Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Don Smith/staff photographer

Rick Herman of Allendale put his home of 14 years on the market two months ago. "We love the place," he says of the Victorian, "and it's kind of hard to leave. But it's five bedrooms, way too much for two people."

This spring traditionally the busiest time in the housing market buyers may find they've got fewer choices than they'd like, because the inventory of homes on the market is down, compared with last year. In Bergen County, the number of single-family homes for sale dropped 25 percent in January and February, and in Passaic County, about 15 percent.

One big reason is that many sellers have held off because of the unusually harsh winter weather, and they're likely to list their properties soon, which may bring a surge of properties to the market.

But other homeowners especially those who bought during the housing boom still can't sell without taking a loss, and those properties are likely to stay off the market, shrinking the potential pool of available homes.

"There are still sellers waiting for the market to improve in order for them to get out," said Jeff Adler, a Keller Williams agent in Ridgewood.

"A lot of sellers have been taken aback by the amount of decline from the peak to where the market is now," agreed Jorge Ledesma, a Re/Max agent in Teaneck. "It's a bitter pill to swallow when you see so much equity in your home, and through no fault of your own, you see it go away."

Home prices in the region are still, on average, about 20 percent below their 2006 peaks, so owners who bought during the housing boom may well be "underwater" that is, owing more on the mortgage than their home is worth. Others may not be underwater but still have 2006 prices stuck in their heads as the "real" value of their home, and are reluctant to sell for less.

As home prices rise, more of these homeowners will be willing and able to sell, observers say. With prices up statewide an estimated 4.3 percent last year, many homeowners are already moving out of the underwater category, said Jeffrey Otteau, an East Brunswick appraiser who follows home prices statewide.

"We will see more [home selling] activity as equity gets restored," Otteau said recently at a seminar for real estate agents in East Hanover.

Read more from the original source:
Chilly forecast for North Jersey home sales

After a week of deliberations the first government under newly-elected president Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi was sworn in on 17 June, led by Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb.

The new government, the third since the ouster of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi on 3 July, 2013, increased the number of cabinet ministers from 31 to 34. Twenty members of the outgoing cabinet retained their jobs, including Minister of Defence Sedki Sobhi and Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim. Together with newly-elected president Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, these two influential cabinet members comprise what t many political analysts consider the real centre of power in Egypt.

Mehleb was commissioned to form a new government on 9 June, one day after ex-army chief Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi took the oath of office as Egypts new president. Under article 146 of the new constitution the government must resign after the results of the presidential elections are officially announced.

Mehleb, who led the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, told reporters he is not leading a caretaker government. The government will not act as if it is in power only until new parliamentary elections are held and new government is formed. It will make decisions for the long-term, and will be working day and night to secure a brighter future.

Mehleb said he agreed with Al-Sisi his governments priorities must include restoring stability and security, fighting terrorism, and improving public services. He dismissed rumours the controversial House of Representatives Law, ratified by outgoing president Adli Mansour on 5 June, would be amended. Instead, he said the legislative reform committee formed by Al-Sisi last week would take charge of revising legislation to ensure it conforms with the new constitution. The prime minister also promised the cabinet would also work towards promoting a religious discourse that disseminates the ideals of tolerance and moderation as espoused by Islam and Christianity.

The new government contained few surprises. The most dramatic move was the phasing out of the ministry of information, to be replaced by a National Press Council, which will oversee the regulation of audio-visual and print media as was envisaged by article 211 of the new constitution. Nabil Fahmis replacement as foreign minister by Sameh Shoukri, Egypts ambassador to the United States from 2008 to 2012, left many commentators perplexed.

Al-Ahram political analyst Hassan Abu Taleb believes Fahmi did a good job improving relations with Washington and the African Union in the aftermath of Mohamed Morsis ouster. His removal, speculates Abu Taleb, was probably a result of comments made during a visit to Washington last March that the relationship between Egypt and the US was rather like a marriage, a comparison that played badly with both officials and the public.

That both Shoukri and Fahmi served as ambassadors to the US is telling, says Abu Taleb. It signals the importance the post-Morsi leadership in Egypt gives to relations with the US.

It is also noteworthy that Shoukri was Hosni Mubaraks information secretary from 1995 to 1999.

Laila Iskandar, who served in the outgoing cabinet as minister of environment, will occupy the new cabinet post of minister of urban development. According to Mehleb the new ministry will be responsible for improving conditions in slum areas and squatter communities on the fringes of major cities.

See the article here:
Not a caretaker government

Broken

The belated confirmation of three Cabinet secretaries this weekfour long years after they were first named to their postshas temporarily obscured the problem that lies at the heart of the Commission on Appointments system. It will become obvious again, however, as soon as Congress returns next month. The CA has become a members club, where the interests of its members are placed ahead of everyone elses.

This was the same problem that defined the CA in the years before martial law, except for one substantial difference. Today, the CA, a special constitutional body composed of lawmakers from both chambers of Congress, actively undermines its role in the Constitutions elaborate infrastructure of checks and balances.

To be sure, CA members have justified their objections to some of the appointees in check-and-balance terms. But four years to confirm someone like Justice Secretary Leila de Lima or Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman? No CA member ever attempted a full-scale campaign to force President Aquino to de-nominate De Lima or Soliman (or even Environment Secretary Ramon Paje); instead, those who did not like the secretary-designates found other ways to delay or defer confirmation.

If something truly disqualifying had been discovered in the last four years (say, hypothetically, that De Lima had taken part in voter fraud in her election law practice, or that Soliman cannot account for millions of pesos disbursed through the Conditional Cash Transfer program), then we would have joined our voice to the clamor to replace them. But there has been no such discovery. Indeed, the main factor behind the delay in their confirmation (Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago versus Soliman, for instance, or Sen. Jinggoy Estrada versus De Lima) seems to be mere personal animus.

De Lima and Soliman (and other appointees only belatedly confirmed) are not beyond reproach; they are certainly vulnerable to criticism. But the Executives appointing power was not meant to nominate perfect candidates, but only qualified officials who enjoy the Presidents full trust and will implement his policies. The Rules of the CA stipulate that the commission is driven by only one impelling motive, which is the efficient and harmonious functioning of the government.

Even if we give the CA the benefit of the doubt and acknowledge that it can bypass an appointment, the repeated renomination of the appointee should properly be read as a signal to extend the same benefit of the doubt to the President as nominator. After all, he is forming his Cabinet, and the CA is bound, according to its own Rules, to accord the nomination or appointment weight and respect, to the end that all doubts should be resolved in of approval or confirmation.

What emerged from last weeks committee-level hearing at the CA, when Estrada questioned De Lima intensely, was the sense of entitlement that marks the members of this exclusive club. Letter-writer Romulo Macalintal noted Estradas outrageous suggestion, for instance, that De Lima should have approached each of the members, because it was tradition. Imagine that. When a nominee refuses to cheapen the process by knocking on doors and calling on each of the members, the members themselves see it as an affront.

No wonder a broken system failed to confirm someone like Jesse Robredo.

Breaking

See the original post:
Editorials

When I remodeled my house, I knew what I wanted: a bigger kitchen with room for two refrigerators, more family space and another bedroom. But there are dreams and then theres reality. My husband and I began wondering not only how much we could afford, but how much was wise to spend. So we called our real-estate agent and explained our plans, with hopes she could help us set a budget.

Fortunately, she was able to tell us how much more she could sell our home for with our new dream addition. So that became our budget. It was actually a fairly easy way to think about our return on investment (ROI). However, many homeowners mistakenly think the cost vs. value ratio hovers at one to one, and whatever they invest into the project will be instantly reflected in increased value. Not so fast.Even the most valuable remodeling projects dont completely recoup the cost, according to Remodeling Magazinesannual cost vs. value report . The project with the highest return on investment installing a steel door only recoups 97% of its cost. That wasnt always the case. In 2009, steel doors had an ROI of 125%. But in 2011, it fell to 73%.

From DailyWorth.com , heres the expected ROI on seven popular home projects:

Average national cost: $18,856

Return on investment: 82.7%

While any kitchen remodel will add some value to your home, less is more when it comes to ROI. If youre remodeling on a budget, focus on a few key areas: Replace dated appliances with more modern, stainless steel models; replace aging countertops with sturdier materials that you can afford; replace cabinet hardware (but leave the boxes in place); and apply a fresh coat of paint or add a new backsplash.

Average national cost: $54,909

Return on investment: 74.2%

Any real-estate agent will tell you to invest your time and money in the kitchen if you want to add value to your home. Why? Because kitchens make a big impressionand home buyers want them to be modern, functional and well-maintained. The average cost of a major kitchen remodel is high, but includes a complete guttingfrom cabinets to appliances to flooring and replacing them with modern midrange materials.

Be careful not to go too far with kitchen remodels. Unless youre living in a high-end, luxury home, you shouldnt have high-end, luxury appliances (like a top-of-the-line Sub-Zero fridge, for example) or personalized gadgetsthey wont matter to your targeted buyer or add value to your home.

See the rest here:
Slide Show: Are these 7 home remodeling projects worth the money?

I feel like Im in a different city, and This is the best thing going in Marshall, were just some of the comments owner Joshua Awbrey heard after the grand re-opening and the complete remodeling of Anytime Fitness.

The re-model took two weeks to complete and during that time absolutely no gym member could use the 24-hour fitness haven.

They love it, Awbrey said. No one can say they dont like it when its new like this. Weve been getting great feedback.

As a part of their corporate office, the gym must have a remodeling around every five years to keep them up to date.

Though its keeping some of the same equipment, Awbrey said they will be adding new pieces and trading in some others.

Were adding some more pieces. It takes eight to 10 weeks because (manufacturers) have to build them, so well have four new pieces coming in and were getting rid of some and trading some out, he said.

Some of the new features added include a multipurpose room where members can choose a workout video to follow along with and work out with others. Awbrey said his goals for the gym was to increase membership to 1,300, increase revenue in the training department and add a female trainer.

Awbrey described the previous model of the gym as dark and dungeony, but said the new remodeling has completely changed everything that gym members know about Anytime Fitness.

The whole thing is my favorite, he said when asked what his favorite part about the remodeling was. The old model was dark and kind of dungeony with black ceilings. Its bright now its just changed the whole perception of the gym.

We want everyone whos been old members or havent worked out in a while to come and check it out if they havent been here since and be awestruck.

Excerpt from:
Anytime Fitness opens after remodeling

The contemporary bar in the new entertainment area is made of horizontal bamboo and a slab of vanilla onyx.

When most people think of a man cave, they imagine a space set apart from the central living area in the home, with traditionally very masculine dcor and entertainment elements like projection televisions, leather recliner seating and built-in kegerators. These spaces are usually away from the homes central living area, in a garage or spare room or basement. With Fathers Day this weekend, its the perfect time to showcase a San Diego remodel that illustrates a new trend: foregoing the traditional man cave for a stylish, multiuse entertaining space the whole family can enjoy.

A large game room features a pool table.

In a recent project for a young professional couple, our team was tasked with creating a new entertaining space with the key elements being a contemporary bar and a large adjacent game room. Located on the homes extremely segmented bottom level, our team first opened up the space by removing a wall and changing the layout. By positioning the bar adjacent to the game room, the space now has a more natural flow.

We also used cork tile walls in the game room, which present an intriguing texture and are sound absorbent, ideal for when multiple activities are under way.

The focal point of the new space is the new contemporary bar area. We used a mix of sophisticated materials to exemplify the uncommon. Two-thirds of the bar is horizontal bamboo; one-third is a sumptuous vanilla onyx slab. We chose Italian light fixtures with red-orange hues and used a light bar underneath the countertop to bring it to life. Designed for entertaining, the bar area features essentials like a beer tap, wine cooler, sink and generously sized refrigerator.

The remodeled space is large enough to accommodate large parties.

Exquisite materials draw attention at every turn. A window from the original home, transformed into a recessed storage area with rounded glass for liquor and accessories, is framed by gleaming metallic tiles in bronze and copper. LED recessed lighting glows upon the richly colored marble countertop, setting the mood for warmth and good cheer.

Next to the bar sits a new stone fireplace and built-in television. The expansive new layout can accommodate large parties yet is designed with well-defined gathering areas to enhance more intimate gatherings as well. The new space acts as a magnet for guests and expresses the homeowners affinity for sophisticated design and sensational entertaining at home.

Todd Jackson is the CEO of Jackson Design and Remodeling. He can be reached at (619) 442-6125, info@jacksondesignandremodeling.com, or http://www.jacksondesignandremodeling.com

Original post:
Family fun evolves from man cave

San Antonio Home Siding | 210-740-0407
San Antonio Home Siding | 210-740-0407 Call Now 210-740-0407 http://www.mysahomeremodeling.com We offer professional Home SIding Installation. We work with all kinds of siding vinyl, hardie,...

By: Sandy Johnson

More here:
San Antonio Home Siding | 210-740-0407 - Video

San Antonio Home Siding Installation | 210-740-0407
San Antonio Home Siding Installation | 210-740-0407 Call Now 210-740-0407 http://www.mysahomeremodeling.com We offer professional Home SIding Installation. W...

By: Sandy Johnson

See more here:
San Antonio Home Siding Installation | 210-740-0407 - Video

San Antonio Siding Installation | 210-740-0407
San Antonio Siding Installation | 210-740-0407 Call Now 210-740-0407 http://www.mysahomeremodeling.com We offer professional Home SIding Installation. We wor...

By: Sandy Johnson

Original post:
San Antonio Siding Installation | 210-740-0407 - Video

Denver, CO (PRWEB) June 17, 2014

Scope Technologies, the leading provider of remote aerial measurements, is pleased to announce the launch of SidingScope. Using advanced photo technology, SidingScope provides accurate and affordable measurement reports to siding contractors, home contractors, roofing contractors or any other party that specializes in siding repair, siding installation or siding inspections. These comprehensive reports will save contractors time, money and manpower.

SidingScope was designed with the end user in mind, says CEO of Scope Technologies, Jerod Raisch. Our goal when designing SidingScope was to streamline the tasks and minimize all the setbacks a siding contractor would typically experience when gathering siding measurements.

Scope Technologies has created an extremely simple ordering process to make getting siding measurements as easy possible. The reports are also easy to read, as Scope Technologies condenses all siding measurements into a clean, concise report.

Instead of having one of your valuable employees drive out to a site to hand-measure siding, you can get all the measurements you need with a few simple clicks of a button, says Raisch. By making ordering reports so easy, siding contractors can spend less time, money and manpower measuring and focus their resources on developing their business and increasing their cash flow.

SidingScope reports feature only the essential information a contractor would need, including:

-Siding and outside ceiling measurements -Starter strip, fascia/soffit, and frieze board measurements -Door, garage and window wrap measurements -Inside and outside corner measurements -Clear aerial imagery from all angles -Clean, color-coded plain view drawings from all angles

To order a SidingScope report or for more information, visit SidingScope.com. Discounts for high volume orders are available. For custom pricing, call 877-697-2673 to speak to a Scope Technologies representative.

About Scope Technologies Founded in 2011 to help companies expand their business, Scope Technologies uses advanced mobile and cloud technologies to provide tools that help streamline processes with the ultimate goal of improving businesses bottom line. The Denver-based companys visionary leadership, engineering and programming teams develop Scope Technologies state-of-the-art systems and programs for use in the cloud for optimal delivery and growth.

###

See the rest here:
Scope Technologies Launches New Product to Save Siding Contractors Time, Money and Manpower