Tag: Palm Beach county home remodeling

Home Improvement: Will My Air Conditioning System Be Sufficient When I Do My Room Addition

Home Improvement, Room Additions

Will I Need A Larger Air Conditioning System Or An Additional One For The Room Addition?

The answer depends on how much additional air conditioning is required, how old the existing system is, and whether you want a back-up system if the main system has a failure.  Sometimes it’s a matter of personal choice.

Common Myth

Bigger isn't always Better

Bigger isn’t always better!

Before expanding on each option, a typical notion must be dispelled.  Air conditioning is a prime example of where more is not better.  Having too large of an air conditioning system can cause the formation of mold and mildew.  This is because an over-sized system will cool the house down quickly and shut off, but not stay on long enough to remove humidity from the air.

Industry Change

Manufacturers have stopped making one ton units due to a lack of demand.  One and a half ton units are often too large for an addition.  If this is the case, the existing system would need to be replaced with one that is one ton larger.  This is easier to justify if the existing system is 10 years old or older, but sometimes there is no other choice.

Alternative Idea

Provided the addition has at least 600 s.f. of living space, or if part of the existing house ductwork can be fed off the new system to reach 600 s.f., a separate system is the way to go.  If one A/C system goes down, you can always stay in the part of the house that has working A/C until the other one is repaired.  If you only have one A/C system and it goes down on a Friday night, you and your family could be miserable and fighting with one another, or out more money for a hotel room, if it doesn’t get repaired until Tuesday.

Questions?

If you have specific questions or need a home inspection, 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 Count
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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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Bathroom Ideas: Funky Stylish Grab Bars Hide You Need Help

Bathroom Renovations, Home Improvement

Do I Have To Show I’m Getting Older?

The short answer is no.  Members of the baby-boomer generation now have new concerns in the bathroom, but they would rather not announce it to the world.  As more people age in place (right at home), safety is on their minds when they remodel the master and even guest bathroom.

Stylish Grab Bars Add Bathroom Safety

Great bathroom idea: A toilet paper holder that doubles as a grab bar!

While grab bars make navigating the shower or getting up from the toilet safer, the typical stainless steel ones with exposed screws look like they would be more appropriate in a hospital than in a private residence.  Fear not!  There are manufacturers that make stylish ones with concealed mounting hardware, “funky” shapes, and in chrome, brushed nickel, and polished nickel finishes.

Instead of installing one of those thick, plastic toilet seat risers that scream “ugly”, look for a toilet that is labeled as universal height, or ADA compliant.  The toilet, with seat installed, will be 17″ to 19″ off the floor – a comfortable height for most people.  I also recommend using a “soft close” seat which slowly closes by itself after giving the seat only a slight nudge toward the closed position.

Roll-Out Shelves Add Additional Safety

Stretching to reach items in the back of a base cabinet can be dangerous.  Instead of risking losing your balance, install roll-out shelves. If you have room on top of the counter, consider adding a tower with doors and/or drawers to avoid bending altogether.

Using a rubber mat with suction cups on the back side is great for the shower floor.  It is extremely functional, gives terrific traction, makes bathing less stressful, and yet it can be removed when guests are coming over.

Baby boomers have many more years of life ahead of them so they may as well make their bathroom work well for them.  The beauty of the above suggestions is that style is not compromised for safety, and your home can still be shared with people of all ages.

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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Think About Your Dog When Doing a Home Remodeling Project

Home Improvement

When you do a home improvement project, an addition, bathroom renovation or kitchen update, don’t forget to think about your four-legged friend. Depending on the project, home remodeling can be stressful for a pet and even dangerous. So how can you keep your pet safe and comfortable during the process?  PetPlus (blog.petplus.com)had some excellent advice:

1. Inspect Your Home

Before doing any serious remodeling, you should have your home inspected to check for lead-based paint, mold, and asbestos insulation. These things require special handling and removal as they can really irritate a pet’s respiratory system.

2. Supervise or Contain Your Pet

If you plan to have workers in your home, don’t expect them to look after your pet, keep doors closed, or be aware of safety hazards, such as loose nails or open paint cans. Supervise your pet when you can and contain them when you can’t. For very busy or loud days, you may also want to consider taking your pet to daycare or dropping them off with a responsible friend or family member.

3. Ask Workers to Alert You When Using Hazardous Materials

Remodeling may involve sprays, fumes, paints, and other toxic or irritating substances that could harm your pet. Ask workers to tell you if they are using anything dangerous, and if they are, remove your pet from the house for the day. If you’ll be doing projects yourself, try to select products that are natural and pet-safe.

4. Work Outside When Possible

Is there cutting, spraying, or painting that can happen outside of the house? This will help to reduce dust and irritants inside.

5. Offer a Safe Space For Your Pet

If your pet will be home while work is taking place, offer them a safe and quiet place to rest, such as a private room with a closed door. Move your pet’s essentials (such as hus crate, food, water, and toys) inside of the room, and place a sign on the door indicating that it should stay closed. This not only provides your pet with a place to escape loud noises and commotion, it will also protect your pet from dust and odors that could irritate them or cause an allergic reaction.

 

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, and hurricane-resistant screen enclosures. In business since 1991, the most important thing they demolish is your stress and build is 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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Protect Yourself When Doing a Home Remodeling / Home Improvement Project

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement

Top Consumer Complaints of 2014

Stress free home remodeling.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. makes your home remodeling experience stress free.

Unfortunately, the home improvement industry as a whole took two of the top five consumer complaints according to a report published by the Consumer Federation of America.  Although misrepresentations by car dealers took the top spot, shoddy home repair jobs was #2 and “services”, which definitely includes the home improvement industry, was #5.  Leading Edge Homes, Inc. wants your home remodeling experience to be stress free!

 

  1. Home Improvement & Construction:

The top complaint was “Shoddy work, failure to start or complete the job.” That is why we recently reminded you to do your due diligence when hiring a home remodeling contractor.

  1. Services

People who hired lawyers, real estate brokers and other service people had grievances about their help not having proper licenses, misrepresenting their service or doing shoddy work. Florida requires that a contractor be licensed for many home improvement contracts. Verify a contractor’s license and that they are licensed to do the type of project you want. Click here for a list of services that requires a Florida license.

How Do Palm Beach County Homeowners Protect Themselves?

Go to www.remodelingquestions.com for lots of free, helpful advice to keep you from being a victim.

 

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, and hurricane-resistant screen enclosures. In business since 1991, the most important thing they demolish is your stress and build is 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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A Room Addition May Mean Changes to Your Electric

Home Improvement

Safety standards when you do a home remodeling project can protect you from an arcing wire.  It may cost more, but your life is worth it!

For safety reasons, a special kind of circuit breaker is now required for most circuits in your home.  Arcing wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires in homes, and many of them happen in bedrooms.

What Is An AFCI Receptacle?

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) have been required for circuits in bedrooms under the National Electrical Code since 2002, but they are now required on most other circuits as well. The AFCI is designed to trip if it senses an arc. The updated code calls for AFCIs on most circuits, including some that also must be protected by a GFCI.

What Is A GFCI Receptacle?

Most people are familiar with the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), which is now widely installed in kitchens, baths and other areas with running water and is recognizable by the reset button on the face of the outlet.  The GFCI breaker trips when current flows unimpeded – the idea is to prevent people from being shocked.

Cost Implications

The increase in cost is potentially large.  Standard 15- and 20-amp breakers sell for under $10.  The AFCI breakers in those amperages start at $30 and up.  For a full 42-slot 200-amp panel, that can mean a cost increase of $1000 or more.  While the largest impact will be on new construction or complete rewires where panels are being assembled from scratch, the added costs can significantly boost the cost of remodels as well.

Summary

AFCIs can be temperamental. Check with your electrician if you’re having trouble with a tripping AFCI.  They may have suggestions about how to use your devices differently or may even try trading out the breaker for a new one.

The upside of the AFCI code is that it should reduce the risk of electrical fires in homes where the breakers are installed.  The downside is that it is likely to take many years before they become as ubiquitous as the GFIs we all know so well.

 

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida certified building contractor specializing in improving your lifestyle through room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, and hurricane-resistant screen enclosures. In business since 1991, the most important thing they demolish is your stress and build is 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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Ideas For The Ultimate Laundry Room

Home Improvement, Laundry Room Updates
laundry room

Adding cabinets to a small laundry room provides extra storage.

Laundry rooms are not an afterthought in today’s home.  They are multi-functional rooms used to keep households running smoothly, efficiently, and in an organized manner.  Here are some tips from your favorite, Palm Beach County , home improvement contractor.

How Laundry Rooms Are Used

Many tasks are performed in today’s laundry room:  clothing sorting, cleaning, drying, folding and ironing are the main ones.  However, if your laundry room is near an entrance, it can also be used to eliminate clutter by providing a locker (or lockers) for shoes, jackets, and bags and a bench to sit on.  It’s also handy for it to have a closet for mops, vacuums, and storage of laundry soap and dryer sheets.

Laundry Rooms Best Practices

Three welcomed elements of an ideal laundry room are a sink for washing delicate and soaking in, ample counter space for folding laundry, and a bar to hang clothing on that wrinkle if not hung immediately.  Other nice items to have are pull-out hampers for clothes sorting and in-wall ironing boards.

Don’t Forget Fido!

If you have a dog, some laundry rooms even have a dedicated pet-washing station.  They include hand-held shower heads with low-rise curbs for large dogs and elevated stations for small dogs to save your back.

An ultimate laundry room is only limited to your imagination, the amount of space you have with which to work, and your budget.

Leading Edge Homes, Inc. is a Florida state certified general contracting company specializing in room additions, bathroom renovations, kitchen updates, and hurricane-resistant screen enclosures. In business since 1991, the most important thing they build is your trust. Contact them at 561-795-2551 or visit their website for more information about how they can help you with your next Palm Beach County home remodeling project.

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Questions to Ask Before – SELECTING A PROFESSIONAL HOME REMODELING CONTRACTOR

Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional 


BEFORE You Select a Home Remodeling Contractor


question copy


 


Whether you plan to hire a professional remodeling contractor to build an addition, remodel your kitchen, update your bathroom, or any other home renovation project, it is important to do a “background check” on your home improvement specialist. Here are some of the questions that you should ask, before you choose a contractor.


 


COMPANY REPUTATION


1. Show me a copy of your up-to-date contracting license in Florida showing proper classification for the type of job I am considering.

2. Give me a list of all the businesses in which you have been an owner, shareholder, or partner that have been in the home improvement or home remodeling business within the last ten years.

3. Have you or any of the owners of your company ever filed for bankruptcy for this or any other company that you or they owned or were a shareholder or partner in?

4. Provide me with a certificate of insurance for your company.

5. What is your payment policy for your subcontractors and what type of proof will I have that they have been paid?


 


SERVICE, FOLLOW-UP AND WARRANTIES


1. What is your warranty and what does it cover?

2. Have you ever repaired a project after the warranty expired without charging for it?


EXPERIENCE


1. Who will be supervising my project on a day-to-day basis?

2. How many projects that are similar to mine have you completed?

3. What do you provide to help me understand what to expect during the remodeling process?

4. Do you have a written policy regarding tobacco, drug and alcohol use by your crews?


 


Review all the contractor’s answers. The quality contractor will stand out.


Whether your dream is to add a master bedroom suite, to complete a multi-room renovation project, or to makeover your bathroom or kitchen, Leading Edge Homes, Inc. has  the experience to construct your project in a professional manner that exceeds your expectations.


Call them at 561-795-2551 and discover how their expertise as a design-build contractor can help you remodel your home.

			

		

		
		
				
				
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Home Remodeling and New Construction Are NOT The Same

		
		
		
			
						
		
				
		
			
						
		
				
		
			
				Hiring a Home Remodeling Professional, Home Improvement			
		
		

	
		

			
		
					

			
When planning to do a home remodel, bathroom renovation, kitchen update, a home room addition, it is important that your home improvement contractor is experienced at home remodeling – not just building new homes.


Home Remodeling and Addition
Home remodeling and room additions require experienced home improvement specialists like Leading Edge Homes, Inc.


Different Skill Set Required for Remodeling


Changing an existing space requires a different skill set, and sometimes different tools, than creating a new space where none has existed before.  A home remodeling expert is typically not surprised by less than perfect existing conditions, mistakes made by previous owners or contractors, or other obstacles.  They expect it and know how to deal with it.  This is a talent a builder does not have to acquire.


Builders do not work with homeowners in their home on a daily basis.  Home remodeling specialists are used to performing their work while homeowners go about their life around them.  When homeowners become anxious about seeing a portion of their home get destroyed, remodelers know how to counsel them through the process and confirm to them that the end result will be worth the temporary stress.  More importantly, remodelers know how to handle the inevitable surprises that occur once demolition begins and assure the homeowner that they will be handled properly.


Protecting the Home


Builders do not need to be concerned about dust and protecting existing surfaces that are not planned on being replaced.  Remodelers know how to erect temporary plastic walls and are familiar with the use of various specialty products used to protect floors, tubs, trim, countertops, etc.  A good remodeler will also keep the work and exterior staging areas clean and neat.


Home remodeling is a totally different world than new home construction.  Choose the leader of your project wisely to avoid costly mistakes.


Remodeling Has A Different Cost Structure


A builder’s price may not be his final price.  Builders are typically not familiar with the extra costs involved in remodeling, like sub-contractors’ minimum charges, price per item for small quantities, or premiums charged for using a crew for a partial day to name a few.  You may find yourself being presented with numerous change orders and additional work authorizations due to the builder’s inexperience.

Many builders have gotten into remodeling work because new home construction is slow. After they lose money on a couple of remodeling jobs due to their being unfamiliar with the cost differences inherent in remodeling work, they may not be in business to honor warranties.  If they do survive, they will go back to new home construction when business picks up and you will be a very low priority if they even respond to your warranty work request.


Remember….


Selecting a remodeling company isn’t like buying a dining room set. You can’t simply compare prices and choose the one that requires the lowest investment. Due to varying skill levels and range of professionalism within the remodeling industry, there is no way to compare apples to apples. Home remodeling is probably as far from commodity buying as you can get.


Remodeling your home is more like buying an unfinished piece of art. Your home is the sculpture or painting where the work has already begun. Your remodeling contractor is the artist who uses his skills and creativity to finish the work to make your home into a masterpiece that transforms your home and builds comfort into your life.


For more information about Leading Edge Homes, Inc., your home improvement and home remodeling specialist, please visit their website.


 


 


 


 

			

		

		
		
				
				
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