Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

(BPT) - Most of us spend our day multi-tasking. At work or home, we want to maximize our time and resources in order to accomplish the most work while expending the minimum required effort. Home improvement should be no different. In order to make the most of your home improvement resources, it makes sense to undertake certain projects in tandem.

Roof replacement and skylight upgrades, new countertops and new sinks some projects go together like peanut butter and jelly. Doing these projects at the same time can allow you to cut labor costs, save time and achieve the best possible results. Here are three sets of home improvements best done together:

1. Roof and skylights

Replacing an old or damaged roof ensures the rest of your home stays protected from the elements. A roof replacement returns nearly 68 percent of its cost when you sell your home, according to Remodeling Magazines Cost vs. Value Report. Replacing the roof entails removing the old shingles, tiles or other deck covering and the flashing around any existing openings in the roof. Its an ideal time to inspect all those openings and upgrade any rooftop structures, such as skylights. Its also the most convenient and affordable time to replace or install new skylights.

If your home has older skylights, the flashing around them may have deteriorated over time, making them susceptible to leaks and less energy efficient. Modern Energy Star-qualified fresh air skylights, like the No Leak Skylight line from Velux America, can improve indoor air quality through passive ventilation, greatly reduce dependence on expensive artificial light sources, and save on energy costs. Whats more, the skylights specially engineered flashing and other features virtually eliminate the risk of leaks so theres a 10-year no-leak warranty with the units. Youre getting a new roof with a new warranty so its a plus to coordinate your roof and skylight warranties.

Dont have skylights but thinking about installing them to make your space more functional and enhance the enjoyment of your home? Again, roof replacement time is also the best time for a new installation. Opt for solar-powered fresh air skylights, with stylish and energy efficient solar blinds, and the improvements, including installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. To learn more about skylights or to find a certified installer in your area, visit http://www.whyskylights.com.

2. Garage door and garage door opener

Replacing a garage door is a great investment, even if your builder-installed basic door is still functional and in good shape. Installing an upscale garage door costs an average of about $2,791, and recoups nearly 89 percent of that cost at resale, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. A new garage door can have a major impact on your homes curb appeal, and a newer, sturdier door that is energy efficient and air-tight can help improve your homes overall energy efficiency.

While youre investing in a new garage door, its a great time to upgrade your garage door opener as well. Homeowners often dont think about the opener until it stops working, but the device contributes to your homes usability, convenience and security. Installing one in tandem with a new garage door can help to reduce labor costs and allow you to upgrade from an older, louder model such as a chain-drive system to a quieter and stronger one, like a belt-drive opener.

3. Countertops and sinks

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Save money, time and energy when you tackle these home improvements in tandem

Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB) May 07, 2014

Miracle Method Surface Refinishing, the nation's leading bathtub, tile and countertop refinishing franchise, has been named one of the top franchises for 2014 by Entrepreneur Magazine. Miracle Method was again awarded first place in their category, as well as an impressive 230 overall out of the top 500 in the 35th Annual Franchise 500.

Each year, Entrepreneur Magazine researches thousands of franchise brands to determine their Annual Franchise 500the most comprehensive franchise ranking in the world. Franchises are ranked, regardless of size, according to the same objective, quantifiable criteria:

This award validates the quality and value of owning a Miracle Method franchise, says Chuck Pistor, President of Miracle Method. While profitable ROI, low initial investment, and limited to no market competition are attractive incentives for potential franchisees, we know that a successful business is measured by more than just profits.

Miracle Method is consistently recognized as a leading brand by various franchise industry publications and associations. Most recently, Franchise Business Review also named Miracle Method one of the Top Franchises for 2014 in owner satisfactionbased entirely on the opinions of actual franchise owners.

Miracle Method has more than 135 franchises nationwide and in Canada and is actively recruiting to meet demand. For information about owning a Miracle Method franchise, contact John Tubiolo, VP of Franchise Sales, at 877-434-5096 or visit http://www.miraclemethod.com/franchise.

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Miracle Method Surface Refinishing Named One of Entrepreneur Magazines Franchise 500

Thursday, May 8, 2014 | 12:15 p.m. CDT

BY The Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri Senate has endorsed a construction funding bill that includes projects on college campuses and for the Highway Patrol.

Senators approved roughly $221 million in capital improvements 28-4 on Thursday. Among the projects are more than a dozen at universities and community colleges that require local funding to pay half the cost. The Missouri State Highway Patrol needs a new garage to replace a vehicle maintenance facility in Jefferson City that was destroyed by a fire in early April.

However, whether funds will be available for several projects remains in doubt. About $20 million for higher education projects would depend upon state revenues meeting the governor's more optimistic revenue projections.

The capital improvement measure also calls for $141.5 million to come through bonds by the Board of Public Buildings.

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Senators approve Missouri capital improvements

The City of Plainview has issued an $800,000 commercial building permit for the construction of Plainview Common Shopping Center, to be located immediately north of the Walmart Supercenter on the west side of Interstate 27.

Initial plans for the strip shopping center, being developed by White Oak Development, were announced last fall after a sign went up at the site, which is in front of another strip center that includes GameStop.

In November, Plainview Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Linda Morris disclosed that three spaces in the planned shopping center already have been leased. At that time Morris said a clothing store will anchor one end with a restaurant on the other. Great Clips, a hair salon/barber shop, will be located in the middle.

The folks from Great Clips were the ones who broke the news when they came by our booth (at a trade show) and said they were excited about coming to Plainview, Morris said.

With that permit, the citys April building report shows total permitted construction for the month of $838,350 and $1,256,957 for the year. That compares with $1,090,205 for the same four-month period in 2013.

The shopping center is the first permit for new commercial construction thus far this year. There have been no permits issued for new residential construction during 2014.

A total of 10 permits were issued during April by the citys building department, including three for residential additions, at a total value of $15,000; one residential remodel, $500; one residential demolition, $0; two commercial remodels, $20,500; and two signs, $2,350.

For the year to date, 58 permits have been issued by the city residential addition, 11; residential remodel, 9; residential demolition, 2; residential accessory, 1; garage/carport, 8; storage building, 1; new commercial, 1; commercial addition, 1; commercial remodel, 9; commercial demolition, 2; and signs, 13.

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City issues permit for strip center

By R. Levi

Hardwood flooring gives a home that warm welcoming look that makes you feel so, well warm and welcome. The good news is hardwood floors are also straightforward to clean and to take care of using eco-friendly cleaners.

Before you begin to clean your hardwood floors, you have to determine what condition your ground is in. You will need to perceive what sort of finish youve gotten in place and whether or not its stained or varnished. Many so called wood floors are really just wood grain laminate, which might require a different kind of cleaning.

Before you start cleaning the hardwood floor do this test sprinkle a little water on the floor. If the ground soaks up the water, it means the protecting finish has worn away and its time for you to think about redoing your floors.

When you have a wax finish on your flooring, then you only have to sweep the ground with a broom and mop it with a clean soft mop. You will need to sweep this type of hardwood floor each day to forestall dirt from building up, which can scratch and mar the wax surface. Liquid spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent the formation of ugly water rings.

A few times a year its best to consider using beeswax to scrub the ground if it has an oil or wax based finish. This kind of cleaner can help you to clean your floor and keep it vivid and beautiful. Its best to apply the wax with a delicate cloth. Permit it to sit for a couple of minutes and then start to remove the excess wax. It is a lot like waxing your car. Itd sound extravagant to make use of this sort of wax however it may save you quite a lot of time when it comes time to day by day cleanup of the hardwood floors.

To really go green when cleaning hardwood flooring, you could have to remove the finish on your hardwood floor. This may need sanding the ground, which will be slightly difficult to accomplish on your own so that you would possibly have to get a professional to help you out. Once you have the floor stripped, reseal the ground with beeswax. Your newly polished hardwood flooring can now be kept clean by sweeping it every day with a brush and dusting with a gentle mop.

We trust that you find this content on cleaning hardwood floors worthwhile. For more information on cleaning hardwood floors, hardwood floor cleaning, hardwood floors cleaning, how to clean hardwood floors, clean hardwood floors, I suggest you visit this site http://www.cleaningcleaner.com.

About the author: R. Levi is an expert in when comes to Eco Friendly Cleaning. He has devoted so much time in doing researches on the topic and has been proudly living Green for several years now. To learn more about cleaning hardwood floors, please drop by R. Levis favorite internet resource, http://www.cleaningcleaner.com.

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Home // Interior Remodeling // Attic Remodeling

Are you looking to add more space to your home? Does your attic need renovations? Our Chicago attic remodeling experts are the ones to call. Attics can add many square feet to your home. You can turn your attic into a bedroom, a play room, a library, a home office or even a theater. Catalysts Chicago attic remodelers will work with you to design an attic renovation or remodel that fits all of your needs.

Our Chicago attic remodeling experts provide our customers with only the highest quality craftsmanship. At Catalyst, we pride ourselves on our impeccable attention to detail and our ability to complete our projects on time without cutting corners.

We provide a variety of services as Chicago attic renovation professionals; the services we provide include:

All of our Chicago attic remodeling services at Catalyst are customized to fit your needs and desires. The things that an attic can be used for is limited only by the available space. Our Chicago attic remodelers have the capability to create an attic that functions just as any other room in the house or as a completely unique room that adds character to your home.

For more information about how our Chicago attic remodeling services can benefit you, contact us today. At Catalyst, we strive to provide you with an unbeatable attic remodeling service. Call us or fill out our online request form to learn more today. Our Chicago attic renovation teams are excited to work with you.

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An unlikely hero broke up a home break-in.

The man who lives at the home was not there at the time, but his loyal dog was keeping an eye on things.

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Now 44-year-old Shane Swanson is charged with burglary and criminal mischief.

The burglary took place in the middle of the day. The resident of the house was at work and Dino was working too; he was on security duty.

Dino is an 8-year-old Lab/beagle mix who loves to play. But he also knows when to get serious.

"If you come around and act like you got some sense he won't do nothing to you. He'll play, he'll lick you, but if you act like you're sneaky or trying to do something he knows is not right, I don't know if he'll bite you, but he'll bark like hell at you," said the homeowner's brother Jesse Brown.

Police said Swanson broke into a house on S. Floyd Street Tuesday afternoon.

Police believe Swanson ripped aluminum siding off a vent to get inside the attic.

Dino was home alone and showed the burglar who's boss.

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Burglary suspect arrested after falling through ceiling

(BPT) - More and more homeowners are embarking upon home improvement projects, spending nearly $200 billion a year on home renovations, according to the National Association of Home Builders. If youre looking to make some home improvements without breaking the bank, spend smartly and invest time and money now into the projects that will pay back later.

Curb appeal

When it comes to first impressions, house hunters first notice curb appeal, or lack thereof. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal is important to 71 percent of homebuyers. So beautify the outdoor space to attract possible buyers by focusing on small exterior improvements thatll pay off big like planting seasonal shrubs, painting the front door, refreshing a rusty mailbox or replacing old porch lighting with updated fixtures. These minor details will make a major and lasting statement. At the very least, you should clean the yard of any debris, trim trees and spread mulch in planting beds.

Take outdoor renovations to the next level by transforming the look of your home completely with a fresh coat of paint. Be mindful of your homes location when selecting paint colors. Bold or bright colors might be the norm in Florida but wouldnt look right in a region like the Pacific Northwest where neutral earth tones are popular.

You can also increase the value of your home by giving your siding material an overhaul. Remodeling magazine suggests replacing aluminum and vinyl siding with a durable fiber-cement mixture, which will recoup about 88 percent of its cost upon resale. It resists fire, rotting, moisture and termites - all potential hazards that could otherwise end up costing thousands.

Let your insurance agent know whenever you complete a renovation project to make sure any new upgrades to your home are properly covered under your existing policy. If not, your agent can work with you to make sure you get the coverage you need, says Erie Insurance Vice President and Product Manager Joe Vahey. In addition, some home improvement upgrades may entitle you to discounts, especially if renovations make the home safer or more secure. For example, Erie Insurance offers discounts for installing smoke alarms or a central station alarm. Erie also provides a discount for installing sprinkler systems in your home.

Bed, bath and beyond

As house hunters head indoors, there are a few things that are likely to increase a sale. Most tend to look at kitchens and baths first. Experts recommend timeless fixtures instead of trendy ones since they hold their own over time and appeal to buyers who favor both contemporary and classic looks. Dont waste your money on fancy fixtures and features they rarely make or break a sale.

Most people seem to think that a huge kitchen overhaul is necessary to snag interested buyers. However, Remodeling Magazine reports that youll actually recoup 8.5 percent more of the costs of a minor kitchen renovation compared to a major kitchen renovation. So instead of redoing the kitchen completely, accomplish a few minor DIY kitchen updates like changing out faucets and lighting fixtures, painting cabinets, adding new hardware to drawers and cabinets, and replacing old appliances with newer (and often more energy-efficient) models.

Experts also say that adding an attic bedroom and finishing the basement are two of the largest renovations that give you the best return on your investment, allowing you to recoup more than 84 percent and nearly 78 percent of the cost, respectively.

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Home improvements that make your home more valuable

Emerson, GA (PRWEB) May 08, 2014

LakePoint Sporting Community, the worlds largest sports vacation destination, has chosen Shaw Sports Turf as the provider of its first 11 playing fields. Shaw Sports Turf is engineered for performance and safety specifically to meet the needs of athletes and sports programs.

The initial seven fields are scheduled for completion in June 2014 and the remaining four will be completed later this year. Each field will be uniquely engineered to serve a number of different sports. Three of the fields will serve soccer and lacrosse, featuring Shaw Sports Turfs Legion and PowerBlade systems on a shock pad. The other eight are baseball fields utilizing the TruHop system designed by Shaws R&D team, in conjunction with former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz.

The Shaw Sports PowerBlade systems are specially designed to meet the stringent standards of FIFA, and the Legion turf systems cater to the performance and durability needs of multi-use fields. The TruHop turf system can be tailored to fit each performance area of a baseball field, including the infield, outfield, warning track, base path and foul lines.

Our mission is to manufacture world-class athletic fields, said Shaw Sports Turf Territory Manager Jim Watts. The LakePoint campus will be the nations largest sports vacation destination and we are thrilled to have an opportunity to showcase our fields in a facility that will be second-to-none.

The use of synthetic turf will also prevent downtime from inclement weather and can withstand up to 3,000 hours of play per year, versus 1,000 hours per year for grass fields.

When completed, LakePoint Sporting Community will be the largest synthetic turf installation in the world, spanning more than 1,200+ acres to provide state-of-the-art venues for more than 40 different sports.

We are excited to be working with Shaw Sports Turf, a world-class manufacturer of synthetic turf fields, said LakePoint Sporting Community Development Partner Judy Sparks. We chose Shaw Sports Turf for our initial fields because we are impressed with the advanced technology used in their product and we are committed to supporting locally-based businesses when possible.

LakePoint has brought together the best tournament operators and organizations as partners and long-term tenants, including Perfect Game USA, North Atlanta Soccer Association (NASA), LB3 Lacrosse, Terminus Wakeboard, Rally Volleyball and Greg Norman Golf Academy.

About LakePoint Sporting Community Bartow County and the City of Emerson will become the unparalleled sports destination in the world with the development of LakePoint Sporting Community. The development will include 1,200+ acres of sports venues, commercial, retail, and entertainment options. To learn more about LakePoint Sporting Community, please visit http://www.lakepointsports.com. Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/lakepointsports.

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LakePoint Sporting Community Begins Installation of 11 Shaw Sports Turf Fields

Repurposing Solar Landscape Lights For Indoor Lighting
In this video I am repurposing some solar deck lights that we decided not to use. In this case I am using them to provide a little bit of light in and around the chicken coop but this same...

By: SSLFamilyDad

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Repurposing Solar Landscape Lights For Indoor Lighting - Video