Start small with a bathroom remodeling project. If you’re going to fit it into a weekend, look at the little things that you can change. Start by creating a plan of attack so that you know what needs done and how much time you have to do it all. Figure out what you want to change, what gets left as-is, and whether or not you need professional help at any stage of the project. With a little home improvement education, you can handle just about anything on your own.

-Change the theme of your bathroom. Consider replacing the shower curtain, towels, and accessories in the room to give it a whole new look. This is simple, affordable, and can make a big difference.

-Replace outdated fixtures, lighting, or tile. Something as simple as new faucets or new lights can make a big impact, as well. If you are looking for a little bit more, re-tiling the floors or walls can be a great way to modernize the room and give it a whole new look. Tile can be intimidating, so it’s best to hire a professional to do that.

-Paint. Some people think renovation and immediately think big. In most cases, you want to go big because you’re trying to make changes that will be noticed. However, if you’ve only got a weekend and a little extra cash, something as simple as a new coat of paint can make a big difference in any space, and especially in a bathroom.

As you can see, there are many ways to remodel your bathroom without having to take on a huge project or hire professional contractors or plumbers. You can find basic instructions for any project at your local home improvement store, allowing you to do more on your own. No matter what your budget is like, you can easily spend a weekend making small changes in your bathroom for a big improvement.

Of course, if you want to completely transform your bathroom to increase storage and functionality you will need a more comprehensive plan and design. At California Kitchen Creations we will design and construct the bathroom of your dreams.

Task Lighting is an energy efficient way to place extra light where you need it most. By improving the light on surfaces you work, read or eat at, you can maximize safety and comfort without increasing the total amount of fixtures needed in the ceiling to light the space. Task areas should have two times the amount of light as the general use areas. I recommend using low profile florescent light strips for under cabinet task lighting. Halogen or LED lighting are available for under cabinet lights but these are more suited for accent lighting to display your new tile backsplash or granite countertops.

Wall washing is a technique used to light vertical surfaces evenly. When done properly, it can make a room appear larger and more inviting. Wall washing is also helpful to reduce the appearance of textured surfaces by diminishing shadows from the ridges. In order to stand out, the wall should have at least 50% more light than the ambient lighting in the room. Use double the watts per square foot to illuminate the wall that you are using to illuminate the general space.

The 3 most common problems you will have when you pick a contractor who only offers the lowest price:

1. The first problem is that dirt-cheap contractors usually don’t stand behind their work if there is a mistake. Sure, other contractors might do your job for a little less money, but how will they treat you when there is a mistake with your job? To give the cheapest price, they usually have low-wage, inexperienced employees that have not been adequately trained. They also cut corners by using cheaper material and labor to give that low price. The end result is that you get what you pay for. And the little bit of money you saved ends up costing you more in the long run! Believe me, this is a little saying we tell our customer: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is gone.”

2. The second problem with a contractor who offers the lowest price is that they tend to also offer the lowest quality. Your kitchen is one of the more expensive rooms in your house to remodel. It is also one of the best investments you can make in your home if done properly. Don’t trust that all contractors know how to properly design and execute a kitchen remodel. Plainly said, “Shoddy or low quality contracting because of cheap price costs you money.” No amount of savings is worth this. You’ve worked too hard and spent too much money on your home to throw it away for the few cents you save on a contractor instead of investing in a properly remodeled kitchen.

3. And the third reason why picking the cheapest contractor is a problem is that you might get charged extra for things that California Kitchen Creations normally include in our quote in the first place.  Cheap contractors nickel and dime you to death. What seemed like a good price actually ends up costing you more in the end. This is just a tactic cheap contractors use to get in the door.

To avoid buying on price alone, we suggest you choose two or three contractors and rank them in the order that is important to you such as Quality first, Service second and Price last.

Refacing can range from simply repainting existing cabinets and drawer fronts and updating hardware to stripping cabinet doors and applying veneer or other decorative elements. Refacing can also include completely replacing cabinet doors in a new style using new materials.

If you’re so inclined you can reface your cabinets and drawers yourself, or you can hire a company that specializes in cabinet refacing to do the work for you. Different companies have slightly different definitions of cabinet refacing. Some build new drawers and doors for existing cabinets while some clean, install new veneers, and add new hardware. The key, if you choose to go with a professional, is to be clear about the range of services and what exactly they can offer you for a given price.

Reface or replace?

If your home was built more than 30 years ago, it’s likely that the cabinets are wood or plywood and the construction is decent quality. Unless you have the budget to replace them with semi- or custom wood cabinets, it´s likely that new cabinets will be a combination of solid wood, plywood, particle board, and MDF. Older drawers were often constructed using dovetails and rabbets, not just glue and staples. Often they were extra deep or wide. Getting similar quality can prove to be relatively expensive. If the floor plan works and current storage is adequate, refacing can be a great option.

If you are hiring a company to do the refacing, they’ll provide an estimate and detail exactly the services they can provide. Because they have a vested interest in selling their service, it’s a good idea to get estimates from a couple vendors. You’ll be able to get a good idea of how much you can accomplish if you hire someone compared with how much you might be able to do yourself.

On the other hand, if your kitchen has low-end cabinets made of particle board with either a vinyl or laminate finish for example, they may not be worth spending money on. Cabinet cases that show signs of deterioration, shelves that bow, or drawers that don’t slide easily are indications that the cabinets should be replaced. If you don’t have the money to replace cabinets right away, give them a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint in and out, then call it good. Then you can start your savings campaign for your kitchen remodeling project.

The caveat is to take a good look at your cabinets before you call in someone to give you an estimate. Depending on their company´s focus, they may suggest refacing cabinets that aren’t worth it or suggest replacing cabinets that are. If you´ve examined your cabinets closely, you’ll be less susceptible to being “sold” on services or improvements that aren’t necessary.

Comparative cost for replacement versus refacing

New kitchen cabinetry can be expensive. Refacing is an attractive alternative because it can cost 30-50% less than replacing existing cabinets with cabinets of comparable quality.

The average kitchen has about 15 cabinets and, at an average cost per cabinet of $500, can easily exceed $7,500 for cabinets alone. A common rule of thumb in pricing remodeling costs is to figure the cost of cabinets and installation at 50-60% of the total remodeling budget.

The total refacing cost depends on the number of cabinets, veneer and hardware choices, and options like replacing countertops and moldings.

When can you do it yourself?

Refacing cabinets, replacing moldings, and countertops is achievable if you are motivated and have some experience with home improvement projects. Materials and hardware are readily available. Preparation and planning are vitally important to success, but there is nothing about the work that is particularly difficult. You may make some mistakes and have to rework some of it, but if you build your learning curve into the project, there’s no reason you can’t save substantially.

Doing the work yourself is particularly cost-effective if no reconfiguration of cabinetry is required.

The consideration here would be to know what you are capable of. If you enjoy doing the work and are conscientious about craftsmanship, it will take you a little longer than hiring someone with experience, but there can be a lot of satisfaction in doing the work yourself.

On the other hand, hiring someone to do the work for you can result in a better quality job if you tend to get impatient with detail work and dislike do-it-yourself projects.

When to hire a pro

A professional with solid experience and references is likely to give you the best outcome for the money. To qualify a vendor, check their references, compare estimates, and examine their contract for scope of work, terms and conditions, as well as warranties. In addition to references, ask to see projects that are at least several months old. Get up close and check seams and edges to make sure the adhesive is still secure and meets neatly at seams.

A poorly refaced cabinet can be uglier than just repainting. Spend the time needed to evaluate each company before signing an agreement for the work. There are many small companies as well as larger companies who are eager for your project, but there are also enough yahoos out there that are just as willing to take your money and leave you with a sub par result. By making the phone calls and doing your research, you can get the kitchen you want and not go broke in the process.

For a free estimate and in home consultation call us at 805-654-1971 or visit California Kitchen Creations. We are located at 3367 Telegraph Rd. in Ventura.

Contracting is art and craftsmanship combined. Most people who hire contractors don’t truly understand that despite all of the technological advances, contractors still use the same quality work habits as twenty years ago. It takes craftsmanship to turn out quality work. Kitchen remodeling contractors have to measure, design and perform complicated calculations before they can start a job.

Communication is the key to picking the best contractor for YOU.

• Ask if they specialize in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Ask how long they have been in business.
• Ask if they will provide references from past customers AND vendors.
• Ask what is the timing required to finish the job.
• Ask if they use employees or subcontractors do the work.
• Ask if they are using skilled craftsmen or day laborers.
• Ask any other questions that are unique to your needs. This will help you decide whether they are the best contractors for YOU!

After you ask your questions, it will become obvious which company you should choose. The company that wants your business will prove to you that they are the best contractor to do your work. Take your time to decide which contractor you would like to use – but when you decide, you should be loyal to them.

You may think this is good way to do business to have three or more contractors competing with each other for your work, and it is to some extent. But here is why it usually isn’t a good way to deal with contractors.

A good contractor has enough loyal customers so that they don’t have to deal with price shoppers. Once you find a good contractor, you should be loyal to them. If you flip-flop from contractor-to-contractor, a good shop won’t be too motivated to keep YOU as a customer, and you’ll be left “out in the cold” literally when you most need them.

Price is important. But price should not be more important than good quality and good service. This is what people typically like to do. They try to get everyone fighting for the same piece of pie. This might be an OK short-term strategy because you save a few bucks. But when you need a favor or super fast service, not one of these companies will instantly bend over backwards to help you. (And if you have been a price shopper in the past, they will probably charge you more!).

Every contractor expects to bend over backwards for their loyal customers now and then. He or she might have to work all night or on a weekend to do a super rush job or to pull off a miracle. Provided the customer is loyal, the contractor will do all he can to help you meet your needs.

Whether you are designing a new home, an addition or remodel to your existing home, renovating your kitchen or bathrooms, or just selecting cabinets, countertops, appliances or fixtures, the staff at California Kitchen Creations is fully prepared assist you.

Choose California Kitchen Creations for your next project and you can rest assured that every detail will be handled in a courteous and professional manner with highest level of customer service possible.