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Choosing the Best Contractor for Your Kitchen Remodel

Whether you’ve been in your home for decades or just moved in, you may need to remodel the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can help to improve the overall functionality, boost property and resale value, and make your life more comfortable while making memories. However, unless you’re a skilled DIYer with so much experience with renovation work, you’ll need expert help even for minor changes.

RELATED: How to Hire a Kitchen Contractor

Although choosing the right contractor for your kitchen remodel project is another big task, as so many unskilled contractors are always trying to lure people in with fake information. But worry not; in this article, we’ve gathered all the basics you’ll need to keep in mind when choosing the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling project. Let’s get started.

What Is Your Kitchen Remodeling Goal?

Before you choose the right contractor for a kitchen remodeling project, you must know what you actually want from the project. You need to set goals, whether it needs demolition, repair, or installation, and have ideas on what amenities you want or how you want your kitchen to look to determine what kind of contractor will be best for you.

Depending on your goal, you may need to hire a kitchen remodeling specialist or any general contractor with experience in kitchen renovations. You’ll also need to set your probable kitchen renovation budget to save more time on selecting contractors or avoid unwanted problems.

Check out this gallery of kitchen remodeling projects that Wineteer has completed for many Kansas City area residents. From Olathe and Leawood to Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit, the Wineteer team specializes in the design and build of the highest quality kitchen remodels. 

blue kansas city kitchen remodel

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The Kitchen Remodel Contractor Checklist

When you want to get the right and perfect contractor for your kitchen remodeling project, you need to look for some specific attributes to compare and find the best one. The checklist of those qualities is:

  • Competence with proven skills, plenty of experience, successful records, and high standards.
  • Make sure the contractor has a local reputation for providing good work.
  • Credentials from necessary national and local agencies.
  • Coverage ability for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability.
  • Timeline or working hours for their remodeling to ensure it doesn’t hamper your life.
  • Personality of the contractor and supervisor, if they’re friendly, helpful, positive, and listen to your demands carefully.
  • Communication skills and types that the project owner is okay with.
  • Comfort level of discussion and work with the contractor.
  • Budget expectations of the contractor.

Steps to Choose the Right Contractor for Kitchen Remodel

If you follow these steps accordingly, you can choose the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling:

Find Local Candidates

kitchen remodeling reviews in kansas city First, you need to find all the qualified remodeling contractors or specialists in your area. Contractors that aren’t local won’t accept the job or ask for a fortune. You can search online with location-based recommendations, as almost all businesses are usually listed on Google nowadays. Also, you can see the ratings, reviews, and if they do kitchen remodeling.

Another good way to find a trusted contractor is to get recommendations from colleagues, friends, relatives, or neighbors who have done kitchen remodeling or know a good contractor by any chance. It’ll make the research into finding the right contractor smoother. Make a list of all the contractors you’ve found intriguing.

Investigations and Research

Now it’s time to dig deeper to make a shortlist of all the candidates you’ve listed before. Check and do research on each of them to make sure they have experience, and have licenses from your local regulatory agency or licensing board. Only keep experienced contractors with credibility on the new list.

Get Quotations

In this step, you should reach out to all the shortlisted contractors and ask for detailed quotes on your kitchen remodeling project. Some contractors only provide the final price, which can be less credible. That’s why you should ask them to provide a breakdown of materials, labor, permits, or any other fees. In this way, you’ll be able to compare the quotes and ensure quality at a fair price.

Interview

If you selected one or several potential contractors after reviewing the quotes and want to select the perfect one for the project, you need to meet with them in person to discuss the project details and ask some prepared questions. The questions you can ask them are as follows:

These are a few of the usual questions you can ask, and you can add other questions depending on the situation. Listen carefully to their answers and how fluently they’re answering you because it will provide you with significant insights on how confident and experienced they are. Also, it’ll be a great chance to see the level of comfortability in communication with them.

Check References

If all the interviewed contractors provide several references to their past projects, you need to research them thoroughly. These references and histories can help you learn more about the work style and quality of the contractors. Compare the before and after images of their projects, how much the projects cost, and, if possible, contact some of the project owners for their experiences with the contractors. Another wonderful option to evaluate a company is through Google reviews.

Review Contracts

Once you’ve completed your final investigations and selected a contractor for the job, review the contract details carefully. There should be detailed information about completion dates, fees, permits, descriptions of products, services, and materials, payment terms, subcontractor information, consequences of failures, dispute resolution terms, etc. If you see anything missing from the contract, ask them to do it in detail before signing.

If you can choose the right contractor, you’ll be able to turn your dream into reality. If you’re in the Kansas City area, Wineteer can help you with the design and build process. Reach out today for a free estimate. 913-717-6325 or https://wineteerconstruction.com/contact-us/

 

11 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: Elevate Your Home for the Holidays

On holidays, family members gather and celebrate time shared together. Usually it is tight quarters, which is part of the holiday fun! However, it’s also a reason why many homeowners consider remodeling their kitchen before the holidays for positive changes like more seating, energy efficiency, convenience, and functionality. 

In this article, we’ll discuss 11 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: Elevate Your Home for the Holidays that can help you remodel your kitchen perfectly to enjoy the holidays over the next years. Let’s dig in.

11 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: Elevate Your Home for the Holidays

How Do You Remodel An Old Kitchen Before The Holidays?

When the holidays are approaching, here’s 11 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: Elevate Your Home for the Holidays that you may want to consider as a change of atmosphere. There are several ways to complete a remodel, from whole home remodeling to paint updates to full kitchen renovations. Here are a few ideas:

Declutter

The first and foremost thing you should do when remodeling your kitchen is to declutter and sort out everything big and small in that area. This is a free revamp that can truly make a big impact! This will help you assess what kind of remodeling you should do and plan the process faster. Also, your whole kitchen will look fresh when you finish removing all the unnecessary things. A good rule of thumb to go by is if you haven’t used the appliance, dishes, bowl, etc in more than two years, it may be time to get rid of it. 

Renovate Cabinets

Cabinets occupy most of the space in a kitchen. That’s why if you renovate the cabinets, it will drastically change the look of your kitchen. Even a simple cabinet makeover is enough to surprise the guests on holidays. However, if you want to replace all the cabinets, it can be quite expensive. Still, you can try different methods of cabinet renovation, such as painting, applying coatings, adding vinyl or wallpaper, etc. Sometimes, people remove all the cabinets and try open shelving for a fresher and decluttered look. Also, for more storage, you can try adding more drawers and cabinets if there is free space. This may be the time to add in the soft close cabinets and drawers. 

RELATED: 10 Remodeling Projects To Do Before the Holidays

Upgrade Knobs and Pulls

When you finish renovating the cabinets, the old pulls and knobs won’t always look refreshing. You can color them or replace them with a better-looking set of knobs and pulls. It’s better if your new pull set has the same center-to-center dimension, as you won’t need to worry about drilling new holes and fixing the old ones.

Upgrade Appliances

All the appliances in your kitchen, such as the refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and all other small devices, act as the focus of the cooking area. When you’re remodeling the whole area, you should consider changing the appliances to match the surrounding. Not just for looks, but energy efficiency, safety, and functionality all play a part in upgrading kitchen appliances. And the holiday seasons are best for getting new appliances, as most companies offer holiday specials discounts. You can also save money by selling the old appliances.

Upgrade Sinks and Faucets

The kitchen sink is the part that we need to use all the time. That’s why this place gets messy most often. You can replace the sink with a smart or digital sink that will keep the dishwashing area looking tidy and new. However, replacing the sink can be a costly project. But you can always replace the faucets with new, elegant sets with very small expenses, and the dishwasher surrounding will look better.

Upgrade Countertops

The countertops get messy often since we prepare the dishes there. You can try upgrading them by applying a new protective coating. For a brand-new look, you can try changing the material of the countertops with granite, quartz, marble, concrete, and so on. After you completed the decluttering on the countertops, you’ll have a better visual at the shape of your countertops. 

Upgrade Outlet Covers

The switch plates and outlets in your old kitchen become dirty and hideous over time. If your whole kitchen looks great after remodeling but the outlets look old and discolored, it can be an eye sore. Consider changing the outlets or painting them. 

Upgrade the Dining Area

To remodel your kitchen, you can also try upgrading the dining area, as by transforming this area, you can make the whole kitchen more functional and aesthetically pleasing. You can renovate the area by selecting the right furniture, selecting the proper lighting and color scheme, and investing in an updated set of tableware. 

Upgrade Flooring

If your budget allows, you should upgrade the flooring to bring out the best in all of the other renovations. However, you can also make the floor better and more comfortable by adding extra rugs. There are many options for flooring, so be sure you consider the best option for your family’s needs. 

New Lighting

Lighting can change the look of your kitchen, no matter how much you upgrade other areas. If there are unnecessary shadows and glares, people will feel uncomfortable just by being there for a few minutes. That’s why it’s necessary to properly plan the lighting style and upgrade if necessary. Also, you can add some decorative lighting like chandeliers, globes, or dangling pendants.

Add Backsplash

Introducing backsplash tile or wallpaper can add another dimension to your kitchen. The whole area can even look wider and larger with a specific color of backsplash. Moreover, recently, many 3D tiles and prints have become available that can make your guests drop their jaws. And you can get all the benefits without spending much since the backsplashes aren’t that expensive.

Since there are major and minor renovations you can do to remodel the kitchen, you may think about doing the minor changes yourself to save money. But in case you want to make major changes without hiring anyone, we recommend you not do things all by yourself. Leave the remodeling to the contractor or professionals; otherwise, the new kitchen may turn out worse.

If you’re ready to explore your home for a kitchen, bathroom, whole home, or basement remodel, reach out today for a free design consultation

9 Advantages of Hiring a Design Builder for Your Home Renovation

If you want to remodel your home, many people will suggest you hire a design-builder. One may ask… what exactly is a design-builder? According to wikipedia, it is a method to deliver a project in which the design and construction services are contracted by a single entity known as the design–builder or design–build contractor. It can be subdivided into architect-led design–build (ALDB, sometimes known as designer-led design–build) and contractor-led design–build. A homeowner may explore the design-build contractor options and determine they are the most qualified for home renovation projects,  as they will save you money over the years. So, let’s get to know more about them.

What Is Design-Build?

Again, when designers, builders, and other specialists work as a team under one single contract with the project client or owner to provide construction services, this method is called ‘design-build.’ In brief, in a design-build project, there is only one contract, one organization, and one coordinated flow of work. Wineteer is continually reminded by our clients how important their seamless process is for a stress-free home remodel. With Wineteer, you will have a dedicated team of professionals that will walk you along each step of the remodel.  This isn’t always the case with home remodeling companies, so be sure you ask questions and understand the contractual and design/build side. 

9 Advantages of Hiring a Design Builder for Your Home Renovation

Reasons to Hire A Design Builder for Your Home Remodeling Project

There are many reasons why you should consider hiring a design-builder for your bathroom, kitchen, whole home, and aging in place remodeling project. Here are the main reasons:

1. Single Point of Contact

In traditional remodeling projects, homeowners dealt with designers, contractors, subcontractors, architects, retailers, workers, and other people depending on the home remodeling scope of work. This makes the work slow, adds additional stress, causes budgeting nightmares if not monitored correctly, increases disruptions to daily life, and has more chances for miscommunication.

But when you hire a design-builder for the project, the company combines all of the activities under a single umbrella, and thus the homeowners will work with the same team from the first meeting to the completion of the project. As Wineteer explains it… once you partner with us, you will become family. The  homeowner will see the same crew each day during the remodeling project. In this way, everyone will function more effectively, and challenging problems can be handled more efficiently.

RELATED: The benefits of hiring a design-build contractor for your home remodel

2. Fixed-Price Contract

If you don’t hire a design-builder, you will naturally spend extra because of inaccurate or unanticipated problems, or change orders as they arise. However, a design-builder can give you an accurate cost-analysis before starting the work and prevent unexpected expenditures during or after your project is done.

However, you can always decide to add more to your project or make changes throughout the process, which can easily be adjusted in the design-builder billing. It’s a much easier and more seamless way to make the changes compared to tracking down a contractor to implement the changes, pay them, then get back on track. 

3. Efficient Communication

Since the work is centralized and team members are connected to each other through the central hub, communication becomes easier, faster, and more efficient. Many local home remodeling companies have extensive experience and relationships with vendors that will allow for superior customer service and finishes. 

4. Faster Project Completion

In most cases, it’s crucial for you to get the remodeling project done within the agreed-upon schedule. Also, knowing when the project will end will help you save money and get started with other finishing projects. When you work with a design-build company, they always finish their work on time, sometimes even faster than the estimated time.

5. High-Quality Craftsmanship

Understanding functionality and needs is crucial for any remodeling project; it’s much more than just being appealing. When skilled designers remodel a house, they first make it a high-functioning area with minimal disruption, and bring a vision to life. 

Moreover, with a design-builder, you can get the combined expertise they’ve gathered by working on many different projects over the years. They won’t take any shortcuts; rather, they will combine all their knowledge and information to make your project the best one.

6. Minimize Risks

We all need to keep in mind that unforeseen problems can occur while remodeling and renovating a home. However, the risk can be reduced if you work with a design-build company. They can minimize risks as their team has the skills and knowledge to address any issues and fix them in the best way possible. The communication will go directly between the homeowner and the design-builder, and won’t be a game of telephone to figure out what’s happening. 

They can also take preventive measures beforehand to eliminate the possibility of risks. In this way, the cost of emergency risk management will also decrease.

7. Stress-free Environment

Handling the remodeling of your home can be very stressful from time to time. You may get confused about how you should start the project, whom you should contact, when invoices are due, or what you are responsible for during the process.

However, with the design-builder to guide you through each and every step with their knowledgeable assistance, you will feel relaxed throughout the remodeling process.

8. Flexibility

Design-build firm members can always handle unexpected and challenging situations better. Also, they can provide you with a quick solution if you want to add or remove anything from the planned project. Their flexibility makes the homeowner satisfied in any kind of situation.

9. Fewer Disputes

When work is not properly organized and there are miscommunications, disputes among the parties and workers arise. But when a centralized design-build firm handles the remodeling project, everything is properly organized and there are fewer disputes.

Is a Design-build Firm Right for Your Project?

Depending on your project’s unique requirements, you may want to explore the consideration of a design-build company.  You should have an open and honest question with potential home remodeling design-builders and discuss your budget, timeline, goals, vision, etc. You can determine quickly if the project will be a match for the said contractor. 

Advantages of Hiring a Design-Build Firm

  • Promotes continuity in the project’s goal with streamlined communication. 
  • Legal and safety risks are reduced.
  • Quick response to handle unexpected challenges and changes.
  • Quality-control of the project is monitored. 
  • Accountability is mandated. 
  • More efficient project management can be achieved.

Hiring a design-builder is definitely a good idea for homeowners who want to partner with a company who cares about their reputation and the project itself. If you think about it, the design-builder has so much more on the line than a single contractor who comes in for a day, does their job, and leaves. If you’re considering a home remodeling project in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer to see if we can answer your questions. We are there to help you bring your vision to life! 

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!

5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel

As with any home remodeling project, there are many factors to consider. Everything from your budget and timeline to space optimization and trendy colors, homeowners around the Kansas City area are turning to contractors like Wineteer Construction to complete a whole home, or exterior home remodeling projects. This article will provide 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel to consider as we can enjoy all four seasons in the Kansas City area. Let’s begin!

#1. The first of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is the exterior paint and aesthetics. Many neighborhood associations will flag homes in dire need of a paint job, so the exterior of homes around Kansas City are well maintained. However, with an exterior home remodel, you may want to revamp your existing paint color from the browns and tans to the grays, or even white palettes that are trendy in 2023. In addition, homeowners have many other considerations when it comes to the actual exterior texture of their home. 

  • Are you keeping the brick? Wood facade? Siding? 
  • If you change the exterior paint color, will you need to change the trim? Garage door color? 
  • Do you want to add a pop of color on the garage doors or front door? 
  • Is now the time to consider window or front door replacements

2023 remodeling ideas

There are endless options when it comes to remodeling the exterior of your home. When homeowners decide to proceed with a home remodel, one of the first spots they tend to “research” is on Pinterest, Houzz, or simply Google. Homeowners can easily become overwhelmed with the amount of options available for home remodeling. So many of our clients around Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, and all of Johnson County, have found that partnering with a reputable contractor like Wineteer has made the experience entirely different and enjoyable. With Wineteer, the process is different than other Kansas City home remodeling contractors. We take the time to listen to the client from the very beginning and understand their desires, wants, non-negotiables, while offering our expertise on design choices and spacial suggestions. Together, the partnership is unmatched. 

Another aspect of the exterior paint and aesthetics are the windows. Replacing the existing windows and doors can have a huge impact on many factors of your home, including energy efficiency, temperature regulation, appearance, and overall an increase in your home’s value.  If you’re in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer Construction for your window replacement needs! 

#2. The second of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is the landscaping. Before we begin the exterior of the home, will any of the landscaping be impacted, moved, changed, or added? Is the homeowner changing the shrubbery surrounding the front door? Will the stones to the doorway change? Will the flower beds be extended or replaced? All of the landscaping impacts the home’s exterior and should be considered before the exterior home remodel begins.  

RELATED: Plants that Thrive in Kansas City

#3. The third idea for an Exterior Home Remodel is adding character. Have you ever driven into a neighborhood and each house looks the same? Same paint palette, same configuration and elevation, same landscaping, etc. While you’re considering an exterior home remodel, or any home remodel, why not add some charm? Now is the time to add that pop of color to your front door or garage. Have you wanted to do some cool outdoor plants, or solar lights? Now’s the perfect time. Adding any character, or charm, to your home truly makes it yours. These are the simple, and inexpensive, details that people will notice, and fall in love with! 

#4. The fourth of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is to consider your home’s concrete, including your sidewalk, driveway, walk way, porch, patio. This seems like such a boring consideration, but think about it for a moment. Your home’s concrete driveway and sidewalk are one of the first aspects of a home that people see. If your concrete is damaged, uneven, or cracking and crumbling, this is simply an eyesore. In addition to the aesthetic displeasure, this can be a dangerous situation. The #1 visit in hospital emergency rooms is due to falls. Be sure your exterior concrete is safe, secure, and level.

5 ideas for remodeling projects

There’s also a layer of creativity you can add to your home through the concrete. This article, 22 Concrete Driveway Ideas to Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal, showcases some really cool creative ways to draw attention to your home, including concrete tiles, pavers, colored concrete finishes, polished and stained concrete, and even two-toned concrete.

#5.  The final of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is a home addition, including a new patio, extended kitchen, outdoor kitchen, or renovation the front porch. When it comes to considering the home addition path, you should consult with a local design and build form. Companies like Wineteer Construction help homeowners in the Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Lee’s Summit, and Brookside complete the most beautiful and seamless home renovations. There are so many options out there when you begin the journey of a home remodel. Feel free to reach out to the team at Wineteer Construction for design and budget discussions. Click here to begin the process

Custom Deck for Indoor/Outdoor Kitchen Living

custom deck at twilight What a project! When this client called us to look at their dilapidated deck (due to a bad manufacturing lot of pressure treated lumber) and wanted to update their outdated and poorly laid out kitchen we jumped at the opportunity to make the magic happen! Our main objective to solve the client’s need was to bring the kitchen and the deck into a contiguous space that was built for entertaining. We also had the chance to replace numerous windows and add a new set of French doors between the kitchen and deck spaces.

We replaced a grand total of fifteen (15) windows across the screened in porch and deck and twilight home that were old, rotten, and well overdue for window replacement. For security reasons all window replacements are started and completed within the same day. All of the new windows are Pella brand, but have a variety of interior colors. All of the windows are aluminum-clad with wood interior for the energy-efficient purposes. Some windows are painted on the interior and some are stained, simply based on what textures and looks fit that particular room the best.

indoor/outdoor living space All of the new windows use Low-E glass and are filled with argon gas. The Low-E glass (short for Low-Emissivity or Low-Emittance) contains a microscopic coating that makes a window more thermally efficient, saving you money on your heating and cooling. The coating is thin, non-toxic, and virtually colorless, so you won’t even notice it when your windows are installed! Argon gas has been used in window manufacturing for years with double-pane windows. This gas filling can help insulate a room and minimizes heat transfer through glass, again helping to save you money.

We knew that the new deck needed to have a screened in ceiling fan on vaulted gable ceiling porch with a covered roof; our client liked the idea of a tall ceiling on the deck as well. We chose to install a car siding tongue-and-groove ceiling. To bring in the Colorado-esque cabin vibe, we vaulted the center gable. We elected to leave it open to bring light in which leads to the outdoorsy feel that the client was targeting. They also had low to no maintenance as a goal for the deck, so we chose to steel frame the structure so it would never rot out.

  deck with french doors This high-end, custom request for a deck accomplished exactly what the client asked for, which is the beauty of remodeling with a company that puts customer relationship first! We took the time to ask our client the important questions and execute on the components of the project that were most impactful to our client. The decking is TimberTech and we used a fortress AL13 aluminum railing system – a high-end material that won’t rot. The clients also added heaters for the chilly fall months to be able to watch football games (Go Chiefs!) and have a seamless entertainment experience. steel reinforced deck

As we now had a screened in porch to work with (as opposed to a deck only) we had the ability to make what was a single 36-inch wide door onto the deck into two 8-foot tall by 6-foot wide French doors. This certainly elevated the space and brought character to the indoor/outdoor living concept. The two French doors can be completely open to the deck with no bugs getting into the kitchen. They allow our clients to experience the outside weather comfortably.

It was important to our clients to still allow privacy in the deck and screened in porch view from outside kitchen and to separate the two spaces when desired so we elected Pella doors with blinds between the insulated glass. No more cleaning those pesky blinds! All our client has to worry about is keeping the glass panes clean yet they still receive the benefit of blinds that are functional. The doors also have a triple locking mechanism for security, since they do open to the outside.

french doors entering the kitchen The outsides of the French doors are aluminum-clad with a wood interior. Aluminum does not rot and holds up to the elements, adding longevity to the doors. The wood interior insulates the home creating energy-efficiency. The combination of the two materials produces an energy-efficient, long-lasting product. We love the way the french doors really helped to make the space come together to truly create an indoor/outdoor entertaining space. Stay tuned to hear more about the kitchen updates!

Help Us Help You

We have been honored to serve the Kansas City area for three decades, crafting universally designed and functional homes for homeowners of all ages. We strive to ensure every remodeling project we complete is “Planned Right. Priced Right. Done Right.” Help us help you and others considering home remodeling projects by sharing your experiences with us in honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day. It is your reviews, ratings and testimonials that assist our team in bringing the highest quality of service to every individual.

Share your project goals and Wineteer Construction’s execution on the following pages:

   Houzz

   Facebook

  Google

In honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day, we asked some of our past clients about their projects and their experience working with us. Read about Bob’s experience below.

What were the goals of your project?

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago. I get around OK but am looking to improve access every time we move. Our three kids are grown and we were looking to move on from our four-bedroom, two-story house in the suburbs to an accessible location in the city.

We found a condo that we liked but needed a half bathroom made fully accessible with shower. The move was contingent on this project success, so the decision process was compressed. The final design required movement of drains, walls and water lines. LifeWise Renovations (Wineteer Construction) made the design work with the inspectors, engineers and neighborhood association. They did all this while understanding accessibility better than myself. I had heard LifeWise Renovations (Wineteer Construction) speak at a support group and knew someone who had successfully used them on their project. I was comfortable with their work.

I appreciated their communication. They gave me warning as they made changes, and I was able to get input from others who better understood accessibility. The ideas and changes made to the project greatly improved the final results.

What do you like the most about it now?

The layout is perfect. We have been here a year and I am pleased with the layout of the shower and the rest of my bathroom. I am frequently reminded of the good changes that LifeWise Renovations (Wineteer Construction) and my handicapped friends made on accessibility.

Any recommendations to others who are undertaking a project of your type?

It is good to talk with others who have experience with the changes that you want to make. I was making changes that I did not fully understand. I really did not understand the process of working with engineers and the city approval process. Hearing from others on their success with the company gave me confidence moving forward. I was pleased to know that they knew what I was trying to accomplish and had show great results on other projects.

I am pleased to recommend LifeWise Renovations (Wineteer Construction). They knew what I needed and did first-class work. They communicated along the way, and I am very pleased with the results.

Read more testimonials »

Thank you in advance for strengthening our company by letting us know how we can better serve you. Contact us for more information.

Best of 2017

2017 was a great year for Wineteer Construction, as we were able to assist clients in updating their homes into trendy and functional living spaces in a number of ways! Here are just a few of our favorite projects from last year:

A Beautiful Mission

We love the look and feel of this beautiful kitchen, complete with granite countertops, custom cabinetry and a few stainless steel appliances. Remodeled with functionality in mind, this kitchen allows for plenty of natural light with walls of windows and plenty of counter space for storage and cooking preparation.

   

View more photos of this project on Houzz »

 

Fairway Dream

This kitchen remodel has ample lighting and a great island for easy dining and cooking preparation. The traditional white cabinetry allows other details in the kitchen to pop, including the lighting fixtures, dark brown wood in the island and tile above the stove. This remodel also showcases a refrigerator designed to match the custom cabinets for a beautiful finish in the kitchen.

    

View more photos of this project on Houzz »

 

Ease of Living

This bathroom was remodeled to improve ease of living at home while maintaining a very modern and trendy gray and white theme. Complete with a barrier-free shower, flip-down shower seat, raised toilet, grab bars and more, this bathroom has everything you need to maximize safety at home.

   

View more photos of this project on Houzz »

Interested in updating your home in 2018 to model any of these projects? Looking to remodel your home with the latest trends? Follow Wineteer Construction on Houzz and add the projects you like to your ideabooks.

Then, schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss your remodeling ideas.

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