Dear Jim: I want to add a solar sunroom for inexpensive extra living space and so it will help heat our house. I would like to build a kit myself or to make one from scratch. What things should I consider? Mike F.

Dear Mike: Although it is typically less expensive per square foot to have a sunroom built as compared to a typical room addition, it still is not inexpensive.

Many companies sell sunrooms which are often basically in kit form, but most also want to do the construction. This is not only to make more profit, but also because building one is typically not as simple as it looks. Most of these sunrooms use extruded aluminum frame members. I convinced a sunroom company, who always does the installation, to send the components to me since I am an experienced do-it-yourselfer. It took me three weeks of hard work to build it. They told me it typically takes two of their factory-trained workers only three days to build one.

In order to use the sunroom to capture enough solar heat to help warm your house, it should face south or southwest. It should be open to the house or have fans to move the solar heated air into the house.

A sunroom which is designed and oriented properly to capture solar heat will typically overheat in the summer. Since you plan to use it for additional living space, it will need summertime ventilation and movable shading.

Depending upon your orientation to the sun, trees, lot size, etc., you will have the design flexibility to build a non-rectangular sunroom to accomplish your goals of heat and space.

For most do-it-yourselfers, using two-by-four lumber farming is easiest and least expensive.

Draw up a basic design you desire. Visit local window contractors and home centers stores to see what size windows they have. Often someone returned or did not end up buying their custom-size windows and you can buy them at a discount. Plan your final size on them.

To use the sunroom year-round and for solar heating for your house, select double-pane windows as a minimum quality. Tall old storm windows can be effective and cheap for a three-season sunroom. Check at recycled building product outlets which are becoming more common.

Using standard lumber, a lean-to design of sunroom is easiest to build yourself. There is less framing to build and much less roofing. This design will capture a lot of solar heat during winter, but it is difficult to control the overheating during summer. Since your family can be outdoors more often during summer, you may just close it off during the peak heat.

More:
Optimize solar heat in sunroom

BUILDING PERMITS

Building construction permits over $10,000 in value that were approved in Boulder between Jan. 13, 2014 to Jan. 19, 2014. Listed below are: the case number; address; total project valuation; owner name; contractor (if applicable); and description.

PMT2013-04026 4910 Nautilus Court; $11,033,783; Avery; Saunders Construction Inc.; Construction of new two-story building for Avery Brewing Company. Scope of work includes construction of insulated concrete tilt-up and steel stud exterior walls, steel roof decking, and a mix of steel framing, steel stud partition, and CMU partition and fire-rated walls at the interior. Foundations consist of driven steel piles. Floors are composed of composite deck and structural concrete slabs. Refer to LUR2012-00012; TEC2012-00054; TEC2013-00024; TEC2013-00041

PMT2013-04879 516 College Ave.; $950,000; Suzanne O'Neill; Field West Construction LLC; New two-story, single-family dwelling with finished basement. House has five bedrooms, one main level office/guestroom, and five baths. Two-car garage is attached.

PMT2013-05256 5048 Ralston St.; $1,307,000; Dirk Martin; Markel Homes Construction Co.; Proposal to construct a 12-unit condo building for Dakota Ridge Village (Building 11, Phase 1, Block 4). Each unit has 2 bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, 950 square feet. No garages.

PMT2013-06459 1000 Alpine Ave.; $2,987,150; Mental Health; Deneuve Construction Services; MHP Wellness and Education Center - Remodel of existing interior medical building. Medical clinic with medical, administrative, and professional offices. Kitchen/staff cafeteria is an accessory use to medical clinic and office use and will not be open to the public. Large community and staff cafeteria area is considered A3.

PMT2013-06745 3990 Darley Ave.; $75,000; David and Jenny Savidge; Interior remodel of basement and main level. Structural work includes reconfiguration of existing stairs, addition of four skylights, alteration of three lower-level windows to meet egress requirements, and dropped beams in basement at bearing wall. Scope includes addition of bathroom in basement, reconfiguration of two main level baths and a kitchen remodel.

PMT2013-06912 3200 Walnut St.; $179,000; Bmr-3200 Walnut; Howell Construction; Building 4, second floor. Tenant remodel of 1,800 square feet for new conference room, mailroom, and three new offices. Changes for existing tenant Array Biopharma. Includes associated electrical and mechanical. No plumbing.

PMT2013-07026 2625 Kohler Drive; $39,865; John and Andrea Clyne; Ram Jack of Colorado Inc.; Structural repair associated with damage resulting from water damage. Scope of work to include electrical rewiring, drywall and wall insulation in area of repair.

PMT2013-07043 1620 Pearl St.; $410,000; 1600 Pearl; Swinerton Builders; Phase I -- tenant remodel of western portion of second floor for offices for Solidfire. Scope of work includes adjustment of interior non-bearing walls, installation of 4 accessible showers, associated electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. Phase II work by separate review and separate permit at a later date.

Continued here:
Boulder building permits: Jan. 27, 2014

Dear Jim: I want to add a solar sunroom for inexpensive extra living space and so it will help heat our house. I would like to build a kit myself or to make one from scratch. What things should I consider?

Mike F.

Answer: A sunroom can provide wonderful living space for your family.

Although it is typically less expensive per square foot to have a sunroom built as compared to a typical room addition, it still is not inexpensive.

Many companies sell sunrooms that are in kit form, but most want to also do the construction. This is not only to make more profit, but building one is typically not as simple as it looks. Most of these sunrooms use extruded aluminum frame members.

I persuaded a sunroom company, which always does the installation, to send the components to me since I am an experienced do-it-yourselfer. It took me three weeks of hard work to build it. They told me it typically takes two of their factory-trained workers only three days to build one.

In order to use the sunroom to capture enough solar heat to help warm your house, it should face south or southwest. It should be open to the house or have fans to move the solar-heated air into the house. Adequate solar mass, from bricks, stone, water barrels, etc. is needed to store the solar heat.

A sunroom that is designed and oriented properly to capture solar heat will typically overheat in the summer. Since you plan to use it for additional living space, it will need summertime ventilation and movable shading.

Building a sunroom yourself from scratch is the best way to keep costs down and capture the most solar heat. Depending upon your orientation to the sun, trees, lot size, etc., you will have the design flexibility to build a non-rectangular sunroom to accomplish your goals of heat and space.

For most do-it-yourselfers, using 2-by-4 lumber framing is the easiest and least expensive. Draw up a basic design you desire. Visit local window contractors and home center stores to see what size windows they have.

Read this article:
Jim Dulley: Adding a solar sunroom

Green Lake, Wis. (PRWEB) January 24, 2014

Heidel House Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Moskos to the position of executive chef. Moskos, a celebrated chef, self-published cookbook author and culinary business founder, will now lead all dining outlets and private events at the Wisconsin lakeshore resort.

Moskos comes to Heidel House Resort having worked in culinary for more than 25 years. He attended Triton College in River Grove, Ill., and completed a three-year culinary apprenticeship with Westin Hotels & Resorts, where he graduated with the highest score to date. He then worked his way up the culinary hierarchy, holding several positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts throughout the Chicago area. He has worked as an executive chef for his last 10 years in the business, most recently at Chicagos Westin Lombard Yorktown Center.

During his career Moskos has had several opportunities to showcase his passion and expertise. He has catered to celebrities such as President George Bush Senior, Al Gore, James A. Lovell and Hulk Hogan. He was also featured on an episode of WOW Networks Platinum Weddings in 2010.

In May 2013, Moskos published his own cookbook. The Art of Good Eating is a collection of recipes, stories, tips and tricks written for any home cook who is preparing to entertain family and friends. It marked the launch of his cooking demonstration business of the same name, which aspires to educate and empower others so they may confidently cook in the comfort of their own homes.

It is a pleasure to welcome Chef Tom to Heidel House Resort, said Gereson Yongo, food and beverage director. He is not only extremely knowledgeable in the hospitality culinary arena, but brings with him an ambition and enthusiasm that spreads to the rest of the team. I look forward to the developments we make to the guest experience under his leadership.

Heidel House Resort includes four restaurants as well as banquet facilities. The bistro-style Sunroom, BoatHouse Pub and fine dining Grey Rock boast incredible views of Green Lake, each with their own distinct menu. The Spa Caf offers lunch with a floor-to-ceiling view of Tuscumbia Country Club for Evensong Spa guests. In addition to the 18,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, private events with catering are held in the outdoor Carriage Tent and 60-foot Escapade yacht.

For more information, visit http://www.heidelhouse.com or call 800-444-2812.

ABOUT HEIDEL HOUSE RESORT & SPA Nestled on 20 wooded acres on the shores of beautiful Green Lake, Heidel House Resort & Spa has earned the reputation as one of Wisconsin's finest resorts and conference centers. The full-service resort contains 190 guestrooms, three restaurants, 18,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a 60-foot yacht and the luxurious Evensong Spa. It was selected as the "Best Wisconsin Lakeshore Resort" by readers of Wisconsin Meetings Magazine in 2013. http://www.heidelhouse.com

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Heidel House Resort & Spa Appoints New Executive Chef

Riverdale Home For Sale 7 Fairview Blvd
Visit our website at http://PostCardhomes.ca and http://PostCardHomes.com Beautifully Maintained, Traditional 6 Bdrm Grand Dame On One Of Riverdale #39;s Favouri...

By: PostcardHomes

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Riverdale Home For Sale 7 Fairview Blvd - Video

This brick Tudor-style home in the sought-after Cliff Estates, one of Wellesleys oldest and most elegant neighborhoods, was listed as a mansion in town records in the 1920s.

Today, the stately home still can be described as a mansion with all of the architectural richness of its time but with equally luxurious updates and an addition that blend new and old in perfect harmony.

Meticulously maintained, the house has had only three owners, all of whom have lovingly cared for this home since it was built in 1929. Renovations have been thoughtfully planned to balance the homes elegance with comfort and everyday livability.

The 14 rooms include magnificent formal rooms for entertaining which all open to an expansive patio, a chefs kitchen and family room, a sunroom, a library, six bedrooms, and a walkout lower level billiard room and exercise room.

The brick carriage house, built in 1934, is equal to the home in its amenities with two bedrooms, a living room and a bath above the three-car garage.

Donna Maley and Lynn Donahue, listing agents with Benoit Mizner Simon & Company, are marketing the 7,700-square-foot home on a .90-acre lot for $3,595,000.

The home has a beautiful street presence with its brick exterior, stone trim and elegant windows, including a diamond-pane leaded window over the arched front door. Set back from the street with a curved motor entrance and a side driveway that leads to the carriage house, the home is surrounded by mature trees and plantings. The rounded arches in the windows and peaked arch of the front door are a preview of the lovely arched doorways on the interior of the home.

The details in the millwork, leaded glass, stone mantels and custom iron railings and finishes in this home are exquisite.

The foyer sets the tone of the home with its 200-year-old stone floor imported from England, arched doorways, and wide staircase with a wrought-iron railing. The staircase is spectacular with a wide mid-landing with a diamond-pane leaded glass triple window and a curved second floor landing and wrought-iron railing.

The front-to-back foyer opens directly into a charming wood-paneled den with a fireplace with a stone mantel, bookcases with leaded glass cabinets and double French doors that open to a patio.

Read more:
Wellesley Home of the Week: 165 Cliff Road

Our rooms have a 4 thick residential wall system providing maximum insulation, for all seasons. All of our Omega vinyl window and door systems are AAMA approved and also NFRC certified. Thermal cladding covers up screwsand caulking + thermally insulatesfrom outside temperatures All operable windows are double sliding, with double cam locks and have fully removable screens. Our exclusive virgin vinyl compound is optimized for longevity and made exclusively in the USA. Vinyl rooms will not crack, peel or corrode like competitors wood or aluminum frame material can. White and Almond, thru-colored, will never show contrasting scratches and never need painting. Commercial rating allows our vinyl windows and doors to be used in light commercial projects. Windows are fusion welded, with 45 degree corners providing maximum strength and protection. Dual pane windows use warm edge elastomeric separators, for energy performance and longevity. All glass is standard with our exclusive Duralite tempered glass & comes with a lifetime guarantee. Windows use the Best Fin Seal Weather Striping for an extra level of protection gains the weather. All structural member framing is aluminum 6063-T6 hardened alloy and factory micro assembled.

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Sunroom Additions Company | Sunrooms | Sunroom Additions ...

Published on January 20, 2014

A conceptual drawing of the addition of a welcome centre to Acadias Alumni Hall.

Published on January 20, 2014

Troy Scott

A 3,600-square foot, two-storey addition to Acadias Alumni Hall will change the look of the building, but will retain the integrity of the former Presidents House.

Acadia has applied for a development agreement to complete the improvements to Alumni Hall, which will become the Wu Welcome Centre thanks to a $1.5 million donation from the children of Hong Kong businessman Dr. Jieh Yee Wu, for whom the Wu Wing in Acadias Vaughan Memorial Library is also named.

Three of Dr. Wus children - Lily (1963), Doris (1964) and Timothy (1966), as well as Lilys husband, Dr. Andre Lau (1961) - are all Acadia graduates.

According to information circulated at a Jan. 15 public information meeting, the proposed expansion is intended to serve as the point of entry to campus for prospective students and parents as well as alumni and special guests.

Wolfville town planner Chrystal Fuller said the development process is still in its early stages.

The property is currently zoned I-2, an institutional zoning appropriate to a university setting, and allowing for a variety of uses, Fuller said. No change in zoning would be required for the addition Acadia has in mind.

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Acadia looking at improvements to Alumni Hall

Woodstock, IL (PRWEB) January 18, 2014

Maples at the Sonatas was named one of the top destinations by bestretirementdestinations.com for the month of January 2014. The website highlighted the Woodstock-area community after conducting an analysis that included an extensive evaluation process, customer referrals, and industry research.

Its exquisite craftsmanship, supreme location and endless offerings make Maples at the Sonatas the ideal place to continue lifes next chapter. These stunning ranch-style homes range from 1,516 to 2,873 square feet and include 2 to 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 to 2.5 car garages and maintenance-free living.

Even the choosiest of buyers will be more than satisfied by the contemporary amenities and flexible space within their Sonata home. An open design, the efficient use of natural lighting and effortless transitions between rooms provides residents with a home that is not only versatile, but also welcoming to all who step inside. With a private courtyard or patio, cozy sunroom, Cathedral ceilings, gourmet kitchen, walk-in closets, formal dining area and plenty of storage space, residents will be eager to show off their new home to friends and family. Transform the Promenades den into a cozy office or library, or serve up a hearty breakfast on the Abbeys breakfast bar. No matter how you make your home your own, Maples at the Sonatas is sure to go above and beyond every buyers expectations.

Of course, the luxury doesnt stop there. In addition to a gorgeous new home, residents of the Sonatas also receive exclusive membership to the community Clubhouse. The Clubhouse serves as the heart of the community by offering residents a place to do the activities they love most. Whether its catching up with friends beside the cozy fireplace, preparing for a big party in the expansive kitchen, swimming laps in the heated pool or working up a sweat in the fitness center, the Clubhouse is sure to keep residents active every day of the year.

While residents would agree that they can find everything they need within their community, they can also enjoy easy access to the charming town of Woodstock. Situated on the northern side of town, Sonatas residents are only a short distance from downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment. Spend an evening with your loved one at the Opera House, or explore the historic Woodstock Square with your grandchildren. The town is also famed for its popular public concerts and seasonal festivities, which are the perfect opportunity for meeting new friends and making memories.

Maples at the Sonatas was rated as one of the top retirement locations for a reason. The Sonatas is more than just a neighborhood -- its a community that strives to provide its residents with the most comfortable and satisfying lifestyle possible. Thanks to its prime location, all-encompassing features and maintenance-free promise, residents are finally able to live the lavish life they truly deserve. To learn more about Maples at the Sonatas, please call (815) 334-0340 or visit http://wilcoxcommunities.com.

Link:
Maples at the Sonatas Ranked Among Best Retirement Locations

A Sunroom Addition from TEMO is a Wise Investment for Your Home

A sunroom addition is a great place to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, while eliminating common outside nuisances, such as inclement weather, harmful UV rays, or insects. Sunrooms also have the ability to extend the living space of your home and upping its resale value, making sunroom construction a wise investment. And TEMO, the largest and most reputable outdoor patio product manufacturer in the United States today, is the company you can trust to provide you with outstanding products and exceptional service for your sunroom needs.

Our sunrooms come in a variety of styles, including studio, cathedral, solarium, and conservatory, and our experts can help you find the best option that will look and feel like a natural extension of your home.

In addition, a TEMO sunroom addition comes equipped with many great features, including:

A sunroom addition can serve many different purposes in your home, whether youre looking for an additional guest room, a play room for the kids, or an extra space to host family parties. No matter what your usage will be, TEMO can help. We offer many different options for sunroom addition installation, everything from do-it-yourself to our full-service program. With our full-service program, our expert authorized dealers take care of the whole process from securing appropriate permits, to installing the sunroom according to our factory standards, to leaving a clean job site when the project is finished. Best of all, we pair our sunrooms with a lifetime transferable warranty so you can be sure your investment will be well-protected.

If youre ready to learn more about building a sunroom addition onto your home, contact us today. Well be happy to connect you to an authorized dealer in your area who can tell you more about sunroom pricing and the many styles we have available.

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Sunroom Addition - Temo Sunrooms Inc