Windows recently designed by Rose Construction Inc

Simonton Windows has an excellent article explaining all you could possibly need to know about windows. Topics include:

• Styles and shapes
• Why Vinyl?
• Glass Options
• Door Hardware
• Window Hardware
• Colors and Grids

Energy efficiency and impact-resistant products are explained.

As for window shapes and styles, these are the things that will affect the appearance of your home and the use-ability of the windows. If you want operable windows you definitely want windows that are convenient to open, and lock securely for peace of mind.

There are many manufacturers of windows; check out Simonton and learn all you need to know to make an educated selection when purchasing your next windows!

MGS shower system in stainless steel

MGS manufactures a stainless steel shower fixture as well as s.s. fixtures for the outdoors and kitchen. Each faucet and shower fixture includes MGS’s signature handles with flat, angled tips, sliced from across the cylinder to create a dramatically slanted face.

The exposed shower system shown brings modern style in an exposed shower system with a round or square rain canopy and feature an exposed thermostatic mixer.

Check out www.mgsdesigns.com for more creative and stylish designs!

What is there about your house that you KNOW needs updating or replacing with something that looks good and works!

Do you have pets? What about that doggy door that you bought from  . . . wherever. Now is the time to have a custom-made door that actually fits the opening, looks good and operates easily.

Custom gate

ADA compliant lav faucet from Kohler

How about the small details that are annoying, but after time has gone by, you no longer see the chips and cracks? Bathroom lav faucets are one: 

This faucet is ADA compliant, but is stylish and easy for anyone to use. The higher than normal outlet is a plus. The design combines beveled edges and curved bases for a style to fit any bathroom.

Antique style kitchen handles

What about Kitchen or bath knobs and pulls: Whether your style is sleek and modern, or antique and ornate, new knobs and pulls can do wonders for a cabinet.

Sleek, chrome pulls on a recently completed kitchen remodel

ADA compliant shower

The photo above shows a bath remodel we did in 2011 to make it handicapped accessible. We installed tile in the shower and included a bench with a solid surface seat. Grab bars were installed and a hand-held shower wand accessible from the bench.

ADA compliant shower

This photo shows another handicapped accessible shower we installed in a bathroom remodel for an elderly couple who preferred to remain in their home.

These photos show that making an accessible, safe bathroom can be beautiful and stylish.

National bath safety month calls for prentative safety measures, as noted on the website www.examiner.com.  Some of the recommended measures are:

Set the hot water temperature lower than 115 degrees.

Keep all cleaning supplies out of reach of children or locked in cabinets.

Keep all medications out of reach or locked where children cannot access them.

Bathroom surface that could get wet (pretty much all of the bathroom floor and shower/tub) should have non-skid surfaces or mats.

Never leave young children unattended in bath or shower.

Grab bars are necessary installations for elders who may have become unsteady on their feet, and for children.

Shower seats are important to help avoid slips and falls. The folding type is a good option that can be folded up and provide more room in the shower for those who do not need it.

Snowy deck

Build Direct has an excellent article on how to enjoy your deck throughout winter.

Marissa Alan lists 4 areas you can concentrate on to protect and use patios, decks and general outdoor living spaces.

Wood burning heaters, gas fire pits or electric patio heaters provide lots of heat to make sitting outdoors comfortable and enjoyable.

Provide heavy-duty covers for your grills and any water features, as well as outdoor furniture. Water proof is best, and be sure to cover before any snowfall.

Movable plants might do better brought inside, if they are too large, wrap them with an insulated material like burlap, to keep the soil warmer and prevent the planter from freezing.

Lighting is a must with shorter days – in our area it is dark by 4:30! Outdoor lighting provides security as well – motion sensors or lights that come on at dusk work well for security purposes.

Sitting around a firepit with friends and family can be lots of fun on a winter evening, so prep that deck for winter use and enjoy!

Kitchen cabinets installed by Rose Construction Inc

Kitchen cabinets come in a variety of materials – everything from inexpensive composite wood products to stainless steel, glass front, bamboo, and a variety of hardwoods.

This article will focus mostly on hardwoods, and much of the information is taken from the website  cabinetexpress. Check them out for more info!

Types of wood used for kitchen cabinets:

Maple contains grain patterns that are particularly attractive, increasing the value of this wood. When stained, the mineral grains that cause the patterns will appear darker and more distinct. Maple is one of the harder woods; the toughness and beauty of maple cabinets combine to create a great material for kitchen cabinets and is the most popular.

Cherry wood has inherently rich tones and colors, setting it apart from other types of wood. The grain pattern in cherry wood is very tight, allowing for smooth finishes and quality stains. Cherry wood cabinets is frequently chosen simply for its beauty.

Oak has the most distinct graining pattern. It can be stained and can appear striped or wavy, very fine or broad. It is an abundant wood and very durable. Because it so abundant, it is one of the least expensive of the hardwoods. Oak cabinets are able to withstand rough treatment and will resist dents and scratches better than other wood cabinets.

Hickory has a distinct grain pattern, with a flowing, sweeping pattern. Smooth and easy to stain, it is a solid, close-grained wood, with a unique pattern of grain.

Birch, like cherry, stains extremely well and is smooth to the touch. The grain patterns in birch wood have subtle waves and flows, providing a warm and cozy appearance in the kitchen.

 Thermofoil cabinets are made from PVC vinyl film. They come in a variety of colors, but white is the most common. They tend to be found in a more modern style kitchen, but can also fit nicely into a traditional setting.

The styles shown range from ornate to traditional to the minimalist modern look.

Minimalist modern

Traditional style bathrooms are noted for claw-foot tubs, natural lighting, natural materials, such as wood and tile, and antique style faucets.

Lots of natural light, clawfoot tub and antique style faucets!

Another modern style:

Smooth, clean lines - definitely modern.

 ”Grey tile is used almost exclusively, and the design incorporates the typical 4×4 tiles in a colorful accent piece. The vanity is wall mounted with two vessel sinks placed on top. The accessories are a chrome finish which also works well. Overall, this is a classic example of a modern bathroom design.”

In designing a modern bathroom, there is an incredible variety of tile to choose from. Every color, size and shape you can think of. The trick is to get it all to coordinate, but I bet you know that!

Check out what others have done and then think about what works for you.

Founded in 1982, NAHB Remodelers of the National Association of Home Builders represents and serves the interests of more than 14,000 remodeling industry members.

The Federation of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) exists to represent the home building industry by serving its members and affiliated state and local builders associations. The NAHB members, who are involved in all aspects of a diversified building industry, create jobs for millions of people and contribute significantly to the economic activity of their community, the nation and the world.

The NAHB strives to improve housing affordability, availability and choice. To achieve this mission, some of NAHB’s goals are:

• Public appreciation for the importance of housing, housing affordability and those who provide housing.
• Recognized premier resource for industry and consumer information, education, research, technical expertise and networking.
• Improved business performance of its members.

The NAHB provides education to its members and we are proud to say that Rose Construction Inc’s own DyLon McClary is a graduate of the CGR training program. CGR stands for Certified Graduate Remodelor and means that you are doing business with an individual who is committed to continuing education and professional growth and will bring exceptional skill and knowledge to your project.

To become a CGR, a remodeler must have at least five years of experience in the industry, take a qualifying exam and successfully complete a pre-set curriculum of courses specific to the remodeling industry, including project and business management.  

In addition, CGRs and GMRs are required to carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance and maintain a valid business license, where required by their state or local jurisdiction. Upon earning the designation, they must sign a Code of Ethics specific to their designation. CGRs and GMRs also are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education related to building and remodeling every three years. 

To find a CGR for your remodeling or renovation project or home addition, go to the NAHB designations directory and search by state or ZIP code.

Beautiful solid surface lav countertop

The National Kitchen and Bath Association provides a wealth of information for those thinking about remodeling their bathrooms or kitchens. This article focuses on material selection for the bathroom vanity top.

Granite and marble are very beautiful and at $125 to $250 per lineal foot, the most expensive. For some, this will be a non-starter for this countertop material. However, if the price is not an issue for you, granite is an excellent choice; it doesn’t stain.

Granite or marble tiles are a less expensive solution than purchasing and entire sheet to be cut to size.

Cultured marble is another less expensive option, and is made from chips of real marble embedded in plastic. It costs $50 to $80 per lineal foot. One drawback is that scratches cannot be removed.

Laminate is a popular option, due to the endless variety of colors and an inexpensive price tag. The can be bought in pre-fabricated vanity tops.

Solid surface countertops have the look of stone, but have fewer drawbacks. Made with acrylic resin, they require very little maintenance and scratches and even minor burns can be repaired with sandpaper.

 They are available in many colors and imitation stone, and can be purchased as ready-made vanity tops with integrated sinks. Pricing is from approximately $100 to $250 per lineal foot installed.

Tile is an attractive durable finish for countertops. Of course it is available in many colors, patterns and textures. Grout that must be cleaned can be a drawback. Tile installations cost between $10 to $40 per lineal foot.

Wood is also used as a vanity countertop, but is especially vulnerable to water damage.  It must be well sealed to keep it clean and prevent rot. It runs $25 to $40 per lineal foot.

Be sure to check out the NKBA website for many more articles on plumbing fixture selection, cabinets, faucets and budgeting your remodel, as well.

You can check us out on Thumbtack, Facebook and our website. 

Bath faucet, Corian countertop and tile backsplash

One of our clients kitchens!Custom-built cherry cabinets