Category: Kitchen Improvement

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The kitchen and bath industry is expected to post strong growth in 2021, although the pace of that growth is apparently cooling, according to the latest Market Forecast Report issued by the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

According to the second, and final, update to the NKBA’s 2021 Market Forecast Report, the industry is expected to register “healthy, double-digit gains over 2020,” although the latest forecast has been “pared back a bit” compared to the previous (July) forecast – due largely to ongoing supply-chain disruptions, labor shortages and higher material costs, the NKBA reported.

The NKBA’s final 2021 Market Outlook, released early this month, projects full-year revenues of $167 billion, a 19% increase over the $141 billion posted in 2020. The new forecast, however, represents a modest downtown from the July Market Outlook, which pegged year-end 2021 revenue totals at $171 billion.

“This year has been like none other for our industry, as strong growth across virtually every sector has led to record revenues,” said Bill Darcy, CEO of the Hackettstown, NJ-based NKBA.

However, “some homeowners, faced with price increases related to supply chain shortages, are deferring projects until they have enough saved to get exactly what they want, or in the hope that costs will come down,” Darcy added.

The NKBA’s latest forecast projects a nearly 10% year-over-year growth in the kitchen and bath remodeling sector, and a 26% growth in new construction. Premium projects are expected to be up by more than 22% – although down from the 28+% forecast in July – while low-end projects will grow under 11%, “suggesting a cooling of the DIY trend,” the NKBA said.

“These findings are very encouraging and indicate that not only will we close out this year on a solid note, but the growth should be sustained into 2022,” Darcy observed.

 

The post Market to Post Gains in 2021, But Pace of Growth Seen Cooling appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.subwaytile.biz/?p=231

CAMBRIDGE, MA “Strong growth” in home improvement and maintenance expenditures is expected to continue over the coming year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

The LIRA projects year-over-year gains in annual improvement and repair spending will reach 9% in the fourth quarter of this year and maintain that pace into 2022.

“Residential remodeling continues to benefit from a strong housing market with elevated home construction and sales activity and immense house price appreciation in markets across the country,” said Carlos Martín, project director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Cambridge, MA-based Joint Center. “The rapid expansion of owners’ equity is likely to fuel demand for more and larger remodeling projects into next year.”

“With these tailwinds, annual improvement and repair expenditures by homeowners could reach $400 billion by the third quarter of 2022,” added Abbe Will, associate project director of the Remodeling Futures Program. Will warned, however, that “several headwinds,” including the rising costs of labor and building materials, as well as increasing interest rates, “could still taper the expected growth in remodeling spending.”

The post ‘Strong’ Growth Foreseen for Remodeling Through 2022 appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.subwaytile.biz/?p=219

WASHINGTON, DC Strong consumer demand helped push builder confidence higher in October despite growing affordability challenges stemming from rising material prices and shortages, the National Association of Home Builders reported.

According to the Washington, DC-based NAHB, builder sentiment in the market for newly built single-family homes moved four points higher to 80 in October, according to the latest monthly NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released this week.

The NAHB also reported that single-family housing production held steady in September, at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.56 million units, as strong demand helped to offset ongoing building material supply chain disruptions.

“Although demand and home sales remain strong, builders continue to grapple with ongoing supply chain disruptions and labor shortages that are delaying completion times and putting upward pressure on building material and home prices,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke.

“Builders are getting increasingly concerned about affordability hurdles ahead for most buyers,” added NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Building material price increases and bottlenecks persist, and interest rates are expected to rise in coming months as the Fed begins to taper its purchase of U.S. Treasuries and mortgage-backed debt.

“Policymakers must focus on fixing the broken supply chain,” Dietz observed. “This will spur more construction and help ease upward pressure on home prices.”

 

The post Builder Confidence Up, Despite Supply Chain Disruptions appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

MARTINVILLE, VA — SCHOCK GmbH, the global supplier of quartz composite kitchen sinks, will establish its first U.S. manufacturing presence with the construction of a factory in Martinsville, VA, the company announced.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be embarking on this expansion,” said Ralf Boberg, CEO of the Regen, Germany-based company. “SCHOCK’s new facility in Virginia represents a bold, special new step for our company. While our sink products have been available worldwide for years, this is our first manufacturing plant outside of Germany.

“Adding manufacturing in the U.S. will allow us to serve one of our strongest growth markets and meet demand stateside, Boberg added.

The facility will manufacture quartz composite sinks, a category the company pioneered in 1979, SCHOCK officials added.

 

The post Schock to Open First U.S. Factory appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Standard vs. Full-Height Backsplash. Tile or Stone?

 

A kitchen backsplash, which is situated on the wall between your countertops and cabinets, protects your wall from stains and spills that may occur in your kitchen. Many homeowners prefer to extend their existing countertop material (Granite, Marble, Quartz, etc.) up their wall to create a simple backsplash. In contrast, others cover their wall with as little or as much tile (or other durable material) that they want.

Before you begin searching through which backsplash materials and styles are available, it’s essential that you first decide whether a standard or a full backsplash is right for you and your kitchen design.

 

Selecting the Height of Your Kitchen Backsplash

On average, a standard backsplash is approximately 4 inches high, starting from your countertop. In many cases, a traditional backsplash is simply a small extension of your existing countertop material. On the other hand, a full backsplash covers the entire wall, starting from your countertops and going up to the bottom of your upper cabinetry.

Both the standard and full backsplash styles can be achieved with pretty much any material, so your decision will primarily stem from personal preference.

 

Pros of the Standard Kitchen Backsplash

This style is an excellent option for you if you’re completing a budget-conscious kitchen remodel, as the installation of the 4-inch backsplash requires fewer materials and less labor. Therefore, it can be a big money saver for you, especially if your chosen countertop is a lesser expensive material.

It’s important to note here that you shouldn’t be afraid to play around with your design. There is no right or wrong, so feel free to experiment with 6 inches, 8 inches, or any other measurement you wish.

 

 

Explore Kitchen Discounts & Coupons

 

Pros of the Full Kitchen Backsplash

A full backsplash creates a gorgeous, more cohesive transition from your countertops to your upper cabinetry. Many homeowners play around with the backsplash design, adding in pops of color and different textures by utilizing unique tile options. This helps to provide a degree of depth and dimension to their overall kitchen design.

Separate from design, full backsplashes are also practical as they are a source of protection for your kitchen walls. If your kitchen is regularly used for cooking or entertaining, a full backsplash may be best for you – especially behind your stove and sink areas.

Whichever backsplash style or height you choose, our specialist team here at Explore is ready to help you design the best kitchen for your home and lifestyle.

Explore First. Explore recommends a full-height tile backsplash. A 4-inch backsplash is a dated look in the kitchen. Adding the extra tile to the backsplash area will be worth it. Put it into your kitchen remodel budget.

 

-Jason Kidwell

 

Read More: 

Cabinetry 101: Everything You Need To Know About Transforming Your Kitchen or Bathroom

Kitchen Island Dimensions – What’s The Best Size for Your Home?

Explore Kitchens Offering Virtual Site Visits

How to choose your kitchen cabinets with 3 easy decisions

 

The post Standard vs. Full Backsplash: Which is Right for Your Kitchen? appeared first on Explore Kitchens – Kitchen Remodeling in McLean, VA.

The last 18 months have been incredibly tough for everyone. As the pandemic took hold, we have all had to spend more time at home. For a lot of homeowners, this has highlighted the need for a bit of a revamp through the property, and renovating the kitchen is one of the most common requirements.

However, upgrading your kitchen is a big task, and as demand has increased, it has meant many contractors are now incredibly busy. This demand has also created a shortage of raw materials, which means remodeling your kitchen in northern Virginia can be a costly project.

This shortage has meant building materials and kitchen appliances are costing higher than normal. This means homeowners could now be looking at anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000, depending on the size and materials used. The majority of this cost will likely be split between cabinets and appliances.

Work with a proven contractor

While it can be a big investment, one of the biggest regrets homeowners have is not spending enough money on their new kitchen. With interest rates so low, taking out a loan could ensure you get the kitchen of your dreams. However, working with a respected kitchen installer in northern Virginia, like our team here at Explore Kitchens, can also help you to save money.

A professional contractor will not only be able to guarantee the very best installation and materials but also the most affordable prices. Working with wholesalers ensures they are able to get the best prices and products, while their designers will help you to maximize your space. However, with so many companies on the market, finding the right contractor can be tough.

When finding a contractor, the first thing that you should do is to thoroughly review their referrals. This can be done by speaking with existing customers or friends and family who might have used them or by reading independent online reviews. Where possible, you should also see their work in person, either at a former client’s home or in a showroom.

Another top tip when finding a contractor is to make sure you feel comfortable with them. They will be spending time in your house, so you want to ensure you are happy to be around them. You should also be wary of any contractor who is too eager, with demand at an all-time high, someone who is available immediately should be seen as a red flag.

Top tips for renovating your kitchen

If you are looking to transform your kitchen, then you want to ensure that you are creating as stylish of a room as possible. To help you, we have taken a closer look at the hottest trends for your kitchen:

Countertops

When it comes to renovating your kitchen, your countertops should be one of your first considerations. One of the best materials to use is quartzite, which is a beautiful natural stone that offers similar styling to marble with the durability and resistance of granite.

Quartz or Dekton are another great choice for countertops. Not only are they affordable, but they are also highly functional and low maintenance. If you do decide to go for a natural stone countertop, then make sure you review the full slab, and not just a sample, to ensure you understand the complete pattern.

Flooring

Another major factor of your kitchen interior is the flooring. Wide-plank white oak is one of the most popular choices at the moment, thanks to its durability and aesthetic appeal. While this style of flooring looks fantastic, the high demand is seeing prices rise, so if you are more budget-conscious, then consider waterproof vinyl planks as these are far cheaper.

Kitchen appliances

No kitchen would be complete without the latest appliances. There are many different manufacturers on the market, covering every possible price range. Speaking with your contractor will help you to ensure that you are able to get the perfect solution for your budget and your design.

Appliances are a major part of your interior, so they should be chosen before the design is finalized. When selecting your appliances, you should consider the space you have available and also the requirements you need in your kitchen.

Cabinets

Cabinets are not only a functional addition to any kitchen, but they are also a great styling solution. For those looking for an affordable solution, then laminate cabinets are a popular choice, and technology has come on significantly in recent years, making sure they are highly durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Another very popular addition is the use of frameless cabinets, which can help to increase storage space by up to ten percent. While floating cabinets are a stylish choice, they do require more maintenance when cleaning and can look cluttered.

Working with an experienced kitchen installer will ensure you are able to find the perfect cabinets for your needs, style, and budget. Good cabinet design requires in-depth expertise, and it is the minute details that help to bring the entire interior together.

Layout

Of course, one of the most significant aspects of renovating your kitchen is the space you have available. You want to ensure that room meets your requirements and gives you the freedom to cook and entertain friends and family.

Whether it is choosing a kitchen island, a breakfast bar, or multiple storage areas, make sure you discuss your requirements with your designed to ensure your kitchen meets your needs.

Design

Finally, when choosing the design of your kitchen, it can be very tempting to follow what you see online. However, these fast trends might look great now but can quickly become outdated. That is why you should always engage a professional designer, as they will be able to create the perfect and timeless style.

Looking to renovate your kitchen?

If you are looking to renovate your kitchen during the pandemic, then Explore Kitchens is here to help you. Working across northern Virginia, including McLean, Fairfax County, Arlington County, and beyond, our experienced team can help you to create your dream kitchen.

Utilizing innovative design and the highest quality materials, we guarantee the very best kitchen installation services possible. Want to find out more? Get in touch with our team today!

 

Read More:  

Why We Can’t Recommend Porcelain Countertops

Decisions You Should Make Before Calling a Kitchen and Bath Contractor

Cabinetry 101: Everything You Need To Know About Transforming Your Kitchen or Bathroom

How Thick Should Your Granite Countertops be?

The post Top Tips for Renovating Your Kitchen during COVID-19 appeared first on Explore Kitchens – Kitchen Remodeling in McLean, VA.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.subwaytile.biz/?p=106