Projects | JimHicks.com Yorktown, Virginia

2021 Kitchen Makeover in Yorktown

Backsplash, Countertops, Design: Interior, Flooring, Kitchen, Paint, Projects, Remodel, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / September 17, 2021 / 3 minutes of reading

Like many homes built in the late 1980s, Keith and Dottie’s home in Yorktown featured a kitchen with upper cabinets above the peninsula. While this added storage and helped define the area, it closed the kitchen off from the adjacent dining area and den. The cabinets were dark, stained wood, with laminate countertops, and the flooring was a standard sheet vinyl. We were asked to update the kitchen and remove the upper cabinets to give the area a more open feel.

The clients wanted lighter colors throughout the new kitchen, so they started with custom cabinets painted in a creamy white. Because there is a functional cabinet door on the back of the peninsula, the entire back was finished to look like cabinet doors. This detail was also repeated on the end of the peninsula and on one upper cabinet end. Glass doors on two of the upper cabinets add interest to the wall above the stove, and LED strips add task lighting.

New granite countertops in White Savannah continued the lighter color scheme. New backsplash tile by Marazzi in “Urban District Downtown” extends from the bottom of the cabinets to the top of the granite surface.

New engineered hardwood floors by Impressions in “Terracotta” were installed in the kitchen, dining area, and foyer. In the back hallway, laundry room, and downstairs bath, we installed “Lucinda” Coretec stone flooring.

Finishing touches were new stainless-steel appliances, industrial-style pendant lights above the sink and peninsula, and a few well-placed can lights.

The end result is a new, lighter and brighter kitchen which will serve the homeowners for many years to come!

Popcorn Ceilings: Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?

Projects, Remodel, Restoration / By Jim Hicks / January 29, 2020 / 2 minutes of reading

A popcorn ceiling is defined as a spray-on or paint-on treatment, which has a rough, bumpy texture and is used to hide imperfections, absorb sound, and reduce echoes, especially in rooms with high or vaulted ceilings. Popular in the 70s and 80s, popcorn ceilings have recently been revived in new construction. There are several pros and cons to this:

Pros

Texturing hides flaws and imperfections in the ceiling
Deadens noise and reduces echoes in large rooms
Can cost less than a smooth ceiling, because less prep is required

Cons

Hard to clean – cobwebs, dust and dirt attach to the rough surface and are difficult to remove without damaging the texture
Hard to repair and, in older homes, may contain asbestos
Not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms as the moisture in these rooms can cause the texture to become loose and fall off

We were recently called in to remove popcorn ceilings from several rooms in a Newport News townhome. The client loved her home, but she hated the ceilings. The popcorn texture was even in the closets and on the garage ceiling!
Luckily, because the home was built in 2001, asbestos was not a concern. The popcorn texture was scraped off, any areas of imperfection were smoothed out, and new paint colors went on the ceilings and walls of these rooms.
In the living room, the client wanted to add crown molding. Because the ceilings are so high, we went with 9-5/8” molding, which created a great focal point in the room. New ceiling fans replaced the original builder’s models in the living room and bedroom, and the lighting was updated in the foyer, dining room, hallway, and bedroom. (Check out that chandelier in the dining room!) The stairway railings and posts were repaired, and they received a fresh coat of white paint.

Removing the popcorn ceiling, adding new crown molding and paint, and updating the lighting made a huge difference in this beautiful townhome.

[Show as slideshow]

Kitchen Remodel in Hampton

Backsplash, Countertops, Design: Interior, Hampton, Kitchen, Lightning, Projects, Remodel, Testimonial/Referral / By Jim Hicks / May 15, 2019 / 2 minutes of reading

Kitchen Remodel in Hampton

We love repeat clients! In the Spring of 2018, we were asked to update the exterior of this home in Hampton. A former rental property, the siding and trim were showing their age. The homeowner asked us to replace these, and to remove a failing back porch. The new exterior looks great, and it will give the homeowner a carefree exterior for years to come.

Check it out here: https://www.jimhicks.com/remodels/siding-and-trim-update/

We were delighted to hear from Janet and her sister Francine when it came time to remodel the kitchen and family room. While the basic layout of the kitchen worked, the cabinets and countertops were dated and there simply wasn’t enough storage space. The kitchen also felt a bit closed off from the family room, separated by a peninsula and an upper cabinet.

First up – demo! In the kitchen, all the cabinets and fixtures were removed. The upper cabinet between the kitchen and family room was eliminated, creating a more open look between the two rooms. In the family room, the wood paneling and carpet were removed.

With the help of our kitchen designer, the sisters selected beautiful new birch cabinets in “Rouge”, brushed nickel knobs and handles, laminate countertops in “Kalahari Topaz”, and a stunning glass and shell mosaic tile for the new backsplash. Luxury vinyl tile replaced the original wood floor. Previously, the cabinetry had been limited to the area between the kitchen and family room, and along one wall. The new layout kept the peninsula between the two rooms, but deleted the upper cabinet. New cabinets were added along the back wall. The one next to the fridge even has a pull-out pantry for lots of food storage! New stainless steel appliances and range hood, and recessed lighting complete the look.

In the family room, the old fireplace had been removed during our earlier project, and a pellet stove was installed. For this phase, we removed the wood paneling, repaired or replaced the sheetrock as needed, and painted. The carpet was also removed, and a new laminate floor was installed. The new ceiling fan helps to keep the room comfortable year-round.

Janet and Francine have become favorites of our entire team, and we hope to work with them again soon!

[Show picture list]

Energy Efficient Sunroom and New Kitchen Countertops in Newport News

Backsplash, Countertops, Design: Interior, Kitchen, Lightning, Newport News, Projects, Remodel, Testimonial/Referral, Windows / By Jim Hicks / April 4, 2019 / 2 minutes of reading

Andy and Jackie had a great sunroom at their home in Newport News. The problem was, it was too cold in the winter and too warm in the summer. Multiple sliding glass doors lining the walls leading out to the deck gave an unobstructed view, but they were very drafty.

In the kitchen, the homeowners wanted to update the countertops and sink, eliminate the raised breakfast bar, and add a new slide-in electric range.

New energy efficient windows and door were a must in the sunroom. We installed 10 new Low E/Argon filled double hung windows and one new sliding door. Above that door we also replaced the 3 picture windows and the arched window, keeping the same size and style of the originals. The entire room was painted, in the same cheerful yellow and white the homeowners loved.

The layout of the kitchen still worked for the homeowners, and the cabinets were in great shape, so they were left as-is. The laminate countertops and raised breakfast bar no longer worked, so they were replaced. The homeowners selected a beautiful Quartz countertop, with a new undermount sink and faucet, accented with a new tile backsplash. The single-level countertop allowed room for a new slide-in electric stove, while still providing a comfortable place for meals.

This sunroom update gave the homeowners a space that is now comfortable year-round, and the new energy efficient windows and door will save them money on their heating and cooling costs. The new Quartz countertop in the kitchen looks great and is much more functional.

Andy and Jackie tell us, “We were more than pleased with the sunroom and kitchen work. You have a good team that was a pleasure to work with and we will consider you for future projects.”

Thanks for your kind words! We enjoyed bringing these beautiful updates to your home!

[Show picture list]

Siding and Trim Update

Backsplash, Carpentry, Kitchen, Lightning, Projects, Remodel, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / October 22, 2018 / 1 minute of reading

Location: Hampton, VA

Client need: Previously a rental property, the homeowner has returned to Hampton, and wants to make this her permanent home. The aging siding and trim have become brittle, and there are cracks in multiple locations. The back porch is also failing, so the client wants it removed. The chimney and fireplace were damaged by a fire, so the client wants those removed, and the interior wall closed.

Our solution: The client loved the original color of her siding, so we installed Mastic Carved Wood in Cameo, which was the closest match. She wanted to change the trim color around the windows, and chose Montana Suede, a warm brown tone. This new, maintenance-free exterior will look great for years!
We removed the porch but left the concrete slab. This patio will become a new focal point for the backyard. We also replaced several sections of privacy fence and added a new gate. The chimney and fireplace were removed and replaced with a pellet stove.

Jim says: We enjoyed working with Mrs. McKinney and her sister. This is the first of several projects they have planned. Stay tuned!

[Show picture list]

New Granite Countertops and Backsplashes

Backsplash, Carpentry, Kitchen, Lightning, Projects, Remodel, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / September 5, 2018 / 1 minute of reading

Location: Suffolk, VA

Client need: Update the countertops and backsplashes in the kitchen, and the countertops in the master bath, with custom granite. The stove was replaced with a new stainless-steel model.

Our solution: Our client liked the layout and cabinetry in her kitchen and bath, but wanted to upgrade the countertops and backsplashes with custom granite. We put her in touch with our kitchen designer, who helped her select the perfect new look for both rooms.
The kitchen cabinets were modified to allow for a new stainless-steel gas stove, and range hood.

Jim says: “It’s amazing how much difference new countertops and backsplashes can make! I really like the way these turned out.”

[Show picture list]

Kitchen Remodel Project

Backsplash, Carpentry, Kitchen, Lightning, Projects, Remodel, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / August 2, 2018 / 1 minute of reading

Location: Yorktown, VA

Client objective: The kitchen feels small, dark, and closed off from the den and dining room.

Our solution: Remove upper and lower cabinets between the den and dining room to create an open floor plan. Install new white cabinets and trim, and black granite countertops, add a new center island with a butcher block top. Add lots of storage along the wall. New brushed nickel fixtures, new floors, and paint throughout.

Jim says: “Hal and Patty were great to work with and I loved their ideas! I am really happy with how bright and open the kitchen is now. This neighborhood is quickly becoming a showcase for our kitchens!”

[Show picture list]

Screened Porch Project

Carpentry, Projects, Remodel, Roofing, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / July 3, 2018 / 1 minute of reading

Location: Yorktown, VA

Client objective: Existing porch is small and dark, and no longer meets the client’s needs.

Our solution: Demo existing screened porch, and create a new 20’x20’ living space, featuring a cathedral ceiling and skylights.

Jim says: “Good people know good people! The Sommers were referred to us from one of our favorite former clients, Rob & Dale Kutz.” They were a joy to work with and quickly became a ‘crew favorite client’ that everyone in the Production Department wanted to work for.”

The client says: “We enjoy our screen room every day. Jim’s company bought the roofing expertise that was the key to success. Our Project Manager, Haegen Fuller, was exceptionally responsive and easy to work with. Jim stood by his work, and we’re quite happy with the finished project.”

[Show picture list]