Where What When

All About (Improving) Your Home!

Remodeling: So Many Choices

by Gary Gershen, Dreammaker Bath and Kitchen, Inc.

Have you ever woken up in the morning and thought, "Wow! I have to update my place, and I have to do it now!" One reason many people put off doing home improvements is because it seems overwhelming. But, as in many other areas of life, being well informed will save you much aggravation.

I see my role as helping you with the myriad choices involved in any remodeling project. The first thing I do is listen carefully. Then I ask questions to help you define your project and explore your options. If you don't want to do a traditional bathroom makeover, I can also do one- to one-and-a-half-day remodels consisting of an acrylic tub liner and walls, which saves a lot of money and time. If a whole kitchen redo is not feasible, we can do just new countertops, flooring, and/or cabinets. Some homeowners ask me about refacing cabinets. Although my company doesn't do refacing, I explain that it is faster and is half the price of new cabinets. It's one of the options.

I give people technical information - the advantages and disadvantages of different flooring materials, for example, or why some toilets are better than others. When I do bathrooms, I have a checklist of 27 things to consider. Are they left-handed or right-handed? (It affects placement of the fixtures.) Which way should the door open? What amenities do they want? Do they want tiles to the ceiling? Does their taste run to contemporary, classic, or traditional? Do they like dark or light colors?

After working in this neighborhood for years, I know what details people are looking for. I ask clients if they want fans, heaters, and basement or bathroom lights on a timer for Shabbos. Would they like a heated floor in the bathroom or a heater attached to the exhaust fan? In the kitchen, do they want instant hot water or an under-the-counter water filter? I explain the options for under-the-cabinet lighting and faucets, like the tall ones to accommodate big pots.

I pride myself in the personal attention I give to customers. And I stand behind my words, even if I have to take a loss. I want each customer to be happy.

Dreammaker Bath and Kitchen, Inc. specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, and also has expertise in basements, decks, and more. He has 25 years experience and numerous satisfied customers in the area. Please call 443-929-6005 for questions and estimates.

When to Call the Electrician

by Tom Zien, Tom's Electrical Service, Inc.

Most of us take electricity for granted. With a flick of the switch, we have light, heat, or a hot cup of coffee. Yet we also know that electricity is a potent force - in halacha, it is classified as fire - and must be handled with care. That means that when something seems to be wrong, you should call a qualified electrician to check it out.

Here are some common issues that might warrant an electrical repair: A loose outlet, or one in which you see sparks when you plug something in, could pose a fire hazard, especially if there is flammable material nearby. This can happen from a heater that is plugged into an outlet near a bed. Every year, there are house fires in Baltimore from situations like this.

Another common problem is extension cords. Think of extension cords, even heavy duty ones, as only a temporary solution. They should never be a permanent solution. Heaters, especially, should never be on an extension cord; the connections in these cords are not made for the heat that is generated within them.

If you have a circuit breaker that is continually tripping, have an electrician look at it. Such a breaker will eventually fail, leaving you without a safety net to protect you from an electrical fire from too much heat on a wire. Be aware that a certain type of circuit breaker might pose a sakana (danger). It was made by Federal Pacific in the 1960s. (See the label on your panel box.) You don't necessarily have to get rid of them, but know that they have a history of problems.

Since 1996, Tom's Electrical Service has specialized in wiring for additions, new construction, kitchen remodeling and home lighting projects, such as living rooms and basement playrooms which previously had no lighting. And of course, he does electrical repairs of all types. Tom Zien personally oversees the work, and understands the electrical needs of the shomer Shabbos lifestyle. One recent project, for example, involved a sewer ejector pump, where simply flushing the toilet could cause the motor to start, posing a problem on Shabbos. A specialized Shabbos clock was required for the motor, as well as pilot lights in each bathroom, so the homeowners would be aware when the toilet could be safely flushed.

To contact Tom Zien, please call 410-499-5420.

CHAI Helps Homeowners with Repairs and Renovations

For over 20 years CHAI has provided valuable information and assistance to people needing home repairs or improvements.

The Senior Home Repair and Modification Program has helped hundreds of low and moderate income seniors and disabled individuals in the community to remain in their homes. Our in-house Home Repair Manager, as well as licensed contractors, are used to subsidize needed repairs, including grab bars, railings, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and general home repairs. Skilled and unskilled volunteers also provide services to seniors and disabled homeowners through CHAI's NADIV (Neighbors Assisting Directly in Volunteerism) program. Seemingly basic handyman repairs can be the difference between safely living at home and having to move to a smaller, less familiar residence. To be eligible for these services, a homeowner must be at least 62, or disabled, and have an income that is less than 80% of the median income for the area, which is no more than $44,800 for a single adult living alone. The amount of subsidy offered depends on the household income.

CHAI has been actively involved in energy conservation with seniors by installing plastic on windows, weather stripping, and caulking. CHAI's annual Weatherization Day, a major volunteer event when seniors' homes are prepared for the winter, will be held this year on Sunday November 15.

In addition to seniors, families who receive homebuyer or homeowner loans through CHAI also receive help managing any renovation projects. While CHAI does not actually do the work, CHAI's homeownership counselor works with the family in scoping out the work to be done, advising on the process of selecting contractors, and inspecting the work before the contractor is paid. Many young homebuyers have learned these valuable life skills through the assistance received from CHAI's staff.

Finding reliable contractors is challenging for homeowners of all ages. Having an MHIC (Maryland Home Improvement Commission) licensed contractor is critical, because if a job is done poorly or not completed, the homeowner can file a complaint with the Commission. An individual should verify whether the contractor's license is current and whether there are complaints on record before signing a contract. This can be done online at www.dllr.state.md.us or by phone at 410- 230- 6309.

Fortunately there are many capable contractors whose business is primarily in the Northwest neighborhoods. CHAI maintains a list of contractors, based on repetitive favorable feedback from members of our community. This list can be found on CHAI's web page: www.chaibaltimore.org under the Homeownership tab.

For more information about the senior programs, call Faye Brand, at 410-318-8311, ext.10. For more information about our loan programs, contact Roz Goldman at 410-466-1990, ext 211.

Only Design

by Ellene Newman, Design 613

I am a designer. I understand space and organization, and I understand what makes a house a home. I am not a contractor; I do not sell cabinets. In fact, I don't sell anything except expertise and imagination. I can help people save money, because I do get designer discounts. But my charges are by the hour, and I do not take a percentage. My goal is to help people create a home of joy, form, and function at the best possible price.

Before any project is started, it is critical to distinguish between the "true needs" and the "wants." A family may have outgrown the space in their home, and want to construct an extra bedroom, bath, and play area, and remodel the kitchen. Once the contractor's estimates come in, however, it becomes apparent that the budget has been greatly exceeded. I ask them: 1) Can the project be scaled down, or done in phases? 2) Can we reconfigure space, by using an unfinished basement or attic, "stealing" a closet to add to the kitchen, or even subdividing a large room? 3) Is it possible to simply add more cabinets to the current kitchen?

When planning a kitchen project, I like to talk to the person who does the cooking. Some of the questions I ask: Are you primarily a milchig or a fleishig cook? Do you do salads, challas, or baking? Do you cook mostly on the cooktop or in the oven? Do you cook from scratch? Do you deal with lots of raw fruits and vegetables that you need to prepare? How many children do you have? How old? Do they help out? How often do you have guests, and how many?

Once we have had an initial consultation and have clarified the needs, the wants, and the available space, we may be able to do a few extras, like put in a bow window to draw people into the kitchen. Next, I take precise measurements and, depending on the client's requirements, would then draw up a kitchen plan or a CAD drawing with cabinets. The client can then take the plan or drawing and obtain bids from contractors and/or a cabinet seller of his or her choice. Of course, I can get bids and advise clients on where to get the best prices, but it's often less expensive for clients to do the shopping themselves.

Design 613 does space planning and layout for kitchens, baths, and more, as well as design for elders and special needs. Call 410-764-1669 or email ellene@design613.com

Choosing a Contractor

by Stuart Garbis, The Housewright Company

Let's assume you have already made the many decisions that define the scope of your building project. Let's also assume that you have gotten a few cost estimates and can afford it. Now it's time to choose the company that will be sharing your home and interacting with your family for as little as a day to as long as a year.

So how do you start your search? Before you enter into a contract with a home improvement contractor, do your homework.

Ask friends and family. Look in community newspapers and community directories. Call community housing assistance groups like CHAI. Ask a local realtor and read contractors' lawn signs. You can even search the internet.

During your meeting with the contractor/salesman or when you call to set up an appointment, get information about the company. Ask them how many years they have been in business. Usually, the more the better, though not always. It is important to ask if the company and the subcontractors they use have liability insurance and workman's comp (WC). (Note that a one-man operation is not required to carry WC.) If a subcontractor does not have WC, your contractor must; otherwise you could be responsible for paying for medical care for an injured worker.

Some other important things to ask is how the company handles change orders or unexpected extra work. Will they let you provide some materials/fixtures for the job (though don't expect them to guarantee these)? What kind of warranty do they provide?

Request to see examples of their work, and get the names and phone numbers of a few previous clients. Before or after your meeting, call the references and ask these questions about the company: Are they easy to work with and contact? Honest? Clean up well? Show concern for your family's safety? Find out if they were happy with the quality of the work, if they would you use them again.

Remember, remodeling your home is a collaborative effort between you and your contractor. So choose your partner carefully.

Stuart Garbis is owner of The Housewright Company (MHIC #18026), "When Craftsmanship Counts." He has 29 years of experience in all aspects of home remodeling. You can contact him at 410-654-3034.

When You Need Tiles

by Nechuma Fuchs, YN Tile

One of the most daunting tasks when you are remodeling or building a home is choosing tiles for your bathroom, kitchen, and floors. There are so many styles, colors, and designs; where do you start?

Many families in the Baltimore/Washington area have come to YN Tile over the past several years and been pleasantly surprised. Dealing with our helpful and knowledgeable staff makes the choices easy and the process smooth. Whether you are looking for something elegant or trendy, or something more basic, we can help you find the perfect tile for your project. Selection and service like this would normally come with a high price tag. But, because YN Tile has a low overhead, we are able to offer you discount prices on the same high quality tiles and service you would find at high-end stores.

Many customers are amazed at the selection of hundreds of the most beautiful tiles and decorative pieces. And they are truly astonished when find that the ones they fell in love with are still within their price range. We carry ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass tiles, both imported and domestic. Another unique aspect of YN Tile is that we can show you how to dress up a simple tile and get a great bathroom at a great price.

Because we at YN Tile see our customers by appointment only, you are guaranteed to receive truly personal service. Whether you come in knowing exactly what you want or need direction as to where to begin, YN Tile is there to hold your hand and give you as much time as you need. After years of helping customers choose, we have developed a keen sense for what "goes" and what doesn't. From backsplashes to bathrooms, and everything in between, YN Tile can meet your needs. We have a long list of satisfied customers who attest to our great service, selection, and price.

To schedule an appointment, please call Nechuma Fuchs, at 410-484-5055.

Remodeling: Think Long Term

by Aharon Myers, A. Myers Construction

When people renovate their homes or build an addition, they are often responding to immediate pressures: "Where should I put the grandchildren this Pesach?" or, "We need another bathroom in the basement." But because the need is now, the solution often resembles fixing a hole in the wall with a 7-Mile bag and duct tape. The work is done without considering potential long-term repercussions, both in form and function. For example, additions are built that look like afterthoughts, because homeowners are not aware that relatively small details can make even a large addition look like it was part of the original house. Also, additions are commonly built without thinking through how the added space will work best with the rest of the home.

These kinds of problems can be avoided by working closely with a contractor who is sensitive to how families live in their homes. New rooms can be designed from the outset with multiple purposes - sometimes a bedroom, other times a playroom. It is even possible to build in the option of adding utility capabilities, like an extra laundry room, later, should the need arise.

Small changes in the design can ensure that a new space looks and functions the way it is supposed to. An experienced contractor can work with you to make the most of your living space.

Your home is beautiful! Consider an addition or renovation that will add to its beauty and utility in the long run, something that you will be able to look back on in years to come, satisfied that you made the right choice for yourself and your family.

Aharon Myers is a third-generation builder. Enquiries are welcome, at 443-278-4055 or amyersconstruction@verizon.net.

We Do Floors

by Sheldon Stein, Clean Sweep

We have served the community for nearly 30 years, with good, affordable flooring services. Families we have worked for "pass us down" to their children and other relatives. We install new floors and repair old ones, the old-fashioned way. That means getting down on our hands and knees to scrape all the corners and replacing boards that are bad.

We sand and refinish hardwood floors, or put in new hardwood floors, which can be stained with your choice of colors. We also do pre-finished hardwood floors and ceramic floors for the kitchen. We remove carpeting, with its padding and staples, and throw in shoe molding at no charge. We give every customer a gift with each job.

At Clean Sweep, we take pride in educating the consumer, like explaining the different finishes and how long they will last, and which ones will hold up with children, and how to protect a new floor.

Quality service is our goal, and we strive to achieve that with each service we perform and to give people more for their money. We use our own workers, so the customer knows who is coming into his home. Our longevity as a company in this neighborhood speaks for itself. I am humbly grateful for the trust the community has put in me, and I thank my customers for allowing us to be of service. We always try to live up to our motto: "You walk on our reputation."

Call Sheldon Stein at 410-327-2160.

"Everything Old Is New Again"

Giving Your Home a New Look without Spending a Lot of Money

by Rebecca Mark, Remarkable Interiors

At Remarkable Interiors, we specialize in giving any room in our client's home a new look by redesigning the space with their own belongings. At a time when so many of us are being careful about how we spend our hard-earned money, Remarkable Interiors can transform a room by repurposing existing furnishings without having their clients make extensive new purchases.

The secret is that many interior design projects depend more on taste than on cash. Just as a piece of jewelry or scarf completes an outfit - a few well-chosen, well-placed treasures, photographs, or textiles from the client's own collection change the look and feel of a room. Adding a color or pattern, or rearranging furniture and accessories, can perk up a room and make it more functional and comfortable. In just a few hours, your living areas can have a complete makeover.

For over 30 years, Remarkable Interiors has brought satisfaction to clients by refreshing and making better use of their space. And when your space looks and feels different, you feel better, more in harmony with yourself and your home. Instead of a room being a drop-off place for book bags, packages, and projects, it can become a place to spend time, relax, and become re-energized. With Remarkable Interiors, interior design is no longer a luxury for the rich and famous. Rather, it is an economical way of creating a pleasant home for our families.

If your daughter is in shidduchim, or you'd like to move but can't, with the Yamim Tovim behind us, you now have some extra time to focus on your home. This might be the perfect time to contact Remarkable Interiors. For a personal consultation, please call Rebecca Mark anytime, at 443-527-268, or in the evenings, at 410-358-6328.

Should You Be Your Own Contractor?

by Jack Morgan, Apollo Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

Home improvement is a catch phrase that includes many professionals, from architects and designers to tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. While small- to medium-sized projects are most often handled by the homeowner, it may be necessary, with larger projects, to hire a general contractor.

There are savings, of course, in being your own general contractor. You can hire a plumber, electrician, HVAC, and carpenter directly. But ask yourself, can I coordinate this project while continuing my other duties in my family and at work? If not, hire a general contractor, who will take your plans and coordinate all the tradesmen working on it. Ask yourself, also, can I take my ideas and drawings and convey them to others? If not, hire a designer or architect.

If you decide to go ahead, make a list, in writing, of what you want from each contractor, and be sure to include "as per code." Your list should include color, quality, and quantity of all materials required. Be aware, as well, that all types of jobs require permits and inspections.

If you decide to hire a general contractor, talk with neighbors, friends, and family about your project and visit their job sites for ideas and names of contractors. Get two to three estimates, and be sure that their estimates include all the items on your list. Make certain you have provided for financing, and keep a record of what has been paid out, whom you paid, when, how much, and what it was for.

All jobs will have changes, and so require change orders. These should list the date, amount of monies, credit, or cost changes, and a description of the work.

Maryland requires all general contractors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and HVAC companies to be licensed and insured. Make sure yours is, so that you will be protected against, and possibly compensated for, work not completed.

If you have questions, call me and I will help you get answers even if we are not working on your project.

Apollo Plumbing and Heating, Inc., has 25 years of experience in plumbing, heating and AC repairs and replacement, as well as contracting services for small renovations to homes and businesses. Contact Jack Morgan at 410-365-2335.

Now Is the Time

by Joshua Mushell, Denbrook Construction, LLC

People often ask me whether this is a good time to do home improvements. They are referring to the economy. It is no secret that housing prices around the country, as in the Baltimore area, have declined, in some cases precipitously. At the same time, however, the cost of materials has come down a little, and if you plan to borrow money, rates have never been lower. If you want to make your home worth more when the time does come to sell, you need to take real action!

Traditionally, improvements to your bathroom(s) and kitchen will yield the best return. Additions have a lesser return on your investment, unless they provide a true makeover of your home. Finishing your basement to make it part of the home can be a big plus.

"Popping the top," that is, building up, has real value but has additional cost, replacing the entire roof structure and stairwell. It generally requires an architect, engineer, and others to draw up plans. Often you will also have to revamp plumbing, HVAC, and your electrical systems.

The key to any project is to see the finished product in your imagination, and then commit it to paper. Your contractor should help you "flesh out" your dream, but you must communicate it to him. Remember, he can't read your mind! If you hire a decorator, architect, or other professional, make sure that the final product is well defined and that you like it! You would be shocked at how many people don't have a clue about how their project will look and feel, and have to change it after it's already done. "Change orders" after the fact are expensive for everyone and should be avoided.

Finally, be sure that you are getting top quality materials and workmanship. It's your money.

To contact Joshua Mushell, President of Denbrook Construction, please call 410-419-2937.

The Right Floor for the Right Customer

by Avi Gunzburg, HRS Flooring

There are many flooring companies. Some specialize in just one type of flooring. Others are large chains. One advantage of dealing with HRS Flooring is that we sell all types of flooring: carpeting, laminate, hardwood, tile, vinyl tile and sheet, and more. We pride ourselves in matching the right floor to you, the customer, both in terms of how the floor needs to function and your budget.

In addition, we are local, and stand behind all the products we sell and the work we perform. Not all companies can say that and have a track record to prove it. Customers are not aware that manufacturers often do not catch defective material in their quality control procedures. We have been in situations where we have purchased material from a manufacturer and then found that the material was defective. Sometimes, it is not until we get on the job site - and sometimes not until after the material is installed - that we catch the defect. Even if the manufacturer is not willing to stand behind the product they sell, we stand behind it, because we sold it to you. We have replaced entire jobs even when the manufacturer did not step up to the plate. (Obviously, we don't use those manufacturers any more.)

We give great service along with warehouse pricing - for both residential and commercial customers - and we offer financing. Rest assured that, when purchasing from HRS Flooring, you are purchasing great flooring, along with peace of mind.

To contact Avi Gunzburg, please call 410-963-2167.

Your Roof

by Israel Elgamil, Park Heights Roofing

We don't often think about our roof, though it protects us and everything in our homes. And when a roof problem becomes obvious, most homeowners are at a loss. Roofing contractors may give them very different advice about what to do, along with estimates that vary by as much as $1,000.

Park Heights Roofing was started nine years ago to renew confidence within the community about roofing companies, which have a reputation for shoddy workmanship, dishonesty, and poor customer service. When investing thousands of dollars into your home, you want to be sure the job is done right the first time.

Not all roofs are created equal, and the details are very important. What we do differently when replacing a roof is that we replace all vents and flashings. We also check for problematic areas and create our own flashings to prevent future problems. In addition, we replace any wood under the shingles that may have rotted, thus preventing mold problems. Although re-roofing - putting on a new roof without tearing off the old one - is cheaper and accepted by the manufacturer, we generally don't recommend this option because of the continuous price increases in roofing materials, and because of problems, like rotted wood, that may be missed.

We also do troubleshooting and repair. For instance, most shingle roofs last the life of the materials rating but still need periodic maintenance, such as sealing chimney flashings or vent pipes. We install gutters and downspouts and improve energy efficiency through new ventilation and new roof installations. One free service is a roof inspection before a home purchase to new homebuyers. Although home inspectors have a general idea of house issues, a roofing company is specialized in determining the life expectancy and hidden problems of roofs. Without a professional opinion, hidden roof problems can become a very costly nightmare.

Our hard working team of experts can complete most roof jobs in one day. We are committed to staying local, allowing us to respond quickly to calls. By saving on the gas and time required for trips out of our market area, we keep our overhead low and pass on the savings to you. Helping people solve their roofing problems effectively has earned our solid reputation.

You can reach Israel Elgamil 410-358-1257

Getting Value from for your Remodeling Project

by Chris Gotsch, C.W. Gotsch Home Improvements, Inc.

While the housing market may be experiencing a temporary downturn, C.W. Gotsch Home Improvements, Inc., continues to hold steady, simply because many home owners have decided to stay in their current homes, opting to upgrade rather than move. With the country's aging housing stock, many homes are facing some necessary remodeling. Whether they have an older home or a new one, homeowners are adding, expanding, reconfiguring, and remodeling their homes more than ever.

Large remodeling projects, from complete kitchen remodeling to the addition of several rooms, make up a major part of the home improvement dollar invested by homeowners. There are certain remodeling projects that will provide a greater return on investment than others. Kitchen remodels and bedroom and bath improvements will bring the most profit for investment if you ever sell your home. Choosing the right remodeling contractor is important, and C.W. Gotsch Home Improvements, Inc., will be able to help you with the jobs you should do to maximize the value of your home.

If you're planning on undertaking a remodeling project, it's important to have a plan and determine your budget to see if your plan is financially feasible. You will have to determine if you'll need a loan to finance your project, as well as what type of loan. When it comes time to finance your remodeling project, there are several ways to find the money you will need. You always want to shop for remodeling loans with the lowest interest rates. Make certain your payments are tax deductible, and most importantly, don't put yourself in the situation of over-borrowing and possibly losing your home.

It's also important to talk to your remodeling professional to make sure you can get the appropriate permits before you commit to any project. A remodeling project doesn't have to be overwhelming. If you do a little investigation beforehand and go over all your concerns with your remodeling contractor, you can have a completely successful remodeling project.

For more information, call Chris at 443-763-5498 or see his website, www.reisterstownremodeling.com

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Article List - November 2009