2016 Tallahassee Better Living Guide

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better living TALLAHASSEE

GUIDE

2016 North Florida Home Show Edition w w w.Ta l l yBA . co m

TBA SPIRE Sponsors:

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a Natur tura all G Ga ass Fo F or ! e f i L

891.5112 or Ta algov.ccom Like us on Facebook at GetGasTa ally

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(850)576-JETT

WWW.JETTBUILDERS.COM 5285 Tower Rd., C-5 Tallahassee, FL 32303

JETT BUILDERS INC.

Custom Homes s Additions s Remodeling

CALL TODAY FOR ESTIMATES!

We’re available and ready to discuss your project or just talk ideas. Give us a call or simply fill out the contact form online at www.JettBuilders.com

At Jett Builders, no job is too small.

Florida State Certified Building Contractor

License #CBC1259998

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WELCOmE

...to the North Florida Home Show

n behalf of the Tallahassee Builders Association (TBA) and its education/special events, we welcome you to this year’s North Florida Home Show.

The show is a great opportunity for people in the Tallahassee area to learn about new homes and communities, exciting remodeling possibilities, and all the latest products and services that can enrich the livability or functionality of a home.

Over 100 companies – many of them members of TBA – will be exhibiting in the event presented by East Coast Shows, Inc. and co-sponsored by TBA.

Larry Wayne Strickland CIP, CAPS Capital City Builders President

This year, TBA is pleased to provide you with this free Tallahassee Better Living Guide.

In addition to our TBA information booth, where show visitors can pose questions to builders, suppliers, and trades professionals, the guide will serves as a source of valuable contacts and information long after the show itself is over.

Enjoy the show!

Senior Officers and Directors

Stan Derzypolski CIP, CAPS 3 Rivers, Inc. Program Chairman

President: Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS (Capital City Builders) First Vice President: Bill Kimberl, CIP, CAPS (Kimberl Construction)

Second Vice President: Matt Gilbert (James D A Holley & Company) Treasurer: Thomas Asbury Jr. (Premier Fine Homes)

Secretary: Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS (Barton Construction)

Third Vice President: Mike Roberts (Roberts Sand Company)

Immediate Past Presiden: Alan Weekely, CIP, CAPS (Alan Weekley Homes)

Immediate Past Second Vice President: Vicki O’Neil (City of Tallahassee Natural Gas)

Builder Directors: Brandon Jett, CIP; Jane Conn; Joseph Adams; H.R. “Sonny” Phillips, CIP, CAPS; Mark Trudeau, CIP, CAPS

Ex-Officio Builder Directors: Stan Derzypolski, CIP, CAPS; Mark Worley, CIP, CAPS, CGP, GMB; Tom Asbury; Tom Vieth, CIP, CAPS Associate Directors: Will Davis (Centennial Bank); Ann DeVeer (Capital City Design Center); Bobby Dollar (Appliance Consultants); Susan Grabowski (Tallahassee Kitchen Center); Jackie Johnson (Homes & Land®); Deborah McClellan (Hancock Bank); Phillip Pomeroy (Prime Meridian Bank);

TBA SPIRE Sponsors:

Ex-Officio Associate Directors: Ed Dion; Drexal Harris; Lynn Wollschlager; Karen Koelemji Executive Officer: Lynne Edwards Executive Assistant: Erin Waizani

P.O. Box 1212 u Tallahassee, FL 32302-1212 u Phone: 850-385-1414 u www.tallyba.com Physical Address: 2600 Centennial Place u Tallahassee, FL 32308

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

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2016 SENIOR OFFICERS

Larry Wayne Strickland, CIP, CAPS President

Bill Kimberl, IV, CIP, CAPS

Matt Gilbert, CPA

Thomas Asbury, Jr.

Doug Barton, CIP, CAPS

Mike Roberts

Alan Weekley, CIP, CAPS

Vicki O’Neil

Lynne Edwards

First Vice President

Third Vice President

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Second Vice President

Immediate Past President

Treasurer

Immediate Past Second Vice President

Secretary

Executive Officer

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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Committed to the future of our industry... together we will accomplish great things in 2016.

Larry Wayne Strickland 2016 TBA PRESIDENT

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

TALLAHASSEE

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View a Digital Magazine Online http://goo.gl/VLUxIw

Table of Contents PAGE 6 7 10 12 14 16 17 18 20 22 24

better living TALLAHASSEE

GUIDE

TBA 2016 Senior Officers TBA Presidents Letter Mulch Ado - Landscaping Natural Gas Bringing the Heat!

Remodel or Relocate TBA Exhibitors in the North Florida Home Show TBA Exhibitors and Exhibition Map Home Financing 101 Bobby Dollar Give A-Way Top 5 Tips for Hiring a Builder or Remodeler Be Counter Intuitive - Kitchen Makeovers

Advertisers Index PAGE 27 31 9 22 25 29 4, 23 15 2 29 27 30 29 3 25 27 8, 14, 19 26 11 26 28 27 28 32 13 27

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ADVERTISER 3 Rivers, Inc. Acme Brick, Tile, & Stone Barton Construction Inc. Bobby Dollar’s Appliance Consultants Boykin Builders Cabinetry Design Studio Capital City Builders, Inc. Carpenter Construction Co. City of Tallahassee / Natural Gas Utility Farm Credit First Story Real Estate Company Guardian Home Inspections & Repairs Inc. H & P Hearth & Patio Jett Builders, Inc. Jim Bennett’s Plumbing Joan H. Raley, Realtor® Prime Meridian Bank Prime South Properties, Fezler, Russell, and Ferrie, Inc. Roberts Sand Company, LLP Tallahassee Board of Realtors® The Carpet Studio Thomas Acquisition & Property Specialist, Inc. Triple J Supply University Lending Group Worley Construction, Inc. Yvonne Howell, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Hartung & Noblin, Inc. TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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Handcrafted Relationships

TBA 2014 Builder of the Year 2015 Best of Houzz 2012 Parade of Homes Best in Show 2014 Parade of Homes Gold 2013 Parade of Homes Silver 2006 Parade of Homes Silver Cert. Industry Professional (CIP) Cert. Aging-in-Place Spec. (CAPS) B.S. from Auburn University in Building Construction

www.Barton-Construction.com http://www.houzz.com/pro/dougbarton/barton-construction CGC061174

Phone: 850-668-4265 TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

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Yard & Garden

Landscaping and gardening

ado

MULCH

Tips on getting the most from this multitasking material

By Homes & Land Staff

M

ulch can make a landscaping homeowner’s life much easier, but that’s not to say that using the stuff involves no work at all.

You’ve got to pick the right mulch for your place and purpose, prepare the area, properly place the material and, over time, maintain it. In return, mulch will help control weeds, define the landscape and improve its appearance, retain moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and reduce erosion.

That little bit of labor pays off, so to speak, in spades.

✸ Spread mulch 2 to 3 inches thick, landscape

Here are some tips on using these landscape workhorses, especially conventional organic materials such as wood chips and pine bark:

experts suggest. Keep in mind that a material applied at 4 inches may settle to 3.

And there can be too much of a good thing, as the University of California’s Marin Master Gardeners note. Mulch piled too deep can restrict the flow of air and water to the soil below, producing “mulch toxicity” and plants that fail to thrive.

✸ To figure out how much you’ll need, measure the dimensions of the space to be covered and multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. The industry standard for mulch use is 1 cubic yard for every 100 square feet of area, assuming you’re going to apply it at a depth of 3 inches. ✸ Mulch won’t cover all sins. Before the stuff goes down, clear weeds and loosen the soil so that a hard, water-repelling crust won’t form.

✸ Don’t pile material directly against plant stems or tree trunks.

Mulch that comes into direct contact with plants or trees can retain water, cause rot and foster the diseases and fungus. ✸ Make a date to come back later. Mulch should be replaced or refreshed at regular intervals.

Quick tip

Have a ‘doughnut’ Don’t make a “mulch volcano” when spreading material around tree trunks. Instead, make a “mulch doughnut” and keep mulch 6 to 12 inches from the base of the tree. That way, the ground above feeder rootlets will be sheltered without endangering the body of the tree itself.

The dirt on mulch

E

verybody knows mulch: It’s the bagged red or brown wood bits at the garden center. It’s also any number of other organic and inorganic materials used to cover bare ground. Common organics include yard trimmings, hay, pine straw, pine bark, sawdust and cocoa hulls. These enrich the soil as they break down.

Frequently used nonorganic materials include gravel or crushed rock, plastic, landscape fabric and shredded rubber from old tires.

While an inorganic won’t benefit the soil like organic mulch, it will last longer and can provide sharper definition in the landscape.

Homes & Land better living GUIDE TALLAHASSEE 10

Cautions worth noting on mulches in general and specific: ✦ Low-nitrogen materials such as wood chips can cause nitrogen depletion of the soil as they decompose. If your plants start to sport yellow leaves, fertilize with a high-nitrogen soil amendment. ✦ Mulches’ ability to keep soil cool can have the downside of retarding growth after winter. In spring, pull mulch back from plants so the soil can warm up. ✦ In wet climates, be aware that mulch can harbor slugs and other pests that like to chew on tender plants.

HomesAndLand.com TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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Working smart

Down the garden path

By Kati Schardl

keep weeds from growing up in the path and stones (if that’s your material of choice) from sinking into the soil. You can also use plastic, but it will retain water and could make for swampy walking in low-lying areas or places that get lots of rainfall.

M

ulch doesn’t have to be stuck in a garden bed. Freed to wander the landscape, it can be used to create attractive pathways.

START BY EYEBALLING THE PLACE you want your path to go and sketching it on paper, especially if you want it to wind through the landscape in soft curves. You can use spray paint to mark the boundaries of the path, or you can use stakes and string to create the margins.

REMOVE ANY SOD to a depth that will allow you to lay down a thick layer of material for your path. Level the soil with a rake and tamp down the dirt. Set edging — plastic landscape edging is inexpensive and easy to use, brick or stone looks more elegant but can be expensive if you’re making a long path — on the sides of the path to keep the mulch from seeping into the surrounding landscape.

COVER THE DIRT with landscape fabric to

IF YOU’RE USING GRAVEL, you’ll probably want to have it delivered if the path will be sizeable. Think about the walking surface and how comfortable you want it to be.

Some organic mulches, such as wood chips, can become waterlogged and make footing precarious. Larger rock chunks may look nice but can be ankle-turners.

ONCE YOU HAVE THE PATH material in place, rake it to make it level. For a more solid pathway, use a tamper to pack it.

DOWN THE ROAD, organic mulch eventually will decompose and need to be replaced. While rock, crushed stone, pea gravel and other inorganic materials won’t decompose, they can be dispersed by foot traffic and will need to be replenished occasionally.

www.RobertsSand.com

Supplier of

Pine Straw

Sands, Soils, & Rock Products

Top Soil

Gravel

Mulches

Serving North Florida and South Georgia for over 50 years!

Sales@RobertsSand.com TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

850-576-1414

TALLAHASSEE

Rock 1712 Silver Lake Road Tallahassee, FL 32310 Sales & Dispatch Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

H living GUIDE better

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Natural Gas bringing the heat!

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If your electric water heater is 10 years old or older, think about upgrading to natural gas before your unit fails and you are left without hot water.

Information courtesy City of Tallahassee Natural Gas Utility

ot water is always in style, and noth-

less will provide greater efficiency and

ing heats water like natural gas.

greater savings, while adding value to

Whether for showers, washing dishes

your home.

or doing laundry, hot water is often

twice the longevity of an electric unit,

taken for granted – until it’s not avail-

offering 20 years of hot water or more.

able. Most of us only think about our

The tankless water heater is triggered by

water heater when the hot water runs out

the flow of water, so when you turn on a

or our water heater breaks down. Then

faucet, the water is heated as it passes

we’re desperate to find something and

through the unit, giving you on-demand

get it installed fast. Many times cus-

hot water with very little consumed ener-

tomers settle for the quick fix instead of

gy. Tankless water heaters are about the

finding the right water heater that meets

size of a medicine cabinet, so they pro-

their budget, space requirements, hot

vide space savings as well as energy sav-

water needs and uses the least amount of

ings. An added bonus is that tankless

energy possible.

water heaters can be installed inside or

Now is a great time to review your hot water needs and available models, particularly if you are considering remodeling your kitchen, bath or laundry or adding new water intensive appliances. If that’s not the case, you should start thinking about upgrading from an electric water heater if it is more than 10 years old – before your unit fails and you’re left with-

Tank or Tankless?

out hot water and in a bind.

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Plus, tankless units have

The Natural Gas Benefit

outside of the home.

If consumers decide to purchase a water

heater, either tank or tankless, a natural gas water heater is the best bet when gas is available in your neighborhood. Here’s why: Faster recovery

Gas heats water more

quickly than electricity which means the storage tank can be smaller and the hot water recovers more quickly.

Lower operating cost

Heating your water

The standard storage-type (or tank)

with natural gas is considerably less

water heater keeps water hot all-day-

expensive than electricity. When you consider

every-day, while a tankless water heater

that up to to 25%-30% of the average utility bill

does just the opposite by only providing

can be generated by water heating, natural gas

heated water as you use it. While a tank-

makes sense. The average family of four in

style gas water heater is slightly lower in

Tallahassee can save up to $300 a year on their

initial cost, over the long term the tank-

water heating bill with a tankless water heater.

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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tallahassee

prefers tankless!

Tallahassee customers are energy-conscious and definitely prefer natural gas for their water heating needs, as well as for cooking and space heating. Growing numbers of customers are switching to natural gas and adding a tankless water heater to their home. With the City of Tallahassee offering a $675 rebate on water heaters, the attraction is even greater. Almost 55% of natural gas water heaters installed in the Tallahassee area are tankless.

IF YOU HAVE NATURAL GAS AVAILABLE OR ARE CURRENTLY USING NATURAL GAS:

REGISTER TO WIN A RINNAI TANKLESS WATER HEATER

AND FREE INSTALLATION COMPLIMENTS OF JIM BENNETS PLUMBING

Call for monthly remodelinG speCial

Find out More

Stop by our booth at the North Florida Home Show and ask the experts about tankless water heating.

Bring us your toughest questions!

Get natural Gas today – and let us brinG you the heat!

Miss us at the Home Show?

Give us a call at 891-5112 to find out more about natural gas and how you can make your home more energy efficient, or visit Talgov.com or our Facebook page at GetGasTally.

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REMODEL or RELOCATE

8 CRITICAL QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

Home buying and home remodeling television programs aren’t just a fad; their enduring popularity indicates that they’re here to stay. If you’re among the growing masses of dedicated viewers, you might begin (if you haven’t already) to look around and notice some of your own home’s shortcomings.

Inadequate storage, limited cooking space or simply an outdated design might conjure thoughts of one day remodeling your kitchen, bathrooms or living spaces. Or instead, perhaps you’ll begin to consider moving into a bigger or newer home.

Whether you decide to remodel or relocate, your decision will involve a great deal of logistics, emotions and, of course, finances. Thoroughly weighing the pros and cons of each option now will help you feel more prepared to act when the time is right.

What’s in the budget?

The first step is the most obvious: you’ll need to crunch some numbers to determine what is financially feasible. Remodeling can be a great investment and save you the hassle of moving.

But it requires a great deal of patience and flexibility. On the other hand, buying a home can be instantly gratifying, but the true costs of buying (and selling) – such as commissions, closing costs and moving fees – need to be part of the equation, as that is money you won’t get back.

Is it a simple fix that you can do yourself?

Or a bigger project that will require a professional? Some home owners are especially handy and want to tackle the job themselves.

But most others like having the assurance of knowing a professional – who has the necessary equipment, expertise and resources – will get the job done right the first time.

What is the current value...

of your home compared to similar homes in your neighborhood? If your home is already the most expensive one in the neighborhood, youmight not see a significant return on your investment if you remodel. But if comparable home values are greater than your home’s value, you’re much more likely to see a strong return by making improvements.

How might your decision impact your taxes?

Remodeling your current home or moving to a new home will have an effect on your property taxes. The change may or may not be significant, so it’s good to keep it in mind.

How might your needs change...

in the next 3, 5 or 10 years? A growing family, kids going off to college, an aging family mem-

ber moving in – all are examples of factors that can significantly impact your future requirements for a home.

Is the layout of your current home conducive to a remodel?

All other considerations aside, if you have limited options to alter your home in a way that will address your needs (such as loadbearing walls that can’t be removed, or space constraints that will not allow for an addition), you may need to consider moving.

Are there any zoning restrictions...

that would affect the remodeling project(s) you envision? These laws vary widely by area, so go to your local zoning office and ask for a copy of your local ordinance.

How do you feel about your current neighborhood?

Even if you changed everything about your home, there are many things outside of your home over which you have no control. Give some thought to the school district, proximity to work, parks and shopping centers, and the overall look and feel of the community.

The answers to these questions are different for everyone, which is why it is important for you to carefully consider each one while keeping in mind your unique situation. This will help you effectively determine which step is right for you so that next year, you can be confident in your home’s ability to not only survive the holidays, but to also keep up with the demands of your everyday life.

For additional resources on remodeling your home or buying a new home, contact the Tallahassee Builders Association at 850.85.1414 or visit:

tallyba.com

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28 YEARS - AWARD WINNING REMODELING AND DESIGN

CBC 057502

(850) 878-0010

Kitchens & Bathrooms u Additions u

Aurora Award Winner 2013 u

Kip@kipcarpenter.com

Senior Safety/Access Complex Custom Projects 12 Remodeler Showcase Awards

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TBA Exhibitors by Alpha

TBA Member Company

Booth #

3 Rivers, Inc.

Phone

Website

171

(850) 570-4767

Accessibility Solutions

52, 53

(850) 383-1100

ADT Security Systems

130, 131

(850) 544-4155

www.adt.com

Alpha Foundation Specialists

68, 69

(850) 877-1313

www.alphafoundations.com

Associated Services

70, 71

(850) 681-3148

www.associatedsvs.com

B & T Fencing, Inc.

www.3river.com

64

(850) 942-1003

www.ba-fencing.com

167, 168, 169

(229) 228-5112

www.bobbydollar.com

Boykin Builders

157A

(850) 544-2629

www.boykinhomes.com

Brian Barnards Flooring America

65, 66

(850) 386-8689

www.flooringamericatally.com

Bobby Dollar’s Appliance Consultants

Budget Blinds of Tallahassee

1

(850) 668-4835

www.budgetblinds.com/tallahassee

164, 165, 166

(850) 893-6228

www.capitalcitybuilders.net

Carpet Studio, Inc.

11, 11A

(850) 656-2666

www.carpetstudio.net

City of Tallahassee / Natural Gas Utility

142, 146

(850) 891-5569

www.talgov.com/you

Earl Bacon Agency, Inc.

123

(850) 878-2121

www.earlbacon.com

Florida Pest Control & Chemical Company

17

(850) 222-6853

www.flapest.com

Guardian Home Inspections & Repairs, Inc.

22, 23, 24

(850) 297-1998

www.guardianinspects.com

Hearth & Patio Sales & Service

190, 191

(850) 727-4282

www.hearthpatiotallahassee.com

Hi-Tech Systems Associates, Inc.

87

(850) 385-7649

www.hi-techflorida.com

Jay Walker Enterprises, Inc.

86

(850) 562-4692

www.jaywalkerenterprises.com

Jett Builders, Inc.

152

(850) 576-5388

www.jettbuilders.com

141, 141A

(850) 878-3178

www.plumbertallahasseeflorida.com

126

(850) 765-0558

www.kitchentuneup.com

Multistone Enterprises / Talquin Fabrications

88, 176

(850) 576-9898

www.multistonesav.com

NRG Industries, Inc.

187, 188

(850) 224-7433

www.nrgindustries.com

Power On, LLC

122

(850) 422-2232

www.poweronusa.com

Roberts Sand Company, LLP

6, 7

(850) 576-3610

www.robertssand.com

Streamline Roofing & Construction, Inc.

104, 105

(850) 575-1168

www.streamlineroofing.com

Sunshine Savings Bank

183, 184

(850) 545-5533

www.sunshinesavingsbank.com

Superior Granite & Cabinetry

2

(850) 459-1899

www.superiorgraniteandcabinetry.com

Tallahassee Builders Association

G

(850) 385-1414

www.tallyba.com

Capital City Builders, Inc.

Jim Bennetts Plumbing Kitchen Tune-Up

Tallahassee Democrat/Tallahassee Media Group

110, 111

(850) 599-2262

www.tallahassee.com

140, 158, 159

(850) 562-8366

www.tallahasseeroofinginc.com

80, 81

(800) 273-1521

www.triplejsupply.com

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

8

(850) 241-2971

www.wellsfargo.com

Worley Construction, Inc.

44

(850) 668-3438

www.worleyconst.com

Tallahassee Roofing, Inc. Triple J Supply

Exhibition Information EXHIBITION DATES & TIMES: Friday, February 12 .............. Noon - 7 pm Saturday, February 13 .......10 am - 7 pm Sunday, February 14 ..........10 am - 5 pm

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EXHIBITION LOCATION: Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center 505 W. Pensacola St.,Tallahasse, FL

CONTACT US: Tallahassee Builders Association P.O. Box 1212 u Tallahassee, FL 32302-1212 Physical Address: 2600 Centennial Place u Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-385-1414 u lynne.Edwards@tallyba.com www.TallyBA.com TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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EE

179 180 181 182 183 184

185 186 187 188

189 190 191 192 193 EE

24 23

169 168

159 140

135 116

111 96

91

76

71

52

47

28

22

167

158 141

134 117

110 97

90

77

70

53

46

29

21

166

157A 141A

133 118

109 98

89

78

69

54

45A 29A

20

165

157 142

132 119

170 171

172 173

68

55

45

30

19

164

156 143

44

31

18 17

155 144

131 120

174 175

176 177

67

56

43

32

163

154 145

130 121

108 99

88

79

66

57

42

33

162

153 146

129 122

107 100

87

80

65

58

41A 34A

15

162A

152 147

128 123

106 101

86

81

64

59

40

35

14

151 148

127 124

105 102

85

82

63

60

39

36

13

150 149

126 125

104 103

84

83

62

61

38

37

12

3

4

6

7

9

10

Area C Area B

11 Area A Concessions

R

1A

S

E

Denotes TBA Member

J

2

Banks / Financial Institutions Sunshine Savings Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183, 184 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Blinds / Window Coverings Budget Blinds of Tallahassee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Builders / Developers / Remodelers 3 Rivers, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171 Accessibility Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52, 53 Boykin Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157A Capital City Builders, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .164, 165, 166 Jett Builders, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152 Worley Construction Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Cabinetry Kitchen Tune-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126 Cleaning Services Jay Walker Enterprises, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Countertops Superior Granite & Cabinety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Energy Efficiency City of Tallahassee / Natural Gas Utility . . . . . .142, 146 Fences / Gates B&T Fencing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

8

Exhibition Map

H

Donald L. Tucker Civic Center Tallahassee, FL

TBA Exhibitors by Category Appliances Bobby Dollar’s Appliance Consultants . . .167, 168, 169

5

G

F ENTER 0

1

Fireplaces - Indoor & Outdoor Hearth & Patio Sales and Services . . . . . . . . . .190, 191 Jay Walker Enterprises, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Flooring Brian Barnard’s Flooring America . . . . . . . . . . . . .65, 66 Carpet Studio, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 11A

11A

Marketing / Public Relations Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Media Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110, 111 Mold Inspections / Water Damage Guardian Home Inspections & Repairs, Inc. . . .22, 23, 24 Pest Control Florida Pest Control & Chemical Company . . . . . . . . . .17

Foundation Repairs / Crawl Space Repairs Alpha Foundation Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68, 69

Plumbing Fixtures Jim Bennett Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141, 141A Triple J Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80, 81

Gas & Propane Services City of Tallahassee / Natural Gas Utility . . . . . . .142, 146

Rock, Soil, Mulch Roberts Sand Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 7

Generators Power On, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Roofing Streamline Roofing & Construction, Inc. . . . . . .104, 105 Tallahassee Roofing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .140, 158, 159

Green Cleaning Supplies Associated Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70, 71 Home Inspections Guardian Home Inspections & Repairs, Inc. . . .22, 23, 24

Screen Rooms NRG Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187, 188

Insurance Earl Bacon Agency, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Security ADT Security Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130, 131 Hi-Tech System Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Kitchen / Bath Jim Bennett Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141, 141A Kitchen Tune-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Tile / Stone Multistone Enterprises / Talquin Fabrications . . . .88, 176 Superior Granite & Cabinety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Lighting & Controls Hi-Tech System Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Trade Association Tallahassee Builders Association . . . . . . .G - Lobby Area

TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

17

HOME financing 101

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Provided by Tallahassee Builders Association

for

first-time

As our housing and job markets continue to recover, many first-time home

buyers are gearing up to become home owners. Yet, with stricter regulations put in place after the housing crash and the long list of paperwork that’s

already required to buy a home, many prospective home buyers remain concerned about the home financing process.

Advance preparation is key when getting ready to buy a home. You need to decide how much to spend on your home and which type of mortgage will work best for you, as well as understand the settlement process.

Before you visit a sales office, model home or open house, you should take advantage of the many sources that can help you get prepared, and take some steps to ensure you’re in the best possible financial situation.

Be Realistic About What You Can Afford

Figure out what you can comfortably pay on a monthly basis. Write down all your monthly expenses including loan payments, utilities, insurance, credit cards and don’t forget food, clothing and entertainment expenditures.

When determining the monthly payment you can afford, remember that in addition to the monthly principal and interest, you will also be paying into escrows for property taxes, hazard insurance and possibly mortgage insurance or a home owners or condominium association assessment.

Many real estate-focused websites have mortgage calculators that are a great way to figure out what your monthly payments would be based on current interest rates and down payment amounts.

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TALLAHASSEE

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TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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Home Buyers Pay Down Your Debts

Debt that you carry on your credit cards will limit the amount of a loan a lender will be willing to give you. Lenders typically want to see a total debt service ratio that is less than 40 percent of your monthly income.

Get Objective Advice

Debt that you carry on your credit cards will limit the amount of a loan a lender will be willing to give you.

Pre-approval also enables you to

Attend a first-time home buying sem-

quickly make an offer when you find a

inar or talk to a credit counselor who

home, and is attractive to sellers who

does not work for a lender. The U.S.

are considering multiple offers. A

Department of Housing and Urban

lender’s pre-approval would still be

Development (HUD) offers free hous-

subject to a final verification of your

ing counseling and seminars; visit

credit and a satisfactory appraisal.

www.hud.gov or call HUD's interactive voice system at: (800) 569-4287

Qualifying for a mortgage and saving

for more information.

up for a downpayment remain pri-

Pre-Qualify for Your Home Mortgage

To ensure that the financing process goes smoothly, buyers should consider pre-qualifying for a mortgage and

mary obstacles to homeownership.

Recently Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac attempted to address this issue by announcing new low-downpayment mortgage programs geared primarily toward the first-time home buyer market.

having a financing commitment in place before shopping for a new

These lenders will now offer mort-

home. Buyers also may find that some

gages with 3% downpayments, allow-

home builders have arranged favor-

ing more creditworthy borrowers who

able financing for their customers or

lack the funds for a large downpay-

offer financial incentives.

ment to obtain a home mortgage.

After taking these steps to get your financing in order, finding your first home will be a much more enjoyable experience. For more information to help ease the first-time home-buying stress, Contact:

Tallahassee Builders Association at 850.385.1414.

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

19

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REGISTER TO WIN!

Tallahassee Builders Association The General Electric Appliance Company

Register to WIN this GE four piece kitchen package

Valued at Over $2,800

GE® 25.4 Cu. Ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator Model#: GSS25GSHSS

GE® 30" Free-Standing Electric Range Model#: JBS60RFSS

GE® 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Model#: JVM3160RFSS

GE® Dishwasher with Front Controls Model#: GDF510PSJSS

Drawing will be held Sunday, February 14th at 4:00pm (You do not have to be present to win) Must be 21 years of age to register, only one registration per person.

20

Visit Booth 167-169 for Details

TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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FREE Dishwasher with qualifying purchase

5

TOP TIPS for Hiring a

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A

BUILDER OR REMODELER

re you among the growing number of

home owners who are choosing to remodel their homes to fit their changing needs, rather than selling their home and buying another one? If so, you’ll soon learn that even simple remodels can

cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. With that type of investment on the line, it’s important to find a contractor you can trust.

As the home building and remodeling industry celebrates National Home Remodeling Month in May, here are the top five tips to ensure you make the right decisions when you find, evaluate and hire a remodeler.

1.

Always Go with a Pro

2.

Do Your Research

The best place to start is the Directory of Professional Remodelers at tallyba.com or contact the Tallahassee Builders Association at 850.385.1414. A professional remodeler will uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in the industry. These sources can also help you find a remodeler who specializes in a specific type of remodeling if you need it, such as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) to help modify your home to better suit you as you age, or a Certified Green Remodeler (CGP) to make your home more energy-efficient.

Look at the prospective remodeler’s company website and social media accounts to see photos of their work. Visit review sites like HomeAdvisor or Houzz, etc., to see more pictures and to read reviews of remodeling companies.

Take the good with the bad when reading online reviews and focus on the descriptions of experiences and qualities that are most important to you as a customer. Ask for referrals from friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and others who have had remodeling work done on comparable homes under similar schedules.

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TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

provided by Tallahassee Builders Association Larry Wayne Strickland CIP, CAPS President, Tallahassee Builders Association

3.

Create Your Short List

4.

Start Taking Notes

5.

Trust Your Instincts

Once you have a list of potential home remodelers for your project, do a little more background research to verify that they are appropriately licensed and have a good business track record. Look them up with your local or state office of consumer protection. Verify that the remodeler has the appropriate licenses and registrations.

When you begin meeting with remodelers, you want to find out information such as: • How long they have been in business in your community?

Can they provide references from customers and suppliers they work with?

• Do they carry insurance that protects you from claims arising from property damage or job site injuries? Ask for a copy of the insurance certificates.

• What is their working knowledge of the many types and ages of homes in the area, and what sort of issues could arise?

• Do they arrange for the building permit? (The person who obtains the permit is the contractor of record and therefore liable for the work) • Do they provide a written estimate before beginning the work, and a detailed contract that spells out the work that will and will not be performed, protects both of you, provides a fair payment schedule contract and complies with local, state, and federal laws?

Make sure you are compatible with the contractor you select. Beginning your project with mutual expectations will go a long way towards a smooth remodel. You’ll spend a lot of time with your remodeler so it’s important to have a good rapport and trust in him or her.

For more detailed checklists for finding, evaluating and working with a remodeler, as well as other information about remodeling your home,

Go to

tallyba.com.

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

23

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That’s Hot!

Kitchen makeovers

BE COUNTER

intuitive

Take your pick of tough, beautiful countertops

Y

By Homes & Land Staff

ou dice there. You slice there. You mix and mash there. Perhaps no other home surface is more used and abused than the kitchen countertop, which means these areas must be durable, easy to maintain and look good at the same time. That’s a tall order, so let’s talk specifics. What are the pros and cons of some of today’s more popular materials?

NATURAL STONE: Granite, shown at right, is the gold standard for countertops, with surveys finding that a majority of home buyers prefer surfaces of this beautiful and tough natural stone. Naturals such as marble and soapstone also get high points for style. Pros: durable, wide array of colors and distinctive patterns, long-lasting, heat-resistant. Cons: Needs routine sealing, can chip or crack.

ENGINEERED STONE: Consumer Reports magazine gives engineered quartz countertops top ratings, and so do interior designers and homeowners. The increasingly popular material, available in an impressive number of colors, is made from about 95 percent ground natural quartz and 5 percent polymer resins. Pros: incredibly tough and doesn’t require sealing. Cons: Cooks should use trivets to protect it from excessive heat.

WOOD: Long at home in country-style kitchens, wood also complements today’s cleanly modern spaces. Pros: withstands cutting and chopping without dulling knives, longlasting. Cons: Can be discolored and damaged by moisture and heat, can shrink or expand with dryness or moisture, requires sealing and routine maintenance.

METAL: A thoroughly modern material, stainless steel countertops complement many appliance finishes. Other options: copper, pewter and zinc. Pros: antibacterial; stain- and heat-resistant; durable. Cons: Some metals are susceptible to scratches and dents; some can’t be repaired.

Also on designers’ radar:

Cement and recycled glass get high marks for durability and style.

LAMINATE IS STILL A CONTENDER Laminate was once the default choice for countertops, and it remains an excellent lower-cost option.

colors, many with graphic designs, and in patterns that mimic natural materials such as stone and wood.

■ The material is made of paper and plastic resin formed into a thin layer and given color and texture. That layer is in turn bonded with adhesives to plywood, particle board or chip board.

■ Pros: Laminate is durable, easy to clean and needs no sealing. It is also very flexible and can be cut to fit most anywhere.

■ The

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TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

surface comes in a rainbow of

■ Cons: Shows scratches, can stain and lacks heat resistance.

H ASSOCIATION TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS

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Builders

Come See US At

Booth 157A

Enter for a chance to win a barn door.

Scan the QR code to Enter.

Or visit our booth to place an entry.

Elizabeth Ekk

Realtor速/Partner elizabeth@eHRealtyGroup.com

850.567.3455

Jeff Ragan

Realtor速 Jeff@eHRealtyGroup.com

850.273.2520

Verlonda Johnson

Realtor速 Verlonda@eHRealtyGroup.com

850.212.2403

Sandie Rice

Realtor速 Sandie@eHRealtyGroup.com

www.EHRealtyGroup.com

850.228.0634

CBC1254511

Serving Tallahassee & Surrounding Areas

(850) 878-3178 License# RF0039801 CFC1428704

Servicing All Your Plumbing & Gas Needs Remodeling Kitchen, Bath, and More!

Water Heaters - Gas, Electric, Tank, & Tankless Repipes, Backhoe, Trenching TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

25

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Ranked Among Tallahassee’s Top 10 Real Estate Companies

26

TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

850.329.7000 www.PrimeSouthRealty.com

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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New Home & Remodeling Specialist

Stan Derzypolski • 850-570-4767 Over 40 Years of Real Estate Experience lucretia@tapstally.com

www.tapstally.com

(850)545-9584

(850)545-2866

T homas A cquisition & P roperty S pecialists, inc.

Lic. in Fl. & Ga.

Lucretia S. Thomas GRI, CRS Lic. Real Estate Broker

Nicholas Mihalich Lic. in Florida & Georgia

Realtor®

242 Lafayette Circle, Tallahassee, Florida 32303

Joan H. Raley CRS, CDPE, SFR, e-PRO, GRI ABR, CHMS, Home Economist

Cell or Text: (850) 545-9390 E-Fax: 1-888-798-1950 Joan H. Raley, REALTOR® 2425 Bass Bay Drive Tallahassee, Florida 32312

www.JoanRaley.com

Since 1978

E-mail: Joan@JoanRaley.com

The Professional’s Choice BUYING AND SELLING Call Jackie Johnson to advertise 850.570.0327

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

27

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EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE WITH STYLISH DESIGN!

CARPET

•

TILE

•

LAMINATE

•

HARDWOOD

•

VINYL

2866 Industrial Plaza Drive | Tallahassee, FL 32301 | 850.656.2666 Come see us at Booth 11-11A for all your flooring needs

28

TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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(850) 574-6400

4926-C Six Oaks Dr. Tallahassee, FL 32303

Locally Owned

¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

Custom Chimney Caps Outdoor Kitchens Fireplaces Fire Pits Gas Logs Wood Stoves

¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

Pizza Ovens Grills Service Installation

Visit Our Showroom: 5040 W Tharpe St #101

850-727-4282

w w w . H e a r t h P a t i oTa l l a h a s s e e . c o m

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

29

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TALLAHASSEE

better living GUIDE

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

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Get what you really want!

Hundreds of Choices Your Superstore for Quality Brick, Tile, Wood, and Stone We are proud to offer one of the largest selection of styles, designs, and possibilities in the Tallahassee area. With such a large selection it will be our pleasure to give you personalized service about the benefits and features of our products. Why? We want nothing more than for you to be our next satisfied customer.

Thats why we have been a top choice for over 35 years.

tee Guaran d n i M Peace of

Call today for a Free Estimate and discuss with one of our experts about how we can help you achieve your goals.

850-531-0725 www.Brick.com

660 Capital City NE, Tallahassee FL, 32301 | Open 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday

31

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Tallahassee.homesandland.com

— 10 —

For more information Text Code to 81035