Sustainable Construction: Building a Better Future for the Earth

Guest Post by: Sam Marquit 

As a commercial contractor, I've worked with all kinds of businesses that want to change their facilities to operate with sustainable energy. It's inspiring to work for individuals who feel so strongly about the future of the planet and want to contribute to the green movement. The green material marketplace has certainly grown in recent years. It's now a $116 billion industry, and it's growing. Financial analysts project that by 2020, the green industry will grow to be more than $254 billion. However, it's difficult to see this as a reality when you consider the effort that would have to be taken on a global scale. I'm hopeful that people and businesses can change to more environmentally friendly products and choose to build sustainable structures.

Businesses have taken action to prevent water waste in light of this news. For example, the Las Vegas Palazzo Hotel and Resort is one of the biggest hotels in the desert oasis. Even with big landscapes, lots of gardens and outdoor areas, they have managed to save eight million gallons of water every year by using drip irrigation systems. Drip irrigation is really beneficial for plants and the environment at large. It cuts down on the amount of groundwater and water waste that regular sprinklers can cause. In addition, the Palazzo uses moisture sensors to eliminate unnecessary watering. Finally, they replaced some of their outdoor areas with artificial turf grass. The hotel has also won awards for its green practices.

On the other side, residential areas can also use these ideas to reduce their own water waste. Drip irrigation systems save on water costs and unnecessary watering. You can also use gray water from showers, bathtubs, washer machines and dishwashers. Many homeowners are installing tankless water heater systems that don't need a large tank of water to be stored in their homes. All of these efforts combine to really reduce water waste on multiple levels.

Hotels have also begun incorporating natural lighting schemes in their buildings. Skylights provide natural light for major areas of hotels as well as guest rooms. Swimming pools throughout the travel industry also feature solar heating systems. The excess energy from these systems can also be fed back to the hotel to build hot water and heating systems. These types of systems are especially evident with the new Las Vegas hotels.

Outdoor living isn't just for big businesses. Homeowners can also incorporate some of these ideas at home. Skylights are actually economical and easy to install. However, most people are remodeling to include naturally lit areas throughout the home such as sun rooms, decks and porches. These areas provide natural light and heat sources throughout the year.

As the green industry continues to grow and innovate beyond recycling and upcycling, better and more efficient products will come to market. More businesses and homeowners need to catch on as the benefits are two fold, you can save the planet as well as in your wallet.

Home Remodeling Budget Tips

The prospect of a home remodeling project is exciting for most home owners. Remodeling upgrades breathe new life into your home as well as improving the functionality and efficiency of your spaces. Remodeling can even save home owners money in the long run. It is not uncommon for costs to get out of control if the home owner isn’t mindful of their remodeling budget. Unexpected issues with materials or contractors might arise mid-project or you may decide to go for that last-minute upgrade to enhance the space. Keeping your budget on track is crucial if you are watching costs. These tips will help home owners devise a solid remodeling budget and help keep it under control.


Be realistic. Home owners often want the moon and the stars when they decide to remodel their home. No expense seems too much or fixture too extravagant. The first step in setting your budget is to be realistic. Most home owners can’t afford the gold-plated chandelier and likely neither can you. Take a look at your savings and be honest about what you can afford.

Do your research. The cost of upgrades may surprise you if this is your first remodeling project. Don’t estimate the cost of materials when establishing your budget. The likelihood is that you will be way off, and your budget will be ruined. Get on the Internet or drive to your local hardware store to learn about your options, including their cost. Price out your materials in order to secure the best deals.

Hire a professional. Weekend warriors tend to think they can do it all themselves; however, larger projects can quickly get out of hand. Consider the scope of the project as well as the technical details of it before you decide to do it yourself. While a professional contractor will add to your overall budget, they will likely save you time and could save you money in the long run.

Give yourself some padding. Unless you are one of the lucky few, your remodeling budget will go over due to incidentals and the unexpected issues. It doesn’t mean you are a bad home owner. Things just happen! Prepare for this during your initial budget planning by adding a 10 percent cushion to your budget. This will protect you from being caught off guard by unexpected costs and will keep your project moving forward.

Your remodeling budget can quickly get out of control if you haven’t set firm restrictions during the planning phase of your home remodeling project. Contact Case Design/Remodeling in Halifax Nova Scotia at 902-454-2273 today to discuss your remodeling project.

Home Remodeling Trends for 2012

Home remodel trends can breathe life into your outdated space. Here are some home remodeling trends that will take off in 2012.


Create a chef’s dream kitchen - The kitchen is the heart of any home. It is where your family congregates for meals and where friends meet and mingle over cocktails. An outdated or inefficient kitchen will leave you avoiding the space and not using its full potential. A kitchen makeover will improve the functionality of your space and can save you money in the long run with energy savings. Modifying the kitchen layout, installing energy efficient appliances and fixtures, and adding better lighting are just a few ways to enhance your space.

Open up your floor plan - Older Halifax, Nova Scotia-area homes often have boxed off rooms creating a lot of small spaces. Open up your floor plan by tearing down non-load bearing walls. This will create larger, more functional rooms for entertaining as well as day-to-day living.

Go green - The average homeowner cares about the environmental footprint they leave on a daily basis. Incorporate your sustainable practices into your Halifax, Nova Scotia home. Install energy efficient appliances and double-paned windows and use eco-friendly materials when choosing items like flooring, cabinets, and paint.

Create a spa retreat - Treat yourself to a spa day every day with a bathroom makeover. Soaker tubs and Jacuzzis provide you with needed relaxation. Installing soft lighting will enhance the mood, and new countertops will make you feel like you are living in luxury.

Focus on the floors - Remodel trends across the country are focusing on floors. Take out old carpet and replace with hardwood flooring or other bare flooring materials. This will improve the look of your home and help curb allergies as dander and dust often become trapped in carpet.

Expand outdoors - Take advantage of the outdoors in warm weather with the addition of a deck or patio to your home. These outdoor spaces are a great way to entertain guests and enjoy nature.

Updating your home by following remodel trends is a great way to improve the functionality and efficiency of your space. It also works to improve the market value of your home. Contact Case Design/Remodeling in Halifax, Nova Scotia at 902-454-2273 today to discuss implementing some of these trends in your house.

Bath Remodel? Where do I start?

 

Our Case Handyman and Remodeling Halifax office has been doing lots of bathroom projects lately. Everything from a basic pull and replace of existing bathroom components to complete bath remodeling . Below are some of the things to keep in mind .

Bathrooms take lots of preparation : Most of the work begins before our tradesmen are even on site. Bathrooms can be complex and involve a wide range of skills to complete properly . Design , product selections , demolition, disposal, carpentry, tile work, electrical, plumbing, countertops, cabinets, painting, permits! Sound overwhelming? Feel like you need help?

Working with a Qualified Contractor: There are lots of places to turn if you are looking for someone to do work in or on your home. What projects have they built? What aspects of the project are they able to help you with? Are they interested in helping you come up with a bathroom design that works for you? Ensure you ask for references from people in your community.

Product Selection : What color will you paint the bathroom? Where do you find bath tile? What bathroom fixtures should you be considering? There are a wide variety of vanities, sinks, faucets, tubs, tiles, design possibilities to choose from. You could find yourself running all over Halifax if you don't have a process or someone with the right experience to help .

Proper ventilation, proper waterproofing: There can be lots of humidity in a bathroom. Don't always count on windows to vent moist air, you don't want mold to become a problem. Showers, tubs, and tiles need to be installed with the proper materials and techniques. The last thing you want is a costly repair down the road .

Proper Design : The options are probably endless. Do you have trouble envisioning a solution? Does your project require bathroom design? The right design should looks great, function the way you want it to and fit in with the project budget.

If you find yourself needing some help, email, give us a call, check out our website, find us on facebook.

Deciding on Kitchen Countertops. You Need to Pick More than Kitchen Cabinets for your Kitchen Remodel.

Deciding on Kitchen Countertops. You Need to Pick More than Kitchen Cabinets for your Kitchen Remodel.

Thinking about a kitchen remodel? Figured out your kitchen cabinets? You have a lot of selections to make with your kitchen update, and one of the most crucial is choosing the correct surfaces. What is often a snap decision based entirely on color and price should be a planned process to make sure your new countertops meet your requirements. Case Remodeling of Halifax can help you with your choices.

How Do you Pick Countertops?

Consider Price and Budget

Gather some local pricing information before narrowing down your kitchen renovation decisions. Pricing ranges are wide, from $50 to hundreds per square foot.


Consider Durability

How long do you plan on staying in the home? If you are remodeling your kitchen strictly to improve resale, you can go with a less durable option. Conrete and glass are hard but may nick or chip if struck by a something hard. Stainless steel is very long lasting but can dent and scratch. Granite is probably the most resistant material for your countertops, but does require some maintenance.

Understand Installation Requirements

Installation for your countertops can affect the final pricing in your Kitchen update. Talk to a local company to discuss installation.

Weigh Environmental Impact

Countertops are becoming renewable. If you are planning an ecofriendly renovation of your kitchen, don’t forget about the counters. Bamboo is a renewable resource, though it is often freighted long distances, which can affect its environmental rating. Butcher block counters can be made from certified sustainable wood, and glass counters can include recycled materials. Concrete counters can contain local materials, like sand and gravel, and can be poured nearby, minimizes transport.

Choose Your Color

How do you choose color? Think down the road. The bold countertops of the 1970's can look out of date in today’s home. Earthy colors like black, brown, and sand have good staying power and will keep a kitchen looking modern in the future. Other things to consider cabinet color, backsplashes, and floor coverings. Pick up some samples and try out the color for a few days.

Plan for Maintenance

Consider how you use your countertops and choose an selection based on the amount of time you want to spend maintaining them.

Find a local kitchen renovation company near you today. Our remodeling and design specialists are ready to help.


Maurice Meagher
Case Handyman and Remodeling Halifax
Phone: (902) 454-CASE (2273)
Fax: (902) 832-3286
Email: mmeagher@CaseRemodeling.com

Website: http://halifax.caseremodeling.com

Try Kitchen Renovation to Make Your Small Halifax Kitchen Feel Bigger

You want to start a kitchen home improvement project on your Halifax home, but you can’t add many square feet to the kitchen’s size. Don’t despair. There are many of ways to optimize, and ways to make the cooking area look and feel larger than it is.

Renovating a cramped kitchen does require careful planning . Mistakes are more noticeable than in a big kitchen, so layout elements need to work together. You also need to be realistic about how your kitchen will be used. Reserve it for cooking and eating – the kids will have to do their homework elsewhere, and you’ll have to find another location to sort through the mail.

Storage Space – In a small kitchen you need to begin by planning about how to store everything you need.

Remove walls – Opening up the space shared with a dining room or living room will make the kitchen feel larger . You can separate the spaces by installing a breakfast bar with stools. If you can’t remove the wall altogether, you can create a pass-through window between the rooms.

Light colors – White walls and cabinets or floors and cabinets in a light wood help make the room feel bigger.

Double-duty Table—Instead of an official table, install an island that can double as a table, or add a fold-down table to the end of the counter. It can lie

Glass – Glass cabinet doors can make the space feel more open. The kitchen’s doors can also be clear , or you can create a breakfast nook by cantilevering out a big bay window. Mirrors and glass-surface counters or table tops can also help make the space feel more bigger .

Kitchen Cabinets – Don’t have the cabinets go all the way to the ceiling; it can make the room feel cramped . Instead you can use the tops of cabinets for storage of things you don’t use every day or add windows to let in more light.

Case Remodeling of Halifax can help your small kitchen feel bigger, upgrade your kitchen cabinets, or actually make it bigger with a kitchen remodel .


Maurice Meagher
Case Handyman and Remodeling Phone: (902) 454-CASE (2273)
Fax: (902) 832-3286
Email: mmeagher@CaseRemodeling.com
Website: http://halifax.caseremodeling.com/
Blog: http://caseremodelinghalifax.blogspot.com/

Halifax Kitchens That Work!

Kitchens that Work: Elements that make a Kitchen Space Functional


Do you live in Halifax and have a kitchen that could use some help? Does your Halifax kitchen need a cosmetic makeover? Do you need storage? Can the layout be more efficient? Need more light?

The most efficient and attractive kitchens offer a perfect blend of great use of space and complementary accessories in an attempt to maximize functionality and keep organization in check. Here are five design elements that make a kitchen work.

•Appliance “garages” built between the counter top and cabinets to conceal coffee makers, can openers and frequently used small appliances

•Tilt-out sink front bins take advantage of otherwise unusable space and create convenient storage for sponges and scrubbers – again, keeping clutter off the counter top

•Message centers - organize notes, mail, magazines, keys and everything else for multiple family members – and keep clutter off tables and counters

•Roll-out shelves make otherwise inaccessible space useful for the storage of pots, pans, or seldom-used appliances

•Tray dividers – typically located in the cabinets near the oven – create vertical partitions to separate cookie sheets, muffin tins, and other awkwardly-sized bake ware

Questions? Call our Halifax office. Case Handyman and Remodeling (902) 454-2273, or online at http://halifax.caseremodeling.com/