Stephanie's Renovations

08/06/2026

Thanks to the Hester’s of Prince George for having us out to renovate their kitchen. We removed and donated most of their old cabinets, repaired the hardwood floor where needed after turning two small pantries into one big one, and repositioning the island. Then we rearranged the overhead lights and swapped them out for light changing, dimmable canless fixtures and added a couple of outlets. (Lighting is always the best part) and then installed new solid wood Shaker style, white painted cabinets and under cabinet lighting. The granite is Dallas White, the paint color is SW Studio Mauve. The backsplash is Look Bianco 2” x 10”. I think it’s beautiful 🥰
If we can do something similar for you please let me know. Now booking for 2027 😀

07/15/2026

Blog Post #2 part 2
June 22, 2026
Topic: Renovation Priorities
Hello everyone! Today’s topic is a continuation of last months, which is near and dear to my heart. So often I’m asked to meet with a prospective client who has what we call a “laundry list” of projects. Sometimes we need to choose between a couple of larger projects, like the kitchen or a bathroom or two, and sometimes it’s a menagerie of small (or large) repairs.
Last month we talked about needs, now let’s discuss wants and ROI…
Wants:
According to the Journal of Light Construction/Zonda, based on realtor appraisals in hundreds of U.S. Markets, which is widely considered the most reliable market information available today and was updated mid 2026, kitchens and baths give the best return on investment or ROI. Below are their figures:
Project Type Typical Job Cost Resale Value Added % Recouped
Minor Kitchen Remodel +/- $28,500 +/- $32,000 113%
Major Kitchen Remodel +/- $80,000 +/- $42,000 50-51%
Upscale Kitchen Remodel +/- $164,000 +/- $58,500 36%
Midrange Bath Remodel +/- $26,000 +/- $21,000 74-80%
Universal Design Bath +/- $42,000 +/- $26,000 61%
Upscale Bath Remodel +/- $82,000 +/- $34,000 42%

Other Interior Projects (Painting, Flooring, etc.)
Painting (interior): Often cited as one of the highest-ROI cosmetic updates. Fresh neutral paint can recoup 80–100%+ (some sources claim up to 107% or more in perceived value). It’s low-cost, high impact for buyer appeal.
Flooring Permanent versus Temporary:
Permanent Flooring such as hardwood or tile can recoup 70–100%+ (refinishing existing hardwood often near 100%).
Temporary flooring such as carpet or vinyl often returns only around 40–70%. Appraisers assign more value to permanent flooring, but updated carpet or vinyl can still make a home feel cleaner, fresher, and more modern.

Overall, for whole-house interior updates:
Many sources note that remodels generally return 50–70% of costs at resale, with minor/cosmetic work (paint, minor kitchen/bath refreshes, flooring) performing much better than major or high-end overhauls. Buyers pay premiums for updated, move in ready spaces, but rarely reimburse luxury or highly personalized features, dollar for dollar.
Timing & Market: In a balanced or seller's market, you recover more. High interest rates or buyer caution can lower ROI.
Not just resale — These projects also improve livability, and your enjoyment while owning the home.
**Data is an average — well-executed projects with good design/materials in desirable neighborhoods will outperform averages.

07/04/2026

06/29/2026

First day of a new project 🤣

06/25/2026

This is ANOTHER reason why I don’t recommend a full height backsplash….

06/22/2026

Blog Post #2 part 1 of 2
June 22, 2026
Topic: Renovation Priorities
Hello everyone! Today’s topic is near and dear to my heart. So often I’m asked to meet with a prospective client who has what I call a “laundry list” of projects. Sometimes we need to choose between a couple of larger projects, like the kitchen or a bathroom or two, and sometimes it’s a menagerie of small (or large) repairs.
Let’s talk about needs versus wants…
Needs:
Always begin with the exterior. While most homeowners want to spend their money on things they can see daily, the real work needs to begin in areas you cannot see every day.
• Roof - I recommend an inspection if your roof is more than 10 years old. Shingles can become loose, boots and vents can be cracked when limbs fall on the roof, or just brittle from the sun. Flashing will need caulking, etc. Usually by year 10 your roof will need a little love. A new asphalt shingle roof will cost $10-20K depending on the size and complexity of your roof. I recommend Atlas Shingles because with a higher copper content they help keep algae of your roof.
• Windows – If your home still has the original wood windows you may want to consider replacing them. At the very least you may need to have some sills or brick molding replaced or repaired due to rot and have them painted. Keeping your wood windows in good repair can extend their life tremendously. If you have vinyl windows, you may have seal failure, broken latches or locks or missing weather stripping. Keeping your windows in good repair will help with energy bills. New windows will cost $750-$1000 each for typical white vinyl replacement windows. There are a lot of good brands out there, look for low air infiltration numbers and low solar heat gain coefficient numbers. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for with windows, and a quality installation is very important.
• Gutters – I cannot stress this enough… Water does more damage to your home than any other thing. Gutters are your first defense against water damage. If you already have gutters, I recommend getting them cleaned, make needed repairs and add gutter guards if you do not already have them. Having guards keeps you off a ladder and helps protect your home. Gutters are dollar for dollar the best investment you can make in your home, coming in at around $2-5K on average.
• Siding – If you still have Masonite or Abitibi siding (pressed engineered wood, popular in the 70’s – 90’s) and it’s showing its age, you really need to consider a tear off and installation of new siding. We used to be able to get pieces of this kind of siding to make repairs, but that is no longer true. Sometimes we can use fiber cement siding to make repairs, but it’s thinner and there are only a couple of profiles available, so it doesn’t work out all the time. Doing a tear off is the best way to go, putting new siding over the top of the old siding is just hiding away the problems (like water damage or insects) that may continue to get worse over time. When we tear it all off, we can install house wrap and flash around the windows before installing the new siding, leading to the best possible outcome for longevity. A full siding tear off, and installation of new siding will likely cost you $15-$25K and the best time to do this is at the same time as the windows.
• Crawlspace – This is a BIG one! If you are thinking of selling your home, this is one of the first things inspectors will look at. A nice clean crawlspace with dry insulation and a full v***r barrier is what the inspector wants to see. This project ranges between $3-5K depending on the size and if you need to have your joists cleaned before installing new insulation.
• Landscaping – Removing dead trees, limbing up trees with branches hanging over your home and trimming big bushes will add instant curb appeal and value to your home. No one wants to buy a house with a dead tree in the yard or squirrels with free rein of the roof. Tree work is expensive, my tip is to ask a crew working in your neighborhood to take a look, they will often give you a break on the price if they are already on your street with all the equipment. Also, the more you have done at once the better the price. Tree work ranges from $200 - $20K, get several prices if you have a large project on your hands.
Vet your contractor. Make sure they have the proper licenses and insurance. Ask them about debris removal (dumpsters are heavy and can damage driveways and yards, dump trailers are a better option. Ask them when they would be able to get to your job, should you select them and what time do they start and stop working each day? Some jobs (like tree work) usually start very early!
Remember that exterior work will affect your interior, you should remove pictures hanging on exterior walls and put away decorative glass items likely to tip over. Lastly, I’d say consider your pets. Having a new roof put on or siding replaced is very loud! If you have a nervous dog or one that barks incessantly, you should consider removing them for the duration of the project. I’m happy to chat about whatever project you have in mind. Thanks for reading! Stephanie

06/09/2026

Thanks to the Triplet’s & Kinkaid’s (repeat customers are the best) for trusting is to install new handrails at their parents home here in Chester. If we can do something similar for you please let me know.

05/26/2026

My daughter has gone back to tile design for a brand new store that just opened today in Shortpump! Stop by and check out Tile Bar and ask for Beth.

11237 West Broad
Richmond VA 23060
Between Chuy’s and Langley near Whole Foods.

05/14/2026

I'm working on my new website and could use your insite, you guys don't mind giving me your feedback?

Would you rather see seperate galleries with pics of just kitchens-bathrooms-exteriors, etc or full projects with explanations as to what we did on the project?

My old (existing) website has projects, but i've asked to switch to galleries (without project descriptions) and now I'm second guessing my self.

The problem with doing whole projects is the amount of space they all take up.. and then picking and choosing which ones to showcase.

Also, is it important to group pics together within the gallery (by job) or is mixing them all up ok?

Thanks!!

05/11/2026

Blog Post # 1
May 11, 2026
Topic: DIY TIPS

Hi everyone and welcome to my new blog! I will be posting monthly and talking about all things Home Improvement related. Have a request? Email your ideas to [email protected]

Here we go! Tips for your DIY Projects
• All projects need to start with a scope of work and before you can develop a complete scope, you need to measure the space and do a scaled drawing using ¼” scale graph paper. This will help with space planning and make sure that what you want to do will work. Drawings are also needed if you will be applying for a permit.
• As you are putting your scope of work together, I find it helpful to think the project through step by step and build the scope by first in and then go in order. For example, if doing a complete kitchen renovation, I always schedule the plumber to come in and do the disconnects first, then demo. Putting it all in order helps with scheduling.
• After you have your scope of work complete, you will need to estimate the cost associated with each item. If you are using sub-contractors, such as plumbers or electricians, send your scope of work, drawings and photos of the space to them via email, in order to get a firm price.
• Big Box stores will let you build a list of needed materials and save the list as a job quote; you can even forward your list to others. It’s a good idea to have your partner who will be helping with the project check over the items and quantities.
• Order all materials and have them on hand before beginning. Some things (like plumbing fixtures, tile or windows) may be special order with lead times of 2-6 weeks or more.
• Schedule your project, allowing enough time for each activity, and don’t schedule more than one activity at a time. Having multiple things going on at once is a recipe for disaster! Schedule the work from start to finish, and don’t start until you know what the end date is! A full kitchen or bathroom renovation will take 4-6 weeks!
• Have a dumpster or dump trailer on site for construction debris. Big Box stores offer a heavy duty bag that will be picked up by Waste Management, called Bagster for smaller projects.
• Have a dedicated area for tools and materials to be stored, close to the work area (like in the dining room, if you are doing the kitchen) and cover the floor in this area with heavy duty paper such as Ram Board (available at Big Box Stores) or painters’ canvas.
• Clean up at the end of each day! I like paper lawn and leaf bags available at Big Box stores, because they stand up making it easier to fill them, and they decompose in the land fill.
• Recycle metal, cardboard and plastic items.
• Donate reusable items! The Re-Store and the DAV will even pick up your big items like cabinets.

Good luck with your projects! Stephanie

Please share!