978-356-5050
Info@ipswichbaybuilders.com
Capture

Replace or Reface Kitchen Cabinets?

Kitchen remodeling is one of the best ways to add to the value of your home. It’s one of the most commonly used spaces on a daily basis and needs to function well as well as look beautiful. Kitchens are spaces for entertaining and enjoying time with families and friends. The design of kitchens needs to be well thought out to create flow. For homeowners that like to cook, space needs to be convenient and easy to maintain. Cabinets are an integral part of any kitchen; they help you stay organized, give you kitchen some style, and gives you a place to store your dishes. They’re a major consideration when you’ve got a kitchen remodel or renovation on your hands. There are so many materials out there and even more color options available. Could a kitchen island work for your current kitchen, or would a remodel be needed? When it comes time to switch up your cabinets, should you replace them entirely or replace them? We’ll explore the differences and help make the decision easier.

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen renovation projects are a great option for homeowners who like the layout of their existing kitchens but feel that an update is needed. Sometimes an entire remodel isn’t needed. This is a situation where you may want to explore refacing your cabinets. If your cabinets are still structurally sound, refacing them is the perfect option. With refacing, think of it as almost putting a new “skin” on your cabinets. Transforming the style and color is easy with refacing. You’ll want to make sure that you’re working with a trusted contractor so that your cabinet refacing has a seamless look.

Total Cabinet Replacement

Refacing may not be for every homeowner, though. If your kitchen is more outdated, it might need a total overhaul or remodel. When the cabinets themselves are structurally weak or just don’t look very good, it’s best just to opt for new cabinets. You can also change the layout of your kitchen with a remodel, so that opens up the option of putting cabinets in different places and of different shapes. 

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

The final option you’ve got for updating your cabinets is painting them. This, of course, depends on the material and look of your cabinets. You may not be confident that you can do a good job and may not be able to find a quality painter in your area. If your cabinets are in good condition, painting is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh look with a small budget. 

Contact our team at Ipswich Bay Builders today if you’re interested in renovating or remodeling your kitchen. You can reach us at 978-356-5050 or using our online contact form. 

Spring Ideas for Your Kitchen

Spring is arguably the best time of the year to begin planning a kitchen remodeling project. It’s the perfect time of the year to brighten up your home and breathe new energy and life into your cooking and eating space. If you’re feeling stuck or cramped in your old kitchen, check out our Spring remodeling ideas that will help you welcome in the warm weather.

Brighten Up Your Kitchen

One of the first and most natural solutions that most homeowners take to update their kitchen is to paint it a new color. A bright color like an orange or yellow can give your kitchen a warm and happy feeling that’ll have you loving breakfast every morning and dinner every evening. 

A Classic Look

If you aren’t a fan of bright colors, a more traditional look can still make your kitchen feel refreshed and revitalized. A great example of a more traditional look is white cabinets along with stainless steel appliances. This look can be complemented with dashes of color throughout your kitchen and also fits with a wide variety of flooring options. This timeless look has been a mainstay of kitchens for generations and will be heading into the future. Kitchen islands are often added to make a kitchen easier to navigate and more efficient, they’re one of the top requested projects when it comes to kitchen remodeling.

Stylish Kitchen Cabinetry

Cabinets are one of the critical features of your home’s kitchen. The color that you choose for your cabinets impacts your entire kitchen. Today, there are open shelve style cabinets and traditional options, which offer you flexibility while preparing meals. It’s much easier to keep your entire more organized when you know exactly where everything is stacked neatly in easily accessible cabinets. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, open shelving may be your best option for cabinetry. 

Update Those Countertops

The main surface space in your kitchen is your countertops. They’re truly one of the first features of a kitchen that visitors notice. Today, there are so many different styles, colors, and materials for homeowners to select from. It’s one more opportunity in your kitchen to let your personality show through and accent the rest of your kitchen. New countertops are also a huge selling point if you do ever intend to part with your home. There are even different textures available, so depending on your budget, the look, and level on maintenance you want, the options are countless when it comes to countertops.

Contact Us

Our team has close to 20 years of providing kitchen remodeling services, Ipswich Bay Builders assures you that make your kitchen beautiful! Contact us at 978 356-5050.

How Long Should My Kitchen Last?

The kitchen is the heart of every home and it’s a space that almost everyone who comes into your home will eventually see. You want a kitchen that makes a good first impression, but you also want a kitchen that works! Rather you’ve lived in your home for a while or you’re looking to buy a new home, knowing how long a kitchen will last is important.

How Long Will a Kitchen Function?

Looks aside, a kitchen should function for well over 20 years with regular maintenance and repairs. Some kitchens still work 40+ years after they were first installed. However, just because a kitchen is functioning doesn’t mean it’s up to date.

Why Update a Functioning Kitchen?

A kitchen that’s functioning but outdated should be replaced or updated to keep up the physical appearance. Kitchen trends change every few years, but each decade marks some major changes. Colors, styles, and the types of materials used all change with current design trends. Making updates brings a new life into your space. This makes it inviting, enjoyable to use, and increases the resale value! Even if you don’t plan to sell your home any time soon, it’s good to keep the value of the home up with regular updates. That way when you decide to sell, you can! You can also update your kitchen to make it work better for you, without gutting the entire thing.

Types of Kitchen Updates 

Kitchen updates range from a total remodel to simple design changes. Total remodels are good if you want to change the layout or location of major pieces like countertops, sinks, and refrigerators. Full remodels might also include things like tearing down walls to create an open concept home. Total remodels are expensive and inconvenient because they typically make the kitchen unusable while the remodel is taking place. Simpler updates include things like changing the paint color, cabinet hardware, and upgrading light fixtures. 

Ultimately, a kitchen will last as long as you want it to if it’s cared for properly. It’s recommended to make simple design changes once every few years, and a major remodel every 10 to 20 years. Kitchen updates can greatly range in price and there’s something for nearly every budget. If you know you want to upgrade your space but you’re unsure of how an interior designer or contractor can help guide you in the right direction.

Ipswich Bay Builders

With almost 20 years of providing kitchen remodeling services, Ipswich Bay Builders assures you that we’ll get the job done! Contact us at 978 356-5050.  We look forward to working with you on making your kitchen look better than ever!

5 common mistakes to avoid when remodeling your kitchen

There are many details to consider when remodeling your kitchen. It’s easy to overlook something or make a mistake as a Kitchen is one of the most important rooms and considered the heart of the house. Here are the common mistakes we always find when remodeling a kitchen and how to avoid them.

1. Don’t expect the project to run smoothly

A helpful advice when preparing for a kitchen remodel is to overestimate the time that was originally set out to be. You should always be prepared for unexpected problems like a cracked countertop that needs to be ordered again and may take another week to deliver. A good contractor should let you know what the problem is and offer solutions to get the project back on track as soon as possible.

2. Get used to living without a kitchen for a while

Be prepared not being able to utilize your kitchen for a while. We recommend building a temporary station outside the kitchen like a garage or utility room (ideally someplace with a sink). Buy disposable plates and utensils to save you from washing up and start preparing food ahead of time.

3. Not ordering your appliances on time.

Before setting out a date for a kitchen remodel, research appliances and find out how long the delivery will take. If the project is not planned properly, you may come across a kitchen half empty which can be stressful. Make sure the measurements are correct to avoid any misaligned disaster!

4. Don’t pay for the entire project until the entire kitchen is completed.

Most of the contractors will ask for you to pay a certain amount in order to get started with the project and order products they may need for your custom kitchen. If you feel you do not fully trust your contractor is advisable to move on to the next. You should always feel comfortable with the contractor who is about to spend 6-8 weeks in your home.

5. Don’t be cheap.

We understand that everyone has a budget in mind and they want to make sure they don’t overspend. In some places, less-expensive options may be a good choice like appliances, but buying cheap materials won’t last you a long time and it could cost you more in the long run. It is simply not worth it and you should see it as a long-term investment.

Ipswich Bay Builders

Choosing the right contractor is not easy but with research and a free consultation, should make you feel more at ease. At Ipswich Bay Builders, we have been in the industry for 19 years, we can safely say that you are in safe hands. Please feel free to contact us and share your concerns and we will make sure we have the right answer that you are looking for. Contact us at 978 356-5050

5 Bathroom Holiday Decorating Tips

While the holidays are a week away its time to make sure that our homes are decorated and bring in the holiday spirit. One way to have an immaculate bathroom for the holidays is by having these rooms either be renovated or remodeling the prior to the holiday season. A brand new and modern looking bathroom or kitchen is the best way to create more space and have something to be excited to show off other than your decorations. When it comes to decorating your home there is one room that usually gets overlooked and that is the bathroom. While you may not think it is necessary to decorate this room, it is a room that will have heavy foot traffic throughout the night as your holiday parties commence. The great thing with bathroom decorating is that small accents go a long way so you won’t have to worry about digging deep in the wallet to bring in the holiday aroma.

5 Holiday Decorating Tips For The Bathroom

 

Hang A Wreath

If you are looking to decorate your bathroom but don’t want to take up a lot of space that could be used, like the counter, then think about using a wreath. Just like with our kitchen decorating blog, wreaths are a staple holiday decoration that can go just about anywhere. A cedar or balsam wreath, that not only looks great but gives of wintery scents, is the perfect solution to add to your bathroom. Hanging it up on the back of your door is a great decoration for guests to look at as they leave the bathroom.

Towels

One of the most common decorations when it comes to holiday decorating the bathroom is switching out the towels. Towels are the most used thing in the bathroom and you can add some holiday spirit by getting holiday-themed towels. What makes them even better is that there are tons of different designs and patterns to choose from so you can get the perfect towels to match your home’s overall theme. Worried about these themed towels getting ruin? No problem, as there are tons of towels out there that can be used just for decoration while you can have some that can be used.

Seasonal Scents

Another way to add holiday spirit to your bathroom without going overboard is by adding seasonal scents to the room. As it is a bathroom, these scents will be essential to not only adding to the holiday decor but to help mask the other smells of a bathroom. The great thing is that there are multiple ways to add holiday scents to your bathroom. From scented candles to holiday scented soaps, your bathroom can be filled with lovely hints of cinnamon, balsam, cranberry and more!

Mini Decorations

Who says decorations have to be big? A great thing to add to your bathroom counter that doesn’t have to take too much space but add the same amount of holiday cheer is a mini Christmas tree. Stores carrying holiday decorations are bound to have many different variations of these trees with different colors that will help tie your room together.

Decorate Your Mirror

Whether you are not really big on decorating your bathroom or live a minimalist lifestyle, there are still ways you can decorate your bathroom. A small and simple way that will go a long way is to add some holiday accents to your bathroom mirror! Use sprigs of holly to trim your mirror, giving it a festive facelift.

 

 

5 Holiday Decorating Tips For Your Kitchen

With the holidays approaching it is time to make sure our homes are ready for guests for holiday parties and to get in the holiday spirit. While we specialize in remodeling and renovations, we like to take time to help homeowners with how they and get their kitchens ready for the winter and holiday seasons. While the options are endless, we have gathered together a few staple decorating tips that will help bring in the holiday spirit to your newly renovated kitchen this winter! Below are five great holiday decorating tips for your home’s kitchen!

5 Kitchen Decor Ideas For The Holidays

Decorate The Chairs

One quick and easy area in your kitchen you can decorate and add some pizazz to your kitchen is decorating the kitchen chairs. What is great about this area of the kitchen is that you don’t need to break the bank to get your chairs looking as festive as ever. In addition to being a money saver, chairs will be seen and used by any guest that comes over if you are hosting a holiday party. Add some holiday spirit to your chairs by adding ribbons to them or maybe some fir branches tied to the backs of the chairs.

Dress Up The Window

Just like with the other windows of your home during the holidays, there should be some sort of holiday decorations on them to tie the room together. While most kitchen windows are in the back of then of the house facing the backyard, it doesn’t mean you should skip it when you begin decorating this winter. The guests in your home will be able to see the decorations and it is a great way to throw some holiday flair to the kitchen area where there will be a lot of foot traffic.

Festive Towels

One of the most popular and easiest ways to decorate any room in your home that everyone will take notice and appreciate is by using festive towels. This tip is perfect for the kitchen area as you will always need towels either to wipe hands, dishes, or solely just for decoration. There are all kinds of different designs and patterns that are perfect for the holidays and the best part is that you can get towels that not only are festive but can match your kitchen’s dishes, mugs, glasses, and any other decor you have.

 Candle Sticks

Adding festive candles or candlesticks for your home’s decor is a great way to add accents to your kitchen and home for this holiday season. While you have all your guests around the kitchen table to enjoy their meals, top off the aroma by lighting holiday-themed candles to bring the room together with the fresh scents of the holiday.

Wreaths

When it comes to the winter holidays, wreaths are one of the most common decorations you can have. What makes these items so perfect as decorations are that you can use them both inside and outside. In addition, they look great in any room you place them in for the holidays. If you are having a hard time figuring out what decor to add in your kitchen without getting in the way, then definitely consider adding a wreath as they come in all sizes and designs!

 

Using these tips is a great way to finish up your holiday decorating and is great to add to your kitchen if you are looking to bring the holiday spirit. Looking to renovate or remodel your kitchen? Then be sure to contact Ipswich Bay Builders today and get a free quote on our renovation and remodeling services!

4 Dream Kitchen Must Haves

When it comes to the importance of rooms in a home, the kitchen ranks highly because not only are they a commonplace for everyday use but they also can help sell a home. When it comes to a “great kitchen” there are definitely some “must-haves” that will not only make your kitchen look great but function optimally as well. Some of these must-haves are simple additions you can put in your kitchen and others may require some renovation or remodeling work from a professional. Below are four items to definitely think about having in order to modernize and enhance your kitchen.

4 Things To Make A Dream Kitchen

Appliance Garage/Area

Whatever way you want to call it a garage, storage space, unit, cabinet, etc. there needs to be a designated area for your smaller appliances. Otherwise, you will have them all out everywhere causing clutter to pile up on your countertops and other areas of your kitchen. Not only putting them in one place saves you from clutter, but it also helps with navigation throughout your kitchen. Having this in your kitchen also provides you a one-stop place for all of your appliances so you are never running around looking for the can opener you desperately need to make your lunch.

Walk-in Pantry

When it comes to things that go in the kitchen, from food to cutlery and appliances, there can be an overflow that can create clutter. Depending on if you have the space for it in your kitchen, you should consider having a walk-in pantry installed. That way, you can neatly organize all the food you plan on buying in one spot that is away from appliances and pots to cook them in. This will organize your kitchen more and space everything out so there is no claustrophobic feeling when you are in the kitchen.

Sliding Pull Out Drawers/Shelves

Having cabinets is great for storage in general but over time you could forget about things that end up in the dark back area of the cabinet. In addition, it can also be hard to retrieve certain items in a cabinet without having to move other items around. To combat this and offer more storage in your kitchen, consider having pull-out drawers or shelving installed in your kitchen. Sliding drawers allow you to easily store whatever you may need in your kitchen while making everything easily accessible. This is because you will be able to pull out the drawer completely to get any item that is inside.

Command/Work Areas

For some, the kitchen is not only a place to make and eat meals but an area where they can focus and get work done. A lot of the times, kitchen tables are used as dumping grounds for everyday mail drop-offs and important notices and event reminders. Over time, all of these things can pile up and it gets annoying to remove them and put them back whenever it is time to eat a meal. If you are remodeling your kitchen,  then you may want to think about having a designated area for things like this. Have a small work area or “command” center where you can get work done in your room as well for being a home for mail and other everyday documents you typically encounter with.

 

large bathroom

5 Ways To Make Your Bathroom Appear Larger

If you live in a cookie-cutter home, chances are, your bathroom is relatively small. If you like an intimate, cozy feel, great. However, if you find it less appealing and claustrophobic, a small bathroom just won’t do it for you. Since you are stuck with your small bathroom for a while and may not have the money to add square footage to your house, there is some visual work that you can get done, from color changes to lighting, that you can give you the illusion of more space. Let’s take a look at simple things that you can do to make your bathroom appear larger.

 

  1. Add a Pop of Color

When it comes to bathroom color that can give the illusion of more space, you want to stick with pale, soft color schemes. The right color or color combination can make the tiniest bathroom space appear large, airy and welcoming. White is versatile and lets any room look larger, whether the room is painted completely white, or it’s used as an accent against bolder colors. Citrus tones, pretty pastels, and sea shades can all help to brighten up your small bathroom and let it appear bigger.

 

  1. Make it Brighter

Making a room brighter not only adds interest to your bathroom space, but you also make it more inviting and open. A rich lighting scheme that features multiple light sources at various locations is ideal. A combination of ceiling lights, sconces or even edge-lighted mirror will add warmth, make the space brighter and feel bigger as a result.

 

  1. Swap Vanity for Pedestal Sink

Despite all the benefits that a vanity cabinet provides, such as nice under-sink storage, it takes up plenty of floor space. In a small bathroom, that just makes space appear cramped. Remedy that situation when you do your next bathroom remodel by replacing the vanity with a delicate pedestal sink that will help to open up space.

 

  1. Add Mirrors

A larger placed in front of the sink will reflect all the light in the space and make the bathroom feel bigger. If there is enough space for the mirror to reach the ceiling, go for it. Opt for a mirror with lighting installed on top of it to double the lighting impact and make space seem expansive. A collection of mirrors that are artistically arranged could have the same effect as a single large mirror.

 

  1. Remove Eye Sores

Bathroom renovations aren’t complete without getting rid of eyesores that can make the room appear bigger. Any furniture or accessory that sticks out can instantly make your bathroom space appear to shrink. Things such as wall shelves, hanging racks and wall decorations, all cuts into the bathroom space, making it appear smaller. Get rid of these and come up with better ways to supply the space for storage for your bathroom amenities.

 

By simply applying some of these simple design and decorating techniques, you can make your small bathroom look larger than its actual size. If you are looking for professional remodeling or renovation services or advice, the contractors at Ipswich Bay Builders are happy to assist you!

kitchen with marble countertops

4 Types of Countertop Materials For Your Kitchen

So it’s time to get a new countertop and spruce up the look of your kitchen. There are numerous countertop options on the market, and the shopping experience can be overwhelming. This is where doing your homework can help to make your decision a little less stressful one. One crucial factor to keep in mind to narrow your options when shopping is material, although color, texture, pattern, and brand are also things to keep in mind. Here is a look at four countertop materials that you should consider doing your kitchen remodeling project.

  1. Natural Stone

Natural stone countertops never go out of style. These are mined from solid rock and include countertop materials such as granite and marble, which are most popular, but in this group, you can also find soapstone, limestone, onyx, and slate.

  • Granite

No longer are granite only found in lavish, expensive homes. Granite, while expensive, is virtually maintenance-free, requiring only occasional mineral oil rubdown. This material is available in a wide range of colors, from molted white to midnight black. Granite is beautiful and has little to no visible seams and durable. It is not ideal for busy kitchens because it is prone to staining, cracking and chipping. However, it can be sealed to resist stains.

  • Marble

Marble is a classic luxury stone that is made up of rich crystals, but it is softer than granite. It’s available in a variety of color variations from shades of white to rose. Marble is naturally cool, which makes it great for making fresh pasta. Some rare types of marble can be pretty pricey, but the more popular Carrara/Carrera marble is less expensive. Marble is beautiful and durable but is prone to scratching and staining, which makes it a high-maintenance stone that needs repeated sealing.

 

  • Soapstone and Slate

These exotic materials are both non-porous, available in a limited range of colors and won’t need any maintenance sealing. Soapstone is soft but entirely heat-proof, and it’s naturally antibacterial, almost impervious to stains and doesn’t chip easily. Dents and scratches can be easily repaired using sandpaper. Slate has a more uniform appearance and is durable. It doesn’t chip or scratch easily and won’t be damaged by heat from hot pans. The corners of slate can be sharp.

 

  1. Engineered Stone

Made primarily of quartz material, engineered stone has grown in popularity. It’s known for its hardness that is similar to granite and is available in a range of colors and patterns. They resist scratches, heat, and stains, and doesn’t require any maintenance sealing. Engineered stone doesn’t attract bacteria or mold either. Curves are difficult to make with engineered stone, and some types can be expensive.

 

  1. Concrete

Concrete is a hard, durable and long-lasting surface, and makes for a great design choice and working surface. It can be customized and shaped for specific kitchen renovation needs and is heat-resistant. The maintenance on concrete is easy, but annual sealing may be necessary to prevent stains. Concrete countertops can be expensive. The surface is easy clean-up and maintain, provide regular sealing is done.

 

  1. Solid Surfaces

Consideration for kitchen remodeling materials for your countertop should include solid surfaces. These are created from a dense acrylic resin, polyester resin or a blend of the two. These materials are non-porous, which keeps bacteria away. Minor damage caused by scratches is easy to repair with fine-grained sandpaper. Fused seams allow for the creation of undetectable joints. On the downside, solid surfaces are relatively soft and are also not heat-resistant.

 

Shopping for countertops can be an exciting adventure. You get the chance to think about your kitchen amenities and what material works best for your needs and personal taste. If you have your material picked out and are in need of contractors to install the new countertop for you be sure to call Ipswich Bay Builders today!

kitchen in the middle of the remodeling stages

Reasons To Remodel Your Kitchen in the Summer

Whether you are considering to do a mini kitchen renovation, or take on a large kitchen makeover project, timing is key. You may have the money and design ready, but planning is of paramount importance if you want the remodeling of your kitchen to be done right and be worthwhile in the end. Problems can emerge that may cause major headaches, unwanted frustrations, and unforeseen inconveniences. While it is a common recommendation to schedule kitchen remodels for the spring or fall seasons, summertime is ideal for large kitchen remodels. Continue reading to learn about 5 reasons to remodel your kitchen during the summer months.

 

  1. It’s Convenient

Why is summer a convenient time to take on a kitchen remodel projects? It’s simple, weather, weather, beautiful weather. The summer months are the warmest months, which means that when your kitchen is out of service, you can just get the grill going for a barbeque dinner. You can have picnics in the park when you don’t have access to your kitchen amenities, including appliances and utensils for meals. You worry a little less about making the inconvenience work for kids, who can play outdoors and not impede contractors as they work or get hurt.

 

  1. Better Ventilation

An entire kitchen makeover project can be a messy job, but it’s wise to have a plan to contain the mess created during the process. Even with the best planning, debris, dust and harsh smells can pollute the air. While the summer can bring some high temperatures, the windows and doors can be propped open to allow adequate airflow. The warm summer months mean that windows and doors can be left open. This will allow for better airflow to help epoxies and sealants dry faster and minimize the accumulation of dust.

 

  1. More Daylight

Most, if not all kitchen renovation projects have a deadline that is essential to meet. While the hours in a day do not change, the summer months provide more daylight hours, which amounts to more work covered in fewer days. There is a whole lot of sunshine after 5 p.m. that can be taken advantage of to put more hours into working on the kitchen renovation.

 

  1. Few Major Holidays

The holidays can bring its own chaos, and coupled with a major kitchen remodel project, that would mean double trouble. Luckily, the summer has few major holidays that would interfere with the progress of your kitchen remodel. The 4th of July festivities is the only major holiday that you would have to contend with, unlike fall holidays that include Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Spring has a number of holidays that include Easter, Mother’s Day, Easter, Passover, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco De Mayo, among others. A lack of access to your kitchen can dampen family gatherings, but you don’t want a rush job that could lead to costly mistakes.

 

  1. Provides Natural Lighting

The aesthetic appeal of your kitchen could come down to lighting. The appearance of your kitchen cabinetry, walls, countertops, and desired color schemes are important to the overall look and feel of your kitchen. As such, it’s important to view samples from kitchen design companies and contractors in your home, if possible, when it is the brightest. During the summer, you can experience firsthand, on-site what certain design elements will look like in the natural outdoor light. Artificial light in a showroom doesn’t have quite the same effect.

 

If you are ready to finally remodel your kitchen for it to become the kitchen of your dreams then give Ipswich Bay Builders a call today!

Call: (978) 356-5050