It is not uncommon to think about remodeling your home for years before taking any action. Once you have decided to actually do something, however, it is human nature to want it now. The fact of the matter is there are specific phases in this process. They are sequential, and none should be skipped!

These phases are programming (determining what needs to be done), schematic design (big picture issues), design development (filling in the details), construction documents, estimating/bidding and construction observation.

With each step of the process there are some things you can do to streamline your project.

For example, our client Jo Smith finished her smaller remodeling project in a relatively short eight-month period. The first thing she did was consult an architect. Our architect started seeing other possibilities for the house that we couldn't even imagine," she said. "She created three possibilities for the house, and we took bits and pieces that we liked from each."

This initial design phase usually takes four to six weeks. This includes meeting with your architect to discuss goals, time for the architect to design several options, meeting again to discuss options and budget, and time for you to decide which plan (or combination of plans) you want to use.

Once the final design is determined, the construction drawings must be executed, both for municipal officials to issue a building permit and for contractors to use to determine the cost of the project and to actually build it. In addition to construction drawings, specifications must be prepared. This involves specifying the materials and finishes for the project, such as windows, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring, etc.

Depending on the size of the project, completing the plans and specifications averages eight to 12 weeks. Obviously, decisive clients like the Smiths can move through the design and specification phase more quickly than some other clients.

The construction documents must then be submitted to the city for review in order to obtain a building permit. The time required for this step depends on the municipality. Generally speaking, allow two to eight weeks for the review process and another one to two weeks for submitting any changes or additional information they may require. With a building permit in hand, you can legally begin construction.

Choosing a contractor is a critical step in the remodeling process. We recommend you interview several contractors, review previous projects and references, and see when your project would fit into their schedule. Contractors need your completed plans and specifications before they can compile a comprehensive budget or bid for your project.

There are two general approaches to working with a contractor on a residential project. The first is the traditional method known as design/bid/build. In this case, the construction documents (plans and specifications) are completed and then submitted to about three different contractors for bids on the job. This process can go on concurrently while your plans are being reviewed by the city. Allow at least two to three weeks for the contractor to prepare a bid and a week or two to analyze the bids and make your selection. The advantage of this process is being able to compare several bids that were prepared in competitive circumstances. The disadvantage is that often the bids come in high, which requires a delay in the schedule to redesign, additional design fees, and general disappointment that the scope must be reduced.

Original post:
Remodeling? How long the process should take, tips to speed it up

St. James, New York (PRWEB) February 01, 2014

Squeaky Clean Property Solutions, the premier provider of exterior cleaning services for residential and commercial structures for the entire Long Island community, is pleased to announce the launch of their new website at http://www.squeakycleanli.com/.

Established over 10 years ago, Squeaky Clean Property Solutions has been helping home and business owners maintain the exteriors of their structures offering cleaning services that not only make homes and businesses look visually appealing but also helps to maintain the health and longevity of the buildings as well. Just like the exteriors of the vehicles we use every day, components that make up the exteriors of the structures that house families and businesses must be kept in good working order to ensure the building integrity but also to prevent unnecessary repair expenditures that can affect the bottom line of families and businesses alike. Squeaky Clean Property Solutions offers services such as power washing, gutter maintenance, deck washing, restoration and roof cleaning on Long Island to name a few.

The teams at Squeaky Clean Property Solutions had made initial forays into the digital marketing world with basic websites but were never pleased with the design. As the world has become more digital centric, they realized that they needed a web presence that presented the basics of the services they provided as well as serving as a portal by which new customers could find their company and learn about their extensive history. Simultaneously, they wanted a website that presented their corporate personality in a clean and welcoming fashion. Working with ALogoCo, a Miami,FL-based web and graphic design firm with extensive experience serving companies along the entire east coast of the United States, the new website was conceived with the goal of it being an inviting web presence. The clean design and visitor-friendly navigation combined with a digital representation of the relaxed corporate personality of Squeaky Clean Property Solutions was exactly what the company was looking for.

Squeaky Clean Property Solutions, specialists in cleaning the exteriors of both residential and commercial structures, provides their services to the entire Long Island Community from their headquarters in Saint James. With over 10 years experience, they have amassed a loyal and satisfied customer base that has grown steadily each year. Using state of the art equipment and the most modern processes, they provide services such as exterior power washing, gutter maintenance, roof stain removal and deck washing & restoration to name a few. Fully licensed and insured, they provide quick and courteous service to residential and commercial customers with along with free, no-obligation detailed estimates before the work is started. Squeak Clean Property Solutions can be found on the web or they can be reached by phone at 631.387.2156.

Continue reading here:
Long Island Roof Cleaning Company, Squeaky Clean Property Solutions Proudly Announce the Launch of New Website at ...

Albany, NY (PRWEB) February 01, 2014

I.T. Services (Global) - Industry Report

I.T. Services (Global) Analysis provides a detailed overview of the I.T. Services (Global) market and delivers a comprehensive individual analysis on the top 350 companies, including VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC, TELE NORTE LESTE PARTICIPACOES S.A. and LIBERTY GLOBAL, INC..

Browse Full Report With TOC: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis-details/it-services-global-industry-report

This report includes a wealth of information on the financial trends over the past four years. Plimsoll Publishings latest I.T. Services (Global) analysis is ideal for anyone wanting to:

Using Plimsolls exclusive methodology, a quick glance of this I.T. Services (Global) report will tell you that 84 companies have a declining Plimsoll financial rating, while 61 have shown good sales growth.

Each of the largest 350 companies is meticulously scrutinised in a one-page individual assessment and is analysed using the most up-to-date and current financial data.

Every business is examined on the following features:

Subsequently, you will receive a thorough market analysis highlighting the latest changes in the I.T. Services (Global) market.

To Get Download Full Report with TOC: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/182639

Continue reading here:
Global I.T. Services Companies and Technologies Market Research Report: Worldwide Industry Share, Investment Trends ...

Porches. - "Skinny Trees"
"Skinny Trees" by Porches. from #39;Slow Dance in the Cosmos #39; released on Exploding in Sound Records. Order the album here: http://porchesmusic.bandcamp.com/alb...

By: explodinginsound

Originally posted here:
Porches. - "Skinny Trees" - Video

Porches. - "Intimate"
"Intimate" by Porches. from #39;Slow Dance in the Cosmos #39; released on Exploding in Sound Records. Order the album here: http://porchesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/s...

By: explodinginsound

Read the rest here:
Porches. - "Intimate" - Video

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (PRWEB) January 31, 2014

Old Palm Golf Club the premier private and exclusive residential community in the Palm Beaches announces the first phase of its new Isle Estates neighborhood is nearing completion.

Four model homes, ranging from nearly 5,100 to more than 5,500 sq. ft. under air, are scheduled to open for touring in early March. Each is beautifully sited on a one-third acre home site overlooking one of Old Palms largest lakes and the spectacular Raymond Floyd-designed golf course. To extend views even farther, the parcels are slightly elevated.

Of the 33 planned home sites, 22 will be included in the first release. Home prices will be set in the coming weeks, but are anticipated to range from $2 to $3 million.

Isle Estates is a completely unique concept within Old Palm, says Connie McGinnis, director of sales. The neighborhood looks and feels coastal; so much so that you might think you were in the British West Indies or an exclusive enclave on Palm Beach.

Acclaimed independent builders Courchene Development Corp. (the Hamilton and St. James models) and Hasey Construction (the Bonair and Belize models) constructed the first four homes.

Named for the capital of Bermuda, Courchenes Hamilton reflects the traditional tropical style of the British-influenced island. Its one-story layout encompasses 5,080 sq. ft. under air and features four bedrooms, five full and one half-bath, a great room and media room, and a three-car garage. Interiors are crafted by Insignia Design.

Its a clean, refreshing design thats very open and airy, says Paul Courchene, president and partner of Courchene Development Corp. Oversized 12-foot-high motorized pocket doors open to the outside and lead to a free-form swimming pool.

Courchenes other model, the 5,129 sq. ft. under air St. James, is also a one-story residence with four bedrooms, five full and one half-bath, and a media room set away from the spacious living and family rooms. Inspired by the British West Indies, the St. James features a transitional interior by Insignia Design that takes advantage of the models abundance of natural light. It also offers a three-car garage.

Hasey Constructions two-story, 5,275 sq. ft. under air Bonair showcases four bedrooms and five full and two half-baths. Its traditional great room plan includes a club room, theater and loft. Rogers Design Group created the interiors using light colors that imbue the space with an alluring informality. The model also features a three-car garage.

See original here:
New Isle Estates Neighborhood Coming Soon to Old Palm Golf Club

log home restoration NEW AGE GLASS MEDIA BLASTING UTAH WASHINGTON ARIZONA IDAHO
http://www.wildwoodloghomerestoration.net wildwoodloghome@gmail.com 425-971-1713 425-971-1713 AFFORDABLE Our company is a full service restoration co that prides it...

By: christo free

Read the original post:
log home restoration NEW AGE GLASS MEDIA BLASTING UTAH WASHINGTON ARIZONA IDAHO - Video

(PRWEB) February 01, 2014

When it comes to motion and position applications, particularly in harsh environments, your encoders are subjected to extreme shock, vibrations and demanding environmental conditions. Often these harsh environments result in an increase in operating expenses from production downtime, and encoder repair or replacement. Reducing encoder failures is possible by choosing durable protective housings for compact encoders that have been designed to endure extreme environments.

Heavy duty encoders are available with extremely robust housings made of aluminum or stainless steel and can be equipped with heating and cooling options if your application demands it. Oxidation buildup and corrosion can cause rotary encoder shafts and bearings to seize up and make removal a nightmare. Our stainless steel housings offer protection in caustic environments.

Ambient temperature fluctuations as well as encoder warm-up and cool down cycles can create a vacuum effect; consequently, drawing moist air into the encoder and causing remature failure. TR has successfully developed a Seal Pack option that provides hermetically sealed and pressure fit protection against ingress of water, mist, rolling fluids and vapour due to changing temperature cycles.

When selecting a TR heavy-duty encoder for your application, it is important to consider the different product specifications to increase reliability and guarantee the continuing success of your industry. TR heavy-duty encoders can have different IP protection ratings, as well as different settings designed to withstand shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. The right choice of heavy-duty encoder parameters will guarantee the best performance for your application. For example: Extreme dust loading, heat and mechanical stress found in every steel mill have a great toll on your encoders. Also the continuous cold and hot rolling mills can cause unexpected downtime with increase in operating expenses. TR Electronic robust heavy-duty encoders are failure free, and extremely reliable for speed measurement for the steel industry.

For additional information on TR's motion solutions or to speak with any member of their Customer Care Team, please call 1-800-265-9483, visit TR Electronic on-line at http://www.trelectronic.com or e-mail customercare(at)trelectronic(dot)com.

For a press kit or media contact, please contact:

Alejandra Valencia Marketing Specialist TR Electronic North America (519) 452-1999 avalencia(at)trelectronic(dot)com

Matthew Scott, P.Eng, MBA, CMA Director of Operations and Strategic Development TR Electronic North America (519) 452-1999 mscott(at)trelectronic(dot)com

Read this article:
Heavy Duty Encoders from TR Electronic

PARKERSBURG - The 2014 Great American Home Show kicked off Friday in Parkersburg, offering area residents a chance to view different types of products and services for potential home improvement projects in the spring.

The home show continues today from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. at the former Big Bear in the Park Shopping Center. Admission is $3 for adults, $5 for couples and free for children.

John Farnsworth, executive director of the Home Builders Association of the Mid-Ohio Valley, which sponsors the home show, said the weekend event got off to a good start Friday with vendor participation and public attendance.

Donald Stephens, left, of Ravenswood and Dick Poole, with Jefferds Corp., examine a piece of equipment available from Jefferds on Friday during the 2014 Great American Home Show in Parkersburg. (Photo by Wayne Towner)

Jack Sayer, event coordinator for Bath Fitter, displays some of the products his company was showing to potential customers Friday at the 2014 Great American Home Show in Parkersburg. (Photo by Wayne Towner)

A total of 70 vendors and 20 crafters signed up for this year's event, with some vendors taking up multiple spaces. Farnsworth said he had only two unfilled booth spaces for this year's event, which is a good turnout.

"So far it's been real brisk," he said Friday evening. "If (today's) weather is like (Friday), we'll have a good turnout."

The home show generally features builders, remodelers, landscapers, heating-and-cooling experts, kitchen-and-bath specialists, foundation repair, patio builders, pavement companies, carpet services, energy-efficient windows and doors, home security, home design, fencing, insulation products, satellite television, and lawn and garden equipment.

Robert and Linda Cale of Belpre were among the visitors going from booth to booth Friday evening, checking out what was available in terms of products and services.

Robert Cale said the couple recently moved into a new home and didn't yet need many of the services featured Friday, but said they have been coming to the home show for years and like checking out what is new and interesting. Past visits have helped with projects on previous homes the Cales have owned, such as windows and siding.

Follow this link:
Great American Home Show begins

NEW CUMBERLAND-With security, heating and cooling improvements to Hancock County Courthouse completed, county officials are turning their attention to a new roof for the courthouse annex.

In January, the county was awarded a $97,600 grant from the West Virginia Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority (WVCFIA) to replace the roof, insulation and coping on the 1968 annex.

Hancock County commissioners expect to receive official word of the award from WVCFIA Executive Director Melissa Garretson Smith on Thursday. The grant comes at an opportune time for commissioners, who are overseeing a series of capital improvements to the aging courthouse.

"It's great news," Commissioner Dan Greathouse said.

Before the roofing work can begin, however, commissioners likely will have to solicit bids for an architect to do design work, said Robert Vidas, executive director of the county's Office of Technology and Communications.

Vidas said workers from Kell's Heating & Air Conditioning, of Chester, recently completed work on the courthouse's heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. The project cost came in over the original Kell's bid of $58,320, he said.

The HVAC systems in the old stone courthouse, which dates back to the 1920s, were in need of upgrading because of their age and high maintenance costs. The new system will make heating and cooling more efficient for the section of the courthouse that houses Circuit Court Judge Martin Gaughan's courtroom, the assessor's office and clerk's office, Vidas said.

The county courthouse is actually a two-building complex that includes a three-story annex, completed in 1968, that is connected to the old section via a walkway.

An architectural assessment of the courthouse done by Silling Associates, of Charleston, in 2012 included a recommendation that the HVAC system be overhauled. Commissioners also are addressing other suggested improvements contained in the Silling report, Vidas said.

Probably the most visible improvement is the recent completion of a new security system for the newly-redesigned courthouse entrance. Starting Monday, courthouse visitors will have to submit to metal detector screening before they can enter the building.

Go here to read the rest:
State grant allows for courthouse roof replacement