Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Plumber Fort Lauderdale Remodeling Tips for Your Outdoor Kitchen
http://www.OrrPlumbingFortLauderdale.com In today #39;s society and culture, an outdoor kitchen means so much more than the traditional thought of having a barbecue and an alcoholic beverage. While most outdoor kitchens still revolve around the idea of having a grill, many have evolved into becoming a permanent fixture to the home #39;s living space. It is only natural for homeowners to want to have the same conveniences they have outside the house as they do indoors. Outdoor kitchens in today #39;s time can include appliances such as fireplaces, side burners, smokers, pizza ovens, roasting spits and warming drawers. However, as with any home environment, it is important to get the modelling and design correct. Before you even begin, you need to consider every aspect of your project. You want the environment to be suitable for cooking, entertainment and provide relaxation for your family and guests. The problem of understanding your outdoor kitchen requirements can often be simplified by thinking about what you need from it, and what you intend to use it for. -What function will your outdoor kitchen serve? Will it be used as a socializing area when you invite friends and family around? -If you intend to use the cooking facilities it can provide, when what sort of cooking appliances will you need? -Will you only be using the traditional barbecue, or would you like to have a fireplace to keep you warm too? Next up is the location of the outdoor kitchen. -It #39;s important to identify you want ...

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Plumber Fort Lauderdale Remodeling Tips for Your Outdoor Kitchen - Video

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwire - Jan 31, 2013) - Amidst a continually evolving residential real estate market, a national home improvement study has found that there is at least one constant homeowners can still bank on -- improving a home's exterior is money well spent.

For the third year running, Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value survey has found that eight of the top 10 remodeling projects for return on investment (ROI) at resale are those that enhance curb appeal. Among those projects, garage door replacement again ranks high, whether homeowners choose a mid-level or high-end upgrade.

"Regardless of whether a homeowner decides to replace their entry-level garage door with a mid-grade door, or change out their mid-level door for one at a higher price point, garage door replacement takes two of the top three spots for improvements that cost less than $5,000," said Joe Dachowicz, vice president of marketing at Overhead Door Corporation, one of the nation's largest manufacturers of overhead doors and openers for residential and commercial applications.

At 75.7 percent on average, mid-range garage door replacement is the second-best ranked project for returning value when spending less than $5,000, the 2012-2013 Cost vs. Value survey found. It's also the fourth-highest rated project out of more than 35 projects evaluated, ahead of both bathroom and kitchen remodels. Meanwhile, an upscale garage door replacement delivers a 75.2 percent ROI, making it the third-highest ranked project under $5,000 and the sixth-highest rated home improvement project overall.

The survey's results confirm what industry insiders have known for years, Dachowicz says.

"Many homes incorporate a design that places the garage at the front and center of a home's view from the curb," said Dachowicz. "This is why garage door replacement is, and always has been, a great investment; it's a relatively low-cost improvement that makes a dramatic impact on curb appeal."

As in past years, this year's survey determined the ROI for garage door replacement by evaluating the typical $1,500 cost to replace a basic garage door with a mid-range door model. The survey found the value of that replacement at home sale to be $1,132, or 75.7 percent ROI. Meanwhile, the roughly $2,700 cost to replace a mid-range garage door model with an upscale one delivered an estimated value at sale of $2,046, equating to a 75.2 percent return.

Picking out the perfect garage door to match a home's style and the homeowner's budget is as easy as going online, Dachowicz said, thanks to Overhead Door's DoorView Design Center. An online tool, DoorView allows homeowners to upload a photo of their home to Overhead Door's website and then test various Overhead Door garage doors to see how their home's curb appeal will improve.

"Most busy families use their garage door as the home's primary entrance," Dachowicz said. "Given that, garage door replacement is not only a great way to welcome yourself home every day, but a terrific way to make your home stand apart from your neighbors'."

Now in its 26th year, the Cost vs. Value Report is conducted in partnership with the National Association of Realtors. Hanley Wood, publisher of Remodeling magazine, asks NAR members nationwide to evaluate a variety of home remodeling jobs and then project the ROI homeowners could expect to receive when they sell their homes. The study, available at http://www.costvsvalue.com, details not only the national average value returned on common renovation projects, but the expected ROI in nine U.S. regions and 80 U.S. cities. For access to detailed renovation data on the go, an iPhone-app is also available through the Apple iTunes store.

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Overhead Door Corporation: Three Years and Counting, Garage Door Upgrades Return High Home Renovation Values

General Construction Pro Debuts New Website Prepared to Help New Jersey Residents Rebuild from the Devastation of Sandy

Trenton, NJ (PRWEB) January 30, 2013

General Construction Pro has been serving New Jersey for over 12 years. We offer quality and professional renovations to New Jersey residents whose homes have been ravaged by this years storms. We are committed to making them better than before Sandy came to town, said Ali Guven, owner of General Construction Pro.

General Construction Pro is launching a new website http://www.generalconstructionpro.com/ to highlight their home remodeling and home improvement services.

The kitchen is considered the heart of the home. It is a place where family and friends gather and it is an integral part of family life. Remodeling the kitchen will not only improve the aesthetics of a home, but improve functionality and efficiency. Kitchen renovations provide the opportunity to better utilize counter and floor space to make the kitchen more productive. Adding a kitchen island, new kitchen cabinets or building a bigger kitchen pantry can help with the flow and organization of a kitchen. Better efficiency can be achieved with the addition of updated appliances and lighting. The installation of a unique backsplash, the addition of a window, natural stone countertops, new flooring and paint can create a room that is highly functional and enjoyable for the whole family.

People spend more time in the bathroom than any other room in the house. The bathroom should be a place of tranquility and relaxation. Bathroom remodeling can give homeowners the bathroom of their dreams. New and improved methods and technologies to bathroom renovations can provide a spa like sanctuary in the home. General Construction Pro provides expertise in the most luxurious renovations, like two-person custom built showers, radiant-heated floors and custom tile work. They also offer budget friendly improvements like a fresh coat of paint and replacing new fixtures. We can give customers solutions for top quality bathroom remodeling without breaking the bank, said Ali. The company also stays well-informed on current trends like frameless shower doors, double vanities, organized bathroom cabinets and bathroom lighting. Their professionals show up on time and keep close communication with clients, so they know the work schedule and every workspace is left clean and tidy when they leave.

A basement holds the potential to increase living space and the value of a home by increasing the livable square footage. Whether a homeowner desires to transform their space into a bedroom, office, playroom or entertainment area, the basement offers lots of possibilities. It is best to consult a professional when thinking about finishing a basement; they can give you advice on what can realistically be built in the space. Basement remodeling projects often require, structural alterations, along with plumbing and wiring modifications, said Ali. Correcting water and drainage problems is essential before beginning the project to prevent future catastrophes. General Construction Pro has the expertise to help homeowners determine the best alternate heat source and lighting sources which are crucial to the design of any basement.

For more information about this company please call (609) 933-9324, or visit their website.

About General Construction Pro

General Construction Pro is committed to getting the job done right. Licensed and insured, this construction business has been gladly serving New Jersey residents for over 12 years. They offer free estimates and a one year guarantee on their work. General Construction Pro specializes in home renovations including kitchen and bathroom remodels, additions and basement finishing. Whether a homeowner is building, improving or renovating, their professional and courteous staff is committed to bringing a homeowners visions to life. Quality is a priority and they are determined to bring the best customer service and professional experience. They serve Trenton, Kendall Park, South Brunswick, Bridgewater, Mt. Laurel, Flemington, Princeton, Edison and Lawrenceville.

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Trenton Renovation Specialist Announces Launch of New Company Website

As home values in Sarasota continue to fluctuate, many homeowners are beginning to renovate their homes to increase their value or make them more appealing to potential buyers.

Sarasota, Florida (PRWEB) January 29, 2013

Because of this there are many local companies offering products and services for home renovation. Many of these businesses appear on the market and are gone before their projects are completed. Luckily, Exclusive Kitchens and More is re-inventing the home remodeling industry in Sarasota. This local home remodeling company offers better warranties, higher quality products and more affordable prices that can fit anyones budget.

Exclusive Kitchens and More offers a wide array of the most popular options in cabinetry, countertops and flooring. They offer more than just professional advice when it comes to selecting the perfect materials to enhance the look and value of your home, but also high-quality, professional installation of these products.

The Exclusive Kitchens and More showroom, located on Highway 301, just between Desoto and University Parkway showcases the best collection of stone, wood and tile materials for kitchen remodels.

New cabinetry can make a world of difference as cabinets are one of the first things a potential homeowner considers. Exclusive Kitchens and More has a wide array of top-of-the-line materials for cabinetry including cherry, oak, hickory, maple and custom glass. Exclusive Kitchens and More strives to provide options for homeowners with any budget. Because of this they offer both complete kitchen cabinet removal and installation of all new cabinetry as well as cabinet refacing which is a great option for those on a tight budget.

Old, out of date counter tops in a kitchen can also often be a deal breaker for potential buyers. Exclusive Kitchens and More offers the best in solid surfaces like Corian, Avonite, SwanStone and Wilsonart as well as high quality granite, marble, slate, quartz, travertine and laminate all in a wide variety of colors and styles to complete just about any look or style you can think of.

Flooring is another important element in kitchen remodeling and youll find all of the most popular types of flooring at Exclusive Kitchens and More. One of the most popular types of flooring in Sarasota is ceramic tile as it helps keep us cool in the summer, and even better is that they are very cost effective. Aside from their incredible selection of ceramic tiles, Exclusive Kitchens and More also has an impressive collection of top-quality stone, carpet, hardwoods, laminate and cork, which is quickly gaining popularity as it is an eco-friendly flooring alternative that gives a more naturalistic look.

The knowledgeable professionals at Exclusive Kitchens and More offer one-on-one customer service with a genuine interest in each customers wants, needs and budget. Even if you have no idea where to start with your kitchen remodel, they can help you every step of the way from choosing materials and colors to making each element enhance the others.

Exclusive Kitchens & More

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EKM Re-Invents the Home Remodeling Experience, Increasing Home Values in South-West Florida

One would never guess when approaching this home that 100 years ago it was 700 square feet. Michael and Sabina Mathis, the latest owners, have added their own touch to the previous remodels and additions.

This home has all the modern conveniences possible while maintaining many of the features of the original dwelling. It will be one of the homes of the 62nd annual Camellia Luncheon, a fundraiser for Assistance League of Redlands, on March 6.

Kitchens frequently are the heart of a home, and this home is no different. The ceilings are 16 feet high; cabinetry in the kitchen and other rooms is cherry wood. Travertine marble covers the floor.

The adjoining family room has a wide screen television and two powder rooms nearby.

The formal dining room is original, as are the oak floors throughout.

The living room features a 14 foot by 5 foot original window overlooking a patio and the grounds.

There are two large patios; one off the living room has a fountain, barbecue, kitchen and eating area. The lower patio has a fire pit, sitting area and access to the wine cellar.

A full bath has the original bath tub and the master bath has a shower with 11 shower heads.

The staircase is original to the house, as is the cabinetry and hardware under the staircase.

Five fireplaces, six bedrooms, nine baths and an office make up the remainder of this home of 9,000 square feet set on 2 acres.

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Century-old Redlands home grew in size, stature

ALBANY, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Window World of the Capital District will present John Andretti, renowned NASCAR and IndyCar driver, at the Great Northeast Home Show on Saturday, February 9 from noon to 5pm. Andretti will be signing autographs and attendees can register to win an autographed die cast car. Also on display will be two vehicles from the Window World Powersports lineup. The event takes place February 8-10 at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y. Window World will be located at booths 117-120.

Window World will display two vehicles from the Window World Powersports lineup: the Window World Chopper and The Stinger. Both vehicles were designed to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R) through Window World Cares(TM), the charitable foundation of Window World, Inc.(R) They will be on public display throughout the duration of the show.

"We're so happy to have John in our Window World family," said Eugene Bryan, owner of Window World of the Capital District. "His support of Window World Cares and St. Jude are really admirable."

The Window World Chopper was built by Orange County Choppers and featured on an episode of the television show American Chopper in August 2010. It was auctioned and proceeds benefited St. Jude.

The Stinger was developed by John Andretti, Andretti Autosport and Window World and is a tribute to the first winning Indianapolis 500 car, the 1911 Marmon Wasp. Window World collects the signatures of 275 former Indy 500 starters and for each signature a donation is made to St. Jude.

The Great Northeast Home Show is open Friday, February 8 from 3-9pm, Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. Tickets for the show are available at the door and are $8 for adults and free for children under 14.

To learn more about Window World of the Capital District, please visit http://www.WindowWorldCapitalDistrict.com. To learn more about the Great Northeast Home Show, please visit http://www.GreatNortheastHomeShow.com.

Window World, Inc.(R):

Window World, Inc.(R), headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America's largest replacement window and home remodeling company. An ENERGY STAR(R) retail partner, Window World's products have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval five years in a row. Additionally, through its charitable foundation Window World Cares(TM), the Window World family provides funding for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R). For more information about Window World, visit http://www.WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 NEXT WINDOW.

The Window World logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=15425

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John Andretti Presented by Window World at Great Northeast Home Show

Repairs & Paints, based in Marlton, New Jersey, specializes in exterior and interior painting, drywall installation and repairs, and handyman services.

Southern Jersey (PRWEB) February 01, 2013

Some of New Jerseys historic homes still have the original wood siding because over the years the wood was prepped properly and protected from the elements with quality paint. On the other hand, some newer homes less than 10 years old need extensive wood replacement because the wood was not properly primed, caulked, and painted. Quality exterior house paint protects wood from water, sun, and mold damage, the three primary causes of wood failure.

Exterior paint is not only used to change the color of a house, but is vital to the preservation of a property and should stand the test of time, explains Dan Henderson, owner of Repairs & Paints. Peeling, flaking, or chipping paint is a sure sign that the exterior of a home is exposed to the elements. We provide quality work and superior, top-notch products for protecting and preserving New Jerseys finest homes and businesses.

Repairs & Paints, LLC is launching a new website, http://www.mtlaurelpainter.com describing this family owned and operated company whose commitment to quality products is only matched to their commitment to customer service. Honesty, trust, and integrity have earned them a reputation as one of the top painting companies in New Jersey.

Exterior and interior painting is their specialty. Repairs & Paints treat a customers home or office with an unmatched level of respect, expertise, professionalism, and care with superior products for both commercial and residential painting needs. They take pride in the quality of their work and work closely with customers to address any concerns with the goal of preserving a homeowners investment for years to come.

For over 15 years, Repairs & Paints has also provided remodeling services to New Jersey residents. Their wide range of services includes drywall installation, repair, and patching as well as kitchen and bathroom remodeling. We provide prompt and professional service to achieve the very best quality within a clients budget, Dan says. Our business has a reputation for superior workmanship with hundreds of satisfied customers.

Other services include wood repair and replacement, fine carpentry, wallpaper removal and other handyman services. No job is too big or too small.

For more information about this business with a long history of beautifying and protecting New Jersey homes, please visit their new website.

About Repairs & Paints, LLC

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Mt. Laurel Painting Contractor Announces New Website

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - Jan 29, 2013) - 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 home's exterior is the first thing potential buyers see," said National Association of Realtors President Gary Thomas, broker-owner of Evergreen Realty, in Villa Park, Calif. "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 NAR's 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 home's 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 year's 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," said 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 region, consisting of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, once 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(R)

COLUMBIANA, Alabama -- Work to replace the roofing at the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana with one that has a more energy-efficient surface should wrap up during the first week of February.

"The contractor is removing the existing roof, which has been in place for over 20 years," said Reed Prince, manager of the county government's facilities and general services department.

The older roofing has worn out its useful life. "This contract was to take this off and replace it with a new roof," he said.

Prince said the new roofing will have energy-savings characteristics due to its white reflecting surface compared to the black tar coating of the old material. "The darker the roof, the hotter it gets," he said, noting the heat of the summer months.

The total price for the replacement is in the $125,000 range, Prince said.

The project has utilized a few parking spots behind the courthouse, but the end of the construction will make the spaces available again.

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Shelby County Courthouse roof replacement close to ending

By Dan Sokil dsokil@journalregister.com

A stronger than expected 2012, and revenue from one large supermarket project in particular, put Montgomery Townships budget well into the black in 2012.

The townships board of supervisors voted unanimously Monday night to transfer $1.1 million into township reserve funds, most of a $1.3 million surplus that township Finance Director Shannon Drosnock credited to a combination of several factors.

The townships revenues were strong in 2012, led predominantly by building permits and earned income taxes, which were led by the Wegmans commercial construction project and new residential housing permits, she said.

Total township revenues increased by a total of roughly $400,000, from a total of $11.7 million in 2011, to $12.1 million last year, fueled largely by an increase of $345,000 in building permit revenues and a $159,000 jump in earned income tax revenues, Drosnock told the board.

Her fourth quarter budget presentation outlined the townships 2011 revenue year-end totals and final figures from 2012, with the latter year showing improvements in most categories to the benefit of the townships bottom line. Permit and license fees totaled $1.556 million in 2012, up from $1.165 million the year before, and total tax revenues from all sources climbed to $9.726 million in 2012 from $9.572 million in 2011.

Earned income and business privilege tax revenues also increased over 2011 figures, and on the expense side of the townships ledgers, nearly all categories showed costs in line with or below estimates.

The largest township expense, its police department, saw spending increase slightly to $5.652 million from $5.459 million in 2011 largely due to personnel costs spelled out in the collective bargaining agreement between department and township, but Drosnock said that increase was offset by the corresponding increase in township revenues across the board.

Our Code department expenses were $885,000 against $838,000 in 2011. That is a 5.5 percent increase, and a large portion of that is related to additional expenses offset by additional revenues from new construction projects, she said.

Overall, the level costs and increased revenues led to a year end surplus of $1.3 million to the townships general fund, leaving that fund at $4.1 million at the end of fiscal year 2012. Based on those figures Drosnock recommended, and the board voted, to transfer $1.1 million of that surplus money into the townships capital reserve fund to pre-fund three capital project expenditures slated for this year: $676,000 for the townships 14-year road plan, $386,000 for 2013s equipment replacements, $23,000 to fund an eventual roof replacement of the township administration building and $15,000 for HVAC system upgrades to the same building.

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Montgomery Township board moves $1.1 million surplus into reserves