Have you heard the News?
According to the results of an annual blind poll in Ferederick Magazine:
Talon Construction, Inc. has just been voted “the Best Home Improvement Company” in Frederick, MD for the 5th Consecutive year!
Specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, home improvement, finished basements, home additions and custom homes.
Congratulations to Talon Construciton for “best of Frederick” once again!
Bob and Sharon Brady are the original owners of a rambler on Hope Lane. They have fond memories of raising their children in West Riding and love to entertain. They always convert their carport into a porch during warmer weather, but wanted even more entertainment room.They decided to expand their dining room by knocking out the wall into the carport. Their contractor did a beautiful job of extending the hardwood floor and added twelve recessed ceiling lights. Their dining room is now a spacious 11’ x 12’ and they can still park a car on the carport.But Bob and Sharon were not done there. They had a lovely 12’ x 20’ porch addition constructed off the dining room. This porch features a cathedral ceiling, two ceiling fans, and an Azek deck (which is made of solid PVC). Steps were added from the porch to the backyard and Bob had a spacious shed built under the dining room as well. Sharon says she enjoys drinking her cup of coffee on her new porch and gazing out onto the view of the trees, stream, park and wildlife. It is truly a relaxing area to spend time alone or with family and friends.Bob and Sharon received construction bids from four contractors and decided to use Talon Construction of Frederick, MD. The entire project took three months and there were many separate inspections along the way. I asked them if the project was worth the cost and they both re-plied, “Yes!”
Maybe spruce up your kitchen or upgrade your bathroom? You’re not alone. Homeowners who put off small projects are now feeling more confident about the economy and are therefore starting to spend more freely. The industry is starting to benefit from the rehabilitation of foreclosed properties (we’re on track for a projected 1.2 million foreclosures this year alone – a record high). As a result, spending on remodeling could rise 4-6 percent this year, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. But before you jump on the renovation bandwagon, here are a few things you need to know about choosing a contractor.
Check credentials and disciplinary history
Here’s what you are looking for: Someone who has been in business for a while, is licensed and registered (every state has different rules; check yours on contractors-license.org or ask your local building inspector), has insurance (liability; worker’s comp), and has a solid reputation and a clean bill of health from the Better Business Bureau and from your state’s consumer protection agency.
Get bids
Once you’ve talked to friends, family, and neighbors (did the contractor show up – and finish – on time? Were there any unexpected costs?), and separated the good from the bad, get bids from your top three, tossing the lowball offer. Yes, we’re all looking for value (!), but if someone comes in several thousand dollars below the others, he’s probably cutting corners somewhere (think: cheaper materials) or may start the project only to tell you down the line that it’s more complicated than initially assumed, and therefore more expensive. Don’t invite trouble.
Think beyond price
You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this contractor, so not only do you have to feel comfortable with the price that you’ve been quoted, but you should also feel comfortable with their personality, background, methods, and communication skills. Is everyone clear about the project at hand? Everyone on the same page? If not, you could end up disappointed, frustrated, and possibly out several thousand dollars beyond what you budgeted for.
Contract, contract, contract
Every project should have a contract, no matter the size of the project. And every detail about the project should be included in this contract — from a work timetable (start and finish dates) to description of the work, to materials that will be used (right down to the brand/make of the fixtures) to the payment schedule and everything in between, including a time limit for fixing defects. That way, if a dispute arises, it’s not endless.
How you pay a contractor is as important as how much
Don’t pay a contractor more than 30 percent upfront. Make periodic payments as the contractor completes certain portions of the project (expect to make an average of three payments per project), dangling a significant amount – at least 10 percent – to be paid only when the job is completed to your satisfaction. This is the best way to ensure that the work gets done when – and how – you want it.
The Remodeling Market Index (RMI) rose to 46.5 in this year’s first quarter, marking a five-point gain from the fourth quarter of 2010 and its highest level in the past four years. While the index has not yet breached the 50-point mark — when more remodelers view market activity as better than the previous quarter — the latest gain is encouraging evidence that the market is headed toward recovery. The RMI component gauging current market conditions rose to 46.1 in the first quarter of 2011 from 43.3 in the previous quarter, while the component gauging future market indicators climbed to 46.8 from 39.7. Regional breakdowns for current remodeling market conditions showed growth in all but one area. The Northeast’s RMI reading was 46.1 in the first quarter compared to 38.8 at the end of last year, while the South hit 46.1 (up from 45.8), the West rose to 46.1 from 39.7, and the Midwest RMI declined to 47.1 from 54.3 previously. All current remodeling market indicators gauged by the RMI posted gains, including major additions (at 50.3), minor additions (at 48.0), and maintenance and repairs (at 39.5). Future market indicators also improved across the board, including calls for bids (now at 53.1), appointments for proposals (52.4), backlogs of remodeling jobs (49.7), and amount of work committed for the next three months (at 32.1).
What’s Holding Customers Back?
A special questions section of the RMI survey asked participants to note the top reasons that prospective customers are holding back from remodeling their homes. Fully 90% indicated that customers think it is hard to get financing, while 81% said customers have lost equity in their homes, 74% said customers are uncertain about their future economic situation, 67% cited customers’ reluctance to invest in their home when they are uncertain if it will hold its value, 62% cited negative media stories, and 54% indicated that inaccurate appraisals are making financing more difficult.
With the demand for electricity and natural gas rising along with energy costs, American homeowners can easily spend hundreds of dollars on utility bills.
“From air conditioning larger homes to powering today’s high-tech electronics, we are using more energy than ever and that is certainly hitting many homeowners in their pocketbooks,” says Victor Gonzalez-Maertens, an energy efficiency expert with Lennox Industries – a leading manufacturer of home heating and cooling equipment. “But there are ways to stretch your dollar further by evaluating how you spend money on energy and learning how to control those expenses.”
Heating and cooling is typically the largest energy expense. To cut down on costs, be sure to schedule annual routine maintenance on your heating and cooling system.
If the air conditioning system is more than 10 years old or the furnace is more than 15 years old, consider replacing them with a new, Energy Star-qualified system that can help lower utility bills. For example, by replacing an old 10 SEER cooling system with a 21 SEER system, which is twice as efficient, homeowners can save more than $1,500 over five years.
Cutting things out of the budget, like home improvement projects, might seem reasonable in the short term, but it’s a bad decision in the long run.
Your home is your largest investment and no matter how the housing market fluctuates, you don’t want to neglect maintenance and upkeep around the house. Fixing little problems will prevent larger problems down the road.
Simple projects to refresh the look of your home, like a fresh coat of paint or a little landscaping work, will not only make your home feel more warm and inviting, but it will also yield a large return on investment when it comes to resale value.
Firing up the grill has become synonymous with welcoming the summer, and let’s be honest, we usually don’t wait until summer to embark on the outdoor cooking season. When you decide it’s time to break out the grill, you want to find the best way to cook your burgers or bratwursts. But with all the options out there for outdoor cooking, how do you know what’s the optimal solution for your open-air culinary needs?
“The grill you choose should be versatile, so it meets all your cooking needs,” says Leslie Segrete, home expert and former designer on “Trading Spaces” and “While You Were Out.” There are so many styles and models available these days that you’re sure to find something that will make your weekend meals – and even weekday dinners – everyday special.’”
Here Segrete cooks up some tips to help everyone find their perfect grill.
1. Think about the size of your space.
It’s an obvious factor in purchasing a grill, and should be a primary consideration. If you have a small deck or backyard, it would not only be inconvenient to bring home a massive grill – it could be dangerous. On the other hand, if you have plenty of space, it would be a shame to buy a grill with a cooking capacity of two burgers when you would prefer 40.
2. Consider how you are going to use the grill.
For those who love the smokiness and real outdoorsy feel of cooking with charcoal, there are multiple models from which to choose. If convenience and ease of use are your primary goals, then a gas grill will surely be your best bet. And for those who want the best of both worlds, there are combo grills, which are becoming more popular and are like two grills for the price of one. For example, if you are making mesquite-rubbed ribs, you can contain the woodsy smoke on the charcoal side and make lamb kebabs or roasted corn on the cob at the same time with the gas section. Or, if you host large barbecues and like to entertain, think about getting a grill with a large cooking surface and multiple burners.
3. Don’t forget added features.
An invaluable feature to consider is a side burner. Side burners are great because they turn your backyard into a variable kitchen. Rather than running back and forth from kitchen to grill and risk burning your food, you can use the side burners like a regular stovetop. They are ideal for preparing side dishes, from simple options like baked beans or boiled potatoes to more gourmet options like sesame soy green beans or pesto pasta salad. You can also keep side dishes warm on very low heat. If you want ultimate versatility, look for a grill with a steamer for quick and convenient preparation of a whole garden full of fresh veggies.
4. Think beyond black or stainless steel.
Many department stores, like Sears for example, have unique options in colors like copper and red, which can add a brilliant splash of color to your outdoor space. And red and orange tones are spot-on for summer’s hottest hues.
5. Don’t forget the accessories.
You don’t have to spend a ton of money at fancy cooking stores to get the accessories you need. Stores like Sears carry everything from cedar grilling planks and pizza stones to great quality grilling tools fit for any chef.
If you use these tips, you’re sure to find just the right grill so that when you “fire it up” you’ll have everything you need to prepare whole party menus, full family dinners or just a light snack for two.
Excerpt from /www.frederickcommunitycalendar.com
“The Frederick County Builders Association proudly presents the 36th Annual Home Show, “Mid-Maryland’s premier showcase of quality products and professional services.” You will find everything for inside, outside and all around your home, showcasing Green Living Choices and Sustainable Design Options.
Whether you are looking for small ways to improve your current home or are looking to build a certified green custom home, you will find it here. Builders, remodelers, financial institutions, window installers, painters, shed and garage builders, landscapers, hot tub experts, flooring companies, deck and patio designers, interior decorators and more!
The latest in solar, wind, insulation, energy audit technology and environmentally friendly product will also be on display.
Home Show 2011 will feature indoor and outdoor displays and will be jam packed with everything for your home!
Admission is free.”
When: March 19, 2011 to March 20, 2011
Sat: 9a.m.-5p.m.; Sun: 10a.m.-4p.m.
Where: E-ventplex at the Great Frederick Fairgrounds
797 E. Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-663-3599
Compared to years past, payback on a home improvement project at time of sale is down (from 87% to 60% according to Remodeler magazine.) But before you say “it’s not the right time”, read an article on CNN.com written by Josh Garskof, entitled, “8 Reasons to Invest In Your Home”.
Garskof points out some great ideas as he makes us all feel better about our current situations.
“Assuming you like what you can’t change about your home — the neighborhood, the school district, the proximity to things that matter to you — and you’re planning on staying for five or more years, improving your home is a smart move.”
Garskof lists reasons such as materials prices coming down, cutting your home’s energy costs in the long run, and ENJOYING THE RESULTS to help us in our decision making process.
Please read the article & comment on our blog to tell us whether or not it was helpful!
http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/02/pf/saving/invest_in_your_home.moneymag/index.htm
Dear Friends of Talon,
The readers of Frederick Magazine have voted Talon Construction, Inc. as the “Best of Frederick” (Fourth Year in a Row!) in the February 2011 issue of Frederick Magazine (www.fredmag.com).
This award is given to companies exemplifying “outstanding standards of quality, service and value” and is judged solely by the readers of Frederick Magazine.
All of us at Talon Construction, Inc. are extremely proud of this award and know that it means a great deal. We hope to continue to be voted “Best of Frederick” for many years to come!
To the Readers of Frederick Magazine, THANK YOU! We wholeheartedly appreciate the trust you have and continue to place in us.
Until Next Time,
Talon Construction, Inc.
