Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

A company that makes specialized parts for electric guitars is relocating to downtown Tacoma, bringing 15 employees with plans to hire several more.

For the past several months, Jason Lollar and Stephanie Lollar have been overseeing the rehabilitation of a 102-year-old building on A Street just off South 24th.

After 15 years working on Vashon Island, the business partners soon will quadruple their space and be a 10-minute walk from the Tacoma Dome and all the guitar technicians and players who perform there. The Lollars believe that proximity will make it easier to work with professional musicians.

You cant get a tour bus on the ferry boat, said Stephanie Lollar, the companys financial officer and business manager.

Lollar Pickups plans to move in to its new headquarters at 2312 A St. in May. The company is driven by the creative ideas and design of Jason Lollar, who started the business in the garage shop on Vashon after tinkering for years on his own guitars.

The relocation of this homegrown specialty manufacturer is the latest feather in downtowns cap, in addition to major employer State Farm insurance, a new YMCA on the University of Washington Tacoma campus, and the Tacoma Art Museums new wing.

First, some definitions: A pickup is a key part of an electric guitar that affects the sound. Pickups are located under the strings, between the bridge and the neck. They capture, or pick up, string vibrations and convert them into an electronic signal that is sent to the amplifier.

Car lovers rebuild engines for fun. Guitar players tinker the same way.

In pickups, hearing is believing, said Steve Bild, an electric guitar specialist at Ted Brown Music Co. in Tacoma. Its like different flavors of vanilla ice cream. Which one is better?

Players are particular.

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Lollar Pickups moving guitar part manufacturing business to Tacoma

Brian Gray bought his band a drone a few weeks back.

The lead singer of the Casper metal outfit Deadpass plunked down about $300 for the quad copter, which is controlled via a cell phone app. It will be perfect, he says, for getting video of people throwing down in the mosh pit.

Gray will tell you this casually, as if it's no big thing for a band to possess its own drone. But then considering his grander visions, a quad copter isn't all that extraordinary.

The 32-year-old has already succeeded in one goal booking the metal band to play the Beacon Club, the closest thing Casper has to a country-music landmark. Deadpass plays the club Monday.

As far as Gray is concerned, thats only an appetizer. The full meal includes a storefront recording studio, a practice space for other bands and a downtown Casper music venue.

I want to bring music back, Gray says. I want to bring metal back, for sure.

A grandiose statement perhaps, especially since his band has played a grand total of two gigs since forming in January 2013. But Gray isnt bashful about his plans -- or his group.

We've been running our mouth, he says. We've been out there telling everybody we are the best damn band in Wyoming. And if you don't believe it, come see it when we book the show.

Deadpass formed when Gray's childhood friend and former bandmate, Gene McCrimmon, contacted him about starting a new project. They recruited 42-year-old Tommy Lee Strange, a lifelong musician whose father is in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame,to play drums.

The band grew to a five-piece with the additions of Colton Krohn, a 19-year-old guitarist, and bassist Lane Dennison, who came on board after his girlfriend received a tattoo from Gray.

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Iron ambition: Casper metal band readies big sound, big plans and its drone

The fireplace becomes a nice focal point for this remodeling great room, a common remodeling project for Utah clients.

Trina Knudsen

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With housing prices remaining steady, interest rates low and contractors back in full swing, this is a prime time for home remodeling.

The remodeling market is confident, and the economy is holding. The experts in the market analysis world say 2014 is a good year for the remodeling industry.

According to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity, a report by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 2014 already has had a good start and that momentum is expected to carry on throughout the year.

The projection shows double-digit gains this year over last year for the first quarter, and gains of just under 10 percent by the third quarter are expected. The study leaders attribute the growth to homeowners confidence in the housing market, which results from growth in home prices, housing starts and existing home sales. With that increased confidence, homeowners are now more likely to undertake home improvements they deferred during the Great Recession.

Housing experts project a slight slowing of the market by midyear because borrowing costs will start to creep back up. Right now, however, interest rates are still low and banks are loosening up funds. If you want to remodel, now is the time.

The National Association of Home Builders also reports increases from last year and predicts a good year for 2014. The Remodeling Market Index shows the highest reading since the first quarter of 2004 in remodelers activity and confidence in the market.

The experts at Remodeling Magazine agree and have another report to prove it. Every year, the magazine puts out its "Cost vs. Value" report assessing remodeling projects and determining the return on investment. For 2014, all 35 projects on the list added more value this year than last year, and this is the second consecutive year of increases after years of decline. This is another sign the housing and remodeling markets are on the mend. It feels good to see some good news about the remodeling industry!

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Renovation Solutions: 2014 expected to be a good year for remodeling

Garage doors may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of saving money and enhancing your homes curb appeal at the same time. But think again.

Chris Schwerdt of Heartland Door and Window, of Topeka, said a garage door insulated with polyurethane will help save you some costs of heating your home in the colder months, particularly if you have an attached garage.

It (polyurethane) makes your garage door stronger because it bonds to the door, he said. Its just going to keep that space that much warmer and help with the efficiency of the home.

Schwerdt said not to forget to that installing weather stripping around the garage door is important as well in making sure your garage is energy efficient, keeping the warm air in and cold air out.

While some garage door manufacturers will provide insulation kits for uninsulated doors, Schwerdt said, he suggests that you dont install insulation yourself on your garage door unless youre confident you know how to do it. He said if the insulation isnt installed correctly, wear and tear on the door springs and balance problems can occur.

In addition to energy efficiency, Schwerdt said garage doors can play an important part in creating a certain look or enhancing the curb appeal of your home.

If you have a really nice garage door, he said, that draws people in. You can get a lot of pop with a nice door.

There are a variety of garage designs, including looks that simulate carriage and barn doors, as well as steel doors that can have designs stamped on them. Schwerdt said while you may want to consider spending a little extra on a nice garage door that faces the street, you can probably save some money on a standard-looking door that faces the alley. He said it all depends on your tastes as a homeowner.

Schwerdt said a well-made, attractive garage door can also help in the resale value of your home. According to Remodeling Magazines 2014 Cost vs. Value report, a garage door replacement will cost an average of $1,535 with a 61-percent rate of return on the investment in the West North Central region of the U.S. which includes Kansas.

While Schwerdt said Heartland Door and Window doesnt provide services to insulate the rest of the garage, he said he will suggest to homeowners that they install insulation to maximize their energy efficiency.

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At Home Living: Garage Doors

Carpet Installation Before After

By: Liret Mendoza

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Carpet Installation Before & After - Video

Carpet Installation Before After 2

By: Liret Mendoza

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Carpet Installation Before & After 2 - Video

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Free Free Carpet Installation Pay Per Sale - Video

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Watch out, the ground will change beneath your feet at the Sacr Coeur in Casablanca. As part of the installation Magic Carpet 2014, an interactive light show swirls, swarms, and shimmers under the cathedral's vaunted arches. It's even more thrilling to watch the lights in action in the video below.

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Magic Carpet 2014 is the work of Miguel Chevalier. As you might expect from the project's name, its patterns are inspired by the mosaics and carpets of Islamic art. In Chevalier's interpretation, they also take on the form of blown-up pixels and microorganisms that react to the movements of visitors. At times, it resembles a stained glass carpet for the cathedral.

The installation ran from April 3 through 6 in Casablanca, but you can relive at least part of the experience in these photos and videos. [designboom]

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Images via Miguel Chevalier

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Walk on a Magic Carpet of Light in this Moroccan Cathedral

Though not always top of mind when designing or renovating, there is no question that the single biggest visual element in a home is the floor.

Flooring sets the mood of a room and ties a space together. For this reason, putting your floor to work as a warm visual element is paramount.

According to trend scouts at World Floor Covering Association, this year's lineup of new floor introductions could not be more warm and inviting. Here is a glimpse of what's coming:

Tile might very well be the oldest known flooring category in the world. From ancient Greece to current day, tile is still as practical as it is glamorous. Today, the category spans far beyond traditional materials like ceramic and stone. And though still popular, the classic square shape is morphing into new forms, too.

Post apocalyptic, gutted-out aluminum tiles, porcelain planks that you'd swear are weatherworn hardwood, and micro-thin ceramic tiles are just some of the eye-catching category introductions.

In line with consumer demand for low maintenance, tile fits the bill better than most, which is one of the reasons it has remained popular for so long. Ceramic and porcelain in particular are some of the best choices when it comes to longevity and value. Due to a low porosity, almost all sealed tile resists moisture, stains and bacteria, making it naturally hygienic. Wood looks and natural stone treatments in ceramic tile are on the rise as homeowners seek to bring the outdoors in.

Unlike hardwood and stone, clay works well in wet environments like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and even pool decks. Advanced technology has brought forth digital imaging and surface treatments that mimic hardwood and stone floors, making it hard to distinguish from the real thing. In addition, like many hardwoods of today, current-day tile can also be a very eco-friendly choice with many options containing a high percentage of recycled materials.

This category is also seeing an evolution in both size and shape. Over the last few years, the market has gravitated toward giant-sized 3-square-foot porcelain and ceramic tiles that install with very little grout. Large format tiles offer more surface area with less interruption of grout lines. They are also easier to keep clean. Another shape coming back into trend is the quatrefoil, meaning "four leaves." The defined, symmetrical shape, which first surfaced during the Gothic revival period, offers stability while the softened edges make it more inviting and comfortable.

A new tile to hit the market boasts a height of just 3.5 millimeters. Weight benefits aside, this structurally sound product can be laid over existing flooring much like vinyl tiles and carpet. The micro-thin tiles are groundbreaking for this category as installation of standard tiles can easily cost more than the tile itself because of the labor involved in removing existing floors.

Unlike any other flooring category, including carpet, area rugs are all about color, pattern, and texture -- especially important to today's homeowner. When it comes to rugs, everything is coming up soft, warm and cozy.

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Flooring trends, like popular decor, are always evolving

MICHIGAN CITY The Michigan City Salvation Army will be the recipient of numerous property improvements during Comcast Cares Day on April 26.

Among the proposed improvements are remodeling the basement, painting the kitchen and enhancing the landscaping around the building.

Although the Salvation Army receives several donations and grants throughout the year, none of them are earmarked for property improvements, said Lieutenant Bill Brutto, who operates the Salvation Army with his wife.

For example, the church recently received $115,000 in grants from the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corp. However, the breakdown of these grants includes $60,000 for energy assistance, $25,000 for food and $30,000 for the homeless shelter.

Comcast Cares Day is a blessing for the organization, Brutto said, adding he is grateful for the ability to maintain the buildings appearance even though it houses a nonprofit agency.

The primary target for the Salvation Army is to remodel the basement.

Over the years, the building has held up really well, but the basement is used for so much. It is our fellowship hall and homeless shelter so it has taken a beating, Brutto said. The goal is to make it as welcoming as possible.

Due to the remodeling projects, the homeless shelter is closed and will remain so until May 5. Brutto has been reaching out to other agencies in the community to help house the homeless men until the shelter can reopen, but as of Thursday afternoon he had not confirmed a location.

During Comcast Cares Day, the basement will be painted and a new storage closet will be constructed in the corner large enough to hold the cots and other supplies needed for the homeless shelter.

Also, the basement carpeting will be removed and replaced with a tile floor.

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Salvation Army readies for property improvements