Remodeling projects do not always have to involve knocking down a wall or tearing out some antiquated bathroom fixtures.

Often a great looking remodeling project can involve updating a few key items within a home and putting a fresh coat of paint in the right places to give the project a “Brand New” look.

Ms. Peggy – she insisted that we call her by her first name – wanted a fresh new look for her kitchen, living room and bedrooms.  She knew she wanted granite counter tops and new appliances for the kitchen, but she didn’t want to spend all that money and be left with an outdated look for the rest of the house.  We worked with Ms. Peggy on developing several options for updating the kitchen and den area, replacing the old closet doors throughout the house, and painting the interior and exterior.

Here’s where we started…

The first item to trash was the existing ceiling tiles.  In a house this old, you have to make sure that certain materials are tested for asbestos and disposed of properly.  Fortunately these ceiling tiles came back negative for asbestos , so we were able to tear out the old ceiling and install a new drywall ceiling.

This kitchen remodel focused on 2 specific areas

1) NEW GRANITE COUNTER TOPS

2) NEW APPLIANCES

The refrigerator Ms. Peggy purchased was about 6″ wider than the existing one, so we had to modify the wall cabinets.

The existing cabinets are at least 15 years old.  Can you pick out the new cabinet – finished to match the existing cabinets?

Slapping on a fresh coat of paint always helps spruce up any house, but bringing in professional painters to paint the interior and exterior makes the project look brand new.

We also replaced the old and dated closet doors in the bedrooms and hallway.  Although the new closet doors are nothing spectacular or custom, they achieve an updated, modern look for the home without breaking the budget.

This project was great fun and our client, Ms. Peggy, was an absolute joy to be around on a regular basis.

For more BEFORE and AFTER photos, click here.

Are you trying to maximize your budget, and want to know how to achieve your remodeling goals?

Call REDBUD Construction Services 865-250-9172

We would love the chance to serve you and tell others what a joy YOU were to work with.

Remodeling a master bathroom always requires a careful and thoughtful balance of design and constructability.

The DESIGN…

The existing ‘Master Bathroom’ in this house was what I call a “Hotel Style” bathroom.  The vanity was located between a walk-in closet and the space/room where the shower and toilet were located.  You see this layout in many hotel rooms, where the vanity is not included in the ‘bath/shower/toilet area.’  This works fine for a weekend stay away from home, but feels slightly non-discrete when it is your master bathroom.

Not only was the shower area cramped, but also the toilet was also so close the edge of the shower/tub that the customers had little room to maneuver.

Below is a drawing of the existing space…
It was RCS’ job to figure out how to open up the space and incorporate a custom Soaker Tub into the new layout.

After a producing a few sketches (Sketch 2, Sketch 3, Sketch 4), the Owners decided they would go with what we called the “Grand Master Bathroom.”

This layout utilized the existing walk-in closet space for the new tub area and allowed the addition of French Doors to create a separation between the existing Master Bedroom area and the new Master Bathroom.  Since the Master Bedroom area was very large, we decided to relocate the walk-in closet.  This relocation created an even more intimate entry into the new Master Bathroom and gave the owners the opportunity to update their closet space with a more efficient layout.

CONSTRUCTABILITY…

In order to construct this design, it was necessary to remove everything in the existing bathroom, vanity, and closet areas down to the sub-floor and studs.

The biggest challenge of construction was going to be relocating the plumbing for the new Soaker Tub to an area with no existing plumbing lines or drains.

To facilitate the tub in this new location, we raised the tub about 6-8 inches above the existing subfloor.  This enabled the plumber to make the tub drain connection without cutting into the existing floor joists and also created a platform area to step in and out of the tub.  From an asthetic point of view, raising the tub above the floor made the tub area the “Grand Feature” of this space.

We aslo decided to frame in a header approximately 12 inches below the finished ceiling to further accent the tub area.

This header also hides the Rainfall Shower headed located in the ceiling of the tub area and the showercurtain rod, giving a clean view of the custom tile work around the tub and shower area.

And here are a few details that finsihed off this project nicely…

For more photos including before and after, click here.

Do you have a project that you would like to complete and don’t know where to start?

Call RCS and we can help you.  865-250-9172

Vapor barries and various forms of insulation should be a the top of your list of items to determine when designing a project.  Anyone planning a project with an exterior wall or roof needs to consider the best way to keep moisture out and conditioned air in.

RCS has listed below two products from the DuPont website that you may want to consider.

Wrapping a home or building in a weather-resistant barrier is not just good sense, it’s good building practice. Because it helps combat water, moisture and air infiltration that are any structure’s worst enemies. Allowed to penetrate behind siding, wind-driven rain and moisture can saturate walls, creating a breeding ground for mold, mildew and wood rot. The properties of DuPont™ Tyvek® do not support the growth of mold or mildew. Air infiltrating from outside can create comfort-robbing cold or warm spots while increasing heating and cooling costs.

DuPont™ Tyvek® acts like a windbreaker and wrapped over the sheathing and under the exterior siding—cut out around windows and doors and taped securely at the seams—resists air infiltration and water intrusion and makes for a more comfortable, energy-efficient home or building.

Here are two products that can increase the performance of your home or project against the elements:
DuPont™ RoofLiner with Elvaloy®:

“Trusted for its excellent durability, DuPont™ Elvaloy® has been incorporated into a new premium roofing underlayment that provides superior durability and protection against leaks compared to roofing felt.”

Here are some advantages over roofing felt.

DuPont™ Tyvek® ThermaWrap™:

“… helps to regulate the radiant energy of wall systems for increased comfort and reduced energy costs. In winter, DuPont™ Tyvek® ThermaWrap™ helps keep radiant energy that’s accumulated in the wall sheathing from releasing to the exterior. In summer, the metalized surface reflects radiant heat out of the wall, helping to keep the interior cooler. Reducing radiant heat flow through the wall system is particularly important at the studs, plate lines, joists and headers where conductive heat flow through the wall is the greatest. This not only saves energy and reduces heating and cooling costs, it also changes the dew point in the wall to help reduce the risk of condensation which can lead to mildew, mold and wood rot in wall cavities.”

For more information about remodeling or new construction and incorporating DuPont™ Tyvek® elements into your new space, CONTACT REDBUD Construction Services at 865-250-9172.

The main speaker is Mark Naftel, counsel in the Business and Technology Group of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, and Berkowitz PC in Nashville, TN.  Mr. Naftel details the various parts of a contract and how they specifically relate those professionals in the construction/remodeling industry.

Listed below are the main aspects of the seminar:

What should be in a Contract?

1. Indentity of parties
2. Definitions
3. Description of services or goods to be provided
4. Payment – How Much and When
5. Risk allocation
6. Method of agreement – Signatures and hand written changes
7. Details of deposits and payment schedules
8. Explaination of handling Change Orders
9. Inspections and approvals – sunset provisions
10. Delays – Liquated damages and Bonus provisions
11. Liens
12. Warranties
13. Subcontractors – Indemnity and regulatory compliance
14. Inspection and acceptance provisions
15. Limits of Liability
16. Late Fees and cost of collection

“THE CONTRACT SHOULD TELL YOUR STORY ABOUT HOW YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS”

*The Mission of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide.

This article also ran in the Houston Chronicle, Earthtimes.org, FinanzNachrichten.de, Yahoo! Canada, Business Wire and Forbes.

It’s the height of remodeling season during a weak economy, which is a tough combination for homeowners needing to make upgrades to their kitchen. This summer, things are heating up as people debate a costly home improvement that also offers one of the best returns on investment.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen offers these five tips for kitchen updates that look good and also make ‘cents.’

1. Granite counters: Look for thinner widths without the beveled edges.

2. Cabinets: Shop stock items or semi-custom cabinets that can rival custom craftsmanship. Or, for real savings, consider refacing your cabinets to get a new look without the demolition and installation of costly new units.

3. Stainless steel appliances: Skip the high-end manufacturers and go to cost-conscious labels that can still perform.

4. Wood flooring: Wood laminate flooring gives the look of an expensive wood surface with lower cost and easier cleanup.

5. Energy Star ratings: Look for energy savings on appliances that may be a little more expensive today, but will save you even more on energy bills down the road. Our clients are surprised to see all of the remodeling options available to them that can achieve their goals and still work within a budget, said Doug Dwyer, president and CSO of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. And we are noticing that people are still interested in investing in their largest asset, their home. They just want to make wise decisions.

CONTACT REDBUD Construction Services at 865-250-9172 to determine an affordable budget for your kitchen design.

From Lakehartwellrealestate blog, Julie Haley with All Hart Realty, discusses what to do and what not to do in order to get your home ready for a high return sale.

“The American house of 2008 will be smarter, greener and sleeker than before. But here’s the trick: Homeowners want a home that will work now–and 10 years from now.”

Here’s a run down of what’s hot — and what’s not — for your home in 2008.

What’s In

The destination bathroom

The huge bathroom getaways tempt you to linger and are outfitted with everything from wine chillers and espresso machines.

The smart house, operated by phone

“One tend that I think is pretty clear is that we are finally moving towards more tightly intergrated systems in the home that do allow for greater automation of certain functions, whether that’s controlling the temperature or lighting,” says Kurt Schrf, vice president and principle analyst of Parks Associates, a market research and consulting company that studies emerging consumer technologies.

Turning the house inside out

The trend of bringing the indoors outdoors is accelerating dramatically.  People are often extending radiant-heat floors outside, under patio flagstones.  The goal is to extend those shoulder seasons in order to sit longer by the giant fireplace that have become even more popular, or to cook in the extensive kitchens that anchor many of these outdoor spaces.

The return of glamour in furniture and decor

The whole idea of glamour is a little bit of a reaction to what is now still a very strong trend toward an appreciation of fabrics that have what you might call imperfections in them,” says Davis Remignanti, lead design consultant at Furniture.com. Remignanti refers to rougher fabrics that have sprung from the green movement, and to wood finishes with knots and grain.

Concealed appliances

More homeowners are opting to hide kitchen appliances such as the dishwasher and refrigerator. Some people think that appliances are ugly. What’s making it possible to hide a fridge behind cabinet doors is technology, which allows a big appliance today to be “broken apart” into separate, smaller pieces.  The kitchen is evolvingand is becoming an aesthetic room.

Home elevators

Elevators are starting to appear–and will only proliferate–as baby boomers age.

Bold fabrics

Smaller-scale furniture is in, and as furniture gets smaller, “it can sustain a larger and lager pattern without looking ridiculous, says Furniture.com‘s Remignanti. So a hot trend for 2008 is using large-scale patterns on fabrics and floors and wall coverings. “If you’re choosing a pattern over solid colors, make it big and bold,” he says.

What’s out

Living rooms

Dark and heavy

…the trend is moving toward a little more modern, a little fresher, lighter, brighter, open, use of new materials.

Mosaic tile

The tile is such a personalized design statement that it scares off would-be home buyers who may not have the same taste. The cost and waste to remove intricate mosaic is overwhelming to buyers, especially if it has been recently installed.  Even the most expensive but not agreeable tile could kill an otherwise acceptable property.

The Taj Ma-ceiling

For years, tall ceilings inparted gradeur to a home and were a signal that the homeowners had really made it. Those soaring ceilings don’t impress prospective home buyers the way they use to.

Read the full article here.

CONTACT REDBUD Construction Services at 865-250-9172 to discuss the trends that will maximize the re-sale vaule of your home.

Our next GENERAL MEETING will be held on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30 pm and will be sponsored by FERGUSON, a Wolseley company. The topic for the evening is WATER CONSERVATION PRODUCTS FOR REMODELERS, presented by Kohler.

We invite all remodeling contractors, tradesmen and suppliers to attend and become a part of this exciting new chapter.
Event Info

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 @ 6:30 PM

Sponsored by FERGUSON, a Wolseley company

Location – Ferguson Showroom
215 Peregrine Way
Knoxville TN 37922
865-531-8550
DIRECTIONS

From the NARI website:

What is Green Remodeling?
· NARI’s approach to teaching Green Remodeling is an all-encompassing approach that emphasizes making a home healthy, comfortable, and efficient. Consideration is given to indoor air quality, energy conservation, resource conservation, reduced material waste, and the use of products that are better for the environment (and for people).

Why Go Green?
· It’s easier on the earth, it lowers costs, and it provides a healthier home in which to live. According to the Sustainable Building Industry Council (SBIC), housing alone consumes 20% of America’s energy.
· Homeowners who choose to remodel green can lower their energy consumption by 30-50%. It’s widely agreed that forests produce 40% of Earth’s oxygen, and that building supplies use 25% of its forests.
· Remodeling green by incorporating recycled materials or sustainable species will help homeowners to tread more lightly on Earth’s natural resources.
· Green remodeling is becoming more popular as homeowners consider health issues, skyrocketing energy costs and Earth’s natural resources.

The article covers the following aspects of Green Remodeling:

1. Energy Conservation
2. Indoor Air Quality
3. Reduced Material Waste and Resource Conservation
4. Environmentally Safe Products

Here are ways that you can implement Green Into Your Home:

Non-toxic paints and sealants
Programmable thermostats
Energy efficient appliances
Natural flooring
Local building materials
Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
Recycled material roof shingles and tiles
Energy efficient lighting
Insulated hot water pipes
Tankless water heaters
Quality insulation
Native plants for landscaping

For more information about remodeling and incorporating green elements into your new space, visit the NARI Web site or CONTACT REDBUD Construction Services at 865-250-9172.

Incorrect Plumbing

I had a hard time understanding exactly what they were trying to describe, but when we met the owners at their home, I understood completely.  Unfortunately for the current homeowners, the previous owners had taken on a plumbing project that was literally ‘over their heads.’  The pluming in the living room ceiling was installed in order to put a bathroom upstairs in what used to be a renovated attic space, but it was installed incorrectly.  The only way the drain lines would have worked was if water flowed uphill!

So there was the first challenge.  Fix the plumbing and make the living room ceiling look like a living room ceiling…again.

Bathroom Before

Down to the Framing

The next challenge was to renovate the downstairs bathroom to gain more space for a family of five, and to make it a retreat for mom…a place to soak away the stresses of the day in the antique, cast-iron, claw foot tub.  The owners (especially the mom) wanted to have a spacious bathroom for her tub and incorporate an archway into the design.  The problem was that in an 80-year old house with a very old bathroom, the floors have a tendency not to be level and there is usually water damage over that period of time….and so was the case on this project.  So we had to remove the floor down to the joists and start from there.

After removing the floor, ceilings and walls, we re-framed, re-wired, re-plumbed, and re-finished the bathroom…mom had a place to relax and get away…if only for a few minutes.

No More Plumbing

Aaron and Katie (mom)…the owners:

“When we needed to hire a contracting company to remodel our 1925 Arts and Crafts house, we had 3 requirements in mind during our selection process: honesty, quality design and materials, and a good old-fashioned hard working spirit. Redbud Construction Services was the obvious choice for us! From the initial cost estimation and design process all the way to the last day of clean up, the Redbud team went above and beyond the call of duty. You will not find a better company to work with!”

Check out more of this project’s photos on our home page under the Featured Photos section in the middle of the home page.
Do you have a project that you would like to complete and don’t know where to start? Call RCS and we can help you.  865-250-9172

The Knoxville Area chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry hosts home remodeling seminars at the Knoxville Fall Home Remodeling and Log-Home Show. The show at the Knoxville Convention Center is 4-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6; and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. Admission is $5.75 for adults, $4.75 for senior citizens 62 and older; $3.75 for children 6-12; free children younger than 6. The seminars are hourly beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday and continuing through Sunday. The Knoxville chapter of NARI is part of a national not-for-profit trade association with nearly 8,000 member companies nationwide.