CINCINNATI - If youre thinking about some new additions to your house this fall, the 25th annual Greater Cincinnati Kitchen, Bath and Remodeling Show is sure to offer items and inspiration for your home.

The event, which kicks off Friday and goes through Sunday, is at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

More than 120 companies will exhibit the latest trends and products for the home. More companies have jumped on board for 2012 than any other show in its 25-year history.

The show will also host several free seminars by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Ohio Valley Chapter. Seminar topics will range from flooring trends to maintaining heating and cooling systems.

This will be a great opportunity for local, regional and national brands to showcase their products and amazing talent," said Vicki Hart, producer of the Greater Cincinnati Kitchen, Bath and Remodeling Show.

This year the Kitchen, Bath and Remodeling Show is trying something new. The exhibit will feature Garage Wars. Four companies that specialize in garage enhancement, storage and more will set up large garage facades showcasing their best work. Each day, the first 50 people who vote on their favorite garage will be admitted to the show for free. The winning company will be featured in a future Cincinnati Magazine spread.

Show dates and times are from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission for adults is $8. Adults can save $3 on admission by buying a ticket at Cincinnati-area Kroger stores. Children (ages 13 and under) are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information about the Greater Cincinnati Kitchen, Bath & Remodeling Show, visit http://cincinnatikitchenbathshow.com .

Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Kitchen, Bath and Remodeling Show offers home inspiration

(ARA) Remodeling a kitchen is still one of the best value-enhancing investments you can make in your home. Remodeling Magazines 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report says that even minor kitchen remodels return more than 72 percent of your investment at the time of resale. Yet the cost of even a minor remodel doesnt look that minor $19,588 on average, according to the report.

What if you dont have that kind of budget? The good news is its possible to completely change the look and feel of your kitchen for less than $2,000 by choosing meaningful upgrades that have the biggest cosmetic impact for the least cost. When deciding what changes will have the most value for your project, think about changes that will be most visible in the space.

Gutting a kitchen and replacing every element can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Not many of us have that kind of renovation budget. Your money can be better spent and saved by replacing a few key elements that have the biggest visual impact.

The sink and faucets are not only essential functioning parts of the kitchen, they can be a design focal point, too. Fortunately, replacing a sink can be one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make in a kitchen. Opting for a visually distinctive design, like an apron-front sink, can help transform the look of the kitchen. Models like Kohlers self-trimming apron-front kitchen sinks make it easy for do-it-yourselfers to achieve this distinctive look.

The stainless steel single-basin Vault models, and the double-basin Whitehaven enameled cast iron model, require no custom cabinetry only the removal of the false drawer front you find beneath most traditional sinks. This makes these top-mount sinks ideal for homeowners looking to install a new sink that works with existing cabinetry and countertops for less than $1,000. Plus, the Whitehaven is available in 16 different colors, making it easy to turn your sink into a design focal point.

Cabinets and countertops are major design elements, and can be costly to replace completely. Its often easier for a DIYer and less costly to refresh cabinets with a coat of paint or new varnish. Swapping out old, dated hardware for newer more modern styles is also a simple, low-cost way to give cabinets a facelift.

Laminate countertops that are scuffed, cracked or scratched may need a new sheet of laminate, but new technologies make replacing this type of countertop easier than ever. If you have granite that has lost its luster due to staining, look into specialized cleaners that can restore its beauty. You can even find products that will lift oil stains from granite.

The walls are another major design element thats easy to give a new look. A fresh coat of paint will brighten the room, even if youre just repainting the same color. You can find excellent interior wall paints for as little as $25 a gallon at your local home improvement store, and unless you have an enormous kitchen a gallon or two is usually enough to do the job. While youre painting, dont forget to do the ceiling and wood trim - youll be amazed at how much brighter your kitchen will look with fresh paint throughout.

Adding something new to the kitchen - some element that didnt exist before - can also enhance the cosmetic changes. Installing a backsplash is a simple way to introduce a new design element without spending a bundle. Having a professional install glass tile, ceramic or even tin can run up costs, so look into doing the job yourself. Youll find plenty of guidance and advice, including demonstration videos, online. Or, contact your local home improvement store to see if they offer free (or nearly free) classes on how to install different types of tile.

If youre unsure how a new faucet or sink will affect the look of your kitchen design, you can find online kitchen planners to help you visualize the new look.

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Upgrades to refresh your kitchen for less than $2,000

(PRWEB) September 26, 2012

Joseph Douglas Homes and Remodeling is offering a free upgrade to granite kitchen countertops for potential building customers for both new homes and kitchen remodeling.

Granite is one of our more commonly requested upgrades so why not put it in every homes base price? says Mike Bauman, Sales Manager for Joseph Douglas Homes and Remodeling. Many home builders attract home shoppers with artificially low base pricing. They expect clients to add thousands of dollars to their base price in order to complete the home.

Joseph Douglas Homes and Remodeling features a variety of new home designs from 1,500 to over 3,300 square feet. Styles run the gamut from traditional two-stories to inviting ranches with architectural details, exterior character and elegant amenities included in the homes base price.

Weve taken a different home building and home remodeling pricing position at Joseph Douglas Homes and Remodeling, says Bauman. Our base pricing is complete with all those commonly overlooked items required for the construction of a home such as building permits, survey and erosion control, backfill and grading, drive and garage stone, water & sewer laterals, excavation, all interior and exterior painting and staining, light fixtures, all flooring, site cleanup and final cleaning and plan modifications.

Bauman added, At Joseph Douglas Homes, we take our pricing philosophy one step further. Weve also included the most common upgrades as standard features in our All Inclusive Pricing. While the items listed above are required to make your house complete, the following items make your house a home: low-e windows, Kohler plumbing fixtures, 200 amp service, ceiling fixtures in all Rooms, Armstrong A/C and high efficiency furnace, Heatilator fireplace with surround, six panel pine doors, structured home wiring system for todays (and tomorrows) technology, GE dishwasher and microwave. Every Joseph Douglas Home is built to the standards of both Energy Star and Green Built.

For more information on Joseph Douglas Homes and Remodeling, please contact (262) 783-4700. Or visit the website at http://www.josephdouglashomes.com.

About Joseph Douglas Homes and Remodeling Founded in 1998 by Deron Butler, Joseph Douglas Homes is a single-family home builder based in Menomonee Falls that has over 500 happy customers throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. As principle architect, Deron Butler works directly with each customer tailoring an existing model or creating a one-of-a-kind custom home. Joseph Douglas Homes and Remodeling is an active member of both the Metropolitan Builders Association and National Association of Remodeling Industry. The company proudly boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and an A rating for Angies list. The companys unparalleled dedication to its customers as well as the communities it serves has not gone unnoticed. In fact, Joseph Douglas Homes has been honored with numerous awards including national recognition in homeowner satisfaction by Professional Builder Magazine and NRS Corp., Top Ten Small Business of the Year by Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce, Future 50 Award by MMAC, Beyond the Paycheck by The Business Journal and Top 50 Builders to Work For by Professional Builder Magazine.

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Joseph Douglas Homes and Remodeling offers free upgrade to potential customers

Not only is an outdated kitchen aesthetically unpleasing, but it can also make cooing a real chore. But kitchen remodeling projects usually come with a big price tag. Angie Hicks of Angie's List says, "Your kitchen is the heart of your home. The great news is you can get a good return on your investment when you remodel your kitchen. You can see up to an 85 percent return on your investment on a good remodel job." There are some ways homeowners can update their kitchens without breaking the bank. Hicks says, "Remodeling your kitchen can seem overwhelming, but you can do little things on a budget that can update the kitchen without breaking your wallet. Doing things like replacing the sink and the faucet, depending on the type/materials you use, you can do that for $150, or alternatively, replacing your countertops for around $500" Instead of buying new, try re-facing your kitchen cabinets and shelves. Kevin Jones is a Contractor. He explains, "This was a honey oak kitchen cabinet. The customer wanted to update it. So, what we have done is taken if from a honey oak and went to a white. It's still giving them the quality of the wood cabinets that they have had, but changing the color from a honey oak to a white, which makes it look a lot more modern." Installing new lighting can make your kitchen look larger. And adding a trash compactor can make your clean-up easier. Finally, just adding a few new appliances can make your kitchen appear much more modern.

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Angie's List Report: Easy Kitchen Updates

Sugarcreek Restaurant in Norwalk has closed for "kitchen remodeling," a sign on the front of the window indicates. It does not state when the restaurant is scheduled to re-open.

The restaurant at 203 Cline St. was dark and locked Monday afternoon. An old fryer, which appeared to be burnt, was found out back.

Phone calls to the restaurant went unanswered Monday. No answering machine picked up after repeated rings.

A home phone number for Sugar Creek operator Tim Moff could not be obtained.

Huron County General Health District officials said Monday they did not force the restaurant to close.

Records show that during three separate inspections in May, the health department cited Sugar Creek a total of 18 times, including 11 that were designated as "critical" violations.

The inspections took place on May 24, 29 and 31.

Following the May 24 inspection, which resulted in 16 violations, the health inspector wrote that Sugar Creek had "completed an administrative meeting and an action plan regarding repeated non-compliance with the Ohio Food Safety Code, but has a large number of violations reoccurring at this time."

"Many of these violations are the second occurrence of failure to maintain," the inspector added in comments to Moff. "Correspondence from this agency will be forthcoming based on the history of repeated violations and the status of action to be taken against the license."

The report further stated: "This facility has been required to complete food safety training and as of today's date, no notification of completion of such training has been received by the Huron County General Health District. If training has been completed, please provide certificates. All violations were reviewed with person in charge and cook on morning shift.

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Sugarcreek closed for 'kitchen remodeling'

LA CROSSE, WI--(Marketwire - Jul 3, 2012) - The storm clouds from the housing bust are starting to reveal a silver lining for remodelers: A Harvard University study predicts remodeling activity will grow quickly as Baby Boomers sell their homes and downsize -- which should create extensive remodeling opportunities for the next decade.

Although new construction suffered during the Great Recession, remodeling work held tight -- dropping from $326 billion in 2007 to $286 billion in 2009 before rebounding back to about $300 billion in 2010, according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies.

The center singled out specialty contracting firms like Kitchen Solvers for their ability to withstand even the worst of the recession. Kitchen Solvers pioneered solid-wood kitchen cabinet refacing, which can transform the look of a kitchen without all of the mess and expense of a full remodel. It's part of a full range of services Kitchen Solvers offers.

"By offering quality refacing as well as full remodels, and by offering new cabinets at a variety of price points, we can deliver an outstanding kitchen to people regardless of budget," said company President and CEO Gerry Henley.

The Harvard center puts the current value of kitchen and bathroom remodeling at $75 billion a year, and its Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity projects remodeling spending to grow 5.9 percent in 2012 and 3.5 percent a year through 2015.

What's driving the projections? As people hit retirement age, they often downsize, selling homes they haven't upgraded in decades to younger buyers eager to remodel. The huge Baby Boom generation is just beginning to retire and unload houses in massive numbers -- and many of them need remodeling.

"There is a huge generational bulge of people who have owned their homes for decades," Henley said. "Some of them will remodel their homes to continue living in them long into retirement, but many more will sell to younger buyers eager to have a kitchen that suits their needs."

Kitchen Solvers has remodeled more than 45,000 kitchens since the company was founded in 1982. To learn more, visit kitchensolvers.com or kitchensolversfranchise.com.

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As Economy Rebounds, Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Franchise Kitchen Solvers Poised to Take Off

Got the ugliest kitchen around? It could be a winner in a summer contest from Cedar Mill Group to earn thousands of dollars in home design and remodeling services.

The Webster-based company is accepting contest entries for the "ugliest kitchen" on its Facebook page until Sept. 21. Director of Operations Brett Cusick said the company has already received some competitive contestants.

"They layout of the kitchen or these kitchens could use some serious help," he said. "The material used in these spaces, whether it be the cabinets or the wall coverings, are just outdated. The funny, funky colors of the seventies are no longer in touch."

Cusick said Cedar Mill Group will award $5000 of design services to the winner of the contest, who will then have the option of going forward with the proposed remodel. The winner will also receive a drinking water reverse osmosis system from Capital Well Clean Water Center in Dunbarton.

Other local companies working with Cedar Mill Group on the contest are The Ultimate Bath, Rumford Stone, Vintage Kitchens, Pella Windows and Doors and Baron's Major Brands. Prizes from Cedar Mill Group, Capital Well and The Ultimate Bath will still be awarded even if the contest winner does not chose to go forward with a full remodel.

"The most important thing is that Cedar Mill Group is a full-service design, remodel and build company," Cusick said. "We like to be the go-to for an all-inclusive remodel."

Cusick said the company coordinates all aspects of the home remodel or construction project, from pre-planning the design to partnering with local companies as the design is built.

"Our claim to fame is that not only will we deliver a tremendous product, but the process you go through takes out a lot of the gut-wrenching, stomach-hurting process of a remodel," Cusick said.

Entries can for the Cedar Mill Group contest can be submitted at http://www.facebook.com/cedarmillgroup by posting a picture of an ugly kitchen on the company's page. The deadline for entries is Sept. 21.

For more information, contact Cusick at brettc@cedarmillgroup.com.

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Do you have the ugliest kitchen?

When considering new ideas for kitchen remodeling shopping around and working with a remodeler can lend new perspectives. If you are remodeling in the Boston area for example, Beantown Builders can give you ideas about area, color, and flooring. A good remodeler should have plenty of questions to ask about your home and preferences so you can end up with a space you can really enjoy.

Some of the questions Beantown Builders asks include how much space you have available to you, the form and layout of your home, and colors you have today and what is popular now.

You want to think about what type of atmosphere you want to create. For example the company states that dark color tiles creates a more cramped confined feeling but that floor tiles in whites and lightweight colors work best to make the space feel more open. The company also recommends cork flooring if you want to have a greater sense of warmth in your remodeled kitchen.

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Remodeling Tip: Answer the Right Questions

Is summer the best time to remodel? Well, according to remodeling expert Dan Fritschen, yes it is. Here are some reasons why, and also some tips on how to get it done.

Summertime is when you might go away for the weekend to visit Grandma and perhaps take another weekend or a week to go to Disney. If you are remodeling, these are the best times for the workers to be in your house making a mess and getting the work done. The workers will have more space, and you don't have to worry about staying out of their way plus when you come home, all or at least a good amount of the work will be done.

If you are remodeling the kitchen, summer is certainly a good time to do it. You can eat outdoors, and light meals, not requiring much if any cooking, are just the thing during the summer. Picnics are fun.

If you happen to be opening a wall because you are adding a room, or if you need to open a wall to add a window, summer is the perfect time because you don't have to worry about freezing-cold temperatures entering your humble abode. If painting is in order, summer is good because you can open windows to let the smell out and the fresh air in.

Nature gives great inspiration, and summer is a perfect time to go out and enjoy nature. Look at the colors and the color combinations in nature. Absorb what appeals to you and use it in your remodeling.

While you are out there soaking up the sun, consider getting your yard in order. Remodel, upgrade or simply clean up your landscape. Do it yourself for some great exercise! Some remodeling projects, such as a new driveway or walkway, might better be left to experts. But you never know: You might be ambitious enough to tackle these yourself. (A note of caution, however: Before tackling any project that could involve significant exertion, you might want to get an OK from your doctor.)

Solar panels are suggested for installation on your house. They can save you money and power your home, and summertime is when you will benefit the most from the panels.

Well, there you have it. Don't be too lazy during the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Get the house in order and the yard, too. You'll be glad you did.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of "Mystery of Color." For design inquiries, write to Rosemary at DsgnQuest@aol.com.

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Interiors: Summer remodeling

Is summer the best time to remodel? Well, according to remodeling expert Dan Fritschen, yes it is. Here are some reasons why and also some tips on how to get it done.

Summertime is when you might go on a weekend trip or extended vacation. If you are remodeling, these are the best times for the workers to be in your house making a mess and getting the work done. The workers will have more space and you don't have to worry about staying out of their way - plus when you come home, all or at least a good portion of the work will be done.

If you are remodeling the kitchen, summer is certainly a good time to do it. You can eat outdoors, and light meals, not requiring much if any cooking, are just the thing during the summer.

If you happen to be opening a wall because you are adding a room, or if you need to open a wall to add a window, summer is the perfect time because you don't have to worry about freezing-cold temperatures If painting is in order, summer is good because you can open windows to let the smell out and the fresh air in.

Nature gives great inspiration during summer. Look at the colors and the color combinations in nature. Absorb what appeals to you and use it in your remodeling.

While you are out there soaking up the sun, consider getting your yard in order. Remodel, upgrade or simply clean up your landscape. Some remodeling projects, such as a new driveway or walkway, might better be left to experts. But you never know: You might be ambitious enough to tackle these yourself.

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Summer remodeling makes use of weather, vacation