Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

WednesdayMar4,2020at8:30AM

It would be helpful if Jim Caldwell would do a little research. It is true a lot of remodeling was done to Bixby Hospital. But if he were to go deep down into the basement, he would discover the reason for demolition. He does not see the infrastructure.

Deep down in the basement are corroded plumbing, electrical wiring and crumbling walls about to fall down. And that would be a disaster. I was auxiliary treasurer for 15 years and attended several meetings where it was explained about the conditions of the building and the millions it would take to keep it up. It is my understanding that only the old section will be torn down and the newer part kept for offices, etc.

I have been retired for several years, but close friends say that this is still the plan. Hoping this will clarify things for you.

Mary I. Miller

Adrian

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Letter to the Editor - The Daily Telegram

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I grew up poor.

Living in the projects didn't feel like poverty until I was bussed out to a gifted and talented program where most of my classmates had never even seen food stamps, let alone used them.

There were never more than two or three Black children in my class (including me) and most of my peers lived in houses instead of the projects.

I learned that we were poor by comparison, and I was ashamed. Since the other children didn't know that, they'd often make demeaning comments about students they suspected were poor. It is something that has stayed with me.

Even though my mother kept a job on top of side hustles, I never invited my school friends to our place. And I didn't talk to my mother about money until I got my first job at 14. I had so many questions, but I didn't want to seem ungrateful. I understood that money was important, but I didn't quite understand why. More importantly, I didn't yet understand how I could get more of it.

As a single mother, I've taken steps to make sure my son understands the role money can play in his future. Here are the six smartest financial steps I've taken to protect my son.

A lot of millennial parents don't think of insurance when they consider long-term savings for their children. It might be surprising to folks, but term life insurance is a great investment.

Despite some of the myths we learn about term life insurance, it can be a catalyst for a family's legacy. I won't miss the $30 a month that comes out of my paycheck, and my son won't suffer financially if I die before he's able to take care of himself.

To most parents' credit, we understand the importance of savings. Even the poorest families still get why it is needed even if socio-economic barriers prevent them from investing in their child's future. I've found that it's not enough to just have a savings account. We also need to teach our kids what it means to save.

This year, I decided to get a physical ledger from the bank. I only make deposits when my son is with me. Even though he can't yet reach the counter, he writes each deposit and notes the new balance.

This practice led to a conversation about the difference between regular savings and emergency savings. We discussed why some people have so much more money than we do. He also asked about why some people can't afford a home. It was surprising how much he already understood about the world.

There are lots of apps out there that teach children about money, but the physical ledger promotes a more acute awareness of what it means to earn, spend, and save money.

Much like having life insurance, a will is a way to protect our family members after we pass away. My son is my only child, so there likely wouldn't be any disputes about my estate. Still, it's important to lay out his inheritance to reduce confusion and arbitration over my assets.

Creating and discussing my will as he gets older will help him understand the benefits of planning ahead. It might seem a bit morbid, but I know how much of a financial burden it can be when there is no will.

Dividing up property among grieving family members can lead to bad blood. Instead, a will offers concrete directions that allow the family to mourn in a more civil manner. Disputes may still happen especially if a family is dividing up debt or tax liability but ultimately a will can prevent things like foreclosures, vehicle liens, and repossessions.

By having a legally binding will (as opposed to just telling your family your wishes) we can also offer safety. Wills establish legal guardianship so that the state doesn't decide what happens to our children. Moreover, we can set up trusts that mature after our child comes of age.

The specificity of a will is important, and it increases the chances that the designated guardians or beneficiaries are operating in our children's best interest.

Create a free, legal will online in minutes with Fabric

My 6-year-old son does not get an allowance. Instead, he earns money by selling his art. It's not a lucrative business, but he does relatively well for a first grader.

We are blessed to have the means for an allowance, but in my experience, it has been more beneficial to provide an opportunity to monetize his extracurriculars. During church bazaars, thrift sales, and school events, my son and 9-year-old niece have sold lots of things. Their biggest money-makers are original art, African fabrics, and compliments. Yes my son and niece sell strangers compliments.

At the end of each event, they give me back any money I invested for supplies, then divide the rest of their profit down the middle. It teaches them lifelong financial lessons that most of us don't even get as adults. On the car ride home, they discuss sales strategies, annoying customers, and ethics.

We have talked about savings a lot more since buying our first home last year. My son puts about $5 on the water bill bi-monthly. It barely makes a dent in the bill, but it teaches him about how to manage his money. Plus, he feels like he is really contributing to our household.

My son comes with me to visit houses when we help our friends look for investment properties. He has also helped scrape the carpet glue off the floor during our basement remodeling.

In addition to being a unique learning opportunity for my little one, a home is a pretty stable investment. As I make improvements, it's building equity, and paying my mortgage on time boosts my credit.

For some families, money is a sensitive topic. This last step may be the most important, regardless of income level. Honesty is so important. Hiding our money problems from our little ones could be detrimental.

While I don't necessarily spend hours each week going through each bill with my son, I do include him in conversations about money.

When he wanted to get a dog, I sat down with him and showed him my budget snapshot how much it costs to keep our household stable. I let him know how much money we had leftover after things like the mortgage, car, and food.

Then, I had him make a list of all the things a dog would need: food, collar, toys, a doghouse, doctor's visits, walking, etc. We connected either a dollar value or time value. For example: The dog would need to be walked a few times a day. Mom works all day and he is in school, so we would have to pay someone to go to our house and let the dog out.

At first, he was discouraged, but then we talked about saving money and cutting back. He left the conversation super hopeful and we discussed a cat or turtle since they're less expensive. It was simple and practical.

He is young, and at this age his attention span is unreliable at best. My hope is that these conversations make him a less impulsive spender and a more fiscally aware adult.

No parent is perfect. As much as we try to teach our little ones to make the right choices, we still have our own mistakes to learn from. We can give our children the best tools, but the truth is, they'll still stumble. These six financial steps won't always protect my son, but I hope they'll set him up for success as he becomes an adult.

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My son is only 6, but I've already taken 6 important steps to protect him financially - Business Insider - Business Insider

The ambitious CTA Red Purple Modernization Project (RPM) has started the initial phase of construction and will continue for the next several years. With businesses starting to get nervous over the work and what it means for their profits, one retail store thats been on Bryn Mawr for a century has made the decision to move to Andersonville.

Bryn Mawr Jewelry Company has been located right next to the red line station at 1125 W. Bryn Mawr for just over 100 years, but the looming closure of both the train stop and use of the sidewalk in front of the business from days to weeks on end was just too great a risk. Instead, the jewelry stores owner Scott Freeman is taking a leap of faith by packing up shop and heading to Andersonville.

Freeman took over the store about 15 years ago from the previous jeweler. In that time he has witnessed the transformation of the area into a more vibrant place with a diverse collection of businesses.

Ive watched the street slowly get cleaned up over the years and move in the right direction, said Freeman. I honestly wouldnt have moved if they were not remodeling this train station. It truly forced my hand because you cant do business if people cannot walk through your door. However, Ive always wanted to expand and was unable to in our current 750 sq. ft. of space. This gave me the push needed and I am grateful in a way.

In the craft for 25 years now he specializes in making his own custom creations as well as offering fine retail brands. What has made the store unique though is the relaxed atmosphere and jewelry priced for everyone, from $5 pieces to ones as expensive as $20K.

The new store will be located just south of Foster Ave. at 5139 N. Clark. and will give the jeweler the bigger showroom he has desired with 1150 sq. ft of space and a full basement area. He has already moved the business into the new location and is just finishing the $50k build-out in time for a grand opening celebration this Saturday.

I was able to create a space that I always envisioned my jewelry store to look like, Freeman explained. This store is more of a reflection of my personality such as decor and layout. I am also planning on starting a line of my own and hired some new people that can sit at the bench and do repairs so I can free up my time to create.

The new Bryn Mawr Jewelry Company store will be divided by a large glass partition where people can watch the jewelers at work from the retail showroom. Though Freeman loves to talk and get to know his customers, this will give him the opportunity to still oversee the showroom while still providing a quieter space in order to concentrate on his work. They will also be expanding their showcases from 10 to 16 and introduce additional products.

I am so excited to be a part of the Andersonville neighborhood, Freeman added. Its just such a vibrant community of small business owners. Its a bunch of mom and pop shops and people who really care about their businesses. Im looking forward to showing the neighborhood what I can do.

The grand opening celebration will be all day long on Feb. 29 with give-aways, raffles, a ribbon-cutting at 9 a.m. and Drag Queen Story Time with Muffy Fishbasket at 10:30. Around Noon a local teacher will be helping kids make their own jewelry and other art projects. Then at 7 p.m. the adults can play with live music, hors deouvres and cocktails.

Originally posted here:
Anticipating Problematic Red Line Construction, Bryn Mawr Jewelry Moves To Andersonville - edgevillebuzz

Kitchen designers say that mixing the colors of cabinetry and farmhouse sinks is trending this year.

Quartzite is a popular countertop option, as shown on this island that is covered in a waterfall style from Cutting Edge Countertops.

Photo provided by Keith Sadowski

METRO DETROIT Dark is out and bright is in, according to experts in kitchen design.

We still see quite a bit of white. Its a trend thats really never going to go away. Its a stable force, (and) its something thats a good backdrop to everything else, said Christine Ramaekers, vice president and certified kitchen designer at MainStreet Design Build in Birmingham.

Painted finishes in a variety of colors for cabinets are a growing trend, said Andrea Yeip, owner of Cabinetry by Better Bilt in Mount Clemens.

White has always been pretty timeless, and yes, its a very big trend right now, but also grays and navy blues are big, said Yeip.

She said she noticed a change in tastes about two years ago, when her customers stopped buying cabinets in darker colors, such as maple or cherry stains, and started asking for painted cabinets.

It opens it up and brightens it, she said of the look. A lot of the homes in our area are smaller, so it makes it look larger. It really brightens the area up and makes it look bigger.

Ramaekers said that clients are looking to go just a shade off of white with their painted cabinets now, either a shade to gray or a shade to taupe.

In addition, she said, Blues and greens are back, and wood tones are back.

Youre seeing kitchens with a lot more diversity than just a plain white kitchen from a few years ago, she said. You might have your bases one color and your upper cabinets another color.

Depending on the size of the kitchen, Ramaekers said, a third color might even be brought in for the kitchen island.

More traditional kitchens are opting for painted tones, while more contemporary, transitional homes are using more light walnut or rift cut oak with white liming or white glazes.

The style of cabinet door is also trending to a sleeker, more modern look.

We havent done a raised panel kitchen in almost a decade, Ramaekers said. Your more contemporary kitchens are just a sleek door.

Yeip agreed.

Shaker-style cabinets, with clean, simple lines and no raised panels, have been popular for the past few years, Yeip said.

If I only had Shaker here, I would do just fine, she said. The last two years have been all Shaker.

Mixed metals and soft golds are en vogue for lighting, hardware and plumbing fixtures, she said.

For probably the last five to eight years, we were predominantly doing white kitchens with a little bit of color here and there, Yeip said. Over the past year and a half, however, customers have been wanting to add a little color here and there so (the kitchen is) not so sterile.

Even though the lines might be clean, it might be a little more fun. Sometimes a little bit of whimsy, sometimes its just really adding somebodys favorite colors or pieces in (to make it) a little more personal, she said.

To top the look, quartz is the current king of countertops. The man-made stone countertops are popular, especially in designs that look like marble, Yeip said.

Customers are installing gray cabinets with white countertops and white on white, she said, with backsplashes in white subway tile.

They just want the simple, sleek look, she explained.

Quartz countertops are more consistent than granite because they are man-made, and they have a sealer built into http://cectops.comthem, said Keith Sadowski, regional sales manager for Cutting Edge Countertops in Troy.

The lighter colors are still very popular.

More people (are) gravitating toward cabinets that are gray, and then these blue islands, Sadowski said. Weve brought in quartz and granite that have accents of blue in it, and gray in it, to (complement) those cabinets that are going in.

The blue and gray cabinets really pop, he said.

When you walk into a kitchen, its stunning, he said.

He said that clients can choose to have a chip minimizer upgrade that will put a 1/4-inch bullnose on the countertop surrounding the sink, where the stone is most likely to chip because its the busiest area of the kitchen. Sadowski said that his company also offers the option for a 15-year sealer to keep stains off the countertop, as well.

Quartzite is another popular countertop, Ramaekers said. The natural stone is much denser than quartz and marble, so it is heat resistant and doesnt chip easily, but it costs more because it comes from much deeper in the earth.

A good countertop can bring an entire kitchen design together, said Sadowski.

The cabinet is like the pants, the wall covering is a good shirt, and the jacket that brings everything together is the countertop, he said. Its usually the countertop that, boom, people go to they put their hands on it immediately.

For more information, call (248) 644-6330 for MainStreet Design Build in Birmingham or visit mainstreetdesignbuild.com; call (586) 469-0080 for Cabinetry by Better Bilt in Mount Clemens or visit http://www.cabinetsbbb.com; or call (248) 509-4838 for Cutting Edge Countertops in Troy or visit cectops.com.

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Clean, simple and on trend - C&G Newspapers

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Looking to renovate or remodel your kitchen, but on a limited budget? Good news by opting to do a kitchen refresh versus a full kitchen remodel, homeowners can drastically change the appearance of their kitchen, making it look aesthetically more pleasing, modern, brighter, and inviting. It also can help increase property value, a bonus for those getting ready to put their home on the market.

The kitchen countertop covers a lot of space in one room and can be a focal point. Changing it out for a new one can create an updated look and instantly improve the most popular room in your home.

The most economical option when doing a kitchen update is to opt for a laminate countertop. Laminates have textured finishes, allowing them to stand up to surface scratches. There are many different edge profiles to choose from and colour selections are unlimited.

Every budget and style can be accommodated when replacing kitchen countertops. Aside from laminate, homeowners can choose from a variety of other materials including Corian, granite, quartz and even solid wood. When selected high-end countertops, homeowners should do their homework its always important to check warranties that suppliers carry. With Corian, for example, there is a 10- year transferable warranty, whereas quartz suppliers range anywhere from 10 to 15 years, depending on the supplier that you are dealing with.

No countertop is warrantied against heat damage, and regardless of what material homeowners choose, heat can damage any countertop surface. The benefit of Corian is that its renewable the damaged area can be serviced and brought back to its original state. It is seamless, easy to take care of and there are no seams in the countertops with this product. Soap and water to clean.

Corian and quartz are the only countertop surfaces that are non-porous and require only soap and water to clean. Granite is porous so regular chemical sealing is required to maintain the countertop. If granite countertops are not sealed property, they tend to stain.

Homeowners needing assistance with colour and style selection should find a company that has experienced design staff on site that can make recommendations based on customers personal taste and colour palate. The family owned and operated, Countertop Depot, has been in business in Guelph since 1999 and pride themselves on hands-on design service in addition to offering quality products. Owners Alan and Melissa Kirkpatrick recommend homeowners bring in samples of flooring, wall tiles, cabinet stain and wall colour so their staff can make the best recommendations based on customers personal taste and colour palette.

To complete the look, homeowners can choose to change out their sinks and faucet. Selecting a company that can supply both countertop and sink and faucet is ideal, as dealing with a one-stop-shop situation makes it easier for all involved.

For information and advice on how to make your kitchen refresh project a success, contact the Countertop Depot at 1-888-526-4333.

This Content is made possible by our Sponsor; it is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

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Spotlight: Updating countertops for your kitchen refresh project where to start - GuelphToday

Dear Heloise: In a response to a reader in a recent column, while it is wise to cover and refrigerate, it is not wise for all foods. Homemade refried beans do not refrigerate well while covered. I kept covering my refried beans and they kept growing mold. As a Hispanic man, beans are a staple in my home, as I'm sure many of your Hispanic readers across the country can attest. My mother educated me to refrigerate in an open container. I've kept them uncovered up to about 10 days with no mold. They will dry out a bit, but just add a little water to moisten when warming. Elijah in California

Dear Heloise: Before I freeze an item that is at room temperature, I put it in the refrigerator and chill it thoroughly before it goes in the freezer. Freezing an item at room temperature warms the items around it in the freezer and takes more time to freeze. Mary H., via email

Dear Heloise: My cakes used to be dry until my daughter told me to use milk instead of the water that is called for. I use two percent milk, and it works great! Sue, Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Sue, when you substitute milk for water you get a much richer flavor because of the added fat, which also keeps the cake moist. And, as a bonus, you're adding nutrients. You also can increase the moisture in a cake by adding a box of instant pudding or four egg yolks instead of three whole eggs. Heloise

Dear Heloise: My aluminum pots and pans are dull. How can I get them back to their shiny appearance? Mattie D, Norton, Ohio

Mattie, fill your aluminum pots and pans with water and add two tablespoons of cream of tartar, then bring to a boil. The shine comes back in a few minutes. Heloise

Dear Heloise: My once lovely laminated countertop has gotten so dull. Am I using the wrong cleaner? Carmen in Colorado

Carmen, first, never use an abrasive cleaner on laminated countertops. They're certain to scratch and eventually remove the finish. A solution of warm water and a mild dishwashing soap with a soft cloth should be enough to clean the surface. Try polishing your countertop with a plastic laminate cleaner, which will give you a soft, low luster. Heloise

Dear Heloise: How can I remove burned-on grease from my glass cookware? JoAnn W., Butte, Montana

JoAnn, the best way to remove burned-on grease from glass is with ammonia and a soft nylon scrubber. Heloise

Send a great hint to:Heloise, P.O. Box 795001 San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001, or fax: 210-HELOISE, email: Heloise@Heloise.com.

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Hints from Heloise: Don't cover up these beans - Circleville Herald

Curious just how far your dollar goes in Worcester?

We've rounded up the latest places for rent via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to hunting down affordable apartments in Worcester if you've got a budget of up to $1,400/month.

Take a look at the listings, below. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Listed at $1,325/month, this studio loft is located at 88 Winter St.

The loft offers stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, granite countertops, in-unit laundry and central heating. Animals are not welcome.

(See the complete listing here.)

Here's a 500-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom spot at 507 Main St. that's going for $1,375/month.

In the residence, expect to see granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, central heating and a walk-in closet. Good news for pet lovers: The property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

Next, check out this 650-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom abode that's located at 285 Plantation St. It's listed for $1,389/month.

The building offers a gym and a swimming pool. The unit also has a dishwasher and a walk-in closet. Good news for pet lovers: This property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

Also listed at $1,400/month, this 1,100-square-foot three-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is located at 423 Park Ave.

Amenities offered in the building include additional storage space. In the unit, you can anticipate central heating. Animals are not allowed. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, get free local real estate marketing ideas and tools for agents, brokers and more.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

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Apartments for rent in Worcester: What will $1400 get you? - Hoodline

Wow! Home is situated on double lot overlooking golf course & pond in desirable Aberdeen neighborhood in the gated section. 6-beds, 5-baths and has a 3.5 car garage w/ extra loft storage in garage. Covered porch w/ outdoor kitchen, screened in porch w/ wood burning fireplace, walk-out lower level leads to fire pit w/stream. Walk through the door & you will be in awe of the open-concept great room w/steel/stone fireplace, cathedral ceiling w/beams, wet-bar, & wood floors throughout that opens to the dining & kitchen features wood ceiling, professional appliances, island, granite, walk-in pantry, stone, & barrel brick ceiling. Main level also has finished laundry room, office, main guest/bath. Master suite feat. sitting area, huge walk in closet, en suite bath w/ sauna, whirlpool tub, & walk-in shower. Walk out basement w/12-14ft ceilings, great rm, game rm, grand bar, exercise rm, wine cellar. 3 bedrooms upstairs. Home equipped w/ sprinklers, smart tech, and much more!

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24 of the Most Expensive Homes for Sale in Northwest Indiana - Kenosha News

A Wyomissing contractor has been arrested on home improvement charges stemming from a dispute with a Muhlenberg Township homeowner who hired him to replace kitchen countertops.

Michael J. Faust, 51, of the 1700 block of Dauphin Avenue was free on his own recognizance after arraignment Tuesday night before Senior District Judge Nicholas M. Bentz Sr. in Reading Central Court.

Court records indicate Faust was charged on Jan. 27 with home improvement fraud, a felony. Arrest details were not immediately available.

According to police:

On Nov. 20, the homeowner, a 66-year-old woman, contacted Muhlenberg police to file a complaint.

She told investigators that she entered into a contract with Faust, of Granite Zone Kitchen & Bath Design LLC, West Lawn, on Jan. 8, 2019, to replace her countertops.

She made a down payment of $1,800 by check for the work, and the money was deposited later that day in an account at Riverfront Federal Credit Union.

The woman said she decided to cancel the project two days later and contacted Faust by text, indicating she would like the check returned. Faust reportedly replied, Okay.

Faust further acknowledged her request to have the check returned, saying in a text on Jan. 11, 2019, that he would have the shop issue a check to the homeowner.

Police said charges were filed after repeated attempts by the homeowners attorney, the state attorney generals office and Muhlenberg police to have Faust refund the money were unsuccessful.

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Wyomissing contractor charged with refusing to refund $1800 to customer - Reading Eagle

Every builder nowadays is familiar with the HGTV buzzwords populating clients' inspiration boards and wishlists: modern farmhouse, waterfall countertops, curbless showers, and more. But these features are not just the pretty faces of the design world. Although the details themselves do not necessarily sell a buyer on a home, an analysis of listings by Zillow shows that they tend to pop up again and again in homes that sell fast or for more than expectedor both. Find out the top attention-grabbing design details that can help your next project fly off the shelf.

Many rustic-chic home design elements of the kind often featured on popular home improvement TV shows also frequently pop up in the online listing descriptions of homes that end up selling for more money than otherwise expected.

The apex of the trend? Over the past two years, homes described as modern farmhouse-style sold for about 10% more than expected, according to a Zillow analysis of listing language and the sales performance of thousands of homes nationwide in 2018 and 2019. Other features that could help boost proceeds for sellers include waterfall countertops (listings mentioning this feature sell for 9.4% more than would otherwise be expected), Moroccan tile (7.3%), Craftsman-style homes (6%) and exposed brick (6%).

And just like there are features and descriptors associated with higher sale prices than wed otherwise expect, there are also elements and phrases associated with lower-than-expected sale prices. Perhaps unsurprisingly, sellers that fess up to or otherwise describe their homes as maybe needing a little work should probably expect to fetch less for their home. Homes described as fixer-uppers yield a price discount of 27.8%; those needing some TLC end up selling at a 17.4% discount; and ones that mention investment potential go for about 10% less than expected. Bike racks, perhaps due to their frequency in small spaces or as a substitute for car parking, are associated with a 2.9% discount. And listings that mention a water slide could end up soaking sellers, netting about 1.6% below their expected sale prices.

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Top 15 Features in Homes That Sell the FastestAnd for the Most - Professional Builder