Author Archives: Andrew

Little Silver

Apothecary cabinets with glass doors and a simple standing whirlpool shower system. These details will go in to our next project in Little Silver.

A bathroom renovation is never simple, and this is no exception. You can be sure we’ll make it as simple as possible for our customer, however.

We’ll also be installing raised wood paneling throughout the foyer and second floor hallway.

We’re really excited about this one and can’t wait to get started. This one should prove to be a gorgeous remodeling when finished.

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Rumson

Plumbing leaks aren’t supposed to happen. They’re more than an inconvenience. More like a disaster. And it doesn’t matter where — the results can be downright disastrous.

One in Rumson caused a flood, to which we responded quickly to determine the degree of damage. Once we got all the facts in order, we estimated what it would take to restore the residence to regularity. A comprehensive report was since submitted to the insurance company, on behalf of the owner.

Once we hear back, we’ll be ready for restoration. Stay tuned.

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Interlaken

When confronted with a crisis, the outcome is likely to included some form of change. Whether it be a physical or process change, it surely includes a change in behavior. That behavior starts with new thinking. Take, for example, a flooded basement. Regardless of cause (hot water heater exploding, waste water back-up, major rainfall), the event is almost universally seen as a domestic disaster, sending homeowners and their families into crisis mode.

We’ve helped people restore basements to habitability many times. In some cases, semi-finished basements were transformed to “favorite room” status for kids and adults alike. Our project in Interlaken, N.J., started this.

After receiving a call about a flooded basement, we immediately went into action. With the threat of mold forming, there’s no time to lose. Our standard water abatement plan starts with pumping out all the standing water, as well as installing commercial dehumidifiers. Subsequently, we removed the glue-down flooring and cut the wallboard at 24″ from the bottom. After the moisture of the basement was at a acceptable level, we applied a anti-microbial solution to kill and inhibit mold growth.

We have installed a beautiful tile floor and repaired the walls. The next step will be replacing the trim work and painting. At the customer’s request, we contacted the insurance company to smooth the damage claim processing

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Renovation Creates Value

Remodeling’s “Cost vs. Value Report” is out and I’m surprised at how well “attic bedroom” projects ranked. I’m not surprised at how well the “entry door replacement” did — adding absolute value in some regions.

Although the survey’s methodology isn’t as “real” as one would hope, it nevertheless is a good indicator of what’s happening in the marketplace. The 2006 report, called the housing downturn

Over the years, the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report has been a reliable gauge of the general temperature of the residential remodeling and real estate markets. Typically, it is retrospective, but at times it has served to forecast a trend, as it did in 2006. That year the cost-to-value ratio dropped more than 10 points, a downturn that most remodeling professionals didn’t begin to feel until a year or more later. That 2006 Report was even out ahead of existing home prices, which in most markets didn’t start to drop until 2007.

Last year, the deepening housing crisis and fourth-quarter financial market meltdown made it difficult to interpret the Cost vs. Value data, which was collected over the spring and midsummer. The results seemed to indicate that remodeling activity was about to reach bottom and start turning up, but after the declaration of a U.S. recession, all bets were off. For many remodelers during that time, it was as if a switch had been flipped; existing business was cancelled or indefinitely postponed, and the prospect of new business simply vanished.

Fortunately for us, we’ve kept ourselves very busy throughout the last year or so, with both simple and complex projects. Well, then again, there’s so such thing as a simple project — we just make it look that way for our customers.

Here are the Top 5 in terms of cost recouped for the Mid-Atlantic region (NY, NJ, PA):

Midrange projects

97.50% Entry Door Replacement (steel)
81.20% Siding Replacement (vinyl)
76.80% Window Replacement (vinyl)
74.50% Window Replacement (wood)
73.10% Attic Bedroom

Upscale projects
79.40% Siding Replacement (fiber-cement)
78.50% Siding Replacement (foam-backed vinyl)
73.40% Window Replacement (vinyl)
67.20% Window Replacement (wood)
63.80% Grand Entrance (fiberglass)

Thinking about getting one started? I can help; call me.

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West Long Branch

Just got word our bid was accepted!

This exciting project will take a craftsman-style house and add a two-car garage with a expansive master suite. Complete reconstruction of the existing space will make it more efficient.

We’ll be setting a start date very soon.

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Aberdeen

A complex commercial project. Extensive termite damage has been found and a water abatement plan is in place.

We’re just getting started on the exterior, including substantial re-grading and professional landscaping. New tress, shrubs and grasses will make it manageable and the changing the grade will keep water away from the structure.

Several sump pumps — with back-up emergency power — will complement perforated pipes surrounding the foundation. Air will be circulated and properly vented in crawl spaces, keeping them dry.

The structural damage caused by the termites will then be addressed, with heavy framing work first, followed by new partitioning for the interior office space.

When complete, this commercial space will likely be filled with good, long-term tennants.

We’ll have lots of photo details to showcase our work here.

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Oceanport

We’ll be transforming an attic to a beautiful master suite, including his and hers walk-in closets and master bath.

New hardfloors and windows, including a dormer addition, will complement the luxurious master bath. The centerpiece of this new bathroom will be a standing whirlpool shower, with two showerheads and multiple body sprays.

We’re just getting started; can’t wait to share photos as we move forward.

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Historical Renovation Hysterics

As a registered Master Plumber in Philadelphia, I’ve seen decades of history in the buildings we’ve renovated. While some may be too old to stand and need to be completely rebuilt, others need to comply with local “historic” building codes.

One of my first experiences was over 20 years ago, in New Rochelle, N.Y. The residence was in an historic district, so every detail was strictly dictated by local ordinances. While it may add cost to the project, the overall benefit to the neighborhood is positive. Consider what historical preservation does for maintaining home values and I think you’ll agree.
Don’t argue with historical preservationists. Especially in Paris, France. Just ask Prince Abdullah Bin Abdullah Al-Thani of Qatar, who’s attempts to renovate a property in Paris is being met with tremendous opposition. Today’s update, via Bloomberg:

A Qatari prince’s plan to restore a 17th-century mansion in Paris was blocked yesterday by a French court, which said it may mar the historical monument.

The Paris administrative court said work on the mansion, formerly owned by the Rothschild family, must be suspended. Prince Abdullah Bin Abdullah Al-Thani, a brother of the Emir of Qatar, bought the mansion for about 60 million euros ($88 million) in 2007 and had begun a 40 million-euro restoration.

The court battle was initiated by a heritage protection association that says the bathrooms, elevators and parking planned by the sheikh for his Paris home will threaten the mansion, which dates back to King Louis XIII.

“The sheikh is starting to regret having bought the house,” Eric Ginter, the prince’s lawyer, said in an interview. “This court decision suspends work for maybe two, three years. My client was ready to make such an effort to restore it.”

The three-storey building is located on Quai d’Anjou on the Ile Saint Louis in the heart of old Paris. Known as the “Hotel Lambert,” it was built in 1639 by Louis Le Vau. Some of its galleries and rooms have been decorated by artists such as Le Brun and Le Sueur. In the 19th century, composer Frederic Chopin and his partner George Sand were guests there.

Hotel Lambert has been at the center of a battle between the sheikh and the association ”Paris Historique” that pledges to protect Paris’s heritage. Since the sheikh’s purchase of the stone mansion located on a Unesco World Heritage site, he has faced opposition from many heritage associations. The Ministry of Culture said in June it supported the project.

That project has Excedrin written all over it.

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Busy Builders


So why is The Star-Ledger is reporting building permits in N.J. are still down? Probably for new construction…

In New Jersey, residential building permits are less than half what they were last year, with the biggest decline in structures with three or more units. Permits for two-family houses have been going down by half for three straight years, according to U.S. Census data.

“We’re very excited about Share Your Project,” Repair-Home.com spokesman, Mark Fisher said. “We wanted to provide an element to our site that would allow our users to easily share their home renovation projects with friends, family, and the online community.”

The Share Your Project feature allows users to upload their home renovation projects directly to the site; homeowners can easily share their projects with interested parties in the Repair-Home.com community. Contractors looking to show potential clients their past work are also encouraged to use the feature. Additional planned features include geo-location project-based search and enhanced user interaction.

Hmm, contractors, too? Maybe I’ll submit some of my “before & afters.” In the meantime, check my gallery for finished work.

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Bamboo Sink

Of all the products featured at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference last May, this simple sink caught my eye: a bamboo vessel sink from Totally Bamboo.

With its organic good looks and eco-friendly pedigree, this solid bamboo vessel sink adds unexpected elegance and a natural warmth to any bath design. This bamboo crafted sink is also incredibly durable and easily withstands the rigors of daily use. Each sink is professionally sealed with waterproof polyurethane to create a maintenance free finish. The sink measures a generous 17″ high by 6″ deep with a 1-3/8″ thickness. Pair it with your choice of plumbing hardware to create a custom look that is destined to become the focal point of your bathroom decor.

Bamboo isn’t for everyone — nor are vessel sinks — but this one is truly unique. When my customers choose their own fixtures, it makes my job all the more interesting.

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