Christian and Jessica share the process of designing and remodeling this entire home to a Southern Traditional style.

Are You Ready For a Kitchen Remodel? Are you embarrassed of your kitchen? Do you love to host friends and family but avoid doing so because you don’t want them to see your kitchen? Are you considering transforming your kitchen into a space that reflects your style and meets your needs? Renovating your kitchen can breathe new life into your home and enhance its functionality, but it's essential to understand what is involved in planning effectively. There are many questions that you may have; how long will it take? What should I do in my kitchen? How much will it cost? These are great questions, but unfortunately hard to answer. We will do our best to answer the question of how much it will cost to remodel your kitchen, but it will take some explaining before we get to the answers.  Setting the Stage Let me first outline some parameters for our project. The cost ranges that we're providing are for a kitchen that meets the following criteria:  This kitchen is in a single-family home in Wichita, KS or surrounding communities and is built around 1990. This is a medium sized kitchen.  Professional designers will design and develop the kitchen. Good quality, name brand materials will be used in this kitchen.  The project will be built according to local building codes.  The work will be performed by a professional firm that is licensed and insured.  Are you ready to go?  How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Kitchen? These cost ranges are intended to provide a general idea of what you can expect to invest in your kitchen remodel, but keep in mind that every project is unique. Also, please note that these costs do not include the costs of new appliances. You can spend $5,000 on new appliances, or you can splurge and spend much more on a new appliance package. Let's Get Started! Developing a budget for a kitchen remodeling project can be tricky, and while this guide is helpful, the most effective way to determine the cost of a new kitchen is to arrange an initial consultation with an experienced design-remodeling company. If you are ready to start a successful project, our team is ready to help. We would be excited to collaborate with you in turning your Wichita Kitchen Remodel into the kitchen of your dreams. Reach out to us today!

As with many of our Wichita clients seeking a bathroom remodel, these homeowners wanted a larger shower and more vanity space. The primary goal of the project was to incorporate a dry vanity with a seating area while maximizing the available space. However, space was limited, requiring a strategic approach to achieve their vision. BEFORE The existing whirlpool tub was rarely used, so the first step in the remodel was its removal, along with all associated tile. This allowed us to install a built-in dry vanity with additional storage, fulfilling our client's top request. To enhance the cabinetry, we opted for a stained maple espresso finish. Since our client was not satisfied with the color of their existing vanities, we painted them and updated the hardware to refresh their appearance and tie them in with the new cabinetry. BEFORE Existing Cabinets, Painted Shower Expansion Another key request was to enlarge the shower. We were able to achieve this within the existing footprint by constructing a larger shower enclosure. BEFORE To improve functionality and maintain a clean aesthetic, we incorporated two built-in shampoo and soap niches, keeping shower essentials neatly tucked away. New Walk-In Shower Custom Shower Niche Custom Features Shower Installed a custom Onyx shower base for durability and style. Selected sleek rectified tile with fine vertical lines for a modern touch. Upgraded to brushed nickel fixtures and coordinating tile trim. Utilized the Schluter waterproofing system to ensure a long-lasting, leak-proof shower. Installed heavy-duty frameless shower glass for a clean, contemporary look. Water Closet Storage is often a concern in Wichita bathrooms, so we custom-built a cabinet above the toilet to provide additional storage space. New Cabinetry in water closet To enhance the design, we installed 24” x 24” tiles on the walls, adding a sophisticated touch. Additional Upgrades Painted the existing cabinetry and retained the vanity tops and faucets to manage costs while achieving a high-end finish. Installed a new Quartz countertop for the dry vanity, featuring a sleek concrete-like aesthetic. Chose luxury vinyl tile flooring, which mimics ceramic tile but offers a warmer feel underfoot. Updated trim work in both the bathroom and master bedroom, opting for a clean, contemporary 1x4 baseboard. Added a stylish floor-length mirror adjacent to the dry vanity to complete the space. For more photos of remodels in the Wichita area, visit our complete bathroom remodeling portfolio !

I have fond memories of my grandfather growing up. I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and my grandparents lived here in Wichita, KS. About once a year, they would make the trek out to Pittsburgh. One thing about grandpa was that he always wanted a project to work on when he came. I remember as a young boy watching my grandpa work around our house on many remodeling projects ranging from a bathroom remodel  to a room addition .  I was probably 7 or 8 and he gave me a hammer and some nails to “practice” hammering into a board. As I got older he let me get more involved in the remodeling projects. I believe I developed my love for woodworking, building, and remodeling from my grandpa. I was fascinated by it early on. He is a good man and taught me much about work, business, and life. I would like to share seven qualities my grandpa taught me about work, business, and life that have shaped my character. Use Straight Boards (Quality is Key) We were working on a bathroom remodel, and I remember spending hours at Home Depot looking for the best lumber. He wasn’t going to settle for warped or crooked lumber. We would eye down the lumber and go through so many 2x4s (I’m sure Home Depot was not pleased with us) until we had what we needed. He explained to me that this framing material needed to be top quality in order for our bathroom to turn out well. Maintain your stuff I’m not sure how many scoldings I received for leaving my bike or my shovel outside overnight. He was an advocate for taking care of your things. As I got older he taught me the value of making sure your saw blades are sharp so they cut the wood nice and clean. Work Hard I’m not sure if I know anyone who was as hard a worker as my grandpa. He grew up in the depression and had to work for everything. He had a small farm in his young adult years, and we all know how much work that is. In my teen years and college years I remember thinking, “Wow, he just keeps going!” He has great perseverance. In my early adult years, my grandpa in his early 80s, would still be coming over to help me on my house – roofing, demo, and carpentry. He has lived his life revolving around and being fulfilled by hard work. I’m seeking to pattern my life after his. Take a Break When noon rolled around, Grandpa would be dropping his tools and his tool belt and heading for the house. Without fail, my sweet grandma would have the table set and food on the table for her man. Grandpa would always make sure he and I would be nourished and hydrated so that we could “get it done” after lunch. And Grandpa I don’t think, could take a long lunch. He had an urge to get back to work right at 12:30. He taught me the value to taking a small break in the day to rejuvenate, but not to linger too long. Faith and Family are First Grandpa loves his family. His faith and his family are what drive him. He would do anything for us. He never worked on Sunday but would go to church in the morning, and then we would gather around the table for lunch. These are such great times that I look back on with fond memories. His example helps me to keep my priorities straight in life – it’s hard to do that sometimes! Be Helpful I can’t think of a more helpful person in my life. He is always on the lookout for ways to help people. He is known throughout his neighborhood for helping people--from catching rats in the basement to changing out a garbage disposal to picking up mail for his neighbors when they are away. I hope that I can learn to be as helpful to others as Grandpa someday! Serve your Customer After he retired, Grandpa had a few side businesses to keep him busy. Whenever someone called with a problem, he would call them back immediately and go take care of the problem. He always did a nice neat job. He would communicate the problem and how he was going to solve it. His customers loved him and were constantly calling. I know this is not the typical remodeling contractor post you see on very many websites. But I believe that business is about people and relationships. This article is a little bit about me as well as the culture of our company, Pinnacle Homes. You could say that Grandpa wrote my business plan for me. Christian and His Grandpa, Larry Reid, holding Weston Reid Raab who was named after Grandpa.

Waterproofing a shower can be expensive, and it’s tempting to cut corners by skipping it altogether—installing tile directly onto the walls and assuming that will be enough. Unfortunately, that assumption can lead to costly damage down the road. I’ve had this conversation with many clients, and time and time again, I’ve seen the consequences of inadequate waterproofing. Just recently, while working on a primary bathroom addition outside of Wichita, we uncovered a shower that was only a year old, yet already leaking. The water damage had begun rotting the framing members of the house. At first glance, the shower looked fine. But when we opened up the back side, we saw the real problem. (See the photos above.) In one image, you’ll notice a white square—that’s the back of a shampoo niche. On the bathroom side, everything appeared perfect, but behind the walls, water had been seeping through, causing hidden but serious damage. Now, imagine what that leak would do over 10 years! How We Prevent Shower Leaks at Pinnacle We take extra precautions to ensure our showers never leak, using Schluter Waterproofing Systems. This advanced system creates a completely waterproof barrier, preventing moisture from ever reaching the framing of your home. Unfortunately, many showers we remove in Wichita were not waterproofed correctly. Early in my career, I was taught to install HardieBacker board and tile directly over it—an approach that seemed solid at the time. However, after years of tearing out failed showers built this way, we’ve seen firsthand that this method doesn’t stand the test of time. I first learned about Schluter products in college, and we’ve been using them for years with great success. We’ve never had an issue with leaks since switching to this system. This experience reinforced one of our core values at Pinnacle: Continuous Improvement. We’re always looking for ways to refine our processes and deliver the highest-quality work for our clients. If you’re considering a shower remodel, make sure your contractor prioritizes waterproofing—it’s the difference between a stunning, long-lasting shower and costly damage down the road.

Choosing the right remodeling company is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your home. Remodeling is a significant investment, and since we spend so much time in our homes, we want the results to be exceptional! So, who should you hire for your next kitchen , bathroom , or whole-home remodel? Many homeowners in Wichita, KS, ask this very question. Once you understand what a Design-Build company is, the answer becomes clear. What is a Design-Build Company? Pinnacle is a Design-Build (or Design-Remodel) company, meaning we handle your entire remodel—from initial concept and design to final construction and finishing touches. Instead of working with separate designers, architects, and contractors, you have one dedicated team managing the entire process. This streamlined approach saves time, reduces costs, and ensures a cohesive, high-quality result. While there are other ways to approach a remodel, we’ve seen firsthand the challenges homeowners face when working with separate design and construction teams. The Problem with Traditional Remodeling Approaches We recently collaborated with an architect on a commercial project, and the experience highlighted the downsides of the traditional design-bid-build approach: Longer Timelines:  The design phase alone took months to complete. Inefficient Budgeting:  The design wasn’t created with real construction costs in mind, leading to expensive, impractical plans. Lack of Practical Experience:  The fixtures and materials selected were overpriced, forcing us to rework the design ourselves. While the architect was skilled, the process would have been far more efficient if the design and construction teams had worked together from the start. Why Design-Build is the Best Approach By keeping design and construction under one roof, we provide a more seamless, efficient, and cost-effective remodeling experience. Here’s why: ✅ Seamless Process:  From concept to completion, we ensure that all details are accounted for early, preventing costly changes later. 💰 Budget-Friendly:  With designers and builders working together, we create designs that look amazing  while staying within your budget. 🔄 Greater Accountability:  When separate companies handle design and construction, miscommunications can lead to unexpected costs for the homeowner. With Design-Build, one team is responsible for the entire project and takes responsibility for internal mishaps along the way. 📞 Better Communication:  Our designers and construction professionals work in the same location, allowing for constant collaboration and problem-solving. This minimizes project delays and surprises. Let’s Get Started on Your Dream Home! If you're considering a remodel, let’s talk! Our team at Pinnacle would love to bring your vision to life with a seamless, stress-free process. Call our office today to schedule a consultation !

Many of our  Wichita remodeling  clients in the area complain about their small, outdated kitchens. Today the trend is open concept—the kitchen and living area open to each other—so that you can enjoy your family or friends as you prepare things in the kitchen. Entertaining is very important for many people and small, cramped kitchens make that priority difficult, if not impossible. Our clients in Wichita’s neighboring Haysville, KS were frustrated  by the cramped space in their existing kitchen.They wanted a  kitchen remodeling  project to use an open concept design. The existing golden oak cabinetry and compartmentalized rooms were outdated and they wanted a new look. We worked with a local designer who designed the space and finalized the selections. The first thing we did was remove the cabinetry and demolish the wall that separated the dining room and kitchen. This immediately gave the space a much more open feel. The photo pictured below is an angle from the living room looking into the kitchen showing how much bigger the space looks! These next few pictures show a very large island in the center of the room. The client previously had a table just off the kitchen where they would eat less formal meals. We removed that table and made room for this island that serves many purposes – storage from both sides of the island, eating spot, food prep space, and location for the cooktop. The next two pictures show a wall oven with a microwave on top of the oven. It is a great idea to put the microwave in a cabinet to clear space on the countertop. We were also able to give them prep space on the right side of the oven and microwave. The picture below shows the huge amount of space on the sink side of the kitchen. As you can see, redesigning this kitchen created much more usable storage and work prep space than the previous kitchen. This picture shows another project we tackled while we remodeled the kitchen. We removed the “half wall” on the sides of the stairwell and installed new newel posts and wrought iron balusters. This continued to help with the open concept feel our client was trying to achieve. These pictures show the updated flooring as well. We removed the existing flooring, installed a new underlayment and installed a groutable Luxury Vinyl Tile. This tile looks just a ceramic or porcelain tile that we’re used to seeing in Wichita, KS, but the labor cost to install is less than traditional ceramic tile, it is softer and warmer on your feet. We applied a specialty grout in between the tiles to finish the authentic look. Click here to see some of the other kitchens we’ve completed!