Design

Rita Peterson, ASID, CAPS

Did You Know?

A new trend is emerging as designers and consumers push the limit of what materials can be used in the home. The use of “living finishes” - those found on naturally occurring materials and that change, evolve and become more beautiful over time are part of a movement that respects and showcases the beauty of the natural world.

Copper and wood are two materials that are commonly used in home design. Natural wear and subtle environmental changes cause these materials to slowly change and evolve enabling them to be used to enhance unique, one-of-a-kind designs or as a main feature.

One of the most popular living finishes -- copper -- develops a warm patina over time. It is durable, as even a small chip or scratch actually adds to the beauty of the finish by accelerating the evolution process. Copper can be hammered, bent or pounded into shape by a skilled craftsman and is currently popular for sinks, faucets and countertops. In these applications, the acids in copper actually make its surface naturally antibacterial.

Another popular living finish that is appearing in home design is wood. Similar to copper, with everyday use, the look and feel of each wood piece changes and becomes warmer and more intrinsic to the room in which it is incorporated. Some popular wood types today include teak for outdoor kitchens and bath areas where the weather-resistant quality that naturally occurs with this species is important.

Information from Residential Architect

Thank You!

The following individuals and businesses referred clients to ABD during the Spring 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: Larry & Ruth Neal will receive a local gift certificate as a token of our appreciation!

From Our Clients

“We were very happy with Amy Fink as our designer and project manager. She made it easy for us and read our tastes very well. We would recommend Amy and ABD to anyone. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

Jerry & Marilyn Kopp

Build

FROM BOB'S DESK

Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS

Here’s to hoping you are all having a great summer. Boy has it been hot!

Many times in this column, I have written about being a “Professional” and the importance of making sure those you hire to do work on your home are true Professionals. This topic continues to be an important one, as we at ABD seem to continue to get calls to look at projects that frankly have already been “started by others” and have gone wrong.

This is one of the toughest situations we can all be in. Whether it is you the Owner or us the Contractor, it is always a bad situation when called in on one of these projects. We take care of them because that is what ABD is, but it would sure be cheaper and more pleasant to do the job from the start before all goes bad.

Sooner or later, every homeowner discovers the need or the desire to remodel or improve their home. Whether it is major or minor, we all face that dilemma, and who do we hire? This is usually a very scary proposition. Where do I begin? How do I find someone who will do it right?

Here is a small list that may help!

1. Develop an idea of what you want and need to do – write it down.
2. Take this list of wants and needs and grade it into a list of must haves, desires and it would be nice to have, or A, B & C’s.
3. Check to see if any one you know has used a good company or in this case ABD.
4. Develop a budget, I know you have no idea what things will cost, but you should have some idea as to what you are willing and able to invest in your home. This is an investment.
5. Collect pictures and make a file of what you like. Magazines, websites, etc. make good resources.

Then, Call the Professionals at ABD! We’ll do everything we can to make the project as easy as possible and will work hard to get you the best VALUE in your project and with quality and

New ABD Members

Mike Clark, Project Manager
Mike has lived in Northern Colorado since 1974. He is a licensed Master Electrician, and has been in the construction business since 1981. Mike and his “high school sweetheart” Donna have a son and two daughters.

Andy Kirkendall, Painter
Andy was born in Arkansas and raised in southern California. He has 13 years experience in the construction field.

Jeff Schultz, Carpenter
Jeff has nearly a quarter century of cabinetmaking and architectural millwork experience ranging from custom kitchens to corporate yachts and commercial fixtures. His work has been photographed for such publications as Dallas/Fort-Worth Home & Garden, Custom Woodworking Business, Snow Country and Progressive Architecture.

ABD recently invited industry expert, Tim Faller, to speak to not only their staff, but also members of the Northern Colorado Home Builders’ Association. The seminar offered practical skills necessary to effectively manage a job site and deal effectively with work crews, subcontractors, inspectors and clients…all with the expressed purpose of improving profit.

Following the seminar, Mr. Faller met individually with ABD staff to gain an understanding of areas where change would make the greatest impact. Finally staff met as a group to discuss and create a plan to implement.