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Craig Griesbach, chief building official, works at the counter at Oroville City Hall on Wednesday. (Ty Barbour/Staff Photo)

Chief Building Official Craig Griesbach streamlined the permitting process after talking to other jurisdictions who had developed such programs.

"I just adjusted the models to how I thought it would work better for the city," Griesbach said.

The city already issued over-the-counter permits for some simple projects like replacing a window. The new program expands on the existing program.

Projects that might qualify for the program include tenant improvements, residential kitchen projects, bathroom remodels, roof mounted solar systems, patio covers, deck replacement or construction and small storage sheds less than 250 square-feet.

The program will allow owners, contractors and their designers to schedule appointments with the appropriate city staff, who will review their project plans.

The Planning Development Services staff involved in the project will meet with the applicants to review plans for minor and moderate commercial tenant improvements, residential remodels or demolitions and other projects.

Griesbach says having the applicant meet with staff expedites the process by having everyone in the same room to ask or answer questions about a project.

"It's more informal, and it's almost like a meet and greet," he said.

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City offers same-day permitting for projects

Cedar Breaks Construction offering highly desired upgrades in new homes as standard features as seen on new website.

St. George, UT (PRWEB) December 14, 2012

Cedar Breaks is launching a new website http://www.stgeorgehomeconstruction.com/ featuring their new home construction, remodeling and home addition services.

New home construction is designed for the way a homeowner lives. Building a new home offers flexibility and a refreshing deviation from cookie cutter homes in the neighborhood. New homes can be customized for a familys needs and often come with warranties making the first few years in a home low maintenance. Homeowners also have the benefit of selecting the latest energy efficient technology, allowing them to save on monthly utility bills. We usually offer many upgraded features on homes that are standard features at no extra cost to our home buyers, said Marty. Some of those features include; tile, brick, stone, stucco, fireplace, upgraded lighting, plumbing fixtures, insulation, and a 90 percent energy efficient furnace. Thoughtful upgrades and details add personality to a home. We want to help people build their dream homes, said Marty.

Kitchen and bathroom remodels remain the most popular rooms to remodel in a home. Smarter remodels are in order for homeowners wanting to stay put in their home longer. Renovations should be designed to utilize every square inch of a home. The kitchen is the center of family life, so beauty and functionality should be reflected in the room. New appliances and space should be in harmony and flow so tasks can be easily performed. Bathrooms are becoming a sanctuary after a long day, much like a spa. Bigger showers, custom tile work, new fixtures and natural stone counter tops can greatly enhance a bathroom. We can work to customize plans or work with a designer to get homeowners what they need, said Marty.

Seeking out more space does not necessarily mean a homeowner has to be in the market for a new home. Additions are becoming increasingly popular as the number of multi-generational households grow. Private entrances, mother-in-law suites, additional bathrooms, laundry rooms, and home offices transform a home to function more efficiently and better suit a homeowners needs. It is important that an addition is cohesive with the rest of the home. No homeowner wants an addition to look like an add-on, said Marty.

For more information about this company, please call (435) 703-8566, or check out their website at http://www.stgeorgehomeconstruction.com/.

About Cedar Breaks Construction

Cedar Breaks Construction designs and builds a variety of quality homes in the Southern Utah area, ranging from starter homes, to semi, and custom homes. Cedar Breaks Construction maintains high building standards for their projects and has a reputation of building a quality product at an affordable price. Cedar Breaks offers many upgraded features on homes that are standard features at no extra cost to home buyers. Cedar Breaks also offers remodeling and home addition services. They will build to suit, so bring your own plans, use one of ours, or work with our architect to design your own home. They happily serve Southern Utah including; Cedar City, St. George, Iron County and Washington County.

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St. George General Contractor Announces Launch of New Company Website

Renaissance Interior Design Firm Provides DC Area Residents with Savings on Valuable Interior Design Services

Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 30, 2012

A well designed home should create a sense of community, the importance of family, friends and home, an environment that is visually pleasing and highly functional as well, said Peter Hughes, owner of Renaissance Interior Design. Renaissance Interior Design is offering homeowners free design services and 25 percent off the cost of the entire project.

We understand homeowners are suffering the effects of a lagging economy, said Peter. This discount will provide homeowners the opportunity to make their space attractive, comfortable and functional for a responsible investment. This special deal will be available through the end of the year.

Kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations and additions are in high demand. Renaissance Interior Design is skilled to oversee the renovation project from conception to completion. Their highly skilled sub-contractors are devoted to producing the design that best fits each individuals needs. Peter believes, The look and feel of the environments we inhabit greatly affect our mood and sense of well-being. Design is as much about how people live as it is a sense of style.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Multifunctioning kitchens and open floor plans allow the family to gather in one place. Determining the needs of each family and the primary function of the kitchen will produce a custom design. The gourmet cook, the enthusiastic entertainer and the busy family on the go, will require different amenities and elements in their design.

A bathroom has utilitarian requirements but it can be remodeled to accommodate high end luxuries or function more efficiently with an improved layout. Renovating a bathroom will not only improve a homes aesthetic but greatly improve the quality of life for a family clamoring for the bathroom in the morning. Safety, adequate light and ventilation are all factors along with specific needs and creature comforts Renaissance Interior Design takes into consideration when developing a custom plan for the bathroom.

It is our hope that we will enrich the welfare of those we propose to assist by identifying their specific requirements, said Peter.

For more information about this company please call (202)664-6400, or visit their website at http://www.renaissanceinteriordesignpc.com.

About Renaissance Interior Design, PC

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Top Washington DC Interior Design Firm Offers Discounts on Renovations and New Construction

By The Tampa Tribune Published: December 30, 2012 Updated: December 30, 2012 - 12:00 AM

(BPT) - Despite its negative reputation, the number 13 doesn't always have to be unlucky. Take these top 10 decor trends for 2013 from design experts, manufacturers and trend forecasters across the country. They're fresh, fun and sure to bring good fortune to any home.

A splash of color

Industry leader Pantone's annual fashion color report sets the tone for home decor as well as clothing, and the spring 2013 report is no exception. Its softer-hued palette of Dusk Blue, Lemon Zest, African Violet, Grayed Jade, Linen and Tender Shoots is emboldened by Monaco Blue, Poppy Red, Emerald and Nectarine. Marc Thee, founder of the No. 1 residential interior design firm in the country, also sees a move toward pure color palettes such as cream and sea glass, khaki and white, or neutral with a pop of yellow.-

Not your mama's wallpaper

Repositionable wallpaper is a decorating mainstay, says Todd Imholte, president of Murals Your Way, whose website, http://www.muralsyourway.com, is the top online destination for wall murals worldwide. The company's10 collections of peel-and-stick wallpaper are available in such themes as Vintage, Dots, Flower Prints and Mostly Modern, and can be removed and reused hundreds of times without losing their adhering qualities. Because the company offers color matching, customers can match their repositionable wallpaper to an existing paint color, updated decor or the new Pantone color palette.

Cooking up smart ideas

Next year's contemporary kitchen will include European frameless laminate cabinetry, multi-tasking appliances, hands-free faucets, and increased smartphone and tablet functionality, according to Jamie Gold, a certified independent kitchen and bath designer in San Diego, Calif. Value-oriented remodels will remain popular, she predicts, with homeowners incorporating existing flooring, fixtures, cabinets and/or appliances into their design plans to save money and retain favorite design elements.

Let it shine

Jeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler Lighting, says energy-efficient LED products will continue to dominate lighting, and will be prevalent in coves, tray ceilings, toekicks, and under and above cabinets. Chrome and polished nickel will appeal to the emerging "Y" generation and baby boomers modernizing their retirement homes. Tall, slender outdoor lanterns in contemporary, cottage and transitional styles will work well for those in smaller urban spaces.

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Ten lucky home decor trends for 2013

Area builders and kitchen designers sample food prepared in the celebrity chef-favored oven.

Hyannis, MA (PRWEB) December 11, 2012

Wood Stone Ovens have long been the cooking appliance of choice for nationally renowned chefs and restaurants ranging from Wolfgang Puck to California Pizza Kitchen. Comprised of three- to four-inch thick ceramic walls, the stone hearth ovens are able to reach extremely high temperatures allowing food to retain more of its natural moisture. Its a singular, sought-after flavor.

Beginning in 1990, Wood Stone Ovens were sold exclusively to commercial enterprises. After receiving a growing number of requests for a residentially listed (safety regulated for home use) version of the oven, the company had a meeting of the minds six or seven years ago and said if were going to do it, were going to do it right, said Phil Eaton, the companys national VP of sales who was on hand for the event at KAM.

After making changes designed to appeal to homeowners, such as the addition of glass doors, a powder-coated stainless steel mantle and a more compact size, Wood Stone introduced the Bistro Home and Mountain Home lines of residential ovens, both of which are available in a wood-burning, a gas-wood hybrid and a solely gas-fired version. With its ease of operation, Eaton described the gas-burning version as the most homeowner-friendly model.

Manning the oven at the KAM event was Chef Michael Brockman, Wood Stones corporate chef who travels the country preparing food in the famed ovens. He served the crowd several types of artisan pizza along with rack of lamb, succulent chicken wings, crostini and roasted nuts. Brockmans Wood Stone-prepared foods drew rave reviews from the crowd.

Gary Souza, owner of Rogers & Marney, a long-time custom builder based on the Cape, dubbed the oven spectacular adding hed brought his wife and sister to see the product and that everyones enthralled with it. Souza is currently working on a 9,000 square-foot home on Oyster Harbors, the private island located just off Cape Cod, and thinks the residential version of the Wood Stone Oven is a natural fit for the project.

Also at the event was Peter Pometti, co-owner of A. I. Enterprises, Inc., another Cape-based builder who, of late, has been doing a lot of work on remodels and historical restorations. He too sees the Wood Stone Oven as a great option for his client base; I like it. I think its interesting and I would think it would be a great option in an outdoor kitchen. And his thoughts on the food? The foods great, he said, adding succinctly; I like that pizza.

Just around the corner from Chef Brockman and the Wood Stone Oven during the KAM event was Chef Kurt Von Kahle. Von Kahle was turning out crowd-pleasing treats he prepared on an AGA Total Control Range Cooker. AGA, an additional brand carried by the distributors of Wood Stone Ovens, Eastern Marketing Corp., is well known for their distinctly British cooker, according to the companys website, but the solidly built radiant heat cooker has rapidly become a favorite of foodie homeowners across the U.S.

Dave Murray KAM Appliances 800-649-2221 Email Information

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KAM In Hyannis Hosts Wood Stone Oven Event

HOME CHECKLIST

Is a remodeling project on your to-do list for 2013? Start shopping now.

The key: Holiday or year-end sales. Now is a great time for discounts on major appliances, fixtures, flooring and other home improvement items.

"When many people think about holiday sales, they have visions of sale-crazed hordes trampling each other in pursuit of merchandise, claustrophobia-causing crowds, and a shopping experience that's so horrible it's not worth the savings," said Dan Fritschen, founder of Remodelormove.com. "But if you have a remodeling project in mind, you might want to conquer your fears and revise your retail plans."

Fritschen points to kitchen remodels. Appliances can account for 30 percent of a remodel's budget. A year-end discount of 10 percent or more on those appliances adds up quickly.

"Plus, at this time of year, remodeling supplies aren't as sought-after," Fritschen said. "So you'll often find that home-improvement retailers discount them that much more in order to get consumers' attention."

Fritschen's business Remodel or Move focuses on that dilemma familiar to many homeowners. He offers online design tools to help calculate the best decision.

If considering a 2013 remodel, do this first:

Make a list, check it twice. Most homeowners are shocked by how complicated remodeling actually is, Fritschen said. For example, home- owners tackling a kitchen remodel may focus on picking out appliances, cabinets and countertops but forget all about drawer knobs, paint colors, lighting, cabinet hinges, faucet types and disposals.

"Now's the time to educate yourself on everything you'll need for your remodel," he said. "Try to formulate as complete a list as possible, including photos, so that you won't accidentally miss any discounts or sales. Years of experience have taught me that autumn and winter are some of the best times to buy, since remodeling 'season' usually takes place in the spring and summer."

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Home and garden checklist

DIY NETWORK PROGRAMMING CARRIES REAL-LIFE RENOVATION THEME INTO 2013 WITH THREE NEW DOCU-STYLE SERIES

Plus, Vanilla Ice and Bronson Pinchot Return with New Seasons of The Vanilla Ice Project and The Bronson Pinchot Project

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2012 - DIY Network kicks off 2013 by featuring three new hammer-swinging renovation series and three specials highlighting the real-life drama of homeowners in desperate need of renovation help from the experts. Beginning in early January, viewers can find renovation inspiration with new series, new episodes and even some HGTV favorites focused on familiar challenges like kitchen and bath remodels, unprofessional contractors and overwhelming overhauls. DIY Network's three original documentary-style series premiering in first quarter, Made In Milwaukee, A Bryk at a Time and Rescue My Renovation, feature experts coming to the rescue of homeowners who need help with everything from banishing bland dcor to correcting structural stability. Whether viewers prefer to roll up their sleeves and tackle home renovations themselves, or leave it to the experts to completely recreate a space, DIY Network has programming that's sure to inspire creativity on cold winter days.

Viewers stuck in a world of builder-grade accents and beige walls won't want to miss the new renovation series Made In Milwaukee, premiering Friday, Jan. 4 at 11 p.m. ET. This original series is sure to get viewers' creative juices flowing, as interior designer and owner of Milwaukee's hottest design company, Flux Design, Jeremy "Sham" Shamrowitz uses his artistic style to create truly one-of-a-kind spaces for homeowners whose drab rooms don't match their fun and quirky personalities. But Jeremy isn't the only designer debuting his signature style this quarter. Danielle Bryk, who gained fame on DIY Network's first season of Family Under Construction, is back as the host of the new series, A Bryk at a Time, premiering Sunday, Feb. 24 at 9 p.m. ET. Danielle uses the knowledge she gained while completely remodeling her family home to establish a property company and design firm called The Bryk House, which aims to find and/or create the perfect dwelling for real-life homeowners.

New series Rescue My Renovation, premiering Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 9 p.m. ET,documents the serious side of renovation, as homeowners combat the structural and monetary damage caused by contactors with shoddy workmanship and builders who take the money and run. With the help of licensed contractor John DeSilvia, these nightmare renovations become a dream come true for these distressed homeowners. In the realm of home renovation safety, DIY Network welcomes the first season of the popular HGTV show Holmes Inspection, hosted by licensed contractor Mike Holmes, to its programming lineup on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. ET. Other HGTV favorites making their first appearance on DIY Network are My First Renovation (Season 1, Saturday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. ET), Kitchen Cousins (Season 1, Sunday, Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. ET) and House of Bryan (Season 1, Thursday, Jan. 24 at 9:30 p.m. ET).

DIY Network favorites, Rob Van Winkle, aka "Vanilla Ice" and Bronson Pinchot, are back in January with new seasons of their popular renovation series. The second season of The Bronson Pinchot Project, premiering Saturday, Jan. 12 at 11 p.m. ET,chronicles Hollywood character actor Bronson Pinchot and his crew as they renovate properties in the Hartford, Pa. area. The Vanilla Ice Project, premiering Sunday, Jan. 27 at 10 p.m. ET, follows pop-icon turned home improvement all-star Vanilla Ice for a third season as he flips homes in Palm Beach, Fla. Also returning to DIY Network are docu-renovation style shows Rehab Addict (Season 3, Thursday, Jan. 10 at 10 p.m. ET), Million Dollar Contractor (Season 2, Sundays at 10 p.m. ET) and Renovation Realities (Season 10, Saturday, Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. ET).

For those homeowners who loathe the necessary spaces in their homes known as the kitchen and bathroom, DIY Network has brand new episodes of its kitchen and bath renovation programs. Beginning with the seventh season of the popular series, Bath Crashers, premiering Monday, Jan. 14 at 10 p.m. ET, and continuing with new episodes of Kitchen Crashers (Season 3, Mondays at 9 p.m. ET), I Hate My Bath (Season 3, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET) and I Hate My Kitchen (Season 5, Tuesday, Jan.22 at 10 p.m. ET), viewers can watch homeowners completely demolish those outdated spaces and replace them with picture-perfect rooms fit for the pages of HGTV Magazine. If another room of the house needs crashing, viewers can catch licensed contractor Josh Temple on new episodes of House Crashers, premiering Mondays at 11 p.m. ET.

Think your remodel project is just too much for you to handle? Or does your dream renovation include every room of your house? DIY Network is here to help, with three new specials that are giving makeovers to those viewers whose homes need it most. DIY Network's annual one-hour Ice My House special, premiering Sunday, Jan. 20 at 11 p.m. ET, kicking off the third season premiere of The Vanilla Ice Project, features the stunning transformation of one lucky couple's backyard. Then, it's time to join interior designer and host of Kitchen Crashers, Alison Victoria, as she seeks out the most cramped, outdated kitchen in Worst Kitchen in America, premiering Monday, Jan. 28 at 10 p.m. ET. And finally, it's time for the mother of all crashes as DIY Network presents the Ultimate Crash special, premiering Monday, Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. ET, featuring all of the Crashers hosts choosing one deserving homeowner to get the complete house makeover of a lifetime - Kitchen, Bath, House and Yard Crashers-style.

For more information on DIY Network, visit DIYNetwork.com. Viewers can also become fans of DIY Network and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers through Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. DIY Network is available nationwide on DISH Network Ch. 111 and DIRECTV Ch. 230, and additional cable channel designations may be found by checking local listings and DIYNetwork.com/tv.

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DIY Network Programming Carries Real-Life Renovation Theme Into 2013 with Three New Docu-Style Series