MIAMI, FL (PRWEB) January 16, 2014

Lake Worth, Fla., homeowners who chose aluminum sunroom additions to expand their homes in 2013 discovered two attributes of that building technology, said Venetian President Chris Noe: The additions went up faster than the homeowners expected and at a lower cost than they would have paid for space built with a more traditional construction method. Lake Worth, like many South Florida communities, has diverse housing, including many smaller cottages built for people who migrated into the city in the 1950s and 1960s, Noe said. For those homes, and even for newer, bigger Lake Worth homes, aluminum sunrooms the top choice among our Lake Worth customers last year are a sensible solution for adding living space.

Venetian builds not only aluminum Florida rooms, but also aluminum-framed patio roofs, screen patio covers and screen swimming pool domes. In addition to building in West Palm Beach, Venetian serves Miami-Dade and Broward County, and the Keys in Monroe County.

Aluminum framing technology saves time, which translates to lower costs, Noe said. Much of the work on an aluminum sun room, patio enclosure or pool screen is done in our fabrication plant, with final assembly taking place on the building lot. That means less inconvenience for the family who is awaiting much-needed space. And because of regulations under the Building Code, inspections for aluminum structures are fewer and faster than with traditional construction methods.

Custom design, which Venetian applies to every project, helps homeowners get an addition that suits their tastes, meets their lifestyle needs, fits their budget and meets or exceeds code, Noe said. Its designers are experienced at making projects work on even small lots.

The best sunroom is the one that works for the individual buyer, regardless of the type of home thats being expanded, Noe said. With custom design, we can make the addition complement the home, from proportions and shape to the style of the windows and doors.

Venetian offers detailed, free estimates on solariums, patio screens and pool enclosures. It also offers such home enhancements as retractable canvas awnings, aluminum pergolas and aluminum privacy lattice. Free in-home consultations include curbside aces to the Venetian mobile showroom.

For more information call 866-596-2427.

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Sunrooms Were No. 1 Addition Among Lake Worth, Fla., Homeowners Who Contracted with Venetian Builders, Inc., in 2013 ...

MIAMI, FL (PRWEB) January 14, 2014

A roof overhead is the most basic shelter requirement, says Chris Noe, president of Venetian Builders, Inc., Miami, which installs quality patio covers, sunrooms and screen pool enclosures in South Florida.

It helps explain why insulated patio roofs generated more business for us among homeowners in Hollywood, Fla., in 2013 than did any other home expansion option, Noe said.

A roof goes up quickly and shelters its users from two basic elements rain and the suns heat, Noe said. Just those two capabilities expand the functionality of a patio or deck. The shade will keep sunlight off the side of a house, reducing heat buildup and cooling bills. It will increase outdoor relaxation, including at dinner time, when outdoor dining and cooking are no longer slaves to heat or rain.

And the shelter from rain can extend the time outdoors that children and their parents can enjoy, especially during the season of frequent afternoon showers.

Insulated aluminum roof panels can carry electricity for ceiling fans, Noe noted. That means the roof goes beyond passive temperature reduction by creating a breeze artificially when nature doesnt provide one, and at a lower cost than air conditioning for an enclosed room, he said. Cables are inside the panels, invisible to people enjoying the outdoor space.

Patio roofs lend themselves to conversion, Noe added. Most screen patio covers have an insulated roof, which means part of the job is already done if a homeowner decides later to enclose the patio with screen to keep out bugs, birds and other pests, or with windows to create a sunroom, Noe said. We custom design every structure we build, and we can plan and engineer for these eventualities.

Patio roofs are usable virtually year-round in the South Florida climate, Noe said.

Venetian installs Florida rooms, screen patio covers, patio roofs and screen pool domes in all South Florida communities, including not just Hollywood, but also West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Davie, Weston, Homestead, the Keys, and the Biscayne Boulevard corridor and Coconut Grove in Miami.

Detailed, written estimates are free. No-cost at-home consultations include curbside access to the Venetian mobile showroom.

Originally posted here:
Insulated Patio Roofs Prove Most Popular Home Addition in Hollywood, Fla., Among Customers of Venetian Builders, Inc ...

money section Saving & Spending Investing & Real Estate Career Insurance Retirement Tax Time eHow Now eHow Personal Finance Real Estate Building a Home Does a Sunroom Addition Raise My Property Taxes?

Mary Schultz

Arizona-based Mary Schultz has contributed articles about family, health, home improvement, agriculture and travel to newspapers and magazines. For over three award-winning decades as a marketing writer, Schultz has focused on technology, financial and insurance services and products, medical care, health and fitness, community heritage, tourism and charitable causes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, honors English, from California State University, Northridge.

A sunroom, even if it utilizes an existing patio floor, is typically considered to be new construction in that it is an addition to an existing structure. Any new improvement a homeowner makes, such as adding rooms or a wing, building a patio cover, adding an in-ground swimming pool and spa or building a deck or a sunroom may increase the property's taxable value.

A sunroom is considered to be a living space, subject to local building codes. Codes are likely to be very specific. In general, you cannot construct, erect, alter, enlarge or convert a building or structure that is regulated by a community's building code without first obtaining a building permit.

In some areas, construction without a permit is in itself a violation of county code. It can be punishable by law as a misdemeanor. Additionally, you may embark on construction and then be issued an order to stop work until you obtain permits. You could be required to submit plans to the local building department and to pay penalty fees that are far higher than what the original fee would have been. Once you get the permit, you could be required to tear out and uncover work already done to provide for inspection.

Usually, new construction such as the addition of a sunroom is tax assessable provided it adds value to the property's assessed value. The revised assessed value is typically determined as of the date when the construction is complete and you get a certificate of occupancy. If the sunroom has changed the size of the structure by adding enclosed habitable square footage, only the amount of difference is considered for the new assessment. As an example, if the residence was formerly assessed as 1,200 square feet and with the addition of the sunroom it is 2,000 square feet, the increase in size is 800 square feet. The market value of the additional square footage would likely be added to the assessed value of the house.

Some homeowners decide to add a sunroom and not to obtain a building permit. No one in their neighborhood may report the addition to the local building department or to the assessor's office. They may intend to occupy that house all their lives and never sell. However, if the need to sell does come to pass, a problem can arise. They are usually required to disclose to any potential buyer that the addition is not permitted. At the time the property transfers ownership, the assessor may make the discovery and may take action for back taxes. The assessor would in all likelihood estimate or otherwise determine the date the construction was completed and make a correction to the tax assessment for the number of years permitted by local law.

What Is Property Tax Assessment? Property tax is most commonly based on the value of real property (improved or unimproved land) or...

But the installation of a completely new liner or heating system would, in fact, increase the property taxes. ... Does a Sunroom...

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Does a Sunroom Addition Raise My Property Taxes? | eHow

A new year brings few changes to Keokuks city government.

On Thursday, incumbent Mayor Tom Marion and incumbent council members Mike OConnor of the 1st Ward, Ron Payne of the 3rd Ward, Sandy Pollitt of the 5th Ward and Susan Dunek of the 7th Ward were sworn in.

Assistant Lee County Attorney Bruce McDonald administered the oath of office to Marion. Then Marion did the same for the four returning council members as well as former council member Dan Winn, who was elected in November to an at large council seat formerly held by Zane Zirkel. Zirkel did not seek re-election to another four-year term.

Council members John Helenthal, at large, Mike Moore, 2nd Ward, Larry Mortimer, 4th Ward, and Roger Bryant, 6th Ward, will serve through Dec. 31, 2015.

APPOinted positions

City Clerk Barb Barnes, Finance Manager John Russell, City Treasurer Nicole Nagel, Police Chief Dave Hinton and Fire Chief Gabe Rose are retaining their appointed positions.

Other management personnel retaining their jobs are Mark Bousselot, director of public works; Charles Pietscher, water pollution control superintendent; Pam Broomhall, community development director; Jeff Riter, Street Department manager; Nate Buckner, Sanitation Department manager; Carl Lawson, Sewer Department manager; and Gary Stepp, Parks, Bridge and Cemetery Department manager.

Other business

In other business during the first meeting of the new year, the council:

Appointed Calvin Stevens to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board.

More here:
Familiar faces at City Hall

Winter flowers are wonderful, writes gardening columnist Brian Minter in The Tri-City News.

image credit: photo submitted

If you enjoy having fresh cut flowers in your home, especially during the holiday season, take a look at some of the many new, long-lasting varieties now available. They add so much colour and fragrance to the festive season and with proper care their lifespan can be almost doubled.

Cleanliness is the single most important factor in making fresh flowers last. Dirty vases are no place for fresh flowers. Not only should they be clean, but a few drops of bleach should also be added to the water to kill any bacteria that can reduce the capillary action of water flowing up the stems. The water should be warm and the addition of floral preservatives will greatly extend the lifespan of your cut flowers.

It is always a good idea to re-cut the stems on all fresh flowers the moment you receive them, but it is very important to make that cut while the end of the stem is held underwater. Special machines are now available to florists for doing just that. Another re-cut should be done in about a week to keep that water flowing.

Research has also proven that exposure to constant, rather than fluctuating temperatures, increases the lifespan of flowers. In other words, keep them at a reasonably cool room temperature rather than in a hot sunroom by day and in the cold at night.

I would never discourage anyone from picking up fresh cinnamon-scented carnations or long lasting chrysanthemums at this time of year, however, I would suggest trying a few different flowers that have great keeping qualities as well. Locally grown anthuriums are exotic looking. They are also very reasonably priced, as are cymbidium orchid stems, another long lasting flower. Colourful alstromerias fit in nicely with any bouquet. If you are really tropical minded, South African proteas last and last.

Spring flowers are now here and ready to bring a breath of fresh colour to brighten our winter spirits. Tulips, pussy willows and iris push aside those winter blues.

Were right in the middle of the cool, dark days of winter and fresh flowers brighten everyones spirits. According to research, fresh flowers are the gift that makes people the happiest. Although prices will vary, always buy quality and look for both fragrance and varieties that last.

Read more here:
MINTER: Winter is wonderful for fresh-cut flowers

MIAMI, FL (PRWEB) December 31, 2013

Planning to increase your living space in 2014? Here are some things you must first resolve to do, said Chris Noe, president of Venetian Builders, Inc., Miami.

Venetian is a leading installer of custom-designed aluminum sunrooms, patio covers and screen swimming pool enclosures. It serves all of South Florida, including West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Weston, Pembroke, Miramar, Homestead and the Keys.

Before a builder can design a space that will work for your budget, lifestyles, tastes and neighborhood, you must make up your mind about a lot of things, Noe said.

Noe suggests homeowners make certain decisions before expanding a home. Treat them as New Years resolutions, he said:

About moving: Whether to move to a bigger home or stay and expand is a huge decision, Noe said. Before you resolve to move, get a handle on the costs. Youll have movers to pay, a real estate agents fee to sell your home, maybe furniture storage costs, most likely a bigger mortgage payment, and probably a need for more furniture to fill a bigger home.

About staying put. Before you resolve to stay and improve and of course wed love to help you do that think about the intangibles, Noe said. Do you like your neighbors? Do your kids like their schools? Are you content with your drive to work? Would expanding your home eliminate the things you dont like about it?

About lifestyles: What do you long for? Noe said. Are you resolving to live a more comfortable life? A more convenient life? Do you want to spend more time outdoors? Do you want more indoor space to do things you enjoy watching movies, entertaining, reading in comfort, dining outdoors? Resolve to do as many of these as suit your needs, and to build an addition that accommodates as many as possible.

About your budget. Know how much extra you can afford to spend, Noe said. The smartest thing you can do is arrive at that figure and resolve to stick to it. Remember that any space you add whether its indoors with an aluminum sunroom addition or outdoors with a screened patio cover will need furniture and accessories. Budget not just for the construction, but for those items, too.

About your spending habits. Resolve to save as much each month as you expect your remodeling to cost you, Noe said. That way you can be sure youre comfortable without having that money as discretionary income.

Link:
New Year’s Resolutions for Homeowners Looking To Add Living Space: Tips from the President of Venetian Builders, Inc ...

image credit: Photo submitted

If you enjoy having fresh cut flowers in your home, especially during the holiday season, take a look at some of the many new, long-lasting varieties now available. They add so much colour and fragrance to the festive season, and with proper care, their lifespan can be almost doubled.

Cleanliness is the single most important factor in making fresh flowers last. Dirty vases are no place for fresh flowers. Not only should they be clean, but a few drops of bleach should also be added to the water to kill any bacteria that can reduce the capillary action of water flowing up the stems. The water should be warm, and the addition of floral preservatives will greatly extend the lifespan of your cut flowers.

It is always a good idea to re-cut the stems on all fresh flowers the moment you receive them, but it is very important for you to make that cut while the end of the stem is held underwater. Special machines are now available to florists for doing just that. Another re-cut should be done in about a week to keep that water flowing. Research has also proven that exposure to constant, rather than fluctuating temperatures, increases the lifespan of flowers. In other words, keep them at a reasonably cool room temperature rather than in a hot sunroom by day and in the cold at night.

I would never discourage anyone from picking up fresh cinnamon-scented carnations or long lasting chrysanthemums at this time of year, however, I would suggest trying a few different flowers that have great keeping qualities as well. Locally grown anthuriums are exotic looking. They are also very reasonably priced, as are cymbidium orchid stems, another long lasting flower. Colourful alstromerias fit in nicely with any bouquet and will go the distance even with mums. If you are really tropical minded, South African proteas last and last.

Spring flowers are now here and ready to bring a breath of fresh colour to brighten our winter spirits. Tulips, pussy willows and iris push aside those winter blues.

I am very fond of statice, and if you did not save any from your garden this past spring, fresh imported bunches are available even now.The Scotch heather that adorns the hillsides of northern California is now available, and it also lasts well. Pink or white wax flower is certainly one of my favourites to add a finishing touch to any bouquet. Some of the most fragrant flowers are Oriental lilies, Polianthes tuberosa or even a small bouquet of freesia. Just one blossom is sometimes enough to fill your whole room with a delightful perfume.

To accompany these flowers, I suggest you use some traditional winter greens. Noble and silver fir boughs are very dark green, fragrant and classy looking. They are also flat and easy to work with. The soft, wispy branches of white pine are certainly another favourite at this time of year, both for perfume and longevity. Some branches of golden or blue cedars and cypress growing in our yards can also provide a great enhancement for any bouquet. A little trick florists use to spice up the greens even further is a light dusting of gold or silver glitter spray. This alcohol based product can even be used on fresh flowers as an added festive touch.

Traditional holly is always nice at this time of year, but I suggest you try a twig or two of the deciduous holly, Ilex verticulata. he berries last well indoors, and wow, do they ever give your holiday bouquets that special festive look!

Were right in the middle of the cool, dark days of winter and fresh flowers brighten everyones spirits. According to research, fresh flowers are the gift that makes people the happiest. They do not have to cost a great deal, and garden centres, florists and larger stores all have super selections at this time of year. Although prices will vary, always buy quality and look for both fragrance and varieties that last.

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Long-lasting fresh flowers brighten up winter's dark days

MIAMI, FL (PRWEB) December 30, 2013

Its impossible to track up the wood flooring in some sunrooms, even with the beach or a garden just outside the door, says Chris Noe, president of Venetian Builders, Inc., Miami. Thats because we install the flooring as a ceiling finish, Noe explained.

Wood has a warm personality, Noe said. Its welcoming. Its friendly. But its also rich. Wood works wonders on the ceiling especially a volume ceiling of an aluminum sunroom addition.

Venetian builds not only aluminum frame sunrooms but also patio covers and screen pool enclosures throughout South Florida, including in Pembroke Pines, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Kendall, Dania Beach, Weston and the Keys. It custom designs every project, regardless of its size and budget.

Wood is not used on floors so much because of the Florida humidity, Noe said. Ceramic tile is the floor covering of choice in South Florida, he said. But on a ceiling, where the wood wont be walked on and collecting sand, dirt and moisture, it brings attributes that homeowners welcome.

Noe offers these considerations for homeowners thinking about a wood ceiling treatment:

Natural properties: Wood is a part of nature, Noe noted. That can make it especially pleasant in a room that helps homeowners connect with nature a sunroom overlooking a garden or yard, specially if the windows open to screens, or even a screen patio cover that is, for all intents and purposes, an outdoor room.

Stains: Woods personality changes with the finish, Noe said. It can be stained to complement the woodwork in the home it expands. A lighter finish is brighter and airy. A darker finish is more formal and restrained.

Ceiling volume: The darker the finish, the lower a ceiling may seem, Noe cautioned. Darker finishes may work better on a cathedral or vaulted ceiling. Medium or lighter stains may feel less constraining on a lower ceiling.

Wood isnt simply glued to a ceiling panel, Noe said. It must be installed so that it breathes and can expand and contract without consequences. Our craftsmen have considerable experience in wood ceiling installation.

More here:
Trick That Turns the Design of Sunrooms on Its Head: Wood Ceiling Finish Tips from the President of Venetian Builders ...

Miami, FL (PRWEB) December 27, 2013

Venetian Builders, Inc., Miami, has used French-style patio doors to solve multiple issues faced by all homeowners who expand their homes with aluminum sunrooms, said Chris Noe, Venetian president.

Venetian Builders designs and installs Florida rooms, patio covers and screen pool enclosures in all South Florida communities, including West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Hialeah, Wellington and the Keys.

Think about the decisions regarding windows and doors that homeowners must make before having an aluminum sunroom addition built, Noe said.

Theyve got to determine just how bright they want the room to be, and that usually determines how many and how big windows must be, Noe said. Then theres the issue of access. Sometimes a single door just wont handle the traffic, especially if the room will be used for entertaining and guests will be wandering in and out.

Sometimes the best answer isnt a window, but a door, Noe says. Or more correctly, several doors, Noe said.

Venetian has used French-style patio doors, in either sliding or hinged styles, to build glass walls on Florida rooms, Noe said.

Double-wide and even triple-wide doors sometimes even more than one set have achieved several functions on a sun room, Noe said:

Ample light: A French-style patio door has nearly floor-to-ceiling glass, Noe said. Double that or triple it and you have a bright and cheerful room. Solid doors might as well be solid walls, in terms of light. Theyll just make the room darker.

Enhanced views: All that glass provides an almost uninterrupted view from inside the room, Noe said. Glass doors can give you a good view of the garden, of guests or of children playing on a deck or in the yard. To reduce light, just add drapes or blinds that can be drawn shut, Noe said.

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Patio Doors Do Double Duty on Aluminum Sunrooms: Tips from the President of Venetian Builders, Inc., Miami

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