siegelremodelinganddesign

Common Courtesy

2011-01-16T16:40:00.000-08:00

There is only so much you can do to cultivate new business and if people aren’t ready financially to do business with you , you can stand on your head and pass out dollar bills and it wouldn’t help. We’ve heard so much talk about how important it is to build relationships and that it is key to getting customers. What I would like to expand on how we attract other people. Initially, smiling and making eye contact puts others at ease, making us more” approachable “. There is also common courtesy which is not only the” please”, “thank you” and “excuse me” but “how are you?” or “Nice to see you again!” Are these comments just superficial pleasantries to just get us through those networking meetings? Do we set up meetings for coffee or lunch to find out what someone is all about and if they are not the right connection we never contact them again? Or how about asking someone for pricing and then never responding back to let them know what you have decided? Is it too much trouble to just say thank you for your time and explain that you are not able to make that commitment or purchase at this time? It is ok to say no. Sometimes it’s best to just put the business aside and just be a human being. It’s not always about a sale or a contact that you need. Maybe we should just go out there looking for new friends ! You can never have enough of them!

Fran Siegel

9016 Sutton Pl.

Hamilton, Ohio 45011

513-874-7636

http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

In The Blink Of An Eye...

2011-01-10T12:16:00.001-08:00

It only takes a blink of an eye to change your life forever. As you sadly know more and more young people have lost there lives in car accidents lately while texting, dialing or talking on their cells phones. News statistics have shown that there has been a 20% increase in accidents due to cell phone use over the past few years. Most of us think that tragic things only happen to other people until it becomes up close and personal. Two weeks ago it became personal. My daughter's best friend was driving from the outlet mall in Monroe on Rt. 741. She was using her cell phone to find the easiest directions to the shopping centers in Deerfield Township. She was distracted and went over too far on the right , overcorrected , lost control of her vehicle, hit a tree and was killed instantly. She was 26 years old, a nursing student and had just started a new job at Bethsda North Hospital. She was beautiful, kind, smart and had a bright future. Her life was cut short and the lives of hundreds of people were changed that day.

Not just the under 30 crowd text, dial or talk on their phones while driving. New technology has made muti-tasking the new catch phrase of the day. I too am guilty as are so many people in business today. Please set your priorities so that an up close and personal tradgedy doesn't do it for you in "A Blink Of An Eye".

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
www.siegeldesigtncenter.com

Beware!!!

2010-12-29T07:30:00.001-08:00

Your mailbox is federal property right? You can be prosecuted if you take anything out of anyone else's box but... the Postal Service usually doesn't follow up on any theft reports. That's what I found out from our local police department several weeks ago. Someone took checks that we were sending out to pay bills from our business mailbox, washed them and recreated new amounts on the checks. Apparently the two men took the newly created checks (with our bank account number on it) to Pennsylvania and cashed them at a local PNC bank. I only noticed when one of our checks bounced and our company account was short $7,000.00. I called the bank and they took action immediately and within days retreived pictures of the two men from the bank's cameras. My account was restored but the stress and inconvenience of closing and opening new accounts was overwhelming. This happened in the West Chester area off of 747 and Sutton Place.

If your mailbox is located out in an open area , near a busy street or even in front of your house, anyone has excess to it. Be aware that this has been happening frequently in the Cincinnati area and suburbs. To be safe you may want to mail your bills at your local post office or pay as many as you can on-line or by debit/credit card.

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling & Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
www.siegeldesigncenter.com

Tags: Additions, Basement, Bath, Bathroom, Chester, Cincinnati, Hamilton, Home, Improvement, Kitchen

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Three Important Things To Remember....

2010-11-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

You might think that the living room is the most "lived in" room in your house, but it's usually the kitchen! Whether you'd like to maximize your space, build an island or add a sleek, modern touch to your kitchen, remodeling is no small decision. You don’t have to spend a fortune so save the big projects for when you have the extra money; make little changes that have a big punch. In the end, it is about maximizing space & workflow in the kitchen with a little ingenuity. Change your faucets, add crown molding, change your lighting, try some faux painting and you can change the look of your home and raise its value.

Though you may not want to spend a lot, there are projects that you can still afford to do. Adding Crown molding to the upper portion of your room will add that needed appeal that will make you feel like you′re living in a palace. Crown molding makes a large difference in the look of a room. Crown molding comes in all styles and thicknesses. Just choose something that "fits" the room. You can do this with any project, whether it is kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling or a bedroom makeover. Crown molding can take any room from drab to a quality look.

Everyone wants a spacious kitchen. Even if you do not have a lot of square footage to work with, you will find that you can create plenty of counter space and a feeling of openness; just use a little creativity. Minimize appliances that you keep on your counters. If there is an option for an appliance to hang from overhead cabinets then do it! You always want room to work. Make sure that there is plenty of light in your kitchen because it gives a feeling of space. Avoid cluttering windows. Choose bright colors that reflect light and make sure you choose light fixtures that brighten the kitchen.

How do you work in the kitchen? If you cook alone, you will have a different work flow than someone who regularly cooks with a helper. You want to make sure that when you’re considering kitchen remodeling that you consider where work spaces will be. Do you want to be able to cut vegetables near the sink? This will help you decide where to put appliances, whether or not you think a kitchen island might be a helpful thing for you.

You can remodel a kitchen without spending a lot of money. Little changes can make a big difference. In 2010, we are all too scared to spend too much on our home improvement projects; however, even the smallest budget can still make the upgrades to increase the value of the home. If you have a larger budget, spend it where it counts: on things that can help you save money, like new windows and doors.

Now kitchen remodeling trends are more budget friendly and they provide a big punch.

You can overhaul the look, or gut out the whole kitchen. If that is not in your budget you can do simple things such as paint or reface the cabinetry although there are good quality cabinets out there that are not expensive. Even changing up the hardware on your cabinets can make a difference. There is also the flooring material and the layout of the room. All of these aspects come together to define style and feel of the new and updated space.

Keep three things in mind: Space, Work Flow, and Budget.

Work flow is simple. It means: how you work in the space. If you cook alone in the kitchen, for example, you’ll have a different work flow than someone who regularly cooks with a helper.

Make a budget but be realistic. Most consumers always spend more than they originally estimated.

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling & Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
www.siegeldesigncenter.com

Seven Smart Strategies for Bathroom Remodeling

2010-06-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

A remodeled bathroom not only makes your house attractive to potential future home buyers but it is a solid investment. A 15,000 bath remodel will recoup almost 75% of the cost when it is time to sell your home.

You can maximize the value of your investment by using smart strategies to get the bathroom of your dreams while keeping costs down.

1. Evaluate how you are going to use the space, what kind of materials and fixtures you want and what you are willing to spend. Pricey fixtures drive up the cost of a project.

2. Refrain from changing your mind. Changes cause confusion and extend timelines and costs to the original project. Many contractors put clauses in contracts for changes to the original plans that specify charging for change orders because they cause so many problems and delays.

3. You can also save major expense by not rearranging walls and relocating plumbing. You’ll not only save on demolition but reduce the amount of dust and debris.

4. Make lighting a priority. You can install lighting for a fraction of the cost of pricier amenities.

5. Bathroom ventilation is essential for removing excess humidity and controlling mold.

6. Add storage space like slide-out trays to vanity cabinets or moveable inexpensive woven baskets on shelving.

7. Make sure to purchase quality faucets. Scrimping in this area can mean having to replace your faucets again in 6 months to a year. Inexpensive faucets have plastic parts that crack or break especially the pop-ups( stoppers).

Make smart, well informed decisions so that your project will be a source of pride.

Dan Siegel
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636

Want The Whole Truth, Nothing But The Truth About Decks About Decks? Ask Dan The Remodeling Man!

2010-06-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Being in the remodeling business for 35 years, I have noticed that 80% of consumers want real wood when building a deck. Although synthetic planks offer lasting good looks with less upkeep, nothing feels or looks quite like real wood.

It’s cheaper and more structurally sound but you need to seal wood immediately and reseal every three years or so. It’s also prone to decay and splintering overtime.

Vinyl decking is increasingly more popular in recent years due to it’s longevity, low maintenance and more convincing wood look. Lightweight and more resistant to discoloration from UV rays, it isn’t without flaws. Upfront cost doubles pressure treated lumber. The light weight may also require a redesign of deck plans that are geared for wood. Vinyl posts are not as sturdy and need to be placed closer together. Vinyl doesn’t reflect sunlight and can be very hot to touch. Vinyl does have the least maintenance.

Composite can offer the best of both worlds. Wood mixed with plastic looks like wood but has added resiliency and longevity. The wood used in composite decks are recycled woods, they tend to absorb water and can produce mold which many homeowners have had issues with over the past few years. Composite is more expensive than wood, comparable to vinyl. In 5 years you may need to replace the deck, sand or refinish it like a wood deck. You don’t have to stain composite but you do need to clean it every few years.

Also be careful of pressure washing. Just the right amount of pressure must be used or you can damage your deck and it may require sanding or re-staining. Scrubbing by hand may be safer and you may also need to sand a deck before staining.

Knowing all the facts before making a decision will alleviate surprises and headaches in the long run.

Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design

9016 Sutton Pl.

Hamilton, Ohio 45011

513-874-7636

www.siegeldesigncenter.com

Do I really need a permit?

2010-05-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

The cost of improving your home can be quite a surprise to many homeowners if you don't do your homework and research all aspects of the project. Did you know that in many local communities permits are required for most remodeling projects? Not only room additions but decks,basements, pools, garages, sheds, pole barns, fences, gazebos, retaining walls, signs, and home occupation require a zoning certificate by the township and a buildng permit from the county in which you live. Usually filing for these permits are the resonsibility of the home owner but some remodeling companies file for permits as a courtesy to their customers. Fees for zoning certificates are generally a flat fee of approximately 25.00 or more. The building permit consists of a two part fee which includes an application fee of 30.00 or more and also a fee for the permit itself which is based on the square footage of the project. If the project includes electric and or plumbing additional fees will apply. A zoning certificate takes about a week to obtain and a building permit can take up to two weeks depending on how busy the department is. Inspections are set up during the construction process to insure proper building codes are met. Permits must be posted on site and visible from the street.

Because the process of filing for permits can get complicated and add an extra expense to an already expensive project, some people decide to forego the permit which can be a costly mistake. Failure to obtain a permit can result in a hefty fine and also delay the job. When in doubt call your local township or county building and zoning department.

Dan Siegel
Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636

Baby, there are choices out there!

2010-05-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Unless you customize or upgrade your selections when you’re building a new home, you get lower grade cabinetry, basic tubs, toilets , and faucets. Builders get these products at wholesale prices because they buy in bulk. When it’s time to remodel, most people replace these items with better quality products.

Bathrooms with poor quality tile walls and floors wear out fast due to constant moisture . Of course we all know that mold can grow fast and furiously if there is not adequate ventilation such as a window or exhaust fan nearby. Grout is the first place where mold is noticed but many people don’t realize they have mold growing behind their shower walls until they take the old stuff down.

A smart alternative to tile is granite or cultured marble shower walls. The panels are glued onto the wall on top of moisture resistant green board and only require a line of silicone along the joint and bottom edge of the shower base. It’s easier to clean, and there is no grout where mold can grow. Porcelain tile which is non-porous and made for outside areas is great for bathroom floors . Grout is now made with a sealer mixed into the product and has been very popular for the last few years. It costs about twice the amount of regular grout but well worth the expense in the long run.

There are also a lot of options with shower doors. With pricing all over the place, a shower door can cost anywhere from $400.00 - $3,000.00. There are various finishes, glass designs, glass widths, framed or frameless doors and a new product called “aqua glide” that repels soap scum and makes shower doors easier to clean.

Cultured marble vanity tops are being replaced with granite tops with under mount bowls for a cleaner quality look. Vanity faucets now come 8” on center (called “wide spread”) making it easier to clean in between the spout and the handles with chrome always being the least expensive finish.

Most toilets now have water saver flushing systems and come in a variety of colors and styles.

There are so many choices out there it can make your head spin. The biggest problem seems to be making a decision!

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

Temporary Home

2010-04-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

For many of us this has been a tough couple of years as small business owners. The stresses of the economy has changed our way of thinking and doing business with each other and maybe it is all for the better. Life’s lessons help us define our priorities’. How can you appreciate the good times if you have never experienced the bad? How would you know happiness if you have never been sad? People are starting to realize that relationships are what hold us together when the world seems to be falling apart. If we are lucky to live long enough we also realize that nothing remains the same because everything is forever changing. It is temporary.

As I sit here this Sunday night the lyrics of the song “Temporay Home” by Carrie Underwood comes to mind.

Old man, hospital bed
The room is filled with people he loves
And he whispers don't cry for me
I'll see you all someday
He looks up and says "I can see God's face."

"This is my temporary Home
It's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through
This was just a stop,on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know this was
My temporary home."

This is our temporary home

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636

What's Important To You?

2010-03-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

A lot of times in the remodeling business you only hear feedback someone doesn’t like something.

It is refreshing to get a very appreciative customer who will make it known to you how much he valued the work you performed for him. One of those customers came into our showroom last week and gave me some great insight. He mentioned how important it was to him to have beautiful things to look at and surround him.

The people you choose as friends, the clothes you wear, the car you drive, the food you eat, the house you live in all make a statement about who you are. Your choices reflect your personality and affect your attitude towards life. Your home especially should be a “soft place to fall” and should reflect You. After a long day at work does walking into your front door make you feel warm and comfortable or scattered and depressed?

Surround yourself with beauty. It doesn’t matter how expensive your furnishings are or if they are the latest trend . It just matters that you love them. After all decorating is just a matter of opinion and personal choice with a few rules thrown in for good measure. Sometimes remodeling your home can remodel your attitude and that is what’s important.

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

An Ounce of Prevention is worth a Pound of Cure. Ask Dan the Remodeling Man!

2010-03-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

Although I have been a remodeling professional for over 30 years I was a DIY (“Do It Yourselfer”) in the beginning. I get calls from time to time from people who want to do the work themselves but just need a little advice. A lady wanted to finish her basement herself and had several friends do more of the complicated work. She was not sure about insulating the basement walls because she was told by a certain contractor that insulating the walls would trap the moisture in and cause mold to form. Because of this reason he did not insulate basements. She had called several other remodelers but no would take the time to speak with her. Not wanting to throw any other professional “ under the bus” so to speak, I explained that anywhere there is constant moisture there is potential for mold to form. Bathrooms and lower level areas are at greater risk and extra precautions should be taken in the construction process. Not insulating a basement would allow for more moisture and dampness. Walls should be inspected for cracks and then sealed before attempting to finish any lower level area.

There should always be a gap between the construction walls and the concrete. Leaving a moisture barrier between the insulation and the drywall allows air in to prevent mold from forming and coming thru the drywall. Correct HVAC (Heat Venting and Air Conditioning) positioning is important because it allows proper air circulation. Prevention and careful planning can save lots of headaches down the road.

Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say... Ralph W. Emerson

2010-03-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

As I sat this afternoon at the Home and Garden Show I noticed how vendors interacted with the busy people passing by. Some people tending booths were eating their lunches, sandwiches in hand with the wrappers sprawled out in front of them. Others were reading magazines or looking out into the distance with boredom plastered on their faces waiting for interested customers to come their way. Not many smiled or even made eye contact until someone walked right in front of them. One vendor put a dollar bill out on the floor and when a customer went to picked it up he pulled it back as if he were catching a fish! What are we all doing here? What's wrong with a normal little smile or even to be so bold as to look out and say, Hi , how are you doing today and really mean it? If someone has a problem and you can't assist them, send them to someone who can, even if it is your competition. This is what will be remembered.

"What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say"... Ralph W. Emerson

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl. Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

DIY or Not ? What Should Be Left To The Pros? Ask Dan The Remodeling Man!

2010-02-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

Money’s tight and people are doing their own home repairs more than ever before. You can save yourself hundreds of dollars, but you can also cost yourself a fortune! John Matarese from Channel 9 News “Don’t Waste Your Money!” gave some great tips for DIY’s and I have added a few of my own.

Do’s: Drain Cleaning: Rather than pay $100.00 for a plumber to clear a plugged drain you can purchase a drain cleaning stick at a hardware store and do it yourself.

Driveway Repair: A $20.00 can of driveway compound and a squeegee and a broom can make an old driveway look new. It’s dirty but safe and simple.

Changing a light switch: Most homeowners can attempt changing a light switch as long as you turn the circuit breakers off. Turn the power off on the breaker box, switch 2-3 wires and it’s a simple do.

It’s Not Ok : Beyond changing a switch or installing a ceiling fan where overhead light is already in place, most electricians advise against the more complicated electrical work. House wiring or making changes to your circuit breaker box is a job for a licensed electrician. In most communities a license is required and by law the work needs to be inspected by the local building department.

Roofing repair should not be attempted unless you’re trained to safely walk on a pitched roof.

Do’s: Plumbing Repairs: Changing a leaky faucet is just a matter of taking off the head of the faucet, taking it apart, access all the parts and replace the damaged one.

Cleaning a clogged drain: Disconnect the lock in the PVC Trap below your sink, Pull the trap loose, pull out all the hair, or run a cable back past the drain. Most homeowners can also “snake” a clogged toilet with a 5 ft. toilet snake sold at a hardware store if you don’t mind the mess and smell.

Toilet Repair: Purchase a 20.00 repair kit to change the whole mechanism at once rather than trying to repair just the ball, valve or flapper at the bottom.

Don’t: Repairing Pipes: Attempting to repair copper pipes that needs soldering with a hot torch requires some training and if you don’t get it right you will create a leak. You could end up with a leak big enough to ruin walls and ceilings. Accessing which pipe is leaking is sometimes tricky. A dry rotten valve (that runs from the icemaker into the wall) can cause water leakage that not only damages your kitchen floor but the ceiling, walls and carpet in a finished basement, costing thousands of dollars worth of damage!

Gas Line Repair: The biggest No No! Leave the gas to a Pro. One wrong move and you could blow up your whole house!

If you’re not sure ask a professional. Why not ask Dan The Remodeling Man!

Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl. Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

Does your house need a facelift? Are you overwhelmed and wondering where to start? "Ask Dan The Remodeling Man!"

2010-02-21T20:24:00.000-08:00

Your house needs a face lift and your wondering where to start? Overwhelmed already? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
The front door, shutters and landscaping is what makes or breaks that "Curb Appeal". A fresh coat of paint does wonders for those peeling, cracked and faded shutters and doors. Installing a decorative storm door over an outdated entry door (It's less expensive that buying a new entry door) adds style to the outside of your home and is also a great energy saver.

In the interior, removing clutter from the main areas of your home will help you evaluate what needs the most help. Is your wallpaper, stencil or paint looking faded, dirty or outdated ? Painting is always an inexpensive way to give your home an updated look quickly. Pick the wall color from the background of the print or design in your furniture or draperies. The "Green Feeling" colors such as browns, tans and greens are what is "In" this year. Also the natural elements such as black, white and grays, which may seem dull, can create a masterpiece. Accent one wall in a darker color or faux technique and use a lighter coordinating shade for the other three walls. Framing your kitchen soffits or bay window in a bright color and using a softer color for the remainder of the room gives dimension to the area. Usually trim is white, off-white or stained wood. If you're brave, consider using the lighest shade of color on a sample strip to coordinate the trim with the wall color. It is striking if you use darker tones or bright colors on your trim and lighter colors on your walls. Remember that flat paint hides imperfections but is not for washing and a gloss will reflect light but shows imperfections. A satin latex is the best of both worlds.

"The world outside is merely a reflection of the world you have created inside."

Dan Siegel
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
Ask Dan The Remodeling Man @www.siegeldesigncenter.com

Tags: Chester, Cincinnati, Hamilton, Mason, Ohio, Remodeling, West, additions, basements, bathrooms

Have You Ever Wondered Why Experience Always Seems To Be The Best Teacher?

2010-02-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

A customer interested in having a kitchen remodel met with me to discuss the details of the project.
She decided that in order to make the price workable for her budget she would have her father do the demolition and in turn purchase the products from us and have our company do the construction and installation. Because she was looking to finance the project, we referred her to one of our local financial specialists. The meetings were set in place, plans drawn up, and we were underway.

A week later the loan officer called to tell us that the home could not be appraised for it’s original value because the customer had started the remodeling project before they had applied for the loan! Apparently eager to get started, the customer had her father take out the existing cabinets, flooring and a wall. The appraiser could not access the value of the home with the kitchen missing! She now had no way to finance her project! She should have applied for the loan and had the home appraised before the initial construction was started.

Most experienced remodeling companies have many resources available to guide a customer through the construction process. That being said, it is up to the customer to ask the right questions. Use the expertise of the professional that you hired. Ask lots of questions every step of the way. Let’s learn from other’s mistakes so that experience can be the best teacher but not a painful one!

Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

Laminate, Solid Surface, Quartz and Granite Countertops....What Are The Differences? Ask Dan The Remodeling Man!

2010-02-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

I am asked regularly what the differences are between laminate, solid surface, quartz and granite countertops. Most products of the same material are of the same quality so don’t be fooled by popular brand names.

Laminate such as Wilsonart and Formica are easy care products made of layers of paper treated with resin and pressed together under high heat and pressure. Under the paper and resin is a base of composite chip wood. It is the cheapest countertop option available ranging from 20.00-40.00 a sq. ft. The down side is that it can be easily damaged. It will scratch and chip easily and if water gets under the resin it will cause the wood chip base to swell.

Solid Surface is Corian, Avonite, Gibraltar, and Earthstone etc.. It is a man-made material made primarily of resin with no layers. The surface you see on top is the same as the bottom. The downside is that it can also be easily scratched but can be sanded out. Solid surface is not cheap and the mid-range price can be from 35.00-60.00 a sq. ft. It will crack and scorch if subjected to high heat.

Quartz is a man-made product made from 93% crushed stone or granite and 7% polymer resin. It is compacted under intense vibration and slabs are cured and gauged to precise thickness and polished. It is naturally non-porous and needs no sealer. It’s hardness is rated 7 on the Mohs scale compared to diamond which is rated 10. It is more consistent than natural stone and is scratch resistant, stain resistant, and mold and mildew resistant. Prices range from 50.00-80.00 a sq. ft.

Granite is natural stone that is quarried or cut out of the ground. It is porous and needs a sealer which must be applied periodically to resist stains. Granite can withstand extreme and sustained heat. It’s natural beauty is unmatched. The more exotic Granite is or the more movement it has determines the price. Prices range from 49.00-200.00 a sq. ft.

Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton P.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

Help! My drawers are falling apart!.....Ask Dan The Remodeling Man.....

2010-01-31T21:13:00.000-08:00

A lady contacted me on Face Book and said that she had kitchen cabinets that were 17 years old and still looked nice but several of the drawers were broken. She didn't want the expense of purchasing new cabinetry but wanted to know where she could purchase replacement drawers. In order to give the correct advice, the question to ask is are the drawers themselves broken or is it the glides that the drawers rest on? Nine times out of ten the glides are the first thing to go and the hardest thing to replace. When you purchase a home you should be given a list of all the different manufacturers and brand names of the products installed in your home. This list should be put away with all your important papers and kept in a safe place so that years down the road when everthing starts to age you can refer back to manufacturer. To be quite honest though, most cabinet manufacturers discontinue styles after about 10 years unless it continues to be a popular style. This includes replacement parts for door hinges, drawer glides and accessories. If the frame of the drawer is broken at the seams, it can be gluded or stapled back together. The glides are a different story. Your best bet is to contact the manufacturer of the cabinet to see if they still carry your particular style and their accessories. Aristokaft Cabinetry will keep certain hinges and accessories on hand longer than most companies. There are some home improvement warehouses in town that sell discontinued cabinet styles and accessories but there are so many brands out there that it is just a matter of luck to find what you need. What we try to do when all else fails is replace the cabinet with the damaged drawer with a new one that coordinates with the existing cabinets. Even if you are able to replace door or drawer fronts with the same style, the newer one is never the same shade. Age and sunlight darken or lighten depending on the type of wood. There is a company that we work with that custom makes cabinets and drawers and stains them to match existing colors. It can be more expensive that purchasing a orignial drawer but alot less expensive than purchasing all new cabinets.

Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl. Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

Don't Waste Your Time or The Remodeler's....Ask Dan The Remodeling Man!

2010-01-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Dan,
We are thinking about having our basement remodeled in the near future. Where do we start?
Tom-Montgomery , Ohio

Hi Tom,
It is always a good idea to get 3 estimates. Make sure each contractor is biding on exactly the same specific details so that you can compare apples to apples. The least expensive estimate is not necessarily the best nor is the most expensive. Some contractors work” out of their truck” so to speak and may under bid other companies just because they are eager to get the work but may not have the knowledge or experience needed. Someone who is the most expensive is not worried about getting your business and may be too busy to give you the attention that you may need. Always ask for references. Any good contractor has a long list of satisfied customers to choose from. In most counties, basement remodels require a permit for building, plumbing and electrical. Make sure that the remodeler is certified and licensed to do electric and plumbing in your area. Wiring has to be done according to “code”. 14-2 Romex Wire should be used for lighting and outlets in family rooms and living areas. 12-2 Romex wiring should be used in kitchen, baths, and wet bars areas (anywhere there is water.) GFI outlets should always be used in these areas.

If you are not planning to have the work done in the next few months, you should wait until you are ready. Most contractors’s bids are good for only 60 days because materials and lumber pricing fluctuate
according to gas pricing. Some companies only guarantee their pricing for only 30 days so don’t waste your time or the contractor’s until you are ready to have the work done.

Have any questions? Visit http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/ or email siegeldesigncenter@yahoo.com
Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-07636

Repair or Improve? Ask Dan The Remodeling Man!

2010-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

If your home is over 10 years old, at some point in the near future you will need to repair a leaky faucet, a broken glide on a cabinet drawer or the drain system in your kitchen. If you are fortunate, you will want to update long before there are any major repairs needed. Kitchens and Baths are usually the first area in the home that show their age. Unless there is an urgent need for repair in a bathroom, the kitchen takes 1st priority because of it's visibility. Here is a question to consider....

Dear Dan:
We would like to change out our old kitchen cabinets. The wall cabinets are 30 "high and have soffit above. We would like to replace them with a 42" high cabinet to give our kitchen a more contempory open look. To be able to accomodate for the higher cabinets, the soffits must come down. Are we getting into more that we can handle by taking down the soffit over our existing cabinets?
West Chester, Ohio
Answer:
Before you attempt to tear down the old soffit, cut a small hole into each area and shine a flashlight in to see if there is plumbing or electric ran through the area. If there is, it will have to be moved and re-routed to another area. You may want to consider the cost involved before going ahead. If the overall look is worth the added cost, this would be a great time to add more adequate lighting into your kitchen. Because you have to move electric away, this would be a great time to add recessed can lamps or under cabinet lighting!

Please go to our website and click on contact us to ask any questions.
Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

Ask Dan The Remodeling Man......

2010-01-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Dan,
I am in the early stages of planning to remodel my basement. In order to keep down the costs and save time I thought I would use the existing vents and cold air returns. Can I do this or are there a certain number of vents that are required in a basement?

Tom P.

Dear Tom,
For the most part, when a new home is built there is only one vent and one cold air return put in the basement. For proper air circulation and ventilation, you should have a vent and a cold air return for each room divided off in your basement area. They should run off of the main trunk of your furnace.

Dear Dan,
What is the best type of floor to use in a basement? Most of my friends who have finished basements have carpeting in them but isn’t there always a possibility of water getting in and ruining the floor?

John/West Chester, Ohio

Dear John,
You are absolutely right to worry about water problems. You should always have your basement checked for any cracks or leaks before you finish it and put a battery backup unit on your sump pump. There are other options available though besides carpet. Wood can be glued down to concrete or laminate can be used but needs a vapor barrier between the concrete and the floor itself. Another safer option is to use a vinyl product called Kennecto which is carried by Siegel Remodeling and Design and that comes in planks or strips. Kennecto has the warm look of wood and can be easily pulled up, dried off and put back down if water gets into your basement. If an area happens to get damaged, it can easily be replaced one strip at a time. Ceramic tile can be installed in bathrooms and in bar areas where there is sure to be water or spillage. You wouldn’t want to put it in a large area because it can be cold to the touch where as a basement is naturally cool anyway.

Be featured on our blog! "Ask Dan The Remodeling Man" by going to our website: http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/ "Contact Us" page or e-mail us at: siegeldesigncenter@yahoo.com or the link on our blog.

Siegel Design and Remodel 9016 Sutton Pl. Hamilton Ohio 45069 513-874-7636

"When Everything Changes, Change Everything"

2009-12-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

A modern day guru or prophet (for lack of a better name) by the name of Neale Donald Walsh has a book out called "When Everything Changes, Change Everything". I actually haven't had a chance to sit down and read the book yet but seeing the title was an Ah Hah! moment for me. In the past few years there have been many changes in my life, some were business related, others were personal. I can blame the economy for some and for others, lets just say they were out of my control. Regardless of what has happened or why, I still have a choice of how I will handle the situations that life has brought me especially the ones that are out of my control. The new motto of our times is "Live in the Present Moment". The past is gone and will never come back again and the future is beyond our control. Live in the Now...When Everything Changes, Change Your Perspective...Let us help you change...

Fran Siegel/Siegel Design and Remodel
9016 Sutton Pl Hamilton Ohio 45011
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/

Wasting or Saving Money? You Decide...

2009-12-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

I happened to be watching “ The World’s Funniest Videos” this past Sunday night and there was a segment showing people trying to save money by doing their own installations on various home projects.

One man was washing the windows of his two story house standing on a high ladder using a squeegee with an extension. He fell off the ladder onto his back as the person holding the camera was laughing.

Another gentleman was trying to install his new HDTV flat screen when the weight of the set got the better of him and he went sailing to the floor as the set went crashing to the ground in pieces.

A third person thought he would save a few bucks trying to cut down a giant tree that was blocking the view of his front porch. He did manage to cut down the tree but unfortunately made the cuts in the wrong place and the tree came down on top of the porch destroying it and the whole side of his home.

Although the segments were quite funny, in reality these people not only put their lives in jeopardy but cost themselves a lot more money in the long run.

Some things should just be left to the professionals. Be safe and save some money…..Merry Christmas!

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
http://www.siegeldesigncenter.com/
513-874-7636

Avoid Stress and Save Money "Remodeling or Updating"

2009-11-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

I recently had a frustrated customer stop in our showroom asking to replace his 15 year old cabinet door fronts in order to update his older kitchen. Of course even if the manufacturer still made the cabinetry, the possibility of the door fronts matching the existing cabinets was 0 to none. In offering my opinion, I decided that it would be useful to others who were experiencing the same dilemma, to write about how to avoid the stresses associated with trying to find a cost effective way to update a worn out or dated kitchen.
As not to be a little lamb led to slaughter when entering a remodeler’s showroom, here are a few things worth knowing. There are many styles and cabinet lines in various prices ranges. Most door fronts are of the same quality and most of the expense of a cabinet is in the door front itself. If a cabinet is over 8-10 years old, it may already have been discontinued by the manufacturer. Even if the cabinet is still available, the color will probably not match the existing cabinets. Wood either darkens or lightened with age. Hinges are now concealed and placement may not match up to an older cabinet frame. You must know how to measure properly for the replacement door because most companies will not return an item just because you ordered the wrong size! (Measure the cabinet itself length x wide x depth for a door front. There are many new lower end lines that are of good quality and you could possibly purchase new cabinetry for the same price as it would cost just to buy the door fronts.
Everyone wants to get the most they can for the least amount of money right now but be well informed! Happy Holidays!
Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling & Design 9016 Sutton Pl. Hamilton Ohio 45011 513-874-7636
www.siegeldesigncenter.com

Remodel Your Kitchen, A Wise Investment

2009-11-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

We listen to people everyday talk about their concerns regarding one of the biggest investments they will ever make short of buying a home.
Remodeling your kitchen may be one of the wisest investments you can make. The dust, the noise and all the people coming in and out of your home can be annoying but well worth the trouble.

Updating to sell or improving the look just for you will always have a high rate of investment.
In many cases it will almost pay for itself. The average minor kitchen remodel costs 14,000 and has a payback of 98.5%.
Talk to your friends and neighbors who have had work done and visit showrooms. It is worth the time and effort.
Always expect to pay more than you've planned---it doesn't mean that the contractor is underhanded but that things can snowball as the project proceeds. Set aside extra money for the unexpected. Shop for a contractor making sure you get at least three different quotes.
The lowest price is not always the best idea but the quality of work and materials is what's important. Each quote should have the same job specs and the same materials to compare equally. A contractor should be willing to work with you and your budget and be able to explain cost effective ways to stay within that budget.

Fran Siegel/ Siegel Remodeling & Design 9016 Sutton Pl. Hamilton, Ohio 45011 513-874-7636