Home Inspirations Magazine Fall 2010

FALL 2010

Building the American Dream Remodeling Your Future

Rejuvenate One Easy Step

Rediscover Many Floors Ago

Remodelers Showcase Unveiled

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Page 26

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To learn more, visit www. ecec.com and click on Incentives under the Energy Info tab.

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Reinspire, Refresh & Redesign!

I am a big fan of Fall. Everyone is in a great mood. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, you can pull out your favorite sweaters . . . and the weather is perfect for finishing up the odds-and-ends around the house.

This issue of Home Inspirations focuses on just that – see page 25 for some tips on getting your house ready for cooler weather.

Something else to consider is making sure your home is timeless; in other words - make sure your house doesn’t restrict your lifestyle as you get older. Check out page 40 for a great article on ways to live longer in your home.

It is also important to keep your safety in mind when doing these projects. Did you know that the Wisconsin DNR and Federal EPA recently passed a new regulation regarding lead in homes built before 1978? See how this affects you – read the article on page 50.

But the real highlight of this issue is the 2nd annual Remodelers Showcase of Homes. This year’s event features eight fantastic homes. Need some inspiration to get your projects off the ground? Head out on the tour September 11-12.

Enjoy the season!

Karen Rockwell Executive Director

Have a comment or questions? Write to Us!

Send letters to Chippewa Valley Home Builders, 4319 Jeffers Road, Suite 200, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

Or send e-mail to info@cvhomebuilders.com.

2

2010 Board of Directors President Rick Parmeter, Clear Creek Log Homes & Trading Co.*

Vice President Cody Filipczak, C&M Properties and Construction, Inc.

Secretary Jon Schwieters, ShredAway

Treasurer Pat Sturz, LarsonAllen LLP

Past President Roy Rico, Rico Quality Homes, Inc.*

Directors Jim Bechly, Bank Mutual* Frank Biermeier, Menards - East* Lance Brunkow, Brunkow Builders, Inc. Bill Gautsche, Pella Windows & Doors T.C., Inc. Brad Gustafson, Gustafson Remodeling Neil Haselwander, Haselwander Bros. Inc.*+ Gregory Haselwander, Haselwander Companies, Inc.*+ Tom Kruse, Independent Flooring* Mike Marthaler, Mike’s Custom Homes* Dennis Pawlak, Pawlak Construction Bill Pozarski, Pozarski Enterprises* Jim Selting, Aqua Quality of Eau Claire* Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis, Archer Lion, Inc.* Jason Steen, Steen Construction of Osseo, Inc.*+ Randy Tews, R. Tews Construction & Design, Inc.* Tim White, Overhead Door Co. of the Chippewa Valley* * Serves as a Director on the Wisconsin Builders Association. + Serves as a Director on the National Association of Home Builders.

CVHBA Staff Karen Rockwell, Executive Director Melissa Zander, Membership Services Coordinator Dawn Sonnentag, Marketing & Event Manager Mark Lewis, Government Affairs Director Kathryn Moss, Special Events Intern 4319 Jeffers Road, Suite 200 | Eau Claire, WI 54703 715.835.2526 (phone) | 715.835.2905 (fax)

visit cvhomebuilders.com The Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association (CVHBA) is a non profit trade association representing the area’s home building industry. Established in 1972, its mission is to build a better Chippewa Valley housing industry through promotion, advocacy and education. Representing almost 400 members throughout Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Buffalo and Pepin counties, the CVHBA is a powerful voice for the home building community.

2

Welcome

6

Rejuvenate

Reinspire, Refresh & Redesign!

One Easy Step - Add Color

14 Put It Together Series

Warm Up Your Fireplace for the Holidays

20 Rediscover Many Floors Ago

26 Remodelers Showcase Unveiled Showcase route, remodeler & ticket information and much more!

40 Building the American Dream Remodeling Your Future

50 Get the Lead Out! Many Floors Ago

Request a copy of Home Inspirations at cvhomebuilders.com

Editor Karen Rockwell Creative Director Dawn Sonnentag

HONEY DO-List

FALL

Graphic Designer Laura Goetsch ~ Getcha Design Contributing Writers Jon Baseman, Tim Betts, Chris Inman Contributing Tamara Betts, Aesthetic Outdoor Photography Printer Badgerland Printing This publication is published three times a year by the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission.

For information regarding advertising in an upcoming issue, please call 715.835.2526.

4

Cover photograph contributed by Greener Grass Systems

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6

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ejuvenate One Easy Step

Add Color

By Dawn Sonnentag Photos contributed by Sherwin-Williams Paint Stores Painting is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to add an instant pop to a room. Color plays a key role in triggering our memories and traditions. Many times it is found that whether or not you like a certain color reflects something from your past. For example; if your grandmother loved lilacs and when you spoke to her it was calming – you may feel that a lilac color would bring that feeling into your room.

Paint has the power to transform the look and feel of your home, the effect you get depends on the color you choose. When a room doesn’t feel quite right it’s usually because the color does not support the mood you were trying to create.

When you go to your local paint store don’t let all the paint samples scare you. There are simple tricks to make your color selection easier:

• First open your closet and look at the wardrobe – colors you usually wear make you feel a certain way. Is that the way you would like your room to feel? It is best to choose colors that reflect your personality.

• Color is always more intense on the wall then on a small paint chip.

• If you love the small paint chip in the store – take the color

home with you before purchasing. The color will change with your homes’ direct and indirect lighting. Look at the paint sample various times during the day to make sure you still like the color. Live with the color a few days just to be sure.

• If your paint store offers larger samples try them.

The larger the sampler the easier your decision will become.

7

Keep in mind colors differ from your computer and lighting will affect the magazine photo as well.

• If your inspiration is not portable ask your paint

store for a fan deck – it’s the paint deck that offers thousands of paint colors that you may be able to match your color.

• Remember that cool colors (think light blues and

greens) relax and soothe; warm colors (think red and orange) advance. Decide what makes you the most comfortable and what works best for the room before choosing.

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14

PUT IT TO GETHER S ER IES

Warm Up Your Fireplace for the Holidays

By Timothy Betts

By Timothy Betts Photos

by Aesthetic Outdoor Photography Photos by Aesthetic Outdoor Photography

Oh,

the crazy things carpenters get asked to do…. A client the crazy carpenters asked to do…. came to methings this spring with aget pre-finished, white pine A client came to me this spring with a pre-finished, white half-log they had purchased while on vacation. They wanted to pine half-log whilehearth on vacation. complete theirthey riverhad stonepurchased fireplace and with the halfThey to complete their stone log aswanted the mantle, but since theriver stone hadfireplace already and been laid, hearth with the half-log as the mantle, but the two attaching the mantle was not going to be easy.since Commonly, stone had already been laid, attaching the mantle was stubs of log are laid into the stone and protrude out from the not to be easy.

Commonly, twowasn’t stubs of log by arethe laidmasons, wallgoing supporting the mantle.

Since this done into the stone and protrude out from the wall supporting it wasn’t practical to disturb the river stone now. Apparently, a the mantle. this wasn’t by the masons, it wasn’t number of Since contractors haddone already been contacted, including practical to disturb the river stone now.

Apparently, a not a log builder, and all had declined the challenge. While number of contractors had already been contacted, an expert in log construction, I am a sucker for a challenge including a log all had declined the challenge. and I have hadbuilder, some and experience trimming inside log homes. The While not an expert in log construction, I am sucker for of the idea was to construct two log legs to supporta the weight amantle, challenge and I have had some experience trimming and then set pins into the mortar joints with epoxy to inside homes.

The idea was to construct two log legs keep log it from tipping. to support the weight of the and here then issetworking pins intowith an As a carpenter, the realmantle, challenge the mortar joints with epoxy to keep it from tipping. irregular object. The logs are not straight, the floor is not flat, andAsthea wall carpenter, the real workingneed to is not plumb.

Still,challenge the legs here of theis mantle with an irregular object.

The logs are not straight, theThe key be plumb and the top of the mantle needs to be level. floor is not flat, and the wall is not plumb.

Still, the legs to accomplishing this is to use a bench as a reference ofplane to the mantle need to be plumb and the top of the mantle make the cuts. needs to be level. The key to accomplishing this is to use a bench as a reference plane to make the cuts.

15

B

ack in the shop, the first step was to mortise the bottom of the mantle to receive the legs. A flat spot, in plane with the top of the mantle, needed to be created at each leg location. The mantle was laid top-down on the bench [PIC 1, 2], and a simple jig was built to hold a router at a consistent height above the bench, and a 3/8� carbide end mill was chucked into the router. With the jig, the router could be passed back and forth over the mantle to create the flats. Since the tenons on top of the leg were planed to be four inches square, the end mill was lowered until a suitably sized area was created. At this point, the difference in elevation could be measured to determine the length of each leg, from the shoulder of the tenon to the floor [PIC 3]. Since the mortises should be parallel to each other, the mantle was positioned parallel to the edge of the bench and a board was clamped to the edge of the bench. This creates a surface that a square could be reference off to establish the mortise locations. Once the mortises had been augured out and chopped clean, it was time to address the legs.

The legs needed to be cut-off, top and bottom, in parallel planes. To accomplish this, the bench was again used as a reference [PIC 4]. The legs were laid on top of the bench and raised up off the bench with oversized shims until the pith, or center of the log, was parallel to the bench top. Then the legs were set parallel to the edge and strapped down to the bench.

Then a simple plywood box, sans top and bottom, was slipped over the end of the logs, set flush with the edge of the bench and clamped down.

This created a surface that could be used to guide a carpenter’s hand saw.

Both legs were cut to length and a reference line was drawn on the top to mark orientation. Then the bottom of the legs were augured out by the end mill to ease later scribing, and the tenons were laid out on the tops of the logs, with the pith in the center. A skill saw was used to cut the depth of the tenons and a hand saw was used to cut the shoulders. Then a chisel and draw knife were used to cut the scallops on the shoulders. After some clean up and fitting of the tenons, the logs were ready for finish. A dye was used to add the amber color and they were top coated with clear polyurethane.

1

2

3

4 16

PUT IT TO GETHER S ER IES

T

he main challenge during installation was scribing the bottom of the legs to meet the irregularities of the stone hearth [PIC 5]. Scribing is the process of transferring the line of one surface, say a wall, onto another object, such as a cabinet or countertop, so that one may be cut to fit the other. Usually this is a very gradual curve and fairly easy to accomplish, but the river stone hearth presented steep changes in elevation. For this type of situation, a special type of scribe is needed called a “log scribe.� These scribes have steel pins to follow the surface more finely and a set of level vials to help control orientation. To execute this scribe, the legs and mantle were set up into position and the locations of the logs on the hearth were marked with tape. Since the mantle needs to be level after the scribes are cut, first measure how much out of level the mantle is prior to scribing.

Shim up a level up on top of the mantle and measure [PIC 6].

Then calculate the elevation change for the distance between the legs. Then go back to the hearth and find the point where the legs are highest off the mortar joints. This is the bottom of the scribe and the amount needed to be cut off the legs. Set the scribe to this depth. Then go to the leg that was shortest when measuring for level on the mantle. Wrap this leg with tape and scribe the contours of the rock onto the leg. Then go to the other leg, spread the scribe by the amount the mantle was out of level.

This will correct for level. Scribe the taller leg. Take the mantle down and cut the scribes and begin the fitting process. There is no magic here, and perfection is nearly unattainable, so simply relax and work with them till they fit well enough.

Once the scribes were complete, the mantle was anchored to the wall. Eight inch screws were driven into the log mantle where they would contact the wall at a mortar joint. Those locations were marked, drilled and filled with a two-part epoxy.

Then the mantle was set back up with the screw heads into the epoxied holes. Once cured, the screws were permanently bonded to the mortar.

The end results were good, the client was happy, and we had some fun brushing up on our log building skills. From a style point, the new mantle broke up a large wall of stone and added some function to the fireplace. It created the finishing touch that home had been looking for.

5

6

Timothy Betts is a general contractor and cabinet maker from Strum, WI specializing in remodeling, cabinetry and fine millwork.

He can be reached locally with questions or comments at 715-6953660 or bettst@triwest.net.

17

Subcontractors & Suppliers Building Material and Office Furniture RE-USE Center

A special thank you to the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association members who worked on this home: Baseman Floors Inc. Buesser Concrete, LLC City Wide Insulation Doors • Windows • Sinks • Tubs • Vanities • Plumbing • Appliances Denny’s Appliance Light Fixtures • Cabinets • Office Furniture • Floor Coverings Pahl’s Kitchen & Bath Collection Now accepting building material donations – Eau Claire area pick-up service is available.

Pella Windows & Doors T.C., Inc. Thorcraft Custom Kitchens 2108 Western Avenue • Eau Claire, WI • 715.838.2084 • www.hopegospelmission.org Monday - Saturday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Subcontractors & Suppliers A special thank you to the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association members who worked on this home: Bed, Bath & Drapery Shop Brovold Construction, Inc. Chippewa Valley Excavating City Wide Insulation Jerry’s Heating & Air Conditioning Service Karl’s TV & Appliance & Furniture K-C Electric Inc. Lake Hallie Cabinets & Design Liberty Exteriors, Inc. Lyman Lumber Company Premier Drywall

Offering professional electric installation & services for 25 years!

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Lake Hallie Cabinets & Design prides itself on offering high quality workmanship and services at competitive rates.

We provide full service interior design and complete installation with the experience, high standards, strong work ethic and reliability that our clients have come to trust.

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VISIT LAKEHALLIECABINETS.COM Over 50 years in business in the Chippewa Valley

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ediscover

20

Many Floors Ago Photos and article contributed by Jon Baseman, Baseman Hardwood Floors

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ot long ago, our company refinished some maple flooring in the principal’s office of a high school built in 1900. When the principal and another staff member came in to inspect the floor, they immediately started trying to figure out a way to cancel the carpet they had ordered to cover up the wood floors in the other offices. What Tim and Michelle were impressed with was the enduring and timeless beauty of real hardwood floors. That very same week, I spoke with a homeowner who was looking to have the floors refinished in the house previously owned by his grandmother. He wanted to restore the elegance and style of the original structure.

Hardwood floors not only offer stunning good looks and comfortable living, but with proper maintenance, they will provide a lifetime of service.

Since a hardwood floor is a flooring and not a floor covering, it is a structural part of the home adding to the solid feel and value of the home. Due to the longevity of the hardwood flooring, homeowners avoid having to make costly and extensive changes to the home. The principal’s office floor is 110 years old and, with proper care, will last another 100 years, easily outlasting the rest of the building.

There are ecological benefits as well. Since hardwood floors do not need to be replaced, there isn’t the repeated waste of disposing worn out floor coverings in landfills. Combine that with the managed growth of forests, and hardwood floors prove to have a high “green” IQ. There are managed imports as well, including bamboo and lyptus. However, there are some aspects to consider with imported woods. For example, with bamboo, there are a few negative side effects to its use. Not only are rain forests being clear-cut to

21

expand growing areas, but a tremendous amount of fuel is also needed to transport the material halfway around the world. The Maple Wood Flooring Association (MFMA) has an interesting piece on the comparisons of maple flooring and bamboo flooring at the following website: http://www. maplefloor.org/literature/maple_vs_bamboo.cfm.

This past year has seen some interesting changes and shifts in our markets. We are seeing more folks staying in their existing homes rather than selling to build new. According to the April/May edition of Hardwood Floors magazine, in 2008 and 2009, 74 percent of projects were remodeling projects, and only 26 percent were new home construction.

Working on remodeling projects is very satisfying because quite often, just like the principal’s

office, it is a dramatic improvement to the home. Installing hardwood floors in an existing home can seem like too much of a hassle to deal with for some people. However, there are some different options that make the process more palatable. For example, when installing unfinished wood flooring, we have an Atomic Dust Containment System™ (DCS) that we now can use. The DCS is a gas-powered, trailer-mounted unit that uses vacuum hoses attached to the sander to evacuate the dust out of the house. The hoses deliver the dust to a cyclonic filtration vacuum in the trailer. This same system has the added benefit of eliminating the majority of the fumes associated with the refinishing of existing hardwood flooring. The uses of different finishes or prefinished flooring also add to the flexibility of the process.

Another aspect of our market that has experienced some shifting is trends in wood species. While the species choices have not changed and are still very numerous, we have noticed a trend back toward the use of more domestic woods. There are a number of factors that come into play here. The fluctuation of the strength of the U.S. dollar has affected buying power to some extent. Additionally, the rising cost of shipping and the struggling economy have resulted in the increased bargaining power of domestic woods. Also, an increasing number of flooring manufacturers are becoming FSC-certified. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization which requires chain-of-custody documentation and product labeling. With more

22

and more people becoming aware of environmental issues associated with some exotics, the domestic woods have gained even more traction with consumers.

While red oak and maple have historically enjoyed the lion-share of the domestic market, we have observed that some other species are beginning to gain more popularity. White oak has enjoyed the biggest gain in sales. White oak is a slightly harder wood with a little tighter grain pattern and a marginally darker natural color. Compared to red oak, it is also more stable with less expansion and contraction when relative humidity fluctuates. One of the most popular cuts of white oak is the rift-and-quartered method of sawing the lumber. By rift-andquartering the material, the grain of the wood runs perpendicular to the normal direction and creates a very stable floor. The result is a visually intriguing grain pattern. White oak is not the only domestic wood that has increased in sales; walnut, hickory, ash, and many other domestic species have also enjoyed increased popularity.

So, if you are the market for a new floor, hardwood may just be the floor for you. Hardwood floors offer a lifetime of beauty and durability, adding value to the home, and doing it in an environmentally conscious manner.

Jon Baseman is a flooring expert with Baseman Hardwood Floors located in Appleton and Eau Claire.

You can visit them online at www.basemanfloors.com

B l n o i om s a e d I

33rd Annual

Home & Garden Show February 25 -27, 2011

Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center 3456 Craig Road, Eau Claire, WI For additional information visit us at cvhomebuilders.com or call 715.832.2526

Whether Building a New Home or Remodeling ~ See us for Your Granite, Silestone, Hanstone & Caesarstone Needs!

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HONEY DO-List

FALL

Now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the cooler weather on the way! Professional builders have some great tips to keep costs down while also maintaining your comfort level this fall.

Tip #1 Don’t

wait! Projects are easy to delay, but you don’t a want to be fixing up the exterior of your house when the thermometer is reading 30 below. Use the nice weather temps of autumn to get things in order.

Tip #2 Do the easy stuff first. Reverse your

ceiling fans. Clean out your window and patio door tracks – oftentimes sticks, bugs (yikes!), and dirt piles get caught in the wheels and messing up the seals. Turn on your furnace for a dry run and change the filters.

Tip #3 Prep your fireplace. Make sure your damper is tightly sealed (don’t let your heat escape out your chimney).

Tip #4 Get outside. Get out there and

seal all those areas where you had drafts or cold spots last year. If you are new to the home, do a quick visual inspection.

Seal or glaze the cracks in your windows.

Caulk cracks or gaps between siding and window trim, window sashes and main frames. If your windows are in rough shape, purchase a window kit (one of the Midwest most popular window dressings!)

Tip #5 Look up and down. Don’t forget

your foundation and attic in your visual inspection. Eyeball the siding and foundation for any new cracks, gaps or openings and seal them up if necessary.

Also, try to get a visual inspection of the roof condition and the attic for proper insulation. Improper insulation in the attic is a major cause of heat loss and ice damming.

Tip #6 Clean

the gutters. If you don’t clean out your gutters, you run the risk of water building up in them during cold weather (more ice damming).

Tip #7 Sometimes

you have to spend money in order to save money. If your windows and frames are in rough shape, you might be losing more money then you realize on energy costs. This is a good time to call in an energy consultant, like Focus on Energy, to do a home energy audit. The audit will help identify your problem areas and let you know what rebates and tax credits are available to fix up your house.

Tip #8 Don’t

Sit back enjoy Ranelax. autumn day with a

Tip #10

cup of hot apple cider!

overlook the obvious.

When the snow starts to fly, be sure to close AND LOCK your windows. One contractor shared with us that customers often call saying “we feel cold air,” and it turns out that it they simply didn’t lock the windows.

Tip #9 Bring

in the Pros. Not everyone is a do-it yourselfer when it comes to weatherization. If you are too busy, or just not handy, you can find local professional to help with any home project at www.cvhomebuilders.com.

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T H E C H I P P E WA VA L L E Y H O M E B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

REMODELERS

r o u t e M A P

1

Storybook Custom Homes, LLC

2

Asher Enterprises, Inc

3

R. Tews Construction & Design, Inc

4

Legacy Homes, LLC

5

R. Tews Construction & Design, Inc

6

Brunkow Builders, Inc

7

Wood Wright Construction

8

Asher Enterprises, Inc

13288 195th Street, Jim Falls

16098 89th Avenue, Chippewa Falls 18909 69th Avenue, Chippewa Falls 1024 Piedmont Road, Eau Claire 1379 Red Pine Drive, Eau Claire 4900 Sheeder Road, Eau Claire

S9770 Hillview Drive, Eau Claire

2738 Cherry Blossom Lane, Menomonie

SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2010 12:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

$

5 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS: Gordy’s County Markets: Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Cornell & Ladysmith Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, 4319 Jeffers Road, Eau Claire Available at the Remodelers Showcase homes

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For more information visit cvhomebuilders.com or call 715-835-2526

20th St

Water Tower Rd

205th St

210th St

Shaleridge Rd

Shaleridge Rd

Miller Rd

N 130th Ave

Finch Dr

210th St Paint Creek Rd N 140th Ave

nt Rd

960th S t

Cresce

N 120th Ave

#81

Bryce Rd 170th Ave E Robin Rd

S

Bunting Rd

1000th St

To

Rossman Dr

S 140th Ave

Curler Rd

90th Ave

State St

Peterson Rd

Washington Ave Prairie J Rd

Coon Creek Rd

B

Lincoln Ave

Randall R

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1

Total Home Renovation

BEFORE

Our clients contacted us to see if we could help them with a remodel of a home that they owned on the river. Having recently retired, they wanted to make this their main residence. The home was in major need of updating. Our clients had a few goals in mind. One was to create a more open concept and open up the rooms. The second was to make the home handicap accessible. The third was to add a three car garage and a couple of feet of living space across part of the front of the house.

BEFORE

After coming up with a few preliminary designs, it was decided to completely gut the inside of the home so that we could address issues with ageing wiring, poor insulation, and water damage. The home has been completely re-wired, re-plumbed , re-insulated, re-roofed and re-sided. We also took the opportunity to add a tray ceiling in the living area to add to the open concept. This home features extensive hardwood flooring by Baseman Floors and new cabinetry with granite tops by Thorcraft. A white painted custom trim package adds the final touch, giving the home that classic waterfront look. Come and see what an amazing transformation is possible with ‘most any home!

BEFORE

Directions: STORYBOOK CUSTOM HOMES, LLC 715-456-3670 www.StorybookCustomHomes.com

28

13288 195th Street, Jim Falls, WI

From Eau Claire – take WI-29 E to Seymour Cray SR Blvd. Turn right onto CR-S go 8.5 miles and take a left on 195th Ave. Home is on the right.

From Chippewa – Take CR-S toward Jim Falls - past Anson Park, take a left on 195th Ave. Home on the right.

2

16098 89th Avenue, Chippewa Falls, WI

Exterior Remodel

BEFORE

The main reason the homeowners contacted Asher Enterprises was to take their current home and give it the curb appeal and feel of a new design/build. Asher Enterprises expertise in design/build took the homeowners through every stage of creating the look and feel they wanted. From selecting the materials and color choices to envisioning ideas and establishing a budget – the process made this amazing home makeover come to life in an extraordinary way. The home reflects the character and class of the homeowner which they will enjoy for years to come!

Directions:

From Eau Claire – take US-53 N. Merge onto WI-29E toward Green Bay. Take WI-29-BR/WI-178 exit toward Chippewa Falls. Turn right onto WI-178 N / Seymour Cray SR Blvd. Turn Right onto CR-S. Turn left on 89th Avenue to 16098.

ASHER ENTERPRISES, INC. 715-832-7282 www.asherenterprises.com info@asherenterprises.com

29

3 BEFORE

18909 69th Avenue, Chippewa Falls, WI

Great Room Addition R. Tews Construction & Design, Inc. was approached after the 2009 Remodelers Showcase of Homes to give this client some ideas of what could be done to expand their existing ranch home. The thought was that they needed more space for their family to gather and relax. The homeowner desired a place for a pool table and large screen TV with additional room for future bedrooms on the lower level.

Our concept was simple – let’s make a great room and bring the outdoors in by using numerous windows. The design featured a step down sunken floor, wood burning fireplace, hardwood floors, and slate flooring to accent. The ceiling was completed with boxcar siding to give the room a warm feeling.

The French doors are the grand entry to this great room.

The homeowner’s ideas coupled with our design concepts paid off in creating a well designed and finished great room for years of enjoyment.

Couple this room with the homeowners new landscaping and furnishings make this project truly breath taking.

R. TEWS CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN, INC. 715-834-1628 www.rtewsconstruction.com info@rtewsconstruction.com 30

Directions:

WI-29 E to exit on CR-X, left on Pine Harbor District Road, left into 189th Street (Wissota Woods), right onto 69th to 18909.

4

1024 Piedmont Road, Eau Claire, WI

Kitchen/Living Area Renovation & Garage Addition This 1970s northside tri-level home had served its family well. Yet, as often happens, the homeowners, being recent empty-nesters, were ready for some changes. They were about to embark on a whole house transformation.

Inside, walls would be torn out. The kitchen would be renovated. A fireplace would be added. Doors and millwork would be updated. Flooring would be replaced. Windows would be replaced. Outside, siding would be upgraded.

The garage would be enlarged (added a 3rd stall). The back deck and front stoop would be replaced. Roof lines would be changed. Over the next six months, budgets were considered, choices were made, and much work was done. We invite you to come, tour, and witness for yourself this transformation as we present this year’s Remodelers Showcase project – 1024 Piedmont Road.

Directions:

From Business Hwy 53 take Hwy 312W/North Crossing exit. Turn right onto Mercury Avenue. Turn left on Piedmont Road. Home is on the right.

LEGACY HOMES, LLC 715-877-1880 www.LegacyHomes-llc.com Kevin@LegacyHomes-llc.com

31

5

1379 Red Pine Drive, Eau Claire, WI

Kitchen Remodel BEFORE

The homeowners of this project contacted R. Tews Construction & Design, Inc. for creative ideas for updating the entry and kitchen. The flooring was dated and additional space was needed for new appliances.

We started with floor samples we thought would speak volumes. A red oak eco-scraped hardwood was selected. The product is 100% “green” and all hand scraped by a local vendor. The cabinet alterations, subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances are a perfect fit with the client’s granite countertop selection.

The newly updated kitchen provides a great working environment and a style that reflects the personality of its owners. The transformation will provide years of enjoyment.

R. TEWS CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN, INC. 715-834-1628 www.rtewsconstruction.com info@rtewsconstruction.com 32

Directions:

US-12E to left on CR-SS / Nine Mile Creek Road. Right at the bridge to CR-SS / Nine Mile Creek Road. Left at Red Pine Drive to 1379. House on right.

6

BEFORE

4900 Sheeder Road, Eau Claire, WI

Room Addition / Update & Add Curb Appeal

The homeowners of this single story home contacted us to design and construct multiple projects all at the same time. The goal of these projects was to update and add curb appeal to the front of the home and add a living space that took advantage of the scenic backyard view in the back of the home. With this in mind, we designed the two additions shown in these photos. In the front, we added a beautiful new covered porch entryway with craftsman style tapered columns over stone piers. In the back of the home, we added a wonderful four season sunroom with lots of large windows to take advantage of the view. We also installed new windows throughout the existing home, re-roofed the entire home, and refaced the existing chimneys on both the home and garage with new stone masonry to match the piers on the new front porch. As you can see, the homeowners will be enjoying the transformation of their home with these wonderful improvements for years to come.

Directions:

From Eau Claire take Highway 93 South. Turn left at 1st set of lights past I-94 onto Old Town Hall Road. Go .7 miles to right on to Sheeder Road. The home is the first house on the right.

BEFORE

BRUNKOW BUILDERS, INC. 715-835-6744 www.BrunkowBuilders.com

33

7

BEFORE

S9770 Hillview Drive, Eau Claire, WI

Total Home Renovation After attending the 2010 Home & Garden Show, Wood Wright Construction was contacted to discuss building a new home.

However, our clients could not find the land they dreamed of, and happened to visit a building project already underway.

The project had been under construction for numerous years with no end in site. Our clients purchased the home as is, and Wood Wright Construction was brought in to finish and redesign the existing home.

The project included: Enlarging the kitchen, removing unnecessary walls, expanding cabinetry to support 37 feet of quartz countertops, and achieving an open-concept between the kitchen and gathering room to make it an ideal entertainment layout. The master bath was redesigned to include a European wet room shower system.

This home is ideal and will allow for the addition of any future needs.

BEFORE

34

WOOD WRIGHT CONSTRUCTION 715-743-2251 www.WoodWright.com wrightmen@tds.net

Directions:

Take US-53 S. Turn right onto CR-I / Hillview Road.

Go south approximately 4-5 miles to house.

8

2738 Cherry Blossom Lane, Menomonie, WI

Exterior Renovation, Patio Enclosure Sunroom & Deck

BEFORE

The homeowners met with Asher Enterprises for a sunroom addition. One of the options that was presented was our luxury gabled style patio enclosure would offer a unique balance between performance, durability, budget and aesthetics. This was a great choice by the homeowner which will allow them to enjoy the room all year. Other upgrades to the home were the maintenance-free deck, stone coated steel-barrel vault roof with matching gutter protection system, seamless steel siding, and downspouts on the entire home and detached garage. The homeowners have not only improved the value of their home, they have improved their lifestyle. Enjoy the tour of this amazing makeover and see how your home can be transformed!

Directions:

WI-29 W to right on Red Cedar Street. Left on Cherry Blossom Lane.

ASHER ENTERPRISES, INC. 715-832-7282 www.asherenterprises.com info@asherenterprises.com

35

Create Your Kitchen Masterpiece Custom design the kitchen of your dreams with the help from Denny’s Appliance. We offer a variety of brands whose quality you trust, like Frigidaire, Samsung, Bosch and Thermador. Visit our showroom today and let us help you find the right products at the perfect price.

1701 B Stout Road Menomonie, WI 54751

715.235.2028 www.dennysappliance.net

Subcontractors & Suppliers A special thank you to the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association members who worked on this home: Amazing Space Green Thumb Landscaping & Excavating, Inc. Kjelstad Plumbing Lyman Lumber Company Overhead Door Company of the Chippewa Valley Thorcraft Custom Kitchens Water Source Heating & Cooling, Inc

Since our beginning in 1983, Water Source has helped Wisconsin homeowners discover the benefits of geothermal. Geothermal heat pumps use the free, renewable enegry from your own backyard, saving you up to 75% on heating, cooling & hot water.

With better comfort, lower bills and a 30% federal tax credit for qualified units- there’s never been a better time to switch.

Call Water Source Heating & Cooling to take advantage of geothermal energy and the 30% renewable energy tax credit.

(715) 833-9001 3650 Greenway Street, Eau Claire | watersourcegeothermal.com

w a t e r f u r n a c e .c o m

ARCHITECTUAL ART by

KOHLRUSCH

Michael R. Kohlrusch Artist/Designer Residential/Commercial Illustrations Black & White • Full Color for more information contact mike at: kohlrusch@comcast.net

40

Bulding the

American Dream Contributed by Chris Inman ~ Photos contributed by Wood Wright Construction

No matter what life throws at us, having the independence and control to do and say what’s important is at the heart of the American dream. It’s about personal fulfillment. It’s freedom. It’s dignity. It’s having a place to call home.

And in every sense, these are the qualities that are driving the Accessible Home Movement.

Across the country people are realizing that quality of life is best when we are independent to do what we want and live where we want, no matter what our age or physical abilities. Ensuring that outcome for as long as possible takes new thinking about our living environment and our essential needs. Creating surroundings to meet our needs now and in the future is key to enjoying all of life’s stages and to pursuing our own, personalized version of the American Dream.

41

Tidal Shift . . . Again

Not so long ago, households and neighborhoods were multi-generational. Grandparents, parents, and children often lived together under one roof or nearby each other in the same part of town or farming area. With everyone so close it was easy to be aware of what life was like for each generation, even though we didn’t always have a way to take care of every need.

Sadly, this part of our social fabric faded, families became more scattered, and the makeup of neighborhoods became less diverse and less unique. Connections between generations suffered and awareness of different needs diminished. Especially troubling, many seniors were lost to bleak institutional care and dead-end government programs.

But things often have a way of falling off track, then rebounding back to center. Today more attention is paid to important factors that contribute to longevity and quality of life, besides medical and technological innovations. What’s sometimes called the “soft side” of life’s complex equation, the value of purposeful connections is building momentum. We’re at the front of a quiet renaissance, a rebirth that is changing expectations about how we live and what we can do to make ourselves successful throughout our lives.

Importance of family, close friends, and “place” are central to living a full and meaningful life. Staying in a home as we mature, continuing to nurture long-standing friendships, and even shopping, going to church, and participating in a familiar community, provide the basis for a vigorous, engaged, hope-filled life. According to a recent AARP study, over 85% of people 55 years and older want to live in their current house indefinitely. It’s not difficult to imagine why given the emotional attachment to home, family, and community most of us share.

While there are many influences pushing and pulling us to make lifestyle changes, the energy and intensity driving many attitude shifts about personal fulfillment and aging are coming from the baby boomer generation. No surprise here. Numbering over 78 million people, with a history of redefining our culture, and control of almost 50% of the expendable wealth in this country, it’s impossible to deny the boomers much of anything as they reach retirement and their golden years. And if there’s one thing clear about this “pig in the python,” as some refer to the population bulge the boomers represent, it’s not going to age quietly.

Accessibility is Good for All 42

Building homes so they’re as safe and easy to get around in as possible seems like a perfect goal. Accessibility features do increase the cost of a home, but only by a modest 4% or so as long as the homeowner, designer, and builder avoid choosing fancy electronics, hardware, and appliances, and steer clear of the need for an elevator. Those expensive features have their place, but should be the exception and not the rule.

S

ticking to simple solutions like wider hallways and doorways, roll-in showers with plenty of blocking in bathroom walls for mounting grab bars and other safety devices as well as shower seats, ‘0’ clearance thresholds, no-step entrances, ample clearance in front of cabinets, appliances and bathroom fixtures, and positioning outlets and switches at appropriate heights, eases challenges for everyone, including seniors and people with disabilities, at little additional expense. Creative cabinetry designs increase accessibility and mobility, again at little increase in cost. Improvements to lighting, installing anti-scald shower controls, choosing hard surface flooring in main traffic paths instead of plush carpet and padding, and ensuring wheelchair access to sinks, countertops, and closet storage, minimally impact budgets for new construction. (Do be careful of warranties, especially with flooring products; some are voided with wheel chair use.) All told, cost isn’t a serious factor.

“Building homes so they’re as safe and easy to get around in as possible seems like a perfect goal.”

Design efforts are equal to conventional building provided the contractor, designer, and architect carefully listen to the needs of the homeowner and remain sensitive to turning radiuses, traffic patterns, approach and transfer spaces, and all access issues, which they should be doing anyway if they’re genuinely interested in customer satisfaction.

Products have been available, though some for only a few years in the US, and new items are coming into the market all the time. Admittedly, many early products were stodgy and plain, however, what could be called a second generation of products is emerging that offer more stylish, eye-candy appeal. Some of the best products are coming from Europe, where sleeklooking, curbless showers, clear glass screens, and tasteful safety accessories have been popular for several decades.

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“

The European wet room concept ideally suits the accessible home movement

“

The European wet room concept ideally suits the accessible home movement, offering rollin shower ease, complete waterproofing to prevent leaks, material degradation, mold and mildew, and a foundation for great looking, high-end results. Systems utilizing glassreinforced plastic pans eliminate heavy, laborintensive concrete and rubber membrane assemblies, support wheel chair and shower seat point loads, are highly adaptable in size and shape, and can be covered with a huge variety of ceramic, glass, and stone surfacing materials. Consider this a new age, when showers featuring accessibility and sex appeal go together as easy as vanilla ice cream and warm apple pie. In fact, the next step in the evolution of home design comes when the elegant appearance of barrier-free, safety showers are more highly prized and marketed than any of the accessibility benefits.

Homeowners and homebuyers, take note. Wanting an accessible home, being able to define what that means for you, and searching for a dedicated contractor that can deliver it, is part of the change equation.

You may feel like a pioneer, the first in your area to think carefully about your long-term needs and limitations, and express them in straightforward, concrete terms. But doing

so is vitally important; otherwise you may end up disappointed because you settled for a conventional, non-sustainable outcome. Persistence pays off.

Find professionals with experience in accessibility construction and evaluate their creative abilities and their listening skills. If a builder continually steers you into a conventional home plan of their choosing, telling you it will do just fine for your needs, beware.

You may be dealing with someone who doesn’t get it and is unwilling to rethink what “home for a lifetime” is all about. Success, until accessible homes become the standard, depends on homeowners and homebuyers insisting on changing the rules of home design and accommodation.

It’s your American Dream, and you deserve to run with it for as long as possible. Don’t let unnecessary barriers, and outdated, unimaginative thinking stand in your way. Instead, find an experienced builder of ageless-living homes, one with creative flair and familiar with leading edge safety products, and together design a home that grows with you as your needs and preferences evolve, while achieving a style that makes you happy.

Chris Inman and Shannon Melvin own the Accessibility Resource Center, Inc., in Neillsville, WI, offering leadingedge barrier-free wet room shower construction products, cabinetry, home safety and comfort equipment, and accessible home designs. They also build and remodel homes throughout central Wisconsin as Wood Wright Construction.

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Get the

Lead Out !

Photo contributed by Willa Eve Photography

This summer, a new federal and state law kicked into effect requiring that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Why does it Matter to You?

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. If ingested or absorbed, it can cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk.

The most common sources of lead poisoning include:

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路 Deteriorating lead-based paint 路 Lead contaminated dust 路 Lead contaminated residential soil

IN DEPTH

Why does the new law target homes built before 1978?

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. The new law requires that individuals receive certain information prior to renting or buying a pre-1978 home.

Landlords

are required to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint.

Sellers

are required to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards prior to selling a house. Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to ten days to check for lead hazards.

How can consumers protect themselves?

If you own home built before 1978, refrain from doing paint-disturbing projects yourself. Locate a contractor that has received proper lead renovator training. In addition, before work starts be sure to read the EPA booklet “Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools� which can be picked at Builders Crossing at 4319 Jeffers Road in Eau Claire.

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Keep your project on schedule. Call our Builders Call Line at 1-800-628-2121 to schedule your service connection or fill out the online application at XcelEnergy.com/BuildersAndDevelopers. Š 2010 XCEL ENERGY INC.

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