During quarantine, Disney fans have been finding all sorts of creative ways to pass the time, from reimagining Disney World and Disneyland attractions at home to cooking up recipes inspired by their favorite Disney films.

Home renovations and decor updates are also on the rise. What better way to show your Disney side than with home decorations featuring your favorite animated Disney characters?

Wayfair is currently offering four different Elite Tile Disney glass mosaic tile options that are perfect for your next DIY project! Whether you want to update your bathroom with Disney style or install a new kitchen backsplash, you cant go wrong with these easy-to-install tiles.

The first two Disney tile options feature various Disney Princesses.

This Disney Princesses glitter tile costs $8.49 per square foot. These feature alternating mosaic tiles that either have pink and silver glitter squares or individually images of Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, and Aurora.

The second Disney Princess tile option is priced at $9.49 per square foot and features six of the Princesses in Disneys line-up. Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, and Rapunzel have individual portraits, while Aurora and Belle share a tile.

The alternating tile in this set features jeweled aqua squares amid iridescent white tiles. This Disney tile set would be stunning in a bathroom with lots of natural light that would reflect off of the iridescent tones!

The third Disney tile style is priced at $8.99 per square foot and features the precocious Marie from The Aristocats! There are five glass mosaic tiles featuring Marie, wearing her famous pink bows, in different poses. The alternating tile has small pink and white squares.

The final Disney glass tile version is priced at $7.99 per square foot and features characters from the Cars franchise! Featuring Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Lightnings famous number 95, this bathroom tile set is perfect for little boys bathrooms!

The alternating tiles resemble a racing checkered flag with black and white squares.

Will you be using Disney bathroom tile to create mosaic art for your next home remodeling job? Tell us about your Disney decor dreams in the comments!

Even if you cant live at Disneys Golden Oak private community, you can absolutely add some Disney magic to your house. This Disney office decor is sure to bring a smile to your face when you sit down at your desk, especially if youre unexpectedly working from home!

You can also bring the magic home to your kitchen. Check out this Disney Princess dinnerware set or these Minnie Mouse dinner plates!

View post:
Add Disney Style to Your Next DIY Project With Glass Mosaic Tiles! - Inside the Magic

With more than 1,900 businesses in Fauquier County, there are likely 1,900 stories of how owners are attempting to survive the current coronavirus landscape. Entrepreneurs have built their companies by considering educated risks. Some small business owners say they are using those critical skills to carve out their futures.

Salon Lou is an upscale Warrenton hair salon owned and operated by Lori Nicholson.

Salon Lou

Salon Lou is an upscale Warrenton hair salon owned and operated by Lori Nicholson. It opened in 2015 and had been a success from her first cut, she said.

Today the shop is shuttered and all 15 employees have been laid off. Nicholson said, Its almost surreal for my team and me. We were all in shock for the first two weeks. In the third week, we said, 'OK, what are we going to do with ourselves?

Nicholson believes that maintaining esprit de corps is foremost, so conducting virtual cooking classes with her employees helped soften the blow of not being able to man scissors, dye and hair dryers. "It's been a lot of fun," Nicholson said.

The downtime has also been devoted to virtual online training classes to maintain and enhance hair treatment skills and support professional education. A major industry show was canceled, so a lot of my stylists are taking classes online, Nicholson said.

Her furloughed employees have applied for unemployment. The process is frustrating and time consuming because millions of unemployed are tackling the same problem. "I've had to help some of my employees get it, Nicholson said.

She has had a lot of clients call and ask if she could come and do their hair. Unfortunately, state licensing laws and insurance companies will not permit most hair styling to be performed off-premises.

More importantly, she does not want to take the chance of infecting the community or her employees by going off-site. When the economy does open up, she said, We will be bombarded. Clients want professional hair jobs. They do not want to cut and color at home.

Once the doors open again, she said, its also going to change how her employees will interact with customers. We cant do our job 6 feet away. Well probably end up wearing gloves and face masks. Everybody will be scared of going back into the work force.

Currently, I can sustain my business for two to three months. After that, it's going to be questionable, Nicholson said.

Tony Tedeschi, of Piedmont Press & Graphics.

Piedmont Press & Graphics

Tony and Holly Tedeschi own Piedmont Press & Graphics. The couple has more than 50 years of print and design experience backed by historical perspective on how to survive cyclical business swings.

Tony Tedeschi said, My company is still open because we were declared an essential service, because we produce mailings and signage, both important to the economy. But weve lost work on promotional materials for concerts, festivals and equine events.

Losing business like the Gold Cup was hard because its one of our bigger jobs of the year. I would estimate our business is down 60 percent. The drop in revenues occurred almost overnight, he said.

Even before COVID-19, Tedeschi was preparing for a recession, which he thought was overdue. He learned a lot by surviving the 2008 recession, so he was better prepared; he had been saving money, both corporate and personal. The Tedeschis first move as owners was to stop taking paychecks.

He also asked his employees to shift to a 32-hour work week, essentially taking a 20 percent reduction in pay. We have enough money to go a couple of months, keeping our 15 employees working. He has an unused line of credit and has applied for thePaycheck Protection Program, which is a loan for small businesses. Its a forgivable loan, as long as 75 percent of it goes to employee paychecks and health care benefits.

If he is approved for the loan, it will give him an additional 75 days of relief. With all his planning in place, he thinks he is a long way from bankruptcy. He also is in the process of creating some new products and is poised to spend money on marketing.

Where you make your money is when you come out of a downturn. We want to be ready when that day comes. Im not panicked about the situation. Its going to be bad and painful, but people are doing their best to pull together and survive.

Regetis Photography

Amy Regeti manages her familys Warrenton business that has, Pretty much been set on pause. We are solely devoted to photographing weddings, and all our clients are postponing their plans. That will have a domino effect going into the 2021 season.

Amy Regeti of Regeti's Photography

Postponing weddings to the following year means that valuable dates that would have otherwise gone to new business are being snagged by weddings that canceled this year. Regeti said, It limits what we can take on. We service about 25 weddings a year, all of that that has pretty much jumped to later in the year. That business will likely jump again, dependent on the timing of the economic recovery. I would be surprised if we shoot even one wedding this year.

A lot of our clients are shifting dates because they do not want to hold a wedding and a reception with everyone wearing masks. Its not how they want to remember their special occasion.

The family business is a full-time job, but her husband does some work for the federal government. He has been able to retain his security clearance and continues to work, providing much-needed family income.

Home Sweet Home Improvements

Tom and Dawn Wottons Bealeton company is a design, build and remodeling firm with four full-time employees. One of the first actions Tom Wotton took after social distancing was implemented was to reach out to past elderly clients and see how they were faring. Often that resulted in face masks being delivered to the individuals for their protection.

His business is still operating and has about a three-month backlog of work; only a few of his current clients projects slowed down. Nonetheless, fresh leads have stopped.

When on-site, his crew quarantines off a section of the home that is being remodeled and works with hand sanitizers, gloves, safety glasses and face masks. CDC guidance for home construction crews are included in the companys regular safety talks.

Some of his suppliers and subcontractors initially wanted to stop residential work, but Wotton told them his clients were OK with proceeding and gained the cooperation of the vendors.

Wotton said, Yes, we are feeling an impact of whats going on. There are two fronts in play here. First, there are health and safety issues, and we are managing that part of it. Secondly, there is the financial front. If we can produce, we need to continue to produce. Its that simple.

Claire Lamborne owns Claires at the Depot restaurant in Warrenton.

Claires at the Depot

Claire Lamborne owns her restaurant like Tiger Woods owns his swing. The eatery is part of her very core, and she will fight to make certain it endures. To that end, she will reopen for curbside service soon.

Claires service was offered for a short time when the economy was first placed in lockdown. But a crowded staff in a tight kitchen wasnt manageable, she said.

Now shes back. I think we solved some issues with the carryout and will offer it again.

Lamborne thinks she has found a way to work around the tight kitchen issues while keeping her staff safe. While she has 36 employees, only kitchen staff will be brought back at first. She said she believes curbside service will last longer than some people think.

Lamborne said, Before we were trying to do food hot and that became very difficult. This time well be doing curbside meals that are cooked and ready for reheating at home.The new approach allows for pre-planning menu selections and calming the previously busy kitchen scene.

While answers to many questions about the recovery process are yet to be answered, Lamborne said she will not wait until they are to revive an income stream. My accountant doesnt have answers to my questions, and I need to find a tax attorney, said Lamborne.

Will Lambornes new world mean a delay in her retirement plans? Oh, my gosh, yes! The value of my business has dropped, so now I plan to work till Im 80 years old. Im healthy, so hopefully, Ill be able to do that.

Lamborne believes that when she does reopen, she wont be able to accommodate as many diners as before. I think there will still be social distancing. Well need to get those patio chairs and tables painted," she said, laughing.

John Hochheimer is chairman of the board of the Great Meadow Foundation.

Great Meadow Foundation

John Hochheimer is chairman of the board of the Great Meadow Foundation. He said they have had to cancel or postpone several of their planned events. The largest one to date is Gold Cup. It has been rescheduled for June 20, assuming conditions permit.

Twilight Polo was supposed to start May 23, but the potential new start date is now June 13. Honestly, all of our plans depend on what the governor recommends and what the requirements will be once the stay-at-home policy is lifted, said Hochheimer. Our revenue is down some 20 to 25 percent.

He underscores that the foundation is hurting because the delayed events are the core of its revenue. Nonetheless, the staff of seven is still working, and the gates are open.

People are welcome to come out to Great Meadow and walk the grounds and exercise their dogs individually and in small groups. Its largely a wait and see situation. Fortunately, much of what was unfolding at the spacious outdoor venue was just ramping up. Rescheduling the more significant events later in the year will save many of the seasons activities.

Several smaller events, like the National Rocket Contest, will be rolled over to next years schedule. Hochheimer said that groups need to plan events weeks or months in advance, and the uncertainty about when people will be allowed to gather leads to the cancellations.

Well continue to update our website when things are rescheduled. And we do welcome visitors to come out and enjoy the grounds. But I ask that people clean up after themselves and their pets, said Hochheimer.

On the links at Fauquier Springs Country Club

Fauquier Springs Country Club

Shawn Rogers is the general manager of the venerable club that was established in 1957. It has about 325 members. The facility has a restaurant, pool, tennis courts and a golf course. While the restaurant is closed to diners, it is offering carryout service.

He explained, One of the major complications we have seen throughout this situation are the protocols weve had to put into place to keep our club going. The Virginia Department of Health has been fantastic as to what we needed to implement.

The governor has allowed us to keep the golf course open, and our number of rounds are up. Every cart is sterilized before it goes out, and only one golfer per cart is allowed. Weve removed the sand-divot containers from the carts and anything else a player might touch. Players are not allowed to touch or remove the flag pin during play, Rogers said.

The clubs most substantial revenue producers are its banquet and event operations. We have been severely hurt in those areas.A lot of weddings and special events have been rescheduled. In March and April, we lost $150,000 in revenue. Every day this goes on, we are at risk of losing even more.

Rogers thinks the country club will survive without difficulty for two to three months. After that, it will become more problematic. Right now, were OK. But not as OK as we should be.

Fauquier Chamber of Commerce

For more than a decade, Joe Martin has served as the president of the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce. He has successfully guided the organizations 530 members through robust economic growth. Today, hes a whirling dervish, working to keep his family safe from harm.

We have a weekly conference call with numerous regional leadership organizations strategizing on how to address the critical issues facing us. Im also on Zoom calls daily with local, state and federal agencies for the same purpose.

The communication outreach across these dozens of organizations has been phenomenal. One minor but important aspect of all of this is well be using these communication technologies from here on out, said Martin.

To focus on real-world concerns and seek advice from chamber members and their guests, a monthly virtual luncheon is hosted by Martin, where attendees go around the screen and share successes, struggles and challenges. Its an opportunity for one story to answer dozens of questions.

Martin finds it reassuring in such stressed times that most of the groups and individuals hes interacting with generally have a positive feeling about the future. But the pain experienced by small businesses is of particular concern to him. The downturn will end, and Martin, in concert with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, is working on a recovery plan to help make it happen.

Martin muses, The recovery is not going to spring back overnight. It will be a slow and methodical process of likely a year or more. Yes, there will be pent-up demand, but it will not be an explosive recovery. But it will happen. Staying focused and positive is key.

See the article here:
Fauquier County businesses tack into the wind | News - Fauquier Times

As co-founder and senior vice president of design for the luxury fittings brand Waterworks, Barbara Sallick is responsible for some of the most beautiful faucets in the business. For her latest book, The Perfect Kitchen, she studied hundreds of photos from top designers to pinpoint that quality that makes a kitchen design resonate. She found that the best cookspaces arent the ones with an enviable range or a massive pantry; theyre the ones that feel the most personal. Here, Sallick talks about how to bring more character to this hardworking room.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: What should you keep in mind when planning your dream kitchen?

A: A good design needs to hit the mark visually, emotionally and functionally. Unless you take the time to put it all together and make it truly personal, its never going to live up to your expectations.

Q: If you know exactly what you want, should you work with a general contractor, or do you need to hire a kitchen designer?

A: Its tough to achieve the results youre dreaming of unless you hire a pro. Contractors have a lot of practical experience, but an interior designer will make you think about what you want in a way that a contractor might not. Its a designers job to ask questions about your lifestyle, family and preferences. The benefit to a kitchen designer is that they know how to draw plans to within an eighth of an inch of their life. The most important thing is to have a conversation with someone who truly understands interiors.

Q: How has kitchen design changed over the years?

A: After looking at about 700 kitchens for this book project, I realized I barely saw any that didnt have an island. I think the work triangle has evolved into the racetrack oval because you are no longer in a direct line from the sink to the refrigerator to the oven and back again. The popularity of the island has truly changed the way traffic patterns work in the kitchen.

Q: Lets talk money: High-end appliances or custom cabinets can be budget-busters. If you have one splurge in the kitchen, where should it be?

A: Hardware can be transformative. There are so many options for knobs and pulls; having beautiful hardware is like putting on your favorite piece of jewelry. You can change the feel of your kitchen from something that is rather ordinary to something very special.

Q: But most people probably choose hardware at the end of the process, almost as an afterthought.

A: Exactly, and thats the problem. I think the second you choose your door style, you need to think about the hardware. It can be a significant investment, but it offers the biggest bang for your buck.

Q: You must have a lot of opinions about faucets. What should people look for?

A: Clearly, you want to love how it looks and how it feels in your hand. Turning on the faucet is a humanistic, tactile thing. If the parts arent great, it can feel like it jerks in place when you turn the lever. You want a kitchen faucet that works so intuitively that you never have to think about which way the handle turns. Then ask if the scale is right for the size of the sink. Make sure the faucet or fitting that you choose is big enough to swing from one sink to another. If its a gooseneck, it should be tall enough that it wont hit your pots every time you clean them.

Q: You could spend $60 or $6,000 on a faucet. Why is there such a wide range of pricing, besides the obvious variations in finishes and design quality?

A: Its hard to know whats happening inside a faucet unless you slice it in half, so it helps to have questions ready when you go shopping. Ask where the valve is made and how you can get replacement parts. Above all, you want to make sure that your faucet is made of high-quality brass. You dont want plastic parts inside your faucet. My advice is to always buy the best-quality kitchen faucet you can afford. Its used hundreds of times a week by various members of your family, and it needs to last a long time.

Q: What should homeowners look for when choosing a kitchen sink?

A: Consider the size and depth. Think of your biggest pot: Is it a lobster stockpot? Then youll need a fairly deep sink. If youre going with stainless steel, look at the quality. Twenty-gauge stainless steel makes a lot of noise because its very thin. Sixteen-gauge stainless steel is quieter because it has a backing that muffles the noise from the water. Its also stronger and doesnt dent as easily over time.

Q: Is there a particular finish thats better at hiding fingerprints?

A: I have a matte nickel finish, and its really easy to care for. Generally, any finish thats shiny, such as chrome, needs to be wiped down regularly. All water has some minerals; once the minerals get on the faucet, they interact with the finish, and you get spots. If you have a nickel finish, you can apply a coat of carnauba car wax, which puts a light coating over the finish and maintains it for a longer period of time. Doing so every six months, or even once a year, helps.

Q: What factors should homeowners consider when choosing a cabinet style?

A: Your cabinet style should have some relationship to the period of your house. If you are someone who has a traditional-style home, youre going to want some kind of paneled door that nods to that, but the same kind of door might look silly in a more modern house. Thinking about the era of your home, even the style of your furniture, ensures that the cabinetry doesnt become this jarring element that looks like it landed in your kitchen out of nowhere.

Q: How do you feel about the darker trend for cabinet colors?

A: All-white kitchens have had their moment and then some, so I love the idea that kitchens can be moody and dramatic. Also, its hard to distinguish one white kitchen from another. Once you introduce a color, it begins to feel much more personal.

Q: Any guidelines for coordinating the countertop with the cabinets?

A: Cabinets always have tops and bottoms, and the counter is the connector. The process of layering both the countertop and backsplash, which can be two completely different materials (and I often prefer them to be), is all about the way they talk to each other. It doesnt matter if the countertop is an active marble or the backsplash is a tile with a crackle glaze. They should have a connection and a conversation with each other.

Q: Colorful encaustic-style tiles have been popular for a while. Is there a downside to going so bold with pattern?

A: If you love pattern and you want to bring multiple colors into your kitchen design, have at it. Personally, I love pattern, but I like it on someone else or in their kitchen. Your kitchen is a long-term investment, and there are ways of injecting pattern that are far less permanent. For instance, you can wallpaper a small corner of a breakfast nook.

Q: How do you hope this book will help people?

A: There are enough kitchen styles, materials and ideas represented that if you are thinking about remodeling, the images in the book might help to cement your vision. Theres even a bright red kitchen from Bunny Williams. If youve ever entertained the idea of having a red kitchen, I hope this book gives you the confidence to go for it.

Original post:
The recipe for a perfect kitchen (hint: It doesn't have to be all white) - Seattle Times

You may be wondering, How much is it going to cost me to remodel my house? First, it's important to understand that nowadays, most people use the terms remodel and renovate interchangeably. Here are clear definitions of what each term means:

As you can see, there is a difference between these two terms. Basically, remodeling refers to creating something new while renovating refers to restoring something to its previous state.

Now that you have a pretty good understanding of the difference between the two terms, here are four things to take into consideration when figuring out how much it is going to cost to remodel your home.

It's important to understand why you are wanting to do work on your home. For some people, a house they're thinking of buying may be ideally located but, unfortunately, outdated. In this instance, it may be better to get the home for cheap and remodel the home to your liking once you own the home.

Some people already own the home and are at a place where they need to fix certain safety issues so that they may continue to live there comfortably. Unfortunate events such as foundation issues, roof leaks, or a pipe bursting in the kitchen can speed up the timeline on tackling certain projects around the home.

Others are at a point where they need to sell their home. Your Realtor may have told you it would be best to do certain updates to maximize the value you would be able to sell your house at, so now you are on the hunt to find which upgraded areas of your home would give you the best return on investment.

Now that you have an understanding of the reason you are wanting to do a remodel, now it's time to outline what you want to accomplish.

You should first prioritize any major items that need to be fixed. You don't want to put a bandage on work that should be resolved by fixing the root of the problem. An example would be if you notice there is mold on the ceiling. The bandage would be to replace the wallboard where the mold is and call it a day. What you really should do is identify and repair the source of the mold (e.g., a leaky pipe or poor bathroom ventilation) so the issue won't arise again.

Make sure you have a list of everything you want to tackle during this remodel. This will help you separate everything you think needs to be done from what really has to be done. This method will also help when it comes to budgeting the cost of the total project.

The most common areas of a home that people are looking to improve are the:

Broken down even further, the most common types of improvements are:

There are a few ways you might choose to tackle your remodel. Ask yourself these questions to determine which way you should go:

No matter how you're planning on going about it, it might be a good idea to have people come in and present quotes for how much certain types of projects would cost.

When vetting a subcontractor, look at past remodeling products, make sure they are licensed and insured, understand what all is included in their quote, and last but not least, find out how long it will take them to complete the job.

As always, the answer is "It depends." It depends on the square footage of the home and whether you're adding more square footage, the type of quality the remodel will be, and the type of permitting required by the city, especially if you own a home that is considered historic, and whether you will be doing a complete renovation of the entire building or just redoing the kitchen.

Regardless of the plan, you are going to want to have prepared a budget. Be sure to add contingency on top of that, because things never go as planned.

You can break down your remodel project by room to get an average cost range. Here is a helpful starting point from HomeAdvisor (NASDAQ: ANGI):

Follow this link:
How to Determine the Cost to Remodel a House - Motley Fool

As more and more events continue to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic precautions, the Hiawatha Parks and Recreation Director is throwing some fun out-of-the-box activities out there for residents to take part in.

HP&R Director Stacy Jasper said the current emergency and cancellation of all recreational events is something that is challenging for her after a decade or more of planning activities for communities here in Hiawatha and at her previous position for the City of Colby.

She had already launched into her plans for summer recreation teeball, aquatic park, employment applications for concession and pool workers along with already being knee-deep in hiring a new grounds staff member and getting underway with plans to ready the softball and baseball fields for spring school athletic events.

Then it hit the fan, so-to-speak. The COVID-19 pandemic wasnt just a concern for people in China and Italy. The coronavirus had hit the United States and was hitting hard. Suddenly, March Madness was gone, colleges and public schools were closing and the nation was in a state of emergency.

The City of Hiawatha joined other municipalities in immediately implementing COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines closing the Fisher Center and City Hall to the public. This also included cancelling any and all recreation activities planned for the spring.

This really was nothing I had ever dealt with in all my years in recreation and I admit it was challenging to try and come up with ideas for the community to do and stay in line with social distancing guidelines, Jasper said.

According to the Center for Disease Control, people are encouraged to practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from other people when engaging in an activity. On top of that, the governor issued a stay at home order for Kansans to adhere to advising to not leave the house unless it was for an essential need.

Among the governors list of essential needs was outdoor exercise but participants still needed to adhere to social distancing guidelines. In addition, gyms are closed, city parks are closed so what is there to do?

Take it to the driveway or the living room or the kitchen!

Those are just a few of the places that Jasper has included in her many stay-at-home challenges for the HP&R public in Hiawatha.

Jasper said she has participated in some online Zoom meetings with other parks and rec directors across the state and over a couple hours the directors brainstormed about ways to keep their public active and engaged during the stay at home order which for now remains in effect until April 19.

So right now, Jasper has 13 challenges on her HP&R Facebook page including HP&R Homework, which offers a daily activity. Among the other activities are pet tricks, chalk art, a driveway trick shot (such as a crazy basketball shot one person rode a horse up to make a basket), bit-moji fun, a driveway workout and her latest peepthis and eggstravaganza, which focuses some fun crafties with the favorite marshmallow peeps and decorated eggs just in time for Easter.

I am not encouraging people to go out and do these things with friends but do them with your siblings and family members at home, she said.

The HP&R community has embraced these many challenges and by submitting a video and tagging the HP&R hash tag, the videos and photos are now on social media for the communitys enjoyment.

The HP&R Homework advises a special activity each day of the week: Super Sunday, Make it Monday, Take a Trip Tuesday, Watch It Wednesday, think It Thursday, Foodie Friday and Selfless Saturday.

Jasper said creating these activities really has stretched her creativity and out-of-the-box thinking in trying to keep the community active and entertained focused on more positive activities rather than the doom and gloom of thinking of a global pandemic.

I really feel as essential as I ever have, as I want to provide a positive approach to this. Its been so much fun to see what people come up with, she said. I also feel its really important at a time like this. There is so much uncertainty, and so many emotions people are feeling. I am trying to help take away the fear and anxiety by creating fun activities.

Jaspers goal is to continue offering activities weekly, by hitting on fitness, sports, education, family and art. She said these are also events that she can continue in the future, when the COVID-19 pandemic is over and people are back to ordinary activities, but are also looking for something extra fun to do.

In the meantime, her staff has been keeping very busy with a Fisher Center kitchen remodel that they initially tried to bid out, but at the time contractors were too busy to take on the task within the time frame the city had hoped. But once the stay at home orders went into place, and Jasper and her staff found a little extra time on their hands, they have been knee-deep in kitchen remodeling themselves.

Are they still preparing for summer activities? Yes and no, she said.

Some things are obviously on hold. Jasper said she stopped taking teeball applications, because doesnt want to be in a position to have to make a lot of refunds if it doesnt happen. She had accepted applications for summer work, but had to cancel interviews twice. She plans to possibly set up Facetime or Zoom interviews, but doesnt have a timeline yet.

She said there is no magic date as to when they will know whether summer recreation will be happening. She said her staff is doing some preparations, but some things are on hold.

There is just so much unknown right now, she said.

The current stay at home order lasts until April 19, but even if that is lifted there could be other guidelines that stay in place such as social distancing. Its hard to play on a baseball or softball team, or hang out at the pool, and keep that social distance in place.

We are on the tip of saving summer or canceling summer thats a big weight on our shoulders, she said, noting that she doesnt know when final decisions will be made. But, of course, those decisions will be made for us, based on what the state decides.

Jasper said it typically takes about a month and a half to prepare for summer rec activities and once the restrictions lift she and her staff may have to do it within a week or two, but she will do what she have to! She is hopeful that, at the very least, there will be only a late start to activities or a shortened season.

Keep your eye on the Hiawatha Parks and Recreation Facebook page to keep track of all of the fun events she has going on and for upcoming information about summer recreation.

Read the original post:
Out of the box ways to take part in recreation - Hiawatha World

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

A homeowners motivation for taking on a remodeling project can vary greatly, but theres one universal rule of thumb: home upgrades should add value, function or both. This step-by-step guide can help ensure you get the maximum return on your investment and make the most of your remodel.

Step 1: Identify reasons for remodeling

Deciding whether to undertake simple aesthetic changes or a full remodel can be difficult. One of the best ways to decide is to figure out why you are remodeling in the first place, whether its to make your new house feel more like home or to update an outdated kitchen.

Step 2: Consider timing

Many variables can impact the timing of your project, including the climate and exact nature of the job. For example, foundation work is easier when the ground is cold during winter. Spring tends to be busy for the construction industry, so you might pay premium rates for labor and materials, but its also the perfect time to get a project done that you can enjoy throughout the summer. Summer months are ideal for indoor projects out of the heat. Also consider factors such as personal or professional obligations, or even an event for which you need the project completed.

Step 3: Set your budget

Every home is unique in structure, age, quality and craftsmanship, which all impact the price of a remodel. Since no one can see through walls before demolition, the quote you receive may not be 100% accurate. However, a qualified remodeling company will be forthcoming about potential challenges. Account for these adjustments by planning for a 10% cushion, just in case.

Step 4: Hire the right team

To help ensure you find the right company for the job, do your research. Referrals from friends and family are one way to find a remodeler. Resources like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry provide unbiased information that can help you find qualified, certified remodelers in your area. With more than 5,000 member companies, the organization represents professional remodelers who adhere to a strict code of ethics. Many hold certifications in remodeling, kitchen and bath design and lead carpentry.

Step 5: Establish a written agreement

Most companies insist on a contract to protect their own interests, but if they dont, you should. In addition to defining the scope of work and budget, a contract ensures all parties are on the same page with expectations about factors like timing, liability in the event of an accident and other practical matters. Contractors also often provide guarantees of workmanship, so find out what they cover for how long and include this information in your work agreement.

Step 6: Understand the plan

Keep the lines of communication open between you, the remodeling contractor and the work crew. Dont be afraid to ask questions. Let them know your familys schedule and circumstances that may affect their work, such as pets. Make sure to specify the best way to reach you and how often you wish to communicate about your project.

Step 7: Complete the project

When the remodel is almost finished, walk through the area and note any adjustments that need made while the contractor is still on site. You should also take another look at the contract and confirm you have signed permits, receipts, change orders, lien waivers, warranties and manufacturers guides at your disposal.

Find more remodeling advice and contractors in your area at remodelingdoneright.com.

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7 steps to help get the most out of a home remodel - Mountain Democrat

News

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The unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19 are having an effect on not only U.S. companies, but businesses around the world. Many employees are now working from home, manufacturing operations have slowed or stopped entirely and stringent germ-fighting tactics are being implemented.

How dramatic an effect the virus is having on businesses depends somewhat on where companies are located and the type of work involved. While many firms are able to have all employees work remotely without so much as a blip, others especially those that are focused on product manufacturing and social interaction are in flux. Some of the latter companies are feeling the sting already, while others have experienced little impact. Regardless of where they are in the chain, most firms concur that a ripple effect will be felt, though hopefully short term.

Almost everything is affected, notes Jodi Swartz, owner/principal designer, KitchenVisions in Natick, MA. Clients children are home from college or out of school, hampering selection timelines. People are concerned about spending and scaling back or pushing off projects. Manufacturers have little stock. And employees are not showing up, and cutting back on employee hours. Trade shows, awards ceremonies and any event where a crowd is expected are getting canceled.

Its like the Twilight Zone, Swartz continues. The phone has stopped ringing with prospective clients and instead were just answering calls with problems, issues and alarming current events. That is somewhat maddening.

Indeed, many kitchen and bath dealers and designers, as well other industry professionals, are concerned about delays that might result from the worldwide pandemic. While many projects will continue as planned with few delays or problems, the booking of future work is a bigger concern.

Appointments are being cancelled for sales and installations, and home shows and community events are being cancelled, which is affecting leads, offers JT Norman, director of business development, Kitchen Magic, in Nazareth, PA.

I thought I would be able to meet with more clients if everyone was working from home, but that is not the case, adds Richard Barr, senior designer/president, Plumberry Designs, in Florham Park, NJ. Our meetings are being postponed and some projects cancelled for financial reasons.

Jeff Koontz, designer, Chicago Custom Kitchens in Chicago, IL, reports that two of their clients have put their kitchen remodels on hold because of the impact on their ability to earn money.

We have a client who wanted to remodel two bathrooms and owns a travel agency, but because of the virus she has lost customers for the past three weeks canceling trips. The client may now cut out one or both of the bathrooms, adds Greg Ulrich, president/owner, KGT Remodeling, in Naples, FL.

Cathy Norman, owner, Kitchen & Bath Design Center in Fort Collins, CO, also notes that they have had two to three projects put on hold. The impact this is having on the stock market is the issue, she stresses.

I do see a slowdown, not necessarily from the virus itself, but from the stock market, agrees LuAnn Flores, Plumbing Sales Professional Department lead, WDC Kitchen and Bath, in Agoura Hills, CA. People who have planned major remodels or total builds are now waiting to see what the next few months bring.

I also feel that reduced stock portfolios and home equity will have a profound negative impact on our business, remarks Larry Rosen, President, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens, in Rockville, MD.

But Krista Agapito, director of sales, S&W Kitchens, in Winter Park, FL thinks that while COVID-19 is creating some uncertainty, new clients are still calling in, asking for design and construction services.

SHOWROOM TRAFFIC

It is expected that showroom traffic would slow down, but that hasnt necessarily been the case. Thus far, traffic is still very steady, comments Elise Miller, designer, Curtis Lumber, in Ballston Spa, NY.

My showroom is open, but people meet with me by appointment, and I am finding that more people are making appointments to come in! observes Maria Stapperfenne, manager, Tewksbury Kitchen & Bath, in Whitehouse Station, NJ. Is it because when they come in, there arent throngs of others here? Maybe but my schedule is filling up with people who are willing to take the time to come see me during the day because theyre telecommuting!

Just like with snow storms, I expect that once banks and schools start closing, we will see more traffic in our showroom, adds Courtney Smith, office director, Rogers Kitchens, in Norwich, CT. But, she notes, I suspect it will be more tire kickers than potential jobs.

The slow-down has come for many, however, and very suddenly. Showroom traffic was still good until today, notes Rick Beahm, president, Beahm and Son Ltd., in Evans City, PA, talking about last week. It was down about 60% today.

Beth Siegfried, showroom manager at a plumbing supply house in Akron, OH, reports that traffic late last week was markedly slower than weeks previous. But, she has found the silver lining in the slow down. This dramatic drop-off in traffic for the moment feels like a much needed break in the action to catch up with a backlog of work. Still, she believes its only the beginning.

And while John Lang, owner, Langs Kitchen & Bath, in Newtown, PA has not seen an impact yet, we are expecting a 60-day period of little to no traffic.

THE SUPPLY CHAIN

The concern on the customer side is matched by the consternation on the supplier side. A few supply lines have hit significant bumps, partially due to issues that preceded COVID-19. But, overall, delays have been minimal thus far. For many, preparations for the future are being put into place.

I reached out to my main distributor for panel products for our cabinet shop and asked about availability of our main products, and he said at this time there was plenty in stock and several containers on their way from Europe, assures Beahm.

So far no vendors have closed their doors, so jobs are anticipated to be on schedule, states Agapito. That can easily change, of course, and we are handling things day by day as we receive more information.

Some of our product choices have changed since they were coming from abroad, and some projects are on hold as we await for shipping containers to be cleared to dock and unload, adds Barr. He notes that, while his clients are extremely reasonable and understand the severity of the health crisis, he believes their patience may grow thin the longer the projects are delayed.

Coming off a year of tariff delays, some of these new problems seem just like more of the same, says Siegfried. She notes that they just received the first alert that some of their Italian products never shipped weeks before the national shutdown. Of course, all future shipments are a big question mark.

It is likely that there will be issues as materials stocked in the U.S. run out and cant be replenished due to government restrictions, concurs Rich Doud, A&D sales rep., Vestal Tile Distributors in Vestal, NY.

And, while Erich Russ, president, Stone Harbor Hardware, in Appleton, WI has moderate concern about delays in their supply chain and potential softening demand in the near term related to the virus, I remain confident in the industrys strength, especially when we enter the summer season.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Most kitchen and bath designers and others note that their businesses will be unaffected short term because of the number of jobs booked and being worked on. Many have full schedules for six months or more, and can continue to work through the slow down. However, keeping employees on the job and healthy is a major concern, both for the company and clients.

We are moving to phone and digital conferences for sales meetings and have met with our employees to reiterate the need to stay home if they feel sick, to keep their work areas clean and to wash their hands frequently, says Kathryn Constantine, v.p., Brown Wood Inc., in Lincolnwood, IL.

We are adding a no hugs or handshake precaution to our practices, reports Agapito. Sanitizing of the showrooms before and after each meeting, and at the beginning and end of each day, is important for us all.

I am working with clients through remote conferencing in addition to an abundance of emails, adds Barr. We have sanitizer at the door for clients who do come into the showroom. We have asked our delivery guys not to enter the showroom and leave all packages at the door.

We have clients with serious medical conditions and compromised immune systems, and we are taking their health concerns seriously, stresses David Bannasch, senior project manager/design consultant, Bearded Builders, in Baltimore, MD. We have attached a message with all outgoing client emails requesting that anyone having signs of a cold or fever reschedule their appointments. Weve also notified our clients that any of our employees who have signs of a cold or fever are required to stay home or work from home as applicable. This includes both office and construction personnel.

Twice a day we wipe down light switches, microwaves, water coolers and other common surfaces, offers Tath Hossfeld, owner, Tath Hossfeld Designs, in Seattle, WA. Will continue to do so till we run out of product.

Read the original:
Industry Pros Discuss Challenges of COVID-19 on Business - Kitchen and Bath Design News

Once youve sprained an ankle or broken a limb in a minor household accident, you may never look at your home the same way. You probably wont look at your parents home the same way, either. Thankfully, new technology and a few tweaks can make your home safer for everyone.

More than 75 percent of people age 50 and older would prefer to age in place, according to an AARP study. Today aging in place is frequently labeled living in place since the same things that can help your 90-year-old grandmother, such as a video doorbell or a smoke detector that issues text alerts, voice instructions, and an alarm, provide peace of mind to every family member. While technology improves peoples health and safety, making sure it is installed correctly and can be controlled appropriately is essential.

Your home can be designed as not just a place to be, but a place to live a better life, said Tim Costello, CEO of BHI/BDX (Builders Digital Experience) in Austin. The challenge right now with technology is that its in an awkward adolescence. Its available and economical, but everything tends to be a la carte rather than pulled together in a harmonious package.

For many people, that means choosing the types of products that provide the function they want for themselves or their parents. Many can be controlled with a smartphone app or a voice system such as Amazons Echo or Google Nest.

When remodeling a home for aging in place, the most common automation products and systems installed are for safety, security, and temperature control, according to a recent survey by Harvards Joint Center for Housing Studies.

If your parents live in Seattle and you live in Boston, a monitoring system of some sort gives you a comfort factor, said Laurie Orlov, founder of Aging and Health Technology Watch in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Youre not spying on them, but if you get an alert that something has changed in their routine, you can give them a call and check in with them.

Several companies offer systems that alert a monitoring system or a loved one if someone has fallen or theres some other indication of a problem. For example, Caregiver Smart Solutions offers packages of sensors that can be placed in several rooms to detect movement, temperature, and humidity that range in price from $129 to $349. Monthly monitoring fees range from $29 to $49.

I started this system because I was concerned about my father when he was having health problems, said Ryan Herd, CEO of 1 Sound Choice and founder of Caregiver Smart Solutions in Pompton Plains, N.J. I wanted to know if he was eating and moving around and sleeping. The sensors reduce stress for caregivers.

Herd tried to place a camera in his fathers home to keep an eye on him, but his dad, like most people, found it intrusive. When Herd would ask him how he was doing, hed say fine even if he wasnt because he wanted to avoid being a burden to his son.

Our system isnt a camera, because no one wants that, Herd said. Its not trying to change anyones habits, either. Its also not something that requires anyone to wear a device to track them, either, because many people forget to wear them or take them off when theyre needed most, such as when they take a shower.

Herd said older people feel a wearable device with an emergency alert system is a button of death that reminds them of their vulnerability.

Some wearable devices, such as the Apple watch, are more popular.

People like them because they look cool and theyre trendy, but they also have a built-in fall-detection alert system that can be really helpful no matter what age you are, Orlov said. If youre walking your dog in the winter or you live alone, its smart to opt into a system that notifies someone if youve fallen.

If youre remodeling, sensors that detect falls and movement can be built into the flooring, so someone can be alerted if the typical pattern of movement has changed, Costello said.

A variety of relatively inexpensive inactivity monitors, such as an alert if someone doesnt get out of bed, are available with third-party monitoring for as little as $30 to $50 per month, Orlov said.

Other popular tech-safety features are video doorbells and smart lock systems, which allow people to see whos at the front door, decide whether to answer, and remotely unlock it. For older people, this can avoid the need to get up and rush to the door.

My sister and I set up a video doorbell and a key code for the front door on my mothers home, said Paula Kennedy, a Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP) and owner of Timeless Kitchen Design in Seattle. We can share video access and remotely control the door ourselves, too.

For older people, a video doorbell and other alarm systems work best if they include multiple cues, Kennedy said. For example, if someone is hard of hearing, its smart to keep an iPad or smartphone nearby that will light up when the doorbell rings.

Voice-activated systems can be great to allow people to live independently and safely for longer because they can control the lights, the temperature, and even call 911 in an emergency without having to get up and walk around, Kennedy said.

Safety at home doesnt always require high-tech devices, Orlov said.

Make sure you have nonskid floors and you get rid of area rugs that you can trip on, she said. Add a safety runner on a highly polished staircase, and add motion-sensing lights everywhere, especially along the stairs. They sell inexpensive battery-operated lights at Home Depot and Lowes, so you dont need to worry about plugs.

Extra under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen can make the space safer for everyone, Kennedy said.

One of the best things someone can do is to invest in light management with remote-controlled blinds that can be used by anyone with mobility issues, Kennedy said. Adding lights that go on automatically in your closet and motion sensor lights under your bed and in your bathroom are smart for everyones safety.

Consistent flooring or extra lighting where the flooring changes can reduce the hazard of falling, Kennedy said.

A worry concerning smart devices is that hackers will be able to open a lock or gain access to private information through voice-controlled or app-controlled systems. Kennedy recommends hiring an expert to install any system to ensure that its adequately protected. Herd suggests asking any manufacturer or installer how they protect your privacy. In addition, he recommends choosing complex passwords.

Before you start purchasing tech devices such as a monitoring system, check to make sure you or your parents have strong enough Wi-Fi to support them, Orlov said.

Next, make sure the systems are set up properly with the right contact information, so theyll call your brother, your daughter, your friend, and then your cousin or whoever you want, Orlov said. I think its best to pay for a subscription service that answers 24/7 to see if youre OK, to send help, and to stay on the phone with you if its needed.

Whether or not you opt for a full monitoring system or just start with a video doorbell and a smart lock, its important to think about your needs or your parents needs now and in the future.

The first thing everyone should do is an assessment of their home environment to make sure its physically safe, Orlov said. Next, you can add technology that will reassure your loved ones that youre OK. Then, if you want to add some bells and whistles that make you feel better, you can.

Michele Lerner can be reached at mvlerner@comcast.net. Subscribe to the Globes free real estate newsletter our weekly digest on buying, selling, and design at pages.email.bostonglobe.com/AddressSignUp. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @globehomes.

Originally posted here:
Baby boomers: Tech updates that help people age in place - Boston.com

Market advances will be bolstered by rising

residential kitchen and bathroom remodeling, when consumers tend to be most willing to splurge on higher-end materials like granite to improve home valuesresidential housing completions - where trends in single-family homes favor larger kitchens and multiple bathrooms - and commercial building construction

Engineered Stone to Be Fastest Growing Countertop Surface Material

Despite heavy tariffs hindering trade, and increasing worker health and safety concerns about the presence of silica dust in production, engineered stone is forecast to be the fastest growing countertop material through 2024. Engineered stone countertops have made rapid inroads in the market since 2014, as the availability of low-cost materials in popular colors has increased at a robust pace.

Residential Kitchen & Bath Remodeling to Remain Dominant Applications

Continued strength in residential kitchen and bath remodeling will be supported by the popularity of countertop replacement as a home improvement project. Robust market value gains will be bolstered by rising consumer interest in engineered stone, porcelain slab, and butcher-block countertops, as homeowners look to trade up to more natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing surface materials that will add more value to their home.

Relatedly, laminates - the leading countertop material in the US for decades - is expected to continue to lose market share through 2024. While use of laminates will remain widespread due to their low price points and minimal maintenance requirements, many laminate countertop manufacturers have taken efforts to be more competitive, such as

expanding and diversifying their offerings of specialty and decorative laminatesmoving into other countertop materials (e.g., engineered stone)

Looking for More?

Countertops is now available from The Freedonia Group. The study analyzes the US market for countertops by surface material, area of installation, market, application, and region. Demand is measured at the fabricator level (the point at which the material is formed into a countertop) for all surface materials, including edging and backsplashes. The study also provides a comprehensive corporate analysis of the leading industry players, including market share by material.

Read more:
US Countertop Demand to Exceed USD 40 Billion Through 2024 #47026 - New Kerala

People can now get a reliable and perfect bath remodel in Hillsborough from Done Right Home Remodeling. The firm offers the most appropriate designing work.

4 March, 2020 - Hillsborough, CA - With time, trends change, and this is what one can see even in the field of bath remodel in Hillsborough. The Hillsborough area has homes built over a century ago, and this means more need for urgent remodeling of the homes. Done Right Home Remodeling has been offering the best of bathroom remodeling services in Hillsborough, CA, for quite some time.

The company has in-house contractors and technicians, and they have been in the company for over 15 years. Hence, they have an understanding of the legal prerequisites for the same. This has been the reason for them to work successfully on several projects across housing societies in and around the Hillsborough regions. The bath remodeling company in Hillsborough are famous for their vast idea related to designing and remodeling homes.

We are aware of the trends and the styles that are not only cost-effective but also environment-friendly in the long run. We make use of the best strategies and designs, giving the baths the new makeover every homeowner desires, says CEO of Done Right Home Remodeling.

The firm has bath remodeling contractors Hillsborough based has earned fame over the years for offering a free quote. The firm offers other services like kitchen remodeling services and complete home remodeling services. Besides, they also offer home additions and backyard services all by experts with quicker turnaround time.

With clear plans and teams of efficient licensed staff members on the roster, the firm has left no stones unturned while giving the homes and bathrooms a new lease of life.

About the company:

Done Right Home Remodeling is based in Santa Clara and offers services across Hillsborough and other parts of CA. For more details, please visit https://www.donerighthomeremodelingca.com/

Media ContactCompany Name: Done Right Home RemodelingContact Person: Media RelationsEmail: Send EmailPhone: 1-800-816-0000Address:1825 De La Cruz Blvd State: CaliforniaCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.donerighthomeremodelingca.com/

Original post:
Done Right Home Remodeling Opens up On The Evolution of Bath Remodeling Trends in Hillsborough - Press Release - Digital Journal