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Big Fish Contractingwill settle in Genesee Depot after the Genesee Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan/plan of operation on March 27.

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Big Fish Contractingwill settle in Genesee Depot after the Genesee Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan/plan of operation on March 27.

The 4.36-acreproperty is at the northeast comer of Commercial Drive and Highway 59.

The present site is a multi-tenant building with a plumbing contractor, vacant tenant space and outside storage.

Big Fish Contracting will use 3,528 square feet to operate a remodeling/construction company. The interior space will include an office, showroom, bathroom and a shop area. The contracting company wants to park up to three equipment trailers and/or work trucks outside on the property.

The contracting business will employ two full-time workers.The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Employee parking is on the southeast side of the building and can accommodate about 14 vehicles with additional parking at various locations on the site.

Read or Share this story: http://www.lakecountrynow.com/story/news/local/lake-country-reporter/2017/03/28/town-genesee-plan-commission-approves-site-plan-contracting-company/99746744/

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Town of Genesee Plan Commission approves site plan for roofing contracting company - Lake Country Now

Unofficially, Marcus Cooper's big NFL breakthrough came in Week 2 last season on an afternoon in which he aided a 40-7 Cardinals win with two interceptions of Jameis Winston. The first came as Cooper instinctively broke on a pass thrown behind Buccaneers receiver Vincent Jackson.

The second, off a deflection, sent Cooper scampering 60 yards for his first career touchdown.

Those plays showcased the vision Cooper prides himself on. But they also provided a welcome confidence lift for a young cornerback seizing his opportunity to become a difference-making starter.

Now Cooper is pushing to further his development in Chicago, one of the newest additions to a Bears defense that needs an injection of playmaking ability.

"He is a raw player who is still ascending," general manager Ryan Pace said Tuesday at the NFL's league meetings. "When you watch him each year he's gotten better and better the more he's gotten opportunities."

Those are exactly the kinds of bets Pace and the Bears are trying to cash in on as they try to reverse the fortunes of three consecutive last-place seasons. They need young, hungry players who can emerge when given a chance.

After a month in which the Bears have been especially active in free agency, Pace expressed optimism about what has been accomplished. As promised, the 40-year-old general manager used what he terms "a shotgun approach" in free agency. Rather than chasing one or two high-profile and high-priced prospects, the Bears opted to cast a wider net.

Pace has made 17 signings since the league year opened March 9, with 11 of those players new to the organization and three arriving to compete for starting roles in the defensive backfield.

"As a free-agent class in general, I really like the makeup and the character and the intelligence and the intangibles of the class," Pace said.

Now the hope is that the investments will pay dividends, particularly in the secondary, where safety Quintin Demps and cornerback Prince Amukamara will join Cooper, all arriving with designs on becoming impact playmakers.

Demps' six interceptions last season with the Texans were half of what all Bears defensive backs have made over the previous two seasons combined. Texans coach Bill O'Brien praised Demps' attitude and ball skills Tuesday.

"He's a very instinctive player," O'Brien said. "He studies a lot of tape. And he has a very good feel for what the other offense is doing. He was always very prepared going into games."

Amukamara, on the other hand, will join the Bears with heightened scrutiny over his lack of obvious big plays. He has made only seven interceptions in six NFL seasons. Earlier this month, the seventh-year veteran acknowledged that statistically, "I didn't look as sexy as everybody else." But Amukamara promised that a full library of his film would offer "the ultimate eye test." And he found at least one believer in Pace.

"Sometimes," the Bears GM said, "there is a lot of hidden production from him because he has his guy covered and they just don't throw at him."

Cooper will also be given every opportunity to lock down a starting role. Pace relied on defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and defensive backs coach Ed Donatell for extra insight into Cooper's makeup. Fangio and Donatell were part of the 49ers staff that drafted Cooper in the seventh round in 2013. Both coaches laud Cooper's work ethic and shared Pace's belief in his upside.

"He has really natural ball skills," Pace said. "It's very easy for him to make a play on the ball. He has a great ability when he is playing off to read the quarterback but still have vision on the receiver. Some guys can't do that."

Time will tell if Pace's optimism is justified. But the Bears have been active in their efforts to improve the secondary and promise to remain so through next month's draft.

dwiederer@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @danwiederer

Continued here:
Ryan Pace hopeful secondary additions enliven Bears defense - Chicago Tribune

Two years after CTfastrak buses started rolling through central Connecticut, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said on Tuesday that the transit system is paying off by spurring new residential development.

Malloy and several senior state officials rode a bus from Hartford to the Elmwood section of West Hartford for a press conference at the site of 616 New Park, a planned four-story apartment complex next to the bus station.

"We are seeing new mixed-used developments being created all along the route, bringing life to neighborhoods where just a few years ago there were eyesores," Malloy said.

Malloy's administration contends that 616 New Park and the proposed Columbus Commons 160-unit apartment complex in New Britain are evidence that CTfastrak is fostering transit-oriented development.

The $20 million project on New Park Avenue is expected to create 54 apartments and 3,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, additions that West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said will help the growth of Elmwood.

"This transformative project will bring new energy, activity and most importantly customers to New Park Avenue," Cantor told reporters.

The state transportation department used the event to announce that CTfastrak has provided more than 5 million passenger rides since it opened on March 28,2015, and was reaching 20,000 rides on weekdays in the late summer. Last month's ridership was up about 20 percent over the same period a year earlier, the DOT reported.

"The business community and residents are excited about the economic development opportunities a successful transit system can bring," said Michael Sanders, the senior DOT manager who oversaw the busway's construction.

When committing in 2011 to build the roughly $567 million CTfastrak system, Malloy predicted that a modern rapid transit operation connecting Hartford, New Britain and the suburbs of Newington and West Hartford would draw developers to nearby properties particularly the vacant storefronts and abandoned warehouses along the route.

So far, there has been no flood of private funding or procession of construction vehicles. Lyle Wray, executive director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments, cautions that transit-oriented development takes years or decades. He's confident that reasonably priced apartments close to CTfastrak stations with stores, entertainment and services conveniently nearby will appeal to young workers who don't want cars or the burden of suburban home ownership.

"If we are going to attract the next generation of skilled workers, these are the kinds of assets we need to have," Wray said.

Critics still contend the project was too costly and that its more than $20 million-a-year subsidy is unaffordable. Some are dubious about glowing ridership figures when many buses on feeder routes appear to run empty or nearly empty at off-peak times.

Republicans in the General Assembly are trying to pass a law requiring the DOT to publicly provide detailed annual figures on how many people are riding and precisely what the system costs.

Even after two years, the DOT reports complete construction costs are still unavailable. Senior DOT officials, however, anticipate the final figure will be somewhere in the $560 million range about 1 to 2 percent lower than the project's $567 million budget.

Malloy dismissed the lingering opposition Tuesday, saying he's not surprised that wealthy country club members don't think bus service is a priority.

"People who don't use buses don't understand that other people do," Malloy said.

Read more here:
Some Cities' Development Around CTfastrak Highlighted On Busway's 2nd Anniversary - Hartford Courant

Martellus Bennett's all-around game will bring a new look to the Green Bay Packers' offense.

In 2010, when the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl, they ran 37 snaps with three tight ends.

In 2011, when they led the NFL in scoring and went 15-1, they ran 70 snaps with three tight ends.

In 2016, they didnt even have three tight ends on the roster.

That will change for the upcoming season, with veterans Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks joining Richard Rodgers.

Weve played with three tight ends on the field at the same time, and we played with them in the backfield, coach Mike McCarthy said on Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix. Probably played them more displaced than we ever had. Im looking forward to playing more with the tight end on the line of scrimmage. Thats definitely something that will be different this year than weve done in the past.

Even two-tight-end sets vanished last year.In 10 games with Jared Cook and Richard Rodgers on the active roster, they lined up together only 51 times or 5.1 per game. In eight games with Rob Gronkowski and Bennett on the Patriots active roster, they lined up together 202 times or 25.3 per game.

Bennett is one of the premier all-around tight ends in the NFL. So while he might not offer the down-the-field threat that Cook delivered, hell give the Packers major impact as a blocker and receiver. Last season, he caught 75.3 percent of targeted passes and averaged 7.56 yards after the catch on his 55 receptions. That ranked second and first, respectively, among tight ends.

His ability to do everything as a tight end is rare, said Dolphins coach Adam Gase, who was Chicagos offensive coordinator in 2015, when Bennett caught 53 passes in 11 games. His variety on what he can do on his route tree is very impressive because he can stretch the field and hes very big. He causes a lot of problems when he goes up in the seam. Hes a big body and he doesnt have to be open to try and throw him the ball because he can get in front of the defender and they cant run through him. If you give him a chance to run after the catch, hes very tough to get down. He has very unique run skills for a guy his size.

Bill Huber is publisher of PackerReport.com and has written for Packer Report since 1997. E-mail him at packwriter2002@yahoo.com or leave him a question in Packer Reports subscribers-only Packers Pro Club forum. Find Bill on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/PackerReport.

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Tight End Additions Will Mean Playbook Blast from Past for Packers - Scout

If you are looking for window replacement in Durham, then it is time to go for Specialty windows. There is one company that will meet all your needs when it comes to replacing windows in Fayetteville.

Raleigh, NC - March 29, 2017 - (Newswire.com)

Your home is your place to relax and unwind after a long and tiring day. You have invested in putting it all together and will constantly go on adding to it to make it valuable in the long term. That is why when it concerns window replacement in Durham , there is one company that you can rely on and that is HomeCraft Windows. They are a leader in the window installation industry and have been installing replacement windows for many years now. The company prides themselves on being able to offer a wide range of replacement window solutions to their clients that not only fits the design but most importantly, the budget of the customer. HomeCraft Windows fairly understands that not all homes are same. They have unique layouts and angles which make the traditional windows a complete misfit. One would need custom designed replacement windows that HomeCraft Windows can fairly design and deliver.

Adding a custom specialty window in Fayetteville will not only complement the architectural style of the home but also give the property the maximum curb appeal.

HomeCraft Windows is known for its quality products and professionalism in carrying out the installation to perfection. They will go above and beyond for delivering specialty windows to their clients. They have been in the business for three decades and still growing strong. Whatever your design requirements are, you can be assured that they will be met. The emphasis is not only on the design always but also on the quality, energy efficiency, and durability. Each window comes with a custom designed stylish exterior, and they offer decorative glass options for certain designs.

Call 919-231-7181 for more details.

About The Company

HomeCraft Windows is the leader in window installation industry. They pride ourselves on being a locally owned and operated window and door installation and repair company.Clients can shop from a wide range of windows in Fayetteville.

Press Release Service by Newswire.com

Original Source: Get Specialty Windows While Opting for Window Replacement in Durham

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Digital Journal: A Global Digital Media Network - Digital Journal

Dana Forsythe dforsythe@wickedlocal.com @watertowntab

Even as Watertown Public Schools officials look to maintain level services by budgeting for salaries, expanding professional development for staff and technology improvements through 2018, infrastructure costs at the Watertowns aging schools have been racking up.

Early in 2017, Interim Business Manager Mary DeLai provided the School Committee with the fiscal year 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan, which includes $642,250 for repair projects for fiscal year 2018.

Over $15 million in work needed

While that may seem like a lot to spend on needed repairs and renovations in just one year at the five Watertown Schools, its just a drop in the bucket when compared to the total needed to satisfy the immediately needed repairs at the schools over the next five years, approximately $15.3 million dollars.

Additionally, many of the repair projects scheduled for 2018, according to Interim Superintendent John Brackett, simply provide surface level repairs for ongoing issues, including the replacement of old windows, heating and ventilation work and the acquisition of emergency generators.

Over the next five years, some of the biggest expenses according to the 2018-22 Capital Improvement Plan include $1.65 million for emergency generators across the five schools, $3.6 million for new boilers at the Hosmer, Middle and High School, $600,000 for ventilation system repairs at the Cunniff, Lowell and Middle School, $225,000 for new carpets at the Lowell School, $560,000 for bathroom renovations at the Middle and High School and $8.3 million for window replacement at the High School.

Planned improvements also include $500,000 for new technology and $120,000 for updated food service equipment.

"Were tackling infrastructure issues as they pop up," Brackett said. For example, he said, the schools will be spending $52,000 next year alone to seal windows at the High School.

"Thats not for replacement," Brackett said.

Brackett said even high prority items, like new emergencygenerators, are still a year or two off due to budget constraints. For example, he pointed out, the high school, which doubles as a local emergency shelter, is without an emergency generator.

That project is budgeted out two years, in FY19 and FY20, it is expected to cost $50,000 and $500,000 respectively.

Big challenges at WHS

The high school, Brackett said, presents the biggest challenge to renovation as Watertown readies for its fourth application for a new high school with the Massachusetts School Building Authority on April 7.

According to the 2018-22 CIP, the high school needs just over $11 million in repairs over the next five years. Next year alone, Watertown officials have set aside about $360,000 to replace hot water heaters, classroom furniture and carpet and make repairs to the auditorium, roof and windows.

"The high school has the biggest need in terms of conditions," he said. "The town has done a great job of keeping the building very clean, so when you visit, you say This seems ok."

In reality, he said, the high school has moisture problems, drafty windows and when officials have peeled back layers of the onion have found mounting renovation costs.

"This year our music teacher couldnt put a row of chairs by the windows in the back of the room because it was just too cold," he said. "Were focusing on the basic systems of all of our buildings, but we have high needs."

Repair figures don't include needed technology

Those fixes, he said, arent even touching on the future of Watertown Schools as programming and classroom needs grow together. For instance, the wireless network at many of the schools is lacking in speed even as new hardware is coming in.

"Next year were expanding new Chromebook usefor the students, but the problem is that we need better wireless capacity to even use them properly," he said. "Currently, when kids are on their Internet during lunch, employees in the principals office can see a difference as the internet access slows down."

Brackett said accounting for immediate needs and planning for the future has come down to a balancing act this year.

"Were trying to fix a lot of issues while trying to plan for a possible major building project with the MSBA," he said.

According to a study by Ai3 Architects last year, also included in the most recent Master Plan, it could cost approximately $203.2 million to fully renovate and refurbish Watertowns schools, not including the Phillips School.

That number would include $29.8 million for the Cunniff, $33 million for the Lowell, $40.7 million for the Hosmer, $46.3 million for the Middle School and $53.4 million for the High School.

"That option would use a mix of renovations and reconstruction at some of the schools," Interim Director of Business Service Mary C. DeLai said.

'Lipstick on a pig'

Additionally, DeLai said, Watertown officials have carried over a $1 million for a feasibility study if the MSBA proposal is accepted.

That option, Brackett said, will remain in the air until the fall when the MSBA delivers its decision.

"Even then it would take about two years until the planning process is even started," he said.

Until then, he reiterated "were fixing problems as they occur, which is a bit like putting lipstick on a pig."

Last month, even though Watertown received re-accreditation and a large number of commendations from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges' Commission on Public Schools, group's report pointed out some areas still in need of improvement, mostly dealing with the districts facilities.

Those areas include a lack of sufficiently sized classrooms to fit all classes, a lack of teacher parking, upgrades for science labs, a sufficiently sized music room and improvements to athletic facilities.

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Watertown Schools officials balance immediate repairs while planning for the future - Wicked Local Watertown

Were shining our business spotlight on Window World of Altoona!

Window World of Altoona is locally-owned and operated, serving homeowners in Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Mifflin and Snyder counties. Theyve been your local exterior remodeling expert for over a decade. Window World is Americas largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company with more than 200 locally owned offices across the country. Since 1995, theyve been selling and installing windows, siding, doors and other exterior products with over 13 million windows sold!

Window World is an Energy Star partner that has earned J.D. Powers Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, three out of four times. Window World offers Double-Hung, Bay & Bow, Casement, Awning, Sliding and Garden windows. Their siding options include Prodigy Insulated Wall System Window World 4000 Energy Plus, and more! They also offer gutter and door options.

Visit Window World of Altoona at 114 Vision Drive in Duncansville, give them a call at (814) 693-0133, or check out theirwebsitefor more information.

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Window World of Altoona - WTAJ

Precision Air & Heating , KPNX 3:43 PM. MST March 28, 2017

Do you find that one or more rooms are either warmer or cooler than others? This is one of the most common problems we run into here at Precision Air. Your heating and air conditioning unit should always heat or cool your home evenly, but this isnt always the case.

A home that is properly balanced will not only feel more comfortable, but will help save you money as well. If you find that your home isnt maintaining a consistent temperature in every room, there are a few common issues that could be to blame.

Ductwork Problems

Leaks:One of the main issues with ductwork is leaking. If there is a portion of your ductwork letting air escape, it wont properly distribute air across the entire house. This will lead to uneven temperatures and cause your HVAC unit to cycle on more frequently, costing you more money than necessary.

Insulation:Maybe your ductwork is not properly insulated. This will also allow conditioned air to heat up or cool down as it passes through your system (depending on what time of year it is). Ductwork should always be properly insulated to minimize temperature changes as the conditioned air travels through the ducts and out of your vents.

Air Conditioner Issues

HVAC Losing Power:If your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, it wont be able to adequately push air through the ductwork. That means while a more powerful stream is blowing into one room, a much weaker volume of air could be coming into your furthest rooms.

Wrong Size Unit:Most people who run into this issue believe their AC unit must simply be too small when in fact the opposite is true. A unit that is too large for a home will not cycle on long enough to allow the home to heat or cool evenly.

Needs Service/Repair:Of course your HVAC unit might simply need to be serviced or repaired. If your refrigerant levels are low, it could cause your home to cool unevenly. On the other hand, if there is an issue with your heating system, youre likely to have rooms that are too cold and others that are closer to your desired temperature.

Fixing this issue could be as simple as a routine tune-up, or it could be a sign of a larger problem. The best way to know for sure is to consult with a professional. At Precision Air, we can handle everything from HVAC service, to installation and repair. Our expert technicians can also repair and install ductwork and make sure that ductwork is properly insulated throughout your home.

Other Causes of Air Leakage

Windows and Doors:Air could be escaping through your windows and doors, which will contribute to uneven air conditioning in your home. A great way to combat this is installing efficient windows with the Energy Star rating and re-sealing all your doors to ensure no air is seeping out.

Construction: Heres another problem we see all the time: someone puts an extension on their home without considering the size of the air conditioner. If youve recently added a room to your home and find that it just doesnt get to the right temperature, its likely youll need to upgrade your HVAC unit to accommodate the new size of your home.

Solving Your Air Balance Issues

When it comes to solving issues related to uneven heating and cooling, its best to get the help of a qualified professional. At Precision Air, we have the experience needed to diagnose your issue and make sure it is taken care of.

Get in touch today by calling 602.Fix.MyAC (602-910-2758). Well help get the temperature right back where you want it in every room.

2017 KPNX-TV

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Why your home isn't heating or cooling evenly - KPNX 12 News TV

The cost of powering your home and all your assorted appliances and devices can be significant. The price of everything, from running your air conditioner on hot days to charging your phone as you sleep, can add up.

Getting a handle on your electric bill is important. While utility companies dont typically report payments to the main credit bureaus, missing payments could potentially eventuallydrop your credit scoreas they can get sent to collections. (You can check two of your scores for free every two weeks on Credit.com).

RELATED: How to recharge electronics to get more out of them

But you can significantly reduce the electrical energy your home consumes by taking a few simple steps. Here are 11 ways you can lower your electric bill.

Home energy auditors are professionals who come to your home to evaluate your power usage, assessing your home and your past power bills. Theyll look for areas where you can increase efficiency. Many electric suppliers provide this service for free, but you can also find a local paid professional.

When the audit is complete, the auditor can recommend energy-saving methods and products.

The overhead lights in many rooms often provide more illumination than we need. With dimmer switches, you can adjust the amount of light youre using. Modern dimmers also reduce how much electricity lights use.

Ceiling fans circulate air through your home and can cool you off. While they use electricity, they may reduce the workload of your air conditioner.

Sunlight coming in through windows can heat up your home and make your air conditioner work harder. You should close the curtains or blinds on your windows when you dont need them open and consider installing tinted window film. (If heating or cooling your home is the main cause of your high electric bills, heres how you can keep temperatures comfortable without spending too much.)

Of course, you should shut off all electronics and lights when you leave a room to reduce energy usage. But electronics and appliances can use energy even when theyre turned off.

RELATED:This is why you should always unplug your electronics when theyre not in use

Gadgets and appliances like TVs, laptops, coffee makers, printers, space heaters and cable boxes continue to suck energy even when turned off, said Andrea Woroch, a consumer finance expert. Get in the habit of unplugging all these electronics and appliances when you arent using them. Power strips are an easier and less timely alternative some even come with a remote control for easier use.

LED light bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. While LED bulbs can cost more, they have a longer lifespan, so you could save money on light bulbs in the long run.

Air filters keep dust and debris from circulating through your HVAC system and clogging vents and air registers. Over time, these filters get clogged with dust and debris themselves, and your air conditioning system will have to work harder to cool your home. You should swap your air filters out every few months to reduce the energy needed to regulate your homes temperature.

Programmable thermostats reduce energy costs by adjusting your home temperature when youre away, at work or asleep. Your energy usage will be reduced because you wont be wasting electricity cooling an empty home.

The HVAC system uses the most energy in your home, and running the air conditioner or heater can blow your budget. However, installing a programmable thermostat takes the guesswork out of fiddling with temperatures and allows you to preset temps when you are home or away at work or school so you dont waste energy, said Woroch.

Just be careful. Smart thermostats are one of a few household objects that might make you vulnerable to hackers.

If youre looking for big savings and energy reduction, solar panels may be the way to go. Typically installed on the roof, solar panels harvest the suns energy and convert it into electric power.

Solar panels continue to improve. The prices of solar panels have become cheaper, their ability to capture the suns photons and convert them to electricity is becoming more efficient, and the technology is changing as solar shingles emerge as a more mainstream item, said Sage Singleton, home maintenance specialist at Safewise. The time before payoff on solar panels is also getting shorter the average rooftop solar system will pay back a homeowner in seven-and-a-half years. The sooner you install your solar panels, the sooner you will see the average savings on your lowered energy bills.

Solar panels might also lower your tax bill.

Many electric suppliers have programs you can participate in to reduce the cost of your bill. These include rebates for buying energy-efficient appliances, rewards for reducing energy usage during peak hours and programs that spread the cost of your peak usage for months across the year. Visit your energy providers website or call to find out what programs might be available.

If you have alternative energy providers in your area, you can always shop around to see if you can find a cheaper option.

One common way that consumers reduce their electric bill is to shop for a new electric supplier. Many states in the U.S. are deregulated, meaning the residential customers can shop for electricity, said Kelly Bedrich, cofounder and president of ElectricityPlans.com. In these states, homeowners and renters can shop for electricity in the same way you can shop for cable and internet service. By being able to shop for their energy, the homeowners can often save as much as 30% to 40% off of their energy bill simply by switching their supplier.

This article originally appeared on Credit.com.

Brian Acton, Credit.com | Posted on 7:41 am

Originally posted here:
11 ways to save on your shocking electric bill - Rare.us

As millennials join the ranks of homeowners, theyre making their mark on how those homes look, and in some cases bucking long-held preferences.

Here are some of the trends popping up among the newest generation of homeowners found in Houzzs 2017 Kitchen Trends Study. Of the surveys 2,700 participants (all of whom had recently completed a kitchen remodel project or were in the process of doing so), between 10 and 12 percent were ages 25 to 34.

Soft neutrals strengthen their hold

Millennials are a lot more focused on making sure that the style, color palette and materials used in the major elements of the kitchen stay as relevant as long as possible because theyre not planning another remodel any time soon, said Nino Sitchinava, Houzzs principal economist.

Although gray was the most popular wall color across all ages (and up in popularity 4 percent from 2015), it was especially popular among millennial homeowners (43 percent of millennials vs. 22 percent of baby boomers chose it). Boomers, on the other hand, were more likely to try warmer colors, and 1 in 10 chose green walls.

White cabinets topped all age groups, but millennials were nearly twice as likely to extend that color to the backsplash as well.

[Open shelving and other kitchen design trends that an organizer hates]

Decorative lighting over functional lighting

Younger renovators tended to prefer decorative pendant lighting (67 percent), while older homeowners were more likely to choose more functional under- or in-cabinet lights (74 percent). Theres potentially a little more versatility with pendant lighting, Sitchinava said. Its self- contained [and] a little more affordable. But some of it could also be preferences and style aesthetic. Lighting upgrades were part of 84percent of the kitchen renovations surveyed.

Kitchen islands

The most popular built-in features for millennials were pantry cabinets and islands, appearing in 2 of 5 renovated kitchens, and younger homeowners were much more likely to install an island than older homeowners (49 percent vs. 36 percent, respectively). They are a must-have in a millennial kitchen, Sitchinava said. Millennials really do value that extra counter space.

Modern and farmhouse styles

Although contemporary is the most popular style for kitchen remodels across all ages (26 percent among millennials and 24 percent among baby boomers), younger homeowners are more likely to try a modern (19 percent) or farmhouse style (14 percent) for their renovation as opposed to boomers, who are more likely to stick with a traditional style (14 percent compared with 8 percent of millennials).

An eye on the budget

Millennial homeowners are twice as likely to be driven by cost considerations than homeowners over age 35, per the surveys findings. Younger renovators are also more willing to get to their hands dirty when it comes to kitchen remodeling, with a majority favoring stock and ready-to-assemble cabinets.

They are less likely to hire a general contractor, architect or a designer and instead take on that process themselves, Sitchinava said.

Still, about a third of the millennials surveyed splurged on custom cabinetry (vs. 42 percent of baby boomers). Millennials are going into their kitchen remodel with a sort of understanding that they want to make the kitchen as perfect as they possibly can, Sitchinava said, because they are going to be utilizing it for a long time.

Starting to turn away from granite

Look and feel (72 percent), and durability (53 percent) were the driving factors for choosing a countertop material, far ahead of cost (21 percent), and quartz and granite reign supreme as the most sought-after materials, across all ages. However, Gen Y is much more willing to experiment with an alternative, more budget-friendly countertop material, such as laminate or wood.

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How millennial homeowners are changing the look of kitchens - Washington Post