Capitol Design

Bathroom Technology Ideas for Your Bathroom Remodeling Project

July 4, 2017 by Capitol Design

Bathroom Remodeling and Bathroom Technology

Before you start your bathroom remodeling project, it’s important that you’re aware of the bathroom technology that’s available. Your bathroom renovations will look completely different once you have an idea of all the things that you can add on. Here are some bathroom technology ideas that you’ve probably never even thought of.

Heated Floors

Cold bathroom floors in the mornings or in colder seasons can be uncomfortable. Adding heated floors is one of the most favored bathroom remodeling options by homeowners. Believe it or not, adding this bathroom technology can be very affordable if you go a hydronic floor heating system. Installing heated floors with electronic radiant heating is the more expensive bathroom remodeling add-on. Which of the two bathroom renovations options you go with will depend whether you have a boiler system in place.

Self Cleaning Toilets

Cleaning the toilet is one of the most hated cleaning jobs in the home, so why not get it out of the way with your bathroom renovations. Self cleaning toilets have come out not too long and now can be added to your bathroom remodeling plans. The technology works by using a cleaning liquid and circulating it around the toilet bowl for several minutes. This bathroom technology will ensure that you never have to get your hands dirty ever again.

Digital Faucets

If you want a green home, digital faucets should be in your bathroom renovations plan. These faucets allow you to control tap flow, set precise temperatures and sense when the faucet is not in use. Installing a faucet like this doesn’t require an exhausting bathroom remodel job. So even if you’re almost done with your bathroom remodeling, you can still replace your existing faucet and install a digital faucet with relative ease.

High Tech Showers

More homeowners are opting to add high tech showers to their bathroom remodeling plans. That’s because it makes the shower experience more comfortable and convenient. You can control the temperature of the shower, water flow, install additional shower heads and even build steam for a sauna-like experience. One of the most favorite bathroom renovations for showers is installing multiple shower heads to cover all the angles. This simple and functional bathroom remodel installation will save you a lot of time and water.

Bathroom Privacy Glass

If you want a more minimal and convenient way to add privacy to your bathroom, you can install a privacy glass for your shower or specific sections of our bathroom. This is the simplest of bathroom renovations because it’s just an electronic based tint. All you have to do is click a button and the window will be completely blurred. This is a must have in your bathroom remodeling plans if your bathroom has a window.

Vanity Mirror TV

If you want your bathroom renovations to include a TV, you may want to consider going with a vanity mirror TV. This installation puts a small sized TV set in your vanity mirror. If you absolutely want a TV in the bathroom, this will be one of the better options for your bathroom renovations. Setting TVs in your walls can be expensive due to the added labor costs of creating that space. So if your bathroom remodeling project is on a tight budget, vanity mirror TVs are perfect.

Those are some of the bathroom technology options you should consider for your bathroom renovations. In most cases, your bathroom remodeling plan will have a set budget. You want to think about which bathroom renovations are the most important to you. Then you can move on to the different bathroom technology options for each add-on. Once you come up with clear decision for your bathroom remodeling plans, you’ll be able to shop around for contractors for quotes.

Kitchen Technology Options to Consider for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

July 4, 2017 by Capitol Design

Kitchen Remodeling and Kitchen Technology

A kitchen remodeling project isn’t complete without the right kitchen technology. Today, the latest kitchen technology can really add a lot of value to kitchen renovations as they allow you to do everything from save space, cook your food faster to making working in your kitchen more convenient. Here are a few kitchen technology options to consider for your upcoming kitchen renovations.

Appliances and Furniture with Space Saving Features

A big part of any kitchen renovations project is figuring out how to do more with less.

One option to consider for your kitchen renovations is to get an oven with French doors. The conventional door requires a lot of space to open fully, so French doors are perfect for smaller kitchen. Another option to consider for your kitchen remodeling is an island that has multiple pull out drawers, cabinetry, hangers and wall mounts so that you don’t have to confine everything in your wall cabinetry. So if you’re kitchen remodeling project is all about making the most out of the small space you have, take a look at the space savings options that are available with appliances and furniture.

Connected Kitchen Appliances

When thinking about kitchen renovations, you want to think about what’s going add convenience and safety your kitchen. That’s why connected kitchen appliances should be an important part of your kitchen remodeling plans. You’ll find everything from ovens that can be controlled from your mobile phone to appliances that sync cooking times. Appliances are now coming with kitchen technology that allows you to monitor and operate your kitchen from anywhere. This kitchen renovations approach will make cooking more efficient, easier and safe.

Refrigerators with Multiple Temperate Controlled Spaces

Some people opt to have multiple refrigerators in their kitchen remodeling plans. But the latest kitchen technology will probably change these kitchen remodeling plans.

The latest refrigerators come with isolated temperature zones. Each zone in the refrigerator can have a custom temperature, so you can use it for multiple purposes whether it’s to set a temperature for thawing meat, make sure frozen foods stay frozen or keep your produce fresh. Regular refrigerators have produce drawers which only control the humidity and do not offer the temperature controls to help you get the most out of your food. Plus, your kitchen remodeling plan can do without the second mini fridge taking away space, so look for refrigerators that offer this feature.

Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops should be on the top of your mind for kitchen renovations project. There are several reasons why you should consider adding them in your kitchen remodeling project. Induction cooktops heat up faster, are more energy efficient, are safer and are more temperature precise. Many are also digitally connected so that you have complete control over the temperature and can monitor them when you’re not home. Another big selling point for adding induction cooktops to your kitchen renovations plan is that cleaning up an induction oven is just so much more easier than conventional stove ovens.

Media and Device Support

One thing that homeowners forget to think about in their kitchen remodeling project is device connectivity. If you’re like many people, you want to install a LCD screen, have some way to attach a tablet to eye level or simply have a plug-in available for devices in your kitchen space. This requires thoughtful planning and installing the right setup. That’s why you should factor this in when planning your kitchen remodel or you’re going to have to go back to your kitchen renovations plan and have to change everything at the last minute.

Those are some of the kitchen technology options to consider when planning a kitchen remodeling project. You shouldn’t look at appliances after coming up with the look you want. Appliances should be a big part of your kitchen renovations as they offer a lot of functionality, impact the space and make your kitchen more convenient to work in. The only thing left to ask is: what technology will you add to your kitchen remodeling project?

Understanding Bathroom Remodeling Costs

May 23, 2017 by Capitol Design

Bathroom Remodeling Costs

Are you planning to undergo bathroom renovations? Bathroom remodeling costs can run anywhere from $3000 to $7000 depending on the size of your bathroom and how much you want to change. It can be hard to figure out how to make your dollar stretch as much as possible. But if you work with a good bathroom contractor and put a lot of thought into it, you can save a lot of money on your bathroom remodeling costs.

What’s Costs the Most Money in a Bathroom Remodeling Project?

It’s fairly obvious what’s going to cost the most money in a bathroom remodeling project. Most of the bathroom remodeling costs will come from bathroom fixtures, cabinetry, plumbing and flooring. Other parts like the walls, ceilings, doors, windows, and lighting will usually only make up a fraction of the bathroom remodeling costs.

However, most home owners will not need to spend money on complete bathroom renovations. Most simply have a problem with the fixtures, cabinetry or flooring. The big costs really come from moving fixtures as you usually have to change the plumbing to accommodate for the big change.

Tips on Saving Money on Your Bathroom Remodeling Costs

There are some easy ways to save on your bathroom remodeling project. First, if you need to strip the flooring, remove cabinets or break down a wall, you can do it yourself to save on labor costs. Next, you can think about making part of the bathroom renovations a DIY projects. Some homeowners like to do the tiling themselves as the project is very straightforward.

Next, you should think about keeping your fixtures in the same location. Moving fixtures means that you’ll have to work on the plumbing. Work with your bathroom contractor in coming up with a design that is built around existing fixture locations. Even if the location isn’t ideal, you might be able to come up with a great design.

Then, you have to look at the tiling. Adding great looking tiles on your walls and floors can really transform the look of your bathroom. The downside is that the costs can add up. If you still want a great look, you can get ceramic or vinyl tiles and use the money you saved on decorative elements like light fixtures, drapes, paintings and other small accents.

Finally, consider going with laminate counter tops. If you need a new vanity set, go with laminate instead of granite. Granite looks nice and is tougher but it can really break your budget. You’ll end up increasing your bathroom remodeling costs significantly with this single choice.

Hopefully, you’ve gotten many ideas on how to think about your bathroom remodeling project. A remodeling project doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s all about collecting ideas, planning and being creative about how you’re going to spend your money. Working with the right bathroom contractor and doing some of the work yourself can also go a long way in helping you save money. So put in the work to find the right contractor and some thought into what you can do yourself.

How to Save on Your Kitchen Remodeling Costs

May 23, 2017 by Capitol Design

Kitchen Remodeling Costs

Are you looking to remodel your kitchen? Kitchen remodeling can be a large home project. It can take anywhere from one to two months to complete kitchen renovations. In addition, kitchen remodeling costs can end up being tens of thousands of dollars. How comfortable you are with kitchen remodeling costs depends on your budget. According to Home Advisor, the average homeowner spends $21,670 to remodel their kitchen. If you want to go with a mid-budget kitchen remodeling project, the price should be around the $20,000 range.

Breakdown of the Costs in a Kitchen Remodeling Project

Wondering how the average breakdown of a kitchen renovations project will be? For most home owners, cabinetry and hardware will make up around 20 to 30 percent of the budget. The appliances and ventilation will make up 10 to 20 percent of the kitchen renovations budget. The countertop can run anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of the budget. Everything else like the lighting, flooring, doors, walls, faucets will make up around 5 percent.

One of the most important things that you have to remember that you’ll have to hire a kitchen contractor for designing and installing your new kitchen. Unless you’re planning on doing everything yourself, factor in these kitchen remodeling costs. With that said, every kitchen remodeling project is different. You may not want to do a complete overhaul and may only need a few changes.

Saving Money on Your Kitchen Remodeling Costs

If you want to overhaul your whole kitchen but have a small budget to work with, you want to focus on the most important aspects of your kitchen. Most people will want a new set of cabinetry and hardware. Rather than get a complete new set of cabinets, you can opt to repair and partly install new cabinets to save on kitchen remodeling costs.

This kitchen remodeling hack can work if you can find a set of cabinets that complement your existing cabinets. If you need more space, there are inserts, racks and hangers that you can add on separately to maximize your old cabinets. Don’t forget that you’re going get more space with new cabinets as well.

The next common thing homeowners focus on is the countertop. An old, cracked and moldy counter top can really ruin the look of a kitchen. While you may want to go with marble or granite counter tops, you can slash your kitchen remodeling costs significantly by going with laminate ones.

Working with a Kitchen Contractor

If you’re looking to save money on your kitchen remodeling project, you need to make sure you work with a good kitchen contractor. Start by asking for referrals and looking at the contractor’s credentials. That will get you going in the right direction but the success of your kitchen remodeling project really depends on the contractor’s past work.

Look at the contractor’s portfolio to see if he can deliver on the look you’re going for at your budget. You need to make sure that the contractor’s work has the aesthetic that can mix and match different cabinetry styles, find you affordable countertops that look just as great as high quality counter tops, and do more with your kitchen remodeling project with less.

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

July 24, 2016 by Capitol Design

Selecting kitchen cabinet hardware is an easily underestimated task, but when decking out your home, you must leave no detail unattended. The details are what take your beautiful kitchen to the next level. They complete the look you desire for your home and pull all of the hard work of your kitchen remodel or renovation together into one cohesive masterpiece. Not only that, but they are also an opportunity to display your personality in a small, but effective way. The vast array of kitchen cabinet hardware options could seem overwhelming the more you dig through styles and materials and finishes, so allow yourself enough time to choose the best match for your kitchen. Your dedication will pay off as family and friends alike swoon over your kitchen cabinet hardware.

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Styles

Kitchen cabinet hardware comes in as many styles as you can imagine to fit your home. If you are going for the traditional look, you could choose exquisite brass knobs or antique drawer pulls to complete your kitchen design. Or if you prefer a more contemporary style, choose from sleek stainless steel or add some extra shine by incorporating gemstones or fun and unique materials into your kitchen cabinet hardware. Kitchens have even boasted materials ranging from rope to wood to ceramic in their hardware, each leaving a trace of the owner in the design. If you chose a neutral color scheme for your home, but wanted to add a burst of color to spice up your space, kitchen cabinet hardware is an ideal outlet for a colorful expression. Of all of the choices you make during a home improvement project, selecting kitchen cabinet hardware is just one step to take that displays your personality in your home.

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Functionality

Aside from the exciting design elements that kitchen cabinet hardware adds to your home, they do have functional value as well. Without some sort of drawer pulls or cabinet knobs, all of those hands would be touching your beautiful cabinetry, leaving behind natural oils and residue from whatever kitchen concoction is in the making. The kitchen cabinet hardware you choose will help protect your cabinets for years to come as many memories are made in your kitchen.

In the midst of the lengthening to do list of your kitchen remodel or renovation, do not neglect the details that pull all of your hard work together. It may seem that kitchen cabinet hardware is inconsequential, but the combination of design and function they add to your home makes them a strong source of value for the overall look of your kitchen. Consider the statement you want to make with your hardware choices- bold, classic, modern, eclectic; and the practical use of your kitchen cabinet hardware as you plan your home.

There is no end to the potential of your home when you attend to even the smallest of opportunities to customize your living space. Add color, sleek lines, exquisite embellishments or natural materials to your home through the details, while making no sacrifices in function. Kitchen cabinet hardware is your answer to the “What is missing”? question. As you are finalizing your kitchen design choices, make the kitchen cabinet hardware the icing on the cake.