mcba home show 2015

In many markets, housing prices have rebounded since the

Great Recession. If you bought your house when prices were low, you may have more equity in your home than you realize.

That equity can be espe-cially beneficial if you pay for PMI (private mortgage insurance) every month.

To get rid of your monthly PMI payment, you need at least 20% equity in your house. The only way that happens—aside from paying that much off—is the value of your home rising, either because the housing market has taken off or you’ve made improvements.

If you suspect your house is worth enough that you have 20% equity, you can inform your lender and pay to have an appraisal done. And if you’re already

going to pay for an apprais-al, you might consider tak-ing out a home equity loan at the same time.

A home equity loan also requires an appraisal that you pay for, so if you have large home projects on the horizon, it makes sense to pay for only one. Even if you’re not quite ready for a home improvement project, you could take out a tax deductible*, home equity line of credit (HELOC) and pay interest only on the amount you use.

Getting rid of the PMI payment will free up cash to help you pay back the equity loan. And if it’s for a home improvement project, you’ll be putting equity back into your house—the definition of a win-win.

F4 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 | THE HERALD-TIMES | MCBA HOME SHOW

Submitted by David B. Sipes, VP Marketing and Business Development

Creating a Win-Win Strategy

with the Equity in Your Home

Courtesy photos

If you need more information about

these types of loans, call IU Credit

Union to discuss your options or

visit www.iucu.org.

*Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest.

F4

MCBA HOME SHOW | THE HERALD-TIMES | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 | F5

Built by Hoosiers for Hoosiers, nationally ranked Smithville Communications is home to

Indiana’s fastest gigabit internet for home and business. Whether through its growing fiber network or

its VDSL service, Smithville delivers high-quality IPTV, which features great TV packages with over 200 channels.

If you’re a cable or dish user, you owe it to yourself to check out the Smithville advantage. After visiting our booth, why not drop by our new Bloomington store – Technology

Powered by Smithville? The store also features high-tech and afford-able options from Smithville Security that can help protect your home or business.

The Smithville Technology store is located at Clear Creek Crossing, 4011 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington.

No matter the size of your next project, Building Associates

would be happy to speak to you about how our services can help you build smart.

Courtesy Smithville Communications

Smithville Communications - Booth #242

www.smithville.com • 800-742-4084

Built by Hoosiers

for Hoosiers

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F11

Heating, ventilation, and air condition-ing (HVAC) systems

have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health. The need for duct cleaning arises because during the opera-tion of the HVAC system dirt, dust, debris, allergens

and other particles build up in the air ducts over time which may adversely effect the indoor environment and performance of your HVAC system. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system can improve indoor air quality and health of residents. It typically takes 2 techni-cians 2.5-4 hours to clean a standard size home. (2000-2500 square ft.)

Research by the U.S.

EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning, in combination with regularly scheduled preventative maintenance, may allow systems to run more effi-ciently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, effi-cient systems are less likely to break down, have a lon-ger life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems.

The most effective way

to clean air ducts and venti-lation systems is to employ source removal methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the sys-tem, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris can then travel

down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home.

Typically, your HVAC ducts or ducting systems should be inspected for cleaning around every 3-5 years. Frequency of clean-ing depends on several factors. Some of the things that may lead a home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:

• Smokers in the household.

• Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dan-der.

• Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.

• Residents with asth-ma, allergies, or respiratory concerns from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system.

• After home renova-tions or remodeling.

• Prior to occupancy of a new home.

It is important to hire a company the will clean the “entire system”. Our cleaning method is labor intensive and each system

is thoroughly cleaned and inspected prior to restart-ing your system so we have never had a problem with “dirt blowing out the vents” after a cleaning. There is no mess left on the comple-tion of the job.

For best results, com-panies should employ the use of brushing and con-tact cleaning, whenever possible. The results are excellent and the cleaning methods we use will not damage components or negatively alter the integrity of a properly installed air duct system. The three most popular methods are vacu-uming, rotary brushing and air sweeping.

It typically costs $400-$600 for a standard size home. (2000-2500 square ft.) Beware of companies with coupon and newspaper ads that offer “Whole House Duct Cleaning for $79.00”.

The best way to deter-mine if an HVAC duct system was effectively cleaned is to perform a visual inspection of the sys-tem before and after clean-ing. The cleaning contractor should be able to allow you sufficient access to visu-ally inspect the system. Make sure the contractor has installed enough access panels in the ducts to reach the entire system.

Contributed by Nancy Baldwin, Account

Manager, Harrell-Fish Inc.

It’s A Dirty

Secret…..

F6


When choosing new carpeting for your home, the process

can seem a bit overwhelm-ing considering all of the different options that are available in today’s mar-ketplace. One thing is for sure, if you have small children, indoor pets, or areas in your home that are prone to spills, you will want to consider a carpet product that will survive liquid accidents as “Life Happens”!

Shaw Industries has recently introduced a revolutionary protection system that covers the entire product from face to fiber backing known as LifeGuard™, the first residential carpet innova-tion of its kind! Carpets featuring LifeGuard™ are treated with Shaw’s pat-ented R2X® Stain and Soil Resistance protection, the standard of excellence in the industry, while a 100% thermoplastic backing provides a moisture barrier that prevents liquids from soaking into the carpet padding and subfloor.

Excessive moisture is one of the biggest threats to any floor covering.

Liquid spills/pet accidents can be an everyday occur-rence and can sometimes go initially unnoticed. These mishaps can cause unpleasant odors and are extremely difficult to remove if not promptly attended to. Conventional backings can also be dam-aged when exposed to prolonged moisture and caustic spills.

Shaw’s new collec-tion of carpets featuring LifeGuard™ comprises the first residential styles to offer a virtually impervi-ous moisture barrier. This along with the R2X® Stain and Soil Resistance system

provides an unprecedented level of protection and greatly reduces wicking of stains and provides homeowners the luxury of more time to clean up affected areas. Carpets with LifeGuard™ are much easier to clean and main-tain.

Additionally, these car-pets are among the most durable luxury styles avail-able. They are resistant to fuzzing 4 times longer than comparable products, tufts are 5 times stronger to resist pulling out, loops are 2 times better at pre-venting edge ravel, and the carpet/backing is 10 times

less likely to suffer delami-nation (a mode of failure for composite materials).

LifeGuard™ has received Cradle to Cradle™ Silver Certification from McDonough Braugart Design Chemistry (MBDC), a noted third party product and design firm. The prod-uct, both face and fiber backing is fully recyclable. Ease of installation is another plus as the back-ing is 2 times as flexible as other backings. It is especially easy to install on stairs and its softness helps to protect painted baseboards and door cas-ings.

To see a demonstration of LifeGuard™, stop by our booth at the Home Show.

For any other floor covering needs that you may have, contact a

service professional at Bounds & McPike Flooring.

Courtesy Brad Kale, Bounds & McPike Flooring

“Love Where You Walk”

Introducing LifeGuard™

F7


Are you considering building or renovating your home and don’t

know where to begin? The

traditional process of select-ing a separate architect, builder and designer can seem daunting. Our home-owners are relieved to learn that there is a simpler way. A Design/Build company transforms the relationship with the homeowner into a

collaborative and stream-lined process that improves communication, increases quality, saves time and low-ers costs.

SINGULAr rESPoNSIBILITYYour Design/Build part-

ner is accountable for all

aspects of the project, including the quality, aes-thetics, cost and schedule. While you outline the func-tionality, style and budget requirements, the respon-sibility for implementing and tracking these rests with the Design/Build firm.

Rather than spending time coordinating a collection of third parties, you have the freedom to focus on defin-ing your needs and making selections.

LowEr CoSTSDesign/Build firms are

experts in both architectural design and construction. Their strong knowledge of building science allows your design to be engineered for value and efficiency from the very start. Construction processes and structural integ-rity benefit from forethought dur-ing the design process. Alternate materials and approaches can be considered quickly without a series of back-and-forth negotiations between the architect, builder and designer.

TrANSPArENCYThere should be no mys-

tery when it comes to the budget for your home proj-ect. A clear, itemized budget that is based on real quotes and selections allows you to know what your project will cost, along with what

it will look like and how it will function, before the first shovel hits the dirt. Your most valuable build-ing partner will be the one that informs you of what you need to hear, not simply what you want to hear.

SAvES TIMEUpon completion of the

design plans for your home, your Design/Build partner will have already built your project in their mind many times over. It will not be necessary to convey your goals and desires to additional parties, with the hope they understand

and can deliver. The seam-less integration of design and construction means your responsibility for negotiating miscommunica-tions, incorrect orders and accountability gaps disap-pears.

From concept to comple-tion, your Design/Build part-ner facilitates all aspects of your project, keeps you informed and ensures that the quality, style and budget stay on point.

Don Weiler

Bailey & Weiler Design/Build specializes in the design, construction and renovation of custom homes. Learn about their integrated design

and construction process, and gather new ideas, by visiting their website at www.Bailey-Weiler.com. Arrange your personal consultation

by calling Craig Bailey and Don Weiler at (812) 330-1169.

By Don Weiler, Bailey & Weiler Design/Build Specialists in Custom Home Design, New Construction

and Renovation

Your Design/Build company combines expertise in both architectural design and construction into a single point of accountability for your entire project. Your goals, style and budget are integrated into a clear plan that delivers increased value and transparency. Photos courtesy Bailey & Weiler Design/Build

Design/Build— A Simpler

way to Build

F8


We’ve all seen exam-ples of inspiring home design—only

to discover the looks we love are beyond our budget.

But with creative design choices and the right profes-sionals, you can get high-end design without breaking the bank.

In a recently completed master bath renovation (See photos), I teamed with local contractor David Johnloz to turn an outdated and ill-con-figured master bath into a beautiful, functional retreat that’s fresh and innovative, yet timeless and elegant. Here’s how we did it:

IMProvEd LAYoUTThe first step was rede-

signing the entire space. After fully gutting this mas-

ter bathroom and removing a wall, we reconfigured the space with a soaking tub at one end and a fully tiled shower fronted by a glass wall on the other. Next, we tackled the room’s elongat-ed footprint. By designing ceiling height linen towers and extra tall vanity mirrors we brought verticality to a horizontal space.

MIx oF MATErIALSInstead of using only

high end materials like marble throughout, we used a mixture of materials with varying prices. A beautiful herringbone marble mosaic was sparingly used on the focal wall over the vanity where it made the biggest impact. We continued the high-end look by cladding the shower with a more affordable, easy to clean “Carrara” porcelain tile that

mimics marble. We also economized on

the vanity countertop and floor tiles. We found a bright white affordably priced counter-top solid surface that is both attractive and durable as well as a con-trasting dark porcelain floor tile that is well-priced, styl-ish, and easy to clean.

CUSToM CABINETrY

Painted cabinetry is a fresh alternative to wood tones. Our choice of a tonal pale blue-gray paint color opened up the space and provided a serene, spa-like vibe. The cabinets were custom designed to provide a long and narrow space with abundant storage and functionality. The idea of using custom cabinetry often scares people, but it can be an affordable choice, adding value to your space.

There are many local cabi-net builders that produce high-quality work at reason-able prices.

FrEE-STANdING SoAkING TUB

The glamorous, stand-alone tub has become more affordable with models like this one (See photo-View 1) from American Standard which includes the tub filler (faucet) in its price. The sleek toilet we selected was also manufactured by American Standard for their retail market and purchased locally at Lowe’s.

SPECIAL ToUCHESThe sparkly chandelier

over the soaking tub is a feature that makes this bath truly special. The homeown-er found this fixture online at a fraction of the price of costlier versions. A durable vinyl wallpaper in a time-less trellis pattern is used sparingly just behind the soaking tub, while paint in a complementary gray cov-ers the other walls. Crystal knobs, towel rings, sconces and crisp white hand towels complete the look.

Smart choices plus cre-ative placement add up to a high-end look—without high price tags—that makes the homeowner happy and will no doubt inspire others!

Yamini Hingorani is a registered interior designer and a member of the American Society of Interior

designers (ASId). She specializes in residential and small-scale commercial projects.

visit yaminidesigns.com or call at 812.335.1915. visit Yamini designs at Home Show Booth 246.

By Yamini Hingorani, ASID RID yaminidesigns, llc

A custom tiled shower with glass doors and a sleek toilet provide functionality with style. Courtesy photos

Anatomy of a Master Bath ….Bringing Inspiration to

Life with Smart Choices

A soaking tub, tall cabinetry, and mosaic wall tile add drama to a newly renovated Master Bath.

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Energy EfficientHomes Today

How “Green” do you want to be? How much do you want to

spend on your new house? Will utilities be cheaper in the future? What’s impor-tant to you?

I incorporate the most cost effective materials in the homes that I build which has led to very satis-fied customers.

Your new house can include as many of the new “green” concepts as you want. If you live in an area

where water is expensive, you can build your house accordingly. You can install water saver shower heads and and water saver toi-lets. In-line water heaters and circulation loops can be installed for quicker response on hot water. Gray

water can be reclaimed and used to water the lawn.

If you live in an area with a lot of sunshine, solar may be an option. It can be used to generate electricity or heat water. The house can also be designed with good southern exposure to

reduce lighting costs. Roof overhangs can be used to shade windows in the sum-mer and allow solar gain in the winter. Also solar pan-els are becoming more cost effective every year.

Wind generation could be an option in some parts of the country. Smaller wind generators are becoming more affordable all the time.

Some of the more com-mon energy conservation systems in the southern Indiana area are high effi-ciency HVAC, upgraded insulation, energy star windows, energy efficient lighting, and energy star appliances.

High efficiency heat-ing and air conditioning (HVAC) is a must today. Furnaces can be electric, heat pumps, gas furnaces, or geothermal systems. Air conditioning can be elec-tric, heat pumps, or geo-thermal. Costs and design parameters can determine which system works best for you.

Upgraded insulation is also a must today. Spray foam insulation was used in the last two houses I’ve built and is performing extremely well. The cost is higher but the return on investment is shorter also. Insulation is a critical com-ponent in new or remod-

eled homes.Energy efficient win-

dows are another must today. There are many brands of energy star windows today. Select the brand that best suits your design and budget. Look for low-E glass and possible Argon gas between panels. Also look for low air infiltra-tion.

Energy efficient lights should be incorporated also. Many of the new com-pact fluorescent lights are very efficient. Timers can also be installed on vent fans to avoid fans being left on and exhausting condi-tioned air.

Energy star appliances will also reduce costs in the kitchen and utility room. The water heater is another appliance that consumes a lot of energy. If the water heater is an electric heater, look for a Marathon water heater. The water heater can also be incorporated into a geothermal system for “free” hot water during the air conditioning season.

Stop by my booth or give me a call to discuss

how you can save money by “going green”!

Courtesy Al Vlasman

F10


Solisequeous literally means “following the sun,” and if you have

ever seen a field of sunflow-ers, with their tall, stately stems and huge blossoms all facing towards the sun, then you also know that as the sun moves through the sky, those tall, stately blooms follow that course throughout the day, soaking up all the sun they can.

This simple and elegant process of nature helps the sunflower, and other helio-tropic plants, to soak up the nurturing rays of the sun for photosynthesis, seed growth, and insect attrac-tion for pollination. The solar energy industry has taken the principle of Heliotropism in biology and adapted it to boost energy production in solar panels by mounting them on dual-axis trackers, and the results are impres-sive – 35%-45% more energy production per panel over fixed-axis (e.g. station-ary) panels.

Solar panels operate at the greatest efficiency

when the sun’s rays hit their surface as close to perpendicular as possible. A dual-axis tracker system uses GPS technology to operate a hydraulic system that adjusts the tilt and angle of a solar array to optimize energy harvesting throughout the day and also seasonally, resulting in dra-matic increases in energy production.

Tracker technology for solar and other applications such as communications and astronomy, has been in use for decades, but until recently was too costly for use in residential solar installations. But recent

innovations in higher watt-age panels, improved GPS and hydraulic systems coupled with dramatic price reductions for solar compo-nents have made the dual axis tracker a smart invest-ment for homeowners that want to “go solar” but can-not or do not want put solar panels on their roof. One tracker can hold up to 24 60-cell solar modules. Using high wattage 280 watt pan-els, one tracker can have a generating capacity of 6.72 KW and produce over 11,000 KwH per year, much more than a rooftop instal-lation the same size would produce and enough to

offset most of the electric needs for an average home in the U.S. (about 12,000 KwH per year). Real-time and historic energy produc-tion is tracked and displayed on the web, and many manufacturers monitor their installations worldwide and can remotely update and repair software issues.

Trackers are sizeable, and

may not be appropriate for smaller yards. An ideal site for a dual-axis tracker would have a wide open sky to the south and a circumfer-ence of about 50’ radiating from the base to have some clearance from tree limbs and so the array can move throughout the day. Multiple trackers need to be spotted at least 50’ apart so they

won’t shade each other. Trackers may attract an audience as well, as friends and neighbors may want to come by to watch them move!

Dual-axis trackers offer home or business own-ers a unique and powerful solution to maximize solar production in a compact footprint. Follow the sun!

By Amie McCarty, Mann Plumbing, MPI Solar

#Follow the Sun:

dual-axis Trackers Yield Bigger

Solar Harvests

Courtesy illustrations

F11


Gentry Crest in Renwick is the newest eastside

single family home area in Bloomington and they are ready to create the per-

fect home for you in 2015. Located just east of College Mall off of the Moores Pike round- a-bout in Renwick that provides a beautiful setting with parks, shop-ping, walking trails plus all the College Mall area has to offer with movies and

banks, etc.The Gentry Crest model

home in Renwick will be finished Spring of 2015 which is a ranch style home with three bedrooms 3 full baths plus a bonus room. Available floor plans include ranch, 1VI story and 2 story

with or without bonus rooms and basements.

Gentry Construction Company focuses on ener-gy efficiency and comfort of living and provides an Environments for Living 3 year warranty for heat-

ing and cooling cost that is backed by the Masco Corporation also Energy Star ratings.

Gentry makes build-ing a new home fun and easy from the foundation, selections to the comple-tion. The design process starts with the choice of the lot and floor plan with the sales staff pricing the important features for each

buyer to make sure that the home fits the individual lifestyle and investment of each new homeowner. The professional design coordinator assists with a wide variety of selec-tions from design to paint. Gentry also custom builds on home sites throughout the Monroe County area including Gentry East and Highland Park Estates.

Call to reserve your lot in Gentry Crest today 812-332-7400

Check out the website for more details: www.gentry-realestate.com

Andi Patterson • 812-545-9472 • [email protected]

Pat Figg • 812-322-1143 • [email protected]

Courtesy Gentry

Courtesy photos and illustration below

Gentry Crest

in renwick

Andi Patterson

Pat Figg

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F13

It’s winter in Indiana again: sometimes cold, sometimes wet, always

unpredictable. At times like these it’s tempting to dream of floating off the coast of an island some-where warmer, enjoying the wide-open outdoors and colors of nature. However, if you’re feeling like toughing it out and instead starting a remodel project for your kitchen or bath, several of those tropical dreams are leading the way in 2015 for design.

Each year, the National Kitchen & Bath Association puts out a list of the 10 trends for kitchens and baths. This year there is a clear shift away from past design elements. For kitchens, large islands and simple, clean lines are leading the way. Ornate, furniture-look pieces have not been completely forgot-ten, but are being combined with simpler doors, bright colors and sleek appliances to create a fusion of classic and modern styles. Islands have been growing in size for several years now and are reaching the limit of material size availability and ease of installation. Many

homeowners are opting to do away with the kitchen table or dining room in favor of large “eat-in” islands that double as tables. Some even go as far as installing grills and cooktops in these areas to create a cooking/enter-tainment environment.

Baths are seeing a shift away from cabinetry that stands on traditional toe kick boxes, legs or feet and instead simply “float.” This is often achieved with rein-forced cabinet construction or hidden metal support structures to ensure that the counters and plumbing remain stable and sturdy. Tiled floors and walls cre-ate an easy-to-clean space that can be mopped without concern for the woodwork of traditional cabinetry. With all of that tile, it’s easy to end up feeling cold; elec-tric or water-heated floor systems are taking care of that problem. Simply flip a switch before you jump in the shower and the floors warm up by the time you step out. LED lights imbed-ded in mirrors are creating light where it’s needed, as well as making quite the statement. Trough sinks and wall-mount faucets pair nicely with the floating look, as well. Most homeown-ers are choosing walk-in showers over bath tubs,

but freestanding tubs are making a comeback in the master suite. Clean, solid wall panels for showers with benches, niches and mul-tiple water sources are mak-ing the shower experience safe and easy.

Colors and finishes are always somewhat unpredict-able and regional, but there are still some rock-solid, timeless designs that can be relied on when considering a remodel project. Recessed, flat-panel and slab cabinet

doors are always a safe choice, especially when combined with white paints. Quartz surfaces continue to lead the market for kitchens, baths and anywhere that easy maintenance and beau-ty are desired. If you’re inter-

ested in being on the cutting edge, try grey (or is it gray?) or purple finishes and dark-stained wood counters. For every tried-and-true design trend out there, someone is always willing to rock the boat and make some waves!

By Craig Bumbalough, Sales Manager at Räke Cabinet

& Surface Solutions

A Bright Forecastfor 2015

Courtesy photo

F13


Building Associates Inc. of Bloomington Indiana was founded

in 1983 as a general con-tracting, commercial roof-ing, and residential roofing company that has grown

into one of the most well respected members of the greater Bloomington area business community. With over 30 years of experience in commercial, industrial and residential projects we are truly a full-service builder. Our commitment to safety,

quality and customer ser-vice holds true whether you are building a new custom home or utilizing one of our many building services.

A SMArT STArTAlways looking for ways

to meet the current needs of the local community,

Building Associates contin-ues to offer new services to our customers. This has been accomplished by offer-ing Design-Build services to our clients.

Our professional staff will guide you each step of the way, from conceptual design to final inspection. Even after construction is complete, our dedication to service with integrity and respect continues.

Working with an expe-rienced local company will take your ideas and dreams and make them a reality. Together, we will produce a unique design that meets your specific needs for no additional cost. This is your smart start to any new home build, commercial buildings or remodeling project.

rooFING SMArTEr

Building Associates Inc. has installed Duro-Last Roofing for 30 years. The Duro-Last white membrane is highly-reflective through-out its life span on the roof, saving significant energy and money for building own-ers all over North America.

Installation is quiet and safe, without loud machin-ery, hazardous materials, noxious fumes, hot tar or mess. A new Duro-Last roofing system can often be installed over an existing

roof without an expensive tear-off. This virtually elimi-nates debris that can disrupt building activities, damage sensitive equipment, and that is harmful to our envi-ronment.

A CrANE TrUCk IS A SMArTEr,

QUICkEr ALTErNATIvE

In 2014, Building Associates Inc. branched out to utilize their crane truck to benefit not only their own projects but also to assist with local businesses in their projects as well. A crane truck can offer many benefits to your project that will save you time without compromising the safety or quality even on the limited space job sites.

SAvE TIMEA crane truck is capable

of a quick and safe set up to insure your job will run smooth and efficient. From drive up, set and hoist, the job will be completed fast, safe and secure in very little time.

SAvE SPACECrane trucks also need

minimal space to be safely stabilized, which makes it a perfect choice to be used for jobs with limited space such as urban areas. The swift work of the crane ensures your project can be complet-ed as fast and cost effective as possible.

SAFETY FIrSTSafety is always a key

concern on any project. Building Associates Inc. takes great pride in main-taining only the highest of safety standards on a job. With a crane truck build-ing materials can be lifted, limiting human intervention ensuring no harm will be caused to workers.

SAvE LABor- SAvE MoNEY

Whether you are loading trusses, erecting prefabri-cated walls or setting an HVAC unit into a tight spot, a crane truck will reduce the number of workers needed and lower the over-all labor cost.



Courtesy Building Associates Inc.

Courtesy photo

Building Smartfor over 30 Years

F14


There is no doubt about it… a house that incorporates

natural stone just feels more comfortable. The perma-nence and natural beauty afforded by natural stone brings a subtle richness that can’t be achieved in any other way. There is a visual solidity and elegance stone brings that makes the home feel safe, stable and perpetual.

Natural stone is durable, fire-proof, bug proof and maintenance free. There sim-ply is not a more attractive and durable building product avail-able at any price. When you factor in visual splendor of natural stone, it’s easy to see why year after year its popularity grows.

Hickory Ridge Stone is a leading local pro-vider and fabricator of natu-ral stone products for build-ing and landscaping. They have emerged as a favorite of local masons, landscapers and homeowners because they are a family owned business that takes truly

takes cares of its customers.The brother and sister

team of Ernie Baker and Kathy Baker-Heckard have deep family roots in the Indiana stone industry and a passion for making their res-idential and commercial cus-tomers happy. “We supply veneer stone, dimensional

stone and land-scape stones to designers, build-ers, landscapers and homeowners for use in both commercial and residential proj-ects.” said Kathy Baker-Heckard. “We understand there is a mind numbing array of stone types, colors and sizes available, and that it can be a bit intimidating to try and pick out the right type of stone.” she continued. “Everybody has questions and we have answers. Ernie and I are happy to assist

with any project.” Hickory Ridge Stone has

customers who stop in look-ing for a couple boulders to use in a landscape project on through to assisting homeowners and builders looking to build fully stone clad projects complete with

natural stone veneer, trim and accents.

Kathy Baker-Heckard went on to say that “It’s our role as a trusted supplier and fabricator of quality stone to offer information and guidance to ensure that those projects are well designed, attractive and

within budget.” In addition to carrying

a full selection of the most popular stone products available, Hickory Ridge Stone manufacturers their own line of Indiana lime-stone products for residen-tial, commercial and land-scaping purposes.

Courtesy Hickory Ridge Stone

Courtesy photo

Natural stone is durable, fireproof,

bug proof & maintenance

free.

Ernie Baker

Kathy Baker-Heckard

There is much to see at Hickory Ridge Stone’s location. Located at 616 Guthrie Road, Bedford; half way between

Bedford and Bloomington just 2 minutes off of Highway 37, you can visit their sample wall showing their most popular stone veneers. As well as check out the wide selection of in stock landscaping stone or peruse the huge variety of individual

samples stones in their indoor stone showroom.

There is much to see at Hickory Ridge Stone’s location. Located at 616 Guthrie Road, Bedford; half way between

Bedford and Bloomington just 2 minutes off of Highway 37, you can visit their sample wall showing their most popular stone veneers. As well as check out the wide selection of in stock landscaping stone or peruse the huge variety of individual

samples stones in their indoor stone showroom.

F15


Whether you are doing a room addition/remodel or buying

a condo, a townhouse, a house in a subdivision, or a custom built home, you

want to know that you are buying a good quality home from a reputable builder.

PoSSIBLE BUILdErS

Once you have thought about the type of house or room addition/remodel you

want, you will need to find a builder.

• Contact the Monroe County Building Association to obtain a directory of builders.

• Look up “New Home Builders in Bloomington, Indiana” on Google.

• Local real estate agents may also be able to help you in your search.

• Ask friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers for recommendations.

do YoUr HoMEwork

Once you have a list of

2-3 builders, meet with each individual personally for a construction interview.

INTErvIEw QUESTIoNS

The following are some important questions that you will want to ask. Remember, building a new home will be the largest single purchase you will ever make.

• How long have you been in business under your current business name?

• Have your ever changed your business name?

• Do you have any

professional designations or credentials? Ask to see them.

• What is your con-struction background and construction education?

• What were you doing before you started remodel-ing or building homes?

• Have you ever filed bankruptcy under a business name?

• Do you owe money to suppliers or subcontrac-tor under your current or past business name?

• Have you ever been sued?

• Do you belong to any professional organization? Contact for confirmation.

• What is your war-ranty? Ask to see a copy.

• Are you insured? Ask for a copy of Certificate of Liability Insurance.

• Do you have a list of references from current and past clients? Call them.

• How many projects, other then yours, will they be working on?

• Are your subcontrac-tors insured? Ask to see verification.

• What is your estimat-ed fee? How do you estab-lish fees? Although the fee is a factor in your decision, it should not be the most important one. An estimate that seems low may indicate a shoddy work style. If the estimate is high, ask if they are willing to work with you to make it more affordable and confirm that their esti-mate includes all aspects of the project from start to fin-ish.

• Are your estimates usually on target?

• Are you a full time builder or do you have other employment?

• How detailed and clear are your specifications and contract?

• How will you be assured that payments to suppliers and subcontrac-tors will be made?

You can never be too prepared. You are making a large financial commitment, so get as much information

as possible from the professionals and take your time comparing the pro and cons of each.

By Tom Fuller T.A. Fuller Homes, Inc.

How to Choose aHome

Builder

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MCBA HOME SHOW | THE HERALD-TIMES | WED., FEB. 4, 2015 | F17

2015 Home Show Bloomington Convention Center

302 S. College Ave., Bloomington, IN

General Admission Days & Hours Friday, February 6, 2:00p – 8:00p

Saturday, “Family Day” February 7, 10:00a-6:00p Sunday, February 8, 12:00-5:00p

Discount Ticket Coupon

$2.00 off regular ticket price Ticket Prices

$8/Adult Daily Pass; $4/Child 3-12 years; Children Under 3 are FREE

Coupon only valid for purchase of one (1) Adult Ticket.

Coupons must be redeemed with purchase of an Adult Ticket at Home Show 2015. To receive multiple discounts, multiple coupons must be presented.

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Founded in 1973 by Steve Boltinghouse, Steve’ Roofing has

served Monroe County and the surrounding area for more than 40 years. The

company originally sought to address residential roof-ing needs. Steve’s Roofing continues to offer premium service to their residen-tial clients. In addition to shingles they now provide a complete line of metal roof-ing, EPDM (rubber) roofing,

eaves, soffit, and gutter work.

Purchased in 1999 by George Schermer, the com-pany began to expand their capabilities until now they are one of the largest full service roofing companies in the area. With over 30

employees they now not only service the residen-tial needs but provide a complete service to all the various commercial needs as well. They install EPDM (rubber), TPO, metal, gut-ters, and shingles. Gerald Wolf heads the metal

installation, Terry Terrell & Bill Tabor leads the shingle crews, Kevin Webb oversees the EPDM & TPO installation and Kyle Webb sees that the fascia, soffit & gutter work, featuring their patented NO-CLOG GUTTER SHIELD, is prop-

erly installed. Together they have over 70 years of experience in roofing and gutters work. Steve’s Roofing has a SERVICE DEPT. lead by Craig Hargreave.

He has over 20 years of experience in roofing and provides the knowl-edge to find and repair the sources of the leaks. These departments are all supported by two full time estimators, (Shannon Boggs & Mark Hays) a Service & Project coordi-nator (Becky Miller), and other office support.

Recently completed projects include: IU McNutt Quad, IU School of Public Health, IU Assembly Hall, the new YMCA and over 50 local resident roofs. Currently they are provid-ing all the roofing needs for the new Mainstreet Assisted Living Building and the Dome at the West Baden Springs Hotel.

Steve’s roofing & Sheet Metal

office is open from 7 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through

Friday to take your calls.

Courtesy Steve’s Roofing & Sheet Metal

40 YEARS

& COUNTING

Courtesy photo

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Rectify Solar is a family owned busi-ness with offices in

Indianapolis and Booneville, IN. We are Bloomington natives, and Hoosier proud. We strive to safely provide energy efficiency solutions and services to facilitate the greatest economic benefit for our customers, which also promote the wealth and health to the environ-ment. We have a passion for energy efficiency and renewable energy, and the knowledge and skills to back it up. With a Heritage of 500+ Solar Installations, dating back to 2007, we are confident that you will be pleased with our products and services.

We promote energy efficiency FIRST, then solar. When we conduct a site survey for a solar instal-lation we will also inspect your home and attic space

for key areas for enhanced energy efficiency to maxi-mize your return on invest-ment. We have a wide variety of solar modules and equipment to choose from through our network of distributors. We can accom-modate all project consid-erations for anybody who is desiring to go solar; Made in America, lowest price, high-est energy production, and best aesthetic appearance for your solar system.

Are you are a handy homeowner, think solar is too expensive, or wor-ried about your return on investment for your solar project? Rectify proudly sells Andalay Solar DIY mod-ules right from our website at www.rectifysolar.com Andalay Solar’s patented Instant Connect system is easy to install because of its fully integrated Plug-In-Play Design. When ordered online, modules arrive at your doorstep already assembled and ready to

install onto the roof. By elim-inating the need for project logistics, as well as rails, Andalay’s integrated system design simplifies the instal-lation process. Compared to the installation of ordinary solar systems, Andalay’s product is exponentially faster to install, and they are Buy American Compliant.

Are you tired of not hav-ing lights when the power goes out? Call Rectify and you won’t have to worry any more. New to this year’s service line up, Rectify is an installer of Lumencache’s patented DC LED lighting and control system. The Lumencache system incor-porates battery back up, smart sensors, and low cost wiring; giving you a nano-grid right in your home.

Do you need windows, doors, appliances, HVAC, or a new roof? We got you covered. Rectify also offers Zero down financing for all energy efficiency upgrades, when paired with solar. You

can choose your terms, there are no prepayment penalties, and because it is an FHA backed loan, you can also write off all that pesky interest. Stop by our booth at the Home Show and ask us how we can Rectify your energy and your home.

Courtesy Phil Teague, Rectify LLC

Courtesy photo

Energy efficiency

Solutions & Services

www.rectifysolar.com855-573-2843

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Courtesy Carpets Plus Color Tile

The Year of the

Protender

Toba Beta is a well-known Indonesian fiction author. Some

of his famous titles include Betelgeuse Incident: Insiden Bait Al-Jauza and My

Ancestor was an Ancient Astronaut. Beta is consid-ered by many a modern renaissance man graduating with multiple degrees with experience in informatics, economics, Aikido, classical guitar and graphic design. Beta wrote “You don’t look

fake when you uncon-sciously pretend”. In 2015 we will begin the year of the “Protender”. A Protender is someone pretending to be a professional. These are the mechanics who aren’t trained in their trade. Yes, the Protender make look like

the real deal but only their end product will truly dem-onstrate the craftsmanship of the contractor. Sadly, this may become a much more common.

In 2008 the United States experienced one of the worst housing crashes in history. With home building falling off these workers began to find other jobs, working where they could. Now that the hous-ing market has returned there are few left from the crash. To make mat-ters worse, the few that are here could be close to retiring in the next 10-15 years. Former President of the National Association of Home Builders, Rick Judson, believes the worst has yet to come. “I don’t think we haven’t seen the peak of the problem yet; it will worsen to some degree until labor comes back into the mar-ket to supply the demand” Judson states in a Business Insider article. When the peak happens who will be there to work?

Probably the greatest concern for the skilled trades industry is the short-age of young talent. As many teenagers come out of high school the status quo priority is to go to col-lege. Though there is noth-ing wrong with this thought, the odds of MBA laying car-

pet is seriously slim. Some kids may not even be suited for college this however, should not mean that they can only inspire to a low economic level. These kids can trained in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, auto mechanics, and other hands on industries. Currently, over 50% of the construc-tion industry is over 45 years old. It is vital as a nation that we recognize this gap in our labor indus-try. By training the young talent in our nation we can start eliminate the issue of the Protender.

HErE ArE SoME QUICk STEPS To

AvoId HIrING A ProTENdEr:

• Ask for references (many contractors will be glad to send you to previous customers, if their work is legit you will no doubt be impressed!)

• Ask for license and insurance if this their busi-

ness you should expect them to operate like one

• No contracts, hard to imagine a contractor without a contract. Open-ended deals can often lead to open-ended pricing or a contractor cutting the qual-ity of materials to save on the bottom line.

• The contractor wants too much money up front. Draws are great way to pay your contractor for time and material so that they can keep a steady cash flow while you can manage your investments as well.

The Protender has become more of a problem with fewer professionals in the industry. As the real professionals grow closer to retirement it could even exacerbate the issue. Luckily there are some amazing young talent in Bloomington! High School teens here have the oppor-tunity to go to Hoosier Hills Career Center to learn these trades’ hands on.

remember to support your local contractors and

hire a Professional and not a Protender.

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The kitchen is the central living space of the house. Behind

it are the living, dining and family rooms. And, as the undisputed king, the kitch-en gets the best location, best views, most space and the greatest amount of nat-ural light. It may be a place where some throw their keys on the counter at the end of a long day, where items are gathered to pre-pare something to eat, and a meeting place for revela-tions over what the day has ensued during dinner. It’s a place where children run in, and sling open the refrig-erator in search of snacks. They may grab a some bread and lay it out on the counter to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, before settling down to work on homework. You may find yourself cutting up vegetables for a family get together, entertaining guests, or spending qual-ity time together and just hanging out. All of which entails time spent using your countertops.

Even in the home mar-ket, the kitchen gets special attention. Family rooms are fine. And there’s nothing

wrong with a well-planned master bath or a finished basement. The right dining room can be exquisite. But if you want to get the pulse of a new-home buyer rac-ing, mention this room: the kitchen.

Cool or casual? Sleek or sedate? Your kitchen style not only says a lot about you, but sets the tone as family and friends gather around the hub of the home. With such an important function in your hub, what would you like your countertops to do for you? Different people have different personalities, and that can be represented in their choice of countertops. Do you want something elegant, or down to earth? Do you want something sophisticated, or something simple? Do you want your countertops to make a statement, or instill a sense of comfort? Whatever you may consider, your counter-tops can make a statement, bold or subtle, that’s sure to get noticed and enjoyed.

At Quality Surfaces, we are dedicated to making your dreams of the perfect countertops, vanities, and other items from stone or solid surface come true. Whether it’s the most beautiful countertop you have ever seen or the

most functional acces-sory of the house, we can make the surface that you need. Friends and family will notice the thought and effort put into the selec-tion and design. Designing

your kitchen is like giving yourself a haircut. You can do it, but there are people out there to help you. We have a selection of materi-als that is perfect for every budget, style, and need.

We can walk you through the benefits and charac-teristics of each. Such beauty, additional function, and statement can also be echoed in the bathroom. We even do specialty prod-

ucts such as shower bases, and wall cladding. We also offer a number of sinks and faucets from the best names in the industry. Let us help you with your next kitchen upgrade.



By John Cook, President, Quality Surfaces

Making Dreams Come True

Courtesy photo

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Homeowners that are looking for ways to save energy and be

kind to the environment when they build, remodel or renovate a home should

consider seeking help from a Certified Green Professional (CGP).

Home builders, remodel-ers, designers, and contrac-tors with the CGP educa-tional designation under-stand green building. Today, there are 3,000 CGPs in the

business of helping consum-ers build a new home or remodel their existing one.

These professionals know how to combine cost-effective building science with an ever-expanding selection of products and materials to build or remodel a home with sus-tainability in mind. They are trained to incorporate energy, water and resource efficiency, improved indoor environmental quality and sustainable and locally sourced products into their projects—and to teach you how to best take advantage of these features.

BENEFITS oF workING

wITH A ProTrying to build or reno-

vate a home to be green can be a complex, confus-

ing process without some professional guidance. Terminology such as low-E windows, dual-flush toilets, tankless water heaters and ENERGY STAR ratings doesn’t make a lot of sense without some explanation, and with the ever growing number of products on the market today promoted as “green,” it’s hard to know which ones will actu-ally achieve your goals.

A CGP often uses the ICC 700 National Green Building Standards (NGBS), the nation-ally approved benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green homes, to help you understand all the factors that should be considered when building

green and work with you to decide what is appro-priate for your project. They will help you choose the right products and advise you on how to ensure everything works

the way it is designed to and operates at maximum effi-ciency.

Many CGP remodelers and

builders encourage home owners to have

their new homes, additions or renovations certified under the NCGS, which involves two independent, third-party inspections by trained verifiers to ensure compliance.

BUILdING GrEEN

If you are building a new home, a CGP understands how to best take maxi-mum advantage of the natural contours of the land and how

to preserve water quality on site. For example, they will design a home’s win-dow placements to either promote the sun’s heating effects in the home in colder climates, or offset it in warmer regions. They’ll rec-ommend trim, cabinets and flooring that don’t use harm-ful solvents and sealers, and they’ll show you how you can save water inside and outside your home.

By Mark Sovinski G&S Homes

Green Your Home

with a Certified Green Professional

Mark Sovinski

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You may not be able to tell a book by its cover, but you’ll

likely pay more for a book if the cover is charming and attractive.

If your home is for sale, or soon will be, creating a positive first impression is one of the most impor-tant things you can do. Thankfully, it’s not hard. Here are 13 steps you can take; most of them fall under simple maintenance and organization, but some of them could possibly help you decide when it’s time to move.

How To IMPrESS vISITorS

1 Go outside. Mow the lawn, prune bushes, remove dead tree branches, and get rid of outdoor furniture you don’t plan to take with you.

2 Clean the front door and lintels, or paint them if necessary and don’t forget the threshold!

3 Check for leaks throughout the house. A drip may not seem impor-tant, but it could suggest poor maintenance else-where in the house. Don’t leave room for doubt in a buyer’s mind.

4 Clean out closets and storage areas. Donate old clothes and furniture to local charities. This will create a sense of greater space in the home, and mean fewer items to move, plus it gives you a head start for when you do move!

5 Professionally clean the carpets. This is espe-cially important if the car-peting will remain for the new owners, pay special attention to high traffic areas and stains, replacing might be necessary.

6 Flip every switch to make sure the electrical works throughout the house. Prospective home buyers will do this. Fix any switches that need help.

7 Caulk around tubs and sinks. New caulk looks better than old caulk, and you’ll also prevent those tricky leaks.

8 Replace lightbulbs that don’t work and use as much wattage as the fixture will take. Good illu-mination makes your home seem light and airy. Turn on all lights for showings to especially on dark days and evening showings.

9 Tour the property from the perspective of a first-time visitor. Is there anything that may seem uncomfortable to visitors? The 30-year-old green shag carpeting can be off-put-ting and mirrors in poorly lit basements can be dan-gerous, for example.

10 Clean out medicine cabinets. Remove out-of-date items, and consider removing prescription pills when buyers visit. Buyers might look in every nook and open every door. No one wants to be embar-rassed by what they find.

11 Place valuables in a safe place, this could be jewelry, money, and make sure all fire arms are in locked cases and out of the way.

12 If you have a pet, make arrangements to have it elsewhere when your home is being shown. Some people have allergies. No one wants to be barked or pawed at when they enter.

13 Ask your broker to examine the property for specific showing tips to make your home more attractive when compared to others in the area.

Submitted by Brian Thompson, FC Tucker

First impressions

count

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mcba home show 2015

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