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Feature Project: A Grilling Room - Year-Round Fun!
To satisfy their need for year-round entertaining space,
the homeowners wanted to convert their back porch into a room where they
could grill indoors. Their new fabulous light-filled room features a brick
fireplace flanked by bookcases, stone flooring, cathedral wood ceilings,
recessed lighting and, most importantly, a commercial grade grill and hood.
In any weather the host can now barbecue in the comfort of this beautiful
room while visiting with his guests and enjoying a fire in the fireplace.
Travertine tiles cover the
terrace and the floors of the sunroom, providing both warmth and ambiance;
year-round furniture invites family and guests to enjoy the setting -
either inside or outside!
Community Service Project - The Wrenn
House
If ever there was a project that touched the hearts of
local remodelers, it was the need for renovations at The
Wrenn House – the only Triangle safe house for youth
ages 10-17 who run away from home, are homeless, or are otherwise in a
crisis situation. For 15 years, the Wrenn House program has been in the
90-year-old house, which was in desperate need of repairs. The project was
a great opportunity to give back to the community; TrendMark took part as a
member of the Remodelers Council of
Raleigh-Wake County.
For some more
of this heartwarming story, see
our blog about it...
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HGTV, TrendMark, and getting
the most Bang for Your Buck
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Now that HGTV’s Bang For Your Buck Raleigh edition has
aired, TrendMark is thrilled to share that its remodel entry, the Agraz kitchen,
had the greatest ROI (return on investment) of the three kitchens featured
on the show! After analyzing the elements of the three Raleigh area
remodels, Vern Yip, HGTV’s professional interior designer, announced that
the Agraz project would bring 101% return on their investment, as compared
to 84% and 90% for the other two kitchens shown on the program. What made the difference in the
value of the projects? It’s all about choices! When you begin a major
remodel project, there are generally several criteria: you want to update,
you want to redecorate, and you may want to add elements that you currently
don’t have in your kitchen. There are so many products on the market today
– each with its own special appeal – that making these choices is not
really easy. Here’s where a professional remodeler can provide the guidance
needed to select quality products that have long-term value while coming
together to create the kitchen of your dreams.
What gives the results long-term value? Regardless of
whether you’re remodeling a home for your long-term stay or you want to
sell it, you should still be concerned about the effect your efforts will
have on the worth of the home. Nothing increases the value of a house like
updated kitchens and bathrooms!
However, as Vern Yip pointed out, “Don’t be too taste
specific.” For instance, a kitchen with a bright red stove — maybe an
element
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 you love — might not generally appeal to other
homebuyers. Your choice to save money by not putting in those granite countertops
may turn away potential buyers should you try to sell the home. Even
if you stay in the home for the long run, you may still regret not
investing in that granite upgrade.Yip provided a list of other items that
can maximize your remodeling investment:
- Adding
square footage is a major element; opening up a kitchen by
removing walls is always a winning strategy;
- Using
neutral materials so that the décor can be altered with the
use of accent colors in window treatments, cookware, towels, area rugs, or
dishes is preferable;
- Where possible, add
nice custom materials. Scrimping on a faucet or range hood
can ruin the overall look of the kitchen.
The value of a professional remodeler is really critical
when a homeowner is trying to get the most out of their budget. By nature
of the remodeler’s extensive experience in many other similar (as well as
contrasting) projects, professional remodelers have concrete answers on
remodeling value and which choices will bring the most bang for your buck.
They have exposure to a wide range of products and sources that may be
unknown to the homeowner, which can often transform a potentially mediocre
remodeling effort into a WOW project!
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Selecting the Perfect Countertop
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When remodeling your kitchen, the countertop selection is
an important decision to completing the look of your kitchen. Today there
are many options available, from man-made products to natural
stones.
Stone
countertops are the most popular. Granite, soapstone,
and marble have a natural elegance that complements most styles. They can
be found in a wide variety of colors and patterns, from very simple to lots
of movement. They can also be fabricated with multiple edge choices to
complement your style such as ogee, waterfall, or cove. One thing to
consider when selecting a stone product is that they are a natural porous
stone and must be sealed on a regular basis to avoid the absorption of
liquids. Since this is a natural product, it can also have a wide variety
in color and pattern, even though it comes from the same quarry. It is very
important that you see the actual slab before fabrication begins.
While stone products can be the most expensive choice,
when properly maintained, they will last forever and remain a stylish and
elegant feature in your kitchen.
Engineered
Quartz is a man-made engineered stone countertop
consisting of approximately 93% Quartz from a quarry and 7% polymers. It
provides the look of stone without the high variation of pattern. Many find
this an attractive choice because it is available in a wide variety of
colors, both dark and light. It is highly heat resistant, scratch
resistant, and non porous, so it does not require regular sealing.
Cambria Quartz and Silestone are a few of the popular companies that offer
engineered quartz.
Solid
Surface countertops are made from a high grade plastic
that is molded to fit your kitchen seamlessly. Solid surface works
great if you have an odd shaped area that you want to fit without any seams.
They can even custom mold the kitchen sink! Scratches can be sanded
out. Popular brands include Corian, Avonite, and Swanstone.
Concrete
countertops have recently gained in popularity. They
can be molded into the exact shape for a seamless fit and stained in a wide
variety of colors to add flair
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to your room. Concrete is highly customizable and is
available in many shapes and colors. Many select concrete because they have
freedom to create exactly what they want. If you can imagine it, it can be
done! Keep in mind that fabrication can be a lengthy process, and
some cabinets need to be reinforced to carry the weight.
Wood
countertops add warmth that other products cannot match.
A variety of woods can be used, such as teak, oak, cherry, maple, walnut,
and mahogany. They do require a bit more maintenance and need
to be treated with mineral oil monthly. To resurface, they can be sanded
out and refinished.
Stainless
Steel is a great option if you are trying to achieve a
contemporary or commercial feel for you space. Since they are a custom
constructed product, they can be fabricated to your specification for a
seamless fit. While they are extremely heat resistant and durable, they are
susceptible to dents.
Ceramic
tile is great economical option, but tends to be very
high maintenance due to the grout that needs to sealed regularly to avoid
staining. While tile may be a great do-it-yourself project, some find
that the uneven surface is not a practical choice for a countertop surface.
Laminate
is made of plastic and comes in a wide variety of colors and
patterns. Laminate has been a popular choice since the 1950s. It is
fairly durable, easy to clean and easy to install. This choice is most
attractive to those on a tight budget. Popular brands include Formica,
Nevamar, and Wilsonart.
Ultimately, the main factors that will determine your decision are your
budget, style, and maintenance.
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Summer 2010
Contents
HGTV and ROI
Featured Project
Ask the Contractor
The Perfect Countertop
Community Service
-
The Wrenn House
Tidbits
Contact Info
P.O. Box 5712
Cary, NC 27512
(919) 868-4545
Website:
www.TrendMarkInc.com
Blogs:
TrendTalk
(Remodeling
Tips/Tricks)
Featured Projects Blog
Follow us
on
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Do I need an electrical permit to install a ceiling fan?
By
law and the code, all electrical work involving "hard wiring"
(i.e., not plug-in appliances and cords) requires a permit. Not all inspections
departments interpret the law literally, however. Some will not require a
permit for minor electrical work, such as replacing a light fixture or
electrical outlet. In such instances, follow the "when in doubt,
find out" rule.
Installing an electric water heater requires an electrical permit, even
if no design change is occurring and no plumbing permit is necessary.
Installing an attic fan is also a hard-wire job which requires a permit.
If you have a home maintenance
issue you’d like to see featured here, send Wallace an e-mail at info@trendmarkinc.com!
Tidbits
Upcoming STAR
Awards
The STAR Awards Showcase Triangle Area
Remodelers, and are sponsored by the Remodelers Council of the HBA. We
are entering project for judging in July. Winners will be announced
August 26... stay tuned!
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