The National Association of Home Builders designated May as National Remodeling Month. We at ABD are anxious to help you this Spring, the most popular time of year for remodeling. It is important to recognize the benefits of hiring a professional remodeler. Embarking on a project without the needed expertise can be expensive, and actually negatively affect your home's equity. According to the US Census Bureau, industry professionals say that 25-30% of their work comes from fixing "do-it yourself" disasters.

We all probably know someone with unfinished home projects done in an effort to save money, but in the end, was it worth it? While accounting for material and labor costs, consider the amount of "free time" spent working on the project. It usually takes the average homeowner twice as long as a professional. Also, is the work of good quality? Does it meet Codes? Is it safe? As good as it would have been if a professional had done the work? If not, you may have done more damage to your home than to your wallet.

Please consider hiring our professional design/build team. We will listen to your dreams, goals and needs, guide you through the design and construction processes, and most importantly, "stand behind our work for years to come". ABD's Designers and Craftsman will work with you towards a common goal, while maintaining your budget needs. And even though May is National Remodeling Month, if your dream is to build a new custom home, we would love to discuss that as well using the same team approach.

Design

Rita Peterson, ASID, CAPS

Did You Know?

Nature knows best Spring brings alive the colors of the spectrum, and nature proves it is the true color expert. Have we not always been struck by the brilliant hues of exotic birds, whose plumage stands out against a forest's more subtle foliage? Color in the wild also serves the opposite purpose, helping insects, birds, fish, and mammals blend in their environments. Did you know the Morpha butterfly wing has no pigment? It is a complex structure with multiple layers that interact with light, producing the appearance of color. The reflective effects make it four times brighter than pigment.

From leather to sheepskin to grasscloth, design has always borrowed from nature. An inspired textile designer, David Oakey, sent an entire design team into the woods. "People feel good walking on a random pattern because that's what has been under us for millions of years." If you ask people to describe where they would like to be, most say "outside, in nature." The result of this research is the creation of Entropy, by Interface, a modular carpet tile which no two pieces are the same, just like the forest floor.

Facts and trivia from across the color spectrum

Tastes yellow - Early civilizations such as ancient Romans recognized that people "eat with their eyes" as well as their mouths. Saffron and other spices often were used to provide a rich yellow color to foods. Butter was colored yellow as far back as the 14th century.

Purple sludge - In 1856 an 18 year old British student created the first synthetic dye while attempting to create artificial quinine. The purplish residue of his experiments, which he called mauve, was ridiculed by his colleagues until England's Queen Victoria and Empress Eugénie of France adopted the new color and made it fashionable.

Seeing gray - Does the color red really make bulls behave aggressively? Not likely say scientists, since cattle don't have color vision. The traditional red of the matador's cape calls to mind blood, virility, and power - but it's that infernal flapping that really gets the bull’s attention, causing him to charge the cape.

Information from Stir magazine
by Sherwin-Williams

Thank You!

The following individuals and businesses referred clients to ABD during the Winter 2006 quarter.

If we inadvertently omitted your name, we are extremely sorry. Please let us know and we will add you to next quarter’s drawing.

This quarter’s winner: Greg & Dee Thompson will receive a local gift certificate as a token of our appreciation!

From Our Clients

"Glen & I wish to thank you (Bob & Rita) for the work you did in our basement. We are pleased with the end result. Your staff, specifically Ron White, Jeff Henry & Duane Carstens, were excellent! We look forward to our next project."

Glen & Jo Orr

Build

FROM BOB'S DESK

Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS

How do I find one?

• Look for professional memberships such as the National Association of Home Builders’ Remodelors™ Council.
• Look for professional designations such as Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR).
• Make sure they are licensed, and carry general liability and Workers’ Compensation insurance
• Check their references and past work, and make sure they present you with a detailed process including contract, schedule and detailed list of specifications.
• Make sure they are willing to pull a building permit and are working off detailed construction drawings.

Yes, this does increase price, but at what cost is hiring someone who is not concerned about their future or yours? What is peace of mind worth to you? At ABD, it is priceless! It is our plan to be around as long as remodeling is being done and to stand behind every project for more than just a year or two. Providing "Peace of Mind" to our customers is at the top of our list of services. Being “Professional” is the best way we can do that.

We thank you: our past, current and future clients, for helping us "Professionalize" the business of remodeling.

If you or a loved one’s home is in need of remodeling, improvement or repair, are you aware of reverse mortgages to assist senior homeowners?

A reverse mortgage enables senior homeowners to convert part of the equity in their homes into tax-free income without having to sell, give up title, or take on an additional monthly payment. They are available to homeowners age 62 or older. No mortgage payments are due during the life of the loan but you are able to use the equity to pay for improvements.

Seniors can use the funds any way they wish, including any improvement or home repair. Perhaps ABD’s Certified Aging in Place Specialists can assist you in understanding this mortgage and renovate the home in need.

Our certification enables us to design and remodel your home so you may remain living in it as you age or are faced with circumstances where you may require accessibility accommodations.

You may also contact the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association in partnership with the National Council for Aging at www.reversemortgage.org for a booklet.

New ABD Members

Steve Suchy
Sales Consultant

Steve grew up in Reno where he spent six years serving in the Air Force. He has spent the last 10+ years in various areas of the construction industry, from business ownership and consulting to construction management. He is the proud father of two boys and spends the majority of his free time on the golf course.

Todd Nelson
Painter / Carpenter

Todd was born in Arizona and grew up in
Michigan. He has been working in all facets of
the construction trade industry for 15 years, from
maintenance and plumbing to drywall and painting.

Nathan Maddock
Carpenter

Nathan was born in Indiana. He has seven years of
residential construction experience in Texas and
Colorado. He enjoys spending time with his wife
and two children, and any activity that lets him
see Colorado’s beautiful wilderness.

Amy Fink, Senior Designer at ABD, recently attended the 2006 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago.

This annual event focuses on providing designers with the latest and greatest in kitchen and bath ideas. It is the ultimate source of products, designs, trends and ideas to stay ahead of the curve featuring:

• Hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest products and solutions
• Conference sessions and workshops
• Dynamic networking events to connect with industry peers