Making It Work, Scottsdale Living Magazine Winter 2012

We were recently interviewed by Kristine Cannon of Scottsdale Living Magazine regarding home offices. Visit the attached link above to see the article in full.

Simple Kitchen Update

Before and After Photo

This kitchen looks brand new and all we did was replace the appliances, plumbing fixtures, counter tops, and install a new glass tiled backsplash. We were able to work with the existing cabinetry and flooring, saving lots of money. Simple updates can refresh an existing kitchen and add value and sparkle.

No Slate in Master Bathroom Redo

Before Photos

Natural stone slate in showers is high maintenance and shouldn't be recommended if you want your customers to appreciate your design advice and their investment. Removing all the black slate and replacing with porcelain tile made this bathroom much easier to care for.

After Photos

Natural slate tile, it's beautiful, warm, and inviting. It is also very porous and has irregular edges which makes it high maintenance when it comes to cleaning. I never recommend slate in a shower due to the fact that it won't stay beautiful for very long. There are porcelains available that look like slate that could be used to achieve the same look but are much easier to clean. If you have to use slate in the shower, try using it as a border or deco dot higher on the shower walls.

2010 Bathroom Upgrade

Awesome transformation! This is why I love my job and our customers love their investment. The below "before" picture looks like so many bathrooms that are still out there today..... I see them all the time. With some simple modifications and about 6-8 weeks worth of work, this bathroom is now safer to use and ready for many more years of enjoyment.

Here's Some Addition That Counts

DINING ROOM AFTER PHOTO
A beautiful addition of dining room space that captures golf course views. Perfect for entertaining with plenty of room for the table extension, a gorgeous new chandelier, and the warmth of maple wood flooring.

DINING ROOM BEFORE PHOTO

As you can see, the patio prevents good natural light and views of the golf course. Creating an addition for the dining room frees up valuable space in the Owners current living and dining room area and adds additional square footage with money making views!

DINING ROOM BEFORE PHOTO

DINING ROOM AFTER PHOTO

Looks like this addition has always been there with its seamless tie-in to the existing home.

800 SF ADDITION AFTER PHOTO

More Home Owners are considering remodeling over moving today. This sought out established neighborhood has been seeing a lot of renovations. Adding additional square footage to accommodate a growing family and changing the floor plan to make it more functional adds value to the home and the community. Also, building the addition with the same materials as what was originally used, keeps the homes integrity.

800SF ADDITION BEFORE PHOTO

This home was in need of a laundry room, family room, in-law bedroom with bathroom, hall bath expansion, and additional square footage for the master suite.

MASTER SUITE AFTER PHOTO

This new master suite extension added valuable square footage to the master bathroom, bedroom, and closet.

MASTER SUITE BEFORE PHOTO

Spring is here! Time to spruce up the outdoors.

Spring is here! I love this time of year when everything is springing forth in newness of life. Fresh flowers, beautiful weather, and a great time for enjoying the outdoors. It's also the perfect time to take a good look at the exterior of your home and see what could be done to freshen it up. Remember, you only get one chance to make a great first impression and now is a good time to stand back and evaluate your curb appeal and take a closer look at what your front entry door is telling your guest.

Does your home look tired and worn? A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your homes appearance and not to mention the protection it provides. Replacing old windows, light fixtures, and garage doors can add new life to a aging home and improve energy efficiency. If replacing old fixtures and windows aren't in the budget this year, polishing up the old ones will make them shine.

Now is also a great time to invest in expanding your outdoor living spaces. Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and water features help create an environment that is beautiful and enjoyable any time of the year. More and more people are investing into their own homes and property, creating a relaxing atmosphere that they can retreat to and share with family and friends.

Getting Organized and Creating More Storage Space

Before photo of drywall niches that weren't functional for the Client and lacked the warmth the Home Owner desired.

After photo shows a more completed picture and sense of style with customized media component storage hidden out of view.

Before photo of powder bath with standard builder grade finishes. Owner requested more storage and updated finishes.

After photo shows a custom vanity with plenty of storage. The wood adds warmth to a room filled with hard surfaces. The vessel sink and custom splash adds interest making this powder bath inviting.

Before photo shows your typical display cabinet but the functionality of this space is currently limited and needs to accommodate the lifestyle of the Owner.

After photo shows the transformation of ordinary space to one that is more practical and user friendly for the Clients while entertaining. Plenty of storage for stemware, wine, and collectibles while having the use of additional counter top space.

Before photo of master bath that Owner wanted to update.

After photos shows a classic upgrade and the once empty corner of the vanity now has plenty of storage with the make-up vanity gone and the tall cabinet/tower atop the counter top. Large vanities are ideal for towers, giving you that much needed storage space and taking your bathroom to new levels.

Cost vs Value Report 2009-10

What value can you expect from your remodeling investment dollars? Besides making the space more functional and updating the finishes; and let's don't forget the priceless smile on your face, what will you recoup from your investment? In brief, here are a few examples that affect most renovations in the Phoenix area.

Midrange Bathroom Remodel cost on average $14,654

Includes updating existing 5 x 7 bath with new standard white plumbing fixtures at existing locations. Solid surface counter top with integral sink on existing cabinetry, one medicine cabinet, one light fixture, ceramic tiled floor and 4x4 tile on shower wall. Expected cost recouped 67.8%

Midrange Major Kitchen Remodel cost on average $53,842

Update 200SF kitchen with 30LF of semi custom wood cabinets, includes 3x5 island; laminate counter tops, standard stainless steel sink with single lever faucet, and garbage disposal. New appliances include stainless steel wall oven, built in microwave, dishwasher, cook top, and hood. Install new lighting, vinyl flooring, and painted walls, ceilings, and trim.
Expected cost recouped 71.8%

Upscale Bathroom Remodel cost on average $48,747

Expand existing bathroom to 100SF within house footprint. Relocate plumbing fixtures and include a whirlpool bath and a 42"x42" angled shower with ceramic tiled walls. Shower to have soap niche, body spray, and frameless glass enclosure. Include cabinetry with a drawer base and tower with stone counter tops. Frame compartment for toilet with exhaust fan. Include plumbing for two sinks and faucets. Extend HVAC and install two medicine cabinets and new lighting. Flooring includes large ceramic tiles laid on a diagonal with tiled base molding. Expected cost recouped 65.4%

Upscale Major Kitchen Remodel cost on average $107,888

Update 200SF kitchen with 30LF of custom cherry cabinetry with accessories including roll out shelves. Install stone counter tops, tiled backsplash, undermount sink with designer faucet and water filtration system. Appliances include built in refrigerator, 36" commercial range with hood, built in warming drawer, and wall oven with microwave. Lighting includes general and task lighting with undercabinet lights. Upgraded flooring and base moulding finish the job. Expected cost recouped 63.8%

For more projects and information, click on on the Cost vs Value Report 2009-10 for the full article from Remodeling magazine or visit http://www.costvsvalue.com/.

Don't forget to make a splash!

BEFORE PHOTO BEFOREAFTER

AFTER

Improving the lighting at the cooktop and installing a tumbled stone backsplash with metal decos completed this beautiful kitchen. The focal point is warm and inviting, complimenting the entire kitchen. A small investment for a big return on satisfaction. Backplashes in kitchens can typically cost $2,500 to $6,000 based on amount of square footage, type of materials used, and final design layout.

Think Outside the Box

Ok, here is another sneak peak at our vignette at the Home and Design Idea Center in Scottsdale. If you haven't stopped by, you don't know what you are missing! We custom designed this polished marble surround vanity with European cabinetry in a laquered burgandy and brushed aluminum tower. Who says a bathroom vanity has to be made out of wood?

Home & Design Idea Center Now Open!

It's officially open! Visit our vignette at the Home & Design Idea Center in north Scottsdale. For more information click above for a direct link to their website.
We want to thank all of our Trades and Business Associates for helping us make this vignette a success. Because of your quality workmanship and products we always have a job well done. We appreciate all of you.

"Click Here" for Shower Trends in Fixtures

Check out the video from Remodeling TV to view some of the latest trends in shower fixtures. My favorite is the Kohler multi function hand held shower head "Flipside". Not only beautiful but safe, there are some fixtures that have lights to show you whether the water is cold (blue) or hot (red). Great ideas and information.

Home Design Idea Center Coming Soon

BC Renovations and CC Interior Designs is proud to announce that we will have a permanent vignette at the Arizona Home and Design Idea Center in Scottsdale. We have been busy working on our booth which will include a custom kitchen cook top display, complete with pull out spice racks and a built in hood embellished with a mantle. Our vignette will also include a one of a kind bathroom vanity that you won't want to miss.

We will keep you posted with additional information and the grand opening.

Bathroom Sink Speaks Volumes

Your design statement does more than hold water when you let your bathroom sink speak volumes. A big bang for your buck when you take the extra step to choose a sink that really makes a statement on its own. So many home owners play it safe and buy the typical counter mount sink. The builder grade integrated cultured marble sinks are typically what you get when buying a tract home, yes, even in semi custom homes. Break out of the mold and dare to do something different in your next renovation.

Vessel sinks are beautiful, but, you must consider the size and usage to determine if it's a good fit for the user. I recommend vessel sinks in powder baths where they look great for visiting guest. If you want a vessel sink in a bathroom that will be used frequently, make sure the bowl is deep enough and wide enough to prevent oversplash when washing hands and faces. Don't forget to factor faucet height to clear the height of the bowl. If you need to take it down a notch or two, consider semi-recessing the vessel into the counter top.

Undermount sinks are great when you have a stone slab counter top. The sink is attached under the stone counter and creates a seamless flow from counter to sink. Great for a sophisticated, timeless look that is easy to clean. Some of the newer sink designs have straight sides rather than curved, so don't forget to take a closer look.

Rimmed counter mount sinks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. For a modern/industrial look try a large square sink, a more traditional look with an oval shape. Rimmed sinks are great to use when you want to tile the counter tops. Don't forget that you can recess a rimmed vessel sink into the counter top too.

Visit http://www.kohler.com/, http://www.linkasink.com/, and http://www.nativetrails.net/ for great sink ideas.

First Impression "WELCOME"

You only get one chance to make that first impression. What does your front door tell your guest about you and your home? These are remodeling dollars well spent and sends a message that really means "WELCOME".

Before Photo