Experience the transformation of two Houston homes

You can conceive of many different reasons to embark upon a home remodeling project.

Maybe you’re thinking of selling and want to increase curb appeal. Maybe your family has grown and you need more space. Perhaps your home needs modernization, or you simply want a more luxurious bathroom or kitchen. Really, the reason is unimportant. Whatever brought you to the decision to upgrade, almost any remodeling project will bring new life to your most important investment — your home.

Every year, millions of people revitalize their homes with a remodel. Consulting with the professionals is the first step, and that’s exactly what we did. We discussed two projects (an exterior and an interior remodel) with the current reigning Greater Houston Builders Association 2010 Remodelers of the Year, and each shared their tips on transforming Houston homes.

Exterior Remodel

Since 1976, Lone Star Building and Construction Services, Inc. has given Houston homeowners exceptional, timely results. Lone Star completed the exterior remodel featured here and Wayne Ball, company president, says, “We’ll settle for nothing less than your dream home.”

On this 1930s Montrose bungalow makeover, the Lone Star professionals had proved themselves good to their word two years previously when they completed an addition to the home and a kitchen remodel. The homeowners loved the results so much that they contacted the company again when they were ready to discuss the remodel of the front entry façade.

Ball shares, “The existing façade had been in place for years but was showing signs of deterioration and signs of bad construction, plus the homeowner wanted to incorporate a few different elements in the design.” The primary goal of the project was to create a contemporary style design that would enhance the curb appeal of the home while disturbing the existing landscaping as little as possible.

“At our first design meeting, we established a budget and realized that a total re-design was not feasible,” Ball continues. The team then had to determine a plan to work within the existing structure. Included in the design was deletion of the flat roof areas in the home’s original design, areas which badly needed replacement. Next the team at Lone Star made sure that the foundation and structural elements were sound. “This proved to be more difficult than expected,” confesses Ball, “as the existing façade foundation was completely inadequate and had to be replaced to support the existing and new roof lines.”

After many meetings and discussions of different possibilities, a final design was completed that would work within the original structure, save most existing landscaping and stay within budget expectations. To finalize product and paint selections, the homeowners worked with Cindy Aplanalp, ASID, Allied; By Design Interiors, Inc. The new design to the front of the home incorporates a contemporary look using natural stone pilasters (to hide the pitched roofs behind them), stucco walls, heavy iron fence panels, a custom iron door and a paint selection which ties all the different products and textures together. To further enhance the curb appeal, a new paving system, including paving stones and natural concrete, was installed to include the walkways and driveway in front and behind the entry façade. The result? Well, just as Ball promised, it’s the dream home the customer wanted.

Interior Remodel

Premier Remodeling & Construction, L.P., another award-winning firm that completed the interior remodel featured here, has been providing complete home remodeling, additions, repairs and maintenance services in the industry for more than 15 years. Rob Hellyer, company president, says, “At Premier Re­modeling we are committed to our customers and making their homes more enjoyable.”

Premier Remodeling had completed the upstairs remodel of this home a year before. The scope of the most recent job included renovating the entire first floor, which was built in 1982 and had never been updated. “By entire,” Hellyer elaborates, “I mean a complete kitchen and master bath remodel, an entry and stairway makeover, a powder bath remodel and new flooring and paint throughout.”

Just as in the exterior remodel, first the homeowners met with the experts at Premier Remodeling and Lynne T. Jones Interior Design, to outline their primary objectives. Hellyer explains, “The owners felt that the kitchen was very dated and that the island actually interfered with the ‘work triangle.’ Additionally, they wanted it opened up onto the dining room and new EVERYTHING.”

To accomplish this, Premier Remodeling completely gutted the kitchen to the framing, then opened up a wall into the dining room. Closing one of two openings to the adjacent hallway allowed for more cabinetry. All new custom cabinets were installed, featuring an entire wall of cabinetry that houses the built-in ovens and refrigerator.

“Another issue the homeowners had was the master bath,” Hellyer continues, “and this particular space actually had individual vanities facing each other with a suspended mirror between them, really creating an obstacle in the space.” He also says they hated the small shower.

To redesign the master bath, Premier Remodeling removed one of the room’s windows in order to accommodate a new double vanity, which stretches along one wall. The furr-down (the small dropped ceiling to close the gap above cabinets, etc.) was removed, as well as the wall between shower and tub to create a larger, frameless shower enclosure. “Each of these renovations make the master bath both feel and look larger,” Hellyer relates.

The homeowners also wanted updated floors. Previously, carpet covered the floors everywhere except the kitchen and master bath. Now, shiny travertine floors span the house, and the master bedroom boasts a beautiful hand-scraped oak engineered hardwood.

To finish out the remodel, Premier Remodeling installed new cabinets and countertops in the powder bath and bar. The homeowners consulted interior designer Lynne T. Jones, ASID of Lynne T. Jones Interior Design, who worked with them in selecting all finishes, flooring and fixtures.

Hellyer proudly says, “We began construction on this project just prior to Thanksgiving 2010, and we completed it precisely on schedule, to the day.” When the homeowners reoccupied their downstairs, it was — as Hellyer had assured them —  a spectacular transformation.

In both of these projects, the results are obvious. Whatever dated elements, drab effects and dull spots may have existed before have been eliminated. Not only does each home emanate new life, the homeowners themselves feel renewed and exhilirated. This is professional remodeling at its finest.

BEFORE

AFTER---This 1930s Montrose bungalow, though charming, was deteriorating (see below) and in need of updating. The homeowners asked Lone Star Building and Construction Services, Inc. to provide a more contemporary facade and enhance the home's curb appeal. After the remodel, the home's facade is definitely more contemporary, incorporating natural stone pilaster, stucco walls, heavy iron fence panels, a custom iron door and new paint by Sherwin-Williams Paint Co. The stone veneer is by Thorntree Slate & Marble. The new paving system, including paving stones and natural concrete on the walkways and driveway, beautifully boosts the curb appeal.

Natural stone pilasters hide the pitched roofs behind them and bring this 1930s bungalow into the 21st century. Stone veneer by Thorntree Slate & Marble.

this space

BEFORE -The former kitchen (right) was extremely dated with an island that interfered with the ‘work triangle’ (the distance between the sink, stove and refrigerator). The homeowners wanted to make the kitchen open to the dining room and add new appliances.

AFTER - To update the kitchen, Premier Remodeling, with space planning by Katy Fernandez of My Design Team, gutted the room to the framing, removed the island, opened the wall to the dining room, closed a hallway entrance and installed an entire wall of cabinetry which houses the new built-in ovens and refrigerator. The cabinets are by My Cabinet Source; granite countertops are by Daltile and fabricated by Stone Evolution; plumbing fixtures by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery; Daltile travertine tile floor; interior design by Lynne T. Jones, ASID of Lynne T. Jones Interior Design. PHOTO Michael Hart

BEFORE - Before the bathroom remodel the individual vanities faced each other and shared a suspended mirror, which created an obstacle. The furr-down and the wall between the bath and shower made the room smaller.

AFTER - (Left) Premier Remodeling removed one window in order to install a double vanity along the wall. The furr-down and wall between the bath and shower were also removed to create more room in the shower. Utilizing a clear frameless shower enclosure gives the room a more spacious, luxurious feel. Cabinets are by The Cabinet Zavala; Daltile countertops fabricated by Stone Evolution; fixtures by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery; travertine tile floor by Daltile. PHOTO Michael Hart

DETAILS

BEFORE - The outdated look of the home's powder bath is evident in the wallpaper, hardware and faded countertop.

AFTER - (Right) A beautiful new sink and hardware by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery enhance the appeal of the powder bath by leaps and bounds. The beveled-edge granite countertop fabricated by Stone Evolution and the new cabinetry by The Cabinet Zavala add interest, along with the Venetian plaster finish on the walls by Imago Dei. Interior design by Lynne T. Jones, ASID of Lynne T. Jones Interior Design. PHOTO Michael Hart

The entry has a new sophisticated look. The travertine floor and small tile inserts are by Daltile.

When Premier Remodeling removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room, the dining room came to life and was immediately a more inviting space to spend time. The travertine floor by Daltile along with the beautiful rug and Venetian plaster finish by Imago Dei on the walls add elegance to the space.

The new stairway railing by AG Welding and updated light fixtures by Circa Lighting open up the entry to this home, while the new travertine floor by Daltile, wooden treads and new trim, update the look. The grandfather clock offers a traditional touch in the foyer.

This stunning 29th floor Houston high-rise required an extensive renovation by Steve Hood Company. The walls were removed from the dark kitchen and laundry room to create an island and to maximize views of Memorial Park. Custom Brookhaven Cabinetry by Wood-Mode from Cabinet Innovations; stainless steel appliances from K&N Sales.

Any homeowner planning to re­model wants nothing less than a professional job. Who wouldn’t want the best quality in terms of workmanship and materials when it comes to improving their most prized and most valuable asset? However, when it comes to selecting a remodeler, too many buyers conveniently forget the time-proven adage that “you get what you pay for.”

The dilemma that confronts many homeowners is their desire for a top-notch job at the lowest possible price. With price as their primary focus, they ignore other criteria that may carry more weight in producing a successfully completed project and a smooth working relationship with the remodeler.

It’s understandable that price is a major consideration when it comes to remodeling. The cost of remodeling has increased as the demand for remodeling grows. Higher costs of materials (such as copper pipes) and scarcity of skilled labor are just two factors contributing to price hikes. A national trade magazine, Remodeling, reported in a Cost vs. Value survey that a mid-priced major kitchen remodel, the most popular remodeling project, costs $38,800. For a minor remodel of the same 200-square-foot kitchen, the cost is $14,800.

Homeowners need to understand that remodeling is a service and not merely a product. This service encompasses the intangibles that make up the process of remodeling — how everything comes together and results in a satisfying experience and an acceptable finished product. The materials and products that go into it can’t define a professional job alone.

The nature of remodeling as a service becomes even more pronounced when you consider that inevitably you’ll be sharing your home with the remodelers’ crews for weeks or even months, depending on the scale of the project. All remodeling involves some degree of inconvenience, but inconvenience can easily turn into a nightmare if your remodeler doesn’t put your family’s comfort and concerns first.

Rather than selecting a remodeler based on where one bid falls compared to others, shift your focus to finding a professional remodeler; then go about getting a bid on your job. If the bid is higher than what you budgeted, work with the remodeler to decide where you can cut back or what you can postpone to keep the project on budget. For example, you can always have the remodeler frame in a fireplace to be installed later, but he can’t upgrade the company’s customer service if there wasn’t any to begin with.

Some important characteristics to look for to ensure that you hire a professional remodeler are:

Experience. Ask how long the remodeler has been in business. Longevity suggests financial stability, which is necessary for the remodeler to finish the job and still be available if problems crop up after the job is completed. Also, the more jobs the company has completed, the more expertise the remodeler will bring to your project and the hidden surprises that remodeling typically entails.

Reputation. Look to the remodelers’ former and current customers to gauge the company’s reputation. Obtain the names and phone numbers of customers you can call to get their impressions of the company’s work and customer service. Call them and make personal visits to see the work they had done. Even better, get references from customers whose projects were similar to the one your family is planning. Also, go visit one of the company’s jobs in progress to evaluate how they manage the construction process and how tidy they keep the job site. Ask whether these homeowners would hire the company again.

Business Credentials. A good place to start your search for a remodeler is with your local Builders Association and its affiliated local RemodelorsTM Council.  Groups like these help to keep their members informed about new products, construction techniques, business practices and industry issues. Participation demonstrates a remodeler’s commitment to professionalism and to the remodeling industry. Many trade groups also confer professional credentials, such as Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), to those who meet their requirements, which is a positive indicator of the remodeler’s reputation.

Insurance. It is important to verify that the remodeler carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Have the remodeler show you copies of both insurance certificates to protect yourself from liability in situations involving job site injuries or property damage resulting from the work being done on your home.

If your goal is a professional remodeling project, your best bet is to hire a professional remodeler. The extra cost will pay for itself in the satisfaction you receive while the remodel is in progress and during the many years you will enjoy the completed project.

Wayne Ball, CGR, CAPS

Lone Star Building & Construction Services, Inc.

Greymark Construction Company master bath renovation features Statuario Venato marble countertops from Walker Zanger. The rich custom mahogany cabinets were created with carefully selected wood-grain patterns.

Each year hurricane season drives home and business owners to search for the best ways to protect their
property.

Plywood is popular, but the product and the means of attachment are not tested nor approved for winds of any real strength. And an airborne piece of plywood driven by hurricane-strength winds can cause tremendous damage. Plywood also takes a lot of space and can warp during storage. And certainly it is a significant challenge to install while standing on an extension ladder!

Metal shutters are another common option in some geographic areas, but they close out light and air as well as wind. They’re extremely heavy and difficult to manage, and they create that “dark cave effect” which concerns so many people.

Fortunately, thanks to the newest in technologies, there is an alternative. The nation’s largest manufacturer of hurricane protection systems has introduced Texas to a hurricane wind abatement system that has become a mainstay in Florida. It is a system and a collection of installation options that are actually practical to use.

Impact-resistant screens are made of a heavy-duty, geosynthetic polypropylene mesh, not unlike the heavy mesh material in a trampoline. The heavy-duty screens block flying debris and 97 percent of wind and driving rain—all while allowing natural light into the building. Multiple installation systems range from those that are installed manually to fully automated roll-down systems with remote control operators. All of the installations meet and exceed the strict requirements of the Florida Building Code as well as the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. They are lightweight, easy to install, and allow light and air to filter through.

“We compare the system to a bulletproof vest,” said Marketing Director Trent Dunn of StormSmart Industries, the largest manufacturer of hurricane protection systems in the United States. “It’s a flexible material that protects the envelope of your home, just as a bulletproof vest protects a human body. Even though you may take a hit, the vest protects you and keeps you alive. The new storm protection systems are primarily based on that principle.”

The new systems are readily installed by a professional remodeling contractor and thereafter the pre-hurricane erection is quick and effective.

There are three ways to apply the screens. You can install them directly to an opening with a “Direct Mount” screen or with a roll-down system, which can be rolled either manually or with a remote control device.

With the direct mount application, a home or business owner puts the screens up when the storm approaches, and removes them after it passes. No specialized tools are required so virtually anyone can do it.

A large opening of approximately 12 feet by 9 feet only weighs a few pounds. This makes the system ideal for second-story windows because it’s much easier to carry a lightweight screen up a ladder than a sheet of plywood or a heavy metal shutter. The material is machine-cut and sewn by the manufacturer into any shape. That makes it perfect for curved or other geometrically-shaped windows. When the hurricane is over, the screens roll up and store conveniently in the attic or garage.

With a roll-down application, the screens are left permanently mounted in an aesthetically-pleasing hood system above the openings they are designed to protect. When a storm threatens, a home or business owner can lower them manually, or use a motorized system that puts them into place with the touch of a button.

Geosynthetic polypropylene hurricane screens are flexible, so shock loads are distributed evenly throughout the attachments. With an adequate wind and debris protection system protecting your home, you’ll rest assured. The full range of installation systems and colors carry new products with their in-depth testing, engineering and code approval so they are ready to protect you and yours.

The screens have been manufactured and installed for many years, although they were principally distributed in Florida. As the eastern region of Texas has taken several hurricane hits in recent years, it is timely that the hurricane protection screens have been made available for Texas homes as well. They’ve been thoroughly tested during the recent past’s active and destructive hurricane seasons and delivered outstanding performance. Home and business owners love them both for their protective qualities as well as their simplicity and ease-of-use.

Storm abatement screens are useful not only during hurricanes, but at other times serve to simply provide you some relief from the sun or annoying winds. When you want to entertain around the lanai or patio, simply deploy your hurricane protection screens.

By Warren Clark

BMC Building Materials

AFTER

If lead paint is present, it’s wise to hire a professional

You’ve finally made the decision to remodel the outdated kitchen and living room of your home. But if you live in a house built before 1978, a new federal law regulating the removal of lead paint may affect your home remodeling project.

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a regulation to help reduce the possibility of children contracting lead poisoning when their homes are being remodeled. Homes built before 1978 — when the use of lead paint was banned — are more likely to have surfaces containing lead paint. The EPA estimates that approximately 38 million homes in the United States may contain lead paint.

The “Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting” rule requires that remodelers and other contractors who disturb painted surfaces as part of their renovations in pre-1978 homes become trained and certify their firms.

Professional remodelers who have become EPA “Lead-Safe Certified” possess the training, skills and specialized equipment to conduct remodeling projects and protect residents from lead hazards. These remodelers are educated about the rule and are equipped to: explain the requirements to homeowners, employ lead-safe work practices, contain applicable work areas, clean up after working and maintain records required by the EPA.

Dangers of lead paint

Dust from lead paint removal can fill the air and be inhaled, or small children can ingest lead paint chips that fall from the wall. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, hearing loss and behavior problems in young children. In adults, leadpoisoning can lead to hypertension and high blood pressure. Pregnant women run the risk of passing the poison on to their unborn child.

Therefore, it is important to find a remodeler who is trained in lead-safe work practices rather than trying to do the work yourself. To ensure the safety of the home’s occupants, the EPA’s regulation requires that any major renovation to homes built before 1978 must be performed by a certified remodeler or renovator, if lead paint is present.

Potential remodeling customers may be tempted to do the remodeling work themselves, or to hire a contractor who may be cheaper and willing to skirt the law by not following the lead paint regulation. However, when there is lead paint present, failing to hire a professionally trained and certified remodeler risks the health of anyone living in the home by greatly increasing the chances of exposure to its dust. Children under age six are most susceptible to lead poisoning.

Lead-safe work practices

Your contractor should follow specific work practices, including these three simple procedures:

• Contain the work area so that dust and debris do not escape. Warning signs should be posted and heavy-duty plastic and tape should be used to seal off doors and heating and cooling system vents and to cover the floors and any furniture that cannot be moved.
• Minimize dust. There is no way to eliminate dust, but some paint-removal methods create less dust than others. For example, using water to mist areas before sanding or scraping; scoring paint before separating components; and prying and pulling apart components instead of breaking them. Methods that generate large amounts of dust and should not be used include open flame burning or torching; sanding, grinding, planing, needle gunning or blasting with power tools and equipment not equipped with a shroud and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum attachment; or using a heat gun at temperatures greater than 1100°F.
• Clean up thoroughly. When all the work is done, and before taking down any plastic that isolates the work area from the rest of the home, the area should be cleaned up using special methods. These include using an HEPA vacuum on all surfaces, followed by wet mopping with plenty of water.

The EPA has a free brochure on its website called Renovate Right that provides guidance to homeowners about the safe removal of lead paint. Consumers can also search for “Lead-Safe Certified Firms” near them using a tool on the EPA website at www.epa.gov/lead.

BEFORE

AFTER - This kitchen project by Charanza Contracting, Inc. was completed in a Memorial-area home. The space underwent major demolition to accommodate the significant upgrades in mechanicals and fine finishes. Limestone floor and onyx-accented backsplash by Walker Zanger; slab granite with ogee edge detail by Bolfing Brothers Marble and Granite; Antiquing Faux paint by Segretto Inc. on perimeter cabinets and island. Under-counter lighting supplied by M&M Lighting; appliances by Kiva Kitchen and Bath. Architect: Perry & Associates, Sharon Perry Wise.

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AFTER - The nation’s first certified green renovation by Gryphon Builders transformed a one-story, 1950s ranch-style house in Afton Oaks into a two-story, five-bedroom, traditional style home. PHOTO Photos courtesy of Brad Carr, Brad Studios

Five easy steps to help you get started

Homeowners are thinking green when it comes to home improvement. Rising energy costs haveе definitely taken a toll on pocketbooks everywhere. To deal with all of this, many homeowners are looking for ways to add green elements to their homes.

The primary advantage to green remodeling is the rise in your home’s value.

Green home remodeling projects are not οnot only good for the environment, they can also be extremely cost-effective. Green renovation projects, particularly kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling, increase a home’s energy efficiency and save homeowners tons of money down the line. This means that green remodeling projects have an incredibly high recoup value and increase a home’s value significantly.

Changing an older home into a green home often takes minimal effort. Here are five suggestions to consider when planning a green project:

Hire a remodeler who is qualified. The success of a green remodel project depends on the professionalism of the remodeler. Certification and registrations are an indication of the commitment one has to ethical business practices and continuing education within the industry.

Do your research. It’s important to approach green projects armed with as much knowledge about systems and materials as possible. If your pros are seasoned green builders, you’ll be able to articulate your goals and stay engaged in discussions with them.

Think realistically about square footage. Consider how much space you really need, not just how much you want. After all, truly eco-friendly means using as few new materials — and creating as little waste — as possible.

Stay open about your choices. How green do you want to be? If your goal is simply an energy-efficient house, you can focus on Energy Star appliances, on-demand water heaters, high-efficiency insulation and windows and solar technology. If you want to take it a step further, you might consider sustainably harvested woods, reclaimed lumber, salvaged fixtures and rainwater collection.

Think big, but start small. Sometimes — no matter how good your intentions — your sense of responsibility to the environment has to play second fiddle to your budget. In other words, expect to make some concessions. Start with the small stuff, choosing the greenest versions of the things you absolutely must have in the house, while staying on budget. Then — and only then — reconsider your budget if there is something more you feel adamant about having.

Green-built homes will take an increasingly large percentage of the market in direct proportion to their price — because home buyers’ prime motivation today is cost-effectiveness. The primary advantage to green remodeling is the rise in your home’s value. The second benefit is the increased equity; allowing for home equity loans or lines of credit if ever needed. However, the immediate gain to green remodeling is comfortable, healthier living. Cleaner air, a temperature-controlled environment, lower utility bills and peace of mind that “making a difference” brings, are just a few things that make going green a great place to start.

Brandon Lynch, CGP, CAPS

Keechi Creek Builders

BEFORE

AFTER

Don’t get lost in the jargon

You’ve bought your first home. Now you want to update the kitchen, expand a bathroom or add outdoor living space. As you interview potential contractors, words like building permits, call-back policy and lien release are used, and suddenly you find yourself lost in the jargon.

Here’s a helpful glossary of common terms used by builders and remodelers that will help you understand the language of your remodeling project.

Knowing the full meaning of these terms can help you avoid miscommunication with your contractor and ensure a
smoother remodeling experience.

Allowance: A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for specified items in a contract for which the brand, model number, color, size or other details are not yet known.  ➝

Bid: A proposal to work for a certain amount of money, based on plans and specifications for the project.

Building Permit: A document issued by a governing authority, such as a city or county building department, granting permission to undertake a construction project.

Call-back: An informal term for a return visit by the contractor to repair or replace items the homeowner has found to be unsatisfactory or that require service under the warranty.

Change Order: Written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. The change order should reflect any changes in cost.

Cost-plus Contract: A contract between a contractor and homeowner based on the accrued cost of labor and materials plus a percentage for profit and overhead — also known as a time-and-materials contract.

Draw: A designated payment that is “drawn” from the total project budget to pay for services completed to date. A draw schedule typically is established in the
contract.

Lien Release: A document that voids the legal right of a contractor, subcontractor or supplier to place a lien against your property. A lien release assures you
that the remodeler has paid subcontractors and suppliers in full for labor and
materials.

Mechanic’s Lien: A lien obtained by an unpaid subcontractor or supplier through the courts. When enforced, real property — such as your home — can be sold to pay the subcontractor or supplier.  If a subcontractor or supplier signed a lien release, then this lien cannot be enforced.

Plans and Specifications: Drawings for the project, and a detailed list or description of the known products, materials, quantities and finishes to be used.

Punch List: A list of work items to be completed or corrected by the contractor, typically near or at the end of a project.

Subcontractor: A person or company hired directly by the contractor to perform specialized work at the job site — sometimes referred to as a trade contractor.

Jim Nowlin

Remodeling Concepts, Inc.

BEFORE

This third-floor attic space was transformed by Greymark Construction Company into a multi-purpose media/family playroom. Interior design by Ginger Barber, ASID; paint by Sherwin-Williams Paint Co. and carpet from the Houston Showroom.

Good design is thoughtful

Not loving your space? When you walk into a particular room do you feel like something “just isn’t quite right”? Maybe it’s time for a change. Sometimes just a little tweaking will allow you to create a room that not only looks great, but feels great.

When considering a possible remodel project, in order to enhance your environment it is essential to go beyond your personal preferences such as color or furnishings and envision a space that makes you feel good — a space that you would want to linger in.  ➝

Things to ask yourself when considering some “tweaking:”

• Does it make sense? Do the spaces connect and “play nicely with each other?” If you are constantly fighting the floor plan or inconvenienced by misplaced light fixtures you are more likely to become frustrated in the room and not enjoy the atmosphere.
• Is there an element of surprise? There is a fine line between congruency and the zest of wonder and surprise. Does your space have an interesting, intriguing personality or does it simply exist as a place to reside? Add unique accessories or subtle amounts of a bold fabric to give your space the perfect amount of whimsy.
• Does the area have breathing room? Can the occupants of the space function well? Space-planning and furniture layout is essential when enhancing your environment. For example, if you have a family of five your design would need to be much different than if you lived alone.
• Is the architecture outdated? What can you do to minimize the impact of bad architecture and enhance the beauty and splendor of other elements? Are there walls or windows that need to be removed or replaced in order to create a more comfortable environment? As an added benefit, replacing windows and doors may help with your energy costs.

Consulting a remodeler and designer is an excellent way to begin creating the environment you desire. There are several reasons to use a professional when it comes to updating your space. They will be able to assist you as you work through the questions above. They can help you arrive at a place of acceptance of your current space and the possibilities it holds. Professionals in the industry are skilled at deciphering what you really want for your space and seeing it through to completion.

Good-design is thoughtful; it serves the people who live in the space. Once you can figure out just what exactly isn’t working, it may take just a little inspired tweaking to create an environment that allows you to walk in and say, “Aaaahhh — this feels like home.”

Cindy Aplanalp, ASID Allied

By Design Interiors, Inc.

Greymark Construction Company enlarged this living area by moving the wall 10 feet to gain additional space. The entire house was gutted, including drywall, wiring and plumbing. All new trim material from BMC Building Materials was designed and installed. The walnut floors are from John Cox; paint from Sherwin-Williams Paint Co. Interior design by Ginger Barber, ASID.

Greymark Construction Company master bath renovation features Statuario Venato marble countertops from Walker Zanger. The rich custom mahogany cabinets were created with carefully selected wood-grain patterns.

Fire pits among the most popular elements

There is nothing sweeter than the first breeze of spring, carrying with it the promise of fun times spent outside in the pool, on the deck or listening to the surrounding music of Mother Nature. Because of Houston’s semi-tropical climate, for most of the year residents are able to enjoy the natural surroundings right outside their door. So why stay cooped up inside when you can extend the livable portion of your home by creating outdoor living spaces? It certainly isn’t difficult to do, but it does take an appreciation for the “divide and conquer” approach.

We take it for granted that our houses are divided into rooms, but the concept of doing something similar with “outdoor living spaces” may sound a little odd. Yet, the more thoughtful we are about developing an outdoor living space, the more we can tailor it to suit our specific needs and desires.

Design Considerations

Part of the beauty behind the concept of separate rooms in a house is that each space is unique unto itself. The same is true for outdoor living spaces. Having separate outdoor “rooms” allows you to create unique designs for each of them. Each section can be somewhat different from the others but still maintain a level of continuity that is aesthetically pleasing. As with the open floor plan of homes with a “great room” that includes the combination of two or more rooms, each space is different according to its function, but all are connected through one design concept.

When designing your outdoor living space, the most important thing to consider is how each part of the whole will function. This will determine the products and structural components that are best suited for a particular section. For example, a stained concrete floor would not be a good choice for a pool surround; however, it may work well as the patio floor where the “living room” would be.

Furthermore, think about the environment and how it will impact your outdoor living space. Influences such as sun exposure, temperature, yearly usability and landscape limitations will also affect the design of your space. For instance, a westfacing backyard would benefit from some type of cooling system in the evening during the hot Houston summers. It could be a ceiling fan, a wall mount fan or a simple freestanding fan. Another idea would be to use a patio misting system. Alternatively, during the cooler months, a fireplace or a fire pit is an option that would be both functional and add to the ambiance of an outdoor room.

Design Options

When designing an outdoor living space it is important to remember that there are many design options. From the simple to the extreme, a homeowner can transform an uninspired outdoor space into a family’s favorite hangout — all it takes is imagination and knowledge of what is available. There are a number of products that are specifically designed to do just that. But, before you begin, you need a plan.

Here is the first thing you should do: walk around your backyard and take stock of what you want to alter. Look things over, one by one. Do you need a new deck? Could your pool use some fun additions? How about new lighting or a pool heater or sauna? Once you know what you think you need, it is time to move onto the next step: figure out your budget. Do you want to keep to a tight budget, or do you want to rip everything out and start from scratch?

Design Trends

Despite the economic climate, as homeowners, we continue to reconnect with our outdoor spaces. According to the 2011 American Society of Landscape Architects Residential Trends Survey, most of us want function, efficiency and fire pits in our outdoor living spaces.

The top outdoor living features are some of the most basic: light, fire, food and a place to sit and enjoy it all. Overall, exterior lighting is very popular this year, followed by fire pits/fireplaces. Seating/dining areas have remained near the top of the list for several years. Grills are all the rage, but what type depends on the budget. Rounding out the top five is the addition of installed seating like benches or seat walls.

While the most popular outdoor features reflect an enduring sensibility, the interest in modern technology, such as stereo system, Internet access and televisions, adds to the growing trend of taking what we enjoy inside to the outdoors — up to a point. Outdoor sleeping areas did not make the trends list this year.

When it comes to landscape elements, efficiency and sustainability reign supreme. The most popular include low maintenance landscaping, native plants, water-efficient irrigation, ornamental water features and food/vegetable gardens. Other popular sustainability features include permeable paving, reduced lawn and rainwater harvesting.

When the National Association of the Remodeling Industry named its top 12 remodeling trends for 2011, it came as no surprise that outdoor living spaces are in the top five. Homeowners are looking for more ways to enjoy their backyards, and, at nearly every level are still very much interested in creating liveable outdoor spaces that function like indoor rooms.

Brandon Lynch, CGB, CGP, CAPS

Keechi Creek Builders

AFTER - This breezy backyard living space built by Legal Eagle Contractors features an outdoor kitchen, covered patio with ceiling fans, new landscaping and pool renovation.

BEFORE

Thank you for choosing the Houston Remodeling Guide as a resource for your remodeling needs. You have made a very wise choice. The members of the Greater Houston Builders Association Remodelors^TM Council are committed to quality and customer service. You should find the right contractors and suppliers for your project within these pages and through the Remodeler’s Council website, www.ghba.org. Whomever you choose, always check your contractor’s references.

Founded in 1941, the Greater Houston Builders Association is one of the oldest builders and remodelers associations in the country. The Association represents more than 1,600 member companies and 100,000 employees. At the current rate of building, the industry contributes some 60,000 jobs and approximately $3 billion to the local economy annually.

The Association is also active in community and charitable events. Each year members contribute property, materials and labor for the Benefit Homes Project, which is celebrating its 31st anniversary. The majority of the proceeds benefit the Texas Children’s Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Association and HomeAid Houston. Over $6 million has been raised since the program began. The Remodelors^TM Council also sponsors one or more charitable projects each year.

The goals of the Association are to further the awareness of the members and communities of the importance of professional business standards, to enhance the business climate for its members, and to provide quality obtainable housing to the communities it serves.

We hope your remodeling experience is a positive one and your project is everything you hoped it would be.

Kathryn A. “Toy” Wood, JD, CAE

Executive Vice President and CEO • Greater Houston Builders Association

Kitchen renovation by Premier Remodeling & Construction, L.P. features new cabinetry with black granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, tumbled marble backsplash and under-cabinet lighting. The original hardwood floors were preserved and refinished, maintaining the historic integrity of this Heights area home. Designed by CEB Architecture. PHOTO-Michael Hart

Remodeling is a service, not a commodity. Therefore, the quality of the service will determine the level of satisfaction with the finished project. That is why it is important to choose a remodeler with a CGR or GMR designation.

The Certified Graduate Remodeler and Graduate Master Remodeler designations help homeowners identify remodelers who perform professional, quality work. Remodelers with CGR and GMR certifications exhibit their commitment to excellence and professionalism in the industry through extensive experience and continuing education. To earn the CGR or the GMR designation, a remodeler must meet the criteria for previous experience and adhere to prescribed business standards as defined by the National Association of Home Builders. In addition, to maintain the designations, all CGRs and GMRs must complete continuing education requirements every three years.

When remodelers earn a CGR or GMR designation, they are demonstrating a commitment to the industry as well as a dedication to excellence for their clients. These designations were developed so that, no matter how simple or complicated a remodel project is, homeowners can be confident in their choice if they see the CGR or the GMR letters behind the remodeler’s name.

Builders have their own designations as well. Each year Americans spend billions of dollars on new homes. With more than 125,000 residential construction firms nationwide, what makes one builder different from another? The ultimate symbol of a building professional is the Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) designation, or the Graduate Master Builder (GMB) designation.

Both the CGB and the GMB designations are exclusive certifications designed to delineate those building professionals who are experienced veterans and demonstrate excellence in all areas of business. As well, they are committed to being industry leaders and pledge to uphold the National Association of Home Builders program’s code of ethics.

The CGB and the GMB designations identify individuals who are qualified to take on any project and handle every aspect of it with superiority. Certified Graduate Builders and Graduate Master Builders have a solid background in building and quality business practices, so choosing to work with a professional who has one of these designations is an excellent choice.

For a description of all 14 of the NAHB designations, visit www.nahb.org. The local class schedule is available at www.ghba.org, or by contacting Peggy Means, director of education, 281-970-8970, ext. 161.

Allen Griffin, CGR, GMB, CAPS, CGP

Gryphon Builders

Professional Remodeling Designations:

CGR – Certified Graduate Remodeler

GMR – Graduate Master Remodeler

CGB – Certified Graduate Builder

GMB – Graduate Master Builder

CAPS – Certified Aging In Place Specialist

CGP – Certified Green Professional

CGA – Certified Graduate Associate

BEFORE

Kitchen renovation by Legal Eagle Contractors utilizing 3D color imaging, created by My Design Team using 3D modeling software.

A new tool has entered builders’ and remodelers’ tool boxes in the past few years. It is used during the design/plan phase of a project to facilitate communication, to express ideas and to compare possibilities. It allows the contractor to help the homeowner visualize the finished project even before the first shovel breaks the soil.

What is this wonder tool, used by building design professionals from architects to contractors to interior designers, even paint contractors? It is 3D modeling software that helps skilled design professionals communicate their ideas about a project. Instead of sketching on paper, the designer draws the plan with a computer, working first on a floor plan, then on details including roof lines, wall locations, surface finishes, cabinet layouts, even moldings. When the plan is a remodel, the existing house is often drawn first, and then the plan is modified to reflect the proposed changes to the home.

When the designer has developed a workable plan, it is shown to the homeowner. Because the plan was modeled in 3D on a computer, this often doesn’t happen with the familiar rolled blueprint format.

Sometimes a layout — a smaller version of a blueprint — might be emailed to a client in a printable PDF format. The layout could include traditional floor plans and elevations, interior and exterior, but adds colorful 3D images (like photographs) of the proposed plan, showing views from various angles as well as surface finishes of walls, floors, cabinets, etc. The owner then contacts the designer with their evaluation of the plan—usually by phone or email.

Computer-savvy homeowners may also visit from home with the design professional in an online meeting. They view the plan online, looking at 3D images of interior and exterior views from many angles, and checking out the overall footprint. Some designers even make changes to the plan “on the fly.”

Sometimes the designer and client meet in person at the designer’s place of business. Like the online meeting, the client is presented with “bird’s-eye” and other 3D perspectives of the plan; however, these are viewed on a big screen TV connected to the computer. The demonstration is “up close and personal” with many modifications made and approved or rejected right on the spot. This interactive process speeds up the design process and makes the homeowner feel much more in­volved in the project.

Regardless of the type of plan review, once changes are made and the plan is complete, the builder/remodeler now has an accurate model for preparing the estimate. When the job is approved, blueprints for permitting and construction purposes are created using the same software.

When a designer models a project in 3D, the benefit to the client is clear, because ideas are communicated clearly and effectively. The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is especially true when to using a 3D model to visualize a new home or a revitalized older home.

Katy Fernandez, CAPS, Designer

My Design Team Inc.

BEFORE

AFTER

ATFER - Kitchen renovation by William Shaw and Associates incorporated the existing kitchen, dining and family room into a spacious kitchen and family room featuring Brazilian cherry wood floors, granite countertops and a stainless steel island hood. (see image below for BEFORE)

Whether you’ve lived there for five months or 15 years, it’s not uncommon to find that you are delighted with your home — with one or two nagging exceptions. You’d really like to remodel, but the project often gets pushed to the end of the “to do” list, because it’s either too expensive or too inconvenient to be without a kitchen or bathroom for an extended period of time. Still, let’s face it, the harvest gold kitchen, worn carpeting or cracked bathroom tiles have got to go.

In many cases, the reason your home may feel inadequate is that the average American house was built in the 1960s and is now pushing 40 or 50. In a sense, your home is in the throes of a mid-life crisis, and it’s up to you to address the situation with some remodeling.

Your first steps are to determine how much money you can spend and to define your vision of the completed project. Working with a design/build professional will help ensure your vision comes to life and will prompt you to define your goals. For example, do you want an innovative new design, or are you striving for functionality? Using a design/build firm also will help you cut down on costs, and many companies will rebate a portion of the design fee if you end up signing a construction contract with them down the road.

When interviewing remodelers for your project, asking several key questions may enable you to save money.

Once you’ve determined your budget and have basic design parameters, the next step is to create a clearly defined scope of work including drawings, specifications and adequately identified allowances for those yet-to-be selected fixtures and finishes. This is crucial to being able to complete the work on budget with minimal change orders. Be sure to include a budget for “contingency expenses,” those unforeseeable circumstances that almost always occur (e.g. termite or water damage, concealed interferences, etc.)

Remodeling is a dirty business, and you may find yourself without the comforts you take for granted, such as hot water or a flushable toilet. When signing a contract to improve any room of your home, assess the capacity for makeshift spaces. You may find the disruption easier to weather if you can carve out room for a small refrigerator and coffee pot, while your kitchen is out of commission. If not, you may want to consider a temporary move to save both time and money. Moving out entirely also will speed up the remodeling process by allowing workers to forgo the meticulous nightly cleanup.

Whether your remodeling project is large or small, it’s important to carefully think through your options and talk to several remodelers before you get started. Looking through this issue of the Houston Remodeling Guide will get you started on everything from choosing a remodeler to finishing touches on your project.

Rob Hellyer, CGR, GMB, CAPS

Premier Remodeling & Construction, L.P.

BEFORE

Thank you for picking up the new edition of the Houston Remodeling Guide, which is published by Fort Bend Publishing for the Remodelors™ Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. This publication represents one of the many reasons I’m proud to serve as the President of the Remodelors™ Council.

This publication, like the Council itself, continues to raise the bar for the industry. In publishing this guide, we strive to provide the premier resource for answering your remodeling questions. You will find valuable information on how to choose a remodeler, latest design ideas, green products, etc.

The GHBA Remodelors™ Council is recognized nationwide in the industry for our accomplishments, not the least of which is our commitment to giving back to the community in which we live, work and play. Over the years we have raised money to assist in our charitable projects, which have included building a house for Habitat for Humanity, renovating a child care facility for homeless children and, most recently, a shelter dedicated to serving homeless female veterans.

I hope you enjoy this publication as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. More importantly, I hope any project you undertake brings you much joy in the years to come.

Rob Hellyer, CGR, GMB, CAPS • President GHBA RemodelorsTM Council

Premier Remodeling & Construction, L.P.