Posts Tagged ‘Design Build Remodeling’
Sunday, April 21st, 2013
The Jersey Shore (“The Beach” to locals) has undergone an evolution in its identity. Since 2009, the polarizing TV show associated with it has given the coastal communities a caricature of their personas. The shore has became one of those places that “is not like it used to be.” I believe that in the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy, the people of New Jersey will want to recapture the memories of a person’s youth, or to create new ones for their family; creating an environment for local businesses to thrive.
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
Tags:bedroom suite, boardwalk, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, Jason Parsons, jersey shore, kitchen remodeling, rebuilding the shore, restore the shore, Shoreism, Super Storm Sandy
Posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information | No Comments »
Friday, December 28th, 2012
When the Design Build Pros initially discuss a design and build remodeling project with a homeowner the planned scope begins with three broad categories.
- 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. (more…)
Tags:cooktop, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, faucet, home and garden TV, Jason Parsons, kitchen remodeling, Neil Parsons, pot filler, project design, stove
Posted in Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Design | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, November 6th, 2012
In the aftermath of destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, the Design Build Pros can help you with repairs, remodels, rebuilds, and new home construction. We have project designers and estimators on staff plus we offer full design build and architectural services.
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.
Tags:Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, FEMA, homeowners insurance, hurricane sandy, insurance estimates, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, storm damage
Posted in Architecture, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
“Remodeling” is a very general and broad term. It can describe the replacement of a few windows to a 
room addition or whole-house renovation. Presently, the Design Build Pros have one project in progress that is less than $20,000 and another one that is over $1,000,000. There are many decisions that need to be considered up front by a homeowner before the remodeling work can begin. Among them is whether to tackle the entire wish list of projects as one large undertaking or divide and address smaller components one at a time.
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. (more…)
Tags:Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, home improvement, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, phased remodeling, room addition
Posted in Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
Recently, the Design Build Pros have engaged in discussions with both remodeling professionals and homeowners regarding pricing projects by the “square foot.” Over the years many have asked “How much do you charge per square foot?” In remodeling, this is typically asked about home additions. Homeowners believe that the answer creates a platform to compare remodelers and their estimates. However, this general question would be like asking a automobile dealership, “How much is a car per pound?”
When estimating the cost of a room addition the first level of distinction is what type of room is it? One should not expect a family room addition to have the same square footage cost as a kitchen addition. These two additions may be the exact same size, but the components and work involved in each is vastly different, therefore a square foot price comparison cannot be made. (more…)
Tags:bathroom, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, family room addition, Jason Parsons, Kitchen, Neil Parsons, remodeling estimate, square foot remodeling price
Posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
Jason Parsons, Chief Project Designer of the Design Build Pros, has been honored by Professional Remodeler magazine as one of the top 40 remodelers in the United States under 40 years old. The 35 year-old has vast residential remodeling experience dating back to his teenage years.
Jason, a lifelong New Jersey resident, is married and the proud father of three young boys. He thoroughly enjoys spending time with his family and their many shared activities. Jason has the same passion and enthusiasm for his career. Jason Parsons’ design build remodeling industry bio can be found on company website. (more…)
Tags:CAD software for remodeling, Chief Architect, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, home remodeling, Jason Parsons, kitchen bath addition, Neil Parsons, project designer
Posted in Architecture, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Design | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, September 18th, 2012
Interior painting is one construction task that a large majority of homeowners are able do themselves. That doesn’t mean that they should, or even want to undertake the painting portion. The quality of the paint and painting can have a great impact on the overall appearance of the project. These considerations can create a dilemma. Since homeowners feel they can perform the painting, they typically do not value the cost from a professional painter like they do for the plumber, electrician, tiler installer…etc. Not only is there a pricing concern, homeowners tend to be very critical in their judgment of the quality of the painting. Because of this, many remodelers choose to not include painting as a part of their project and estimate.
The photo above is of a design build remodeling project in Georgia from AK Complete Home Renovations.
This now poses a new potential issue. The Design Build Pros will often warn offers to be leery of remodelers that choose not to offer paint as a part or at least an option for their projects. The finished wall painting can often display a lesser quality tape and spackling work on the wall board. This opens the door for the painter blaming the contractor and the contractor blaming the painter. The result is a headache for the homeowner to accompany a project that does not look as good as they envisioned.
The moral of the story: always give careful consideration to the interior painting portion of any remodeling project or addition regarding quality, pricing, and accountability. If you have questions about this or any other aspect of a project or a remodeling industry topic simply schedule a 15-minute free phone consultation with the Design Build Pros.
Tags:AK Complete Home Renovations, AK Renovations, Benjamin Moore Paint, ceramic tiler, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, electricial, Georgia design build remodeling, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, painting, plumber, remodeler, tape and spackle, wall board
Posted in Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | No Comments »
Sunday, September 16th, 2012
The planning and budgeting phase of any remodeling project is over loaded with decisions to be made. These decisions are mostly the design elements and product selections. However, remodeling, unlike building a new home, almost always involves patching and renovating to an existing area. Ideally, the remodeled and unaltered areas will meet at the transition from one room to another at a door or doorway.
More often than one might guess, planned projects require a stop and start demolition point that is not clearly defined by a room change, door, or doorway. Continued ceilings are a situation to watch for. Halls, foyers, and adjoining rooms where the doorway has a flush header and goes completely to the ceiling are examples. The decision of where to stop will potentially affect many individual work tasks. These tasks may include flooring, drywall, molding, and painting. (more…)
Tags:AK Complete Home Renovations, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, drywall, electrial work, extreme remodel, Georgia kitchen design build remodeling, hgtv, Mark of Excellence Remodeling, Middletown design build remodeling, molding, Monmouth County, painting, plaster, sheetrock, wiring
Posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
The Design Build Pros design and develop many master bedrooms for both new space and remodels. One of the development steps involved is the client filling out the DBP Project Profile Checklist. This form helps with the customization of the project for the preferences, styles, and needs of the individual person or family. Wish list desires are addressed. “Must have” and “do not want” items are noted. Very common on the must have side for today’s master bathroom is more storage and better organization. Typically this request is addressed through the effective use of vanities, wall cabinets, shower niches, towel cubbies, hooks, and racks.
Another request, especially for bathrooms to be used by more than one person, is a private or semi-private area for the toilet. This is achieved with a partition wall or a wall and door, also known as a water closet. A water closet is technically defined as a room with a toilet and possibly a sink. Therefore, what many refer to as a powder room would be a water closet. Add a tub or shower and now it is considered a bathroom. Within a bathroom, a water closet creates a private room for a toilet. (more…)
Tags:Cosmo Kramer, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, Jason Parsons, master bathroom, Neil Parsons, powder room, project profile checklist, Seinfeld TV show, water closet
Posted in Architecture, Bathrooms, Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Design | No Comments »
Sunday, September 9th, 2012
When it comes to home remodeling projects how is “value” defined? First we must start with what is valuable or important to the individual family. In the opinion of the Design Build Pros, this trumps all other factors including resale value, equity, the neighborhood demographic. That is why we always start each initial meeting with a series of Project Profile questions that have nothing to do with construction. Topics include kids, pets, school, careers, travel…etc. The pros and cons of “moving versus improving” are also discussed up front. Then the other factors and actual construction are considered.
Planning and buying a home improvement project is often a unique, first time purchase for a homeowner. Often, they have no history or buying experience to rely upon regarding decision making. People are more likely to purchase more homes in their lifetime than major design build remodeling projects such as additions, add-a-levels, bedroom suites, full kitchen and bathroom renovations. Magazines, the internet, and home improvement television shows fuel the ideas and fantasies of what people want for their home. Daily life provides the ideas of what they need. Now, how does one obtain these wants and needs with value and as a prudent investment? (more…)
Tags:203K loan, add-a-level, addition, architect, bathroom, bedroom suite, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, financial planner, home value, Jason Parsons, Kitchen, move vs improve, Neil Parsons, project designer, resale value, return on investment
Posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | No Comments »
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.
