When we are cooped up at home, the walls begin to close in. Suddenly, that creaky stair becomes really annoying. That window, always cranky, is sticking even more. Blinds close only halfway, and the patio door jumps its track. Outside, the soffit on one side is hanging loose.

Then theres the kitchen -- instead of dealing with a recalcitrant oven, weve been ordering meals to be delivered. And the bath -- the walls are losing tiles, and the hot water comes in a puny dribble. Repairs and renovations in both the bathroom and the kitchen are overdue.

Its time to tackle problems. Before winter sets in, hire some experts. They have the tools and the experience to fix and change all those months of neglect. Procrastination be gone. Get it done.

Since the establishment of the business, the guiding principle has always been complete customer satisfaction, says Gary Shiman. All three generations of owners have lived, worked, and raised families in New Jersey. This is our home too!

Gary is one of the owners of Bellari, one of New Jerseys premier remodelers of homes and other structures. The company is based in Branchburg and it serves communities from the Hudson River to the Delaware River.

Bellari offers a wide variety of design and craftsmanship. This company offers windows, doors, siding, roofing, decking, sunrooms, awnings, basements and additions -- just about anything your home might need. Experts can help you plan and remodel kitchens and baths, including electrical and plumbing needs. And they handle all the permits required.

We specialize in sourcing products that have years of life, adds Gary. Many of their customers are homeowners whose parents contracted with the original company.

Bellari is a third generation business that traces its beginning back to 1950. That was when Max Gropper began selling aluminum storm windows in downtown Somerville. He called the company Somerville Aluminum.

The operation has grown substantially over the intervening years. In 2013, the company moved into a larger 15,000-square-foot showroom and design center in Branchburg.

Branchburg-based Bellari is ranked among the top 100 remodeling firms in the nation by Qualified Remodeler.Courtesy Belari

Our organization is extremely appreciative to all those hometown heroes who have always worked hard to help our community and keep us all safe, especially during the pandemic, explains Gary. People are working on the front lines to take care of us, and we are honored to help with needed repairs at their homes to help take care of them.

The company has pledged to help one deserving local hero every month with a project at home. The initiative kicked off in April when Bellari replaced the back steps for Jennifer and David Smith, a Branchburg couple. The two of them work in healthcare and law enforcement, and both of them experienced increased intensity in their professions during the pandemic, according to Gary.

Bellari also proudly supports Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, in its Healing Homes initiative, explains Gary. The Healing Homes initiative offers housing for up to 24 months for an individual or family in Somerset County who has a chronic or acute health condition that causes financial hardship and leaves them unable to afford housing and/or the basic cost of living.

Windows and doors are our roots and will always be the backbone of our business, Gary continues. And we have grown our breadth of offerings to provide everything a homeowner could possibly need. And we continue to take pride in providing the exceptional service and premium products, across the board, that our customers have come to expect.

Bellari is celebrating 70 years in business. For more information, call 908-300-3670 and visit the website at BellariNJ.com. Also, see Facebook, Instagram and other social media. Company headquarters and showrooms are located at 20 County Line Road, Branchburg. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays by appointment.

Before embarking on a major renovation, it can be useful to see how a contractor performs on a smaller job. A worker repairing the soffit hanging loose under the eave can give you the confidence to hire the firm for that larger renovation you have in mind.

Mark Schneider has many years experience helping homeowners with jobs both small and large. He operates Handyman On Call.

I specialize in small jobs, and Ive found that these can lead to larger jobs, Mark says.

He will repair doors, replace moldings, clean gutters, repair decks, touch up painting and repair the treads and risers on those squeaky stairs. If you like, he will even hang pictures and change out light bulbs. How about adding shelving in the basement or garage?

For these smaller jobs, hell travel about 7 miles from his base in Annandale. Estimates are free and flexible--according to materials and scheduling.

Hes been in the business for some 35 years, he explains. So theres not much he hasnt seen, repaired, replaced, or otherwise put back in shape--or renovated. He will also work with homeowners to remodel kitchens, baths, and basements.

Mark posts some free Do-It-Yourself Tips on his website, HandymanOnCallNJ.com. Or, call him at 908-437-8856.

Al Warr may be reached at 610-253-0432 or AlWarr16@gmail.com.

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Procrastination be gone ... its time to tackle home repairs - nj.com

NEWTOWN, Conn. (PRWEB) September 21, 2020

The Taunton Press announced today that Kiley Jacques will take the reins at Green Building Advisor, a sister website to Fine Homebuilding that is more narrowly focused on sharing complete and accurate information about designing, building, and remodeling high-performance homes.

Jacques joined Fine Homebuilding two years ago as Design Editor, where she drove all the architecture, home design, kitchen, and bath-related content. But her interest in green building and high-performance homes was strong enough that it was not long into her time at Fine Homebuilding that she found a regular spot on Green Building Advisors calendar for her popular Green Advocate blog.

Before coming to Fine Homebuilding, Jacques spent 22 years working as a professional gardener in the climate-minded mecca of Seattle. Shortly after changing careers to focus on writing and journalism, Jacques was hired to research and write an article for the very first issue of the United States Green Building Councils member magazine, USGBC+, to which she continues to contribute today.

Ive been preparing for this in one way or another most of my life, says Jacques. Im thrilled to combine my commitment to ecological stewardship with my passion for quality journalism. It is with great satisfaction that I am finally able to call myself an environmental journalist, and I take the responsibility that comes with it seriously.

Green Building Advisor is a deep well of conceptual and technical information covering all aspects of green building, including environmentally sensitive design, innovative materials, energy-efficient construction techniques, must-know building science, and information on relevant building codes. With a combination of experts contributing regular and guest blogs, Green Building Advisor is the go-to source to for news on environmental issues and policy discussions.

As a media platform featuring industry innovators, professionals, products, and systems, GBA serves not only its readership but also the greater good, says Jacques. The sites users, contributors, and staff share a common goal to protect the natural world while shaping the built environment. It is a space for exploring global issues such as the climate crisis and resource conservation, while gleaning science-backed, hands-on instruction and data. GBA is both the why and the how of green building science.

Thanks to the dedication of the editors, the sites members, and, unfortunately, the climate crisis we are all facing, Green Building Advisor is enjoying a period of substantial growth in audience and memberships. Recognizing the opportunity and potential of Green Building Advisor, The Taunton Press leadership is positioning staff and resources to take the media brand to the next level. Jacques is replacing Brian Pontolilo, who transitioned to the position of Editorial Director overseeing Fine Homebuilding and Green Building Advisor.

When I decided to take a new role that required me to give up the day-to-day editorial duties at GBA, I knew exactly what to do, says Pontolilo. It was clear to me two years ago that Kiley was the right person to lead GBA, the only question was how long would it take us to get her there. Not only is she a top-notch journalist and editor, shes mission-driven, and climate issues are among the most important to her. She also understands that when it comes to sharing information among home-building professionals, the best approach is an ongoing and evolving conversation. I have no doubt that she will moderate that conversation well as GBA grows and high-performance home building evolves.

Ecologically minded, high-performance builders have emerged as the leaders in residential construction as building scienceand its related best practicesmatures. The Taunton Press, Fine Homebuilding, and Green Building Advisor are committed to serving this community with expert-contributed content for anyone interested in increasing their knowledge, developing their skills, and building better homes.

Kileys appointment to lead Green Building Advisor signals our commitment to this community, and to this conversation, adds The Taunton Press CEO Renee Jordan. She and Brian both embody the editorial integrity and passion that is so important within this highly regarded community of building science professionals. Now in its second decade, Green Building Advisor has brought together the leading voices around products, practices, and policies. We are fortunate to have Kiley in our ranks to keep the conversation going and surface the next generation of ideas and strategies for high-performance building.

###

About Green Building AdvisorGreen Building Advisor is a website dedicated to sharing accurate and complete information about designing, building, and remodeling high-performance homes. With clearly presented, professional-level information, our mission is to empower architects and designers, builders and remodelers, engineers, tradespeople, and homeowners to build more durable, energy-efficient, healthy, and climate-friendly homes. With an elite team of advisors and bloggers from all corners of the building industry, Green Building Advisor has earned a reputation as the most reliable place online for accurate building science, proven building assemblies, unbiased product information, and impactful community. Many of Green Building Advisors members are experts in their own right, making our Q&A forums one of our most valuable assets. For more, visit greenbuildingadvisor.com.

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Before and After Renovations: Changes in Architectural Plans

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One of Paulo Mendes da Rocha's main design gestures in the Pinacoteca renovation project was to create a new longitudinal axis for circulation, moving its entrance to the south face of the building. Metallic walkways, which cross internal courtyards covered by skylights, enable new dynamics of circulation between the rooms, transforming a neoclassical building into a museum with a contemporary program.

The ability to completely renovate a space by demolishing parts, making additions, altering functionality, and improving ambience is one of the most admired functions of the architect. In housing, thissignificance is even more apparent, since adapting housing to contemporary demands, through a well-thought-out plan, can drastically improve the quality of life of the occupants.

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Due to changes in lifestyles, standard family compositions, construction standards, and market trends, housing has undergone significant changes over time, especially in residential apartments. There exists extensive research on how floorplans have changed over time, identifying patterns and trying to understand the causes of such changes. Some trends are universal. In general, newer residential buildings contain more compact apartments due to the high cost of urban land, and spaces and utilities considered unnecessary have started to disappear, such as laundry. Solutions to land cost such as tiny houses and co-living have opened the door to new possibilities for facilitating adequate housing for everyone in large cities.

At the same time, most cities have a huge stock of buildings, many ofwhich are designed in ways now consideredoutdated. In Brazil, for example, due to the country'sreliance on slavery and cheap domestic labor in the recent past, it was very common for middle class apartments to have separate service areas with exclusive circulation and access points until the 1990's. Nowadays, with new labor laws and a different economic reality, it is much rarer for domestic workers to sleep in the homes they work in,making a considerable fraction of the remaining housing underutilized.

In addition, the plans of older apartmentscompartmentalized large spaces and utilized large circulation areas, such as corridors. The kitchens were generally separate from other rooms. Concomitantly, the buildings had larger rooms, more ornate covering materials, and more natural light.

Despitepotentially provoking the ire ofneighbors,remodeling these properties through the demolition of walls can transform compartmentalized and disjointed spacesinto rooms that match morecurrent lifestyles, turning them into more comfortable and interesting homes.

Building rehabilitation and renovation is a field that has gained much attention over the past few years. It can now be considered one of the main functions of the architect, especially if we use as reference the enormous amount of projects published on this website.

For example, at Apartamento Simo Alvares by GOAA - Gusmo Otero Arquitetos Associados, the demolition of practically all masonry facilitated the transformation of a traditional 2-bedroom apartment and its accompanying small, sequestered rooms into a contemporary apartment with a more comfortable social area. Changing the bathroom location and laundry layout made it possible to integrate the kitchen into the living room.

Similarly, in the IN Arquitetura project remodeling this apartment, the traditional compartmentalization of the 2-bedroom apartment was abandoned, resulting in a large room with an open kitchen and only one bedroom.

In the case of Lausanne Apartment, another remodeling project by GOAA - Gusmo Otero Arquitetos Associados, the changes were even more extensive, integrating the social and service areas of the original plan. According to the description sent by the architects, The apartments internal organization is clear: the frontal block shelters the social and intimate spaces, while the back quadrant receives the service areas. For the development of this project we made an interpretation of the original design to adapt it to the new residents needs. The service area and bathrooms were fully redone and the kitchen was integrated into the living room, creating a fluid space that is illuminated by the two opposing facades. The original living room partitions, built of wood, were re-made with a structure of steel and fabric, gaining lightness and translucency."

In the Apartment on Avenida da Repblica by Manuel Cacho Tojal, several small floorplan modifications made it possible to make the spacious apartment more suited to the contemporary needs of new residents.

The renovation project developed by Vo for an apartment in the Viadutos Building, designed and built by architect Artacho Jurado in the 1950s, dealt with an extremely challenging floor plan. The solution adopted was to demolish all the internal walls. In the words of the project team: To increase the feeling of amplitude within the 46 m2 of internal area, the division between environments was made through a furniture that floats suspended, without touching the green floor that floods the whole apartment".

At Antonio Bicudo Apartment, developed by the same architects, more walls were added than demolished, unlike the previous examples. By aligning the kitchen to the same height as the bathroom, it was possible to integrate it into the social area and allow the bedroom to be closed in a separate space. A closet built into the bedroom wall plays the role of laundry and storage space.

The possibilities are many, but whatever the solution adopted, it is fascinating to observe how spaces can accommodate new uses and adapt to the demands of its users. It is up to the architect to understand users' needsand expectations and to adapt plans with new axes, dynamics, and spatial configurations.

See other examples of plant changes in this My ArchDaily folder.

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Before and After Renovations: Changes in Architectural Plans - ArchDaily

September 18, 2020

Students, employees, parents and community members can look forward to new schools and renovated buildings at Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) when schoolhouses reopen for the 2020-2021 school year. These improvements are made possible with the continued implementation of the General Obligation Bond (GOB) to renovate, remodel and replace schools,expand student capacity, enhance safety and provide technology upgrades. That commitment has not wavered in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, District staff and contractors are hard at work accelerating GOB project timelines.

The unprecedented closure of schools was a difficult but necessary transition that ensured the safety of students and their families, as well as employees. However, during this time, theDistrict was able to speed up construction and maintenance projects before students and teachers return to the classroom. The continuous work during this shutdown also assisted contractors in providing stable employment in the community. Between 300 to 530 workers are on M-DCPS construction sites daily. The District has other projects out to bid, generating additional jobopportunities, with high goals for local, minority and small business utilization.

To date, GOB expenditures total approximately $830.7M ($94.8M for technology and $735.9M for facilities) with another $60M contracted. GOB projects continue to be finished on time and at or under budget.

2019-2020 GOB projects included:

Blue Lakes Elementary Total investment of $2.3 million. This project includes classroom and restroom renovation and installation of new windows and air conditioning. Interior and exterior painting throughout the campus, as well as the renovation of a basketball court and play areas.

Caribbean K- 8 Center Total investment of $3.6 million. This project, which will be completed by November, includes a new 5,344 square foot building addition that will consist of a music suite, art suite, two intermediate classrooms, staff and group restrooms, a new covered walk to existing campus, mechanical room, electrical room, and an IT room. The art portion of the building will house a 2D/3D art lab, kiln pottery oven, a large art material storage area, and an outdoor artpatio. The music area of the building will include a band classroom and an instrument storage room.

Andrea Castillo Preparatory Academy Total investment of $18.7 million. Phase I of the new K-8 Center, located at N.W. 78th Street & 102nd Avenue in Doral, is approximately 58,765 square feet and has 750 student stations. New spaces include state-of-the-art classrooms, a media center, art and music labs, a full kitchen, cafeteria, administration offices, play courts, fields, PE shelter, other support spaces and student drop-off areas.

Citrus Grove Elementary Total investment of $2.3 million. This project entails the demolition and replacement of the entire existing canopy structure, lighting and sidewalks at the facility.

Coral Terrace Elementary Total investment of $1.2 million. This project includes renovations to eight classrooms, replacement of windows and doors, installation of new HVAC system and ADA-compliant restrooms.

Cypress K-8 Center Total investment of $2.7 million. This project includes replacing windows in three buildings, the remodeling of existing space into a new science laboratory. It also includes exterior painting throughout the campus.

D.A. Dorsey Technical College Total investment of $2.7 million. This Phase II project includes installation of a new entry courtyard, remodeling of two existing buildings that house administration and student services, replacement of HVAC, electrical upgrades, installation of new flooring, replacement of ceiling tiles and lighting, roof repairs, and landscape upgrades.

Norman S. Edelcup / Sunny Isles K-8 Center Total Investment of $668,000. This projectconsists of remodeling an existing computer lab into two new state-of-the-art classrooms to increase student capacity and enhance better use of space.

Lillie C. Evans K-8 Center Total investment of $2.9 million. This project includes the complete renovation of various classrooms, individual and group restrooms. A new elevator has been constructed, a new air conditioning system has been installed in the kitchen area, and new fencing has also been installed.

Glades Middle Total investment of $2.9 million. This project includes construction of a newone-story classroom building addition consisting of three classrooms and one collaborative space, housing 110 student stations, covered walkway connecting the new building, bathroom renovations, and resurfacing of play courts.

Barbara Goleman Senior High Total investment of $1.2 million. This project includes the remodeling of nine classrooms for use as magnet program labs, including cyber security, Bloomberg stock market training, forensic science and others.

Gulfstream Elementary Total investment of $1.4 million. The project includes a new bus drop-off area with a covered walkway, new parking spaces, new playground and a fitness area.

Barbara Hawkins Elementary Total investment of $2.9 million. This project includes the updating of classrooms with new impact windows, renovation of all group restrooms throughout the school, new air conditioning units in the cafeteria and administration building. The school also features a new PE shelter, playground and water fountains. The entire exterior of the school has also been painted.

Lake Stevens Elementary Total investment of $2.5 million. Project includes new HVAC upgrades throughout the facility, restroom renovation, covered walkways, new ceiling, flooring, lighting, fire alarm, public address (PA) and security alarm systems, playground, selective painting, portable removal, resurfacing and restriping of paved play areas and parking.

Miami Gardens Elementary School Total investment of $1.2 million. This project includesrestroom renovations, painting of interior and exterior buildings, resurfacing and restriping hardcourt, and replacement of basketball goals, drinking fountains and security camera system.

Miami Palmetto Senior High Total Investment of $53.1 million. Phase I of this project delivered a new three-story addition, which includes administrative offices, student services, newgeneral-purpose classroom, vocational labs for subjects such as web design, drafting and design, health science and business technology education totaling 1,554 student stations. This project has also completed the renovation and remodeling of the media center and science buildings with a new reading room, CCTV suite, computer labs, science labs, two science classrooms and supportspaces totaling an additional 248 student stations. Additional phases are under construction and will be completed in 2021.

Miami Springs Middle Total investment of $5.6 million. This project includes the provision of new windows and storefront doors, new air conditioning upgrades and restroom renovations in three buildings, fire alarm replacement, miscellaneous electrical upgrades, selective demolition of portables, restriping of the parking lot and new exterior painting of the entire campus.

North Miami Elementary Total investment of $3.4 million. This project includes complete classroom renovations, new air conditioning, new fire alarm and miscellaneous upgradesthroughout.

Palmetto Middle Total investment of $863,000. This project includes a complete band roomrenovation with new practice rooms, office, furniture, air conditioning, paint, ceiling and roofing. Additionally, the main GOB renovation project with a total investment of $5,934,840, which includes window replacement, HVAC upgrades, flooring and lighting replacement, re-roofing of various buildings, exterior painting and other miscellaneous improvements, will begin construction in early 2021.

Pinecrest Elementary Total investment of $3.9 million. This project includes the completerenovation of classrooms with impact window replacement, air conditioning, new ceilings, lighting, interior painting and cabinet replacement in three buildings. Some renovations were also completed in the cafeteria and administration office. Full air-conditioning replacement in the media center and all classrooms in Building 4 were completed, as well as renovation of grouprestrooms in Building 1 and single occupancy restrooms in Building 3. This project also included the exterior painting of the entire school.

Rainbow Park Elementary Total investment of $2.6 million. This project includes a new HVAC system, window replacement, covered walkways, restroom renovations, new ceiling, lighting, flooring and playground, portable demolition and a resurfaced basketball area.

Redland Middle Total investment of $2.9 million. This project includes replacement of selectwindows, air conditioning, ceiling tiles and flooring. New auditorium seating, a new air-conditioning system in the gymnasium, restroom renovations, new exterior paint throughout the campus and many more miscellaneous upgrades throughout are also included as part of the project.

Shenandoah Middle Total investment of $3.2 million. This project includes construction of a new one-story building addition, consisting of seven classrooms, 154 student stations, group and staff restrooms, office administration area, covered walkway and an attached PE shelter.

South Miami Middle Total investment of $4.8 million. This project includes installation ofselective window and air conditioning replacements, as well as group restroom renovations and selective interior paint.

Frances S. Tucker Elementary Total investment of $2.6 million. This project includes replacement of exterior windows, installation of new HVAC upgrades, restroom renovations and exterior painting of the whole campus.

The District-established Small/Micro Business Enterprise (S/MBE) utilization goals were met or exceeded by the architects and contractors on these projects with highly diverse sub-consultant and sub-contractor teams. This was further strengthened by a strong commitment to local workforce utilization.

Continued fidelity to the implementation of the GOB program and the District's steadycommitment to inclusivity and diversity in its procurement process are positively impacting the quality of the educational environment and the local economy.

For the most up-to-date information, please download the Dadeschools mobile app to your iPhone or Android device. Follow us on Twitter @mdcps and @miamisup, on Instagram @miamischools and @miamisup, and on Facebook at MiamiSchools and AlbertoCarvalho

This press release was produced by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.

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New And Renovated Schools Ready For M-DCPS Students For 2020-2021 School Year - Patch.com

Walking into her Willmar home is like taking a breath of fresh very organized air.

A professional organizer who started her own business, MODE Organizing, in 2019, Otness said her goal is to help others get in the mode and out of the mess by taking practical steps to live in homes that are tidy, clutter-free and yet homey and inviting.

Otness said organizing comes naturally for her and she thrives on blending her passion for being organized with her clients needs for a little help in their homes.

The COVID-19 pandemic that has kept most people homebound has led to widespread purging of possessions. People realized how closed in they can feel in their homes when theyre working, going to school, eating and playing in their homes all day long, Otness said.

The pandemic is providing an opportunity for people to think about what they really need versus what they have just accumulated, said Otness. We look at their homes in a different way.

Getting organized doesnt mean getting rid of everything. Otness said there is a happy medium of eliminating excess stuff that can cause stress and experiencing joy in having possessions.

Be as honest with yourself as possible about keeping what you truly use and need and being OK with letting go of the rest, said Otness, who encourages people to tackle organizing in bite-sized chunks by doing one drawer or cupboard a day.

Otness is not a fan of putting excess possessions in storage units. Theyre just simply a place to hold onto stuff because we cant make the decision, she said.

Heirlooms and antiques may be hard to part with. But if keeping something is more of a burden than a blessing Otness suggests taking a photo of the item, savoring the memories associated with it and then be OK with letting go of that guilt while letting go of the memento.

The name of her business MODE stands for Minimize, Organize, Design and Efficiency.

She uses those tools and the mantra of a place for everything and everything in its place when working with clients no matter how big or small of a space they need help with.

Spending more time cooking in the kitchen during COVID-19 has resulted in remodeling projects for some. But Otness said organizing the space you have can also create a more usable and efficient space.

Otness shares her advice for reducing the kitchen clutter.

1. Put what you use most often, like dishes and silverware, in the go zone between eye and waist level. Keep less-used items, like small appliances, in the highest and lowest spaces.

2. Remove dry goods and pantry items, like, pasta, beans, flours and rice from original packaging and put into jars and bins for better organization and a visual cue on when to put items on the grocery list.

3. Shop your home. Use things you already have, like baskets, trays, bowls and vases for other uses, like a utensil holder by your stove or a decorative bowl for produce on the counter.

4. A Lazy Susan can help utilize space in deep shelves while keeping everything accessible.

5. Eliminate the junk drawer and replace it with a utility drawer that houses smaller needed tools like batteries and flashlight, and omit things, like Band-Aids, hair ties and pens that belong in a different area of the home.

6. Spend 60 seconds now to save hours later. Put a recycling item into the bin as soon as the container is empty, go through your mail as you bring it in the house, do the dishes before the end of each day, wipe up spills right away and put away all groceries as soon as you bring them in.

7. A clear counter = a clear mind. A cluttered counter creates stress and anxiety.

To learn more about home organizing, Otness can be reached at:

Email: gretchen@modeorganizing.com

Website: http://www.modeorganizing.com

Instagram: @modeorganizing

Facebook: @MODEOrganizing

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Can't afford a new kitchen? Organize the space you have - West Central Tribune

Getty Images Make sure you're heading into home improvement projects the right way.

Many of us are spending more time at home in 2020, which could mean having more time to take on home improvement projects. But home renovations arent just a way to fill time; you want the results to be worth the hard work. The key to any successful project lies in careful planning including financial strategizing long before the power tools come out.

Roughly 3 in 5 American homeowners (61%) have taken on home improvement projects since March 1, 2020, spending $6,438, on average, according to an August 18-20 NerdWallet survey conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,414 homeowners.

Whether youre outfitting your home with a new office or classroom, or taking on long-intended improvements such as painting or installing new flooring, here are five tips to help you make sure youre heading into the right project, the right way.

Any project may be worth your time if doing it makes you happy, but if you plan to sell your home soon, make sure you focus on projects that give a good return on your money. Many renovations cost thousands of dollars but wont increase the value of your home by the same amount.

For example, it costs about $50,000 to add a new bathroom, but homeowners typically recoup only about 54% of the cost in increased home value, according to Remodeling Magazines 2020 Cost vs. Value Report. A minor kitchen remodel, on the other hand, returns about 78% of its cost, so that type of project might make more sense.

Consider calling local real estate agents to ask them about the return you might receive from a home renovation project. Some local markets or neighborhoods may reward certain upgrades more than others.

You dont want to run out of cash in the middle of a home remodeling project. But unless youre careful, your project may get more expensive while its underway. That nicer tile may add only $7 per square foot, but if your kitchen has 100 square feet of floor space, watch out! To avoid running short on cash, add up your expenses before you start the project. Then add 10% or 20% to the total to allow for cost overruns.

To get an idea of how much youll have to spend on a specific project, look at what others have spent on comparable projects using a project estimate calculator or perusing sites like HomeAdvisor or Remodeling Magazine.

Since March 1, 34% of homeowners who undertook home improvement projects used cash on hand to fund those projects, 25% used money they had saved for those projects specifically and 14% used money from their economic stimulus check, according to the NerdWallet survey. As long as these projects arent being funded to the detriment of more important expenses, using available cash or savings can be a good way to keep from paying interest on your home improvement project.

If you have to finance your project, explore your funding options carefully. Among them are a home equity line of credit, a personal loan, a cash-out refinance or even credit cards. But they come at varying costs depending on the interest rate and how long it will take you to pay off the loan. A home improvement financing calculator can help you weigh these costs and make a savvy decision.

If youve decided to hire a professional, get written estimates from different contractors. As those estimates roll in, check their references and ask about their credentials. At a minimum, make sure each contractor is properly licensed to do the work on your home. You can also ask about their membership in trade associations. Many reputable contractors belong to professional trade groups such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry or the National Association of Home Builders.

A good contractor will guarantee the work and offer a warranty. You can check Better Business Bureau ratings to see if others have had complaints about companies youre evaluating. If there have been complaints, check to see how they were resolved.

When you select a contractor, make sure you get your agreement in writing.

Permits help protect your home and your safety. Without the necessary approvals to perform work on your property, theres a chance the renovation wont meet local building codes. It could even affect your ability to sell your home in the future. Contact your municipality for details about what permits you must have for your renovation project. And follow up to make sure your contractor has permits in hand before beginning the work.

Youre probably planning to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars on a remodeling project. Its understandable to look for ways to save money, but dont automatically cut corners by using the cheapest materials.

Talk to your contractor about the trade-offs between quality and price for your project. Youll probably be better off selecting the best-quality products that fit your budget. Otherwise, you could be stuck with having to make costly repairs after a few months because you skimped on quality.

A home remodeling project can give a big boost to your homes aesthetics and market value if you avoid costly mistakes. By setting a budget, researching contractors and making sure your improvements use quality materials, you can help avoid expensive pitfalls and enjoy your homes new design.

Survey methodology is available in the original article, published at NerdWallet.

Elizabeth Renter is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: elizabeth@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @elizabethrenter.

The article 6 Ways to Avoid Costly Home Renovation Mistakes originally appeared on NerdWallet.

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6 Ways to Avoid Costly Home Renovation Mistakes - MSN Money

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Inclination towards new and improved designs & technology for comfort and aesthetics will stimulate product penetration in residential and commercial sector. Introduction of various innovative products including water efficient systems will create lucrative opportunities for luxury plumbing fixtures market growth. Increasing preference for low flush toilets with wastewater collection and treatment system will enhance the product penetration. Hospitality industry expansion owing to increased leisure and business tourism will support luxury plumbing fixtures market demand in commercial sector.

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Luxury Plumbing Fixtures Market is estimated to exceed USD 26 billion by 2024; according to a new research report.

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Rise in bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects among middle class population will support the product demand. However, high and fluctuating prices of metals and ceramic used in manufacturing may impact the industry expansion. Stringent regulations to meet the efficiency and safety of products are among the major challenges faced by the luxury plumbing fixtures market players.

Advancements in the plumbing technologies including heated seat and dual flush toilets will propel industry growth. Product innovations such as touchless and sensor operated fixtures specifically from the commercial sectors will stimulate the luxury plumbing fixtures market demand.

Major Highlights from Table of contents are listed below for quick lookup into Luxury Plumbing Fixtures Market report

Chapter 1. Competitive Landscape

Chapter 2. Company Profiles

Chapter 3. Methodology & Scope

Chapter 4. Executive Summary

Chapter 5. Luxury Plumbing Fixtures industryInsights

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Luxury Plumbing Fixtures Market Key Growth Factors, development trends, key manufacturers and competitive forecast 2024 - The Research Process

The Coastal Companies, which are comprised of three distinct divisions Coastal Custom Builders, Coastal Land Design, and Island Pools Cape Cod were created by landscape architect, Tim Klink, CEO of The Coastal Companies.

Klink worked in construction while working on his landscape architectural degree in college. It was a marriage of the type of work hed always wanted to do.

I got out of college and I came back to live with my parents, as most people do, and from their basement I started Coastal Land Design, Klink said. We would design projects and subcontract them out. Then we started getting our own crews together and were actually performing the work. We were working for a client, doing a landscape job, when that client approached us and said they wanted to build a spec house, but had no idea who to contact. Ive been around construction my whole life. So I said we can do it for them.

Klink and his team built the spec house from the ground up and the owner was able to sell it right away. The buyers had friends in town who also needed some work done. They wanted a home office added on to their ranch home.

While I did that project, Kink said, I realized theres a balance here between being able to build and being able to landscape and putting it all together. Out of that, a new building division was born.

The Island Pools Cape Cod division of the company was established in 2017. Born out of need of what Klink saw on the Cape. People who wanted to do more with their homes. During this pandemic era, parents feel safer keeping their kids home instead of going to the beach. Having a pool at home offers a resort-like feel to the yard, as well. And working on building a pool or a landscape design allows for plenty of social distancing.

Its minimal contact, Klink said. Youre dealing with the project manager and myself, and were doing everything with apps. Were working outside in your yard, so theres minimal interaction there. You can choose a lot of your materials online, and we can send contracts to you via Docu-sign, so theres a lot we can do a lot with that contactless process.

If theyre working on your home, Klink said that most of these are summer homes, so the owner is not on site anyway.

Thera are a lot of ways now where a client can have a house built, and not even be here, he said. Thats actually happened with a couple of clients we built their homes, but have never met them.

Even with summer soon drawing to a close, you can still make a plan. Fall and winter are great times to renovate.

Youre here, and if you want to look and touch and feel things, you can. Then, after Labor Day, when you go home, thats when we take over. We can work on the project during the fall and winter, and deliver it for you by Memorial Day the following year.

Looking at the demographic of Cape Cod, he said, there has been a real need for an in-house firm that can do everything from designing and building the homes, to creating the landscapes, to building the pools. The Coastal Companies three divisions offer everything you need in one place.

Great indoor projects for the fall and winter include kitchen and bath remodels. When planning for the kitchen and bath, most clients are looking for a whole remodel.

Well be taking the kitchen down to the studs, adding more windows, doing open-shelf concept vs. upper cabinets, and adding more cabinets down below, said Klink. Were usually trying to find a spot for a pantry, too. Typically, when were doing a kitchen remodel, it usually involves opening up the kitchen to the rest of the house. Working with our own designers, we have structural knowledge, so we know if we can structurally do what the client is asking for.

One of the great things about us is that were able to do our own design plans, and were also a dealer for cabinetry. Were a dealer for Prevo cabinetry and Medallion cabinetry. We also have our own custom woodshop, so not only can we use stock cabinetry for most applications, but if we need to custom-build a cabinet, we can, he said. Because its being custom-built in our own shop, were not paying true custom prices, because were not subbing it out.

Allow at least three months before you want to start your project, Klink said. Because of COVID-19, many of the plants who supply materials are at half production right now, so the sooner the better.

To get your estimate on land design, building, or installing an amazing pool, visit buildwithcoastal.com or call 508-240-2114 today.

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Homeowner's Headquarters The Coastal Companies: Three Companies. One Comprehensive Remodeling Plan - CapeCod.com News

Every decade brings forth a new change. 2020 is no different. Want to get a headstart on your design inspiration? Heres a piece of good news if you plan to start remodeling your home. These will define home trends in 2020.

One of the biggest trends to come out of 2020 is the emergence of non-white kitchens. Two-tone kitchens, as well as colored cabinets, have seen a rise in popularity. All-white kitchens had dominated the market for a while, but with this new decade, were seeing a pattern of diminishing in its use.

For the modern homeowner, bathrooms are not just about utility anymore. More and more homeowners are converting their bathrooms into a sanctuary. While you may not need a full-blown spa, a sitting arrangement or two can do the job, as well.

Out with the old, in with the new. This seems to be the mantra for 2020 trends. Floating vanities are practical, save space, and give your bathroom a more contemporary look.

The popularity of the floating vanities is also due to the rise of a minimalistic aesthetic. While this trend may still be sinking in, it is undoubtedly a favorite for 2020.

In previous years, powder rooms have been nothing more than a formality. However, the new decade is shifting attention to this underrated room.

Homeowners are increasingly choosing to go the extra mile when it comes to remodeling their powder room. It includes elaborate wallpapers, accented hardware, and quirky themes, as well.

Most of us had assumed that formal dining rooms were pretty much on the verge of extinction. However, the new decade has brought a revival of sorts.

Homeowners are accepting the old with a hint of new. Not just that, they arent afraid to pull all the stops to go as extravagant as they want to highlight the importance of the dining area.

The word sustainable has been making its presence known in recent times. The world is moving towards an environmentally aware state and home trends are not an exception.

Homeowners have been taking the environmental impact of their purchasing decision into consideration. From using upcycled materials to sticking to an earthy theme for their design, sustainability is the name of the game.

From bright-colored cabinets to quirky decor, every design element in 2020 comes down to one thing: Personality. The biggest trend in 2020 is to show your personality rather than shy away from it.

Homeowners are embracing breaking rules and trends. Drifting away from popular trends and staying true to your personality is the biggest trend of this decade.

2020 has seen a rise in very familiar, yet unique trends. Those are here to stay. If you want to get an edge on your remodeling plans, its a good idea to keep them handy.

*This article is posted by and in partnership with GBC Kitchen and Bath, a kitchen and bathroom remodeling store in Alexandria, VA and Rockville, MD.

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Trends That Will Define Home Trends in 2020 - The DC Post

Mamas Place: These are the times that try men's souls

Over the course of the past week, a long-forgotten phrase Mama often quoted gradually came together in my mind. Thomas Paine wrote in 1776, These are the times that try mens souls. It was quite a week. In fact, it has been quite a year. Last summer I decided to stop talking about moving back into midtown Fort Smith and start packing. But ... before packing, I sorted every closet, cabinet and dresser drawer, weeding out treasures I could tear myself away from. Two friends came and worked two full days helping pack items for storage and doing touch-up painting. I must say that my CRV made many trips to the Salvation Army. I also participated in the neighborhood garage sale. (For the record, Avon bottles are no longer a hot item.)

Property in my south Fort Smith neighborhood was selling fast, great motivation for staging and listing my house. After the purge, strong young neighbors moved half of my furniture into the garage. My realtors goal was to create open spaciousness to allow prospective buyers to visualize their things in my house. From friends reaction coming for a private showing, we were successful in creating open spaciousness. One exclaimed, Its so bare. Another wailed, Oh, I miss all of your pretty things.

My house was listed the third week of July. The market stood still. Literally. Two other neighbors listed homes, both relocating for work. As they walked by my house most days, the question was, Anyone looking at your house? The answer was, No. Eventually, the two husbands moved to begin work elsewhere, leaving both wives to sell the houses. Finally, one wife moved to be with her husband, leaving her house empty.

As summer turned to fall, I continued to scout for houses or lots in my preferred area, finding absolutely nothing. One Sunday in early October I noticed in the Times Record a real estate auction to be held later that month. Making a mental note, I planned to drive by and take a look; however, I was busy and forgot about the auction until three days before its scheduled date, when I passed the sign pointing down a side street. On a whim, I turned left onto the street and three houses down saw a rather quirky, red brick house with new architectural shingles and white shutters. I parked, walked around to the fenced backyard and saw a covered porch with wide overhang and brick elevated surround for hanging and setting plants. I liked this place and called the number on the sign out front.

Many times since that call, I have asked myself, What was I thinking? After three friends inspected the house, I bought the place at auction on a dreary, rainy Thursday morning. For the record, I did not get a deal. In fact, I paid more than it would have brought on the open market. Do not ask why. I do not know why. I just know that I have learned a lot about myself, about the construction trade, about the goodness of people (I have dealt with a few bad apples), and about the power of prayer.

As with typical auctions, I made a down payment on the day of sale and closed in 30 days. Until the day of closing, I considered every way to avoid closing. I closed and plowed ahead into what the contractor called a rather major remodel. Indeed. Right away a friend noticed a slight dip in the garage roof, and upon inspecting the attic, discovered inferior framing, as well as a broken rafter. My contractor was chosen because as a former framer, he explained how he could bring the roof up to proper standards.

The listing on my home expired Dec. 31. I planned to have the remodel finished when I relisted and sold in the spring. Old carpet was ripped out, aging drapes trashed, upper kitchen cabinets removed, furr down ripped out, partial walls removed, openings widened, circuit breaker replaced fuses, entire inside repainted and original hardwood floors were refinished to look new. Remember I said, I planned to have remodel finished when my house sold.

My house was relisted March 1, sold March 13, and closed the morning of April 7. The plan was for my daughter to come from Chicagoland March 20 during spring break to help pack. The coronavirus hit Chicago in full force. Lee Anna was isolated at home. Before the virus isolated us, a Tulsa cousin came for two days and packed fragiles that required careful attention. I packed the rest, while dealing with delays and frustrations at the remodel, which was not complete when my furniture was moved on April 6. Movers returned to finish moving my boxes on April 7 as the new owner moved in.

Today is June 1, and the remodel is still incomplete. The electrician was delayed by illness. The floors took longer to dry because of rainy weather. The outside water faucet leaked and was replaced. Papa Gary was hospitalized for four days. A few weeks later he took an ambulance ride to the ER for severe back pain. With constant prayers from friends and family, virtual church services, Zoom meetings, and Facetime with grandchildren and their parents, I have remained calm and patient through most of these seven months of moving and remodeling during social isolation; however, this past week my stiff upper lip drooped a little.

I lay awake in the darkness unable to sleep, fretting over many unfinished details at the house and Papa Garys care with both children so far away, and knowing I must sleep in order to face the days tasks. And then cousin Randy called to say his mom, my dear Aunt Maxine, had just passed peacefully at 91 to her eternal rest. I told Randy how much I loved Max and that I would not attend her service because of the virus, that my present chaotic reality required me to stay well. He texted back to me, I know that Ive learned to be still among the chaos and then God speaks to me.

These are times that try our souls, and then God speaks through the words of a cousin who speaks from experience, from friends who help paint cabinet frames, or reassemble a crystal chandelier, or move boxes in garage to clear space for car, or clean oven racks, or wash loads of cover cloths, or bring food, or call with encouragement.

Be still among the chaos and God will speak. Mama knew.

Louise Owens Finney is a retired secondary teacher and part-time minister in Fort Smith. She can be reached at LouiseOFinney@gmail.com.

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Mamas Place: These are the times that try mens souls - Times Record