There comes a time in each home where renovations are necessary. Over time, aspects of a home deteriorate and need to be replaced. For homeowners who have been in the home for many years, they may also feel a need to make some changes to revive the space. 

This blog will give several ideas on how to upgrade your home to make it feel brand new.

1. Remove Unnecessary Walls

Older homes tend to have more closed spaces that are separated by walls. For example, the kitchen and living room are often separated by a wall that is not a supporting wall. A simple way to instantly make your living space feel larger and more updated is to remove those unnecessary walls. It is important to make sure that the walls removed are not supporting walls, as removing those without an alternative supporting beam can cause serious damage. 

2. Upgrade Flooring

Another way to significantly improve the appearance of your home is to upgrade the flooring. After years and years of foot traffic, the floor begins to deteriorate and it is necessary to replace it. This can be the case for both carpet and vinyl flooring. After several years or even decades, carpet and flooring can also become outdated and make the house look older than it is. Replacing the flooring can instantly make a home feel brand new, and it can replace dirty and unsanitary flooring with a fresh and clean option.

3. Replace Cabinets

The kitchen is an area of the home where family and friends spend a large portion of their time eating and gathering together. With how much time is spent in the kitchen, it can be easy to grow tired of the same old space. A great way to give the kitchen a facelift is by replacing old cabinets with new and upgraded ones. Kitchen cabinet styles change over time and not replacing them after a while can really date your home. Beyond aesthetics, older cabinets can begin to lose their function if they haven’t been well-maintained throughout the years. Upgraded cabinets can improve the appearance of your kitchen and improve the functionality of the cabinets.

4. Add Mantle to the Fireplace

A more subtle feature of a home that actually makes a difference in the appearance is a fireplace. A simple way to improve the appearance of the living room is to upgrade the mantle around the fireplace. Adding a mantle to the fireplace can elevate the space by making it more sophisticated and classy. Choosing a mantle made of materials and colors that compliment the space can improve it even more and really bring a room together.

5. Replace Old Lights

The lighting in a home can make a huge difference in both aesthetics and functionality. Overtime, lights lose their brightness and can make a room feel dark and musty. Brighter lights can lift the entire room and can set the ambience of the space. Replacing old light bulbs is a simple way to upgrade your home, while replacing outdated light fixtures can add an even more updated feature. Adding a new and modern lighting fixture can draw attention to the light and area that it is placed in.

6. Replace Hand Railing on Stairs

A more underrated aspect of a home that may need replaced eventually is the railing on the stairs. As time passes, railings can get worn out and unstable, which are undeniable signs that the railing should be upgraded. Older homes can look newer and function better when the stairs are safe with a reliable railing attached to them.

7. Repaint the Walls

The next way to give your home a much needed revival is to repaint the walls. Style preferences and trends change as time goes on, which is why a change in paint in a home is usually made every several years. Along with this, walls can get scratches, holes, bubbles, and other problems that require some patch work and repainting. Adding a fresh coat of paint to some walls refreshes the entire space and helps it feel new. 

Choose Lloyd’s Remodeling & Cabinetry to Upgrade Your Home

Our professionals at Lloyd’s Remodeling & Cabinetry are highly skilled in renovation and remodel projects, including kitchen, basement, and bathrooms. We can replace old cabinetry and countertops to get your home looking brand new. To view one of our renovation projects, you can check out the video included in this blog. This project included many projects, such as replacing the cabinets, taking out walls, and more. Contact us today to schedule your renovation project and upgrade your home.

Kitchen cabinets can either make or break a kitchen. They affect the appearance of a kitchen significantly, and they store important items in an aesthetically pleasing way. At a certain point, there may be a need to replace cabinets. Replacing cabinets can instantly update your kitchen and improve the aesthetic and functionality of your home. 

Replacing cabinets can be a tricky process, which is why most people opt to use professionals to do it for them. Investing in a professional kitchen remodel offers several advantages as opposed to doing it yourself, but it is still beneficial to know the process. This blog will take you through the process of how professionals replace cabinets.

Signs It is Time to Replace Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets can suffer from wear and tear overtime, and there are some signs that indicate it is time to replace them to improve functionality and aesthetics. Visible signs of wear, such as peeling or chipping paint, warped wood, or water damage, are clear indicators that cabinets have reached the end of their lifespan. Outdated design and style can make the kitchen feel old, which may prompt homeowners to seek a more modern style.

Functional issues like doors or drawers that no longer close properly, broken hinges, or cabinets that lack efficient storage solutions can hinder daily kitchen operations. Recognizing these signs can help homeowners make an informed decision about the necessity of replacing their kitchen cabinets for both practical and aesthetic reasons. 

Planning and Budgeting

The next step in the planning process is setting a budget for the replacement project. Your budget will determine what material and style of cabinets you can use. After you have decided what your budget is, you can choose the specifics of your future cabinets. You can choose the material, style, and measurements of the cabinets to be installed, and the professionals doing the job will get the materials ready to go.

Customization and Additional Features

Cabinets can be customized in several ways, which professionals keep in mind as they replace cabinets that are old. You can incorporate additional features in cabinets like pull-out shelves or soft-close hinges to enhance the new cabinets. You can also customize the finishes or colors of the cabinets to make them fit your exact style and preferences.

Removing Existing Cabinets

Professionals then begin the removal process of the existing cabinets. They start by preparing the kitchen for demolition by clearing the space and protecting surfaces with cloths or plastic sheeting. They will also disconnect utilities and remove appliances to avoid any damage and clear the space. 

Once the space is prepped, the professionals will begin removing the old cabinets. They carefully remove the cabinets, starting with the doors and drawers. They may use tools like crowbars or drills to dismantle the cabinets which ensures minimal damage to surrounding areas. Proper disposal or recycling of old materials also happens throughout the entire removal process. 

Installation Process

To begin the installation process of the new cabinets, the frames are first put in place. Once the framing is installed, the doors and drawers are mounted and hardware is installed. Throughout the process and after the cabinets are all installed, the professionals make sure the cabinets are properly aligned and function correctly.

Countertop Considerations

People who have replace cabinets often choose to have their countertops replaced at the same time to consolidate the process. Another great benefit of replacing the cabinets and counters at the same time is that they will match styles to keep the kitchen aesthetically pleasing. In the long run, it will save time to replace both at the same time rather than going through the whole process twice.

Final Touches

To finish up the project, finishing touches are added, if applicable. Some of those additions may be trim and molding to improve the aesthetics of the near cabinets. Professionals will also check for any adjustments needed and conduct a final walkthrough to ensure the homeowner is satisfied with their work. 

Maintenance and Care Tips

Maintaining and caring for kitchen cabinets is essential to ensure their longevity and preserve the overall aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. Here are some tips to do that:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean regularly with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser and a soft cloth to remove dust, grease, and fingerprints.
• Wipe Spills Promptly: Quickly wipe off any spills or splatters to prevent stains and damage to the cabinet finish.
• Avoid Moisture Damage: Be cautious about moisture in the kitchen, especially near sinks and dishwashers. Excess moisture can lead to warping, swelling, or mold growth.
• Use Cabinet Liners: Consider using cabinet liners to provide an additional layer of protection against spills or stains from dishes.
• Regular Hardware Inspection: Periodically check and tighten cabinet hardware, such as handles and knobs. Loose hardware can lead to wear and tear on cabinets and affect their functionality.

Lloyd’s provides cabinet and countertop installation services that leave your home looking beautiful. Contact us today to get started in your renovation process. Here is a major renovation project we have been working on that included replacing the cabinets:

Lloyd’s Remodeling & Cabinetry has been working on a renovation project where one of our first steps was to remove a wall. We have followed the steps outlined in this blog, and we are excited to show you the process. Stay tuned for future videos and blogs to see the final product of the renovation! Here is a video from our client that shows some highlights of the wall removal process so far:

Removing a wall in a home can be driven by various reasons, often aimed at optimizing space, improving functionality, or achieving a more open and modern layout. Homeowners may choose to remove walls to create larger living areas, enhance natural light, or accommodate changes in lifestyle or design preferences. However, the process of a wall removal should be approached with careful consideration and attention to safety. Ensuring the structural integrity of the building, identifying load-bearing walls, disconnecting utilities, and using proper tools and techniques are vital elements of a safe removal process. 

Preparing to Remove a Wall

Preparing to remove a wall in your home is a crucial undertaking that demands caution and adherence to safety protocols. The following steps are how to effectively prepare for a wall removal:

By addressing these key steps in preparation to remove a wall, you set the stage for a safe and well-executed wall removal project. This thorough approach ensures that you are informed about the structural implications, compliant with regulations, and equipped to maintain a secure environment throughout the removal process.

The Process of to Safely Remove a Wall

Here is how a wall removal works:

Removing Drywall and Exposing the Structure

The drywall currently covering the wall is removed, starting from the top and working down. The underlying structure is exposed by using tools such as a pry bar or reciprocating saw. Caution is taken to minimize damage to surrounding areas and ensure a clear view of the structural elements.

Supporting the Structure Temporarily, If Needed

If the wall being removed is a load-bearing wall, temporary support is installed to bear the load while the removal takes place. This may involve installing temporary supports such as adjustable steel columns or wall jacks. 

Cutting and Removing Framing Elements

With the structure exposed and appropriately supported, tools are used to cut and remove framing elements. Caution should be exercised to avoid unnecessary damage to surrounding structures and ensure a controlled removal process. Specific techniques are used to cut through studs, plates, and other framing components.

Proper Disposal of Debris and Waste

Debris and waste should be disposed of responsibly by collecting it in designated containers or renting a dumpster for larger projects. Recyclable materials should be separated from non-recyclable ones, and local waste disposal regulations should be followed. This step ensures an organized and environmentally conscious approach to waste management.

Addressing Challenges and Unexpected Issues

As with most projects, unexpected challenges may arise that need to be addressed. Here are some common challenges that may occur during wall removal:

Hidden Utilities: Concealed electrical wiring, plumbing, or HVAC components within the wall can pose unexpected challenges. Accidentally damaging these utilities can lead to safety hazards and necessitate immediate attention.

Material Variations: The construction materials of the wall may vary from what was initially anticipated. Different materials, such as plaster or asbestos, may present unique challenges in terms of removal techniques and safety precautions.

Unforeseen Load-Bearing Issues: Despite initial assessments, unforeseen load-bearing issues may arise during removal. Discovering additional structural responsibilities may require immediate support and adjustments to the removal strategy.

Troubleshooting and Adapting to Unexpected Situations

In the face of unexpected situations, the overall removal plan should be reassessed. Effectively managing common challenges and adapting to unexpected situations requires a combination of experience, expertise, and a proactive approach. Prioritizing safety and seeking professional guidance when needed ensures a more controlled and successful wall removal process, even in the face of unforeseen complications. Llyod’s Remodeling & Cabinetry is one of the best in the business for removing walls safely and providing the remodel of your dreams!