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Qualified Remodeler's TOP 500 Residential Remodelers Offers Insights on $500 billion R&R Market Business Wire
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Qualified Remodeler's TOP 500 Residential Remodelers Offers Insights on $500 billion R&R Market - Business Wire
For many years, residents at the Buckhorn Veterans Park have paid $500 or more a month for electricity, water and a space for their recreational vehicles. But on March 3, about 15 people from 10 families found eviction notices on their camper doors.
The Buckhorn Veterans Park is situated on 5.59 acres of property at 9005-9007 Sullivan Road, off Johnson Farm Road in a rural portion of western Wilson County between the Buckhorn Reservoir and the Johnston County line.
The note to renters is from park manager Toby Jordan.
It saddens us to announce that due to reasons beyond our control, you will have 30 days to seek other living arrangements, Jordans note reads. We apologize for the inconvenient that this may cause, and all money will be refunded.
NOT THE FIRST INFRACTION
Matt Taylor, planner and code enforcement officer with the Wilson County Development Services Department, sent a Jan. 22 zoning code violation letter to the parks owner, Willie Charles Jordan of Lucama.
On Jan. 10, 2024, a site investigation was conducted at the subject property listed above. This revealed that there is an unlawful campground operating on this parcel, the letter states. A campground is only permitted in an AR zoning district after a special-use permit has been given. Therefore, this parcel is in violation of the Wilson County Unified Development Ordinance.
Taylor informed the owner in the letter that this is not the first infraction for this noncompliance.
A notice of violation was sent to Jordan on May 24, 2022, regarding the operation of an unlawful campground on the property.
According to the letter, Willie Jordan made an appeal to the Wilson County Board of Adjustment to overturn the decision, and after hearing the appeal, the board affirmed our decision and thus declared the parcel to be in violation of the UDO.
Taylor explained in the letter that campgrounds are required to have a minimum of 10 acres, making the Buckhorn Veterans Park insufficient in size by more than 4 acres.
All activities associated with the operation of this unlawful campground must cease within 30 days of this notice of violation, he wrote.
Taylor gave Feb. 21 as the compliance deadline.
Taylor warned that failure to comply will result in civil penalties and potential legal action to obtain an injunction and order of abatement in Wilson County Superior Court. Jordan was again given the opportunity to appeal to the Wilson County Board of Adjustment within 30 days.
BLINDSIDED
Park renters were shocked to see they were being evicted.
We were blindsided by it, said Chris Billman, who lives in a trailer with his fiancee, Jamie Miller. I have been here going on six years. I really love it here. Now with all this, I dont know what were going to do.
Billman and Miller, who have a teenage boy, pay $550 a month for electricity, water, internet and sewage.
They have a 2006 trailer thats too old for most other campgrounds.
They wont accept us, Miller said. I never thought this would happen. I thought it was trustworthy.
Johnnie Ray Hyson III moved with his wife to the park a year and a half ago.
This was supposedly a legit place. Now we come to find out we have been paying rent for 16-17 months now under false pretenses and now we are going to get kicked out on the street, Hyson said. Where are we going to go? They are shutting the power off on April 3, and then we are going to be screwed.
For some residents, relocation isnt just an inconvenience.
I have lung cancer, said Robin Litchford.
Her husband, Gary Litchford, said his wife is on oxygen 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We just found out a few minutes ago that they are going to turn the electricity off, Robin Litchford said. It takes electricity to run. The bottle wont last very long.
Resident Veronica Fisher said she is a metastatic breast cancer patient.
For me to find somewhere to move, especially if I go out of state, I will have to travel back and forth for about two months until they can get me established at a cancer center, she said. Now I will have to find another cancer center, and I have been with that cancer center for about 10 years now.
Fisher said the residents should have been informed of the campgrounds permitting problems from the outset.
If you already knew that you were never supposed to have this out here, then you should never have allowed us to rent, Fisher said.
George Hartman, a retired veteran who served in Vietnam, is the only one in the group with a trailer new enough to be accepted at another park. He plans to move March 28.
I think it sucks. These people are not being taking into consideration all these different people out here that need a place to live and cant afford anything more than what theyve got, Hartman said. They are comfortable where they are. I dont really understand why they are closing us down. I wish I had a place I could put them all, and I would be right in there in between them because I enjoy every one of their companies.
Tommy Nichols has lived in the park for five months and isnt able to move his camper.
I have called everywhere. There is no place for me to go because my camper is a 95, Nichols said. Wont nobody take it.
A BIG FAMILY
As you can see, everybody here is from somewhere else, and we have all gravitated together, said Bonnie Weatherford, who lives with her fiance, Mack Schupe.
Shupe called it a good little close-knit community down here.
Everybody helps everybody out, Shupe said.
When somebody cooks out, they will bring you food over, Nichols said.
I think we got done wrong is how I feel about it. We were under the impression that he had everything set up for a campground, and now this coming out and he aint nowhere near set up for it, so now hes going to throw 10 families out into the street, Shupe said. To me, I dont see no right in that. Its just wrong.
Shupe is confident that they will make it.
It might be tough, Shupe said. But I aint coming off my wife and I aint coming off my dog. They are going to stay together. That I promise
Weatherford said the residents are not hating on the owner, who they say is a nice man, a retired veteran who spent much time cutting trees and removing stumps before offering rentals to the public.
The residents wish there was a way to stay.
Why cant they fine him and get the right permits and let us stay? Nichols asked.
The campgrounds owners could not be reached for comment.
UNLAWFUL CAMPGROUND
Stephen Mann, director of communications for Wilson County, confirmed the Jan. 22 letter from Wilson County Development Services is authentic.
The original violation notice to Mr. Jordan was not directed toward the operation of the Buckhorn Veterans Association on the property located at 9007 Sullivan Road or any community events that may take place there, Mann said. The violation is the continuing use of the real property as a campground/RV park. The county uniform development ordinance governs the use of this property, and any landowner in the county who wants to operate a campground must comply with the regulations set forth in it.
Mann said Wilson County had received several calls from current tenants and explained that the countys UDO doesnt allow the propertys use as a campground.
The initial notice of violation states that all activities associated with the operation of this unlawful campground would cease within 30 days of the initial notice; however, the county has documentation showing that the property was recently being advertised as a campground, Mann said. The county has received no response from Mr. Jordan; however, based on the phone call from tenants, the county believes that Mr. Jordan has given notice to campers to move out. The county has decided not to take enforcement action so long as campers are attempting to relocate.
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Families forced to leave RV park they call home - Restoration NewsMedia
The retired Concorde airliner that belongs to New Yorks Intrepid Museum will return to its home on a Manhattan pier on Thursday after a seven-month restoration, museum officials said.
The supersonic jet will travel by barge up the Hudson River and will be lifted by a crane onto Pier 86, the officials at the decommissioned aircraft carrier turned museum said in a news release.
The needle-nosed aircraft left Pier 86 on August 9 last year for a restoration project at the Brooklyn Navy Yard that included sanding and repainting.
It was barged from Brooklyn to a dock in Jersey City, New Jersey, for storage overnight on Wednesday prior to being reinstalled on the pier on Thursday.
The Concorde is the only supersonic commercial jet that ever flew.
The Intrepids British Airways Concorde still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger aircraft: two hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds from Heathrow to JFK in New York.
Public tours of the jet will resume on April 4, museum officials said.
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Record-setting Concorde set to return to museum home after restoration - BreakingNews.ie
It's a banner week for Lil Jon. And, as the Grammy-winning rapper explains, joining Usher on stage for the
Lil Jon, who is known for his unconventional and bold ideas, is once again teaming up with designer Anitra Mecadon (Mega Dens, All American Handyman), who returns as the designer (and voice of reason) on the show. The duo works together to add unexpected elements and a "wow" factor to boring homes.
After the Super Bowl performance, Lil Jon took to Instagram to announce the return of his popular series. After garnering 12.7 million viewers in season 1, it's no surprise that HGTV is bringing the show back for more episodes. Lil Jon said, "Did y'all see that? I just performed at the Super Bowl halftime show. But that's not the most exciting thing happening for me this week."
Fans left comments like, "Yay! Love your show! ," "Yesssss! Lil Jon and HGTV are the best combo ever!!," and "Im obsessed with this show."
During the season, Lil Jon and Anitra will help a family add a couple add a Vegas-inspired nightclub, game room, bowling alley, and cocktail bar to their Atlanta home. They'll also help a family design an over-the-top area for their kids, and transform a houseboat for a single dad.
Lil Jon Wants to Do What? returns to HGTV on Monday, February 12, at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. CST. The show is available to stream at the same time on Max.
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. Shes currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazines next issue
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HGTV Fans Say They're "Obsessed" with Lil Jon's Home Renovation Show - Country Living
PLANNING The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerces event planning committee met Tuesday to discuss the chambers upcoming Spring Home Show on March 2 and 3, as well as its 2024 Golf Classic on May 21. From left are Leanna Lulla, Jim Morgan, Brad Degenkolb, Toni Moreland, Susan Tarr, Kate Sedgmer, Gene Zrinyi, Jennifer Cesta and Janet McLaughlin. -- Christopher Dacanay
STEUBENVILLE With the spring cleaning season fast-approaching, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce will host its first Spring Home Show to display local businesses with a bent for home improvement.
The free event will feature rows of vendors, showcasing every nook and cranny of modern trends in landscaping, interior design, remodeling and more, with other unique businesses joining the mix, said Janet McLaughlin, event and marketing coordinator for the chamber.
The show will take place at St. Florian Event Center, 286 Luray Drive, Wintersaville, on March 2 and 3. Both days shows will begin at 11 a.m., with Saturday continuing until 6 p.m. and Sunday until 3 p.m.
With Wayne Door Sales as its presenting sponsor, the chambers home show will offer something for both seasoned and new homeowners, said Kate Sedgmer, president of the chamber.
We are always looking for a way to highlight the wonderful businesses in and around Jefferson County and have something fun for the public to do, especially people looking to make changes to their homes, Sedgmer said.
Participants will have the chance to participate in a scavenger hunt meant to spotlight the local businesses. Each booth will have a check-off opportunity, and the competitions winner will receive a $500 cash prize.
The first 400 attendees will receive a free bag upon entry, McLaughlin said, and concessions will be available. A kids corner will be sponsored by the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County and M&M True Value Hardware. Also, the Jefferson County Humane Society will have pets available for adoption during the show, sponsored by Hausers Furniture and Carpeting.
In addition, the Friday before the shows will have a Business After Hours event, sponsored by Trinity Health System, open to all vendors and chamber members.
Vendors and advertisers are still being sought for the show, with a deadline set for Feb. 27. Sedgmer said unique sponsorship opportunities are available, and interested individuals should reserve their spot by calling (740) 282-6226 or emailing info@jeffersoncountychamber.com.
More information on the show can be found at jeffersoncountychamber.com/homeshow.
Sedgmer said she expects a strong public showing at the show, which is the first of its kind locally since the COVID-19 pandemic. Home shows were traditionally hosted through a partnership between the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce and Wheelhouse Creative, but this is the first year Jefferson County is officially hosting its own.
The home show was brought back by popular demand after receiving numerous requests from the public, Sedgmer said.
At the heart of the shows staging is the chambers event planning committee, which also is preparing for the 2024 Chamber Golf Classic on May 21, sponsored by Trinity Health System. A staple of the chamber for more than 30 years, the golf outing is accepting reservations for teams, volunteers and advertisers.
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Home show to highlight local home improvement businesses - The Daily Times
Hong Kong people are too often fixated on harbour views and think the higher floors of an apartment block are better because they are more open. Here, higher up, you see the mountain but you also see other buildings and pylons in the distance, which arent as attractive as nature alone.
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment had not been renovated since his clients acquired it 15 years previously and was consequently looking tired.
Additionally, as the couples son had grown up and left home, they had decided that the third bedroom, formerly dedicated to schoolwork, was underused and therefore a waste of space.
He made a minimalist, airy 500 sq ft Hong Kong flat that tells a story
Rather than downsizing, they decided to refurbish the home they loved to make it more appropriate for their stage in life.
Although Chang gutted the flat, its layout did not change drastically. The property had started life as two separate units before being combined into one so there were a couple of load-bearing walls that could not be removed.
Consequently, the kitchen, living and dining areas were kept in the middle of the apartment, flanked by the main bedroom on one side, the sons rooms on the other and an en suite bedroom for the familys domestic helper at the back.
Due to the structural walls, I couldnt make the communal area any larger so I merged what had been the sons quarters into another main bedroom and large bathroom.
It gives my clients their own spaces but can be easily transformed to accommodate their son when he visits, explains Chang, who took 18 months to complete the project.
The flats superpower comes in the form of two balconies and six huge bay windows into which Chang built desks and daybeds. He also strategically engineered the furniture placement in each room so that if his clients sit or lie on the major pieces, they always look out onto the greenery.
Framed in black metal, the windows display the natural landscape almost as artwork and Chang heightened the indoor-outdoor connection by using natural stone, neutral timber and a wash of soft green as a colour accent throughout the flat.
Because the relatively small kitchen could not be enlarged, Chang created a sleek cocktail bar in the dining area. It acts as an extension of the kitchen and is often used as a preparation space before meals are served.
He backed the bars alcove with bevelled mirrors and used the same materials as in the kitchen to tie the spaces together.
I took a subtle art deco approach in the creation of the bar, with the mirrored wall and pale-green, powder-coated wood panelling around it, which disguises cupboards and the fridge, says Chang.
My clients can use it to display their glassware and having a dedicated serving area gives the apartment a luxurious feel.
Art deco elements appear elsewhere in the apartment, too. Obvious references to the periods interior trend include the liberal use of luxurious textures, symmetrical fluted panelling on walls and furniture, and retro-style sconces, pendant and table lamps.
Light flows through a family home with enlarged windows, glass balustrades
Chang describes his studios strategy as being all about change and choice. He is a fan of modular furniture (see Tried + tested below) and this extended to the living room rug, where he collaborated with Tai Ping Carpets to create the Carpet with a Purpose.
The rug comprises a frame, made of a simple, durable material that showcases a circular artwork consisting of two detachable halves in silk wool. These semicircles exist in a wide variety of designs and can be mixed and matched. When not being displayed in the living room, spare segments can be used elsewhere such as on either side of a bed.
Our designs are simple but elegant and timeless, says Chang. Our clients listened to our ideas but we also wanted to give them the opportunity to be creative themselves and have some fun with their home.
The pale-green fluted walls are made of powder-coated wood and hide a fridge and cupboards although the wine fridge, from Vinvautz (vinvautz-france.com), is on display.
Both just visible, the Iago sofa was from Natuzzi (natuzzi.com) and the Buffet AK2732 television sideboard in elm and Corian was from Manks.
A blank canvas: how an unlovely Macau house became a whimsical art cave
The Adler extendable dining table was from Draenert (draenert.de) and the Hauge dining chairs were all from BoConcept (boconcept.com). The Linear Chandelier Thin is by Tom Kirk Lighting (tomkirk.com).
On the storage unit designed by Chang is a Cestita Batera cordless lamp, by Miguel Mil for Santa & Cole, bought from Colourliving (colourliving.shop), and a framed architectural plan of the apartment.
The sculptures, Bearbrick x CLOT Summer Fruits Yellow Watermelon Set, are available on ebay.com.
The galley kitchen was designed by Chang and installed by Mia Cucina by Towngas (towngasmiacucina.com). The floor tiles were sourced by Changs contractor, Christie Yau, of Vivo Contracting (tel: 9162 6288).
A built-in desk by Chang looks out onto the green view. The Husk chair by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia was bought from Colourliving.
Chang designed and installed a faux skylight in the entrance to introduce more light. He also designed the bench seat while the flooring tiles were sourced by his contractor. The Blossi wall sconce came from Manks.
Lined in wood veneer wallpaper to match the flooring, the main bedroom features a bed and built-in window seat from which to enjoy the verdant views. Both were designed by Chang.
The bedside tables are by Verner Panton and came from Manks as did the Blossi pendant light. Through the door is the en suite bathroom.
Chang created a bespoke vanity area and designed a mirror with integrated LED lighting. The Zaha silk sintered stone splashback and worktop tiles in Unique Calacatta Black were from Neolith (neolith.com).
The modular Pinwheel HM7 table by Hvidt & Mlgaard is a Danish design classic from 1953. Bought from Homeless (homeless.hk), it comprises six individual tables that can be used separately or slotted together in different configurations.
The Carpet with a Purpose was a collaboration between Gary Chang and Tai Ping Carpets (taipingcarpets.com).
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The outdoors is the artwork in a Hong Kong home with stunning green views - Post Magazine
Ant McPartlin and wife Anne-Marie Corbett are said to have scrapped plans to remove six trees at the end of their garden to build a new studio at their 6m seven-bedroom family home.
The couple widely thought to be expecting their first baby had been granted permission to chop down the trees, despite them being protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
However, neighbours and conservationists hit out at Ant and Anne-Marie. In a letter, they accused them of felling the healthy trees on a personal whim. And, according to The Sun, the couple have now re-thought their plans.
Ant and Anne-Marie live at the London home with her two teenage daughters. And the couple look set to welcome a new addition to the family home this summer. However, their home improvement plans have been dealt a blow.
Its claimed that the couple has submitted new plans to extend existing garden rooms being used as a gym, games room, study and studio.
In the new plans, all six trees will remain, however, some of the lower branches will be removed.
In a design statement, his planning agent said: Approval has been granted by the council for the removal of all the trees at the end of the garden bar one large yew along the northern boundary. The applicant wishes to keep all the trees in place and build around the trees with a floating lightweight structure on the higher ground at the end of the garden. The garden buildings will be ancillary to the main house and used for occasional leisure activities.
The combined new garden buildings will be heavily screened from view and will have limited visual presence and therefore will not have an adverse impact on the host property and adjoining properties, the agent then assured.
Its claimed the trees will not be harmed as a result of the lower branches being removed. Nor will it affect their stability. So far, no neighbours are said to have objected to the new plans.
The couple moved into their home in 2019, a year after they got together. They added a pool and two single-storey extensions.
The home built over three storeys has five reception rooms, an open-plan kitchen, cinema, conservatory, larder and a walk-in wardrobe as well as a study.
Officials at the local council are expected to make a decision on the garden studio next month. If planning permission is granted, building work will start in April. Itll be completed by June.
ED! has contacted Ants reps for comment.
Read more: Ant and Dec reveal when Saturday Night Takeaway returns for its final series
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Ant McPartlin and wife Anne-Marie in 'change of heart' over house renovation - Entertainment Daily
Brooklyn, NY, January 12, 2024 --(PR.com)--NYC Going Inc. has established itself as a prominent player in the home remodeling industry within Brooklyn, New York. Since its inception in 2009, the company has dedicated itself to transforming living spaces into personalized havens. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and customer satisfaction, NYC Going Inc. has built a reputation for excellence in residential remodeling. Their services range from kitchen and bathroom renovations to comprehensive home makeovers, catering to a diverse clientele with varying style preferences and budgetary requirements.
In a significant stride forward, NYC Going Inc. is excited to announce the expansion of its services beyond the familiar neighborhoods of Brooklyn. This strategic move will encompass all five boroughs of New York City, extending into the scenic regions of Upstate New York and the vibrant communities of Long Island. This expansion signifies not only the growth of NYC Going Inc. as a company but also its commitment to bringing high-quality home remodeling services to a wider audience. With this expansion, NYC Going Inc. aims to replicate its success in Brooklyn, offering the same level of expertise, personalized service, and attention to detail that has been its hallmark. This move marks a new chapter in the companys history, one that promises new opportunities, challenges, and the chance to create beautiful, functional living spaces for an even larger community.
Expanding Beyond Brooklyn: The New Areas
The expansion plan of NYC Going Inc. is thoughtfully crafted to gradually integrate into the new regions while maintaining the high standard of service it is known for. The expansion will begin with the inclusion of the remaining four boroughs of New York City - Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Each of these boroughs presents unique architectural styles and client preferences, offering NYC Going Inc. an opportunity to showcase its versatility and creativity in home remodeling.
The expansion is set to roll out in phases to ensure a seamless transition and uphold service quality.
- Phase One (Date): Starting with Manhattan and Queens, renowned for their diverse housing styles, from historic brownstones to modern apartments. - Phase Two (Date): The expansion will proceed to The Bronx and Staten Island, focusing on suburban homes and larger family residences. - Final Phase (Date): Full operational capacity in all five boroughs as well as Upstate New York and Long Island is expected by 02/15/2024, marking the completion of the city-wide expansion.
During each phase, NYC Going Inc. will establish local offices and hire skilled professionals from within the communities, fostering a strong local presence and ensuring projects are managed efficiently and effectively.
Upcoming Projects and Initiatives
As part of its growth strategy, NYC Going Inc. is planning several exciting projects and initiatives:
- Innovative Home Design Solutions: Introducing cutting-edge design options that cater to modern, eco-friendly, and smart homes. - Community Outreach Programs: Initiatives to engage with local communities, offering workshops and consultations to educate homeowners on the value of quality home remodeling. - Collaborations with Local Artists and Designers: Partnering with local talent to bring unique aesthetic and cultural elements to remodeling projects. - Sustainability Projects: Committing to environmentally responsible practices in construction and design, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of remodeling activities.
These projects and initiatives are designed to not only expand the company's service offerings but also to deepen its connection with clients and communities, solidifying NYC Going Inc.'s position as a forward-thinking and community-oriented company.
About NYC Going Inc.
NYC Going Inc. is a dynamic and innovative home remodeling company that has made a significant mark in Brooklyn, New York. With a diverse range of services, including kitchen and bathroom renovations, drywall and tile installations, full home makeovers, and custom projects, NYC Going Inc. caters to a variety of style preferences and budgetary requirements. With over 3000 completed projects to date, the company has built a reputation for excellence in transforming residential spaces.
Contact Information
For inquiries or to discuss your next project, contact NYCGoing Inc. at:
+17187372425 2517 E 1st St, Brooklyn, NY 11223 https://nycgoing.com/
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NYC Going Inc. Announces Major Expansion: Bringing Renowned Home Remodeling Services to All Five Boroughs ... - PR.com
Insurers looking to reduce home restoration claims costs should find ways to avoid tearing out walls, flooring, rugs, trim and other major construction components.
One insurers launched a program to do just that. The approach will lead to a 1% reduction in our loss ratio for property, said Vance Somerton, director of claims operations, property at Gore Mutual.
The Cambridge, Ont.-based insurers program emphasizes repair, rather than replacement, of materials during the restoration process.
For now, focus is on damage from clean-water sources. These are Category 1 water sources like ruptured pipes and similar losses from water with no dirt or sediment, Somerton said.
The program breaks with past practices of keeping homeowners in place following a loss on a main level or basement.
We would set up drying equipment [and] affect the drying over three [or] four days. At that point moisture readings will be taken and then we would elect to [if necessary] remove [damaged building] material, said Somerton. Thats how the industry had gone, and us as well.
But the new procedures mean customers move out of their home immediately.
When they experience the loss, we get the customerinto a hotel, unless they need to stay in the home for a specific reason. We provide them alternative living accommodations so that we can bring in sufficient equipment to effectively dry the home.
Traditional approaches, which aimed at making the process less intrusive, meant firms didnt bring in sufficient equipment to dry a house fast enough to prevent mold growth. But with the customers out of the home, insurers no longer have to worry about customers turning off the drying machinery so they can get some sleep.
The equipments incredibly loud to run in a home. Its not a pleasant experience, even if its in a basement and youre trying to sleep on a main floor, Somerton told CU. The easiest way to keep them from shutting off the equipment is to give them somewhere else to sleep and reside for the five or six days it takes to effectively dry the home.
The payoff happens when the clients come home.
When they come back its like, Oh, its dry, you were able to save my carpet and my drywall and my trim and everything else. Thats really where you get the most adoption from the customer, said Somerton.
In terms of insurer costs, Somerton noted firms considering this approach must be willing to spend more upfront on living expenses to reap measurable savings later in the restoration process.
When we look at material replacement, there are significant advantages to saving drywall, which is very costly when it comes to removal, disposal, replacement and making sure that we have all of the other trades come in behind it [painting, trim, etc.], he said.
With clean water losses, Somerton said the pilot program saw a roughly 25% savings on materials.
You look at five days or six days of additional living expenses [but] end up saving that on the back end because you dont need to schedule in drywallers, tapers, painters, etc., he added.
Not having to tear out floors, he said, is particularly cost effective. If we can save the floors in the home, then were not having [those] very difficult conversations with our policyholders about why we cant replace all the flooring in their entire home, he told CU.
Going forward, the firm will explore ways to expand the program to Category 2 and 3 losses that include water intrusion from rain, overland water or watermain breaks.
Feature image courtesy of iStock.com/Jens_Lambert_Photography
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Can higher lodging costs cut restoration losses? - Canadian Underwriter
Regina Hall is endlessly appreciative of her friend Vonda whos become a major part of her support system over the past 15 years. To give back to her longtime confidant, the Scary Movie star joined forces with design duo Drew and Jonathan Scott to give her a life-changing home renovation.
Vonda and I met on Real Husbands of Hollywood, Hall said during a new episode of Celebrity IOU. I think she was the head of the makeup department at that time on the show. And then from there, we just stayed in each other's lives whether we worked together or not.
The pair have been together through all of lifes ups and downs. Hall added: I think it's special when you know someone well and things are going on in your life that you can talk to someone and you know that it's gonna be private. I have that with Vonda. Vonda has that with me.
Based in Carson, California, Vonda is a single mom with two kids. (Her daughter had sickle cell anemia. Vonda was a bone marrow match, so they did the transplant and her daughter is now sickle cell-free but still has a low immune system.) Along with caring for her loved ones, Vonda loves to cook and entertain. So, Hall and the Property Brothers stars formed The Demo Divas, as they named themselves, and got to work to completely transform Vondas home.
Over six weeks, the group worked on the kitchen, dining area, living room, and entry. They knocked down a wall between the kitchen and living room to open up the space, making it better suited for hosting. In the kitchen, they added a long peninsula with dolomite counters and all-new cabinetry. Extra storage was built into the dining room. A light, fresh color palettefeaturing Vondas love of copper accentsmakes all of the spaces feel cohesive. Terrazzo tile flooring in the entry and a new fireplace highlighted by Venetian plaster in the living room play up Vondas artistic style.
To top it all off, the team replaced the home's HVAC. The 30-year-old system was so grimy that it was beyond cleaning. They swapped it out for a hospital-grade system with multiple filters for effectiveness and efficiency, meaning Vonda can use it knowing it's beneficial for her family and especially for her immunocompromised daughter. Vonda was so overjoyed. She said: To know that you chose me for this, and to give me something that I had sleepless nights about, and now I can come in here, bring [my daughter] hereI thank you guys. I really appreciate you for doing it. Im overwhelmed.
Love knowing what your favorite stars are up to? Same. Lets keep up with them together.
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Kelly Allen is the current Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she covers design, pop culture, and travel for digital and the print magazine. Shes been with the team for nearly three years, attending industry events and covering a range of topics. When shes not watching every new TV show and movie, shes browsing vintage home stores, admiring hotel interiors, and wandering around New York City. She previously worked for Delish and Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
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Regina Hall Surprises Her Friend of 15 Years With a Life-Changing Home Renovation - House Beautiful