​When you start thinking about countertops decide first what your style is and what look you are trying to achieve with your kitchen design. If you are drawn to sleek, contemporary fitted kitchens, consider Corian, or even glass or stainless steel for that extra wow factor. Real wood countertops are another option and also lend themselves to the more traditionally styled fitted kitchen, where you might also expect to see granite and marble worktops. For a more rustic kitchen design, butcher block and tiled countertops can add real charm. It is important however, not to feel fettered by these conventional choices. Berceli kitchen design in New Jersey is fresh and innovative, so do not be afraid to think outside the box.

Consider too how your kitchen will be used. For example, if you breakfast there, a kitchen design which adapts a worktop into a breakfast bar could be a smart option. If you do a lot of cooking, installing hot rods will give a heat proof space for hot pans. If your fitted kitchen will be subject to lots of wear and tear, discuss durable and/or scratch resistant materials with your interior design consultant Berceli NJ. If you entertain in your fitted kitchen, consider curved corners for a sleek finish and to open up your space.

Countertops have a big impact on the look of a finished kitchen but are far from the whole story. To achieve a high-end luxury finish for your fitted kitchen, you are well advised to appoint a company who not only specializes in Kitchen interior design in New Jersey, but who is committed to finessing your kitchen design - from your countertops right down to the smallest details.

​Feng shui is really about arranging the rooms in your house so that they don’t have any obstacles. An easy way to get rid of excess stuff is to get a piece of furniture like a bookshelf and just place your knick knacks on it. Blanket ladders make this vertical option super easy and so cute!

If you store your things vertically, the space will feel taller and the obstacles will get out of your way.
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​I kill too many plants for this part to be applicable to me, but if you’re a plant queen, go for it! Plants have so much energy flowing through them that they will only add to the energy that is already in your house. The plants you place in your room will represent freshness and vitality. 

Think about hanging plants above spaces like your bed or desk so that you will get more growth and health in those spaces.
​

​Feng Shui and Chinese medicine split the world into elements. Everything is made out of one of the five elements — earth, metal, water, wood, and fire — and they all represent something in your life. Look at what each of the elements represent and then choose three of the five to put into your home and have represented in your decor. You also might want to choose certain elements for certain rooms, in case your goals for one room are separate from another. 

The elements are made clear on Feng Shui Energy maps and you can clearly see where the elements are the strongest in accordance to the layout of your house. 
​​

Renovating your home can be an amazing project, creating the perfect oasis for relaxing as well as entertaining. But you want to make sure you work with the right renovation contractor to get the results you want. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions when hiring contractors.
Whether you need a contractor for a small job or a large scale renovation project project, you should ask the right questions. That way, you can make sure you hire the right person or team to work on your house. Keep reading to learn what questions you should ask when hiring a contractor for your home renovation project.

What Experience Does The Contractor Have?

When you hire a home renovation contractor, you should ask about their experience. Consider not only if they have experience working on homes but also if they have done similar projects. That way, you can make sure they have the skills and tools for your renovation.
You can also ask about their specialty, such as painting, roofing, or carpentry. Ask about how long they’ve specialized in that and if they have any necessary licenses. Some states require contractors to have licenses for specific types of projects.
If they’ll bring in any subcontractors, you should also ask about their experience. While you’d hope the main contractor hires experienced people, you never know. If you’re uncomfortable with bringing someone into your home, you should make that clear upfront.
You don’t need to hire the contractor with the most experience. However, you should feel confident about the contractor’s skills. Then, you won’t have to worry if they’ll be able to get the job done or not.


Will You Get Any Necessary Permits?

Depending on the project, you may need a permit, such as if you’re making a structural change to your home. If you don’t get a permit now, it can affect your project timeline, and it can even make it harder to sell your home later on.
You don’t typically need a permit for projects such as painting the interior. However, you will need a permit when adding on to your home, building a deck, or for some electrical or plumbing projects.
If you determine you need a permit, you should ask if the contractor will get the permit for you. You can get the permit yourself, but your contractor may know the right steps. Then, you won’t have to worry about getting a permit.
If your contractor is the one to get the permit, make sure they have it before they start work. That way, you can make sure everything is in order before you begin your project.

​How Long Will the Project Take?

Another important consideration is the project timeline. You should ask your contractor about their current projects and when those will be complete. Be sure to ask about other bids they have and how those could affect your project’s timeline.

Consider asking about a few other things when scheduling the project, such as:

• Rain
• Snow
• Extreme heat
• Extreme cold
• When they’re sick
• When you’re sick

If they can’t work one day, you should know if they will come in on a different day that week to make up the work or if the project will take longer.
You should also ask about making changes to the project timeline. If you need the contractor to take a day or two off, ask if that’s an option. Then, if you get sick, you can stay home and not worry about someone making a lot of noise or otherwise disturbing you.
On the other hand, you should also ask if they’ll work when they feel sick. If you aren’t comfortable with someone sick working in your home, make that clear now. That way, you can adjust the project schedule if necessary.


When Will You Work Each Day?

After you set a timeline for your project, consider your contractor’s work schedule. Think about if you want them to start work earlier or later and when you want them to finish each day. That way, you can make sure they don’t disturb you or others in the house.
You should also ask about how loud their work usually is. Painting can be relatively quiet, whereas home additions will probably be louder when building the new room. The noise level may affect when you want them to start and stop each day.
If you work outside of the house, you should also ask if there will be any time when they need you home. Of course, you should be home to give the contractor the keys when they start. But ask if they will need you to look over any work before the project is over.
You should also ask how big their vehicle is and tell them where or how they can park. Let the contractor know what bathrooms they can use. That way, you’re on the same page.


Will You Have a Team of People?

While a plumber or electrician may be able to complete their jobs alone, some contractors may work with others. You should ask any contractor if they will bring in subcontractors or other employees.
Consider what to ask about if the contractor works with others.

• Credentials for each subcontractor
• Liability insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• If the same people will work at your house each day

You should know and trust everyone working on the project. Don’t be afraid to ask the contractor to bring their team to meet you before you hire them for the renovation.
A team of people can help speed up a lot of home renovation projects. However, you should make sure that you can trust everyone on the team to protect your house and to stay safe. A Design-Build contractor may be a good option as most services are managed and delivered by a single team, creating a more streamlined process than working with many different sub-contractors.

​How Will You Protect My Belongings?

​You may also want to ask what the contractor will do to protect your furniture and other possessions. If you’re hiring a painter, consider if they will move furniture or use tarps when painting throughout your house.
When hiring any contractor, you can also ask if they will cover their shoes when entering your house. That way, they won’t track dirt into the different rooms. You can also ask if you should move items to another room before the contractor starts working.
If you have pets and a backyard with a fence, consider contractors who are working out there. Make sure they know to shut the fence so that your pets can’t get loose. And pets or not, you should also make sure the contractor locks all doors when they leave.
While locking doors isn’t a huge problem if you’re home, it’s still important. Then, you won’t have to worry about being home the entire time your contractor is there working.


Will You Clean Up Each Day?

If the project will take multiple days, you should consider if the contractor will clean up. Cleaning up each day may not be important when working on a new addition. However, it can be important if they’re painting a bedroom or living room you currently use.
Consider how they will clean up and if you may need to clean up yourself. Then, you can still use your home throughout the renovation.
If your contractor charges per hour, consider if they will charge for the cleanup time. And if they do, consider if you can pay for more work hours per day or if you may need to extend the project. That way, you can still afford the work but have a clean home each night.
If the contractor will clean up each day, consider what they will need for that. Painters may need access to a sink to wash their brushes or clean off their tarps. Landscapers may also need a sink to wash off their gloves and gardening tools.


Where Will You Store Supplies?

Another important question for longer renovation projects is storage. Consider if the contractor will store any supplies at your house and, if so, where they will store things. Ask about how much stuff they will keep there and how much space they’ll need.
You should also ask if they plan to store their supplies in the project room. If you’re having them paint your bedroom, think about if you have enough space for brushes, paint cans, and other supplies.
Ask if your contractor plans to use part of your garage for storage. If so, make sure someone can park outside on the driveway during the project. That way, you’ll have enough room to store the supplies without taking up space in your house.
If your contractor will need to move supplies across your house, you should also ask them to do so carefully. That way, they don’t ruin your floors or any other completed parts of your home.


When Will You Invoice Me?

You should also ask your contractor about invoicing and payments. Make sure you know when the contractor will send you an invoice and how. Some people use paper invoices, while others use a program such as PayPal or QuickBooks for their invoices.
Consider how and when your contractor may invoice you:

• All upfront
• Monthly payments
• All at the end
• Half upfront and half at the end
• Something else

You should also ask about the best payment method. Some contractors may prefer you pay by check or cash, and those can be easy for some people. Other contractors may prefer you use a credit card or your PayPal account to pay their invoices.
If you can’t afford to pay the project in full, ask if they accept a payment plan. You can both agree on how much you’ll pay each month so that you can still pay off the project. That way, you can get a good contractor without going over budget.


How Can I Contact You?

Another essential question to ask when hiring a contractor is for their contact information. You should know how and when you can most easily get a hold of them before and during your project.
Consider if you can text them or if you need to make a phone call. Ask if they have an email address that they check and if that’s how you should contact them. Knowing how you can reach your contractor is important in case of any concerns or questions.
You should also ask if they will respond to messages after working hours. Some contractors may have set business hours, so you’ll have to wait until the next day. In that case, ask about emergencies and if they’ll respond more quickly then.
That way, you can reach them if you realize you have a leak or some other issue. You won’t have to wait until the next time your contractor comes to your house to solve small problems.

​How to Choose a Home Renovation Contractor

After you ask a few questions, you may still be unsure if someone is the right home renovation contractor for you. If that’s the case, you should consider their answers and compare them to any other contractors you’re considering.
Then, you can see which contractor has more answers you like. For example, someone could be the perfect fit, but maybe they don’t have much experience. Or maybe they do have a lot of experience, but they charge the full rate upfront, and you don’t have the money for that.
It can be tough to balance everything, so here are a few things to think about after you meet with a contractor.


Consider Your Project
First, think about what you need help with and how big the project is. Consider if the contractor you want to hire has done that work before or if they’ve only done other projects.
For example, perhaps you need someone to paint your ceilings. Maybe you met with a contractor who has painted interior walls, but they’ve hardly worked on ceilings. While they might do a fine job, painting a ceiling can be difficult, so you may want to hire someone else.
You should also consider if you need permits and how you can get them. If a contractor is willing to get the permits for you, that can make things a lot easier. But they may charge you more for that, and you won’t have control over when you get the documentation you need.


Determine Your Ideal Schedule
You should also consider when you want to start and complete the project. Of course, you need to be realistic. But consider a few smaller elements of any renovation project and how that can affect the schedule:

• The contractor’s work hours
• The number of contractors
• Weather, for outside projects
• If you want to be home while the contractor is there

No two renovation projects will have identical schedules. You should also prepare for schedule changes due to weather or illness. If something does happen, you can make sure your renovation stays on track.
When hiring a home renovation contractor, think about your priorities and make sure you can agree on a schedule with your contractor. That way, you can get everyone done when you want, and you can make sure the project is done well.


Remember Your Budget
Of course, you also have to think about what you can afford. If you find the perfect contractor, they will probably charge a lot for their expertise and value. However, you may be on a tight budget, so you might need to make sacrifices.
If you can’t afford a contractor, you can ask about payment plans. But you may also want to find another contractor who can still do a good job but for a lower rate.
Consider looking for a newer contractor who still has some experience. However, they probably won’t charge as much as someone who has been in business for decades.
Your budget isn’t the most important factor when hiring a renovation contractor, but it does matter. Think about if your budget is flexible or if you can’t pay more than a particular amount. Then, you can negotiate with a contractor if necessary.


Go With Your Gut
Finally, listen to your instincts when hiring a contractor. If someone sounds too good to be true, they probably are. You want to choose the best contractor for you, so you should trust whoever you hire.
Even if everything sounds good, if you don’t like something about the contractor, move on. It’s not worth risking your home or the wellbeing of you or others in your house.
You can find other contractors in the area who can do a good job. They may not have the same prices or experience, but they may be a better fit for you. And you can have the peace of mind that they will take care of your home while they work.


Final Thoughts
When hiring a home renovation contractor, you have to consider your budget, the project scope, and the timeline. Be sure to ask any contractor how they can work within those constraints. The last thing you want is for your contractor not to do a good job or for you to overpay. Keep these things in mind next time you need to hire a renovation contractor.
Berceli Kitchens & Home Design is a Fort Lee, NJ  based home renovation company serving the entire Bergen County Area. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

It’s safe to say that we have all used our kitchens a lot more in the last year than we ever have before. With us all being forced to stay at home and protect ourselves and our loved ones from the COVID-19 global pandemic, our kitchens have been forced to quickly adapt. While pre-pandemic you may have only ever used your kitchen to prepare meals, with all the family living and working together under one roof, the role your kitchen plays in your household may have changed dramatically.
With that in mind, it is more important than ever that your kitchen is a functional and modern space, that reflects both your interests, and your lifestyle. Ask yourself if your kitchen is working well for you and your family? Is your kitchen space practical for all the 
different uses you now require from it? With 2020 being a year that none of us could have predicted, 2021 is the time for change and adapting to a new way of life- so why shouldn’t your kitchen move with the times too?

Lifestyle
One of the main reasons why you should consider a kitchen remodel this year is because the current design and layout of your kitchen space is no longer in line with your lifestyle. For many households, the kitchen is at the heart of your home. So whether you are a MasterChef in the kitchen, or you are more of an ‘order-in’ kind of person, your kitchen should reflect this.
For example, if you love nothing more than being the hostess with the mostest then you should go for a new kitchen design that provides you with plenty of entertainment space. Think about perhaps including a breakfast bar in your kitchen layout, so that you have enough space to serve your guests.

Home value
When it comes to making considerable changes to their home, many homeowners decide to undertake the project of a kitchen remodel. This is because not only is it important to have a kitchen that works for you, they are also a great way to add extra value to your home. While you may not be thinking at all about moving house, an attractive, on-trend, and remodeled kitchen will appeal a lot more to potential buyers.
A modern kitchen remodel is also a great way to increase your home’s marketability and drum up some extra interest. With many kitchen remodels, some homeowners can recoup their investment, but this largely depends on how much work needs to be done to the space.

New trends
If you have been keen to revamp your kitchen space for sometime, , but are worried that you just wouldn't know where to begin, then now is a better time than ever to get started. With more people at home, there has been an increase in the number of people making home improvements to their houses, including their kitchen space. So you now have more new kitchen trends to choose from!
From the return of the traditional country look kitchen, to the rise of the new, but extremely popular, industrial design, finding a kitchen layout and design is now easier than ever before. When looking for inspiration on how to change and upgrade your kitchen space, you will be spoilt for choice.

Improve functionality
In recent unprecedented times, your kitchen has no longer solely been a space where you can cook meals and enjoy them as a household. Instead, now your kitchen has also had to fill the role of work office, school classroom, and family living area. Therefore, you may need to consider how functional your current kitchen area is, and how a remodel would make it work better for you.
Kitchens that have been around for some time can start to not only look outdated, but also have an awkward layout. For example, you want to make sure there is plenty of worktop space for modern appliances, as well as food preparation space. Therefore, by upgrading and remodeling your kitchen you can make the space more convenient and easier to cook in. I mean that is the whole point of a kitchen, right?

Deterioration
Yet, you may also find that the current condition of your kitchen space leaves you with no choice but to remodel the interior. Of course, materials, as well as decors, only last for so long before they need upgrading again. But the deterioration of your kitchen is something that can sometimes creep up on you. Before you know it, your brand-new space is twenty years old with damaged cupboards and peeling countertops.
Remember that the space around us has an impact on how we feel. So if you are missing your flare in the kitchen then you may find that it is because your run down cooking space is far from making you feel inspired. So say goodbye to the old and broken, and say hello to a brand new space that reignites your fire in the kitchen.

A greener kitchen
As a society, we are becoming increasingly aware of the damage that our own lifestyles are having on the environment and how the smallest of changes can make a considerable difference. This includes many of our behaviors in the kitchen. While new modern kitchens that are being installed are now including more environmentally friendly additions, if your kitchen is older, then you may not have these facilities.
For example, simply by swapping out old and energy thirsty appliances for more energy efficient models, you can cause considerably less damage to the environment, and also bring down your energy bill. You can also make the most of new design trends. These designs include smart kitchen products , such as a three-part recycling bin to make sorting out your rubbish even easier.

Remodeling your outdated and old fashioned kitchen doesn't have to be as complicated or stressful as you may think. With a whole new year of kitchen design trends ahead of you, and potentially even more time spent at home, the year of 2021 is the perfect opportunity to revamp your kitchen space and make it the perfect environment that is unique to you.

Beautiful flooring can truly transform your small kitchen. Ceramic tile is generally used in kitchens however laminate and vinyl flooring have come a long way in design and quality.
They are commonly used now partly because they are much easier to install. Sometimes you can even install laminate flooring right on top of the existing ceramic tile. It saves you from getting out the jack hammer and the whole mess or removing ceramic tile. Some of the laminate and vinyl flooring looks just like wood.
We hope you find these small kitchen ideas useful when you do your kitchen improvements.

If you are considering installing a brand new kitchen for your home contact us for a free consultation.
 

Planning for any kind of remodel project can bring on a mix of feelings. From excitement or fear, to a sense of being overwhelmed with all of the little details that go in to planning and designing a beautiful kitchen or luxury bathroom. You may be tempted to skip to the exciting stages like shopping for plumbing fixtures or selecting your new paint color, however you’d be missing out on some important key steps in the process. A full scale remodel or minor makeover of your space doesn’t have to be stressful though. With the help of an experienced remodel contractor and the following tips that we’ve compiled, your home remodeling project will run smoothly and stay on track.​

#1 Identify Your Goal for the Project
Why do you want to remodel? Are you upgrading to improve the resale value or making modifications to live and age in place? Knowing your end goal for your project is vital. If your focus is around resale value, then you’ll want to consider the other home values in the neighborhood and know which projects will provide a good return on investment. For the latter, you’re likely to be more focused around such things as durability for the years ahead, safety-conscious modifications, and designing around your needs now, as well as the future.

#2 Establish a Comfortable Budget
Establishing your budget is one of the most important steps in planning your home remodel. There are two parts of budget planning that you’ll want to carefully think about.

Project Budgeting – This is the total cost that you are comfortable spending on your renovation. This number should include contingency funds for unexpected issues that arise. For example, having $75,000 to spend on your remodel, while knowing that you could come up with an extra $5,000 should it be absolutely needed. Unexpected issues are items that are unforeseen during the design and planning phase and are not revealed until the demolition and build are underway. Faulty wiring or the presence of mold is commonly unforeseeable that is not known about until the walls in your home are opened up.
Incidental Cost Budgeting – These expenses are commonly not thought about when it comes to remodeling, but can add up in a big way if not careful. Being mindful of the ramifications of doing your home remodel like having to eat out while your kitchen is torn apart or for a hotel stay for a night or two during construction.

#3 Know the Limit of What You Can Handle
While many North Jersey homeowners think they can self-perform part of their home remodel, it is important to know your limitations and the pros/cons to your DIY. While doing some of the work yourself may give you a sense of accomplishment, more often than not it comes at a cost. A professional remodeling contractor has been doing kitchen and bathroom remodeling for years and likely has the processes down to a science in order to operate efficiently. By performing tasks yourself, you are essentially disrupting their lined out construction schedule, which can cause delays and result in fewer savings than it’s really worth. Know which tasks should be left to the pros from a cost and schedule standpoint. Lastly, it may not be worth self-performing tasks that could cause limitations to your contractor’s warranty or workmanship guarantee.

#4 Think Through Your Daily Routine
Consider how the remodel will affect your routine. Be clear about your daily schedule with your contractor to avoid any mishaps or delays. It is essential during the planning phase of your project that you discuss the contractor’s start and end times each day. This will avoid the crew showing up while you’re still in your pajamas or their work day running into other appointments that you may not be able to miss.

Will you be away from your home during the construction phase? Now is a great time to discuss that schedule with your contractor and determine how they will have access to complete their work each day. Many Phoenix homeowners set up a unique garage code for access, utilize a lockbox for storing a house key that only the contractor has the code for, or having a friend or neighbor at the home to unlock and lock up each day.

#5 Water and Electricity Outages
Depending on the scope of work for your project, there could be times where your contractor will need to shut the water off from the main valve or turn off an electrical breaker while work is being done. Most commonly these are only temporary outages but are still something to be aware of for those families that are home during the day. Planning ahead by having bottled water on hand for drinking and cooking, and a contingency plan for bathroom emergencies can take the stress out of any possible situation.

#6 Set Up a Make-shift Kitchen
Most North Jersey homes have two bathrooms, so while it may be a slight inconvenience having one torn apart under construction, it is not a huge tribulation to live through. Kitchen remodels are a different story though. Before starting your kitchen remodeling project, we recommend setting up a make-shift kitchen in another room of the house. Incorporate small appliances such as a microwave, coffee maker, and beverage cooler or ice chest to provide a functional way to make food and drinks while your kitchen is out of order. Another great idea is to plan meals that you can cook on the grill outside.

#7 It’s Time to Pack
In an effort to keep your items protected and clean during the renovation process, it’s recommended that you pack up and move any items from the construction zone. Consider using an extra bedroom, storage pod, or off-site storage room to store your stuff. This will also provide a safe work area for the contractor’s crew to get to work.

#8 Create Drawings & Keep Them Handy
You may not be required to have a full set of blueprints drawn for obtaining a permit depending on the details of your remodel project, but it’s worthy to mention the importance of working with a reputable contractor that has an on-staff design team that will still create drawings and/or renderings of your project with dimensions. It is recommended that they remain near the work area or posted on the wall in the room where they can easily be seen. Not only does this provide a reference if any questions arise, but it also goes a long way in helping to make sure you and your contractor are on the same page with the goal for your space.

For many homeowners, this may be your very first home renovation project. Hopefully, these tips can minimize that overwhelming fear of the unknown and have you ready to get your project underway confidently. A well-done quality remodeling project takes time to complete, but utilizing these guidelines from day one of your planning will help you be better prepared and ensure that your project is a success.

As a homeowner, it can be difficult to balance between trying to stay on time, on budget, and on top of the thousands of details and moving parts that are involved in doing a luxury remodel. It’s a full-time job! That’s why you’ll want to hire the professionals for your upcoming remodeling needs.

North Jersey homeowners looking to remodel are likely to hear about the team at Berceli in their research or have used them for other home improvement projects. Our team has been a leading contractor in the  Bergen County area performing full home remodeling design-build services. Over the years we have built quite a reputation for our great customer service and impressive portfolio. If you are ready to start planning your next home remodeling project, then you’ll want to reach out to our on-staff design team or stop into our Fort Lee New Jersey design showroom to begin exploring ideas for your home. Visit our website at www.bercelinj.com for our business hours and to request your appointment today.