Remodelers are feeling good about the surge in the industry. The Remodeling Market Index (RMI) ended 2013 at 57 with future market indexes rising from 56 to58, the highest figures in that arena since 2005. Remodelers are confident and looking forward to steady increases going forward. The improved RMI was determined by bid increases, a […]

The Wall Street Journal referred to Nest Labs, Inc. as  "a poster child" for the “Internet of Things”, which focuses on the use of technology to make common household objects more useful.  Internet giant Google agreed and purchased the startup company for $3.2 billion. Nest Labs was co-founded by former Apple executive and iPod co-creator […]

Not since 2007 have so many construction jobs been available and remained unfilled. Modest employment in the construction sectors appears to correlate with reports of labor shortages and a rise in the count of available positions. From October to November, the number of people hired sank from 329,000 to 294,000 jobs along with the rate […]

Practical planning and feasible financing combine to keep a home remodeler’s design visions viable and beautifully executed. The budget is key to guiding homeowners and their contractors toward a common construction goal. Realistic, well-communicated budgets keep the partnership working within an agreed upon framework, creating affordable, beautiful projects on time and within expectations. In bathroom […]

Is your bathroom stocked with lotion and your pockets filled with lip balm? Does your hair crackle with electricity? If the air in your house is uncomfortably dry and you are contemplating a humidifier purchase, look into these dry air culprits first: 1) Does your air have an atmospheric combustion furnace in unconditioned space? It […]

Green building has the green light and there is no sign that the trend will put on the brakes anytime soon. Consider three key ways to meet homeowner demand: 1) Energy efficient appliances. The market place is now full of green appliances with beautiful lines to help keep these energy drains from draining household finances. […]

Communication is everything. When it comes to construction, this is especially true. Before you begin any project, even a small one, companies can save valuable time and materials by having a pre-construction meeting with clients. Be sure to make clients feel well informed, in control, and sure of having their expectations met. The company can […]

Disappearing tubs and invisible toilets are the magic words trending for bathroom remodels and construction. According to a recent online Houzz.com survey, bathroom wish lists and projects don’t include a bathtub for 43 percent of homeowners. For respondents over age 35, toilets in an enclosed space are a must, reflecting a desire for dedicated, functional […]

Flooring is available in a wide variety of choices. The following three are the most common: 1) Linoleum. The most affordable, these floor coverings are long-lasting. Made from natural materials, they are highly durable. The installation can be challenging, due to the messy glue and product stiffness. 2) Ceramic tile. A popular and elegant choice, […]

Empty nesters want it all. They want a dream home with pristine finishes, airy living spaces, and highly functional kitchens and baths. They also want to remain in the communities and neighborhoods that have nurtured their families for years. To accomplish both ends, the answer lies in renovations. Because the adult children of Baby Boomers […]