We spend a lot of time in front of our sinkswashing hands, pampering ourselves, rinsing produce, cleaning up after a big mealso its no surprise that choosing ones that will serve your home and lifestyle best can make a world of difference when it comes to enjoying the every day.

Looking for guidance for your project, or an upgrade during a renovation? We talked to three interior designers involved with the 2020 Whole Home Concept Home, who used Elkay sinks throughout the space, to get their take on the sink selection process and provide inspiration for your own.

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Circuit Chef Stainless Steel Sink

Elkayelkay.com

For interior designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn, combining beauty and efficiency in the kitchen is key. Thats why she strategically positioned the main kitchen sink in the Whole Home on an island with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains.

If you have multiple people in the kitchen, the island is the place that family and friends always gather around, so it makes sense to have a sink there thats also able to turn into a serving set up, Robertson says. In the Whole Home Concept Home, she used Elkay's Circuit Chef sink, which provides the ability to prep, cook, serve, entertain and clean up all at one convenient workstation.

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If your kitchen configuration allows for it, Robertson strongly recommends the mental and emotional health benefits of gazing at nature.

Its important to think about how a sinks position in the kitchen can help you stay not only connected to your family but the outdoors, she explains. Maximizing your views is so important, and if you stick a sink up against the wall just looking at tile, it doesn't achieve that.

While stainless steel is often a go-to choice for the kitchen because of its appliance-matching look and durability against the clang of dishes, the 2020 Whole Home also spotlights how colored sink materials, such as these quartz models from Elkay, can evoke a more artful tone in a room. The deep, moody-black composite sink in the kitchens preservation pantry is nothing short of a showpiece.

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The houses property has a communal garden, so I felt like there was an opportunity for a different material with the kitchens secondary sink where vegetables would be prepared and preserved, says Robertson, who also notes that a secondary sink offers room for hiding used pots away from guestsa good option if you have the space and you prefer to wait til the end of a party to clean up. A drainboard was installed on the side to make space to rest dishes or produce after cleaning them.

The aesthetics werent lost on Robertson, either. There's something really pretty about handling vegetables up against the black backdrop with a composite sink that wont show scratches that easily.

Bonus? Theres a nearby vacuum sealer for preserving produce or meat so itll last longer, or prepping fresh food for a dip in the kitchen stove's built-in sous vide.

And while single basin sinks are trending for kitchens (and bar areas, like the one in the Whole Home), its important to take into consideration your own sink style and comfort level when making a selection. Thanks to dishwashers most people have started using their sinks just for washing the larger pots and pans, so the double-sided sink isn't as functional as it used to be, says interior designer Erin Hurley. But when Im meeting with homeowners, I still tell people that there's a time and a place for it. You have to think about how you live in your space. So if you're used to hand-washing dishes, don't force a single basin sink into your design just because you think it's pretty.

Having a dedicated sink in your main lounge area can ensure entertaining is a breeze, says General Judd of Me and General Design, who made the bar area of this years Whole Home exceptionally user-friendly.

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What happens a lot when people are in the kitchen and someone is at the sink is that your back is turned to them, so the conversation stops, Judd says. Inside the [Whole Home], we moved the bar sink area to the side, which gives a better opportunity to continue the conversation and be engaged with everyone in the room while making drinks.

Judd selected a single-basin, undermount stainless steel sink and a single-lever faucet from Elkay, always keeping in mind the bar areas smaller square footage and unique function as a place to almost exclusively cut and prep for drink making. (If youre wondering, his favorite cocktail is an Old Fashioned.)

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Especially for a bar area, the smaller undermount stainless [sink] is easy because you're going to be sweeping things into it and there arent going to be any pots and pans, Judd explains, noting its all about matching the size of the sink to the purpose. That goes for the faucet, too, which is why we chose the single-lever at an 8-inch height it wont splash and get water everywhere.

The space offers a feature as practical as it is luxe: a glass rinser. Theres a beer tap in the bar area, and we also attached a glass rinser to the sink, Judd says, which translates to a lot fewer separate glasses to wash at the end of the night. (Bonus: It also serves as a convenient station for washing a childs cup as they move from milk, to juice, to water throughout the day.)

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While other cleaning devices (such as the washer and dryer) are more top-of-mind when designing a functional laundry room, Hurley says that adding a sink to a laundry room is keyespecially if you have kids.

We used a single basin Elkay sink in the Whole Home laundry room, and I think it's fabulous because when kids have an accident or you need to scrub something, its right there and handy, Hurley says.

This is kind of a farm community, with everyone playing outside and getting muddy and dirty. When you come inside, the laundry room is right off the garage, so you can toss your dirty clothes in the sink, and don't have to worry about tracking it through the house.

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If youre working in a smaller space, like a half-bath or a powder room, its easy to turn this petite area into a jewel box with the sink as a focal pointbut keep storage in mind. Pedestal sinks, console sinks and wall-mount or floating sinks may fit your needs perfectly when it comes to size and personality, but those options dont come with the sort of cabinetry that other sink options provide. Be sure youve considered your needs for stocking towels, washcloths and cleaning gear.

Vessel sinksbasins that sit atop a vanity, not inside of it like more traditional sinksare an eye-catching trend in bathroom design, working well in areas that want to spotlight a certain aesthetic, like a copper, natural stone or wading pool style sink. Theyre slightly less sturdy and more prone to chipping, though, and should live in areas that arent going to see a lot of rough-and-tumble behavior.

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9 Tips For Selecting The Right Sink For Any Room in the House - HouseBeautiful.com

Is this the year you finally redo the bathroom? This checklist and guide will help you plan a successful bathroom remodel that will add comfort and value to your Wisconsin home.

Whether you're just adding a new coat of paint or updating the entire design with a new vanity and tub, a bathroom remodel is an exciting home project. To avoid costly mistakes, it's important that you stay organized and on track from start to finish. Use this checklist to help you make smart choices and ensure that your bathroom renovation goes as planned.

1. Design and Plan

Once you've made the decision to remodel your bathroom, you'll need a solid idea and plan for the design. Without a clear picture of what you want your bathroom to look like when the renovation is complete, you may run into mistakes that cost you money and time. A good design plan ensures that the contractor you hire knows exactly what you want and can work within your budget and schedule to complete the remodel.

For ideas and inspiration for your new bathroom, look at home improvement magazines and online for the latest design trends. You'll also want to get swatches from your local paint store to help you finalize the color scheme. Don't forget to take functionality into consideration as well. Take the time to choose a toilet, tub, and fixtures that are both appealing and practical for your needs.

2. Build a Contractor List

Depending on what changes you're making, bathroom renovations can be complex. Don't make the mistake of thinking your bathroom remodel is a DIY project. The last thing you want is to put you and your family at risk when renos aren't done correctly. It's best to hire qualified contractors who have the expertise and skills to do the job right the first time. Make a list of the contractors your remodel will require, such as electrical, plumbing, and tiling.

When you're ready to hire, look for local contractors in your area and get recommendations from family and friends for a qualified professional. Before hiring, contact each specialized contractor on your list to compare estimates.

3. Be in the Know About Permits

You won't need a permit for smaller bathroom makeovers if you're just adding a new coat of paint or retiling the shower. For larger bathroom remodels, check to see what permits you'll need if you're making electrical, plumbing, or structural changes.

Once you know what permits are required, you'll be able to get them at your local government office. Keep in mind that as an extra safety precaution, some local government regulations require that any electrical work be independently inspected and certified.

4. Create a Budget

How much do you want to spend on your bathroom remodel? Setting a budget will help you decide all the details of your renovation and keep you from spending more than you planned.

Include these points when creating a budget:

You may also want to factor in any loss of income if you need to take a day or two off work to be at home to complete the remodel.

5. Financing Your Bathroom Reno

If you need financing for your bathroom remodel, consider going to a local bank for a loan. To be prepared for any unexpected costs, apply for financing that's 20 percent more than your estimated budget.

Is it time to update and redesign your bathroom? Call a HomeAdvisor bathroom remodeler in Wisconsin.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.

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Wisconsin Homeowners: Renovation Guide To Remodeling The Bathroom - Patch.com

On the recent episode of 'Christina on the Coast' that aired on Thursday, August 13, Christina Anstead was seen helping out her good friend, Cara, and her husband, Chris, remodel their bathroom and their main bedroom. Aesthetically, the couple's vision for their house didn't match with what she had in mind for the remodeling process and there were unexpected costs that kept cropping up. The onus was now on Christina to take all of it in her stride and renovate the space in a way that she could bring joy to her friend and her family's lives.

Cara's career as a nutritionist depended a lot on the health and wellness videos that she recorded from the confines of her bedroom. She was in dire need of a renovation that would help bring additional natural lighting to her filming space. She could also use a better backdrop for her videos and these were one of the few points that she brought up to Christina as requisites from her end. Chris didn't demand too much from the remodeling initially and was happy if the house exuded the look and style of a modern farmhouse and if Christina could incorporate more natural wood around the house during the remodeling. Later on, the couple and Christina move to the bathroom to see the changes that were required there. Their bathroom was untouched since they moved into the house. No renovations were ever made to that space and it was one of the most ignored areas of the house. The shower lever handle was held together by a screwdriver and that was proof enough that the area could use a pick-me-up and Chris expressed that he was looking forward to an improved shower situation in the bathroom. Cara, on the other hand, listed a bench in the shower as her requirement and joked that she needs it to make her life easier as shaving in the shower was getting difficult in her 30s.

Christina took all of their requirements into consideration and began work on their house with star contractor Israel "Izzy" Battres. Shortly after he began work in the bathroom, Battres discovered that the couple's house was susceptible to mold as their bathroom wall was wet from the inside as the waterproofing had gone bust. This directly affected the couple's budget that was initially set at $55K and they had to amp it up by another $10K. However, that was one of the only major challenges that were a part of this renovation and the rest of the remodeling progressed smoothly. Izzy and Christina managed to completely jazz up Chris and Cara's house and the new and improved space was worth every penny and every day that the couple had to spend away from their home during the process.

You can catch the re-run of this episode at 12 am ET on Friday, August 14. 'Christina on the Coast' airs Thursday nights at 9 pm ET only on HGTV.

Go here to see the original:
'Christina on the Coast': Christina helps friend Cara and her husband remodel their main bedroom and bath - MEAWW

LINCKLAEN, N.Y. In 2002, Ronald and Ruth Luchsinger were looking at farms in Madison County.

Not having much luck, they drove a little further south, crossing into Chenango County. Finally, while reaching the top of a hill near Lincklaen, Ronald found exactly what he wanted.

This is the place! he remembered shouting.

Nestled quietly in 123 acres of Central New York farmland was an 1885 farmhouse that had seen better days.

It was such a nice setting, vacant and unaltered, Luchsinger said.

But the farmhouse was not so good.

Cosmetically, it was trashed, he says, laughing. It was bad.

He tells a story that he celebrated his 50th birthday on the day he and his wife closed on the property. They hosted a few friends there and one told him straight out, You bought this!

But Luchsinger was undaunted. In fact, with a personal passion for carpentry and remodeling, he looked forward to the challenge.

I enjoy taking something old that does not look too good and make it look like it should, he explains.

Like it should meant creating a nostalgic feeling of yesteryear.

Our goal was to make it look like grandma and grandpas house, he said.

Over four winters, they gutted everything, reconfigured rooms and replaced the homes roof, windows, and siding.

Now, he says those skeptical friends of his, cant believe it!

Inside they kept the traditional feel of a 19th century Central New York, with original trim and wainscoting. Modern amenities like internet and new kitchen appliances were also added.

It has been a labor of love, Luchsinger admits.

The property has great potential as an agribusiness.

Ronald and Ruth use the three-bedroom upstairs bedroom as a bed and breakfast and house more guests in the top floor of an 1864-era barn he found in Tully, which he moved to Lincklaen, piece by piece.

They are booked solid for most of the summer.

The Lodge, as it is called, can accommodate six people. It is heated, has air-conditioning, and has guests until the cold weather arrives.

He believes an enterprising owner can transform the property, which has 7,000 feet of road frontage, into a brewery, apple orchard, campground, Airbnb, vineyard, farm-to-table restaurant, or wedding venue. For nature lovers the property borders Lincklaen State Forest and Mariposa State Forest.

(The man-made spring-fed swimming pond on the grounds has hosted three baptisms.)

After 18 years, the couple have decided to take on a new project, rebuilding another property near Tully.

I have run out of projects here! Luchsinger says laughing.

An open house is scheduled for Sunday, August 16, from 1 to 3 p.m.

THE DETAILS

Address: 312 Springer Road, DeRuyter, N.Y. 13052

Price: $569,000

Size: 2,064 square feet

Acreage: 123 acres

Monthly Mortgage: $1,985 (based on this week's national average rate of 3.27 percent, according to Freddie Mac, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20 percent down payment. Fees and points not included.)

Taxes: $3,323

Built: 1885

School District: DeRuyter

Kitchen: Listing says that the new Country Style kitchen will bring back memories of Grandmas house. The motif of the space mirrors the rest of the farmhouse. Traditional trim was maintained, as were the old-style Hoosier cabinets. Exposed ceiling is seen. Owner calls the kitchen very handy to work in. Kitchen features new modern appliances.

Living areas: Home underwent a four-year remodel between 2003 and 2006. New windows were added, and owner says that 90 percent of the property can be seen from somewhere inside the house. Visitors arrive in an inviting front foyer or in a back mudroom, which is very convenient if you were out working or playing outside. Home features an open-floor plan on the first floor. The kitchen, dining area and living room make for one large space. There is a den or library with access via double doors.

Bedrooms: The master bedroom is on the first floor. The room is quite spacious and features a double door closet. The three bedrooms upstairs are currently being used a bed and breakfast.

Bathrooms: There are two-and-a-half bathrooms in the house. The first-floor half-bath is just off the mudroom. The master bathroom has a shower unit and is home to the houses laundry room, which the owner considers very convenient for farm life. There is another full bathroom upstairs.

The Lodge: The Lodge is guest accommodations built inside an 1864 Tully barn. It can sleep six people. It maintains its old-fashioned feel with exposed beams and kitchenette. The space is insulated, heated, and has air-conditioning. It is open during the warm months.

Outdoors: The 123-acre farm was chosen because of its spectacular views. The back patio is a favorite. There is always a cool breeze there. Besides the farmhouse and Lodge, the property features a workshop, two-car garage, wetland pond, five-stall horse barn with tack room, seven paddocks with high tensile wire fencing, and a private campground. Owner dug out his own spring-fed swimming pond with a dock six years ago. It is ten-and-a-half feet deep and has seen a lot of action during this warm summer. It has also hosted three baptisms. The farm is bordered by Lincklaen and Mariposa State Forests and there are 33 miles of seasonal roads for outdoor recreation. Property has enormous potential as an agribusiness.

Agent: Theresa Billy / The Karim Team

CENTURY 21 Arquette Properties

Address: 104 Salt Springs Road, Fayetteville, N.Y. 13066

Phone: (315) 663-8390

Email: thekarimteam@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thekarimteam.com

MORE HOMES

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See our real estate transactions database

If you know of a beautiful or interesting house currently up for sale, please consider sending a nomination for it to be featured as a future House of the Week. Send an email with the listing to home@syracuse.com.

Do you know of any older homes in Central New York which have fallen on hard times but have a lot of potential should they be restored to their original grandeur? A fixer-upper with a lot of potential? Consider nominating them to our new feature, Save this Home, in which we will spotlight grand houses of the past around Central New York that need to be saved. Send nominations to home@syracuse.com.

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House of the Week: Remodeled 1885 farmhouse in Lincklaen evokes feeling of visiting Grandmas house - syracuse.com

ROCHESTER, N.Y. More people, of all ages, are working from home in the age of COVID-19. Local architects and designers are getting calls on how to accommodate that. Theres a demand in the market for home offices, repurposed lower levels, bonus rooms and even home gyms.

People working from home have either been working at kitchen table, or makeshift office, and now theyre getting into actually remodeling a room, said Melanie Portland, Director of Marketing for Inde Designs. She said more college kids are returning home, as well as adult children, which calls for bathroom and bedrooms in the basement, or lower levels.

More and more companies are not having employees come back to the office, and this is going to be a more permanent solution, working from home, said Chris Keil, Vice President of Greater Living Architecture. Keil said there was originally a trend of clients wanting to downsize their home, pre-virus. Now, they want to re-purpose it, or add bonus rooms above their garage.

Architects and designers are saying the demand for supplies has gone way up, increasing construction costs. The services also came to a halt when COVID-19 hit, and architects had to work remotely with clients for conferencing.

Manufacturers, lumber yards, steel manufacturers, were all shut down for a number of months (when COVID-19 hit), said Joseph ODonnell, President of Greater Living Architecture.

Kitchens, sinks, flooring, lighting, everything really came to a screeching halt, now theres a very, very tough supply for those items, said ODonnell.

He said its hard to know what the future holds in terms of a second wave, and how that would affect their business if schools had to close again. But all they can do, is prepare for anything.

Were kind of a wait and see right now, said ODonnell. The idea of re-purposing a space for home-schooling is something on his radar, and something hes already received calls on. He said the at-home learning experience consists of educational, social and physical components.

Kids arent socializing with peers at home, theyre with their parents and siblings and not getting a social experience. What weve seen people consider is creating small group learning in a neighborhood [pods], where kids can go to house one day a week to safely be with friends and have that social interaction, said ODonnell.

In addition to accommodating children, Keil said its common that two spouses are working from home, requiring not just one home office, but two. Home offices have been part of plan for some time now, but now two home offices are in demand. People need their own spaces, its hard to share space on conference calls and stuff, he said.

Keil said if you are looking to add a space to your house, a permit is required. He said youd have to work with designers to come up with a plan, and youd also have to meet with a contractor. Drawings would have to be submitted to your town for approval.

Continued here:
Re-purposing the home in the age of COVID-19: offices, gyms, bonus rooms - RochesterFirst

To many, RV living doesnt exactly scream "glam." But Cortni Armstrong is changing that perception one ugly RV at a time, with the help of her mom and business partner Patti Armstrong. Theyre the mother-daughter duo behind The Flipping Nomada RV renovation business thats essentially the Chip and Joanna Gianes of RV remodelingand one look at the interiors of their RV renos will make you want to ditch your stationary residence and move in immediately.

The Flipping Nomad was born out of a dark period in Cortnis life: About six years ago, she had to take over her fathers two businesses after he had a stroke. They werent doing well, and there was hardly enough money to pay herself. At the same time, Cortini's lease renewal was coming up on a house she shared with three roommates. She discovered her roommates had made other housing plans that didnt involve her. Left hanging, she turned to a family friend who managed a campground. He said there was a fifth wheel for sale. The owner would finance it, and all she would have to do is pay for the RV. The electricity, internet, and other expenses would be covered if she took a job at the front desk. She agreed and moved in three days later.

I felt borderline homeless, and I was really embarrassed about it, Cortni tells House Beautiful. I was in my mid-20s at the time and a recent college grad, so all of my college friends are in their careers and buying houses and cars, and here I am in this trailer park.

A year into RV living, her perspective shifted. She loved the genuine people she met and how freeing it was to only live in 350 square feet sans clutter. I started falling in love with the lifestyle but wanted a rig that was laid out a little bit different, she says. She obsessively searched for something that was appropriate for a mid-20s bachelorette pad but realized what she wanted didnt exist. So she found a rig with the floor plan she wanted and decided to renovate it herself.

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

I kept coming back to my buying experience and thought maybe other people don't like these interiors too, and there's business to be had here, Cortni says.

At first, Cortni was buying RVs, cleaning them super well, and then selling them. When she combined that with renovating, she did custom renovationseven taking on RVs people had already owned. Her mom joined the business about two and a half years ago when she also decided to move into an RV herself. Together, they buy RVs, renovate them, and sell them out of a shop they own on 66 acres of land in Emmett, Idaho. The shop is big enough to fit three RVs with plenty of room to park other rigs outside. They typically keep their own RVs on the land, too.

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

The duo now focuses exclusively on designing RVs. We figured out that to do customization work it takes us about 50 percent longer than it does to buy it, renovate it, and sell it as is, Cortni says. I know it sounds counterintuitive but in an effort to service more clients, we stopped servicing clients.

Before Cortni and Patti ever buy an RV, they do a field inspection on it that involves getting up on the roof, checking for signs of water damage, the age of the tires, and warning signs for tank cracks. Once it passes that, they take it back to the shop and do a PDI (pre-delivery inspection) where they check the electricAC, outlets, fridgeand fill the tank with water to ensure everything is working properly. When they confirm the structure of the rig is good, they renovate it.

For the interiors, they try to go with popular design schemes. Farmhouse is so hot right now, and everybody wants something that looks like Joanna Gaines did it, Cortni says. I also want every rig to have its own personality, so I switch it up a bit with each one.

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

The rigs they sell are typically furnished with items including couches, love seats, and chairs. In Cortnis experience, most people prefer to bring their own mattress. The detailsthrow pillows, rugs, blankets, table settingsare included on a case-by-case basis. Some clients really enjoy shopping for their own rig and putting their own personal taste on it and other clients are intimidated by it, she says.

Her favorite furniture brand to use is Home Reserve. The Indiana-based company offers modular pieces with storage in the seats. Cortni says multifunctional pieces are essential in such a tiny space. Plus, all of the companys made-in-America pieces have removable and washable fabric, so you can easily clean it or swap out colors.

Being able to flex her creative muscles and reimagine a small space is Cortnis favorite part of the job. Oh, and the demolition phase of course. You go in, rip stuff apart, chuck stuff out the door, and we have music playing, she says.

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

So far, The Flipping Nomad has done about 15 full renos and worked on around 45 RVsincluding partial renos and cleaningsince its inception. The price varies based on the model and staging among other factors, but the minimum budget required is $50,000 for a fifth wheel or $30,000 for a travel trailer.

Theres currently a huge waitlist to snag one of The Flipping Nomads renovated RVs. Their typical clientele is first-time home buyers in their 20s and 30s with a mix of couples and couples with kids. That came as a surprise to Cortni who thought her clients were going to be retirees who have disposable income and have been saving up for the RV lifestyle for years.

The completion time varies for each RV renovation. If you want less of a wait or dont want to go all in on a renovated RV, The Flipping Nomad sells non renovated RVs that you can enjoy as is or renovate yourself. They also offer RV lifestyle and renovation coaching.

Cortni now lives in an RV called the Ultimate Montana, which she teamed up with Keystone RV Company to build. Its similar to a concept car in that it is very impractical, very much a show piece, but we wanted to push the limits on everything and see whats possible, she says. The rig has a freestanding bathtub, three fireplaces, pizza oven, TV projector, and bar.

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

Courtesy of Cortni Armstrong

As if The Flipping Nomad's renos weren't stunning enough, Cortni's current RV is sure to make any apartment renter or homeowner envious in some way. Glam RVs are the right-under-our-nose tiny homes we didn't know we needed.

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This Mother-Daughter Duo Turns RVs Into Stunning Tiny Homes - HouseBeautiful.com

With the extra time many Americans have spent at home over the past few months, there have been plenty of opportunities to think about how that living space could be improved.

While this may not be the ideal time to tackle a full gut and renovate project, it may still be possible to do some smaller scale remodeling projects that update and improve your home. For example, simple cosmetic repairs like painting and replacing vanities can make a noticeable difference with minimal work or investment. Or if youre hesitant about bringing contractors into the house, outdoor projects like replacing fencing, adding paver stones or constructing outdoor living spaces may be a benefit for your family.

Before you take on a project, consider these tips from Robi Kirsic, MCKBR, UDCP, chairman of the board of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and co-CEO of TimeLine Renovation & Design.

Define the Purpose

The first consideration whether youre making changes for yourself or for future resale is the purpose of your project. This determines everything from the budget to the materials you select. Remember projects in the kitchen and bathroom typically bring the greatest return on investment.

Its also a good idea to plan how youll use the renovated area. When possible, incorporate elements of universal design that dont change how the space looks but will change how it works. For example, in the bathroom, install a curbless shower, taller toilet and block in walls to allow future installation of grab bars.

Stick to a Budget

Another early decision is your budget. Its fruitless to spend time looking at materials and making design decisions based on products that exceed your budget or, conversely, fall below the quality level you prefer. Having a professional involved can help keep you from overspending and identify areas you may want to splurge or pull back.

Select a Remodeler

Friends and family can be great resources when it comes to choosing a remodeling contractor since theyre likely to give detailed and candid opinions about their experiences. When you begin interviewing companies yourself, verify theyre licensed and insured, and ask what they offer above those minimum requirements. Are they certified or accredited? Do they specialize in the type of work youre considering? Also be sure to request and check references and search online for reviews.

Conduct Virtual Meetings

While some projects may require an in-person assessment, many planning sessions can be conducted virtually. You can even shop products to be used in your project virtually since online catalogs typically show a variety of colors and finishes along with prices. For items you need to see or feel to choose, like flooring, request samples to test in your home. To make your virtual meetings most productive, prepare by providing a detailed scope of work and be ready to provide measurements and show the space cleared of clutter.

Keep it Safe

For some families, sticking to outdoor projects may be more comfortable in the short term. For those who are ready to bring contractors inside, there are numerous steps you can take to create a safer working environment. Examples include asking everyone involved to wear face masks and gloves and using plastic at doorways to keep the work area separate from the living area. Regular disinfecting and a thorough cleaning at the end of the project are also important preventive steps.

Find more remodeling resources, including certified contractors in your community, at RemodelingDoneRight.com.

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5 Home Remodeling Tips from the Pros Pasadena Weekendr - Pasadena Now

Like everyone else, you've been spending lots of time at home during the past several weeks. And you've probably become more acquainted with all the flaws in your home: the outdated kitchen cabinets, the frayed carpeting in the family room that needs to be replaced by hardwood, the spare bedroom that needs to be converted into a dedicated office.

Maybe the thought of a renovation has crossed your mind. But this couldn't possibly be the right time for one, could it? Well, it depends.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, home construction - including remodeling - had been deemed an essential business under the original stay-at-home orders in some states. But whether a specific project is considered appropriate is a matter largely determined by homeowners and contractors.

"Putting a roof back on is essential," said David Merrick, president of Merrick Design and Build in Kensington, Maryland.

Merrick, who also serves as chairman of the government affairs committee for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), said contractors are more likely to take on outside rather than inside projects. In the case of a customer seeking to renovate the basement of her Washington, D.C., rowhouse, the decision was made to wait until the late spring or early summer when everyone would feel more comfortable.

Not surprisingly, home construction activity nationwide has fallen significantly since the covid-19 outbreak, according to the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, and is not expected to recover until well into 2021.

The slump in activity may work to your advantage, experts say. Because work has dried up, some contractors may be more willing to give you a better deal on the pricing than they would have several months ago when demand for their services was high.

If you opt to wait until the pandemic eases, experts say, you can still use this downtime to plan your project and get on your contractor's radar.

"If you have a four to five month timeline, you can talk to friends on who they used and look at Angie's List reviews on their performance," said Kermit Baker, project director at the Harvard remodeling program. "You can do your due diligence as you prepare to get the project ready."

Once you decide on what work needs to be done and when to do it, be sure to put your order in right away. "If you wait until September to place your order, 1/8contractors will3/8 have five months of orders in front of you," Merrick said. Then, it will "be hard time to get the contractor to return your phone call."

Here are some other factors you can consider ahead of time during this lull:

Budgeting and financing

Probably the best thing you can do is not get too caught up in the aesthetics but to invest considerable time concentrating on the logistics.

"Every home improvement project will cost more than you think it will and will take more time than you planned," Bob Harkson, chief financial planner at Phase2 Wealth Advisors in Gig Harbor, Wash., told The Post in May 2019. Harkson said the biggest problem he sees with his financial-planning clients is that they haven't budgeted enough.

The tricky thing about home improvement is maximizing your return on investment. You want to spend money that will yield a return when you sell your home, but not overspend way beyond what a buyer would be willing to pay you. So how do you find the sweet spot?

Experts say that kitchen and bathroom renovations are among the projects that provide homeowners the best yields. According to Remodeling magazine, kitchens recouped 62.1% and bathrooms 67.2%. Others include: 70.8% for windows; 75.6% for siding; 68.2% for roof; and 75.6% for deck.

Dan DiClerico, a smart-home expert for HomeAdvisor, a New York-based home improvement platform, offered this rule of thumb: "You should spend about 5 to 15 percent of your home value on kitchen renovation," DiClerico told The Post in May 2019. "So, if your home is worth $300,000, you should spend $15,000 to $45,000 on the kitchen. A bathroom renovation should cost about 3 to 7 percent of your home value."

If you're into analytics, HomeAdvisor's State of Home Spending offers data and charts to help you determine whether your budget is in line with what other homeowners pursuing similar projects paid. Another useful source is the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, which offers searchable databases to compare renovation costs by Zip code.

"The more thorough you are in the planning stages, the more likely you are to come in on budget for your project," DiClerico said.

A major component of planning involves accounting for surprises. Sonu Mittal, head of retail mortgage lending for Citizens Bank in Plano, Texas, said you should budget an extra 10% for unforeseen expenses.

So how do you pay for a home improvement project? There is no shortage of methods. Here are a few:

Savings: This is the easiest because it doesn't require getting approval or paying fees and interest.

A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) 203(k) or Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation loan: "An FHA 203(k) loan offers flexibility because you can finance up to 97.75% of the improved home value," Catherine Holtman, operations support manager for Embrace Home Loans in Middletown, R.I., told The Post in May 2019. "There's a streamlined version for improvements up to $35,000 that are nonstructural and a standard version for major renovations including structural changes."

Home equity line of credit (HELOC): This provides homeowners flexibility in that they only pay interest on the line of credit they use, and the closing costs are minimal.

Cash-out refinance: Borrowers should keep in mind that closing costs for cash-out refinancing is higher than a HELOC, but interest rates are lower.

Personal loan: A personal loan is best for borrowing smaller amounts because it has to be paid back sooner and have higher interest rates than a HELOC.

401(k) loan: The loans have a low interest rate. Financial advisers discourage these type of loans because they must be paid back immediately if the borrower leaves their company.

Credit card: This is a simple way to pay for a project. However, they come with high interest rates.

Undertaking a major project

Before embarking on a major renovation, you should take some time to determine the best approach given your budget, timeline, patience and willingness and ability to do some of the work yourself. Here are seven methods:

Design-build firm: These firms, which include designers and architects, can manage the project from beginning to end and oversee all the subcontractors. The downside is that they can be costly.

Kitchen designer: These firms specialize in kitchens and can often provide a more custom look for your project.

General contractor: A general contractor is best for people who know what they want but need someone to manage the project. Because of their relationships with vendors, general contractors often can get discounts on supplies.

Specialty kitchen store: These retailers offer discounts on kitchen components and fixtures and custom services.

High-end design firm: This is for homeowners who want the best of the best, and don't mind paying for it.

Big-box store: Stores such as Home Depot and Ikea can often get special discounts on labor and can generally offer their services at prices lower than general contractors.

DIY: For people who would like to save a ton of money, and are also handy.

If you're pursuing a bathroom renovation, for example, keep in mind that 50% to 75% of the project's cost will be labor. So it's important to educate yourself on how to negotiate labor costs or hire a contractor who can do so.

Working with limited dollars

If you're looking to start off small to get your feet wet, Zillow offers some suggestions on lower-cost projects that can give you a bigger bang for your buck. For instance, Zillow says spending $3,000 on outdoor "curb appeal" projects such as paint and landscaping can yield $3,500 when selling.

Zillow also recommends that when renovating to sell that you try to incorporate the latest design trends into your home.

When trying to prioritize limited dollars, Zillow recommends that you simply ignore the basement. Basement projects, according to Zillow, yield only 50 cents on the dollar even when a bathroom is added.

Justin Pierce, a real estate investor and real estate agent, suggests that homeowners opting to manage their own projects should use a construction journal to stay on top of the project and to give them a record with contractors when something goes awry.

"Keeping a journal has really helped me," Pierce wrote in a Washington Post column in July. "If things go badly, it can be useful in court or arbitration. Contractors, especially shady contractors, are good at complicating the issue or adding doubt in your mind. They blame delays and increased costs on the weather, additional work, inspectors and the client. You may be shocked to receive $10,000 in change orders at the final accounting. This is impossible to unravel six weeks down the road. It's best to note things as they happen and share milestones and your understanding of them with the contractor."

Pierce said the journal should include the start date, major milestones, inspection dates, subcontractor work schedule and change orders.

Excerpt from:
Ready to remodel but stymied by pandemic? Here's what you can prepare now - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Like other essential businesses, installers of Cel-Fi in-building cellular coverage solutions have had to adjust to the unprecedented changes in the business world amid the pandemic.

After shelter-in-place orders were given, some commercial buildings were emptied and locked, while others remained open. Many commercial in-building system installations long planned were put on hold.

But as things became clearer on how to keep essential workers safe and reduce population contagion, private and public entities also recognized that with buildings empty, it was a good time to resolve any problems existing in facilities prior to the shutdown. This way, construction or much needed upgrades and repairs would be complete when employees, students, and customers returned.

During this time, Cel-Fi system integrators have been busy in office buildings, multi-tenant residences, medical facilities, grocery and retail stores, and at warehouses and schools installing cellular coverage solutions to help keep everyone connected once communities emerge from lockdown.

How Solution Providers Adapted

Steve Klingensmith, owner of VAST Signal Booster Solutions based in North Carolina, explains, As there are fewer people working in buildings, now is the time to run the cable infrastructure and get things installed because its less of a business disruption to tenants. Many buildings are moving forward with their installations if they had money budgeted for it prior to the shutdown.

VAST recently completed installing a Cel-Fi QUATRA Active DAS Hybrid solution for a tenant who is remodeling their office space in a multi-tenant building in Maryland while their employees are working from home. The client is remodeling two-thirds of one floor of the five-story building, while the other third of the floor is occupied by another tenant with employees physically occupying the premises.

We had to do a daily COVID-19 jobsite certification checklist, attesting all our crew members were free from any symptoms. We had to do social distancing, we all had to wear masks and the tenants did too, Klingensmith says. It was a little slower process. We were limited to four people in an elevator, three people in the LAN room, two people in a bathroom, and we kept spread out. Overall, it took about 20 percent more time than normal to do the job, but as it is so fast to install Cel-Fi QUATRA, we were able to get in and out within two days.

Cel-Fi Solutions: Not Only Better Quality, But More Cost Effective

VAST also recently completed installing Cel-Fi QUATRA in a 650,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Arizona. There are approximately 100 employees still working in the facility, spread throughout the warehouse and office space, who were having trouble placing or receiving cellular calls. With the inability to call one another, a manager would have to walk out to the employees location in the warehouse, consuming as much as 20 minutes to deliver a communication or get an answer, instead of taking just 20 to 30 seconds on a phone call.

The distribution center wanted to rapidly install a cellular coverage system at the lowest possible cost. After VAST conducted an extensive walk test showing the areas of strong and weak coverage, they proposed Cel-Fi QUATRA as the solution that would provide the best coverage for the lowest cost per square foot.

If we had installed a wide band passive DAS solution with all the antennas, amplifiers, and cabling that would be needed for a facility this size the cost on labor alone would have been more than the entire Cel-Fi QUATRA solution, Klingensmith says. QUATRA gives a very strong, consistent signal, the best on the market, which is also a major factor in the lower cost per square foot on the installation.

Healthcare: An Increased Priority for Cellular Coverage Solutions

Hospitals have also moved forward with cellular coverage solution installations during the pandemic. Mercy Hospital has a 228K sq. ft. facility currently under construction in Oklahoma City. The Mercy Hospital general contractor asked AT&T to recommend a system integrator who could provide the cellular coverage solution needed at the new facility and was referred to RF Design Services.

Jerry Bickle, President of RF Design Services based in Oklahoma, has resolved cellular coverage issues in several hospitals. He explains, Doctors at hospitals are having trouble getting texts from nurses about patients that need their attention. All the doctors and nurses are using their cell phones now to help with patient care. Mercy Hospital knew there would be a problem at their new facility in Oklahoma City so wanted to install a solution before the facility opens.

Bickle says he proposed Cel-Fi QUATRA for the new facility for multiple reasons. QUATRA is already carrier approved for installation by professional installers as it wont cause network interference, which has been a problem with every other in-building solution. And any time you have to get carrier approval, it adds complexity and a lot of time to the project as much as eight to nine months.

Cel-Fi Solutions: Not Only Better Performance, But the Fastest to Install

Cel-Fi QUATRA uses Cat 5e cable so it is faster and cheaper to install, with the same signal propagation throughout the building as it is less lossy than coax cable. Category cable also takes a lot less time to install. With all the factors combined, the cost of an installed QUATRA solution is about a third of an active DAS. QUATRA even costs less to operate than an active DAS as it doesnt generate the heat, electrical, or air conditioning loads of that bigger equipment, Bickle explains.

During the installation, RF Design Services had to put special safety procedures in place for COVID-19 mitigation in addition to wearing face masks, staff temperatures were checked every day and they were given a wrist band or sticker for their safety helmets to show they were cleared. And sometimes the elevators were out of service for construction or social distancing reasons. But these restrictions werent much greater than the scrubs and masks that the team had to use when they installed Cel-Fi in a surgical room this past December before the pandemic.

While the pandemic continues to define the new normal, in-building cellular connectivity remains as essential as ever. Cel-Fi system integrators are effectively working with carriers, building owners, and IT staff to deploy solutions within mitigation guidelines to provide better cellular coverage for safer facilities and more efficient operations.

For more information on Nextivitys comprehensive product line that fits virtually every in-building cellular coverage use case, download The Ultimate Buyers Guide to Solving Cellular Coverage Issues.

About the Author

Dean Richmond is the Senior Director of Marketing at Nextivity. Over the span of his career, he has developed strategies and launched products across the information technology and wireless product spectrum. Dean has built strategic partnerships between channel partners, operators, broadband providers, and brands such as Microsoft, Google, Intel, Sony, and Toshiba to grow business units successfully. For more information, contacthello@cel-fi.comor visitwww.cel-fi-com

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How IBW cellular coverage solution providers adapted and grew during COVID-19 with Cel-Fi products - RCR Wireless News

NEW YORK, June 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Petri Plumbing & Heating, a family-owned home service company that has served Brooklyn and Manhattan for over a century, offers owners of vintage homes in the city guidelines for proper HVAC maintenance and tips for recognizing when it's time to replace your system.

"Brownstones and other historic homes have a lot of charm, but the older construction can make it difficult to efficiently regulate the temperature and air quality," said Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating. "Since June is National Homeowners Month, we want to help New Yorkers know when it's time to consider an HVAC upgrade."

Most air conditioning failures happen in early summer, when the HVAC system is strained by climbing temperatures. The risk of failure increases if the system hasn't had a professional spring tune-up. Today's modern Energy Star-certified HVAC models, however, are more efficient than older systems and offer better performance with less energy and lower costs. In addition, ductless systems, programmable thermostats and zoned HVAC technology can be used to create custom solutions for most homeowners.

Petri Plumbing & Heating advises homeowners to keep these facts in mind when considering whether to repair or replace their HVAC:

Petri stresses the importance of professional consultation and installation.

"A professional will know when to recommend supplemental heating and cooling like ductless mini-splits or zoned HVAC technology to ensure whole-home comfort," he said.

As an essential business, Petri Plumbing & Heating is committed to keeping customers and employees safe while providing exceptional service. The company is practicing social distancing and ensuring technicians sanitize their equipment and work spaces as well as wearing personal protective equipment. Petri Plumbing & Heating also offers Zero Contact Service to reduce the risk of disease.

For more information about Petri Plumbing & Heating, or to schedule a service call, visit https://www.petriplumbing.com/ or call (718) 748-1254.

About Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is a family owned and operated business serving Brooklyn and the New York City area. Founded in 1906, the company offers a 100 percent guarantee on all services, upfront pricing, and friendly and knowledgeable Service Experts for all kinds of home and business plumbing and heating needs. Services offered include water and gas pipe leak repair and installation, fixture installations, inspections, boiler repair, water heater installation, complete bathroom, kitchen, laundry & utility room remodeling and more. Petri is also licensed and certified by Green Plumbers USA, the first in New York City to receive this designation. For more information, please visit http://www.petriplumbing.com or call 718-748-1254.

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather RipleyRipley PR(865) 977-1973hripley@ripleypr.com

Link:
Petri Plumbing & Heating offers HVAC advice to owners of older homes as temperatures rise - Salamanca Press