Denver Highlands Property
Posted: January 17, 2015 Filed under: Home Improvements | Tags: backsplash, basement remodel, Bathroom remodel, custom built-ins, denver remodel, highlands denver, Kitchen Remodel, refinished basement, Tile work Leave a commentAn interior designer approached me about 4 months ago about a project she was working on in the Denver Highlands. She had purchased a approximately 1,000 sqft property that basically needed gutting and needed a G.C. who could not only manage the project, but who could leverage their carpenter skills for built-ins, a kitchen, bathrooms, the works.
From digging out the basement to add another 1,000 sqft, finishing that basement, putting in two bathrooms, tiling and putting in a kitchen, the overall project turned out beautifully. The interior designer sold the property this past week, exactly one week after putting it on the market, for a full-price, cash offer.
Below are some pictures of the finished product.
Open concept Highlands Property with two-built in bookshelves
Master bedroom, Highlands Denver
Highlands Kitchen with new cabinets, back splash, and island.
Kitchen back splash
Custom benches in the kitchen nook
Upstairs bathroom remodel
Upstairs bathroom tile shower
Downstairs full-bath remodel
Tile work in the bathroom
Finished Basement
I built a custom staircase down into the renovated basement
A Lesson Learned
Posted: April 19, 2013 Filed under: Home Improvements | Tags: architecture, Bathroom remodel, construction, heated floor, Home improvements, quality contractor, Remodeling, tile surround, Tile work Leave a commentSo one thing I take pride in, is planning a project thoroughly. So that when it comes time to execute, I have all the pieces of the puzzle ready to go together. Recently I completed a bathroom for a friend in the business; he is an electrician. He provided me with all of the material for the tile floor and tub surround, or so i thought. I went along with my normal routine like usual.
Hardibacker the walls and floors. There was an extra step for this one, as we installed a in floor electric heating system.
Tape and seal seams.
Install waterproof membrane.
Set ledger board layout tile and start tiling.
This was all going off without a hitch; no problems whatsoever, not a cloud in the sky. Or so I thought.
Here is were my lesson was learned. I got about 85% finished and realized that the border they supplied me was short by 4 pieces!
DOAH!
Okay remain calm, call customer to inquire about the tile. He told me, “Oh call mohawk tile, that is were we got it.” Well sure enough they can’t identify the tile, can’t tell me who can, and don’t know what to do, double DOAH!
So what am I left to do but chip out what I already installed and replace it with something new. Now, the finished project turned out great, maybe better than it would have with the tiles originally supplied by the customer, depending on your taste.
Bottom line is always make sure you have enough material to finish a job prior to starting. Or at least know you can get more of it if you run short.
Here you see version 1.0 of the shower surround.
Take note of the border looks okay right well if i only had enough to finish
This is as far as i got when i realized my dilemma.
Floor almost done just some intricate cuts left to do.
Here you see the new border installed.
An Array of photos of the finished product. The customer wanted to continue the bullnose on the edge of the shower surround to the floor as baseboard. I was skeptical but it turned out great. Even got to do some mitered corners for the tile baseboard, a first for me.
Steps for a Remodeling Project
Posted: February 3, 2013 Filed under: Home Improvements, Home Renovations | Tags: Bathroom remodel, budget concerns, home remodel, home renovations, master bathroom, planning a renovation, project plan, what to do before remodeling Leave a commentThinking of remodeling your kitchen? Want to re-do your master bathroom? Need more space and have an unfinished basement? Making the decision to remodel any room in your home or office isn’t an easy one, so preparing beforehand is key.
There are some preliminary steps to do before you start your project that will not only help you prepare, but will help the project move smoother.
1. Set a budget. You need to know what you’re comfortable spending. Sometimes you’re dream kitchen or bathroom is not within your budget.
2. Design. Come up with a preliminary plan based on you’re current living conditions, and think about how they may change in the future. You’re ideal layout may not work for you in a few years with growing kids, possible in laws etc. It is crucial that you relay any and all aspects of the way you use, and intend to use your space, so that a designer/contractor can provide a plan custom built to your needs. Explore opportunities within your project plan and budget. It may be possible to say take down a wall to provide an open concept design, and forsake a level 7 granite, to remain inside budget concerns.
3. Finishes and Finish package. It’s easy to imagine the project being done, but have you thought about the finishes
you’d like? The final touches on a project can impact scope & budget, so before getting started consider the finishes you may want. Examples of finishes are below:
- Trim packages
- Type of tile (man made: glass tile, ceramic, porcelain; natural stone: travertine, granite, marble)
- Faucet style and brand
- Hardware (kitchen knobs, exposed visible hinges)
- Pendant lighting
- Undermount lighting
- Appliances (make sure they fit the space & budget)
4. Realistic time line. The scope of your project should help you formulate a project timeline. Are you taking out walls? Does the room need any demo? Are you getting a basic finish package or going all out? And always plan for unforeseen issues. More often than not, everything goes smoothly, but it’s good to pad a few days in case issues arise.
Ant questions? Feel free to contact me before your remodeling project.
