Home Improvement Blog

Key factors to consider when remodeling your bathroom

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Sep 17, 2011 @ 07:42 PM

Is your bathroom old and deteriorated? Is mold and mildew overtaking everything in your bathroom? Ready for a change? WMB Construction has been transforming bathrooms with these problems for many years in the area with unmatched results. Your bathroom is the most frequented room in your home and also adds the most value to your home. It also has the most potential for producing mold and mildew conditions that can create a potentially hazardous atmosphere.

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Recent bathroom job we ripped out! The mold and mildew behind the tile is clearly obvious. The customers were so surprised to see what was growing behind their walls, especially because they were considering Rebath or Bathfitters! Those companies cover up toxins that should be removed from your home!!!

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 On top of just finding mold and mildew behind the tiles, we next found a great deal of rotten wood under the tile floor and vinyl shower base. WMB Construction removed all the mold and mildew and recommended a "mud job" to replace the worn out vinyl base.

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What is a "Mud Job"?

Instead of a vinyl shower base, we form and construct our own out of concrete and tile for superior strength and longevity.

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Added benefits of performing a "Mud Job"

  • Concrete shower bases are far more stronger and durable than regular vinyl bases

  • More aesthetically appealing appearance

  • Added value to your home

  • Base will not crack, tarnish or fade over time

  • Give your bathroom a more unique look

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WMB Construction constructed and installed the very popular in wall shelf. It coordinates with all the decor in the bathroom. A really awesome accent!!!

 

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WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Bathroom remodels

  • Kitchen remodels

  • All phases of home improvements

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, orange county ny, General Contractor, remodeling, construction-general, bathrooms

Four key reasons to remodel your bathroom

Posted by william bateman on Fri, Jun 24, 2011 @ 03:28 PM

The bathroom(s) in your home is probably the most frequented room in your house. Mornings, nights, rainy days, stiff aches and pains; the bathroom is the area of your home to relax, feel revived and take care of everyday hygiene for both you and your family. Creating a breath taking atmosphere within your bathroom will create many years of happiness for you and your family. Imagine the benefits of a new bathroom remodel that creates a complete surreal enviroment!

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 Debating your bathroom remodeling project? Well, there are definitely pros and cons to remodeling your bathroom; however, in most cases you'll probably find that the benefits of bathroom remodeling outweigh the cons. Both you and your home can benefit from a remodeling project on the bathroom. Here is a look at a few of the benefits that can be enjoyed when you decide to remodel your bathroom.



Benefit #1 - Increase in Home Value - Probably one of the biggest benefits you'll enjoy when you remodel the bathroom in your home is an increase in the home value. When you remodel the bathroom, you end up with an even better home, and larger remodeling projects can really make a difference in the amount that your home is worth. However, if you don't do the project the right way or you don't finish it, the value will actually go down, so you want to make sure that the bathroom remodel is done the right way so you can enjoy the increase in your home's value.

Benefit #2 - Improve the Bathroom's Appearance - Another benefit of remodeling the bathroom in your home is improving the bathroom's appearance. Perhaps your bathroom didn't look to great in the past or it was starting to have repair problems. When your remodel, the entire bathroom will look so much better. You'll be able to go into the bathroom and enjoy the way that it looks. Since the bathroom looks even better, it will actually help your entire home to look better as well.

Benefit #3 - Better Use of Space - In many cases, bathrooms are too crowded, especially if you have a smaller bathroom. When you remodel, you can benefit from a better use of space in the bathroom. There are new furniture and fixture choices today that look great and take up less room, so you can make the best out of the space that you have in the bathroom.

Benefit #4 - Create a Place for Relaxation - Yet another benefit you can get when remodeling your bathroom is creating a place for relaxation. Remodeling gives you the ability to go beyond just function in the bathroom. You can turn it into a retreat that you can enjoy each day. With the right fixtures, décor, and a great tub, your bathroom can become one of the best places to relax and sooth away the stress of the day.

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, orange county ny, bathrooms, tile

5 key factors to use Benjamin Moores new Vinyl Select

Posted by william bateman on Fri, Jun 24, 2011 @ 02:23 PM

Vinyl siding has always been marketed as a maintainance free product that will never rot or fade leaving you, the customer, to never perform any work again on your siding. Vinyl siding is an excellent product that withstands many years of abuse from the elements but lets face it, nothing is forever. Over the years the sun will take its toll on your siding leaving you to spend thousands to replace it. With Benjamin Moore's new Vinyl Select you now have the opportunity to safely apply paint to vinyl siding.

 

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What you gain by painting your vinyl siding:

  • Quickly spruce up your homes exterior

  • Add value to your home

  • Protect your vinyl siding from future damage

  • Ability to change the color of your home

  • Save thousands!!

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How it works:

Certain paint colours tend to absorb the heat of the sun, transferring it to the substrate, and when vinyl siding expands dramatically, it is not able to contract to its original dimensions. However, thanks to Benjamin Moore, you are no longer limited in your colour selection.

 

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The 60 colours in our Vinyl Select collection greatly expand the colour selection options for you and your customers. From light to dark, our vinyl-safe colours will provide the colour freedom and the performance you expect from Benjamin Moore.

 

 With any painting project performed, surface preparation is just as important than the application. Without proper surface preparation, your project is sure to fail.

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WMB Construction performs with every exterior project:

  • Powerwash all siding surfaces

  • Treats problem areas

  • Scrape and scuff any problem areas

  • Brush and roller applications

 

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, painting, orange county ny

WMB Construction interior impressions with "Aura" paint from Benjamin Moore

Posted by william bateman on Tue, May 31, 2011 @ 09:28 PM

Your home is your biggest investment  and maintaining it is a priority. With Benjamin Moore's Aura paint line, your home will maintain the beauty and protection it needs to withstand the elements of everyday life. With superior adhesion, coverage and durability, WMB Construction stands behind the quality of Benjamin Moore paints.

 

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Benjamin Moore's Aura:

Aura® Matte Waterborne Interior Paint (522)

  • Extreme hide, never more than two coats in any color

  • Provides a mildew-resistant coating

  • Color Lock® Technology, no color rub-off

  • Excellent touch up

  • Self priming

  • Easy application and clean up

  • Stains wash off easily

 

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New Aura paint benefits:

  • Added value to your home

  • Non- toxic low VOC's

  • Superior coverage

  • Excellent finish

 

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Key factors for a quality paint application:

  • Roller and brush applications will always give you the most professional finished product.(brush first and roll after to hide any brush marks as possible)

  • Remove all dirt and debris from surfaces to be painted

  • Allow proper drying times in between coats

  • Remove any mold/mildew before paint is applied

  • Remove any rotten material before paint is applied

  • Completely cover area with drop clothes before any work is performed

 

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WMB Specializes in:

  • Interior painting

  • Exterior painting

  • Deck staining

  • Powerwashing

  • Carpentry

  • Sheetrock repair

  • Much, much more!!

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, painting, orange county ny, General Contractor

Stain your deck or siding with all new "Arborcoat" from Benjamin Moore

Posted by william bateman on Wed, May 18, 2011 @ 05:05 PM

 

Nothing enhances and protects your home like a fresh coat of paint. A new coat of paint tells the world that your house is new and valuable.deck staining painting monroe ny

Benjamin Moore's all new Arborcoat stain will restore your home back to new condition and leave you with years of durability.

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Ideal for Decks

All finishes:

  • Engineered for superior durability

  • Outperforms the best alkyd stains on the market

  • A tough, scuff resistant finish that withstands heavy foot traffic

  • Advanced Deck System — looks rich year after year with easy annual maintenance

  • Easy application

  • Repels Water, Mildew Resistant

Transparent and Semi Transparent
Finishes Offer:

  • Unique two-coat system for ultimate UV protection

  • Protective Clear Coat can be reapplied annually for maximum protection

  • Resins that penetrate and protect

 

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Ideal for Siding

All finishes offer:

  • Engineered for superior durability

  • Outperforms the best alkyd stains on the market

  • Ultimate Durability — Outperforms the best alkyd stains on the market

  • Easy application

  • Repels Water, Mildew Resistant

Transparent and Semi Transparent
Finishes Offer:

  • Unique Resins that penetrate for great UV protection

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Benjamin Moore® ARBORCOAT® Waterborne Exterior Stain Protective Clear Coat (636)

A premium-quality 100% acrylic finish coat for BENJAMIN MOORE ARBORCOAT waterborne exterior stain systems. Use as a protective coating over (637) Transparent and (638) Semi Transparent Stains on decks or other surfaces where enhanced abrasion resistance and additional protection is desired. Can also be used over (639) ARBORCOAT waterborne semi solid stain when a low lustre finish is preferred.

  • A clear protective coating for BENJAMIN MOORE ARBORCOAT Transparent (637) and Semi Transparent (638) stains on deck surfaces

  • Low lustre finish, can also be used over ARBORCOAT Semi Solid (639)

  • Functions as an annual refresher coat for BENJAMIN MOORE  ARBORCOAT Transparent (637) and Semi Transparent (638) stains, reviving that newly stained look

  • Formulated to protect, and beautify wooden decking and furniture

  • Provides mildew-resistant coating

  • A water-repellent coating

  • Scuff resistant

  • Dual UV protection for deck systems

WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Powerwashing

  • Paint and stain applications

  • Sheetrock and taping

  • Carpentry

  • Much,  much more!!!

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, painting, orange county ny

Quick footing drain slideshow

Posted by william bateman on Fri, May 06, 2011 @ 11:18 PM

WMB Construction is your #1 dranage contractor. Call today for your free estimate.

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, orange county ny, General Contractor, footing drain

Deck inspirations with Benjamin Moore

Posted by william bateman on Fri, May 06, 2011 @ 07:03 PM

Your deck is worn and weathered?  So bad that you are thinking about replacing it?  The tought of how much it will cost has given you a headache?  Ever think about restoring it?

Your deck is the #1 outdoor entertaining area of your home and needs maintenance just like any other area of your home. A new deck can easily run you in the thousands of dollars while a deck restoration may run you in the the hundreds or low thousands depending on square footage.

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 Just imagine your old, outdated and weathered deck back to its original condition! In the matter of a couple days you will have your dream deck back with a fraction of the cost!

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The #1 step for a long lasting deck staining application is preparation. Without a clean surface, stain will not adhere correctly, leaving you with less than half of the standard lifespan.

How a deck should be prepared properly:

  • Mildew and mold areas should be treated properly
  • Powerwash entire deck to remove all dirt and debris
  • Deck should dry for at least three days before any stain applications
  • Any rotten wood should be changed before any stain applications

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WMB Construction stresses the fact that a great long lasting job relies in using a great product. We always try to use Benjamin Moore products. In the field, we have found that Benjamin Moore is a leader in the painting industry.

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What is the right application for your deck:

  • If your deck is new and you like the natural wood look, transparent or semi-transparent oil based stain is best for you.(this application may last for 1-3 yrs.)
  • If your deck is worn and old, solid color latex stain is best for you.(this application may last for 5-7 yrs.)
  • Solid color stains will always out last transparent and semi-transparent stains whether your deck is new or old.

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The same goes for house siding applications too. This is a home WMB Construction stained last year. The old T-111 siding was badly damaged from years of abuse.

How we fixed it:

  • Powerwashed the entire house to remove all dirt and debris
  • Treated all mold and mildew issues
  • Removed all rotten wood
  • Caulked all voids
  • Primed problem areas with oil based primer
  • Applied two coats of Benjamin Moore latex stain

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Painting is complete! We even sealed the driveway and applied mulch to all the flower beds.

How we supercede the competition:

  • Owner/operator on site and hands on
  • No spray applications
  • Brush and roller application with all jobs for superior longevity
  • Neat and clean applications

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WMB Construction specializes in all phases of home improvements throughout Orange County, NY. Call us today and we will offer our qualified advice for your homes next painting job.

Services offered:

  • Interior and exterior painting/staining
  • Carpentry
  • Powerwashing
  • Siding and deck repair
  • Much, much more!

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, painting, orange county ny, construction-general--monroe

Pressure treated wood decks

Posted by william bateman on Wed, May 04, 2011 @ 02:20 PM

There are reported to be some 30,000,000 wood decks in the United States, and the number increases with every new subdivision. Despite the ongoing use of some naturally durable species of wood and the emergence of several types of artificial wood, the overwhelmingly chosen material for decks is pressure-treated wood.

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Treated wood, sold in nearly every lumber outlet in North America, is favored for a variety of reasons: it has a natural appearance, its resistance to termites and rot is well established, wood is a plentiful and renewable resource, and treated wood is usually the most economical choice.

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Longevity.  Preserved wood resists damage from termites and fungal decay for decades; some producers offer warranties that extend for the life of the purchaser.

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More than 80% of all U.S. decks are built entirely or partially with preserved wood, according to national surveys. Even when redwood or composite decking is used for the deck platform, preserved wood is usually used for posts, beams, and joists because of its structural strength and ability to withstand deterioration in ground contact.

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Pressure treated lumber is a tried and true product that produces a quality finished product every time.  Over the years a little maintenance may be involved to keep the wood from drying out and splintering but lets face it, there is no such thing as maintainance free.

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Decks are the #1 area of your home for outside relaxation and entertaining. Could you imagine your home without one? You will gain instant gratification once your deck has been installed. Not to mention the added value to your home!

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WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Raised decks

  • Ground decks

  • Tiered decks

  • Pool decks

  • 6 x 6 retaining walls

  • Powerwashing

  • Paint and staining

  • Deck repair

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, General Contractor, Composite Decking Orange County NY, construction-general--monroe

What are the advantages of latex paint

Posted by william bateman on Tue, May 03, 2011 @ 08:18 PM

Made from a water-soluble base, latex paint combines the advantages of versatility and easy clean up. It applies smoothly and wears well in both interior and exterior use. Latex paint can be thinned with water, and equipment or spills can be cleaned up simply with soapy water.

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Latex paint is non-toxic and has less of an odor than other paints, such as oil-based paint. When used indoors, fumes from oil-based paint may linger for several weeks. On the other hand, odors from latex paint dissipate quickly after the paint has dried. Of course, adequate ventilation is always necessary when painting indoors regardless of the type of paint used.

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In addition to being non-toxic, latex paint is non-flammable. Oil-based paint and the solvents required for thinning and clean up are highly flammable. Those solvents, along with the oil-based paint itself, are considered toxic waste and must be disposed of according to local regulations.

Latex paint is much more environmentally friendly than other paint types. It is not considered hazardous and may be disposed of with regular waste. Liquid oil-based paint or solvents should never be disposed of in the regular trash or poured down a drain. However, both oil-based and latex paints may be acceptable for recycling if handled according to the requirements of the recycling center.

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In general, latex paint tends to have better gloss and is easier to touch up than oil-based paints. However, the higher the gloss of the finish, the more imperfections will show. Also, higher gloss finishes tend to be more difficult to touch up than finishes with less shine whether or not latex paint is used.

Advances in latex paint have resulted in less fading on exteriors, no yellowing on interiors, and less likelihood of cracking or peeling. Another major advantage to latex paint is its faster drying time. If a second coat of paint is required, there usually is no need to wait more than an hour after the first coat. Oil-based paint takes up to 24 hours to dry depending on factors such as weather conditions and air circulation.

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WMB Construction mainly uses latex paint in most applications. The acrylic resins in todays latex paints and stains offer excellent adhersion and durability with a quality application.

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Quality long lasting paint jobs are always contributed to a professional surface preparation and application. Without the proper steps taken, no paint oil or latex will adhere.

Tips for a quality job:

  • Clean surface to be painted very good
  • Powerwash exterior surfaces
  • Treat mold and mildew problems
  • Replace any rotten wood
  • Caulk all seams
  • Use a good product like Benjamin Moore
  • Always apply two coats
  • Add "Emulsabond" to paint for added adhersion for problem areas

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Where oil paint/stain is still used:

  • New wood

  • Transparent and semi-transparent applications

  • Stain killers

  • Metal applications

WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Interior and exterior painting 

  • Sheetrock repair

  • Siding repair

  • Powerwashing

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, painting, orange county ny, General Contractor

Pros and Cons of different decking material

Posted by william bateman on Tue, May 03, 2011 @ 10:19 AM

You are looking to build new deck but you may be confused about what type of material to use. This is a very common question that customers ask me all the time. Cedar, pressure treated and composite will all create a beautiful finished product in the end. It mostly boils down to the customer. If you like the look and feel of wood and don't mind a little maintenance over the years, wood is for you. If maintenance free is on your mind, composite is for you.

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The pros and cons of cedar decking:

If the natural look of wood is tops on your list, use cedar. The heartwood of the tree (the deeper colored red part, not the white sap part) is rot resistant. Cedar doesn’t readily absorb moisture— and, since moisture is what creates twisting and splitting, cedar decking tends to lie flat and straight. Most carpenters figure a lifespan of 15 to 20 years for cedar deck boards, but it can deteriorate faster when used for ground-level decks
and for shaded decks that are slow to dry out.

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To retain the color, you have to clean it and reseal it every year or two, and even then it’s a losing battle. I’ve never seen a 10-year-old cedar deck that still had that warm, rich look of new wood. Cedar is also soft; when used for stairs or for decks where furniture gets dragged around a lot, the edges in particular can get beat up. Finally, the cost of the cedar is moderate, more than pressure-treated but somewhat less than composite.

The pros and cons of pressure-treated decking:

If economy and longevity are your bag, go with pressure-treated wood. It’s stainable, hard enough to resist abuse, and many brands carry a lifetime (though limited) warranty. But beware, not all treated woods are created equal. The standard treated decking at my local lumberyard costs less than cedar. But inexpensive treated wood is often full of moisture and will shrink unevenly and twist when it dries. One homeowner told me, “Yeah, my treated deck may last forever—but it’s going to look BAD forever too.”

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We suggest you buy “choice,” “premium” or “select” treated boards. At about 40 percent more per linear foot, you’ll pay more, but the boards have fewer knots and straighter grain. And, since many of the higher grade choices are kiln-dried both before and after pressure treatment, they have less tendency to warp.

The pros and cons of composite decking:

If near-zero maintenance is your goal, buy composite decking. Most is made from recycled plastic and wood chips or sawdust. It’s more expensive than cedar, but once it’s down, it won’t rot, splinter or twist. The color change is even (though in shady, damp areas it can turn dark, like the example in the photo). You can even stain most types after four to six months. Since the material is defect free, you can use every inch. Maintenance involves spraying it off with a hose. Some people don’t like the look of the stuff and it’s cold on bare feet. But if you want to relax on your deck instead of work on it, bite the bullet and spend the extra cash.

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WMB Construction specializes in all forms of deck construction. We will work with you to find a deck that fits your budget and life style.

  • Raised decks

  • Ground level decks

  • Pool decks

  • Deck extensions

  • Pergolas

  • Tiered decks

  • Powerwashing

  • Deck painting and staining

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, Composite Decking Orange County NY, construction-general--monroe, Creations