Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 03, 2013

Flynns Contracting is launching a new website to share with Chicago residents energy efficient improvements like kitchen and bathroom remodeling, plumbing services and window and door replacement.

Energy conservation saves money while sustaining the earths resources. According to the EPA, new appliances can shrink energy bills as well. Replacing an old refrigerator can reduce greenhouses gases while using 15 percent less energy. Energy efficient doors and windows can provide homeowners with significant savings on their utility bills.

Energy Star qualified windows and doors can guarantee energy bills are lowered 7-15 percent.

We offer unique thermal imaging services that can expose where a home is losing heat, says Martin Flynn, owner of Flynns Contracting LLC. Home improvement work done to reduce energy consumption, is self-financing over time and will save homeowners money in the future.

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling can improve the function, beauty and energy efficiency of a home. Flynns Contracting can help homeowners assess their needs and design a kitchen that functions for a family whether they are looking self- sufficiency, cooking and entertaining, or a kitchen that accommodates the center of family life. If a homeowner needs, new cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, backsplash, paint, updated appliances, the installation of an eat-in breakfast bar or more, Flynns Contracting can make it happen.

A utilitarian room can also be beautiful. A bathroom should not be cramped, crowded and unpleasant to a homeowner. Whether a homeowner is looking for luxury or simply a well-designed bathroom, Flynns Contracting can help, with, new vanities, mirror, cabinets, walk-in showers, tub, toilet, fixtures, tile, countertops and flooring. We like to keep our clients informed of all the progress as it happens, so they are confident they are getting exactly what they want, said Martin.

Flynns Contracting offers a wide range of plumbing services, plumbing maintenance and repair including, leak detection services, repair of clogged drains, leaky pipes and faucets, toilets, tubs, showers, dishwashers and sinks. They can replace and install any type of water heater from electric to tankless.

Windows should be high performing, meaning they last for decades with energy efficiency. They should also display integrity, meaning frame and sash (moving section of the window) surfaces can withstand repeated use without scratching or marking easily. Flynns Contracting can install, any windows for the home, bay or bow windows, storm windows, casement, sliding, double hung or single hung.

Entry doors can be a beautiful feature to compliment any home. When choosing a front door it is important to consider style, security and quality. In order to keep air from entering in, weather-stripping is essential. Also check that the door fits tightly into the frame. As a house settles over time, having an entry door with an adjustable threshold will help you to keep air and water infiltration from becoming a problem, said Martin. Flynns Contracting can install entry, French, patio and sliding doors.

Read the original:
Chicago Home Improvement Contractor Announces Launch of New Website

Long Island, NY (PRWEB) May 03, 2013

A recent report from Harvard Universitys Joint Center for Housing Studies reports increased home improvement spending in the early part of 2013, Average homeowner spending on remodeling was 20 percent higher in the Northeast. The boost can be attributed to low financing costs and a recent rally in home sales.

Home improvements are a lure to residents who want to stay put, said Paul DeSimone, owner of Euro Contracting of Long Island. His company will be launching a new web site, http://www.merrickhomeexpert.com/ to share their hardwood floor installation and refinishing, finish carpentry and kitchen and bathroom remodeling services to NYC residents ready to updated their homes.

Hardwood flooring has proven to be timeless and durable. Hardwood floors provide a warm and natural look to any home. They are easy to clean and provide the versatility of a traditional or modern look. Hardwood floors are a great option for families who struggle with environmental irritants like dust. A survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association surveyed real estate agents across the country and they noted hardwood floors can make a significant increase in the value of a home. For homeowners whose hardwood floors have lost their luster, Euro Contracting of Long Island is also equipped to refinish. Refinishing hardwood floors can enhance floors that have become dull, scratched or worn down.

Finish carpentry adds beautiful details that create character and uniqueness to a room. Details like crown molding, the addition of baseboards or window casings can frame a room, giving it a wow factor. Euro Contracting of Long Island can construct custom cabinetry, built-in bookcases, cabinets, shelving, molding, interior trim-work, mantles, banisters, doors, window casings, baseboards and chair rails. They also provide interior painting services to transform a room quickly and affordably with knowledge in the proper prep work prior to painting including drywall and sheetrock repairs.

Desiring an update to the kitchen or bathroom? Kitchen and bathroom remodeling brings functionality and style to the kitchen or bathroom. As decorating trends change, old fixtures, cabinets and finishes become an eyesore. Euro Contracting of Long Island can resolve the problem by providing, updated fixtures, improved lighting, new countertops, vanities and cabinets, spacious walk in showers, new coat of paint, tile work and all the luxury amenities homeowners want with a kitchen and bathroom remodel. Remodeling should also provide increased storage space and improved layouts for better functionality in a bathroom or kitchen providing the family with increased efficiency and comfort.

For more information about this company, call (516)244-3618, or visit their website http://www.merrickhomeexpert.com/

About Euro Contracting of Long Island

Euro Contracting of Long Island is a licensed, bonded and insured home improvement company. They specialize in interior work installing and refinishing wood flooring, kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement finishing and finish carpentry. For 14 years, Euro Contracting of Long Island has been providing residents in Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County and Manhattan with stunning home updates. The experienced crew of professionals is committed to providing quality craftsmanship, together with large and small details that make your home unique and beautiful.

Continue reading here:
Long Island Home Improvement Contractor Announces Launch of New Website

Lehigh Valley, PA (PRWEB) May 03, 2013

Sooner or later, everyone needs a plumber in their life. While many plumbers are reputable, the plumbing industry has its fair share of substandard contractors who show up late, leave homes in a mess with muddy boot prints and dirty sinks, and charge hidden fees.

We have made it our mission to stand out from the rest by providing professional, prompt, and reliable service, says owner Dan Welch. Lehigh Plumbing is launching a new website lehighplumber.com to explain why this company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and efficient plumbing contractors in Pennsylvania. Some of those reasons include:

Their new website also offers quick and easy access to essential information on their wide range of services including:

Water Heaters and Tankless Water Heaters

Lehigh Plumbing provides residential and commercial hot water heater service and repair, and if needed can replace all major brands. About 25% of the energy a homeowner uses in their home is for heating water, explains Dan. It only makes sense to select a water heater that is energy efficient. They also specialize in tankless water heaters. According to Energy Star, these water heaters save the typical family more than $100 per year on gas bills compared to a standard storage model. By heating water only when its needed, tankless water heaters cut water heating expenses by 30% while providing continuous hot water delivery.

Water Filters and Water Softeners

Whether a homeowner wants to purify their drinking water, enhance their foods flavor, or reduce hard waters harsh effects on skin, clothes, and appliances, Lehigh Plumbing offers a variety of water filters and water softeners to fit a familys needs and budgets. Imagine a life without hard water deposits, orange rings, water spots or soap scum on bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels

Sometimes small changes can make a big difference. Replacing a toilet or faucets can instantly transform a bathroom. In addition, outdated fixtures can also mean higher energy costs. A low flush toilet can save up to 128,000 gallons of water per year. If a homeowner is increasing the size of their kitchen or bathroom or rearranging the layout, moving existing plumbing may be required. Lehigh Plumbing can help homeowners identify factors that homeowners may not have thought of that can affect their project and budget.

Read more from the original source:
Lehigh Plumbing Announces Launching of New Website

We all have those quirks in our home that unfortunately can't be fixed with a fresh coat of paint. But many of us learn to love it, quirks and all, or list it eventually. The in-between making changes to an existing home can feel like the hardest (and most expensive) place to be.

According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) quarterly survey of more than 500 residential firms, however, home renovations are outpacing new construction projects this year. With the housing recovery, homeowners are revisiting kitchen and bathroom projects that were previously put on hold.

AIA Chief Economist Kermit F. Baker says kitchen and bath remodels are often the last to be downsized when a recession strikes, and the first to rebound after a lull. The survey found the size of kitchens and bathrooms is increasing in U.S. homes, after staying relatively flat in recent years.

This may not come as a surprise, with many viewing the kitchen as the heart of the home. It's one of the places that gets the most foot traffic and activity. It's also increasingly seen as the command center for the home's technology and green features.

According to the AIA, bathrooms are among the first spaces to be upgraded in newly owned homes. Homeowners looking to sell are thinking about what will attract a buyer. Homeowners looking to stay in their homes for retirement are also paying more attention to the accessibility of their bathrooms.

Heres a look at some of the most popular kitchen and bathroom upgrades this year:

Source: Zillow

Universal design is a big movement in bathrooms, with 54 percent of architects getting requests for wheelchair-accessible features. But, making an existing shower flush with the floor can be a costly upgrade.

"A traditional shower is built up off the floor so it slopes to drain," explained Gerald L. Morosco, an architect who participated in the survey. "So when you want an accessible shower flush with the floor, it's fairly involved. There is not a big price jump in a new construction, but in a remodel, it gets into a structural issue. You have to support the shower with less depth."

Source: Zillow

More:
Kitchen and Bath Remodels on the Rebound

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jade is very excited to announce the appointment of Chef Grant MacPherson as the Global Culinarian for Beech Ovens, Jade Range and Viking Commercial Range. Chef Grant has been the Executive Chef of Viking Commercial since 2010.

In the Viking Kitchen with Chef Grant MacPherson

A native of Scotland, Chef Grant MacPhersons career has spanned 30 years and five continents, cooking for a multitude of A-list celebrities in the world of business, entertainment and politics, while leading several world-class projects simultaneously in the United States and globally.

Chef Grant has worked in many prestigious hotels such as The Four Seasons, The Regent, The Ritz-Carlton, Malaysias Datai Hotel and the Raffles Hotel Singapore (known as the grand old lady of Far East). In 1998 he was recruited by Las Vegas casino visionary, Steve Wynn, to head the culinary operations at the new 3,000-room Bellagio Resort & Casino and in 2003 was appointed Corporate Chef to design and open kitchens for Wynn Macau, Wynn Las Vegas, and Wynn Encore.

After a decade in the Steve Wynn organization and a lifelong career in the hospitality industry, Chef Grant shifted his focus to embark on boutique hotel remodels. To this effect, he served as culinary director at The Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados, where he transformed the food and beverage program into a world-class operation.

Aside from the hospitality industry, Chef Grant has cooked at the James Beard House in New York City, led the 105th Birthday Dinner at New York Citys Four Seasons restaurant and recently brought his culinary skills to the Crossroads 2013 guitar festival, also in New York City. He also represents the American Pistachio Growers of the US as a chef ambassador.

Apart from the United States, Chef Grant has also cooked and collaborated in food and wine festivals around the Globe in such countries as Australia, China, South Africa, Switzerland, Scotland, and Singapore and has won numerous awards worldwide for his cooking skills including a gold medal in the 1992 Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany. In addition, he was the captain of the Singapore National Team for four consecutive years and has medaled over twenty times in culinary competitions in such cities as Niagara Falls, Sydney, Singapore, Toronto and Vancouver.

Internationally, Chef Grant, along with his partner, is at the helm of The Merrywell, which recently opened its doors at the Crown Melbourne along with the second installment of The Merrywell Perth in September 2012. He is also part of GHE in St. Petersburg, Russia: a remodel for Orient Express which is slated to open in 2014. Last year Chef Grant collaborated with Apple in Cupertino, California to work on the late Mr. Steve Jobs vision and design of Apples new campus dining facility.

Chef Grants recipe book, In the Viking Kitchen with Chef Grant MacPherson, was released in April 2011 to huge success. He has published his third coffee table book, Word of Mouth, an autobiographical cookbook that takes the reader through 30 years of rock n roll recipes and tasty tales. Chef Grant is currently working on his fourth book concentrating on childrens health and healthy cooking to be released in early 2014.

Chef Grant currently runs his own company, Scotch Myst, in Las Vegas, where he lives with his two young boys, Graeme (11) and Connor (8). He will continue to help grow the three brands globally with the Jade Team.

See the original post here:
Chef Grant Macpherson Appointed as the Global Culinarian for Beech Ovens, Jade Range and Viking Commercial Range

Portland, Oregon (PRWEB) May 01, 2013

Its been a long time coming but homeowners are finally seeing the light at the end of a bleak real estate market. The key question this year, though, is whether prices will rise enough so that for-sale inventory -- which has fallen 43 percent nationally since the summer of 2010 -- will hit bottom and start expanding again. The sharp decline in inventory was a necessary correction to the oversupply of homes after the bubble, but now inventory is below normal levels and holding back sales, particularly in California and the rest of the West.

Rising prices should lead to more inventory for two reasons: 1) rising prices encourage new construction, and 2) rising prices encourage some homeowners to sell. The big question in 2013 is whether today's price gains will continue strongly enough to encourage builders to build and homeowners to remodel and sell their properties at a profit.

"Not all remodeling projects are created equal. When purchasing a home most people first view the suitability and style of kitchens and baths. Thats exactly where a company like ours can help tremendously. We provide top-of-the-line products that allow sellers to get the biggest bang for their buck, states David Cohen from Rock Bottom Tile and Stone, LLC. So while kitchen and baths can be the most costly to redo, they're more likely to return the highest value for themselves according to proven statistical data. A kitchen remodel can yield anywhere from a 80% to 90% ROI and a bath upgrade can yield 93% ROI or more.

Just because a project is expensive doesn't mean the value is there. Often, small improvements can yield major dividends. In most cases a face-lift, paint, natural stone floors, stone accents such as backsplash, granite mini-slab counters along with upgrading appliances will yield a greater return than a full rehab. A $20,000 investment when spent prudently on a kitchen will strip away the age and out-dated look of your property while reflecting value immediately in the market price.

Lets face it, there comes a time when everyone wants to make a change. Youve either outgrown a home or just want to move up. Whatever the reasons may be, making good, well-informed choices is what can make an owner money or cost them. Rock Bottom has a preponderance of clients as well as many years of home beautification experience to assist owners toward making the right decisions to add tangible value to their homes. We all possess a little of the weekend warrior capability in us and one can certainly save money if one does it themself. For example, installing granite counters can be expensive and quite intimidating for most folks. Fabrication and installation costs alone can make it seem like an insurmountable proposal, not to mention the raw costs associated with many full slab granites. However, wallets or style dont always have to be sacrificed . Granite mini-slabs provide the full slab aesthetic and are designed to work with any counter size or style, without any of the exorbitant fabrication or installation costs. With over 30 colors to choose from in an easy to work with thickness, this product is a stellar avenue for cost-effective yet valuable return from your project. Rock Bottom Tile and Stone, LLC is a DIY choice for granite mini-slabs as well as all your natural stone needs.

Read the original:
Rock Bottom Tile and Stone, LLC Reports Rising Real Estate Market Opens Door to Big Returns on Remodels/Home ...

Architectural Resource, a leading Ann Arbor architectural firm, announces one of its projects will be featured on the NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes this Saturday, April 27, 2013 and Sunday, April 28, 2013. Tour a charming circa 1920's bungalow.

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (PRWEB) April 24, 2013

Based on the principles of esteemed fellow architect Sarah Susanka and her game-changing, circa-1998 book The Not So Big House, Architectural Resource redesigned a 1,800 square foot bungalow. By actually reducing square footage, the design approach valued quality over quantity and tailored the home for the way the family really lived.

The project entails a complete remodel of the main level kitchen, family room, daily entry, private rear porch and basement stairway. Architectural Resource literally transformed the home using innovative design solutions, removing a decrepit solarium and employing an inspired, re-envisioned layout.

"This house is so incredibly easy to live in! said the homeowner and Architectural Resources client. Demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship in a residence of modest scale, the public is invited to see great ideas for their own homes whether they are new, remodels, additions or 'subtractions'. More information on the project can be found at http://www.ArcResTour.com.

NARI Tour Information

This home is project number one, one of the 5 from the Plymouth Projects Ensemble, a subset of the total 14 stellar projects located in Ann Arbor and Plymouth that will be featured on this year's NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes. The NARI tour is an annual spring event showcasing the best in residential remodeling design and construction. For additional information and to download the tour brochure and annual NARI membership directory, go to http://www.narisemich.org/.

About Architectural Resource

Headed by Michael Klement, AIA, Architectural Resource is a nationally recognized, award-winning, Ann Arbor-based architectural design firm specializing exclusively in the residential design of new homes, cottages, additions, remodels, and renovations. Featured in Sarah Susankas recent Not So Big Remodeling book, Architectural Resource creates tasteful designs which are space and resource efficient. As Michigans leading Green residential design firm, Architectural Resource has been responsible for the design of the States first three USGBC LEED for Homes Platinum level remodels. Since the firm's inception in 1991, our mission has been to create beautiful buildings that are healthy and energy efficient. http://www.architecturalresource.com.

Michael Klement, AIA Architectural Resource 734.769.9784 Email Information

Go here to see the original:
Architectural Resource of Ann Arbor Touts the Benefits of 'Addition by Subtraction'

When it comes to making a positive, tangible contribution to the community, volunteering to help Habitat for Humanity create simple, decent and affordable homes for partner families is a great way to invest your time and energy.

Just ask the volunteer crew from Strack and Van Tils Sibley Street store in Hammond who showed up for a day of work to remodel the future home of their co-worker, Star Washington.

You know were behind her when you see us out in the rain and cold taking down siding, Takeita Morris said. It keeps you warm when youre moving, so I think we finished a whole lot faster than they thought we would.

Demonstrating how volunteering can be a great team building activity, a total of seven Strack and Van Til employees who typically work in various grocery departments including the deli, produce and seafood departments as well as a cashier and utility service clerk, spent the whole morning outside preparing the exterior of the home located at 6636 Missouri Street in Hammond for a fresh, new look.

This has been a really nice experience, Agnes Gregory said. We werent sure what to expect, and we learned something new. Youd be surprised what you can do. Im looking forward to doing more.

Thats what Habitat is all about, immediate Past President of the Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana Board of Directors and Strack and Van Til Vice President of Finance Keith Bruxvoort said. Its team work. Most people who get involved get involved again.

According to Habitats Construction Manager Scott Cearing this home, which was donated to the organization about a year ago, should be ready for Star and her six-year-old son Abontie in approximately four to six weeks.

Its essentially the same process whether were doing a build or remodel as far as securing permits, scheduling volunteers and acquiring materials. But, the way we approach remodels is a little different from new construction in that we need to assess how far we need to go, he explained. In this particular home, were going to replace all of the electrical, outlets and plumbing fixtures. Were going to add new drywall prior to painting and decorating, and were taking the exterior down to the wall sheeting. We have new windows, siding and doors, and well be blowing in new insulation with R-values above todays standards. Our goal is to keep the heating costs within $100 for the worst winter months so the homeowner can keep those energy bills down.

A second generation Habitat partner family, Stars mother Joyce Washington has been living in a Habitat home since 1990.

She encouraged me to talk to the people at Habitat, Star explained. Were currently living in an apartment on 164th Place in Hessville so this works out really well. My son can stay in the same school. Im looking forward to having the peace of mind of living in my own home. Its such a nice neighborhood. Living in an apartment can be a challenge with children who tend be loud at times. The backyard is going to be great for my son. A place where he can play thats off the streets. When the weather gets a little nicer, Im going to bring him to help me rake up the yard and pick up sticks. Were so excited to move.

Read the original here:
Strack and Van Til Day jumpstarts Habitat remodel

By Chris Taylor

NEW YORK (Reuters) - When the housing market went bust, house flippers went into hibernation. Now, as the recovery creeps along, bargain-hunters are once again looking for homes to fix up and resell for a quick profit.

Just take a look at the numbers. Home values are on the rise, with a year-over-year price increase of 11.6 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors. Inventory has cratered to levels not seen since 2005.

Irvine, California-based RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosure properties, says that flipping - defined as buying and selling a property within six months - rose for the second year in a row, up a slight 0.33 percent in 2012 after logging a 12 percent increase in 2011. Those deals were churning out real gross profits, at an average of $37,375 per transaction for all of 2012.

Today's flippers have learned some hard lessons. The housing crash of 2006-2011 wiped out more than $7 trillion in household wealth across the nation, according to data from the Federal Reserve. The fallout left countless speculators holding properties they could no longer move.

This time, homebuyers are being more selective - putting more money down and making calculated bets on smart renovations.

"There are fewer real estate investors now, compared to during the boom. But this time, they have really done their homework," says Andy Heller, author of "Buy Low, Rent Smart, Sell High: Real Estate Investing for the Long Run."

Here are a few tenets to hold close, as you tiptoe back into this dangerous game:

1. Pick your spots

The best places to flip in 2012 included Orlando, Florida; Richmond, Virginia; Tucson, Arizona; and Charlotte, North Carolina, according to RealtyTrac. Flipped homes in Orlando, for instance, were bought for an average of $100,397 and sold for an average of $174,895, for gross profits of almost $75,000.

Read more from the original source:
The new rules of house flipping

BY JACKIE PILOSSOPH | Contributor April 16, 2013 9:10AM

They gave me pictures and examples, and we really worked together to develop what I was looking for, said Jerfita, who hired North Shore Nest for a major remodel of her home. | Jackie Pilossoph~for Sun-Times Media

storyidforme: 47373682 tmspicid: 17575773 fileheaderid: 7916592

North Shore Nest

(847) 858-7995

http://www.northshorenest.com

GLENVIEW When the Jerfita family decided to gut and remodel their kitchen, and add an office to the first floor of their Glenview home, they sought the help of two Glenview women they knew could handle the project and give them their dream home: Melinda Cahill and Suzanne Glavin.

Why Cahill and Glavin? Because the two best friends and owners of their Glenview-based interior design firm, North Shore Nest have been doing remodels all over the North Shore, especially Glenview for nine years.

My house is big and its nice, said Missy Jerfita. But we were looking for more warmth, and they really captured what I wanted.

Original post:
Best friends and interior designers strive to make homes unique