Picture of wood rot found on a home only 5 years old.

This is a picture of the first stages of fixing the problem.

Strange how this happens sometimes but we just finished a blog on wood rot a couple months ago and wouldn’t you know we had a job come up that had extensive wood rot. This home is only 5 years old but due to a poor installation of a side yard deck this house had to be extensively repaired. If you look in the first photo you can see how aggressive the wood rot was on the rim joist and even some of the sub floor OSB plywood. I am not a big fan of using engineered floor joist and the like but this damage would have never occurred had the stucco membrane not been damaged or failed. You can see our partial repairs in the next picture and by using dimensional lumber this structure is even stronger now than when it was first built. Just thought I would pass this along.

If you need this type of repair I highly recommend calling a professional licensed contractor because when you are dealing with structural damage from wood rot you want to make sure you have a person who knows exactly how to handle the problem. This type of a repair requires a qualified general contractor. So if you need our services please give us a call.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

There are many different materials used to make kitchen sinks these days. Here were are going to give you the more commonly used materials so you have an idea of what is out there and have an idea of what is most commonly used and tried and true. The materials discussed below are among the most commonly used in modern kitchen sinks, but there are many more. Glass, granite, marble, and copper are just a few of the more exotic materials being used to make kitchen sinks. If you’re considering one of these less conventional materials, it’s a good idea to do your homework to avoid buying a sink that has durability issues or maintenance issues you didn’t anticipate.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is one of the oldest materials used for kitchen sinks and is still very popular today. The cast iron sink has a bright, glossy enamel finish that definitely appeals to many homeowners and lasts for decades.

So these sinks are made by casting iron. Since bare iron is extremely prone to rusting, cast iron sinks have a heavy porcelain enamel finish to keep the iron from rusting. If you were to strip the enamel off of a cast iron sink, it would have the same rough texture as a cast iron skillet.

A good thing to know is that the enamel finish used on cast iron sinks is extremely tough and does not stain or scratch easily. Porcelain enamel finish used on cast iron sinks is not merely paint; it’s actually melted glass that has been fused to the bare iron and although technically glass, modern enamels are incredibly hard and are well suited to the daily wear and tear seen by the average kitchen sink. Cast iron sinks are very easy to keep clean and is not as likely to show spotting from dried water. Porcelain enamels also have good resistance to light and fading.

There are a few drawbacks though. For one, it’s heavy. An average-sized iron sink can easily weigh 100 lbs or more, which is 2-3 times more than most stainless steel sinks. This can make installation more difficult, especially in the case of an under mount sink that requires additional supports to hold the sink in place under the counter.

Another drawback is that the enameling of a cast iron sink can chip, and if the bare iron base is exposed it will quickly begin to rust. But, as mentioned above, modern porcelain enamel is strong ,in many cases more so than metal, so this shouldn’t be a large factor in your decision making process.

Modern cast iron sinks are available in a wide range of styles and colors, although you can expect to pay extra if you opt for a sink that doesn’t have standard white enamel. For example, this Kohler cast iron sink is just over $600 in white, but nearly $850 for black and over $900 for “cashmere”.

Concrete

Concrete sinks are stylish, often custom made and heavy. Not everyone has a concrete sink so they offer a distinctive style choice.

Their custom nature allows them to incorporate any design features you'd like such as, drain boards, inlays or a unique bowl shape or size. Pre-cast concrete sinks are also available.

Because it is concrete the good thing is it has unlimited customization and unique style options which allows for a seamless design.

The down side is it does require periodic sealing to avoid stains and to repel moisture. It is heavy and does require sufficient base cabinet support. It can definitely get costly when custom made.

Composite

What does composite mean?

Here is the definition:

Made up of essentially different parts, separate parts or elements.

Composite sinks are made by combining crushed granite or quartz with a resin filler. The mixture varies depending on the product and manufacturer, but it’s usually around 70%-80% rock and 20%-30% resin.

This combination produces a material that has a lot of the same aesthetic qualities of real granite or quartz without the maintenance and durability issues associated with those types of sinks. Composite sinks are tough and highly resistant to stains and scratching.

Granite composite is the most durable sink on the market today. Thanks to an extremely high density of rock particles at the sink's surface, this sink style offers superior scratch, chip and heat resistance. These sinks will weather hot pans, dropped utensils and other harsh conditions and they offer heat resistance up to 535 degrees, which means a hot pot or pan can go from stove to sink without burning or leaving marks on the surface of the sink which is an important thing to take a look at when choosing the right sink for you.

Quartz composite has a typical combination of 70 percent quartz and 30 percent resin filler. Quartz composite sinks can resist everyday cuts, scuffs and dents and can easily stand up to kitchen cleaning materials and liquids. However, that being said, these sinks are a step below granite based sinks in terms of wear and durability.

Fire Clay

Fireclay sinks are made by molding ceramic clay into the shape of the sink and allowing it to dry at a high temperature for a period of up to 40 hours.

Once the clay has dried, the porcelain enamel is applied and the sink is placed in a tunnel kiln at an extremely high temperature for a period of around 20 hours.

This process has the effect of fusing the enamel to the clay while greatly increasing the strength of both. It is because of this process that fireclay sinks are generally regarded as being more durable than cast iron. However, fireclay isn’t indestructible and the enamel can chip from the impact of a dropped pot or glass so make sure you think with that.

Stainless Steel

Compared to other materials, stainless steel tends to be inexpensive.

The versatility of stainless means that stainless steel sinks are available in a variety of installation types such as under mount or top mount.

Stainless steel tends to be a louder than other materials, although many sinks feature a spray coating or padding to help reduce the noise. While overall very durable, stainless steel kitchen sinks can scratch more easily than other materials. Stainless sinks also tend to show water spots more easily and it can be difficult to keep them looking immaculately clean at all times. However, they offer excellent resistance to heat and stains.

Styles of kitchen sinks:

Single Bowl Sink

A single bowl sink has just one basin. While many homeowners assume that having more bowls is better, this isn’t always the case.

Single basin sinks are usually available in compact sizes, making them ideal for small spaces and the basin of a single bowl sink is obviously going to be bigger than a double bowl sink designed to fit into the same space. A larger basin can make cleaning large dishes such as pots and oven trays much easier.

Cleaning a single bowl kitchen sink is going a be a bit faster due to reduced amount of corners and edges, and single bowl models are typically cheaper than equivalent two or three bowl varieties.

Double Bowl Sink

The majority of modern kitchen sinks feature two bowls. This is most commonly used.

However, if you do a lot of cooking that involves larger dishes, you’ll need to make sure that the basins of your sink are big enough to comfortably wash them. There’s nothing more frustrating that struggling to clean a large pot at the end of a long day of cooking because it doesn’t fit in your double bowl sink.

Double bowl sinks come in a wide array of configurations– two equally-sized bowls of the same depth, two equal bowls of different depths, unequal size bowls, etc. The right setup for you will depend on what you do in your kitchen, so take some time to consider your options before making a purchase.

Top Mount Sink

This style of kitchen sink is designed to be dropped into a hole in your counter top.

Top mount kitchen sinks almost always have a rim or lip that holds the sink in place and creates a finished look.

Top mount sinks, also known as drop-in sinks, are relatively easy and inexpensive to install. The lip of the sink reduces the need for an internal support system under the counter, making this type of sink a good choice for do-it-yourselfers or people on a budget.

However, top mount sinks don’t have the sleek appearance of under mount sinks. It’s easy for the area between the lip of the sink and the counter to accumulate scum and dirt as well.

Under Mount Sink

An under mount sink is mounted underneath the counter. There is no lip or rim, which means that the edge of the counter drops off directly into the sink basin.

In addition to providing a clean, modern look, this feature makes for less work when cleaning because debris can be wiped straight into the sink which makes cleaning a little easier. Unlike a top mount sink, under mount models don’t have grooves and crevices where food can accumulate which is definitely a plus point.

While under mount kitchen sinks look great and are easier to keep clean, they have some distinct disadvantages over top mount sinks such as cost. Under mount models require more work to install because the sink must be glued to the underside of the counter. Stainless steel sinks are typically light enough to work with just glue, but heavier sinks like cast iron or fireclay need some sort of internal support system. So the install is more expensive on under mounted sinks.

Most under mount sinks are not designed with space for faucets and attachments, so you’ll need to have holes cut into your counter top to install these components and this is not something I would suggest for anyone who wants to do the work themselves.

Integral Sinks

An Integral sink is a sink made out of the same material as the countertop to form a continuous surface.

This has become very popular in recent years. Integral sinks are actually part of the counter and are the same material as the rest of the counter. Integral sinks can be made from lots of different materials including stainless steel, cement and composites. Integral sinks are very fashionable, and very easy to clean as well as low maintenance. However, if you ever want to replace the sink, you have to replace the counter as well which can be a pain not to mention more expensive.

Kitchen sinks and RWT Design & Construction

I hope this information was helpful. If you are interested in remodeling your kitchen or changing your sink in your kitchen, feel free to give us a call here at RWT Design & Construction. We would be more than happy to help you with your home kitchen remodeling project. We have many years of experience and are experts in the field.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

Summer is right around the corner. How nice would it be to have a relaxing beautiful space in your back yard where you can entertain guests or have quality family time or even just a nice space to relax in and enjoy being outside? I am going to give some good ideas and tips on what you can do with your back yard to make it look better and make it more inviting to spend time in. This is your home, you deserve to have a place that you enjoy being in, right?

Decks and Patios

Decks and patios are becoming more and more a need and want from home owners. As trends are changing, so is what people are willing to spend their money on. 2013 is trending towards outdoor home improvements such as installing decks or upgrading existing decks. A well-made and installed deck can improve the look of your home greatly as well as increase the value of your home, as long as the work is permitted, meaning you made sure, or your contractor made sure with Building and Safety that you could have a deck there. Unfortunately if you do any work to your home that is not permitted, you will not get that investment back when you go to sell your home. Unpermitted work is a red flag when you go to sell your home and can actually make it harder to sell in some cases. So this is very important and a good tip all home owners should know. Here are some great deck ideas.

Outdoor Fire Places

Outdoor fire places are becoming more and more popular every year. They are a beautiful show piece to your home and make a great excuse to invite friends to come over or enjoy the company of your family while enjoying the great outdoors. Now with all the technology advances happening on a daily basis you can even enjoy an outdoor tv attached to your outdoor fire place. How great is that! There is nothing like watching a movie under the stars while still being warmed by a beautiful fire place. Here are some great ideas for outdoor fire places.

Fire Pits

Some people prefer the look of fire pits over fire places for their homes. I completely understand. You have to get what works with your home and will look the best and work the best for you. People with smaller back yard spaces may prefer something a little smaller that will work with their layout. Fire pits are great for smaller spaces. There are all different sizes and shapes to choose from. You can get something extremely modern or extremely antique looking. Fire pits are also becoming more and more popular in recent years. Here are some great ideas for fire pits.

Garden Landscaping

In this extremely green age people are becoming more and more interested in growing their own food. Well why not? That is a great idea! Why not make a show piece out of your garden? Why not only make it a big money saver for you but also make it a beautiful show piece to your home? I have seen some incredibly landscaped gardens that I was in awe of. If you are going to do it, do it right, that’s what I say. Here are some great examples.

Here at RWT Design & Construction we can help you build your outdoor living space just the way you want it.

Our motto here is: “If You Dream It… We Can Build It”

So if you are ready to start building your dream… give us a call: (818) 841-8600

Or check out our website: www.rwthomeremodeling.com

 Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

Whether you’re a person who just likes to have a small stock of wine available for friends and family or special occasions or a serious enthusiast who has a custom cellar packed with carefully-catalogued wine bottles, one of the keys to maintaining your wine collection is learning about the different types of wine rack styles available. Wine racks hold bottles, of course, but they can also help provide the optimal conditions for wine aging, and if designed right, you can make your wine rack a beautiful show piece in your home to show off to all your friends and family.

What is the purpose of a wine rack?

Believe it or not there is a proper way to store your wine. Putting wine bottles anywhere, on any old shelf is not the optimum way to store your wine. Wine racks are actually designed to store your wine at the proper angle to ensure that the cork is completely covered in wine so it is prevented from drying out. When the cork dries out it interferes with the oxygen levels in your wine which in turn interferes with the aging process and ultimately can cause your wine to go bad. It is also important to keep your wine away from light, warm temperatures to keep wine in good condition. So as you can see there are some important things you should know about proper wine storage.

The most important thing to bear in mind about choosing a wine rack is where you are going to put it. It will need to be away from noise, warm temperatures, and light, in order to protect the wine. Fine wines can be damaged by noise, heat, and light.

Here are different styles of wine racks available out there:

Metal

A lot of people like the design and look of wrought iron, cast, chrome or stainless steel as it works well with a modern decor. The intricate bends and twists allowed in metalworking create far more flexible designs than many materials.

The strength and endurance of metal makes these storage units great for table or counter top display. They are best used in storing new wines that will be consumed more frequently.

Glass

Etched glass racks are an original way to make a dramatic display with any collection. Available in both intricate and simple designs, they add a look of elegance to any room. These types of units are not subject to damage from temperature and humidity. They are a perfect way to display wines that are for entertaining and frequent consumption.

Wood

Wooden racks are timeless and classic. There is nothing more beautiful than displaying a collection of fine wines in a well-designed wood rack. They are perfect for basements and cellars and long-term storage.

Wood stands can be constructed with mildew resistance capability, while allowing for the absorption of moisture. This is very important in keeping the cork moist and secure in the bottles. All wood parts that come in contact with the bottle should be free of any stain or varnish. Odors from these substances can seep into the wine. So keep that in mind as well.

Knowing what your storage needs will be, will make your wine rack choice much easier to make. Allow the importance of presentation or preservation to be the determining factor.

Here at RWT we build custom wood wine racks. If you would like a beautiful one of a kind wood wine rack for your home we would be more than happy to help you with that. Hope this information was helpful to you.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

Around the world, wood rot is a very serious problem for homes, and many home owners find themselves dealing with rotted wood at some point or another. It is also something which people routinely check for before they commit to purchasing real estate, which is smart, because depending on the state of the wood rot, it can be expensive and time consuming to fix.

Wood rot is a type of fungal decay in wood. The damp wood allows the spores to establish themselves and grow using the wood as a food source.

Any time wood is allowed to get moist and stay moist, you can expect to get wood rot. Proper ventilation of wooden structures is very important, to keep fresh air blowing across the wood so that it stays dry, and wood-to-ground contact generally must be avoided, as wood which sits on the soil will eventually attract fungi, which in turn will cause wood rot.

How to identify it

There are two main kinds of wood rot which affect homes. These are easily distinguished by texture and color of the damaged wood.

1.White Rot attacks mainly hardwoods and causes a white or yellow discoloration by attacking the lignin in the wood. Over time, the wood will develop a spongy touch.

2.Brown Rot attacks mainly softwoods and causes the wood to turn a dark brown color. Brown rot is often called "brown cubical rot" because of the way the wood can split across the grain, giving a checkerboard appearance or it may break off in cubes. Brown rot weakens wood very rapidly, causing the wood to be very dry and powdery, hence the misleading nickname "dry rot."

Usual areas of wood rot damage to homes:

1. Attic and roof space

2. Floors

3. Windows and doors

4. Decks and porches

5. Kitchens

6. Bathrooms

7. Basements or crawl spaces

So if you are worried about your home I would look for signs in these areas first. Or call a specialist out to do a full inspection for you.

How do you prevent or stop this from happening to your home?

Moisture control is the key to preventing wood decay fungi from causing rot. Most wood decay fungi need a moisture content of at least 20% to survive. There are non-chemical and chemical means of moisture control to prevent wood decay fungi.

Preventing wood rot is just as important as treating it. The key to deterrence is to control the wood's exposure to moisture by providing adequate ventilation and water drainage.

• Make sure your home is on a well-drained site and if not make it one.

• Install or make sure your home has roof overhang, gutters, etc. to prevent water from seeping under the house.

•Dehumidifiers should be used in basements with moisture levels above 50%.

• Handle any plumbing leaks quickly.

•Clean out your rain gutters regularly.

•Fix roof leaks right away.

If you notice any wood rot in your home, you should handle it right away. If it is left alone it will only grow and cause more damage to your home and be much more expensive to fix than if you handle it right away. So make sure to call your contractor or wood rot specialist to get it fixed right away. The last thing you want to do as a home owner is let wood rot continue to cause damage to your home.

I hope this blog was helpful. If you have any questions on wood rot or construction, feel free to give us a call at (818) 841-8600. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

There are many different styles of homes out there and it is good to know what style of home it is that you like and what you are looking for. Here we are going to tell you a bit about all the different styles of homes so you can have a feel for what it is you are looking for, so you can build or remodel your home like with the style you prefer.

Art Deco

A mix of smooth swirls, curves and high-gloss finishes, Art Deco style evokes 1930's movie star glamor.

Cape Cod

A Cape Cod cottage is a style of house originating in New England in the 17th century. It is traditionally characterized by a low, broad frame building, generally a story and a half high, with a steep, pitched roof with end gables, a large central chimney and very little ornamentation.

Colonial

Colonial homes have a distinct rectangular or square shape, are often large and stately, feature a large, decorative crown over and around the front door and often have long, symmetrical windows on both sides of the door. Generally, colonial houses are two-story structures.

Contemporary

"Contemporary" and "modern" may seem interchangeable, but in architecture terms, they aren't. Contemporary architecture grew out of a movement beyond the modernist architecture of the early and mid-20th century, which some considered cold. 

We have a description and picture of a modern home as well down further in this blog, in alphabetical order.

Craftsman

The term "Arts & Crafts" refers to the early 19th-century British and American movement to revive handicrafts. The movement was also the inspiration behind the Craftsman and Bungalow styles. The great thing about these homes is they have really big over hanging roofs which creates shade and keeps your house much cooler in the summer and keep the rain away from the house in the winter not to mention it look quite beautiful.

Farmhouse

Farmhouse is a term used more often to describe function. Very simply put, homes built on agricultural lands were called farmhouses. They were built out of necessity to house and protect the inhabitants who either owned or worked the farm. They were usually built by the people who inhabited them.

Federal

This grand style inspired by Roman classicism was America's first "national style." Between the years 1780 and 1830, a new nation wanted a new style of architecture, and it was named federal.

French Provincial

Inspired by rural French homes built in the 1600's, these homes are characterized by balance and symmetry.

Italianate

"Italianate buildings tend to be characterized more by their ornamentation than by the structure itself," explains Gerald Foster, architect and author of American Houses: A Field Guide to the Architecture of the Home.

Mediterranean

Known for its red tiled roof and arches, this style blends influences from various countries in the Mediterranean region. All the Spanish revival styles, Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival and Pueblo Revival, are sometimes lumped under the Mediterranean label.

Modern

The broad term "modern" includes several mid-20th-century architectural styles. It's easy to confuse modern with contemporary. But modern architecture refers to design inspired by the historical art movement of modernism. In fact, most examples of modern architecture are at least 50 years old, so they aren't actually that modern.

Neoclassical

Recalling the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, Neoclassical homes are formal and timeless.

Post-War

Homes built after World War II were dubbed post-war and are known for being basic and functional. Usually Post-War homes are red brick or white brick exteriors. The Post-War style was about function over form. There are fewer moldings and details and the ceiling is lower in this style of home.

Prairie

The Prairie style homes emerged during the Arts and Crafts movement around the same time as the Craftsman and remained popular until 1920. The architect most commonly associated with Prairie style homes is Frank Lloyd Wright. Many times the Prairie style was combined with other architectural styles, especially with the Craftsman.

Pre-War/Vintage

Homes built before World War II were dubbed pre-war and are known for their ornamentation and detailing. Pre-War loved to closely mirror the Victorian style.

Ranch

The Ranch style is an art form unique to America. Low-slung ranch homes, modeled after the casual style of homes on true Western ranches, were first built in the 1930's and gained popularity.

Row House

A row house — one of many houses in a row — is a common home style in densely-populated urban areas. Row houses have been around since the 1600's. As cities grew, space became an issue. For much of the 19th century, you couldn't build very far upward, so sandwiching houses together made sense as land became scarce.

Spanish

Spanish settlers introduced several styles that exhibit strong Latin influences and foster a connection to nature. All the Spanish revival styles, Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival and Pueblo Revival, are sometimes lumped under the Mediterranean label.

Tudor Revival

Thanks to their steeply pitched, multi-gabled roof lines and decorative half-timber framing, Tudor homes are one of the most recognizable on the American landscape

Victorian

Victorian homes are often compared to dollhouses with elaborate trim and bright colors. But the term "Victorian architecture" actually refers to styles that emerged in the period between 1830 and 1910, during the reign of Queen Victoria.

I hope all of this information was useful in helping you figure out what style of house you want. Here at RWT Design & Construction we can build a home from the ground up or fully restore a home. We also can fully remodel your home to suit your style and taste. So if you have any further questions feel free to call us or check out our website.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

(818) 841-8600

www.rwthomeremodeling.com

Electrical

To assure you have clean power to your recording equipment you need to run dedicated circuits with isolated grounds. Recording gear today for the most part is computer based and having a clean power source will improve the quality of your recording. You will also need a clean power source for any instruments that may be plugged into your recording studio system. It's best to have a qualified electrician install this type of wiring and I have found most studios need a minimum of four dedicated circuits and a dedicated circuit for the air-conditioning system.

Lighting

The best lighting for your recording studio is an LED track style light system. There are two main reasons for this.

1) Sealing around a surface mounted track will only require a small penetration (that can be sealed) and is very good for directional lighting.

2) The LED lights do not produce any heat in your recording or control rooms.

Note: It is best to use a remote transformer for these LED fixtures. That way the transformer buzz is not in your recording rooms.

And one of the other benefits of using this type of lighting is the power consumption is minimal.

I hope that was helpful and feel free to give us a call here at RWT Design & Construction if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

Doors and windows are key in the construction of any professional recording studio. Some studios will use video monitoring/ camera system in lei of a double window and in some cases this works fine.

Windows

A proper studio window will consist of two separate windows, which are fabricated to fit the opening. We build wood frame windows that are sealed with a silicone gasket that connects the two window frames. One of the windows will have an angle piece of glass with a minimum of 3/8” glass, the other window can be a strait piece of 3/8” glass or two 3/16” glass laminate. Since these windows are fixed (not opening) we prefer a wood stop that holds the glass in each window frame. Be sure to have the glass installer use a bead of silicone caulking when installing the glass. Traditional casing can go on each side of the opening.

Doors

Doors should be a minimum of 1 ¾ “solid core. The weather stripping should have seals that fit in the jam as well as surface mounted silicone seals that fit on the inside, similar to a weather strip. The bottom of the doors should have a drop down silicone sweep that will seal the bottom of the door to the threshold when the door is in the closed position. Using a high quality door closer is the best method for sealing the door when it is closed.

We prefer not using a lock set since the door closer will hold the door in the closed position. If you have the space I recommend, installing a sound lock, this will eliminate having to put back to back doors to access control room, live room etc.. IF you don’t have the space and you do need to use back to back doors again using two door jams with a silicone gasket between the two jams is the proper way to sound proof the doors.

I hope this information helps. Feel free to call us with any question or email us.

Best,

RWT Design & Construction

Next is the air conditioning/heating for your rooms. With the technology today mini-split systems have an advantage over the traditional forced air systems. The number one reason being, there is no ducting system needed for a mini-split system. This allows for a much quieter cool/heating system. The fan coil that is located in each room is very quiet and with remote control thermostats they are very easy to turn on and off when recording necessitates this. The condensing unit can go on either the roof or in an exterior yard and again having this unit out of the room is much quieter for recording studio applications.

It is very important to provide maintenance access doors for the fan coil units as these may need maintenance in the future. There is also a condensation pump that will be required if your studio is not located with an exterior wall as these units do create condensation. In the past we have located these pumps in their own sound proof access boxes since these pumps will go on intermittently when the air conditioning system is being used. This way the engineer doesn’t need to worry about turning on and off the automatic pump.

Please feel free to give us a call when you are ready to get started on your professional recording studio and we are always ready to help.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

A proper recording studio design would include not only wall, ceiling and floor sound proofing but would also include layout for the following:

1)           ISO Booth

2)           Live Room

3)           Control Room

Windows to view each room and a talk back system for the artist and engineer to communicate. This would also include all the furniture, desks, rack systems etc. as well as cabling chases, gutters and race ways to wire each room with each other. In some instances we find adding a sound lock to the connecting rooms is a great way to provide double door sound proofing without having apposing doors, one to the other. Having view windows in these doors is also a good idea. The design should also encompass proper sound proofing or sound proof doors and windows as well as wall treatments to your finished spaces.

Lighting is also a key when it comes to designing as certain types of fixtures are not practical in professional recording studios. Last but not least your design MUST include a sufficient air conditioning system that addresses the need for fresh air in these recording rooms. 

Here at RWT we are experts at design, fabrication, construction and installation and would be happy to consult with you on your next project. Feel free to give us a call and don’t forget,   If You Can Dream it . . . . We Can Build It.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

If you are planning on a new recording studio or remodeling your existing recording studio it is best to design and develop a plan that will accommodate your new, future and existing gear.  Recording engineers have specific needs and the best solution to meet these needs is a custom desk with integrated rack systems that are not only easy to run but also have easy accessibility for your cabling and configuration needs. Video monitors are a big part of the design and layout not to mention reference monitors and desk space to accommodate these. Proper wire chases and gutter systems that make easy access for cabling from control room to ISO booths to live rooms is essential.

Some studios also require a producer desk that has talk-back mics and video monitors and we are able to design, fabricate and install this type of furniture as needed. We have been providing these and other services to the recording industry for over three decades and would be happy to help you design and build your studio. Give us a call so we can begin.

If you have any further questions about recording studios or studio construction, feel free to give us a call or check out our website www.rwthomeremodeling.com. We are always more than happy to help with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

When you sound proof rooms for recording you are basically doing 2 things; you are trying to stop sound from coming in and sound from going out.  This is accomplished by sealing doors and windows and any place where sound can come in or go out.  Installing solid core doors, double windows and double wall/ceilings is the best way to accomplish a true sound proof recording room.  Using sound silicone weather strip gaskets for doors and windows will accomplish the best results.  I also recommend using silicone caulking for all joints including floors and ceiling.

After this you have to be able to recirculate and condition the air in the recording rooms.  This can be accomplished by providing a supply fan and an exhaust fan that are both remotely located.  One will supply fresh air to the room and the other will remove stale air from the room.  Make sure to use extra ducting with at least 4 turns to eliminate the sound of the fans from entering the room.   I recommend using a mini-split system to air condition the rooms.  What this does is eliminate any internal fan noise that is created with a traditional air conditioner, since the condensing unit will be located outside of the building.  These systems are also much easier to seal because the fan coil is mounted on the wall. 

Make sure to run dedicated circuits with isolated grounds.  This will insure you have a clean electric supply to your equipment. 

Plan for the future, make sure you have room to expand and add new equipment.  Avoid extra heat sources from lights by using LED bulbs to minimize the heat in your recording studio. I recommend using track lighting or a surface mount light system so that you can seal the penetrations.  Also make sure you use fire-clay to seal the back of all electrical switches, outlets and lighting electrical boxes.  Locate the recording studio in a quiet part of the house/office, ideally an area that does not have a high amount of traffic or use.

To build a recording studio properly will cost some serious money.  What you are trying to accomplish is to build a room inside and existing room.  Insulate the existing walls and ceilings.  Install ½” sound board and make sure to stagger the joints for both the walls and ceiling.  Then install 5/8” drywall and tape the joints for the walls and ceiling, again making sure to stagger all joints.  Then frame new walls to the ceiling leaving a 1” gap between the new and existing wall frame.  Install insulation, 1/2 “sound board and 5/8” drywall.  Tape and finish the walls.   Drop the ceiling with either a T-bar  grid system with sound proofing ceiling tiles or you can install a hard ceiling with a 1” space between the existing ceiling and your new hard ceiling.  Again using insulation, ½” sound board and 5/8” drywall, tape and finish.

I really hope all this information was useful and helpful to you. Please feel free to give us a call if you have any further questions. We are always happy to help in any way we can.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

Stucco Siding 

Vinyl Siding

Wood Siding

Wallpaper has changed and become a lot trendier over the years; it is now one of the most used styles in contemporary interior design. Today’s papers and wall designs can transform any living space into a statement of style and can be a true show piece in any home.

Wall design is a new trend and it is very fun and depending on what you want can be very easy to do. Figure out what kind of design you want, get stencils or hand paint it yourself. You of course can always hire a professional to do it for you but generally depending on the simplicity of the design, it is something you can do yourself, which is always a plus!

If you’re looking for a fun way to change up your home, add some depth and color, wallpaper or wall designs may be what you are looking for. Thanks to today’s technological advancements, wallpapers are more practical and less harmful to the environment as they are made with non-toxic inks, soy-based coatings and eco-friendly fibers that are washable and UV resistant.

People avoided wallpaper for a long time because it’s believed to be difficult to take down. Yet experts say something else. They say that it’s all in the preparation. If the walls are properly primed with a good-quality primer, it should come down smoothly. I’m all in favor of do-it-yourself projects but maybe it’s time you contacted a professional hanger this time; just to stay on the safe side.

The range of styles and types of wallpaper currently available is pretty incredible. If you have an idea, there is probably already a wallpaper design for that. The sky is really becoming the limit with wallpaper now-a-days. People are getting smarter in this eco-friendly age so it is such a plus that you can get wallpaper with non- toxic inks and soy coatings, so wallpaper really is becoming more and more eco-friendly. Think about wallpaper or wall designs for your next home project.

Sincerely,

RWT Home Remodeling

Everyone wants to make their home look beautiful and pleasing to the eyes. Not everyone can afford a complete home remodel. But a lot of home owners do not know some very inexpensive and simple ways to improve the appearance of their home.  With new door knobs, cabinet knobs, handles and hardware throughout your home, you can give your home a beautiful new and cleaner look without spending a fortune.

New door hardware, cabinet hardware and handles throughout your interior have many benefits as well. It makes you home look cleaner, cared for and well maintained. Door knobs, handles and cabinet knobs and handles that are old, falling apart or scratched up will detract from your decor and make everything from your furniture to your wall decor less attractive. It is also good to replace hinges if you are having a hard time opening your door or cabinets. Any home owner can do this, all on their own, it is very simple and it truly improves the appearance of your home and makes life a little easier on a daily basis.

New knobs and hardware for cabinet doors throughout your home gives you the opportunity to add some personal style and interest to the interior of your home, which is a good thing whether you plan on selling your home or not. There are so many different style to choose from depending on your personal taste. There are vintage style glass knobs, pottery knobs, rustic style wood knobs, brushed stainless steel, Mediterranean inspired ceramic and the list goes on.

Go on line or check out your local hardware store to find the perfect fit for your home. Once you switch out the old with the new you will love the instant improvement it gives to your home. This is such an inexpensive and great way to up the appearance and put a bit of your own personal design taste into your home. It is not something that will take a long time and cause a lot of frustration for home owners so it really is a great first step for do it yourselfers out there.

Recently we replaced every door and door knob in one of our client’s homes. We fabricated the wood doors for our client from solid wood and put in new glass door knobs. The difference in the appearance of their interior was amazing. It gave their home a more beautiful and inviting look. They were very pleased with their new doors and new appearance of the interior of their home. So if you are looking to upgrade on a budget you should try starting with door knobs, handles and cabinet knobs throughout your home.

 RWT Design & Construction is now a part of NARI! We are very happy to be a part of this wonderful group.

One of the most desirable qualities home buyers look for in a home is wood flooring.  Wood is beautiful and timeless.   Old traditional homes with their beautiful original hardwood floors are one of the reasons people love buying older homes.   Newer homes that were built on tighter budgets, that still wanted the natural look of wood use laminate to win home buyers over.   Whichever is your preference there are pros and cons to buying hardwood and laminate wood flooring.  Take a look for yourself and decide which one fits for you the best.

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Prices: 

Laminate – (PRO) Laminate floors are made up of several materials bonded together under high pressure. Most laminate flooring consists of a moisture resistant layer under a layer of HDF (high density fiberboard). A high resolution photographic image of natural wood flooring is placed over the composite to form the laminate. Because it is more or less the idea of wood but not actually wood it is generally a lot cheaper.  Laminate wood installation and cost is generally around 50% less than hardwood.

Hardwood – (CON) Hardwood flooring is made from harvested trees and depending on the type of tree being used for the hardwood flooring it can get pretty expensive. Hardwood costs more to buy and to install than laminate.  So if you are looking for a cheap way to get the job done, real hardwood may not be what you are looking for.

Durability:

Laminate – (CON) Laminate is pretty durable and will not get scuffed up very easily although it also will not last as long as wood which lasts a lifetime.  Even though laminate may be durable it also has the problem of not being as visually appealing and the lower the quality of laminate the more artificial looking it will be.

Hardwood – (CON) Hardwood is susceptible to scuffing, can get damaged from too much moisture and will show wear, especially in areas of heavy traffic in your home. (PRO) – Hardwood is the ‘real deal’.  It is gorgeous to look at and adds value to your home where laminate will not.

Repair:

Laminate: (CON) – Laminate does not fix easily.  It also does not last as long as wood.   Depending on the type of laminate you use, you may be able to replace it, for instance if you got the snap in kind, you may be able to buy a couple of pieces instead of replacing the whole floor.  Although, depending on age and sun exposure, the new piece may not match correctly. (PRO) – Laminates may not fix easily but they usually have pretty good warranties on them. They can be installed in a couple of days or even less depending on the amount you need to install.

Hardwood: (CON) – Hardwood does not come with a warranty usually. Plus it takes a month or so to complete. You have to let it acclimate for at least a week before you can install the wood and it is best to wait an additional week after installation, prior to staining and finishing. The staining and finishing usually takes a week and is best to wait at least three days before installing furniture. (PRO) – Hardwood can be repaired by sanding out imperfections.  This definitely gives hardwood a plus over laminate, in that it will last for years into the future.  Although it is definitely more expensive than laminate it will outlast it in the long run.  If you are a home owner and are planning on living in your home for a long while, it would be a smart investment to have hardwood floors over laminate.  Hardwood will increase the value of your home as well, where laminate will not.

So here are some good things to look at when you are deciding which way to go with wood flooring.  I hope you found this blog helpful and are better able to make up your mind on what you should do.  It is always smart to find out all the pros and cons of whichever material you decide to use in your home. With that better understanding you will know what to expect and know how to take proper care of which ever material you use in your home.

R. Tripp

RWT Design & Construction

Let’s be honest, everyone wants a beautiful back yard with a nice design that is inviting. No one wants to see an over grown weed infested unkempt back yard or front yard. There is a way to not only make your yard look beautiful but actually start saving money with it! Vegetable garden’s popularity has increased ten times or more in the last couple of years, as more homeowners embrace the advantages of planting their own organic vegetables and herbs, whether it's to save a little money, engage in an interesting and rewarding pastime or just plainly for the health benefits of eating organic food every day.

Believe it or not you can actually make a beautiful landscaped back yard and fill it with vegetables that you can eat! There is nothing like the taste of fresh vegetables that are only minutes old as opposed to days or weeks. when you get it off the shelf in the grocery store it has already been traveling for days and sometimes even longer to get to you, so by the time you decide to buy it, it is very close to decomposing. Plus all the pesticides and things they put on the plant and in the soil are not very good for our bodies or the plants and the plant ends up a weaker version of what it is supposed to be.

With your own vegetable garden you are in complete control of what you eat. You no longer have to have food covered with pesticides or sick from pesticides. The incredible taste and health benefits of your own organic vegetable garden largely outweigh the grocery store bought version. The first time I had vegetables straight from a home garden I knew I could never go back to the store bought stuff. 

We can help you by building raised beds and composting bins from untreated wood. We can landscape your backyard beautifully and help you transform your back yard into a money saving, a health saving, organic wonderful oasis!! Who wouldn’t want to have that?

A vegetable garden can be grown in your backyard, front yard or even on a balcony or little-used side yard, all you need is plenty of sun exposure. Some people are even putting them on their roofs! There are many designs and layout options for a vegetable garden. You may want to opt for raised beds, which we can custom make to fit your yard here at RWT, so you can better control the quality of the soil. With a little bit of thoughtful planning, vegetable gardens can be as beautiful as any flower garden with more health benefits than a flower garden could ever give you!

We can even set up a home garden specialist to tend to your garden for you daily, weekly or monthly, which ever you prefer, if you do not have time yourself or enough knowledge of gardening. We make people’s homes, inside and out, look more beautiful than they ever imagined! We believe in saving energy and money in the process as much as possible and a beautifully landscaped garden in your back yard can only add value to your home while you are also saving money on produce daily.

We can do all the work for you from the design all the way down to having specialist keep it up. Hope you now can see some of the benefits of a home garden and are ready to take your next step to a better lifestyle with your own organic home garden.

RWT Design & Construction

www.rwthomeremodeling.com

(818)841-8600

It is a pretty safe assumption that building a small home is going to be cheaper than building or buying  a large home. The total amount of money that you will pay to build the smaller home will always be lower. Additionally, the smaller home  means that you will have lower energy bills so you will save a lot of money on utility bills to start with and really seen a great amount over time.

But believe it or not there are a lot of other small and surprising ways that a small house can save you money and time! Look over the list I have made of definite money-saving features of choosing a small home:

1. Less money spent on cleaning. If you were to have a smaller home you would also have fewer spaces to keep clean. This therefore makes it less likely that you’ll get overwhelmed by messes and waste money on a housekeeper. Even if you clean a larger home on your own, you’ll spend less on cleaning supplies for a small home since you’ll need to use less of them every time you clean the small house. Also, you’ll save time on cleaning and time is money, right?

2. Small homes have less room for stuff. The more space you have, the more stuff comes along with that extra space. A home with a spare bedroom always has a spare bed in it. A home with an extra bathroom always has more bathroom supplies, towel etc. With a smaller home, you buy less stuff because you have less space for it and waste less money on unneeded stuff because of it. You can save that money for vacations or whatever you want.

3. Maintenance on a small home is much cheaper and more easily handled than a larger home. A lot of things you could even possibly do yourself if you have some understanding on the subject of home maintenance or if you are willing to learn.  Being able to maintain your own home makes you more able and keeps you from being at the mercy of people who know you don’t know anything about fixing any part of a home and may take advantage of you because of this.

4. You don’t need as much land for a small home. A small home can naturally be placed on a smaller lot of land. This saves you money. But it also will still feel like a nice size space because the house isn’t taking up all the land. You can still have your garden or garage or whatever it is you would want for a normal size home. It is all just scaled down basically.

5. Going green on a small home is a lot cheaper. A small home saves you money on electricity already because it requires less energy to power the home. It can also save you money if you for whatever reason decide to go even greener in the future. It’s less expensive to make water-saving, energy-saving updates to a home when the space and appliances you have to work with are limited and smaller. This will in turn save you more money on your ongoing energy costs overall.

Here are 5 really good reasons to think about having a smaller home. When times are tough or when they are really good, you will always have the security of knowing you are saving a bundle with your small home.

We do have the ability at RWT to build homes from the ground up, homes of any size but I personally think small homes are the way to go if you do not have a family or plan on having one soon.

People are more and more becoming environmentally and health conscious now a days and this now includes construction – building with environmental and health concerns in mind. In this blog I am going let you know about going green with insulation in a home or office.

Insulation is very important and one of the more urgent green issues in construction. Proper insulation plays a very important role in energy saving in your home or office. The properly insulated home holds in the heat and keeps out the cold very efficiently. Asbestos and vermiculite, compound containing asbestos, have been used as insulating materials for quite a while and is found in quite a large amount of homes. It did what it was supposed to do and was simple to install. It was flame retardant and inexpensive; there were many other reasons that made it the popular choice. But unfortunately it also just happened to be highly toxic as well.

 Good thing enough people came to realize that it doesn’t matter if something works well if it is highly toxic and hurting your body. We want things that work well, that aren’t slowly killing us. Right?

It is great then that there are alternatives. Not to mention we often find they are better and less expensive anyway. In the case of insulation, there is a great one made from recycled cotton. The cotton insulation is 100 percent recyclable and is non-toxic. The manufacturing process uses less energy than the manufacturing of asbestos products.

This alternative non-toxic insulation is free of VOC and CFC. VOC s (volatile organic compounds) and CFC (chlorofluorocarbons) these are both very common toxic substances in older types of insulation.

Insulation is a major part of going green in construction. The conservation of heat and reducing wasted energy is important. Yet, green construction is not about trading off one hazard for another, or reaching one goal by failing to take a look at its impact on other area. Insulation is an important part of building green; selecting environmentally safe and health safe insulation is and always should be just as important. The good news is that usually the right choice is not only the safer choice, but most often, the most inexpensive option as well.

I hope this was useful and helpful information.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

www.rwthomeremodeling.com

Restoration projects often have one of a kind pieces that need to be repaired or remanufactured. Here at RWT we have the knowledge, experience, tools and facilities to restore any plaster cast or gold leaf restoration weather big or small that you may have.

Please call us for a free consultation as we are happy to consult on any of your restoration needs.

Q: Where do you go to find a replacement for your wood staircase hand rail baluster?

A: RWT Design & Construction

The art of fine finished carpentry seems almost lost in todays “find it at Home Depot mentality”. We are proud to be one of the few artisans working in the greater Los Angeles area. We can turn single balusters or rebuild an entire staircase from scratch. Weather wood, steel or rod iron we are ready to help you repair and restore any of your fine finish carpentry needs.

Upgrading your hallway doors could be just the right change needed to make your home pop and look better than ever before. We recently replaced 8 tired old painted slab doors with new 3 panels, stain grade, fur doors for a client in Glendale. The transformation was nothing less than incredible. The new hardware sparkles and the doors which were stained dark are incredible. This project was quite affordable, running approximately 300 dollars an opening (for materials).

So if you are finding your hallway difficult to travel, this upgrade could be for you! Call us for an estimate on any doors, windows, cabinetry etc. because we are here to help.

Design-build contractors have an edge on the competition. Here at RWT we can design your bath/kitchen remodel, addition and new home and build from these design drawings. The advantage of being a design build contractor is that we are able to control and maintain the design features you envisioned from the beginning and use the highest quality material and expert craftsman ship that fits your specific budget, for as little as 500 dollars, we could be designing your new bathroom, kitchen or…?

Please call us for a free evaluation on your next project.

We recently had a long time client call in with a problem. He had inherited an oak coffee table with marble top that had been in his family for 85 years. The table had had many poor alterations over the years and needed to be completely disassembled and repaired. After viewing the pictures my client sent, we were able to put together a budget to pick up, repair, refinish and deliver this family heirloom. The entire process took approximately 2 weeks. This included pick-up and delivery and included design and custom fabrication to ensure the table would last at least another 85 years or more. We were able to take this broken white wash finish piece and give it back to our client in a better than new condition.

Here are some before and after pictures for you to look at:

If you have furniture pieces that need restoration please call for a free estimate and we will be happy to go over your project with you.

Here at RWT we have a full wood mill so we are able to make virtually anything out of wood! This is great for anyone who has a completely unique idea for a piece they would like in their home. If you tell us the idea, we can draw the plan up for you and make it a reality. We love making one of a kind pieces or pieces that need to fit your space or what ever their purpose may be. As long as you are happy we are happy.

Feel free to call us for a free quote! (818) 841-8600 Or check out our website: www.rwthomeremodeling.com

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction

Now that the temperature is getting cooler it is a good time to tune up your furnace for the winter. Changing filters, checking duct work and overall system maintenance can save you on your energy bills. Having a licensed heating and air conditioning technician out to start up your heating system in the winter is a very wise decision. Recently when doing an evaluation of a heating system our technicians noticed broken ducting and rodent infestations in attic duct work. It is very important to have these and any other issues repaired, cleaned and addressed by an experienced heating and air technician. Please call us for an appointment to tune up your system for the winter.

As of late, exterior camera systems have become quite affordable and very simple to install.  With systems starting right around 500 dollars you can outfit your home or office with a four color camera video surveillance system. We have installed them at both residential and commercial properties and find the systems:

1) Easy to use

2) Very reliable

3) Quite valuable

The average install runs 600 dollars. Call us now as we are available to get your camera system up and running.

P.S. for those do-it-yourselves I am available for a free consultation should you need any help installing your home camera system.

Best,

Romney Tripp

CEO

RWT Design & Construction

(818) 841-8600

www.rwthomeremodeling.com

When planning for an addition to your home besides the budget something to strongly consider is will the addition when completed look like the original house or will it stand out like a sore thumb?  Going the extra distance to ensure the architectural quality is accomplished for your addition is a very very high priority here at RWT. We pride ourselves on the fact that our additions are nearly undetectable. The way we accomplish this is by truly understanding the original architects design and then organizing a design that will compliment his original work.  We also use materials that again will make your addition seem as though it was a part of the original structure.  Of course we also follow strict guide lines that are enforced by building and safety and meet all necessary codes but are still able to accomplish the addition that will truly seem as though it were part of the original structure.

Please call us for a free estimate as we are ready to get started today!!!

There are obvious benefits for replacing your old single glazed wood windows with new high performance dual glazed clad or vinyl windows.   Just to name a few would be the thermal efficiency of installing dual glazed windows, the sound efficiency and the low maintenance of duel clad or vinyl. There are many companies out there who offer inexpensive replacement window systems, who unfortunately don’t understand how to properly water proof these replacement windows.

We have had many reinstallation jobs due to poor installation practices.

The main thing to consider when choosing your replacement window contractor is that he completely understands and can apply standard waterproofing procedures to ensure your new replacement windows will be functional and will last a life time. 

My personal “preference” if you can afford it, is the Marvin Clad Master Window Systems. These are the top of the line replacement and new windows that I am aware of.  They have the benefit of an aluminum clad exterior with a wood stainable interior.  To give you an idea I installed an 8ft door set with 2 side lights about 12 years ago and recently went back to the project to see how the product held up.  The doors and side lights operated flawlessly and the clad exterior looked virtually as new as when they were installed. 

There are other companies like Anderson and Pella that also make very nice products.  The key to getting 25 plus years out of your doors and window systems is proper installation and getting the right product for your application. 

Steve Donovan over at Taylor Bros. can help you pick the right doors and windows that fit within your budget.  Their website is www.taybros.com and be sure to mention that RWT Design & Construction referred you and you will get special service. Call us for any of your door or window needs and remember we have a full custom mill where we can replicate any door, window, molding or woodwork that you need.

Sincerely,

Romney Tripp

RWT Design & Construction

With today’s new Polymer sheet materials we are able to fabricate custom “out-door “kitchen cabinetry that will rival the finest kitchen cabinetries you can imagine. These finished cabinets will hold up to extreme weather conditions and you simply hose and wash them off when they are dirty. The system is basically what you would find in custom yachts and has proven durability in extreme weather that you would find in the ocean. We use all stainless steel fasteners, drawer slides, handles and hinges to ensure the longevity of your cabinets. The doors and drawer fronts can be made out of the same Polymer sheet material or we can fabricate doors from teak.

The difference is truly taking your out-door kitchen from the “stone age” into the 21^st century. These Polymer sheet cabinets start at about 375 dollars per lineal foot and go up to 750 dollars per lineal foot depending on the style and finish your project requires.

Call for a free consultation as we are more than happy to help consult on your project.

Many of us are faced with the Dilemma of a garage that is filled with everything but our cars.

Since storage is at a premium in most homes, it is important and useful to find or have built a proper organizing system for your garage.  Many manufacturers have designed creative ways to organize things such as files, sporting equipment, tools and etc.  that make your garage a friendlier place.

Having custom organizers designed and built specifically for your garage will give you the convenience to store the maximum amount of stuff as well as still allowing you to still park your cars.  Simple systems can be quite affordable ranging from the 200 to 500 dollar range while more involved systems can range from $ 3 to $5000 price.  So regardless of your budget we are happy to help design, fabricate and install the perfect garage organizing system for your home.

Please give us a call at 818-841-8600

I find the two main deciding factors on whether or not to use “custom” or “stock” cabinets are “time” and “money”. Stock cabinets can be quite affordable and readily available at your local home center. However, you really do get what you pay for and modifications to stock cabinets are nearly impossible. For the home owner who is looking to do a fast and affordable kitchen I would recommend using stock cabinets.

Custom cabinets require much more time which equals much more cost. Typically speaking you can expect to spend from 250 dollars to 1000 dollars per lineal foot of cabinetry. The time to design, fabricate and install usually runs between 6 to 10 weeks. Although this seems like a lot of money and time again here you really do get what you pay for and the fit and finish of the custom cabinetry will make the cost much easier to swallow. As far as time with custom cabinets, if planned correctly, there is no delay from the time your walls are finished to the time your cabinets are installed.

At RWT Design & Construction we are here 6 days a week and more than willing to consult you on your custom or stock cabinetry needs. Feel free to call me personally at 818-841-8600.

Romney Tripp

Owner

RWT Design & Construction

Picking the right tile is essential in creating the warm environment for your new spa bathroom. Travertine tile is an affordable natural stone that is readily available and comes in various earth tone colors.  Pebble stone tiles for shower floors can add a distinctive feature as well as a soothing massage for your tired feet.  We have had rave reviews when using a combination of these materials when doing recent remodels and additions.  So make sure you check our photo gallery to see pictures of our recent work.

Electric towel warming racks can give your bathroom that spa like feel and are quite affordable for home owners to purchase and install.  Make sure your bathroom design includes proper spacing and electric requirements as needed if you decide to go with this feature.

Proper lighting whether natural light or light fixtures can make a big difference in the overall appearance and feel of your spa bath.  Wall switch dimmers are an inexpensive and practical way to achieve the soothing illumination of your new spa bath.

Choosing the RIGHT wall and ceiling color can make or break your bathroom design.  It is important to choose a color that will help accent your fixtures, cabinetry and the overall style of your bathroom.  Jacuzzi tubs can also add a spa like feature to your existing bath, however, be sure to frequently use or at least run the Jacuzzi jets and motor as they deteriorate much faster when they are used infrequently.

I hope these tips and suggestions are useful.  As always, please feel free to call us regarding this or any future remodel you are planning.  I am always here and happy to personally take your call and help you realize your remodeling dreams.

Romney Tripp

Owner

Check out this video on how to install tile backsplash.