Houses today, with all of their modern conveniences, sometimes conquer nature too much. It is good to taste a fresh breeze at dusk and be outside with the birds chirping. Instead of turning to the nature channel, remodel!

A patio addition adjacent to the kitchen is one of the best ideas since the rocking chair. No more eating every meal in the same place or sitting on a blanket in the backyard. A patio is a great place for a shaded table and chair set surrounded by potted plants and flowerbeds.

This remodeling addition is one of the easiest modifications for a house. Flooring is laid, a door from the house put in, and a covering is optional. A popular example had an expense-saving cement floor that looks just like stone. It is shaded by an ivy-covered trellis, and supported by smooth, white columns. The result is classically stunning.

Another option is installing a bar area under the window sill outside the kitchen. The cook of the family only has to open a window to the patio and serve food in a buffet style or grab the empty plates for cleanup. A romantic dinner made simple and easy.

Decks and porches also work with this idea. Through remodeling you can create a southern porch out of a bayou dream. In our air-conditioned society there is finally a compromise to satisfy our need for beauty and comfort.

The dream bathroom you fell in love with at that expensive hotel or stared at in a magazine is now a possibility with remodeling. It doesn’t have to be expensive and every square foot is designed for what you need.

The first priority in making a good bathroom is assessing what your needs are. If you are married two sinks are very convenient, and counter space is often an issue for women. Close outlets in safe locations are essential for hair driers, electric razors, curlers, and fancy toothbrushes. Cabinets and shelves under the counter and beside your mirror help keep the bathroom looking clean and uncluttered, as well. Counters are also available raised, sometimes to 36 inches, in order to avoid hunching over.
Sit down vanities are excellent for women and their make-up. It prevents leaning over the sink and reaching for the mirror or knocking over your wet toothbrush.

For the simpler lifestyles or couples who are very organized, elegant pedestal sinks can be stunning. From modern glass bowls to ancient, restored facets, there is a sink you will love on the Kohler website. Cabinets are still an option in other parts of the bathroom like next to the pedestal. In-wall or mirrored medicine cabinets above vanity are helpful so you have the right amount of room for medicine and band-aids.

New master bathrooms are often larger today, but a two-person bathroom still needs to create privacy for the toilet. This can be simple by making a closet style room to the side, putting decorative cabinets as a divider, or installing a half wall.

Bathtubs and showers come in huge varieties. Whirlpool tubs are a relaxing option that can calm nerves after a long day or just an extra large tub can be perfect for soaking. Showers are becoming more popular in three by four foot sizes with benches or seats installed. Choose the right spot to put your shampoo shelf or soap dish, too.

Light is always needed in the bathroom for not only grooming, but creating a pleasant feel to the room, as well. Transom windows and glass blocks are a great way to do this, and Hollywood light bulbs can help the girls put on make-up faster. Recessed lights are popular today as opposed to old style florescent lighting.

Remodeling should not just be for making a house prettier from the outside or improving the living room. It should be for yourself and what is needed in daily life. A fabulous bathroom helps get the day started off with ease and creates an environment that welcomes you home.

Natural light is what gives a home the most pure and beautiful look. It brings out the true colors you so diligently selected and love in your kitchen and living room. It is a necessary part of a good home that not only adds to décor but also creates ambience.

During the day a house needs artificial light to complement natural light in daily tasks. Natural light is far easier to see with and better for a tiring eye in old age. There is no better medium to read with or needle point.

Think about the orientation of your home and what kind of light you need in each room. Some people like windows facing the East in their bedroom to refreshingly wake them in the morning. Others prefer to sleep and want Westward facing bedroom windows. The living room is often best with North-facing windows because it keeps direct sun out of the room but brings in an even and natural light. Artists choose this light also because it keeps the shadows from being so dark and defined.

All Southerners will agree that we live in a hot climate that requires air-conditioning most of the year. Direct sunlight can raise this bill, so windows facing the South should be avoided or shaded. They will bring in direct rays all day that will heat the house. Breakfast rooms should always have Eastern windows to help you read the paper in the morning and open your eyes while you sip your coffee.

Lighting is also important in the bathroom, but privacy is the main issue. Glass blocks are a popular way to let whatever kind of light without intrusion. High transom windows are a good option, and traditional windows with shutters or shades work.

The possibilities with windows can go on forever and the impact they make on a room is equally overwhelming. With professional a professional remodeler or designer, analyzing each aspect to the problem makes solutions arise and an exceptional homes emerge.

Jeb Breithaupt will be hosting a FREE Kitchen and Bath Design Seminar on Thursday, May 14, 2009 and Monday, May 18, 2009 (Seminars are from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM). Limited Seating is available, Reserve your seat now by calling: (318) 865-4914 or you can send an e-mail to marketing@jeb.net

Please be sure to include your: Name, Number of Guests, Telephone Number and E-Mail Address.

            A spot to hear the rain, finish reading the last chapter of your book, and escape everyday worries for just a moment, is what everyone needs in their house.  Some people have a favorite chair or room, but by remodeling it could be a window seat under the staircase or in your room. 

 

            With remodeling the dreams you have always had for your perfect house come true like a fairy tale being told for the first time.  Professionals can help you choose a place to put a window and comfortable window seat.  Cabinets can easily be installed under the seat for storing your secret stash of reading material, snacks, or games.  Outside the window you can leisurely gaze at the most beautiful view from your home, and during winter you can feel the warm sun shining without the cold wind.

 

A window seat can be more special than other aspects of a home because of the many ways it can be personalized.  When you choose to remodel, the builder works with you to design the perfect nook.  The seat will be as long as you want, as wide as you like, and as plush a pillow as the best decorators can find. 

 

The actual window is another key option that you can decide.  Unlike other windows in your home, the style of the window does not have to exactly match the style of the house.  Circular windows create a neat view, but square windows can be opened during spring days to let a refreshing breeze flow in.  Some people fall in love with the windows that frames the view of their yard into little squares.  Others prefer the more modern window with an uninterrupted sheet of glass.  Stained glass and translucent options are also available if great light comes in without a good view. 

 

When a soggy, nasty day comes around and you do not feel like going out side, stay in.  Tuck yourself away and out of reach of a mundane daily routine.  Lounge in warm pajamas in that quieting place called your window seat. 

These are questions that can be asked for interviewing contractors.

 

 

1. How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year or two?

 

2. What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?

• Referrals indicate satisfied clients.
• A large percentage of referrals indicate a reputable, quality contractor.

 

3. Will you provide me with referrals? 

1.  
   1. Ask for at least three same-kind references for the past six months.
   2. Get some references more than one year out of warranty to learn how the contractor handled their guarantees.
   3. Call those references. Ask them about any problems – financial or work related. Don’t settle for a contractor who gets anything but praise.
   4. Go see those referenced projects. Most homeowners are happy to show you a project they are proud of, and nothing replaces seeing what you’ll get.

 

4. Are you a member of NAHB or the Remodel Council? 

• National Association of Home Builders.
• Membership means Remodel Council are their peers.
• Do they have any design credentials?
• Are they members of the local organizations such as, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, etc.?
• Are they active in these organizations?

 

 

5. Are you licensed? 

• Every viable business will have a viable business license
• In Louisiana State, contractors must also be registered with the state.
• If they can’t show you proof, don’t hire them
•  

 

6. Do you carry general liability insurance? 

• Provides legal remedy should your property be damaged by your contractor or his employees.

 

 

7. Do you carry worker’s compensation insurance? 

• Protects you from liability should workers be injured on your property.
• See contractor’s proof of Worker’s Compensation insurance.
• One-man operation must show you a certificate of exemption from Worker’s Compensation. Even so, this can get sloppy if they bring in helpers who don’t have Exemption Certificate.
• To best protect yourself, go with a contractor who is fully covered.

 

8. Will you pull all the required building permits?

• Not all contractors do this. They may ask you to do it. This is a red flag that they may not be able to pull permits, because they are not licensed, or work is outside of their license.
• Permits ensure that a job will be done to code.
• Many homeowners insurances require permits to keep their home covered.
• A reputable contractor will permit every job where a permit is required.

 

9. Do you guarantee your work?

• Expect a written guarantee or warranty for at least one year.
• Expect two and three year warranties for certain types of projects like roofs.

 

10.  Do you have a plan or system for this type of project?

• Ask about schedule- do they have one?
• Ask about clean up

1.      Contractor should make honest attempt to contain dust and debris.

2.      Notify you when messy work is scheduled

3.      Has a plan and arrangement for dumpster and debris removal

 

• Ask who will be in charge of the job.

1.      Is there an assigned lead? What is their background – sales or construction?

2.      When will they show up? Are they at every stage of the job?

3.      Oversees deliveries and sub-contractor work.

• Ask about payment- how and when
• Ask about fixed price or estimate- a very scary word
• Ask for a written detailed proposal and timeline

 

 

So, use this list of questions as a starting point for the interview process.

Jeb Breithaupt will be hosting a FREE Kitchen and Bath Design Seminar on Thursday, March 19, 2009 and Monday, March 23, 2009 (Seminars are from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM). Limited Seating is available, Reserve your seat now by calling: (318) 865-4914 or you can send an e-mail to marketing@jeb.net

Please be sure to include your: Name, Number of Guests, Telephone Number and E-Mail Address.

Decorating your house is a challenge when some rooms do not have a place for anything and others looks barren or empty. Remodeling can fix this in so many ways. One can choose from options like adding shelves, windows, walls, cabinets, and rooms. But major construction is not a necessity.

Cabinets can create organized storage and decorative appeal for all sized rooms. Different colors, styles, and features make them impossible to dislike. New lines of cabinets include fold down and easy reach shelves for the kitchen, as well. There will be no more climbing on stools or balancing on wobbly chairs to get that delicate piece of china for Christmas. Glass cabinet doors can also replace old ones, turning each set of plates and crystal into a beautiful display.

 Conflict often arises when a husband wants a massive entertainment system, but his wife does not see the black metal ensemble flowing with the living room. Remodelers design elegant cabinets and shelves many times to allow a small room to hold a big TV instead of being consumed. Cabinet doors conceal everything not in use, while extra shelves hold books on each side. The advent of flat screen TVs is changing the way people view TVs. Now some are hung above the fireplace mantel like artwork. A small library can double as the TV room.

A miniature office at home and workspace is another option through remodeling. Permanent desks are simple to put in and can add to a room far better than buying an expensive, bulky desk. A built-in desk in a corner with personally designed shelves can make organization a snap. One may choose to put in file slots or drawers to clear the pile of papers off the desk.

A workspace is amazing when put in an area joined with the kitchen. Family events, dates, and finances can all be in one place. A few shelves in this area can hold cookbooks, phone directories, and other items that need quick access.

There is an easy solution to many of the problems people face concerning space, convenience, and entertainment in their home. Permanent features turn the house into a well-oiled machine with a beautiful and unique feeling.

Good News! Northwest Louisiana home prices have NOT fallen. This research is from Brad Gosslee, president of Coldwell Banker in Shreveport/Bossier. Note that home prices actually ROSE in 2008. Also, the number of days to sell a house is the same as in 2000, and this still much lower than nationally. Mr. Gosslee pointed to one neighborhood, “Broadmoor” which has continued to rise in value. And, of note, new home construction prices continue to rise. Northwest La. is still in good shape. It is a great time to remodel your home!

 

 

 

 

Most people are not comfortable with tight spaces and a claustrophobic feel about them. That is why it is important to have an open home that flows from room to room. This can save space, time, and look great.
Some favorite aspects to a nice home are its transitions and subtle differences between rooms. It is easy to put a door on a bedroom, but connecting the living room to the den, kitchen, and other important rooms can be complicated.
By remodeling a client can work with the remodeler and a talented staff to find what they want and how to get it. A person must ask how much each room is used, which paths are walked the most, and what areas are tight.
One great advantage to having an open house is for parties and functions where a lot of space is needed. Guest should be able to move throughout rooms, find the food, and not feel secluded. Sometimes a segmental arch or tutor arch between rooms can achieve this while leaving a wide space so that a long table could spill into the next room.
Pillars can also form a large, elegant doorway while keeping construction to a minimum. A change of flooring and wall covering is another cost saving method of distinguishing rooms. Heating and cooling cost go down after remodeling, as well. By using rooms for multiple tasks, other rooms can be eliminated and circulation can be improved.
Ever wanted to have a small library in your house? It is easy now with remodeling to turn a small nook of your living room into a reading area with bookshelves and natural light from windows.
The latest style to make an incredible bedroom suite is making a large bathroom and changing area with walk-in closets to connect the master bath and bedroom. Placing a chair for changing and mirror helps make a usable transition from one room to the next.
Sharp divisions between rooms and spaces take flexibility away from a house. Furniture options and extra space usage are lost, as well. Remodeling can change all this and it often takes fewer changes than expected to have potent effects.