Armchair Builder

CAT | Cool Design

With a carefully thought out kitchen design you can create a fully functional, custom look at an affordable price.  For this small kitchen, we needed to maximize the use of the space to make things work.  In order to accomplish this, we pulled out all the secrets from the kitchen design books.  Here we will […]

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Adding a Code Compliant Bedroom

If you are thinking of adding a bedroom to a new or existing home, it’s important to think about the building code requirements during the design phase.  One very important, and often overlook, requirement for bedrooms is the need for egress.  Whether you are finishing a basement with a bedroom or just turning a space […]

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At the top of the wish list for most home buyers these days is an “open floor plan.”  Whether they have a case of claustrophobia or just enjoy entertaining, removing walls for opening up spaces is a top priority for many future homeowners.  But creating these large rooms without dividing walls can create a bit […]

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Ductless heating and cooling systems are becoming more popular as people are starting to realize the benefits associated with them.  The initial installation is quicker in many cases and because there is no ductwork to install, the home design has fewer limitations.  As a home builder that has a ductless system in my own home, […]

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Last week we shared with you a new video on how to install indirect lighting behind crown molding.  This week, we will share with you some wainscot, or chair rail with panel molding, installation tips.  Most do-it-yourselfers aren’t sure how to layout a wainscot project on the wall.  Some of the more common questions include:  […]

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We recently completed a crown molding with indirect lighting installation.  I have to tell you, the project turned out much better than we anticipated.  It’s not that we didn’t expect good results, but we have installed lighted crown before and didn’t get this type of impact.  The video above shares the specifics of the project […]

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Last week we introduced you to the recessed outlet and talked about how it can help hide cords for TV’s, computer monitors, digital photo frames…etc. This special electrical outlet can also help when wiring up indirect lighting behind crown molding.  By adding a recessed outlet with switch, your indirect lighting behind your crown molding will […]

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Our home kitchens have become such a big part of our lives.  Not only do we cook in them but we also work, socialize and communicate in them.  So it’s really important to take the time to think through how the new space will come together.  Here are some builder tips to avoid the typical […]

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Crown molding can really improve the look of any space in your home.  From traditional to contemporary, there are  many different trim profiles and configurations.  But crown molding can get expensive when you add up the cost of materials and labor.  Here I will share with you an alternative trim detail that will keep your […]

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Midwest Tornadoes

I wanted to let our friends in Indiana and Illinois know we are thinking of them.  The tornadoes that hit the midwest this week are a reminder of just how powerful and unpredictable mother nature can be.  The tools meteorologists use to predict severe weather are getting more sophisticated each day.  In the case of […]

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