SUWANEE, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

When the Egee family decided to remodel parts of their home, the first to go was their inefficient central air conditioning system. Joy and Ed Egee installed a ductless cooling and heating system from Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating (Mitsubishi Electric) last summer, and the mother of two young boys says she couldnt be happier with the results.

Before the installation, our family room and office were always too hot in the summer and cold in the winter, says Joy Egee. To solve the problem, the Egees installed a Mitsubishi Electric M-Series system in their Woodbridge, Va., home. Now during the summer, were cool and comfortable, she says.

When it comes to home remodeling, the Egees arent alone. As sales of existing houses remain sluggish, many homeowners nationwide are opting to remodel their houses instead of moving. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University expects remodeling expenditures to reach $113.6 billion in 2012, compared with $110.2 billion last year.

Instead of cosmetic facelifts, many homeowners are choosing projects that boost energy-efficiency and increase comfort. American Home Comfort Study (AHCS) reports that 67 percent of homes in the U.S. have a room thats too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. One easy and cost-effective summertime remodeling project that produces impressive results is installing a super-efficient cooling and heating system in a room that is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Because a Mitsubishi Electric system requires no ductwork, installation is fast and doesnt require any messy renovation.

Thousands of other families across the country, like the Markus family of Reading, Mass., have also benefited from new ductless systems. The Mitsubishi Electric system had a lot of features we were looking for, and the installation was clean and easy, says Rob Markus.

Mitsubishi Electric systems also are ideal whole-house solutions in older homes where ductwork is not practical, or to supplement existing central air conditioning. The systems are small and compact and dont require reconstruction of ceilings and walls to add ductwork. In most cases, a simple three-inch opening in the wall or ceiling is all thats needed.

Our systems are so adaptable that they naturally lend themselves to most customer needs, says Marc Zipfel, director of product marketing, Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating.

Besides increased comfort and easy installation, Mitsubishi Electric cooling and heating systems have many other benefits for homeowners:

Also available on some indoor units is the i-see Sensor, which scans a room for hot and cold spots and automatically makes adjustments to quickly reach the desired comfort level. Check out case studies of Mitsubishi Electrics cooling and heating systems installed without ductwork here or visit the Mitsubishi Electric Solution Advisor to find the system best suited for an individual home and calculate potential energy savings. To learn more about cooling and heating products from Mitsubishi Electric, visit http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com.

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Goodbye Hot and Cold Spaces, Hello Comfort and Energy Savings

Row Resources

Bar Cento: 1948 West 25th St., Cleveland; 216-274-1010.

Frank and Pauly's: At The Sawyer House, 9470 Mentor Ave., Mentor; 440-392-9500. The restaurant is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday; 4-11 p.m. Saturday; 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-10 p.m. Sunday.

Giovanni's Ristorante: 25550 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood; 216-831-8625.

Johnny Mango World Cafe & Bar: 3120 Bridge Ave. (Ohio City), Cleveland; 216-575-1919.

Executive Caterers at Landerhaven: 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights; 440-565-0461.

Zagat Survey: Participate in the online poll at zagat.com, click on "vote," then choose Cleveland, Columbus or Cincinnati. The poll, which is self-explanatory and easy-to-follow, lists hundreds of restaurants in each city. You'll be asked to assign number rankings on food, d cor, service as well as assigning a cost. Participants can include up to 400 words of comments; regular Zagat readers know that brevity, pithiness and wit are most likely to land your remarks into the published survey.

Look for big changes coming to one of Northeast Ohio's true dining landmarks. Giovanni's Ristorante in Beachwood is about to undergo a major remodeling.

"If you don't change every 10 years or so, you're in trouble," says owner Carl Quagliata. "We've probably been operating on the same level as 12 years ago. It's time."

That means a reallocation of space, he says. A small party room will be incorporated into the front of the restaurant. The bar will be expanded, with the addition of walk-through wine racks -- "so you can see into the bar and into the dining room," Quagliata says.

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Giovanni's Ristorante in Beachwood plans a face-lift: Restaurant Row

Aging-in-place projects can help seniors prepare for a long and happy retirement -- right in their own homes.

By Scott Murfey

As more and more baby boomers begin preparing for retirement, many are seeking an alternative to traditional assisted living facilities and senior homes. Some boomers may wish to live with their families, but fear the strain that close quarters can put on good relationships. Others may simply want to stay in their homes as long as possible. In either case, changes are often necessary in order to facilitate a safe and comfortable environment for seniors. However, a recent trend in the remodeling and interior design community known as aging in place deals with these challenges head on lending greater autonomy to aging adults while preserving their ties to home.

According to a recent report in the U-T, the notion of aging in place began to take hold here in San Diego back in 2006. Today, it represents a move toward more holistic building projects that incorporate future-oriented planning through architecture and interior design alike. As for existing homes, they too can be remodeled for the sake of improved safety and accessibility. For example, wider doorways and roll-in showers can be designed to accommodate seniors with walkers or wheelchairs, while home expansion projects can increase overall living space for live-in family members or caretakers.

Build a home to last a lifetime with expert construction and design professionals

Countless baby boomers retire every day; and as they begin to assess their health and lifestyle needs for the future, architects and designers are following suit. With an eye to helping seniors maintain a sense of freedom, as well as making it possible for them to stay in their homes and avoid the disruption that comes with moving into a smaller house or unfamiliar community, contractors and builders across the country are working on new aging in place innovations for the boomer generation.

At Murfey Construction, we help clients achieve the homes of their dreams. From consulting to interior design assistance, from room-by-room remodeling to complete building projects, we meet your needs at any level and consistently exceed expectations with superior craftsmanship and technical expertise. Contact us to discuss aging-in-place projects of any size and scope. Whether you are looking to create a more accessible bathroom design or build a major addition to your home to accommodate caretakers, our skilled team can ensure a holistic approach for lifelong use. When it comes to your retirement, take control and live life on your own terms. Learn more online, at http://www.murfeconstruction.com.

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Preparing for retirement: aging in place with smart remodeling ideas for seniors

Submitted The renovation project, now under way and scheduled for completion in mid-October, includes $4.8 million in renovations and will coincide with an expansion of Shadow Wood's golf practice facilities and driving range.

BONITA SPRINGS A major renovation project at Shadow Wood Country Club will expand interior and al fresco dining areas and gathering spaces, and include remodeling the 30,000-square-foot clubhouse's popular Grill Room.

The changes will enhance views of the 18th green along the South Course, one of two on-site courses at the Bonita Springs club designed by golf course architect Bob Cupp.

The project, now under way and scheduled for completion in mid-October, includes $4.8 million in renovations and will coincide with an expansion of Shadow Wood's golf practice facilities and driving range. It was approved by an 81 percent super majority vote by the club members who took ownership of the club in 2010.

Improvements will enhance services and amenities for current members and make the club more inviting to prospective members, according to David English, the club's first president and a current board member.

Shadow Wood, located within the Brooks master-planned community, offers memberships to residents in Shadow Wood and Shadow Wood Preserve as well as guests. Members have access to two Cupp golf courses, a nine-court tennis complex and a third golf course designed by Arthur Hills accompanied by a second full-service clubhouse at Shadow Wood Preserve.

The renovation, headed by Image Design of Atlanta and Fort Myers-based BSSW Architects, will extend interior dining spaces into existing roofed terraces and enhance openness between the three main dining areas to accommodate larger functions. The dining rooms will also be refurnished, refinished and repainted. Wood flooring in the center space will provide the socially oriented members a larger dance floor, according to Bob Francisco, a senior designer at Image Design.

Stained-wood beams, wainscoting and leather furniture will create a more clubroom-type atmosphere in the adjoining Grill Room, where a new outdoor covered patio will offer a fire pit and overlook the newly redesigned driving range.

"The new grill will be the major wow factor," said Francisco. "It will be much more user friendly with a peninsula-style bar that's more conducive to speaking to one anther while enjoying the view. This will be the improvement members will really notice."

The Grill Room bar will offer both indoor and outdoor seating a feature popular in Southwest Florida restaurants. The indoor-outdoor bar concept will also be introduced in the Calabria, the club's ballroom, which currently does not have a bar. The Calabria's new wrap-around awning-covered terrace will also overlook the 18th hole of the South Course.

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Shadow Wood Country Club begins major renovation project

The Flanagan Memorial Pool had its grand re-opening Friday evening, hosting an open house and free open swim at the facility. Manager Markie Proesel said that although the pool had been closed for remodeling since October 2010, a lot of work had been done to the building. Initially, the whole shell of the building was taken down and a new exterior was built. The pool remained the same. They added a couple of extra features to the locker rooms. A party room was added and the cardio room was relocated to a larger room. The office was also. The old office is storage now. There is neither a balcony nor hot tub anymore, she said. Proesel said she and Assistant Manager Lindsay Dixon put a lot of work into the facility. We redid the locker rooms by ourselves, which included sanding and refinishing the lockers, the flooring, adding new mirrors, grouting the floors and painting. She said the pool opened for business May 3, and has attracted plenty of swimmers. We got the OK to open up, and we wanted to get going before we had a grand opening, Proesel said. The remodeling funding came from the Flanagan Memorial, which Proesel said continues to make the swimming pool a not-for-profit endeavor. After a year off, the Flanagan Flyers swim team is also back in session, participating in its first swim meet Thursday. The pool has hours for open swim, lap swim, water aerobics and is also available for private parties. Swimming lessons are available. They also have yearlong-, six-month and one-month memberships available for in-district and out-of-district families, couples, singles, seniors and individuals.

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Open house held for swimming pool

VESTAVIA HILLS, Alabama - On a day when a $75,000 check from the Nick's Kids Fund was presented to go toward building a 14th house in honor of Alabama's 14th national championship, talk turned Thursday toward building on the grounds of the Crimson Tide's football complex.

Ground is being moved on three practice fields. The entrance to the indoor football practice building has been torn down.

What's up?

"We had a field that we never really ever used," Alabama coach Nick Saban said before a golf fundraiser at Old Overton Club. "We're going to build a new weight room. It's going to be between the Mal Moore facility and up against the indoor facility, so we're just moving the fields down, so they'll be full fields, and taking the field out. And then we're going to remodel the downstairs in phases ... over the next couple years."

The field that is being eliminated was the one outdoor field with artificial turf.

Plans for the new weight room and remodeling of the existing downstairs weight room have yet to be approved by the University of Alabama Systems board of trustees, a school official said.

Saban said it's important to keep facilities from falling behind those of rival schools.

"When people come to Alabama, they expect to see the best," he said. "We should always strive to have the best. As long as we have the resources and we can provide the best for our student-athletes, that's what we should do in all sports."

An eight-week summer conditioning program has begun.

"Everybody's in summer school," Saban said. "We're not allowed as coaches to work with the players right now. The strength and conditioning coaches work on them on conditioning, trying to get them prepared for the season, and so far that's been going very well."

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Nick Saban eyes a new weight room at Alabama

05-06-2012 23:33 Hi guys! ^_^ I felt like this video would be fun to do and might be something different than what I normally do. I really hope to be an interior designer and I'm always watching room-remodeling shows on tv.(: I might do more of these videos in the future if you guys would like! I will do a room tour soon too! (; I hope you guys all enjoyed and got inspired! Love ya'z! LINKS: Stephanie's channels: Crafting Beauty RobesonDesign's Channel: XOXOXOXOXO Music: "You Make Me Smile" by Kyle Andrews (no copyright intended!)

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DIY: Room Decorating Tips and Tricks! - Video

06-06-2012 21:23 Garage Conversion / Remodel , Huffman , TX

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Garage Conversion / Remodel , Huffman , TX - Video

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) June 05, 2012

Capture Point Media, an Orlando-based web design and Internet marketing agency announced that it has launched a new website for Tom OConnor Home Remodeling. The new website focuses on home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, custom cabinetry, custom tile, room additions and more.

With the advent of the Search Engine, most people find local services and product by performing a Google search. Potential customers will search for keyword phrases such as phrases Orlando Website Design or Kitchen Remodeling Orlando and from the search engine results page, will either click on an ad or an organic search listing. In most cases, the person will view a few websites and decide to make a call or inquiry regarding service or products.

Dennis H.J. Miller, President of Capture Point Media said, Over the past year, we have received nearly a dozen website build requests from general contractors and service related businesses.

Capture Point Media believes that it is necessary for small to medium sized business to have an online web presence that showcases their products, highlights their services and provides crucial contact information.

Miller states, If you are not online, your competition may get the business just because they have a website and you do not.

About Capture Point Media Capture Point Media is an internet marketing agency that focuses on Website Design, Search Engine Optimization, Optimized Press Releases, Conversion Optimization, E-Commerce Optimization, Email Marketing and User Path Analysis. Capture Point Media is headquartered in Orlando, Florida and excel in maximizing ROI on Online Marketing Campaigns. Call 888-788-1064 or visit http://www.CapturePointMedia.com for more information.

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Capture Point Media Announces Launch of New Website For Orlando Based Home Remodeling and Building Contractor

LEWISTON, Minn. You can grab the morning newspaper, a cold one, or even walk out with a carton of eggs and a gallon of milk at The Recreation Bar and Cafe.

Just about the only thing the bar isnt selling these days is gas.

The establishment began selling food and other items this week after Lewistons Kwik Trip closed for a summer-long renovation. Clifford Pierce, the Recreations owner, said he didnt want his customers to go without the basics during that time.

A couple weeks ago, I heard they were going to shut down for awhile, Pierce said. I got thinking about how thered be no places to get bread, eggs, and milk.

Up the road on Main Street, Petes Meats is also selling milk, eggs, butter, and stocking more chips and bread.

The Recreation has plenty of gas-station staples, including orange juice, soda, butter, cheese, and lunch meat. Friday, Pierce even added a cappuccino maker to the dining room. Soon he hopes to begin selling ice.

Customers are still making the transition. In the first few days, he sold a handful of newspapers and other goods.

Weve sold some milk and eggs, nothing real serious yet, Pierce said.

Kwik Trip is scheduled to reopen Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. In the meantime, employees have the option to work at other area locations, according to Kwik Trip spokesman John McHugh.

McHugh said the company decided to rebuild the store because business was thriving.

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Lewiston bar adds groceries: Kwik Trip remodeling leaves town without gas station