How To Choose The Remodeling Contractor That’s Right For You

Taking on a home renovation is a huge investment in both time and money. With so many contractors in the Over-The-Mountain area, it can be difficult to decide who should complete the work you need to have done.

We have put together a few helpful tips to help you get started on your search for a remodeling contractor that will knock your socks off.

Get Referrals from People You Trust

Whether you’re looking for the best restaurant in town or a new doctor, asking friends and family for a referral will probably get you what you want – the same goes for a contractor. Your friends and family will likely have similar wants and needs from a contractor, so getting a referral from them is more valuable than getting one from a Google search. 

Interview Multiple Contractors

Our area has dozens of contractors, but we are not all the same. We urge you to compile a list of contractors you think you’d like to work with and set up in-person interviews with them to see who would be the best fit.

Finding someone you mesh with is important since you will be in close contact for a few months, if not longer, depending on your project. You should also ask to talk to the contractor's designer and or project manager. You are going to be spending a tremendous amount of time with these two, so make sure you can work well together and that they understand your vision for the project.

When you interview a contractor, the first thing you should pay attention to is are they really listening to you? Are they actively listening AND understanding what you are trying to say? Are they asking engaging questions, trying to not only learn about what you are wanting to be done but also trying to learn why you want it done? 

You should ask them questions about their estimated timeline, do they work with subcontractors, do they provide a warranty on their work, and what a typical workday looks like. These questions should give you some insight into more than just the work they will produce but also their personality.

Do Your Due Diligence

Before you sign a contract, make sure you do your research. Ask your potential contractor if they can provide references for jobs they are currently working on. You can also ask for past clients, but those can be easy to cherry-pick from. Then, take the time to contact these references and ask how the project went. You should ask questions about staying on schedule, sticking to the budget, and anything else you find important.

You should also ask the contractor to see a copy of their license and a copy of their proof of general liability insurance. A trustworthy contractor should have both and not hesitate to provide.

Lastly, see if you can meet at your contractor's office. Once you’re there, look around – does it look legit? Is it a huge mess with files and prints lying all over the place? These are good indicators of the type of work ethic and the quality of the finished product you can expect.

If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

If your contractors told you it would take them eight months to complete your project, but one says they can have it done in two – don’t believe them.

Likewise, if one contractor’s price is significantly lower than another’s, you may want to ask yourself (and them) why they are so cheap, not necessarily why the others were so expensive. Be careful; overpromising and under delivering will lead to a lot of headaches and disappointment.

We would love to be considered if you’re looking for a remodeling contractor in the Birmingham area. We are an award-winning firm that will gladly walk you through the building process and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call!

Can You Fire Your Remodeling Contractor?

We hear stories like this all the time. Excited homeowners hire a home remodeling contractor to give their homes a fresh new look. They’ve committed the time and the money to working with this contractor who promised them the moon and stars along with their beautiful new living space.

Then, things go south – fast.  Deadlines aren’t met, mistakes are made, items aren’t ordered, and now the project is delayed weeks or maybe even months. On top of it all, their contractor hardly ever returns their phone calls and hasn’t shown up to the home in weeks.

The homeowners are fed up and want to fire their contractors, but can they? The short answer is: it depends.

Here are the legal issues and things you should think about when you’re considering firing your home remodeling contractor.

Ask yourself if it’s really worth it

First, we understand the frustration of not getting the experience you were promised, and we know some bad apples out there who overpromise and underdeliver. However, sometimes firing a contractor could lead to even more significant headaches since they probably won’t walk away without a fight. 

Consider what is bothering you and why you want to fire the contractor. Could the issues be due to a lack of communication?

Poor communication is often at the root of most problems. If that’s the case for you, a sit-down conversation might solve your problems. If it’s something more significant, then firing your contractor and starting over with someone else may be the best action.

Breach of Contract

When you decided to move forward with your renovation, you and the contractor should have signed a contract outlining terms like the price, timetable, policies, etc. The contract will also likely spell out how and when a contract can be terminated.

If you think your contractor has breached the contract, you should be able to fire them. However, the contract may also spell out how to go about firing your contractor should the situation arise. Going about it incorrectly could lead the contractor to come back to you to try and get some extra money for materials, hours completed, and cancellation fees.

State Limitations

Whether or not you can fire your contractor may come down to where you live. Here in Alabama, the law allows for contracts to be canceled for nearly any reason as long as proper notice is given and the reasons for firing your contractor are clearly documented.

However, before moving forward, read your contract to see what ramifications and next steps could come after firing a contractor.

Consult an Attorney

Hopefully, the situation doesn’t escalate to this point, but if you can’t reach an agreement, you may need to get an attorney involved. Your attorney will look through the contract you signed with the home remodeling contractor and will also be aware of state laws pertaining to contractor disputes.

They will be able to fight on your behalf and make sure you are not charged extra fees or held responsible for things like incorrectly ordered materials or any damages that may have occurred at the hands of your contractor.

At ELM Construction, our goal is to make sure you’re happy with your home remodeling project. To do that, we make sure you understand the project before we begin, and keep lines of communication open throughout your project. Before we start, we also give you a detailed scope of work and a guaranteed fixed price. You can learn more about our process here.

If you ever have any questions about anything home remodeling related, we are here to assist!

Why Should You Work with a Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer?

CKBA DESIGNER Liz Kennedy

Taking on a major home renovation requires a lot of research and some big decision-making. One of the most important decisions you must make is which contractor to use.

Since there are so many contractors to choose from, the process may seem daunting and overwhelming. Something you can do to make the decision process easier – and the remodeling process as a whole – is to find a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer.

Our very own Liz Kennedy recently completed the certification process from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) as a way to cement herself as an expert in her field. Achieving this certification is no easy task and requires tremendous dedication. Let’s look at what a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer is.

What Is a Certified Bath And Kitchen Designer?

Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers (CKBD for short) earn their certification through in-depth coursework culminating with an exam. Before a designer can even begin the coursework to get certified, they must prove they have the skills and tenure necessary to become a CKBD.

That means that this isn’t just a certificate where someone who is a good test taker but has no hands-on experience gets rewarded; the applicant has to prove they are capable.

As someone who just went through the process herself, Liz described the testing process as challenging. She had to take a multiple-choice exam followed by a drawing exam. She had 72 hours to complete the drawing exam, demonstrating her ability to plan and execute a design based on the guidelines provided by the NKBA.

Liz has an exceptional ability to figure out how parts work with each other, creating a space that makes sense while also looking great.

Why Hire a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer?

A CKBD has put in the time and effort to show they take their job seriously. When you work with a CKBD, you can be confident that you’ll be hiring someone who can plan, design, and build a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

It’s also worth noting that hiring someone with the skill set and expertise needed to become a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer will likely save you both time and money since they’ll avoid rookie mistakes and oversights.

Lastly, when you hire a CKBD, you can be assured your designer is an expert in their field. They have invested their time into learning the latest techniques, building codes, and sustainability while staying current on trending materials.

Liz explained that now that she is certified, she will be required to complete continuing education coursework every two years to maintain her certification, so she will continue to stay ahead of our competitors.

These are just some benefits of working with a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer. Want to see for yourself? Give us a call so we can get to work!

How to Get a Touch of the Mediterranean in Your Home

Are you looking for a home design trend with some longevity? Look no further than the Mediterranean style.

This style is influenced by the style of architecture and design commonly seen in countries like Greece, Monaco, and Morocco, known for their sunny climate, laid-back atmosphere, and bright white buildings that stand out against the bright blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.

If you’d like your home renovation to have Greek Villa vibes, these elements must be included in your design.

History Mediterranean Style

Before we get into how to transform your home into a Moroccan palace, let’s look at the history of this type of home design. When we say it has longevity, we mean it – Greek revival homes date back to the 1820s when ancient Greek temples inspired residential and commercial building design.

You probably see this architecture daily - you can recognize it by the large columns on the building’s exterior.

Moroccan style has also been very popular, especially in the luxury home market, since the 1960s when travel to the region became very popular. This style, which many refer to as “boho-chic,” is inspired by the region’s mosques and Kasbahs, which have intricate tile work and architectural lines.

Greek and Moroccan styles are different regarding the finishes you choose. Still, they share many similarities, which is why both popular design styles create the Mediterranean style. Now, let’s look at how to bring the Mediterranean into your home.

Choose Inviting Colors

The Mediterranean is warm and sunny, so you want to bring those colors into your home. Don’t be afraid to choose to use bright colors like orange or teal when choosing cabinetry or paint colors since they will make the space look inviting and vibrant.

Stone or Tile Is a Must for Flooring

You’d have a hard time finding a home in the Mediterranean that did not have a tile or stone floor. We suggest using travertine or an eclectic patterned porcelain tile if you’d like your floors to add to the vibrance of your space. This type of flooring is easy to maintain, and the Mediterranean lifestyle is all about simplifying where possible.

Tile Isn’t Just for Flooring

Floor-to-ceiling tiles are common in a Mediterranean-style bathroom, while bright and bold tiles can be used in the kitchen. If you want to make your timeless Mediterranean design a trendy pop, use zellige tiles in these spaces. 

Zellige tiles are beautifully handmade, glazed tiles, and they are all the rage in home design. They can be laid in several variations to create a pattern or in a simple grid depending on how much of a focal point you’d like the tile to make.

Don’t Be a Square

Mediterranean architecture is full of arches. This means you’ll need to remove your squared-off entryways and replace them with archways. Some ideas on incorporating arches into your design would be using an archway to divide the space between your master bedroom and the bathroom or in the space that separates the kitchen from the dining room.

If you’d like help creating a Mediterranean-style space, call us. We are happy to help!

Renovations to Complete When Expecting A Little One

Anyone who has children can tell you they change everything! When you find out you're expecting, renovating your home is probably pretty low on your priority list, but some projects should be completed before the baby makes their debut.

Let's take a look at home renovations you should try to complete before you bring your baby home.

Large Renovations

If you've been planning a major renovation like updating a bathroom or kitchen, now is the time. It may not be ideal timing, but it is so much easier to undergo a major renovation without kids in the home. Plus, the loud noises, dust, and debris that come with a renovation are not good for babies.

If you decide to go through with a major renovation, include some kid-friendly upgrades. For example, you'll want a bathtub in the bathroom where you can comfortably bathe your baby. In the kitchen, you could reconfigure the layout to allow you to keep an eye on the kids while you're preparing a meal.

Tackle Safety Concerns

Once your little one starts moving around and exploring, you'll find that some things in your home are just not safe. If you have a pool, get it fenced before your baby gets here – don't wait around and take any chances.

If you have stairs, you'll want to ensure there are no loose steps that could cause you or the baby to fall. Lastly, if you have a wood deck, make sure to correct any splintering that could hurt the baby.

Update the Flooring

Your bundle of joy will be mobile before you know it. There are a lot of reasons to either update or refinish your flooring before the baby arrives.

One important factor to keep in mind is that if you decide to refinish your floors, particularly hardwood floors, the curing process lets off gasses and fumes that can be harmful to your baby. Plus, completing this project before the baby arrives will ensure the floor they crawl around on is safe and clean.

Prepare the Nursery

Last but not least, you'll want to get the nursery ready for your sweet baby's arrival. Although most babies don't sleep in their nursery right away, it is still a good idea to organize everything while you still have the time and energy.

You'll likely have to convert an office space or guest room into a nursery, so you'll have to clear out the room and find a new home for those items. You'll also want to patch up holes, paint, hang shelves, and, the most challenging part - assemble the crib. Take it all in; preparing the nursery is an extraordinary time in a parent's life.

Do you need help checking off your before-baby to-do list? We are here to help! Give us a call so we can make this busy season of your life a little less stressful.

What is the Best Time of Year to Remodel?

ELM Team in the middle of a remodeling project

Major home renovation projects are rarely spur-of-the-moment events. Of course, you may have an unfortunate event that leads to an unexpected renovation, but for most homeowners, a home renovation requires months and sometimes years of planning. 

Depending on the type of project you have in mind, there may be better times than others to schedule them. You’ll need to consider things like school and work schedules, vacations, and weather.

If you’re in the planning stage of your remodel project, here are what we believe are the best projects to start in each season.

Winter

After the holidays are over and things start to settle down, getting started on a home renovation project may be the last thing you want to take on. But, the beginning of the year is a great time to begin large kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations can be extensive and take a few months to complete. Getting started early in the year is a good idea for a few reasons: contractors typically aren’t as busy this time of year, so work can be completed more quickly than if you wait until the busier spring or summer seasons.

You may also be able to get materials and appliances for a lower price during this time of year, which is a nice bonus! But keep in mind that you’ll need to make sure you give yourself at least four to six months to properly plan your project. That means starting the project development process in late summer or early fall.

Spring

Weather may be unpredictable at the beginning of spring, but as a rule, late March and early April are great times for outdoor projects like building a deck or outdoor kitchen. Not only are the temperatures usually ideal for these types of projects, but getting started in early spring means you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space all summer long! But know that you will not be unique in wanting to start a project in the Spring. Whether it’s the milder weather or the longer days, late March and early April are when we really start to see significant increases in people reaching out about their projects. So the sooner you can get the ball rolling, the better.

It’s also a good time to do outdoor maintenance, like getting your gutters cleaned, to avoid any big problems like damage to your home’s foundation.

Summer

Summer tends to be the busiest time of year for home remodeling projects, so if you want work to start in June or July, you better get on the schedule sooner than later. Coordinating your summer vacation with your home renovation is a great idea so you won’t have to live in a construction zone.

Fall

If you’re planning a major remodel, consider waiting until the fall. Fall can be a slower time of year for contractors, which makes it an ideal time to get work done. You also shouldn’t have to worry about winter storms or bad weather holding up construction or materials delivery.

Fall is an especially great time of year to install new flooring since humidity levels are lower, making it ideal for flooring installation.

Getting started in early fall, and assuming no major delays come up, means that you may be able to unveil a new space just in time for holiday parties. 

No matter when you want to start your home renovation, we are here to help. Give us a call so we can discuss your project and start putting a solid plan in place. Let’s get you on the schedule!

3 Practical Bathroom Upgrades & 1 Not-So-Practical

When it comes time to renovate a bathroom, it is wise to include some practical features along with cosmetic upgrades. Practical upgrades will allow you to maximize the space and allow you to truly feel comfortable and relaxed while you are soaking in your brand-new tub.

Let’s dive into some practical upgrades you should include in your bathroom renovation.

Heated Floors

Is anything worse than getting out of the nice, warm shower and stepping onto the cold tile? Heated floors will eliminate this problem and keep the bathroom temperature warmer than just having a heater.

They may sound like an ultra-luxurious upgrade, but heated floors are actually cost-effective and more energy-efficient too!

Shower Niche/Seating

Most homeowners want a spacious walk-in shower. We highly recommend that the shower has either a niche or a seating area – or both!

Including a niche in your shower gives you space to store your shampoo and other toiletries that are easy to reach and allows the floor to stay clear. Niches can be fun since it is a good spot to add a decorative accent to your shower design.

Having seating in the shower, even if it is just a small bench, is also something you will be glad you included in your bathroom design. It makes shaving so much easier, and it gives you a place to sit and relax after a long day. 

Lighting

Since you’ll be getting ready in this space, the bathroom needs really good lighting. At the same time, having super bright lights shining in your eyes while you’re trying to relax in the bath or shower is not exactly ideal.

We recommend installing horizontal vanity lights on either side of your mirror, which not only look great but also provide enough illumination to help you get yourself ready.

We also like to include some sort of ceiling lighting. This can be over your shower or tub or both. These lights should be dimmable to allow you to have the perfect amount of lighting for relaxation.

Focal Point

Your bathroom should have one main focal point that the rest of the bathroom features complement. This may not be the most “practical,” but it is okay to have some fun with your remodel, right?

Some ideas for a focal point are an accent wall, perhaps behind a stand-alone tub. We love using bold, patterned wallpaper to add texture and color. Another idea is to install an oversized chandelier.

This could be in the same material as the other bathroom finishes, like brass or chrome. An easy focal point that many of our clients opt for is the shower.

We like to use bold tiles that stand out from the rest of the space. Bright, geometric-shaped tiles are very trendy, but even using something more toned down will add charm to your bathroom.

What upgrades would you like to see in your new bathroom? We would love to chat about your upcoming project and see how we can assist.

Creating Functional Spaces in Your Home

During the early planning stages of a home remodel, your mind is probably stuck on the colors and materials that you want to include in your new space. However, it is essential to think of the practical features of a home and make sure that the project you are taking on will look not only beautiful but also create functional spaces to make your life easier. 

One of the biggest trends of 2023 home design is functionality – let’s look at how to create functional spaces in your home.

Semi-Open Concept Remodel

Semi-Open Concept

Having a large, open home may seem warm and inviting, but it is not the most practical use of space. More and more homeowners are opting to create a ‘semi-open concept’ where the room is still mostly open but has clearly defined areas with its own purpose.

One great way to create a functional semi-open concept space is to add a fireplace as a divider between your living room and dining space. This will give the living room enough separation to offer some privacy for family members who want to watch a movie while others are dining or using the dining room as a work area.

Mudroom

You are missing out if you haven’t added a mudroom to your home. A mudroom solves so many organizational issues and will make your everyday life so much easier. The mudroom is a space where you can leave your purse, book bag, and car keys which will make your morning routine easier since you won’t be running around looking for those items. 

The mudroom can also act as a storage space where you can store household items like your vacuum, brooms, and mops, along with cleaning products. If there’s space, it can double as a laundry room. Adding built-in storage cabinets will allow you to keep the room organized while coordinating with the rest of your home décor. Since the mudroom is usually situated in an area that is the first place you enter into your home, you want it to look nice and inviting.

Mudroom with Built-In Storage

Built-In Storage

Built-ins are a timeless way to add character to your home while adding functional storage. They work exceptionally well in the living, office, or den. We can help you build a space where you can either store belongings with enclosed built-in cabinets or display knick-knacks and family photos with built-in shelving. Built-ins are a great way to transform a large, awkward wall into a functional and interesting to look at part of your living space.

Elevate Your Pantry

Many of us already have a kitchen pantry, but how many of us use it to its full potential? Instead of just being a closet that holds food, turn your pantry into a space where you can prepare snacks and coffee. You can build a coffee bar where you prepare coffee in the morning and store your coffee maker, clearing up counter space in your kitchen. 

You could also make a space in your pantry for your microwave to go so that it does not interfere with your kitchen design. These seemingly small additions to your pantry will free up space in your kitchen and make a big difference!

How can we help you create a more functional home? Let’s brainstorm! Give us a call so we can discuss your current situation and your wants and needs. 

Welcomed Home Design Trends for 2023

So much has changed in the last few years, so it’s no surprise that home design trends have also changed. There has been a shift from neutral-colored homes where everything matches to homes with more personality.

Let’s take a look at some of the home trends we expect to see more of in 2023.

Natural Light

There are many benefits to increased natural light in the home, but the improvement to your mental health is arguably the largest, and most overlooked. 

To increase natural light in your home, we can remove a wall and install huge, floor-to-ceiling windows. This can be done in any room, but the living room and bedroom are the most popular.

Another way to add natural light is by installing a skylight. Having natural light from up above will make your room feel larger and more open.

Nostalgia

Instead of clean, crisp lines, many homeowners are opting for design choices that make them feel comfortable and cozy. Antique furniture and artwork have become more popular in recent years, and now that feeling is transferring over to the home design and build side of things.

There are a few ways to get that nostalgic feel that makes you feel like you’re back at your grandma’s house. One is by adding large, dark baseboards paired with floral wallpaper. Trust us -- it looks better than what you might envision.

Mirrored walls are also making a comeback, but with a more modern twist. The mirrored walls of the 70s were abstract and looked cluttered, but today’s mirrored walls are symmetrical and clean. They make you wonder why mirrored walls ever went out of style.

Functionality

Including rooms and features that are more functional than fun has become the priority for many of our clients. One of the spaces that is getting redone is the pantry. The pantry is no longer just a tiny closet to store canned food.

Many pantries now include counter space for small appliances like your air fryer, slow cooker, or toaster. This allows your kitchen counter space to be clutter-free.

The mudroom is also becoming a must-have for our clients. The mudroom acts as a catch-all space, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be an afterthought.

Having a mudroom with cubbies for each family member will help keep items organized and reduce stress in the morning when you’re already running late. The mudroom can also act as a laundry room and storage for your cleaning supplies.

Going Dark

After years of everything being gray and white, homes will have color again! Dark, dramatic colors will be embraced in 2023.

Adding dark colors can seem intimidating, but when done correctly, the color will add a ton of character and charm to your home. Think dark cabinets, black granite, deep blues, and greens for paint.

If you want to update your home in the new year, we are here to help!

Should You Remodel Your Home or Move?

Are you feeling antsy in your home but aren’t sure you want to take on this unpredictable real estate market? We completely understand. The good news is that you might not have to move – maybe a home renovation would be the change you need.

To help you decide if you should move or renovate, let’s look at some of the most common reasons we hear homeowners say they need a change and see if a renovation would solve their problem.

Your Home Is Outdated

If you feel like you’re walking back in time when you come home, you don’t need to pack up and leave. Remodeling an outdated home can be a fun way to freshen up the house and allow your style to shine. 

A small update like taking out old flooring and replacing it with new luxury vinyl or wide plank hardwood will immediately make the space feel more on-trend. Significant updates like a complete kitchen remodel will be even better and can completely change how you feel about your home.

Your Family Is Growing

Has your family grown since you bought your house? Maybe you have some kids, or you had to take in your aging parents. Either way, now it seems like there is not enough space, and you want a larger home.

If you have the space, we could add on to your home. You can build an upstairs loft to provide an extra lounge or living area. You could convert a garage space into a bedroom – you might have more possibilities than you think! However, if adding on to your home is not an option, it may be time to consider moving. 

Living room with built-in storage

You Need More Storage

If you feel like your home is always a cluttered mess, you may think a larger home would solve that issue. But, you probably don’t need more space – you just need more storage.

Adding built-ins to your living room will give you extra cabinet space where you can keep linens and toys. Adding pull-out shelves to the kitchen cabinets will help keep your pots, pans, and serving dishes in order and optimize the space you already have.

You’d Like More Privacy

Have you realized that you need more privacy? It’s a common problem we’ve been hearing a lot, especially now that folks are working or going to school from home. We’ve noticed that the trendy open concept home is not conducive to our new remote world. The good news is it is pretty easy to change.

Creating a semi-open concept home can be done, and it won’t necessarily make your home lose the open, spaciousness you initially wanted. Instead of moving to a new home, we can add walls or dividers to give your home designated zones. The different zones in your home will give you more privacy, so you can hop on a zoom call while your kids watch a movie.

If you’ve decided not to move but would rather remodel – we can make it happen! Give us a call to discuss your wants and needs. We’ll help you transform your home into a place you'll want to stay put in for years to come.