Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

NEW YORK (AP) Jane Brown Grimes, a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame for contributions to the sport as an executive who held roles at the U.S. Tennis Association, the precursor to the WTA Tour and the Hall itself, has died at age 80.

The Hall announced Brown Grimes death on Wednesday, based on information from her daughter, Serena Larson. The Hall said Brown Grimes passed away at her home in New York City on Tuesday.

Jane devoted her life to the sport of tennis, and the sport benefited greatly from her intelligence, grace and dedication, USTA Chairman of the Board and President Mike McNulty said. With her unparalleled dignity, Jane grew our sport from the most local grassroots to the highest levels of the professional game. She will be missed.

Brown Grimes opened a New York development office for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1977 and was the Rhode Island-based Halls Executive Director from 1981-86, then its President and CEO from 1991-2000, overseeing the restoration of its historic buildings and grounds.

In 1986, she became the Managing Director of the Womens Professional Tennis Council, the WTAs precursor. She was the Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of the USTA in 2007-08.

Brown Grimes, who served on International Tennis Federation committees and the Grand Slam Committee, was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2014.

As the leader of three major tennis organizations, Jane had a tremendously positive and wide-ranging impact across the sport, former Hall CEO Mark Stenning said. She was an astute leader who approached everything with the highest level of grace, skill, and intelligence. I am grateful to have counted her as my friend and mentor.

In addition to Larson, Brown Grimes is survived by two sons, five grandchildren and her brother, according to the Hall.

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More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Jane Brown Grimes, tennis executive and Hall of Famer, dies - SFGate

Cant stand the look of your cabinets and dont have the budget to replace them with brand new ones? Dont fret. You have options.

DIY options

There are three options that you can do on your own that can perk up the appearance of the cabinets painting, refinishing and refacing.

Painting: Using good-quality, enamel-based paint, you can choose any color you want.

Its best to remove the cabinet doors and drawers and paint them separately. You can ensure a higher quality finish by applying the paint with a cup gun, HVLP (high volume, low pressure) sprayer, or similar system. For an added layer of protection and durability, apply three to four coats of an acrylic-based clear urethane to increase the resiliency of your finished product. There are several clear coat products available at your local paint and hardware stores.

Also, keep in mind that if you have glass doors, paint the interior to match the exterior. To antique or glaze the cabinets, use a small artist brush or glaze. Check out our e-store for painting supplies.

Refinishing: This option is often the most affordable and the quickest way to bring life back into dreary cabinets. The cabinets must be in good condition because refinishing includes stripping the existing finish, sanding, and staining or painting. Staining wooden cabinets can give the illusion of any type of wood you want. You can go from whitewashed to a deep cherry wood color. It is, however, hard to go from a very dark to very light.

Refacing: Refacing involves picking out new doors and drawer fronts to replace the ones you have. The existing cabinet boxes are covered with a veneer to match your new doors/drawers. There is a wide variety of colors and finishes to choose from, even wood finishes.

Someones got a screw loose

After years of pushing and pulling, the cabinetrys hardware may be a little worse for wear.

Loose screws in the frame: If the screws in the cabinet frame are loose even after tightening them, try installing longer screws of the same design. The longer screw will pass the point where the wood has gone soft and grip tighter for a stronger hold.

If the screws in the doors are loose, do not install longer screws. This will cause problems with protrusion through the face of the cabinets and doesnt leave much in the way of future maintenance or cabinet door repairs. Instead, pick up a can of Rock Hard Putty or Equal Putty at your local hardware store. Follow the directions on the back of the putty can. Once dried, pre-drill holes and reinsert the screw.

Tip: You may want to mark a spot on your drillbit slightly shorter than the length of the screw as a stopping point, so you dont over drill into the door itself. Example: If the screw travels 1/4 inch into the door, make a mark on the drill bit at 3/16.

The doors are not square to the rest of the cabinet: Today, hinges are made with two screws that allow for adjustment when loosened. If the seam between the two cabinet doors is not even, or the two doors are not perfectly parallel to each other, adjust them.

Damaged hinge: If the hinge is bent, even slightly, it will cause problems. Make sure all plates are straight and there is no resistance while opening or closing the hinge. You may have to take the hinge off to test this. Take the defective hinge to a hardware store to match the replacement. If it needs a little WD-40, either tape the surrounding area to spray or just remove the hinge to spray.

Consider secondhand cabinets

Used cabinets are hard to find in a set. The Habitat for Humanity HabiStore in Tucson tells us they only pick up complete sets of cabinets, no odds and ends. Cabinets donated to Habitat must be a complete set, structurally sound, in good condition, no water stains, and the doors, drawers, and hardware attached. They prefer cabinets that are less than 10 years old. Painted cabinets are accepted if they are in good condition.

Another resource is Stardust Building Supplies, which sells reclaimed building materials, some of which are in excellent condition.

No free meals here

When we think of termites, we generally think about termites in the foundation or the wood structure of our home. But termites can make a meal out of our indoor cabinets, too.

Used cabinetry at a bargain price also carries the risk of infestation, especially if you dont buy from a reputable source. If the second-hand cabinetry you bring home is infested, you are exposing your entire home to trouble.

The HabiStore tells us that their receiving team uses a device to scan for termites, insects, other critters, and damage.

If you notice mud tubes, swarms, termite droppings, discarded wings or buckled or warped wood in or around your new cabinets, they have or had termites.

Call an exterminator to inspect and treat your home. Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to replace them.

Whichever option you choose to refresh your cabinets, keep them clean and repair damage quickly to keep them looking pristine for many years.

Join Rosie on the House every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on KTAR News 92.3 FM. If youd like to send us questions or comments, email mailto:info@rosieonthehouse.com. Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert since 1988, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program. Call 888-767-4348 with questions and comments.

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Restoring your cabinets without the cost of replacement - KTAR.com

The renovated Green Park store will reopen Nov. 12

ST. LOUIS The Aldi in Green Park in south St. Louis County will reopen soon, the ninth of the chains grocery stores in St. Louis to be renovated so far this year.

The renovated Green Park store, at 11185 South Towne Square, will reopen Nov. 12.

The ongoing remodeling of St. Louis Aldi locations is part of the grocery stores ongoing effort to remodel and expand its existing stores nationwide, but a spokesperson declined to give costs for remodeling St. Louis stores or the Green Park location. The spokesperson said Aldi has spent $5 billion on remodeling and expansion, adding 500 stores in the past five years and another 100 by years end.

Remodeling gives stores an elevated design, improved layout and more refrigeration to make room for additional fresh and frozen foods, with a move toward more natural lighting and environmentally friendly materials, the company said.

The Green Park location opened in 2016 across the street from a smaller Aldi, which closed.

The company operates more than 40 stores in the St. Louis region. Local stores that have closed for remodeling and reopened so far this year are in Warrenton; Vandalia, Illinois; St. Charles; Collinsville; St. Peters; Jennings; Sullivan; and the location at 6601 Gravois Ave. in St. Louis, which reopened Oct. 22.

Click here for the full story from the St. Louis Business Journal.

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Aldi reopening a renovated store, its ninth in St. Louis this year - KSDK.com

Many Fairfield Glade residents who spoke at a town hall meeting on the future of the Druid Hills Clubhouse project made it known that they miss dining at the now-closed Legends banquet room and Fireside Lounge there.

Whether the Fairfield Glade Community Club should operate more than one restaurant currently only Stonehenge Grille was the primary topic of discussion during the Oct. 26 meeting at The Center.

The board of directors called the town hall meeting for residents to offer their suggestions and ask questions about the future of the Druid Hills Clubhouse building.

The board will decide whether to remodel the 50-year-old building or tear it down and replace it and whether a restaurant will be included.

FGCC board member Greg Jones, who heads the Druid Hills Clubhouse project advance planning team, said the meeting would be the first of several town halls on what should be done at Druid Hills with the support of residents.

This is not the committees or even the boards clubhouse, it is the communitys, said Jones, who moderated discussion with the audience of about 150 people. So we want to be attentive to make sure were listening to what you have to say.

He said there likely will be a survey for residents, too, and noted that residents also can offer their comments and ask questions by email at druidhillsprojects@fairfieldglade.cc.

Most residents who spoke wanted either Legends/Fireside to reopen or a restaurant to be included in plans for a new clubhouse complex.

One woman made her point for more dining by asking the audience for a show of hands who are golfers and then for the same among those who like to eat out. About twice as many hands went up for the latter.

I think that tells you where were coming from, she said, adding that the emphasis in Fairfield Glade, seems to be on golf, and golf only.

She said the Casa Grande Mexican restaurant that opened on Peavine Rd. in October has been mobbed with customers, and noted that they dont even have a liquor license.

So, I think there is an opportunity for us to have more and better food and beverage service here, and have it quickly, she said. She and others agreed that waiting several years for a remodeled or new complex is too long.

According to a project timeline, construction of a new complex or remodeling of the existing building would occur in two phases, with the first completed in 2024. There was no timeline yet for completion of the second phase.

One resident said because the community club has a flagship golf course in Stonehenge there had better be a flagship restaurant to go along with it. Stonehenge Grille, he said, is nice, but it doesnt cut it.

Pointing out FGCCs history of an unsuccessful food and beverage operation, he said a friend who owns an Illinois resort with golf courses and restaurants suggested to him that FGCC lease Legends/Fireside to a restaurateur who knows how to run a restaurant rather than operate it itself. Many in the audience applauded him.

The F&B operation had been subject to complaints in recent years from some residents when both Stonehenge Grille and Legends/Fireside were open. In 2018, for example, it lost $657,000. Losses were reduced to $472,000 in 2019.

All F&B losses are subsidized through property owner assessments.

Complaints about poor quality of both food and service, primarily at Fireside Lounge, coupled with the high level of subsidies, led the board to decide to close Legends/Fireside effective April of this year, and operate only a newly remodeled Stonehenge Grille year-round. Stonehenge Grille previously shut down at the same time as the golf course in November until the spring.

With now only one restaurant to manage, F&B for the year to date ending Sept. 30 lost about $239,000; that is $90,000 less than what it was budgeted to lose at $329,000 for the first nine months. During the same period last year, it lost $425,000.

Before the meeting, one woman walked carried a petition and asked attendees if they would sign it in support of a drive to reopen Legends/Fireside.

A reopening is not likely anytime soon, if at all. At a board meeting this past summer, General Manager Bob Weber said that the COVID-19 pandemic has made hiring and retaining staff even more difficult than previously. He repeated at a board workshop Oct. 27, that staffing is the major obstacle to reopening Legends/Fireside.

Weber said another issue is that there arent enough diners to support more than one restaurant in the fall and winter when the number of visitors to the Glade drops considerably, some residents leave for warmer weather and others prefer to stay at home during cold temperatures. He said F&B revenue typically falls about 40% during that time.

The board announced last week that Stonehenge Grille will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting in November and continuing through the winter as part of a reshuffling of services during the usually slow time.

But the board said it is working with caterers to have some special events at The Center, which has a banquet room but no full-service kitchen.

Jones said at the workshop that the community meeting on Druid Hills was well-attended with a lot of good conversation and that he received 30-35 email messages on the topic.

I thought yesterday was a pretty good day, he said.

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Druid Hills project in the works, FGCC holds town hall - Crossville Chronicle

(Alexandria, MN) There are only a few school board positions and a handful of questions on the ballot for next Tuesday's special elections. The following is a look at what is on the ballot in the various school districts in and around Alexandria.

ISD 206 - Alexandria (Vacancy)

ISD 213 - Osakis (Vacancy)

ISD 547 - Parkers Prairie (Vacancy)

ISD 2908 - Brandon-Evansville(Question)

Approval of School Building Bonds

Shall the School Board of Independent School District No. 2908 (Brandon-Evansville), Minnesota (the School District), be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $14,500,000, for the purpose of providing funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including but not limited to, safety and security improvements, renovation of existing space into classrooms, gymnasium, career and technical shop and community fitness room additions, construction of new parking lots and new storage shed at the Brandon school facility and including but not limited to, safety and security improvements, classroom addition, gymnasium addition, renovation of existing space to provide more classrooms, new parent drop-off area, demolition of three story building and construction of new parking lots at the Evansville school facility?

ISD 2753 - Long Prairie-Grey Eagle(Question)

Question - Renewal of Expiring Referendum Revenue Authorization

The board of Independent School District No. 2753 (Long Prairie-Grey Eagle) has proposed to renew the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $249.24 per pupil which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2022. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2023, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 2753 be approved?

ISD 743 - Sauk Centre (Question)

Question 1 - Renewal of Capital Project Levy To Fund Technology

The board of Independent School District No. 743 (Sauk Centre Public Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 2.281% times the net tax capacity of the school district. This authorization would renew the school districts existing authorization which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2021. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $259,805 for taxes payable in 2022, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for six years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $1,558,830. The additional revenue from the proposed capital project levy authorization will provide funds for the acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, software licenses, computers, improved technology equipment, networks, infrastructure, and the costs of technology related personnel and training. Shall the capital project levy authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 743 be approved?

Question 2 - Approval of School District Bond Issue

Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 743 (Sauk Centre Public Schools) also be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $26,450,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including renovations and ADA-accessibility improvements to existing restrooms in the secondary building, the construction and equipping of an early childhood center, storm shelter, and outdoor projects yard at the elementary school, remodeling and improvements to the existing elementary school library and computer lab, remodeling and improvements to create learning communities at the elementary school, the remodeling and equipping of the elementary school special education suite, the addition of a sensory room at that site, subdividing existing elementary classrooms to create smaller classrooms and break-out areas, the construction and equipping of new entrances and learning commons in the secondary building, the remodeling and equipping of the media center, staff lounge, career and technical education spaces, the construction and equipping a new cafeteria and storm shelter at the secondary school building, remodeling and improvements to create a culinary arts learning space with break-out areas, renovations to the existing science lab to create classrooms and storage areas, upgrades and improvements to lighting, boilers, water distribution systems, the central clock and public address system, and the construction of roofing repairs and improvements at the elementary school and auditorium?

ISD 2342 - West Central Area (Question)

Question 1 - School Building Bonds for New and Existing Elementary Schools

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 2342 (West Central Area Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds of the School District in an aggregate amount not to exceed $37,030,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction of a new South elementary school in Hoffman and construction and renovation at North elementary school in Elbow Lake including, but not limited to, site acquisition and improvements at the elementary sites by means of site development, demolition and abatement, modernization, and beautification?

Question 2 - School Building Bonds for Classroom Expansion, Fitness Center and Equipment

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 2342 (West Central Area Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds of the School District in an aggregate amount not to exceed *4,870,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, expanding classroom spaces and labs, adding equipment and furniture to support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), Career and Technical Education, a Student Fitness Center, the Media Center and other general updates to facility grounds?

Question 3 - School Building Bonds for Athletic Complexes; Outdoor Upgrades

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 2342 (West Central Area Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds of the School District in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,495,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction and equipping of a track and filed complex, construction of a softball and baseball field complex and to repair and upgrade other outdoor grounds and structures?

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What are on the local ballots for next Tuesday's special elections - Voice Of Alexandria

Phone and online orders are pouring into Rangoon since management announced on social media that Chinatowns lone Burmese restaurant would close at the end of the year after a 28-year run on Ninth Street.

But the thousand-layer bread and spring ginger salads may not go away for good.

While Christine Gyaw and her business partners field an uptick in orders from nostalgic customers, they have also heard from several restaurateurs who are interested in either keeping Rangoon in business or opening it as a different Burmese restaurant at 112 N. Ninth St. The restaurant opened in 1993 at 145 N. Ninth St. and moved down the block to a larger storefront in 1996.

READ MORE: Rangoon and 11 other restaurants that capture Chinatown's spirit

One potential suitor owns several non-Asian restaurants in Philadelphia, Gyaw said, and his children love the food. If she can strike a deal with him, she said, she would stay on as a partner and would teach Rangoons recipes to a new chef. Regardless of the new management, Gyaw said, the place needs remodeling, a common necessity at an older restaurant. Rangoon had offered beer and wine in the dining room, but new management could offer more profitable cocktails and a tightening of the menu.

Gyaw, 64, who fled Myanmar in 1990 with her daughter, Mya, said the rigors of the business have caught up with her and partners Jenny Louie and Chiu Sin Mee. They decided to announce the closing Oct. 26 to allow customers time to process the news.

Gyaw said the pandemic has been particularly hard on them as they schlep sacks of potatoes and other heavy ingredients from storage into the kitchen.

Their chef, as Gyaw explained, is 77 years old. The restaurant has also shed staff since reopening in May 2020 after a two-month shutdown early in the pandemic to the point that they cannot staff the formal dining room for in-person service. Rangoon did not offer delivery before the pandemic, and the owners were forced to transition their kitchen to the world of third-party platforms.

Customers showing up for pickups have been emotional, Gyaw said. One said, I almost cried when I heard about this. When I saw him, I wanted to cry, too.

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Rangoon, which brought Burmese cuisine to Philadelphia in 1993, says it will close, but there are plans to sell - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Election Day is fast approaching.

It's a thin ballot in Livingston County. Here's what Livingston County residentsneed to know for Nov. 2.

In Brighton, residents will decide who will fill four of the city's council seats.

In Howell, residents will chose a mayor and three city council members.They also will select two people to serve on the city's board of review.

Voters in Conway and Handy townships will join voters in Fowlerville in deciding ona bond millage for Fowlerville Schools. The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bondis 0.9 mill, which wouldnot increase what taxpayers are paying, according to the proposal.

An informational flyer from Fowlerville Schools says the proposed millage essentially extends thebond repayments by a year. The additional money will be used for a new elementary school building, technology for the new school,remodeling school buildings and playgrounds, according to the proposal.

In Howell, residents inPrecincts 1 and 2vote atLivingstonEducationalServiceAgency (LESA).Precinct 3votes at Howell City Hall in the second floor conference room.

In Brighton, residents in Precinct 1 vote at the Brighton Area District Library; residents in Precinct 2 vote at the Brighton Community Center and residents in Precincts 3 and 4 vote at the Brighton Education Community Center (BECC).

In Conway Township, residents will vote at Conway Township Hall and Handy Township residents will vote atWoodshire Place Banquet Facility.

Residents can find their assigned precinctby entering their address on the county's website.

A resident may register in person at their local clerk's office, up to and including Election Day with residency verification. Documents that may be accepted for residency verification (items must include the applicant's name and current address): current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document.

A person registering to vote less than 14 days before an election can vote in person with an absentee ballot at the Clerk's Office with residency verification. They also have the option to go to their voting location after registering at their local clerk's office.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Contact Kayla Daugherty at 517-552-2848 or kdaugherty@gannett.com.Follow her on Twitter @KayDaugherty92.

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The 2021 general election is Tuesday. Here is what you need to know in Livingston County - Livingston Daily

Grand Canyon's men's basketball team returns to pre-COVID normalcy in its arena Saturday night against Western New Mexico.

There will be a full house, the frenzied, electric atmosphere created by the students known as the "Havocs."

And there will likely be some tears shed before the game when a tribute video will be played to honor former player Oscar Frayer, who died March 23 in a fiery car crash in northern California, three days after he blocked three shots and scored eight points in GCU's loss to Iowa in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Frayer, who returned for his final season last year after missing the 2019-20 season, will always be remembered by his teammates and coaches and the newcomers who have heard stories about the athletic, charismatic forward.

"He's done a lot for this school, so it's good that they are honoring him," said forward Sean Miller-Moore, who was Frayer's roommate last season when the Antelopes made school history, becoming the first team to reach the NCAA Tournament.

Miller-Moore said Frayer's passion carried over to the kind of player he has become.

"How joyful he was, and how passionate he was," Miller-Moore said. "When he was on the court, he was always working hard. Every time I'm on the floor, I'm remembering him, no matter what."

Coach Bryce Drew, now in his second year leading the Antelopes, said that Saturday is going to be a celebration of Frayer's life.

"Honoring him with the team and what he helped accomplish," Drew said. "When I look down at his jersey (number 4), I'll have some sadness but I'llalso have a smile in my heart knowing what he's accomplished in his life."

This will be Drew's and most of the players' first full Havocs experience. They got a glimpse of the noise level during Midnight Madness, when students packed the arena. But this is now in a game situation.

Last year, with COVID-19 restrictions, GCU was grateful to have some fans spread out among cardboard cutouts. As the season wound down, more than 2,000 students were let into games, which still created a great college basketball atmosphere.

Now the noise level figures to be off the charts, especially after that full crowd couldn't be heard for a year-and-a-half. During Thursday's practice, Drew had noise piped in over the PA system at times.

"Trying to make them realize how loud they're going to have to talk during the games," Drew said.

After practice, the players got to see their new locker room that includes a lounge and massage chairs. There also is a new weight room near steps from the locker room and an expanded trainer's room.

That excited them.

Since the spring, they weren't able to shower at the arena, because of remodeling going on. They would have to go back to their dorms to shower.

Thursday's practice was attended by Bryce's father, Homer Drew, the former great Valparaiso coach, who led his small Indiana team to a first-round NCAA shocking win over Mississippi on son Drew's memorable 3-point buzzer beater in 1998. Homer said he will be attending Saturday's game.

Drew wasn't ready to say what his starting lineup will be for Western New Mexico, but said he's comfortable with a number of players.

It could be fun watching local guys, Jovan Blacksher Jr., and Holland Woods II, in the backcourt together for the first time. Blacksher was the MVP of the WAC Tournament last year. Woods transferred in from Arizona State, where he played in every game last season for the Sun Devils, who were bitten by injuries.

"We might see different starting lineups," Drew said. "There's a lot of versatility. I don't see a set starting lineup. I see lots of guys that will play first half and second half, see how it goes."

Miller-Moore, who played a key role off the bench last season, said this a close team, even with seven newcomers, including former ASU forward Taeshon Cherry.

"We all love each other," Miller-Moore said. "We're so close as a team already."

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.comor 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today

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Grand Canyon to pay tribute to Oscar Frayer before playing Western New Mexico on Saturday - The Arizona Republic

Its always fun to plan the next addition to any home or house structure. Additional rooms and large layout extensions can add functionality and value to properties. Exciting structures can elevate any house aesthetic. Moreover, there is more space and a place for things at home.

One of the most common home projects is adding a second story. Many homes start with a single-story foundation. Over the years, additional renovations become more evident. Homeowners improve and remodel parts of their property. However, these home projects dont come without proper planning and preparation.

Its best to know some things before adding a second story to your home. Youre adding another aspect, but theres also a possibility of subtracting parts from the structural fidelity. Changes are inevitable, no matter how big or small the project is.

Adding a second-floor costs money

Any home remodels or renovation, no matter the size, costs money. The same applies when you want to add a second floor to your property. Its best to prepare for the costs, so you dont underestimate the expenses of an additional second floor.

Costs often include the materials, labor, and the service of companies. Its always better to have a little extra budget in case of changes. After all, you cant compromise the safety and condition of a top floor on an existing single story.

Budget planning should be part of the entire project planning. Discuss the budget with your contractor to avoid overshooting expenses as much as possible. Contractors arent strangers to limited budgets. Various compromises are always present to fit any budget construction but dont forget to spare the extra cash.

Prepare the garage for additional floor layers

If you want to add a top floor to the garage, it may require different preparation. Youll need to call a garage door repair company for the task first. There are ideal structure aspects to the garage that can change with the addition of a top floor.

In most cases, the garage still stays as a car space. Adding second floors can change the area of the garage. To avoid any misalignment issues, you should deal with the existing garage door first.

Moreover, its best to clear the garage floor first. In this move, you may end up having to move vehicles away first. Clear out items and fixtures for the additional second floor. Prepare the garage door just like you would prepare for the construction.

Prerequisite tasks can include garage door repair

For garage doors that lack the proper maintenance and regular services, its a different matter to prep the doors. If the garage doors arent in the best condition, there may be issues with any renovation.

Adjustments, movements, and part inspections are necessary. The last thing you want is a weak garage that can compromise the additional floor to your property. Loose mechanisms, missing door parts, or damages can affect the building work of the second floor.

So if you need garage door spring repair, garage door roller repair or any other garage door services, its better to contact a local garage door company before.

The same goes for garage door installation works. If its part of your plan to add a new garage door and a second floor, incorporate the doors into the plan. Installation, design, size, frame adjustments, and garage foundations are essential aspects you need to consider.

There are standard building codes for every location

Living in neighborhoods and locations can translate to various guidelines. Since youre living with a community, additional construction requires a lot of things. You cant renovate homes without the proper permit.

In some cases, you need to ask for permission from community councils to add a second floor. Since aerial areas are often contingent on debate or protest, inquire with localities first. Different additions mean different standards, guidelines, and procedures to follow.

There are also specific building codes to guarantee a standard building foundation. If there are accidents and unfortunate situations, tragedies to your property can affect other homes. Trusted professional contractors are experts in building codes to work around regulations.

Other things to consider for constructing an additional second floor

Technicalities arent the only cause of concern for adding a second floor. Theres more to adding a second floor than the new layout, design, and budget. To prepare for other matters, consider the following scenarios:

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Things to Know About Adding Second Story Additions to Your Home - MarylandReporter.com - MarylandReporter.com

Louise Archer Elementary School (via Google Maps)

Fairfax County voters will face a one-question test on Election Day tomorrow (TuesdaY0, where theyll decide whether to fund 15 school projects, including three in the Tysons area.

The 2021 school bond referendum includes renovations for two high schools (Centreville and Falls Church) and 12 elementary schools, plus a site acquisition for a future Western High School.

If approved, the ballot question would allow Fairfax County Public Schools to spend up to $360 million in bond revenue, but the district suggests in an informational packet that the additional bonded debt for the county would not significantly affect local taxes.

Louise Archer Elementary School

One project covered by this years referendum is the modernization and expansion of Viennas Louise Archer Elementary School (324 Nutley St. Northwest), which was last renovated in 1991.

Bond proceeds would provide $37 million to replace two temporary classrooms and 10 modular classrooms, which consist of two trailers and a 66-foot by 180-foot modular space, among other upgrades.

Its a major renovation, and its phased, so every finish, every ceiling tile, every electrical outlet, every mechanical system, its a completegut and renovation as well as addition, so its a total redo, senior project manager Brad Pierce with Reston-based Architecture, Inc. told the Vienna Board of Architectural Review on Oct. 19.

The transformation will expand the school form nearly 53,000 square feet of space, plus nearly 12,000 square feet of temporary setups, to over 103,000 square feet. Most of the additional space would come through a new second-story addition constructed behind the existing school.

Plans for the project also call for expanding the parking lot and bus loop, bringing a new playground and basketball courts, repurposing the current cafeteria for the library, adding a stage off the school gymnasium, and creating a community room.

The project could finish in 2025.

Falls Church High School

The referendum would also provide $130 million to increase Falls Church High Schools building area (7521 Jaguar Trail) by nearly 41.6%, from 303,413 square feet to 429,596 square feet.

The additions include science classrooms, administrative offices, library, music rooms, and more for the building, last renovated in 1989.

The construction will occur in phases to allow for continuous use of the school building, FCPS says on a project website. The renovation will take approximately four years to complete.

Mosaic Elementary School

Mosaic Elementary School (formerly known as Mosby Woods, located at 9819 Five Oaks Road) is also set for a renovation. The $38 million renovation would add approximately 37,000 square feet, bringing the school to 110,000 square feet.

The school currently has eight temporary and 10 modular classrooms.

The projects up for school bond money were selected from the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program. More information about the 2021 referendum can be found on the FCPS website.

Photo via Google Maps

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Residents to vote on $360 million FCPS bond issue - Tysons Reporter