Monday, January 1, 2024

Create a Cozy, Welcoming Home in 2024


There are so many ways to make your home feel warm and inviting, and there’s never been a better time than in winter to make a change!

Even if you prefer a simplistic, modern style for your home, you can balance a clean and tidy space with cozy textures.

  1. A cozy, cushioned runner for the kitchen – Kitchens can feel sterile or boring, so make yours feel warmer and cozier with a cushioned rug! Choose one that’s machine washable for easy cleaning.
  2. Table lamps and warm lighting – Avoid using the ceiling light when you want to relax for an extra cozy feeling. Instead, add other light sources throughout your home like sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps for warm, subtle lighting.
  3. Warm wood tones – Include warm wood tones in your décor! Consider a white oak console table, or a light wood toned coffee table in the middle of the room to warm up your space.

More design ideas are on our website! 

Your custom design + build experts in Ann Arbor!

The hardest space to re-envision is usually the one you live in -- even for professional designers! Sometimes clients begin the design conversation by telling us, “I know there’s nothing you can do about this layout…” We prefer to begin with the assumption that there’s not much we can’t do. 

Our local know-how ensures a smooth process. Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Contact us today for home renovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities! We can help you breathe new life into your space.

Friday, December 15, 2023

Upgrade Your Basic Kitchen Cabinets

kitchen and bath remodel ann arbor
Trying to make your kitchen bolder and trendier? Consider mixing up the colors on your upper and lower cabinets, or by adding cabinets to your island.

Other upgrades to consider when buying cabinets for the kitchen are:

  • Roll-Out Shelving – Custom kitchens have lots of built-in features to add functionality and adding shelving to your cabinets can be done on a budget! Consider a roll-out shelf for bottom cabinets to make it easier to store pots and pans.
  • Flat-front cabinets – Also called slab doors, flat-front doors are solid with no panels or any other framing. This simple, minimalist look works really well for modern kitchens.
  • Soft close cabinets – Consider this type of hinge for your cabinets to reduce noise in your kitchen. Drawers and doors suffer damage over the years of being slammed close, so this is a great way to preserve your cabinets.

Read more and see one of our kitchen remodeling before and after transformations on our website.

Need Help Designing Your Dream Kitchen?

There are so many design elements to decide on, if you need help, you should talk to the pros! Alpha Design + Build has been helping families in Washtenaw and the surrounding counties create their dream kitchens for years and is ready to help you too.

Our design team has the vision to bring your dream to life, and our experienced contractors have the know-how to make it happen on time and on budget.

If you’ve been putting off a kitchen and bath remodel in Ann Arbor, now is the time to finally make it happen. Contact us today to get started!

Friday, December 1, 2023

Kitchen Design Inspiration

Whether you’re doing a redesign or a full kitchen renovation, careful planning can help you create a kitchen that will be beautiful as well as functional.

Your kitchen is a multi-functional space used for cooking, cleaning, eating, entertaining, and even as a home-schooling room. You should love spending time in this space, and a thoughtful design can make that happen.

Looking for inspiration? We’ve got you covered!

  1. Be smart with organization! Think about how and where you typically use certain items. For example, keep your flatware near the dishwasher to ease the process of unloading clean dishes.
  2. Wide walkways are key. Make sure your floor plan includes enough room between the island (if it exists) and cabinets, and make sure aisles are wide enough. You want to be able to easily move through the space while you’re alone and when your family is also in the space.
  3. Consider traffic flow! For a kid-friendly kitchen design, make the refrigerator accessible to both people cooking and those who just want to sneak in for a snack. Also take care to keep the cooktop out of high traffic areas.
  4. Go for stainless steel accents. Besides appliances, consider other stainless accents like pendant lights, vent hoods, and drawer handles.

Read more and see one of our kitchen remodeling before and after transformations on our website.

Need Help Designing Your Dream Kitchen?

There are so many design elements to decide on, if you need help, you should talk to the pros! Alpha Design + Build has been helping families in Washtenaw and the surrounding counties create their dream kitchens for years and is ready to help you too.

Our design team has the vision to bring your dream to life, and our experienced contractors have the know-how to make it happen on time and on budget.

If you’ve been putting off a kitchen and bath remodel in Ann Arbor, now is the time to finally make it happen. Contact us today to get started!

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

How Does Construction with a Design-Build Firm Work?

kitchen and bath remodeling ann arbor
During construction, our clients have access to a designer and a project manager as well as the lead carpenter in charge of the project. We know that communication is absolutely key to our clients weathering the disruption of remodeling. We’ll do all we can to keep your project moving and reduce that disruption—and that starts with being available when you call.

Over the course of the project, your project manager will:

  • Be available to you for questions and concerns

Your lead carpenter will:

  • Do much of the construction and installation work
  • Supervise tradesmen as necessary
  • Answer your day-to-day questions

When your project is finished, we know you’ll be pleased you chose Alpha. Our goal is to hear from you the next time you’re ready to remodel or build. We want you to tell all of your friends and family about the good experience you had with us. That’s how we’ve built our 30+ years of success.

Our warranty guarantees our work for a year. Please ask any of our clients about our responsiveness when questions or issues arise—far beyond that one year. Once you’ve worked with us, you’re part of a family.

Read more on our website!

Choose Alpha Design Build for Kitchen and Bath Remodeling in Ann Arbor

Whether it’s a kitchen, bath, basement, addition, or remodeling your entire house, we’ve built our 30+ year reputation on exacting design and workmanship. Our designers, project managers, craftsmen, and trades partners take immense pride in their work and in providing smiles from start to finish! Contact us today to get started on your kitchen and bath remodeling project in Ann Arbor.


Wednesday, November 1, 2023

A Design-Build Firm for Your Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Project

kitchen and bath remodeling ann arbor

When you hire Alpha Design + Build, you can be sure that all your design wants and needs will be considered during every phase of the project. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that the same company is doing the work start to finish, so you won’t have to worry about communication errors or delays in your project.

How does it work?

It Starts with a Dream and our Design Center

We understand that most building and remodeling projects are a major investment for our clients, and they can be a nerve-wracking foray into the unknown. You may be worried that someone will take advantage of you. You may have heard some frightening first-hand accounts of remodeling nightmares. We’ve worked with many clients who say, “I sure wish we had hired you last time.”

We’ll spend some time getting to know you and getting your thoughts for your remodeled space. We’ll explore your design possibilities and gather ideas for flooring, hardware, counter tops and more.

Once you’ve signed a design agreement, we begin our work getting measurements and photos of your site. We’ll talk about space planning and products so we can present a preliminary 3D design and rough estimate. The 3D design helps you visualize what your new kitchen, bathroom, or basement will look like once it is completed. That allows us to make any necessary modifications and create a final design based on your final selections and feedback. We believe there should be no surprises in your remodeling experience (except good ones). A detailed, comprehensive design also allows for accurate product ordering, an easy permit process, and floor plans that can be expertly built by our craftsmen.

Read more about our process on our website!

Choose Alpha Design Build for Kitchen and Bath Remodeling in Ann Arbor

Whether it’s a kitchen, bath, basement, addition, or remodeling your entire house, we’ve built our 30+ year reputation on exacting design and workmanship. Our designers, project managers, craftsmen, and trades partners take immense pride in their work and in providing smiles from start to finish! Contact us today to get started on your kitchen and bath remodeling project in Ann Arbor.

Monday, October 16, 2023

Considerations for Your Bathroom Remodel

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Want to tackle remodeling your bathroom this year?

Do you need to add storage, improve lighting, or make stylish upgrades to your fixtures?

Whether you have a first-floor powder room for guests or you’re working on the en suite for your bedroom, functionality should be at the heart of your remodel.

Some considerations as you start planning:

  • Plumbing – Residential plumbing usually uses 1 ½-inch pipes for drains. Those are so easily clogged, and the cost to upgrade to a larger 2-inch drain is not much higher. Want to upgrade your showerhead? Consider a rainfall or rain shower head, dual showerheads, or even a showerhead with LED lights.
  • Lighting – Think about recessed light fixtures for your ceiling to help brighten the room. One or two in your shower installed with a dimmer switch will let you set the mood in your bathroom, perfect for a spa-like retreat.
  • Different types of toilets – Traditional two-piece toilets (tank and bowl) are not the only choice! There are also wall-hung toilets (perfect if you’re short on space), one-tank toilets, and smart toilets! If you want the most comfortable and functional option, consider a smart toilet that comes with a heated seat, motion-activated lighting, hands-free flushing and more.

Read more on our website!

Choose Smart Products for the Most Functionality

If you’re investing in a full bathroom remodel, consider smart gadgets to get the best bang for your buck. There are plenty of devices that can turn your bathroom into a clever one!

Small, waterproof, Bluetooth speakers connect to your phone and let you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks in the shower or bath. Lighted mirrors and smart mirrors are great options if you love gadgets – Philips Hue is one of the go-to companies when it comes to smart lighting and offer several options for lighted mirrors, making them perfect for shaving, makeup, or other close-up tasks.

Our design team has the knowledge and expertise to help you, and our project managers, carpenters, and tradesmen have the skills to get the job done. We believe that a properly designed bathroom remodel for your Ann Arbor home is less expensive, completed more quickly, and has fewer cost overruns than a project done “on the fly”. Our process puts you first!

Contact us today, set up a consultation, and start creating your dream bathroom!

THIS MONTH: Come see our work at the 2023 BRAG Remodelers Home Tour, October 28 and 29, from 11am-5pm! We’re showcasing a master bathroom remodel (at 4319 Lake Forest Dr E., Ann Arbor MI 48108) and can help you get inspired for your future bathroom redesign project. More details here.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Pick the Pros for Bathroom Remodel

bathroom remodel ann arbor
If you’ve been attempting a bathroom remodel on your own, you know how overwhelming it can be to try to pick out tile, fixtures, and cabinets. There are so many color combinations and options available!
Working with professional designers allows you to see how all the pieces of the puzzle can come together, including helpful suggestions from the pros who know what it takes to put together a beautiful and functional bathroom design.

Don’t take it from us – listen to one of our happy clients:

"Throughout the process, we trusted all the staff implicitly. The entire crew was professional and expert. You will save time and frustration working with someone who has experience on hundreds of projects and benefit from great ideas, assistance and expertise. The final bathroom renovation exceeded our expectations."

– Jan & Bruce, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Want to Learn More about Bathroom Remodel Options?

We can help make sure your layout is functioning well, your flooring is attractive yet practical, and your hardware, cabinet, countertop choices match your design preferences.

Our design team has the knowledge and expertise to help you, and our project managers, carpenters, and tradesmen have the skills to get the job done. We believe that a properly designed bathroom remodel for your Ann Arbor home is less expensive, completed more quickly, and has fewer cost overruns than a project done “on the fly”. Our process puts you first!

Contact us today
, set up a consultation, and start creating your dream bathroom!

THIS MONTH: Come see our work at the 2023 BRAG Remodelers Home Tour, October 28 and 29, from 11am-5pm! We’re showcasing a master bathroom remodel (at 4319 Lake Forest Dr E., Ann Arbor MI 48108) and can help you get inspired for your future bathroom redesign project. More details here.