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!

Misc. Ben Rothrock Misc. Ben Rothrock

I hired a contractor and paid a deposit—Now what? | Working with contractors in the New Hampshire Seacoast

You’ve probably heard the horror stories—homeowners hiring contractors, paying a deposit, and then… nothing. No updates, no communication. Days turn into weeks, and doubt starts to creep in. Did I just get ghosted? Will this contractor show up on the start date? Or worse, will they disappear forever and never be heard from again? It’s a scary thought, especially when you’ve trusted someone with your home and hard-earned money.

If you’re worried about this happening to you, you’re not alone. Many homeowners share these concerns after hiring a contractor and paying that first deposit. But the truth is, a reputable contractor will keep you informed throughout the process.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the typical process and help you understand how a professional contractor should handle communication, timelines, and project updates, so you can feel confident in your remodel.

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Case study: a functional kitchen renovation in Dover, NH

Atiya, a passionate cook and grandmother, reached out to us because her kitchen wasn’t meeting her needs. She loves to prepare meals for her family, but the outdated appliances and lack of proper ventilation made cooking a challenge. She needed a kitchen that allowed her to create meals without the hassle of smoke, odors, and cramped space.

Check out this case study of the kitchen renovation we completed for her in Dover, NH where we transformed a dated, frustrating space into a cook’s dream! From installing granite countertops to solving a tricky ventilation issue with a custom air system, this project allowed Atiya to enjoy cooking for her family again!

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What should I expect from contractors and workers during my remodel?

When you're planning a remodel, knowing what to expect from contractors and workers can make the process smoother and less stressful. From work hours to how workers interact with your home, understanding these details helps you prepare and feel more comfortable during the renovation. Have you been wondering:

  • Do contractors work on holidays?

  • Will I need to let the workers use my bathroom during the remodel?

  • How early do contractors usually start working in the morning?

  • Are contractors responsible for cleaning up after each workday?

  • Do contractors normally pay for utilities during a remodel?

  • How much should I expect my utilities to go up during a remodel?

Let’s explore these questions and more to help you understand what to expect when the remodeling process begins!

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What is design-build? Is it the right choice for my remodel?

The design-build model has been gaining popularity amongst New Hampshire homeowners. But is it the right choice for your remodel? Have you been wondering:

  • What does design-build mean?

  • How is a design-build company different from a general contractor?

  • How does the design-build process work for home remodeling?

  • Are there benefits to hiring a design-build firm for my remodel?

  • What are the disadvantages of hiring a design-build firm?

  • Is a design-build company more expensive than hiring separate designers and contractors?

Let’s explore these questions, and more, and see if the design-build approach will be a good fit for your remodeling plans!

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What information does a contractor need to provide a price quote for my project?

When you’re planning a remodeling project, getting a price quote from a contractor is a key step. How can you ensure that your contractor understands your vision, and the quote is accurate and thorough? Have you been wondering:

  • What should I include in my project description to get an accurate quote from a contractor?

  • How detailed should my project plans be before asking for a quote?

  • Do I need to have a budget in mind before requesting a quote from a contractor?

  • Do I need to have a complete design before getting a quote from a contractor?

  • How do I compare quotes from different contractors?

  • What factors influence a contractor’s price?

Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process so you can be sure that you have the details you need for a successful remodeling experience!

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Bathroom remodeling problems

Remodeling your bathroom is a significant investment that can transform your home, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From unexpected issues to managing costs and ensuring a trustworthy contractor, there are many potential pitfalls to navigate. This comprehensive guide will help you understand and tackle the most common bathroom remodeling problems, ensuring your project runs smoothly and successfully.

In this article, we'll cover:

  • What are the most common bathroom remodeling mistakes?

  • How do I avoid design mistakes in my bathroom remodel?

  • How can I handle unexpected issues during a bathroom renovation?

  • How can I ensure my bathroom remodel stays on schedule?

  • How do I avoid cost overruns in my bathroom remodel?

  • What can I do if I have a disagreement with my contractor?

  • What should I do if my contractor uncovers mold in my bathroom remodel?

  • What are the dangers of asbestos in my bathroom remodel?

  • What happens if a contractor damages my property?

  • And much more!

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Kitchen remodeling problems

Remodeling your kitchen is a significant investment that can transform your home, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From unexpected issues to managing costs and ensuring a trustworthy contractor, there are many potential pitfalls to navigate. This comprehensive guide will help you understand and tackle the most common kitchen remodeling problems, ensuring your project runs smoothly and successfully.

We'll cover:

What are the most common kitchen remodeling mistakes?

How can I handle unexpected issues during a kitchen renovation?

How can I ensure my kitchen remodel stays on schedule?

How do I avoid cost overruns in my kitchen remodel?

What can I do if I have a disagreement with my contractor?

What should I do if my contractor uncovers mold in my kitchen remodel?

What are the dangers of asbestos in my kitchen remodel?

What happens if a contractor damages my property?

And, much more!

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What are the steps involved in a kitchen remodel?

Are you ready to transform your kitchen? A remodel can breathe new life into one of the most important spaces in your home. But, what does that process look like? Have you been wondering:

  • What are the phases of a kitchen remodel?

  • What is involved in the design phase of a kitchen remodel?

  • What is the preconstruction phase of a kitchen remodel?

  • What is involved in the construction phase of a kitchen remodel?

  • What are the steps involved in a kitchen remodel?

  • What tasks need to be done to complete a kitchen remodel?

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How long does it take to plan a kitchen remodel?

Are you wondering how long it takes to plan a kitchen remodel? Hoping to have your kitchen remodeled by a certain date? Do you wonder if the design process will be completed in time? 

Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers for you!

Planning a kitchen remodel is an exciting process that requires meticulous attention to detail and a well-structured timeline. Understanding the various phases of a remodel, and their respective durations, can help you set realistic expectations and ensure a smooth remodeling journey. Let's break down the steps involved in planning a kitchen remodel, and discuss the timeline for each phase.

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What Is project development?

Are you considering a home renovation or remodel? Whether it’s transforming your kitchen or updating your bathroom, embarking on a remodeling project is both exciting and daunting.

Have you been wondering: Where do I start in planning my kitchen remodel? What steps do I need to take to bring my bathroom remodel vision to life? Can my contractor help me design my remodel? Is it as simple as just talking to a contractor and letting them get to work?

Unfortunately, no, it isn’t that simple. There’s a lot involved in project planning to ensure everything turns out just as you’ve imagined.

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How long does a bathroom remodel take?

Are you planning a bathroom remodel? Have you been wondering how long it will take?

How long should a bathroom remodel take? How long does the design and planning phase of a bathroom remodel take? How long does the construction phase of a bathroom remodel take? How long does each part of a bathroom remodel take?

Don’t worry, we’ll answer all of these questions!

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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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How long does a kitchen remodel take?

So, you are going to have your kitchen remodeled! You know that the process is going to affect your day-to-day life, so you need to know how long the disruption will last.

So, how long does a kitchen remodel take? How long will the design and planning phase of a kitchen remodel take? How long will the construction phase of a kitchen remodel take? What variables could cause a kitchen remodel to take longer? How can I keep my kitchen remodel from getting delayed?

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What Is The Difference Between A Renovation and a Remodel?

What is the difference between a remodel and a renovation? What does a bathroom remodel include? What does a bathroom renovation include?

In this article, we compare two projects: a bathroom renovation and a bathroom remodel, to illustrate the differences between a renovation and a remodel!

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What is the flow of work in a bathroom remodeling project?

Are you getting ready to remodel your bathroom? Do you have questions about the building process? Are you wondering how the work will progress?

What is the sequence of tasks in a construction project? How will the remodeling work progress? Should the plumbers do their work before the electricians? Or, does the electrical work come first? How do you know which tasks come first, and which come last?

Let’s walk through the workflow of a typical bathroom remodel, and get you some answers!

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What is the process for remodeling my home?

If we go to the internet, we will learn that there is a process for how you are “supposed to” hire a contractor. While some of the steps in this process seem to make sense, many don’t seem very convenient for a busy homeowner.

What is the process contractors use to complete renovations? Where did this process originate? Was it created to meet the homeowner's needs, or someone else’s needs? Are there better ways of doing it?

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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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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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