I always refer clients to Remodeling Magazine Price Value Ratio. If you go to Remodeling Magazine it will pop right up.  It is the bible of the industry.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley, Ca

Hi Elizabeth,

That's a great question and an important one.  We provide very helpful information about this on our website, which lists a few steps to take and questions to ask when planning a remodel.  http://www.drdcon.com/steps-for-remodeling.html.  

Hope this helps!

When having anyone working in your home verify that they are insured. Ask for a current copy of thier insurance information. Once you have that call thier insurance agent and verify that the coverage is current. We have general liability, commercial auto and worker's comp. 

Tyler,

It sounds like the existing laminate flooring is solid and free from flex. If so, you will have no problem installing the new laminte over the old. You will want to use a sound absorbing pad underneath to avoid a hollow sound as well as potential squeeks between the 2 laminate surfaces. Best of luck!

David Domenichini

D.R. Domenichini Coosntruction

Horchow is a high-end home goods line. They have everything from furniture to flatware. As I understand it, they are online/catalog only.  www.horchow.com

So that I can better answer your question, can you further explain what you mean when you say "cap over". I am thinking that perhaps you are referring to the horizontal trim piece between your siding & the top of your foundation, but am not sure. 

Any honest contractor will provide you with copies of their State Licenses and Insurance so you can verify them. If they don't ask - if they hesitate - RUN! 

We are not a fan of wood behind the range or cooktop unless it is electric maybe even induction.

As a basement finishing company we're seeing a lot of granite for wet bars, lighter colors. Bathrooms and tile are often favoring gray. Brushed nickel and steel are the most common hardware and fixtures. Clean,simple, easy to mix up with rustic or modern decor.

We're still seeing a lot of demand for granite and/or quartz countertops.  With the quartz, people are doing more subtle patterns and a lot of marble looks (white with light veining or similar).  Cabinets seem to be following a gray/neutral/white color palette, with lots of clean lines.  We're still seeing stainless steel and brushed nickel for appliances and hardware, however we saw quite a bit of matte brass and gold tones at KBIS this year.  That seems to be making a comeback, but I think that might still depend on your area.  I think oil-rubbed bronze is probably on its way out, unless you're doing a rustic look.  Hope that helps!    

I would recommend a clik together flooring that would be floating over the cork. That way you can install and remove it easily and there should be no damage to the cork below.

Decide first if you are going to make choices for YOUR forever home or for something you plan to sell in a few years.  Don't go with 'trendy' choices or your ROI will certainly dwindle. If you plan to stay for a while- make choices based on what YOU like and can live with until you are ready to move on. Chances are the next owner may want something completely different anyways. Please yourself for the time you plan to stay there.