Kitchen & Bath Learning Center

Welcome to our Learning Center, your trusted resource for all your home remodeling questions! Whether you're wondering about the timeline for planning a kitchen remodel, the design decisions involved in a bathroom remodel, or the costs associated with these projects, we’ve got you covered! 

Our expert articles dive into essential topics like selecting the best water filter system for your kitchen remodel, understanding the difference between a bathroom renovation and a remodel, and finding the right remodeling contractor for your project. We also offer insights on choosing the best building materials and tips for living in your home during a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Explore our comprehensive guides to make informed decisions and turn your dream home in the New Hampshire Seacoast or Southern Maine into a reality!

Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock

Hidden Costs in Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels: What Homeowners Need to Know

Imagine this: You’ve finally made the decision to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, and after months of planning and budgeting, you’re ready to get started. You’ve hired a contractor, picked out your dream fixtures, and you’re all set. But then, the dreaded “hidden costs” start creeping in, throwing your budget into disarray. What happened? Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to unravel.

Hidden costs in a kitchen or bathroom remodel can turn an exciting project into a stressful experience. We’ve seen homeowners in the New Hampshire seacoast area get caught off guard by unexpected expenses, and it’s not uncommon. Let’s dive into the most commonly overlooked costs that could impact your remodel—and most importantly, how to prepare for them.

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Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock

How to protect your floors during a home renovation in New Hampshire: A comprehensive guide for homeowners

When you’re getting ready for a home renovation, one of the biggest concerns is keeping your floors safe. You’ve likely invested time and money into choosing the perfect flooring for your home. The last thing you want is for those floors to get scratched, dented, or damaged during your remodel. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or tackling a full-home renovation, it’s crucial to make sure your floors are properly protected.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about floor protection during a renovation. We’ll answer all the common questions, help you choose the right materials, and make sure your floors come out of the project just as beautiful as before! If you’re planning a home renovation in New Hampshire, this article is a must-read!

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Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock

Top 20 questions to ask before hiring a contractor for your home renovation

Hiring the right contractor for your kitchen or bathroom remodel can be a daunting task. It’s not just about finding someone who can do the work – it’s about finding a contractor who understands your vision, communicates well, stays on schedule, and ensures that the quality of work will meet your expectations.

When it comes to selecting a contractor, asking the right questions can make all the difference. By posing the right questions, you can gain insights into their experience, approach to project management, and overall reliability. This proactive approach not only helps you make an informed decision but also sets the stage for a successful remodeling experience, ensuring that your vision is realized while minimizing potential pitfalls along the way. 

So, what questions should you ask when interviewing contractors?

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How can I keep my bathroom remodeling costs down?

Have you seen what bathroom remodeling costs these days?!! It’s crazy, isn’t it?!! Has it left you wondering:

  • How can I save money on a bathroom remodel?

  • How do I plan a bathroom remodel on a budget?

  • What are the most expensive parts of a bathroom remodel?

  • How can I save money on bathroom fixtures and materials?

  • How can I find affordable bathroom remodeling contractors?

  • Is it cheaper to do a bathroom remodel yourself?

  • What are some cost-saving tips for bathroom remodeling?

In the following article, we'll answer some common questions about keeping bathroom remodeling costs down, offering practical tips and insights to help you navigate your project efficiently!

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How do I prepare for a bathroom remodel?

Are you thinking about remodeling your bathroom but not sure how to properly prepare for it? Have you been wondering:

  • What preparations should I make before contacting a contractor?

  • How do I prepare for the design & planning phase of a bathroom remodel?

  • How do I prepare for the construction phase of a bathroom remodel?

  • How do I prepare my home for a bathroom remodel?

  • What should I expect during a bathroom remodel?

Preparing for a bathroom remodel can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. From setting your goals to selecting materials, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know!

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Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock

How can I avoid hiring a shoddy or unethical contractor?

Have you heard all the horror stories of home improvement projects gone wrong? Are you worried that this might happen to you?

  • Have you been asking:

  • How will I know if the contractor I hire is trustworthy?

  • How can I know if my contractor is ripping me off?

  • How can I tell if my contractor’s work is good?

  • How will I know if my contractor will complete my project on time and on budget?

Recently, my sister bought a home that needed some updating. Since she lives 1200 miles away, our company was unable to complete the projects for her. So, she asked me for advice on hiring the right contractor. 

What follows is the advice I gave her (in a more structured format). You might be surprised by what I told her!

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Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock

Can I live in my home during a remodel?

Have you been wondering if it will be possible for you to live in your home while it is being remodeled?

Have you been asking:

Can I live in my home during a bathroom remodel?

Can I live in my home during a kitchen remodel?

Will there be any health hazards during my remodel?

What can I expect when I live in my home during a remodel?

Will my belongings get dirty during the remodel?

These are all great questions! Let’s see if we can’t answer all of them for you today!

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Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock

What are a homeowner’s responsibilities in a construction project?

What can a homeowner do to ensure that they have a good remodeling experience?

A lot of homeowners feel like they are at the mercy of their contractor. They feel like they have no control over the outcome of their project. So, they hope that the contractor they hire will do a good job and attend to their needs, and they pray that the outcome of their project won’t be another horror story.

What causes a construction project to go wrong? What can be done to keep a construction project from going bad? What are a homeowner’s responsibilities in a construction project? What are the contractor’s responsibilities in the project?

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Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock Remodeling Tips and Advice Ben Rothrock

What should I expect when I’m remodeling my home?

Anyone who has completed a home improvement project can tell you that remodeling is not for the faint of heart! It is an emotional rollercoaster. Unfortunately, most of us (contractors) aren’t as forthcoming as we should be in preparing our clients for the difficulties that lie ahead. Many homeowners get started on their projects without a complete understanding of what they are about to endure.

What should you expect when you are remodeling your home? What emotions can you expect to experience during a remodeling project? What can you do to reduce stress during a remodel?

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