Kitchen Islands – Add style, efficiency, and storage to your kitchen

If you're looking for a way to give your kitchen a unique look while also making it easier to get things done, you may want to consider a kitchen island. The kitchen island has come a long way over the years. Today’s kitchen islands are often elaborate becoming fully equipped ‘kitchens within a kitchen', often with amenities such as a  sink, microwave, stovetop, and even a refrigerator.  It becomes central to the overall kitchen design and adds a lavish touch to your kitchen.

Kitchen remodel done by KHI

The benefit of a kitchen island isthe additional work space, storage area and room for extra appliances that it provides. If your kitchen is lacking storage areas, a kitchen island may solve your problem.  It can even act as a breakfast bar and often times it becomes a popular hangout for hors d'oeuvres when entertaining. The island is great for extra seating.

A kitchen island can be as simple or as fancy as you desire. Many new kitchen islands are being designed with functional and decorative touches, turning the island into the focal point of the kitchen. A flat surface island, as opposed to multi-level, is a simple solution and contributes a simple elegance to a kitchen. Architectural details such as bump-outs, corner posts, inset areas and open shelving add personality and style.

Kitchen island installed by KHI

An elaborate island can include custom-built fine cabinetry, a sink, granite counters, a stovetop, cabinets for storage, a second dishwasher, a warming oven, or even a small refrigerator.  Additional nice features include a wine rack, cookbook shelves, bar sink or even a deep fryer. The simplest kitchen islands may just offer more counter and cabinet space but whatever type of island you choose, it will make your kitchen more elegant, luxurious and functional.

 

For more information call Kruse Home Improvement at 860-877-0775.

Source: http://www.kitchenremodelideas.com

Tips to Making a Small Bathroom Look Big and Beautiful

A small bathroom can be a challenge when it comes to bathroom remodeling.  After all, you have all the same needs a larger bathroom has but with less space available to meet these needs. The good news is that there are some ways to make the most of a smaller bathroom. Below are some great tips to making a small bathroom look big and beautiful.



Photo taken from KHI's gallery

Make Use of Corners

 

Making use of bathroom corners is a great way to make the room look more spacious. Use corner or standalone sinks or even medicine cabinets that will fit in a corner. A quandrant shower that has a curved door is a great way to gain more space for other things.

Add Fixtures that are Smaller

Another great tip that can help you make your small bathroom look big and beautiful is going with fixtures that are smaller. You can find smaller toilets, vanities, tubs, and even small sinks. They take up a lot less space in the bathroom, which makes the bathroom look less crowded.

Use Mirrors and Glass

Making use of mirrors and glass can really open up a small room and make it look a lot bigger. Try this tip: use two mirrors and have them face one another. It will make the room appear larger because of the reflection and the way the light bounces off the mirrors. Another great way to make the room appear more spacious is adding a glass shower door.
 
Choose Proper Lighting

Photo taken from KHI's gallery

Choosing the appropriate lighting can make a big difference in a small bathroom. You want to use decorative lighting to brighten any corners and in areas where you will be doing some grooming. Letting in natural light can make the bathroom look bigger too, which is why a skylight is a great idea.

Draw the Eye Up

Another great tip to keep in mind, if you want to make the bathroom look larger when remodeling, is to draw the eye up. When you do this, the room will look taller than it really is. You can do this by adding a border at the ceiling. Another way to accomplish this is to use vertical strips in the bathroom as well, making it seem taller than it is.

 

As you see, small bathrooms can have a lot of potential. There are definitely bathroom remodeling tips that can make your bathroom look incredible. For more tips or to discuss a bathroom remodel contact Kruse Home Improvement at 860-877-0775.

 Source: http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978289059

 

Spring Remodeling Projects

With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time of year to tackle those home projects that you don’t want lingering into summer. If you’ve been waiting to make a few changes to your home, big or small, check out this list of spring remodeling projects that may be just what your home needs:

Photo taken from Kruse Home Improvement's gallery

1. Build a Deck — Building a new deck in the spring can assure you will enjoy to the warm weather. Though contractors manage to build homes and additions all year long, spring is a great time to have their full attention for outdoor projects and beat the summer rush which involves more outdoor projects such as siding and roofing.

 

2. Renew Your Floors – Winter can be harsh on your floors. Shoes, pets and sand can take its toll on your floors finish. This indoor project may not get you outside, but since it kicks up large quantities of dust, it requires lots of ventilation. Spring allows us the ability to keep the windows and doors open, letting fresh air in. Floor sanding is not fun in the summer heat, so get a jump on creating those beautiful floors now!

 

3.  Add Insulation – Insulation doesn’t just keep your home warmer in the winter, it also keeps it cooler in the summer. This will save you money on both your heating and cooling costs. The spring’s mild temperature makes it the perfect time to work in the attic.

 

Work done by Kruse Home Improvement

4. Replace Doors and Windows - Adding new doors and windows can improve the look and feel of your home as well as reduce energy costs. If you install Energy Star qualified windows, doors, and skylights it can reduce your energy bills up to 15% while helping protect the environment (source: Energy star). With daylight savings time here, you can enjoy the benefits and natural ambiance of more natural light throughout your home during the seasons we enjoy it most.

 

Need assistance with your spring projects? Contact Kruse Home Improvement for expert advice. Book a spring project and get 5% off your total bill.

 

Home Improvement Projects to Keep You Busy This Winter

Wintertime is the perfect time to complete various home improvement/remodel projects that require you to be inside. The short days and cold weather allow us to focus on the interior of our homes, garages, or basements. Below are some great home improvement projects to keep you busy this winter.

 

1. Kitchen - Winter is a great time to consider a kitchen remodel. You can do a simple face lift or a complete remodel.  A face lift can be very simple like new paint and cabinet re-facing. These simple changes will give your kitchen a new look and feel. A slightly bigger job can include new countertops and appliances. If you're looking for a full remodel, this will include cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, backsplash, appliances, paint and accessories. It may sound overwhelming but with a little planning and the right contractor it will make your winter a lot more exciting!

Kitchen Remodel by Kruse Home Improvement



2. Flooring - Heated floors have become increasingly popular. Nuheat Floor Heating Systems is a clean soundless system that brings warmth to any space and provides radiant zone heating which is very energy efficient. Zone heating uses a programmable thermostat, heating room by room, use by use - providing heat only where you want, when you want it. For more information on heated flooring visit www.nuheat.com.

 

3. Bathroom - Winter is a good time to launch a complete bathroom remodel. Install a new sink, medicine cabinet or recessed cabinet. Focus on the lighting in your bathroom and consider new faucets. If you feel up for a complete remodel then pick out a new tub and shower. Once this remodel is done you can choose new colors or wall paper to highlight your stunning new bathroom. To finish the new look, you can pick out rugs and towels. A completely remodeled bathroom will give you a great feeling of satisfaction.

Bathroom Remodel by Kruse Home Improvement

4. Painting - Changing the color in a room or just simply putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls can completely change the look and feel of a room. You can paint a room over the weekend or consider painting a room each month. When finished, you can spruce the room up more by replacing the switch plates and outlet covers. You'll love the new look!

 

5. Garage - If your garage is not insulated, the cold days may be a good time to hang insulation and sheet rock. A finished garage can increase the value of your home and give you a nice area to work in for other projects. 

6. Basement - Winter is also great time to finish the basement. You can hang insulation and sheet rock to turn the basement into a utility room, game room, guest room, or family room.  A finished basement not only allows you to add comfortable, dry and healthy living space for a fraction of the cost but it increases property value. It often times ends up being the favorite room of the house.

Basement Remodel by Kruse Home Improvement

7. Touch Ups - Perform little touch ups around your home. Try to focus on installing crown molding, refinishing a banister, placing new baseboard or weather-stripping your doors. There are always small projects around the house to undertake that you might have let ride over the year. Winter is the right time to get those small jobs done.

Source: http://voices.yahoo.com/top-7-home-remodeling-projects-winter-4974444.html

 

Luxury and Efficiency in Your Floors....a Combination That Can’t Be Beat

There are a number of reasons why so many people prefer heated floor systems over more traditional types of heating systems. One of the main reasons is because radiant floor heating systems provide a very comfortable feel and are completely noiseless while in operation. The heat is distributed from the ground up giving warmth to the feet and the body first, dispensing heat evenly throughout the entire floor. This is what makes heated floors completely unique and different from other warming units such as wood stoves, hot air systems and radiators which only warm confined areas. Another great benefit to having heated floor systems is that they are energy efficient. Since the system allows you to heat room by room, use by use, where you want and when you want it, heating bills can be lowered substantially.

When a switch is made to this radiant floor heating system it prevents common problems such as drafts and the circulation of dust associated with forced air heating systems occurring. This is of special benefit to allergy sufferers who are looking to get rid of all the allergens lurking in their homes as well as prevent any future ones from gaining entry.

 

The Company Nuheat, manufactures an electric radiant floor heating system that provides clean, soundless heat through various types of flooring surfaces including tile, stone, granite, laminate and engineered wood. It is controlled by a thermostat which ensures that it is only in use when needed. As a result, energy consumption is greatly reduced. For example, a 30 square foot heated area of Nuheat will only use the same electricity as three 100-watt light bulbs. Nuheat does not generate any dust or airborne pollutants. The system itself has no particle or material decomposition and once installed is 100% maintenance free and will last the lifetime of your floors.

 

The actual cost of operating Nuheat Floor Heating Systems will depend on the size of the floor area, cost of electricity in your area and length of time the Nuheat system will be turned on. Traditionally, electric baseboard heaters are installed according to the rule of thumb that each room should be heated by 34 BTU (British Thermal Units) per square foot (given average insulation). Nuheat produces over 41 BTU per square foot. The table below shows a comparison of the BTU output at various square footages for Nuheat and electric baseboard heaters. BTU Sample Output BTU Sample Output BTU Sample Output.



Source: http://www.nuheat.com/home.html

If you are in need of long lasting warmth and comfort then heated floor systems are an excellent way to go. As with any major home renovation, making choices that improve the value of the home while increasing energy efficiency makes for a very smart investment.



Source: http://www.nuheat.com/home.html

All Nuheat Floor Heating Systems are covered by a 25-year warranty. For more details click here Nuheat Warranty Information.

For more information on radiant floor heating or to obtain a quote call Kruse Home Improvement at 860-877-0775.




Sources:
http://www.homeinsights.org/bathroom-floor-heating/
http://www.nuheat.com/home.html

How to Know When it's Time to Remodel a Bathroom

According to eHow.com's Home section, whether it’s structural or just cosmetic, some things in your bathroom will need upgrades every three to five years. Flooring or fixtures can begin to look dated or even worse; you may have water leaks and weak spots if the bath has not had attention for many years. Below are some reasons to consider updating your bathroom sooner than later.

 

You need to add light/fresh color or reduce mold growth

Your bathroom's makeover should correct darkness. Mold is a known health hazard that can grow on dark blue tile or dark green painted walls. Lighter colors and a skylight can help. You may want to add more light by installing a large window, hanging up lighter curtains or switch to a brighter light fixture. Light neutral walls in white or beige make the room look more spacious and allow you to add bold accent colors of your choice to make an exciting makeover that you will love.



Work done by Kruse Home Improvement

You need to fix broken fixtures or poor plumbing. 

Making crucial repairs to broken fixtures or poor plumbing can avoid water damage. Be sure to look under the sink cabinet and around the bathtub looking for drips, stains or leaks. If water damage is present, you may need to remove the old subflooring and moisture-laden wall framing. It may also be necessary to upgrade the water lines, drain lines and support material before installing a new sink cabinet or bathtub. Use the opportunity to improve fixtures while you're upgrading the bath's infrastructure.

 

You need to add squarefootage

Updating may allow you to increase bathroom floor space. If you redo a nearby bedroom or create a master bedroom, you will want the bath to fit the new makeover; a tiny bathroom with a large bedroom will detract from the value of the house. If possible, enlarge a cramped bathroom by borrowing space from a nearby closet or hallway.

 

To Upgrade

Maintaining contemporary fixtures will support the market value of your house. Over time, an old sink vanity or old shower can look greatly out of date, giving the impression that the room has been neglected. This can lead potential buyers to wonder what else has been neglected. Simple things like fresh paint, new flooring, and a couple of new fixtures can make a bathroom look totally made over.

Bathroom Renovation done by Kruse Home Improvement

To Correct a Poor Layout

At times, a bathroom's design doesn't work well.  A poor layout can cause a door to open against a vanity cabinet. By moving either the main bathroom door or the vanity cabinet, you can create a better balanced floor plan. Sketch your bathroom's design onto graph paper to determine the layout that will work best, or work with a remodeling or design professional to help out.

References/Resources:

Reasons to Remodel a Bathroom | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8244637_reasons-remodel-bathroom.html#ixzz2CsAjCv9j

6 Reasons Why Winter is the Perfect Time for Home Remodeling Projects

Kitchen Remodel Done by KHI

Winters in New England can be brutal. It seems we spend a lot of time indoors at this time of year which makes winter a good time to focus on your home and undertake updates or repairs that you’ve been putting off. Others will escape the cold and snow by heading south. Some homeowners we’ve worked with have found the time when they’re away to be an ideal time to undertake a remodeling project. Having the work done while you’re away means your home life won’t be disrupted.

If you’re thinking about a home remodeling project, here are several reasons why winter may be the best time to do your project:

1. Flexibility in Scheduling. It is usually easier for some contractors to schedule work in winter months because there is a lot less exterior work being done. This will free up a contractor’s schedule for interior projects such as painting, replacing flooring, repairing drywall, updating lighting and replacing cabinetry.

2. More Availability. During the winter you may find that your contactor may have more time to work with you in planning and designing your project. This would be a good time for refining the details before the work begins. This process may take slightly longer as work picks up for your contractor in the spring with outdoor projects.
   
   
3. Avoid Spring Price Increases. Now is the time to take advantage of lower prices. For example, if you’re remodeling your kitchen, you may find close-out prices on appliances and be able to purchase materials before manufacturers increase prices. During the winter, manufacturers may feature special offers to reduce inventory. 
   
   
4. Outside Projects. If the weather cooperates, you may be able to work with your contractor on outside projects to get ready for spring. Some contactors will even build decks, porches and additions for their customers in the winter.
   
   
5. Vacation Time. If you are planning a vacation, it may be the perfect time to have your project done to avoid disruption of your daily activities.

Contact Kruse Home Improvement at 860.584.8784 if you'd like to obtain a price estimate for your next remodeling project. 


Source: http://www.mcclurgteam.com/blog/bid/50614/7-Reasons-Why-Winter-is-the-Perfect-Time-for-Home-Remodeling-Projects/