Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Planning a Basement Renovation


Now is the time to start planning your basement project so we can get started right after the holidays!

Have you been looking for space to put an exercise room, entertainment center playroom or office? Go underground! If your home has an unfinished basement, remodeling might be a great way to transform this commonly under-used space.

When considering a basement remodel, we always start by making a floor plan. We find out how you want to use the space, and what your specific wants and needs are. We’ll be sure to take note of:

* Access to basement from upstairs and outside.
* Location of existing plumbing if you want an additional bathroom
* Location of vertical support columns
* Location of windows and doors
* Floor/ceiling/wall materials.
* Amount of water the area gets.

Given their constant contact with the earth, basements are vulnerable to dampness, which makes basement remodeling a bit more complex than first meets the eye. Almar will help you take appropriate measures to ensure a room free from moisture.

Most basements in older New England homes have low ceilings and few windows. There are many creative ways to make your basement light and airy. Talk to us about the variety of wall and ceiling lighting options available. We’ll make sure to provide appropriate electrical lines and outlets.

Here are some tickets of the trade for making your underground space first class.

* Stay away from dark wood paneling and instead consider drywall painted in light tones to make the room brighter. Semi-gloss paint will gently reflect even more light into the room.

* Open up the visual space. Double doors – even glass double interior doors – take away the typical cubicle look. Or, how about a rounded archway or pass-through area from one room to another?

* Check to see if exiting windows can be enlarged. Or, consider installing a small boxed window for a mini-garden to grow herbs or start plant seedlings. In some case we may even be able to cut a new window into the existing foundation wall.

* Built-in books cases and entertainment units add richness and depth to a room. Light them with interior lights or from the top to cast a light downwards.

*Disguise vertical support beams and horizontal ceiling pipes for floor joists by boxing them in. Or, you might decide to actually use pipes and beams as interesting accents by painting them with bold colors or subtle earth tomes.

* Other things you might want to consider to make you new room more enjoyable could be: a custom bar, Home Theatre, sauna, wine cellar, or even a fireplace.

An unfinished basement is much like a diamond in the rough – unexplored splendor awaiting your discovery.

As the Coronella’s said after their basement renovation “Thank you for the beautiful job you’ve done finishing our basement! We are enjoying it so much! Your employees were so informative and professional. All of your suggestions always worked into our budget. Also, Allison was always there to answer our questions. We will be very quick to recommend your company! Thanks again for a job well done!”

Located on Rt. 53 in Hanover. We have been serving the South Shore since 1959 and is still a family owned and operated business. Want more information on how to adapt your home? Give Almar a call at 781-826-2577. http://www.almarbuilding.com/

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Terry Earns VSI Certificate

Terry Quinn of Almar Building and Remodeling Company of Hanover, has received third-party verification of his vinyl siding installation skills and knowledge and was named a Certified Installer through a program sponsored by the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI).

Through the VSI Certified Installer Program, a national quality certification program for vinyl siding installers, Mr. Quinn has completed a rigorous course of study and examination on the proper installation techniques for vinyl siding, soffit and accessories, as verified by an independent certification firm, Architectural Testing, Inc., and based on ASTM D4756.

“The VSI Certified Installer Program was created to recognize top quality vinyl siding installers,” said VSI President Jerry Y. Huntley. “By passing our course and test, Terry Quinn has demonstrated the knowledge and skills to install quality, durable vinyl siding.”

The Vinyl Siding Institute, Inc., is located at the National Housing Center in Washington, D.C., and represents manufacturers of vinyl siding and suppliers to the vinyl siding industry. For more information about the VSI Certified Installer Program or the proper techniques for installing vinyl siding, visit www.vinylsiding.org. Interested vinyl siding installers can also contact VSI directly at certifiedinstaller@vinylsiding.org or by calling VSI’s toll-free, recorded hotline: 1-888-367-8741.

VSI recognizes an individual as a Certified Installer if he or she has at least one year of experience and passes a course and examination on correct installation techniques. Installers with more than three years of experience may qualify to take the test without the course. Certified Installers receive an identification badge and are listed on VSI’s Web site, www.vinylsiding.org.

Terry Quinn also holds a Construction Supervisors License, as well as his Certified Graduate Remodeler Designation from the Home Builders Association.

Almar Building & Remodeling is a full service Remodeling Company which has been serving the South Shore since 1959. Almar delivers not only a guarantee and warranty with all of work, but also promises quality work to homeowners.

For more information please call 781-826-2577 or email Almar@AlmarBuilding.com Visit the Almar website at www.AlmarBuilding.com