When it comes to home improvement projects, kitchen remodeling is one of the biggest and highest-impact home updates that you can take on. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen because it doesn't meet the needs of your family or strictly to give this important room of the house a style update, you want to make the best possible choices to ensure that you get the most out of your investment.
As long as there have been homes, there have been kitchens. The styles, designs, and features that are on-trend have changed consistently over the years, but there are a few key kitchen elements to focus on when you want to create a classic space that combines the best in vintage appeal and modern beauty.

Timeless Kitchen Features

When planning a kitchen remodel, the first priority is the essential, big-ticket features of the space. There are many different appliances and products that you can choose from to create a kitchen that'stands the test of time?while giving you the seamless functionality that you need?and you will want to begin with your:

• Cabinets: Kitchen features that look great in any decade are often simple, classic, and neutral. Shaker cabinets fit the bill, and the sleek but traditional design of these cabinets blends perfectly with a number of aesthetics.
• Sinks: When you picture a timeless kitchen, the sink often stands out. Popular in traditional and historic architecture, farmhouse-style sinks offer deep basins, durable construction, and a simplistic beauty that makes them a high-value addition to your new kitchen.
• Countertops: Marble and quartz countertops have stood the test of time?for good reason. Both are stunningly beautiful, available in a wide range of colors, and highly durable, although marble is definitely on the upper-end of the price range.
• Appliances: Vintage appliances have been phased-out by the push towards streamlined, high-tech options, but that doesn't make them obsolete. There is no better way to add a timeless and functional touch to your remodel than with vintage or vintage-inspired appliances.

Classic Design Elements

Being able to use your kitchen as it is intended is the first goal in remodeling the kitchen, but it'should also be a stylish and welcoming area of the home that the whole family enjoys spending time in. This comes down to the design elements that you add to your space, and there is nothing more inviting than adding timeless options like:

• Beadboard: Wood paneling may seem like a dated feature in a modern home, but beadboard is an ideal product for blending the old and the new. Durable and able to be customized to the size and look of your space, it can create visual interest and protect your walls from kitchen spills.
• Neutral Tones: From bold colors to industrial overtones, kitchens come in all different styles. However, for a classic look, neutral color palettes are the way to go. Stick with earth tones, shades of white, and polished silver finishes for a calm, welcoming, and traditional space.
• Open Layouts: Above all, your kitchen needs to be functional, and an open layout is the best way to make that happen. When doing a full kitchen remodel, focus on efficiency and functionality with the design to leave space for moving around and easily cooking family meals.

Every home has its own unique style and needs, but every homeowner wants the same result with their kitchen remodel ? a beautiful, timeless area that lives up to its purpose as the heart of your family's home. Timeless kitchen features can create the beautiful space that you envision, and best of all, you'll know that the design elements you choose will look great even decades down the road!

From the refrigerator and stove to the flooring and counters, every part of your home's kitchen should be highly functional and exceptionally beautiful. As one of the most important features in any kitchen design, your kitchen cabinets play a big role in making a statement and providing you with the functional workspace that you need, but knowing exactly where to hang the upper cabinets can be a challenge.

When choosing the height of your kitchen cabinets, there are many different factors to consider, and finding the right solution for your space depends on the style, needs, and overall layout of the heart of your family's home.

what's the Standard Height for Kitchen Cabinets?

First things first?what is the typical height of upper cabinets in the kitchen? The answer may not be as black and white as you would think, and it really comes down to the overall styling of the space and the needs of the family that lives there.

In the past, it was standard to install kitchen cabinets 18 inches off of the countertop. However, with the change in times and shifting trends, it is becoming much more popular to add a bit more breathing room to the kitchen by raising the height of the cabinets. In modern kitchens, hanging cabinets 20 inches or more off of the countertop is becoming the standard across the board.

When Should You Consider Raising Your Kitchen Cabinets?

While 18 inches off the counter is the bare minimum in height when you still want to fit'small appliances underneath your cabinets, that doesn't mean that you are stuck with following the general standards of installation. There are many different circumstances where raising your kitchen cabinets can result in a beautiful outcome that gives you the kitchen of your dreams, and you'll want to consider raising the height of your cabinets when:

You have a Taller-than-Average Family

Above all, the kitchen needs to be functional, which can be a challenge when you or members of your family are taller than the average person. When a tall individual is working inside the kitchen, their line of sight can be affected by standard-height cabinets, so it pays to raise them up to make them more convenient to use throughout your daily routine.

Your Kitchen Features are on the Larger Side

Do you have a tall, sleek faucet in your kitchen? Is your kitchen sink built to offer oversized depth? Are you trying to coordinate your cabinets around a large, already installed pantry? When you have large kitchen features like this in your current kitchen, raising the cabinets up to 30 inches off of the countertop will offer a more balanced aesthetic and give you the extra room you need to maneuver in the space.

You Want to Make a Bold Statement With Style

Whether you have a brand-new, modern backsplash in your kitchen or you have decided to go with bold cabinets in a trendy color, the best way to support your statement-piece kitchen is by raising-up your overhead cabinets. This allows for an unobstructed view of your custom backsplash addition, while also adding an open feel to the space that balances with the striking, untraditional color scheme of your cabinetry.

You Want to Get Creative With Storage

A big factor in how functional your kitchen is comes down to the amount of storage that you have in the space. While the primary purpose of cabinets is to create this essential storage room, there are times that you want to use untraditional methods to display some of your kitchen treasures! By raising the cabinets, you can create wall space that is perfect for unique shelving and hanging storage for pots, pans, and kitchen gadgets.

Storage needs, aesthetic design, and layout all play a role in the ideal cabinet height, but you also need to take into account the size of the cabinets that you are installing! Oversized cabinets take up more room and benefit from higher installation, while standard or small-size cabinets give you more leeway in leaning towards a standard height. Looking at a comprehensive cabinet size guide can be a great starting point for not only choosing the right cabinets for your space, but also for narrowing down your vision for their final installation.

Whether you have a modern kitchen with industrial accents or a traditional, country-style kitchen that is incredibly warm and inviting, it pays to think outside-of-the-box when it comes to the layout and height of your kitchen cabinets. A reputable remodeler can help you try out a few different height options to find the best fit for your home, but above all, the final decision comes down to your personal preferences.

My business mentor shared a great story with me long ago?

?If you walk out of a house? and they say you did a great job, and gave a great presentation, and They areally like your company? you're in marketing.

If you walk out of that same house with a signed contract? you're in sales.?

it's a great story? and partially hits on the point I want to make.

The business we are really in.

There Are Three Core Parts To All Of Our Business?s In This Industry:

- Marketing
- Sales
- Production

They are monsters that will constantly fight with each other, but rely on each other in order for the business to work properly.

? and you need all three in your business working:

- If you have great marketing and great sales? but lack in production ? the business does not work.
- If you have great sales and great production? but lack in marketing ? the business does not work.
- If you have great marketing and great production? but lack in sales ? the business does not work.

In the end, however, it all starts with marketing. Without leadflow? it doesn?t matter how great of a closer you are, or how great the work is that you deliver.

This is a common reason that most service-based business?s fail. A great book to read on this topic is the eMyth. This book explains how most people fail in business, because they are a technician in their industry.

In other words? let?s say I?m a great carpenter. I know all there is to know about carpentry, and deliver fantastic end results. I love doing the work ? it's my passion. So? I start my own carpentry business.

Now, instead of doing carpentry work, I?m doing all of the business work. Marketing sales, payroll, taxes, billing, collections, etc. Ya know? all of the things EXCEPT what I?m good at.

Thus, failure is inevitable.

So a great tip to realize? as soon as you possibly can accept it? is what business you're truly in. Where your business truly starts with. That business? is marketing.

Focus your efforts there. Once your marketing kicks in, your focus will then shift to your sales process. Once sales kicks in, you'll shift your focus to production. Then, you'll start the process all over again.

Realize during each growth phase you will have waste, disorganization, stress, pain, etc.

But, you'll fight through that and get things back in order. Your business will grow, as will your profits, and you're fulfillment from your successful business.

But, it all starts with the marketing.

My name is Chris Cardillo, and I?m the founder of SpecBid.com We are the first (and only) cloud based platform for buyers and sellers of building products. Having sold building materials in NYC for many years, the time for a platform like SpecBid is overdue.

Often I?m asked who my competition is. And the answer that usually comes to mind first is "the industry that I?m trying to change?

When it comes to technology revolutionized industries, construction is usually at the bottom of the list. And that?s unfair. Building methods, 3D imaging, BIM, LEED certifications, etc are all at the forefront of the latest technology offerings. However, for procurement and purchasing, transparency, time management, minimizing redundancy, etc?.construction is stuck in a technological abyss.

I set out to accomplish a few things when I created SpecBid;

• Create an efficiency marketplace for buyers and sellers of materials, tools and equipment.
• Match both parties in real time, easily.
• Accessible from anywhere.
• Highlight transparency, and strengthen existing relationships, while creating new ones.
• Real Time lead generation.
• Most of all, save users of the SpecBid platform Time and Money.

Sounds Simple. We charge minimal monthly fees, provide a great service, and do it in a way that almost everyone (if you Don't have an internet connection in 2013, then there's not much we can do for you) can utilize and take advantage of.
So why is there'so much resistance ? And push back ? We have several hundred companies (currently we are still in beta) using it daily, and cannot live without it.

We just signed a major NY county with over 1Bil in procurement yearly. They committed to it immediately. We must be on to something.

Everyday, while I?m presenting to prospects, they complain, ad nauseum, about how much money They are losing. And how terrible their buying process is. And how They are only in business to ?pay the employees salaries", etc.

Yet, when presented with at least one way to solve aspects of that, they shy away.

Is it because we, as construction professionals are too ?old school" to learn anything new ? I get that a lot.

Are we ?too cool to use an iPad on a jobsite?" I get that a lot also.

These are the same people checking stock prices, sports scores, facebook, etc on their smartphones.

Everyday I get responses ranging from sincere and honest, to downright embarrassing;

• I love SpecBid but my employees will laugh at me if I use anything other than a napkin, or the back of drywall to put my material lists together.
• I have no idea what I?m spending on materials, all I do is pay the bills when they come in. I?m sure I?m losing a fortune, but Don't have the time to look into it.
• I know my purchasing agent gets kick backs and makes himself/herself a partner at times, but They are reliable and it keeps them here.
• I always pay my bills late, so my suppliers charges me top dollar.
• My competitors will know what I?m paying.
• I?ve been buying from this supplier for 20 years, I get everything at his cost. He treats me like a partner, doesn?t make a penny on me. - That?s my favorite one. I prove it wrong daily with SpecBid.

There are too many to list at this point. And let?s be clear, these responses are from companies large and small.

At this point, and I?m speaking to a very wide audience, What do you have to lose ?

Embrace some of the technology offerings out there, whether it be SpecBid, or something else. Own the process, and make smarter decisions. And most of all, and this goes out to all buyers;

If you want your suppliers to truly treat you like partners, then approach them as informed, conscientious, and aware industry professionals. Desperation buying, late payments, and industry ignorance will always keep you paying more than you should. A highly disorganized purchasing process will keep you locked in a bad cycle that?s almost impossible to get out of.

Prodigy third Generation siding boards and Crane insulated panels are popular in New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic county. However, it's our experience, the full back product doesn't always properly insulate your home for the good money you're paying.

"Here is a little secret about insulated siding panels they Don't want you to know"

Crane Foam Backed Vinyl Siding in NJ

it's not the best insulator

There are 2 types of insulated siding. One has the insulation glued to the back and the other has the insulation slipped behind when siding is installed. It accomplishes the goal of keeping the siding firm and strong but I Don't believe it insulates the house better than dow board insulation. Check out my website http://www.NJDiscountVinylSiding.com for more siding infomation

Save money, it is not always necessary to tear off the old facade to install insulated siding

Why foam backed vinyl siding doesn't insulate well

• House siding types are different and they can't fit in every angle
• Cutting vinyl siding tears off the insulation
• To install you must tear off the insulation with your hands to fit on wall
• The perimeter around windows, the doors and house are exposed for air drafts.

Basic siding insulation boards cover all areas of your house

A house in Ridgewood or Glen Rock NJ has many angles which Alside's Prodigy vinyl siding or Craneboard can't be completely placed in.

We were introduced by this product by a large sales company we worked with. The company was excited with the new vinyl siding material.

Installing siding years ago, I didn't think much about it. We figured a multimillion dollar reputable company knew what they were talking about.

Our Experience installing insulated siding panels

To install this siding it must be cut with a circular saw because each piece is thick. The conventional way of cutting it with aluminum siding shears will not work, unless you tear off some of the insulation in the back with your hands.

Sometimes you must tear off the back insulation to make siding fit The insulation around the pipe has been torn off Prodigy Insulated Siding Panels - NJ Contractors

The shape of the house doesn't make it possible insulate the entire house. I remember applying it on a house in Union or Hudson county and thinking it wasn't insulating well.

If your house is a box than it could be insulated better because the siding is placed in straight rows and there are not many angles to cut. However, if your house is an old Victorian in Wayne, NJ or Clifton, NJ with many angles than there will be many areas the insulation will not stay. Even if you have a boxed house I believe it'still won't insulate properly.

The insulation can't properly fit behind windows and doors.

Sometimes the windows and doors have irregular carpentry around its perimeter and makes it extremely difficult for this thick siding to fit properly. Sometimes you have to tear off the glued insulation from the ends of the panels so siding can flex and be placed properly.

Around the windows and doors there can be open gaps of 2 inches where there is no insulation and it makes it easy for cold air to penetrate. Imagine all the windows and doors in your house having 1 1/2 inch gaps. That's a lot of drafts.

Foam insulation doesn't always press against the window

Factory end of has 1 inch of insulation removed

Even if you Don't have irregular carpentry around them, each end of Crane or Prodigy foam backed vinyl siding has 1 inch of insulation cut back. The reason for this is to interlock 2 pieces of siding together. However, you Don't need to interlock by the windows.

See how it does not properly insulate your house. Also, there are other areas, like the porch, electrical fixtures and corners of the house.

Siding around wiring, looks properly installed Torn off siding insulation, sometimes large pieces of insulation is removed Trying to make siding fit, a smaller piece of insulation is removed Insulated Vinyl Siding Panel Insulation in New Jersey

You want the solid wall look and believe it will insulate your home in West Orange or West Caldwell? Hopefully, this vinyl siding review helps. It is a good product but has a major flaw.

However, we arealized there is a way to apply this material and keep your house well insulated. Check out this simple installation instruction below.

Solution for foam backed siding Apply one layer of fan fold insulation board and foam backed secondary. The insulation boards will cover any areas Prodigy foam backed vinyl siding can't reach to keep house properly insulated.
The entire house has standard insulation panels installed first

The cost of the insulation is around $400 more and worth it if your heart is set on insulated panels. We installed this process on a gutted house in Bergen Couny and it was warm in the middle of winter.

Hey, New Jersey, let me know if you need or have any siding questions.