A home in Arroyo Grande, Calif. had a complete kitchen makeover, adding cabinetry that reached the ceiling and open space. The kitchen was remodeled to have an English country style to serve its primary function and as an entertainment hub. Changing the cabinetry was a primary goal, and the previous dark cherry cabinets were replaced with a natural wood finish. The new cabinetry reached the ceiling and provided an overall brighter atmosphere. A softer tone from the white oak cabinets and quartzite countertop brightened up the whole room. Selecting finishes…
Read MoreDay: September 3, 2025
Safe and Smart Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) is offering an exclusive discount on a special program. The Safe & Smart Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program by J.J. Keller & Associates is specially available to NLBMDA members. The ELDT Certification Program allows trainers the flexibility and knowledge to optimize driver training to prevent accidents and reduce liability. The Certification Program includes preparation for online courses, classroom instruction, range and road experience to be provided to trainees. Evaluation at the end of the program gives advice to trainers on…
Read MoreTackling Tiny Lots: Designing with Installation and Maintenance in Mind
In order for a landscaping remodel to be successful in accordance with the homeowner’s wishes, it must be feasible. Installing and maintaining renovation projects in small lots require careful consideration of what is practical given the size constraints. Therefore, they require a bit of creativity when it comes to working through the design goals. To strike a balance between what the homeowner wants and what is practical, scaling down is often a good compromise. Rather than completely ruling out a feature that is too big, considering a smaller feature that…
Read MoreHomeowners may look to HELOC
While many people are expecting Federal Reserve cuts, home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are expected to follow the reserve more closely and increase renovations and improvements. Home Depot and Lowe’s analysts estimate there is roughly $50 billion in pent-up demand for home improvement work. These are projects that homeowners have put aside while borrowing costs stayed high across loans and materials. Lower HELOC rates could provide homeowners with the funds to funnel directly into their new kitchens, bathrooms or addictions. This comes at a time where the new housing market is…
Read MorePMI Introduces Women of PMI Program
Plumbing Manufacturers International introduces their new program, Women of PMI. This initiative is created to support and showcase women PMI members in the plumbing manufacturing industry. This program provides members with networking opportunities, information to help develop career and leadership skills, and a platform to highlight the accomplishments they have received. Director of Programs and Administration Jodi Stuhrberg, who manages the initiative, said, “We’re excited to deliver this program to our women members, many of whom have expressed appreciation for our annual women’s breakfast and interest in a broader program.…
Read MoreModern Design Trends Influence Home Remodeling Service Industry
Understanding homeowner preferences is crucial to thriving as a contractor, as is understanding that homeowners are bound to renovate. By leaning into the homeowner, contractors can position themselves to capitalize on the remodel market. The New Jersey home remodel market, for example, is seeing a rise in homeowners desiring modernity in their homes, while still prioritizing comfortable livability. Being able to enter the remodel market and updating homes with contemporary finishes gives homeowners exactly what they want. While some trends go away, design experts predict certain trends will continue to…
Read MoreSeven Key Principles for Universal Design
Universal design is attained when a home is built, crafted or remodeled in a way that makes function accessible to for all inhabitants regardless of age or condition. As a section of the remodel market expected to expand, there are seven important ways that apply to a home exhibiting universal design. 1. Equitable Use Design that accommodates everyone from aging grandparents to children with limited mobility. 2. Flexibility in Use Accounting for a wide variety and range of usage, whether tall or short. 3. Simple and Intuitive Use…
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