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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

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

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!

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

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?

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

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.