Manassas Remodeling Contractor has a new blog site

Manassas Remodeling Contractor has a new blog site. The site has been changed to http://manassasremodelingcontractor.com. Check us out there.

New Window Replacement Idea

Our window supplier, Sunrise Windows, has come up with a really interesting new window. It's called the Projected Frame window. Basically, any window style can be installed in a wood frame up to 23" deep which is then installed in the window opening. This creates a window that projects out from the opening.

It's a way to get a deeper window ledge for plants and knick-knacks without going with a bulky garden window.

We are really excited about this new option and would be happy to tell you more about it. Just give us a call at 703-369-4446 or e-mail us at info@grecoremodelers.com.

Dishwasher Recall - Do You Have One In Your Kitchen?

Maytag Corporation is voluntarily recalling about 1.7 million Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Magic Chef, and Performa dishwashers made under both the Maytag and Crosley brands.

The dishwashers have plastic tubs and were made with black, bisque, white, silver and stainless steel front door panels. They were sold at department and appliance stores between February 2006 and April 2010 at a cost of between $250 and $900. These models have also been installed by homebuilders around the country.

The recall is due to an electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element that can pose a serious fire hazard. There have been 12 reports of heating element failure that caused fires. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

Maytag and the Consumer Products Safety Commission advise consumers to immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it, inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire and contact Maytag to verify if their dishwasher is included in the recall.

Both the CPSC and Maytag have posted detailed instructions on their websites to show consumers how to check if a dishwasher is included in the recall.

If the dishwasher is included in the recall, consumers can either schedule a free in-home repair or receive a rebate following the purchase of certain new Maytag brand stainless-steel tub dishwashers.

If you have a Maytag made dishwasher, check today to see if it is included in the recall and, if so, take the appropriate action immediately.

Kitchen Tile Design

How is a kitchen tile backsplash designed? There are many ways.

We thought we would show you a recent backsplash tile design by Mosaic Tile that we installed in a kitchen remodeling project. The homeowners loved the random sized tiles in the backsplash but wanted to add some punches of color. The tile, called Oracle Random Mosiac, comes pre-assembled in 12 X 12 sheets so we removed small 2 x 2 tiles in the original tile sheet and replaced them with 2 x 2 colored glass tiles in a variety of colors.

The result was stunning and the homeowners love their new kitchen along with the tile backsplash.

Small Kitchen Designs

Can anything be done for a small kitchen?

Our client came to us with a small kitchen in his condominium. He liked the condo's location and didn't want to move yet the kitchen was cramped and did not flow very well. He wanted to update the look, too.

Our solution: We designed and built a small U-shaped kitchen within the footprint of the original kitchen. The new design incorporates a taller bar area as well as new, up-dated appliances and a better traffic flow (see first photo above). The design provides better efficiency and more organization in a small space.

The client chose Kraftmaid Belmont cabinets in a toffee finish topped with laminate countertops in Willow Springs. The laminate has the look of granite but at a much lower price. Dal-tile's Ridgeview tile layed on a diagonal finished off the floor. The diagonal pattern of the 12" x 12" tile helps to elongate the feel of the area. And Denim Blue paint completes the walls.

The small, cramped kitchen is now open and functions better. And our client loves his new kitchen!

If you'd like to see what we can do for your kitchen, just give us a call at 703-369-4446 or e-mail us at info@grecoremodelers.com.

Take Advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday and Buy Emergency Preparedness Supplies

Between May 25th & May 31st, Virginia residents can purchase emergency supplies for their homes without paying sales tax. It's the May Sales Tax Holiday and it specifically targets Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness Equipment.

Items that qualify for the tax exemption include generators valued at under $1,000 and smaller items valued at less than $60 like ice packs, batteries, flashlights, two-way radios, tarps, and first aid kits. Check out the full list of qualifying items.

Want to learn more? Go to the Emergency Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Guidelines and Rules page.

This is a great time to stock up on supplies and get your home ready for any emergency.

Home Remodeling Contractors - How to Select One

In honor of National Home Improvement Month, here are some great tips from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Check out their brochure, How To Select A Remodeling Professional.