Getting ready to make the ideas for your dream home a reality? With the major floor plan and other layout details well in hand, now you can enjoy choosing the materials you like best for flooring and other finishes and fixtures. Here’s a chance to check your assumptions about what’s great for the kitchen.

Maybe you’re a real foodie and wannabe chef. At any rate, we all spend a good part of every day in the kitchen, so why not make it truly your own when choosing materials? Countertops will be high on the list. Naturally, marble and granite are bound to come to mind—but if you’ve never considered concrete for countertops, read on to discover why it’s both super good looking and supremely functional, too.

3 Great Reasons for a Concrete Countertop:

First: a concrete countertop is versatile. This is because concrete countertops are individually made by artisans and not simply mass produced. This may also be the reason why there are endless possibilities when going with a custom-made concrete countertop. You can have some real fun and even use concrete to create a marble-looking surface.

Unlike other natural stones, concrete can be moulded to form beautiful angles and curves. Aside from adding beauty to your home, concrete countertops can make the kitchen safer for your children by eliminating the sharp corners they can bump into. Whatever, shape, size, color and even thickness you prefer, the possibilities are truly endless with concrete.

Second: a concrete countertop is durable. A concrete countertop doesn’t chip, break or fade easily. With all the materials available to choose from, concrete is superior in terms of durability. It’s virtually indestructible and certainly lasts longer than many other countertop materials.

Concrete countertops can even be used for outdoor kitchens, tables and benches. Concrete can withstand extreme heat, heavy rains and almost any type of damage you can imagine. The proper sealants will add even more to the advantages factor and extend the life of this versatile material.

Third: a concrete countertop is more environmentally friendly. Concrete is a natural material that uses less energy to make. Concrete is also made of renewable materials, unlike granite and marble, for example. That’s just another solid reason to choose a kitchen countertop that really makes sense in today’s more “green” savvy world.

Congratulations on Your Concrete Countertop!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and look at lots of options for a great concrete countertop. Then choose a good bottle of wine. When your new home is complete and your kitchen’s good to go, you’ll toast yourself for going with one of the best possible countertop options. And you’ll have the concrete evidence to prove it.

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and a clickable link back to this page.

You used to enter your office with a feeling of pride. Everything about it seemed to complement the essence of your business so well. But after years of use, the paint is chipping and the carpeting has deteriorated. And that’s just the superficial stuff.

Wake Up & Smell the (Stale?) Coffee…

When you take a good hard look at the surroundings, you can see that the layout of the space could work more efficiently and look much more attractive to both your customers and staff. That’s the first big step towards a successful office renovation: realizing that it’s time to make some improvements. Next comes moving forward with a sound plan and a realistic budget.

Let an Office Renovation Show Your Style

The office is the sounding board and launch pad for the creative ideas of your business. It’s also where you hold meetings and receive clients, so good first impressions count. So do bad ones. Keep in mind that you want to provide a pleasant vibe to anyone who enters for a consultation, plus a pleasant, well thought out environment for your employees. With the expert help of an experienced company, you don’t have to burn a huge hole in your pocket, even if your office needs to undergo a bigger transformation.

The A-B-C’s of a Budget-Wise Office Renovation

Follow these practical steps for an office renovation project on a budget:

a. Plan

Planning a contemporary design involves esthetics and functionality in one space. Note the specific areas where you might spend less, and which ones you especially need to focus your budget on. Good planning lets you know your limits and explore lots of options.

b. Search for good deals

These days, good deals are available online. The Internet is the most accessible means to browse through the various product catalogues to find your favorite office fixtures, furniture, lighting options, and more. There are good deals out there, if you zero in on what you really need and find the best possible price.

c. Bulk buying

As much as possible, make sure that you buy all your office needs from one store. If you purchase in large quantities, the supplier might offer you volume discounts, or even bonus items, to complete your up-to-date office renovation.

d. Local purchasing

On a limited budget, it’s more practical to purchase from local stores. This saves on shipping rates and related charges. It lets you inspect items firsthand before buying. If there are eventual concerns, you’d be able to have them solved sooner at a local level.

e. Recycle and reuse

Make sure that you inspect everything in your office before you decide to dispose of it. You may be surprised how some of them can still be used to complete your office renovation. Even old drawers, tables or chairs could be repurposed to fit your needs.

f. Minimalism

You don’t have to overwhelm your new office with numerous pieces to make it look sophisticated. Minimalism could provide you with both decorative and functional key elements that heighten the professional atmosphere in your new office.

Doing an office renovation on a tighter budget doesn’t mean that the end result has to look drab or uninviting. Remember that your office is your second home and a little creativity can go a long way when it comes to some impressive improvement.

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and a clickable link back to this page.

With the real estate market just rising from the ashes of the housing bubble, talking about designs for luxury new homes has been more or less out of favour for some time. However, with a resurging market confidence in the real estate industry, designing and building luxury new homes has made a strong comeback in recent months.

The general trend for building luxury new homes is to combine attractive, innovative design and true functionality. Almost everyone has done away with the palatial, 14-room mansions of the early boom years, and space is becoming more and more valued. People tend to demand optimum value for their money, and when it comes to personal space, they prefer to keep it more modest and cosy.

The Top 3 Trends for Today’s Luxury New Homes:

1. Back to Basics – With the economy down and people losing jobs and investments by the hour, the trend for luxury new homes has seemingly followed suit. More and more people want to have their dream homes reduced to the basics—with the trend moving from mansion-type luxury homes to more basic but elegant bungalow structures. People are becoming more pragmatic and opting to scale everything down a bit, from the bedrooms to the kitchen. Lot sizes are also shrinking, with more people investing in smaller parcels of land in luxury residential areas, rather than finding an acre of land in far-flung towns.

Nowadays, homebuilders receive more orders for luxury new homes that feature the essentials: bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a comfortable bathroom. But that doesn’t mean that style and design is being left behind. Stylish and luxurious homes are certainly attainable, and even if somewhat downsized, can still combine excellent design and appealing functionality.

2. Green is In – With talks on global warming and preserving nature well established in the social and environmental fabric, another continuing trend in designing luxury new homes is to consider the structure’s environmental impact. More and more people are asking homebuilders to create designs that won’t significantly alter the natural landscape. When it comes to construction materials, eco-friendly paints, concrete and wood are also dominating the market.

One of the most prominent architectural designs today is earth sheltering, or allowing a natural landmass or structure to serve as the foundation or major wall of the house. Bill Gate’s Xanadu 2.0 home in Medina, Washington, is an example of this type of architecture—a design that allows natural heat conservation and maintains a steady air temperature inside.

3. Home Sweet Home – An interesting trend is developing in the luxury new homes market. While the age bracket of luxury new homes customers is going down, the home design trend is increasingly becoming more traditional. Many people are now requesting the old-time front porch and two-room bungalow styles. Southern country style houses with garden patches are also becoming a favorite, along with historical, Victorian-inspired designs. Others request the old-time, brick-walled beauties, with matching chimneys and fireplaces.

Luxury home experts explain that this tendency may be brought about by the overly modernized world that people are living in—a world of glass and steel, as a well-known poet puts it.

At the end of the day, people would just like to go home to comfortable and familiar luxury new homes that create a sense of nostalgia coupled with the best modern conveniences. What’s not to like?

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and a clickable link back to this page.

Yes, you love your home. You’ve been in love with it for the past 10 years—but maybe it’s time to do a little makeover and some home improvement projects? Some painting, gardening or carpentry that can be accomplished over the weekend. Just a couple of simple projects can enhance your home and make it more comfortable for your family.

Home Improvement: Start Small, Think Big

Most renovations and remodeling projects are generally best left to a skilled home contractor. But if you’re thinking of taking that next big step, sometimes just moving things around a bit in the meantime can let you look at your space through fresh eyes.

Help yourself picture what’s possible on a bigger scale—say, getting rid of that rickety, rotting deck over the carport and adding on a more family-friendly computer room in its place. Or just a place for the kids to play the latest video games and hang out with their friends.

Start small, and let some fresh ideas take hold. Sometimes a few DIY projects can help you spend quality time with the family while deciding together what larger improvements would be best.

Home Improvement Projects on a Small Scale

If you’re worried about what to do in your home improvement project, watch some TV shows about interior design and general home improvement—there are entire channels devoted to this now, and sometimes it’s hard not to get hooked! Browse through the many magazines featuring improvement projects, sure to show ideas about what and how to add beauty and functionality to your home.

Here are some typical smaller scale things you can do to perk up your home:

1. Paint a room or even just one feature wall
2. Improve back yard landscaping to make way for that new deck
3. Clean and de-clutter your kitchen to prepare for an open-concept renovation
4. Rearrange furniture in your living room to maximize natural light
5. Create a “focus wall” in your living room, to display family pictures and interesting art

You’d be surprised how clearly you start to see the possibilities, even just by moving around a few end tables and an armchair or two. Wouldn’t that comfy loveseat be great tucked into a brand new bay window? What about having a skylight put in? Consider giving the house you love a new lease on life—explore the amazing potential for home improvement at the hands of tried-and-true professionals.

Get the whole family puttering alongside you and talking about their wish list for the house. Mulling it over is always the first stage to making good things materialize, so indulge your imaginations.

Home Improvement Suggestions

On the purely pragmatic side, consider these other home improvement suggestions:

• Waterproofing your basement
• Cleaning your eaves and gutters
• Creating a built-in display cabinet in the hallway
• Installing a microwave oven shelf in the kitchen to free up some counter space
• Building a wooden swing for the gazebo
• Rearranging the kids’ playroom and getting rid of what they’ve outgrown
• Creating a mini container garden to grow herbs

Is Home Improvement Worth It?

No matter how small a scale you start with, the answer is absolutely! There are always benefits in doing simple home improvement projects. Maintaining a well-looked-after house never hurts its value, so your efforts pay off. Strengthen family ties in the process, and your home improves in more ways than one.

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and a clickable link back to this page.

Take this scenario – a couple just down the street really wanted to have a boy, and were pleased to have their wish come true the third time around. Happy news, but it led to a dilemma. Their house had only two bedrooms, so things were already pretty cramped with the two older sibs sharing a room. Squabbles break out when space is tight, and who needs the aggravation?

In addition to the new baby, sleepless nights ensued over whether to consider remodeling or to purchase a new house. The family needed to make a decision, and pretty quickly—for their own comfort and sanity.

With a new baby on the scene, the idea of house hunting hassles and having to sort and pack everything up in preparation for a move became less and less attractive. It was much more appealing not to have to uproot completely and maybe even change neighbourhoods or leave the kids’ nearby school. There’s change, and then there’s major upheaval.

The option of remodeling gave this family the choice between simply adding another bedroom or renovating the entire floor to accommodate both a nursery and a modest en suite bathroom. With skilled help in deciding the details, some simple ideas became a reality—and in less time than they ever would’ve imagined.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Remodeling a House?

When you expand or change something inside your home, you definitely have to get the entire family involved—otherwise, unwarranted arguments may crop up every now and then. Keep the peace. Let everyone have their say about their vision for the planned renovation, no matter how large or small. Removing a wall to open up a cramped space between the living room and dining area, for example, or replacing the tired back deck off the kitchen with a brand new sunroom—no matter how simple it seems on paper—all takes thoughtful planning and consultation.

Not everyone in the family will be excited about the remodeling project. At least not at first. That’s why it’s important to make everyone understand why the remodeling needs to be done. Make sure to mention the advantages that come with a more functional and attractive living space.

Clearly describe how things will look. These days, most good remodeling contractors will be able to show you really impressive computer renderings of how your dream design will look when it’s done. Complete with your chosen colors.

Among the many perks of remodeling your house, you definitely can’t place a price on the sense of fulfillment once you see the finished product. When your remodeling project is done, you and your family will feel great (together!) about the accomplishment and the makeover of your home.

A remodeling project can make your living areas more spacious and contemporary—not to mention increase the value of your property. Remodeling can turn your old home into a modern beauty that you’ll really want to show off.

Remodeling is being opted for by a lot of budget-conscious families. It’s certainly more affordable than purchasing a new house, and creates a fresh new atmosphere in your home. It can increase your morale and make your family happier. What a relief when you decide to renovate. You’re not only remodeling your home—you’re reinventing your way of life.

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and a clickable link back to this page.

When it comes to designing a kitchen, some people leave it up to what the contractors suggest. We have many ideas about how we want our kitchen to look and feel. But we often side with the usual things that we see in other people’s kitchens: the cupboards, the center aisle, the sink and appliances, and especially—the style and material of the countertops.

Have you ever wanted a kitchen that stands out from the rest? Would you like your kitchen to have a wow effect on your visitors? Let’s step away from the usual and make it happen!

For an ultra luxe and unique look, consider concrete countertops instead of from typical choices like granite and marble. So far, concrete countertops have been favored by a minority—they’re a terrific but less familiar choice. More people are discovering, however, that concrete countertops provide the same strength, durability and elegance that marbles and granites do, and at a lower cost. Another huge advantage is that concrete countertops are also highly customizable when it comes to color and finish.

The Process of Making Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops are made of concrete cement that is finished with a thick layer of sealant. The sealant provides a barrier that .prevents food and liquids from entering any cracks underneath the surface This also helps to protect the concrete countertops from being stained or scratched—the sealant gives the surface much greater resilience to all kinds of damage.

Concrete countertops can be made to resemble other natural stones. They can be designed to look like marble or granite, and painted to create almost any appearance you desire. Concrete countertops can also be molded with styled edges and backsplash designs to complement the other colors and decor in your home.

Are Concrete Countertops Safe for My Family?

Concrete countertops are practically the same as marble, in that both are porous materials that can easily be compromised by acidic liquids. What protects both your food and your countertop is the sealant that’s used to cover the cement.

You should be careful when choosing sealants for the concrete countertop. The sealant you or your contractor chooses should contain “food safe” ingredients. Make sure that it has an FDA- approved label. If the sealant is water-based and has a low VOC (volatile organic compound) content, then your concrete countertop will be totally food safe.

What are the Different Designs for Concrete Countertops?

There are hundreds of designs for concrete countertops. Owners can practically have their concrete countertops customized to whatever design they prefer. You have the option to choose the color, design, edge details, backsplash, inserts and much more. Here are just a few ideas to consider for your concrete countertops:

• Abstract art

• Back to nature design

• Bar effect

• Embedded glass top

• Marble black look

• S-shaped countertop

• Stainless steel look

Concrete countertops are truly a mark of luxury for homeowners. They’re just as beautiful as granite or any other typical countertop material. Plus the design options are infinite, making concrete countertops a unique choice for every household.

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and a clickable link back to this page.

High end carpentry means a touch of class, sophistication and style. It lets you give specific instructions and consult openly about the best possible recommendations on how to have your finishing woodwork done. This goes a long way towards achieving the special look and feel you’d like for your home.

There are plenty of contractors claiming to offer high end carpentry services who deliver results only satisfactory at best. You want the attention to detail in both consultative design and craftsmanship that makes all the difference. See what can be done with high end carpentry to create your luxury living space and make it truly impressive. Flawless, in fact.

What Makes High End Carpentry Different?

Naturally, regular and high end carpentry are alike to a certain point. But high end carpentry work goes well past the basic in its execution and precision. It surpasses expectations.

It may be more costly—but the skill and craftsmanship involved in high end carpentry is far superior, performed by master woodworkers who put a great deal of talent and pride into what they create with their hands. The result goes beyond mere construction into the realm of artistry.

Is High End Carpentry Worth the Price?

We have to admit that the term “high end” in itself means high class and excellent quality. It’s pricier for a reason—and undeniably worth it as it takes longer to do it. If you’re the strictly practical type that doesn’t really appreciate custom designed cabinets or superior molding, high end carpentry isn’t for you.

But if you have the vision and budget to get the project done exactly the way you want, high end carpentry will make it happen. You should also get high end carpentry services if you want any kind of custom designed woodwork for any area in your home. Rely on people who respect the sophisticated demands of discerning homeowners. Here’s where the saying that “you get what you pay for” really rings true. And it will show, for sure.

What Can High End Carpentry Services do for Your Home?

Whether starting from scratch with a new home or renovating an existing space, the services offered by a good home building contractor should include high end carpenters. Everything can be customized according to your unique vision, time and requirements. A good home building contractor is experienced in selecting excellent, high end carpenters and usually these carpenters are his employees. Contractors with a good reputation for excellent wood joinery are usually craftsman themselves and undrestand the skill level required to place the proper carpenter on the job so it flows seamlessly, with a stunning end result. Here are just a few items where high-end carpentry would be required:

• Coffered ceilings
• Faux beams
• Ornate crown with complicated returns and flat-stock styles
• Customized wood designs
• Antique restoration
• Wainscoting, chair-rails, two and three piece baseboards
• Custom sills, window returns, door casing, plinth block designs
• Cabinetry such as handmade kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, and built-ins
• High-end exotic wood veneers

Don’t settle for standard. When you want something well beyond the ordinary for your home that’s expertly done, the high end carpentry skills of an experienced and innovative contractor can’t be beat. A premium product stands out. Don’t settle for anything less than remarkable.

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and a clickable link back to this page.

It’s a bit strange that a bathroom can become such center piece in a home. It’s supposed to be the most private of rooms and yet when it comes to showing off a house for sale it is one of the spaces people are most interested in seeing.

Far more design hours go into making the bathroom look good than the bedroom, or even the living room!

So let’s face it, for whatever reason when you remodel your home you are going to want a bathroom that looks great and, more important, functions well.

Start by Choosing your Bathroom Design

• Probably the best way to get started is to get a specific style in mind. You may already have a style in your home and want the bathroom to fit in with that style. Or you need some ideas you can start perusing the renovation magazines for some ideas that jump out at you.

• Once you have an idea for a style you need to look at what you can realistically achieve. This includes looking at both the size of the space available and the size of the budget you have for the job.

• Now the next thing is to work out the design with your contractor. A good contractor can help you with the design plans and a really good contractor will have home design services so you can actually sit down and do a full consultation of what can be done and what will work.

I must confess that I love a good bathroom design. There are so many elements that go into a bathroom that you have a huge range of design choices, from a rustic country theme to a modern steel and glass design.

A good designer can take the style and design ideas you have in mind and make it work in the space available.

Functionality of a Bathroom Remodel

Now comes the dirty stuff, that’s where you need a contractor who knows how to build a bathroom right. A bathroom doesn’t just have to look great, it actually has to work. Anyone can splash a coat of paint on a wall and make a room look brand new but a bathroom requires some serious skill.

Do you want to change the location of the bath and toilet? Do you need to install a drain? Does the floor slope properly? Do you have moisture trapped between the wall and the tiles?

It’s no joke getting this stuff right. Improper moisture control can lead to mold growth which could mean you have to do the whole thing over again – not to mention the health risks. In addition to mold growth, dry-rot issues can occur.

Don’t try to cut corners when it comes to your bathroom contractor, spending a little more for quality work really pays off in the long run.

So when you find that combination of a dependable contractor with a solid in-house design team you can make that bathroom the center piece that it, however strangely, was meant to be.

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and Renovation, Inc. and a clickable link back to this page.

Do you have a home improvement project you have been tossing around in your head for years but have never gone through with it?  Are you afraid to get the ball rolling?

A lot of people understandably put off of doing renovations by fear of high costs and contractor hassles.

But it’s not all bad!  Trust me!  There are some very excellent contractors out there and when you find them you can actually achieve what you set out to do without too much hassle.

Degrees of Home Remodelling

One thing it is important to realize is that there are degrees of home remodelling.  You don’t have to turn your home into a top to bottom mess of drywall and plaster.  Something as simple as a new color scheme and cabinet doors can completely transform a kitchen.

There are some ideas you may not have thought of to get a lot of mileage from a small renovation with minimal disturbance.

How about a refinished floor or a decorative staircase?  You could add a patio or a deck.  Did you know that you can add a vaulted ceiling by using empty attic space?   This can add height to a room and create more space and light.

These things and more can add aesthetics and liveability without huge cost or major disturbance.

Get What You Want

The important thing is getting what you want.  A good design-build contractor can do their work.  A GREAT design-build contractor can take your vision and make it reality.  This means that you don’t just need someone who can swing a hammer, you need someone who can listen and understand what you need and help you to make it happen just the way you want it.

This includes knowing what scale of renovation you want to do.  Maybe you just need a coat of paint or a Venetian plaster finish.  Maybe you need a brand new kitchen.  Or maybe you want to go all the way and only leave one wall standing and completely rebuild the whole place.

A Good Design-Build Contractor Will Work With You

A good design-build contractor will work with your needs and deliver what you want.  You don’t want to be up-sold onto doing a massive renovation when all you wanted was a new bathroom.

Get an idea of what it is you’re looking for and then scope out a contractor who has the people skills to understand your needs and give you exactly what you are looking for.  You might be surprised to find out how much can be done within the budget you’ve outlined.  But you have to have a contractor you can trust.  Then you can start to go from “maybe one day” to a done deal.

Spruce up your place, raise your home’s value and finally get that project done, all at a cost that is within your budget and with no more than mess than needed.  You never know what you can get done until you ask.  Most contractors will give you a free estimate on your project.

But the key is finding that right contractor and the just getting the project started!

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and Renovation, Inc. and a clickable link back to this page.

Thinking about taking the plunge? The kitchen with adjoining rooms is often where most of the family time is spent. To help you move from thinking to doing we offer these reasons on why remodel a kitchen.

1.  You Spend a Lot of Time in the Kitchen!

Just think about your average day.  How much time do you spend in the kitchen?  You wake up and go to the Kitchen for coffee and breakfast.  You might make a lunch to take with you to work. When you come home at the end of the day you head to the kitchen for a snack or to start making dinner. On the weekends you prepare a lunch and maybe read the weekend paper.

You get the idea.  As the most functional part of your home it’s the spot that you do a whole lot of living in (maybe they should switch and call it the living room!)

So if you’re going to start and end your day there (and maybe grab a midnight snack from time to time too) it’s worth investing to get it looking just the way you want.  Getting in that newly renovated kitchen every day will put a smile on your face.  Why not start and end your day in a space that is designed to look just the way you want.

2.  Functionality in a Kitchen is Key

As I said, the kitchen is the most functional part of your house.  It has the most appliances, the most tools, the most gadgets.  It’s where you make your meals.  In short, it has to WORK.

A properly designed and laid out kitchen can smooth your work load and streamline your food prep process.

Do you find that you are going all over the kitchen when you try to make something and getting mess everywhere?  Do you have a spot in the kitchen that always gets cluttered?  Once you’ve prepared something is there a place to put it down while you work on the next thing?

Kitchen design is a bit of an art. Best is to get it done by a professional – they will make the most of the available space can smooth out these little problems and it WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER.  Who couldn’t use things running a little smoother around the house?

3.  The Kitchen Sells the House

While you may want that to enjoy that perfect kitchen forever, you may also think of selling your home one day.  And when you do, you will discover that it is really the kitchen that sells people on the house.

I once had a car salesman tell me that the cup holders sell the car.  He said that whenever someone gets into a new car for a test drive the first thing they check is the cup holder.  The cars with the fancier cup holders sell better.  (Have you noticed how fancy the cup holders are in new cars?  Some of them look like they were designed by NASA!)

It’s kind of the same thing with the kitchen.  It just seems like a functional sort of space for doing the daily task of making food, but it is really the heart and soul of the home.  It’s where the family gets together and share meals.  Ever heard the expression “Home and hearth”? Well the hearth used to be the fireplace where the cooking was done.  And I’m sure you’ve been to a party before and noticed that everyone seems to end up in the kitchen. People just seem to gravitate there! 

So when someone is looking for a new home they always take special notice of the kitchen.  Just ask a real estate agent!  If there were two similar homes in the same area and one had a nicely designed kitchen, maybe with a tile backsplash and a serving island, that home would sell way before the one with the dingy linoleum and out-of-date cabinets.

So you can get the beautiful , functional kitchen you’ve been dreaming of and it will pay off in the long run when you decide it’s time to sell.

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.



Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and Renovation, Inc. and a clickable link back to this page.