Home Equity Builders, Inc. Constructive Ideas

Come Check Out Our Past and Present Remodels!

2012-02-17T18:05:00.001-05:00

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Our Website Click Here: http://www.hebinc.com/

We have a gallery of pictures and virtual tours. Stop by for a visit and email us with any questions!

Special February Deals!

2012-02-09T00:36:00.000-05:00

Please check out our special offer for February!

10% Off

Handyman Labor

When you book four hours or more!

Expires February 29, 2012

Visit http://conta.cc/yO9Lca for more details and to sign up for our emailing list.

Good Day, Everyone!

2012-01-24T19:50:00.002-05:00

We appreciate all of our Home Equity Builders clients and strive our best to make sure you are pleased with our work.
Please take a moment to vote for us as the best kitchen remodeler in Northern Virginia at the following link (how-to directions below, if needed):
http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/best-of-survey/

We look forward to continuing to service your design, remodeling and handyman needs. Call or email us!
(How-to directions: copy and paste the given link into your browser then click on Best Of 2012, which will take you to the Northern Virginia Magazine Best of NoVA home page. Follow directions on their page to complete the voting.)

Thank you, Jeff

Are you trying to decide what flooring to use in your kitchen?

2012-01-20T17:13:00.003-05:00

LAMINATE
Laminate may be the best option if you like the look of wood but are looking for something cost effective and easy to install. It is easier to take care of then wood floors. It is durable and kid-friendly.

WOOD
Wood is a great option. It fits in nicely with any design or style that you have throughout your house. It will give any room a nice warm feeling. Please remember there will be maintenance if you choose wood floors. Consider this when deciding which type of wood you would prefer . Some are more durable then others. Wood is nice and easy on the back compared to stone or marble floors.

CERAMIC TILE
Ceramic tile is a great choice for a kitchen. It is very durable and comes in many textures and colors to go with almost any design. There is some maintenance however when it comes to keeping the grout clean.
Here are some tips on keeping the grout clean:
http://www.tiletools.com/content/keep-your-grout-clean-home-remedies-pro-products-cleaning-tips-8.cfm

SLATE

Slate is a beautiful choice, but while slate is really aesthetically pleasing, but is very pourous. There will be some special maintenance to keep it clean.
Here are some tips on taking care of your slate floors.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2294289_care-slate-tile-floors.html

Environmentally Friendly Floors

Why be Eco-Conscious?
Here are some things to consider:

Using recycled flooring reduces our dependency on oil.
Recycled flooring can last longer than conventional flooring.
Using Eco Friendly Flooring will contribute to a better world.
This type of flooring is safer for your family and environment.

Cork and Bamboo are great floors to choose if you are trying to be "green."

Getting Ready For Spring?

2012-01-19T17:51:00.000-05:00

Are you starting to think about your Spring Projects? Remember if you are planning on installing garden beds this year, you can start earlier then traditional gardens. If you have a plan in mind please call us for help if needed.

Benefits of Garden Beds:

When you make a garden bed, it is several inches off the ground. This enables you to pull up a chair or small stool and sit next to the bed to minimize leaning over, thus straining your back. It is really easy to weed, water, and dig around in too, everywhere is easily accessible when in a garden bed, no walking through muddy soil.

There is less weeding to be done in a garden bed. If you make your bed right, and dig about a foot deep and lay newspaper or some barrier down, then roots won't get through.

You can fill you bed with the best soils. You don't have to rely on mother nature. You can add whatever it is that helps your garden grow!

It helps deter pests. Do you have a gopher or rabbit problem in your garden each year? Well while building your garden bed you can put down a wire mesh to distract the bunnies from digging into your garden.

Remember, you can also change your garden bed year to year. It can be full of veggies or it can be a decorative piece with your favorite flowers!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-15T13:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T09:46:00.002-05:00

The Beauty of Stone

2011-08-19T15:20:00.003-04:00

You asked for it, so now we have it! Home Equity Builders is proud to announce that we now have a stone mason on our staff who is able to create beautiful flagstone walkways, patios and other mason work that will enhance the ambiance of your yard and home.

Flagstone pavers offer several advantages when used to create a walkway or patio. First is, of course, their natural beauty which is available in an assortment of colors, sizes and shapes. They are also very dense, which makes them weather-resistant and helps them hold up well even under heavy traffic. Finally, they are naturally flat yet have a texture which makes them non-slippery so they are ideal walking stones.

As the fall comes in, it is time to prepare your yard for the winter and also get it ready to make your spring season as low-maintenance as possible. Call us today at 703-759-2530 to get your appointment to start the estimate and see how beautiful your yard or home can be! We look forward to working with you.

Give Your Room a Facelift!

2011-07-15T13:11:00.005-04:00

Nothing can perk up a room faster than new cabinets. Whether it is a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or just the storage area, new cabinets will completely transform the look of a room. And there is no better time than now to get started on that facelift, because Bertch Cabinets is having a sizzling summer sale, offering 25% off any one premium! Bertch is family owned and operated, utilizing only the finest wood, furniture joints and exceptional finishes to create distinctive products for the home. Call us today at 703-759-2530 to see what Bertch offers and how we can help you make an old room look new again!

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-01T13:02:00.002-04:00

As we pause for a three-day weekend and remember the birth of the United States, Home Equity Builders would like to take a moment to wish you all a very happy Independence Day weekend. We honor the men and women who have helped to build this country with their determination, idealism and even their own lives. We honor those who continue to serve today and those who live out the ideals of our nation in their every day lives. We hope you will have time for family, friends, fireworks and some great food and that you will take a moment to pause and reflect, amid the celebration, on those who have gone before us. Happy Birthday, America!

It's Time to Paint!

2011-06-03T12:43:00.001-04:00

Now that summer is here, it’s time to get all those painting jobs done! Home Equity Builders is here to help you with a special offer in the month of June! We will send a handyman to your house to finish up your paint jobs for only $325 for a full 8-hour day (plus the cost of materials) or $185 for a half 4-hour day. Our calendars are filling up quickly, so call soon. You can ask for Donna, Laurie or Marybeth at 703-759-2530. Let’s make your house look new again!

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-27T13:46:00.009-04:00

As we prepare for this three-day weekend of relaxation, parades and barbeques, Home Equity Builders would like to take a moment to thank all those who serve and preserve the freedoms that we enjoy in the United States of America. We thank our retired veterans, our active duty military, our reservists and all the families who love and wait for them. We think especially of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives in the service of our country.

If you take the time to put up your flag on Memorial Day, here is a fact that you might not be aware of. On Memorial Day, the flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.

"I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom." -- Abraham Lincoln

Happy Memorial Day!

A Model Plan

2011-05-10T13:41:00.016-04:00

Great Falls based design/build remodeler Home Equity Builders, Inc. is no stranger to receiving awards for their work and their business acumen; and honors for their leadership in the industry. Their most recent honor was a Chrysalis Award in the Finished Basement category for a project completed in Great Falls, VA.

The clients wanted a modernized layout of their basement to create a multi-functional space. They wanted to utilize existing space, giving it a larger feel. The existing plan included two bedrooms, a family room, a storage room and a bathroom. Home Equity Builders removed the wall between the storage room and family room to allow for easy viewing into the new media room, creating a large open floor plan. In the family room, arched doorways took the place of a typical square doorway. New maple cabinetry was installed in the family room for a kitchenette and the Media Room's snack area. An onyx countertop topped off the kitchenette cabinetry with the island lighted underneath to show the movement of the stone. Stacked stone was applied to the existing fireplace, as well as one wall in the family room, to add warmth and texture to the room. Warm paint enhanced the cabinetry and stone selections.

The previous home gym space was the perfect size for a game table. The family room tray ceiling was created to better define the two room of the kitchenette and gaming area, while hiding existing ductwork. One of the previous bedrooms was then turned into the new home gym, complete with beverage center, white cabinetry for storage and Corian countertops. The second beroom remained as a guest room, where Home Equity Builders added a new built-in closet for more functional storage.

We demolished the existing bathroom and hallway, replacing it with a new bathroom and laundry room. We created a large shower with river rock floors, Isis Gold floor and wall tiles, and a custom shower door. A floating vanity top of Miele Leather Tunisian Limestone is topped with an Eden Bath wood vessel bowl and Bamboo style faucet in Brushed Nickel.

The client said that this remodel "created the perfect entertainment space for the entire family," and they enjoy the new spa-like bathroom that provides them with a space that can handle pool or overnight guests. How can Home Equity Builders help you create your perfect space this year? Contact us to start the idea and design process today!

2011 Chrysalis Award Winning Finished Basement

2011-05-03T11:37:00.000-04:00

Home Equity Builders is pleased to announce that we have won a 2011 Chrysalis in the Finished Basement category for a project completed in Great Falls, VA. Awards will be presented in June, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Home Equity Builders has won previous Chrysalis awards in the following categories:

Virginia Remodeler of the Year

Design/Build Award Kitchen Remodel Over $75K

Design/Build Award Bath Remodel Over $50,000

Best Bath Remodel Under $50,000

Let Us Make Your Home Feel Bigger....

2011-04-28T14:44:00.007-04:00

Do you ever feel "cramped" inside your home? Does your family need more space? Sometimes the answer is easier than moving -- here are some quick ways we can help make your house feel bigger, without the cost of a major addition or a move!

What rooms in your house are "hidden?" They might be under the stairs, off the major hallway or tucked in a back corner upstairs. If you can't easily see it, you most likely won't use it. Allow us to come in and join those hidden rooms onto a room you use more often so you have space to spread out. We can open up a wall, create a new window or door frame so you have easier access to that part of the house and are more inclined to move into it. We can also create a pass-through from your kitchen to dining room or the family room.

Create a room that serves more than one function. Can you combine your formal living room with your formal dining room? Or what about putting bookshelves in your dining room? We can help you tweak and refine how your rooms are structured and add improvements so your rooms serve more than one purpose at a time.

Create the illusion. If you have a large area on one level that combines several different rooms into one (for example, a living room/kitchen/dining room combination, consider varying the ceiling heights for each room to create more definition, giving the illusion of more space. We can raise or lower ceilings, improving the dynamics of the space.

Don't forget the power of a window to open up a room. Consider adding French doors or a bay window to an outside wall to add light and space to the rooms you use the most.

We can help you with any of these items. Give us a call today, and let us know how we can start making the space you live in the space you love.

The NKBA Uncovers 11 Kitchen & Bath Trends for 2011

2011-03-21T21:15:00.005-04:00

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (February 8, 2011) - More than 100 designers who are members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), and have designed kitchens or bathrooms during the last three months of 2010, participated in an NKBA survey to reveal design trends in the marketplace for 2011. The results of this survey suggest there will be some changes in the direction that kitchen and bath styles will take this year. Below are 7 kitchen trends and 4 bathroom trends that are poised to take hold in 2011. These are overall trends across the United States and Canada; they won’t necessarily appear in all geographic areas.

Kitchens

1) Shake It Up

The Shaker style began a rise in popularity in 2009 and gained momentum in 2010. By the end of the year, Shaker has supplanted Contemporary as the second most popular style used by NKBA member designers. While Traditional remains the most popular style, having been used by 76% of designers surveyed over that last three months of 2010, that’s a slight drop from the previous year. Meanwhile, the percent of respondents who designed contemporary kitchens fell to 48%, while Shaker rose to 55%. Cottage was the only other style to garner at least 20% of the market, as it registered at 21%.

2) Dark Finishes

Dark natural finishes overtook medium natural, glazed, and white painted finishes to become the most specified type of finish toward the end of 2010. While medium natural fell from being used by 53% to 48% of designers, glazed from 53% to 42%, and white painted from 49% to 47%, dark natural finishes rose from 42 to 51%. Light natural and colored painted finishes remained fairly common, as each rose slightly from the previous year: 24% to 25% for light natural and 24% to 29% for colored paints. Distressed finishes dropped significantly from a year ago, when they were used by 16% of designers, to just 5%.

3) A Place for Wine

While the incorporation of wine refrigerators seems to be on the decline (see Bonjour Réfrigérateur below), unchilled wine storage is growing in popularity. While only 39% of surveyed designers incorporated wine storage areas into their kitchens at the end of 2009, just over half—51%—did so as 2010 came to a close. While other types of cabinetry options remain more common, most are on the decline, including tall pantries (89% to 84%), lazy Susans (90% to 78%), and pull-out racks (81% to 71%). Appliance garages also seem to be falling out of favor, as their use declined from 36% at the end of 2009 to 29% a year later.

4) Bonjour Réfrigérateur

The French door refrigerator has strengthened its position as the type specified most often by NKBA member designers. While freezer-top refrigerators were only specified by 8% of designers as 2010 drew to a close—down from 10% a year earlier, freezer-bottom models fell very slightly from 60% to 59% and side-by-side units actually rose slightly from 46% to 49%. Meanwhile, French door refrigerators jumped from 67% to 78%. Among smaller units, refrigerator or freezer drawers remained flat at 31%, while undercounter wine refrigerators fell sharply from 50% to 36%, an interesting change given the increasing use of unchilled wine storage.

5) Inducting a New Cooktop

Induction cooktops haven’t overtaken gas and electric models, but they’re closing the gap. As we entered 2010, gas cooktops had been recently specified by 76% of NKBA designers, compared to 38% for electric and 26% for induction. However, while the incorporation of gas cooktops has fallen to 70%, electric cooktops has risen slightly to 41%, while induction cooktops are up to 34%. Meanwhile, single wall ovens are down from 46% to 42%, although double wall ovens are up from 68% to 74%. In addition, warming drawers are down from 49% to 42%, and ranges are down sharply from 81% to 68%.

6) LED Lighting

Incandescent lighting continues its journey to obsolescence. While 50% of NKBA member designers incorporated incandescent bulbs into their designs at the end of 2009, only 35% have done so a year later. Instead, designers are clearly opting for more energy-efficient lighting options. While the use of halogen lighting is down from 46% to 40% over the past year, LED (light-emitting diode) lighting has increased from 47% to 54%. Designers aren’t turning to CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) as a solution, though, most likely due to the poor quality of light they produce; their use by designers remained flat at 35%.

7) Trashy Designs

A greater emphasis is being made to address trash considerations in the kitchen. Some 89% of kitchens designed by NKBA members in the final quarter of 2010 include a trash or recycling pull-outs. In addition, garbage disposals were incorporated by 86% of designers, up from 75% the previous year. Trash compactors have also become more common. Entering 2010, they were recently used in designs by 11% of designers, but a year later, that figure had climbed to 18%. These changes may be due to an increase in sustainability awareness, but they certainly indicate an increase in concern toward trash generated in the kitchen.

Bathrooms

1) Quartz Countertops

Quartz continues to take away market share from granite in the market for bathroom vanity tops. A year ago, 85% of NKBA bathroom designers incorporated granite into a recent design, compared to just 48% for quartz, but now, that gap has narrowed to 83% for granite and 54% for quartz. Unlike in the kitchen, solid surfaces haven’t gained much popularity in the bathroom, increasing only from 23% to 25% over the past year. Meanwhile, solid marble has declined from 46% to 37%, while cultured marble and onyx have increased from 12% to 19%. No other material has even 10% of the market.

2) Green Bathrooms

No, we’re not referring to eco-friendly spaces—we literally mean green bathrooms. A year ago, green color palettes were used by only 14% of NKBA designers, but at the end of 2010, that figure had risen to 24%. Still, whites and off-whites, beiges, and browns are the three most commonly used color tones in bathrooms. However, while white and off-white palettes are up slightly from 57% to 60%, beiges are down sharply from 66% to 57%, while browns have dropped from 48% to 38%. Other common color tones include blues at 22%, grays at 21%, and bronzes and terracottas at 17%.

3) A Worthy Vessel

Under mount sinks continue to dominate newly remodeled bathrooms, with 97% of NKBA bathroom designers having specified them over the last three months of 2010, up from 95% a year earlier. However, vessel sinks have become the clear second choice among designers, as 51% of NKBA member designers have specified them in the final quarter of 2010, up from 39% a year ago. Integrated sink tops were also up from 34% to 38%, pedestal sinks were up from 21% to 29%, and drop-in sinks were up from 23% to 27%. This shows that bathroom designers have been specifying more lavoratory sinks across the board.

Photo caption: Kohler, Co.: The Conical Bell Vessels® lavatory bring

classic washbasin design into a new era of décor. Available in a

palette of colors and designs, this vitreous china lavatory is

engaging in its simplicity. Photo credit: Courtesy of Kohler, Co.

4) Satin Nickel Faucets

This trend relates to both bathrooms and kitchens. From the end of 2009 to the end of 2010, the percent of NKBA designers who specified a satin nickel faucet rose from 41% to 63% in the kitchen and from 45% to 57% in the bathroom, while the percent who specified a brushed nickel faucet fell from 61% to 48% in the kitchen and from 66% to 38% in the bathroom. Other popular faucet finishes in both the kitchen and bathroom are bronze and oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome, and polished nickel. However, while stainless steel is popular in the kitchen, specified recently by 44% of designers, that figure drops to just 16% in the bathroom.

Residential Environmental Design Featured Article - Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems

2011-02-15T13:26:00.000-05:00

Residential Environmental Design Featured Article - Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems

The application of geothermal heating/cooling, also known as ground source heat pumps, has been named "the most energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive of all space conditioning systems", by the Environmental Protection Agency. The system's basic concept takes advantage of the earth's constant temperature, approximately 55 degrees, to heat and cool a building. By tapping this steady flow of heat from the earth in the winter, and displacing heat in the earth in the summer, a geothermal heat pump can save homeowners 40 to 70 percent in heating costs and 30 to 50 percent in cooling costs compared to conventional systems. Now you can also realize up to 30% rebates from both federal and state green stimulus programs.

Ground source heat pumps work in a similar manner as air source heat pumps, minus the high cost. Atypical household can save $1500 a year or more. This can give most systems a payback period of three to five years. GSHP's are more than three times as efficient as the most efficient fossil fuel furnace. By moving heat that already exists in the earth, instead of burning a combustible fuel, GSHP's deliver three units of energy for every one unit used to power the heat-pump system.

Ground source heat pumps work by circulating water or a water/antifreeze solution through a closed loop of polyethylene pipe that is buried in the ground or set beneath the water. GSHP systems can be lad out in different orientations, depending on the situation. A closed loop system, the most popular, can be laid out either vertically in 50 -250 foot deep holes drilled like a well, or horizontally in 3-6 foot deep trenches. The less common open loop system circulates a constant source of ground water and dispels the water back to its origin, such as a stream, well, or pond.

The principle action of a heat pump moves heat from lower temperature location to a higher temperature location. This principle can be witnessed in an air conditioning window unit, or air source heat pump, where cold air is blown into the house and warm air is released out of the back of the unit. A ground source heat pump works in a similar manner, except that its heat source is the warmth of the earth. The process of elevating low-temperature heat to over 100 degrees F and transferring it indoors involves a cycle of evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion. A refrigerant, like freon, is used as a heat-transfer medium which circulates within the heat pump.

The cycle starts as the cold, liquid refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger (evaporator) and absorbs heat from the low-temperature source (liquid from the ground loop). The refrigerant evaporates into a gas as heat is absorbed. The gaseous refrigerant then passes through a compressor where the refrigerant is pressurized, raising its temperature to over 180 degrees F. The hot gas then circulates through a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger where heat is removed and pumped into the house at about 100 degrees F. When it loses the heat, the refrigerant changes back to liquid. The liquid is cooled as it passes through an expansion valve and begins the process again. To work as an air conditioner, the flow is reversed.

The ductwork is no different than that of a conventional forced-air system. The difference is found in the temperature of the air flowing from the registers in the winter. With a conventional air source heat pump, the air flow is seldom warmer than 80 degrees. But because water transfers a greater volume of heat than air, the Ground source heat pump is able to deliver warmer air, typically about 110 degrees F.
Another benefit of a ground source heat pump can be found when teamed with a desuperheater. This component skims residual warmth from the compressor to heat water. Which means that in the summer, when the system is working to get rid of heat, the desuperheater can provide practically free hot water. And since most systems are oversized, there is usually enough warmth left over for low cost hot water in the winter too.

While GSHP's require a small amount of electricity to concentrate the energy and circulate it through the system, most systems derive approximately 70 percent of their energy from a clean, renewable source- the earth.

Other advantages of GSHP's include the fact that all components of the unit are housed inside the building, thereby reducing the wear and tear on the unit by Mother Nature, and also eliminating the fear of vandalism or theft. GSHP's do not require a flue, and since there is no on-site combustion, there's less chance of fire, and no chance of carbon monoxide infiltrating the home. GSHP's also carry the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Label, which is used to designate energy-efficient equipment. Often homeowners may find tax benefits, lower mortgages, or utility rebates.

The only problem with GSHP's is one of economics. GSHP's can cost as much as 30 percent more than conventional heating and cooling systems. Another drawback to GSHP installation is the lack of qualified contractors who know how to properly design, install, and service the systems. Interested homeowners must take extra precautions in screening both the contractor and the equipment manufacturer for a solid track record.

Geothermal technology is still relatively new, with only about 50,000 systems (approximately 1 percent) installed nationwide last year. There are only 150,000 units installed in homes in the United States at this time, but the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, which includes the EPA, the Department of Energy, 240 electric utilities and 20 heat pump manufacturers, is out to change that. With $100 million at its disposal, the consortium is offering rebates, reduced utility bills and other incentives to entice homeowners.

Is it time to Remodel?

2011-02-11T14:09:00.006-05:00

Have you been putting off a remodeling job on your house because of a shaky economy or low home values? According to the Wall Street Journal, now could be the best time to get started. Many consumers now believe that the housing market has leveled off and the economy is improving – and that is making them take a second look at what they need to have done in their house.

The great news is, Home Equity Builders can help. From small handyman jobs (everything from hanging pictures to replacing countertops) all the way up to building decks, updating a bathroom or bedroom and even whole house remodels, Home Equity Builders has the skills, the personnel and the experience to help you finish your wish list and make your house the home you love! With over 22 years of experience in the Northern Virginia area, we can walk you through the steps to get your “to do” list done!

Start by figuring out what you want done on your house and prioritizing that list. For example, if your water heater needs to be replaced or your bathroom floor is sagging, those items should be in your top priorities. We will walk you through the budgeting, prioritizing and timeline needed to get each job finished. Spring is coming – let us help you make your house beautiful!

To see the entire Wall Street Journal article, go here.

Here is an example of the difference a few small changes can make!

And one final quick tip to help you make it through the winter:

You already know about the damaging effects of ice dams. The gutters clog up with ice, then water runoff from the roof gets trapped by the dam and eventually backs up the roof, travels under the shingles, and leaks into the house.

While a permanent fix for ice dams usually requires increasing the insulation, sealing, and ventilation in the attic, there is a simple way to diminish the damage after the dam has formed.
Fill the leg of discarded pair of panty hose with a calcium chloride ice melter. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. If necessary, use a long-handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.

The calcium chloride will eventually melt through the snow and ice and create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters or off the roof. Thanks to This Old House for this tip.

Think spring! We look forward to hearing from you. Give us a call at (703) 759-2530 today!

Not your typical Countertop

2011-01-20T14:30:00.001-05:00

Kitchen/Bath Spotlight: Countertops

Cambria’s Quarry Collection offers a variety of warm, rich tones that capture the beauty and variation of natural quartz stone. The collection contains 28 colors, including Williston, which is seen here.

Hanex Solid Surfaces are known for their durability, aesthetics, design flexibility and color choices. The surfaces are crafted from a unique blend of acrylic resins and natural materials. They can be cut, shaped and formed to fit a range of designs. Hanex Solid Surfaces can be fabricated and installed in almost any application with invisible seams.

ThinkGlass offers glass kitchen countertops, backsplashes and raised bars. Its exclusive technology can make unique kitchen countertops in thicknesses of 1 1/2 inches or more. These countertops come with a smooth, glossy finish and a choice of embedded textures that can be infused with color.

Staron Surfaces, a division of Samsung, has announced the addition of seven colors to its Radianz collection of quartz surface options. The quartz collection now offers a total of 30 high-gloss color options, including its newest colors: Antigua Beach, Albion Amber, Bristol Beige, Toluca Sand, Allegheny Amber, Ural Gray and Rangoon Black. Radianz is nonporous, which prohibits bacteria, mold, mildew and moisture from penetrating.

Designed to complement traditional, crossover and rustic decors, Wood Countertops from J. Aaron can be used as bar tops, chopping blocks, vanity tops or traditional kitchen count-ers. Made from top-grade hardwoods, these counters are tough enough to take daily beatings and come in thicknesses from 1 1/4 to 5 1/2 inches.

LG Hausys Surfaces has launched the eco-friendly HI-MACS Marmo as part of the Prestige Collection that blends natural stone design with next-generation solid surface. HI-MACS Marmo is a nonporous, easy-to-maintain solid surface that has the contemporary look of natural stone in a thermoformable, easy-to-fabricate, seamless surface.

Cooler, Greener Roofs

2011-01-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

Cooler, Greener Roofs

Cooler, Greener Roofs

Qualified Remodeler green columnist John Wagner discusses energy savings in roofing

By John Wagner

Some roofs are made of recycled or recyclable materials, like rubber or plastics, but the greenness of a roof has little to do with its raw materials. In fact, any green benefits you pick up from recyclability are outweighed by the key role roofs play in a building’s thermal envelope. Here’s why: Americans spend about $40 billion each year to air condition buildings, fully one-sixth of all U.S. energy, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That figure can be reduced substantially by simply changing the color of a roof. It can be reduced even further by using reflective roof materials or materials that frustrate the transfer of absorbed heat into the structure.

Roof-science Basics

You couldn’t build a more efficient solar collector than a black roof, yet they’re popular because Americans hate the look of white roofs. The consequence of the fashionable black roof is it reflects just 5 percent of the sun’s heat; the rest is absorbed. A gray roof reflects about 20 percent of the sun’s heat and absorbs the rest. However, white roofs reflect 25 percent. As a result, black roofs get as much as 90 degrees hotter than white roofs. Imagine reducing that $40 billion cooling bill by 25 percent just by changing the color, coating types and the resulting reflectivity of the roof material.

How can changing the features of just one roof have an effect on a national scale? If the building community buys into the cool-roof movement, it means changing not just one rooftop, but potentially hundreds of square miles of roofs. All these roofs currently are collecting solar energy and transferring it into structures, which then are forced to be cooled by gas-fired AC units or by using electricity, most of which comes from nuclear or coal sources that negatively impact the environment.

Roofing Ideas

An innovative solution has emerged that allows homeowners to have fashionable black roofs that reflect the sun’s heat like white roofs. Roof shingles now are being manufactured in lighter colors and/or with surface treatments that better reflect and emit heat. Granules embedded in the shingles appear dark, yet are highly reflective.
Although it’s odd to see an Energy Star label on squares of shingles because they don’t actually consume power, shingles affect power consumption so dramatically they can earn Energy Star status. An Energy Star shingle will have, upon installation, a solar reflectance greater than or equal to 0.25, meaning 25 percent of the sun’s heat is reflected. If you are installing metal roofs, you’ll find a wide range of Energy Star-rated products because metal roofs can be factory-treated with durable, highly reflective coatings. In fact, the vast majority of Energy Star-rated roofs are factory-treated metal roofs.

The Cool Roof Rating Council, or CRRC, offers another cool-roof product label. CRRC is the rating system followed by California’s Title 24—the mandated energy-efficiency building standard. However, CRRC is not strictly a California program. This group tests roofing material and rates solar reflectance (a measure of what percent of the sun’s energy gets reflected by the roof) and solar emittance (a measure of how well the roof defeats transfer of that absorbed heat into the structure) to create a CRRC rating between 0 and 1. The higher the number, the better. Generally, roofs that are considered cool have ratings in the 0.7 to 0.75 range. View CRRC-rated products at coolroofs.org.

Recyclability

Although the color of a roof can make a big difference, recyclability still plays a role in determining a roof’s green attributes. Metal roofs are made entirely of recyclable material; even brand-new metal roofs can have 100 percent recycled content. High-tech EPDM rubber and TPO plastic are used to create molded, lightweight, shake- or slate-like shingles that offer long warranties, impact resistance and UL Class A fire ratings. Many of these new roofing products are made from 100 percent recycled content, and they are 100 percent recyclable.

For those readers who still think green building means using exotic or expensive products, think again. A simple adjustment to the attributes of the lowly roof shingle can have a dramatic and long-term effect on a structure’s energy consumption.

How can we help you?

2011-01-10T10:39:00.002-05:00

Home Equity Builders: How Can WE Help You?

It’s that time of year again – a brand new year, filled with a long “to do” list of items that didn’t get finished last year. You might have seen our trucks in your neighborhood (see many of the areas we service!), and thought about calling us, but didn’t know the types of services we offer.

We can do many household tasks for you, such as:

Plumbing/Bathrooms: install faucets, update vanity tops, install new toilets, replace shut-off valves, install towel bars (heated, if you want), paint the bathroom, re-grout or install tile, install medicine cabinets or bathroom fans or even heat your floors.

Laundry Rooms: Supply and install new cabinets, washers and dryers, tile your floor, run supply water or waste lines, run electric outlets, paint the walls and ceilings or run dryer vent lines to the outside.

Kitchens: Let us handle your total kitchen design or just a lighting plan. We can take care of your cabinets and countertops, install flooring or appliances and do any drywall, painting, faux or plasterwork you need done.

Basements: drywall, electrical, lighting, cabinets, displays, wet bars, bookshelves, entertainment centers, crown molding, trim, flooring, bathrooms, sump pumps and mother-in-law suites.

Garden: design and build your deck, patio, garden seating or gazebos; update the lighting; add a fountain or pond; build a doll house or playhouse (including tree houses); screen in your porch or add deco fencing.

Interiors: update cabinet or doors; paint doors, walls and ceilings; patch drywall or caulk the trim; hang light fixtures; install closet organizers; install ceiling fans; hang pictures, mirrors, chandeliers and more; refasten railings or newel posts on stairways; install pocket or storm doors; and even unclog drains.

Exteriors: fix rotten wood; repair trim; replace doors and windows; clean siding or decks; build front facades, porticos or arbors; clean and repair gutters; repair or replace roofs; repair or replace garage doors.

Need something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call – we can probably handle it! We look forward to helping you in 2011. Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-22T11:49:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T11:39:00.000-05:00

The year has turned its circle,

The seasons come and go.

The harvest all is gathered in

And chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasures,

The fields, their yellow grain,

So open wide the doorway ---

Thanksgiving comes again!

May you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving from all of us at Home Equity Builders, Inc.

Jeff Rainey in the Remodelers Journal

2010-09-30T13:29:00.004-04:00

Remodelers Journal Click to go directly to article.

Kichler Lighting's Newest Collections

2010-09-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

Innovative Compositions, Unique Design Details Inspire Kichler’s Newest Collections

Sprawling Linear and Vertical Lines, Crystal Accents Set the Tone for Homeowner Décor

CLEVELAND – August 6, 2010 – Kichler introduces more than 90 new decorative lighting products that not only respond to today’s trends, such as the growing 9’ ceiling, but range from retro to romantic. Their names define their composition. Their designs energize any setting.

Long and Linear

Linear compositions continue to reign supreme, but fixtures with expansive vertical designs are attracting attention, too. Kichler builds against both dynamics, coupling these defining shapes with unique retro influences, multi-use fixtures and a variety of intriguing materials.

Moxie™ – The retro design and geometric silhouette of the Moxie family creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. A rectangular linen fabric shade is surrounded by parallel horizontal wood louvers that alternate between curving inward and outward. The bars are finished in Cambridge Bronze with Variegated Gold and alternate between light and dark applications. The Moxie family includes an island light, wall sconce, and pendant that can be stem-hung in multiple lengths.
Punctuation™ – The curvilinear lines of the transitional Punctuation family are designed to make a statement. A perforated metal filigree pattern surrounds White Linen glass in a Mission Bronze finish. The Punctuation collection includes two linear chandeliers, a convertible chain-drop chandelier that also can be used as a semi flush fixture, and a wall sconce that can be hung vertically or horizontally.
Suspension – Simple contemporary epitomizes the Suspension family. Rounded rectangular Satin Etched cased opal shades appear to be suspended by a gently flowing arch. Featuring a Mission Bronze finish, the Suspension family includes a five- and three-light linear chandelier, wall sconce and mini pendant, as well as a two-, three- and five-light bath bars.
Rise™ – Featuring gently curving arms that draw the eye skyward, the Rise collection can make any room feel taller. Available in a Chrome and Olde Bronze® finish with bowl-shaped, cased opal glass shades, the Rise family includes a double-stem six-light chandelier, two-tier eight- and nine-light chandelier, four-light chandelier, mini pendant, wall sconce, and complete bath family.

Crystal Inspirations

The strong crystal elements in these new contemporary families go past accent status to become an integral part of the fixture’s composition.

Celestial™ – The three-piece Celestial collection is highlighted by armillary-inspired crystal accents that sit below the main bodice of each fixture. Stacked crystal spheres make up the fixtures’ center columns and are complimented by delicate Taupe shades with a "crinkle" effect. Each shade rests on an etched glass diffuser that provides unique highlights and shadows in an umber tone, while faux marble finials complete the look. Available in a Cambridge Bronze finish.
Crystal Persuasion™ – Vintage crystal perfume bottles are the inspiration for the Crystal Persuasion family. The center column features an octagonal-shaped stacked optical crystal column with the same shape crystal accents below each shade. A two-tier, nine-light chandelier, five-light chandelier and wall sconce incorporate a Chrome finish and white fabric shades.

Crystal accents in the below traditional families create a delicate, whimsical feel, complimenting the fixtures’ ornamental designs.

Gracie™ – The European-inspired Gracie collection adds a romantic appeal with strings of simulated pearl beads and oversized optical crystal pendalogues, each with a delicate metal outline, that hang from the fixtures’ arms. A new Sunrise Mist finish combines both silver and gold leafing for a dramatic look. Available with optional shades – offered in two different styles – the Gracie collection includes a nine-light two-tier and five-light single-tier chandelier, and a convertible Pendelette®, which can be displayed as a chain-drop chandelier, semi-flush or wall mount.
Leonora™ –t The Leonora collection features pure glamour and sophistication with a tubular crystal center column and a Polished Chrome finish. The laser-cut embellishments, crystal bobeches’ and hanging crystal pendalogues complete the look. Available in a nine-light, six-light and four-light chandelier, and two-light wall sconce.

Transitional Décor with Flare

Kichler continues to expand upon its popular transitional collections, from simplistic design to more intricate details.

Roma Notte™ – Artisan inspiration defines this collection. Pearlized glass shades create a dramatic statement, whether the light switch is turned on or off. A new Sunrise Mist finish adds a romantic flair, combining silver and gold hues that carry over to the shades, as well. A glass ball sits below each shade to complete the look. Available in a nine-, six-, and five-light chandelier, convertible chandelier and wall sconce.
Ribbons – Flat, ribbon-shaped arms add depth and femininity to this simplistic family. Featuring Satin Etched cased opal glass shades, and a Black finish, Ribbons is available in a nine-, five- and three-light chandelier, mini pendant, wall sconce and flush mount.

Rustic

Whether you’re trying to recreate the scene of your favorite cabin getaway, or simulate a favorite rustic lodge setting, Kichler offers two collections that provide the perfect centerpiece.

Candlebury™ – The Candlebury family sets the mood of a rustic, cabin getaway with a rich, hand-applied Colton Bronze finish that gives this collection its woodsy feel. The circular base is complimented by candelabras that can be displayed with or without optional fabric or mica shades. The Candlebury family is available in a dramatic eight-light oval chandelier, as well as an eight-light and a six-light round chandelier, two-light Pendelette® and a wall sconce.
Neptune Place – The Neptune Place family creates a simple, yet dramatic statement with intersecting ovals that perfectly align with its cylindrical White glass shades. Available in a Colton Bronze finish, Neptune Place is available in a linear 10-light and six-light linear chandelier, a small convertible pendant, a wall sconce, and a large pendant, which is available with an optional fabric shade.

Kichler is a world leader in decorative lighting. The Kichler ^® Lighting brand encompasses more than 3,000 products, including chandeliers, wall sconces, bath lighting, ceiling fans, under cabinet lighting, landscape lighting and lamps and accessories. Kichler products can be purchased at independent lighting showrooms nationwide. View Kichler products, as well as interactive electronic catalogs, at www.kichler.com.

Basement Remodel- Vienna

2010-09-10T12:15:00.003-04:00

At the end of 2009, we received an e-mail from a client looking to remodel their outdated basement into a family entertainment area with a separate office area. Their basement walls were dark paneling, the bathroom had a small wall mounted sink and no shower.

During discussions with the clients, we determined the style they liked and what would work best for them. They liked both the Shaker style and the clean lines of modern architecture. Together we came up with the design below.

We wrapped the small round columns to make them a feature.

The old wood stairs were replaced with new, the square railing fits in with the modern design.

The old bathroom was updated with new fixtures, warm wood vanity and granite top, and new ceramic tile floors.

The new shower was installed in the corner of the bathroom with a glass tile border and modern chrome fixtures.

What's new?

2010-09-08T12:00:00.002-04:00

WITH TECH LIGHTING’S NEW RAILTONES WIRELESS AUDIO SYSTEM, ADDING SUPERB SOUND TO A ROOM IS A SNAP

Company Unveils Easy-to-Install Wireless Speakers for Low-voltage Track Lighting Systems; Seamlessly Combines Light and Sound in a Single System

CHICAGO, July 14, 2010—Tech Lighting, a Chicago-based manufacturer of premium decorative lighting, is introducing an easy way to add surround sound to any room with an innovative wireless audio system called railtones™. What makes this patent-pending sound system so unique is that its speakers mount to and are powered by Tech Lighting’s MonoRail low-voltage track lighting systems. Additionally, the versatile railtones system can be mounted to many of the most popular track lighting systems used throughout homes and commercial spaces today, including Tech Lighting’s award-winning T-TRAK system. railtones is even compatible with most six-inch recessed downlights.

People often shy away from adding surround sound to a space because of the effort and expense involved with sound installation. In contrast, installing the railtones wireless audio system is a cinch. Beyond the initial track lighting installation, no additional holes need to be drilled, or wires strung. Rather, users simply connect the wireless speaker directly to their low-voltage track lighting system as they would any track head and then plug the wireless transmitter into almost any audio device including a computer’s USB port, an iPod/iPhone or MP3 player, receiver, stereo or television. For people who already have one of Tech Lighting’s popular track-lighting systems installed, adding railtones wireless speakers literally takes just seconds. And it’s easy to tailor the railtones sound system to suit homes and commercial spaces of all sizes. Simply add more speakers to the low-voltage track-lighting system to fill a larger space with superior sound.

An infrared remote control lets people easily control the power and volume of each speaker individually. The system features uncompressed HD-quality audio for superb sound (1.6MBs per channel).

“We’re proud to introduce railtones because it demonstrates Tech Lighting’s commitment to giving people outstanding functionality and value beyond illumination,” said Sean Lavin, VP of Product Design for Tech Lighting. “Our concept and design of railtones marries light and sound which enhances any environment and brings a truly holistic approach to your design. Great consideration was put into every detail of the design and development of the speakers to ensure they easily blend with our lighting designs. The result is a surround sound solution that fits in with people’s busy lifestyles and their budget.”

The railtones kit will include two wireless speakers, one wireless transmitter (plus power adaptor/cords) and one remote control with volume control and four pre-set equalizer options. Additional speakers and a sub-woofer can be purchased separately.

railtones is available for $599 list price for a two speaker kit and makes a great gift. For more information on railtones, including where to purchase the product, please visit http://www.techlighting.com.

About Tech Lighting and Encompass Lighting Group:

Headquartered outside of Chicago, Tech Lighting offers a family of decorative accent lighting brands including Tech Lighting, 2thousand degrees, T~trak, ELEMENT, Wilmette Lighting Company and tiella. Known for its refined, timeless designs combined with the latest advancements in lighting technology and expert craftsmanship, the company has been a premier choice of architects, lighting designers, interior designers and homeowners since 1988. Tech Lighting is a part of the Encompass Lighting Group, a Generations Brands company. Tech Lighting’s products can be found in lighting retailers and through sales representatives across North America. For more information, visit www.techlighting.com.

Eden Bath

2010-09-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

Recently, I came across the website for Eden Bath and loved the products that they offer. In dealing with clients with varying tastes, it often becomes necessary to show them something unique. Eden Bath has vessel sinks in copper, stone, and wood as well as several beautiful faucets.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-02T08:30:00.000-04:00

May everyone have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Free In The USA

On the Fourth of July, I raised the flag,
As I spoke with love and pride:
"I’m blessed to be an American," I said,
To two friends who stood by my side.

One was my neighbor, who lives next door,
He's a citizen, like me.
The other, a visitor from a hard, oppressed land,
Far across the sea.

"My flag stays in its box this year,"
Said my neighbor, boiling mad.
"The terrible shape this country’s in,
The future looks nothing but bad.

"Taxes, scandal, indifference and crime,
On our land like a giant stain."
My visitor said, "We have all that, and worse,
But it’s against the law to complain."

My neighbor looked startled, but not subdued;
Then he started in on the Press:
"There’s nothing but bad news; the headlines are bleak."
(It gets me down, too, I confess.)

"Our news is all good," said my visitor.
"It’s just how you’d like to be.
We know what our government wants us to know;
Our press is controlled, you see."

My neighbor spun ‘round and marched toward his house,
And here is the end to my story:
The next time we saw him, he was out in his yard,
Proudly raising Old Glory.

By Joanna Fuchs

Memorial Day

2010-05-28T11:43:00.002-04:00

Home Equity Builders would like to express our sincere gratitude
To all of those who are serving and have served and their the families.
We thank you for your serving and keeping our country safe.

The Ultimate Sacrifice: A Memorial Day Poem

We set aside Memorial Day
Each and every year
To honor those who gave their lives
Defending what we hold dear.

In all the dark and deadly wars,
Their graves prove and remind us,
Our brave Americans gave their all
To put danger far behind us.

They made the ultimate sacrifice
Fighting for the American way;
We admire them and respect them
On every Memorial Day.

By Joanna Fuchs

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~Cynthia Ozick

The total package

2010-03-11T14:45:00.006-05:00

We want to be able to come home and relax. We want our homes to feel like a retreat, be able to come home and get away from it all. We all want to have a piece of luxury, but think we may not be able to afford it. We want to have spa-like bathrooms, the ultimate in luxury, without blowing the budget. What kinds of products are offered out there that can add that touch of luxury without blowing the budget?

I immediately thought of installing a radiant floor heating system for under the tile. Warmly Yours radiant heating systems offer heating for not only tile and stone but wood, laminate and carpet as well. In addition to just heating the bathroom floor, there is another product that they offer specifically designed for the shower floor or tub surround.

So now that the floors are warmed up, what else can we add to create the ultimate in luxury? Imagine stepping out of the warm shower to grab a warm towel from the towel warmer. There are different choices out there to suit most designs and are available both plug-in and hardwired options.

The last accessory I would consider adding to a spa bathroom would be to add a mirror defogger. Why waste time waiting for the mirror to clear up? This is such an economical upgrade, and so worth your time. It is a very simple installation and can be done in a matter of minutes.

Home Equity Builders is now a distributor of Warmly Yours products. We can add these as part of your bathroom remodeling project or simply add them to your existing bathroom. Call us today!

Snow damage

2010-02-21T11:40:00.003-05:00

What a winter storm we had this month! It is one for the record books, but could have also caused record damage to your home. I found this article on the Washington Post site regarding the damage that this storm has done. Click here to read this article.

Ice dams not only causes problems for your roof and gutters, but the water can also find its way into your home. The water can push behind your siding and find a way inside, even now that things are melting.

Once it is found a way to get into your home, it can be absorbed by drywall or carpet padding.

If you suspect that you have this type of damage in your home, it is best to take care of it quickly. Hidden water can cause mold and mildew issues in your home. Home Equity Builders and our handyman division can help you repair your damaged drywall, paint, as well as carpentry. Give us a call today.

Handyman Special

2010-01-27T23:01:00.001-05:00

We at Home Equity Builders are once again ahead of schedule. Thank you to
Pat, Bruce, and Elmer for their hard work and determination to finish
ahead of schedule!

If you are looking to have some handyman tasks completed,
now is the time. We are offering a promotional reduced rate of $80 an hour for labor (minimum of two hours)
from now until the end of February. Please mention this ad to receive your discount.

Call us at 703-759-2530 or reply to this e-mail to schedule the work.
Please provide us with a list of tasks that you need done and any scheduling restrictions you
may have so we may take care of you as quickly as possible.

Lead Safe Renovator

2010-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

Pre-renovation Lead Information Rule

The Pre-Renovation Lead Information Rule, also known as Section 406(b) of the Toxic Substances Control Act, is a rule requiring people performing renovation for compensation to distribute a lead hazard information pamphlet prior to commencing the renovation. Under the rule, one is considered a “renovator” if their job is for compensation and will require them to disturb more than 2 square feet of paint in pre-1978 housing. This is not dependent upon whether what they do is typically considered a renovation. Whether the activity involves plumbing, drywalling, painting, or electrical work, if more than 2 square feet of paint must be disturbed, this rule applies.

The term “compensation” extends beyond money. Providing services in exchange for other goods or services (e.g., bartering) is included within the term. This rule applies to owners renovating their own apartment buildings using maintenance staff, as well as neighborhood handymen providing services to others. Work that is performed for free (no exchange of money, goods or services) or work performed by do-it- yourselfers in their own home is not covered by this rule.

What does this mean to you the Homeowner?

This rule goes into affect on April 22, 2010

This means this means is ANY contractor/handyman/electrician/plumber that does work which cuts holes or disturbs more than 2 square feet of drywall, trim or ceilings in house from 1978 or prior MUST be a “Certified Renovator” And THEY must “WORK IN A LEAD SAFE MANNER”.

When a renovating activity is performed, the renovator must give the owner of the housing a copy of the lead hazard information pamphlet and get their acknowledgment of receipt. If the housing is tenant occupied, then in addition to giving a copy of the pamphlet to the owner, a copy must be provided to the tenant and their signature must be obtained as well.

How do you know if your contractor is a “Certified Renovator”?

All certified Renovators must carry a certificate of completion and they have been assigned a number from the EPA. On Renovation projects this MUST be kept on the job site. All jobs pre 1978 MUST start and finish with the “Certified Renovator” present.

Tools of the EPA Certified Renovator

Home remodeling and repair projects can create various kinds of waste and debris including paint chips, door frames, windows, carpet, chemical strippers, wastewater, sponges, filters, and duct tape. If the home was built before 1978, the paint chips, dust, and other debris may contain lead. In this case, all wastes should be kept out of the reach of children and pets until pick-up or disposal. Drop cloths, sponges, gloves, and disposable, non-washable work clothes used during remodeling and clean-up should be sealed in heavy-duty garbage bags. These materials may be covered with lead dust and paint chips. Larger pieces of demolition debris should be wrapped in two layers of 6 mil plastic and sealed with duct tape.

Home Equity Builders, Inc.

We at Home Equity Builders have passed all the EPA regulations and have 3 staff members who have achieved the EPA Certification status. Our company is currently in process awaiting approval from the EPA as ALL companies must also be approved!

The EPA and OSHA will be the governing body that enforces these regulation and stiff penalties will be levied upon folks who do not adhere to these regulations.

Home Equity will as always keep all clients, their children and pets safe during our renovations and look forward to serving you!

Happy Holidays from Home Equity Builders, Inc.

2009-12-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

Home Equity Builders would like to wish you and yours a blessed holiday season and peaceful New Year. We appreciate your continued loyalty.

"Cash for Caulkers"

2009-12-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

If you have been listening to the news at all lately, you may have been hearing about President Obama talking about his Homestar program (otherwise known as "Cash for Caulkers"). For those of you who haven't heard about this, let us explain.

Mr. Obama was recently at a Home Depot in Alexandria, Virginia to talk about this program. The basic idea of this program is to help you make your home energy efficient. The program's goal is to offer incentives for things like winterization to new doors and windows, and appliances including refrigerators, washers and air conditioning units. The program may offer a 50% rebate on the cost of the equipment as well as the installation, up to $12,000 per household. In addition to the rebate, installing energy efficient appliances or windows and doors could end up saving homeowners up to 20% on their energy bills.

Home Equity Builders can help you with your energy saving needs. We can install new doors and windows for you, or help you replace your old appliances with new energy saving versions. Give us a call today and start lowering your energy bills.

Remodel your home

2009-12-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

With the current state of the housing market, many Americans are finding they must stay in their homes for longer than originally planned. Add to that the uncertain state of banks and the stock market, and what is a homeowner to do? The answer is to invest in your home to make it work for you and your family for the long term.

Chances are, barring a dramatic life change, you will be in your home for upwards of 5 or 10 years. Gone are the days of the nomadic lifestyle that many Americans have grown accustomed to. We are seeing a move back to the time when kids grew up from childhood to college in the same home. If a family needed more room, they would add onto their home rather than move into a larger house. In those days a family would rather invest in the upkeep of their home to reap the benefits later in life.

Home ownership is and will remain the best investment one can make. Improvements you do now will pay for themselves in 3 to 5 years with equity in your home. Why not invest in your home to make it everything you want for now and the future?

Home Equity Builders can update your kitchen or bathroom, or build the additional living space your growing family needs. As a charter member of NARI, you can rest assured that Home Equity Builders (www.hebinc.com) will provide you with a quality project from start to finish. HEB’s president, Jeff Rainey, is proud to use the best people and the best products to ensure your home is functional and gains value for years to come at a fair and affordable price.

Home Equity Builders' senior designer, Donna West,will work with you to design your new kitchen and bathroom to be both beautiful and functional for the way you live. Her talents are also available to help you decorate your home with new paint selections, space planning and accessory placement. It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint and rearranging furniture can do! Turn your basement into a luxury suite that you can be proud to show off. Do you have a room that just doesn’t feel right? Donna can make any space feel welcoming and balanced.

Home Equity Builders has talented staff that can provide you with:
· Interior renovations
· Additions
· Kitchen and bath remodeling
· Furniture placement
· Paint selections
· Color coordination
· Custom tile work
· New floor coverings
· Replacement windows
· Decks
· Elevators
· Mother-in-law suites
· Master suites
· Handyman services
· Handicap accessibility
· Custom and semi-custom cabinetry
· Space planning
· Interior design services

No matter the project, large or small, Home Equity Builders is the only place you need to call.

Happy Thanksgiving from Home Equity Builders

2009-11-25T22:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Home Equity Builders.

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Home Equity Builders Handyman

2009-11-09T21:24:00.000-05:00

THE HANDYMAN SERVICE

Nothern Virginia's finest remodeler is a convenient choice for all your home maintenance needs!

Welcome to Home Equity Builders' Handyman Services, your single-source solution for home maintenance from a company you trust. We are proud to provide Northern Virginia's most comprehensive and unique handyman services to our clients.

We strive to make maintaining your home simple, easy and cost effective. One phone call or email is all it takes to maintain the beauty of your greatest investment. Free up your weekend and let us get your home into showroom quality.

Regardless of the job size, HEB makes home repair simpler, more convenient and more reliable than ever before.

We offer two programs:

Our Traditional handyman services allows you to make one call or email for virtually all your home repair or maintenance needs. Simply call or email us to schedule to work. Work is done on an hourly basis for a pre-specified hourly rate plus materials with a two hour minimum.
Our ProActive handyman service allows our expert staff to manage all your home maintenance needs. First, we conduct a comprehensive inspection of your home. Then we meet with you to discuss your maintenance preferences. Next, based on this information, we prepare a customized maintenance schedule for your home. We then contact you accordingly to schedule the work based on the schedule. With the ProActive program overseeing your home preventative maintenance program, your home will receive the quality attention it needs to stay in its best condition. It will also prevent costly epairs that result from lack of care.

It’s that easy. Simply select which service fits your need and contact us. HEB’s professionalism, experience and quality staff guarantees that you’ll get reliable service, top quality work and the best people for the job - without the annoyance of endless phone calls and bid shopping.

Handyman services include, but are not limited to:

Carpentry
Doors
Drywall repair
Chair rails
Closet Systems
Electrical
Exterior trim
Faucets
Home inspections
Lighting
Lock sets
Mantels
Moldings
Painting
Patios
Plumbing
Tile work
Vent & chimney cleaning
Windows
Wallpapering
And much more!

What is KMCA?

2009-11-03T21:59:00.000-05:00

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is an organization for kitchen, bath and other residential cabinet manufacturers. Founded in 1955, as a voluntary, non-profit trade association, KCMA was created to set the standard for cabinet manufacturers and their products.

KCMA (www.kcma.org) states this about their certification program. "The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Certification Program assures the specifier or user of kitchen cabinets and bath vanities that the cabinet bearing the blue and white seal complies with the rigorous standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and sponsored by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA)."

Cabinets go through rigorous testing before meeting receiving the KCMA's certification. These are just some of their requirements.

All floor cabinets must have a recessed toe space of at least two inches deep and three inches high.
Face frames must provide rigid construction.
All wood parts must have 10 percent or less moisture content at time of fabrication.
All materials must be constructed of materials suitable for a kitchen and bathroom environment.

The KCMA also performs five structural tests to verify the cabinets structural integrity. The also test doors and drawers for functionality, as well as the finish durability. For peace of mind, when buying a cabinet you want to look for this seal:

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association created the Environmental Stewardship Program. Their site says this about the program: " In 2006, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) created the Environmental Stewardship Program to help cabinet manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and help consumers easily identify environmentally-friendly products. After meeting certification requirements in areas of air quality, product and process resource management, environmental stewardship, and community relations, cabinet manufacturers can display the ESP seal on their products. The ESP seal helps you identify cabinets and cabinet manufacturers who are committed to protecting the environment." Bertch Cabinetry, offered by Home Equity Builders, is one of those manufacturers. To read more about Bertch and their commitment to the environment, click here.

Bertch Cabinetry

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Home Equity Builders is a distributor of Bertch Cabinetry. Bertch offers a wide variety of cabinetry including semi-custom and custom cabinets for kitchens, bathrooms, and offices and so much more.

About the company

Bertch Cabinetry has been building cabinets since 1977. In addition to all of the options this

company offers to customers, Bertch is committed to the environment. Their finishing procedures ensure minimal emissions. They also use the sawdust from their manufacturing processes; these are used to produce heat and energy.

Products

Bertch offers a wide variety of products to suit all projects. They offer:

Custom Cabinetry

Semi-Custom Cabinetry

Stock Cabinetry

Bath Cabinetry

Vanity Countertops

Interior Doors

So the next time you are in the need for cabinets or interior doors, give us a call at Home Equity Builders. We will help you design the room of your dreams.

Welcome

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Welcome. This is the official blog of Home Equity Builders, Inc. We are an award winning design/build firm, specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, renovations and additions. We combine years of experience with our expert staff to create the perfect room for you.

We will be bringing you articles on latest design trends and products. We will feature completed projects as well as informative articles on the whole design process.

What is NARI?

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The National Association of the Remodeling Industry is the only independent not-for-profit association solely serving the remodeling industry. NARI’s history dates back to 1935 with President Roosevelt’s National Recovery Act establishing the NERSICA which eventually became obsolete and was restructured into the NRA (National Remodelers Association) in 1956. In 1983, the NRA joined with the NHIC (National Home Improvement Council) to become NARI as it is known today.

According to www.NARI.org , NARI’s core purpose is to “advance and promote the remodeling industry’s professionalism, product and vital public purpose.” NARI guides the remodeling industry through its code of ethics and standards of practice. NARI insists its members engage in fair business practices and conform to the regulations of the member’s locality. Home Equity Builders prides itself for being a long standing active member of NARI in the Northern Virginia area. Jeff Rainey, the president of HEB, has achieved NARI’s Certified Remodeler (CR) designation. Pat Mullen, HEB’s superintendant, has achieved both the Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) and Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR) designations.

Through NARI’s certification program, home owners can be assured Home Equity Builders (www.HEBinc.com) has the knowledge and experience to handle the unique situations that can arise during a remodeling project. Unfortunately, the remodeling industry has a black cloud hanging overhead because of “contractors” that are often not licensed or insured and will take excessive time to complete a project, if finish it at all. Home Equity Builders strives to provide a quality project in a reasonable timeframe at a fair price. You also know that if a situation does arise, HEB will properly handle the difficulty in a safe and timely manner according to the regulations set forth by Fairfax and Loudon counties.

For more information on how you, as a homeowner, are protected with NARI’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, visit their website at www.NARI.com .