Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Hardwood Installation

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to your home, and were excited to help you get your installation started. We recommend hiring a professional installation team to ensure its all done properly. These tips will help you prepare so everything goes smoothly on the big day.

When purchasing your hardwood floors, ask your flooring retailer if they have professional installers on staff. If not, ask them to recommend an independent installer for your area. In most cases, the retailer will handle all the details of arranging the installation.

Be sure to ask about additional fees for things like old flooring removal and disposal, and moving larger furniture pieces.

Aside from clearing the installation areas in your home, there are a few other ways to prepare:

Make sure your hardwood floors are delivered to your home at least two days before installation so they can acclimate to the environment. Use the temperature and humidity guidelines recommended for your hardwood floors.

Always examine your new flooring for damage or defects before installation.

Be sure to read and follow the installation instructions.

Take care of any repairs to the subfloors before installing any new flooring.

Get tips and guidance on installing your new solid hardwood from Mohawk flooring expert Chip Wade.

Learn how to prepare your subfloor and plan the orientation of your planks.

See how to arrange and lock your new hardwood flooring into place.

Your professional installation team will arrive with the expertise, tools, and supplies to install your new hardwood. Theyll need access to electrical power outlets and an area to store their electrical tools, so be prepared to help them set up.

Installing new floors in several rooms at once can be overwhelmingbe prepared for some mess from removing the old flooring, and keep in mind that your furniture and belongings will get moved around a lot.

Keep your new hardwood floors in excellent condition with our hardwood maintenance guidelines.

Hardwood Care & Maintenance

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Measuring Tips

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Mohawk Engineered Installation Instructions (PDF)

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Mohawk Engineered Uniclic Installation Instructions (PDF)

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Mohawk 3/8 Solid Installation Instructions (PDF)

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Mohawk 3/4 Solid Installation Instructions (PDF)

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Mohawk Locking Strand Bamboo Uniclic Installation Instructions (PDF)

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Mohawk Engineered Hardwood with HDF Core Direct Glue Installation Instructions (PDF)

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Mohawk Engineered Uniclic Multi Fit Installation Instructions (PDF)

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Hardwood Installation - Mohawk Flooring

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Magic specializes in kitchen remodeling. after all, would you rather have a jack of all trades or a Master of One? Kitchen Magic takes kitchens seriously because it has been our passion for more than 30 years. But you dont have to take our word for it. We have more than 5000 references, many from right here in Hudson County!

If you are consideringcabinet refacing, you probably already have more than half of what you need for your kitchen remodel. This is because cabinet refacing actually utilizes your existing cabinet structure. If your kitchen is well-designed and fully functional, there is no reason to tear out your original kitchen cabinets. Should you choose to reface your cabinets, you will still get to make all the upgrades including additional new matching cabinetry, luxury kitchen countertops, and even a free standing island. With Kitchen Magics cabinet refacing, you can improve the efficiency of your kitchen and save up to half the cost of new!

Kitchen Magicscabinet refacing gained popularity not just for its affordability and practicality, but because its also environmentally friendly without sacrificing quality. In fact, cabinet refacing installed by Kitchen Magics certified craftsmen actually reinforces your existing cabinet structure. Cabinet Refacing is truly the environmentally friendly, yet affordable alternative. It keeps perfectly good cabinets out of landfills and saves trees that might have otherwise been used to manufacture new kitchen cabinets. If you are looking for a fast, environmentally sound, affordable alternative to completely remodeling your kitchen, you will discover that cabinet refacing saves green from both your finances and the environment!

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Secaucus Cabinet Refacing & Kitchen Remodeling

NJ Kitchen Magician in Fair Lawn NJ Kitchen Remodeling Can Transform Your Kitchen into your dream kitchen

Are you tired of the same old kitchen ? Kitchen Remodeling, Replacing countertops and Refacing your old drab kitchen cabinets are two of the most popular kitchen remodeling projects at kitchen magician. At Kitchen Magician in Fair Lawn NJ Kitchen complete Kitchen Remodeling or even just Replacing countertops and Refacing your kitchen cabinets fastest way increase the value of your home. A great kitchen design will increase the value of your home and be the perfect gathering place for the family. The kitchen tends to be the central location in your home where the family gathers. Kitchen Magician offer various options to help you personalize your kitchen cabinetry, including decorative moldings, glass doors, hardware styles and other custom features. You can count on Kitchen Magician in Fair Lawn NJ for your complete Kitchen Remodeling, Replacing countertop and Refacing your old drab kitchen cabinets.

Laminate countertops are the most affordable Economical, Versatile countertop surface installed today. Laminate countertops are affordable, easy to care for and available in a wide variety of colors. Laminate countertops resist stains, abrasions and moisture. New Laminate countertops can even be Install directly on top of your old laminate, its easy to find the perfect laminate to match your lifestyle and taste. They come in a variety of colors and styles to choose from. You can count on Kitchen Magician in Fair Lawn NJ for your Laminate countertop needs.

Kitchen Magician in Fair Lawn NJ installs all types of Laminate like Corian which is a solid surface and is composed of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate made by DuPont. Many kitchen Laminate Complement virtually any kitchen dcor with hundreds colors and patterns and makes changing your kitchen style every few years affordable.

Replacing countertops by Kitchen Magician in Fair Lawn NJ is one of the most popular kitchen remodeling projects at kitchen magician. Ceramic tiles are affordable and a beautiful countertop alternative to Laminate countertops because of its versatile design, resistance to scratching, and easy upkeep. Ceramic tile is a popular choice for your kitchen make-over because Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean and there is a large variety of colors, textures, patterns and designs available.

Tiles come in Ceramic, porcelain, and stone however, ceramic tile is the most commonly used types of tile for kitchen counters. We have seen a rise in concrete tiles as an accepted surface. Ceramic tile is a pressed clay that is fired and glazed either with a pattern or a solid color. Some of the design patterns and sizes include mosaics and range from 1/2" to 3/4" pieces.

Porcelain tiles are made of clays and are extremely dense. Fired at extremely high temperatures makes them very durable and can even rival granites durability. Porcelain tiles are typically 11 to 14 inches square and can be glazed or through-body. Glazed porcelain usually are 11 to 14 inches square and similar to ceramic tile which has a base with a color glaze over the top. .

One way to quickly increase the value of your home is to reface your old cabinets by Kitchen Magician in Fair Lawn NJ. Especially If you are trying to sell your house, the condition of your kitchen can have a major influence on a buyer's decision. Refacing your kitchen cabinets is a good idea if the existing kitchen cabinets are in reasonable good structural condition and you are satisfied with the storage and counter space.

Refacing your old drab kitchen cabinets can provide a custom look at an affordable price. To reface your cabinets, we begin by covering the existing exterior surfaces with new laminate, replace the doors and drawer fronts and the front and side panels are freshly painted or new veneer is added. You save time and money not having to replace the main frames that support the kitchen cabinets themselves and provide support and suspension for the kitchen cabinets. There are many styles, shapes, designs of the kitchen cabinet doors and types of wood to select from.

At Kitchen Magician in Fair Lawn NJ, all of our Kitchen cabinetry is beautifully crafted using only high quality all wood styles. Cheaper kitchen cabinets made with particle board or MDF are extremely weak. They discolor easily, swell, sag and can even start falling apart over time, especially in very humid climates. The quality of the kitchen cabinet we use at Kitchen Magician in Fair Lawn NJ can be seen in the high quality workmanship and the details.

A great kitchen design will increase the value of your home and be the perfect gathering place for the family. The kitchen tends to be the central location where family gathers. At Kitchen Magician, we offer various options to help you personalize your kitchen cabinetry, including decorative moldings, glass doors, hardware styles and other custom features.

Kitchen sinks and appliances come in various materials, sizes and designs will suit your new kitchen. Professional kitchen and appliances give your kitchen the kind of performance, efficiency and handsome good looks that cooking pros depend on and enjoy. Having a stylish sink centralized helps you to organize your space and reduce steps across the kitchen.

At Kitchen Magician in Fair Lawn NJ Kitchen complete Kitchen Remodeling and replacing kitchen sinks and appliances is one of the fastest way increase the value of your home and be the perfect gathering place for the family since the kitchen tends to be the central location in your home where the family gathers. Kitchen Magician offer various options to help you personalize your kitchen cabinetry, kitchen sinks and appliances even including decorative moldings, glass doors, hardware styles and other custom features. You can count on Kitchen Magician of New Jersey for your complete Kitchen Remodeling, Replacing countertop and Refacing your old drab kitchen cabinets.

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Kitchen Remodeling Kitchen Cabinet Refacing in Fairlawn ...

Design & Build A Sunroom For Added Space, Beauty & Value

Sunroom additions are more popular today than ever before! According to the Insider's Guide to Sunrooms, over 500,000 sunrooms are added to homes in the United States alone!

If you're looking to design a beautiful new space for your home, there's nothing quite like the experience of a sunroom addition.

Unlike building an addition on to your home, sunroom installation quickly provides a cost-effective extra space in your home -- one that's possible to enjoy year-round.

At JACOB, we're proud to provide free sunroom installation quotes to homeowners in the [states] areas. To schedule your free consultation, contact us today!

Sunrooms (a.k.a. solariums, morning rooms, conservatories, and enclosed porches) have come a long way, and today they're better than ever. Modern sunrooms have become much more sturdy, energy efficient, and attractive than the old-fashioned designs.

Before you design your sunroom, it's a good idea to decide what you'll be using your sunroom for, and what will be the best value for your investment. When adding on to your home, consider these three options:

Joyce Factory Direct has dedicated themselves to helping their customers enhance their living space with pleasurable sun rooms, patio rooms, and deck or porch enclosures. Established in 1955, JFD has been manufacturing, designing, and installing their multiple modernized product lines that are very high quality.

Oasis Sunrooms by JFD are customized and designed for various kinds of homes. They are made with high quality vinyl that is warrantied for cracks, rot, corroding, peeling, and blisters to ensure your family a sun room to enjoy year round.

Joyce Factory Direct produces aluminum screen rooms designed to outlast all weather conditions. They are made with heavy duty aluminum screen that comes in white or beige.

This energy efficient sunroom features a front-peaked wall that welcomes light and maximizes your view of the great outdoors. Install a glass-paned roof, and your view and design options are better than ever.

The year-round comfort that it provides cannot be matched by any other sunroom, making the cathedral sunroom design one of our most popular choices.

Straight eave glass sunrooms use either a glass or opaque material to create a straight-angled roof.

They're an attractive, modern-looking addition that's extremely energy efficient. They also have the added benefit of blending in very well with your home's architecture. These sunrooms come in traditional and contemporary designs, offering many choices for the windows, doors and color options.

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.

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Sunroom Additions By Illinois and Missouri Remodelers ...

Architects Overview

Almost three times the proportion for all occupations, 21 percent, of architects are self-employed. In order to obtain a license, architects must earn a professional degree in architecture, have at least 3 years of work, training and passing all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination. Competition is keen for this career, especially for employment in the most prestigious firms.

Architects are responsible for designing the places that people need in order to live, play, work, learn, meet, worship, shop, meet and eat. All are licensed professionals trained in the science and art of designing buildings. It is their responsibility to develop concepts for structures and then go on to turn those concepts into plans and images.

In addition to the general look of the building, architects also must take into consideration factors that will make the building functional, secure and economical and fits the needs of the people who use them. They may be involved in all phases of a construction project. Their responsibilities require certain skills such as engineering, designing, supervising, managing and communicating with builders and clients. Persuasive skills are also helpful, as architects need to clearly communicate their visions.

With a client, the architect will discuss all requirements, objectives and budget of the projects. Sometimes, architects provide a variety of predesign services, including selecting a site, preparing cost analysis and land-use studies, specifying the requirements the design must meet and conducting feasibility and environmental impact studies.

After architects discuss and agree on a proposal, they develop the final construction plans that demonstrate details of construction and the buildings appearance. They also must complete drawings of structural systems, such as heating, air conditioning, electrical systems, plumbing and communications systems. In some cases, the plans will include building materials and interior furnishings. Architects are required to follow zoning laws, building codes, fire regulations and various other ordinances, like requiring easy access for people who are disabled. Using the traditional paper and pencil for creating design and construction papers has been replaced by computer-aided designing and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) technology. Often, architects are required to make continual revisions based on the clients needs and budget constraints.

Sometimes, architects assist clients in hiring a construction crew and negotiating their contracts. They may visit building sites to ensure that contractors are following the design, using the specified materials, adhering to the schedule and performing quality work. The job is only complete when all construction is finished, construction costs are paid and mandatory tests are conducted.

Collaboration is a large aspect to this career, as a great deal of time is spent coordinating information with urban planners, engineers, landscape architects, interior designers and other professionals. Some specialize in one phase of work, while others specialize in designing one type of building, such as schools, housing or hospitals. Plan and predesign services or construction management are two other specializations.

Architects spend a lot of time in comfortable offices developing reports and drawings, communicating with clients and working with other architects and engineers. Travel is sometimes required in order to oversee the progress of a project. Approximately 1 in 5 architects work longer than 50 hours per week. Long hours and work during nights and weekends is necessary to meet deadlines.

In most states it is required that architects hold a professional degree in architecture from one of the 117 schools of architecture with degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Graduation from a non-accredited program may be sufficient for entry-level jobs in some states.

Students with no architectural background can earn their professional degree through a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program. Others decide to earn a masters degree after completing a bachelors degree in a different field. This can take as long as five years or as little as one year, depending on the extent of previous training in architecture.

Educational background and preference determine which type of degree to pursue. Those who are sure of their career choice should pursue the 5-year professional degree as this will allow them the fastest entrance into employment. Most programs include courses on building design with an emphasis on CADD, architectural history and theory, technology, structures, construction methods, math, physical sciences, professional practice and liberal arts.

Postprofessional degrees are also offered to those who already have a bachelors or masters in architecture or other areas. Continuing education beyond the professional degree in not mandatory, but it is encouraged in order to learn teaching, research or other specialties.

Graduates are required by all State registration boards to have at least three years of a training period before they are allowed to take a licensing exam. The Intern Development Program, a program of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is the standard for State trainings. These standards require board training from under the supervision of a licensed architect. Completing an internship during school might count towards part of the three year training period.

Between graduation and licensure, graduates usually work in the field under the supervision of a license architect. In order to become licensed, a graduate must complete a period of practical training and pass all the divisions of the Architect Registration Examination.

Continuing education is also required in some states in order to keep a license. These requirements vary depending on the State, but often involve completing a certain number of credits biennially or annually through formal university classes, workshops, self-study courses, conferences or other sources.

Good communication is key to this career, as architects must communicate their vision to clients and builders. Artistic and drawing ability is helpful, but understanding spatial relationships and visual orientation are more important. Creativity and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are also essential qualities. In order to successfully use CADD programs, computer skills are also required.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards offers architectural certification. Only after an independent verification of the applicants educational transcripts, professional references and employment record is certification awarded. A growing number of architects are pursing certification because it makes it easier to become licensed across States, as it is the primary requirement.

Advancement in this career may lead to more complex assignments or taking a managerial position. Eventually, some architects become partners in a firm. Still, 21 percent go on to establish their own practices.

1. Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, New York) 2. University of Illinois, Urbana, Champaign (Champaign, Illinois) 3. University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, California) 4. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (Minneapolis, Minnesota) 5. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, Michigan) 6. Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Texas) 7. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, California) 8. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) 9. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Pomona, California) 10. Arizona State University, Tempe (Tempe, Arizona) See All Architecture Schools

1. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division 2. Capella University - Online School 3. Savannah College of Art and Design

Employment for architects is projected to increase by 16 percent in the next decade, which is faster than average for all occupations. These openings will be due to a growing population in the Sunbelt States, the need for more healthcare facilities as baby boomers retire, as well as more educational facilities.

It has become common practice for architecture companies to outsource the drafting of construction documents for large-scale residential and commercial projects to architecture firms oversees. This continuing trend has a negative impact on employment growth for lower-level interns and architects who would normally be assigned to these projects.

Employment openings at architectural firms will also be due to workers who transfer to other careers or retire. Competition for entry-level positions is to be expected as a large number of students are graduating with an architectural degree. Internships and the ability to distinguish themselves from others with their creativity will help individuals gain employment.

The knowledge of green design, or sustainable design, is a growing demand. Concerns about the environment and rising energy costs have led more new buildings to be built green.

Emplyoment for architects is directly related to the activity of the construction industry. Employment is also location specific, as some parts of the country will not need new buildings or structures.

The median annual wage of wage-and-salary architects is $70,320. The highest 10 percent earn more than $119,220, while the lowest 10 percent earn less than $41,320. The middle 50 percent earn between $51,480 and $91,870. Architects beginning their internships should expect to earn significantly less.

While an architect is attempting to establish their own practice, they may go through a period when their expenses outweigh their income. Changing business conditions may cause the earnings of partners in established firms to fluctuate.

Often, firms will pay fees and tuition for employees who continue their education.

On average, Architects earn $72,700 per year.

10% 25% 75% 90% $42,320/yr $54,910/yr $93,620/yr $122,640/yr

On average, Architects earn $34.95 per hour.

10% 25% 75% 90% $20.34 $26.40 $45.01 $58.96

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

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Career Information: Architects - Campus Explorer

Located in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, the 10 acre site contrasts between gently rolling fields that abruptly terminate in a 100-foot-high bluff that drops to the waters edge below.

Set in historic Greenwich Village, the residence is composed of two low buildings, originally one was a metal shop and the other a garage.

This site-built home is situated on a sloped wooded lot overlooking Sagamore Lake in upstate New York...

The Port Ludlow Residence is a compact, 2400 SF modern house located on a wooded waterfront property at the north end of the Hood Canal, a long, fjord-like arm of western Puget Sound...

The owners of this waterfront home asked DeForest Architects to design a welcoming modern home with a seamless connection between indoors and out...

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and a freshwater pond, this residence is for an adventurous couple and their four sons.

Perched on a hilltop in a suburban neighborhood, DeForest Architects designed this ground-up remodel to take full advantage of light and views while maintaining privacy from close-in neighbors.

This project developed organically to respond to our clients seven acre site, which was sheltered by white pines, offered unobstructed views of the water, and housed a beautiful kettle pond...

This residence is primarily used when the clients extended family comes from England for long visits.

The Czech migr architect, Ladislav Rados famous modern house built in 1956-57, provided the original context for its renovation...

In brilliant daylight, the Salt Point House has an ethereal presence as elusive and weightless as a mirage, its edges seemingly dissolving into the surrounding forested landscape.

Conceived as a secure and unexpected retreat nestled into a rock, The Pierre (French for stone) celebrates the materiality of this site.

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Architects List - Design Directory

Julie Highton-Snedeker, R.A. Highton Company, LLC Principal

Education University of Arizona 1990 Bachelor of Architecture

Professional Registration Registered Architect - AZ #29555

"I have been specializing in Health Care design and planning for over twenty years covering a wide range from basic office design for H.M.O.s, to general medical office buildings, to specialized medical practices, to complex surgery and diagnostic imaging suites, and ultimately total hospital master planning."

I believe that listening to the client and understanding the operation and management of a facility from an end users viewpoint is crucial to good design and planning. By focusing on issues that effect facility managers everyday and preparing them for impending code regulations and changes in technology we pave the way for a successful facility life in terms of not only function but: flexibility, accessibility, durability, maintenance, economy, energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity.

In addition Highton Company is structured so that I am available to follow through from start to finish as your personal architect. I will be with you from early programming, through the entire design and planning process and during the entire construction phase until the last punch list item is complete and you are one hundred percent satisfied."

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Commercial Architectural Services - Highton Company ...

Hardwood Flooring

Wood floors are really the foundation on which Flooring.org is built. Hi I'm Eric Hurst, the founder of Flooring.org. I got my start in the flooring business in 1998 when I began sanding, finishing and installing hardwood floors in the family business. Now 14 years later, with the help of some great people on my team, and the grace of my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, Flooring.org is continuously growing as a leading source for hardwood floors on the internet.

Hardwood flooring is considered by many to be the most desirable type of floor to be had. Because wood flooring is a natural, organic product, literally there are no two boards alike. Every single plank of a wood floor is unique, never repeating a grain, and every piece varies in color, however slightly, from the next. Because of it's natural organic properties, wood is the perfect canvas upon which to create a totall unique flooring product. Whether the wood is stained (nearly any color imaginable can be achieved with wood stains and aniline dyes) or texture the wood using methods like hand scraping, distressing or wire brushing, the designs that can be achieved with hardwood floors are virtually limitless.

If you haven't already, take a moment to browse over our selection of hardwood flooring products using the menu above. You'll find a huge selection of first quality wood floors from reputable manufacturers at prices that are more than competitive. We're also confident that you'll find the customer service experience at Flooring.org to be unmatched by any other flooring dealer, either local or online!

We offer a large selection of laminate flooring from several major manufacturers. Laminate has become a prominent flooring option for residential and commercial space because of it's durability and it's overall affordability including lower labor and material costs compared to most other types of hard surface flooring. We offer first quality laminate floors from trusted names like Armstrong, Balterio, Bruce, Quickstep, Home Legend Laminate,

Some things to consider when shopping for laminate floors are durability (verified by an "AC" rating from 1 to 6, with AC6 being the most durable), price (be sure to shop around) and of course style. One thing to keep in mind with laminate is that while it is very durable and scrath resistant, it is also a "throw away" floor, meaning once it has worn out, there is nothing you can do but throw it out and replace it. So if the budget allows, you may want to consider investing in a real wood floor that can be sanded and refinished when it starts to look worn.

Did you know that Bamboo is actually a grass? Well it's true, bamboo is technically a wood, however it is harder than some woods, making it viable option when considering your new flooring material. There is a huge variety of bamboo flooring on the market, so be careful and do your research to avoid ending up with an inferior floor made from prematurely harvested bamboo, or finished using a poor quality finish that will scratch too easily. If you choose a bamboo floor from a reputable manufacturer like Wellmade Bamboo, Hawa Bamboo or Home Legend Bamboo, just to name a few.

Since bamboo floors have become so popular in the last decade, the variety of designs available on this renewable platform have really exploded. Bamboo floors are now available in every style you could find in any wood floor, and then some! Bamboo floors come in hand scraped styles as well as wire-brushed, french bleed staining techniques, any color you could possibly imagine, and a variety of different thicknesses and construction types. There is also a bamboo floor to fit nearly any budget, and there is a bamboo flooring product to fit almost any level of installation skills for the do-it-yourselfer!

Cork floors have increased their market presence dramatically over the last several years. Because they are eco-friendly and highly renewable, they are a great choice for "green" flooring. When cork is harvested, it does not kill the tree that it came from, and more cork grows in it's place and the process can repeat itself many times, making cork one of the world's most renewable resources.

Cork flooring is now available in both tiles and planks, so you can create a plank floor look like that of a hardwood floor, or a tile look like that of a marble or porcelain floor. Cork comes in a veriety of different patterns which are made by the different methods of processing and compressing the cork after harvesting. Some of the more reputable cork floor manufacturers include WE Cork, APC Cork, Home Legend Cork and Wicanders to name a few. You can shop and compare cork floors from these, and other manufacturers by visiting our cork flooring section. And of course we are available by telephone or live chat to answer your questions!

While there are a few types of flooring that are growing in popularity in recent years, there is no other category of floor materials that is growing in popularity at the pace that Vinyl flooring is. Recent developments in printing technology have enable manufacturers to make vinyl floors that are more beautiful, and more realistic in comparison to the materials they emmulate; namely wood and tile.

The main types of vinyl floors on the market are Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Vinyl Plank (pretty self explanatory). LVT is used primarily in commercial applications like hospitals, schools, hotels, assisted living facilities and really any public building that needs flooring that is durable, beautiful and easy to maintain. For residential use, vinyl plank is the primary choice as of late. Vinyl Plank is available in a huge variety of wood prints to emmulate nearly any wood flooring product you might find. Vinyl Plank floors are great for the do-it-yourself installer, as most of this type of flooring can be installed using the floating method (click together) or peel and stick, both of which are pretty easy installation methods.

Stone tiles have been a popular flooring material for literally thousands of years. Stone is readily available in many different compositions such as marble, travertine & granite and is harvested from many different parts of the world. Ceramic & Porcelain tiles are man made products with a natural stone image printed on the surface, providing a more economical alternative to real stone floors.

Tiles are installed using thinset mortar, and a variety of different types and qualities are available to choose from. Thinset is spread to the subfloor using a notched trowel, and then the tiles are set in place. While tile is definitely not the easiest type of flooring to install, it is definitely a project you can tackle with the right amount of time and patience. The odds are you know someone that has installed tile floors before and they could help you, or at least offer some pointers.

One of the smartes inventions in the history of carpeting is Carpet Tiles. I think we've all had that moment where you've watched in horror as the red juice slips out of your child's hand, or the dinner plate slides off the table face down on the carpet. And we all know that those stains seem to always rear their ugly heads no matter how you go about cleaning them. Well thanks to carpet tiles, that accident doesn't have to ruin your entire floor! Just pull up the effected tiles, and drop new ones in! You can do the carpet tile replacement yourself, and you can save thousands of dollars by not replacing your entire carpet just because of one accident.

If you've faced the fact that your staircase is out of date and in desperate need of some remodeling, we have the right products to get your staircase brought up to date, without sending your bank account down the stairs. We carry stair parts in a huge variety of woods including oak, hickory, maple, brazilian cherry, brazilian walnut, tigerwood, brazilian teak and many more! We have everything you need to update your staircase including treads and risers, stringers and skirtboard, handrail, balusters and accessories.

If the only part of your staircase that needs a facelift is the balusters, you may want to consider using our iron balusters to dress up your stairway easily and affordably. We offer a huge selection of styles and colors and our prices on iron balusters are beyond competitive, making purchasing your new metal spindles from us both easy and cost-effective!

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Compare & buy flooring online at huge discounts! Find ...

The Basement Doctor is a basement finishing company of Columbus and Central Ohio. With 28 years of business in the Ohio area, we are experts at creating an additional area for you and your family to enjoy with renovating at half the cost of adding a new room! With your needs in mind, we use our keen eye for design and knowledge to ensure you a clean, dry, efficient and beautifully finished basement. It is rewarding for us to see our Ohio customers' joy when they see the transformation of their cold, dark basements into a bright, comfortable, family-friendly space that everyone can enjoy!

We have local offices for basement finishing, servicing Worthington, Westerville, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg, Dublin, Powell, Pickerington, Whitehall, Grove City, Hilliard, New Albany, Upper Arlington, Delaware, Marion, Lewis Center, Bexley, Blacklick, Pataskala and all of Central Ohio. If you reside in these areas, and are interested in possibly transforming your basement, contact us for your FREE basement finishing estimate!

Basement Finishing services is a simple way to add value, beauty, and comfort to your home. You can use your new room for entertainment, as a family area, a game room, or so much more. We design your room according to your needs and keep your budget in mind as we create your new refuge. Our basement finishing professionals are known in Ohio for their great customer service, and their experience is evident in their work.

Renovating your basement can be a very exciting, yet confusing time when trying to find the best company. Our basement finishing service wants to help you by giving you the rewarding experience you deserve at the price you can afford. We work thoroughly and completely to get the most out of your space without cutting any corners, or sacrificing any quality! Contact us for your Free Basement Finishing estimate now!

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Basement Finishing Ohio | Basement Remodeling & Designs ...

With Development Largely Restricted to Outlet Centers and Mixed-Use Infill Projects in CBDs, Many Retailers Left With Fewer Viable Options to Expand

The U.S. retail real estate vacancy rate drifted down another 10 basis points to 6.1% in the second quarter -- the 12th consecutive quarter of vacancy decline. The retail vacancy rate has already dropped below pre-recession lows in major metros like Boston, New York, and Denver, and demand remains solid despite continued store closings by Sears, Kmart, The Gap, Office Depot, Staples, Macys and even grocer A&P.

As tight as the market feels with the national vacancy rate just 10 basis points shy of its previous cyclical low in 2007, CoStar senior real estate economist Ryan McCullough argues that its even tighter today than at the height of the boom eight years ago.

Today, only 60 million square feet of new retail space is under construction, compared with 150 million square feet that was under construction in 2007 when developers were building or expanding power centers, malls and shopping centers in pursuit of population growth in the suburban fringes.

"You really have far fewer options if youre a retail tenant in todays market, and thats really starting to wear on the demand numbers," said McCullough, who joined Suzanne Mulvee, director of U.S. Retail Research for CoStar Portfolio Strategy, in presenting CoStar's Midyear 2015 Retail Market Review and Forecast. "Whats holding back a lot of tenants today is the scarcity of available supply in good locations with strong demographics."

Tenants absorbed about 32 million square feet at mid-year 2015, compared to 37 million square feet in first half of 2014. The declining absorption numbers in recent quarters are a logical consequence of the lack of available space, rather than declining tenant demand, McCullough said. Until more new supply enters the market, demand is likely to be reflected in terms of higher rent growth rates, he added. Despite the limited supply of available space, the market is still experiencing a bit of opportunistic leasing and store openings by retailers like Wal-Mart, Dollar General and Dicks Sporting Goods, which can be productive in somewhat less attractive locations. McCullough expects such activity will likely dominate retail expansion until new shopping center supply ramps up.

Meanwhile, store closures continue to provide an alternative source of space as stores are eventually shuttered and the space returned to the market.

Office Depot, confronting an 8% same-store sales decline in the second quarter, said Tuesday it would accelerate its store closure plan. The Boca Raton, FL-based retailer now expects to close 175 stores this year and at least 60 in 2016, for a total reduction of 400 stores by the end of next year.

One new twist in the store closure trend is a recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by grocery chain Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) which is selling or closing all 300 stores in six Mid-Atlantic States.

However, A&Ps strong store portfolio has an average of $2.5 billion in buying power based on demographics within a three-mile trade area. In contrast, Stop & Shops more than 100 stores have $1.5 billion in buying power, while Shoprites 70 stores come in at $1.8 billion.

"Its no wonder than nearly three-quarter of A&Ps planned closures have already been grabbed by Shoprite and Stop and Shop," Mulvee said, referring to the chains plan to sell 120 stores to the rivals for $600 million.

Development is focused around mixed-use single-tenant projects in urban centers, unlike previous construction cycles where retail expanded into suburban markets. Supply constrained markets like Honolulu, New York City and Miami are seeing the strongest levels of new supply.

"This is the type of space that retailers are demanding, so its worthwhile for developers to push through entitlement issues into traditionally difficult markets," McCullough said.

Conversely, markets like Phoenix, Austin and the Inland Empire that dominated the last construction cycle are seeing a fraction of the activity this time around, Mulvee added.

"Part of the reason deliveries are so limited today is because there is a mismatch currently between where its easier to build retail space and where people and their incomes are concentrating," Mulvee said.

Rent growth continues to hold at about 3% annually, mild compared to last cycle, although denser urban areas seeing rent growth of upwards of 7%, while suburban markets where vacancy overhang remains are seeing little rent growth.

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Low Level of Retail Construction Starting to Crimp Net ...