Category Archives: Home remodeling contractor

Garage Conversion Ideas for 2022

Garage Conversion Ideas for 2022 - Home Remodeling Contractors - Mares & Dow

You have thought about how to maximize the spaces inside your home. Maybe add an entertainment room in the almost empty basement or create a living space outdoors to entertain guests. You probably have missed the best opportunity to maximize a living space, and it sits just a few feet away from one of the entrances to your home.

We’re talking about the garage.

A garage has more potential to optimize the living space in your house. The question is which of the many options make the most sense. Working with one of the highly-rated home remodeling contractors in the Bay Area can help you make the best choice for your home.

Here are a few popular ways to convert your garage in 2022:

Entertainment Center

You can convert your garage into a larger entertainment center than the one you have created inside your house. One of the greatest benefits of moving an entertainment center into the garage is you and your guests enjoy more privacy. You also limit the amount of noise, especially if you line the walls with soundproof materials.

Guest House

You can transform the garage into a stylish place that guests call home. Another idea is to build out a room for one of the members of your family who cherishes privacy. You no longer have to use blow-up mattresses on the living room floor or assign two guests to the same room. Maybe you simply want to get away from it all for a night or two. You can install skylights on the garage to let the sun create a brighter ambiance.

Fitness Center

Investing in fitness and exercise equipment typically pays off when you no longer have to pay monthly dues to remain in great physical condition. Where is the best place to set up a home gym? A spacious area such as the garage makes the ideal location for a home gym. You have more than enough room to add free weights and a weight machine, as well as aerobic equipment such as a treadmill and stationary bike.

Office

Whether you work from home or simply get ahead of the work curve in a home office, you need a place where you can work without being disturbed by the activities around you. The garage gives you the space to build out a home office, while giving you the privacy you need to optimize your productivity. Make sure you waterproof the garage to protect your investment in electronic devices.

Lounge and Bar

Move the weekly poker game out of your home and into the garage. You can convert your garage into a mini-playground the includes a poker table and arcade games to keep your guests entertained. Adding a bar with a full selection of spirits is the final touch on creating the right ambiance for the lounge.

When the time comes to convert the garage, you have to create a budget that matches your vision for the conversion. The average garage conversion costs $14,400, with the size of the garage and what you plan to convert the garage into representing the two most influential cost factors. As far as timing, you can spend anywhere from four to six weeks turning your garage into a lounge, office, or guest house.

Mares & Dow

Contact your local skylight contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to transform your home. We have over 40 years of installation and consulting experience.

Your Business Needs New Siding If It Has These Warning Signs

Your Business Needs New Siding If It Has These Warning Signs - home remodeling contractors - Mares & Dow

You never get a second chance to make a positive first impression. One of the best home remodeling contractors can make the first chance count.

As a business owner or manager, the sales process goes through a few phases before you win the loyalty of a new customer. The first phase of the sales process involves attracting potential customers by making a positive first impression. You want your business to present a professional appearance that makes potential customers want to come inside to learn more about what you have to offer.

New siding can make the difference in transforming your brand from an ordinary business into one that exudes high quality. The question is not whether your business needs new siding. Instead, the question is how do you recognize the signs your business needs to hire one of the best siding contractors to make a positive first impression on customers.

Faded Color

Most manufacturers produce siding that maintains its color for as long as the duration rating given to the siding. If the color of your business siding has faded, this means the waterproofing layers have started to deteriorate. Faded color not only presents a less than ideal appearance, but it also indicates your business is vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.

Bubbles Under the Surface

The development of water bubbles demonstrates the siding protecting your business has started to deteriorate. If you notice bubbles located in a specific area of the siding, you might be able to replace the section of compromised siding. However, noticing bubbles should be a sign that you are about to tap into your structural improvement budget to replace the entire siding of your business.

Holes

Insects love to make siding home sweet home, which often leads to the pests burrowing holes that require the completion of a foundation construction project. Unlike bubbles and faded color, holes indicate significant damage to your siding that requires costly repairs and preventive treatments. Holes that appear in the siding of your business become especially troublesome as the weather warms up after an especially harsh winter.

Mold

Siding is supposed to repel moisture to prevent the development of mold. If you detect mold growth along the seams of the siding that protects your business, the time has come to replace the old siding with new siding. Mold, fungi, and mildew can cause respiratory issues for both your customers and the members of your team. When cleaning areas of mold does not make it disappear, new siding might be the only solution to prevent mold from growing.

Increase in Energy Costs

Not every sign your business needs new siding involves physical clues. Higher energy bills can indicate compromised siding that needs to be replaced immediately. Cool air can leak out of the gaps formed by older siding and warm air no longer remains trapped to keep your customers comfortable during the colder months of the year.

Siding that has diminished in quality decreases the visual appeal of your business. To make a positive first impression, spend the money necessary to make your business visually appealing to potential customers.

Mares & Dow Specializes in Siding

Contact the siding contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to discuss whether siding is the best fit for your home. With over 40 years of experience, we offer the best in residential and commercial siding installation.

Fiber Cement Siding: What You Need to Know

Fiber Cement Siding- What You Need to Know - siding contractor - Mares Dow

Home remodeling contractors and siding contractors alike tend to favor cement siding above all others, especially when they work with a homeowner who wants to balance affordability with durability. Fiber- cement siding is a dependable mix of cement and cellulose fibers that is sturdy, low maintenance, and can fit into countless homeowner aesthetics.

Before you select fiber cement as your siding material, you’ll want to know a few other details.

Fiber cement is resistant to pests and fire

As your first line of defense against pests, siding quality and material can make all the difference in protecting your home from an invasion. If pests break through your siding, they can make a feast of your home’s wooden structure. Fortunately, fiber-cement siding makes it a lot harder for pests to find gaps or make their own entrances. They’ll give up and move on to other less durable materials, like wood siding or low quality siding with bulges or gaps that provide easy access.

If your home is surrounded by greenery or in an area heavily populated with pests and wildlife, fiber siding is a perfect choice to keep your home secure. You’ll get double the protection if you’re in a woodland area that’s susceptible to wildfire, because fiber cement is also fire resistant.

Fiber cement accommodates all house styles

Whether your home has the rugged put-togetherness of a Craftsman or the feminine touch of a Victorian, its architectural beauty will only stand out further with fiber cement siding. Fiber cement comes in all color shades, and various shapes and textures.

For homes that are short and lower to the ground, fiber cement vertical siding can create the impression of height. Homes that are narrow can appear longer with fiber cement horizontal siding. And homes that are looking for a unique touch can use fiber cement shingles or textured panels, which can create modern or timeless designs.

A contractor favorite is James Hardie fiber cement siding

When it comes to quality, James Hardie is the go-to for fiber cement siding. In fact, its fiber cement horizontal siding is the most popular brand in North America. Contractors trust James Hardie for its extensive array of options—from colors to textures to shapes—and its proven ability to withstand extreme climate and fire, and still look fantastic years after installation. James Hardie also has an excellent blend of quality and affordability so homeowners can keep within their budget.

Mares & Dow specializes in fiber cement siding

Contact the siding contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to discuss whether fiber cement siding is the best fit for your home. With over 40 years of experience, we offer the best in residential and commercial siding installation.

Make a Bold Statement with New Siding

Make a Bold Statement with New Siding - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

As the end of 2021 approaches, you might already be thinking of your resolutions and home renovation ideas for 2022. Home remodeling contractors are gearing up for a new year of trends and exterior transformations, and so should you. Siding is your home’s first layer of protection against the elements and should be maintained to prevent moisture damage and pest invasion.

Another feature of siding is to decorate your home and impress visitors, so there are two key features to consider: material and appearance.

Material: There are 3 main types of siding

Vinyl 

Vinyl is low cost, easy to maintain, and is immune to termite and pest damage. It comes in different colors and styles but can look plastic up close. Siding contractors can also install vinyl that looks like wood from a distance.

Wood 

Wood gives your home a classic appearance and comes in styles including clapboard, shakes, shingles and solid wood. Clapboard wood is made of overlapping horizontal planks, shakes are hand-cut panels, and shingles are machine cut.

Fiber Cement 

Fiber cement is a durable low-maintenance mix of cement and cellulose fibers. It’s great for rainy climates and is resistant to fire and pests.

Appearance: Contrasting colors are trending

To boost their curb appeal with new siding, homeowners are gravitating toward designs that contrast against their window and door accents, garage doors, and entry doors. The right contrast combinations can make your home pop out or stand out just enough to be unique without looking out of place in your neighborhood.

Trend: Dark Siding, Light Accents

Siding that is black or another deep color has increased in popularity because it pops with a modern touch. Dark siding can be balanced with wooden columns and large windows to avoid looking washed out. For colors, going with light trim and accents will make your home appear multi-layered.

Trend: Light Siding, Dark Accents

White siding and dark accents will give a bold combination that is more conservative than covering your home with black or charcoal siding, making this more appealing to people who don’t want their home to really stand out.

Mares & Dow — Bay Area Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact siding contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to discuss the best materials and colors for your home. With over 40 years of experience, we offer the best in residential and commercial siding installation.

Spruce Up Your Kitchen with These Clever Upgrades That will Impress Guests

Spruce Up Your Kitchen with These Clever Upgrades That will Impress Guests - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

Your kitchen renovation is the sum of parts big and small, but when most homeowners think of their plans, their focus is fully on the big picture. Home remodeling contractors aren’t only in charge of installing new countertops, appliances, and VELUX skylights. They also assist with the finer details of remodeling, like the upgrades below.

Pot Rack

Do you or another family member spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing food or cooking? A pot rack can free up cabinet space for kitchen tools and cooking ingredients, and add to the kitchen’s design. Your remodeler can install a hanging pot rack above your island counter, or on the wall above a wall-adjacent counter. Some pot racks are attached to shelves that can hold plants, spices, decor, or whatever else you need to give your kitchen a personal touch.

Pull Down Faucet

Have your remodeler install a sink faucet with a pull-down nozzle for convenient cleaning. These nozzles are more convenient than swivel heads and can free up a hand for washing dishes and the sink itself. You’ll be able to pull the nozzle out for up-close and angled washing. Many pull-down nozzles come with two stream settings you can toggle between for your convenience and preference: stream and spray.

Butcher Block Island Counter

Instead of installing an island counter with built-in cabinets, you could give the impression of more space without sacrificing storage room with a butcher block island counter. They can be designed in various ways, but typically have open-air storage cubbies or shelves. This helps make your small home feel less stuffy and more spacious. You could have closed-door drawers on two opposite sides, with open shelves lined up in the middle. You could have one shelf at the bottom and pull-out drawers underneath the surface. Ask your home remodeler for advice regarding the best countertop designs to choose from.

Spinning Spice Rack

Are you part of a spice-heavy family? Create an organization area for your spices by installing a spinning spice rack in a corner cabinet. The cabinet doors can be handleless so when pushed in, the carousel rotates to expose the shelves. You could purchase a spice rack from a department store, but built-in spice racks are sturdy and customized to accommodate your kitchen design.

Mares & Dow — Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to give your kitchen a new look with impressive built-in features. We have over 40 years of experience in planning and leading beautiful, long lasting, and energy-efficient home renovation.

Should You Add an Interior Archway to Your Renovation Plans?

Should You Add an Interior Archway to Your Renovation Plans? - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

Have you considered archways in your home remodeling plan? If you’re doing big renovations, such as redoing your kitchen or adding a room, why not add an archway while you’re at it? Home remodeling contractors can add archways to your walls, making an alcove to display a window or decor, or build arched doorways between rooms.

Reasons to consider adding an interior archway:

You want to highlight a specific room or area

Every home has a room or communal space that’s the highlight of the layout. If you don’t think you have one, ask yourself what area of your house makes you the most proud. Is it your living room where you enjoy entertaining your family and guests? Is it your kitchen, where your guests are always amazed by your cooking? Or is it an alcove where people can sit and relax during parties?

Wherever your pride is, remodeling general contractors can highlight it with an interior archway. Even without remodeling the room or space, an interior arch can make it appear extra special. This is because an arch can function as a framing device. Now, imagine combining an arch with a remodeling of the interior. Home remodeling contracts can make the arch complement the new layout in a striking way, such as giving the dining room an elegant touch.

Your home is small

An interior arch can make your small home feel less stuffy by expanding the space a regular door would take. A wide arch can open the wall, elongating your square footage and creating an open floor space. Your home can feel even larger if one side of the arch has access to plenty of sunlight, a natural component to shrinking shadows that make spaces feel smaller and cramped.

You want to complement your architectural style

There are four different types of arches, and each one complements a different architectural style. Knowing your home’s architectural style is one of several things you need to consider before remodeling your home. The four arches are semi-circle, soft, gothic, and bell curve.

Semi-Circle Arch

The semi-circle arch has a rounded top with a typically narrow walkway. They’re simple and modern, and look great when framing a window or door. They’re also great ideas for arched hallways.

Soft Arch

The soft arch is like an elongated semi-circle arch, as its entryway is wider and the curve is flatter. These arches are best for larger rooms, such as kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms.

Gothic Arch

The gothic arch has a pointed center, similar to the dramatic arches seen in churches. They’re not as commonly used in houses, as their design can be a touch too dramatic for most architectural styles. But if you’re looking for added flair, they might interest you.

Bell Curve Arch

The bell curve arch has a rounded top with ends that swoop down and extend to the sides. The gentle swoop of the curve can accentuate rooms that appear rather ordinary, such as a living room with simple decor that doesn’t draw the eye.

Mares & Dow – Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to turn your interior archway ideas into a plan that fits your budget. We have over 40 years of experience in planning and leading beautiful, long lasting, and energy-efficient home renovation.

Overlooked Home Renovations That Will Increase Your Resale Value

Overlooked Home Renovations That Will Increase Your Resale Value - home remodeling contractor - Mares & Dow

As a homeowner, you’ve entertained the possibilities of home renovation. Perhaps you’ve turned your imagination into reality, or like many others, renovation might be a wistful thought. If you’re skipping out because you don’t think it’s worth it in the long haul, you should reconsider.

Home renovation can benefit you now and in the future by increasing your home resale value. You’ll recoup most of the costs, and that’ll be after you’ve enjoyed them yourself. You can also get a lot out of your budget these days, especially working with experienced home remodeling contractors who make every penny work for their clients.

Here are a few overlooked home renovations that aren’t massive, but will increase your resale value:

New Entry Door

Overlooked Home Renovations That Will Increase Your Resale Value - home remodeling contractor - Mares & Dow

If you renovate only one aspect of your exterior, general contractors suggest you look at the entrance. Your front door is a major focal point when people visit your home. It serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, and shows off your home’s personality. With dual duties, it’s a good idea to make your front door appealing in style and functionally.

To appeal to a variety of buyers, find a midpoint between too ordinary and too outspoken. An easy way to find an appealing door is to consider the entirety of your home’s exterior. If you’re not changing the rest of the exterior, try to match the architectural design and complement the color scheme. Also try to fit durable materials into your budget, such as fiberglass or wood doors. If you’re on a budget, you can install steel doors.

If your listing date is unknown or far into the future, your entry door should be modern but timeless. Minimalist doors are a current trend that could last years, as they streamline the exterior design. These doors have clean lines and detailing to guide the eye along smooth patterns. Extravagant detailing with wood carvings are less trendy, and might fall out of favor years from now.

Bonus Room Conversions

Overlooked Home Renovations That Will Increase Your Resale Value - home remodeling contractor - Mares & Dow

Instead of spending a major chunk of your renovation budget on increasing your square footage, you can work with what you already have. An easy place to look is your bonus room. Is it currently a home office, guest bedroom, library, game room, or perhaps it’s a storage area for unorganized belongings. 

When it comes to attracting a wide range of buyers, you want the room to be as versatile as possible. Turn it into a bedroom that could be for family members or a guest. Generally, converting a bedroom into a home office doesn’t recuperate enough of the cost to justify the renovation. It’s more efficient to leave the wiring alone and work with the bonus room’s current amenities.

Repaint interior walls with neutral colors

Wall colors are a personal choice for all homeowners, but during the selling process, they should be a neutral color. This makes it easy for people to “color over” the current walls with their dream paint. For example, if your walls are painted a soft gray, buyers will have an easier time picturing what the walls will look like in another color. Bold colors like red and teal could distract and turn away buyers.

Another benefit of repainting is covering up scuffs and defects, turning your walls into a blank slate for future homeowners. For an added bonus, include white wall accents and trim to make your space appear wider. The illusion of extra space can make a small home feel less stuffy and add to your resale value.

Skylights

Among the most overlooked home renovation features are skylights. Installing a single skylight in a strategic place of your home can make a room feel airy and expansive. Your square footage will feel much larger, increasing the price buyers are willing to pay. If you decide to add skylights, consider the following high-traffic areas: kitchen, dining room, living room, and hallway.

Mares & Dow – Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to turn your ideas into a plan that fits your budget. We have over 40 years of experience in planning and leading beautiful, long lasting, and energy-efficient home renovation.

Transform Your Kitchen with This Simple Home Remodeling Addition

Transform-Your-Kitchen-with-This-Simple-Home-Remodeling-Addition-skylight-contractor-Mares-Dow

An overlooked area of kitchen remodeling is the ceiling. Most homeowners think of their ceiling renovation in terms of paint and light fixtures. This is a limiting scope of view, as it ignores a feature that could make the kitchen feel and appear completely different: skylights.

If you don’t have the budget for a full kitchen remodel, you can still get that all-expansive feel by working with skylight contractors. With a simple skylight addition, cooking in your kitchen will be a completely different experience.

Here’s why:

Skylights make your kitchen appear larger

Home remodeling contractors incorporate natural light into their projects to make the square footage work harder. As a vital part of keeping houses from feeling stuffy, home remodeling contractors rely on natural light to shrink shadows. When combined with bright wall paint, flooring panels, doors, and furniture, skylights can make a small home feel less stuffy.

The same concept applies to your kitchen. As the heart of your home, your kitchen should make you proud and excited. In addition to owning a sharp design, your kitchen should feel large and welcoming. A new skylight can chase away the shadows that swallow up the corners of your kitchen. With more surfaces visible to the eye, the kitchen appears larger.

Skylights turn your kitchen into an energy hub

Transform-Your-Kitchen-with-This-Simple-Home-Remodeling-Addition-2-skylight-contractor-Mares-Dow

Mornings will be more enjoyable with a kitchen skylight. In kitchens with limited natural light, it can be a struggle to stay awake. You might have to turn on a few kitchen lights if you’re up earlier than the sun, and electric lights could strain your eyes. With a skylight, the natural rise and fall of the sun will guide your circadian rhythm.

Your circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock. It uses natural light to “schedule” your body’s essential functions, such as sleeping. At about 7:30 AM, your body stops producing melatonin, the hormone that makes you feel sleepy. At 10 AM, you’re at your highest level of awakeness. Your body begins secreting melatonin at 9 PM. At 2 AM, your body is prepared for the deepest sleep.

Without natural light, your circadian rhythm would be off. When you keep electric lights on past 9 PM, you’re telling your body it’s not time to sleep. If you keep your curtains closed in the morning, you’re telling your body it’s still time to sleep. This is why kitchen skylights can make the kitchen more enjoyable in the morning. The extra light will help your family stay awake even when they’ve had little sleep.

Mares & Dow are your local skylight contractors

Contact the skylight contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to install the latest VELUX models. With over 40 years of experience, we offer the best in residential and commercial skylight installation.

The Allure of an Open-Air Kitchen

The Allure of an Open-Air Kitchen - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

Your kitchen doesn’t have to be entirely outdoors to be open air. Though many open-air concepts are outdoor kitchens separate from the home’s interior, home remodeling contractors can open your indoor kitchen to the outdoors in a variety of ways to meet your vision and budget.

Not convinced about a new kitchen? Read below to learn why other homeowners are opening their kitchens.

Makes your home spacious

A simple trick to make a home feel more spacious is by opening windows and doors. This extends the field of the vision, giving the impression of more space. Large windows can be slid open to extend the view and allow in breezy air. This makes your kitchen feel like a part of the outdoors, and thus larger. In this simple open-air concept, home remodelers can install multi-panel windows that open all the way.

For a more outdoorsy kitchen, a remodeler or general contractor can extend the exterior wall out to create some standing space and a slidable glass door. If you can push the wall out further, you can add a table, chairs, and a retractable awning.

Allows for more natural light

Whether an open-air designs are simple or intensive, it greatly increases a home’s light allowance. This makes the smallest kitchens appear larger because light chases away shadows. Even when an open-air kitchen is closed off, its windows or glass doors will let daylight through. Additionally, if your walls, countertops, furniture, and flooring are lighter in color, the extra light will bounce off.

Makes it easy to entertain guests

An open-air kitchen will entertain guests with little effort on your part. Simply open the windows and roll aside the doors. Guests can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about sitting in the sun or getting their feet dirty. For outdoor BBQs and parties, your kitchen can serve as a “take-out” window. It will be easy to hand out dishes and drinks, because you won’t need to go through the backyard door.

Mares & Dow – Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to turn your ideas into a plan that fits your budget. We have over 40 years of experience in beautiful, long lasting, and energy-efficient home renovation.

How to Make Your Small Home Feel Less Stuffy and More Spacious

How to Make Your Small Home Feel Less Stuffy and More Spacious - home remodeling - Mares Dow

Is there a certain area of your home that feels stuffier than the others? Several factors could be contributing, such as a lack of daylight, the color of your walls and flooring, and bulky furniture. Fixes can range from minor changes, like removing unnecessary furniture, to larger ones likes hiring skylight contractors or home remodelers.

Simplify your furniture to make space

If your home is stuffed corner-to-corner with extra couches, chairs, tables, or an abundance of houseplants, you could benefit from some rearranging. Take inventory of your furniture and decide if any of them are unnecessary or could be replaced with something more compact. 

Overstuffed furniture can take up much needed space, and can block your windows, closing you off to sunlight. Low-lying furniture, like couches with short backrests, can give your home more “air space” as well.

Also make use of vertical space. Add shelves to bare walls, floor to ceiling, to maximize your storage and clear up your home. Cover your bathroom walls with mirrors. Also get creative with your storage options, such as using below bed storage, putting baskets on top of wardrobes or cabinets, and filling empty luggage with out-of-season clothes.

Change your wall paint or flooring to brighten your interior

A common cause of stuffiness is dark decor. From dark furniture to dark walls and flooring, it’s better to have bright colors. If you’re able to work with a home remodeling contractor, consider installing light wooden panels or carpet, or repainting your walls to be brighter. When they reflect light, they’ll give your home a more expansive feel.

If you can’t change your flooring or walls, a quick getaround is to roll out bright rugs, throw blankets, or change your curtains and drapes. You could also hang bright paintings and photos, but don’t go overboard or you’ll crowd out your home. Try to keep it simple.

Increase your home’s access to daylight

If you’re thinking of home remodeling but don’t want to tear out your floors or repaint, you can look skyward. Have skylight contractors recommend the best spots to get optimal sunlight. This will chase away shadows, which is a major culprit of rooms feeling small. If coupled with leaving your windows uncovered, you’ll get a dramatic increase in perceived space.

Mares & Dow are your local skylight contractors

Contact the skylight contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to install the latest VELUX models. With over 40 years of experience, we offer the best in skylight installation.

Does Your Kitchen Feel Too Small? Try These Design Tips

Does Your Kitchen Feel Too Small_ Try These Design Tips - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

The largest culprit of kitchens feeling small and congested is styling. The wall paint might be too dark and create the illusion of a shrunken room. There might not be enough lighting—natural or artificial—to chase away the shadows. The reasons can go on and on. Instead of trying to work around them to make your kitchen larger, you attack the problem head-on with the help of home remodeling contractors and the following design tips.

Style your kitchen with white and neutral colors

Dark backsplashes, cabinets, and countertops will make a small kitchen feel claustrophobic. Opt for light colors that seamlessly blend together. White is a go-to for designers and residential general contractors because of its reflective nature. Incorporate different shades and textures of white to give your kitchen a multi-dimensional feel. You can accent the white with soft, natural shades that make for smooth color transitions.

Be careful with strong color contrast because that can emphasize edges and shrink your kitchen. Typically, countertops and cabinets should be of the same color family, while walls and trim are of the same color. One exception is painting one wall a dark color to create the appearance of an alcove or nook.

Increase natural light

One of the most immediate fixes to make a kitchen appear larger is increasing the natural light. You don’t need to install new windows. Instead, keep your blinds open or install shades or window treatments that offer privacy without blocking out light. Natural light can also bounce off surfaces from the windows of adjacent rooms.

If you’re open to window renovation, a trend is to install a single, long skylight above your island counters or the center of the kitchen. Flooding a room with natural light will smooth out shadows and make it appear seamlessly expansive.

Draw the eye up and out

Open shelves, or shelf uppers, in place of wall cabinets will make your kitchen appear larger by exposing the backsplash. They might not offer the same storage space as traditional 24-inch deep cabinets, but a single wall can make a significant difference. If you need that extra cabinet space, you can remove the cabinet doors or use glass doors to give the impression of open space.

If you want to increase your storage space, you can install wall cabinets that stretch to the ceiling. It has a similar effect to open shelves or doorless cabinets. To maximize the height, use cabinets with hidden hinges, simple designs, minimalistic door pulls, and flat doors. 

Mares & Dow – Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to turn your ideas into a plan that fits your budget. We have over 40 years of experience in beautiful, long lasting, and energy-efficient home renovation.

What You Need to Consider Before Remodeling Your Home

What You Need to Consider Before Remodeling Your Home - home remodeling contractor - Mares Dow

You already know why you want to remodel your home, whether to expand for a growing family, update a 20-year-old design, or change things up. But before you get quotes from home remodeling contractors, you should consider the following:

Building Codes and Homeowner Association (HOA) Guidelines

Homeowners frequently disregard building codes and guidelines when they brainstorm renovation plans. This often results in wasted time and heartache when their local government or HOA board rejects their proposed project. 

Before setting your mind on specific layouts, look up the codes and regulations for your residential zone—including HOA guidelines if you’re part of an association. Sample restrictions include not having enough property space for a room addition, limits on fence height, and an acceptable range of colors for your siding. 

Some HOAs have strict rules to preserve the aesthetics of a neighborhood, which could drastically impede your remodeling plans. However, don’t let that discount your interior remodeling. Home remodeling contractors can maintain your exterior’s appearance while completely transforming the inside.

Your Plans for the Future

How long do you plan to live in your home after remodeling? Do you predict your household will grow? If you’re planning for kids, long-term overnight guests like close friends or extended family, or additional pets, your remodeling should speak to it. If your household is thinning out, you could knock down walls to expand your rooms. You could convert an unused bedroom into an office, library, or even a workout room.

Do you expect to lease out or sell your house after enjoying it for a few years? Then consider adding amenities that will appeal to renters and buyers. For example, additional bedrooms and bathrooms will attract families, while a home with fewer but larger rooms might attract older couples.

The Overall Theme or Style

Your style will reflect in the flooring, wall paint, and ceiling pattern you choose, you’ll also need to choose how those materials look and which style suits your home. Home remodeling contractors specialize in structural designs and determining the best layout for your home, but interior designers can help you with the specifics of interior design.

Home remodeling contractors can still help you select materials ranging from decorative to durable to economical. Your remodeling contractor might already have a partnership with an interior designer. If not, you can ask if it’s possible to collaborate with an interior designer before finalizing the remodeling plan.

Your Project Budget

The materials you choose and whether you hire both a remodeling contractor and interior designer will impact your budget. In addition to paying your contractors, you’ll have to cover building materials, permits, and possible conditions that surprise you.

Also consider the after-installation cost, including utility bills. Environmentally-friendly choices, like skylights and large windows, can reduce your electricity bills by increasing your natural light.  Considering getting quotes for green builds, which focus on lowering your home’s carbon footprint.

Mares & Dow – Home Remodeling Contractors

Contact your local home remodeling contractors at Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today to turn your ideas into a plan that fits your budget. We have over 40 years of experience in beautiful, long lasting, and energy-efficient home renovation.

Schedule your
ESTIMATE Today!

or

CALL US
925.671.9500 or 415.447.6136 for more information on Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc.

Velux 5 – Star Skylights Specialist

Locations

East Bay
5016 Forni Drive, Suite F
Concord, CA 94520
925-671-9500

San Francisco
1155 Ellis St. Suite #4
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-447-6136

Mares Dow Siding contractor

FOUNDATION REPAIR PRODUCTS & METHODS

Grip Tite - Certified Repair Specialist

Remodeling – Mares & Dow
© Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc.
Customer rating: 4.5 / 5 Mares Dow Rating based on 57 reviews
Like Us On Facebook  Follow Us On Twitter  RSS Feed