Summer is here. Are you ready for that kitchen makeover? How much should you redo? How much can you afford? How much time will it take? Should you remodel your kitchen or update it with refacing? Before you make a decision, consider the facts.

 A kitchen remodel is one of the most beneficial things you can do to keep the cook in your family happy and increase your home's value. A remodel doesn't always mean gutting your kitchen and eating take out for 3 months. A remodel can be as simple as changing out the cabinets and modernizing the paint and fixtures. While refacing is an alternative to a more invasive kitchen remodel, it is not always cheaper and will not address or correct some problems you may be having with your cabinets. These include:

• Poor kitchen layout
• Cabinets that are poorly constructed or beginning to fall apart.
• Metal cabinets that are rusting.
• Cabinets that don't provide enough storage.
• Structural issues, like settling of your home that have left cabinets crooked or out of kilter.

Issues such as these are better addressed by a more complete remodel.

If you are happy with your kitchen overall, cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a whole new look by replacing cabinet door and drawer fronts and veneering the exterior of the cabinet boxes.Your kitchen layout stays the same and the cabinets stay in place. Enhancements like organizers, shelving, moldings and other accessories add the finishing touches.

Your kitchen will benefit from refacing if:

• Your cabinets have worn cabinet doors and drawers.
• Doors and drawers are difficult to open.
• The colors and styles are out of date.
• You want to avoid the time and inconvenience of a major renovation.

Cabinet refacing is an ideal solution for resolving these issues and can help you get more life out of your kitchen cabinets as well as increased efficiencies in your kitchen.

Notice, that time was not mentioned as a benefit, nor was cost. It is not faster to remove your cabinets and drawers, sand them down, then paint or re stain them, especially if you are planning to add a faux design or glass. I know what you saw on HGTV looked great, but repeating the process will take you longer than you think. It isn't always cheaper to reface your cabinets. It depends on the materials you choose.
Also, just refacing your cabinets may make the rest of your kitchen ( i.e. counter top, flooring, etc. )  look tired and out of date. By the time you you reface, add new counter tops, flooring, etc., you could have had brand new cabinets for less money

Our advice, get a FREE ESTIMATE from Miller Remodeling to help you decide the best choice for you.

Easy Updates
The easiest update projects focus on paint, hardware and tile. Consider replacing or renovating these main components:

• Doors - Select material, overlay, styles and finishes.
• Hardware - Choose hinges and handles.
• Tile - A well designed backsplash helps the cabinets blend with the countertops and floor.
• Floors - New flooring will enhance the kitchen as a whole and give it that finished look.

Doors The doors are the most visible component of your cabinets and one of the heavily used items in your kitchen. They are also a key element in transforming the look of your cabinets. You can refurbish your current cabinet doors or purchase new ones. Doors are made of a variety of materials, including solid wood, rigid thermofoil and bamboo. Solid wood options include maple, cherry and oak. Personalize the look of your solid wood doors with your choice of a huge selection of stains, paints, glazes and styles. Rigid thermofoil is a thin, layered plastic coating fused to medium density fiberboard (MDF) with heat and pressure. Rigid thermofoils are available in a wide range of colors and styles. Bamboo is an attractive option for refacing cabinets as well as an eco-friendly renewable resource. Choose from a huge selection of bamboo finishes. Stains range from natural to dark and bring out the natural beauty in wood by showcasing their individual characteristics.  Paint offers a near infinite variety of colors to complement virtually any kitchen décor. Glazes add richness, texture and warmth to cabinets, creating soft highlights in corners and recesses.  Hardware New hinges, handles, knobs and pulls can make your cabinets function more easily and define their style and personality. Hinges determine how your doors mount on your cabinet as well as how the doors open and close. The type of cabinet you have determines in part the type of hinges used on it. On framed cabinets, which have a frame on the cabinet face, the hinges attach to the door and the frame. On frameless cabinets, which do not have this frame, the hinges attach to the door and the side wall. Regardless of which cabinet you choose, be sure to select hinges that will enhance your kitchen's look if they are visible. At the very least, choose hinges that will make your cabinet doors open and close smoother and quieter. Handles come in a variety of styles and materials, from plastic and wood to ceramic and crystal. They are like jewelry on your cabinets, accessorizing your kitchen with attractive finishing touches. Most come in matching combinations of knobs and handles for doors and drawers. With hundreds of styles to choose from, keep in mind that the handles and knobs you choose should be easy to grip and comfortable to use.  Install a Ceramic Tile Backsplash If you have multiple colors that you need to blend together, a backsplash is a great bridge. It will add color and texture to kitchen walls. A ceramic tile backsplash is easier to keep clean than a painted or wallpapered surface and can add a unique design element to your kitchen. Ceramic tile is available in a wide range of patterns and colors and can be applied over most wall surfaces. Here's how to install one.   Floors If your cabinets are refinished, the hardware replaced and your overall kitchen looks great, the quickest way to make it look unfinished is peeling linoleum or broken tile. Tile, Pergo, Designer Vinyl and Hardwood are just a few of your choices. Vinyl, Wallpaper, and Shag carpet have all gained a bad reputation over the years. The right design, installed correctly can save you money and still give the desired result which is a beautiful kitchen.

The agony of poor quality lingers long after the thrill of a cheap price is gone.

 

Thinking about selling your house? Is it on the market?
Remember Curb Appeal. The landscape of the property is the first thing potential buyers see, so most sellers put in a few quick flowers and call it done. One of the most over looked components of the curb appeal is the front door and fixtures. People will be quick to look past your home because of the thought that if the house is starting out with a hideous front door or what is the inside going to look like?

Small Changes and Big Ones. If you are thinking about remodeling, check out the chart below to see which remodeling projects will give you the most bang for your bank.

Also, if you haven't done so already, I invite you to check out my website, www.millerremodeling.com.  On the website you can find testimonials, helpful links, and some terrific "before and after" photos to get you inspired.  I've been in the business for 28 years now--whew, how time flies!  And I'd love to help you take loving care of your home or remodel it to make it your dream living space.

Deadly Odorless Gas
We all go to sleep at night, but each year 170 of us never wake up thanks to this silent killer. The culprit: carbon monoxide poisoning caused by malfunctioning fuel burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water and room heaters. One way to protect yourself is to make sure you vent the exhaust of these appliances properly. That means having the pipes angle up, not down,-hot air rises, you know-and checking that vents are free of cracks and gaps. And most importantly: install a standard carbon monoxide detector. They only cost 20 bucks and are the best way to protect you and your family.

 

DIY Corner
Buying products that are made here in Colorado has many advantages. Climate plays a big role in the manufacturing of the products. For example, buying roofing shingles made in Texas won't stand up against the harsh winters and high winds that Colorado sees. That cheap deal online may end up costing you more. And not to mention, it keeps the Colorado economy moving.

 

Top 5 mid-range renovations by return on investment

Project Job Cost              Resale              Value               Cost          Recouped
Deck addition                  (wood)             $10,601           $8,676             81.8%
Siding replacement          (vinyl)              $10,256           $8,274             80.7%
Minor kitchen remodel                            $21,246           $16,881           79.5%
Window replacement        (wood)            $11,512           $8,946             77.7%
Window replacement        (vinyl)             $10,537           $8,132             77.2%

Source: Remodeling magazine's Cost vs. Value Report 2008-09

BASEMENT REMODELS
While the basement is one of the areas of the house that is mostly thought of as "storage". Change it and make it into a place that people remember most, well next to the kitchen. Treat it as almost a second living area that you can use as a game room, extra storage, or simple "hang out" area. Most of the time, you can earn money back by installing rooms like a full bathroom, a small kitchen and one to two bedrooms.

You could also rent out the basement and use the money to pay off your mortgage.

This Month's Tip
 On remodeling your bathroom: 2 sinks are better than one. It will reduce fighting over the sink, and your significant other will be happy along side you.

 

 

 

 

This month I'm sharing some great tips to get you geared up for some Spring Cleaning.

Also, if you haven't done so already, I invite you to check out my website, www.millerremodeling.com.  On the website you can find testimonials, helpful links, and some terrific "before and after" photos to get you inspired.  I've been in the business for 28 years now--whew, how time flies!  And I'd love to help you take loving care of your home or remodel it to make it your dream living space. 

Wishing you a happy spring.

--Tom

Spring Cleaning Time is Here In older times, houses were heated with coal or wood, so by the end of winter everything in the house was often covered with soot, so spring cleaning was a necessity.  Even with our modern clean heaters, it's good for our spirits to "clean out" the house after it has been closed up for winter.  Here are some tips for a super quick room clean. Have all your cleaning supplies in a handy tote-collect it all before you start:  rags, furniture polish, glass cleaner, and other supplies.  Have the vacuum or mop at the ready. Clear out any surface clutter by putting things that don't belong into a basket or hamper.  You can place all of these items in their proper place or room when you're done. Clean all the glass surfaces.  These are the first things you notice in a room and it really looks better when they sparkle. Now use a dust rag and go all around the room dusting all wood and all surfaces other than glass.  You may need several rags. Now, straighten and organize.  Rearrange any collectible items. Using vacuum attachments, clean corners, baseboards, tops of shelves and ceiling corners. Vacuum the carpet, or mop the floors. Don't try to organize drawers or closets this time-make that a task for a separate day. And you're done! By breaking down spring cleaning into separate days and separate tasks, it will go fast and not be a huge chore.

DIY Tip of the Month Before you start your Spring Cleaning, try your hand at making your own cleaning products at home.  You will save money and it's better for the environment.  Remember to label them and keep them away from children and pets. Window Cleaner Dash of liquid detergent (1/4-1/2 teaspoon) 3 tablespoons vinegar 2 Cups water Mix in a spray bottle. Furniture Polish ½ teaspoon oil (like olive or jojoba) ¼ cup vinegar (or you can use lemon juice or a combo of both) Mix the ingredients and store in a glass jar.  To use, dab a soft rag into the solution and rub on wood furniture and surfaces. Tip:  Do not throw cleaning rags in the wash with the rest of your laundry!

 

Trick or treating time is just around the corner.  While you're getting into the swing of the season and carving your pumpkins, I hope you'll take a few moments to check out these Halloween tips that I've prepared for you.

Wishing you a fun and prosperous October.

--Tom

Trick or Treat Tips for a Howling Halloween! 1. Help your kids to pick out bright colored costumes.  If they insist on black, add reflective tape to the costume or to their treat bag for greater visibility.  Plan on adding warm tights, long underwear or leggings underneath, since it's usually cold here in Colorado. 2. Make sure their shoes fit well and that their costume is short enough so that your little ones will not trip or come into contact with flame.  Remind them of the stop-drop-and-roll, just in case they come too close to a jack-o-lantern. 3. Place emergency identification discreetly within the costume or on a bracelet. 4. Masks make it hard to see at night.  Use non-toxic makeup, hats or a wig as an alternative. Check to make sure that everything is flame retardant. 5. Use chemical lightsticks instead of candles in decorations or costumes.  Buy a battery operated tea-light candle to use in your jack-o-lantern.  It's safer and it won't blow out in the Colorado weather. 6. Make everyone a good dinner before they set out.  They'll be less inclined to start eating the candy before you have a chance to check it.

DIY Tip of the Month Make a bubbling witch's cauldron or mad scientist experiment with Dry Ice (solid carbon dioxide.)   Prepare a witches cauldron out of an insulated container and put in a large piece of dry ice.  Whenever you want it to bubble dramatically, pour in hot water.   For a mad scientist effect, use a glass vase (to look like a beaker).  Add some drops of green food coloring to get a creepy color.  Then use tongs to put in chunks of dry ice.   Cautions:  Use tongs or gloves, since Dry Ice is cold enough to cause frostbite.  The fog will sink to the ground.  The water will cool, so you will need to refresh the hot water to keep the effect going.  Larger chunks will last longer.  Use only in a well ventilated area.   Dry Ice is sometimes available in grocery or party stores around Halloween, or check the yellow pages for ice suppliers.

 

This month we'll take a look at easy things we can do to ensure a green and beautiful lawn for next spring. It turns out that our yard needs some of the same things we do to keep healthy.

Wishing you a healthy fall.

--Tom

Getting the Yard in shape for the Winter Most of us are very familiar with getting our yards and gardens prepped for spring, but fall is a terrific time to insure that next year's lawn will be the best ever.   Just like we need to keep our bodies healthy with good food, lots of water and air to breath, our lawn has similar needs to be healthy....particularly in the arid climate of Colorado.     Feed it:  Apply a natural fertilizer to your lawn this fall.  This allows your yard to better withstand the stress of our cold winters, strengthen the root system and, ultimately, will help it green up better and faster come spring.  If you are unsure what kind to purchase, ask your local nursery or garden center for the perfect kind for our area.   Need to Breathe:  Just as we need to breathe properly, your lawn needs to as well.  Aerating is just as important to a healthy lawn as "feeding" it is.  Opening up the space around the roots will help your yard be able to receive the nutrients from fertilizing.  Manual aerators work for very small lawns, but you can rent power aerators to make the job quicker.  Or there are many local companies that will do the service for a reasonable price.   If some sections of grass haven't fared well this season, or for high traffic areas-this is a perfect time to over-seed those sections.  Put down some grass seeds and cover them with a little soil.  Make sure that you water the area for several weeks.   Store things away properly to make next year easier.  Drain all hoses and sprayers completely.  Clean and winterize mowers and other power equipment.  Check your owner's manual for how to do it.  Sharpen the blades now, so you'll be ready to go in the spring.   Also, this is a great time to save money on garden tools-if there is something that you needed all year but haven't gotten round to purchasing.  Many stores put these items on clearance sales now.  And think about getting a push mover for next year.  It's better for the environment, and gives you a workout at the same time.  Now that you're done, you can settle in for the winter, confident that your grass will grow again--better than ever--come spring.

DIY Tip of the Month Baking Soda has so many uses-you might want to keep some in your "tool" kit.   Getting Rid of Rust--To remove rust from a metal object, peel a potato and dip it in baking soda.  Rub the potato on the object and keep dipping into baking soda and rubbing the rusted area until all is gone.   Repair a wobbly furniture joint--Sprinkle some baking soda into the joint and then apply superglue.  The baking soda fills the gap and sets like concrete-making the joint strong.   Extinguish fires--Baking soda works great to put out electrical and grease fires.  Keep some in the kitchen, the garage, and your workshop.

 

This month's article reminds us that back to school time can be an opportunity for us adults to "go back to school" with regards to our health.  Take advantage of the great weather to get out there and get physical.

--Tom

School Yourself to Better Health Now that the kids are back in school, it's a great time to look to taking care of yourself.  Who says that New Year's is the only time to make resolutions.  Fall is, for many of us, the real beginning of the New Year.  Here are a few tips to get you started.   1.  Fall weather is perfect for working out-outside.  As the weather begins to cool off, it's a wonderful time for walking, biking, or just playing outdoors.  Try out a new park trail, or take the family for a weekend hike.  Try a vigorous game of Frisbee with Fido.  And even doing your late summer weeding or raking leaves can get your heart pumping.   2.  Your kids are back in school-why can't you go to school, too!  Try some new activity that you've always wanted to try:  kickboxing, jazzercise, or ballroom dancing.  If it's something you love or have always wanted to do, you'll be more apt to keep at it.   3.  Watch out for the Couch Potato Trap.  When your new fall TV shows start, make a pledge to be active while watching TV.  Take an exercise break when the commercials come on.  Have the whole family stop what they're doing and do sit-ups or pushups. You'll have worked out for about 20 minutes during a one hour program.   OR during at least one half hour show--run in place, do squats or lunges, try tricep dips off the edge of the couch, or use hand weights.  When you get used to it, this kind of multi-tasking is great.  And it's a good example for your kids.   4.  Add "stealth health" exercise into your routine.  Most of us are familiar with parking further away from stores and taking the stairs instead of the elevator, but here are a few more suggestions.  When you take your kids to soccer or football practice, take a walk around the outside of the field.  You can even ask another parent to join you--then you can visit and exercise at the same time.    At work, try out having a walking meeting.  Brainstorm with your co-workers while you walk-you may come up with more creative ideas than when just sitting.   And remember the power of music, put 30 minutes of inspirational, upbeat music on your mp3 player and push yourself out the door.    5.  An apple a day really can keep the doctor away.  Fall is a great time for apples, and all types of produce.  Take advantage of local farmers markets.  Try to eat just one more service of fruits or vegetables each day than is normal for you.   Take steps to take care of yourself this fall, and by the time the New Year rolls around, you won't need a resolution-you'll already have a new you.

DIY Tip of the Month The kitchen is the heart of any home, but the refrigerator is often the last thing to get cleaned.  Take care of it easily with these tips.  First, empty out all the contents, throwing away any food that is expired or has gone bad.  A paste made with baking soda and water is great for getting up any spills.  If that doesn't work, then give a tiny bit of toothpaste a try.  After cleaning, line produce drawers with newspaper and paper towels to absorb water and keep everything fresh.  Just change out the papers every few weeks-and you'll avoid having to scrub out the drawers again.

 

This month's article reminds us to take advantage of the great activities and attractions that this area has to offer.  So get out there and have some summer fun!

Also, have you had a chance yet to check out my new and improved website www.millerremodeling.com?  Let me know what you think!
 
--Tom

Summer Fun Ideas! Ahh...the lazy, crazy days of summer.  But have you already run out of things to do?  Here are some great Summer Fun Activities that can brighten up your week.   1.  Red Rocks.  Most of us hear "Red Rocks Amphitheatre" and think summer concerts.  But this Denver park is much more than that.  Take a day trip and try the moderate 1.4 mile trail that loops around the area.  Go for lunch at the Ship Rock Grill-located "underneath" the rocks near the museum. http://www.redrocksonline.com/pages/shiprock/index.html And if you've never experienced "Film on the Rocks" make sure you go this year.  Each film showing starts with a performance by a local band at 7pm and the movie starts at dusk.  Cost is just $10.  http://www.denverfilm.org/filmcenter/detail.aspx?id=21372 2.  Denver Art Museum.  If you've never experience this world class museum, make sure you take a trip to its cool and award winning interior this year.  The DAM houses one of the largest collections of Native American art, a fascinating Asian collection, a fine assortment of modern American and European paintings-and other collections as well.  The next FREE FIRST SATURDAY for Colorado residents is August 1st.   3.  Coors Field.  Take me out to the ballgame.  When was the last time you went to see the Rockies?  Make sure you get out to see the boys in the purple pin-stripes this year to really experience one of the best ballparks in the nation.  Want more?  How about a Coors Field tour?  Public tours take place all Summer long on evening game days at 10am and noon and on non-game days at 10am, noon, and 2pm.  Cost is $7 for Adults, $6 for Seniors, and $5 for kids.  http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/col/ballpark/tours.jsp 4.  Free Concerts at the Littleton Museum.  On Wednesdays, from 7-8pm, you can while away the evening listening to bands such as:  The Golden Eagle Concert Band, Mile High Banjo Society, and the 17th Avenue All Stars.  http://www.littletongov.org/museum/events/default.asp 5.  Sky Venture Colorado.  One of the newest trends for those who need a bit more excitement in their activities is Indoor Skydiving.  Sky Venture Colorado in Lone Tree offers a vertical wind tunnel experience for ages 3 to 103.  Prices are not cheap, they start at $48 for an introductory flight, but this is something that you'll remember for a long time.   http://www.skyventurecolorado.com/ They have great video on their web site, so that you can see what it's all about.   This summer, make like a tourist and enjoy some of the great activities that the Denver Metro Area has to offer.  If you have kids, check out this website for coupons and more great places to go. http://www.denverkids.com/listings.php?category=funthings&type=all

DIY Tip of the Month Want to save some green and have a clean bathroom at the same time? Here's a tip--forget the myriad mix of cleansers for your bathroom and save yourself time and money. Mix together two-thirds of a cup of white vinegar, a half a cup of rubbing alcohol and a tablespoon of dish soap into a spray bottle. This mixture will have tubs, showers, sinks, toilets, windows and mirrors clean and sparkling in no time.

 

This month's article highlights how relatively simple changes can make a big difference in the look of your kitchen. I hope you enjoy it.

Also, I'd like to invite you to check out my new and improved website www.millerremodeling.com.  There you will find an "about me" page, new before and after photos, and links to helpful websites.  Let me know what you think!
 
--Tom

New Hardware EQUALS Easy Kitchen Update! One of the quickest and easiest things you can do to update an older kitchen without spending a lot of time and money is by choosing new hardware.  The hardware in your kitchen is the knobs, pulls, and hinges.  And nothing can date a kitchen more!  You can find the latest styles in home improvement stores or even at Habitat for Humanity or another architectural thrift store. Now, what types are there?  Knobs are the single handled hardware that is attached with one screw.  They are usually round, but can be square, oblong, or any variety of creative shapes.  Pulls are generally larger and made so that your fingers have leverage to open the drawer or door.  Pulls are usually attached with two screws and may have a backplate.  Hinges come in limited styles.  It is not necessary to change them out if you pick new knobs and pulls that are made of the same metal or have the same finish. Look for a style of hardware that matches your own personal style.  These days it's relatively easy to find everything from contemporary clean-lined stainless steel pulls to hand painted ceramic colonial knobs.  When placing hardware on a new drawer the general rule of thumb is this:  if the drawer is less than 18 inches, one pull or knob is usually enough.  If the drawer is over 18 inches, then you need to use two.  When replacing old hardware, use the old holes whenever possible.  In fact, it's helpful to measure those before you go look for the new hardware.  But if you can't find something you like that matches the old holes, just drill new ones.  Either fill the old holes with wood putty or you can use a backplate to cover the old holes.    With so many styles and finishes available, you can quickly give your old kitchen a great new look, with just the task of switching out the hardware.

DIY Tip of the Month Just finished your great painting project only to realize that you are left with not only a great new look, but also paint splatters on your hardwood floor?  Here's what to do.  First use a bladed tool to scrape off as much as possible.  Then use a rag and a cleansing agent.  Detergent works okay, but will not get all the paint.  Try using Goof-off, or if that doesn't work, try using a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol. One of those will probably do the job.

 

This month's article reminds us to get up off that couch and do something--and do it with our family for an added bonus.  Get more exercise and spend more time with your kids at the same time.  Sounds like a winner to me!

--Tom

Family Time Can Be Fitness Time! We all know it; we all hear it in the news all the time--we need more exercise.  And, with our busy schedules of work, and school time activities, it's hard to make quality time for our families.  So why not combine the two?  Schedule one activity per week that combines family time with getting up off the couch.   Take turns each week picking the activity.  The only requirements are that you must be moving during each activity.  Some weeks can be more vigorous than others.  And plan ahead so that you don't get caught in the "what do you want to do?" trap.  Make sure the activity is something that fits with all the levels of fitness and ability in your family.  And let your kids pick some of their favorites.   It might help to schedule a family meeting where you all brainstorm and come up with a big list of activities.  You might decide to do activities that cost money once per month and plan more cost-free fun for the other weeks.  Make a big list and then put it on the calendar for the next few months.   Here are a few ideas to get your started: You can go swimming.  Swimming can now be done year round with all the Rec centers and YMCAs that are now open.  Try out that new waterslide with your kids.  Find the local roller-skating rink, or find a place to go ice skating.  Plan a miniature golf outing.   And, remember, the activities do not have to cost anything. The weather has been beautiful lately.  Go on a walk, toss a Frisbee around in the park, play croquet in the back yard.  Play tag. Play hopscotch.  Jump rope.  Rediscover badminton or tennis.  Try rollerblading.  Get your kid to teach you how to skateboard.  Go on a long bike ride.  If the weather is bad, you can power walk around the local mall.   Making your family time a fitness time is good for you, is good modeling for your kids, and is sure to bring you closer as a family.  Years from now that expensive video game you bought them might be broken and forgotten, but the times you had together being active will build memories that last forever.

DIY Tip of the Month What's the most important DIY tip and the one that is the hardest to master? Never take on more than you can handle.  For example:  Hope to remodel your entire bathroom in one weekend? Unless you have a staff to help you-it's not going to happen.  The biggest problem that many do-it-yourselfers run into is by biting off more that they can chew.  Have a backup plan.  Be realistic.  If you're remodeling the bathroom and it takes you several weekends, can your family work around that?  And make sure you have someone that you can call on if you get in trouble or in over your head.

 

So if you're not a do-it-yourselfer - call Miller Remodeling!