FranSiegel's Blog

Common Courtesy

Siegel Remodeling and Design — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:48:47 +0000

There is only so much you can do to cultivate new business and if people aren’t ready financially to do business with you , you can stand on your head and pass out dollar bills and it wouldn’t help. We’ve heard so much talk about how important it is to build relationships and that it is key to getting customers. What I would like to expand on how we attract other people. Initially, smiling and making eye contact puts others at ease, making us more” approachable “. There is also common courtesy which is not only the
“Please”, “Thank You” and “Excuse Me” but “How Are You?” or “Nice To See You Again!” Are these comments just superficial pleasantries to just get us through those networking meetings? Do we set up meetings for coffee or lunch to find out what someone is all about and if they are not the right connection we never contact them again? Or how about asking someone for pricing and then never responding back to let them know what you have decided? Is it too much trouble to just say thank you for your time and explain that you are not able to make that commitment or purchase at this time? It is ok to say no. Sometimes it’s best to just put the business aside and just be a human being. It’s not always about a sale or a contact that you need. Maybe we should just go out there looking for new friends ! You can never have enough of them!

Fran Siegel
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
www.siegeldesigncenter.com

It Only Takes A Blink Of An Eye…

Siegel Remodeling and Design — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:23:47 +0000

It only takes a blink of an eye to change your life forever. As you sadly know more and more young people have lost there lives in car accidents lately while texting, dialing or talking on their cells phones. News statistics have shown that there has been a 20% increase in accidents due to cell phone use over the past few years. Most of us think that tragic things only happen to other people until it becomes up close and personal. Two weeks ago it became personal. My daughter’s best friend was driving from the outlet mall in Monroe on Rt. 741. She was using her cell phone to find the easiest directions to the shopping centers in Deerfield Township. She was distracted and went over too far on the right , overcorrected , lost control of her vehicle, hit a tree and was killed instantly. She was 26 years old, a nursing student and had just started a new job at Bethesda North Hospital. She was beautiful, kind, smart and had a bright future. Her life was cut short and the lives of hundreds of people were changed that day.

Not just the under 30 crowd text, dial or talk on their phones while driving. New technology has made muti-tasking the new catch phrase of the day. I too am guilty as are so many people in business today. Please set your priorities so that an up close and personal tradgedy doesn’t do it for you in “A Blink Of An Eye”.

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.

Hamilton Ohio 45011

513-874-7636

www.siegeldesigtncenter.com

Three Important Things To Remember…

Siegel Remodeling and Design — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:23:18 +0000

You might think that the living room is the most “lived in” room in your house, but it’s usually the kitchen! Whether you’d like to maximize your space, build an island or add a sleek, modern touch to your kitchen, remodeling is no small decision. You don’t have to spend a fortune so save the big projects for when you have the extra money; make little changes that have a big punch. In the end, it is about maximizing space & work flow in the kitchen with a little ingenuity. Change your faucets, add crown molding, change your lighting, try some faux painting and you can change the look of your home and raise its value.
Though you may not want to spend a lot, there are projects that you can still afford to do. Adding Crown molding to the upper portion of your room will add that needed appeal that will make you feel like you′re living in a palace. Crown molding makes a large difference in the look of a room. Crown molding comes in all styles and thicknesses. Just choose something that “fits” the room. You can do this with any project, whether it is kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling or a bedroom makeover. Crown molding can take any room from drab to a quality look.
Everyone wants a spacious kitchen. Even if you do not have a lot of square footage to work with, you will find that you can create plenty of counter space and a feeling of openness; just use a little creativity. Minimize appliances that you keep on your counters. If there is an option for an appliance to hang from overhead cabinets then do it! You always want room to work. Make sure that there is plenty of light in your kitchen because it gives a feeling of space. Avoid cluttering windows. Choose bright colors that reflect light and make sure you choose light fixtures that brighten the kitchen.
How do you work in the kitchen? If you cook alone, you will have a different work flow than someone who regularly cooks with a helper. You want to make sure that when you’re considering kitchen remodeling that you consider where work spaces will be. Do you want to be able to cut vegetables near the sink? This will help you decide where to put appliances, whether or not you think a kitchen island might be a helpful thing for you.
You can remodel a kitchen without spending a lot of money. Little changes can make a big difference. In 2010, we are all too scared to spend too much on our home improvement projects; however, even the smallest budget can still make the upgrades to increase the value of the home. If you have a larger budget, spend it where it counts: on things that can help you save money, like new windows and doors.
Now kitchen remodeling trends are more budget friendly and they provide a big punch.
You can overhaul the look, or gut out the whole kitchen. If that is not in your budget you can do simple things such as paint or reface the cabinetry although there are good quality cabinets out there that are not expensive. Even changing up the hardware on your cabinets can make a difference. There is also the flooring material and the layout of the room. All of these aspects come together to define style and feel of the new and updated space.
Keep three things in mind: Space, Work Flow, and Budget.
Work flow is simple. It means: how you work in the space. If you cook alone in the kitchen, for example, you’ll have a different work flow than someone who regularly cooks with a helper.
Make a budget but be realistic. Most consumers always spend more than they originally estimated.

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling & Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
www.siegeldesigncenter.com

Seven Smart Strategies for Bathroom Remodeling

Siegel Remodeling and Design — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:05:31 +0000

A remodeled bathroom not only makes your house attractive to potential future home buyers but it is a solid investment. A 15,000 bath remodel will recoup almost 75% of the cost when it is time to sell your home.
You can maximize the value of your investment by using smart strategies to get the bathroom of your dreams while keeping costs down.
1. Evaluate how you are going to use the space, what kind of materials and fixtures you want and what you are willing to spend. Pricey fixtures drive up the cost of a project.
2. Refrain from changing your mind. Changes cause confusion and extend timelines and costs to the original project. Many contractors put clauses in contracts for changes to the original plans that specify charging for change orders because they cause so many problems and delays.
3. You can also save major expense by not rearranging walls and relocating plumbing. You’ll not only save on demolition but reduce the amount of dust and debris.
4. Make lighting a priority. You can install lighting for a fraction of the cost of pricier amenities.
5. Bathroom ventilation is essential for removing excess humidity and controlling mold.
6. Add storage space like slide-out trays to vanity cabinets or moveable inexpensive woven baskets on shelving.
7. Make sure to purchase quality faucets. Scrimping in this area can mean having to replace your faucets again in 6 months to a year. Inexpensive faucets have plastic parts that crack or break especially the pop-ups( stoppers).
Make smart, well informed decisions so that your project will be a source of pride.

Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636

Want the Whole Truth and Nothing But The Truth About Decks? Ask Dan The Remodeling Man!

Siegel Remodeling and Design — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 01:40:31 +0000

Being in the remodeling business for 35 years, I have noticed that 80% of consumers want real wood when building a deck. Although synthetic planks offer lasting good looks with less upkeep, nothing feels or looks quite like real wood. It’s cheaper and more structurally sound but you need to seal wood immediately and reseal every three years or so. It’s also prone to decay and splintering overtime.

Vinyl decking is increasingly more popular in recent years due to it’s longevity, low maintenance and more convincing wood look Lightweight and more resistant to discoloration from UV rays, it isn’t without flaws. Upfront cost doubles pressure treated lumber. The light weight may also require a redesign of deck plans that are geared for wood. Vinyl posts are not as sturdy and need to be placed closer together. Vinyl doesn’t reflect sunlight and can be very hot to touch. Vinyl does have the least maintenance.

Composite can offer the best of both worlds. Wood mixed with plastic looks like wood but has added resiliency and longevity. The wood used in composite decks are recycled woods, they tend to absorb water and can produce mold which many homeowners have had issues with over the past few years. Composite is more expensive than wood, comparable to vinyl. In 5 years you may need to replace the deck, sand or refinish it like a wood deck. You don’t have to stain composite but you do need to clean it every few years.
Also be careful of pressure washing. Just the right amount of pressure must be used or you can damage your deck and it may require sanding or re-staining. Scrubbing by hand may be safer and you may also need to sand a deck before staining.
Knowing all the facts before making a decision will alleviate surprises and headaches in the long run.

Dan Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
www.siegeldesigncenter.com

Do I really need a permit?

Siegel Remodeling and Design — Mon, 17 May 2010 05:00:22 +0000

The cost of improving your home can be quite a surprise to many homeowners if you don’t do your homework and research all aspects of the project. Did you know that in many local communities permits are required for most remodeling projects? Not only room additions but decks,basements, pools, garages, sheds, pole barns, fences, gazebos, retaining walls, signs, and home occupation require a zoning certificate by the township and a buildng permit from the county in which you live. Usually filing for these permits are the resonsibility of the home owner but some remodeling companies file for permits as a courtesy to their customers. Fees for zoning certificates are generally a flat fee of approximately 25.00 or more. The building permit consists of a two part fee which includes an application fee of 30.00 or more and also a fee for the permit itself which is based on the square footage of the project. If the project includes electric and or plumbing additional fees will apply. A zoning certificate takes about a week to obtain and a building permit can take up to two weeks depending on how busy the department is. Inspections are set up during the construction process to insure proper building codes are met. Permits must be posted on site and visible from the street.
Because the process of filing for permits can get complicated and add an extra expense to an already expensive project, some people decide to forego the permit which can be a costly mistake. Failure to obtain a permit can result in a hefty fine and also delay the job. When in doubt call your local township or county building and zoning department.

Dan Siegel
Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636

Baby, there are choices our there!

Siegel Remodeling and Design — Mon, 03 May 2010 05:00:38 +0000

Unless you customize or upgrade your selections when you’re building a new home, you get lower grade cabinetry, basic tubs, toilets , and faucets. Builders get these products at wholesale prices because they buy in bulk. When it’s time to remodel, most people replace these items with better quality products.
Bathrooms with poor quality tile walls and floors wear out fast due to constant moisture . Of course we all know that mold can grow fast and furiously if there is not adequate ventilation such as a window or exhaust fan nearby. Grout is the first place where mold is noticed but many people don’t realize they have mold growing behind their shower walls until they take the old stuff down.
A smart alternative to tile is granite or cultured marble shower walls. The panels are glued onto the wall on top of moisture resistant green board and only require a line of silicone along the joint and bottom edge of the shower base. It’s easier to clean, and there is no grout where mold can grow. Porcelain tile which is non-porous and made for outside areas is great for bathroom floors . Grout is now made with a sealer mixed into the product and has been very popular for the last few years. It costs about twice the amount of regular grout but well worth the expense in the long run.
There are also a lot of options with shower doors. With pricing all over the place, a shower door can cost anywhere from $400.00 – $3,000.00. There are various finishes, glass designs, glass widths, framed or frameless doors and a new product called “aqua glide” that repels soap scum and makes shower doors easier to clean.
Cultured marble vanity tops are being replaced with granite tops with under mount bowls for a cleaner quality look. Vanity faucets now come 8” on center (called “wide spread”) making it easier to clean in between the spout and the handles with chrome always being the least expensive finish.
Most toilets now have water saver flushing systems and come in a variety of colors and styles.
There are so many choices out there it can make your head spin. The biggest problem seems to be making a decision!

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
www.siegeldesigncenter.com

Temporary Home

Siegel Remodeling and Design — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:40:12 +0000

For many of us this has been a tough couple of years as small business owners. The stresses of the economy has changed our way of thinking and doing business with each other and maybe it is all for the better. Life’s lessons help us define our priorities’. How can you appreciate the good times if you have never experienced the bad? How would you know happiness if you have never been sad? People are starting to realize that relationships are what hold us together when the world seems to be falling apart. If we are lucky to live long enough we also realize that nothing remains the same because everything is forever changing. It is only temporary.
As I sit here this Sunday night the lyrics of the song “Temporay Home” by Carrie Underwood comes to mind.

Old man, hospital bed
The room is filled with people he loves
And he whispers don’t cry for me
I’ll see you all someday
He looks up and says “I can see God’s face.”

“This is my temporary Home
It’s not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I’m passin’ through
This was just a stop,on the way to where I’m going
I’m not afraid because I know this was
My temporary home.”

This is our temporary home

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636

What’s Important to you?

Siegel Remodeling and Design — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:35:41 +0000

A lot of times in the remodeling business you only hear feedback someone doesn’t like something. It is refreshing to get a very appreciative customer who will make it known to you how much he valued the work you performed for him.
One of those customers came into our showroom last week and gave me some great insight. He mentioned how important it was to him to have beautiful things to look at and surround him.

The people you choose as friends, the clothes you wear, the car you drive, the food you eat, the house you live in all make a statement about who you are. Your choices reflect your personality and affect your attitude towards life. Your home especially should be a “soft place to fall” and should reflect You. After a long day at work does walking into your front door make you feel warm and comfortable or scattered and depressed?

Surround yourself with beauty. It doesn’t matter how expensive your furnishings are or if they are the latest trend . It just matters that you love them. After all decorating is just a matter of opinion and personal choice with a few rules thrown in for good measure. Sometimes remodeling your home can remodel your attitude and that is what’s important.

Fran Siegel/Siegel Remodeling and Design
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
www.siegeldesigncenter.com

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure. Ask Dan the Remodeling Man!

Siegel Remodeling and Design — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:20:59 +0000

Although I have been a remodeling professional for over 30 years I was a DIY (Do It Yourselfer) in the beginning. I get calls from time to time from people who want to do the work themselves but just need a little advice A lady wanted to finish her basement herself and had several friends do more of the complicated work. anywhere there is constant moisture there is potential for mold to form. Bathrooms and lower level areas are at greater risk and extra precautions should be taken in the construction process. Not insulating a basement would allow for more moisture and dampness. Walls should be inspected for cracks and then sealed before attempting to finish any lower level area.

There should always be a gap between the construction walls and the concrete. Leaving a moisture barrier between the insulation and the drywall allows air in to prevent mold from forming and coming thru the drywall. Correct HVAC (Heat Venting and Air Conditioning) positioning is important because it allows proper air circulation. Prevention and careful planning can save lots of headaches down the road.
Dan Siegel
9016 Sutton Pl.
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
513-874-7636
www.siegeldesigncenter.com