For generations design and construction was considered a “man’s job.” But not anymore. Some of the most successful people in the business today are women. Just turn on any home remodeling show on TV and see for yourself. It’s quite obvious that women are the rising stars of the home remodeling industry.

That should really come as no surprise. In most cases, it is the woman of the house who initiates the home renovation project. And, let’s face it, women relate better to other women. (Let us not forget that best-selling book, “Men are from Mars, Women from Venus.”)

Home remodeling can be quite overwhelming, particularly when plumbing and electrical work is involved. Many women become uncomfortable when they are out of their element. Others feel intimidated by male contractors. Working with a female can be quite refreshing. A female contractor is often more patient and willing to take the time to explain the process in a clear, concise manner without all sorts of industry jargon.

Aside from the comfort level, women designers and contractors often have a better understanding of the homeowners’ needs. After all, they are wives and mothers too. They come home from the jobsite to face the same responsibilities as the clients they serve.
They cook for their families and clean-up after the mess.

A female designer or contractor is conscious of the multi-purpose function of today’s kitchen. She can help design a space that provides ample space for food preparation, abundant storage, as well as serving as mission control.

Today’s kitchen must contain some office element. Ideally the remodel will incorporate a message center to post notes, school calendars and activity schedules. A modern kitchen may also serve as a place for children to sit and do homework while mom makes dinner.

Making life easier for the homeowner is a top priority. A good designer will consider maintenance and upkeep in recommending products. Sticky little fingers leave marks all over stainless steel appliances. Avid bakers and gourmet chefs may need the benefits of a butcher block or granite countertop, while a heat-and-eat family may be just fine with a laminate top.

Ease in entertaining is another element to consider. A female designer or contractor often has a greater understanding for the needs of a hostess. Chances are they have hosted their own holiday dinner at some point. They can create an open, inviting space where guests can gather and not be in the way of the cook.

Regardless of whether you choose to hire a female or male designer or contractor, it is most important to find someone who understands your needs and will create the kitchen of your dreams.

Royal Kitchen Designs is a full-service interior design and renovation company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and luxurious living spaces. The company has been serving Broward and South Palm Beach counties for almost a decade. From custom kitchens and beautiful baths to designer draperies, every Royal Kitchen Designs project receives the royal touch. With over 75 years of combined experience, owners Margie Levy and Eliane Berdah can turn any home into a castle. Call Royal Kitchen Designs at (954) 717-1805 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Open any magazine or newspaper and you’ll find dozens of ads for home remodeling services. With so many choices, how do you know who to hire? Do you pick an interior designer, kitchen planner or general contractor? Considering the average kitchen remodeling project costs more than $20,000, you do not want to make a costly mistake.

With over 75 years of industry experience, we can safely say that your best bet is to hire a company that offers all three specialties. Finding such a group may not be easy.

There are many suppliers that claim to offer kitchen design services, but all they really do is design around their product offerings. There are also many general contractors who have recently entered the kitchen remodeling business. While they certainly have the construction qualifications, a general contractor lacks the design acumen needed to create a truly functional and stylish kitchen.

A full-service kitchen remodeling company will offer everything you need under one roof – an experienced kitchen designer to create a well-designed kitchen, an interior designer to create an attractive space that coordinates with the rest of the home, and a general contractor to actually complete the installation.

The kitchen designer plays a pivotal role. He or she will most likely be your primary contact and project manager. To begin the process, the kitchen designer will sit down with you and discuss your budget as well as your goals and visions so that they can create a kitchen workspace that meets all of your needs. Often times they will utilize a lengthy questionnaire to ensure nothing is overlooked.

A kitchen designer also keeps current on the latest trends. He or she has a great deal of knowledge about appliances, cabinetry, counter top choices, back splashes, lighting and flooring options. It is their job to make your dream kitchen a reality.

The next step is to meet with the interior designer. He or she will ensure that the kitchen redesign flows with the rest of the house. They will pay close attention to the color, style, textures, lighting, and flooring. The interior designer will share their suggestions with the kitchen designer who will incorporate them into the overall kitchen design.

Once the kitchen style, budget and décor have been determined, the kitchen designer will provide a detailed design plan. Be sure to avoid any company that does not provide a design plan with sizes and measurements indicated. This can only lead to errors.

A full-service firm will then send in their general contractor to make sure all the measurements are accurate. They will also confirm that all structural, electrical and plumbing issues are resolved before any work begins. The general contractor is responsible for all the work on the project, from demolition to installation.

As you can see, by hiring a full-service kitchen remodeling company you have hired a team of experts that will handle each and every part of the project. In next month’s column will be explore what questions you should ask when interviewing contractors and kitchen remodelers.

Royal Kitchen Designs is a full-service interior design and renovation company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and luxurious living spaces. The company has been serving Broward and South Palm Beach counties for almost a decade. From custom kitchens and beautiful baths to designer draperies, every Royal Kitchen Designs project receives the royal touch. With over 75 years of combined experience, owners Margie Levy and Eliane Berdah can turn any home into a castle. Call Royal Kitchen Designs at (954) 717-1805 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

You walk on it everyday, but most people never give it a second thought. It’s your floor covering…something most people take for granted. That is, until they are faced with deciding between marble, porcelain and ceramic tile. The choices can be overwhelming, especially for those with little experience in the home improvement industry.

Many homeowners think they can simply stop by a home improvement store, pick out a product and they’re good to go. That is not the case. There are many things to consider when choosing a floor covering; important things many homeowners often overlook.

The primary concern for most people is cost, and rightfully so. Installing new tile is expensive, and depending upon what product you pick the costs increase substantially. It’s important to have a good sense of value. It would make no sense to install marble in a $150,000 house because you would never see the return on your investment.

Generally speaking, marble and other natural stones have a very luxurious feel and seem to “fit” better in high-end homes. They also have the price tag to match. You pay more for the tile itself, as well as the installation.

Now, if you want that look without paying that price, you may want to consider a rectified porcelain tile. These types of tile look like marble and are installed like marble (with very fine grout lines), but cost much less. Keep in mind, this type of installation costs more than standard tile installation because the floor must be perfectly level. This is achieved by “floating the floor,” laying a mortar mixture over the concrete slab to create a smooth surface. Be sure to consider this additional cost when pricing your new floor.

Another factor to consider is the size of the tile. Bigger is not always better. With tiles ranging in size from 12” x 12” to 36” x 36” it is important to choose one that fits the room. Just because you have a small room does not mean you must use a small tile. Many times a large tile can give the illusion of a larger room, but that is not always the case. Through our many years of experience as interior designers, we have learned that rooms with low ceilings generally do not look good with large tile.

This is something you might not realize while looking at the tile in the store. That is why it is always a good idea to take home a few different tile samples to see how they look in your home. The color and shading will appear different under the store’s fluorescent lights than in the natural lighting of your home. By bringing it home, you can also see how the tile looks with your furniture and cabinetry.

Once you have picked your tile you need to pick a grout color. It is important to choose a color that compliments the tile. Some people prefer to pick a color tone from the tile itself, while others prefer a neutral color that blends with the tile. There are literally dozens of different color options, so again we recommend taking samples and seeing how they look next to your tile.

As with most home improvement projects, the choices can be quite overwhelming if you are not educated. We hope this article has enlightened you on what to keep in mind when picking the perfect flooring for your home.

Royal Kitchen Designs is a full-service interior design and renovation company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and luxurious living spaces. The company has been serving Broward and South Palm Beach counties for almost a decade. From custom kitchens and beautiful baths to designer draperies, every Royal Kitchen Designs project receives the royal touch. With over 75 years of combined experience, owners Margie Levy and Eliane Berdah can turn any home into a castle. Call Royal Kitchen Designs at (954) 717-1805 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

By Women Designing Kitchens at Royal Kitchen Designs

Have you always dreamed of re-doing your bathrooms, but didn’t think you could afford it? Think again! Royal Kitchen Designs is introducing a “two bathrooms for the price of one” promotion. For less than the cost of a single master bathroom renovation by most home remodeling companies, Royal Kitchens is delivering two complete bathrooms.

Rest assured, the company is not cutting corners. These completed projects include everything you would find in a custom bathroom renovation, including frameless glass shower enclosures and granite countertops, for a fraction of the cost.

The attention to detail is unmatched. The rectified porcelain floor tile is installed like marble, with a hairline grout line. The bathroom fixtures all feature an elegant brushed nickel finish, including the rain showerhead.

For about $18,000, the client will receive two complete designer bathrooms. In fact, Royal Kitchen Designs’ talented designers will work with you to create the bathrooms of your dreams. This includes three vanities with granite countertops, three sinks, two mirrors, two light fixtures, two shower heads and faucets, three sink faucets, a frameless shower enclosure, plus complete tiling including the floor, tub enclosure and shower walls. This incredible price also includes all labor, demolition and installation. However, plumbing can not be moved.

One of the reasons Royal Kitchen Designs is able to offer this fantastic deal is because of its wonderful working relationships with its vendors. The company has packaged together a complete bathroom, from top to bottom. Clients are given limited choices, but that should be of no concern because the company’s designers put together each package based on the client’s personal tastes. Of course, clients can make upgrades for an additional charge.

This “two bathrooms for the price of one” promotion is receiving rave reviews. One Weston homeowner recently completed the renovation of her master bathroom and guest bathroom. Both projects were completed in about 5 weeks and for only $18,300 – that’s about half the amount the other remodeling companies were quoting her for the same projects. She was so pleased with the results that she is opening her home as a Weston showroom; allowing Royal Kitchen Designs to show prospective clients their handiwork.

Royal Kitchen Designs is a full-service interior design and renovation company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and luxurious living spaces. The company has been serving Broward and South Palm Beach counties for almost a decade. From custom kitchens and beautiful baths to designer draperies, every Royal Kitchen Designs project receives the royal touch. With over 75 years of combined experience, owners Margie Levy and Eliane Berdah can turn any home into a castle. Call Royal Kitchen Designs at (954) 717-1805 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

You can have a brand new kitchen in less than a week, and for less than $5,000. This is no joke and no gimmick. By simply refinishing your kitchen cabinets you can create that designer kitchen look for less.

Talented artisans, using a special stain or paint technique, can transform your bland kitchen cabinets into something truly spectacular. They can recreate the look of contemporary stainless steel or high gloss finishes or that of traditional wood-grain cabinetry, not to mention the hundreds of paint palette choices available, and all for just a fraction of the cost of replacing or refacing your cabinets.

If your cabinetry is in good condition, you are an ideal candidate for cabinet refinishing. The process is really quite simple. Once the client agrees on the color, the work begins and will be finished in a matter of days, not weeks or months like a traditional kitchen renovation.

The first step is to remove everything from the cabinets. The contractor then sands down the doors, drawer fronts and remaining cabinet facing. Painting is done by spraying the surfaces with a spray gun to obtain either a porcelain high gloss finish or clean, smooth semi-gloss or matte surface. If the client chose a stain rather than paint, then that is applied followed by a polyurethane clear coat. An experienced and professional company should provide you with a sample door, for a small cost.

The beauty of refinishing is that it can be done on all types of cabinetry. Even the builder’s installed Formica cabinets can be revitalized by refinishing techniques. For a cleaner fresher feeling, the insides of the cabinetry can also be refinished to match the outsides. This really portrays that designer feel.

Nothing is off limits with refinishing. Paint choices are available in any color of the rainbow from neutral browns and beiges to bold blues and reds. You are limited only by your imagination.

Once the refinishing is complete, install new hardware and handles and you have created a brand-new kitchen for a lot less. With the money you saved on cabinetry, you may have enough left over in your budget to replace the countertops with beautiful granite or update your appliances with state-of-the-art stainless steel.

Whatever you decide to do, you are well on your way to creating the kitchen of your dreams for a lot less. A typical kitchen refinishing job can be completed in just a few days and for less than $5,000. Who knows, once you refinish the kitchen you may want to tackle the bathroom or laundry room next.

Royal Kitchen Designs is a full-service interior design and renovation company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and luxurious living spaces. The company has been serving Broward and South Palm Beach counties for almost a decade. From custom kitchens and beautiful baths to designer draperies, every Royal Kitchen Designs project receives the royal touch. With over 75 years of combined experience, owners Margie Levy and Eliane Berdah can turn any home into a castle. Call Royal Kitchen Designs at (954) 717-1805 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Years ago if you weren’t happy with your house, you moved. With the real estate market as it is today, that is no longer an option for many homeowners. Rather, they are choosing to renovate rather than relocate.

Not only is renovation cost effective, but it is also an excellent investment. And one of the most popular remodeling projects is the kitchen. Industry experts estimate that a major kitchen remodel will return, on average, 98% of the original outlay. That’s not bad considering a survey of members of the National Kitchen and Bath Association found that the average kitchen remodeling project costs about $20,000; and a major floor to ceiling project could cost $50,000 or more.

That is a lot of money. So before you spend a cent, make sure you’re hiring a reputable remodeling specialist. In South Florida there are many companies claiming to offer these services, so it is critical that you ask the right questions before you sign a contract.

We have compiled a list of questions to ask when hiring someone to remodel your kitchen (or any other room in your house).

1. How long have you been in business?
While everyone needs to start somewhere, it is important that you hire a company that has experience completing home remodeling projects. You want to know this company that you are trusting with your home (and personal property) is well established and experienced.

2. What services do you provide?
Some companies specialize in refacing (updating the existing kitchen with repainted or new cabinet doors), while others offer full-service renovations (removing the old kitchen and replacing with new cabinets, appliances, plumbing, etc.)

3. Do you offer design services?
A full-service kitchen remodeling company can make your dream kitchen a reality. Not only does a true kitchen designer have the skills to create the optimum layout for your kitchen, but they can assist you in product selection. A kitchen designer is knowledgeable about the latest advancements in appliances as well as design trends. Many remodeling companies also offer interior design services to complete the kitchen design. An interior designer may accompany you to showrooms to help select cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, sinks, faucets, fixtures, lighting, and even offer advice on paint colors.

4. What type of cabinets do you offer?
As with all products, cabinetry has different qualities and price points. Some kitchen remodelers only use imported, manufactured cabinetry. In some cases, the quality may be inferior. Plus, because it is pre-constructed, you are limited with this type of cabinetry. Other companies offer custom cabinetry, where the cabinets are designed and built specifically for your kitchen. With custom cabinetry, the homeowner can customize not only the size, but also the style and color.

5. Can you do more than install cabinetry?
A remodeling project often requires the skills of multiple trades — carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc. A full-service home remodeling company can do all these things. Many use general contractors who can also complete structural work, such as moving walls.

6. Can you obtain a permit if necessary?
It is often advised to obtain proper permitting when undergoing a renovation project. Not all companies do this, so be sure to ask so that you know you are protected.

7. Are you licensed and insured?
Again, to protect yourself you need to make sure the contractor you hire is fully covered by insurance and licensed by the State. Be sure to do your homework. You can check up on your contractor using the “licensee search” link at www.myflorida.com. It’s also a good idea to check the Better Business Bureau (www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org) to see if there have been any complaints filed against the company.

8. Can you show us actual completed projects?
You should be able to see for yourself the quality of the company’s work. A reputable remodeler will be more than happy to provide you will a list of references. Some will even bring you into the homes of former customers. If possible, ask to see a home that was completed years ago. This will allow you to see how the product and workmanship hold up over time.

9. What guarantees do you provide after the kitchen is installed?
All products will come with a manufacturer’s guarantee. You want to know that the labor is also guaranteed. To be safe, look for a company that guarantees its workmanship for at least one year after installation.

10. Have you won any awards?
With all the competition in this industry, it is quite an accomplishment to have won an award for your work.

Once you have the answers to these questions, you should be able to determine if the company you are considering is qualified and experienced enough to do the job. In next month’s issue will we explore the various options in cabinetry available today.

Royal Kitchen Designs is a full-service interior design and renovation company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and luxurious living spaces. The company has been serving Broward and South Palm Beach counties for almost a decade. From custom kitchens and beautiful baths to designer draperies, every Royal Kitchen Designs project receives the royal touch. With over 75 years of combined experience, owners Margie Levy and Eliane Berdah can turn any home into a castle. Call Royal Kitchen Designs at (954) 717-1805 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

It’s easy to be a procrastinator, especially when it comes to home improvement projects.
While that may be okay for simple tasks like mulching the landscaping or painting the guestroom, some projects need immediate action. Generally speaking, when it comes to leaking plumbing or water damage, don’t put off to tomorrow what you can fix today.

Over the past few months we have had three homeowners come to us with basically the same problem…a small shower leak that escalated over time to cause major damage, both inside and outside the home. In all of these cases the damage was so severe that major renovation work was required. This is really unfortunate, because the problem could have been corrected had it been caught early enough.

More often than not, the first area affected is the shower. The problem tends to manifest itself as mold or mildew growth, particularly along the seams of the tub or shower. Handy homeowners typically take out the caulking gun to “seal” the area. This does not fix the problem; it merely puts a band-aid on it. But it may be too late. Water has already seeped into the back of the wall. It is slowly creating mold or, worse, deteriorating the bearing walls.

In some cases, this can create leaks on the outside of the house, damaging the stucco surface. Many homeowners eventually notice these cracks, but assume it is the result of the home settling. Not so. These cracks are caused by water damage inside the bearing wall. Again, many people attempt to simply patch the cracks, but this does not fix the problem it only exacerbates it. Water is now trapped inside the wall, further deteriorating the bearing wall.

Should this happen, the homeowner is no longer looking at a simple fix, but a major repair project. In all three of the cases that came to us, a general contractor was required to not only fix the plumbing, but also to rebuild the bearing wall and repair the home’s stucco. This is both labor intensive and expensive. A project that could have been taken care of relatively easily and inexpensively, had it been acted upon immediately, has now magnified itself.

The bottom line is this: when the shower starts to deteriorate, as will happen as the home ages, the homeowner needs to address the issue immediately. At the first sign of trouble, call a plumber or home repair specialist. They are experienced at identifying the source of the leak and repairing it correctly. In many cases, this will simply entail removing a few tiles, cleaning out the area, installing new waterproofing material and retiling.

As a courtesy to our readers, Royal Kitchen Designs will provide an “exploratory service.” If you notice mold or mildew in your shower area, give us a call. We will determine where the leak is coming from, and provide estimates and recommendations from our general contractor on how to properly repair your bathroom.

Your home is probably your greatest investment, so remember the old saying, “It takes money to make money.” Sometimes you need to make a small investment in your home to maintain your home’s value. By taking care of small problems now, you can save yourself a great deal of headaches and expenses in the future.

Royal Kitchen Designs is a full-service interior design and renovation company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and luxurious living spaces. The company has been serving Broward and South Palm Beach counties for almost a decade. From custom kitchens and beautiful baths to designer draperies, every Royal Kitchen Designs project receives the royal touch. With over 75 years of combined experience, owners Margie Levy and Eliane Berdah can turn any home into a castle. Call Royal Kitchen Designs at (954) 717-1805 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Job losses, high credit card rates, home foreclosures. The recession is taking its toll on all of us, including home remodelers. Now, more than ever, it is important to make sure you are dealing with a reputable company.

In this economy, there is a tendency to cut prices to try to increase business. Many home improvement companies have tried this tactic and as a result they are slowly going out of business because they are unable to maintain their profit margins. Others are being forced to reduce overhead by closing showrooms and cutting back on work crews.

With over 75 years of experience, we have seen firsthand how low pricing takes it toll. The homeowner may think they are getting an incredible deal, when all they really are getting is trouble. The job may never be started, the job may never be finished, or the job may constantly be interrupted because the remodeler has taken on too much for too little. If you are getting quotes for an upcoming project, beware of the very low ones – they may cost you much more in the end.

The answer is to find a remodeling company that gives value without cutting pricing. In our case, we have always and continue to offer our clients the best value for their money. We have no fancy showroom. Rather, we prefer to take people into the homes of our clients to show them firsthand our design capabilities and excellent craftsmanship. We keep our overhead down by using our home office as our studio.

You also want to find a company that listens to you and your needs. Many remodelers try to impress people by offering all the latest and greatest gadgets and products. Sadly, many customers end up spending much more than they had ever intended. We begin each project with a detailed in-home interview. We never use cookie cutter plans, each design is created for each individual homeowner incorporating only the appliances and products they need.

The perfect example is a recent project we completed in Wellington. The homeowners wanted a kitchen remodel, but we immediately recognized the need to unify the space by including their desk and breakfast area. This provided more storage and functionality — exactly what the client needed to make their life more pleasant. Most pleasing to the client was the fact that we were able to complete the entire project for the same price that other designers had quoted for the kitchen only.

Not only that, because we have been in business as long as we have and have such wonderful working relationships with our crews, we were able to give the client the angled wall oven they really wanted; something no one else could do. Where many companies tend to stick to the original floor plan and simply update the space, we design your dream kitchen. For this particular homeowner, that meant moving the electrical, plumbing and water lines; not an easy task for the inexperienced, which is why most companies say it can’t be done.

The bottom line, in regards to your bottom line, is to make sure you hire a home remodeling company that has a reputation you can count on. This is not the time to try to save money by hiring the cheapest contractor. Remember the old saying: “You get what you paid for.”

Royal Kitchen Designs is a full-service interior design and renovation company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and luxurious living spaces. The company has been serving Broward and South Palm Beach counties for almost a decade. From custom kitchens and beautiful baths to designer draperies, every Royal Kitchen Designs project receives the royal touch. With over 75 years of combined experience, owners Margie Levy and Eliane Berdah can turn any home into a castle. Call Royal Kitchen Designs at (954) 717-1805 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

You would never hire a babysitter without checking their references. You would never hand over the keys to your car to someone without a driver’s license. So why do so many people blindly hire people to do work in their home based on an advertisement in the newspaper or coupon in the mail?

Sadly, there are many unscrupulous contractors out there. Who hasn’t heard at least one home improvement horror story? To protect you and your precious investment (your home), we have put together a list of questions to ask any potential home remodeler.

What is your scope of services?

If you recall, in last month’s issue we illustrated why it is important to hire a full-service home remodeling company, providing designer, decorator and contractor services all under one roof. This team of experts will handle each and every part of the job.

How long have you been in business?

Ideally, you want to hire a company that has been in business a long time and built up a solid reputation both with clients and suppliers. A well-established company will have access to more manufacturers and products, and they may offer preferred pricing which will in turn be passed along to you.

What credentials do you carry?

Make sure that anyone doing work in your home is licensed and insured, and make sure they carry proper insurance for all their employees. You can verify this information using the “licensee search” link at www.myflorida.com. It’s also a good idea to check the Better Business Bureau (www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org) to see if there have been any complaints filed against the company.

Can I see samples of some of your completed projects?

References are great, but it’s best to ask to see samples of a company’s work. Ask to visit some completed projects. Only then can you truly measure a company’s skill and attention to detail. Beware of any company that does not want you to see their work.

What is the project timeline?

You need to know exactly how long your room will be out of service. If it is a kitchen remodeling project, ask what types of temporary solutions are available. An experienced remodeling company strives to minimize the disruption. For this reason, many companies do not start demolition until all the new products and equipment has been delivered. To further protect yourself, do not issue final payment until the project is complete.

Who is the project manager?

With a full-service home remodeling company the designer will most likely be your project manager. In most cases, this is the person you initially meet with and discuss your renovation plans. He or she will then coordinate all aspects of the project from interior design work to the actual construction. Having one point person keeps the lines of communication open and can often resolve issues before they become major problems.

What is your follow-up system?

This is an extremely important aspect of any remodeling project. You need to know the company will be available to fix any problems that arise in the future. Look for a company that stands behind its work. Ideally, the company will offer a warrantee on its labor, in addition to the standard manufacturer’s warrantee on the product.

We hope that this information will help you choose the right home remodeling company. By asking a potential contractor these simple questions you help ensure that you are hiring someone you can trust, and that you won’t become the next home improvement horror story.

Royal Kitchen Designs is a full-service interior design and renovation company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and luxurious living spaces. The company has been serving Broward and South Palm Beach counties for almost a decade. From custom kitchens and beautiful baths to designer draperies, every Royal Kitchen Designs project receives the royal touch. With over 75 years of combined experience, owners Margie Levy and Eliane Berdah can turn any home into a castle. Call Royal Kitchen Designs at (954) 717-1805 to schedule your complimentary consultation.