by Nancy Boudreau | Mar 16, 2021 | Kitchens
The decision about renovating a home before putting it up for sale—whether the renovation involves just one room or several—is something unique, and the right choice depends on each homeowner’s situation, as well as the state of the housing market in your area.
On the one hand, pre-sale renovations might be a good idea if you have a good-looking residential home in a family-friendly neighbourhood that also happens to have good schools. Why? Because your home will be a highly sought-after prize for young families.
Young families in particular are more willing to buy a home that has a higher cost, as long as there are fewer required renovations. On the other hand, if you are selling to someone interested in completely gutting the place so they can put their own design stamp on the place, it might be best to avoid renovating spending money to increase the home value.
No matter what you decide, our Nuenza designers can provide you with some insight on your preferred course of action.
Is Remodeling a Kitchen Worth it?
Real estate agents stress that if you’re going to do an interior home renovation, you should have bathroom and kitchen renovation at the top of your list. These two rooms are main hubs of activity, and can raise the profile of a home (therefore raising its price) if done well.
Kitchen Remodel Estimates
Our interior designers have been involved in the renovation of homes of all sizes, so they’ll be able to provide you with accurate estimates of what your budget should look like. For example:
- A small kitchen of 70 square feet or less will cost between $20,000 – $30,000.
- A medium kitchen of 100-150 square feet will cost between $20,000 – $52,000.
- A medium one of 150-175 square feet will cost between $26,000 – $55,000.
- A large kitchen of 200 or more square feet will cost between $50,000 – $90,000.
Of course, the numbers above only represent estimates, and will vary according to the design specs and materials you choose. To have the true cost of remodeling our team of designers will be happy to conduct a detailed consultation with you. We’ll take into account a variety of factors, such as your layout, personal preferences, and the expected labor costs.
We can also help you with budgeting and work with your estate agent, so you can get the best return on investment while offering a great selling price. At Nuenza, you will always be guided by those with the experience and knowledge to make the best decisions.
What Home Improvements Should be Done Before Selling?
A buyer will have their own preferences, but if you want to sell your home at a reasonable price, you’ll likely need to make some changes, regardless of your home’s condition.
Whether you’re updating or gutting the kitchen, re-doing the foundation or simply adding new winterized windows, there are a few areas that usually do attract homebuyers. If you’ve chosen to remodel the kitchen, one thing is for sure: improving these areas with high-quality materials is often a good idea.
And remember, when showing your home, a paint job can pay off in a big way. Neutral colours, for example, are known to have the best return on investment, often attracting multiple buyers.
Kitchen Cabinets
If you have old wood cabinets that are damaged or need updating, replacing them can be a smart move. From oak to mahogany to birch to bamboo, our designers can help you select a high-quality and sturdy material that work best in the context of your existing design. With our help, buyers will be clamouring for your house when it goes on the market!
Countertops
After cabinets, countertops are the second most important feature to renovate because it’s highly visible. Especially for island kitchens, countertops are a focal point, so it’s essential that you go with a material that will increase your home’s value. It’s also worth noting that if you upgrade countertops, you should strongly consider doing the cabinets as well for an integrated look.
Since the late 80s, granite countertops have become a staple in the kitchen. However, it’s best to evaluate whether or not it’s the material for your house. Determine whether or not:
- Granite countertops suit your space’s décor
- The homes for sale in your area have granite counters
There are many choices to go with, including marble, quartz, butcher block, and stainless steel. Our Nuenza interior designers are always happy to help you pick the best one for your home and design taste.
Paint Colours
Sellers should replace any bold and flashy colours with neutral tones that suit the rest of the space. Luckily, kitchens don’t usually have too much space to cover with paint, as the cabinets and appliances cover most of the space. A quick paint job may seem overly simple, but sometimes a little effort goes a long way when making a sale.
Appliances
Some homeowners leave their appliances behind for different reasons. They may be downsizing, or may want to replace their appliances with newer versions. While buyers will often appreciate having the appliances included in the sale, it goes without question that leaving outdated appliances that may or may not work will not increase the value of your home. In fact, it may even turn buyers away. Depending on the situation, it can often be advantageous to replace appliances in order to increase your home’s value.
When considering selling your house, it’s best to always speak with a real estate agent and a designer. They can provide you with an accurate real estate market assessment and sound advice for your potential Montreal kitchen renovation.
Trust the Nuenza experts to turn your ideas into a reality.
Kitchen Remodels are Better with Nuenza
Selling your home is a major step in your life along with buying a new place. But you don’t have to do it alone. Commitment, passion, and dedication are the hallmarks of Nuenza.
Our interior designers can update your kitchen so that your property has a stronger resale value and you get peace of mind knowing you’re making the smartest financial decisions. When professionals are involved, every choice is just a little bit easier to make, and the renovations get done right the first time.
Contact us for more information, or view our portfolio for inspiration and ideas!
by Nancy Boudreau | Jan 11, 2021 | Design
Nuenza’s Interior Designers are masters of their craft, who transform large and small spaces into rooms that cater to clients’ needs. In our case, Nuenza’s design team renovates kitchens and bathrooms, but can also create unique spaces that tie into the style of the rest of the home.
When working with Interior Designers, how will you know whether or not they’re worth the cost? It starts with knowing what designers do.
Duties & Responsibilities
Our interior design services were created to complete each project from A-Z with amazing results. Here is how our design consultant team accomplishes that:
- Visit the client’s intended space to get a sense of its functionality and how to improve it according to the client’s needs. This may also include reviewing the client’s drawings and notes of their plans.
- Have material catalogues for clients to view and offer samples related to paint, wallpaper, accents, flooring, and more.
- Assist with the selection of colour schemes, styles, themes, and layouts.
- Inform the client of pricing and work with their budget.
- Provide mock-ups using software and blueprints.
- Make suggestions and problem-solve to provide the client with solutions regarding space, materials, and more.
- Coordinate with construction teams and clients to ensure the designs can be carried out.
- Recommend contractors for the renovation of the space.
To fulfill these duties and responsibilities while delivering custom high-end products that meet the client’s satisfaction. a design consultant must have a certain level of education. Moreover, they must have developed certain skills to ensure the success of every interior design project.
Design Education & Skills
Interior Designers with a university degree tend to be more creative in their approach.
Our founder, Nancy Boudreau, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a specialization in Design. With over 20 years in kitchen design, she knows how to make clients’ dreams become a reality. She and the experienced Nuenza team stay informed of current home design trends, colours, and architectural innovations. To get an idea of the company’s work, browse our portfolio.
It’s part of an Interior Designer’s job to communicate well with clients and fully understand their style, as well as what they want their space to have. When clients speak about incorporating elements and styles from different eras, the designer must have an extensive knowledge. It’s essential to understand the difference between industrial design versus 1950s design versus Rococo, for example.
Attentiveness is also a key quality to look for in an interior designer. The last thing you want is to have them ignore your preferences and be inflexible when anything has to change.
Like in every job, the client wants to be treated as a person, not a number. Therefore, a design consultant must be able to work well with people, from customers to artisans to contractors. Developing a rapport will create long-lasting relationships and, in turn, bring about fantastic results.
Partner with a Nuenza Interior Designer
Working with Nuenza interior designers means we will create the haven you have been longing for. We approach each project with zest and creativity. We love our work and see it as more than a job. Design embraces your freedom of expression and adds customized comfort to each space.
Our interior design team wants you to feel at home in your home. Contact us today for a free consultation!
by Nancy Boudreau | Oct 21, 2020 | Kitchens
It’s no wonder why family members and friends are often found hanging out in the kitchen – food brings people together! Since the kitchen is in many ways the true heart of the home, it makes sense to give it new life with a High-end Custom kitchen luxury kitchen renovation.
From the layout to the material to the overall function of each element in the kitchen, a renovation is your opportunity to finally make a list of all your needs and wants, and to put together a new design that allows you to use your kitchen the way you want every day.
Read on below to discover how to transform a regular kitchen into something truly high-end and custom.
Space Optimization
Since the 90s, homes have integrated the idea of open concept into the kitchen. This means that the kitchen, dining room, and sometimes the living room do not have any walls separating them, transforming the space into a great room.
Open concept gives your home a communal feel, increases natural light, and improves the flow when you’re cooking and moving from room to room. From this perspective, and especially if you don’t have one already, a kitchen island could be the perfect structure to add to your kitchen, giving you more prep and storage space.
The island can be the new home of your sink, your dishwasher, or even your microwave! This is especially valuable if you’re a homeowner that would prefer not to have the microwave at eye-level (or taking up valuable space on the counter).
Materials
Kitchen cabinets take up the majority of the space in a kitchen, so you’ll want to choose a material wisely when planning your renovation. Popular wood options for luxury kitchens include:
- Oak
- Maple
- Walnut Sapwood
- Ash
- Ebony
- Birch
However, some fabricators embrace sustainable wood options such as reclaimed timber and bamboo. Bamboo is considered a renewable resource since it’s a faster growing type of grass. For inspiration designing a beautiful, luxury kitchen in your house, check out some of the designs and materials in our portfolio.
Extra Features
Are you a minimalist? You can incorporate that into your kitchen’s design by eliminating cabinet handles. It provides a sleek and sophisticated look, and you won’t need to worry about banging your knees on knobs anymore. Instead, you can have hydraulic hinges installed on all of your cabinets, so each cabinet closes for you. It’s just one of many simple ways to make your life easier.
If you’re a wine lover or entertain a lot, consider adding a small wine cooler or fridge to your kitchen layout. It will provide more space in your regular fridge and keep your wine chilled at an ideal temperature. A cooler is practical, protects your wine collection, and can fit seamlessly into your kitchen design.
Appliances
Stainless steel appliances are the standard of luxury in this era. While they may need more TLC to keep their shine, it’s well worth the effort. This type of appliance complements any colour kitchen, as well as any material, whether you have dark or light cabinets.
Make Your Home Beautiful and Luxurious
Nuenza can bring your kitchen up to date with the latest in design and home décor. Our talented and experienced team will work with you to achieve your design goals, not matter what they are. Our priority is for you and your family to feel at home once the renovations are completed, and answer any of your questions along the way.
Whether you need more space or just want a new look for your kitchen, contact us today to get started!
by Nancy Boudreau | Sep 8, 2020 | Kitchens
Deciding to remodel your kitchen is a big step. You may have hundreds of ideas and are itching to get started, but like any home improvement, there’s a lot to consider.
From the appliances to the backsplash to the flooring – not to mention changing the plumbing and lighting – the costs to renovate a kitchen will require a decent amount of coin, particularly for one that’s professionally remodeled.
No matter your goals, the Nuenza team is here to help you figure out what is the best Montreal kitchen design for your home.
Kitchen Renovation Costs
Here is the average cost of what you can expect to pay for a new kitchen, depending on the size you have:
- A small one of 70 square feet or less will cost between $12,000 – $26,000.
- A medium one of 100-150 square feet will cost between $19,500 – $52,000.
- A medium one of 150-175 square feet will cost between $26,000 – $52,000.
- A large one of 200 or more square feet will cost between $40,000 – $78,000.
Remember, the costs listed above are just an approximation. Only after a detailed consultation with our team will we be able to determine a more accurate amount for the kitchen renovation costs per square foot at your home.
Tips on How to Budget
The best way to ensure that your project goes smoothly is to create a budget. This will give yourself and our team a solid footing for materials, layout, design, everything.
We advise you to create a breakdown of your budget, so you can cover every aspect of the renovation. It’s up to you to decide what portion will cover:
- Designs
- Installations
- Appliances & Ventilation
- Cabinetry & Hardware
- Countertops
- Flooring
- Lighting
- Plumbing
- Doors & Windows
While our team is experienced, professional, and knowledgeable in remodelling a kitchen, there is always the possibility of problems arising, such as pests, weakened structures, and toxic materials.
A good amount of your budget should be set aside to cover surprises, which should be between 15%-20%. Although this may seem like a high number at first glance, it’s always best to be prepared, and the good news is that if there are no surprise issues, you can immediately deduct that amount from your overall budget!
Ways to Save Money on Your Kitchen Renovation
When it’s time to renovate the kitchen, there are some smart choices you can make to get the design you want while protecting your wallet.
While choosing customized designs can come with a hefty price tag in some cases, this is not always necessarily true. In large part, the cost will depend on the materials used. While Nuenza does not reface existing cabinets, the price of new cabinets will vary according to the design, which is why speaking to the design professionals at Nuenza is your best bet when trying to cut costs for your kitchen renovation.
Also, you don’t have to do everything all at once. This means you can save up for certain elements, such as appliances, and then have a rest period to save up for the next sections you want to tackle.
Have some ideas to remodel your bathroom? We can help with that, too!
Turn Your Average Kitchen into the Heart of Your Home
Our Nuenza team achieves a wide range of tasks, from helping you determine the cost for renovating a kitchen to choosing new cabinets to helping you draft a budget. We make the project fun (as it should be) while reducing the stress on our customers.
Feel free to browse our portfolio for inspiration, or contact us today to set an appointment!
by Nancy Boudreau | Aug 18, 2020 | Bathrooms
Are you at your wits’ end bumping into your partner as you get ready in the bathroom? And after a hard day, do you dream of relaxing in a spacious, jetted tub? What about adding a little seating area where you can de-stress as you do your nails?
Nuenza is here to help you design, optimize space, and turn your bathroom into an oasis. Whether you want contemporary minimalism, Bohemian chic, or Zen paradise, we guarantee that your bathroom renovation in Montreal is possible with your budget.
What Do You Want to Accomplish with Your Bathroom Remodel?
Before you start hacking away at a wall or buying swatches, make sure you know what the purpose of your bathroom renovation will be, and how to achieve it. Will you be expanding the room and adding square footage? Optimizing the preexisting space? Updating the style?
For your renovation to go smoothly, it’s always best to ask yourself the following questions:
- Is it a master bathroom or a half bath/powder room? A master bathroom includes the shower, tub, sink and toilet while a half bath or powder room has only a toilet and sink, sometimes doubling as a laundry room.
- Who will use the bathroom? Think of gender and age. A kid’s bathroom will be designed much differently than that for an adult.
- Are you updating the style? Maybe you’re tired of the floral wallpaper or want to replace that pink tub.
- Do you want to modernize its functionality? It might be time to remove your shower curtain and install a glass shower stall instead.
- How do you want the room to flow with the rest of the home? Some homeowners like to have a consistent design theme throughout the house,while others prefer each room has its own distinctive flair.
- How do you want the room to accommodate your needs? If you and your partner share the bathroom, would separate sinks allow each of you to have enough space to get ready at the same time?
All of the above questions will help to give you a better idea of the renovation costs to expect. Remember that if you plan on renovating more than one bathroom, you will need to apply the above questions to each one.
Depending on the type of bathroom renovation and your needs, the average cost to redo is between 20k and 55k since plumbing and tiling are expensive and the bread and butter of a bathroom. Other factors that will affect pricing are your preferences, materials used, and market inflation.
Work with the Nuenza Team!
To renovate a bathroom, you need a skilled team who knows how to turn your ideas into a reality within your budget. Nuenza can help you save money while still having an inviting and high-end bathroom in the end.
Did you know? Nuenza is one of the top three custom cabinet designers in Montreal, QC. We would like to thank all of our clients and well-wishers for keeping trust in us and choosing us to serve their needs. After a rigorous 50-point inspection, Nuenza became one of the top three companies. The process looked at reputation, history, complaints, ratings, nearness, satisfaction, trust, cost, and general excellence.
We are always happy to discuss your project’s unique details, such as its renovation costs and design elements, so get in touch with our team today to start the process of renovating your bathroom!
