Home Improvement Blog

Bill Bateman

Recent Posts

Great remodel ideas for your Bi-Level

Posted by Bill Bateman on Sun, Jan 23, 2011 @ 10:58 AM

 

Bi-levels and split level ranches are a very popular homes that took on a very economical floor plan that transfered rising heat from the lower floors to the upstairs. The layout was such a great design that they could be seen all over the country. The only problem was that the walls were always very confining leaving it not to be unique to more modern homes. The kitchens of Bi-levels/split levels leave you closely distant from the kitchen to the living room and dining room.

IMG_0694.jpg 

 

 

 

bilevel kitchen remodel ny 10950

 

 

 d7k_2581-resized-600.jpg

 

We find that most Bi-level kitchens are:

  • Uninviting

  • Closed off from the rest of the rooms in your home

  • Have poor cross air ventilation when windows are opened

  • Have less natural light flow

  • Is harder for heat/air conditioning air flow to maintain a steady temperature

 

THIS IS ONE GREAT WAY TO OPEN UP YOUR BI-LEVEL/SPLIT LEVEL

 

 

kitchens,remodel

kitchens,remodel,bi-level

 

These photos were taken from a recent remodel where we removed half the wall, constructed a oak countertop and added lights. You can easily see without a before picture what a difference an open floor plan makes. We also added a quick upgrade to the kitchen with new handles, countertop, sink/faucet, floor and tile backsplash. It is obviously the most dramatic renovation you can perform to your kitchen/dining room to create an open enviroment for your home. 

 

 

Benefits to an open kitchen floor plan:

  • Creates an instant modern look to your home.

  • Cross ventilation when windows are open.

  • A full view of your beautiful kitchen.

  • Added value to your home. Open floor plans sell.

  • Added entertaining  area. More seating plus easier communicating with all of your guests.

  • Ability to supervise your children while in the kitchen.

  • Heat and/or air conditioning temperatures are more consistent and stable with an open floor plan.

  • Watch your favorite television shows from kitchen while preparing meals.

475-resized-600.jpg

 

 

 

wmb conctruction,remodel

 

Let WMB Construction perform your next remodel.

 home improvement contractor chester ny 10950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, remodel, Construction, kitchens, split level, bi-level

Five key factors to a successful exterior paint job

Posted by Bill Bateman on Wed, Dec 29, 2010 @ 01:20 PM

Many years in the painting industry have given us the do and dont's for a professional paint job that adds long lasting beauty to your home at a fraction of the cost of vinyl siding. Paint also always leaves the option open to change the color and appearance of your home at any given time. At any given time you can change the facade of your home within days without the mess of a full exterior renovation.

.remodel northern windows

Five key factors to a successful and long lasting exterior paint job:

1) Powerwashing surface is a very crucial part of preping the surface to remove all dirt, grime, and mildew from surfaces to be painted. Paint will not adhere to surfaces correctly if this step is skipped.

2) Use of a good exterior caulk holding at least a 25yr. warranty is necessary. Caulk is used to fill all voids before paint is applied and keeps water from penetrating areas that are open to rot. Most rot in homes go undetected for years before noticed usually leaving devastating damage especially if carpenter ant or termites are involved.

3) Before paint is applied it it usually recommended to add an ingredient called Emulsa-Bond to paint. This product increases the adhesion of paint dramatically especially when paint is being applied to aluminum, concrete, or espestos sidings.

4) For the best possible application of paint is still the brush and roller method. Sorry to all the guys that like to spray homes but it is tried and true that by hand you get a better and thicker coat, doubling the life span of the job.

5) The most important is to apply a good quality paint. We always use Benjamin Moore products and have had great success over the years with their product. Just keep in mind that even Benjamin Moore carries different grades of paint with qualities that range in price so inquire which one is being applied to your home. 

 039-resized-600.jpg

 

request_a_quote11.gif

 

A recent customer wanted to replace their entire staircase because of the ugly apperance to the front entrance of their home. WMB Construction also specializes in carpentry so we could have replaced the staircase at a much higher cost. Instead, after inspecting the staircase we found that it was structurally sound.

 

 

075-resized-600.jpg

 Many times we run into decks that are in poor condition and we bring them back to life and get you many more years out of your wood deck. We can inspect your deck and most of the time your deck can be salvaged.

026-resized-600.jpg

Services we offer:

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
struct-resized-600.jpg

Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, painting, General Contractor, contractor, egress windows

Thinking Composite - Why TimberTech is the way to go

Posted by Bill Bateman on Tue, Nov 30, 2010 @ 09:44 PM

TimberTech products add beauty to homes, businesses and resorts. What's more, TimberTech is low maintenance, safe, durable, and can even increase the value of your home.
 

Low Maintenance

TimberTech maintains its color and beauty for years without the work of painting, staining or sealing. And, because it resists mildew, warping and insects, there’s no need to replace rotting, uneven or termite-damaged boards. This saves time and money over the life of your deck and fence. Caring for TimberTech is easier than wood and will allow you to focus on maximum enjoyment instead of maximum maintenance.

TimberTech Monroe NY



Warranty

TimberTech’s 25-year limited residential warranty is best-in-class. TimberTech’s warranty offers 25-years of coverage, that isn’t pro-rated, for residential installations. And our warranty can be transferred to a second homeowner – a great selling feature when you’re ready to relocate. So the first, and second, TimberTech product owners can have peace of mind that their outdoor oasis will look beautiful year after year. For commercial applications, TimberTech offers a 10-year limited warranty for worry-free beauty in high traffic situations. And in the unlikely event that you’ll have to contact us for warranty assistance, we separate ourselves from the competition by placing high priority on top-notch customer care after the sale.



Industry-Leading Products

TimberTech offers a complete line of low maintenance outdoor building products that are durable and made with high quality materials. We listen to our customers and create products that offer a wide variety of color choices and styles, designed to fit your life and design preferences. From traditional wood-plastic composite planks to PVC decking material; from railing and lighting to under deck drainage systems and fastener-free installation options, TimberTech is your one-stop for outdoor living building products.

We’re driven by innovation and have award-winning, industry-recognized, top-selling products to prove it! TimberTech was the first alternative decking manufacturer to introduce a railing system with black as a color option; TimberTech was the first alternative decking manufacturer to introduce a deck plank with a Class A Flame Spread Rating in fire resistance testing – the highest rating available; and TimberTech was also the first alternative decking manufacturer to introduce a patented lighting system specifically created for its railing and fencing systems, providing the best fit and finished look. And if we weren’t first, we look at the products up and coming in the industry and we make them better!

You can rest assured you’re buying from a leading, global manufacturer and expert in the industry when you buy TimberTech!



Increases the Value of Your Home

TimberTech not only adds value to your life, it adds value to your home. When you add a TimberTech deck – or use TimberTech to replank a wood deck – you'll recoup much of your investment when you sell your home. Remodeling Magazine's 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report estimates a national average of  71% return on investment for composite deck additions*. This is a similiar or better return on investment than projects such as bathroom addition, bathroom remodel and major kitchen remodel. To maximize your return, Realty Times suggests using a non-rectangle design, and making your deck an extension of your living space.

*Based on a 16′ x 20′ deck set in simple linear pattern; using pressure-treated joists supported by 4x4 posts anchored to concrete piers; built-in bench and planter of the same decking material; stairs, assuming three steps to grade; complete railing using a matching system made of the same composite as the decking material 

deck builder monroe ny

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