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General Questions
To find the answers to your frequently asked questions, please read the question and answers below. If you do not see what you are looking for, please contact us with your questions. Please note, these are answers to how Come Inside LLC operates, you may need to ask these same questions of any other contractor you interview for your home remodeling project. Each contractor has its own business model, practices, and procedures.
During our free consultation with you, we will discuss the duration of your project. The key element in completing your project in a timely manner is for you to be available during the process, so you can select your products. In addition, we will need full access to your home during the remodel during regular work hours (Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5 PM). We will not begin work on your home until all the materials have been received. Our company policy is to stay on your project until completion once we have started the work.
Projects vary widely depending on your needs and budget. We will visit with you to better understand your home remodeling needs. At Come Inside LLC we do more than give you a quote. We provide you with the information you need to make the right decisions for your home. We will take the time to explain the details of your project. We answer all your questions and explain our estimates for your home improvement project. There is no obligation. We will review your wish list and will provide you with valuable information.
Popcorn ceilings are usually made of stucco or sand paint. This technique was used in construction during the ‘70s and ‘80s for the purpose of hiding imperfections in concrete slab ceilings that were never 100% level. In some cases, chunks of these ceilings are beginning to crumble. When repairing a popcorn ceiling, it’s nearly impossible to make the repair invisible.
There are two ways to make these ceilings smooth. One is to scrape and skim coat. This requires more work but will not affect the ceiling height. The second way is to frame and Sheetrock the ceiling. This technique is faster but will drop the ceiling height by at least a couple of inches. In some cases, it may be an advantage because new framing will allow you to run wiring for ceiling light fixtures or speakers. Changing a “popcorn” ceiling to a smooth surface ceiling is a popular trend. Not only does it allow for better wiring, but it also makes the space look cleaner, larger, and less dated.
Kitchen Remodeling
The scope of the kitchen remodeling dictates how long the project will take. For example, if you are removing a wall or two to open up the kitchen, which is a very common trend now, the actual construction will obviously take a little bit longer. Once we understand the scope of the project, we will let you know what to expect.
Knowing the type of look and style you want is a start. If you are not sure, you should reference magazines, websites, or home improvement shows to get some design ideas. Generally speaking, before construction begins, you’ll want to clear out the area being worked on of all your personal belongings that can be removed. Although we cover the areas surrounding our work area, you’ll want to protect your furniture from dust with plastic and/or sheets.
- Create design
- Select and order materials
- Demolition
- Deliver materials to the home
- Rough electric
- Rough plumbing
- Wall preparation
- Subfloor preparation
- Flooring installation
- Cabinet installation
- Locating appliances
- Countertop template
- Priming and painting
- Countertop installation
- Backsplash installation
- Finish plumbing – dishwasher, sink, and faucet installation
- Appliance installation
- Accessories installation
- Door hardware installation
- Finish electric – light fixtures, outlets, under cabinets
- Touch up items
Cabinetry is probably the most expensive item in the kitchen, mainly because of its sheer volume. However, you can also spend a lot of money on your countertops and flooring, depending on the style and materials you like.
Of course, re-facing is less expensive than replacing cabinets – but it is usually not recommended. If you are planning to replace doors and drawer fronts you’ll also need to replace the front face of the cabinet frame to make sure the doors and visible parts of the cabinet match. Re-facing the frame is where problems usually occur. If the laminate shifts or peels away, an unattractive seam shows. This is the most typical complaint among re-facing clients.
Another reason not to re-face is cost. The most expensive part – about 70% of a cabinet’s cost – is the door. Consider this, if you are already paying for most of the cabinets, why not add a little more and upgrade to completely new cabinets?
There are many options available in cabinets for every budget. If you are already committed to spending time, money, and effort on remodeling, consider the value and enjoyment you’ll gain by opting for brand-new cabinets.
There is a general perception that plywood is better than particleboard – maybe because plywood has the word “wood” in it. Most people figure plywood is real wood, while particleboard is a cheap imitation. Surprisingly, in many cases, particleboard is a much better option than plywood.
In order to make the best decision, let’s define these two materials. Plywood is composed of thin sheets of wood glued together. Particleboard is made of tiny wood particles held together with adhesive. Both are strong, durable, and make a good cabinet. Also, there are different types and grades of plywood and particleboard. High-density particleboard is stronger and will last longer than plywood.
Wood flooring is not usually recommended for kitchens. That said, it’s still a very popular choice. If it works visually, go ahead and use it – especially if you are opening the kitchen into an adjacent space with wood flooring. Generally, designers choose other materials over wood because of both the “wear and tear factor” and possible exposure to water damage. Because the kitchen is a high-traffic area, the finish will wear off a wood floor more quickly than in other low-traffic parts of your home and will need to be refinished periodically. A tile floor is more resistant to leaks and humidity.
Bathroom Remodeling
Knowing the type of look and style you want is a start. If you are not sure, you should reference magazines, websites, or home improvement shows to get some design ideas. Generally speaking, before construction begins, you’ll want to clear out the area being worked on of all your personal belongings that can be removed. Although we cover the areas surrounding our work area, you’ll want to protect your furniture from dust with plastic and/or sheets.
- Create design
- Select materials
- Order materials
- Demolition
- Wall preparation
- Electric wiring
- Plumbing
- Plumbing fixture installation
- Subflooring
- Wall tile installation
- Floor tile installation
- Vanity/countertop installation
- Light fixtures installation
- Painting
- Touch up and cleaning
Depending on your style and taste, the floor and wall tiles can be the most expensive. Other possibly considerable expenses are the fixtures and shower system.
Re-glazing is a great way to save money. It requires less labor and eliminates the cost of installing a new tub. Many older tubs are cast iron – a very sturdy and expensive material. In addition, some older tub models may be deeper than new tubs. Yes, there are several good reasons to re-glaze, but there is one big disadvantage — it doesn’t last. The glaze usually begins to wear off within a few years. Depending on usage, the tub may need to be re-glazed in three years. Nothing really replaces the visual appeal of a brand-new tub. If you want to do it right and are not limited by budget, replacing the tub is the best way to go.