Home Improvement

Choosing a custom-made wood floor

The idea of creating your own custom wood floor is an unusual new way of adding uniqueness and personality to your home. Like custom kitchens and baths, you can now specify your own custom wood floor including the wood species, the finish it will have, its surface texture, whether the boards will be wide or thin, random or consistent lengths and even whether the wood is reclaimed or antique.
T. Morton & Co. Custom Wood Flooring is one of the few wood flooring makers that offers truly custom created wood flooring. And, like anything that is made especially for you, this is an opportunity to be completely involved in the decision-making process.

When beginning to think about custom wood flooring, be sure to do your homework. Ask yourself what you want out of your wood floor. Be sure to visit websites and home furnishings magazines to research custom flooring options. Talk to people (especially interior designers and custom builders) who have gone through the process of choosing custom wood floors.
Once you’ve checked resources, it’s time to connect with a flooring design specialist— someone who will guide you through the entire process from inspiring your initial ideas to installing your new floor. T. Morton certified wood flooring specialists can answer your questions and give you guidance on how to select the best options. The flooring design specialist will be able to refer woods and finishes that are more or less durable, as well as help you order samples to compare various finishes and textures.

Solid or Engineered - Wood profile or platform
The first consideration should be the wood profile or platform, solid or engineered. Solid boards are the wood’s natural cut and can be laid into any floor. Engineered boards, however, feature a 100 percent wood construction assembled in multiple layers. The wood layers are permanently bonded together in a cross-ply construction for superior strength and dimensional stability. The floor platform decision will impact your next decisions, specifically wood species and color.

Wood species and color
Choosing wood species and color is the next step when selecting your custom wood floor. From T. Morton, for example, there are domestic and exotic species of wood from which you may choose. They offer various domestic species from the forests of Canada, New England and Pennsylvania including Maple, Oak, Cherry, Walnut and many more. Exotics, from around the world, include Bubinga: a beautiful pink-red hardwood, also known as African Rosewood that has a mix of straight and interlocking grains and matures to a deep burgundy red. The list of exotic species is virtually limitless.
When selecting your wood species you will be making decisions about durability, texture, and color. Some species may dictate what your color options are. The wonderful advantage of custom flooring is the ability to decide to stain, paint or “go natural” when deciding on color. Many choose a custom color to match existing furniture or cabinetry.

Widths and lengths
Another benefit of purchasing custom flooring is the selection of widths and sometimes depending on the species, you may be able to choose longer lengths, or customize your floor with random widths and/or lengths. “Larger spaces with wide width planks have been the hip wood floor look as of late,” says Joe Guarino of T. Morton & Co. Custom Wood Flooring. “There are always a few trends that garner a lot of attention in wood flooring at any given time. We are seeing a lot of custom coloring and custom sculpting going hand in hand with the attraction to the wider wood planks.”

Surface treatments and textures
The appointment or treatment can change the look and feel of each wood to better match a unique style. There are numerous appointments to consider—handsculpted, wirebrushed, or French Bleed to name a few, or you might choose not to treat the floor at all. Surface treatments are visual and tactile options that can be important to setting your wood floor apart from all others.
With custom wood flooring you are the one in control. Unlike stock products, custom wood flooring eliminates the frustration of not getting exactly what you want. The result is a gorgeous hardwood floor, designed by you and is yours alone.

For more information on purchasing custom wood flooring, visit www.tmorton.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content

Is your basement a blast from the past??Unless your name is Carol Brady, retro relics like green shag carpet and dark wood paneling have probably disappeared from your home’s decor. But venture into many a basement and prepare to enter a time warp. Remodeled decades ago and decorated with smoked mirror wall tiles, swag light fixtures and velvet paintings, these dingy spaces seem uninviting by today’s standards, yet they can add significantly to a home’s useable square footage and value.
Just because the basement is the lowest level of the house doesn’t mean it has to be at the bottom of the list of rooms to renovate. As homeowners look to gain more useable space from their home, a growing trend is emerging: remodeling old basement remodels.
Remodeling is in. In the 12 months ending in September 2005, homeowners spent $125.2 billion to remodel their homes, an increase of 6.6 percent over the previous 12-month period, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.
“We are increasingly getting requests to remodel old basement remodels,” says Frank Palmeri, business manager, Owens Corning Basement Finishing System. “For those with a basement finished decades ago, many are finding it just doesn’t meet their needs any longer. Whether it’s drafty, dark or just dated, even a finished basement doesn’t provide value if it’s not a room where homeowners enjoy spending time.”

Building a Better Basement:Then and Now
Just as there have been advances in design and decorating over the past decades, so have there been advances in basement finishing techniques. There are now systems available that are specifically designed for basement environments which offer distinct advantages over the traditional wood and drywall construction used back then.
The Basement Finishing System by Owens Corning exemplifies the benefits of a ‘then vs. now’ approach to remodeling your old basement remodel. For example:
Then, drywall and traditional methods yielded a basement that provided little to no insulation or energy saving properties. Now, insulated walls create a warm, cozy space that, according to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy, can help reduce whole-house energy costs by up to 30 percent. Plus, it may qualify homeowners to claim up to a $500 energy tax credit under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Then, traditional walls could actually absorb moisture, making them conducive to mold and mildew growth. Now, the breathable walls of a finishing system resist mold and mildew.
Then, access to plumbing, foundation walls and wiring was difficult and messy — walls had to be cut into and re-patched. Now, removable walls provide easy access.
Then, there was minimal sound absorption. Noise would bounce back, creating maximum echoes. Now, there is 95 percent sound absorption, helping to foster a warm acoustic environment.
Then, walls were easily dented, cracked and stained. Fixing them required repair work and repainting. Now, virtually maintenance-free walls are dent- and stain-resistant.
Then, it was a noisy, dirty, dusty installation process that could take months. Now, trained professionals complete the process in as little as two weeks with minimal disruption and virtually none of the dust and mess.

“According to our research, one of the key reasons homeowners finish their basement is for lifestyle factors — needing more space for a dedicated purpose, such as a theater room, home office or exercise room,” says Palmeri. “These customers tell us that their new basement becomes a room they can’t wait to use, rather than one they feel obligated to use because the space is there. Homeowners are pleasantly surprised by the speed of this building process, especially if they’ve been through a traditional drywall basement remodel the first time.”
If your finished-long-ago basement has devolved into the land time forgot, it may be time to remodel the remodel.
For more information on Owens Corning Basement Finishing System, call (800) Basement or visit www.basementfinishingsystem.com. Basement Finishing System is a trademark of Owens Corning.
Courtesy of ARA Content

Household invaders
By Michelle Coyne

Mold.
Just the word alone is enough to make your skin crawl. This fungus travels by spores and needs three key essentials to survive: warmth, food and moisture. It likes to grow in wet or damp parts of your home and can grow on walls, floors and ceilings and attach to anything including pets, dust, plastic bags and even people.
“You would most likely see mold anywhere you’d have the most chance to have a water pipe break,” said Sander Bonvell principle partner of Air Resources Group LLC in East Greenbush.
If an area of your home has flooded and wasn’t cleaned up quickly or properly, you can be sure that you’ll see mold growing.

What does mold look like?
Mold can be found in many shades, from green to reddish brown to black or even yellow. It generally looks fuzzy, but can also appear cottony or leathery.
Common places mold can grow include carpets, drapes, ceiling tiles, under wallpaper or in ductwork. It’s most commonly seen in kitchens (because of the moisture caused when cooking), bathrooms and basements, but it isn’t limited to these areas.
Just as pollen in the air affects some people so can mold spores, depending on how you tolerate them. Some people may experience hay fever like reactions such as eye irritation, headaches, and in some severe cases, mood swings and nosebleeds. Some of the worst mold can produce a potentially toxic chemical called mycotoxins. One of the molds capable of producing this toxin is called Stachybotrys, also known as “black mold”. Though there are no definitive studies that say black mold is worse than any other type of mold, removal of it (like any other mold) is recommended immediately.

How do you know if you have mold?
While companies like Air Resources Group can test the level of mold buildup in structures, there are also telltale signs. Have you ever walked into a room and it smelled a little musty or earthy? That’s a good sign that mold has started to grow. Another more obvious indicator is discoloration in certain areas or on objects and actually seeing a substance growing.
“Any individual structure is susceptible to mold growth,” said Bonvell. “Keep moisture at a proper level in the house.” To prevent mold spores from growing, there are simple everyday tasks you can do:

• Vacuum & clean regularly, especially in the bathrooms
• Try to use rugs or washable floors rather than wall to wall carpet
• Repair water leaks as soon as possible
• Clean out and scrub your fridge regularly
• Make sure gutters are cleared of debris that might cause blockage and water buildup
• Make sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outdoors
• When watering outdoor gardens make sure water doesn’t flow towards the house
• Install a dehumidifier in chronically moist rooms

On top of these tips, you can also opt for greater reassurance and have a whole house purification system installed that eliminates indoor air pollution, including mold and mildew, toxins, dust mites and allergens.
Jake Zakrzewski, owner of A-1 Basements in East Greenbush helped design the EZ Breathe Ventilation Systems, which pulls moisture out of the entire house.
“Moisture is a food source for viruses, mold, mildew, carpenter ants and spiders,” he said
Within one week of installation all moisture will be completely eliminated. The system will even help those suffering from allergies and asthma and has been endorsed by the American Lung Association, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency.
According to Zakrzewski this system is mandatory in homes built in Texas and Alabama and the movement is slowly moving north.

New construction
Think that your new construction home is immune to mold? Think again. More and more owners of newly built homes are finding mold. The cause is mainly the result of poor construction practices.
When building Bonvelle offers some advice. “Make sure contractors are taking the proper precautions when building your home, such as keeping the work area as dry as possible until sealed and not using building products that are conducive to mold growth.
Added Zakrzewski: “Once wood gets wet it becomes a food source for mold.”

Removal
If you do find mold in your house it is recommended that you call a professional for removal. The process of removing it (if not done properly) could actually spread the mold even more. However, if the affected area is small and you want to tackle it yourself, use a common solution of 1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water. Also, be sure to wear:

• a filter mask
• goggles with no air holes
• rubber gloves
• clothes that cover your body and can be
easily laundered after.

Who pays?
Homeowners should be aware that most homeowner’s insurance does not cover damages and repair costs due to mold. Instead, mold problems are considered to be part of cleaning and maintenance and not disasters and damages. This can become costly to the owner, especially in more severe cases where the remedy is to remove whole walls and areas and have them rebuilt. Very extreme cases have been reported where homes had to be burned down to permanently rid them of mold.
Mold doesn’t have to be an enemy —you just need to take the proper precautions and be sure that your contact with it is as minimal as possible.
For additional testing of your home’s indoor air quality and to save money on your energy bills, use the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program and receive a comprehensive home assessment. To find a participating contractor in your area, or to find out more information call 877-NY-SMART or visit www.getenergysmart.org.

Facelift for the middle-aged door
These days, baby boomers aren’t the only ones worried about showing their age. When it comes to the middle-aged home, the front door is often the first to go.
That’s because exterior doors — one of the larger openings on the home — often take the brunt of UV exposure, wind and rain over a period of decades. A Harvard University study shows the average age of a home in the United States is 32 years old and rising, so doors definitely develop their share of “age spots.”
“It’s important to understand the causes and effects of wear and tear on exterior doors because they provide security and energy efficiency benefits, not to mention curb appeal, for the home,” says Shane Meisel, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN doors. “Proper maintenance — just a little attention over time — can help extend the life of exterior doors for many years.”
To maintain their youthful appearance, it’s important to regularly inspect exterior doors and repair problem spots, such as fading and the ill effects of water penetration. So with both performance and curb appeal in mind, here is a guide to recognizing and reversing signs of aging on exterior doors.

Anti-aging regimen for exterior doors
Proper finishing. The first defense against premature aging of doors is proper finishing. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions and be sure to finish all six sides of the door. Even though you may not see the top and bottom, they can be conduits for doors to absorb moisture from the environment, causing swelling and cracking over time.
Correct exposure ratio. The placement of an exterior door plays a major role in its maintenance and longevity. It’s important to determine the amount of overhang that protects the door from sun and rain and understand the UV exposure generated by the direction the door faces. In mild climates, the overhang should equal at least one-half of the door’s height. More severe climates require larger overhangs. The industry term for the correct exposure ratio is “coefficient.”
High-performance materials. New advances in manufacturing technology have taken the worry out of wood doors. JELD-WEN now offers AuraLast wood for U.S.-produced pine wood doors and frames. Thanks to a revolutionary penetrating treatment process, AuraLast wood is guaranteed to resist termites and decay for 20 years, and AuraLast wood frames carry a lifetime warranty.
Periodic inspection and maintenance. Just like any other exterior surface, doors need cleaning and care each year. Homeowners should expect to refinish wood doors every two to five years. For solid wood doors, lightly sand, then wipe away dust with a clean cloth, slightly dampened with mineral spirits. For doors made of other materials, follow the manufacturer’s refinishing recommendations. Apply at least two coats of a fade-resistant exterior polyurethane with an ultraviolet inhibitor, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Sand lightly between coats and be sure to finish all six sides of the door in the same manner.

Top tips for sprucing up the front entry
Once the entry door is properly finished and protected, homeowners may want to consider these inexpensive cosmetic upgrades.
1. Consider a new paint color. A touch of color for the front door gives the whole front of the home a lift. JELD-WEN’s new front door selector tool, offered at www.jeld-wen.com, allows homeowners to experiment with different looks online.
2. Install new hardware. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to spruce up the front entry on your own. Be sure to consider how the color and finish of the hardware coordinates or contrasts with the color and texture of the front door, and select a low-maintenance finish. Examples of new hardware to consider are brass kick plates, door handles, door knockers, locks and even mail slots.
3. Incorporate house numbers and lighting at the entryway. House numbers are a huge trend in “exterior design.” With more stylish options available than ever before, this little weekend project makes a big impact at the front entry. Likewise, a matching exterior light adds a warm and welcoming ambience.
For more door care and maintenance tips from JELD-WEN or to browse new styles for replacement doors, visit www.jeld-wen.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content .

Getting ready for a kitchen remodel?
If cooking in limited space is a challenge, your countertops are cluttered and you have no cabinet space left, it may be time for a kitchen remodel. According to the national trade publication “Kitchen & Bath Business,” an estimated 6 million households will embark on said adventure in the coming year.
If you’ll be among the masses, make the process easier by putting some thought into it now. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends you start by:
1) Determining the main purpose for remodeling the room. Do you want to add more space or just better utilize the limited space you have?
2) Next, look into your options. Can you “borrow” space from an adjoining dining room or will you have to add on space?
3) Prioritize the changes. Figure out what you want to change the most and what you can keep or just update.
4) Collect ideas and information. Look through books and magazines to get an idea of the “look” you want. Make a clip book of all the pictures and ideas that represent your style. Visit home shows and collect brochures featuring products you like.
5) Determine your budget. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2005 Cost vs. Value report, the average kitchen remodel costs $43,862. If you don’t have that kind of money to spend, don’t despair. You can still remodel, just on a smaller scale.
One of the easiest, and least expensive ways to update a tired kitchen is to change the wall color and flooring. If you want to make the room appear larger, go with a shade of blue or green. If you want a more comfortable, cozy feel, yellows, reds and golds are the way to go.
To make the colors really pop, choose a flooring material that lets you be the designer. Marmoleum Click by Forbo (available in 18 colors) comes in easy to install 12-inch wide by 36-inch long panels. They can be combined with 12-inch by 12-inch squares for a wide variety of patterns and color combinations.
In the kitchen, islands and bars can be surrounded by color that will really set them apart from the rest of the room. Color can also be used to separate the kitchen from an adjoining dining room or great room. You can make the room appear larger by using light colors and simple patterns, or choose a busy pattern and darker colors to make the room feel cozier.
If you want the patterns to be the focal point of the room, you can install zig zags of alternating colors, or even checkerboards. The material can even be used on backsplashes.
Marmoelum Click is easily kept dirt and dust free, and tests show its anti-static and bactericidal properties prevent micro-organisms such as Staphylococcus from growing. Mold won’t grow on it in the bathroom either.
To learn more about Marmoleum Click, or to find the dealer nearest you, log on to www.themarmoleumstore.com or call (866) MARMOLEUM.
Courtesy of ARA Content

Tips for remodeling on a budget
If you’re tired of the look and feel of your kitchen and want to try something different, don’t let the high cost of a remodel scare you off. There are some inexpensive upgrades you can make that will have a huge impact:
1. Paint the room
2. Update the lighting
3. Change the faucet and sink
4. Change out the cabinet hardware
5. Upgrade the countertops
Highly polished granite and stainless steel were the hot trends in the 1990s, but because of their expense and need for greater upkeep and care, there’s now a renewed interest in synthetic countertop materials that combine both style and function.
One that’s getting a lot of attention these days is Wilsonart HD, a high definition laminate. The material is available in hundreds of colors and patterns so you’re guaranteed to find exactly the look what you want, whether that’s a vibrant pure colored counter that will compliment cherry cabinets, or the elegant look of stone or wood.
Log on to www.countertop.com or call (800) 433-3222 to request samples.

Tile: A home improvement that lasts a lifetime
By Holli Rossi

Flooring can be one of the most important decorative decisions and investments that you make for your home or business. While the floor you walk on can reflect your own personal style, it also has the potential to last a lifetime.
Flooring experts Mark Guiliano and Tony D’Auge owners of Albany-based Pro Tile, Inc. agreed that the trend in flooring has shifted away from traditional to harder porcelain and marble tiles, which have proven to be virtually indestructible, stain resistant and appealing. Imagine transforming your mudroom or entranceway to a welcome room with decorative porcelain tile or adding elegance to an office lobby with marble flooring.
With over 20 years of combined experience in the flooring industry, the two men aim to install quality tile flooring that can last for a few generations. Since opening in September 2006, Pro Tile transformed the lobby of Anton Wood Associates on Central Avenue, in Albany, by laying three-dimensional flooring, which resembles that of the Guggenheim Heritage Museum at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Called Marble Illusion, the floor is made with square marble tiles bordered by black and white marble pieces to create an illusion of steps cascading across the room.
According to Guiliano, the customer handed him a picture from a magazine and asked him to do the job. It took Guiliano and three other men three days to cut hard marble pieces and lay them out in a pattern until they got it right. In the end, Pro Tile installed an elegant marble floor and re-decorated the lobby walls of the business. In total, it took 11 days to complete.
“This is the most intricate project we have ever done,” said Guiliano.
Guiliano, who started out in the flooring industry in 1992, only recommends three-dimensional flooring for large business entranceways. Tile patterns or murals are more appropriate for square rooms. Because marble can be slippery, Guiliano suggests using porcelain tile for residential mudrooms and entranceways.
If you want to give your bathroom a functional facelift, porcelain tile is the way to go. Porcelain, which is known for its low water absorption, can withstand high-traffic areas and continuous exposure to moisture. While there are many colors to choose from, tiles can be mixed and matched to create a pattern. Tile borders or hems can also create a stunning look. Popular today are soft neutral tones.
Because ceramic tile can last so long, customers have leaned toward earth tones that will match many types of furniture and wall coverings. For a more personal touch, customers can opt for a pattern of tile or have decorative inlays installed.
Cost can be influenced by how many different sizes of tiles are used. While most customers choose to go with one size of tile, there are those who want floor patterns which can require up to five different shapes.
Remember, though, that ceramic tile is only as good as the sub-flooring that is installed. Because ceramic tile is more heavy and brittle, it requires a stable underlayment that can carry the weight and prevent surface tiles from cracking or coming loose over time. Additionally, sub-flooring should be both nailed and cemented down. “It [sub-flooring] is the key to making tiles last,” said Guiliano.
Floors aren’t the only thing that Guiliano and D’Auge specialize in. They also use tiles to create unforgettable walls. A tile backsplash behind a stove or above a countertop can add life to a tired kitchen and protect walls from drips and splatters. In its simplest form, a backsplash can consist of a main tile with a border and a few inserts. However, a colorful mosaic backsplash or tile mural can be installed for as little as $1,000.
If you’re considering revamping your home with tiles, Guiliano suggests you get two to three quotes from different vendors to compare pricing. Additionally, tile stores can often recommend reputable contractors.
For more information on Pro Tile call 365.8882 or visit www.protileofalbany.com.
Holli Rossi is a Capital Region resident who has a way with words and would love to tell your story. She can be reached at 235.5393 or hrossi@nycap.rr.com.

A garage fit for a car
There are over 100 million garages in North America and it’s not likely that they all have cars parked in them. Most likely they hold an accumulation of life’s cast-offs, essential or rarely used tools, sports and hobby stuff. With the garage so crammed full of stuff, many times your car is the one that suffers.
Building and remodeling contractors report that after the kitchen, bath and multi-purpose utility rooms, garage space is getting a lot of attention in both new construction and remodel jobs. Fortunately for homeowners, there are more options than ever for solving the problem.
When trying how to get more out of the 500 square feet in your two-car garage, consider just how it will be used:
• Rebuilding a classic car has an entirely different set of requirements than nurturing orchids.
• Do you need to work in the space as well as store things; if so, what tools do you need regularly?
• Do you need heavy-duty shelving or specific racks for sports gear?
• Do you need to protect children or pets from dangerous items?
• What is in there that shouldn’t be?
Next, look for usable space, which is probably more than you think. If you think cars will take most of the floor space, look for products that take advantage of vertical wall space.
The best solution is a customized system that gives flexibility for future needs. These systems are typically a combination of tall and wall-mounted cabinets and shelving, work surfaces and slat wall or pegboard with use-specific hangers to control tools and small items. For the ultimate garage package, air filters, high-tech flooring, refrigerators, plasma screens and built-in power tools can be found. Whether you need a practical all-purpose storage area or a motor-head monument, a garage upgrade is an investment that you’ll appreciate daily–and when your home is sold.
For more information call California Closets at 218.7883, visit them at Peter Harris Plaza, Route 7, Latham or visit online at www.californiaclosets.com.