After a long, dark winter, spring’s bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year’s flower beds. D. Barnett, a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors, shared this checklist to help you target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine.

• Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.

• Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.

• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.

• From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.

• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

• Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.

• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.

• Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.

• Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.

• Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.

Well, I hope you enjoyed our article of the week and if you do please don’t forget to LIKE us or share these tips!

Most of us think of white as a classic color that matches everything and never goes out of style. But not all whites are created equal, especially in the bath.

At one end of the scale is pure white, which is often called “stark white,” or “paper white.” Beyond the basic, there’s a wide variety of other white hues with names such as biscuit, white satin, white cliffs and earthen white.

White hot, cool pale

At first glance, the differences between shades of white may seem difficult to determine. A closer comparison, however, reveals the key to their seemingly subtle variations.

All colors are either blue-based or yellow-based, and whites are the same. You can see the difference immediately when you look at the whites together and see that one is very warm and the other is very cool-looking.

White on white

Popular at least since the early 20th century, the white-on-white bathroom remains strong today. People are drawn to all-white bathrooms because we associate white with purity, and things that are healthy and hygienic. It looks so clean and that’s what we do in bathrooms, we get clean.

If you’re thinking about using an all-white scheme for your bathroom, consider using a broad palette of whites instead of just one. And don’t be afraid to mix whites, as long as you stay in the same family.

We wouldn’t hesitate to use biscuit fixtures and a whiter white on the countertop or the backsplash, and accent with accessories in alabaster or clear glass.

Decorating with texture

Another way to successfully use white on white is to take advantage of textures.

When you’re working with whites, you want to look at honed, brushed and tumbled as well as shiny surfaces. You can combine those textures relatively easily in an all-white bathroom.

For example, if your toilet, sink and bathtub are glossy white, you could use a matte-finish tile for the tub surround and backsplash, and perhaps a tumbled stone tile for the countertop.

Fixtures are also available in texturally interesting whites, such as Dune, a soft neutral inspired by desert sands, and Honed White™, a matte surface inspired by the smooth texture and natural appeal of worn river rock. Other options, like Sea Salt™, offer a three-dimensional pattern on the smooth surface of Cast Iron sinks and bathtubs. The combined neutral colors and organic materials add extra depth and character to traditional white fixtures.

Another way to create visual interest is through the use of decorative glass shower doors. By gently obscuring the transparency of the glass with subtle patterns, the play of light, shadow, steam and water, combine to achieve beautiful effects without a hint of color.

Accents with white

If you’re thinking about combining colors with white—either using colors as an accent in your primarily white room, or using white as the accent in a color scheme—you’ll want to keep warm and cool color families in mind. If you want to use blue as an accent in your bathroom, for example, choose a cooler—or blue-based—white. These shades work best with cool colors such as blue-greens, blue-reds or purples.

On the other hand, warmer, yellow-based whites are nice complements for warm colors, such as reds, oranges and yellow-greens.

If you are using a yellow, or a yellow-based green (such as olive), then your white would need to be a yellow-based white, rather than a blue-based one. If you chose a blue-based white, it would look gray against yellow-based colors, and a yellow-based white against blue could look dirty.

Which came first?

If you’re starting from scratch and plan to use white as the main color in your bathroom, choose the white you like best. Once you’ve selected a white, look for accent colors that coordinate with its yellow or blue base. Add a blue tile tub surround and countertop, for example, or maybe just a few blue decorative tiles in the backsplash.

Or you can keep all of your bathroom surfaces white—walls, tile, fixtures and flooring—and add color with rugs, the shower curtain, towels and art. That way, you have the option of changing accent colors whenever the mood strikes you.

Pure white

A note about using pure white—like the white of a sheet of paper: It’s a difficult color to work with because it’s so stark. If you get a true white—a paper white—it will go with anything, but it’s an uncomfortable color because the contrast might be too strong.

We then recommend choosing a softer white, or softening it with texture, which can sometimes read as color. That’s one of the reasons we tend to use neutrals. They’re comfortable to live with.

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The statistics on New Year’s resolutions are pretty dismal: As few as 2 percent of resolution-setters actually achieve their goals by the year’s end, we’ve heard.

No matter what your goals, we want to help you achieve them.

Organize yourself for success.

Take time to evaluate last year. Make a list of the things that went well and those that didn’t.

Take a moment to celebrate your successes. Then consider why you were successful. What lessons can you extract from failures?

Write down your goals in a notebook.

The few minutes it takes to consider and physically write something down is the minimum length of time necessary for thought to be processed as a lasting, more easily retrievable memory, neuroscientists say. Writing also helps you focus.

Keep your written goals where you can see and review them at the start of every day. Script your moves for the first 30 days. Shifting momentum is often the most difficult part of making a fresh start. Make it easier on yourself by assigning one to-do each day for the first month, so all you have to do is follow the path you’ve already charted.

Start small. Make one goal for each week. Break your big goal into four weekly goals for each month.

Plan to fail. That sounds depressing, but it’s not. Nobody is perfect. The key to success is expecting failure and planning ways to bounce back from it.

Try some if/then statements. New York University psychology researchers have verified the power of simple if/then statements in getting people to follow through on their intentions. For example, if weight loss is your goal, repeat to yourself this kind of statement: “If I go to a restaurant tonight for dinner, then I will order a salad.” You might surprise yourself when you order a salad, as if on autopilot.

Stoke your emotional attachment to your goals. Put up quotes and images on a bulletin board. Keep them handy so that when you are tempted, you can look at something and immediately feel a strong sense of connection to your end goal.

Pick one or two metrics to measure and track your progress every day. Look back at your progress each week and month — and celebrate!

Make a public statement. There’s nothing like committing to a goal publicly to keep you honest. Post on your Facebook wall, send an email to friends and family, or tell all of your colleagues what you are going to accomplish, by when. Encourage them to check in on you and heckle you if you are not living up to your end of the bargain.

Pat yourself on the back once a week. It can be easy to get swept up in busyness. But celebrating your progress each week is critical to staying on track. Take five minutes every Friday afternoon or Sunday evening and write down at least three things you did (or learned) that brought you closer to your intended goal.

Don’t compare yourself or your rate of progress to anyone else. Focus instead on doing the best you can do today.

Reward your self-control. Keep a little sticker or star chart on an index card you can keep your wallet.If you don’t have one, improvise and make your own index card!

Every time you exercise self-control related to your goal, give yourself a star. Each time you hit a certain number of stars, say 10, reward yourself with something like a pedicure (if you are man reading this, you’ll be surprise the number of men going to the pedicure lately! )  …or just get yourself a yummy smoothie.

Find someone successful to imitate.  Repeat, repeat, repeat. Repeating tasks is the way to mastery. Repeat one or two of the same tasks crucial to your desired change each and every week. Before you know it, you’ll be able to do these on autopilot.

Be still once a day.

If you have had a good day, consider this an opportunity to energize and tap into your insight and creativity.

If you haven’t had a good day, a quiet moment serves as a fresh start.

Clear your mind, clean your slate and begin again!

More About Us: GRNY Renovation Mission Statement

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If you are looking for a bathroom remodeling that feels cozy and relaxing, you’re not alone. Looking at the BEFORE picture below, you can easily see that this bathroom had no storage space – especially if you have a family, storage is a must-have in any bathroom. With that in mind, we swapped out the old pedestal sink for a gorgeous Tresham vanity. A pullout storage bridge was also added to help keep the toiletries organized and out of sight.

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In the shower, a DTV digital showering system was installed as well as the handshower. The Digital Showering System is a great addition especially when you have kids – the temperature is always set to a comfortable level and the hand shower would let you move the water around where it’s needed. The showerhead in this picture is called Margaux showerhead, but if you’d rather having a Soothing Ceiling Showerhead for your bathroom, the rain-like stream would guarantee a more pleasurable shower than ever before.

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A gold finish on the faucets and accessories really adds an antique charm to the space.

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Once all the mess of a remodel is gone, it will feel great to have a bathroom that you truly love. In this particular case it went from cold and neutral to warm and stylish, and most importantly, it’s now a space for the entire family.

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GRNY Renovation is family owned and operated with over 10 years of experience.

If you are thinking about any home improvement, or renovating your commercial space, hiring the right construction company will be the most important decision you make. You will be living with your decision for many years to come, so you must find the right construction company who understands every aspect of your project from budget and design right down to the dirt work and up to the finished job. Your construction company also needs the know-how to coordinate and orchestrate the utmost of results from numerous trade contractors and countless suppliers.

Hiring the right construction company is a great dilemma for some new clients. Isn’t competitive bidding the way to ensure a fair price? No, and here’s why:

The 3 bid myth

Some people select a construction company by soliciting three bids after their plans are entirely complete. The homeowner will generally discard the high and low bid; feeling picking the “middle” price minimizes the risk. The bid price drives the selection, but is that really the best way to hire a construction company? Is the “middle price” company really the company who will build the best quality project for the “best” price?

Look at it this way: When you purchase a new car, you’re purchasing a product. You can see what it looks like and take a test-drive to see how it feels. With a building project, you’re purchasing a “design concept” and you don’t see the finished project until well after the contract is signed.

Construction is not quite like buying a car.

This is the reason why ‘bid shopping‘ works well for things like cars, but is a high risk for a construction project. You can ask three dealers to price a specific make and model car, and be fairly certain you are comparing the same products. But with a remodeling project, the products, quality of workmanship, service, timeliness and warranty can differ significantly.

WHILE

There are many reasons for low bids including incomplete or vague scope of work, type of materials, poor craftsmanship, slow production, inadequate safety precautions, lack of insurance and licensing, no clean up or touch ups at the end of the job, and perhaps miscommunication about your expectation of quality. Here’s an example of an incomplete job done by a bad contractor

Construction quality never runs dirt cheap

If in-depth research to find the right construction company may seem like a headache, you must remind yourself that you are probably spending more money in one transaction than you will ever spend again, just short of your mortgage. It’s true when they say that the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten.

What’s the best way to make your decision?

A thorough interview. As no job interview begins by negotiating salary, hiring a construction company should not be any different. Before you get to compensation, you want to be sure you have a qualified applicant, correct?

We encourage you to interview.

If the construction company passes the interview, ask for a list of references. Then keep the following criteria in mind and ask past clients questions about his performance, strengths and weakness.

Professionalism, Timeliness & Care

How was your rapport with the construction company?

Was the communication good?

Did the contractor offer creative or better ideas to enhance your project?

Was the company up-to-date in the latest technology, products and trends?

How was the timeliness? Did they provide a construction schedule?

Did they show up for work every day?

Did they complete the project in the time frame promised?

Was the job site kept clean?

Did the company and their employees care?

Value and Investment

Did the past clients feel their construction company charged them fairly?

Did past clients feel they obtained the best value for their investment?

Did they feel the construction company was an honest negotiator?

Was the Scope of Work detailed, discussed and given to the clients in a written document?

To sum it up, how do the past clients feel about the overall project quality?

The most important questions.

Would you happily hire this construction company again?

Is there a current job in progress? Ask if you can see it. If possible, talk to the clients who are actually going through the remodeling process right now and ask them the same above questions.

Your final decision!

If you get positive and enthusiastic responses from past clients and you have the same feelings about this construction company, then this is when and how you should make your decision. Add it all up and you will be choosing an excellent construction company, who will build a quality project for you! After all, isn’t this everything you want?

An easy way to check a construction company’s contractor license and insurance:

You want to be sure the construction company you are considering has a valid New York license. This is very easy to do via the Internet.

Go to http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/licenses/license_check.shtml  and enter the pertinent information to confirm the license. Additionally, be sure to verify if the remodeling company has workers’ compensation and liability insurance which is vital protection that every homeowner should want during their building project.

For more advice please go to our new page called Remodeling Facts You Need to Know

I hope you found this article helpful!

As the warmer temperatures in New York are just beginning to drop a little, we soon know that the winter will be officially here in just a few months.  With colder temperatures also comes rising energy bills, drafty windows and doors, and heating our homes becomes a must. Have you thought about what you can do now in the fall, to save energy and money in the winter? Use these helpful tips to get a jump start on winterizing your home while there’s plenty of time.

Remodeling and Renovation Services in NYC

Check your home now for energy leaks: Fall is the best time to determine where energy leaks are occurring. You can easily conduct a do-it-yourself home energy assessment (also known as a home energy audit). With a simple but diligent walk-through, you can spot many problems in any type of house. When assessing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades.

Locating Air Leaks

First, make a list of obvious air leaks (drafts). The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward. Check for indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring and at junctures of the walls and ceiling. Check to see if air can flow through these places:

• Electrical outlets
• Switch plates
• Window frames
• Baseboards
• Weather stripping around doors
• Fireplace dampers
• Attic hatches
• Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners.

Check to see if the caulking and weather stripping underneath your doors or around your windows are applied properly, leaving no gaps or cracks, and are in good condition. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. You can usually seal these leaks by caulking or weather stripping them.

Check the storm windows to see if they fit and are not broken. You may also wish to consider replacing your old windows and doors with newer, high-performance ones.

If you are having difficulty locating leaks, you may want to conduct a basic building pressurization test:

• First, close all exterior doors, windows, and fireplace flues.
• Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters.
• Then turn on all exhaust fans (generally located in the kitchen and bathrooms) or use a large window fan to suck the air out of the rooms.

This test increases infiltration through cracks and leaks, making them easier to detect. You can use incense sticks or your damp hand to locate these leaks. If you use incense sticks, moving air will cause the smoke to waver, and if you use your damp hand, any drafts will feel cool to your hand.

Green Remodeling: Eco-Friendly Renovation

On the outside of your house, inspect all areas where two different building materials meet, including:

• All exterior corners
• Where siding and chimneys meet
• Areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.

Lighting

Energy for lighting accounts for about 10% of your electric bill. Examine the wattage size of the light bulbs in your house. You may have 100-watt (or larger) bulbs where 60 or 75 watts would do. You should also consider compact fluorescent lamps for areas where lights are on for hours at a time. Your electric utility may offer rebates or other incentives for purchasing energy-efficient lamps.

Have your furnace/fireplace checked: The main source of heat in your home should be in good working condition and checked by a professional. Your furnace should have the ducts, heating elements, and filters changed regularly.  Take the time now to clean out your fireplace of old soot and ashes, and hire a chimney sweeper to clean out the chimney and. Consider inspecting the roof and around the chimney for flashing damage so there will be no surprise leaks from rain or snow through the chimney!  Also make sure wire netting is placed at the top of the chimney so debris, rodents and birds don’t enter into your fireplace. If you live in a climate that is still able to enjoy the outdoors, ensure your outdoor fireplace is cleaned and maintained each season as well.

Walk around the exterior of your home: The exterior of your home tends to be forgotten about in the wintertime and now is the time to inspect it. Inspect gutters to ensure they are clean and rid of leaves. Check for broken screens or replace/fix if there’s anything broken. Now it’s the perfect time to buy and stock up on salt, and other winter accessories and tools. No lack of materials or high prices!

Repair and clean: Similarly to spring cleaning when your home has been sitting dormant all winter, fall clean up prepares your home for the winter season as well as ensures that everything is in good working order.  Repair any cracks in your foundation, pressure wash  exterior  brick  and concrete, and get your furnace and/or chimney serviced. Clean out your garage, any storage areas around your house. Check your snow blower or shovels, and other tools to see if they need replacing from last winter.

Though autumn in New York City is a delectable time of year to enjoy the charms of the Manhattan metropolis, the pristine season is over all too soon. Use these helpful tips to save money, energy, and keep your family safe and warm during the winter. Don’t get caught off guard! Once old man winter descends on New York, make sure you had already performed a good maintenance on your home for the upcoming winter season.

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After all, you are looking forward to getting cozy and being able to enjoy those warm nights in your home, right?

Get going then!

For today we gathered up a few lovely kitchen ideas that we believe will give you a clue regarding the trends for next year. The IKEA style can be noticed all through these photos. Small spaces were the main target of the giant furniture manufacturer. You will notice ingenious storage solutions, modern cabinets, lovely dining tables- all combined in a very appealing manner. “Kitchens are the beating hearts of our homes. Which is why yours should look and work just how you always imagined, from big things like cabinets and appliances to details like drawer organizers and flexible furniture“. The company’s message is accompanied by an online kitchen planner with the help of which users everywhere can turn their visions into reality. You can also browse the IKEA 2012 Catalog online here for more details. Enjoy!

Great way of getting organized as well!

Let me know if you have any comments for this blog Thanks and see you in the next post!

Window boxes are ideal for flowers, herbs and other smaller plants, and can instantly add cheer and color to your home’s exterior. Plus, if you find yourself short on yard space, maintaining window boxes is an ideal way to get your gardening fix.

Sure, you can buy window boxes at a variety of retailers. But where’s the fun in that? We’ve compiled a simple window box project that you can do at home, then fill with your favorite plant or flower.

Supplies:

• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Electric drill
• Screwdriver
• Electric or manual saw
• 1-inch thick boards for the sides, length and bottom of your box (this will depend on the size of your windows.)
• Medium-grit sandpaper
• 1.5-inch wood screws
• Potting soil
• Plants

Instructions:

1) Measure your window frame and trim, which will dictate the size of your window box. If you want the box to rest on a window ledge, measure the depth of the ledge.

2) Measure your board, note the lengths with your pencil and cut. If you need to, gently sand the edges of the boards.

3) Using a drill, make pilot holes for the wood screws at the box’s joints. Starting with the sides, screw the box together. Screw on the bottom board last, and add a few drill holes throughout the board to allow for drainage.

4) Now that your box is assembled, sand if necessary. You can also paint the box, or add a burlap liner before you add your soil and plants.

5) You can use mounting brackets or other similar hardware to help affix your window box to the window or ledge. If your home has a brick, stone or stucco exterior, you’ll need a masonry bit to install the proper brackets.

Want to know more about us? Visit our website at:

http://www.grnyrenovation.com/general-contractor-home-improvement-nyc.php

Learn how paint can dramatically enhance your decor and what colors and styles would work best for your home:

Charcoal gray walls set the stage complemented by pineapple yellow and soft white accessories, this living room space makes the perfect urban oasis. When choosing to work with a darker paint palette, try pairing them with brighter colors to create an edgy look that’s still inviting.

When applied correctly, crisp white can make for a brilliant backdrop. When used heavily throughout a space, white will define and bring out the space’s architectural features while allowing the decor to speak for itself. In this high-styled kitchen, crisp white walls are contrasted beautifully with dark wood floors, a ruby-red countertop and white cabinetry. The result is a stylish traditional kitchen.

This bedroom is both bold and beautiful, with a palette of bright orange walls, hot-pink furnishings and off-white detailing. By using richer tones instead of pastels, the bedroom decor instantly becomes more mature, allowing it to be a space any girl would be happy to grow up in.

Cool blues are known to exude a sense of calm making them the perfect paint choice for relaxing spaces. White walls frame the breathtaking views of the surrounding woodlands, while cool colored ceilings evoke the feeling of being under light blue skies.

Painted stripes can add depth to a space while also providing a compelling focal point. In this foyer, a focal wall is created around a bright orange and white striped wall that’s matched with upholstered seating. For added character and drama, a fun leopard print patterned pillow was elegantly placed in the mix.

A neutral color palette will make any room feel bigger, brighter and cleaner. To avoid a dull look, accentuate your color selection with textures. This entryway boasts a khaki and white color palette accented with aged finishes and seashells. The end result is a whimsical and dreamy beach-inspired design.

Horizontal stripes work well in more casual spaces and can trick the eye by making the room appear wider with a lower ceiling. In this sitting area, a melon paint color — sharply contrasted with white — is used to create a bright and airy sitting room. Long drapes and layered fabrics make this plush sitting area the perfect place to lounge.

Pair your newly painted walls with glass or ceramic tiles to create a beautiful focal point in any space. When choosing a paint color, try and match it with similar shades found in the tile for a cohesive and unified look. In this hotel-inspired suite, chili pepper, turquoise blue and white tiles contrast nicely against the simmering red wall. The result is a relaxing suite that exhibits an urban flair.

Painting with vibrant colors always makes interior decorating and renovating more exciting. The use of bold colors can be especially attractive in children’s rooms. In this space, a vibrant aqua and rustic orange is paired to create a playful kids’ room with decor that connects to its desert location.

Myth #1: Any remodel is a good one.

Some people think that any improvement is a good one, but not all home improvements are created equal. For example, the homeowner of the room at left had a concert hall of his very own in his ranch-style home. Unless the next homeowner is an opera singer, he or she may not want a balcony in the house. When making a renovation like this, keep in mind that you might want to sell the place one day.

Myth #2: I can do it myself.
You may be convinced that you can do it just as well as a contractor, but news flash! You can’t. You may just have an unrealistic idea of your “knack” for remodeling. Doing it yourself can sometimes save money, but you need to know your limits. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are certain low-risk projects that are very simple to tackle on your own, but there are many others for which you need a professional.

Click on ADVICE for helpful hints if you are planning on doing a major remodeling project soon.

Myth #3: Pools add value.
A lot of people think that adding a swimming pool and/or a hot tub is a sure seller. That’s not always true. Location is extremely important. If every day is summer in your climate and it’s a pool-friendly region, that’s one thing, but if you live in a cooler climate, it could be different story. In most areas of the country, adding a pool is a scary proposition. It’s a big liability and can be a lot of work to maintain in the off-season. You should think long and hard about building a pool. It could end up being a big money pit.

Myth #4: Follow the latest design trends.
Many homeowners think it’s a good idea to follow the latest design trends. Not true. For instance, peach textured wallpaper went out in the ’80s. Features like that must go before a house goes on the market. Neutral colors or palettes have more of a timeless feel and will appeal to far more people.

If you have any project in mind, please Contact Us with your ideas. We will be thrilled to know we can help you on what we love most: transforming  your house into a beautiful and functional home.