(ARA) - If your home will be on the market this spring, you're probably looking for every possible edge that will make it stand out to potential buyers. But even if you're staying put, you still want to make your home as attractive and valuable as your budget will allow.

"Daylighting" improvements that boost your home's brightness and energy efficiency offer substantial return on investment for both home sellers and those who will be staying in their homes for the foreseeable future.

Bringing the daylighting concept home

Industrial and office designers have long used daylighting - the concept of illuminating interior spaces with natural light from above - to improve energy efficiency, healthfulness and functionality of rooms. The slower housing market and sluggish economy have raised homeowner interest in the concept.

"Daylighting improvements not only elevate a home's visual appeal for potential buyers, they can enhance homeowners' enjoyment of their living space, and reduce energy costs," says Ross Vandermark, national product manager with skylight manufacturer VELUX America.

Homeowners who want to apply the principles of daylighting to their home have many options: They can add windows or roof windows or install any number of types of traditional skylights or Sun Tunnel tubular skylights.

The easiest daylighting upgrade

While adding a window in the wall of your home may raise practical and design issues, adding a roof window or skylight can be much easier. Roofs are, for the most part, a blank slate, allowing you to install skylights wherever they are needed most. And daylighting from above doesn't just add functionality; it offers room-changing drama and decorating flair.

Roof windows are hinged, venting units designed to be installed in easily accessible areas, such as the angled walls in attic bonus rooms, and are operated by hand. A double-sash roof window is available that opens from both bottom and top to form a balcony on your roof. These units are often used in place of, or to replace, dormers.

Skylights are usually positioned higher on the ceiling, out of reach. Venting models can be opened or closed manually with a control rod or by remote control.

Skylights are popular with daylighting designers for several reasons. First, they easily fulfill the primary goal of daylighting by admitting more natural light into a room than similar sized vertical windows - thereby reducing the need for energy to power artificial lights. But they also work to enhance the healthfulness of a home.

If you opt to install a manual or electric venting skylight, it can be a natural, low-energy way to vent humidity, fumes and stale air from your home. Electric venting models open and close by remote control and have rain sensors to close them automatically.

Energy efficiency, high-tech and decorating in one package

Another important similarity among windows, roof windows and skylights is in the glazing, or how the glass is manufactured. Since the units are mounted facing directly at the sun, skylight glazing technology has to be among the best in the industry. Quality Energy Star-qualified units feature double-pane, gas-filled construction to control heat gain or loss, and filter the sun's fade-causing rays.

Independent research done in Denmark shows that skylights admit 30 percent more light than vertical windows in dormers, and provide the drama of a sky view that can't be achieved with vertical windows.

In addition to high-tech features such as remote control and automatic rain sensors, skylight blinds are available in a varied palette of colors and patterns. Homeowners can utilize blinds as another decorating option while achieving as much as a 37 percent increase in energy efficiency, according to VELUX America.

They recommend closing the blinds on high heat/sun days in the summer to reduce potential solar heat gain and, on cold winter nights, to provide an extra layer of thermal insulation to keep warm air indoors.

Skylights also address important health considerations. One in five Americans suffers varying degrees of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition in which the symptoms can include depression and fatigue due to lack of sufficient daylight. Skylights can help by admitting abundant daylight while visually expanding rooms in any style or size home.

Modern, low-profile skylights are unobtrusive and as dependable as vertical windows. Information about units with a 10-year, no-leak installation warranty, plus an installer locator, is available at veluxusa.com. There's also a free mobile phone app available to help homeowners see how skylights and blinds would look in rooms in their own homes. The Velux Skylight Planner App is available for iPhones, iPods, iPads and Android phones.

For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency, visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information, visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org. For remodeling information visit nahb.org/remodel or greenhomeguide.org.

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Selling or staying put, 'daylighting' improvements pay off for homeowners

31-01-2012 08:51 In this video, you will see how you can gain easier access to your attic by installing pull down stairs. If you have outdated stairs, they can also be replaced, the opening widened and there are a few options in terms of stair types. If you or someone you know is tired of having to set up a ladder on the floor to get in your attic or are afraid your stairs will fail at any moment, let us come out and inspect them and make some recommendations. You'll be glad you did!

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Pull Down Attic Stairs - Video

Many remember the day last August when dark gray clouds rolled into town, bringing the first rain Lubbock had seen in months. Residents of all ages stopped what they were doing to celebrate a much-needed respite from an extremely hot summer.

But as it often does on the South Plains, the weather quickly turned from welcome to worrisome. Sprinkles on the sidewalk became rushing ravines and visibility dropped to nearly zero, backing up traffic all over town. Lightning lit up the sky and a few structures below, starting fires in several homes and apartments.

One of those homes belonged to Eddie and Sara Chisum. They were on vacation when they received the news that their house had caught fire. A co-worker of Sara’s who lived just a few blocks away had seen the fire on her way home from work. Luckily, the fire department was able to save the structure, but a major remodel was in order.

Though the news was traumatic, and their vacation cut short, the Chisums wasted no time making arrangements. Their insurance company was quick to enlist CD Woodfin Construction as the remodeler. A local fire and water restoration company came the next morning to begin cleaning and organizing the Chisums’ belongings, and the remodel was soon underway.

The majority of the damage occurred in the living room, on the roof, and in the attic. But the kitchen was also in need of repair, as the fire department had to break through a the wall that joined the kitchen and living room in order to reach the flames in the attic. New sheetrock was installed, as well as cabinets, countertops, electrical wiring, and kitchen appliances. Parts of the house required new carpet, paint and wood flooring because of the water damage and heavy soot.

The remodel took six months and although the Chisums were displaced to a hotel room, they were not uncared for by their remodeling company. This is what Sara, who was pregnant with their first child at the time, appreciated most about CD Woodfin.

“They were very concerned about us as a family,” she says. “It was more than just a job to them. They took the time to make sure that we were okay, met with us on our schedule, kept us informed and up-to-date, and were very supportive and encouraging through a tough time.

“Even though we’re back in the house now, they still call to check on us and make sure that we’re satisfied with everything and that everything is working correctly,” she adds.

And satisfied they are.

“We’re so very pleased with the remodel,” Sara says. “They helped us make the best of an unfortunate situation. We would recommended them to anyone who needs a remodel – in good times or bad!”

For three decades, CD Woodfin Construction, Inc. has thrived on word-of-mouth and referrals. Their reputation is built on stable relationships with everyone in their network – clients, suppliers, insurance adjusters, and other contractors.

CD Woodfin Construction, Inc. specializes in residential and commercial remodeling, including:

• Add-ons and patio covers

• Interior remodeling

• Exterior remodeling

• Kitchen and bath remodels

• Fire and water damage reconstruction

To learn more about the company or to get a free estimate, please call (806) 745-0559. You can also visit them online at http://www.cdwoodfinco.com to view photos and read testimonials of completed projects.

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CD Woodfin Construction remodels home of family displaced by fire

By Steve Cook  Print Article

Homeowners are ready to make 2012 a banner year for remodeling and the latest cost-for-value research suggests that getting the most bang for every buck is more important than ever.

The Remodeling Market Index (RMI) hit a five-year high at the end of 2011, indicating that residential remodeling should continue to grow in 2012, according to panelists at a press conference at NAHB’s International Builders’ Show. After a slow start, home improvement spending is expected to trend up later this year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. If this momentum continues to build during the second half of the year, remodeling activity is on course to end 2012 on a positive note.

However, consumers want to get the most for their money.

Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report for 2011-2012 found that the trend right now is replacement over remodeling—swapping out the old for the new rather than doing a total gut job, which can be much more costly. Exterior replacement projects—such as new garage doors and a new entry door—offer some of the best returns at resale, allowing home owners to recoup close to 70 percent or more of the costs of the project at times of resale.

The following are the top, mid-range projects from this year’s report, based on what home owners stand to recoup at time of resale:

1. Replacing the entry door to steel
Estimated cost: $1,238
Cost recouped at resale: 73 percent

2. Attic bedroom (converting unfinished attic space into a bedroom with bathroom and shower)
Estimated cost: $50,148
Cost recouped at resale: 72.5 percent

3. Minor kitchen remodel (including new cabinets and drawers, countertops, hardware, and appliances)
Estimated cost: $19,588
Cost recouped at resale: 72.1 percent

4. Garage door replacement
Estimated cost: $1,512
Cost recouped at resale: 71.9 percent

5. Deck addition (wood)
Estimated cost: $10,350
Cost recouped at resale: 70.1 percent

6. Siding replacement (vinyl)
Estimated cost: $11,729
Cost recouped at resale: 69.5 percent

For more information, visit http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com.

Copyright© 2011 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia.

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Remodeling Looking up in 2012

Dear New Frugal You,
We need a bigger house but can't afford to move right now. So we're thinking of converting our attic or garage into another bedroom. My husband and I aren't afraid to tackle projects ourselves. We expect to hire some help (like for electrical), but would like to do most of it ourselves to save money. How can we keep from getting in over our heads and still save? -- DIY Debra

Dear Debra,
Good question. Converting space in your home is a serious do-it-yourself project. But as you've already figured, it could save you money and add value to your home. Let's see how we can increase the odds of a successful addition.

Your first step should be to contact the local zoning and building inspectors. They'll have information about what's required to make the changes you're considering. Sometimes building codes can be tricky, especially when you want to convert storage or garage space into a bedroom. The codes don't worry too much about the safety of that old trunk in your attic. They do care about space that your child will sleep in.

Pay particular attention to what licenses are required. Typically, homeowners can act as their own general contractor on a remodeling project. The GC has overall responsibility for the project. They'll pull permits and call for inspections.

It's tempting to try to save a few dollars by skipping the permits and overlooking a few requirements, too. Resist the temptation. First, many of those requirements are for your safety. Also, the inspectors are trained to point out things that could improve your project.

Once you've looked at the building code requirements, you'll begin the fun part -- daydreaming about what you'd like to do with the space. This is an important step. Your ideas will help you identify different design elements (such as placement for electric outlets) that should be decided before you start. Take enough time to really get an idea of what living in that space will be like. Make your changes now before you start the project. Once you've started, changes become much more expensive.

As your plan takes shape, you can begin to assemble a list of the materials and tools you'll need. Also begin to create a budget for the project.

This part of the process is essential to your success. You should begin to get an idea of which professionals you'll need to bring in to help with portions that are above your skill level. You'll want to talk with them and get bids.

These bids, along with the cost of the permits and materials needed, should give you a fair estimate of the total cost. This is the point where you get to decide if the project makes sense financially.

It may be that the budget will require you to scale back your plans. Better to do it now instead of in the middle of the project. Now is also the proper time to arrange for any loans you may need.

The project itself can be broken down into smaller tasks. In this case, you'll probably begin by framing any new interior walls, and then add electrical, plumbing and insulation. After that is drywall and finish carpentry. Floor covering and painting will finish it off.

When you're deciding which portions are do-it-yourself, you have many options. Some professionals, especially in this market, will allow you to do the simpler parts of a job. Others will even work alongside you. You can also call in friends who have a skill you're missing. And don't forget that instructional videos are available on the Internet and on DVD.

When you decide which jobs to hire out, be honest with yourself. Professionals will work faster and get a better looking product. For visible things (think finish carpentry or drywall joints), it might be worthwhile to have that professional touch.

As someone who has gone through this process, I can tell you that it's easy to get overwhelmed. Breaking the job down into smaller tasks (such as framing the walls) makes it easier to stay motivated and on-task.

Use your inspections as benchmarks. As you call for and pass each inspection, you're that much closer to completing. You'll also begin to see your vision take shape before your eyes!

Even fairly complex tasks (a bedroom, walk-in closet and full bath in our case) can be completed by a homeowner. That's especially true for people like you who have experience with do-it-yourself projects and who are motivated to see the job to completion.

See related: Tips on adding a room , Home too drafty? Fixing it is a do-it-yourself project

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Home addition? Budget, plan and know what you can do yourself

01-04-2011 18:53 This video was uploaded from an Android phone.

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Small attic renovation before - Video

The February 9, 2012, event includes an educational tour for members of the media followed by a VIP reception.

(PRWEB) February 01, 2012

The Cool Energy House (CEH) project is a deep-energy remodeling project focused on taking a real-life, traditional remodeling project and optimizing it for peak energy performance.

The story of the CEH and the focus of the CEH Press Educational Tour is the impact of new energy-efficient systems and strategies on traditional remodeling projects. In this project, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building America teams are incorporating revolutionary building-optimization software (BEopt) and proven guidelines to reduce energy use by over 50 percent.

What is the CEH Press Educational Tour?

The CEH Press Educational Tour will be held for members of the media and is designed to communicate core residential energy efficiency issues and how the DOE’s residential programs address these issues. The intent of the event is to bring attention to the resources being developed by the residential buildings program and to provide an educational and outreach venue for the DOE, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and other Building America teams.

Event Title: Cool Energy House Press Educational Tour

Event Date: February 9, 2012

Exact Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm, followed immediately by a VIP Reception, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Agenda: 3:30pm - 4:00pm - Sam Rashkin, Chief Architect for the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program.

4:15pm – 5:00pm – Steve Easley, Building America Retrofit Alliance (BARA), will speak about the innovations employed in the Cool Energy House and key strategies to create peak energy performance in existing homes.

5:00pm – 7:00pm – Cool Energy House Tours. Energy Measure Stations hosted by U.S. Department of Energy Building America teams.

Event Location: 11068 Bayshore Drive, Windermere, Fla. 34786

Transportation: Buses can be picked up at the Signature Entrance of the Rosen Centre (next to the pool) located on Convention Center Drive at the east end of the West Convention Building. Buses will be available at 2:30pm and will depart at 3:00pm for the Press event. Buses will continue to run back and forth between the Rosen Centre and the Cool Energy House until 8:00pm.

The CEH project presents a model for today’s custom homebuilder, remodeler, and specialty contractor looking to grow business and retain jobs in a struggling market. Media will come away from the event with stories of the successful implementation of energy measures and innovations, building science, and best building practices using Building America principles and guidance.

Remodeling + home performance = new business and job opportunities. Statistics show that homeowners are staying in their homes longer and performing more remodeling activities to improve comfort and savings.

Members of the DOE, BARA, and several other Building America teams will present on key topics in an engaging introductory event followed by an interactive tour of the home and opportunity to visit information stations to discuss peak energy performance strategies one-on-one with building scientists and policy makers. The stations, hosted by an expert and/or utilizing multimedia presentation material, include:

1. Peak Performance Energy Measures

    Pool Pump Replacement     Sealed Attic     Re-insulated Walls     Window and Door Replacement     Air Sealing     HVAC Heat Pump Replacement     Duct Sealing     Hot Water Heater Replacement with Heat Pump Water Heaters     Home Energy Management     Energy Efficient Lighting     Shading     ENERGY STAR Appliances     Water Saving Fixtures     Cool Roofing     SIPs Building Envelope     Photovoltaics     Ventilation and Dehumidification

2. What is Home Performance Contracting?

3. What is an Energy Audit?

4. What is NAHB National Green Building Certification?

5. What is HUD Disaster Mitigation?

Please RSVP to assist us in planning buses and catering to Tami Svarfvar at tsvarfvar(at)buildingmedia(dot)com.

To see the full color invitation, click this link: http://www.barateam.org/CEH/email/index.html

# # #

Tami Svarfar
Building Media
802-476-8584
Email Information

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Building America Announces Cool Energy House Media Event

14-10-2010 00:58 JV General Construction,Inc 1553 E. 109th St. Los Angeles, Ca. 90059 License#916852 (323) 821-4239 We are to help with all of your home remodeling JV General Construction, Inc. will help you find the custom design that meets your budget. We are so sure about our service that we offer warranty on all workmanship. Let our licensed contractor #916852 help you out with your remodeling and construction services. 1553 E. 109th St. Los Angeles, Ca. 90059 License#916852 JV General Construction,Inc Serving Inland Empire, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. SE HABLA ESPAÑOL Visa , Master Card, American Express and Discover accepted. Contractor Construction remodeling Service General Contractor Construction remodeling Service General Contractor Los Angeles Inland Empire and San Bernardino • Remodel your bathroom or kitchen • Basement, attic remodeling and garage finishing • Make the most of your small spaces; shelving and storage • Drywall install, patch, or replace • Painting and wall treatments • Coaching and Rescue; Do It Yourself Projects at a crossroads • General home maintenance; electrical and plumbing Fully Bonded and Insured We offer all General Contractor services including rewiring, repairs and remodeling for residential, industrial, and commercial customers. Let us make your ordinary house a beautiful custom home! Whether you are adding square footage, remodeling the kitchen or bath, creating a backyard oasis with an outdoor fireplace and pergola, or adding a garage ...

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Construction remodeling Service General Contractor Los Angeles Inland Empire

28-07-2011 08:00 3rd floor attic renovation

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3rd floor attic renovation - Video

2011-01-11-091720-Attic-remodel.MTS

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Attic Renovation 7 - Video