Looking for Love? REMODEL!!

Mason — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:00:00 -1800

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 in [...]

Let's Not Say Cheap; Rather...

Mason — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:00:00 -1800

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 n [...]

Roofing Your Addition (and Songs to Enjoy Your Roof)

Mason — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:00:00 -1800

Mason:

I have a house with a slate roof. I am thinking about putting on an addition but fear that continuing the slate would be very expensive. Is there a less-costly alternative that would not look too disjointed? I was thinking of a metal roof of some kind. What do you think?

DM, Richmond, VA

Dear DM:

OK; first... determine your favorite roof song of all time:

When this old world starts getting me down, and people are [...]

Rock, paper, PAPERSTONE!

Mason — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 01:00:00 -1800

What can you tell me about Paperstone? I'm interested in it for use as a work-top in a garage, and in my laundry room with my washer and dryer below.

How durable is it? Can it get wet? How does fragility or strength compare to other solutions? What about price? Availability around here?

Obviously, I'm interested in its green/sustainable characteristics, and it just sounds kind of cool ... Thanks! Great blog, btw. Your answers are more thorough than many of these things.

On Cabinet Refacing, Square Pegs and Round Holes

Mason — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:00:00 -1800

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 [...]

Home Advice from a Realtor

Mason — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -1800

Everyone is familiar with those shows on cable television, following the processes wherein homes are bought and sold. Designed to Sell, House Hunters, Curb Appeal, and others have become Home & Garden TV phenomena.

While so much of home improvement television is deeply rooted in fantasy, these shows have some real-world applications. Richmond's own Nancy Frazier of Long & Foster Real Estate is likely one of the most experienced and successful agents in our area.& [...]

Why Invest in Remodeling, In Today's Market?

Mason — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 01:00:00 -1800

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 improvem [...]

Poker & Unlicensed Contractors

Mason — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -1800

Who thought the interest in gambling would be so great that the World Series of Poker would be televised on ESPN? Obviously, somebody's watching.

An interesting point in that regard, quoting Pug Pearson, 1973 World Series of Poker champion, made this observation about human nature:

"The real thing to know is that folks will stand to lose more than they will to win. That's the most important percentage there is. I mean, if they lose, they'r [...]

What is the Value?

Mason — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -1800

One of my favorite entries was lost during some recent website updating, so I thought I'd re-post it here. The theme appears to be more pertinent than ever as home values have taken a turn unlike that seen in previous years. Read on...

Somewhere during early conversations with almost every client, we are asked something to the effect of "Do you think we'll build value with our proposed renovation?"

Naturally, I have had plenty of opportunity to build [...]

Kitchen Flooring - Stick a Cork in It!

Mason — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -1800

Mason,

Would you recommend cork flooring for a kitchen?

Brenda G. Dallas, TX

Dang, Brenda, I didn’t know our blog went all the way to the Lone Star State! Welcome, and know that I love your question!

There are SO many choices for flooring these days. Kitchens, obviously, have some very special needs in terms of durability, maintenance, clean-up, comfort, and of course, STYLE! The “best” floor for your kitchen should be based on which of these consider [...]

House Lust

Mason — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -1800

Highly recommend this book for anyone involved, interested or intrigued by the housing industry. House Lust: America's Obsession with our Homes by Daniel McGinn is an entertaining and easy read (those aspects of any book being important to me). The premise of McGinn's study is the evolution of the American mindset wherein those things previously considered luxuries are becoming necessities - particularly regarding real estate and housing.

The book covers the gro [...]

What is the value?

Mason — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -1800

Somewhere during early conversations with almost every client, we are asked something to the effect of “Do you think we’ll build value with our proposed renovation?”

Naturally, I have had plenty of opportunity to build (what I think is) the proper response, which asks the homeowner to dig deeper regarding his or her definition of value.

Ask Mason tagged 'value'