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5 things we love about this kitchen

3/30/2017

If you're looking for inspiration for your next kitchen remodel, look no further! We've picked apart and highlighted 5 of our favorite features from this beautiful kitchen that we've recently built.

We love the marble countertops featured in this kitchen. Not only are they bright and elegant, but they are ideal for baking as well! Marble is wonderful because it can be made to look ultra modern and clean, or it can be left to "age". It does require a small amount maintenance to keep it pristine, but many prefer the gradually aged surface with etches and stains that blend into the natural veins over time. This gives it a unique and organic character that you won't find with any other countertop.
The white walls, ceiling, trim, and countertops in this kitchen lend a clean and fresh feeling to the space. White has withstood the test of time. As the brightest color, it reflects light and can make even small kitchens feel spacious!
The post and beam detail on the ceiling blends modern with the feel of an old french countryside manor, adding even more character to this elegant kitchen.
The abundant window space allows plenty of natural light to flood in, giving this kitchen a lively and energetic feel.
To those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, adequate counter space and room to move is a must! We love how this kitchen has plenty of both.

If you're looking for more kitchen inspiration, you won't want to miss taking a peek at our Kitchens Gallery. You'll be brimming over with ideas before you know it. If you're thinking of scheduling a remodel, contact the professionals at Michaels Homes for a free estimate!

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PROJECT UPDATE: MODERN CONCRETE RANCH-STYLE HOME

3/21/2017

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PROJECT: MODERN CONCRETE RANCH-STYLE HOME
PROJECT NUMBER: 147
LOCATION: NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN

One of our newest projects is a testament to modern design, barrier-free living, and open, contemporary spaces. This stunning 3,900 sq. ft. ranch style home is being built from the ground up to take advantage of modern design features, natural lighting, and energy-efficient construction.

This gorgeous custom home is starting out right with an energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly and low-maintainence ICF basement. ICF stands for “Insulated Concrete Form”. ICF is a construction material that is superior to traditional wood frame or concrete block materials because it has high insulation value, has incredible structural strength, is mold and mildew resistant, is fire-resistant, and requires much less repair and maintenance in the long run.

The abundant outdoor patio space will make enjoying the outdoors as comfortable - and beautiful - as can be. The master suite is a relaxing retreat from everyday life. And that kitchen - well that's a true work of art! We can't wait to show you as it unfolds.

Construction is well underway, and things are starting to take shape. Check back often for project updates and photos - this is definitely one project that will be exciting to watch progress.

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why bathroom renovation is at the top of everyone's list

3/16/2017

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After kitchens, bathrooms are the second most common remodeling job. This is easy to believe when you consider how much time we actually spend in the bathroom each day! Since bathrooms are designed to make us look and feel our best, it makes sense that we would spend the most time here and it would be one of our top priorities when it comes time to renovate.

When asked why they decided to renovate their bathrooms, homeowners gave the following top reasons:

Outdated. There’s vintage, and then there’s OLD. Outdated styles and shabby wallpaper are not exactly inspiring surroundings when you wake up and start to prepare yourself for the day. A fresh, more contemporary look is more likely to make you feel awake, positive, and ready for the day.
Time to Upgrade. More and more modern bathroom conveniences surface on the market every year. When you hear of high-tech features like a self-cleaning toilet, who wouldn’t want to renovate?

Better lighting. Proper lighting can make a world of a difference in a person’s mood. Store owners know this, and it is why they are very selective when choosing lighting for their stores. It should come as no surprise to learn that homeowners are also making proper lighting a priority when they renovate.
A more relaxed and comforting atmosphere. Homeowners today are valuing style and comfort over resale value and the attitude that “it’s just a bathroom.”
Out with the tub and in with the dream shower. Since few people who have a tub in their bathroom actually use it on a regular bases, many homeowners are scrapping the tub in favor of a supersized, luxury shower. The most popular high-tech shower renovating options include mood-lighting, rainfall shower heads, digital controls, built-in sound & more!

A surprising 90 percent of owners who started master bathroom renovations last year or will start renovations this year hired or will hire a professional to help. That's a whole 12 percent more than the year before! This is because taking on a project like this alone can be extremely overwhelming. When you enlist the help of a trusted professional, you can rest assured that the entire process will be as easy and enjoyable as possible. At the end of the day you'll have a beautiful new bathroom without the stress of having done it yourself. Take the first step in your renovation and contact us today to get a free estimate!

'Event Triggering Master Bathroom Renovations' graph and statistics from study were pulled from Houzz.com's informational article How People Upgrade Their Main Bathrooms And How Much They Spend.

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make your spring cleaning more manageable this year

3/9/2017

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When considering the mountain of housework that's waiting to be finished for your spring cleaning this year, it's easy to get overwhelmed! Instead of trying to do everything all in one shot, skip the headaches and drudgery by categorizing cleaning chores into different categories, and then simply tackling each category on a different day. Whether doing one category a week or one a month, just choose the approach that works best for you! Your spring cleaning will be much more manageable and painless when you focus on one area at a time. Your home will be fresh, clean, sparkling, and airy when you've finished, and best of all, you won't feel exhausted and ready to drop when you're done!

Category: Go Green
Sift through all of your detergents, soaps, and cleaners and try to replace them with ecofriendly, healthier options. Cut up old T-shirts for rags, and use in place of paper towels. Use these new greener options while doing the rest of your spring cleaning. It'll be the freshest your house has ever been! See how many disposable items you can replace with reusable. Some ideas are glass water bottles, steel straws, cloth shopping bags, and cloth napkins. Open up windows if the weather is nice so your house can air out and refresh. Bring in an air purifier, and keep plenty of healthy houseplants to help maintain fresh, clean air.

Category: Destroy Dust & Eliminate Clutter
This category is perhaps the most satisfying one, as the results are easy to see when it's finished. It might be a good idea to enlist the help of your family. Have each family member declutter their own possessions if possible. This will leave you free to focus on the dusting and general decluttering. Try to call and schedule a pickup with a local charitable organization. The scheduled pickup will be a big help with keeping you on track. Tip: Don't cross "declutter" off of your list until the clutter has actually left the house. Use these steps when decluttering/dusting: 1.) Take everything out of the targeted area 2.) Vacuum/mop/dust space until it's absolutely sparkling and 3.) Only put back items that you want to keep.

15 Reasons To Get Rid Of Clutter

Category: Kitchen
For those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, this is an important one. Once finished, your kitchen will feel refreshed and just like new! Start by going through spice racks and your food pantry. Remove foods/spices that haven't been used in a long time or that are expired. Wipe everything down. Clean those areas that are often missed - Inside the microwave, oven, and refrigerator. Wipe down kitchen walls, windows, and window sills. Grease can build up on cabinets, so use a "cabinet cream" to cut through dirt and leave the wood clean and moisturized. Clean stainless steel appliances with special cleaner to leave it smudge-free and shining. If you have time, you could also give your breakfast nook and dining area a once-over. This involves chairs and table legs, putting pads on the bottom of chairs to protect the floor, and dusting every corner of that room. You could also add an eye-catching centerpiece to the kitchen counters or dining room table like fresh blooms or succulents.

Category: Deep Clean
Put one day aside to really dive into the deep cleaning and send all dirt and germs packing! Some starters for your deep clean list are: 1.) Vacuum/wipe down hard-to-reach places 2.) Clean out dryer hose and vacuum inside lint trap 3.) Scrub grout in the kitchen and bath 4.) Scrub inside of garbage can/recycling bins 5.) Dust off light fixtures and 6.) Clean blinds.

Category: Textiles
For this category, focus on rugs, curtains, upholstery, shower curtains, washable slipcovers, and all other textiles you don't wash on a regular basis. When washing slipcovers, put them back on while they're still a little damp and they'll fit to the furniture better. Large room rugs and removable pillow covers should be taken in to get professionally cleaned. Rent a carpet cleaner or professional to clean wall-to-wall carpeting. Obtain a steam-cleaner that's safe for textiles to clean items like drapery and upholstery. Always spot-test first before diving in with the steam cleaner.

Category: Exterior Scrub-Down
As the weather starts warming up, take advantage of one of those warm days to really scrub down and spruce up the exterior of your house. Some ideas to get you started are 1.) Clean gutters and downspouts 2.) Wash windows (inside AND out) 3.) Hose down siding 4.) Retouch paint 5.) Stain the deck, and 6.) Deep clean patio furniture and cushions. You can also get a start on your gardening by sharpening and organizing garden tools, edging the lawn, mulching the flowerbeds, and starting some seeds indoors.

So there you have it! Make your spring cleaning a little more manageable this year so that you emerge from it all feeling as fresh and vibrant as your newly-cleaned home. All it takes is a little bit of categorizing and a slightly spread-out cleaning schedule to make this the breeziest spring cleaning yet.

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AGING-IN-PLACE RENOVATION MAKES LIVING AT HOME EASIER, SAFER, AND MORE CONVENIENT

3/2/2017

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In a perfect world, we’d be able to stay in our own homes as we reach our mature years. It’s usually quite a melancholy event when someone has to move out of their own home and into assisted living or with another family member because there are just too many obstacles and inconveniences in the way. What if I told you it’s entirely possible to stay in your own home as you age? What if I told you that you don’t have to move out of the place you built your life around and that you don't have to sacrifice your quality of life? Most people can stay in their own home, no matter their age or ability, as long as proper modifications have been made to meet their particular needs.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) established the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program to address the growing number of consumers who will require these special home modifications. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists have been extensively trained in market demographics, communication techniques, common remodeling projects, solutions to common barriers, aging-in-place home modifications, and the unique needs of the older adult population. CAPS program graduates are also required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and/or participating in community service projects.

At Michael's Homes, we now have specially trained Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists on staff to better meet your remodeling needs. “With this training and knowledge, we are able to help people to live safely, independently, and comfortably in their own home as they age. The changes we make enable them to live in their homes for a long time, and this brings peace of mind to the homeowner and their entire family. As a company, it’s exciting and rewarding for us to be able to do this.”

Here are some innovative improvements a CAPS graduate is able to offer:

Bathrooms (Includes lower and more accessible sinks and counters, mirrors, customized storage, toilets, walk-in showers, shower grab bars, & shower chairs.)
Kitchens (Includes easy hood & range controls, pull-out shelves, cabinet handles, lower counters, accessible work stations, easy access sinks and faucets & more.)
Doors (Includes wider entryways, easy-open handles, and locks.)
Accessibility throughout the home via ramps, lifts, and improved access.
& much, much more!

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists can alter any inconvenience or difficult obstacle until your home has been perfectly customized to fit your particular needs. Changes like added ramps, lowered counters, and stair lifts make a world of a difference when it comes to your quality of life. You’ve made it this far - you should be able to fully enjoy the golden years of life within the comfort, safety, and familiarity of your own home. Whether you are aging and wish to continue living independently in your own home, you require immediate life changes, or have ongoing predictable living needs, a CAPS professional will find a solution to every problem. Contact Michaels Homes today to get in touch with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and see what positive changes they can help you make in your life.

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5 things we love about this kitchen

PROJECT UPDATE: MODERN CONCRETE RANCH-STYLE HOME

​PROJECT: MODERN CONCRETE RANCH-STYLE HOMEPROJECT NUMBER: 147​LOCATION: NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN

why bathroom renovation is at the top of everyone's list

make your spring cleaning more manageable this year

AGING-IN-PLACE RENOVATION MAKES LIVING AT HOME EASIER, SAFER, AND MORE CONVENIENT

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PROJECT: MODERN CONCRETE RANCH-STYLE HOME
PROJECT NUMBER: 147
LOCATION: NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN