ConstructionDeal.com Update

An interesting story from the Wall Street Journal on how now may be the perfect time for home renovation projects, "It's not the best time to be selling a house in much of the country. But increasingly, it's a good time to build or renovate one.

The housing slump has pushed down prices on everything from lumber and drywall to labor and design fees. Legions of carpenters, tile layers and landscapers are idle. Architects are taking on small renovation projects they once would have sniffed at and contractors are offering their services at a discount. Some people in the building trades are even posting fliers at construction sites to drum up business.

It's a striking contrast from the heady days of the real-estate boom, when builders and contractors could hardly keep pace with demand, prices of materials soared and a six-month wait to start a kitchen renovation was commonplace.

Now, some homeowners are moving forward on renovation or building projects they've put off for years. Others are exacting substantial price cuts from contractors desperate for work.

A few months ago, Mike Bowes remodeled the bathroom and guest bedroom of his $200,000 condo in Las Vegas. The job, which cost $14,000, included a walk-in shower, a new vanity, bamboo flooring in the guest room and re-textured plaster on the walls and ceilings. Last year, the same work would have cost nearly twice as much, he estimates, "and I would have had to beg someone to do it." Now, the 47-year-old commercial roofing sales manager is planning to upgrade his kitchen, living room and porch. While prices remain low "I'm going to keep going," he says.

...More homeowners will renovate their kitchens this year -- 7.57 million, up from 7.44 million in 2006 -- but they will spend a lot less, $96.2 billion compared with $127 billion, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Bathroom renovations this year are expected to rise by 5.3% to 10.9 million from 2006, while spending on them will grow 3.8% to $70.2 billion from 2006, the trade group projects.

One reason some renovations will cost less this year is the falling price of many key building materials. The price of oriented strand board, a plywood substitute used for walls and roof sheathing, dropped 40% from the third quarter of 2005 to the same quarter this year, according to the National Association of Home Builders. During the same period, framing-lumber prices fell 24%, says the association. And drywall prices -- which soared during the real estate run-up to a record -- dropped 35% from last year's third quarter, according to United States Gypsum Co., the largest manufacturer of drywall in North America.

'If you're going to do any kind of construction...now is the best time you're going to have to do that in the next five years,' says Bill Harrison of Harrison Design Associates, an Atlanta-based architecture firm that specializes in high-end homes."

Read more of the article at the Wall Street Journal.

If you're looking to take advantage of the low cost of construction and remodeling materials as well as finding contractors who may have an available schedule, start the process for free on ConstructionDeal.com. Just tell us about your project and we'll match you with businesses in your area - at no cost

Labels: Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation, Remodeling Trends

Continuing with the ConstructionDeal.com theme of hot design trends, the next big thing in kitchen remodeling could be the glass countertop. Everyone still wants granite counters and stainless steel appliances in their new kitchens, but a few things could trigger the rise in popularity of a glass kitchen counter:

• Sustainability
• Health Considerations
• Uniqueness

Sustainability:
The Green Movement is not going away anytime soon. People want sustainability. They want products that will last a long time and not need to be replaced. They want products that are environmentally friendly. They would like to have recycled materials whenever possible.


A lot of the choices for countertops include laminates, vinyls, and engineered materials that are petroleum-based and require a large amount of chemicals to create. Even production of the vaunted granite counter material requires harmful quarry mining procedures. It's also environmentally costly to ship the heavy stone slabs across the country.

A glass countertop can be made from recycled glass. The finished product can contain up to 80 or 90 percent recycled materials. It's durable to last a long time and the counter can be recycled again after use. The price is comparable a granite installation, but the counter can be customized with choices of color and size that will be perfect for your kitchen decor.

Health Considerations:
A glass countertop is a solid surface that is as durable as stone but without being as porous as a granite or marble. It won't require a sealant to be applied to prevent stains. The finished product can be cleaned with normal, everyday household cleaners. This type of surface can prevent harmful bacteria or germs from hiding in and being transferred to other foods.

Uniqueness:
Many people might be imagining the glass top on a coffee table, end table, or cheesy desk from the 80's or 90's. But many beautiful things can be done to a glass countertop to give it a truly unique presence in a new kitchen. While everyone is stuffing granite counters into their kitchen remodeling project, no matter the style of house they have, one could easily imagine how a glass countertop would stand out.

Glass has a natural green tint color to it, but colors can be created with coatings on the underside of the counter, or colors can be added in the manufacturing process. Shattered glass can be laminated to the counter. The Vetrazzo countertop, filled with recycled glass, gives an option that is filled with flecks of colored glass. The glass kitchen countertop can be installed with a smooth finish, or it can be textured or have a pattern or grooves etched into the surface.

The edges of a glass countertop don't need to be hard, sharp, and squared. They can be rounded and even beveled -- but keep in mind that the more detail on the edge, the greater the expense.

On top of health benefits of a non-porous surface, the glass countertop is also heat resistant. Most heavy glass can withstand temperatures of up to 700 degrees.

What's not to love? It could be the next great option for your kitchen remodeling needs.

If you're in the market to remodel your countertops, you might consider using glass. We know of a few counter installation specialists across the country -- if you'd like help, post your countertop project with ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with a counter pro at no cost and at no obligation.

RELATED POSTS:
Kitchen Design Ideas
Remodeling a Small Kitchen?
Trends in Kitchen & Bath Counters

Labels: Countertops, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation

You're probably sick to death of hearing the term Baby Boomers. Believe it or not, the influence of most all Boomers is still strong... especially when it comes to home renovation. I'm not talking about the money they may have to remodel their kitchens and bath with the latest technology, trendiest appliances, exotic fixtures or granite counters.

This time, their renovation dollars are going toward updating their homes so they can live there long after they retire. It's a trend called "Aging in Place." Meaning, the homeowner wants to stay in their house as they move from their sixties, into their seventies, and on into their eighties.

However, their homes - no matter how big or small - may actually become an obstacle to them. Bedrooms on the second floor, toilets that are too low, bathtubs that are too high, and countertops and light switches that are out of reach. Many Boomers don't want to give up their dream homes to move to an assisted living facility as they get older. So, they're staying put.

Whether you're a Boomer or a younger homeowner, this desire to renovate a home to make it more "senior friendly" is a great way to improve the value of your property.

What you're looking to do is to update the house so that it has what's called universal design.

What is Universal Design?

It's the process of making a home easily to use. Making it more accessible. Making it safer for young and old to use all the options inside. And making it an easier and more convenient place to live.

What are Some Examples of Universal Design?

In the Bathroom:

• Adding a taller toilet or toilet accessories to allow someone with disabilities or limited mobility to easily go up and down
• Opening up or expanding a bathroom to allow space for a wheelchair or walker
• Removing the bathtub and replacing it with a shower that doesn't require a step up or down to enter. Adding seats inside the shower helps, too
• Adding grab bars around a toilet, tub, and shower area to give added stability
• Lowering counters and light switches to allow easier access

Throughout the Home:

• Widening of hallways to give greater wheelchair access
• Appliances, such as dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers can be raised up to prevent the homeowner from having to bend over too far
• For two story houses, dining rooms or family rooms can be converted to a bedroom to prevent the constant climbing of dangerous staircases
• Adjusting the height of all the home controls, like lighting and thermostats and alarm systems, can really help
• Adding wheelchair ramps can provide greater access

There are many ways to update a home to allow seniors to stay in their homes or if a family member is having a parent or aging relative move in. And it's not about turning a house into a nursing home. It's about making the features more convenient and safe.

How Does This Improve Home Values?

Because there are Baby Boomers across the spectrum when it comes to aging in place, there will be a need for houses with these types of accommodations for a long time. Not only do these modifications help seniors, they can help children. Families with pre-schoolers like houses that are kid-friendly and a lot of the same features that help older people can help children.

How Can I Update My Home?

The good news is that many remodeling companies and handymen can help you with just about any of these projects. The products and ideas that allow Boomers to age in place require changes to counters, electrical outlets, counters, flooring, fixtures and appliances. The same removal and installation procedures that these services professionals do on a daily basis.

However, there are home remodeling companies that specialize in helping to modify the house. They are being called CAPS, for short, which stands for Certified Aging in Place Specialists. It's a designation created by the AARP and the National Association of Home Builders.

These remodeling pros have been taught the things to look for in a home to make it easier for those 50 and older to stay in their homes.

What Should I Look for in a CAPS Remodeling Company?

• Look for the CAPS designation, if possible. You may pay more for their services, but you'll be able to get recommendations based on their expertise
• Look for proper license, insurance, and bonding requirements for your state and make sure you check all their documentation physically. Don't just take someone's word for it
• Look for prior work experience with aging-in-place renovations. A contractor or company with experience may charge more, but will do the job right with the right products
• Look for references. Talk to people who have had the company in to do the work in the last year or so
• If possible, get several bids on the work. You want to make sure you're paying what you should be paying. Don't always consider the lowest bid, however. Sometimes, a lower quality product will be used and/or corners will be cut in the process

If you need to find a CAPS remodeling service or even a regular renovation contractor to update your home, consider ConstructionDeal.com. Our service is free to all homeowners. There is no obligation to hire anyone. Simply tell us about your project and we'll send your request out to local companies.

Make sure to put down, in the project details, that you'd like to hire a CAPS company - if you so desire. It's a great way to make your home ready for kids or seniors. And a great way to improve home value!

Labels: Aging In Place, Baby Boomers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation

Looking for the best new products for your house? Want to update your kitchen with the latest in stainless steel appliance that also provides ultra convenience? Samsung has a hot new fridge that has the best in customizable features - it's call the Four-Door Convertible Refrigerator.

No, the top doesn't drop down, but it can convert different zones from a freezer to a refrigerator and back to a freezer! Instead of having two side by side doors or top and bottom doors - - it has both. There are four separate zones inside and each has its own temperature control setting. There's an LCD panel on the outside to help you quickly adjust various settings and temperatures in the zones.

How does it work? Say, you go shopping and buy lots of frozen food or want to store food for an event. You can increase the amount of freezer space needed by adjusting the controls and making more zones cooler. After your event, you'll have leftovers. It's just a matter of creating more refrigerator space by bringing the temps back up in those zones.

Is it cheap? No. It retails for about $3000, but the product has been out over a year and prices should have more fluctuation. But, it's a good price for the added convenience. It is 25 cubic feet and has a high temp setting (for chilling wine) and a low temp setting (for quick freezing) in addition to the regular freezer and refrigerator temperature range of a regular fridge. It has a two-minute door alarm and also dispenses ice and filtered water.

The Samsung refrigerator not for you?

Here are things to consider when looking for your next Fridge:

- Look for the Energy Star appliance rating. The fridge is one of the biggest appliances in your house and uses a lot of energy. To save money, find one that is rated by Energy Star as an efficient appliance (it can also help you save the environment by using less energy.)

- This may seem obvious, but you wouldn't believe how often it happens -- measure your space! So many people buy the biggest fridge they can find and then take it home to discover that it doesn't fit.

- Top Freezer or Bottom Freezer units give you the most flexibility when it comes to storage ideas. But Side-by-Side units give you more storage space. But because the doors are more narrow on a Side-by-Side, you cannot store larger items. It's a trade off and will come down to personal preference.

- Everyone loves their stainless steel appliances these days, but keep in mind that they are higher maintenance when it comes to cleaning. Fingerprints, smudge marks, you name it... they all show up very well on a stainless steel appliance.

- Look for spill-proof shelves. It can come in handy when you have an accident. It can make it easier at cleanup time. Also, most shelves are adjustable these days, but some have cranks that allow you to raise and lower shelves much easier.

- To save more energy and money -- consider getting a fridge with an ice maker and water dispenser. It saves by keeping the door closed longer. If you can get water and ice without having to open the door, you'll conserve more because the doors will trap the cool air inside.

After you buy your new fridge, and you find that you need help installing it, consider posting your installation job on ConstructionDeal.com. We've got appliance repair and installation pros standing by to help. It's a fast, free service to find an appliance company in your area.

RELATED POSTS:
Home Maintenance: Appliance Repair
The Latest Kitchen Remodeling Trend
Win a New Kitchen Remodel

Labels: Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation, Stainless Steel Appliances

* Update - this contest from Bounty is over. However, we currently have a new contest offering a $200 Home Depot gift card - see details on how you can win!


Win a Kitchen Renovation
They say there's no such thing as a free lunch. But I did find a contest that would allow you to win a kitchen makeover. For free. The catch? You've got to write a 100 word story. So, I guess it's not really for free -- you've got to write something, but I think it's a pretty good tradeoff.

According to the Bounty website, all you have to do is put the Best Ever! Bounty One Sheet to the test. Use the paper towel sheet on your toughest mess and then talk about your cleanup story on their website. And that's it. You're entered for a chance to win a $30,000 kitchen renovation. That's the grand prize. There's also a chance at a first prize for a kitchen appliance makeover, valued at $8,000. You might even win a years supply of Bounty in the 2nd place prize.

I entered today. It was pretty easy to do. And I could really use a new kitchen. Or even just new appliances. The paper towels? I have plenty... If you win, you have to send me a toaster or a can opener or something!

Remodeling the kitchen can be so expensive these days, it's nice to have a little help. Between the cost of new cabinets, countertops, and flooring it can easily run from $30,000 to $60,0000 and that's not even for a high-end renovation project. But, as everyone is so fond of pointing out, you can usually get most if not all of your budget back on a kitchen remodel. If you're selling your home in the near future. And it's done right. And depending on the area of the country you live in. So, it's not guaranteed.

While we're on the subject of kitchen remodeling, you can review some previous renovation posts that are up on the ConstructionDeal.com blogs:

How to Save Money When Remodeling Your Kitchen
Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Kitchen Remodeling: The Banquette
The Latest Kitchen Remodeling Trend

Also, if you need to find a local kitchen renovation company or a kitchen designer, you can use the ConstructionDeal.com website and we'll match you with either -- for free. It's a smart and fast way to find a contractor!

Good luck with the Bounty contest!

Labels: Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation, Kitchen Trends, Small Kitchens

Two friends of mine, one an editor over at the Kitchen & Bath Design News, wrote a really informative and very entertaining (re: funny) book on how to keep your cool while going through a kitchen remodel.

It's called "Everything and the Kitchen Sink: Remodel Your Kitchen Without Losing Your Mind."

If you get a chance, check it out. Here's a sample:

"If you're still looking for a way to justify your new kitchen, here is our list of the top ten reasons to remodel:

You Are What You Eat.
Are you beginning to worry that the guy Burger King knows your kids by name? When you try out a new hair color, does the Chinese food delivery guy notice before your spouse does? A new kitchen might just inspire you to spend less time driving through or eating out. Even better, the latest appliances speed up cooking times, while offering all kinds of extras to help you make better-tasting, healthier foods.

You Support Energy Conservation.
Many older appliances consume enough energy to power a small third world country. Your parents taught you to clean your plate because kids are starving in Africa. Shouldn't you be equally conscientious about saving energy?

College is Over.
Just because you made it through four years of higher education with only a hot plate and a toaster oven doesn't mean you should cook that way for the rest of your life. You've got a grown-up job and a mortgage now. It's time to live like an adult.

Remodelers Need your Money more than Doctors do.
Cracked surfaces are havens for dirt and bacteria that can be dangerous to you and your family. Wouldn't you prefer the short-term inconvenience of a renovation (where you at least end up with a brand new kitchen) to a long hospital stay for food poisoning (where your doctor ends up with a BMW, and all you get is green Jell-O)?"

If you'd like to order the book, here's a link to the Amazon.com page: Everything and the Kitchen Sink

To find a quality kitchen renovation contractor, submit your request to ConstructionDeal.com. It's fast and easy - you'll get 4 quotes in the same day - usually within minutes.

Simply tell us your request and we'll match you with kitchen contractors. There's no cost and no obligation to hire any one.

RELATED POSTS:
Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
The Jumbled Kitchen

Labels: Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation

I was watching DIY's Kitchen Renovations show over the weekend and I got to thinking about homeowners doing part of the work themselves to save money.

That show makes it look so easy to do. But... it's usually not.

Many general contractors will get requests from homeowners who ask if they can do some of the work during a project, like demolition or painting.

Some even want to do framing and drywall work, ahead of time, to save money. And it's not that some people don't have the ability to do things, but a lot of people believe they can do more than they really can.

They not only may do more harm than good, they may end up costing themselves even more money...

There are some things that I think homeowners should be aware of if they decide to "help out" during their renovation.

• If you do your own demolition or installation work, and you haven't factored in other work that needs to be done first, you could end up spending more money to get it all corrected (they may have to reinstall something or remove your installation to fix the problem or get an inspection.)
• If you have to call or meet with your contractor to ask for help, discuss methods or get advice, your contractor might (and probably should) charge you for his or her valuable expertise and time. Talk about it before you get your advice to find out if it will end up on your final invoice.
• If you are prepared to do a job on the site, you'll be treated like any other subcontractor and you'll be expected to do the work on time and meet quality standards. If you're not happy with your lumpy, uneven ceiling because you installed the drywall yourself... you might have to blame yourself. Or pay to have it corrected.
• If you are not available to be there when they need your work done, you could delay the timing and schedule of the job. You could end up losing a subcontractor who has to wait for you to complete your part of the job (because they'll move on to another job site) or you might have to pay them more to wait around.
  

I certainly don't want to discourage handy do-it-yourselfers from helping out on the job, saving a little money, and being able to brag about their work. But talk to your general contractor and make sure you've got some of these concerns answered so that there are no surprises.

If you feel you might be in over your head, or you want to find a kitchen renovation pro, use ConstructionDeal.com. Simply submit a request and get 4 quotes in the same day - sometimes in a matter of minutes.

At no cost.

There's no obligation to hire any of our quality kitchen remodeling contractors. But make sure you get as many quotes as possible, and check references, if you don't use ConstructionDeal.com. More quotes means you'll make sure to get the best price.

Labels: DIY, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Renovation