White kitchen with island

We were hired to do a kitchen remodel, swap exterior doors and install new flooring throughout the first floor of this home. The existing kitchen had an irregular shaped island that didn’t provide much area for seating and older painted cabinets. The new layout included a 5 ‘6″ island, enough room to comfortably fit three barstools. Pottery Barn pendants were mounted above. Custom made shelves were used in place of upper cabinets. A polished carrara backsplash set in a herringbone pattern adds a beautiful focal point with the stainless chimney style range hood. Matte black pulls and kitchen faucet were a nice accent against the white shaker cabinets. The look is completed with a white apron front sink and Quartz countertops. Sherwin Williams Eider White keeps the kitchen looking bright and inviting. A durable wood tone LVP was selected for the floors. 

How we transformed a kitchen from 1965

This was a beautiful kitchen transformation. We started with a kitchen that was originally built in 1965. It had damaged vinyl flooring, dated appliances, and it basically just looked like it was a kitchen from 1965. We literally removed everything from the kitchen, then started fresh.

Keller Before and AfterThis white kitchen has an 11 foot custom made walnut island. The white farm sink is complimented with an oil rubbed bronze bridge faucet. Tons of storage with white shaker style cabinets and two floor to ceiling pantries. The contractor couldn’t believe how many drawers we put in here, 35 total. A custom made hanging rack in the corner is perfect for storing cookware, and is also oil rubbed bronze to match the our bridge faucet and the cabinetry hardware. We did a classic, yet simple and clean white tile back splash. Which is also used under the island where the bar stools sit. The contractor left the right side of the sink open, with two shelves supported with simple white corbels. Then finished with a lovely traditional oak hard wood floor. Call us today and lets see what kind of transformation we can make for you!

Kitchen renovation with a fireplace makeover

For this kitchen renovation we kept the cabinet boxes, but refinished them and added new doors, drawer fronts and pulls for a new cabinet look without a new cabinet price.  We finished the look with new granite counter tops, fresh paint, pendant lighting and a new chandelier over the breakfast nook.

Originally the fireplace was too small for it’s nooks, so we extended the fireplace.  Then added new tile work, a new mantle, a new tile hearth and new built in cabinets to make the fireplace really stand out as the focal point of the room.  

What to know before you hire a contractor

Spring is one of the busiest times of year for contractors and remodelers.  As Spring gets closer and the days get longer and warmer, many of our clients start to think seriously about the changes and improvements they’ve dreamed of making to their homes.  However, one of the most important parts of renovating and remodeling a home–and one that is sometimes overlooked–is finding the right contractor for the job.  Many unlicensed or predatory companies and individuals know that Spring is a busy time for the construction industry, and will try to take advantage of homeowners looking to hire someone to help them make their dreams a reality.  Before you sign on with a contractor, make sure to do your research to make sure you’re protected.
When searching for a contractor or remodeling company to help you with your home renovations, it’s important to check whether or not the company is properly licensed and insured.  All businesses and individuals performing construction work over $30,000 in North Carolina must be licensed with the North Carolina Licensing Board of General Contractors in order to operate legally.  To check whether or not a company or person is licensed, you can visit www.NCLBGC.org, and use the “Search” function to look them up by company or individual name.  Also, be sure to ask for proof of insurance before signing on with any contractor.  If they’re properly insured, they will be able to provide paperwork to prove it.
After you’ve made sure your potential contractor or remodeler is properly insured and licensed, you should also do some research into their business reputation.  Many contractors have some kind of online presence, including reviews or complaints on the Better Business Bureau, Yelp!, Angie’s List, or Google Business.  Many reviewers will also post pictures of the contractor’s previous work.  When checking out reviews, keep an eye out for contractors that respond to negative reviews, and what kind of response they gave.  Did they try to work with their customer and find a solution?  Did they give a dismissive answer, or not respond at all?  You should always prefer to work with contractors that value their customers, and good contractors will respond to both their positive and negative reviews.  As for the BBB, you may want to think twice about any company with a rating less than “A.”
When discussing the scope of the work with a potential contractor, take the time to ask them if they have a website.  Many contractors do, and they will often include examples of their work, testimonials from previous clients, and further information about themselves, their company, and their mission.  Also be sure to ask how long the contractor or company has been in business; while newer contractors aren’t necessarily bad, a company that’s been in business for ten or more years indicates a company that has been able to stick around due to quality work.  If the contractor doesn’t have their own website–which is getting rarer these days–ask if they have any pictures or examples of their work they can provide.
When looking for a quality contractor to help you realize the changes and improvements you’ve dreamed about making to your home this Spring, always research the company you’ll be working with beforehand.  You, as a homeowner, deserve the absolute best when signing on with a contractor, and should do everything you can to make sure you’re protected against scammers and sub-par craftsmanship.  We at Custom Construction and Renovations, Inc. take pride in our work, our reputation, and our wonderful client base, so feel free to call us with any questions.
Good luck with all of your projects this coming Spring!

Custom Construction and Renovations, Inc.

Proudly serving:     Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Lake Jeanette, Browns Summit, Kernersville, UNCG, and surrounding areas

Locally owned and operated we pride ourselves in creating or re-creating any home space you desire. Whether we assist in building your vision or we work together to create an original design, we promise to deliver a quality product with excellent customer service.

How to find the RIGHT contractor for your home improvement?

  • Do your homework
    • Verification of the NC state license can easily be done online
    • Check the Better Business Bureau rating
    • Read reviews of the contractor online
    • Get an idea of the project budget
    • Ask for references
  • Get 2 to 3 quotes
    • Recognize a sales pitch versus a contractor who is able to speak intelligently about your project.
    • Estimates are rarely apples to apples, but this will allow you to pick the one you feel is the best fit for you and your project.
    • Does the contractor ask you to pull the permit – if so the company may not be licensed or the license may not be in good standing with city or state
  • Ask questions, and take notes
    • NC state license?
    • Does the general contractor use licensed subcontractors?
    • Insurance?  Not just auto, how about general liability
    • Ask for pictures of previous work – are they just “after” pictures or do they have before and after?
    • Will you deal with the same person throughout the remodel or just the day you sign the contract and the final walk thru?
    • What kind of warranty?  Tail light warranty or the industry standard.
  • GET IT IN WRITING –  a contract requires 3 parts
    • Terms (proposal)
    • Acceptance (signature)
    • Payment (deposit)