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PRO: Additional Options to Impress Your Clients
How’s it going, professionals? I hope business is well, and that you’re so slammed with jobs, you honestly don’t know what to do with yourself at the moment. It’s better to have an abundance of jobs than to be stressing where your next one will be, am I right? Today, I’d like to discuss a few options, quite literally, on how you can maintain repeating customers in your queue. You’ll do this by simply impressing your clients in a way that shows off your finesse as a master of your trade.
In essence, you’ll suggest options that may have been overlooked in the initial design and will hopefully having your customers so satisfied with your expertise that they’ll go to no one else but you during their next renovation. To do so, I’ll break it down by a number of categories – kitchen, bath, flooring, tile, and doors – and provide a suggestion that one, enhances the look of the design, and two, will make your customer very happy that they called you. Cause that’s what it’s all about, right?
Kitchen Options – Crown Moulding
It’s no secret that cabinets are a significant factor in any kitchen design. They’re essential for the appearance of the kitchen style, but also for functionality as well. Typically, larger families require more kitchen space, from both the countertops and cabinets. The trick is to blend both together, using aesthetics as well as how functional the cabinets are to produce a design that gives you the best of both worlds. Those two words in bold, two lines above are yet another way to enhance the look of the kitchen without your customer’s digging too deep into their wallets.
The Crown Moulding option is one that can COMPLETELY change the look of a kitchen. Yes, it’s that drastic. It makes the difference of your standard cabinet look to something more elegant, elaborate, and sophisticated. At a pretty low cost. There’s a wide variety of options, too. Everything from extremely intricate designs to simple, smooth beveled edges. Just throw it out as a suggestion, and let your customers determine if they like the look or not. But – and I’m willing to bet – they’ll appreciate the tip.
Bath Options – Backsplash
Ah, talk about an enhancement. A tiled backsplash in a kitchen is almost mandatory once you’ve installed a couple during bathroom renovations. It’s simply a lovely feature, and I have a theory on why that is. Bear with me here, but a design is only as good as the components that it’s made of. Let’s take the color aspect of it all. If the colors do not work, the design does not work. But if the colors mesh well with another then it becomes appealing to the eye. So, when it comes to a backsplash, it’s just another asset, or component, that helps blend in the colors in the design.
Plus, look at the materials you’re dealing with, vanity alone. You have the color of the vanity, the color of the countertop, the wall paint color, accessories, and so on…and then when you add a backsplash, it just pulls everything together to make something quite extraordinary. Once again, low on cost, relatively easy on install, and tremendous on appearance. I love this option. Your clients will, as well. Take a peek at our backsplash tile options on our website. We have a wide variety of styles and finishes that will accommodate a number if designs!
Flooring Options – Quarter Round
In the remodeling industry, as you know, you hear the phrase “finishing touches” multiple times in conversation. Putting in quarter round after you’ve installed the floor and finished trimming the room is simply one of those things you can do to really “complete” a room. That God awful gap between the base boards and the floor is simply not a good look, and yes, I know that some people are fine with it to lower costs, but the look is ten times better when it’s taken care of. Maybe twenty.
I’d definitely suggest this option if you’re renovating a wide, open area like a basement or something of that nature. Closets and storage rooms aren’t as important, but in rooms where there’s going to be a flow of traffic, where your clients will entertain their guests, and so on…this is an excellent option. It’s the dot on the ‘i’ and the cross on the ‘t’.
Tile Options – Decorative Mosaic
Out of all the options that I’ll list in this post, this is the one that I’d highly suggest. Especially if you’re installing a tiled shower or a backsplash. My father likes to call them “decos,” for short, and we’ve installed quite a bit of them for a number of clients. They absolutely love the look. To me, personally, I think it’s best exemplified in a stand-up, tiled shower. Placing them about eye level, the color blends (or contrast, if you prefer) just make it truly legit design.
Honestly, that’s as best as I can say it. It’s just a 100%, cool-as-all-get-out, bad@$$ design. Straight up. I implore you to at least suggest “deco” tiles when on your next tile job. It’s stunning. Simply stunning. Again, we have a vast amount of some of the finest design and trends in decorative mosaic tiles that one can ask for. Go take a look right here!
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Door Options – Custom Paint it
You have many of your standard colors out there to work with, it is true. But, if you want to really make a lasting impression, suggest to your client that they purchase a custom paint to finish of their door. It may seem a bit…quirky, sure, but I’m telling you, it’s effective. Last summer, one of my father’s longtime clients had us install an exterior door for them. The lady of the house wanted the front door to “pop,” so we went with this Canary Yellow color.
\And I’ll tell ya what, if I wasn’t almost blinded while about 50 times as I applied the paint. Super bright. Vivid. Distinct. At first, I thought these characteristics were faults, but once we installed it, and drove up on it for the first time, I began to appreciate its vivacity. It drew the eye, and to me, that’s what mattered most. Suggest a custom paint color, urge your client to think outside of the box, to have a one of a kind feature in a home that will make it entirely their own. Suggest these options, and watch the effects unfurl.
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are one of the leading providers of kitchen cabinets, tile, flooring, windows and doors in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design comes as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients, home improvement pros & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written by: Chris Chamberlain
At Builders Surplus, we feature some of the finest cabinetry lines that your money can buy. One of these lovely lines is Waypoint Cabinets, and they’re very much sought after in both 
Ya know, in my 25 years, I’ve learned a few very necessary things when it comes to learning about new concepts, ideas, or ideologies. This was especially the case when attending college, trying to acquire enough knowledge as I possibly could to generate good study material, take meticulous notes, so I could breeze through a Final or ensure that my 10-page paper included crisp, clear thoughts to get a certain message across.
One of these highly necessary, often pivotal methods was knowing when and who to ask for help. It was easy for me to think that I could make straight A’s on my own, that I could push myself as an individual to fulfill the requirements it took to achieve that perfect score on an exam or essay. The same goes for planning your kitchen renovation. Sure, you may have what it takes to DIY it, from start to finish. But take note of your resources, the kitchen designers. During this post, I’ll explain why you should work with one.
So, there you have it, folks. Five legitimate reasons why you should work with a kitchen designer. And they’re all true, hardcore basis in fact, and I assure you that if you use this resource wisely that you’ll come to appreciate the remodeling industry just a little bit more. Our kitchen designers are friendly, fun to work with, compassionate, and possess a grand knowledge of their niche.
If you or someone you know is planning or has even mentioned a renovation, let them know that they can get a 
We hope you like our list of the top 2017 kitchen design trends! Any thoughts or trends to add on? Let us know in the comments below!
Now, I’ll assume you’ve measured your space and have the appropriate number of tile for your square footage. If not, you need to measure the length x width and multiply the two together. This will give you your square footage.
My first step was to lay a layer of premixed tile mastic on the wall. I did it to right above the outlet because I didn’t want it to dry before I could tile it. I started with my first tile, added my spacer to the right, and continued until the first row was done. The most important thing you can do with any tile job is butter the back. This makes the bond strong and makes sure you won’t have loose tiles. All you do is spread a thin coat of mastic on the back of your tile before sticking it to the wall. 
For my second row, I started it in the middle of the first tile on the bottom row. Because I was not making any cuts, I just placed that tile and did my row. I would cut that piece later. 
After stepping back and looking at my first two rows, I noticed that I had a few tiles that I needed to adjust for my second row to be perfectly straight. This was very important I found, because what looks straight up close may not actually be. Things can be tilted and still technically line up with the tiles that follow. Every few rows, step back to check your work. 
I kept going until I hit the outlet. When I got the the outlet, I came as close as I could. I then measured the space and included the space for my tile spacers on either side of the tile. I make a mark and I skipped over that area. I would do it later when I made all my cuts. I did make sure to clear off the mastic because if it dried that way, I wouldn’t be able to get my tile even when I went back to lay it. 
I continued this way until I hit the top. I left spaces on either side of my row where cuts would need to go. When all the non cut pieces were complete, we wanted to make cuts all at one time, so we measured all the spots at once. 
Then, I wrote down all of the numbers on a piece of paper, and measured each one, writing it down as I went, making sure I left room for my spacers. When cutting, its always best to cut it a little long than short. You can always trim it down if needed. 
We then made our cuts (I actually learned how to use the tile saw!) and we went to work placing each piece in it’s designated slot. Luckily, it worked out perfectly for us! 
While it may not have been perfect, I was very proud of my first time doing a tile backsplash. Make sure that you remember to get bullnose tile for your edges. This will be a smooth curve to end your tile at the corners which will look much better than the regular edge of a tile. You can get them with the curve on the long edge or the short edge. We chose long edge and cut them like this (shown below). 
This is why, and I’m sure you know, there’s been an influx in buying locally and supporting companies that manufacture goods in America. This is not to say that you don’t condone or intentionally not seek to benefit foreign exchange, but it’s good to know when your money is circulating within the confines of your nation. Simple as that. And that is yet another reason we love Wellborn Cabinets! They’re made right here in the U. S. of A.
Today, I’d like to talk a little bit about these homemade cabinets, detailing some history, and why they’re such a hot commodity at our stores.
The Wellborn family have owned and operated Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., since 1961. Think about it, that’s more than fifty years of success! Any business that makes it past the 50-year mark absolutely has a timeless product, in my opinion. You simply don’t make it that far without providing customers a timeless, durable product.
The company was originally founded by Paul and Doug Wellborn, and they’re located in the Deep South, in Ashland, Alabama. Their primary goal is a prime reason for their lengthy success. In their website, their goal is “to provide 
The company had humble beginnings, starting out in a 3,200 sq. ft (holy smokes) building that manufactured cost-effective kitchen and bath cabinets and specialized in kitchen and bath contract sales for government-financed housing. Thirty five years after its inception, Paul Wellborn bought the entire company, became the sole owner, and switched up the Wellborn Cabinet clientele, focusing primarily on residential kitchen and bath dealers. Since then, the company has expanded its reach in both size and product selection, branching out to 6 product lines.
In present day, Paul and the Wellborn family manufacture the company cabinets from start to finish in a 2,000,000 sq. ft. (pick up your jaw) facility in Ashland. Their tagline reads: Wellborn Cabinet, Time Tested, Quality Craftsmanship…Your Whole Home Solution. In essence, this company is about their business, and they are NOT playing around. You have to appreciate this kind of dedication.
Like I explained before, it’s nice knowing the products you purchase are made here in this great nation. Wellborn Cabinets knows this, and they’ve dedicated their work to keep producing that same quality throughout its history. Their facility completely controls quality from the timber that arrives from the sawmill to the finished cabinet. This, as they say, will ensure you of a premium, quality cabinet. 100% Guaranteed. Also, this company is listed on numerous Made in America/USA websites with other manufacturers who also produce their products here, including 
This company is in line with a heavy commitment to our environment and for good reason, right? Their website states, “environmental stewardship has been part of Wellborn’s culture since the beginning. This responsibility has always been about more than just words and has been proven through decades of actions, investments, and practices.” Here’s another little tidbit that I find equally as fascinating: Wellborn has recycling programs that utilize wood waste to generate power and steam and continue to lower Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions through technology. In fact, the energy they gain from waste powers hear for 5, 124 homes in one year. That’s incredible.
The company “utilizes steam from from the wood fired co-generation plant in the dry kilns, heating ovens, and paint room. The process saves approximately 300,000 (MCF) thousand cubic feet of natural gas annually, a non-renewable energy source, by using collected shavings. They also partner with their contributors to further their environmental practices! This, as they say on their page, is why you’ll find the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program seal on their cabinetry.
It’s clairvoyantly clear that this company has pushed themselves in the right direction towards a better future, perfecting their practices for a safer, cleaner environment. It is as their “Green” page states, “For Our Planet – Today, Tomorrow and Always” and “For the Future of Our Children.” I’m not quite sure you can find a more giving or environmentally-conscious company than this one, folks.
And there you have it, folks, a company that prides itself on being born right here in the U.S.A. They’re committed, focused, detail-oriented, and have a persistent drive to manufacture a quality product to produce lasting, satisfied smile, and all in an environmentally-safe way. You can’t make up this kind of genius, y’all. I urge you to the utmost degree to check these guys out when you consider doing a kitchen or bath remodel. As I’ve detailed above, you will not be disappointed. In the slightest. Until next time, everyone, be safe, and enjoy this new year! Stay blessed!
Alright, let me guess. You’ve been itching and dying to get some remodeling done around the house, but something always comes up or you forget about it for a time, or maybe the finances aren’t all in the right spot in the moment, and you simply [think] you need more time. I get it, I get it. it. We all know how life can be at times, but I implore you to wait no longer. Let 2017 be the year you go remodel your kitchen, let 2017 be the year you do gut out the bathroom because the style looks like it’s from the 1870s, let this next year be limitless, the only bounds being your creative limit. But how do you do this? An excellent question that will be followed by a similar answer. In this post, I’d like to discuss what you can do to take action in your home remodeling and quit living in procrastination nation.
Think your bathroom would be more suitable to your liking if you had a standing shower as opposed to a tub? Figure it in. Let you and your family create a “roundtable” atmosphere, dishing out ideas and make your new remodel functional as well as satisfying. If you make it a fun activity with the whole family or just you and your spouse, then it won’t be a drag or something to just get over with. It can and will be an exciting process.
Alright, you’ve achieved what you’d like to happen, now it’s time to get serious about your home remodeling ideas. At Builders Surplus, we like to be included in this step in the process, which is why we offer a 
Ah, it’s down to the nitty-gritty now. Remember last year when you didn’t get done what you wanted to get done. This last and final step let’s those thoughts be a part of the past – it’s time to look at the present. Cause it’s here. Now, we 100% understand if you’d like to just take the reigns from here and be on your way. Home remodeling is a crazy, self-fulfilling, self-satisfying process, but I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that we do, in fact, offer 
Now, listen, I’ve neatly sorted this process in three, simple steps. Please understand that gaining your dreams can be as simple as following them, and do not hesitate to give us a call or reach out to us. We want to help you reach these goals and see these dreams come true. So, don’t hesitate to call us anytime at any of our two locations. For reference, here’s our contact page right 
Completely renovating your kitchen is a sure way to put a dent in your pocketbook, but I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to go that route. At all. In this post, I’ll discuss five simple, do-it-yourself upgrades that can completely revamp your kitchen remodel! These suggestions are relatively quick, requiring minimal time, and are completely cost-effective.
Plus, most of these options can be achieved by the help of your neighborhood home improvement store, Builders Surplus! We carry most of the products needed to achieve these awesome upgrades, and we’d love to assist you in any way in making your dream kitchen remodel a reality. Feel free to stop by in any of our Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati locations to check out some of the amazing deals we offer, including top-notch products at absolute money-saving prices. See ya there! 
Changing the look of the cabinet hardware in your kitchen is a nice, gentle touch to switch up the overall appearance. It may seem like a small adjustment, but I promise you, once you’ve changed the knobs on each cabinet to a different style or design then step back a couple paces, you’ll see a major difference. 
Also, you’re in luck! We carry some of the best lines in cabinet hardware including Top Knobs, Jeffrey Alexander, and Amerock. These lines provide the coolest, sleekest designs to accessorize your cabinets, and are adaptable to any kitchen remodel design! Whichever style you’re trying to accomplish – traditional, rustic, contemporary, or modern – these brands have beautiful pieces of each, making it suitable for all.
There’s just something about a kitchen with a backsplash that literally sets everything in motion. This feature gives you the opportunity to make your entire kitchen blend in, even by creating contrast. Bring out the colors in your countertops by accentuation, letting the backsplash push those colors forward. Or, create contrast and play with the lights and darks of your kitchen. 
When you’re in your kitchen, you want to be comfortable, right? Just like any other room in your household, you’d like the functionality to be bar-none, and everything should be super simple. Well, installing a pull-down faucet covers that entire scope. Not only does it look good, but it feels good knowing that the dreaded chore of doing dishes can simplified by a fixture. 
Technology, by definition of usage, is a means of making life easier. Installing a pull-down faucet in your kitchen can ease your daily life, upgrading your kitchen not only be appearance, but in function, as well.
After all, a beautiful design is achieved partly by the resources you use. Installing crown moulding is a quick, inexpensive way to amp up the look of your kitchen cabinetry, a prominent feature in any kitchen remodel.
The lighting in your kitchen plays in an important part in your kitchen design. Maybe you feel as if there’s just not enough light in your kitchen or you just don’t like the look of the fixtures. Now, during your kitchen remodel, you can change that and add fixtures that not only give you the ample light you need, but look good while doing it. 
A couple of weeks ago, my dad and I visited one of our usual customers to talk about the lighting in her kitchen – there just simply wasn’t enough. But instead of rewiring for additional fixtures, we thought of another idea, one that we’ve used before in a bathroom and were mesmerized by the effect. A skylight. We installed a 14-inch skylight that provides the light output of 5 100w lightbulbs! Crazy, right? And it turned out beautiful. In fact, she told us a few days later that she doesn’t even have to turn on the kitchen lights in the daytime. Exceptional.
One of the first steps in preparation for kitchen designs is adhering to your audience, or in this case, the familial foodies that reside in the household. It’s no secret that your kitchen is, without question, the primary spot in your home. Think about it, you wake up, and if you’re like me, breakfast is already in mind, so you’ll raid the kitchen with hopes of finding some bacon and eggs, maybe even some pancakes. But that’s just me. Point is, it’s the place where you prepare your meals, and with as much time as you spend doing so, you want to me comfortable, relaxed, extremely pleased in area you work in. Depending on how small or large your family is, you may or may not need to make some accommodations. It is in my hopes that this post will deliver some ideas for you and yours on making your kitchen design feasible for the entire family. Let’s get started!
Counter Space: Large family or not, having room to prepare your meals can go the distance when it comes to comfortability in your kitchen design. Trust me, after having lived in several apartments, it can be a nuisance moving things around just to have a place to chop up a couple of onions. Do yourself a favor and provide ample room for cutting boards, utensils, and your appliances like a blender or the microwave. Think about Thanksgiving, and how much more comfortable you’ll feel when the relatives come over and you’re not having to squeeze into a compact kitchen because there’s simply not enough counter space. You’ll thank me later. 
Walking Space: Let’s face it, the kitchen brings in more traffic than L.A. does at rush hour. People are in and out grabbing snacks and drinks throughout the entire day, right? So, think about the amount of space you actually need and act accordingly. This bit is especially true if you have an island in your kitchen. Be aware of how much room you have between the island and your wall cabinets, refrigerator, oven – you get the point. I cannot tell you how many times people have neglected precaution, ran with lazy kitchen designs, and want to know why their refrigerator door won’t open all the way. Use your space wisely. 
Adding stools/chairs: Much like the breakfast bar design, adding stools nestled underneath a countertop makes a kitchen more welcoming. It says, “this is not merely a place to cook, but a place to talk, as well.” Designer Eldon Long had this to say about his family-functional kitchen designs: “I wanted it to look more like a family room. The idea was, let’s make this a multifunctional space that we can use 24/7.” Taking a look at the picture below, you can see how well he achieved this effect. Families have a bond, right? One that encourages constantly through meaningful conversation and boundless unity. Making your kitchen emulate, say, a cafe allows for this space to be a place of conversation. 
Add a blackboard: Ah, my personal favorite. This idea screams quirky! Honestly, though, it definitely has its uses. Think about it, how many times have you went to the grocery and forgot something. Yeah, me too. Several times. Adding a blackboard not only adds character, but it allows family members to jot a list down or a special treat, making everyone aware. Fun, right?
Countertops: Any surface in your kitchen should be relatively maintenance free. If there’s any place where “accidents” are going to happen, it’ll be the kitchen, don’t you agree. Pasta sauce covers the countertop, a wine glass plummets and breaks, or the usual “I forgot to cover the blender” mistake arises, and you’re left with a mess and a half to clean up. My opinion? Silestone. It’s a Quartz, so it provides the elegant look without the weakness of granite or marble. It won’t stain, it’s non-porous, providing you with a low-maintenance surface that ease that tantrum you have when the ketchup bottle explodes for no apparent reason. It is a kitchen, anything could happen.
Character Maple or Hickory: Hands down, without question, the most expensive. This species sports a strong grain, making it solid and extremely durable. It has a rustic, or country, look that is highly sought after, but at a steep price. 
Cherry: This is the more traditional approach, and definitely more expensive than most. A cherry wood species stains magnificently, going on smooth and easy to soak in. Whereas some other wood might take a few coats, this one reveals an outstanding, fine finish with one. It has warmer, red tones and tends to darker over time. 
Maple: Cost-effective, and paints quite nicely. It can also be updated! Although, there’s less grain in this species, it is a fine one for your money. 
Oak/Ash: Another traditional look, and relatively inexpensive as well. The grain shows right through this wood species, tends to be a bit rustic, and can also be updated! 
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF): This very affordable species is a painted option only, hence the low cost. But for your money, it’s an excellent option and looks great in any kitchen.
Laminate: Another more traditional approach, ranging from a simple design to contemporary. But be careful, this species does not do well next to heat and tends to yellow if it’s set to close to an oven. 
Thermofoil: Your wallet will love this option. It’s only available in white or linen, and is yet another wood that cannot withstand excessive heat.
Standard Stain: Undoubtedly, the most cost-effective approach. It would be as if you bought some cabinets and applied the stain yourself. With this finish, the cabinet sides may have a laminated end that coordinates. 
Special Stain/Paint: This process is a bit more difficult than merely applying some stain, but the finish is that much better. Visually appealing, noticeable, but the sides need to be skinned to match, adding to the cost.
Paint Stain with Glaze: Painted cabinets are a hot commodity right now, and can make your kitchen a little bit brighter. By adding a glaze to stain or paint, the finish draws out the finer details. 
Finishing Techniques: Now depending on your budget, one of these features is an excellent finishing touch. Using a technique such as weathering, or the Vintage look adds character and lovely style, but of course, all at a nice price, too.
Mixing colors with white is an easy way to switch it up!
We hope this has helped you realize that a kitchen remodel on a budget is possible! What options will your consider for your kitchen remodel? Let us know in the comments below!
