Bathroom & Kitchen Lighting Ideas
Let there be light. With that commandment fulfilled, everything is possible because all can be seen. In this contextual light (no pun intended), we at FHR Construction would like to share with you some basic lighting tips for your kitchen and bathroom spaces. This information can help you choose the correct types of lighting fixtures and accessories to properly illuminate your living spaces—in order to provide you with the clarity you require to make the most of two rooms that are among the most utilized on any given day.
Kitchen Lighting Ideas
When searching “kitchen lighting ideas” – it’s important to focus on the fact, that your kitchen is a primary work area, as well as a gathering place for family and friends, both comfortable and functional lighting is required. For island and counter areas that receive high preparation and cooking traffic, recessed lighting is the perfect choice for enhanced illumination levels. When placed almost directly overhead the island and counter spaces, any shadows will also be heavily reduced.
For any counter areas with cabinetry affixed above, under cabinet lighting is a wonderful choice. Under cabinet lighting should be placed toward the front of the cabinet, thus allowing the light to reflect down and off of the backsplash. This placement helps eliminate shadows and dark areas, thus allowing your entire countertop area to remain functional.
Additionally, placing linear light sources above your cabinets is a design element adding both function and flare. The result is both a brighter ceiling, as well as an indirect warm glow that will fill the highest reaches of your kitchen space. When looking into kitchen lighting ideas, One more thing to keep in mind: Many of these lighting options also come in green. And by green we mean environmentally friendly LED bulbs, which serve both sustainable, and also economical ends—helping homeowners save money and the earth at the same time.
Bathroom Lighting Ideas
Your bathroom requires even, shadow free lighting in order to shave, groom and apply makeup properly. To accomplish this, choose wall-mounted fixtures placed both overhead and surrounding the bathroom mirror. Decorative wall brackets on each side of the mirror can illuminate both sides of your face evenly.
In conjunction, mounting a wall bracket light fixture across the top of the mirror will give you the most desirable and flattering light source possible. For proper mirror lighting, you can either install sconces with glare-free glass diffuses about 36” apart for even illumination, or directly atop the mirror and just above eye level to avert glare.
To adequately light tub and shower enclosures, install enclosed damp-location recessed down-lights in the ceiling overhead. These down-lights can also be effectively installed over whirlpool baths and saunas. Both functional and decorative, recessed down-lights are perfect for providing comfortable and concise illumination.
Regarding bulbs themselves, standard incandescent, xenon, LED, or halogen bulbs behind glass globes provide the most flattering light sources. If you opt for more energy-efficient fluorescent over standard incandescent, choose warm white tones, as these closely resemble the color of incandescent.
At FHR Construction, we offer a wide variety of lighting fixtures and accessories to suit all of your wants and needs. We have extensive experience helping our customers choose the lighting options best fitting their living spaces and lifestyles, and we are happy to help you find the perfect solution in your quest for illumination. We are Metropolitan Phoenix’s lighting experts, as many satisfied Phoenicians can attest to. Allow us to help provide the right lighting solution for you, and never be in the dark when and how it counts again.
By FHR Construction Corp.
Orthodox Jewish kitchen design Scottsdale
Kosher kitchens (also known as Orthodox kitchens) are very important to the Jewish community. Keeping a kosher kitchen is not as difficult as one would think. Many people, not of the Jewish faith, feel that is is a difficult thing to do. There are some rules that a person must follow in order to truly be “Kosher”, but it truly is not a difficult thing to do. It just requires a little bit more attention to detail.
One of the most important rules of the kosher kitchen is the separation of meat and dairy products. Storage, preparation and serving of these foods must all be kept separate. Also along with this, the utensils used in the preparation, the dishes used to prepare and serve the food with as well as eat from must all be kept separate. Many times they will be of a different color or otherwise easily distinguishable. As for the storage of the food goods, most people label the areas that each is stored (i.e. cabinets, shelves, drawers, etc.).
Idealy, the appliances used to cook the food should be kept separate as well. That is why, in many Orthodox kitchens, you will see 2 refrigerators, 2 ovens, 2 sinks and 2 dishwashers. Everything MUST be kept separate. This is very important…
Now, there are those that do not have two sets of everything. Maybe you can’t afford to have two of everything or maybe your home does not have the space to allow the use of two of everything. That’s ok, you just have to be much more diligent and attentive about keeping everything separated.
Not ALL Jewish people keep kosher 100% of the time. The 2000 National Jewish Population Survey (NJPS) reported that only about 21% of American Jews keep kosher in the home. They also reported that, of that 21%, a portion of them keep kosher at home, but ate non-kosher food outside of the home in one form or another. Jack Moline (rabbi/humorist) once noted in his book (Growing Up Jewish, 1987), “Everyone who keeps kosher will tell you that his version is the only correct version. Everyone else is either a fanatic or a heretic.”
If you are interested in koshering your kitchen, here is a “Step by step guide” to koshering your kitchen. If you have recently purchased a new home or have recently made the decision to go kosher and are interested in designing an Orthodox or Kosher kitchen for your home, you should seek out a kitchen designer and/or a contractor that understand the rules and can assist you in designing and laying out the appropriate space.
How to choose a reputable General Contractor in Scottsdale
A contractor either makes or breaks your home remodeling and construction projects. When undertaking either renovations to an existing structure, or adding a new extension and thus, altering the structure itself, the right contractor can help you create the space of your dreams. However, should you choose the wrong contractor for the job, your project can easily become a living nightmare you will not be able to wake up from.
What makes a General Contractor The “Best General Contractor”
At FHR Construction, we are incredibly serious about the quality of our contracting jobs, and how our dedication to these jobs positively impacts our customers. We understand that by allowing us into their homes, as well as sharing the visions and dreams for their renovation or construction projects with us, we have truly entered into a covenant with each and every customer we serve. Because of this commitment to excellence, we want to share some valuable and essential information that will help you choose the correct contractor for your home remodeling and/or construction project.
License and Registration Please
Possibly the most important pieces of information to ascertain and verify are licensing credentials and an insurance certificate. Licensing proves that the contractor you are considering is a legitimately recognized business in good standing by the city and state government they operate within the boundaries of. Insurance coverage guarantees that should anything happen, to your home or its occupants, during construction and/or due to contractor negligence, the contractor will be able to provide for any applicable damage and costs. These credentials are fundamentally important, and if any potential contractor refuses to prove they hold them for whatever reason, we strongly recommend walking away immediately.
The Business of Business
The next question to ask is how long the contractor has been in business. This includes asking for referrals and other specific job related information from previous clientele dating back to the contractor’s professional beginnings. Along with this, it also pays dividends to do your own homework by checking the many credible Internet review sites, as well as organizations including the Better Business Bureau and specifically in the Valley, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors in order obtain public information about the contractor—including reviews and testimonials the contractor has not been able to modify or ‘cherry pick’ him or herself.
Now, it also should be said that sometimes unfavorable reviews are posted that might not accurately represent the contractor’s overall quality of work, so go with the odds in a case like that. Simply stated, if out of 50 reviews all but one are positive, and the negative one includes a response by the contractor offering to amend the situation or providing a seemingly plausible account from the contractor, then make your decision based off of the overall body of work. However, if a higher amount of the reviews are negative, you very well might want to seek out a different contractor for your project.
Profiles and Portfolios
Ask to see many different examples of their previous work that matches your project, or just work in general. Reputable contractors will have data-banks of previous jobs, as they take great pride in their work and want to document it for the entire world to see, prospective clients included. This includes complete video and photo documentation. If a contractor says they have experience under their belt but no documentation to prove it, there is no way for you to know you are not being sold a house of cards instead of one built from bricks and mortar.
It is important to make sure your remodeling or construction project falls within the contractor’s area of expertise. You should ask questions about other jobs they have completed that are similar in scope and specifics to the job you are requesting. This includes work in residential and commercial settings, as well as company size in order to ensure the proper amount of labor is available for your project to be completed successfully and timely. Also, make sure your contractor is clear with you about time expectations and availability. It is a horrible feeling when a contractor promises a start or end date, only to balk on one and drag the other out far beyond what was agreed upon. Especially if you have a certain deadline, make sure the contractor can guarantee meeting it, and it is okay to ask for this agreement in writing too.
Fitting the Bill
In addition, make sure to ask if the pricing you are being given during your consultation is an estimate, or if it is fixed. Some contractors’ treat their price quotes as estimates, and this can end up meaning significantly higher costs for the consumer once the job begins and it is too late to back out easily. Please keep in mind that due to unforeseen circumstances once a job begins, like an excess of faulty wiring or mold behind walls the contractor was not able to see before beginning the job physically, sometimes costs will be higher than projected. It is okay to ask the contractor about any possibilities they foresee that will dictate a potential increase in project cost. A good contractor will be honest with you and give you possible scenarios, but also gauge the likelihood of those scenarios coming to pass based on their inspection and experience.
Industrial Feedback
And finally, ask for financial and character references from suppliers such as lumberyards and masonry wholesalers the contractor regularly does business with. An established, respected contractor will have a solid reputation with suppliers who have confidence in their work ethic, professionalism and financial stability. Look for long-term relationships whenever possible, as a sign that your contractor is legitimately qualified and emboldened to perform your project sufficiently.
AT FHR Construction, we have a plethora of experience concerning residential and commercial remodeling and construction building projects. We have many, many satisfied and repeat customers because we treat every person and project with the utmost respect, timeliness, transparency and dedication possible. No matter the size and scope of the task, we will provide you with honest communication and excellent service. And we are also happy to provide any documentation you require in order to put your mind at ease, and help you make the wise decision many Phoenicians for many years already have. Allow us to help make your home remodeling and construction projects a reality today—and allow us to do the hard work for you, so you can enjoy the fruits of our labor long after the last brick is laid.
Top 10 Reasons to Remodel Bathroom
Your bathroom is one of the most relied upon, but also many times more than not outdated and forgotten rooms in your home. Think for a moment about what you would do without your bathroom—and we are certain the answer to this question is not a pretty thought! That being said, your bathroom definitely deserves both the attention and functional treatment every other room in your home enjoys. Therefore – here’s our customers list of the Top 10 Reasons to Remodel Bathroom.
Top 10 Reasons to Remodel your Bathroom
We at FHR Construction specialize in helping our customers convert their older, out of date bathrooms into spaces containing both function and flair. And in the spirit of giving your bathroom the attention it so rightfully deserves, we have compiled a list of 10 reasons why you should consider allowing us to help remodel your bathroom as well:
The first reason it our Top 10 Reasons to Remodel Bathroom is you and your family. Your family size has grown, but your bathroom has stayed the same. Between the addition of children, pets and visitors, your bathroom accommodates a wide variety of people. And there stands a good possibility that the amount of people it currently serves is larger than it was when you moved in. Maybe an additional sink and more counterpace is in order, and maybe another electrical outlet to go along with it? Regardless of your spatial requirements or constraints, remodeling your bathroom to fit your current needs is definitely possible, and highly recommended for your convenience and therefore, peace of mind.
Space & Storage
You need more storage space. Whether or not your family size has increased, chances are as time goes by you tend to amass more things. Does your bathroom look like the beauty counter at the local pharmacy? Or maybe like the concierge table in a restaurant restroom? Do you constantly knock over items while reaching for the hot water tap, or have towels piled atop of a piece of unstable temporary prefabricated furniture? Then remodeling and upgrading your bathroom storage space is in order. This includes the addition of storage shelves and medicine/beauty cabinets. These upgrades will help keep your toiletries and accessories out of your way and safely placed where they belong.
Old plumbing is in dire need of a revamp. Both climatic elements, combined with daily usage, definitely take a toll on your bathroom plumbing. Small cracks and leaks in piping can go undetected, but lead to increased water consumption costs, not to mention possible structural issues including mold and erosion. In addition, piping manufactured before 1990 could contain asbestos and other toxic, harmful materials that have since been outlawed in plumbing piping. Therefore, replacing bathroom plumbing and piping adds an element of safety and function to your life by protecting your home and loved ones alike.
Economic efficiency and sustainability. Continuing from reason #3, older, outdated piping, fixtures and even toilets were designed during a time when energy efficiency and environmental sustainability were not conscious concerns for manufacturers or consumers. Because of this, your older bathroom might be costing you money, and hurting the environment at the same time. Newer plumbing fixtures and piping can curb water usage, saving you money monthly by cutting down on your water usage and thus, helping the environment. In addition, newer energy efficient electrical outlets and lighting fixtures can help cut down your energy bills. In this way, upgrading your bathroom can be considered a sound financial savings decision.
Return of Investment
Top 10 Reasons to Remodel Bathroom – #5. Speaking of sound financial decisions, your home’s value is most likely of importance to you whether you ever plan to relocate or not. Upgrading your bathroom to become a more modern, efficient and visually appealing space will also increase your home’s value. For just as you rely on the bathroom daily, so does every prospective homebuyer as well.
Your tile and grout is old and worn out. Bathroom tile and grout do indeed have a shelf life. This being said, we see many examples of tile and grout that have far outlived theirs. Grout can wear and become even more porous over time than it is when it is new, which can cause mold and mildew buildup both under and on the surface. These substances are health hazards that, when gone unchecked, can lead to respiratory and immune system issues. Also, bathroom tile can become porous after exposure to moisture and repeated use of chemical cleaners, causing the same issues to manifest.
Number 7 in our Top 10 Reasons to Remodel Bathroom is to add a coat of protection. Your bathroom is subjected to high amounts of heat and humidity, because of the periodic use of warm water, which of course creates steam. Over time, this moisture can cause bacteria and even mold buildup, whether or not Phoenix is known for mold issues due to its dry climate. Even without a mold issue, your bathroom walls can weaken due to the internal elements. Therefore, it is important to refinish them, and then coat them with a protective paint finish that will resist humidity and moisture. This is something older finishes did not address, so if you have older paint in your bathroom, you might want to address it now.
Spatial Expectations. Have you ever questioned why certain bathroom features are in the places they are? Maybe it is your toilet, or maybe the sink, that you wish were only a foot to one side, or placed differently on your countertop for functional and/or aesthetic reasons. Well, if you choose to remodel and upgrade your bathroom, and do so by using a licensed professional contractor like FHR Construction, then you can decide where and how your facilities are laid out. This allows for total customization of your bathroom space in order to suit your individual lifestyles and tastes on all levels.
Renovation
Number 9 in our Top 10 Reasons to Remodel Bathroom is the Bathtub blues. If your bathroom is older, chances are you have a plain oval bathtub; or maybe you do not have a tub at all, but rather only a shower stall even if enough space for a tub exists. Maybe your tub is so small that taking a bath means having your arms and legs sticking out into the air, not to mention the lack of body contouring causing you aches and pains instead of comfort? What perfect reasons to upgrade your bathroom. There have been many advances in bathtub technology and styling over the past few decades. Today, manufacturers offer wonderfully functional and aesthetically pleasing options to help you refresh and relax in comfort and style.
Aesthetic appeal. Let’s be honest here: Does your bathroom match the rest of your home? Have you upgraded your kitchen, family room and bedrooms to modern aesthetic styling, but still look at canary yellow or baby blue tiles when you shower? Many times, bathrooms are stuck in a time warp because other rooms in a house receive renovation priority. Well, think about how many people who visit your home have to use the bathroom at least once during their stay. Not to mention of course, how often you see the inside of those walls. Because of this, and taking of the above into account as well, upgrading your bathroom to the 21st century is most definitely in order—not to mention in your best interest economically, functionally, safety and convenience-wise alike.
FHR Construction is Metropolitan Phoenix’s bathroom expert. If your done reading Top 10 Reasons to Remodel Bathroom and decided to move on with your project, contact our professional and courteous technicians can help find the right upgrade options to fit your budget and requirements. We specialize in full remodeling including plumbing, cabinetry, countertops, finishing, and fixture options and services. We are happy to assist you with all of your bathroom upgrade and remodeling wants and needs. No job is too large or small, and we treat every customer with the respect and transparency only a family owned business can. Make the wise decision many Phoenicians already have, and allow FHR Construction to construct the bathroom of your dreams today.
Please visit our bathroom showcase to learn more about what FHR Construction can do for you and your bathroom space. (Barry, please insert link here)
The Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops
The Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops! Granite countertops have earned the reputation as a popular, upscale way to add both visual and functional pizzazz to your kitchen or bathroom areas. And let’s face it, since countertops take up so much space within the scheme of these living spaces, they are also easily one of the most visible components that you and your guests see when entering and utilizing these rooms.
Granite is one of many options you have when choosing the proper countertop material for your kitchen and bathrooms. At FHR Construction, we specialize in helping customers find the perfect countertop material to suit their lifestyle. Many of our customers choose granite to fulfill both their wants and needs, and for good reason. As we are going to share with you here, granite countertops offer several distinct advantages many consumers look for in their homes.
The Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops
Curb Appeal
It must be said right off the bat that granite countertops are simply breathtaking to look at. Thinking about countertops – you should know the pros and cons of granite countertops. There are few stones on the planet that can match its elegant visual appeal. Along these lines, granite comes in a very wide variety of colors, patterns, grains, and designs. Because of this selection, you will undoubtedly be able to find the style that not only suits your personal tastes, but also is invariably unique.
When discussing pros and cons of granite countertops it’s important to mention that Granite is also a material that looks and functions fantastically whether in its natural or polished state. If you want to give your kitchen or bathroom an earthy appeal, natural unfinished granite is the perfect solution. Conversely, if you want a polished elegance instead, granite is also the perfect solution. This makes granite incredibly diverse in its applications, and allows you to have your kitchen or bathroom your way with granite as your backbone.
Hard as Stone
When discussing The Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops – Unlike some other stone materials, granite is water resistant and also very durable. It is temperature resistant, which allows hot pots and pans to be placed upon it without damaging its surface. It also has a long life, and therefore you will not need to worry about replacing it often if at all. Another benefit is that due to its moisture and bacteria resistant composition, granite is also considered more hygienic than other countertop surfaces.
This does not mean it is bacteria and moisture proof mind you, just that it resists both better than some other materials. Therefore, this does not mean you do not want to regularly clean it, especially after a spill or exposure to bacteria prone substances like raw meat—but that said substances will not be a threat to instantly seep into the granite as they do in some other countertop materials.
A Stone’s Throw
If we have to list all pros and cons of granite countertops, then we have to say that granite does have several disadvantages however. First off, should your countertop get damaged and need to be replaced, it can be difficult to find matching colors and patterns to go along with the undamaged portion. It also tends to be more expensive than other countertop materials, and this usually includes higher installation costs as well. In addition to these potential shortcomings, granite does require periodic sealing in order to ensure it does not absorb liquids or develop stains. This especially applies to natural, unpolished granite, but also can apply to polished granite as well. Finally, due to its weight, granite countertops require additional structural support, especially in long spans and cantilevers.
If you read our opinion about The Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops and are seeking an upscale countertop material that is reliable, functional, and visually elegant, granite is most definitely for you. At FHR Construction, we specialize in granite countertop installation and service, and can help you find the perfect granite style and finish to accentuate your kitchen’s individual and personal nature. Make the wise decision many residents in the Metropolitan Phoenix area already have, and trust FHR Construction with all of your granite countertop wants and needs.
Please feel free to learn more by visiting FHR showroom.
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