Your Guide to Waterproof Flooring!

Introduction to Waterproof Flooring

In today’s world, homeowners are constantly seeking ways to improve the functionality and durability of their living spaces while maintaining a stylish and modern aesthetic. One of the most significant aspects to consider when designing or remodeling a home is the flooring. With a variety of options available, waterproof flooring has emerged as an increasingly popular choice for many households. This type of flooring provides numerous benefits, including resistance to water damage, easy maintenance, and durability in high-traffic areas. Whether you’re on a tight budget, have young children or pets, or simply want a long-lasting and low-maintenance flooring solution, waterproof flooring is an ideal choice. In this blog post, we will explore the two main waterproof flooring options – luxury vinyl flooring and waterproof laminate – and help you understand their unique features, histories, and benefits. By the end of this post, you will have the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about the best waterproof flooring solution for your home.

Two Main Waterproof Flooring Options

When it comes to selecting waterproof flooring, there are two primary options that cater to different preferences and requirements. Understanding the unique features and benefits of each option will help you make the best choice for your home.

a. Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT or LVP)

Luxury Vinyl Flooring, also known as Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), is a highly versatile and durable flooring option made from multiple layers of PVC vinyl. LVT and LVP are designed to closely mimic the appearance of natural materials, such as hardwood or stone, while providing the added benefits of water resistance, easy installation, and low maintenance. Luxury vinyl flooring is ideal for homeowners who want the look and feel of natural materials without the high cost or susceptibility to water damage.

b. Waterproof Laminate

Waterproof laminate is an innovative flooring option that offers the benefits of traditional laminate flooring while incorporating enhanced water resistance. Unlike standard laminate flooring, which is only water-resistant, waterproof laminate features a surface that is impervious to water, making it suitable for areas prone to spills or moisture. However, it is important to note that only the surface of waterproof laminate is waterproof, and water damage can still occur if moisture seeps into the cracks or underneath the flooring. Waterproof laminate is a good option for those seeking an affordable, stylish, and moderately water-resistant flooring solution.

By comparing the features and benefits of luxury vinyl flooring and waterproof laminate, you can determine the best waterproof flooring option for your specific needs and preferences.

WATERPROOF LAMINATE

Comparing Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Flooring

When choosing between laminate and luxury vinyl flooring, it’s essential to understand their differences in terms of composition, durability, water resistance, and other factors. By examining these differences, you can make an informed decision about the best waterproof flooring solution for your home.

a. Material Composition

Laminate flooring is composed of multiple layers, with its primary layer (the core) made of high-density fiberboard. This provides laminate flooring with rigidity and strength. On the other hand, luxury vinyl flooring is made primarily of PVC vinyl, which makes it dimensionally stable and flexible. Learn more about laminate vs. luxury vinyl flooring in our blog post.

b. Water Resistance

While waterproof laminate has a water-resistant surface, only the surface is waterproof. If water penetrates the cracks or seeps underneath the flooring, damage can occur. Luxury vinyl flooring, in contrast, is entirely waterproof, making it a more suitable option for areas prone to moisture or spills. Discover more about waterproof flooring options on our blog.

c. Durability and Maintenance

Both laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are durable and low-maintenance options. However, luxury vinyl flooring is generally more resistant to dents, scratches, and fading caused by sunlight exposure, making it a more robust choice for high-traffic areas and households with children or pets. Read our blog post on the durability of luxury vinyl flooring for more information.

d. Appearance and Cost

Laminate flooring can closely mimic the appearance of real hardwood floors or slate at a lower cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. Luxury vinyl flooring also offers a wide range of design options that closely resemble natural materials, often at a competitive price point. Explore our blog on affordable flooring options for more insights.

e. Environmental and Health Factors

Laminate flooring is considered an environmentally friendly choice due to its composition, which often includes recycled materials. Additionally, some laminate flooring options are resistant to chemicals and burns, providing added safety benefits. Luxury vinyl flooring, on the other hand, offers built-in soundproofing and often doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that can impact indoor air quality. Check out our blog post on eco-friendly flooring choices for more information.

By comparing laminate and luxury vinyl flooring across these key factors, you can make a well-informed decision about the best waterproof flooring option to suit your specific needs, budget, and design preferences.

Top Waterproof Flooring Brands to Consider

With numerous waterproof flooring options available in the market, it’s important to choose a reliable brand that offers high-quality products. Here are five top brands for waterproof flooring, each offering exceptional durability, style, and performance

REVWOD WHICKAM GRAY

Mohawk RevWood

Mohawk RevWood is a revolutionary laminate flooring option that combines the beauty of hardwood with the performance of laminate. This waterproof flooring is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear while maintaining its attractive appearance. Check out our Mohawk RevWood collection at Builders Surplus.

ELIPTICAL OAK

COREtec

COREtec is a leading brand in luxury vinyl flooring, offering 100% waterproof planks that are both durable and visually appealing. With innovative core structures and an attached cork underlayment, COREtec floors provide excellent soundproofing and comfort. Explore our COREtec flooring options at Builders Surplus.

PERGO CHANCING SEAFOAM CEDAR

Pergo

Pergo is a well-known brand in the laminate flooring industry, offering waterproof laminate options that are both stylish and functional. Pergo’s waterproof laminate flooring is designed to resist spills, stains, and scratches, making it an excellent choice for busy households. Discover our selection of Pergo waterproof laminate flooring at Builders Surplus.

CYRUS AKADIA

Cyrus from MSI

Cyrus is a popular luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring brand that provides a wide range of waterproof and stylish flooring options. Their LVP products are designed to mimic the look of real wood or stone, offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to traditional flooring materials. Browse our Cyrus luxury vinyl plank collection at Builders Surplus.

ANDOVER KINGSDOWN GRAY

Andover from MSI

Andover is a premium line of luxury vinyl planks by MSI that offers beautiful, waterproof flooring options with realistic wood and stone textures. These durable LVP products are designed for easy installation and long-lasting performance, making them an excellent choice for any home. Check out our Andover luxury vinyl plank offerings at Builders Surplus.

By considering these top waterproof flooring brands, you can find the perfect solution for your home renovation project. Visit Builders Surplus to explore these brands further and find the ideal waterproof flooring option to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Tips for Choosing and Installing Waterproof Flooring

Selecting and installing waterproof flooring can be a seamless process if you follow the right guidelines. Here are some tips and resources to help you make the best decisions for your home:

a. Assess Your Needs

Before diving into the various waterproof flooring options, assess your specific needs. Consider factors such as your budget, preferred aesthetics, room usage, and moisture levels. This comprehensive guide on how to choose the right flooring from The Spruce can help you get started.

b. Research Waterproof Flooring Types

Take the time to research different types of waterproof flooring, including laminate and luxury vinyl options, to determine which best suits your requirements. This detailed comparison of laminate and luxury vinyl flooring from Flooring Inc. can provide valuable insights.

c. Explore Brands and Styles

Explore various brands and styles of waterproof flooring to find the perfect match for your home’s design and functionality. This roundup of the best waterproof flooring brands from Floor Critics can help you narrow down your choices.

d. Consult a Professional

When in doubt, consult a flooring professional to help you make the best decision for your home. They can guide you through the selection process and provide expert advice on installation. Find a trusted flooring professional near you through HomeAdvisor.

e. Proper Installation

Ensure proper installation of your waterproof flooring to maximize its performance and longevity. This step-by-step guide on how to install luxury vinyl plank flooring from DIY Network can be a valuable resource for do-it-yourself enthusiasts.

By following these tips and utilizing the provided resources, you can confidently choose and install waterproof flooring in your home, creating a durable and stylish space that stands the test of time.

In conclusion, waterproof flooring is a versatile and practical solution for homeowners looking to combine style, durability, and moisture resistance. With various types and brands available, it’s essential to research your options, consult professionals, and follow proper installation and maintenance practices. By doing so, you can create a beautiful, long-lasting floor that stands up to the challenges of daily life and enhances your home’s overall appeal. 🏡✨😊

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.builderssurplus.us for more information and inspiration on waterproof flooring options. Happy renovating! 🛠️🎉 T.B.

If you’re ready to upgrade to luxury vinyl flooring, Builders Surplus offers top brands at unbeatable prices. Click here to explore our extensive Luxury Vinyl collection, and visit our store to pick up your new flooring today!

Schedule your Free Tile or Flooring Consultation Today!

March 26, 2023

5 Renovation Mistakes You Cannot Afford To Make

Anyone who has watched HGTV has seen plenty of renovation mistakes. Any renovation is an undertaking–ask every contractor and every homeowner that has been part of a remodel. From the accidents that can occur to the ever-growing budget, taking on a reno project requires time, dedication, sweat, and patience. From our experts to you, we have come up with the list of five renovation mistakes you cannot afford to make!

Low-Balling the Budget

Surprises are going to happen. Sometimes they are good: like finding original hardwood floors underneath the carpet in pristine condition. Sometimes they are horrifying: like finding asbestos in your home’s walls. While installing backsplash, you might damage the wall and have to replace some of the drywall. Peeking inside the drywall, you could find electrical issues. Then, the next thing you know, you’re dealing with more than just installing backsplash. We suggest setting aside 15% of the total project cost (potentially more for older homes) for unexpected expenses. This is your safety net in the event that unforeseen issues occur. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t break the bank at the first sign of the unexpected.

Floor Drains: the Laundry Room Essential

This is one of the renovation mistakes that you may not consider. A laundry room drain is required by code in most areas, but some people still omit it. If there is ever a break in your washing machine hose, you’ll flood your house. A floor drain directs the water into your home’s main drain system. And please, do not try a DIY installation. This can turn into another one of our renovation mistakes. You will absolutely need a professional plumber, but again, you’ll have peace of mind, as flood insurance is not covered by most basic homeowner’s insurance plans.

Granite, Granite, Granite

Of course, it is popular, but granite isn’t the only option for the kitchen. Renovators could choose a different material for the countertops that can save tons of money in the kitchen! Our non-granite picks: butcher block, plate steel, or a nice laminate for those who don’t necessarily have the budget for premium marble or granite. Explore the options that will work best for your family to avoid regret down the road. Don’t break your budget trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Hidden Gems

Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t useful. A bathroom membrane system (which goes under tile) prevents popping and cracking, and keeps water from getting into the substructure. Think about it: If you’re spending $15,000 on a bathroom, spend an extra $1,000 to ensure you’ll never have a mold problem. This is one of those renovation mistakes that could end up costing big bucks down the line.

Floored: Ultimate Renovation Mistakes

Most contractors typically buy 20% extra flooring since it is prone to cuts and breakage during installation. There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find an exact match if you need to order more during a long remodeling project. Most retailers often let you return unopened boxes for a refund, so you shouldn’t get stuck with too much material. It’s also nice to have extra in case of damage down the road. If you suffer and water damage (especially in the kitchen) or a pet scratches deeply or has an accident that stains, you’ll be glad you did.

For more tips on avoiding costly remodeling mistakes, download our FREE Home Reno 101 Checklist and sign-up for our newsletter, which has the latest tips and tricks, design trends, special offers, and expert knowledge on renovations!

Builders Surplus is a full-service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come 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. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. 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 & 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: KH

October 18, 2019

What Are The Most Efficient Kitchen Designs?

Here we cover the 5 most popular Kitchen design layouts.

With lot’s of entertaining and cooking on the near horizon, this puts even the most efficient kitchen designs to the test! That means that everyone is going to be in their kitchens cooking up some wonderful meals.

Efficient kitchen designs, or lack of, can make or break a kitchen and one of the best feast days of the year. The best kitchen layouts will have enough space to prep, entertain, and generally do everything that you need to do without anything getting in the way, including yourself.

The easiest way to spot a kitchen that’s easy to work in is to use it. Ask yourself, am I able to get where I need to go quickly? Is anything in the way or placed awkwardly? Is there enough space for storage and prepping? An efficient kitchen should be able to accommodate however you use it, which means that each kitchen will be more or less efficient depending on who is using it.

Working Paths

There are really only two ways to travel in a kitchen. You can travel in a straight line, or in a triangle. These are mainly in reference to where your main appliances – refrigerator, oven, sink – are in relation to one another. These paths help to make your kitchen floor plan more efficient as you move about different steps during the cooking process.

The Line

This is a straight line that you travel in your kitchen, and it’s often found only in single wall or I-shaped kitchens. All of your appliances and working space are along a single wall and you work along with that line from the fridge to the open preparation counter space to the stove to the sink, going back and forth as you need to.

The Triangle

The triangle is found as the working path in just about every kitchen layout. It’s efficient in that it can allow your sink, stove, or refrigerator to be placed in a way where you’re covering less distance when moving around while still having a comfortable working area.

Work Zones

The triangle is a great option – it works just about anywhere and it’s great in small or large spaces. But as kitchens have gotten larger and more spacious. Sometimes the triangle gets to be too big and it’s just as cumbersome to get from one spot to another because they’re just too far apart. An efficient plan that’s becoming more popular in larger kitchens is work zones where appliances and prep space are grouped based off of what they’ll be used for. An example work zone would be a ‘Cleanup Zone’ – this would be dirty dishes and the like; in this part of the workspace you’d have a sink, dishwasher, and a waste can. This kind of organization and mind-set will allow this idea to work with both of the working paths mentioned above. Awkward placement of appliances can mess up these paths and can leave you cramming for more time as the spaghetti is boiling over so instead of having a path to travel in which it’s easy to get from one appliance to another you’re working path looks more like a child’s drawing.

Efficient Kitchen Designs

Different kitchen layouts fit different spaces and personalities. Some people desperately want an island in a small space which can interfere with traffic, and some want a single wall kitchen – leaving empty space that has no value. Here are the 5 most efficient kitchen designs and why and how they work!

Single Wall Kitchen

Also called an I-shaped kitchen this space fits along a single wall in smaller spaces. It uses a less efficient working path instead of the triangle, but it’s ideal for smaller spaces that want that open feel. Keeping work zones in mind will help to keep this floor plan more efficient. Stylistically you can treat this space as an accent wall that contrasts beautifully with the rest of the space!

Galley Kitchen

This is also called a corridor kitchen, and unless all of your appliances are one side it uses the triangle work path. Tt’s name comes from the small kitchen quarters in ships. This layout offers more counter space than the I-shaped kitchen and can also be well suited for small spaces. However, this is one of the few kitchen layouts where you won’t be able to use an island efficiently.

L-Shaped Kitchen

These kitchens take a Single Wall layout and add more counter space along a connecting wall- this particular layout includes an Island. Likely, you’d move one of your major appliances along this other wall in order to work with that triangle path. They’re great for small-medium kitchen spaces. An Island can be incorporated nicely as long as it doesn’t obstruct the triangle!

U-Shaped Kitchen

The other name for this design is a Horseshoe Layout. This layout ideally has one appliance on each of its 3 walls in order to maximize counter space and the working area around each appliance. This space can house an island if the area is large enough, however it can get in the way between adjacent prep areas.

Peninsula Kitchen

A Peninsula Kitchen is what happens when taking an L- or U-shaped kitchen and take away one of the walls, kind of creating an attached island. Sinks, seating areas, or a combination of the two are popular in this design. This layout allows spaces to feel and appear larger and more open without compromising on counter space.

Island Kitchen

An Island in the kitchen can be used in just about any layout so long as it has space, however, they can be cumbersome in smaller areas. So having an island for the sake of having an island is never the best way to go. Fixed islands can be used for seating, an extra prep zone, you can add a sink, or a range – an Island allows for so many different possibilities. As an alternative in smaller spaces try a smaller movable island, which is less for appliance and seating space and more for extra prep space so you don’t have to keep running from work zone to work zone. Island layouts are best used in larger areas that can spare the extra space and they pair best in L-Shaped or Single Wall kitchens, but absolutely have no place in the Galley. There is a lot of information that can go into creating the perfect kitchen for you and your home, efficient kitchen designs can sometimes make that a difficult challenge when what you want competes with what you’ve got to work with. Keeping space, paths, and usage of the area in mind will often help compromise and find the perfect kitchen!

Builders Surplus is a full-service remodeling company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, which comes as a free service to our clients. We sell building supplies ranging from unused surplus to first quality in stock, to high-end custom order and everything in between. We also provide measurement and full installation services. 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. Happy Remodeling!

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September 11, 2019

Storm Doors: Why Would I Need One?

In this post, let’s dive into what can be a very important, highly significant feature that should accompany your main, exterior doors. Storm doors are relatively inexpensive given their purpose and can actually enhance the look of your front door, like the last finishing touch to an already outstanding piece of work. We’ll talk about who needs them and why people might just want them. Then, we’ll take a glance at Andersen’s storm doors, some of their installation options, and where you can find them. Let’s get started, shall we?

The Purpose of Storm Doors

Maintenance: Think of a storm door as a sort of force field, if you will, an added component of protection from the most obvious act of nature – storms. However, the protection isn’t exactly limited to those raging moments of thunder, lightning, and rain. The summer sun can enact just as much damage, if not more. In essence, harsh weather over a period of time can deteriorate your main entry door, leaving a grimace instead of an approving nod in terms of curb appeal.

Protection/Security: The security doesn’t just stop there, though; it also protects what’s inside of your main door. It’s like a lock within a lock, making theft or any other threat that much more difficult to perform. A storm door also allows you to visibly see who’s on your front porch before even letting them in if you don’t have a peephole. It’s just one more barrier to prevent anything from happening, ensuring the safety of you, your loved ones, and your possessions.

Money-saver: We all strike at the opportunity of saving a bit of cash, right? Installing a storm door is your primetime ticket for doing just that. Front doors are one of the primary places for air leakage in homes. A storm door will hide the cracks and small airways, making it plenty more difficult to seep through, which means a lower utility bill. See, these doors provide an extra pocket of insulation, so you can have more money in yours.

Simplicity: Installation for these bad boys are quick and easy. It doesn’t matter which frame your house was built in (brick, vinyl, stucco, wood), there is a storm door option for everyone.

Who Wants a Storm Door?

That’s another great thing about storms doors – they’re for everyone. Now, I will say that there are some homeowners who actually need one instead of merely wanting one.

Given what I wrote about maintenance, you can see where I’m coming from in terms of geological location and an area’s weather patterns, OR it could be as simple as where the sun hangs out during the hottest time of day (3 P.M. to 5 P.M.). For example, if one lives in the Midwest where tornadoes are more prevalent than trees, a storm door is probably a necessity. Or one might live in Tucson, AZ, where a step outside means an instant puddle of sweat in the summer time. In places like these, the Sun means business, and it has zero mercy with anything let alone a front door.

So, if it just so happen that the Sun’s main hangout spot around 4 or so is directly in line with your front porch, well, happy roasting. But then there’s the other side of the equation, the homeowners who simply like the elegant look and idea of a storm door that blends, both in color and functionality, with their front door. There’s a trait, a characteristic that’s ideal to every homeowner. It’s just a matter of perspective.

Andersen Storm Doors and Options

Storm Doors by Andersen are simply the best in the business. With top quality craftsmanship and a plethora of styles, this company has been grabbing the attention from homeowners, contractors, and others in the home renovation business since Andersen’s inception in 1903. Yeah, that’s well over a century of purely satisfied customers, and the products they dish out are just as long-lasting.
Installation: Andersen’s latest storm door design features what is called a Rapid Install system. According to the company, “this process makes installation easy by eliminating the need to cut and reducing the number of tools and assembly time required.” So, there are three installation options: Rapid 1 Install, Rapid 2 Install, and Standard Installation. In that order, the amount of time taken, tools necessary to complete the job, and the amount of cuts increases. Each option ranging from about one hour to around three for the installation time.
Color/Styles: FullView Doors, Full-Lite Doors, 3/4 Lite Doors, and 1/2 Doors are the available styles Andersen offers, and the differences are merely how much glass is visibly appropriated in each door. FullView being exactly that, the largest amount of glass, letting the sun pour into your home. After you choose a style, you can pick a ventilation system – seasonal or anytime. You can then choose from eight color options, including Sandstone and Wineberry. Now, of course, there are other options and variations to choose from, but these are the more foundational components. You can add a retractable insect screen, which allows for anytime ventilation and hides in the top of the door frame when it’s not in use. An excellent feature for those who love the breezy airflow in a house on a nice, cool Spring day.

Where Can I Get One?

As you can see, storm doors are an all-around excellent feature for any home. Their look, functionality, purpose, and variety of design make it an excellent commodity to really enhance curb appeal. And guess what? You can get Andersen Storm Doors here at Builders Surplus. Make the move to increase your protection and security, with a look and design of an elegant storm door. We promise it’ll be a decision you won’t regret!

Builders Surplus is a full-service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come 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. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. 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 & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. Hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

June 26, 2019

Why Durability is More Important Than Price in a Remodel

Today, I’d like to discuss a pretty important topic in the remodeling experience: Durability vs. Price. Now, as we all know, home renovation & remodeling can be quite expensive, which makes it easy to fall under the “cheap way is best way” mentality, but lets evaluate several ways in which durability actually makes your project cheaper, not more expensive.

Durability: More Bang for Your Buck

Flooring Example

Whether you’re in the process of selling your home or your home is rather outdated and it’s time for a change, the outcome is all the same: Renovation will improve value. For the most part, at least.

For example, ripping up the linoleum in your kitchen or bathroom and replacing it with ceramic tile isn’t going to drive you to raise the price of your home in a significant way. But what it will do is appeal to the home buyer.

I think it goes without saying that when it comes to saying yes or no, to pulling the trigger during your home search, it’s the amenities that can make all the difference.

On the flip side, if you’ve just installed tile flooring in your laundry room, you’ve made a strong, choice. Linoleum has the tendency to stain easily, rip & tear at the edges, and quite honestly, is seen as a “too cheap” option. In essence, that kind of flooring doesn’t last long.

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durable

Additionally, if you keep replacing it every two to three years, you’re losing quite a bit of money on the long run. Replacing it with something as strong, durable, and long-lasting as ceramic tile may, yes, be a bit more expensive, but you’ll never have to rip up those floors again. Durability wins.

Kitchen Cabinet example

Another example would be your kitchen cabinets. Let us assume that the kitchen cabinets you open and close day-after-day are the same, ole relatively bland cabinets that you first set eyes on when you walked in. Now, I’m not knocking your cabinets by any means, but perhaps they’re looking a bit rugged (and not in the good way) these days.

Perhaps, the corners are withered from constant usage, the doors slam so hard, waking up the whole house because the hinges & drawer slides are giving way, there are countless spaghetti sauce, grape jelly, and bacon grease stains scattered across the surface.

They’ve had their run, right? It’s time for a change. So you come to Builders Surplus, sit down with one of our professionals and look at your options. Sure, you can go the less-expensive route, grab some in-stock Honey Ash cabinets, and call it a day.

But you’ll be right back in the same spot in five years because the durability just isn’t there in that selection. Again, not knocking Honey Ash cabinets, but let’s call a spade, a spade, yeah?

In the Long Run

The reason they’re our least expensive option is because their craftsmanship, their features, their overall longevity is far inferior to, let’s say, Waypoint or Wellborn cabinets.

Now, alternatively, let’s say you sit down and check out the aforementioned and purchase a beautiful set of kitchen cabinets from Wellborn.

Is the price going to be higher? Yes.

But is the durability there? 100%

Are you going to thank yourself ten years down the road when they look and function as good as they did when they were installed. Absolutely.

That’s the key right there, my friends. It’s understanding that you’ll pay more initially for extreme durability, but in the long run, now only does it pay for itself, you’ve invested in something that could potentially last a lifetime.

The price of that linoleum or those Honey Ash cabinets that you paid for five years ago is not going to be the same when you inevitably have to replace them in a few years. It will be higher, and you will hate it.

Durability wins because it prevails, where price does not — it conquers time.

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I hope I’ve managed to open your minds up a bit when it comes why durability is more important than price during your remodel. But don’t just take it from, please. I encourage you to do as much research as you can before, during, and after your remodel.

Click here to check out any of our blogs and you’ll be able to research just about anything you can imagine!

And remember, at Builders Surplus we offer FREE KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN CONSULTATIONS, meaning we are more than willing to help you along the way. It can be a crazy process, so it’s always nice to have some professional support to fall back on!

October 15, 2018

Remodeling Advice From Real Kitchen & Bath Designers

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In need of some remodeling advice before getting started on your project? Look no further! We sat down with 5 professional kitchen and bath designers and got some great tips on things that you should do or understand before or during your remodeling process. Their remodeling advice shouldn’t be taken lightly, as they’ve helped hundreds of people with remodels, just like you!

THEIR BEST REMODELING ADVICE:

1. Make sure you understand your style

When asking Andrea for her best remodeling advice, this was at the top of her list. She often works with clients who have a few issues when it comes to this. The first being that they have no idea what their style is, which can make the design and product selection process much more difficult, for client and designer. She also sees people who like aspects of multiple design styles and will try and combine the two. While this CAN work for some styles, it doesn’t work with them all. When they see all the products together, they hate it.

Her remodeling advice? Look on Houzz or Pinterest. Save your favorite kitchens or bathrooms. Go back when you’re done and see what you’ve chosen. Is there a central theme or color scheme? If you’re not sure what style you’re seeing, read the descriptions and see the category they’re in on Houzz. It will be listed under one of around 9 styles. That will help you and your designer know where to go next!

2. Have realistic expectations regarding budget

Andrea’s next remodeling advice is about budget. May people feel like they can get the dream kitchen or bathroom for what they have set aside. Some may be able to, but for most of us, price is a concern. Know going in that you may have to make compromises in terms of features, materials or extras. Being flexible will go a long way. Your designer is not trying to max out your budget, but trying to help you get your dream space within your budget. They’ll help you prioritize your needs and wants to make it happen for the dollar amount you can afford.

3. Know if you’re staying or moving

Chris gave some great remodeling advice when he suggested that clients need to evaluate how long they’ll be in their home. Staying for an extended period of time? Go with what YOU want. You’re designing for your long term happiness. Moving? You’re ultimately designing for someone else, so don’t go overboard on your personal quirky choices. Choose something more neutral and on trend (but still timeless). He suggested that if you’re staying, put more money into your cabinets. You’ll be using these every day, and it’s an important component for many people. Go with a less expensive top if you have to, because you can always upgrade that fairly easily in the years to come. Moving? Go with a cheaper cabinet but a more expensive countertop that will really wow buyers. You can find a great shaker style unfinished cabinet at our store that you can paint, that is well made and looks phenomenal, but is very inexpensive compared to other cabinet lines. That would be a great choice.

4. Understand that this is a process, not an event

All of the designers that I spoke with listed this as one of their top pieces of advice. With HGTV, fast food and social media, we are in the habit of believing that instant gratification can be achieved with almost anything. No matter how many times you see a complete home remodeled in one 30 minute episode, that’s not real life. Even the most well planned and executed remodel will take weeks, but possibly months, to complete. You need to be prepared for this. The more realistic expectations you have of this process, the less likely you’ll be to freak out when you’ve been without a functioning shower or countertops for a month. This leads me to my next piece of designer remodeling advice…

5. Something WILL go wrong.

Tadd’s remodeling advice? Something will go wrong, plain and simple. Don’t think you’re the exception. You won’t be. Maybe it won’t be an end of the word type issue, but something WILL go off track. You need to know this going in. If you do, you’re going to be ok when that issue does come up. You’ll have been expecting it. There are so many people, companies and moving pieces involved in a full kitchen or bathroom remodel that it’s easy to see how something could happen. Then, add in issues that are unforeseen to the eye in your home and you’ve got a problem waiting to happen. But knowing that every job has it’s issues but still gets completed in the end should be a comfort. You’ll get through it.

6. It can test your relationships

Even the strongest relationships can be frazzled by a remodel. Wether it’s tiff’s over the budget, irritation of not having a functioning space, disagreements over styles or materials, your relationships will be tested. Our designers remodeling advice for this? Communicate. Unless you’re the sole person responsible for decision making, you’re going to have to compromise, communicate and be open to plan a’s, b’s and maybe even c’s before this thing is over with. Get everyone in your family on board, and you’ll be fine!

7. Use a designer!

Not to toot their own horns, but…beep beep! At Builders Surplus, our design services are free, so there’s no extra cost to you, so this is a no brainer! The designer will help you find your style, stay on budget, go over all the product lines with you to find the best fit long term, suggest compromises, help point out potential issues before they happen, and set your expectations accurately. The process still won’t be perfect, but it will be MUCH smoother. We hope this remodeling advice and tips are helpful in beginning your remodel process! If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to comment or shoot us an email!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come 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. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. 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 & 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: Allie Bloyd

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November 3, 2017

Remodeling Advice From Real Kitchen & Bath Designers

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In need of some remodeling advice before getting started on your project? Look no further! We sat down with 5 professional kitchen and bath designers and got some great tips on things that you should do or understand before or during your remodeling process. Their remodeling advice shouldn’t be taken lightly, as they’ve helped hundreds of people with remodels, just like you!