Kitchen Ideas

5 Reasons on Why You Should Say “YES” to Quartz

Quartz has surged in popularity with homeowners throughout the last decade. When faced with the tough decision of quartz or granite countertops, many remodeling customers have chosen quartz for their material of choice. Picking your countertop material is one more thing to add to the list of choices needing to be made when faced with a kitchen remodel. Listed below are 5 reasons why quartz has been the primary choice amongst homeowners. Quartz is not just a fleeting trend, it’s here to stay in the remodeling world!

Manufactured Material

Quartz is a manufactured material. This engineered stone is first found as a common mineral mined from the Earth. Quartz is then processed and fused with resin binders under intense heat and pressure to form a solid slab. From there, pigments are added to the countertop to give you the presentation which appears in your home. Since this material is manufactured, it allows for a wide variety of colors and design. Quartz can be made to have a uniformed appearance ensuring consistency in your remodeling design.

Durability

Quartz is also a highly durable material which can easily withstand the day-to-day wear and tear being in a kitchen presents. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, this material is rated a 7 out of 10. And along with durability, quartz is also resistant to cracks. The kitchen is the place where creativity and mastery truly present themselves. You don’t want to hold back your culinary skills out of fear of damaging your workspace. Quartz provides you with that safety net ensuring your kitchen is functional and aesthetic.

Non-Porous

Quartz, being the low maintenance material it is, resists staining like a professional. Yes, that’s right. Quartz can hold its own against wine, oil, and any other types of spillage. Messes happen quite frequently in a kitchen, and with quartz there’s no need to worry you’ve seriously damaged your beautiful countertops. Since quartz is a non-porous material, it’s also bacteria resistant allowing for safer and more cleanly workspaces.

Warranty

Quartz’s quality is constantly being backed up and cemented by its manufacturers. These places of production have so much faith in their quartz products, they often offer generous warranties along with your quartz purchases. Quartz warranties are normally around 15-25 years.

Versatility

Finally, quartz is a highly versatile material. Yes, it looks amazing in a kitchen, but due to its durability and endless engineered options quartz is fantastic for all places. It has endless applications. Looking for a bathroom countertop, a newly renovated bar space, or any other place in your home, quartz is the choice for you.

Kitchen Solvers

At Kitchen Solvers, we want to ensure that you, the homeowner, protect and preserve your beautiful kitchen space. Making sure your kitchen continues to take your breath away is part of our job at Kitchen Solvers. Whether you need storage solutions, an upgraded kitchen with cabinet refacing, or want to start from scratch with a whole new kitchen remodel, we will provide you with the most pleasant remodeling experience.

Also, be sure to check out our blog articles, Affordable Kitchen Countertops and Tips for Remodeling a Kitchen on a Budget.

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Kitchen Ideas

Glass Inserts for Kitchen Cabinets

Are you looking for an easy way to make your kitchen cabinets stand out? Glass inserts in your cabinetry doors could be your solution. Bringing personalization, character, and a way to help you show off your kitchen appliances, glass inserts have become increasingly popular amongst homeowners. Here are a few tips and tricks if you’re debating introducing glass inserts to your cabinetry. 

Why Glass Inserts in Cabinetry? 

Glass in your cabinetry doors visually opens your kitchen by breaking up the monotony of your solid cabinetry doors. The reflective quality glass provides emphasizes any room’s natural light. Glass is an easy way to effectively brighten your space without using the harshness of light fixtures. Another reason why glass has made a greater appearance in kitchens recently is its ability to embrace your kitchen appliances. Don’t go out and buy décor. Let what’s in your kitchen cabinets and shelves speak for themselves. 

Less is More 

Having an entire kitchen with glass inserts can be overwhelming not to mention impractical. You don’t want to walk on eggshells with your cabinetry worrying about the kids or your dog breaking the beautiful glass. For the sake of functionality and design, remember with glass inserts for your kitchen cabinets that less is more. Most homeowners who utilize glass inserts opt to install only a few accents glass doors. Not all cabinet doors need to have glass. Pick and choose a few places where inserts would be optimal. 

Like the Idea of Glass but Don’t Want People to See the Inside of Your Cabinets? 

“What’s inside my cabinetry is not always picture perfect.” “The princess plates my four-year-old constantly uses might not need to be on display for all who come to our kitchen.” These are things we’ve heard brought up by homeowners considering glass inserts for their cabinetry doors. There are two solutions for a typical thought like this. One, be tactical about where you’re going to place those accent doors. The beautiful antique plates are perfect to house in a cabinet with glass. Glass cabinetry is an amazing opportunity to show off your appliances that are not used in everyday activities. Second, if you don’t want any of your appliances to be exposed consider using decorative glass options. Decorative options like translucent or textured glass are opaque so they create the illusion of glass without making what’s in your cabinets visible.  

Need Help with Your Kitchen Design? 

There always seems to be an abundance of options when choosing your new cabinetry. This abundance of options means the kitchen of your dreams can become a reality. But it can also mean feeling a little overwhelmed with your choices. When you’re in the process of a remodel, overwhelmed is the last thing we want you to feel like when upgrading your kitchen. At Kitchen Solvers, part of our core belief is providing each homeowner with the most Peasant Remodeling Experience. From the moment you call, we will meet you where you are at in the buying process. Call your nearest kitchen solvers for your consultation! If you’re looking to gain a greater insight on what a kitchen remodel entails make sure to visit our blog articles like Looking for a Financially Savvy Cabinet Restoration? Cabinet Refacing could be your Solution! And What are the Steps in a Kitchen Remodel? 

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Kitchen Ideas

How Much is a Kitchen Remodel Going to Cost Me in 2021-2022?

If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, one of the first questions which comes up is “how much will this be costing me?” When in the market for a home remodel, getting a ballpark estimate for the cost can be challenging and sometimes unreliable. Well, today we are here to answer some of those burning questions. What does an average kitchen remodeling project cost? What is included in those costs and what value can you expect from investing in your kitchen remodel?

How Much is an Average Kitchen Remodel?

No two kitchen are ever the same, so remodeling expenses tend to fluctuate depending on the size of the space, quality of materials, intended function, and the coveted layout. To help you understand what the average kitchen remodel costs, we’ve comprised some data from HomeAdvisor’s completed renovations and from Remodeling Magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report. These are the reported national numbers which will give you a better understanding of what to expect for your project.

According to HomeAdvisor, taking all kitchen sizes and product quality into account, the national average cost for a minor kitchen remodel is $25,587. A homeowner’s typical range for kitchen renovations is around $13,366- $37,808. These projected ranges factor in aspects like labor, materials, lighting, and plumbing fixtures.

Expenses to Expect with my Kitchen Remodel.

The average $25,587 expense will primarily go to the cost of cabinets, appliances, and installation. The 2021 Cost vs. Value report by Remodeling Magazine shows a detailed breakdown due to the division of projects in regard to size and product quality. Their average “minor kitchen remodel” is $26,214 and the average “major kitchen remodel” (mid-range) is $75,571.

What is the Return on Investment for a Kitchen Remodel?

These costs, in relation to HomeAdvisor’s average kitchen remodel, encompass complementing investment ranges despite varying definitions of minor and major kitchen remodels. With the cost vs. value report, homeowners can understand what their average expected return on investment will be for a kitchen remodel. For homeowner’s who remodel with the intention of increasing market price, the expected values of those renovations in U.S. markets are listed below:

Minor Kitchen Remodel with Cabinet Refacing Major Kitchen Remodel with New Cabinetry
Square Footage 200 200
Countertops & Cabinetry (Linear Footage) 30 (refaced cabinets with shaker-style wood panels, drawer fronts, laminate countertops) 30 new cabinets including 3×5 island (semi-wood cabinets, laminate countertops)
Flooring Resilient flooring Resilient flooring
Sink Mid-priced sink and faucet Standard double-tub stainless sink with a single-lever faucet
Appliances Oven, stovetop, fridge (energy-efficient) Oven, stovetop, fridge, vented hood range, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, custom lighting (energy-efficient)

 

Newly Painted Walls, trim, ceiling Walls, trim, ceiling
Job Cost $26,214 $75,571
Resale Value $18,927 $43,364
Cost Recouped 72% 57%

 

Similar to last year’s report, the minor kitchen remodel had a greater percentage of the cost recouped than the major kitchen remodel. Putting sizable amounts of money into a renovation does not always translate to a greater return for the homeowner. This technique is used to help ensure homeowners are getting the most out of their money.

Each kitchen and its renovations are unique. It is hard to pinpoint an exact cost for a new kitchen without an expert visiting your home. However, if you’re considering a remodel, hopefully the given information has given you greater clarity of what a kitchen remodel budget and cost should entail.

Kitchen Solvers

Now that you know what to expect during a kitchen remodel, it’s time to find the experts to actually do it. That’s where Kitchen Solvers can help. Our design team can help you craft the perfect blueprint and put it all together for you. Contact us today to learn more!

And be sure to check out our helpful blogs, General timeline for your kitchen remodeling project for new cabinetry and How Much is a Kitchen Remodel Going to Cost Me? if you are considering a remodeling project for your kitchen

Sited Articles:

https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/kitchens/remodel-a-kitchen/#breakdown

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/benchmarks/cost-vs-value/key-trends-in-the-2021-cost-vs-value-report_o?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=Article&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=REM_051821&

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Kitchen Ideas

4 DIY Kitchen Storage Ideas

Have you been craving some change within your kitchen, but aren’t looking to drop hundreds to achieve your new look? Well, you’re in luck. Changing up the look and feel of your kitchen does not have to be pricey. There’s countless do it yourself home projects regardless of if you’re looking for a smaller or larger scale project. If you’re in the mood for some change, this article is for you. Here’s 4 DIY projects which will improve your kitchen storage space. 

Include Hooks and Racks

Fully utilizing hooks and racks within your kitchen will maximize the vertical space within your home. It allows often-used kitchen utensils to be easily accessible, so you are not forced to store items where they are hard to reach or see. You can hang mugs, pots, pans, and other cooking utensils from hooks and store larger items on racks. Pro tip, before fully installing your hooks and racks make sure to check their weight capacity. 

Corner Shelves

Shelves don’t have to take up a lot of room for them to be useful. Even a shelf with a shorter than average length can be used to your advantage. Corners are often neglected within one’s home. They’re normally thought of as places to squeeze in a microwave or another appliance, but you can utilize this space to install cut shelving for extra storage. This storage space can be used as either a practical or decorative space. 

Introduce Shelf Inserts

Use shelf inserts to create extra levels for jars and other items with varying heights. A clip-on basket also maximizes pantry space, and you can place flatter foods like tortillas and pasta boxes underneath. Shelving inserts are a quick and easy way to double your storage space. They are also cost effective and take almost no time to install.

Turn Your Backsplash into Storage

Your backsplash can serve many purposes. It can provide beauty and character to your home while also providing functionality. Implement a rail or a floating shelf within your backsplash. However if you’re concerned about damaging your walls, adding a few command hook will not hurt your kitchen.

Kitchen Solvers

At Kitchen Solvers, we want to ensure that you, the homeowner, protect and preserve your beautiful kitchen. The most important factor in how to make a kitchen remodel easy is getting help from professionals. At Kitchen Solvers, our expert design team can help you create the ultimate kitchen that fits your budget and offers some of the best features and styles available. Once the plan is established, we’ll take care of the rest. Connect with our team today to get started designing the kitchen of your dreams.  

Make sure to check out some of our top trending articles: Small Remodeling Upgrades to Make a Big Splash in Your Kitchen and Confused about Cabinetry? A Guide to a Cabinet Reface or Replace! 

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Kitchen Ideas

Collaboration Transforms Kitchen

Rowayton, CT ­— Karen Berkemeyer and Leslie Dunn often work together to create their clients’ dream kitchens and baths, with the former focusing on kitchen/bath design skills and the latter incorporating interior design touches for their respective companies of Karen Berkemeyer Home in Westport, CT, and Dunn Designs in Norwalk, CT. This kitchen, along with the master bath and a guest bath, was no exception…however, this time the resultant collaboration was showcased in Dunn’s personal residence.

“We work really well together,” says Berkemeyer, noting a mutual respect for each other’s talents, which makes for great collaborations. “As a kitchen and bath designer, I focus on making sure these spaces technically and functionally work correctly. Partnering with another professional, such as an interior designer, gives clients the best of two worlds since multiple people are working on the same project. I love working with Leslie because she is so creative and has great taste. She is especially talented and creative with paint.”

Contrasting color

Paint, at opposite ends of the color spectrum, is a focus of Dunn’s kitchen, where the bright white island is contrasted with dark black perimeter cabinets.

“The use of color – combined with very simple cabinet door styles, which are a great choice for today’s kitchens – makes this design stand out,” says Berkemeyer.

Black perimeter cabinets served as the starting point for color. “She really wanted to do black cabinets,” Berkemeyer indicates.

As a contrast, the island was designed to look like a table that Dunn found, notes the designer. “Island and perimeter cabinets don’t necessarily have to match in cabinet style or color,” she says. “In fact, when done well, like in this kitchen, having them not match shows a lot of creativity and makes for an interesting design.”

Keeping cabinet styles simple is the key to making a ‘mismatch’ work, says the designer in reference to the flat-panel, flush-inset Wood-Mode perimeter cabinets and full-overlay, shallow-cut, Shaker-style Signature Custom Cabinetry cabinets on the island. Both are sheathed with custom colors selected by Dunn.

“You would never do this perimeter with oak raised-panel doors on the island,” she says. “This perimeter features a very simple door style, as does the island. They play off of each other well. This entire kitchen has created so much interest from people. They see things they would have never thought of doing…and they like the result.”

The designers also kept the cabinet hardware unpretentious. Pulls on the perimeter cabinets bring to mind cleats used to anchor boats to a dock, giving the space a bit of a nautical vibe that pays homage to the water just beyond the kitchen windows. For the island, they incorporated drawer pulls that resemble those found on a filing cabinet. Berkemeyer also designed the island with seating for four, positioning stools at a right angle to facilitate conversation between guests. The designer also added custom brushed steel accents at each leg base.

“They add another texture to the space and make the island more interesting,” she says.

To continue the contrast between light and dark, Berkemeyer topped the island with white marble, which she built up with a 2″ mitered edge. The perimeter features median-black, charcoal-colored quartz with a leathered finish for added texture.

White 3″x6″ subway tile covers the walls, extending from the countertop to the windows and beyond. Its undulated surface offers a rippled appearance while its stark light color juxtaposes against the blackness of the shallow-depth soffit on the ceiling.

“I thought the kitchen stopped too abruptly in the corner,” notes Berkemeyer in reference to the soffit. “I suggested that we add the soffit, extending it to the refrigerator on one wall and across the length of the windows on the other. It really helps pull the whole kitchen together.”

Additional dark-hued accents include the deep blue paint that adorns the window trim. “She really likes to include the unexpected!” she says.

Overcoming storage challenges

To make better use of the kitchen’s footprint and gain a few extra feet of space, the designers removed walls between the living room and kitchen, eliminating a hallway in the process. To provide visual differentiation between the two spaces without adding a physical barrier, they added reclaimed antique beams in the ceiling, extending them into the living room.

“Previously, her home had an enclosed little kitchen with separate living room,” says Berkemeyer. “Now, the kitchen is more open and looks so much larger. Taking down the wall also made it possible to include the island.”

Even with the additional space gained by removing the hall, storage was a challenge for the relatively petite kitchen. “When spaces are smaller, like in this kitchen, the biggest design challenge is usually storage,” she says. “It’s important to make the most of whatever space you have, and to make everything accessible, especially focusing on corners. Taking cabinets up to the ceiling maximizes the space. It’s important, too, to pay attention to clearances, ensuring that walkways are technically correct and easy to maneuver.”

To overcome storage concerns in Dunn’s kitchen, Berkemeyer included specialized corner organization accessories, recycling bins, pull-out drawers and several large drawers to make contents easy to access.

Glass panels in the wall cabinets provide a brief glimpse of their contents and keep the space visually ‘light.’ “Like the rest of the kitchen, the glass is kept clean, without any mullions, to maintain the desired look for the space,” she concludes.

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Kitchen Ideas

Demand Seen Strong for Aging-in-Place Remodeling Projects

FOSTER CITY, CA — A significant percentage of American homeowners across multiple home-improvement trades plan to explore aging-in-place projects for themselves or a loved one in the coming year, a newly released survey reveals.

According to the survey’s findings, some 63% of the homeowners polled report that they will explore aging-in-place home improvement projects for themselves within the next 12 months, while another 6% plan to do so for a loved one.

The November survey, which involved some 2,110 respondents in the U.S., was conducted by Modernize Home Services, a Foster City, CA-based online firm that connects homeowners with contractors and other home-services professionals. The company operates in more than 15 home segments, including bathrooms and kitchens.

Among the primary projects to be considered, researchers said, are bath remodels that feature walk-in tubs and seats within a shower. Other aging-in-place products in high demand include medical alerts, non-slip flooring, stair lifts, grab bars and wider hallways.

“There are a few projects that offer more safety and security – such as installing brighter lightbulbs – that can be done by any homeowner, but more complex projects like walk-in tubs and concurrent bath and kitchen upgrades require professionals,” said Modernize V.P. Gregg Hicks. “This study shows an opportunity for contractors to capitalize on the increased demand for aging-in-place home improvement projects in the coming years.”

 

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Kitchen Ideas

Wellness Features Termed a ‘Necessity’ for Today’s Homes

INDIANAPOLIS — Well­ness fea­tures, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and an elevated awareness of indoor envi­ron­ments’ impact on phys­i­cal and men­tal health, are no longer a lux­u­ry, but rather a necessity in today’s homes, a leading wellness expert contends.

According to Dr. Jie Zhao, exec­. v.p. of Delos, a New York-based well­ness real estate and tech­nol­o­gy com­pa­ny, COVID-19 has literally reshaped the way homes – including kitchens and baths ­– will be designed, built, equipped and remodeled in years to come.

“Peo­ple are much more cog­nizant of the impor­tant role that homes play in our lives, and how these envi­ron­ments can have a pos­i­tive or neg­a­tive impact on the well­ness of their inhab­i­tants,” Jie said.

At the recent “Insights Sum­mit,” an annual event sponsored by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI), Jie outlined four key wellness trends that he believes will have the greatest impact on home improve­ment in the post-pan­dem­ic world. Among them:

Indoor Air Quality: Because virus­es spread through the air much eas­i­er than by sur­face con­tact, the pan­dem­ic shed light on the impor­tance of indoor air qual­i­ty, or IAQ, as a com­po­nent of a healthy home, Jie said.

“Air fil­tra­tion is vital to the reduc­tion of par­ti­cle trans­mis­sion,” he observed. “Not only can air-clean­ing tech­nolo­gies improve peace of mind when it comes to invis­i­ble health threats like COVID-19, they also tack­le vis­i­ble parti­cles in the air such as smoke and oth­er harm­ful particles.”

Jie said that ven­ti­la­tion and/​or ion­iza­tion tech­nol­o­gy will be at the fore­front of the fight against con­t­a­m­i­nat­ed air in home spaces. ​“For this rea­son, IAQ may be the biggest well­ness trend to have emerged from the pan­dem­ic,” he noted.

Mental Wellness: Men­tal well­ness issues per­sist­ed long before the emer­gence of the coro­n­avirus, but the amount of atten­tion devot­ed to the top­ic increased sig­nif­i­cant­ly after­ward, Jie said, noting that men­tal health came to the fore­front of con­ver­sa­tion due to iso­la­tion dur­ing stay-at-home orders.

Jie observed that one result of this for the home-improvement industry is the gen­er­al migra­tion away from con­gest­ed cities in favor of larg­er res­i­dences, more nature and less com­mut­ing time. Jie also point­ed to the effect of men­tal well­ness on increased demand in cer­tain prod­uct cat­e­gories, including home enter­tain­ment, artists’ sup­plies, sports equip­ment and pets.

Home Offices: Anoth­er major change emerg­ing from the pan­dem­ic is the increased impor­tance of the home office.

“Many employ­ees have made invest­ments in their home offices and have got­ten used to work­ing from home,” Jie said, pointing to surveys which found that 80% of work­ers want to be able to work from home three days per week, and 92% want at least one remote work­day per week.

“There has been a rise in office fur­ni­ture and acces­sories that sup­port health and well­ness, such as the stand­ing desk or ergonom­ic key­board,” Jie said, adding that 20-25% of com­pa­nies are cur­rent­ly reim­burs­ing their employ­ees for well­ness-relat­ed home office sup­plies and fur­ni­ture, “hint­ing at the prospect that work-from-home may be around well into the com­ing years.”

Fitness: While the spread of COVID-19 led to the tem­po­rary clo­sure of most gyms and ath­let­ic insti­tu­tions, it gave rise to new home fit­ness technolo­gies, as peo­ple sought to stay fit with­in the con­fines of their own homes, Jie pointed out.

“Com­pa­nies like Pelo­ton and MIRROR are chang­ing the way we think about fit­ness (and) com­bin­ing the phys­i­cal and vir­tu­al,” he said. “Con­sumers not only pur­chase a piece of gym equip­ment for their home, but they buy into an entire online social and con­tent expe­ri­ence.”

“I expect to see more inte­gra­tion with online fit­ness plat­forms and home décor,” he said. “Peo­ple want con­vert­ible spaces, so the eas­i­er their equipment blends with their home and lifestyle, the bet­ter.”

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Kitchen Ideas

Showcasing the Shower

Showers have come a long way in design, from a basic area adorned with standard subway tile and heavy framed doors to an oasis adorned with spectacular tile and advanced shower systems showcased through stunning frameless glass surrounds. In keeping with this trend, many homeowners are removing seldom-used tubs to expand their showers, making them the focal point of the space.

While frameless shower doors remain the most popular versions, doors that feature etched designs, decorative borders and patterns are also garnering significant attention. Whether the design is contemporary or traditional, there is a shower enclosure to fit the space.

Below are some of the hottest trends in shower enclosures.

— Many clear shower enclosures are designed with minimal hardware for a streamlined look, creating a sense of openness in the bath.

— Frames, trims and handles are offered in a range of finishes, from the more standard chrome and polished nickel to the more current brushed brass and rose gold.

— As boomers adapt their homes to become safer and physically more accessible as they age, low-threshold and barrier-free showers are gaining in popularity, and easy-to-use and push-to-open shower doors are garnering more attention.

— Taller shower enclosures (at least 76”) are popular for their ability to take advantage of floor-to-ceiling tile designs.

–Matte black is featured in many gridscape and trim elements, coordinating with bath fittings in similar finishes.

–Frosted glass and distinctive patterns that blur the interior and deliver privacy to the bather are among the requests from today’s homeowners.

 

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Kitchen Ideas

Exertis Acquires Almo Corporation

Philadelphia – DCC Technology, a Dublin, Ireland-based technology distribution and services business that trades as Exertis, has acquired Almo Corporation in North America.

The move extends the company’s international scale in the Pro AV sector and ramps up its expansion in the North American market. The addition of Almo Corporation builds on other acquisitions in North America such as Stampede, Jam Industries, The Music People and JB&A. It expands Exertis’ Pro AV capability to form the largest specialist Pro AV business in North America.

Alongside its Pro AV business, Almo Corporation is the largest distributor of mainstream appliances, delivering a comprehensive portfolio of products including full kitchen packages with essential appliances to small and medium-sized retailers throughout the U.S. In addition, it is the leading distributor of premium appliances, serving retailers and builders designing luxury residential installations for refrigeration, ventilation and cooking in both indoor and outdoor settings. Almo’s business in consumer appliances and lifestyle products will add scale to Exertis North America’s business in the consumer channel.

Almo’s 75-year-old, third-generation, family-owned business brings 660 employees, nine distribution centers and more than 2.5 million square feet of warehousing space across North America. Almo Corporation will benefit from leveraging Exertis’ financial resources and supply-chain logistics, according to the company. The acquisition will provide Exertis North America with increased back-end economies of scale allied to the front-end specialization.

Almo will continue to be operated by the Chaiken Family, with Warren Chaiken as president and CEO and Gene Chaiken as Chairman. The combined Exertis and Almo Pro AV divisions will, in due course, be led by Sam Taylor, current exec. v.p. & COO of Almo Pro AV. Shortly after the completion of the integration, the combined business will be rebranded as Exertis Almo Pro AV.

John Dunne, a long-time senior executive with Exertis, currently leading the Exertis Pro AV team in North America, will join the Almo executive team and help lead the integration. The Premium Appliances and Mainstream Appliances divisions will continue to be led by Steve Terry and Jack Halperin, respectively.

Exertis’ expanded North American operation becomes a $2.4 billion business overseen by Martin Szpiro, managing director of Exertis North America. It forms part of the international expansion strategy of Exertis International, under Managing Director Clive Fitzharris.

Tim Griffin, DCC Technology & Exertis managing director said, “The acquisition of Almo Corporation is the largest in DCC’s history and signals our confident and ambitious intent to expand DCC Technology. By integrating Almo with our North American business, we will form the largest specialist Pro AV business in North America. Almo’s 75-year history of growth and success, combined with its longstanding relationships with industry partners and its ability to continually innovate and expand will be great assets to Exertis. In turn, we will bring significant economies of scale, global supply chain access and other benefits to the customers of Almo Corporation.”

Warren Chaiken, Almo Corporation president & CEO stated, “Having just completed a year-long celebration of 75 years of growth and business success, the time is right to give our manufacturer and channel partners a truly global distribution stage so they can operate their businesses at a greater capacity, leverage more buying power and the ability to compete for a more comprehensive position in the global supply chain. We are committed to growing with our partners by remaining their value-added distributor with larger scale and access to more products, more services and more financial support. For them, this transition will be seamless in that we will operate business as usual.”

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Kitchen Ideas

Common Questions to Ask When Beginning Your Kitchen Remodel

Your kitchen is the heart of your home serving a multitude of purposes for you and your loved ones. When it comes to the heart of your home, you want to make sure it’s entrusted to someone who will respect and cherish it. That’s why choosing a remodeler is one of the most important steps in your remodeling journey. But, how do you know which remodeler is right for your unique project? Follow these 4 commonly asked questions when beginning your remodel journey to ensure your home and vision are taken the upmost care of.

1. What experience do you have with this type of remodeling project? 

Remodeling contractors often have different skill sets and while one might have done a great job on your neighbor’s garage or backyard shed, that doesn’t make them qualified to remodel your kitchen or bathroom. Ask potential contractors for a list of past projects they have completed that are similar in scope to what you have in mind. Don’t hesitate to contact prior customers for their thoughts on contractors work quality, adherence to schedule, and overall competence. The same can also be true when considering the dollar amount of a project – a $30,000 kitchen remodeling project often requires a different level of expertise than one that costs $3,000. 

2. Can You Work Within My Budget? 

The perfect kitchen design doesn’t do you much good if it’s out of your price range. Discussing budget early on will allow a designer to give you an idea of whether or not they will be able to work within your budget. You don’t want to work with a designer who only designs with very high-end, expensive products, if your budget is more in the middle range for kitchen remodels. Be honest and firm with your kitchen designer about your budget and early on make sure your remodeling dreams are feasible with your budget. 

3. How Much Input Will I Have? 

Hiring a kitchen designer is for the sole purpose of creating a space that suits the needs and desires of you and your family- not a kitchen that demonstrates their talent for design. An excellent kitchen designer should take time to find out what remodeling ideas you have, your family’s lifestyle, and even tie their work in with the overall style of your home. Find a kitchen designer who is willing to make your ideas be at the center of the project not backstage. 

4. Can I Review Examples of Your Past Work? 

Samples of past kitchen design work is a must. You need to know if the designers have experience creating a number of different kitchen design options and ideas to consider. You should eliminate any kitchen designers who seemingly use the same design elements over and over again. Instead, you want a designer who can be versatile and eclectic in style and design choices. You want to interview designers who are creative thinkers with the ability to clearly communicate their design concepts. 

Kitchen Solvers 

At Kitchen Solvers, we want to ensure that you, the homeowner, protect and preserve your beautiful kitchen. The most important factor in how to make a kitchen remodel easy is getting help from professionals. At Kitchen Solvers, our expert design team can help you create the ultimate kitchen that fits your budget and offers some of the best features and styles available. 

And be sure to read our helpful articles: How to Make a Kitchen Remodel Easy and Confused about Cabinet? A Guide to a Cabinet Reface or Replace! 

 

 

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