Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) Whether your home has suffered a tiny bit of smoke damage or complete fire and water destruction, the cleanup process can leave you overwhelmed.

We had little bit of a rain back in May and during that time our sump pump failed and we had about four inches of water throughout the finished basement downstairs, said homeowners Steve Westervelt.

The water damaged Steve Westervelts drywall and carpet.

The restoration company that we worked with did an excellent job because they took pictures of everything they were going to take out for repair, Westervelt said. That kind of helps because sometimes you just kind of forget what you had and what was taken.

Cleaning up water and smoke damage quickly is important because if left untreated, the damage can become a bigger problem, costing more money to repair.

Its very important when you have a major fire or flood and your contents are being packed out of your home that the company doing it does complete photographic inventory, bar coding, scanning of all contents so it can be tracked from start to finish from the home to the restoration facility and back into the home, said restoration company owner Kenny Cochran.

When going through the items that you might have lost in the fire or flood, you first need to access what their value was, how much it would cost to replace them because thats going to help you make some of these decisions a little easier, said Angie Hicks of Angies List. Obviously the sentimental things are going to be a lot tougher. But that sofa you paid $1,000 for, if its going to cost $800 to repair it, you might just want to go ahead and get a new one.

A fire or flood can you leave you feeling desperate for help, but homeowners should still research contractors thoroughly and get estimates in writing.

Most homeowners dont plan for a disaster, but you should.

Go room by room in your home and take photos of your possessions.

Continued here:
Angie’s List: Restoring Your Home After Fire And Water Damage

14/12/13

Burial fees and waste collection charges will increase from April. The new amounts were agreed at a meeting of Swale councils cabinet committee.

It means the cost of a first burial or interment will rise by 3%, taking cemetery fees in Sittingbourne, Faversham and Murston to 1,305. On Sheppey, the price will climb from 1,146 to 1,180.

Swale council's head office, Swale House

The increase will also apply to cremations, scatterings of ashes and use of chapels in Sittingbourne and Faversham.

Residents will also pay more for bulky waste collections, which are rising from 17.60 to 18.17. In addition, the cost of wheelie bin replacement will rise from 413.60 to 427.25 for the largest size.

There is better news for brown bin users, with the cost of the garden waste service decreasing from 40.60 to 35.

Charges for hiring senior sports facilities are also going up, with the cost of hiring a changing room with shower rising from 63 to 65. However, charges for all under-16s sports usage is staying the same.

Allotment holders will pay 33 instead of 32, while play groups will be charged 27 instead of 25 to hire a council-owned hall.

There was better news for drivers, with no increase in council car park and season ticket charges.

Originally posted here:
Swale council to hike burial, waste and sport fees from April 2014

Before: When it comes to remodeling your split-level house, it is best to capitalize on the classic style instead of fighting it. Make changes that enhance it and solve the problems without taking away from the classic design.

Brent Murray, Renovation Design Group

Split-level homes have made a comeback in recent years. Drive around some of the new "starter-home" neighborhoods around the Wasatch Front and you'll find many variations on the split-level theme.

You'll also find split-level homes in many older, established neighborhoods. They first appeared in the 1930s but really came into their own during the building boom after World War II. Today, these older split-level homes find themselves in need of updating. Your best bet when working with a split is to embrace all that is classic about its style.

A split-level home is essentially a non-traditional multistory structure. These homes are often modest and always efficient in their use of space. There are two types of splits: The classic split-level home generally includes a one-story side and a two-story side. You enter into the single story, where you will typically find a living room, kitchen and dining area. On the two-story side, you usually have bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs and a family room, laundry room and garage downstairs. Half-flights of stairs connect each level.

The other type of split-level design is the split entry. This is basically a two-story house with an entry located halfway between the upper and lower floors. When you enter a split-entry house, you walk onto a landing between two half-flights of stairs. You have to go up or down to get to any part of the house.

Split-level homes offer several advantages. They are a sensible way to accommodate a sloped lot or to build on a flat lot without a great deal of excavation. Moving through the house can be easier than a traditional two-story house since there is only a half-flight of stairs between any given level. Plus, the lower level is built partially above ground, which allows much more light than a traditional basement.

But there are also challenges. A dedicated entry area is often missing from a split-level home, as you often step right into the living room. While there is a separate entry in a split-entry home, it is invariably small and cramped, leaving everyone feeling that they are likely to tumble down the stairs if they arent careful. The main level is usually half a story above the backyard, which impacts indoor/outdoor connections. A half-flight of stairs is required on the exterior to get up to the level of the front door these are rarely designed well and are often awkward to negotiate.

Most requests when remodeling split-levels replicate requests common to any home, including opening up the rooms on the main floor to create a great room and constructing a more spacious master suite. The added challenge for a split-entry home is to revise the entry to provide a more gracious space and to enhance the home's curb appeal in the process.

The Smith project is a good example of discovering a split-entry homes glory. An addition was created to enlarge the kitchen, dining, and family room on the main level, as well as to increase the size of the lower level family room.

View post:
Renovation Solutions: Remodeling the split-level house

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -

The Academy of Personal Protection and Security, a background check companyin Nashville led police to arrest five people that were working in Tennessee illegally with fraudulent licenses.

The Jolly Roofing Company, based out of Collierville, received a roofing job with Davidson County to place new roofs on local schools in Nashville.

Due to a requirement by the State of Tennessee, the roofing company had to provide background checks of all employees working on the project.

An employee of the background check company said numerous employees from the roofing company provided what appeared to be fraudulent Tennessee Driver licenses.

Police spoke with the company's controller and he willingly gave all of his employee files to authorities.

Upon reviewing the information, police noticed at least eight of the employees of the company had fraudulent licenses listed on their files.

During a traffic stop on Wednesday, five of those employees were identified by their identification on their person, and compared to files provided by the roofing company.

The identification comparison of each individual revealed a different name, date of birth, and social security number.

The five employees were then transported to the Department of Homeland Security and were interviewed.

Read the rest here:
Background check finds 5 employees with fraudulent licenses

Furry-footed hero Bilbo Baggins is back for another adventure in"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug."

Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's acclaimed 1937 novel, the second installment in Peter Jackson's trilogy comes to theaters this weekend, picking up the story from the franchise's last film, "An Unexpected Journey."

Play Video

Stars chime in on Bilbo Baggins' perilous journey back to Middle Earth in "The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug"

Martin Freeman makes another turn as Baggins while Ian McKellan reprises his role of Gandalf. Orlando Bloom is also back as Legolas.

And there are some noteworthy additions to the cast. The filmmakers have created a new female character, Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly), who develops a crush on the dwarf Kili (Aidan Turner). "The Fifth Estate" actor Benedict Cumberbatch provides the voice of the villainous dragon Smaug.

The critical consensus for the most part has been that this sequel takes a step in a better direction from "An Unexpected Journey":

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly: "A year ago, Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' got the job done, but it was too bright and busy and noisy, with creatures that kept popping up as if out of a jack-in-the-box. 'The Desolation of Smaug' is a more grandly somber movie, and also a much better one, with forces of boldly intense and unified malevolence."

Richard Corliss, Time: "The first film in the trifecta, 'An Unexpected Journey,' was often content to duplicate the books characters and situations, like the Xerox of an illuminated medieval manuscript. In 'Smaug,' the characters step from the books pages and leap vividly out of the 3-D screen."

Michael O'Sullivan, The Washington Post: "The second part of Peter Jacksons 'The Hobbit' trilogy goes a long way - and at 2 1/2 hours, I do mean long - toward righting the wrongs of the first movie, which was even longer."

Link:
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" reviews are in

Unfortunately, it looks as if The Hobbit trilogy wont be as great as Director Peter Jacksons The Lord of the Rings.

Desolation of Smaug picks up a short time after the events of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Hobbit Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman, is continuing on his quest with a traveling group made up of dwarves lead by Thorin, played by Richard Armitage and the wizard Gandalf, played by Ian McKellen.

The group is being chased by a pack of evil orcs who are trying to stop them on their quest to reach the caverns where the dragon Smaug resides. The group is on a quest to kill Smaug and retake the land back for the dwarves, which in the process would make Thorin king. Along the way they are met by enemies and allies, and some who fall in between.

Desolation is both helped and suffers from the same things that were in the first movies plot. What helps this movie is Director Peter Jackson is talented enough to direct an epic scale adventure film that can keep a persons interest.

What ends up hurting the movie, though, is the pacing, which makes the movie drag out longer than it needs. There is a whole trilogy of films trying to cover a single book in one solitary quest. It feels like plot points are simply unnecessary, or out of place.

The story is stretched a little too thin over the run time of all three movies. More time in the editing room would have helped because the movie needed to be trimmed.

The acting works at times and doesnt at others. The best part is the lead protagonist who is very well adapted from the books and written competently for the screen. The character Bilbo Baggins is supposed to represent that courage can come from anybody and Freeman nails it perfectly. Whenever Bilbo was given a time to shine, his character completely steps up to the plate and through Freemans acting, the role is believable.

As usual, McKellen is also great as Gandalf. This is his fifth film where he is playing the wizard and McKellen feels natural in the role. He doesnt have any trouble getting into character.

Another returning actor who really performed well is Richard Armitage as Thorin. Armitage is fantastic at portraying a strong leader who shows camaraderie with his dwarf brethren, as well as a growing trust for Bilbo.

Some additions that didnt exactly help were the two elves Legolas, played by Orlando Bloom and Tauriel, portrayed by Evangeline Lilly. Both characters are a film adaptation only, not making an appearance in the book. There was a feeling the only reason they were added to the film was to insert more action sequences.

Read the original post:
‘Desolation’ is good, just not really great

Daniel Sturridge proved to be an astute January transfer window signing by Brendan Rodgers Getty Images

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has set himself the challenge of matching January's transfer successes in the upcoming window, but knows it will be tough.

Rodgers had a difficult first summer window after taking charge at Anfield in June 2012, as the departure of Andy Carroll to West Ham - initially on loan - coupled with the failure to sign a replacement, as well as the subsequent injury to Fabio Borini, left Luis Suarez as the club's only recognised striker between October and January of last season.

But Rodgers had far more joy in the winter transfer window, bringing in forward Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea for 12 million and playmaker Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan for 8 million.

Both have become important players in their first 11 months on Merseyside, with Sturridge scoring 22 goals in 30 appearances for the club before being sidelined with an ankle injury last month.

Coutinho's creativity has helped to provide chances both for Sturridge and 15-goal top scorer Luis Suarez - himself a January signing from Ajax in 2011.

Rodgers has been linked with plenty of targets, but has refused to be drawn on who he will try to sign. He is, though, looking to improve a squad who go into the weekend lying second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Arsenal.

Ahead of Sunday's trip to Tottenham, Rodgers said: "It's not just about getting the players. It's about who is available, who can improve you. We did some remarkable business last January by bringing in Coutinho and Sturridge.

"What I do know is that if there is a player or players out there who will improve our team, the owners will support that. They have been outstanding for me. It just depends on the availability of the right type of player. That has to be a player who can come into the team and improve us."

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

See the original post:
Rodgers hoping for Liverpool additions

Deltona FL Kitchen Remodeling
We #39;re your Deltona FL kitchen remodeling contractors. If its time for a kitchen remodel, call us today. We offer best quality workmanship at affordable prices. Our skilled Deltona FL kitchen...

By: GetMoreCustomers911 .

See the article here:
Deltona FL Kitchen Remodeling - Video

Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) December 14, 2013

The Construction Machinery and Operator Hire industry in Australia generates the bulk of its revenue from work on commercial building and apartment construction projects. These projects involve using cranes, pile-driving and pumping equipment to erect multi-storey buildings or install heavy structural components (e.g. steel girders, precast concrete panels and beams, and concrete pours). However, according to IBISWorld industry analyst Anthony Kelly, The industry's largest players typically focus on servicing the mining and infrastructure markets, including the erection of telecommunication and power transmission equipment, pipelines and wind turbines.

In 2013-14, the industry is expected to generate revenue totalling $2.7 billion and grow 3.3% due to a surge in demand for cranes for use in high-rise apartment developments and office complexes. However, since the late 2000s, the industry's performance has reflected Australia's two-speed economy, says Kelly. Industry revenue is projected to decline by an annualised 2.4% over the five years through 2013-14 due to weak demand from the commercial and industrial building market, and particularly the slump in office construction, which is the most important market for high-rise cranes. In 2013-14, the industry is projected to directly employ about 13,500 people in 2,180 businesses, although the total workforce also includes working proprietors, subcontractors (e.g. crane operators, riggers and dogmen) and professional consultants (engineers). The Construction Machinery and Operator Hire industry has a low level of market concentration, with Boom Logistics Ltd, Tutt Bryant Group Limited and Freo Group Pty Ltd the only major players.

The continued cyclical upswing of investment into the commercial building and apartment markets is forecast to drive industry revenue up by 4.1% in 2014-15, underpinning revenue growth. This expansion will be supported by solid growth in the value of total building construction and particularly the upswing in office construction over the next five years.

For more information, visit IBISWorlds Construction Machinery and Operator Hire report in Australia industry page.

Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ibisworldau

IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

Firms in this industry hire out construction machinery, plant and equipment (mainly cranes) with operators for use on a wide range of construction projects and industrial applications.

Industry Performance Executive Summary Key External Drivers Current Performance Industry Outlook Industry Life Cycle Products & Markets Supply Chain Products & Services Major Markets International Trade Business Locations Competitive Landscape Market Share Concentration Key Success Factors Cost Structure Benchmarks Basis of Competition Barriers to Entry Industry Globalisation Major Companies Operating Conditions Capital Intensity Technology & Systems Revenue Volatility Regulation & Policy Industry Assistance Key Statistics Industry Data Annual Change Key Ratios

About IBISWorld Inc. Recognised as the nations most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every Australian industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Melbourne, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organisations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com.au or call (03) 9655 3886.

Read this article:
Construction Machinery and Operator Hire in Australia Industry Market Research Report Now Updated by IBISWorld

Every year we look around for Northwest-y gifts to send across the country to a relative, or wrap for a local friend. Seven food-related books made the list this year.

Wed, Dec 11, 5:27 p.m.

Any one of these spots would be enough good news for a month, but this season three celebrated Seattle chefs are all opening restaurants downtown.

Tue, Dec 3, 5 a.m.

A local community kitchen high school program is betting on it. And they've got a prominent national food activist cheering them on.

Fri, Nov 22, 5 a.m.

Great food, strong community, small margins. Eat for Equity remodels philanthropy without the black tie.

Kurt Timmermeister's new book, Growing a Feast (WW Norton, $24.95), tells the story of food itself.

His first book, after selling his Capitol Hill restaurant, Septieme, was called Growing a Farmer. Not always mouthwatering, either, with chapters on killing chickens and slaughtering pigs. Farming, he learns quickly, isn't just about deracinating vegetables or tugging at udders, it's about slitting throats, too, as his Facebook page shows this week.

We may buy pork chops on Styrofoam trays wrapped in plastic, but Timmermeister knows better. "I feel that food is intrinsically good, he wrote in Growing a Farmer. Food is from the earth. It provides us with nutrition to live. It is the source of all life, it has the power to make us healthy."

Read the original:
Foodie Gift Ideas: 7 books to make your mouth water