How much will a bathroom remodel cost me?
It’s variable, especially if any plumbing or electrical updates need to take place.
Should I go with a shower or a tub?
At least one bathtub in a home is still recommended for resale value. Walk-in shower stalls have become the norm for master bathrooms with soaking tubs added on if there is enough space and requested by the client. Larger showers with frameless glass, seating, and dual shower heads are always amazing, but you have to consider smaller children or guests who may benefit from a tub in a guest bathroom.
I want to remodel my bathroom but don’t know where to start. Suggestions?
For a typical bathroom remodel, it is best to leave the existing layout and update the bathroom design instead. That’s because relocating plumbing or electricals can dramatically increase the overall budget of your new bathroom. However, in some instances, the need for a larger space prevails.
A quick conversation and site visit can help your bathroom remodeling contractor understand your goals and develop ideas. Browse our past work for just a sample of what clients have done.
Wood studs or steel studs?
Our preferred method of framing for basements is always steel studs. We believe minimizing the presence of wood can be beneficial in the event there are ever any water issues, as well as to limit the attraction of insects.
Is drywall in a basement OK? Do I need a drop ceiling?
Drywall is installed in basements all the time. Ensuring the basement is dry and taking precautions to make sure it stays that way is key. The ceilings can also be drywalled as long as there are no mechanical access issues. It is no different than having wiring, plumbing, and HVAC on the first or second floors. The only components to take into consideration are clean-outs, shut-offs, or other important access points since they are typically located in the basement.
How might I use my finished basement?
In most cases, basements are used for additional living space or recreational areas. Sometimes this may include a dry bar/wet bar, which can be custom-designed to fit your needs. Finished basements are often more attractive than additions due to the benefit of not expanding the home’s footprint and are usually less expensive per square foot.
Is my basement ready for a remodel?
That depends on a few factors. First, you must ensure your basement does not have issues with water. Secondly, the foundation walls should be checked to ensure that there are not any structural issues. All mechanicals including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing need to be inspected to ensure that provisions can be made for access to key areas where necessary. Newly adopted New Jersey code requires an additional point of egress in addition to the stairway leading to the basement, and any bedroom in a basement requires a separate exitway. This is typically accomplished by installing an egress window with a window well.
How long should I expect a kitchen remodel to take?
Most kitchen remodels that do not involve moving the plumbing locations can be completed in 4 to 5 weeks. More involved kitchen renovations that include gutting the kitchen completely, possibly moving sink and appliance locations, and/or implementing more elaborate cabinetry and finish trim details can push the timeframe out several more weeks. All of this is discussed in the planning phases and a complete schedule will be finalized prior to the project start. Setting clear and honest expectations is a priority of the Ayars team and a hallmark of our reputation for exceptional service.
What is the “kitchen triangle?”
The kitchen triangle is the distance between the sink, stove, and refrigerator — the three most important workstations when preparing a meal. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that each leg of the triangle be no shorter than 10 feet and no greater than 25 feet and remain free of clutter and obstruction. By planning with the kitchen triangle in mind and positioning appliances appropriately, your kitchen remodeling contractor can greatly improve the functionality of your new kitchen.
What is the most common kind of countertop?
Quartz, Quartzite, Dekton, and Silestone are the most common countertop materials used today. There is a wide range of price points that will fit just about any budget in style. Other materials include soapstone, marble, wood, concrete, and epoxy.
There is not nearly enough room in my kitchen. Can Ayars add more space to my kitchen to work with?
Yes! We will assess your kitchen from top to bottom and look for opportunities to maximize your storage space. There are plenty of ways to add storage, whether it’s an improved cabinet layout, cabinet storage accessories, pull-out shelves, or a spacious island. Our kitchen design team can help maximize your space for an altogether more functional kitchen.
How long should I expect the home addition project to take? Will the work be disruptive?
It really depends on the complexity of the project — but the average-sized addition requires 5 to 8 weeks for construction. Certain projects can be more invasive than others and during the planning phases, we can highlight the necessary accommodations needed to complete your project. Contact us and we can have a brief chat to try and give you an estimated timeframe.
Can you match the new addition’s design to what I already have?
The goal with any addition is to make it feel as though it was always a part of the original home. Matching exterior finishes or complementing them in such a way that it integrates the added space is key. Sometimes it requires changing and upgrading the exterior facade, but that can add additional value in the long run.
What are the most important considerations when planning an addition?
Depending on the home’s location and property limitations, sometimes it is better to add an additional story to the home and go up versus enlarging the footprint. This is sometimes dictated by local zoning codes and necessary setbacks to adjacent properties. Additionally, the home’s mechanicals such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems need to be looked at to see if they can handle the additional square footage that you are planning to add. In many cases, these critical home systems need to be upgraded or modified.
What would I build an addition for?
Homeowners have numerous reasons for building an addition, including but not limited to: living room/great rooms, added bedroom or bathroom, mother-in-law suite, or home office.
We have heard nightmare stories of contractors leaving before the project was completed. Will you stay until all work is finished?
Ayars is dedicated to breaking the negative stigma that often surrounds our industry. We are dedicated to holding to a schedule and will not leave until the work is 100% complete. We provide the same courtesy to every client and sometimes have to shift the start of other work in order to see the current project through. Our goal is to ensure that every client receives the same level of care and follow-through on their project.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. We will provide, in writing, a warranty on our workmanship. Our workmanship conforms to the guidelines stated in the NAHB Residential Construction Performance Guidelines.
Can you tell me who will be in my home?
All of our team members are appropriately licensed and insured in the state of New Jersey. We want you to be comfortable with each member of our organization that you meet, as well as our trade associates. Each craftsman that we bring into your home upholds the same values of honesty and integrity that has been part of the core of our business since 1970.
How do you minimize dust and dirt from spreading throughout my home?
Our production team makes a conscientious effort to safeguard your home and prevent dust from spreading as much as possible. We utilize floor protection and zip-walls with plastic barriers, as well as a HEPA air filtration system. We often incorporate “negative draft” to help further reduce the migration of dust into areas of the home. Our team is focused on providing the best experience possible.
Which areas of South Jersey do you serve?
We try and stay within a 30-40 minute drive of our office in Mickleton, NJ to ensure that our team is able to provide the best service possible. You can see a detailed service area map and list of areas that we provide service on our Service Area page.
Follow Us
