The climate outside might seem unpredictable, but it doesn’t mean you have to weather uncomfortable temperature extremes in your home – spring, summer, winter or fall.

People living in houses with poor climate control often complain of feeling uncomfortable in their home. Some complain of interrupted sleep because temperature extremes, and others say they feel like they’re getting sick more often and staying sick longer.

We get calls all the time from frustrated homeowners who say their second-floor bedrooms are like steamy saunas while they need parkas to enter their Arctic basements. And according to the Environmental Protection Agency, there is substance to the “stuffy house” complaints. The EPA reports on its website that if too little outdoor air enters a home, indoor pollutants can accumulate to levels that pose health and comfort problems.

So what do you do?

To read our full Coloradoan.com column click here.

Five years ago, Highcraft Builders spent 5% of its time on marketing. With a new focus on hosting events, now it’s more like 50%.

For eight years, Myers Constructs’ website sat stagnant. Two years ago it was revived with Web marketing and social media.

Atlanta-based Distinctive Remodeling Solutions has participated in an area tour of homes for four years, and knows that sticking with a marketing plan maximizes results.

All three companies have considerably boosted their time and money spent on marketing, but it’s hardly out of desperation to get business during the downturn. Instead, personal relationship marketing has helped these companies survive — even thrive — as their competitors have faltered. Business success is built more on known-to-known marketing, they say, and relies little on amassing unqualified leads.

To read the full article click below

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/marketing/its-who-you-know.aspx

Acrylic tubs are a very common form of drop in tub and also what we see in the majority of master bathroom remodels. Acrylic tubs are economical and lightweight. They are also very hard and durable, especially when you use a company that uses a good thick acrylic brand like Lucite (i.e. Kohler, MTI, Hydromassage, others), and can be repaired if damaged. Acrylic is not to be confused with Gel-coated Fiberglass (FRP) which is much thinner than acrylic, can fade over time and is much less durable. Acrylic has a non-porous finish that is easy to clean, but never clean it with abrasives as it can scratch and fade.

Porcelain on Steel (POS) are thin steel shells coated with a heat-fused porcelain enamel. They are relatively light weight and reasonably priced.  Porcelain on Steel is colorfast and resistant to abrasions, corrosion and acid.  Porcelain is also a very sanitary choice for a tub.  They are sterile, odorless, and easy to clean with normal, non-abrasive household cleaners.  A drawback to Porcelain on Steel, they can be damaged by impact and once the surface gets chipped, they can rust.

Cast Iron tubs are the most durable bathtub material on the market, and often the most expensive. The name of these tubs describes the process in which they are made; molten iron cast in a mold. The thickness of cast iron makes it very impact resistant and provides outstanding protection against chipping, scratches and dents. Cast Iron displays the richest, most highly polished finish of all bath materials. When you consider the longevity of cast iron you are definitely making an investment. It will stay shiny and strong, all the days of its life.  Keep in mind, the weight of these iron beasts makes them a serious job to both install and uninstall.

August 3rd, 2010:

We’ve all seen it. You’re driving through an established neighborhood enjoying the beautiful old homes, and one sticks out like a sore thumb. It looks like a giant box was simply stuck on the house like an after-thought. It looks foreign, unbalanced and out of place.

Whatever the reason for the boxy addition, a remodeling job that looks like a remodeling job usually harms the aesthetic appeal of a home and may negatively affect its value. And if an awkward addition stops us in our tracks as we drive by, you have to feel sorry for the neighbors who are forced to look at it, or live in its shadow, every day. So it’s important to plan for an addition that meets your living space requirements, maintains the architectural integrity of your home and keeps you and your neighbors on good terms.

Click here to read full article in the Coloradoan.com

Here is a list of typical modifications:

Getting safely and securely into and out of the house.

• Better outdoor lighting to get you from your car to the door.
• Attractive ramps or a “zero step entrance” for the home.
• Install a package shelf by front door.
• Add handrails at existing steps and porches.
• Front door with sidelight for security.
• Avoid stairs: build one-story ranch designs for new homes.

Changes in the kitchen for easier meal preparation and eating.

• Lever-handle faucets with pull-out spray.
• Raised dishwasher to avoid back strain (a good idea for front-loading washers and dryers, too).
• Rolling island that can be placed back under the counter.
• Revolving corner shelves and pull-out shelves.
• Lower, side-opening oven.
• Pull-out cutting board.
• Adjustable height sink.
• Side-by side refrigerator with slide-out shelves and a water/ice dispenser.
• Cooktop with controls on front .
• Larger, friendlier cabinet and drawer pulls.

Changes in the bathrooms – the Number One place for accidents in your home.

• Install 2 to 3 attractive looking grab bars in shower.
• Lever handles on faucets.
• Slide-bar-type hand-held shower, for sitting or standing.
• Shampoo nooks inset in the wall.
• Curbless showers – nothing to step over, and can be rolled into if a wheelchair becomes necessary later.
• Tub and Shower controls moved closer to entry point.
• Anti-scald, temperature and pressure balanced tub shower valves for safer bathing.
• Widen entry doors to at least 32”.
• 32”-36” pocket doors.
• Higher toilets with non-slam seats and lids.

Moving around within the house:

• Improve lighting with recessed fixtures in common areas and hallways.
• Lever handles on doors and windows.
• Lower light switches and thermostats; raise outlets.
• Planning for future elevator, by stacking closets.
• Adding blocking in walls for future chair lift at stairs.
• Wider doors that  accommodate wheel chairs and walkers.

These are just a few examples. Virtually all rooms of your house can be improved, even closets and garages.

To obtain more information about “Aging-in Place” or the CAPS program visit the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) at www.nahb.org

July 14th, 2010 – We are honored to announce that HighCraft has been asked by the City of Fort Collins to be a part of their Green Building program. Our very own Gordon Winner (project manager and get it done guru) is representing HighCraft Builders and serving on the Residential Technical Review Advisory Committee (TRAC). The Fort Collins City Council has made the Green Building Program (GBP) a high priority for 2010. Initial development work will focus on three elements: local cost and benefits of green building, green building code, and metrics and tracking. It’s a collaborative effort involving city staff, consultants, and advisory committee members. HighCraft is honored to serve our community and excited to be involved in our city’s sustainable green building code. For more information about the City’s Green Building Program, click here.

Someone once said, “Don’t simply retire from something; have something to retire to.” For many of us this conjures up the dream of ditching the cubicle and commute to enjoy a more leisurely, yet secure and independent, lifestyle at home. You could say working hard and planning for a comfortable retirement is as American as fireworks and apple pie on the Fourth of July.

The American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP, reports that the desire to live independently as we age is a common goal for many. According to the AARP, 89 percent of people age 50 and over wish to live in their own homes indefinitely.

Click here to read more from the Coloradoan.com column by Dwight Sailer and Bryan Soth.

In this seminar, industry expert Dwight Sailer shares valuable knowledge about the remodeling process and offer tips to help you be certain that you end up as a happy homeowner instead of an unfortunate victim. If you’ve been thinking of remodeling but are concerned about how to ensure a successful experience, you won’t want to miss this!

Please RSVP on the link below:

http://event.pingg.com/contractor