Not Just Cabinetry

Welcome to the blog for Cabinetry & Construction, Inc.

2010-02-28T18:30:00.000-05:00

We have created this blog to keep our clients, colleagues, and friends up-to-date on what's going on with our remodeling business. Even when we may not have time to send out a letter, an e-mail, or a press release, we will post new developments, observations, and other random information we think you might find interesting or useful.

GuildQuality: Company Profile of Cabinetry & Construction Inc. of Richmond, VA

2010-01-27T18:34:00.001-05:00

GuildQuality: Company Profile of Cabinetry & Construction Inc. of Richmond, VA

In case you haven't seen this, GuildQuality surveys all our customers after we finish a project. We are proud to have won the GuildMaster award each year since we joined. The quotes are from real customers who have answered GuildQuality's survey. We are delighted that we have 51 customers who have responded that they consider themselves Clients For Life of Cabinetry & Construction, Inc.

New Facebook Albums

2010-01-11T19:47:00.002-05:00

Please visit our Facebook page to see our photo albums. We have posted kitchens, bathrooms, and our award-winning projects. Keep visiting; we will soon add additions, cabinetry, and other projects. While you are there, if you are a Facebook member, please sign up to be a fan of Cabinetry & Construction, Inc.

Check out our work!

2009-12-31T18:29:00.002-05:00

You may have seen the lovely CD-ROM of our beautiful remodeling work, or you may be like me, and have every good intention of popping that CD into your computer, but never quite got around to it. Somehow I find it way easier to watch video on the Web. So, for those who haven't quite gotten around to looking at our CD-ROM, or those who saw an early edition and haven't seen the latest and greatest, we have broken the video into bite-size pieces. The narration features the mellifluous contralto of our much-missed in-house designer, Susan Mooring. Here is the introduction:

I realize this post should be at the bottom, and all the others above it, but I still have a hard time accepting that chapter 1 should come after chapters 2, etc. So this intro will remain near the top, and you can watch the others in any order that suits you.

Not Just Remodeling -- Think of us for Home Care & Repair

2009-12-31T15:21:00.001-05:00

Over the years, many of you have called on us for minor home repairs, but we've never formally announced this aspect of our business. We have now officially launched our Home Care & Repair Division. We want to be your one-stop shop for repairs, maintenance, or improvements to your home.

You know Rob and Cabinetry & Construction as people you've entrusted with working on your home. Chances are you chose us to create a luxurious master suite, a gourmet kitchen, or a seamless addition, but we offer services beyond large-scope remodeling.

In fact, in these uncertain economic times, a major remodeling job may be the furthest thing from your mind. But, one thing is certain: you need to maintain the investment you've made in your home, and you need a company you can rely upon to help you to do so. Cabinetry & Construction, Inc., is licensed and insured, unlike many who advertise themselves as handymen. Besides being a Class A remodeling contractor, CCI holds licenses in the plumbing, gas fitting, and HVAC trades. So, if you need a repair, whether it be carpentry or installing a new water heater or A/C, CCI's Home Care and Repair Division has the skills and credentials to do the job right.

Facebook!

2009-12-28T15:33:00.001-05:00

We finally broke down and signed up for Facebook. Among other things, it's a great way to post photos. We've just posted an album of our award-winning projects. But we need more Fans! If you are a Facebook member, click the link next to this blog and sign up to be a Fan.

Recent Remodeling -- Retro-Modern Basement

2009-09-22T16:59:00.011-04:00

We are particularly proud of this project. It has won 5 awards, 4 of which were national awards:

Regional Chrysalis Award - Best Finished Basement
National Chrysalis Award - Best Finished Basement
Qualified Remodeler Magazine Master Design Award - Honorable Mention Finished Basement
Professional Remodeler Magazine Best of the Best Award - Platinum Finished Basement
Janus Award for winning both the National Chrysalis and the Master Design Award

Watch and love:

Recent Remodeling -- Craftsman Bungalow

2009-09-15T16:38:00.005-04:00

Here's another clip from the second edition of our CD-ROM. This project exemplifies our efforts to maintain the integrity of structure of the buildings, mostly houses, that we remodel. We like to think that our addtions look as if they have always been there. Our work on this house won the Bronze Master Design Award for a Whole House Remodel under $200,000 from Qualified Remodeler magazine. Watch and see if you agree:

Recent Remodeling -- ¡Caliente!

2009-09-08T16:08:00.005-04:00

Here's another great clip from the second edition of our CD-ROM. It's no longer a "recent" project; it was completed in 2006. You may know and love ¡Caliente! Restaurant in the Museum District, but you may not know that we were responsible for the fabulous exterior facelift and patio. While we don't often do commercial projects, this is right smack in the middle of our business neighborhood, and the owners were dear friends of long standing. It won a regional COTY (Contractor of the Year) award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Enjoy:

Autumn Home Maintenance

2009-09-01T15:28:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe it's already September. While it is hot and humid now, soon it will be Fall, which is the prime time to assess your home to determine if there are any maintenance needs before the onset of winter. Proper maintenance is the key to protect the investment you've made in your home.

In August or September, for example, we recommend you use a vacuum with a narrow nozzle to clean condenser coils on the back of or underneath your refrigerator. This is also a good time to check faucets for leaks and replace washers or make repairs. Finally, clean under your range hood and clean or replace the filter. We can help you with all of these chores.

What do all those letters mean?

2009-08-15T15:16:00.004-04:00

Behind Rob's name are the abbreviations C.R., C.G.P., and C.A.P.S. You may have wondered what those things mean, and why you should care about them. Essentially, these letters stand for credentials Rob has earned from coursework through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Home Builders. NARI (www.nari.org) and NAHB (www.nahb.org) are two of the most respected associations in the construction industry. Rob's goal in gaining and maintaining these certifications is to serve our clients better by seeking out new technologies and learning best practices.

C. R. : Rob is a Certified Remodeler through NARI. A certified remodeler "must possess skill and knowledge in a broad range of business management and technical skill areas." Certified Remodelers must have a minimum of five years experience in the remodeling industry; be committed to earning continuing education credits on a yearly basis; pass a written exam assessing twenty areas of knowledge; and adhere to NARI's code of ethics.

C.G.P. : Rob has trained to become a Certified Green Professional through the NAHB. 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 C. G. P. training is to help incorporate green building principles into our projects without driving up the costs of construction.

C.A.P.S. : Rob has trained to become a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist through the NAHB. The goal of the training is to allow a builder or remodeler to design projects better to meet the needs of people who are or may become mobility challenged. While the NAHB promotes the certification with a mind to meeting the needs of the elderly, the training can be applied more broadly. For example, a lever handle in place of a typical door knob is more easily opened by someone whose hand is arthritic, but also by a small child whose dexterity isn't fully developed, or an adult with an armload of groceries.

The NARI Code of Ethics

2009-08-11T15:00:00.011-04:00

As members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, we have 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.

Watch out for the proverbial guy working out of the back of his pickup truck. Chances are good that he is neither licensed nor insured, and not a member of NARI. All these things are for your benefit and protection as a consumer.

Upgrade Your Heating and Air Conditioning

2009-07-29T17:52:00.005-04:00

The heat of summer is here, and with it come the additional stresses upon your air conditioning equipment that translate into additional stresses on your pocketbook. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the new tax credits made available for heating and cooling upgrades to your home. As a licensed HVAC contractor, we are able to offer you several options to take advantage of this optimal time to invest in a quality heating and cooling system.

Robert Wright, CR, CGBP, CAPS
804-497-3491

Our Greenest Option

2009-07-29T16:03:00.002-04:00

If you are interested in a system with the the highest possible efficiency, we offer WaterFurnace geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal heat pumps use the consistent temperature of the earth rather than the ambient air temperature to heat and cool your home. The tax credit for a geothermal heat pump is 30% of the total cost, without a cap of $1,500. Please call us if you would like more information.

Tax Credits & You

2009-07-28T17:57:00.001-04:00

The recently passed American Reinvestment and Recovery Act allows homeowners to claim tax credits for new high efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. You can claim a tax credit of up to thirty percent of the cost to install a new system, not to exceed $1,500. We carry Amana and Goodman HVAC systems, which use 410-A refrigerant, which is chlorine-free and environmentally friendly. If you already have central air in your home, replacing your existing system typically takes two days. You'll be able to reap the benefits of an air conditioning system that is more economical to run this summer AND get a tax credit. There's never been a better time to upgrade your HVAC system than now.

HVAC & Plumbing

2009-06-23T17:47:00.001-04:00

Many of our clients are not aware that we are licensed as a Plumbing, Gas Fitting, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) contractor, as well as being a Class A building contractor. We can be your one-stop shop for all remodeling projects. Not Just Cabinetry.

New CCI Web Site

2009-06-23T17:37:00.003-04:00

Stay tuned for the new Cabinetry & Construction web site. Here is a sneak preview. We will have a gallery of our work, the awards we have won, our affiliations, and details about green remodeling. Our web site was last updated in 2003. While we have enjoyed it, we've done a lot of new work since it went up, won lots of awards (13), and collected numerous client testimonials. Our favorite projects are the ones that look as if they have always been part of the house. We bring new life to old homes.

Green Remodeling

2009-01-21T17:38:00.002-05:00

As you may know, Rob is certified as a Certified Green Building Professional (GCBP) through the National Association of Home Builders. According to the NAHB, the "designation recognizes builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who incorporate green building principles into homes- without driving up the cost of construction."

We have decided to continue our commitment to environmental best practices by utilizing email for the majority of communications with clients and friends.

In the spirit of "going green," we'd also like to share some information about our environmentally aware repertoire:

We are certified dealers and installers of Rinnai tankless water heaters. Conventional water tanks heat and store hot water around the clock, heating and re-heating water, and constantly losing energy up the vent and through the walls of the tank. A tankless water heater comes on only when hot water is used, and shuts off immediately when done, saving energy. All Rinnai tankless units are either LP or natural gas fired.
We are certified dealers and installers of WaterFurnace geothermal heat systems. WaterFurnace is a natural heat pump system that taps in to the consistent underground temperature of the earth. WaterFurnace products are environmentally friendly, efficient systems that can reduce heating, cooling, and hot water costs by up to seventy percent. One of the best ways to get value for your home improvement project is to select products that have low usage costs.

Other "green" products we recommend include:

Energy star rated appliances
Energy star rated windows
Watersense rated plumbing fixtures
Upgraded insulation packages
Richlite counters
Marmoleum flooring
Concrete counters
Recycled, natural floor products
James Hardie siding products
Paperless drywall
Whole house ventilation
Solar heating
Cabinetry made with FSC wood
Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints

As you may be aware, Governor Kaine is proposing tax credits for those who install green energy systems such as solar heating and geothermal heating. Let us help you help the environment and your pocket book: give us a call today about making your home more environmentally efficient.

Chrysalis Awards!

2008-06-15T18:40:00.003-04:00

We went to the Southern Building Show to pick up our two 2008 Regional Chrysalis Awards: Kitchen Remodel $40,000-$75,000, and Addition under $100,000. At the awards dinner we learned that the Addition had won the National Award. Last year, we won another national Chrysalis, for Finished Basement. Our award total is now an even baker's dozen.

Southern Building Show

2008-06-15T18:35:00.003-04:00

We just got back from the Southern Building Show in Atlanta. Although this trade show is oriented toward Home Builders, they go out of their way to be useful to remodelers as well. We always learn something new at the seminar sessions to improve our business, and the trade show floor is a key source for new product information. This year, both the seminars and the vendor area were rich with information on green and sustainable building. We look forward to putting our new knowledge in these areas to work.