Uniquity Builders, Inc.

Have Some Home Improvement Fun with Your Kids This Summer!

The current school year is quickly winding down and as each day passes, the kids become more and more excited about their upcoming summer vacation. I'll admit, I'm looking forward to it, as well! But I also know that that excitement will quickly turn into boredom.

Without fail, a week or two into their summer break, I start hearing the telltale cries of children with "nothing" to do.  "Mom, I'm bored!" echoes throughout the house as if there isn't an abundance of toys, video games and family pets to occupy their time. 

                        

So, maybe this summer, instead of buying them another video game, put them to work!  I'm sure by now your honey-do list has gotten pretty long, let them help you tackle it.  Your list is probably full of things that need to get done before it gets too hot outside.  Of course, they won't be able to help with everything, especially the bigger projects, but they can always pitch in and help paint something or hammer a nail. 

Does your backyard fence need a fresh coat of paint?  That's something that a kid could do without too much trouble and a mistake could be easily fixed.  Perhaps you need to make some minor repairs to your deck?  Kids could help you sand down rough spots or even reseal the deck.

Getting your kids involved in repairs like these is a great way to teach them some basic home maintenance skills.  Not only will this teach them skills they will retain throughout their life, but they will feel like they are contributing to the overall look of your home. 

But remember to put safety first...  Make sure kids are wearing the proper safety gear, are supervised at all times and that they aren't working above their skill level.  But most important, remember to have fun!

 

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to stop by our website at  www.uniquitybuilders.com, or simply scan the QR code below.  Also,  be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

**Update** Another Home Remodeling Project Underway From Uniquity Builders!! Pictures...

After weeks of digging through solid mountain rock, the basement/wine cellar portion of this bedroom addition in Murphys, Ca. is finally starting to take shape.  Here are a few pictures to show you what we've done so far...enjoy!

 

Bill (the guy in the hole) is 6'3"...that's a lot of digging!

We'll keep the pictures coming on this project! 

 

***New Pictures***

Concrete going in the walls!

Framing for the room addition has begun...

For more information about getting a project like this started at your home, call us today at 800-498-1833.  Also, feel free to stop by our website at  www.uniquitybuilders.com, or simply scan the QR code below.  Also,  be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

Take 20% off the Cabinets For Your Kitchen Remodel with Uniquity Builders!

Hey guys...summer is almost here, I just wanted to let everyone know that we are still running our 20% off summer cabinet special!! Now through August 1st, we will take 20% off the price of new cabinets when you choose to remodel your kitchen with us.  This is an exceptional offer since cabinets are usually the biggest expense when it comes to a kitchen remodel.  For more information about this incredible offer, go to www.UniquityBuilders.com/KitchenCabinetSpecial.html. 

 

Don't wait too long to take advantage of this great offer and finally get the kitchen you've always wanted!  August 1st will be here before you know it, so don't spend another summer wishing you had made that call...do it now!!  Head on over to www.UniquityBuilders.com to see examples of some of the kitchens we've completed and check out what some of our satisfied customers are saying about us.

Give us a call at 800-498-1833 or log onto www.UniquityBuilders.com/KitchenCabinetSpecial.html and mention code "Kitchen1" to take the first step towards your dream kitchen! 

Also  be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

Need To Get Your Deck Ready For Summer? We Can Do That For You!

With the hot summer weather rapidly approaching, you are probably preparing yourself for the heat.  Maybe you have traded those winter clothes for shorts and flip flops?  Or taken that big, too-warm comforter off the bed already.  Basically doing whatever it is you can do to stay cool this summer. 

Perhaps you prefer to spend those hot summer days relaxing outside?  A deck can provide the perfect spot to kick back, relax and soak up some of that natural vitamin D!  But, maybe your deck needs some work after sitting through a long, wet winter.  Or maybe you tell yourself every year that this is the summer you'll have a deck installed? 

Well, don't put it off any longer!  Get that deck you've always wanted!  Just think about all the great memories you could make with your family on your fabulous new deck...the BBQ's, your morning coffee, or maybe just a place to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon.     

 

Make this the best summer ever by finally getting that deck put in.  That's what this customer had in mind when we built him this gorgeous redwood , two-story deck a few years ago. 

Whether your deck needs repairs or you want a brand new one, we can do that for you!  Head over to our website at www.UniquityBuilders.com to check out some more of our work and to see what our wonderful customers are saying about us.  And, as always, you can call us at 800-498-1833.

 

Also  be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

A Relaxing Splash Of Color For Your "Green" Lifestyle!

Another beautiful California spring is in full effect and you might be looking around your house thinking it could use some sprucing up after the cold, dreary winter.  So, you open the shades to let the sunshine in and fluff up the couch pillows.  You add a few small arrangements of brightly colored spring flowers to the living room to bring a little nature inside.  Maybe you light a candle with a fresh garden scent...now it's starting to look  like spring inside.  And speaking of bringing nature inside, why not brighten up your space with a fresh coat of paint inspired by nature?  Not only could you choose colors that are nature inspired, such as Sea Glass or Springmelt by Martha Stewart, but choose paints with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC).  These paints are good for the environment and for your indoor air quality. 

 

                      
 

You see, conventional oil paints contain solvents which can taint your indoor air, potentially for months after the paint dries.  So, going with low or no VOC paint isn't just about avoiding smelly fumes for a day.  It's about the health of you and your family.  And going with paint that is not only "green", but green, will do wonders for your mood, as well. 

The color green is soothing and relaxing, not just mentally, but physically.  The color green could help you unwind after a long day at work and the fact that you chose a paint that is healthy for your family will give you peace of mind!  And who couldn't use a little peace of mind these days?

So, let the nature lover in you take over when deciding which shade of green is right for your home and enjoy your zen moment for as long as you can...or at least until the kids get home from school!

 

If just reading this article was totally relaxing, take a minute to check out our website before you take a nap at www.uniquitybuilders.com or simply scan the QR code below.

Also  be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

Source:  Marthastewart.com

Take This Fun Earth Day Quiz to See How You Measure Up!

Today, April 22nd, is Earth Day, a day in which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection.  As the day approached, I thought I'd take a look at their website, www.earthday.org,  to see what kind of eco-friendly activities were being planned around the world. 

What I found was an interactive quiz that calculates our own ecological footprint.  By answering questions such as how much you drive per week to how much beef you eat, the quiz will determine how much of the planet you personally use.  It will also give you ideas to cut back some of your consumption to reduce your eco-footprint even more.  

It's interesting because we don't always think about how our daily activities impact our planet.  For example, how much impact do you think your chicken sandwich from lunch has on the planet?  Probably not a lot, right?  Wrong!!  Think about it, every ingredient used to make that sandwich has had some sort of impact.  The wheat and grains used to make the bread were grown in a field somewhere.  The chicken was raised on a farm and so on.  And all of those things had to shipped to the store or restaurant so you could have lunch.  It all counts when determining how much of the planet is impacted in our daily lives.

So, by recycling, biking to work or growing our own fruits and veggies, we can drastically reduce the pressure we put on our planet.  Take the Ecological Footprint test to see where you stand. 

                                   

 

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to stop by our website at  www.uniquitybuilders.com, or simply scan the QR code below. 

Also,  be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

Source: www.earthday.org

Uniquity Builders is Having a Summer Kitchen Remodeling Special!!

Summer is almost here and that means lots more outdoor living.  Being outside in the fresh air with the green grass between your toes and the smell of food on the grill relaxes you and helps you forget about your to-do list for a while. 

This may be the year you want to consider moving the indoors outside by adding an outdoor kitchen.  Now is the perfect time to add to your home because we are taking 20% off* the price of the cabinets for you!  Not only can an outdoor kitchen help your resale value, it can also help your outlook on life. Studies have shown that being outside helps improve everything from wound healing and high blood pressure to stress and depression.  Nature may be the best medicine of all!

You may be wondering how much it would cost to capture a little more sunshine by cooking and entertaining using an outdoor kitchen.  Depending on the design and accessories you prefer, costs can range from $4,000 to $20,000, or more for larger more elaborate kitchens...which is why taking 20% off the cabinets would be a huge relief!

 

 

Outdoor kitchens can be as simple as a unit with a grill, prep area, and storage space, or you can get really creative and add a sink, pizza oven, steams, fryers, refrigerators, and more. 

Outdoor kitchens may help lower your power bills in the summer by keeping the extra heat from cooking out of your home.

 

 

Here are a few things to consider...

1. Make sure you add enough storage for utensils and other paraphernalia that makes it easier to cook and enjoy the process.
2. Sufficient, easy to clean counter-top space for a food prep area is a must.
3. Any cabinetry should be weather resistant, this might include redwood or teak.
4. It's preferable to build your kitchen on level ground.
5. You may want to consider a patio cover for weather protection.
6. A heating element, or a fire pit, will help extend usage of your outdoor kitchen.
7. A professional contractor can help you avoid unpleasant surprises,
   such as problems with load bearing patios, electrical and plumbing
   requirements and other considerations.

 

 

Don't forget you are essentially adding a second kitchen to your home, so you will want to take the time to make sure it's done professionally, so you get the best value for your money. 

If you are ready to add a beautiful new kitchen to your backyard and take advantage of the 20% discount, call us NOW at 800-498-1833.

 

 

If you found this article helpful, feel free to stop by our website at  www.uniquitybuilders.com, or simply scan the QR code below. 

Also,  be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

*20% offer ends August 1st, 2013

Top 7 Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Since we are currently running a 20% off* special on the purchase of the cabinets when you choose to remodel your kitchen with us, I thought I would share some kitchen remodeling tips with you.  Planning a home remodeling project, whether you need one or just want one, can be an overwhelming process.  Many homeowners are unsure of where to start and exactly what kind of decisions will need to be made during the remodel. 

So, maybe this list will help add a little peace-of-mind to your upcoming home remodel and help you save a little money, too!

 1. Planning and visualizing --Before you call a contractor, look at remodeling magazines, spend time looking at cabinet styles online or at your local Lowes or Home Depot.  Think about the countertop, flooring, appliances, etc. you want.  Keep a file of your top choices.  It’s helpful for you to have an idea of what you want, so your contractor can help you with the advantages and disadvantages of products you’re considering.

2. Cabinets—Since cabinets are the focal point of most kitchens, choosing the right cabinets for your lifestyle is critical.  Many homeowners aren’t aware that the type of wood you choose makes a difference when it comes to how cabinets wear and the amount of maintenance they will need.  Also, cabinets are usually the highest expense, so taking 20% off the purchase price is a huge relief!  

3. Forming a work triangle—One of the first things to consider is the best layout of your kitchen.  When you finally get the kitchen you’ve been waiting for, you want it to be functional and easy to use.  Working in your kitchen shouldn’t require lots of walking back and forth between your sink, range, and refrigerator.  When you’re cooking those big family dinners, you should be able to move around quickly and efficiently.

4. Counter tops—When choosing counter tops you’ll want to research the pros and cons of each material.  For example, Corian is a popular choice, but it’s not as durable as granite.  It can be scorched by flame and burned by hot pans, unlike genuine stone.  Corian countertops can be provided as part of one seamless unit, but if part of it gets damaged, it’s more of a problem to repair.  

       

5. Backsplash— When you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, a backsplash is most likely not the first thing on your mind.  But installing them behind the stove and above countertops throughout can make your kitchen easier to clean, and can add interesting border accents at the same time.

                           
 

 6. Storage space—Natural light and upper cabinet space may be hard to come by in some smaller kitchens.  When you’re considering your options, you may want to look into backless cabinets with frosted glass fronts (see previous picture) to gain cabinet space without losing light.  Another option is to go up and utilize your wall and ceiling space, as shown in the picture below.

                            

7. Refrigerator space— It’s always exciting to pick-out appliances for your new kitchen.  But don’t forget to make sure you buy a refrigerator that fits the space for which it was designed.  We have had to modify more than one finished kitchen after a customer purchased an oversized refrigerator that didn’t fit the opening in their new kitchen. 

In addition you want to make sure the ice maker on your new refrigerator is hooked-up properly.  One homeowner discovered her water line was not hooked-up properly two days after a Sears installation, and had to deal with $30,000 in water damage to her home.  (See ctwatchdog.com)

Hopefully these tips will help you avoid some unnecessary stress and headaches during your next kitchen remodel. 

 

If you found this article helpful, feel free to stop by our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com, or simply scan the QR code below. 

Also,  be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

*20% off expires June 1, 2013

Preserve Our Planet...Recycle Your House!

When we start a new home remodeling project, the first step is demolition...obviously.  We have to get rid of the old to prepare for the new.  That old, crumbling deck needs to come down, the cabinets that have adorned your kitchen since the 70's have to go, and that worn out, over-used carpet...good riddance!!  Now that the demo is done and all of the "old" is out of the house and in a pile outside, what do you do with it?  Throw it all away and be done with it?  Sift through it and see what you can reuse?  Maybe recycle it?  I would recommend the last two options!

 

                           

 

Did you know that you can pretty much recycle an entire house?  Yep!  From wood scraps to drywall to that old, dingy carpet...it can all be recycled or reused in some way.  Earth911.com is a great resource for locating centers in your area to recycle just about anything. 

This site also provides tips to reuse a lot of what you would be getting rid of, such as turning an old door into a rustic looking picnic table for that new deck or reusing old kitchen tiles as coasters on your "new" table.  Craft a country style picture frame out of your old four-paned wooden window frames to hang in your newly remodeled kitchen.  The possibilities are endless! 

So, as you can see there are other options out there for discarding the debris that results from a home remodel.  All resulting in less waste and garbage ending up to our already too full landfills.  And don't forget to make this a part of your everyday lifestyle, as well!

 

If you found this article helpful, feel free to stop by our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com, or simply scan the QR code below. 

If you found this article helpful,  be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

Source: Earth911.com

 

Want To Remodel Your Kitchen This Spring or Add An Outdoor Kitchen to Your Home? Maybe 20% off Will Help You Decide?

It's weird to think that we are approaching the spring and summer seasons of 2013 already...ALREADY!?  I feel like I'm still recovering from the busy holiday season.  Nevertheless, the warm weather will be here before we know it and the summertime parties and BBQ's will take place like they always do.  Not that we mind, I mean who doesn't love a good BBQ?  With that in mind, what have you done to prepare for all that traffic that will be parading throughout your home and backyard?  Is your kitchen and backyard ready for another fun filled summer?  Have you ever thought of adding a kitchen TO your backyard? 

Outdoor kitchens are gaining in popularity as more and more American families choose to spend their time at home rather than take an expensive vacation.  By choosing to spend that vacation money on a kitchen remodel or other home improvements, you'll be creating spaces your whole family will enjoy every day.

To help you get your remodeling project underway, we'd like to take 20% off the price of the cabinets for you!  Yay, right?  Not only will you have a fabulous new indoor or outdoor kitchen to look forward to, but now it's so much more affordable!  But, call us soon!!  This offer is only good till June 1st, 2013!

Your new kitchen, featuring the super eco-friendly Mid Continent Cabinets, will be the perfect place for your family to gather and catch up after a busy day.  An outdoor kitchen would be an amazing place to hang out with friends on a warm summer evening.  Which ever one it is you choose to remodel, make sure you call us first to take advantage of this amazing offer! 

As we mentioned in a previous post, Uniquity Builders, Inc. is now an authorized dealer for Mid Continent Cabinetry, and we can offer our customers high quality cabinets that have been certified by the Environmental Stewardship Program.

So, don't let another summer season go by wishing you had more room for all of your family and friends.  Make this the year that you "wow" them with a fabulous new kitchen!  The summertime BBQ's will be here before you know it!  Now’s the time to plan your kitchen makeover.

Let us help you create the indoor or outdoor kitchen of your dreams.  Give us a call at 800-498-1833 or feel free to stop by our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com or simply scan the QR code below. Also be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

Source: MidContinentCabinetry.com