Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Most people value their homes as their biggest and most important asset. Repairing damage, making improvements and regular maintenance are among the efforts that people make to protect the value of this vital investment.

Home Repair

If there is damage that needs to be repaired or you want to embark on a home improvement project, note the things you can attempt to do your own as well as the tasks that should be only handled by qualified professionals.

Spare some time to research about different companies, their work, contracts and financing terms. Taking the right steps to wards routine maintenance will enable you to enjoy every improvement that is added to your home.

Being Prepared

Keeping a home in the best condition possible whether you are planning to sell it or are settling in as a new homeowner requires you to be adequately prepared for routine or unforeseen repairs. This entails regular inspections and setting aside enough money to cover your home repair and maintenance costs.

Home Maintenance Budget

Create a budget for home repairs whole considering that a newer home will usually require less maintenance than an old home. It is also important to note that both regular expenses and unexpected repairs need to be accounted for.

An essential step while budgeting is to list the supplies you need for upkeep, including the items that are used for preparation and cleaning up during the project. Online resources can help you gather estimates and calculate the costs. The pricing of common home repairs will vary with different contractors and the type of repairs that are being undertaken.

Glass Repair and Replacement Services Glass companies in Phoenix are available to handle glass repairs, installations and other glass services for residential properties. Glass windows and doors are usually made from sturdy glass but exposure to strong impact can cause damage. This makes it necessary to seek the services of a reputable company that offers professional glass repair and effective solutions.

The process of professional glass repair typically begins with a consultation and inspection during which experts observe the damage and determine whether a replacement is required. Based on the type of window or door you want, a quote will be provided. You may opt to upgrade your windows and doors for reasons such as energy efficiency.

Upon approval of the repairs or replacements that need to be carried out, the designs and structures will be worked on accordingly. Installations are always handled by trained and professional installers who have the expertise and experience to work on such projects. Every aspect of glass repair is dealt with diligently to ensure that the installations are durable and reliable.

Glass Repair Solutions for Every Home

Homeowners need to be assured that the type of glass they choose caters for proper insulation and safety. Select glass brands according to your aesthetic, security and energy efficiency needs. There are also customized solutions that homeowners can choose from with different glass grades and styles that are based on budget and personal preference. Glass repair and replacement services make it possible for people to have their requirements fulfilled effectively.

Bio

Shirley Walker is a freelance writer, blogger and business owner. She is passionate about developing meaningful continent and helping other business owners in the industry their goals. Visit the site to find out more about glass companies in Phoenix.

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Home Repair and Glass Repair- Keeping your Home Safe and Functional - Times Square Chronicles (press release) (registration)

Spending money on the kitchen has best financial return than any other home improvement.

Remodeling or completely renovating a kitchen can be a big task, but it also has the best return on investment of any home improvement.

But these improvements don't come cheap. A 2013 U.S. Census Bureau report noted the cost of an average kitchen remodel was $5,000, with the price tag for complete renovation at $27,353.

Given these costs, remodeling experts say there are ways to save in order to have money to splurge on key items.

Begin with a detailed floor plan, said Ariel Darmoni, managing partner at 123 Remodeling, a general contractor firm which was featured in Houzz and on HGTV.

"It's going to be so much more if you don't have a floor plan that works for you because making changes later costs more. You can also save money if you don't have to move plumbing and electric, even if you're taking down walls," he said.

Don't skimp on important life-safety improvements like mold remediation and ventilation, said Beverley Kruskol, owner of M.Y. Pacific Building, a general contractor who has worked with high-end renovations, including for Mario Batali's restaurants in Los Angeles.

Tile, flooring and lighting can be both economical and beautiful, Kruskol said.

"Tile is a great place to save money. There are thousands of styles, and they're so amazing," she said.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be used on both floor and in kitchen backsplashes, said Suzanne Falk of Suzanne Falk Interior Design, a ghost designer on HGTV's "Kitchen Crashers."

Tile is cheaper than hardwood flooring, and Darmoni prefers tile floors in kitchens because wood floors can be easily damaged by water leaks from dishwashers.

Big-box retailers sell attractive tiles for a fraction of the cost versus what's sold at designer showrooms, Falk said. For people who have their heart set on high-end tile, she recommended highlighting it in a specific area, like in a backsplash around the range, and then framing it with subway tiles, which Falk said are her "go-to" tiles.

Distinctive, affordable lighting options are available at retail stores versus paying up at a showroom, they said.

"Compared to what was available four or five years ago, you can get beautiful lamps at a fraction of the cost," Kruskol said.

Choose a nicer faucet over a sink, Darmoni said, but look at the faucet construction. Better-made faucets have durable metal cartridges inside, which are the valves that turn on the water and mix temperatures.

High-end appliances might be a worthy splurge; however, Kruskol said homeowners should think about how they use them and how long they'll be in the home.

"If you're in a condo, I don't think you need to spend the money to get a Wolf range, but it depends on your lifestyle," she said.

Homeowners who aren't doing a gut rehab and really are scrimping can get new doors and hardware for their existing cabinets, Kruskol said, which can quickly update the look. Even refinishing existing doors can refresh a tired kitchen.

The two areas worth a splurge are cabinets and countertops, they said. Consider stepping up to semi-custom cabinets from a local cabinet supplier and avoiding the big-box retailer.

Working with a local cabinet supplier to design creative storage can help eliminate a lot of the wasted space in kitchens, Kruskol said. Upgrades like pull-out shelves and Lazy Susans are useful, but Falk warned about getting carried away with other costly upgrades like appliance garages and built-in spice drawers. These can look nice but may not be practical, she added.

Another benefit to using semi-custom cabinets is they can be designed to fit a home's inevitable imperfections in a way prefabricated cabinets can't, said Darmoni and Falk.

All three said consider upgrading to natural stone countertops versus manufactured styles. Not only do they look beautiful, but they will last for years. Granite has always been popular, but high-end materials like quartz and quartzite are becoming affordable.

The one stone they don't recommend for kitchens is marble.

"It's porous and stains easily. For instance, if you put a coffee cup on it, it gets a ring that doesn't go away," Kruskol said.

See more here:
Where to save, where to splurge in kitchen remodel - GoErie.com

Husband and wife Larry and Zelda Elwood see both sides of the Move or Improve debate that North Iowa homeowners often go through.

Zelda has been a Realtor for 12 years with EXIT Realty in Mason City. Larry has over 40 years experience in construction and is also a Realtor. I havent sold since becoming a Realtor because she always takes them from me, Larry joked. He owns Larry Elwood Construction in Mason City.

The only time we have disagreements is when were doing one of our own projects, Larry said. I say its too much money, and she says, But its beautiful! We call ourselves Team Elwood: we really work well together.

But there is no easy answering to the question Should I move or improve my home? according to the Elwoods. They say every home and every homeowner are different.

Personal desires, ambitions, and dreams have so much to do with it, Larry said. Some think of their dream home as their forever home. But as a builder, weve moved three times since October! Its hard for me to think like that, because I have nothing material thats important to me.

Our home was always where we hung our hat, Zelda said. But they acknowledged that often a home carries emotional weight for owners, which keeps them in a house that no longer works for them.

For so many women, they feel This is where my kids grew up, where they took their first steps, she said. To us, well always have those memories.

Larry clarified, We have the memories. We dont live in the memories.

Sometimes achieving the perfect home takes several steps. A lot of people get a first house, fix it up, and move up a notch, trying towards that dream home, Larry said. Kitchen and bath are the most expensive rooms. When you consider going to a newer home versus knocking out walls, $8,000 in renovations is way cheaper than trying to move. It makes the wife happy, and the house then has that open concept.

Zelda countered, It depends on the neighborhood. You dont want to be the most expensive house in the neighborhood. If youre going to list it, it helps to have open concept and nice kitchen and bath. But sometimes its not feasible to remodel, so youre better off trying to find a home that works better for the family.

One of biggest factors is, Do I like where Im at? Larry said. Like, is it close to schools? How many more years are my kids going to be in school?

If your mortgage is paid off, improving your home may be an easier bite to chew. If you dont owe on it, you might say, This is my place and I want to stay no matter what, but I hate my kitchen or bath. Those are some of the biggest sellers for improvement, besides energy efficiency measures. A new furnace wont make you stay, but energy efficient windows might help you decide to stay.

Larry estimated a new kitchen could cost from $8,000 up to $80,000, depending on the size of the home and the homeowners desires. He said you have to consider it an investment.

Youre going to have to live it out, maybe 10 years. If you say Theyre going to have to carry me out, then put the money in. But if youre young and the furnace is old, the place needs a new bath, its time to move up.

Zelda said, You can definitely put too much money into your old house.

Putting on a small addition can double a small bath or bedroom, Larry pointed out. Thats one of the things you can do if what youre in is where you want to stay. But sometimes its just a better option to list it and find something better.

If you decide to move, be prepared for a competitive market in this area. Were so short on listings right now, Zelda said. But Larry added, Our area is good, were not overpriced on homes. We still have land and lots available.

The cost of building a new home continues to go up, according to Larry. The cost of labor continues to increase because we have no qualified help. And everybodys stalled on account of interest rates going up. When it went from 3% to 4%, everything stopped. But back in 1980, the interest rate was 18%!

To build a twin home, Larry said, about $200,000 to $250,000 is kind of a comfortable spot. The cost of a new single family home can be $300,000 to $350,000. Zelda added, Hard to build for any less, unless you put cheaper stuff in there.

The only two numbers you can play with are labor and profit, Larry said. The rest is what it is. We have done things where we just framed an addition and made things water-tight, then the owner had friends to help finish. If there are some things you can do yourself, theres some true saving.

And then list it! Zelda exclaimed.

Sometimes its best to pay more to get a more finished home, according to Larry. If youre moving and trying to go up the ladder just a little way, that house needs the same improvements your old one did. But if you go up a little more in price on a new home, you can get something already done and with energy efficiency. Then you can live without having to do anything.

A lot of people dont want to get into the mess of remodeling, Zelda said. Young professionals with kids just dont have time. They want it nice and neat and clean, finished and upgraded. So they list their old house and move into something finished.

Twin homes are maintenance-free living on the exterior, Larry explained. A homeowners association does lawn care and snow removal. Were finding more young professionals work hard and want time to do things with their kids, so they dont want to have to mow the lawn.

A popular request for remodeling is knocking out walls between the kitchen and living room, according to the Elwoods. Open concept can take a drab house and make such a difference and give it a new feel, Larry said. And a walk-in shower is pretty much standard now in the bath. A double vanity gives Ma and Pa a little more room.

If you decide to sell, there are less expensive projects to make the house attractive to buyers. Larry said, Sometimes you have to spend money to make money. You can change some of the value on your home, but especially you can improve the appeal to sell it. Just dont break the bank.

Paint colors are going more contemporary, like grays instead of browns, Zelda said. Wood floors are in. Everybody looks at windows and electrical. Backyards are a big deal to a lot of people, but not for everybody. Some people don't want the maintenance.

Larry added, If the house stinks from animals or smoking, thats an immediate turn-off. I always try to freshen the paint, maybe put in new carpet but somewhat neutral. Lighten up walls and ceilings. Simple little things. New countertop and maybe new cabinet knobs.

Zelda said first impressions are critical. Potential buyers have to really like it when they walk in, unless theyre looking to flip it. And it has to be clean and uncluttered. De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. Take down your pictures, so you dont have too much.

Take down your dish collection, Larry joked.

While many people find inspiration through popular television shows about house hunting and flipping homes, Zelda exclaimed, Thats one of the worst things to happen to Realtors and builders! People think they only have to look at three houses, choose one they want, and be done in 4 to 5 weeks. Just crazy! And they always blow bad things out of proportion on TV: We have to be done in 48 hours!

And the budget is $960,000, Larry chimed in. TV helps people envision. You can put lipstick on a pig, but sometimes lipstick makes a pig look better and more sellable. A lot of it is sweat equity. Simple things like painting the basement. Its not worth a dime in value, but $1,000 in looks, and maybe it makes people think the house is clean.

Husband and wife Larry and Zelda Elwood see both sides of the Move or Improve debate that North Iowa homeowners often go through.

Zelda has been a Realtor for 12 years with EXIT Realty in Mason City. Larry has over 40 years experience in construction and is also a Realtor. I havent sold since becoming a Realtor because she always takes them from me, Larry joked. He owns Larry Elwood Construction in Mason City.

The only time we have disagreements is when were doing one of our own projects, Larry said. I say its too much money, and she says, But its beautiful! We call ourselves Team Elwood: we really work well together.

But there is no easy answering to the question Should I move or improve my home? according to the Elwoods. They say every home and every homeowner are different.

Personal desires, ambitions, and dreams have so much to do with it, Larry said. Some think of their dream home as their forever home. But as a builder, weve moved three times since October! Its hard for me to think like that, because I have nothing material thats important to me.

Our home was always where we hung our hat, Zelda said. But they acknowledged that often a home carries emotional weight for owners, which keeps them in a house that no longer works for them.

For so many women, they feel This is where my kids grew up, where they took their first steps, she said. To us, well always have those memories.

Larry clarified, We have the memories. We dont live in the memories.

Sometimes achieving the perfect home takes several steps. A lot of people get a first house, fix it up, and move up a notch, trying towards that dream home, Larry said. Kitchen and bath are the most expensive rooms. When you consider going to a newer home versus knocking out walls, $8,000 in renovations is way cheaper than trying to move. It makes the wife happy, and the house then has that open concept.

Zelda countered, It depends on the neighborhood. You dont want to be the most expensive house in the neighborhood. If youre going to list it, it helps to have open concept and nice kitchen and bath. But sometimes its not feasible to remodel, so youre better off trying to find a home that works better for the family.

One of biggest factors is, Do I like where Im at? Larry said. Like, is it close to schools? How many more years are my kids going to be in school?

If your mortgage is paid off, improving your home may be an easier bite to chew. If you dont owe on it, you might say, This is my place and I want to stay no matter what, but I hate my kitchen or bath. Those are some of the biggest sellers for improvement, besides energy efficiency measures. A new furnace wont make you stay, but energy efficient windows might help you decide to stay.

Larry estimated a new kitchen could cost from $8,000 up to $80,000, depending on the size of the home and the homeowners desires. He said you have to consider it an investment.

Youre going to have to live it out, maybe 10 years. If you say Theyre going to have to carry me out, then put the money in. But if youre young and the furnace is old, the place needs a new bath, its time to move up.

Zelda said, You can definitely put too much money into your old house.

Putting on a small addition can double a small bath or bedroom, Larry pointed out. Thats one of the things you can do if what youre in is where you want to stay. But sometimes its just a better option to list it and find something better.

If you decide to move, be prepared for a competitive market in this area. Were so short on listings right now, Zelda said. But Larry added, Our area is good, were not overpriced on homes. We still have land and lots available.

The cost of building a new home continues to go up, according to Larry. The cost of labor continues to increase because we have no qualified help. And everybodys stalled on account of interest rates going up. When it went from 3% to 4%, everything stopped. But back in 1980, the interest rate was 18%!

To build a twin home, Larry said, about $200,000 to $250,000 is kind of a comfortable spot. The cost of a new single family home can be $300,000 to $350,000. Zelda added, Hard to build for any less, unless you put cheaper stuff in there.

The only two numbers you can play with are labor and profit, Larry said. The rest is what it is. We have done things where we just framed an addition and made things water-tight, then the owner had friends to help finish. If there are some things you can do yourself, theres some true saving.

And then list it! Zelda exclaimed.

Sometimes its best to pay more to get a more finished home, according to Larry. If youre moving and trying to go up the ladder just a little way, that house needs the same improvements your old one did. But if you go up a little more in price on a new home, you can get something already done and with energy efficiency. Then you can live without having to do anything.

A lot of people dont want to get into the mess of remodeling, Zelda said. Young professionals with kids just dont have time. They want it nice and neat and clean, finished and upgraded. So they list their old house and move into something finished.

Twin homes are maintenance-free living on the exterior, Larry explained. A homeowners association does lawn care and snow removal. Were finding more young professionals work hard and want time to do things with their kids, so they dont want to have to mow the lawn.

A popular request for remodeling is knocking out walls between the kitchen and living room, according to the Elwoods. Open concept can take a drab house and make such a difference and give it a new feel, Larry said. And a walk-in shower is pretty much standard now in the bath. A double vanity gives Ma and Pa a little more room.

If you decide to sell, there are less expensive projects to make the house attractive to buyers. Larry said, Sometimes you have to spend money to make money. You can change some of the value on your home, but especially you can improve the appeal to sell it. Just dont break the bank.

Paint colors are going more contemporary, like grays instead of browns, Zelda said. Wood floors are in. Everybody looks at windows and electrical. Backyards are a big deal to a lot of people, but not for everybody. Some people don't want the maintenance.

Larry added, If the house stinks from animals or smoking, thats an immediate turn-off. I always try to freshen the paint, maybe put in new carpet but somewhat neutral. Lighten up walls and ceilings. Simple little things. New countertop and maybe new cabinet knobs.

Zelda said first impressions are critical. Potential buyers have to really like it when they walk in, unless theyre looking to flip it. And it has to be clean and uncluttered. De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. Take down your pictures, so you dont have too much.

Take down your dish collection, Larry joked.

While many people find inspiration through popular television shows about house hunting and flipping homes, Zelda exclaimed, Thats one of the worst things to happen to Realtors and builders! People think they only have to look at three houses, choose one they want, and be done in 4 to 5 weeks. Just crazy! And they always blow bad things out of proportion on TV: We have to be done in 48 hours!

And the budget is $960,000, Larry chimed in. TV helps people envision. You can put lipstick on a pig, but sometimes lipstick makes a pig look better and more sellable. A lot of it is sweat equity. Simple things like painting the basement. Its not worth a dime in value, but $1,000 in looks, and maybe it makes people think the house is clean.

Original post:
Team Elwood debates remodeling versus moving - Mason City Globe Gazette

For many years, patients walked into the large, Colonial Revival-style house at 1820 Monument Avenue and sat down in what had once been the front parlor, waiting to be called back to the dermatologists office. Many of them probably noticed that the rooms on the first floor were beautifully detailed, with coffered ceilings, high wainscoting and intricate dentiled molding.

For a doctors office, the architectural features might have been unusual. Its not unexpected in a house built for a successful businessman at the turn of the 20th century, though.

Garrett B. Wall, the original owner of 1820 Monument Avenue, was an executive with the C & O Railway, and when the house was built in 1906, it stood among a growing inventory of outstanding properties on a street which, in time, replaced West Franklin Street as Richmonds grandest avenue.

So how did the 6,664-square-foot Wall house, which is on the market as a single-family residence for $1,695,000, go from an executives private residence to a doctors office and back to a private residence again?

The answer charts the history of the Monument Avenue Historic District itself.

Planning for Monument Avenue began in the late 1880s, but the Panic of 1893 slowed down residential construction nationwide. Work on Monument Avenues first houses began in 1901, when public utilities were extended to the street, said Chris Novelli, an architectural historian with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

Most of those early houses were built in the Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque styles, both of which were popular in the late 19th century. The streets first example of the Colonial Revival style was built in 1905 at 1831 Monument Avenue, one year before the Wall house. By then, the Colonial Revival style had been established nationally, and it would become the most popular style for residential building in the United States during the first half of the 20th century.

The Wall house, with its classical columns, red-brick faade and light-colored interior, was a fairly pure, early example of the style for Monument Avenue, Novelli said.

He added: It has the aesthetic richness the Victorians and Edwardians were fond of, but expressed in a new, classical architectural language.

The architects sophisticated use of bowed walls in the entry hall and back parlor references the oval shapes popular in the Adam-style houses built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, for example. They give a dynamic elasticity to the space, Novelli said.

Likewise, the houses dentiled molding and wainscoting are striking. The amount of dentiled molding in particular and the wainscoting height in the dining room is unmatched on Monument Avenue, said Jeannette Mock, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Commonwealth and the listing agent for 1820 Monument Avenue. Even the coffered ceilings have dentiled molding. Its the crowning glory of the house.

From 1901 to roughly 1930, some of the citys most successful residents built homes in the Monument Avenue Historic District, which runs from North Lombardy Street to Roseneath Road. But the street began a slow transformation as the rise of midcentury suburbia drew city residents further west. In the wake of that westward expansion, a number of houses in the historic district were converted to apartments and medical offices.

A part of the reason for the conversions was economic. These were large, old houses, and no one in the 1950s and 1960s considered them particularly historic, said Joseph F. Yates, president of Richmond-based Joseph F. Yates Architects and a Monument Avenue resident. So the families sold them, and people converted them for income-producing sources.

The large number of doctors offices among the conversions had a practical component, as well. Having two major hospitals Stuart Circle Hospital and the Lee Medical Building as nearby anchors probably encouraged a strong medical presence on the avenue, Novelli said.

The Wall house was a part of this conversion process. By the early 1970s, it had become a dermatologists office, Mock said.

By the 1990s, though, buyers began converting several properties on Monument Avenue from doctors offices and apartment buildings back to single-family homes. And that shift placed Monument Avenue among a handful of U.S. cities that saw prominent, urban housing inventory from the turn of the 20th century return to single-family use, Yates said.

There are still a good number of buildings that are apartments, but very few offices remain, said Yates, who converted his house from a doctors office to a single-family residence in 2000.

The conversions from apartments will continue as those buildings come on the market in the future, he added.

The Wall houses current owners undertook its conversion back to a private residence shortly after buying it in 2009. They removed walls that had been installed during the houses years as a medical office, and they designed and built a new kitchen and sunroom on the back of the house. In addition, they remodeled the houses four full baths and one half bath and installed new electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.

They also finished a 1,100-square-foot section of the basement and built a detached, three-car garage behind the house, in what had been a parking lot for the medical office. The garages southern elevation does double duty as a patio wall, as well as the backdrop for an outdoor fireplace. (A stone slab with the initials G.B.W. presumably for Garrett B. Wall that the current owners found onsite, now rests at the base of the fireplace.)

Yates oversaw the design work, and Clark Glav, a Richmond-based preservation contractor and owner of ARK Construction & Development Corp., was in charge of the construction. On our biggest day, we had 32 people working on the house all at once, Glav said.

The owners used state historic tax credits for the renovation, and tax abatements are in place until 2020.

Despite its transformations over the course of a century, the house is still true to its original character, Mock said. Its an impressive space, but it feels warm and gracious.

______________

If you think your neighborhood merits coverage, email neighborhoods@timesdispatch.com.

See the rest here:
1820 Monument Avenue: A mansion and a history lesson, in 6664 square feet - Richmond.com

Ken Chester Jr., Motor News Media Corporation 7:00 a.m. CT June 16, 2017

The Nissan Rogue Hybrid, the newest addition to the popular Rogue crossover lineup, offers a second powertrain choice for Rogue buyers for the 2017 model year in both FWD and AWD applications. Like the 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine-equipped standard Rogue models, the Rogue Hybrid offers freshened exterior and interior styling, additional safety, security and driving aid technology and a wide range of standard and available comfort, convenience and utility features.(Photo: Nissan)

The Rogue model lineup expands for the 2017 model year with the addition of a new gasoline-electric hybrid model. Like the standard Rogue models, the Rogue Hybrid offers freshened exterior and interior styling, additional safety, security and driving aid technology and a wide range of standard and available comfort, convenience and utility features.

Available in SV and SL trim levels, the new Rogue Hybrid utilizes Nissan's advanced Intelligent Dual Clutch system. It uses a compact Lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system. The advanced 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine together with a 30kW electric motor is rated at 176 hp. Torque is communicated to the wheels via an advanced Xtronic CVT automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is an available option.

The core of the Rogue Hybrid gasoline-electric hybrid system is Nissan's advanced Intelligent Dual Clutch Control system. The first of the two clutches is a dry clutch installed between the four-cylinder engine and the electric motor, where the torque converter would normally be, and the second is between the motor and Xtronic transmission.

The high-output lithium-ion battery is able to charge/discharge quickly, which contributes to high-speed, precise control of the electric motor and optimum clutch control, and in combination enable smooth start and quick shift changes. In addition, with the use of the compact Lithium-ion battery located under the rear cargo area, the Rogue Hybrid maintains its flat rear floor for easy passenger access to the rear seat and little reduction of cargo room.

Control hardware consists of a four-wheel independent suspension with struts and coil springs up front and a multi-link setup at the rear.

Inside the passenger cabin, Rogue Hybrid models feature several differences from their non-hybrid counterparts. An HEV gauge is added to the Advanced Drive Assist Display, the 2nd row seat is a 60/40 split folding design, a storage space is added under the rear cargo area and Pure Drive HEV badging is added to the exterior. Other additions include an HEV badge on the engine cover and the dual horn includes a Vehicle Sound Generator for driving in the electric mode.

For 2017, the available optional equipment packages include the SV Hybrid Premium Package and the SL Hybrid Premium Package.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 106.5; overall length: 184.5; width: 72.4; height: 66.3 (66.6 AWD)

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline 141 hp at 6000 rpm and 144 lbs-ft of torque at 3600 rpm, advanced 30kW electric motor 40 hp/118 lbs-ft of torque, and Lithium-ion battery 202 volts.

Transmission: Xtronic CVT automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 33 city/35 hwy. (FWD); 31 city/34 hwy. (AWD)

Cargo capacity: 61.4 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbag, front seat-mounted side-impact airbag, dual front/rear head curtain side-impact airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control system, vehicle dynamic control, engine immobilizer, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, rearview monitor, remote keyless entry, automatic power door locks, Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, tire pressure monitoring system, and easy fill tire alert. SL adds LED headlights, high beam assist, front fog lights, HomeLink universal transceiver, and Around View monitor with Moving Object Detection.

Optional safety features include navigation system and forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/100,000 mile, Bumper-to-bumper

Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile

Pricing

As of the writing of this review, Nissan has not announced pricing for the 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid models.

Read or Share this story: http://www.htrnews.com/story/money/cars/2017/06/16/2017-nissan-rogue-hybrid-crossover-breaks-new-ground/396126001/

See the article here:
2017 Nissan Rogue hybrid crossover breaks new ground - Herald Times Reporter

Teams of insurance adjusters will gather at the Ratliff Ranch parking lot to speed up assessments of car damage caused by the recent hailstorms amid reports of a surge in claims and backlogs at local repair shops.

State Farm sent in a group of adjusters, some from out of state, to help local agents. Other insurance companies are expected to join State Farm. During a parking lot appraisal of damaged local vehicles from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today for people who made appointments through their adjusters. Plans called for keeping the Ratliff operation active until claims thin.

Already some in the insurance industry predict the recent hailstorms which brought baseball-sized hail and some even bigger hail storms caused more damage than any other storm in Odessa history. Reports of damaged roofs, broken windows and smashed car windshields were widespread.

Meanwhile, emergency management officials with the City of Odessa and Ector County await assessments of damage to public property while Ector County Judge Ron Eckert weighs declaring the area a disaster, which could trigger state and federal aid.

Several factors explain why this storm will likely amount to Odessas most expensive: The population grew during the most recent boom and the city became more densely populated. Odessans bought higher end vehicles and nicer homes as values also inflated.

That makes for a large loss, especially when you had the size of hail we had, said Paul Talley, a local State Farm agent.

By mid-day Friday, Talley said he had fielded 870 claims since the hailstorms, and the rate of new claims had not slowed. Auto claims made up the bulk of them in the days after the storm.

The majority of the claims that weve been receiving is damage to windows, Talley said. Hail breaking large windows in some of the nicer homes. Weve heard of chunks of roof being blown off during the high winds, baseball sized hail tearing holes in siding of homes and of course massive damage to windshields and bodies of vehicles.

Other State Farm agents said the company anticipated about 10,000 claims. And as roofers, auto shops and glass repair companies were inundated with customers, suggesting weeks or months of repairs ahead.

Damage was reported throughout Odessa, while the central and eastern areas of the city appeared to get hit the hardest.

Christina Marquez, an insurance agent with Tara Simmons Insurance Agency, said she was advising clients to seek estimates before filing a claim to make sure the costs of the damages exceeded their deductibles and avoid unnecessary claims.

I know the body shops and everything have been super busy, but that way they can assess what the damage is, Marquez said.

She also anticipated record-breaking storm damage once its all tallied.

I dont think weve ever had that many claims coming in all at one time, Marquez said.

Mark Hanna, a spokesman for the Insurance Council of Texas trade association, which represents about 500 insurance companies, said he will be in town early next week to project costs of damage from the recent storms. Send me all this so I have it next week

City and County leaders directed department heads to compile reports of damages to government property.

The City of Odessa reported 81 vehicles damaged but were still assessing damage to other city property by Friday.

Ector County did not have figures on the total amount of damaged vehicles by Friday. Ricky George, the countys emergency management coordinator, estimated a week before county officials would have a sense of the scope of damage to the countys property.

So far, few citizens had reported damage to the City of Odessa online by Friday, said Assistant Fire Chief John Alvarez, who is the citys emergency management coordinator. City and county officials asked Odessans with property damage to report it online at Odessa-TX.gov/stormdamage or flag it on social media by using the hashtag #ohail17 to help provide a sense of the scope of the damage, which could help with a disaster relief designation.

Damages would have to meet a threshold of $495,000, almost certainly below the likely cost of the widespread damages. The relief funding, if granted, could assist local governments with cost, provide help to uninsured Odessans or offer small business loans for hard-hit local companies.

We are trying to do everything we can to find out how much damage it was, Alvarez said, adding the city and county would reach out to the schools and hospitals. We dont have the resources to go look at every house every neighborhood. Thats manpower intensive and we just dont have that manpower. . . Tell us your damage, tell us your amount. It would make it easier

The county judge has the authority to declare a disaster area but awaits better estimates on the cost of the damage, George said.

If you have a tornado come through town its pretty obvious, but things like this you really have to look at before you make those decisions, George said. Theres no way to accurately estimate the size of the damage until we get all the data analyzed and the insurance agents come in and assign a dollar amount to that.

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Damage assessment continues - Odessa American

A Crowborough construction company fitted the external cladding to the tower block devastated by fire in London. As part of the Public Inquiry it is expected key questions will be asked about the role the cladding played in allowing the fire to spread so quickly.

Harley Facades Limited were paid 2.6 million for their part in the refurbishment work to Grenfell Tower, this included the installation of exterior cladding as well as window replacement. The Rydon Group based in Forest Row were the lead contractor for the whole project.

Harley explain on their website that Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panels are a commonly used product in the refurbishment industry and that they do not manufacture these panels.

Commenting on the fire, Ray Bailey, Managing Director at Harley Facades Limited said:

This is an incredibly tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the residents and their families who have suffered such a personal loss. We will fully support and cooperate with the investigations into this fire. There will be many questions about this whole incident and so you will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for us to comment or for others to speculate on any aspect of fire or it causes in advance of these inquiries. At this time, we are not aware of any link between the fire and the exterior cladding to the tower.

The Guardian newspaper have published an article today (16th June) in which they describe the complex chain of companies that worked on Glenfell Tower.

In 2015 Harley Curtain Wall Ltd went into administration but the Directors continued trading under another existing company with a similar name. The previous article from that time is shown below.

Harley Curtain Wall Ltd also specialised in windows, doors, structural glazing and rainscreen cladding systems. The company was currently working on a high profile project to transform the old Port ofLondon Authority offices into a new hotel complex known as No.10 Trinity Square, due for completion toward the end of this year.

Last year the company also announced that it had won two other multi-million pound contracts in London 3m from Sussex based Rydon Group, to carry out the complete overclad and window replacement works to Grenfell Tower in Notting Hill and 2.25m to design and install a complete new facade to Premier House in Edgware. At the time they said on their website:

Prior to the recession,Harley was extremely busy in the London tower block market sector, but when the crasharrived in 2008, local council spend on high rise towers was drastically reduced to cover just essential maintenance.

With the economy now improving, and the market returning, long overdue refurbishment programmes are once againbeing given the green light.

Ray Bailey formed Harley Curtain Wall Limited in 1996. In late 2002 Harley secured a major contract to clad four 11-storey tower blocks in Croydon and the following year the company moved into purpose built offices calledHarley House on Farningham Road.

Julie Palmer and Simon Campbell from business rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor were jointly appointed to handle the administration of Harley Curtain Wall Ltd on 8th September 2015.

A total of 11 people employed by the firm have been made redundant and various assets have been sold to Harley Facades Ltd, which was incorporated in 2010.

Julie Palmer, Regional Managing Partner at Begbies Traynor, said:

Unfortunately, after reviewing all options we were left with little choice but to close the business. The firm had entered difficulty due to cashflow difficulties.

Harley Curtain Wall Ltd reported revenue of 6.4m in 2014.

Mark Harris who was the Commercial Manager at Harley told CrowboroughLife:

The business had traded successfully and profitably for nearly 20 years. In that time, Harley had always maintained a superb relationship with both clients and its supply chain. In any given year we undertook a small number of larger scale projects, enjoying repeat business from a number of key clients. Our preferred business was the refurbishment market, and in particular, overcladding existing high rise residential tower blocks.

Like all construction business, the 2008 downturn took us all by surprise, and not least the sustained period of recession. Harley managed to survive the recession, and until recently, expected to be around for the foreseeable future. However, as a result ofissues on one single contract causing a major cash flow problem, the business was unable to continue trading, andwas sadly placed into administration.

Harley was one of the longest surviving family owned UK cladding companies, and it was avery sad day for all involved when the business was placed in to administration.

Records held by Companies House show Raymond Bailey as Director and Belinda Bailey as Company Secretary of both Harley Curtain Wall Ltd and Harley Facades Ltd. Both reside at an address on Glenmore Road in Crowborough. Harley Facades Ltd, based in Paddock Wood, was previously called Telecom Distribution Services Ltd. The nature of the business is now recorded as glazing.

Employees and local dreditors can contact the Joint Administrators on 01722 435190 or see http://www.begbies-traynorgroup.com.

For more information about theHarley Curtain Wall Ltd see their website and Facebook page.

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Crowborough company fitted cladding to Grenfell Tower - Crowborough Life

Photo by Jeff Dorris, staff Price Heating and Cooling is ready to ensure your home or business is cool for the summer. Owner Charlie Price states keeping your system clean is imperative for the proper operation of your system.

Charlie Price, owner and operator of Price Heating and Cooling, is ready to get your home or business cool during the Bootheel regions hot and humid summers.

I do any service work, said Price. Residential and commercial, cooling and heating systems installation, and any kind of repairs.

Price grew up in West Memphis, and moved to Kennett last year after marrying his wife, Traci, a native of Hornersville, and physical therapist with Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center.

Price appreciates the support of his wife in starting this endeavor.

Shes my business partner.

Price was a land surveyor for 10 years, followed by 10 years of service with his hometown fire department.

I wanted a change of pace, something different.

After pursuing a career in the medical field, he decided to do something he really enjoyed.

I love working hands on, said Price.

A fellow medic with the department had a sideline heating and air conditioning business, and Price began working with him.

I then put myself through school and started my business shortly after.

Since the start of the business, Price has kept busy throughout the region, with a majority of business in Kennett.

Price is currently working on a maintenance contract agreement with his customers.

Ill maintain documents and records on everything I do, tracking parts and dates installed, priority service, discount prices including 15 percent off repairs and an additional 5 percent off for veterans.

The agreement will also include spring and and fall maintenance appointments to prepare your system for summer and winter.

Price stresses keeping your system clean.

Proper maintenance will reduce your bills and prolong the life of your system, said Price. Ive seen systems that are well maintained that last 30 years.

Price Heating and Cooling serves southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas.

He is a certified universal technician, licensed and insured.

Price accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards.

For more information on the maintenance contract agreement or any service/repair questions contact Price at 901-652-0353 or pricehvac77@gmail.com.

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Working to keep people cool this summer - Daily Dunklin Democrat

For those looking for furnace repair and heat pumps installation, there is one company that has been a name to reckon with offering servicing, repair and maintenance related to ones heating unit.

This press release was orginally distributed by ReleaseWire

Indianapolis, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/16/2017 -- From installing an HVAC heating pump unit to its repair, servicing and routine maintenance, Bolls Heating & Cooling is a name to rely upon. For years, the company has been providing extensive repairing and installation services under the same umbrella. For their exceptional customer service and on-time delivery, they have managed to make a name of their own in the area they have been serving with a smile on their faces.

With changing times, they have changed too. To be able to keep up with the latest trends, they have also upgraded themselves in with continuous education and training. Using latest technology in fixing issues with HVAC system, they have always assured to deliver the best result possible.

At Bolls Heating & Cooling, the expert technicians can understand the importance of maintaining consistency which is the key to success, and they have always been successful in doing so. Over the years, they have excelled in combining technological expertise and old-fashioned personal service to meet needs of both commercial and residential customers. From heating pump installation to furnace repair in Zionsville and Brownsburg, IN, they have become the trusted name for their commitment and exceptional customer service. By conforming to the industry standards, they strive to maintain the transparency while delivering their services.

All the technicians working in the company are fully certified and licensed. They are not just experts in performing routine check-ups but also assisting their clients in tackling critical situations.

Get in touch with the experts for issues related to heat pumps in Indianapolis and Avon. Call them at 317-638-1541 (Indianapolis) 812-332-6557 (Bloomington) for more details.

About Bolls Heating & Cooling Bolls Heating & Cooling has been offering air conditioner repair in Avon IN apart from installation and maintenance since 1948. They have some of the best and experienced technicians on the team who can handle all issues related with your ac unit.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/announcing-affordable-furnace-repair-by-bolls-heating-cooling-in-zionsville-and-brownsburg-818514.htm

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Announcing Affordable Furnace Repair by Bolls Heating & Cooling in Zionsville and Brownsburg - Digital Journal

By Dan Bawden, Legal Eagle Contractors

Photo: Courtesy Of Legal Eagle Contractors

This kitchen remodel includes plenty of storage and good workflow.

This kitchen remodel includes plenty of storage and good workflow.

GHBA REmodelers council: Kitchen remodeling tips can help your project

The time has come to finally start on that kitchen remodel you have always dreamed about. Here are some suggestions to help the project go off without a hitch.

Have a plan

Never go into a remodel without having a plan. Get an idea of what you want to get out of this remodel before even taking the first step. The last thing you need to do is start off uncertain of what you want and then have to deal with regretting your choices later.

Plan for unexpected

Having a well-thought-out plan is the best way to ensure your kitchen remodel will go smoothly, be on time and in budget. As unexpected "surprises" sometimes do come up, give yourself some budget leeway so you won't have to stress.

Make the most of space

No matter how big or small your space is, you can make it work. Some people go into a remodel with grandiose ideas of expansion, gutting the area and redoing it from scratch, but if you're looking to stick to a budget and keep things time-sensitive, then you may want to make the space you have work.

Minimize workload

If your current kitchen layout makes preparing and cooking a meal feel like a day at the gym, you may want to plan the new location of your cabinetry and appliances more carefully. A remodel is an excellent time to go in and take a hard look at how you can make your space work for you instead of you having to work for it.

Ever have that moment where you're scrambling around, trying to plug in that new appliance you got on sale and just can't find an outlet in your kitchen? One of my clients favorite changes in the kitchen, is that we install "plug strips" at the top of the backsplashes. These don't show, but provide outlets every 6 or 7 inches. There will be 25 outlets in your kitchen anywhere you need one.

All of those knives, spoons, plates and appliances are going to have to go somewhere, right? You certainly don't want them cluttering your new countertops or making the renovated space look unsightly.

If you are going with new cabinets, new drawers or just new storage space in general, keep in mind how you can arrange your space to better improve your workflow and provide more comfort and convenience for anyone using the kitchen.

A successful remodel will come down to how well you planned for it and how well your final vision comes to life. These tips should help guide you toward the modern kitchen of your dreams with better ease.

This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association.

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GHBA REmodelers council: Kitchen remodeling tips can help your project - Laredo Morning Times