They say home is where the heart is and hearth is where the heart of the home is. Alright, maybe the second part of that sentence isn’t really part of the saying but we all know the heart of the home is in the kitchen, especially for the food lovers out there. And what’s the heart of the kitchen but the countertop? Let us help you pick the best material for your kitchen’s countertop in this article.

Butcher Block

For a wooden countertop, butcher block is the countertop material you’re looking for. Made from renewable materials, small cuts and scratches can simply be sanded out and have your countertop looking brand new. However, you have to take note that this countertop is prone to water damage and that it easily soaks up water. For maintenance, this counter top requires sealing and treatment for a longer lasting countertop life.

Concrete

Even though most concrete-based countertops contain toxic materials, the discerning homemaker can incorporate more environment-friendly recycled materials. Concrete countertops can also tolerate hot cookware. However, like the butcher block, a concrete countertop is also porous and may require periodical sealing and maintenance.

Engineered Stone

If you think a marble countertop is a bit pricey, an engineered stone made from other materials like quartz can be a better and cheaper alternative. Try locating a local fabricator to slash off expensive shipping costs. Why opt for this countertop? With its durability and resistance to most cuts, stains and scratches, it can also handle hot cookware.

Laminates

If hygiene is of the utmost importance in your countertop choice, then a laminate countertop is your best bet. With an easy maintenance routine of soap and water, it easily complements your kitchen. There are also a lot of designs you can choose from. However, this laminate countertop has some visual problems with seams, nicks and scratches showing. It’s also not as hot-resistant as the other countertop materials.

So you’ve lived and loved your home for years but now you’re starting to see the wear and tear accumulated over the years. Before the damage worsens, which translates into a heftier remodeling cost, we’re giving you a smart remodeler’s guide on how to plan for a remodeling mission that’ll restore your home to the beauty it once were.

Evaluate

Pick your priority room, spot or section of the house that you think is in need of repair. It might have been your ideal room once but after having “test-lived” in it for quite some time, we’re sure you’ve got some tweaks that would make using the room a little bit better for you and your tasks.

List down all activities that happens in your chosen room and review if any structural damage is related to it. It’s also important to re-assess if the room meets the needs you have.

Wish List

After careful evaluation, comes your favorite part! It’s wish list time. Create a list of needs and wants you want for the room. Say, for a kitchen, you might need more storage for the pots and pans that get crammed in your cupboard or a built-in oven for your baking.

Pros

A wish list is dreamy and all but if the budget and space don’t fit, it’ll be hard for you to make that wish list for your home remodeling come true.

To help you bring that wish list closer to reality, consult with professional remodelers. With most consultation free of charge, you’ll get sound professional advice on the current trends in remodeling, room designs and styles, and remodeling costs.

With these tips, we’re sure you’ll be on your way to being a smart remodeler in no time.

Turn your basement from a place of neglect to the place-to-be in your house with these remodeling ideas that’ll be a sure hit for the whole family.

Cocktail Bar
Invoke the speakeasy spirit and build a mini-bar downstairs where you can cap off the day with a drink or two.

Instead of cramming your kitchen and dining area with your liquor bottles, devote your basement to your collection and give your wine cellar an upgrade!

Throw in some bar glasses, plush seats and bar stools, and a sturdy counter complete with a mini-fridge for your ice and a bit of the entertainment (music is preferred) and you now have your very own private speakeasy.

Home office

Are you also a part of the revolutionary workforce who stay at home but still manage to bring the bread? When the rest of the house constantly reminds you of all the chores that needs to be finished, a quick retreat into your very own workspace pins your concentration to the work at hand.

Bring in a working table with a lot of drawers for filing and organizing important stuff, if possible, an ergonomic chair that promotes good posture even while sitting, your work paraphernalia and a radio/speaker for a bit of entertainment to keep you in a better working mood. Now you have

Mini-theater

Don’t think for a second it’s only the celebrities and billionaires who can have a movie house in their home. You, too, can have your very own for lower the price. Just haul in your television, arrange some bean bags, calibrate your sound system, turn off the lights and press ‘Play.’

Don’t forget the bowl of popcorn and drinks before you go down, too!

With just a few tweaks and rearranging, spruce up your basement from a boring space to well-used one with these basement remodeling ideas!

Home remodeling is a very attractive idea to any homemaker out there. However, before you fall into any pitfalls of such an endeavor, be sure to abide by these 10 commandments for home remodeling.

1)    Thou shall adhere to one coherent design theme.

2)    Thou shall research and find an inspiration to help you create the overall look for your home remodeling.

3)    Thou shall not go beyond your allotted budget.

4)    Thou shall not covet thy neighbors’ design.

5)    Thou shall learn to declutter and reorganize before opting to remodel.

6)    Thou shall prioritize what needs fixing or replacing before thinking of constructing an extension to your house.

7)    Thou shall look for cost-effective materials or ask your contractor to help you source for cheaper but better alternatives.

8)    Thou shall be prepared for last minute changes if and when budget or materials call for it.

9)    Thou shall not attempt to do complex home remodeling on your own if you have no prior experience.

10)    Thou shall call us for your free consultation and cost estimate today.