Pet-Friendly Spaces

Pet ownership is at an all time high. CCI is known to be pet-friendly, but did you know that we will work with you to include pet-friendly spaces in our project design? Pictured above is the master suite we added to a home in Richmond. The owner's prized Weimaraner dog, Woody, preferred to sleep in his owner's bedroom. We cleverly annexed some space under the eaves to create a niche for the dog's crate, which keeps the dog near his owner but the crate away from under foot and immediate sight. Here are some pet-friendly design ideas that go beyond simply adding a pet door and durable flooring: 

Built-in sleeping areas can be built into any room of the house, even under the eaves or the stairs, but in all cases they create a comfortable sleeping space for your pet that fits into the overall aesthetic of your home while being out from underfoot.

Disguised litter boxes can be located in an out-of-the way spot like space behind a closet or in the garage, with access through a secret cat door.

Built-in feeding stations can be a built-in cabinet or shelf that keeps food and water bowls in a designated spot and out from underfoot. 

Dog bathing stations can be a low profile sink or a tiled shower with a handheld showerhead in a laundry room or garage.

Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist & Universal Design Professional

Rob Wright, owner of Cabinetry & Construction, Inc., has qualified as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) with the National Association of Home Builders. This training and certification enable him to design and build projects for the unique needs of the older adult population and assures homeowners that he is knowledgeable about aging-in-place home modifications. 

Rob is also a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) with the National Association of the Remodelling Industry. The concept of Universal Design focuses creating accessible spaces those who wish to age-in-place, families with special needs, and homeowners who are forward thinking. Rob has trained Richmond remodeler colleagues in Universal Design for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Is Your Home "HomeFit"?

AARP research consistently finds that persons 50 years and older want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. To help homeowners determine if their home is well-suited to this goal, they created the "HomeFit" Guide. 

The guide takes through each room of your home to give you a sense of how livable it will be as you age, and offers worksheets to help you create a plan to ensure your home can meet your needs for years to come. The improvements and solutions offered range from do-it-yourself fixes to solutions that required skilled expertise.

To use the guide, simply click here or on the photo to the left to be taken to the page where you can download or print it. Below you will find links to to the worksheets referenced in the guide.

• Worksheet 1:Is My Home "HomeFit"?
• Worksheet 2: My Room-by-Room HomeFit List
• Worksheet 3: My Room-by-Room Shopping List
• Worksheet 4: My Room-by-Room Do-It-Myself List
• Worksheet 5: My Room-by-Room Don't Do-It-Myself List
• Worksheet 6: My Contractor Interview Notes
• Worksheet 7: My Contractor Reference Check Notes
• Worksheet 8: My Home Maintenance Schedule 
• Worksheet 9: My Emergency Contacts

Cabinetry & Construction, Inc. Awarded 2015 Guildmaster Award

Cabinetry & Construction, Inc. has been awarded a 2015 Guildmaster Award for exceptional customer service. GuildQuality, an independent customer satisfaction surveying company, has powered the Guildmaster Award since 2005 to celebrate service excellence in the building, remodeling, contracting, and home services professions.

CCI was selected as one of the over 300 North American builders, remodelers, developers, and contractors recognized by GuildQuality for their superior delivery of customer care in 2015.

Over the past few months, GuildQuality reviewed numerous survey responses submitted by customers of Guildmaster candidates. In granting awards, GuildQuality considers two primary metrics for each candidate: the percentage of customers who would recommend and the percentage of customers who responded. CCI achieved a recommendation rate of greater than 90% from their customers, who were surveyed through GuildQuality.

CCI is honored to have received the Guildmaster Award every year since we joined GuildQuality. We strive to provide exceptional artisanry in our work, and client satisfaction is our greatest reward.

For more on the 2015 Guildmaster Award and qualifications, visit

www.guildquality.com/guildmaster/.

Certified Green

Rob Wright, owner of Cabinetry & Construction, Inc., continues to hone his craft in an effort to best meet the needs of our clients. In March he attended a three-day training on best green building practices.

Rob is certified as a  Certified Green Professional (CGP) through the National Association of Home Builders. This certification identifies builders and remodelers who are committed to making your home green and who are trained to incorporate energy, water and resource efficiency, improved indoor environmental quality and sustainable and locally sourced products into their projects. 

While everyone is interested in protecting the environment by utilizing technologies that are good for the planet, most people don't have the luxury of being able to pay top dollar to do so. The purpose of the CGP training is to help incorporate green building principles into our projects without driving up the costs of construction. CGPs understand that combining good, cost-effective building science with the right products and materials can help create a home that's healthier and more efficient-while being kind to the environment.

Rob has also trained to become a Green Certified Professional through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). This certification  

recognizes and identifies remodelers who apply green or sustainable principles to their remodeling projects.  These principles include indoor air quality, resource conservation, and renewable energy. 

Rob is also certified as a Lead-Safe contractor, as required by the US Environmental Protection Agency, for following appropriate practices to prevent lead contamination while performing renovation on structures built before 1978. 

Remodeling your home may be the single biggest investment you make outside of its purchase. You need to rest assured knowing that the remodeling contractor you choose is a professional.

Is It Time to Repair or Replace Your HVAC?

According to Energy Star, certain telltale signs indicate it's time to consider replacing heating and cooling equipment, or improving the performance of your overall system. It may be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if:

Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.

Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.

Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.

Consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace, which is 15% more efficient than a conventional furnace. If you have a boiler, consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler that is 5% more efficient than a new, standard model.

Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.

Your cooling or heating equipment my have become less efficient.

Some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold.

Improper equipment operation, duct problems or inadequate insulation could be the cause.

No one is home for long periods of the day and you do not have a programmable thermostat.

Install a programmable thermostat or have a good contractor install one and instruct you on its use - to start saving energy and money while they're away or sleeping.

Your home has humidity problems.

Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment, and leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.

Your home has excessive dust.

Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics, crawl spaces and basements and distribute them throughout your house. Sealing your ducts may be a solution.

Your heating or cooling system is noisy.

You could have an undersized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

Your score on the Home Energy Yardstick is below five.

That means your energy use at home is above average and you're probably paying more than you need to on energy bills.

Top Remodeling Trends for Outdoor Living Spaces

Creating a fully functional outdoor living space is one of the top remodeling trends of 2015. More and more homeowners are seeing their outdoor living space as an extension of their home. Whether it is your backyard or your front porch, your outdoor living space can be a great place to spend time with family or entertain guests. Three of the top trends this spring are: Creating an Outdoor Living Room Imagine a room without walls. Often outdoor living rooms are covered spaces, all-weather furniture, sound systems, lighting, and even ceiling fans. They can be a perfect space for spending warm spring, summer, and fall evenings outside. Installing a Fireplace Adding a firepit or fireplace to your outdoor living space allows you to enjoy the outdoors on chillier evenings. Designing an Outdoor Kitchen Creating an outdoor cooking space allows you to entertain guests or cook meals for your family while enjoying the outdoors. Ranging from simple designs with a built-in gas grills to elaborate set-ups with refrigerators, countertops, and bar seating, you can take pleasure from nice weather without leaving home.

Spring Has Arrived in Richmond!

Spring has finally arrived in Richmond!

As the days get longer and the temperatures get warmer, it's time to assess any winter damage to your home and make plans for spring home improvement projects - both cosmetic and structural.

Here are 7 home improvement projects that are perfect for a spring home makeover and yield a big return on investment by adding to your house's resale value.

1) Add or upgrade your Outdoor Living Room  

Now that we are finally getting warmer temperatures, do you have an exterior space where you can enjoy the outdoors with friends and family? If not, now is the time to build your dream deck or the outdoor kitchen you've always wanted, restore your front porch, or add a wrap-around or screened-in porch. CCI can help you design the space and build a top quality outdoor living room that you can enjoy this spring, summer and fall.

If you already have a great outdoor living space, check for any damage that needs to be repaired with your patio, deck or porch. Now is also the time to clean and restain your deck.

2) Upgrade or maintain your HVAC System  

Before it gets too hot, it's a good idea to make sure your AC unit is working properly. On a warm April day, switch the AC on for a couple minutes. Check all vents to ensure that each one is working properly. If your AC seems weak or is not working correctly, give CCI a call. We offer simple checks and tune-ups, which can ensure that there are no problems.

If your HVAC system is old, you might want to consider investing in an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. This is a great way to live green and add value to your home. Many modern air conditioners use 30 to 50 percent less energy to produce the same amount of cool air as air conditioners from the 1970s, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. CCI is a licensed HVAC contractor, and we can meet with you to discuss options for upgrading your HVAC system.

Now is also the time to change your filters; consider a whole house high efficiency filter system.

3) Check your windows for drafts or damage  

A drafty window or two in the middle of summer can raise your cooling energy consumption and bill. One option is to get new windows installed, and while this means more initial costs, it will save you money in the long run. CCI can meet with you to discuss your needs when it comes to replacing windows.

If replacing windows isn't in your budget right now, you can try to fix the old ones. You can use sealants, both permanent and temporary, to get rid of any draughts around your windows.

Take a walk around your house and visually inspect all of your windows. While you're at it, take a look at the window sills and trim for any signs of water damage or deterioration. Painting or replacing damaged window trim is another home improvement project that yields big results.

4) Install an attic fan and/or insulate your loft  

Summer heat from your home will rise and may result in your upper floors being substantially warmer than your first floor. Ways to keep your upper floors cooler include installing an attic fan and ensuring that your loft is insulated adequately. If your attic hasn't been insulated in a while or your home wasn't quite as warm this winter as you would have liked it to be, check the thickness of your insulation and replace or top it up if you need to. Adding an extra layer of fiberglass insulation is another easy home improvement project and can help make cooling your home this summer much easier.

5) Repair or replace your roof  

Your roof is your home's number one defense against the elements. Even a small issue can lead to major damage indoors if moisture is allowed to enter your attic and walls through cracks and creases. Take a look at your roof from the ground to see if any shingles have been blown out of place or if there is curling, peeling and even disintegration of the shingles.

6) Clear and repair gutters and downspouts  

With spring comes rainy weather, so now is the time to make sure that your gutters don't overflow and your drainpipes are clear of debris. The fall will have seen leaves and tree debris fall into your gutters, and moss often grows in gutters and downpipes during winter. Make sure that any moss is removed as young seedlings will grow in moss in spring. Also, if your gutters have been damaged by storms over the winter, it's important to get them fixed before spring showers and summer storms roll around since heavy rainfall can pose a problem for your home come spring if the water is not being properly routed by your gutter system. Now is also the time to consider installing gutter guards to keep fall leaves from clogging your gutters.

7) Update your siding  

Your house's siding can get damaged from winter weather, so be sure to inspect it for damage this spring. Replacing a warped or loose piece of siding is a home improvement project that can be completed by a do-it-yourselfer. However, if your siding is older, you might also consider updating your siding with a more energy-efficient and easy to maintain product.  CCI offers free consultation on all home siding projects.

Here at CCI we can help you ensure that your home is ready for spring and summer. Give us a call or send us an email today and we can provide a free consultation on the project that interests you.

NARI Code of Ethics

Remodeling your home may be the single biggest investment you make outside of its purchase. You need to rest assured knowing that the remodeling contractor you choose is a professional.

CCI owner Rob Wright has pledged to observe high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility in the conduct of business by adhering to the NARI Code of Ethics:

• Promoting in good faith only those products and services that are known to be functionally and economically sound, and that are known to be consistent with objective standards of health and safety.                      
• Making all advertising and sales promotion factually accurate, avoiding those practices that tend to mislead or deceive the customer.  
• Writing all contracts and warranties so that they comply with federal, state, and local laws.  
• Promptly acknowledging and taking appropriate action on all customer complaints. 
• Refraining from any act intended to restrain trade or to suppress competition.  
• Attaining and retaining insurance as required by federal, state, and local authorities.  
• Attaining and retaining licensing and/or registration as required by federal, state, and local authorities.   

We Love Our Clients

Here at Cabinetry & Construction, we love our clients. We hope you love us too.

One client recently wrote:

Cabinetry & Construction performed a wonderful remodeling project for our 110 year old Fan house. They did a complete remodel of our kitchen and two bathrooms. From demolition to the final coat of paint, Rob and his crew put quality into everything they did. They are all very nice to work with. Rob gives excellent design advice and helped us work through all the challenges that we faced. His many years of remodeling old houses is invaluable and he made suggestions for improvements that we had not even thought of, adding some very nice features which we now enjoy daily. I highly recommend CCI.

It is gratifying to know that our clients appreciate our artisanry.

Our work is driven by referrals, and with today's economy it is more important than ever that future clients know that we provide quality work. 

Many individuals look to Angie's List to read reviews before they hire a contractor. As a client, will you take a moment to review us on Angie's list? You don't need to be a member of Angie's list to review our work.

Top Remodeling Trends of 2015

According to an Angie's List survey of more than 1,000 highly rated remodeling professionals, the bathroom is poised to be the most popular remodeling project. Kitchens remain a focus, too.

Bathroom. A continuing trend from 2014, more homeowners are electing to do without a tub to make room for a larger, more luxurious shower with rain head faucets and handheld sprayers. Homeowners used to worry that their home's resale value suffered if the bathroom didn't have a bathtub, but as more homeowners plan to stay in their homes longer and age in place they are opting instead for comfort and accessibility. Those who still want a tub are choosing freestanding bathtubs, and are continuing to select the contemporary basin style or antique clawfoot tubs instead of whirlpools or fiberglass.

In terms of bathroom tile, the popular newcomer is 12-inch by 24-inch tiles, which are being staggered on floors and shower walls. Tile also caters to the growing interest in radiant floor heating among homeowners.

Kitchen. Custom cabinets are gaining in popularity, especially in the kitchen, where cabinets are used daily. When it comes to appliances, stainless continues to be the go-to choice, except when homeowners choose custom-made fronts to match their kitchen cabinets. As for countertops, homeowners are exploring different surfaces, such as quartz, but granite remains the most popular choice.

Color. Gray is the new beige. Throughout the home, and especially in kitchens and bathrooms, gray has become the modern standard for walls, cabinets and tile.

Storage. While homeowners still want to open up their living areas by removing walls, they also want sufficient storage to eliminate clutter.  And when it comes to closets, homeowners want bigger, better-organized spaces to store their clothing and accessories. 

Do you love your home?

We celebrated those we love on Valentine's Day. But now, ask yourself this:

Do you love your home? 

If the answer is no, Cabinetry & Construction, Inc. can help you change that.

Cabinetry & Construction is the premier remodeling company for the distinct needs of home renovation projects in Richmond. Our complete, design and build contracting services focus on bathroom and kitchen remodeling; additions and whole house renovations; and historic restoration projects. 

We use luxury materials and choose fixtures well suited to preserve the integrity of the older homes that dominate our area. We can find period-appropriate resources and the special touches that make every job unique. 

One client recently wrote:

Cabinetry & Construction performed a wonderful remodeling project for our 110 year old Fan house. They did a complete remodel of our kitchen and two bathrooms. From demolition to the final coat of paint, Rob and his crew put quality into everything they did. They are all very nice to work with. Rob gives excellent design advice and helped us work through all the challenges that we faced. His many years of remodeling old houses is invaluable and he made suggestions for improvements that we had not even thought of, adding some very nice features which we now enjoy daily. I highly recommend CCI.

It is gratifying to know that our clients value our artisanry and expertise.

With Cabinetry & Construction, you will receive superior and seamless personal attention. Home remodeling is an intimate and invasive process. We often have to demolish before we can rebuild. Craftspeople will be in your house for a while. You'll want to know you're working with an expert. 

As a design build contractor, I will meet with you personally to provide a proposal and help you bring your vision to life. Because we design and build, you can rest easy, knowing the project plans and budget will be consistent with the result. I will be your single point of contact to keep you informed as your renovation moves along.

You'll also want to note that not only can we restore older homes to their historic prime, we can also incorporate the latest innovations in green technology. Your home can be rich in history, with 21st century efficiency and performance.

Restoring an older home, adding on to a new one, remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, or any major construction job in your home is an enormous undertaking. You need to know that you are in fully capable hands and you need to feel confident in the person leading the construction, as well as in the company performing the work. 

Give us a call and schedule a meeting. We will help you feel at ease with the project by truly understanding your goals and what you want and then explaining what can be done. Then your renovation will be executed and completed, on time and within your budget.

This is your home. We know you are making a big investment, personally and financially, when you decide to renovate. We strive not only to produce high quality work, but also to build satisfying long-term relationships with our clients. 

Please browse our website and get to know us a little better-read our client testimonials, click through our Gallery to see the work we have completed and to find inspiration for your next remodeling project, and learn more about our affiliations and products we recommend. Then get in touch with us to help us learn more about you and your ideas for your home renovation.

Groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter

Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter, so if you haven't already done so, it's time to make sure your home is ready. Here are some items to check on to ensure your house is prepared for winter weather.

Inspect Your Home's Exterior

Walk around your home and visually inspect the exterior. You'll want to replace any missing roof tiles or fix any other damage. When checking your gutters and drains, you'll want to be sure these are free of leaves and other materials that might cause a clog as leaves and tree debris may have fallen into your gutters during autumn.

Examine Your Foundation

Inspect your property's foundation. Check for any holes where pests may be hiding as even very small holes can allow a tiny mouse to get inside. While performing this inspection, clear away any dead or dying vegetation from your foundation.

Check for Drafts

Check each of your home's windows and doors looking for any gaps that create drafts, as these will reduce your home's energy efficiency causing you to pay more each month for heating. You can use sealants, such as caulk and weather-stripping, to stop the drafts.

Service or Replace Your Heating System

By now you've probably turned on your heat to combat the wintry temperatures outside. You'll want to change your filters and have your heating system serviced to ensure it is operating efficiently. You'll also want to have your boiler serviced, which should be done once a year, to minimize the chance of a breakdown when you most need it. If your system is over 10 years old, you should consider an upgrade. 

If you have an outside air conditioner, you'll also want to winterize it by covering it to protect it from collecting dead leaves, dirt, and other debris. If you have a window unit, remove it and clean it before storing it for the winter months.

Insulate your attic and pipes

As you know, heat rises. This winter you'll want to make sure it doesn't escape from the top of your house by ensuring that your attic is insulated adequately. If your attic hasn't been insulated in a while, check the thickness of your insulation and replace or top it off if needed.

It's also important to insulate your water pipes to protect them from freezing in winter, ensuring you don't cut off your water supply and preventing pipes from bursting and damaging your home. Pipe insulation is easy to install and repair, especially for any pipes that are exposed. But even a water pipe that is close to an external wall can freeze in cold weather, so it may be sensible to check all of your pipes and insulate them.

Prepare Your Fireplace

These rainy, wintry days are great for a fire. Be sure the fireplace damper mechanism is working properly. If your fireplace has not been cleaned recently, hire cleaners to remove old soot in the chimney. Make sure the fireplace damper mechanism is working properly.

Clear Your Yard and Outdoor Living Spaces

Even though you won't spend much time outdoors this winter, you want to make sure your yard is prepared for the cold months too. Put away hoses, gardening tools, outdoor furniture and barbecues. If you notice that any trees are touching your house, trim them back to protect your property from breaking branches during windy storms. Also be sure to clear leaves from your patio and deck as they will become slimy and slippery as they disintegrate during the winter.   

CCI is the premier remodeling company for the distinct needs of home renovation projects in Richmond. We are a Class A licensed contractor for the complete renovation project, including plumbing, HVAC, and gas fitting, as well as building. Give us a call or send us an email today and we can provide a free estimate on the project that interests you.