EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI Dan and Jessica Molloy are still waiting for furniture in the living room of their new home on Maxwell Avenue SE.

But that gives the young couple time to savor the golden hardwood floors that stretch from the dining room on one side of the main floor to the sunroom that serves as Dans office on the other side.

We love hardwood floors, says Jessica. I love the living room even though it doesnt have any furniture. And this is the first time weve had a fireplace.

Its clear the Molloys are excited about their new home, which gives them more space than the Northeast Side bungalow where they lived for the first seven years of their marriage.

For example, there are little things like the half-bathroom next to the kitchen. This is actually a big deal for us, says Jennifer, noting their former home had just one bathroom.

The Molloys moved into the house with their dogs, Bailey and Stuart, in February -- soon after they began their house hunt after Christmas.

They found the house shortly after deciding to put their house on Aberdeen Street NE on the market.

We loved living on the Northeast Side, but we had kind of outgrown our house, says Dan.

After looking at several other larger homes on the Southeast Side, they fell in love with the 92-year-old two-story colonial they found while searching on the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors website.

With Realtor and friend Pete Bruinsma advising them as a buyers agent, they discovered there was a pending offer on the house. They had two days to put together an offer or risk losing the house.

See more here:
West Michigan homebuying story: How couple joined 'the East Grand Rapids shuffle'

The Wyomissing Zoning Hearing Board has granted a variance to Wyomissing Investors LP to allow a fast-food restaurant with a drive-thru window at 1199 Berkshire Blvd.

The developer plans to raze the Pizza Hut in the Berkshire Square Shopping Center and replace it with a Taco Bell.

Although a fast-food restaurant is a permitted use in a C-2 commercial zoning district, a variance is needed for a drive-thru window.

After the board granted the zoning relief Tuesday, zoning Solicitor Daniel P. Becker noted that a condition of the variance would limit the restaurant hours to 6 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday and 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

James F. Nasuti, CEO of Summerwood Corp., the restaurant-operating company planning to open the Taco Bell, asked the board to reconsider the hours.

The board deliberated a second time and refused. Nasuti was advised to return for another zoning hearing should the need arise to expand the hours.

In another matter, the board granted a continuance to Gay Truehart, 916 Franklin St., who wants a variance to add a sunroom to the rear of the home.

Backyard neighbor June Christensen, 917 Hamilton Place, told the board she thought the addition might make Truehart's property noisier when the windows were open.

After deliberations, board member Robert Ullman said the request posed a dilemma.

"We don't believe we have sufficient evidence to grant this relief," Ullman said. "The most important issue is that we need to have a survey of the property. We are not comfortable until we know the boundary line."

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Zoners approve Taco Bell plans

Every homeowner wants to update and improve their home. But some renovations and improvements can make a big difference in the potential resale price of a home while others don't. Here are some expert tips on the improvements you should make versus the ones you should avoid.

Let's be honest, everyone wants their own bedroom. But what makes more sense, renovate an existing bedroom or add a new one?

DON'T: Add a new master bedroom suite.

While this project might make waking up every morning a little bit easier and more enjoyable, it doesn't make as much sense from an investment standpoint.

According to Remodeling magazine's Cost Vs. Value Report 2011-12 ( 2011 Hanley Wood, LLC.), the average master suite addition cost over $106,000, but only adds $62,874 to the resale value of the home. That puts it at the bottom of Remodeling's list for return on investment along with a sunroom addition and a home office remodel. All of these projects will add to your home's resale value, just not enough to offset much more than half of their high cost.

DO: Turn an attic into an extra bedroom.

Read: Go green when renovating: Choose deconstruction over demolition

Remodeling's report estimates that an attic bedroom will set you back just over $50,000 on average. However, this additional sleeping space can add over $36,000 to your home's resale price, allowing you to recoup 72.5 percent of the cost -- a far better return on your investment

If you're planning on selling your home, your property's exterior is a potential buyer's first impression. That said, some curb-appeal improvements are more cost-effective than others.

DON'T: Overpay for a front door.

Originally posted here:
Homeowners: Don't do that, do this

18-06-2012 18:56 Adding a CHEAP sunroom on your home and how the home looks before, during and after. A cheap sunroom is going to look exactly like what you paid for. Here's what to expect when adding a room on your home and it is done right. All sunrooms are not built the same. Four Seasons Sunrooms are built to never leak and be comfortable year round. Extreme cold and heat but these rooms are still comforatble. Great year round living in a glass room addition. These pictures show how easy it is to add on if the project is engineered right. Looking to add a game room, family room or a home office, gym or just a room for tea, these are the rooms to add. Sun Boss has been building room additions in southern California since 1947. Sun Boss handles all phases of planning, design, drawings, engineering, permitting all the way to final construction. If you want to build a room that looks like it was always on the home check these out. A contractor that designs and builds what they design on time and on budget. Four Seasons glass additions are a great way to live outdoors....indoors. SunRoom additions and how they look on actual homes. These rooms are very sexy on the house and great for resale. If you are looking to add a room that adds and returns on investment buy a Four seasons Sunroom. Building a deck and seeking to enclose the upper deck to enjoy the views, add a four seasons Sunroom. Second story additions are a specialty of Sun Boss. San Diego homes that enjoy great views are showed ...

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Adding a CHEAP Sun Room; these aren't,but here is before during and after pics on SoCal homes. - Video

BUILDING PERMITS

Boulder

Building construction permits over $10,000 in value that were approved in Boulder between June 4 and June 10, 2012. Listed below are: the case number; address; total project valuation; owner name; contractor (if applicable); and description.

PMT2012-00916; 4894 Sterling Drive; $141,558; Investment Emerald; Quinlan Construction Inc.; Remodel of existing pharmaceutical laboratory including demo of internal walls.

PMT2012-01786; 3605 Longwood Ave.; $46,170; Jutta Ferdows; Roof modifications to remove existing failing skylights and install a shed and gable dormer roof design. Existing non-standard height will not be increased, and new construction will not exceed 35 feet. No MEP.

PMT2012-01977; 3136 Ninth St.; $165,000; David Gottlieb; Coburn Development Inc.; Two-story addition to existing single-family dwelling with conditioned crawl space. First floor includes 222-square-foot addition for family room and a rear porch. Section floor includes 729 square feet for master bedroom, bathroom and storage area. Existing stair to be relocated.

PMT2012-02135; 2669 Spruce St.; $17,472; Hickman Construction Inc.; Tenant remodel for counseling office. Scope of work includes moving interior office walls, associated electrical and plumbing.

PMT2012-02235; 2460 Canyon Blvd.; $55,208; GRI Village; the Magnolia Building Company; Tenant remodel combine suites L-2 and L-3 for the Kitchen and Bath Studio. Scope of work includes relocation of walls, bearing and non-bearing, structural augmentation of existing mezzanine, reconfigure two baths for accessibility, associated plumbing and electrical.

PMT2012-02296; 1136 Spruce St.; $10,120; Eric and Teri Gabrielsen; CCM Construction Management; Tenant remodel including removal and replacement of non-bearing walls and associated electrical work

PMT2012-02346; 907 Seventh St.; $55,000; David and Adele Haynes; San Juan Pools of Colorado; Installation of a 12-by-25-foot in-ground pool in rear yard. See HIS2012-00090 for landmarks review.

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Boulder building permits: June 18, 2012

BUILDING PERMITS

Boulder

Building construction permits over $10,000 in value that were approved in Boulder between May 28 and June 3, 2012. Listed below are: the case number; address; total project valuation; owner name; contractor (if applicable); and description.

PMT2012-01341; 760 34th St.; $300,000; David and Melinda Culberson; First and second story addition of 1,510 square feet and remodel of 1,044 square feet on main level to end up with a four bedroom and three bathroom house. New heat pump with ERV. Detached two-car garage by separate permit.

PMT2012-01342; 760 34th St.; $20,000; David and Melinda Culberson; Construction of a 440-square-foot detached two-car garage. Addition and remodel of house under PMT2012-01341 -- combined single plan set for both structures.

PMT2012-01839; 2335 South St.; $70,000; Hallie Rich; Burke Builders; 573-square-foot single-story addition to an existing single-family dwelling to relocate kitchen and a bathroom, add bedroom. Remove existing furnace and water heater -- install high-efficiency replacement devices. Upgrade service to 200-amp panel.

PMT2012-01868; 4743 Arapahoe Ave.; $474,316; Boulder Community Hospital; Wyatt Construction Co.; Tenant finish of Suite 100 for the medical office of Dr. Charlie Jones. Scope of work includes associated electrical, mechanical and plumbing.

PMT2012-01870; 4743 Arapahoe Ave.; $485,247; Boulder Community Hospital; Wyatt Construction Co.; Tenant finish of Suite 102 for the medical office of Alpine Surgical. Scope of work includes associated electrical, mechanical and plumbing.

PMT2012-01872; 4743 Arapahoe Ave.; $637,701; Boulder Community Hospital; Wyatt Construction Co.; Tenant finish of Suite 104 for the medical office of Alpine Urology. Scope of work includes associated electrical, mechanical and plumbing.

PMT2012-01874; 6235 Lookout Road; $184,072; Tyler Pacific; Quinlan Construction Inc.; Tenant remodel of 3,287 square feet to modify/reconfigure existing design, marketing, administrative and sales offices for American Recreation Products.

Read more from the original source:
Boulder, Superior building permits: June 11, 2012

By JoAnne Beiermann The Columbus Telegram | Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2012 10:43 pm |

As long as there have been women, there has been a market for remodeling

From what I can figure, it starts early, during our Barbie Dream House years. At first, it really is a dream house: three stories, vaulted ceilings, Ken in the jacuzzi and everything decorated in various shades of pink. Could a house be more perfect?

But then one day things are not so dreamy anymore. That cute little bathroom is now just little. Same with the closet, which cant even begin to hold Barbies evening gown collection, let alone her day wear. And those pink appliances in the kitchen are just a bit much.

We get bigger and so do our houses and dreams. A house that seemed perfect in the beginning soon loses its initial charm, and we find ourselves thinking, what if I knocked out a wall here, bumped another out there, and replaced the flooring. Fueled by the home and garden network and Lowes commercials about weekend projects where a room goes from drab to fab, and you find yourself thinking, gee, how hard can that be?

Which is what I found myself thinking many evenings while sitting in my cozy but cramped family room. Id imagine how it would look to add on a few square feet and take out a half wall between the kitchen and family room, really opening up the space.

But unless they happen to have their own show on HGTV, men do not think like this. Their fantasies never include granite, stacked stone and travertine tile.

Which is why while we were engrossed in our Barbie Dream House, the boys were out back building forts with absolutely No Girls Allowed. Because you just know us girls couldnt resist adding a few throw pillows and curtains and maybe blueprints for a sunroom addition.

Whats wrong with this room? my husband would ask, looking around our family room.

Have you noticed that when youre in the recliner, you need to put your chair in the upright position so I can squeeze by to get into the kitchen? I said. Or have you noticed when all our kids are here that there are not enough chairs for all of us to sit at the same time?

Go here to read the rest:
Home remodeling obstacles numerous

29-05-2012 19:59 View New Cathedral Addition and complete house renovation including Andersen Woodwright windows, James Hardie siding, Azek trim boards and crowns.

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Sunroom Addition and House Renovation byTatcor.com Building

TRENTON, N.J. - The home-improvement contractor who has been in legal "hot water" for more than a year pleaded guilty on Tuesday for stealing more than $75,000 from clients.

Edward Humphrey - also known to his victims as "Fast Eddy" - stole money from clients, including a church in North Jersey and failing to perform the work for which he was paid.

Fast Eddy, 41, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft by deception.

He will be sentenced on Aug. 3. Humphrey faces a sentence between three and five years in state prison. He also is ordered to pay $188,000 in restitution.

Humphrey has previously admitted to consulting with clients between March 8 and Sept. 7, 2005, taking deposit checks and failing to perform the work.

Colorado connection

Del Benson loves living in the foothills of Fort Collins. He spent a lot of time making his Fort Collins home just right. After living there for 11 years, it was time make some repairs.

When Benson decided to participate in an energy study so his home improvements would be paid for, he ended up getting more than he bargained for. An independent contractor hired indirectly for his construction work is accused of doing a poor job, not finishing his work and having a track record of doing this repeatedly across the country. He's on probation in Florida, indicted in New Jersey and under investigation in California.

But Benson and others didn't know anything about that when "Fast Eddy" started working on the Ft. Collins home.

Benson's home repairs gone wrong

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'Fast Eddy' pleads guilty to stealing thousands

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Leading luxury destination club Inspirato has announced the release of 19 new members-only vacation residences, including the addition of 10 new multimillion-dollar, single-family homes to the clubs Signature Residences portfolio for which they are known. Beachfront properties in Laguna/Dana Point and Newport Coast, Calif., a six-bedroom Nantucket estate, and a four-acre, ocean-view home in Kapalua, Hawaii are among the new Signature Residences.

Our Signature Residences are what set Inspirato apart from other destination clubs and provide our members the extraordinary vacations they are looking for, said Brian Corbett, Founder and Chief Experience Officer for Inspirato. This release includes some of our most exceptional properties so far and they are a direct response to what our members have told us they want, which is the primary factor we consider when selecting new homes.

Inspiratos latest release also includes three new hotel partners Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto; Trump International Hotel & Tower New York; and The Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge in Telluride, Colo. Inspirato members can now also book vacations in six new destinations, including Hilton Head Island, S.C.; Laguna/Dana Point, Calif.; Squaw Valley, Calif.; San Francisco, Calif.; Kapalua, Hawaii; and Toronto, Canada.

Earlier this month, Inspirato released a new, seasonal residence at the Metropolitan London just in time for the Summer Olympic Games.

This latest expansion represents approximately $50 million in combined real estate value joining Inspiratos ever-growing vacation portfolio now totaling more than $340 million.

The clubs new Signature Residences include:

Laguna/Dana Point, Calif. This beachfront home is set on two lots in the desirable Capistrano Bay community and features floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors that open on to an oceanfront deck.

San Francisco, Calif. Inspiratos new 3,800-square-foot row house in downtown San Francisco features a backyard with a lush garden and fire pit and a private balcony with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Palace of Fine Arts.

Squaw Valley, Calif. Tucked in a grove of towering pine trees at the end of a cul-de-sac, but just a few minutes from the Resort at Squaw Creek, this residence reflects its gorgeous alpine setting in an elegant fashion.

Read more:
Inspirato Unveils New Residences in One of Its Largest Expansions to Date