Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Thinking about redoing your kitchen cabinets? Look no further than Fred Oakley Construction! He is one of the best contractors in the Middle Tennessee area, with over 30 years experience.

White (or off-white) Shaker-style doors create a light and clean look in a kitchen. Cabinets in shades of white are enduring and versatile, appearing in cottage, traditional, and even modern kitchens.

Twenty some years ago, kitchen cabinets were considered top of the line if they included a lazy Susan and a built-in spice rack. Now storage options are plentiful, including pullout trays, bread boxes, and narrow spaces that would otherwise have false cabinet fronts utilized as customized spots for pans such as cookie sheets and muffin tins.

Unique Islands instead of a standard rectangular island! Try a stand-alone table to create a cozy feel. Chairs can be pulled up for a casual meal or pushed to the side for meal prep and serving.

For all you OCD homeowners, this is heaven! Customized drawers! Where you'd expect to find swinging doors that open to reveal storage inserts, there are pullout doors attached to shelves for pots and pans, holders for recycling and garbage bins, and racks for canned and dry goods. Drawer inserts can be set up to hold dishes, silverware, or cutlery. Inserts are often customizable and help to maintain a clutter-free kitchen. 

One of my personal favorite cabinet ideas are glass cabinets! Glass-front cabinet doors give the eye a break from wall-to-wall cabinetry and create display space for collectibles, pretty dishes, and glassware. Add just a few glass doors to your current kitchen design to create a light and fresh look.

Built in appliances is also another favorite! Appliances might be more intelligent, efficient, and feature-packed than ever, but that doesn't mean they need to be the focus in your kitchen! You can conceal your fridge in your cabinets.  

Whether you're looking to remodel your kitchen cabinets are completely renovate your kitchen, Fred Oakley Construction has the experience and know-how to make your kitchen dreams come true! Call him today at 615-975-8916. 

Kitchen Counter Remodeling Ideas

Thinking of getting ready to redo your kitchen countertops? Fred Oakley Construction specializes in kitchen renovations! There are so many options for countertops that are available to you when updating your space! Actually, it can be overwhelming to determine what style is the best fit for your families’ needs.

There are classic countertop looks that will last a lifetime and there are trends that come and go. When you're creating your dream kitchen, you want to consider a look that will last the course of its time.

Poured Concrete Countertops offer strength, style and a natural, organic look. These counters need to be sealed more than once to prevent staining. Poured concrete can be tinted to be any color you wish. When sealed properly, it's stain resistant and can be cast and poured into any shape you desire. Unlike it's competitors, Its appearance actually improves with age. While concrete is heat resistant the sealer is not and hot pots and pans should not be placed directly on top of the concrete. Likewise, cutting boards should be used as well as chopping directly on to the concrete could damage the sealant. Concrete countertops don't require a lot maintenance and is a very desirable option at a very desirable price.

Butcher Block Countertops offer a look that is elegant yet casual and environmentally friendly. The soft surfaces of these counters mean that some maintenance is required, but nothing that will take up a significant amount of time. Just because it looks like a cutting board, doesn't mean you should actually cut on it! If you choose a butcher block surface, it should be sealed and oiled monthly. Cleanup is easy, requiring simply mild dish detergent and a light cloth or sponge. The only potential negative is that the surface, if not well maintained can dry or crack and excess water should always be wiped off.

Reclaimed wood countertops are using wood that has been salvaged from older homes and barns. Reclaimed wood is a smart and attractive option that offers a look and feel that the newer butcher blocks simply can’t. Reclaimed wood that was used from older trees is much sturdier than the newer counterparts made from younger trees. If you're environment-conscious, using reclaimed wood for your kitchen is a wonderful way to make your kitchen "green".

Cork Countertops are one of my personal favorites! Probably because I love wine so much. Cork is dense, sturdy and lightweight. It's also a sustainable product which is another good choice for those who want environmentally friendly kitchens. Cork is resistant to water and heat and has anti-bacterial properties.

Stainless steel countertops have an elegant, classy, sophisticated feel to it. These countertops are definitely an up to date, modern, trend-setting material. They are resilient to water, heat and germs. the downside is that they are susceptible to dings and scratches, and like your stainless steel fridge, they show every little finger print. With regular polish and wash, these tops require very little maintenance.

Soapstone is a natural stone that’s quarried much like granite. It’s a softer surface composed mainly from mineral talc, but the varieties used for kitchen counter tops are generally speaking sturdier as they contain more quartz which makes soapstone a wonderful option for your kitchen surface. The color is naturally gray which darkens with age. Similar to stainless steel, this material is not immune to dents and scratches. Soapstone offers a smooth, matte feel. Any scratches incurred can be sanded or oiled away.

Recycled Glass counters are another option for the environmentally friendly individuals. These counters are not only beautiful with a variety of colors and options available, but they also have a life expectancy of 50 years! They are easy to maintain but may require to be re-sealed every few years.

Slate countertops are a natural, fine-grained rock which is softer than granite but harder than marble. Slate has a naturally uneven surface that many find aesthetically appealing. This uneven surface makes these counters particularly appealing since the natural occurring dents make it hard to detect nicks and scratches. Slate has a dull matte finish and would not be the material of choice for those who prefer more of a high gloss look. Maintenance is easy – a simple wash with soap and water. To prevent staining and discoloration, it's best to use trivets/pot holders under hot pans and coasters under anything containing liquid.

Quartz countertops are one of the most scratch resistant minerals available. It's a plentiful and natural occurring mineral. Wiping stains from Quartz is even easier than granite which makes it a very desirable choice for your kitchen! Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, has a long lifetime and is available in a wide variety of colors. For those wanting a natural mineral counter top in your kitchen, but wanting to stay away from granite, Quartz is a perfect choice!

Whether you're trying to decide which countertop is right for you or you're looking for a complete remodel, Fred Oakley Construction in Hendersonville is the way to go! He has been in the business for over 40 years! You can't get more experienced than that! Fred services all of Middle Tennessee and Clarksville as well! Be sure to visit him HERE to sign up for special savings!

Identifying Roof Problems

Did you know that roof problems are among one of the biggest issues in construction? Fred Oakley has experience in all areas and can help identify any problems you may have.

Roof damage is not uncommon in Tennessee, however it can be a big problem if left unrepaired. You might not even be aware you have a problem! Minor leaks can cause an enormous amount of damage to the interior of your home, which can ruin ceilings, insulation and wallboard.

1. UV Rays - The sun’s UV rays can cause your roof to deteriorate over time, especially asphalt shingles. They can dry, crack and blister, coming loose from the surface or actually falling off the roof. Once this happens, there is little to protect the sheathing underneath and the roof is exposed to further damage from the elements.
2. Snow and ice  - Weather elements can definitely take its toll on your roof. As the ice and snow melts, it can make its way under the shingles and flashing and then as the water refreezes it can lift the shingles and flashing, making way for even more water to enter. 
3. Wind – Wind is a serious problem for a roof. It’s not always a storm that causes problems since even strong gusts on a sunny day can be enough to lift shingles or tear them off completely. 
4. Tree Limbs - Overhanging tree limbs can rub on a roof, abrading the surface of the shingles and wearing away the protective top layer. Branches can also fall on the roof creating even more serious damage. Tree limbs should be trimmed back away from the roof as much as possible and if a tree is close enough to pose a threat to your home, it should be removed.
5. Wildlife - Birds and other small forms of wildlife can do a lot of damage to a roof. Woodpeckers will make holes along the eaves looking for insects. Some of these holes can get quite large and leave the wood exposed to moisture that can lead to rot. Raccoons will pull up shingles and flashing looking for a way into the attic. Find ways to discourage the animals and repair any damage as soon as you notice it.
6. Insects  - Bugs aren’t just a problem for the foundation of a home but they can find their way up to the roof as well. Termites, carpenter ants and other gnawing insects will chew away and tunnel through the eaves and fascia boards around a roof. Insects are also what often attract animals in their search for food. Get rid of the insects and you may also solve the wildlife problem as well.
7. The flashing along the edge of a roof and around vents are areas where water can get in and cause damage. The caulking around vent flashing can dry out and shrink and edge flashing is prone to damage when homeowners attempt to remove ice dams or snow buildup in winter. 
8. Clogged or broken gutters/downspouts – Clogged gutters defeat the purpose of having them! Water can back up and seep into the eaves, eventually causing rot. Check gutters for broken brackets or seams and clean out debris every fall. Add screens to the top of the gutters to keep leaves and twigs out and make your job a lot easier.
9. Attic space - A poorly ventilated attic can shorten the life of a roof. If your attic is too warm in the summer, the shingles will bake from the underside and become dry and brittle.
10. Lack of roof maintenance – This is probably a roof’s worst enemy. Many problems start out as minor, such as the need to remove overhanging tree limbs or cleaning backed up gutters. When these problems are not corrected, they can create serious damage. 

Routine inspection and maintenance can extend the life of your roof which will save you a lot of money! If you feel you may have a problem with your roof or any other construction concerns in the Middle Tennessee area, call Fred Oakley Construction at 615-975-8916.

Top Home Improvements

If you're thinking of remodeling your home this year, the amount of money you're likely to recoup on home improvements is on the rise! Fred Oakley Construction based out of Hendersonville has been in the construction field since the 1970's. He can help with any of your remodel jobs; no job is too big or small!

The top 10 home improvement jobs of 2014:

• Front door replacement. For example, a midrange steel door (one with a glass panel), costs approximately $1,162 and adds $1,122 to your home's value; 96.6% of the cost.
• A wooden deck addition. Deck prices vary based on size, material, etc. 
• Siding replacement. Replacing your old wood or vinyl siding with fiber-cement siding will vastly improve your homes' worth. Also, factory-primed and painted fiber-cement siding should last 25 years with little maintenance. 
• Converting your attic into a bedroom. That's not something you think of everyday, is it? The survey showed renovating unused attic space into an additional bedroom brought the value of a home up significantly. 
• Garage door replacement. Like an entry door, replacing a garage door can greatly increase your home’s attractiveness
• Minor kitchen remodeling. A minor kitchen remodel typically includes items such as new cabinet faces and hardware as well as new counter tops, flooring and appliances. 
• Window replacement. Consider new windows if yours are drafty, warped, won’t open or won’t stay open. Changing your windows will save you money on your energy bill, but not enough to constitute replacing your windows solely for gaining energy efficiency. 
• Finishing your basement. Like converting an attic space into a bedroom, finishing a basement has the advantage of utilizing a space that is already part of your home’s footprint, so you eliminate structural costs while adding value.
• Partial bathroom remodeling. A mid-range remodeling project adds items such as new vanities and countertops, mirrors, a medicine chest and maybe replacing the toilet and doing a new tub surround. 
• Adding a second story. Okay so this one isn't for the faint of heart! Adding a second floor is definitely a hefty home renovation, but for homeowners who are attached to their location, property or home itself, it’s a viable option to add more square feet to your home! Fred Oakley Construction can help you create the perfect additional space!

Fred Oakley Construction Co. specializes in all types of construction: Additions, remodels, room conversions, build outs, kitchens, baths, burned and flood home restoration, garage and basement conversions, window replacements, and much more! He services all of Middle Tennessee including Clarksville, Hendersonville and Nashville. Call Fred Oakley today at 615-975-8916.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Remodeler

If you're among the  millions of Americans that are looking into remodeling their home, you're probably contemplating doing it yourself versus hiring a professional. According to the American Housing Survey, over 60% of home owners hire contractors like Fred Oakley Construction for home improvement projects. 

Remodeling your home can give you plenty of opportunity to re-design your space to better suit the needs of your family. Remodeling can also give you a say in which materials are used, which appliances or fixtures are purchased and give you the chance to fix and upgrade the overall appearance, and value, of your home. Of course, all of this decision making can be overwhelming for a homeowner.

Why hire a professional like Fred Oakley in Hendersonville, TN? A top reason it's recommended for home owners to hire a professional remodeler is due to safety reasons. Most homeowners have a lack of familiarity with tools and techniques which can lead to serious accidents. Working on a roof is often cited as a remodeling project with the most potential for serious injury. Another reason to hire a professional is cost. You might think, "Wait! It'll be cheaper if I do it myself!", but are you factoring in the cost of, say, tools? Many remodeling projects require specialized tools which a home owner will have to purchase (because how many of us just have a sander lying around?) and will only use once or twice. 

Another advantage of a well qualified professional remodeler like Fred Oakley Construction is experience with the appropriate tools and specialized knowledge needed to perform correctly. Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can be a very detailed and expensive project; cutting corners like trying to do it yourself will just cost you more money down the road. Remember that if you think you can go to your local home-improvement store to get your materials and save money, that isn't necessarily true. Professional contractors get discounts on products therefore, saving you money. The cost of a project can escalate if it is done incorrectly the first time and therefore, has to be re-done. Maybe the second time around you decide to hire a professional; think about all the time and money you've lost!

Call Fred Oakley Construction today for a free estimate at 615-975-8916. 

Tips For Home Restoration

Fred Oakley Construction specializes in all types of home construction including additions, remodels, room conversions, build outs, kitchens, baths, and other types of home improvement. Our favorite type of construction to focus on is home restoration! We love turning old houses into the house of your dreams.

If you're considering restoring an older home, make sure you know what you're getting yourself into! Below you'll find the top three common mistakes people make when renovating a house...

1. Starting without a plan. Big No-No! Old-home renovations often don’t go according to plan because too often, there is no planning! Too often, homeowners assume; they assume if they just want to change the cabinets, they only need to worry about the cabinets. Make sure you hire a reputable contractor like Fred Oakley Construction who is always thinking one step ahead while working on your home renovation!

2. Going into your home renovation to "flip" your house. TV makes everything look easy, doesn't it? Flipping houses is NOT easy and what's more - old homes simply take too long to flip. What you see on TV are usually minor repairs (like changing out carpet, etc.) and old homes require much more work than that! If your home requires all new systems and foundation work, the process of fixing it up can take longer than a year; successful renovations on old houses take time - flipping houses does not.

3. Setting an unrealistic budget. Fred Oakley has been in the business for over 40 years! He knows what a realistic budget is and will provide you with a professional, accurate, and performable budget.

Whether you're looking to remodel your older home, start new construction, build the kitchen of your dreams or an oasis in your bathroom, Fred Oakley Construction has the experience and knowledge to do it all! Call today at 615-975-8916 to schedule a free estimate!

About Fred Oakley Construction

Are you looking for an outstanding contractor in the Nashville, Hendersonville, or Clarksville area? Fred Oakley Construction Co. has been in business since 1998 and are locally owned and operated.

Our team of Knowledgeable and Professionally trained Experts are licensed, bonded and insured to perform both Residential and light Commercial services to those in the Middle Tennessee Area. We have built a well-known reputation on quality workmanship, attention to detail, and friendly care.

Whether you need a new addition, house renovation, room conversion, or just a kitchen or bath remodel, Fred Oakley Construction is the one stop company that can see the job through to completion.

One of our beautiful kitchen remodels! 

Fred Oakley Construction Co. specializes in all types of construction: Additions, Remodels, Room Conversions, Build Outs, Kitchens, Baths, Burned and Flood Home Restoration, Garage and Basement Conversions, Window Replacements; All types of Home Improvements!

Give us a call today at 615-975-8916 or e-mail us at fredoakleyconstruction@gmail.com. Make sure to check us out HERE for our special offers and discounts!!!