Kitchen Remodel Planning

Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, and with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of home life and a source of pride.

You can recover a significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs through the value the project brings to your home. A complete kitchen renovation with a national median cost of $80,000 recovers about 75% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to the “Remodeling Impact Report” from the National Association of REALTORS®.

The project gets a big thumbs-up from homeowners, too. Those polled in the report gave their new kitchen a “joy score” of 9.8 (out of 10!), a rating based on those who said they were happy or satisfied with their remodeling.

Pay Attention to Lighting

Lighting can make a world of difference in a kitchen. It can make it look larger and brighter. And it will help you work safely and efficiently. You should have two different types of lighting in your kitchen:

1. Task lighting: Under-cabinet lighting should be on your must list, since cabinets create such dark work areas. And since you’re remodeling, there won’t be a better time to hard-wire your lights. Plan for at least two fixtures per task area to eliminate shadows. Pendant lights are good for islands and other counters without low cabinets. Recessed lights and track lights work well over sinks and general prep areas with no cabinets overhead.
2. Ambient lighting: Flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and track lights create overall lighting in your kitchen. Include dimmer switches to control intensity and mood.

Add Storage Not Space

Storage will never go out of style, but if you’re sticking with the same footprint, here are a couple of ideas to add more:

Install cabinets that reach the ceiling: They may cost more — and you might need a stepladder — but you’ll gain valuable storage space for Christmas platters and other once-a-year items. In addition, you won’t have to dust cabinet tops.

Hang it up: Mount small shelving units on unused wall areas and inside cabinet doors, hang stock pots and large skillets on a ceiling-mounted rack, and add hooks to the backs of closet doors for aprons, brooms, and mops.

Call us at DBI Kitchen and Baths

We are an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). DBI carries an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable. Also, we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community. We do this through our business relationships and our operations. DBI Kitchen and Bath commits to responsible construction practices. We install sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Kitchen Makeover Strategies

Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, and with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of home life and a source of pride.

You can recover a significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs through the value the project brings to your home. A complete kitchen renovation with a national median cost of $80,000 recovers about 75% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to the “Remodeling Impact Report” from the National Association of REALTORS®.

The project gets a big thumbs-up from homeowners, too. Those polled in the report gave their new kitchen a “joy score” of 9.8 (out of 10!), a rating based on those who said they were happy or satisfied with their remodeling.

PLAN!

Planning your kitchen remodel should take more time than the actual construction. If you plan well, you can minimize the amount of time you’re inconvenienced by construction mayhem. Plus, you’re more likely to stay on budget.

How much time should you spend planning? The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends at least six months. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction and create change orders, which will inflate construction costs and hurt your return on investment.

Some tips on planning:

Study your existing kitchen: How wide is the doorway into your kitchen? Many homeowners make the mistake of buying an extra-large fridge only to find they can’t get it in the doorway. To avoid mistakes like this, create a drawing of your kitchen with measurements for doorways, walkways, counters, etc. And don’t forget height.

Think about traffic patterns: Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.

Design with ergonomics in mind: Drawers or pull-out shelves in base cabinets, counter heights that can adjust up or down, and a wall oven instead of a range are all features that make a kitchen accessible to everyone — and a pleasure to work in.

Plan for the unforeseeable: Even if you’ve planned down to the number of nails you’ll need in your remodel, expect the unexpected. Build in a little leeway for completing the remodel. Want it done by Thanksgiving? Then plan to be done before Halloween.

Choose all your fixtures and materials before starting: Contractors will be able to make more-accurate bids, and you’ll lessen the risk of delays because of back orders.

Don’t be afraid to seek help: A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Most kitchen designers charge $65 to $250 per hour, or 10% to 20% of your total project cost.

Call us at DBI Kitchen & Bath

We are an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). DBI carries an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable. Also, we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community. We do this through our business relationships and our operations. DBI Kitchen and Bath commits to responsible construction practices. We install sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Custom Bathroom Remodeling

When Quality Matters, Choose DBI Kitchen & Bath

We are an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). DBI carries an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable. Also, we continue to demonstrate good faith in our community. We do this through our business relationships and our operations. DBI Kitchen and Bath commit to responsible construction practices. We install sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Design Your Vision

We have a designer on staff with over 30 years of professional cabinet experience. They are here to help you every step of the way. We will handle all the details for you. This includes measuring, designing the layout, and finishing/fixture consultation as needed. We will take the time to thoughtfully lay out your space in our design software. We present to you in full-color 3D—you will be amazed how this will help you visualize your space! We don’t charge to layout your design, and we will work with you until it is exactly how you want it. Other cabinetry suppliers may offer quick and extremely basic design layouts, but we actually put thought into it! We not only want it to be right, but we want it to be right for YOU!

Build Your Dream Home

We are Maryville’s newest kitchen and bath studio, offering a wide variety of quality cabinetry at unbeatable prices! Our goal is to make buying cabinets easy and affordable for individual homeowners as well as other builders and remodelers alike.

Why Choose Us?

We offer a fantastic selection of quality, on-trend cabinet styles that can meet specific needs, and a price range to fit any budget!  We carry 11 beautiful cabinet lines. Also, we offer over 100 different door styles, including several custom lines which offer endless style & finish options. From Traditional to Modern, Rustic to Urban, Transitional to timeless Classic, we have something for everyone.

Strategies for a Kitchen Makeover

Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, and with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of home life and a source of pride.

You can recover a significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs through the value the project brings to your home. A complete kitchen renovation with a national median cost of $80,000 recovers about 75% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to the “Remodeling Impact Report” from the National Association of REALTORS®.

The project gets a big thumbs-up from homeowners, too. Those polled in the report gave their new kitchen a “joy score” of 9.8 (out of 10!), a rating based on those who said they were happy or satisfied with their remodeling.

To help ensure you get a good return on your kitchen remodel, follow these tips:

Be Realistic About Appliances

It’s easy to get carried away when planning your new kitchen. A six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle.

Appliances are essentially tools used to cook and store food. Your kitchen remodel shouldn’t be about the tools, but the design and functionality of the entire kitchen. So, unless you’re an exceptional cook who cooks a lot, concentrate your dollars on long-term features that add value, such as cabinets and flooring.

Then choose appliances made by trusted brands that have high marks in online reviews and “Consumer Reports.”

Keep the Same Footprint

Nothing will drive up the cost of a remodel faster than changing the location of plumbing pipes and electrical outlets, and knocking down walls. This is usually where unforeseen problems occur.

So, if possible, keep appliances, water fixtures, and walls in the same location. Not only will you save on demolition and reconstruction costs, you’ll cut the amount of dust and debris your project generates.

Call us at DBI Kitchen and Bath

We are an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). DBI carries an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable. Also, we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community. We do this through our business relationships and our operations. DBI Kitchen and Bath commits to responsible construction practices. We install sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Bathroom Remodeling Tips Maryville Tennessee

There’s something special about a great bathroom.  When we find ourselves in a beautiful bathroom, it’s easy to feel calm, happy, and a little bit fancy.

If you’re  looking for bathroom remodeling ideas, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the choices. Bathroom renovation magazines and websites are full of stunning designs that each look as lovely as the last.

It can be subconscious, but we’re drawn to bathrooms that have been thoughtfully designed to meet our needs perfectly.

Many considerations go into creating a bathroom that makes you smile each time you look at it.

Create a Budget

When you get the chance to transform your home into the exact style you want, you’re making an investment in your property and yourself. Home and bathroom remodeling can cost as much as you let it, and without a solid budget, costs can spiral.

The solution is to research local custom building costs, set a realistic budget, and then try to stick to it. This can be easier if you choose a remodeling contractor or design-build firm that offers fixed pricing rather than estimates.

Bathroom remodels can get expensive quickly, due to labor costs and, to a lesser extent, materials. Top bathroom general contractors and the licensed subcontractors they work with are skilled professionals, and they are in demand. If you want to upgrade your existing bathroom to higher-end materials, you’ll need to factor in the cost of everything from tiles to a bathtub.

To create your budget, you’ll need to take into consideration a few things:

• Are you looking to sell within a few years?
• Do you want to change the location of plumbed-in items?
• What parts of the new bathroom are absolutely essential?
• What can you afford to invest?

Develop a Bathroom Layout

So you’ve settled on the type of bathroom you’re installing or redoing (half or full bath, wet bath or standard). Now it’s time to think about layout. Depending on the shape and size of the area you have to work with, there are countless variations in bathroom layout.

Important tip: Before you think about the aesthetics of your bathroom remodel, you have to nail down the layout.

Rearranging plumbing fixtures (and walls) can quickly drive up the cost of your bathroom remodel, and if you can leave well enough alone, then do.

Sometimes the existing layout simply doesn’t work.

You might need to change the layout for any number of reasons. And that’s when it can get tricky.

When you’re looking at your existing bathroom, that image gets stuck in your head. It can be a mental leap to re-imagine it as anything other than its original form.

In general, the smaller the space, the fewer layout choices you will be confronted with. There are only so many ways you can fit a tub, sink, and toilet into an 8′ x 8′ footprint. Obviously, more space opens up more possibilities and more opportunities for customization.

An experienced interior designer can help you make the best use of a small space. He or she can also help you customize a larger layout to fit your unique needs.

DBI Kitchen and Bath

We are an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). DBI carries an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable. Also, we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community. We do this through our business relationships and our operations. DBI Kitchen and Bath commits to responsible construction practices. We install sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Maryville Tennessee Kitchen Remodel Tips

Kitchens are a source of family meals, comfort, and togetherness—a place for gathering and enjoyment. A kitchen can be both comfortable and beautiful, functional and welcoming. They can achieve a balance of color, texture, and lighting that makes the heart of your home a refuge for relaxing. Integrate these kitchen remodel tips to ensure a space that is easy to work in and enjoyable to live in.

Consider a Closed Kitchen Layout

Don’t really want to knock down walls? As more families desire private spaces within their homes, closed kitchens are starting to replace the open-concept floor plans that have been popular for years. Homeowners now want to separate cooking and eating from the home’s entertainment rooms. Some even use the island as an office that needs to be siloed off from the rest of the house. Consider a pass-through window for a space that’s still bright and airy.

Use Your Counter Space Wisely

Those who cook often need more counter space. Ideally between the range and sink, than those who cook infrequently or prepare only simple meals. But allocation of space isn’t your only consideration—think about height, too. Incorporating two countertop heights makes baking easy and allows kids to participate in meal preparation. Staggered countertops can also help separate the cooktop and the dining area if you want to cook and eat at a kitchen island.

Lighten up a Small Kitchen

Dark color schemes shrink an already small space and make it less inviting. Use soft shades on kitchen cabinets and neutrals on walls to visually expand a small room. Pastels are also making a comeback, as delicate yellows and soothing blues can lighten tight spaces. Use natural light to your advantage by forgoing kitchen window treatments.

Play with Color

Whether you decide to paint all your cabinets black or you just want a splash of tranquil blue or soothing mint green, color is in for kitchens. Just make sure not to overwhelm the space with too many shades. “Yes, colorful kitchens look good, but do not overdo the color scheme,” says Mason. Maintain subtlety by choosing a focal point, like the counters or cabinets, for the primary dose of color. Stick to one main hue, then add small doses of complementary color via the backsplash or kitchen accessories.

DBI Kitchen and Bath

We are an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). DBI carries an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable. Also, we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community. We do this through our business relationships and our operations. DBI Kitchen and Bath commits to responsible construction practices. We install sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Tips for a Kitchen Remodel Maryville Tennessee

Kitchens are a source of family meals, comfort, and togetherness—a place for gathering and enjoyment. A kitchen can be both comfortable and beautiful, functional and welcoming. They can achieve a balance of color, texture, and lighting that makes the heart of your home a refuge for relaxing. Integrate these kitchen remodel tips to ensure a space that is easy to work in and enjoyable to live in.

Plan Ahead

Before you hang the first cabinet, ask yourselves questions like these: What are my goals for the space? How much can I spend? What can’t I live without? Every kitchen and each family is unique in its must-haves, so spend some time outlining your ideal space. Also, figure out whether you can achieve that within your budget.

Eliminate Wasted Space

As you plan your new layout, think about how and where you use kitchen items. Organize your cabinetry so you can store breakfast foods and bowls near the breakfast table. Keep foil, plastic wrap, and containers in a spot near a work surface for wrapping leftovers. Locate dishware and flatware near the dishwasher to ease the process of unloading. If you can make your kitchen more efficient, you’ll also make it more enjoyable.

Build an Accessible Kitchen

Ensure everyone can take part in the happy times. To make your kitchen more inclusive, consider a ground-floor plan that places the oven, drawers, and shelves at an accessible height. Lowering countertop height and leaving adequate space for walkways allows ease of movement. A home should be a place where people of all abilities can feel welcomed, respected, and included.” A remodel is the perfect time to design an accessible kitchen, especially if your home was not originally built that way.

Design Wide Walkways

You may have thought about the placement of your refrigerator in relation to the stove. But have you considered how you’ll get from one to the other? Paths through a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Paths within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches for a two-cook configuration. When planning, adjust kitchen islands and peninsulas and give yourself adequate space to move about.

DBI Kitchen and Bath

We are an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). DBI carries an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable. Also, we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community. We do this through our business relationships and our operations. DBI Kitchen and Bath commits to responsible construction practices. We install sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Planning A Bathroom Remodel

Planning a bathroom remodel? DBI would love to help. We offer free consultations; but, here are some tips to get you dreaming!

Vision Board

Start with a vision board. Whether you’re cutting photos from magazines and ads or using a digital version like Pinterest or just saving images from Instagram or other online sources… SAVE everything that speaks to you.

Set Goals

Define your priorities and set goals. A remodel can get overwhelming quickly, but rank every choice by priorities. Are you wanting to make your space family-friendly or user-friendly? Do you need more storage? Are you looking to mainly update colors? What DIY muscles are you prepared to flex? How much time do you want to spend on this makeover? Sometimes a makeover can be as simple as paint (even on tile and on cabinets), and sometimes you’re ready to truly go for it and fully demo a space first… this is something you should decide BEFORE you even begin, or you can find yourself in too deep, and quickly.

Measure

Measure, measure, and then measure again. From the size vanity, you need/want, to the amount of tile or paint you’ll need. From the door size to the shower opening, etc. For every part of the design that you’ll be updating and/or replacing, make sure you take detailed measurements. It’s much quicker to measure a couple of times and write those measurements down than it is to make a purchase or order only to find it won’t fit or work in your space.

Lay Out

Lay it out first. Once you have a good idea of what you want to happen in the space, find photos online or pictures of the items you want to use and lay them out so you can see how they all work together.

DBI Kitchen and Bath

Are you ready for a bathroom renovation? At DBI Kitchen and Bath, we work with all types of projects, big and small. We have worked with many families, businesses, and realtors in the area who have been pleased with our practice. Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your plans!

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Outdoor Living for Tennessee Fall

As the seasons change it’s a good time to consider outdoor living spaces for Tennessee’s fall months.

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are more popular than ever. They’re a great place to cook and socialize simultaneously in an open-air space. Depending on your level of dedication to your culinary skills, your outdoor kitchen may include an oven, refrigerators, an island, and a seating area. Or, you can scale back and install an outdoor grill. Either way, cooking outside keeps unnecessary heat from competing with your air-conditioner on warm summer nights.

Fire Pits

Fire pits have become quite trendy with a variety of styles and sizes available at your local home improvement store or a with a click of the mouse on Amazon. Additionally, there are countless YouTube videos with instructions for building your fire pit. The ambiance of the fire makes for a great quiet evening or the centerpiece of a social gathering. 

Landscaping

Most new construction homes come with some landscaping. Creating a beautiful landscape around your home takes planning and time. When viewing your landscape, determine where you have full sun and partial sun, and plant appropriately. Determine where you want to have more shade and consider fast-growing trees with a canopy. Create islands within your yard with winding paths and water features. With vision, planning, and a willingness to work hard (or hire it out) you can create a desirable landscape that will enhance the curb appeal of your home, and its desirability.

DBI Kitchen and Bath

DBI Kitchen and Bath in Maryville, TN excels in both residential and commercial services.  Though our services are varied, they all come with the same promise of quality, dedication, and durability. As licensed and insured builders, we are experienced contractors with knowledge passed down from generations.

Contact Us

We look forward to meeting with you about your desire for fall outdoor living spaces. We are also happy to provide a portfolio of past work and references. Call us today to set up a free estimate to start your dream kitchen and bath remodel! 

Knoxville, Tennessee Remodel Tips

DBI Kitchen and Bath

We are an Accredited Business Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). DBI carries an A+ rating which means that we have chosen to be accountable. Also, we continue to demonstrate good faith to our community. We do this through our business relationships and our operations. DBI Kitchen and Bath commits to responsible construction practices. We install sustainable and energy-efficient materials.

Design Your Vision

We have a designer on staff with over 30 years of professional cabinet experience. They are here to help you every step of the way. We will handle all the details for you. This includes measuring, design layout, and finish/fixture consultation as needed. We will take the time to thoughtfully lay out your space in our design software. We present to you in full color 3D—you will be amazed how this will help you visualize your space! DBI doesn’t charge to layout your design, and we will work with you until it is exactly how you want it. Other cabinetry suppliers may offer quick and extremely basic design layouts, but we actually put thought into it! We not only want it to be right, but we want it to be right for YOU!

Add More Opportunities to Hang Items

Hooks are the easiest way to add surface area to a bathroom without actually adding a real countertop surface area. Use hooks for everything from clothes to bathrobes to towels. Place hooks on the back of the door, on the side of cabinets, or on unused sections of walls.

Include More Mirrors in the Bathroom

Most people think of mirrors in bathrooms only for checking makeup or primping hair. But it’s also important to think of mirrors in bathrooms as design elements that expand the room visually and add light to the room. Many homeowners like to add a second mirror in addition to the primary mirror located above the bathroom sink.

Protect the Lower Section of the Wall

Beadboard has two great functions. First, where appropriate, it creates an antique look and it is so easy to install. Also, beadboard performs the very valuable function of protecting the lower section of the walls from the inevitable splashes of water that occur in bathrooms from the tub or shower. A good coat of oil-based paint ensures that the beadboard will be impervious to moisture. If beadboard does not fit your room, consider adding tile wainscot on the bottom 40 to 48 inches of the wall. Tile, too, serves the same purpose of protecting the walls against moisture, and it had an infinite range of style possibilities.