Dealing with a disaster is hard enough without thinking about the damage to your home, the insurance company, or the contractors to fix it! Rebuilding your house and your life is easier when Incredible Renovations is on your side. We have experience helping home owners put the pieces back together after major upset including thunderstorms and hurricanes, floods and fire damage. Going through an insurance claim is a delicate matter, and can be a frustrating experience at times. In addition to the inconvenience of losing your comfort and lifestyle there is the added stress of dealing with insurance adjusters who use their own software (Xactimate) and are trained to give you low estimates based on their initial and limited visual inspection. Incredible Renovations handles several insurance claims every year. The common mistake that many homeowners do is hire a lawyer or an independent adjuster to maximize their claim thinking that by paying these high fees and percentage of claim money is justified. That, unfortunately is neither practical nor true.
What you need is:
1. An experienced builder who can identify and document the details as construction progresses.
2. An experienced licensed structural engineer who will point out to the insurance company the perils of patching when in reality replacement and rebuilding is what is needed. One who will not stand for cheap fixes.
3. A builder who is proficient with Xactimate so he can speak the insurance industry language.
That is what Incredible Renovations offers and we always, not only restore, but improve your house without having to pay any deductibles. We follow all guidelines and regulations, and make sure that your home is repaired or rebuilt with attention to the finest detail. Our staff will help you review the insurance adjuster’s report to make sure that only the best practices are followed and your home is restored to original condition – and better. Call us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get back to living.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Attic Conversions Pt. 3 - A day in the life of an Attic Conversion
As mentioned in Part 1 of this series, one of our current clients is dealing with a unique attic conversion project. With the typical attic conversion, construction teams support the attic floor from below, allowing them to work in those tight areas without fear of damaging the area below them or causing actual structural damage to the attic. In this particular situation, our home owner is a nurse who works the over-night shift. Instead of construction workers being able to follow normal protocol - they've actually had to shift the way they support and reinforce the attic floor by working from above. Our home owner has learned to deal with the drilling and nailing and all other noises involved in a remodel, all while trying to catch some zzz's:
I work nights so I sleep for a couple hours when I get home early in the morning, wake up to get the kids off to school, and then back to sleep for a few hours. Nothing has changed except I have learned to sleep through the noise - now I usually sleep with the TV going to try and drown out the noise.We knew what to expect with all the construction - the only stressfuly part of this project was getting approval from the HOA.The front of our house is blocked off by black plastic drapes to keep the dust out of the rest of the house. These drapes also provide some privacy so I usually don't see the workers unless I am coming or going. It has been noisy but I have gotten used to the noise. Mary checks on the progress daily - It looks exactly how we had pictured it - we are very pleased with the progress; [the].kids are excited and keep asking when it will be done.
Framing:
As you enter, the main portion of the house is blocked off to protect from dust.Soon to be gameroom in the attic:
Check back soon to see the finished project...
Friday, May 7, 2010
Photo Gallery: Refresh, Rejuvenate, Recycle
It's the age old question (in the real estate and remodeling world anyway) "Should we sell or should we renovate?" There was a time when homeowners saw the prospect of selling their home as a way to upgrade to a larger, better home, and at the same time - add a little - or a lot of change to their bank accounts. Now a-days, the real estate market isn't looking as hot, for sellers or buyers, and the idea of staying at home and "working with what you have" just seems more appealing. For our couple, just east of the Galleria inside the loop, they saw change popping up all around them. A town house across the street, a mansion in their back yard - their quaint neighborhood was changing and they knew how to change with it. Enter: Incredible Renovations. Your design, build, & remodeling experts. In the Michael's home we rejuvenated three areas the kitchen, master, and guest bath. We also recycled their washer & dryer - moved it to a more efficient location, and refreshed their fireplace with a more modern look. Please view the gallery and leave your comments!
Master bath before & afterPlease note lack of counterspace, corner shower, and pink & green tile:
Kitchen before & after
Please know how wall behind refridgerator was knocked down to open space for a bar top.
Guest Bath before & after
Dining Room before & after
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Small Projects Photo Gallery
Sometimes you don't have to do too much to reinvent a room, brighten up a corner, or just update your space. Below you'll find a few before and after pictures of projects we've done to help home owners spruce up their smaller spaces.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
EPA Ruling Against Lead Paint
Lead Paint Rule Opt-Out Revoked
On April 23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced release of an amendment to the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule that removes the opt-out provision for pre-1978 homes without pregnant women or children under age six in residence.
The amendment also instructs contractors to provide a copy of the records required under the rule to be shared with home owners within 30 days of completing the remodeling work.
The amendment goes into force 60 days from its publication in the Federal Register, which has not yet occurred. NAHB expects publication in the Federal Register sometime in the next few weeks, so the estimated effective date to remove the opt-out is the beginning of July. Once the exact date is determined, NAHB will update its members.
Nevertheless, all provisions of the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule went into effect on April 22, which requires remodelers and other contractors disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes attend the required training and submit firm certification. The rule also dictates lead-safe work practices, pre-renovation consumer education, and record keeping practices.
The amendment to the rule goes into effect in July 2010 and:
• Removes the opt-out provision. Under the current rule, owner-occupied pre-1978 housing units (i.e., not inclusive of rental properties) where no pregnant women nor children under age six, nor a property qualifying as a "child occupied facility" (such as a day care facility) could sign a waiver. The remodelers must keep a record of the waiver for three years, which waives the implementation of the work practices dictated by the rule. The new amendment to the regulation that goes into effect in July revokes the opt-out completely. All work in pre-1978 must then follow all work practices dictated by the regulation as of the effective date in July.
• Requires remodelers to share rule compliance records with customers. Remodelers will have to share a copy of the compliance records required for remodelers under the regulation (such as the checklist of followed practices) with home owners within 30 days of completion of the work.
The EPA has also given advanced notice of additional plans to change the lead rule as a direct result of a voluntary legal settlement with several environmental groups that challenged the original regulation. Specifically, rule makings will be conducted to
• Require abatement-style dust wipe testing and share results with home occupants and owners. This rule change will apply to certain remodeling activities and require the contractor to achieve the EPA's strict numerical limits for lead dust levels on window sills, window troughs, and floors. The EPA's numerical lead dust standards are the same as those dictated to lead-based paint abatement firms for achieving "clearance" under EPA's abatement rules. Depending on the outcome of this upcoming amendment, remodelers and other contractors may also be subject to additional regulatory restrictions at the state and local level triggered by the knowledge of disturbing lead-based paint. After this proposal is published, it will be out for a 60 day comment period with the goal of completing and finalizing this rule change in July 2011.
• Apply the lead rule to public and commercial buildings. The EPA plans to amend the rule to expand its scope over both public and commercial buildings. NAHB will follow this development but expects the proposal to come out after the clearance testing amendment.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/leadpaint
From: NAHB National Association of Home Builders
On April 23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced release of an amendment to the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule that removes the opt-out provision for pre-1978 homes without pregnant women or children under age six in residence.
The amendment also instructs contractors to provide a copy of the records required under the rule to be shared with home owners within 30 days of completing the remodeling work.
The amendment goes into force 60 days from its publication in the Federal Register, which has not yet occurred. NAHB expects publication in the Federal Register sometime in the next few weeks, so the estimated effective date to remove the opt-out is the beginning of July. Once the exact date is determined, NAHB will update its members.
Nevertheless, all provisions of the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule went into effect on April 22, which requires remodelers and other contractors disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes attend the required training and submit firm certification. The rule also dictates lead-safe work practices, pre-renovation consumer education, and record keeping practices.
The amendment to the rule goes into effect in July 2010 and:
• Removes the opt-out provision. Under the current rule, owner-occupied pre-1978 housing units (i.e., not inclusive of rental properties) where no pregnant women nor children under age six, nor a property qualifying as a "child occupied facility" (such as a day care facility) could sign a waiver. The remodelers must keep a record of the waiver for three years, which waives the implementation of the work practices dictated by the rule. The new amendment to the regulation that goes into effect in July revokes the opt-out completely. All work in pre-1978 must then follow all work practices dictated by the regulation as of the effective date in July.
• Requires remodelers to share rule compliance records with customers. Remodelers will have to share a copy of the compliance records required for remodelers under the regulation (such as the checklist of followed practices) with home owners within 30 days of completion of the work.
The EPA has also given advanced notice of additional plans to change the lead rule as a direct result of a voluntary legal settlement with several environmental groups that challenged the original regulation. Specifically, rule makings will be conducted to
• Require abatement-style dust wipe testing and share results with home occupants and owners. This rule change will apply to certain remodeling activities and require the contractor to achieve the EPA's strict numerical limits for lead dust levels on window sills, window troughs, and floors. The EPA's numerical lead dust standards are the same as those dictated to lead-based paint abatement firms for achieving "clearance" under EPA's abatement rules. Depending on the outcome of this upcoming amendment, remodelers and other contractors may also be subject to additional regulatory restrictions at the state and local level triggered by the knowledge of disturbing lead-based paint. After this proposal is published, it will be out for a 60 day comment period with the goal of completing and finalizing this rule change in July 2011.
• Apply the lead rule to public and commercial buildings. The EPA plans to amend the rule to expand its scope over both public and commercial buildings. NAHB will follow this development but expects the proposal to come out after the clearance testing amendment.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/leadpaint
From: NAHB National Association of Home Builders
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Attic Conversions Pt. 2
An attic conversion is an excellent way to gain space for entertaining and for overnight guests. Our home owners decided to use their attic space for those top 2 reasons as well. By choosing a firm with an on-staff architectural designer, you get the attention you need to create a space that is unique to your family needs'. Our home owners and architect, Carolina, made sure they used every nook and cranny in their attic in order to maximize space and efficiency. The large open area is used to entertain guests and holds oversized leather sofas, a flat screen t.v, and a built in bar with mini-fridge and custom cabinetry (which was crafted on-site). There's also enough room for work out equipment and two window benches - with under seat storage. We also designed built-in book shelves for out of the way storage and included a full size bath, with a tile surround shower and bench. Since attics are dark by nature, we opened up the space even more by allowing sun light to flood the room through a full-sized balcony. The balcony features tile flooring, custom railing, and a ceiling fan for those humid Houston days. View our gallery of pics below and leave a comment.
Before
Before
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Getting Green Has Never Been Easier!
Spring is in the air, and Incredible Renovations wants to help you get a fresh start to this fresh new season. For most of us, Spring evokes thoughts of flowers, birds chirping, and all things green. For others, it means the dreaded Spring Cleaning... But we've got your most hated chore in the bag!
Enter to Win!
Let Organizing Lifestyles help put the task of spring cleaning behind you. Enter to win 2 free hours of service to get you started on any room in your home (yes, garage included!). To enter, simply email your name, phone number, and the room you would like to organize to Paulina@IncredibleRenovations.com Subject Line: Spring Greening. One lucky winner will be chosen May 3rd, 2010.
Incredible Renovations, is proud to be a Certified Green Professional. We've joined forces with Organizing Lifestyles to introduce a greener, more functional - and easier way to live on this planet. Organizing Lifestyles is here to help you succeed in your organizing goals by teaching you how to maintain a clutter-free life. Call today for your free 1-on-1 consultation.
Organizing Lifestyles: 281. 520. 4401
Incredible Renovations: 713. 532. 2526
Here are a few tips that you can you to help you save a little green at home too:
•Slow cookers, electric fry pans and electric kettles use less power than the stove top or oven.
•Vacuum or dust the coils at the back of refrigerators and freezers every month to allow for better circulation and minimize power needs.
•Use the toaster oven for small items rather than heating the big oven
•Front loading washers use less power, water and detergent
•Use fluorescent or LED light bulbs in all light fixtures.
•Turn heat off (or close registers) and close doors to unused rooms. Same with air conditioning, only heat or cool the main living area.
•To keep the heat in (or out) Insulate doors, windows, floors, ceilings and walls.
•Insulate your hot water tank and pipes by wrapping insulation around them. Keep the hot water thermostat at 110 F (43C) for safety and savings.
•If you'll be away from the T.V., computer, stereo etc., unplug it. These electronics in particular, use energy even when they're turned off.
•Place a 1 litre bottle full of water into the toilet tank if you don't have a water saving variety. This displaces and saves a litre of water for every flush. When it comes time to replace the toilet go with the low water use varieties.
•Use sturdy fabric reuseable bags to carry groceries.
Enter to Win!
Let Organizing Lifestyles help put the task of spring cleaning behind you. Enter to win 2 free hours of service to get you started on any room in your home (yes, garage included!). To enter, simply email your name, phone number, and the room you would like to organize to Paulina@IncredibleRenovations.com Subject Line: Spring Greening. One lucky winner will be chosen May 3rd, 2010.
Incredible Renovations, is proud to be a Certified Green Professional. We've joined forces with Organizing Lifestyles to introduce a greener, more functional - and easier way to live on this planet. Organizing Lifestyles is here to help you succeed in your organizing goals by teaching you how to maintain a clutter-free life. Call today for your free 1-on-1 consultation.
Organizing Lifestyles: 281. 520. 4401
Incredible Renovations: 713. 532. 2526
Here are a few tips that you can you to help you save a little green at home too:
•Slow cookers, electric fry pans and electric kettles use less power than the stove top or oven.
•Vacuum or dust the coils at the back of refrigerators and freezers every month to allow for better circulation and minimize power needs.
•Use the toaster oven for small items rather than heating the big oven
•Front loading washers use less power, water and detergent
•Use fluorescent or LED light bulbs in all light fixtures.
•Turn heat off (or close registers) and close doors to unused rooms. Same with air conditioning, only heat or cool the main living area.
•To keep the heat in (or out) Insulate doors, windows, floors, ceilings and walls.
•Insulate your hot water tank and pipes by wrapping insulation around them. Keep the hot water thermostat at 110 F (43C) for safety and savings.
•If you'll be away from the T.V., computer, stereo etc., unplug it. These electronics in particular, use energy even when they're turned off.
•Place a 1 litre bottle full of water into the toilet tank if you don't have a water saving variety. This displaces and saves a litre of water for every flush. When it comes time to replace the toilet go with the low water use varieties.
•Use sturdy fabric reuseable bags to carry groceries.
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