Remodeling Resources

Best Kitchen Layouts = A Triangle

Beautiful Kitchen RemodelThis winter, at least in south central Minnesota, has been mild.  However, when February rolls around, no matter how severe or mild the winter has been, you can count on cabin fever to kick in.  That semi- claustrophobic feeling of isolation takes over, and the same old, same old just won’t do anymore.  That feeling of un-motivation may simply need some sort of change to create a new look on life; and that change is a solution a professional contractor can bring to the equation.

When it comes to significant change, I suggest starting in the most used room of the house; the kitchen.  From meals to meetings, electronics to ergonomics, this room is the centerpiece of all of the activities that take place in the house.  Whether your household is busy with children, or you are dealing with empty nest syndrome, the “hub” of your world still is built around this room.

An overall design of the kitchen will either accent that hub, or destroy it.  (Some researchers have even gone to the point of listing an efficient kitchen as a key staple to a happy life.  The key to a properly laid out kitchen revolves around a very simple concept; the work triangle.

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Planning, planning, planning!

In the game of baseball, a left handed pitcher is called a “southpaw.”  This nickname is not a random designation, but the result of significant planning.  Stadium architects go to great lengths to lay out a new major league baseball stadium.  Ever wonder why in straight away center-field you will usually find grass or solid dark colors?  That area is planned by the architect; it is specifically done so that the batter will not lose the baseball in a light colored background.

Furthermore, the league has gone even further with the typical establishment of home plate at the west end of the ball park.  Obviously, then 2nd base is at the east end, guaranteeing that a batter would not have to face into the westerly sky and a bright sunset.  So…if home plate is the west end, second base at the east end, then first base must be at the south end of most fields.  A left handed pitcher, when standing on the pitching mound has his pitching arm to the first base side of the infield.  Therefore, a left-handed pitcher is often referred to as a “southpaw.”

Now, here is where it really becomes interesting.  Before one ounce of dirt is moved, major league baseball has already planned the direction that home plate will face.  This is done before advertising is ordered, before million dollar corporate sponsors are recruited, and even before the jumbo-tron is decided upon.  Simply put, Major League Baseball has invested a large amount of advance planning even before the ownership group releases the details of a new stadium.

A similar amount of planning is also necessary for success in the building/remodeling industry.  Here at the Larson Family of Companies our 44 year history is rich with tradition, based upon a strong foundation filled with planning.  It is something that we don’t take for granted.  We will meet with you, pre-plan your project, and guide you through the process until the finished product is one that you are proud of.

Just a piece of paper

Most of you probably can remember that fate filled day……for some of you it is a recent memory, for others, well, your secret is safe with me.  It was a day filled with stress, anxiety, nerves, upset stomachs, and even through all of the negativity, there was always a glimmer of anticipation.  The day I am referring to is the day that each of us took our behind the wheel exam for our driver’s license.  For some the test ended in disappointment, for others, a feeling of freedom, happiness, and adulthood beamed from those young smiles.  Sure, it was just a piece of paper, but it stood for so much more.

Many of you may be surprised to know that the State of Minnesota has a licensing program for contractors that operate in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Currently, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry licenses residential builders, remodelers, roofers and manufactured home installers. To work in Minnesota, these professionals must be licensed.

The Department of Labor and Industry has an excellent website that can be used to check, or confirm that a contractor does indeed have the appropriate license.  The status of a license can be verified by using this quick link to the Department of Labor and Industry.  Additionally, the website offers some helpful tips when hiring a contractor that can be useful for planning a project of any size. 

As it was when you got your driver’s license; homework is a necessary component of a building or home improvement project.  Avoid the fast talking “promise the moon”  salesperson, do your research, and your building project will be a pleasant experience.  Assume that all contractors in Minnesota operate by the same standards, and, unfortunately, you will be disappointed.

The license is just a piece of paper….a house is just a bunch of wood, together a professional contractor will make it a beautiful home for you and your family.

You don’t always get a “do-over”

Is a project too much for you to handle?  Do you need the services of a professional?  The first thing a true “do it yourselfer” should admit is that the project will take 2 to 3 times the amount of time that you estimated, and additionally, it will cost double the money you had anticipated.  If you identify your limts with each of these items, the entire project will go much smoother. 

Knowing the limit of your ability will also allow you to concentrate on finding the best contractor for your situation.  A professional builder or remodeler will take the time to listen to your concerns, create a workable plan for everyone, and follow through as promised.  Additionally, the professional will see that the entire project is a code-compliant adventure that will serve you for many years to come.

Do-overs are expensive, stressful, and potentially liable.  Take the time, know your limits, and select a licensed profesional that reduces the hangover of the do-over!

Little things make a big difference!

Ok, so you’ve made the decision.  It’s time to re-paint an interior room or two.  The boring blue needs to go, or at least an update is in line.  Sure, it seems like a pretty uncomplicated task, a relaxing Saturday morning breather that allows you an opportunity to wind down from the work week stress.  Selecting the “new” color can be entertaining, and even moving the furniture can be a pleasant experience.  However, the uphill battle is just around the corner…..it’s time to actually go and purchase your supplies.

Thoughts of HS Algebra class race through your mind, as you try to calculate the total wall area of your room, and how much paint you will need.  (And men, I can promise that you will be judged by the number of extra trips you make to the hardware store to pick up more paint, or extra items.)  I found a wonderful link that that will save you time, energy, and keep you on budget when you need to figure out the amount of paint you need.

Easy 2 DIY offers a fun Interior Paint Calculator.  All you need are the measurements of your rooms and trim around the doors and windows.  The calculator will give you an estimate of how much paint you will need to complete your project.  A little planning will help prevent major headaches!