Category: Remodel

Updates

10/10/2012

Just though I would throw some updates on here, things have been very busy since the last post. Just built and installed a tv mount for the Innovation Center. The interior design is industrial/innovative, so I used 2" sqaure tubing and 1/4" plate and went from floor to ceiling. supporting 30 lbs of tv.....no problem. Also, just finishing up privacy issues in an office for another commercial client. Black out flim on glass doors and installing verticle blinds in front of 9 foot tall windows, that should do the trick.
The entry wall in my house has been framed and drywalled, currently waiting for mud to dry so I can sand and apply the next coat. I'm thinking of putting marble on the floor for a grand entrance. Over the summer I have also installed some new windows and insulation and removed alot of plaster and lath.
A couple of large projects still in the works and I'm hoping these will come through to get us through the winter. Keep checking here or an FB or Pinterest, or LinkedIn for updates and project info and even pics.

Tip of the Week

29/5/2012

Caulking: Caulking can be a messy job that results in what looks like a 3 year old played arts and crafts with your house. Not to worry, here are a few tips to help you out. Around glass or a finished surface, use painters tape on either side of the joint being caulked. This will save you time on clean up and it's ok if the process gets a little messy, if caulk gets on the tape you can peel it right up. For the "professional" look, wet your finger and run it down the bead to smooth it out and remove the excess, this will also work if you want to use a putty knife. Just wet the knife and run it down the bead. Using a putty knife to tool the caulk or window glazing may take some practice. Part of the blade will need to follow a flat surace to keep things looking good, every movement made or bump the knife hits will show up in the caulk. Also be careful not to remove to much caulk or it will be ineffective. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for proper adhesion and sealing. Happy caulking.

Tip of the Week

16/4/2012

So you have finished laying you new hardwood floor in your living room and are now ready for baseboards. No big deal right? Where do you nail? To the floor or to the wall? Floors and walls expand and contract at different rates, so you want to make sure and nail to the wall. It's the same with quarter round or any other trim you are adding around your room. Keep your "new" room looking new and nails where they belong, hidden.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

16/2/2012

I've been working on the second house of the year since 30 January. This job has had highs and lows, changes, and more changes. Things have gone back and forth so many times the original ideas are back and getting done and of coarse there was a deadline. Through it all I have tried to remain calm and appreciative of the work. Things are finally coming together and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Ready to move on to the next one.

Off To A Good Start

6/2/2012

It's only the beginning of February and I have been covered up with work. I'm on second house painting/remodel job in less than four weeks. I also have roofs lined up for this year and a partnership with my credit union on a new mortgage program. Hopefully this sudden increase in work load is more permanent rather than a temporary flux. 2012, some say it might be the end of the world, I say it's only the beginning.

Contractors

3/12/2011

I have read a few articles on msn.com lately about contractors and home projects. These articles are good thought provokers and bring to light some good points, but maybe some that don't apply to your particular area, county, or city. Obviously if you are doing a home remodel project on a house you plan on selling, you want to make sure the project will add value to your home as well as functionality. If you don't plan on selling the home, then adding value may not be as important as funtionality or "want to". It's your decision and your home, take your time and make lists.
In these difficult times there may be some shady contractors or even fly-by-night guys out there. If you want quality work there is a price to be paid. Here's a good saying: "Cheap work isn't good and good work isn't cheap." Not always the case, but something to keep in mind. I know statistically the price of work has come down, but the price of material has not. So you might find the contractor cheaper, but expect to pay the same if not more for material. Many contractors out there are willing to discount their work just to get the job and there's nothing wrong with helping those in your community out. The things I would watch out for are guys you charge not only for material used on the job, but all the material they bought and maybe even contractors who charge by the hour. In remodeling you don't know what you are going to find behind drywall or plaster or under the floor or in the pipes until you get into it. There's nothing worse than under estimating and over paying. For me it's just easier to charge by the job and then however long it takes is on me. It also may be a good idea to check with your local Chamber of Commerce to see if the contractor is a member. The guys who invest in their community are the ones you can normally count on. Also, if something should happen to be wrong or go wrong after completion, a good contractor will come back and fix it at no cost.
There may be some unique situations also. If you know a contractor personally or have a good relationship with one, there may be times where some "experimentation" comes up. New systems or new materials may be introduced or maybe it's just gain some experience, the contractor may approach the home owner with this idea. I guess the home owner may approach the contractor with this idea, who knows it's a crazy world. If this situation does come up you ,the homeowner, could possibly get the work done for the price of materials. Just saying, if you don't mind being the guinea pig it might be a worth while venture.
All in all, remodeling and renovation don't have to be scary or bad projects. Make some lists, decide what you want and start asking questions. Contractors may not have all the answers and may have questions themselves. It's going to take time, life isn't a one hour tv show, it going to take some money, and there will be dust. Remember, the lowest bid isn't always the best and the job will only be as good as the material you are working with. Don't expect a million dollar bathroom for two thousand dollars. Happy remodeling!

Busy Summer

4/8/2011

Well, it's been a busy summer so far and I'm not complaining. Earlier this year things seemed uncertain, but when the weather warmed up the jobs came. Small things like replacing a pane of glass, to site clean up for construction companies, to fence replacement. Electrical work and plumbing repair, painting and drywall work, it has all shown up. The maintenance agreements we offer are catching on, a few are signed and others are in the works. Your home and property require maintenance and upkeep and your dreams may require renovation. Property Serv can help you with all of these things, no job to small and things done right. We are looking out for you.

Wood available

8/5/2011

What we have here is a tree that was cut as standing dead. Using what little bark was left on it, I belive it is either maple or ash. Very unique, cool looking wood, very rustic. All of the colors and patterns are as they occured in the tree. I have this up on the ReStore. This would be good for wood workers to make bowls or tables or seats, will clean up very well! The bigger chunks are 100+ lbs. Let me know if you are intersted. Awesome project material!

Mothers Day Special

2/5/2011

Mothers Day is this Sunday, if you have a project you want to complete or maybe you just want to surprise her by getting that "Honey Do" list out f the way. Call us this week and receive 20% off any services we provide. Work must start this week. Also, please enter your contact info at the bottom of the home page so we can keep track of who takes advantage of this deal. Let's show mom how much we care and that she is important enough to us to get things done!

Small kitchen remodel & Bank Contract

12/4/2011

Well, it's finally spring and the weather is starting to come around. We just finished up a small kitchen remodel, replacing everything from the plumbing to the cabinets and counter tops. We had to kill some mold on the subfloor before we built it up and removed some lead paint on the walls. I'll get some before and after pics up. Also Property Serv just landed a contract with a local Bank to go and rewire and re-plumb a house. It's fixing issues the previous owner created after the house was foreclosed on. It will be a couple of weeks worth of work, but I'm happy for it.