What's worse than an old, worn out kitchen? The cupboards are barely hanging into the wall by a couple long, loose screws. The floor tile looks like it's seen many a better day. The counter space is pitiful--there's barely enough room to place your groceries much less have mom over to help you make Thanksgiving meal. You've walked through Home Depot & Lowes ... and drooled. Imagine what you could do with a fully remodeled kitchen. Rip out the old--chuck the flimsy cupboards, toss the hole ridden linoleum. When Hartman Builders come through your kitchen, you won't recognize it any … [Read more...]
Kitchen Remodeling - Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg
Don Hartman offers residential kitchen remodeling services to those in the Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg and surrounding regions of Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. Contact Don today to learn more by calling 301-926-9000. View a gallery of completed projects.
Kitchen Remodeling in Bethesda, Gaithersburg, MD
August 27, 2013 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
Countertop Considerations
August 20, 2013 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
You don’t have to watch shows like “House Hunters” for long to realize that, as Americans, we are obsessed with our countertops. Aside from wanting a particular material, though, there’s plenty to consider when it comes to your countertops. Unlike your cabinet doors, this surface is the work horse of your kitchen. You don’t want something that’s just pretty — you want it to hold up to heavy use and make your prep time more enjoyable and your clean-up easier and shorter. An Ideal Countertop Height If you’ve spent any time at all standing in a kitchen to chop veggies, decorate cakes, or even … [Read more...]
Increasing Your Kitchen Remodel’s Cost-to-Value Ratio
August 10, 2013 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
According to Remodeling Magazine, the size and scope of your kitchen remodel can make a major difference—not only in initial cost but in the amount of cost that you’re likely to recoup in terms of added value. While a major kitchen remodel may be cost-prohibitive with an average cost of nearly $57,500, a minor kitchen remodel may be feasible at about a third of the cost. As if that’s not enough motivation to think smaller, when you compare Remodeling Magazine’s often-cited Cost vs. Value Report for 2010-2011 to their 2011-2012 report, you’ll see another reason why the trend toward minor … [Read more...]
Cabinet Trends for Today’s Kitchen Remodels
August 5, 2013 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
Why are kitchen upgrades such popular home renovation options? The main reasons kitchen remodels are so popular, particularly in a sluggish economy, are both financially fueled. The trend toward people cooking and eating at home is, in large part, due to the lower cost. The more time you plan to spend in a room, the more renovating it makes sense. Especially when homeowners are highly likely to get back a high percentage of what they put into such projects. Year after year, kitchen renovations are some of the best performing projects on Remodeling Magazine’s often-cited Cost vs. Value reports. … [Read more...]
PaperStone: the Green Alternative to Stone Countertops
July 31, 2013 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
Everyone loves the beautiful look of genuine stone countertops, but for many homeowners, stone isn’t the best option. For one, marble, granite, and other types of stone countertops can be extremely expensive. What’s more, as people become increasingly environmentally-aware, a greater number of Americans are growing opposed to the often destructive mining practices used in the creation of these types of countertops. So if stone countertops are not the option for you, understand that there are many viable alternatives. If you decide to forgo stone countertops, laminate isn’t your only option. … [Read more...]
Resale-Savvy Home Renovations
July 30, 2013 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
In addition to mourning the passing of the housing boom that peaked in 2005, many would-be house sellers are decrying the low returns their pricey renovations no longer promise on the sales block. If resale value is of any concern to you at all, though, you will want to carefully choose the types of remodels and updates that you plan. Major Curb Appeal Evidently, that first impression is more important to prospective buyers than almost anything else. Maybe it’s psychological, or maybe it’s about the image they want to portray to the world, but chances are, if your house doesn’t look good on … [Read more...]
Remodeling for Accessibility
July 26, 2013 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
Whether a member of your household has become disabled, you’re planning to invite an aging loved one to live with you, or you’re simply planning ahead for the rigors of aging, your home will probably need some modifications in order to provide as much freedom as possible. Trends in Accessibility Of course, one option for someone with disabilities or mobility difficulties due to aging is to move into an assisted living facility or nursing home. Not only is that option unsavory to many, but it’s also quite expensive and unnecessary, thanks to the potential made by accessibility remodeling. The … [Read more...]
Tips for Installing a Kitchen Island
July 26, 2013 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
The island has become one of the most popular kitchen additions, and it’s easy to see why. Kitchen islands have the potential to add more counter space, serve as additional tables, and provide extra cabinet storage, as well as contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. See the tips below to learn how an island can benefit your kitchen: 1. Use your island to aid in cleanup. Islands can help to drastically simplify your cleanup process. For example, the cabinets underneath an island can be used to house pullout drawers for compost, trash, and recycling bins, and, when these … [Read more...]
Budget-Friendly Granite and Granite-Look Countertops
July 21, 2013 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
Maybe you simply can’t afford granite countertops at $100 to $200 per linear foot. Well, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your “wish list” altogether. There are three budget-friendly options that can allow your countertops to look like or even include the sought-after stone. Laminate If you want a granite look for a laminate price, you can get laminate with patterns similar to granite. Ranging from $25 to $60 per linear foot, this commonly used material is sometimes called “Formica,” for the common brand name. Basically, it consists of synthetics overlaid with plastic. Not only are … [Read more...]
What to Consider When Remodeling a Kitchen
July 18, 2013 By D.R. Hartman Construction Leave a Comment
Remodeling a kitchen can be exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting all in one. If you’ve already become overwhelmed with your decisions of changing your kitchen, relax and take a deep breath. Go grab a soda, pen, and paper, and join me with creating basic elements that will ensure your satisfaction to a new humble abode. Your Budget The first factor that needs to be considered when remodeling your kitchen is your budget. So on a piece of paper, write heading BUDGET. Be realistic here, as this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. How much did you have to nag your husband about … [Read more...]
Reader Feedback