"Transforming homes and building comfort into your life"
The Design-Build News
January 2012

Damante Beginning

The start of a great new multi-room addition and home remodeling project!

Greetings!Todd - Cropped Head Shot

Happy New Year!  I wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2012.

In late December we started our seventh room addition in the Binks Forest sub-division in Wellington.  This project includes enlarging two bedrooms and the pool deck, and adding a bathroom, guest suite, and game room.

The above photo shows the beginning stages of site preparation (including removal of the dog run fence and bushes) for the area where the addition will be located.  I'll include more photos in future newsletters so you can follow the progress.

If you, or someone you know, would like to put a room addition onto their house or remodel it in some way, please contact us at 561-795-2551.  We are always looking to add to our exclusive "family" of thrilled clients
.

Sincerely,
 Signature
Todd Perry
Leading Edge Homes, Inc.
561-795-2551
 
Clean Mold Without Bleach
Do you hate the smell of bleach but use it because you think it's the only way to get rid of mold?  Are you Cleaning Bucketworried about bleach's affect on your lungs?  Did you know there is an affective, natural alternative?  There is - vinegar.  Vinegar cleans most surfaces and it is not dangerous to your health.  In fact, apple cider vinegar smells pretty good.  Most moldy surfaces do not need to be cleaned with straight vinegar and you can experiment with diluting vinegar with water to the strength you need.

If vinegar is not to your liking, try baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.  Hydrogen peroxide has a residual effect and can help stop future mold outbreaks.
Top Ten 2012 Home Improvement Tips

Many people start the year off with home improvements on their mind.  Some want to do painting, others want to upgrade their kitchen or bath, and others want additional Bath Remodel Picspace added onto their home.  Whatever project you might have in mind for the new year, now is the best time to plan your project properly with the following tips.

1.  Take stock of your house.  Walk the inside and outside of your house and determine what you "need" to have done (rotting siding, leaking roof) versus what you "want" to have done (new kitchen or family media room addition).  Prioritize your list.

2.  What are your long term plans.  How long will you stay in your house?  If you plan on selling the house within the next year, concentrate on things that will get you a higher sales price or sell your house quicker, like painting and repairs.  If you do not plan on moving anytime soon, completing the projects on your "want" list will make living in your home much more enjoyable.

3.  Get inspired.  Look through magazines, visit design centers, even get paint samples.  The more components of the project you think about ahead of time, the better.  It's never a good idea to choose products and make choices when your contractor is ready to install them - you'll be under way too much pressure.
 
4.  Budget is king.  Make sure you set aside or borrow enough money for your project, plus some for extras and any unforseen expenses that may arise.  Many homeowners are not familiar with current prices, so start the process early to avoid surprises.

5.  Bring in the experts.  Too many times homeowners try to undertake projects that are beyond their skill set or knowledge, require more time than they have available, and require tools they do not own.  Think long and hard if you are leaning towards doing the work yourself.  As a rule, it is better for homeowners to do what they do best so they can pay a licensed contractor to do what they do best.

6.  Permits, licensing, and other hurdles the building dept. wants you to leap.  Virtually any project you undertake, other than painting or floorcoverings, will typically require getting a permit.  Although a homeowner can usually obtain his own permit to perform work on a single family home in most municipalities (with the exception of gas work), detailed plans containing specific information and supporting documentation will be required.  This is more reason to hire a licensed contrator who will be familiar with all the requirements.

7.  Flexibility.  Any timeframe for completion given by a contractor is nothing more than a guess.  Every project is unique and suppliers and sub-contractors respond differently based on work load at the time.  Any project requiring demolition of walls can expose unforeseen or hidden issues.  Be flexible and plan for extra time and expense.  If it's not needed, it's a bonus.

8.  Communication.  Whether you are doing the work yourself with help of friends and/or family, or you have hired a contractor, clearly convey your expectations and respond quickly when a decision is needed.  When working with a contractor, ensure the scope sheet clearly defines everything you expect to have done, before you sign the contract.

9.  Safety.  If doing the work yourself, use safety glasses, ear protection, and follow power tool manufacturer's safety guidelines.  Regardless of who's doing the work, keep children and pets far away from danger.  If holes or trenches need to be left exposed overnight, enclose them with safety fencing.  Don't take any chances and bring any safety concerns to the attention of your contractor.

10.  Plan to enjoy yourself.  Although there are very serious aspects of performing home improvements, his should be a fun, low stress experience.  You will reap great rewards if you do your homework and plan, plan, plan.
Thanks

I appreciate the positive feedback I have received about last month's newsletter and hope you have enjoyed this month's edition.  I would also like to thank  Doreen D. for her referral last month.

Todd
In This Issue
Clean Mold Without Bleach
Ten Terrific 2012 Home Improvement Tips
Top Tips for 2012
Do you know how to start the process of improving your home?  Would you like to discover a methodical way to go about it to keep your stress level low?  See the article below.
 
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