Timeless Trends for Your Upcoming Kitchen Remodel

October 16, 2017 by ·

Chances are that kitchen design trends have changed a few dozen times since the last time you remodeled your kitchen. It’s even possible that by the time you finish your kitchen remodel, trends will have changed again. But not every kitchen design trend is either fleeting or granite. In the past few years, several have emerged that don’t seem in a hurry to disappear any time soon. Here are some trends you can trust for your upcoming remodel:

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops have been in the spotlight lately as a popular alternative to granite countertops. They have similar shine, character, and class but their smooth surface, non-porous surface is easier to clean and maintain. You’re also dealing with one of the strongest materials on earth when you install a quartz countertop, so you know that this counter will stand the test of time.

Open Kitchen

More and more, people are gravitating towards opening the kitchen up to allow for a more spacious, laid back vibe. Tearing down the wall and opening the kitchen into the dining room or living room helps the space feel more communal, and it’s great for entertaining. Talk to your construction worker about whether the wall dividing the kitchen from the rest of the house is load-bearing. If it is, you can’t tear it down, but you might be able to install an arch or something similar so you can still talk to your friends or watch the kids from the kitchen.

Glass Cabinet Doors

Another way to help your kitchen feel more open and airy: glass door cabinets. Glass cabinet doors are convenient for newly reorganized kitchens and offer a simple elegant style that seems determined to stay. Of course, transparent cabinet doors might not be convenient for every cabinet in your house. If you need to hide certain dishes, you can always alternate between glass and traditional or choose colored glass doors for a more unique approach.

Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands have been coveted design choices for years in the kitchen design industry, and they’re still going strong. An island offers the added prep space that a peninsula offers, but it makes the kitchen easier to navigate–and looks good, too. You can even put stools around the island to combine your kitchen and dining space, or just offer guests a place to hang out. Kitchen trends may be quick to change, but so far nothing’s come to replace the convenience and style that can be found with a kitchen island.
If you’re remodeling your kitchen in Brazos Valley this fall, contact Windham Construction for an estimate. Twenty years of quality local service makes Windham Construction experts in the remodeling industry, including kitchen remodels. They’ll involve you in the process every step of the way. Whether you want cutting edge trends or a timeless look for the ages, Windham will use your feedback and requests to help transform your kitchen into a new room, one that fits your family’s needs and your sense of style now.

Filed Under: Blog, Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling ·

4 Reasons to Hire a Professional Painter

October 2, 2017 by ·

Paint is the easiest way to give a room new life. It’s more affordable than a full-fledged renovation, and sometimes more effective. Just adding color to the walls, or changing the existing color, can totally change the way the room looks and feels. It’s cheaper than a full-fledged renovation, simpler, and often more effective. Because of this, it is often considered a DIY project. While painting the room yourself might be cheaper, there are still a few reasons to hire a professional painting team for the job.

The Benefits of Expertise

Professional painters do this work every day, and they know it inside and out. They know what safety equipment they need, how much prep needs to be done, and how long the work will take. And because they have years of experience and hours each day to devote to the job, they can finish the work more efficiently than a homeowner who has a job and schedule of their own. A professional painter can even suggest sample swatches to help you choose the best color for your room.

Quality Work

Painting is more complicated than it might first appear. You have to prep, sometimes prime, and protect the floor and furniture from any mess. It’s easy to make a mistake, whether by missing a spot or getting paint where it shouldn’t be. With a professional painter, you can be sure that you’re getting quality work and service, from the beginning of the prep work until the room is finished. When a professional has their reputation on the line, their goal is to make sure you have no complaints, so you know you can expect excellence.

Added Security

As with any renovation, accidents happen. Hiring a professional painter isn’t just safer for the painters, who will have all the equipment to protect themselves as they work; it’s also safer for your home. Licensed, insured professional painters will cover any damage done to the home in the midst of their work. It’s important to note, however, that not all painters are insured and not all insurances work the same way. Make sure to discuss insurance with a painting professional before hiring them.

You Can Relax

Painting takes time, precaution and detailed, sometimes tedious work. Although it seems like a simple job on the outset, painting is often more stress-inducing than most homeowners anticipate. Hiring a professional to paint your room saves you time and stress because they’ll take care of everything. All you have to do is sit back and watch the results.

If you need remodeling done as well as painting in Brazos Valley, it’s an especially good idea to hire Windham Construction. Whether you need a new coat of paint on your walls, fences, trim, or a whole remodel for your kitchen, bathroom, or deck, get it all from the same source. Contact Windham Construction today for an estimate.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Remodel College Station TX, Remodeling ·

What Kind of Windows Should You Use In Your Remodel?

September 15, 2017 by ·

Most of us don’t think about the kind of windows we have until we need to. We just look through them. Then a window breaks, or we add a room to our house, and suddenly we’re shopping for new windows. With all the options available, it’s easy to wonder, “Does it matter?”

The answer is yes. The right windows will help insulate and protect your home, even in the coldest and hottest times of year or the biggest storms. The right window will add value to your home, while a poor window will make you pay in utilities to make up for the poor insulation. Here are some ways to ensure your windows are airtight and prepared for everything.

Choose Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows have two sashes that are both movable. The top sash moves down while the bottom sash moves up. Double-hung windows are known for their airtight quality. The limited latches allow you to open the window just enough to enjoy the breeze on a nice day without any danger of small children getting out or unwanted guests coming in. The double sashes and full screen strengthen the insulation of these windows, keeping cold air out in chilly or windy weather.

Go Vinyl For Your Frames

Vinyl is a great option for your window frames for several reasons, the first being that it’s more affordable than most other window frames. Vinyl window frames also include UV stabilizers to protect them from the most harmful rays of the sun. They have better moisture resistance than wood frames and don’t conduct heat in the way aluminium frames do. There’s also room in the cavities of vinyl frames to include additional insulation.

Keep Your Windows Low-E

With so many attempts to be “energy efficient,” the fact that technology has given us energy efficient windows shouldn’t be a surprise, but it’s certainly a welcome advancement. Energy efficient windows will help your carbon footprint and help you save money on your utilities. Look for advanced low-E insulating glass to keep your home cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and avoid any annoying drafts.

 
If you’re installing new windows, make sure to talk to a local professional construction group first. They can give you all the best tips for windows that will add value to your home rather than discomfort and a higher utility bill. Windham Construction has served the Brazos Valley area for over twenty years and they’re committed to excellence. Contact them today for a free quote.

Filed Under: Home Remodel College Station TX, Uncategorized ·

An Energy Efficient Roof to Cool Down Your House

September 1, 2017 by ·

Common Mistakes When Building a GazeboSeptember may be upon us, but if you’ve lived in Texas for very long, you know that the hot temperatures aren’t quite finished with us yet. How has your utilities bill looked this summer? Was it higher than you were comfortable with? Did it feel like you had to crank up the air conditioning just to feel comfortable in your own home on the hottest days of the year? Believe it or not, the problem (or the solution) could be your roof. The type of roof you have over your home can determine how much heat is conducted into your home and, subsequently, how much air conditioning you’ll need to keep the place cool. Here are some tips for keeping your home cool from the top down.

Insulation

As with anything else, having proper insulation will help solve the problem by about 10-15%. Make sure that the ceiling beneath your roof is insulated and that the insulation is still in good shape and doesn’t need replacement. Insulation will help solve the problem and save you a bit on energy costs, but it won’t completely solve the problem. For that, you’ll need to focus on remodeling your roof, starting with a new color.

Color

You probably already know to wear lighter colors during the summer rather than darker colors to keep yourself cool. You might have learned this in school, or it might just be years of practice. Sunlight reflects off of lighter colors like white and yellow and is absorbed into black and dark blues. The more sunlight your outfit absorbs, the hotter and stuffier you’ll feel. The same goes for the color of your roof. A dark-colored roof will absorb heat, which will seep into your house, making it feel stuffy. A light roof color, such as a light gray, will reflect the sunlight and stay only a few degrees hotter than it is outside. If you have a dark roof, you can use a cool roof coating, a thick paint used to reflect sunlight and protect the roof from harmful UV rays, to cool it down.

Roofing Materials

You’ve no doubt felt at some point how hot an asphalt road can feel in the heat of summer. The asphalt on a shingled roof is similar. Asphalt roofs will absorb the sunlight that hits the roof and significantly raise the temperature of your home. On the other hand, consider using an energy efficient metal that conducts sunlight back into the atmosphere, keeping your home cool and your utilities bill low. The light color and reflective surface of the metal work to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it as asphalt will.

 

If you feel you need a more energy efficient, cool roof for your home, talk to an experienced contractor about the next steps to take.  With 20 years of experience serving Brazos Valley, Windham Construction can give you the best advice to keep your roof cool and your energy bill low.

Filed Under: Home Remodel College Station TX, Renovation, Tips ·

Watching the Night Sky in Brazos Valley

August 18, 2017 by ·

Watching the Night Sky in Brazos Valley

On August 21, the whole country will be able to view the first solar eclipse in 99 years. The eclipse won’t reach complete cover over Texas even at the maximum view, but it will still be a beautiful thing to witness (provided you have the right glasses). You can view this once-in-a-lifetime wonder from your own deck between the hours of 11am and 2pm. But even after the eclipse, you can still find beautiful night sky views in Brazos Valley, if you know where to look.

Lake Bryan

One tip for getting the best view of the stars is to get as far away from the bustle of the city as possible. Streetlights, bright signs, and even house lights, all contribute to light pollution, which distorts our view of the stars. Simply put, the further you are from manmade lights, the more stars you’ll be able to see. For this reason, Lake Bryan is a favorite spot for stargazers. It has a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for driving the RV up and camping out for the night. Just spread out a blanket and enjoy the sky full of beautiful stars. You may have to wait until late at night, however, as Lake Bryan has the Lakeside Icehouse & Grill which can cause some commotion and light pollution.

Attend a Star Party

This is the perk of living in or near a college town: Mitchell Institute and the Texas A&M Astronomy Club frequently host star parties for stargazing enthusiasts. These events are held in Simpson Drill Field Review Stands, so you can still see the stars as we see them from the ground, but the astronomy groups also provide computerized telescopes for a closer view. These parties offer a chance not only to look at far away galaxies, but also a view of our moon’s craters and Jupiter and its 67 moons. “This gives people an opportunity to look up and appreciate the sky because everyone takes it for granted,” says physics major, Caitlin Campbell.

Your Own Deck

You don’t have to leave home and find high-tech gadgets to appreciate the stars. Sometimes the best view is the one from your own backyard. Just dim the lights of your home and step outside with a glass of wine or beer and look up. You can familiarize yourself with the constellations that you see every night, have friends over to stargaze with you, or just enjoy a quiet moment between yourself and the much larger universe.  There’s no pay to view, there’s no waiting for the perfect time or place. The perfect time or place is your deck at the back of your own home.

When you’re ready to have a deck installed, find a local construction group who are experts in the area that you can count on to create the perfect deck for outdoor relaxation. Take a look at some of the decks constructed or renovated by Windham Construction. If you like what you see, call them for an estimate of the cost and the time it will take to construct.

Filed Under: Uncategorized ·
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