Q: For homeowners looking to make home improvement upgrades, but only have a $1,000 budget, which areas of the home should they focus on? Why?

A: First, I believe that all homeowners should have a list of projects that need to be done. As we all have learned, anything committed in writing is more likely to get done. The list should be broken in two categories: things that need to be done and things than you want to have done. For example, you need to address a leaking faucet or pipe but, you want to change a kitchen countertop. I always suggest completing the needs before the wants for many reasons. One reason is goal setting. People will want to get through the needs as quick as possible to be able to start on the wants.

Q: What type of updates can you do in the kitchen for $1,000 or less?

A: Modest kitchen projects for consideration are under cabinet lighting or new cabinet door and drawer knobs/pulls or pull out accessories to be installed in existing cabinets for more and better storage or perhaps an instant-hot spout at your sink.

Q: What type of updates can you do in the bathroom for $1,000 or less?

A: A new vanity, mirror, and light or possibly a sun tunnel to add more natural light would make for a nice facelift in a bathroom.

Q: What type of updates can you do in the bedroom for $1,000 or less?

A: For a bedroom update I often suggest adding recessed lighting on a dimmer switch with a center ceiling fan. Another nice improvement is a simple drawer/shelf/pole organizing system for a closet.

Q: What type of updates can you do in the living room for $1,000 or less?

A: A nice update for a living room is ceiling crown and chair rail molding. Then repaint the room, possibly utilizing different tones for the walls above and below the chair rail molding.

Q: What can a homeowner do to the exterior or other areas of their home for $1,000 or less?

A: An elegant, new entry door can provide both style and function as an improvement. It adds good curb appeal and makes a great first impression to visitors. Other miscellaneous projects to consider: attic insulation, solar attic fan, weather stripping and caulking for windows/doors, ceiling hooks and shelves for suspend garage storage.

Q: When working with a smaller budget, should homeowners expect to have to sacrifice quality for price? Why or why not?

A: Opting for lowered quality, in either material or labor, just to stay under budget is rarely a smart decision. All consumers, for any purchase, should seek to obtain good value for their investment. Regarding home improvements, value is typically measured as performance over time or how long does the project last. I sometimes offer this analogy: “If you found a half-priced gas station you might be excited to fill up your tank there. However, if you only got a third of the gas mileage as usual with that tank of cheaper gas, the purchase yielded poor value or a bad return on your investment.”

Q: Any other tips on how to get the most bang for your (home improvement) buck, when working with a small budget?

A: Always have a plan to be doing some type of home improvement, even if only small ones, on a regular basis. This way the improvements become a habit, your home stays in better overall condition, and your home purchase investment is better protected. Plus, this helps avoid the big, unplanned emergency repair that occur as a result of neglect or lack of maintenance.

I also advise homeowners to have a long-term plan of bigger projects that want to tackle over time. Having this plan or vision will help avoid paying for smaller projects now that may soon be discarded if it doesn’t mesh well with the anticipated, bigger project. So they may be able to hold off on the smaller project or make decisions that will double as a phase of the bigger improvement.  Along with that thought process, we often help homeowners plan the big project with realistic phases so they can “pay as they go,” if the funds or finance options are not available for the large home improvement.

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Everyone in and around New Jersey has memories from the beach; whether it was where you grew up, where you spent your summers, or where you just took day trips to, it has been a part of your life and your family.  What I have learned from this storm is that those memories are precious, and the only things that supersede them are the new memories you can form for your family, for your children, and one day, their children.  Most people I have spoken to agree with me.  There is a desire to ensure that every memory is kept intact, and that new ones are made.  There is a feeling of Jersey Shoreism in this post-Sandy time, much like the Patriotism following 9/11.  People want to be a part of the shore, the rebuilding, the new memories.

The Shoreism, Restore the Shore, feeling is not limited to families, homes, and business affected by Sandy. The Design Build Pros have seen this movement in those unaffected and in other areas away from the shore also. With a desire to be a part of the shore rebuilding, many families are pushing planned projects forward. The rebuilding has become contagious. Larger design build remodeling projects are on the rise again. So in part, families remodeling their kitchen, adding a bedroom suite, or any other remodeling feel a part of the overall effort. This movement is good for the economy, pride, and unity.

The complete rebuilding will take time.  Your favorite pier, boardwalk, beach, or even the home you grew up in may not be ready this summer, but they will be back for everyone to enjoy. In the meantime, support local relief charities, visit restaurants, shop in some of the great downtown areas.

~ Jason Parsons

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Franca and Jason discuss remodeling in the Design Build Pros booth

Home shows are a fantastic venue for homeowners to see items for their home, get ideas, and meet the people and contractors that provide home improvement products and services. In today’s virtual world many lose sight of the fact that we do business with people and not websites. A personal touch may not be important when purchasing copy paper or an automobile part, but a home renovation or modification affects much more than the sticks and bricks of the structure. Whether the project takes one day or one month or more, the procedure affects the whole family (including pets) and will have a lasting impact.

What can a homeowner expect to see at a home show? There are the obvious home improvement items such as windows, siding, bathrooms, and kitchens. There are also cookware demonstrations, bedding, garden supplies, solar panels, hot tubs, and so much more.

The Design Build Pros enjoys the opportunity to explain to homeowners what they offer. The sign “We are not remodelers, we make remodeling projects better” is the lead in to the explanation. The Design Build Pros provide pre-construction design and development services directly to a homeowner planning a project. The standard package includes computer designs, a detailed scope of work, accurate pricing, selection items, and an anticipated production schedule. This package creates the platform to then finalize decisions and move forward with the actual work with a high level of comfort and confidence.

Many of the vendors at the various home shows recommend the Design Build Pros to homeowners. Since the service is unique and is a benefit to homeowners, professional contractors, and suppliers alike there is no conflict. Nanci McCarthy, manager of Best Tile in Keyport, New Jersey is one of the Design Build Pros favorite suppliers.

You can follow the Design Build Pros show schedule through this link: DBP Home Shows

If you have any questions or would like some tips on how to make your next home show a productive experience as a homeowner attending or a contractor displaying simply fill out the boxes below.

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I spent the next 30 minutes on Google, looking for advice from previous plungers.  There was not much out there.  I was a dozen articles deep, and the only advice that I had seen more than once was to wear warm socks, and drink lots of Bourbon.  Although temping, the Bourbon was not an option as I was driving myself.  Socks—that left me with socks.  I could do socks, but what else?  I thought for a moment, got dressed and packed. Here is what I wore:  Bathing suit, sweats, thermal, tee shirt, sweat shirt, a water resistant hooded jacket, sneakers, and heavy wool socks.  Packing was light: two towels, extra socks, flip flops, and an extra sweat shirt.

I arrived at Pier Village in Long Branch around 10:30.  It was 44°, windy, rainy, and the water temperature was 37°.  As I pulled in the parking lot, I could see many had read the Bourbon articles.  I did not realize that tailgating was a part of this event, but tailgaters were out in full force with food, drink, and music. The poor weather did not dampen the spirits of the crowds of people that were coming in.  Registration, and picking up the sweatshirt I 

qualified for with donations was easy.  The polar bear mascot was taking pictures with anyone who wanted them.  There were groups of fraternities, sororities, friends, families, police/fire departments, and other organizations.  I was plunging with team HATR (Hamilton Area Trail Runs).  They describe themselves as an eclectic mix of people from all walks of life and running experience, brought together by their love of running and fitness.  However, they are much more than a group of runners, sponsoring relay team last year and always looking for ways to combine their passion for fitness with good causes.  I only knew the organizer, but would soon meet the whole “team” of plungers.

Once all the members of the team arrived, we met in the lobby of a hotel on the beach.  I was introduced to them one by one.  They all immediately made me feel welcome, and a part of the group.  Conversations centered mostly on the craziness of what we were about to partake in, and whether to go in all the way or not.  I made some casual jokes, and tried to play it “cool”.  However, in all honesty, I was nervous.  What if I chickened out?  What if I fell?  What if I couldn’t get out of the water?  As my nerves were starting to get the best of me, it was time to head out to the beach.

Team HATR getting ready for the Plunge!

I headed out wearing flip flops, my socks (I wore them as long as I could), bathing suit, and my thermal and tee.  I tied my sneakers to my bag and loaded my sweatshirt and jacket.  The atmosphere on the beach was amazing.  A group of people gathered together, with a common goal to have fun and support a good cause.  There were groups carrying Irish and American flags, chants of USA, and yes, men in coconut bras…lots of men in coconut bras. We set our spot for the clothes and a place to meet after.  It was time to lose the socks and get ready to go!

The plungers are all set to go!

There was no sun to warm the wet sand. I cannot describe how cold my feet were.  There I was, in a crowd of about 4000, ready to go, and all I could think about were my freezing feet!  As we went to plunge, most people stopped at their knees and headed back.  I could not stop there—no guts, no glory!  I paused at the water, looked for an opening, and ran straight in.  At about waist deep, I thought “this isn’t that bad” and proceeded to dive in. WOW…That thought quickly fled as my head went under.  Unbelievably cold, so cold it burned.  My breath became short, and my strength was fleeting.  My first attempt back to shore was unsuccessful.  A wave pushed me back down and I was floating again.  The cold seemed to make me hyper sensitive of everything going on.  Instead of panic, I waited for the next wave and used that to push me back to shore.

Once on the shore, my number one priority was to get those socks back on.  I got back to my bag, toweled myself off, and dried my feet as best as I could.  I got the socks back on—my feet were actually in pain from the cold.  I immediately felt better.  Now, I could take a moment to soak in the moment.  It was surreal. I felt great!  The rest of the team made their way back to our bags, gathered our belongings, and headed up to change.  Changing was an experience in and of itself.  There was a tent on the beach with no light except for a few plastic windows, and it was packed with naked, cold men.  Balance while you change is key, as there is nowhere to sit, and falling would be awkward to say the least.  I changed successfully and headed to my car. At my car, I swapped my socks out again.  The original pair had wicked the water out of my feet and they were now getting warm.  After a few minutes the new pair just made them toasty.  Thirty minutes after being in a 37° ocean, and I felt no different than when I arrived.

Our team met up for a celebratory drink at the hotel bar, and headed to Bobby’s Burger Palace for lunch.  While eating, we shared our individual experiences and what we saw. I only met these people a few hours ago, but we now shared a common memory that will last a lifetime.  In conversation, I was already discussing next year’s plunge as a foregone conclusion, and what I might do differently.  After thinking about it for a few days, I don’t think I will change much of my preparation (except maybe some Bourbon!).

Check out a head cam video one of my teammates shot!  Polar Bear Plunge Team HATR

If you live in the Mercer County, NJ area, and are interested in joining the HATR’s on Saturday runs, contact them here.

Over and above my personal accomplishments, the NJ Plunges (there was one in Atlantic City also) raised over $1,000,000 to support the NJ Special Olympics!  To donate to the NJ Special Olympics through my plunge page, click here

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• Got to have it
• Really want it
• Would like to consider it

Typically, the homeowners have done some of their own research prior to the initial consultation. This research may be from the internet, magazines, home and garden TV, or visiting other homes. Usually homeowners have their own initial “got to have it” and “really want it” list ready. As part of a Design Build Pros consultation, homeowners are shown other completed projects that have characteristics and similarities to what they are trying to achieve. Many of the items incorporated are pointed out and explained how they were a part of the project’s development process. These various items help fill the “would like to consider it” list.

Regarding kitchen remodeling projects, pot fillers are an item that historically was on the consider it list and brought up by the Design Build Pros. Recently, homeowners are the ones asking about it and already have it on their got to have it or really want it lists. For those not familiar to pot fillers, it is a cold water faucet that is mounted on the backsplash at the stove or cooktop area to easily fill large pots. This is more convenient than filling at a sink and hauling the heavy water-filled pot over to the stove. The faucet typically has a jointed, pull out arm for a flat non-use look and extension and pivot ability to reach different areas of the stove.

Which list would a pot filler fall into for you? Gotta Have, Really Want, or Would Consider. Please share in the comments below.

Here are three examples of pot fillers used in kitchen design build remodeling projects.

Contact the Design Build Pros today and schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss a possible kitchen remodel or any design build remodeling project for your home  anywhere in the United States. Discover how the unique DBPros project design and development process will save you time and money while providing a pleasant remodeling experience for all!

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INFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE REMODELING INDUSTRY (NARI.ORG)

Did you know that the air inside your home is, on average, two to five times more polluted than the air outside? Because we spend the majority of our time indoors, homeowners are quickly realizing the importance of keeping their indoor air as clean as possible.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one important contributing factor to poor indoor air quality. VOCs are emitted as gases from many everyday items, including paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, furnishings, building materials and cleaning materials.

VOCs can have a detrimental effect on your health. In the short-term, they can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; loss of coordination and nausea. Over the long term, VOCs have been attributed to damaging the liver, kidney and central nervous system. Some are also known to cause cancer. The compounds have a particularly damaging effect on people with asthma or other breathing issues.

Thankfully, there are ways you can reduce your exposure to VOCs:

• Buy products that are labeled no- or low-VOC, including paint and cleaners.

• Increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs.

• Use household products according to manufacturer’s directions.

• Throw away unused or little-used containers safely and only purchase the amounts you need. VOCs can “leak” out of closed containers you have stored on shelves and in cabinets.

There are also home maintenance activities you can do to help lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants in your home:

Open your windows. Most home heating and cooling systems, including forced air heating systems, do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house. Opening windows and doors, operating window or attic fans, when the weather permits, or running a window air conditioner with the vent control open increases the amount of fresh air coming into the home.

Install fans. Bathroom and kitchen fans that exhaust outdoors remove contaminants directly from the room where the fan is located and also increase the outdoor air ventilation rate. Consider installing a mechanical ventilation system, which introduces fresh air using ducts and fans, instead of relying on holes or cracks in the walls and windows.

Add an air cleaner. There are many types and sizes of air cleaners on the market, ranging from inexpensive portable models to sophisticated whole-house systems. Some air cleaners are highly effective at particle removal, while others, including most tabletop models, are much less so. Air cleaners are generally not designed to remove gaseous pollutants.

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Winterize Your Home on Any Budget

Soon the weather will be frightful and Jack Frost will be nipping at your nose. Old man winter is just around the corner, and securing your home against those cold blasts should be at the top of the “honey do” list. Thankfully, there are ways to ensure that your family stays comfortable and warm without busting your budget. We’ve rounded up tips to winterize your biggest investment at three price points.

Free

• The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10°–15° for eight hours. You can do this automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat. Do it while you’re at work during the day or under the covers and night and you might not even feel it.  If you annual heating and cooling bill is $1,000, moving the thermostat down will save you around $100 a year.

• Shift your ceiling fan blades so that they move in a clockwise direction. Doing so will push hot air that travels along the ceiling down towards the floor. You’ll automatically feel warmer.

• Clean out your gutters to prevent icicles from forming in cooler clients. That way, water will travel down the roof and into the gutters instead of pouring onto your driveway and sidewalks where they will create dangerous icy patches.

• Clear out the lint from the outside dryer vent. Also make sure that the cover closes completely.

• Roll up a rug or a towel and place it in front of all of your exterior doors. Doing so will help ensure cold air stays outside and your heated air remains indoors.

Less than $100

• The average home spends $2,200 a year on energy bills, and nearly half of that goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 per year by installing and setting programmable thermostats and sticking to those settings. (Cost: $40-$60)

• Buy a basic caulk gun ($20) and some caulk ($5 per tube) to fill in any gaps around windows, doors and siding. If you have really leaky windows, pull off the molding and check around the gaps of the window jam. A little insulating foam sealant ($5 per can) can help to seal up the gaps.

• For single-pane or older, leaky windows, consider using a plastic film window insulating kit. ($16 for a 5-window kit)

• If cold air rushes in from underneath your exterior doors, install a door threshold to fill in the empty space. ($10-$35 each)

• For leaky fireplaces, insert a fireplace plug. As metal dampers corrode and warp over time, they do not close tightly around their edges, allowing cold air to seep in and warm air from inside escape. Installing a fireplace plug to close it off with a tight, energy-saving seal. (Cost: starting at $35)

Less than $500

• Have your utility company come out and do a home energy audit. It’s the first step to assessing how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An assessment will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time. (Cost: about $350).

• Call in your HVAC contractor to clean, check and maintain your central heating and air system. (Cost: $250)

The Design Build Pros offer qualified homeowners a web-based program that allows you to keep track of all your home warranties, maintenance schedules, room details, and planned remodeling projects all in one place!

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There is money and assistance available for the basics plus more as you can see in this article. The grants are through FEMA. The SBA is offering direct loans up to $200,000 for additional work requested. these loans have interest rates as low as 1.7% and repayment terms up to 30 years.

http://www.app.com/viewart/20121102/NJBIZ/311020061/how-to-fema

The Design Build Pros will also assist with the insurance and financial aspects.

Contact the Design Build Pros today to discuss your home’s situation and how we may help.

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The first thing you should do is document all your damage using still pictures and video.  It is best to have the most accurate depiction of the damage, so taking detailed notes will help as well.  Next,   contact your insurance company or broker.  Understand what your policy covers, what your deductible is, and what the next steps towards repair should be.

Look to credible resources to find credible remodelers.  Remodelers you have used in the past, or met with regarding previous projects can be a good source.  In addition, use social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to procure reliable contacts from your personal network.  Google searches can help you find remodelers in your area as well.  At Design Build Pros, we have a list of Preferred Remodelers that are pre-screened and vetted by myself and my brother Neil Parsons.  The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) website has a list of remodeling companies in their network, as well as any certifications they may have.  In NJ, the Division of Consumer Affairs has a list of Licensed Remodelers, and you can find out if there are any outstanding complaints.

Once you have someone to perform the work, make sure you get a written agreement that includes a minimum of the following:

A damaged porch is repaired in Fair Haven, NJ

• Scope of work to be done
• Materials to be supplied by the remodeler
• Materials to be supplied by the homeowner
• Estimated start and completion for the work
• Payment schedule including methods of payment accepted
• Methods to address changes in the scope of work and/or price
• Full company name, contact information, address, and license number
• For hourly repair agreements list: labor rates including sales tax, billing increments, mark-up on materials (if any) and estimated man hours.

You should also ask for a copy of their liability insurance and contact information to ensure the coverage will last beyond the expected completion date.

Be aware there are unscrupulous people going door to door, preying on people’s fear and desperation, and taking money from people in need.  I, along with Neil are always available to listen to your situation, answer any questions you may have, direct you to a remodeler to best suit you, provide our contract/remodeler review service for you, or suggest other best possible steps for you and your home.

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Doing a larger home improvement projects in stages is often referred to as phased remodeling. The advantages to having the remodeling done in phases include a smaller financial outlay, the home is typically more livable during smaller construction, and the ability to see the big plan unfold and make new or different decisions between phases. Disadvantages include added overall expense, longer total time under construction, and possible re-working of already completed areas.

There is no doubt that phased remodeling, especially for design build remodeling projects, is popular today. Important for the homeowner to know and consider is the fact they should select their contractor wisely; believing that they will be performing all the phases for better, smoother transitions. Therefore the company should be seen as stable for the long term and workable regarding the family’s needs. Also, the remodeler should be experienced and knowledgeable enough to assist in the proper planning and guidance up front to ensure that the phases, and their sum result, makes good sense for the family and home.

Contact the Design Build Pros today and schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss a possible design build remodeling project for your home  anywhere in the United States. Discover how the unique DBPros project design and development process will save you time and money while providing a pleasant remodeling experience for all!

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