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    Collins Tile and Stone Wins Angie’s List 2016 Super Service Provider Award – PR Web (press release) - June 22, 2017 by Mr HomeBuilder

    We are thrilled to be honored with this prestigious award. This award represents our continued commitment to quality and customer service.

    Ashburn, Virginia (PRWEB) June 21, 2017

    Collins Tile and Stone has won a Angies List Super Service Provider Award for the seventh consecutive year. The Super Service Award is given annually to the top 5% of qualifying businesses on Angies List based on consumer reviews.

    Companies must maintain an A grade average for the entire 12 month review period to be considered for the Super Service Award. They must also pass a criminal background check and fully comply with Angies Lists operational guidelines. Winners are provided with award badges on their online profile. Companies are reevaluated every year based on their performance.

    We are thrilled to be honored with this prestigious award. said Buck Collins, Founder and President of Collins Tile and Stone. This award represents our continued commitment to quality and customer service.

    Collins Tile and Stone is a family owned business located in Northern Virginia. They specialize in full kitchen and bathroom remodeling. The Super Service Provider Award reflects the companys continued dedication to their clients. Collins Tile and Stone has received the award every year since 2010.

    Collins Tile and Stone has received a number of certifications and awards since opening in 2008. Additionally, the company is 1 of 42 contractors in the country to be named as a Five Star Contractor by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA).

    About Angies List Angies List is an online home services directory. Angies List allows members to read and publish reviews of local businesses and contractors. Angies List members provide ratings and reviews on the work and service provided by listed companies. Ratings are given on an A to F scale.

    About Collins Tile and Stone Collins Tile and Stone is a Northern Virginia based bathroom and kitchen remodeling company. They offer full bathroom and kitchen remodeling services including radiant heated floors, steam showers and accent walls. Collins Tile and Stones tile installers are certified by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. The company is committed to providing exceptional customer service.

    For more information about Collins Tile and Stone, please visit https://collinstileandstone.com.

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    Collins Tile and Stone Wins Angie's List 2016 Super Service Provider Award - PR Web (press release)

    Add Value with Summer Home Renovation Projects – Staugnews - June 21, 2017 by Mr HomeBuilder

    by Amy Lignor

    There are a whole list of summer activities for you and the kids planned. Most of them, of course, you want to be nothing but fun, such as grilling outside on the patio or swimming in the pool. However, having the backyard pool and patio are two things you really need in place before either of those activities could be enjoyed. And building this area could be a great summer project in order to not only get the house you really want, but add value to the home for a future sale.

    Whether youve been dreaming of updating, customizing or integrating more smart technology into the design of your current home, there are certain projects that provide a way for you to create that high-value The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has compiled a list of the highest ranking projects being done, as well as the high percentages of cash that homeowners are recouping from these various renovations.

    The largest and most popular project in the U.S. is remodeling the kitchen. According to the NAHB, the number of remodelers working on kitchens is over 81%, with the average cost being spent on the remodel of $20,000. These minor kitchen remodels have homeowners recouping over 80% of the cost at the time of sale. (Major remodels of the kitchen have raised to an average of $62,000 in price, with a lower recoup of 65%).

    It is important to take note with the kitchen area that before diving into the renovation project, have a plan in place. Interior designers have stated to look at this area like a work triangle between sink, refrigerator and range. Creating that safe and enjoyable triangle that offers easy functionality includes taking into account lighting fixtures, storage and work surfaces, as well as the heavy traffic areas of those who run through each and every day.

    The second project that has homeowners recovering almost 65% of costs spent comes in the form of remodeling the bathroom. When upgrading the bath, adding to the trends and great design pattern would mean making the room more accessible (widening doorways, adding grab bars to the tub, enlarging cabinets, and replacing lighting fixtures). In addition, creating a decorative space that offers the perfect vinyl wallpaper surrounding new tile work, updated shower controls, and more.

    Another project comes in the form of room additions. Adding extra rooms to the house, such as a family room or a master suite, can range in cost from minor to major considering the plan you have in mind. However, up to 71% of these costs can also be recovered at sale time, depending on the design. Staying on trend is a good thing when it comes to the latest in technology, lighting and heating fixtures, and music systems, yet buying into all color and design trends on the market the minute youre doing your renovation can be a mistake for resale value. After all, trends come and go, but the classic colors remain the same.

    Lastly, if youre looking for a project that will raise the value of your home even higher, replacing windows, doors, and insulation are good things. Starting with the front door of the dwelling, replacing this has earned the second-highest return on investment when compared to other remodeling projects, with homeowners who spent an average of $1,413 recouping 90.7% of the cost. (Remodelings 2017 Cost vs Value Report). And when it comes to garage door replacements, as well as upscale window replacements, not only do homeowners recoup a great percentage of costs, but they also improve curb appeal and make the home more energy-efficient. You can also receive financial tax credits from various local, state or federal tax credit programs in the U.S.

    So, as you plan your summer renovation project, just know that money can be made whether adding a room or even converting the basement into a multi-functional living space for the whole family. Of course, if youngsters are present, you can add a little added extra home improvement by sound-proofing the walls.

    Source: Baret News

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    Add Value with Summer Home Renovation Projects - Staugnews

    Building with Premium Appliances Upgrades Matter – Pro Tool Reviews (blog) - June 21, 2017 by Mr HomeBuilder

    For years, building spec homes with only the most basic appliances seemed the norm. The idea was to put in good, reliable products, but keep the process simple. Upgrades were possible but didnt generally aid profits, so they werefor most buildersmore of a hassle than anything else. Oddly enough,builders seemed more likely to upgrade faucets than appliances. Then the housing bubble burst, and things changed considerably. With the resurgence of homebuilding bringing back stiff competition, what part does building with premium appliances play in making a sale?

    Id say quite a bit. In fact, building with premium appliances can really set you apart from the competition and win over clients who truly value the most important room in the house.

    This article is geared towards the builder, decorator, or even the remodeling Pro who either specs kitchens, or remodels them. Still, the serious DIYer may also take away some valuable information, so keep reading. Over the years, weve noticed many kitchen trends and pitfalls. One trend seems to stand above all others: remodeling using premium appliances. Whether its a voluntary redesign, or an insurance claim remodel, premium appliances are flying into kitchens faster than ever before.

    One sure way to increase customer satisfaction and raise the level of your work is to carefully consider the appliances you install. After all, this is where the homeowner is destined to spend a considerable amount of time both cooking and entertaining. Kitchens matter, and choosing appliances that enhance the home ranks highest on our recommendation list.

    What were getting at is very simple: you have competition. If youre a remodeler, you constantly bid against other remodelers. Whats going to set you apart? While you may not need every job, if you go through a bid process you want to win the project. What sets you apart? There are times when the lowest bidder wins, but thats almost never the case when talking about kitchens. Kitchensparticularly when the owners have already been through the starter phaseare ripe for upgrades. If you spec a home or remodel with only the most rudimentary appliances, youre going to come across as bland and unimpressive.

    That could be costing you a lot of business!

    Contrast that with a contractor or remodeler who specs premium appliances. Those impress. They make the work of a kitchen easier. They will update and upgrade the overall home value. According to a 2014 study by Remodeler Magazine, a kitchen remodel can recoup as much as 80% or more of its value upon sale of the home. Thats to say nothing of the appeal to the homeowner who gets to use and enjoy that kitchen during their time owning the home.

    We have used Bosch appliances for years. My first Bosch was a dishwasher that defied trends with its incredibly quiet operation and triple racks. But Bosch makes more than just great dishwashers, so well use them to illustrate some of the things that can really win over consumers and increase your appeal as a contractor or remodeler. Overall, Ive found them to match the three criteria most important to increasing appeal and profitability: Sleek design, energy efficiency, and advanced features & functionality. Lets go through all three to explain why each of these can justify building with premium appliances or specing them in a remodeling project.

    New appliances are wonderful, but premium consumer-level appliances have a look that typically surpasses what you find in builder-grade models. For Bosch, that includes things like hidden control panels and surfaces (dishwashers and refrigerators) as well as quiet operation. While their dishwashers are the quietest in the industry, even their refrigerators and ovens do well at eliminating noise pollution in the kitchen.

    We love the look of stainless steel, but its not all the same. On their dishwashers, Bosch uses models with stainless steel both inside and out. Even their less expensive Ascenta seriesmade in North Carolinahas stainless steel tub walls set down into a plastic base. When the door is inevitably opened on that appliance, the internals will look as good as the outside finish.

    On refrigerators, French door designs are all the rage. Models with a single lower drawer, however, are getting a bad rap as being difficult to organize. The Bosch B21CL81SNS 36 inch Counter Depth French Door Bottom Freezer 800 Series offers that beautiful stainless steel look and French door functionality. It just does it with dual bottom freezer doors.

    The inside is just as impressive. Open it, and youre greeted with a full-width chiller drawer with an adjustable divider. A retractable shelf also lets you fit taller 2-liter bottles and other large items.

    This Bosch refrigerator offers a super-clean look on account of it hiding the ice dispenser within the top freezer drawer. With an appliance like this, the idea would be that youd install a water filter and dispenser at the sink. We did something similar in our home with a Franke DW12080 cold water dispenser and filtration system.

    When it comes to ovens, solid surface is the way to go for that clean look. For an even bigger step into the future, however, induction rules the day. An appliance like the Bosch HIIP055U 30 induction range features a smooth black glass top that really steps up the look of any kitchen. Induction ovens are also a conversation piecemaking this oven one of the few appliances that can impress with its futuristic (but practical) cooking technology. Any foodie (or hobbyist chef) will appreciate just how quickly it heats and cooks. Actually, anyone who has watched a few minutes of the food network channel has been exposed to the advanced technology of induction cooking. This is one upgrade that is super-attractive in any modern kitchen upgrade or remodel.

    Microwaves may seem run-of-the-mill, but Ive seen these botched more often than not. Designs falter with too much emphasis placed on features and not aesthetics. Bosch does a nice job of pairing both with its OTR (over-the-range) models. Of course, the latest trend includes push-button drawer microwaves which eliminate reaching up to insert and remove food. Still, a good over-the-range model can strike a mix of practical and upscale when done correctly. Bosch doesnt clutter the front of their microwaves. Theyre sleek, easy-to-use, and lack offensive front-facing grills or vents like some other brandsweve seen and used.

    As more and more consumers consider the environment, being able to tout energy efficiency can give you a real leg up. EnergyStar rated appliances are almost a must, but not all energy efficient appliances are the same. Some models go too far,sacrificing quality and productivity for energy efficiencyyou know who you are! Bosch, in particular, seems to strike a nice balance. I like, for example, the efficiency of their Ascenta dishwashers. In a typical year, Bosch estimates their EnergyStar-certified dishwashers (any of them, in fact) will use just 624 gallons of water and consume just 269 kWh of power. Thats less than $32/year operating cost for electric!

    As you consider energy efficiency, its hard to ignore washers and dryers. For this, Bosch doesnt have a ton of options for the single family homeowner. If, however, youre remodeling a condo, small apartment, or anything that requires space-savings,Bosch has you covered. Their 24 Compact Washer 800 Series washer and condensation dryer (WAT28402UC and WTG86402UC) are one of few compact EnergyStar rated systems on the market. These 24-inch washers and dryers can be stacked or mounted side by side with optional pedestal drawers.

    The condensating dryer is also a thing to behold. It dries clothes without the need for exterior or interior venting. The washer even plugs into the dryer so that you can run everything off a single 240V circuit. Again, this will mostly appeal to those applications where a pair of 24-inch compact laundry products is desired, but the advanced features and ultra-quiet 63 dBA SPL running are hard to ignore.

    If youre considering how to differentiate yourself by building with premium appliances, advanced features may do the most to win over your clients. While lots of appliances look good, features and performance matter. These real-world advancements in technology take your kitchen appliances and truly give consumers something to talk about and look forward to using. Want to sell a kitchen? Show off appliances with advanced technology that will impress whoever is going to find themselves in there the most. We already discussed induction ranges. Thats one of the most impressive pieces of technology to hit the kitchen in quite some time. While still priced at a premium, induction cooking is so far ahead in convenience and functionality, those who try it almost never go back. Quick heating, flexible timers, multiple and instant levels of heatinginduction has it all.

    When it comes to ovens, however, Bosch also includes features like a telescoping top shelf for easy access to your primary dishes. You can get convection cooking for a nice, even heating of your food. Temperature probes are available, and even the lighting and door windows in Boschs premium appliances have received welcome upgrades.

    When it comes to Dishwashers, Bosch blows away most of the competition with its InfoLight system that literally shines a red dot on the floor to let you know when the dishwasher is running. Their 500-series and up feature a third rack for utensils and other items, maximizing space and helping you get more dishes clean in less time. Finally, interior lighting in their Benchmark dishwashers sets a new bar for what a premium dishwasher should provide.

    On refrigerators, some of the shelving options have already been discussed, but Bosch uses a Dual AirCool system to deliver even temperatures. It also reduces the transfer of odors between the refrigerator and freezer. Their B21 series of fridges also include two humidity controlled CrisperDrawers to help keep food fresh for longer periods of time. Finally, its the little things that always seem to impress. An advanced refrigerator will have LED lighting to provide illumination without the heat. These new lights also last as long as your fridge and never have to be replaced.

    Its not justfoodies who like their food fresh. Products like the Bosch Benchmark refrigerators use SuperCooling and SuperFreezing tech to temporarily drop the temperature of the fridge or freezer sections when new food is added. This keeps everything where it needs to be and helps your food cool faster.

    Think all stainless appliances are the same? Or that energy efficiency doesnt matter, and tech is invisible? That cant be more wrong. When you put it all together, upgrades matter. Building with premium appliances can land you more business and differentiate you from your competition. Youll become known as the builder or remodeler who builds the nice kitchens. Word of mouth is your best friend. As your reputation for offering premium products grows, youll find that you end up with higher-paying clients who, more and more, appreciate the attention to detail and quality products.

    Not everything should go premium in a new home or remodel, but the kitchen only (hopefully) gets done once. Why not steer your clients to something theyll truly enjoy and, more importantly, tell others about.Building with premium appliances can do just that.

    For more information on current Bosch home appliances, check out their website.

    Originally posted here:
    Building with Premium Appliances Upgrades Matter - Pro Tool Reviews (blog)

    Remodel The Kitchen This Season Quickly and Easily – Digital Journal - June 19, 2017 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Silver Spring, MD - Mega Kitchen and Bath remodeling in Maryland offers quality remodeling services for owners of both commercial and residential properties. With customer service serving as one of the companys highest priorities, customers investing in their remodeling services can expect a process that is quick, easy, and convenient to meet their needs.

    Many home and commercial property owners explore Maryland kitchen remodel options hoping to find a company that will be able to provide quality service with their individual needs as a customer in mind. Not every person looking to invest in remodeling has the same style preference, or meets a one-size-fits-all mold with their property size dimensions, which can impact how the remodeling process proceeds. Similarly, the quality of service customers can find for bathroom remodel in Maryland can vary widely, and it is often difficult to find a company that dedicates itself to making their customers feel valued and heard as active collaborators in their home improvement remodeling.

    Mega Kitchen and Bath offer remodeling services with both style and customer service in mind, ensuring that any customers uncertainty or indecisiveness can be dispelled. Valuing both traditional and modern styles, the company provides their remodeling services according to the preferred taste and preferences of the everyday customer. The innovative technologies and high quality materials utilized by the company further work to provide both quick and easy service designed to ensure the utmost customer satisfaction.

    The services offered by the Maryland remodeling company include those general for kitchens and bathrooms, as well as remodeling services for basements, roofing, windows, countertops, and flooring. With custom home improvement options available, the company team strives to ensure that customers feel that they are active collaborators in the remodeling process. Additionally, the experts make themselves available to answer any questions or concerns from customers, informing them of all available style options they may wish to choose from to receive the kitchen or bathroom that best fits their vision.

    We work hard for our customers to make sure they are fully satisfied with the service we provide, says the company spokesperson. We believe they deserve to have a voice in the remodeling process, and we have a variety of custom options available to make sure they get the results they want.

    Offering kitchen and bath services in many different styles to fit individualized customer preferences, Mega Kitchen and Bath are gaining rave reviews in the community for their quality remodeling for a wide variety of home and commercial improvement projects.

    Media Contact Company Name: Mega Kitchen and Bath Contact Person: Ibrahim Zirekoglu Email: megakitchenandbath@gmail.com Phone: 301-933-5070 City: Silver Spring State: MD 20902 Country: United States Website: http://www.megakitchenandbath.com/

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    Remodel The Kitchen This Season Quickly and Easily - Digital Journal

    Where to save, where to splurge in kitchen remodel – GoErie.com - June 17, 2017 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Spending money on the kitchen has best financial return than any other home improvement.

    Remodeling or completely renovating a kitchen can be a big task, but it also has the best return on investment of any home improvement.

    But these improvements don't come cheap. A 2013 U.S. Census Bureau report noted the cost of an average kitchen remodel was $5,000, with the price tag for complete renovation at $27,353.

    Given these costs, remodeling experts say there are ways to save in order to have money to splurge on key items.

    Begin with a detailed floor plan, said Ariel Darmoni, managing partner at 123 Remodeling, a general contractor firm which was featured in Houzz and on HGTV.

    "It's going to be so much more if you don't have a floor plan that works for you because making changes later costs more. You can also save money if you don't have to move plumbing and electric, even if you're taking down walls," he said.

    Don't skimp on important life-safety improvements like mold remediation and ventilation, said Beverley Kruskol, owner of M.Y. Pacific Building, a general contractor who has worked with high-end renovations, including for Mario Batali's restaurants in Los Angeles.

    Tile, flooring and lighting can be both economical and beautiful, Kruskol said.

    "Tile is a great place to save money. There are thousands of styles, and they're so amazing," she said.

    Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be used on both floor and in kitchen backsplashes, said Suzanne Falk of Suzanne Falk Interior Design, a ghost designer on HGTV's "Kitchen Crashers."

    Tile is cheaper than hardwood flooring, and Darmoni prefers tile floors in kitchens because wood floors can be easily damaged by water leaks from dishwashers.

    Big-box retailers sell attractive tiles for a fraction of the cost versus what's sold at designer showrooms, Falk said. For people who have their heart set on high-end tile, she recommended highlighting it in a specific area, like in a backsplash around the range, and then framing it with subway tiles, which Falk said are her "go-to" tiles.

    Distinctive, affordable lighting options are available at retail stores versus paying up at a showroom, they said.

    "Compared to what was available four or five years ago, you can get beautiful lamps at a fraction of the cost," Kruskol said.

    Choose a nicer faucet over a sink, Darmoni said, but look at the faucet construction. Better-made faucets have durable metal cartridges inside, which are the valves that turn on the water and mix temperatures.

    High-end appliances might be a worthy splurge; however, Kruskol said homeowners should think about how they use them and how long they'll be in the home.

    "If you're in a condo, I don't think you need to spend the money to get a Wolf range, but it depends on your lifestyle," she said.

    Homeowners who aren't doing a gut rehab and really are scrimping can get new doors and hardware for their existing cabinets, Kruskol said, which can quickly update the look. Even refinishing existing doors can refresh a tired kitchen.

    The two areas worth a splurge are cabinets and countertops, they said. Consider stepping up to semi-custom cabinets from a local cabinet supplier and avoiding the big-box retailer.

    Working with a local cabinet supplier to design creative storage can help eliminate a lot of the wasted space in kitchens, Kruskol said. Upgrades like pull-out shelves and Lazy Susans are useful, but Falk warned about getting carried away with other costly upgrades like appliance garages and built-in spice drawers. These can look nice but may not be practical, she added.

    Another benefit to using semi-custom cabinets is they can be designed to fit a home's inevitable imperfections in a way prefabricated cabinets can't, said Darmoni and Falk.

    All three said consider upgrading to natural stone countertops versus manufactured styles. Not only do they look beautiful, but they will last for years. Granite has always been popular, but high-end materials like quartz and quartzite are becoming affordable.

    The one stone they don't recommend for kitchens is marble.

    "It's porous and stains easily. For instance, if you put a coffee cup on it, it gets a ring that doesn't go away," Kruskol said.

    See more here:
    Where to save, where to splurge in kitchen remodel - GoErie.com

    Team Elwood debates remodeling versus moving – Mason City Globe Gazette - June 17, 2017 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Husband and wife Larry and Zelda Elwood see both sides of the Move or Improve debate that North Iowa homeowners often go through.

    Zelda has been a Realtor for 12 years with EXIT Realty in Mason City. Larry has over 40 years experience in construction and is also a Realtor. I havent sold since becoming a Realtor because she always takes them from me, Larry joked. He owns Larry Elwood Construction in Mason City.

    The only time we have disagreements is when were doing one of our own projects, Larry said. I say its too much money, and she says, But its beautiful! We call ourselves Team Elwood: we really work well together.

    But there is no easy answering to the question Should I move or improve my home? according to the Elwoods. They say every home and every homeowner are different.

    Personal desires, ambitions, and dreams have so much to do with it, Larry said. Some think of their dream home as their forever home. But as a builder, weve moved three times since October! Its hard for me to think like that, because I have nothing material thats important to me.

    Our home was always where we hung our hat, Zelda said. But they acknowledged that often a home carries emotional weight for owners, which keeps them in a house that no longer works for them.

    For so many women, they feel This is where my kids grew up, where they took their first steps, she said. To us, well always have those memories.

    Larry clarified, We have the memories. We dont live in the memories.

    Sometimes achieving the perfect home takes several steps. A lot of people get a first house, fix it up, and move up a notch, trying towards that dream home, Larry said. Kitchen and bath are the most expensive rooms. When you consider going to a newer home versus knocking out walls, $8,000 in renovations is way cheaper than trying to move. It makes the wife happy, and the house then has that open concept.

    Zelda countered, It depends on the neighborhood. You dont want to be the most expensive house in the neighborhood. If youre going to list it, it helps to have open concept and nice kitchen and bath. But sometimes its not feasible to remodel, so youre better off trying to find a home that works better for the family.

    One of biggest factors is, Do I like where Im at? Larry said. Like, is it close to schools? How many more years are my kids going to be in school?

    If your mortgage is paid off, improving your home may be an easier bite to chew. If you dont owe on it, you might say, This is my place and I want to stay no matter what, but I hate my kitchen or bath. Those are some of the biggest sellers for improvement, besides energy efficiency measures. A new furnace wont make you stay, but energy efficient windows might help you decide to stay.

    Larry estimated a new kitchen could cost from $8,000 up to $80,000, depending on the size of the home and the homeowners desires. He said you have to consider it an investment.

    Youre going to have to live it out, maybe 10 years. If you say Theyre going to have to carry me out, then put the money in. But if youre young and the furnace is old, the place needs a new bath, its time to move up.

    Zelda said, You can definitely put too much money into your old house.

    Putting on a small addition can double a small bath or bedroom, Larry pointed out. Thats one of the things you can do if what youre in is where you want to stay. But sometimes its just a better option to list it and find something better.

    If you decide to move, be prepared for a competitive market in this area. Were so short on listings right now, Zelda said. But Larry added, Our area is good, were not overpriced on homes. We still have land and lots available.

    The cost of building a new home continues to go up, according to Larry. The cost of labor continues to increase because we have no qualified help. And everybodys stalled on account of interest rates going up. When it went from 3% to 4%, everything stopped. But back in 1980, the interest rate was 18%!

    To build a twin home, Larry said, about $200,000 to $250,000 is kind of a comfortable spot. The cost of a new single family home can be $300,000 to $350,000. Zelda added, Hard to build for any less, unless you put cheaper stuff in there.

    The only two numbers you can play with are labor and profit, Larry said. The rest is what it is. We have done things where we just framed an addition and made things water-tight, then the owner had friends to help finish. If there are some things you can do yourself, theres some true saving.

    And then list it! Zelda exclaimed.

    Sometimes its best to pay more to get a more finished home, according to Larry. If youre moving and trying to go up the ladder just a little way, that house needs the same improvements your old one did. But if you go up a little more in price on a new home, you can get something already done and with energy efficiency. Then you can live without having to do anything.

    A lot of people dont want to get into the mess of remodeling, Zelda said. Young professionals with kids just dont have time. They want it nice and neat and clean, finished and upgraded. So they list their old house and move into something finished.

    Twin homes are maintenance-free living on the exterior, Larry explained. A homeowners association does lawn care and snow removal. Were finding more young professionals work hard and want time to do things with their kids, so they dont want to have to mow the lawn.

    A popular request for remodeling is knocking out walls between the kitchen and living room, according to the Elwoods. Open concept can take a drab house and make such a difference and give it a new feel, Larry said. And a walk-in shower is pretty much standard now in the bath. A double vanity gives Ma and Pa a little more room.

    If you decide to sell, there are less expensive projects to make the house attractive to buyers. Larry said, Sometimes you have to spend money to make money. You can change some of the value on your home, but especially you can improve the appeal to sell it. Just dont break the bank.

    Paint colors are going more contemporary, like grays instead of browns, Zelda said. Wood floors are in. Everybody looks at windows and electrical. Backyards are a big deal to a lot of people, but not for everybody. Some people don't want the maintenance.

    Larry added, If the house stinks from animals or smoking, thats an immediate turn-off. I always try to freshen the paint, maybe put in new carpet but somewhat neutral. Lighten up walls and ceilings. Simple little things. New countertop and maybe new cabinet knobs.

    Zelda said first impressions are critical. Potential buyers have to really like it when they walk in, unless theyre looking to flip it. And it has to be clean and uncluttered. De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. Take down your pictures, so you dont have too much.

    Take down your dish collection, Larry joked.

    While many people find inspiration through popular television shows about house hunting and flipping homes, Zelda exclaimed, Thats one of the worst things to happen to Realtors and builders! People think they only have to look at three houses, choose one they want, and be done in 4 to 5 weeks. Just crazy! And they always blow bad things out of proportion on TV: We have to be done in 48 hours!

    And the budget is $960,000, Larry chimed in. TV helps people envision. You can put lipstick on a pig, but sometimes lipstick makes a pig look better and more sellable. A lot of it is sweat equity. Simple things like painting the basement. Its not worth a dime in value, but $1,000 in looks, and maybe it makes people think the house is clean.

    Husband and wife Larry and Zelda Elwood see both sides of the Move or Improve debate that North Iowa homeowners often go through.

    Zelda has been a Realtor for 12 years with EXIT Realty in Mason City. Larry has over 40 years experience in construction and is also a Realtor. I havent sold since becoming a Realtor because she always takes them from me, Larry joked. He owns Larry Elwood Construction in Mason City.

    The only time we have disagreements is when were doing one of our own projects, Larry said. I say its too much money, and she says, But its beautiful! We call ourselves Team Elwood: we really work well together.

    But there is no easy answering to the question Should I move or improve my home? according to the Elwoods. They say every home and every homeowner are different.

    Personal desires, ambitions, and dreams have so much to do with it, Larry said. Some think of their dream home as their forever home. But as a builder, weve moved three times since October! Its hard for me to think like that, because I have nothing material thats important to me.

    Our home was always where we hung our hat, Zelda said. But they acknowledged that often a home carries emotional weight for owners, which keeps them in a house that no longer works for them.

    For so many women, they feel This is where my kids grew up, where they took their first steps, she said. To us, well always have those memories.

    Larry clarified, We have the memories. We dont live in the memories.

    Sometimes achieving the perfect home takes several steps. A lot of people get a first house, fix it up, and move up a notch, trying towards that dream home, Larry said. Kitchen and bath are the most expensive rooms. When you consider going to a newer home versus knocking out walls, $8,000 in renovations is way cheaper than trying to move. It makes the wife happy, and the house then has that open concept.

    Zelda countered, It depends on the neighborhood. You dont want to be the most expensive house in the neighborhood. If youre going to list it, it helps to have open concept and nice kitchen and bath. But sometimes its not feasible to remodel, so youre better off trying to find a home that works better for the family.

    One of biggest factors is, Do I like where Im at? Larry said. Like, is it close to schools? How many more years are my kids going to be in school?

    If your mortgage is paid off, improving your home may be an easier bite to chew. If you dont owe on it, you might say, This is my place and I want to stay no matter what, but I hate my kitchen or bath. Those are some of the biggest sellers for improvement, besides energy efficiency measures. A new furnace wont make you stay, but energy efficient windows might help you decide to stay.

    Larry estimated a new kitchen could cost from $8,000 up to $80,000, depending on the size of the home and the homeowners desires. He said you have to consider it an investment.

    Youre going to have to live it out, maybe 10 years. If you say Theyre going to have to carry me out, then put the money in. But if youre young and the furnace is old, the place needs a new bath, its time to move up.

    Zelda said, You can definitely put too much money into your old house.

    Putting on a small addition can double a small bath or bedroom, Larry pointed out. Thats one of the things you can do if what youre in is where you want to stay. But sometimes its just a better option to list it and find something better.

    If you decide to move, be prepared for a competitive market in this area. Were so short on listings right now, Zelda said. But Larry added, Our area is good, were not overpriced on homes. We still have land and lots available.

    The cost of building a new home continues to go up, according to Larry. The cost of labor continues to increase because we have no qualified help. And everybodys stalled on account of interest rates going up. When it went from 3% to 4%, everything stopped. But back in 1980, the interest rate was 18%!

    To build a twin home, Larry said, about $200,000 to $250,000 is kind of a comfortable spot. The cost of a new single family home can be $300,000 to $350,000. Zelda added, Hard to build for any less, unless you put cheaper stuff in there.

    The only two numbers you can play with are labor and profit, Larry said. The rest is what it is. We have done things where we just framed an addition and made things water-tight, then the owner had friends to help finish. If there are some things you can do yourself, theres some true saving.

    And then list it! Zelda exclaimed.

    Sometimes its best to pay more to get a more finished home, according to Larry. If youre moving and trying to go up the ladder just a little way, that house needs the same improvements your old one did. But if you go up a little more in price on a new home, you can get something already done and with energy efficiency. Then you can live without having to do anything.

    A lot of people dont want to get into the mess of remodeling, Zelda said. Young professionals with kids just dont have time. They want it nice and neat and clean, finished and upgraded. So they list their old house and move into something finished.

    Twin homes are maintenance-free living on the exterior, Larry explained. A homeowners association does lawn care and snow removal. Were finding more young professionals work hard and want time to do things with their kids, so they dont want to have to mow the lawn.

    A popular request for remodeling is knocking out walls between the kitchen and living room, according to the Elwoods. Open concept can take a drab house and make such a difference and give it a new feel, Larry said. And a walk-in shower is pretty much standard now in the bath. A double vanity gives Ma and Pa a little more room.

    If you decide to sell, there are less expensive projects to make the house attractive to buyers. Larry said, Sometimes you have to spend money to make money. You can change some of the value on your home, but especially you can improve the appeal to sell it. Just dont break the bank.

    Paint colors are going more contemporary, like grays instead of browns, Zelda said. Wood floors are in. Everybody looks at windows and electrical. Backyards are a big deal to a lot of people, but not for everybody. Some people don't want the maintenance.

    Larry added, If the house stinks from animals or smoking, thats an immediate turn-off. I always try to freshen the paint, maybe put in new carpet but somewhat neutral. Lighten up walls and ceilings. Simple little things. New countertop and maybe new cabinet knobs.

    Zelda said first impressions are critical. Potential buyers have to really like it when they walk in, unless theyre looking to flip it. And it has to be clean and uncluttered. De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. Take down your pictures, so you dont have too much.

    Take down your dish collection, Larry joked.

    While many people find inspiration through popular television shows about house hunting and flipping homes, Zelda exclaimed, Thats one of the worst things to happen to Realtors and builders! People think they only have to look at three houses, choose one they want, and be done in 4 to 5 weeks. Just crazy! And they always blow bad things out of proportion on TV: We have to be done in 48 hours!

    And the budget is $960,000, Larry chimed in. TV helps people envision. You can put lipstick on a pig, but sometimes lipstick makes a pig look better and more sellable. A lot of it is sweat equity. Simple things like painting the basement. Its not worth a dime in value, but $1,000 in looks, and maybe it makes people think the house is clean.

    Original post:
    Team Elwood debates remodeling versus moving - Mason City Globe Gazette

    GHBA REmodelers council: Kitchen remodeling tips can help your project – Laredo Morning Times - June 16, 2017 by Mr HomeBuilder

    By Dan Bawden, Legal Eagle Contractors

    Photo: Courtesy Of Legal Eagle Contractors

    This kitchen remodel includes plenty of storage and good workflow.

    This kitchen remodel includes plenty of storage and good workflow.

    GHBA REmodelers council: Kitchen remodeling tips can help your project

    The time has come to finally start on that kitchen remodel you have always dreamed about. Here are some suggestions to help the project go off without a hitch.

    Have a plan

    Never go into a remodel without having a plan. Get an idea of what you want to get out of this remodel before even taking the first step. The last thing you need to do is start off uncertain of what you want and then have to deal with regretting your choices later.

    Plan for unexpected

    Having a well-thought-out plan is the best way to ensure your kitchen remodel will go smoothly, be on time and in budget. As unexpected "surprises" sometimes do come up, give yourself some budget leeway so you won't have to stress.

    Make the most of space

    No matter how big or small your space is, you can make it work. Some people go into a remodel with grandiose ideas of expansion, gutting the area and redoing it from scratch, but if you're looking to stick to a budget and keep things time-sensitive, then you may want to make the space you have work.

    Minimize workload

    If your current kitchen layout makes preparing and cooking a meal feel like a day at the gym, you may want to plan the new location of your cabinetry and appliances more carefully. A remodel is an excellent time to go in and take a hard look at how you can make your space work for you instead of you having to work for it.

    Ever have that moment where you're scrambling around, trying to plug in that new appliance you got on sale and just can't find an outlet in your kitchen? One of my clients favorite changes in the kitchen, is that we install "plug strips" at the top of the backsplashes. These don't show, but provide outlets every 6 or 7 inches. There will be 25 outlets in your kitchen anywhere you need one.

    All of those knives, spoons, plates and appliances are going to have to go somewhere, right? You certainly don't want them cluttering your new countertops or making the renovated space look unsightly.

    If you are going with new cabinets, new drawers or just new storage space in general, keep in mind how you can arrange your space to better improve your workflow and provide more comfort and convenience for anyone using the kitchen.

    A successful remodel will come down to how well you planned for it and how well your final vision comes to life. These tips should help guide you toward the modern kitchen of your dreams with better ease.

    This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association.

    Read more from the original source:
    GHBA REmodelers council: Kitchen remodeling tips can help your project - Laredo Morning Times

    Summer is the right time for a remodeling project – Shreveport Times - June 16, 2017 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Jeb Breithaupt, Special to USA Today Network 11:00 a.m. CT June 16, 2017

    Jeb Breithaupt of JEB Design/Build explains why summer is a great time to remodel your kitchen, or add an outdoor kitchen. Wochit

    If your indoor kitchen doesn't need a remodel, consider adding an outdoor kitchen this summer, ready in time to enjoy football games this fall.(Photo: Courtesy of JEB Design/Build)

    If youre planning to remodel your kitchen this year, summer could be the best time to do it.

    A major kitchen renovation can take some time to do right, which means there could be days or even weeks when your family wont have easy access to the stove and oven. During the warm weather months, thats an easy problem to solve: Cook outdoors. Work with your design/build remodeler to put together a solid schedule that will let you know when your kitchen will be out of commission so you can plan your familys meals in advanceso you wont have to figure them out on the fly or eat out every night. Plan to grill and eat outdoors as often as possible.

    More:10 ways to brighten up your kitchen

    Schedule some menus featuring meals that dont need cooking: summer salads, cold soups, lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Start a weekly movie night tradition: Grab some take-out food and gather everyone in front of the TV in the family room to eat while watching a fun flick.

    A few side benefits: Meal prep is easier,you can serve on disposable dishes so clean-up is a breeze,and your cooking wont heat up the house, meaningyour air conditioner wont have to work so hard, which could save you a few bucks on your energy bill. No room to eat outside? Enlarge your patio or porch before you start on the indoor kitchen so theres room for a dining or picnic table, a grill and some outdoor storage for dishes and utensils. If your indoor kitchen is in good shape, then consider spending part of the summer having an outdoor kitchen installed.

    Adding a built-in grill, some weather-resistant stainless steel cabinets, a small refrigerator and counter spacealong with room for eating and entertainingwill turn your yard into an outdoor room that your family will use all spring, summer and fall. If you start on it this summer, it will be ready by the time LSU football season begins. Add an outdoor-rated flat screen, and your patio will be full of friends all fall.

    Consider remodeling your kitchen during summer so you can prepare your meals outside during the warm weather months.(Photo: Courtesy of JEB Design/Build)

    While summer might seem too early to think about the winter holidays, its the perfect time to update the guest bathroomespecially if last Christmas had you wishing you had done it before your extended family arrived. And its a good time to consider adding a guest suitewith a roomy bedroom and another bathroomonto the house. Ive worked with lots of couples who have expanded their family homes once grandchildren were in the picture so the whole brood can stay overnightinstead of at a nearby hotelwhen they visit during summer vacations and winter holidays.

    Summer is also a great time to consider adding a guest suite for those holiday visitors.(Photo: Courtesy of JEB Design/Build)

    Summer is a great time for remodeling projects that will make your home more comfortable all year round.

    Jeb Breithaupt, B. Arch., MBA, has been president of JEB Design/Build in Shreveport since 1983. You can contact him at 318-865-4914 or by visiting http://www.jebdesignbuild.com.

    Read or Share this story: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/marketplace/2017/06/16/summer-right-time-remodeling-project/101043158/

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    Summer is the right time for a remodeling project - Shreveport Times

    Custom kitchen, new foyer reflect empty-nesters’ emerging requirements – Fairfaxtimes.com - June 16, 2017 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Kevin and Priscilla Kelleher have occupied their 5,200-square-foot Springfield home since 1992 when they bought it new. At the time, the builder provided an array of finish work choices. The couple selected the Corian kitchen counter surfaces, a food preparation island of their preferred size and style. The flooring, cabinet-facings, window styles were all a testament to personal taste.

    Situated on nearly an acre that backs into the woods, this is the spacious home where the couple raised two daughters who have subsequently fled the nest.

    But 18 years is a long time to regularly inhabit the same floor plan, staring the same unyielding look.

    It was when the appliances started failing that we thought seriously about remodeling our kitchen, says Kevin, who retired from the Army several years ago and now works in government. My wife eventually decided she really didn't like the Corian countertops. There was a wasted space and dead corners; yet not enough storage. We also wanted more natural light, and better views of our pretty, wooded setting.

    Of course, such observations typically describe the beginning of a process that entails much research and a regime of decisions. But, more importantly: where does one turn for ideas that will give definition and focus to a collage of emerging preferences, images, and wish-lists?

    Kelleher turned to David Foster, Certified Remodeler.

    Foster, president of Foster Remodeling Solutions in Lorton, had finished the Kellehers 1,500-square foot-basement in 2003. The positive experience had left the couple with the sense that they had found their go-to guy for home improvements; better yet, Foster's process had actually gotten easier to apply in the intervening years.

    15 years ago, we were offered sketches of designs for the lower level, Kelleher observes. Today, Foster's designers model three-dimensional space on CADD system software. This allows you to instantly assess different views of the room you're remodeling so you can clearly visualize how each perspective will affect the whole. It's a great tool for space planning.

    This visualization, combined with a wholly new interior design scheme, was exactly kind of the improvements the Kellehers were seeking.

    In fact, the footprint of the kitchen, breakfast nook, family room, foyer and, even, the grand stairs at the entrance retain their existing measurements down to the centimeter. It's only the positioning of key components, their design, their storage capacity and their aesthetics that have changed... and dramatically.

    Inches really count when your renovating a kitchen floor plan, says Dory Clemens, the Foster architect who designed the project. This was largely about making better use of existing space while introducing a whole new interior design style.

    For instance:

    Removing a mostly unused desk built into an interior wall elevation and shortening the wall by nine inches freed up 32 square feet of floor space, allowing designers to nearly double the size of the kitchen's food prep island and dining counter.

    Space-wasting counter surfaces on two walls were replaced with a curvilinear design that emphasizes the new plans easy-flowing circulation. Wider, taller (42-inch) cabinets increased storage capacity by 40 percent.

    A seldom-opened casement window was replaced with a 4.5'-by-4.5 divided light picture window that dramatically improves available light while offering spot-on views of the leafy backyard.

    Gradually, the kitchen's interior design evolved into a transitional-style scheme emphasizing contrasting lights and darks.

    To create greater visual cohesion to first-level living spaces, the wood flooring in the foyer and the white mosaic tiles in the kitchen were replaced with a wood grain porcelain tiling imported from Italy.

    A comparatively new flooring material, the wood pattern is ink-jetted into the tile, offering the warmth of wood but with much greater durability.

    Meanwhile, ceilings and cabinet facings are bright white, and the wall is a color that West Pointer Kelleher describes as Cadet Grey. Throughout, the play of lights and darks is further developed, like three-dimension checker board.

    The island base is a resonant walnut-color; the quartz surfaces are vanilla-hued Cambria Berwin finished with an OGE edge.

    To create visual rhythm, Clemens designed a quintessenza backsplash that combines gray (genesei) with white (bianco). The traditional raised-panel cabinet facings, in turn, lend a crisp linearity amid muted tones.

    In the foyer, the game of contrast continues. The staircase balustrade and all risers and treads are bright white, but there are now black iron spindles where there had been wooden versions.

    Since the staircase and living room rise two levels, the Kellehers wanted to reduce to monotonous crush of white walls disappearing up into a distant ceiling.

    We wanted more definition around the stairway, and in what one generally sees looking up in a big room.

    To this request, Clemens introduced a shadow box effect by adding white picture frame molding to walls that have been re-painted grey. While its formality vaguely recalls 19th Century decorum, it fundamentally provides a much better definition of the planes, angles and forms that tend to get washed-out in a solidly white wall treatment.

    The pattern draws your eyes up, says Kelleher, which makes the space feel more proportional and balanced. He adds: Foster's lead carpenter, Brian, is really a master at this kind of detailing. It's hard to see how anyone else could have done as well.

    Foster Remodeling Solutions, a full-service remodeler, maintains a 3,270-square-foot Design and Selection showroom at their headquarters in Lorton. For information call (703) 550-1371. On Oct. 4, Dory Clemens will be leading a seminar on Kitchen and Bath Design. For information, visit http://www.fosterremodeling.com/remodeling-resources/seminars-and-sign-up/.

    John Byrd has been writing about home improvement for 30 years. He can be reached at (703) 715-8006, http://www.HomeFrontsNews.com or byrdmatx@gmail.com

    See original here:
    Custom kitchen, new foyer reflect empty-nesters' emerging requirements - Fairfaxtimes.com

    Millennials deem kitchen most popular room to remodel – woodworkingnetwork.com - June 16, 2017 by Mr HomeBuilder

    woodworkingnetwork.com
    Millennials deem kitchen most popular room to remodel
    woodworkingnetwork.com
    Interior design app Planner 5D developers have discovered that most of their millennial users choose kitchen remodeling over bedroom or bathroom renovation. Interior design platform Planner 5D which offers separate apps for kitchen, bedroom, bathroom ...

    See the rest here:
    Millennials deem kitchen most popular room to remodel - woodworkingnetwork.com

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