Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving

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

Remodelers Journal Click to go directly to article.

Kichler Lighting's Newest Collections

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

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?

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!