remodel

Kitchen Remodel Ideas

June 23, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

To help you take on your next remodeling project, we have created ten tips for a kitchen remodel. Let’s get started!

Kitchen Remodel Ideas:

Wide Walkways.
Narrow walkways can cause a newly remodeled space to feel tight or out of date. Before finalizing your remodeling plans, be sure to discuss adding wide walkways into their kitchen. The wide walkways will give you more room to move around and work throughout the kitchen.
The Right Height.
A lot of times, homeowners will place their appliances wherever it looks best rather than taking function and proper layout into consideration. For example, to ensure you have the best kitchen for YOUR family and YOUR lifestyle, you want to place your microwave and double ovens at the right height for you. If you are shorter or taller, this will adjust depending on your preferences.
Do Not Cut Corners.
Corner cabinets can be a tricky topic, because they tend to have difficulties opening when another cabinet is open. Before ruling them out, let’s talk corners and find you a solution!
A Purpose-Filled Island.
Islands are terrific place to add a must-needed feature in your home without wasting space. If you are in need of an extra sink or even storage, your island can come in handy. Be sure to incorporate these essential features into your island for maximum functionality.
Count on Counters.
During a remodel, you want to make sure that you buy a solid countertop. You want to choose one that is easy to maintain and fits your cooking needs. Be sure to discuss the different options before you settle on one.
One Less Trip.
If you have extra money in your budget or you consider yourself a home chef, you may want to consider adding a pot filler near your stovetop. It doesn’t seem like much, but saving an extra trip to the sink with a heavy pot can be a real luxury!
Chalk It Up To A Fantastic Idea.
Chalkboard accents are a stylish and functional option. They are the perfect solution for busy homeowners who need a place to write their grocery list. They also make for a great kid distraction while you are cooking dinner. Some would argue that chalkboards are no longer in style, but we say function first!
Get Plugged In.
Take a look at the amount of outlets you currently have in your kitchen. If you feel like you could use more, now is the time to get some more added. Extra outlets will come in handy more often than you think! If you can’t add more outlets, switch out your existing outlets for newer ones that include USB ports alongside the plugs.
Small Spaces = Soft Shades.
If you have a small kitchen, expert designers recommend sticking with soft shades. Darker shades tend to make the room feel smaller.
The Main Event.
Just like in any room, you want to create a focal point. Whatever your point of interest may be, try to make a statement that reflects your family and your style!

Whether you are starting from the beginning and need step-by-step guidance or know exactly what you need, ICC Home’s new showroom will give you a quick, efficient, and joyful shopping experience. Our new showroom will help ensure a smooth transition between design projects. You will not have to worry about miscommunication and delays with different contractors because it will all be serviced by our team. From cabinet vignettes to countertops to flooring, all of our products work together in order to show you different styles and design trends in the industry.

Remodeling for Beginners: After the Project | Part 2

April 3, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Tips for Cleaning & Maintaining Your New Floors

Flooring can completely transform a room in more ways than one. Not only does flooring help offer a beautiful aesthetic upgrade, but newer flooring comes with significant upgrades. In fact, many flooring options have featured a substantial amount of updates over the last decade. For instance, flooring today can offer better stain-resistance, more durability, and better longevity. So now that you have gotten your new floors, you need to make sure you help prolong its lifespan with the correct maintenance and cleaning. If you just got new flooring, here is what you need to do:

Prevention

Your best plan of attack is to prevent the mess. Whether carpet, hardwood, LVP, or tile, dirt can be your floors enemy. Consider making your new floor a shoe-free zone and facilitating a welcome mat. Preventing dirt from getting on your floors is your first step to help prolong the life of your floors. Additionally, you will find that carpet and hardwood are vulnerable to liquids. You may want to stop eating or drinking in rooms where you put this flooring or be extra careful with spills and accidents.

Cleaning

Each flooring system can be cleaned a little differently. Dirt can compact deep down into carpet fibers and begin to initiate wearing. So make sure to vacuum your floor consistently and steam clean new carpet once a year. Hardwood floors are durable, but water can wreak havoc on them. So avoid liquids from coming into contact with them and use a broom to remove dust and debris regularly. If your hardwood floors do begin to show traffic wear over the years, remember you can always sand and refinish them. LVP is pretty easy to keep clean. Typically, a broom or wet-mop is enough to maintain this flooring’s cleanliness. Tile can be cleaned by a quick sweep. For more caked-on dirt, you can use a mop with a vinegar and water solution. Grout lines can be cleaned with a grout brush or toothbrush and a baking soda paste.

Maintainance

Lastly, keep up with your flooring’s maintenance. This step will include projects like sanding your hardwood or steam cleaning your carpet once a year. Manufacturer-recommended products will always give your floor the best longevity. For more insight on your floorings annual maintenance, make sure to check with your sales representative or check your flooring manufacturer’s website.

Do you have any post-renovation questions? We would love to answer any and all of your questions below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

Remodeling for Beginners: After the Project

March 27, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

How to Move Furniture Back into the Room

As we have learned in our previous ‘remodeling for beginners‘ blog series, remodeling your home can change the entire feel or function of a room. From remodeled kitchens and bathrooms to even renovated bedrooms and living rooms, every project comes with a new set of dilemmas. For instance, furniture that worked in your old design may not be functional with the new layout. In fact, a new design can also mean new room themes.

During these extensive renovations, all your previous furniture is removed from the room. However, whether new or old, the furniture will need to come back into the room. Have no fear; while this may seem like a daunting task, with a little preparation and planning, this can be done safely and quickly. Here is everything you need to know:

Start with The Big Furniture

Every room can come with its own set of challenges, from doorways to hallways and everything in between. Know your limits. Most moving projects will almost always require a team of two. If you are moving a bed, start with the frame. Build your bed completely before bringing in the box spring or mattress. Remember, disassembly is your friend. Sectionals can also be a real hassle. Many sectionals can be taken apart; however, they cannot fit through doorways by being carried at 0 or 90 degrees. Chairs or sectionals may need to be carried into the room at a 45-degree angle to fit through doorways. You may also need to remove legs or feet. If you must take anything apart, make sure you put all hardware in screws in a safe spot. Extremely large, bulky, and heavy items like billiard tables and pianos are very meticulous. They need to be moved exceptionally carefully, balanced or turned, and should not be tackled without experience. These items may take several men or women to move and may need to be adjusted after they are moved.

Move to the Smaller Items

Smaller items or furniture can be handled by one individual. This category may include chairs or nightstands. Always be safe and pick up with your legs, not letting your back round. It is safest to carry items close to your body as well. Once the big pieces are in place, you can fill the room with the rest of the smaller furniture. Begin with items that will reside furthest from the entry point. You do not want to bring in furniture and begin to create a puzzle around yourself and lose access to the entryway. Lastly, your final items will be your décor and wall-mounted items. These may require tasteful and careful placement in your home but should not be over encumbering.

Be smart and know your limits. You may need to remove doors to bring furniture into the room. When you remove a door, place the door’s pins back in the hinges on the frame to keep track of them. Also, make sure to check out the rest of the series to understand how to manage other challenges that may come after remodeling.

Remodeling for Beginners: During the Project

March 13, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Last month, we focused on remodeling for beginners, and we discussed how to start your project. This month, we wanted to focus on what to do during your remodeling project. Let’s get started!

Prepare Your Space

Before any home renovation or remodeling project, it is imperative to prep the space for your workers. However, the amount of work you do entirely depends on the type of project. If you are just having your floors redone, you will need to remove everything off of the floors. But if you are doing an entire kitchen renovation, you will need to take everything out of the room, much like you would do when you move houses.

Also, remember to be courteous of your workers’ time and schedules by preparing the room one or two days before their arrival. If there are large appliances that you physically cannot move on your own, mention the items to your workers and see if they can assist you. Otherwise, items in drawers and cabinets should be fully boxed up before their arrival to ensure a quick and easy transition.

Be Flexible

While it is important to have a timeline in mind, it is also essential to be flexible. Unfortunately, manufacturer delays and unforeseen circumstances can disrupt timelines; therefore, try to roll with the punches.

Create a Secondary Kitchen & Bath

If you are having your kitchen or bathroom remodeled, it is crucial to create some sort of “backup” room. For instance, when your kitchen is out of commission for several weeks, you should capitalize on another spacious area of your home to hold your backup kitchen. For example, you may have room in the corner of your living room for a small table. This table can house your microwave, toaster, and convection oven during the remodel. Plus, having this area will allow you to still eat meals at home during the renovation.

Communicate Kindly & Effectively

Whenever possible, try to be a nice boss by communicating your thoughts, ideas, and feelings kindly and effectively. If you are frustrated by any hold-ups, kindly let your contractor know your concerns. You do not want to build any unneeded tension between you and your workers because remodeling should be a fun experience.

Set Aside Extra Money

Lastly, when budgeting for your project, it is important to set aside a little extra money. This money will help be a cushion in case any unforeseen circumstances or additional costs arise. Plus, if you do not end up needing/using it, you have extra money saved for a rainy day.

We hope that you found these five ideas helpful, and be sure to check back weekly for more expert advice. Thanks for reading!

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing Flooring

February 28, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Flooring is an excellent investment in order to make a house feel like home. In fact, it allows you to add your own personal touch to an atmosphere while letting you tailor your space to your daily demands. However, no one flooring fits all. It would be best if you considered all options when looking at flooring. Each flooring option can bring its own sets of pros and cons to an environment. So if you are looking to invest in your flooring, here are several questions you may want to consider before purchasing your new floors:

Are You Considering the Resell Value?

What are your intentions for your home? Are you planning on living there for a long period of time or planning on reselling it? This factor is essential to consider because it is not always the best option to tailor your space to your own needs if you plan on selling. Sometimes, it is best to see what the most trending homes on the market have to see what will help sell your home.

How Much of a Concern Is Maintenance?

Maintenance can also be a considerable factor. Some flooring can be extremely durable and low maintenance, while others may take some time to clean and treat. This factor can become an annoyance to some homeowners or not a dilemma at all to others. Therefore, ask yourself, does the maintenance of a flooring concern you? If so, you may want to look into low-maintenance flooring options.

Will You Be Hosting Guest or Events?

What are you planning on doing in your home? Flooring can be manufactured in residential grade or commercial. You may need a more durable flooring option if you will be hosting events or guests frequently.

What Purpose Does the Room Serve in Your Home?

The purpose of each room can also be a huge deciding factor. Are you using a room for a home gym or an office? Different spaces respond best functionally and aesthetically with certain flooring options. Make sure your floor corresponds with the room’s initial purpose.

Does Age Restriction Prevent Certain Flooring Options?

What ages are the members of your household? If you have children who may make messes or scratch specific flooring options, you may need to find another flooring choice. Likewise, elder folks may struggle to get over certain flooring transitions and flooring options when limited to wheelchairs or walkers. Always consider your home’s demographics before investing in a floor.

Do You Have Pets?

Likewise, pets can also have a significant influence on what floor works best. Pets can create accidents and scratch some flooring. Make sure if you have pets that your flooring is up for the tasks ahead of you.

Will Your Flooring Be Exposed to Water?

Water can be extremely detrimental to some flooring options. If you are in a space prone to water, you must find a waterproof flooring option. This factor can help save you money and increase the longevity of your investment.

Remember, one floor will not fit all. You need to make sure the flooring you choose can be reliable for your daily tasks. Ask yourself these questions when browsing our flooring selection, and make sure to check with your ICC Home flooring representative for more insight and concerns you may have. Thanks for reading!

Remodeling for Beginners: Where to Start

February 7, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Whether you have lived in your home for years or you are simply updating the new house that you bought, remodeling a home is a great way to adapt your house to your specific needs. Since our homes are our safe place of refuge from the world, making your space tailored to your needs and wants is the best way to make a house a home. However, remodeling projects can be expensive avenues to explore. If it is your first-time remodeling, here is everything you need to know:

Remodeling for Your Home to Your Needs

When beginning a home remodel, you will want to decide what are some of the most pressing issues. Perhaps, you are remodeling your home to add another bedroom or change your kitchen layout. What is your reasoning? Try to look at some of the most urgent matters. For instance, if you are looking to remodel your kitchen because you do not have enough countertop space or cabinets, make sure you prioritize this step in the remodel. Trying to separate your needs and wants is a significant first step.

Selecting What You Want

However, wants can be fundamental at well. They are what make your home personalized to you. Perhaps, you like dark hardwood floors and marble countertops. These personal preferences are a great way to help you love your home even more. Plus, there are hundreds of unique ways to customize your home during a remodel. It can help to create a digital or physical mood board. On this board, collect paint samples that you plan on using, flooring samples, hardware samples, and anything else that will be coming into the new environment. This method can let you step back and look at how all these selections complement one another.

Considering Alternative Solutions

Maybe you are remodeling your home by removing a wall for a more open layout. However, upon investigation, you realize the wall you planned to delete is a load barrier wall. Remodeling projects are full of unique surprises. During the process, be prepared to adapt. You may want to assess a room in several alternative options before beginning the remodel.

When in Doubt, Hire a Contractor

When in doubt, hire a contractor! Unless you know the ins and outs of architecture and home improvements, remodeling projects can be very elaborate. You may want to find a contractor to oversee the project. With a contractor’s expertise, they can assess your space and find what is feasible and not. A contractor will also be able to put you together a good quote to help complete the project.

Remodeling your home can be exciting. Do not get overwhelmed in the process and understand it can take time. Make sure you thoroughly inspect how everything you do to your home can affect the final project. With these tricks in mind, novice or not, you can confidently remodel your home.