http://www.advancedrenovations.com/index.phpRemodeling Ideas and Company Newsendj@advancedrenovations.comCopyright 2010 Duane Johns2012-05-10T12:17:05-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:41:38 -0500dj@advancedrenovations.comRemodelingProducts2012-05-10T12:17:05-04:00http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/ca742fc78a72c9491b62f6c6127138ca-65.php#unique-entry-id-65http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/ca742fc78a72c9491b62f6c6127138ca-65.php#unique-entry-id-65
When the time comes to remodel a kitchen, there are two main areas of expenditures: cabinets and appliances. These two items can – and often do – make up the bulk of any kitchen-renovation budget. Doing a little homework can help keep you within budget while accomplishing a beautiful new look for your home’s hub.

This week we will focus on the facelift’s cabinet aspect. To get the most for your investment remember to focus not just on visual appeal but also on the materials’ quality, the type of hinges and other hardware, and the joinery that holds cabinets together.

Kitchen cabinetry ranges from a very basic, big-box style to full-blown, custom-built units. Variables comprise door styles, wood species, and finishes (stained, painted, glazed, multi glazed, etc.) and can drive costs along with construction types such as plywood boxes, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particle board, solid wood doors, dovetail drawers, and more.

Dovetail Drawers & Soft Close Glides

Here’s a starter list of ideas and options to get you on the right track:

• Traditional or European? Cabinets add the visual verve to a kitchen so take a look around and start a file of photos and ideas that catch your eye and best express your personality. This will help define and narrow down your renovation’s style.
• Frame or Frameless? Determine which of these two popular cabinet construction styles appeals most to you. Flush-framing is often used in traditional American cabinetry and masks the raw front edges of each box with a 1-by-2 "faceframe." Doors and drawers then fit in one of three ways: flush; partially offset, with a lip; or completely overlaying the frame. The alternative frameless method is more of a European style; a simple trim strip covers raw edges, which butt directly against one another. Doors and drawers often fit to within 1/8 inch of each other, revealing a thin sliver of the trim. Interior components, such as drawers, can be sized practically to the full dimensions of the box.
• Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom? Cabinets are manufactured and sold in these three diverse ways; the type you choose will affect the cost, overall appearance, and functionality of your kitchen. Stock is good for lower renovation budgets and fast turnarounds; some require assembly. The biggest caveat is there will be a limited selection of styles, configurations, and finishes. Semi-custom appeals to more discriminating tastes accompanied by a higher budget. With this option, you can get any style, configuration, or finish, as long as it's in the manufacturer's catalog. Custom is, of course, the most expensive and tailored option – and also requires more time for construction. Homeowners requiring a precise fit, more configuration options, and/or fine detailing generally opt for custom cabinets, which can be built to any width or height and with any finish, hardware, or wood species you choose.

Best Way to Install
To make sure cabinet installation is done right the first time – and to alleviate potential fitting and sizing headaches – consider hiring a professional contractor to do the renovation. Doing it yourself is certainly an option but keep in mind you'll probably encounter walls that aren't square and need to adjust for that as well as other issues such as electrical and plumbing requirements that might come up during the installation process.

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

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]]>dj@advancedrenovations.comRemodelingBefore & After2012-04-30T11:25:59-04:00http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/80fa11d7e20d02399e38f4ee5ceaf037-64.php#unique-entry-id-64http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/80fa11d7e20d02399e38f4ee5ceaf037-64.php#unique-entry-id-64Kitchen renovation in Eastover we completed last year.


Before


After


Before


After


After

Cabinets: Donlon & Merrell Designs

Appliances: Wolf/Suz-Zero - Ferguson Enterprises

Counter Tops: Calcutta Gold from Surface Products

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]]>dj@advancedrenovations.comRemodeling Maintenance2012-04-23T13:40:43-04:00http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/27cbb20c662ff23cf6e0e88cf52b1081-63.php#unique-entry-id-63http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/27cbb20c662ff23cf6e0e88cf52b1081-63.php#unique-entry-id-63
Before purchasing, stone or tile sealing should be considered regarding what happens after installation. This is something often overlooked and not mentioned by many installers or builders. Sealing can help prevent staining but may also alter the color of the product so be sure to do a test spot first. Keep in mind there are stone-restoration companies out there that can repair these surfaces if the problem is more than you can handle on your own.

It’s important to remember all stones are not created equal: granite, marble, soapstone, and others all have their own particularities. Also, all may have different finishes applied such as honed vs. polished; each of these may require a different maintenance approach. For example, solid surface products such as Silestone and Quartz are manmade and may have some very specific cleaning requirements. Always check with the builder/supplier/vendor before cleaning.

Let’s take a look at some tips to help assure your countertops, tile and stone look amazing for many years to come:

Slate

• For natural stone like slate, it's advisable to apply a penetrating sealer to countertops and slate floors every two years to prevent deep stains.
• Clean slate tiles with a few drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water applied to the slate surface with a soft cleaning tool such as a mop, sponge, or soft cloth.
• For tough stains, clean soap scum with a half-cup of ammonia per 1 gallon of water.
• Stay away from abrasive cleaners, vinegar, and citrus cleaners.

Granite

• Too many homeowners still clean granite countertops with vinegar and warm water. Don’t! This is acidic and will eat your polished finish away over time. Natural stones will require sealing upon installation, so it's important to talk to your professional installer regarding their suggested sealer brands for granite. Then daily cleaning is as simple as cleaning with warm water.
• For dirt and spills, use a stone-care cleanser that's the correct pH with water; make sure to consult the cleanser label for the correct dilution ratios.
• Steer clear of all bleach and acidic cleansers.

Soapstone

• The maintenance of soapstone, which although more expensive, is a wonderful surface alternative to granite due to a silky appearance is quite easy. Just wipe the surface with a soft sponge or cloth and a few drops of dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleanser and warm water.
• During the first year of installation, it's recommended you rub the soapstone surface with mineral oil every couple of weeks to keep the stone oxidization (darkness) even; oil can be applied every two months thereafter for maintenance.
• Soapstone resists water, chemicals and acids, so staining isn't as problematic as scratches. Soapstone scratches and nicks can be removed with fine sandpaper.
• Do not scour or apply abrasive cleansers that will scratch the soapstone surface; another no-no are alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.

Quartz

• Quartz -- most often used in the kitchen due to its durability -- needs to be sealed for long-term protection.
• To maintain, wash the surface with a soft cotton cloth and warm water with a mild dish soap. Note: all stone can be damaged by force and no stone is chip-proof. Objects hitting edges particularly at sinks or dishwashers may cause chips.
• Always use a potholder to protect the surface from damage caused by sudden and rapid changes of temperature as well as direct contact with hot pots and pans.
• Quartz countertops are meant to be stain free, as the surface does not absorb liquids.
• Refrain from using bleach and abrasive products.

Travertine

• Soap scum is the biggest culprit that causes damage to these tiles so apply the best sealer possible to protect a travertine shower.
• For stains, use zero-pH cleaners (available in home-improvement stores).
• Do not use commercial cleaners that smell good but have petroleum in the ingredients. Also avoid acidic substances like vinegar as well as abrasive cleaners and dish soap containing citrus oil.

Marble

• Marble surfaces require proper care and sealing, making them a challenge in homes with kids; acidic stains from breakfast staples like coffee and orange juice will be difficult to clean if not blotted up as soon as the spill occurs. Blot the spill or stain with a soft cloth or sponge and use water to rinse away any remaining spilled liquid. Rinse the soft cloth or sponge with hot water and wring it out thoroughly to remove most of the excess water, which can also seep through the porous marble and cause a permanent stain. Wipe the surface dry with a chamois; don't allow it to air dry.
• To prevent marble stains, wipe the surface ASAP when there is a spill of any kind. Ask your marble installer or home improvement specialist for a recommended marble poultice.
• Do not use abrasive cleansers, vinegar, and citrus cleansers.

Porcelain

• Purchase a Magic Eraser or a disinfecting cleaner like Comet, which comes in a nonabrasive, bleach-free, liquid solution made for porcelain and ceramic surfaces.
• To remove stains, use some powder cleanser on the scuff marks and allow it to sit a few minutes before scrubbing the powder off with a scrub brush. One highly recommended soft cleanser is Bar Keepers Friend, which works without having to use bleach on the surface.
• Never resort to bleach, which will eventually eat through the enamel seal on the porcelain.

Engineered Stone

• Engineered stone countertops – formulated with 93 percent natural stone and 7 percent polymers -- while highly resistant to scratches and stains, are not indestructible so make sure to use a potholder when placing heated objects on engineered stone surfaces.
• Use a mild soap and water solution to clean and polish the surface of countertops with a smooth, matte look.
• Multipurpose cleaners and detergents applied to scouring pads – which will not damage these countertops -- should take care of tough stains by transferring the dirt from the surface to the pad.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.

Ceramic

• First, wipe up any loose dirt particles by sweeping or vacuuming prior to mopping. Use a soft bristle brush or vacuum floor attachment without a beater bar so the floor surface isn't scratched by the wrong attachment. After you remove the loose odds and ends, the floor can be mopped with warm water. For tougher dirt and spills, mop with a neutral-pH cleaning solution. Many grout and sealant manufacturers have neutral-pH cleaning solutions made specifically for ceramic tile cleaning. Rinse the surface with warm water after cleaning.
• Use a scraper to remove stubborn debris. A nylon scrubbing pad dampened with dishwashing liquid can be used to remove grout stains; apply grout sealer twice a year to prevent stains.
• Do not use bleach and other acidic cleansers; they will discolor or fade grout joints over time. Also avoid oil soaps and ammonia, which will yellow grout, and vinegar, which will damage it.
  

Here is a helpful guide to file away to get and keep you on the right track. Maintenance done right can keep your investment gorgeous forever: http://www.buildingstoneinstitute.org/images/pdfs/commercial_care_clean.pdf

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

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]]>dj@advancedrenovations.comRemodelingDesign Ideas & Trends2012-04-02T07:29:18-04:00http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/b44c3984eec70a71a37dd4aeac1a8644-62.php#unique-entry-id-62http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/b44c3984eec70a71a37dd4aeac1a8644-62.php#unique-entry-id-62
Photos: Closet & Storage Concepts

By organizing your closet, you also organize your life, which saves you time and energy in the bigger picture. Regardless of whether your closet needs are for a reach-in, walk-in, or small space, here a few aspects to consider that will pay off with more room and efficiency behind all your home’s closet doors:

1. Closet storage professionals generally visit the home to measure and photograph the storage space.

2. They will also ask about your storage needs (shirts, shoes, pants, long coats, luggage, etc.) to personalize your space.

3. They will calculate your storage needs and create a system of shelves, rods, drawers, hooks, etc. to make the most efficient use of the space you have.

4. Storage systems can range from simple pre-finished melamine or laminate materials or your choice of wood species with either painted or stained finishes.

5. These systems are not just for simple closets. They can be used in laundry rooms, garages, home offices, mudrooms, pantry areas and more.

Reach-in Closet Ideas
If you add a closet-storage system, you can gain new space in these vital areas:

• Drawers
• Double hanging area
• Tie-rack and shoe racks
• Adjustable shelving

All can create a neat accessible closet bringing a whole new look to any room.

Walk-in Closet Tips
The ultimate walk-in closet begins with a custom-closet design to make the most of your space.

• Use long, medium, and double-hang areas to maximize space.
• Use adjustable closet shelving to easily adapt to your new needs.
• Add a valet rod to your closet to get your clothes readily available for the next day.
• Add a tilt-out hamper.
• Add shoe racks for maximum organization.

Professional designers will come to your home and measure the closet or area in need of organization by showing you photographs of available products to suit your needs; they will also conduct a wardrobe analysis and deliver a plan for a custom closet or storage system that best serves your needs.


Photo: Closet & Storage Concepts

Small-space Organizing Makes a Big-space Difference
Do you have a closet that you simply cannot fit everything into to meet your needs? Let’s look at some smart organization ideas:

• Become clutter-free. Get rid of any clothing or accessories you no longer wear. If you find items you want to keep for sentimental value, find another location in which to store them.
• Eliminate wasted shelf real estate. Many closet shelves are far apart, deep, or non-existent. One large shelf does not allow you to separate items in your closet; using shelf dividers will help keep your space organized.
• Consider double-hanging rods. If you learn to hang clothing such as shirts, pants, blouses, and jackets on two rows -- one on top of the other -- you will find you can actually hang twice the amount of clothing in a specific closet area.
• Think about adding drawers. Consider installing drawers toward the bottom of the closet or perhaps adding a small dresser in the closet for sweaters, socks, scarves, etc.
• Add organizational accessories. By implementing baskets, shoe racks, and belt and tie racks, you will suddenly have a place for everything.
• Consider space-saving hangers. Flat-style “friction” hangers with non-slip rubber padding insure your garments stay in place and can hold more in less space.

Remember, custom closets certainly do not require extensive remodeling. Closet-organization professionals can maximize your storage by utilizing even the smallest of spaces for less of an investment than you probably imagine. 

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

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]]>dj@advancedrenovations.comDesign Ideas & TrendsRemodeling2012-03-26T08:15:00-04:00http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/dd6543c56f9eca6025d89ff9c669a5ba-61.php#unique-entry-id-61http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/dd6543c56f9eca6025d89ff9c669a5ba-61.php#unique-entry-id-61
For example, spotlighting is commonly used in decorating to draw attention to artwork, sculptures, display-cabinet interiors, plants, curios, or other oft-admired collectibles. Additional uses comprise highlighting the unique texture of a wall or drapes and even in outdoor landscaping in lieu of typical floodlights and basic porch or deck lighting.

The caveat? In a remodeling project, all too often a lighting plan is very basic or completely absent from construction drawings. It stands to reason people may want to see the renovated space before deciding where to locate fixtures, switches, outlets, and so on. However, like many other aspects of the project, lighting should be discussed and addressed early on; a plan should be in place before the electrician shows up to start wiring. With some help from an experienced professional electrician or a dedicated lighting designer the lighting plan can bring the project to life.

Think Outside the Typical Lighting Box
When lighting or re-lighting your home, here are a few elements to consider during the planning stage in tandem with your accent-lighting goals:

• A chandelier is often a dining room or foyer’s focal point. For dining, it should be hung about 30 inches above the tabletop and should be at least 6 inches narrower than the table on each side
• Think about the importance of color in your interior and use proper lighting to draw out the dramatics
• Dimming systems enable you to accomplish various objectives such as lowering light levels to conserve energy and increase bulb life, changing a room’s mood, and adjusting a light’s intensity to match an activity
• When selecting fluorescent fixtures aim to select those with instant start T8 electronic ballasts to ensure several goals: the fluorescent lamp will turn on without flickering, the fixture will not give off too much heat, the ballast will not emit an annoying humming sound, and the fixture will accommodate the new energy-efficient T8 fluorescent lamps
• When selecting fluorescent lamps choose T8 lamps with a color-rendering index of 85 and a color temperature of 3000K. This lamp is usually identified using the number “830” in the product code
• Fluorescent lighting is quite simply the coolest of all the light sources; modern, high-quality fluorescent lamps provide wonderful lighting with excellent color rendition
• Ambient lighting -- also known as general lighting -- provides an area with overall illumination that radiates a comfortable level of brightness resulting in safety when walking around
• Coves, soffits, and other concealed locations can also be used to provide very pleasant and effective indirect lighting using T8 fluorescent strip fixtures
• There are three basic types of lighting that work together in layers to light a home: general, task, and accent. A good plan combines all three types to light an area, according to function and style
• Low-voltage halogen lighting offers an extremely white, crisp light source with excellent color-rendering capabilities; this tends to add the extra sparkle to crystal and jewelry
• When placed over end, night or side tables, pendants free up space that would be necessary for table lamps. A general rule of thumb: pendants should be hung approximately 30 inches above a tabletop and should be about 12 inches narrower than the table on all sides
• Task lighting helps when you need to perform certain tasks such as reading, writing, homework, sewing, cooking, hobbies, or games
• When lighting wall objects using track fixtures, the track should be mounted on the ceiling so it allows each fixture to be aimed at a 30-degree angle from the vertical. This will prevent direct-glare lighting from shining directly into your eyes and it also will prevent the indirect glare of disturbing reflections on the lit object. Generally speaking, each accented object should have its own fixture.
• Undercabinet lighting should be mounted closer to the cabinet front instead of near the back to eliminate the possibility of working in your own shadows. Keep in mind line-voltage halogen lighting is often too hot to use in or under cabinets
• Wall grazing provides dramatic illumination to reveal unique textures such as the brick and stone used in fireplaces, or polished surfaces such as marble without distracting reflections in the surface

Why Not Light it Right From the Start?
Interior designers and professional remodelers are often called upon for residential-lighting advice; others try to wing it, resulting in ineffective results as most homeowners are unsure of lighting solutions and the tricks of the trade.

Too often in the do-it-yourself plan fixtures get specified in living areas, kitchens, and baths that waste energy and do not deliver light where it is most needed. Rest assured, you will be happier with professional results that give every nook and cranny of your home the lighting they deserve.
LED’s Here to Stay
Also, position yourself ahead of the curve by keeping an eye turned to the future in this arena. LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting is a growing trend and we offer more info on this particular trend in a previous blog post.

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
]]>dj@advancedrenovations.comRemodelingEnergy Efficiency2012-03-19T08:23:00-04:00http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/219d9ed029f234caea1981a84bbce90e-60.php#unique-entry-id-60http://www.advancedrenovations.com/blog/files/219d9ed029f234caea1981a84bbce90e-60.php#unique-entry-id-60
Research is the first step for your jurisdiction as there are current incentives in play from local, state, and federal agencies. Don’t forget you can also utilize incentives offered by power companies. Most of the remaining programs are for renewable energy and energy-efficient products with a few smaller incentives for weatherization, insulation, energy efficiency and so on; it definitely pays to do some homework.

Perhaps your goal is to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient or maybe you want to play a small part in preserving the ecosystem. By harnessing clean energy and hot water from sunlight and keeping clean air, heat, humidity, and mold/mustiness where they belong, you accomplish both.

What’s Included in Credits?
For starters -- and for example -- under Energy Star for most of their products the credit is 30% of the cost with no limit and expires Dec. 31, 2016. Qualifiers comprise existing homes and new construction for principal residences and second homes; rentals do not qualify. Regardless of whether a credit is attached or not, it’s important to understand these improvements will pay you back via lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time.

Requirements for renewable energy tax credits from North Carolina’s Department of Revenue vary from Energy Star. These allowable credits are taken in five equal installments commencing the year the installation cost/equipment is placed into service. If the credit is not used entirely during these five years, the remaining amount may be carried over for an additional five years.

Let’s take a look at this program in which the credit is subject to various ceilings dependent on sector and renewable-energy system type. The following credit limits for various technologies and sectors apply:

• A maximum of $3,500 for non-business, solar-energy equipment for active-space heating; combined active-space and domestic water-heating systems; and passive space heating
• A maximum of $1,400 for non-business, solar water-heating systems (including solar pool-heating systems)
• A maximum of $10,500 for renewable-energy systems for non-business use 
• A maximum of $8,400 for geothermal-equipment installation
• A maximum of $2,500,000 for solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass applications on commercial and industrial facilities, including photovoltaic (PV), daylighting, solar water heating and space-heating technologies

Expenditures eligible for the tax credit include:

• Cost of the equipment and associated design
• Construction costs
• Installation costs less any discounts
• Rebates
• Advertising
• Installation-assistance credits
• Name-referral allowances or other similar reductions

Do you own a business? Locally -- with Duke Energy's Smart $aver Incentive program -- cash savings result for installing high-efficiency lighting, HVAC, pumps and other qualifying equipment, increasing your bottom line by reducing energy consumption and also by helping to lower upgrade costs.

Prepare Today for the Payoff Tomorrow
At first glance, improvements such as incorporating geothermal heat pumps and solar-panel energy systems seem to be extremely expensive. However, when you factor in all the potential tax credits and incentives these projects turn out to be very appealing options. Unfortunately getting the message out clearly to homeowners is the biggest roadblock.

Have a look at rebates and credits available in Mecklenburg County at: http://www.energysavvy.com/rebates/NC/county/mecklenburg-county. To help further, here are additional terms to assist you during your research: http://www.efficientwindows.org/glossary.cfm

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


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