The Star Remodeling Radio Show Podcast

Kermit Baker Of the Harvard Joint Study on Housing and American Institute of Architecture Kermit is  the lead author of reports from the HJSH. Kermit collects and  collates data that will map and hopefully predict what the housing market and construction industries are experiencing and can expect in the near future. An industry expert that speaks nationally. He is also the lead consultant to the AIA in Washington DC. Remodeling Kermit talks with host Bob Williams about how this information is collected and why. They discuss how and who can use the information and why. And they even get into how the report is accessed by the public nod what can do for the home owner. http://www.jchs.harvard.edu/research You the Home Owner The information is a great insight into what you as a home owner may experience if you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one or remodel your present home. Kermit explains what the origins of the report are and how it can be accessed and the type of info nation that it contains. They explain how to this information is use in any of the construction industry, financial industries and by the government. But more importantly Kermit will give you a look behind the report and what kind of things you can use it for. The Report And please support our sponsor Demobags in use And please listen to The Star Remodeling Show on WNBP  1450 AM 106.1 FM or on the wnbp.com Sunday’s  9AM The Legends       The post Kermit Baker on Harvard Joint Study for Housing Report Star Remodeling Show Episode 176 appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Drywall & Plaster Drywall & plaster  both can need and be repaired. But there are big differences in these material and how each is approached and repaired. Host Bob Williams explains the differences in material , application of coating and repair techniques for each. And whether you do it yourself or hire a pro there are things you should consider and do to make the repair a quick and simple task.  Knowing what each material is designed for , that is damp environment, fire hazard or mold prevention is also key. Knowing how to identify these materials is the first step. But texturing, finishing and painting these materials also needs attention too. Bob shares his experiences  so you can don’t have to rely on trial and error,  experience lots of dust and trouble blending with surround surfaces. Patios & Screen Porches Extending the living space of the home to the outdoors with patios and screen porches is a longtime practice. Making sure yours is built well and easy to maintain. With a good base a patio will last the life of the home with simple maintenance, but what a good base. And where do you store those screens in the winter. Options for both are reviewed,  as are various materials for the construction of both.   Tune in to our show Star Remodeling Show weekly on 1450 AM , 106.1FM or WNBP.com  Sunday mornings at 9:00 The Legends If your a DYI’er get to know our sponsor DEMOBAGS Demobags in use They can help you clean up some of the heaviest messiest material and debris you’ll encounter on your project.  Each bag can carry up to 110 pounds and be used up to five times guaranteed.  Good for drywall, brick, lumber, glass, metals, plaster, stone, sand and anything else you have to clean up on the job site.   The post Drywall & Plaster, Patios & Screen Porches Star Remodeling Show Episode 175 appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Home Additions Home Additions are the subject of this segment of the Star Remodeling Show. This week host Bob Williams covers lots of things you need to know about additions. From defining what an addition is,  restrictions that may apply and the reasons additions make sense are all covered. Design What kind of home addition do you need or want?  Do you need to enlarge the kitchen, expand the master bedroom into a master suite, create your work environment in the form of a home office, maybe it a dormer or second level because of a growing family or your expensive car need a garage to protect it.  It all starts with defining your need and then adding your want into the design. Designs help to save dollar.   They do that by working out the build-ablity in images that show how the parts will fit together, before any physical construction starts. Good Design will also incorporate restrictions that may be in place such as setbacks, utility easements, wetland protection, solar orientation,etc.  And of course budget will factor into design too. Budget You need to know your budget before you begin. Home Additions can run from very affordable to excessively expensive. Design cost alone will vary depending on the size, amount of detail and complexity of project. But design also allow create a vehicle to establish estimated cost for the project from before building starts.  But it will help you to decide if you can or would adjust your budget or adjust the scale of the project to fit the budget. Overview Additions come in all sort of shapes and sizes. Only you know what your needs and wants are. So list them to share them with the other involved in your project. Designs cost money, but can save you not only money, but heartache, frustration, disappointment and stress. Good design work for everyone from the user to the code officials, to the building pros.  Budgets are the limiting factor for any project. Be realistic and include a dollar contingency  factor for things that can’t be anticipated but show up along the way. Join us weekly Sunday Mornings at 9:00 on WNBP 1450 AM , 106.1 FM, and streaming on the web at WNBP.com  The Legends A special thanks to our sponsor Demobags  Demobags in use   The post Home Additions Star Remodeling Show Episode 174 appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Landscape management topics Landscape management approaches  and techniques are the topic that Guest Andrew Langlois from Szczechowicz Landscape Service talks about with Host Bob Williams. Siting your garden so you can see it and enjoy it from indoors, edible plants as part of landscape gardening, water management and much more. Something for everyone Andrew describes the process that Szczechowicz Landscape Service uses to plan a project big and /or small. He explains the part of a project. Then the process that is used and handled by Szczechowicz Landscape Service . From  fruit trees to fire pit  and outdoor lighting there is sure to be something for everyone. What are the trends ? Andrew will talk about some of the approaches and trends. These are things that he is seeing that people want to employ in their yard. From the  approach of the property to driveways and walkway and on to patios with lighting Andrew offers suggestion. Whether it’s the backyard, side yards  or  formal quite area each can be treated with planning to maximize your view and use coming and going. Remember to like us  Star Construction Company Inc on Facebook and listen each week at 9 AM   to our broadcast on WNBP The Legends and support our sponsor at Demobags Demobags in use   The post Landscape Management Star Remodeling Show Episode 173 appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Finished basement Your host Bob Williams takes you through the process to your finished basement project. Even in wet areas such as greater Newburyport, Ma there are tools and techniques to make and keep your finished basement renovation enduring . It scan even reduce heath problem cause by reducing the  risk of mold. Caution Bob will explain some of the thing you’ll need to do to ensure that your basement is dry and able to stay that way. Finish basements problems generally associated with moisture. Bob Will tell about ways to company that. Caution is alway a good approach to combat know problem causes. Materials Bob even get into the materials that work as well as the sequence to employ them to best complete a finished basement that will withstand the test of time. From french drain drainage systems to radon mitigation and sump pumps that work on water power Bob will help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your investment. Where its a theme based room that will store lost of expensive electronics or a place for the kid to play pool  or do home work You want a space that’s durable, comfortable and healthy. Using the wrong material or approach may mean real heath hazards. Not only that it may mean tearing it all out and staring over if water management is inadequate. The Legends So if you missed our show on WNBP   don’t forget to check back here for our podcast weekly. Demobags in use And if you need help with cleaning up after a tuff project try our sponsor Demobags product.       The post Finished Basement Star Remodeling Show Episode 172 appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Deck Materials of 2014 It’s deck season on the horizon. And Bob want you to know about the deck materials that are on or coming onto the market. and all the accessories that are part and parcel of the choices you’ll be faced with this year to build your deck. Bob talks about all the choices of decking available, what there made of and what you’ll need to know to use them. Deck material manufacturers have mushroomed over the last few years each claiming to be the best. find out what framing details you’ll need to know in order to use them. Railing It not just deck material but railing and fastening systems too. Railings are available in all sort of material but what should you be looking for from any of these railing systems. Do you know what code requires? Yeah Bob gets into that too. Fasteners And how do we hold all these pieces together? Hardware of all types are available to connect the framing decking and railings together and more and more keeps showing up. Some rely make better and stronger decks. others just make things quicker. But which ones really work? The Legends   Demobags in use   The post SRS 171 Deck Material 2014 appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Tec Home Builder Host Bob Williams and his guest Steve Castle editor of Tec Home Builder www.TecHomeBuilder.com  talk about technology in the home that is being used today. Also what are builders incorporating as standard option in new homes today. What is available today for new construction and remodeling too. Find out how you can sign up for Tec Home Builder.  That way you can see what out there. And decide what tech options you need to put into your next home improvement project. Bob and Steve talk about technology in the home that is being used today. Also what builders are incorporating as standard option in new homes today, what is available for new construction and remodeling too. Find out how you can sign up for Tec Home Builder so you can see what out there and decide what options you need to put into your next home improvement project. What will be in your next project From home security to inventory of groceries in your refrigerator technology is coming home. Find out about some of the uses inlace and where you can expect see new application in the near future. Steve is a wealth of knowledge that he openly share with our listener and his readers. Do you need to know that the kids got home safe and/or whether they brought friends along? Do you want to that by using your smart phone, desktop, laptop and/or tablet? Or do you want to save on those heating and cooling bills with system that learns from you and knows when and how to adjust the thermostat so that your house is just  the right  temperature when you get there. Then this is the show for you. Find out more from www.TecHomeBuilder.com   A Note From Bob This show was done via phone and had a sometimes poor quality. I’d like to apologize to  Steve and my listeners for that issue. But urge the listener to listen to the entire show as the info that Steve shared will be worth it even with the sometime staticy connection. Don’t for get to tune in each Sunday morning at 9:00 AM The Star Remodeling Show Our Sponsor are                 Our Music provide by http://www.buildingsongs.com     The post SRS 170 Tec Home Builder E-magazine Editor Steve Castle joins Bob this week appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Buying Trends, Skilled Trade Availability, Financing Option, Safe Deck Stairs Listen to Bob every Sunday morning at 9 AM on WNBP radio by tuning into 1450 AM , 106.1 FM or on www.WNBP.com. The Legends Bob talk about upcoming buying trends, skilled trade availability,and safe deck stair construction. Find out what people will be buying and why.  Buying Trends Find out what the experts are saying the buying  trends homeowners will be spending there money on this year and why.  As the housing market recovers certain buying patterns are predicted and this year is no different. Find out who will be buying what. Skilled Trade Availability With certain work being in more demand than others certain skill trade worker availability will be in high demand. Depending on what you need to do maintain your home you may have to wait if you don’t  contract early. You’ll want to know what work and skilled trade will be affected. Get the heads up here on skilled trade availability. Financing Options May people finance things that loose value rapidly and continuously and think nothing of it. But financing home improvements can actually be the smartest thing to finance. Looking at financing options for remodeling and home improvements can be a very smart thing to do. It can also mean getting thing done on an accelerated time table and allow for some upgrades that might not have been possible with other payment types. Safe Deck Stairs There has ben a lot of buzz on the professional front about making safe dark stairs. The focus in the trade mags has been how to connect the bottom step to the ground and make the railing system strong and solid. There are all sorts of suggestion and variations to help make sure the railing are stiff, strong and that the stairs step are sturdy and durable. And like most thing there is more than one way to do it.  The focus is on how and why it’s so important Thanks to our sponsor Demo Bags Demobags in use   The post SRS 169 Buying Trends, Financing appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

SRS 168 Remodeling Contract Checklist SRS168 Remodeling Contract Checklist links to our podcast of our show #168. In this Star Remodeling Radio Show episode #168 is Bob’s review of what you should have in yours, Including basic Name, Address, Price, Payments schedule, Scope of Work, Legalize,  Duration Schedule. He covers what you need to look for and ask for from your contractor. Know what the contractor is responsible for and what they will expect you to be responsible for. Like who signs for things,  how do change orders work. Remodeling Contract check list Sample Checklist Date of agreement Start Date Contractors name Clients (home owner) name Architect/designer Project location (legal address) Project Plan discription Scope of Work Contract Price Payment Shedule Duration Schedule Conditions need to begin Change Order procedure Financing Info Owner’s responsiblities Contractor responsibilities Dispute resolution process Allowance procedure Insurance Submission and selection process Notice of recession Warranties Work stoppage Existing Conditions Substantial completion Contractor rep Owners Rep Payment conditions and process Lien waivers   The post SRS 168 Remodeling Contract Checklist appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Paint Changes Host Bob Williams  talks with Port Paint owner Jack Boland about paint changes. Paint changes have been subtle but significant in recent years. Jack explains what paint changes have happen and where these trends are headed. Bob & Jack talk about the history of paint in their respective careers. From change of paint bases  materials from oil to latex on through changes in color mixing to computerized color analysis changes have made vast improvement and cost saving a reality. And they even give you some tips on making use of new tech tools you already have to help make your paint store trip quick and easy. Jack even tell you about the Benjamin Moore phone app.  Our Affiliates The Legends PortPaint.com  Demobags in use The post SRS 167 Paint Changes appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

 SRS Episode #166 In this episode of The Star Remodeling Show  host Bob Williams discussed the pros and cons of Change Order. Change Orders Change Orders, are often seen as being a very costly and bad item by many people and a real blessing by others. Find out how and when they work best.What you can do to help keep them working for you and what you should expect when change order are implemented. Do you play domino’s? you might if there is a Change Order. Surveys Next he talks about using a third party survey company who sent out survey to customers and how they help improve a business like remodeling. And we’ll even show you where you can see our reviews. Check them Out on Guild Quality. This is kind of like the JD Power Awards for measuring customer satisfaction in remodeling and construction Financing Bob looks at how using financing can get your project done and what types of financing people seek and what people generally use. Hear some novel ideas customers have applied to finance their projects and get a vacation at no additional cost. An improved home and a vacation too not bad at all.   Listen to us every Sunday And buy Demobags Demobags in use       The post SRS 166: Change Orders, GQ Surveys, Finance appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Universal  Bathrooms Design is reviewed by Host Bob Williams, including  showers, tubs, walk-in tubs, toilets, grab bars and more. He’ll prompt you to think twice about some of the most heavily market product and if they are right for you and your family. Bathrooms renovation is a costly and long term investment. You want to get right and not regret choices shortly after the bathroom is completed  or find that you are having product problems that hard to repair and even more costly. But universal bathroom design does not have to cost more or look out of place. In fact a good universal design bathroom will not look out of place with the rest of the homes decor and the cost can be about the same as a conventional bathroom remodel. New bath- vanity tub liner and tile floor Call to find out more on pricing and products today. (978)363-1267 I’ve included some links to products below . Hope this help. www.wnbp.com wall-mount-folding-wooden-shower-seat-chrome bathroom-products/walk-in-baths   bathroom/safety/grab-bars bascoshowerdoor.com The post SRS 164: Universal Bathroom Design appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Host Bob Williams shares some cold weather tips for you to make your home function better. Bob talks about doors, windows, insulation, ice dams, power generators, preventive maintenance tips too. Also some way to reduce your energy bills with some quick simple DIY projects you can handle in less that an hour. And we welcome our new sponsor Demobags. You can find the at the checkout counter of places like Lowes , Home Depot and Ace Hardware store. WNBP.com The Legends Demobags in use Demobags.com The post SRS 163 Cold Weather Tips Podcast appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

SRS 162 Podcast, Septic Systems Basics Host Bob Williams and guest Rich Briscoe of Briscoe Septic Service talk about what makes up a septic system, parts, purpose, care and maintainence. Problems to avoid, proper sizing and land planning needs. Plus Title V updates and explaination of interpertation of soil readings. From the size of the pieces to the sizing per bedroom they will guide you through this often misunderstood component of your home. They also will talk about the life and use impact on a system if you are buying a home and what the report can tell you. Or if you are selling a home what you might do to be proactive to help move you sale quickly. WNBP.com www.briscoeseptic.com Listen to our Podcast here or catch the radio show Sunday at 9am on WNBP 1450am, Newburyport, Ma. The post SRS 162 Podcast, Septic Systems Basics appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

SRS 161 Podcast, Lead Safe America Organization Bob & guest Tamara Rubin founder of Lead Safe America Foundation talk about lead paint  poisoning.  Find out about the foundations upcoming movie http://www.Facebook.com/MisleadMovie Bob and Tamara will also tell you how and where you can get more info on Lead Paint happening. The new RRP laws that are in effect  are discussed as the EPA moves forward with enforcement. But there is so much more you should know especially if you live in or work on homes built before 1978. Find out about how the foundation got started and what you can do to help.  We have included  more sources for info through the links provided below including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Lead Safe America Foundation. Plus for you music buff find out what rock super group has gotten behind the foundation. You’ll never guess Who. We also talk about screening of the movie and where you can find a screening or  if you want to find out about hosting a screening locally. If you are interested in hosting or helping to host a screening please contact Bob to help him to educated you, your family and neighbor about the hazard of unsafe lead paint removal. Star Construction has been issued by the  Com. of Mass. Division of Occupational Safety  a Lead -safe Renovation Contractor Licensing Waiver and is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency as having fulfilled the requirements of the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) section 402 and has received certification to conduct lead-based paint renovation, repair, and paint activities pursuant to 40 CFR part 745.89. If you think you or someone in your care may have been poisoned by lead please contact your health care provide to get tested for blood lead levels to find. Testing is the only way to be certain. http://www.LeadSafeAmerica.org http://www.MyChildrenHaveLeadPoisoning.com http://www.LeadSafeAmerica.org http://www.MyChildrenHaveLeadPoisoning.com http://www.MisLEADMovie.com http://www.TamaraRubin.com http://www2.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program Listen to our Podcast here or catch the radio show Sunday at 9am on WNBP 1450am, Newburyport, Ma. The post SRS 161 Podcast, Lead Safe America Organization appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

Host Bob Williams talks with Ollie Sheridan about geothermal heating / cooling for the home.  From how to start, what to expect, on through installation and operation of a geothermal system. Explanation of the different type of geothermal systems in pond, in ground and variations of these systems. The benefits or restriction of each geothermal system. Renewable energy and energy audits are all part of the mix. Learn more about how you can incorporate these fetters into your home. http://www.adrosenergy.com http://www.wnbp.com http://www.demobags.com The post SRS 006 Podcast, Geothermal Heating / Cooling with Ollie Sheridan appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

SRS 005 Podcast, on  Electric Portable Tool Repair Star Remodeling Show  on  Electric Portable Tool Repair  Host Bob Williams talks with Ellery Dean of Minuteman Tool Repair all about electric hand power tools. www.MinutemanTool.com wnbp.com Listen to our Podcast here or catch the radio show Sunday at 9am on WNBP 1450am, Newburyport, Ma.         The post SRS 005 Podcast, on Electric Portable Tool Repair appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.

SRS 004 Podcast, on Building with Insulated Concrete Forms Host Bob Williams and guest Kirk Ronaldson of Permanent Concrete Homes out of York, Maine talk about building with insulated concrete forms. Kirk will explain what they are and how they work. Also the will talk about the benefits of this material and how they are installed, where you can get them and who can put them up. www.PermanentConcreteHomes.com Kirk Ronaldson York Me. 207-752-0356 www.WNBP.com Listen to our Podcast here or catch the radio show Sunday at 9am on WNBP 1450am, Newburyport, Ma.   The post SRS 004 Podcast, on Building with Insulated Concrete Forms appeared first on Welcome to Star Construction.