Renew • Colorado's Remodeling Magazine

a quick peek at items of interest to help us renew

Denver Home Remodeling Show set
The Denver Home Remodeling Show will be Friday-Sunday, March 13-15, at the Denver Merchandise Mart. The three-day show features a bevy of remodeling experts, displays and presentations. Renew, Colorado’s Remodeling Magazine will be the Media Sponsor of this year’s show. The Merchandise Mart is at I-25 and 58th Ave.

Save energy and money
Homeowners who choose to remodel with an eye toward “green” can lower their energy consumption by up to 50 percent, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “The U.S. Department of Energy believes if current buildings were green-improved, they would use $20 billion less energy per year,” NARI reports. “The reason is that green remodeling emphasizes energy efficiency within the home, using modifications such as energy-efficient appliances, programmable thermostats and airtight, low-emissivity windows.” From dimmable light switches and low-flow faucets to solar panels and pellet-burning stoves, NARI believes that energy can be saved in a variety of ways. “Manufacturers are working with remodelers to bring consumers the products and materials they need to make homes safe, comfortable, and attractive. That is, after all, the purpose of any remodel.” For more information, visit www.nari.org.

Energy awareness lacking, survey shows
Denver-based Johns Manville reports residents are definitely interested in reducing their home heating bills, but are much less interested in bolstering their resale value.

A Johns Manville survey showed that 63.6 percent of respondents said reducing their heating and cooling costs is the most important reason for making energy efficiency upgrades. Less important to respondents was helping reduce their home’s contribution to global climate change (18.8 percent), increasing comfort  (10.6 percent) or bolstering their home’s resale value (5.2 percent). The firm also reports that 56 percent of survey respondents plan to make an energy-efficient home upgrade this winter.

Most homeowners underestimate how much they can save on utility bills by winterizing their homes. Nearly 75 percent of survey respondents said that adding insulation and air-sealing their attic will save them 10 percent or less on their monthly utility bill. However, adding insulation and air-sealing the attic can save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. “When asked about U.S. energy consumption, 25.7 percent of respondents said road transportation ranks as the largest U.S. consumer of energy; only 18.4 percent responded correctly that residential buildings are the single largest U.S. energy consumer,” according to Johns Manville.

Back-up power supplies
Pole-snapping winds and tree branch-splitting snow storms are two reasons people end up without power along the Front Range. Cummins Onan sends word that their residential standby generators can be incorporated into a new home or retrofitted for an existing residence. “An ever unpredictable economic and environmental world demands a back up supply of power to ensure the at-home protection and comfort your family deserves,” the firm reports. Call 303-927-2278.

Water and fertilize at the same time
Life might be easier if a lawn sprinkler system was also able to fertilize the grass. Consider it done. “This technique of applying products through the water is called “fertigation” and it saves on water while significantly reducing the risk of fertilizer runoff,” reports The Lawn Boy in Denver. The system can be applied to any residential irrigation setup. Call 303-451-7686 or visit www.thelawnboyonline.com

Fine cellars from fine wine
Savanté Wine Cellars suggests that you “age your wine in the wood it was born.” More specifically, the company uses recycled wine casks as one of its materials to build beautiful cellars. “We utilize recycled materials, certified sources of renewable hardwoods and formaldehyde-free sheet goods. And we have eliminated chemical finishes from our cellars,” according to the firm’s Web site. They also do other fine woodworking projects for the home. Call 303-725-5131 or visit www.savantewinecellars.com.

Enjoy the deck rain or shine
Why have two decks if only one can be used when it rains or snows? The Colorado Deck Drain Experts install systems that channel the water away so the deck is available when you are. Two options and a variety of colors are available to match most homes. Call 303-463-8880 or visit www.deckdrainexperts.com.

Fires for all
Homeowners with cramped spaces and lack of chimneys were unable to enjoy a fire on a cold Colorado evening in the past. But new designs from Eco-Flame Colorado allow just about anyone to enjoy a cozy fire. With the use of denatured alcohol, the fires don’t require a flue or other connections. Call 303-990-2295 or visit www.ecoflameco.com.

Colorado interior designers do not have to be accredited
The state of Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform recently reviewed the accreditation process of interior designers. The Colorado Coalition of Interior Designers was seeking a law that would require licensing, but a report from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies showed there was not a strong enough case to uphold the request. The interior designers group argued that a statewide standard and a more formal process would add credibility to the profession, adding that the accreditation is needed for fire-safety reasons, such as space planning. They called for a process that would require interior designers to have combined education and experience of six years and complete the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination.

Benjamin Moore offers zero-VOC interior paint
Benjamin Moore is making it easier to go green by creating Natura, a zero-VOC premium performance interior paint that is available in nearly all of Benjamin Moore’s 3,500 colors. “Being green has never been so colorful,” says Carl Minchew, Benjamin Moore director of color technology. “Natura is built upon Benjamin Moore’s patented waterborne colorant system, and it’s the waterborne technology that makes the difference. So, no matter what color you choose, it will never add to the VOC level.” Call 720-858-8212, or visit www.benjaminmoore.com.

Posted on 07 March 2009

FLASHY Meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s new guidelines for water-efficient products is simply a bonus when it comes to this luxurious ShowHouse by Moen faucet, which is part of the Fina bath collection. www.thinkdreamhomes.com or 303-417-6399.

A BRIGHT IDEA Decorative, elegant and useful, SprinkLites give any walkway, centerpiece or garden new character. These color changing indoor and outdoor lights act as sprinklers and come in shapes such as dragonflies, butterflies and hummingbirds. SprinkLites can be mounted to trees, poles or umbrellas to create a light show, or can be used as misters during hot summer months. www.sprinklites.com.
STANDING TALL Whether it’s style, sound or convenience, the new MartinLogan CLX Loudspeaker will blow you away. The full-range electrostatic loudspeaker was honored by HiFi+ magazine with a 2008 Product of the year Legacy award. www.mysightsandsounds.com or 303-694-1094.
GLOBAL VISION Through a partnership with The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, these hand-crafted globes have been adapted from Wright’s concepts and drawings. As a bonus, a portion of the sales will support the conservation and education programs of the Foundation. www.howardlorton.com or 303-831-1212.
SHORT GAME Tour Links allows you to create customized golf greens of any size that replicate the contours of any golf course. The synthetic turf putting surfaces are excellent for honing skills at home. www.progreen.com or 888-440-7888.
ENTRY INTEREST The Simpson Doors Craftsmen Collection offers the classic look that will bring new life to one of the home’s most important features. A variety of designs are available. www.centraltrim.com or 303-789-1577.

Posted on 07 March 2009

As more people make the decision to stay in their homes rather than trying to jump into the ailing new housing market, exterior improvements are rising to the top for consideration. And if the decision is made to stay in one’s home for more than five years, the siding should be updated, and insulation should be added.

Such was the case of the home near Franktown shown in this Before and After feature.

The old pine siding on the home had been weather damaged and pocked by woodpeckers, making the home look dated, said Tom Higgins of Superior Products. In addition, the decking and rail system was in bad shape, creating safety concerns for the homeowners.

Superior Products replaced the siding with textured fiber cement over insulation, Higgins said. The company also custom matched paint to the roof, stone work and landscape. The decking was repaired in order to meet local codes and it was improved with composite decking materials.

The siding project not only brings more curb appeal to the property, but it also helps seal the house against the winter winds and low temperatures that will soon visit the Front Range. “This is the time to add insulation,” Higgins points out, adding that 90 percent of his customers add insulation when they upgrade to fiber cement siding. With heating bills reaching all-time highs, insulation is a must for every home.

Higgins said that Remodeling Magazine listed new siding as the number one return on investment when remodeling a home. “It’s tied to property valuation,” he said. Many homebuyers also list the siding or exterior walls as one of the most important items when they are shopping because it helps create curb appeal. Whether we like it or not, it’s human nature to judge a book by its cover.

Every exterior project has a few dos and don’ts, Higgins said. For example, he suggests never skimping when it comes to paint and caulking. Like caulking, quality paint (he uses Sherwin-Williams) will be pliable. Because all Colorado residences experience freeze/thaw, extreme temperature fluctuations and intense ultraviolet rays, flexibility is important. “If you have good paint and bad caulk, one will move and the other won’t,” Higgins said.

Another suggestion is to choose the appropriate siding for your home and neighborhood. As a rough barometer, Higgins said homes at a lower price point often look fine with vinyl siding, whereas pricier homes look better with cement fiber.

Finally, make sure to hire a contractor who is sensitive to the needs of the family and pets during a project, as well as the property, which should be kept orderly throughout construction. Also, make certain the contractor understands how important it is that homeowners have choices when it comes to exterior repairs. From soffets and paints to the insulation and decorative final touches, everyone needs choices.

Posted on 11 November 2008

Stop by and say hi to the Renew staff during the Denver Home Remodeling Show March 13-15 at the Denver Merchandise Mart.  We’ll be passing out magazines at our booth, and we hope to see you there!

Posted on 04 November 2008

Women Build Expo set for Oct. 26
The first ever Women Build Expo will be from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Colorado Convention Center. The show will promote and “increase awareness of locally owned, women-friendly home improvement businesses.” General contractors, interior designers, educator and artisans will be among the exhibitors. The money raised at the event will go to the Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Women Build home.”

Home Decorating and Remodeling Show
on tap Oct. 17-19
The Home Decorating and Remodeling Show will be Oct. 17-19 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The 28th annual show will feature more than 800 booths for consumers to explore.

COTY Awards scheduled for Nov. 7
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry will host the 2008 Contractor of the Year Awards Nov. 7. Awards are given to contractors who demonstrate superior work on projects along the Front Range. Some of the projects will be featured in upcoming issue of Renew, Colorado’s Remodeling Magazine.

Remodeling association, NKBA oppose design regulations
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry joined the National Kitchen & Bath Association and other national organizations in opposing design regulations that have been proposed by “a small, but influential group of interior designers who are lobbying state legislatures across the United States for legislation that would regulate who may provide interior design services to the public and would prohibit the large majority of designers from practicing their profession,” NARI reports. A spokesman for the kitchen and bath group said, “There is a concerted effort on the part of a select few designers who insist that everyone seeking to practice interior design attend their approved schools, pass their approved exam, and apprentice under them, all without any demonstration that the current practice of interior design by those who don’t meet these self-imposed standards is in any way a cause for concern. Such unnecessary and anti-competitive legislation will limit consumer choice in retaining the services of a professional designer, while increasing the costs of design services beyond the reach of the ordinary consumer.”

Dream Home Designs launches new Web site
Dream Home Designs in Denver recently launched a new Web site: www.thinkdreamhomes.com. “The Web site has such features as a virtual video tour and photos to give the user a sense of what they will see when they visit the showroom along with great tools like product care and maintenance,” said Thomas Perito of Dream Home Designs. The company caters to homeowners planning to remodel who want “an alternative to the big box stores or the exclusive out-of-reach showrooms.” For more information, call 303-210-2229.

Hunter Douglas ranked among top manufacturers
Hunter Douglas, a leading manufacturer and marketer of custom window fashions, was ranked number 13 in the list of “Top 50 Manufacturers of Home Products” by Home Furnishing News. The trade publication bases the list on annual revenue. Despite tough economic times, Hunter Douglas continued to grow through acquisitions. “Providing the American consumer with innovative products of enduring quality and design, supported by top-notch service, is our goal day in and day out; this commitment prevails, regardless of the economic conditions,” said Marv Hopkins, Hunter Douglas President and CEO.

Air quality among homeowners’ concerns
A survey released by Johns Manville shows many Americans believe air inside their homes is cleaner than outdoor air. However, the Environmental Protection Agency reports air inside homes can be more polluted than outdoor air. Polluted indoor air can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, along with headaches. The survey found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. homeowners are concerned about indoor air quality.

Among the findings:
• 65.7 percent of U.S. homeowners are “concerned” or “very concerned” about indoor air quality.
• The most common homeowner strategies for improving indoor air quality, according to the survey, included purchasing an air purifier (23.7 percent); cleaning heating/cooling duct systems (23.6 percent); and making ventilation improvements (15.8 percent)
• More than a third of respondents who are employed outside the home said the air in the workplace was either “dirty” or “very dirty”
• More than 40 percent said no steps have been taken to improve indoor air quality where they work

The online survey of 1,001 U.S. homeowners was conducted on behalf of Johns Manville, the global building products manufacturer. The survey had a sampling error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points and was conducted July 21-23, 2008.

Brekhus Tile & Stone names new president
Brekhus Tile & Stone in Denver named Steve DeThomas as its new president. DeThomas assumed the daily operational responsibilities of the company from owner Jeffery J. Brekhus. “Steve is a real pro,” Brekhus said. “His addition is going to allow me to concentrate on what I do best and what our customers expect – delivering great work that is done on time.” For more information, call 303-494-9255.

Colorado Creations to open showroom
After 20 years in the deck building and basement finishing business, Colorado Creations plans to add a showroom for consumers. It will be modeled after an outdoor great room they design and build, the firm reports. A water feature, fireplace, full kitchen and grill will be included. An open-timber ceiling, lighting and EverGrain deck will round out the showroom, which is scheduled to open in March 2009. For more information, call 303-681-9070.

Paint it green
New Era Paint in Edgewater sells low-odor, non-toxic paint with no volatile organic compounds. “We offer paints that are Green Seal certified,” explains Laurie Hessemer, owner of New Era Paint. “Only 12 manufacturers to date have received this certification. We stock three brands that have no toxic ingredients—no known carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins. And, unlike traditional paint companies, we tint with zero VOC, APE-free pigments.” Products include interior and exterior paint and primers, along with cabinet and trim paints, lacquers, glaze and sealers. For more information, call 303-237-6337.

Professionals address lead in homes
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry sends word that homes built prior to 1978 might contain lead contaminants. “To protect against this risk, the U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency has issued a rule requiring the use of more stringent lead-safe practices aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the new rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination,” NARI reports. “Remodelers will get certified by the EPA by participating and passing a concentrated eight-hour training course about the dangers of lead paint, how to set up work areas that will not expose residents, minimize dust and leave the work area clean.”

Local student honored by NKBA
Mary Jo Hren, a student at Arapahoe Community College, was among the winners of the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Outstanding Student Achievement Award. The award recognizes the top kitchen and bath design students at educational institutions recognized by the NKBA.

Radon gas concerns addressed
Concerns about radon found in granite countertops have the industry scrambling to inform consumers that products are safe. Although radon is sometimes found in granite, it’s also found in the soil along the Front Range and in other housing materials. To learn more about the issue, visit the following Web sites: www.marble-institute.com, www.nkba.org/consumers, or www.epa.gov.

Builders move to Castle Pines North
B&D Professional Builders, residential general contractors, recently relocated its office from downtown Castle Rock to 7437 Village Square Lane in Castle Pines North. The two-year-old company is owned by Eric Dille, president, and Greg Bickelhaupt, vice president of construction. “We have many projects underway in the Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch areas so this is a convenient, central location for our headquarters,” Dille said. “We also had the honor of receiving the first building permit issued by the new City of Castle Pines North Interim Building Permitting and Inspection Services Department, which is located next door to our business.” B&D Professional Builders focuses on residential remodeling design and building, commercial tenant finishing, and high-end custom home construction. For more information, call 303-688-5556.

Windows meet the standards
Accent Windows, Inc., a leading Colorado-based window manufacturer, announced that its top of the line Heat Mirror insulating glass windows already meet and exceed newly proposed U.S. Department of Energy Energy Star window performance standards to become effective in 2013. The DOE is raising the energy conservation performance standards of windows entitled to obtain the coveted Energy Star designation. Increased window performance standards will be launched in two phases, with the first phase targeted for an effective date in late 2009. The DOE proposes to launch the second phase with more demanding requirements in 2013, Accent Window reports. “While many manufacturers will need to re-engineer their products to meet the new standards, Accent’s energy efficient Heat Mirror windows not only meet, but already exceed, the proposed 2013 requirements,” said Terry Marcovich, president of Accent. The windows consist of
low emissivity and solar reflective film mounted inside an insulating glass unit in a variety of configurations (one or two coated films, clear or Low-E glass) that provide a range of energy conservation performance from R-4 to R-9.1, Accent reports.

Posted on 01 November 2008

From The Editor

One expects to hire an architect with impressive credentials and advanced degrees, but what about the average contractor? Why shouldn’t he or she be able to demonstrate that extra effort has been invested to keep up to speed in the competitive home improvement industry? Before jumping into a project, look behind the scenes for quality companies with employees who are trained and ready to handle the inevitable surprises that accompany most major remodeling jobs.

There are a variety of home improvement circumstances in which true expertise is required. As Denver’s maturing neighborhoods see the next wave of homeowners interested in improving their dwellings, it’s important to have a professional evaluate everything from paint and plumbing to electricity and gas lines.

Trade associations, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodelors Council, have membership requirements. Both have local chapters. NARI reports that its membership must follow a strict code of ethics. NARI also offers certifications, such as the Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS) or Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) or Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR).

The NAHB Remodelors Council offers designations such as the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR), Certified Bath Designer (CBD), or Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD). NAHB’s latest designation acknowledges the “green” push. Certified Green Professionals are required to take a 16-hour Green Building for Building Professionals class, eight hours of business management instruction and have a minimum of two years of industry experience. Builders, remodelers, real estate agents, designers, marketers and others are eligible to get certified.

Several other organizations are important to the industry, including the American Society of Interior Designers, the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the American Institute of Architects and the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado. All of them expect members to meet requirements and remain in good standing.

I’m not here to tell you that non-certified remodelers should be tossed out like scraps of leftover lumber. However, most home improvement veterans realize the value in education and training. And, it gives them bragging rights when it comes to marketing and advertising their companies.

Let’s be honest, the average homeowner knows very little about transforming a dusty, dry-walled basement into an all-purpose room where kids and adults can cut loose on a Saturday night. Place those types of remodeling endeavors squarely in the hands of the professionals who thrive on making our homes more beautiful than the day they were built.

Joe Ross
Associate Publisher, Editor
joe@pub-house.com

Posted on 01 November 2008

Party guests congregate here. You read your mail at the table. Your kids do their homework at the counter. Yet with all of the activities that take place in your kitchen, you still have to manage one other duty: cooking your meals. This task requires more than just a comfortable room with good lighting and open space; it demands tools. Investing in quality appliances, from your range and refrigerator down to the toaster, helps ensure that your family will have good food, as well as a place to hang out.

We’ll start with the stove: even though the basic technology remains the same, ranges and ovens have come a long way in the past few decades. Gas burners are still the favorite, though refinements in glass top coils make electric elements a competitive choice, particularly for budget-conscious remodelers. Art Fast, owner of Kitchen Masters in Lakewood, notes a third option. “We’ve seen a resurgence in magnetic induction (which heats the pot directly instead of the stove surface). It’s becoming more popular for families with small children, since the stove surface cools off almost immediately after the pan is removed.” Bosch introduced a pair of induction cooktops last year, noting the inherent efficiency of a heating system that does not waste energy heating the surrounding air.

For many homeowners, however, gas is still the only way to go. “Performance and versatility are the keys to a good stove,” says Fast. “Look for high BTUs, but also the ability to simmer at very low heat.” High-end units by companies such as Dacor, Viking, Sub-Zero and Wolf address versatility in a number of ways, including pairing a classic gas range with electric convection ovens.

Another combination cooking tool growing in popularity is the speed oven. This small appliance uses a three-pronged approach to heating food by adding convection (forced air) heat and a halogen heat lamp to a standard microwave. Explains Fast, “It’s smaller than your normal oven, and not designed to be the only one in your kitchen, but since it’s incredibly fast and capable of browning, we’re seeing more and more of them installed as a secondary oven.”

Stoves aren’t the only appliances doing double-duty. The latest refrigeration technology uses two cooling systems: one for the fridge and one for the freezer. Most refrigerators regulate food temperatures by blowing air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment. The problem with this design is that air from the freezer is dry. That is great for preventing freezer ice build-up, but not so great for preserving moisture-hungry, perishable foods. Enter the newest fridge from Sub-Zero. Separate cooling units allow the freezer to stay dry while circulating longevity-increasing moist air throughout the fridge. This extends the shelf life of your leftovers by weeks, not days. The company estimates that over the course of 15 years, the food savings alone should pay for the purchase price.

Speaking of price, if one is spending four figures on what is essentially a big metal box, the question arises of whether to showcase or hide that item, be it a fridge, range or dishwasher. Some homeowners prefer unobtrusive functionality while others choose to use the appliances themselves as stylistic elements. The stainless steel exteriors that have grown so popular evoke the practical efficiency (and hopefully the high-quality food!) of a commercial kitchen. The look is now so ubiquitous that it can really be considered neutral: feel free to blend stainless steel into nearly any kitchen design, traditional or modern. Fast suggests looking for models that feature a fingerprint-resistant clear coat finish. It’s a nod to convenience that will slow the daily smudge build-up.

Paneled or “hidden” appliances offer convenience as well as an attractive appearance. “We’re seeing more and more easy-access dishwashers and under-cabinet fridge drawers,” says Fast. “Particularly as people get older, they don’t want to bend down to put away dishes or stretch to reach the far corners of a large refrigerator.” The solution? Cabinet-style installations for dishwashers can raise the unit a foot or more off the floor. The extra height means less stress on your back, and also less likelihood of toddlers or pooches getting noses in the way. Under-the-counter refrigerator drawers are another way to add easily reachable storage to your kitchen while saving some space. Viking’s pair of drawers adds 5.8 cubic feet of extra room placed under 24” of under-counter space.

In order to save room on top of the counter as well, consider a multi-tasking kitchen machine to handle mixing, blending, juicing and even meat grinding. Bosch’s Universal Plus Kitchen Machine combines all of those functions into a compact yet powerful mixer. With fewer appliances cluttering your countertops, the ones that remain will be easier to use and easier to see. Use this opportunity to add a splash of color to your kitchen. Toasters in particular are designed with an eye toward fashion as much as function. Siemens, Krups, Bosch and Dualit all offer products that promise to please the eye as well as the palate.

Ultimately though, the balance between form and function, performance and appearance, is one for each homeowner to approach on his or her own. Just don’t forget that whatever else goes on in your kitchen, it is ultimately built to cook.

Posted on 01 June 2008

Stacey Davis owns Stace’s Spaces, Real Estate Staging & Interior Redesign in Centennial.
303-842-1723
www.StacesSpaces.com

Q. What is home staging?

A. Home staging is using limited funds, practical creativity and extraordinary expertise to professionally prepare a home to sell. A staged home becomes clearly more attractive to potential buyers and sells quickly for more money. Staging is a small investment resulting in greater home sale earnings. Staging can be as simple as a one- or two-hour consultation, after which a detailed do-it-yourself report can be provided. Another option is a half-day of hands-on staging working with what the homeowner already has. It can be as in depth as an entire home makeover or completely furnishing and accessorizing a vacant home for the duration of the listing. Stagers can make recommendations based on a client’s budget. A professional stager can recommend the best service for the home and the client.

Q. When should I stage my home?

A. Ideally, before it goes on the market. Staging a home prior to listing will assure that your photos look great and are going to draw in potential buyers. Statistics show that over 80 percent of potential buyers shop online first. Having great photos of the interior and exterior of the home will attract more interested buyers. Every day that a home is on the market without being staged reduces the chance of achieving the sales goal. If your home was not staged prior to listing, it is time to get it staged. Don’t let another potential buyer walk away.

Q. Can I stage my own home? Should I have a friend help?

A. A home is typically a large investment, potentially gaining thousands of dollars if sold for the highest possible price. A professional home stager is there to be impartial and to help make you the most profit possible in the shortest amount of time. Experts in the industry will have the resources and experience to obtain discounts to stage your home for the least possible cost. Staging a home to sell is way beyond cleaning and de-cluttering. In the least, have a professional come in and give you an unbiased report that you can work from.

Q. Is home staging expensive?

A. No, especially when compared to having to reduce your price, or having your home go unsold for a long period of time. An article published February 2007 by Realtor Magazine Online reported that staged homes sell 50 percent faster than non-staged homes. In the same article, it stated professionally staged homes sell on average for 7 percent more than non-staged properties. Staging a home to sell could mean simply rearranging the furniture to create a better traffic flow or repainting. Professional home stagers will recommend the most cost effective improvements needed to make a home stand out above the competition. A complete staging consultation can be done for as little as $150.

Q. Do I need to buy all new furniture to stage a vacant home?

A. No. Professional stagers will have the resources to completely furnish a vacant home for the time it is on the market. Bringing in artwork, greenery, modern furniture, and accessories will help show buyers what living in that home could be like. Staging can be done for one room or the entire house. An experienced stager will give you their recommendation on what rooms need to be staged to help sell the home. A stager will emphasize the positive characteristics of the home while detracting from the negative features. But an ethical stager will never hide defects!

Q. Does every home need to be staged?

A. Yes. Staging is a marketing tool used to present the home. With so many choices for a buyer in today’s market, a home needs to stand out above the competition and entice buyers. This will help assure you the best price possible in the shortest amount of time.

Q. How do I choose a home stager?

A. Choose a professional, someone with experience in the field. Look at their website, portfolio, and testimonials. Typically, professionals will have personal statistics showing they are result oriented with a reputation to protect. Stagers should have the proper business insurance to cover the home, and merchandise in it. As with most industries you get what you pay for. Don’t go with the cheapest stager in town, chances are they are lacking in experience, but you don’t need the most expensive either. And above all, ask questions.

Posted on 01 June 2008

What happens when a homeowner with a sense of adventure meshes with a remodeling firm that regularly turns adventure into reality?

You get a flashy, fun and functional basement.

Finished Basement Company proved once again that it has the expertise to win over the hearts of homeowners as well as judges who choose award-winning projects in the Denver area. Finished Basement Company owner Patrick Condon said a Centennial homeowner’s somewhat unusual request for a safari-themed basement led everyone on a bit of an adventure. “It was a fun project,” Condon notes. “And the clients were wonderful. They were a lot of fun.”
Read the full story

Posted on 14 May 2008

What happens when a homeowner with a sense of adventure meshes with a remodeling firm that regularly turns adventure into reality?

You get a flashy, fun and functional basement.

Finished Basement Company proved once again that it has the expertise to win over the hearts of homeowners as well as judges who choose award-winning projects in the Denver area. Finished Basement Company owner Patrick Condon said a Centennial homeowner’s somewhat unusual request for a safari-themed basement led everyone on a bit of an adventure. “It was a fun project,” Condon notes. “And the clients were wonderful. They were a lot of fun.”
Read the full story

Posted on 14 May 2008