Planning for a new closet design can be an exciting project. Here are some steps to help you plan and create an efficient and functional closet design:

Assess your needs:

Begin by evaluating your storage needs. Consider the items you’ll be storing in the closet, such as clothes, shoes, accessories, and other belongings. Determine how much hanging space, shelving, and drawer space you’ll require.

Create a wishlist:

Make a list of features and elements you would like to include in your new closet design. This could include things like shoe racks, built-in drawers, adjustable shelves, hanging rods, mirrors, lighting, or any other specific requirements you may have.

Determine your budget:

Decide on a budget for your closet project. This will help you make choices regarding materials, accessories, and customization options. Knowing your budget from the start will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.

Research and gather inspiration:

Look for inspiration online, in magazines, or visit home improvement stores to get ideas for your closet design. Save images or create a mood board to help you visualize the style and layout you prefer.

Choose the closet type:

Decide on the type of closet that suits your needs and space. Common options include reach-in closets, walk-in closets, or custom-built closets. Each type has its own considerations and possibilities.

Maximize space:

Look for opportunities to maximize storage space. Utilize vertical space by incorporating floor-to-ceiling shelves or double-hanging rods. Consider adding pull-out racks or accessories to utilize corners or awkward spaces effectively.

Choose materials and finishes:

Select the materials and finishes that match your style and budget. Common choices include wood, laminate, wire shelving, or a combination of these. Consider durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetics when making your selections.

Hire professionals or DIY:

Decide whether you will hire professionals to install the closet or if you will tackle the project yourself. If you opt for professional installation, research and hire experienced closet designers or contractors

Organize and personalize:

Once the installation is complete, organize your belongings within the closet. Consider using storage bins, dividers, and organizers to keep items neat and accessible. Personalize the space with decorative elements like artwork or a mirror.

 

Remember, planning is crucial to ensure you create a closet that meets your needs and maximizes your available space. Take your time, gather ideas, and make informed decisions to achieve a functional and aesthetically pleasing closet design.

 

 

Fall is a great time to tackle various home maintenance projects to prepare your home for the winter season. Here are some essential fall home maintenance tasks you can consider:

Gutters and downspouts:

Clean out any debris, leaves, or dirt from your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. This will prevent water from overflowing and potentially causing damage to your roof or foundation.

Roof inspection:

Check your roof for any signs of damage, loose or missing shingles, or leaks. Repair or replace damaged areas to prevent water from seeping in during winter.

Chimney maintenance:

If you have a chimney, schedule a professional inspection and cleaning to remove creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Ensure that the chimney cap is in good condition to keep pests and debris out.

HVAC system:

Have your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional. Replace air filters, clean vents, and consider getting a programmable thermostat to optimize energy usage during colder months.

Weather-stripping and caulking:

Inspect doors and windows for any gaps or cracks. Apply weather-stripping or caulking to prevent drafts and increase energy efficiency.

Outdoor faucets and hoses:

Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets to prevent freezing and potential pipe damage. Disconnect and store garden hoses.

Lawn and garden care:

Rake and remove leaves from your lawn to allow it to breathe and prevent mold growth. Trim trees and bushes away from your house to minimize potential damage during storms.

Exterior maintenance:

Inspect your home’s exterior for any signs of peeling paint, cracks in the siding, or gaps around windows. Touch up paint and seal any openings to protect against moisture and cold air infiltration.

Insulation check:

Ensure that your attic and walls are adequately insulated. Add insulation where needed to improve energy efficiency and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Safety check:

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries if necessary, and ensure they are functioning correctly.

Remember, these are general suggestions, and the specific maintenance tasks may vary depending on your home’s age, location, and unique requirements. It’s always a good idea to consult with professionals or refer to specific manufacturer guidelines for any equipment or systems in your home.

During a kitchen remodel, there are several common mistakes that people often make. These mistakes can lead to delays, budget overruns, and unsatisfactory results. Here are 5 common kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Inadequate Planning

Failing to plan properly is a major mistake. Before starting the remodel, make sure you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. At Classic, our experienced design team will work with you to create a detailed plan that includes the layout, design, materials, and a budget.

Mistake #2: Choosing Trendy Designs Over Timeless Ones

Trends come and go, so it’s important to consider the long-term appeal of your kitchen design. Opting for overly trendy elements may result in a dated look in a few years. Instead, focus on timeless designs that can withstand changing styles.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Functionality for Aesthetics

While aesthetics are important, prioritizing them over functionality can be a mistake. Remember that the kitchen is a workspace, and it needs to be practical and efficient. Consider things like ensuring you have enough cabinet space, adding features like pull out shelves or drawers maximize efficient. Plan for the storage of appliances and utensils to help you’re your space clutter-free. By balancing style with functionality you’ll create a kitchen that meets your needs.

Mistake #4: Overlooking Lighting

Proper lighting is essential in the kitchen. Inadequate lighting can affect functionality and aesthetics. Plan for a combination of task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and inviting space.

Mistake #5: Not Hiring Professionals When Needed

While DIY projects can be rewarding, certain aspects of a kitchen remodel require professional expertise. Electrical, plumbing, and structural changes should be handled by licensed professionals to ensure safety and compliance with building codes. Additionally, as space planning experts, we can help you make the most efficient use of your kitchen.

By avoiding these 5 common kitchen remodeling mistakes and planning carefully, you can increase the chances of a successful kitchen remodel that meets your expectations and adds value to your home.

Ready to create the kitchen of your dreams? Let’s chat. We’d love to help!

Classic Remodeling was recently named Charleston’s Best Kitchen/Bath Remodeler by Charleston Living Magazine. Each year, Charleston Living invites readers to nominate their favorite local businesses. Categories range from dining and nightlife to home services, hotels, and more. Classic Remodeling is honored to be named Best Kitchen/Bath Remodeler for the 10th year in a row!

The entire list of Best of the Best winners will be featured in the July/August issue of Charleston Living Magazine.

 

 

Deciding to renovate your home is not a decision to be made lightly. The home remodeling process can be stressful and, depending on the project, it can be a major financial investment. That said, there are many good reasons to update your living space. Here are our top 5 reasons to renovate your home:

Fix a Safety Issue

First and foremost, renovations may be needed to make necessary repairs. Cracked foundations, leaking roofs, and electrical problems are safety concerns that should be addressed immediately.

Save Money

Although remodeling can represent a substantial financial investment, it can also save you money in the long run. Upgrading products to higher quality materials can reduce the need to replace or repair them, saving you time and money.

Increase Energy Efficiency

Switch out old appliances and systems for newer, more energy efficient options. This will not only save you money, it may also be attractive to potential buyers, should you decide to sell your home.

Increase your Home’s Value

The old saying “you have to spend money to make money” holds true when you go to sell your home. Making improvements to your dwelling can increase your home’s value and up your asking price. Check out Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report to get an idea of the return on investment you can anticipate from a variety of different home improvement projects.

Increase Your Comfort

The truth is, you don’t really need a reason like saving money or making critical repairs to justify a home renovation. Home should be a place we can retreat and relax. If your home’s layout doesn’t work for you, or you are lacking enough storage space, or you simply want to make things lighter and brighter, you may want to consider a remodel. Any changes, big or small, that will increase your enjoyment of your home are worthwhile!

 

Considering a home renovation for any of the above reasons? Give us a call! From kitchens and bathrooms to additions and whole house remodels, Classic Remodeling loves to make our client’s dreams for their home become a reality.

Classic Remodeling wins the Guildmaster Award for Customer Service again this year! This is the 18th consecutive Guildmaster win for Classic and we couldn’t be more proud of our team for this achievement.

What is the Guildmaster Award?

The Guildmaster award is an annual award given out by GuildQuality, a third party surveying company we have used for the last 20+ years. In order to qualify for the Guildmaster award, eligible companies must receive a minimum of 20 survey responses and have at least a 50% response rate. In addition, GuildQuality looks at the recommendation rate for each eligible business. In order to receive a Guildmaster award, a company must have a recommendation rate of 90% or higher.

Out of nearly 2,000 eligible applicants, Classic Remodeling is one of 400+ businesses within the residential construction industry recognized by GuildQuality for consistently delivering superior customer care. This year, Classic received a 100% recommendation rate from survey respondents, earning us the title of Guildmaster with Highest Distinction!

WHAT IS A GUILDMASTER WITH HIGHEST DISTINCTION?

There are two levels of distinction in addition to the basic Guildmaster Award. Members with a recommendation rate between 95% and 97.9% receive the Guildmaster with Distinction award. The Guildmaster with Highest Distinction is awarded to companies with a recommendation rate between 98% and 100%. Classic Remodeling achieved a 100% recommendation rate in 2023! In addition, Classic Remodeling is the ONLY company in the GuildQuality network who has received the Guildmaster award each year since it’s inception in 2005. That’s 18 consecutive wins!

Industry challenges have continued over the past year – from labor shortages to product availability issues. Despite these issues, our team continues to put customer care first, so that our clients have the best possible remodeling experience.

A big “thank you” goes out, once again, to each of our clients who completed a GuildQuality survey. We appreciate the time you take to evaluate our performance.

Now that winter is finally over and spring is here, it’s time to head outside to prep your home for the coming summer. Here are our top 6 home improvement projects for spring.

Gutters

gutter full of debris

Falling leaves and rainy weather can leave your gutters clogged. This is a relatively simple DIY project that only requires a ladder and some elbow grease. Spring is a great time to remove all of the debris from your gutters to ensure they are doing their job properly. You can also invest in gutter guard systems to help keep the debris out, and save yourself the time and work next season.

HVAC

Now is the time to get your HVAC system checked out, to ensure no repairs are needed. Once the summer months hit, not only do you run the risk of being without A/C if your system goes down, you may also have difficulty finding a technician with availability.

Roof

roof on two-story house

Spring is a great time to get out and inspect your roof for any damage or needed repairs. If you see visible damage, call for a repair as soon as possible. Taking care of any minor issues now can prevent major issues down the road. Need a new roof? Roof replacements are a great investment that can increase the value of your home. According to the 2023 Cost v. Value report from Remodeling Magazine, you can typically recoup about 70% of the cost of your new roof.

 Door and Window Screens

Inspect windows, doors, and screened porches for any screen damage. Ensuring there are no rips or tears will help keep those pesky flies and mosquitos out! You may be able to fix small tears yourself with just a few simple tools. For larger repairs or replacements, reach out to a professional.

Deck/Patio

pool deck and chairs

Head on outside to inspect your existing deck/patio for necessary repairs. Now is the time to replace boards, restain decks, or powerwash patios, so that your outdoor spaces are in tip-top shape and ready to enjoy for those summer family BBQs.

Windows and Doors

windows with 2 chairs and ceiling fan

Charleston summers can be brutal, so ensuring your home is energy efficient and properly sealed is essential. Check all of your windows and doors to ensure they are weather-tight to help keep the cool air in and energy costs down.

 

We know the temps rise quickly here in Charleston, so don’t delay! Get outside and tackle these 6 home improvement projects before the heat becomes unbearable. Keeping up on maintenance and repairs throughout the year can help you avoid major, costly repairs in the future.

 

 

Classic Remodeling & Construction was awarded a “Best of Houzz” award for Design,  on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The annual people’s choice award recognizes professionals among the Houzz community who stand out in both talent and customer service. Classic was chosen by the millions of homeowners that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 3 million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

Best of Houzz awards are given annually, in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards honor professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including a pro’s overall rating on Houzz and client reviews submitted in 2022. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award.

“Best of Houzz 2023” badges appear on winners’ profiles as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help the more than 65 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts on Houzz to identify popular and top-rated home professionals for their projects.

We’re excited to receive this recognition again this year. This is our 8th Best of Design award and our 15th total Best of Houzz win, across both the design and customer service categories. This award is a symbol of the work that our entire team puts in each day, in an effort to produce the best designs and remodeling experience for our clients.

 “We are thrilled to highlight incredibly talented and customer-driven pros from the Houzz community through the Best of Houzz awards,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “At Houzz, we strive to support professionals from building their brands and attracting clients, to managing their business efficiently and profitably, and collaborating with clients. The Best of Houzz awards provide a distinctive mark of credibility for homeowners looking for pros on Houzz. We congratulate all the winners for everything they’ve accomplished in 2022 and look forward to seeing their work and positive reviews in the year ahead.”

 

You can see our work as well as client reviews by visiting our Houzz Profile.

 What is  Houzz

Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing an all-in-one software solution for industry professionals and tools for homeowners to update their homes from start to finish. Using Houzz, people can find ideas and inspiration, hire professionals, and shop for products. Houzz Pro (houzz.com/pro) provides home industry professionals with a business management and marketing SaaS solution that helps them to win projects, collaborate with clients and teams, and run their business efficiently and profitably. The Houzz community is made up of millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals around the world. Houzz is available on the web and as a top-rated mobile app. For more information, visit houzz.com. Houzz is a registered trademark of Houzz Inc. worldwide.

 

Classic Remodeling was recently recognized for excellence in 2 publications. Qualified Remodeler has included Classic in it’s top 100 in their recent customer satisfaction report. Additionally, and more locally, Charleston Living Magazine has awarded Classic their Best of the Best award for Kitchen/Bath Remodeling.

Qualified Remodeler’s Customer Satisfaction Report – Top 100

Qualified Remodeler is a remodeling trade publication that was launched in 1975. Their mission is to provide industry relevant business education and information to their readers. For the last 7 years, they have collaborated with GuildQuality, a third-party customer satisfaction surveying company, to put out their annual Customer Satisfaction Report. The report attempts to answer the question “what does good customer service mean to today’s remodeling clients? and identifies those traits that homeowners consider most important when working with a remodeling professional.

As part of their report, they also highlight their top 100 customer service leaders. Classic Remodeling has, once again, been included as part of their top 100 list. Feel free to check out our profile, included as part of Qualified Remodeler’s report, to see how we’ve been handling some of the recent challenges facing the remodeling industry.

Charleston Living Magazine’s Best of the Best Award

Each year, Charleston Living Magazine invites readers to vote for their favorite local businesses in a variety of categories. These categories range from best restaurants and shopping to best services and attractions. Results of their “Best of the Best Awards” are announced in their July/August issue where you can find a complete rundown of the winners in each category. For the 9th consecutive year, Classic Remodeling has been named the Best Kitchen/Bath Remodeler in Charleston. Being a local award, voted on by local residents, makes this award very meaningful to us!

This year has been more challenging than many of us expected.  Labor shortages, supply chain issues, and rising material prices have required a lot of adjustments to the way we do business. All of it has been in an effort to ensure that we continue to provide the quality and service that our client’s expect. While we don’t get hung up on the accolades, we do see this recognition as one measure of whether or not we are succeeding in delivering on our promises. For those that continue to vote for us, or complete project surveys, we thank you for your feedback! Your recommendations are vital to our business!

 

We are thrilled to announce that Classic Remodeling has won the 2022 Guildmaster with Highest Distinction Award for customer service.  Out of nearly 2,000 eligible applicants, Classic Remodeling is one of 400+ businesses within the residential construction industry recognized by GuildQuality for consistently delivering superior customer care. We’re so proud of our team for once again achieving this recognition.

 

Determining Guildmaster Award Eligibility

Each year, GuildQuality reviews thousands of survey responses submitted by customers of Guildmaster candidates. They consider two primary metrics for each candidate: the percentage of customers who would recommend the business to a friend and the percentage of customers who responded.

In order to receive the Guildmaster Award, candidates must receive a minimum of 20 survey responses and have at least a 50% response rate. In addition, GuildQuality looks at the recommendation rate for each eligible company. This is the most important qualification metric – exemplary customer service.  The average recommendation rate in the construction industry is 70%. GuildQuality requires a 90% or higher recommendation rate in order to receive a Guildmaster Award.

 

What is a Guildmaster with Highest Distinction?

There are two levels of distinction in addition to the basic Guildmaster Award. Members with a recommendation rate between 95% and 97.9% receive the Guildmaster with Distinction award. The Guildmaster with Highest Distinction is awarded to companies with a recommendation rate between 98% and 100%. Classic Remodeling achieved a 100% recommendation rate in 2021! In addition, Classic Remodeling is the ONLY company in the GuildQuality network who has received the Guildmaster award each year since it’s inception in 2005. That’s 17 consecutive wins!

We’re so proud of our team! They worked hard to ensure our customers continued to have a great remodeling experience, despite the challenges we’ve faced as an industry over the last year. Supply chain issues and labor shortages have certainly made our job harder, but our team rose to the challenge!

A thank you goes out to each of our clients who completed a GuildQuality survey. We appreciate the time you take to evaluate our performance. With your feedback we wouldn’t be able to call ourselves a Guildmaster with Highest Distinction!