Industry Organization Spotlight: Best of the Remodeling Industry

Posted on January 21, 2016 by James Florence

In the course of planning a home remodeling project, it’s beneficial to gain insight from informative resources. Along with the Diamond Certified Resource, a great place to look for information is remodeling industry organizations. In addition to advocating high standards of workmanship and professionalism in the remodeling industry, these associations are dedicated to educating and empowering professionals and consumers alike. Here are three of the premier organizations in the remodeling industry:

National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)

Overview

nari-logoNARI is the only independent national association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. By providing helpful resources for remodeling professionals and consumers, it seeks to fulfill its stated core purpose: “To advance and promote the remodeling industry’s professionalism, Read more

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7 Ways to Save Money on Your Home Remodeling Project

Posted on January 05, 2016 by James Florence

While many Bay Area residents are preparing to tackle their long-deferred project ideas, for some, the urge to remodel is constrained by the significant expenses involved. However, even if you’re working with a limited budget, there are numerous ways you can cut costs without compromising quality. Here are seven money-saving strategies to consider:

1. Design your project to accommodate existing systems. If your plumbing and electrical systems are in good condition, you can avoid the cost of rerouting pipes or wiring by designing your remodeling project to accommodate them. In addition to saving a substantial amount of money, this strategy aligns with a sustainable approach to remodeling. Read more

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Preparing for Design

Posted on August 06, 2015 by Joy Lanzaro

Remodels can add style, function, and safety by way of updating electrical and plumbing systems to current building codes. Not only can this enhance your enjoyment of your home, it can also add value to your house upon resale. The most popular rooms to remodel are kitchens and bathrooms—they’re the most used rooms in the house and the spaces where we interface the most with materials, so they require the most planning and attention to detail. It’s your designer’s job to take the information you provide and develop a plan that targets your needs and budget.

Serious customers prepare for satisfaction.
Here’s a simple formula: if you get what you want, you’ll be satisfied. Read more

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Industry Overview: Plumbing

Posted on July 28, 2015 by James Florence

Like many industries, plumbing is extremely complex and continues to become more so with ongoing technological innovations. This article contains some useful information to help you get more acquainted with the trade, including key terms, DIY tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

Key Terms

Aerator: A device added to the open end of a faucet that mixes air with water to create a more even flow. Inexpensive to install, faucet aerators can help conserve water without diminishing water pressure.

Fittings: Fittings usually refer to faucets, shower valves and tub fillers, although they may also refer to piping coupling such as elbow and tee fittings.

GPM: Gallons per minute (GPM) is the rate of water flow from faucets and shower heads. Read more

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Industry Organization Spotlight: The National Kitchen & Bath Association

Posted on February 26, 2015 by James Florence

Overview
Established in 1963, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a nonprofit trade association that consists of more than 60,000 professional members from all spheres of the kitchen and bathroom remodeling industry. The association’s stated mission is to enhance the success and excellence of its members, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bathroom industry worldwide. Read more

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The Benefits of Adding Insulation to Interior Walls

Posted on February 14, 2014 by James Florence

While insulating exterior walls is standard procedure in residential construction, this isn’t always the case with a home’s interior walls. Actually, many homebuilders neglect to insulate interior walls altogether, which often results in second-rate efficiency and poor soundproofing. For this reason, adding insulation to interior walls can be an inexpensive yet effective way to improve both the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Read more

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Savvy Consumer Tip: Refresh Your Bathroom

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Chris Bjorklund

Watch this video to learn how you can modernize your bathroom without spending a lot of money. Read more

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