Check out our latest video! The Duggans have been a long time client of ours and we are so excited to have the opportunity to share their project with you! Watch part 1 of their video here and make sure to check back soon to view part 2.
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Kitchen Remodel Part 1
December 20, 2012 by Synergy GuruCategory: Kitchen Remodeling Tags: appliances, cabinets, countertop, flooring, island, kitchen, remodel, tile | Comments (0)
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Room Addition Costs
July 12, 2011 by Synergy GuruThere are a lot of different ways to determine how much does a room addition cost. Certain factors are going to influence the overall cost of your room addition. Prices will definitely vary depending on the part of the country that you live in. They will also be different depending on whether you live in the city or in the suburbs.
The region that you live in will influence the cost of your room addition. Certain areas have an easier time supplying builders and contractors with materials. In areas where there is a lot of competition in the industry, supplies are more reasonably priced. This savings is often passed onto the customer. In areas, where supplies are harder to come by, prices may be more expensive. This is a crucial consideration for your remodeling budget.
Another factor that influences the price for your room addition is the space you are trying to accommodate. Some homeowners will be converting existing space in their home to a new room. Others will be actually building an entirely new room onto the home. This choice is typically more expensive for customers. The size of the room that you want is another factor to consider. In general, the larger the room the more you are going to pay for it.
The type of room that you are building or remodeling will play a role in the price as well. The average bathroom addition cost in the Chicagoland area ranges from $38,000-75,000 for 2011. Kitchen addition cost can range from $58,000-111,000. Here you must think about the access to this room, cost of features, and the cost of fixtures.
Category: Bathroom Remodeling, General Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Room Additions Tags: addition, bathroom, cost, family, home, kitchen, remodel, remodeling, renovation, room | Comments Off
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Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
by Synergy Guru
A backsplash is a covering placed over the wall behind a sink, a stove or cook top, or any other area of a kitchen where there is a potential for splashing of water or food on the wall. Backsplashes can be a simple piece of plastic attached to the wall to protect the paint or wallpaper. Backsplashes can also be highly decorative and create a focal point in a remodeled kitchen.The size of a backsplash might be determined by the size of the fixture or appliance it will be placed behind. Alternately, you might choose to install a backsplash behind an entire counter or workspace. The backsplash might be a pre-fabricated item that you decide to hang on the wall, or it might be made of decorative ceramic tile.
Ceramic tile is available is a huge variety of colors, finishes, sizes and shapes. These can be installed in a simple solid color or installed in geometric or decorative designs. You can create a mosaic or you can install hand-painted tile.
Visiting our showroom will help you make choices of finish, tile size, tile shape, and combinations of colors, shapes and designs. At our showroom you will find displays of tile styles and colors with complimentary pieces and shapes to help you create the design you want. Our designers can also help you select the trim and design components you want to use to create an attractive backsplash.
If your kitchen design is “rustic,” you might choose a ceramic tile with a matte or dull finish in a brick or stone design. A more traditional kitchen might need only simple single-color tile and edging. A modern kitchen might be right for something more creative and elaborate.
The size of the backsplash area will also determine how far you can go in being creative or in adding decorative interest. A small backsplash will need smaller design elements. A large backsplash area, on the other hand, might be made into the focal point of your kitchen design with a mosaic or with hand-painted tiles.
If you decide to incorporate a backsplash into your kitchen remodel design, you will have almost complete freedom in choosing the material – tile, metal, wallpaper – for your backsplash and in deciding how elaborate the design of the finished area will be. The primary purpose of the backsplash is to provide a surface that is easy to clean and that will not be stained easily. Beyond that functionality, your creativity and imagination is the only limit on what you can do.
Category: General Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling Tags: backsplash, design, finish, idea, ideas, kitchen, project, remodel, remodeling, renovation, rustic, style | Comments Off
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Kitchen and Bath Safety Audit Makes Rooms Child-Friendly
February 21, 2011 by Synergy GuruIf you’re a parent, you’ve already thought about minimizing or eliminating safety hazards in your bathroom and kitchen. With new, recently developed products, you can easily remove much of the risk. Start by taking a fresh look at your home while conducting a safety audit. Does your bathroom and kitchen have the following safety features?
Bathrooms
- slip-resistant strips in the tub and nearby to minimize the risk of slipping and falling
- grab bars in tubs and showers
- towels bars/rings close to the tub or shower
- impact-resistant safety-glass or plastic tub/shower enclosure
- shatter-resistant tub faucets that don’t have sharp edges
- recessed soap dishes (those that stick out from the wall can cause injury if a person falls against them)
- the new soft bathtub, which is made of impact-absorbing materials to reduce the risk of injury for young and old alike
- non-slip tile to reduce the risk of falling on a wet surface
- toilet latches to prevent children from opening the lid
- electrical outlets designed to automatically cut off power in the presence of water contact or faulty circuitry
- door hardware that can be unlocked from either side
- temperature-controlled faucets to avoid serious skin burns (typical faucets can produce water that is more than 120 degrees F, which can scald a child’s tender skin).
Kitchens
- a stove with difficult-to-reach top controls
- appliances, sharp knives and other sharp objects kept out of sight and reach in appliance garages, in-drawer knife blocks, and built-in storage units
- slip/impact resistant flooring to reduce injuries and lessen broken ceramic and glass
- cabinet latches to keep children away from dangerous products
Category: Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling Tags: bathroom, kids, kitchen, remodel, remodeling, renovations, saftey, tips | Comments Off
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Home Remodeling – Give Your Home a New Look
June 6, 2010 by Synergy GuruEveryone has a desire to have a well-organized and well-designed home to represent a perfect combination of style and comfort. With smart home remodeling plans and little investment one can do wonders. Now days, homeowners prefer rebuilding their existing home rather purchasing a new one.
Home remodeling has advantage of transforming the existing space into a customized and designed space. It also updates outdated structures and designs and adds beauty to your house. There could be several reasons for home remodeling such as unattractive designs, unmanaged space, or cracked floor. The problem with most people is that they are not sure where to start with their home remodeling project from. Should they begin home remodeling with kitchen, bathroom or basement or with a room addition? Unlike opening a den where you need to remove walls, a kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling project is done on a smaller scale. As a result, you don’t have to spend much money on your home remodeling project to make your house look more attractive.
Apart from kitchen and bathroom remodeling, you can also re-design the other areas of your house. Basement remodeling is one such example; it is like building an addition onto your home. Basement Remodeling is one of the best ways to increase the livable space of your house. With proper planning and remodeling, finished basement could become a place to enjoy with your family and friends.
A room addition is one of the best ways to add an extra space to your room. Room additions are often done to fit the family’s current needs while increasing the comfort and function of the home. It serves as a good and cost-effective alternative to get a bigger house or moving into a larger space.
There are many home remodeling companies who offer home remodeling services but you need to be very careful while choosing them. One should choose a professional remodeling company whom you can trust and rely on. These companies offer you a reasonable and fair price for your remodeling projects.
Category: Basement Finishing, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Room Additions Tags: Basement Finishing, Bathroom Remodeling, home remodeling, kitchen renovations, remodel, room additions, whole house remodel | Comments Off
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Caring For Special Surfaces
May 21, 2010 by Synergy GuruMany of our clients frequently ask how to properly care for their countertops and floors. So here are a few tips just for you when cleaning your kitchen, bathroom, or basement surfaces…
Laminate Counters:
DO use a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner. Rinse with water, use cotton cloth to dry. Wipe up immediately to prevent discoloration.DON’T flood the laminate. Water penetrates seams, causing swelling. Don’t use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring pads. Cleaners with acid will cause permanent discoloring.Laminate Floors:
DO wipe floors with a damp cloth or sponge.DON’T wet mop or pour water on floor. Don’t wax, sand or stain.Ceramic Tile:
DO use nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaners, a tub/tile/sink cleaner or liquid cleanser. Rinse thoroughly with water and buff tiles with dry cloth to prevent water stains. Re-apply grout sealer every 5-10 years.DON’T use powdered abrasive cleaners that may scratch the surface.Solid Surface Counters and Sinks:
DO use a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner and a damp cloth on matte, satin or high gloss finishes. A scouring pad will remove cigarette burns and minor scratches.DON’T use strong chemical cleaners such as toilet bowl cleaners, ceramic cook top cleaners, paint remover, drain cleaners, oven cleaners and lacquer thinners.Natural Stone:
DO place coasters under glasses, and wipe up spills immediately. Use entry rugs to capture abrasive dirt from foot traffic. Wash with warm water, a neutral pH cleaner and a nonabrasive cloth. Many of our clients frequently ask how to properly care for their countertops and floors. So here are a few tips just for you…Laminate Counters:
DO use a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner. Rinse with water, use cotton cloth to dry. Wipe up immediately to prevent discoloration.
DON’T flood the laminate. Water penetrates seams, causing swelling. Don’t use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring pads. Cleaners with acid will cause permanent discoloring.Laminate Floors:
DO wipe floors with a damp cloth or sponge.
DON’T wet mop or pour water on floor. Don’t wax, sand or stain.Ceramic Tile:
DO use nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaners, a tub/tile/sink cleaner or liquid cleanser. Rinse thoroughly with water and buff tiles with dry cloth to prevent water stains. Re-apply grout sealer every 5-10 years.
DON’T use powdered abrasive cleaners that may scratch the surface. Solid SurfaceCounters and Sinks:
DO use a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner and a damp cloth on matte, satin or high gloss finishes. A scouring pad will remove cigarette burns and minor scratches.
DON’T use strong chemical cleaners such as toilet bowl cleaners, ceramic cook top cleaners, paint remover, drain cleaners, oven cleaners and lacquer thinners.Natural Stone:
DO place coasters under glasses, and wipe up spills immediately. Use entry rugs to capture abrasive dirt from foot traffic. Wash with warm water, a neutral pH cleaner and a nonabrasive cloth.
Category: Basement Finishing, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling Tags: cleaning ceramic tile, cleaning counter tops, cleaning laminate counters, cleaning laminate floors, cleaning natural stone, cleaning solid surface counters | Comments (0)
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Double Your Storage With Simple Creativity
April 27, 2010 by Synergy GuruOne of the most common complaints we hear from our clients is lack of storage space. What they don’t realize is that even owners of the smallest homes can double their storage space with some simple but creative modifications. Here are some ideas:
Kitchen Storage Tips
- Appliance garages – special cabinets with roll-down doors – can hide items like toasters, mixers, and food processors to free up counter space. Extra-deep counters also a make difference.
- Under-cabinet knife slats provide a protective spot to store utensils. Existing cabinets can be replaced with deeper or taller models that reach to the ceiling. Use the top shelves for rarely used items.
- Built-in refrigerators, perhaps faced with the same materials as your cabinets, can save space in a small kitchen.
- A separate pantry, which holds many items within easy reach, is another valuable storage space. Narrow, vertical areas can provide the perfect place to store mops and brooms.
- An island can improve traffic patterns in the kitchen while adding tons of storage space. Slide-in cutting boards, pot racks, even an extra sink can be built in to make a big difference. Open shelves on one side can make food preparation quicker too.
Master Bedroom Storage Tips
- Under-the-bed rolling drawers can hold extra clothes or linens. A built-in cedar closet can keep your woolens safe from moths. This can be created from a portion of a current closet.
- Outfit your closet with double hanging rods, drawers, shoe holders, and hooks to create a space for everything.
- Bedrooms, Living Rooms, or Dens
- Window seats and built-in book shelves can create a private nook while providing a place for books, toys, or linens.
Bathroom Storage Tips
- Appliance garages work in the kitchen, so why not in the bathroom? A “garage” houses brushes, hair dryers, combs, and can include an electrical outlet, too. Medicine cabinets can be surface mounted or recessed between studs. Custom cabinetry affords optimal use of space. Vanity-to-ceiling and floor-to-ceiling built-ins that combine open shelves and enclosed cabinets are decorative as well as utilitarian.
- While standard height for most sinks is 30 to 32 inches, most adults can use a basin more comfortably when it’s 34 to 38 inches high. This extra height allows for more storage; an extra shelf in the area below the basin and additional drawers on the sides.
Workshop or Garage Storage Tips
- Here, organization is very important. A place for everything and everything in its place can make a small space seem much more spacious. Pegboards can hold hooks for tools, paint-brushes, or just about anything. Accessories can be purchased to store small items like nails; some accessories hang right on the pegboard.
With a little creativity, your home can provide up to twice as much storage space as you’re now using. For specific ideas for your home, give Synergy Builders a call. We’re full of ingenuity!
Category: Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling Tags: bathroom storage tips, garage storage tips, kitchen storage tips, master bedroom storage tips, synergy builders, workshop storage tips | Comments (0)
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Remodeling Through Color
March 30, 2010 by Synergy Guru
Did you know that the colors you select for your home have meaning and can set mood? Studies show that color can complement architecture, enhance or diminish the sense of space, create a particular ambience, and impact your daily moods. Color experts have studied how color is likely to affect you. This can help when you are remodeling your home. Here is what they have found:- Blue, universally a favorite, is recognized for its tranquil effects. However, if too dark or used too expansively, it can have a depressing effect.
- Red evokes excitement, and is an excellent accent. Often used in kitchens, it’s felt that red enhances one’s appetite.
- Green is either loved or heartily disliked, so take care when making this selection.
- Brown and orange are viewed as friendly and informal colors.
- Yellow, generally perceived as a cheery color, may make children feel depressed, so use it sparingly.
- Neutral colors can serve as dramatic backdrops for furnishings, collections, and accessories. Neutrals also add the flexibility to introduce new colors seasonally with throw pillows, artwork, and other decorative items.
When selecting your colors:- Select exterior shades that harmonize with the home’s surroundings—steer towards the earthier shades (i.e. a grey-blue vs. a bright royal blue).
- Consider the style and era of your home—there might be some traditional colors associated with them—especially with Victorian and traditional Colonials.
- When viewing paint samples, look at chip sizes proportionate to how they will ultimately be used (e.g., if a wall will be painted taupe with a red accent, view a larger sample of the taupe paint against a smaller sample of the red).
- Less is more. Don’t overuse a color, especially in a small room.
- Even though a color may be too strong for an entire wall, consider it for an accent color.
- Most importantly, select colors that work for you and your lifestyle, not what’s considered “in” or “out” at the time. But don’t be afraid to color your world—you’ll find it will make a world of difference!
Category: Basement Finishing, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Room Additions Tags: color schemes, remodeling colors | Comments (0)
