Q: Im thinking about pursuing a remodel of my home but am afraid of exposing my children to harmful materials during construction. How can I minimize this risk?

A: If youre like many homeowners, you want to buy green products to keep you and your family healthy and safe. No one wants to expose their loved ones to toxins and chemicals.

A 2018 study by the Shelton Group, published in Eco Pulse, found that the number one reason cited by respondents for choosing green products in three categories was the health and safety of their families. Others include conserving natural resources, preventing waste and inefficiencies, and mitigating climate impact.

Whatever your reasons for seeking contractors that use green products, there is an excellent but little-known resource to help you make your selection: the Red List.

According to the International Living Future Institute, its Red List includes the worst in class materials prevalent in the building industry.How your contractor uses it (or doesnt) can have a significant impact on your remodel project, as well as the environment.

The easiest and most effective thing you can do with this list is have a conversation with your contractor about your health, safety and family-wellness needs, and how to limit harmful materials on the project. This is especially important if you and your family will be living onsite throughout the construction phase.

The Red List demonstrates to the contractor how important using green products is to you, and it gives them the information they need to best advise you throughout the project and reduce harmful toxins and chemicals wherever possible.

What are the limitations of the Red List? Simply put, the list isnt exhaustive. Many big brands develop the materials they use in their products in different plants, and some are unwilling to disclose every material or ingredient used in each product. The company may consider such information proprietary, and its understandable for them to protect their intellectual property and assets.

However, these days even a modicum of transparency especially regarding environmental impact can enhance a brand and build consumer loyalty. When it comes to the environment and consumer health, protecting proprietary secrets is increasingly seen as a liability. As a homeowner with a family, knowledge is a better selling point than secrecy. The Red List arms you with that knowledge.

Ask your contractor if theyre already using the Red List. If your contractor is already familiar with it, chances are good they have at least a passing interest in green products, materials and resources in the building industry.

In the best-case scenario, they may be actively reviewing and monitoring updates on the list to avoid using, working with and offering products made with listed items. This requires extra time, research and care to ensure that products they use are both green and a good fit for the remodeling project.

Communication and collaboration with your contractor or design-build firm will be frequent once the process begins, and it may prove overwhelming at times. The earlier you discuss your desire to use safe, green products, the better off youll be when construction begins.

Paul Kocharhook is the owner of Pathway Design & Construction, a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS), and HomeWork is the groups weekly column. If you have a home improvement, remodeling or residential homebuilding question youd like answered by one of the MBAKSs more than 2,700 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

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Minimize health risks during a remodel by checking the Red List - Seattle Times

Last month, a BuildFax report stated that the housing construction slowdown may be easing up. Based on both single-family housing authorizations and remodel activity from September to October, it appears that this forecast held up.

At the time of the October report, BuildFaxs COO, Jonathan Kanarek, stated, If housing continues showing the promise of growth, or even a leveling off, this activity has the potential to stimulate the larger economy.

A month later, the company reports growth. According to the BuildFaxs report released on Monday, single-family housing authorizations increased by 0.24% from September to October 2019. This marked a 2.33% increase year over year the first year-over-year bump since September of 2018.

Last November, housing activity experienced the first instance of blanket declines since 2011, when the economy was still recovering from the 2008 recession, said Jonathan Kanarek, managing director of Buildfax. Almost a year following Novembers declines, were now seeing blanket increases.

In light of the recent upswing in housing activity, its likely the 2019 housing slide was a stabilization of a white-hot market, he said. This is, of course, further bolstered by a strengthening economy that recently experienced interest rate cuts, steady wage growth, and a reversion in the yield curve.

The blanket increase Kanarek noted also applies to activity within the existing housing supply. BuildFax refers to existing housing maintenance as a gauge of consumer confidence. Since the beginning of September, the company has been reporting increases in that index. The trend continues as existing maintenance volume and spending gained 6.08% and 12.67% year over year, respectively. According to BuildFax, maintenance activity has now increased for more than a full quarter.

Additionally, remodel volume and spenda subset of maintenance that includes renovations, additions, and alterationsincreased 6.83% and 9.18%, respectively, the report states. Year-over-year remodeling activity has started to outpace maintenance activity, increasing at a faster rate since June. This suggests homeowner project size and scope have likely been higher over the past few months.

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BuildFax: New construction, remodeling see increased activity - HousingWire

ISG and DeLeers Construction Inc. will handle design and construction for the buildout of 4,800 square feet at the WaterMark building in Green Bay, Foxconn said.(Photo: File/Press-Gazette Media)

Foxconnn Technology Group said Monday it has chosen a design firm to remodel part of the Green Bay building it bought last year, and where Foxconn has said it will locate one of what it has called its innovation centers.

ISG and DeLeers Construction Inc. will handle design and construction for the buildout of 4,800 square feet at the WaterMark building along the Fox River, Foxconn said.

The firm said the building will house Foxconn events, including tech talks and recruitment drives, and be a space for community engagement.

The remodeling will involve a relatively small part of the 75,000-square-foot, six-story structure.

Read or Share this story: https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2019/11/25/foxconn-chooses-firms-remodel-part-firms-green-bay-building/4298608002/

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Foxconn chooses firms to remodel a small part of the firm's Green Bay building - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Portland interior designer Angela Todd is a believer in bold colors and entrancing patterns, even in a historic building that just happens to be her home.

Here, she transformed an easy-to-ignore foyer into a captivating jewel-box environment with blue and fuchsia hues, aged stained and painted new wood, and a mix of statement-making textiles all while honoring the 1916 Foursquares classic character.

Like many homeowners, Todd had aspirations to improve an underwhelming space, in this case it was her entry.

But four years after she moved in, all she had accomplished with the project was to splash ho-hum yellow paint on the lathe and plaster, which already held layers of wallpaper. This temporary fix only made the potentially dramatic oak floor and the other woodworks time-earned patina fade into the background.

Then, she spontaneously accepted Better Homes & Gardens Fall One Room Challenge in which she and close to 300 other tastemakers across the country were invited to make over a space in six weeks.

The clock was ticking and the public was watching.

If you have ordered custom furniture or worked with a designer in the past, you might realize how crazy this timeline really is, Todd wrote in her informative blog.

In the end, she completed the transformation on time, posted before and after photos, and drew praise from design fans. Followers of @angelatoddstudios on Instagram ballooned.

Her personalized artistic expression, which is full of energy and zest, as she describes it, wraps bright floral Osborne & Little wallpaper from Manolo Walls around window frames made of old-growth timber.

A leopard-print wool runner from Classique Floors covers well-tread stair steps and a new brass chandelier with multicolored gems was inspired by the old brass switch plate and hardware of the wide front door.

Todd sees herself as a steward of her 103-year-old home and shes thankful that much of the labor-intensive and irreplaceable adornments have survived, despite different owners tastes, decades of shifting decorating trends and the desire for modern upgrades.

She accepts that her homes wood stain isnt currently in style, but she worked hard to preserve its distinctive raised grain.

Please think long and hard before you paint stained woodwork, replace wood windows or remove original fixtures and fittings, Todd wrote in her blog. She says older, well-made pieces were built to last and can be repaired and reconditioned for less than the cost of inferior replacements.

She advises her clients who dont like an existing element to consider this: Almost anything can be made fresh and beautiful by changing what surrounds it.

Trends will come and go, but great craftsmanship and quality are timeless, says Todd, who recommends The Old House Guy website as a resource.

Here are interior designer Angela Todds tips to dressing up an entry before holiday guests arrive:

An entry gives guests an instant impression and expectation of their visit. Think first about function, then how to add comfort and establish a mood. The goal is to anticipate guests needs.

--Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.

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A wild, welcoming entry: Remodeling tips for the holidays - OregonLive.com

When Georgetown fans look back upon the 2010s, they wont catch a glimpse of happy March memories or at least many of them.

This was a decade in which Ohio, Virginia Commonwealth and Florida Gulf Coast each became shorthand for something in program lore and none of it is particularly fun for the Hoyas to relive.

Georgetown lost to each of those double-digit seeds in the first half of the 2010s. That was still superior to the back end of the decade; only one NCAA tournament berth in the past five years, a coaching change and a far-from-prominent part of the success of the revamped Big East.

Still, there are some good memories to take out of the past 10 years. Georgetown made the Big East title game in 2010. It dealt Syracuse a 61-39 loss in the latters last regular-season game as a member of the Big East. And it carries some promise into the next decade thanks to a promising sophomore class led by James Akinjo, the 2019 Big East freshman of the...

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The 2010s: A decade of remodeling for Georgetown Hoyas as Patrick Ewing takes over in revamped Big East - The Athletic

Published 12:55pm PST, Friday, November 22, 2019

Man and woman thinking about housing

Man and woman thinking about housing

Photo: Takasuu / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Man and woman thinking about housing

Man and woman thinking about housing

Sound Off: What updates or remodels should sellers undertake if they have the means before putting their house on the market?

Q: What updates or remodels should sellers undertake if they have the means before putting their house on the market?

A: Updates or remodels are key to a successful sale. Here are some of my musts for sellers hoping to receive top dollar:

Painting: Repaint the interior with neutral colors, as bold colors can turn off potential buyers. Refresh the exterior paint if needed.

Hardwood floors: Refinishing hardwood floors give them a clean, fresh look. The choice of stain is key, so consult your Realtor or interior designer. Install new hardwood floors if necessary.

Kitchen and Bathrooms: Consider upgrading dated counters with in fashion, durable materials, like quartz. New stainless appliances are helpful, along with new sinks and faucets. Painting exterior cabinets is an extra bonus.

Electrical: Update the thermostat and install or replace light fixtures where needed.

Landscaping: Trim trees, plant new flowers, lay fresh mulch and consider power-washing the driveway, deck or patio.

Cleaning: Clean all exterior and interior windows and fix windows with broken seals. Consider a deep commercial cleaning of all interior spaces.

Staging: A complete, professional staging of the home helps say goodbye to clutter.

David Ayerdi, McGuire Real Estate, 415-794-3212, dayerdi72@gmail.com.

A: Curb appeal is crucial, as buyers often make quick judgements based simply on a homes exterior. Ive worked with buyers who were so turned off by an unkempt exterior they wouldnt even even enter a listing.

Overgrown plants can make a home look rundown, but a well-manicured lawn suggests to prospective buyers that the house is maintained inside as well. Start by cutting the grass, trimming the hedges and clearing away any clutter. Show your lawn a little TLC.

Kitchen and bathrooms can increase the value of a home, but that doesnt mean you have to do a major renovation in these rooms. Do your research first before committing to a project. New countertops or modern appliances may be just the kind of enticement you need to reel in a buyer. Additionally, fresh paint works wonders, especially thoughtfully chosen contemporary hues.

Gail Melad, Compass, 415-425-8775, gail@jessieleesf.com.

A: In the city, its all about the beauty contest. A buyers first impression is key and we only have one chance.

You cant see the forest for the trees, totally applies to busy buyers in our online world of swiping to the next property. A space filled with knickknacks works against you. This is exactly why staging is critical, and the difference is huge.

Not performing simple tweaks (and sometimes not so simple) may prevent getting top dollar. A fresh coat of paint is an effective start. A stager can recommend whether other upgrades are worthwhile, like refinishing floors, installing new cabinets/counters/fixtures, lighting or remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms.

The goal is to maximize a spaces appeal to as wide an audience as possible, because we want buyers to envision themselves living here. The ugly duckling or the white swan, which property do you think will secure a higher offer?

Paul Ybarbo, Sothebys International Realty, 415-640-7281, paul.ybarbo@sothebyshomes.com.

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Sound Off: What updates or remodels should sellers undertake if they have the means before putting their house on the market? - SFGate

The remodeling industry has a secret: remodeling projects have only a 36% chance of success, where the end result actually leaves the client satisfied and happy. Unsuccessful and sub-par projects usually have a few things in common: they lack a specific timeline, theres no coordination between teams, and homeowners, designers, contractors, plumbers, and vendors all have competing ideas about what they are accomplishing.

HM Remodeling has shown over 14,000 homeowners in the South Bend area that there is a better way to handle a home remodeling project, and we can show you how.

Our project managers are experts in team coordination and project completion. We have provided thousands of remodeled rooms and homes through clear daily objectives, smooth cooperation between building teams and vendors, and easily-trackable progress. Our technicians have on average 20 years of experience, are fully insured, and utilize the industrys latest technology for a smooth and effective process. The end result is a beautiful remodel, accomplished on time, within budget, and with no stress on your part. Call (574) 206-4394 today to learn more.

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South Bend Home Remodeling | HM Remodeling of South Bend

Welcome to Ray Tile Bathroom Remodeling, a company that specializes in all things bathroom remodeling in Piscataway Township, NJ and the surrounding areas. If you are looking for an easy and affordable way to transform your bathrooms, then our professional team of bathroom remodelers at Ray Tile Bathroom Remodeling is here to help you.

Bathroom remodeling is a costly home improvement project. Between expensive cabinetry and intricate plumbing work, it only makes sense that homeowners seek to save money in other areas such as retiling. However, this approach might lead to unsatisfactory bathroom features that dont look or perform the way you want!

We can help with all aspects of your bathroom renovations including vanity installation, tile installation, faucet installation, shower installation, shower pan installation, and everything in between. With our ceramic tiling and ceramic repair help, you can ensure your bathroom gets the proper finishing you've always dreamed of. Our attention to detail is unmatched and we'll make every aspect of your bathroom looking its best.

With over 13 years of experience, our goal is to provide a professional service that exceeds our clients' expectations. Our bathroom remodeling company seeks to be better than our competition by having flexible hours and carefully listening to our customers' needs. All of our bathroom remodeling contractors are equipped with the latest technology and equipment, so our team is ready to tackle on any complexity of work quickly and efficiently. Whether you need us, just know that we are here on standby ready to help.

Ray Tile Bathroom Remodeling offers professional tile Installation services by employing the right equipment and personnel to complete a job in an efficient manner. Our core objective is to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction by providing quality workmanship. If you are interested in any of our bathroom remodeling services, go ahead and contact Ray Tile Bathroom Remodeling today for a free estimate.

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Ray Tile Bathroom Remodeling is a Bathroom Remodeling ...

Energy efficient windows with lifetime warranties provide peace of mind and energy savings. We carry every type of window and many grid, color and other options to choose from.

Your home's siding protects against the elements and defines the look of your home. Change the look and feel of your house while simultaneously eliminating painting with new vinyl siding.

As a Certified GAF contractor you can rest assured that our complete roofing systems featuring GAF Timberline shingles and all the necessary components won't leak.

Whether its a complicated front door unit with sidelights and transom or a basic backdoor, our entry doors will eliminate drafts and maintenance and add great style to your house.

Sliding doors for decks and patios that open easily and seal your house from the elements. A range of options are available including colors, blinds and multi-point locking systems.

Garage Doors built to last with heavy duty tracks and rollers and extended warranties. A range of panel styles with multiple color and window options let you choose the perfect design.

Retractable, fixed fabric or aluminum awnings that shade you from the sun and protect from precipitation with literally hundreds of color options.

Powder coated aluminum railings that wont rust or virtually maintenance free vinyl railings enhance safety and aesthetics. Available with various designs and colors.

Resurface your existing deck with new wood or composite decking that is stain and fade proof.

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NJ Windows, Siding, Roofing, Entry Doors, Garage Doors ...

Luxury Home Remodeling Dallas and Custom Home Builder DFW

Joseph & Berry is a general contracting and design-build firm specializing in Dallass exclusive private residential market. We cater to a select group of clients, working with top-notch designers and architects to deliver excellence on each project.

As a nationally recognized home remodeling contractor and custom home builder, we provide a WHITE GLOVE customer experience that makes the entire design-build process as seamless and stress-free as possible for our customers satisfaction.

Joseph & Berry specializes in high-end large whole house remodeling projects, high rises, and kitchen & bath remodeling in Dallas.

OUR MISSION

To provide a white glove construction experience

Home Builders In DFW

A custom home is a perfect solution for people who already have a vision of the home they want, and dont want to spend months to years searching for the perfect house.

While remodeling an existing home will hold some structural and design limitations, a new custom home allows you to shape every space and feature to fit your familys specific needs. Using state-of-the-art technologies and energy-efficient applications, we build our homes to last.

Joseph & Berrys team will guide you step by step through the home building process, from our first design meeting, all the way until your first family dinner in your new home.

If you are looking for custom home builders in DFW, you got to the right place.

Home Remodeling Dallas

Whole house remodeling projects can be stressful and can lead to so many questions. Can I live in my house while the work is being done? How long will a remodel take? How much will it cost? Am I ready for this? Joseph & Berrys unique white-glove customer service experience, stress-free process, and clear communication will help you minimize those types of concerns and answer all of your questions regarding your next home remodeling Dallas Tx project. Our talented team will help you turn your home renovation in Dallas dreams into a reality.

While you are still looking for the best construction company in Dallas, Tx to perform your home remodeling, we are thrilled to share that Joseph & Berry won the prestigious national award; Best In America Living (known as BALA) by National Association of Home Builders. Joseph & Berry has been recently named as the best remodeling company in united state by NKBA association and their Kitchen & Bath magazine.

If you consider renovating your home in the historic district in Dallas, we are happy to offer our expertise and knowledge on this process as one of the best remodelers in Dallas. Well be glad to learn more about your Dallas home remodeling project, submit the contact form and well contact you soon!

KITCHEN REMODELING

Your kitchen today is not just a place to cook anymore. Your kitchen today defines your lifestyle. A great kitchen will gather all your family and friends around it while helping you make the most out of your cooking skills. At Joseph & Berry, we understand this major function of the kitchen in your life, and our amazing kitchen designers will help you to create the best space that fits your unique family needs.

We specialize in reconfiguring any old kitchen into a dream luxuries kitchen retreat. No matter if youre completely redesigning your kitchen from light fixtures and flooring to countertops and cabinets or need to create a whole new space for your kitchen, Joseph & Berry has you covered for your next kitchen remodeling Dallas. From your first design consultation until the last step in the construction process, your dedicated Joseph & Berry team will be with you every step of the way. See why so many Dallas area homeowners have trusted us with their kitchen remodeling Dallas Tx.

Joseph & Berry has named as the best kitchen renovation company and kitchen remodel design in Dallas Tx by the Architect magazine click here to see why: Architect Magazine

BATHROOM REMODELING

Joseph & Berry specializes in luxury bathrooms renovation forthe park cities and Dallas homes. We love to create relaxing spaces for you to start or finish your day in.

Ourbathroom remodeling services go beyond just replacing an old bathtub or slapping in some new cabinets. Our award-winning designers work hand-in-hand with each customer to review inspiration boards, sample projects and design options to help create the perfect vision of your new bathroom. Only after youre completely satisfied with the direction of the project, will our bathroom construction team come out to your home and bring the vision to life. Whether if you wish for a bathroom remodel or a whole house renovation, you cam to the right place.

Our bathroom remodeling projects has named year after year, as the best bathrooms in Dallas Tx by NARI and the Dallas builder association.

What makes Joseph & Berrys experience different?

We dont just call ourselves a luxury home remodeling company without a way to back up our claims. In the same way that brands like Nordstrom and Ritz Carlton create an unparalleled, deluxe experience for each and every customer at Joseph & Berry, we aim to ensure that every communication and interaction is as pleasurable as possible, contributing to a memorable experience.

1.White glove customer serviceWe design our company culture to serve a busy and fast-paced lifestyle. You can keep focusing on your busy career and your precious family, while we will take care of your home. Our goal is to create a stress-free environment during the remodeling process while providing top of the line customer service and a beautiful end product.

2.Interactive project portalOur construction management software provides real-time 24/7 access to construction scheduling, change orders, documents, photos, warranty management, selections, and much more. It will allow you to see your project progress on a daily basis from anywhere in the world (yes, you can still take that trip to Japan you were planning on!) Plus, everything can be managed in one place and the app can be accessed on all devices.

3.Dedicated remodeling project developerNo more one-man show. A builder that runs between several projects while trying to manage his own company at the same time? Thats not anyones ideal situation. Your dedicated project developer is in charge of one thing only, to communicate with you. During the pre-construction stage and throughout the entire design process, we will make sure that we build your home exactly to the specifications that your talented architect or designer envisioned and planned.

4.Dedicated remodeling project managerYour project manager will visit your home daily and update your project portal with photos and important updates. This individual will manage the talented Joseph & Berry carpenters and trade partners to attain the best project results possible.

Learn more how we can help you LOVE your home again

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Joseph & Berry: Luxury Home Remodeling Dallas, Kitchen & Bathroom