NJ Home Remodeling Designs, Tips, and Ideas to Inspire

DES Home Renovations Is Awarded Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50

September 26, 2017 Stephen Samuels

Stephen Samuels and DES Home Renovations have been selected by Remodeling magazine to join the 2017 Remodeling Big 50. Big 50 is a remodeling business excellence award for best practices. The 2017 Big 50 winners are featured in the September issue of Remodeling magazine. Each year since 1986, 50 owners of remodeling companies are inducted into Remodeling’s Big 50, and…

Top 10 Basement Renovation Trends for 2025: Maximize Your Space and Style

Robbinsville NJ Remodeling Contractor

October 17, 2024 Stephen Samuels If you're looking to transform your basement from a dark, underutilized space into a stylish and functional area, you're in luck! Basement renovations are on the rise, with homeowners getting creative about how to maximize the potential of this often-overlooked part of the home. To help inspire your next project, we've rounded up the top basement renovation trends that are dominating in…

Maximizing Comfort and Savings: The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

Kitchen Renovation | DES Home Renovations | Hillsborough | New Jersey

August 26, 2024 Stephen Samuels In the quest for a more sustainable and cost-effective home, one often overlooked aspect is the role that windows play in energy efficiency. Energy-efficient windows are not merely a trend but a strategic investment with numerous advantages. From lowering utility bills to enhancing indoor comfort, let's explore the compelling benefits of incorporating energy-efficient windows into your home. Cost Savings Energy-efficient…

Navigating the Open Waters: Pros and Cons of Open Floor Plans

Kitchen Renovation | DES Home Renovations | Ewing, NJ | New Jersey

July 23, 2024 Stephen Samuels The concept of open floor plans has gained immense popularity in modern home design, offering a spacious and interconnected layout. While this design trend has its merits, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. In this blog post, we'll explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of open floor plans to help you make an informed decision when considering…

Mastering the Art of Bathroom Remodeling: 10 Tips for Success

June 27, 2024 Stephen Samuels Embarking on a bathroom remodel is an exciting endeavor that can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of one of the most essential rooms in your home. To ensure a successful transformation, it's essential to approach the project with careful planning and thoughtful consideration. In this blog post, we'll delve into 10 invaluable tips that will guide you through the…

Unveiling the Future: The Top 10 Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2024

May 22, 2024 Stephen Samuels The world of kitchen design is evolving with innovative trends that promise to transform this essential space into a hub of style and functionality. If you're considering a kitchen remodel in 2024, these top 10 trends are sure to inspire and guide your design choices. 1. Sustainable Materials: Sustainable and eco-friendly materials are taking center stage in kitchen remodels. From…

Case Study: Fleming’s Kitchen Renovation

May 3, 2024 Stephen Samuels Location: Princeton, NJProject: Kitchen Renovation The Problem The client raised concerns about the layout of their kitchen and sunroom. They expressed a feeling of separation between the two spaces. They conveyed a desire for a more unified flow. They're envisioning a seamless integration where cooking, dining, and socializing blend together seamlessly, all while providing views of the backyard landscape. The…

Maximizing Potential: The Benefits of In-House Realtors in Residential Construction

Full Home Exterior, residential construction

February 21, 2024 Stephen Samuels In the dynamic landscape of residential construction, the integration of in-house realtors into our team is a strategic move that offers a multitude of advantages. As a forward-thinking residential construction company, we recognize that the collaboration between construction professionals and real estate experts can elevate our services to new heights. In this blog post, we will explore the significant benefits…

Meet Our Office Realtors: Your Trusted Partners in Real Estate Excellence

Re/Max One Official Log

February 16, 2024 Stephen Samuels At DES Home Renovations, our commitment to excellence extends beyond building and renovating exceptional homes. It encompasses every aspect of the home-buying experience, including real estate services. As a full-service construction company, we understand that finding the perfect home is about more than just the physical structure. It's about finding a place where you can build your dreams and create…

The Kitchen Work Triangle is a Thing in the Past

March 8, 2022 Stephen Samuels Tradition The traditional work triangle is a thing of the past. The kitchen dynamic has changed throughout the years. The recent events of Covid-19, even more, have affected these designs. Kitchen layouts should be centered around the fundamental activities that take place daily, reflecting the owner's lifestyle. As a designer, we have done away with the work triangle and progress…

Case Study: Master Bathroom on Oxford

Proposed Plan for Master Bathroom on Oxford

February 1, 2021 Stephen Samuels Location: Lawrenceville, NJ The Problem OutdatedDoesn't meet homeowners' needs As Built The Goal Utilize Space more efficientlyModernize Proposed Plan The Timeline: December 28, 2020 - February 15, 2021Week 1: Demo | Framing | Rough ElectricWeek 2: Rough Plumbing | InspectionsWeek 3: Rough HVAC | InsulationWeek 4: Drywall Installation | Paint - 1st Coat | Door InstallationWeek 5: Tile Prep &…

Case Study: Kitchen Renovation in Lawrenceville, NJ

June 23, 2020 Stephen Samuels Location: Lawrenceville, NJThe goal is to turn this kitchen into an open family area. This renovation will require us to completely gut the kitchen, reconfigure plumbing, electrical, wall structure and re-frame support for the ceiling. The Problem Closed LayoutLack of Storage Space As Built The Goal Open LayoutIncreased Storage Space Proposed Plan The Timeline Week 1: DemoWeek 2: Framing and…

Case Study: Bathrooms in Philadelphia, PA

January 31, 2020 Stephen Samuels Location: Philadelphia, PAThe goal for this project is to update these bathrooms so that it accurately represents the homeowners' style preference. This will require us to completely gut both bathrooms. The Problem Outdated As Built The Goal Modernize the space The Timeline: January 20, 2020 - February 28, 2020Week 1: Demo, Framing, and Begin Rough PlumbingWeek 2: Complete Rough Plumbing,…

Case Study: Basement Rehab in Belle Mead, NJ

January 20, 2020 Stephen Samuels Location: Belle Mead, NJThe goal is to turn this basement into a comfortable living space. This renovation will require us to reconfigure plumbing and re-frame the entire space. The Problem UnfinishedUnused Space As Built Plan The Goal Finished SpaceAdditional Bedroom and BathroomFamily Area Proposed Plan The Timeline: January 21, 2020 - March 30, 2020Week 1: Egress Window Installation and Waterproofing…

Case Study: Addition in Hopewell, NJ March 18, 2019 Stephen Samuels Location: Hopewell, NJ The Problems: Insufficient Storage and Living Space The Goal: The primary goal of this project is to expand the home to better accommodate a growing family. [gallery ids="3005,3004"] [Proposed Plans] The Dream: Create an all-day, every-day living space that every member of the family is able to enjoy. The Timeline: March 11, 2019 - June 3, 2019…

Case Study – West Windsor, NJ Homeowner Upgrades Full Kitchen

January 4, 2019 Stephen Samuels Location: West Windsor, NJ This 1970s kitchen is being renovated to upgrade cabinetry, appliances, and build an eat-in peninsula for bringing the family closer together. The Problem: Outdated Lack of seating and storage space [As Built Plan] The Goal: The primary goal is to upgrade and modernize all features by ripping out and replacing with brand new appliances, cabinetry, and…

5 Simple Steps To Designing Your Dream Kitchen!

Kitchen Remodeling Contractor Mercer County NJ

October 10, 2017 Stephen Samuels Remodeling your kitchen can be quite a complicated and overwhelming process. In many situations, homeowners are pretty unfamiliar as to how to begin such a project. We have outlined some steps to consider before you start the process to not only help you enjoy a stress-free experience, but also ensure that your kitchen renovation is completed exactly the way you…

10 Bathroom Redesign Ideas

August 29, 2017 Stephen Samuels When you are considering a bathroom renovation, it can be hard to come up with ideas. Do you want to go modern and minimal? Traditional? Classic? Avant-garde? Are you working with a large space, or a small one? Are you wanting more storage, a double sink, a walk-in tub? There are a few features that can really make your bathroom…

The Joys of an Outdoor Living Space

Outdoor Living Area Construction in Princeton NJ

July 27, 2017 Stephen Samuels If you are looking for a way to spend more time with your family and friends this summer, an outdoor living space might just be the right investment for your home. Although outdoor living spaces have always been quite a desired feature among homeowners, their popularity has increased incredibly over recent years. Whether your current property has a large or…

The Newest & Latest Brick Paver Patio Design Ideas

brick paver patio renovation hamilton township nj

July 24, 2017 Stephen Samuels Brick paver patios are a great addition to any outdoor living space, offering you a variety of attractive design options at a relatively low cost. Plus, they will last for years if they are installed correctly, and are fairly easy to take care of. But one of the best things about brick paver patios is the huge variety of design…

Outdoor Living Areas for Smaller Spaces

outdoor living space contractor hamilton nj

June 30, 2017 Stephen Samuels As summer hits, the desire to spend time outside with family and friends increases. From backyard barbecues to evening parties, having an outdoor living space for entertaining can be a great addition to your home. But if you have a smaller outdoor space, it can be hard to imagine transforming it into a place for entertaining. Maybe you have a…

Design Your Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

June 15, 2017 Stephen Samuels With the warmer months arriving, an outdoor kitchen may be just the home upgrade that you are looking for. Outdoor kitchens are great for having summer barbecues, hosting dinner parties and enjoying picnics under the beautiful sun. However, there are many factors that you need to consider when planning, designing and building your ideal outdoor kitchen. We’ll share some in…

Case Study – Lawrenceville, NJ Homeowner Seeks Modern Simplicity

July 28, 2016 Stephen Samuels DES Home Renovations was chosen by this Lawrenceville, NJ Homeowner simply because he knew we were the perfect fit after meeting Stephen Samuels, our Sales Project Manager. The project was designed, developed, built, and managed by DES Home Renovations. Overview The homeowner wanted a bathroom that suited his Style & Taste - Clean & Simple but also make getting younger…

If You Want the Job Done Right, Hire a Professional Remodeler June 18, 2016 Stephen Samuels Any homeowner planning to remodel wants nothing less than a professional job. Who wouldn’t want the best quality in terms of workmanship and materials when it comes to improving their most prized and most valuable asset? However, when it comes to selecting a remodeler, too many buyers conveniently forget the time-proven adage that “you get what you pay for.” The…

Case Study – Lawrenceville, NJ Homeowner Give Bathroom a Fresh Makeover

May 11, 2016 Stephen Samuels DES Home Renovations was chosen by these Lawrenceville, NJ natives to give this outdated 1983 bathroom a fresh makeover which we consider Timeless. The project was designed, developed, built, and managed by DES Home Renovations. Below we document the process and progress which led to the completion of this timeless renovation. Overview Drab and dated, it was time to remodel…

May 11, 2016 Stephen Samuels The Ultimate Tile Backerboard Product! Wedi brings us an innovative new product line from Germany which has huge advantages over standard building products. The Wedi building products do not just leave a better quality project but allows builders to think of new innovative design possibilities using thier products that have not been possible before. They provide long term protection from…

Steps a Homeowner Should Consider Before Starting a Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Remodeling Contractor Mercer County NJ

April 26, 2016 Stephen Samuels Remodeling your kitchen can be quite a complicated and overwhelming process. In many situations, homeowners are pretty unfamiliar as to how to begin such a project. We have outlined some steps to consider before you start the process to not only help you enjoy a stress-free experience, but also ensure that your kitchen renovation is completed exactly the way you…

Case Study – Monmouth County, NJ Homeowners Renovate Main Level of 1930’s Era Home

February 15, 2016 Stephen Samuels DES Home Renovations completed the main level renovation of this home in Spring Lake, New Jersey over the Summer of 2015 in Monmouth County. The project was designed & developed by Design Build Pros then built and managed by DES Home Renovations. Below we document the process and progress which led to the completion of this beautiful renovation. These Homeowners…

Important Home Remodeling Questions

February 1, 2016 Stephen Samuels Here at DES Home Renovations, one of our goals is to educate homeowners so they can make the most informed decisions when it comes to upgrading and improving their homes. In hiring a home remodeling company to help you complete a project, it’s important that you ask these ten questions to find the right contractor. What are your qualifications? You'll…

Pinterest Picks of the Day: Live Edge Wood

January 25, 2016 Stephen Samuels Trends may come and go, but there’s something about the natural and yet modern look made of live edge wood that make them truly classic. I think it’s a look that’s going to stick around for a while, the ideas are truly endless, here are some of our top picks. Island Top This live edge slab is used as the…

Design Trends Coming to Homes Near You in 2016

December 31, 2015 Stephen Samuels 2015 was a very strong year for home remodeling in New Jersey, and it looks like 2016 will bring more of the same. Because more and more homeowners are choosing to remain in their homes rather than pick up and move, there is a growing trend toward improving older homes to make them more comfortable and livable. On one hand,…

Add-A-Level Addition in Plainsboro, NJ

December 22, 2015 Stephen Samuels When homeowners need more space but don’t wish to relocate, an add-a-level or 2nd story addition project might be the best suited option. In this add-a-level project, the homeowners focused on creating a wonderful new space with their primary focus on the Kitchen & Bathroom but also creating completely new home that fits them for a lifetime! This two-story addition project included…

Helpful Tips on Choosing a Home Improvement Contractor

September 22, 2015 Stephen Samuels Making changes to your home is personal, and the last thing people want to do is hire someone who really doesn’t understand what you want or how you want it. Home improvement is absolutely a worthwhile investment, but if you’re planning on staying in your home for a while it’s important that the remodeling is done to absolute perfection. With…

Are You Planning To Renovate Soon?

Mercer County Renovation Contractor - DES

September 22, 2015 Stephen Samuels Home remodeling and renovations are always important. As a matter of fact, it should be done regularly in order to make sure that you are living in a place with a sound condition. This is unless you want to preserve it through the years until it becomes dilapidated. However, for the protection of the value of your house, it is…

Kitchen Design Trends 2014

Kitchen Remodeling Contractor Princeton NJ - DES

September 22, 2015 Stephen Samuels As a Home Remodelers, we always have our eyes open for new kitchen design trends, particularly as we enter a new year. Several news outlets and blogs have released lists of trends they expect to be popular, which are listed below. The 3 Biggest Kitchen Trends of 2014 Might Surprise You, Huffington Post The Huffington Post pulled their list from the…

Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances, Correctly!

Princeton Kitchen Remodeling Contractor - DES

July 20, 2015 Stephen Samuels Stainless steel appliances are still the number one selection for kitchen remodels. It’s easy to see why. They look great, blend well with all varieties of cabinets and most countertops, and can be used in both traditional and contemporary spaces. But, anyone who owns stainless steel appliances know that they have a tendency to show fingerprints, which means they need…

10 Tips to Get You Started on Your Summer Remodeling Projects

Summer Remodeling Project Tips from DES Home Improvements

July 20, 2015 Stephen Samuels When people consider undertaking a remodeling project, they might think about sawdust, noise and an attractive result. What they should think about before that is the all-important planning phase, say remodeling professionals. While it’s hard to say what comes first in every case, probably a decision on how much to spend is key. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry…

Updating Your Pre-1978 Home and Lead Safe Work Practices

Mercer County Remodeling Contractor - DES

July 20, 2015 Stephen Samuels You’ve finally made the decision to finally remodel the outdated kitchen and family room of your home. Yeah! But if you live in a house built before 1978, a federal law regulating the removal of lead paint may affect your home remodeling project. In 1978, the use of lead paint was officially banned from residential construction. Before that, however, lead…

The Ultimate Kitchen Remodeling Cheat Sheet

July 20, 2015 Stephen Samuels The thought of remodeling your kitchen into a space that matches your dreams is exciting, but once the project starts your frustrations can quickly take over. Luckily, this usually only happens to homeowners who haven’t thought their project through well enough. No kitchen remodeling project will be completed perfectly, but following the tips listed below will greatly reduce your frustrations…

Your Reliable Handyman In Mercer County

Mercer County Handyman - DES Home Renovations

July 20, 2015 Stephen Samuels A house is always a work in progress because it is subject to wear and tear as days, months and years go by. No matter how good a structure is built it will need a few small and medium size repairs here and there, like plumbing, home maintenance or yard work, carpentry, electrical work and more. There is a wide…

Home Improvement Projects to Tackle for the Winter

Winter Remodeling Projects in NJ - DES

July 20, 2015 Stephen Samuels Home improvements are in store if you’re looking to secure, decorate or repair your home for the New Jersey winter months. If you haven’t already done so, you can make home renovations that will help to make this winter a bit cozier for you and your family. If you’re not snowbirds traveling to Florida or South California to get away…

Remodeling Ideas that Appeal

Mercer County Kitchen Remodeling Company - DES

July 20, 2015 Stephen Samuels Remodeling appeals to many New Jersey homeowners, but deciding on a project that will be worthwhile can be challenging. It’s always important to consider the strengths of your home and your personal preferences, rather than making decisions based on popular opinion alone. If you are interested in remodeling ideas that will help you enjoy your home more and increase its…

Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

July 20, 2015 Stephen Samuels As with any other type of remodeling or home improvement project, there are a lot of (seemingly endless) decisions to make when planning or completing a kitchen remodeling project. Many of these issues will be minor, some will be huge, but all will seem important at the time. Taken together, they can easily become overwhelming, which is often why mistakes…

Tips to Make Your Home Remodel Energy Efficient

July 20, 2015 Stephen Samuels When planning any type of remodel, it’s important to consider not only the visual aspects of the project, but also how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home to reduce waste and lower your bills. Plus, energy efficient products are good for the environment, improve indoor air quality, and increase the resale value of your home. Don’t just…

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