alfano-renovations

Staying on Trend with Your Kitchen Backsplash

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:03:22 GMT

From traditional subway tile to shiny metal, there are endless choices for the kitchen backsplash. With so many options, making the right choice can sound daunting, especially since the backsplash can be a focal point in the kitchen. To help ease some kitchen renovation anxiety, we’re breaking down some of the most popular kitchen backsplash trends that are sure to make a statement in your next project.

Reclaimed Wood/Wood Tile

HGTV’s Fixer Upper has made shiplap a household name. A reclaimed wood backsplash can warm up stainless steel appliances, concrete countertops, and give the kitchen an overall farmhouse chic look. Even better, are wood tiles! Often made of porcelain or ceramic, these tiles can be made to look like reclaimed wood giving you the rustic look with the added low maintenance tile is known for.

Mirror

Mirror glass backsplash adds a modern look to kitchens and comes highly recommended in smaller spaces. Once installed, mirrored glass immediately makes the kitchen feel larger, especially when paired with light colored countertops. While mirrored glass is very durable, you will want to note that you will be polishing this surface frequently if you hate fingerprints on glass!

Glass

There are so many glass tile options to incorporate it into the kitchen, which makes it such a popular choice. With various sizes, colors, patterns, and even the variability of painting the wall behind the glass with a pop of color, you can truly get a customized look. Glass tile is also extremely hygienic and mildew resistant, which many families with allergies favor.

Natural Stone... all the way up

Lately, rather than separating the “space” of countertop and backsplash, we’ve seen many homeowners choose to bring their natural stone surface of quartz, granite, marble, etc. all the way up to the cabinets. This fresh look rather than emphasizing one part of the kitchen (the countertop or backsplash) unites the entire space. And for those who have chosen a natural stone with a lot of character and finish, this option highlights those features.

Texture

Texture is a very hot trend in interior design. From crushed velvet window treatments to hand scraped wood flooring, texture can be found in a variety of design elements. Pairing textured tile is best used in a more neutral kitchen. Mild cabinets and countertops allow a textured tile to add depth and statement to the overall look.

What You Need To Know Before Selecting a Bathtub

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:06:08 GMT

For some, there’s nothing better for relaxation than a nice long soak in the bathtub. With so many options on the market today, choosing the right bathtub for your bathroom remodel can be overwhelming. The selection varies from a budget-friendly, no-frills generic tub to luxurious, custom, polish finished marble ones with a high-end price tag. We can break down the various types of bathtubs to help ease the selection process.

Plastic

A plastic tub is the best option if you have a tight budget or aren’t a bath person. For a relatively low price, the plastic material is durable, low maintenance, and holds heat well. This would be a great option for rental properties or house flippers, as it gives off a great appearance and every penny counts in these investment situations.

Acrylic

This option is the most popular one for homeowners as it is versatile and very affordable. There is a huge selection of acrylic tubs manufactured on the market today which allows you to choose from a variety of features, including more luxury items like whirlpool jets in a soaking tub. Acrylic material is beautiful, durable, easy to clean, and known for its resistance to mildew. This is a great option for families who are sensitive to mold.

Fiberglass

Lately, there are tons of advertisements for companies who can outfit an existing tub with a new fiberglass one. And for good reason! This lightweight and durable material can be crafted in a variety of shapes and sizes, perfect for any bathroom remodeling project. One word of caution would be that this material is not as durable as other materials and should be cleaned regularly to avoid mold and staining.

Metal

Antique looking metal clawfoot tubs are real statement pieces in a bathroom. Often enameled in cast iron, these old-fashioned tubs extremely heavy and may require additional flooring support. Due to the nature of the material, these baths do not retain heat well, so it may not be suitable for those who love a nice long bath.

Natural Stone

Natural stone tubs, such as ones made of marble, can be found in the most luxurious custom homes. These tubs are often hand-carved works of art with a hefty price tag. Because stone like marble and granite are extremely heavy, subsequent support is necessary to ensure these tubs will last years to come. For those looking to create a Zen spa bathroom, a stone bathtub is a perfect addition both in style and function; stone retains heat better than any other material.

When selecting the best bathtub for your bathroom remodel, functionality is going to be key. Traditional acrylic tubs are the best option for families bathing young kids for its versatility and ability to withstand bathtub playtime. However, homeowners looking for a bathroom retreat can afford to design the bathroom around a luxurious freestanding tub. Speaking with a design consultant to discuss your bathroom remodeling objective is the best way to ensure that your project is as relaxing as a soak in the tub.

Powder Room: Guest Bathroom Ideas That Will Keep Your Guests Talking

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:00:02 GMT

The powder room many times go unnoticed by homeowners because it isn’t your personal bathroom. In fact, this space can be neglected for decades when renovations happen in every other room of the house. The guest bathroom is a place that you can wow your guests pretty easily with just a little attention to detail.

Go big - Use bold colors and designs to make a statement. Instead of conventional shapes, try something completely different for a sink. Instead of plain beige counters, try a dramatic black granite. Don’t let convention dictate what you do when it comes to the guest bathroom. There are many innovative and fascinating designs available. Choose a single feature build around it.

Create a focal point - Find a vanity, a mirror, or even a toilet that’s advanced enough that it becomes the focal point of the room. Focus all of your design around that. For example, if you find a free-standing sink in a modern style, let that dictate a modern feel for the rest of the decor. It you find a cabinet that is made from extraordinary wood, design the room to feature that.

Multi-layer lighting - Instead of just lights above the mirror, put lights in the ceiling. Use accent lights under shelves. Give the room multiple levels of lights so that it feels larger and more comfortable than guest bathrooms usually are.

Color, color, color - Nothing is more depressing than a tiny room, unless it’s a tiny room with nothing but browns and beiges in it. Choose a great wallpaper. Try a nice bright paint. Make designs on the walls in multiple paint colors. No matter what you do, make sure that you use colors in the room.

Open shelves and cabinets - You can use open shelves and cabinets to create a feeling of more space. You can also use towels and washcloths as decoration. The colors of the bath linens can be a part of your overall design. These elements can be easy to change as well allowing you to vary colors and designs with the seasons and your moods.

The guest bathroom is a place that you can easily impress your guests. From traditional to ultra-modern to simply outrageous, this is one room where you can make a statement that will keep your guests talking long after they’ve gone home.

What Makes Executive Cabinetry the most Eco-Friendly Choice?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:58:12 GMT

Today, more and more people are turning towards eco-friendly choices. Consumers are more aware of the importance of sustainability, and of their impact on the environment. As a result, people are seeking to buy better products in several areas of their lives, from their expenses at the local grocery shops, up to the furniture they buy. There is an increasingly popular trend concerning eco-friendly household furniture, and there are plenty of excellent options out there, including Executive Cabinetry products. Why is this brand recommended for eco-conscious buyers? Read on to learn more about it!

Ever since the inception of the company, Executive Cabinetry set out to create products with particular attention to wellness and safety. Their cabinetry is widely regarded as an excellent choice for people who seek to buy products that are sustainable and environmentally conscious. It all starts with sourcing quality, natural materials. Executive Cabinetry is committed to providing wood that is ethically sourced and responsibly harvested, as well as using non-toxic waterborne finishes.

Due to the company’s ongoing efforts and continual dedication to providing high-quality products with a keen eye for sustainability and environmental friendliness, Executive Cabinetry has proudly achieved the Greenguard Gold Certification, a highly regarded standard in the industry. The certification is a testament to the company’s pledge to create products that are safe for people and acceptable to use in high-traffic environments, including schools, office spaces, hospitals or other care facilities.

In addition to all the above, Executive Cabinetry products are known for their premium natural look and feel. There is nothing as timeless as high-quality wood, embellished with durable premium finishes. The company’s designs bridge the subtle gaps between tradition and innovation seamlessly. If you’re looking for eco-friendly products for your kitchen cabinetry, look no further than Executive Cabinetry.

Man Caves: Tips From The Professionals

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:33:42 GMT

So, you’re thinking about putting a man cave in your house? Great, but have you decided what you need for your personal space?

Here are some hints and guidance from the pros about what to put into the room so that it suits your needs:

What kind of man cave do you want?

There are really four kinds of man caves: social, personal, theater, and library.

The social man cave is designed around a wet bar and a television. It’s used for informal gatherings, often to watch sports or movies. It’s an open space that allows everyone to move around, eat, drink, and have a great time.
The personal man cave is designed to accommodate a specific hobby or interest. Often, this is a nostalgic space that most of us didn’t get when we were boys. A room for model trains, model cars, or even a comic book collection is something every man, and boy, wants.
A theater man cave is exactly as it sounds; it’s a home theater. Usually the seats are fixed and comfortable. You can kick back and watch television or movies in style, without the sticky floors and annoying moviegoers.
The library man cave is a classic. Before it was called a ‘man cave,’ it was simply the library. This room is often dedicated to books, a desk, and enough room to sit comfortably and read. It’s calm and quiet. For the man of the house, it’s where the door can be closed and he can be alone with his man cave-caveman thoughts.

The Standard Man Cave Items

Lights (please, do not forget the lights!)

If there is one mistake most people make when designing a man cave for themselves it’s that they don’t put enough lights in the room. You might never turn them all on at the same time, but lights should be all over the room. A room with all your model trains but only a few lights isn’t a man cave; it’s a storage closet. Use many kinds of light, such as recessed lighting, spot lights, chandeliers, and even table lamps. Put in more light than you think you might ever need. You’ll be much happier down the road.

Heat (seriously, don’t forget to heat it)

You would be amazed the number times a professional gets called in to help fix a man cave just because it’s cold – really cold. Often the man cave is relegated to the basement or a converted garage. That’s fine, but make sure to put adequate heating and air conditioning in there. The usual spaces that man caves are built in were rarely designed for extended use, like a 14-hour Humphrey Bogart movie marathon or reading the 50 Shades of Grey series in one sitting.

Entertainment Essentials

Most man caves are designed to watch and play sports, and there are some items that should be in every sports man cave:

Flat screen TV
Wet bar with a fridge and a microwave
Barstools
Recliners
Memorabilia
Pool table
Dartboard

Get started on your man cave by choosing what you want to use it for. The rest will fall into place quickly. Most of all, have fun putting it together!

Another Season is Ending, Don’t Forget Your Home Maintenance Checklist!

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:53:02 GMT

Before you think, “Oh, no. Here’s another useless list of chores I will never actually complete,” just wait…

Because this checklist is different. We’ve put together a list of small, easy, useful home maintenance tasks you can do in and around your home to quickly start off the new year right. We’ve also estimated the time and costs of doing each, so you can pick and choose the ones you really want to do.

So, ready to start 2019 off with all your household maintenance done? Let’s go!

Your home might have more items to worry about, like a holiday light display that can be seen from space, but these are the most basic fall home maintenance tasks you can complete to keep your home safe and warm over winter.

Print this list, put it on the refrigerator (or your spouse’s side of the bed), and get this stuff done. It won’t take long to make your home more comfortable and cost-efficient!

Ways to Make Your Home Kitchen Pro-Functional

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:41:57 GMT

Professional chefs and other people who cook for a living design their kitchens to be practical. In a restaurant kitchen, this especially makes sense, but it also does in home kitchens. And although practical isn’t always beautiful, many of the same professional, practical elements can be brought into your home kitchen with attractive appeal and great functional effect.

Here are a few ideas to make your home kitchen a bit more professional and practical, while keeping it beautiful.

Optimize the workspace – Every professional kitchen has one thing that many home kitchens don’t – lots of counter space to work on. Furthermore, in a pro’s kitchen, the counters are always stainless steel because this material helps maintain a sterile surface. No matter what type of countertop you choose (whether it’s steel, marble, laminate, etc.), be sure you have lots of it. (Where a cutting board is needed, a wooden or plastic board is set on the countertop.)

Choose commercial appliances – As with professional kitchen countertops, commercial appliances are almost always stainless steel. The best part is that they are also designed to be cleaned every night, so they are easy to take apart and wash.

However, even though commercial appliances are all the rage in home kitchens, many aren’t truly commercial. Most are simply stainless steel versions of a household appliance. Luckily, even though you likely don’t need a 12-burner monstrosity of a commercial gas range, it’s still relatively easy to find genuine, used commercial appliances that do offer practical kitchen upgrades.

And if you don’t want to buy genuine commercial appliances, consider going for a similar effect by getting an oversized oven, a large stovetop, and a large, spacious refrigerator (to make storing lots of food much easier).

Create an open floor plan – Every commercial kitchen is wide open (or should be). Likewise, your home kitchen should have an open floor plan with wide walking spaces that provide easy access to everything in the room. Some homes can’t accommodate this, but if you can redesign your kitchen, this is the ideal way.

Try to give yourself as much room as possible to make it easier for you move about and to accommodate family in the room. An open floor plan is also conducive to housing a bar where family can sit, chat, and drink coffee. Think about creating as much space as you can muster. It will make all the difference.

Add light, light, light – Another feature that most commercial kitchens have and most home kitchens don’t is sufficient lighting. Lots of lights are needed for you to see what you’re doing and cooking. (A brightly lit kitchen is also an invitation to everyone to sit and chat.)

A dark kitchen is actually hazardous. Many knife accidents and broken glasses at home are often caused by a lack of lighting. Under-cabinet lights, can lights in the ceiling, and hanging lights are all necessary to keep your cooking space bright and safe. You can even look for lights that will automatically turn on in opened cabinets and drawers.

Install high-quality fixtures – The faucet on your kitchen sink and other kitchen accessories (like an instant hot water heater or a garbage disposal) should all be the highest quality you can afford. A tall, flexible faucet hose, for example, will make it easier to direct water onto dishes and into pots, and a high-quality instant hot water heater makes preparing tea and even pasta much faster.

Improve convenience – Mise en place refers to the practice of setting up the ingredients you need before you start cooking. This represents the mentality that you need to approach your kitchen with. Think in terms of being able to get to the refrigerator, sink, oven, countertop, and trash all without having to dance around obstacles. The easier it is to simply reach out and grab what you need, the nicer the kitchen will be to work in.

Monmouth County Construction Company, Alfano Renovations, Opens Second Luxury Kitchen & Bath Showroom in Garwood, NJ

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:39:17 GMT

After the huge success of their Monmouth County Kitchen & Bath Showroom this past summer, Alfano Renovations has opened a secondary location in Garwood, NJ. The showroom located in the heart of Union County will serve as a hub to Northern NJ homeowners and designers looking to shop the latest custom tile, cabinet, fixture, and hardware options. Each are featured in 30 bathroom vignettes and 11 functional kitchen displays. The boutique showroom features the best in class products such as Moen faucets and sinks, cabinets by Candlelight, KitchenCraft, Schrock, and Aristokraft, porcelain and ceramic tiles, Caesarstone quartz counters, Cambria quartz counters, Silestone quartz counters, mosaic tile by Glazzio, Elkay sinks, and handles, knobs, and other leading hardware by Top Knobs and Emtek.

Alfano Renovations is a family-owned business that has been recognized as Monmouth County’s Leading Contractor for decades. Visit the Alfano Renovations website, including photos of both showrooms, at

http://www.alfanorenovations.com/.

“When we first opened the Monmouth County showroom, we wanted our customers to be able to experience their new kitchen or bathroom first hand, rather than rely on our designers for a visual. The overwhelming response we have received from all our visitors have been tremendous. We recognized that it was inconvenient for our Northern NJ and NY clients to make the trip down the Jersey Shore, but still wanted to provide them with the same experience. Opening our Union County showroom will allow every new and existing client the opportunity to view products and designs before making a large investment.”
Michael Alfano Jr. Alfano Renovations, http://www.alfanorenovations.com/

For over 20 years, Alfano Renovations has been working with NJ customers to design and construct interior renovations, build new custom homes, and even expanded their business to commercial renovations. With careful design, expert craftsmanship, and excellent customer service, Alfano Renovations provides results guaranteed to meet your satisfaction.

“We approach both residential and commercial construction projects by carefully listening to each of our client’s unique requirement and working with them to implement their ideas. From start to finish, we ensure you approve of every step to ensure the highest level of satifaction. Having a showroom not only displays our creative designs and stunning workmanship, but it also gives the customer a piece of mind when he can see a comparable model of their own design choices. Architects, designers and homeowners are invited to visit the showroom and experience a preview of our work,

possibly prompting you to brainstorm some ideas for your own project.”

- Michael Alfano Sr. http://www.alfanorenovations.com/

From the initial design consultation through the building process, all the way to completion, Alfano Renovations offers a fully managed service. Their showrooms, located in Monmouth and Union County, NJ, are complete remodeling centers with in house designers, contractors, and thousands of samples all under one roof.

Decorating Ideas for Your New Kitchen

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:36:01 GMT

Your new kitchen is going to be the focus of your home. Every day the family gathers in the kitchen to talk, spend time, and, of course, grab a bite. When relatives come over, one of the very first places they go is into the kitchen.

Here are a few ideas that you should consider when you renovate your new kitchen.

Food you can see - Open cabinets or cabinets with clear glass doors are a great way to add character and a living feel to a kitchen. With the food, cans, and even dishware on display, your kitchen can have an open feel that’s modern, while still charmingly retro.

Accent Wall - A wall in your kitchen can easily be painted a bright color that will change the dynamic of the room. If you have a dark kitchen, consider a bright color, like yellow. If you have a light wood kitchen, something like a burnt sienna can be a wonderful change. An accent wall is a simple way to add style to your kitchen without having to do a complete renovation.

New Kitchen Stools - The furniture in your kitchen can have a profound effect on the feel of your room. Whether you’re completely remodeling or just sprucing things up, a change in the counter stools can add a traditional feel or allow you a pop of modern in an older kitchen design.

Fun Lighting Shapes - The days of old ceiling domes are numbered. There are thousands of lovely designs available that can add style and elegance to a kitchen. Choosing a funky, unexpected shape can make a light fixture the centerpiece of the room, bringing together disparate elements that many kitchens are prone to.

Industrial Equipment - With the rise of The Food Network and celebrity chefs, there has been a move toward ‘industrial’ equipment. Many of these pieces are smaller versions of their true commercial cousins. Few people need a 12 burner gas stove with three ovens and a grill top. These industrial pieces are more than just practical; they are the cornerstone of a style that can become the entire kitchen.

The Sink - Traditionally porcelain or stainless steel, the kitchen sink is often a practical afterthought. There, however, stylish sinks that are nice enough to be the heart of the kitchen. These new designs combine practicality with style and sophistication usually reserved for magazine covers.

Faucet - There is that TV commercial where a couple is being guided around a huge architectural firm. They then sit before an executive. He asks what they would like. The wife reaches into her bag, pulls out a faucet and says, “We want you to design a home around this.” A bit extreme, but faucet design has gone from simply useful to outstandingly showcase worthy. Choosing an elegant faucet can set the tone for the whole room.

Your kitchen is the center of your home. Choosing design elements is as personal as any other choice, but consider these points above. They range from a simple one-day job to a complete overhaul, but each can be part of a scheme to create an amazing kitchen that will be a pleasure to cook and meet in.

Looking For a New Home? Don't Overlook These Often Missed Considerations

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:33:20 GMT

There a number on considerations that need to be taken into account before you buy a home. Many of them are the physical ones, like the foundation and roof. Then there are some that many home buyers just don’t think of. As a Home Remodeling company and custom builder, we can share a few points we come across that weren't considered during the initial buying process.

Here are a few things that you might think about as you are considering a home to purchase:

Indoors – The size of the rooms: Even small rooms can look spacious when there is nothing in them. Once there is a bed, dresser and a person put into the room, it can start to feel like a tiny prison. Consider what you are going to put into the room when you look at the room itself. Also, be sure to consider what else might show up as the family grows. An infant in a bassinette doesn’t take up much room, but a 5 foot 6 inch teenager with a bed, a computer desk and sports equipment is a different story.

Moving around – Is the house laid out in such a way that it will work for you in the long term? If you usually get up and stumble in the dark to the kitchen, will that involve sharp corners or narrow hallways? Is the only full bathroom at the other end of the house from the bedrooms? Take a moment to think about how you spend your day in your home now and make sure that this new home will fit.

Indoor/Outdoor – The relationship between the indoors of your home and the out of doors can effect everything from how easy it is to entertain guests to how depressing the home can feel. Make sure that the outdoor relationship is one that fits your lifestyle. If you go in and out a lot in the summer and even winter, you don’t want to have the only exit to the backyard to be a small door.

Outdoor – Everything here will depend on how you use your yard. If you like to garden, does the lot have a slope that might make it impossible to create a great garden? Ordinances or housing authority rules might make it difficult to do things you might want to in the future, like a pool, a pond or backyard chickens.

Neighborhood/Community – Making sure that a community fits your needs can be a lot more than simply making sure that the schools are great or that it is close to work. Are there parks for you to play with the dog in? Are the politics of the community in alignment with yours? Is there one of those Indian groceries that you love to shop at? It is those amenities that many people overlook and then discover that they wish that they had thought of.

In short, beyond simply looking at the physical attributes of the house, it is important to envision living in the house. After you have taken the time to do that, you can feel more confident about the home meeting your needs and serving you well into the future.

The Quick Guide for a Homeowner Adding a Deck

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:22:27 GMT

Once you have decided to build a deck, you will likely seek out a contractor. Here is your 5 minute guide and glossary to what you need to know about adding a deck to your home:

Deck – A deck is raised platform made out of wood or composite (recycled plastic) beams. It can add a flat area near the house, particularly on sloped lots.

Patio – A patio is a flat area at ground level, usually covered by pavers or bricks.

The terms that are used by a contractor for a deck can be confusing, so here is an easy guide.
Footings – The concrete pilings that the deck will rest on.
Beams – Large pieces of wood that support the joists.
Joists – Smaller pieces of wood that support that decking materials.

Now, here are a few issues to consider:

Deck or patio? The grade of your lot will have a great deal to do with this decision. If your lot is flat and the doors are level with the ground, a patio might be great. Otherwise, a deck will meet the need.
Wood or composite? New composite materials tend to be more expensive, but the never rot and usually made from recycled bottles. Wood has the beauty of a natural product.
Access to the deck? If you don’t have a door, particularly a sliding glass door, you will need to factor the location of the door into your decision.
DIY or hire a contractor? While not particularly complex structurally, decks can be back-breaking, dangerous if not constructed by a professional, and very time consuming.
Stairs? Planning for stairs that will let people out into the yard easily from the deck is a question that you will want to address early.
Railings, etc.? Unless the deck is only inches off the ground, you will need to consider railings. The choices are endless, from wood, to glass, to wrought iron.

The Perfect Kitchen – A Great New Survey by the Team at Houzz Tells the Tale

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:20:25 GMT

The team at Houzz.com recently published a survey that we think tells the tale of the ideal kitchen perfectly.

The survey asked folks if they were planning on remodeling their kitchens and what elements they would likely include. Almost 8000 people responded and the results are eye-opening, unless you do this for a living like we do. For us, this is confirmation of the design that we have been doing for people for the last few years.

What are the elements of a perfect kitchen according to the Houzz survey?

Granite or quartz countertops – For years, this has been the choice of our customers. The beauty and durability of the counters has made them a longtime favorite. More recently, customers have begun to realize how much time they spend in their kitchens and how important the room is to a family, so they have begun to invest in these fine countertop materials.

Chef’s Stove – Wider and with more burners and options than the classic four burner stove, these are the stoves of choice of both the respondents to the Houzz survey and our customers. Although double ovens are still popular, the chef’s stove has really taken the front as the cooktop of choice.

Many more great items are listed on the survey:

Neutral colors
Stainless steel appliances and backsplashes
Hardwood floors
Induction cooktops
Wine refrigerators
Openings to other parts of the home

The most important takeaway from the Houzz survey is the diversity of options and the huge number of people that understand the importance of investing in a great kitchen.

One thing not mentioned in the survey is vitally important: Make sure that you see and touch everything you are planning on putting in the kitchen. At Alfano Renovations, we have a huge showroom with many of these items out for display. We also provide every client with a digital representation of what their kitchen will look like when everything is put together.

If you would like to read more about what was in this survey, click here .

10 things to look for and ask for when working with a contractor

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:15:47 GMT

Here is a list of the 10 things to look for and ask for when working with a contractor:

A contract – Never let anyone work on your home without a detailed contract that defines the contractor’s role and responsibilities, as well as yours. The contract should be in plain English and easy to understand.
A license – Your contractor should be licensed in accordance with the laws of your state, county and city. If someone tells you that they have a license, but don’t give you a number that you can research, don’t hire them.
Insurance – Every contractor should have appropriate insurance. Their insurance should cover them for liability, injury and much more. They need to give you the policy number and insurance company. Again, no policy, no work.
References – Every contractor should be able to provide you with references to past clients that you can speak to. If you don’t get appropriate references, you can’t trust that your contractor will do a good job.
A physical address or showroom – Your contractor needs to give you a physical address. If they don’t give you an address, even their home address, you shouldn’t hire them. If you need to track them down, a PO Box or other address will be useless.
Scope of work document – You should receive a very detailed description of the work that they will perform, who is to buy the materials and what will be completed when. This might seem like overkill and time-consuming, but if there is a dispute, it will be an invaluable resource.
Exclusions – A real contract not only defines that is included, but also what is excluded. Making sure that your contract explains what will not be included is vital.
Payment schedule – The contract should include the payments that need to be made and to whom and when. For really large contracts, it might be wise to have an escrow agent hold the funds and disburse it according to a schedule.
EPA certification – In an older home, asbestos and lead can be an issue. If you hire a contractor to handle either of these problems, they need to be certified to do it correctly and safely.
A warranty – Any contractor worth his or her salt will give you a reasonable warranty on the work. This will allow you the peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong after the work is completed, they will come back and fix it without a hassle or additional expense.

These are just a few of the things you should ask for from any contractor. Keep this list handy when you are talking to contractors. It will make it easier to vet out the bad apples and find the right person for the job.

Expand Your Home Now! – Adding a Home Addition, the Possibilities of Growth

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:13:41 GMT

Putting an addition on your home can be an exciting way to make your current home a better fit your needs. For most people, the options for additions seem to be simple and clear, but there are a lot of possibilities.

A backyard addition, expanding into the yard and adding onto the kitchen or a bedroom, is the normal type of addition, but it is not the only possibility.

Indoor/outdoor – Adding a living space that connects directly to the outside through a series of doors can be a great way to make an addition feel even larger. With a new living space and an outdoor patio, the addition can feel huge.

Using a different material – If your home is built of brick, try using wood to build an addition, or vice versa. This can add the impression that the addition is even larger and more dramatic than if it simply looks like an expansion of the existing design.

Adding gables - Adding gables, peaks to the roof, can make the upper floor of the home taller and more expansive. Additional roof space can allow a living room ceiling to be converted to a cathedral ceiling or a bedroom to have a small balcony added.

Adding a dormer – More of a lateral raising of the roof, to make a peaked roof flatter, a dormer can add space and height all along one side of the house. This can make otherwise useless space that was cramped under the peak of the roof into complete rooms ready for a bedroom or a den.

The key to deciding what kind of addition you should put on your house is usually controlled by the shape and space in your lot, local ordinances and personal preference. No matter what choice is made, an addition can be a great way to add space and value to your home.

Finding the Right Wood for your Kitchen Cabinets – Hickory

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:11:39 GMT

One of the most popular woods for cabinets and furniture is hickory. Very strong, stiff and shock resistant, hickory provides years of great looking wear, looking nicer as it ages. Because this is an extraordinarily hard wood, it is very resistant to scratches and dents.

There are two different natural colors in hickory: the heartwood and the sapwood. The heartwood ranges in color from a caramel brown to a deep auburn color. The sapwood, the newer wood around the outside of the tree, is white to very light brown. Over time, wear and tear and touching by hundreds of hands will cause the colors to deepen and take on a richness that lends itself to feeling antique and rustic.

Hickory tends to have a very straight grain with slight waves. Arching and waviness is exposed when the wood is cut. The combination of multiple rich colors and grains make hickory one of the most distinctive woods for cabinetry.

Hickory veneered panels or plywood are unlikely to have the same patterns. Because of the nature of the wood, it can be very hard to match the panels.

Because of the density and hardness of the wood, stain doesn’t take as well on hickory as it does on other species. A stain will be used to just soften the natural colors.

Primers and paints are definitely not recommended. Not only will you lose the beautiful wood, but the variations in color will come through paint, making it look stained.

One of the nicest things to do to hickory is a glaze. Glazing will bring out the depth and fire form the wood, drawing out the wood’s natural accent and beauty.

There are some companies that will add aging elements to the wood, such as splits. For the impatient, this might be attractive, but for the most part, hickory deserves to age on its own as the aging process adds more character to this beautiful wood over the years.

Hickory will have some dark spots and streaks that add to the character of the wood. The knots in the wood range for dark brown to black. They tend to be small but very visible. The wood also has mineral stains through it. This combined with light and dark grains, knots and other inconsistencies that add to the character and styling of the wood.

Finding The Right Wood For Your Kitchen Cabinets: Cherry

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:09:35 GMT

There are many different kinds of wood to choose from for your kitchen cabinets.

We will talk briefly about cherry, one of the most popular woods used for kitchen cabinets. With its rich reddish-brown color, this wood has a very regal look and, as a hardwood, is very durable.

Cherry is a native wood to the United States, concentrated primarily in the Eastern half of the country. It grows naturally from Florida to Maine.

A close-grained hardwood, cherry is extremely smooth and when polished or finished, it draws out the nature richness that is the heart of the wood. The color of the woods can range from a light pink to a deep reddish brown. The grain has small dark spots in the narrow grain. The wood often has mineral streaks that add character to grain and interesting patterns in the wood.

When exposed to ultraviolet light, cherry darkens into a richer red, getting a lovely tan. The wood can be intentionally exposed to light to darken it prematurely.

Finishing cherry can bring out and protect much of the color. Simply wiping stain into cherry wood will stain it well without a great deal of effort. Traditionally, cherry is stained very dark, but for a more contemporary look it can be stained much more lightly.

Glazing can help the wood achieve a brilliant deep color. The glaze can make the grain stand out extremely well.

Since the first European settlers in North America, cherry has been used to create some of the world’s most wonderful furniture. In fact, nearly all the cherry wood used worldwide is grown in the United States.

As kitchen cabinets, this is wood of amazing distinction and style. A cherry kitchen looks extremely expensive and rich. For generations, the cabinets will look beautiful for years with just a little bit of love and attention.

Finding The Right Wood For Your Kitchen Cabinets: Oak

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:07:12 GMT

With a unique coarse grain and a hard character, oak is one of the best cabinetry woods to work with. Because the wood is so stiff and strong, it holds hardware extremely well. The sawing pattern on oak can have a great effect on the appearance of the wood. All of this strength and hardness also means that wood is extremely durable and long-lasting.

Despite the coarseness of the grain, oak will take to sanding well, providing a very smooth and satiny surface for staining, painting and glazing.

The different species of oak, white oak, red oak and scarlet oak, and over 600 more species each have a distinctive color. The name is often and indicator of the color of the wood to be expected to be found under the bark. From beautiful reds and pinks to nearly milky white, oak provides many different color to choose from.

The wood of the oak can be divided by the heartwood and the sapwood. The sapwood is generally lighter in color than the heartwood of the same tree. The environment and weather during the trees growth can have a large effect on

Oak will lighten in color if exposed to sunlight, but if you are looking for cabinetry that will maintain its color for years, oak is the perfect choice. It tends not to age very much without sunlight.

Stains look wonderful and take well on oak. Paints and primers can actually create an opaque finish while allowing the grain to the wood beneath to show through. Glazes can penetrate the wood very nicely and draw out lots of highlights and beauty.

Oak tends to only have a few small knots that are dark and very visible. Red oak frequently has tiny pin knots that will add to the texture of the wood. Also, mineral streaks are very common, adding dark streaks to the wood. Between these two features and the distinctly individual grain of each sawn oak, gives oak the ability to be wonderfully rich and lovely.

For many modern homeowners, oak is seen as old style wood, but for those looking for incredibly durable and rich wood, oak is an affordable option. Because of the variety of colors and the beauty of the woods, combined with the ability to paint or stain it to nearly any décor, oak should definitely be included for consideration.

Things You May Not Know About Imported Cabinets: The Risk – Is It Really Worth It?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:05:16 GMT

You get what you pay for. That is nearly always true. In the case of inexpensive imported cabinets, you get a lot more than you paid for… and none of it is good. Unlike most US and Canadian cabinet manufacturers, there are very few controls. In fact, although American firms are not allowed to use certain chemicals, imported items can contain some very dangerous additives.

Formaldehyde – Many of the cabinets coming from China contain huge amounts of formaldehyde. In fact, for some of these cabinets, they will emit huge quantities of formaldehyde gas for decades. This chemical is one of those cases where restrictions on manufacture in the United States is much higher than it is on the final imported product. The problem is that formaldehyde is toxic. In a kitchen, with its temperature and humidity variations, the formaldehyde will be inhaled by the occupants for years.

Low quality wood – Even though the species is the same, the quality of the wood is generally very low. Cherry is an excellent example. Much of the cherry wood is grown from imported trees. Although these trees will grow in the forest of Russia, they are not native and don’t grow as healthfully. Species that are native to the US or Canada grow more slowly and, in most professional opinions, better on their home soil.

Low quality manufacture – While every cabinet maker uses machines to produce their cabinets, the Chinese generally load trees into the machine and the machine will cut and manufacture everything automatically. This means that these items are rarely looked at by people. Even the slightest quality control is ignored to keep prices low and export lots of product.

All assembly required – Most of the Chinese cabinets arrive to the consumer in dozens or hundreds of pieces.

Not that we doubt the mechanical prowess of any of our customers, but assembling cabinets properly can take some expertise. Professional manufacturers will make sure that all of the joints are square and strong. Doors that are hung poorly might not show right away, but after a while, they can become a huge problem.

Cabinets from China seem like an incredible bargain, but the long-term effects of the quality won’t make it worth it. Make sure that you choose a qualified professional cabinet installation team to guarantee that you get great cabinets properly installed.

Having a Great Home Remodeling Experience

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:01:54 GMT

Remodeling your home can be one of the most rewarding projects your family can undergo. Renovating your kitchen into a usable, highly functional space is not only fulfilling for your family, but a new kitchen also drastically increases the home’s value. However, we’ve all heard of those horror stories of a countertop that cracked after a few months of use, or the contractor who accepted payment in advance and was never heard from again. We’ve all been there, so to make your renovation dreams come true with as little headache as possible, we’ve complied some helpful tips so you can have a great home remodeling experience.

First Time Remodeling Mistakes

If you’re a new home-owner or new to remodeling, here are a few common mistakes families make when taking on a project that you can be sure to avoid. One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating the cost of the renovation. Many homeowners will go online or call around to get the cost of materials, but don’t realize that the biggest expense is in labor. And furthermore, you will want to ensure you have extra funds for the unexpected expenses. And ask anyone, there are always unexpected expenses! Anyone who has remodeled the same room twice will agree that a big mistake new remodelers may make is trying to cut expenses on the materials. You must remember, you get what you pay for. It’s better to wait until you can afford the kitchen you want, rather than remodel for the sake of remodeling. And finally, a devastating mistake many homeowners make is hiring the wrong contractor. You must take the time to choose the best possible contractor out there because they will be in your home and around your family.

Selecting a Contractor

Consider a contractor like a quarterback. He takes direction from you, as a quarterback would from his coach, and directs his team of craftsman to follow through with the plays. Like a great quarterback, seeking a contractor with whom you can communicate openly is of the utmost importance. He needs to be able to understand the vision you are looking for in your renovation project and must relay that correctly to the rest of the crew. While selecting a contractor, you should keep these things in mind. No matter the referral or how low his quote comes in, if you are not completely comfortable with the contractor, do not hire him. Miscommunication of any kind can lead to expensive mistakes and delay the completion of your project. You will also want to confirm if the contractor you work with will subcontract with other businesses. You want to ensure that you are negotiating and dealing with the same person from day one. When interviewing your contractor, find out if they have a showroom. This validates credibility of the contractor and also allows you to visit the showroom to see samples and a tangible example of what your kitchen or bathroom can look like. And finally, ensure that the contractor has completed similar projects or the caliber of work before. You do not want your renovation project to be the contractor’s guinea pig. Furthermore, ask to see pictures of their work. This will give you a realistic idea of the contractor’s work.

References

When working with a contractor you will want to ask for references to validate the level service the contractor provides. A few questions you may want to ask when speaking with a reference are:
What kind of work did the contractor do for you? You want to ensure that you are comparing apples to apples when listening to their experience.
What was it like working with the contractor’s crew? You want to make sure they were enjoyable and easy to work with. Remember, this crew will be in your home.
Did the crew arrive when they said they would?
Did the crew clean up after themselves? With most home renovations, you are still living within a work zone. A crew should always put away any dangerous materials or tools and manage safety precautions.
Did your project get completed on budget? And if not, what happened that made the project more expensive? And did you incur any delays or major setbacks? Were you nickel & dimed as the project progressed?
And finally, would you hire this contractor again. If they did not have a good experience with the contractor, there’s a good chance you won’t either.

Moving Forward

Now that you’ve selected a contractor, you are moving forward with your renovation project. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through the planning and execution of your remodeling project. While many contractors will ask for a deposit for a sign of good faith, you should never pay for the full project ahead of time. A good practice is to pay for the work as each step gets completed.

Planning the Layout

When you are designing the layout of your new kitchen or renovation project, keep in mind functionality of the space. A kitchen island is usable prep and work space while cooking and can double as a quick eating station for your family. Keep in mind that you want to maximize the space with what you need most for your lifestyle. This may be counter space for a family who loves to cook together, or cabinet space because you do not have a designated pantry. Discuss your ideas with your contractor or a design team if available.

Selecting Products

When you are working with a contractor that has a showroom, selecting products for your home remodeling project can be an enjoyable experience. Being able to hold and compare materials side by side will give you a tangible and realistic view of what your finished project will look like. Many showrooms will allow you to take samples home so you can review the products in the room against the correct lighting and backdrop. Here are some things to consider:

Tile - Choose a floor tile that fits your family’s lifestyle. If you have a boisterous family, you will want to choose one that is more durable and resilient from cracks or chips. Porcelain tile is a more durable product that can typically be used indoors and outdoors. Porcelain tile is not-porous and frost proof. Spills will not penetrate the surface of a porcelain tile. Ceramic tile is made of less durable materials and is usually porous and not good for high traffic areas.
Granite or Quartz - Make sure you determine your budget and stick to it. You can easily get sold on the look and luxury of the different kinds of granite and this is one way to quickly exceed your budget. Granite is a natural stone that comes from the earth. It is varied in styles and colors, no two stones are identical. A granite countertop is a beautiful look with very few draw backs. In comparison, a Quartz surface is the hardest product on the market and an antimicrobial surface. It is also a very durable and sustainable product. Unlike Granite, Quartz is a manmade product and not a completely unearthed material.
Cabinets - Cabinetry can dominate the cost of a kitchen renovation. Make sure to choose wisely between finishes and different types of hardware selections.

Addressing any Problems

There are bound to be issues that arise when working on a renovation project. Make sure you get all pricing and job requirements outlined in writing. This way if there is a dispute between you and your contractor, you can refer to the contract. Remember to constantly communicate with your contractor, there’s no such thing as over communication.

Choose Alfano Renovations for Remodeling Your Home

Home Renovation projects, while extremely rewarding, can be one of the most stressful undertakings. At Alfano Renovations in NJ, we have over 20 years of hands on experience in the Monmouth County, NJ area. Our customers rave about our top notch workmanship, best in class products, and excellent customer care. In fact, most of our clients are repeat customers who originally worked with us for one renovation project and called us again year after year. Alfano Renovations has a showroom in Oakhurst, NJ which is open to the public 7 days a week. Our design team will work with you on a layout that is sure to generate neighbor envy and our technical team will confirm that all our designs are aesthetically and structurally sound. At Alfano Renovations in NJ, we have had 20 successful years of working with Monmouth and Ocean County residents on remodeling their home because of our customer centric approach.

You Can Never Go Wrong with a White Kitchen

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:52:45 GMT

White kitchens are classic. As soon as people started making appliances out of metal and covering them with porcelain, homeowners started buying white stoves, refrigerators, and more. A white kitchen is easily the most classic of all styles.

There’s a long history here.

White appliances are simply the most common and historic style for home kitchens. As appliances became items that people purchase in-store, especially after the industrial revolution, the appliances were coated with white porcelain. Ovens, washing machines, and even toilet tanks all were made with white porcelain. Throughout the last decade, stainless steel has been quite popular, but white appliances are making a comeback.

White appliances

Every kitchen appliance is available in white. From the refrigerator to the mixer on your counter, they all come in white, and they don't necessarily have to be porcelain. In fact, particularly with refrigerators, you can get doors that look like white wooden cabinet doors to match your white cabinets. Many white appliances can also be found with accents that are black, blue, or red. These accents are often thin stripes that add a splash of color to the classic white kitchen.

White Countertops

There are thousands of different white countertops available. Calcatta or Carrara marble countertops, for example, are just a couple of styles you have to choose from. You can also look at white laminates or white tile. The availability of hundreds of white materials makes it easy to achieve a marriage of style and practicality for your countertops. And be sure to include a backsplash! Complementing your white countertops, your backsplash might be made of colorful Italian tiles or dramatic colored marble to add flair to the room.

White Cabinets

Cabinets can be ultra-minimalistic in white, looking like simple high-gloss boards on the wall or finished wood doors. They might even be simple wooden doors that are painted white. No matter what you choose, white cabinets are dramatic and beautiful. With white cabinets, the handles and knobs can be accents or designed to blend into the doors.

The Small Accents

When you have a white kitchen, the smallest splashes of color seem exceptionally dramatic. For example, the KitchenAid mixer is often available in red, and placing a red machine in a white kitchen is a massive, bold statement. Colored backsplashes are also interesting. You can even consider hanging art on the walls to shake up the whiteness of the kitchen without making large changes. One advantage to these small accents is that they’re easy to change with the seasons or your mood. There is no law against owning a few KitchenAid mixers in different colors to change the feel of the kitchen. You can even use colored knobs and handles, and switch them out for a new effect.

The Big Contrasts

Where the small mixer on the countertop can have an interesting effect, you can also look at larger effects, like a stainless-steel refrigerator or a black stove. These changes can take your white kitchen to a new level and change everything. All you have to do is choose well and place everything well. A black glass-topped stove, for example, can seem like a piece of modern art in your white kitchen.

Go for it. Get a white kitchen. You will be amazed at how happy you are with the clean, classic look!

Alfano Renovations is recognized as one of the best residential contractors in New Jersey. Do you have an upcoming project at your home? Schedule a no-obligation consultation by calling (732) 922-2020, requesting an appointment online , or by visiting one of our showrooms .

5 Ways to Make Your Home the Perfect Space for Entertaining Your Guests

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:11:57 GMT

One reason we get a home in the first place is to be able to entertain guests and family. When we look back years later, we rarely remember the nights when we sat on the couch watching episodes of Seinfeld. Instead, we remember the parties and get-togethers in our homes that brought the space to life.

Here are 5 things you can do to make your home an ideal place for guests and to help make the memories of your parties even more wonderful.

Add a guest bathroom

This might seem like an unnecessary addition to the house, but a guest bathroom is great for you and your guests. When you have a dinner party, you won’t need to worry about putting away everything you have on the counter of the master bath. Guests will have a space they can use that doesn’t make them feel like they're invading your personal space. And you won’t have those creepy guests snooping through your medicine cabinet.

Provide lots of flexible seating

The right living room furniture can make it easy to entertain a large or small group. Couches, love seats, and chairs make a living room comfortable for groups of two to ten. An open floor plan in the living room also makes it much easier to add seating as needed. Creating a space that helps your guests speak to each other without needing to shout across a room or sit in each other’s laps will help to make your house the perfect place to entertain.

Install easy lighting

Again here, flexibility is key. Dimmable lights that can transform from bright to mood lighting can help adapt the space to the needs of the group. If everyone is watching a game or a movie, lowered lights are great. If it’s an informal dinner party, your guests will want to see what they’re eating and to whom they’re speaking in brighter lighting. The best-lit rooms use different types of lights, from recessed ceiling lights to table lamps to soft accent lights, allowing you to convert the room to fit the mood of the event.

Create adaptable dining spaces

Your dining room doesn’t need to be a formal sit-down dinner space. A nice kitchen table that expands when needed can make it easy for guests to talk and mingle, while you and others prepare food and drinks. The days of formal dining rooms have passed. Many modern homes don’t even have a dining space. An open kitchen with a sit-down bar/counter and a kitchen table can be perfect for groups of any size and even for the most formal events.

Present a great entryway

The home’s entryway is the practical place where coats are hung and shoes are dropped. An entryway for entertaining, though, should go further with lots of hooks for coats and jackets, a place to sit to take shoes off, and lots of lights. The best entryways are places where a small group can gather, greet, hug, and say hello or goodnight. Most importantly, your entryway should be warm and welcoming, a place that invites guests to come further into the house and enjoy your hospitality.

Creating a wonderful home for entertaining isn’t really any different from creating a comfortable space for yourself. The biggest key is to be sure that the spaces, from the living room to the dining room, can handle groups that range in size and events that range in intimacy.