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Spring 2008
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Makeovers small and large leave big impressions Stacking the deck in your favor Products for everyday projects A service directory of qualified remodelers
A consumer’s guide to residential remodeling in South Hampton Roads
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MSCO Spring/Summer 2008 1
VOL. 11, NO. 2, SPRING 2008
Features 6
Remodeling makeover: Maximum changes make small bath ‘just right’
8
Get on board with composite decking
12
Pull up a chair – You don’t need to go away to get away
18
Organized doesn’t mean rigid or perfect
20
What’s hot for 2008
24
Remodeling makeover: To the horizon and beyond
28
Take control of your lawn
30
Perfect perennials for Hampton Roads gardens
34
Separate rooms keep couples together
Departments 4
From the Chairman
16
Financing Options for Your Remodeling Project
27
Advice from a Pro: To remodel or not to remodel?
33
Remodeling Checklist
37
Products to Ponder
40
TBA Remodelers Council Directory
42
DIY solution for an invigorating shower
44
Advertisers’ Index
ChoiceDek
Virginia Bluebells
8
30
Firestone Home Products
12
on the cover: This complete kitchen remodel by Kitchen King Cabinets gave the “wow” factor to a previously uninspiring space. To learn more about Kitchen King Cabinets, see the advertorial on pages 43-44, call (757) 467-5400 or visit www.kitchenkingcabinets.com (Photo by Jeffrey Prier.)
2 SPRING/SUMMER Spring/Summer 2008
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remodeling magazine
Spring/Summer 2008 3
Tidewater Builders Association leadership Edward R. Sadler, president Pete A. Kotarides, vice president Thomas W. Dye, associate vice president William H. Halprin, treasurer Charles J. Miller, secretary Channing A. Pfeiffer, executive vice president/ chief executive officer
from the chairman
Now is a good time to remodel
Remodelers Council leadership Chris Ettel, chairman Brian Twiddy, vice chairman Don Landle, secretary/treasurer Jerry Pattenaude, immediate past president
Remodeling Magazine Staff Sandra Amidon and Joyce Hearn, APR publishers Stacey Enesey Klemenc, editor Kim Powers, JoAnn Baugh and Jeanne Rogers, account representatives Paige Takach, Diane Trumbull, Rhonda Strong, graphic designers Randy Latham, financial manager Jazzarae Mitchell, production coordinator
Remodeling Magazine: A consumer’s guide to residential remodeling in South Hampton Roads (ISSN 1552-8677) is published quarterly by Tidewater Builders Association, 2117 Smith Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23320, 757-420-2434. Email address: info@tbaonline.org. Web address: www.tbaonline.org. Remodeling Magazine is mailed to neighborhoods throughout South Hampton Roads. Articles appearing in Remodeling Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and people quoted, and mention of specific products in editorial content does not imply endorsement by Remodeling Magazine. All advertising in this publication is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitations or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept advertising that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all services advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for the hearingimpaired is 1-800-927-9275.
4 Spring/Summer 2008
By Chris Ettel TBA 2008 Remodelers Council chairman
“T
here has never been a better time in recent history to remodel your home.” Sounds like a pretty bold statement, so let’s look at some important facts that support this opinion.
Great rates
Ettel
First, interest rates continue to be very attractive. There are more financing options today than ever before. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to finance your remodeling project is with an equity line of credit. Most of us have enjoyed significant appreciation of our homes during the last several years, which has provided a great deal of equity (the difference between the value of your home and what you owe.) Typically, lenders will set up for you an equity line of credit up to as much as 90 percent to 95 percent of your home’s market value with minimal or no closing costs. Another financing alternative is to refinance your existing mortgage, especially if your current rate is higher than today’s market rates. Many lenders offer a renovation refinance loan that provides the funds for your project with one closing cost — an arrangement that will save you money. When the work is completed, the loan converts to a permanent loan. Typically, the loan will be based upon the improved value of your home. Most of us enjoy our home and neighborhood, but are interested in updating our existing spaces or adding on. Renovating your home will not only improve your lifestyle, but it also historically has been a good investment.
Sound investment The nationally distributed Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report estimates the costs of a number of typical renovation projects in different areas around the country and reports how much homeowners would recoup if they sold their home within the year. The report is broken down by regions. In our area, you can expect a major kitchen remodel to recoup 82.7 percent of its cost. A bathroom remodel should recoup about 78.8 percent, a family room addition 72 percent and a master suite addition 72.8 percent. Keep in mind, however, the longer you stay in your home, the more the investment pays off. With typical home value appreciation, most remodeling will pay for itself in a few years.
Professional remodelers So, if you’ve been contemplating that renovation of your dreams, don’t wait any longer. There are professional remodelers ready to make your dreams come true. Here at Tidewater Builders Association, we are working hard to raise the bar on the professionalism in our industry to help ensure you have a great remodeling experience. Please visit TBA’s Web site at www.tbaonline.org for a list of professional qualified remodelers. You’ll also find a directory of Remodelers Council members on page 40 of this magazine. Good luck, and happy remodeling. (Chris Ettel is a partner in VB Homes in Virginia Beach, a company that specializes in architecture, construction and renovation. He can be reached at Chris@vbhomesliving.com.) remodeling magazine
Read more about our process in Remodeling Makeover on page 6
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Spring/Summer 2008 5
remodeling makeover:
Maximum changes make small bath ‘just right’ of Historic Places. However, they needed help for the last leg of the work. “Benson Builders was carefully chosen because we wanted to make sure the original character of the home was not destroyed.” hen John and Marianne Littel decided to bring the It was important to the Littels to keep the master bathroom, master bathroom of their 17th century home into the 21st century, they called upon the company they which was tucked back behind the entrance hall at the foot of the main stairwell, looking and feeling consistent with the rest of the knew would do it best. house, which dates back to 1699. While other companies offered a remodeling project that was The Littels are the current owners of “The Hermitage,” a oneeither too large or too small, Benson Builders Inc., a residential and-a-half-story wood-frame farmhouse constructed in three stages. design and build firm specializing in custom home building and The Hermitage, built by John Thoroughgood, is shown on Adam remodeling in Hampton Roads since 1985, envisioned it just right. Thoroughgood’s original land grant in 1635 in Princess Anne Benson Builders took on the project and won a Stanley RemodCounty. eling Award from the Tidewater Builders Association for the masThe traditional Colonial historic home underwent additions in ter bathroom remodel. 1820 and again in 1940. In 1820, the dwelling was doubled in size “We spent six years restoring the house,” Marianne Littel says and a central passageway was added. More than a century later, proudly, noting it was just recently added to the National Register in 1940, the final portion of the home was added and the work included indoor plumbing, three bathrooms, a maid’s room, an upstairs bedroom and a kitchen. after The Littels, who purchased The Hermitage in 2001, had a clear vision for their bathroom remodel and sketched out plans. “We knew almost exactly what we wanted and they made it doable,” says Marianne Littel. Ray Cagle, a remodeling consulbefore tant for Benson Builders, met with the Littels and discussed their plans. Benson Builders then created a computer rendering with 3-D viewing and orchestrated a designer and construction team for the project. “They consider themselves to be stewards of this house,” Cagle says, “and we enjoyed working with the Littels in transitioning their ideas into plans and then to construction.” In addition to the master bathroom, the couple also contracted The existing tub in the Benson Builders to remodel and enlarge Littel’s home was removed the kitchen, which will be entered for and replaced with a newly a Stanley Award this year. Both projects tiled shower with an adjustbegan in July 2006 and were completed able showerhead and a custom-built frameless glass on time. “They promised it’d be done by Christmas and they were done, as promshower door enclosure. In ised, three days before,” Littel says. the remaining space, a new The homeowner continues to marvel toilet was installed, which over the transformation of the small, opened up considerably 60-square-foot bathroom. “They took more space for a vanity. by Sandra J. Pennecke
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6 Spring/Summer 2008
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before
To bring warmth into the room as well as to provide much needed surface area, a custom cherry vanity cabinet with a granite countertop was installed. A new larger mirror flanked with new sconces completes the new look.
after a little bathroom that was in horrible condition and redid it into a charming little bathroom,” she explains. “They ran into a lot of problems every day, but they did a great job.” Like peeling back the layers of an onion, Benson Builders found that as they gutted the bathroom, the layers began to reveal the age of the home. “We knew trouble was lurking and we knew they’d be very careful,” Marianne says. “Rotted wood lies beneath the floor and behind the walls. The entire exterior wall for the bathroom had to be redone.” Unlike new construction, when a contractor undertakes a remodeling job, he has to expect to run into unknowns. “But when you’re dealing with a house (that’s been remodeled before) — and a bathroom close to the 1699, 1820 and 1940 sections — you encounter all kinds of interesting components,” Cagle says. The transformation began with the demolition of the plaster ceiling, walls and tile floors, right down to the framing. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical lines were rerouted and rewired. A double-hung energy-efficient custom window, built to match the existing design, was installed to bring in plenty of natural light and a new subfloor was put down. A bathtub, which ran from side-to-side in the back of the bathroom, was removed and replaced with a newly tiled shower with an adjustable shower head and a custom-built frameless glass shower-door enclosure. A toilet went in the remaining space, relocated from its previous spot that jutted into the center of the room. Custom cherry vanity cabinets with granite countertops were installed around the new sink. A large rectangular mirror with matching vanity lights adds both warmth and elegance to the bathroom, which previously featured a small, round, dark wood mirror and hanging chandelier. The existing linen closet was replaced with a built-in custom floor-to-ceiling cabinet. Benson Builders recommended reversal of the door hinges to help improve the flow of the room and create a more natural swing into the bathroom. Although the size remained the same, Littel says the remodel makes it feel bigger. Now that the finishing touches are done, John and Marianne Littel are quite pleased with the outcome of their remodeling projects. That’s like music to the ears of Cagle, who says, “We want the end product, as well as the process leading up to it, to be something the customer is excited about.” (Sandra J. Pennecke is a free-lance writer living in Chesapeake.) remodeling magazine
Spring/Summer 2008 7
Get on board with composite decking By Stacey Enesey Klemenc
8 Spring/Summer 2008
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ith more low-maintenance products popping up on many homeowners’ lists — and the green movement plowing ahead to save more trees for future generations — it’s no wonder composite decking has made such strides since it was first introduced back in the early 1990s. The decking is basically made from some sort of wood remnants and either recycled or virgin plastic. According to a recent study by The Freedonia Group, alternative decking products will continue to lead the decking materials market in terms of yearly gains through 2011, with wood-plastic composite decking making the strongest showing. By and large, today’s products look and wear much better than they did when they were first introduced. And new composite accessories such as railing components have broadened the types of projects for which composite materials are well suited. According to Andie Atwell, a managing partner with Deckmasters in Virginia Beach, a company that specializes in custom quality decks, “The nice thing about composites is that you get so many choices,” she says, noting that a little less than half of her company’s business involves composite decking. “There’s such a variety of colors, patterns and styles you get to choose from that you don’t get with wood.” Whereas the cost for composites can be as little as 20 percent to 30 percent more than wood up to double the price tag, most people agree the investment is worth it. “In the long run, there’s very little maintenance with a composite deck and many come with extended warranties,” Atwell says. They also will outlast their wooden counterparts with a lot less work on the homeowner’s end. “Composite decks are more durable. You don’t have to seal them and you don’t have to worry about splinters or warped boards. They’re also a lot easier to keep clean,” Atwell says. (Opposite) Alternative decking products continue (See DECKING on page 10) to make gains in the decking materials market, with wood-plastic composite decking leading the way. Expansive decks, such as this one in Birdneck Point built out of TimberTech red cedar, are becoming more commonplace. (Photo courtesy of Deckmasters.) (At right) WeatherBest Premium Grain decking and railing features dual-finished boards that let homeowners choose the side they prefer: embossed wood grain or classic molded finish. It comes in four different colors. (Photo courtesy of Fiber Composites.)
DECKMASTERS custom quality decks
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Spring/Summer 2008 9
Decking (continued from page 9)
But they do require maintenance. Composite decks should be washed two to three times a year to avoid mold and mildew buildup. Since composite decks contain wood fibers, they also will fade over time. So when choosing a composite product, be sure to check out decks that are at least a year old to see if you like the way your deck will eventually look. Today there are more than 50 manufacturers of composite decking, with new products regularly added to the lineup.
The lure of the tropics
fiberon Tropics was developed with a new proprietary process that injects more varied colors into the composite deck product. Seen here is Jatoba, which mimics rain forest woods like ipe, cambara and cumaru. (Photo courtesy of Fiber Composites.)
Several companies have recently introduced composites that deliver a tropical look without the extensive maintenance. Fiber Composites of New London, N.C., has fiberon Tropics, which was developed with a proprietary process that injects more varied colors into the wood. This results in natural color variations found in real, tropical wood. The decking, available through lumber yards, comes in Tropics Jatoba that
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10 Spring/Summer 2008
mimics rain forest woods like ipe, cambara and cumaru, and Tropics Mahogany that provides a look similar to natural mahogany, redwood or Brazilian cherry. Unlike real tropical hardwoods, Tropics doesn’t require special fastening methods that make it more costly to install. It fact, it requires 40 percent fewer fasteners than traditional decks. The line also is designed to help contractors reduce waste by up to 15 percent per job. The boards come in a variety of lengths, are dimensionally accurate, are reversible with usable surfaces on both sides and provide subtle yet infinite color variation, which eliminates color risk when mixing different product batches. Also from Fiber Composites, WeatherBest Tropical composite decking comes in Teak, a rich medium brown with red highlights, and Cypress, which has variegated gray tones. The deep colors permeate the entire board, so scratches weather out naturally. Unlike most composite decking, this line has a satin finish. It’s also grooved for easy installation with the company’s Phantom II hidden fastener system. Both Fiber Composite lines come with a quality 20-year limited warranty. Trex, a longtime composites manufacturer headquartered in Winchester, Va., has the Brasilia decking and railing that mimics exotic hardwoods. Earlier this year, the company added a new Espresso color to its current offerings of Burnished Amber and Cayenne. The new color resembles the dark brown hardwood that’s so popular in fine furniture today. The company recently partnered with Tiger Claw, a pioneer in the deck fastener industry, to develop the new Trex Hideaway hidden fastener system designed to be used exclusively with Brasilia’s grooved boards. The new system eliminates the need for deck surface fastening and provides a much cleaner look, free of visible screws or nails. Another leading manufacturer of composite decking, TimberTech out of Wilmington, Ohio, recently expanded its Floorizon decking products with three new tropical color choices: Walnut, Teak and Rosewood. Floorizon, with its tongue-and-groove profile and a built-in hidden fastening system, features a VertiGrain surface that varies from board to board like real wood. With its true 6-inch planks, the product provides more surface coverage than most other planks. remodeling magazine
Mix and match There are also several wood composite products that make creating designs even easier. Some planks feature dual finishes. Trex Accents, for instance, has a subtle wood grain pattern on one side and a smooth, refined look on the other. Likewise,WeatherBest Premium Grain gives homeowners a choice between a straight grain pattern or a random grain pattern for the look of real wood. And TimberTech has TwinFinish, consisting of a solid-core plank similar to a traditional 5/4 with two surface choices: VertiGrain on one side and brushed on the other. Accessories for this product line include DrySpace, a deck drainage system that collects water that falls between the gaps in the planks and channels it away. Perfect for a second-story deck, it creates a dry and functional space below. Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek, which features boards in a variety of colors with a ribbed bottom design that lessens weight while adding stiffness, has a matching railing system. The components come with a fully transferable, limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. Trex recently redesigned and relaunched its popular Artisan Series Railing. New components include post sleeves, caps and skirts, as well as top and bottom rail kits. And earlier this year, WeatherBest introduced a white composite railing that snaps together in as little as five minutes without hardware, making it a perfect choice for do-it-yourselfers. The railing is available in flat top or classic rounded Colonial styles. (Stacey Enesey Klemenc is editor of Remodeling Magazine: A consumer’s guide to residential remodeling in South Hampton Roads.)
Brasilia, seen here in Burnished Amber and Cayenne, takes its design inspiration from the exotic look of tropical hardwoods. A dark brown hardwood color, Espresso, was added to the collection this year. (Photo courtesy of Trex.) Floorizon decking products recently added three new tropical color choices: Walnut, Teak and Rosewood. Seen here are the tongue-and-groove profiles, which provide consistent spacing with the built-in hidden fastening system. (Photo courtesy of TimberTech.)
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Spring/Summer 2008 11
Pull up a chair
You don’t need to go away to get away by Janet Yarbrough Meyer
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hether through whimsy, sophistication or tradition, homeowners want to extend their living space from inside the house to the backyard. Relaxing by the pool or enjoying a dinner outside as the sun sinks beyond the horizon and stars emerge has become the new form of entertainment. According to Joy Sugden of Polynesian Pools in Virginia Beach, the economy and current gas prices have caused people to rethink how and where they spend their (Above) Outdoor room peleisure time. Rather than going away, people rimeters can be defined with are creating a vacation/entertainment spot in gazebos or pergolas, such as the their own private space. Tuscany pergola from Firestone Using sofas, chairs and lounges on decks Home Products. Despite its and patios helps to create a permanent outmassive look, this steel-reindoor area. Add deep, lush, tailored cushions forced fiberglass structure is and position the pieces around a pool or garactually easy to assemble. Two den or design a bistro atmosphere with a table, people can put it up in less than chairs and large market umbrella, and you have two hours. (At left) Don’t let this fashioned the new norm for social gatherings. one get away. An Adirondack “There are so many ways you can personalfish chair could be quite a catch ize and utilize your outdoor space today,” says for a seaside dweller. (Photo Sugden. “Whatever type of look you want, it’s courtesy of Island Post Cap.)
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out there.” Conversation areas scattered around the yard can be designed around a water feature like a fountain or reflecting pool. Swivel lounge chairs and ottomans can be used to create a quiet, meditative zone. Another area may have a love seat, chairs, end tables and a portable bar situated around a permanent or moveable firepit where people can relax and enjoy the warm glow. Some units even come equipped with a water feature. Using firepits and fireplaces — which can be fueled by natural gas, propane or wood — expands the time spent outdoors into the evening. Sugden says her clients used to purchase individual pieces, but now they are more inclined to buy a complete room of outdoor furniture. “People select a style of furniture to coordinate with their indoor décor,” says Sugden, who has been furniture manager for Polynesian Pools for the last five years. “They carry the indoor theme outdoors to create a flow. This concept is very big right now.” Another way to lengthen outdoor time is to mitigate the insect problem. Gazebos or pergolas with curtains or netting can solve this ever-present evening dilemma, while also creating a more intimate atmosphere for private occasions. Add lighting, fans, small tables, music and water features and you have a private getaway. Where pergolas are more open to the outdoors, weather-proof fans can be installed to help alleviate insects. The movement of air on warm, still nights helps to cool people while deterring those pesky flying bugs. Because the realm of outdoor living has developed into its own class of design, Sugden says the same amenities that a homeowner has become accustomed to in selecting indoor furniture has been carried over into the outdoor furniture experience. Now clients can select the frames of furniture from sturdy and attractive cast or extruded aluminum, teak, synthetic wicker and artificial wood products, to name but a few choices. Because these pieces are designed for outdoor use, they are easy to care for and able to withstand Hampton Roads’ salt air, glaring sun and gusty winds. Shoppers also have many choices in fabrics to coordinate colors and styles from the home. According to Sugden the remodeling magazine
(Above) Plastic Adirondack chairs come in an array of festive colors. They’re designed to resist mold and never need painting. (Photo by Stacey Enesey Klemenc.) (At left) Some pieces of furniture are timeless, such as the treated yellow southern pine furniture from Stateline Builders. The company caters to the more traditional buyer.
variety changes every year and is endless. Currently, the color palette favorite is teal blue and brown, but that could change any day. Where Polynesian Pools’ exterior design runs the spectrum from classic to contemporary, Clay Lewis of Stateline Builders caters to the more traditional buyer. For him outdoor living has not changed much. His six stores in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia still cater to clients who want the treated yellow southern pine furniture and accessories he has provided over the last 10 years. The octagon picnic table with built-in seating has been one of his most consistent requests. He also specializes in freestanding, untreated swings, porch gliders and Adirondack chairs which a homeowner can stain or paint. The children’s play sets come in a variety of combinations, which may include a play house, slides, swings and a sand box. All the sets come stained.
(Below) A departure from traditional ground firepits, a table-height unit such as this one is perfect for cocktail parties where most people are standing. You could really dazzle your friends with the brand new model (FPT955). It has both fire and water features. (Photo courtesy of Cal Spas.)
(See GET AWAY on page 14) Spring/Summer 2008 13
FALL IN
Love
(Above) For a touch of romance and elegance, it’s hard to beat the Eclipse Relaxer. This beauty is as durable as it is plush. It’s fashioned out of all-weather wicker over a powder-coated aluminum frame. (Photo courtesy of Gloster.) (At right) There’s an array of birdhouses and feeders that can be mounted to a deck post. (Photo courtesy of Island Post Cap.)
Look good when you cook.
VISIT one our Three
(continued from page 13)
of
Showrooms
Newtown 5784 Arrowhead Drive Virginia Beach
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14 Spring/Summer 2008
Get Away
In addition to furniture, Lewis says his company also carries wooden yard accessories such as bird feeders and houses, bridges, arbors and wishing wells. Moving away from the traditional and classic, there are also unusual pieces for the outdoors, such as the Adirondack fish chair with a matching ottoman that’s available in adult and guppy sizes at www.everwoodteak.com/ew-beachchairs.htm. Made of long-lasting cypress, the chairs come painted in nine colors. A fishy coffee table is also available to match or coordinate with the chairs. Another twist on the traditional fare includes brightly colored, solid-plastic Adirondack chairs. These sturdy pieces are designed to resist mold and never need painting. They’re available locally from Kettler and online from Target. And for the hopelessly romantic with deep pockets, Polynesian carries the Eclipse Relaxer, an indoor/outdoor round lounger made from hand-woven all-weather-wicker that’s padded with cushions and partially covered by a canopy. On the practical side, a trend hitting today’s decks is the balconyheight table and chair dining set. Normally when a person sits at an outdoor table, the deck railing obstructs the view because it cuts through the line of vision. With the height of the balcony table, which falls between a dining table and a bar set, the person can easily see over top the railing. (Janet Yarbrough Meyer is a free-lance writer and ODU instructor living in Virginia Beach.) remodeling magazine
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remodeling magazine
Spring/Summer 2008 15
financing options for your remodeling project
Why a little ‘R&R’ still makes sense By Jan Slokker
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hat a difference a year makes! It seems like only yesterday the sky was the limit. House prices kept on going up and lending got easier. Cocktail hours were bragging times of how much money one made, fixing up a property and “flipping” it to make a fast and easy buck. Now look at today’s market. Every time we turn on the news, there is more gloom and doom. “The biggest housing Slokker slump since the great depression”… “10 months of unsold inventory”… “Foreclosure galore”… “Lenders unwilling to lend”… “House prices tumbling”…. But, in reality, is it all bad and are all markets equal? And, most importantly for us remodelers, does remodeling still make sense? First off, I believe here in the Hampton Roads area, we generally have fared better than other areas in the country. And, of course, we should have known all along that the 20 percent-plus annual appreciation was simply not sustainable. Yes, even here we have hit a bump in
the road and there is some pain, but I expect the housing correction here to be more manageable. This, too, shall pass and once the inventory shrinks we will see the gradual appreciation we are used to. And yes, if you apply for a mortgage you probably will have to put some money into the transaction to begin with and show your willingness and ability to repay the note. In other words, things will be back to normal.
Should I stay or should I go? To see if remodeling makes sense for you, ask yourself the following questions: • How much will remodeling improve my quality of life and at what cost? • Do I intend to stay in this house for at least the next three to five years? • Am I better off selling my current house and buying another one that has all the features I want? Also, more homework on your part is required in order to get the biggest bang for the buck as well as checking out your financing options.
Investing at home The R&R loan — short for renovation and repair — still fits the bill and, in fact, now may even be the very best option available. Let’s recap the advantages both to the remodeler and homeowner:
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to reserve space in our upcoming Williamsburg/Peninsula and South Hampton Roads editions.
16 Spring/Summer 2008
• The borrower will be able to borrow on the as-built future value of the home. • There’s a one-time closing, thus only one set of closing costs. • The borrower is preapproved and finances are secured, so the remodeler doesn’t have to worry where the next payment is coming from. • There’s a flexible draw schedule. The remodeler doesn’t have to front any money. • The remodeler works out the draws with the construction/perm department, making it easier on everyone involved. • The homeowner enjoys a favorable interest rate during the construction tied to prime and pays interest only over the amount of funds used to date. • At the completion of the project, the construction loan will modify to a permanent mortgage. Nearly all permanent financing options are available to the borrower at that time. Let’s also mention a few very positive points as to why a remodel in today’s market makes sense: • Most builders are eager for work and are very realistic in their pricing, even some that only did new homes before. • Some material costs have come down and those savings will be passed on to you. • The prime rate has come down and the trend is even lower. Because most R&R programs are tied to prime, your construction rate is lower. • The long-term 30-year fixed rate is still near an all-time low, which will help your permanent mortgage rate. • Some tax advantages may apply, such as the Norfolk tax abatement program for instance. So, all in all, it’s not a bad time for a little R&R. Check it out. After all, you deserve it! (Jan Koning Slokker is a senior loan officer with Monarch Mortgage and a member of TBA’s Remodelers Council. For more information on an R&R loan, you can reach him at [757] 450-3452.) remodeling magazine
remodeling magazine
Spring/Summer 2008 17
Organized doesn’t mean rigid or perfect
T
here’s something about the spring air that motivates even the worst procrastinators to dust off the cleaning supplies and begin organizing their home or office space. However, once the yearly ritual begins, many people can describe how they feel in one word, “Overwhelmed!” “That’s because they think being ‘organized’ means being rigid, sterile or perfect,” explains organizing guru Rosemary Chieppo, author of the handbook “Clutter, Chaos & the Cure.” Chieppo, who says her style “is more Rachael Ray than Martha Stewart,” defines organized as being able to find what you need, when you need it. “It ain’t rocket science,”
Chieppo defiantly proclaims. “Organizing just means having a place for everything and making sure everything is in its place.” Chieppo’s unconventional approach stresses that clearing physical clutter clears the clutter in the mind. “Spring is all about renewal, so there’s no better time to reorganize your home and reinvigorate yourself.” Although her new handbook ranges from guidelines for knowing when to throw out important papers to maximizing kitchen space, Chieppo offers the following five general tips for simplifying spring organizing when the “must-do” mood hits: 1. Start with small tasks so you can indulge in the victory of completion. “Most people feel defeated before they start, so this mindset is going to keep you motivated.” 2. Give your things a home at the point of their use. “Think toothbrush. You never misplace it because its home is where you use it. The same concept should be applied to just about everything else in your space.” 3. Group like things together. “It allows you to keep inventory of what you have so you don’t end up with 17 black turtlenecks or 67 AA batteries.” 4. Don’t put tall things in front of short things and don’t put big things on top of little things. “Most people are visual. If 18 Spring/Summer 2008
they don’t see something, it may as well not exist.” 5. Remember, organizing is an ongoing process. “Once you’ve done the initial work of creating a place for everything, don’t sabotage your progress by falling back into old habits. Try to return each item to its designated spot as soon as you can.” Before attempting to implement the tips, most clients of Chieppo’s business, Born to Organize, commonly present her with the same two roadblocks. The first is concern about the amount of time it will take to complete the organizing project; to which she replies, “You think you don’t have time to get organized, but you must get organized in order to have time.”
Think toothbrush
The other hurdle involves mustering up the courage to say “good-bye” to things accumulated over a number of years. “I never saw a hearse pulling a U-Haul,” Chieppo jokingly points out. The longtime member of the National Association of Professional Organizers says that many people tend to think of organizing only in terms of physical space like closets, pantries and papers, but adds it also has an emotional and mental side. “They don’t own their stuff. Their stuff owns them. Bringing themselves to donate or discard an item of sentimental value takes a certain amount of selfreflection.” Once a person is armed with knowledge of how to organize and begins the process, Chieppo teaches that the easier the system, the more likely they are to incorporate organizing into their daily routine. And that, she contends, is where the real payoff comes into play, “Keep your life organized,” she says, “and you’ll find more energy and clarity in every day. More importantly, next year, you can spend your time enjoying all spring has to offer instead of cleaning.” For more information, visit www. borntoorganize.com. remodeling magazine
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Spring/Summer 2008 19
What’s hot for 2008
HGTV’s Libby Langdon shares her secrets on decorating trends
L
ibby Langdon, expert commentator on HGTV’s “Small Space, Big Style” tells us how to dress up our home for 2008 with some of her chic, quick and easy decorating ideas.
On the way out • Painting your trim (baseboard/crown molding) a color darker than your walls. Crisp, clean white is back. • Formal living rooms. It’s still all about the family room and lots of existing “formal” living rooms are being converted into game rooms, family spaces or home offices. • Big bold patterned wallpaper. Wallpaper is still hot, it’s just more subtle. Colors are softer and tone-on-tone rather than big, bold and bright. • Aqua and chocolate brown. She’s not sure this combo will ever go away completely, but people are looking to other color schemes to create a fresh, new look. • Collections or collecting anything! We
all want to live with less so the big trend now is to unclutter!
Very much in • The eclectic mix. Combining different styles/eras/types of furniture to create your own personal style. No more “matchymatchy” interiors or furniture bought in sets. It’s all in how you mix it. • Color is back! Color is back in a big way and leading the pack is bright yellow. It looks new when it’s paired with a soft gray or white or black. It can also be incorporated in accessories for those low-commitment color types. • Multifunctional rooms. Whether people are downsizing or wanting to spend more time with each other, rooms these days are called upon to serve more than one purpose, like a kitchen/office or a living room/office. It’s making people get creative with how they layout their spaces. • Sheer textiles. Gone are the days
Colored trim is out and white is in.
where you hung a simple polyester sheer panel on your windows. Sheers now come in fabulous colors, laser-cut mod patterns or soft see-through linens. It’s part of the notion to let the outdoors in — in a stylish way — and sheer fabrics are the best way to do it. • The “green” movement. Green, as in eco-friendly, is the buzzword of every business and home furnishings are no exception. People are going to be more environmentally conscious from here on out — no ifs, ands or buts. This isn’t a trend; it’s a new lifestyle movement.
Remodeling & Custom Homes …designed from a
20 Spring/Summer 2008
Woman’s perspective
remodeling magazine
Area Builders of Tidewater, Inc. Custom Home Building &Remodeling
Specializing in kitchens, baths and additions Homearama participant for 17 years Our talented staff, both in the field and the office, are readily available to make your remodeling experience exceptional When you are ready, and you want it done right, Area Builders of T idewater is here to serve you.
2500 Gum Tree Court Suite 200A Chesapeake, VA 23321
757-488-home • www.abtcustomhomes.com
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Spring/Summer 2008 21
22 Spring/Summer 2008
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remodeling magazine
Spring/Summer 2008 23
remodeling makeover
The zero-horizon pool was designed to blend seamlessly with Rudee Inlet beyond. Every detail was carefully considered in this award-winning project, from selecting a pool plaster to match with the water in Lake Wesley to installing light color pavers that would be easy on the feet on hot summer days.
To the horizon and beyond
A
breathtaking water feature is the focal point of the project that nets a local contractor the 2007 Stanley Award for Outdoor Living.
by Janet Yarbrough Meyer
For the past six years, Joe and Lori Hanley have stared at all the boats that have leisurely traversed by their home on Lake Wesley and dreamed of what their backyard would look like if their landscape connected them to the free-flowing waterway that meanders into the Atlantic Ocean. “I saw ideas in magazines and thought a zero-horizon pool was something that I wanted for my backyard,” says Joe Hanley. That’s what the Croatan resident wished for, and that’s what he got. Now when the Hanleys sit in their living room, they can look out the windows and see a fountain which spills over into a seemingly endless pool of gray-green water that produces the illusion of their yard extending to the horizon.
Tweaking the dream The Hanleys envisioned the project as the crowning touch in creating their dream vacation retreat/entertainment area in their own backyard, but Doug Aurand of Siska-Aurand, a master planning and landscape architectural firm in Norfolk, saw the project from an architect’s perspective. He knew his clients wanted exciting elements that blended and complemented their yard, but he also knew the land’s configuration and surrounding waterways added some interesting challenges. Where Joe Hanley’s vision was composed of a pool with the crystal clear, aquablue waters of the Caribbean, Aurand interpreted the design and suggested something
Lori Hanley planned the project’s landscaping, which kept more of the yard open for the family’s children and dogs than husband, Joe, had originally envisioned. The 15-by-36-foot salt-water pool overflows into a shallow bottom basin where the kids can safely splash and play.
24 Spring/Summer 2008
completely different as an alternative. “Doug wanted me to trust him when he said (what) I (really) wanted (was for) the pool to match the color of the water in Lake Wesley,” says Hanley. “I am so glad I did. Now the water in the pool matches the water in the lake and helps to create the image of the endless pool I was after. The little change was the best thing that ever happened. Doug really knows his stuff.” Now when the Hanleys sit and look at the water in their pool, it meshes with Rudee Inlet and appears to flow off into the distant horizon.
Next up, the swimming pool The next challenge was the placement of the swimming pool, which was put in by Gracia & Vigil of Virginia Beach. Since a traditional swimming pool is normally situated on a flat surface, Hanley’s sloping yard with a four-to-fivefoot grade change required two retaining walls and 22 truck loads of fill dirt. This not only challenged but also inspired general contractor, David Slawson, who came into the project after the plans were drawn and served as project manager. He’s the one who oversaw and supervised putting in the rear-yard swimming pool, building the retaining walls, coordinating the landscaping efforts and constructing the cabana. “I had never done anything like this before,” says the owner of Classic Design Builders in Virginia Beach. “We lived and died by the grade shots. We never took the laser off the job site. It was our life line.” Slawson says the project was very exciting. The work was very detailed and every measurement had to be accurate down to a fraction of an inch. “We could not be off on any of our measurements. There was no wiggle room if this was going to work.” Consequently, the homeowners had to prepick every stone and tile so the thickness could be computed into the measurements for the zero-horizon pool. remodeling magazine
This extensive planning and cooperation, Slawson says, made the project a success. “It was a tight site with the pool so close to the home,” Aurand adds, “but it worked because the pool functions as more of a water feature than a pool. Everything works together to create that ‘wow’ factor.” Although the backyard’s focus is the 15-by-36-foot knife-edge salt-water pool that’s used for laps and relaxation, there’s also a wading area for children on the lower level. The bottom basin contains a kiddie pool that backs up to the adjacent waterfall where Hanley likes to sit and watch the children romp in the shallow water. “I can sit there and get wet with the water running down from the pool above me,” he says. “The children play in the pool, and I get to watch the boats move back and forth through Rudee Inlet.”
Pool house was a bonus Even though the pool was the fulfillment of a vision, Hanley’s favorite part of the project turned out to be the pool house which extended the family’s living/ entertaining area outside. With its sliding shutters that serve as retractable walls, the area can be used year round. Within the 12-by-16-foot cabana floored with skid-free tiles are a fireplace, a flat-screen TV, bathroom, refrigerator and comfy furniture. There, the Hanleys remodeling magazine
can relax and watch their three young children play in the yard. According to Hanley, the entire process of installing and building the backyard retreat was painless enough, even though the project lasted almost six months. “They told me what it would look like, and when it was finished, it was exactly what they said it would be,” he says.
Involvement is key to project’s success Slawson instinctively knew from the git-go the project would turn out right because of the people on board. The general contractor says he likes to collaborate with other professionals who also like to
think “outside of the box.” “I look at something and see possibilities,” says Slawson, who thrives on trying new designs and fresh ideas. “I like challenging concepts.” Much of the success of the project — which involved two architects, 12 contractors and more than 50 craftsmen — was due to the homeowners being involved from the beginning, Slawson says. Experience has taught him that when the homeowners are comfortable with the process, the success rate is higher. According to Hanley, his wife, Lori, planned the landscaping. He says now he’s glad she did because she kept more yard area for the children to play in and their dogs to romp than he originally envisioned. With their backyard retreat completed, the Hanleys don’t see any further additions — unless you want to count the fire pit that Joe’s envisioning. But for right now, everyone is pleased. “When I step through the door out into my backyard,” he says, “I feel — wow! It’s an absolutely gorgeous place we have created here.” (Janet Yarbrough Meyer is a free-lance writer and ODU instructor living in Virginia Beach.)
The pool house turned out to be Joe Hanley’s favorite feature. With its sliding shutters, the 12-by-16-foot cabana is equipped to be used year round. Spring/Summer 2008 25
Make it yours!
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26 Spring/Summer 2008
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advice from a pro
To remodel or not to remodel? By Frank Sgromolo
P
erforming a major remodeling project can be a costly and many times stressful endeavor that by necessity requires we carefully consider the question, is it worth while? Making that decision on whether or not to enter into any project requires us to look at the financial feasibility of such an endeavor. But when we’re remodeling our home, it’s only one of many aspects which Sgromolo must be considered. Many times, especially when there’s a need to add space, the big question is should I move or should I remodel? There are several things that must be considered in answering this. How do I feel about the neighborhood? Is this a place I want to remain? Would I miss my neighbors? Am I close to my friends? How’s it going to affect the kids? Sometimes people choose to remain where they are because of the children’s school or because they live on the same street with their grandchildren. The point I’m trying to make is that there are many considerations when deciding on whether to remodel or move besides the financial ones. Is it important to consider the valve of other homes in the neighborhood when deciding how much to spend on a project? Sure it is. How important this is, however, will vary from one person to another. As a room addition contractor, I’ve advised many clients and potential clients on this very question. More then a few times after listening to a potential client speak of what was most important I’ve advised them against adding on (not a good sales technique) and suggested that they consider moving instead. Sometimes moving is better, but for most people staying put makes the best sense. Below is a list of questions which anyone considering remodeling should ask. Once answered, it’s good to determine the level of importance that each holds for you and your family. remodeling magazine
• Am I happy with the neighborhood? • Would I miss the neighbors? • Would the children be separated from friends? • Do we have family in the neighborhood? • Will we have to change schools? • Are we close to work, place of worship and friends? • Would moving adversely or positively affect these situations? • How difficult would it be to accomplish what we want? • How much value would be added to my home? • Would remodeling help the resale value of my home? • Would the improved value of my home exceed the neighborhood? • If I decide to stay now, for how long do I expect to be here? These are just a few of the questions we must ask when determining whether or not to remodel. Again how important the questions and answers are will vary from family to family. I purposely did not place the financial questions first because they
are rarely the most important. Quality of life and happiness of the family many times take precedence. I once built an addition for a retired couple that placed the value of the home tens of thousands of dollars above the neighborhood. They were retired and planned on remaining in their home (which was already paid for) for the rest of their lives. Two of their three children lived in the neighborhood and their grandchildren came by almost every day. Everything that was important to them was there. What’s important to you? Only you and your family can decide. One thing that can be helpful is the advice of a professional remodeler. The Remodelers Council of the Tidewater Builders Association has many experienced men and women who can help provide information concerning your particular project. They can help you “count the cost” and make the best decision for you and your family. (Frank Sgromolo is a professional remodeler with A-1 Additions Inc. in Chesapeake.)
Spring/Summer 2008 27
If you’re getting tired of lugging a sprinkler and hose all around your yard, perhaps it’s time to invest in a good irrigation system. It’s less expensive than you may think.
Water power
Take control of your lawn by Kym Kilbourne
E
ver wonder how your neighbor seems to have a lawn of endless green grass reminiscent of the Irish countryside (or Camden Yards) even in the oppressive heat of summer? Chances are they have a lawn irrigation system that takes the thinking and the legwork out of daily watering. Installing a system to keep your grass and flowers from frying under July’s blazing sun is less expensive than you may think. Jeff Patrell, a vice president with Dimestar Inc., a Virginia Beach-based irrigation and building company, says the
Rotary sprinklers are used for large grassy areas and generally can cover areas between 20 and 50 feet.
28 Spring/Summer 2008
first key to a good system is a reliable rain sensor. Patrell, who has logged 13 years in the industry, recommends a wireless sensor from Irritrol. It’s compatible with most commercial irrigation products, such as those from industry leaders Rain Bird and Hunter, he says, allowing homeowners to pick and choose products from different makers to come up with the right system for their needs. Installing a sensor helps conserve water by measuring rainfall and only allowing the irrigation system to engage when watering is needed.
When to water While wireless systems basically remove a homeowner’s need to remember to turn on the sprinklers — let alone to be there physically — it remains important to set the correct time of day and length of the watering cycles. John Round, owner of K&D Round’s Landscape Services in Norfolk, says you should water early in the morning rather than late at night. This prevents fungus from growing and diseases such as root rot, which is typically caused by overwatering. Late-night watering, Round stress-
es, is “like your lawn is wearing a pair of wet boots all night.” He recommends starting the cycle between 4 and 5 a.m. and finishing by 9 or 10 a.m., giving the lawn enough time to dry throughout the day. Round, who has been in the industry for 23 years, estimates a lawn needs about an inch of water every three to four days. He suggests placing several cups around the yard and monitoring how long it takes to collect about a half-inch of water. Then, set your run time accordingly. Another way to determine the right amount of water is to set up a 10-minute run time and walk your lawn barefoot — letting your feet feel the moisture. “This will tell you a lot,” Patrell says. You should feel comfortable walking on the lawn. It shouldn’t be soggy or squishy. If a little barefoot in your own park is not your thing, you can install a rain gauge to monitor how much water your lawn is getting. And if you have a lawn service company, you should heed its recommendations. In the Hampton Roads area, most homeowners should expect to begin watering at the end of May or early June remodeling magazine
(depending on the spring rainfall) and end in October, after the lawn has been over-seeded (if you choose to seed). As a precaution, a professional should be contacted in late fall to flush out the system and shut it down to prevent bursts.
Adding a well Some professionals recommend you install a separate well to run the irrigation system. In the Hampton Roads area, the cost for a typical well system is quoted at between $1,300 and $2,500. According to Patrell, a well will pay for itself in less than two years given the escalating water bills the region has been experiencing. If you do opt to run off of city water, Round recommends you put in a deduct meter so you’re not paying the Hampton Roads Sanitation District on water used for irrigation, which will save homeowners some money. While iron, which is often found in well water, won’t harm your lawn or plants, it will stain your concrete sidewalk or home siding. If you opt to drill a well for your irrigation needs, taking advantage of a rust removal system may be essential depending on the composition of your water. Products like Rid O Rust will reliably remove rust stains on concrete and siding, says Round, but when there is an abundance of iron in the well water, it may be preferable to use city water. Another factor to consider with a well is whether or not salt is abundant. If it is, “then we know we can’t spray any flowers or shrubs because it will kill them,” says Patrell. Salt won’t harm grass, but it cannot be filtered. A professional needs to adjust sprinkler head placement to ensure flowers and other plants are protected.
Heads up To determine the number of sprinklers needed for a residential irrigation you must first decide how many zones are necessary. “A good company will talk to the homeowner to decide where the dry spots and the wet spots are, and then design the irrigation system to control those areas,” says Patrell. For example, the side of a house is typically a poor drainage area, staying wet with little sun exposure. Consequently, Patrell says, you never want to put in sprinkler heads that cover the side yard and the front yard on the same zone (See WATER POWER on page 32) remodeling magazine
Spring/Summer 2008 29
Perenni Perfect for Hampton Roads gardens Photos and story by Susan Brimo-Cox
R
emodeling your garden? Why not? In today’s hectic environment, wouldn’t you rather your garden be a place of relaxation and tranquility instead of another laundry list of chores needing to be done? Perennial plants are often chosen for the garden because they come back year after year. Other than periodic dividing, many perennials don’t require a whole lot of work. Here’s a sampling of some easycare perennials that can help brighten your garden throughout the growing season.
Perennials for sun Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are popular for a number of reasons: They are easy to grow, they are trouble free and they come in hundreds of flower colors, except pure white and blue. Daylilies are among the most adaptable perennials, too. They range in size from less than a foot to more than 3 feet tall when their flower stalks arch above the foliage. It would not be exaggerating to estimate that 1,000-plus new hybrids of daylily are registered each year. Some are evergreen in Hampton Roads’ climate.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
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Coneflower (Echinacea)
When it comes to irises, there is something for everyone. From the diminutive, early-blooming native Iris cristata to the tall, stately bearded irises, irises offer a species for just about any growing condition — there are even irises for bog gardens. Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) is probably the easiest iris type to grow. Some varieties of iris offer variegated foliage. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberose) basks in the sun. It doesn’t mind poor soil and it handles drought just fine — just don’t plant it in soggy soil. As its name implies, its orange flowers are a butterfly magnet. It also makes a long-lasting cut flower. Butterfly weed can grow to 3 feet high. Echinacea and Rudbeckia varieties, such as purple coneflower and Black-eyed Susan (respectively), are easy perennials to grow. They can reach 3 to 4 feet tall and they make great cut flowers. ‘Goldsturm’ is a popular, compact selection of Rudbeckia. And breeders have developed a range of flower colors for Echinacea, including purple, white, yellow, orange and pink. One of my favorite perennials for three-season interest is blue plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides). Plumbago is late to emerge in spring, but when it does, the semiwoody red stems produce shiny green leaves about 1 to 2 inches long. Because it leafs out later, plumbago is a good companion for spring-flowering bulbs. Come late summer, blue flowers appear and last until the first frost. And, as early fall arrives, the leaves begin to turn a reddish-bronze color that continues through autumn. Plumbago stays less than a foot tall. Tall sedums, such as Sedum ‘Autumn Joy,’ are perennial favorites because of their nice appearance and easy care. ‘Autumn Joy’ typically looks good year-
round and doesn’t require staking. However, if ‘Autumn Joy’ is a little ho-hum to you (some people think it has been over used), new selections of sedum offer a variety of variegated and purple foliage, though some are not as sturdy as ‘Autumn Joy’ and may need staking. Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida) are late flowering but exquisite. Grow them in rich, well-drained soil that you can keep moist through summer and they should reward you profusely. Flowers can be white to pink, single or semidouble. Depending on the variety, they range from 1 to 5 feet tall.
Perennials for shade Hosta breeders have come a long way from the plain green and greenand-white leaved varieties we remember from years ago. Now there are hostas in colors ranging from deep blue-green to chartreuse to gold, and variegated varieties of all combinations. Leaf shape and textures are more varied than ever. While hosta is often favored more for its foliage than flowers, you will find hosta flowers from white to lavender. Some are very fragrant. Hostas can range in height from remodeling magazine
ials a few inches to more than 3 feet tall. The summer flower spikes also vary in height, from short to very tall — as tall as 6 feet or more. Be sure to take a new look at hostas for your shady spots. Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) blooms in late winter and early spring. This plant’s dark green, leathery leaves tough it out through winter. Flowers are available in several colors, and can be double, but are usually white or a greenish cream color which gets pinker with age. Virginia bluebell (Mertensia virginica) is a native plant that emerges in early spring. Clusters of pink buds open into blue flowers that fade to lilac. Virginia bluebell can grow to 2 feet tall, but the foliage dies back to the ground in early summer. The ‘Alba’ variety has white flowers. Bleeding heart (Dicentra) is an old-fashioned favorite. Bleeding heart grows in clumps that can reach 2-3 feet tall. Arching sprays of dangling pink or white flowers appear in spring. After the blooms finish, the leaves may die back to reappear the following spring.
Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) remodeling magazine
In shady areas, outdoor seating can be welcoming with the use of shrubs and smaller perennials tucked in among the benches. In this arrangement, ferns and several varieties of hosta in varying colors add ground-level interest.
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) is prized for its fragrant, bell-shaped flowers each spring. Foliage grows about 6 inches tall and plants spread by underground stems. Variegated Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’) emerges in the spring with leaves furled, pushing up to become arching stems of up to 3 feet. In the spring, look for green-tipped, white flowers dangling like bells along the underside of the stems. The variegated leaves are cheerful all season long. Green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) is a very low-growing plant that’s sometimes used as a groundcover because it spreads by runners. Its sunny yellow flowers resemble single zinnias and
bloom from late spring to early summer. Turtlehead (Chelone) is a native plant with upright stems that can grow 2 to 4 feet tall. In late summer and fall white, pink or purple flowers bloom in clusters. The plant is so named because each flower looks like a turtle with its mouth open. Finally, don’t let the name Toad Lily (Tricyrtis) fool you. There is nothing toadlike about these typically upright-growing plants. Toad Lily’s exotic, purple-spotted, white or pink flowers bloom in late summer and fall — just when you want something to bloom in the garden. Two common varieties are T. hirta and T. formosana. (Susan Brimo-Cox is an award-winning garden writer who gardened in Hampton Roads for more than 10 years.) Spring/Summer 2008 31
Water Power
The price of green
(continued from page 29)
because the sides will get too wet. There is flexibility in the types of sprinkler heads you can use with your irrigation system and, not surprisingly, the type you need depends on what you’re watering. Professionals recommend a rotor head sprinkler for large grass areas. Rotor head sprinklers in general can cover areas between 20 and 50 feet, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. Flower beds and small areas, such as a patch of grass between the sidewalk and the street, call for a fixed-spray head. These sprinklers, which spray in one direction and do not rotate, rise up to 12 inches out of the ground and are effective for targeting specific areas of landscaping. Fixed-spray sprinklers are effective for targeting specific areas of landscaping such as flower beds. These sprinklers rise up from the ground, spray in one direction and don’t rotate.
32 Spring/Summer 2008
One way to control costs when contracting for an irrigation system is to go with an overthrow system. Tom Rozier, owner of Dreamscape Designers in Virginia Beach, says for homeowners on a budget, the cost of a basic and efficient overthrow system on a quarter-acre lot, done correctly, will run around $2,500 to $3,500 installed. Adding a well or addressing the flower beds separately are options that homeowners can consider depending on the size and shape of their lot, budget and needs.
What’s new? Round says new systems that regulate the amount of water used for irrigation take rain sensors a step further. The system — which “thinks for you” — monitors the dryness of the ground with a series of sensors for each zone that’s programmed with the conditions of the soil, turf or flower beds, and then monitors any rain that comes in that week. Armed with that additional information, the irrigation system essentially tells itself, by zone, the watering time and amount needed. Each time the system is run, it makes the necessary adjustments. Round adds that this water-conserving system has gotten more attention among environmentally conscious homeowners with the recent drought. While the more-sophisticated system costs more upfront, down the line it will save homeowners money and help conserve water. (Kym Kilbourne is a writer based in Wye Mills, Md. Accompanying photos are courtesy of Rain Bird Corp.)
remodeling magazine
remodeling checklist
Do your homework before hiring a contractor
A
fter months spent vacillating between two options — buy a new house or stay put in your ’70s-era ranch — you and your spouse have finally reached a decision: Let’s keep the great neighborhood and give the house a facelift. Now the really challenging part begins. You need to hire a professional remodeler who will take your visions and turn them into reality. So, to help you choose a remodeler, the Tidewater Builders Association Remodelers Council has developed this checklist:
First, qualify your contractor. . . Make sure all contractors are es-
timating from the same plans and specifications (whether they are prepared by an architect, designer, contractor, etc.). Otherwise it is next to impossible to accurately compare bids.
Determine if the contractor’s li-
cense status is appropriate for your size job. Class A contractors can make contracts of any value; Class B contractors can do work up to $70,000; and Class C, up to $7,500. Require proof of license status (this should be based on your total job estimate).
How long has the contractor been
in business? Has the contractor had any serious complaints made with the Better Business Bureau? (You can inquire with the bureau at www.hamptonroadsBBB.org or call 531-1300.)
Require the contractor to show
proof of workers’ compensation and general liability insurance before you sign a contract.
Request references. Also, ask if it is
possible for you to visit a current or completed job of the contractor’s. Ask for at least one reference more than one year old.
remodeling magazine
Is the contractor a member of any
trade association (Tidewater Builders Association and its Remodelers Council, 4202434; Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, 622-2312; National Association of the Remodeling Industry, (800) 611-6274 or other)?
Most importantly . . . It should be stated in the contract
Are subcontractors used by the con-
that the contractor must obtain a permit from the city. You should not get the permit. If you obtain the permit, this makes it almost impossible to hold the contractor responsible if any problems occur. The permit initiates inspections from the city to ensure the contractor is performing the work to meet regulations.
Get specific . . . and get it in writing Insist on complete specifications
Ask yourself . . . Was the contractor cordial and
tractor properly licensed? Ask the remodeling contractor who will be responsible for servicing the remodeling work installed.
before signing a contract.
Make sure the contract includes a payment schedule.
The contractor’s start date and
estimated completion date should be included in the contract. How will foul weather impact the project? Will you have a vacation or other event that may interfere with the project?
Ask the contractor what provisions
responsive to my questions?
Does the contractor fully understand the scope of work?
Will the contractor be responsible and responsive to my needs?
If a discrepancy occurs, do I feel
the contractor will promptly address my concerns?
If the contractor cannot start at the anticipated time, will I be willing to wait and work within his time frame?
and policies he employs to assure the safety, security and cleanliness of your home. Make sure these policies and provisions are clearly stated in your contract.
If I base my decision on the lowest
while your work is being performed, and will the contractor be readily available if there are any problems?
the contractor is building by and do I understand exactly what I am getting?
Who will be your primary contact What inconveniences will you be
subjected to and how long for each? Will workers be using your telephone? What time will the work begin and end each day, and does this include Saturdays? Where will the workers park? Where will delivered materials be unloaded and stored? Will workers use your restroom facilities or will the contractor supply a portable toilet? Find out when you will receive warranties for products purchased.
bidder, will the quality of workmanship be compromised?
Is there a written set of standards Do I trust this contractor to work on one of my most valuable possessions?
(For a list of professionals who are members of the Tidewater Builders Association Remodelers Council, turn to page 40, or visit www.tbaonline.org. The council network provides information and assistance to the public and increases the skill and knowledge of its members. The council also participates in an awards program recognizing outstanding remodeling and workmanship.) Spring/Summer 2008 33
Separate rooms keep couples together Angie’s List data shows nearly one-third have created a special space for their partner in their love nest.
F
orget flowers and chocolate when you want to be romantic this year. Many are finding their heart’s desire is a space to call their own. Nearly 30 percent of Angie’s List members report making changes to their love nests by adding dual master bedrooms and bathrooms or other rooms designated for just one person in the home. Of those who remodeled to create more space for their sweetheart, 22 percent said it was to strengthen their relationship. Others said they simply needed more space for a mate’s special work or hobby. “More and more couples these days are realizing that while they love their family and want to be with them, they also want a sliver of their own space at home,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “In years past, women generally took care of the home interior design and gave only the basement or garage to men. More men are having a say in the whole house these days, and they’re demanding both equal space and design control.” One Angie’s List couple, whose morning rituals are off by hours, refinished their basement to accommodate the husband’s early morning work schedule. He now has his own bathroom, walk-in closet and office downstairs. He can get ready in his space without waking his wife. Another couple divided their family room in half to provide a home office space. One mother surrounded by boys and a husband created one, very feminine room in the house that was her special retreat, leaving the rest of the home to more masculine and sports-themed décors. The road to creating a perfect love nest can be bumpy. Every remodeling project is challenging and carving out individual space can add more than routine stress. You may find yourselves arguing about money, expectations and mistakes. Those who’ve survived this journey, however, report that their relationships are the better for it. “Before your contractor starts tearing down walls, talk in great detail about the project and how it will affect the rest of the house,” says Hicks. “Any project can send temperatures rising if couples don’t communicate effectively.”
34 Spring/Summer 2008
Hicks suggests five ways to keep couples happy during a remodeling project: • Develop a budget. Remember that even the most careful budget will change. Discuss what your options are if your remodel project appears to cost more than you planned. • Make decisions together. Before you begin talking with contractors, pick up remodeling magazines. Search the Internet for information on designs and materials, and then put your ideas on paper. • Do your homework. Ask for references from contractors. Don’t just hire based on a conversation. Check the performance record of the contractor you plan to hire through such agencies as the Better Business Bureau. • Communication is key. Talk about your expectations with your partner. Discuss how you will make decisions that will involve different tastes and viewpoints. • Prepare for the disruption. The noise and dirt of a project will likely disrupt your daily routine. Talk with your contractor about the areas of your home that are off limits and agree on the hours the crew will actually be onsite. Angie’s List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews on local contractors and companies in more than 280 different categories. Currently, more than 600,000 consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them find the right contractor or company for the job they need done. For more information, visit www.angieslist.com.
remodeling magazine
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remodeling magazine
Spring/Summer 2008 35
Air so clean you’ll wish you could take it with you.
Only Trane CleanEffects™ removes up to 99.98% of allergens from all the air it heats or cools.
Did you know the air in your home contains two to five times more allergens than the air outside? The good news is Trane has introduced the single most effective filtration system available today: Trane CleanEffects™ eliminates up to 99.98% of dust, pet dander, bacteria, mold and more from all the air it heats or cools. Astoundingly, that’s 8 times more effective than the best HEPA room air cleaners and 100 times more effective than a typical 1" filter or ionic-type room appliance. It makes you wish all air could be that clean. Expect more from your independent Trane dealer.
Surround yourself with the only air clean enough to be called Trane Air™.
www.russellshvac.com 757-424-1000
36 Spring/Summer 2008
remodeling magazine
products to ponder
Innovative products for routine projects by Stacey Enesey Klemenc
Illumi-Heat you instant privacy with jewel-like beauty. These interior shutters, which install like plantation shutters, can be mounted in about 20 minutes right over existing windows. Once up, they let in natural light while obscuring the view. The shutters come in two block patterns and can be custom sized in any height and width. www.coronadoblockshutters.com, (888) 256-2599
Socket to me
Reusable Concrete Mixing Bag
It’s in the bag The next time you need to fill a fence post hole or tackle some other small job involving concrete, try the Reusable Concrete Mixing Bag ($7). You simply empty a bag of ready-mix concrete into the heavy-duty plastic bag, add the recommended amount of water, close the top and rock the bag back and forth for 30 seconds or so. Then just pour the concrete where you want it. No bucket or extra tools are needed. To save some backache, make sure you mix up the concrete next to the pouring site as the bag of mix will be heavy. The bag can be reused up to 20 times. www.thecementsolution.com, (877) 251-1203
For privacy’s sake With homes built closer together on tighter lots, homeowners are often faced with a problem of peering eyes or brickwall views. To deal with these unwanted window situations, Coronado Block Shutters from US Block Windows can give Coronado Block Shutters remodeling magazine
What good is an electrical outlet if you can’t use both sockets? That’s the premise behind 360 Electrical’s Duplex Outlet ($10). Its design allows you Duplex Outlet to connect a large plug easily, then plug and turn the socket to make space for another large plug in the same outlet. Both top and bottom sockets rotate a full 360 degrees in either direction. With no inside wires, it stays powered during rotation. The 360 outlet includes a decorative screwless wall plate with a clean gloss finish available in white, ivory, almond and black. www.360electrical.com, (801) 364-4900
Some like it hot Are you plagued by a room that tends to be a bit chillier than you’d like? If so, Hunter Fan Co.’s Illumi-Heat ($129) can shed some light on this problem and offer a warm solution. The unit looks like a stylishly designed semi-flush ceiling light but it’s equipped to deliver extra heat on demand. You have the option to use one or both features, as the heater and light are controlled separately via a remote control or wall switch. The heater is able to raise the temperature of a 215-squarefoot room by 5 degrees in as little as one hour, which means mere minutes for smaller rooms like bathrooms. (888) 9184326, www.hunterfan.com
Clever Hook
In a pinch When properly installed, the Clever Hook ($7-$13 on up) from Linden Sweden Inc. will use gravity to your advantage to hold up to 40 pounds. The two-levered hook features a pinching mechanism that works with the weight of the item. Simply hang a backpack, purse or whatever on the bottom lever and watch as the top lever safely pinches it in place. The heavier the item, the better the grab. To remove, simply lift up the item. Each Clever Hook is delivered with two wood screws ready for mounting. www.lindensweden.com/ html/clever_hook.html, (952) 465-0052 (See PRODUCTS on page 38) Spring/Summer 2008 37
Products (continued from page 37)
Flip Clip
Everything in its place
ODL Solar Energy Lights
Practical and simple, the Flip Clip ($5) is an affordable solution to help you get your garage in order. The universal storage and organization system features a clip that installs in seconds without tools on a 2-by-whatever lumber stud, joist or rafter in a garage, attic or storage shed. Using an over-center latch, the Flip Clip’s teeth bite into the wood and can hold up to 75 pounds. Currently, there are almost 20 different accessories ranging in price from $5 to $25 that can be used to store products from screwdrivers and fishing poles to bicycles and canoes. The clips are made from carbon steel and are zinc-plated for corrosion resistance. www.flipclipstorage.com, (800) 811-4410
When the sun don’t shine
It’s a snap
Harness the sun’s energy during the day to light up your doorways at night with the new ODL Solar Entry Light ($39). Providing security and convenience, four LED lights are powered by rechargeable batteries that enable up to 12 hours of continuous light. The lights come on automatically at night and also can be used to light up everything from sheds to boats. (866) 6354968, www.odl.com
Forget the nails, glue and hammer for a decking do-over if you use the Snapping Deck Tile from VIFAH Manufacturing Co. The tiles — which are also a good choice for balconies, concrete patios and front porches — are designed like jigsaw puzzle pieces that snap together with little force required. It only takes about an hour to cover a 10-by-10-foot area. The tiles are available in a variety of woods, starting as low as $6 a square foot. And if you move, you can simply lift them up and take them with you to reuse. (212) 672-0038, www.decktiles.org
Painter’s Pyramid
Wait reducer
The brainchild of an inventor living just outside of Richmond, the Painter’s Pyramid (starting at $4 for a set of four) With the WallMarker ($3), you can lets you paint an object’s top, bottom and nail it right the first time. The reussides without having to wait for the paint able contraption is just a piece of chalk shaped like an arrow that has an adhesive to dry. Formulated not to stick to paint, the tools are made from a duside. It’s designed to stick on rable plastic with a rounded the back of a clock, picture tip so as not to leave puncor some other decoration ture marks. These small-butso you can eyeball the posimighty plastic pyramids can tion you want. When the be secured to work surfaces position is right, you just or sawhorses and can balance push the thing you want up to 300 pounds. Wouldn’t to hang against the wall to you rather paint, flip, comcreate a chalk mark to show plete and clean up instead of you where the nail goes. paint, clean up, wait, paint And that’s it — hammer in and clean up again? www. one nail and the job’s done. painterspyramid.com, (804) www.wallmarker.net, (888) Wall Marker 426-4366 234-6701
Hang in there
38 Spring/Summer 2008
Snapping Deck Tile remodeling magazine
I wanted passion.
I found it at Fergus
No matter what look you are dreaming of, the consultants at Ferguson can bring it to reality. With their passion customer service and a huge inventory of the world’s finest bath and kitchen products, high style becomes...high personalized. Only at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Galleries.
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remodeling magazine
Spring/Summer 2008 39
FIR
2008 tba remodelers council - directory associates Appliances
East Coast Appliance Inc. (757) 425-2883 Sears Commercial Sales 800-359-2000 ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS/TRIM/ MILLWORK
Ervin Architectural Products (757) 427-2929
Brick/masonry subcontractors/ suppliers
Batchelder & Collins Inc. (757) 625-2506 Lawrenceville Brick Masonry Supply (757) 558-2760 Riverside Brick & Supply Co. (757) 485-0304 Building materials
Banks/savings & loans/mortgage companies
Alside Supply Center (757) 857-1825
American Best Mortgage/ National City Mortgage (757) 456-0155
Burton Lumber Corp. (757) 545-4613
Stock Building Supply (757) 543-6836 The Contractor Yard Inc. (757) 548-1532 CABINETS/ COUNTERTOPS
Quality Kraft Inc. (757) 486-9627 Decorative Stone
Eminent Stone Services (757) 216-9635 Doors/windows
Pella Virginia Inc. (757) 499-7165
Greenwich Supply Corp. (757) 497-8908
ELECTRICAL SUBCONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS
Hudson Building Supply Co. Inc. (757) 430-2000
Light House Electrical Services Inc. (757) 340-7212
Monarch Mortgage (757) 288-3822
Lansing Building Products (757) 857-1278
Smith & Keene Inc. (757) 420-1231
SunTrust Mortgage Corp. (757) 431-4876
MidSouth Building Supply (757) 523-7001
Fulton Mortgage/ Fulton Bank Southern Division (757) 222-2406
Saunders Supply Co. Inc. (757) 255-4531
remodelers A-1 Additions (757) 488-8391
Definitive Homes (757) 460-9606
Admire Corp. (757) 567-3992
Designs of Distinction Ltd. (757) 547-8196
American Quality Remodeling (757) 855-4000
J.M. Froehler Construction (757) 481-5801
BECO Construction (757) 547-1515
Leo F. Johns Contractor Inc. (757) 545-0290
Belfor-USA (757) 547-9400 Benson Builders Inc. (757) 496-9613 Cape Construction Co. Inc. (757) 436-0117 Caruana Construction Inc. (757) 717-2233 Case Handyman and Remodeling (757) 545-7100 Cavalier Builders Inc. (757) 499-9040
40 Spring/Summer 2008
Ocean Construction & Development (757) 557-6793 Richmarc Building Corp. (757) 487-3406 Shoreline Custom Homes & Development (757) 337-8600
ELEVATORS/SUPPLIES
Mobility Center of VA (757) 382-7111 Entertainment Systems
AE Systems Home Automation & Entertainment (757) 393-2005 Life Electronics LLC (757) 465-1865 Equipment Rental/ Sales
Eure Equipment Rentals Inc. (757) 494-0536 PODS - Keep it Simple (757) 547-7220 FINANCIAL SERVICES
Edward A. Tyng Insurance & Financial Services (757) 493-4327 Flooring/tile
Florida Tile (757) 855-9330
VB Homes (757) 491-1996
Ornamental Tile Inc. (757) 631-7700
Wel-Vant Construction Co. (757) 855-7710
Southern Touch L.L.C. (757) 438-7274 The Mosaic Tile Co. (757) 498-4848
GLASS
Glass Doctor (757) 456-9111 INTERIOR DESIGN
Delaney Interiors (757) 222-2280 Kitchens/baths
Greenwich Kitchen Center Inc. (757) 497-8919 Newman’s Contracting L.L.C. dba DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen (757) 773-7326 Reico Kitchen & Bath (757) 361-3800
Plumbing Subcontractors/Suppliers
Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (757) 490-4885 Roofing/guttering/ siding/Trim
Bradco Supply Corp. (757) 852-3600 Dominion Siding Inc. (757) 421-3207 Starling Guttering & Associates of Southside Inc. (757) 465-7662 Talon Construction (757) 363-8400
LANDSCAPING SERVICE
Security Systems/ Agency
Major League Landscape Construction (580) 776-3509
Johns Brothers (757) 852-3300 Shelving/closets
Lighting
Inner Space Systems Inc. (757) 487-1101
Coastal Lighting & Supply (757) 436-7595 Greenbrier Lighting (757) 547-0293 Marble (cultured & imported)
Dernis International Marketing (757) 427-1142
Affordable Closet Systems Inc. (757) 548-4107 Utilities/public & private
Dominion Virginia Power (800) 827-7796 Virginia Natural Gas (757) 466-5559
Virginia Beach Marble Co. (757) 340-0686
Wholesale distributors
Painting & Restoration
Eastern Aluminum Supply of VA (757) 318-7324
George Carroll Remodeling & Painting (757) 437-5434 PERIODICALS
Solutions at Home Magazine (757) 473-5492
Noland Plumbing Showroom (757) 424-5616 Professional Supply (757) 318-9444 ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings (757) 523-5000
*The contractors on this list, current as of March 20, 2008, are members of Tidewater Builders Association. Tidewater Builders Association makes no representation concerning the qualifications or performance of any of the individual contractors on this list. Consumers are strongly advised to carefully investigate the qualifications and references of any contractor before entering into a building or remodeling contract. Tidewater Builders Association specifically disclaims any liability that may result from the performance of any of the contractors listed here. Those companies whose names appear in green have a display ad in this magazine. remodeling magazine
Your home remodeling experts
A full service remodeling company
Before
Jerry Pattenaude, President Class “A” Contractor
Extensive reference list available by request 5 4 5 - 0 2 9 0
Design & Build • Kitchens • Total Home Renovation & Restoration • Additions • Baths Past Chairman
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remodeling magazine
Spring/Summer SPRING/SUMMER 2008 41
do it yourself
Have two minutes?
DIY solution for an invigorating shower
H
omeowners usually target the bathroom when they set out to spruce up the home, according to a survey by Kitchen and Bath Business magazine. Bathroom improvements offer a dramatic return on the investment, especially when they are handled as do-it-yourself projects. A conspicuous improvement for minimal cost is to correct the showerhead that has lost half its showering capacity because of hard-water scale deposits that clog the holes. Thousands of showerheads are replaced each year when a quick cleaning would restore them to like-new performance. “Deposits in the water begin closing
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the spray openings almost immediately,” explains Alison Gutterman of Jelmar, a company that makes a calcium, lime and rust remover. “Spray patterns and water pressure can be restricted with a build-up of these hard-scale deposits, and the invigorating spray becomes a weak drizzle.” A common — and costly — mistake, says Gutterman, is to replace the showerhead. “Proper cleaning and maintenance is easier and less expensive than buying a new one,” she points out. There are two simple and fast ways to clean a crusty showerhead. Mix equal amounts of a remover and warm water in a cup or small bowl. Hold it up to the showerhead to submerge and soak for two minutes. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Repeat the process if necessary. Showerheads also typically can be safely removed with the water turned off at the faucet. It’s usually not necessary to turn the main water off, but check your own system to be sure. Usually, a showerhead can be unscrewed with just hand pressure. If rusted or corroded, it might need a few drops of penetrating oil. If you need a wrench to start it, you can tape the showerhead to prevent marring. Soak the showerhead in the remover for approximately two minutes and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. That’s all there is to it. You’ll find that the remover dissolves or loosens the clogging residue and restores your showerhead to its full vigor. Jelmar’s product — CLR Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover — is available at a variety of retail stores. It’s part of the EPA’s DfE program, and is recognized for safer chemistry. For more information on the DfE partnership go to www. epa.gov. To locate a CLR retailer near you, log on to www.jelmar.com or call (800) 323-5497. (Courtesy of ARA Content) remodeling magazine
Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Made Easy Redefining the process Susan and Neil Smith had lived in their home for many years before deciding to remodel their kitchen, family room and dining room. Their goal was simple; they wanted these three main area's of the home to flow together. After visiting a similar remodel to another home in their neighborhood, the Smith's decided that the job needed a professional touch. The original hardwood flooring needed to continue into the kitchen. The dining room and family room needed an open flow that provided for a "community" feel to the space. The eat-in kitchen needed to use as much wall space as possible, but still service the family for their daily meals. Who could they contact for all the phases of the job, stay within budget, and achieve their dream floor plan? Kitchen King, the only full service remodeling contractor in Tidewater with a showroom and one stop shopping. The end result offered the Smith's everything they wanted and dreamed of having. Pat, a master at design, opened the walls from the kitchen to the dining room, allowing additional seating outside the kitchen, while achieving additional storage inside the kitchen. Changing the doorways from both sides of the kitchen, allowed easy access and traffic flow. Integrating the original with the new hardwood flooring made for a timeless design. The cabinetry, a solid flat panel, and the countertops, a granite appearance laminate, gave the kitchen a touch of first class workmanship at an affordable price. Best of all, the new kitchen is the "showplace" the Smith's always dreamed of.
Dear Pat and Doug, I just wanted to write a letter and tell you how happy we are with our brand new kitchen!! Everyday, we look at it and still can't believe that it is in our home. It feels like we are in some dream vacation house, and we keep asking ourselves when do we have to leave. Every part of the process has been wonderful, from creating the original design with Pat, to selecting finishes and colors in your showroom, to the actual demolition and construction. You prepared us well for the entire process by explaining the schedule of activity and when we needed to do make things easier for us. Your crew was exceptional both with their craftsmanship, and their work ethics. They were always on time, very organized and extremely polite. Fred was great about answering my never-ending series of questions, even though I am sure he is asked the same ones on every jobsite! They always made sure the work site was left as clean and functional as possible. We are very impressed with the quality of the materials used and the attention to every detail. You all thought of and handled everything down to the smallest item. We were completely amazed how your crew was able to blend the new floor and wall finishes with the 40 year old existing finishes. Absolutely fantastic! Please feel free to use us as a reference and share our comments with others! We have been telling everyone about our great experience and we look forward to working with Kitchen King when we are ready to redo our bathrooms!
5280 Fairfield Shopping Center Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-467-5400
Sincerely, Neil and Susan Smith
(See KITCHEN KING on page 44)
remodeling magazine
Spring/Summer 2008 43
Paid Advertisment
Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Made Easy The Clarke's kitchen needed more than a face lift when they came to KitchAbout the cover en King Cabinets. The dark poorly lit kitchen was in desperate need of better traffic flow, more effective prep, cook and serve areas, and storage. The laundry room, which had always been in the garage, needed to come inside the kitchen. The bathroom off the eat-in area, needed remodeling, as well. The enclosed back porch needed a deck for opening cooking and outdoor activities. In order to make all of this happen, expansion of their existing kitchen floor plan would be required. The new support beam, spanning the new addition, would have to be installed across the center of the new design, between the existing eat-in area and the new addition. The end result produced a "dream kitchen" in record time. To achieve all these goals, the Clarke's hired Kitchen King Cabinets, the only fully staffed turn-key contractor with a kitchen and bath remodeling showroom in Tidewater. Each phase of the project was handled meticulously by the staffed team of design and installation professionals. The entire selection process was handled within the company's showroom. From final design to completion, the entire project took only 45 days to finish, just in time for Christmas.
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The Clarke’s kitchen remodeled by
Makeovers small and large leave big impressions Stacking the deck in your favor Products for everyday projects A service directory of qualified remodelers
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I just wanted to thank you many times over for the beautiful kitchen you designed for me. Needless to say, we are the envy of our friends and neighbors. The compliments have been endless. You see, these friends and neighbors saw the “before” and now they have seen the “after” and they stand there in awe at the amazing talented work of art. I would commend your entire staff for such a friendly, courteous and professional atmosphere that was created throughout the entire process. You were a complete joy to have in our home. I’d like to say to anyone that is planning a kitchen makeover or a completely new kitchen, as I did, I would definitely go to Kitchen King Cabinets. I did a considerable amount of time shopping before I decided on your company. What really impressed me was that you did a complete print out of the work to be done daily, which no other company had done. Your staff was right on schedule from the beginning to the end. Completion was done on the exact day you had given me from day one. I was really amazed, as I had heard horror stories of severe time lapses with other companies during the process. I am truly elated and a very happy client. I would definitely recommend your company to anyone who wants a professional and quality job. Thanks gain for giving me my “Dream Kitchen” and the remodel of my great room. They are both beautiful and you guys are great! If anyone would like to see a real life sample of your work, feel free to show them my kitchen. It was a real pleasure doing business with you.
Sincerely, Bea Norris, Virginia Beach, VA
Inside front cover Belfor USA 5
Benson Builders Inc.
20
Elizabeth Anne Home Design Studios
32
Budget Blinds
26
Cavalier Builders
9
Deckmasters
10
Designs of Distinction Ltd.
41
Dream Maker Kitchen
22-23 East Coast Appliance 39
Ferguson Enterprises
15
J.M. Froehler Construction
17
Fulton Mortgage
Back cover Greenbrier Lighting 41
Leo F. Johns Contractor Inc.
Cover, 43-44 Kitchen King 1
Mechanical Service Co.
27
Overhead Door Co. of Norfolk
35
Panda Kitchen & Bath Expo
Inside back cover Progressive Window Co. 16
RSVP Publications
36
Russell’s Heating & Cooling
3
VB Homes
29
Wel-Vant Construction Co.
11
SB Williams
kitchenkingcabinets.com 44 SPRING/SUMMER Spring/Summer 2008
remodeling magazine
No other window company offers more. (AND backs it up)
Once you start shopping for replacement windows for your home, one thing becomes painfully clear: every window company wants your business (or at least your money), but they’re not willing to provide you with the piece of mind you deserve in exchange for doing business with them. That’s why we’re the FIRST AND ONLY window company to offer you a Buyer Advantage Program...15 reasons, in writing, that gives you, the homeowner, the guarantees, warranties and commitments you desire when making an investment in your largest asset...your home. Call for more information or visit us online at www.ProgressiveWindowCo.com/PBA
More Window Choices FIBERGLASS by INFINITY • Made with strong durable Ultrex®, inside and out Ultrex®
More Customer Focus FREE ONLINE EDUCATIONAL TOOLS • 12 Window Selling Buzzwords • Shop & Compare Window Chart
• The strength of allows for narrow frames for more glass and better views
• Window Shopping Questions
• The look of wood, but stronger and maintenance-free
• Choosing Your Next Home Improvement Professional
VINYL by HOME GUARD • Triple pane or double pane • Steel reinforced virgin vinyl frames • Sets the standards for which all other vinyl windows are compared...see for yourself
CLAD-WOOD by MARVIN • Traditional solid wood interior • Extruded aluminum maintenance-free exterior • Endless options - wood species, exterior color, hardware, etc. • New construction or replacement applications
• 15 Reasons Why Other Window Companies Are Just Wasting Your Time by Remodeling Solutions
ONE STOP SHOP • Entry & Patio Doors • Sunrooms & Patio Enclosures • Siding, Trim, & Gutters
12 MONTHS SAME AS CASH For all purchases over $2,500 with approved credit.
CLEAR ANSWERS. CLEAR VISION.
757.216.6850 www.ProgressiveWindowCo.com
Visit our showroom at: 560 Central Dr., Ste. 104 • Virginia Beach, VA 23454
GREENBRIER LIGHTING
The Largest Residential Lighting Showroom in Hampton Roads "total concepts in living"
816 EdenWay North • Chesapeake • VA • www.greenbrierlighting.com Coming Soon:
Martha Stewart Lighting