Denver Remodeling Ideas

Changing your floor covering is one of the most popular Denver remodeling ideas. It is very easy to just replace floor coverings with new and slightly different versions of the same thing. When the carpet begins to show signs of wear and tear, many homeowners just replace it with new carpet of the same type. But thinking a bit more imaginatively about flooring options opens a world of new home improvement ideas.

Carpeting is a good choice for most rooms of the house. It is probably not a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Carpeting is available in a wide range of colors, designs, textures and prices. And carpet is relatively quick to install. But there are other flooring materials that can change the character of a room.

Hardwood flooring and laminated wood flooring (engineered wood flooring) are great choices for almost any room of the house. Hardwood flooring is made of wood planks finished and often coated with a protective material. Engineered wood or laminated wood flooring is made by gluing together three to five pieces of hardwood.

Laminate flooring, made with some kind of fiber core material to which a printed layer is attached and a melamine coating is applied, can be made to resemble wood planks, stone and slate. This material gives the appearance of natural materials without the maintenance and the cost. Laminate flooring can also be used in any room of the house. It is a good choice for a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room makeover. It can also be used in basements, play rooms and bar areas.

Linoleum and sheet vinyl are great choices for areas where water is used. They are easy to install, they are water resistant, and they are very easy to clean and maintain. These materials are available in a huge range of colors and patterns, including patterns that mimic natural materials. Because they are so easy to install, linoleum and sheet vinyl are great home improvement ideas when you want an affordable change.

Natural stone or stone tile is a wonderful choice for many rooms of the house or as accent areas in a large room. Slate, granite and limestone can be perfect choices in rustic designs or to add a touch of elegance. Choosing the right stone to create the desired effect can completely transform a room and so it is among the most popular home improvement ideas. You might choose a natural finish stone for an entrance foyer or as an accent area around a fireplace. The color and pattern of granite will depend on where it was quarried.

Engineered stone tile is made by binding stone powder and chips. The most common type of engineered stone is quartz. Engineered stone tile is available in the same colors as natural stone and a few colors that are not found in nature.

Ceramic tile is another very popular flooring upgrade choice. It can be used on walls as well as floors. Ceramic tile is perfect in high-traffic areas and in rooms where water is used. It is easy to clean and maintain.
Other increasingly popular flooring materials offer unique home improvement ideas for creative homeowners. Cork, bamboo and reclaimed antique hardwood are environmentally-friendly choices. Cork and bamboo are rapidly-renewable products. These three materials, used individually or in combination can create a truly unique and durable flooring option to change the look of a room.

If you are looking for Denver remodeling ideas, think about new flooring. Your choice of material, color, texture and pattern can bring a fresh new look and feel to a room that feels stale

Denver Heating System Saves Up To 40%

No matter how efficient you think your Denver heating system is, you can still save up to 40% off your heating costs! You’ve got to see the results of an independent lab study that proves System 2000 is most efficient, and saves significantly over even the highest Energy Guide (AFUE) rated boilers.

Find out how this remarkable system is different and why it outperforms all others, how it can pay for itself, and how other Denver homeowners have benefited.

Over 30% Average Savings achieved by replacing 85%-86% AFUE cast iron boilers with System 2000. In this multi-year study, the U.S. Coast Guard in Kodiak, Alaska, replaced (24) new 85% and 86% AFUE cast iron boilers of various makes, indirect water heaters, and electric water heaters with System 2000 in residences.

The tremendous savings led to the 2007 replacement of another (150) cast iron boilers as part of a Super Energy Saving Performance Contract (Super ESPC) which is run by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). This project capitalizes on the expertise and financing of the ESPC contractor to assist the Coast Guard in complying with the recent Executive Order which requires all Government agencies to reduce their energy use by 20% by 2015. The Coast Guard also realized operations and maintenance savings with System 2000 over the cast iron models.

Provides high efficiency heat using coils inserted into the same ductwork as heat pumps or central air conditioning in single or multiple zones.

The System 2000 is more than just hot air – it’s efficient and provides virtually unlimited hot water for a fraction of the cost of typical hot water heaters. Its hot water making ability also makes it ideal for commercial installations like restaurants, motels, laundromats, etc. The system’s low mass design with just 2.5 gallons of water is unmatched in its ability to provide near instant heat.

The Choice is simple … if you want the best equipment for your Denver home, install the only heating system versatile enough to meet the demands ot today’s Denver homeowners – System 2000.

PLUMBERS AND CONTRACTORS THAT PROVIDE THIS SYSTEM

Mid Hudson Plumbing
P O Box 7466
Newburgh, NY 12550
Phone: 845-569-1299
Fax: 845-220-0050
System 2000 Heating

Steve Basso Plumbing Heating & A/C LLC
83 Brookfield Ave
Bridgeport, CT 06610
Tel: (203) 335-0224 / (203) 852-7144
Fax: (203) 331-1561
Stamford Heating Contractor

Green Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Going green with a Denver bathroom remodel is a major consideration today for many Denver metro homeowners. A green bathroom remodel is good for the environment Read more

How Green Is Your Hot Water?

No, we’re not talking about the color of your hot water – although green water could indicate a problem. We’re talking about how your water is heated and about how much water and energy you could be conserving by switching to a Denver tankless water heater (instant water heater).

Tankless water heaters can save water and energy. They also (because of this savings) can reduce your utility bills. And, they can cost less to install and operate than a traditional water heater.

Whether you are using an electric or a gas water heater, you are actually heating the amount of water held in your tank again and again to maintain a constant temperature. Depending upon the amount of hot water you use and when you use it, you could be spending quite a chunk of change to keep water hot for extended periods when you don’t need it.

For example, say you don’t cook (so you only run the dishwasher once a week), you don’t have a washing machine in your home, and you prefer to shower in the morning. You need hot water in the morning and on the day you run the dishwasher. If you use a traditional hot water heater, with a capacity of 50 gallons, you will be heating 50 gallons of water to the predetermined temperature and then continuing to heat it enough to keep it at that temperature twenty-four hours every day. If you only use 30 gallons of hot water when you shower, you are heating 30 gallons for an extra 23 hours and 20 gallons for an extra 24 hours every day. If you used a Denver tankless water heater, you would only heat the 30 gallons you need for your shower as you need it. Over the course of a year, this savings in energy could add up to a noticeable savings in your gas or electric bill.

Because tankless water heaters provide hot water by heating the water as it passes over a heating element, you only heat the amount of water you actually use. And, you don’t have to stand around waiting for the hot water to travel through the pipes from the hot water tank to the faucet you are using, which also saves water.

Tankless water heaters are becoming very popular because they are energy-efficient and because they conserve water. If you want to reduce your monthly utility bills and protect the environment, you can “green up” your water use by installing tankless water heaters in key parts of your Denver metro home.

Denver Basement Finishing Ideas

Denver basement remodeling ideas can be found in abundance by conducting a simple search on the Internet. It certainly makes sense to convert your basement into some useable living space. Why let any space in your Denver home go to waste? There can be problems with basements, however, so you will need to conduct a thorough inspection of the area before you embark on any Denver basement remodeling plans. For example, you will need to make sure that you do not block any duct work, wiring, or pipes that may need to be accessed at some time in the future. You will also need to ensure that you use waterproofing to keep the moisture and smells under control.

Some remodeling ideas include adding a bathroom to your basement, adding a bar, or creating a den. An interesting remodeling idea is to turn your basement into a separate apartment area. This might be a particularly good idea for you if you have a very large basement, and you think that you might want or need to rent part of your home out for some extra income.

As you consider different ideas for your remodeling project, think about things such as what type of flooring you would like to have and what kind of work needs to be done to your walls. Also think about lighting, as most basements do not have much natural lighting, and very little artificial lighting. Depending on what you decide to do with your basement, you may find that it will cost you quite a bit to install sufficient lights. It is a worthwhile investment, however, and will likely be essential to suit the needs of your newly remodeled space!

It is always best to have some solid ideas in mind before you consult a Denver contractor. In addition, it would be wise to have some designs and measurements to show Denver remodeling contractors so that they will be able to provide you with more accurate estimates. Estimates, however, are simply that and are subject to change during the course of any remodeling project.

How To Hire A Denver Roofer

There are about as many Denver roofing contractors to choose from as there are doctors, and I suggest you take the same care in choosing your roofing contractor as you would your doctor. While it’s clear that you are going to want a roofing contractor that employees capable installers, and it’s clear you will need to evaluate each proposal you receive and decide on the best price/value relationship for you. How then can you decide which roofing contractors are truly the professional roofing contractors you should do business with.

Interview them. Whether you are talking to a salesperson or the owner themselves they should show pride and enthusiasm in discussing other jobs. If they do not it may indicate his amount of involvement in the actual work. When meeting with each roofing contractor use the following seven questions to guide you through their interview.

1. What is the full name and address of the company?
Having a company that is nearby increases the likelihood of better and fast service. If you are provided a PO Box ask for a street address also.

2. Does the company carry insurance?
Workers compensation and liability insurance to be specific. If a worker is hurt and the roofing contractor does not have insurance the home owner is liable. Ask to have current certificates sent to you. Do not accept the roofing contractor at their word. They may carry health, life, and auto insurance. Bland assurances of insurance coverage may refer to these.

3. Is the company a licensed or credentialed Denver roofing contractor?
Many state and local governments require roofing contractors to be licensed or credentialed. Contact your city and county clerk’s office and find out if there are any requirements for roofing contractors in your area. Even if there is not still ask your contractor. The truly professional roofing contractors will most likely have proof of license or credential from other entities. Like a manufactures’ installation training certificate.

4. How long has the Denver roofing company been in business?
Longer is usually better. More than three years, but everybody had to start somewhere. A new business should not be disqualified from your decision making process, but if everything else is equal. Longer is usually better.

5. Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?
Ask for a list of ten names and phone numbers of recent customers, within the last twelve months. It is not necessary to call all ten, but choose two or three randomly and call. Ask the referrals at minimum four questions. First, did he perform his work on a timely basis? Second, was he responsive when asked for information and changes? Third, did he act as if he cared about the customers interests? Finally, would you call the Denver roofing contractor trustworthy?

6. What is the company’s workmanship warranty?
Some warranties are for one year, some are longer. The length of a roofing contractors warranty is not really as important as customer referrals. Most workmanship errors will be found within the first year, probably the first good storm. The reason this question is important and most roofing contractors will warranty the workmanship, and the manufacture will warranty the product as long as it is installed correctly. Make sure you understand both warranties and ask for a copy of each.

7. What is the company’s track record for solving customer complaints?
Try to find out how your Denver roofing contractor handles problems when they do arise. Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint. Ask the contractor if he has ever lost a job-related court case. Ask if his contractor’s license has ever been suspended and why. Also, in talking to the appropriate authorities, such as the Better Business Bureau and licensing departments, find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractors whom you have interviewed. Many contractors in business for any length of time have been involved in a dispute. Ask how the dispute was resolved, to test your roofing contractor’s reputation.

Grand Junction Plumber - Peterson Plumbing

At Peterson Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning,a Grand Junction plumbing company, they provide expert plumbing, heating and air conditioning services to homeowners in the Mesa County area Read more

Vinyl Siding Contractors

All vinyl sidings are made from polyvinyl chloride. It is used in automotive applications, medical devices, defense weapons, appliances, floor coverings, and home construction. Vinyl siding is ideal for your Denver home’s exterior, because it will not rot, crack, dent or warp. Vinyl Siding provides the Denver metro homeowner with numerous advantages.

Choosing siding deserves careful consideration. Some sidings are good in dry climates, others in wetter climates. Some siding is better in windy conditions. And still others, like vinyl, are good in all types of weather conditions.

Rain, snow and frost are the moisture concerns. If rain, snow or frost get behind the siding, the moisture makes the wall sheathing soft, degrading the strength of the entire house frame. Listed below are professional vinyl siding contractors in Colorado:

Christies Complete Services Inc.
PO Box 544
Firestonem CO 80520
Phone: 303-833-4715
Fax: 303-325-7344
Denver Vinyl Siding Contractor

Holladay Brothers Construction, Inc.
216 Auburn Drive
Colorado Springs, CO, 80909
Telephone: 719-596-7161
Fax: 719-596-6767
Colorado Springs Vinyl Siding

Geothermal Heat Pump Basics

As people throughout the Denver metro area think and take action to preserve the natural environment, most in developed countries are taking a fresh look at how they use energy to heat and cool their homes. Furnaces, boilers and air conditioning units are becoming more efficient. Most, however, rely on fossil fuels. Whether a homeowner looks at a more efficient air conditioner or an air-source heat pump, they will reduce their energy usage somewhat. Whether these systems are operated by oil burners, natural gas or electricity, they still rely on fossil fuel. The alternative, and the most energy-efficient way to heat and cool a home, is a geothermal heat pump.

Use of geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool residential homes is a relatively new phenomenon. For many, these systems remain too expensive to consider for their homes. Geothermal units are being installed in an increasing number of homes. Because of their amazing energy-efficiency, geothermal units are worth understanding and considering. To help you understand these heating/cooling units, here are some of the basic facts.

Geothermal heat pumps use the heat in the ground to heat or cool water or a liquid coolant. The temperature of the ground is 55°F year round.

Geothermal heat pumps handle both heating and air conditioning.

Most geothermal heat pumps also provide hot water, eliminating the need for a separate water heater for the home

There are three main parts of a geothermal heat pump system: the geothermal heat pump which moves heat between the building and the fluid in the earth connection; the earth connection which transfers heat between the earth and the fluid inside it; and a distribution system which delivers heating and cooling to the building.

Geothermal heat pumps use underground pipes filled with either a heat transfer fluid or with water. This fluid carries heat from inside the house and releases it into the ground in summer to cool your home; in winter it draws heat from the ground to heat your home.

The exceptional efficiency of the geothermal heat pump is due to the fact that the system must only heat or cool the fluid in the pipes by 15 to 20 degrees. Compare this to a conventional air conditioner which must cool or heat outside air as much as 40-50 degrees in some climates.

Geothermal heat pumps use 23-44% less energy than the most popular air-source heat pump. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that a Geothermal heat pump can save a typical family 30 – 70% on heating costs and 20 – 50% on cooling costs.

Water in the pipes can be drawn from a well or heat transfer fluid.

The cost to install a geothermal heat pump system is usually in the $7,500 – $15,000 range. This seems staggering when compared to the $1,500 - $5,000 for installation of a air-source heat pump. But geothermal units pay for themselves quickly in extremely low operating cost.

The U.S. Government offers some tax credits and special financing options for purchase and installation of geothermal units.

Many utility companies offer rebates on the purchase price of a geothermal system.

Many state and local governments offer tax credits and/or rebates on geothermal systems.

Colorado Design/Build Services

Holladay Brothers Construction, a professional design/build firm, prides themselves on being able to take their Colorado customers vision and turn it into a buildable project, and then build it. Hence their logo “From Concept to Completion”.

One of the many benefits of using a design build firm is that the firm can design your project to fit your budget. At Holladay Brothers Construction, Inc. their remodeling contractors will help you pick products which fit within your budget and compliment your décor.

HBC can also suggest “Green” products that will provide you with energy savings and help our environment at the same time. With Holladay Brothers design / build services you will be in complete control of your project.

COLORADO DESIGN/BUILD CONTACT
Holladay Brothers Construction, Inc.
216 Auburn Drive
Colorado Springs, CO, 80909
Telephone: 719-596-7161
Fax: 719-596-6767
Design/Build Remodeling

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