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    Syd and Shea McGee From ‘Dream Home Makeover’ Are the Parents of Two Kids – Distractify - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    While fans anxiously await the return of Fixer Upper alums Chip and Joanna Gaines on the upcoming Magnolia Network, they can bide their time by watching another husband-wife duo take on home renovations: Syd and Shea McGee.

    The Studio McGee owners first began showcasing their rustic designs on Instagram, and they're now the stars of Netflix's Dream Home Makeover. Their business feed has over two million followers, and the couple also has a line at Target.

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    Plus, Shea and Syd wrote a bestselling memoir-and-design-tips book, Make Life Beautiful, which debuted in October of 2020.

    On each episode of Dream Home Makeover, Shea and Syd tackle all different kinds of projects with varying budgets and aesthetics. Aside from sharing their tasteful renovation inspirations on the show, the spouses have let the cameras in to their personal lives as well.

    Find out more about Syd and Shea McGee's adorable two kids below!

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    When Shea and Syd McGee started showing their own home designs on Instagram, they were based in California. They were also new parents to their eldest daughter, Wren, who was born in 2013.

    Once their Instagram posts began getting a lot of attention online, Syd and Shea were met with many requests to help others design their homes. The two then decided to sell their California residence, and they used their home profits to create Studio McGee.

    The McGees moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, which is where they are currently based. Following their big move, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Ivy, in 2016. On the show, the family is in the process of building their dream home from the ground up.

    Both girls have become scene-stealers on their parents' renovation series, and they appear on the official Studio McGee Instagram page from time to time.

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    While reality TV programs are meant to be unscripted, producers often manage to mold the storylines that are featured. When it comes to home renovation series,' fans often have wondered if certain staging items are only provided for the sake of the cameras, or if unfinished work is disguised and left behind.

    On their Studio McGee blog, Syd and Shea shared that Dream Home Makeover is "completely unscripted," and that the show offers a realistic portrayal of their design business.

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    "We were really lucky that our [series] represent[s] what our real process is actually like," the two wrote ahead of the Season 1 release in October of 2020. "What you'll see in this show is true to how we communicate with our clients, work with contractors, and collaborate with our team."

    For Season 2, the couple and their staff took realistic to another level. The show was filmed in the midst of the pandemic, meaning that a lot of calls and consultations were done on Zoom, and there was a skeleton crew to shoot it.

    You can see how the process works out by tuning in to the show.

    Dream Home Makeover Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Netflix now.

    See the original post:
    Syd and Shea McGee From 'Dream Home Makeover' Are the Parents of Two Kids - Distractify

    ‘Ty Breaker’s Ty Pennington on Design Therapy, Being Dazzled and More – TV Insider - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Ty Pennington left the megaphone at home for his HGTV competition series Ty Breaker. But fear not as the original Extreme Makeover: Home Edition host still packed that signature enthusiasm. The new show follows Pennington as he helps homeowners decide whether to overhaul their current residence or renovate a different property to fit their needs.

    The carpenter and designer presents plans to convince them to stay in their existing space. Alison Victoria, Grace Mitchell and Sabrina Soto counter pitch that a customized new place is the way to go. Here Pennington, the man of many hats, talks about why now is the right time for a Ty Breaker.

    Its hard to believe youve never had your own show on HGTV. Why did it take so long?

    Ty Pennington: Extreme Makeover was such a big show. We did over 224 homes for 10 years, so there really wasnt a day off. I had to step away from TV for a little bit and focus on just being Ty. I built my own house, looked after my mom, and spent time with the family...I just wanted to wait for the right project that made sense. The other thing is with the new Extreme, they wanted to go with an all new cast. It was somewhat shocking, but all good.

    It is amazing what can happen in a year. It does seem strange that this is the first time Ive gotten a show on HGTV. But whats really fun about Ty Breaker is its a pretty authentic show in a sense that were helping people make real decisions. What I wanted to do is help people out and have fun with a co host that has experience and is a little sassy and spicy. I didnt realize it would be as fun as it was and the quality work we were able to do.

    HGTV

    Its almost like two shows in one. First, youre competing in each episode against these designers. Then if your plan gets passed over, you have to change gears and help support their vision.

    Even on Trading Spaces, we were all so competitive with each other. Thats what pulled me in. I grew up with an older brother. We act like were not competing, but everyone is trying to dazzle everybody with their creativity. What I love about this show is you have to choose which side to go with, but we do find a way to team up and add a little bit of my ideas and her ideas. You get a mixture.

    Id be lying if I tell you Im happy when they choose the other persons plan. Its fun though because its life. You may not win, but you have to find a way to work with the person. Same with a client. You find a way...I do always try to slide in my own thing. I use reverse psychology. It has worked in the past and still does well.

    There are similarities to Love It or List It. What do you think makes Ty Breaker different?

    I was never one to be thought of as just another thing. The idea that people have to decide if they are going to stay in the place they have or move into another place. Everyone goes through that. Its the reality of life. I just try to make it more entertaining. I live with the family a little bit and really get to know them and why they have certain issues with their house. Whether thats brushing my teeth with the entire family or camping in their backyard or taking a shower in their private shower.

    Lets just say I get up close and personal with the families we are helping. Just because I think thats the best way to understand what needs to change but also you get to understand who they are. They understand you too. It adds fun to the show. Lets just say there is no private area I wont go to really dive deep into what their situation is.

    HGTV

    Youre rolling up the sleeves and returning to your roots here. That had to be fun.

    You can tell its really great for my conditioning as well. To try and demo a kitchen in 30 seconds is amazing. I love doing it. These guys are going to have to edit out so much of my craziness because usually Im way over-the-top. I just enjoy making a bunch of noise. I always have. There is natural comedy that comes with that as well.

    Do you feel the pandemic really brought this boom for the home renovation business?

    Ive seen more people doing renovation projects on social media than ever before because were all looking at the same walls at home. When youre stuck in a room that looks the same, we all want to make changes just to make it feel like a fresh new room.

    There is a joy that comes to finishing a project that makes you feel like you accomplished something. That elevation of emotion you feel is happiness. The opposite of what weve experienced with COVID. It really is design therapy.

    Ty Breaker premieres, January 11, 9/8c, HGTV

    See original here:
    'Ty Breaker's Ty Pennington on Design Therapy, Being Dazzled and More - TV Insider

    Discovery : AWARD-WINNING ACTOR RAINN WILSON GIVES SON’S FORMER NANNY A SURPRISE HOME RENOVATION IN JAN. 4 EPISODE OF HGTV HIT ‘CELEBRITY IOU’ -… - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Episode Also Available to Stream on discovery+ Beginning Jan. 4

    New York -- Emmy Award nominated and Screen Actors Guild Awards winning actor, writer and producer Rainn Wilson, with help from HGTV real estate and renovation experts Drew and Jonathan Scott, will surprise his son's former nanny, Leslie, with a life-changing home makeover in a new episode of HGTV's hit series Celebrity IOU on Monday, Jan. 4, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. In addition to airing on HGTV, this episode, as well as episodes starring Zooey Deschanel, Allison Janney and Justin Hartley, will be available on discovery+, Discovery Inc.'s new subscription streaming service, on Jan. 4.

    Rainn says he credits Leslie with being an integral teacher and friend to his son and a blessing to his entire family. Leslie now has three children of her own and the two families are still close. On demo day, Rainn will stun Drew and Jonathan when he arrives both shirtless and wielding a two-sided axe and other medieval weapons-a nod to his character Dwight Schrute from The Office. He will work with HGTV's famous twins to completely update Leslie's home, including the addition of an open floor plan with a stunning updated kitchen, collapsible glass doors that open to a large deck and a custom kids' playhouse.

    "We are so grateful that Leslie has been in our lives and helped raise our son," said Rainn as he choked back tears. "And we're so happy to be able to offer her this home renovation, thanks to the Property Brothers. I hope her family loves it and enjoys it. She has made our lives so much richer."

    The first season of Celebrity IOU captivated more than 36 million viewers and smashed records as the highest-rated first-year series in HGTV history. The series features Hollywood A-listers who express their deep gratitude to the individuals who have had a major impact on their lives by gifting them with heartwarming home renovations that bring everyone to tears. The star-studded, uplifting series features Drew and Jonathan as they help each award-winning star with the surprise home overhauls. Celebrity IOU is produced by Scott Brothers Entertainment, with Drew and Jonathan as executive producers.

    "Leslie gave so much love to our son, Walter," added Rainn. "To watch him be nourished and flourish-there's no more priceless gift than that."

    Fans are invited to connect with the new season of Celebrity IOU on HGTV's digital platforms. Viewers can watch the episodes on HGTV GO the same day and time as the TV premieres-Mondays at 9 p.m. At HGTV.com/Celebrity-IOU, fans can find articles, before and after photo galleries and more details about the celebrities. Social media users can follow @HGTV and #CelebIOU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for extra show content and updates. Drew and Jonathan also will share more from the new episodes on their social channels at @mrdrewscott (Instagram, Twitter) and @jonathanscott (Instagram, Twitter).

    ABOUT HGTV

    HGTV delivers families with relatable stories, superstar real estate and renovation experts and amazing home transformations that inspire a passionate audience. For anyone seeking entertaining and aspirational home and lifestyle content, HGTV is the place to be. HGTV offers: a top 10 cable network that is distributed to more than 86 million U.S. households; a website, HGTV.com, that attracts an average of 10.2 million people each month; a social footprint of 21.2 million; HGTV Magazine, a monthly publication that reaches more than one million readers and exclusive collections of home-oriented products through the HGTV HOME(TM) consumer products line. Viewers can become fans of HGTV and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. HGTV is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment spanning 220 countries and territories, whose portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, and the forthcoming multi-platform JV with Chip and Joanna Gaines, Magnolia, as well as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

    ABOUT DISCOVERY+

    discovery+ is the definitive non-fiction, real life subscription streaming service. The new service will launch with a landmark partnership with Verizon that gives their customers with select plans 12 months of discovery+ on Verizon. At launch in the U.S., discovery+ will have the largest-ever content offering of any new streaming service, featuring a wide range of exclusive, original series across popular, passion verticals in which Discovery brands have a leadership position, including lifestyle and relationships; home and food; true crime; paranormal; adventure and natural history; as well as science, tech and the environment, and a slate of high-quality documentaries. discovery+ will offer more than 55,000 episodes all in one place, with over 2,500 current and classic shows from Discovery's iconic portfolio of networks, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

    .

    See the article here:
    Discovery : AWARD-WINNING ACTOR RAINN WILSON GIVES SON'S FORMER NANNY A SURPRISE HOME RENOVATION IN JAN. 4 EPISODE OF HGTV HIT 'CELEBRITY IOU' -...

    Trump Crosses a Bright Red Line – The Atlantic - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Trumps thoughts now must turn to a Plan B. Plan B is to protect himself from juries even if he loses office. Plan B points to a self-pardon, and the huge crisis that must ensue.

    President-elect Biden has already signaled his high preference not to take legal action against his predecessor. A President Biden could not protect a former President Trump from state criminal actions or civil liability, but he could signal to the Department of Justice that prosecuting a former president for federal crimes would be divisive and distracting, and therefore is to be avoided if at all possible.

    But if Trump is unwilling to trust Bidens forbearance, and chooses to attempt to pardon himself, it would be a direct attack on the whole structure of the rule of law. Nobody knows whether presidential self-pardons are valid. Scholars disagree; courts have never ruled on them, because no past president ever tried such a thing. But a president desperate enough to try to steal an election on a recorded line is desperate enough to try a self-pardon.

    If a president can pardon himself as well as his or her subordinates, a president can order any crime, or commit it himself, with absolute impunity. The very notion of a self-pardon is radically inconsistent with democratic accountability. If Trump tries to pardon himself, his successors must fight his attempt all the way to the Supreme Court. And given the Raffensperger recording, who doubts that Trump will try it?

    The sensible American majority surely wants an end to Trump controversies after Inauguration Day, a return to normal governance and the crucial work ahead: overcoming the pandemic, restoring the economy, and renewing U.S. leadership of the world. But Trump gets a say, too, as he got a say in the impeachment crisis. Trump is abusing the power of the presidency until his last hour in office. And his nonstop abuse seems likely to force a reckoning even by those most eager to move on. Trump will not be ignored; he will not let the chapter quietly close. Show him a red line, and he will cross it. And if the countrys red lines are to be reestablished, Trump will have to face the law he violated and violated and violated again.

    Read the rest here:
    Trump Crosses a Bright Red Line - The Atlantic

    Part of Capitol renovation wrapping up; more work slated for 2021 – Enid News & Eagle - January 3, 2021 by Mr HomeBuilder

    OKLAHOMA CITY Construction crews are putting finishing touches on several public-facing areas of the state Capitol ahead of the start of Februarys legislative session.

    When visitors enter the Capitol in February, much of the rotunda space is slated to be open again.

    A crown jewel of the area will be the 14-foot bronze state seal being crafted in Norman. It will be added to the floor and assembled in pieces because it weighs thousands of pounds, said Trait Thompson, who is overseeing the eight-year, $275 million project.

    Arts officials will spend $1 million on new commissioned art that will hang in public spaces. The historic artwork also will be reinstalled later in 2021.

    Weve got lots of brand-new wall space, he said.

    The rotunda renovations also include new interior lighting on the dome and a new paint scheme that highlights the contours of the ceiling.

    Thompson said a new multi-purpose meeting room will be available for visiting groups and dignitaries to lease for their legislative days. The room can house up to 200 people in non-COVID times and has buffet space for food and other materials, he said.

    The rotundas are very pretty, but theyre not very functional for meetings, he said.

    Crews are also finishing the Capitols so-called Blue Room, typically used by the governor for ceremonial purposes and press conferences. The room features new audio, HVAC, LED lighting and a sprinkler system.

    An artist hand-painted the ceiling, using a technique much like Michelangelo did when painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

    We went for a little more of a sophisticated look in here, Thompson said.

    Crews also renovated several legislative committee rooms. They knocked out a wall to create more space in the old 432A House meeting room. That increased capacity from about 67 to 99. The room now includes new audio and video packages with the capability to live-stream meetings for those who cant attend.

    When this project was first envisioned, no one knew about pandemics, said Paul Haley, who soon will take over renovation oversight when Thompson leaves for a new job. The timing was very fortunate.

    All renovated committee rooms will feature long conference tables with the required 3-foot clearance around to allow those with disabilities to access the space.

    Two other committee rooms located off the rotunda both feature a switch that can turn the glass walls opaque.

    Thompson said crews also were wrapping up the first stage of renovations to the state House and Senate legislative chambers.

    In the House chamber, crews restored the stained glass ceilings, repaired all plaster and repainted the ceiling. In both chambers, the glass press galleries were removed.

    In 2021, construction crews will renovate the old Lieutenant Governors Office on the second floor by converting it back to a historic corridor. That corridor will house the Hall of Governors, which features busts of previous Oklahoma governors.

    The Betty Price Art Gallery will be relocated from the first floor to the second. It will reopen in the location that currently houses the gubernatorial busts, Thompson said.

    A museum also will be completed on the ground floor and will provide information about the century-old building and an explanation about the states three branches of government.

    Construction crews will complete final renovations on the two legislative chambers.

    Thompson said the overhaul aims to preserve the building in a historically appropriate yet functional manner. It is slated to be completed by the start of session in 2022. Thats several months ahead of the initial December 2022 target, he said.

    We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

    More here:
    Part of Capitol renovation wrapping up; more work slated for 2021 - Enid News & Eagle

    Interior Designers Share The Best Home Renovation Ideas For 2021 – Forbes - December 16, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    How will you upgrade your home in 2021?

    The relationship we all have with our living spaces has changed significantly this year. Thinking ahead to 2021, its time to re-evaluate how we live in our homes. But if 2020 has taught us anything, its that the future is impossible to predict. However, the one thing we can be sure of is that the impact of the pandemic will last for years to come.

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    There are two factors to consider when it comes to renovations right now what needs to be done to make your home as comfortable as possible for the immediate future and what investments make the most sense for re-sale value. Not sure where to begin? Here are the renovations that experts and interior designers suggest seriously considering.

    At the given moment, most people are working remotely without an exact end date in sight, so a home office or designated working space may ultimately become just as indispensable as a kitchen or bathroom. According to Justina Blakeney, founder ofJungalow, home offices are essential. Even as business and offices reopen, many companies have made a conscious shift to a work-from-home hybrid model that only requires employees to come into the office a few days a week.

    Make a home office wherever you can

    However, if your home simply doesnt have enough square footage or the right floorplan to build out a home office, Blakeney suggests getting creative with what you have. For example, if renovations are out of reach, people may take off sliding closet doors and turn a guest bedroom closet into an office.

    If there are no plans to stay in your current home for more than five years, interior designerCaitlin Scanlonrecommends a fresh coat of paint to upgrade the space. After all, paint is temporary, so this project is an opportunity to give your home a truly personal feel without impacting resale value. Its a low-cost way to make a huge impact, she says. British paint brands likeFarrow & Ballstarted the trend of deep saturated, highly pigmented colors, and Los Angeles based brandPortolaPaints has brought it to the next level!

    A little paint can make a big difference.

    Not sure what colors you want to use? Ask yourself how you want to feel in the room youre painting.Apartment Therapy'sHome Projects Editor, Megan Baker says, Generally, lighter colors will help brighten a room and make it feel a little bigger and more light-filled, while darker colors can help you lean into the small footprint by making a space feel a little cozier.

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    Kitchens have always sold homes and apartments, but the pandemic has placed new emphasis on this rooms importance. This means that having a kitchen that is both functional and beautiful is an increasing priority, agentAllison Chiaramonteof Warburg Realty tells me. More and more, I see potential buyers even in city apartments looking at the kitchen not just for its appearance, but functionality for cooking multiple meals a day and storing excess supplies and food.

    If youre planning to renovate your kitchen, Chiaramonte recommends adding a pantry if possible. Kitchen storage [is] at a premium since everyone is conscious of the ability to store extra food and pantry items these days.

    A beautiful marble kitchen

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    In terms of aesthetics, Samantha Gallacher, co-founder ofIG Workshopand founder ofArt+Loomrecommends using the same marble for the backsplash and countertop, as well as boxing out the kitchen hood, if possible. It gives the kitchen a clean and streamlined modern look.

    But keep in mind that while Carrera marble is beautiful and timeless its not always the most practical stone because of its natural porousness. If you need something more durable, Scanlon says it is best to periodically re-seal the marble or opt for an alternative like quartzite.

    No matter where you live, outdoor space has become much more valuable due to COVID. It used to be that sometimes peoples terraces/balconies and backyards paled in comparison to their homes, says Chiaramonte.

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    However, times have changed. Looking forward, outdoor space is increasingly valuable and therefore maximizing its usability and appearance are great ways to add value for a future sale.

    Outdoor space is more important than ever right now.

    If you plan on selling your home in the next few years, the real estate agent emphasizes that adding shade/rain covers, as well as heating and outdoor kitchens are smart investments. She explains, More future buyers will be valuing outdoor space than in prior years due to the recent focus and the freedom outdoor living affords now.

    As for what to do while were still in the middle of the pandemic, Deborah Fribourg, founder of DMF Interiors says, Focus on creating your personal jungle and hire a landscaper early on to make your oasis dreams come true.

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    Her advice for both the short and long term? Consider adding extra seating such as built-in benches with colorful cushions for all your socially-distanced hangs.

    With more people being home on a day-to-day basis, adding soundproofing to rooms and floors can make a big difference, along with closing off open floorplans. While there is something undeniably attractive about a big open loft-like space, I am seeing more buyers talk about how to add an office or Peloton room into the same square footage, says Chiaramonte.

    The real estate agent recommends doing whatever is possible to create an extra private room. Whether it be a big walk in closet, finishing a basement, attic or making one giant room into two can, add value as room count matters more than ever with people needing privacy and quiet space.

    One of the major impacts of the pandemic is a greater concern about the transmission of illness and germs. This has already and will continue to influence home design. Wayfair has noticed an increase in demand for hands-free and touchless features, as well as air purifiers, Pat Cullerot, home improvement expert withWayfairtells me. Given the pandemic and an increased awareness around sanitization, hands-free options in homes provide peace of mind for those who are hyper-conscious of keeping high-touch areas, and the air in their homes clean and germ-free.

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    For example, even the seemingly minor act of choosing a touchless faucet or smart lighting in a powder room or mudroom with a handwashing station can make a difference now as well as in the future.

    Want to add luxury? Baker recommends updating your bathroom to make it more spa-like. For big renovations, that could mean freestanding soaking tubs and big rain showers, she says.

    Turn your bathtub into a spa

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    She also suggests installing a bidet. After 2020s toilet paper shortage, its easy to understand why this makes sense. Ive also seen a lot more interest in bidets this year, from low-tech options with no heat to high-tech toilet seats. This was certainly tied to the run on toilet paper back in March, but I think its also part of an overall trend toward accessible luxe bathroom upgrades.

    These bathroom upgrades make life better in the short term as well as boost future resale value.

    Many homeowners have space that they either dont use or under utilize. Because many activities that used to take place outside are currently taking place inside the home and will continue to be this way in the future, interior designerLiz Caansuggests rethinking how you use your current space.

    While many people are converting formal dining rooms into home offices, there are other ways to use these spaces, especially if there is already have a home office. If you never use your formal dining room, turn it into something that adds value to your family like a game room, or envelop it into the kitchen and have one large area where you can all eat together, she says.

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    Caan also advises if you have an unfinished basement and need more square footage, consider finishing it off and making it a space for health and fitness like a massage, yoga, or weight room. Another idea is a home salon where your manicurist and hairstylist can come and service you and your family now that so many services have been put on the road.

    Attic and garage spaces can also be worth renovating. The garage could turn into an office or studio space, allowing you to work in a space separate from the main home, she says.

    Read more:
    Interior Designers Share The Best Home Renovation Ideas For 2021 - Forbes

    Why the winter could be the best time for your home renovation project – Atlanta Journal Constitution - December 16, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Lindus Construction, a general contracting company in Baldwin, Wisconson, noted hiring a contractor in the colder months could be beneficial.

    With fewer full schedules due to lack of exterior work, youll reap the benefits with virtually no wait time for an estimate and project installation. The same cant be said for the summer months thats when contractors are booked with renovations.

    Sales galore

    Since the wintertime is a slow period, materials may be more inexpensive, according to Angies List. Home upgrade resource website Modernize reported that many contractors will offer discounts and specials to entice homeowners to take them up for business, too.

    Take advantage of timing

    Usually, people enjoy traveling for the holidays. If you decide to have a getaway, it may be an ideal time to make changes around the house.

    If youre traveling or have a busy social schedule during the holidays, you may be able to do without a kitchen for a few weeks, Katherine Jones, director of general contractors at contractor search service Sweeten told House Method.

    Link:
    Why the winter could be the best time for your home renovation project - Atlanta Journal Constitution

    Lighting and the EU Renovation Wave – Climate Home - December 16, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Sponsored content: As the continent renovates its buildings and homes, changing light bulbs can make a big difference to energy efficiency

    The role of lighting, Signify argues, may be crucial in the success of a recently published continent-wide initiative by the European Commission.

    Buildings account for about 40% of the EUs total energy consumption while only 1% are renovated to increase their energy efficiency each year.

    But last month, the Commission released its Renovation Wave Strategy, which aims to double the rate of these renovations within the next ten years as part of its green economic recovery.

    Through the initiative, around 35 million buildings could be renovated, seeing an addition of 160,000 jobs in the sector and helping to accelerate the goal of a climate-neutral continent.

    We want everyone in Europe to have a home they can light, heat, or cool without breaking the bank or breaking the planet, said Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, adding that the strategy would improve the places where we work, live and study.

    Signify, formerly Philips Lighting, has welcomed the initiative and argues that lighting is a quick, easy, and non-intrusive way to immediately improve the energy efficiency of all types of buildings.

    This year, the company achieved 100% carbon neutrality and this was, in part, realised by renovating its own buildings, switching to LEDs, and using electricity powered by renewable energy.

    We welcome the Renovation Wave as the best kick-start of economic recovery in Europe, said Harry Verhaar, Head of Global Public and Government Affairs at Signify.

    Increasing the renovation rate of our buildings is the biggest job machine at our disposal, and these are good local jobs that replace expensive energy imports, he added, echoing IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol who, in June, similarly described energy efficiency as a job machine.

    The company has also joined the Net Zero Carbon Buildings (NZCB) programme, which calls on organisations to commit to taking urgent action in decarbonising the built environment.

    Lighting, Signify says, presents a remarkable opportunity within the Commissions strategy and as a form of renovation can be as easy as changing a light bulb.

    The Philips DimTone, for example, is 90% more energy efficient than a standard halogen bulb, while its LED streetlight technology can reduce consumption by up to 50% in a city, or 80% when paired with smart remote management.

    When Deloitte Digital, renovated three floors in its Milan office, it had in mind reducing its emissions and giving employees greater control of their workspace in an open plan environment. The renovation included 250 connected Philips LED luminairesplus integrated sensors to collect, share and distribute data throughout the office environment all managed by Interact Office software.

    The facilities managers not only saved massively on electricity costs but gained gain valuable data insights into how their office space was used resulting in improved office efficiency and reduced costs.

    However, the company argues that, although these upgrades are simple, straightforward and would create early results for the EU, theyre just not happening fast enough.

    A large part of the Renovation Wave and the Commissions recovery plan as a whole is to integrate digitalisation, which Signify says is crucial in fostering new forms of growth and strengthening the EUs resilience.

    It argues it is lighting that, through renovations, can create a platform for other energy efficient technologies and improve the digital infrastructure of where we live, work, shop and play, bringing about real change in the coming months and years ahead.

    This post was sponsored bySignify.See oureditorial guidelines for what this means.

    Read more here:
    Lighting and the EU Renovation Wave - Climate Home

    Two Pawnee items find their way home in time for the holidays and an open house – North Platte Telegraph - December 16, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Blagdon told her, Come here. Youve got to see these videos, she said.

    Both looked at the newspapers video from inside the White Horse space, where Mitchell had set up six barstools found in the Pawnee around where the bar used to be.

    I said, Oh, my gosh, thats one of the stools from the White Horse, Shepherd said.

    Soon afterward, Mitchell who was in California at the time was meeting with his North Platte team via FaceTime when they suddenly heard someone knocking on the hotels east door.

    It was Shepherd with Blagdon and house manager Bryan Solko, bearing the barstool hidden under a white cloth and tied with a red ribbon.

    I screamed (through the glass), Hello! Were your neighbors from the Fox Theatre. We have a surprise for you! Shepherd said.

    Mitchell watched online as his colleagues unwrapped the barstool, leaving them missing only one of the White Horses eight originals.

    I was pretty shocked to see a seventh White Horse Bar original stool, he said Monday. That was a great, great find.

    As he toured the Fox with Shepherd Friday, Mitchell got his first look at the oak Mandel Bros. octagonal table that long has borne a tiny memorial plaque noting its hotel heritage.

    Read more:
    Two Pawnee items find their way home in time for the holidays and an open house - North Platte Telegraph

    Luxury Home of Week: For $4.65M, a riverside Colonial in Duxbury – Boston.com - December 16, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Megan O'Brien

    Boston.com Contributor

    December 16, 2020 5:00 am

    Located by the Bluefish River, this 18th-century property has entered the market with contemporary updates.

    Allison Cayzer of Coldwell Banker Realty-Back Bay listed the mansion at 47 St. George St. in Duxbury also known as Riverlea for $4,650,000 on Dec. 9. The Colonial has six bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and one half bathroom in 4,600 square feet of living space.

    Riverlea was originally constructed in the 1700s by shipping mogul Samuel Frazer, according to the listing. A recent full renovation has introduced modern features, including central air and heating, gas fireplaces, and smart-home technology.

    The main event on the first floor is an open living, dining, and kitchen space with oak flooring and numerous windows overlooking the water. The adjoining porch also offers views of the river. This side of the home includes a mudroom and an office with exposed wood beams. On the other end is a suite with a bedroom, bath, eat-in kitchen, and a family room with a stone fireplace.

    Upstairs, the owner suite is a private oasis with its own deck, a walk-in closet, and an adjoining bath with a dual vanity, soaking tub, cove ceiling, and standalone shower. This floor also features more bedrooms, two laundry rooms, and a second family room.

    Outside, the listing includes gardens, a koi pond, decks, a brick patio, and an outdoor shower not to mention a two-car garage and a barn with three vehicle bays. In addition to river access, the property boasts an in-ground swimming pool on its 1.28 acres.

    See more photos of the home below:

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    See the original post:
    Luxury Home of Week: For $4.65M, a riverside Colonial in Duxbury - Boston.com

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