Featured Project: Groff Kitchen Renovation
When we met Kathy and John Groff a year ago, they were contemplating an addition to their existing kitchen in their split level home. After running through several different options, they decided that maintaining the present footprint of the house was the best choice. We were able to create a significantly different look and greatly expand the useable space by changing the kitchen layout.
To start the project, we decided to open up the main floor of the home by completely removing the walls separating the dining room, kitchen and living room. As a result, we were able to add about 10 linear feet of additional base cabinetry which contained a small food prep sink and built-in microwave. This increased counter space and ease of food preparation. We constructed an elevated breakfast bar area with a solid Teak top just between the kitchen and living room. The bar area has enough room for three people to sit comfortably and read the paper or enjoy a meal.
To create a craftsman style and appearance, we installed all new exterior doors and windows, trimmed with flat stock casing both inside and out, a new square baluster porch railing system, and double 4” vinyl siding. On the interior of the home, we created continuity between the decorative columns and the cabinets by mimicking the flat recessed panel of the shaker style overlay cabinet doors. This effectively tied the design elements together. The ceilings were trimmed with a simple 2-1/2” cove molding around the entire perimeter.
The lighting in the room was also redesigned with the placement of new 5” recessed lights positioned to highlight the cabinet layout and new under-cabinet task lighting was installed throughout. The breakfast bar area was illuminated by adding two hanging pendants that extend down from the decorative beam on the ceiling for a change of texture.
To complete the kitchen, the wood floors throughout the main level were sanded and refinished. A 4”x4” tumbled Travertine backsplash was installed with a decorative mosaic accent situated over the new cook top location. The mosaic design was subtle but effective at creating some additional texture to break up the homogeneous look of the Travertine.
Kruse Home Improvement LLC announces first Certified Remodeling Project Manager
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Shawn Kruse, CR, CKBR, CRPM, UDCP |
Kruse Home Improvement LLC is proud to announce that Shawn Kruse, CR, CKBR, CRPM, UDCP, is one of the first to pass the Certified Remodeler Project Manager (CRPM) exam, earning him the CRPM designation from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Kruse is among first to be certified nationally.
The exam is designed to measure an individual's application of knowledge and skills in the role of managing every aspect of a remodeling project. Those who earn the CRPM designation have not only passed a written exam but are also held to a stringent set of eligibility requirements, including compliance with NARI’s strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, earn continuing education hours and have several years of continuous remodeling experience.
“I’ve been on my own for about 10 years now, and it is important for me to learn systems for handling more work and supervising others during the job to prepare for future growth,” Kruse says.
The program, which launched in September 2011, addresses a growing trend in the remodeling industry, which has more companies using project managers to supervise jobs as opposed to lead carpenters. The program follows a set of knowledge domains and sub-domains that include project cost management, communication, project planning, quality assurance, record-keeping and risk management. Those who take the course are provided tools and ideas to improve business operations and efficiency in order to generate and sustain growth. Kruse has already begun to put the things he’s learned down on paper and develop new systems.
Kruse believes the course has helped him refine the communication process between himself, the client and the field staff. “I’m able to be more on top of the job details and to communicate with the field staff throughout the project,” he says.
The increase in control and management of the job spills into the success of the project and into the clients that are being served.
Gain Space and Add Value to Your Home
Winter is a great time to work on interior remodeling projects. One of the easiest ways to add a new room or rooms to your home is to better utilize the space you already have. If you're planning on staying in your home for a while, transform your basement into a beautiful, finished living area for you and your family to enjoy and love.
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| A basement remodel done by KHI |
Besides the obvious benefit of gaining more living space, a finished basement adds value to your home. According to The Wall Street Journal and a poll of the Appraisal Institute, “a basement finish equals a kitchen remodel as the best financial return of all home renovations, but only if the quality matches the rest of the house.”
(source: http://www.bizjournals.com)
There are several advantages to adding additional living space to your basement. Basements tend to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter thus keeping energy costs down. Moving the family room, home office, or children’s playroom to the basement frees up additional space in the main living area. This allows you to expand a kitchen or bath, create a larger master bedroom, or add an additional guest bedroom if needed. By putting a home entertainment center, exercise area, workroom or other "activity" room in the basement, the rest of the house can be quieter and more stress free.
A finished basement often becomes the most popular room in the house. There's no better way to safely and usefully invest in your home’s value.