ProNet Residential Services

Turning It Out

2015-03-28T14:21:00.001-05:00

Time spent in the shop watching the guys turn out custom bookcases, cabinet doors and table legs always reminds me how much I enjoy watching a clients home transform. It all starts here.

Color and Contrast

2015-02-28T19:43:00.001-06:00

A little color and contrast can make a room pop.

It's Heavy Work

2015-02-26T17:51:00.001-06:00

From the shop to the truck, from the truck to the house, from the house in and out to make final adjustments, it's one long heavy day of work.

Simple Backsplashes Make a Visual Punch

2015-02-25T19:55:00.001-06:00

Tiled backslashes don't have to include all sorts of extra details, sometimes the simplest ones offer just as much of a visual wow factor.

One of a Kind

2015-02-24T07:34:00.001-06:00

Looking for something you have never seen before? Think about updating your powder room with a hand hammered silver bowl converted into a sink. Stunning!

Quartz Tops

2015-02-21T14:23:00.001-06:00

A solid countertop surface such as "Cambria" quartz maybe just what you're looking for. They are highly durable, great looking, available in many hues and in (19) edge profiles. Quartz works and looks great when used in kitchens / baths with traditional, contemporary and modern designs.

Water Is Looking Good

2015-02-21T13:51:00.001-06:00

Faucets and fixtures are changing their apperiances, features and even how they're installed. Manufactures have been designing groups / suites of products that work together to produce a designers touch. Digital technology has been used to allow a wave of a hand to flush the toilet and to turn on faucet. Natural metal / industrial finishes are showing up in showrooms and growing in popularity. New leak-free easy to use connectors are reducing plumbing headaches.

Houzz

2015-02-21T13:21:00.001-06:00

I always encourage clients early on to explore Houzz.com and start building a file of both "likes & "dislikes", this creates a great springboard into a project.

Creative Design Execution

2015-02-21T13:11:00.001-06:00

Using creative design during renovation and updating projects will provide a chance to execute desired structural improvements. When opening kitchens into adjacent rooms take your time to uncover these opportunities you will never look back.

Fact From Fiction

2015-02-19T18:29:00.001-06:00

Homebuyers first fall in love with the house and then wonder whether or not hidden items may need repairs. Buyers know what they like and can quickly visually spot things that are appealing, however it's much harder to spot things that they have less experience with. As a result getting a high-quality thorough home inspection is of great importance, this truly helps to separate fact from fiction.

Experience the Foundation to Design

2015-02-19T17:59:00.001-06:00

When clients learn of a contractors experience with a wide variety of projects it helps to put their mind at ease and allows them to focus on the fun part of the project - the design.

Popular Size

2015-02-16T13:44:00.001-06:00

The most popular size of a bathroom remodel is 150 sq', a kitchen remodel is 200 sq' and a average basement or attic buildout is 400 sq'

Budgeting for Outcome

2015-02-16T12:39:00.001-06:00

Client engaged remodelers typically provide multiple budgets when discussing options for enhancing a home whether it's a kitchen or a outdoor living area. Adaptive budgeting can create a relaxed environment for reviewing plans and will have an effect on the final outcome. I typically recommend working with ranges and then "fine-tune" based on continuous involvement with the client or their designer. In the end this helps all parties remain engaged during the project and impacts the creative result.

Vendor Relationships are Valuable to Homeowners

2015-02-16T11:49:00.001-06:00

Experienced remodelers and improvement contractors want supplier relationships that enhance their own client relationships. As a result most vendors support this philosophy and improve their customer support by offering a single point of contact, designer services and responsiveness to a homeowners desire to thoroughly understand available options.

Dimmers aren't so dim!

2015-02-15T13:51:00.001-06:00

Dimmers have changed but their impact on your lighting hasn't. Check out this cool new addition to dimmer options:

"GRAFIK T is the latest innovation in Lutron’s ® family of products. The simple, intuitive design and effortless operation set a new standard for lighting control. There are no knobs, sliders or buttons, simply touch the LED lightbar anywhere to set the lights to that desired level. Touch the toggle button to turn the lights off, or to recall the last preset level."

Inspect & Enjoy

2015-02-14T18:11:00.001-06:00

Front entries set the tone of a home so keeping them looking good is of importance. Semi-annual inspections can easily keep them in top condition by allowing for minor repairs to be completed before they can become a major undertaking.

- make sure gutters are kept cleaned and adjusted for proper flow

- look at decorative mouldings to make sure caulk seams aren't opening and paint looks fresh

- check column bases for soft spots and open seams

- make sure that column "crowns" are sealed and do not allow water penetration

- make sure the front door and the doors hardware doesn't appear weathered

- have overhanging roofs inspected for leaks or damage

Washing Machine Connections

2015-02-12T22:46:00.001-06:00

You really need to check the condition of the water supply hoses going to your washer (if you have a steam drier check those hoses too). If they look odd in anyway, if they have a cracked brittle surface or if you know they are simply old change them right away. Always replace using the reinforced braided stainless steel style hoses.

Customize Your Faucets

2014-03-30T19:05:00.001-05:00

Customized bathroom faucet collection is offerd by Kohler.

Inspired by turn of the century charm and style Kohler is offering the "Artifacts" collection of bathroom faucets that allows a choice of spouts, handles and finishes. This classic collection includes 15 accessories that include a tumbler, soap dispenser and toilet paper carriage.

Vanity Trends

2014-03-30T18:38:00.001-05:00

Customizing options and functional storage solutions dominate client selections for bathroom vanities. The ability to select configurations and sizes matched to required spaces are key, that's where you start. After that comes selecting the fun stuff such as door styles, finishes, hardware, pullouts and inserts for storage that creates the personalized space that's desired.

Wow With The Hardware

2012-09-06T08:32:00.001-05:00

- most hardware collections come in a variety of sizes, check them all out. A long handle maybe the answer vs. a standard pull.

- review finishes & feel at a showroom

- consider pulls with mixed materials such as glass and metal

- use the same hardware in nearby areas such a 1/2 bath, utility room or mud- area

- another trick is to use non-traditional placement of handles.

Improve a Rooms Visual Value

2012-08-07T08:52:00.001-05:00

By adding a well planned customized storage and workspace area to a room you not only increase its visual value but will most likely increase how much your family enjoys the room.

Thermal Break - The Original

2012-07-20T08:44:00.001-05:00

"DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® is the original house wrap, incorporating unique material science that helps keep air and water out, while letting water vapor escape. As a result, it can contribute to improved building durability by helping to protect homes against damaging wind and rain that can penetrate the exterior cladding. This can also reduce home energy cost by controlling air flow and water intrusion which helps the HVAC system work more efficiently and insulation to perform closer to its full R-value."

Community Preferences

2012-07-20T08:40:00.001-05:00

These community aspects are important when homeowners were surveyed about why they want to stay in their current residence.

66% being near friends and family
46% being near parks and areas where it's easy to walk
32% being near work or volunteer locations
65% being near where one wants to go
48% being near church and other social organizations

Staying Put

2012-07-20T08:20:00.001-05:00

AARP discovered that 80% of homeowners between the ages of 45-65 are planning on staying in their homes while retired. They also listed the following items as important considerations for future home modifications.
- lever style door knobs
- shower entries without steps
- wider or reduced steps at doorways
- more stable handrails
- first floor master bedrooms & baths
- bathroom aids ( grab bars, taller toilets)

Water not always a good thing

2012-07-11T19:04:00.001-05:00

Broken or ruptured water lines and drains can caused major damage along with huge disruptions to your daily lives. Check your hot water heaters, HVAC units, water filters, ice makers, dishwasher & washing machine supply lines for signs of leaking or deterioration. If there's anything that doesn't look right call your plumber for a 2nd opinion. Most repairs are quick and inexpensive if caught ahead of time. Drying things out, replacing flooring and drywall can really become overwhelming fast and not to mention very expensive.