R&A Magazine: Ask the Experts » Kitchen & Bath

This is a common issue that homeowners face, especially when an urgent need arises. However, their situation may not allow for the planning time, nor the financial resources to attack a large renovation. A difficult decision then looms: how do I renovate this space and address the specific area of concern, without regretting and re-doing that space in the future when I am ready to fully renovate?

Bathrooms. We see this the most in bathrooms, when someone has a need to install a safer shower to replace their bathtub, or to just replace a tub/shower due to damage and leaking. A quick fix to this might be to install an acrylic remodel tub or shower unit, as this would be a lower cost alternative that might provide the functionality to address the immediate concern. However, the entire bathroom might be outdated, and in line for a major overhaul in a few years. The new acrylic unit might not be what they were looking for as part of a larger scale renovation, and they don’t want to spend the money now, to only tear it out in a few years.

Instead, consider what you might envision in the future, and try to work on installing that new tub or shower now, that might be able to stay as part of a future renovation of the rest of the space. If you desire a tile shower, try and use a neutral tile that does not have distinctive patterning that would make it difficult to pair with other materials in the future; tile is notorious for being discontinued regularly, so that same tile may not be available in 1-2 years. Or, consider a solid surface shower, which can give you the benefit of low maintenance and attractive looking shower.

This option can easily be paired with new tile or vinyl flooring, cabinetry, etc. in the future. Just make sure that your contractor understands that you want the new tub or shower space installed in an appropriate manner that will allow you to renovate the rest of the room in the future, without impacting your newly renovated space.

Laundry. Some people have their laundry in an unfinished area of their basement, and other people are fortunate to have a dedicated laundry room (albeit often not designed with storage and function in mind). If you have future plans to renovate a laundry room, and your existing laundry equipment fails, this is where you can run into a problem.

Many homes in this area have dedicated laundry rooms, often near the entrance to their garage. These are often small rooms, with standard laundry equipment, and maybe a utility sink or some wall cabinetry. A fully renovated laundry room can significantly improve the look of the space, but also the functionality.

This will often be designed with front loading or stacked units in mind. Front loading units can be installed with countertops above them that can be used for folding laundry, or they can be stacked to help free up space to add extra storage or maybe that sink you never thought you’d be able to fit in the space. If you are tasked with replacing your laundry equipment, consider your future plans, and how the new laundry equipment might fit your goals for the space.

Kitchens. Kitchens tend to be the biggest challenge when you are faced with addressing an issue, but not quite ready to pull the trigger on a full renovation. Kitchens will have the highest cost of renovation compared to the other spaces in your home, and often a major issue with a kitchen is the layout and functionality.

To address layout concerns, you are pretty much forced into a full renovation. There are however some ways you can address problems in a kitchen, without necessarily pulling the trigger on a costly renovation. Some people might have a kitchen with good quality cabinetry, a functional layout and storage, but have very outdated materials. In this case, new countertops, sink, faucet, and tile backsplash can make a tremendous change to your kitchen without breaking the bank. To take it a step further, you can consider painting your existing kitchen cabinetry and changing the hardware, and you will end up with what looks like a brand new kitchen.

An often overlooked element to an existing kitchen is lighting, and adding some additional recessed lighting or under-cabinet LED lighting to your partial kitchen renovation can be a tremendous upgrade. Just keep in mind: you will still be investing a significant amount of money into your kitchen and existing cabinetry, so make sure that you are comfortable with this plan long-term. Another challenge might be that you are in desperate need of a kitchen renovation to make improvements to the layout and storage of the space, but you also need new flooring. You might have an open concept house, and you really want new flooring throughout the entire space.

This could be challenging cost-wise, but it also might be challenging just due to the potential interruption to the entire first floor that you just aren’t quite ready for. With the popularity of LVP floating wood-look flooring, you might be able to plan this in two stages, if you take the appropriate steps. Since LVP floating flooring is not installed underneath your cabinetry, you could renovate your entire space and make the necessary changes, and have it work with your existing flooring. Later, you might decide to then have the entire first floor re-done with new LVP flooring. In this case, you would want to make sure your contractor understands your future goals, as the new cabinetry can be installed in a such a way that you do not lose cabinet and countertop height when the new flooring is installed. You might even consider buying color-matched trim for your cabinetry, which you then put in storage until it is needed as part of the flooring installation.

In closing, whether you are doing a complete makeover all at once or specific areas one at a time, renovations should to be planned carefully. At Brubaker Inc., we can help. We offer creative custom design, superior craftsmanship and impeccable service.

Creating a budget for a kitchen remodel is a crucial first step! Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

• Define the scope – This will help determine what you can afford. Are you simply replacing your cabinets or doing a complete floor to ceiling remodel? Once you define the scope, you’ll be able to take the next step in creating your budget based on the tasks and items needed for completion.
• Determine your priorities & must haves - Why do you want to change your kitchen? What is essential to the space? These questions will help distinguish between your needs and wants, or your must-haves VS your nice-to-haves.
• Know how the costs breakdown - For example, cabinets & hardware will be approximately 29% of your budget and labor / installation will be approximately 17%. In addition to a kitchen designer, The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is also a great resource.
• Expect the unexpected - Remodeling often leads to surprises, especially in older homes. There can be budget-busting jaw-droppers behind your walls. Some of the biggest culprits are items like wiring, plumbing and pipes. Leave some wiggle room in your budget to cover these unwelcome surprises. Industry experts suggest an allotment of 20%.
• Keep tabs - You’ve done your homework and created your budget. Now you need to stick to it. Keep track of costs as you go through the process to ensure you aren’t blowing your budget.

Work with a kitchen designer. While DIY approaches are possible, a kitchen remodel is a signifi- cant undertaking and investment. A professional kitchen designer can offer valuable expertise in budgeting, space optimization, product selection and help you navigate potential design challenges and unforeseen costs. Consulting a designer can also streamline the process and have access to a network of reliable contractors. A kitchen designer can help ensure you get exactly the look and functionality you are looking for. Going solo isn’t worth the risks.

Incorporating molding into your design brings a high-end custom appearance without breaking the bank! Enhancing your kitchen with moldings on cabinets, walls, or ceilings has the power to elevate an ordinary space to one of beauty. Regardless of your style, moldings bring depth, intricate de- tails, and rich looks. Below are a few easy and budget friendly ways to integrate molding into your kitchen.

• Create a shiplap accent wall.
• Add crown molding for a polished look.
• Use baseboard molding for a finished appearance.
• Apply wainscoting or beadboard for texture.
• Incorporate a coffered ceiling.
• Include decorative corbels for style and function.
• Use paneling on cabinet ends for refinement.
• Frame windows and doors with decorative casings.
• Add feet or toe kick molding for a furniture-like touch.
• Design a custom range hood with intricate molding.

Another area that can have a significant impact on the overall look of your kitchen is ensuring that the rooms in your home feel connected. Remodeling your kitchen to blend aesthetically with the rest of your home requires careful consideration and attention to detail. One of the most important aspects of kitchen remodeling is selecting a design scheme that complements the overall style of your home. Whether your home embraces a modern, rustic, or traditional aesthetic, the kitchen should reflect and enhance that style. Design elements, colors, materials, textures and architectural features all play a role. If possible, creating open sight lines contribute to a unified aesthetic and visual harmony. Consistent flooring throughout your home can also have a huge impact. Consider seeking professional guidance from a designer to ensure a balanced integration of your kitchen remodel with the existing style of your home.

Elevations by Musselman is your go-to partner for all your building and remodeling needs. We have an unmatched reputation for quality products and exceptional customer service. From cabinets and countertops to backs- plashes, molding, windows, doors, and more, our extensive selection offers something for every style and budget. The Musselman team of designers bring years of industry experience to assist you with product selection, space optimization, and offer complimentary services such as FREE 360°, 3D kitchen designs. Whether you're just dreaming or ready to start your remodeling project, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation!

For decades, it was traditional to have one huge light centered in the kitchen ceiling, but that can cause glare, wake up the whole house when you want a midnight snack and throw shadows over your preparation and cooking areas. Kitchen lighting should be multileveled with each light fixture having its own purpose while working with the others to make the kitchen both functional and welcoming. The best kitchen lighting plan involves four distinct types of lighting: task, ambient, accent and decorative.

Task lighting is needed to illuminate your actual kitchen work spaces. These include a central prep island, if you have one, the stove area and the pantry. Task lighting should be set between the work surface and the cook`s head, though overhead lights hung above an island can provide this illumination if the light is focused tightly and overlapping.

Under-cabinet lighting is excellent for countertop work surfaces.

Ambient lighting is meant as background illumination and its sources are often hidden. The point of ambient lighting is to create a warm, softly-lit atmosphere which is useful in romantic situations or during small get-togethers. Ambient lighting also lights the kitchen enough for it to be inviting without it being all lit up like a cafeteria.

Accent lighting is becoming more popular in kitchens as people entertain more often at home. It is used the same way it is in other rooms to illuminate artwork or shed a soft light on glassware arranged behind glass doors. Halogen pin-spots are a popular form of accent lighting as are uplights and recessed eyeball lights.

Decorative lighting includes wall sconces and other lights that are intended to complement your decor rather than serve any purely useful function. They are less common in kitchens, but becoming more popular as kitchens evolve into more multi-purpose rooms.

When planning what type of lighting your kitchen requires, make careful notes about how each area of the kitchen is used. An office area will need much brighter and more specifically-aimed lighting than a small conversation area would and the prep counters and stoves need brighter lighting than a breakfast nook does. Also consider installing dimmer switches so that you can control which type of lighting is most visible at any given time.

The kitchen professionals at Kitchen Encounters remind you that lighting is only one part of your overall kitchen design. Since 2007, we have been providing our clients with full-service kitchen and bath remodeling services. Our highly-organized team of experienced designers and skilled installers will work closely with you, as well as together, from the initial design consultation to the final walk through, to ensure a finished product that will exceed all expectations.

For more information, please visit us at LancasterKitchens.net, or better yet, give us a call at 717.509.4679.

With countless design choices, layers of dust and a revolving door of workers, just thinking about it can send even the most laid-back person to bed with a mind-numbing headache. Whether it’s truly your blood, sweat and tears going into the remodel or just in theory letting professionals take the lead, there’s no doubt about it, remodeling is complicated. The silver lining, however, is the sense of ac complishment and homeowner pride once the project is complete and your design dreams are realized.

One of the best ways to keep stress at a manageable level is by working with a professional. This especially holds true when planning for a kitchen or bathroom remodel—two of the most trafficked areas of your home with the highest potential for return on investment. Working with a professional can make the remodel process much smoother by avoiding budget pitfalls, schedule delays and a crushed design dream. Here are just a few of the ways a professional kitchen and bath dealer can help:

Visualizing the possibilities. Professionals have knowledge of the latest products and trends. They have the tools and experience to walk you through the design process, set the budget and troubleshoot to meet your goals for aesthetics and function. In some instances, the remodeling professional you select can help you in additional ways. DM Stokes Home Renovations is an authorized dealer of Decora and Diamond cabinets, which are subsidiaries of MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc., an industry leader that comprises a breadth of quality cabinet brands. Setting the budget. Nowhere will professional help pay off more than in setting the budget. If you’ve never done a major remodel, you probably don’t know how much to budget for. Or, perhaps you have a budget in mind and need help knowing where to save and when to splurge. A professional will make this process much easier for you. Throughout the design and installation, they can work within your budget parameters, specify the best products and alert you of potential overages before it’s too late.

Doing the legwork. We’ve all heard the old adage, “measure twice; cut once.” Knowing how to take the right measurements is imperative in a successful remodeling project. The wrong measurement can set off an unfortunate chain reaction of very costly events. Professionals are skilled in this area and will get the job done right the first time so there aren’t delays in the schedule. DM Stokes Home Renovations takes accurate measurements and will put the plans to paper and manage the ordering and installation steps. It’s one-stop shopping for your project.

Realizing your dreams. Eventually your remodel will be complete and you’ll no longer have to make do with your makeshift kitchen in the family room or fight with family members for time in your only functioning bathroom. After the dust has settled, the end result should be a beautiful space you and your family can enjoy for years to come. And, if you worked with a knowledgeable professional, you are left with both your dollars and your sense.

To learn more about DM Stokes Home Renovations, I invite you to visit our website.

A bath remodeling project is always more complicated than what it appears to be when considering upgrading fixtures or changing the design. Sometimes even a small bath compared to others seems simple, but the many choices and possibilities quickly become overwhelming to most homeowners. Many clients begin a project thinking they would like to save money by being their own General Contractor and coordinate all the different technicians and subcontractors on their own. However, they soon realize it isn’t easy to communicate with everyone and schedule work so that a project keeps moving instead of taking twice as long.

Many bath remodel projects have surprises that come up after a bathroom is tore out and the planned fixtures are being roughed in for the next stage. Adjustments have to be made or additional work has to be considered in a timely fashion to keep to the schedule. This is the fun of remodeling!

If you would like to be your own General Contractor, it is important to have open communication with everyone and be available on the job site to make sure everything is being done to your specifications. Communication and knowledge of what it takes to complete each task are the most important parts in keeping a handle on your project.

At the Bath Barn our installers are skilled in carpentry, electrical, plumbing and heating which limits how many subcontractors are needed for the coordination of a project. Our project managers in the office and in the field work with the technicians and subcontractors to ensure that everything is going as planned. When concerns arise, they are addressed as soon as possible to keep the project on schedule.

Working with one of our experienced designers is important when navigating all the many choices, especially when it comes to the shower components. Along with helping you create a cohesive design with color, texture and function. We are here to help you whether you want us to manage the whole project or just part of it.

Start processing the timeline and budget of your project so you can be prepared for anything that might surface to change your plans. This will help you to have a realistic picture of the length of time that you will be inconvenienced while your bath is being transformed into a relaxing spa-like space.

Our advice is to hire an experienced professional to coordinate your whole bath project. It may ultimately save you time and money.

For more information, don't hesitate to give us a call or, better yet, visit us at our showroom conveniently located on Rothsville Road in Lititz.

Of all the rooms in today's homes, the kitchen is typically the focal point. Whether it be day-to-day family activities or entertaining guests, the kitchen is where everyone tends to gravitate. Given that prominence within the home, it makes perfect sense to do it right the first time. After all, do you really want to relive the expense—not to mention the inconvenience—of redoing things again later?

To that end, that's precisely why custom cabinetry designed specically for your space, your work flow, and your taste is well worth the additional investment. Let's look at the specific advantages of choosing custom cabinetry over stock.

Size: Custom cabinetry is designed and made specifically for you, and optimizes even the smallest areas by extending cabinets to walls and ceilings, creating desired proportions. Unlike with preset stock sizes, a custom-built cabinet is precise in its measurements of width, depth and height, to within an eighth of an inch, eliminating unnecessary fillers and wasted space.

Design: With custom cabinetry, it’s all about specializing to fit your needs. Unlike with stock cabinets, custom allows you to completely design your cabinet door with any color of your choice, including custom color matches. There’s a greater selection of wood species, such as Rift Cut White Oak, Mahogany and Walnut. Different sheen levels are available to choose from, like flat, semi and gloss, as well as customized interior accessories. With custom, you have the ability to design longer moldings and extra tall cabinetry, as well as align panels, cabinets and integrate appliances for a clean, built-in look.

Choice: Choosing custom cabinetry means having minimal limitations. Custom-built cabinetry frees you from predetermined construction standards, allowing you to choose where you want to invest. Whether it’s choosing from a range of creative door styles and finishes, to higher grades of plywood, drawer glides and hinges, to flush, finished ends, choice is custom cabinetry’s most valuable feature.

Quality: Unlike prefabricated stock parts, custom items are all manufactured at the same time, allowing for greater consistency and quality. Finish is applied to custom cabinetry by skilled craftsmen instead of machines and comes straight from the shop to your door, meaning less chance of shipping damages and delayed installation.

Over the years toilet style and function have really expanded with many options from which to choose. There is a model for everyone’s needs and more. It is a personal choice that we are glad to help you decide. Come in to our showroom and talk to any of our salespersons.

At Alliance Custom Cabinetry, with our leadership team having over 56 years of combined experience in the industry, you can expect fully customizable cabinet construction at manufacturer direct pricing. In addition, we have a full showroom as well as a sales staff with all levels of support for design, estimating, measuring and installation. For more information, please visit us at AllianceCustomCabinetry.comor give us a call at 717.445.7246.

A kitchen renovation can vary based upon many factors, but typically the average length of time is between five to seven weeks for a complete floor-to-ceiling kitchen renovation. Floor-to-ceiling remodels typically include new floors, cabinetry, quartz or granite countertops, tile backsplash, and new appliances. Other popular add-ons during this time include adding recessed lighting and we are often opening up or removing walls or soffits. Many of our projects involve replacing the floor coverings in the entire first floor along with the kitchen renovation. These factors will increase the construction time to some degree.

A typical kitchen renovation would be scheduled as follows:

• Week 1-2: Tear-out, prep, and rough-in. Removal of your existing kitchen cabinets, flooring and open walls as required. The electrician and plumber will be in to rough-in all mechanicals like sinks, appliances, lighting and outlets.
• Week 2-3: Patching, wall prep, painting and flooring. Once all electrical and plumbing is completed, we patch up and prepare walls for painting and cabinetry. Tile and glue down flooring is done after painting. Floating floors like the popular Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or planking are done after cabinetry.
• Week 3-4: Cabinetry and countertops. This is the step of the process that you will be able to see your vision coming to life! These two weeks will include the installation of the new cabinetry, moldings and the countertop.
• Week 4-6: Tile backsplash and final hook ups. Depending on the type of flooring, this may be installed after the cabinetry. To complete the project in these final weeks, we will install the tile backsplash, have the appliances and all final electrical and plumbing hookups completed.

Some projects that do not require any appliances being relocated, or walls changing, can certainly be completed on a tighter schedule.

Bathroom renovations also follow a similar process and timeline. While less time is required for cabinetry in a typical bathroom, in many cases that time is spent on the shower renovation. Tile or wall surrounds take about a week for that portion of a bath project.

Over the years toilet style and function have really expanded with many options from which to choose. There is a model for everyone’s needs and more. It is a personal choice that we are glad to help you decide. Come in to our showroom and talk to any of our salespersons.

Your designer or contractor should supply you with a schedule of how the project is planned to unfold. While unforeseen issues may arise, most kitchen and bath projects are able to run on a tight and planned schedule with a logical process. Ask for a daily schedule of what is planned for each day. Be flexible and understand that the schedule is subject to change, but it should be a blueprint of the timeline expected.

For more information please don’t hesitate to call us at 717.733.0540 for a free phone consultation with one of our designers. Better yet, stop in and browse through our wellappointed showroom where you can see (and feel) a wide-assortment of kitchen and bath cabinets and hardware, tiles, countertops, flooring materials, plumbing fixtures, and more. We literally have thousands of options from which to choose.

Along with most things, toilet technology has indeed evolved and there are many new features to take into account. As for height, in addition to the standard height of 14 ½”, they now come in comfort height of 16 ½” (which is chair height), as well as tall height of 19”. When having knee, back or other surgery that compromises the ability to sit, the comfort height or tall toilet may be your best choice although the style options are a bit more limited.

Bidet toilet seats have become more popular lately and would be an additional help after surgery. They can be installed on any toilet although some require an electrical outlet./p>

Another positive change in toilets is in the flushing technology. Today's toilets are much more thorough in the flush as well as in water usage.

Although it's not easy to navigate what would be the right toilet choice for you, here's a list of features to consider:

• Round or Elongated
• One piece or Two piece
• Standard height, Comfort height or Tall
• Flushing – Everyone is concerned with a good flush and thanks to technology it has greatly improved. Most toilets are 1.6 or 1.28 gallons per flush.
-There is a pressurized flush that is similar to commercial bathrooms that for some is the best option. However, it is very loud and not widely used in residential bathrooms.
-Gravity flush has improved by having a glazed trap that forces water as it flushes. Larger flappers or cylinder type allow more water to flush faster. Some toilets use a swirling flush technology to keep the bowl cleaner.
• Intelligent Toilets – A toilet that is intuitive with the ability to program personally. They feature heated seats, warm air dryers and nightlights, as well as a handsfree experience with the ability to sync with a Bluetooth.
• Toilet Seats – Seats come in a variety of choices. A slow-close seat (no banging) with the capability to be removed for cleaning is a great help.
• Bidet Toilet Seats – With the toilet paper shortage this past year, bidet toilet seats have become quite popular. With bidet seats there are basic seats and then some with all the bells and whistles. Some have remote control while others have the controls right on the seat.

Over the years toilet style and function have really expanded with many options from which to choose. There is a model for everyone’s needs and more. It is a personal choice that we are glad to help you decide. Come in to our showroom and talk to any of our salespersons.

In today’s stay at home and work from home quarantined world, many homeowners have been asking this question. How can I make my kitchen work better, or use the space in our home to make the kitchen more suitable for our family’s needs without building an addition onto our existing home?

Most homeowners have a simple kitchen layout with few amenities as when the home was originally built—the needs of the family may not have been a consideration.

Contacting an experienced kitchen designer and kitchen renovation specialist to help you with this process is highly recommended. DM Stokes Home Renovations have these professionals that specialize in maximizing the space of your existing home through innovative design and execution of the project goals. Below are some ideas and tips to help you when critiquing your kitchen’s space, and how to improve the function and feel of your kitchen.

Evaluate the space of your existing kitchen and any closets or obstacles within the kitchen.

To augment the space and expand the functionality of the kitchen, remove a framed and drywalled cluttered closet, and replace it with a pantry cabinet or designed storage organizer. The space where the closet was will feel bigger, be more organized, and in most cases, will effectively house more items.

Combine your existing home’s rooms.

Combine room spaces by removing or opening a wall that will allow you not only expand the kitchen, but create a space where cooking, dining, at-home working, and family living can happen comfortably and give birth to an environment that fosters success for your entire family.

Utilize all of your wall spaces

Most homes have 8’ ceilings; however, most builder designed kitchens only utilize the wall space to 7’ and many times have drywalled soffits above the wall cabinets to give the illusion of cabinets to the ceiling. These soffits are simply a waste of space. Increasing the heights of your wall cabinets will obviously expand your storage space. Taking wall cabinets and moulding stacks to the ceiling will also make the space feel bigger and enhance the look of the kitchen

Take advantage of cabinetry storage solutions.

Most cabinetry companies offer several options to boost the function and storage of the cabinetry designed into your space. These storage solutions will organize your kitchen and provide an ease of use that will truly make your experience in the kitchen less stressful and a whole lot more enjoyable.

Lighting and Appliances

Most homes have inadequate and inappropriate placement of lighting. Hiring a professional to help develop a lighting plan that functions well and promotes ease of sight will always improve the at home experience when in the kitchen, dining, and work spaces. Evaluate the placement of your appliances, moving and reworking appliance placement can provide you with a better work space that increases your productivity in a busy household where the kitchen is the hub of all activities.

In closing, there are almost always space-enhancing options as well as improved-efficiency options that an experienced kitchen designer can suggest. Whether it be a kitchen enhancement or creating space for working at home, at DM Stokes Home Renovations, we specialize in that. For more information or a free consultation, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 717.284.2184 or visit us online at www.dmshr.com.

There are many things to consider when starting a remodel project. Take the time to look at the area you are changing and how you will be using it. This will help in the design process to create an efficient and creative use of space.

Innovations in cabinet accessories and design are continuing to expand and offer many options. Some of which are blind corner cabinet shelves that slide and rollout making it easy to access that once dark corner where pans and containers were hard to reach. There are docking drawers now where you can store electronic devices and charge them at the same time. This helps keep the countertop less cluttered.

Colors that are popular would be rich earth tones and colors such as blue, orange tones and gray. Don't be afraid to add some color to your project. Many times painted cabinetry will be accented with a stained wood finish cabinet or island. There are many elements you can include. Adding some metal or glass tile accents can create a unique and elegant look or integrating metal frames or legs on the cabinetry. Copper sinks are popular as well as farmhouse sinks.

Countertops have remained fairly constant with granite and quartz products still being a good choice. Many other materials and choices are available and I would suggest discussing which product best fits your needs with a designer.

Appliances have more options than ever. Smart refrigerators that can create a grocery list and text it to you to ranges that have integrated air frying technology. Your designer can help you with what's available and works with your new project.

LED lighting is used inside cabinets as accent lighting and task lighting at the counter. You will hear about temperature of LED lighting. This does not mean how hot or cold it is but how bright it appears. Soft warm lighting will be in a range of 2000k - 4000k and bright white lighting will be in the range of 4000k and greater giving the effect of actual daylight. LED lighting can be dimmed and with the right connections you can change the LED lights to any color of the rainbow right from your phone.

The options and possibilities are tremendous and too numerous to go into detail here. Take the time and plan ahead. Don't be overwhelmed. A designer can help you layout a plan and bring all the current elements together to make your next project fun and something you will enjoy for years to come.

If you have questions or would like to speak with a designer please do not hesitate to call us at 717-8245965 or email mike@mkdpa.com.

Here at Brubaker, Inc. we've been doing kitchen and bath remodels for decades. From our experience, most homeowners who do a major home improvement project are doing so with little or no experience. Your general request for guidance is one that we hear all the time.

Making the decision to invest in your home can be quite stressful in many ways. In addition to the stress related to cost, a lot of decisions have to be made regarding the project design, the selections that need to be made, the planning stages that have to be scheduled, not to mention the renovation work itself. Make no mistake, doing a project is no day at the beach. On the other hand, a project that is well planned and executed can enrich your quality of life for years to come.

As for dealing with potential stress, one way to ease it is to have a budget in mind before you start the process. Sometimes your budget can simply be what you can afford, but often times a remodeling project is and can be financed through the equity that you already have in your home.

For folks like you who have no experience in home remodeling nor the costs associated with it, you might want to use the value of your home and spend a percentage of that value on your project. A kitchen usually calls for somewhere between 10-25% of your home's total value.

Another perhaps more practical way to plan a budget for your renovation is to talk to friends or family members who have similar size homes and have recently remodeled. You can get some good ideas on what to do, as well as get an idea of the cost without being too intrusive.

One of the most important aspects of remodeling is finding a contractor to work with that can work within, and also maximize, your budget. Knowing you are working with someone who understands your budget, as well as your goals and desires, will allow you to focus more on the design and product selections, and less on your stress level.

Remodeling your kitchen can mean anything from some new appliances and a new countertop, to a full-scale renovation where you remove walls and maybe even expand into an adjacent room. If you are working with a limited budget, you might want to consider replacing your countertops, adding a tile backsplash and changing the hardware on your cabinets. Those three changes can often times make a profound impact on your kitchen, without addressing the cabinets or layout.

If a full-scale remodel is what you are looking for and fits your budget, you might want to consider some design changes to the layout in addition to all of the material changes. Another advantage to a full-scale remodel is that you often times get more bang for your buck by doing everything at one time. Spacing out multiple smaller projects to renovate your kitchen often leads to a higher total cost, less cohesion, and a longer headache.

Whatever your budget or your needs might be, remember that good quality products and craftsmanship are two critical aspects to the project that will ensure that you can enjoy your kitchen for many years to come. A third critical aspect and perhaps the most important is working with a remodeling project specialist who will ensure that you maximize your budget and end up with a result that not only fits your design style, but also gives you the functionality that you need.

If you'd like to explore some ideas or have questions relative to either a kitchen or bath project, we'd be happy to help. Please give us a call or, better yet, visit us in our new showroom.

Let's start by getting some answers to some basic questions that should assist you in planning your project.

Is anything leaking or in disrepair? Plumbing leaks do not disappear when left unattended. Even a small leak over time may develop into a serious issue and lead to structural damage to cabinets, rotting subflooring, or spread to lower level ceilings. Long-term dampness can lead to mold, which is a health concern. Some things are too important to neglect!

While addressing the leak, it may be a good time to begin your bathroom update by choosing to upgrade the leaking fixture. For example, instead of repairing your leaking shower valve, you could replace it with a new style faucet and hand-held shower, or replace your tub /shower unit with a larger shower.

Will you be selling your home within a few years? You will want your home to appeal to buyers and you might not notice how outdated your bathroom may look to others. One of the simpler ways to update the look of your bath is to update the hardware. Currently brushed nickel is a popular classic look with the widest appeal. Replace faucets, lighting, towel bars, drawer pulls, door knobs, etc for a cohesive look.

What is most important to you? The most important consideration is what elements matter the most to you. When meeting with a bath makeover consultant, be sure to share your priorities, dreams and budget up front. The project can be done in stages if necessary, as your budget allows, but having the complete plan laid out at the beginning will ensure that it will all come together well at the end.

Do you need a professional contractor? A professional contractor can pull the permits, if necessary, for your job and will ensure that traps, vents and piping are done according to local plumbing codes. These codes and inspections were designed to guard you against dangerous sewer gas, and protect you against inferior workmanship. Even though a product looks nice on the internet, it may not be worth installing in your home. A reputable contractor knows which brands are trusted and will make recommendations based on years of experience.

We would be happy to guide you through the process of updating your bathroom—to make your dreams a reality!

Visit us at groffs.com, or call me (Ray) at 717-464-9446 ext 18 to get started. In addition to plumbing services we also have experts in heating & cooling, and electric.

Spring is a great time to remodel your kitchen, bath or laundry room and include the trends we expect to be big for a long time in the design industry.

Mixed textures will continue to be huge. Incorporating wood, metal and glass finishes in your room provides not only different tactile surfaces but also visual variety in the way surfaces reflect light. Leather shelves and even leather inserts in door and island panels embellish cabinets in a way previously undiscovered.

In the same vein as mixed textures is mixed sheens. A newer but timeless trend in cabinetry and fixtures is to mix glossy and matte finishes. Perimeter cabinetry in a kitchen may be in a 45 sheen (a glossier finish) while island cabinets are in a 20 sheen (more matte finish.) Counters in the same room may be a mix of polished and honed or even leathered finishes. This idea of mixed sheens complements the continuing trend of mixed metal finishes in the same room. The new rule is less matching, more variation!

There has been a large push in recent years for open floor plans in homes. We’re finding, however, that once people live in the space they find it a bit awkward for everyday living since the large spaces can be loud, lack privacy and be difficult to organize into user-friendly areas. We’re seeing more homeowners want to keep the open feel of the home but find ways to separate areas for assigned use as well as include fixtures that will help deaden noise. Dedicated space for baking, coffee bars and wine areas are being incorporated in kitchens and transition areas between the kitchen and living areas. Wood tops and luxury vinyl tile flooring help to absorb the sound between areas.

Overall in cabinetry we’re seeing a push towards darker interiors that differ from the exterior cabinet color, metal framed cabinet doors, frameless cabinets and cabinet doors that slide or lift up. And of course, technology integration is huge and will just continue to grow. Whether it’s automated control of lighting, appliances, or room temperature, there are apps that can do just about anything in your home and we’re hearing more requests to include Smart design in the home.

Design innovations promise to continue bringing exciting new ideas in kitchens and baths as the opportunities for creativity and beauty are limited only by the imagination. Consult with a Designer | Project Manager at Brubaker Inc. today for assistance in creating the home of your dreams!

When beginning to design a bathroom it can be overwhelming at all the choices that are available today. Looking at a magazine, watching HGTV or getting ideas from friends helps to get a sense of what style you might like. Styles are either modern, transitional or traditional. Everyone’s style and home is different. Design a bathroom that fits YOUR home. Keeping to your style will allow your bath to not date itself because it fits you and your house. Current trends are very neutral in color, so avocado is definitely out! Using neutral colors such as white, gray, tan or black and mixing natural material and a pop of color gives a new and fresh look to your bath. Neutral colors don’t have to be boring; just by adding texture and design changes an ordinary bathroom into an exceptional bath. Add a wood look but change it from the floor to the walls or be daring and incorporate it into your countertop. These colors give your bathroom a clean, simple and spa like quality.

When beginning to design a bathroom it can be overwhelming at all the choices that are available today. Looking at a magazine, watching HGTV or getting ideas from friends helps to get a sense of what style you might like. Styles are either modern, transitional or traditional. Everyone’s style and home is different. Design a bathroom that fits YOUR home. Keeping to your style will allow your bath to not date itself because it fits you and your house. Current trends are very neutral in color, so avocado is definitely out! Using neutral colors such as white, gray, tan or black and mixing natural material and a pop of color gives a new and fresh look to your bath. Neutral colors don’t have to be boring; just by adding texture and design changes an ordinary bathroom into an exceptional bath. Add a wood look but change it from the floor to the walls or be daring and incorporate it into your countertop. These colors give your bathroom a clean, simple and spa like quality.

For the pop of color in your bath, a trend that is growing in faucet finishes is gold. Many years ago polished brass was very popular. Everyone was putting it in their bathroom in some way. Now we see it coming back in a new way. A brushed gold is showing up in faucet lines. Brizo has come out with a brushed gold in one of their faucet lines that also showcases the industrial style. This brushed gold looks great with gray or brown tones showing up as a pop of color. In my opinion, using this color will not say you remodeled your bathroom in 2018, but will allow you to change your accents in years to come.

Kohler has also introduced a new faucet finish called Titanium. This is a gray/chrome finish. It’s a beautiful upgrade to the chrome look that is timeless.

Design your bath with what you like using the current trends that work for the style of your home. For design help and ideas, come visit me and our other design staff at The Bath Barn Showroom. No appointment necessary just come when it works best for you. Our showroom is filled with bath products and designs that are always being updated.

Anyone flipping through the pages of a magazine, watching remodeling shows on TV or searching the internet for home ideas can easily see that one of the hottest trends in bathroom remodeling today is bathtub to shower only conversions. Many homeowners are choosing to forego the tub when remodeling a bathroom and adding a large, luxurious shower in its place. The choice between a bath or shower can impact everything from your energy bills to the comfort and safety of your family members.

You mentioned that you're in your 'retirement home' which tells us that you don't plan on moving any time in the near future. Let's say that you are ready to remodel today and you decide to put a tub in only for the reason of future resale purposes. Then say 5 years from now your health (and mobility) starts going downhill. Climbing daily over 12 – 15" high tub rail will be an accident waiting to happen. Hospital costs and orthopedic visits are not cheap!

What's nice today is that a safe shower can also be an attractive shower. Showers are easy to access, especially if a member of the household has impaired mobility. Low thresholds, frameless shower doors and shower benches are features that many people like regardless of age or health status. The options in shower bases, hand held shower fixtures and even grab bars can provide a wide range of stylish design options—while keeping you and your family safe.

Another area to consider is energy efficiency and water conservation. Most people shower daily and spend 5–10 minutes in a shower. A quick shower virtually always beats a bath. The average bathtub holds 25 to 45 gallons, and if your hot water tank isn't big–it won't be too comfortable once you get in anyway. If you are considering your energy consumption and cost—you'll like your shower better.

So, you still just can't shake the thought of possibly hurting your resale value of your home (no matter how far down the road that may be). According to the National Association of Realtors, a shower-only home may not necessarily have less value than one with a bathtub. The only downfall may be that in some markets, it might take longer to sell. They suggest that by keeping at least one bathtub in the home, you will most likely avoid turning off families and buyers with children, who may prefer a tub for easy bathing.

In the long run, if you love your home and want to be there as long as you can, why should you be designing your bathroom for resale? Shouldn't you be designing this bathroom for YOU and YOUR family? If your heart is set on a shower-only home, by all means do it!

No matter what you decide, when you are ready to start that bathroom remodel, please call or stop by The Kitchen & Bath Showroom of Hajoca–Lancaster. At Hajoca–Lancaster we pride ourselves on stocking a wide variety of products that you can see and feel firsthand, as well as an experienced team that can help you through every step of your project. To schedule an appointment in our showroom please call us at 717– 299–3611

First off, you made a very wise decision to seek professional help. Kitchen remodels especially, can be a significant investment and getting professional help, regardless of your budget range, will prove to be invaluable.

For a kitchen project, there are many things to consider. Do walls need to be moved or removed? Does plumbing and/or electrical work need to be done? Are you replacing flooring? Is there any painting? If it's a major remodel you may want to consider hiring an experienced General Contractor to oversee your project from beginning to end. On the other hand, depending on the scope of work, it's quite possible that the company from whom you are purchasing your cabinets could act as the GC and take care of everything for you–like a one-stop shop. Here at Red Rose Cabinetry, we offer GC services where we would handle everything. We also could assume a more defined role in which our involvement would be limited to just your cabinetry and countertop services.

Regardless of which way you decide (a General Contractor or a cabinetry company who can take on the GC duties), it's always a good idea to get a sense of what interests you in terms of design and style. R&A Magazine as well as numerous online sites have plenty of project photos from which to get ideas. Your next step should be to start working with an experienced kitchen designer who can provide professional design assistance, especially in configuring things to your unique needs and space. You'll also appreciate their guidance in helping you make selections–––and believe me, there are many selections to be made and many from which to choose!

So where to get professional design assistance? Start at the place where you'll be purchasing your cabinetry. There are many options available including big home box stores and large regional and national cabinet distributors that carry stock cabinetry. There are also local custom shops, like us, that will build and finish your cabinets to your exact specifications. Budget may come into play when making this decision but don't let that be the sole deciding factor. My recommendation would be to go to a shop that specializes in cabinetry because a shop that specializes in cabinetry is just that–––a specialist! There is no comparison when it comes to expertise and experience. The big home stores may be more convenient but are not necessarily less expensive. More importantly, they simply don't have the staff with the extensive design experience or background as a specialty shop. Take it from me, choosing a cabinet company, such as Red Rose Cabinetry, that offers both stock and custom cabinetry, several countertop options to meet most any budget, and a knowledgeable and experienced design staff would be a great decision!

For more information, please don't hesitate to give us a call. Better yet, stop in and visit our showroom and speak to one of our experienced designers. We can design the perfect cabinet and countertop configuration to maximize available space and make using your kitchen the joy it should be. Ask us about corner shelving, Lazy Susans, creative lighting options and so much more! And keep in mind that we are not limited to just kitchens––we also design cabinetry for other spaces including bathrooms, home offices, entertainment centers, hobby rooms, and just about any place where cabinetry is needed. In short, if you need cabinetry, we can deliver!

Given the high cost of moving into a retirement home, as well as the general desire for many people to stay in their home as long as possible, aging in place is a common phrase when it comes to bathroom remodeling. There are many options to consider that go well beyond the standard answer you're likely to hear which is "add grab bars".

Commode: consider changing to a "comfort height" commode, which is typically somewhere around 18" high off the floor. This height will make sitting down and getting up off the toilet safer and easier.

Grab bars: grab bars are an excellent way of making your bathroom shower or tub surround as well as the commode area safer. Today, you have a myriad of designer grab bar options that can actually enhance the overall look of your bathroom. There are even special anchors available so that you can safely install a grab bar on a fiberglass surround.

Flooring: there is not a specific floor that is best, however you certainly want to avoid anything slippery like a polished porcelain or marble. In an older home, it is common to have floors installed over the years on top of each other, which builds up the height of the threshold. Consider having all of the old floors removed down to the subfloor so that your new floor is the same height as the adjacent flooring. This will make it safer, especially if you need to use a walker or a wheelchair.

Faucets: replace your bathroom faucets with lever handles, both at the sink and in the showering area. Knobs can be difficult to use, especially for anyone suffering from arthritis. Adding a handheld showerhead in the bathing area makes it easier to use a shower seat, as well as making it easier to clean the shower walls.

Tub to shower conversion: more people than ever are taking out their existing bathtubs and replacing them with showers. This even applies to homeowners with only one bathroom. While most people will still tell you that you need 1 bathtub in the house to sell it, people are realizing that a safe bathroom to let you stay in your home is more important than when it eventually comes time to sell the house. Consider a shower with a built in seat if you have the room, or a flip down seat in a smaller shower.

Lighting: a vent fan is often overlooked in a bathroom, yet it plays a very important role. Consider changing your existing vent fan, and while you're at it, install a new one with a night light feature. Also, change out old vanity lighting fixtures with new LED fixtures for better and brighter lighting. You can always install the lights via a dimmer switch if you want complete control over the brightness.

Vanity Area: almost all new vanities installed today tend to be "kitchen counter height". This will help reduce stress on your back as you bend over to use the sink. When changing your cabinetry, also consider having more drawers installed and/or pull out shelves included in your new cabinets. Just like in your kitchen, drawers and pull outs help you access what you need without having to get down and crawl into your cabinet.

If you'd like to learn more about aging in place and how it can help you stay in your home longer, or about our other services such as kitchen and laundry room remodeling, please give us a call at 717-299-5641 or stop in our designcenter.

The easy answer is attention to detail. But what exactly does that mean? Cabinets tend to be classified into three categories—Custom, Semi–Custom and Stock.

Let's start with Stock cabinets. Just like the manufacturer of automobiles today, stock cabinets are typically made in large factories in an assembly line process. These cabinets are mostly built by robotic machines. Cabinet pieces are machine cut and usually assembled by either machines or humans.

Finishing is also either done by machines or people spraying parts as they go by on an assembly line. Preparation for finishing is minimal. Careful inspection will reveal the lack of finish quality of these cabinets. Stock cabinets come in predetermined sizes that cannot be altered. The purpose behind this type of construction is to keep handwork to a minimum, as the cost of labor is a major factor in the price of the cabinetry.

Next is Semi–Custom. What this generally means is that there is more attention to detail and therefore more human involvement. Some alterations of the basic sizes are available, usually custom depth and sometimes width and height as well. Generally the construction quality tends to be better than traditional stock cabinetry.

That brings us to Custom cabinetry. Here you have total human involvement. Parts are all hand cut and hand assembled. While custom cabinets do use set cabinet sizes, they are not bound by these sizes.

Cabinets can be built to just about any height, width and depth that is required. Cabinet parts are cut and assembled by qualified carpenters. Also more types of overlays are available, such as flush and beaded inset, as well as almost limitless stain and paint options and a much broader choice of door styles. When it comes to custom cabinetry, the sky is the limit.

Finish quality with custom cabinetry presents a major difference as well. All parts are hand sanded. Stain and glaze are applied by hand by experienced finish technicians. And finally, the finish top coat is applied by hand in the precise amount to give a high quality finish that can be seen and also felt. Because custom cabinetry is built specifically for each project it typically requires a longer lead time.

The choice is yours to make—dependent upon your budget and the quality you desire. Stock and semi-custom cabinetry tend to be more budget conscious, but if you can afford custom built cabinetry, like fine furniture, it will last a lifetime. At Red Rose Cabinetry, we offer our own custom cabinetry built to your exact specifications. We also carry several lines of stock and semi–custom cabinetry to meet just about any budget. For your next cabinetry project, please consider Red Rose Cabinetry as your go-to source. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give us a call at (717) 626–4456.

A professional contractor will know how to work best with any and all budgets. Consider breaking the bathroom remodel into components- -prioritizing them based on your needs as the homeowner. Ask yourself, what are your needs and what are your wants?

Some homeowners with a limited budget may only have cosmetic concerns. Some may have a more urgent concern to get certain parts remodeled or repaired quicker based on their condition—such as the discovery of water leakage, rotting of floor boards, mold, cracked piping, fiberglass, or plumbing lines, etc. One might also consider breaking down the project in phases such as replacing the rotten subfloor from a toilet leak and repairing or replacing the toilet before doing anything else in the bathroom.

Some may have a desire to keep their shower and toilet as is and just replace an unsightly or outdated vanity and replace an old vinyl floor with a newer tile for a better appearance. The contractor will evaluate the project as a whole and could, if needed, divide them into components.

Your first step. First and foremost, have a professional come out and give you an estimate. There are numerous companies to choose from so do your homework. We suggest that you don't commit to the first company you come across. Instead, keep this criteria in mind when choosing your professional: (1) are they licensed?; and (2) do they offer ALL trades required for my project (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, remodel (drywall, painting, etc.)? Generally speaking, overall costs will be significantly lower if you find a company that is locally based and offers all trades (rather than subcontracting certain aspects of the project).

Once you have chosen your professional–– he/she would be able to go over your plan and advise you what will and will not work. Invaluable to the process, an experienced contractor can use their professional eye to picture the final project before it even begins. They will provide you with a copy of the layout as well as samples, color selections, fixture selections, etc.

Why hire a Professional/ Contractor versus a do-ityourself project. There are many benefits to using a professional. Contractors have access to pretty much everything you will need for your home remodel or repair project. They already have long–established relationships and accounts set up with numerous vendors/supply houses and will communicate all of your needs directly. Contractors can have products delivered in a short amount of time with no hassle or headache to the homeowner. Most contractors have a warranty system in place. If you find a part to be faulty, they can quickly process warranty claims and order replacement(s) if and when the time comes.

Most townships/cities require permits and inspections. The contractor will handle all of the processing of permit paperwork and communications directly with the township/ city office and set up appointments for inspections throughout the project and final sign off. The contractor is also going to have a very good understanding with regard to the code requirements and stipulations for your particular municipality.

Generally, when faced with a larger remodeling project unforeseen things tend to come up—such as opening up a wall only to find a corroded pipe, or worse, a leaking one; or you pull a vanity and find a substantial amount of mold. These little surprises can be a huge setback to a homeowner in terms of both time and expense. A qualified contractor, on the other hand, will have the knowledge to handle the setback in a timely and professional manner and get the project back on track.

For more than 25 years, Groff's has been helping families in Lancaster, Chester and York counties. In addition to our bathroom makeover services, we provide heating and cooling, plumbing, and electric services and repairs. Yes, we do it all!

For more information or assistance, call us at 717.464.9446 or visit us online at www.Groffs.com. You can also visit us at the BIA Spring Home Show—we'll be in booths 612-614.

I am glad to hear you asking this question while you are still in the design process. Your new kitchen may be large with lots of cabinets, but unless you design your new cabinets for functional storage, your kitchen will be cluttered and you will be disappointed. There are many innovative storage possibilities; I'll try to point out some of the most popular.

Corner Storage. Most kitchens end up having one or more corners in the cabinet layout. Many older kitchens have blind cabinets – cabinets that extend back into the corner with no easy access. These require you to literally crawl into the cabinet in order to reach the items that have gotten pushed back into the corner. The most common improvement has been the lazy susan which allows the user to rotate the shelf in order to access all the items. Now, however, there are new systems that make access even more convenient. These systems allow easier access to the corner space by allowing the shelves to swing, pull, or slide out of the cabinet.

Roll–out Shelves. Nobody likes digging in cabinets! Roll-out shelves allow you to pull out the shelf for easy With a traditional shelf, you always need to have clearance above the front items in order to access the items in the back. But with a roll–out shelf, you will no longer need to have extra clearance since you will be pulling the shelf out into the open, putting everything within reach from the top. To get this extra benefit, be sure that your roll-out shelves feature tool-less adjustability so you can easily maximize your storage potential as your needs change.

Pot/Pan Storage. Your pots and pans are key items that should have proper storage, or they will end up stashed on a heap. A common storage option is large drawers near your cooktop; these can be further organized by using adjustable dividers or peg systems. Remember to make your drawers deep enough to accommodate your large pots. If large drawers are not an option with your design, consider using adjustable roll-out shelves which give you the flexibility to adjust their spacing. Another great option is a hanging organizer on a pull–out slide. Simply slide the pullout from the cabinet and grab the pot that you need.

Tray Storage. Trays are thin and all your trays can easily be stacked on top of each other without using much space. But, you know the frustration of digging for the pan on the bottom! In most kitchens, this becomes the default because there was no planning for trays. Try to include a cabinet in your kitchen design with upright tray dividers, allowing you to easily get the tray that you need. Or better yet, have a pullout drawer with tray dividers.

Charging Station. The kitchen is the heart of your home since everybody's life centers around it. How many counters end up being cluttered with mobile devices and cords? There are some great products that allow you to incorporate outlets and USB ports into your cabinet or drawer. By keeping all the cords in a designated spot, your counters will be clutter–free.

Everyone uses their kitchens in their own unique ways. Partner with a kitchen designer who will be able to understand your needs and make recommendations on storage solutions. By using custom cabinets, your designer will be able to design creative, custom storage solutions specific to your needs. For more information about making your kitchen functional, give me a call at 717.859.3261 or visit www.FoxcraftCabinets.com.

There are many things to consider when deciding to begin a remodeling project. Do walls need to be moved or removed? Does plumbing and/or electrical work need to be done? Are you replacing flooring? Doing any painting?

If it's a major remodel you may want to consider hiring an experienced General Contractor to oversee your project from beginning to end. Or, depending on the company you choose to purchase your cabinets from and the scope of the work to be done, they can also act as the GC and take care of everything for you – sort of a one–stop shop. If it's just a matter of tearing out the old kitchen and installing a new one, most cabinet suppliers will take care of that for you as well or, if you're handy, you may choose to do the tear–out and install yourself.

To get some ideas on the kitchen design itself and what style of cabinetry might appeal to you, the internet is an invaluable resource. Sites such as Pinterest and Houzz. com are wonderful as they have many different pictures to view and get ideas from. A good kitchen designer is also an excellent resource to help guide you in the design and selection process.

Of course, one of the most important decisions you'll make is where to purchase your cabinetry. There are many venues available from home stores and cabinet distributors that carry stock cabinetry to custom shops that build and finish the cabinets to your exact specifications. Budget comes into play when making this decision but should not be the sole deciding factor. My recommendation would be to go to a shop that specializes in cabinetry rather than a huge home store simply because the shop that specializes in cabinetry only is just that – a specialist. There is no comparison when it comes to expertise and experience. The big home stores may be more convenient but not necessarily less expensive and, most, simply, do not have a sales staff with extensive design experience or background. Choosing a cabinet company such as Red Rose Cabinetry that offers both stock and custom cabinetry, several countertop options to meet most any budget, and a knowledgeable and experienced design staff would be ideal.

There are so many factors that come into play when remodeling your kitchen that it may seem a bit daunting at first. But choosing a company that offers quality materials as well as an experienced design staff will make your project much easier. And when your new kitchen has become a reality, you will feel a genuine sense of accomplishment, along with having a beautiful addition to your home that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come. For more information, please don't hesitate to give us a call. Better yet, stop in and visit our showroom and speak to one of our experienced designers. We can design the perfect cabinet and countertop configuration to maximize available space and make using your kitchen the joy it should be. Ask us about corner shelving, Lazy Susans, creative lighting options and so much more!

Keep in mind that we are not limited to just kitchens. We design cabinetry for other spaces such as bathrooms, home offices, entertainment centers, hobby rooms, etc.

Installation services are available for just the cabinetry and countertops, or we can act as your General Contractor and handle all aspects of your remodel project from start to finish. Just let us know how we can help.

Homes are meant to be lived in and enjoyed. They should be a comfortable refuge from the stresses of life. While rooms must always be beautiful to look at, design needs to make sense, work in the real world and make the resident family's lives easier.

Magazines and design shows are great for inspiration but often offer impractical and user UN-friendly solutions. It may be something as simple as the placement of a tub faucet or shower shelf to something as fundamental as the location of appliances, but each detail of a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room remodel needs to be considered to not only maximize the benefit of the remodel but also to avoid mistakes that make the features inconvenient to use. A dedicated remodeling project specialist will be able to lead you in finding solutions to meet your needs and that fit in your budget while being aesthetically pleasing to not only you but your guests.

For example, there are many inexpensive, unique ways to add storage and usability to a room without creating the appearance of a locker room or office. Clearing the clutter in a kitchen can be as simple as adding a message center. This feature can be built into the interior of a cabinet to hold keys, mail, a corkboard and even USB and phone chargers. Recessed shelves in bathrooms and kitchens are a great way to add storage without intruding visually, or spatially, on what may be a tight area. These space–savers can be installed in showers, backsplashes and walls to add instant storage without depleting floor space.

Touch–free faucets are a great, low–cost addition to kitchens where messy hands are an issue or to bathrooms used by guests or children. No more worrying about whether the faucet is turned off!

Myriads of cabinet inserts make it easy to custom–design organization to meet your lifestyle and needs. Units can store and organize pots and pans, dishes, glassware, spices and small appliances. Accommodations can even be made for pet supplies and food dishes! These inserts are very cost effective compared to custom cabinets that were necessary in the past to receive such convenience.

Even the materials, from counters to tiles to cabinets to sinks, are much easier to care for and require very little maintenance. Dazzling materials including natural stones, ceramics, glasses, metals and woods are available in a wide spectrum of colors, finishes and designs to fit in any budget.

Most importantly, an experienced remodeling project specialist will help you to select the materials you love that fit within your budget and work with your lifestyle while thinking through each aspect of the design such as: What height is best for my vanity? Will a single – or multi–level island work best for my family? Considering the way I use my kitchen, what appliance placement makes the most sense for me?

Planning for such usability (and then making the details beautiful!) will turn your kitchen or bathroom into the organized, functional, magnificent room you always wanted!

The Remodeling Project Specialists at Brubaker Inc. are excited to hear from you. Please contact us at 717-299-5641 to explore your unique remodeling desires and objectives.

There are many different options available to update a kitchen without replacing the cabinets. Start by looking at the cabinets themselves. If they are in good shape, painting your cabinets is an inexpensive update that a novice DIY-er can tackle. Sandpaper, primer, paintbrushes or rollers, and some gallons of your favorite color will give your kitchen a fresh, new look. The paint options out on the market today for cabinetry finishing are stronger and more durable to withstand daily use.

Another update that can make a big difference would be to change out your cabinet hardware. New hardware can be a very quick and easy change to make your kitchen look like new. Browse some of today's popular finishes available—such as satin nickel, chrome, pewter, and oil rubbed bronze. Think of your hardware as the jewelry to your cabinetry, and accessorize!

If painting the cabinets is not something you choose to do, you could look at changing out the countertops. With many possibilities out there for updating your countertops, there are options available to fit any budget. Laminate countertops are a great way to get a modernized look on a tighter budget. From stone and granite looks, to metal, fabric and wood-look patterns, you're sure to find a style that fits your taste. Granite is an option that is available in simple to exotic patterns, and is definitely the way to go to make your kitchen one-of-a-kind. Due to granite being a natural stone, it gives a truly unique appearance to any kitchen. Quartz follows in the footsteps of granite, both in appearance and quality. One benefit of quartz is that it has a more uniform—and therefore more consistent—pattern from one slab to another. With virtually no maintenance, quartz would be a great option for the family on the go.

Adding a tile backsplash is another great example of a quick kitchen upgrade. Usually done as a two-day project, you can easily add trendy glass, metal, or stone to your backsplash to give it a more up-to-date look. Tie in fixture colors, paint colors, accent pieces and more to give your design a more cohesive, personalized look.

Replacing the flooring in your kitchen can dramatically change the look and feel of the space. Adding hardwood or wood-look floors to the room will make the room feel warmer and richer. There are many different wood options on the market. From traditional hardwoods to natural corks, laminates, vinyl planks, or tiles that mimic wood patterns, you're sure to find the product that best meets your needs and enhances your space. Other durable options for kitchen flooring include tile, natural stone, vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles. Adding tile or stone looks can make the room feel sleek and modern, add a rustic flair, or create a timeless classic look.

Last but not least, a fresh coat of paint on the walls can be a quick update. Go bold with a bright color, or keep it calm and subdued with a muted color palette. You can pull colors from the countertop, flooring, tile, or accent pieces. It's amazing what a new coat of paint can do to make the entire room feel bright, fresh, and clean. If you're unsure what color would look best in your space, most paint collections offer a sample size that you can take home and try out first.

Whether you choose one update or multiple updates, be sure to stop by and talk to our design center experts. They have the knowledge and expertise to guide you to the products that not only fit your budget and your lifestyle but will make your kitchen look great for years to come.

You are not alone in your preference for granite...in fact, granite has become today's countertop of choice for architects, cabinetmakers, kitchen designers and contractors. Properly sealed granite is virtually impervious to abrasions, stains and extreme heat. Granite is extremely durable. It is one of the hardest materials known to man and is only slightly softer than diamonds.

As for its appeal, because of its unique natural beauty, granite has been used in architecture throughout the ages. The intrinsic beauty of this natural stone is its uniqueness. In choosing your granite, be sure to hand select your slabs as no two slabs will be identical. These slight irregularities are what will make your project unique and different from any other. Other than its popular appeal and natural beauty, there are a number of practical reasons why granite would be a great choice...here are a few to consider.

Are granite countertop tops expensive? Improved stone–working technology has made granite countertops very affordable compared with man-made solid surface materials. Depending on the stone selected, granite is often less expensive than quartz. Granite is about the same price as Corian. Granite countertops will increase the resale value of your property; they are an investment.

ls it easy to maintain and seal granite? Granite is ranked #1 in clean ability. Granite can be cleaned with mild, antibacterial liquid dish soap and water. Your countertops should be sealed when they are installed. Annual resealing is recommended. If sealing is a concern, ask your fabricator if they offer a 15 year guaranteed sealer. Does granite harbor bacteria? Granite is used and approved in food and medical applications. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has no records of granite harboring bacteria and no reports of people becoming ill from bacteria in granite. With regular cleaning, granite is far less likely to support bacteria than butcher block or laminate materials.

How easily can granite countertops be damaged? Like any solid surface, high impact blows could cause harm to your granite counters. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. These chips can be repaired by an experienced professional. Under normal circumstances, heat from your pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite.

Can I cut on my granite countertop? Yes, however, granite surfaces are harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly. If you have expensive knives, you should cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board placed on top of your granite surface.

Will my granite countertop have tiny pits on the surface? Granite, which is crystalline in structure, has pits, which are tiny spaces between the mineral crystals. You do not see them on a larger piece because the surface is polished to a mirror–like finish. Granite has natural fissures as well, which may have the appearance of cracks, but are not defects. These fissures are naturally occurring and the result of the immense heat and pressure under which the granite was formed over millions of years. These characteristics are part of the stone's natural beauty and will not impair the function or durability of the granite.

Hopefully, this information will prove helpful in your upcoming decision making. For more information, please give us a call or, better yet, stop in and see us. We have a huge display of slabs from which to choose, a well-appointed showroom to help with your other project selections, and a very creative and experienced design team to assist you. Come see us today!

The prospect of designing your perfect bathroom or kitchen and selecting the beautiful fixtures you will enjoy for many years is an exciting adventure. The first step in that process, however, should be setting a budget for your project. Many aspects of the renovation will greatly affect the price. Having a realistic expectation of what can be done within your budget will eliminate frustration and disappointment at the outset of your project. It's important to ask yourself some preliminary questions: what type of cabinets do I want? Which countertop material best suits my lifestyle? What floor covering is attractive to me?

The most cost effective design option for your kitchen or bathroom is to keep existing mechanicals such as plumbing, gas and electric lines in the same location, as well as retain the existing placement of bathroom fixtures. Remodeling projects are often predicated by a need for better room flow or more floor space. Relocating tubs, toilets and appliances can often make your room more functional. Often walls can be removed or cut down to open up a room or annex adjoining space. Such changes are worth the additional cost incurred but this construction work needs to be considered when setting your budget.

Perhaps the biggest effect on price is the style of fixtures and materials you select. Cabinets generally incorporate the majority of material costs in a kitchen and are available in several constructions. Custom cabinets have the highest price tag but also give you the greatest flexibility in style, finish and size. Semi-custom cabinets are a popular option that allow for the quality of custom cabinets but with a price closer to stock cabinets. If standard cabinet sizes work with your floor plan, stock cabinets will help save money while offering attractive options in finish and style.

Countertops, both in a kitchen and bathroom, greatly affect the price of your project. Counters can double or triple in cost from one material to another. Vinyl, tile, laminate and luxury tile are popular choices for floors. These selections, including the necessary installation costs, will affect your overall price. Labor costs within a remodeling project are usually as high, or higher, than the cost of the materials. The necessary labor hours to do a project can vary even within the same type of project when done in two different houses. Circumstances that significantly affect the number of labor hours, and thus the overall job cost, include but are not limited to the age of the house, the type and construction of existing fixtures to be removed, the intricacy of new tile or moulding work to be performed and the type of new fixtures to be installed.

Setting a budget at the beginning of your project and sharing that amount with your remodeling project specialist will help him or her to point you towards attractive, quality products that will meet your needs and your budget. Should the preliminary design and material ideas you collect and present to him or her not fit within your budget, an experienced remodeling project specialist will be able to make suggestions and offer excellent alternatives to be certain you achieve the room of which you truly dream...at any price.

If you have any questions or would like to explore some ideas, the Remodeling Project Specialists at Brubaker Inc. would be happy to hear from you. Please feel free to contact us at 717.299.5643.

Being cautious with your home improvement selections is a good thing. It's wise to do your homework and find out in advance the pros and cons of various product options. In this case, I think you'll be pleased with my answer.

Regarding burning, granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined underneath the earth's surface, so no, it cannot burn with ordinary use.

As for staining, as a natural stone, granite itself is 95–98% stain resistant. There are a few colors, however, that may absorb moisture with prolonged contact easier than others, and a problem may arise with darker pigmented liquids. To reduce this risk and for added protection, however, our company re-seals the countertops after fabrication with a specially formulated stone sealer which impregnates the granite. We also recommend a product called Dupont Revitalizer, for daily use as a cleaner formulated with a sealer that actually seals your granite every time you clean it.

Because of its natural beauty, durability and ease of maintenance, granite continues to be a very popular choice for kitchen countertops as well as various applications in the bath.

Should you have any questions regarding its maintenance or repair, or if you would like to discuss possible applications within your home, I invite you to call me at 717.333.2133, email me at gomarble@gmail.com, or better yet, visit me at our Lititz showroom and design center at 569 Furnace Hills Pike. Our showroom hours are Monday thru Friday 9–5:30, and Saturday 10–3.

Yes there is! The GRUNDFOS hot water circulation system is a great solution for this problem and it's available for both new construction as well as existing homes like yours.

You are right...why wait for hot water? Not only is it an inconvenience, it wastes time and money not to mention a lot of water! Hot water recirculation, on the other hand, means a continuous flow of hot water in the hot water supply line of your home––without a separate recirculation line. Without this system hot water in the line cools and must be evacuated before hot water can reach the faucets. This system uses the cold water supply line as the return line to the water heater and a circulator pump is installed on the hot water supply line of the water heater — a patented thermostatically controlled valve (comfort valve) is then mounted under the sink furthest from the water heater. The circulator pump is also equipped with a timer so that you can set it to run when you desire. This system not only adds value to your home, but delivers comfort and convenience of instant hot water when you expect it.

Think of it this way...what happens to the two to three gallons of water that goes down the drain during the wait? Those gallons are wasted and in an average household that can add up to thousands of gallons a year. GRUNDFOS has developed this system specifically for the existing home market and it is very energy efficient––using less energy than a twenty–five watt light bulb and can save up to sixteen thousand gallons of water a year per household! Hot water recirculation is a cost-effective method that can help the community and the environment by controlling additional waste of water.

For more information, give me a call at 665.5555

First of all, you are making a great choice in using granite. I've been in the granite countertop business for over twenty years, and it is such a pleasure to see how this countertop surface has evolved. Back in the day, we used marble. Then along came granite, a much more durable stone that is highly heat, scratch, and stain resistant. Just like any new product, though, it has taken years of educating the consumer for granite to rightfully be recognized as the best investment in countertops. To me, granite goes way beyond the value; it is a piece of art created by nature. You as the homeowner have the opportunity to show your style and personality through your unique stone.

Getting Started There are several ways to buy your granite countertops. Your best path to new granite tops depends on several factors: the scope of your project, your time, and your desire for professional design coordination throughout your home.

If you are simply :popping off the old tops," and replacing them with granite, you may wish to go directly through a granite fabricator. Some granite fabricators, like Natural Stoneworks, offer free design services to coordinate countertops, backsplashes, and flooring. On the other hand, a personal interior designer would help you to pull together other design elements throughout your home. Your designer would utilize the fabricator's stone yard and showroom. Well-appointed showrooms display stone and ceramic tiles to allow design of floors and backsplashes with slabs. Most likely, your designer will take you along to approve selections.

If you are replacing cabinetry or doing other renovations, you will probably employ a quality cabinet maker or general contractor. They will coordinate the installation of your tops with the fabricator. However, even in these instances, you should have the right to select your fabricator, visit the fabricator's facilities, and look at your granite slab in person.

Comparison Shopping
The best answer I have for this one is: Reputation, Reputation, Reputation. You are probably accustomed to researching a product; making a choice on make, model, and color; and then looking for the lowest price on the internet or store-to-store. Because granite is a product of nature, comparison shopping for what may appear to be the same color and edge treatment is a mistake. It will not be an "apples for apples" comparison and you may end up with a bad investment. As with any business, there are ways to cut corners and use inferior materials in order to give a low ball price to an unknowing customer.

The intrinsic beauty of granite is its uniqueness. No stone is alike and may go by various names. So the best way to make the right choice is to use a fabricator with many actual granite slabs on display. A good fabricator will also offer that you may visit his importers to hand-select your stone if you wish. If a fabricator will not let you see your individual granite that is a red flag.

Most importantly, granite countertops are not created in a factory sense. They require the expertise of craftsmen who use the proper cutting machinery and tools, who know how to lay out your tops in the most attractive manner, who can make needed seams go almost unnoticed, and who take pride in their work.
All projects, no matter how much you think will be simple and straight forward, have issues and nuances. You will want to be sure that your granite fabricator is prepared and willing to deal with whatever challenges arise. If your cabinetry isn't quite level or if your existing backsplash is a smidgen too high above the countertop, you want your installers to know how to make adjustments.

Enjoy Your New Granite
I hope that I have given you some direction to get you started and to make you feel confident and excited about getting your new granite countertops! As I said, you will be pleased with this rugged yet beautiful surface. Just remember that no matter what path you take, whether it is on your own, with an interior designer, or through a cabinet maker or contractor, you should ultimately be able to rely on your quality fabricator. He will provide the showroom, slabs, and expertise to help in your selections. Then he will coordinate with you or your designer/contractor to install your countertop (along with the tile backsplash and floor if included). From your first showroom visit to actual installation, the granite countertop portion of your kitchen remodel will be a fascinating and pleasant journey. Enjoy!

Regarding burning, granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined underneath the earth's surface, so no, it cannot burn with ordinary use.

As for staining, as a natural stone, granite itself is 95-98% stain resistant. There are a few colors, however, that may absorb moisture with prolonged contact easier than others, and a problem may arise with darker pigmented liquids. To reduce this risk and for added protection, however, our company re-seals the countertops after fabrication with a specially formulated stone sealer which impregnates the granite. We also recommend a product called Dupont Revitalizer, for daily use as a cleaner formulated with a sealer that actually seals your granite every time you clean it.

Because of its natural beauty, durability and ease of maintenance, granite continues to be a very popular choice for kitchen countertops as well as various applications in the bath. Should you have any questions regarding its maintenance or repair, or if you would like to discuss possible applications within your home, I invite you to call me at 717.333.2133, email me at gomarble@gmail.com, or better yet, visit me at our Lititz showroom and design center at 569 Furnace Hills Pike. Our showroom hours are Monday thru Friday 10-6, and Saturday 9:3-3.

Many people are inspired to start new projects with the new year. If you are looking to start a remodeling project, there are definite things to consider as you put your dream into a concrete plan. First, make a list of your expectations/desires and then be willing to do some legwork and actually interview construction firms to see if they can match your expectations. Main expectations that need to be discussed are quality, contracts/payments, and communication/scheduling.

More important than any of these concerns, however, is that you feel comfortable with — and not intimidated by — the company you choose for your construction project. Trusting your contractor is critical. You can build that trust with open and honest communication through every step of the process. You want to be sure that your contractor is a trusted advisor, not a salesman.

Quality: No one intends to hire a less-than-qualified contractor, but how do you identify one who will be able to provide the level of quality you desire? The best referral comes from a satisfied customer — so asking friends and family is definitely a good option. Granted, what your friend may consider quality or exceptional service may not match your standards. If you find a contractor that you feel might work, you should ask to see a complete list of his clients to broaden the scope of your sampling. A quality company should have available a list of clients who are willing to invite you into their home to view the craftsmanship or at least be willing to discuss their experience by phone.

In 2008, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. The law requires that all contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year register with the Attorney General's Office. You can check to see if a contractor is registered by calling the toll-free hotline, 1-888-520-6680.

Contracts and Payment: Once you have established that the quality of craftsmanship meets your expectations, you should discuss contractual agreements and payment guidelines. Nothing will sour your dream remodel as fast as finding out deep into the project that it's costing you more than you can afford! At the onset, ask whether your contracts are guaranteed. Guaranteed contracts mean that the construction firm has taken the proper precautions when bidding the job to assure that the labor time included in the contract is sufficient for the job to be completed within the contract price. Make sure to make allowances for special materials like cabinetry, custom windows, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures and items that may need to be special ordered. This allows you, the homeowner, to have the freedom to spend or save as much as you would like while selecting the products you want. Items such as lumber, drywall, paint, insulation and other construction materials that don't have as much of an aesthetic appeal are usually automatically included in the contract price. If the cost of these items or the labor to install them exceeds what is estimated by the contractor, the construction company eats the cost, not you. In the event that you want to change the floor plan or select a different item than was originally selected, the contractor should have a system in place to inform you of any extra costs that might be associated with the changed order. These steps will allow you to stay informed as money is spent to ensure you don't exceed your budget.

Communication and Scheduling: Communication and schedule expectations are key to any relationship with a contractor. Find out if the contractor guarantees his schedule. This guarantee should include a detailed, written schedule that spells out what will take place each day. The power of preparation and having a written plan is essential for a remodeling project to be completed effectively and efficiently. In addition, a detailed job schedule will ensure the proper products will be ordered and the right construction applications will be completed.

If you have any questions or concerns about your remodeling project, contact one of the experts at AB&K — Affordable Bathrooms and Kitchens at 717-715-9488.

You aren't alone. Many homeowners realize that their bathroom isn't functional but don't know where to begin when trying to make it better.

Your remodeler will tell you this, too, but the first thing you should do with any remodeling project (not just your bathroom) is to take an inventory of what you'd like to change about the room. Think about the times of day when you use your bathroom (how many people are trying to get ready in the morning and at what times) and what changes can be made to make it functional for you. This process will also help you solidify what you are truly looking for from your bathroom remodel.

Once you've made an inventory of changes, my next suggestion is to research what products are on the market. There are literally hundreds of vessels, tubs, showers, and faucets to choose from, so your best bet is to visit a showroom.

Showrooms are also an excellent resource for learning about the new products. When consumers visit our showroom, there are two design specialists on hand to help them through the often overwhelming process of picking out the components of their new bathroom.

Let's say you know you want a soaking tub, but there are dozens of soaking tubs on the market from which to choose. By visiting a showroom and speaking to a design specialist, you can find out the differences between each manufacturer and discover what amenities are available.

For example, one tub on the market is the new Release Bathtub Series by Pearl. The Release tubs are ergonomically shaped to offer you two comfortable sitting positions—designed for relaxing at one end and reading at the other. This series also offers a wide array of therapies including hydrotherapy with True Whirlpool®, air therapy with Aerofeel®, thermotherapy with ThermaZone ™, Chromatherapy (colored lights) and the new aromatherapy with AromaScents™ to lavish you with total relaxation. A skilled design specialist can walk you through this selection process to ensure you pick the tub that's right for you.

Or perhaps you want to remodel your bathroom to accommodate your parent's needs when they come to town for a visit. Handicapped accessibility is more than grab-bars, although those are certainly important. But did you ever consider replacing your current shower unit with one that doesn't have a lip to step over? There are several great showers on the market today that will match the existing floor height of your bathroom. Furthermore, today's ADA bathrooms do not have to feel sterile like a hospital. There are plenty of choices to make your bathroom attractive, yet still ADA accessible. Again, a skilled design specialist can help you through these choices.

Perhaps the biggest benefit to visiting a showroom is this: Many showrooms are laid out into vignettes, and these "mini-rooms" help you visualize what the bathroom will look like when completed. The vignettes allow you to see and touch all of the components that go into making your bathroom complete.

Making your selections from a catalogue is okay, but when you visit a showroom (rather than making your selections online), you can actually see and touch the various finishes first hand. This is an important step in selecting the right colors, textures and styles for you, and ultimately you will create a bathroom that you'll be happy with for years and years.

YC Design Center is a division of YC Company. The YC Design Center in Lancaster offers a full array of bath and kitchen products and presents contractors and homeowners the opportunity to consult design specialists in developing the baths and kitchens of their dreams. Creating your dream bath is a collaborative effort between you and your designer. Visit or contact us at (717) 569-8616 and together, we can begin your innovative and unique process.

This is one of the age-old questions when it comes to any kind of home renovations. And with a kitchen or bath remodel, the answer is perhaps even more important, because these are two areas of your home that provide the greatest return on your investment.

Home is… your castle, your sanctuary, your shelter from the storm. In addition,
your home is most likely the largest single investment you’ll make in your lifetime, so when making a change or addition, you want to be sure it's done right!

You can get the most out of your time and money by hiring a reputable contractor and having them supply all the materials for the job. I remember an adage that I heard many years ago, which still rings true today: “The bitterness of poor quality will remain long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” There's a certain comfort and satisfaction that comes from knowing your renovation has been done professionally and with the highest quality products available.

The best recommendation we can offer is that you start with a professional plumbing contractor. They can help with layout and design, while providing safe, practical and legal applications of the plumbing system. You can rest assured that a professional plumber will use the most dependable products available, because they warrant what they install. They do it right the first time and contrary to some advertising, it's more than a one-day, bandaid job. Good things take time!

Kitchens and bathrooms should fit your lifestyle. A visit to a local showroom, such as HAJOCA, will be time well-spent, as you will get the benefit of dealing with knowledgeable, highly-skilled consultants who are offering the best, state-of-the-art products available in today's industry, personally tailored to suit your needs or desires. And that is worth making note of, because in a world where consumers are lured into buying goods sight-unseen over the Internet, or at a “You-get-what-you-pay-for” big-box retailer, the old-fashioned, hands-on assistance of a qualified sales person provides the comfort of helping you know what it is you’re buying. And there is definitely a difference in the quality you buy through the experts!

This is a very simple, yet tried-and-true process for Kitchen and Bath remodeling. By visiting our showroom and then hiring a professional contractor to handle your project, start to finish, you will absolutely save yourself time, money, and even aggravation in the long run! The oldest rule of buying will always apply- You Get What You Pay For! Make your remodeling investment a sound one! To find out more, contact us at 717-299-3611

Granite's timeless beauty, lasting durability and ease of maintenance make it the perfect choice for indoor or outdoor applications. Adding granite countertops to your kitchen and outdoor living space will enhance the appearance of your home and improve its value. That being said, it makes sense to do some research and planning up front. Time spent now can ensure your ultimate satisfaction—both with the process and the final result.

A word about granite: Granite comes in an array of colors and styles, varying in appearance from granites with small crystal patterns that tend to be more uniform to granites with more “movement” or veining. Surfaces or finishes also vary. Traditionally granite was only available as a shiny, highly polished surface. It is now available in a number of beautiful alternate finishes such as: honed (a smooth, matte finish) and brushed or antiqued (a matte finish with texture). Choose an experienced granite fabricator displaying a large selection of granites, a knowledgeable sales staff, and an in-house design consultant who can guide you as to the best stone for your application and lifestyle.

Granite quality also varies. Make sure your fabricator offers only the finest quality granite. Look carefully at the slab you are considering. If you can see light swirl scratches remaining from the polishing process, it is of inferior quality. Also, the granite should have depth and richness of color. If it looks dull and flat, it is not a good quality slab.

Other things to consider before you move forward: Make sure that you will be able to view the actual slab used on your job. This is critical, especially if you’ve made your granite selection based on a small sample and have never seen a whole slab of your chosen material. Granite colors, shading, veining and crystallization vary from lot to lot and in some cases even from one slab to the next within the same lot. A reputable fabricator will not only encourage you to see and approve the slab(s) that will be used on your job, but they will also welcome your participation as they determine how your templates will lay out on the slab. They will also discuss in advance where seams will be placed. If the fabricator tells you there will be seams every few feet, he is using remnants rather than full slabs. Make sure you see previous work that the fabricator has done. Seams should be tight and veining should match up. If the fabricator is good, seam visibility should be minimal.

Granite countertops are an investment that will last a lifetime. You should be comfortable and confident throughout the whole project and proud of the end result. If you are considering updating your countertops, whether inside or outside, we invite you to call or visit our well-appointed showroom. See our web site at www.bantatile.com for more information, hours and directions.

Replacing your existing bathtub with a shower is becoming increasingly popular for its convenience and style options. Depending on the age of the house, different sizes and materials are used for the new shower but generally a shower can be installed right into the existing tub space with very minimal disruption to the rest of the bathroom, even the existing flooring. Usually only a small amount of drywall patching is necessary around the new unit.

Options for the shower range from fiber-glass units to solid surface surrounds to ceramic tile. Most showers are done in tile because it offers the most design flexibility, best compliments the style of the house and offers lifetime durability. Trends in tile lean towards 6”x6” to 12”x12” sized tile installed to the ceiling to hinder mildew above the shower. FireplacesColor and style are brought in with decorative tiles in many shapes and materials including metal and glass accents.

Available add-ons to the shower are plentiful. Many people find recessed lighting above useful. Corner or recessed shelves can be installed for shampoo and soap. Corner or bench seats can be added and tiled in to match the surround. While a standard shower head is always available, many clients choose to use their new shower as a true spa experience by adding handheld showers, rain heads and body sprays. Grab bars in complimentary finishes can also be added for the safety conscious. Shower doors vary from pivot to sliding by-pass doors with multiple finishes to match the faucets and a myriad of glass options. Doors are also now available with minimal framing for a cleaner, simpler look.

The average cost of a tub to shower replacement is $3,000-$5,000 depending on size and the materials chosen. The project generally lasts about 3 days from start to finish and your shower will be unusable during this time.

A new shower can be an excellent investment in the convenience and beauty of your bathroom. Brubaker Inc. will custom design your shower to meet your desires. Call us today to schedule an appointment for this exciting renovation. Brubaker Inc. 717-299-5643 or email us at remodel@brubakerinc.com and ask for Nicole or Mike.