! Contractors should set a specific timeline and schedule dedicated to your project. The contract should specify the start and end dates. When going through their portfolios, if you find that a remodeler exceeded the completion date on some projects, you shouldn’t assume they are inefficient. This could be a result of unfavorable events.
  8. Payment Terms
    With a mutual agreement, you must discuss payment terms and schedule. The payment schedule should have tentative dates. It must be presented on the contract. All in all, you should have a clear and transparent understanding and agreement of the payment terms so none of the parties has any objection during the process or in the end. Note that, when a remodeler asks for all or a large down payment, this may indicate a problem. In such cases, you may have to consider another contractor.

How to Evaluate Home Remodelers Before Hiring

 

Questions to Ask Your Home Remodeling Contractor at the First Meeting:

Here is a list of some possible questions to consider in the design and build consultation:

  • What type of experience do you have managing this type of project?
  • Do you have a license and certification?
  • Do you have workers’ compensation and liability insurance?
  • Does your company handle building permits?
  • Can you provide references?
  • Does the project involve a dedicated team and subcontractors?
  • What is the cost estimate?
  • Can you give me an idea of the timeline for this project?
  • Do you have insurance?
  • How do you deal with budget overruns, change orders?
  • Do you run multiple projects at the same time?
  • What measures will you take to prevent damage to my property?

When seeking a construction and remodeling contractor, you must know how to evaluate them to sift out the best among the many. The process involves learning about their experiences, expertise, integrity, communication skills, and availability. Of course the number of years in the home remodeling business matters, however you should also consider the remodeling design creativity. Plus, One of the ways to find a home remodeling company that has a similar project to your own is to find neighbors, friends, or family who have worked with the home remodeling company you are considering. Homeowners in the Leawood, Olathe, Overland Park, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Parkville, and all of Kansas City are looking to Wineteer for their superior kitchen, bathroom, whole room, aging in place, and outdoor remodeling projects. 

4 Most Common Sink Materials Used in Kitchen Remodels

When clients hire Wineteer Construction for home remodels, they aren’t just hiring a company that turns your dreams into a reality (although we do that too!). Homeowners are hiring a team of design and build experts that treat them as family throughout the duration of your project. Our team listens, offers the most viable solutions and suggestions, and completes each task with meticulous detail.  The Wineteer team offers an extensive depth of home remodeling specialties, including bathroom and kitchen remodeling, whole home and aging in place modifications, and whole home remodels. With over three decades of experience, Wineteer has the extensive portfolio of materials, paint, and configurations to ensure your project if completed to your satisfaction.

Every home remodeling company operates differently, but we know that Wineteer involves an in-depth consultation from the owner of the company, tailored to exceed your needs. We do offer general guidance when it comes to kitchen remodeling projects. In this article, 4 Most Common Sink Materials Used in Kitchen Remodels, we’re sharing a bit about the different sink materials and styles of sinks used in our custom kitchen remodeling projects. Are you looking for something more out-of-the-box? We do that too! Whatever your needs, Wineteer Construction is here for you!

In this article, 4 Most Common Sink Materials Used in Kitchen Remodels, the four most common sink materials that we see are stainless steel, granite, or quartz composite, cast iron, and FireClay.  Let’s go over each of these sink materials in detail to determine the best option for your specific home.   4 Most Common Sink Materials Used in Kitchen Remodels

 

  • Stainless-Steel
    • Tagged the most affordable option, stainless steel comes in a variety of styles and can easily be adjusted to offer different proportions of division for your kitchen needs. A stainless-steel sink cleans easily but it can be dented or scratched, however, a good quality stainless steel sink will last.
  • Composite Sinks
    • Another go-to for kitchen remodeling contractors out there is composite sinks. While white or light colors can stain if you don’t keep up with maintenance, other colors can offer help hiding hard water spots. These sinks also withstand the heat better, adding to the durability of this product. They can be either a man-made quartz composite, or a natural granite composite. Both are which are equally durable.
  • Cast Iron Sinks:
    • Cast Iron Sinks typically have an enameled finish. They are the most likely product to chip, which can lead to rust or even the need to replace the whole sink. However, when handled with care, these sinks can be very durable.
  • FireClay Sinks
    • FireClay Sinks are more chip resistant than cast iron but are still prone to chipping. The pro? Unlike cast iron, these sinks do not often need to be completely replaced once they chip. FireClay is a non-porous material which lends to its stain resistance.
    • Other materials
      • Some sinks are made of entirely different materials which are also on the market, including copper, wood, acrylic, and porcelain. Each have their own list of pros and cons, however while many of them are a neat design feature to add to a kitchen, they can require much higher levels of upkeep, or a lower level of durability compared to the four previously mentioned sinks. This is imperative to keep in mind as you weigh options for the homeowner.

Another common question that our Kansas City area clients ask us is which sink style should I choose? Here are a few other options in the 4 Most Common Sink Materials Used in Kitchen Remodels. Part of the selection criteria during your kitchen remodel with Wineteer includes design, which is also focused on the functionality of the appliance. Let’s understand how you’re using your sink to best determine which style is best for you.

  • Single Basin Sink

The single basin is the most common recommendation for most households looking at a kitchen remodel. With no middle divider, there is room to place an entire cookie sheet, or casserole dish in the sink. A single basin means one drain, allowing a garbage disposer to be installed without the possibility of waste going down the wrong drain. This choice is great for those who cook a lot or for families with young children who are constantly providing snacks. There are many trendy choices for the single basin sink, which can become the talking point of the kitchen!

RELATED: 42 Best Kitchen Sinks for Every Style and Space

  • Divided (Double) Basin Sink

The double basin sink can be either a high or low divide. High divides go almost all the way to the top edge of the sink. A low divide is usually about half the height of the sink, allowing for water buildup on one side, but still allowing room for a full cooking sheet to be washed without being out of the sink. The functionality of the double basin sink is feasible for many households who enjoy the divider when washing dishes or keeping items separate.

  • Farmhouse (Apron Front) Sinks

These sinks are becoming more popular with kitchen remodels. The farmhouse sink is categorized by your ability to see the front of the sink in lieu of a cabinet. Removing the cabinet front, and extending the sink apron forward, in most designs, makes the sinks a little wider front to back than traditional sinks. Not only are you positioned closer to the sink when standing in front of it, but even with the extra sink space, you may also gain some additional countertop space next to the faucet. Many people select this style of sink for the aesthetic design but should consider that drips on the front of the sink are more common with the closer proximity to the user. These sinks can come in single or divided basin. You should discuss the best option for the space with your kitchen remodel contractor.

  • Workstation Sinks

This overarching category of sinks covers any sink that has additional components. The workstation sinks typically have a built-in ledge that can hold baskets, strainers, cutting boards, or any accessories that fits the size of the sink. These sinks have a more modular feel and can change to fit the needs of your kitchen. They have no limitations on materials but can come at a higher price-point due to the customization and accessories offered.

Sink installation should be performed by your trusted kitchen remodeling team and can be overmount or undermount. Wineteer Construction’s recommendation is to undermount the sink. Aside from creating a seamless look and making cleaning your kitchen counters easier, undermounting the sink also helps eliminate deterioration of a seal that an overmount sink requires. The seal on the counter can build up junk, eventually wearing it down, requiring it to be re-installed to ensure no leaks occur. With an undermount sink you don’t have to worry about this!

When reviewing the endless options for your kitchen remodel sink, consider the functionality and aesthetic value that the sink can bring to your life. If you’re in the Kansas City area, consider Wineteer Construction to relieve the stress and indecisiveness by bringing your kitchen remodeling dreams to lie! If you are ready for more education and in-depth consultation on your latest home renovation project, give us a call today. We can’t wait to turn your dreams into a reality!

Timeless Fallbrook Multi-Project Updates: Fireplaces

blue vases featured on fireplace mantle with jagged edges Our final project for this couple was to remodel three different fireplaces. We wanted to work with the wood, which we determined was from the 80’s and 90’s eras, but we wanted to give the tile work a much-needed update.

For the client’s entertainment center we removed the upper cabinets and replaced them with 12 x 24 large format tile in slate gray. We also replaced the countertops with a gray-black granite slab, titled Saratoga Silver, choosing colors that would help to modernize the look of it overall. The countertop is unique as we selected one fireplace with 80's style wood and updated gray, jagged-edge tile that has white streaks throughout the granite. We also chose to add a secondary TV near the kitchen to provide entertainment in multiple points in the home.

For the basement fireplace work, we again focused on the tile-work and left the wood as-is. The new tile has a chipped, sawtooth look to it with white veining throughout. This is definitely a unique and different tile to include! While all of the design selections are influenced by our owner and designer, Nick McIntyre, this tile was a special recommendation. fireplace with updated tilework

While these fireplace updates were simple, they certainly made the fireplace look more modern and elegant, while keeping the integrity of the original woodwork. This was a fun set of updates for us to include in the work for this customer’s portfolio!

A Kitchen Puzzle: Design and Delivery

Kansas City kitchen with waterfall edge countertops The story of our family of four on their kitchen remodel journey resumes now that we added two ironore kitchen cabinets in Kansas City kitchen remodel feet of real estate to the kitchen by taking some space from the massive garage. We were able to enlarge the mud room in this remodel which allowed the refrigerator door to open completely instead of banging against the wall.  This is an example of ways that Wineteer suggests design features like this to employ for all of our clients. Who wants to have their kids banging the fridge door against the wall every day? With the additional room we were able to add a longer and larger island complete with seating, one of the original requests from the client. We also greatly increased (more than doubled) the space in the cabinetry storage.

RELATED: Tips to Maximize Cabinet Space

Considering the design elements, the family wanted to add a flair to their kitchen so they selected a glass tile backsplash with a mirrored edge. In the images you can really see how both the glass tile and mirrored custom cabinetry in kitchen in ironore edge add a unique element to this project. We installed a Blanco siligranite farm sink with a Moen pull-down spring-loaded faucet, both popular selections for hardware and sink style. Moen sink in matte black with custom edge subway tile

A unique feature for this kitchen remodeling project was the addition of a multipurpose station, combining vegetable washing and a coffee sink. The idea for this was at the request of Mom, who wanted to allow someone to fill a water bottle while she was using the main sink for dinner prep. She also used the cabinet directly above the sink for water bottle storage to make it easy on the kids (and her husband too!).

We installed all-new cabinetry in Ironore, one of our favorite colors in 2022. The cabinets have LED custom kitchen cabinetry in ironore under-cabinet lighting, a luxury but standard Wineteer feature that helps to brighten up any kitchen space. The doors are also inset, another premium cabinet look that we recommend for all of our clients, as it really helps to elevate the look of your cabinets and create a seamless experience. Some custom features of the cabinetry work include dovetail drawer boxes and an appliance lift. The countertops (standard quartz) also have waterfall edges, which are curved over for a unique design.

At Wineteer Construction, we love the challenging designs – the ones that stretch us to come up with a stainless steel appliances in newly remodeled kitchen solution that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but one that functions for you day-to-day. This kitchen remodel was such a fun one for us because we had the opportunity to challenge ourselves and produce something that the client loves.

Check out some additional photos for kitchen inspiration

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