By Firehammer, on March 29th, 2012 There are a lot of good contractors in the Northampton area that will get your home remodeling project done. But why settle for good when you can have great? Finding the great contractors is just a matter of knowing what to look for and you should settle for nothing less than great when it comes to your home remodeling projects. Here are 4 easy tips to help you identify great contractors for your next home remodeling project.
Look for a general contractor who provides a long list of referrals:
A contractor’s reputation can really make or break them in the home remodeling industry. If their work is shoddy, word will eventually get around and sink their business.  Find out what past clients have to say about a contractor. Don’t be afraid to ask for a list of referrals in order to gain firsthand knowledge of how a contractor does business. A short list of referrals can be a quick tale tell sign that they aren’t the great contractor you are looking to hire.
Find a general contractor who operates from a local address:
Ask for a business card whether you are hiring out a handyman or a contractor is soliciting you for future remodeling projects. A tangible address is one sign that the contractor is reputable and worthy of your business. Avoid working with contractors or handymen who operate from a P.O. box as it will be impossible to track them down should something go awry.
Ask if a contractor holds a membership to a trade organization:
Learn if your contractor is a member of any local or national trade organizations. Great contractors will join these organizations in order to raise their profile and reputation. They are essentially creating a higher standard of business for themselves by being a member of these organizations.
Check the walls of your contractor’s office for awards: Awards are often a sign of quality customer relations, business ethics, and high overall service levels. They don’t give awards to good general contractors; rather they reserve them for the great ones. These are the people you want handling your home remodeling project.
Find out how many years Contractors have been in business:
This is not to say start-up contracting businesses aren’t worth your time checking out. Established contractors will usually have more referrals to check out and will have more experience with your type of home remodeling project. It is just another factor to consider when searching for great contractors.
By Steven Silverman, on August 1st, 2011 Check out this excellent list from Sherwin Williams on surface preparations for various materials. And remember, a good paint job is all in the preparation.
By Steven Silverman, on July 25th, 2011  This is a topic that can take you down many paths trying to solve moisture issues in your basement. Books have been writen on the subject. But why read when you can consult an expert? When our clients want to finish a basement and there are water issues to address, we call in Craig Leader from Leader Basement Systems. Craig has the solutions to fit the budget in every instance.
By Steven Silverman, on July 25th, 2011 I found this very detailed guide on repairing drywall stains. I think you’ll find it useful!
Water stain in drywall on ceiling
Water damage and stains on drywall are usually the result of a leaky roof or plumbing fixture. Minor damage and stains can easily be repaired. When the damage is not severe enough to require the replacement of the damaged wallboard the following steps will lead you through the repair. The photo to the right shows a water stain but there was also loosened drywall mud and paint which is hard to see. 
First make sure the drywall is still attached to the studs or framing. If the wallboard is sagging or broken it will need to be replaced. There may be blistered paint or loose layers of drywall mud but the wallboard itself is solid and secured to the studs. If the wallboard is sagging slightly try to snug it up using drywall screws. Start at the outer edge of the sag. Make sure the screws go into the studs and try not to break through the surface of the wallboard. Work slowly toward the worst part of the sag using the screws to pull up the board.
With the wallboard secure scrape off loose layers of drywall mud and paint. The moisture will have caused the mud and paint to lose its adhesion. Scrape outward until you feel these coatings are solidly attached. A putty knife with a sharp edge is a good tool for this job.
If any mold or mildew is present wipe the surface with alcohol or a solution of chlorine bleach and water to kill the mold. Check out “Mold In the Home” for more help with mold and mildew problems.
Water damage will cause a stain to appear on the drywall. This is usually the the first sign of a problem. The stain will bleed through the finish paint if not sealed. Several paints will seal drywall and are labeled for this purpose. You will find paints or primers in water, oil and alcohol(shellac) bases for sealing water stains. It has been my experience the oil and alcohol(shellac) base sealers work the best. They can be brushed or rolled on and usually dry quickly. Most stains will cover with one coat. Two coats will cover for sure and it is easier to apply the second coat now than later when the stain has come through the finish coat. The seal coat not only prevents bleed through but also provides a clean, dust free surface for any patching materials. The photo below shows how the stain was sealed over prior to applying the first coat of mud. The drywall mud shows up dark while it is wet.
First coat of drywall mud
To smooth the surface multiple applications of drywall compound are applied. Drywall compound can be bought pre-mixed or in a powder(also known as “setting type”) that is mixed with water. There are disadvantages to both but I favor the powder. The pre-mixed will take longer to dry, shrinks more and may crack as it dries. The powder type must be mixed when needed and has a shorter working time. The advantages of the powder are:
- Mix only what you need.
- Stores well in a dry place.
- Dries quick enough to apply additional coats the same day.
- Shrinks and cracks very little if any.
- Sands easily when dry and leaves a smooth surface.
- Use for small and large repairs.
- Has good adhesion.
- One product with many uses such as filling cracks and nail holes, texturing, repairing drywall and more.
- Costs less, a bag goes a long way.
via The Painted Surface – How To Repair Water Damage and Stains On Drywall Page 1.
By Steven Silverman, on July 18th, 2011 A few moments of care and a little common sense can go a long way in keeping your cabinets looking their best.
- Clean cabinets as needed with a mild detergent or with soap and water (use sparingly) and dry well using a lint-free cloth for both washing and drying.
- Wipe up spills, splatters and water spots as they occur, keeping cabinets and counter-top surfaces dry.
- Give special attention to areas near the sink and dishwasher that come in contact with moisture.
- Use cleaners and polishes designed for wood cabinets and clean all surfaces as needed.
- Follow instructions carefully for self-cleaning ovens and other kitchen appliances around cabinets.
By Steven Silverman, on March 25th, 2010 Here’s a great site for getting some Contemporary Bathroom Ideas
Get inspiration and ideas for designing or remodeling a bathroom with contemporary style.
via Contemporary Bathroom Ideas: Linear Bathroom Design.
By Steven Silverman, on March 5th, 2010 Here’s a great resource on kitchen design layout.
Six Basic Ways to Set Up a Kitchen
Common Kitchen Layouts
The layout of your kitchen—where you place your appliances, your countertops, and your storage—will determine how cook-friendly your kitchen is. Ask yourself:
* Will I have to walk far to get water to top off a pot on the stove?
* Will I have enough space to slice, dice, chop, and otherwise prepare meals?
* Will I have room to store the olive oil near the stove or will I have to go across the room to get it?
* Will two or more cooks be able to work comfortably in the space without constantly bumping into each other?
* Will I be able to easily rinse dishes and load them into the dishwasher?
* Do I prefer a range or a separate cooktop and oven?
* Do I need a prep sink and a cleanup sink?
* Do I need an eating area in the kitchen?
Of course, if you’re remodeling, the structure of your existing home will limit your layout options. You’ll have considerably more flexibility the larger your space and if you’re building a new home or adding on.
via Kitchens .com – Common Kitchen Layouts.
By Steven Silverman, on February 21st, 2010
By Steven Silverman, on February 15th, 2010 
Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency
If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Below you will find an overview of the federal tax credits for energy efficiency.
Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified products qualify for a tax credit. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit.
What You Need to Know
* What is included in the Federal Tax Credit?
* How do I apply for my Federal Tax Credit?
* Top ten Frequently Asked Questions
via Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency : ENERGY STAR.
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Valley Home Improvement
340 Riverside Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Phone: (413) 517-0158
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