Kruse Home Improvement

Kruse Home Improvement LLC announces first Certified Remodeling Project Manager

2012-01-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

Shawn Kruse,
CR, CKBR, CRPM, UDCP

Kruse Home Improvement LLC is proud to announce that Shawn Kruse, CR, CKBR, CRPM, UDCP, is one of the first nationally to pass the Certified Remodeler Project Manager (CRPM) exam, earning him the CRPM designation from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

The exam is designed to measure an individual's application of knowledge and skills in the role of managing every aspect of a remodeling project. Those who earn the CRPM designation have not only passed a written exam but are also held to a stringent set of eligibility requirements, including compliance with NARI’s strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, earn continuing education hours and have several years of continuous remodeling experience.

“I’ve been on my own for about 10 years now, and it is important for me to learn systems for handling more work and supervising others during the job to prepare for future growth,” Kruse says.

The program, which launched in September 2011, addresses a growing trend in the remodeling industry, which has more companies using project managers to supervise jobs as opposed to lead carpenters. The program follows a set of knowledge domains and sub-domains that include project cost management, communication, project planning, quality assurance, record-keeping and risk management.

Those who take the course are provided tools and ideas to improve business operations and efficiency in order to generate and sustain growth. Kruse has already begun to put the things he’s learned down on paper and develop new systems.

One particular area of study from the CRPM course that stood out for Kruse was the work breakdown schedule, which has been implemented into operations. “I learned how to use flow charts to chart the course of the project and map everything out before work begins,” he says. Doing this ahead of time means you’re less likely to miss things later.”

Kruse also believes the course has helped him refine the communication process between himself, the client and the field staff. “I’m able to be more on top of the job details and to communicate with the field staff when it needs to be communicated,” he says.

The increase in control and management of the job spills into the success of the project and into the clients that are being served.

NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics. NARI members represent a select group from the approximately 800,000 companies and individuals in the U.S. identifying themselves as professional remodelers.

About Kruse Home Improvement LLC:

Kruse Home Improvement LLC was started in 2001 as a handyman service and small project contracting company. Over the years they have evolved into an organization capable of planning and running large scale home renovations and light commercial work such as office space build-outs and retail establishments. Their expertise includes: complete kitchen, bathroom, and basement renovation, framing / finish carpentry, tile, stonework, cabinetmaking, countertops, insulation, doors, windows and much more.

In addition to construction services, they offer a minimally invasive diagnostic service with the capacity to locate mold and moisture issues behind your walls without actually having to remove sheetrock or sheathing.

About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. The Association, which represents member companies nationwide—comprised of 63,000 remodeling contractors— is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry.”™

KHI Quarterly V2 Q4

2012-01-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

FEATURED PROJECT: THE MILLER’S MASTER BATH

When I met Ron and Dorothy Miller a year ago regarding the renovation of their master bathroom, I immediately took note of the large size of the bathroom and was excited by the possibilities it offered. The bathroom was an original to the home and had a typical 48” acrylic, one-piece shower, as well as a large Jacuzzi tub that had been turned into an expensive laundry basket.

In planning the details of this project, the Millers and I decided to allow as much natural light into the room as possible as there was only one, welded double hung window in the room facing to the east. We removed the partition wall that had separated the shower alcove from the rest of the bathroom and fabricated a large walk-in shower with a solid glass block wall. This not only created an attractive barrier for the shower but allowed the light to permeate throughout the entire room as well.

Another interesting feature of this job (which is becoming more and more popular) was the installation of electric radiant heat floors that were installed under the tile. The product is manufactured by a company called Nuheat and allows consistent even heat in an area with no cold spots. Each system is specifically designed to fit any room and disperse the appropriate amount of heat for that space in which it is to be installed. The heating is controlled thermostatically and will regulate the ambient heat in the room. A great advantage to the Nuheat heating is less dependence on additional heat sources, as well as reduced energy costs associated with heating.

For the cabinetry selection, the Millers wanted simple shaker style door panels which were made from Cherry and stained a dark espresso color. We kept with the size of the original double vanity and added a floor-to-ceiling hutch, as well as custom fabricated medicine cabinets and mirror frame, all matching the vanity style and color. The dark color of the cabinetry complemented the light natural tones of the tile and wall color, making everything in the room shine beautifully. The cabinets and custom woodwork were built by Marc Pompei of Pompei Carpentry Services in Plainville.

In addition to the work in the bathroom, we also renovated the master closet. One of the goals was to open up the entire space as one large room. This was done by removing the existing fluorescent lighting and the closet partition. We then installed new 5” LED recessed lights which provided maximum visibility throughout the space.

A custom built closet system was fabricated and mounted using the same materials and finish as the bathroom cabinetry. The three walls of the room were surrounded with a combination of drawers, adjustable shelves and hanging rods to accommodate all forms of attire. Once again we had Marc Pompei build all of the custom woodwork in the closet.

We are really proud of the way this job turned out and we had a great time working with Ron and Dorothy throughout the process. We have already done several other projects for the Millers and look forward to seeing them again soon. Thanks Ron and Dorothy for the opportunity!

NUHEAT ELECTRIC FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM

Nuheat Floor Heating Systems are clean soundless systems that provide radiant zone heating to various types of flooring surfaces including tile, stone, granite, laminate and engineered wood. Heat radiates from the entire floor surface as opposed to a single vent or baseboard heater. They are very energy efficient and allow you to heat room by room, use by use, where you want and when you want it. It is controlled by a thermostat which ensures that it is only in use when needed. As a result, energy consumption is greatly reduced. For example, a 30 square foot heated area of Nuheat will only use the same electricity as three 100-watt light bulbs. Nuheat does not generate any dust or airborne pollutants. The system itself has no particle or material decomposition and once installed is 100% maintenance free and will last the lifetime of your floors.

source: http://www.nuheat.com/

The actual cost of operating Nuheat Floor Heating Systems will depend on the size of the floor area, cost of electricity in your area and length of time the Nuheat system will be turned on. Traditionally, electric baseboard heaters are installed according to the rule of thumb that each room should be heated by 34 BTU (British Thermal Units) per square foot (given average insulation). Nuheat produces over 41 BTU per square foot. The table to the right shows a comparison of the BTU output at various square footages for Nuheat and electric baseboard heaters. BTU Sample Output BTU Sample Output BTU Sample Output.

To determine how much it will cost to operate Nuheat Floor Heating Systems in your home, use the Operating Cost Calculator found at http://www.nuheat.com/.

All Nuheat Floor Heating Systems are covered by a 25-year warranty.

WHY GLASS BLOCK?

One of the most attractive showers you can install in your home is a glass block shower. The shower is constructed of thick glass “bricks”. The glass allows light to penetrate from the rest of bathroom and through any outdoor windows reducing the need for artificial lighting. They are opaque and give a hint of only the slightest silhouette behind the glass. The end result is a light and open feeling shower but one that still gives you the privacy you desire.

Glass block wall designed and installed by KHI

Although glass block is very popular in showers, many people are choosing glass block windows to reduce their home energy costs. A standard glass-block window has an insulating value about equal to a standard double-pane thermal window and because they are much thicker than most glass, they are the most durable type of window available. Since glass block is air tight, replacing your existing basement windows with glass block windows will result in the basement being warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. No more cold air drafts in the winter; warm air stays inside your home.

In addition to being energy efficient, another advantage of having glass block windows is to increase the

security of your home. One of the easiest ways for an intruder to enter your house is through a basement window, especially if it is damaged or doesn't lock properly. These windows are nearly impossible to break through and because it offers privacy, a would-be thief won't be able to see inside.

Glass Block is one of the more cutting edge building materials on the market today. It can enhance a bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, entryway or other living area. If you’re looking for ways to cut energy costs yet add design flair to your home, you may want to consider adding glass blocks to your next project.

source: http://www.servicemagic.com

Re-caulking Your Shower

2011-08-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

If you ask any local handyman or contractor how often you should re-caulk your shower and tub, most will say about every three to five years however, some people choose to make this a yearly task. It’s important to remove old caulk because moisture can get inside your wall which in turn can cause mildew and even damage sheetrock.

If you decide to take on this project yourself, here are the steps to take when replacing the caulk:

Clean the area: Use a bathroom cleanser/soap scum remover to pre-clean the area. Cut or scrape away old caulk with a knife or razor blade. It should peel off easily. To soften stubborn and/or dried caulk use commercial caulk remover or a hairdryer to warm the caulk. This will allow you to scrape it away more easily. You can also use a heat gun however, be careful not to overheat any particular area of the bathtub or shower stall. Work your way around the edge of the tub or shower, softening and then removing the caulk with your razor, screwdriver or knife. Note: New silicone caulk will not bond to old silicone caulk; therefore it is important that the seam area be cleaned thoroughly prior to caulking.

Check for mildew: Vacuum up remaining bits of caulk and clean the seams with rubbing alcohol to remove leftover caulk, soap scum, and other materials that accumulate in the shower’s corners. Check to see if there is mildew growing behind the caulk. If so, use a mildew killer or a mixture of bleach and water to get rid of it. Let the area dry thoroughly (24 to 36 hours) before you start re-caulking. Note: Make sure you use a caulk meant for bathroom applications. Usually these types of caulk are mildew resistant.

Caulking: Place strips of masking tape approximately 1/8 inch from the seam to prevent caulk from spilling over onto tile or walls. Place the caulk in the caulk gun and cut off the container’s tip with scissors (using a caulking gun is much easier to use the caulk you have to squeeze out like toothpaste; you’ll have more control over where the caulk is going). Depress the caulk gun’s trigger and run the caulk along the seam in a smooth, steady motion, leaving a thin bead of caulk which covers the seam completely. Make sure you put on enough or it will not provide complete protection. As you dispense the caulk, use this handyman trick and smooth it out with a wet finger. Tip: If you are caulking a shower stall, work from the inside out. Caulk the inside seams first, followed by the external ones. Also, caulk the vertical line first, followed by the horizontal lines. Caulk the vertical lines from top to bottom to ensure the best look.

Let it dry: Once you’ve caulked all the seams, wait at least 30 minutes and then remove the tape. Wait 24 to 48 hours before using the shower or tub. If possible, don’t use the bathroom at all during this time. Caulk will dry more completely in an unused bathroom.

Re-caulking can be a difficult and timely task. Even with the proper techniques it can still take a long time to complete and not look as good as you want. If you don’t have patience, you may want to hire a local handyman to re-caulk for you.

For more information on how to properly caulking visit NATCO.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

KHI Quarterly V2 Q3

2011-08-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

Click to Enlarge

Making Your Kitchen More Energy Efficient

2011-07-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

If you’re looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of your kitchen and save on energy bills, there are ways to make the changes without breaking the bank. The kitchen uses more energy than any other room in the house. Here are a few tips to reduce your energy usage and costs:

Lighting

The light fixtures in your kitchen are a big contributor to your energy cost, especially during the night. Install ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures or replace standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). According to ENERGY STAR, their qualified lighting provides bright, warm light while using 75% less energy, generating 70% less heat and lasting up to 10 times longer than standard lighting. Remember to always turn off your lights when leaving the room.

If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, think of ways to bring in natural lighting. Make windows wider, knock down walls, add skylights or put in French doors to connect to another room. This will allow the sun to illuminate your kitchen at no additional cost.

Refrigerators

The refrigerator is the appliance that consumes the most energy. When choosing a fridge be sure to also find a product with the ENERGY STAR symbol as these qualified refrigerator models use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you should replace your fridge if it’s more than 10 years old. Also, don’t purchase a fridge that’s larger than what you need; you’ll just be wasting more energy.

Refrigerators with the freezer on the top or bottom are more efficient than side-by-side models. Be sure to leave space between the refrigerator and walls to allow air movement.

Dishwashers

Most dishwashers today can thoroughly clean dishes that have had food scraped, rather than rinsed, off — the wash cycle and detergent take care of the rest. To make the most efficient use of your dishwasher's energy and water consumption, run the dishwasher only when enough dirty dishes have accumulated for a full load and use the air-dry option. Try running short cycles for everything but the dirtiest dishes.

Range

Using the wrong sized pot on a stove burner can waste as much 40 percent of the burner's heat and can cost approximately $36 more annually for an electric range, or $18 more annually for gas. Be sure to cover pots and pans. This will ensure you cook more efficiently and keep your kitchen cooler.

You may want to consider selecting a natural gas oven or range which is far more efficient than electricity. Keep the burners clean to ensure maximum efficiency. Blue flames mean good combustion; yellow flames mean service may be needed to ensure the gas is burning efficiently.

Other Tips

Use small appliances when you can. If you use a toaster oven rather than a full-size oven you will save energy. In addition, using a microwave oven versus a full range oven or stove will save you money because the heating time is far less.

For information on 2011 Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency go to http://www.energystar.gov.

Selecting the Right Faucet for your Kitchen

2011-07-12T04:28:00.000-07:00

It wasn’t that long ago homeowners only had a couple of options in selecting a kitchen sink faucet, but today there is a wide variety of different faucet types in various styles and finishes. If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, selecting a kitchen sink faucet is one of the many decisions to make.

The most traditional kind of kitchen faucet is the single handle faucet. A single lever allows you to control water temperature and capacity with one gesture. This is great because it doesn’t clutter up the top of the sink. However, many homeowners find it hard to control water temperature with this type of faucet.

If you’re looking for a more traditional sink (i.e. bathroom sink), go with the double handle faucets. You will get better water temperature control but it can make the area to look more cluttered and harder to clean.

Pull-Out Spray Faucet
installed by Kruse Home Improvement

Many traditional sinks offer a separate spray head that allows you to direct water where you want, making it handy when washing dishes or cleaning out the sink. Nowadays you can get a faucet which can pull out into a sprayer when needed. These pull-out spray faucets have much better water pressure than the side-mounted sprayers and eliminate the look of clutter.

Although most faucets are attached to the sink, faucets coming right out the wall are becoming very popular. If you’re looking for a professional kitchen look to complement your professional-grade appliances, wall-mounted faucets are for you. One of the benefits of this type of faucet is the way it clears up space around your sink and countertop thus making no clutter. This also makes it easier to clean the surrounding area.

Faucets are usually made from brass, nickel, stainless steel, pewter or ceramic and are finished in a variety of ways including chrome, matte, colored, nickel or polished brass. Some are even gold plated. Whether you choose a traditional, modern, contemporary or Victorian style kitchen, there is a large variety of faucets to choose from. Just remember that a kitchen sink will be used numerous times a day so be sure to choose something durable.

For additional information on choosing faucets, visit
Home Building & Remodeling.

Color and Lighting for an Inviting Bathroom

2011-06-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

Though a bathroom is a necessity in every home, there are things that you can do to make your bathroom not only functional but a place for relaxation and tranquility.

How should you design a bathroom? According to the Home Improvement Blog, you should first think of the color. Consider the following:

Some may feel that White is plain and sterile looking. You’d be better not making your bathroom completely white. Some psychologists feel shades of Blue or Green can create a more calming and peaceful feeling. Try combining the two.

Combinations of Black and White colors will not only create a formal atmosphere in your bathroom, it can give a modern day retro look as well.

An inviting bathroom created by
Kruse Home Improvement

Warmer tones such as Red, Orange, Gold and Yellow will make your bathroom cozy with a more intimate feeling.

As designers say, the color you choose expresses a part of you. Always remember that for an inviting theme a room needs color. It’s not a bad idea to buy a bright red rug or colorful shower curtains for a bold, refreshing atmosphere. Express yourself and make your bathroom a sanctum of spiritual tranquility.

If you are remodeling your bathroom, consider a variety of lighting options. Bright lighting will make your bathroom more inviting. Dim lighting may be soothing for a soak in the tub but could make problems while shaving or applying makeup. You can also add a mirror. This is one of the tricks that you can use to give the impression of a wider and brighter bathroom, as it will reflect light from the lamps. With this, you do not need to buy extra lights.

KHI Quarterly V2/Q1

2011-02-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

KHI Quarterly V2 Q3

2010-11-16T15:28:00.000-08:00

Click to enlarge

KHI Quarterly V1 Q2

2010-06-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

Click to Enlarge

KHI Quarterly V1 Q1

2010-04-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

IRS Home Improvement Tax Credits!

2009-11-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

It's not often the Internal Revenue Service tries to help you save money. So, if you're looking to make a few home improvements, you may want to get to work while the government is in a giving mood.

"There's actually a way for homeowners to invest in some energy efficient improvements and actually save some money twice," said the IRS's Michelle Eldridge.

It's part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Make your home more energy efficient and get back part of what you've spent at tax time.

"Replacing windows and doors or perhaps replacing your heating and air-conditioning system or maybe adding insulation. All of these products, even roofs in some cases, can qualify you for this energy credit," said Eldridge.

Here's how it works. You get to claim 30 percent of the cost of improvements up to a maximum tax credit of $1,500. Installation costs, though, do not apply.

But Eldridge says do your homework and make sure the product qualifies before you buy.

"What you're looking for is a tax credit certification from the manufacturers," she said. Keep those certifications and receipts to then file with your tax return.

The government's message is save now while improving your home's value, and save later with lower energy bills. But time is running out for the 2009 credit.

"You need to make this purchase and have it installed by the end of the year," Eldridge said.

The good news is the credit extends into next year as well if you need more time.

There is a second tax credit for homeowners investing in alternative energy equipment. If you're looking to add solar electric systems, solar hot water heaters or even wind turbines at your home, you can deduct 30 percent of the cost on your 2009 or 2010 taxes. And best of all, there's no cap like the earlier credit.

For more information, check out the Internal Revenue Services' website.

Source: www.wcnc.com

Top Kitchen & Bath Values

2009-08-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

Cut costs without sacrificing style

This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in August 2009 Consumer Reports magazine.

Gone are the giddy days of a red-hot real estate market and free-flowing credit that made six-figure renovations sound almost sensible. We say good riddance. Instead of chasing bright shiny objects—the 42-inch professional range or an $800 faucet with an oil-rubbed bronze finish—homeowners are rediscovering their own definitions of beauty and value.

While remodeling activity is down, it's not out—especially in the kitchen and bathroom. When we asked 724 American homeowners which room they'd renovate first, the kitchen and bathroom easily led. And in a separate survey of 4,171 readers who remodeled their bathroom in the last five years, 42 percent of those projects were completed in 2008 or 2009.

Whether you're managing pros or doing some or all of the work yourself, our kitchen and bath guide will tell you which products live up to today's standards of style, performance, and price. It starts with seven essential tips to navigating today's remodeling marketplace, followed by Ratings and expert advice on the best appliances, countertops, fixtures, flooring, and more, including where to find the best deals.

Home remodeling might have returned to reality, but you can still have the kitchen and bathroom of your dreams.

Resize the project

Bump outs and gut renovations used to be common. Not anymore. Remodeling that emphasizes quality over quantity is the new standard. People want to make their kitchens more livable without having to add on, according to Tom Giaquinto, president of Regal Home Improvement in Holtsville, N.Y. Borrowing from a nearby pantry or closet and removing all or part of a wall to open up sight lines into an adjacent space are two common strategies. Architect Sarah Susanka champions "double-duty dining," where a single eating area serves both formal and informal functions, allowing the square footage of the dining room to be absorbed into the kitchen.

Homeowners are also looking outdoors, using decks and patios as extensions of their kitchen and entertaining spaces and as outdoor kitchens in warmer months. In our remodeling poll, those exterior spaces were high on homeowners' wish lists of rooms to renovate, trailing only the kitchen and bath. "We're getting a lot more calls about decking this year, probably a dozen in the last few weeks alone," Giaquinto confirms.

Avoid recession casualties

Two-thirds of homeowners say they've changed their remodeling plans because of the economy. Professional-style appliances, whirlpool bathtubs, and triple sinks won't just add to your project's bottom line—they could also give your kitchen and bath a dated look now that those former status symbols are seen as needless extravagances.

Our latest tests confirm that sensible and stylish needn't be mutually exclusive. Many of the top-performing ranges from our tests have the stainless-steel finish that consumers still covet. In flooring, you'll find bamboo that beats oak for less money and plastic laminates that simulate the look of stone for a fraction of the cost. Instead of a whirlpool tub, make a conventional tub or shower stall more luxurious with a handheld body spray that has powerful jets and pulsating massage settings. As for sinks and faucets, our past tests revealed few performance differences between high-end and economy models.

Know where to splurge

Spend on products you interact with every day, starting with the appliances. Our reports include brand repair histories, so that you can skip brands that have been repair-prone in the past. Beyond the appliances, think about the features you regularly touch, use, and feel. Subscribers who scrimped on cabinets, countertops, and showers told us they wished they had spent more. But little things can make a difference too. "There's a subtle tactile quality to a well-made doorknob or cabinet pull that makes an impression over time," says Bruce Irving, a home renovation consultant from Cambridge, Mass.

Conversely, consider saving on your flooring and lighting fixtures. In our bathroom survey, almost 60 percent of readers opted for ceramic tile over pricier stone. Provided you have enough sources of task and ambient light, you can opt for a simple, well-made fixture over one that's high-concept with the price tag to match.

Defray costs with DIY

Almost two-thirds of homeowners told us they're doing or planning at least some of the work themselves. Painting is the most common do-it-yourself project, with design, flooring, tiling, and demolition work also on the list. "A client who does the demo might save anywhere from $800 to $2,000," says Darius Baker, a kitchen and bath remodeling contractor in Sacramento, Calif. Painting can rein in an additional $1,000 to $2,500. Those types of savings were supported by our bathroom survey, where 60 percent of DIYers spent less than $2,500 on their remodel, compared with just 15 percent who spent that much with hired help.

But even an experienced DIYer should think twice about tackling electrical and plumbing work. If you intend to design the project, think about working with a design/build firm rather than a contractor who only swings a hammer. If you're knocking down walls or rearranging fixtures and appliances, remember that local building codes will probably require an architect's or engineer's sign-off.

Remodel in phases

Phasing, like resizing, has entered the remodeling lexicon. More than a third of all homeowners in our poll said the recession is forcing a piecemeal approach to their remodeling project. For example, they're refinishing the cabinets now and installing new counters and appliances later.

Phasing can spread out the financial burden of a major project, but it can lead to additional stress and expense if it's not managed smartly. If you're remodeling a single room in phases, do any behind-the-walls work first so that you're not plastering and painting twice. It's also best to start from the top down, saving the floors for last. Using a contractor for your kitchen or bath? Take advantage of their off-season—usually after the winter holidays.

Save energy and water

Consumers aren't remodeling just to make their homes greener. Energy and water efficiency are part of the decision-making process. Some 84 percent of subscribers chose energy-efficient appliances, 43 percent picked water-efficient appliances, and 38 percent chose fluorescent lighting for their kitchens. Water-saving toilets and low-flow showerheads were installed in 62 percent of bath remodels.

Paints with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gaining traction as well, with almost 17 percent of bathroom remodelers choosing them over traditional, higher-VOC products. But you can skip special kitchen or bath paint. The three products we tested weren't any better at resisting stains or holding up to scrubbing than our CR Best Buys, which include several low-VOC paints, though they did resist mildew slightly better.

Searching salvage yards and reuse stores for gently used countertops, flooring, and cabinetry is another way to green your kitchen or bath project.

Think universally

Universal design makes kitchens and baths easier for everyone to use. But it doesn't have to give a room an institutional look. "When universal design is done correctly, you don't even know it's there," says Armand Christopher, president of Senior Living Realty in Dallas, Texas. "But it can be a huge selling point for a house." In fact, almost 10 percent of our readers who remodeled their bathrooms did so to make them more accessible.

In the bathroom, consider a "comfort height" toilet, like most models we tested, which at 17 to 19 inches high is easy on the knees and back. Choose flooring with a non-slip texture and ensure that the vanity countertop and one or more kitchen countertops are low enough for people to use from a seated position. Also install lever-style faucets (the hands-free kitchen faucet by Danze performed well in our tests) and handheld showerheads. During major renovations and new construction, put in grab bars (or at least the framing necessary for later installation) and create full-access doorways and zero-thresholds, which make entry easier for individuals using crutches, a wheelchair, or a walker. For more information and to find a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist, contact the National Association of Home Builders (www.nahb.org).

Kitchen Remodeling Hints

2009-08-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, there are things you can do in advance to prepare yourself for the wonderful transformation.

1.) Plan, and discuss with your contractor, the location of your temporary kitchen. The kitchen is the "heart" of the home, so to speak, and finding a temporary location is very important to ensure your comfort during your remodeling.

2.) Pack up your kitchen items a few weeks before the project begins. Pack up items that you will not be using in your temporary kitchen and keep aside the items you know you will use. Box and label your items so you can move it back it to your new kitchen when renovations are complete! It will save time and allow you to start using your new kitchen right away.

3.) Decide on a place for the delivery of the materials and appliances. Garages are usually a #1 choice because they are secure and spacious. If this is your choice, be sure to prepare and make space in your garage.

4.) If you have pets, and are afraid they will get in the way, plan where you want your pets to spend thier days. Perhaps you will have to keep the cats in the bedroom and the dog in a crate. You want to be sure that they are safe at all times and not in the way of the installers.

5.) Choose a location for the installers to store their tools.

6.) Make a list of your favorite restaurants and take-out places! You can take this time to explore new places!

7.) Ask questions along the way! This is a time where you can feel anxious for your new renovation, so be sure to communicate any questions you may have as things come up!

29 Norwood Kitchen Renovation

2009-06-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

Overview of the kitchen area using clean, traditional cabinetry and fixtures to create a spacious, aesthetically pleasing space

Floor to ceiling details

Adding ease of use to the kitchen, a bar sink is a wonderful addition

A beautiful, classic farmhouse sink by Whitehaus.

Granite countertops

Beadboard backsplash continues into the breakfast nook storage area

Photography provided by Alexis Stein Photography

8 Betsy Lane Bathroom Renovation

2009-06-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

Beautifully designed classic bathroom with brushed nickel accessories, granite counter and undermount sink.

Granite countertops with a brushed nickel classic faucet

Brushed nickel shower fixture

Interior view of the tiled shower

Photography provided by: Alexis Stein Photography

Tall Timbers Bathroom Renovation

2009-06-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

Interior shot of the custom designed shower, detailing the tile accent and niche.

A close up of the small shower ledge.

Beautifully detailed tile work.

Double undermount vanity sinks with granite counter tops.

Transition from from the hardwood flooring to the tile.

Welcome to the KHI Blog!

2009-06-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Blog!

Kruse Home Improvement is a small contracting and remodeling company dedicated to helping homeowners personalize their surroundings. Our mission is to work along side our clients in the design process and create custom features that will give your living space distinction and atmosphere. The trade is our passion and quality craftsmanship our top priority. Let us help you bring out the "home" in your house.

Kruse Home Improvement also offers a handyman service for those smaller jobs that may require a skilled hand. We offer competitive rates and stand behind our written proposals, no hidden costs. Quick, clean, Professional, and reliable service with flexible hours to accomodate your schedule. All work is guaranteed.

Services Provided:
- Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation
- Decorative Trim and Built-ins
- Cabinetry and Countertops
- Marble, Granite, and Tile
- Hardwood Flooring
- Custom Mantels
- Doors and Windows
- Siding and Insulation
- Decks,Porches, and Outdoor Living Spaces
- Moisture and Mold Detection/Mitigation
- Camera Scope Inspections/Advanced Diagnostics
- Energy Audits,Thermal Imaging
Much more....