By Garrett Ohlmeyer Staff Writer

This weekend, the Bayou Home Show and Cannatas Festival of Food will feature hundreds of options for renovating and remodeling homes.

The festival, in its eighth year, will have about 120 booths with companies that specialize in home and garden renovation and about 40 booths with a focus on food.

It will be held at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.Admission is $6, with free admission for children under age 12.

The home-renovating section will have home and gardening supplies, and companies that can help with installation.

One of the main focuses of the show is to make remodeling certain aspects of a home easier,said show managerTony DEramo.

Its just a place that you can come and kind of do everything that you were looking to do all year for your home, DEramo said. So if youve got big plans to do a kitchen remodel or anything like that, you can really get it all done at the home show.

If you want a room remodel, you dont have to go and have 10 different people come to your house. You can kind of talk to everybody around here, set up appointments and get it all done, he added.

The festival of food will feature Louisiana-based companies such as Tony Chacheres, Zatarains and PJs Coffee, with food samples and coupons available.

DEramo said the food booths are a great addition to the home remodeling aspect of the event.

They just kind of really go together, DEromo said. People in Louisiana love to eat.

-- Staff Writer Garrett Ohlmeyer can be reached at (985) 850-1149 or garett.ohlmeyer@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @GOhlmeyer.

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Home show, food festival kicks off Saturday - Houma Courier

Remodeling the courts building and upgrading the kitchen at the county jail were identified Wednesday as the highest priorities by county commissioners.

Remodeling the courts building and upgrading the kitchen at the county jail were identified Wednesday as the highest priorities by county commissioners. At a work session following an executive committee meeting, commissioners reviewed five projects that have been on the drawing board for years, but are currently in a holding pattern. After an hour of discussion, commissioners agreed the courthouse and jail kitchen projects are the most important. Other matters include the 911 Central Dispatch communications system, a new animal control facility and expansion of Three Rivers Commission on Agings senior center. County administrator Pat Yoder was instructed to research details related to the proposed courthouse and jail kitchen tasks, with the intent that commissioners will begin moving forward to address the issues. Several years ago, commissioners fielded, but did not act upon, a $14 million quote to expand the current courts building. Remodeling is projected to cost at least $4 million and potentially would address a few pressing concerns, including moving employees out of the basement and improvement of an area where jail inmates are held in advance of court appearances. For some time, commission chairman Allen Balog had not realized the courts building basement housed full-time employees, he said. After studying the basement environs, Balog said he is motivated to move employees out of the basement and into a work environment at or above ground. The basement, initially intended only to store records and documents, houses Friend of the Court, District Court probation and Community Corrections. The three departments have about 20 employees among them. There are no windows, theres only one way out ... its just not right, its a horrible situation, Balog said. From day one, it has always bothered me that we have employees in the basement. We need to do something over there. To what extent? I guess thats up to us, but even the judges chambers, theyve got that 1970s look and something needs to be done. The inmate-staging location, meanwhile, remains another area of concern, due to the design of the courts building. Commissioner Kathy Pangle said the female holding room, for example, was designed to accommodate fewer women than what it now can hold. In general, the lockup area is not sufficient for prisoners anymore, Pangle added. You bring the males over and they sometimes have to be kept separated if they are witnesses against each other, she said. There are only two rooms back there, so that means you have to have an officer sitting outside the lockup area in the garage with that other person to keep them away from the witness. Pangle, who previously worked as a security guard at the courthouse, said there also are situations when attorneys and clients have no privacy. Weve had to have them sit out in the hallway, over by the bathrooms, she said. The need to remodel the jails kitchen stems in part from a $14 million estimate to develop a new jail building. Balog said remodeling or expanding the kitchen might not address every need at the jail, but for the money involved, it would bring a much-desired improvement. Food for Commission on Agings Meals on Wheels is prepared with inmate help at the jail kitchen. Following a discussion with SheriffBrad Balk, Balog said he is concerned about the caliber of inmates assigned to kitchen duty. We have so many felons in jail, that people arrested for misdemeanors arent or are very rarely going to jail because theres no room for them, Balog said. So now the felons, who technically shouldnt be trustees, especially in an area such as a kitchen, are now trustees and probably not the most desirable group of individuals preparing meals. Balog said the dozen inmates used for kitchen help are supervised thoroughly, but he and Balk agree its a matter of time before something regrettable happens. Balk told Balog COA meal production is at full capacity, with about 550 meals prepared on-site each day.

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Priorities: Courts building, jail kitchen - Sturgis Journal

The project kitchen after BKC has transformed. Photos courtesy of BKC Kitchen and Bath

SUBMITTED BYBKC KITCHEN AND BATH

Browsing through home magazines and design websites, you might see images of beautiful kitchens that leave you daydreaming about what it would be like to make your own kitchen dazzling and functional. Is your kitchen ready for a makeover? Here are some signs that it could be time to renovate.

Your kitchen isnt functionalTodays kitchen designs offer more ease and functionality than kitchens of the past. Once, kitchens were small and designed for a solo cook, with a formal dining area located in a separate room. Now, cooking is much more social. Many couples and families cook together and share meals in the same area. Additional space gained from a new layout will allow you to incorporate convenient storage solutions, to increase efficiency. From blind-corner remedies, to pull-out trash bins, a kitchen remodel offers adequate space for multiple cooks as well as for guests.

The project kitchen before its transformation.

Your appliances are outdatedNot only do modern appliances contain high-tech features, they also run more efficiently, quietly and safely. Todays kitchen appliances offer a diverse range of sizes, colors and functions which can be suited to meet your needs. However, with all of these updates the best appliances for your kitchen may require some space reconfiguration. Consider designing a layout that will optimize how you prep, cook, clean and entertain in your new space.

Youre planning on sellingA homes kitchen and bathrooms are at the top of the list of what people notice first when house-hunting. If your kitchen is outdated, it could easily move your home from first to last place, or make it challenging to receive the offer youre hoping for. Consider investing in a price-appropriate remodel that will entice potential homebuyers.

Whatever your reason is for remodeling your kitchen, doing so will increase the quality of life you experience within your home. A renovated kitchen not only provides improved aesthetic and function, it could also inspire you to entertain more often. With help creating an optimal kitchen that exceeds your expectations, contact us at bkc.co.

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Turn your kitchen dreams into a remodel reality - The Villager

(Family Features) When you renovate an older home, the goal is not always to replace old with new. In fact, some renovations are all about preserving the past with a design that reflects and pays respect to the yesteryear features that make your home unique.

Whether youre planning a renovation for a 60-year-old home, or working to infuse some retro charm into a newer place, the ultimate goal is capturing the nostalgic feel of older homes: the classic lines, hardwood, moldings and woodwork, and features like fireplaces or stonework, bannisters or windows and doors.

The kitchen can be a particularly challenging room to renovate because the blend of old charm with modern convenience and functionality can seem at complete odds. These ideas from the design experts at Elmira Stove Works can help you combine practical function with timeless features for a room filled with character and purpose.

Keep cabinet facades true to the era. Updating the cabinets is practically a necessity for any vintage kitchen remodel. Although many older kitchens lacked the cabinet space modern homeowners desire, you can still achieve a retro look with ample storage by focusing more on the shape and style than on the quantity. With this approach, you can add as much storage and as many functional amenities as your space allows while still capturing the right look for the era. Opt for sleek and understated styles, or for some extra flair incorporate exaggerated angles and curves common to mid-century design. Material and color options abound, so youre free to go bold and glossy or more subdued.

Design with a focal point in mind. In a retro kitchen, standout elements such as colorful appliances can enhance the space and act as a focal point in the room. Stainless steel has become almost default in kitchens from coast to coast. Whether your home is on the beach, in the mountains or in a suburban neighborhood, for those who find beauty in the past, choosing a retro refrigerator or a vintage stove might be a better choice. These appliances act as a major design element in the space, and fortunately there are plenty of options when it comes to retro appliances with exciting pops of color. One example is the Northstar line offered by Elmira Stove Works, which offers the ideal blend of form plus function: soft lines, rounded corners and refreshing colors including a dazzling Robins Egg Blue along with the premium performance you'd expect from the most modern appliances. Visit elmirastoveworks.com to explore a product catalog and find more design inspiration.

Let the details bring it all together. Vibrant color is the signature of any retro kitchen, so dont forget to carry that design element through the space with accessories like dishes, cookbooks and vintage relics that celebrate bygone days. Other details like hardware, small appliances and utensils that harken the past can bring a cohesive look to the kitchen for a seamless style that feels like stepping back in time.

Bringing old character to life can be a tricky proposition when it comes to remodeling, however, with the proper focus on appliances, major features like the cabinetry and small details that make a big difference, you can confidently create a new space that takes you to another time.

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Tips for a Vintage Kitchen Remodel - Wayne County Journal Banner

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Kitchen and bath remodeling companyKitchen Places recently celebrated the grand opening of its new showroom during a bash with about 200 former customers.

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Staff reports Published 1:00 p.m. PT March 15, 2017 | Updated 3 hours ago

STAR FILE PHOTO(Photo: STAR FILE PHOTO)

Kitchen and bath remodeling companyKitchen Places recently celebrated the grand opening of its new showroom in Ventura during a bash with about 200 former customers.

Owner Jeff King has witnessed a massive evolution in the remodeling world since their company began business in its old Front Street location.

We used to just have three types of cabinets to offer, all in oak and in your choice of natural, dark stain or the newfangled whitewashed finish. Now we have exotic woods, back-painted glass door styles and environmentally friendly options, he said.

Kitchen Places has an in-house design staff.

After 25 years of business, we have the process down to a science, King said. We interview our clients about the style and features they would like to incorporate into their homes. We have 3-D software to present photorealistic options on a big-screen TV as we assist the clients through the shopping process. Once we have the materials selected and priced, we order the products. We dont start demolition until we have our materials. This helps us minimize the length of the remodeling process and be more efficient in offering a turn-key experience for the homeowners.

Kitchen Places new standalone showroom is at Callens Road and Market Street.

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Kitchen, bath remodeler opens new showroom - Ventura County Star

With the Great Recession now finally in the rearview mirror, many homeowners and their bank accounts are suddenly a bit more flush. And thats good news if their homes are sorely in need of more than a fresh coat of paint.

Some new flooring, maybe? How about brand-new kitchen countertops? And while youre at it, maybe an entire HVAC overhaul?

Homeowners spent $361 billion more than ever before on home improvements, maintenance, and repairs in 2016, according to a recent report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Thats a nearly 13.5 percent jump from the previous peak, in 2007, just before the housing market crashed.

The report looked at U.S. Census data on the 25 largest U.S. metros. Most of the data in the report was from 2015, except for the 2016 statistic on overall spending.

Homeowners just feel like they have more equity built in their home so they can invest in their homes in bigger ways than they could in the past, said Abbe Will, one of the contributors to the report.

Less unemployment, higher salaries and rising home values are leading many homeowners to pimp out their homes, or at least fix them up a bit before putting them on the market. Renovations are also popular among new homeowners who want to customize their new pads.

A lot of remodeling tends to happen around the time of the sale, Will says.

So instead of only paying for things that need to be done, like replacing a leaky roof or repairing a cracked foundation, theyre creating outdoor oases and splurging on new granite countertops.

Millennials really put a lot of value on personalizing something so it is an expression of themselves, said Brad Hunter, chief economist at HomeAdvisor, a website that connects consumers and contractors. They may not have the money to do it all at once, but they can do it over the years and they can also do it themselves.

Over the past few years, investors also spent a pretty penny fixing up residences they bought in the downturn to get them ready to rent out to tenants.

What are homeowners spending money on?

Kitchen and bath remodels still top the list of most popular home improvements.

Spending may be back, but many homeowners still arent throwing money around with quite the abandon they did before the recession. In 2015, discretionary spending made up just a third of all home improvements compared to more than 40 percent in 2007.

The most common work done wasnt glamorous necessary improvements such as replacing systems that keep a home humming along, like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, took the lead, according to the report.

This was followed by necessary upkeep on home exteriors, like roofing, siding, windows, and doors; interiors, like carpeting, flooring, and insulation; and improvements to lots and yards, such as fixing fences.

The most popular discretionary home improvements were bath remodels followed by kitchen remodels. Next up were outdoor living additions, like porches, decks, patios, terraces, garages, and carports, and then room additions.

Were seeing a lot more [demand for things like] painted cabinets, a tuxedo finish, which is light on the bottom dark on the top, quartz countertops versus granite, said Joanne Theunissen, vice president of the custom home building and remodeling firm Howling Hammer Builders. We still see a lot of [people wanting] stainless appliances.

Baby boomers are leading the charge, with those 55 and up making up about 52 percent of the home improvement spending in 2015. Thats because many of them want to stay in their homes as long as possible, and theyre willing to spend some serious moolah to do that.

Another area of growth is energy-efficient and smart-home renovations, remodels, and improvements. This can be anything from water-, power-, and cash-saving appliances to home technologies like the Amazon Echo.

Home automation is the emerging market thats really starting to take off, Will said. As the technology has improved, the price has come down.

It shouldnt come as a surprise that those under 35 spent the least on improvements likely because they dont have the higher incomes and equity built up in their homes, if, in fact, they own one at all.

For example, homeowners younger than 35 spent an average $8,702 on their individuals projects in 2015. Those in the 3544 age range spent $10,294, while the 4554 age range plunked down $10,553.

Homeowners in the 5564 age range spent an average of $11,207, and those 65 and up spent $9,058.

Those in their mid-30s to mid-50s spent the most, because theyre the most likely to have families.

Despite the surge in home renovations, remodeling spending is expected to grow by just 2 percent annually through 2025, according to the report. Thats a little lower than the 2.5 percent each year that homeowners paid from 1995 to 2015.

Blame the anticipated slowdown on rising home prices and mortgage interest rates and not enough properties on the market to meet demand. That means fewer millennials will become homeowners. And if they dont own homes, they cant remodel them.

However, when they do buy, their homes are likely to be cheaper and need more work. Thats expected to help drive the market in the future.

See more here:
More homeowners spending money on remodeling - Ahwatukee Foothills News

Its tax season, which means many people are looking for the best way to invest their tax returns in their homes. Kitchen and bath remodeling are the first to come to mind, because both provide the largest return-on-investment. Infusing your home with the latest interior styles will help improve your property value and ensure that your renovation is beautiful and functional.

Contractors are now frequently asked to knock down walls and create more open kitchen layouts. (Craftsmen Home Improvements)

Staying abreast of the most popular designs of this season can help you make decisions throughout your upcoming kitchen remodel. Here are five trends that you should keep in mind

Homeowners now seek complex lighting arrangements, complete with natural light from large windows, lit areas beneath and inside the cabinets, and a series of light fixtures on the ceiling. (Craftsmen Home Improvements)

To find out more about how you can make your upcoming remodel in Cincinnati or Dayton fit the styles of 2017, work carefully with your contractor fromCraftsmen Home Improvements. Your contractor can talk with you about the latest trends and the most recent innovations to make your kitchen remodel a success.

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5 kitchen remodel trends for 2017 - Dayton Daily News

At WISA Solutions, we are in the business of making dreams come truebecause in our hands, your dream kitchen can be a reality!We employ kitchen remodeling contractors in Arlington, Alexandria, Springfield, Burke, Lorton, and all of Northern Virginia.

WISA Solutions offers an extensive selection of quality kitchen cabinets (from stock tosemi-custom with todays most popular options), countertops and fixtures at a variety of price points. Our large showroom contains a number of complete designs to help you fully experience the form and functionality of your dream kitchen.

We employ experienced kitchen remodeling professionals and assign a project manager who leads your project to ensure it proceeds according to plan. We work to achieve great results in each of our kitchen remodeling projects through our installers attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship, clear communications with our clients and adherence to project schedules.

WISA Solutions offers the finest kitchen remodeling products at the most competitive prices possible. Our design consultants take all the time needed to understand your goals, style preferences, and budget and provide guidance on the best cabinetry and countertop options available without the upsell so prevalent in the industry.

WISA Solutions delivers perfect kitchens by balancing beauty, functional design, and cost. Our meticulous planning and careful measurements combined with our experience in designing kitchens that work allows us to design the perfect space for you. As a design build firm, we handle all the details from architectural design, permit application, installation and inspection. WISA Solutions is one of the few kitchen remodelers in the Northern Virginia area holding a Class A Builders Licensewe are able to handle kitchen remodeling projects ranging from to-the-studs renovations to moving walls, building bump-outs and additions, and more. We work to achieve perfect kitchen designs and installations by collaborating with our clients, carrying a wide range of cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures, and employing highly talented designers and experienced project managers and installation crews.

For more information, you can call us at 703-337-4344 or contact us online to learn more about how WISA Solutions can create the perfect kitchen for your Northern Virginia home. Visit our showroom, explore our online galleries, or call us to learn how we can help you achieve the perfect kitchen.

Your kitchen is one of the most high-traffic areas of your home. Your family spends so much time in this room, so its important that it fits your lifestyle, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality! When youve got the right flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and appliances to fit your style and your familys needs, youd be surprised how much simpler life can become!

Our team at WISA Solutions is skilled in both the design and the contracting aspect of kitchen remodeling. We can help you through the entire process, from designing your dream kitchen to actually building it to adding finishing touches that will make it uniquely you.

Just take a look at some of the beautifully designed kitchens we have completed throughout Northern Virginia:

To be inspired by more beautiful kitchens and kitchen products, visit our showroom in Lorton!

WISA Solutions is a fully insured Northern Virginia-based full service contractor and design build firm, licensed as a Virginia Class A Building contractor. We provide quality home improvement services at competitive prices. With over 25 years in the construction industry and nearly a decade of experience in the full range of home construction related services, we place the highest value on client satisfaction and building long-lasting relationships. The WISA Solutions difference is delivered through our:

Visit our About Us page to learn more about WISA Solutions.

Call us at 703-337-4344or fill out ouronline inquiry formto learn more about WISA Solutions services and how we can help make your kitchen remodeling dream a reality.

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Kitchen Remodeling Northern Virginia | Wisa Solutions

By Dan Bawden, Legal Eagle Contractors

Photo: Courtesy Of Legal Eagle Contractors

Legal Eagle Contractors completed this modern kitchen project.

Legal Eagle Contractors completed this modern kitchen project.

GHBA Remodelers Council: Kitchen remodel will likely cost more than you expect

Ah, the joys of celebrating in your shiny, new kitchen. The spectacular granite-topped island is beckoning your friends and family to gather to share the love with a good cabernet in hand. Your kitchen is now a warm, well-lit oasis of comfort and pleasure, the new beating heart of your home.

I have been remodeling kitchens for clients for 35 years, and have lived through the experience in my own home a couple of times. I'll give you it to you straight about kitchen remodeling.

Whether you are doing a "partial" remodel, a midrange "gut to the walls" job, or and kitchen expansion into other rooms, it is going to cost more than you want. You can spend less with good planning of course but the naked truth is, most people don't realize what kitchen renovation work really costs, especially when using a good contractor using a high quality construction team.

From a construction standpoint, kitchens are one of the most complex projects to plan and execute. They involve the most expensive elements in a home: new custom cabinetry, stone counters, tile on floors and backsplashes, lighting plumbing, expensive appliances and fixtures, to name a few. Add in removing walls to create that coveted "open look", relocating the kitchen sink, raising ceilings and expanding the footprint, and the price soars. Remember that changes to the project add cost, interrupt the rhythmic schedule of a job, and extend the completion time.

Top tips for success

When working with a professional remodeler:

1. Do your internet homework. Good contractors have lots of good reviews on Google, Houzz.com, Angie's List, etc. If you are having trouble finding any reviews for a candidate, pass him by. That is a big red flag.

2. Check the company's listing on the Better Business Bureau website. Call your local Builders Association for a list of reputable remodelers and builders in your area. I suggest limiting your candidates to those that have construction certifications from the National Association of Homebuilders.

3. Do a good phone interview before inviting the remodeler out. Find out if he mainly works in your part of town. How long he has been in business? Is kitchen remodeling a mainstay project for him or an occasional sideline? Will he let you come see a kitchen remodel in progress?

4. Get, and call references. Ask them what the experience was like having that crew in the house? How neat was the house kept during the work? Did you get a weekly schedule? How well was the day-to-day communication and job management done? Could you get someone on the phone quickly if there was a problem? Did you feel you got a good value for the money you paid? These are excellent questions check out a contractor - before anyone comes out to look at the job.

This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. For information on this article, please contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net.

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GHBA Remodelers Council: Kitchen remodel will likely cost more than you expect - mySanAntonio.com

By noon, close to 2,000 people had visited the home and garden show, according to Robert Mellion, president of the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce.

FALL RIVER Frigid outdoor temperatures and gale force winds belied the fact that spring is just around the corner but inside Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School on Saturday, crowds wandered from table to table at the seventh annual Bristol County Home and Garden Show, bringing together the public and home and garden service or goods providers to be at the ready when the warmer weather arrives.

The annual event is sponsored by The Herald News, The Taunton Daily Gazette, the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce and Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School.

We are always happy to sponsor this event to get us to start to think about spring and we get to meet a lot of our readers, said Lynne Sullivan, editor in chief of The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette.

By noon, close to 2,000 people had visited the home and garden show, according to Robert Mellion, president of the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce.

This is a way of connecting local contractors with clients, and in our seventh year of doing this its been a great benefit. We listen to and get great feedback from all of the vendors, said Mellion. The thing they like about this is its a one-day event. They make a connection and they're all getting leads to get new clients.

It wasnt all about new flooring, kitchen remodeling or new roofing the home and garden show was kid- and family-friendly too.

Manning the table for the Childrens Museum of Greater Fall River was Executive Director Jo-Anne Sbrega, who offered some fun arts and crafts for the kids.

Nine-year-old Joseph Leger planted a green bean seed in a damp paper towel inside a plastic baggie. Sbrega explained that if he kept the paper damp and in the sunshine, he could grow a seedling.

Cindy Coroa of Swansea was selling some tasty offerings from the product line of Tastefully Simple and offering samples of beer bread.

Boxes of Girl Scout cookies were pretty popular, sold by Tiara and Tay-Lin Gomes and Asaya Mayers from Troop 1076 with troop leader Kristen Mayers.

Asya Mayers said sales are really good.

The Thin Mints are the most popular, she said.

There were some fun offerings for adults at Nellies Phototainment, where visitors were treated to a free photobooth shoot.

Chamber Vice President Kimberly Moniz and City Councilor Richard Cabeceiras stepped into the booth and had their pictures taken dressed in costume.

Excerpt from:
Springing forward at Bristol County Home and Garden Show - Taunton Daily Gazette