We've been getting some great notes from clients this month, so I wanted to share them:
Look at this post a client posted to Almar's facebook page "Michelle Roden Conway: Mark from Almar just installed 24 Harvey Windows at our house. Couldn't have been a better experience. Imagine a contractor who shows up on time every day, works hard, cleans up beautifully, takes time to pet t...he dog and keeps the homeowner informed of progress. Finished on time and on budget. Heaven!!"
G.W.M. "In the past, they had done smaller jobs for us ... replacing rotting trim, ordering/installing storm doors, reshingling the side of our beach house ... and it's always met with friendliness and great service. I am so thrilled, so just had t...o 'tell the world'!!"
This was a great email to get: "First of all, I have to say that we are SOOO pleased with ‘Marion’s Place’! Really, the whole process has been so smooth, and we want to thank you so much for that. You guys have been an absolute pleasure to work with!..."
I checked in with a client whose project is in progress today and here is what she had to say "Everything is going great. Mark is wonderful - but you probably already know that! He is so unobtrusive, cleans up nicely at the day, shows up on time, sets realistic goals for each day, is pleasant and puts up with our goo...fy dog! Everything one wants in a contractor." Now that makes me feel really good!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
How to Create the Perfect in Law Space
It seems like more and more of us are starting to take on watching out for our aging parents. Although, we have seen this in the past, it is starting to be come much more of a common discussion among our clients and in my networking groups.
Here at Almar we are just finishing an in-law addition project in Scituate, and talking to a couple of other potential clients about how we can help them with their project. So I thought this might be a great time to look back at this project and list out some tips and suggestions on what to consider when you are trying to decide if home is the right place for you or your parents, or if moving in with your adult children is a better fit.
When designing a safe and healthy space for yourself or aging parents you should always consult with a Remodeler who has earned the National Home Builders Association designation of Certified in Aging in Place Specialist. These contractors have achieved this recognition within the industry through coursework that teaches about design and accessibility for the aging adult. They are best suited to make you home, safe, functional and attractive.
Right now we (Almar) are in the process of doing the final punch-list on an in-law addition in Scituate that we started in the fall when it became apparent to the homeowners that it was probably time to make a change with mom’s living situation.
Mom is in her early 80’s, still drives, and is active, and living in the house where she raised her kids. Some of those kids still live on the South Shore and others are in different parts of the country. The kids on the South Shore have been driving back and forth to the Cape several times a week to check on mom, help her with the house, shopping, etc... Mom doesn’t need a nursing home and she doesn’t want to be in assisted living but it’s getting a little harder for her to be on her own, especially in the winter.
The solution...Mom will sell her house and Almar Building and Remodeling will design and build an in-law addition on her son/daughters home so that Mom and still be on her own but have people around all the time incase she needs something.
Here’s where the fun part started. We met with Mom and kids and talked about the basic size, structure and budget. We talked about what she likes and doesn’t like about her existing home. What her lifestyle is like now, and what she would like it to be after the move. What items does she defiantly want to bring with her from the old house. What medical or physical restrictions does she have now, and do we foresee in the future.
Then we designed the base addition and customized it based on the budget and lifestyle requirements, all while keeping the design matching the integrity of the existing house.
Here are just a few items for you to consider that we always suggest when creating a separate in-law space:
1. Functional kitchen space.
Here at Almar we are just finishing an in-law addition project in Scituate, and talking to a couple of other potential clients about how we can help them with their project. So I thought this might be a great time to look back at this project and list out some tips and suggestions on what to consider when you are trying to decide if home is the right place for you or your parents, or if moving in with your adult children is a better fit.
When designing a safe and healthy space for yourself or aging parents you should always consult with a Remodeler who has earned the National Home Builders Association designation of Certified in Aging in Place Specialist. These contractors have achieved this recognition within the industry through coursework that teaches about design and accessibility for the aging adult. They are best suited to make you home, safe, functional and attractive.
Right now we (Almar) are in the process of doing the final punch-list on an in-law addition in Scituate that we started in the fall when it became apparent to the homeowners that it was probably time to make a change with mom’s living situation.
Mom is in her early 80’s, still drives, and is active, and living in the house where she raised her kids. Some of those kids still live on the South Shore and others are in different parts of the country. The kids on the South Shore have been driving back and forth to the Cape several times a week to check on mom, help her with the house, shopping, etc... Mom doesn’t need a nursing home and she doesn’t want to be in assisted living but it’s getting a little harder for her to be on her own, especially in the winter.
The solution...Mom will sell her house and Almar Building and Remodeling will design and build an in-law addition on her son/daughters home so that Mom and still be on her own but have people around all the time incase she needs something.
Here’s where the fun part started. We met with Mom and kids and talked about the basic size, structure and budget. We talked about what she likes and doesn’t like about her existing home. What her lifestyle is like now, and what she would like it to be after the move. What items does she defiantly want to bring with her from the old house. What medical or physical restrictions does she have now, and do we foresee in the future.
Then we designed the base addition and customized it based on the budget and lifestyle requirements, all while keeping the design matching the integrity of the existing house.
Here are just a few items for you to consider that we always suggest when creating a separate in-law space:
1. Functional kitchen space.
Mom/Dad will want to cook and be independent. This also helps the resale factor later.
a. Pull out shelves for the most commonly used items.
b. Closet organizers
c. Cook top with easy to reach controls
d. Lazy Susans for deep or corner units.
e. Rounded edge countertops.
f. Cabinet pulls with D-shaped handles.
2. Grab bars. Even if they don’t need or want them now they will. So we always plan for blocking the walls for later installation even if we don’t install the bars right now.
3. Separate entrance from the main house.
4. Make sure the style and quality level matches the main house.
5. Doors and hallways should be wide enough to accommodate walkers or wheel chairs if they need them at some later date.
6. Stairs and boundaries should be kept to a minimum.
7. Lighting is extremely important, both natural light and extra task lighting.
8. Smooth floors (example hardwood)
9. Take special consideration in planning the bathroom.
a. Tubs/showers with seats in them
b. Rounded edges on counters
c. Grab bars near bath and toilet
d. Handheld showerhead.
e. Elevated toilet seat
Above all it is important that parent and child have an open and honest dialogue with what wants, needs and expectations. Transition can be an exciting thing. And Almar is pleased to have helped many families over the years work together to keep people at home as long as possible whether is was through an addition, basement renovation, or just making basic changes in the main house.
Almar is a full service remodeling company that has been serving the SouthShore since 1959. Almar's office is located at 1130 Washington St on Rt. 53 in Hanover. For more information please call 781-826-2577 or email us at mailto:atAlmar@AlmarBuilding.com or visit the Almar website at http://www.almarbuilding.com/
Monday, February 01, 2010
The Importance of Insulation
The Importance of Insulation
by Jon Mitton (Pro Energy Consultants)
One of the buzz words in today’s “Green” community is insulation. People everywhere are talking about improving insulation and how it can benefit the environment. Let me tell you it is very true but where do you begin? What are the differences in the types of insulation and what should you be using? Let’s briefly review the 3 main styles of insulation and some of the pros and cons of each.
Fiberglass Rolled Batt (pink stuff) – this is the most standard type of insulation seen in homes today and is still widely used even in new construction. Under the ideal conditions this insulation performs as it is intended but if any air flows through the insulation it loses all of its insulation properties and R-value. Basically, it is the equivalent of a mesh shirt that feels great and comfortable but does nothing to help keep you warm in a breeze. The advantage of this insulation would be ease of installation, inexpensive and readily available. The main disadvantage would be improperly installed it does not meet its stated R-values.
Dense Pack Cellulose (recycled & treated paper goods) – this is becoming the new standard in the market today and it is used extensively in existing walls. It is ideal when properly installed as it provides a substantial air barrier and higher R-value. The number one concern with dense pack cellulose is that it needs to be dense packed to be effective. Cellulose would be equivalent to a fleece jacket blocking some of the air flow and keeping you warm. Because cellulose is installed from the outside with minimal disruption to the home it has a key advantage in existing wall improvements over most other types of insulation. The main disadvantage is improper installation which can result in settling within wall cavities over time creating cold wall surfaces close to the ceilings.
Spray Foam / Injection Foam (usually polystyrene) – For new construction with open wall cavities it is one of the best available options. Due to extreme expansion of spray foam it is not an option for existing closed wall improvements. Injection foam is designed for use in closed walls as it has no expansion properties. Foam insulation has a much higher R-value and provides a thorough air barrier as well as excellent insulation properties. Foam insulation is the equivalent of wearing a ski parka with both blocking the wind and keeping you warm. A distinct advantage to using spray foam would be, during installation, it completely fills all potential air penetrations within the wall cavity. Though, in the event you choose to relocate or add wiring to a foam filled cavity it may damage the foam barrier and would be a key disadvantage which should be considered.
Improving insulation in the home allows you to keep the expensive heated air in the home and not heating the neighborhood. Additionally, your heating system will not have to work as hard to compensate for the excessive heat loss. This will save you money, save fuel and save the environment.
Make sure you consult a professional to determine which insulation is right for you.
by Jon Mitton (Pro Energy Consultants)
One of the buzz words in today’s “Green” community is insulation. People everywhere are talking about improving insulation and how it can benefit the environment. Let me tell you it is very true but where do you begin? What are the differences in the types of insulation and what should you be using? Let’s briefly review the 3 main styles of insulation and some of the pros and cons of each.
Fiberglass Rolled Batt (pink stuff) – this is the most standard type of insulation seen in homes today and is still widely used even in new construction. Under the ideal conditions this insulation performs as it is intended but if any air flows through the insulation it loses all of its insulation properties and R-value. Basically, it is the equivalent of a mesh shirt that feels great and comfortable but does nothing to help keep you warm in a breeze. The advantage of this insulation would be ease of installation, inexpensive and readily available. The main disadvantage would be improperly installed it does not meet its stated R-values.
Dense Pack Cellulose (recycled & treated paper goods) – this is becoming the new standard in the market today and it is used extensively in existing walls. It is ideal when properly installed as it provides a substantial air barrier and higher R-value. The number one concern with dense pack cellulose is that it needs to be dense packed to be effective. Cellulose would be equivalent to a fleece jacket blocking some of the air flow and keeping you warm. Because cellulose is installed from the outside with minimal disruption to the home it has a key advantage in existing wall improvements over most other types of insulation. The main disadvantage is improper installation which can result in settling within wall cavities over time creating cold wall surfaces close to the ceilings.
Spray Foam / Injection Foam (usually polystyrene) – For new construction with open wall cavities it is one of the best available options. Due to extreme expansion of spray foam it is not an option for existing closed wall improvements. Injection foam is designed for use in closed walls as it has no expansion properties. Foam insulation has a much higher R-value and provides a thorough air barrier as well as excellent insulation properties. Foam insulation is the equivalent of wearing a ski parka with both blocking the wind and keeping you warm. A distinct advantage to using spray foam would be, during installation, it completely fills all potential air penetrations within the wall cavity. Though, in the event you choose to relocate or add wiring to a foam filled cavity it may damage the foam barrier and would be a key disadvantage which should be considered.
Improving insulation in the home allows you to keep the expensive heated air in the home and not heating the neighborhood. Additionally, your heating system will not have to work as hard to compensate for the excessive heat loss. This will save you money, save fuel and save the environment.
Make sure you consult a professional to determine which insulation is right for you.
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