Author Archives: Jason Parsons

Power Grommets Add Convenience to Kitchen Islands

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In almost every kitchen remodel, “more outlets” is a part of a homeowner’s needs list. Going a step further, we look to provide efficient outlets whenever possible. When designing an island, you can have a 2-tier (sometimes referred to as a waterfall) or a 1-tier island design. In a 2 tier design, the main cooking/prep area is 36″, while the seating area is 42″. This island allows the placement of outlets along the small wall between the two counter tops. Continue reading

My First Experience in a Polar Bear Plunge

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Saturday, February 23rd, 6:00 AM.  I was thinking back to the day I registered for the plunge.  Over a month has passed.  I met my goal for donations, posted about it on Facebook, and spoke to family and friends about it.  I cleared my schedule for the day.  I had done everything to prepare, except for actual preparation.  Later that day, I was going to willingly walk into the Atlantic Ocean as a participant in NJ’s Annual Polar Bear Plunge to support NJ Special Olympics, and I had no idea what to expect, what to wear before, what to wear after, or what to bring.
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Beware of Con Artists Looking to Prey on Homeowners After Hurricane Sandy

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Although there are many people and companies available to help homeowners begin to repair or rebuild their damaged homes, there are unfortunately as many, if not more, out there looking to take advantage of homeowners in need.  Before you hire someone to work on your home, be sure to check their credentials first, even though you may be tempted to hire the first person that knocks on your door.

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.

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Trends From a Kitchen Designer

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We had the pleasure of sitting down to discuss cabinetry design and trends with Kathleen Abrams, a Kitchen Designer with Direct Cabinet Sales. Direct Cabinet Sales has locations throughout NJ and in Boca Raton, Florida. Direct is one of our Preferred Trade Partners, and Kathleen has helped a number of our clients finalize their cabinet plans with great success.

DBPlanners: What are some items that have recently become popular to include in a kitchen design?
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Take Your Child to Work Day–Remodeling Field Trip!

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Monday, 4/23/12, at about 5:30 PM Connor, my oldest son, asks me to take him to work with him for “Take Your Child to Work Day”. “Sure”, I tell him, “What day is it?” “Thursday”, is his reply. THURSDAY? How am I going to possibly make Thursday work? “Sure Connor, I’ll take you.” “OK, but are we going to sit in front of you computer all day? That’s kind of boring.” That, coming from the kid who could glue himself to a DS, but the thought of watching me design makes school look like the better option.
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Different Island Shapes for Kitchen Designs and Remodeling

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When speaking with homeowners about a kitchen remodel, an island is high on their wish list for their new space. Aside from added storage and counter space, an island can contribute to the function of a kitchen in many other ways. It can be a space to have a quick bite to eat, for a someone to sit while you prepare for a gathering, to direct people to other areas of your home (and away from the cooking area), and to simply stage food for your party. Aesthetically, it can conceal your cooking or prep areas from the dinner table or family room as well as add accent materials and colors for your cabinets and counter top. Continue reading

Oil-Rubbed Bronze Appliances Add Warmth to a Colonial Kitchen Design

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When I am asked to design a kitchen, I am asked to incorporate all sorts of ideas, colors, and cool kitchen gadgets and appliances. When one client asked to incorporate Oil-Rubbed Bronze Appliances to their new kitchen, it was the first request I have had for such an item. I, like most of you, went to Google Images to see how this idea would work in a kitchen.

Here is one of the pictures I found. These are Jenn-Air Appliances featured on their websiteWhile I was afraid the look would feel too “trendy”, to me, it gives a warmer touch than Stainless Steel Appliances while maintaining the commercial credentials that foodies are looking for.
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Remodeling Runs in the Parsons Family

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BY JASON PARSONS OF DESIGN BUILD PLANNERS REPRINTED FROM THE DAILY5REMODEL…written in 2011 for a Fathers Day edition on the website

My brother Neil, 15 years my senior, has raised me since I was 10 years old. At the time, he was the owner of a small general contracting company, Parsons Construction. During the summer, I went to work with him as a form of “babysitting.” That first summer, he had the cleanest truck and jobsites in town. I started to take an interest in the work soon after. Continue reading

Home Remodeling Design and Development Process

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The home remodeling project design and development process is define by the team at Design Build Planners. The staff has diverse experience in the industry including structural and finished carpentry, extreme remodeling on HGTV, design training from the National Association of the Kitchen and Bath industry, and Computer Aided Design drafting training. Recently, Jason Parsons, Design + Build Specialist at DBP won a “Best Design” award from software provider Chief Architect.
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