Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Is using your kitchen table as an office-slash-kids-classroom making you long to upgrade your home?

Sixty-one percent of American homeowners have taken on home improvement projects since March 1, 2020, according to NerdWallets 2020 Home Improvement Report.

But before you can join them, youll have to decide how to finance your project.

Refinancing with a renovation loan is a way to borrow money for home improvements at a lower interest rate than personal loans or credit cards.

And instead of paying back a separate loan, the costs of your updates are rolled into your new mortgage payment.

Here are three reasons to consider refinancing with a renovation loan.

With mortgage rates falling throughout 2020, the number of mortgage refinances has skyrocketed.

With a renovation refinance, improvement costs become part of your new mortgage amount. While it may not compare to a credit card with a 0% introductory APR, a renovation refinance gives you a higher borrowing limit. And youll pay much less interest than you would on a personal loan for the same amount of money.

Though the spring homebuying season got off to a slow start due to the coronavirus, real estate markets throughout the country have since heated up.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 69% of homes sold in August were on the market for less than a month and the inventory of unsold homes was down almost 19% when compared with a year prior.

More than 1 in 5 (21%) of those who have tackled home improvement projects since March opted to do so instead of looking to move, according to NerdWallets 2020 Home Improvement Report.

A smart renovation can boost your propertys value.

A 2019 joint report from the NAR and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry found that replacing outdated heating and cooling systems or upgrading insulation offered some of the best returns on investment when it came time to sell.

And, unlike a cash-out refinance, a renovation loan may expand your budget by allowing you to borrow against the homes expected value after improvements are complete, rather than its current value.

Similarly, you may be able to take advantage of a renovation refinance even if you havent owned your home long, since these loans require less equity than a cash-out refinance, home equity line of credit or home equity loan.

Research the right loan product: Renovation loan options include Freddie Macs CHOICERenovation loan, Fannie Maes Home Style renovation loan and FHA 203(k) refinance loans from the Federal Housing Administration. Your credit score and the improvements you plan to tackle determine which renovation loan is right for you, Zeitz says.

Get familiar with refinance requirements: In addition to available home equity, your lender will examine your credit score, debt-to-income ratio and employment history to determine if you qualify for the renovation refinance loan youre seeking.

Find an experienced contractor: In order to know how much youll need to borrow or how much your home may be worth once the remodelings done youll need accurate cost estimates from a licensed contractor.

Comparison shop lenders: Though rates are low, comparing interest rate quotes from at least three lenders will ensure you get the best deal.

Originally posted here:
Looking to fund a remodel? Consider a renovation refinance - Chicago Sun-Times

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ TheNational Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)has revealed inductees into itsThirty Under 30 Class of 2021. The program, now in its ninth year,recognizes talented kitchen and bath professionals under the age of 30. Each years class comprises rising leaders in the industry and iswidely regarded as the go-to program for the brightest young stars working in kitchen and bath design and remodeling.Nominees were evaluated on their career or educational achievements, commitment to excellence in the kitchen and bath industry and leadership within their organization.

We are proud to celebrate this years selection of rising stars in the kitchen and bath industry, said Bill Darcy, NKBA Chief Executive Officer. The association is inspired by what they have already accomplished, and were happy to play a role in nurturing these outstanding young talents. We look forward to following their bright futures.

The selected candidates, along with their companies and NKBA chapter affiliation, where applicable, include:

Abigale Latham,Beyond Interior Design,Texas North Plains

Alexandria Hubbard,Case Design Remodeling, Baltimore/Washington

Andrew Risinger, CMKBD,Kitchen, Bath & Home,formerlyThe Cabinet Concierge, Texas North Plains

Chloe Baker,Kre8 Developments Inc., Prairie Provinces

Christopher Brown,Majestic Stone Imports, Indiana State

Danielle Steele,Marks-Woods Construction ServiceBaltimore/Washington

Emily Townsend-Hinske,MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc., Northern Michigan

Haden Fesenmeyer,Dons Custom Countertops, Rocky Mountain

Jasmine Galle,Social Soul Studio

Jeannifer Ellington,H2 Builders, GA/SC Coastal

Jess Hardy,PK Brand Management, Vancouver

Joshua Shannon,James Street Interiors, Central New York

Kaitlyn Stokes,Crystal Kitchen + Bath, Minnesota State

Katelyn Woods,Kendall Ansell Interiors, British Columbia

Katie Weber,Neil Kelly, Columbia River

Kelly Bodnar,Maison Birmingham, Michigan State

Kingsley Catalucci, AKBD,RI Kitchen & Bath Design + Build

Malyka Abramson,Delta Faucet Co.

Maris Park,Delta Faucet Co.

Matt Pulliam,AGCO Inc.

Matteo Calisesi,Florim Ceramiche S.p.A.

Megan Heidel,Case Design Remodeling., Indiana State

Natalie Shaw,Kitsap Kitchen & Bath Co., Olympic-West Sound

Nathan Boone,Green Forest Cabinetry, Virginia State

Scott Holcombe,Holcombe Design Co., Metro New York

Stephanie McDowell,Kenwood Kitchens

Steve Basten,John Burns Real Estate Consulting

Thomas J. Simonetti,Plott Inc., Northern New Jersey

Tyler Smith,Fisher & Paykel, Southern California

Victoria Sharkey,Specialty Appliance, Rocky Mountain

This years class selection committee, comprising Thirty Under 30 alumni, includes:

Candis Warren-Ashurst, interior designer for Steiner-Houck & Associates, Class of 2019;Charles Kimball,interior designer at Premier Companies, Class of 2018;Ebony Stephenson, CLIPP, CAPS, kitchen and bath designer and owner of Designs by Ebony, LLC (DBE), Class of 2014;Kari Mitchell, AKBD,Artistic Cabinetry, Class of 2017;Mark Stapperfenne,general manager for Green Forest Cabinetry, Class of 2020.

Signature Kitchen Suiteis a proud sponsor of the NKBA Thirty Under 30 program.

Like our NKBA partners, Signature Kitchen Suite believes in the power of design to inspire and innovate, and we are honored to celebrate the Thirty Under 30 program once again and recognize this outstanding group of young professionals for their creativity, passion and drive, said Jack Palazzolo, head of marketing for Signature Kitchen Suite. We look forward to the future accomplishments of this next generation of truly remarkable design talent.

The class of 2021 will be formally recognized during the virtualKitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), taking place Feb. 9-12, 2021.

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The NKBA Names its Thirty Under 30 Class of 2021 - Contractor

A Tropical Pineapples smoothie shop, Panda Express and possibly one other eatery are likely to open in Ramona in early 2021, depending on how well the owners can navigate the building and remodeling maze created by COVID-19 mandates.

Panda Express

The Panda Express restaurant under construction near 13th and Main streets in Ramona is nearly completed and expected to open just after the new year, planners say.

Steve Pollett, property manager for owners John and Heidi Farkash, said the opening date depends heavily on COVID-19 conditions and its related rules and regulations.

Were taking it one day at a time, but were full steam ahead trying to get it opened the first of the year, said Pollett, adding that the Panda Express will have a drive-through and offer takeout food a plus in the COVID era. Were getting it done, doing it right and not taking any shortcuts.

As of the last week of October, Pollett said the walls had been framed and the restaurants interior was beginning to take shape with a kitchen, dining area and two restrooms. The 2,000-square-foot Panda Express will have an adjacent covered patio that will be shared with the 2,000-square-foot building, also owned by the Farkashes, on the other side of the property.

The occupant of the other building has not been identified yet, but it could be another eatery, Pollett said. The 2,340-square-foot covered patio sandwiched between the buildings will be open for community use.

Carole Wylie of Wylie Architecture Planning Interior Design Inc. of Ramona, who designed the buildings, said Pandas interior can seat about 50 diners at 12 booths and two tables that seat eight people each. The exterior space under a covered porch will seat about 16 people.

Some signs of completion to watch for are the installation of four doors to enclose the patio between the two buildings for safety at night, planting of the landscaping and bringing down the exterior chain link fence, Pollett said.

Plans also call for Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility and building a walkway so patrons of the Panda Express or its adjacent business can walk to Starbucks nearby. Parking will be available in 32 spaces behind the buildings.

A Tropical Pineapples smoothie shop planned by Peter and Shayna San Nicolas will have a tropical boho theme.

(Courtesy )

Tropical Pineapple

Peter San Nicolas and his wife Shayna, owners of Ramona Fitness Center, are resurrecting their smoothie shop business with plans to open a new Tropical Pineapples venture just after the new year.

The new shop will feature organic smoothies, juices, bowls, Kombucha on tap and possibly other healthy food items such as avocado toast, Peter San Nicolas said. A signature Tropical Pineapple drink will be a mango-pineapple smoothie served in a to-go bamboo cup. Customers will also be able to select from a dozen different types of smoothies and a half-dozen bowls filled with fruit, granola and nut seeds.

The store will be beside Jersey Mikes Subs and Rubios Coastal Grill, where the Supercuts hair salon had been, at 1664 Main St., Suite C.

Its not too far from where the couple used to run a Hurricane Juice and Supplements store in the same Stater Bros. shopping center. Peter San Nicolas said his family operated Hurricane Juice for about four years, from 2003-06, but closed it to focus more on their growing family. Hurricane Juice and Supplements was moved to his Ramona Fitness Center, where gym patrons and other visitors can still get protein shakes at City Blend.

We had so many people tell us how much they missed the smoothie store and wanted another one, San Nicolas said. It will be an awesome place for the young people of Ramona and really for everyone.

The owners say they are looking to create a tropical boho theme and deliver on healthy ingredients drawing from Shayna San Nicolas experience as a nutritional therapy practitioner. Customers can add spices and herbs such as turmeric, ginger root and cinnamon to boost the immune system and promote a healthy gut, Peter San Nicolas said. Other additives may include fresh coconut, raw honey, Greek yogurt, spinach and kale, he said.

The 1,100-square-foot Tropical Pineapples store will be able to accommodate roughly 20 customers inside with additional limited seating outside. San Nicolas said it will have a cool vibe similar to downtown San Diego venues.

The family hopes it could be the start of a franchise.

The goal is to be replicating this in San Diego and the Southern California area, Peter San Nicolas said. At that point we will make it available for franchise opportunities. The No. 1 goal is to provide something that Ramona doesnt already have.

See the original post here:
Fast-casual restaurants whip up plans to open after the new year - Ramona Sentinel

AVON, CT While the polls opened at 6 a.m. Tuesday in Avon, numerous votes have already been cast long before Election Day.

More than one-fifth of the state's registered voters have already sent in their absentee ballot for several critical local, state and national races.

Many residents opted to vote by mail as opposed to heading to the traditional polling places as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

If you still have your absentee ballot it must be hand-delivered to the town clerk's office or placed in the drop-off box. Ballots must be received by the close of polls in order to count. Polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

If you haven't voted by mail and are heading to the polls Tuesday here is what you need to know.

Voting on Election DayPolls in Connecticut are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can use the Secretary of State's website to find your polling place.

Connecticut also allows for Election Day registration at designated centers in each town. People must be registered by 8 p.m. in order to vote using Election Day registration.

The following are the key contested races that will be on the ballot for Avon voters:

Joe Biden/Kamala Harris (Democrat)

Donald Trump/Mike Pence (Republican) - Incumbent

Jo Jorgensen and Chip Cohen (Libertarian)

Howie Hawkins and Angela Walker (Green Party)

U.S. CongressU.S. House District District 5

Jahana Hayes (Democrat) - Incumbent

David X. Sullivan (Republican)

Bruce W. Walczak (Independent)

State Senate District 8

Melissa E. Osborne (Democrat)

Kevin Witkos (Republican) - Incumbent

Keith James McConnell (Independent)

State Representative District 17

Elenie Kavros DeGraw (Democrat)

Leslee Hill (Republican) - Incumbent

State Representative District 19

Tammy Exum (Democrat)

Registrar of Voters

Ann Clark (Democrat)

Kerry Ladouceur (Republican)

Read the original here:
Voting In Avon: Everything You Need To Know - Avon, CT Patch

For Sale/Rent

From castle-like single-families to a condo with a magical courtyard, check out these homes from Chelsea to Newport.

Our On the Market series features extraordinary homes for sale in the region every day. But even among the standouts, there are standouts. Here are five of our favorites from October.

Photo courtesy of Douglas Elliman

A Spellbinding Townhome in Beacon Hill20 Chestnut St., BostonPrice: $7,700,000Size: 3,640 square feetBedrooms: 4Baths: 3.5

Photo by Matthew Ortins of Luxe Life Productions

A Stately, Sprawling Victorian Townhouse in Newton53 Vista Ave. Unit A and B, NewtonPrice: $2,450,000Size: 3,707 square feetBedrooms: 2Baths: 3.5

Photo via Gustave White Sothebys International Realty

An Antique Castle in Newport97 Ruggles Ave., Newport, RIPrice: $3,325,000Size: 7,879 square feetBedrooms: 5Baths: 8

Photo by JFW Photography

A Provincetown Home with an Artsy History505 Commercial St., ProvincetownPrice: $3,100,000Size: 3,572 square feetBedrooms: 2Baths: 4

Photo by Bella Casa Marketing LLC

A Charming Colonial Revival in Chelsea112 Clark Ave., ChelseaPrice: $569,900Size: 1,768 square feetBedrooms: 4Baths: 1.5

The Boston Home team has curated a list of the best home design and home remodeling professionals in Boston, including architects, builders, kitchen and bath experts, lighting designers, and more. Get the help you need with FindIt/Boston's guide to home renovation pros.

View original post here:
Five of the Prettiest Homes That Hit the Market in October - Boston magazine

AVON, CT Avon residents will head to the polls from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 to vote in several key races including selecting a president and local representatives in the State General Assembly and U.S. Congress.

Nearly 500,000 absentee ballots have already been cast in Connecticut due to the ongoing effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

If you still have your absentee ballot it must be hand-delivered to the town clerk's office or placed in the drop-off box. Ballots must be received by the close of polls in order to count. Polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

If you haven't voted by mail and are heading to the polls Tuesday here is what you need to know.

Voting on Election DayPolls in Connecticut are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can use the Secretary of State's website to find your polling place.

Connecticut also allows for Election Day registration at designated centers in each town. People must be registered by 8 p.m. in order to vote using Election Day registration.

The following are the key contested races that will be on the ballot for Avon voters:

Joe Biden/Kamala Harris (Democrat)

Donald Trump/Mike Pence (Republican) - Incumbent

Jo Jorgensen and Chip Cohen (Libertarian)

Howie Hawkins and Angela Walker (Green Party)

U.S. CongressU.S. House District District 5

Jahana Hayes (Democrat) - Incumbent

David X. Sullivan (Republican)

Bruce W. Walczak (Independent)

State Senate District 8

Melissa E. Osborne (Democrat)

Kevin Witkos (Republican) - Incumbent

Keith James McConnell (Independent)

State Representative District 17

Elenie Kavros DeGraw (Democrat)

Leslee Hill (Republican) - Incumbent

State Representative District 19

Tammy Exum (Democrat)

Registrar of Voters

Ann Clark (Democrat)

Kerry Ladouceur (Republican)

Read the original post:
Election Day In Avon: When, Where To Vote - Avon, CT Patch

https://www.facebook.com/BYUNewsline/posts/1756753681151262

Although the weather is still warm and Christmas is still two months away, many people are already decking the halls, including Megan Larson. She said, I actually started decorating the day after Halloween because I think the sooner the better.

Megan is one of many Utah residents who is excited to kick off the 2020 holiday season, as she believes it will bring joy and peace to a rather chaotic and stressful year. So usually I decorate earlier than a lot of people, but this year in particular because its just been such a crazy year, 2020, and I know Christmas brings joy, the Christmas spirit, and I think we all need that right now, Megan said.

Retail stores like Target and Walmart are full of artificial trees, wreaths, stockings, ornaments and even ugly sweaters.

Shoppers are getting an early start this year as they hunt down the perfect decorations, matching family pajamas, and the most creative stocking stuffers.

Candy Cane Christmas Lights is a local Christmas light company who sets themselves apart by dressing up as Santa and his elves while theyre on the job.

Brenton Southard says they started hanging lights as early as October 1st this year. This year has been kinda different; I think everyone is a little more excited this year to start celebrating Christmas, and so a lot of people have been doing it earlier just cause I think theyre more eager to start something new, especially since everyone is cooped up at home, said Southard.

While there are many who are looking forward to Christmas, there are also some, like Jack Taylor, who think celebrating this early is too early.

Jack said, I think that you dont want it to get over-saturated. And when Christmas is something so wonderful, if you spend too much time and you start too early celebrating Christmas and putting up lights and everything, then by the time that its actually Christmas, the time that youre supposed to be enjoying that the most, youre already burned out because youve been seeing the same lights, the same decorations, and celebrating Christmas for two months.

Whether youre kicking off your Christmas celebrations now, or after Thanksgiving, we hope you enjoy every moment of this special time of year.

Continued here:
Is it too early to deck the halls? - Universe.byu.edu

In M:TG's Commander Legends, mono-white aggro is taking shape, with various cards vying for the crown. Plus, there are new legends to meet.

The upcoming Magic: The Gathering set,Commander Legends, is borrowing a bit of everything from the game. For the first time, the rules of the Commander format are being used inbooster draft Limited. That means plenty of exciting legendary creatures and chaotic spells will be included in this huge set.

Commander Legends might lack the high-dollar reprints of Double Masters from earlier this year, but on the other hand, the ultra-popular Commander format is getting a huge boost. And by now in spoiler season, the draft archetypes are starting to emerge. White mana, in particular, is really carving out a niche for itself, which it sometimes shares with black mana. It's time to get political.

RELATED:Magic: The Gathering - Commander Legends Incites Chaos With Cascade & Aggressive Creatures

Flashy new legendary creatures have been revealed recently, and they come in all five colors. A returning face is Zur the Enchanter, an Esper-colored Wizard who first appeared in the Coldsnap set. It's a 1/4 flier that can tutor for cheap enchantments anytime it attacks, then put those enchantments onto the battlefield. Zur isn't the strongest legend in its colors, but with the right Voltron build, it can be quite fearsome, and might even enable combos.

Red mana, meanwhile, brings a legendary Planeswalker that can serve as a commander and has Partner. Jeska, Thrice Reborn is a cheap 2Rthat can greatly amplify how much damage a targeted creature can deal, or it can deal damage to three targets at once. Interestingly enough, this aggressive red Planeswalker wants its commander to be cast many times, adding to its "reborn" theme if it's the commander itself.

Meanwhile, Blue mana brings in a Sphinx named Eligeth, a hefty 5/6 flier that can turn scry into a card-drawing engine. By now, scry is an evergreen mechanic, and it's all over the place. With Eligeth, cheap scry becomes ultra-efficient card draw, such as Omenspeaker or the ten scrylands from the Theros block. Colfenor, the Last Yew appears as a creature at last in Abzan colors, a fascinating addition to the Treefolk tribe. This 3/7 is highly defensive with reach and vigilance that can bring back dead creatures from the graveyard to the hand whenever it or a friendly creature dies, an example of this color combination's famed endurance.

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Magic: The Gathering - Monarchs & White Aggro Decks Have a Place in Commander Legends - CBR - Comic Book Resources

Voters have done their part, and now it falls to the Ashtabula County Board of Elections to certify the results of Tuesdays election.

There were 1,030 provisional ballots cast in the election, and Board of Elections Deputy Director John Mead hopes the counting of those ballots will be finished by Friday, he said.

There are also 1,122 absentee ballots that have not been returned to the Board of Elections, Mead said. If the ballots were mailed on Nov. 2 or earlier, they have until Friday to arrive at the BOE office in Jefferson to be counted.

We are aiming to certify this election on the ... 18th of November, Mead said. From what I understand, thats a lot easier said than done, but we can do it. We got a great team here. All hands on deck is what we do when we have deadlines like this imposed by the Secretary of State.

Ashtabula County had 71-percent voter turnout in Tuesdays election, according to preliminary results. That is about two percent better than turnout for the 2016 presidential election, according to Board of Elections records.

Preliminary results show43,669 people voted in Ashtabula County in the election.

Mead said that,for the most part, counting the votes went pretty well on Tuesday night.

There was a little unplanned excitement on election night, Mead said.

This one is going to go in the textbooks, he said.

Avoter turned off one of the machines in a Lenox Township polling place because he was the last voter there, Mead said.

Similar to spiking a football when you make a touchdown, Mead said.

Mead said that spiking a ball is harmless, but powering off the machine was not. Mead said Board of Elections Director Charlie Frye visited the polling location and was able to solve the issue.

The moral of this story, people: dont touch those machines, Mead said. Leave them to the professionals. This isnt a football, this isnt a toy.

The staff is well-trained enough to be able to solve the problem, Mead said.

Election results were a little slower in coming from Ashtabula County than the surrounding counties due to the countys size, Mead said. Ashtabula County is the largest county in the state of Ohio.

It takes time forprecinctsin Ashtabula and Conneaut to consolidate and bring their results to the board office in Jefferson, Mead said. Both Geauga and Trumbull counties released their preliminary vote counts before 10 p.m. on election night, according to their websites, while Ashtabula Countys results were not released until 10:40 p.m.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

Originally posted here:
Few glitches on election night, all hands on deck to certify results - The Star Beacon

Shilpa Shetty sticks to her classic silk saree as she celebrates Karwa Chauth in style. Check it out

Its that time of the year when festivals are lined up like nothing else. We just got done with Navratri and today we have Karwa Chauth followed by Diwali next weekend. Whether you celebrate these festivals or not, its always fun to see other people making the most of their festive wardrobes. Today, its Karwa Chauth and like every year, we have Shilpa Shetty looking her best self in her gorgeous red attire.

The actress who was spotted out in the city along with her sargi looked her traditional best. Mrs Kundra opted for a gorgeous red drape for the auspicious festival. She styled the gold-foil worked saree with a simple red blouse that bore a knotted detail at the back. The actress then decked up the look in a fully traditional way with a red chooda paired with a traditional pearl necklace and diamond earrings.

For the day, she kept her makeup subtle yet elegant with a flawless base layered with blushed tones, brushed eyebrows and a bit of definition around the eyes. She stuck to her mauvy nudes for the shade of her lipstick and completed her glam with a hint of sindoor. She then left her hair down in blow-dried waves and completed her look!

What are your thoughts about her classic Karwa Chauth outfit? Let us know in the comments section below.

For more Fashion & Beauty updates: Follow @pinkvillafashion

Also Read:Karva Chauth 2020: Deepika Padukone shows you 3 easy ways to reuse your old wedding lehenga in style

Also Read:Alia Bhatt to Deepika Padukone: ALL the last minute Karva Chauth outfit inspiration you need

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Shilpa Shetty decks up for Karwa Chauth in a gorgeous red silk saree and its perfect for the occasion - PINKVILLA