Over the past decade or so, granite has emerged as a solid leader in kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Yet many people still have misconceptions about the material. Here are some common myths and a look at the hard facts about this natural product. Granite is Expensive. Actually, granite has become one of the more cost-effective options among solid surfaces. Thanks to its popularity, supply has increased, bringing the cost down by $10 to $15 dollars a square foot over the past several years. Some of the newer, fabricated materials are pricier. Granite is Difficult to Maintain. Some homeowners worry about spotting or discoloration, but those fears aren’t well grounded. According to the Marble Institute of America, granite just requires warm water, mild ... Continue reading article →

Ah, spring. That time of year when you eagerly venture outside to reclaim your backyard, scrape 10 inches of pollen off your lawn chair, and all too often, realize that the seeds of minor annoyances planted last fall have started to sprout. Take heart - a simple inspection of your home and yard can prevent small issues from blossoming into full-blown problems while still leaving you time to relax. Here are some things to look for and quick fixes that can have a major impact: Caulk and seal around windows and doors to boost energy efficiency. This is a simple, cost-effective way to go green by conserving energy while reducing your AC bills. Look for settling cracks in brick veneer and stucco that may indicate the ... Continue reading article →

If you’ve ever struggled to pull up what appears to be a small weed and been amazed by the depth and breadth of its root structure, you already understand the difficulties that can stem from seemingly simple home repairs. Obviously, maintaining things properly is the best approach; if exterior wood is properly installed, caulked and painted, it won’t be as prone to rot; if damaged shingles are replaced, the roof won’t leak. Yet maintenance isn’t always possible, because you might not notice an issue until it’s too late or you may not know your home’s prior maintenance history. At Palmer Custom Builders, the roots of our ... Continue reading article →

While most people are aware of the dangers that exposure to lead-based paint can pose – it effects children's brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities and behavioral problems, and it can also lead to hypertension and high blood pressure in adults – what many homeowners may not realize is that a new Environmental Protection Agency rule may cause the issue to balloon. The EPA’s new Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule takes effect April 22, 2010, and requires that contractors working in a residence or facility built before 1978 where children are present must be an EPA Certified Renovator. This rule was put into place after a four-year study determined that renovation work, including weatherization, window replacement, HVAC ... Continue reading article →

Measure twice, cut once. Do it right the first time. Pay me now or pay me later. We’ve all heard these phrases before and know they resonate because of the common sense behind them. Yet when it comes to home renovation projects and particularly, minor repairs, homeowners sometimes throw logic and caution out the proverbial window in an effort to “get a good deal.” Unfortunately, saving a dime by hiring a discount contractor who doesn’t know how to properly do the work ends up costing consumers millions each year, according to the Better Business Bureau. If you’ve watched HGTV’s latest sensation, Holmes on Homes, you’ve seen the Canadian contractor spend weeks trying to correct the damage done by supposedly “minor” repairs as well as ... Continue reading article →

The ebb and flow of the housing market over the past few years may have led us into uncharted waters, but one result has been a wave of people considering home renovation projects. Some homeowners that we at Palmer Custom Builders work with are in need of a change but have opted against selling, instead choosing to renovate their homes to improve their comfort and safety while protecting their longstanding investment. Others who are in the market for a home are eyeing existing home deals, hoping that updates will boost the value of their bargain while making it a more enjoyable place to live. We’ve helped many such homeowners renovate poorly functioning kitchens and baths, finish un- or under-utilized space to create ... Continue reading article →