Solid Ground – A Guide to Selecting Flooring

Whether you plan on installing new flooring in one room or throughout your entire home, there are thousands of options available to help you make a statement. A vast variety of materials, colors, textures and patterns can combine to compliment every room in your home. Follow my simple suggestions to help you narrow your focus and find the perfect floor for your home.

Decide on Decor
Decide what look and feel you want for the specific rooms. Flooring is often referred to as the fifth wall in home decorating and is a key design element in setting the ambiance of a room. I call this the “WOW” factor. You can make a statement in a room with a patterned carpet. Textured floors add visual interest. Vary the width on plank flooring or set wood on a diagonal for effect. Darker of flooring can add depth and drama to a room while a neutral carpet can be a great backdrop for bold furnishings.

Lifestyle Logistics
Do you have an active home with children and pets? Do you like to entertain? Will the area have to weather heavy foot traffic? These aspects will influence the products you select from as some flooring types are more durable than others. Remember, flooring should enhance your home, but needs to be chosen for its practicality too.

Location Location
Always factor in room conditions so that your flooring is best serving its purpose. Will this be a wet area? Is it above or below grade? Are the temperatures cool or warm? Is sound an issue? Is your comfort more important? Remember your goal for that particular room and choose the right floor for the job.

How About Health
Take into consideration allergies and other health issues when selecting your floors. Anyone with serious allergies should steer away from certain types of carpet, which
could retain dust, mites and dander. There are good hypo-allergenic alternatives such as tile, wood, cork, bamboo, and some vinyl products for a better fit.

Best for Budget
What is your budget for this flooring project? Set a limit of what you are comfortable spending and then price out options. Although some products may cost more, if they wear better over time and last longer, they are a better value in the long run.

Go Green
There are many options for eco-friendly flooring such as bamboo, cork, wools, polyester and vinyl. Remember, let’s save the Earth one floor at a time.

Trending
Cork is becoming a main-stream material for flooring. It has moisture-resistant qualities, a soft, cushioning effect, is low-maintenance, can offer some insulation and absorbs sound as well.

Carlos Martinez is a Residential & Commercial Flooring Specialist with Family Flooring America. Visit Booth # 147 or www.wefloor.com for more information.

Transformation Exhilaration

There’s a certain rush that comes with witnessing a home renovation. Hanging a building permit can be nerve-wracking. How will your lives be disrupted? How long will the project take to complete?

The demolition can even seem a little scary. Will your home ever look the same again? But as a project starts to take shape, and the contractors begin to work their magic, the excitement undoubtedly unfolds and the transformation exhilaration begins.

The Old House New House Home Show is a wonderful forum to investigate options and discover ways to unlock some transformation potential in your home. Perhaps you have an unfinished basement that could become a gaming center, gathering space, in-law quarters, dance or yoga studio. Maybe you are considering a kitchen or bath renovation or an addition. A fresh coat of paint, maybe with chalkboard or magnetic options, can add new dimensions to a children’s play room. New window treatments can dress up a room visually and also add practical insulating benefits. Adding a mud room, lockers or a hobby room can help to keep things organized with everyday living.

Assimilating technology into everyday living is another exciting frontier that
can bring transformation exhilaration. Custom entertainment centers help dress up the electronics in our homes. Lightweight, ultra-thin flat panel screens and motorized lifts for screen storage are becoming more mainstream along with automated controls for lighting, window treatments and home security. Integrating computers and mobile devices with wireless technology will surely impact the ways we all enjoy home living.

As a Producer of The Old House New House Home Show, I enjoy interacting
with so many qualified craftsmen, creative designers, skilled contractors and remodeling specialists who can help to update, renovate and makeover living spaces.

Seeing new products and services to simplify or streamline the flow and functionality of our home is always inspiring. Tips from the trades offered in workshops and presentations have always helped me learn the language of projects and make well-informed decisions. Maybe I’m a habitual home remodeler... always exploring ways to improve howalways seeing the potential for transformation. I guess I have the right job then.

Laura McNamara is a Producer of The Old House New House Home Show, and transforming her West Suburban fixer-upper, one exhilarating project at a time.

St. Charles IL, Home Improvement Show - September 29-30

Join us on September 29-30, 2012 as the Old House New House Home Show Returns to Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL. We are the largest, most innovative and longest-running home show in the Chicago area. This bi-annual event features 300 award-winning contractors, creative craftsmen and distinguished experts. Spectacular displays, cutting-edge workshops, appealing attractions and state-of-the-art products focus on home improvement, home life and enjoyment. This unique forum brings together hundreds of professionals and thousands of project-driven homeowners.

Kennedy Productions has presented consumer shows of distinction since 1977. It is well-established, consistently attractive and selective, making it the finest, most highly-anticipated home show in the area. Events are characterized with an astute attention to detail, professional management and extraordinary client service. The Old House New House Home Show is well-established, consistently attractive and selective

Fall 2012 Press Release

Old House New House Home Show® Returns with Ideas, Information and Inspiration

for Homeowners

ST. CHARLES, Ill. –– Join 300 of the area’s award-winning contractors, talented designers, creative craftsmen, skilled carpenters, landscape architects and home maintenance specialists at The Old House New House Home Show,^® September 29 and 30.  Learn practical pointers, design basics and tips from the trades at Pheasant Run Resort, located at 4051 E. Main Street (North Avenue) in St. Charles. Now in its 28th year, this best-in-class event attracts thousands of homeowners in search of solutions for home improvement projects.  Show hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $7; seniors (62+) and children (under 18) attend free. Parking is free. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits The Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, the partner philanthropy based in Elgin.

Homeowners can see the latest trends in kitchens, baths, basements, additions, architecture, landscaping, roofing, waterproofing, flooring, tile design, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, painting, decorating and more.  Catch the spark of creativity from industry experts, share ideas and gather the resources to tackle home improvements with ease. This outstanding event helps homeowners research options, de-mystify projects and learn the language of renovation. Attendees can meet experts face-to-face, learn important factors to consider and make well-informed decisions for any home improvements, large or small.

A variety of workshops are included with admission:

Lou Manfredini, Mr. Fix It Enjoy Lou’s humorous, helpful and hands-on approach to homeownership on Sunday at Noon.  From maintenance and upkeep to cutting-edge green renovations, Lou shares his expertise and enthusiasm for home improvements. 

New This Year, “10 Steps to the Perfect Room” Sally Morse, Creative Director of Hunter Douglas will present this workshop loaded with practical pointers and decorating  know-how at 1 p.m. each day.  This dynamic presenter has her finger on the pulse of new trends for color and design.

Learn the Secrets to a Great Kitchen  The award-winning design team from Normandy Remodelers will present this wildly popular workshop at 2 p.m. each day.  Learn the components of an eye-catching layout, maximize flow and functionality and enjoy engaging “before and after” photos.  E-mail photos of your kitchen challenges to info@kennedyproductions.com. Designers will select and spotlight a few key projects for inclusion in the workshop and a fresh outlook.

Dreaming of  a New Bathroom?  Scott Skiermanski of Stoneridge Builders will present this new workshop at Noon on Saturday.  See the latest trends in beautiful bathrooms and discover how to create a comfortable, luxurious and updated space.    

Healthy Home VNA Flu Shot Clinic  Keep your home healthy this fall with the Visiting Nurses Flu Shot Clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

One lucky homeowner will win the Grand Prize, a $1,000 home show gift certificate to use with the exhibitor of choice. No purchase necessary. See website for contest rules and past prize winners.

The remodeling trend continues to stay strong as many homeowners look to improve rather than move.  The Old House New House Home Show provides an excellent opportunity for enhancing, beautifying and reviving living spaces.  Explore new products and discover the possibilities to makeover, renovate, rehab and enjoy home surroundings to the fullest potential. For a current exhibitor list, directions to Pheasant Run, contest rules, or a printable $1 off admission coupon, please visit www.kennedyproductions.com or call 630/515-1160 for more information.

About Kennedy Productions, Inc.

Since 1977, the Kennedy family has been carefully crafting, presenting, managing and hosting quality events, including the bi-annual Old House New House^® Home Show at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. This women-owned business researches and selects top-notch companies with cutting-edge products and superior services to provide a reliable resource for homeowners. For more information, please visit www.kennedyproductions.com

Thank You - 2012 Home Show Success

All of us at Kennedy Productions are extending a hearty thanks for an extraordinarily successful Old House New House Home Show, held February 10 – 12 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois.

The 55th season was busy and bustling with abundant crowds of motivated homeowners ready to dive into projects. This event hosted 300 builders, remodelers, architects, landscapers, designers, craftsmen and specialists featuring their creative displays with the latest in home improvements.

Workshops presented by Century Tile on “Do-It-Yourself Tile Style,” Laura Gwyn Interiors on “Inspired Design- Before and After” and Normandy Builders/Remodelers on “Design Your Dream Kitchen and Bath” attracted interested, solution-seeking audiences each of the three days of the event. With the current economy, homeowners are making well-informed decisions on home improvements and how to best utilize their space.

Another prevailing trend this year, as homeowners seem to be settling into their existing homes, projects have more of an emphasis on personal preferences as opposed to selections based solely on re-sale.

A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits The Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley and their ReStore, based in Elgin.

Looking ahead, this event returns once again to Pheasant Run Resort September 29 - 30 for another resourceful and inspiring event. Lou Manfredini, the accomplished and skillful “Mr. Fix-It,” will be the featured celebrity guest.

For more information, visit www.kennedyproductions.com or call 630/515-1160.

Preview Our Home Show Program

Below is a link to a downloadable PDF file of our February, 2012 Old House New House® Home Show Program. Inside you'll find a full exhibitor list, special ads & offers, home improvement articles and a guide to our workshops & attractions throughout the weekend.

Click Here to Download Our Show Program

Don't forget to visit our website to download your $1 Off Admission Coupon.
www.kennedyproductions.com

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Join us this weekend for the Old House New House® Home Show
at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL.
February 10 - 11 - 12,  2012
Friday - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Save $1 Off Adult Admission to the Old House New House® Home Show in St. Charles, IL

Visit our website www.kennedyproductions.com to download a $1 Off Admission Coupon and join us in exploring over 300 deluxe displays at the Old House New House® Home Show.  Experience the longest-running home improvement expo this weekend at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL. For more info on the show, visit our website or call today at 630-515-1160.

Click here to visit our website and SAVE $1 OFF ADMISSION.

View our list of home show Exhibitors

This Weekend: February 10 - 11 - 12,  2012
Friday - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Demystifying Green Building

By Lenore Weiss Baigelman, AIA, LEED-AP

Sustainable – Eco – Green, oh my! What do all these terms mean, and why does it make a difference? Especially in today’s economy when every penny counts, why bother considering anything that seems superfluous to home improvement or building projects? Additionally, when we think of green building, what comes to mind for some people is some kind of futuristic “Jetson-like” structure, or conversely, something a step above a yurt-like hut. The truth of the matter is that the green building movement is not necessarily about building styles, as much as it is about increasing the comfort, reducing energy costs and creating healthier indoor environments. How is this accomplished? By adopting a sustainable mindset towards building – and making smart choices about how you build as well as the products you choose. Whether you have an older home that you want to maintain or remodel, or a new dream home that you’d like to build from the foundation up, a green approach is easily attainable.

Waste Not, Want Not
If you are considering an addition or remodeling project, plan new spaces that salvage as much of the existing structure as is reasonable. Obviously, there needs to be good functionality and flow between the old and new, but a project can be planned in ways to make good use of what is already there, even if it means salvaging old materials to be re-used in new spaces. This can be something as simple as re-using solid doors that are still in good condition, which not only saves on waste, but also saves money by not having to purchase additional doors.

In terms of space, the idea of “repurposing” outdated or under-utilized existing rooms is always a good option. Perhaps a formal living room in a home is never used, but a family craves more informal gathering space. Instead of adding onto an already inefficient home, the homeowner can use some or all of the existing empty space for the desired informal living. Another option is to create rooms that do “double-duty.” An extra bedroom can serve as a home office as well as an occasional guest room with flexible furnishings, rather than build out two separate rooms.

Durability is Chic and Cheap
Choose finishes and fixtures that have longer life cycles. Get out of the disposable consumer mindset, and think about getting the most out of long term purchases. When selecting materials, consider more than simply the initial cost. Although less expensive at first, some materials will have to be replaced much sooner and will occupy a landfill a lot sooner. Because of its durability, wood’s replacement cost can be deferred much longer, actually making it a much better financial investment. In other words, the initially cheaper choice may turn out to be more expensive in the long run. The point is to make thoughtful choices for the right reasons.

Reconsider Limited Resources
Living so close to Lake Michigan, it’s hard to believe that only 1% of the earth’s water is available for drinking and that much of the world actually faces drought and debilitating water pollution. With 60% of our bodies being made up of water, it’s clear that water is life itself, and this essential resource must not be wasted. Did you know that a dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons of water a day? And that a leaking toilet can use 90,000 gallons of water in a month? Obviously keeping your existing plumbing fixtures well-maintained is the easiest and cheapest way to start saving water. However, if you’re in the market for new fixtures, low volume, or low flow fixtures can save a significant amount of water and money.

More well-known resources requiring conservation are those around energy. The goal here is to design a home that uses as little energy as possible. In the building world, we talk about implementing a “Whole-House Systems Approach”. This means considering the interaction between you, your home’s site, our climate, and other components such as appliances and electronics, insulation and air sealing, natural and electrical lighting systems, heating and cooling, as well as the location, quality and operability of windows, doors and skylights. The benefits of taking this approach are both tangible and intangible, and include: reduced utility and maintenance costs, increased comfort, reduced noise, healthier and safer indoor environment and improved house durability.

Although the best approach is really considering all the systems together, each of us can take small, individual steps to make a difference in our energy load. Some very easy ideas with big returns include using more efficient light bulbs, sealing drafty cracks around doors and windows, or using a programmable thermostat. A very good resource for more ideas is the U.S. Department of Energy’s website: www.energysavers.gov.

Take a Deep Breath
Considering we spend about 90% of our time indoors, the quality of the air we breathe is also an important green concern. In addition to choosing HVAC equipment that is not only energy efficient but also provides healthy air movement, choose building materials with formaldehyde-free finishes, products with minimum off-gassing, and those that are easy to keep clean.

With all the benefits listed above, it’s clear why building or remodeling with a sustainable approach has gained so much popularity. Saving money, adding comfort and wellness to building projects is truly a win-win-win combination that any homeowner can achieve.

Lenore Weiss Baigelman, AIA, LEED-AP specializes in transforming built environments into custom spaces that meet the functional needs and personal style requirements of individuals and groups. A founding partner of Full Circle Architects, LLC, Lenore can be reached at Lenore@FullCircleArchitects.com or 847-564-0884.

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Join us this weekend for the Old House New House® Home Show
at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL.
February 10 - 11 - 12,  2012
Friday - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Making the Most of Home Surroundings

With declined home prices and a stagnated real estate market, many homeowners are resigned to the fact that they may be hunkering down in their existing homes for a while. Instead of indulging in the mentality of feeling stuck, how can this challenge become an opportunity to “love the one you’re with” as Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills and Nash would say? How can we make the most of home surroundings and how does that translate for you and your homestead?

Perhaps it’s time for that dream addition, complete with kitchen and great room, to add a gathering space, accommodate a growing family or enhance flow for entertaining.

It could mean it’s time to take advantage of unused space by finishing off a basement area for a play room, exercise suite, home office or media room, complete with projection TV and gaming center for the family.

Sometimes enhancing décor can add that necessary pop to freshen up living spaces, such as new floor coverings, a revitalizing coat of paint, countertop upgrades, cabinet re-finishing or some tile accents.

Maybe it means investigating aging-in-place options such as bathroom solutions, lifts and remodeling adjustments to comfortably extend the stay in your home.

Keeping up your current property can become a priority as well, in anticipation of a more positive housing market. Maintaining mechanicals, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, electric, roofing, waterproofing, windows and insulation can make your nest more comfortable now and situate your home in a more favorable position for potential buyers when the time is right.

If you are ready to make the most of home surroundings, The Old House New House Home Show is the place to be. Catch the spark of creative inspiration from award-winning contractors, skilled architects, innovative remodelers, interior designers, professional painters, landscapers, custom cabinet makers and accomplished craftsmen. These specialized experts have the tools to transform, expand, update and customize your home environment. We hope your visit to The Old House New House Home Show provides you with ideas to optimize home living, sweeten your surroundings and make the most of your home.

Laura McNamara has been collaborating on The Old House New House Home Show since 1992. When she is not working, she is living The Old House New House dream, improving, beautifying, re-habbing and restoring her 1938 west-suburban fixer upper with her family and plenty of help from the experts.

Natural Selection – Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Project

Finding a qualified, reliable contractor is critical to the success of your next renovation project. The selection process can be somewhat overwhelming at times. Guide your search and narrow your focus with sage advice and insightful suggestions from industry experts.

TALENTED AND TRUSTWORTHY
Look for an accomplished contractor you can trust to help you find the most efficient and cost-effective solution to fit your project needs. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals and photos or examples of completed work. You should feel comfortable with the knowledge of the contractor, quality of work and their drive to help you make your project become a reality.
~ Gary Lambes of Step One Stair Works, Inc.

PRODUCT PASSION
A contractor should be passionate about his/her products and talents. He/she should also have good communication with the consumer and his/her workers. This will bring out the best results in a completed job… and a satisfied customer.
~ Marilyn Blazek of Blazeks Home Furnishings

CONTRACTOR SAVVY
Ask if the remodeler is a professional by proving their affiliations with professional remodeling and/or building associations that make them accountable for their work. Request a copy of the remodeler’s Liability and Workman’s Compensation coverage. Educate yourself with lead safety regulations required by homeowners and contractors if your home was built before 1978. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) web site, www.epa.gov for up-to-date information.
~ Mike Pudlik of Legacy Design & Constructions, Inc.

QUEST FOR QUALITY
When selecting a professional, never go with over-aggressive sales people or those who degrade others. Always ask for a minimum of three references and ask to see some of the work they have done. Remember, you are the one who chooses the product and the product should speak for itself.
~ Chris Graber of Cabinets by Graber

PROPER PROCEDURE
Ask the contractor for a written schedule of the job from start to finish; good contractors have processes in place to start and finish a job in a timely manner and should provide a Gantt chart of how their project will progress with milestones along the way.
~ Heidi Hauserman of Synergy Builders, Inc.


GO WITH YOUR GUT
When looking for a contractor, you should always find out how long the contractor has been in business, their Better Business Bureau rating, if they have Workman’s Comprehensive and Liability Insurance as well as how many employees are in their company. Get some referrals and most of all go with your gut. If, after speaking with the contractor, you don’t feel in control of the process or you don’t feel the job is about your needs, then you don’t want to use that company.
~ Jennifer Prell of Paxem, Inc.

St. Charles Home Show is back this weekend

Join us this weekend, February 10 - 13 at Pheasant Run Resort and enjoy Chicagoland's longest running home improvement show. Over 300 home show exhibitors and daily home improvement workshops and attractions. for more info visit www.KennedyProductions.com

“Design Your Dream Kitchen and Bath” held each day at 2 p.m.

New this year, e-mail photos of your kitchen and bath challenges to info@kennedyproductions.com. Award-winning designers from Normandy Builders will select and spotlight a few key projects for inclusion in their workshop: “Design Your Dream Kitchen and Bath” held each day at 2 p.m.   Learn practical pointers on how to maximize flow and functionality in your kitchen and bath.  See the latest in cabinetry, surfaces, appliances and storage and discover the secrets to creating a great space.

Dream It, Discuss It, Design It: Spring Into Home Improvement at Old House New House Home Show® This February

ST. CHARLES, Ill. –– Freshen up home surroundings with ideas to renovate, remodel and revitalize at the Old House New House Home Show® on February 10, 11 and 12 at Pheasant Run Resort, located at 4051 E. Main Street (North Avenue) in St. Charles. Now in its 27th year, this best-in-class event returns with over 300 award-winning contractors, talented designers, creative craftsmen, skilled carpenters, landscape architects, pond purveyors, flooring specialists, custom cabinet makers and more. Show hours are Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $7; seniors (62+) $4; children (under 18) attend free. Parking is free. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits The Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, the partner philanthropy.

Homeowners in search of solid solutions for maintenance, remodeling, updating, building, or customizing can find the tools to tackle home improvement projects with ease. This outstanding event provides endless resources to see the latest trends, research options, de-mystify projects and learn the language of pending projects. Attendees can meet experts face-to-face, learn important factors to consider and make well-informed decisions for any home improvements, large or small.

A variety of interactive workshops are presented by participants and included with admission:

New This Year, Do–It-Yourself Tile Made: Easy Homeowners can enjoy the “Do-It-Yourself Tile Style” workshop with Century Tile each day at noon. Join Pete Letici and Linda Distefano of Century Tile for helpful design and installation how-to’s. See the latest products available for backsplashes, bathrooms or kitchen transformations. Learn practical pointers, design tips and installation know-how for your next tile project.

Room Makeovers – Ideas and Inspiration: Join Laura Gleamza, President of Laura Gwyn Interiors, Inc. for “Inspired Design: Before and After” each day at 1 p.m. Every home improvement project tells a story. Explore the transformation process with Laura’s mindful expertise. Learn how thoughtful design and careful planning can yield great results in your home.

Dreaming of a New Kitchen or Bath? The award-winning design team from Normandy Builders will share practical pointers on how to maximize flow and functionality in your kitchen and bath. See the latest in cabinetry, surfaces, appliances and storage and learn the secrets to creating a great space. New this year, e-mail photos of your kitchen and bath challenges to info@kennedyproductions.com. Designers will select and spotlight a few key projects for inclusion in the workshop.

Back by popular demand, homeowners can register to win the Grand Prize of a $1,000 home show gift certificate to use with the exhibitor of their choice. No purchase necessary. See website for contest rules.

With the housing market stagnating, and many homeowners looking to make the most of their existing homes, The Old House New House Home Show provides an excellent opportunity for freshening up living spaces. Explore new products and discover the possibilities to makeover, renovate, rehab and enjoy home surroundings to the fullest potential. For a current exhibitor list, directions to Pheasant Run, contest rules, or a printable $1 off admission coupon, please visit www.kennedyproductions.com or call 630/515-1160 for more information.

About Kennedy Productions, Inc.

Since 1977, the Kennedy family has been carefully crafting, presenting and hosting quality events, including the bi-annual The Old House New House® Home Show at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. This women-owned business researches and selects top-notch companies with cutting-edge products and superior services to provide a reliable resource for homeowners. For more information, please visit www.kennedyproductions.com.