What are the advantages of a first floor powder room?

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As a South Jersey remodeler, we can tell you that adding a powder room to your first floor is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home. Here’s why:

  • Guest Convenience: Provides visitors a bathroom option without accessing your private spaces upstairs
  • Everyday Functionality: Reduces trips up and down stairs for family members
  • Entertaining Value: Essential for hosting gatherings and holidays (particularly important in our region’s family-oriented communities)
  • Aging-in-Place: Creates ground-floor accessibility for older family members or those with mobility challenges

What are the requirements for an open staircase?

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Creating an open staircase requires:

  • Structural engineering assessment to ensure stability
  • Cable, glass, or custom iron balusters to replace solid walls
  • Reinforced mounting systems for handrails
  • Properly sized newel posts for structural integrity
  • Compliance with building codes (particularly baluster spacing)
  • Consideration of floor system modifications at stair openings

This project typically costs $8,000-25,000 depending on materials and complexity. The investment dramatically improves flow and light throughout your home.

What type of flooring is best for a full first floor remodel?

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One cohesive flooring throughout the first floor is often requested, but there are times where it is not necessary or not recommended. The look of one floor is great, but defining spaces with carpet in a den, living room, great room, or home office can offer a touch of warmth and sound deadening which is great. The cost of carrying the same flooring type throughout is expensive and often disturbed the base trim and casing, which can be a cost driver.

That said, for South Jersey’s climate and lifestyle, engineered hardwood or high-quality luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring typically offers the best balance of aesthetics, durability, and value. Engineered hardwood provides the beauty of real wood with better dimensional stability for our humidity fluctuations. Modern LVP products offer excellent water resistance and durability while mimicking natural materials.

For entryways, consider porcelain tile transitions. Avoid solid hardwood in below-grade installations or homes with radiant heat systems.

Is it ok to paint all rooms the same color?

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Painting all rooms the same color has the potential to create visual continuity and make spaces feel larger. This approach works particularly well in open floor plans or smaller homes. We recommend using different sheens for different areas (eggshell for main walls, semi-gloss for trim, satin for high-traffic areas) to add subtle variation. In South Jersey homes, neutral warm grays, soft whites, and light beiges tend to work well with our natural light patterns. Consider using accent walls or slightly darker versions of the same color in secondary spaces for dimension.

How can I create a more inviting entryway?

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To create a more inviting South Jersey entryway:

  1. Start with a front door: Here at Ayars, we custom order and install ProVia entry doors to perfectly suit the look of your upgraded space.
  2. Continue with the main foyer: Here a staircase, mudspace, closet, light fixture or other focal point often becomes a topic of conversation. If you have kids, wall hooks and shoe bins are a great way to reduce clutter.

    If there is a staircase in view of the foyer (as is often the case), upgrading handrails, balusters, and risers can really elevate the space.

When would an open floor plan NOT make sense for my home?

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Open floor plans are almost always requested — especially connecting rooms from the kitchen to the family room, den, and/or formal dining room. This does not always make sense, since the increased size of the kitchen is either not necessary, or has so many cabinets and countertops that it becomes unaffordable.

We really like working with partition walls and defined space, depending on the style and potential usage of the space.

What are the prerequisites for an open floor plan?

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Before creating an open floor plan, you need:

  • Structural engineering assessment to identify load-bearing walls
  • Potential additions of support beams (LVLs or steel)
  • HVAC modifications to ensure proper airflow in the larger space
  • Electrical plan updates for lighting and outlets
  • Flooring strategy to create visual continuity
  • Sound management solutions since noise travels easily in open spaces
  • Proper permits from your municipality

Why are floor plans important?

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Floor plans are the foundation of successful remodeling. They ensure proper space planning, traffic flow, and furniture placement. They’re essential for identifying structural issues, ensuring code compliance, and calculating accurate material quantities. Without detailed floor plans, projects frequently encounter expensive mid-construction changes, delayed timelines, and budget overruns. Every successful renovation starts with a professionally developed floor plan.

How should I budget for a full first floor remodel?

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For a comprehensive first floor remodel in South Jersey:

  • Allocate 35-40% for kitchen renovations
  • 20-25% for main living spaces
  • 15-20% for entryway/foyer improvements
  • 10-15% for powder room updates
  • Always include a 15-20% contingency fund (and don’t forget about window treatments and furnishings!)

A typical 1,200-1,800 sq. ft. first floor remodel ranges from $120,000-250,000, depending on finishes and complexity. Consider phasing the project if budget constraints exist.

Are permits required for interior remodeling in South Jersey?

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Yes, most interior remodeling in South Jersey requires permits. Any structural changes, electrical work, plumbing modifications, or changes to load-bearing walls absolutely require permits. Even seemingly simple projects like finishing a basement or removing walls between rooms require proper permitting. Each municipality has slightly different requirements, but failing to pull permits can result in significant fines and complications when selling your home later. 

Not to worry — we’ll sort out all of the technicalities before beginning work on your project!

How much does interior remodeling cost?

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In South Jersey, interior remodeling costs typically range from $100-250 per square foot, depending on the quality of materials and complexity. A kitchen remodel averages $30,000-80,000, while bathrooms typically run $15,000-40,000. Living spaces are generally less expensive at $50-150 per square foot. Remember that older homes (particularly pre-1980s construction) often require updating electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, which can add 15-25% to your budget.

Where should I prepare meals while my kitchen is being worked on?

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There are several places you can set up a makeshift kitchen while your kitchen proper undergoes reinvention. A few we recommend are:

  1. A corner of your dining room
  2. A section of your living room
  3. A parcel of your finished basement

Ultimately, you need enough space to accommodate a small prep area, a compact cooking appliance or two (e.g. portable induction cooktop, toaster oven, or microwave), and a mini-fridge (if not the full-sized fridge from the previous iteration of your kitchen). Proximity to running water is the biggest challenge for most folks — we’ve seen people utilize laundry room sinks, basement or garage utility sinks, or even the hose outside during the warmer months.

We know that surviving a kitchen remodel can be tough, so restoring running water within 4 weeks is our first priority.

How do I choose the right appliance package for my new kitchen?

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There are a few things to consider when choosing the right appliance package for your kitchen, and we’ll review these things thoroughly prior to project kickoff:

  1. Functionality: There is a kitchen appliance for absolutely anything and everything you might want to accomplish in the kitchen nowadays. We’ll start with the essentials (refrigerator, oven/range, and dishwasher) before diving into more niche products. Modern high-end appliances offer some pretty awesome features and we work closely with our appliance supplier to find a match for your needs.
  2. Budget: We firmly believe that kitchen appliances should be equal to their surroundings, and therefore strongly advise our clients to leave room in their budgets for higher-end appliances that fit in with the beautiful new kitchen remodel you just invested in!
  3. Power: Electrical requirements are growing substantially, with most high-end appliances requiring dedicated circuits. What used to be an average of 5 dedicated circuits required for a kitchen has now grown to 7-10+ depending on the package. Everything draws power and we have to be mindful of the space in the panel and what is required by code, as well as your needs.

What is the difference between a pantry cabinet and a pantry closet?

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The main difference between a pantry cabinet and a pantry closet is how they make use of space. A pantry closet is effectively a small room with 2-3 shelves and then the floor space below for storage. In larger homes, it can be a luxury to have a large, walk-in pantry closet.

But we tend to favor full-height (i.e. floor to ceiling) pantry cabinets for their flexibility and versatility — their entire cubic volume is dedicated to storage and storage alone (they don’t have to accommodate walk-ins), and we can combine stationary and pull-out shelving for a fully customized storage solution. Plus, they’re a lot nicer to look at.

Are kitchen islands going out of style?

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Hardly — at least from our point of view! A large kitchen island (in tandem with a more open layout) remains a highly popular request for the simple fact that family and guests almost always hover in the kitchen. A dedicated gathering area in one of the most communal spaces in the home just makes too much sense for most folks.

Do I need a microwave in my modern kitchen?

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Not necessarily — in fact, some customers are forgoing them altogether. One thing is certain — microwaves in modern kitchens have assumed a much lower profile than they used to. Mounting a microwave over the range has become exceedingly rare in modern kitchen design —which leaves room for the range hood to become a statement piece.

Still, the convenience of a microwave is tough for most folks to give up entirely. To minimize their influence on the overall kitchen aesthetic, we’ll often hide them in base cabinets or install a sleeker and more integrated alternative, such as a steam oven or microwave drawer.

 

What is the most popular backsplash for kitchens?

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One of the emerging trends in kitchen backsplashes has been large-format tiles or slab backsplashes, with a preference towards natural stone and a sleeker, more modern, European feel. Integrating the backsplash with the same countertop material — another popular request — requires a lot of planning and attention to detail.

What is the best material for kitchen countertops?

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The best material for kitchen countertops depends on your priorities in terms of aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and budget. In general, kitchen counter materials fall into one of two major categories:

Natural Stone

Pros:

  • Aesthetics: Natural stone, such as granite, marble, and soapstone, offers unique, one-of-a-kind patterns and colors that can add a luxurious and timeless look to your kitchen.
  • Durability: Many natural stones, like granite, are very durable and heat-resistant.
  • Value: Natural stone can add value to your home due to its high-end appeal.

Cons:

  • Maintenance: Natural stone is porous and often requires regular sealing to prevent stains and damage, especially marble.
  • Cost: It can be more expensive than some engineered options.
  • Variability: The natural variation in stone can be a pro or con, depending on your preference for uniformity.

Engineered Materials

Pros:

  • Durability: Engineered materials like quartz are non-porous, making them generally resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria without the need for sealing.
  • Consistency: They offer consistent patterns and colors, which can be a plus if you prefer a uniform look.
  • Low Maintenance: Generally easier to maintain than natural stone, requiring only regular cleaning.

Cons:

  • Aesthetics: While engineered materials can mimic the look of natural stone, some people feel they lack the unique character of natural stone.
  • Heat Resistance: Some engineered materials, such as solid surface, may not be as heat-resistant as natural stone and will need to be insulated against hot pots and pans.

While both materials include very impressive and quality offerings, we find many of our customers opt for natural stone for its unique, timeless beauty — but higher-end engineered countertops can pretty closely approximate the look.

How do I brighten a dark kitchen?

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Brightening up a dark kitchen can make it feel more inviting and spacious. Here are some effective strategies to achieve this:

A well-orchestrated kitchen lighting layout that provides ample illumination overall while highlighting prime task areas and focal points. Our go-to lighting types are:

  • Recessed overhead lighting (aka can lights): Provide general illumination while providing a clean, modern look.
  • Under-Cabinet Lighting: Add LED strip lights or puck lights under cabinets to illuminate countertops.
  • Pendant Lights: Use pendant lights over islands or dining areas to add focused lighting and style.

Windows and skylights

  • A garden or casement window behind the sink is standard for most kitchens.
  • Picture windows with large viewing areas are great if you’re blessed with a beautiful yard or natural surroundings. Keep windows unobstructed and use sheer or light-colored window treatments.
  • Skylights and/or solar tubes will bring in more natural light

Colors and finishes

  • Light, neutral colors for walls and cabinets reflect more light and give a sense of more dimension.
  • If utilizing darker colors or stains for cabinetry, we recommend contrasting with lighter countertops and/or floors.
  • Stainless steel appliances are reflective and will help your new kitchen sparkle.

Declutter!

  • We don’t necessarily need to knock out walls to create a more open feel. Open shelving can free up some wall space, while nifty build-ins and storage solutions help our customers preserve precious counter space.

Do I need a permit to remodel a kitchen?

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In Gloucester County, New Jersey, you typically need a permit for most kitchen remodeling projects, especially if they involve significant changes. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Structural Changes: If your remodel involves structural changes, such as removing or adding walls, you will likely need a building permit.
  • Electrical and Plumbing Work: Any work that involves changes to the electrical or plumbing systems usually requires a permit. This includes moving or adding outlets, installing new lighting, or relocating plumbing fixtures.
  • Major Renovations: For major renovations that change the layout or significantly alter the kitchen, a permit is generally required.
  • Cosmetic Updates: Simple cosmetic updates, such as painting, replacing countertops, or installing new cabinets without altering the layout, may not require a permit. However, it’s always best to check with local authorities.

Ayars will secure all necessary permits on your behalf prior to beginning work.