November 2013 Newsletter

Posted on Monday, November 25th, 2013.

 

 

Wood Wise Design & Remodeling
22 years – over 400 projects
919.783.9330

Remodeling Tips

  • Granite usually comes from Italy, Brazil, and India. Level 1 granite is simply in good supply, not more attractive. Level 2 granite costs approximately 20% more than level 1. $55-$75 per sq. foot is typical for installed granite for countertops, which includes a sink cutout with polished edge.
  • Drywall is cheap. Popcorn, or textured ceilings, are often cheaper to replace with new drywall than to resurface to be smooth.
  • Removing walls, load-bearing or not, is not a big deal. It does require a letter from a structural engineer. The letter describes the proper method of supporting a removed wall and the inspector always confirms that the proper method has been employed.

Have You Seen Our New Wheels?

Our van is driven by head carpenter Greg Eatz and has been turning heads with its great graphics. Our project manager Ben Toney drives our silver pick-up truck with cool graphics. These vehicles not only look great, they help keep the guys’ tools organized. Wave if you see them around town!

Hank Wall and Greg Eatz with the new Wood Wise van.

Design Corner:

Making the dozens of selections for your remodeling project is daunting. Even the brightest homeowners dread making a mistake. Which tile, which granite, what cabinet finish, and what finish for the faucet?

Wood Wise provides complete support for all of your selections. Designer Kathy Walker is your ally in the various showrooms helping you coordinate everything. She helps guide you to appropriate choices that fit your look and your budget to take the stress out of the selection process. Kathy says,

“I love it when I leave a selection meeting with a homeowner and they say, ‘That was easier than I thought it would be!'”

 Here are a few of Kathy’s recent projects:

Call Wood Wise today to set up an appointment and let Kathy help you on your path to a beautiful remodeling project.

Giving Back

Giving back to our community is important to Wood Wise. We are proud to be a sponsor of Urban Ministries of Wake County’s 9th Annual Stone Soup. The proceeds of this event will enable Urban Ministries to be an advocate for and provide much needed services to people in our community affected by poverty. We invite you to join us for delicious homemade soup served in hand-crafted pottery bowls on Wednesday, November 20, at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Come and nourish your body and soul by giving back to our community. We hope to see you there!

To learn more about Urban Ministries of Wake County and Stone Soup, go to:

http://www.urbanmin.org/

Mark your 2014 calendar now!

Free Kitchen Remodeling Classes

Saturday, February 22 9:30-11a.m.

Wednesday, February 26 6:30-8p.m.

At our showroom:

3121 A Glen Royal Rd.

Raleigh NC 27617

Choose one of our classes to hear Hank Wall, president, and Kathy Walker, designer, talk about the latest trends in kitchen design and how to avoid common remodeling mistakes. Enjoy delicious refreshments in our beautiful cabinet showroom. One lucky attendee will win lunch for two at The Cheesecake Factory. All attendees will receive 50% off custom kitchen design. Please r.s.v.p. by calling 919.783.9330 or email: info@woodwisedesign.com

See more ideas at:

www.woodwisedesign.com

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Angies List

 What is Good Design?

by Hank Wall, President of Wood Wise Design & Remodeling

When you see good design you recognize it, even if your brain can’t define what you like. Architects and designers make spaces interesting and appealing by using these design elements:

  • • Contrast
  • • Symmetry
  • • Patterns
  • • Unusual Features

Contrast adds interest. White cabinets look great with wood floors. Dark granite countertops call for a lighter backsplash, perhaps with some dark border. Lowered ceilings need the relief of taller ceilings. Bold wall colors need white trim throughout. Like coffee with a sweet pastry, contrast improves both.

White CaesarStone countertops contrast with the dark cherry cabinets.

Symmetry: Columns usually come in pairs. An area rug needs equal spacing side to side or it looks “off”. Both examples illustrate our need for symmetry, the visual balancing that designers use inside and outside our homes.

Matching cabinets on either side of the mirror and sink contribute to a balanced look.

Pattern: Three glass doors in wall cabinets of the same size look better than varied sizes. The three doors set up a pattern, a composition of wall cabinets.

The glass doors add pattern and openness to this kitchen.

Unusual feature: Visual design that surprises us may be good or bad. Good designers spice up a space with an unexpected feature, like the fork and spoon handles on the pantry door below. Keep your eyes out for good design as you attend holiday parties.

Antique bronze pulls from Pottery Barn add a touch of whimsey to this cabinet.

Maybe your home will be ready to host next year’s party after inspired interior renovations. I invite you to email me at hank@woodwisedesign.com to help spice up your space with good design.

We Won!

Wood Wise received a national design award for an outdoor project we designed for our North Ridge clients. The award was given by Professional Remodeler magazine in the Outdoor Living category. This particular project has already received recognition by the Remodelers Council STAR awards, winning Best Outdoor Living and is featured in our banner at the top of this newsletter. Congratulations to George and Susan Miller who enjoy entertaining on their award-winning porch!

To see more Wood Wise designed outdoor living spaces, go to: http://www.woodwisedesign.com/outdoor-living-portfolio/