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Remodel of the Month: Contemporary Master Bathroom

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Bathroom at a Glance Location: Greater Chicago Size: 180 square feet Designer: NV Design + Cabinets (www.nvdesignandcabinets.com) Contractor: DDT Home Transformations (www.ddthometransformations.com) The Backstory The homeowners always wanted a master bathroom that matched the rest of the home. Although the bathroom functioned, the room lacked aesthetics of rest and relaxation; so, the goal was to transform the bathroom from utilitarian to hotel spa. The Design Process With a large, oval jet tub as the focal point, Nicole, Lead Designer at NV Design and Cabinets, created a design that would incorporate other elements such as the stand up shower, double bowl vanity, and toilet into a cohesive, working layout. When the goal of the design is contemporary with a splash of hotel luxe, there are specific items that you will select such as elongated tiles, mosaics, contrasting colors such as black and white, etc. to achieve the desired aesthetics. Nicole selected material that follows this formula for this master bath remodel. The Construction Process In chronological order, a typical bath remodel starts with demo (or removal of everything in the room; i.e., flooring, vanity, drywall, etc.), which takes about 2 days to complete. Then, the contractor starts with mechanicals, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Depending on the extent of work, this can take between 2-5 days to complete. Once mechanicals are finished, the tile, tub, shower, trim, mirror, lights, vanity top, faucet, and paint get completed. This is the bulk of the project, which takes between 1-3 weeks to complete, depending on the size and scope of the project. #bathroomremodel #renovation #constructioncompany #bathroom

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A Straightforward Guide to Your Fireplace Remodel

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In today’s market, manufacturers are producing materials that perform better. For example, the standard window is filled with argon gas between two panes of glazed glass. This type of process results in a low-e window, which, essentially, keeps the cold weather out during the winter and the hot weather out during the summer. Other types of material that perform better include insulation and furnaces. If you combine all 3 together, you eliminate the need for a fireplace for the purpose of warmth. The truth is that outside of older homes, fireplaces are primarily used for ambiance and decor. However, a well-designed, custom-built, fireplace can not only be an addition to a room’s design, but a fireplace can be the focal point of the room. In this article, I will talk about steps for planning your custom fireplace. Disclaimer: This is not a how-to article. I assume that a professional tradesman will complete the installation of the firebox. This article provides helpful tips to assist the homeowner with planing for, and what to expect from, a custom fireplace project. What’s Included? For any successful home improvement project to be a success (redundant, I know) requires planning – good planning. Just like a chef wouldn’t start cooking without all of the ingredients, neither would a tradesman start a project without all of the material. Here are the items that go into building a custom fireplace. Vent-Free Gas Firebox Insert The firebox is exactly what it sounds like – it is a box that holds the fire. There are 2 options for a type of firebox insert: vent and vent-free. Vent fireboxes are like a traditional fireplace, which requires a chimney to vent fumes. Vent-free fireboxes use indoor air for combustion, so chimneys, or venting to outside of the home, are not required. Vent-free, gas-powered (natural or propane) is one of the required components to start building your custom fireplace. You can purchase a gas firebox insert from Home Depot for $300-$600. Ledgestone Ledgestone is engineered tile, assembled together to resemble a natural look. The typical size is 6″ (high) x 12″ (long). And, the stone is sold in square foot sections, which is two pieces. Pricing ranges from $4.00 to $8.00 per square foot. You will need mortar and grout to install this tile on the wall, surrounding the firebox. The tile total costs will be between $200-$400. Wood Boards The wood boards, when attached together, will form the fireplace mantel. You will need to purchase the below materials: The total costs will be between $60-$100. How Is It Put Together? The total time for construction depends on the number of people, the experience (or familiarity) with a fireplace project, and how much detail is included in the project. If you are installing ledgestone tiles above the mantel instead of custom wood paneling, then you will save your contractor a couple of steps and a day of work. But, you can expect the project to take 2-4 days to complete. The first day will consist of demo and installation of the gas supply line and electrical outlet, if not already available. The contractor will also complete framing on day one. The second day will include assembling the mantel (including staining), installing the drywall, and installing the firebox. The third day will include installation of the mantel and installation of the tile. After a long day of work, the contractor will be done with the project. How Much Will It Cost? You can expect the total project to cost between $3,000-$4,000. Would you like a free, in-home consultation and estimate for your fireplace remodel? Call DDT Home Transformations at (630) 200-3945 or send an email to sales.ddthomepros@gmail.com to schedule your appointment today. #fireplaceremodel #fireplace #remodel #renovation #familyroom

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4 Questions to Answer Before Starting Your Basement Remodel

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If you don’t know where you are going, then you will never get to where you want to go. The truth is that planning a basement remodel is a lot of fun, but, in order to ensure a successful outcome, planning, preparing, and budgeting are all necessary steps that must be taken prior to your first purchase. In this article, I discuss the 4 Questions to Answer Before Starting Your Basement Remodel. What is the purpose of remodeling your basement? Before starting your basement remodel, did you ask yourself why you want to remodel your basement? I know it seems odd to want a basement remodel and think about all the great ideas, but then ask yourself why. What are you trying to achieve with your basement remodel? Before you begin planning your basement remodel, define why you want a basement remodel. For instance, if your plan is for a family-gathering area, then you will want to make sure the area is well-insulated and well-lit. You will want to also make sure that your HVAC system and duct work is sufficient to heat the space during the winter and cool the space during the summer. So, before you begin scheduling appointments with general contractors for estimates, make sure to know what you want to use the space for. Note: If you are going to add a bedroom or living space in the basement, ensure to consult with your local building department on codes before proceeding with the project. What condition is your basement currently in? Take a notepad and a pen downstairs to your basement and thoroughly walk through your basement, notating the dimensions and condition of the basement. Here are a few questions to answer: Use these questions as as guideline to figuring out what condition your basement is currently in. Then, schedule an appointment with a general contractor to determine the best course of action. How do you want to finish the space? Do you want drywall and paint? How about trim and hardwood flooring? You can finish a basement any way that you want, but finishes consume the largest percentage of the total budget. Finishes include: Decide on how you want to finish your basement. Engineered hardwood flooring is approximately $3.00 per square foot vs tile at $1.50 per square foot. The cost of trim varies by the material; i.e., oak, pine, MDF, etc. And, light and plumbing fixtures can go from $50 to $500. So, your budget can start at $5,000 and move up to $30,000+. So, decide on how you want your basement to look. How much do you want to spend? The question that determines everything else, “What is your budget?” This is a personal question that will depend on factors outside of a general contractor’s knowledge or control. However, here are a couple of facts to consider: If you are considering a basement remodel, then call DDT Home Transformations at (630) 200-3945 or email us at sales.ddthomepros@gmail.com to schedule a free, in-home appointment. #basementremodel #renovation #remodeling #homeimprovement

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15 Signs of a Bad Contractor

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1. No License, Registration, or Insurance Don’t allow a “contractor” to remodel your home who does not have the proper license. The only exception is for very small projects that are specific to the capabilities of a handyman. Even then, hire a handyman who has a registered company and insurance. 2. Large or Unusual Down Payments You may say, “Okay, I will not hire a “contractor” who asks for an unusual down payment, but what is unusual?” A typical, minor kitchen remodel costs about $25,000. The down payment should be no more than 30% of the project. In other words, the down payment would be $7,500 for this project. The rest of the payment schedule should be 30%, 30%, and 10% (after the project is completed). 3. Pressuring To Buy “If you buy today, we will offer 15% off.” “If you don’t buy today, then your project won’t start for 2 months.” “Contractors” pressuring homeowners to buy now or offering deals to purchase immediately is generally a red flag that something isn’t right. At the very least, the request indicates that the company may be strapped for cash. And, in that case, how can a company warranty remodeling work if the company isn’t in business; so, don’t be intimidated by high-pressure tactics. 4. Skills Don’t Match Project Would you hire a dentist to do a root canal? Of course you would. Now, would you hire a dentist for chiropractic work? Not likely. Although both services are medical related, they can’t be performed accurately by individuals that are not trained in the specific service. This scenario applies to contracting, as well. If you want to replace your roof, you won’t hire a carpenter to do it. It may seem like roofing and carpentry apply to one another, but they don’t. So, watch out for “contractors” who don’t have the skills to match the project. 5. Not Responsive Did you leave a voicemail? Have you written an email? And, did you receive no response? This is a warning sign that you are working with a bad contractor. With email, cellphones, and social media, there’s little to no excuse for zero communication. Honestly, if that is the case, then the lack of response is by choice. 6. Trouble Keeping Appointments If your “contractor” that you are thinking of hiring, or who you have already hired, has difficulty keeping appointments, then, at the least, you have an overworked contractor, which could lead to longer project completion times. But, most times, it is a form of unprofessionalism that is indicative of more company-wide or management-style issues. For instance, it could indicate a lack of structure or process, such as not having office personnel to schedule or follow-up with appointments; it could indicate a lack of tradesmen available to help complete a project; or, it could indicate a lack of interest in your project, which, if that is the case, then you definitely don’t want to hire the contractor. 7. Bad Reviews The Internet is a great place to find honest feedback about contractors nowadays. The first place you will want to check is Google. After Google, check the results of a Google search. Type the company name into the search bar and find a couple of websites where the company is listed and look for reviews. Finally, check social media, specifically Facebook and Houzz. But, if the company has bad reviews, then proceed with caution. One bad review may not indicate a bad contractor, but a lot of them will. 8. Contractor Uses A Lot of Subcontractors So, if you were to build a new house, you would hire a Home Builder. But, you may be surprised to find that throughout the process, the home builder’s company only does a few parts of the project. That’s because the home builder hired subcontractors to complete the specific work on the project; i.e., foundation/concrete, plumbing, electric, etc. For a home builder, this is standard. For a kitchen remodeler, this is not. Ask your contractor if he has ‘guys’ he works with or if he hires a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter, etc. to do the work. If he has a lot of subcontractors then you can expect to pay more at the least. But, this shows that the contractor is just someone who is organizing and hiring other people to do the work. You don’t want to pay a premium for someone who is just orchestrating the project. 9. Bad Attitude A bad attitude makes it uncomfortable to work with someone, so don’t hire a contractor who has a bad attitude. For a kitchen remodel, you will be working closely with a contractor for 4-6 weeks, and you don’t want to work with someone who has a bad attitude. You want to know that if something comes up, then you can have an open-and-honest conversation with your contractor. Otherwise, a bad attitude could be a sign of a bad contractor. 10. Low Bid Always receive 3 bids for any home remodeling project, especially more costly projects like kitchens, bathrooms, and decks. This is the rule of thumb. If you receive 3 bids for a bathroom and one of them are substantially lower in price, then there are a couple of things going on. Ask the contractor if what they provided a bid for matches the scope of work. Missing 1-2 line items is typically the case. If the contractor said that he did bid the job correctly and the price he provided is a lot lower than the other 2 bids, then he is probably inexperienced and is underestimating the costs of the project. This is definitely not a contractor you want to hire because he is trying to make money and if he underbid the project, then he won’t have the money to finish your project or finish it correctly. Either way, don’t hire this bad contractor. 11. No Contract Don’t allow a “contractor” to touch your home without a written contract. A contract protects

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3 Amazing Advantages from Scheduling an Estimate During the Holiday Season

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Are you planning to start a project at the beginning of the new year? Why wait until the new year to start your project? Why not start planning now? The truth is that most construction companies are at the slowest time right now. But, what does that mean for you? In this article, I will talk about the 3 Amazing Advantages from Scheduling an Estimate During the Holiday Season. Open Availability “Have you ever called a general contracting company to schedule an appointment for someone to come to your home to give you an estimate for your project and to be given an option for an appointment time in 2 weeks?” You have been thinking about this project for awhile and all you want to do is to get the “ball rolling”. But, first things first, you need to hire a contractor, which requires an estimate. Which is why calling for an appointment during the holiday season is the solution to your problem. For most general contractors, the weeks before-and-after Christmas are typically the slowest two weeks of the year; so, if you are considering on starting a project within the next couple of months then this would be the ideal time of the year to schedule your free, in-home appointment. During the busier times of the year, contracting companies will have several appointments in the queue, which would push your appointment further out. But, during the holiday season, you will undoubtedly be first on the company’s list. Don’t believe me? Try it out and call today. I can almost certainly guarantee that you will be on the schedule within 1-2 days. Fast Turnaround Time for Your Estimate “Did you invite a contractor to stop by and review your project, only to have 1 week pass and still not have an estimate?” You took the first step to actually preparing to start your remodeling project, but now, you are being held up by a contractor. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t just one contractor, but all three companies are taking much longer than expected to return an estimate to you. If you had scheduled your appointment during the holiday season, then you would see faster than normal turnaround times for estimates. Not only during the 2-week holiday period do projects slow down, but appointment requests do, too. Which is not uncommon. As a matter of fact, this is typical, so general contracting companies have more time available to complete estimates. In fact, you may receive your estimate the same day. If this is correct, then, you call to schedule an appointment for Tuesday morning, and you receive the estimate by Tuesday afternoon. That is fast! I’ve included a chart to help understand why it is important to schedule your appointment during the slower, holiday season. As you can see, for a company that receives 2 medium and 3 large remodel appointments, the average estimator would spend 13.5 hours completing those estimates. What this chart does not show the various projects that the Project Manager would be managing at the same time. So my sage advice is to ask for a remodel estimate during the non-peak times like during the holiday season. First on the Construction Schedule “Have you hired a contractor and then have to wait for 3-4 weeks for the contractor to finish current projects so he or she can start your project?” One big advantage to scheduling an estimate during the holiday season is that you will be first in line to get your project started. And, it is always convenient to be first in line. With a 3-week timeline for a bathroom, 5 weeks for a basement, and 6 weeks for a kitchen remodel, being first in line is important if you don’t want to wait for your remodel to begin. For instance, if you want a kitchen remodel and you decide to pursue the project during the busy season, you will probably wait an additional 3 weeks for your project to start. In all, scheduling an estimate during this holiday season will lead to faster results when you are ready to start construction in the new year. Are you considering a remodeling project? Are you looking for a contractor that is both professional and trustworthy? Then, DDT Home Transformations is the contractor that you have been searching for! Call https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ (630) 200-3945 today to schedule your free, appointment today. #estimates #remodeling #renovation #construction #contractor #HolidaySeason

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11 Tips to Avoid Common Contractor Scams

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Contractor scams are unfortunate, unethical, and they make all general contractors look bad. To say the least, I despise the character of any contractor, or person, that engages in unethical behavior to mislead or defraud any homeowner. With that being said, I have been in the industry for awhile, and over the years, I have heard of ridiculous schemes, shoddy workmanship, and nightmare scenarios that homeowners have unfortunately experienced, which is why I have put together a list of red flags, or warning signs, to help you avoid a potential contractor scam. 1. Low-ball Offer If you receive 3 estimates and one is oddly low compared to the others, then there is a potential for a scam. In this scenario, the “contractor” wants you – the homeowner – to make a decision solely based on price. Then, the “contractor” will ask for a down payment (which will probably be a larger amount than what is typical in the industry), and he will leave with your money and never return. How to avoid: Receive 3 estimates. If one is low, then ask why. If the reason is that the contractor missed items on the scope of work, then ask for a revised estimate. If not, walk away. 2. Large Down Payment At DDT Home Transformations, we use a progress payment schedule, which is usually divided into 3-5 payments, depending on the dollar amount of the project. The percentages are typically 30/30/30/10 (with the first 30% being the down payment). So, if your project is $10,000, then the down payment would be $3,000. A “contractor” attempting to scam a homeowner may ask for half or more of the total agreement amount. The only exception to this rule is if the project is less than $5,000 and takes a maximum of 3 days to complete; i.e., small roof, installing doors, etc. How to avoid: If you feel this is a good contractor, then ask for a revised payment schedule. If the contractor is unwilling to revise the down payment amount, then walk away. 3. Payment in Cash With technology helping to swing society towards a lesser dependency on cash, using traceable forms of payment is recommended. A “contractor” pushing for you to use cash is a large, red flag, screaming “STOP”. Specifically requesting payment in cash is abnormal for the residential remodeling community, since there are a plethora of payment options; i.e., check, debit, and credit. To avoid this scam, insist on using a non-cash form of payment. How to avoid: Don’t pay in cash. If a contractor is insisting on cash payments, then don’t proceed. Besides, check and debit card payment forms is the equivalent to cash. 4. No Permanent Office This is not a knock on all of the aspiring entrepreneurs who are bootstrapping their way to a successful construction company one day. If you are working with a young company, then the owner will have the capacity to confidently answer any questions pertaining to their “home” office. But, without a permanent location, scam artists pretending to be contractors will use this tactic to make the possibility of tracking them impossible. How to avoid: Review the business online. Have multiple conversations with the owner. If you feel comfortable, then proceed with a strict payment schedule. If not, don’t proceed. 5. Limited Time Offers You can’t beat a great deal! There’s nothing like getting something you want for almost nothing, unless the deal is too good to be true. Don’t be fooled by limited time offers. “Contractors” will position an offer in such a way that is almost impossible to say no to. Say, “NO”. It will save you a lot of frustration and money. Remember that these “contractors” have no intention of doing any work, they just want your money; so, if they offer a BOGO when nobody else is, then this offer is a NO-GO. How to avoid: The old adage is, “If it is too good to be true, then it probably is” applies to this scam. Do not be blinded by low prices. Honestly, abnormally low prices are indicators of inexperience and potential malfeasance. Politely decline the “limited-time offer” contractor. 6. Going Door-To-Door I don’t know a contractor who goes door-to-door; it could possibly be an effective marketing strategy since no one else I know is doing it. But, in this case, going door-to-door is nothing more than a non-digital phishing strategy. The “contractor” is looking for a homeowner that is gullible enough to take the bait, whatever it may be. However, a contractor that is working in the neighborhood may walk the surrounding area to hand out flyers or door hangers – this is acceptable. How to avoid: Don’t entertain offers from door-to-door, contractor salesmen. It is abnormal for the industry. Besides, if you want a project completed, you will solicit for estimates. 7. Lacks Professionalism Does the “contractor” have a shirt or vehicle with the company logo and information such as a phone number or website address? How was the contractor’s demeanor during the conversation or meeting? A person that is looking to take your money will not be this prepared or have this type of information readily available. If you are unsure about the contractor’s professionalism, then just conduct a simple, Google search, and you will find the company’s digital footprint that will include reviews, a website, etc. How to avoid: If the contractor has a bad attitude or lacks professionalism, you have a vote in his business’s long-term viability, and vote “no”. Do not proceed. He needs to respect homeowners and the profession as a whole before being given the reigns to operate as a contractor in this industry. 8. Contract Changes After the initial meeting, you decided that this was the right contractor for your project, but the “contractor” keeps changing the contract. In my experience, contract changes occur when there is additional work to be completed. However, I can usually inform the homeowner of where the changes will come from prior

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4 Useful Benefits of Building Permits

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You planned out the project. You hired a contractor. You bought the material. Now, all you need is to get the proper building permit. But, what exactly is a building permit and why do I need one? A building permit is a document that is issued from your local building department that gives you authorization to start construction. In other words, if you want to build a deck, then you need a building permit to build it. As far as why, or the reason for building permits, for most projects, it’s the law. But, there are several benefits to obtaining a building permit, which I will discuss in more detail in this article. Ensures Safety The first, and foremost, purpose of a building permit is to protect the homeowner. Below is a fictitious story to help illustrate how building permits ensure safety. Bob is a local homeowner who decided to hire a contractor to build a beautiful, 500 sq. ft. wood deck. Bob didn’t want to bother with permits, so he never filled out the paperwork or obtained a building permit from the local building department. So he hired a “contractor” to build the deck and the “contractor” began constructing the deck. After 2 weeks, the “contractor” finished the project and the deck was aesthetically pleasing. About one year later, Bob took a job out-of-state, moved, and sold his home. The new homeowners moved in to the home and after a few months, they began noticing that the deck was shifting, railing was coming away from the deck, and deck boards were popping up; so, they asked a deck builder to take a look at the deck. What they found out was that the post holes were not dug to the proper depth of 42″ (below the frost line), so during the winter when water would freeze and thaw, the water got underneath the post and began pushing the deck upwards, skewing and contorting the deck. The homeowners also found out that the railing was not secured properly to the posts. And, they also discovered that the deck was built with undersized nails, which are only supposed to be used in the interior of a home. Unfortunately, the new homeowners had to have the deck removed and rebuilt properly. In this illustration, the homeowner may have been easily leaning against a section of rail and fallen to the ground because the rail was not secured properly. Or, the homeowner could begin to see damage to the patio door threshold, side of the home, or even see the deck collapse. These are horrendous outcomes and nightmare situations for homeowners. Especially since the all of the issues could have been avoided if the homeowner made sure to use building permits. In short, a building permit protects the current homeowner and a future homeowner. Adds Value Building permits are track-able and record-able; and, they are public record. This means that if you want to move and sell your home, then the new homeowner will have documentation, proving the work was legit and completed to local building code regulations. Also, your realtor will have the ability to market your home as a “home with extras”. In other words, if you purchased the home without a deck, but now the home has a large, Trex (composite) deck with a pergola, then your realtor can use the approved project as a tool to negotiate for a higher selling price. So, building permits add value. Keeps Contractor Honest Along with building permits, there are inspections. This is where a certified, building inspector inspects the project. Most projects have 2-3 inspections. For instance, a deck will have 3 inspections: In other words, a building permit ensures that the contractor’s work will be inspected and verified by a certified individual. So, you can rest easy knowing that the contractor you hire cannot cut corners or build an unsafe structure. Built-In Payment Schedule You don’t pay for a project in-full, up front; you pay in increments. As you meet a threshold; i.e., demo and post-holes complete, you make the next payment for the project to progress to the next phase; i.e., rough framing. So, the inspections that go along with a building permit provide an easy-to-follow payment schedule. For instance, if you hired a contractor to build a deck, and the permit has 3 inspections; e.g., post hole, rough frame, and final, then, you can ask for a payment schedule that follows the 3 inspections. For example, the first payment would be a down payment of 30% of the contract, then the second payment would be 30% and only initiated after the post hole inspection was passed. You can follow this pattern all the way to the end whereby passing the final inspection would initiate the final payment of 10%. In all, the payment schedule would be 30/30/30/10. So, building permits provide a “calendar” for a payment schedule. Building permits are good. They are good for safety, adding value, keeping contractors honest, and creating a payment schedule. If you are considering a home remodeling project, then your first step is to contact your local building department to find out if a building permit is required. If so, then hire a contractor and ask him or her to get it for the project. Your project is better with a required building permit than without. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #buildingpermits #construction #contractor #safety #remodeling

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The Pros & Cons of a Pressure Treated Wood Deck

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Pressure Treated Wood Decking If you are in the market to replace your existing deck or build a brand new one, you will encounter 3 main types of deck material that you will have to consider using for your new deck. With each type of material there are pros and cons, which is why we have started with the most common type – pressure treated wood, and we have listed the best and worst characteristics of the material. What is Pressure Treated Wood? Pressure treated wood is Southern Yellow Pine (abbreviation ‘SYP’) that has been chemically treated to increase rot resistance and prevent damage from insects. Where is Pressure Treated Wood Used? Just about everywhere that wood will be exposed to moisture or to the outside environment. Generally, pressure treated (aka ‘PT’) wood is used in the construction of decks, pergolas, and sheds. Typical Dimensions of Pressure Treated Wood? Varies, but specifically in regards to deck material, here is a general list: There are many more sizes, but these are the typical sizes used for deck construction. Pros of Pressure Treated Wood? Cost-Effective: In comparison to cedar and composite material, PT wood is the most cost-effective option with a price of $15-$20 per square foot for installation, substructure, and decking. Rot Resistant & Repels Insects: The chemicals used to create pressure treated lumber prevent rot resistant but they also act as an insecticide; so, with PT wood, you receive a 2-for-1 deal. Ground Contact: In most cases, PT wood (that you would find in Big Box stores) is now ground contact approved (based on newly revised guidelines), which means that the lumber will have twice the treatment and decks that are low to the ground (6″ or below) can use PT wood for the fascia, joists, beams, and decking. Warranty: The good news is that most lumber manufacturers offer a long-term warranty, which generally covers fungal decay and termite infestation. The bad news is that most consumers don’t know it. Cons of Pressure Treated Wood? Harmful: Even though industry standards have changed, the chemicals applied to treat lumber are harmful to the environment. Discoloration: Wood is a natural product, so it is going to be affected by the elements, specifically, exposure to the sun. There’s a scientific process called photo-oxidation that causes the surface of the boards to gray, but, the process can be slowed through the application of stain or paint. Checking: If you live in the Midwest, then you experience seasons; i.e., Summer, Winter, etc. Well, for products that live outside all year; e.g., wood decking, the industry calls material seasons – freeze-thaw cycles. In other words, during the Winter we have ice and during the Summer we have rain. What happens to the wood during this time is that water enters the pores of the wood, causing the wood to expand and contract as the water enters and leaves the wood. This process causes splits (or ‘checking’) in the wood (which occurs with every wood deck). But, applying water sealant will decrease the effects of this natural process. Upkeep: The biggest downside to PT wood decks is the upkeep. PT wood decks can withstand weather and stand strong for 30+ years, but they must be maintained regularly. This includes applying water sealant every year, staining the deck every two years, and pressure washing the deck twice a year. In all, you will spend approximately 20 hours and $250 every year to maintain a deck. Over a 30 year period, that is 600 hours (or 30 weekends) and $7,500 maintaining a wood deck. Conclusion In all, pressure treated wood, like anything, has its good qualities and its not-so-good qualities. But, with excellent features such as its resistant to fungal decay and termites as well as its attractive price-point, pressure treated wood is an outstanding choice to use for the construction of your deck. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #lowmaintenance #longlasting #newdeck #compositedeck #deckresurface #deckcontractor Deckingcontractorhome improvement

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3 Reasons Fall is a Great Time for a Kitchen Remodel

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Late Summer through early fall is an ideal time for your kitchen remodel! From ideal weather to better deals, August through mid October present several great reasons to start your project now. Listed below are a few of the reasons there is no better time than now to get the wheels turning on your kitchen renovation. Weather Let’s start with the obvious.. Your kitchen is going to down for a bit, so take advantage of the great temps and minimal rain to enjoy some outdoor living! What a great time for grilling and sharing a meal on the deck or patio. Not a grill master? Not to worry, head to your favorite restaurant and grab everyone’s favorites for a picnic or maybe just enjoy a meal dining on their patio. All are a great change of pace for most and great for family time. The lack of rain will also minimize wear and tear on your property. Holiday Ready What’s better than hosting the family for the Holidays? We think hosting in a brand new kitchen ranks up there pretty high. Beat all the folks who thought about this renovation around Halloween and had no idea there choices wouldn’t arrive in time! There are alot of moving parts in any big renovation. Allowing plenty of time is always wise. Get it done now and handle those delays in stride. You’ll be free and clear long before the Turkey goes in the oven! Late Season Deals Early year trends have been around some and manufacturers may have reduced pricing some. Look around, the deals are out there and the difference just my drop your choices into the budget. As well, contractors aren’t as busy as earlier in the season so they tend to be more competitive on pricing. Grab the best contractor, they may be available now and you might still save some dollars. So if your kitchen has seen better days, take a minute and give the pros at DDT Home Transformations a call for your free estimate and take advantage of this great time of year for your renovation! 630-200-3945 https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ #remodel #kitchen #HolidaySeason #kitchenremodel

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3 Qualities to Look for When Choosing a Kitchen Designer

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Remodeling your kitchen can be a fun and exciting upgrade to your home. It can also be expensive, so you want to be sure your Kitchen Designer is experienced, knowledgeable, and involved beyond simply selling you the products. When interviewing a potential designer, be sure to touch on the following 3 facets of the kitchen planning experience: Experience: A person does not need to have a degree to become a Kitchen Designer. Ideally, however, your designer would have a degree from a National Kitchen & Bath Association accredited program and have or at least be working towards an NKBA Certification in kitchen Design (AKBD or CKD) and have several projects under her belt, but many successful designers learn the trade in the field. A reputable cabinet dealer will have a website with pictures of projects completed by their designer and / or installers. Never assume that because a designer works in the kitchen department at a home store that they’ve been properly trained. Ask to see before and after pictures of their projects. Ask for references. Although it’s nice to have a big-name company backing their employees to ensure that mistakes are corrected, it’s better to avoid the mistakes in the first place by trusting an experienced Kitchen Designer. Product Knowledge: How well does the designer understand the products that they offer? In order to create the best design for your space, the designer should be able to recommend a cabinet line, for example, that has all of the options to meet your needs and current trends. The designer should also be able to speak thoroughly about the cabinet line’s customer service. What happens if a cabinet arrives damaged? What if a hinge breaks 2 years from now? Will the designer help you with any issues that arise? Your designer should be able to give you peace of mind in your investment. Involvement: What will the designer’s role be before and after you’ve made your purchase? This is important for both DIY kitchen remodelers and those hiring a contractor. A Kitchen Designer should be actively involved during the project. Look for a designer who will come to your home and be present when measurements are taken. This is an attribute of an accountable designer. She wants to be sure the measurements are accurate to avoid costly mistakes which she would be responsible for. This will help avoid the delays, caused by reordering product, that keep you out of your kitchen! A kitchen is made up of several components and sometimes it isn’t clear where a piece was meant to go or how it was meant to be used. Will the designer be on site for the installation to guide the installers or at least be available by phone? Your designer should be available to you or your contractor to go over the design before you make your purchase and during the actual installation. A great Kitchen Designer is experienced, knows the products they recommend and sell, and will be there through every phase of your project to make sure that you love the result. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #lowmaintenance #longlasting #newdeck #compositedeck #deckresurface #deckcontractor

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