Green Heating Products We Love

Green products include those that use less energy, produce less waste, contain recycled materials, or contribute to a healthier environment. At CCI, we are committed to using these products whenever we can. We are proud to offer and install Slant/Fin high efficiency boilers. Slant/Fin makes its boilers, providing heating for water-based (as opposed to forced-air) home heating, here in the USA. Cabinetry & Construction is the only Slant/Fin Certified Hydro-Master in Central Virginia. Rinnai as certified CCI as a dealer and installer of Rinnai tankless water heaters. Conventional water tanks store hot water, heating and re-heating, and constantly losing energy up the vent and through the walls of the tank. Tankless water heaters run only when you use hot water, shutting off immediately when done, saving energy. NuTone has certified us as a dealer and installer of their heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning products. The NuTone ecoLogic product line includes split-system air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, self-contained air conditioners, and dual-fuel units. With NuTone products you can find total home comfort with accessories such as humidifiers, electronic air cleaners and filters, and ultraviolet lights. NuTone also makes control accessories, zoning products and programmable thermostats. See www.nutonehvac.com for more information about their product line, including the highest efficiency heat pump on the market, the NuTone iQ drive.

Dos and Don'ts of Kitchen Remodeling

Are you considering a kitchen remodel? It can be a great way to improve the functionality of your home and increase its resale value. But before you begin, review the following dos and don'ts to avoid unnecessary hassles.

Do your research.

Create a Houzz or Pinterest account with images of your dream kitchen. Think about layout, appliances, functionality, finishes, and colors. Check out CCI's Houzz profile for photos of some of our kitchen projects.

Do consider the purpose of the space.

Does your kitchen serve as your family's gathering space? Do you enjoy hosting elaborate dinner parties? Do you need the top-of-the-line appliances to match your culinary expertise? How you answer each of these questions will help you determine the best layout to maximize your kitchen's functionality.

Don't rush through the planning and design phase.

Take time to visualize the layout, functionality and design of your new kitchen. Picture yourself going through your daily routine to help determine the best location for your sink, appliances, islands, and electrical outlets, as well as how you can best use every square inch available to you.

Do hire a licensed remodeler who is a member of NARI.

Outside of buying your home, remodeling it is one of the biggest investments you may make. You want assurance that the remodeling contractor you choose is a full-time, dedicated remodeling professional who follows a strict code of ethics.

Taking time up front to think about what you want from your dream kitchen and choosing a professional contractor will save you time when you are ready to move forward with making your dream a reality.

Top Home Remodeling and Interior Design Trends of 2014

Angie's List recently published the results of its survey with remodelers and interior designers about the trends they are seeing in 2014. They found that homeowners are most interested in making strategic improvements to boost functionality, increase efficiency and take advantage of existing space. Opening up the kitchen. Removing a wall between the kitchen and an adjoining room remains one of the hottest trends in home remodeling. The project appeals to homeowners because it instantly creates more space and dramatically changes the look and feel of the home. Installing hardwood flooring in the kitchen. Although hardwood usually costs more than other flooring options, it offers durability and a cozy, timeless look that never goes out of style. Customizing the home. Homeowners are making targeted improvements to ensure the home is a good fit for their lifestyle and family size by turning unused rooms into offices, dens, hobby rooms and children's play rooms. Separating the shower and tub. The days when the shower-tub combo reigned supreme are long gone. Home remodelers say the latest trend is to ditch the tub altogether, or to keep it separate from the shower. Combining old and new styles. A hot design trend in 2014 involves juxtaposing old and new concepts. In today's trendy home, a stainless steel refrigerator might sit next to a farmhouse sink or an antique chandelier might illuminate an IKEA bookcase. Remodelers also report an increased demand for recycled building materials, which they say can enhance old-meets-new design. Going greener. Green home improvements have been trendy for years, but remodelers and designers say homeowners continue to strive to improve the efficiency of their homes - from installing home automation systems that prevent energy waste to replacing outdated light bulbs and shower heads.

Remodeling Your Home? Make It More Energy Efficient!

Remodeling is a great way to make your home more comfortable and attractive. It also provides an opportunity to improve energy efficiency, helping to reduce energy costs and protect the environment. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

Kitchen. Save energy in the kitchen by installing ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, such as refrigerators and dishwashers. Consider high-efficiency, light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures and lamps for under-cabinet lighting. LEDs not only use less energy than conventional lamps; they last much longer and are more durable.

Bathrooms. Conserve water and reduce water heating costs by adding low-flow showerheads and aerated faucets. While you are at it, seal air leaks and install the appropriate insulation in the walls behind tubs and showers. Finally, control moisture and save energy by installing ENERGY STAR qualified ventilation fans. 

Room additions. Use advanced framing techniques to lower costs and improve energy efficiency, and to reduce the amount of materials needed and minimize waste. Advanced framing replaces lumber with insulation material, increasing the overall insulation value of entire walls. Install ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights, and make sure outside walls are insulated to recommended levels to maximize energy efficiency.

Basement. Finishing your basement not only adds living space for your family, it is an opportunity to reduce energy costs as well. Add insulation to basement walls and crawl spaces based on the levels recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. Seal air leaks around all plumbing and wiring holes on outside walls and in the crawlspace. Replace older, single-pane windows with glass block or ENERGY STAR certified high-performance windows.

For more energy-saving ideas and remodeling tips, see Home Design & Remodeling from the U.S. Department of Energy.

This article previously appeared in the Richmond DPU The Gas Advantage newsletter, and is used with permission.

Treat Yourself to Your Dream Home

Have you thought about what it would be like to treat yourself to your dream home?

Whether you are thinking of a bringing your kitchen into the 21^st century, finishing your basement or attic, or giving a face-lift to a powder room, Cabinetry & Construction can help you make your dream a reality.

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. 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.

With Cabinetry & Construction, you will also receive superior and seamless personal attention. 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.

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. 

Give us a call or send us an email today and we can provide a free estimate on the project that interests you.

Home for Life

As baby boomers plan for retirement, many are also planning for how they can stay in their home as they age. In fact, a recent survey conducted by the AARP found that 84% would like to stay in their current homes during retirement.  Rob Wright is a certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). This training and certification enable him to design and build projects for people who are are may become mobility challenged. If you are interested in staying in your home throughout retirement, you can visit homeforlife2014.com, a website and virtual remodel created in partnership with AARP, Living Design Institute, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, and others. The site offers a room-by-room virtual tour through before and after photos and updates to the kitchen, bath, master bedroom and more. CCI is the premier remodeling company for helping you create your "Home for Life" in Richmond. Give us a call or send us an email today and we can provide a free estimate on the project that interests you.

GuildQuality's 2014 Guildmaster Award Honors CCI

Cabinetry & Construction, Inc. has been awarded a 2014 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 200 North American builders, remodelers, developers, and contractors recognized by GuildQuality for our superior delivery of customer care.

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 our customers, who were surveyed through GuildQuality.

CCI is grateful to our customers who share their high opinion of our craftsmanship and professionalism with GuildQuality. In an industry that is driven by referrals, we are extremely proud that over 90% of our customers would recommend us.

For more on the 2014 Guildmaster Award and qualifications, visit www.guildquality.com. 

Are You Ready for Fall?

Now that we've celebrated Labor Day, it is time to start preparing for Fall. That includes getting your home prepared for cooler temperatures. 

If your HVAC (heating and air conditioning) system is at least 6 months old, schedule a tune up to ensure maximum efficiency for year-round savings. If your system is over 10 years old, you should consider an upgrade.

The benefits of either a tune-up or an upgrade include 

• lowering your energy bill, 
• increasing your home's energy efficiency, and 
• improving your comfort.  

As a licensed HVAC contractor, CCI is able to offer you several options to take advantage of this optimal time to invest in a quality heating and cooling system.

It is also time to be thinking about the house projects you want to finish before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

If there is a project that you are hoping to complete this year, now is the time to begin! 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 that the project plans and budget will be consistent with the final result and you will have a singular point of contact keeping you in the loop as things move along. Our complete, design/build custom contracting services focus on bathroom and kitchen remodeling; additions and whole house renovations; and historic restoration projects. 

CCI is the premier remodeling company for the distinct needs of home renovation projects in Richmond. Give us a call or send us an email today and we can provide a free estimate on the project that interests you.

Thinking about remodeling?

May is National Remodeling Month!

If you own a home, no matter what its age, sooner or later you will join the millions of people who remodel their homes each year. The reasons for remodeling are as varied as the projects themselves. Remodeling adds comfort, convenience and space to what is for more home owners their most valued asset.

Thinking about remodeling? Start here.

Once you decide to remodel, follow these 10 tips to help you have a smooth remodel.

Home improvement projects for spring and summer

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 or May 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 you 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. According to the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com), window replacement has one of the top returns on investment when it comes to adding to your house's resale value. 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 estimate on the project that interests you.

May is National Remodeling Month

Spring is the time of year when many Americans make plans to remodel their homes. Increasing home value, completing needed maintenance, and improving energy-efficiency are just some of the reasons to remodel now.

May is National Home Remodeling Month, and the NAHB Remodelers reminds you to only trust your dreams for your home to a qualified professional remodeler.

A home is a big investment, so take the time to do the research. Working with the right remodeler can take a lot of the stress out of improving your home.

CCI is the premier remodeling company for the distinct needs of home renovation projects in Richmond. Give us a call or send us an email today and we can provide a free estimate on the project that interests you. 

Certified Green

Cabinetry & Construction's Owner and President, Rob Wright, 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 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.

Learn More about Ecologically Responsible Construction

Green Building is not just a catch phrase for us at Cabinetry & Construction. We have always believed that remodeling is inherently greener than building a new house. Moreover, the close-in Richmond neighborhoods in which we work are the opposite of sprawl.

And by incorporating the latest green building products and ecologically responsible construction practices, we are in the unique position of truly ushering the modern era into the historic beauty of the homes in the Richmond area.

Green products include those that may consume less energy during use, those that produce less waste or use recycled products in their manufacture, or those that contribute to a healthier living environment. Certainly, some options for ecologically responsible construction are more expensive than others, but even small investments can have a great impact on the performance of your home, improve its efficiency, and reduce the lifetime operating cost of your home.

We'd like to share some information about our environmentally aware repertoire. Read below for more information on the green innovations we use not only to enhance the aesthetics of your home renovation project, but also to improve its performance.

We welcome your questions and concerns about our green building products and ecologically responsible construction practices. We can tell how they will help improve your home's performance and how they work with historic renovations. 

Let us help you help the environment and your pocket book. Give us a call or send us an email today about how you can "go green" by making your home more environmentally efficient.

***** 

How You Can Go Green

Operating and maintaining a home correctly is the only way to make sure it "lives green," and Cabinetry & Construction can explain the hows and whys of green building and help you decide the aspects that are appropriate for your project -- from helping you choose the right products to advising you on how to ensure everything works the way it is designed.


Some options for green building products that we like to provide our clients include:             

• Energy star rated appliances
• Energy star windows
• WaterSense plumbing fixtures
• Richlite counters
• Concrete countertops utilizing recycled content
• James Hardie siding products
• Whole house ventilation
• Rinnai tankless water heaters
• Slant Fin high efficiency boilers
• NuTone ecoLogic high efficiency HVAC systems
• Cabinetry made with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood
• Upgraded insulation packages
• Marmoleum flooring
• Recycled, natural floor products
• Paperless drywall
• Solar heating
• Geothermal heat pumps
• Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints
• Radiant heated floors

You can learn more about these products and our green practices on our website:
www.cabinetry-construction.com

2014 Cost vs. Value Report Finds Cost- Value Ratio for Home Improvement Projects Increased to 66.1%

For the second consecutive year, the national overall average cost-value ratio for home improvement projects has increased, reaching 66.1% (5.5 points higher than last year), according to the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com). 

This means that homeowners are now expected to recoup over 66% of the cost of home improvement projects when they sell their home.

What is really nice about this study is that you can drill down to specific housing markets. When looking specifically at the Richmond region among the types of projects that CCI specializes in, the top cost-value projects are:

Bathroom Remodel - 110.0% cost-value in RVA
That's right... According to the 2014 Cost vs. Value report for Richmond, sellers can expect to get back all of their investment and more from a bathroom remodel!

CCI can provide full bathroom renovations, from the planning and design phase to laying the final tile in place. We are a Class A licensed contractor for the complete renovation project, including plumbing, HVAC, and gas fitting, as well as building. Click here to see our gallery of bathroom remodel projects.

Attic Bedroom - 89.6%
Need an additional bedroom in your home? Convert unfinished attic space into a bedroom suite. Since I am a design/build contractor, you can show me what you want, and I will make recommendations that fit into your budget and will work effectively with the existing structure. Finished attics also make great home offices and playrooms.

Kitchen Remodel - 87.3% (minor), 79.5% (major)
Thinking of renovating your kitchen? Whether you have a home simply in need of some updating, or if you live in a historic home and need to bring your kitchen into the modern era, we have the expertise to get it done. We can help you design a renovation that will keep the integrity of your historic home, while adding the high performance features and the latest green technologies to make your home more efficient. Check out our gallery of kitchen remodels on our website.

Basement Remodel - 86.5%
Want to finish the lower level of your house to create an entertaining area, home office, or bedroom suite? Click here to see an example of CCI's work in this area with our award-winning 2009 retro-modern basement remodel.

Two-Story Addition - 79.4%
CCI has the capabilities to construct an addition for your home or help you execute a full house renovation. You'll see that we can design the project for seamless integration of old and new, and plan the project to exceed your expectations and meet your budget. You can see a gallery of our additions on our website.

CCI is the premier remodeling company for the distinct needs of home renovation projects in Richmond. Give us a call at 804-497-3491 or send us an email today and we can provide a free estimate on the project that interests you.

Fix a Leak Week: March 17-23

Fix a Leak Week is celebrated in March of each year as a time to remind Americans to check their household fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. 

If you suspect you have a leak and need a plumber, call Cabinetry & Construction. Rob is a licensed plumber and can help you address all of your plumbing needs.

The Facts on Leaks:

• The amount of water leaked from U.S. homes could exceed more than 1 trillion gallons per year. That's equivalent to the annual water use of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami combined.
• Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
• Common types of leaks found in the home include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. All are easily correctable.
• Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners more than 10 percent on their water bills.
• Keep your home leak-free by repairing dripping faucets, toilet valves, and showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts don't require a major investment and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers.
• The vast majority of leaks can be eliminated after retrofitting a household with new WaterSense labeled fixtures and other high-efficiency appliances.

Leak Detection:

• A good method to check for leaks is to examine your winter water usage. It's likely that a family of four has a serious leak problem if its winter water use exceeds 12,000 gallons per month.
• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.
• One way to find out if you have a toilet leak is to place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, you have a leak. Make sure to flush immediately after this experiment to avoid staining the tank.

Faucets and Showerheads:

• A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. A home with WaterSense labeled toilets could use that water to flush for six months!
• Leaky faucets can be reduced by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replacing them if necessary.
• A showerhead leaking at 10 drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. That's enough water to wash 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher.

Toilets:

• If your toilet is running constantly, you could be wasting 200 gallons of water or more every day.
• If your toilet is leaking, the cause is most often an old, faulty toilet flapper. Over time, this inexpensive rubber part decays, or minerals build up on it.
• If you do need to replace the entire toilet, look for a WaterSense labeled model. If a family of four replaces its older, inefficient toilets with new WaterSense labeled ones, it could save more than 16,000 gallons per year. Retrofitting the house could save the family approximately $2,000 in water and wastewater bills over the lifetime of the toilets.

Outdoors:

• An irrigation system should be checked each spring before use to make sure it was not damaged by frost or freezing.
• An irrigation system with pressure set at 60 pounds per square inch that has a leak 1/32nd of an inch in diameter (about the thickness of a dime) can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month.
• Check your garden hose for leaks at its connection to the spigot. If it leaks while you run your hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.

Get more information on how to detect and repair leaks at: www.epa.gov/watersense

How You Can Go Green at Home

Green Building is not just a catch phrase for us at Cabinetry & Construction. We have always believed that remodeling is inherently greener than building a new house. Moreover, the close-in Richmond neighborhoods in which we work are the opposite of sprawl.

And by incorporating the latest green building products and ecologically responsible construction practices, we are in the unique position of truly ushering the modern era into the historic beauty of the homes in the Richmond area.

Green products include those that may consume less energy during use, those that produce less waste or use recycled products in their manufacture, or those that contribute to a healthier living environment. Certainly, some options for ecologically responsible construction are more expensive than others, but even small investments can have a great impact on the performance of your home, improve its efficiency, and reduce the lifetime operating cost of your home.

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

Operating and maintaining a home correctly is the only way to make sure it "lives green," and Cabinetry & Construction can explain the hows and whys of green building and help you decide the aspects that are appropriate for your project -- from helping you choose the right products to advising you on how to ensure everything works the way it is designed.

Some options for green building products that we like to provide our clients include:             

• Energy star rated appliances
• Energy star windows
• WaterSense plumbing fixtures
• Richlite counters
• Concrete countertops utilizing recycled content
• James Hardie siding products
• Whole house ventilation
• Rinnai tankless water heaters
• Slant Fin high efficiency boilers
• NuTone ecoLogic high efficiency HVAC systems
• Cabinetry made with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood
• Upgraded insulation packages
• Marmoleum flooring
• Recycled, natural floor products
• Paperless drywall
• Solar heating
• Geothermal heat pumps
• Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints
• Radiant heated floors

We welcome your questions and concerns about our green building products and ecologically responsible construction practices. We can tell how they will help improve your home's performance and how they work with historic renovations. 
 
Let us help you help the environment and your pocket book. Give us a call or send us an email today about you can "go green" by making your home more environmentally efficient.
How You Can Go Green

You can learn more about these products and our green practices on our website:
www.cabinetry-construction.com

Recent 5-star review!

Recent 5-star review from Donna J. in Richmond, VA: "Cabinetry & Construction completed two renovation projects on our Fan home in 2013. First, we added a front porch that perfectly matches the period of the house. So many Fan walkers stop and compliment us on how beautiful it looks. We were so pleased with the results that we worked with C&C again for a complete kitchen renovation. Rob had excellent suggestions and has extensive knowledge of Fan houses. We would highly recommend the company to anyone...." http://bit.ly/1gpYpIW

Before & After: Ceiling Remodel

       

Here's a look at before and after photos of a ceiling in the West End. The owners asked us to replace the mural with a classic, sophisticated look.

What do all those letters mean?

Behind owner Rob Wright'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 and NAHB are two of the most respected associations in the construction industry. Rob's goal in gaining and maintaining these certifications is to better serve our clients 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. 

Before & After: Whole House Remodel

     

 
Have you wondered what your house might look like if you completely remodeled? Above are photos from a project we completed in Mathews County. Here we enlarged the home's footprint and added a small second-story tower.

Do you love your home?

Happy Valentines Day!

On this is a day when we celebrate those we love, ask yourself this: Do you love your home? If the answer is no, we can help you change that.

Cabinetry & Construction, Inc. is the premier remodeling company for the distinct needs of home renovation projects in Richmond. As a Class A licensed design/build contractor, I work closely with clients to bring their vision to reality.

Our first meeting will take place at your home; you can thoroughly show me what you want; and I can make recommendations that fit into your budget and will work effectively with the existing structure. Once the plan is set and you approve our proposal, I lead the team of professional tradespeople in bringing the job to completion.

Think about all the benefits of the design/build remodeling services of Cabinetry & Construction:
One Point of Contact: By having one point of contact from start to finish, you will receive seamless customer service and attention to your project throughout. You will always know where to turn for questions or concerns at any phase in the process.

• Seamless Service: The person listening to your vision, crafting the design, and estimating the work is the same one that will be managing the work. This means that there are less likely to be delays or changes midstream, and ensures that your vision is captured.
• Cost Savings: This model negates the need to obtain an outside architect to design the project. Having one professional create the design, then another perform the actual construction can cause unnecessary problems, delays, and costs; you may bust your budget or not end up with what you had in mind originally. A design/build contractor can address cost or structural issues with your dream from the start.
• Cohesive Planning: A design/build contractor can immediately offer the most cost-effective plan of execution, before work begins or before you have your heart set on an idea that simply won't work or won't meet your budget.
• Green Innovations: We also provide the latest innovations in efficient technologies, thereby making this renovation a critical step in improving the performance of your home.
• Challenging Renovations: We have vast experience in old-house renovations. Home renovation projects in Richmond often have special needs due to the age of the homes and we are fully prepared to take on the challenge. We don't shy away from the special challenges of working on older structures; we thrive on them.

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 me a call and schedule a meeting. I 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.

If you are ready to move forward, get in touch with me today by calling or completing our online form. Or take some time to be inspired by browsing our gallery. We look forward to working with you, from start to finish.

We love our clients!

It's Valentine's Day, and we wanted to let you know that here at Cabinetry & Construction we love our clients. We hope you love us too.

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

Remodeling Trends: 2014 Bathroom Trends

In January, Houzz reported that 43% of homeowners responding to a recent survey say that their bathroom remodel projects will not have a bathtub. They also report that more people desire to put walls up around the toilet. This is especially true for survey respondents who are 35 and older.

What else does the survey report find?

• While fewer than 25% are increasing the bathroom's footprint, over 80% of the new master baths planned are en suite.
• Over 90% of the new toilets will be high-efficiency, and younger homeowners are increasingly opting for tankless and wall-mounted toilets.
• For those homeowners who are retaining a tub in their master bath, freestanding and drop-in tubs account for over half the tubs being installed and spa-like jet tubs make up less than a quarter.
• Homeowners younger than 45 are opting for rain and multiple shower heads, while those 55 and older are opting for hand showers and sliding bars.
• Over 50% of planned shower enclosures call for frameless glass, and only 10% of homeowners plan to use shower curtains in their master bath.
• While only about a third of current homeowners have double sinks in their master bath now, 55% will have double sinks post-remodel.
• Adding light is a big part of the remodel project, whether through new windows (48% of the projects), lighted vanities (41%), skylights (12%), and LED lights in the showerhead (7%).

Why do homeowners want to remodel their bathrooms? Nearly 50% of the respondents want to upgrade fixtures and features, over a third want a more functional space, over 30% aim to increase their home value.

Above is a photo from one of our award-winning projects here in Richmond. If you have been thinking about upgrading or redesigning your bathroom, give us a call at 804-497-3491 or send us an email and we can provide a free estimate. 

You can read the full Houzz survey report here.

Fan House Remodel

Here are before and after photos of a home in the Fan that CCI remodeled. We completely gutted and renovated the kitchen. We also added a fireplace to one of the rooms.

Fan house kitchen - after.

Fan house kitchen - before.

Fan house fireplace - after.

Fan house fireplace - before.

Partner Profile: Slant/Fin

Founded in 1949 in the back of a bakery in Coney Island, NY, Slant/Fin is the largest U.S. manufacturer of baseboard heating equipment. They also manufacturer gas and oil boilers. 

CCI is proud to offer and install Slant/Fin high efficiency boilers. Slant/Fin boilers, providing heating for water-based (as opposed to forced-air) home heating systems, are made in the USA. CCI is the only Slant/Fin Certified Hydro-Master in Central Virginia.

If you have been considering upgrading or converting your heating system, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the tax credits made available for energy-efficient heat to your home. These tax credits are only valid for systems installed through December 2013. (You can read more on these tax credits here.)

The benefits of an upgrade include:

• lowering your energy bill,
• increasing your home's energy efficiency, and
• improving your comfort.

As a licensed HVAC contractor, CCI is able to offer you several options to take advantage of this optimal time to invest in a quality heating and cooling system.