Homeowners looking to renovate often see room for improvement in their kitchens and bathrooms. The National Association of Home Builder's Remodeling Market Index Survey, which measures conditions in the remodeling market, indicates that, in 2015, the two most common remodeling jobs were bathroom remodels (81 percent) and kitchen remodels (79 percent). According to HGTV and Statistics Brain, a new kitchen remodel for a kitchen measuring 12 by 12 feet may cost homeowners anywhere from $17,000 to $37,000.

Before investing so much into their remodeling projects, homeowners should think carefully about the features that will improve their time spent at home. When planning a kitchen renovation, homeowners may want to consider the following upgrades to make the room more enjoyable while improving its functionality.

Oversized sink

Although high-efficiency dishwashers are popular, deep sinks to soak soup pots or woks are still useful. Deep sinks may be preferable to double sinks, especially for homeowners who use lots of kitchen tools when preparing meals.

Soft-closing hinges

When replacing cabinets (or just the hardware), consider installing soft-closing hinges and slides on doors and drawers. These devices eliminate slamming and caught fingers, reducing noise and injuries in the kitchen.

Foot-pedal water operation

When outfitting a sink, think about foot controls, which are popular in doctors' offices and hospitals. Turning on the water with the tap of a foot can reduce the transfer of pathogens to faucets from hands during food preparation. These pedals also free up hands for other tasks.

Bottom's up

People likely spend more time raiding the refrigerator than the freezer on any given day. Rather than having to bend down to seek out that favorite flavor of Greek yogurt, choose a model with the fridge on top and freezer on the bottom, especially if anyone in the household has mobility issues. When shopping for refrigerators, French-door style units may offer even more access, making it easy for homeowners to slide fruit trays, sheet cakes and other large items into the fridge.

Extra lighting

A kitchen should be a balance of form and function. A combination of overhead lighting, decorative lighting and task lighting can illuminate all areas of the space effectively.

Appliance garages

Architectural and design resource Houzz says that appliance garages are popular kitchen additions, too. Set at countertop level, these cabinets allow people to keep small appliances plugged in but tucked neatly behind closed doors.

Kitchen remodels are a sizable investment, and renovations can be customized to make the kitchen more hospitable for all in residence. FH178195

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Must-have kitchen remodel features - Stanly News & Press

For those who are tired of their existing bathroom layout and feel, bathroom remodel is all that they need to add value to their rooms.

This press release was orginally distributed by ReleaseWire

Charlotte, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/11/2017 -- Upgrading an existing bathroom requires expert knowledge and skill to avoid further hassles. Considering the intricacies involved, it is important to find the right bathroom remodel service provider who has years of experience and expertise in this field. GJK Building & Remodeling LLC is one such premier company which has been successfully serving the good people with a superior bathroom remodel in Matthews NC and Weddington.

Staffed with expert professionals, the company has earned a good reputation for its quality service and commitment to excellence. Over the years, the company has grown from strength to strength, delivering to quality customer service. At GJK Building & Remodeling LLC, the experts are factory trained and well equipped with latest advances in technology.

To keep up with the race, they maintain a good relationship with their trusted customers. With minute attention to the details, they strive to pour in everything into the bathroom to take the entire remodel act to another level. With years of experience in the industry, they have been able to make a name for themselves as a full-service provider, delivering the best result possible. Also, they do something special to provide their clients and customers with total confidence in them. They also offer a warranty for an entire to be able to immediately step up to the plate to make any adjustments if required.

In addition to bathroom remodel, they also specialize in kitchen renovation in Charlotte and Matthews NC. Besides, they are experts in other services that include Sunroom renovations, home remodeling and renovations, custom home building and more.

The overall services are available at prices that can surprise one. The experts are responsive and unique in handling any work related to remodeling.

For more information regarding kitchen and bathroom remodel, visit http://www.remodelwithgjk.com/waxhaw-weddington-matthews-and-charlotte-nc-kitchen-remodeling-and-bathroom-remodeling/.

About GJK GJK is a full service design-build remodeling company based in Charlotte, NC. They believe in only having a few projects ongoing at one time so as to not lose sight of the quality and craftsmanship that they demand, and the attention their clients deserve.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/gjk-building-remodeling-llc-introduces-new-layout-for-bathroom-remodel-in-matthews-nc-and-weddington-830417.htm

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GJK Building & Remodeling LLC Introduces ... - Digital Journal - Digital Journal

Needing a good, reliable plumber is a simple fact of life. When things happen, you will be glad to know that Life Flow Plumbing can handle them all.

Sometimes you have a plumbing emergency, like when your system is backed up and water or worse is flooding your house. Sometimes you have no water or your toilet is hopelessly clogged. Then there are the less dire plumbing problems like hot water thats not hot or a tap that drips all night long.

Maybe your toilet needs to be replaced or the vanity sink has seen better days. If you have hard water, a water softener might be needed. Perhaps you are thinking of a bathroom remodel with one of those really cool showers you see on the home TV channel, a luxurious soaker tub or a complete renovation with new tile, flooring, cabinetry and the latest fixtures.

Life Flow Plumbing is your local resource for all your plumbing needs in life, whether they are emergencies or not so urgent. Owned by Matt Woodcraft , the shop is located in Brunnerville, and serves the entire area. Matt and his team of plumbing techs are all local and went through the rigorous plumbing and construction programs at Brownstowns Lancaster County Career & Technology Center. They worked in the field with other plumbers until Matt decided to start his own plumbing business four years ago. As a young and growing company, they are innovative and up to date on the latest plumbing, faucets, fixtures and technology.

My goal with Life Flow Plumbing is to offer 100% satisfaction for every customers. We are problem-solvers dedicated to making our customers happy, says Matt.

Above all, Life Flow Plumbing holds honesty, integrity, diligence, prompt service, courtesy and friendship in high regard. They are licensed and insured, with an emphasis on house service and new construction plumbing.

Their customers say it all with comments like, The quality of his work was excellent and price very reasonable. Id hire him again for ANY plumbing project, and, He is very knowledgeable and courteous. The work was done quickly and neatly. I was completely satisfied and will recommend him highly to others. I will be contacting Life Flow for any of my future plumbing needs!

Life Flow Plumbing provides free estimates and house service calls for both emergencies and not-so-urgent needs. From drain cleaning to sump pump installation, you can count on Life Flow Plumbing. Call them for bathroom remodels, preventive maintenance, certified gas pipe installation, well pumps, remodeling work, residential new construction, small business construction, service contracts and much more.

To find out more, call Life Flow Plumbing at 961- 8193, check out their website at LFPlumbing.net, or their Life Flow Plumbing LLC Facebook page. Everyone needs a reliable plumber for all the things that happen in life.

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Life Flow Plumbing: There for Life's Plumbing Needs - Lititz Record Express

The Smith County Commissioners Court are scheduled to hear testimony on a junked property on Tuesday.

The property, at 16554 Echo Glen Drive in Precinct 1, is considered a public nuisance and a health and safety concern in its current state.

The property has tall grass, standing water and abandoned vehicles on it, said Phillip Smith, assistant district attorney for the civil division.

The Smith County Environmental Crimes unit has sent the property owner two letters, and the DAs office has sent another one, and the property owner has received a public nuisance ticket.

The property owners have been subpoenaed to come before the court, but the owners may not need to come if they resole the issues before Tuesday, Smith said.

County Judge Nathaniel Moran said its not often that environmental crimes come before the Court.

Its a process of that we dont like to engage in unless we absolutely have to, he said. We prefer a more informal means of enforcing the environmental statues, and we prefer to do that through the environmental crimes unit at the sheriffs office. We dont like it to get to this point, but sometimes we have to when folks done comply.

Moran said the process is for properties that rise to the level of a health and safety hazard for the community.

Its not that property looks junky - that does not rise to the point that we can deal with. There has to be a health and safety issue.

In other business:

- Commissioners will receive a presentation from the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool regarding the 2016 Safety Award.

- The body will consider a resolution proclaiming July 29, 2017 as Dr. Gary E. Gross Day in Smith County to recognize his years of service to the community.

- A list of professional salvage yard licenses will be considered for renewal.

-Three vendors for sub-depository services will also be considered for renewal: Austin Bank, Southside Bank and First National Bank of Winnsboro.

- Odam Roth Construction and House Remodeling, LLC would be awarded the contract for the courthouse bathroom renovation project.

- The county will consider advertising for bids for the Big Eddy Road improvement project, or County Road 1261.

- Commissioner will consider accepting 25 donated microchips for the Smith County Animal Shelter.

The Tyler Morning Telegraph will attend the meeting. For updates as they happen follow @TMTFaith on Twitter.

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Commissioners to hold hearing on junked property on Tuesday - Tyler Morning Telegraph

Improving your home is an investment, and not knowing where to spend your money for the best value is a common issue for many homeowners. Its important to consider your needs in the present and plan for the future, as in, how will this improvement pay off in the end?

Knowing how to invest your money into your home is a valuable lessonliterally. Here are some high-value areas of your home in which to consider making improvements:

Outdoor Living After a Wisconsin winter, youll surely want to spend as much time outdoors as you can. If you enjoy being outside but you dont feel like you have a place to do so, consider upgrading your outdoor space with a deck or sunroom addition. Both add versatility to your living space and allow you to enjoy your yard in a defined entertaining space. In Milwaukee alone, homeowners found that a deck addition recouped 73% of its cost, per Remodeling Magazines 2017 Cost vs. Value report. If youre satisfied with your backyard but would like to add additional living space to your home, The National Association of Realtors found that adding a sunroom recouped anywhere from 70-80% of its investment. Not only are you adding space for your family with a deck or sunroom, but youre making an investment that youll see down the road if you sell your home. These are add-on items that not every home has, and their presence is attractive to buyers who will remember your home for its amenities.

Window Replacement If youre noticing a higher utility bill or your windows are looking outdated or damaged, investing in new windows pays dividends in the future. Replacing your windows not only has immediate value in reducing your energy costs and creating a more efficient home overall, but it increases the resale value of your home if you decide to sell. According to Remodeling Magazines 2017 Cost vs. Value report, replacing your wood windows in the Madison area has a 90% return on investment when selling your home. Not only are you keeping your home structurally sound by protecting it from the elements, youre creating an attractive feature to homebuyers who arent going to want to deal with replacing windows soon after buying a house. This is a summer improvement that isnt as high maintenance as changing your floorplan, but adds tremendous value to your home.

Bathroom Remodels Bathrooms are generally one of the most expensive types of home improvement projects. Theyre also areas where potential buyers can see if youve invested your money or not. If you have an older bathroom, its not only inconvenient for you to live with outdated features, but buyers also look at bathrooms as focal points of their potential new home and place a lot of value in its aesthetic. If you do want to make improvements, remodeling a bathroom in the Upper Midwest region brings returns of upwards of 60% on your investment, per the National Association of Realtors. Remodeling a bathroom is a sure-fire way to see your investment pay off in the future.

Investing for You and Your Future There are plenty of options to consider if youre looking to make improvements to your home during the summer season. Having the facts for a home remodeling project is important, but be sure to remember that its not just the future value of the project that matters, but the value youll get as a homeowner when youre enjoying your new space. If youre considering making an investment into your home, the experts at Tundraland can help turn your design ideas into a reality. They offer free, no-obligation consultations to plan your remodeling project with the guidance of knowledgeable professionals. Theyll help you create a space that youll enjoy with your family today, and the housing market will appreciate in the future.

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Invest in Your Home with a Summer Remodel - Fox11online.com

If you read last months piece on multiple offer situations, or arent living under a rock, you know were in a sellers market. Even though buyers are competing with each other to buy your home, that doesnt mean you should leave money on the table by skipping some renovations that will bring you some serious ROI.

New windows

Windows are one of the most daunting things to repair mainly due to cost. If you have an older home with deteriorating windows, expect it to affect your sales price. Its an easy thing for the average buyer and their inspector to pinpoint as a problem. Whether youre replacing your older windows with vinyl or wood, youll likely get about an 84 percent rate of return.

Bathroom remodel

Bathrooms are what buyers focus on the most while looking for their dream home. Its got to be fashionable and functional. Since this type of renovation can be on the expensive side, its normal for buyers to seek out properties that already have updated bathrooms. You can rest easy knowing your bathroom renovation will give you roughly a 75 percent rate of return on your investment.

Curb appeal

The type of curb appeal youre used to hearing about is typically cosmetic landscaping. When it comes to real ROI on your renovations, weve got to go a bit further. Replacing your siding if its outdated, worn, or damaged will rake in an 87 percent rate of return on your investment. Roofs are a huge concern for homebuyers, so with a 74 percent rate of return, its a really good idea for you to complete a renovation on your outdated or damaged roof.

White Kitchen Interior with Island, Sink, Cabinets, and Hardwood Floors in New Luxury Home with Lights On

Kitchen remodel

The most common upgrades to make in your kitchen would be countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Countertops will increase the perceived value quite a lot but this type of renovation will cost you. Its important when choosing a new countertop to think about resale. Stick with a neutral color and pattern that complements the colors you already have in the home.

If your cabinets are falling apart and obviously in need of repair or replacement, its smart to do so prior to listing. If buyers see dilapidated cabinets theyll look for other problems in the house and that wont end well. On the other hand, if your cabinets are in good shape but the finish is outdated, consider hiring a professional painter to get a fresh new coat of paint on them. This will appear as though youve completely replaced your cabinets, though your professional paint job will have cost significantly less.

Appliances are the biggest bang for your buck. Stainless steel appliances are still king and you can find a complete matching set for around $5,000 in most cases.

Hardwood flooring

Hardwood is easily the most sought after flooring type amongst buyers. If you have it in your budget, and the value of homes in your neighborhood can carry that kind of upgrade, this renovation will surely increase the perceived and market value of your home.

If you already have hardwood flooring, having them refinished will make a huge difference to homebuyers. If you skip this small and very painless renovation, youll likely see a deduction in your sales price to reflect the needed repair.

Repaint

A fresh coat of paint is the easiest and most affordable way to transform your space. A bad paint job is worse than none at all, soId recommend hiring a professional painter to do this so that you arent creating more work for the new buyer.

Fixture upgrades

Updating fixtures is by far the easiest and most cost effective way to add value to your home. You can completely transform your home by upgrading plumbing and lighting fixtures, but going even further with new hardware and doorknobs will make a huge difference in the perceived and market value of your home. It goes without saying that when updating fixtures, its best to stick to the same finish, (i.e., brushed bronze, polished nickel, or brushed nickel are the most common options).

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Renovations with the best resale value - Post-Bulletin

TECUMSEH One of the reasons Orval and Pat Dale decided to update the narrow galley kitchen in their 1960s-era Tecumseh home was to have the open concept popular in todays modern style. Removing just one wall gave them a clear view not only into their dining and living rooms but also to their backyard deck and beautiful Lake Jivaro.

As for the other current kitchen-style trends, the couple went in the opposite direction.

Pat wanted wooden cabinets instead of popular white ones because she believed they gave the room a warmer feel. Instead of a seating area around an island, she had Levi Niedfeldt, of Custom Woods Products, design the front to look more like a piece of her dining room furniture. And though she wanted black appliances, she went with white ones because well, thats what they had already.

The refrigerator was practically new, Orval said. So was the dishwasher.

Im doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing, but youve got to do what makes you happy, Pat added.

PDQ Construction had remodeled the couples master bathroom in 2008. Because the Dales were pleased with the work, they decided to use them again for the kitchen project.

Pat started planning for the remodel in fall 2016. She went through the kitchen cupboard by cupboard while taking notes about what she wanted in her new space. By the time work was to begin, she had a three-ring binder full of information, right down to the color and style of light switches she wanted and the exact placement of the pendant lights over the island.

The more you think about it and do your homework, the easier it will come together, Pat said.

The Dales met with PDQ project coordinator Bobby Miller in November to compile the estimate. Project manager Rick Hudkins and his team started work in late January and finished just five weeks later.

The rich wood cabinets in the new kitchen include a custom-made vent hood over the stovetop, which was a last-minute change requested by Pat and created by Niedfeldt. A kitchen wall was styled to resemble an old-school butlers pantry. Pat was quick to point out details such as the built-in HVAC vent in one of the side cabinets, which she feels shows the quality of the work done by Niedfeldt.

The quartz countertops are a subdued gray tone with marbling that looks like granite. The backsplash is made from shades of tan stone, featuring a glass-tile border running through the middle and a special design for the stovetop area.

The new island contains the white cast-iron farmers sink Pat always wanted. Underfoot, the existing wood flooring was extended to account for the larger space.

After living with the finished room for a few months, the only thing Pat said she would change is the location of the kitchen faucets on/off handle. Otherwise, she and Orval are pleased with the result.

The reasons we like PDQ are, one, theyll listen to you and what your ideas are, and two, then you can ask them what they think, Pat said. They want to do what you want done, but if you ask, they come up with good ideas. Theyre not afraid to say, I dont think that will work. We were blessed to have them.

Linda A. Ditch is a freelance writer from Topeka. She can be reached at lindaaditch@gmail.com.

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At Home: Tecumseh couple bucks kitchen remodeling trends - Topeka Capital Journal

ONTARIO If all goes as planned, Saint Alphonsus Medical Center- Ontario plans to begin its $11 million remodeling project mid next week.

Plans to remodel a section of the hospital was first announced at the end of October 2016 and will soon be on its way to realization with a completion date set for summer of 2018.

The hospital will be finishing a pre-existing shell space that was built in 2002 and remodeling a 15 bed medical/surgical floor and former operating room area. The end result will be a 27 bed medical surgical unit and a six bed critical care unit.

Since the announcement was made, Ken Hart, president of Saint Alphonsus Medical Center-Ontario, said crews have been working on demolition and clearing out the pre-existing shell space for the last six months.

Previously, the shell space served as a storage unit for a number of years, where medical records were kept as well as office furniture and a number of other items. Since then, medical records have been shipped off to a Saint Alphonsus storage area, Hart said.

Interestingly, Hart added, the project will include remodeling three sections each which were built in different years into one unit. The shell space was built in 2002, while the operating room was built in 1959 and another section was built in 1995.

Once the project is completed, it will allow patients to be cared for on one floor, rather than two floors, which is the current status.

By placing patient rooms on one floor, Hart said it will allow the hospital to increase its efficiency and enhance the quality of care for patients.

Other improvements include modernized rooms with adequately sized bathrooms and noise-softening materials.

Some of our current patient rooms have a shared bathroom, which tends to be a patient dissatisfier, Hart said. When the remodeling is complete, each patient room will have its own private bathroom.

After the 27 bed medical surgical unit are completed, the plan is to eventually move surgical patients from the second and third floors to the newly renovated space. After patients are moved from the current surgical unit, the space will then be remodeled into an intensive care unit, Hart said.

We want to ensure each patient who enters through our doors is well cared for and has the highest quality of care possible, Hart said.

The project is said to be the final phase of a facility master plan, which was developed when the hospital became part of Saint Alphonsus Health System and Trinity Health in 2010.

Within the last seven years, over $50 million has been invested in Saint Alphonsus Medical Center - Ontario, which includes the construction of the Fruitland and Ontario Health Plaza and the remodeling of the maternity center inside the hospital.

After this phase of remodeling is complete, every patient room in this hospital will be brand new, Hart said.

Dan Cummings, community development director, said the remodeling of the hospital is quite the investment for the community.

Its a huge benefit to the community to have an updated hospital, and hopefully, it may attract doctors to live in this area, Cummings said. Those are the economics I see in this project. It also doesnt hurt to have an updated hospital. Nobody wants to drive 60 miles to get the care they need.

Cummings said a permit for Saint Alphonsus to begin construction is still in the review process, but plans are to hopefully issue it in the middle of next week.

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Project pending permit: Hospital plans to begin $11 million construction, next week - Ontario Argus Observer

(BPT) - As homeowners begin to dream up plans to update their kitchens and bathrooms, they can spend hours searching for inspiration on the web or one of the many home renovation television shows. Theres no shortage of beautiful ideas and designs out there, but before you make any decision, you should start with the crucial question: What is it I really want?

A recent study conducted by the home design website Houzz found that the two things homeowners want most for their bathroom are style and ease of cleaning. In effect, people want their bathrooms to exhibit both function and design.

Of course, there are the conventional bathroom remodel options, such as a new faucet, countertop or shower fixture, all of which can be stunning and transform not just your bathroom but your house. But the most commonly used bathroom component is often the most overlooked: the toilet.

Eighty-three percent of Americans claim theres something they want to improve upon with their toilets, according to a survey by Kohler. The question is what.

This statistic should give homeowners pause and invite them to think beyond the conventional bathroom remodeling ideas and re-imagine the possibilities.

Comfort, hygiene and style

Travelers returning from Italy, Spain, Argentina and Japan often rave about the unexpected luxury of using a bidet. While popular in many other countries, bidets are only just now catching on in the United States, moving from high-end luxury bathrooms and hospitals (where theyre used for their superior hygiene) into household bathrooms across America.

As the leading manufacturer of modern bidets, Kohler has been working to incorporate the trifecta of comfort, hygiene and style into their intelligent toilets.

Built directly into an ergonomically shaped toilet seat, a stainless-steel bidet wand offers adjustable water temperature, pressure, position and shape, along with pulsating and oscillating functions to maximize the comfort of the experience.

But thats not all. To better introduce Americans to the international phenomenon of bidets, Kohlers intelligent toilets feature a heated seat, warm air dryer and added sanitary features such as hands-free flushing and a deodorizing seat.

A redefined bathroom

Equipped with smart technology that allows a person to fully customize their experience, such ultra-modern bidets may change how Americans go to the bathroom but only if the look is right.

Consumers are not willing to sacrifice design for functionality; they want it all. For anyone who has used or seen a Veil Intelligent Toilet, its evident that the same exacting standards it brings to cleanliness and hygiene go into its crisp, clean look.

A recent survey by Kohler suggests 33 percent of homeowners would be excited to upgrade their toilets. With this latest generation of toilets and bidets, its likely that more people will want to redefine their bathroom with these stunning new options.

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Rethinking bathroom design - Yankton Daily Press

Small bathrooms may seem like a difficult design task to take on; however, these spaces may introduce a clever design challenge to add to your plate. Creating a functional and storage-friendly bathroom may be just what your home needs.

Every design element in a small bathroom should have a purpose and befunctional in some way or another to create a space-saving sanctuary.Before you dive in, if you are looking for space-saving furniture ideas, be sure to check out our top products for small bathrooms.

Instead of stuffingthem in large cabinets, showcase your colorful, textured towels inopen shelving. This will add warmth and playful colors to your space and eliminate unwanted large furniture pieces. Other ideas:

Functionality is key for a small bathroom. Small roomscan easily lead to unwanted clutter, so make sure youre adding only design elements that are functional. Dont add knick-knacks or objects that dont serve a purpose.

Whenits time to paint, make sure you have planned your color palette.Keep in mind that painting a wall an accent color takes time. Use neutral colors to make your bathroom feelcalm and aesthetically pleasing.

An alternative to painting is to add pops of color by showcasing colorful hand towels,bathroom tile, rugs oreven robes to create your own ambiance and flair.

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30 of The Best Small and Functional Bathroom Design Ideas