When Should You DIY or Go Pro?
Thanks to YouTube, Pinterest, and Search Engines at home DIY Projects are pretty easy to do. With a click of mouse you can learn everything you need to know, get a list of the supplies needed, and post photos of your completed projects without breaking the bank. However, there is a time and a place for DIY and before you are left with an incomplete project or the task to call in the pros make sure you consider the following guidelines.
DIY or Go Pro?
1. Limited Supplies Needed: DIY If your project is limited to a few paint brushes, some wallpaper, or even just a simple drill then going DIY is the best way to go. Applying wallpaper or installing hardware usually comes with guidelines or instructions and if you can’t find them there are countless video tutorials to help make the job simple and easy.
2. Working with Electrical or Plumbing: PRO Most jobs that require working with electrical or plumbing lines usually require a permit which Professionals can get easily, not to mention they are licensed and bonded to ensure that you are protected from any mistakes made on the job. Hot lines and clogged drains can cause more damage than good so make sure if you are doing a DIY approved job like installing a ceiling fan that you take the necessary precautions to keep you safe.
3. Being an Expert: DIY Thanks to unlimited resources on the internet it is easy to become an expert through research and networking with pros. Tasks like laying tile or applying a backsplash can be considered DIY projects if you talk to the right people and you do the process properly. You would be surprised that the small tasks that seem pointless are usually the most critical.
4. Heavy Lifting: PRO In our industry we deal a lot with homeowners buying cabinetry through us and then deciding to install on their own. If you have the team and equipment to do so then it is a great way to save a little on your renovation budget, however we often get a phone call after one too many cabinets get busted from being dropped or banged up in the installation process. Be aware of what you can handle.
5. Equipment: PRO
Finally, sometimes a job looks simple to do but you don’t have the tools necessary to get the job done right. Never be afraid to ask for help. There are ways to cut costs in your budget if you are worried that hiring a professional is going to cost too much. See if there is another way you can get the renovation you want, done right, but at the right cost.
We love a good DIY project as much as the next homeowner, but the key to a successful project is knowing your limits then you can decide to DIY or Go Pro.
If you are looking for some professional advice on your next renovation project, give us a call to schedule a free consultation. Don’t let your DIY project be the reason your wife won’t let you own power tools, give us a call today for our professional opinion.
Key Elements to an Entertainers Dream Kitchen
The holiday season is right around the corner and with the oncoming festivities, the large family parties and the friendly get-togethers tag along. On a normal day the kitchen is the heart of the home, but during a soiree it is the belle of the ball so what can you do to make your Kitchen look and feel like a high end hosting destination. Whether you are in the market to design a Kitchen renovation or make simple changes here are some Key Elements to an Entertainers Dream Kitchen:
- Open Concept:
The draw to open concept floor plans is the way it makes small rooms seem big, not to mention you can be everywhere without having to move. During parties it is essential to not break up the group. Having an open concept gives the area a larger feeling and leaves your guests feeling less cramped and able to move around and visit without having to move room to room. - Musical Chairs:
Although the open concept makes it easy to move around it is also important to have plenty of seating areas. Many of the designs we are seeing and implementing today include large sit-at islands or bar seating for guests to relax and enjoy the aesthetics of your party and your kitchen. - Plenty of Food:
The key to a good party is the food and having enough of it. Whether you are catering or enjoying some home cooking, having double ovens, large pantries, and spacious refrigerators are the key to keeping the menu simple and easy to execute. - Clean Up:
After the party is over and the memories have been made there will still be dishes to be done and trash to be thrown away. Hidden trash cans are a large trend that we are seeing and trash compactors are making their vintage debut. Farmhouse sinks are known for their stylish flair, but they also have large basins for hard to tackle cleaning.
If Entertaining is something you love to do, but you are restricted by your kitchen amenities, give us a call. Let one of our talented designers meet with you to discuss building that dream party kitchen that will leave your guests coming back holiday season after holiday season.
2021 School Supply Drive
Arizona’s Interior Innovations is proud to announce that we are sponsoring the 2021 KOLD Cares for Classrooms School Supply Drive!
From now until August 18th you can donate school supplies to local schools at our Arizona’s Interior Innovations showrooms in Tucson and Phoenix! School supplies can range from pencils to backpacks, crayons to large binders, we will take any donation you have to offer.
Help us Stuff the Bin this year and give back to local schools who are still recovering from a rollercoaster school year. Education and learning are made easier when teachers and students have the materials they need to succeed. You can also stop by and see us on Friday July 16th and Friday July 30th between 11 and 1pm at the Walmart located at 7635 N La Cholla Blvd in Tucson where we will be helping KOLD stuff the bin and purchase items for the school supply drive.
Drop off Locations:
Downtown Tucson:
576 E 16th Street, Tucson, AZ 85701
Northwest Tucson:
1781 W Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson, AZ 85705
Scottsdale:
6949 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale AZ 85254
West Valley Phoenix
10050 West Bell Rd. Suite 33 Sun City 85351
Feel free to contact Arizona’s Interior Innovations if you have any questions or donation concerns.
Design Ideas to Magnify Your Small Bathroom
When planning a home renovation, home owners have one concern on their mind: Better utilizing their space. Whether it is a large kitchen or a small laundry closet, maximizing the use is crucial for function and to make the space seem larger than it really is. Full baths, half baths, and guest bathrooms all come in different sizes and are the main focus for space utilization in home renovations. Here are some design ideas to magnify your small bathroom:
Lighter Paint Colors:
Using lighter paint colors will make your small space seem larger. Using paint pallets that are focused on light colors and pastels will bring some personality to your space but also add some height to make the room seem airy and not tight with bold colors.
Small Patterns:
Using small patterns on tile, textiles, and wallpaper will also make the room seem brighter and bigger. Large prints can overwhelm a small space while smaller patterns will add character without overtaking the small area. Be aware: the overuse of patterns can reverse the effect and leave you and your bathroom visitors feeling dizzy!
Go High!
Tiling your shower? Go high! Taking shower tile to the ceiling will also add volume to the room and give the appearance of taller ceilings. Not to mention the continuous look will add cleanliness to the space which adds to the airy appearance.
Get Creative with Storage
Getting creative with storage can include using floating shelves, hidden mirror storage, and small vanities with drawers and cabinets. Lifting the storage with floating shelves is a stylish trend that we are seeing in a lot of bathrooms. Shelves are no longer used for knick-knacks and solely for decoration, but are serving a functional use by holding towels, toilet paper, and toiletries. Hidden mirror storage has been around for decades, but the newest designs are not your mama’s medicine cabinet. Instead sleek designs are taking over and providing functionality.
No matter the size of your renovation Arizona’s Interior Innovations is here to help you utilize your space, create a palette that adds dimension to your home, and leave you with a bathroom you will have a hard time leaving. Coming up with design ideas to magnify your small bathroom challenges the creativity of our designers and they love the challenge. Give us a call when you are ready to magnify your small space.
How to Create a Home Renovation Budget
Taking on a Home Renovation Project can be a nerve-racking experience. The excitement of a new dream space can be overwhelmed by the long list of to-dos, long renovation time, and the ongoing cost sheet is enough to make you back out of the project all together. How can you budget out a home renovation while maintaining real expectations and without breaking the bank? Here are just a few tips that will start you on the right path and can improve your home renovation experience:
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Make a List of Your Priorities
Know what is important in your renovation and what can be negotiated on. This is an exercise that you and everyone involved in the renovations needs to be a part of, whether that is a significant other or roommate. Knowing what a high priority in your renovation is will help you determine where to spend your money and what you can reassess when the home renovation budget gets tight. If custom cabinets with unique storage abilities is at the top of your list, but under cabinet lighting is more of a perk then you know when the numbers get high the under-cabinet lighting is going to have to wait.
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Talk to a Specialist and then another
When you are ready to speak to a design specialist, our talented designers at Arizona’s Interior Innovations is ready to meet you and talk about making your dream a reality. You are welcome to visit our showrooms and see what we have available or we can come to you. After the meeting our team will put together a bid and send it to you for review. Once you have received it, talk to another design team. Once you have a general idea of what materials and labor are going to cost and you have the experience of speaking with a design team talk with another one to see where the prices differ, who has better timelines, and where the quality is.
Keep in mind low prices can lead to low quality, so don’t base your decision strictly on price. Know what is important to you! If you want better quality, a shorter reno time, or a larger reno team pick the company that fits the experience you want to have in your renovation.
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Add a Risk Window
We all know that during the middle of an HGTV renovation something is going to happen: Mold, Load Bearing Walls, Copper Pipes, the list could go on and on. These are not put in the shows to add drama and intrigue, but because they happen. It is best to be prepared to have an issue, the best way to prepare for this? Create a “risk” window in your budget. It is recommended at that you budget an extra 10-15% to cover any unexpected costs. Fingers are crossed it’s a small cost and not a large “back to the drawing board” issue, but the more prepared you are the less stress you will have when your General Contractor calls you out of nowhere.
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Things Add Up…Quickly!
Kitchen Hardware is the sneak attack of Kitchen Renovations! Looking at a handle that has a sticker price of $4.00 seems like nothing compared to the cost of countertops and cabinets, but that $4.00 quickly turns into $140 without much effort. Be careful and be aware of the quantity of small items that are purchased for your new Kitchen or Bath. Also don’t let these “small things” ruin your budget by not even considering them. Take a full inventory of your space and understand the costs of even the smallest of details.
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Don’t Be Afraid to do Your Own Shopping
It is easy to turn your project over to your design team and general contractor and let them handle the issues, however if you are budget conscious it is best to stay involved. After you receive your bid don’t be afraid to shop around. There are items on the project list that don’t need to be purchased through your design team vendors: light fixtures, appliances, and even some hardware can be purchased outside and brought into the design. Do not be afraid to take control and look for deals! This can help keep you on budget in the long run. Secondhand appliance stores or for sale sites like OfferUp contain some real treasures that can set your renovation apart and keep you on budget. It’s a win-win!
Arizona’s Interior Innovations offers quality products without the large price tag. We are happy to work with you to design a new Kitchen or Bath that is within your Home Renovation Budget and we are transparent in our pricing and services. Please give us a call today and schedule your free consultation!
Kitchen and Bath Cleaning Tips
After days and weeks of renovations its easy to get lost in the mesmerizing quality of a new Kitchen or Bathroom, but as life resumes some normalcy how can you keep your new Kitchen and Bathroom looking new? Here are some Kitchen and Bath Cleaning tips to keep your new space as mesmerizing as Day One!
“It’s so beautiful, I’m scared to use it!” We hear this phrase at project closing all of the time and we understand! Everything about a fresh renovation is shiny and new, and homeowners initially have a hard time letting loose and using their new space, however over time dust settles…literally!
Kitchen Cleaning Tips:
Boil Your Greasy Range Hood Filter
Cleaning your Range Hood Filter is recommended 1-2 x a year. A greasy clogged up hood filter blocks airflow and can lead to unwanted damages and poor performance later. To clean your filter, you will need: a large pot (big enough to fit at least half of your filter), water, and ½ cup of baking soda. Fill your pot with water and bring to a boil, once the boil has been achieved slowly, let me repeat that again, SLOWLY add the baking soda. The pot will get fizzy, this is normal! Once all the baking soda has been added place your hood filter in the boiling water and let it site for a few minutes. Once the whole filter has been in the boiling water, rinse off with hot water from your tap. Once the water runs clear you have a clean filter!
Get Pasty with Your Sticky Kitchen Cabinets
Kids, Pets, Life, all can really add grime and dirty up your cabinets and if you are not used to wiping them down on a regular basis then that dirt and grime builds up. Owners of white and lighter colored cabinets have the blessing and curse of being visually aware of any build up, however the darker the cabinets the dirtier they are up close.
To clean off dirt and grime mix 2 parts of baking soda with 1 part of dish soap and 1 part water in a small bowl. Using a microfiber cloth apply the paste and rub the dirt off, then use a damp cloth to remove any residue. Finally, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the surface clean.
Stay Away from Your Ovens Self Cleaning Function!
Running your ovens self-cleaning function is easy but can lead to horrible smells and searching for the owner’s manual. Cleaning the oven yourself is easier than you might believe. It takes some time, but the lack of smell and stress will make the time commitment worth it.
First, start by removing the racks from the oven and soaking them in hot soapy water for a few hours and then scrub with a sponge. Dawn dish soap is notorious for being hard on grease and is highly recommended!
To clean the inside of the oven without harsh chemicals make your own cleaning paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the inside of your oven and leave for 30 minutes. Then using a soft sponge soaked in white vinegar to scrub away the baked-on grime. Finally, wipe out the paste using a microfiber cloth.
Dishwashers Need Cleaning Too
Looking at the bottom of your dishwasher will reveal that not all things are washed away in the Dishwashing cycle. Hard water, grease, and food particles attach to the bottom and walls of your dishwasher and can eventually lead to operation issues. Deep cleaning your dishwasher is recommended 1-2 times a year. Check out this amazing article by The Spruce to see how simple and satisfying it is to deep clean your dishwasher.
Steam Clean Your Microwave
The vinegar-microwave trick is one that we are all familiar with now, but no matter how often we hear about it the truth is that it works!!!! Mix 1 cup of water and ¼ cup of vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes. Once the time is finished, leave the bowl inside untouched for 2 minutes and let the steam do the work. Remove the bowl carefully with oven mitts (it is very hot) and wipe down the inside with a microfiber cloth. Little tip: I put a little bit of the mixture on the cloth to help everything slide off smoothly.
Bathroom Cleaning Tips:
Soak Your Shower Heads
Cleaning the shower heads is the last thing you would consider when cleaning the bathroom, but hard water stains and rust can deteriorate any showerhead, not to mention the water coming out of the showerhead is landing on you!
To clean a showerhead, it is very simple. You will need a Ziploc bag, rubber band, hot water, and white vinegar. Mix equal parts of the water and vinegar in the bag and place over the shower head tying off the top with the rubber band. Let it sit for about 30 minutes and then remove the bad and use a microfiber cloth to wipe away and loose dirt and particles.
Soap Up Your Glass and Tile showers
For a period of 2 months in my 20’s I worked as a maid and my favorite job was cleaning glass and tile showers! The process can get a little wet, but the outcome is worth the soggy feet.
You will need dish soap (Dawn in highly recommended), a scrub sponge, a QT or Circle K Cup, and a Squeegee. Start by rinsing off the walls of the water, then take the dish soap and apply to the walls. Using the sponge scrub in the dish soap in a circular motion. If you have a tile shower with grout be sure to scrub in the seams. Once the entire shower is a circular soapy mess, rinse the soap off by using the QT cup. Fill the cup with water and at the top of the wall let the water cascade down. Follow up with the squeegee to squeeze off the water. As a finishing touch on glass showers, I do use a window cleaner on the outside of the glass to add a shine!
The Key to Streak less Mirrors and Windows
You know you’re an adult when you have a favorite window cleaner, mine just happens to be Sprayway Glass Cleaner, which you can find in any grocery store. The key to a streak less mirror is a two-part system! First spray down the mirror or window with the solution and then using a Newspaper wipe in circular motions. Then spray the window down again with the solution and using the microfiber cloth wipe horizontally and then finish up by using the dry side of the cloth to wipe vertically.
Mouthwash is a toilet cleaner?
In Arizona we experience hard water and the stains that are left on the toilet bowl are hard to remove. Instead of turning to harsh chemicals and scratchy SOS pads, grab your mouthwash! That’s right your mouthwash doubles as a great toilet bowl cleaner!
Pour approximately 1 cup of mouthwash into the toilet bowl and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Once the time is up scrub the bowl down with a toilet brush and flush. Its as easy as that!
Scrub Away the Years on Your Tile Flooring/Grout
The last thing you want to do while cleaning is getting down on your hands and knees and scrubbing grout, I feel you! However, if you have an area where the grout is horrendous or that white grout you thought was a good idea is now as grey as your grout alternative here is the best homemade grout cleaner recipe that I have found. You will need 1 cup of Dawn and 1 Cup of Vinegar mixed in a spray bottle. Disclaimer: the smell is a little overwhelming. If you are pregnant or have a hard time with harsh smells, I highly recommend using a mask or opening as many windows as possible.
Once you have your mixture spray on the grout and leave for about 5 minutes. Then using a small scrub brush scrub through the grout seams and rinse off with a wet microfiber cloth. You will be surprised the difference it can make on your floors, standing showers, and even backsplashes.
We all love the look of a new kitchen! The cabinets are clean, the appliances are smudge-less, and the countertops shine. However, we all know that life happens, and new clean kitchens and bathrooms are a hot spot for dirt, dust, and messes. If you are looking to spruce up your current kitchen or bath be sure to contact us and schedule a private consultation to go over what you are looking for. Our talented design team will wow you with their designs and ideas.
Top Return on Investment for Kitchens
As people are spending the funds they might usually be spending on traveling, many people are looking to upgrade their kitchens to get the dream kitchen they always wanted. While investing in your kitchen is always a great idea, if you want to be sure to get an ROI from your kitchen when you sell, here is the top return on investment for kitchens.
Most popular upgrades to kitchens
There are quite a few options when it comes to upgrading your kitchen. Here are the most popular kitchen upgrades currently:
- Backsplashes
- Cabinets
- Large kitchen islands
- Quartz countertops
- Wall-to-wall cabinetry
- Multi-level islands
- Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
- Local sources upgrades
- Fashion faucets
Of course, many homeowners who have a more dated kitchen may not only be looking to upgrade the style of their kitchen but the appliances as well. Energy-efficient appliances are in abundance for kitchens, and you don’t have to sacrifice style for efficiency. For those with small budgets, even a simple coat of paint on the walls (or even the cabinets!) could do the trick, as can adding or swapping out the existing cabinet and drawer hardware. Small kitchen renovations can make a big impact!
Kitchen upgrades most likely to offer the best return on investment
An upgraded kitchen is definitely a feature that home buyers look for. As a matter of fact, 58% of buyers who purchased in the last 12 months said having their preferred style of kitchen was extremely or very important to their home-buying decision. While you may not recoup 100% of your remodeling cost, it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can do to your home for resale value. Modern, energy-efficient appliances are always high on the list. Not only do they make a kitchen appear more modern, but they’ll also actually save the homeowner (and prospective buyer down the road) money because of increased energy efficiency. Keep in mind the neighborhood you’re in. It may not make sense for the typical resale value of your house, as an example, to put in a new Viking stove.
Two upgrades that consistently return a decent ROI are cabinets and countertops. According to one study, 69% of those surveyed said they would have paid more for new appliances and 55% said they would have paid more for granite counters. Like appliances, you’ll get the best ROI if you go for good quality while keeping in mind the average home value of your neighborhood.
Stay away from trendy, over-the-top upgrades
If you know that you’ll be selling your home in the next 6 to 12 months, it may not be a good idea to go for over-the-top upgrades that you can’t truly enjoy, and the next homeowner may not find value in. High-end faucets, trendy colored appliances or expensive countertop materials may cost you much more than you’ll get in return when you sell the home. Of course, if you plan on being in the home awhile, build your dream home however it will please you! If you’re not sure what the right balance is, work with an experienced kitchen renovation professional like Arizona Interior Innovations who can help you decide.
The best return is being able to enjoy your kitchen
Kitchen renovations, even the most basic ones, can be a bit intrusive. While there are many great tips for living through a home renovation project, try to do renovations that you as the homeowner will be able to enjoy for a few years. A fresh coat of paint and new hardware might be a quick spruce up for a pending home sale, but if you invest in new cabinets, countertops, or appliances, it’s nice to enjoy those wonderful upgrades for a few years while you’re still in the home!
Tips for Living Through a Home Renovation
Finally getting the kitchen or master bathroom of your dreams is exciting. Living through a home renovation is a little bit tougher. While some people may have the luxury of exiting their home and living elsewhere while renovations are being done, most have to stay put and be around for the whole project. If you fall into the latter category, we’ve pulled together a few tips for living through a home renovation.
Get organized early
Chances are, you’re working with a renovation professional that is overseeing the whole project, especially if you have more than one portion of your house being renovated, or your remodeling is more involved to include plumbing, electrical and more. It’s a good idea to create a calendar so all the moving parts are well organized, and everyone knows what is going to happen when. While it’s not always possible to nail down an exact schedule, it’s good to know when the more intrusive work is being done, like getting that old tile jack-hammered out, so you’re not living with the noise while trying to work from home.
Consider what will be important to access during renovation
Depending on what’s getting done, you may want access to your refrigerator or washer and dryer during a renovation. If that’s possible, communicate that to your contractor early so they can work with you to accommodate that request.
Pack up the room(s) being impacted as much as possible
Workers will do their best to tape off and tarp as much as possible when renovating a room, but it’ll make your life a lot easier if you’re able to pack up and empty out any rooms being renovated as much as possible. Dust debris from a major renovation goes everywhere, and even with the most diligent workers, you’ll find dust that will need to be cleaned. Best to empty out the impacted rooms to keep that issue to a minimum.
Keep a section of your home as a sanctuary
Some homeowners want to get all renovations done at once: we applaud your enthusiasm! However, it’s a good idea during a major renovation to keep a small slice of your home completely untouched so you have a place to retreat to during the time workers are in your home. Noise, dust, and people are all a part of renovating a home. Keeping a small slice of clean and quiet will go a long way in making the process as enjoyable as possible while still being able to keep an eye on progress if you must be present during renovations.
Take pictures of the progress
It’s a good idea to take before, during, and after pictures. First, it’s exciting to see the progress! Second, if there are any issues, questions, or concerns as work is being done, keeping an eye on things with an occasional picture will help keep everyone on the same page and goes a long way in keeping communication on track.
Protect your home
Experienced home renovations specialists know what it takes to keep a home protected as possible during renovations, but it’s a good idea to do your part to help ensure your home stays protected, including covering or padding handrails and corners to protect against errant tools, covering your blinds, shutters and window treatments to keep dust to a minimum (remember, dust goes everywhere!), covering any furniture or countertops with plastic, covering your A/C vents to keep the spread of dust to a minimum, and covering high traffic areas with drop cloths or a paper or plastic cover to protect against any damage while workers go back and forth.
These are just a few tips on how to live through a home renovation to make sure your experience during the project is a good one!
Functional Home Office Space Ideas
Functional Home Office Spaces became a necessity in 2020 due to “Work from Home Mandates” and long quarantine periods. A year later, many companies have prolonged their working from home periods and other have done away with corporate office space all together. In response many homeowners have decided to create better workspaces or upgrade their existing arrangement. Whether the space is small, has a multiuse purpose, or is a dedicated large room here are some keys to designing a functional home office space that will keep you excited to go to work.
Plenty of Storage Space:
The Home Office is a central location to a hub of technology, piles of paperwork, and every office supply accessory imaginable. Having dedicated storage space to keep files, conceal cords, and hide the clutter creates a more productive work and headspace. Arizona’s Interior Innovations Custom cabinetry can fit your unique needs for storage and create a durable workspace built to last.
Large Work Area
Whether your work area is a dining room table, a small corner in the bedroom, or a private den your actual desktop space is important. Once the clutter is cleared and assigned its designated space your desktop should be durable and have the ability to hold more than just a laptop. Creating expandable desktops has allowed many work-from-homers to use a large space and hide it away during times of un-use. This concept has grown in popularity with homeschooling moms. The ease of creating a focused workspace for children to complete their schoolwork and then the ability to hide the mess and the clutter during afterschool hours and over the weekend has made the adjustment to homeschooling easier on a lot of families. Arizona’s Interior Innovations can help design this creative space with our dedicated team of innovative designers.
Displaying Personal Mementos
Creating an office space that features personal touches provides motivation and positive reinforcements throughout the workday. Bulletin boards featuring photos, custom shelves to hold personal books and photo frames are just a few examples of the little touches that you can add to your home office to make it a space you enjoy being in.
Flexible Sitting or Standing Availability
Research shows that sitting at your desk for long periods of time contributes to weight gain, back problems, and increase blood sugar whereas standing periodically can help reduce all of those and increase productivity. Higher desktops are one way to help with the versatility of sitting and standing for long periods of time. Meanwhile some home offices are welcoming treadmills and bikes to help with increased movement during the workday and reaching fitness goals while on the clock.
Gone are the days of long office hours in a cubicle surrounded by fluorescent lighting. Custom home offices provide a more productive workspace and add value to your home. If you are thinking of customizing your office space or looking for inspiration for a functional home office space contact Arizona’s Interior Innovations and set your appointment with one of our design experts to create your ideal office workspace.
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