Category Archives: Tips & Tricks

Dear fellow Long Islanders,

Hopefully, you and your loved ones have safely weathered this past weekend’s storm. Unfortunately, Long Island did get hit pretty hard and many homes on Long Island suffered damages, ranging from minor to very severe. Over the next several weeks, Long Island will undoubtedly see a number of “storm chasing” companies from around the country, make their way to Long Island, where they will set up shop, and look to generate some quick business. Some, while not all, will take advantage of homeowner’s desperation and will prey on those most vulnerable.

BIGGEST DANGERS

1. Downed wires. – STAY AWAY – Notify authorities as necessary. Even touching a tree that is exposed to downed wires is dangerous. The same goes for standing in water that is near a downed wire. Use extreme caution

2. Use common sense when handling broken glass, sharp metal, splintered wood and even for removal of wet materials from basements. Use gloves and other protective clothing whenever possible. .

In my business, it’s our goal to help customers get what they want. Thus, in order to help our consultants plan successful remodeling projects, we train them weekly on the basics and advanced methods of a professional presentation.  An integral part of the presentation is a detailed description of the products and services we offer. We look to educate our customers and deliver value to help them make the best decision for their home.

Gina Bonura is a Kitchen and Bath Designer at Alure Home Improvements

When is the best time to remodel your home?  Many people feel that summertime is the best time to embark on a major renovation.

Here are some pros and cons to help you decide what will work for you.

Now, there are many ways to distribute your budget when you are doing a kitchen remodel.   It seems we need to stretch our dollar more and more these days, but there are definitely some things that are not worth the money.  Here is a list of 10 things you should decide to forego in that new kitchen!

1. The Pot Filler -  Yes, it’s really cool, and yes, your friends will ooh and aah, but seriously, if your cook top is only 2 feet away from the sink, who are you kidding!   Don’t get me wrong, there are many kitchens that warrant the look and convenience of a pot filler, but for around $800 for the filler itself, and the additional plumbing labor –

Gina Bonura is a Kitchen and Bath Designer at Alure Home Improvements

One of my favorite parts of a kitchen remodel is to select is the backsplash.  It really sets the tone of the style of the kitchen and pulls all the other selections together.  I always try to encourage my clients to do something special in the backsplash.  It is usually a small space, so if you are going to splurge anywhere to make a statement, this is a good place to start.

Yes, the backsplash has a serious function in a kitchen.  It’s there to protect and help maintain the space between the counter and the bottom of the cabinets.

Gina Bonura is a Kitchen and Bathroom Designer at Alure Home Improvements. Read more of her thoughts on color at “COLOR 101: How to Make Your Home Project Go from’“Nice’ to ‘Wow’”

Here is an example of a soothing and secure wall color

Sometimes it’s overwhelming to select colors for the kitchen and bathroom in the home.

Gina Bonura is a Kitchen and Bath Designer at Alure Home Improvements

In all my years as a Kitchen and Bath designer, there is one question I hear over and over again:

“What do I clean that with?”

Truthfully, with the right products, and by starting out with low maintenance materials, even the most reluctant housework haters will find it not so hard to clean their kitchens and bathrooms. Over the years, through lots of personal trial and error, I have found what works and what doesn’t.

Gina Bonura is a Kitchen and Bath Designer at Alure Home Improvements

In my Part 1 of this post, I provided some advice on what you should do to prepare for a home remodeling project. In Part 2, I’m delivering some more tips on how turn home remodeling into a less stressful experience for yourself.

Here are some more things you can do prior to the actual start date to better prepare yourself for the experience.

Gina Bonura is a Kitchen and Bath Designer at Alure Home Improvements

So you finally made the decision do a kitchen and bathroom remodeling.  You’ve chosen your contractor and all your materials and are ready to go.  You’ve thought of everything.

But have you really?

That’s the perpetual fear we face when embarking on such a large project.  Let’s face it: when you are in the throes of a remodel it’s not fun, but it doesn’t have to be horrible.