Blog | Finnteriors

November 9, 2017 by finnteriors

Planning a Bathroom Remodel

Our last blog offered suggestions for dealing with planning a kitchen remodel project. This post hones in on how to best plan for a bathroom remodel, another project that can definitely disrupt daily life. Here we’ll provide some tips on how to make the process as pain-free as possible.

Why Remodel Your Bathroom?

If you’re not even in the planning stage but are still considering whether you even want to remodel the bathroom, let’s look at a few reasons why you should.

Resale value. It’s true that modern bathrooms can increase a home’s value. If you are thinking of putting your house on the market in the near term, the decision to update may be wise. You need to remodel based on what buyers are looking for and the current design trends that will produce the best return on investment.
If your bathroom doesn’t have enough storage space or is too crowded or confining, you may want to make some changes. Adding a window, more shelves or cabinets or replacing the bathtub with a shower are ways to improve the functionality and make better use of the space.
Updated look. If you just want to update fixtures or cabinets, repaint the walls or replace the tile or floor, the remodel can be less invasive. This won’t require the reconstruction that a total overhaul and expansion will.

Plan the Remodel

This may seem redundant based on the title of this blog, but what we mean here is to actually sit down and outline the remodel itself. If you don’t know the design you have in mind, how can you even go forward with the process?

You can get some inspiration for a design that’s right for you from magazines, websites like Pinterest, designer showrooms, TV shows, etc. Of course, you need to take into consideration the size, measurements and space restrictions of your living space. Other decisions include whether you want more storage space, shower versus tub, types of fixtures and colors.

Part of your design should be based on how the bathroom will be used. Is it a half-bath or powder room? A kids’ bathroom? Guest bathroom? Master bath? Are there any special needs of the people using the bathroom; i.e., should it be handicapped-accessible? How much storage will be needed? Answers to these and other functionality-related questions will determine the design and layout requirements of the bathroom.

Set a Budget

This is an important step in remodeling because if you don’t set the maximum amount you can afford, you will very likely exceed it. So many “little” things can arise during remodeling that you need to prepare for them financially. Based on the extent of your remodel, some items you’ll want to include in your budget include:

Plumbing
Electricity
Cabinets/countertops/vanities
Sinks and faucets
Paint, trim and detailing
Flooring
Plumbing fixtures
Lighting
Storage
Decoration and accessories

Plan on Being without a Bathroom

If your home only has one full bathroom the process to remodel it can be an extreme inconvenience in your daily life. You’ll definitely need to decide how you will deal with that. Whether you plan to stay elsewhere, use the neighbor’s facilities or another alternative, you’ll definitely need to plan around that situation.

If you’re fortunate to have another functional bathroom, the inconvenience during the bathroom remodel is much less significant. But you’ll still need to make some adjustments, especially if there is more than one person in the home. You’ll need to better coordinate schedules for showers, brushing teeth and other necessities normally divided up among multiple bathrooms.

Hire Finnteriors as Your Expert Bathroom Remodeler

Because remodeling a bathroom is not an easy task, you should strongly consider hiring a professional remodeling company like Finnteriors.

We offer design guidance and work within your specified budget and requirements. We have been in business since 1990 as a family owned and operated construction and remodeling company. You will receive professional remodeling services at a great price.

October 13, 2017 by finnteriors

Planning a Kitchen Remodel

If you are seriously considering getting your kitchen remodeled, it’s wise to prepare ahead to continue to have a reasonably functioning home during the construction process. The more you can anticipate, the less stress you’ll have during the process.

Did you know the typical kitchen remodel can take anywhere from four to eight weeks? That’s a considerable amount of time to be without the room where you and your family spend the most time. And most of us can’t afford to stay in a hotel or impose on friends and relatives during the entire remodeling process. The following tips may help you plan ahead so you can survive during your kitchen remodel.

1. Preparing meals

It would get very expensive eating out for eight weeks wouldn’t it? Not to mention the inconvenience and extra calories of restaurant food. To allow for meal prep during construction, you may want to set up a temporary room or area. It should be within easy access to kitchen appliances, if possible. You can use table tops as preparation areas.

Stock up on healthy, quick meals and snacks. If you have a freezer and microwave, you might want to think about preparing meals prior to the start of the remodel, then heating them up as needed. You can also use small, more portable cooking appliances, like a crock pot, electric frying pan, toaster oven, and the like for hot meals. Your outdoor barbecue grill can be handy for cooking meat, veggies, and almost any food you can prepare on your stove or in your oven.

2. Washing dishes

Because you will likely lose the functionality of your kitchen sink, dishwasher and garbage disposal, washing dishes will be a challenge. Paper plates, cups and utensils can be disposed of after use, so they are a great temporary alternative. If you cook, however, you’ll still have to deal with the dirty appliances and cooking utensils.

A utility sink in your laundry room makes a decent substitute for washing pots and pans. If you don’t have one, your bathroom sink or tub can function satisfactorily. Another possible solution is a large cooler that you can fill with hot, soapy water. If the weather is warm, you can do this chore outdoors and just drain the cooler afterward. Or if you use the cooler indoors, you can place it next to your basement drain and pull the plug there, or in your bathtub for easy draining. Don’t forget, though, to make sure all food scraps are scraped off to avoid clogged drains.

3. Storage

When the contractors are working in the kitchen, it’s best not to disturb them. Interruptions can result in delayed completion, which you want to avoid at all costs! So before the remodeling begins, remove all items you’ll need access to and place them in containers or move them to another area. For example, you can set up temporary shelving to store pantry goods, spices, utensils, and other cooking and storage supplies. To minimize additional clutter in your “temporary kitchen”, set up the storage area in the garage or basement.

This might be an opportune time to do some “spring cleaning” by getting rid of a lot of stuff you never use or no longer work. Or discarding expired food items.

4. Housekeeping

Remodeling a kitchen can produce a lot of dust and debris that permeates the entire house. You’ll need to relax your views on cleanliness during the remodel, or you’ll drive yourself crazy. You can reduce the effect a bit by hanging plastic sheets over doorways and draping drop cloths over furniture. More frequent dusting and vacuuming can also help. Don’t forget that your HVAC system is also getting debris through the ducts, so changing the filter more often is advisable.

Just remember, the situation is only temporary. The beautiful, updated kitchen you get will make all the inconvenience during the construction worth your while!

Finnteriors Is Your Choice for Kitchen Remodeling

Finnteriors can take on any remodeling project and work within your specified budget and requirements. We have been in business since 1990 as a family owned and operated construction and remodeling company. You will receive professional remodeling services at a great price.

September 26, 2017 by finnteriors

Home Remodeling Ideas for 2018

With the Fall season upon us, you may be thinking about remodeling your home next year. Whether it’s a total overhaul, or just a few updates here and there, you may want to check out some of the latest trends for remodeling coming up in 2018.

No longer are the muted greys and browns the fad. Popular new colors include bright blue, green, fuchsia, and purple, which are complemented by iridescent tones of turquoise and hot pink, white, and frosted almond. Bright colors are also the new trend in appliances, plumbing fixtures, hardware, and more.
Geometric patterns will appear on tile backsplashes, wallpaper, or wall art, even pillows or throws. You can design one wall or all in these cool geometric prints, especially in a kitchen or bathroom.
Quartz is in, granite is out. Quartz is preferable because of its durability, textures and other options not available with granite. And it’s not only for countertops any more. Stone sinks made of quartz are growing in popularity as well.
Not many of us consider doors as much of a contributor to décor. But you can add colors and patterns to them, as well as switch up the hardware.
It’s not just for floors anymore! Wood can be used in many other ways to beautify your home. Lamps, flowerpots and other items can be made with wood. Even ceilings and walls look great when made with or complemented by wood trim.
Decorating pillows, throws and blankets are a current hot item, but this trend will expand to other small furniture item—even curtains–as well. Who knows, maybe even adding fringe to lighting fixtures could work!
Whether it’s a pillow laced with gold thread or beads, a metal coffee table or lamps, metallic tend to add shine and sparkle to a room. These metals tend to complement the fabric furnishings to create a polished look.

Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Trends

While you can remodel every space in your home, the kitchen and bathroom are the areas that result in the biggest change, both in general and for return on investment. As there are trends in 2018 for home décor, there, too, are some great new ideas for these important rooms in your home.

Quartz Stone

We’ve already mentioned that granite is out for countertops, while quartz is the more preferred material for several reasons. It can be used on countertops, sinks and other items.

Brass Fixtures

Shiny brass faucets, door knobs, lighting fixtures; brass is coming back. If you don’t want to go that bright, rose gold is also another popular trend.

Stone Sinks

Porcelain is still the choice for the classic sink; however, stone is rising in popularity. There is a variety of stone to choose from, including onyx, marble, limestone, travertine, sandstone, granite, petrified wood and river rock. All have their own unique finish.

Cabinets

Two-toned and bleached wood cabinets are becoming the rage. Also, the glass doors from yesteryear are becoming more popular. Use your imagination and personal taste in mixing and matching styles and colors throughout your home.

Tile

Boring, white tile is out! Texture, color, pattern and unique design have taken its place.

Practical Showers

A multi-functional shower, with a bench, steam system, anti-fog mirrors, and other add-on conveniences can make the bathroom more streamlined and functional. Built-in shelves to hold shampoo, soap, etc. can be added as space-savers, as well.

More Storage

If you’ve ever sold a home, your realtor likely told you to clear your countertops to give the kitchen and baths a look of roominess and cleanliness. Now you can have specialty cabinets to hold your small appliances in the kitchen instead of them sitting atop your counters. In the bathroom, cabinets and vanities can be installed to hide away your toiletries and other items when not in use.

Contact Finnteriors for Your Next Home Remodeling Project

Every year brings new style and trends for remodeling and redesigning your home. Of course, you need to consider your own tastes, functionality and especially, your budget.

September 9, 2017 by finnteriors

Water and Flood Damage Restoration

You’re likely aware of the recent devastation and extensive damage in Texas and Florida from hurricanes. Flooding from the heavy rains has displaced thousands of people from their homes and businesses. Getting their property back into livable conditions may take some time and effort.

Living here in the St. Louis area, you probably aren’t too worried about hurricanes sweeping through, damaging your home or business. However, we have many other causes of water damage, like burst pipes, heavy rains and storms, overflowing toilets, non-functioning sump pumps—the list goes on and on. The most damaging source for water damage is flooding from acts of nature, like heavy and prolonged rain, excess snow melting, and others One catastrophic event can cause widespread destruction.

The effects of the water damage can be devastating, if not addressed immediately. Quick response is key to restoring your home or office to a functional place.

Classes of Water Damage

According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), there are several different levels and classes involved in liquid destruction.

The three categories of water involved are:

Category 1 is from a clean and sanitary source. This type includes water from faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc.
Category 2 is contaminated with bacteria that may cause illness or discomfort if ingested. Sources include dishwasher or washing machine overflows, flush from sink drains, and toilet overflow with some urine but not feces.
Category 3 is the most unsanitary form of water. It could cause severe illness or death if ingested. Sources include sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth.

Classifications of water destruction are:

Class 1 is the least damaging and easiest to clean up. This is where on small areas were impacted, with little or no wet carpet and minor effect on materials and furnishings.
Class 2 is water that has a quick evaporation rate, but affects an entire room, carpeting, or cushioning. The moisture from this event has wicked up the walls at least 12”, and it remains in structural materials.
Class 3 has the fastest evaporation rate. Ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated. The source of the liquid may have come from overhead.
Class 4 is the worst type of destruction. It requires specialty drying processes, because there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone.

The Importance of Quick Water Cleanup

Water damage to a residence or commercial property must be treated and dried quickly and properly to prevent further impacts, like mold and mildew. Our sister company, St. Louis Cleaning & Restoration, has the expertise and resources to assist us in the cleanup and restoration process. Once the drying process is completed, Finnteriors can proceed with any rebuilding necessary. Having this expertise readily available within our own company can expedite and mitigate your losses.

Delaying cleanup can result in further damages, including extensive mold growth. Mold endangers the health of building occupants, causing numerous maladies as a result. Once mold is growing inside the property, it continues to multiply until it is properly and completely removed, resulting in a more costly process to remedy. Water cleanup performed by St. Louis Cleaning & Restoration includes water removal from floors, carpets, drywall, furniture, draperies and all internal structures affected by the flooding.

Finnteriors Can Handle the Entire Process

Finnteriors has been in business since 1990 as a family owned and operated construction and remodeling company. We team with our sister company, St. Louis Cleaning & Restoration, in matters of water and fire cleanup and restoration.

We will work with your insurance company to file all paperwork and claims so that you can concentrate on other important matters during this time of devastation. We are available for emergency response 24/7, because timeliness is key in these devastating situations.

Contact us today if you have had water damage and need clean-up and rebuilding services. We’ll help you get your life back on track and functioning.

August 21, 2017 by finnteriors

Planning Your Remodeling Project

So you’re considering doing some home improvements. If the extent of those renovations is anything but very minor, it’s a good idea to have a plan before you start anything. You don’t want to start racking up costs without comparisons, cost analysis and seeing what your return on investment will be.

Extent of Your Home Remodel

Some things to consider before deciding on what you’d like to remodel:

1. Return on Investment

No renovations will give you 100% return on what you spend. Data gathered by Remodeling Magazine’s and documented in their annual Cost vs. Value Report provides the percentage of return on investment on different remodeling projects. The figures vary, based on the region you are located in. But it portrays a good basis on which to make your remodeling decisions.

2. How Long You Plan on Living in the Home

Your plan should take into account whether you are doing the remodeling for personal and lasting enjoyment or because you believe it will increase the sale value. This is important when deciding how extensive (and expensive) you want to go. If you plan on living there for years to come, then you may want to spend more for your own pleasure. If you plan to sell in the near term, you need to decide what needs to be done to make it more sellable and pass inspection.

3. Neighborhood Style and Standards

There is such a thing as remodeling past the value of other homes in your neighborhood. You might be spending thousands to create a masterpiece that still won’t be worth much more than your neighbors’ more modest, but functional homes.

4. Tax Credits

Check to see if there are any federal, state or local tax credits or incentives available for the renovations you’re planning to do. These could help off-set the cost of the remodel.

5. Effects on Property Taxes and Homeowners Insurance

On the opposing spectrum, you should research whether and how much your improvements will impact your property taxes and insurance premiums.These impacts will not only affect you while you’re living there, but will also trickle down to future buyers should you decide to sell.

What Your Remodeling Plan Should Consider

After you’ve determined what the extent of your remodeling project will be, you will need to make a schedule and plan for implementing the project. Here are four areas that you need to include:

1. Details of the Remodel

It’s a good idea to take measurements of the space to be remodeled to use during the designing phase, and carefully document what changes will be made to the space. If you plan on doing some of the work yourself, determine what tools and materials will be needed. How will the changes impact the electrical wiring, plumbing, structure, and other affected areas?

2. Duration of Project

The estimated length it will take to complete the project is important so that you can plan for adjustments to your everyday life. Most projects cause some inconveniences, so planning ahead for how you will live through the upheaval can prepare you better.

3. Budget

Few of us have unlimited funds to spend. Setting a budget for the home remodel will keep you in check when unanticipated events arise that can increase costs. The budget you set should take into account the extent of your remodel (see above for determining factors).

4. Consult a Professional Contractor

You’ll need to request bids on your project from contractors. The more information you provide to them, the more accurate and complete their bids will be. For example, if you already have some of the materials, tools or design plan, they may reduce the bid accordingly. Make sure you get critical information from contractors, such as, reviews, references, licensing and bonding, certifications, and, of course, costs.

5. Contract

Once you settle on the contractor you want to do the job, make sure you have a signed contract in place before they start on any work. The contract should include the project description, any inspections, permits, licenses or warranties required, estimated start and end dates, payment amounts and due dates, insurance and property damage liability.

Finnteriors Can Take on any Home Remodeling Project

Finnteriors has been in business since 1990 as a family owned and operated construction and remodeling company. We provide professional remodeling services at a price that fits any budget. Our goals is to bring your design ideas to life.