Who doesn’t like looking at before & after home remodel pictures? We sure do. We love to find inspiration in what others are doing and see the amazing transformations that can happen with a little imagination by both the client and interior designer (P.S. our favorite kitchen designer and space planner is Chandra Sadro of Sadro Design Studio who provided the kitchen design drawings for this home).

If you are considering a fixer-upper home that will require remodeling, scroll through these images to explore how Carter Construction took a run-down home that sat empty through a very lengthy bankruptcy / short-sale which resulted vandalism, roof leaks, and water damage (is 18 months still considered a “short-sale”?).

Scroll through the before, during, concept kitchen drawings and of course the final home – which resulted in a very substantial increase of equity for the homeowners.
 

Kitchen Island Before & After

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Home remodeling can be a bit scary – we get it – but take some inspiration here to see what real people in your neighborhood have accomplished. Trust us, it is so rewarding to create your own space. And according to a recent survey by realtor.com, 81% of homeowners surveyed said they had a greater desire to be at home since completing their kitchen remodel.

Want to see more pictures? Take a look at our portfolio of recent home and kitchen remodeling projects.

Kitchen Remodeling & the Design Process:

Whether your taste run to modern urban design or cozy country, the options available in kitchen design seem to be limitless and can be overwhelming when you first contemplate a kitchen remodel. Here are some kitchen remodeling tips to make your kitchen remodel a success.

Before calling a construction remodeling contractor, it is best to do some research on your own to determine what you are looking for. Online sources like Houzz or Pinterest are great sources, as are the kitchen remodeling magazines you can pick up at your local home improvement store. Once you have some ideas, write down a list of your “must-haves” and your “would-like-to-haves”. These might be things like a large granite island, a deep apron-front sink, custom cabinetry with a spice drawer, space for a pantry or a cabinet with lift shelf for your kitchen aid mixer.

If you need design or product selection advice or your list includes changing the layout of kitchen, moving appliances or custom cabinetry then we highly recommend that you also work with a kitchen designer (our favorite is Sadro Design Studio). The vast knowledge a professional kitchen designer / space planner can bring to a remodeling project is absolutely invaluable. They can help you fine-tune your design ideas, are on top of trends and know where to source products you didn’t even know existed. They can even find that extra 8” required in floorplan for your “must-have” spice drawer.

Typically a kitchen designer will take a month or so before presenting you with detailed floorplans and renderings of your new kitchen design. Likely you will make some changes and then the designer will provide final plans that you then can give to a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor like Carter Construction to request a quote. These professionally drawn plans are absolutely imperative for a remodeling contractor to give you an accurate and detailed quote. With this detailed quote, you can then make educated decisions and changes if required, BEFORE the kitchen remodel starts so you don’t have any surprises when it is too late.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that the entire kitchen remodel process can take 6 months or more. The kitchen designer takes time to research and plan your kitchen, the remodel contractor will take time to quote project, and you as the homeowner need time to make decisions and select products. Each custom component of your remodel takes time from electricians and plumber to drywall and painters. Additionally, during busy season, quality custom cabinet makers and stone countertop manufacturers can have projects lined up two months or more in advance.

Spring and summer are peak remodeling seasons, so if you are planning a kitchen remodel this coming Summer, call your contractor and kitchen designer early to get on their schedule as soon as possible.

Before Kitchen Remodel, the kitchen was in an awkward space to the right.

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Congratulations, the kitchen remodel you have dreamed of and planned for months is finally going to start. Now what? Here are 7 tips on how to prepare for and survive your kitchen remodel while your home is in upheaval (advice from someone who has been there).

1. Stock the freezer

   In the weeks prior to the remodel, stock your freezer with precooked meals that can be reheated easily in the microwave or crockpot.

2. Packing up.

   Sort kitchen items into 3 categories: donate to charity, storage or temporary kitchen.
   When choosing items for your temporary kitchen, be ruthless and pare down to just essentials you think you will need during remodel. For example: coffeemaker, toaster, crockpot, microwave, and just the minimum number of dishes and utensils you are willing to hand wash.
   When packing up boxes for storage, label contents detail. You may you need to pull items out during remodel.

3. Temporary Kitchen

   You will be without a kitchen for 4 weeks or more than likely up to 12 weeks. You can’t eat take-out for that long, so you will need to set up a temporary kitchen. Over the years, I’ve seen families be very creative and have fun with this (like glamping in your own home). It could be as simple as moving your existing fridge and a table into your dining room with a few small appliances. Read this blog for more tips on how to set up your temporary kitchen.

4. Take full advantage of your BBQ

   Almost anything you cook in your oven can also be done in a BBQ. Try frozen pizza on a baking sheet. Fry up some bacon, blackened fish or even bake a quiche in your cast iron frying pan.

5. Be prepared to lose your garage.

   In fact, consider cleaning it out before the remodel begins. Even if you are not using it for your temporary kitchen, your garage will quickly fill up with boxes, furniture storage, new appliances (in big boxes), plywood, tile, hardwood flooring, paint cans, fixtures… etc.

6. Some standards can be temporarily lowered.

   Accept the fact that you’re meals during the remodel will very basic – granola bars for breakfast and frozen pizza for dinner. And after hand washing dishes for a few weeks, you may decide that paper plates and drinking wine out of a paper cups is just fine.

7. Be patient & remember the big picture.

   Kitchen remodeling can be challenging. The heart of your home has been replaced by 2 x 4’s, a lot of dust and construction workers. Remember that it is only temporary. Keep the inconvenience in perspective and focus on the reward – many years of enjoying your new kitchen with your friends and family.

If you have questions on how to prepare for your kitchen remodel, just ask us. We’ve been doing custom remodeling for decades and can provide insight on what might work best for your situation.

What to Consider when Setting up a Temporary Kitchen before your Remodel  

Depending on the scope of your remodel, you could be without a kitchen for 4 weeks or more than likely up to 12+ weeks. Most of our clients are without a kitchen for 2-3 months because they choose to have custom cabinets (which take longer), so setting up a temporary kitchen is a must. Your temporary kitchen could be as simple as moving your existing fridge and a table into your garage with a microwave, toaster oven, and a crockpot, but here are some other things to think about when deciding on location and set-up (from someone who has been there):

1. Consider what is important to you and what can you live without. For example, is having a coffeemaker a must (while dealing with coffee grounds)? Or can you survive with instant coffee? How will you heat water? In a microwave or do you need a small portable cooktop / hot plate? You get the idea.
2. Washing dishes and rinsing food is going to be one of the biggest challenges during the kitchen remodel so try to locate your temporary kitchen near a sink. If you have a sink in your laundry / utility room or a wet bar in the basement, this may be your best choice. We have even setup a free-standing sink temporarily in the demoed kitchen for a client. But keep in mind it would be in the middle of the remodel and will have to be disconnected sporadically through the remodel process. If none of these are an option, then buy a dishpan and be prepared to take dishes to the bathroom.
3. If you can’t locate your fridge close to your sink, purchase a small bar fridge from craigslist and place it near the sink. This will save you time and energy when prepping food.
4. When choosing a location for your temporary kitchen consider whether or not it can support multiple electrical appliances running at the same time. If not, you may only be able to have one thing plugged in at a time in order to prevent blown fuses.
5. Purchase plastic storage bins with drawers to store dishes, utensils & dry goods. Clear drawers keep the items organized, dust-free (there will be dust) and make it easy to see what is stored inside.
6. If you have an under-utilized dresser or storage cabinet, move this into your temporary kitchen to use as a pantry.

If you have questions on how to prepare for your kitchen remodel, just ask us. We’ve been doing custom remodeling for decades and can provide insight on what might work best for your situation.

Looking for a fresh look for your home? Whether you are doing a complete home renovation, a kitchen remodel or a quick pick-me-up in your bathroom, countertops are a major consideration in your remodeling plans. The color and materials you choose for your countertops will make a big difference in the look of your kitchen and could become the focal point of your home.

If the countertop you are replacing has a sink, you need to decide how you want the sink installed. A drop-in sink sits on top of the countertop cutout and adds small cost to your project. Alternatively, an undermount sink sits under the rim of the cutout, beneath a polished cutout. The benefit to this is that it provides a smooth surface from counter to sink and makes clean-up much easier.

If you need help deciding the materials for your new countertop, Carter Construction is a licensed, bonded construction and remodel contractor in the Seattle/Everett area. We work with only very select local suppliers to ensure the best quality product and guarantee our countertop installations. The kitchen countertops we install are designed to make cooking food, and keeping your surfaces clean and easy.  Kitchen, bath, laundry or any room in your home, we have the right product for your countertops.

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Trying to decide where to best spend your home remodeling dollars?  Or perhaps you are planning to sell your home and are considering some home renovations to spruce it up?  Well there is good news!  For the second consecutive year, according to Remodel Magazine’s 2014 Cost vs Value Remodel Report ( www.costvsvalue.com), data shows that the value of home remodeling is on the rise, meaning that home buyers are seeing more value in the home improvements sellers are making and therefore the sellers are recouping more of the home remodel cost.

For the Seattle area, Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report shows that the most cost effective mid-range home remodeling projects are:

1. Replace Front Entry Door (steel)

Install a new 20-guage steel front door with glass panel and new door lockset.  Average cost recouped 104.1%

2. Minor Kitchen Remodel

Keep functional kitchen floorplan but replace cabinet fronts, drawers and hardware.  Install new countertops, sink, faucet and new energy-efficient appliances.   Average cost recouped 97.9%

3. Vinyl Window Replacement

Replace existing windows with insulated vinyl windows.  Trim exterior to match existing siding and trim on the home.  Average cost recouped 86.9%

4. Attic Bedroom Remodel

Convert unfinished attic space into a bedroom with small bathroom.  Renovation might require a shed dormer and up to four new windows.  Extend existing heating to attic space, upgrade electrical, add a closet, insulate and finish walls / ceiling, new carpet flooring and don’t forget to add a railing / baluster at the stairwell.  Average cost recouped 85.3%

5. Garage Door Replacement

Install new painted steel garage door on galvanized steel tracks.  Average cost recouped 85%

6. Wood Deck Addition

Add a new deck with custom built-in bench and a planter using pressure-treated wood.  Also install a new deck railing using wood.  Average cost recouped 83.7% (We found it interesting that cost recouped on wood decking was higher than on composite decking, which only saw a 77% recoup).

7. Major Kitchen Remodel

Update kitchen with wood custom cabinets, add a kitchen island and new countertops.  Install new energy efficient appliances, and custom lighting.  Paint walls, trim & ceiling.  Average cost recouped 83.4%

8. Wood Window Replacement

Replace existing windows with insulated wood windows exterior clad in vinyl or aluminum.  Trim exterior to match existing siding and trim on the home.  Average cost recouped 82.3%

9. Basement Remodel

Finish the lower level of your home to create an entertainment area with wet bar and a bathroom.  Average cost recouped 81.2%

Carter Construction, Inc. is an experienced, licensed and bonded general contractor / remodeling contractor that can provide you with a detailed quote on any of these home remodel projects.

Remodel Magazine compiles its data in cooperation with National Association of Realtors and RemodelMAX, a publisher of estimating tools for remodelers.  © 2014 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

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Spring is the perfect time to do exterior home repair and improvement projects.
As we head into spring, many homeowners look forward to heading outside and using their backyard. Before pulling the BBQ out of storage, take some time to inspect your home for damages that the severe winter weather may have caused. Here is a quick check list of what to look for: Continue reading →

Interested in saving up to 20% on your energy bills? Then it’s time to replace your old aluminum windows with new double pane, low-emissivity (low-e) glass coated windows. Low-e windows reduce the transfer of heat in or out of your home; therefore reflecting your homes heat back into the house in the winter and blocking the sun’s rays in the summer.  With its’ reflective qualities, low-e windows help prevent fading of your drapery, flooring and furniture.

It is Carter Construction’s opinion that vinyl windows are the best choice in our damp Northwest climate because they don’t require annual painting or staining maintenance.  Vinyl windows don’t scratch, peel, fade or absorb moisture like wood windows will.  Plus our vinyl windows come with a transferable lifetime warranty, adding value to your home on resale.

Just last week, Carter Construction did a window replacement for Everett homeowners who had an old 1980’s PUD energy efficient window package and they immediately noticed a difference in their home’s heat retention.

Carter Construction is a licensed and bonded General Construction Contractor in Everett, Wa.

Carter Construction was the renovation and remodel contractor for this North Everett home that was previously in foreclosure and was renovated for new owners to sell.

Check out the before & after pictures below, or on facebook: 

Some of the projects addressed:

• adding an eating bar peninsula in the kitchen
• installed new kitchen appliances
• remodeled bathroom upstairs
• moved a wall to accommodate a new shower in lower bathroom
• removed walls to open up the front entry & stairs
• open up wall between kitchen & living room
• installed a new gas furnace with ducting & a gas fireplace
• all new windows installed & trimmed inside / outside
• painted all interiors & exteriors
• installed new gas lines
• landscaping spruced up

Exterior of Home, Before & After Home Renovations

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Of the many home improvement projects you might be considering, a new custom garage is guaranteed to increase the resale value and desirability of your home. In addition to protecting your vehicles, a garage provides a multitude of uses from storage and work areas, to additional living space, and if you plan and build it correctly, a new garage can add charm and character to your home. Working with you, Carter Construction will develop construction drawings that meet your needs and your budget. Whether you want a single story traditional garage, or add a second story apartment, we’ve built it before.

Somethings to consider when planning your garage:

• typically, each vehicle requires 10 feet in width and 20 to 22 feet in depth, but if you have an over-sized pickup, you’ll need at least 12 feet in width and 24 feet in depth.
• Do you want a traditional 24-30” man door in your garage, or would a wider 36” be easier to move your over-sized items into storage?
• What items are you planning on storing in the garage? Lawnmowers don’t take up much space, but seasonal items like snowmobiles, bicycles, canoes/kayaks and motorcycles require more space planning. An off-center overhead door will provide more uninterrupted storage on one side of the garage for these items.

Whether you’re looking to increase your property value, keep the rain and cold away from your vehicles, add an apartment living area or need a workshop in you garage , Carter Construction Inc. has the expertise to build it right.

New garage construction is a major project but we make it easy for you, conforming to all local zoning and building laws. Give us a call today for a free estimate.

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“Home sweet home.” That’s what most of us think of when thinking about buying a new home — but if you’re building a new home, the process is even a little sweeter, because you’re building a home “just for you” – your dream home. When it comes to new construction, though, there are a few things you need to know about the process of borrowing money and building your new home, because it’s a little different than buying a home that’s already been built.

What types of construction loans can you get?

There are several different types of construction loans you can get. The kind we’re talking about, which is for new construction, is what’s also called a “construction to permanent loan.” With this type, you submit documents and pay closing costs just one time. Instead of applying for a construction loan first, and then following with a regular home loan, this is an “all-in-one” that can do everything for you all at once and will save time and money, both.

Another type of construction loan is what you get when borrowing against the equity of your home, typically a second mortgage on your existing home, so that you have the money for home improvement or to remodel / renovate the home you live in.

Finally, a bridge loan lets you use the equity on the home you now live in as a down payment for a new home.

How is building a new home different than buying one already built?

When you buy a home that has already been built, the process is relatively simple; you take out a mortgage for that home and in general, these mortgages are at an either fixed or variable rate. You can find them through traditional lenders. When you buy a home that’s already been built, you already know what the home is going to cost and (if you’ve had it appraised and inspected), you’re going to know what problems it comes with that are going to need to be fixed and what remodeling you plan to do.

However, new construction home loans are different because there are specific parameters – you’re asking the mortgage provider or lender to give you the money you estimate required to build a home, instead of buying a house that is already built. The mortgage provider is going to need a breakdown of all the costs associated with constructing your home. If you’re building your home yourself, they’re also going to want to know how much experience you have in building homes, and how much you expect to spend on building your house. What problems may arise that could cause cost overruns, changes in schedule, and so on?

With these resources, you may better prepared for the process of constructing your new home and for finding the financing to do so.

Is there a bathroom remodel methodology that can be used to significantly enhance the look of your bathroom? Sure, there are certainly ways to improve the look of a bathroom but is it really possible to improve the look of the same bathroom to a significant degree? Here is the answer: it is most definitely possible and can be achieved effectively if you look for the right remodeling contractor.

One of the most unfortunate aspects of remodeling ventures is people overlook their bathroom as a room that can be properly renovated. Which can be a bad thing because improving the look of the bathroom can have a ripple effect throughout the rest of the home. Again, this is why looking for a quality bathroom remodel service may be the wisest venture when you want a new look for your residence – especially when selling it.

So, what are the steps that need to be taken in order to boost the effectiveness of a bathroom renovation? Does it have to be something that is overblown and massive? No, this is not necessarily required at all. One of the simplest ways to improve the look of a bathroom could involve little more than adding a new sink. Then again, it may not be accurate to refer to such additions as minor since an inexpensive sink could radically change the look of the bathroom to a degree than you ever expected possible.

However, purchasing the sink and having the sink installed are two different things. If you have a basic knowledge of home improvement, you can surely do the work yourself. And who knows? You may even have a lot of fun doing it! But, if you are not someone that feels comfortable installing the sink yourself, you can always look towards a bathroom remodel service that knows exactly how to do so. Often, it is possible to hire such a professional contractor that can deliver a complete revamp of a bathroom at a very fair price.

You will also need to make a decision regarding the materials the sink is made from. Some are made from porcelain and others are made from various metals. Obviously, the type of material used will weigh heavily in terms of cost and look. As such, you will want to look for the material that effectively fits your budget.

And if chosen properly, you shouldn’t have to worry about a low cost driving down the look of your bathroom. There are a number of inexpensive vendors manufacturing exceptional designs for reasonable prices. One or two of these low cost sinks may even prove to be more visually impactful than their expensive counterparts. The main point here is to select the right sink based upon your budget and how it will improve the look of the bathroom.

That’s why you need to look towards a reliable bathroom remodel professional that can help you get what you want out of a remodeling venture.

Let’s think of your basement for a minute. Is it just a lot of space, simply sitting empty “down there,” unused? If that’s true, a basement remodel could be for you. Not only will remodeling your basement give you lots of extra room to use for recreation, extra storage, extra sleeping quarters — you name it — but doing a basement remodel can also significantly increase the value of your home.

Think about the all great things you could do with a basement remodel for a moment. What about a recreational space for the kids, where they can get as noisy as they want to (within reason) without disturbing the adults upstairs? Or, what if you turned your basement into your own personal home theater? The possibilities are endless, but first, of course, you have to undertake the remodel itself. This doesn’t have to be difficult, though. Yes, it can be a big job, and you’ll most likely want to involve professionals, but you don’t necessarily have to if you’re handy.

Make sure to plan
What you do have to do is plan, though. Make sure you do your homework ahead of time and pull together a complete plan, either by yourself or with a professional’s help, before you begin.

Take care of any dampness in your basement before you start
Basements are notorious for dampness, especially when it comes to rainy areas, and this dampness can pose a hindrance to a basement remodel. However, if you’re going to make your basement any kind of truly livable space, you’re going to want to take care of the dampness before you undertake any type of remodeling project. If you don’t, you’re going to risk a huge headache down the road, because everything may warp, become moldy and mildewed, even unhealthy, so that you can’t use it.

If your basement is damp, first, figure out where the dampness is coming from. Perhaps there’s condensation seeping in from outside simply because the atmosphere is damp, or perhaps you’re simply close to the water table, so that water comes up through the foundation. Drainage, too, can be a problem if the land slopes inward, down toward your basement, instead of having your homes atop a hill and having the “flow” go away from your house.

Once you’ve discovered where the dampness is coming from, chances are, you can fix it or at least mitigate it enough such that you can use your basement space for something useful. Consult an expert as you need to, to seal up cracks, install a sump pump, install a dehumidifier, and so on, until the dampness is taken care of.

Finish the walls
This probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you think of a basement remodel, but because most basement walls are just concrete, they can be very cold, damp and not very “homey”. So cover them with wood panels, sheetrock, or something similar that will make them look truly livable, and you’ll feel much more comfortable in your new space.

Use natural light whenever you can
Your basement probably already has small windows built into the side of the house, but if it’s structurally possible, add bigger windows to bring in even more light. This will bring the basement “out of the dark,” so to speak, and make it an even more inviting space.

Once complete, your basement remodel will give you an entire new floor of living space to do whatever you want to with it. Enjoy!

Carter Construction is a full service commercial remodeling contractor ready to quickly respond to your office, warehouse, retail or medical tenant improvement needs in the Everett / Seattle area. Client satisfaction is our number one goal and we consistently achieve this by providing quality construction, optimal scheduling working around your staffing requirements, and competitive pricing for our customers.

We would be pleased to provide you with references of other commercial remodeling tenant improvements we have done.

If you think it’s time to remodel your kitchen and bring it into the 21st century, of course, you’ll want updated appliances and the like. However, one of the most important things you’ll need to think about is your ability to make environmentally friendly decisions throughout the remodel. With a “green” approach, instead of using traditional building materials in your remodel, you’ll use environmentally friendly materials so that you reduce the impact your kitchen remodel has on the environment, and reduce your home’s “carbon footprint” at the same time. Doing so can reduce the amount of electricity and other energy your kitchen uses by replacing old appliances with more energy-efficient ones, and can also use “green” materials like bamboo and other building materials that are actually environmentally friendly.

Here are some ways you can further make your kitchen remodel even more environmentally friendly:

Make sure appliances are EnergyStar rated
Kitchen Appliances that have been EnergyStar rated consume significantly less energy than standard models, up to 10 to 50% less. Not only will the environment thank you, but so will your wallet.

Use home flooring materials that are “quick renewing” and/or recycled
Bamboo and cork are two great choices for flooring materials in your kitchen. And because they “resupply” themselves so quickly, using them is beneficial to the environment. Recycled materials, such as glass or ceramic tiles made of recycled matter, further helps the environment and offer a whole new level of design options.

Use house paint that has low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions
You know that sharp, heavy smell that many freshly painted rooms give off? They not only give you a headache, but it’s bad for the environment as well. Most especially, they pollute indoor air and make it unhealthy. Because of that, more and more paint manufacturers are coming out with low VOC paints that don’t smell and yet do just as good a job as traditional paints do.

Home Insulation
If you can, add more wall & roof insulation while you are doing your kitchen renovation. You can use recycled materials or eco-friendly materials like soy-based insulation to beef up your home’s energy efficiency.

Change your lights, too
Although it’s quite possible you’ll also be changing fixtures when you do your kitchen remodel, you can swap out incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs for every light fixture in your home regardless. With a complete remodel, consider using LEDs, or light emitting diodes, to replace traditional lights.