Service-minded Remodels!

Essential Home Services LLC can work with you to remodel your kitchen and turn your dreams into reality. We can help you if you just want a small kitchen remodel, or you want to change the complete layout of the kitchen. From planning stages to putting the final hardware on we will work to make the remodeling process as hassle-free as possible.  

Throughout the process, communication is key.  Our unique approach is based on our relationship with you.  

Every remodel can be a little different, but we follow the same simple process each time:

• We meet with you in your home
• Talk about your ideas of design, comfort, usability, budget, and time line
• Help you decide on materials, design issues, and budget
• Review estimate of project cost and time.
• Address any concerns and sign final contract
• Meet with you at least once a week to explain the process and answer your questions.  
• Get the job done in a timely, clean, quality manner!

During construction we are there to serve you!  Every consideration is taken to help and least inconvenience you throughout the process as you are living in your home while it is being remodeled.  We strive to earn your complete satisfaction to from the first day of demo to the final paint touch up.  

To schedule a time for us to come meet with you about your remodel call us at 503-713-5335 or contact us here. 

 

What are the key issues in Kitchen Remodeling?

Remodeling an your kitchen is often one of the best ways to improve the quality and usefulness of your house.  The scope is endless from changing an outdated kitchen with old appliances and a 1970’s design into a modern kitchen to relocating the entire kitchen to another area of the house.  With such a large scope, what’s important in a kitchen remodel?  What makes the process enjoyable instead of a terrible headache?  To answer those questions let me explain what is important and what we do here in Portland Oregon.  

Beginning the Process—Design

Every part is essential, but design is extremely important.  This determines the look of the kitchen.  Poor or outdated design is often the reason for a remodel in the first place.  There are four basic considerations when discussing design:

Style

First, what style do you want the kitchen to have?  There are several basic popular styles as well as many others.  There are also a plethora of variations on every style.  
A Traditional style is defined by a more formal look, crown molding, symmetry, balance, scrolls and gives the place a stately look. 
A Contemporary style is marked by simplicity, at times but not always free form.  Contemporary designs are often minimalist and simple, but elegant.  They often have fewer designs and large areas of solid color.  Black and white go well in many contemporary styles.  

The Country style is marked by usefulness and simplicity but without the minimalist focus.  It is designed to reflect the openness of nature with a simple honest look not the classy nature of the modern look.  Often in a country kitchen maple and solid wood are used for cabinets.

There are many other styles including the simple, old elegant and useful shaker style.  Whatever style is used we pull from different elements of the different styles to match you, your home and what is most needed.  

Traffic and Work Flow

The second large design consideration is traffic flow and work flow.   In a kitchen you want to keep in mind that you often have three basic workstations: the cooktop, the sink and the refrigerator.  You want to keep these close enough to each other to move easily between them but not so far that you will be walking unnecessarily.  It has been determined by analysts that the best distance is between 12 and 26 feet.  

You also must consider the traffic flow for people who are not working in the kitchen.  You don’t want to be carrying a large pot of boiling water from the stove to the sink and collide with someone who is rushing for the back door.  It is important that the traffic flow be kept separate from the work flow.  There are many different ways to do this and can be as simple as moving a doorway. 

Color Scheme

The third consideration is color.  There is nothing more than the colors of a room that affect its atmosphere.  Lighter colors give more of an open feel, darker colors make the room seem smaller.  Here are two of the most popular color schemes that can be used:

Monochromatic color schemes are all based out of one basic color and are often shades of that one color.  You can create a very attractive soft bright atmosphere with different hues of yellow and orange.  Different shades of blue can make a very peaceful room.  Greens fit in with many different rooms and can be used well to create good classic relaxation or formal rooms. 

Complementary color schemes use opposite colors that are opposites on the color wheel such as blue and yellow.  When using this theme, it is important to use one color for the primary color and then use the other for accents.  

You!

The third consideration when designing a kitchen remodel is you!  Everyone is unique and has different tastes.  It is a very important part of our job to draw out of you which styles, color schemes and details you like.  There can be a very greatly designed kitchen, but you can still hate it.  We want to build you your kitchen—one that reflects and compliments you as a person. 

 

Cost

In working on any remodel cost and budget are always a key consideration.  We are committed to providing quality work that will last for a long time.  However, there are levels of quality.  Some people have the money to bring in stainless steel appliances and marble countertops and want to do that—others are more on a budget and settle for good quality without the frills.  

What ever your situation is our commitment is to bring you a high level of quality for the price paid.  We can work within your budget to provide a high quality economical remodel or bring you an elaborate designed high class kitchen that will be a showcase of the home.  
The average cost for a kitchen remodel is around $50,000--but don't let that discourage you if you are on a budget! Often there are ways to save money if that will still allow you to change the look and perhaps function of your kitchen. Here are some ways to cut down on the cost of a kitchen remodel:
•    Don't replace kitchen cabinets, refinish them if possible.
•    Stay away from structural changes or moving walls.
•    Remember lighting can be very important, and change a lot in a room just by itself.
•    Consider how much a good paint job in the right colors can affect the room.
•    Consider a laminate floor, which if properly installed can last almost as long as tile.
•    Only update the appliances that really need updating, you can do the rest later.
•    Minimize moving of plumbing and electrical, this could save lots!