Tag Archives: Neil Parsons

Power Grommets Add Convenience to Kitchen Islands

This entry was posted in Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Design and tagged , , , , , , , , , on by .
In almost every kitchen remodel, "more outlets" is a part of a homeowner's needs list. Going a step further, we look to provide efficient outlets whenever possible. When designing an island, you can have a 2-tier (sometimes referred to as a waterfall) or a 1-tier island design. In a 2 tier design, the main cooking/prep area is 36", while the seating area is 42". This island allows the placement of outlets along the small wall between the two counter tops. Continue reading →

Contemporary Kitchen Renovation at the New Jersey Shore

This entry was posted in Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Project Design, Remodeling Project Photos and tagged , , , , , , , on by .
The homeowners wanted the kitchen with butler's pantry remodeled before they moved into their newly purchased home in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. The existing cabinetry and finishes did not suit their styles and taste. The main appliances and same footprint were to remain. The changes included the cabinetry and island, countertops, flooring, and lighting. Of high importance to the client was removing the center soffit, reconfiguring the island and countertop peninsula, plus adding soffit cabinets with glass doors to accentuate the ten foot high ceiling. Continue reading →

Master Bathroom Becomes Bigger and Better

This entry was posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Project Design, Remodeling Project Photos and tagged , , , , , , , , , , on by .
This Somerset County, New Jersey project request was to remodel the master bathroom that had not been used in years because of the small size and awful condition. The homeowners required a larger shower, grab bars and more overall space. To achieve this, an adjacent closet space was included making the bathroom 32% larger. Continue reading →

Family Loves to Entertain But Kitchen Is Too Small

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Dilemma: A family that loves to entertain with a kitchen that is way too small. Solution: Kitchen addition and remodel. The project includes a rear addition off the existing kitchen and also behind the garage to create a laundry/mudroom. The exterior features casement windows, a masonry patio with stone knee wall, grill, lighting, and a retractable canvas awning. The kitchen displays the unfitted design where all the cabinetry does not match. The perimeter cabinets are stained and the tiered island is a white painted beadboard. The wood flooring is bamboo with a dark stain. The wet bar, with beverage center and dishwasher drawers, is situated on the opposite wall of the cooking area. The addition has a vaulted ceiling and a rear feature wall painted "scarlet red." The owners, avid Rutgers University football fans, wanted a great space to watch the games, entertain and always be in season! Continue reading →

Oil-Rubbed Bronze Appliances for a Kitchen Remodel in New Jersey

This entry was posted in Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Project Design, Remodeling Project Photos and tagged , , , , , , , on by .
The plan was to remodel the existing builder’s grade 15 year old kitchen in Somerset County, New Jersey. The homeowner wanted to make better use of the space, add a dine-at island, and take advantage of the 9’ high ceiling with a more aesthetic design. At the initial meeting, the client had one category already finalized. That was the appliances. The homeowners had seen, and fell in love with, Jenn-Air oil-rubbed bronze appliances. Continue reading →

Dream Bathroom Retreat Becomes a Reality

This entry was posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Project Design, Remodeling Project Photos and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on by .
The homeowner wanted her existing, 20-year old master bathroom remodeled and re-configured as a contemporary, spa-like bathroom for a personal retreat. In order to create the bathroom plan that the homeowner desired, the space that was a small hall and two walk-in closets located between the master bedroom and bathroom had to be included. The newly defined space allowed the incorporation of all the features on the homeowner’s wish list. Continue reading →

I Love My Home, But I Hate My Kitchen

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Somerset County, New Jersey homeowners needed a new kitchen as the original, 60 year old kitchen had seen better days. They wanted the new kitchen to have an improved layout and design. They planned to have a kitchen with as many upgraded features as their budget would permit, but did not want to stray from the overall look and feel of their home. At only 144 square feet space was an issue, so the design plan included opening the wall to the dining room to create a roomier feeling and have a dine-at countertop area. New hardwood flooring was selected for the kitchen instead of tile. Continue reading →

Value Driven Home Improvements for Less Than $1,000

This entry was posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on by .
In a recent interview, Neil Parsons, owner of Design Build Planners, was asked the following questions about basic home improvement projects that may be achieved for less than $1,000. Q: For homeowners looking to make home improvement upgrades, but only have a $1,000 budget, which areas of the home should they focus on? Why? A: First, I believe that all homeowners should have a list of projects that need to be done. As we all have learned, anything committed in writing is more likely to get done. The list should be broken in two categories: things that need to be done and things than you want to have done. For example, you need to address a leaking faucet or pipe but, you want to change a kitchen countertop. I always suggest completing the needs before the wants for many reasons. One reason is goal setting. People will want to get through the needs as quick as possible to be able to start on the wants. Continue reading →

Home Shows for Remodeling Products and Ideas

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Home shows are a fantastic venue for homeowners to see items for their home, get ideas, and meet the people and contractors that provide home improvement products and services. In today’s virtual world many lose sight of the fact that we do business with people and not websites. A personal touch may not be important when purchasing copy paper or an automobile part, but a home renovation or modification affects much more than the sticks and bricks of the structure. Whether the project takes one day or one month or more, the procedure affects the whole family (including pets) and will have a lasting impact. Continue reading →

Pot Filler by the Stove for Your Kitchen

This entry was posted in Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Design and tagged , , , , , , , , , , on by .
When the Design Build Planners initially discuss a design and build remodeling project with a homeowner the planned scope begins with three broad categories.
  • Got to have it
  • Really want it
  • Would like to consider it
Typically, the homeowners have done some of their own research prior to the initial consultation. This research may be from the internet, magazines, home and garden TV, or visiting other homes. Usually homeowners have their own initial "got to have it" and "really want it" list ready. As part of a Design Build Planners consultation, homeowners are shown other completed projects that have characteristics and similarities to what they are trying to achieve. Many of the items incorporated are pointed out and explained how they were a part of the project's development process. These various items help fill the "would like to consider it" list. Continue reading →