Categorys
Pages
Linkpartner


    Page 9«..891011..2030..»



    Kitchen and Bath Remodeling The Monitor – The Monitor - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the essential rooms in a house. Whenever someone visits your home, they will tell you about your homes quality by how your kitchen and bathrooms look. That is why home improvement in these two rooms can be quite significant.

    A kitchen is the heart of your house where you prepare meals, and people socialize with family and friends. Bathrooms are a special place where we take care of our bodies. Home additions such as adding floorings and appliances can go a long way to making your home looking better if you know what you are doing or find the right contractor.

    Kitchen remodeling

    When remodeling your kitchen, you might need to get your cabinets and counter replaced or paint the walls. If you feel like adding appliances, you can get one or two to make your work more comfortable in the kitchen. The faucets might need replacing along with the sink and disposal and a few electrical work.

    The cost will vary depending on your floor space and the number of materials and labor required. Many homeowners can sometimes be intimidated by the size of the kitchen and decide not to DIY. In this case, consider getting a professional to come to help you out.

    Kitchen remodeling can take up to 30 days. If you need plumbing changes, like having a water line to the refrigerator, this will create more work but not so much. In terms of electrical issues, we are assuming you already have a kitchen that is up to code; if this is the case, only general lighting will need replacement. Outlets might also need to be replaced along with work lights.

    What will drive the costs a bit higher is the flooring. Using laminated flooring will be sufficient for your kitchen as this is a cheap and dependable option; we would, however, not recommend the same for the bathroom because they are high in moisture.

    Bathroom remodeling

    When remodeling a bathroom, you might need to replace cabinets and counters add in new flooring. Shower or tub units might also need replacing; you could also paint your lavatory and add new accessories such as a mirror, bars, or towels. A little electric work might also be recommended.

    Costs incurred will be lesser than what you might for the kitchen, probably half of what you would spend in the kitchen. For example, if remodeling a kitchen costs you $30000, a bathroom might cost you around $15000 to $16000. DIYing is also possible here, and many homeowners prefer to go for it since there is little floor space.

    The time it will take to remodel a model majorly depends on the labor required and floor space. We can say at least 18 days if you remove the drywall, add insulation, and then put up new drywall. If you are not taking down the drywall, then remodeling might take around 14 days.

    When it comes to plumbing, you might think that a lot of work is required since a bathroom is a water-intensive place, but no, plumbing work is minimal here. You can easily replace a toilet and a faucet. The bathtub or shower might drive up labor and costs since it requires more work and time to return.

    Electrical work is also minimal unless you want to rewire your bathroom completely. If not, the work will be replacing the bathroom fan and outlets and switching out general lighting. Flooring, as we said, cannot be laminated; you can, however, go for vinyl flooring or tiles. Vinyl tile flooring, primarily luxury viny tile, can take your bathroom to the next level and make it look even better.

    Conclusion

    When remodeling your bathroom or kitchen, keep certain things in mind. These include cost, how much you will spend, and the disruption when the kitchen and bathroom are remodeled. You might need to find a solution to how you will operate without them as you will not be using them during the remodeling.

    Consider the speed also, how fast can the job get done. Finally, the resale value is also essential; if you want to sell your house, buyers will most likely look at the kitchen and bathroom before anything else, so make sure the two rooms look their best when you are done.

    Home

    https://www.facebook.com/SundanceLouveredRoofs/

    https://mmcthemonitor.com/

    See the rest here:
    Kitchen and Bath Remodeling The Monitor - The Monitor

    Five things for Macomb to look forward to in the New Year – The Macomb Daily - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    The year 2020 couldn't get out here fast enough for most of us.

    So many challenges -- from the COVID-19 pandemic to racial injustice protests to the presidential election -- left many feeling physically and mentally drained.

    But if the COVID-19 vaccines take hold and its mutant strains don't explode, it's possible society will return to some sense of normalcy in the months to come.

    If that is the case, here are five things to look forward to in the coming year.

    1)Open Up-- When in-person dining is allowed to resume in Michigan, there's going to be a pent-up demand for restaurants. There's a growing list of new places to eat and drink including:

    The long-awaited Chick-fil-A on Hall Road is targeting opening in the first half of the year. The Atlanta, Ga.-based fast-food chain picked Shelby Township for its first Macomb County location and reportedly is considering the Macomb Mall property for its second.

    Chicago-style Portillo's restaurant is scheduled to open this summer in a new building constructed near Lakeside Mall, complete with an outdoor patio and double drive-thru lanes. Its Sterling Heights location will be the first Michigan home to this fast-casual eatery known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, famous Italian Beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers and chocolate cake.

    Clinton Township-based New Age Cafe is leaving Hall Road to take over the former The Mitt on the edge of downtown Mount Clemens, which has been closed for years. The Asian eatery often has a line of customers standing out the door waiting to get in.

    Black Cat Coffee Shop is coming to the corner of Macomb Place and North Walnut in Mount Clemens around the second quarter of 2021. It is expected to offer an alternative to the city's bars on the restaurant scene.

    Mi Pueblo is nearing completion of transforming the former Pogo's on Groesbeck Highway near Cass Avenue in Clinton Township. The eatery, featuring Mexican fare and plenty of Patron margaritas, will represent a sister location from its original eatery in southwest Detroit.

    Cellar 104 World Varietal Winery is waiting for the word to open on Macomb Place in Mount Clemens. Owner Dave Gagnon has done a terrific job in transforming the place from the old Luigi's Downtown into boutique winery. They'll offer small plate dishes and cheese boards from neighboring restaurants.

    An oldie but goodie, the Fishbone's on Jefferson Avenue in St. Clair Shores, is wrapping up a remodeling project with a new paint job, kitchen, and a walk-up pick-up and carryout. Owner Nico Gatzaros says he hopes to open later this month.

    2)Let's Go Krogering-- The much-delayed demolition of the closed Kmart at the southeast corner of Nine Mile Road and Harper is done and construction on Kroger's latest store is nearing completion. A spokesperson said the Cincinnati-based grocer invested more than $29 million into the 103,000-square-foot store. Plans tentatively call for an opening by the end of the first quarter or early in the second of 2021.

    3)Festival Firsts-- Promoters of outdoor festivals are crossing their fingers hoping they are allowed to move forward with activities ranging from car shows to ice sculptures.

    Aqua Freeze in St. Clair Shores, cancelled in 2019 and not held in 2020, is back on the schedule this year to be the first festival of the year. It is set for Jan. 16-17 at Blossom Heath Park on Jefferson featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures, a petting zoo, live music and a craft beer tent.

    The first classic car cruise of the year is scheduled for June 5 when Cruisin' 53 returns with bands, food and a parade of cars on Van Dyke Avenue.

    Also scheduled to return are Sterlingest, Bud Light Classic Car Show, Independence Day Fireworks and Riversight and Sound Concert, and more.

    4)Malls on Hall-- Two of Macomb County's best-known shopping centers have fallen on hard times thanks to the shift from bricks-and-mortar shopping and sped up by the pandemic.

    At Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights, owners are expected to share their plans for future development in the coming months. City officials have said among the ideas are to tear down part of the enclosed shopping center to add residential and office developments, parking decks, an outdoor concert amphitheater and an urban beach.

    Partridge Creek officials haven't been as open with their vision of the future and there is no timetable for changes. Township officials have offered some ideas on mixed-uses, especially for the big boxes that sit empty on both ends of the shopping center.

    5)Moving Mound-- Ground breaking for what is billed as the largest road construction project in Macomb County history will take place this summer.

    The $217 million Innovate Mound project calls for reconstruction of nine miles of Mound Road between I-696 in Warren and M-59 in Sterling Heights. Construction is expected to continue through the end of 2023, with completion planned for 2024.

    Mound will receive numerous technological improvements, safety improvements and visual enhancements.

    The project plans to make the road more pedestrian friendly, enabled with smart technology and improved traffic flow. Bridges, traffic signals, signage, storm sewers and lighting and utilities will all be improved and modified. Systems will collect date from connected vehicles, mobile devices, and infrastructure to provide travelers with real-time information such as the status of traffic levels, parking availability, transit schedules, traffic signals and weather conditions.

    A corridor dashboard to allow Macomb County to track traffic patterns and develop automated traffic signal measures and adjust signal timing based upon peak travel times and usage. Travel sensors will provide travel time data updates, surveillance cameras to help with clearance of traffic incidents and fiber optics will be installed along the corridor to accommodate any future data needs.

    Construction will start with a section between 17 Mile and Hall Road, where the road will be widened to add a fourth lane in each direction.

    More:
    Five things for Macomb to look forward to in the New Year - The Macomb Daily

    Alco Disposal Is Offering Its Dumpster Rental Service in New Jersey – Press Release – Digital Journal - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Alco Disposal, a dumpster rental service, is providing service to Toms River, Brick, Lakewood, Jackson, Barnegat, Point Pleasant, Manchester, Lacey, and many other cities around NJ. The company is locally owned and operated and claims that it has become a leading provider of dumpsters in its community.

    The company is providing its services in Toms River, Brick, Lakewood, Jackson, Barnegat, Point Pleasant, Manchester, Lacey, Little Egg Harbor, Stafford, Berkeley, Ocean, Beachwood, Lavallette, Tuckerton, Seaside Park, Beach Haven, Plumsted, Long Beach, Mantoloking, Lakehurst, Bay Head, Island Heights, Ship Bottom, Surf City, Harvey Cedars, Pine Beach, Eagelswood, Freehold, Red Bank, Long Branch, Howell, Eatontown, Asbury, Manalapan, Tinton Falls, Holmdel, Wall, Marlboro, Shrewsbury, Hazlet, Manasquan, Belmar, Neptune, Monmouth Beach, Rumson, Matawan, Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, Spring Lake, Oceanport, West Long Branch, Little Silver, Sea Girt, Keyport, Bradley Beach, Seabright, Keansburg, Fair Haven, Lincroft, Brielle, Millstone, Farmingdale, Deal, Port Monmouth, Avon-by-the-sea, Allentown, Union Beach, Englishtown, Navesink, Lake Como, Belford, Allenhurst, Spring Lake Heights, Loch Arbour, Interlaken, and all areas in between. The company says that extra fees for delivery may vary depending on how far the customer is outside its service area.

    The companys 10-yard dumpster rental is 12 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 3 feet high. It can be used for up to 7 days. The rent time extension is $20 per additional day. The waste disposal cost is covered up to 1 ton and then all extra weight costs $90 per additional ton. The company says that this dumpster is great for yard projects, small furniture removal, garage cleanout, and many other jobs similar in size. It can hold up to 4 times the load of a pickup truck. The cost of the 10-yard dumpster is $299.

    The companys 15-yard dumpster rental is 12 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 5 feet high. It can be used for up to 7 days. The rent time extension is $20 per additional day. The waste disposal cost is covered up to 2 tons and then all extra weight costs $90 per additional ton. The company says that this dumpster is commonly rented for kitchen remodeling, carpet removal, attic cleanout, landscaping, and other medium-sized jobs. It can hold up to 6 times the load of a pickup truck. The cost of the 15-yard dumpster is $399.

    The companys 20-yard dumpster rental is 14 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 5 feet high. It can be used for up to 7 days. The rent time extension is $20 per additional day. The waste disposal cost is covered up to 3 tons and then all extra weight costs $90 per additional ton. The company says that this dumpster is great for full home cleanouts, construction site cleanup, demolition/remodels, and other large jobs similar in size. It can hold up to 8 times the load of a pickup truck. The cost of the 20-yard dumpster is $499.

    The companys website highlights a few testimonials from satisfied customers. Ryan B. says, Great guy, strong work ethic. Edgar C. says, Prices are reasonable and service is top-notch. I would highly recommend it to others. Ronald E says, Such a professional and enjoyable experience to do business with Jay. A review from Jessica Wright on the businesss Facebook page says, Professional, fast/same day service and best prices around, if you need a dumpster call ALCO.

    Jason Johnson, the spokesperson for the company, says, We are proud to serve the local communitys dumpster rental needs. We know it can be very stressful to plan and execute construction or remodeling projects, big or small. We want to take away the hassle of waste disposal by providing our customers with an easy solution that is cost-effective and reliable. We aim to become everyones first choice for dumpster rentals in New Jersey.

    The company can be contacted at the phone number (732) 608-1301. There is also a contact form on its website for customers who prefer to use that to reach out. The company's website is accessible at https://www.alcodisposal.com/.

    ###

    For more information about Alco Disposal, contact the company here:

    Alco DisposalJason Johnson(732) 608-1301alconj2020@gmail.comJackson, NJ 08527

    See the article here:
    Alco Disposal Is Offering Its Dumpster Rental Service in New Jersey - Press Release - Digital Journal

    Jennie Geisler: It wasn’t a very good year for Erie’s eateries, but bright spots shone – GoErie.com - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Erie Times-News

    No restaurateur is likely to forget 2020soon. Emerging from winter to a bull market at the beginning of the year, it was all systems go.And at the beginning of March, restaurants and taverns in Erie were enjoying the ride, as people were eating out 5.9 times a week on average, according to Business Insider,http://bit.ly/3heCkFj.New eateries were opening, and an increasingly diverse and vibrant food scene in Erie was blossoming: Annapurna Kitchen, 1315Parade St., which opened in 2019, was finding its footing with Southeast Asian cuisine; Khao Thai found a new home at 2430 W. Eighth St.;1201 Kitchen, 1201 State St.,and Cloud 9 Wine Bar, 25 E. 10th St., were exploring delicious haute cuisine trends.

    Madeline's Dining & Events,8844 Route 18, Cranesville, just a few months old last New Year's Eve, was makinga splash worthy of the old venerable Crowley's.Perpetual restaurant builders John Melody and Russel Stachewicz, already owners of three U Pick Six locations, were planning not one but two new restaurants: abrewery, John RussellBrewing Co.,7520 Peach St.,and what might someday be called Bay House, a seven-figure investment in an upscale bayfront seafood and cocktail place with a roof-top bar,a raw oyster bar, a verticallyadjustable grill, a three-storyunobstructed view of Presque Isle Bay and all kinds offun stuff.

    Red Letter Hospitality, owner of The Cork 1794 in the West Erie Plaza, Molly Brannigan's (506 State St.) and Skunk & Goat Tavern (17 W. Main St, North East),signed on to manage the foodservice, a bar and local food vendors for Flagship City Food Hall, an8,000-square-foot space under construction along North Park Row in downtown Erie.Remodeling was humming along.

    Then, in mid-March,it all came to a screeching halt.A good year turned into a nightmare. COVID-19, a disease caused by a highly contagious virus, swept the world, killing more than 1.7million people as of earlier this week,according to figuresfrom Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center,https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/.

    Everyone except "essential" workers, such as healthcare workers, law enforcement, grocers andhardware store workers, was ordered to stay home. Schools, attractions, bars and dining rooms were closed except for takeout and delivery. That was all well and good for restaurants that already did a brisk takeout and delivery business, but places that relied on full diningrooms quickly headed down a slippery slope.

    Nearly10 months later, no local restaurants have been able to open tofull capacity. For a brief period this fall, they were allowed to open at 50 percent capacity, but a sudden surge in coronavirus cases have them serving takeout only again, at least into the first week of January.

    Most restaurant owners make their living on full dining rooms, and many are struggling while a few have closed for the holidays, in hopes of some relief from a federal stimulus package and/or loosening of restrictions in the new year, leaving hundreds of staff members with no income in December.

    Other restaurateurs have decided they just couldn't make it at all, and the Erie area has lost some of its favorites: Nunzi's,2330 E. 38th St.,closed after 70 years;The Oasis Market, 914 State St.;M Cafe, 5410 West Lake Road;The Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State St.; Chovys Italian Casual, 18228 Conneaut Lake Road, Vernon Township, all closed.Sprague Farm & Brew Works, 22043 Routes 6 and 19, Venango, curtailedits business hours to every other Saturday from noon till 5 p.m. for beer takeout.

    Pleasedo not ask me when Serafini's,2642 W. 12th St., will reopen. I don't know. General manager Paula Carrara has given me no indication, except to assure me that it will. If I had to guess, I'd say months. She wanted to be clear of state restrictions, and that seems a long way off. Meanwhile,I get several calls and notes a week from eager customers. Trust me. When I know, you'll know. But this issue sure gets the prize for most calls I've ever gotten about, well, anything.

    It hasn't been all doom and gloom, however. Some hardy souls actually chose the pandemic as a good time to open new eateries. And amid the carnage, they seem to be making a go of it:

    Chippers Seafood and Southern Fusion,1023 State St.

    Oliver's, in the Hampton Inn at Harbor Place, 130 E. Front St.

    Mr. Woodys Smokin BBQ, 259 Venango Ave., Cambridge Springs

    Lakeside Beach Bar, 220 W. Plum St., Edinboro

    Luminary Distilling, Eatery, Fuhrman's Cider,8270 Peach St., bought the Furman's Cider and Bakery businessand remodeled it to turn it into a full-service restaurant.

    Donato's, (second location) 1535 W. Eighth St., became a big sister in mid-November when owner Christina Vogel opened a second location at 861 E. 38th St.

    F&F Poke Bowl & Ramen, (second location) 6831 Peach St., Summit Township

    Main Street Cakery Cafe, (second location)2900 Copperleaf Drive off of Edinboro Road in Summit Township

    Shirleys, 5924 Old French Road (pre-pandemic, but still hanging tough)

    Coppolas Pizzeria of Erie (second location, pre-pandemic)opened in the old Lucchettis location at 1042 W. 26th St.

    Sticks & Bricks Wood Fired Pizza, 1301 E. Grandview Blvd.

    Let me know if I left someone out and I'll gladly provide an addendum in my next column.

    Also hopeful news: the first wave of vendors selected to open the downtown food hall in 2021includesTaste of Love seafood and soul fusion catering;Lucky Louies Beer & Wieners, (second location);The Shawarma Station, a Middle Eastern food truck that can often be found around Perry Square; Taste & See Fruit & Veggie Bar; andThe Straw Hat Sundae Shop, a North East business (second location) that will sell ice cream from Penn States Berkey Creamery.

    We can only hope that Erie's restaurants can sell enough takeout, make enough deliveries, gather enough from gift cards and merchandise to get them through the next dark days. I hope to use this space to celebrate the renaissance of diverse and delicious menus available.

    See you in 2021, with any luck sitting at the next table over.

    If you have regional restaurant news or questions, please send an email tojgeisler@timesnews.com, or call her at 814-969-2208.

    Read more from the original source:
    Jennie Geisler: It wasn't a very good year for Erie's eateries, but bright spots shone - GoErie.com

    For the Record | Business licenses issued in November – wenatcheeworld.com - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    City of Wenatchee

    Greenleaf Producers LLC: 1089 E. Edgemont Drive, food crops grown under cover

    Limbwalker LLC: 124 N. Buchanan Ave., Unit 4, logging

    CR Industries LLC: 1019 Fuller St., new single-family housing construction

    Central Washington Rooter LLC: 1129 Columbine St., new single-family housing construction

    Lake Dayz LLC: 128 E. Mountain Brook Lane, land subdivision

    Remodeling Hernandez: Juan M. Hernandez, 85 Depot St., finish carpentry contractor

    Goodfellow Construction Inc.: 135 N. Wenatchee Ave., specialty trade contractor

    Ocho Cat LLC: 1250 Central Ave. Apt. H3, doll, toy and/or game manufacturing

    Delias Health Supply & Beauty Boutique LLC: 1917 Harbel St., beauty supply store

    The Original Childrens Shop: Karol Kucher Enterprises, Inc., 4 S. Wenatchee Ave., childrens clothing store

    Day and Mood Boutique LLC: 1688 Stella Ave., family clothing store

    The Pokemon Company International Inc.: 501 N. Miller St., hobby, toy, and/or game store

    Harts Books: Paul R. Hart, 3746 School St., book store

    Stuber Services: Caitlin Alexis Stuber, 1513 Cherry St., art dealer

    Bibolet: Materialize, LLC, 3725 Lovell Road, art dealer

    M & E Memorial Markers: 920 N. Chelan Ave., retailer

    Sprint Spectrum LP: 1304 N. Miller St., wireless telecommunications carrier

    The Patricia Steed Revocable Living Trust: 2696 No. 2 Canyon Road, portfolio management

    Holeman Law Group: Joseph Alan Holeman, 805 Nelson Ave., law office

    Driven Insights LLC: 205 S. Western Ave., accounting services

    Elias Victor Kahn: 922 Idaho St., graphic design services

    Milk Run Creative: Milk Run Creative LLC, 1419 Saddlerock Drive, graphic design services

    Blasting Technology Inc.: 1407 Walla Walla Ave., custom computer programming services

    American Land and Water Consulting LLC: 106 N. Columbia St., environmental consulting services

    CDP Communications: Cameron Deamer-Phillips, 2020 Overlook Drive, public relations agency

    Pennys Home Maintenance: Penny Lynn Archer, 1107 Westwood Ave., janitorial services

    Fletcher Pediatric Dentistry: Bryan Fletcher, DDS, MSD, PS, 650 N. Miller St., dental office

    Aspire Counseling LLC: 101 S. Wenatchee Ave., mental health practitioner

    Debra Sue Lapo: 2015 Skyline Drive, health practitioner

    Taqueria Taco Loco: Lilianas Kitchen, LLC, 234 S. Wenatchee Ave., full-service restaurant

    Wilders Automatic Transmission: Midvalley Automotive, LLC, general automotive repair

    City of East Wenatchee

    Dr. Maria L. Gussak ND PLLC: East Wenatchee, consultation; holistic health services

    Immaculate Shine: Immaculate Shine LLC, East Wenatchee, property management

    K & B Custom Homes LLC: East Wenatchee, contractor

    Wenatchee Curbing Service LLC: East Wenatchee, concrete hardscape for yard perimeters and gardens; decorative curbing

    TBH Construction: TBH Construction, LLC, East Wenatchee, construction

    Valley Consulting and Estimating: Robert Jack Wigington, East Wenatchee, consulting services

    Raftel Bottle & Smoke: Connoisseur Enterprises LLC, 858 Valley Mall Parkway, beer and tobacco products retailer; tavern

    Be Joyful LLC: East Wenatchee, sign rental company

    Lindsey Schibel, Web Design: Lindsey Schibel, East Wenatchee, web design

    Segundo Hogar Vive Sonrie y Aprende: Alicia Capi Esquivel, East Wenatchee, day care services

    Family Nutrition Wellness: Cirilo Ornelas, East Wenatchee, nutritional supplements

    Manzanitas Daycare: Monica Sanchez, East Wenatchee, childcare

    Legitdrywall LLC: East Wenatchee, construction

    Eastmont Parks and Recreation: Eastmont Metropolitan Park District, East Wenatchee, public swimming pool

    View original post here:
    For the Record | Business licenses issued in November - wenatcheeworld.com

    ‘COVID-proof’ design is more than home offices and gyms – Boston.com - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    If you asked real estate agents and home builders in the late spring how buyers were responding to the pandemic, they would answer with tales of multiple home offices and private gyms becoming must-haves.

    But as the virus surged into winter, less sexy but more important components like air-filtration systems and new approaches to a condo buildings package drop-off zone were suddenly entering the conversation.

    I think with COVID-proofing, weve learned so much over the nine months of this pandemic, said Vickie Alani, principal at architectural firm CBT. Its not really the house or the space causing COVID. Its not stuff. Its people. Its how we move through space and breathe.

    While COVID-proofing is a term said somewhat wistfully, it hasnt stopped architects and home builders from accelerating healthy-living trends that were already growing in popularity before the pandemic. Enhanced water- and air-filtration systems and a general push toward sustainability are increasingly basic expectations in both the single-family and multifamily home sector.

    These healthy-living trends particularly in the realm of air filtration are on track to be a new standard of post-pandemic home building.

    Its certainly something we hear about with people spending so much more time in their homes and thinking about it in a different way as a safe haven from germs and disease and, in particular, air quality and air filtration and virus filtration, said Abbe Will, a research associate and associate project director of the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvard Universitys Graduate School of Design. All of that is suggesting this is a part of the market that is likely growing and almost certainly will have some kind of boost from the pandemic.

    Architects like Alani approach air filtration in dense apartment and condo buildings with a focus on increasing mechanical systems, especially nine months into a pandemic in which potential renters and buyers are suddenly just as focused on air quality as they are amenity space.

    There is also a return to operable windows, even in downtown high-rises where developers have shied away from installing them in recent years to save money.

    I was against them in the past. Theyre more expensive, and zoning limited how little they could actually open, said Michael Procopio, vice president of development at Procopio Cos., a real estate development firm. Now I would never think about building a 350-unit building unless it had operable windows.

    There are ways to abide by zoning and still deliver fresh air to residents seeking more ventilation, both during and after the pandemic. Juliet balconies are very shallow and basically enable full-length windows with the protection of a railing in taller buildings. Alani expects the trend to grow in the coming years, even with budget-minded developers in a costly construction environment such as Boston.

    There had been resistance [to installing working windows] due to cost increases, she added. Its not huge, but everyone was after the last dollar because of rising construction costs. But I think moving forward, providing residents with more than the four-inch operability of one window in a room is a huge benefit. I think people will be more conscious of it.

    Multifamily developers are also reworking the layouts of apartment and condo buildings, particularly in amenity areas and delivery drop-off points. Amenity areas that once housed communal eating areas and workspaces are getting compartmentalized to offer more private offices.

    Weve always been big proponents of coworking and essentially mini WeWorks in our buildings, Procopio said. Now its a lot of little nooks, and it feels like an airport lounge. Its cozy.

    Procopios development team has also installed enhanced high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems on elevator cabs to provide better ventilation in such a confined space. Residents can open main entrances to a Procopio building or summon an elevator remotely via a smartphone app at developments like Ironwood Apartments in Lynn. While this technology was offered pre-pandemic, Procopio said, he expects it to become more standard practice in light of a year of social distancing and other precautionary measures.

    The CBT design team moved toward a secure porch-like delivery area at Watermark Central, an apartment building in Central Square. Deliveries are left in a secure vestibule thats visible to the concierge but doesnt require a delivery person coming into the building.

    New filtration technologies or retroactive build-outs may initially cost more, but developers and architects expect prices to come down the more these features become new building standards.

    This year, there would have been a cost impact because we were all scrambling, Alani said. But moving forward, this is how we will do buildings, and we will incorporate it into a system of decisions and not tack it on as we have this year.

    Single-family homes are a different arena. While they dont have the same issues of shared air-filtration systems as a condo building, an individual home can still run the risk of bacterial spread. One of the ways Cindy Stumpo, CEO of C. Stumpo Development, tackles this is by zoning off the air-filtration systems of the bedrooms in the luxury homes she builds. Typically, air filtration is controlled on different levels of a house.

    With the Stumpo method, someone quarantining in their bedroom wouldnt have to worry about contaminated air particles seeping into the rest of the house.

    If the parents are in their bedroom sneezing and coughing, the kids arent going to get it in their rooms because I separately zone off, Stumpo said. If from the beginning you zone off, you can stop germs from spreading through your own home. But if youre not isolating and going to go into the family room or kitchen, its going to spread.

    Experts interviewed for this story recognize there could be an opportunistic cottage industry of pandemic-related home materials born from the public health crisis. But all stressed the importance of the basics: air filtration. Items like HEPA filters or allergen-pleated MERV 15 (minimum efficiency reporting value) air filters provide viable ways to combat airborne bacterial spread. The cost of a basic air infiltration depends on the size of your home.

    Ultraviolet lights are even available for residential air systems and can eliminate germs and viruses. While there is debate on how effective some cleaning materials and sanitizers work in combating an airborne virus, Stumpo installs in-duct UV-air germ lamp systems in the homes she builds. The purification system uses UV light and ions to destroy particulate, microbial, and gas pollutants on surfaces, as well as in the air of a home. The systems, from brands like Field Controls or Reme Halo, typically cost less than $500.

    This is the only product that is not a gimmick, Stumpo said. I am actually designing seven new homes in Brookline, and Im making sure we are getting everything we can in these homes right at the beginning.

    No matter how advanced the air-filtration systems get in one of her homes the spec ones typically start around $5 million in the tony neighborhoods of Brookline and Newton Stumpo said they still require some level of attention to get the maximum benefit.

    Some people dont remember to change the filters, she added with a laugh while noting she sends a twice-a-year reminder e-mail to all her clients. They forget. I dont care how smart they are.

    Cameron Sperance can be reached at [emailprotected]. Subscribe to the Globes free real estate newsletter our weekly digest on buying, selling, and design at pages.email.bostonglobe.com/AddressSignUp. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @globehomes.

    See original here:
    'COVID-proof' design is more than home offices and gyms - Boston.com

    Everything You Need to Know About Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel – The DC Post - December 11, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Is the farmhouse kitchen not on your 2020 remodeling agenda? Some homeowners find it outdated and boring. So is it canceled once and for all? We think not!

    A farmhouse kitchen design with new and modern updates can lighten up your space, unlike any other design. Its a popular myth that only traditional-style homes can have a country kitchen.

    Farmhouse kitchen is more about personal expression than you would think. With a few tweaks and our farmhouse kitchen remodeling ideas, you can make your kitchen look fresher and a little more transitional. Furthermore, the farmhouse kitchen takes inspiration from simple pleasures of life. Nature and your surroundings play a huge role in a farmhouse kitchen.

    If you are ready to take the plunge into remodeling your kitchen space, check out our dreamy and trendy list of farmhouse kitchen ideas. The ideas we have covered are sure to inspire you to redesign your sanctuary that you call kitchen.

    We personally love how much this style has evolved over time. As new trends emerge, the farmhouse kitchen has adopted elements of other popular kitchen designs. Its common to find farmhouse kitchens in 2020 that borrow elements of Scandinavian, contemporary, and even modern styles.

    In fact, the farmhouse design can be played in a way that it transforms your kitchen into your sanctuary. You can either stick to the black and white terra-cotta floor tiles or go for the classic wooden floors.

    Either way, a fresh neutral palette for your cabinets can bring the entire design into cohesion. Shaker cabinets with clean lines and fresh neutral colors like gray and tan can be a great aesthetic choice.

    While you can stick to the barn-style door, recessed cabinet doors, apron sink, and Roman shades on your windows, its important to add international style chairs. You can also add a Carrera marble island or even a stainless steel sink for a modern touch. The idea is to get the best of both worlds to make the kitchen space fit your needs best.

    Here, we recommend keeping the color palette light. In return, you can add more pops of color throughout the room. Meaning you can add those gold or copper undertone of faucets or hardware for that old-world charm.

    On the contrary, long pendant lights are still trending so you can incorporate those, as well. You hang them low to accentuate those high ceilings. Even sconces, for that matter, are a classic choice for a country-inspired kitchen.

    Decorative items such as popular art, sculptures, flea market finds on exposed shelves can add that modern touch. Another farmhouse kitchen idea is to have a themed pantry with wicker or woven baskets and mason jars.

    *This article is posted by and in partnership with VKB Kitchen and Bath, a kitchen and bathroom remodeling store in Columbia, MD.

    See the article here:
    Everything You Need to Know About Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel - The DC Post

    The Benefits of Hands-Free Products – Design Milk - December 11, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    You cant stop coughing. Your body aches. You have no energy. With wintry weather upon us, its that time of year again but with a hellish update. Is this a cold or flu? Or is it Covid? You start scrolling through your favorite online health sources for the answer.

    You dont want to spread your germs around the house either way; being sick is a serious bummer, but as any single parent can tell you, having to be a caregiver when youre miserably sick is a bigger bummer, and being sick during long-anticipated time off from work might be the biggest bummer of all.

    Powerful, ozone-free air purifiers can help with improving your homes indoor air quality and not infecting other household members. So can reducing the number of shared surfaces in your home and there are so many of them since cold and flu viruses can live on plastic, metal and other common household materials for hours and days between wipe downs.

    Hands-free faucets can reduce germ spread in shared bathrooms. \ Brizo; Photographer: Gary Sparks Photography, Inc. \ Wellness by Design (Tiller Press), J. Gold

    Easy Hands-Free Replacements

    There are many home products you can replace with hands-free models. Some are simple, do-it-yourself projects for someone with handy person skills. Others are more involved and would better fit into a wellness design remodel. Since youre probably not motivated to have a slew of tradespeople in your home right now, here are a few DIY-friendly, hands-free projects you can tackle (or ask your partner to tackle if he or she lives in your household or pod).

    Sensor vent fans reduce mold, mildew and germ spread by operating without touch. \ Broan-NuTone, LLC \ New Bathroom Idea Book (Taunton Press), J. Gold

    Smart technology switches the vent hood on at the right time and level to defeat cooking odors and smoke. \ Photo: Signature Kitchen Suite

    Appliances and Fixtures

    While many appliances are replaced only during remodels, dishwashers and freestanding appliances are often done on their own.

    Smart shower systems add convenience and hands-free operation to your daily routine. \ Photo: Moen Incorporated

    Smart Home Technology

    Voice control has become a strong trend in the smart home technology sphere, and it can be extremely helpful in several ways. Reducing infection through eliminating surface contacts is definitely one of them. Creating security, convenience and accessibility are additional benefits, particularly for those with physical challenges.

    Circadian lighting systems take hands-free technology to the next level by supporting healthy sleep cycles. \ Service Tech, Inc./CEDIA member company \ Wellness by Design (Tiller Press), J. Gold

    Final Thoughts

    There are many other design elements that can be replaced with hands-free versions, like cabinetry that opens with touch latches or electronic mechanisms instead of knobs, grooves or pulls. There are also entry door systems being developed for residential use that will operate without keys or germy touchpads. These all have the potential to enhance wellness, though you should always research their pros and cons before being swayed by the sexiness of any smart home systems.

    Author: Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC is a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach, wellness design consultant and the author of three books on design and remodeling. The latest, Wellness by Design: A Room-by-Room Guide to Optimizing Your Home for Health, Fitness and Happiness, (Tiller Press) published September 1.

    Read the original post:
    The Benefits of Hands-Free Products - Design Milk

    Small Business Spotlight: The trendy and charitable Kayla’s Cake in Fullerton staffed by local moms | Serving the Fullerton Community Since 1922 – The… - December 11, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Kaylas Cake is a trendy and charitable bakery that has just opened a location in Fullerton run by a staff of women, many of them being mothers.

    The shop specializes in creating beautiful assortments of French macarons, cake in a jar and custom cakes. This is the third location for the company, with the others being in Downtown Disney and the Brea Mall.

    Kaylas Cake was founded by Kayla Lee and Eunjoo Kang, a pair of sisters with extensive knowledge in baking and a dream to share their creations. Both have been described to be energetic and hardworking by an employee at their Fullerton location.

    Both founders are mothers and value their family life greatly, as well as the lives of other mothers and their families. They strive to find a perfect balance between their personal career engagements and their life at home. This is why the company has hired a selection of mothers to help the business thrive.

    Kayla's Cake founders Kayla Lee and Eunjoon Kang thank their customers, employees, partners and family/friends for making their storefront location possible. Photo credit: Kayla's Cake

    Weve grown from three to thirteen moms in our kitchen, and we scheduled our kitchen hours so each of us can drop off and pick up our kids from school, reads their website.

    As mothers, Lee and Kang are also dedicated to not only enhancing the lives of their own children, but also the lives of local children in need. Kaylas Cake has previously partnered with Downtown Disney and the Childrens Hospital of Orange County by donating some of their sweet treats to special guests at the Taste of Downtown Disney event and the CHOC Childrens Gala. Both of these events help raise funds for children in need of health care, health research and education.

    The bakerys very own Kayla Lee shared the story about her roots in baking and how Kaylas Cake came to be.

    I worked at a hotel in Los Angeles, but I began to make custom-ordered cakes on my own. The business grew so we rented local kitchens and created Kaylas Cake from there, said Lee, the namesake of Kaylas Cake.

    The female-owned and run company now serves coffee beverages exclusively at the storefront location in Fullerton.

    7 different flavored macarons from Kayls's Cake in Fullerton. Photo credit: Diana Robles

    Weve hired experienced baristas that know what they are doing with our new machinery, continued Lee.

    COVID-19 has obviously proven to be a trying time for everyone. Small businesses were amongst those who were heavily impacted.

    The most challenging part of the pandemic was that we were unable to provide for our talented team. We have experienced bakers, and have hired many college students from local colleges like Cal State Fullerton and Fullerton College. Everyone needed their jobs and having to put them on hold was so hard, stated Lee.

    The remodeling of Kayla's Cake began in March of 2020. It features new flooring, lighting, paint and this blue and white counter space. Photo credit: Diana Robles

    Lee also mentioned that the remodeling of the Fullerton location started just a week before stay-at-home orders were put into place.

    Kaylas Cake has been offering online mail orders for boxes of macarons since 2019, and it has become particularly useful in 2020, in the era of the coronavirus.

    Regardless of these hardships, amongst others, the company opened its Fullerton shop on October 24. It welcomed its very first Fullerton customers with a special promotion: buy a coffee, get a macaron free.

    With the holiday season already upon us, the gift of sweet pastries is something everyone can enjoy. With its seasonal macaron flavors such as peppermint, gingerbread and snowman, Kaylas Cake is definitely in the holiday spirit.

    Christmas decorations are alreaady up at the Fullerton location of Kalya's Cake. Photo credit: Diana Robles

    Our macarons are made with premium ingredients, so when someone receives them as a gift, they know that the gifter cares, said Lee.

    Lees official recommendation for all first-time Kaylas Cake Fullerton visitors is any of its all-new coffee drinks. These include espresso, cortado, americano, cappuccino, latte and bonbon style beverages. Visitors have the option to order these hot or iced, sweetened or unsweetened and substitute milk with an alternative (almond milk or oat milk).

    Kaylas Cake is currently working on bringing a student discount, which may be valid at any of its locations. Until then, all locals can visit the bakery at its new storefront at 1311 S Gilbert Street in Fullerton, CA. For more information, follow the Kaylas Cake Instagram or visit its website.

    The rest is here:
    Small Business Spotlight: The trendy and charitable Kayla's Cake in Fullerton staffed by local moms | Serving the Fullerton Community Since 1922 - The...

    Time to support the Gloria – Urbana Daily Citizen - December 4, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    The nonprofit GrandWorks Foundation has announced the Stars of Stage 2 fundraising campaign to complete the second stage of renovations at the historic Gloria Theatre. The initial goal is to raise $30,000 in order to receive a matching grant of an additional $30,000 awarded by the Grimes Foundation.

    The second stage of work at the theatre includes handicap accessible restrooms, a new concession area, the new Clifford Caf named after the theatres original owner, Billy Clifford, a commercial kitchen, remodeling the lobby and other work to improve the experience of the Gloria patrons. Renovations and repairs have been ongoing since GrandWorks began its first stage of the Gloria Theatre project in 2014 by converting the auditorium to one large screen with digital technology and making many improvements and repairs necessary to reopen.

    According to GrandWorks CEO Staci Weller, completing the second stage of improvements will greatly enhance the experience of all local theatregoers. Especially in times like this, everyone needs reasons for optimism and a place to get away from the concerns of the day. We know that our mission to reach, restore and revive our community is now more important than ever and completing the second stage of our renovations will give everyone a wonderful experience each time they come through Glorias doors.

    GrandWorks vision for the Gloria is to the give the Urbana and Champaign County community an entertainment, performing arts and events venue along with a cozy gathering place for generations to come. Weller said that the first six years of progress is the result of 840 donors and more than two hundred volunteers devoting countless hours of work. The spirit and commitment of Glorias donors and volunteers is incredibly inspiring, Weller said. I know that our vision will be completed because the generosity of our supporters is nothing short of a miracle.

    Officials estimate the total cost of the Stage 2 renovations will be $125,000 but the immediate goal of the Stars of Stage 2 campaign is to get $60,000 by raising $30,000 and then receiving the matching $30,000 grant from the Grimes Foundation. Donors will have their name on a star displayed at the theatre. For more information or to give online go to the theatres website, gloriatheatre.org, or visit the facebook page, facebook.com/gloriatheatreurbana. Checks may be made payable to the GrandWorks Foundation and sent to P.O. Box 38128, Urbana, OH 43078.

    The GrandWorks Foundation is a local not-for-profit organization championing several efforts including the historic Gloria Theatre in downtown Urbana, The Big Questions (a podcast exploring some of lifes most pressing topics), and the Urbana Youth Center.

    Theatre launches fundraiser

    Information from GrandWorks Foundation.

    Read this article:
    Time to support the Gloria - Urbana Daily Citizen

    « old entrysnew entrys »



    Page 9«..891011..2030..»


    Recent Posts