Search Results for: paint

HOME IMPROVEMENT: PAINTING HINTS

Home Improvement

HOME IMPROVEMENT – PAINTING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

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Picking the right color isn’t the only important thing when painting your home.

A few days ago, I told you about the 2016 Paint Color Trends. 

But more than picking the right color, is knowing some tricks of the trade to make your paint look its best.

According to an article in Popular Mechanics:

Professional painters are fast, efficient, and have mastered techniques that produce top-notch results while making it all look easy. Each painter has slightly different methods and preferences, but the pros all know the trade secrets, including the following tips.

SAND AWAY FLAWS

home improvement sandi walls

You have to start with a perfectly smooth surface to end up with perfectly painted walls or woodwork. One pro says that sander would be a more fitting job title than painter since he spends so much time pushing sandpaper. Sanding levels out spackle or joint-compound patches and flattens ridges around nail holes. Sanding also removes burrs and rough spots in your trim.

Sand the walls from the baseboard to the ceiling with fine grit sanding paper on a sanding pole. Then sand horizontally along the baseboard and ceiling. Don’t put a lot of pressure on the sanding pole or the head can flip over and damage the wall. Sand woodwork with a sanding sponge to get into crevices.

USE TINTED PRIMER

Before the pros paint walls, they fill holes and patch cracks with joint compound. But if you paint directly over it, the compound will suck the moisture out of the paint, giving it a flat, dull look (a problem called “flashing”). Those spots will look noticeably different than the rest of the wall. To avoid that, pros prime the walls before painting.

Instead of using white primer, pros usually have it tinted gray or a color that’s similar to the finish paint. Tinted primer does a better job of covering the existing paint color than plain primer, so your finish coat will be more vibrant and may require fewer coats. This is especially true with colors like red or orange, which could require three or more coats without a primer.

SCRAPE A RIDGE INTO POPCORN OR TEXTURED CEILINGS

The problem with painting along the edge of textured ceilings is that it’s almost impossible to get a straight line along the top of the wall without getting paint on the ceiling bumps. Pros have a simple solution. They run a screwdriver along the perimeter of the ceiling to scrape off the texture. “This lets you cut in without getting paint on the ceiling texture,” one of our pros says. “The screwdriver creates a tiny ridge in the ceiling, so the tips of your paint bristles naturally go into it. And you’ll never even notice the missing texture.”

DROP CLOTHS – DON’T USE SHEETS

canvas dropPros don’t use bed sheets as drop cloths, and neither should you. Thin sheets won’t stop splatters and spills from seeping through to your flooring. And while plastic can contain spills, the paint stays wet for a long time. That wet paint can (and usually does) find the bottom of your shoes and get tracked through the house.

Use what the pros use—canvas drop cloths. They’re not slippery and they absorb splatters (but still wipe up large spills or they can bleed through). “Unless you’re painting a ceiling, you don’t need a jumbo-size cloth that fills the entire room,” a pro says. “A canvas cloth that’s just a few feet wide and runs the length of the wall is ideal for protecting your floor, and it’s easy to move.”

BOX YOUR PAINT – IN A BUCKET

box your paintThe “same” color of paint can vary between cans. “That difference can be glaringly obvious if you pop open a new gallon halfway through a wall,” a retired painter tells PM. To ensure color consistency from start to finish, pros mix their cans of paint in a 5 gallon bucket (a process called “boxing”).

Some pros then paint directly out of the bucket. This eliminates the need to pour paint into a roller tray, though the heavy bucket is harder to move.

If you want a professional painting or remodeling experience contact your local contractor, like Leading Edge Homes. Inc.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvetment project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

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Home Improvement: PAINT COLORS 2016 FORECAST

Home Improvement

HOME IMPROVEMENT: PAINT COLORS AND DESCRIPTIONS DESIGNED TO HYPNOTIZE YOUR MIND

Anyone Can Paint

Over the years, we have seen many interesting paint color choices for interior and exterior home remodeling projects.

But, did you know, that each year paint manufacturers predict what the hottest trends will be for the next year?

I am not one to follow trends, but for fun let’s see what the paint companies have to say.

2016 Color of the Year

Leading Edge Homes - Paint Color of 2016

2016 Paint Colors of the Year — Shades of White

The 2016 “color of the year” for Benjamin Moore and Glidden is off-white and Sherwin-Williams and Behr also include off-white in their 2016 color trend forecasts.

Benjamin Moore is still showing pops of color with trims and accents walls.

Color Names and Descriptions

Sherwin Williams describes their paint colors vividly.

This is the description of the Sherwin Williams 2016 color forecast. 

Passionate pursuit. Fresh mindfulness. Vintage workmanship. Social engagement. And technology and materials that seem to come from out of this world. We’re taking the best of everything life has to offer and indulging in the moment. Prepare to come together as we go in passionate pursuit of a shared color consciousness.

The colors are made to sound exciting!

Personally, I don’t choose colors based on the wording describing how the colors should make me feel, I choose colors based on my personal tastes, how it will blend in with my furniture and accessories, etc. But, it is fun to read the descriptions.

Choosing a Paint Color

Leading Edge Homes - Accent walls give a pop of color.

An accent wall gives the family room a pop of color.

Color set the mood.  You have to decide what kind of space you want to create.
What Inspires You?

Do you have a favorite pillow, painting, a vacation spot or fruit? Look for colors that make you happy or bring you to a happy place. Remember, you don’t need to follow trends.

 

Colors Can Define Your Mood

Color psychology says the room color can define your mood.

Pick the color that you want to use.

Since white is the color of the season, you may want to choose one of the colors above as an accent.

What is in Your Home?

Your furnishing and flooring should also be considered when choosing a paint color.

To see if the color you are choosing will go with your room, get paint samples and paint them on the wall.  Colors will look differently from the paper sample because of your lighting, furniture, and room size.

Remember, there is more to changing the color of your walls to make sure your paint looks good. You need to prep your walls, fill in nail holes, and buy the proper paint.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Painting Ideas: Water-Based Paint and Oil-Based Paint Don’t Mix

Home Improvement

Anyone Can Paint – Or Can They

It is true that anyone can paint; however, it takes special knowledge and talent to get professional results and avoid a lot of headaches.

The Number 1 Mistake People Make When Repainting

Anyone Can Paint

Putting water-based (latex) paint over oil-based (alkyd) paint is the number one mistake people make when painting. Even when it comes to painting, oil and water don’t mix!

Water-based paint does not stick to oil-based paint, it just peels right off.  If your doors and moldings already have oil-based paint on them, you have two options.

Options if Your Doors and Molding Have Oil-Based Paint on Them

The easiest thing to do is simply re-coat the surface with oil-based paint.  Yes, you have to use mineral spirits to clean up and use a brush meant for oil-based paint, but the resultant finish is more resistant to wear and tear.  The alternative is to prime the oil-based paint with an oil-based primer first, then top coat with water-based paint.  This is clearly more expensive and time consuming.

Oh No… You Didn’t Know This

What do you do if you have a door or moldings that have already been painted with water-based paint over oil-based paint?  Unless you want to spend hours striping and peeling off the latex paint, it is usually less expensive and time consuming to replace the door or moldings.  Then after priming the replacements, it’s your choice – water-based or oil-based paint.
How can you tell if you have water-based or oil-based paint on a surface?  Rub the surface with a rag that has alcohol on it (preferably denatured alcohol).  If it’s water-based paint, the paint will dissolve and transfer onto the rag.  If it’s oil-based paint, no paint will transfer onto the rag.

Questions?

If you have specific questions, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I’ll be happy to share my knowledge with you.
Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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HOME REMODELING – Do-it-Yourself or Not?

Do-It-Yourself Projects, Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement, Laundry Room Updates, Room Additions

READY, SET, DO-IT-YOURSELF – OR NOT

Do It Yourself Remodeling

Have you ever watched a home improvement show and decided “I can do it myself.” The shows make it look so easy – and the whole house is renovated in just 30 minutes!

It’s time for a reality check to see if you should really tackle a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) created a simple yes-or-no quiz that you should take before you tackle a DIY project.

Take this quiz to find out!

Answer yes or no:

1.  Do you enjoy physical work?

Most home remodeling projects are labor intensive.  You may discover muscles that you didn’t even know exist!

2.  Are you persistent and patient?

This reminds me of the a homeowner who decided to tackle removing the old flooring in his home. To his dismay, there were multiple levels of old flooring that had to be removed, he needed to rent special equipment to remove the flooring, and it delayed the completion of his renovation/addition by more than a month.

3.  Do you have reliable work habits—meaning that once the project is started, will it get finished?

How many times have you started a project and then life takes over?  This happens to the best of us.  How much time do you truly have to devote to a project?

4.  Do you have all the tools needed and, more importantly, the skills required to do the job?

Not only do you need to have the tools and the skills, you also need to know the building codes.  Additionally, if the project required a permit, and you do not get one, you can be fined, receive a stop work order, and worse yet – be told to remove all changes you made to your home.

5.  What quality level do you need for this project? Are your skills at that level?

Even painting is not just about getting a paint brush,  a can of paint, and painting the walls.  You need the right type of brush, the right type of paint, and the knowledge of how to prepare the painting surfaces.

6.  Do you have the time that will be required to complete the project?

Time… if only there was more of it. Just because the DIY shows make it look like a project takes no time at all doesn’t mean that is true! Always double or triple the time estimated for a DIY project, unless you are highly skilled and familiar with that particular project.

7. Will it matter if the project remains unfinished for a period of time?

People with the best intentions sometimes don’t realize how long a project may take.  If you are only working weekends and nights to finish a project that may take 8 weeks, your project may take 20 weeks or more.  How long do you want to live with your house in disarray?

8. Are you prepared to handle the kind of stress this project will create in your family relationships?

A renovation project becomes your life. How will you handle questions like:

            “Why is it taking so long?”

            “What did you do to the wall?”

            “When will it be done?”

            “How much money will that cost?”

             9.  Do you know all of the steps involved in the project?

Another true story – a homeowner hired Leading Edge Homes, Inc. to do an addition.  As the project continued, the homeowner decided to add the new flooring to the rest of the house. Unbeknownst to us, the homeowner decided he wanted to save money and paint the rest of his home. He made that decision after the new flooring was installed. 

The homeowner should have taken this quiz before starting some DIY projects.  He is only painting on the weekends – all of the furniture is sitting in the middle of the room. He didn’t think through the steps.  He should have painted before having us install the new flooring! Now there are drips of paint on the new floor. 

10. Is this a job you can do completely by yourself or will you need assistance?

If you do need assistance, what skill level is involved for your assistant? If you need a professional subcontractor, do you have access to a skilled labor pool?

11. Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements?

(Some jurisdictions require that the work be completed by a licensed and bonded professional in order to meet code.) It’s best to check these requirements before beginning work on the project.

Remember, if you fail to pull a permit you will end up paying more for your project than you imagine.  Some municipalities charge you a penalty of triple the permit fee if you failed to pull a permit.  Also, if you go to sell your home and work was done without a permit, you will have difficulty selling your home.

12. What will you do if the project goes awry?

Many contractors are wary about taking on a botched DIY job and you may be forced to remove all of your handy work.  All of the money and time you spent may be thrown away.

13. Is it safe for you to do this project?

(If you are not familiar with roofing or do not have fall protection restraints, you may not want to venture into a roofing job. Similarly, if you know nothing about electricity—leave it to the professional. Some jobs can be fatal if not performed correctly. Your health and safety should be the primary concern. Never enter into a DIY project that would jeopardize either.)

14. Will you be able to obtain the materials you need? Who will be your source of supply? Will they deliver?

The quality of some of the items you purchase at a big box store is often times lower than the same items you can purchase from building suppliers.

15. Are you attempting to do-it-yourself for financial reasons?

If so, have you looked at all of your costs, including the cost of materials, your time, and the tools you need to purchase? If you are new to the DIY game, you may also want to look at the cost to correct any mistakes you may make—i.e., the damage factor. Will it still be a cost-saving venture?

If you have to take vacation time to do the project, what is the value of what is lost? 

16. If you are trying DIY for the satisfaction of a job well done—can you ensure that the job will be “well done”?

If it doesn’t come out right, how will you feel? Will you be able to afford to redo any unsatisfactory work?

Did you answer YES to some of the questions?

Be honest — How many did you really say yes to? If you answered yes to 8 or more of these questions, NARI says you may attempt a DIY project. But, before you run for the nearest hardware store, revisit those questions you marked “No,” and carefully consider the potential problems you will face in those areas if you proceed with the project.

Hiring a professional, like Leading Edge Homes,  might be your best choice. A remodeling project can be  one of the most important investments that you can make in your home.

Work with an experienced roomologist (contractor experienced in room additions and home renovations) to plan and design your home improvement project. The planning phase is equally important to the completion phase. If you can imagine it, we can design it.

For all of your home remodeling , contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551. Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

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Are You Done Yet – Understanding the Remodeling Process

Bathroom Renovations, Home Improvement, Kitchen Ideas, Room Additions

“ARE YOU DONE YET?” – UNDERSTANDING THE REMODELING PROCESS

No, home remodeling is not like what you see on television - it takes time.

No, home remodeling is not like what you see on television – it takes time.

 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

As a contractor, my two least favorite questions are “How long will it take?” and “Are You Done Yet?”  Perhaps it is because it reminds me of the long trips in the car when my children were young and they asked the infamous question “Are we there yet?”

To answer the question “how long will it take,” there is no clear cut answer. No two jobs are alike. Construction phases take varying amounts of time.

The outline below is a general guideline of what to expect during a home remodeling experience.  One thing to remember is that you may not see someone at your site daily when you do a home remodeling project.  Scheduling, weather, inspections, and material availability all play a part in how long your project takes to complete.

HOME REMODELING PROCESS / STEPS

If you read through all of the following steps, you will see that there are many moving parts that must be coordinated to complete a project. Leading Edge Homes, Inc. tries to ensure that your home improvement project moves along as quickly as possible, but will never sacrifice quality for speed.  

Please note, not all of the following steps are required for each type of job. Each step is prefaced with an “A” for an Addition and  “R” for a Remodeling / Renovation project.

A — PRELIMINARY SOIL TESTS / SURVEYS

AR — REROUTING WIRES OR PLUMBING

Rerouting of overhead electric, cable TV,  and phone service, and sewer and water supply lines if necessary.

AR — DEMOLITION

Any existing structures (roof overhangs, screen rooms, existing concrete, etc.) in the way of the addition are removed.  Land is cleared by machinery if site conditions allow, otherwise it is cleared by hand.

For an interior remodel, the cabinets, walls, floor coverings, and fixtures in the work area are removed.  This creates lots of dust.  Make sure any objects that could not be removed are protected.

Debris is placed in a designated area or in the provided trash receptacle.  Leading Edge Homes, tries to clean up the site daily, however, at times piles of debris are visible.

A — EXCAVATION AND SETTING FORMS

The addition area plus at least 3 feet beyond are cleared down to suitable soil.

Fill dirt is delivered to the addition area and compacted.  Please do not remove any of this dirt.  It is needed to create the house pad.

Footers are dug around the addition perimeter and forms are placed into the dirt.

These forms are set in place with precision instruments, and a survey will be taken with them in place.  Do not move or alter them in any way.  Should you accidentally step on or disturb one of these forms, please contact the office immediately so the forms can be rechecked for accuracy before the concrete pour.

A soil density test is conducted.

A form board survey is performed.

A — UNDERGROUND UTILITIES

The underground plumbing, electric, and air conditioning pipes are placed in what becomes the slab.  Do not remove or change the position of any of these items.  They have been placed in the precise location in which they are needed.

Separate inspections for each of these trades is performed.  Inspections may not occur on the same day.  All trades must pass inspection before work can proceed.

A — POISON THE SOIL

This is the first of two sprayings to prevent termites.  Do not touch the soil!  It is hazardous to your health.

A — SLAB FORMATION COMPLETION

Plastic, steel (it may be rusted, but that does not effect the strength of the slab), and recess forms are put into place.

Another inspection is performed.

A — POUR THE CONCRETE

Once the pad is formed and passes all inspections, the slab will be poured.  This is a difficult date to schedule.  It is subject to weather conditions (on the date of the pour and on prior days), equipment availability, and the concrete finishing crew’s schedule.

Your patience is appreciated.  We are as anxious as you to complete this phase. If you can’t resist, please wait at least 24 hours after the concrete finishers have left before walking on the new concrete.

Some concrete may squeeze out from under or around the forms.  This is a normal condition.

Loads of concrete may vary in color.  This is a normal condition and does not affect performance.

Cracking may occur during the first 90 days of curing, and later during the first year.  Steel reinforcement has been installed in the slab to reduce the separation of the concrete when it cracks.  (The concrete will be specially prepared if tile is to be installed on it.)

Sudden inclement weather conditions may require protecting wet concrete with a temporary plastic covering.  This may result in an alteration of the finished appearance of the concrete surface.  Do not be concerned.  This does not affect the concrete’s performance.

A — BUILD EXTERIOR WALLS AND ROOF

Wood / Steel Framed Construction

The exterior walls are framed with wood and / or steel.

The roof trusses are set, sheathing is attached to the trusses and exterior walls, and the fascia is installed.

It is time for another inspection.

Block / Masonry Construction

The exterior walls are built with masonry block.

The column and beam steel is installed.

The tie beam is formed, where and if needed.

It is time for another inspection.

Wood scraps are fastened over any column clean out holes.

Concrete is poured into the tie beam and columns.

Note: This concrete is a special mix and appears to be watery! Do not be concerned. Its formulation causes it to be extremely strong when dry.

The roof trusses are set, sheathing is attached to the trusses, and fascia is installed.

It is time for another inspection.

A — ROOF COVERING

The roof is dried in.  Roofing underlayment is attached to the sheathing, and metal drip edge, valley, and “L” flashing is installed.

Skylights (if any) are installed.

It is time for another inspection.

If the final roof covering is tile, more roofing underlayment may be installed, and the tile is loaded on the roof.  Otherwise, the final roofing material is installed on the roof.

A R — INTERIOR FRAMING

The window bucks and windows are installed.

The exterior door bucks and doors are installed.

Interior walls are framed and block walls are firred as necessary.

You can now see your room(s).  They may appear smaller than you expected, but will look larger once the drywall is installed.

The rough air conditioning (duct work), plumbing (including tubs), and electric are installed.

It is time for more inspections.

A — PREPARING THE HOUSE EXTERIOR

Wire lath is installed over exterior sheathing, and in the soffits.

Scaffolding may be present on your job site.  DO NOT allow children to play on it.

Hurricane tracks are installed (if they are embedded in the stucco).

It is time for another inspection.

The exterior is painted, then roof tile, if applicable, is installed.

A R  —   INSULATION

Insulation is installed in the walls and ceilings.

It is time for another inspection.

 

A R  —   DRYWALL

Drywall is fastened to walls and ceilings.

In most municipalities, it is time for another inspection.

The walls and ceilings are finished.  This multi-step process is effected by humidity, and requires varying amounts of drying time.

Wall and ceilings are spray textured, if applicable.

 

A R — INTERIOR FINISHING TOUCHES

Interior doors are hung, and pull down stairways are installed.

Cabinets are installed.

Interior base and case moldings are installed.

Tile is installed on floors and walls, if and where applicable.

The interior is painted.

Shelving, mirrors, countertops, and tub skirts are installed.

The air conditioning equipment and grills are installed.

The final plumbing fixtures and faucets are installed.

The electric switches, outlets and fixtures are installed.

It is time for inspection of all the trades.

 

A — EXTERIOR FINISHING

Hurricane hardware is installed.

The flatwork (sidewalks, patio areas, etc.) is formed.  Soil in areas  under roof are sprayed to prevent termites.  Do not touch the soil!  It is hazardous to your health.

Reinforcing steel may, or may not, be placed in the flatwork area.

The flat work is inspected.

The concrete is poured.  This is a difficult date to schedule, due to weather conditions (on the date of the pour and prior days),  equipment availability, and the concrete finishing crew’s schedule.

Your patience is appreciated.

You may walk on the new concrete 24 hours after the pour.  Do not drive on a new concrete driveway for at least one week.

Loads of concrete may vary in color, and will NOT be the same color as existing sidewalk, driveway, or patio areas.  There is no way to control the color variations of concrete.

The final vertical spray for termites is performed.

Any sod replacement and sprinkler repair specified is performed.

A R — THE PROJECT IS ALMOST DONE

Screens are installed in any windows.  The dumpster and portable toilet will be removed from your site.

 

The FINAL BUILDING INSPECTION is performed.

 

The carpeting is installed. This is done after the final inspection because we want no one to walk on your new carpet but you!

A R — ENJOY YOUR FINISHED PROJECT

Leading Edge Homes thanks you for your patience and hopes you enjoy the changes to your home.

 

If you are considering a home remodeling project or have been inspired by something you have seen on television and want to determine if it can be duplicated in your home, contact Leading Edge Homes, Inc. at 561-795-2551.  We will give you a real, guaranteed price and our best guestimate of how long the project will take.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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HOME REMODELING: HELP – MY NAME IS TODD AND I’M A REMODEL-IT-AHOLIC

Bathroom Renovations, Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement, Room Additions

HELP – MY NAME IS TODD AND I’M A REMODEL-IT-AHOLIC

Home remodeling is addictive... sometimes the more you change to more you want to change.

Home remodeling is addictive!

HOME REMODELING – THE HIDDEN DISEASE

I have had many clients that have been afflicted by remodel-it-ism and have become remodel-it-aholics.

By definition, a remodel-it-aholic is

a homeowner with an overwhelming desire to further remodel their home after recently completing a home improvement project when the new work makes other parts of their home look bad by comparison.

SIGNS YOU ARE A REMODEL-IT-AHOLIC

As soon as you or your home remodeling professional complete a project you realize that the rest of the home needs a facelift too.

For example, you build an addition to your home with new flooring, freshly painted walls, and a bathroom with brand new fixtures.  Although from the outside the addition looks like it has always been there, from the inside the rest of your home looks old and tired.  What are you going to do?

If you are a remodel-it-aholic

  • you will begin the process of updating the rest of your home
  • you will change the flooring or repaint
  • you will upgrade your kitchen (this is true– one of our client’s hired us three times because with each remodel they found something else they wanted updated)
  • you will remodel your bathroom

MY PERSONAL DILEMMA

Several weeks ago I told you that I was updating my appliances… including the cooktop, oven, and microwave. As a result, I am now a remodel-it-aholic. Although my refrigerator is in perfect working condition, it just does not fit in with the new appliances.

I can look at it and say, but it holds food, keeps it cold, and functions just fine. But… there is something to be said for how it looks. I will keep you posted if/when we make that change.

BEFORE YOU CHOOSE TO DO A REMODEL

Think about how your change will effect the look of your home. Realize that the newer things may alter how the rest of your home looks. That doesn’t mean you don’t make changes.  But… think about how your changes can affect your vision of your home.

If you are changing the floors, do you want to change the doors, their thresholds, the moldings? If you are adding additional cabinets, how are you going to tie the cabinets together?  Will you need to resurface the old cabinets, change out all of the hardware, or replace everything?

Making all the cabinet pulls the same may not be so easy. How the new handles get installed may not cover old holes. The old hardware may not easily be removed.

When you do choose to remodel, look for someone with good listening skills who shares your vision for what your home should look like. Feel free to ask for references. Then, before you sign on the dotted line, check with your state to ensure your architect or custom builder is licensed in his or her field.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING YOUR PROJECT

If you have questions about the design process or a project you are considering, contact your local design-build contractor, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

For all of your new home, home remodeling and inspection needs, contact your local certified “roomologist”, Leading Edge Homes. Inc. at 561-795-2551.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

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Home Improvement: BUYING A HOME – HIDDEN SAFETY DANGERS

Buying a Home, Home Improvement, Home Safety

JUST BECAUSE IT WORKS – DOESN’T MEAN IT IS SAFE

Leading Edge Homes - Just Because It Works Doesn't Mean It is Safe

When buying a house – make sure it is inspected to meet all building codes.

BUT IT WORKS…

Last week I did a home inspection for a couple who have signed a contract to purchase a home in Palm Beach County.

The seller did not appreciate my thorough work, and called me over the weekend to say “but it works.”  Just because something works, doesn’t mean it is safe and complies with the building, electric, plumbing or mechanical codes.

ELECTRICAL SHOCKS ARE NOT A LAUGHING MATTER

If your electric outlets are not properly grounded, you can be in for the shock of your life. Electricity can pass through your appliances, or anything you plug into your outlet, directly into you. One clue that an outlet may not be properly grounded is that computers and / or appliances may not work when plugged in.

Other times, you may just get shocked when using something that was plugged into an ungrounded outlet.  Unfortunately, I know first hand.  It happened to me at a job site.  Lucky for me, I wasn’t injured.

But the violations I found for the buyer could be a shocking experience for him or someone at his new home.

SOME OF THE VIOLATIONS

It May Be A Shocking Experience

Many of the violations we found, although they may not inhibit the function of the electric can cause electrical shock.

Problem 1 – Missing Breaker Slot Covers

Missing breaker slot covers are an electric shock risk.

Missing breaker slot covers are an electric shock risk.

Problem 2 – Water Heater “Whip” Requires a Strain Relief Strap

Leading Edge Homes - Missing Strain Relief Strap

Missing strain relief strap can cause “accidental” damage to the water heater wiring.

Problem 3 – Pool Pump is Missing Ground Wire

Leading Edge Homes - Missing Ground Wire

This is extremely dangerous and an accident waiting to happen. Don’t swim in a pool where the pump is not grounded.

This shocking experience can happen to you…

Look what happened to these young children (this video is graphic) when a pool was not properly grounded.

Problem 4 – There is a Hole in the Wall and It is For the Electric

Leading Edge Homes - A Wire Through the Wall

The hole in the wall to get electric power is not only a violation of the electric code, it is an invitation to insects and water to get inside your home!

If you want to run power to something that is outside of your house, drilling a hole in the exterior wall to run a plug through it is not the way to do it!

Neither is painting the wire to match the exterior color a good way to hide it from the trained eyes of a home inspector.

IF IT AIN’T BROKE DON’T FIX IT – NOT!!!

After more than 25 years of serving South Florida, I have seen many things.  Even when my daughter bought her first home, I found many electrical code violations and told her she would need to have the items repaired.

The seller would not negotiate on the price and I explained to her she had to consider the repairs as part of the cost of the home.

My recommendation to the buyer who asked me to do the home inspection is to negotiate with the seller. Only the buyer can determine if they want the home as-is, if they want to do the repairs themselves, or if they will allow the owner of the home to do any of the repairs.

Although the seller and his real estate agent want to argue that the electric works, the buyer must remember – safety first.  The main purpose of codes is to define the minimum, SAFE way of doing things.  Can anyone really argue against life safety?

If you want a professional remodeling experience or a home inspection with a home remodeling expert view, contact your local design-build contractor, Leading Edge Homes. Inc.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvetment project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

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Home Improvement: REMODELING IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT

Home Improvement

SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT YOUR RETURN ON INVESTMENT?

Leading Edge Homes - Investing In Your Home

Don’t just invest in your home for future returns, invest in your lifestyle.

Like many of the blogs with home improvement ideas and tips, I have been guilty of publishing what home improvement will give you the best return on your investment. You only get that return on your investment, however, when you SELL your home. Otherwise, it is just an imaginary gain in a fluctuating market.

If you choose to remodel, you should be investing in yourself and your lifestyle. Consider things that will improve your livability, make your house less stressful, and even allow you to age in place.

 

Kitchen Cabinets or Walk-In Pantry?

Walk-in pantries may be a less expensive alternative to kitchen cabinets.

Walk-in pantries may be a less expensive alternative to kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen cabinets can be expensive.

Half of them are up high on the wall where they’re hard to reach, and the wall space they take up could be better used for windows.

A pantry, if you have room in your design, can take up less space, stores a lot more, is much easier to use, and costs less to build.

Tub or Shower?

Leading Edge Homes - Shower without doors.A shower takes up less space, uses less hot water, and is far more sanitary than a big tub.

You can always design your shower so there are no doors and make it so you don’t have to step over any curbing. Avoiding ways to trip is a great idea for aging in place.

I would not recommend removing all the tubs in your house — every house needs at least one for resale.

Group Windows Together

We are converting a screened in patio into living space for one of our clients. They don’t want to lose the beautiful view they have from their screen room, so we are grouping large windows together to maintain their view.

This design will also make it easier for furniture placement because there is still plenty of wall space that is not broken up by windows.

Adding a Room – Bigger Isn’t Always Better

“Volume” ceilings do not automatically make better rooms and are more expensive to cool.

If adding a family room, consider adding a fireplace or other focal element. We have installed many fireplaces in Florida.

Wall trim, multiple paint colors and crown moldings also give the room interest and can create the illusion of height.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A focal element gives your room addition character.

Spend more time planning.

Think about furniture placement in the room — is there enough wall space, are the windows high enough for furniture to go underneath them?  You may not need to make the room as big as you think you do.

When I built my house, I printed out scale drawings of each room. I then cut out scaled versions of the furniture for each room (if you don’t have the furniture yet, you can cut out standard sizes and shapes for the type of furniture you think you like) and placed it in the room. You can see how the room might layout, if the room can be smaller, and whether or not the windows and doors might impact the room’s flow.

If you don’t want to spend time cutting and drawing, Leading Edge Homes, Inc. can help you.  We can bring a computer with our CAD software to you and design your new room with furniture placement so you can virtually walk through it before beginning any construction!

If you want a professional remodeling experience contact your local design-build contractor, like Leading Edge Homes. Inc.

Want to see some of our work? Visit our website or view our online book.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvetment project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.

Home Improvement: REALITY SHOWS ARE NOT REAL

Home Improvement, Home Improvement Pricing

Remodeling Reality Shows – the ABC’s

abc

The ABC’s of home improvement reality shows may be a shock to you!

A – Always Believe What You See (NOT!)

Since 2000, when Trading Spaces hit the airways, networks have been creating more and more remodeling/home improvement shows to capture viewers. The theme is always the same: quick, easy, and cheap.

Of course, when I watch these shows I know that quick, easy, and cheap are not three words I would ever use when quoting a remodeling project – but many people who call me about jobs believe what they see on TV.

What you don’t see is that the shows are really taped over weeks if not months. Don’t let home renovation shows trick you into thinking you’ll be able to tear out all the walls and completely change the layout of the kitchen during a 3-day weekend. Besides, inspectors don’t work weekends!

B – Biggest Myth (How Long Will it Take?)

The programs show homeowners quickly demolishing a kitchen. What you don’t see is the large crew really doing it! The shows have an entire team working quickly behind the scenes, but they are not on camera. What you see is typically staged and edited to make a nice television show and not the real process.

Cost – It Only Costs $2,500 to Update the Kitchen (Another Reality Show Myth)

Cost is another thing that surprises most first-time renovators. Shows claim an entire kitchen or bathroom remodel was done for a couple thousand dollars but don’t tell you about labor that was supplied by local contractors to have their name listed in the credit or deals that were pre-arranged for materials. They also don’t tell you about any costs that were absorbed by the show.

You might be surprised by what the real costs are for updating a bathroom or kitchen, especially when walls or appliance locations need to be relocated. When floors may have to be cut to re-route plumbing or electrical wiring has to be brought up-to-date and compliant with current codes costs add up quickly.

The $5,000 television “phantom” cost could be more like $25,000 in real life! Small budgets may be great for a new coat of paint and surface changes but not for a major, professionally completed remodeling project.

Talk to a remodeling professional to discover the real cost to complete the work.

Do It Yourself

Don’t let your ego make you think you are better than the clueless homeowner you saw on television. It’s so easy to think “I can do that just like I saw on TV.”

Remember, behind every clueless homeowner filming on television is a remodeling professional guiding them, if not actually doing the work for them. You don’t want to burst a pipe, cut into electric wiring, or leave your house in worse shape than before you started. Reality television is NOT reality – it’s entertainment.

Installing cabinets, laying tile, moving and building walls are not necessarily for weekend-warriors.

Reality home remodeling shows should be used for inspiration only.

If you have been inspired by something you have seen on television and want to determine if it can be duplicated in your home, contact Leading Edge Homes, Inc. at 561-795-2551.  We will give you a real, guaranteed price.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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Home Improvement: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO…

Bathroom Renovations, Home Improvement, Home Improvement Pricing

How Much Will it Cost To Remodel My Bathroom

Leading Edge Homes - Not all Bathrooms are Created Equal

Bathroom remodeling prices are unique to your individual tastes.

Remodeling Pricing is Not Instant

Yesterday I told you about the article on BloombergBusiness that said Facebook Inc. is teaming up with Pro.com, which will help a Facebook Messenger user find a qualified contractor [and get] an instant quote “within minutes on home projects…”

This concept reminds me of the calls I get where people ask me how much will it cost to add a bathroom, remodel a bathroom, paint a room, build an addition, etc.

There is no such thing as an instant price!

Home Remodeling Price Estimates Online

I have often wondered where people determine what a job should cost. So like many people do, I went to some of the sites that give pricing. On one of the “advisor” sites, it gives a range of pricing in a graphic form that says bathroom remodeling ranges from about $3,000 to a high of $20,000. It took me several times of looking at the site until I found where it said it was for installation only… but the heading said “How Much Does it Cost to Remodel A Bathroom.” What about the materials, permit, trash disposal, etc.?

If you are like me, I did not catch that it didn’t include materials, until I looked at it more than several times. Relying on these sites to guestimate what your project might cost is a total waste of time.

My Least Favorite Question

How much do you charge per square foot?  The answer is simply, I don’t charge by the square foot because it is totally inaccurate. Obviously a 500 square foot family room with a shingled roof and carpeting will cost far less that a 500 square foot two bedroom, one bath addition with barrel tile roof and marble flooring/shower walls.

RUN, DON’T WALK If a Contractor Gives a Price By Instant Message or Over the Phone Without a Site Visit and Asking Questions About Finish Materials

A bathroom built by Leading Edge Homes.

There are many things that a professional home improvement contractor needs to know before giving you a price. For example, if you are remodeling your bathroom:

Are you installing basic fixtures?

Faucets may cost as little as $40.00 and as high as $600 (or more).  That’s without installation!

Are you installing tile or marble?

Tile may be as little as $5 per square foot and marble as much as $20 per square foot installed.

What type of counter top do you want – mica, marble, granite, quartz?

What type of lavatory?

Will it be an under mount bowl?

What type of cabinetry do you want?

Are you getting a prefabricated cabinet with lavatory? (Better make sure it meets the building codes.)

Do you want solid wood cabinets?

What type of knobs / pulls do you want?  (They range in price from $1 per knob to $25 per knob – without installation.)

What are the conditions in the bathroom?

Is there drywall damage from moisture or mold? (If there is mold, you will need someone to clean out the mold and get certification that the mold removal was done properly before any work can proceed.)

Do the walls need to be demolished down to the studs?

Is there proper backing for the new cabinets) you want to install?

What are you doing with the existing bath / shower?

Are your replacing the tub?

What type of shower enclosure do you want?

Are you changing the layout of the room?

Are you moving the toilet? (The floors will have to be demolished to get to the plumbing pipes.)

Are you converting from a tub to a shower or vice versa?

Does your shower pan need to be replaced?

Was your house built before 1978 and perhaps need lead paint removal?

Is your electric up-to-code?  

Will smoke detectors have to be added to your home to meet the current National Electric Code?

When you remodel the interior of your house, under most circumstances you will need to update your smoke detectors per the latest code.

Other Costs Included When A Professional Remodels Your Bathroom

  • Permit fees — Yes, a permit must be pulled and inspections performed
  • Trash removal
  • Clean-Up
  • Builder’s Risk Insurance Policy
  • General Liability / Workman’s Compensation Insurance
Don’t trust advisor sites that sell your project to home improvement contractors that pay for your information. Contact contractors in your area and interview them to get an accurate price.
Your home improvement contractor can guide you, tell you where you can save money, and help you turn your home into an oasis.
You already know a trustworthy contractor – Leading Edge Homes.  Whenever a project comes up, please call us at 561-795-2551 and we will be happy to complete it for you.

Todd Perry, a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and president of Leading Edge Homes, Inc., provided this information.

If you have questions about a home improvement project, call Leading Edge Homes at 561-795-2551 or email Todd at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and he’ll be happy to share his knowledge with you.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. specializes in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, hurricane-resistant screen enclosures, and more!  In business since 1991, they demolish your stress by building your trust.
Visit the Leading Edge Home’s website or call 561-795-2551 to discover how they can help you with your next home remodeling project in Palm Beach County.
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