By Rbecca Groff, correspondent

The plumbing and remodeling business runs in Heidi Karrs genes.

As a high school sophomore, Karr earned $20 a week cleaning the showroom of Affordable Plumbing and Remodeling, the business her father, Don Karr, started in 1988.

When the 2008 flood hit, the business moved into her sister Tamaras basement until their showroom was rebuilt. The business reopened in December 2008, with Heidi and Tamara taking over operations from their father.

Dad wanted to be involved in flood recovery instead, Heidi explained.

Karr, a proud west-sider, graduated from Jefferson High School before attending Kirkwood Community College, where she earned a degree in interior design.

I did my internship for Kirkwood here at our business, she said. I didnt think I would go into my dads business.

I always thought Id be picking out curtains and helping people decorate their living rooms, but it turned out I really wasnt into that at all.

Karr discovered she had a knack for drafting and working with scaled measurements. When Tamara left the company in 2012, Heidi became CEO and continued rebuilding the business along with three full-time employees including her brother, Donnie, who serves as master plumber.

Heidi Karrs duties include figuring bids and estimates, handling all project management, ordering supplies for her work crew and overseeing payroll and taxes.

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My Biz: CEO optimistic about future of family business

Grandpa had the barn or the shed. Dad had a woodshop or a study.

But todays manif you go by online sites and home remodeling magazineswants to go back in timeway back in timeand have his own cave.

Man cave that is.

The wealthy might be able to afford a man cave with their Ferraris and Lamborghinis as centerpieces along with Grand Prix memorabilia and a massive oak wet bar stocked with 20-year-old single malt scotch.

But for most American men, their needsor are they wants? are much more modest.

To me, a man cave is a refrigerator filled with beer and junk food, a big TV and comfortable chairs, said Rick Knobe, 67, a radio talk show host from Sioux Falls, S.D.

So, whether the man cave is for watching the tube while downing some brews or just a place to go to reflect, how much can you expect to pay?

That depends on the scope of the remodeling and how much stuffsome might say junkyou want to put into the space for decorations.

According to improvementnet.com, the average cost of a basement remodeling project in Kansas is approximately $16,500.

One full-service Kansas remodeling contracting service with 20 years in the business says remodeling costs depend on several factors, including whether the space is new or existing or will have a wet bar.

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At Home Living: Creating the 'Man Cave'

It's almost painful to shell out hard-earned money for some home projects. Unlike adding a new deck or remodeling the kitchen, replacing a sump pump is hardly cause for a party.

But that's precisely the kind of job you need to invest in occasionally, if you want to keep your home in good shape.

Bowing to that reality, and hoping to inspire homeowners to plan any necessary maintenance they've been putting off, my team compiled a list of dull but important home improvement projects:

10. Gutter cleaning. This involves ladders and getting your hands (and everything else) dirty with leaves and other gunk. It's unpleasant, especially if you do it yourself, but you'll have a bigger and more costly problem to deal with if clogged gutters and downspouts cause water damage outside and inside your home. Of course, you can always decide to hire a reputable gutter cleaner or handyman for the job.

9. Window installation. Replacement windows can set you back thousands of dollars and even though they make your home more comfortable, reduce energy usage and are easier to clean than old-style windows, it's likely the neighbors will look right through your efforts.

8. Foundation repair. Who wouldn't rather spend money on new furniture instead of on a fix for fissures or cracks in basement walls? But ignoring wall cracks, separations and crumbling concrete won't sit well if you want your home's basement, crawl space or slab to properly support your house.

7. Removing mold. Mold can cause serious respiratory problems. Make sure to hire a reputable company to inspect for mold and to remove it. Don't just paint over mold.

6. Toilet repair. Resist the temptation to close the lid on those icky issues. If a plunger won't take care of a clog, or you're unable to take care of a perpetually running toilet yourself, contact a reputable plumber.

5. Insulation. It's easy for the insides of your attic and walls to be out of sight, out of mind. But it's important to invest in insulation if you want to be comfortable at home and wise about your energy spending.

4. Sump pump. Failing to maintain your sump pump and backup battery could lead to many more dollars eventually draining from your bank account.

See more here:
Unglamorous home projects still need attention

Basement Remodeling by HB Services -- Before
HB Services remodeled a basement to repair extensive water damage but also installed a new bathroom, improved lighting and created an updated, open living ar...

By: HB Services, LLC

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Basement Remodeling by HB Services -- Before - Video

Basement Remodeling by HB Services -- Pre Inspection
HB Services remodeled a basement to repair extensive water damage but also installed a new bathroom, improved lighting and created an updated, open living ar...

By: HB Services, LLC

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Basement Remodeling by HB Services -- Pre Inspection - Video

Remodeling Contractor St Louis MO | Kitchen Bathroom Basement Remodeling
"Your Website Here" Have this already ranked video branded to your business, Contact us today for more information @ 314 403 7300 When searching for the righ...

By: 814 Media LLC

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Remodeling Contractor St Louis MO | Kitchen Bathroom Basement Remodeling - Video

Its almost painful to shell out hard-earned money for some home projects. Unlike adding a new deck or remodeling the kitchen, replacing a sump pump is hardly cause for a party.

But thats precisely the kind of job you need to invest in occasionally, if you want to keep your home in good shape.

Bowing to that reality, and hoping to inspire homeowners to plan any necessary maintenance theyve been putting off, my team compiled a list of dull but important home improvement projects:

10. Gutter cleaning. This involves ladders and getting your hands (and everything else) dirty with leaves and other gunk. Its unpleasant, especially if you do it yourself, but youll have a bigger and more costly problem to deal with if clogged gutters and downspouts cause water damage outside and inside your home. Of course, you can always decide to hire a reputable gutter cleaner or handyman for the job.

9. Window installation. Replacement windows can set you back thousands of dollars and even though they make your home more comfortable, reduce energy usage and are easier to clean than old-style windows, its likely the neighbors will look right through your efforts.

8. Foundation repair. Who wouldnt rather spend money on new furniture instead of on a fix for fissures or cracks in basement walls? But ignoring wall cracks, separations and crumbling concrete wont sit well if you want your homes basement, crawl space or slab to properly support your house.

7. Removing mold. Mold can cause serious respiratory problems. Make sure to hire a reputable company to inspect for mold and to remove it. Dont just paint over mold.

6. Toilet repair. Resist the temptation to close the lid on those icky issues. If a plunger wont take care of a clog, or youre unable to take care of a perpetually running toilet yourself, contact a reputable plumber.

5. Insulation. Its easy for the insides of your attic and walls to be out of sight, out of mind. But its important to invest in insulation if you want to be comfortable at home and wise about your energy spending.

4. Sump pump. Failing to maintain your sump pump and backup battery could lead to many more dollars eventually draining from your bank account.

See original here:
Unglamorous home projects

Basement Remodeling by HB Services -- The Finished Product
HB Services remodeled a basement to repair extensive water damage but also installed a new bathroom, improved lighting and created an updated, open living ar...

By: HB Services, LLC

See more here:
Basement Remodeling by HB Services -- The Finished Product - Video

Arlington Heights, IL, June 03, 2014 --(PR.com)-- An award-winning basement finishing firm has just arrived in New England, promising to beat up moisture and water damage with their innovative waterproof wall and subflooring system.

Matrix Basement Systems of New England - an offshoot of their Illinois-based headquarters - will be stationed at a new office in Hopedale, Mass. Recently named as one of the Big50 Remodelers by Hanley Wood and Remodeling Magazine, the company is geared up to help homeowners fight basement water problems in areas of Boston, MA and Providence, RI.

Nick Richmond, President at Matrix Basement Systems said: Over the years weve had a great number of inquiries from the New England area, especially with regards to our waterproof wall panels. New England is unique in that waterproofing is paramount for basement projects - the ground retains a lot of moisture and without proper attention this can cause a big headache for homeowners. Now we have a local office, were perfectly placed to ensure basements are not only a convenient and useful space, but dry and comfortable. After all, thats the number one priority for any underground space - it needs to be usable above all else.

Matrix Basement Systems of New England will be installing the Matrix Basement Finishing System a Basement SIP (Structurally Insulated Wall Panel) and Raised Subflooring System - which is designed to protect basements from flooding or damage to drywall products due to water. Mold, mildew and structural damage are all potential side-effects of groundwater; which is why the firm has worked to provide a product that can protect against this. The company guarantees the product is 100% waterproof, mold proof, and mildew proof with other added benefits like thermal insulation too.

Vice President and Co-Founder Brian Barrick said: Waterproofing and preventing moisture from impacting a basement is the biggest concern of every homeowner - and rightly so. It can cause considerable damage to a basement space; some of which is irreparable. But what makes our product so groundbreaking is the attention to other finer details. The Matrix product is eco-friendly, non-toxic and energy-efficient. That means that homeowners have the ultimate peace of mind that it will not only do the job, but tick every desirable box as well. With our product, your basement will stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and save on energy bills. Its seamless and paintable too - so the final decorative touches are far superior to drywall. Matrix Basement Systems is the largest basement finishing contractor in the Midwest, with offices in Illinois, Michigan and New England. Their Boston office is now fully operational.

About Matrix Based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Matrix Basement Systems, Inc. is the largest basement finishing contractor in the Midwest. Founded in 2009, Matrix has provided homeowners with a non-toxic, energy-efficient, waterproof, mold proof, paintable wall system that is quickly and easily installed, and protects basements from water and moisture damage for years to come. Matrix has brought dry basement environments and great basement design services to more than 1,000 homes across the Chicagoland, Detroit, and New England areas. The innovation of successful entrepreneurs Nick Richmond and Brian Barrick has not only impacted residential construction, but their recent launch of Matrix Manufacturing, USA is the Midwests biggest producer of Basement SIPS, MgO-Board, Tyroc Subflooring, and Panel Lamination services. With more than 100 employees spread across multiple locations in Illinois and Michigan, Matrix Basement Systems is a leader in the basement remodeling industry and will continue to be an innovator in green building and home performance materials.

Contact Information: Anne La Francis Matrix Basement Systems, Inc. 847-290-8000 1435 E. Algonquin Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Here is the original post:
Basement Finishing Experts Arrive in New England

It's almost painful to shell out hard-earned money for some home projects. Unlike adding a new deck or remodeling the kitchen, replacing a sump pump is hardly cause for a party.

But that's precisely the kind of job you need to invest in occasionally, if you want to keep your home in good shape.

Bowing to that reality, and hoping to inspire homeowners to plan any necessary maintenance they've been putting off, my team compiled a list of dull but important home improvement projects:

10. Gutter cleaning. This involves ladders and getting your hands (and everything else) dirty with leaves and other gunk. It's unpleasant, especially if you do it yourself, but you'll have a bigger and more costly problem to deal with if clogged gutters and downspouts cause water damage outside and inside your home. Of course, you can always decide to hire a reputable gutter cleaner or handyman for the job.

9. Window installation. Replacement windows can set you back thousands of dollars and even though they make your home more comfortable, reduce energy usage and are easier to clean than old-style windows, it's likely the neighbors will look right through your efforts.

8. Foundation repair. Who wouldn't rather spend money on new furniture instead of on a fix for fissures or cracks in basement walls? But ignoring wall cracks, separations and crumbling concrete won't sit well if you want your home's basement, crawl space or slab to properly support your house.

7. Removing mold. Mold can cause serious respiratory problems. Make sure to hire a reputable company to inspect for mold and to remove it. Don't just paint over mold.

6. Toilet repair. Resist the temptation to close the lid on those icky issues. If a plunger won't take care of a clog, or you're unable to take care of a perpetually running toilet yourself, contact a reputable plumber.

5. Insulation. It's easy for the insides of your attic and walls to be out of sight, out of mind. But it's important to invest in insulation if you want to be comfortable at home and wise about your energy spending.

4. Sump pump. Failing to maintain your sump pump and backup battery could lead to many more dollars eventually draining from your bank account.

See more here:
Living Smart: Unglamorous home projects