I just HAD to pass this one along to our readers. Of course, you come to this weblog for tips on how to get lucky, right (hands, please)? Well, the latest advisor to the lovelorn is - who else - Kilz products (that's right, those folks that make the stain-blocking primer we're all so very fond-of). According to the latest Kilz Roller Report: - 85% of women would prefer a $5,000 room remodel over a new pair of diamond earrings - 63% of women consider home decor to be a key indicator of a man's personality and maturity - over half of men consider home improvement to be

 In this economy, many of our remodeling-happy customers have a renewed interest in cost-sensitive improvements.  As usual, we ALL want to achieve the greatest impact; the most WOW factor for our investment.

Regardless the economic situation, some folks just cannot leave things alone, around their homes.  We refer to them as serial remodelers.  Bless their souls!

I'll be posting a series of great ideas along these lines in upcoming pieces.  Let's not think "cheap" (heaven forbid)....  Good design and creative / innovative use of durable materials is often the key to creating greater utility,

Mason, enjoy your articles. After 12 years in the refacing business, I finally started my own co. What do you think of the laminate and veneer process? Since I am now also doing sales, I could use any sales pitches you might have.  Thanks!

Kirk B Reno, NV

 

Kirk,

Congratulations on taking the jump to ownership.  Remember, you're not your own boss... now you have so many more bosses - your customers!

I confess that when I first read your inquiry, I felt a bit like Sarah Palin being quizzed on the Bush Plan.  I want to fess up "Gee, gize, I'm not likely a good source to comment on the technicalities

Question for Mason:

We are finally after 4 years re insulating our kitchen walls. The drywall has been removed as well as a layer of old barnboards.  We have reinsulated and the vapor barrier is in place.  I like the idea of putting the barnboards back and having a rustic looking kitchen wall.  My question is how would you refinish barnboard? (this board is really old and has a rough dark colour to it).  And what would I use to fill the gaps between boards? 

-Tracy H

 

Tracy:

Wow!  This sounds like an exciting project with the prospect of adding a very unique finish to your kitchen walls.  I love

Some of the earliest signs of the present economic troubles appeared in the nation's housing industry.  Presently, new home starts (as indicated by permit activity) have dredged 25-year lows, and existing home sales have fallen even as they become seemingly more affordable amidst heretofore unseen devaluation.  As lenders tighten their practices, real estate finance has become markedly more conservative, decreasing the ability for many to obtain credit for purchases and improvements.

While the daily headlines emphasize these and other domestic economic problems, is it any surprise that