Dennis Wiltgen with Wilco Enterprises remodeled areas of this 2012 Parade of Homes entry on South Broadway in stages, doing this kitchen remodel in the first stage.

Staff

Dennis Wiltgen with Wilco Enterprises remodeled areas of this 2012 Parade of Homes entry on South Broadway in stages, doing this kitchen remodel in the first stage.

Dennis Wiltgen Wilco Enterprises, LLP P.O. Box 3741 Grand Junction, CO 81502 (970) 242-2203

By Special to the Sentinel Monday, October 7, 2013

Wilco Enterprises, LLP, was formed in January 1982 by Dennis and Carol-Ann Wiltgen. We started doing remodels, new homes and light commercial projects, which we are still doing today. Over the years we managed the building of McDonalds restaurants and Round Table Pizzas and commercial office/warehouse buildings. Wilco has built and designed more than 200 different custom homes, as many remodels and a number of commercial jobs. The company has created design plans for many customers and builders. Dennis has held the office of HBA of Northwestern Colorado president and served on the board of directors for six different years. He also served as National Association of Home Builders Director for 22 years, a Senior Life Director of NAHB (20-plus years), NAHB Remodelers, Certified Green Professional and CHC Certified Renovator.

Where did you grow up? I was born in Minnesota and grew up in Security/Widefield, Colo., living there until 1976.

How did you get started in the building industry? After going to college and studying architecture and working in the construction trades, I started drawing plans for the first woman custom homebuilder in Colorado Springs. Then I started my own home plan design company before moving to Grand Junction for a management job in 1976. In 1980, I started a company installing cabinets, countertops and doing remodels. In 1982, we started Wilco Enterprises, LLP.

How has the industry changed since you got started? The industry has changed as construction has evolved over the years with changes due to new products and building techniques. With this, came new styles of homes and customer needs. Also, changes in size from an average of 1,200 square feet to larger 2,800-square-foot homes Even garages went from one car to two cars and now three cars.

What should consumers look for in a new home? What kind of questions should consumers ask a builder before they sign a contract? What customers should look for in new homes should first be energy efficient and then have a good living floor plan with good proven products and construction. Customers should ask for references, contractors license, insurance and building relations with their suppliers and subcontractors. How much experience and how long?

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Wilco Enterprises LLP

After living in apartments with white walls for most of my adult life, I was excited to become a homeowner when my husband and I got married. Paint options! Landscaping! Curtains! My house was a blank canvas, just waiting for me to decorate it. Well, the decorating buzz wore off quickly after I found out how expensive everything was. I thought, naively, that asking my mother-in-law to sew some curtains for me would be a cheap alternativeuntil I priced the fabric.

And that trend continued. Landscaping plants? Yee-ow! New flooring? My wallet felt pinched again. Despite the sticker shock, we have accomplished a lot in the six years since we've moved to our current home.

I love reading DIY blogs and magazines, though their ideas of inexpensive kitchen remodels are usually different than mine. But I have to be careful: When I flood my brain with picture after picture of fantastic home makeovers, my house with lots of character seems in need of a major face lift.

For instance, when we moved in six years ago, the kitchen was my least favorite room in the house. Dark, peeling cabinets, atrocious drawer pulls that caught every bit of flour that drifted off the counter, chartreuse counter tops, lots of very shallow drawers, and more unpleasantness welcomed me every morning. Such a room practically begged for some TLC, and I had ideas of how everything, even the layout of the appliances, could be improved. But I didn't want to do anything at all, until we had saved enough money to do things exactly the way I wanted to do them.

We planned to do most of the work ourselves which would have saved a bundle. But with the average kitchen remodels nearing $20,000 (and I think that's kind of conservative), it would have been expensive.

Anyway, somewhere between adopting our children and quitting my full-time job, we decided that a full kitchen remodel was not a responsible use of our money. Instead, I allowed my husband to do what he had wanted to all along: paint the cabinets and walls and replace the drawer pulls and handles.

For less than $400, we went from dark to for-$400-this-is-a-major-improvement. It's not really impressive, but we saved a lot of money. Even though we still deal with shallow drawers and no range hood, I don't even think of making other improvements. I am also happy we don't have tens of thousands of dollars wrapped up in a kitchen. I think I will cook here happily for another decade or two, beating eggs on my formica chartreuse counter top. (If you spent money on a kitchen remodel, don't read this as a condemnation. We just did what was best for us.)

My best money-saving tip may actually prevent you from spending money at all. Figure out what you really like and what fits your house. For instance, our house feels cottage-like. Even though I think granite counter tops and stainless appliances and gorgeous cabinets are, well, gorgeous, it wouldn't fit in our simple house. It would make the rest of our rooms look shabby by comparison.

1. Paint. Two rooms in our house were painted with leftover paint from my sister's house. I think I paid her some money for the paint, but I know it was below market value. I was happy to get the colors I was looking for, and my sister was glad to declutter.

Many paint manufacturers are now selling small sample jars. As someone who can't pick colors well, those sample jars have saved me several times. Even when I've picked the wrong hue, I have taken the paint back in and had the color changed slightly (this can be tricky, but I have a favorite paint guy who can usually handle my color-changing quirks).

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How to Make Room for Redecorating in Your Budget

by Scott Evans

KTVB.COM

Posted on October 2, 2013 at 5:55 PM

Updated yesterday at 11:18 PM

CALDWELL A woman from Oklahoma, who recently moved to Idaho to start a pilot Bible college, was arrested Wednesday on charges of embezzlement out of Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

Melody Miles was arrested at Valley Church in Caldwell following a healing meeting where she was a guest speaker.

A tip from a KTVB viewer led to her arrest. The tip claimed that Miles was wanted in Oklahoma. KTVB independently verified the claims and discovered that Miles had warrants out for her arrest and that she and her husband Ken were in the middle of a felony embezzlement case.

We learned that Miles had two healing meetings scheduled for Wednesday, one at 10:30 a.m. at Valley Church in Caldwell and another at 7 p.m. at Life Church in Meridian.

KTVB involved police because of the possibility of Miles receiving donations without people knowing about the current charges against her.

A KTVB crew met police officers at Valley Church where they waited for Miles to finish speaking at the healing meeting she led.

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Minister arrested on embezzlement charges

The Summit County Builders Association presented 33 awards in four categories. This year the homes were divided by square footage. They were judged on 34 criteria to determine the best in exterior design and elevation, kitchen, master suite, interior finishes, interior furnishings, landscaping and outdoor living space and builder concept and workmanship awards.

Breck Ironworks swept all the awards in the 1,200- to 3,500-square-foot category with a mixed-development project with unique features built into the home for the owner and his pets. Architect Michael Shult was recognized for Exterior Design and Elevation. Cornerstone Creations was acknowledged for the Best Kitchen. Danco Built, MK Development and Kenny Thaemert were involved in the Builder Concept & Workmanship award.

The next category 4,000- to 5,000-square-foot homes included residences built by Mountain Log Homes of Colorado, McCrerey Fine Homes and Greg Hess Contracting. The Best Interior Furnishings award was presented to Stephen Falke Interior Design in McCrerey Fine Homes. Greg Hess Contracting won Best Kitchen award given to Cutting Edge Woodworking; Best Master Suite award went to Greg Hess Contracting and More Space Place; and the Interior Finishes award also was given to Greg Hess Contracting.

Mountain Log Homes of Colorado and Brian Wray won awards for Exterior Design and Elevation for Mountain Log Homes. The Landscaping & Outdoor Living Space award was presented to Mountain Log Homes and 2 Vs Landscaping, Brian Wray & Tom Vitalone. Mountain Log Homes and Brian Wray took away the Builder Concept & Workmanship award. The Best Overall award in this category went to Greg Hess Contracting.

There were two homes in the 5,300- to 6,500-square-foot category Pinnacle Mountain Homes (67 Rounds Road) and Apex Mountain Homes. Pinnacle Mountain Homes received the Best Interior Finishes award and Best Landscaping & Outdoor Living Space award, which was presented to Mary Hart Design. Apex Mountain Homes won awards for Best Exterior Design & Elevation, Best Kitchen, Best Master Suite, Best Interior Furnishings, Best Builder & Workmanship and Best Overall in this category.

Pinnacle Mountain Home (19 Peak 8 Court) and Devigne Developing made up the 7,000- to 8,500-square-foot category. Devigne Developing received the Best Interior Furnishings award. Pinnacle Mountain Homes was given Best Exterior Design & Elevation, presented to BHH Partners; Best Kitchen award, presented to Cutting Edge Woodworking; Best Master Suite, Best Interior Finishes, and Best Landscaping & Outdoor Living Space awards, presented to Rocky Mountain Landscape; and Best Builder Concept & Workmanship award and Best Overall award.

As determined by High Country Conservation Center and presented by Summit County Builders Association, an energy award was presented to Mountain Log Homes of Colorado for its features in sustainability and energy efficiency. The log home was built to Energy Star specifications and registered a 54 on the HERS index.

The Summit Association of Realtors recognized Apex Mountain Homes with the Best Winery (Home for Women to Gather) award and Pinnacle Mountain Homes (19 Peak 8 Court) with Best Man Cave award. The Realtor Choice award was presented to Devigne Developing, as chosen by the members of Summit Association of Realtors.

Mountain Living Magazines Peak award was presented to McCrerey Fine Homes for its outstanding mountain design.

For more information call (970) 668-6013 or visit summitcountybuilders.org/paradeofhomes.

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Parade of Homes continues this weekend, 2013 winners announced

The Summit County Builders Association presented 33 awards in four categories. This year the homes were divided by square footage. They were judged on 34 criteria to determine the best in exterior design and elevation, kitchen, master suite, interior finishes, interior furnishings, landscaping and outdoor living space and builder concept and workmanship awards.

Breck Ironworks swept all the awards in the 1,200- to 3,500-square-foot category with a mixed-development project with unique features built into the home for the owner and his pets. Architect Michael Shult was recognized for Exterior Design and Elevation. Cornerstone Creations was acknowledged for the Best Kitchen. Danco Built, MK Development and Kenny Thaemert were involved in the Builder Concept & Workmanship award.

The next category 4,000- to 5,000-square-foot homes included residences built by Mountain Log Homes of Colorado, McCrerey Fine Homes and Greg Hess Contracting. The Best Interior Furnishings award was presented to Stephen Falke Interior Design in McCrerey Fine Homes. Greg Hess Contracting won Best Kitchen award given to Cutting Edge Woodworking; Best Master Suite award went to Greg Hess Contracting and More Space Place; and the Interior Finishes award also was given to Greg Hess Contracting.

Mountain Log Homes of Colorado and Brian Wray won awards for Exterior Design and Elevation for Mountain Log Homes. The Landscaping & Outdoor Living Space award was presented to Mountain Log Homes and 2 Vs Landscaping, Brian Wray & Tom Vitalone. Mountain Log Homes and Brian Wray took away the Builder Concept & Workmanship award. The Best Overall award in this category went to Greg Hess Contracting.

There were two homes in the 5,300- to 6,500-square-foot category Pinnacle Mountain Homes (67 Rounds Road) and Apex Mountain Homes. Pinnacle Mountain Homes received the Best Interior Finishes award and Best Landscaping & Outdoor Living Space award, which was presented to Mary Hart Design. Apex Mountain Homes won awards for Best Exterior Design & Elevation, Best Kitchen, Best Master Suite, Best Interior Furnishings, Best Builder & Workmanship and Best Overall in this category.

Pinnacle Mountain Home (19 Peak 8 Court) and Devigne Developing made up the 7,000- to 8,500-square-foot category. Devigne Developing received the Best Interior Furnishings award. Pinnacle Mountain Homes was given Best Exterior Design & Elevation, presented to BHH Partners; Best Kitchen award, presented to Cutting Edge Woodworking; Best Master Suite, Best Interior Finishes, and Best Landscaping & Outdoor Living Space awards, presented to Rocky Mountain Landscape; and Best Builder Concept & Workmanship award and Best Overall award.

As determined by High Country Conservation Center and presented by Summit County Builders Association, an energy award was presented to Mountain Log Homes of Colorado for its features in sustainability and energy efficiency. The log home was built to Energy Star specifications and registered a 54 on the HERS index.

The Summit Association of Realtors recognized Apex Mountain Homes with the Best Winery (Home for Women to Gather) award and Pinnacle Mountain Homes (19 Peak 8 Court) with Best Man Cave award. The Realtor Choice award was presented to Devigne Developing, as chosen by the members of Summit Association of Realtors.

Mountain Living Magazines Peak award was presented to McCrerey Fine Homes for its outstanding mountain design.

For more information call (970) 668-6013 or visit summitcountybuilders.org/paradeofhomes.

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2013 Parade of Homes winners announced

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(PRWEB) September 24, 2013

HomeThangs.com the Online Home Improvement Store has made their goal to deliver the right product to the consumer. With that in mind, shopping and home design tips, as well as special product selections are being introduced.

Maybe more than any other room in the home, the kitchen is one space that often winds up reflecting the personalities of the people that use it. Big, luxury kitchen remodels have become hugely popular in home design, and more often than not they come with a few custom touches whether its specialty kitchen cabinets or a custom counter top or backsplash. But one of the best ways to personalize any type of kitchen is with decorative lighting fixtures. HomeThangs.com has introduced a guide to using trendy lighting fixtures to establish a distinctive kitchen decor.

Farmhouse style kitchens are one of the most popular new trends right now, and with them, farmhouse style lighting has made a big comeback. Farmhouse lights come in several different forms, but some of the most distinctive are barn lights. These have metal shades that look a little like the tops of old fashioned milk cans, and are modeled after fixtures used on the working parts of farms around the turn of the century. These add a great, traditional vibe to the space, and come in a wide variety of metal finishes to easily coordinate with the rest of a kitchens decor.

Turn of the century industrial style lights in general have become quite popular for adding a slightly more urban vibe to a farmhouse style kitchen. Pulley lights and other lighting fixtures inspired by those used in turn of the century factories and warehouses are equal parts gritty and whimsical, with designs that seem positively fanciful, but are made of practical, sturdy materials. These offer a nice way to add a professional, industrial air to a more traditional kitchen, and make a nice counter point to the very modern commercial style kitchens that have become so popular in recent years.

Lantern lights are another very popular option right now, and not just in traditional farmhouse style kitchens. Lantern lights come in a wide variety of styles and variations, and many regionally and historically distinct designs are a perfect way to set the tone for a very specific type of kitchen decor. Traditional lantern lights will work with just about any turn of the century inspired style, but railroad style hurricane lantern lights, maritime lanterns, carriage lanterns, and so on can all help accentuate a homes history and architecture.

For a more modern look, keep an eye out for something simpler, sleeker, and more geometric. Most decorative lighting fixtures would look out of place in a very modern, minimalist kitchen, so focus on models that use simple, bold lines and obvious shapes. Bold, black lines set on a white background creates the most striking contemporary vibe, while straight lines and sharp angles pair well with a minimalist decor. For a more ornate modern decor, look for less traditional island lights that break out of the mold, like gyroscopic or mobile-like circular lighting fixtures, or other bold and unconventional designs.

Since kitchens have become a luxurious rather than a purely utilitarian part of the home and as floor plans have become more open and integrated even decorative chandeliers have become more popular in kitchen design. These can be placed over an in-kitchen dining table or kitchen island and add an undeniable touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.

For more ideas, read the full article here.

HomeThangs.com is not only a home improvement superstore, it also provides expert design tips and a comprehensive shopping guide, taking the ideas from professional interior designers, and offering tips to the consumers on how to pick the products to best suit their needs.

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HomeThangs.com Has Introduced a Guide to Trendy Kitchen Lighting Options

ARA Homeowners renovate for two basic reasons: money and fun. Or, more precisely, they undertake home improvements to improve their home's resale value or their enjoyment of their house. The best home improvements, however, are ones that deliver on both objectives.

Americans will spend nearly $141 billion on remodeling in the first half of this year, according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. If you'll be among the many homeowners opting to improve, rather than move, you may be wondering what renovations are likely to give you the best balance of enhanced resale value and immediate enjoyment.

Here are five home improvements - from budget-friendly to big budget - that provide noteworthy return on investment (ROI) in terms of increased value and improved enjoyment:

1. Skylights

You can lower your electric bill by installing skylights that will reduce dependency on artificial light and fill your home with natural light. You can obtain quality, energy-efficient, "No Leak Skylights" from Velux for around $800 per unit for a standard fixed skylight with flashing kit. You can find a local installer to provide a customized cost estimate at http://www.veluxusa.com. In terms of positive energy, the mental and physical health effects of exposure to natural light are well documented. They're also an effective privacy preserver for bathrooms where you might not want a wall window. Skylight and sun tunnels (skylights that use reflective tubes to bring sunlight into rooms without direct roof access) not only enhance the energy efficiency of your home, they just may make you feel better about living there.

2. Decks

Whether you go for wood or composite, adding a deck is a great way to boost resale value, expand your living space and up your enjoyment of your home environment. On average, homeowners who add a wood deck can expect to recoup more than 80 percent of its cost when it comes time to sell, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report. Composite deck additions return about 71 percent at the time of resale.

3. Kitchens

It makes sense that the room where most families spend the bulk of their time would be a popular remodel - and one that pays off big in terms of value and comfort. Even a minor kitchen remodel - costing about $21,000 - will return about 78 percent of its value on resale, according to Remodeling Magazine. A major kitchen job, costing around $57,200, will recoup about $41,200, or 72 percent.

4. Baths

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Best home improvements for your renovation dollars