Gazette says economy has hurt the remodeling business

The recession and real estate slump have taken their toll on not only the homebuilding industry, but remodelers, too.

The number of residential remodeling jobs in Frederick County has fallen slightly this year from 2008, from 808 jobs to 765, according to a report by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development. The average remodeling industry salary in the county is $44,758.

Remodeling jobs overall, including commercial work, have fallen slightly in the county, from 10,951 jobs in 2008 to 10,936 this year, according to county data. Remodeling industry jobs statewide are down less than 1 percent from 2008, from 211,975 jobs in 2008 to 209,089 this year.

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Real Estate Live

Washington Post Real Estate blogger and columnist

Friday, October 30, 2009; 1:00 PM

From Home Remodeling Frederick Md

301 253-1068

The very first step to generating an impression & making your dream home the perfect place to seek solace starts with the front door.

Door Hardware To Increase Curb Appeal
They all wish to have our dream home, but what they may not realize is that a dream home can be made with small changes in the details of our houses.

The front of your home speaks volumes about your style, taste, preferences for living, & depicts the person you are. The entry in to your house through which visitors are welcomed is also perceived as a gateway to your heart.

Choosing the right door hardware adds to your interior decor, enhances the curb appeal, creates a lovely first impression on welcoming guests, exudes sophistication in lifestyle & living & provides better security. Wow! All of that from a few pieces of well designed metal!

Knobs & push locks are available in the market which may make the decision making process a small overwhelming. On selecting knockers affixed along with knobs, you can add flare & grace to the regular door.

Appropriately selected door hardware grabs instant attention & adds more value to your home. There’s a myriad of products available in gold, silver, or bronze finishes.

Reasons to Get New Door Hardware

When it comes to door hardware, even choosing the right hinges does matter as they permit you to open & close with ease & without that dreadful screeching sound.

2. The other most important reason being the need for design that can generate wonders by adding grace to overall curb appeal of your home. You need the front of your house & your entryway to be maintained & stunning & strong.

1. The first two being security. Safety & security is a primary need of every human. Hence locks & tough equipment is needed for your front door. Strong hardware can be stunning .

Before choosing appropriate door hardware, there’s some important factors that need to be considered like:

1. The type of door you have (does it swing open or slide), the height, measurement of the knob & width, all play a vital role in the decision making process for purchasing new door hardware.

3. The door should not be difficult to open or handle. Attention should be paid to special needs for a round knob, a lever handle, or a traditional entry set with thumb press.

2. Look around for the latest trends & fittings in door hardware to accessorize your door.

4. Besides the handle & lock, there is so much you can do to dress up your front door: knocker with viewer, peephole with 160 & 180 degree, aluminum closer, chain guard with key, push plate, kick plate with screws, pull plate, ring bolts, beauty plates, spring & solid door stops, adapter plates, swing bar guards, spring loaded hinges, door fillers & knob guards. Whew! two or two of these can make your entry shine.

Door hardware is available in a variety of materials, styles & finishes. Understand the importance of door hardware & generate an everlasting impression on friends & relatives while you secure your home.

301 253-1068

Maryland Home Remodeling  Contractor serving Bethesda, Potomac and Howard County for 30 yrs. We are fully licensed and insured, with excellent references available upon request. Our team of quality-conscious professionals will address all of your home improvement concerns, treating your home and property with high regards.

We understand… the importance of completing the projects in a timely manner without interrupting your daily life.

Maryland Home Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors

7 Types Of Kitchen Counter Tops

January 21st, 2009

It is very important that you place lots of thought when choosing the surface material for your counter top. This is because the counter top has to undergo lots of punishment over time. Today, there are many materials with both beauty and practicality embedded in them.
Butcher block counter tops are made from hardwoods like maple, red oak and teak and are easy to install and repair. These counter tops get scratched, burned and stained easily and can be sanded and resealed when required. Butcher block has to be treated with mineral oil or beeswax regularly but is not suggested over dishwashers or near a sink as its wood is sensitive to humidity fluctuations.

Concrete can be tinted any color and include stone chips with varying qualities as they can be custom formed using local fabricators. As concrete cuts and chips easily, it has to be sealed. Though topical sealers can resist stains, they are prone to damage from hot pots. Comparatively, concrete counter tops are expensive too.

Ceramic tile counter tops are found in many colors, styles and patterns which can be easily installed by adept do-it-yourselfers. These glazed tiles are resistant to stains, burns and scratches, while repair to these counter tops is easy and cheap. It is possible to tint grouts to match or contrast tiles; however joints may trap crumbs and soak up stains. This is why it is difficult to clean it, even if the grout is sealed. Moreover, tiles get scratched by sharp objects and may chip if hit hard.

Laminates are popular counter top materials as they are available in hundreds of colors and patterns and are reasonable in choice. They are lightweight and easy to install; but has additional edge treatment costs to be borne.

Natural stones like granite and marble are popular counter top materials that resist all forms of physical abuse, nicks, scratches and scorching of hot pans. Of the two, granite is the tougher material while marble is softer and more prone to staining and etching from the acid in cleaners and foods. This is why they both have to be sealed with a protective sealer periodically.

Quartz resembles granite, but is more uniform in appearance. It is a combination of pigments, stone chips and resins and is resistant to heat, abrasion, stains and does not need any sealing. However it cannot withstand impacts.

There are many solid surface materials available today for use on counter tops which are durable but expensive. They are made from polyester and acrylic resins with mineral fillers and are available in various thicknesses. Scratches and nicks cannot be seen easily here while prolonged heat on it can change its color.

The latest trend in counter top materials is stainless steel and is chosen by those looking for integration of counters with pro-style and other stainless steel appliances. They are heat and stain resistant but tend to dent and scratch easily, shows fingerprints and are expensive.

Looking at all these counter top materials, it is left to you to choose the best material for your counter top, based on your budget, other kitchen appliances and the amount of wear and tear it goes through.

An article from Toronto Home Improvement

301 253-1068

Maryland Custom Painting Contractor serving Bethesda, Potomac and Howard County for 30 yrs. We are fully licensed and insured, with excellent references available upon request. Our team of quality-conscious professionals will address all of your home improvement concerns, treating your home and property with high regards.

We understand… the importance of completing the projects in a timely manner without interrupting your daily life.

Maryland Home Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors

Interior Home Painting in Maryland
It’s one thing to paint the outside of your home… it’s quite another to paint the interior.
Professional Interior Painters are the separation between the “men and the boys”

Here we will go through the step by step process followed by most traditional home contractor painting companies. This list, of course, is just a basic outline and some companies will add steps to this process.
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Interior Home Painting

Painting the interior of a home is a much more delicate process than painting the exterior of a home. Though, most of the steps are the same, the interior process requires a few extra precautions.

Here we will go through the step by step process followed by most traditional home contractor painting companies. This list, of course, is just a basic outline and some companies will add steps to this process; however, if the company you are looking to hire is planning to leave out any of these steps it may be time to look for a new company.

1. Clear The Path

Obviously, when you are painting the inside of any home it is necessary clear a reasonable path so that the painting crew can have sufficient space to do their job. Typically, this requires that all of the furniture is moved to the center of each room.

Once it has been moved to the center of the room, it will then be covered with
Plastic wraps, tarps, or a drop cloth of sorts.

Next, the crew will cover the flooring with drop cloths so as to protect it from paint spillage.

2. Prepare the Surface

This step requires that the home contractor painting crew scan the walls and ceilings. They should fill any cracks or holes, seal any stains, and sand the surface of your walls. This insures that the surface that the paint has a clean and smooth surface to be applied to.

3. Stroke Time!

Now the actual painting begins. The crew will paint as many coats as required to make for a beautiful finish. This, of course, should be to your satisfaction.

4. Have a Look see

Now it is time for the inspection. Both you and the home contractor painting crew leader will navigate your entire home and be sure that you are thoroughly satisfied for the work you paid for.

5. Clean Up The Mess

Now, for the most exhilarating part of the process; clean up! All floor cloths are removed, all materials are excavated, all messes are cleared, and all the furniture is put back in its proper place.

Before Signing Any Paper Work…

Now that you have this information, take it with you in your search for the best team for the job.

My personal suggestion would be to interview the home contractor painting service owner and ask them if they take care of all of these steps. Get a clear idea of what they intend to do and what charges will be incurred for what services.

Make sure that you know exactly where every last dollar of your money is going. If you are working with an honest company, they will have no problem in mapping out this information for you.

In The Meantime

Do a lot of research. Speak with a few different companies. Don’t settle for the cheapest. Settle for the company that you think is going to do a rock star job.

I wish you the best of luck and happy searching!
Visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/12/prweb592782.htm for more information on home contractor painting

BT Martin Contractors
301 253-1058

Maryland Custom Painting Contractor serving Bethesda, Potomac and Howard County for 30 yrs. We are fully licensed and insured, with excellent references available upon request. Our team of quality-conscious professionals will address all of your home improvement concerns, treating your home and property with high regards.

We understand… the importance of completing the projects in a timely manner without interrupting your daily life.

Maryland Home Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors

Bathroom Remodeling Products Maryland

WALK RIGHT IN: The Finestra bath is a departure from the maker’s usual fare: Instead of climbing over, users simply walk right in. It is available with whirlpool jets or an air model, a combination of both, or as a traditional soaking tub. An electronic touchpad, chromatherapy lights, and heating come standard. It measures 60 inches long and 30 or 35 inches from front to back. Jacuzzi. 800-288-4002. www.jacuzzi.com.

SEAT WARMER: Bidets are not that popular in this country, but manufacturers believe these retrofitted seats might be. The C3 with bidet functionality has heated seats and personal cleansing wands crafted out of antimicrobial material. Two models are available: the series 100 with a side control and the 200 with a remote control. Kohler. 920-457-4441. www.kohler.com.

SOUND OFF: Stereo H2O is an invisible audio system built into a tub. The system consists of an acoustic transducer that is applied to the bath’s shell so the entire tub unit becomes a soundboard. It can be specified on most of the company’s tubs, including the Antigua freestanding unit shown here. MTI Whirlpools. 800-783-8827. www.mtiwhirlpools.com.

Despite the housing slowdown, size, features, and high-end products in the bath (and the kitchen) are still important to consumers, reports the American Institute of Architects. This means that you can’t skimp on the swank.

Maryland Custom Painting Contractor serving Bethesda, Potomac and Howard County for 30 yrs. We are fully licensed and insured, with excellent references available upon request. Our team of quality-conscious professionals will address all of your home improvement concerns, treating your home and property with high regards.

We understand… the importance of completing the projects in a timely manner without interrupting your daily life.

Maryland Home Remodeling

Without question, remodeling your kitchen is a daunting task. With the unlimited options in materials and styles, even those who are just starting to think about a remodel can begin to feel overwhelmed. The first step to putting such a project into perspective is doing your research.

The Internet is full of resources that can prepare any homeowner, even before they visit a showroom or speak with a contractor. These resources guide consumers on the search for their perfect kitchen by helping them find their style and showing them what is available.

From Maryland Custom Painting

Find a Style
With so many design choices available, it may be hard to know what you like until you actually see it. Web videos, like Merillat’s “Kitchen Chronicles” series can help you get an idea of what your dream kitchen might look like. The videos highlight four people with varying needs and demonstrate how their kitchens fit their lifestyles – whether they are using their kitchens for entertaining, family use, organization or to help sell their homes.

Each video highlights solutions specific to the way the kitchen is used. If you’re drawn to a particular kitchen in the videos, you can explore it further by getting detailed information about the products and design ideas used in the space. You’ll find the Web videos and a style quiz at www.merillat.com.

Lay it Out
Many Web sites feature layout tools to help you design your dream kitchen down to the last inch. Look around to find the tool that works best for you as the tools have varying degrees of difficulty and detail.

Go with the Pros
Don’t overlook professional and trade-only Web sites. They often feature the cutting edge in kitchen design. While you may not be able to purchase products directly, if you fall in love with a specific decor element or an entire look, a professional kitchen and bath designer can help make the dream a reality.

Ask a Friend
There are plenty of kitchen and remodeling forums online so feel free to make some new friends. Your fellow forum users can post inspiring photos, offer ideas and, more importantly, give advice on what not to do or which products to avoid.

Do Your Homework
Once you find a product, appliance or brand you like, check out consumer safety and satisfaction Web sites. You may love the look of a certain refrigerator, but if the brand has numerous recalls or other consumers have been dissatisfied with the appliance, you can save yourself time and money by avoiding it.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Maryland Home Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors

Meet Dan and Ben Martin of

Based in Frederick Maryland home remodeling contractor serving primarily:
Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Upper NW DC, Howard County and Loudoun County Va.
with exquisite upscale renovations worthy of the exclusive neighborhoods they serve.

BT Martin Contractors has been helping people just like you—visualize, plan and complete home improvement projects for almost 30 years. We show up on time, listen, respect your home, and complete your project on time and on budget.

Specializing in custom work, custom remodeling and custom painting, uniquely tailored for each client’s needs and tastes.

Ben and Dan Martin, business partners and hands on owners, use our years of experience to design spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

We have an extensive list of satisfied customers whose referrals and pictures of remodeling projects that may be viewed as examples of our work.

We can dramatically improve your home’s first impression and value.

Just as no two homes are alike, no two customers are alike. We happily customize our services to meet your exact needs. BT Martin Contractors is proud of our top notch craftsmanship used to complete our many remodeling projects over the years.

Our pledge is to always offer honest advice, quality workmanship and fair prices. Every project begins with a free on site consultation and estimate. Please call and allow us the opportunity of serving you with any remodeling needs.