Chapel Renovation - Saginaw, MI

Installing the wood ceiling.

One of the most exciting transformations recently has been the renovation of a chapel for a local group of nuns. Originally built in 1956, the chapel had many challenges that comes from older construction as well as a lot of original beauty that we were eager to uncover.

The first thing we needed to do was tear out the ceiling, which had been dramatically lowered from its original height, covering up both the balcony and much of the stained glass windows. Because of the low ceilings, it was nearly impossible to see the featured stained glass at the front of the chapel. Raising the ceiling dramatically opened up the space and allowed for the beauty of the stained glass windows to be seen. 

We were able to raise the ceiling and install new wood on the ceiling drawing your eye forward to the now uncovered stained glass window of St. Dominic and the newly designed altar. 

The raising of the ceiling has also allowed the Sisters to be able to utilize the space for evening prayer. Because the lower floors are open to the public in the evenings, the balcony allows the women to have privacy while praying in the chapel. One of the challenges of the space was that all of the light switches were on the first floor. Wiring the lights to the second floor proved to be a challenge because of the existing block walls. We were able to furr-out the wall to hide the wiring and allow for switches in the second floor balcony. 

The block walls also proved a challenge when needing to wire the light fixtures for the chapels Stations of the Cross. By framing the walls we were able to conceal the wiring for the lights and also install outlets. The Stations sit across from the now uncovered, stained glass windows. 

Now that the chapel remodel is complete, we are excited to see the community enjoy the space for years to come. We know that the balcony will provide more functionality for the Sisters allowing them private access to the chapel at anytime. The newly uncovered stained glass and the warmth of the wood in the chapel accentuate its beauty and will be a joy to all who visit for worship. 

If you would like to see the newly remodeled chapel in person, you can visit St. Dominic Chapel which is located at 705 Hoyt Ave, Saginaw, MI!

This was a unique project that we were honored to work on. If you're looking to transform a space, large or small, Bailey Construction is ready to help! Give us a call today to start the process.

 

Why Do You Remodel?

Whenever we embark on something new, it's important to focus in on why we are making a change. Remodeling your home is no different. What is your "why?" in remodeling your home?

While there may be several reasons to remodel your home, chances are there’s one compelling reason you are taking the leap. As you start the remodeling process, it’s essential to keep your why in the forefront of your mind.

Here are just some of the why answers we encounter regularly:  

I want to modernize an outdated space.

You may be wanting to tear down walls to create an open floor plan or remove outdated wood features. Remodeling can be a wonderful way to give your old home some new life without the hassle of moving.

I want extra organization in my home.

This is particularly common in kitchen and bath remodels. Whether you’re fighting to make room for pots and pans or simply wishing that the space you have was designed with your needs in mind, better organization can be a compelling reason to remodel. 

I want a home where I can age in place.

Wanting to make the home you love an easy place to age is a very compelling reason to remodel. If this is you, consider converting space on your first floor (maybe a den or formal dining room that doesn’t get much use) into a master bedroom to give yourself the option of avoiding the stairs. Or transform your bathroom to include a walk-in or roll-in shower. Changes like these can take a space from being simply manageable to part of a home that allows you to live life to the fullest.

I love my house, but there are a few amenities I wish it had.

When you moved in, did you say, “I love this house, but I wish…?” If so, consider reaching out to make those dreams a reality. Whether you wanted a walk-in shower, a jacuzzi bathtub, or a kitchen island, there are many little niceties and upgrades that can be included in a remodel. Take your home from like to love by making those changes.

Whatever your why, Bailey Construction wants to help transform your Saginaw home into the home you desire. Call us today to get the started. And don’t forget to mention your why!

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How To Survive A Kitchen Remodel

So you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen. Congratulations! This is an exciting time, looking forward to your beautiful and functional kitchen. But in the meantime, you need to know what to anticipate and how to handle it.

Many say the best thing to do is to flee and stay somewhere else during the job, but for many this option is not always viable. So here is what to expect if you live in your house through a kitchen remodel and how to prepare for it.

Make Preparations and Get Organized

Plan to do the following before demolition begins:

• Carve out time to pack up the kitchen properly or arrange for movers since it’s a big task.

• Think about a location for refrigeration. If you don't already have a second refrigerator elsewhere in the house, we may be able to relocate your existing refrigerator to another location of your choice. Just sure there is a plug available.

• Include takeout food and restaurant expenses in your overall renovation budget.

• Get in the mindset of getting the groceries you need daily as opposed to shopping for the week or month.  A lot of times, you just won’t have the space for that!

Set Up a Makeshift Kitchenette

If possible, set up a mini kitchen in another room. Think about what equipment might come in handy for throwing together meals. Find some portable appliances like these:

• Coffee maker

• Electric tea kettle

• Toaster or toaster oven

• Slow cooker

• Portable electric grill

• Electric frying pan

• Mini fridge

If your house has a mini kitchen or a wet bar elsewhere, you’re in luck. This is a great spot to set up.

So, think about how you’re going to handle a small-appliance cooking mess before you make it - this may involve the patio, a hose and a dishwashing tub.

We Care About You and Your Home

Yes, it can be a bit of a hassle to live in your home while a remodel is taking place, but that is why we care so much and put a lot of effort into making sure we:

• Contain dust and keep our jobsite clean and organized

• Focus on great communication

• Work tirelessly to keep the project on schedule and limit the disruption to your home and life

How can we help you? At Bailey Construction, we love what we do and love helping homeowners through the remodeling process. If you have a project in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out . We’re happy to answer any questions you have. 

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How Long Will Your Home Remodel Project Take?

Talk About a Long Construction Project

The Cologne Cathedral in Germany is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe. The towers for the church’s two huge spires give the cathedral the largest facade of any church in the world.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1248 - 244 years before Columbus discovered America - and took 632 years to complete!

How Long Will Your Home Remodel Project Take?

One of the questions we hear frequently is, “How long will this take?” The answer, of course, will depend on the scope and complexity of your specific remodeling project. That’s something we can work out and discuss before your project begins.

We’ve all heard horror stories about remodeling projects that drag on and on. Sometimes slight delays can happen when unforeseen difficulties pop up or severe weather delays construction or causes materials to be late. There are some things, however, that you can do as a homeowner to ensure that things stay on schedule.

Select Your Finishes Early

Once you’ve decided on the plan for your remodeling project, make sure that you make your decisions on all of the finishes for the project. For instance, if you’re remodeling your kitchen, make sure you have the cabinets (including the color and the hardware) picked out. The same goes for the material you’re using for your backsplash, fixtures, and flooring. It’s key that we have all of the selections made before we start the project to stay on schedule.

Avoid Unnecessary Changes

Small changes are simply part of the remodeling process. What you want to avoid, however, are changes that have an impact on the completion of your project. “Can you move that wall just 3 inches?” may not seem like a huge request (after all, it’s “just” 3 inches). But, if a wall has already been built, what you’re asking for can significantly delay the process (and increase the cost).

Be Available for Consultation

Sometimes we will run into an unforeseen situation. That means that we will have to talk about what needs to change Before we can proceed. Being available to us and being able to make a timely decision can mean we’ll still finish on schedule.

If you have a project in mind for your Great Lakes Bay Region home, Bailey Construction would love to help you make that project a reality. Give us a call today to learn more.

Cathedral – Cologne, Germany • 632 years to complete

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Is It Time to Freshen Up Your Bathroom?

According to Reader’s Digest, the average man spends four months (or 3,000 hours) of his life in the bathroom reading. But, compared to the 1.5 years (14,000 hours) the average woman spends in the bathroom, that seems like small potatoes. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, chances are you spend more time in your bathroom than you realize.

Why not make those hours more enjoyable by making a few tweaks to your current bathroom? Here are some ideas: 

Install a Walk-In Shower

Walk-in showers are an elegant, easy-to-clean way to reclaim space in your bathroom and make your daily shower more luxurious. The absence of tub walls will also create the illusion of space and make your bathroom feel larger. This single change can transform the entire feeling of your bathroom.

Try a New Sink with More Counter Space

Installing a new sink with additional counter space can make getting ready in the morning a much more enjoyable experience. Whether you are fighting with your partner over space or just never seem to have enough to lay out all you need, remodeling your bathroom can help. Your day can start off with a simple, stress-free experience instead of a game of bathroom counter Tetris.

Optimize Your Cabinet Space for Additional Storage

Freshen up your bathroom by reclaiming unused space and transforming it to useful cabinetry and storage spaces for everything you need.

 Of course, the most important part of any bathroom remodel is choosing a remodeler you know you can trust to communicate accurately and implement your vision in a timely manner. Bailey Construction would love to be the team that provides you with a wonderful remodeling experience from start to finish.

Give us a call today to start the process of making the bathroom you dream of a reality.

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Ideas to Take Your Kitchen Remodel to the Next Level

Kitchens function as the heart of the home. It is where we create our nourishment, clean-up our messes, and, depending on whether or not you wear the apron in your house, try to sneak tastes of delectable treats.

Because kitchens are a central part of our daily lives, it’s important for them to be functional and beautiful spaces. Whether you’re updating an older kitchen or creating your new dream kitchen, here are four ways to take your kitchen remodel to the next level:

Add a Multi-Purpose Island

Adding an island to your kitchen can allow you to utilize otherwise empty space for a variety of purposes. Sometimes, simply creating extra counter space and cabinet storage is a much needed boost for your kitchen. Other times, it makes sense to add your sink or stove top to an island to face your living/dining room or pull yourself away from facing a wall when cooking or cleaning.

Create Organization that Works for You

As you’re designing, think about what is unique about your kitchen. Are you hoping to display a china collection? Do you use a lot of spices that you need to have easily accessible? Are you especially fond of your mixer but not so fond of leaving it visible on the counter? Consider what makes how you use your kitchen unique from others, and then customize your organization to make your kitchen work for you.

Embrace Natural Light

Natural light can help your kitchen feel warm and inviting so try to expand upon the natural light options available to you. Can you add in a skylight? A larger window behind your sink? Embrace those options, and let the sunshine in.

Install a Backsplash that Reflects Your Style

Use your backsplash as an opportunity to truly reflect your style and take your kitchen up a notch. Whether you prefer neutral minimalism or bold patterns, choose a backsplash reflecting that instead of one that simply blends in. Backsplashes can hide away or be used to add a sense of flair.

As you think about remodeling your home, consider how some of these ideas might take your kitchen to the next level by increasing its organization and functionality.

Whether you’re considering kitchen, bathroom, or a whole house remodel, Bailey Construction will be glad to help you create something that will give your Saginaw area home a fresh new look. Give us a call today or reply to this email to get the process started!

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