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    Tips For Adding Local Flair To Your Home From A Pittsburgh Designer - February 13, 2013 by Mr HomeBuilder

    (photo credit: wtleggett.com)

    Whether through hassle-free finishings, additional storage or clean, elegant design elements, Pittsburgh home owners are constantly seeking simple and affordable transformations to make their homes more efficient, beautiful and low-maintenance, as noted by Pittsburgh interior designer Nancy Sudsina, who creates kitchen and bath designs at W.T. Leggett Kitchens in Wexford. I have been designing kitchens and baths for the past 12 years and absolutely love it, says Sudsina, adding, Each project is unique and has its owns challenges. Sudsina, who enjoys creating beautiful, functional spaces, shares her tips for adding local flair to your home in ways that all Pittsburghers can appreciate.

    W.T. Leggett Kitchens 11279 Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090 (724) 934-4490 http://www.wtleggett.com

    Stylized SimplicitySudsina is seeing more use of simple, clean lines in design and door styles. These design options tend to require less maintenance, particularly in regards to cleaning, and are typically more affordable than more traditional, elaborate touches. One of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to achieve this is to shop for streamlined furniture, art and hardware with contemporary, modern flair. Choose neutral, cool colors like beige or gray and add pops of brighter, vibrant hues in accent elements.

    Low-maintenance finishingsIn this busy world, Pittsburghers are less willing to devote long hours to cleaning and maintaining their homes, particularly in the kitchen and bath. Instead of natural stone or granite, for instance, which require a good bit of work to maintain, home owners are seeking more efficient, durable materials. The pendulum is swinging to more quartz countertops, which results in no maintenance and have the look of stone, explains Sudsina. She adds that the availability of so many vendors to select from makes purchasing these finishings quick and easy since it is no longer necessary to travel to the granite yard to approve materials. Opt for countertops made of quartz, stainless steel or paper composite (paperstone).

    Related: Kitchen Remodeling Doesnt Have To Be Expensive

    Work In additional Storage Where PossibleProbably 80 percent of the kitchens I do have cabinets with crown to the ceiling, says Sudsina, who attributes this style to Pittsburghers need for increased storage. Thinking about the ease of use and storage is very important. Home owners in Pittsburgh value additional storage that is super accessible and these types of cabinets are fantastic doing just that while preventing dusty cabinet tops, a benefit that adds to the perk of not needing to clean. In the living room or bedroom, choose multi-functional pieces that can be turned into modified shelving and those that feature under-the-bed or under-seating storage.

    Extravagant, spa-like elements in the bathroomRecently, Sudsina has noticed a trend toward more luxurious updates and design features in bathroom remodels. In baths, the use of larger tiles and resistant-to-staining grouts are popular thanks to their spa feel and ease of cleaning, she points out. Pair these flooring details with relaxing paint hues like green, blue or neutral tans, all of which mimic a soothing, calming effect found in the most indulgent spas. To achieve an upscale style, Sudsina recommends incorporating a secondary handheld shower, which is also growing in popularity for its ease of cleaning a shower. A whirlpool tub and bath seating complete this in-home spa experience.

    Baby Boomers In The BurghIn 2012, Pittsburgh was named the countrys most gray cities, according to Forbes, meaning that the greater Pittsburgh areahas a high percentage of residents older than 60 years of age more than 23 percent, in fact and Sudsina is working with many of these baby boomers looking to remain in the area for as long as possible. Aging in Place (AIP) is an important design element at the moment, explains Sudsina. Currently 60 to 70 percent of my clients are 60 years or older. Make your own home AIP-ready by finding ways in which you can bring less straining to daily activities and create a level entry in the kitchen and bath area. Replace your current walls cabinets for those easier to reach, install ramps where stairs once were and consider right-height seats and no-threshold showers, all in durable, long-lasting materials and finishes.

    Related: Angies List: Refurbishing Your Bathroom

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    Tips For Adding Local Flair To Your Home From A Pittsburgh Designer

    Cornerstone enjoys upgraded kitchen facility - February 13, 2013 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Like so many other kitchen remodels, the Cornerstone Rescue Missions kitchen upgrade went a bit over budget and took longer than expected.

    The end result, even with a $350,000 outlay and a seven-month time frame, was well worth it, according to staff members and diners who began using the Rapid City homeless shelter's new kitchen last week.

    After months of serving sack lunches and borrowing kitchen space, Cornerstone chef Jamie Hagan was thrilled to serve a feast of ham and bean soup, fried chicken, pork with mushrooms over rice, fresh vegetables, salad and dessert to about 130 people at the first mid-day meal.

    "I figured they've been suffering for a while now, so I sort of overdid it," Hagan said of his first day back in the improved kitchen.

    "It's fantastic," he said. Hagan is enjoying all of the improvements, especially the custom-made stove vent that allows the 6-foot, 3-inch cook to stand at the six-burner, two-oven stove and not bump his head against the hood. "I had bruises on my head from the old one," he said.

    All new stainless steel appliances fill the reconfigured space. To the left of the new stove is a double convection oven that allows Hagan to cook 14 sheet trays at once, a huge improvement over the four he used to be able to bake. Updates were also made to the electric, mechanical and plumbing systems.

    There are new walk-in freezer and refrigerator units, each 12 feet by 8 feet, that give the kitchen staff two and a half times the cold storage of the old kitchen. In the serving and prep area, there is a double-door reach-in refrigerator and similar freezer unit. A tilt-skillet for frying large batches of meat will soon be installed.

    The walls and floor were covered in coordinating porcelain tiles and non-skid pavers that improve the sanitation and safety of the kitchen, said architect Thomas Baffuto of Baffuto Architecttura. Along with cleanable ceiling tiles, the new surfaces make it much easier to keep a clean kitchen and pass health inspections.

    "The primary goal of this was to redo it so it was more functional," he said. No square footage was added, but the newly streamlined and reconfigured space makes a huge difference in the size of the available work area. West Plains Engineering provided mechanical and electrical work on the project.

    "Remodels are challenging, period," said Baffuto. "Decades of alterations had been buried in the building," he said. Cornerstone's kitchen is located in the basement of what was once the Rapid City city hall. The space contained numerous challenges, including a former holding cell for prisoners that had previously been turned into a walk-in cooler.

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    Cornerstone enjoys upgraded kitchen facility

    How to get your home ready to sell - February 8, 2013 by Mr HomeBuilder

    If youre thinking about selling your home this year, then its time to think spring.

    The real estate research firm CoreLogic is predicting an increase in home prices in 2013, as the housing market continues to improve. We asked local experts what you can do to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

    Free fixes

    Many of the things that make homes attractive to buyers are simple and more importantly, free. First and foremost, give your house a great cleaning, said Kellee Markwell, a realtor with Roediger Realty in Springfield. Buyers feel more confident buying a well-groomed home because they feel that if what they can see is well cared for, what they cant see was probably taken care of as well.

    De-cluttering your home is at the top of every staging experts list. Get things off the counters and put childrens toys away, said homestager Trisha Rowland of ReDesign Mine in Beavercreek. Only leave out about 20 percent of the toys your children own. Dont be tempted to cram everything into a closet, though. Master closets are really important, Rowland said. De-clutter closets especially.

    If your walls are covered in family photos, then its time to bid farewell for now. However, an absence of photos can make a house look too stark. If you have photos in frames, go to Google Images and print out some nature or beach scenes, Rowland said. And put them in the frame overtop of your current photos for some instant neutral art.

    Keep up curb appeal by mowing grass, keeping the garage door down and weeding flowerbeds. As Rowland said, afresh coat of paint on the front door and neat landscaping can increase buyer interest as much as interior changes.

    Think like a buyer, Markwell said. A house that looks clean and well-maintained will stand out.

    Low- to moderately priced fixes

    Paint is a key ingredient in market success. Repaint any dingy, dirty walls or walls that have a bright, bold color that may not appeal to the majority of buyers, Markwell said. You want to appeal to the largest number of potential buyers possible.

    More:
    How to get your home ready to sell

    Expanding outdoor living space adds value to your home - February 8, 2013 by Mr HomeBuilder

    (BPT) - Even during a challenging economy, the outdoor living trend remains popular as homeowners seek to add lasting value and functional living space under the sky and stars. Whether its a do-it-yourself patio or a professionally installed outdoor kitchen, the beauty, usefulness, value and ease of maintenance in outdoor living space is limitless.

    Extending living space outdoors is as old as time itself. Creating an outdoor room is a natural extension of your indoor living space, says landscape architect John Johnson of Burnsville, Minn. By creating a space in the open air and adding elements like fireplaces, pergolas, water features and greenery, you get a very different feel. People want and need that connection to the outdoors.

    Adding value

    Without erecting the traditional four walls and roof, outdoor living space can be easily added to large, small, twin or town homes. Enhancing an outdoor space with hardscapes adds value and can be adapted for multiple uses.

    Homeowners continue to embrace the trend of maximizing outdoor living space, whether its an outdoor kitchen or patio living room with a fire pit, says Lonny Sekeres, a landscape designer with Villa Landscapes in Oakdale, Minn. Real estate experts say that for every dollar you invest in landscaping projects, you could see up to a $2 return when you sell your home.

    Do-it-yourselfers will find easy-to-install, maintenance-free pavers and segmental retaining wall systems are budget-friendly for patios, walkways, courtyards, raised gardens, fire features and wall projects. New construction should include plans for exterior hardscapes, and remodels can benefit from the advice of design-build professionals or experts from a landscape supplies retailer, says Sekeres.

    There are so many solutions to fit any budget and need, says Sekeres. Products like Willow Creek permeable pavers allow rainwater drainage if needed, and retaining walls come in colors that complement any environment.

    Al fresco living

    As a natural extension of the homes ground floor, a patio expands a family's living and entertaining space significantly. It provides a perfect gathering spot for guests and family who will be drawn from indoor dining areas to this enticing space.

    A popular trend is to expand kitchen space with outdoor grilling areas, stone fireplaces for cooking wood-fired pizza, or stone counters around a grill for food preparation. Because the kitchen is typically the customary gathering place in the home, its a natural extension for family and entertaining guests, Sekeres says.

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    Expanding outdoor living space adds value to your home

    Kitchens by Wedgewood of Denver Receives Houzz’s 2013 ‘Best Of Houzz’ Award - February 8, 2013 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Annual survey and analysis of 11 million monthly users reveals top-rated U.S. professionals in the areas of highest customer satisfaction and design.

    Denver, CO (PRWEB) February 07, 2013

    The Houzz Best Of Houzz award for 2013 is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction award winners are based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodeling professionals. Design award winners work was the most popular among all users in the areas of comments, likes, and additions to ideabooks. Kitchens by Wedgewood won in the Design Award category for its popular rustic kitchen design images.

    We are proud to be honored by such a prestigious award said Jim Ames, president of Kitchens by Wedgewood. We strive to provide unique looks and innovative solutions in each project that we take on, from bathroom cabinets in tight spaces, to rustic country kitchen remodels, and custom designs for any room in the house.

    Kitchen by Wedgewood, with three locations around Boulder and Denver, has been designing and building cabinetry for almost 29 years. They specialize in custom cabinetry for both the kitchen and bathroom that fits a multitude of design styles whether one is remodeling the current look of their home or incorporating a design into a new home. Kitchen by Wedgewood incorporates innovative manufacturing practices that are environmentally friendly; their green cabinets are both beautiful and safer for the environment. They help with each step of the process from vision to conception through completion - designing the space, installing cabinets and managing the entire remodeling project.

    Houzz provides homeowners with an in-depth, 360-degree view of building, remodeling and design professionals through images of their work, reviews and an opportunity to interact with them directly in the Houzz community, said Liza Hausman, vice president of community. Were delighted to recognize Kitchens by Wedgewood among our Best Of professionals for design as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.

    With Houzz, homeowners can identify not only the top-rated professionals like Kitchens by Wedgewood but also those whose work matches their own aspirations for their home. Homeowners can also evaluate professionals by contacting them directly on the Houzz platform, asking questions about their work, and evaluating their responses to questions from others in the Houzz community.

    To view Kitchen by Wedgewoods complete portfolio of work showcased on Houzz, please visit their profile at http://www.houzz.com/pro/denverkitchens/kitchens-by-wedgewood.

    About Kitchens by Wedgewood

    Since 1984 Kitchens by Wedgewood has built its reputation for fine cabinetry for every room in your home for every type of remodeling or design project. Kitchens by Wedgewood is unique because their team of specialists build Wedgewood custom cabinetry and represent leading national cabinetry brands. In addition, they specialize in granite and quartz countertops, state of the art organizer components, and a wide selection of hardware to complement your cabinetry.

    Read more from the original source:
    Kitchens by Wedgewood of Denver Receives Houzz’s 2013 ‘Best Of Houzz’ Award

    Home Help: Simplify your laundry routine - February 6, 2013 by Mr HomeBuilder

    If it seems that you can never quite diminish the size of your laundry pile, you're not alone. Laundry is a part of everyday life, and the more people in your household, the bigger the pile and the more often you need to wash. Designate one place in your home to be the laundry zone and sort through these time-saving tips to make your laundry routine faster and easier, leaving you with more time to do the things you love.

    De-clutter and reorganize. Clear some space from your shelves to give yourself more room to work in the laundry room. Get rid of old containers, trash and even those stray socks missing their pair. Place a small basket or tray near the washer for collecting small items and loose change found in pockets. This prevents clutter as well as accidents in the wash. Larger baskets labeled delicates, lights and darks help to keep clothes easily sorted and off of the floor.

    Essentials at-the-ready. Keep frequently used items easily accessible by placing them on a shelf designed to fit on top of your washing machine. Store smaller items in stackable baskets or bins so they aren't in the way. Make sure your detergent is placed high enough so that little hands can't grab it, but within reach for older kids to take over their own laundry chores.

    Get rid of hassle and bulk. Save yourself from the trouble of heavy bottles and messy spills. Choose a multi-purpose detergent that comes pre-measured. Just toss one in the washer with your laundry and go.

    Sort and go. Give everyone in the family their own small mesh laundry bag for items that tend to get lost and mixed-up such as socks and underwear. Collect the bags and throw them in the washer and dryer together so that everything stays sorted.

    Prep for final steps. Save time from ironing by pulling clothes directly from the dryer after the cycle is complete. Keep a stack of hangers nearby to hang clothes immediately for a wrinkle-free wardrobe. Designate an area of nearby countertop or a table to make folding and organizing clothes out of the dryer quicker.

    -- Family Features

    Home Selling Tip

    When preparing for a showing, pay attention to details!Little things mean a lot in the big picture because they pull the house's look together. Things like small, colorful ceramic tiles placed into brick steps to carry through a color scheme. Edging the lawn. Large planters. Finally, don't forget to tidy up. Curb appeal also means a place that looks neat and clean, the kind of place you'd like to live.

    -- Frontdoor.com

    Original post:

    Home Help: Simplify your laundry routine

    Sharon Scharrer Kitchens Roanoke VA – Video - February 2, 2013 by Mr HomeBuilder


    Sharon Scharrer Kitchens Roanoke VA
    Before and After Kitchen Remodels by Sharon Scharrer Kitchen Design, Roanoke,Virginia 540-525-0332, http://www.sharonscharrer.com

    By: shaschar

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    Sharon Scharrer Kitchens Roanoke VA - Video

    Plumber Fort Lauderdale Remodeling Tips for Your Outdoor Kitchen – Video - February 2, 2013 by Mr HomeBuilder


    Plumber Fort Lauderdale Remodeling Tips for Your Outdoor Kitchen
    http://www.OrrPlumbingFortLauderdale.com In today #39;s society and culture, an outdoor kitchen means so much more than the traditional thought of having a barbecue and an alcoholic beverage. While most outdoor kitchens still revolve around the idea of having a grill, many have evolved into becoming a permanent fixture to the home #39;s living space. It is only natural for homeowners to want to have the same conveniences they have outside the house as they do indoors. Outdoor kitchens in today #39;s time can include appliances such as fireplaces, side burners, smokers, pizza ovens, roasting spits and warming drawers. However, as with any home environment, it is important to get the modelling and design correct. Before you even begin, you need to consider every aspect of your project. You want the environment to be suitable for cooking, entertainment and provide relaxation for your family and guests. The problem of understanding your outdoor kitchen requirements can often be simplified by thinking about what you need from it, and what you intend to use it for. -What function will your outdoor kitchen serve? Will it be used as a socializing area when you invite friends and family around? -If you intend to use the cooking facilities it can provide, when what sort of cooking appliances will you need? -Will you only be using the traditional barbecue, or would you like to have a fireplace to keep you warm too? Next up is the location of the outdoor kitchen. -It #39;s important to identify you want ...

    By: OrrFortLauderdale

    Originally posted here:

    Plumber Fort Lauderdale Remodeling Tips for Your Outdoor Kitchen - Video

    Overhead Door Corporation: Three Years and Counting, Garage Door Upgrades Return High Home Renovation Values - February 2, 2013 by Mr HomeBuilder

    DALLAS, TX--(Marketwire - Jan 31, 2013) - Amidst a continually evolving residential real estate market, a national home improvement study has found that there is at least one constant homeowners can still bank on -- improving a home's exterior is money well spent.

    For the third year running, Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value survey has found that eight of the top 10 remodeling projects for return on investment (ROI) at resale are those that enhance curb appeal. Among those projects, garage door replacement again ranks high, whether homeowners choose a mid-level or high-end upgrade.

    "Regardless of whether a homeowner decides to replace their entry-level garage door with a mid-grade door, or change out their mid-level door for one at a higher price point, garage door replacement takes two of the top three spots for improvements that cost less than $5,000," said Joe Dachowicz, vice president of marketing at Overhead Door Corporation, one of the nation's largest manufacturers of overhead doors and openers for residential and commercial applications.

    At 75.7 percent on average, mid-range garage door replacement is the second-best ranked project for returning value when spending less than $5,000, the 2012-2013 Cost vs. Value survey found. It's also the fourth-highest rated project out of more than 35 projects evaluated, ahead of both bathroom and kitchen remodels. Meanwhile, an upscale garage door replacement delivers a 75.2 percent ROI, making it the third-highest ranked project under $5,000 and the sixth-highest rated home improvement project overall.

    The survey's results confirm what industry insiders have known for years, Dachowicz says.

    "Many homes incorporate a design that places the garage at the front and center of a home's view from the curb," said Dachowicz. "This is why garage door replacement is, and always has been, a great investment; it's a relatively low-cost improvement that makes a dramatic impact on curb appeal."

    As in past years, this year's survey determined the ROI for garage door replacement by evaluating the typical $1,500 cost to replace a basic garage door with a mid-range door model. The survey found the value of that replacement at home sale to be $1,132, or 75.7 percent ROI. Meanwhile, the roughly $2,700 cost to replace a mid-range garage door model with an upscale one delivered an estimated value at sale of $2,046, equating to a 75.2 percent return.

    Picking out the perfect garage door to match a home's style and the homeowner's budget is as easy as going online, Dachowicz said, thanks to Overhead Door's DoorView Design Center. An online tool, DoorView allows homeowners to upload a photo of their home to Overhead Door's website and then test various Overhead Door garage doors to see how their home's curb appeal will improve.

    "Most busy families use their garage door as the home's primary entrance," Dachowicz said. "Given that, garage door replacement is not only a great way to welcome yourself home every day, but a terrific way to make your home stand apart from your neighbors'."

    Now in its 26th year, the Cost vs. Value Report is conducted in partnership with the National Association of Realtors. Hanley Wood, publisher of Remodeling magazine, asks NAR members nationwide to evaluate a variety of home remodeling jobs and then project the ROI homeowners could expect to receive when they sell their homes. The study, available at http://www.costvsvalue.com, details not only the national average value returned on common renovation projects, but the expected ROI in nine U.S. regions and 80 U.S. cities. For access to detailed renovation data on the go, an iPhone-app is also available through the Apple iTunes store.

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    Overhead Door Corporation: Three Years and Counting, Garage Door Upgrades Return High Home Renovation Values

    Trenton Renovation Specialist Announces Launch of New Company Website - February 2, 2013 by Mr HomeBuilder

    General Construction Pro Debuts New Website Prepared to Help New Jersey Residents Rebuild from the Devastation of Sandy

    Trenton, NJ (PRWEB) January 30, 2013

    General Construction Pro has been serving New Jersey for over 12 years. We offer quality and professional renovations to New Jersey residents whose homes have been ravaged by this years storms. We are committed to making them better than before Sandy came to town, said Ali Guven, owner of General Construction Pro.

    General Construction Pro is launching a new website http://www.generalconstructionpro.com/ to highlight their home remodeling and home improvement services.

    The kitchen is considered the heart of the home. It is a place where family and friends gather and it is an integral part of family life. Remodeling the kitchen will not only improve the aesthetics of a home, but improve functionality and efficiency. Kitchen renovations provide the opportunity to better utilize counter and floor space to make the kitchen more productive. Adding a kitchen island, new kitchen cabinets or building a bigger kitchen pantry can help with the flow and organization of a kitchen. Better efficiency can be achieved with the addition of updated appliances and lighting. The installation of a unique backsplash, the addition of a window, natural stone countertops, new flooring and paint can create a room that is highly functional and enjoyable for the whole family.

    People spend more time in the bathroom than any other room in the house. The bathroom should be a place of tranquility and relaxation. Bathroom remodeling can give homeowners the bathroom of their dreams. New and improved methods and technologies to bathroom renovations can provide a spa like sanctuary in the home. General Construction Pro provides expertise in the most luxurious renovations, like two-person custom built showers, radiant-heated floors and custom tile work. They also offer budget friendly improvements like a fresh coat of paint and replacing new fixtures. We can give customers solutions for top quality bathroom remodeling without breaking the bank, said Ali. The company also stays well-informed on current trends like frameless shower doors, double vanities, organized bathroom cabinets and bathroom lighting. Their professionals show up on time and keep close communication with clients, so they know the work schedule and every workspace is left clean and tidy when they leave.

    A basement holds the potential to increase living space and the value of a home by increasing the livable square footage. Whether a homeowner desires to transform their space into a bedroom, office, playroom or entertainment area, the basement offers lots of possibilities. It is best to consult a professional when thinking about finishing a basement; they can give you advice on what can realistically be built in the space. Basement remodeling projects often require, structural alterations, along with plumbing and wiring modifications, said Ali. Correcting water and drainage problems is essential before beginning the project to prevent future catastrophes. General Construction Pro has the expertise to help homeowners determine the best alternate heat source and lighting sources which are crucial to the design of any basement.

    For more information about this company please call (609) 933-9324, or visit their website.

    About General Construction Pro

    General Construction Pro is committed to getting the job done right. Licensed and insured, this construction business has been gladly serving New Jersey residents for over 12 years. They offer free estimates and a one year guarantee on their work. General Construction Pro specializes in home renovations including kitchen and bathroom remodels, additions and basement finishing. Whether a homeowner is building, improving or renovating, their professional and courteous staff is committed to bringing a homeowners visions to life. Quality is a priority and they are determined to bring the best customer service and professional experience. They serve Trenton, Kendall Park, South Brunswick, Bridgewater, Mt. Laurel, Flemington, Princeton, Edison and Lawrenceville.

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    Trenton Renovation Specialist Announces Launch of New Company Website

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