10 Design Tips for Small Bathrooms

In apartments, especially in NYC, often times the bathroom is small. Homeowners often imagine that remodeling a small bathroom—one that is about 50 square feet or less—will be much quicker, much easier, and much less expensive than remodeling a large bathroom. Designing a small bathroom so that you have the optimal amount of space for every appliance while also maintaining storage and space for yourself provides a challenge and often times it’s only a little bit quicker, a little bit easier, and a little bit less expensive than a larger bathroom.

However, there are a few design tricks that if you remember while you are planning it will make the process easier.

1. Use a corner sink. In very small bathrooms, a sink configured to fit in a corner can be a great space-saving option. Even pedestal sinks can be difficult to fit in very small bathrooms.

2. Use a shower curtain or sliding shower door. Shower doors that pivot on hinges may not work for small bathrooms. Instead, use a shower curtain or glass shower door that slides on tracks.

3. Choose a vanity with rounded corners. In tight spaces, vanities with sharp corners can be hazardous. A vanity with rounded corners can prevent bruised hips.

4. Extend the counter over the toilet. A little extra counter space created when the vanity counter extends over the adjacent toilet can be surprisingly effective.

5. Use large-scale patterns. Large squares, wide stripes, and other large patterns can fool the eye and make spaces seem larger.

6. Mirror the wall. In tight spaces, having a mirror occupy the entire wall behind the vanity can help two people to use it at once.

7. Mount the towel bar on the door. When space is limited, mounting a towel bar on the shower door or the back of the entry door keeps towels at easy reach.

8. Choose a trough sink. When mounted on a wall, the low profile of a trough sink frees up floor space for storage.

9. Use a vanity with open shelves. Open shelves offer storage without swinging doors that can get in the way in a small bathroom.

10. Use a wall-mounted faucet. Mounting a faucet on the wall allows for a smaller vanity, which helps free up space in a small bathroom.
By following these design tips your small bathroom will not only have all the appliances that you need but will also maintain storage and space for yourself.

Creating a Home Office

Do you have an empty room and not sure what to do with it? Turning into an office maybe? An office is essential if you are running a small business, or just need a quiet place to work in the comfort of your own home. With the closet space of your extra bedroom, you also have a place for storing office supplies.

Be sure that you are designing your office the way you need it to function, and how it will benefit you the most. If your goal is to have a simple room to be able to concentrate on work, go for a minimalist design with clean lines, white walls, and simple furniture.

If you know you’ll be spending long hours in your new office away from your office, make the best of it – and make it comfortable to be there. You can add a cozy chair, muted colors, and a big enough desk that allows you to stretch out. This way, you won’t even feel like you’re working.

If you are working in a creative field, a home office that fits your style will make you enjoy working because you’ll be inspired by your surroundings. As opposed to a simple room, add some large wall art, bold colors, loud furniture and speakers for music so you can get those creative juices flowing!

Whatever you choose to use your newly acquired extra room for, be sure to use proper lighting, shelving, desks and chairs. If you need help with creating your next room, call us at 212-837-8117 and we won’t disappoint!

How to Make Your Kitchen Unique

In New York City, the pressure to be different transcends the bounds of one singular category of human life. The core want to be uniquely expressive can be found within the most personal and impersonal of spaces. With New Yorkers, the way one dresses, accessories, decorates, speaks and renovates all have an impact on their perceived personality. What a New Yorker expresses in street style should match what they express in home decor. This being said, New Yorkers are always following similar trends in their search for individuality, leading to large groups of people seeking uniqueness actually ending up being exactly the same.

While it may seem like conformity is inevitable for New Yorkers, it does not have to be. There are many ways in which New Yorkers can find their unique style while still being on trend and one of those ways is through home renovation. By creating a personalized at home space catered to the individuality of the person inhabiting it, New Yorkers can truly find what helps them stand out. 

Take your basic kitchen for example. According to a 2011 study recorded by Forbes, Americans spend an average of 2 hours and 8 minutes a day in the kitchen. That means Americans spend approximately 64 hours in their kitchen per month. By renovating the space and personalizing it to better fit a New Yorkers “personal brand”, the opportunity to find individuality is increased. 

New Yorkers can find their unique sense of kitchen style in many different ways! By adding colorful cabinets or dramatic lighting, a boring kitchen can be transformed into a beautiful and personal piece of individualistic art. Statement chairs, minimalist structures and bold tiling can easily turn a blasé kitchen into a reflection of bold ambition from a New Yorker who knows exactly who they are.

With Golden I Construction, every New Yorker has the opportunity to create the kitchen that says,“this is me!” Offering hundreds of unique appliances to choose from, Golden I Construction will make your boring, old kitchen one you truly deserve. Call us at 212-837-8117 for more information.   

What To Expect – Real Estate 2019

Property consisting of land or buildings is how real estate is defined. Every year, what goes into real estate changes. 

Before you look into investing in new property, here are the list of different kinds of real estate:

Residential Real Estate- This includes reselling homes and construction work. The categories consist of is single-family homes (most favorable), condominiums, high-value homes, co-ops, townhouses, duplexes, triple-deckers, quadplexes, multi-generational, and vacation homes.

Commercial Real Estate- This includes shopping centers, strip malls, medical, educational buildings, hotels, and offices. Apartment buildings can be contemplated as commercial, even if they are only used for residences due to being owned to produce income.

Industrial Real Estate- This includes manufacturing buildings, property, and warehouses. Buildings are good for for production, storage, etc. Some buildings that distribute goods are considered commercial real estate. The classification is important because the zoning, construction and sales are handled differently.

Land- This includes vacant land ( incorporates developed, early development/reuse, subdivision and site assembly), working farms and ranches. 

You may have to worry about mortgages later in time.

Whats a mortgage?  A mortgage is when you take out a loan (usually from a bank), on a property or real estate. You then over time come up with a plan between the borrower and lender, to ensure that the money gets payed back over a specific amount of time till the lender receives all money back. 

Here are some of the best mortgage loans that you should look into:

  • FHA Loans
  • VA Loans
  • USDA Loans 
  • FHA 203k Rehab Loans
  • Conventional Loans 

How to turn real estate into an investment:

Buy REITs – also known as Real Estate Investment Trusts, allows you to invest in real estate. They pay higher dividends meaning its better for investment in retirement. If the investor no longer wants or need the regular income, they have the ability to automatically reinvest the dividends to increase their investment.  

What’s In For Kitchen Renovation 2019

Are you tired of your kitchen and need change? Now and days, its hard to keep up with all of the latest trends. Here are some tips on what’s in for kitchen renovation and remodeling. 

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Whats in:

  1. Industrial countertops
  • Concrete like countertops have a more chic feel to it. Some other countertops to consider are marble, granite, quartz, etc.

2. Organic/ Homemade tiles

  • Terracotta tiles by Clé tile give more definition to your home due to the fact that their tiles are made up of many different colors. Their “Weathered White” for example, has a range of grays, pinks, cream colors, blues, etc. 

3. Tech features

  • Including but not limited to, a refrigerator with a family hub, an double electric oven, GeniCan scanner, etc. 

4. Hidden storage walls

  • Creates a cool way to store things. It helps with seclusion and increases space to put up any art work. 

5. White 

  • White cabinets, decor, etc, give a more sophisticated feeling. It brightens up a room and even makes a small room look bigger than it actually is. 

6. Glossy finish

  • Also know as sheen level, this describes the amount of light that is reflective by stain or paint. This is appealing to the eye as it draws in the attention due to the shine. 

7. Island

  • An island creates more counter space for a kitchen. You can put another sink if you need one, use it for eating purposes and even watch your kids do their homework while you cook.

What NOT to do while remodeling

Although 2018 has been known for many home remedies and DIY tips, there are certain things you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for assistance for. There are a couple things you should NOT do while renovating any room.

  1. DON’T assume you know everything. Each person has certain skill sets, and you should decide (realistically) if you could carry out a project to fit your vision, as some projects require more expertise than others.
  2. DON’T let your friends and family help you if they’re not experienced. This can lead to costly mistakes, injury, and damage to important elements in your home. They can help for moving furniture or belongings, but let only the experienced ones help with the task at hand.
  3. DON’T assume that your budget won’t go over your estimation. You should have a budget for going over budget, as many projects can involve circumstances that only appear once you start the project. Create a lower budget that you think you will need, just in case.
  4. DON’T create a specific time frame for a project. Many home improvement shows are able to complete projects in a 2-3 time span, but there are also many professionals there working behind the scenes. Once you consider your experience level, if you have the proper tools, and if you have assistance, you should be able to carry out your project in a timely manner.
  5. DON’T overlook local building codes and regulations for your area. It doesn’t hurt to read through the terms and conditions! For example, if you’re digging outside your home, pouring a structural foundation, or installing certain electrical/plumbing components, you may need a building inspector to review for safety.
  6. DON’T risk your safety in order to get a project done quicker or for cheaper. When working on high areas, make sure you have the proper equipment to be safe. If you are unfamiliar with your tools, hire a professional.
  7. DON’T start your project until you have all the components. If you start a project without waiting for your tools, your room could be inoperable for days waiting for fixtures to be delivered.
  8. DON’T assume that your dream renovation project isn’t possible. If you don’t have the funding right now, take your time. Ask professionals, like your friends here at Golden I Construction, to help you. Your home is a huge investment. Take the time to research how to make it yours. 

TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR HOME RENOVATION

The key to having a successful home renovation is to think about planning first. Planning ahead is the most important aspect of undergoing a home renovation. Your home renovation plan should include sub plans to get the most out of your space and make the process as stress-free as possible. For advice on having a great home renovation, follow these tips! 
  1. Think: Big Picture!
Before making a decision on how extensive you would like your home renovation to me, know what the big picture is. Whether your end goal is to do a complete home renovation or make small changes to certain aspects of your home, plan what you want. Knowing what your ultimate goal is first will help you renovate your home quickly and effectively. Understanding the depth of the project before starting the renovation will also give your renovator a clear picture of what you would like your new home to look like. 
2. Budgeting is Key 
Spending money on your home renovation can be overwhelming. However, getting the home of your dreams is always worth it. To deal with the stress of budgeting your home renovation, establish a clear budget. Add a contingency fund and include incidental costs into your budget. This will help you avoid an unexpected increase in your budget.
3. Have a Calendar 
Look at your ideal end date and work your way backward. Pencil in a few weeks to a month at the end in order to create a little wiggle-room. This way, if there are any delays to the renovation, you are not stressing about getting the construction done on time.
4. Know Information About Your Project
Ask your family and friends who have done a home renovation what the process entails. Here at Golden I Construction, we want to make your renovation process easy and stress-free, but we want you to be aware of the basic facts of renovating a home. It will involve storing away valuables, eating out instead of in the kitchen, and other inconveniences. However, Golden I Construction is here to help you do your research ahead of time in order to avoid future issues. 
If you are looking to do a home renovation, Golden I Construction has all the information you need. For more consolation concerning your next home renovation, visit https://www.goldeniconstruction.com/our-services/home-renovation-nyc/! 

TIPS FOR YOUR APARTMENT RENOVATION

1. Don’t Be Afraid To Knock Down Some Walls

Knocking down walls can be a great way to create more space. Although it may be risky, knocking down a wall could provide you the layout you need to make the most out of your apartment space

2. Open the Kitchen 

Several old buildings contain small kitchens and they very often are enclosed with walls surrounding all four sides. A kitchen in an apartment receives the most appeal when it serves as the centerpiece of the apartment. Your kitchen should draw everyone’s attention and have enough space to cater to all of your cooking needs. Even if you have a small apartment, a nice and spacious kitchen will give your apartment the aesthetic it needs. 

3. Shower or Tub? 

Although tubs are cozy and inviting after a long day of work, apartment owners tend to lean more towards showers because they seem to create more space. However, this is not always the case. Some apartments need a tub especially if the owners have children. If you hire a renovator, they will advise you on the best fit for your apartment but don’t try to make the decision on your own! Trust us and we will give you the best advice!

4. Think About The Closet Design 

Think about your closet! Although the importance of closets is often overlooked, closet space is essential for living in an apartment. You want to have enough space for all of your belongings. Built in closets are usually what apartment owners look for and need. Built in closets will relieve you of the hassle of creating your own closet space. They will also allow you the freedom to arrange the closet space accordingly without having to worry about the set up. 

5. Read The Alteration Agreement 

It is important to read the alteration agreement because you should be aware of all of the rules and regulations that are involved. Make sure you and your renovator are on the same page. Here at Golden I Construction, that will not be an issue! We will always be willing to go over every step of the process with you. 
Remember, it is your apartment and we want to make it the best it can be! For more tips and information about apartment renovations, visit https://www.goldeniconstruction.com/our-services/apartment-renovation-nyc/

Storage Options for Your NYC Kitchen

Storage is extremely important in NYC, as the average kitchen here is definitely smaller than it would be in the suburbs. That being said, it is important to have a decent array of storage options in your kitchen, as everyone needs a convenient place to put their kitchen appliances while also allowing them to be readily accessible at any time. Here are some tips to better your storage options in the kitchen.

Change up your cabinets! Cabinets can be custom-made for a relatively affordable price, which gives you a wide assortment of options. They can be made to fit your specific needs, like custom building them to fit into a corner. Sliding cabinets can also allow you to have deep storage, while also providing easy reachability to the back portions. You can also get creative with the doors of the cabinet!

Hang your pots and pans! This saves you a lot of space and also gives your kitchen a modern, chic finish.

Replace your cabinets with shelves! Smaller kitchens can especially benefit from this, as there are no restrictions on where a shelf can be fitted, and shelves will allow a smaller kitchen to look bigger by taking out all the extra space a cabinet would usually take.

Kitchen Islands. If you have room for an island, it is definitely highly recommended you get one, as it will both increase your countertop area as well as increase your storage space, giving you many drawers to work with.

Office Projects Reaching Record High

The New York Building Congress has reported that office projects have accounted for 54% of construction, reaching a new record high for the last three years. Each year has exceeded $2 billion in construction starts, including the World Trade Center and Hudson Yards new developments.

Between 2013 and 2017, commercial construction totaled $23.8 billion, totaling more than 73 million new square feet of space. Although office construction is leading in the industry, other major commercial sectors such as hotels, retail and warehouse are experiencing significant growth.

“As more businesses continue to call New York home, building new, world-class commercial spaces is more important than ever,” says New York Building Congress president and CEO Carlo A. Scissura. “New York City’s economy has never relied on a single industry or sector and the variety of commercial construction across the city ensures our businesses can adapt and thrive in the 21st century.”