Posted by Greg Spears on Fri, Feb 03, 2012 @ 07:37 AM
Have a clear vision of the finished product before you begin.
Written by
Virginia Switzer, senior editor of HGTVRemodels.com
Planning a remodel is a big commitment that requires extensive research and resources. What can be a difficult, frustrating process doesn’t have to be. Save yourself some serious headaches by seeing a remodel from a contractor’s perspective. When it comes down to it, a good client is an educated one. Get to know these five things courtesy of the contractor:
Posted by Greg Spears on Sat, Jan 28, 2012 @ 03:09 PM
U-shaped kitchen
- would offer the most storage and counterspace.You could use as a two cook kitchen.
- it will typically have cabinets on three walls.
- Sink, range and refridgerator would be on two walls, and one wall of cabinets is typically storage and prep.
- with or without and island in the middle.
L-Shaped Kitchen 
- Cabinets and countertops on two walls
- You could have an island, just make sure it does not interfere with the flow, or work triangle.
- If you entertain while cooking, make sure your layout will provide for this.
Galley Kitchen
- Cabinets and countertops on parallel walls forming a walkway through the middle.
- Usually sink is across from the stove.
- The main draw back is traffic flow. It can be difficult for more than one person in the room.
Posted by Greg Spears on Fri, Dec 30, 2011 @ 08:36 AM
Did you know that as of Jan 1. 2012, you would no longer be able to purchase 100w incandescent light bulbs. The plan was to be for 75w to be replaced in 2013, and 60w and less in 2014.
There has been a temporary hold, according to a post from CNN, on this until at least September of 2012, so you can still continue to purchase these bulbs. These are mainly used in garages, basements, anywhere you would need to light a large area with a single bulb.
The purpose of this was to use a more effiecient compact flourescent bulb (CFL) or LED. These bulbs typically cost a little more, however save on the energy costs.
Posted by Greg Spears on Fri, Dec 23, 2011 @ 12:57 PM
Sometimes when we are adding a room addtion to the back of house, getting the materials there can be a challenge. If you are considering a project like this, ask your contractor to consider using a concrete pump. This is one way we help to minimize the damage to the yard. We pump the concrete from the street to the back yard. This elimantes the trips by a skid loader or worse yet, the wheel barrow. It is quick and efficient. The flow is operated by a remote control, since the truck is in the front yard and we are in the back.
We are always looking for topics to write about. If you have a topic you would like to know more about, please contact us.
Posted by Greg Spears on Fri, Dec 16, 2011 @ 03:28 PM
Fiberglass batt-This is the most common and easiest to install. This does not require any special equipment besides gloves and standard dust mask. It does let the most air through it. If you are doing a small kitchen or bathroom remodel, you will probably remove the existing. It would not be a bad idea to spend a little extra to the walls spray foamed.
Spray foam is a great air sealant. It is similar to the material you buy in the can at the store. This is the most costly, however used in the right areas, it will make you feel more comfortable. Have you ever put your hand in your kitchen cabinet on the exterior wall? Was it cold? That is in part from the air leakage through the wall with typical fiberglass insulation.
Cellulose insulation is a good insulation to use. If you have a new home addition, and the contractor is insualting this area, have them look at the rest of your house to make sure it is ventilated properly, and that there is enough insulation while they are in the attic. If you are going to do this yourself you can rent the machine from most home stores. It is in the middle as far as the amount of air that passes through.
We are always looking for topics to write about. If you have a topic you would like to know more about, let us know.
Posted by Greg Spears on Mon, Dec 12, 2011 @ 07:08 PM
This is a house room addition recently completed. We managed to get the sod in before the winter arrived. We added a 12' x 15' room keeping the walls and roof consitant with the rest of the house. The windows in the room do let in the natural light. The walls are insulated with closed cell insulation.
Posted by Greg Spears on Tue, Nov 29, 2011 @ 11:53 AM
With multi-generational households on the rise, per AARP . "In-Law" suite is becoming a popular for family members to be able to stay close, while still meeting the needs for the extended family. It can be a cost effective way vs. building a new structure. These are self contained living areas that typically have a general room, kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom. Done right they can keep the design integrity of the existing house.
Design can be tailored to fit the need. Is it a convienance, relocation of a job, or health? Typically they are added onto the house, in some cases you cases, they can be designed along with a garage addition so that there is indoor parking with protection from the elements. You should be able to recoup approximentely 50% of your cost on resale, however what is the value on having enjoying the space?
We would like to hear from you. We are a full service remodeling company servicing DeKalb, Kane, and Kendall counties. If you have a topic you would like our input on, please contact us. ing your extended family close by? That's your call.
Posted by Greg Spears on Thu, Nov 17, 2011 @ 02:49 PM
Do you wonder " how much will my .... project cost?", or "if I do this, will it help the resale value?".
According to the Remodeling 2011–12 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com) there are some projects that have increased slightly on the ROI. Now, there are some projects that by doing you will gain more than just the $$.
For example, if your windows are blowing the curtains so you have to move to see the TV, by replacing these, you will also gain a comfort level in you r house. You may want to not do a full blown kitchen remodel. You may like your flooring and decide maybe to replace your countertops and appliances, add some lighting, and paint the walls.
I hear all the time, "a few years ago, it was a good value to do this project, now it is not worth doing." Depending on what the project is, there are a a lot of way to define value. Comfortability, energy effieciency, safety, are just a few. Contact us if can be of help with your project.
Posted by Greg Spears on Tue, Nov 15, 2011 @ 03:54 PM
Is your room such as a bathroom, with ceramic tile cold?
Have you ever heard of radiant floor heat? Before you install new ceramic tile, consider installing electric floor heat. One company, Warmly Yours, uses a 24 hour programable thermostat that can be set to your schedule. There are also other options for your 3 season room or kitchen. It is not limited to tile, it can be installed under carpet or other flooring. It is a energy efficient way to get that extra comfort level without spending a fortune. Depending on floor area to cover it can usually operate off of 110v.
Posted by Greg Spears on Fri, Nov 11, 2011 @ 07:55 AM
Thank you to all of our Veterans for all you have done and sacrificed to protect our Country!
November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day - the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislature that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.' As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veteran
s.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the last Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971.
Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on November 11.
For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the VA website.
Veterans Day 2011 - Freedom Isn't Free