There are more amenities than ever in todays newly built or remodeled homes.

Like many Americans, eastern Iowans are centering their lives around their homes as a place of refuge from the daily grind and a place to raise children or retire, as well as entertain family and friends. The focus is on beautiful, practical spaces that are functional and efficient.

Consumers also are better informed, says Randy Pearson of Pearson Construction, about the latest trends, materials and products, thanks to shelter magazines, cable television and the Internet with websites like Houzz and Pinterest. Media has changed considerably peoples knowledge of what options are available, he points out.

More inspiration can be found in walk-throughs of new and remodeled homes featured in one of the areas largest real estate events, the 12th annual Cedar Valley Parade of Homes, beginning Thursday and continuing through next Sunday.

Sponsors are the Home Builders Association of Northeast Iowa, Veridian and Courier Communications.

Potential home buyers, people interested in building their own home or remodeling an existing home can see whats available in the market and the range of contractors in the area.

Cedar Valley builders point to hardwood floors, large tiled shows with frameless glass doors and multiple shower heads, first-floor laundry rooms, kitchen islands with furniture-like details and finishes that contrast other cabinetry, and maple, cherry and alder wood cabinets stained from light to dark or painted.

Although not new, the open-concept floor plan tops many wish lists, says Kyle Larson of LGC Homes. If you can possibly make an open-concept home even more open, thats what people want. And so many things that used to be 'bells and whistles' are more commonplace. Not long ago, hardwood floors and granite counter tops were considered luxuries. Now theyre almost standard, he explains.

Reed Hunemuller of Harting-Hunemuller says kitchens are the first spaces homeowners seek to open up in a remodeling project. They want the kitchen to be open to the living space. Weve also been doing a lot of whole-house remodels, either because someone buys a house and wants to redo it from top to bottom, or they like the neighborhood theyre in, or the home has some deep meaning to them, and theyre willing to stay and put as much money into the home as they would a new house."

Within those open spaces, more homeowners are seeking simple lines and less clutter. Theyre mixing traditional with the more contemporary look of clean lines in cabinetry and trim, notes Jennie Plummer, Cedar Falls sales director for Skogman Homes.

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All the comforts of home: Parade builders offer inspiration, ideas

Friday, September 12, 2014 3:30 am

The Beaumont school board voted unanomously to re-design Palm Elementary School all at once while children are bused to the former Chavez Elementary School for classroom instruction.

(BPT) - When it comes to small space living, maximizing square footage and striking the right balance between function and design is essential. Whether youre sending college students off to the dorms, preparing young adults for life in a first apartment, or re-designing small spaces in your home, you can do several things to keep the space organized and stylish at the same time.

(BPT) - Whether youre staying in place or planning to take advantage of an improving real estate market to sell your home, spring and summer are upgrade seasons. From adding a bathroom to creating an outdoor kitchen, certain improvements pay off for both homeowners who are selling and those who are staying. And while plumbing challenges, such as breaking through concrete or opening walls, may discourage some people, savvy homeowners know a tried-and-true option solves such problems.

Delores Ramirez is concerned that the citys proposed route changes for the Pass Transit is going to affect her pocketbook.

(BPT) - Do you cringe every time you step into your bathroom? If so, it may be time to remodel. Bathroom remodels are the most popular remodeling project, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders. But remodeling doesnt have to be a budget buster. You can simply improve what you already have to get the spa-like retreat youre seeking. Here are a few tips to get you started on your redesign.

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Friday, September 12, 2014 3:30 am

North Olmsted, Ohio (PRWEB) September 10, 2014

Bathroom remodels are the most popular remodeling project* and according to showroom designers, todays discerning homeowners pay attention to every detail. From faucets and lightingto bath safety and accessories, homeowners want a perfectly matched look. To help achieve these beautiful baths, Moen continues to provide new thoughtfully designed accessories that offer a perfect style and finish match to its popular faucet collections.

Moen is expanding the Banbury suite to now include bath safety grab bars and hand grips, as well as two new distinct accessories to provide a more complete and perfectly matching bathroom suite.

Banbury Bath Safety When it comes to bath safety, many think its limited to older adults or those with physical challenges, said Tim Bitterman, marketing director, Moen Accessories. But safety is really for everyone. Are seatbelts only for seniors? Are bike helmets just for children? Of course not. Safety is important for all of us, everywhereand especially with the slippery surfaces in the bath.

The stylishly designed Banbury bath safety products no longer force homeowners to choose between form and function. With a perfect match to the traditional style of the Banbury suite, an 18-inch Grab Bar and nine-inch Hand Grip are now available. The Grab Bar features rubber grip pads for enhanced gripping in the tub or shower. Both are made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant material available in Chrome and Brushed Nickel finishes.

Additionally, the Banbury Hand Grip features a 250-pound weight capacity and the Grab Bar features a 500-pound weight capacity when mounted into a stud. The grab bar is also compatible with Moen SecureMount Anchors for a stud-free installation.

Banbury Accessories While the Banbury bath collection previously offered a robe hook, pivoting paper holder, 18- and 24-inch towel bars, 24-inch double towel bar, tank lever and towel ring, Moen is enhancing the suite to include two new signature items. New accessories include a glass shelf and pivoting mirror and will be offered in three finishes: Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Mediterranean Bronze.

The Banbury collection is popular with many homeowners due to its timeless styling, said Bitterman. The newest accessories provide additional functional options to create a stylish, fully matching look throughout the bath while seamlessly integrating bath safety.

In addition to the new products, the Banbury family of products includes a variety of kitchen and bathroom faucets, tub and shower faucets and showerheads. Each is featured in the most popular finishes and offers a limited lifetime warranty.** For complete product information, visit http://www.moen.com. ###

*National Association of Home Builders **For complete warranty information, visit moen.com

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Moen Expands The Popular Banbury Collection

Originally published September 5, 2014 at 8:02 PM | Page modified September 5, 2014 at 11:51 PM

A growing number of newly built homes are set apart by their amenities for dogs.

California-based Standard Pacific Homes is building and selling homes in 27 of its 190 developments nationwide that are believed to be the first to offer a pet suite as an option in every one.

The most lavish suite is a 170-square-foot pet paradise with a step-in wash station, handheld sprayer and leash lead; tile walls and floors; a designated drying area with a commercial-size pet dryer; a water station; automated feeders; a large bunk-style bed; cabinets for toys, treats and food; a stackable washer and dryer; a French door that opens to a puppy run; and a flat-screen TV.

Standard Pacific began offering pet suites after conducting livability studies with homeowners. Pets were a constant theme, says Jeffrey Lake, vice president and national director of architecture for Standard Pacific.

Devotion to pets is second-to-none, he says. They are family.

The American Pet Products Association reports that 68 percent of Americans own pets and contribute to an industry worth more than $55 billion annually.

Real-estate officials say building homes designed to cater to pets is a new concept, but that remodels for pet owners have been available for some time.

Adam Cowherd Construction in Ozark, Mo., installs pet-friendly additions to homes. Cowherd said he recently finished a job where there was an open shelf on the end of a kitchen island to hold pet bowls.

Owners want it uniquely functional, very contemporary and something that catches the eye, Cowherd says.

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Homebuilders focus on catering to family pets

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Restaurateur George Hauer said nobody complained about rooftop mechanical equipment related to his restaurant that has been there for decades, until he decided to expand his business. Pat Sherman

By Pat Sherman

During the Aug. 12 and 19 meetings of the Development Permit Review committee (DPR) which analyses all discretionary permits in La Jolla outside La Jolla Shores for conformance to the La Jolla Community Plan DPR members considered the proposed, rooftop expansion of Georges at the Cove restaurant on Prospect Street.

The DPR submits its recommendations to the La Jolla Community Planning Association to be ratified/approved and submitted to the citys Development Services Department.

Restaurateur George Hauer is seeking a coastal development permit to convert an unused roof area atop the building he leases at 1250 Prospect St. to accommodate a 550-square-foot bar and reception area that would complement his existing dining terrace.

Although DPR members were satisfied that the project meets existing height and parking requirements, they asked that rooftop ventilation and air conditioning equipment visible from Prospect Street be screened from public view during the process, as proposed by La Jollan Gail Forbes during the Aug. 12 meeting (Forbes first made the request during the July meeting of the La Jolla Planned District Ordinance committee, which recommended approval of Hauers plans).

Hauer said he e-mailed Forbes telling her to hold my feet to the fire.

Thats why Im here, Forbes said Aug. 12, adding that the new waiting area and larger bar space would increase safety by preventing congestion in the existing bar and on stairs up to the restaurant patio.

To relocate the existing bar, additional equipment will need to be moved further toward the roofs edge along Prospect Street.

Architect Mark Steele, who is designing the addition, said he and Hauer hope to begin construction by December or January to avoid having to request a waiver for the citys moratorium on summer construction in the coastal zone.

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La Jolla permit review group asks Georges at the Cove to screen roof equipment during patio expansion

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Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 6:01 a.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 7:17 p.m.

Tau Mansion, with its striking facade, distinctive dormers and colonnade-framed entrance, has been home to thousands of fraternity brothers during the 73 years it has stood across from the entrance to the University of Florida.

We who have been members of this fraternity have always been fond of that structure, said John Marion, president of the chapter house corporation and chairman of the board of trustees.

But the house was aging. It had sprung leaks. It had chronic problems that led alumni to long discussions about whether to renovate their beloved house or tear it down and rebuild. They ultimately decided to renovate because of their fondness for the quirky old mansion.

It couldn't be duplicated under current building codes, said Marion, who was chapter president in 1978 during his second to last year at UF. He graduated in 1979.

The Tau Mansion is one of two major renovations of Greek houses this summer. Kappa Kappa Gamma, a sorority house two blocks down the road, completed a new residential wing in time for fall recruitment.

Those renovations are part of an unusually high amount of construction activity along a highly visible and bustling section of Southwest 13th Street. Other projects include the construction of Heavener Hall and Cypress Hall on the UF campus, and the construction at Trimark Properties that has closed off Southwest Third Avenue for most of the summer.

At least 18 of the 39 houses are undergoing modifications and improvements of one type or another most of them minor upgrades, new paint jobs and roofs, up to kitchen remodels.

We're excited as a university to see the investment of various fraternities and sororities, because it means the students are interested in these houses, said Jeanna Mastrodicasa, assistant vice president for student affairs.

Greek life is on the upswing at UF, despite some negative publicity in recent years about hazing and other conduct violations that led to disciplinary actions against several houses.

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Renovations inspire Greek revival on campus

Cutting red tape at the Civic Center won't be easy, speedy or inexpensive.

After 18 months of study, a citizens committee has concluded that hiring more Community Development Agency staffers, launching a sophisticated communication program, training, lowering fees and a variety of other moves are needed to engage the public, boost customer service and speed permit approval.

The panel provided no cost estimate for the ambitious effort, but the tab for new staff, as well as advice officials are likely to seek from communications and related consultants, easily tops several hundred thousand dollars, and could mount to well more than that.

The county's Regulatory Improvements Advisory Committee, which convened and deliberated with help from a facilitator, concluded that easing the permit process will take more hand-holding at the planning counter by generalists skilled in planning and public works disciplines, along with lots of backshop work simplifying, explaining and speeding review procedures.

The 11-member panel, appointed by officials after Lucasfilm abandoned plans for a film studio at Grady Ranch, "identified opportunities to reduce bureaucracy, achieve a more timely process for reviewing development proposals and allow for greater customer choice and flexibility for permit-related services," according to its final report.

Varying improvements are needed regarding time management, permit tracking, staffing, community planning, permit and fee structures, information distribution, agency review and training of design review board members, the panel said.

It called for a sophisticated communication program, using all media as well as public forums, to alert residents about permit procedures, project proposals and planning affairs. It urged officials to simplify regulations, launch an ombudsman system to mediate disputes, create online and "one-stop concierge" permit processing programs, tie permit fees to actual costs, and add a full-time "plan checker" post.

"A concerned public can contribute to project deliberations much more productively and substantively when it is informed and knowledgeable about the purpose of review, its procedural steps, the relevant policies and standards affecting the county's decision, and the milestones involved," the committee noted. "The committee urges the county to organize information in a complete and understandable manner, to make all information accessible in variety of formats, and to actively inform all members of the community about how to successfully participate in the review process."

Service improvements proposals include an ombudsman program "allowing an impartial intermediary to intercede on the behalf of an applicant, or other concerned party, to communicate the nature of the problem and negotiate its resolution with the agency staff." Also needed is a "permit concierge" planning role coordinating information for all parties involved or interested in review of a project, as well as a "multi-disciplinary reviewer" in a sort of front counter traffic cop role.

In short, the committee wants government to smooth the way for projects that meet county regulations, advising applicants, neighbors and others about the rules, requirements and consequences, potential outcomes and roadblocks.

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County panel: More staff needed to cut red tape at Civic Center

By Nels Johnson

njohnson@marinij.com @nelsjohnsonnews on Twitter

Rich Benson

In a presentation that one county supervisor said made him look more like a philosopher or academic than Marin's top property appraiser, Assessor-Recorder Rich Benson outlined a vision involving management, teamwork and increased productivity in the office.

In an unusually frank, wide-ranging discussion with the Board of Supervisors as part of his annual planning and performance session with the board, Benson said the challenges he faces include how to increase the quality and quantity of work his staff produces during a time of mounting workload.

"Are we really doing the best in terms of quality and production?" Benson asked. "We are pretty much at the bottom of the heap," when compared to averages across the state, he conceded, referring to property appraisals. "Our model wasn't working."

At the same time, with Marin posting more remodeling activity than other locales, home sales increasing and values soaring, there is more work to do than ever as hiring continues to fill a half dozen office posts, he said.

"The process of increasing productivity is extremely difficult," as is trying to measure appropriate production, he said. "We have to work smarter," in part by mining data that indicates reasonable, average valuation increases applicable to such things as kitchen remodels in various communities.

Yet appraisers increasingly must return to the practice of on-site field inspections to get the job done, he said.

"We're going to have to do more appraisals," Benson told the county board, absent supervisors Susan Adams and Steve Kinsey. "That means going out and inspecting the properties."

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Marin Assessor-recorder offers vision for managing office