castlebri Energy Efficient, Environmentally Friendly, Kitchen, Uncategorized Permalink

Environmentally Friendly Kitchen Renovations

castlebri May 22, 2020

Environmentally Friendly Kitchen Renovations

Kitchen renovations are always exciting. There’s something exhilarating about transforming the appearance or function of a central room in the home. Today, an increasing number of homeowners are looking to not only renovate their kitchens but to do so in a way that is more environmentally friendly.

Here at Castle Building & Remodeling Inc, we know a thing or two about environmentally-friendly remodeling. We believe strongly in green remodeling and sustainability. In fact, we were awarded the first certified home from the Minnesota Greenstar Pilot program.

This program developed a standardized metric for remodeling and building that prioritizes eco-sensitivity and efficiency in construction and materials. Essentially, they created a system that measures whether a build or remodel followed specific protocols that promote sustainability and eco-friendly measures.

So, we have a ton of ideas when it comes to environmentally friendly renovation for your kitchen. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Choose an Eco-Friendly Flooring Material

One of the first steps to a kitchen renovation is redoing the floors. Floors set the tone for the room and help improve the overall appearance of your kitchen.

There’s no shortage of eco-friendly flooring options for your kitchen renovation. Some of our favorites include:

Marmoleum – It’s like linoleum except that it’s made from renewable natural ingredients. (pictured above)
Cork – Cork floors are a fantastic alternative to wood or tile, and they have a beautiful appearance with a soft underfoot, which means they bounce when you walk on them. Additionally, cork is an incredibly sustainable material. (pictured above right)
Friendly Tile Alternatives – If you love the look of tile, there are alternatives like StonePeak, which uses natural materials and doesn’t require sealants, epoxies, or artificial colors.
Reclaimed Hardwood – If you love the look of wood, and are determined to have a wood floor, go with reclaimed wood. This wood is recycled and repurposed, making it a better alternative to traditional hardwood.

So, start with a beautiful new floor for your kitchen renovation.

Redo The Countertop with Green Materials

Is there anything more important than the kitchen countertop? It’s the showstopper of the kitchen. Most homeowners are looking for a mixture of gorgeous appearance and functionality. While solid surface kitchen countertops continue to be a popular choice, there are many other green alternatives available on the market.

Quartz Countertops – Quartz is a fantastic alternative to natural stones like marble and granite thanks to its durability, low-maintenance, and function. (pictured above right)
Crushed Recycled Glass Counters – While it might sound dangerous, recycled glass is a refined countertop material option. It comes in many colors, and it’s made from locally sourced, recycled materials. (pictured above left)
Crushed Walnut Shell Counters – Walnuts are sustainable and renewable. They’re also lightweight, high-density, and they have a low moisture absorption rate, making them an ideal option for countertops.

These aren’t the only countertop options, but they’re some of our favorite, environmentally friendly options for kitchen renovations.

Focus on Increasing Energy Efficiency

Aside from aesthetics, part of a green home renovation involves addressing energy-efficiency. There are several things you can do in your kitchen remodel to increase energy efficiency.

Weatherproofing – Weatherproofing windows and doors in your kitchen, ensure that you aren’t allowing any outside air to seep inside and boost those electricity costs.
Energy-Efficient Windows and Lightbulbs – Swap out any regular panes and bulbs for EnergyStar rated alternatives. These energy-efficient alternatives ensure you aren’t using or losing an unnecessary amount of energy.
Energy-Efficient Appliances – Switching out energy-sucking appliances for energy-efficient models can help cut tons of money off of your electric bill each month.
Insulation – Insulation is an essential component to keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you’re redoing your kitchen, be sure all your insulation is up to par, too.
Low Flow Plumbing – Monitor your water usage and waste by exchanging your regular fixtures for low flow alternatives.

These are a few great renovations and swaps to make while renovating your kitchen to optimize overall efficiency.

Start Your Environmentally Friendly Kitchen Remodel Today

As you can see, creating an environmentally friendly kitchen is all about making a lot of small changes, which, when combined, substantially increase your overall sustainability. The market for sustainability and green building has exploded, so if you love a specific material, the chances are that there’s an environmentally friendly alternative available on the market.

We’re committed to sustainability, that’s why we recently acquired Natural Built Homes, an eco-friendly building materials retailer. While the inside looks different since transitioning it into an additional showroom, you can see it’s original brick and mortar above. So, if you’re interested in renovations from a company that knows and truly cares about sustainability, give us a call.

Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.

12 May 2020

castlebri Backyard, Exterior, Landscaping, Patio Permalink

Spring Backyard Remodels in the Twin Cities

castlebri May 12, 2020

Spring Backyard Remodels in the Twin Cities

Spring is almost here. After the long Minnesota winter, some love and affection on the exterior will do. So, how about I save you, homeowners, the hassle, and show you how you’ll turn your exterior into your little haven.

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your exterior for personal satisfaction or increase your home value for resale, this is the perfect time to take on your project – without worries about the ever-changing climate of the Twin Cities. Successful renovation, however, requires lots of planning and a touch of creativity.

6 SPRING RENOVATIONS HACKS FOR YOUR BACKYARD

Curious already? Take a look at some of the six renovations projects that’ll turn your backyard into a sanctuary.

1. Spruce up the Landscaping

Because your backyard and the front lawn is the first beautiful aspect of your home that you and your visitors are going to enjoy, let’s turn it into a botanical garden. Trees in the Twin Cities can get out of hand quickly too.

If you’re going to tackle an entire outdoor landscaping project, it’s going to be a costly venture. While it’s certainly an option, not everyone has that kind of budget. However, you can start small, and piece together your final project.

Decide in advance the type of flowers, trees and other plants you want, and what area they’ll cover. To save on cost, try planting seeds instead of buying already grown plants. The warm spring weather in the Twin Cities supports germination. If you’re not sure what type of flowers or decorative plants would succeed in your lawn, consider chatting with our friends at Field Outdoor Spaces, LLC. They are award winning and create arboretum-worthy spaces in your yard.

Be mindful of weed maintenance near driveways and walkways. They can be eyesores to look at if they are not tended to on a regular basis.

Weed them
Trim their edges
Mow them

For anything bigger than routine flowers and weeds, consider calling an arborist to remove potentially dangerous branches that could be problematic for your home.

2. Redo the Driveways

The driveway receives no love during the winter. The harsh Minnesota winter weather leaves crack on your driveway, especially if it’s made of concrete. Shoveling alone won’t be enough, a little more than a new coat of asphalt layer will do.

Because this is not a project you can do on your own, a professional will suffice. A professional will work on a firmer foundation, correct base material, and proper grading. However, there are driveway maintenance tips you can pursue to curtail long-term weather and erosion on a consistent basis.

Concrete, asphalt, labor, and other materials can be costly. Plan with your constructor and see where you can chip to cut on labor costs. Your constructor should also suggest cheaper yet effective alternatives.

Consider repairing in phases in case you can’t afford all of it at once.

3. Repaint

If you notice the winter left your walls looking dull because paint that is chipping or cracking, perhaps consider a new coat or a new color all together.

Exterior before clean up and paint.

Home repainted and yard cleaned up to make way for potential landscaping.

Painting is one of the few changes you can make to your house that creates an entirely different look without costing a fortune. Depending on your preference, choose colors that go well with the exterior, or complement outdoor accents like your shutters.

Many experts recommend choosing neutral or muted colors because they have a wide appeal, but it’s your house. Paint it exactly as you see fit.

However, sticking to one or two colors will save you on cost. Doing the labor yourself will also alleviate some of your expenses.

4. Install LED lights/Outdoor Entertainment

You cannot overlook the importance of outdoor entertainment and lighting.

Excellent lighting will do the magic in giving your gloomy backyard an ambiance of a lifetime – making those night gatherings something to look forward to. Additionally, incorporating either a sound system or television (or both) gives you a centerpiece to draw your guest’s attention.

First, ensure the exterior of the house is adequately lit. The driveway, parking, and walking paths are yet other critical parts you cannot overlook.

Depending on your budget and preference, choose your lighting and whatever entertainment piece fits your style. However, unless you have prior knowledge of wiring and electrical wires, be extremely diligent in your research or call an expert.

5. Look into Hardscapes for Your Backyard Renovation

Do you long for a time when you could have company over for drinks and barbeque? Those days feel like a lifetime ago, but there’s hope for them to return soon. When they do come back, you want to be prepared.

Outdoor hardscapes would be the perfect entertainment area for such an occasion. You can begin your project now while down time is abundant for all and bear the fruits of your labor when society returns to a relative sense of normalcy.

However, your options to choose from are vast. Should you pour a concrete patio? What about installing a hardwood deck? It’s difficult to discern which is best for your living space.

Concrete patios work great for backyards that remain relatively flat. You can butt them against the posterior side of your home, or even run them alongside a swimming pool or your fence line. On the other hand, decks are for more elevated backyard terrain.

Instead of shelling out several hundreds of dollars to level out the yard, homeowners will instead build up and create a new space. Decks are traditionally more expensive long-term and require more upkeep.

Also consider a she-shed to improve your outdoor storage capacity. These are great for storing lawn equipment, seasonal patio furniture, or you can even turn it into a hobby shed to focus on painting, crafting, or whatever your passion is.

6. Plant and Trim Fences

Need a little privacy? Stray dogs and other animals disturbing your peace? Well, it could be time to put up a fence. It’s easier to dig up the holes for poles in the Minnesota spring weather.

However, this project might require the help of an expert. For the poles, you have an option to choose between wooden, aluminum, steel, and iron. A wooden fence is easier to build. However, they have high maintenance costs considering they require frequent staining, and they could rot over time.

If you already have a fence, consider repairing it. This could include changing poles, greasing where necessary, and replacing destroyed areas.

READY FOR A NEW LOOK?

An elegant home is a worthy investment. Whether looking to resell your home or just keeping it stylish, taking care of the outdoors is essential. In the Twin Cities, it’s easier to take care of your backyard in spring because of the good weather and perfect condition of the soil.

The above repair projects will turn your backyard into a haven where you, your family, and friends can have a good time.

Dominic LoBianco is a guest author on behalf of Crawlspace Depot. Dominic covers a wide array of topics in his writing ranging from home improvement to real estate financing and everything in-between.

24 Apr 2020

castlebri Educational, Home Office Permalink

The Benefits and Cost of Designing a Home Office

castlebri April 24, 2020

The Benefits and Cost of Designing a Home Office

The work-from-home era is at its height, and more people are creating office spaces within their own homes. However, the distinct design of your home office can build to or take away from your productivity, making the creative process a bit tricky. Fortunately, there is a lot of information regarding what works and what doesn’t. Here is what you need to know about devising a successful home office.

How Much Will It Cost?

One of the best things about creating a home office is that you are ultimately in charge of your own budget. Some people may choose to go above and beyond, placing thousands of dollars into the project, but if you are on a cash restriction, you can just invest in the essentials. If you have hopes of expanding, you can always do so when your financial state improves.

With that said: some basics will be required. For example, if you are working in a common business industry such as logistics, marketing, design, etc. you’re probably going to need the following:

A Working Computer (laptop or desktop)

● Wireless components (mouse, keyboard, additional monitor, necessary cables)

● Desk equipment (table and chair)

● Miscellaneous items (office supplies)

This is personal preference, but it’s recommended to have a whiteboard on the wall so that you can list out daily tasks and deadlines and be sure to note any appointments as well. Make good use of sticky notes, tack boards, and anything else that will conquer your attention.

While quantity wise, this may not sound like much. The associated price tag with these items can add up quickly. If you are going to buy all of these items new, you’re looking at a minimum entry cost of $400-700. But that number can quickly climb into the thousands if you’re not careful.

Where Should You Set Up Shop?

If you’re lucky enough to have excess space in your house, there are four obvious answers: spare bedroom, designated office/bonus room, garage, basement or crawlspace, and attic.

Many people are intrigued by trying to turn their unfinished basements or attics into home offices, which is a great place to look. However, you must do your diligence to ensure that the rooms are properly sealed off so your new computer or leather office chair doesn’t overheat or get moldy.

Some home offices are dynamic, and others aren’t even large enough to allow for walking room. Not everyone can spare an entire bedroom to dedicate to their workspace. However, as long as you can fit the necessities into a designated area, a small corner will do just fine. But you should try your best to avoid frequented areas, like dining room tables and living room spaces as it can be quite difficult to separate work from play.

How Does Customization Come into Play?

Remote offices are perfect for tailoring your environment to suit your own needs. For example, if you struggle with back problems, you may choose a bean bag or massage chair over a standard office one. You can place your workstation by a window so that the natural light makes it easy on your sensitive eyes. You can also purchase a lamp with dimming options and multiple settings to adhere to your various tasks.

People also tend to perform better and remain focused when they are free of distractions and are surrounded by decorations to keep them in the mood. House plants, candles, inspirational quotes, photos, and other additions that resonate will make the office feel more like your own. Also, color schemes play a huge part in how well your office works in your favor. The bright hues, like yellow and orange, are leaked to productivity and creativity, while blue helps with focus and logical thinking.

Try to limit your designs to things that are work-related, will restore your mental and emotional state, and will redirect your attention to the task at hand. If you feel like you cannot quite find the magic combination, we offer counsel via virtual appointments to help field any questions you might have along the way. Our designers are equipped to remotely help you design your perfect home office.

Conclusion

When it comes to creating the best space to aid in your productivity, it is essential to keep the proper amount of storage space so that everything is accessible, eliminating the constant need to abandon your station in search of items or equipment.

Making money from home is the dream of the century. And when your remote office is developed properly, you can effortlessly produce your best work without even changing out of your pajamas.

Dominic LoBianco is a content contributor (or guest author) on behalf of Crawlspace Depot. Dominic covers a wide array of topics in his writing ranging from home improvement to real estate financing and everything in-between.

06 Apr 2020

castlebri Design Trends, Educational, Uncategorized Permalink

Maximize Your Home Storage Spaces

castlebri April 6, 2020

Maximize Your Home Storage Spaces

Spring is in the air and that means it’s time for spring cleaning. As you put away your winter gear and start reaching for warmer weather items, you may notice a need for better or more organized storage solutions. Here are our best solutions for the most popular rooms in your home to help you achieve your organizing goals.

1. Basement / Storage Room

Basements and storage rooms are one of the best ways to maximize your storage capabilities. Installing floor to ceiling durable shelving in unfinished areas allows you to store long term items you may not need access to regularly.

Another creative solution is to maximize the use of your basement stairwell. If the structure of your home allows for it, consider adding drawers or cabinets along the stairwell for hidden storage that doesn’t take up limited floor space.

Finally, if you utilize your basement for more utilitarian purposes, consider installing custom cabinetry or built ins to fit your needs. They can be both aesthetically pleasing to the eye and functional.

2. Bathroom Solutions

Your bathroom can feel like you have limited options when it comes to creative solutions. One option is to maximize the storage within your vanity. Cabinet drawers can be shaped to fit around the piping for a unique and functional storage space. You could also add hair dryer/curling iron/flat iron holders into the cabinetry, and varying drawer dividers for makeup and accessories to create the ultimate vanity set up.

Another solution is to utilize built-in shelving. Whether its wall-to-wall in an otherwise unused nook or part of the overall structure, built-ins can bring a lot of visual appeal to a room while remaining functional.

3. Kitchen Solutions

When it comes to creating your perfect kitchen, there is more than meets the eye. Once you’ve selected all the “pretty things,” it’s time to think of the functionality. Like a hidden cutting board for easy clean up, as pictured above!

Cabinets can be more than just shelving. Roll outs, lazy susan’s, and drawer pull outs are all popular additions. Another unique option is building your spice rack right into your cabinetry. Knife blocks in drawers, pot/pan/lid storage, tray dividers, the list goes on!

Project-3408-1-Bright-Scandinavian-Minneapolis-Kitchen-Remodel-with-Movable-Island-55406-MN-6_[1]

Creating shallow cabinets around your refrigerator takes a potential wasted corner space and creates additional pantry space or even a small broom closet. And then there’s always the option to take a small corner and turn it into a functional wine storage!

While these are just a few ideas of how to make the most of your functional space, there are countless options on how you can maximize your space.

01 Apr 2020

castlebri bathroom, Design Trends, Educational, Kitchen Permalink

Design Trends: Kitchen and Bath Traditional Design Influences

castlebri April 1, 2020

Design Trends: Kitchen and Bath Traditional Design Influences

Classic, calm, and timeless. These three words describe a home that has been designed with traditional influences. Many homes with a traditional design aesthetic are filled with warm wood tones, graceful lines, and detailed moldings. However, the most appealing aspect of this design trend is how fluid it can be. Pairing with other design aesthetics, it can take a room from ordinary to unique while maintaining a timeless look. As you mix and match, you do not want it to appear visually cluttered so its best to stick to two decorative touches from adjacent eras, creating a more subtle, yet visually appealing look.

Cabinetry and Countertops

The kitchen and bathroom designs heavily rely on color palette, cabinetry style and finishing touches. When you and your designer are creating the space consider selecting warm tones in your cabinetry. If you are looking to mix eras consider white or light colored cabinetry with clean lines. Bathrooms stay on trend with beautiful pedestal sinks or vanities with spa like features. When it comes to selecting the countertops, traditional choices lean towards either natural or faux-natural materials, such as granite, engineered stone, soapstone or even marble.

Wall and Flooring Selections

When it comes to selecting wall and flooring tile the most sought after choices are subway or hexagonal tiles. Clean lines throughout and classic hardwood flooring helps bring the look together. The best traditional style homes aren’t married to one particular style as no era or design should overrule another. It is an adaptable style that allows you to be as creative as you’d like.

Finishing Touches

Elevate a room’s overall look by carefully selecting light fixtures, faucets, drawer hardware and even the trim around your bathroom mirrors. The traditional design aesthetic is highlighted throughout textures like wood and metal. Common metal selections are oil-rubbed bronze, iron and copper, providing a touch of beauty and historical authenticity to your design.

In Conclusion

Many Castle clients tend to desire, and Castle designers, keeping the traditional millwork/flooring consistent between the original parts of the home and newly remodeled spaces- i.e. we try to match those parts as much as possible. That traditional consistency allows for more play with the other elements previously mentioned.

In the end, traditional style is an excellent choice when you looking for a space to feel timeless and relevant simultaneously. Since you’re highlighting the best in design styles all at once, the look will never feel tired or go out of style.

Be sure to check out our portfolio to get more inspiration for traditional designs, and more!