Maximizing Your Home Renovation Budget: The Benefits of Financing
If you're planning a home renovation project, it's important to consider your financing options. While it might be tempting to use your own cash on hand to pay for the project, there are several reasons why financing can be a better choice.
Preserve Your Savings
Using your own cash to fund a renovation project can drain your savings account, leaving you with little cushion in case of emergencies. By financing the project, you can keep your savings intact and avoid depleting them.
Low Interest Rates
Financing a home renovation project can come with low interest rates, especially if you have good credit. This can make the project more affordable over time and allow you to pay for it in manageable installments.
Access to More Funds
If you're working on a larger renovation project, you may not have enough cash on hand to cover all of the expenses. Financing can give you access to more funds, allowing you to complete the project to your satisfaction without compromising on quality.
Tax Benefits
In some cases, financing a home renovation project can come with tax benefits. For example, if you take out a home equity loan or line of credit, the interest you pay may be tax-deductible. This can help you save money in the long run.
Preserve Your Investments
Home renovation projects can add value to your home, making it a sound investment. By financing the project, you can preserve your investments and potentially increase the resale value of your home.
In conclusion, financing a kitchen remodel or any home renovation project can be a smart choice. It allows you to preserve your savings, access more funds, take advantage of low interest rates, and potentially benefit from tax deductions. If you're considering a renovation project, it's worth exploring your financing options to see what makes the most sense for your budget and financial goals.
The Step-by-Step to Kitchen Remodeling
Welcome to our revolutionary kitchen and bath visualizer tool, designed to bring your remodeling dreams to life! Our online visualizer is a user-friendly and powerful tool that allows you to customize and visualize your ideal kitchen or bathroom remodel from the comfort of your own home.
With our visualizer, you can explore different design options, colors, materials, and finishes, and create a digital model of your dream kitchen or bathroom. This tool is perfect for homeowners, contractors, and designers who want to see how different elements of a kitchen or bathroom remodel will look together before making any decisions.
Our kitchen and bath visualizer offers a wide range of customization options, including:
Cabinets: You can choose from different cabinet styles, colors, and finishes to create your perfect kitchen or bathroom.
Countertops: Our visualizer tool allows you to explore various countertop options, including granite, marble, quartz, and more.
Flooring: You can select from different types of flooring, such as tile, hardwood, and laminate, to create the perfect look and feel for your kitchen or bathroom.
Backsplash: Our visualizer tool lets you try out different backsplash options, including tile, stone, and glass.
Lighting: You can experiment with different lighting fixtures to see how they will enhance the beauty and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom.
Appliances: Our visualizer tool allows you to try out different appliances, including stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and more, to see how they will fit into your new space.
Our kitchen and bath visualizer is a powerful tool that can save you time and money by allowing you to experiment with different design options before making any purchases or renovations. With our visualizer tool, you can be confident that you are making the right decisions for your home and budget.
We are committed to providing our clients with the best possible experience, and that’s why we offer free access to our visualizer tool. Contact us today to get started on creating the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams!
4 Hot Home Upgrades for DIYers
When it comes to kitchen and bath remodels, American Kitchen & Stones is dedicated to
providing the best service and the best work. Contact us today for more info! 772.335.2558
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Everyone loves to save money. So when it comes time to improve or repair your home, it’s natural to ask, “Can I DIY that?” Looking online, it seems like homeowners can DIY just about anything. Yet reality often turns out differently. What was pitched as a simple DIY project can easily end in wasted hours and even higher costs when you need a professional to fix a botched job. Before you decide to tackle that next DIY project, learn from American Kitchen Stones about what it really takes to pull off these popular home improvements.
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchens are one of the most expensive rooms in the house to remodel. It’s not hard to see why: Kitchens contain a ton of wiring, plumbing, and even gas lines that complicate even the simplest of projects. That’s why so many families trust the experience of American Kitchen & Stones to help them upgrade to the kitchen of their dreams.
Installing cabinets
Take installing cabinets for example. Hanging pre-made cabinets seems simple enough until you end up with misaligned cabinets and doors that swing in the wrong direction. If you choose DIY cabinet installation, arm yourself with a good level and a weekend with nothing else on your calendar. This is a finicky project that takes patience. However, we recommend hiring an experienced cabinet installer that will design the space with you, like American Kitchen & Stones. When you’re paying $40,000 to $60,000 for a kitchen remodel, you want to be confident it’s done right.
Bathroom Upgrades
Bathrooms are another place where homeowners are eager to save money but think twice before attempting major bathroom construction on your own. It’s wiser to hire experts at American Kitchen & Stones to help you create your bathroom oasis.
Vanity makeovers
Simple changes like installing a new medicine cabinet, replacing the bathroom light fixture, and updating bathroom cabinets with new paint and hardware are the exception. These minor bathroom renovations require minimal know-how and only a few tools.
Tile work
Retiling bathroom floors is where people go wrong. What seems like a fun project quickly turns into a nightmare that pushes homeowners’ patience to its limits. Paying $10 to $25 per square foot to install tile flooring is worth sparing the frustration. If you are attempting DIY tile work, Tile Shop says not to skimp on preparation and plan tile placement to avoid sliver cuts or getting tiled in.
Outdoor Living
Outdoor living spaces are trending as homeowners search for space to stretch their legs. the backyard is full of fun projects for DIYers with a green thumb, but some outdoor improvements call for an expert.
Raised garden beds
Building raised garden beds is a great weekend project that even beginners can do. You can build raised beds from scratch using cedar or redwood (avoid pressure-treated or stained wood) or buy a prefabricated garden bed kit for even easier assembly.
Building a deck
Decks take outdoor living to the next level — literally and figuratively. Floating decks are a DIY- friendly option for the experienced, but a traditional deck attached to the house requires a contractor. An expert deck builder will also accommodate slopes and other property features to make the most of your outdoor living space. To save money on a new deck, hire a builder in the off-season when costs trend lower.
Fence installation
Whether you have kids, pets, or just want more privacy, a fence is an ideal solution. Fences can be expensive — the average cost for a new fence is $3,000 according to Inch Calculator — but don’t attempt to save money by installing a fence yourself. Proper fence installation requires permitting and careful attention to post depth and placement, grade, and underground utility lines. You’re better off hiring a licensed fence installer near you to build a fence that looks great and lasts for years.
Home Office Addition
Creating a dedicated space in the home for an office is a wise investment, and not just for the convenience and practicality of working out of the house. It’s also a coveted amenity for many homebuyers, adding value to the home. When setting up your home office, choose a space that allows in plenty of natural light, and ensures you’re outfitted with a fast internet connection. And don’t skimp on ergonomics, including your choice of desk and chair. We all know that it’s important to consult experts like American Kitchen & Stones when doing any kind of electrical, plumbing, or structural repairs. But too often, homeowners assume that as long as a project is safe, it’s safe to DIY. As noted, it depends on the size and scope of the project, as well as your abilities. In reality, there’s a lot that can go wrong with DIY renovations. While you might not get hurt, you may end up unhappy with the results. Rather than investing your hard earned money and time into larger-scale DIY projects that don’t pan out, call on professionals to lend a hand with your next home improvement.
Sell Your Home as Quickly as Possible With These Must-Do Home Projects
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It is a commonly known fact that making certain upgrades to your home can help it sell more
quickly. However, many individuals are unaware that all home projects do not yield the same
results. Being strategic in which updates and upgrades you make will not only help your house
sell incredibly fast but also add to the value of your property. If you are looking to sell
your home in the near future, learn about must-do projects from the
experts at American Kitchen and Stones.
Make important repairs
Although it is tempting to jump into upgrades and renovations right away, there are often
essentials that you should address first. Anything in your home that needs repairs should be
given the highest priority. Homebuyers want to see that your property is in excellent condition.
Broken fixtures and elements can cause individuals to pass on your home and buy one that is in
better condition instead.
Consider making repairs to your garage door, lighting, damaged walls, electrical systems,
plumbing, and flooring. One commonly overlooked area is window repair. Older and damaged
windows can let in cold and hot air, which can lead to significant issues for a buyer. Currently,
the average cost of a window repair is around $290. Contact window repair companies near you
to get quotes on your specific needs. When speaking with each company, also check that they
are licensed and insured. And before making your final decision, it is wise to read online reviews
and get testimonials from past clients.
Major and minor kitchen renovations
Among all of the renovations you can make to your home, major and minor kitchen updates
bring the highest return on investment. Prospective home buyers often gravitate toward the
kitchen and evaluate a home based on this central part of the property. Because people spend
a significant amount of time in this space, having an attractive kitchen will put your home at the
top of a buyer’s list. Depending on your budget, you can make updates to your countertops, cabinets,
fixtures, flooring, and more. The more appealing your kitchen is, the quicker you’ll be able to sell your
home.Expertly designed landscaping
Expertly designed landscaping
Your home’s curb appeal can quickly sway buyers into putting in an offer for your home. When
your landscaping has a “wow” factor, you’ll attract people at an impressive rate. If your home’s
exterior currently needs some work, now is the time to hire experts to design a stunning landscape for
your front yard. Many homeowners are pleasantly surprised to discover how
affordable it is to upgrade your landscaping. Simple projects, such as adding paver stones,
plants, and mulch, freshen up the look of your home and can often be completed for just $200-
$600.
Bathroom remodels
Another remodeling project that delivers high ROI is bathroom remodels. Much like a home’s
kitchen, the bathroom is a top area that home buyers critically evaluate. Being able to offer
prospective buyers a tranquil space with the latest features is a must. Consider installing
elements such as a spacious garden tub, modern sinks, new cabinets, a walk-in shower, tile
floors, and warm lighting.
Addition of a patio or deck
Does your home have a patio or deck? If not, you may want to have one professionally installed.
This high-ROI renovation project is especially desirable in locales that have great year-round
weather. Even in cooler climates, patios and decks are sought-after features. This project will
suit almost every budget since there are so many flexible options. You can have something as
simple as a concrete slab installed or something as grand as a brand new deck.
American Kitchen and Stones; Stones designs stunning kitchens and more to increase your home’s value
and appeal. Get a free estimate today!!
Senior Caregivers Will Benefit From These Tips During the Pandemic
The pandemic has affected everyone in different ways. For many seniors who are disabled or need daily care, it’s been a major challenge just to stay healthy, let alone make major decisions. When it’s time to think about long-term care or other big tasks, you’ll need to help with the planning and execution, and it’s important to be prepared. Talk to your loved one about their health and life insurance policies, find out where they keep important paperwork and get in touch with family members about things like downsizing, which can require moving, selling, or donating some of your loved one’s belongings and can be stressful for seniors.
You can also think about what it will take to get their house in shape to sell, and American Kitchens & Stones can help you make much-needed updates or renovations in order to get the best price. Here are a few tips on how to help your senior loved one make big decisions during a particularly difficult time.
Consider selling carefully
Many seniors need financial assistance when it comes to paying for long-term care. While Medicaid can help, your loved one may need more to cover living expenses, and that’s where a home sale can come in handy. If they’re agreeable to selling, however, keep in mind that the pandemic has created shifts in the housing market that may make it difficult to sell depending on where you live. Consult a professional realtor who can help you make decisions and will have access to resources you may not. In Port St. Lucie, the average sale price for a home is about $273,000, but properties in the area may stay on the market for up to 50 days.
Prepare for a move
There are many things to consider when it comes to moving a loved one to assisted living, from finding the perfect home for them to taking care of their belongings and orchestrating the big day. Before you put the house on the market, talk to your loved one about what they’d like to take with them, and check with the facility to find out what’s allowed — some facilities have special rules during the pandemic about the types of belongings that can be brought in.
Many seniors go through the downsizing process with their caregivers and make decisions about what to give to family members, what to donate, and what to sell. But if your loved one isn’t capable of making those decisions, you may need to arrange those tasks yourself or put things into storage.
Give options
Your loved one may have mood changes as plans are made for their long-term care, such as depression or anxiety, especially if they are unable to take a major role in the decision-making. Give them some options for staying in touch with friends and loved ones, such as a video chat app or device. Give them ways to stay connected with their interests and hobbies — such as music, gardening, or word games — as these will help with cognitive health, as well as relieve stress and anxiety.
Look for alternative funding
If selling the home isn’t an option at the moment, look for alternative funding for your senior loved one. There are several government programs that help older adults pay for care, necessities, and housing which are largely based on income and vary from state to state. There are also private loans and long-term care insurance — although your loved one would already need to have the policy to benefit from it.
Making decisions for a senior loved one takes a lot of patience and research, but with a good plan, you can ensure that they’re well taken care of during the pandemic. Get help from the pros when you’re ready to think about a major task, such as selling a home. Read up on the latest safety guidelines for assisted living facilities so you’ll have peace of mind about the move.
The article is courtesy of June Duncan and Rise up For Caregivers.
Have a project for American Kitchens & Stones? Get a free estimate today.
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Granite or Quartz
Quartz samples.
Where to begin?
When remodeling your kitchen choosing the countertop is one of the toughest parts. With so many options out there, which one should be the centerpiece of your kitchen? The main contenders nowadays are granite and quartz. Granite is a natural stone, and Quartz is an engineered stone. Here are some things to consider when choosing between granite or quartz: maintenance, durability, cost, and design.
Maintenance
In light of crazy times, we live in, being able to maintain a clean and sanitized home is vital. Regardless of whether you pick Granite or Quartz, how you would keep them is the same. Warm soapy water, with mild detergent. This will help maintain the seal on the granite. With the quartz doing this is a good way to keep it clean, without risk of staining the stone.
Quartz is a harder stone to stain than granite but it is possible. Something else that is great thing about quartz, it's less susceptible to harboring bacteria. Since it is an engineered stone it is denser which means there is less space for germs and bacteria to make it home. This means less work for you.
Durability
It is tough to know which one, granite or quartz, which is more durable. I will say, granite has been around much longer. Coming right out of mountains from all over the globe. Granite was used throughout monuments, throughout history a lot of them are still standing. When putting together the monument that is your kitchen, quartz is still a great option. Since granite is a natural stone it is prone to having air pockets that can break and leave little dimples on your countertops. We call these little things beauty marks because they are beautiful and natural. They happen regards to how often you seal it or how often you clean it, it happens.
Cost
Now we are at the meat of the matter. Cost of each. The general rule here is, Man-made is more expensive. How much more expensive, it depends on your kitchen and your imagination. The price of quartz has come down dramatically in the last few years. Because it is more popular now, but it is still a premium product and will be priced accordingly.
If you are thinking or doing some investing, and want to know which one is best as an investment. Go with granite. It is more popular, people are already familiar with the product will be more inclined to spend a little extra to not have to update their kitchen. Be advised we are not realtors, we are kitchen and bathroom remodelers. The best thing to do is check with a local realtor and get their opinion on it, ask them what your market is like, is it a granite market or a quartz market.
Kitchen with Granite countertop and metallic backsplash.
Design
What is the point of all this if your kitchen isn't the most beautiful it can be? When deciding between granite or quartz, the question to ask is, what do I want? Unique patterns throughout, or uniform look? Quartz has always been a sweetheart for interior designers because of how uniform the slabs can be. With minor variations between each slab, it is no wonder designers use it so often to achieve the look they want.
With granite, the thing to remember is that each slab is unique and there will never be one like it again. There can be some that are similar but it will not be the same. Granite has various variations and when you find the one slab you like, go with it. Because if you lose that slab there will never be one like it again. On the bright side, no one can copy your kitchen, it is yours alone.
Final Thoughts
It all comes down to what you are looking to do. If you want a very specific look for your kitchen, quartz is a good option. If you want more natural movements in the stone, with more earthy colors than granite is what you want. I would say, follow what you want, and what your wallet allows.
If you would like a free estimate contact us at 772-335-2558. Here at American Kitchen and Stones, we offer free estimates. Give us a call and ask us what we think, granite or quartz?
A Clean Home is a Safe Home
With everything that is going on, there is no reason why we should sacrifice cleanliness or the beautiful. When it comes to Granite countertops it's no different, a clean countertop is a beautiful countertop. But how do you clean that which comes from the ground and was forged in the earth? Warm water and mild dish soap, if you want to keep it simple.
If you want a "WOW" factor, use isopropyl alcohol. One part water, and one part IA. Using this little mixture will give your tops a beautiful shine and help keep everything safe. This is what my family use since I was a young boy in Brazil. This is the best and most cost-effective way to keep our countertops clean, and safe. With everything that is going on it doesn't hurt to keep your beloved countertops clean.
You might be asking, "isn't there anything a little stronger, and that will make everything cleaner?" Honestly, no. If you use an abrasive substance, you will damage the seal on your stone and remove the beautiful shine it has. Without a seal, the stone is open susceptible to staining. Abrasive substances are bleach, ammonia, Windex, even vinegar will be rough on the seal and weaken it.
In review, there are two preferred ways of beautifying and sanitizing your kitchen. One is warm water with a mild detergent and; the other is one part isopropyl alcohol and one part water. Place the IA and water mix in a spray bottle and spray away the nastiness, and leave behind a beautiful shine.