With the onset of cooler weather comes the desire to gather around the fireplace for both warmth and ambiance. Before settling in for a cozy evening it’s important to check and maintain your fireplace -- regardless of whether it burns wood or gas -- to ensure all is in fine working order.

Wood-burning fireplaces require the most maintenance but gas fireplaces also benefit from annual inspections conducted by a professional. Generally, this covers the fan, pilots and burners, proper ignition and combustion, venting, and chimney draw and should cost approximately $100. You may be able to do this yourself if you are familiar with all these areas; however, certain elements of this check can be quite challenging -- particularly if there is a problem.

Safety Measures
Here is a checklist to use when preparing for your home’s fireplace season:

• Check chimneys for obstructions often caused by birds, squirrels, and raccoons that may have built nests, thus leaving debris to obstruct airflow resulting in fumes or smoke staying in the fireplace or coming out of the wrong area -- and potentially a fire. Consider using a chimney cap to prevent nesting as well as water damage.
• Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector in the room with the fireplace, particularly if you have a ventless gas fireplace; it is well worth the cost.
• Be sure to open the flu before use and close the flu after the fire has completely burned out. If you leave the flu open you can lose heat up the chimney causing your HVAC system to work harder.
• Consider cracking a window to let some fresh air in during a fire. It helps to improve the draw of the fireplace. Some homes are equipped with a fresh air intake mounted near the fireplace.
• Avoid burning a fire longer than five hours and be sure the door is open for proper venting.
• Never leave your fire unattended, especially when small children or pets are present.
• Always keep the screen closed to prevent hot embers from falling onto the carpet.
• Consider placing a non-flammable rug directly in front of the fireplace in case any sparks do escape to prevent igniting a carpet or wooden floor. Also make sure the rug is kept clear of flammable items.
• Keep the firebox cleaned out once a week during fireplace season. During this time, keep one inch of ash in the bottom, which works as an insulator to help coals heat faster and retain heat longer. During the months when the fireplace is not in use, remove all ashes. Since coals can stay hot for several days after a fire is extinguished, never use a vacuum cleaner to clean out the ash, which could cause an unexpected fire.

Cleaning Tips

• Use a toothbrush and Worcestershire sauce to keep brass shiny. You can scrub the brass knobs, or even the door or metal areas around the fireplace. This will help to keep the area clean and shiny for guests and future use.
• Exterior slate hearths can be cleaned by using lemon oil every month or so. If your fireplace has brick, you can purchase brick cleaner from a fireplace store.
• Gas logs should be cleaned once a month by using a soft bristle brush. Do not clean the gas logs right after a fire; instead wait several hours to make sure they are cool.

With proper cleaning, care, and maintenance, you will be able to burn and enjoy beautiful fires with complete safety in your home for many years to come.

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Tips

There are many spaces that can be converted to "Specialty" rooms in the house. Popular ones are Home Theaters, Media Rooms, Libraries, and Home Offices. Today I will focus on one - the Wine Cellar

Wine Cellars can be very simplistic or incredibly extravagant. Some people have a very small collection of wine to store and can get by with a refrigerator style unit that can be placed under a counter or in a small closet. Others may have very extensive collections that require quite a large space. This is what truly makes the difference between simple wine storage and a dedicated wine cellar. Wine cellars are generally large enough to walk in and require some special considerations before constructing.

A true wine cellar should be capable of controlling the following:

• Light: A dark space such as a basement is an ideal location since light can be controlled by the user and light infiltration can be kept to a minimum
• Humidity: 55% to 75% is the range that most wine cellars need to operate in. The type of wine you store may require more specific numbers
• Temperature: 55 to 58 degrees F is considered acceptable for wine storage
• Vibration - Wine stored for long periods of time can be susceptible to vibration. A firm floor and rack system is a must

A well thought out electrical plan will tackle such things as outlet placement, light fixture placement, and location of accenting such as rope lighting or custom fixture placement.
A stable floor and well framed/insulated walls with a sturdy rack system will solve most of the vibration issues.
A wine refrigeration unit that is specifically designed for the space, based on room size and volume of wine stored, will be able to maintain correct temperature and humidity levels.
A vapor barrier is a must and is the most commonly overlooked item in the construction of wine cellars. It is crucial that a proper vapor barrier be installed to keep the required humidity in the wine cellar from migrating to other parts of the home.

Lastly, the rack systems. These are generally wood systems that are made of redwood, cedar, mahogany, pine and others. Racks can be custom designed to accommodate any amount of wine and various bottle sizes. There are many custom wine rack companies that will take the dimensions of your space along with the amount of wine you plan to store and design a system that will maximize your storage capability while minting an attractive look and feel to the racking system.

…courtesy The Wine Enthusiast

If you are a wine enthusiast a Wine Cellar is a must have. If properly design and constructed the space will operate trouble free for many years. Although this is something that could be considered a do-it-yourself project I highly suggest that you consult a professional first. At the very least you need to have the wine cooling unit sized properly for your space.

Cheers,

Writing by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.)

Tags: Remodeling Products, Design

In the US, approximately 3.5 million people lose their power in any given week. While an outage is no fun to experience, chances are you may come up against the situation of not having electrical power to your home at some point. This dilemma can be caused by electrical shutdown for maintenance or failure, or more likely the loss will be caused by weather. In either case, you will want your living conditions to be disrupted as little as possible.

Generators offer a vital supply and communication line to a household that has lost its connection to a main power source. There are generally two types: Smaller portable units and larger permanent whole-house models. There are also various power types such as gasoline, diesel, and natural gas or propane.

Whole-house Generators
A whole-house backup generator does just what it says: in the event you go off the power grid, these provide most of the backup you need to run your home smoothly during this time. Whole-house generators are convenient since they are "back-fed" directly into the house’s electrical system and -- in some installations -- can come on automatically during an outage. Whole-house systems are much more expansive than portable systems.

These are an important investment that should be on any home’s priority list. Determining which whole-house generator is best for your house requires a little prep work. The main focus should be on purchasing a unit that is adequate for your home. The most logical way to determine your needs is to envision your household without power. Some outages may be short in duration, while others could last days or weeks. What would you miss most during an outage?

You will need to know how big your home is and if your heating unit and water heater are electric. Also list all the appliances you will want to run off your generator. Begin with the essentials and then go through your home room-by-room; after that you can add on the extras. When you finish this list the easiest thing to do is to visit your preferred manufacturer’s Web site and review their sizing sheets. Use these to determine the wattage and size requirements for whole-house generators before signing on with a professional to do the installation.

Which Fuel Suits You?
If you are not going to be using a fixed generator that is connected to your main natural gas line you will need to choose which fuel is best for your whole-house generator. This should be decided by availability and cost. First, you have the typical gasoline or diesel engines. These are fine, but you will be forced to refuel on a continuous basis, day and night. For example, a standard 1000-watt generator uses approximately 1 gallon of fuel every two hours. Whole-house diesel generators are a good choice. Robust and easy to maintain, they do cost a bit more initially; you can also investigate a used diesel generator, which will be more affordable. Diesel is also a cheaper fuel so the running costs will be lower. However, if diesel is difficult to find in your area or you have to travel to get it then this is not your best solution.

Next, there are generators that use LP or propane gas. These can be connected directly to an LP or propane tank and you will have power as long as you have gas. It would be a good idea to maintain a higher level of gas in your tank going into the winter in case you also have to tap into it for generator purposes.

Whole-house generators can last up to 20 years if maintained correctly and kept in the right environment. A good, well-installed, whole-house generator will add value to your home if you decide to sell. Keep this in mind when deciding which type of standby generator to purchase. Remember to always go for bigger than you currently need. Think about the future, allowing for growth and the things you may have forgotten about.

Portable Generators
Portable generators are convenient since they can be move from place to place but are generally limited to the amount of devices they can power. With these, you have to plug in the devices directly to the generator.

Wheeled, portable generators are the biggest sellers but you might need plenty of fuel on hand since filling stations often shut down during blackouts and most home-sized models use 12 to 18 gallons of gasoline per day. You'll also need to preserve that fuel with stabilizer and store it in a well-vented shed or other area, which is deemed to be a sufficient distance -- for safety factors -- from the house and any ignition source.

Portable models typically may put out enough wattage for plug-in appliances and lights, but not nearly enough for heavy power drains like central air-conditioning. Again, add up the watts for the items you need before purchasing. Keep in mind you will need a power-transfer switch to power hardwired circuits and to avoid using extension cords.

Alleviate the Risk Factors
There are several key precautions to remember when using a generator backup system, including:

• Prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning by always running your generator outdoors and at least 15 feet away from the house. Never run it in the basement, garage, or any other enclosed space.
• Install a transfer switch to connect the unit to your home's wiring system. Never connect a generator directly to your house.
• Reduce fire risk by turning off gasoline-powered generators before refueling them.
• Store gasoline in an ANSI-approved container and in a cool, well-ventilated area.

Make sure to hire a professional to conduct an installation that is safe -- both now and in the future. Choose wisely and you will be rewarded with many years of good service -- minus the worry of what to do when the power goes out.

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Products

Whether you plan to remain in your home for years to come and want to revamp to better fit your lifestyle or are thinking of putting a house up for sale, remodeling in the Charlotte area still pays off. Of course the project’s scope comes into play along with the geographical location. Charlotte home values have decreased but not nearly as much as in other areas across the country. It will take some time, but sound, well-thought-out projects certainly remain to be good investments locally.

Generally speaking, you can expect to recoup between 80% and 90% on your home-improvement expenses within the first year or so. With the proper remodel -- and your patience with compounding -- you can increase and perhaps make money on the remodeling projects the longer you remain in the home. Over time, you give the real estate market a chance to increase and you leverage your remodeling investment as property values creep back upward.

Every homeowner should consider four factors when deciding whether or not a remodel is a good investment:

• How does your project impact your home's appraised value?
• How long do you plan to live in the home?
• How strong is the resale market in your area?
• Why are you doing this home renovation -- to benefit your lifestyle, add value to your home, or both?

Do Your Financial Homework
It’s key to determine your cost figures -- and budget -- before starting a project. How can you decide if a remodel is a good investment if you don't know the cost? Start out on the right track by finding an experienced contractor who knows precisely what it takes to get the job done. Inquire about price ranges for different materials, how long the project will take, when and how you'll need to be involved (time is money), as well as the cost of labor, building permits, and other peripherals. Aim to get minimum and maximum cost estimates. Keep in mind if you make changes later on that will cost extra. Here’s a checklist to help with your decision:

• How much will the remodeling project cost?
• Are there ways to do it less expensively?
• Do you know the best places to spend money and where you can lower your costs?
• How much does cost matter to you?
• How much of your time will this project take?

One key indicator to consider is all the large national building and product suppliers -- such as Pella, Kohler, Jeld-Wen, and James Hardie, to name a few -- have focused the majority of their R&D and marketing dollars on the remodeling industry. They realize new construction will continue to linger but spending on remodeling will actually increase.

In Remodeling Magazine's "Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2010-11" we find that on a national level exterior replacement projects, such as a new front door, add more resale value to homes than other projects. Why? Primarily because this is less expensive than most other remodeling projects and they add curb appeal to entice potential buyers if you are looking to sell. The other top project cited for the same reasons is a garage-door replacement followed by fiber cement siding replacement, which moves into the not-cheap range. However, replacing siding still manages to deliver a solid return and has ranked No. 1 since 2005 in the $5,000-plus category. Unless you already have high-quality siding in good condition, this is a sound investment to consider.

Even among the non-replacement projects, those that cost less rank higher for resale value. Adding a wooden deck is less expensive but home buyers see it as a must-have, especially in areas where outdoor spaces are common. Kitchen remodels can run the gamut when it comes to cost. However, minor kitchen remodels of $25,000 or less remain safer than most indoor projects. The reason? That’s still enough money to make significant, noticeable updates to a kitchen, which is often perceived as the heart of the home.

We hope this helps you determine whether or not a remodel is in your immediate future. To be on the safe side, consult with a professional contractor who can help you cover all the bases upfront in terms of costs and options so there are no surprises in the long run.


Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Remodeling

Last week we covered the issue of homes with moisture and water infiltration; now we’d like to touch on preventative measures and corrective procedures to help you remedy the problem.

Basically, you start by inspecting the exterior for roof leaks, siding issues, or failed caulking. Next examine the foundation and the way the grade slopes. Make every effort to direct water away from the home first before trying to solve moisture issues from the inside. Here are a few valid areas of concern to help you better define your plan of attack.

• Manage water outside the foundation walls. The ground around the foundation should be graded to slope down and away from the house to drain surface water. Water from down spouts also should be directed away from the house, discharging at least a few feet from the foundation. Test any underground drains with a hose to make sure they are working properly. Be sure driveways, sidewalks, and patios slope down and away from foundation walls. In some areas, there may not be enough room outside the dwelling to provide proper drainage; in these cases, it is often recommended that interior drain tile and a sump pump be installed to remove water from basements and crawlspaces.

• Use construction techniques to control water, air movement, vapor diffusion, and condensation. Use construction methods and materials which promote the drying of building assemblies. This will reduce the likelihood that warm, moist air will come in contact with cold surfaces, leading to condensation, mold growth, and rot. This includes controlling air movement and using vapor barriers on the warm side of walls and roofs. Proper flashing and drainage techniques should be used to keep rainwater out.

• It is important that the roof and flashing details and construction effectively keep water out of the house as well as assuring the roof and attic designs address the issue of moisture in the form of water vapor to avoid condensation in building cavities. No single strategy works for all houses in all climates, so meet with a professional in your area to determine the optimal solution.

• Ensure the home is properly ventilated, with at least exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen and preferably a mechanical ventilation system designed to ventilate the entire house. Another benefit to using kitchen and bathroom fans is they can also exhaust odors and pollutants from these rooms. These fans can be part of an active ventilation system for the entire house, and help to reduce humidity levels. Vent bathroom, kitchen, and clothes dryer/laundry room exhausts directly to the outside, not into an attic or other enclosed space.

• Regarding air-conditioning gusto, more is not always better. Incorrectly sized equipment can lead to operational and cost problems. Oversized systems can “short-cycle” leading to rapid cooling without reducing indoor humidity levels, which can lead to various problems associated with high relative humidity.

• When humidity drops below 30 percent, homeowners and families may become uncomfortable; this can potentially result in dry mucus membranes, which can lead to nosebleeds and infections. In general, low relative humidity is only a problem during cold weather when the outside air contains very little moisture. It is this dry outside air entering the home through cracks and openings that causes the inside air to dry out. By air-sealing and using energy-efficient construction, uncontrolled air leakage is greatly reduced, a more controlled indoor environment is created, and moisture can be maintained at acceptable levels without the use of a humidifier.

• Manage water inside the foundation walls and in the basement or crawlspace floor. Seal any cracks or joints in the foundation wall or slab with an elastomeric caulk. A word to the wise -- and savvy homeowner -- regarding crawlspaces: fully encapsulating a crawlspace is not the first course of action that should be taken. Don't get talked into an encapsulated crawlspace without an expert opinion.

To find the most cost-efficient and effective solution for the long run, consult with a professional before making any major changes to alleviate water infiltration and moisture issues.

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Building Science

Many homeowners have issues with interior moisture either from visible leaks or excess humidity. This can lead to a number of structural, cosmetic, and health-related issues. First, let’s focus on how water gets inside.

Water typically enters a home through one of four ways: bulk pathways, capillarity, air vapor, or vapor diffusion. Bulk water has far more volume than the other three with capillarity coming in second and on down the line; the order is important because this helps to determine management priorities.


Bulk Water: Rain, Runoff, and Wind-driven H20
Bulk water is driven by gravity along with wind and pressure differences. Think in terms of water on the building’s exterior, which is managed by moving it down and off the building; site features move the water away from the building. These can comprise a system of interconnected flashings, drainage planes or weather-resistive barriers, free-draining spaces, and claddings to manage exterior bulk water. Indoor solutions vary with bulk water being managed by preventing or containing plumbing leaks and condensation. Defenses include collection trays or pans, sensor-driven shut-offs, and routine maintenance.

Capillary Water
Capillary water moves in a tube-like manner under tension through porous building materials or narrow channels between these materials. When you consider the porous nature of many materials and the incredible cohesion and adhesion of water, you find that liquid water can move against the force of gravity quite effectively. Capillary breaks are a main defense in this realm. These non-porous materials such as sheet metal, impermeable membranes, closed-cell foams or plastics, or free-draining air spaces are placed in appropriate locations, such as between the foundation and moisture-sensitive materials sitting on it.

Air-transported Moisture
Air-transported moisture is the vapor content of air as it leaks out of or into a house. Air leakage is driven by a combination of holes through the home’s structure and one of three driving forces: wind, stack effect, or mechanically induced pressure differences (fans) between the interior and exterior. The main concern of moisture-laden leaking air occurs when this is accompanied by a temperature drop, increasing the potential for condensation. For example, warm, humid shower air during cold winter weather can leak around the bathroom light fixture into the attic, condensing on the roof sheathing and eventually leading to rot. We can manage air-transported moisture with a continuous air barrier in the building envelope, built with interconnected air-impermeable sheet goods, caulks, sealants, and spray foams. Most effective is when air barriers are in contact with insulation, which serves as a thermal barrier.


Vapor Diffusion
Quite often the vapor drive of water into homes is climate- and season-related: vapor drive is from the inside of heated buildings in the winter and from the outside of cooled buildings during summer. It’s key to balance the restriction of this climate- and season-based vapor movement into homes with the allowance for drying of the same structures. This is accomplished by conducting a vapor-profile analysis or hygrothermal (humidity plus temperature) modeling.

Other culprits
Here are additional possibilities to consider regarding water’s entry into a home:

• Interior leaks
• Water leaks into non-ventilated areas adjacent to windows
• Water intrusion
• Water through foundation wall
• Water in crawlspace
• Moisture migration through slabs
• Wet insulation
• Cracks, alligatoring, and checks leading to water intrusion to subgrade
• Water intrusion into the framing and living spaces resulting in dryrot in the wood-framing system; water-stained gypsum board; and damaged flooring materials, carpeting, and interior furnishings

Water Management and Insulation
All this info can help to understand these fundamentals when considering adding insulation to a home. Insulation restricts the flow of heat, which in turn reduces the ability of homes to dry out when wet. Most old buildings don't manage moisture very well; because they are so poorly insulated, they easily dry out. Adding insulation to older buildings is a good idea for many reasons, but remember to think about moisture at the same time.

We will further cover preventative measures and corrective procedures in an upcoming blog so stay tuned!

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Remodeling, Green, Building Envelope

As a homeowner, have these ideas every crossed your mind -- rooftop daylighting, roof skylights, and solar-tubes? Letting natural light into your home is one of the most rewarding projects you can undertake. It lessens the need for artificial light and creates a happier and more enjoyable indoor environment.

Daylight and Skylighting
Besides the fact residential skylights are a viable practical and economical solution to providing natural-light resources with built-in air control and ventilation, their improved visual appeal has made them quite popular among US homeowners and builders. Enticing features include UV deflection and protection, elimination of direct sunlight and hotspots, and distribution of natural light, which aids in the healing process and has the ability to raise people’s spirits. This benefit alone is particularly key to anyone who works from a home office. Financial benefits -- comprising reduction of heating, cooling, and ventilation costs, and easy installation for some products -- and aesthetic qualities qualify residential skylights as a worthwhile addition to your home.

What About Design and Installation?
Skylights can be custom designed or bought as is. Their range is widespread, including all possible shapes, sizes, and colors -- including rectangular, triangular, oval, diamond, circular, multi-sided, or tubular. The material plays a big role in the amount of light provided so we advise you to purchase wisely, remembering spending more initially will save money in the long run due to energy efficiency.

Tubular Daylighting 101
For exceptional lighting, tubular daylighting devices deliver, providing as much light as you would expect from a skylight double, triple, or quadruple its size. Economically speaking, these are superb and cost considerably less than other options such as windows and skylights, including both product and installation costs. Installation is fast, clean and easy, requiring no structural reframing, tunneling, dry-walling, or painting. Professionals can do it in less than two hours and most Do-It-Yourselfers can finish the project in one day. Their compactness means they can go anywhere, including rooms without direct roof access and smaller spaces where daylighting would typically not be an option.

As we challenge ourselves to find an affordable way to bring light into dark spaces where natural light has rarely been an option, now is the time to think not only about the economical advantages but also the health and well-being benefits of being lighting savvy.

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Remodeling

With the high temperatures and relentless humidity this time of year, aren’t we all keen on finding ways to keep our home’s interior in the comfort zone? Besides the obvious goal of personal relief, there are other reasons to keep your house on the cooler side of the thermostat. For example, did you know keeping your attic well-ventilated during the summer season increases the life expectancy of your roof? Insulation is an important consideration along with air-sealing penetrations in the ceiling such as recessed can lights and pull-down attic stairs, which play key roles.

The bottom line: Efficient cooling saves money and energy, while improving the quality of our lives. Here are some tips to get you started on keeping a house cool and potentially reducing the need for air conditioning – at least around the clock.

The When and Why of Fans

• Keep the thermostat on 78 F degrees or higher if using ceiling fans.
• Window fans for ventilation are a good option if used properly. They should be located on the downwind side of the house facing out. A window should be open in each room as well as interior doors to allow air flow.

Note: This works best if incoming air is 77 F or lower.

Air Conditioning Done Right

• If you have an older central air conditioner, consider replacing the outdoor compressor with a modern, high-efficiency unit, making sure it is properly matched to the indoor unit. Get assistance from an energy auditor or AC contractor.
• Don’t air-condition rooms you aren’t using.
• Provide shade for your room A/C, or the outside half of your central A/C if at all possible. This will increase the unit’s efficiency by 5 to 10 percent.
• Clean your A/C’s air filter every month during cooling season. Normal dust build-up can reduce air flow by 1 percent weekly.
• Turn off your A/C when you leave for more than an hour.
• Maintain your ACs properly to maximize efficiency.
• Seal all AC ducts, and insulate ducts that run through unheated basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
• Try not to use a dehumidifier when your air conditioner is running; it will increase the cooling load and force the AC to work harder.

Windows for the Wise

• Provide effective shade for east and west windows. Close curtains and windows facing south and west during the day for any window that gets direct sunlight.
• Install white window shades or mini-blinds. Mini-blinds can reduce solar heat gain by 40-50 percent.
• Consider exotic infills in your windows, a new technology that fills the space between panes with krypton or argon, gasses that have lower conductivity than air.
• Apply low-e films.

Odds and Ends

• Run the dishwasher at night, which is simple but effective for reducing the heat the unit generates.
• In hot climates, plant shade trees around the house. Don’t plant trees on the south side if you want to benefit from passive solar heating in the winter.

This knowledge should put you on the path to a cooler home and perhaps a less-shocking power bill, making the hot summer months a little more bearable on both fronts.

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Tips

These days potential buyer’s biggest concerns include failing roofing, fading paint, decayed siding, faulty windows, and damaged trim. It’s crucial for your home to exude a clean, tidy and up-to-date appearance right down to making sure the landscaping is manicured and inviting. If drive-by buyers see a poorly maintained yard, they often will assume the house’s interior is not well-kept either.

Whether you are looking to sell or planning to remain in your home for a long while, nothing makes a bigger impact on a buyer or guest than the first impression your humble abode’s exterior makes at a glance. Cross your street and turn around to view your house. Is that a frown on your face? Don’t despair. A little cash can up your home's ante in terms of curb appeal quite a bit. In fact, with existing homes selling at the slowest rate in a decade, if your house will be on the market, you can't afford not to spend some money and time on landscaping and your home’s entryway to distinguish your house from others. Keep in mind your rear entry and yard, too, because an inviting outdoor living area is one priority that also tops the list of many homebuyers.

So, which elements are the best investments and must-clean areas for starters to result in a suitable exterior facelift?

• Fresh paint is a given, if you can budget it. Take a look around your community to find appealing color schemes.
• Install a more attractive front-entry door; consider a style with leaded glass inserts. If a door replacement is out of your expenditure range, replace plain doorknob hardware with something more eye-catching. At the minimum, if new hardware is beyond your budget, repaint or stain the door and polish the hardware.
• Clean windows and gutters.
• Pressure wash dirty siding and decks.
• Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home's roof.
• Removing trees, bushes, and plants is also often an enhancement to show the home’s character. Think in terms of removing any growth that overshadows or hides the house’s features such as front columns, for example.
• Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.
• Store unnecessary objects such as tools and toys.
• Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.
• Mow the lawn and get rid of weeds; rake and dispose of leaves, even on a wooded lot.
• Add some night-time luster with low-voltage lighting to accentuate your driveway, sidewalks, and other landscaping elements; incorporate a decorative street lamp or an attractive light fixture into your front porch. Another warm touch is to have lighting visible through front doors and windows.

If you brainstorm, you'll find there's a solution to most problems -- one that will allow you to stay within your budget. The trick is to find the areas where improvements are needed, then work on them as best you can until your curb appeal is what it should be.

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Remodeling

With more people planning to remain in their homes longer than they were a few years ago, many are likely to prioritize projects they want for their lifestyle as opposed to solely revamping for resale values. Two areas drawing most of the spotlight: inviting kitchens, which have become a hub for family time and entertaining; and outdoor living areas mirroring the lifestyle found indoors. Transforming baths into spa-at-home experiences is also a frontrunner for redesigns. And then, of course, there are projects that are truly necessary from a maintenance standpoint; these naturally are musts on the to-do lists.

What’s out? “McMansion” designs and project ideas. What’s in? An increased demand for practicality throughout a home. What’s this mean? Dropping off are unnecessary enhancements such as formal landscaping, decorative water features, tennis courts and gazebos, for example.

Let’s take a look at some of the top design trends for 2011. Read More...

Tags: Remodeling

Consumer beware! With everyone watching their dollars in the downtrodden economy, be particularly cautious when putting out funds for home-improvement projects. Whether your intent is to prepare a home for resale or for you to remain in for many years to come, it’s key to know what you are getting and to get what you pay for with your projects.

Even thought there has been a downturn in the construction industry, overall construction costs remain up. Be wary of any company that promises more than they can deliver – for the work now and for backing up what they say they will be around to do in the future should you need them. If the price sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. Quality cannot -- and should not -- be compromised.

Read More...

Tags: Remodeling

Roger Ketchum has become a "Certified Renovator" under the EPA "RRP" guidelines and Advanced Renovations, Inc. is registered with the state of North Carolina. Although we have already been performing many of these lead safe practices the new federal requirements now make it mandatory. If you are having work done to your pre-1978 home be sure to hire a contractor that has been certified to do the work according to the new guidelines.

What Is the RRP? (The following information was obtained from an article in Remodeling Magazine

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule is widely considered a “game changer” for the residential remodeling industry. The rule takes effect April 22, 2010. Read More...

Radiant Floor Heat:

When remodeling a space where tiled floors will be installed, one option to consider is the addition of a radiant floor heating system. Read More...

One of the best “bang for your buck” improvements you can make is to replace your existing window sashes. It may sound a bit invasive but today’s systems are remarkably easy to install and have a minimum effect on the existing structure since the window frames remain in place. Read More...

Tags: Energy Efficiency, remodeling

Advanced Renovations won the category for "Whole House Renovation Over $ 500K" at the 2009 North Carolina Homebuilders Association Stars Awards Read More...

Tags: Awards

One of the most important considerations for your home improvement project is financing. After all, the project will go nowhere if you can’t pay for it.
Fortunately, there are several options that can provide the dollars you need. Four of the most common are a home improvement loan, a home equity line of credit, a home equity loan (second mortgage), and a cash-out refinancing of your current mortgage. However, the simplest method of financing is cash. Read More...

Tags: Financing

Owner Jennifer Hughes tells her story of how we transformed her home. Read More...

Tags: Renovations, Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms