Kathi Fleck's Blog, page 3

3 Signs of A Good Contractor

“A good contractor will take the time to understand your questions, as they know that all homeowners have concerns and fears about the project. You want to evaluate each contractor you interview and decide who fits best for your needs.” – Kathi Fleck, Renovate, Remodel… Relax!

Finding the right contractor can sometimes become quite a task. The common advice is to seek out at least 3 bids for any project, no matter how big or small. However, it is much better to actually interview 3 different...

What Do Homeowners Want Out of Their New Kitchen in 2016

Due to plenty of pent-up demand for homeowners who could no longer stand living in their kitchen, 2015 was a good year for kitchen remodeling. It looks that 2016 is going to be a similar year. Results from the 2016 Houzz Kitchen Trends Survey shows that 43 percent of homeowners in 2015 desperately wanted or needed a new kitchen. That was up from the previous years mark of 29 percent – a 14 percent jump.

Like in 2015, about 40 percent of homeowners finally underwent their remodel because they...

Designing a Kitchen for Multiple Generations

“Consider designing for multiple generations if you have parents or grandchildren living in your home. Elements of Universal Design would enhance the ability of all living and working in the kitchen…” – Kathi Fleck, Renovate, Remodel… Relax!

One of the major design trends in kitchens today is planning for a space to be used by multiple generations. This is often known as Universal Design. The most common considerations for Universal Design include ample counter space and easily accessible sto...

Today’s Design Trends in Bathroom Remodeling

“I’ve been asked what others do with their bathrooms… The answer to all these questions is…it depends. It depends on what you want and what is important to you.” – Kathi Fleck

Bathrooms tend to be a source of many design questions. When it comes to what you’re looking for in remodeling your bathroom or bathrooms, it comes down to one simple question: do you plan to sell your home within a couple of years or say for the foreseeable future? If you plan to sell soon, then it’s good to see what a...

Setting a Realistic Kitchen Remodel Budget

“YOUR ideal kitchen should fit your personal needs, the style and design of the home, and your budget. Since the kitchen has become the major hub of most homes, with family and friends gathering around the cook, a major emphasis is placed on the kitchen.” – Kathi Fleck, Renovate, Remodel… Relax!

Knowing that the kitchen has become the heart of the home in many houses, it’s important to figure out what considerations should be made when you go about a remodel. Whether it’s a minor remodel or a...

The Hectic DFW Housing Market

You love your home and its location, but your family has outgrown it. Or, maybe the quirks of the place you once found charming aren’t so charming anymore?Is it smarter to move or improve your DFW house? Here’s some advice to help you decide.

When it comes to house hunting, it can easily become overwhelming. Is the market right? Can you afford the place you want? Where do you even start? Likewise when it comes to remodeling. Well, it’s time to set things straight. Renovating doesn’t have to b...

Finishing a Design

“The meaning of ‘pulling it all together’ is different for everyone.” – Kathi Fleck

Once all of the major elements of a design project are in place, it’s time to make the finishing touches. The details are inevitably what “sell” a design. Even if the project is yours to enjoy, the accessories, color schemes and other items of visual interest help make a space feel complete. What inevitably “pulls everything together” is different for every project, the personal tastes of the homeowner, and th...

Benefits of Built-Ins in the Kitchen

Built-in furniture and storage has become a very popular design element that can be found in any room in the home. When it comes to the kitchen, built-ins can serve a wide array of functions. Unlike free-standing furniture, built-ins are made to look like they are part of the house, and can blend into any design. Whether you decide on integrating them into your kitchen design for functional or aesthetic reasons, or both, built-ins offer a range of benefits.

Making the Best Use of Space

One o...

Should I Convert My Garage Into a Master Suite?

Looking to add a great amount of square footage to your home? One of the best ways to do this if you have the space on your lot is to consider a garage with master suite above. If you have an existing garage, check to see if it can support the weight of an additional floor. Master suites add major value to your home when compared to simply having a garage. If you decide that your garage is not as useful to you as additional living space could be, you may decide to simply convert the garage al...

Update Without Changing Everything

“In general, I find that people today want more of a comfortable, livable home and are not as interested in “showing off ” to their friends, as in the past.” – Kathi Fleck, Renovate, Remodel…Relax!

At one time, kitchen remodels were all about making a major splash and turning your kitchen into a conversation piece. Now, it’s more about form, function, and flexibility. Designs need to be versatile enough to show off the homeowner’s personal style, yet be easy to transform if the house is sold...