Our design and remodeling business is all about improving the spaces in which our clients and their families live. Once the design and decision-making process is underway for an upcoming project, it is not uncommon for us to hear our clients say they underestimated the number of decision approvals they’d have to make. For those that have experience with remodeling or building, we often hear the phrase “I wish I would have (fill in the blank) when I built/remodeled my house the last time.” Home building or remodeling regrets are all too common. As professional advisors to all things home design and remodeling, it is our job to help our clients avoid saying “I wish I would have” after the completion of their upcoming project. With that in mind, here are just a few things that we advise clients to at least consider getting done now to avoid future remodeling regrets.
IN THE KITCHEN
More drawers. No adult enjoys getting on their knees to dig for items buried in the back of a base cabinet. There are more items in your kitchen than you might realize, and adding drawers later is not a simple task.
Stain resistant counters. All of you purists including some in our office may disagree, but with the improvement in fabricated quartz surface colors and effects, there is no reason to install porous natural stone countertops including marble, granite, and quartzite. Stone will stain. Period.
High-quality, built-in appliances. It is not easy dealing with a dead appliance surrounded by custom-fitted cabinetry. If you do choose built-in appliances instead of standard sized free-standing appliances, make sure they are reputable brands with strong warranties.
IN THE BATHROOM
Heated floors. Heated floor mats are laid before the installation of floor tiles, and the added cost is usually less than you might have guessed. Consider a heated shower bench as well.
Handheld shower wand. Whoever cleans your shower will love you for this feature. But even those that don’t use it for cleaning will find it very handy, especially if you have a seat or bench in the shower. Outlets inside the cabinets. Rechargeable razors or toothbrushes are not meant to be decorative accessories sitting on your vanity top. A cabinet with outlets inside allows them to be plugged in while being hidden from sight.
Brad Little is the president of Case design/remodeling of Charlotte and has been leading a team of award-winning designers and craftsmen since 2005. to view more of their projects and schedule a free consultation, visit www.casecharlotte.com or call 704-759-3920.