Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

TDG Architects creates trusted partnership, helps to grow clients business into franchise reality

Troy, Mich. (PRWEB) March 11, 2013

The Big Salad has prioritized the design, interior finishes and overall aesthetic of its restaurants to best serve its customers with top rated service, food and atmosphere. The company has partnered with TDG since its establishment in 2008 to consistently scope, design and fit a balanced front and back of house into all locations.

I came to TDG Architects with a passionate concept that they they shared, which allowed them to turn it into a vibrant reality, said John Bornoty, owner and CEO of The Big Salad. Their creativity and passion for a superior client partnership is what differentiates TDG from the rest. Since we opened our first restaurant, TDG has been and continues to be involved in every new location we open. Five years and four stores later, they still share my passion for every new Big Salad we launch, including our new Ann Arbor restaurant which will open this spring. TDG designs our space and they bid and manage the project to ensure that the contractors are building the space just as they designed it to be.

In addition to front of the house design, TDG streamlined the design of The Big Salads prep, kitchen and customer areas to ensure the flow of traffic is fluid and without bottlenecks for optimum efficiency, food safety and customer experience. Bornoty believes that restaurant design is the most important feature of his restaurants, and without superior thought and design, food safety and ultimate customer satisfaction would waver.

If you walk into a space without a preconceived notion, youre liberated to do a better job and think creatively, said Brian Gill, president, TDG Architects. We spend a lot of time talking about branding. There always has to be a balance between form and function. Thats where I think we are the strongest. Weve found a true client partner in John and The Big Salad and as a Michigan based company, were proud to help The Big Salad grow its brand and franchise business.

We have been so happy with Brian and the group at TDG that we have made it mandatory that every new franchisee use them, Bornoty explained. TDGs talent goes beyond basic architectural services. Their knowledge of creating and building decorative materials combined with a keen ability to connect with suppliers has proven to be a very valuable asset in the continued growth of our company. After all, should a space be decorated for its functionality before its designed? We think so.

About TDG Architects

Since 1996, TDG Architects has had the privilege of providing architectural services for a wide variety of clients in the commercial, office, retail, manufacturing, and residential markets. Clients include top corporations, financial institutions, developers, governmental agencies, and more. TDG's projects range from small but challenging to large and complex, layered with multi-level financing and governmental oversights. For more information about TDG Architects, visit: http://www.tdgarchitects.com.

About The Big Salad

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The Big Salad Names Architects of Record for Corporate, Franchise Locations

Architects from Eugene and Portland know a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they see one.

Eugene is looking for an architect to design its next City Hall, which will replace the closed downtown City Hall on East Eighth Avenue.

Architectural firms have until Thursday afternoon to apply for the job. The city will select a firm in April.

City officials expect the new City Hall will be built in 2 years.

Some of the citys largest architectural firms are forming teams of engineers and other experts to apply for the work by Thursdays deadline, architects said.

Every architect whose firm has the capability to work on a project such as this would jump at the opportunity, Eugene architect Paul Dustrud said.

Architects view the City Hall project as a rare opportunity to design an important building, both for the community and for their firms.

How often does an architect have the opportunity and privilege to vie to work on rebuilding and reinventing the government center of their town? said John Lawless, a principal with TBG Architects & Planners.

The city asked for proposals starting on Feb. 11, but it expects to get applications up until the 2:30 p.m. Thursday deadline, said Jaime Garner, a city purchasing analyst.

Illustrating the interest in the project, 28 people, including representatives from several architecture and engineering firms from Eugene and Portland, attended a Feb. 21 meeting to learn about the citys selection process.

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For architects , City Hall job is a prize

RIDGID R040SCA Pneumatic Roofing Cutter - Real User Review How-To
http://www.toolselect.com/product/detail/RIDGID-R040SCA ToolSELECT.com put the RIDGID Pneumatic Roofing Cutter into the hands of Brian VandenBos, of Rockford...

By: toolselectTV

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RIDGID R040SCA Pneumatic Roofing Cutter - Real User Review

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Highlights

Real Estate Kitchen Remodeling Entails Patience, Prep

It's no secret to Realtors that fabulous kitchens sell homes. Improve the room used primarily for food preparation, and the entire house will feel homier to residents, guests and prospective buyers alike.

The appeal of a modern kitchen is so powerful that Robert Criner, president of Criner Remodeling, a home remodeling company in Newport News, Va., says homeowners should consider remodeling an outdated or dysfunctional kitchen regardless of how long they intend to keep the home.

"A lot of people think they aren't going to sell for two or three years," Criner says. "Then they realize right before they decide to sell: I have to put a facelift on the kitchen. Why not do it now, and enjoy it for three or four years, and then it's modernized and ready to sell when you get to that point?"

The first step in a major kitchen remodeling project should be an inspection by a structural engineer, says Gary Henley, president of Henley Homes, a home remodeling company in Liberty Hill, Texas.

Some homeowners are tempted to dive right in, tearing out walls themselves to save time, but Henley says proper investigative work upfront is crucial to ensure the remodeling work is structurally sound.

Patience is required as well.

"You see these programs that do a kitchen in three days," Henley says. "People in the real world know that's not practical. A set of custom cabinets takes about four weeks to get built from the time you put them in production. You can buy off-the-shelf cabinetry, but it probably won't fit the space the way the homeowners want it to fit."

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Kitchen remodeling entails patience, prep

Trips to resorts and other out-of-town attractions aren't out of the question, but as seen and heard at this year's Greater Tulsa Home & Garden Show, more people are looking toward home as their vacation destination. From outdoor kitchens to pools and hot tubs, decorative landscaping, kitchen updates and bathroom remodels, "people are investing in their homes," said Scott Gideon, this year's show chairman.

The theme of this year's event is "Find Your Oasis," and for Gideon, he'll tell you quickly, his oasis is his backyard.

That oasis is often an expansion of your property's livable space, past the four walls of the house and into the yard.

"People aren't traveling like they used to," said Matt Cobb of Oklahoma Landscape. "They want to create a place where their kids can bring their friends over."

Cobb said for the family on a budget, or one interested in building on their oasis one feature at a time, starting with an outdoor kitchen may be a good idea.

But "there are so many possibilities," Cobb said.

Even starting with a focus on your yard is a good place, he said, adding that yard health is Oklahoma Landscape's big focus this year.

A pretty yard means more curb appeal, no weeds, a safe place for kids and pets, and even a good talking point for the neighbors, Cobb said.

Your oasis can be as simple as a well-kept yard, colorful with a flower garden, resort-inspired with waterfalls and a pool or hot tub, or cookout-friendly with an outdoor kitchen. Your oasis could also be upgrades for your indoor kitchen or a remodel of your home's bathrooms.

Original Print Headline: Escape to your backyard

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At-home oasis big trend at Tulsa Home & Garden Show

Deadly Snowmobile Crash in Wexford County Deadly Snowmobile Crash in Wexford County

Updated: Friday, March 8 2013 7:53 PM EST2013-03-09 00:53:59 GMT

Police responded to a deadly snowmobile crash in Wexford County earlier today.The accident happened on Trail #35 near Fairchild Creek in Cherry Grove Township.The driver was pronounced dead at the scene after his snowmobile left the trail and hit a tree.Police say the accident is still under investigation and they are not releasing the driver's name until family members are notified.

Police responded to a deadly snowmobile crash in Wexford County earlier today.The accident happened on Trail #35 near Fairchild Creek in Cherry Grove Township.The driver was pronounced dead at the scene after his snowmobile left the trail and hit a tree.Police say the accident is still under investigation and they are not releasing the driver's name until family members are notified.

Updated: Friday, March 8 2013 9:48 PM EST2013-03-09 02:48:13 GMT

A glimmer of hope for a town that's seen its fair share of troubles. Like many communities in northern Michigan, Lake County's Baldwin really struggled during the recession. But the downturn of the

A glimmer of hope for a town that's seen its fair share of troubles. Like many communities in northern Michigan, Lake County's Baldwin really struggled during the recession. But the downturn of the

Updated: Thursday, March 7 2013 5:09 PM EST2013-03-07 22:09:08 GMT

Three men arrested for home invasion last week are now charged with shoplifting from several stores in Isabella County.Police say James Chandler, John Merchant, and Jaylen Miles stole up to $20,000 worth of merchandise from several Mount Pleasant stores.Last week the trio along with Dustin Brown were charged with a home break-in.Now police say all four stole merchandise from Dunham's, Meijer, Dick's Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart in Mount Pleasant over a 6 month span.

Three men arrested for home invasion last week are now charged with shoplifting from several stores in Isabella County.Police say James Chandler, John Merchant, and Jaylen Miles stole up to $20,000 worth of merchandise from several Mount Pleasant stores.Last week the trio along with Dustin Brown were charged with a home break-in.Now police say all four stole merchandise from Dunham's, Meijer, Dick's Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart in Mount Pleasant over a 6 month span.

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45th Annual Home Show Kicks Off in Isabella County

Deadly Snowmobile Crash in Wexford County Deadly Snowmobile Crash in Wexford County

Updated: Friday, March 8 2013 7:53 PM EST2013-03-09 00:53:59 GMT

Police responded to a deadly snowmobile crash in Wexford County earlier today.The accident happened on Trail #35 near Fairchild Creek in Cherry Grove Township.The driver was pronounced dead at the scene after his snowmobile left the trail and hit a tree.Police say the accident is still under investigation and they are not releasing the driver's name until family members are notified.

Police responded to a deadly snowmobile crash in Wexford County earlier today.The accident happened on Trail #35 near Fairchild Creek in Cherry Grove Township.The driver was pronounced dead at the scene after his snowmobile left the trail and hit a tree.Police say the accident is still under investigation and they are not releasing the driver's name until family members are notified.

Updated: Friday, March 8 2013 9:48 PM EST2013-03-09 02:48:13 GMT

A glimmer of hope for a town that's seen its fair share of troubles. Like many communities in northern Michigan, Lake County's Baldwin really struggled during the recession. But the downturn of the

A glimmer of hope for a town that's seen its fair share of troubles. Like many communities in northern Michigan, Lake County's Baldwin really struggled during the recession. But the downturn of the

Updated: Thursday, March 7 2013 5:09 PM EST2013-03-07 22:09:08 GMT

Three men arrested for home invasion last week are now charged with shoplifting from several stores in Isabella County.Police say James Chandler, John Merchant, and Jaylen Miles stole up to $20,000 worth of merchandise from several Mount Pleasant stores.Last week the trio along with Dustin Brown were charged with a home break-in.Now police say all four stole merchandise from Dunham's, Meijer, Dick's Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart in Mount Pleasant over a 6 month span.

Three men arrested for home invasion last week are now charged with shoplifting from several stores in Isabella County.Police say James Chandler, John Merchant, and Jaylen Miles stole up to $20,000 worth of merchandise from several Mount Pleasant stores.Last week the trio along with Dustin Brown were charged with a home break-in.Now police say all four stole merchandise from Dunham's, Meijer, Dick's Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart in Mount Pleasant over a 6 month span.

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45th Annual Home Show Kicks Off

NAPERVILLE, Ill., March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Naperville's Opal Enterprises, Inc. can add a new recognition to their list of outstanding service awards. The Naperville windows and doors specialist has been recognized by the James Hardie Company with a Service Excellence Award. The award was sponsored by GuildQuality and presented to Opal Enterprises in January at the James Hardie Contractors Summit in Houston, TX.

"We were completely surprised by this award. It's rewarding and humbling to receive such an honor and to know it comes as a direct result of the way you treat your customers and the quality of your work. We always strive to provide the best construction experience possible for our customers and this award is proof that we are succeeding in our efforts," explained Voytek Opalski , General Manager and Owner of Opal Enterprises (www.opalenterprises.net).

The Service Excellence Award is given to James Hardie Contractors "who provide outstanding service and quality in the home" based on a GuildQuality customer satisfaction survey. The survey was offered to a random sample of Opal Enterprise's 2012 customers. Participants were asked to rate the company on their sales presentation, installation, quality of construction and the materials used and finally, on whether or not they'd recommend the company to friends and family.

Opal Enterprises has been serving clients throughout the Chicagoland area for more than ten years; installing fiber cement siding in Tinley Parkor going so far north as to install James Hardie in Schaumburgand beyond.

About Opal Enterprises: Opal Enterprises (http://www.opalenterprises.net) is a remodeling company that is family-owned and operated in partnership with some very enriching employees. They have been installing windows, siding, and roofs for over 10 years. Located in Naperville, they proudly serve the western suburbs of Chicago. Their niche is specific to better serve the homeowner in need of roofing, windows, doors, gutters and house replacement and improvement. They strive to provide their customers with a pleasant experience while bringing energy efficient beauty to their home.

SOURCE Opal Enterprises

RELATED LINKS http://www.opalenterprises.net

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Naperville-Based Opal Enterprises, Inc. Wins Service Excellence Award Presented By James Hardie

Homeowners looking for the most return on their investment when it comes to remodeling should consider exterior replacement projects. According to the 2013 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, REALTORS rated exterior projects among the most valuable home improvement projects.

REALTORS know that curb appeal projects offer great bang for your buck, because a homes exterior is the first thing potential buyers see, says National Association of REALTORS President Gary Thomas. Projects such as siding, window and door replacements can recoup more than 70 percent of their cost at resale. REALTORS know what home features are important to buyers in your area and can provide helpful insights when considering remodeling projects.

Results of the report are summarized on NARs consumer website HouseLogic.com, which provides information on dozens of remodeling projects, from kitchens and baths to siding replacements, including the recouped value of the project based on a national average. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, REALTORS judged a steel entry door replacement as the project expected to return the most money, with an estimated 85.6 percent of costs recouped upon resale. The steel entry door replacement is the least expensive project in the report, costing little more than $1,100 on average. A majority of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationally in terms of value recouped are exterior replacement projects; all of these are estimated to recoup more than 71 percent of costs.

Three different siding replacement projects landed in the top 10, including fiber cement siding, expected to return 79.3 percent of costs, vinyl siding, expected to return 72.9 percent of costs, and foam-backed vinyl, expected to return 71.8 percent of costs. Two additional door replacements were also among the top exterior replacement projects. The midrange and upscale garage door replacement were both expected to return more than 75 percent of costs.

According to the report, two interior remodeling projects in particular can recoup substantial value at resale. A minor kitchen remodel is ranked fifth and is expected to return 75.4 percent of costs. Nationally, the average cost for the project is just under $19,000.

The second interior remodeling project in the top 10 is the attic bedroom, which landed at number eight and tied with the vinyl siding replacement with 72.9 percent of costs recouped. With an average national cost of just under $48,000, the attic project adds a bedroom and bathroom within a homes existing footprint. The improvement project projected to return the least is the home office remodel, estimated to recoup less than 44 percent.

The 2013 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report compares construction costs with resale values for 35 midrange and upscale remodeling projects comprising additions, remodels and replacements in 81 markets across the country. Data are grouped in nine U.S. regions, following the divisions established by the U.S. Census Bureau. This is the 15th consecutive year that the report, which is produced by Remodeling magazine publisher Hanley Wood, LLC, was completed in cooperation with NAR.

REALTORS provided their insights into local markets and buyer home preferences within those markets. The 2013 national average cost-to-value ratio rose to 60.6 percent, ending a six-year decline. The ratio represents nearly a three-point improvement over 2011-2012. Lower construction costs are the principal factor in the upturn, especially when measured against stabilizing house values. In addition, the cost-to-value ratio improved nationally for every project in this years report and is higher than it was two years ago for both remodeling and replacement projects.

A REALTOR is the best resource for helping homeowners decide what improvement projects will provide the most upon resale in their market, says Thomas. Each neighborhood is different, and the desirability and resale value of a particular remodeling project varies depending on where you live. When making a home remodeling decision, resale value is just one factor that homeowners should take into consideration. Consult a REALTOR to make sure you are making the best decision.

Most regions followed the national trends; however, the Pacific regionconsisting of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washingtononce again led the nation with an average cost-value ratio of 71.2 percent, due mainly to strong resale values. The next best performing regions were West South Central, South Atlantic and East South Central. These regions attribute their high ranking to construction costs that were lowest in the country. While still remaining below the national average, most remaining regions showed strong improvement over last year. These are Mountain, New England, East North Central, Middle Atlantic and West North Central.

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Exterior Replacement Projects Provide Biggest Return on Investment for Homeowners, Say REALTORS®

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Mar 4, 2013) - Feldco Windows, Siding and Doors proudly partnered with the Make-a-Wish Foundation to help grant a very special wish filled with the spirit of generosity.Young Melissa has been battling a medical condition called Chondrosarcoma, a cancer composed of cells derived from cells that produce cartilage.

While battling the disease and enduring numerous surgeries, Melissa's mother contacted Make-A-Wish to help build Melissa's spirits."When we asked what her Wish would be if she could have any wish she desired, she asked that the children's play room in her church be repaired and remodelled, a very unselfish wish," said Make-a-Wish volunteer Rick Gutierrez.

"When we were contacted about this wish, and heard Melissa's story and about her selflessness, it was a no-brainer. We absolutely wanted to help," said Ron Gerstung, Feldco's Chief Operating Officer.

Feldco donated ten windows to the church, La Iglesia Evangelica/Lawndale Mennonite Church in Chicago's Lawndale neighborhood.

The church planned a special service in conjunction with the reveal of the renovated rooms to Melissa and her family.Melissa had a smile from ear to ear when she saw the room for the first time."Thanks to Feldco, the children of the Lawndale Mennonite church will have a warm room to play in the wintertime," stated Nancy Cortes, another Wish Granting Volunteer.

New windows were only a part of the wish and renovations.Other local companies also donated time and services, and Feldco was proud to be among the organizations that wanted to help fulfil Melissa's wish.

Joining the representatives from Make-a-Wish for the reveal and celebration was Feldco spokesman Dave Cook and family."I feel honored and privileged to have met Melissa and play even a small role in helping grant her wish.It's evident how special she and her family are.We were proud to have partnered with such an amazing organization."

About Feldco Factory Direct, LLC

Feldco is the Midwest's leading window, siding and door replacement specialist. Founded in 1976, the company is focused on delighting customers by making home improvement projects simple. With premium products, factory-direct pricing and certified installers, Feldco provides an excellent overall value and experience for nearly 250,000 customers. The company offers free in-home demonstrations and lifetime product warranties. Feldco serves all of Central and Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana, as well as Southern and Northeast Wisconsin. Feldco has showrooms in Peoria, Chicago, Des Plaines, and Rockford, Illinois; Madison, Menasha, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Feldco was named the 2007 and 2009 Dealer of the Year by Window and Door Magazine, and was also named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicagoland by Crain's Chicago Business, and a Top 100 Workplace in 2010 and 2011 by the Chicago Tribune.

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Feldco Windows, Siding and Doors Helps Grant a Special Wish