Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design
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November 9, 2013 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Empire State Building Record height Tallest in the world from 1931 to 1970[I] Preceded by Chrysler Building Surpassed by One World Trade Center (1970) General information Type Office, observation Architectural style Art Deco Location 350 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10118[1] Construction started 1929[2] Completed 1931 Cost $40,948,900[3] ($629million in 2013 dollars[4]) Height Architectural 1,250ft (381.0m)[5][6] Tip 1,454ft (443.2m)[6] Roof 1,250ft (381.0m) Top floor 1,224ft (373.1m)[6] Observatory 1,224ft (373.1m)[6] Technical details Floor count 103[6] Floor area 2,248,355 sqft (208,879m2)[6] Lifts/elevators 73[6] Design and construction Architect Shreve, Lamb and Harmon Developer John J. Raskob Structural engineer Homer Gage Balcom[7] Main contractor Starrett Brothers and Eken
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a 103-story skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street. It has a roof height of 1,250feet (381meters), and with its antenna spire included, it stands a total of 1,454ft (443.2m) high.[6] Its name is derived from the nickname for New York, the Empire State. It stood as the world's tallest building for nearly 40 years, from its completion in early 1931 until the topping out of the World Trade Center's North Tower in late 1970.[11] Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Empire State Building was again the tallest building in New York (although it was no longer the tallest in the US or the world), until One World Trade Center reached a greater height on April 30, 2012.[12] The Empire State Building is currently the fourth-tallest completed skyscraper in the United States (after the One World Trade Center, the Willis Tower and Trump International Hotel and Tower, both in Chicago), and the 23rd-tallest in the world (the tallest now is Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai). It is also the fourth-tallest freestanding structure in the Americas.
The Empire State Building is generally thought of as an American cultural icon. It is designed in the distinctive Art Deco style and has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The building and its street floor interior are designated landmarks of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and confirmed by the New York City Board of Estimate.[13] It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.[9][14][15] In 2007, it was ranked number one on the List of America's Favorite Architecture according to the AIA.
The building is owned by the 2800 investors in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.[16] In 2010, the Empire State Building underwent a $550million renovation, with $120million spent to transform the building into a more energy efficient and eco-friendly structure.[17] Receiving a gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating in September 2011, the Empire State Building is the tallest LEED certified building in the United States.[18]
The site of the Empire State Building was first developed as the John Thompson Farm in the late 18th century.[19] At the time, a stream ran across the site, emptying into Sunfish Pond, located a block away. Beginning in the late 19th century, the block was occupied by the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, frequented by The Four Hundred, the social elite of New York.
The limestone for the Empire State Building came from the Empire Mill in Sanders, Indiana which is an unincorporated town adjacent to Bloomington, Indiana. The Empire Mill Land office is near State Road 37 and Old State Road 37 just south of Bloomington. Bloomington, Bedford and Oolitic area are known as the limestone capital of the world. It is a point of local pride that the stone for the Empire State building came from there.
The Empire State Building was designed by William F. Lamb from the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon, which produced the building drawings in just two weeks, using its earlier designs for the Reynolds Building in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and the Carew Tower in Cincinnati, Ohio (designed by the architectural firm W. W. Ahlschlager & Associates) as a basis.[20][21] Every year the staff of the Empire State Building sends a Father's Day card to the staff at the Reynolds Building in Winston-Salem to pay homage to its role as predecessor to the Empire State Building.[22] The building was designed from the top down.[23] The general contractors were The Starrett Brothers and Eken, and the project was financed primarily by John J. Raskob and Pierre S. du Pont. The construction company was chaired by Alfred E. Smith, a former Governor of New York and James Farley's General Builders Supply Corporation supplied the building materials.[2]John W. Bowser was project construction superintendent.[24][25][26]
Excavation of the site began on January 22, 1930, and construction on the building itself started symbolically on March 17St. Patrick's Dayper Al Smith's influence as Empire State, Inc. president. The project involved 3,400 workers, mostly immigrants from Europe, along with hundreds of Mohawk iron workers, many from the Kahnawake reserve near Montreal. According to official accounts, five workers died during the construction.[27] Governor Smith's grandchildren cut the ribbon on May 1, 1931. Lewis Wickes Hine's photography of the construction provides not only invaluable documentation of the construction, but also a glimpse into common day life of workers in that era.[28]
The construction was part of an intense competition in New York for the title of "world's tallest building". Two other projects fighting for the title, 40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building, were still under construction when work began on the Empire State Building. Each held the title for less than a year, as the Empire State Building surpassed them upon its completion, just 410days after construction commenced. Instead of taking 18 months as anticipated, the construction took just under fifteen. The building was officially opened on May 1, 1931 in dramatic fashion, when United States President Herbert Hoover turned on the building's lights with the push of a button from Washington, D.C. Coincidentally, the first use of tower lights atop the Empire State Building, the following year, was for the purpose of signaling the victory of Franklin D. Roosevelt over Hoover in the presidential election of November 1932.[29]
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Empire State Building - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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November 9, 2013 by
Mr HomeBuilder
When you plan to remodel your home and create a beautiful and warm area, Tropical Enclosures can offer you outstanding choices of signature sunrooms and sunroom additions. With detailed craftsmanship and the best quality materials including aluminum, vinyl, natural wood, bricks, and more, we promise to bring your dream sunroom to life.
Whether you are craving for a pool enclosure, bird observatory, dining room, gourmet kitchen or cozy family room, our sunroom additions can absolutely meet your needs. With us, you can ensure efficient and clean construction. We build sunroom additions quickly, correctly and with minimal disruption to your home or life. In fact, your magnificent sunroom will come to life within a few weeks, not months.
Nothing feels as good as natural breeze. All our patio sunrooms guarantee to protect you and your loved ones from flies and bugs and deliver maximum strength and visibility. It is actually as close as you can get to bringing outdoors indoors. Enjoy the energy of nature, serenity and beauty throughout the year and reap the benefits of an outdoor living area, without the harsh environment, flies or other annoying intrusions.
At Tropical Enclosures, we custom manufacture sunrooms to complement your style and budget. Our expert consultants work with you and guide you about different style options to help you select the ones that best suit the architecture of your home and your lifestyle. With our sunroom additions, you can add the space you have always wished for and fill your home with natural light.
With our sunroom additions, you can now enjoy your homes outdoor world, free from nasty bugs and mosquitoes or harmful UV rays and extreme weather conditions!
Call Tropical Enclosures today at 904-744-3500 to speak with a specialist and start designing your sunroom today.
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Sunroom Additions, Patio Sunrooms - Tropical Enclosures
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November 8, 2013 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Before: Tiny and Tired
The kitchen's dated white appliances and orangey-oak cabinets stuck out in this well-appointed home.
For less than $9,000, the kitchen now sports dramatic painted-black cabinets and granite veneer countertops. Creamy white walls, brushed-nickel cabinet hardware and glossy new appliances add to the kitchen's elegant face-lift.
From the stenciled yellow walls to the oak cabinets and faux-wood countertops, this kitchen was stuck in the 80s.
Renovated in 2 stages, the kitchen was first brightened up by painting the cabinets two different colors - green-gray on the lower cabinets and a rich cream on the uppers. Next, a new sink, dark laminate countertops and a glazed ceramic tile backsplash created a kitchen the homeowner is proud to show off.
This 13x13 kitchen didnt fit with the rest of the charming Colonial homes interior. To save money, the homeowners kept the appliances in their original locations, and then added loads of charm to create a welcoming space for their young family.
Removing the island was the number one priority in this kitchen remodel; a close second was replacing the builder-grade cabinets with semicustom cabinetry. The island was replaced with a peninsula, giving the homeowners better traffic flow and a casual seating area. A colorful yet subtle backsplash adds personality and charm to this kitchen remodel.
For an executive chef and a wine representative, this cramped and closed-off kitchen didnt work for two people who loved to cook and entertain friends and family. The renovations main goal was to turn this dreary 10x13 kitchen into the hub of the home where the hosts could interact with their guests.
The kitchen was opened up on two sides, which brightened the space and created a breakfast bar while still allowing for plenty of cabinetry and counter space. Main features, such as the flooring, countertops, and backsplash, are neutral, letting the homeowners add and change out colorful accents when the mood strikes.
The galley kitchen in this 1920s home needed to be brought into this century. While the homeowners wanted to keep the original step-saving design, knocking out a wall between the kitchen and the dining room drastically changed how the space is used -- in a positive way.
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Before and After: Kitchen Remodels - Better Homes and Gardens
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November 8, 2013 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Replacing the siding on your home is a great way to make an older home look like new. Siding replacement can easily turn a non-renovated house into a brand new looking home! Siding replacement is a cheap alternative toremoldingyour whole house or building a new home.
Knowing that siding replacement can make your house look like new is easy, finding the right company to replace your siding is the hard part.
We work with local siding replacement companies and help match you up with local contractors who specialize in the type of siding you are looking for.
Replacing the siding on your house can also help conserveenergyand lower your bills. When a house is properlyinsulated, it saves up to 50% more heat! Imagine not having to heat your whole house during the winter and think about how much money you will save.
If you happen to live in an area of the United States with harsh weather conditions, you may need to replace your siding more often then normal. Cracking, mold and other factors can deteriorate your siding faster then mild climate areas.
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Siding Replacement | Install Siding | Replace Siding
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November 8, 2013 by
Mr HomeBuilder
New Siding Replacement is dedicated to simplifying the process of finding a contractor for your project. We help connect you to pre-screened professionals who are eager to work on your project. Tell us about your project and we'll provide you with up to 4 contractors. They will call you directly to set an appointment that fits into your schedule. Today's siding options are much more diverse than just a few years ago. Because the siding you choose will be on your home for many years to come, making the right choice can be daunting. New Siding Replacement is on your side, and is ready to assist you in finding the contractor that best suits your needs. Outline your siding project for us using our easy website. We match you with up to 4 contractors in your area. Local contractors call you and set up estimate appointments. You meet with the contractors, receive their estimates, and choose the contractor that you feel is right for you. First Name: Last Name: Address: Zip: City: State: Select One ALABAMA ALASKA ARIZONA ARKANSAS CALIFORNIA COLORADO CONNECTICUT DELAWARE FLORIDA GEORGIA HAWAII IDAHO ILLINOIS INDIANA IOWA KANSAS KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MAINE MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS MICHIGAN MINNESOTA MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI MONTANA NEBRASKA NEVADA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW MEXICO NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA NORTH DAKOTA OHIO OKLAHOMA OREGON PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH DAKOTA TENNESSEE TEXAS UTAH VERMONT VIRGINIA WASHINGTON WEST VIRGINIA WISCONSIN WYOMING Phone: Email: BestTimeToCall: Project Start Date: Select One Morning Evening Anytime Select One Immediately 1-6 Months Don't Know Project Plan: Replace Existing Siding Siding For A New Addition Repair Section(s) Of Siding Siding For A New Home Siding Material: Select One Stucco Brickface Composite Vinyl Aluminum Stoneface Are you a Home Owner Yes No
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New Siding Replacment
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November 8, 2013 by
Mr HomeBuilder
How much does it cost to replace siding?
When a building requires a complete replacement of the existing siding it will usually require the services of a professional contractor. Though some homeowners are able to tackle the installation of vinyl or even wood siding, generally it is not a standard DIY project.
The average home, according to the United States Census, is 2200 square feet and size, with a two-story design and footprint of 25'x45'. To determine the amount of siding needed for such a project requires a bit of simple math. The length of all four sides of the house are measured, and this figure is multiplied by the height of the walls. This means that the average home would require (25+25+45+45X20= 2800) 2800 of siding materials.
For the purpose of this discussion we will take a look at the costs and requirements for replacing the vinyl siding on a home that requires 2800 square feet of materials.
According to CostOwl.com, the costs for a contractor to install mid-grade vinyl siding is between $250 and $300 per one hundred square feet. This means that the price range for the project we have describe here is $7000 to $8400. What would this include?
A good contractor will include:
Costs to replace siding may vary depending on the state or city. To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
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Cost to replace siding | Estimates and Prices at Fixr.com
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November 8, 2013 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Cinco Ranch Roof Replacement - Texan Roofing Katy TX (281)391-9600
Here is a re-roofing job in Cinco Ranch subdivision located in Katy, TX. This roof was the original roof (around 16 years old) and was replaced with GAF Timb...
By: TexanRoofing
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Cinco Ranch Roof Replacement - Texan Roofing Katy TX (281)391-9600 - Video
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November 8, 2013 by
Mr HomeBuilder
home section Interior Design Housekeeping Entertaining Home Improvement Gardening & Plants Landscaping eHow Home & Garden Home Repair & Maintenance Heating & Cooling Repair The Average Furnace Replacement Cost
Perriann Rodriguez
Based in Ohio, Perriann Rodriguez has been writing about many topics since 1982. She developed content for Hair Resources network of beauty/health websites, authored Hair Extensions Exposed and has contributed to blogs online. She has a Master of Business Administration in marketing from Depaul and is a second degree black belt in Taekwondo.
The replacement cost of a furnace depends on the size, type of furnace, geographic location and if any duct work or additional modifications need to be done. It is recommended to get three estimates for replacing a furnace and compare costs, contractors and brands of furnaces. There are five basic types of furnaces: Gas furnace, gas boiler, oil furnace, electric furnace and heat pump. The gas furnace is typically the most efficient furnace because it is the cheapest to run.
Gas furnaces come in many different shapes and sizes. A furnace for a 1,000 square-foot home will not cost as much as a furnace for a 3,000 square-foot two-story home. There are also different levels of efficiency and multi-stage furnaces. All prices listed below are approximate in 2010 and will vary by demographic area and any additional work that needs to be done, such as adding or changing venting.
Gas furnaces that are single stage and 80 percent efficient are $2,000 and up. Ninety percent efficient single-stage furnaces are $3,000 and up. Multi-stage or modulating furnaces with variable speed blowers that are 95 percent efficient or higher can cost $5,000 to $7,500 and higher.
Installation of a gas furnace can usually be done in one day.
In 2010, gas boiler replacement costs range from $2,500 to $4,000 for a mid-efficiency boiler and $5,000 to $9,000 for a high-efficiency boiler. The installation can take several days and can require additional modifications and repairs if the existing boiler is very old.
Additional costs to consider for a gas boiler replacement is a fire inspection by local officials, adding a chimney liner and removing an old fuel-oil tank.
The replacement costs for an oil furnace are $2,000 to $5,000 in 2010. Some installations require additional modifications and can run from $6,000 to $10,000. The oil furnace is considered when a gas furnace is not possible. Oil furnaces cannot achieve the same high efficiency as gas furnaces, can last between 15 to 20 years and require regular maintenance.
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The Average Furnace Replacement Cost | eHow
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November 8, 2013 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Is it time to replace my system?
The best time to replace your system is when YOU are planning on it, not when the system finally fails and you rush into a decision without careful consideration.
The useful life of a system is usually 10 to 15 years for the compressor in the outdoor unit. Heat pump compressors tend to fail earlier than air conditioner compressors because they are used year round. The typical life span of a furnace is between 15 and 20 years.
As your system begins to wear out, you will encounter refrigerant leaks and motor failures. Sometimes, the compressor in the outdoor unit will short out or the heat exchanger in a gas furnace will develop cracks. All of these are expensive repairs and it may prove more cost effective for you to replace your system rather than repair it.
Today's higher efficiency systems have innovative comfort features like two stage compressors, variable speed fans, and automatic temperature/humidity controls.
These enhancements consistently convince owners to replace older, unreliable systems that have not yet completely failed. Not only will you save money on repairs, but you'll see monthly savings on your utility bills. At the same time you'll experience more consistency and comfort from your heating and cooling system system.
A home HVAC ("Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning") system is usually composed of both a heating system and an air conditioning system. There is an outdoor unit, the "air conditioning" or "condensing" unit and an indoor unit, the air handler or furnace that contains an evaporating coil plus a blower-fan to circulate the air in your home.
In our area, heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling. But, because heat pumps cannot produce enough heat at temperatures close to freezing, they have a supplemnental source of heat fueled by electricity or gas in the indoor air handler. Air conditioners are usually coupled with gas furnaces to provide heat in the winter.
If you are replacing a complete HVAC system, you will need both an outdoor unit (heat pump or air conditioner) and an indoor unit (air handler/evaporating coil or gas funance with an evaporating coil).
In addition to the basic system you may also wish to add a humidifier or high-efficiency air cleaner to further enhance your indoor air quality.
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Replacing Your HVAC System - Environmental Systems Associates
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November 8, 2013 by
Mr HomeBuilder
Residential Window Cleaning Service OKC
http://cleanwindowsokc.com/ - residential window cleaning service okc:Whether you need residential or commercial window cleaning in Oklahoma City, we can pro...
By: Marco Jones
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Residential Window Cleaning Service OKC - Video
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