*Petaluma Construction* Remodel Contractors and Home Remodelers "Marin County" Santa Rosa
sticksandstonesconstr.com Petaluma Construction contractors, Stick and Stones Construction specialize in kitchen remodels, bath remodels, new home construction, home makeovers and remodeling in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, all throughout Sonoma County and Marin County, California. http

By: Bill Lage

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*Petaluma Construction* Remodel Contractors and Home Remodelers "Marin County" Santa Rosa - Video

Thursday, February 21st, 2013 Issue 08, Volume 17.

Fallbrook Bath & Kitchen Co, Inc. has been remodeling homes locally for 10 years and owner Tony Raia takes pride in the companys top-notch craftsmanship and impeccable service.

As a general contractor with a business previously located in Laguna Niguel, Raia relocated his home and business in 2003, after he and his wife Carol ended up liking the atmosphere of Fallbrook.

Remodeling a "working" room, such as a kitchen or bath, definitely brings some adjustments while the project is being completed. Since kitchen and bath remodels usually take Raia four weeks to accomplish, he tries to help alleviate the inconveniences of the temporary absence of the facilities. He has sometimes provided a temporary sink while the countertops are being installed, in consideration of his clients.

Organization and planning are crucial to a successful remodel. Raia said he will not start the project until the cabinets are "en route," and the other materials have been obtained. Raia also prides himself on trying to keep the workspace as clean as possible, since remodeling can create dust.

Fallbrook Bath & Kitchen is a general contracting firm, and therefore rarely needs to use subcontractors. From the project design phase, through the installation phase, Raias company provides plumbing, electrical, carpentry, tile and stonework, as well as cabinet installation, lighting, and refinishing. There are certain items that Raia insists be constructed a specific way, such as a shower pan. Raia says that he does not use prefabricated pans or fiberglass tubs, and has a certain standard for other elements in the bath as well. Instead of installing "greenboard" or "Hardibacker," he uses a specific method that involves cement, which is widely used in Europe and by other meticulous contractors in the industry.

"We like to work on bathrooms that end Advertisement [ Pala Mesa Resort ] up looking like spa-baths." said Raia.

When asked about his relationships with clients, Raia said, "You must treat people in the right way. They have invited you into their home. Every prospective client that I meet, I ask to call my referral list."

Whether returning a call, writing up an estimate, or arriving at the jobsite, punctuality is very important to Raia. Many of his clients end up contacting him for other projects such as windows, doors, flooring, entertainment centers, and fireplace makeovers.

Fallbrook Bath & Kitchen is in the process of a transition, with Raia planning on handing over the reins to his son-in-law, Matthew Bellafaire. Bellafaire has worked with Raia for 13 years, and has now become a partner in Raias business.

Excerpt from:
Fallbrook Bath & Kitchen: quality craftsmanship, efficient project management

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has released the top 10 kitchen and bath design trends to watch out for in the coming year. The annual design trends survey witnessed participation from over 300 American and Canadian member-designers, who reported the materials, product types, and design styles they specified over the final three months of 2012.

"As members of the NKBA, the kitchen and bath industry's foremost professional association, our designers demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in kitchen and bath design," said John Morgan, 2013 NKBA president. "They excel in evaluating homeowners' specific needs and creating designs that inspire. It will be interesting to discover the trends that emerge from the rich experience of these creative, talented individuals."

The overall design trends identified for 2012 included gray color schemes in both kitchens and baths. Used currently in 55 percent of kitchens and 55 percent of bathrooms, gray tones have escalated since 2010 and over the past year.

Continuing a previous trend, transitional-style kitchens and baths have surpassed traditional styles, a longstanding favorite until 2012. While the use of quartz finishes was in slight decline last year, it has surfaced as a trendsetter this year second only to granite.

The survey showed no growth in consumer outlays. According to the latest report, homeowners were spending more on their kitchen and bath remodels a year ago. The total cost of the average kitchen and of the average bath design in 2012 was $51,050 and $18,575, respectively, but the most recent figures have dipped to $47,308 in kitchens, while staying steady at $18,538 in bathrooms.

A few of the other top trending design components include white painted cabinetry, glass backsplashes, LED lighting, touch-activated faucets and satin-nickel finishes in kitchens; and ceramic/porcelain tiles and undermount sinks in bathrooms.

For further details, download the full 2013 NKBA Kitchen and Bath Style Report here.

Pictured: Alno's AlnoStar Cera kitchen

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NKBA Reveals Top 10 Industry Trends for 2013

The kitchen range is one of the most versatile and oft-used appliances in the kitchen, but with trends moving toward big, professional quality kitchen appliances it can be hard to know what features are important for every-day home cooking. HomeThangs.com suggests a few tips to make the decision a little easier.

(PRWEB) February 27, 2013

The kitchen range is one of the most versatile and oft-used appliances in the kitchen. But with trends moving toward big, professional quality kitchen appliances it can be hard to know what features are important for every-day home cooking. HomeThangs.com suggests a few tips to make the decision a little easier.

1. High Powered Gas Ranges.

Serious cooks and chefs of all skill levels agree that gas ranges offer superior power, responsiveness, and heating time compared with electric burners. Gas burners are the first feature to look for, both in conventional and luxury or professional quality kitchen ranges. For more advanced cooks, gas burners with two rings of flame offer a wider range of possible temperatures and are more energy efficient, while sealed burners are easier to clean than conventional models.

2. Cookware.

If its at all possible, comparing the size of the burners on a prospective kitchen range against the size of the most-used cookware can definitely improve the purchasing process. Both skillets and burners are theoretically standard sized, but how well certain pans sit on certain cooktops can vary quite a bit. To get the best results, it is important to ensure that each pan sits flat on the burner and covers it completely.

3. Accessories.

More than ever, these days kitchen ranges are being designed to be multi-taskers. With grills, griddle plates, wok rings and more that can be added to the cooktop, as well as rotisseries and multi-function ovens, many modern luxury kitchen ranges can do a whole lot more than just heat and bake. To help eliminate extraneous appliances and maximize the utility of the kitchen range, it is important to make a point to see which features, if any, each specific range includes.

4. Oven Capacity Isnt Everything.

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HomeThangs.com Introduces a Tip Sheet to Choosing a New Kitchen Range

A Florida-based home improvement company has started a national campaign that promises to help anyone beautify their kitchen in 7-10 days. This is especially important during the fast moving, real estate market rebound.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) February 26, 2013

Everyone deserves to have a nice kitchen, but often times it takes weeks or months for most people to get their kitchen looking like they really want it to look, said a spokesman for KitchenOnCleanrance.com, a leading Ready-To-Assemble cabinet and home improvement company, which ships everywhere within the United States, the Caribbean Islands and Canada. Well get your new kitchen in 7-10 business days.

The offering of KitchenOnCleanrance.com, which is an accredited Better Business Bureau business, could prove to have perfect timing.

According to a Remodelers 360 study, a study conducted every other year since 2008, minor kitchen remodels return 78 percent of their cost when the home is sold, major remodels return 73 percent and upscale projects return 63 percent.

In addition, the 70-page report, which delivers insights to how U.S. consumers are using their kitchens, their design preferences, plans for remodeling, and their remodeling experiences, said about 30 percent of homeowners who spent more than $2,500 on kitchen remodeling enlisted the help of a designer.

When it comes to designs, we have one of the most diverse kitchen design options anywhere in the world, so we can defiantly help anyone with whatever they envision, the company spokesman stressed, before adding, We sell high quality, solid wood discounted kitchen cabinets online and are able to do this because of our large distribution.

As for those who are in need or want to renovate their kitchen, but are on a tight budget, the company spokesman noted that a variety of options are available.

One of the best ways to reduce the overall cost of your kitchen renovation is by choosing ready to assemble cabinets and doing some of the work yourself, the spokesman pointed out. This will ensure that you have plenty of money left in your budget for any other parts of your kitchen that need updating. If you dont want to do that, we also offer six months of financing interest free.

As to why anyone should let KitchenOnClearance.com provide them with a new kitchen in 7-10 days, the company spokesman said, We have been selling affordable kitchen cabinets online for over 7 years, so if you are looking for kitchen cabinets on sale, ready to assemble kitchen cabinets, RTA kitchen cabinets, and even wholesale kitchen cabinets, then were the perfect place.

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KitchenOnClearance.com Gives Customers the Kitchens of their Dreams in 7-10 Days

Whitetail Construction and Services website describes their services which include remodels, additions, siding, windows and doors, painting, flooring, and much more.

Erie, PA (PRWEB) February 26, 2013

With the average home in Erie being 33 years old and more homeowners deciding to stay in their current homes due to the economy, remodeling projects have continued at a steady pace. Whitetail Construction and Services is excited to launch their new website http://www.eriegeneralcontractor.com/ to reach more homeowners looking to renovate, expand, or update their homes. To celebrate, they are offering $500 off any complete kitchen or bath remodel.

The website describes this family-owned business that combines good old-fashioned family values, exceptional customer service, and an exemplary work ethic with modern construction techniques. We like to do the job right the first time, says owner Chris Jones. We have an old-fashioned pride of workmanship. You wont hear any swearing and we treat our customers like family.

Kitchen remodels remain popular in Erie as homeowners incorporate new trends in 2013 that include simplicity, uncluttered looks, natural materials, and energy efficiency. In addition to improved aesthetics and functionality, kitchen remodels also hold reasonable resale value. Whitetail Construction can help change a kitchen from an obstacle course to an organized work place with warmth, style, comfort, and efficiency.

Bathroom remodeling can be an overwhelming process for homeowners. With everything from demolition and plumbing to choosing faucets and tile patterns, its easy to get lost in the project. Fortunately, Whitetail Construction has the expertise to help homeowners transform an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing retreat while improving its style and function.

When a house is undersized or lacks vital amenities, such as a master suite, family room, or spacious kitchen, many homeowners decide to boost their homes value and extend its square footage with a room addition. Whitetail Construction can help maximize a homeowners investment by helping clients choose the perfect materials and details to enhance a homes value and character.

In addition to the services listed above, this company also provides new construction, commercial remodeling, siding, gutters, windows and doors, painting, flooring, construction management, landscaping, and much more. To learn more about this company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, please visit their new website http://www.eriegeneralcontractor.com/.

About Whitetail Construction and Services, Inc.

Whitetail Constructions attention to detail, focus on customer service, and good old fashioned family values has quickly earned them a reputation as one of the top remodeling companies in the Erie Pennsylvania area. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company prides themselves on their unmatched workmanship and doing the job right the first time. Their wide range of services includes residential and commercial remodeling, kitchen and bath remodels, additions, new construction, siding, gutters, windows and doors, painting, flooring, construction management, landscaping, and more. Whitetail Construction serves Erie and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Jamestown, New York and the surrounding areas.

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Erie Remodeling Company Launches New Website and in Celebration Offers $500 off all Complete Kitchen and Bath Remodels

Single-Family Home - Agawam, MA 01001 Real Estate 56 Emerson
Single-Family Home - Agawam, MA 01001 Real Estate 56 Emerson Well cared for 3 Bedroom Ranch with 2 car garage in nice neighborhood on almost 1/2 acre. Some features include lots of hardwood flooring, vinly siding, replacement windows, large walk up attic and 3 season room. Gas is available on this street. All showings deferred until open house Sun March 3rd 1-3. Park Square Realty 413-789-9830 parksquarerealty@gmail.com For more information on this property go here: http://www.parksquarerealtyblog.com

By: ParkSquareRealty

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Single-Family Home - Agawam, MA 01001 Real Estate 56 Emerson - Video

Blog posts provide practical home improvement information for homeowners without the usual heavy-handed sales pitch.

Macedonia, OH (PRWEB) February 25, 2013

Our goal is to make our blog truly informative to our customers and to anyone who visits our website, said Melissa Skinner, Director of Marketing for Great Day Improvements, LLC. Skinner oversees marketing for the companys primary brands Patio Enclosures, Softwall Finishing Systems and Stanek Windows. Of course, we want potential customers to see our products and services, but the point of these posts is to provide useful information in a way that is easy to understand.

The website also includes informational DIY videos. The first is called How to Insulate your Garage Door and features Skinner herself providing a thorough demonstration on how to accomplish this home improvement task.

The first six blog posts that launched with the new website are geared towards lawn maintenance, hardscaping, energy efficiency, DIY considerations and home security:

When to Aerate Your Lawn: This blog post demystifies the confusion about when to aerate your lawn by separating cool from warm weather grasses. The post also includes handy tips for proper aeration.

When to Plant Grass Seed in Your State: This in-depth blog post is chock full of information to help homeowners avoid the most common mistakes and setbacks when planting grass seed. It discusses the differences between grass varieties and what is required to successfully grow grass in each climate zone. Theres also a helpful zonal map and tips on proper watering, weather considerations, how to prepare the soil and germination times.

Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveways: This post should be required reading for anyone installing a paved driveway for the first time. It breaks down the differences as well as the pros and cons between choosing an asphalt or concrete driveway. It raises important considerations such as regional climate, maintenance, and the cost of each option. It reminds homeowners to check local regulations before contracting the job. A user-friendly chart that lets you see the differences between asphalt and concrete in regards to cost, durability, weathering, longevity, maintenance, etc. is also included.

Benefits of Low E & Argon Gas in Windows: This post discusses the environmental and cost benefits of opting for Low E and Argon gas multi-pane windows over single pane. It discusses how these windows reduce the passage of cool or warm air, thereby making your home more energy efficient and less costly with regards to utility bills. It also explains how the concept of solar gain affects a windows performance.

DIY Home Renovation Realities: Why it could Pay to Hire a Professional: A realistic, yet comical look at the potential pitfalls awaiting an unprepared DIY enthusiast, this charming post serves up practical advice on how to determine whether a homeowner should attempt a renovation or call in the pros. It drives home the point that its often cheaper (and safer) to hire a pro from the start, especially since many homeowners underestimate how much time will be needed to complete a job and have no idea how to handle unexpected repairs or upgrades that may be required as the job progresses.

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Great Day Improvements Goes Beyond the Expected With New Home Improvement Blog Series

Mark Clement, contractor and co-host of the national home improvement radio show MyFixitUpLife, identifies a variety of newly-developed tips for homeowners looking at 2013 Springtime home improvement projects. From his recent contracting experiences, Clement offers new insights on knowing when its time to replace key products on the home including the roof, windows, entry doors and trim.

Ambler, PA (PRWEB) February 25, 2013

The first thing any homeowner needs to understand is that every element of your homes exterior, from the top of the roof down to the front entry door, will eventually need to be replaced, says Clement, a professional contractor in Pennsylvania. The key is to know when the time is right to invest in new products for your home. This means an ongoing evaluation of your homes current products, researching new product options and contacting professionals for support.

Clement points out that replacing older products with newer, more energy efficient and longer-lasting products is a sound investment for homeowners. We have a 100-year-old home and just replaced the original decaying wood door with a Therma-Tru fiberglass door and trimmed it out with long-lasting PVC millwork from Fypon, says Clement. We also replaced older windows with ENERGY STAR qualified vinyl windows from Simonton Windows and added a new polymer slate roof from DaVinci Roofscapes. These are all man-made products that add more life to our house. Plus, were saving more on our daily energy bills because of the incredible features of these products.

Another important aspect to consider when it does become time to replace key products on the homes exterior is to look at upgrading and taking advantage of newer, more aesthetically pleasing products that are on the market. Thats what we did with the high-performance, low-maintenance products we selected. Our product choices not only make our home more livable right now, but also more add value to the home and make it more sellable when it comes time for us to put the house on the market.

Tips for Evaluating Your Roof

1.Using either a ladder or binoculars from across the street, look for problem areas, such as missing or broken shingles, along with roofing tiles that may be flapping in the wind. These are all indications that a new roof may be in your future.

2.Check the sides of your roof. The southern exposure weathers significantly faster than the other sides of the roof, so make sure to carefully examine this area. Also, shallower pitches weather faster than steeper pitches. So again, if your roof has a shallow pitch --- like a shed dormer --- make certain you can clearly see it to get a true indication of the condition of your roof.

3.If you have a real cedar roof, consider your geographic location. Many West Coast homeowners are proactively replacing these wooden roofs with fire- and impact-resistant polymer shake roofs. Along with helping protect the home from potential wildfires, these roofs oftentimes come with a homeowner insurance discount.

Tips for Assessing Your Windows

Link:
New Insights on Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Products on Your Home

Highlights from the Batavia City School District (BCSD) Board of Education meeting on Feb. 26 include news and updates about the following:

Preliminary Budget Update

Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey and Business Administrator Scott Rozanski have met with the Budget Ambassadors and are reviewing the ambassadors budget surveys. Those suggestions and comments will be brought into consideration as work on the Proposed Budget for the 2013-2014 school year continues.

Before the process began, the board of education had directed Dailey and Rozanski to contain any budget increases to no more than a 2 percent. Preliminary figures presented by Dailey indicate that a rollover budget -- one that maintains but does not add any new expenditures - would result in a 4.26-percent increase to the budget and a consequent 6.11-percent increase in the tax levy.

Furthermore, the superintendent noted that the calculation for our districts Property Tax Cap Levy* equals a limit to a 5.51-percent increase (*As has been widely reported, the Property Tax Cap Levy, popularly called the 2-percent tax cap, is actually calculated by using the states eight-step formula, then adding items that the state has identified as exempt from the restriction. If a districts proposed budget falls at or below this calculated limit, passage of its budget requires 50 percent voter approval. If a proposal exceeds the calculated limit, passage requires 60 percent voter approval. )

In order to get to a flat 2 percent tax levy increase, nearly $750,000 needs to be reduced from the preliminary budget, or, to close the gap between the 2 percent goal and the allowable threshold, nearly $638,000 needs to be cut.

Dailey and Rozanski will continue to process the ambassadors comments as well as all the updated figures for such things as retirements and state aid and will report to the board as progress is made toward the final budget proposal.

Legislative Updates & Promoting Local Involvement

Superintendent Dailey reported that the Genesee Valley School Boards Association Advocacy Forum and Legislative Breakfast was well attended by regional school officials and students, including several from our district.

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Proposed budget and capital project, plus a call for legislation topics of Batavia school board meeting