Golden Rule Remodeling

“Conventional Wisdom” not always right when remodeling your home!

Jenn — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:04:07 +0000

Have you ever heard the phrase “always get at least three estimates?” I think we have all had someone recommend that wisdom to us at one time or another. Is that always the correct philosophy to use when considering a remodeling project on your home? Maybe – if you do not know any contractors that have been recommended by someone you trust – and if you have a GOOD set of construction documents that multiple contractors can bid on “apples to apples.” Most homeowners have neither one of these qualifiers when searching for a remodeling contractor.

Can you really expect anyone to give you an accurate construction price when the only information you give them is your verbal explanation of what you want? Good luck if you find a contractor that bases their price on that little bit of non-specific information. If you sign a contract with that individual, your WILL get what you pay for – especially if the price sounds too good to be true.

So what should you do? Many remodeling contractors today offer design/build services. That means their team can work on the design with you AND build the project for you. Be careful. Not all design services are the same. The term “designer” is used very loosely in the remodeling industry. Anyone can call themselves a designer or a remodeling consultant. A real professional will have the education, background and credentials to show you. Be sure to ask for them. If there is an Architect included in the design team, that is definitely a plus. But once again, check them out to be sure their experience has been in the residential remodeling field. Architects are like doctors – they tend to specialize in a specific field. Contractors are similar in that regard. Be sure to use a contractor that is a residential remodeling specialist. Many new home builders today have tried to enter the remodeling market because of the depressed home building industry. Be careful!

Interview your potential design/build teams very thoroughly. Talk with several of their recent clients and ask them many questions regarding the entire remodeling experience – what went right and what could have been done better? Check your contractors out with the Construction Contractor’s Board (CCB). How long have they been in business? Have they ever changed names or entities and why? Are there any complaints filled with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?

After a thorough back ground check, chose the design/build team you feel the most comfortable with. Give them a retainer up-front, and the start working with their design team to come up with a plan that fits your needs and your budget. This process may take some time, but if you have done your homework well, the result will end up giving you a beautifully remodeled home that your family will enjoy for many many years.

by Jack Johnston, Architect/Certified Remodeler
President/Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture

Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture announces new role for Brent Stuntzner

Jenn — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:37:20 +0000

Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture is pleased to announce a new and expanded role for employee Brent Stuntzner. Brent joined Golden Rule in late 2010 as a Draftsman/Project Estimator. Brent immediately demonstrated his ability to create design solutions based on the client’s needs, and garnered the organizations trust with his listening skills and reliable work ethic. To continue providing the best customer service Golden Rule has expanded Brent’s role which will now include consulting with clients and guiding them through the design-build process.
Brent has a Masters of Architecture from the University of Oregon and is currently fulfilling the requirements to obtain his licensure. Aside from his architect and design background Brent has worked as a carpenter, project foreman and also owned his own carpentry business.
As a hobbyist musician he enjoys transcribing jazz guitar solos. He has also enjoyed traveling the world for work and pleasure residing in both Germany and Antarctica for a short while. He and his wife are now comfortable in their new home town of Silverton. Golden Rule is excited to welcome Brent to their current consulting team of Certified Remodeler, Licensed Architect and Interior Designer.

Golden Rule Welcomes New Additions

Tammie — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:02:13 +0000

Golden Rule welcomes newest staff members Randall Kaufmann, Jenn Smith, & Brent Stuntzner.

Randall Kaufmann, long time Oregon local, is our newest addtion as Project Manager. Randall comes to us with an extensive construction background and an energetic drive for success.

Jenn Smith, coming to us from the Home Builder’s Association, is in charge of bookeeeping and office management. Jenn’s extensive experience with the business side of residential construction is proving to nicely complement our team.

Brent Stuntzner, filing the role of Architectural CAD Drafter and Estimator, comes to Golden Rule from the Eugene area with a Master’s in Architecture along with years of varying construction experience.

We are grateful to have such fantastic additions to the team!

Made in the Mid-Willamette Valley

Tammie — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:54:18 +0000

Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture, Inc. was featured in the Sunday Statesman Journal 9-5-2010.

The Truth About Countertops

Tammie — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:06:53 +0000

By: Jillian Renner, Interior Designer

Summer term has ended at Chemeketa Community College, and both of my classes, Exploring Kitchen Design and Exploring Bath Design were a success. With fall term just around the corner I am evaluating my classes and making minor alterations to each. I always like to ask my students why they are taking the class. One response last term really caught my attention. After his introduction, a man in my class said, “I’m hoping to learn the truth about countertops.” I thought, “What does he mean the truth?” He explained when visiting home shows or stores, sales staff always say, “My product is the best!” As I thought about his experience I realized he’s right!

A sales person’s goal is for you to see their product as the best on the market. The sales pitch includes attractive benefits such as, “My countertop withstands heat up to xyz degrees… You can cut on my countertop… You don’t have to seal my countertop…” How are consumers ever to choose?

As an Interior Designer I am continually researching manufacturer’s benefits and price structure so that I can find my clients the best material that meets their needs. There are many products that are extremely durable, but naturally, I have not found any material that is invincible!

First, almost everything can burn! I have seen both quartz and granite scorch from hot pans set on them. Second, almost everything can scratch. Quartz may be stronger than granite, and may not scratch if directly cut on, but it will dull your knives! My advice: always use a trivet or cutting board. Mystery solved! It’s that simple.

There are many more countertop materials aside from granite and quartz. Plastic laminate and solid surface, such as Corian, continue to be a nice choice. We are also seeing contemporary surfaces such as recycled glass, concrete and stainless steel.

Of course, all surfaces have pros and cons. Listen to sales staff but do your own research as well! Hiring an interior designer to help with selections may also be a wise choice. Trained experts will reflect upon formal education and experience, helping guide you, and helping you receive the best value!

How to Flush Your Water Heater… and why!

Tammie — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:32:02 +0000

First of all you may ask… why should I flush my water heater?

Small accumulations of sediment inside the tank may accumulate over time. The sediment although not a serious problem, can interfere with the functioning of the drain valve, increase the amount of dissolved minerals in the hot water, and affect the efficiency of the lower heating element if allowed to accumulate.

Here is a simple step by step guide from www.thisoldhouse.com
1. Turn off electricity and water to the water heater; allow heater to cool.
2. Drain water from the heater’s tank using a garden hose and pump.
3. Catch drained water in a bucket for inspection.
4. If water is filled with sediment, refill heater and drain again.
5. Continue to fill and drain heater as often as necessary until the water runs clear.
6. Disconnect the hose and pump.
7. Turn on the electricity and water to the water heater.

Here is a link to their short video as well: Click Here

http://www.rusticgirls.com

Golden Rule Remodeling Promotes Energy Efficiency

Tammie — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:43:50 +0000

Let us help you turn your home into a more energy efficient environment. We can gladly assist you with window and door upgrades as well as any other energy efficient remodeling projects including roofing, siding, heating & cooling systems, geo-thermal, solar, wind, and many others. The design professionals at Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture know how to team up with other professionals who are technical specialists in each of those fields.

Here is a link to The IRS with more information on energy efficient programs and energy tax credits http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206875,00.html

Great Room Remodel

Tammie — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:00:09 +0000

Watch as Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture, Inc. transform this outdated kitchen to a stylish and functional part of the new great room remodel design. This remodel includes features such as custom cabinetry, granite countertops, slate inlay flooring, and brazillian hardwood floors.

Selecting the Perfect Paint Color

Tammie — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:05:44 +0000

A fresh coat of paint is the most inexpensive way to “remodel” a room. Many times you will find decorating most successful when the paint color is the last decorating decision you make! Paint color is much easier and less expensive to change when compared to investments such as cabinetry, window treatments, furniture and flooring. When choosing a wall color, pull hues from your favorite long lasting pieces to help create a unified look. Color appeals directly to emotions and is very powerful to play with. There have been extensive studies on the affects of color and the moods they help create. Warm colors such as red, yellow and orange create excitement and promote cheerfulness. When attempting to create a relaxing and refreshing mood select cool colors such as blue, turquoise, green or purple. If you find yourself searching for a spacious feel choose colors with little contrast. On the other hand, if you are trying to create a cozy feel, bright colors with a lot of contrast will be successful. When selecting a paint color take your time! Don’t select your paint color from the small sample in the store! Take a handful of swatches home to see what they look like in your light and with your belongings. Buy samples of a few paint colors and paint them on the wall. Ideal swatches are at least 18” x 24” in size. Ponder over the swatches for a few days and watch how the color changes throughout the day. Color can be fun and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. It can help complete the look of a room or transform the feel completely. If you feel like a color change but are nervous, or find it hard selecting a color, you may benefit from hiring a professional to help you with your final decisions. Professional interior designers work with combining colors, textures and patterns everyday, making them the expert!

Jillian Renner, Interior Designer Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture

Interior Designer Intern Graduates from P.C.C.

Tammie — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:33:03 +0000

Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture, Inc. would like to announce the College graduation of Bettina Rasmussen. Bettina, worked at Golden Rule Remodeling in 2010 as an Interior Designer Intern. She did a fantastic job around our office and we wish Bettina the best of luck in her new and exciting career.

If you are interested in participating in Golden Rule Remodeling’s internship program please contact us at info@goldenruleremodeling.com