Credit: Melissa Turtinen

If someone wants to build or add onto their home in Excelsior, they'll now face a far more rigorous process to get it approved.

A new ordinance the Excelsior City Council passed on a 3-2 vote Monday which goes into effect Oct. 1 gives Excelsior some of the strictest zoning regulations in the state.

Residents in Excelsior, a city with fewer than 3,000 people established in the 1850s on Lake Minnetonka, have been embroiled in a years-long debate over preserving the city's charm or allowing people to build their dream homes.

Neighborhoods in the small city include some homes that date back to the 1800s, and then on the same street are newly-built or remodeled homes that some argue just don't fit in with the area.

The Excelsior City Council determined that traditional zoning regulations haven't sufficiently preserved Excelsior's character and have failed to ensure that new homes are compatible with the neighborhood in which they're built, city documents state.

This led to the creation via the ordinance passed Monday of a Residential Review Process and Good Neighbor Guidelines, which require new builds, additions and remodels of single-family homes to be reviewed by the city's Planning Commission, architect and zoning administrator, as well as give residents who own property within 350 feet the opportunity to weigh in on the project prior to the city issuing a residential review permit.

Some small-scale projects that don't require a building permit are not subject to this process as they don't require a residential review permit, the ordinance notes.

Proponents of the ordinance, including the group Excelsior Forever, say it will ensure new houses fit in with their surroundings, preserving Excelsior's character and scale, which is why people chose to live there in the first place.

However, opponents, which include the group Unite Excelsior, have argued the guidelines are subjective and would negatively impact families, lower property values and discourage people from moving to the city.

Find a realtor using the Bring Me The News directory

The ordinance is not designed to regulate the architectural design of new construction and remodeling unless it affects mass, scale, bulk and/or orientation, documents say.

The residential review process ordinance wasn't the only zoning-related ordinance to pass on Monday. The City Council voted 5-0 to amend its ordinance related to landmark buildings within the city, allowing non-property owners to nominate single-family homes for landmark status so long as two people, including one resident, are part of the nomination.

If a landmark nomination is approved, the property owner has to get a special permit in order to do any major work to the exterior, the city's website says.

The change to the landmark ordinance came after a nomination was made by a renter, not a property owner, so it was rejected, the Sun Sailor reported.

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In Excelsior, neighbors now can have a say on whether you can expand your house - Bring Me The News

Two years after a Kennewick Taco Bell was torn down and rebuilt, a north Richland Taco Bellis gettinga makeover of its own.

Taco Bell,at1825 George Washington Way, istemporarily closed for an $800,000 makeover to bring it to the modern brand standards spelled out by Taco Bell owner Yum! Brands.

The updates include a down-to-the-studs interior remodel, electronic menu boards, more space in the kitchen and a new drive-thru, said John Arthur, president of Yakima Restaurants Inc., an Ohio-based company that owns and operates 32 Taco Bell franchises in Ohio andWashington.

Arthur manages the10 in Washington.

His identical twin brothermanagesthe Ohio ones.

The city of Richland issued permits on Aug. 21.

Taco Bell is one of two restaurants thatoperateinpadsat WashingtonPlaza,a Safeway-anchored strip mall at McMurray Street and George Washington Way. Sharis is the other. The complex was firstdeveloped in 1981.

Arthur said the exterior hasnt been significantly updated in the 30 years since itwasbuilt.Yum! Brandsnew standards for Taco Bell supplied the impetus to remodel, but he said Yakima Restaurants is going well beyond the minimum expected.

A bump out will add more space in the kitchen as well as storage space to better accommodate employees.

The restaurant is in the top 3 of the 10 Northwest locations for sales, he said.

It is also the mostaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Arthur attributes that to the loss of drive-by traffic since many Hanford site workers began working from home.

The restaurant will reopen in earlytomid-November as adrive-thru. Although restaurants can open at 25% capacity, Arthur wont reopen the dining room until it feels it is safe for employees.

About a third of the Richland employees are posted to the companys Road 68 location in Pasco. The remaining workers were laid off.

Arthur plans to remodel four Yakima-area Taco Bell locations in the nextone to twoyears.

Baxter Construction is the general contractor.

Read more:
Richland Taco Bell gets makeover, more square feet - tricitiesbusinessnews.com

Don Magruder| For the Daily Commercial

Recently, there was a controversial shooting in Georgia. One of the justifications pushed for this attack was that the victim was caught on video snooping around a construction job site in a neighborhood. This justification holds no merit because an unwanted visitor snooping around a construction job site is commonplace and a daily occurrence.

For that reason, builders and homeowners should take tangible and passive measures to guard and protect their construction job site to prevent theft and vandals without shooting people.

The other aspect motivating unwanted job site visits is the current price of building materials. With lumber, plywood, and other construction materials at record-high prices, people who have projects of their own would love to stop at your project to find building materials.

I thought it was trash, is the excuse most thieves use when caught stealing things from a job site. Have a firm policy for all contractors and subcontractors working on your job site nothing leaves, including the trash, without your permission.

The first thing a builder or homeowner should do after putting up the permit box is post No Trespassing signs throughout the job site. Prominently posted signs with strong language about pressing charges for trespassing will discourage honest, nosy people from walking onto your job site. Do not be stingy with posting them make the signs prominent and plentiful.

When the construction process starts, guard and protect all building materials. Thieves understand pricing better than you, and currently the prices of many building material items are at record levels. During the foundation and framing stages of your construction project, do not ship out more material in a day that can be nailed down or locked up.

Unemployment is high, building material prices are at record levels, and many items are hard to get with extended lead times. This is not the time to have building materials stolen only have on the job site what can be installed or used that day.

Prioritize the completion of the outside shell of your new home or remodel project quickly so that windows and doors can be locked. While this will not keep a hardened criminal out, it will generally keep most teenagers, vandals, and wild critters out of your project. Do not make it easy for just anyone to walk onto your project.

Modern motion sensor lights and cameras are very affordable and provide a real deterrent if the homeowner or builder advises would be trespassers that the premises are under surveillance. Some people have a misconception when it comes to using a surveillance system.

Security cameras and surveillance systems are not designed to simply catch people doing bad things on your property they are also installed to deter them from making the attempt. In my view, installing a security camera and surveillance system without prominently posting a warning sign is a waste.

Do not store expensive tools or materials inside your project. Also, if you are doing a remodeling project while you are living in the home, lock up and secure all your valuables. Labor is very tight in the construction industry and many companies have been forced to hire employees and subcontractors with blemished backgrounds. While most contractors or subcontractors are extremely honest, it only takes one dishonest person. Until work is completed on the project, secure all your valuable items.

With the price of plywood currently over $20 per sheet and 2 x 4 studs nearing $6 per piece, it only takes a few pieces of each to lose $100. Guarding and protecting your construction job site can save real money. However, please do so peacefully do not be alarmed when you find out that your neighbor wandered onto your job site simply being nosy while it is under construction.

Don Magruder is the CEO of RoMac Building Supply and host of Around the House, which can be seen at AroundtheHouse.TV.

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Guard and protect your job site - Daily Commercial

Dear Liz: Because of COVID, my 27-year-old son lost his job and health insurance. He was unable to afford continued health insurance and did not qualify for Medicaid. He contracted spinal meningitis and was hospitalized 12 days. The hospital reduced his bill to $28,000 from the original $80,000, but he is still unable to pay. He remains unemployed and without any savings. What would you suggest he do?

Answer: Your son should first call the hospital and ask about applying for financial assistance. Federal law requires nonprofit hospitals to offer this help to low-income patients, and many for-profit hospitals also offer programs that can reduce or even eliminate the charges.

He also should ask about a payment plan geared to whats left of his income. He should resist any hospital pressure to put the bill on a credit card, because hospital payment plans typically dont charge interest while credit cards do.

If hes still left with a bill he cant pay, he should consult a bankruptcy attorney, and do so as soon as possible. Bankruptcy experts are predicting a big uptick in filings as people and businesses struggle with fallout from the pandemic.

Dear Liz: Should we take out a home equity loan so we can do some improvements on our house and make it work better for us, or should we sell it and upgrade to a bigger house? We are not in a rush to move, so we are content to take our time to find the right new home at the right price. We are also considering staying and doing work on our current home. But we have a lot of equity and are wondering: Would it be smarter to cash that in? We both remember the housing crash and are very nervous about getting in over our heads.

Answer: People are spending a lot of time at home these days, and many are longing for a little extra space. Interest rates are low, which makes borrowing for improvements or a bigger home more affordable for many.

Youre smart to be cautious about taking on too much debt, though. Lenders are much more cautious than they were before the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009, but its still possible to borrow more than you can comfortably repay. Big mortgage payments could prevent you from saving for important goals such as retirement or your childrens college education.

If you like your current neighborhood, remodeling is often the more economical route. You spend roughly 10% of your homes value when you sell it and buy another. Real estate commissions take a big chunk, as do moving costs. Bigger houses whether through remodeling or moving also can mean higher tax, insurance and utility bills. Thats not to say you should never upgrade, but youre smart to consider all your options because the cost of exchanging homes is pretty high.

By the way, you arent really cashing in equity when you use it to buy another home or borrow against it to make improvements. Some people would say thats putting your equity to work, but the idea that equity needs employment is what led many people to borrow excessively against their homes before the last recession. Its perfectly fine, and often desirable, to have lots of equity just sitting around. That way, its there for you when you really need it. You can tap it in an emergency, for example, or to help fund your retirement.

Dear Liz: Im considering converting an old 401(k) to a Roth IRA. Will the gains from the 401(k) account be treated as capital gains? And can you only convert 401(k) plans you no longer participate in, or can you convert both current and former 401(k) plans?

Answer: Youll pay income taxes on the conversion. Retirement plans, including 401(k)s and IRAs, dont qualify for capital gains tax rates. You may be able to convert your current 401(k) as well. Ask your plan administrator if in plan Roth conversions are allowed.

Liz Weston, Certified Financial Planner, is a personal finance columnist for NerdWallet. Questions may be sent to her at 3940 Laurel Canyon, No. 238, Studio City, CA 91604, or by using the Contact form at asklizweston.com.

See more here:
How to deal with a big hospital bill when jobless, uninsured - Los Angeles Times

New Incorporation and LLC filings

The Moxie Mutt LLC, 143 Haynes Road in Bald Knob, filed Sept. 7, 2020.

Spero Vending LLC, Kevin Chism, 2300 E. Country Club Road in Searcy, filed Sept. 8, 2020.

Addison B. Properties LLC, Timothy A. Bennett, 5 River Ridge Road in Searcy, filed Sept. 8, 2020.

SB Beautique Limited Liability Company, 900 Richsmith Lane No. 1202 in Searcy, filed Sept. 9, 2020.

Broken A Farm Corp, Steven Anderson, 3020 Arkansas Highway 5 in El Paso, filed Sept. 9, 2020.

5 Oclock RV Park LLC, 100 Lake Court in Beebe, filed Sept. 9, 2020.

Sulfur Springs Curated Style LLC, Benjamin Dubose, 113 E. Center Ave. in Searcy, filed Sept. 9, 2020.

Venture Wildlife & Habitat LLC, Kevin Ledford, 702 E. 5th St. in Bald Knob, filed Sept. 9, 2020.

Gray Property Management LLC, Angela H. Gray, 102 Emerald Lake Dr. in Searcy, filed Sept. 9, 2020.

Third Generation Barber Inc., Wesley Rains, 113 E. Center Ave. in Searcy, filed Sept. 9, 2020.

Vantage Point Counseling LLC, Jeremiah Taylor, 44 Sherwood Loop in Searcy, filed Sept. 9, 2020.

Innovative Home Services LLC, Ryan Waller, 187 Ray Morrison Road in El Paso, filed Sept. 10, 2020.

Steves Tractor Repair LLC, Stephen Pratt, 126 Carson Road in Judsonia, filed Sept. 10, 2020.

Sharp Counseling PLLC, Nathan Lawrence Sharp, 2205 Jonathan Lane in Searcy, filed Sept. 10, 2020.

Lindsey Pawn & Storage, LLC, Kevin Lindsey, 113 Brier Creek Drive in Pangburn, filed Sept. 11, 2020.

Rock CL LLC, John Max Bolling, 254 Mulberry Ave. Suite 2 in Searcy, filed Sept. 11, 2020.

Michael Duane and Susan Cate Marling, P.O. Box 26 in Griffithville, document number 202013539, filed Sept. 10, 2020, Chapter 7, attorney: Lonnie Grimes.

Julie Marie Zachary, 603 S. Main St. in Beebe, document number 202013540, filed Sept. 10, 2020, Chapter 7, attorney: Lonnie Grimes.

Joshua V. Bowman, 103 N. Collison Ave. in Bald Knob, document number 202013544, filed Sept. 10, 2020, Chapter 13, attorney: Gregory Niblock.

John Jay Jordan Jr., 327 Smith Road in Searcy, document number 202013563, filed Sept. 11, 2020, Chapter 7, attorney: Lonnie Grimes.

John P. and Carolyn G. Reed, 935 Jackson 2 in Bradford, document number 202013566, filed Sept. 14, 2020, Chapter 7, attorney: Gregory Niblock.

Marriage licenses applied for through White County:

Friday, Sept. 11

Robert Eugene Sinclair, 28, of Beebe and Brook Ashley Richardson, 29, of Beebe

Ethan Nicholas Wagnon, 28, of Judsonia and Christian Degraftenreed, 27, of Judsonia

Joseph Walter Lutker III, 40, of Beebe and Carla Sue Metts, 49, of Beebe

Dustin Von Bell, 39, of Judsonia and Tracy Lynn Willard, 42, of Judsonia

Phillip Andrew Jenkins, 22, of Judsonia and Trinity Faith Blake, 21, of Judsonia

Monday, Sept. 14

Christopher Parker Chamber, 25, of Bradford and Desiray Alexandra Brady, 29, of Bradford

Colin James Shearer, 24, of Little Rock and Addison Anne Honey, 24, of Little Rock

Johnathan Hayward Morris, 21, of Bradford and Alyssa Caitlin Aasen, 29, of Bradford

Tuesday, Sept. 15

Steven Joe Everidge, 37, of Beebe and Lindsay Dianne Boatman, 33, of Beebe

Debra Dianne Carter, 50, of Pangburn and Del Jeanne Tavares-Proctor, 64, of Pangburn

Zachary Thomas Simmons, 24, of Beebe and Makayla Michelle Wyllia, 23, of Beebe

Robert Hayden Haynes, 18, of Bald Knob and Emmah Marie Grace Hale, 18, of Bald Knob

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Justin Clay Corbitt, 33, of Judsonia and Maylie Genalyn Bain, 25, of Judsonia

Thursday, Sept. 17

Benjamin Brent Foster, 45, of Bald Knob and Amy L. Barnes, 43, of Bald Knob

David James Tomsic, 32, of Grand Junction, Mich., and Doris Misshelle Baswell, 27, of Grand Junction, Mich.

Certificates of absolute divorce or annulment issued through White County:

Thursday, Aug. 20

Plaintiff Elisabeth Coleman and defendant Monty Coleman; married June 22, 2002; filed March 11, 2020; one child affected; alleged cause: general indignities.

Plaintiff Mykayla Defoure and defendant Brandon Defoure of White County; married Sept. 24, 2016; filed May 12, 2020; two children affected; alleged cause: general indignities.

Plaintiff Roy Carthorne and defendant Elizabeth Carthorne of White County; married March 26, 2010; filed May 21, 2020; two children affected; alleged cause: general indignities.

Plaintiff Susan Emerson and defendant Jimmy Robbins; married August 2018; filed May 22, 2020; alleged cause: general indignities.

Plaintiff Aleasha Gevedon and defendant William Gevedon of White County; married Feb. 13, 2005; filed May 25, 2020; alleged cause: general indignities.

Code EnforcementThe following are the monthly permit reports for the Searcy Inspection Department for August 2020. Each permit is followed by the address, value and fees.

New single family

Property owner, 5 C Valley Dr., $150,000, $310, Chad Bonner

Construction, 2003 Rehoboth Circle, $90,000, $310, Chad Bonner

Construction, 2005 Rehoboth Circle, $90,000, $310, Steve Ghent

Construction, 1205 N. Laurel Lane, $110,000, $302.50, Steve Ghent

Construction, 1206 N. Laurel Lane, $110,000, $302.50

Total value: $550,000

Total fees: $1,535

Remodel/addition single family

Property owner, 2209 E. Country Club Road, $12,500, $50

Daughety Bulders, 209 Live Oak, $4,000, $50

Connell Construction, 2413 Normandy, $37,000, $107.50

Esr Residential Properties, 10 Meadowlake Dr., $25,000, $77.50

Property owner, 112 Bristlecone, $10,000, $50

Property owner, 8 Hillcreek Circle, $15,000, $50

Hays Investment Properties, 119 Bristlecone, $100,000, $265

Stokes Construction, 2509 E. Country Club, $16,000, $55

Property owner, 804 Golfview Dr., $20,000, $65

Total value: $239,500

Total fees: $770

Remodel/add to commercial

Delk Construction, 200 Queensway, $30,000, $90

T & M Builders, 3009 E. Race Ave., $25,000, $77.50

Barr Commercial Construction, 3301 E. Park Ave., $189,735.74, $489.34

Roetzel RV, 550 Truman Baker Dr., $75,000, $202.50

VSC LLC, 413 S. Main St., $13,400, $50

Total value: $333,135.74

Total fees: $909.34

Demolition permits

Hart Construction, 500 N. Main St., $50

Total fees: $50

Electrical permits

SRS Electric, 302 Crain, remodel, $50

RRR Electric, 1611 W. Pleasure Ave., new construction, $50

Clairday Electric, 1404 Hillcrest, remodel, $50

Connell Construction/Elect, 2413 Normandy, addition, $50

Stokes Electric, 201 W. Woodruff Ave., new construction, $50

Justice Electric, 1800 W. Arch Ave., remodel, $50

Cincon Electric, 803 N. Main St., remodel, $50

Roberson Heat & Air/Electric, 2102 Rehoboth Circle, new construction, $50

Property owner, 7 Baker, remodel, $50

Seark Services, 2013 W. Beebe-Capps Expressway, meter, $50

Roberson Heat & Air/Electric, 1904 Rehoboth, new construction, $50

RRR Electric, 610 E. Market Ave., meter, $50

Hale Electric, 414 Virgil, meter, $50

SKS Electric, 209 Live Oak, remodel, $50

Reed Electric, 112 Bristlecone, remodel, $50

Cincon Electric, 2209 E. Country Club, remodel, $50

SKS Electric, 10 Meadowlane, remodel, $50

Read the original post:
For the record - Sept. 19, 2020 | Community | thedailycitizen.com - Searcy Daily Citizen

HELENA The Lewis and Clark Library has reopened the lobby of their Main Branch, but only for pick at this time.

The Library has seen a large demand from the community for pick up and holds, with more than 300 items requested for Monday.

Library Director John Finn says the remodel of the library is coming along well, but there is still a lot left to be done before the library can be fully opened again.

One of the current hurdles is the monumental feat of moving and organizing an entire library.

There are 90,000 items in the collection at the Main Branch of the Lewis and Clark Library. The total collection weighs well over 40 tons, comparable to an adult sperm whale.

Moving and organizing such a large collection may seem like a white whale, but Finn says the collection management team has the situation well in hand.

I jokingly say it is General Patton level organization, said Finn. Our collection management librarian James Parrott did an amazing job of making that plan and then it took the whole staff to execute it.

Most of the shelving for the library remodel has arrived, and the current marching orders are to get the remaining items unpacked and to their designated area.

While it has taken a small army to pull a move like this off, its not like picking up and moving bricks. Books are fragile and need to be handled with care.

It took Library staff five full days just to move the 26,000 items that were at their temporary Capitol Branch.

At the Capitol Branch we actually had a lot of AV material. So we had lots of Blu-ray, DVDs and CDs which are even more fragile than books. But we took great care of them in that transition from the branch back here and everything so far looks good, said Finn.

Finn says his staff have been meticulously keeping track of items so they dont get lost. The Library also performed an inventory before the move and will conduct another once everything is in place.

Modern technology has made the sorting process of 90,000 items far easier than it would have been just a few decades ago.

Each book has a RFID tag that lets staff know exactly where the item belongs.

We have a device that we can walk around the library with and it tells us whats out of place and whats missing, said Finn.

It will still be several weeks before the library is fully open for browsing and staff are currently working with public health to develop a COVID plan for the remodeled library.

Were probably six weeks away from opening the library to the public, but we do have the holds pick up and the book drop is now open here. Those are the services were able to provide at the moment because right now theres really no library to take part in, said Finn.

Finn added the entire staff cant wait to show the community the remodeled building in the coming weeks.

Go here to see the original:
Small army needed to move L&C Library collection - KTVH

Council members Dave Schrupp and John Andrews remained opposed, saying the city should tear down that building and construct a new fire hall that would cost more but was projected to last twice as long.

Mayor Dave Nevin has consistently said renovation should continue. Council member Aaron Herzog wanted more information, and after getting that information he voted to continue the renovation project. Council member Marcia Seibert-Volz, who was appointed to the council Aug. 13, also voted for the renovation.

Thus, the 3-2 vote means renovation work on the building on County Highway 66 will resume. Andy Pickar, of Hy-Tec Construction, said his company should be able to resume work in a couple of weeks.

Estimated cost to remodel the building at first totaled $1.7 million; however, the council acknowledged that cost will rise because of the mold issue. When asked several times to project new costs, Pickar said its not possible to determine those costs until workers continue the project and see what they find in the walls.

Its hard to put a price on something you dont exactly know what you have to do to fix it, he said.

The council unanimously agreed that Nevin, City Administrator Mike Lyonais and Fire Chief Chip Lohmiller could work together to approve new costs depending on what Hy-Tec encounters.

Schrupp was dumbfounded that the council wouldnt put a cap on those costs.

Estimated cost to build a completely new facility totaled $3.6 million, though Schrupp has said a new buildings life is expected to be 50 years rather than an estimated 25 years for a remodeled building.

The city has invested about $125,000 in the remodel so far.

Greg Olson, with Braun Intertec, shared results of an air quality test his company conducted recently in the former city hall/fire hall building.

Fungal spores - or mold - were found in the building, with higher concentrations in the south half that formerly housed the citys administration and police department. He said mold could be idle in the walls and not show up in air samplings with no disturbance by people or ventilation.

Before addressing the fungal spores, the source - likely a moisture problem - has to be found and fixed, he said. Remediation techniques can then be used to deal with the moisture, damage and fungal spores. Olson encouraged the council to have an experienced fungal firm do that work.

Pickar assured the council Hy-Tec could do the work.

It helps that were renovating the entire space, he said, noting they would address each area and make sure to clear the mold out of the whole area of the building.

We need a new fire house, Andrews said, noting the calls hes received all favored a new building.

Nevin said citizens on a building committee spent four months or more to develop a plan for the city hall/fire hall building and agreed renovation was the right choice.

I think this whole thing - the mold, everything about it - has been blown out of proportion trying to build a new fire hall, he said, noting hes upset about the lost construction time.

I think we should just get going. Get the thing done and know we're going to have some unforeseens, he said.

Lohmiller said Nevins comments upset him.

That mold is true. That fungus is true. It wasnt airborne because no one was in there, he said.

I dont want you to put a Band-Aid on the mold or we wont have firefighters. Think about the future and not today, Lohmiller said.

Schrupp said it was irresponsible to go forward without having a not-to-exceed number for unforeseen costs related to mold, and that money being spent to remodel the building is foolish.

When things change like this, its OK to change your plans. You dont have to plow ahead, he said, noting firefighters and others are leery about the building and situation.

Schrupp didnt want a decision based on a construction schedule.

I think we want to do this thing right. And I do think we want to do something thats going to be around for years, he said.

Herzog said he was not in favor of a new fire hall and had been pushed to the point where he was frustrated because the renovation should be well underway.

The council also gave Lohmiller approval to find a location to store fire trucks during construction.

In other business Thursday, Aug. 27, the council held its second budget workshop. The next budget meeting will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, with a goal to set the preliminary budget at the Monday, Sept. 14, regular council meeting.

The preliminary budget and general revenue tax levy must be set no later than Sept. 30, after which time the levy can be decreased but not increased.

The council plans a truth in taxation meeting and final levy certification during the regular meeting Monday, Dec. 14.

The council also met in closed session to discuss pending litigation. No action was taken.

Nancy Vogt may be reached at 218-855-5877 or nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Nancy.

Originally posted here:
Crosslake: Council votes 3-2 to proceed with fire hall remodeling project - Brainerd Dispatch

Completed Kitchen Remodel by Kitchen Infinity

RAMSEY, N.J. (PRWEB) September 08, 2020

According to a 2019 Trulia survey of over 1300 US homeowners, 90% of those who own a home plan on remodeling it at some point. When it comes to remodeling, a study by the National Kitchen and Bath Association revealed that kitchens rank among the most popular rooms in the home to remodel. In fact, more than 10 million households spend more than $67 billion on kitchens and kitchen remodels every year.

Yet, the industry has had its fair share of challenges, with many contractors and renovation companies following antiquated business practices and failing to take advantage of modern-day technology and systems.

As a forward-thinking kitchen remodeling company, Kitchen Infinity has made it their mission to leverage the power of technology, systems, and communication platforms to improve the customer experience while improving efficiency and producing superior results.

Founded with Passion and Purpose

Founded by Dean Scaduto, a Harvard University grad (2011) and George Kocher, a Cornell alum (2011), Kitchen Infinity was founded out of both passion and purpose. Both Scaduto and Kocher have a true passion for design, innovation and bringing transformational kitchen remodels from concept into reality.

According to the founders, although new and exciting products and materials have made their way to market over the last decade, the kitchen remodeling industry has lacked significant innovation when it comes to the contractors role and process. Kitchen Infinity aims to bridge this gap, leveraging the power of technology, people and processes to help their customers bring their dream kitchen to life.

Both founders have a long and documented track record of success in former careers, including that served as a former United Nations International Consultant (Scaduto) and former Barclay Investment Banker (Kocher).

Transforming the Heart of Homes and Bringing Dream Kitchens to Life

As a full-service kitchen remodeling company, Kitchen Infinity is both capable and experienced in transformative designs, unique styling, customization and beatification from floor to ceiling.

From traditional and timeless designs, to contemporary and abstract, their team of seasoned professionals brings an element of creativity, passion and dedication to results that stands shoulders above the competition.

Kitchen Infinity isnt just a kitchen remodeling company. They believe in the positive impact the right kitchen can have on the lives of their customers. The kitchen is the heart of a home. It is where memories are shared, and where meals are prepared with love and care. The right kitchen remodel can improve the value of a home while increasing its utility, complementing architecture, and establishing a warm and inviting or energetic space to enjoy time with loved ones.

Streamlined Process: Improved efficiency, better experience, and superior results

Kitchen Infinity has placed a premium on not just superior craftsmanship and results that exceed expectations, but also the customer experience from start to finish.

In an industry where contractors are often hard to reach, dont return phone calls, or only want to deal with the demo and rebuild, Kitchen Infinity stands out as a company dedicated to streamlining processes, providing unbeatable support, and going above and beyond the call of duty.

Leveraging technology, the company has streamlined every stage of the process, from initial inquiry and consultations, to digital design demos and project progress from first hammer swing to cleanup and inspection.

About Kitchen Infinity

Headquartered out of the tri-state area, the companys service area has expanded to cover New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and South Carolina.

Kitchen Infinity is a full-service kitchen remodeling company, providing affordable, custom kitchen solutions aimed at helping discerning homeowners bring their vision to life.

Those interested in learning more about the company or in obtaining a free no-obligation price quote are encouraged to reach out via their official website or by way of the media contact information below.

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Harvard and Cornell Grad Duo Shake Up The Kitchen Remodeling Industry - PR Web

We have quite a bit of surge just here lately. Coming through COVID, I just think everybody was at home and looking to see what they can do, Melroy said.

Skiles and Melory both noted that some customers have used their stimulus check to fund projects.

I did have, for instance, one elderly man who needed a garage door opener. He got his stimulus and used it for that, Melroy said.

Remodeling jobs also have increased for Midwest Elite Contracting of Kearney, but the number of new homes the company was to build this year has decreased due to customers jobs or not being able to sell a current home, said owner Austin Gardine.

We were going to do like six houses this year, and four of those backed out. We are going to talk to a few people about doing one or two next year. With new homes there is a lot of conversations and planning, Gardine said.

The uncertainty of this year has made some people apprehensive about taking on big projects, but they have seen an increase in kitchen and bathroom remodels, new flooring and decks, added Gardine.

Gene Knaggs, owner of Knaggs Construction in Kearney, said its unbelievable how busy they have been in the past few months. The company primarily builds new homes, garages, shops and large additions. When the pandemic first began, Knaggs said they only received about one a call a month from customers interested in building. Now they are receiving two calls a week from people looking to build. The company currently is booked through next year.

Read more here:
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have paid back all of the public money used to renovate Frogmore Cottage, the Windsor estate they lived in from 2018 to 2019. The royal property, which is 25 miles away from Kensington Palace, got a $3.2 million (2.4 million) structural renovation when they moved there after ditching the toxic halls of the palace. A spokesperson for the couple said that Harry paid a lump sum to the crown to cover costs, and the cottage will still be their U.K. residence.

The renovation was funded by the queen through the Sovereign Grant, the annual funding mechanism of the monarchy, a.k.a. the pot of taxpayer money the crown receives each year for expenses, including the upkeep for royal residences and buildings with historical significance. While a renovation like this is totally standard (and the Sussexes paid for all of the furnishings and fixtures themselves), Meghan and Harry offered to pay back the expenses as part of their financial extraction from the crowns claws.

Back in January 2020 (remember her?) they explained on their website that in addition to stepping back as senior royals, they would no longer receive any public funds. In other words, they wanted to be financially independent, and work to support themselves.

And they have been. Meghan recently narrated a Disney documentary about elephants, and Harry has popped up in a few of his own little media projects. And last week, the two of them signed a big, multiyear, multimedia deal with Netflix to make documentaries, features, and television shows. Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope, they said in a statement. As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us.

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Meghan and Harry Have Paid Back Their Remodeling Expenses - The Cut