Posted on Tue, Jul 27, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
We’ve all heard contractor horror stories – from cost overruns to shoddy work. It’s not unexpected in this industry since virtually anyone with a truck and tools can call themselves a contractor. In fact, quite a few of our customers came to us because of dissatisfaction with their contractor.
After listening to our fair share of stories over the years, we decided it was time to develop a guide to help consumers understand how the remodeling business works and to arm them with the questions they should ask any potential contractor. The guide – “10 Things You Must Know Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor” – was developed with our friend and colleague, Stephen Nash, President of Upscale Remodeling in Ithaca.
We feel so strongly about this topic that we’re making our guide available free to anyone to download on our Web site. The guide comes with a handy checklist we created to assist you in planning your next home remodeling or renovation project. We hope you will take advantage of this offer – and tell your friends and neighbors about it.
Here are the topics we address in the Guide:
Part I. Steps to Successfully Hiring a Contractor
1. What makes a remodeling project successful.
2. What to look for in a contractor.
3. 21 Questions you should ask to select the right contractor.
4. 13 Questions to ask a contractor’s references.
5. Factors contractors consider in estimating the cost of a project.
6. How to ensure the success of a project.
Part II. Things to Avoid in Hiring a Contractor
7. What to watch out for.
8. The 6 most common misconceptions about home remodeling.
9. 16 Questionable practices some contractors use to lower project costs.
10. Costly mistakes homeowners often make.
As always, we welcome your feedback and comments.
Posted on Tue, Jul 20, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
This summer, McClurg Remodeling & Construction Services joined with 12 other local businesses to build a deck for Judy Aguirre, a Baldwinsville mother who suffered a spinal cord injury, which caused paralysis, when she fell in her home.
Once a year, the McClurg team works on a project to help an individual or group in the community as our way of “giving back.” We were approached by Judy’s sister, Jennifer Harte, a young mom herself, and asked if we could help Judy by building a deck that would allow her to exit her home and watch over her two sons. We met with Judy and her family and we were inspired by her strength and outlook for the future. We knew we had to help.
When we arrived on site we found a back door exit that she couldn’t use. We decided to create a large deck that spanned the length of the house to provide space for Judy to experience maximum mobility without encountering obstacles. We incorporated features that would allow her to resume an active lifestyle as she undergoes therapy for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Composite decking was selected because of its non-skid surface and easy maintenance. Glass side panels were installed on the deck for safety and aesthetics. Judy can view her yard without obstruction from the deck. A ramp with wood rails was built to allow Judy access to the yard. The deck will also enable her to exit the home in case of an emergency.
Over the course of the project we learned a great deal about Spinal Cord Injury. According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center, 1 in 50 Americans experiences paralysis. That statistic accounts for approximately 6 million people. Here are some facts about Spinal Cord Injury:
- While stroke is the most prevalent cause of paralysis (29 percent of cases), Spinal Cord Injury ranks second (23 percent of cases). Multiple Sclerosis is the third most prevalent cause and accounts for 17 percent of cases.
- Approximately 1,275,000 Americans have experienced Spinal Cord Injury. Most injuries occur in the work place (28 percent) or in motor vehicle accidents (24 percent). Injuries due to sports or recreation activities account for 17 percent of cases while falls account for 9 percent. Fifty six percent of those injured are between the ages of 16 and 30. Every year there are 12,000 new injuries.
- The average annual cost for medical care required to treat a person with a spinal cord injury ranges from $288,566 to $775,567 during the first year following an accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, the annual cost of continuing care can range from $16,000 to $140,000.
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and improving the lives of people living with paralysis by funding research and providing grants, information and advocacy.
Finally, we would like to recognize and thank our partners in the project:
84 Lumber, East Syracuse
Benjamin Electric
Black Glass
Calley's Hardware
Healy Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Liverpool Lumber Company
Matheison Portable Toilets
Nightingale True Value Hardware
Skaneateles Scapes
Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners
Trex Decking
Van Derhoof Roofing Company, Inc.
Posted on Tue, Jul 13, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
The “Universal Design” movement has gained momentum because of the advocacy efforts of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). One of the goals of AARP is to enable retirees and older adults to remain in their homes and live independently, safely and comfortably for as long as possible. The U.S. Baby Boom generation is 77 million strong (28 percent of the population) and has reached the age of 50+. As this cohort ages, making changes in their home environments will be essential to their quality of life.
To address this issue, AARP collaborated with the National Association of Home Builders to train contractors and remodelers in modifying homes to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and senior adults. The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) training program was designed by the Remodelers Council of NAHB, the NAHB Research Center and NAHB Senior Housing Council in consultation with AARP.
Graduates of the CAPS program are trained in:
- Communication techniques.
- Identifying home modifications or changes that will help people live independently in their homes.
- Finding solutions to common obstacles that make houses unsafe or uncomfortable.
- Technical/construction aspects of designing environments for a lifetime.
- Ethics.
Once certified, CAPS contractors must maintain their credentials through continuing education and subscribe to a Code of Ethics.
A CAPS contractor will typically address the barriers and obstacles in a home of a person with special needs by:
- Creating access to enable an individual to safely and securely enter and exit their home.
- Improving the function of the kitchen for easy meal preparation and eating.
- Modifying bathrooms for safety and access.
- Enabling a person to maneuver in their home safely, securely and independently.
- Designing accommodations while preserving the aesthetics of a home.
AARP maintains a list of certified contractors and remodelers and will help consumers locate CAPS contractors in their area. Scott McClurg is a CAPS-certified professional and is available to answer your questions about “Universal Design” and “Aging-in-Place.”
One final note, not only are organizations such as AARP and NAHB promoting “Universal Design,” but consumers are beginning to show more interest in home features that promote comfort, ease of access and safety. Adding these amenities can add value to your home.
Posted on Tue, Jul 06, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
If you’ve had a child with a broken leg, parents who are experiencing problems with walking or if you have had an injury or surgery which has impeded your mobility, you know that entering and exiting buildings can be a problem. There is nothing more frustrating than being unable to enter or exit your home easily.
When considering new construction or remodeling your home, consider designs that accommodate residents at all levels of ability and at life’s various stages. In the construction and remodeling business, designing for easy access is referred to as “Universal Design.” The living space should be usable by all regardless of age, size or abilities.
Here are some tips for making entryways secure and easy to access:
- Add lights to pathways and entryways to your home.
- Install flood lights with motion sensors and lights with photoelectric eyes that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
- Check walkways frequently to be sure they’re in good condition. Repair holes, cracks, loose pavers and unlevel areas of sidewalks and paths.
- Install handrails on both sides of steps.
- Install lever style door handles.
- Install no step, no trip thresholds near doors.
- Exterior doors should be 36 inches wide to allow for 32 inches of clearance.
- There should be at least one no-step entry into a home.
- Consider non-slip flooring in the foyer.
- Install a peep hole at an appropriate height for residents for security.
- If needed, install ramps to doorways. The slope of a ramp should be no greater than a 1 inch rise for each foot of length and there should be handrails. A 5 foot landing should be built at the entrances and a ramp should have 2 inch curbs for safety. Ramps can be built to look attractive and to complement the architecture of a home.
For more information, check out these Web sites:
Posted on Tue, Jun 29, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
A friend of mine was talking about the experience of caring for her elderly mother and noted, "I never thought our family home (a two story cape, built in the early 1950s) could be so hazardous." One of her most difficult tasks was helping her mother to the bathroom. "The bathroom is next door to her bedroom but with her walker the halls and doorways are too narrow. Although we installed grab bars and purchased a shower seat, it's hard to lift her into the tub. I don't know how long she will be able to live at home."
Homes can become hazardous not only for older adults but even for those with temporary mobility impairments like a teen who breaks a leg in football practice or a person recovering from surgery.
If you're planning to update or remodel a bathroom consider the following "Universal Design" adaptations to improve access and safety in your home:
- Install a no-threshold walk-in shower or mini-threshold water dam shower with minimum dimensions of 5 feet by 3 feet.
- Add a built-in shower seat.
- Place grab bars in the shower, tub and near the toilet.
- Install several showerheads, including a hand-held adjustable height showerhead with easy to operate controls.
- Widen the doorway to 36 inches in the bathroom entrance.
- If possible, allow for maneuvering space. Ideally, allocate space to accommodate a 60 inch turning radius.
- Replace twist handle faucets with lever handle, anti-scald faucets.
- Consider installing a pedestal sink. Not only are they attractive, but the sink is accessible to those in your home who use a walker, wheelchair or crutches.
- If you are installing a vanity, mount the sink bowl close to the edge for easier use and select cabinetry with easy-glide drawers that close automatically.
- Toilets should be centered 18 inches from any sidewall, tub or cabinet and the seat should be 18 to 19 inches off the floor for older persons, lower for children.
- Replace round door knobs with lever handle knobs.
- Install lighting to provide good visibility when using the shower, tub, sink and toilet. Also, add a night light.
Many bathrooms are part of a master bedroom suite or located just outside the bedroom. To make your bedroom space more accommodating:
- Add a night light.
- Install additional electrical outlets to accommodate technology or future medical equipment.
- Fit closets with multi-level clothing rods or multi-level pull-out drawers and shelving. Don't use bi-fold doors on closets because they can be difficult to open and close.
The television show "This Old House" has an interesting "how-to" video on Choosing Universal-Design Bath Fixtures. Also, AARP offers a home accessibility checklist for bathrooms.
Posted on Tue, Jun 22, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Recently I met with a client who wanted to remodel a kitchen. Her house was built in 1958 and the kitchen layout and cabinets were original to the home. She told me it wasn't a practical design. She had to get down on her hands and knees to access the lower cupboards, the work triangle didn't provide for modern appliances, food prep space was scarce, the sink had an old fixture that lacked a spray to clean dishes, and the faucet was too low to fill large pots. When she was preparing meals, she often banged her head on an exhaust hood placed over a cook top on a peninsula.
This homeowner, who is a "Baby Boomer", plans to live in the house for another 20 years. She wants the kitchen to work for her today and in the future. She's also concerned about installing any "accessibility" features that might affect the resale value of her home.
If you can relate to this situation and are planning to remodel your kitchen, consider the following ideas to enhance the function, safety and value of your home:
- If your plans include "gutting" a kitchen, reframe doorways and allow at least 36 inches for clearance and easy access.
- Install multi-height, rounded edge countertops so household members can work either standing or sitting.
- Install storage with pull-out shelves, carousels and adjustable height shelving to keep you off your knees and from stretching on your toes and losing your balance when you reach in the back of upper cabinets for stored goods and dishware.
- Add a stove top "pot filler" water fixture to your cooking area so you won't have to lift heavy water filled pots and carry them from the sink to the stove.
- Place your garbage disposal switch in a location where it is easily accessible.
- Install built-in storage space for recyclables and trash.
- Add anti-scald faucets with lever handles to your sinks.
- Use D-shaped or pull-style cabinet and drawer pulls.
- When selecting a refrigerator, consider an easy access side-by-side model or an under-counter drawer-style unit.
- A drawer-style dishwasher will reduce the need for bending.
- Add extra electrical outlets for small appliances, including under the counter for easy access.
- Install bright non-glare task lighting over work areas, -sink, stove and counters.
Before you remodel, consult a kitchen designer or a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist about your needs and options. They are knowledgeable about aesthetics and details that you may not have considered. More information about "Universal Design" ideas for kitchens is available on the American Association of Retired Persons Web site.
Posted on Tue, Jun 15, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Over the course of time, we experience many changes in our lifestyles and our homes must evolve to adapt to these changes. If you're a parent of young children worried about home safety, a family caregiver attending to the needs of elderly parents, or a person with a disability, you'll want your home environment to accommodate your lifestyle.
"Universal Design" is a concept that considers the home environment of individuals at all stages of life by eliminating barriers and installing products everyone can use. Construction and design professionals realize that people go through changes and we work with homeowners to create attractive environments for all people to function in regardless of age, size or abilities.
Here are some general tips for making your home user-friendly throughout the years. I will be writing about "Universal Design" room-by-room in upcoming blog posts and welcome your questions and comments.
- Entryways can present obstacles. One step-free entrance to your home will ease access and safety.
- Add handrails to existing steps and porches. Falls often occur in these areas.
- Use lever-style handles to make opening doors easy for all.
- Install flush thresholds when installing carpeting and flooring to eliminate tripping hazards.
- Wide doorways and halls simplify life for everyone. Doorways at least 36 inches wide make it easy to move furniture or appliances into the home and accommodate people with wheelchairs or walkers. Hallways at least 42 inches wide give a home a spacious look and make it easier to maneuver and move furnishings.
- Install rocker light switches to turn lights on and off with ease. Place light switches 42 to 48 inches from the floor where everyone can reach them.
- Place electrical outlets 18 to 20 inches off the floor.
- Install thermostats no higher than 48 inches off of the floor.
- Create a laundry area on the first floor. Purchase raised front-loading washing machines and dryers to avert bending and back strain.
- Install lever-style faucets on sinks.
- Install windows that can be opened and closed easily.
- Consider single story living if you are building or purchasing an existing home.
For more information about Universal Design, check out the Web sites of the National Association of Home Builders and the American Association of Retired Persons.
Posted on Tue, Jun 01, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Patios are the perfect place for outdoor entertaining. Today's patios provide a focal point that connects a home to a garden and are important to a home's landscape. According to Better Homes and Gardens (July 2010), patios originated in Egypt as courtyards. Look around your yard, are there features in your landscape you want to complement? Materials for patios are varied and include:
- Concrete. Concrete is eco-friendly and provides a flat, durable patio surface that requires a minimum of maintenance. Stamped concrete can produce the look of flagstone, bricks, pavers and other textures.
- Pavers. Pavers are made from materials such as natural stone, brick and concrete. They are a popular choice for patios because they inexpensive and can be easily installed. Pavers come in many styles, shapes and colors which resist fading and are easy to maintain. Pavers are also produced in a concrete flagstone design which provides the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost.
- Flagstone. Flagstone is sedimentary rock cut or split into layers for paving patios or walkways. Many of us in central New York are familiar with flagstone because it is mined in New York and Pennsylvania. Typical colors of flagstone are blue, red and buff. Flagstone is extremely durable and does require annual care since it can darken due to sediment build up, algae and mold. Sediment and debris can be removed with a power washer to restore the stone to its luster. You may also have to re-set stones with sand if they loosen. Flagstone is more expensive that other patio materials and may be more expensive to install. If you plan to reside in your home for a long period of time, flagstone is a worthwhile investment.
- Terra-cotta tiles. Terra cotta tiles are ceramic tiles that were hand-molded for outdoor use in France hundreds of years ago. Terra cotta tiles can provide an elegant look to your patio. Ceramic tiles are durable and come in a variety of shapes and colors. They do become slippery when wet and are not a good choice around pool areas.
- Brick. Patio bricks come in varied sizes, colors and patterns. Bricks can be installed in a variety of patterns and are classic patio materials. Bricks can also be used for patio walls and garden edging.
- Wood blocks. Wood blocks are probably the least expensive material to use as a patio surface. Use only pressure treated lumber, redwood or cedar heartwood. Blocks can be sliced with a circular saw to create an even surface. Wood block patios and walkways are rustic and often used in woodland cabins and summer camps.
No matter which product you choose, remember one of the most important elements to making a patio last is proper base preparation including the type of base materials, amount of base materials, level and compaction of base materials and good drainage.
Patios require level ground. Patios integrate the beauty of a garden with the exterior of a home. Consider adding features like a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, a garden wall, plantings areas and a water fall to your patio design.
Posted on Wed, May 26, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Porches are a great addition to homes, especially in Central New York where our spectacular summers are far too short. A porch can be a place for relaxation, outdoor dining or even sleeping on a warm summer night. Screened porches extend the time you can spend enjoying summer breezes by protecting you from insects.
When I drive around Syracuse, I always notice porches on older homes. Some have grand pillars and open seating. Others are screened entryways with aluminum storm doors. Home owners decorate porches with potted plants, window boxes and outdoor furniture.
While I appreciate the designs and utility of porches, I often see porches in need of maintenance. If you own a home with a porch, you'll want to inspect your "haven" for the following problems:
- Rot. Porches are susceptible to rot. They are usually framed in wood and are not supported by the home's foundation. Porches are exposed to the elements - sun, rain, ice, snow and wind all which cause wood to deteriorate. Wood beams which support a porch are often the first point of deterioration. Framing can be repaired with pressure treated lumber.
- Settling. Porches may settle more quickly over the years because they are not attached to a home's foundation. This can cause warped boards and shingles pulling away from the house. If left unattended settling could cause a porch to collapse. Settling is often the result of insufficient foundation support and can be resolved by lifting the porch and adding a new foundation.
- Cracked boards. Wood floors can crack due to heating by the sun and cooling and moisture during the fall winter and spring. These cracks may create an area where decay can occur. The problem can be repaired by replacing individual boards or possibly eliminated by replacing the entire floor with composite decking.
- Insects. Termites are not a problem in Central New York but carpenter ants can be pests and are attracted to decaying wood and can cause damage. Using insecticide will eliminate ants temporarily, but to prevent them from returning the decayed wood should be removed.
- Cracked wiring and rusted fixtures. Exterior light fixtures and porch wiring are more exposed to the elements than interior wiring. Check for cracked wiring and rusted fixtures. Contact an electrician if you find problems especially if you own an older home. Have the electrician add ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to all outside circuits. Replace rusted fixtures.
- Wear and tear on columns, posts and railings. Most porch columns and rails of older homes are made of wood and require regular painting and maintenance. If you have to replace them, check out reinforced vinyl, composite or urethane products.
- Tears in screens. One of the best features of a porch is screens that keep insects out. Check your screens for holes. Most small holes can be easily patched for performance but once patched the screen may not look aesthetically pleasing. Most screens can be easily replaced by taking the frame to your local hardware store for professional rescreening or by stretching new screen in the opening. If tearing is an ongoing problem, you may want to install a more durable "pet screen." To optimize the view through your screens, check out the new "invisible screens."
The pluses of having a porch outweigh annual maintenance. If you plan to build a porch onto your home consider the following:
- The enjoyment you will experience.
- New building materials are more durable and reduce annual maintenance.
- A porch will add value to your home.
Posted on Tue, May 18, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Decks are a great way to add outdoor living space to your home. A deck can be as simple as a grade-level platform that stands on its own a few inches above the ground or as intricate as multi-tiered structures with steps, railings, pergolas, trellises and built-in features such as tables, benches, planters and hot tubs. If you are planning to add a deck to your home consider the following:
- What are your needs? Do you plan to use the space for outdoor dining and entertaining? Will you need built-in seating? Will you add planter boxes? Do you plan to place a hot-tub in the space? Will you include special features like a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen? Consider storage needs too. Benches and planters are great places for built-in hide-away storage.
- Where do you plan to place the deck? Outdoor living areas are often built off of kitchens, living rooms or family rooms to maximize use. You should also consider sun exposure and shade. In Central New York, a deck placed on the south or west facing side of a home will optimize the warmth of the sun. If you want to avoid the sun, deck surfaces can become hot and unusable during 90-degree days, build your outdoor space in a north or east facing area. Also consider privacy.
- Think about size. What type of outdoor furniture do you plan to use on the deck? Measure the furniture and allow space for pulling out chairs and walking around. Include space for a grill. If you will be adding a hot tub, fire pit or outdoor kitchen factor the dimensions of those features into your plan. According to Better Homes and Gardens' July 2010 Remodel Magazine, "the average deck size is 12x24 feet." Decks that are smaller tend to be more costly per square foot.
- Complement the design of your home. You may want to consider hiring a designer to help you plan your deck project. A deck that blends with the architecture of your home will add value. The style of your home will dictate the types of materials and accents to use in the project. For example, a contemporary style deck would look odd on a white colonial home. But a deck built with white rails and architectural elements similar to those on the house will add to its appeal. A designer could advise you on product options and how to optimize your outdoor living space.
- Choose materials wisely. Homeowners have a range of options for decking materials. Pressure treated woods remain the most popular because they are cost-effective and have a life of 10 to 15 years. The downside is that pressure treated wood needs annual cleaning and staining. Composite decking is more expensive than wood and holds up for 15 to 25 years. It usually requires cleaning to prevent mildew growth and may require staining depending on wood content. Vinyl is the most durable decking product and has a life from 25 to 50 years. Its cost is comparable to composite and it requires the least amount of maintenance, a periodic hosing. One of the advantages of composite and vinyl decking is that you won't get splinters on your feet. Consider looks, durability, maintenance and finally, cost when selecting decking.
Check out these links for more information about decking products:
Composite decking
Correct Deck
Trex
Thermal Industries Dream Composite
Vinyl Decking
Azek
Thermal Industries PVC/Vinyl Dream Deck
- Include lighting in your plans. Deck lighting can include wall sconces adhered to an exterior wall, accent lights around the perimeter, post lights, or flood lights affixed to a roof awning or placed near the base of a deck. Put switches indoors if possible for convenience and consider using dimmers and timers. You may want to include solar lighting and a bug zapper.
- Plan landscaping. Spending 5 percent of the total value of your home on landscaping can add 15 percent or more to the value of your home (SmartMoney magazine). If you are landscaping for privacy choose tall, easy to maintain bushes or trees which can also provide shade. If you add a trellis use climbing plants to enhance the beauty of your deck. The easiest way to add color is to place containers of showy annuals and vegetables on the deck. Don't forget to water because containers dry out quickly.
- Plan for maintenance. Minimally, each spring you will need to clear your deck of debris and dirt. You will need to hose it off or, in the case of wood, use a pressure washer. Dirt can be removed with a stiff scrub brush and commercial cleaners. If there is mold growth, use an oxygen bleach cleaner. Wood decks will need to be stained annually. After cleaning, let the deck dry out for three days before applying stain.
- Plan a budget for your project. The average cost of a wood deck for a mid-range project is $11,260, while the cost of a composite deck is $15,890 (Remodeling magazine). This estimate is based on a 16x20 foot deck project with a bench, planter, railing and steps. For an upscale deck project using composite decking, the average cost is $39,270. This project is based on a 16x20 foot deck with a 10 foot diameter six-sided platform, a bench, planter, rail system and stairs. If the initial cost is too much, you might be able to save money by doing your outdoor project in stages. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, talk with your contractor about the best way to achieve the results you desire. Also, consider the added value to your home and the payback.