How to hang artwork

Does your home have the post-holiday blahs? The decorations are all put away, and now the house seems a bit…lacking in interest. Bring some personality into your home with artwork! Affordable artwork is easy to find. The hard part is figuring out how and where to hang it.

Two mistakes to avoid:

-  Hanging art way too high up on the wall, so you have to crane your neck back to look at it.

- Hanging a small piece of art on a large expanse of wall,  or squeezing a too-big piece of art onto a too-small slice of wall.

Tips for getting it to look right:

-  You typically want the midportion of the art piece to be right at eye level. This is not a hard and fast rule, but it gives you a starting point.

- Raise or lower the artwork so that it harmonizes with other items around it, such as furnishings, accessories and other pieces of art. The artwork should be part of a grouping, not floating lost and alone on the wall!

- Cut out paper the size of your artwork and attach it to the wall with Scotch tape. Move it around until you’re happy with it, then hang the actual piece. This is ESPECIALLY helpful if you are hanging a grouping of art pieces or framed photos.

Take a look at some examples from my portfolio and from some of Nationwide’s model modular homes, then go here for more great photos and advice: http://interiordec.about.com/cs/arrangingartwork/l/aaarttipsa.htm

Choosing The Right Carpet and Pad

Recently, I talked about Florida tile and their commitment to recycling.  In the same vein of eco-conscious manufacturing,  I want to introduce you to Shaw’s Anso nylon carpeting.

Shaw’s Anso nylon carpet is durable,  resilient, and abrasion resistant – even retaining shape after moving heavy furniture.  Shaw’s Anso nylon carpets are treated with their patented R2X formula to create stain and soil resistant fibers.

Where Shaw’s Anso nylon carpet really takes the lead over other nylon carpets is in the manufacturing process. Anso nylon is made of Type 6 nylon which is 100% recyclable into new carpet.  When Anso nylon carpet is removed from homes, it does not have to go into landfills. Every bit of it can be recycled again and again, endlessly!  Carpets of Type 6 nylon are recycled at Shaw’s Evergreen Nylon Recycling facility in Augusta, Georgia.

The importance of a good padding

Your carpet pad is every bit as important as your carpet.  Your flooring is a major investment, and it is pointless to spend good money on a good carpet, then cheap out on the pad. Sadly, I see customers do this all the time, despite my attempts to educate them otherwise.  Please don’t make this mistake! A high quality pad is necessary to prolong the life of your carpet.

Shaw’s TripleTouch Carpet Pad is one of the best investments you can make.  At 7/16″ thick, 8 pound density, this pad provides unsurpassed comfort underfoot.  Using this pad instantly DOUBLES your carpet warranty (from 7 to 14 yrs for Shaw’s 4-star carpet;  from 10 to 20 yrs for 5-star).  Your carpet will maintain its texture for the life of the warranty.  Secondly, and very important if you have kids and/or pets: spills and pet accidents will NOT seep into the pad! The TripleTouch pad allows for all moisture to be completely removed from carpet upon cleaning, and prevents return of stains.

Shaw's TripleTouch Carpet Cushion

The TripleTouch pad contains an antimicrobial treatment which kills mold, mildew, fungus and bacteria.   And, of course, it’s environmentally responsible.  As part of Shaw’s Green Edge Program, the TripleTouch pad is made with natural oils, reducing dependency on petroleum-based products, and the backing is made with recycled content.  

What to do next

Ready to seriously think about investing in a great quality, environmentally friendly carpet? You can start by virtually designing your room with Shaw’s “Try On A Floor” at  http://shawfloors.com/Try-On-A-Floor

And, of course, you can call us! We’ll come to your home with samples, we’ll take measurements and give you price quotes. We have excellent, skilled installers. Let us help you make your home gorgeous! Call Chelsea Custom Contracting at 757 407-2653.

Did you know?

Lots of customers tell me they want to rip out all of their carpet in order to reduce the level of allergens in their home.  However, studies show that with proper cleaning and maintenance, carpeted rooms have a LOWER level of dust-borne allergens in the air than rooms with hard surface floors! That’s because allergens must be inhaled in order for exposure to occur, and allergens are inhaled when they are airborne.  Carpet acts as a TRAP for allergens,  keeping significant amounts of dust, pollen and other allergens out of the air.  For  a more detailed explanation, read this article: http://shawfloors.com/allergens

Your questions and comments are welcome. Please leave feedback at this blog site or e-mail me directly at Alexandra@chelseabuildsitbest.com

Great Shops to Browse in Portsmouth!

I recently spent an afternoon with my sister, window shopping along High Street in Portsmouth, Virginia. Okay, I did more than window shop. I gave into temptation at several delicious boutiques!

Bored? Go to Portsmouth! Park on High Street and take a stroll. Here are a few highlights from my recent sojourn:

Paperwhyte stationers and gift shop at 610 High Street. I had a lovely chat with one of the owners, Dottie Lindley. Ph 757 393-2346. Check out their web site at www.paperwhyte.com

Paperwhyte - fine stationery and lovely gifts!

Way Back Yonder Antiques at 620 High Street. Ph 757 398-2700. Take a look at this $30,000 bedroom suite. Yes, that’s thirty THOUSAND dollars! (Hands off! It’s mine! As soon as I hit Lotto!!!)

One-of-a-kind finds at Way Back Yonder Antiques!

Anderson-Wright Rooms & Gardens, 622 High Street, owned by Bill Schlahl. Phone # 757 398-0990. Walking into Bill’s shop is like stepping into a fairy tale, and you won’t believe how BIG the place is. Don’t miss the back room…and the garden!

Anderson-Wright gets my vote for most sumptuous shop on High Street!

Beautify your home or workplace with tile!

Why does my company promote the use of tile? Of course, there is the aesthetic value of tile: Porcelain tile that mimics the beauty and movement of natural stone. Glass tile – impervious to water, stains, and fading. Stunning natural travertine and slate, marble and granite.

Beyond the looks, however, is our commitment to the environment. Tile gives off no volatile indoor emissions. Tile is hypoallergenic; fully dense porcelain tile is resistant to mold and mildew. Clean air, clean environment – it’s what you want for your family and your workplace.

My company carries several brands of tile, but I am really impressed with Florida Tile’s recycling efforts. Last year, Florida Tile recycled more than one and a half million gallons of water back into their processors, and reused 382 tons of dust collected from their production lines. Their shipping cartons are made of high–percentage recycled paper, and all of Florida Tile’s offices are actively involved in recycling.

Florida Tile is better for the environment and better for you.

So, perk up your porch. Make your sunroom sizzle. Have a blast with your bathroom. Bring some kitsch to your kitchen, with Florida Tile!

Call me, Alexandra with Chelsea Custom Contracting, at 757 407-2653 for an appointment to view Florida Tile sample boards at my Virginia Beach showroom. Initial consultations are free. Interior design services are available for an hourly fee. (Oh, by the way, my tile installers are superb!)

Enjoy some photos from Florida Tile:

Spice up a sunroom!

Tile over a concrete screened porch for warmth and character!

ADA compliant porcelain tiles are beautiful and perfect for homes or businesses!

Add a medallion for pizzazz!

Turn your hall bath into a retreat!

Make it snazzy with glass mosaic!

Bring the spa experience home - you deserve it!

Don't stare at a blank wall - create art with tile!

Add a pinch of sophistication and a dash of drama!

Chelsea Custom Contracting is a Virginia Class A general building contractor company. We perform residential and commercial remodels and new construction. We offer professional interior design and architecture services as well. Please call Alexandra Whiteside, CEO, at 757 407-2653 with any questions. We are always happy to offer advice and assistance!

Avoid ozone generating air purifiers!

Please take a couple of moments to read this report. (Click on the headline below to go to the consumer reports article.)

Ozone Generators Not Acceptable

There are several companies with lots of independent reps hawking these useless and even dangerous ozone producing “air purifiers.” Please, find out the facts, and avoid these products! Don’t endanger the lives of your family members or pets with one of these ozone machines.

I am not usually this outspoken, but these “air purifiers” have been shown to cause the death of pets and put kids and elderly people in the hospital. Ozone is poison to humans and animals! Do NOT let anyone try to tell you otherwise.

A rep from one of these companies recently tried to convince me that this was a “green” product. Sickening, just sickening. Help me take down these snake oil salesmen. Share this post with everyone you know, and send these guys packing!

Advantages of a Reverse Mortgage

I want to thank Pam DeShong for sharing this great information regarding reverse mortgages. Pam has over 20 years of mortgage experience, and lending is a strong part of her background. Pam is involved with many organizations which supports senior concerns. She is a member of the Norfolk & Virginia Beach Task Force on Aging and the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association.

The company that Pam works for, Seniors First, has been locally owned and operated for over 10 years. The company was founded on old fashioned values, and the name clearly states what its priorities are. Seniors first specializes exclusively in reverse mortgages. Pam’s strong concern for seniors is very important to her and she truly wants to share that passion with others. Please feel free to contact Pam for further information on how reverse mortgages can provide financial security to the seniors in your life. E-mail Pam at pdeshong@cox.net or call her at 757-285-7278. Visit the Seniors First web site: www.seniorsfm.com

Advantages of a Reverse Mortgage

The main advantage of Reverse Mortgages is that they are an extremely flexible financial planning product with very few – if any – restrictions on how you receive and use the money.

To many people, a Reverse Mortgage simply sounds too good to be true. But, there really are no catches. Given the right set of circumstances, a Reverse Mortgage is an ideal way to increase your spending power in retirement.

Key advantages and benefits of Reverse Mortgages include:

No Risk of Default: Unlike a home equity loan, with a Reverse Home Mortgage your home can not be taken from you. If you default on a home equity loan, you could lose your home.
The Reverse Mortgage Lenders have no claim on your income or other assets.

No Downside: With a Reverse Mortgage you will never owe more than your home’s value at the time the loan is repaid, even if the Reverse Mortgage lenders have paid you more money than the value of the home. This is a particularly interesting advantage if you secure a Reverse Mortgage and then home price declines.

Tax Free: The money from a Reverse Mortgage is typically tax free, since it’s a loan when the homeowner receives the funds, as either additional fixed income or a lump sum.

No Restrictions: How you use the funds from a Reverse Mortgage is not restricted – go traveling, get a hearing aid, purchase long term care insurance, pay for your children’s college education – anything goes.

Flexible Payment Options: You can receive the Reverse Mortgage loan money in the form of a lump sum, credit line a combination of the two.

Easy Pre-Qualifications: There are no income qualifications to get a Reverse Mortgage.
Home Ownership: With a Reverse Mortgage, you retain home ownership and the ability to live in your home.

Guaranteed Place to Live: You can live in your home for as long as you want when you secure a Reverse Mortgage.

Federally Insured: The Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) is the most widely available Reverse Mortgage. It is managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs and is federally insured. This is important since even if your Reverse Mortgage lender defaults, you’ll still receive your payments.

Recently Increased Lending Limits: As of Nov. 6, 2008 the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs increased the loan limit on the HECM to $417,000. And, for loans written in 2009, the loan limit is $625,500.

Disadvantages of a Reverse Mortgage

A Reverse Mortgage may not be for everyone; consider the following:

Beware if You are Eligible for Low-Income Assistance: If you are currently or will be eligible to receive low-income assistance from the Federal or State government (like Medicaid), you will want to be careful that income from a Reverse Mortgage does not disqualify you from that assistance. (NOTE: Social Security and Medicare are not impacted by a Reverse Mortgage.)

Reconsider if You Are Planning to Move in the Near Term: Since a Reverse Home Mortgage loan is due if your home is no longer your primary residence and the up front closing costs are typically higher than other loans, it is not a good tool for those than plan to move soon to another residence.

Evaluate if You are Willing to Reduce Your Heirs Inheritance: Many people dismiss a Reverse Mortgage as a retirement option because they want to be sure their home goes to their heirs. And it is true, a Reverse Mortgage decreases your home equity – affecting your estate. However, you can still leave your home to your heirs and they will have the option of keeping the home and refinancing or paying off the mortgage or selling the home if the home is worth more than the amount owed on it.

New Model Home Photos

Introducing our latest model, “The Tradition“. Celebrating Nationwide Custom Homes’ 50th anniversary. I am so proud to be an authorized builder for this superb modular home manufacturer!

The Tradition is a 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath 2-story at 2540 finished square feet with a fabulous open floor plan for the great room, dining room and kitchen area, plus a huge loft upstairs. Master bedroom suite is located downstairs, while the other 3 bedrooms are upstairs.

This home comes standard with vinyl lap siding in a variety of color options, but we can also install brick veneer, stone veneer or stucco (EIFS) on site (in which case we would credit the cost of vinyl siding toward the cost of alternate material). Another great standard: this home is NAHB Green Ready for Bronze Certification – I just comply with a few on-site items and your home is certified green!!!

I can build this house with standard options for around $200,000 (crawlspace foundation included; lot improvements additional) in Hampton Roads. Have a lot? Ready to build? Call me! 757-407-2653 Need a lot? Call me! I know some great realtors who can help you find the perfect spot for your gorgeous new home. (We don’t build until we give you an exact binding quote – no surprises!)

Thanks for looking. Call me with any questions about modulars and/or building green – I’m always happy to talk!

-Alexandra Whiteside, CEO, Chelsea Custom Contracting

Grout Sealant Photos

You ask, and I deliver! I got lots of requests for before and after photos for the grout sealant post. Mr. Marx Sims was kind enough to share some of his project photos with us. Thanks, Marx!!!

Grout Sealant

My thanks to Marx Sims, owner of Cleanable Grout, for providing this guest post. Cleanable Grout Sealant is fantastic. I recommend it for all tiled floors! You can visit Mr. Sims’ website at www.cleanablegrout.com.

Penetrating / Impregnating Sealants vs.“True” Sealants

Most tile flooring consumers understand the significance of having their grout sealed. Often, grout sealing is not offered by the tile contractor for various reasons, so the new consumer is left with unprotected grout lines. While many consumers have the best intentions of having their grout sealed, whether they do it themselves or have an independent contractor apply the sealant, the fact is that often they simply do not get around to actually having it done.

Most consumers are not aware that penetrating/impregnating sealants often sold at home improvement stores or applied by carpet cleaners are NOT truly sealants. Sealants are defined as any various liquids, paints or chemicals that may be applied to a surface, drying to form a hard watertight barrier. The problem is, penetrating/impregnating sealants are absorbed deep below the surface of the grout and do NOT leave the consumer with a watertight barrier! Therefore, dirt and spills will still be absorbed and cause staining.

Cleanable Grout Sealant applied by Cleanable Grout is a “true” sealant, as it is applied to the surface of the grout and dries to produce a watertight barrier. Cleanable Grout Sealant makes grout cleaning easy without scrubbing or the use of harsh chemicals, as stain-causing dirt stays above the surface of the grout where it can easily be cleaned away. The Cleanable Grout Sealant also comes with a performance warranty and is honored by the company itself.

If you live in the Hampton Roads, VA, area and are interested in having your grout protected after initial installation or having your grout cleaned and restored after being stained for years, please call Cleanable Grout at 757- 216-9634. Let us know that you read our guest post on the Lady Contractor’s Blog!

Green Modular Building

MODULAR BUILDING IS INHERENTLY GREEN
The goal of modular building has always been to minimize waste and maximize efficiency. A recent Modular Building Institute report outlines 7 areas in which modular building techniques are inherently eco-friendly. I have paraphrased the report to shorten it a bit, so I don’t lose your attention!

SEVEN WAYS THAT MODULAR IS ECO-FRIENDLY
1. Less material waste due to a streamlined fabrication process, protection of materials from weather conditions and vandalism, and re-use/recycling of end cuts of material.

2. Improved indoor air quality of completed structure. Since the modular home is largely built in the protection of a factory/warehouse setting, moisture issues are eliminated that typically arise from lumber and sheathing being exposed to rain in site-built conditions.

3. Less impact on the surrounding environment at the actual home site. The amount of actual construction time on site is greatly reduced, as well as the number of vehicles and equipment used on site, reducing fuel and energy consumption.

4. Safer construction. In the factory controlled setting, the typical hazards associated with on-site construction are eliminated, resulting in far fewer accidents and injuries.

5. Reduced demand of raw materials. Modular buildings can be disassembled, relocated and recycled, minimizing the amount of energy and materials required in creating and altering a building to meet changing needs.

6. Adaptability. Modules can be quickly and easily added or removed, again causing minimal disruption and impact on the surrounding environment.

7. Shorter build time while still meeting and even exceeding all state, local and regional building codes. Modular homes are constructed to adhere to exactly the same codes required in on-site building. Modulars are constructed using essentially the same techniques as site built homes. However, the streamlined factory process results in a shorter construction schedule and a structure that is in many ways structurally superior to site built homes. The abbreviated construction schedule means far less exposure to risks commonly associated with the construction process, including injuries, environmental impact, and energy consumption, making modular structures sustainable and eco-conscious.

MODULAR BUILDING SERVICES & VIDEO LINKS
My company, Chelsea Custom Contracting, is an authorized builder for Nationwide Custom Homes, one of the most prominent modular home manufacturers in the country. At a time when many businesses are disappearing, Nationwide is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and is a strong, sound, busy company. I’m proud to be affiliated with Nationwide. Visit the Nationwide web site for some short but fabulous videos taking you through the modular building process:

http://www.nationwide-homes.com/main.cfm?pagename=video&videoFile=29_day_set

Also, watch this 2 ½ minute video on the NAHB web site. Filming was done at Nationwide’s plant!

http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=102886

I have approximately 100 modular floor plans in stock, many of which can be altered and semi-customized, or my company can design a complete custom modular home for you from scratch. Modular homes are not limited in size. You can have a modest ranch or a three-story mansion.

As an ENERGY STAR New Builder Partner, I can help you choose insulation, light fixtures, windows, and appliances that create an energy efficient home and contribute to Energy Star Certification. Follow this link to read more about the benefits of an Energy Star home:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.nh_benefits

As always, please feel free to comment on this post, or e-mail me directly at alexandra@chelseabuildsitbest.com.