Going Green Matters

On March 13th we represented the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) at the Going Green Matters environmental fair in Willmette. It was a great opportunity to explain to homeowners how the remodeling industry is at the forefront of sustainable and healthy building. In addition to building, there were numerous other vendors there providing education and businesses to help promote environmental living. One new organization that really caught our eye was the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse. The Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse is a non-profit organization that promotes reduction of waste in landfills through sustainable deconstruction and renovation building practices. On all our remodeling projects we promote deconstruction and reuse. Often times the majority of the material we take out of the job, such as cabinetry and plumbing fixtures, will be donated or given away piecemeal. Now, with the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse, we a have a single location to drop off all the items that can be reused. The concept has been wildly succesful in other areas, and we hope for it to flourish on the North Shore. Contact us if you have any questions on how we can help you to remodel smarter. 

Kirk Bacastow and Dave Peters Manning the Booth

Whole House Remodel

Last November one of our previous clients approached us to remodel a condominium that they purchased to serve as their new residence.  Their existing home was too large and no longer conducive to their lifestyle after their children had moved out. This new condominium, which was highly prized for its view of Lake Michigan, was to be their final residence and they wanted to “get it just right.”  Once completed, our clients wanted a home whose design and function was a reflection of who they were.

Realizing the importance of this remodel, we met with our clients numerous times to understand how they lived and how they intended to use their new home. These conversations helped shape our recommendations and design concepts. One of the key challenges in meeting and exceeding their needs and wishes was that the condominium had been built over seventy years ago and had not been remodeled in the last 30 years.  For this reason we would not only have to focus on space planning and design, but also the underlying durability, comfort and safety of the home. From these meetings we realized that while most of the condominium would need updating, several rooms and elements (as shown below) would need extensive changes and would be central to a successful remodel.

Click on the following link to view all of the before and after photos, and see how we achieved exactly what our clients wished: Whole House Remodel 

Controlling Labor Costs

David, who often contributes his expertise to remodeling trade publications, recently contributed to an article in Qualified Remodeler on how we control our labor costs.  As always we are thrilled with the opportunity.  The article can be found here.

Cool Project for Toyota

Recently we had the opportunity to build a temporary billboard in Chicago to be used for a Toyota Sienna advertisement. It was definitely a little different from our normal residential remodeling work. Sure, it was for a minivan, but we still think it was pretty cool. Check out the pictures below to see the process.

 

 

Before Temporary Billboard.

Initial studs for the billboard.

After we put on most of the sheathing.

Completed wall from corner.

Completed Toyota Sienna Advertisement.

Completed Toyota Sienna Advertisement from Corner.

The Benefits of Air Sealing your Home

Last week I had the opportunity to spend a day learning about the importance of air sealing your home, and the proper way to go about doing it. While most people focus on trying to keep the air from coming in (windows, doors etc.), it is just as important to keep that comfortable/expensive indoor air from leaking outside. Obviously it helps on the wallet, but it also helps improve the air quality and the durability of your home. Often issues such as ice dams, moisture in the attic, and unbalanced heat are derived from poor air sealing.
If you have any of the issues, don’t feel helpless. We know professionals who can run diagnostic tests, and prescribe solutions. We can then focus on the solution, and correct any of the issues you might have. Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions.

Kirk

New Exterior Doors Available

Bertch, the manufacturer of the cabinets we sell, has released a whole new line of wood exterior doors. This offers us a unique advantage over other remodeling companies, as there is no more middleman between us and the manufacturer. Give us a call if you are thinking of replacing that front or back door.

New rebates for energy efficient appliances. Only from Aril 16-25!

Check out the latest round of rebates for energy efficient appliances here in Illinois. It only lasts for a short time, so if you were thinking of getting a new washer/dryer, there may be no better time. http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy+Star+Rebates/appliances.htm

We have a winner!

Congratulations to John and Donna, our Coopers Hawk gift card winners. We also want to thank everyone who participated in our marketing survey. We really appreciate all the feedback.

We are now on Twitter!

Follow us for the latest info on our jobs, and new and relevant information on products and practices in the remodeling industry.

New EPA Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (RRP) last April. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Callahan & Peters, Inc. is proud to be one of the first certified contractors in Illinois, and are ready to perform your next project under the new EPA guidelines. Please call us with any questions you might have.