Decorative Hardware

Once you’ve selected new cabinets for your kitchen or bath, it’s time for the finishing touches. Whether it’s knobs or pulls or even latches, choosing the right hardware can make your project a complete showstopper. There are many choices out there so focus on style and finish to create the look you want. In selecting the style of your hardware, your main choices are knobs or pulls. It’s okay to mix and match as manufacturers typically have both types within their style “collections”. If you are trying to achieve a contemporary look, go for the clean, sleek lines of a stainless steel bar. If your tastes lean more toward the traditional, look for something with a little more detail. Latches are a great choice for a retro look and work well with inset cabinets. There are literally hundreds of choices for finishes. Don’t be overwhelmed. If you want a cool look, go for something in the chrome or stainless family. If you want something with a warm tone go for nickel or maybe oil rubbed bronze for a little darker tone. Brushed finishes are very popular now; they have a softer look than polished finishes. It’s okay to mix and match finishes, but a safe bet is to coordinate your hardware with your faucets and/or lighting fixtures. Other considerations are proper placement of your hardware (measure twice, drill once) and cost. The price of hardware can vary greatly, so be sure to check on pricing before you order cost can really add up if you have a large kitchen with many cabinets. You may also want to consider new hardware as an inexpensive way to spruce up your existing kitchen or bath cabinets. From light to dark and rustic to elegant, there is hardware out there to create your personal look. For help in selecting your hardware give us a call or check out Berensonhardware.com or Amerock.com.

Graduation Time

Is Your Home Ready For A Graduation Party? Planning a graduation party? It can be exciting while daunting at the same time. Not only do you have to plan the food, music, seating and entertainment but it’s time to take a look around the home to see if it’s ready for everyone to come over and celebrate. Tired of staining, fading, sanding and starting over again every few years? Consider Trex® decking is made from 95% recycled materials and has an unrivaled fade, stain, scratch and mold resistance. Forget about sanding, staining and painting and start enjoying your free time on your beautiful new deck. What if it rains on the big day? Is your interior up to par? The party may have to be moved indoors but you can still impress with a spiffed up garage or finished basement. Consider your many options for sprucing up the inside of your home for your guests. Paulson’s can handle it all for you, giving you one less thing to worry about on the big party day. Congratulations to all of the 2014 graduates from Paulson’s Construction! Contact us now to make sure your home is ready for the big party. 517-545-8651 or www.paulsonsconstruction.com

Paint

A new paint job can completely transform the look and feel of your house. As you may know, painting is the least expensive and least time consuming remodeling project. With the right paint choice, anyone can change any space from boring to fun. Brighter colors such as oranges and yellows inspire new thought and focus, which might be useful in an office environment which we don’t see very often. Deeper colors such as blues and greens encourage efficiency and peace which may seem contradictory, but, in fact, work quite well together. Trending colors for 2014 fall more across the lines of light, and bright. If you are looking for specific designs, or just want to be inspired check out www.sherwin-williams.com. And give us a ring at 517-545-8651 or on the web at www.paulsonsconstruction.com We're here to help.

Cabinets 101

The look and function of your cabinets are critical to the success of any remodeling project; and according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, up to 60% of the average kitchen’s cost is spent on cabinets, so you want to make the right choice. Selecting cabinets for your remodeling project can be overwhelming and you might not know where to start. Breaking down the selection process into four major categories can simplify things. The location and use of the cabinets along with your personal style will be your biggest influencing factors; you will also want to take your budget into consideration. A good place to start is start is to select your wood species. As each type of wood has its own distinct feel, the wood species will help set the tone for your kitchen. Oak has long been a traditional choice for cabinets. It tends to be warm in tone and has a prominent grain pattern. Oak tends to be less expensive than some of the popular hardwoods. Maple is an excellent choice for cabinets as it has a fine, uniform grain pattern. It tends toward the lighter tones. Cherry cabinets bring an upscale look to kitchen cabinets; they have an elegant warm feel leaning toward reddish tones with a fine grain pattern. Hickory is becoming a popular choice for kitchens as well. It has a rustic feel because of its very distinctive grain pattern and wide color variation. You might also consider some of the more exotic woods that are on the market today such as lyptus or bamboo. Next it’s time to find a door style that’s right for you. Take some time to view some design or home remodeling magazines or websites for photos of different options before deciding on one particular style or another. If you are going for a contemporary look, choose a slab front door which is a single, smooth panel that covers the entire front of the cabinet. It has a clean, uncluttered appearance. Raised panel doors tend to have a more traditional feel. A good choice to create that retro look for a farmhouse are inset cabinets in which the doors and drawers are fitted inside the face frame of the cabinet. This option does come with a higher price tag. You might also consider glass insert (beaded, frosted, or seeded) panels for a distinctive look. Once you’ve selected your material and style, you need to decide on the finish. Staining is the most popular choice as it adds color without obscuring the natural beauty of the wood. Painted cabinets are also becoming very popular. Cabinet manufacturers offer many color choices to complement every décor. You may also want to consider having a glazed finish added to your stain or painted cabinets. The glaze adds a visual effect of contrast and depth. Other considerations are adding distressing or special vintage finishing techniques which give cabinets an aged or antique look. Using two or even more types of finishes can give your kitchen a real custom look. Since your cabinets are a large portion of your budget and you are likely to keep them for many years, you will want to invest in quality construction. Features such as solid wood drawers and all wood construction will increase the cost of your kitchen, but will add to the lifespan and durability of your cabinets. Decorative features such as corbels also increase costs, but these additions can have a huge visual impact on your overall kitchen design. Selecting your new kitchen cabinets isn’t something that you can do in one day. Take the time, do your research and you’ll find the right cabinets for you! Sources: The National Kitchen and Bath Association, Showplace Wood Products, Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., and Masterbrand Cabinets, Inc. Call or email for an appointment today to see how Paulson's can help with all your kitchen remodeling needs. 517-545-8651 or www.paulsonsconstruction.com

Livingston County Homeshow Winner

Congratulations to Travis & Jeni Porta, of Brighton, they are the winners of the Paulson’s Construction raffle for a Moen MotionSense Faucet valued at over $600! Travis & Jeni entered to win at this year’s Livingston County Home Show in March! We hope you enjoy all the benefits of your new Moen MotionSense Faucet.

Historic Homes

Buying a home is one of the biggest steps you will take in your adult life. Depending on your style, a cookie-cutter house may not be the home of your dreams. Historic homes offer a lot of charming character (and usually architecture) that may be exactly what you’re looking for. However, purchasing one of these unique homes can prove to be challenging if you are unfamiliar with the process. Here are some tips to keep in mind before moving forward with your purchase: • Hire an inspector who specializes in older homes to come out and give you a formal inspection. • Have a contractor who has experience working with historic homes give you an estimate for any potential repair work that can be done to eliminate the need for expensive projects in the future. • Be sure your potential new home meets all current safety and health requirements including passing both lead and asbestos tests. • Be conscious of your local/state laws: Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings. Your plans to remodel or expand may not meet the pre-set parameters. • Avoid homes with any structural damage. The possibility of future problems can become overwhelming very quickly. Save yourself the trouble. When looking into buying an historic home, the greatest tip is to do your research. Don’t let the initial beauty and uniqueness blind you from unfortunate surprises that may show up later on. Paulson’s specializes in historic homes and can be your aid in transforming your treasure back to its original beauty. Call us today and get started! www.paulsonsconstruction.com 517-545-8651

Referrals

Here at Paulson’s we value every customer we have the privilege of serving. It’s our biggest hope that you feel satisfied when we leave your home and continue to look to us for future projects. A large portion of our customers are referrals- an opportunity that repeat customers make possible. Having the chance to change the lives and homes of your close family and friends is a privilege that we take seriously. How referrals work: • Sharing your positive experience with others becomes one of our greatest tools in connecting with those interested in home improvements. • By writing a referral you are offering potential clients a better idea of how our company does business. • Sharing your thoughts and reviews with us helps us become a stronger company. Paulson’s takes pride in providing home improvements that exceed your expectations and inspire others to connect with us. We look forward to hearing your feedback and speaking to those who you’ve pointed in our direction. 517-545-8651 www.paulsonsconstruction.com

Basement Seminar

Basement SeminarThe time is now to start all those home improvements before the chilly days of winter arrive; and what better way to start then from the bottom up? Finishing your basement is the first step to creating a great multi-purpose space that can be molded to fit your needs. Whether it's an additional bedroom, home gym, game room, craft room or even a movie theater, finishing your basement gives you the opportunity to get creative. Adding more functionality to your home with a finished basement can also provide comfort. Having a place to go to when weather takes a negative turn can help put you and your family at ease. Finishing a basement can also offer an opportunity to get organized. Building a separate storage area or even adding simple shelving can open up the room and remove clutter, making way for more functional family space. Unsure where to start? Join us for our Basement Seminar November 7th, 6-7:30pm and get the information you need to move forward. Seating is limited so please RSVP for this event. Refreshments will be provided. Visit our showroom! Call us today: 115 University Dr. (517) 545-8651 Howell, MI 48843 www.paulsonsconstruction.com

Exterior Fall Maintenance

Although the fall season has just begun, winter is just around the corner! Take the necessary steps now to ensure your home and lawn can hold up to another cold, wet season. Clean your Gutters- Remove all debris from your gutters so water can properly drain. Consider installing “gutter guards,” which will prevent debris from entering the gutter and direct the flow of water away from the house and into the ground. Trim your trees and remove dead branches- Harsh weather can cause weak branches or trees to bust off and cause damage to your home, car, power lines or even a bystander on your property. Be aware of damaged or dead branches, fungus at the base, cracks in the trunk and unusual changes in the leaves. If you have questions or concerns contact a professional. Step and handrail maintenance- fix broken steps and banisters. Eliminate icy surprises in the future. Check out your roof- Take the first step in preventing expensive or emergency repairs. Scan the roof for loose shingles, gaps in flashing and damaged mortar around chimney. Inspect your home’s exterior walls- Always be aware of cracks, loose mortar, rot, gapping in siding, etc.. Observing the exterior of your home often and especially during the fall and winter months is a great way to catch a problem before it causes damage. Your greatest tool as a homeowner is to be aware of what your home needs. Observing, tracking and calling for help are all steps that put you in the right direction to enjoying your home year round. If you have questions or concerns feel free to call and talk to one of our knowledgeable staff and get started on those repairs today! Visit our showroom! Call us today! 115 University (517) 545-8651 Howell, MI www.paulsonsconstruction.com

The Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show

The Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show in in it's 6th year and will be held at the Tanger Outlets at M-59 and Grand River in Howell this Sat from 10-3. The weather is supposed to be great and we anticipate over 300 cars. We are proud to bring this event to the community and all of the proceeds stay in our community through the Livingston County Salvation Army. It should be a great day and we hope to see you there! www.paulsonsconstruction.com

DIY

DIY- Do it yourself. An acronym often used for crafting or repurposing things for your home or as gifts; but what about DIYing your home? It’s fun to think of yourself single-handedly transforming your home, but there are things that even an expert handyman shouldn’t attempt alone. • Roof Repairs- Besides the obvious dangers of hurting yourself, the opportunity to cause deeper (and more expensive) damage can happen a little too easily. Limit your trips to the roof to routine check-ups and gutter cleaning. Professionally completed roofs can last 20 years or more, so save yourself the trouble and call a professional. • Replacing Windows- Properly installed windows can have a major impact on your home and more importantly your wallet. Poorly installed windows can be directly linked to a flux in your home’s energy costs and can lead to water damage to interior walls. Hiring a certified contractor who is knowledgeable in the craft can make the installation process a little easier and save you future hassles. • Attic Insulation- If your attic is easy to get to, the thought of insulating it yourself may seem like a good idea. Stop. To get the ultimate benefits you’re looking for, the attic must be properly sealed prior to insulation. If this step is not completed properly, installing the insulation becomes a wasted effort. Being handy is always a trait to be proud of. However when it comes to transforming your home it’s crucial to get it right- the first time. So put the hammer down and call Paulson’s! We will work with you to turn your DIY project into a completed masterpiece. www.paulsonsconstruction.com 517-545-8651

Accessibility

Comfortable: a word that should always describe your home. Transforming your living space to fit your needs is the first step to bringing that word in to your household. If you or a family member are living with disabilities it’s important to hire a professional who can make your home functional for all that inhabit it. When hiring a contractor to complete your accessibility modification there are a few points to consider. • Ask around- Talk to friends, family and neighbors and see who they recommend. • Read reviews- Take to the web and search contractors you have in mind. Reputation is crucial when choosing a contractor and reading reviews can give a good idea based off past clients. • Ask for references- Don’t hesitate to ask for references. Often clients will agree to be contacted after a positive work experience. Request clients with similar projects so your questions can be answered accordingly. Choosing a contractor doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. When choosing a contractor for your accessibility project be sure to prepare yourself and do your research. Changing your home can change your life and making an educated choice will put you and your family at ease. Here at Paulson’s we are highly trained and well-stocked in accessibility options. Stop in to our showroom or call and set up an appointment to get your project in motion today! www.paulsonsconstruction.com

Livingston County Homeshow

It's that time again. The Livingston County Homeshow is this weekend. We'll be there in our usual spot so stop by and see us. We will be featuring specials on Pella windows and Doors, Corian, Granite & Cambria quartz countertops, Trex decking and much more. We will have info on Wellborn cabinets. Even if you're doing it yourself, let us help with the design and you can purchase the cabinets direct through us. It's the best value out there in quality cabinetry that we've been able to find.
Let's talk and see what we can do to help. www.paulsonsconstruction.com 517-545-8651

Wellborn Cabinets

We are excited to announce that we are bringing Wellborn Cabinets into our showroom. It's going to be a great addition to what we offer.
This week, Paul & Maureen are visiting Wellborn Cabinet Co. in Alabama. They are getting trained, visiting the factory, and meeting the people who will be responsible for our cabinet orders.
Wellborn is still a family owned company and has been for the last 50 years. Great products with great finishes and an extensive list of offerings.
Whether you are doing it yourself or having us do it for you, Wellborn has what you're looking for in cabinetry. Either way, let us help. Design, product, installation. What can we do for you?
517-545-8651 www.paulsonsconstruction.com

Lingenfelter Car Show

This past Saturday, The Performing Arts Dance Theater held a car show fundraiser at Lingenfelter's Private Collection in Brighton, MI. What a treat! Those in attendance were treated to an unusually up close and personal look at MANY vehicles that, otherwise, most people would never even see. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Saleen, Vector, Bricklin, and more. Then there is the classic American Muscle such as Corvettes, Trans Am's, Z28's, Mopars, Mustangs, and on and on. All told at least 100 cars. All very nice. And don't forget the Lingenfelter custom Trans Am's. They have taken the new Camaro and made their own Trans Am version out of it. Pretty cool. I wonder how long it will take GM to resurrect Pontiac? It should never have been put away. Happy to have been part of their event.
Keep in mind our car show this year. The Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show is 10-8-11. Details will be coming. Our event is a fundraiser for the Livingston County Salvation Army. Last year it amounted to just over $10,000. Be a part of helping us help them this year. Questions? Comments? 517-545-8651 www.paulsonsconstruction.com

Financing

In today's market it is tougher than ever to get your project some outside money. We all know that. However, there are lenders out there that ARE financing projects. Granted, the amount you can borrow is certainly less than it used to be but there IS money available. Good credit and employment are two requirements that have not changed but the understanding that the housing market is what it is HAS changed. Lenders now seem to get it. After all, the way they make money is to lend it not hoard it.
So, to that end, we have at least two programs that are worth considering. They both are very simple to apply for and most people will qualify for some amount. Amounts up to $25,000 are certainly available. Again, individual credit, employment, and overall situation, are still factors that will affect your ability to borrow and/or the interest rates. Nevertheless, it is still worth looking into. Many clients find this helpful so that they can get the project moving and still hang on to some of their cash.
We'd love to be your contractor and we're here to help.
What can we do for you?
517-545-8651 www.paulsonsconstruction.com

When is a deal, not a deal?

Over the past few years, we have all been conditioned to believe that cheaper is better. Better than what? That's the question we should be asking.
Everyone wants a good deal when they make a purchase, right? But what if they don't get what they thought they were getting? What if they get something different or inferior? If you go in to buy a Cadillac, you don't walk out with a Prius, right? The Prius is cheaper. It boasts incredible fuel economy. But is it a better deal? We all know it's not the same thing so it can't be. The better deal might be the dealer that sells the Cadillac with lifetime oil changes, or something like that. But the deal revolves around the Cadillac.
I was just today noting a local ad that said one product (the specific product is not the point here) was $1.90. Fine, but three of them are $6.00. If you take a second and do the math, three should come to $5.70. Why if you buy three should they be more? One would think that they should even cost less.
That's another thing we've been conditioned to. The fact that buying in bulk is cheaper. Sure, it's supposed to be, but is it always? It certainly isn't with the product above and it isn't always the case especially in the big box stores. Try me on this and check it yourselves. Look for those contractor packs and then do the math. You'll see, those packs are not always the best deal.
When it comes to remodeling services, how do you know you're getting a good deal? Are you sure the products are the same between contractors? Are you sure the installation quality and the warranties are the same? Are you sure the licensing and insurances are the same so you are covered? There is a lot to look at and all of it is above the bottom line. Comparing at the bottom line is a sure way not to get a good deal.
How can we help? www.paulsonsconstruction.com 517-545-8651

It's our 15th Anniversary

It's hard to believe but it's official. Yes, it's our 15th Anniversary. To celebrate we are making a special offer. The first 15 clients to sign contracts for $15,000 or more will receive a flat screen TV at the completion of the project. So far 3 of them are spoken for so that leaves 12 to go. Call today so we can meet and design a great improvement for your home and get you a new flat screen as well. Remember, you still get your rewards points too. 517-545-8651 www.paulsonsconstruction.com

Happy New Year

Well, it's 2011. Can you believe it? Wasn't it just Y2K? Anyway, we wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year.
If we can help, let us know.

Going Green? Recycle

Well it's been about 7 weeks since our last post--too long. But it's been a busy time for us. It has come to my attention that we never finished the discussion of "reduce, reuse, recycle." The recycle portion, that is.
So you want to be green? It's definitely the thing to do these days. But why now? Did it just now become cool not to be wasteful and irresponsible? I think not. My mom always told us "waste not, want not". We all have a personal stake in the planet and how we choose to live affects us as well as others. Utilizing our resources appropriately and being responsible stewards of our Earth only makes sense.
We have talked before about "Reduce" & "Reuse". Now the third component of "Recyle".
It's a shame, but face it, we are a disposable society. When did it become normal and acceptable for us as a society to go along with sub standard products? These products aren't made to last. They are made to be replaced. They are made to be thrown away. Really? Yeah, really. What the heck. We used to manufacture products that lasted. The production costs in terms of the environment were a one time cost. These products weren't filling our landfills because they were still in use. And, therefore, recycling wasn't much of an issue either.
Now, I know we've had to change due to advancements in technology and more improved production techniques but have these "advancements" been good for us? For the environment? Probably not in most cases. Look at just the plastics industry. More oil is used in the plastics industry than for fueling our vehicles. (I was surprised by this, too). Are those in the plastics industry being the responsible parties that they should? How about the ones in China? In other countries with extremely lax or non-existent rules regarding the environment? Not clear is it? We are certainly not going to stop using plastics. Think about all of the different things we use that are made of plastics. Start with your computer, your phone, a good portion of your vehicle. What are we to do about it? It's everywhere.
Recycling all that we can is really the only thing that any of us can do to help lessen the overall impact. Since planned obsolescence isn't going to go away and it doesn't seem as though the majority of us care about sub-standard products, then we need to keep as much of this stuff out of the landfills as possible. The issue of lax manufacturers here and abroad is not going to change, especially abroad. It's all money driven. If there wasn't a monetary incentive for companies here to send the work over there, it would end very soon. In effect, we are allowing, contributing to, and encouraging our own demise. Sub-standard products, planned obsolescence, incentives to ignore the environment and the willingness to accept it (because it's cheap) just don't make sense. Recycling can and does help undo some of the damage, though.
As it relates to remodeling, we, at Paulson's, have been recycling for years. Metals are almost always recycled, we throw out as little wood scrap as possible, and most of the working components that are removed are transferred to organizations such as The Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity so that they are "recycled". It only makes sense. There is a lot more that can be done when working on LARGE projects or for builders doing whole subdivisions. As remodelers, though, our projects are usually smaller and that scope doesn't always make sense like it does for some larger ones.
This is a complex topic that has many issues woven through it. This discussion is just one thread.
Your comments are welcome at www.paulsonsconstruction.com