One thing I have learned throughout my life is sometimes speaking your mind only gets a piece of somebody elses mind and not the good piece.

The old saying goes that you cant teach an old dog new tricks. However, Im surprised the old dog doesnt know the old tricks. What good is a new trick if you have not really mastered and learned from the old tricks?

My experience in this area stood me in good stead for many years. An incident happened recently bringing to light how valuable this old trick really is. I may not be good in the new tricks, but I think I have mastered a few of the old tricks.

I really do not know when this incident started, but somewhere along the line I said something resembling a guttural uh huh, and forgot about it. What you say in these odd moments may determine your quality of life for many years to come. This points out the difference between husbands and wives.

The only way a husband can remember what he had for lunch is to look at his shirt. A wifes memory, on the other hand, is so keen she can remember things that never happened.

In the midst of a mild domestic discussion, any wife worth her salt can bring her husband to his knees by simply stating, But, Honey, you promised me.

At that point, no husband has the equipment to counter that argument. He may well have promised, but there is no way to prove one way or the other.

About a month ago, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage got it into her mind to remodel the kitchen. During this time, I did a pretty good job of staying out of her way. When the rare opportunity came soliciting my personal advice on a matter associated with this remodeling project, I quickly and enthusiastically supported her decisions.

The man who carefully measures his words will add happy years to his life. I sure dont know how long Im going to live, but I want that time to be happy.

Following the kitchen remodeling my wife proceeded to remodel her bathroom. At this point I should have had some suspicions, but I didnt. As a husband, I am not equipped with a suspicion detector. Experience should have taught me that if one project is done successfully it only inspires another project.

When a wife gets it in her mind to remodel part of the house that thought gets stuck and there is no stopping her. After each remodeling project is completed, my wife always asks my opinion of the job she has just done.

I have learned that if I do not want to do the job myself, I enthusiastically praise the job my wife has done. Any critique that leads toward the negative has a reciprocal effect.

Of course, there is a thing as too much enthusiasm, and I found that to be so in this recent remodeling frenzy at our house. I must admit I did detect a certain busyness around the house, but I have learned it is better not to inquire.

Then I come home from the office one day. Not that it is unusual for me to come home, but this time when I came home, I was greeted at the door by my wife, with a smile that indicated to me that either something was wrong or I was in trouble.

I have something I want to show you, she giggled as she took my arm and led me back through the hallway. Ive been working on this all day and Im anxious to show you what I did.

She then proceeded to escort me to one of the most sacred areas of our blessed domicile. My bathroom. Nothing is more personal and sacred as a mans bathroom.

I have few requirements of that room. The water must run and the hot water must be hot. The toilet must flush and the shower must work. Outside of that, nothing else really matters.

The fact that the wallpaper is peeling is inconsequential. The fact that the floor is cracked doesnt really matter. The fact that the shower curtain is old and tattered just makes it more homey for me. I like my bathroom.

Just as she was about to open the door a horrendous thought exploded in my cranium. She has remodeled my bathroom. This comes as close to crossing the line as anything done inside the house. A sense of panic paraded around my heart.

Opening the door, she said those words that will frighten any man in his right mind. What do you think of your new bathroom?

Through the years, I have discovered many questions a husband should never answer.

Does this dress make me look fat?

How do you like the meatloaf? Its a new recipe.

No matter how long it takes you to chew that meatloaf, always do it with a smile and never, never compare it with your mothers.

I can either express whats on my mind, or, live happily ever after. I just cant do both.

A verse from the Bible brought a sense of comfort to my heart. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence (Proverbs 13: 2).

Im on a fruit diet.

Dr. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, 1471 Pine Road, Ocala, FL 34472. He lives with his wife in Silver Springs Shores. Call him at 352-687-4240 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is http://www.whatafellowship.com.

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The high cost of speaking your mind | Community ... - The Rushville Republican

WSC Distinctive Builders of Wetumpkas lake cottage work won two categories and finished as the runner-up in two others at the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards.(Photo: Contributed)

A local lake cottage and a reimagined suburban kitchen were honored last weekas some of Alabamas best remodeling jobs over the past year.

WSC Distinctive Builders of Wetumpkas lake cottage work won two categories and finished as the runner-up in two others at the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards.

Faced with a well-located home that had dated designs and structural issues, they redesigned and expanded the house while re-using existing material. That included creating a new foyer and great room with a bar looking out on to the lake. Walls were removed to expand the kitchen and family den, and a former garage was converted into a master suite with vaulted ceilings, bay windows and its own private porch.

A second story was also added, along with an observation tower that overlooks the lake.

Selby Davis Builder of Montgomery won best kitchen remodeling project under $40,000 for its work to updated and redesign part of a suburban home. The update included new quartz countertops and backsplash, new cabinets and island, and under-counter lights. They installed a double oven, gas cooktop and new dishwasher.

Selby Davis Builder also landed a runner-up award for a separate backyard barbecue project.

Kimbro Renovations of Montgomery took home two runner-up awards, including one for a whole house remodeling project over $500,000. That started with stripping the existing structure to the studs, replacing plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems, relocating the kitchen, adding a 2,500-square-foot master suite, and building a carport and second driveway.

The goal was to combine old and new construction in a seamless way, while adding modern amenities.

You can see more at remodelalabama.com.

WSC Distinctive Builders of Wetumpkas lake cottage work won two categories and finished as the runner-up in two others at the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards.(Photo: Contributed)

Kimbro Renovations of Montgomery won state recognition for this local home remodel.(Photo: Contributed)

Selby Davis Builder of Montgomery won state recognition for this local kitchen remodeling project.(Photo: Contributed)

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Local home remodels were among best of the year - Montgomery Advertiser

Photo: Courtesy Of Vick Construction & Remodeling

This remodeled kitchen features high-end, durable countertop products that look like natural stone.

This remodeled kitchen features high-end, durable countertop products that look like natural stone.

GHBA Remodelers Council: Get update on latest trends for kitchens

Keeping current with trends in home remodeling is one of the many services members of the Remodelers Council can provide for homeowners - especially when it comes to the kitchen.

"A lot of things have stayed on the kitchen hot list for a while, but a few new things are becoming trendy," said Kevin Vick, owner of Vick Construction & Remodeling. "Among them is honing in on how to integrate the dining and living areas."

Making the right choices when updating the kitchen makes the space more functional and visually appealing, and leads to a higher resale value, he said. Here are a few of today's most popular options.

Update your countertops

Clients are moving away from granite, opting for man-made materials.

"Many clients request countertops that are hard and dense, yet beautiful," said Vick. "People go with solid colors, or something that mimics natural stone." He said he also gets requests for islands with eat-in bar tops.

Stephen McNiel, founder of Creative Property Restoration Inc., has noticed a movement toward engineered materials.

"Customers love the durability and antimicrobial properties of these types of countertops," he said. "Everyone loves marble, but not the potential for staining - and with these new products, it's really hard to tell the difference."

Keep it bright

Homeowners are sticking to white cabinets, light-colored walls and more lights. Sherry Pruitt, owner of Whodid It Designs, said clients want light and an open space with a lot of flow.

"Adding lights is another popular - and affordable - change," she said. "People are realizing they have many options, such as including LEDs, which add warmth and brightness."

McNiel agreed that LEDs are another change that has taken off.

"You can add them to narrow spots, under cabinets, or showcase a backsplash," he said.

Get tech-y

Homeowners want home-automation devices that control everything.

"Now, switches all around the house can be operated with an iPhone," Vick said. "And touchless faucets are very popular for home chefs."

Fine finishes

Most clients request a natural-looking finish. McNiel said most of his clients want wood floors through the first floor. "Houses are so open these days that there aren't different floors in different rooms," he said.

Pruitt agreed that people want wood, engineered wood or tiles that look so much like wood they can't tell the difference.

Vick predicts copper sinks will be this year's major kitchen trend. It's not just about functional, he said; people are drawn to the warm tone of these artistic centerpieces.

With many options available for kitchens, guidance from a professional can make a major difference in the remodeling process as well as the finished result.

This article was reprinted from the GHBA Houston Remodeling Guide. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community. For information on this article, please contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net. To join the council or to find a professional remodeler in your area, please visit http://www.ghba.org.

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GHBA Remodelers Council: Get update on latest trends for kitchens - mySanAntonio.com

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The acclaimed commercial and residential remodeling contractors, J. Lane Construction, with free estimates at 904-500-5263, are offering homeowners in Jacksonville, Florida, kitchen remodeling services with all the custom countertops or cabinets and plumbing, flooring or lighting expertise needed to craft the most elegant, workable space.

Jacksonville, United States April 12, 2017 /PressCable/

The highly popular J. Lane Construction has announced it is now offering a premier range of kitchen remodeling services for homeowners in Jacksonville, Florida, looking to craft and enjoy the most elegant, functional and timeless kitchen.

More information is available at http://www.jlaneconstruction.com.

The renowned J. Lane Construction is one of the most popular, highly rated and sought after licensed general contractors in the Jacksonville, Florida area, with extensive experience and an established reputation for providing the very best in commercial and residential construction, renovation or remodeling.

The acclaimed general contractors have announced they are now offering a premier range of kitchen remodeling services for homeowners in Jacksonville, Florida, looking to turn their kitchen into a uniquely elegant, functional and comfortable space which can boost the value of the property and the whole family can enjoy.

Its kitchen remodeling services are delivered by an experienced team of contractors who are able to offer anything from custom cabinets, countertops and backsplashes to the cabinet refacing or refinishing and all the plumbing, lighting, flooring or painting services needed to craft a timeless space that suits each clients vision, personal taste and lifestyle needs, within a sensible budget and schedule.

Free estimates or consultations on J. Lane Constructions kitchen remodeling services and more information on its other commercial and residential renovation expertise, including bathroom remodeling, room additions, office build-outs, restaurant renovations or roofing, flooring and concrete services, are available at 904-500-5263 or through the website link provided above along with multiple examples of its recent remodeling work and extensive client testimonials.

The J. Lane Construction team explains that a great kitchen is the center and the heart of a great home and there is nothing better than cooking in an elegant, functional space where one feels comfortable in. We transform poorly designed kitchens into beautiful, working spaces that the entire family can use, enjoy and proudly display when having guests over for dinner. And we work personally with each client to customize all the bells and whistles based on their personal style and lifestyle needs to make sure we bring their dream kitchen to life.

Contact Info: Name: Jesse Lane Organization: J. Lane Construction Address: 1301 Riverplace Blvd. Suite 800, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States Phone: +1-904-500-5263

For more information, please visit http://www.jlaneconstruction.com

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Jacksonville Kitchen Renovators Remodeling & Cabinet Refacing Services Announced - MilTech

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is a major topic of conversation when it comes to manufacturing, automobiles, virtual reality and other highly technical industries, but have you ever considered the role A.I. may play in the home -- and the kitchen in particular?

The kitchen is what real estate agents and investors call a "money room." It's often the first room described in a property listing, and the average homeowner spends more waking hours in the kitchen than any other room in the home.

"Not only will you cook and eat your daily meals in your kitchen, but you will also celebrate holidays, entertain guests and spend quality time with family and friends," explains Kitchen Cabinet Kings, a leader in modern kitchen remodeling. "For all these reasons, the design and style of your kitchen is of the utmost importance. This is why most homeowners place kitchen remodeling at the top of their home remodeling to-do list."

But what are homeowners, builders and designers including in their updated kitchens? One recent study of home listings shows that 7% of homes on the market describe their kitchen as being a "chef's kitchen" or "gourmet kitchen." Features in these types of kitchens include things like industrial-size appliances, wet bars, butler's pantries, double ovens, standalone ice makers, wine fridges and lots of counter space.

But the kitchen of the future may look a lot different (at least in terms of functionality). Sure, you'll find wet bars and wine fridges, but you'll also find something that hasn't historically been a part of the classic home kitchen: A.I.

Watson, the powerful IBM computer that famously won a contest of "Jeopardy," gives us a surface-level glimpse of what's possible. Chef James Briscione recently co-authored a cookbook with the A.I. computer and the results are pretty incredible.

Watson is able to identify and recognize flavor profiles of different foods and make suggestions regarding which ingredients work best together. One of the suggestions the computer made involves cooking apples with olive oil instead of butter (because the flavor profiles align better).

"It was something I'd never conceive of doing on my own," Briscione says, "but it was one of the best singular bites that came out of three years [working alongside the machine]."

While a cookbook co-authored by a computer that understands flavor profiles is interesting, there are even more useful applications for A.I. in the kitchen -- and innovators are salivating at the prospects of additional uses.

One commercialized example is Hello Egg. Its appearance may resemble an old egg timer, but it's got a lot more going on inside. It's essentially an assistant that helps people make better use of the more than 400 hours a year they spend in the kitchen.

"Hello Egg comes with cooking assistance even for the most advanced chefs, as well as step-by-step voice-navigated recipe video tutorials and real-time prompts from a human support team for those who might need a little more hand-holding in the kitchen," tech expert Lulu Chang explains. "Moreover, the smart device promises to 'keep a lively conversation going by expressing itself through mimicking facial expressions,' and can also keep you entertained and informed by way of Spotify, audio news feeds, weather forecasts and voice-activated timers and reminders."

Having Watson author a smart cookbook and getting to interact with a little egg that responds to your commands is cool, but the future of A.I. in the kitchen has much more in store than trendy products and gadgets.

Moley is responsible for one of the greatest innovations in this space (to date). And while it's still only a prototype, it's hard not to get excited about the world's first "robotic kitchen."

The prototype, which has been in development for over a year and is now entering into the product launch "pre-sales" phase, is a collaboration between Shadow Robotics, DYSENGO, Yachtline, Sebastian Conran and Stanford University Professor Mark Cutkosky.

"A pair of fully articulated robotic hands now reproduce the entire function of human hands with the same speed, sensitivity and movement," the Moley website explains. The kitchen is operated by a touchscreen computer (or remote device) and is designed to make a delicious meal with nothing but a smart system and robotic arms. And while it's still early in the process of development, the potential here is astounding.

While it may not have been obvious before, new innovation in this space shows that A.I. and the modern kitchen go together like peanut butter and jelly. (Or should we say apples and olive oil?)

We're definitely in the beginning stages and there are lots of kinks to be worked out in all of the technologies mentioned. But once you see the potential, it's hard to imagine future kitchens without some sort of artificial intelligence baked in.

This article is published as part of the IDG Contributor Network. Want to Join?

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A.I. in the kitchen: It's not that far from reality | Computerworld - Computerworld

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Using the latest technology, the company gives homeowners the kitchen of their dreams in less than three weeks, reports https://precisehomebuilders.com.

Reseda, CA April 12, 2017 /MarketersMedia/

Precise Home Builders announced the introduction of their 18-day kitchen remodel service. Leveraging the power of the latest 3-D technology, the company wants homeowners to know that their team can create the kitchen of their dreams in a time span of less than three weeks. Precise Home Builders also offers a 12-day Bathroom Remodel Los Angeles as well as a full suite of room addition, swimming pool, and new construction services to meet the needs of homeowners in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

While many homeowners understand the value that bathroom and kitchen remodeling los angeles can bring to their homes, the sheer frustration associated with these types of home improvement projects often makes them hesitant to take the plunge. Refined over the course of the 30 years weve been in business, our quick remodeling process is designed to eliminate hassles and give homeowners the space theyve always dreamed of having. Pulling out the precise details of the clients personal style, our team combines the use of powerful technology and knowledge of the latest trends to produce modern, functional kitchens and bathrooms in no time flat, said Moshe Shachrur of Precise Home Builders.

When it comes to a bathroom or Kitchen Remodel Los Angeles, the team at Precise Home Builders is equipped to take care of every single detail. Over the years, they have established strong relationships with architects, interior designers and trusted suppliers, all of whom respect their commitment to their clientele and are well aware of their demanding standards. Each client will be assisted by a personal project manager throughout each phase of the renovation, and the company will handle all city building permits and inspections on the clients behalf.

Shachrur went on to say, Doing everything in-house not only ensures that our high quality standards are met and exceeded, but that our clients are able to save as much money as possible on their renovation or construction project. Our service encompasses the most important tenets of design, style, and value, putting them all into a complete package that gives the client everything theyve ever wanted in a kitchen or bathroom.

About Precise Home Builders:

The mission of Precise Home Builders is to deliver high-quality products and services at low-cost rates. Their vision is to combine technology, high-quality products, cutting edge design, and reliable construction techniques into a market leading construction company a company who shares a clear vision of the future with its clients. Precise Home Builders invites homeowners to contact their team for a complimentary consultation by filling out their contact form or calling them directly at (800) 805-0692.

Contact Info: Name: Moshe Shachrur Organization: Precise Home Builders Phone: (800) 805-0692

Source URL: http://marketersmedia.com/precise-home-builders-introduces-18-day-kitchen-remodel-service/185557

For more information, please visit https://precisehomebuilders.com

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Precise Home Builders Introduces 18-Day Kitchen Remodel Service - MilTech

As millennials join the ranks of homeowners, theyre making their mark on how those homes look, and in some cases bucking long-held preferences.

Here are some of the trends popping up among the newest generation of homeowners found in Houzzs 2017 Kitchen Trends Study. Of the surveys 2,700 participants (all of whom had recently completed or were completing a kitchen remodel), 10 percent to 12 percent were ages 25 to 34.

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Original post:
Millennials counter long-standing kitchen trends - The Keene Sentinel

Many homeowners have held off investing in home improvements as property values declined, but now that the economy is healthy and the real estate market is gaining momentum, homeowners again are considering selling or possibly updating their current home.

Even if you are not planning to sell your home anytime soon, it is an inevitable question when you consider remodeling: How much will this improvement add to the value of my home?

As a real estate agent, I often have clients contact me long before they list their home to review what improvements or remodels make sense. Agents who are busy representing buyers are walking through homes on a regular basis, and it becomes clear to us what works and what does not, what buyers are attracted to and what turns them away.

The top-ranking improvement? A new front door, which on a national average adds 96.6 percent of the amount you spend to the value to your home, according to Remodeling magazines annual Cost vs. Value report for 2014.

Evaluation of dated elements such as doors, windows and light and bathroom fixtures in general yield a better financial return than bigger remodeling projects, such as additions or gutting a kitchen or bath. However, any real estate agent will tell you that remodeled kitchens and baths still bring a significant payoff, and kitchen remodeling costs often are overestimated by the buyer.

The average cost of a minor kitchen remodel new cabinet doors, appliances, countertops, sink, faucet, paint and hardware was $18,215 in the Mountain region, according to the Cost vs. Value report.

Yet it is important to do the right kitchen remodel. Take the time to do the research and look for professional advice before making the investment.

Many of my clients look to a popular app called Houzz, where you can search many home ideas by category and even find floor plans similar to yours to help you get ideas and visualize how the finished product will look. It also is a great tool to communicate to your contractor what you are looking for. Even if you are trying to choose a door color to go with your gray wood-sided home, just put this in the search criteria and poof! the visuals appear. This tool has helped me communicate to my presellers what they can do to improve their home before hitting the market.

Remember to stick to the overall style of your home; putting an ultramodern kitchen into a 100-year-old Victorian home isnt such a great idea. To add value, you should not design new spaces that are incongruous with the rest of the houses architectural style.

According to the 2014 report for the Mountain region, renovations that bring the greatest percentage return on investments include: entry door replacement, 88 percent; attic bedrooms, 83 percent; basement remodel, 81 percent; deck addition (wood), 81 percent; garage-door replacement, 80 percent; minor kitchen remodel, 79 percent.

Kelly Kniffin is a Realtor with Legacy Properties West-Sothebys International Realty and serves as president of the Durango Area Association of Realtors. She can be reached at kelly@homesdurangoCO.com.

Read more:
Which remodeling projects are worth your money? - The Durango Herald

Gerety Building & Restoration offers kitchen remodeling in the Westchester, NY and Greenwich CT areas, making homeowners dreams come true with custom kitchens. Each kitchen is custom designed to meet the needs of the family using 3-D image design software to capture how the finished product will look. Customers can choose from custom countertops (granite, marble, limestone or Caesarstone quartz), high-end appliances, handmade tiles for flooring and backsplashes, and even radiant heat flooring.

Another feature youll notice in our portfolio are the stunning custom kitchen cabinets. Customers can choose from options such as Candlelight Cabinetry, Crystal Cabinets, or even have their cabinets handcrafted with wood that is milled in our own shops. The end result is a custom kitchen that excels in both style and function.

Are you ready to speak to one of our remodeling and design specialists? Call us today at (914) 248-1300 or visit our kitchen remodeling page for more information.

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Kitchen Remodeling Portfolio | Gerety Building & Restoration

By far, the most popular remodel on every homeowners wish list is the kitchen. Anyone who has ever done or attempted this task is familiar with the dizzying array of choices and decisions to be made, not to mention the budget-busting attributes of our most sought-after features. A kitchen remodel is a wise investment, (some say a 60-70 percent return), but can cost far more than you think.

Hidden appliances, painted cabinets, mixed and/or complementary colors, white shiplap, mixed hardware finishes, quartz, marble and butcher-block countertops, and tall cabinets are all on trend in kitchen remodels.

For everyone who wants to create a spectacular kitchen, though, step back and take a deep breath. Remember that no kitchen remodel, however modest, is ever simple or fast, so start by prioritizing your list and deciding whom you want on your team.

Even if you want to do some of the work yourself, it is highly recommended that you have one or more of the following helping you: general contractor/project manager, designer, architect, and tradespeople. Tradespeople needed can include an electrician, plumber, tile professional, solid surface fabricator, carpenter, painter, and even a demolition expert. Planning the expertise you should utilize to help you will help to avoid costly mistakes. For example, if you want to replace flooring and cabinets, which comes first? (Usually it is the flooring). If you want to change the layout, will your existing refrigerator fit? A professional can make sure you make the right decisions in the right order.

As with any design project, its good to peruse photos in magazines or on line and pick out features you like. You might like this cabinet with that counter and those faucets. This process can help guide you as you plan your new kitchen.

Think about your familys lifestyle, as well as your kitchen designs longevity, timelessness, functionality, and efficiency. Use those criteria when selecting everything from your space plan, to the furniture, to the appliances. Do you and your family like to cook, or gather around in the kitchen for entertaining, or is the kitchen merely a place to grab a snack and go? Do you want professional level appliances and work stations, or is performance secondary to cost and simplicity?

On the other hand, if your preference is for a kitchen that is primarily used for entertaining, your design focus ought to be about making sure specialty features are integrated in the space to make serving food and beverage easy. Finally, if space is a problem, seek storage solutions that work for you.

Once you have some idea of what function and look your future kitchen should have, research options and get someone to help you with the layout. Both these steps are critical in avoiding costly mistakes and developing a realistic plan.

The style of the kitchen should also complement and blend seamlessly with other rooms in your house as well. An ultra sleek and modern kitchen might look out of place in a home that is otherwise more traditional.

While we may have a picture in our minds of our ideal kitchen, maybe we cannot afford it or maybe it will not fit in the existing space. So doing the homework is really important. Only then can you choose the finishes and touches that will make your new kitchen the special place it will become.

Read more:
Remodeling a kitchen - Napa Valley Register