AVALOFT Designers & Builders

We're Still Here

2010-01-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

Someone recently made a comment to me that got me thinking about how often I post a blog entry about what we are doing. While I do love to talk about the fruits of our design efforts and our labor, I wonder how often we need to self-promote? I have found that self-promotion doesn't hold a candle to the tried and true best advertising vehicle known to man, "word-of-mouth". Every client that Avaloft has ever had, with the exception of one, has been a direct result of word-of-mouth advertising. I owe a enormous amount of thanks to the many people who have referred us to others to help them solve their problems. We have weathered the economic storm of the past two years, in large part, due to their loyalty to our work and our brand. Thank you Mom, Jim, Michelle, Hilary, Ross, Kathy, Ian, Melissa, Steve, Shannon, Frank, Kim, Randy, Sabrina, Bryan, Liz, Rich, Sharon, Greg, Sarah, Michael, Lori, Ed, Alice and Keith for helping to keep food on my kids' table.

Naperville Addition and Kitchen Project

2009-11-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

Work is now underway on our latest project, a major renovation to a home in the Winding Creek Subdivision of Naperville, IL. We're adding on to the home in three places. We will demolish the existing two-car garage, reuse its foundation for a master bedroom and add a master bath and closet. We'll then add a new three-car garage to the other side of the house and a sun-room in the back to replace the existing deck. We started two weeks ago with the existing house, shown at the left. Since then, we've replaces the windows not affected by the addition work with new Pella casement and awnings with 9-lite prairie-style grills between the glass. The new units get trimmed out with 1" rough-sawn cedar on the exterior and new casements will be installed on the inside. All of the existing cedar siding that will remain on the house gets a fresh coat of opaque stain from Sherwin-Williams. Now, let's bust this place open.

We started the demolition by cutting the existing garage away from the house and disconnecting the old electric. We found a couple circuits that actually ran through the garage and back into the house. Those had to be re-routed so that power wasn't lost in places where it wasn't intended to be. Then, the big machine comes out. John Green has been doing demolitions for me since 2003 and the existing garage came down in about 20 minutes and was loaded and hauled away in a semi-trailer in another 20. The same backhoe then gets to work on the excavation for the new foundations. We're going down 4 feet here for frost protection. 10" footings will be followed by 38" foundation walls. Excavation should be completed by the end of the day and the concrete contractor will get start on the foundation work Wednesday or Thursday. Nice hole!

In the meantime, interior demolition is underway, and we'll have more on that later. TTFN!

Visit Us in Wheaton - Design and Build!

2009-10-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Remodel Rendering Demo - Part 1

2009-09-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

We begin our demonstration on renderings with a Kitchen Remodel that we're drawing for a job in the White Eagle subdivision of Naperville. When we're all done, we'll post a finished product photo in the portfolio section of the website. http://www.avaloft.com/portfolio.htm. We start with a meeting with the homeowners to learn more about what doesn't work for them in their current environment and how they want the new space to function. In this case, the owners are looking to eliminate the kitchen table and make the sunroom behind the kitchen the primary place to sit down as a family. In so doing, we would gain space inside the kitchen to enlarge the work space and provide for a large breakfast bar. After taking measurements of the existing space, we put it all on paper and establish the space in which we have to work. By clicking on image above, you can see the room's dimensions and the associated notes and dimensions. The image below lets us look at the entire space in perspective from above to get a better feel for it. Here, we've given the wall their appropriate height and can establish where the entrances are to the space. Finally, we'll sketch out some different layouts, and after arriving at out best solution to meet the needs of the client, we'll meet with them to discuss and make adjustments as necessary. Here's what I will present later in the week to Frank and Amy.

Home Addition in Naperville - Rendering

2009-09-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, we finished a rendering of our next major project. We will be starting on a major renovation that will include three additions and a kitchen remodel to a home in Naperville very soon. The work includes the construction of a new first-floor master suite, relocation of the attached 3-car garage, and the addition of a sunroom.

Avaloft can provide this unique service to our clients to help visualize the finished product long before we start. We have more on how we can create renderings for your project coming soon, including a step-by-step demonstration. Read more about our core services on our website at http://www.avaloft.com

Geothermal Eco House Coming Soon!!!

2009-03-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

Posting new pics soon. In the meanwhile, busy building a cool house on Spring Ave in Downtown Naperville :^)

Add me to your iGoogle!

"V" Freeman's Sweet 16 Surprise

2008-11-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

Host:
Matt Freeman (V's Dad)
Location:
Travel Express @ DuPage Airport

32 W 731 Tower Rd.

West Chicago, IL 60185 US

When: Saturday, November 15, 6:30PM

Come join us for food, music, and fun as we celebrate "V's" Sweet 16. The guest of honor will arrive at 7 pm, so be sure to arrive by 6:30. If you have an aritistic flair, or just want to have a little extra fun, come join the decorating crew at 4 o'clock to help set up.

Let me know if you need a ride.

Leave your reply here in the comments or send me an email address so I can include you on the official EVite.

Attitude Adjustment

2008-09-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

OK - So, what do you think about the new name?! I had to get the word 'Design' in there somewhere. It's just what I love to do. i love building stuff and putting things together. But my favorite thing to do - what really makes me feel as if I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing is when I can solve problems through elegant and useful design elements.

I'm going to have to work on getting new photos more often too so I can show you what I mean.

But for example, if someone *feels* their kitchen is too small and there isn't enough space to entertain - there are often many simple little things that we can to to find the space by rearranging where the walls are or opening up space where there was a closet. Often I find that designers in the past just didn't know where to put the closets to maximize space - or walls for that matter. They felt locked into compartmentalizing everything. Good designers are like good puzzle-solvers in the sense that you get so much space, a set of parameters to work with, clues about living habits and you have to make all that work together through good design.

OK - about adjusting attitudes. I have been hearing a lot of people talking about these "bottom-feeders". What is that? Doesn't that mean they are just people looking for great deals? Well, Aren't we All like that? If not, perhaps we should be - especially since we are in this problem that we are in financially. My question then is, "Are these so called 'bottom feeders' closing deals?" Are they closing deals with Other People - is that why they are 'bottom feeders'? Hey - if there are people out there getting the good deals and reading the fine print where all the extra hidden fees are in the HUD1 - but they are indeed Closing - then who are we to complain? As far as I'm concerned, they are Buyers. And isn't that what we need more of these days? Buyers? If someone comes to you with their hard earned cash and says they want to buy something and they have great credit you could stand a chance of scaring them away by calling them names, eh? I say let's go out and find some more of these bottom feeders - oh - I mean BUYERS and work with 'em. Heck~ I'd like to be one of those myself! Lots of good deals out there, time to scoop them up! This is the thing to make real consumer confidence - Rather than bailing out and hiding under golden parachutes: spur invention, spur new business, and how about a little good old fashioned hard work?! Forget about the banks, get the good deals ~ Invest.

Let the Divided Light Shine In!

2008-09-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

As of last week ~ Wednesday to be exact ~ Pella has decided to announce that they're coming out with color for the interior grills in their ProLine series. I have a great rep and always get really great deals. This news is very exciting ~ Whereas before the choices where white white or white to match your wood frame stain or paint ~ now you can choose from six colors: Ivory, Brown, Brickstone, Harvest, Cordovan or Tan.

The new choices in the ProLine series are a fabulous alternative to using the Architect series ~ and creates about a 25- 40% in savings on window expenses.

So what is ProLine and what's the difference? The ProLine series uses solid wood construction, aluminum clad exterior, double paned glass with aluminum grilles in between. It's a Great product.

The Architect series is a step up. The grilles are actually mounted to the outside of the glass rather than in between the panes and there's foam inbetween ~ which makes for a nice classic divided light look but has all the same efficiencies as the ProLine series.

The Julian Street House uses the architect series, for example. We spared no expense in creating 220. But it is a spec home, so the chances of redecorating are high. With the Architect series the new owners will be able to simply strip the windows of the grilles and replace them with a different wood as they choose to do so. It's not inexpensive - don't get me wrong - but it can happen.

ProLine is great for remodels or new planned construction because you choose the decor from the beginning and might not choose to change the decor for 5-10 years. Even if you do, you can create an environment that coordinates with the windows. If you wanted to change the paint or stain, however, the grilles wont come out. You would have to replace the windows at that point. So there is definately a give and take. A good window should ~ or I should say, "could" ~ last you 50 years. The average home owner might keep the same windows for 20-30 years before replacing.

Sick Of Green Yet?

2008-08-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

OK. The other day I saw this construction guy chowing on a plate of ribs and going on and on about how he was so green and into sustain-a-bility. He kind of remembered what he read in a magazine somewhere I guess.

Part of me thought, " Hey! Great - we're really getting somewhere! If this guy is talking "going green" then we're getting through to people! Yay.

Chomp Chomp

The other part of me thought, " Holy Cow, Here's the K-mart commercial for going green - what on Earth? How could anyone believe this guy?! He couldn't even get the word 'sustainable' out..."
"Green" has now seemed to has spanned range of the socio-economic and intellectual ladders in the US being regarded as something new to sell. Not to be cynical.

And

I'm not claiming to be the most environmentally friendly person (but I do *something* everyday) and I'm certainly not a vegetarian (although I see the benefits of cutting back). I do like the idea of just living simply, however, as a theme that has been generated out of al this "green" stuff. We have a garden now and didn't have to worry about all the bacteria issues that began arising in early summer; and I've found it really nice to just use the bicycle or walk to get from place to place when we have the time.

Construction technology is getting interesting now. I've never been one to jump in to new technology all the time - especially when you're yalking about experimenting with potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. But as time passes the developers who were willing to experiment helped streamline the processes, found the faults and helped create products that became (and are still becoming) more and more affordable... and also projects that end up giving back.

Dealing With Your General Contractor, Subs

2008-08-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

A seasoned GC should have a good long standing relationship with their suppliers and subs. Having a variety of sound go-to people will make any job more predictable and smooth going. The alternative to this is a GC that always shops for the lowest bid and often changes the subs and suppliers based on the bid. There are many components that go into choosing good suppliers and subs, reliability and quality of service are among the most important factors.

Let me give you an example. Everyone knows that things happen and we're all just human after all. But how errors are handled is key. I easily spend over $100,000 at one supplier's warehouse annually and because we have that relationship established they know I am not going to try to going to talk to them about errors that don't exist. When an issue arose and my client got nowhere with the manufacturer I had to tell my rep. Within an hour of my call there was a repair scheduled and on the books.

Also, I know my reps and I know my subs. They're great and we continue working together as long as we each feel we're being treated fairly. I certainly have met a few subs in my time that were either inexperienced or looked at the work they did as just a job. They are no longer with me. Further to keep things fresh I am constantly on the lookout for new talent. But most of the subs I use have proven consistent passion for what they do. Even the electrician. They know all the techniques of the trades and they know all the particulars of the codes of the locations we have to work in. In the end, these are time saving qualities that result in saving money.

Knowing what to expect from subs and suppliers allows communication to flow easier and building a certain level of trust only comes from knowing the people involved.

I am never afraid of the phrase, "I don't know but I'll find out." I'd rather have someone tell me that than get into a job and get stuck or end up with a mess. That's not to say that people shouldn't try new things, but generally speaking your GC will have actually experienced only 95-98% of what will go on the remodeling or construction of your house. The other 2-5% of unknowns will be due to the huge array of variables in an existing home or to modernization and changing style or tastes. The architectural drawings only will take you so far. The rest is left to technical interpretation and the GC's ability to handle them.

This year alone we have done things we didn't think were going to be possible and the results were extraordinary. If we don't go through the feeling of "how do you do that" at least once or twice, we know we're not challenging ourselves and growing as a company.

Appliances

2008-08-07T13:58:00.001-07:00

The Question. It's a common misconception that when you're picking new appliances when updating a kitchen they should all be the same. Each appliance manufacturer has it's own forte. Not to mention you as the consumer know best how you use these items on a day to day basis - are you the house chef? Do you use the dishwasher even when you only have 4 plates and 2 cups? Do you often find your house being the place everyone goes for Thanksgiving?

These are the important considerations. Cross your habits with the specialty of the appliance and you'll find a perfect match. Look for what appliance serves your purpose and budget.

The Look. If you're worried about getting your dishwasher to match your refrigerator you should know about appliance cabinets. They can be made to look like your existing dish cabinets as well as each other and no one will know about the mis-matched branding underneath.

The Quality. Just because you hide everything - it doesn't mean you don't have bragging rights ~ It just means you have really good taste. Certainly some mismatched brands might look ok together, but not all do. The Quality of the product is more important.

American Range has just gone residential and the people are excited! This is a company that has 30 years of proven success as a commercial use workhorse. The new series is exciting because they have put a lot of consideration into use.

From the oversized ovens to the sleek efficiency of the grill top and burners.

Another eye-catching brand that offers appliances second to none is the Gaggenau brand of BSH - Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraute (Bosche and Siemens Home Appliance Group). Gaggenau is famous for it's steam oven, built in coffee makers, ventilation, modular cook tops and enornously well thought out refridgerators. The Gaggenau brand is sleek and streamline and they specialize in high performance built-ins.

The Bathroom Remodel

2008-08-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

It's natural to think that when you're ready to remodel, you're going to put everything in it that you've always wanted. That will be your chance. Sometimes it's just not that simple. Opposition usually starts and stops with Money. But not only that, it's a good time to think about what's practical (get rid of those little incongruent spaces) and what we've learned by designing to build over the last 20 years (because chances are that's the last time your Bathroom had a MakeOver).

A simple, cost effective trick to keeping a bathroom looking great while maximizing efficiency is using porcelain tile over stone. Travertine is very common, but these days the quality in finishing and tooling of porcelain is near perfect. When grouted correctly and grout color is chosen to pick up the deeper flecks in the porcelain finish you end up with a very rich, authentic look. You can barely notice the differences for what it's worth. Not to mention it's a piece of cake to clean up. Travertine and other natural stones have many little holes and is very porous which requires maintenance on it's own. The porcelain is a high density material that is impervious to to water.

Once you choose your tiles, using clear heavy glass framles doors create a space that feels larger with no obstruction to the new beauty on your walls and floors.

Maximize Space

2008-07-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Because of the mess in the housing market these days many are choosing to simply upgrade their current home. A smart many. Often their house are just fine. Just laid out in a old-fashioned style. Living back 20 years ago we thought the best thing to do was compartmentalize every one and every activity.

Today we enjoy our social areas and found we like to be able to accommodate to social occasions comfortably, reserving a library, office, or extra room for more intimate settings. This process can be really tricky - or really easy depending on who you have working on the design and layout. I have seen some really bad designs and really poorly thought out layouts.

Inside your walls you have all kinds of pipes and structural support that you have to be really careful about best use of space.

We did a couple of things in this home to create space where people can gather comfortably. By making a wide center island in the kitchen you allow the cook to be a part of the gathering - for example, when the kids get home, they can plop down and visit while dinner is being prepped. Or if you have casual company, you can still do what you need to do and chat at the same time. Also, by opening up awkward spaces on the second floor that would otherwise be closed off we were able to add a few extra windows and a ceiling fan. This second floor lounge allows a separate place to read the morning paper or catch up on a favorite book.

It's the way we like to live: with joy and comfort.

Finally!

2008-07-22T19:11:00.001-07:00

Passed the Flight Check & Ready to FLY!

Now where to open up our first satellite offices? That will be the question ~ YEA!

I wonder how many tools this Cesna can carry!