3D in the comfort of your own home

Put most simply, 3D TV is the future. Home entertainment is constantly evolving and changing with technology. 3D is here, not only in theaters but available for in home enjoyment as well. 

The major TV manufacturers Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, and more have all released High Definition 3D televisions in Plasma, LED and LCD models. Don’t worry; you are not relegated to a life of watching your TV with silly glasses strapped to your face.  You can still watch your movies and favorite TV shows in 2D on these new displays.  But when you want to take on the full impact of 3D TV you will need a 3D Blu-ray player, a pair of those stylish 3D glasses and a Blu-ray 3D movie.  The new disc players are backward compatible and will still play your old disc in 2D, but some of the 3D TV models will convert your 2D disc content to 3D with the push of a button.

New 3D television broadcasting is also coming for your viewing pleasure. ESPN 3D has been live since June 2010. They have provided 3D broadcasting for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and have other sporting events scheduled for 3D programming such as college football, MLB, and XGames. Other 3D channels and on demand services are carried on DirecTV such as n3D and DirecTV Cinema. Comcast and AT&T U-Verse offer 3D in some markets as well.

It will change the way you watch television and movies forever. Give us a call at (703) 802-6443 or stop by to speak with one of our sales consultants to see what they think is best for you!

Trends in Interiors: Part 1

As times change so do houses, and the way we use them! Nowadays many of us live in homes built during an older generation. These traditional homes have a more formal layout in which the different functions of a house are compartmentalized into different areas. So there are formal living rooms, dining rooms, etc. all separated and divided per function. As times have changed we have seen trends emerge in the field of interiors and here are just a few areas we can highlight when thinking of remodeling your current home to fit your needs and the needs of your modern family. 

The Great Room

The Great Room Concept is one that has really become quite popular in current day remodeling whether the style of the home is traditional or modern. This is a concept that originated in modern architecture with the idea of having a large open multi-functional space. This one large room can often incorporate the kitchen, dining and living room areas. Many times this room can also include raised or cathedral ceilings to accentuate the grand size of the space. By organizing popular functions of the home together you save square footage but gain functionality.

This is a popular trend in design now because of it’s inclusively. No longer is the mother or father relegated off to an enclosed kitchen where the food prep is completed and then everything must be brought out to the formal dining area and after dinner everything must be taking back to the kitchen and cleaned while guests go to a formal sitting room. Most people that I know who still have formal dining areas rarely use the spaces with the exception of holiday times. Now days’, including guests and the host in a large space has just become more practical. Dad can be cooking, while Mom pays bills and the kids are doing their homework, all in the same room with the family pet, it’s a concept that many are trending too.

“Sounds great! How do I create a great room?”

Remodeling an older home can be tricky, but with Foster Remodeling Solutions we can help you every step of the way. Whether it’s as simple as taking down the wall between the kitchen and dining or a full renovation we can work with you to develop the best design possible. Here’s few quick tips: When thinking of designing a great room is always a good idea to incorporate as much light as possible, through windows and/or skylights, this will brighten the space to emphasize how open and airy it is. It is also a good idea to keep overall paint choices brighter, this will keep the room from feeling too heavy. If you do want something darker, choose an accent wall so that you can get in that rich color without overwhelming the space.

Give us a call and let us create a great room for you!

article by Sarah Wolf - Design Consultant - Foster Remodeling Solutions, Inc.

 

The Apples and Oranges of Remodeling Estimates

It’s typical when writing about a particular subject or creating a blog, such as this one, to use a meaningful quote to support your argument and shed wisdom or possibly add some humor. Meaningful quotes are found on inspirational banners, on most every desk and on most every calendar a person will use at some point in their life. But what gives a quote meaning in the remodeling world? No, I’m not talking about some witty observation about blueprints, concrete or “studs”. The question is- What makes an estimate for construction work truly informative and substantive?

It is a common mindset that most homeowners have- “I must get three or more bids for my proposed project to find the best builder”. The inferred goal here is that getting three bids (or more for that matter) will result in the homeowner receiving a wealth of information, highly detailed and well-presented, that fully covers all the phases of work. This will then allow them to choose the least expensive one and live happily ever after while their project moves forward without problems, delays or cost overruns. Most people “assume” that an estimate for construction work is all-inclusive and factors in all aspects of their proposed project. After all, the homeowner met with the contractor, told them what they wanted, and the contractor seemed pretty knowledgeable and sounded like a good guy.

The problem with this scenario is that it is left to the homeowner to become a professional proposal reader and to be able to understand multiple different quotes presented in multiple levels of detail with probably multiple impressions of what the project is actually supposed to include. Comparing these proposals to determine who the best contractor for the project would be is akin to throwing a dart at a board. Many homeowners will immediately dismiss the highest quote because the contractor must simply be too expensive. The truth is that in many cases the contractor with the highest quote may actually be the best choice. Why is that? Because he may be the only contractor who actually quoted the project you desire.

Foster Remodeling Solutions believes a comprehensive estimate should include: quantities and detailed description of materials; permits and any required plans; identification of the complete scope of the project including any work or materials to be supplied by the homeowner; finish and colors of materials used as the basis for the estimate; costs of all trades and their associated permits and insurance/licenses; and information detailing the actual construction process and projected amount of time to complete the project. There are other factors to consider when comparing “apples to apples” including each contractor’s warranty period for their work; how change orders are handled; and identifying any materials or labor on “allowance”. “Allowance” is usually a contractor’s code for “I’m not sure what this item will cost but if you should choose something over the amount I estimated then I want to make sure I get paid for it”. Allowances generally do not reflect a client’s true choice in the end and typically result in money out of pocket after signing a contract.

Finally, a good construction estimate should include details about the contractor themselves including copies of their licensing, insurance and any other required certifications; references from other recent and past clients; and a point of contact to answer questions about the proposal. It might also be good to know if any of the prospective contractors conduct drug screening and background investigations of their employees and whether they are members of any professional organizations which typically monitor their members for quality and customer service.

An apples to apples comparison of remodeling proposals may be hard to achieve without detailed plans and specifications up front. But, an educated homeowner who knows what to ask for and what to look for when seeking estimates for work can find success and avoid headaches later. At Foster Remodeling Solutions our goal is to provide a detailed and comprehensive proposal for work so that a client can feel comfortable moving into the design stage that the project scope and budget are clear and realistic.

~ article by Dave Guy, Design Consultant - Foster Remodeling Solutions, Inc.

  

This is a great question and has many different answers. 

First ask yourself the following questions. 

What would I change in my home if the cost of doing it was not an issue?

What do I love about my home? How is the neighborhood?

If you have children, are the schools what I want them to be?

Is your commute to work a consideration?

Is shopping convenient to my home?

The reason for the above questions is pretty simple, just like the news; we tend to focus on the negatives instead of the positives. Keeping the positives in mind may actually help your decision process of what path to follow. At Foster Remodeling Solutions we focus on helping you make your home everything you want so obviously we would rather everyone stays and improves their home with us instead of moving. 

The reason I want you to recognize the positives in your current home is simple. Many times over the years I have visited with homeowners that moved into their home less than 2 years ago and now they are recognizing the shortcomings of their new home and here we are discussing remodeling in their new home.. Selling your home and buying a new home is a very emotional purchase. The focuses of most buyers when they search for a new home are the areas of the existing home don’t meet their goals. Maybe the kitchen wasn’t big enough or was lacking storage. Was the Master Bathroom is too small? Is there room for guests or to entertain? The bottom line is that while you focus on these or other items you may not look as closely at the areas in the new house which your current home meets or exceeds.

In addition to the questions there are costs associated with a move that are not insignificant. First, the costs required to get the home ready to sell can add up quickly. This may include some cosmetic painting, new carpets, window treatments, home staging which may include storage of existing furnishings, and some updates. The costs for this are generally not recovered in the sale even if your home goes to settlement 60 days sooner than without these costs. In addition the cost for a mover may get close to 10K depending upon the size of your house. Finally and most importantly, consider the real estate fees and any incentives that may be necessary. On a home with a value of $500,000 these costs will be at least $30,000. Add these to the cost of the move and associated costs to sell and your investment can easily exceed $40,000 total.

The bottom line is this! Improving your home adds value. While the total value of the return is not 100% immediately and there is a difference between project types and the return on investment, most projects can and do return more than 70% immediately and some over 80%. This generally means that even with modest growth in the real estate market your investment will grow while you enjoy the new or remodeled space. In 5-7 years you will have the full return of your investment without the costs of moving.

The only time that this scenario may not work out is when you are downsizing your home. I can’t think of a scenario where taking some of the existing home away makes sense.

Now the question is…. What may make more sense? Make the house and neighborhood I know the home I want to live in, or gamble and sell my home and move to a neighborhood I don’t know into a house that may address the negatives of my existing home and hopefully the parts I am not checking closely meet my goals as well.
article by George Domedian
Design Consultant-Foster Remodeling Solutions

You are starting to sneeze more often and the layer of dust on your shelves gets too annoying to look at. Knowing exactly what to do, you make your way downstairs to grab supplies for you routine house cleaning. You know the list: duster, vacuum cleaner, old rags, aerosol air-freshener… all stored away in the least used part of your house – the basement. The notorious dungeon that leaks and the air is always so stuffy and thick that you actually feel it on your forearms and face as you walk. It’s normal. It’s been like this for years. It’s just the way it is.

Many homeowners share the same feeling. Lots of them incorporate appliances, , with mediocre results. There are many systems out there and even more companies that offer them. You know the solution is out there amongst the haystacks, but where do you begin looking? For homeowners that have found the “needle”, unclean air and wet basements are a distant memory and we can share the solutions that have worked for them. First you should know what is actually in your house, how it gets there, and then how to get it out.

“Most of a persons daily exposure to many air pollutants comes through inhalation of indoor air.”

-World Health Organization

What makes up these pollutants? Allergens (dust mites, pet dander, pollen), toxic chemicals (cleaners, solvents, and that spring rain scented air freshener), mold, and mildew are some of the common indoor pollutants that you take in with every breath. Did you ever think about what happens to the dust that gets whisked off the pictures of your beloved, or where the burnt wick from candles finally settle? They have to go somewhere and sometimes their final resting place is in us!

“… there are three major strategies for reducing indoor air pollution: Source Control, Ventilation, and Air Cleaning.”

-The American Lung Association and Environmental Protection Agency

How to properly address all three aspects is with a B-Dry Blue Canyon Dual Ventilation system. This system eliminates the problems associated with moist, polluted indoor air by executing three critical functions: ventilating the home, replenishing polluted air with dry fresh air, and controlling airflow to a desired level of humidity. It is a maintenance free, quiet workhorse that is incredibly efficient. The Dual Ventilation system is placed in lowest part of the house where moist contaminated air is drawn into the unit by a powerful, quiet fan and then expelled outside. As this happens decreased pressure at the lower level of the home causes warmer drier air, as well as any pollutants, from upper levels to be drawn downstairs. A complete home air exchange takes place about six to ten times each day, with no buckets of water to empty or filters to clean and change. Expect a mere $4 a month for a whole house solution (similar to a 100W light bulb) with the Dual Ventilation system. Remember, you are looking for a reliable solution, but also one that is practical.

To address any actual water leakage in the basement, you will have to call on a system that is equally reliable. Experienced waterproofing experts will tell you that water enters through your house five ways.

Successfully keeping water from your living areas means addressing all aspects. Be weary of the smooth talking salesman who tells you he can keep water completely out of your home. The truth is that 85% of homes have water leakage or will have water leakage in the future no matter what you do, however, it is possible to make sure that it never reaches the living areas. Understand that your basement is a hole in the ground lined with concrete, which has a porous quality that allows water to seep thorough. Combine that with hydrostatic pressure on the walls and floor that force water through the weakest points, and you have the recipe for an indoor pool. If wading in ground water is not appealing to you, then seek out a waterproofing system that not only relieves hydrostatic pressure but catches and channels water away from the weak points of concrete. Also you want a system that will not be susceptible to clogging or backing up. The newest patented solution that fulfills all the requirements of a successful waterproofing system is called Free-Flo. Its 3”x 4” rectangular shape makes collapsing virtually impossible and ensures a high volume capacity not seen with other systems. Free-Flo is definitely your number #1 option to ensure a dry basement since it is offered with a life of structure warranty that is transferable to any future owners.

You can share in the peace of mind that many homeowners have and reap the rewards of having a cleaner and drier home. Whether you have allergies and you want to make your home a “safe zone” or if you plan is to increase your living space by finishing your basement, the means to rejuvenate your home is now within reach.

For more information about the B-Dry Blue Canyon Dual Ventiation system or FreeFlow, or to arrange for a free consultation, call B-Dry Systems of Metropolitan Washington at 1-800-209-BDRY(2379), or visit them on the Web at bdry.com.

During the heating cycle, a geothermal system uses the earth loop to extract heat from the ground. As the system pulls heat from the loop it distributes it through a conventional duct system as warm air. The same heat energy can also be used for a radiant floor system or domestic hot water heating. In the cooling mode, our geothermal system air conditions your home by reversing the heating process. Instead of extracting heat from the ground, it is extracted from your home and either moved back into the earth loop, or used to preheat the water in your hot water tank. Once the heat is removed from the air, it is distributed through the duct system in your home.
 Parrish Services’ geothermal heating and cooling products are among the most efficient, energy-saving, environmentally friendly products you can purchase. They will give you decades of natural, reliable, safe home comfort at a lower cost than conventional systems. Other benefits of geothermal systems include:

High return on investment
 Did you know government agencies and utility companies are paying homeowners so they will convert to geothermal comfort systems?  The federal government alone is paying 30% of the cost of a new system! Give us a call to see just how much your project would be worth.
 Geothermal heat pump systems operate more efficiently than an ordinary heating and air conditioning system because they can deliver an astounding five units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. By combining stored earth energy with safe electric power, geothermal owners realize savings up to 70% for heating, cooling, and hot water. Our geothermal heating and cooling systems pay for themselves thanks to the enormous energy savings generated.
 Your individual return on investment is based upon your system, your home, your current fuel source, and your financing approach. Our comfort specialists can help you determine your individual expected return.

 Enhanced comfort
 Our geothermal systems provide precise distribution of comfortable air all year long, often eliminating hot spots and cold spots. During heating, you'll experience warm air without the hot blasts associated with ordinary gas furnace, or the cooler air of an air source heat pump. Additionally, when cooling, our geothermal units deliver cool, dehumidified air. Additionally, geothermal heating and cooling systems are designed and constructed for "whisper quiet" operation. And unlike with most ordinary air conditioners or heat pumps, there is no outdoor unit to disturb you or your neighbors.

 Greater reliability
 Unlike air conditioners and heat pumps, geothermal units are installed indoors, so they are not subject to wear and tear caused by rain, snow, ice, debris, pollutants, extreme temperatures or vandalism. Geothermal units have proven to be very reliable and require less maintenance than traditional systems.

 Environmentally friendly
 According to the Department of Energy and the EPA, geothermal systems are the most environmentally friendly way to heat and cool your home. Our systems emit no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gasses, which are considered to be major contributors to environmental air pollution. They are a natural, green source of heating and cooling.

 One last note: Geothermal vs. Geoexchange:
 Geothermal energy has been used to heat and air condition buildings for several decades. During that time, geothermal systems have been called many different things. Some of the more popular names include the terms geothermal, geoexchange, ground-water, ground source, ground-water assisted, ground-water-source, and water-to water. However, all of these names refer to the same technology, and we at Parrish use simply the term "geothermal."
 
If you’re interested in learning more about geothermal systems, our experts can answer your questions. Call 730 330 5748 and ask to speak to a geothermal specialist, or email Parrish atgeo@parrishservices.com.

Home Environment

Understanding the Ecosystem of Your House

Today’s distinguished homeowner can find a wealth of reliable information when it comes to purchasing a home. Searching for tips on properly maintaining your humble abode, however, may prove to be a daunting task. Here are some facts you can wrap your arms around to gain a better understanding of the ecosystem under your roof and how to keep it comfortable.

BASIC CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSE

First, think about how your house is constructed. The beginning stage for a builder is finding a “suitable” piece of land, which thirty years ago in the Washington area meant a high ground site that has settled. Fast-forward to today and the definition of “suitable” has changed to any soggy farmland, reclaimed swamp, previous landfill, or ditch that can be utilized by our rapidly growing population. Once the desired terra firma is found, a hole is excavated and then the footer is poured along the perimeter to make a foundation on which to build your cinder block or poured walls. Concrete is then poured inside the foundation walls to make your slab floor. On the other side of the footer a builder probably laid drainage pipe and may have put a damp proofing material on the walls to counter the saturated soil. Urbanization of underdeveloped land has resulted in homes being built in not so ideal areas with higher water tables, which make them more susceptible to leaks.

The 2000 U.S. Census tells us, “85% of all homes leak in their lifetime.” Even if you don’t see leakage, here are some telltale signs of excess water in your home: peeling paint, rust on appliances, warped or bowing wood, musty odors, mildew, and mold. If you have noticed these signs, it is important to check to see if you have condensation (the result of trapped moisture trying to get out), or seepage (water penetrating from the outside).

YOUR INDOOR ECOSYSTEM

Moisture trapped inside of a tightly sealed house might start as an annoyance but can secretly develop into the source of major health challenges as it affects the air quality in your house. The Environmental Protection Agency has a vast amount of information regarding the hazards of indoor air, (which is usually 3-5 times more polluted than outdoor air) and how to take necessary measures to purge unwanted contaminants. Regulating humidity, ventilating your home, and replenishing the air multiple times daily are things that an educated home owner should seek out.

These three components of air control pull mold spores outside before they have a chance to settle on the inside surfaces where they multiply. It will also aid in the removal of other allergens or toxins from cleaning agents and aerosols that are commonly used with your cleaning routine. If you have ever seen those little particles floating in the air as they pass through a beam of light, then you have seen the very things that contaminate your air. Air purifiers are great because they reduce poor air quality but do nothing to combat the moisture, and dehumidifiers simply recycle the air even though it has moisture reducing qualities. Ventilation is the key, not just for your basement, but also for your whole house.

If you have found that the elements are not trying to flee your home, but rather infiltrate it, we must revisit the construction of your house. The widely accepted practice of pouring concrete at different times makes for a structurally sound home that will not fall out from under you but it also means that it has seams that account for some of the five ways water gets into the home.

1) Through cracks in the floor    2) Under the footer 3) Over the footer            4) The mortar between blocks
5) Sweating through wall

Seepage requires a solution that can counter all five ways and adequately relieve hydrostatic pressure that forces water through these seams. Hydrostatic pressure is the force that presses against your walls and floor as water seeks to find its own level and even itself out. To simulate what this is like, place a large bowl in your sink and fill the sink with water, being careful not to get any in the bowl. If you were to hold the bowl down you will feel the force that pushes against the bowl increasing as more water surrounds it. Understand that the bowls buoyancy will cause it to rise before the walls give in, however, your home will not float; the hydrostatic pressure will seek out weak spots or create them throughout the subterranean area of your home. Water will be applying such a force against your slab that seams, cracks, and the pores of concrete will be exploited as water tries to seek its own level by filling your basement.

The best solution is to install a drain system along the inside perimeter of the footer which will collect water and guide it to a sump pump where it can be discharged away from the home. Placing the system here relieves hydrostatic pressure and works with waters natural tendency to seek its own level. Just as you would release the plug in the sink to drain the water out, the system acts as a drain in which water below your home can be discharged allowing water on the sides to follow, resulting in lowering the level and pressure of water around the entire perimeter of your foundation. If you have cinderblock foundation walls, a proper installation will include drilling weep holes (one for each hollow cell in the block) in the bottom row of cinderblocks to insure that any water collecting in the hollow cores drains into the system as well. This kind of project will result in hiring a professional who has the experience and ability to perform guaranteed work.

Experience and product are the two key areas that you need to focus on when seeking the right contractor. Look for someone who is not only licensed, but bonded and insured as well. Hiring a contractor that has been in business for a long while is a good idea, as they will probably still be around should your waterproofing system need additional attention in the future. The last thing you want is to find out that your “expert waterproofer” was a fly-by-night-start-up and has gone out of business leaving you with continued leakage problems. Start your background research by contacting the Better Business Bureau or consult the Washington Consumer Checkbook, as they are both reliable and unbiased sources for finding a good company. As for the product side of your search, you will be well protected with one that will have the capability of combating all five ways water enters your home. Membranes and sealers on the outside of your walls will solve minor leakage, but they will not relieve hydrostatic pressure that will eventually force its way through over time. Sealing the inside of your walls will also help because it creates a barrier to keep water out of the living area but, if you don’t have a proper system to channel that water to, then you are just routing the water to a different place to come in. A proper system would be one that is clog-free, crush-proof and will be able to handle large volumes of water from all of the different ways water enters your home. Don’t settle for a company that cannot offer a permanent solution accompanied by a life of structure warranty that is transferable to future owners. This lifetime warranty gives you the peace of mind of never having to worry about your basement leaking, disputes brought up by any future owners, or just plain poor workmanship. You should also note that if you have to renew it, then it is not a warranty, but rather a service agreement.

The decision to improve the environment you live in will be a welcomed investment that reaps long-term rewards in the areas of personal health and home value. Spring is around the corner and following close behind are rain and pollen, so take advantage of improvements that will benefit you in this season and many more to come.

B-Dry has been waterproofing homes since 1958 and has been featured on NBC Dateline’s: “Honest Company” episode. Call B-Dry Systems of Metropolitan Washington at 1-800-209-BDRY (2379), or visit them on the Web at www.bdry.com for more information.

Acoustic Window "myths":
 
...Replacement windows will block noise better than old wood windows with storms- Not true, the larger [2" to 3"] space between the panes with a storm will out perform modern insulated glass with only 1/2" or so space between panes.
...Triple pane windows are better than double pane- Not true, unless you can vary the "thickness" of each piece of glass.
...Argon and or Krypton in between modern glass will deaden sound- False, The distance between the is whats counts. At best a dense gas will have a minor effect on a very small frequency.
...A 1/4" annealed glass has the same STC rating as 1/4" laminated so there is no need to spend more for the laminated glass-False, the laminated glass will out perform annealed glass over a much greater range of frequencies.
 
"Truths" about acoustic windows:
...They must be air tight as sounds follows air.
...Always vary the glass thickness and use at least one piece of laminated glass.
...Maximize space between panes. 5" works great.
...Most people need at least a 5 STC increase to be able to notice the difference in sound. Most people perceive a 10 point improvement in STC rating as blocking about half the noise.