Category: Home Improvement

Best Home Builder

dedicated to making certain that every home that we make is built with hardware, precision, dedication, and quality. We also are dedicated to making certain that we uphold our value of communication so that you know that the process from beginning to end it is always going to be centered around making certain that you know what is going on. After all, you are the boss of the project, so we need always make certain that we are medication with you so that we know that we are doing things according to your standards and so that you know that we are doing things right.

break the homebuilding that process up into four steps. The first is the free consultation, in which we will decide on your budget, identify your drivers, and determine the factors. The second step is the preconstruction phase, in which we will select an architect, define the project, identify potential issues, and analyze cost impacts. The third stage is the construction phase, in which will actually build a home, landscaping, the driveway, etc. The fourth stage is the closeout, in which will take some professional photographs, walk you through the home, and schedule some follow-up appointments

follow up with you after the home has been completed so that we can make certain that everything is still going well and that we didn’t make any mistakes. This also is a great opportunity for you to rest assured that you will have opportunities to talk to us and show us things that you might have questions about. Of course, you can always call us if you need to. There is no need to wait for one of the follow-up appointments.

The first step is a consultation, which is a free process in which you are going to be able to work with us to decide on your budget, identify your drivers, and determine factors. The second step is the construction phase, in which we will be an architect, define the project, identify potential issues, analyze cost impacts, and more. The third step is the construction phase itself, in which we will the home itself, but if the driveway, did landscaping, etc. The fourth step is the closeout, in which will take special photography of the finished product, give you a final walk-through, and schedule some follow-up appointments so that we can check back in with you and see how you’re doing.

Home Show – Things To Know!

Signing up for a booth

If you have not registered for a Home Show booth and would like to – now is the time! In order to appear in the Home Show magazine you will need to be registered no later than Monday

Volunteering for the Home Show

We are lucky to have members that are willing to lend a helping hand and due to the size of the Home Show, we need a lot of hands. We have various opportunities to volunteer throughout the week of Home Show and would appreciate any assistance. On behalf of everyone at the we want to thank you in advance for volunteering your time during the Home Show.

Home Show Set-Up

If you have not received an email regarding set-up times, give us a call if you need to schedule dock time. Scheduling a dock time will create a smoother and productive set-up, making it easier for everybody

Home Show/Booth Etiquette

Making connections and talking to visitors is key in getting the most out of the Home Show. This is a non-selling show meaning no products can be sold AND no money or credit card information can be collected. Being present and available at the Home Show will be beneficial to you, being friendly and having inviting body language is what you and your booth staff should aim for

Building A New Home? Here Are Must Have’s

A new home can bring years of happiness, but regrets often surface once the project is done. There’s longing for more storage space and a laundry room near the bedrooms, for example. Sometimes, there are must-haves that aren’t completed or considered beforehand.

Insulation

Are you always too hot or cold? Ensure your walls are properly insulated. Proper insulation installation is expected from the insulation contractor’s bid. But some spots, such as rim joists between the first and second floor, are easily missed. If you needed to retrofit this aspect of your home it could cost you thousands later on.

Outlets And Cover Conduits

As flat-screen televisions become the norm, homes are changing to accommodate sleek, high-tech models. Often, that means hanging TVs on the wall. But who wants to see electrical and cable cords running down the wall to the entertainment system? If you want to avoid another costly wall project, plan for where cords and outlets will sit. A conduit is a pipe in the wall that lets homeowners keep cords out of sight.

Convenient Washer And Dryer

Laundry rooms often are located near water pipes and ducts, which is why so many of them are in basements or garages. Locating one near a second-floor bedroom requires access to that plumbing infrastructure. If you don’t build that in the first time, you may be in for a large project later on.

Heating And Cooling

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning are essential to comfort in your home. If built right the first time, with an eye toward energy-efficiency, it can be a boon to your wallet, as well. Badly or incorrectly installed HVAC may mean, at least, a chilly house in the winter and an inconsistently cooled house in the summer. At worst, it may mean high energy bills, carbon dioxide being pulled into your home or worse.

Home Builder is doing too well for our own good

The government’s $670 million HomeBuilder package has been so successful that capacity constraints now risk leaving consumers out of pocket and developers and builders with failed sales.

Luckily, the solution is pretty simple: just extend some of the very tight deadlines the scheme has set for signing the contract, titling the new blocks and starting construction.

HomeBuilder was introduced in June to prevent a looming collapse in housing construction. For those who met the criteria, in income and project size, the program offered $25,000 towards a new home or a major renovation – if the contract was signed by December 31 and if construction started within three months.

At the time, I argued that the money would be better spent on social and affordable housing. But the aim was to have an immediate impact on a fast-evaporating industry and, with the strong multiplier in construction, on the broader economy.

Its promoters knew that nothing motivates housing consumers more than a big bag of government money, and, coupled with state-based incentives, it can be a very big bag.

Home Builder Registration

All home builders who build homes must be registered with the Consumer Protection Division before they enter into a contract with a consumer for the construction or sale of a new home

This page outlines the major provisions of the Home Builder Registration Act and should answer most questions regarding who must register, procedures for registering, and information that registered builders must include in their contracts and advertisements.

Application Fees:  Applicants to register as a home builder, or to renew a home builder registration, must pay a non-refundable application fee at time of application, as follows:

Initial registration: $800

Renewal registration: . 10 or fewer permits preceding year: $400 . 11 to 74 permits preceding year: $800 . 75 or more permits preceding year: $1,200

Guaranty Fund Administrative Fee paid by builders who build only in County: $250

Sales Representative registration: $300

Who must register as a home builder?

The Act requires persons to register who build new homes or who enter into contracts to sell new homes to consumers. Some builders have a single legal entity that both builds the home and sells it to the consumer. For such a builder, that single legal entity will have to register as a home builder. Other builders have one legal entity construct the home and a separate legal entity sell it. For such a builder, both legal entities will have to register as a home builder.

There are six important types of legal entities or people who do NOT have to register under the Act. They are:

(i) an employee of a registrant who does not hold himself or herself out for hire in home building except as an employee of a registrant;

(ii) subcontractors or other vendors hired by the registrant to perform services or supply materials for the construction of a new home who do not otherwise meet the requirements of the Act;

(iii) the manufacturer of industrialized buildings intended for residential use or of mobile homes, unless the manufacturer also installs the industrialized buildings or mobile homes;

(iv) a real estate developer who does not construct or sell homes;

(v) a financial institution that lends funds for the construction or purchase of residential dwellings in the State; or

(vi) a person who erects or constructs new homes solely in County.

Renovating a Bathroom? Experts Share Their Secrets.

New bathrooms don’t come cheap.

The average cost of a midrange bathroom renovation — replacing all the fixtures, the tile, the vanity and the toilet — is now almost $19,000, according to Remodeling magazine, which tracks the cost of home improvement projects annually. And that’s the nationwide average

If you’re planning a high-end remodel that involves moving fixtures and installing amenities like heated floors, it will cost you more than $60,000 on average

LOOK FOR LEFTOVERS Don’t pay for an entire slab of granite when all you need is a small piece to cover the top of a vanity.

And don’t forget about Craigslist, where contractors and do-it-yourselfers often sell surplus. One recent listing offered 84 Bianco Carrara marble subway tiles for $50 with the following message: “Accidentally purchased what we needed in sq. ft. instead of linear ft. … oops! Selling what we didn’t need at half price.”

Bathroom Remodel Tips: Things You Need To Remember About

Remodeling your bathroom can be daunting, but that’s only if you don’t have a clue on what exactly you need from that new space. Before you undertake this important improvement for your home, make sure you ask yourself (and your family) questions and consider everybody’s needs. In today’s post

If you’re not exactly sure what’s the best option for your remodel, get a professional’s opinion. Contractors and designers are always there to help you with any uncertainties you might have undertaking this big project.

Bathroom Remodel Tips:

Match new features to existing products, if you’re not completely remodeling the whole room.

Choose the right tile floor. Porcelain and glazed tiles are your friend, if you’re looking for an easy-care floor. Also, choose tiles with textured surfaces, matte finishes, or sand-containing glazes – they’re not slippery.

Remember about the height. Make sure everything you need is within your reach! Don’t forget about the little ones in your family as well.

Create a practical storage area. Don’t find yourself cramming the toilet paper or towels in places where they simply don’t belong. Think ahead and create practical solutions for each piece in your bathroom.

Get everything you need. Are you in need of double sinks? A shower over a bath tub? A separated toilet? Asking yourself these questions will ensure your new bathroom will meet all of your family’s needs.

Another reason why it’s always good to ask for contractors advice before you start your renovations, is because they can offer you better prices

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE STARTING A BATHROOM RENOVATION

Have you ever wanted to begin a bathroom renovation but you become so overwhelmed and confused that you put it off entirely? Well, I can relate. We did that for quite some time. It occurred to me that once I really sat down to think and plan, things became much more clear. It retrospect, there were roughly ten things that we ironed out prior to taking a jack hammer to our bathrooms. If you’re contemplating a bathroom renovation, ask yourself these ten questions prior to beginning.

Why Do You Want to Remodel? Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is your motivation for the remodel? Is it outdated? Were you forced into a remodel due to a leak? Do you just not like your current bathroom? What isn’t working? Setting aside aesthetics, are there things that just don’t work? Are you missing towel hooks? Is the countertop too low? Do you want a separate tub and shower? Really take some time to figure out why you are going down this path and what needs to change to make you love your bathroom.

What Does Your Dream Bathroom Look Like? So you know things need to change. Maybe you’re ready to say goodbye to the builder grade materials or maybe you need to step out of the 1970s. Whatever the case may be, this is the fun part. Dream. And dream big! No inspiration photo is too out of the question. Hop on Pinterest and start searching, “Bathrooms”. Don’t over think this step. If something, anything, about a bathroom catches your eye . . . pin it. If you stop to think, “Well why do I like this? Or “Hmm. I could never afford this,” you’ll sabotage your own design board. Don’t think! Just pin! Do this for as long as you like. Weeks or months. Once you have pinned beautiful bathrooms, you will start to see consistency. Are you drawn to a white, fresh look? Do you like a more traditional style? Do warm tones just make you happy. Is there tiling on the wall? Are the floors you are pinning light? Dark? {And if Pinterest isn’t your thing, tear out pages from magazines or search blogs. . . whatever is your comfort zone. I just find Pinterest to be quick and easy. And very inspiring}.

Is It Worth The Investment? This is where you need to draw out your inner real estate guru and crunch some numbers. Hop online {things are so much easier these days} and look at comps in your neighborhood. What are things selling for? What is the average price per square foot in your neighborhood? Do the math. What financial commitment do you have to the house already? What makes sense to put into the home? Does it make sense to gut the entire thing and spend $20,000 or more? Does it make sense to save the cabinets and the shower and do more cosmetic changes. Will you see the money back? Consider a prospective buyer walking through your home. What will they expect? Does a marble goddess bathroom fit in with the expectations of the neighborhood? All good things to consider.

How Long Do You Plan to Stay? This is a good follow up to the answers you come up with in question. While none of us have a crystal ball, what is your five year plan? Is it likely that you’ll be in the same home? I ask because if you are not living in your forever home, then the financial consideration is far more important. If this is your forever home, perhaps investing  a large amount of cash makes sense for you. Are you fixing it up to move or to enjoy for a long time? Or somewhere in between. Be passionate about your home and remodel, but be smart about the investment.

Do You Plan To Rent Out Your Home? This is crucial. Is your current home ever destined to be a rental property? You know where I am going with this, right? If you are about to let another family into your home, you may want to reconsider the oh so gorgeous marble countertops. Do you want to worry about things getting ruined if you walk away for a bit?  Are quartz countertops more in line with the staying power of a new gorgeous bathroom? Just think through your material choices if you plan on handing over your home.

Things You Need To Replace In Order To Renovate Your Bathroom

When it comes to renovating one of the most important rooms of your house, i.e. bathroom, the procedure must be taken care of very minutely. After all, this is the place which determines your level of hygiene.

Bathroom makeovers can be quite nerve wracking. Your bathroom can be a big one or a small one. A considerable amount of planning is required for remodeling one, no matter what the square foot of the area is. Starting from the kind of sanitary ware you will install to the size of bathroom vanity cabinets, everything matters. Contacting an interior decorator will be a smart decision.

However, let me take you through a few important parts of a bathroom renovation. Take a look.

Floor tiles – Well, you just cannot compromise with the quality of the tiles that you will ask the contractors to install for your bathroom. Replace the old cracked tiles with slip-resistant tiles for the flooring. Since bathrooms remain wet most of the times, slippery floors can lead to major accidents. For the walls, you can opt for normal tiles. Since you are renovating the entire bathroom for the better, it is smarter if you invest a little more and install tiles of high quality. If your tiles are of inferior quality, water leakages will cause a lot of problems. Also, leaking walls and tiles are a den for fungus, mold, and mildew which can hamper your health in a lot of ways.

Luxury sanitary wares–We all dream of a luxurious bathroom. Gone are the days of sanitary ware where only comfort and usage purpose were considered. Now, bath ware or sanitary ware should not only be comfortable to use but also look expensive and classy. People have this misconception that luxury bath ware means a huge decrease in the current bank balance. No, if you research carefully you can get stylish and user-friendly bath were at affordable prices. Opt for a reputed brand that has been into the bath and sanitary ware manufacturing for a long time. Buy beautiful and stylish bathtubs, shower heads (which can include a massage shower head or a rain shower head), shower enclosures, etc.

Wallpapers – If you want your bathroom to have a designer look, opt for wallpapers on the walls. Nowadays, wallpapers are available in a variety of colors and textures. Install one in your bathroom for completing the look. Wallpapers can make your bathroom look extremely stylish.

Bathroom vanity – Perhaps the most important part of remodeling a bathroom is choosing the right bathroom vanity. It is the most prominent feature of a bathroom and can add a class to your bathroom. If the old cabinet has got marks or dents on it, damp at places, eradicate it. Buy a new Choosing bathroom vanity cabinets can be quite a task. It depends on how many drawers you need and what items you would keep in them if you need double sinks or a single one is enough to serve your purpose, etc. Opt for a reputed company who is into cabinets manufacturing business for quite some time. Wellborn Cabinet features many product lines that offer cabinetry for every room. With their Elegant Bath Collection, you have the opportunity to pick from over 30,000 door styles, wood species and finish combinations. Also, semi-custom options are available for more design flexibility.

Lighting – As we all know, lighting can change the look and feel of a place like anything. Replace the old ones and install decorative, modern day bathroom lighting.

Other things that need attention as well – Other things that form a part of your bathroom like a large mirror, shower curtains, etc must be changed as well.

CUSTOM BATHROOM REMODELING

offer full-scale custom bathroom remodeling services as well as smaller renovations in the form of tub-to-shower conversions, shower-to-tub conversions, and walk-in bathtub installations. These smaller renovations can be completed in as little as one day, allowing you to start enjoying your new bathroom sooner than you ever expected

have the installation process down to an exact science. That’s because don’t use subcontractors to complete projects; instead, have a full-time team of factory-certified craftsmen who work diligently to provide top-notch service to customers. These professionals always go above and beyond to deliver meticulous service and will be respectful and professional while working in your home. They’ll even leave behind a clean bathroom when they’re finished

to install their top-quality products wasn’t a decision came to lightly. tirelessly researched and tested other brands’ products to ensure were choosing the best options for customers

Featuring 100% virgin acrylic components that are infused with Silver Shield antimicrobial technology, tubs and showers will not crack, peel, or fade and are even resistant to mold and mildew growth. They are so easy to maintain, in fact, that you can throw away your harsh bathroom cleaners and scrubbers: A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all they need.

Things To Decide Before Your Home Remodel

When planning a house remodel, it can be tempting to skip to the exciting stage of choosing new paint colors, fixtures and fittings, but in order for any renovation to go smoothly, there are several things to think about before you even begin.

Here are some of the most important parts of the talk that you and your family should have before considering a remodel:

Consider if you plan to live in your home five years, 10 to 20 years or a lifetime.

If it’s short term, decisions are easier and you’re not as likely to make big changes.  But maybe you plan to be there for 10 to 20 years, or you consider your house a “legacy” home that you want to keep in your family for generations.   If so, you may need to give consideration to the space needs of current and future toddlers, teens and aging parents. Also it may affect your choice of materials.  If you plan to keep a house long into the future, buying the best quality materials such as metal roofs, durable floors, copper downspouts and stone surfaces (inside and out) that will last 100 years might make sense.

Determine the quality of life issues that make you want to remain in the home.

Maybe you need more space or a different configuration of your main level.  Should you move or remodel? We’ve told potential clients on some occasions that the needs of their family simply can’t be met by remodeling the current home and that they should consider moving.  But that’s a last resort.

The reasons to stay put and remodel may be quality of life issues.  You’ve put down strong roots and love the neighborhood. What experiences do you want your children to have? The kids are settled in their school, and have nearby friends and love their local sports teams.  Your doctors, neighbors, friends and other trusted service providers are also part of your local community.

Calculate the costs of renovating vs. buying another house.

Moving typically costs about 8 to 10 percent of the value of your current home. Out of pocket costs includes moving expenses, closing costs, broker commissions and other items that have no direct impact on your quality of life.  Add to that the expense of new carpets, additional furniture, painting and redecorating and a few modifications to the new house and the costs add up even more.  Also consider whether the new house is going to need major repairs or a new roof or HVAC system in the next three to five years.

Tips for Planning a Successful House Remodel

Know Your End Goal

Before you decide how extensively to renovate, you need to know what your end goal is for your home. Are you renovating to raise the resale value of your home, or will you be staying put for years to come? Consider the condition of your neighborhood before you begin, and know which renovations are a good return on investment, and which will be considered overdoing it for the area. Having a specific plan in place for your future will help you decide how deep to go with your project.

Have a Budget

Knowing your budget—and sticking to it—is one of the most important parts of renovation planning. Remember to add in a contingency fund for any unexpected costs—and expect to use it—as well as incidental costs like the cost of eating out for a kitchen reno, or even taking a hotel for a night or two. It can be easy to want a top-of-the-line renovation, but perhaps all you need are some cheap upgrades which will make your house look more expensive. Do your research and plan your budget before ever lifting a hammer.

Do Your Research

Take the time to chat with friends, family, and neighbors about the renovation work they have done, and the challenges they have faced during the process. Having a wealth of information from homeowners who have been in your shoes can be invaluable in the planning process, and this information may alter your end plan.

Ask for References

Any good contractor will have no problem providing references, and copies of liability insurance before a job begins. Don’t rely solely on client testimonials, search out actual customers that can give you a firsthand account and answer any questions you may have. For any project, ask to see before and after images of a contractor’s prior work, and most importantly—trust your gut and know which questions to ask.

Plan For Outages

If your home is lacking plumbing shut-off valves in the area you are working on, you may have to shut the water off at the main valve, leaving your home without access to running water. Plan ahead and place containers of water in the fridge for drinking, on the counter for cooking and have buckets of water available to flush the toilet. An easy way to do this is to fill the bathtub with water and place a bucket nearby to pour into the toilet bowl.

Make a Master List

To have the best chance of success, and to help in the budgeting process, make a master checklist of items you need, from administrative tasks like permits, right down to rollers for the paint. It’s helpful to separate the list by items you have, and items you need to purchase. In the case of tools, making a list can help you decide which tools you can rent to save on costs versus purchasing new.

Create Drawings

You don’t have to be an engineer to create job drawings, and chances are you’ll require some form of drawing to obtain a permit for your house remodel. Be sure to note square footage, heights and widths of doors and windows, and current locations for any services like electrical, gas or water.