Tell us a little bit about your company and the services you offer.

Flores Decorative LLC is a family-owned business out of the Dallas/ Fort Worth area, with many years of experience in decorative concrete. Whether it is a new or old concrete floor, we will turn it into a piece of art that you can show off to your neighbors and friends. We offer a variety of options for concrete floors such as acid staining, epoxy flooring for garages, scoring, removal of old flooring, decorative overlays, stamping, engraving, kool deck for pool areas and concrete floor sealing.

What are the most common reasons homeowners decide to get new flooring designs or styles?

One of the most common reasons would be that people just want something new or they are tired of their existing flooring. A lot of people also like that the flooring that we do is very easy to maintain, in most cases a quick sweet or mop will do the job especially in a household with pets.

What is decorative concrete staining?

Decorative concrete staining is one of the most popular services we offer. We offer both acid stain and water based stain. Both options require a clean surface and very detailed work that include masking off the areas that are not to be stained and prepping the concrete surface. When it comes to concrete staining you can choose to have your floor stained with a single color or multiple colors that will leave your floor looking gorgeous.

What advantages does decorative concrete staining give homeowners?

First off and most obvious, homeowners are going to have a beautiful floor that they are going to absolutely love. Concrete staining gives homes that extra special touch that makes them stick out, for example a stained driveway or front patio would definitely stand out in a neighborhood where most people have plane concrete slabs.

How are decorative concrete stained floors?

Decorative concrete stained floors are elegant and easy to maintain.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to install decorative concrete stained floors but with a limited budget?

When it comes to concrete stained floors and a limited budget, what I would advise homeowners is simplicity. Don’t do any scoring (I.E stars/ patterns), You’d be surprised how beautiful a slab of concrete looks with just one color of stain. Also the price also depends if the floor has to be stripped of any paint drops, oil stains or gum so if the homeowner could do part of that work it would definitely help them on the pricing.

What’s the best way for people to contact you and your company?

We can be reach us by phone at 214-584-4480, you can contact us via email at sergio@floresdecorative.com and you can always view and send us a message through our webpage at www.floresdecorative.com.

By Sergio Flores

Tell us a little bit about your company and the services you offer.

Premier AC & Heating has been in business since 1990. We install, maintain, repair and service HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. We specialize in New Construction and Service work in both Residential and Commercial projects.

What is something that most homeowners don’t know about their air conditioning system and energy use that they should know?

Changing your filters regularly is one of the easiest things a home owner can do to keep their HVAC system running efficiently. Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the HVAC system to work harder to draw enough air through the return air opening to allow proper supply of air throughout the home. This can cause inefficiency, and over time could damage your HVAC system. Filters can become dirty and clogged quicker when you have pets in the home, smoke in your home or burn incense or candles in the home.

Clearing any obstructions or debris from the Condenser (outside unit) and Rinsing the Condenser coil are both easy maintenance items that any home owner can perform. Your Condenser needs room to breathe to operate effectively. Most manufactures suggest 24″ of clearance from all side and 12″ clearance from the house. During cooling mode, air is drawn in on all sides of the condenser, and hot air is discharged out the top of the condenser via a condenser fan. Make sure the Condenser is level and sitting above ground (typically on a concrete type slab).

Duct leakage and envelope tightness are both highly connected to the efficiency of your HVAC system(s). These can be measured by performing a Duct Blast Test (provides duct leakage) and a Blower Door Test (provides tightness of the envelope of the house). You can have a Home Rater perform these tests. The best way to increase efficiency is to have a Home Rater perform the test and pinpoint any and all areas that could be improved. Seal up all duct leakage areas and envelope infiltration areas and re-test to see the improvements.

What are the basic steps involved in sizing the air conditioning fit for one’s home?

The only way to correctly size an HVAC system is to run a Manual J Load Calculation, and combine the results with the Manufacture’s expanded ratings and a Manual S. Typically a full set of architecture plans, to scale, are required to run an accurate Manual J. The Manual J is a computer program in which the user enters the building’s parameters (insulation values, window specs, siding, floor and roof types, ceiling heights, direction of house and exterior walls, and the measurements of rooms or blocks of the home), and the Manual J produces a report. This report, combined with the Manual S and the Manufacture’s expanded ratings will allow for proper sizing of your HVAC system(s).

The biggest issue with running a Manual J Load Calculation for an existing home is knowing accurate building parameters to use, including: R-values of insulation, SHGC & U-Values of Windows, and any other items in which specifications are not available.

What are the advantages of having to call a professional to do your air conditioning repair?

One of the main advantages is you will have a professional working on your system that has been educated and trained properly. All of our service technicians are educated from all major HVAC manufactures, certified through year-round training, registered with the State of Texas, and operate under our Texas License. Any professional technician will operate under a State License and will carry insurance, two vital components of most legitimate construction businesses.

What are the challenges do you normally encounter when on the job?

In regards to repair: quantitatively comparing the cost of the repair versus the cost of replacement.

In regards to replacement: Ductwork (if not being replace) design can be an issue, depending on who designed the existing ductwork. Space constraints and local codes can also be a challenge. Each job is unique, and should be treated as such.

What advice would you give to people who want to make their AC unit more energy efficient?

• Programmable T-stat so that your system is only cooling and/or heating when it is needed.
• Regularly changing your filters to allow your system to have adequate airflow.
• Regular maintenance check-ups for both heating and cooling. A cooling check-up because Houston, TX logs some of the most cooling hours in the nation, and a heating check-up because older furnaces can be dangerous in regards to emitting carbon monoxide.
• Cleaning your Condenser Coil and / or Evaporator Coils when dirty.

What’s the best way for people to reach you and your company?

Premier A/C & Heating Company:
• 2109 Lou Ellen Ln, Houston, TX 77018
• 713-682-0888 Ext. 309
• PremierAC@sbcglobal.net

By Jerry Krieg

Tell us a little bit about your company and its foundation.

Cameron Capps: We are a family owned remodeling company. We mainly focus on full scale kitchen/bath remodels, additions, and new construction. My brother and I have been operating Capmire Projects for over 7 yrs now. We feel that we offer great customer service and communication compared to other remodeling companies; mainly due to the fact my brother and I were both in the service industry for many years prior. Even with the demand for remodels growing greater and greater in Houston, we still will not take on more work then we can handle. We would never comprise our service and quality.

Please list the main steps of a remodel:

Get a Designer or Architect if needed (or both)

• Find a high rated Contractor that works in your area
• Make Material Selections
• Pull Permits
• Establish Timelines
• Keep a Running Punch List

Please briefly explain what occurs at each step and the estimated length of each step.

First thing would be to grasp the design and full scope of what you are wanting. To help with that find a good architect and/or designer. You can do this by looking on Angie’s List and other internet based sites

The next step would be to locate the right contractor to fit your needs. This also would be done by looking on the internet. Once you have found some, have them come to your home for an interview. It is always good to get several references. Also get at least 3 bids to compare.

Next would be to make all your selection on the different types of finishes you are wanting. This is good to do early on in case any items are back ordered. It also helps to have everything selected as early as possible, to keep the project running smoothly. Your contractor should be able to provide a list of suppliers for you to visit, and possibly get discounted prices through them.

The next step would be to pull all the proper permits. Any area within the city limits usually requires permitting. Your contractor should be able to do this for you. Make sure you have all the proper requirements to have the permit pulled. You can do this by contacting the cities permitting office.

Next would be to establish a timeline with your contractor and draw payments that coordinate with the timeline. Once the scope of the project has been established, your contractor should be able to supply you this.

Lastly, during the project, I feel it’s good to keep a list of punch items that you can present to your project manager. This way you are not bombarded with tons of punch items at the end. Walk the job several times a week and make sure that everything is going the way you envisioned. If items need to be addressed, provide a list to your contractor. Better to get things done early, so don’t have a huge list at the end of your project.

How do you suggest clients prepare for a this process?

The best way to prepare for an upcoming remodel would be to make sure you have a clear vision of your project in mind. Look at magazines. Look at pictures online. Drive around and look at other homes. Visit open houses, etc? The clearer your vision is, the happier you will be with the end results. The more likely your contractor will understand your vision better, and also this will help to ensure a smoother project overall.

What’s the best way for people to get in contact with you?

Our website is the best way to reach us for an appointment. www.capmire.com or via email at info@capmire.com

By Cameron Capps

Some improvements just need to be made. There are a few easy fixes to increase the value of your home, but there are some others that may take a little more time. If you are a homeowner looking to up your home’s value, find out how to make the most important upgrades for your home.

1. Lawn Care

The first thing a buyer sees when going to an open house or driving past a house is the lawn. Make the easiest repair you can, by landscaping your lawn to look great and presentable! Cut the grass, trim bushes and remove weeds, or make more extensive treatment by planting seasonal flowers or installing accents such as bird feeders or walkways.

2. The Front Door

This doesn’t seem important now, but when a buyer goes to a house the front door is very important for first impressions. It is a form of basic security, so having a reliable and sturdy lock is crucial. Repainting the door or adding a finish are great ways to make simple aesthetic improvements as well.

3. Furnace or A/C Replacement

Particularly in hotter areas, an air conditioner will add a great deal of value to your home when it is on the market. This will be a selling point for many buyers, especially in warmer climates such as Texas. Although this may be considered a luxury to some people, this addition will boost the value and appeal of you home. Likewise, if in a cooler climate, a functioning furnace will be expected when purchasing a home in colder types of weather. It may seem like an insignificant renovation, but when a buyer sees the practicality of a smooth running A/C or furnace, it will help the house sell for more.

4. Bathroom Necessities

A very significant renovation should be made to the bathrooms. These are frequently used facilities, possibly the most frequently used rooms in your house. Make sure to leave a buyer with a good impression of your bathrooms because these rooms matter! Bathrooms will be seen by guests as well, so make a statement by fixing up the things people notice the most. Toilets must work well, as this is what will be tested with most scrutiny. An easier update to make is replacing the vanity area or counters, because this will be noticed the most and a new counter will draw the eye to your sleek-modeled bathroom. If your budget allows, replacing the floor and tub are also good ideas but the countertops and toilet should be a main priority.

5. Kitchen Repair

One of the first rooms buyers have high expectations for is the kitchen. For many homes, it is the first place they walk through, and this is a very important opportunity to impress prospective buyers. The kitchen appliances should be replaced if necessary, and certain additions such as a dishwasher will also add value to your home. Many buyers expect the kitchen to be modern and upgraded, so get new countertops, put a fresh coat of paint on cupboards, and replace all handles in the room. Depending on budget, these repairs may be costly, but this is the most worthwhile repair one can make to substantially increase the value of a home.

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Tell us a little bit about your company and its foundation.

Felicia Foster: I started out in the business 26 years ago, and most of my clientele have come to me via referral. I value the relationships that I build with both builders and custom clients. My focus is on the service that I provide to my clients: helping a builder with a speculative project that needs to be built within a budget and helping a custom client see their dream home become a reality. My experience is not only in design but also construction and value engineering.

What are a few of the benefits of starting with a floor plan when designing a home?

Most people can walk a model and pick out what they like and dislike because they can see it. I sit down with the client and ask questions about their day, what their goals are, where they see themselves in 5 years, and then start to design a floor plan around their lifestyle. It’s important in our part of the country to have a good understanding of topography and how to design with the lay of the land. Sometimes listening to a client describe their wishes and then standing on a lot where I think their family room will be can be very impactful, better than a model home.

Can you briefly walk us through the floor plan process?

The process of designing a home can vary as much as the clients. Every time it’s a little different. When I meet with a client the first time I can usually “design” their house in my head before leaving. Most people know what they want but can’t put it all together. That’s my job.

How long does this process take?

Just like the design process is different for each client, so is the time it takes to bring an idea, or several ideas, to fruition. There is a level of trust that has to be developed before moving too far into the design. Once the client understands that everything that they tell me they want in their home will be considered then they feel more comfortable moving forward. I meet with the clients several times through the process: programming, schematics, working drawings, etc. and each time it may take a few meetings to process the “wish list.”

If you could give any outstanding advice for a homeowner who is designing floor plans for the first time, what would it be?

Do your design homework. Have an idea of what you want in a house, how it will work for your family, and determine what your budget is. Don’t be afraid to share your budget up front. A good design team will help you achieve your goals but will also tell you when what you want will not work within your budget. Everyone has a budget.

What is the best way for people to reach you and or your company?

The best way to reach me and view my portfolio is to visit www.barroncustomdesign.com.

By Felicia Foster

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Tell us a little bit about your company and its foundation.

Andy Golden: Golden Construction, LLC is a licensed, insured, and bonded General Contractor with a reputation for quality. We specialize in custom home building, premier boat dock construction, and waterfront/shoreline improvements for in Central Texas. We are family owned and operated with two generations and 50 years of combined construction experience in residential, marine, and commercial construction. Our wide range of construction experience makes us a well respected leader in the construction industry.

What a are few of the benefits of starting with a floor plan when designing a home?

First, it is a necessary tool to allow the homeowner to communicate to the contractor their needs and wants. It also allows the contractor to make sure there is adequate square footage in the plans to meet the homeowners needs. And finally, a well thought out floor plan diminishes the need for change orders later in the building process.

Can you briefly walk us through the floor plan process?

There is an initial meeting where there is a discussion of ideas, and the homeowner lists their needs and wants of what they would like to see in the completed house. Preliminary plans are drawn and submitted to the homeowner for approval, revisions are discussed and made as needed. A building budget is put together. If the finalized plans and budget are approved by the homeowner then standardized contract will be drawn up and signed by all parties.

How long does this process take?

Anywhere from 2-6 months depending on the size and complexity of the project.

If you could give any outstanding advice for a homeowner who is designing floor plans for the first time, what would it be?

My advice would be to let a professional assist you every step of the way, and choose someone who has been in the industry 10 years or more. There are many design and structural pitfalls that can be avoided if you have someone assist you who knows what they are doing.

What is the best way for people to reach you or your company?

Our office phone number is 979-828-2898. Hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, other times by appointment. Our email is info@goldenbuilder.com. You can also find more information about us on our website, www.goldenbuilder.com, or on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/goldenconstructionllc

By Andy Golden

Please describe the background of your company and your qualifications.

I started out as a cabinet manufacturer in the early 80’s. After selling the business, I began to design kitchen and baths and specifying materials. In 1996, I received the designation of Certified Kitchen Designer or CKD. My projects have won numerous awards and I have been featured in many local and national magazines, kitchen books, articles and blogs. I have designed hundreds of projects all over the country for many demanding clients.

What is the difference between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets?

As the name implies, stock cabinets are a boxed product with limited sizes based on 3″ increments that are frequently warehoused by a distributor. Color and species are also limited and no customization is available.

Semicustom cabinets also have limited sizes, species and colors but customization of the depth of the cabinet is often available. Other options such as glass inserts and storage aids may be available. These cabinets are generally order specific, only going into production once the order is made and are not warehoused.

Custom cabinets are built to order to the customer’s specifications of size, species and color. Depending on the size and capability of the manufacturer, most anything can be built. Some companies have a “specials” department that will take a customer’s request and engineer the cabinet for feasibility and cost. Other companies have set customization cost such as pricing for changing the width, height and depth of the cabinet.

What should I know about the box of the cabinet, also known as the cabinet’s “backbone”?

The vast majority of cabinets will either be “framed” or “frameless” (sometimes referred to as full access). The basic difference between the two is how the door is attached.

Framed cabinets consist of a box or case constructed of materials from 1/4″ to 3/4″ in thickness. A wood frame is applied to this box, which in theory, gives the case its strength and squareness. The decorative door is applied to the frame. Depending on the hinges used and the position of the door in relation to the frame, the cabinet is referred to as being a partial overlay, full overlay or inset cabinet.

Frameless, full access or “European style” cabinets are generally made of 5/8″ to 3/4″ materials for the sides, tops and bottoms. The backs of the cabinets are made of material from 1/8″ to 1/2″. The strength of the case comes from the heavier materials used and subjecting the case to a case clamp machine to insure squareness. The exposed front edges of the box or case, are edge banded with wood tape that matches the decorative door or a plastic pvc material. Most times, a concealed cup hinge is used to attach the door directly to the case of the cabinet. By their nature, frameless cabinets have closer tolerances than framed cabinets and precise machining must be followed to insure fit and finish.

What cabinet materials will grant me the best quality? Are these materials also the most expensive?

Cabinets boxes will nearly always be made from plywood or particle board. The thicker and better the grade of the material will dictate the cost. On the low end of the scale, in price and quality, are cabinet boxes constructed of 3/8″ particle board with a vinyl coating, stapled or plastic drawers boxes, side mounted metal hardware, 1/2″ shelves and themofoil doors.

The highest quality cabinets use either furniture board, also known as high density particle board or plywood. The plywood could be 5, 7 or 9 ply marine grade material. Drawers will either be dovetailed, solid wood boxes or metal boxes with full extension, soft close drawer slides. The doors will have soft closing hardware, extra hinging and the cabinet will have 3/4″ adjustable shelves.

The quality of the materials used to make the door and the care in which the materials are selected also bear on the cost. Book matched veneers and matched vertical or horizontal grain will be more costly than random veneers. Wood doors are made with individual pieces that are checked for minimum color variation will be more costly than doors that are production manufactured.

What cabinet finishes are trendy right now?

Cabinet trends have always been, for the most part regional. In the Northeast, inset white cabinets are the staple while more rustic wood cabinets are popular in the Southwest. Glazed cabinets have been popular for many years now. Gaining in popularity are the manufactured veneers and bold colors. Any material that is perceived as “green” is popular like bamboo and hybrid countertops of quartz and granite.

How do I make sure practicality is present in an aesthetically pleasing manner?

Easy to clean surfaces with good finishes are paramount. An exotic veneer should generally be used only as an accent piece. A kitchen is a high traffic, high use area and the fixtures and hardware should be of a quality that can survive the rigors of everyday use.

What are some ways to increase the amount of storage in my kitchen?

First, all cabinets should have at the very least, adjustable shelves. Corner cabinets should have either a lazy susan or other blind corner access hardware. Try to design using as large a cabinet possible instead of many smaller ones. If you have a drywall pantry, consider a cabinet pantry instead. Much spaces is lost with the framing of a conventional pantry. Drawers under a sink are a great way to pick up added storage. The drawers are made in a “C” shape to go around plumbing. Toe kick drawers are a way to gain some additional storage but may be difficult to access. On interior walls, the space between the studs in the wall, generally 4″ deep, could be used for spice shelves.

What are some cost effective materials I can utilize in my kitchen cabinet design?

Even a kitchen with stock cabinets can look smart with the right materials. Consider using stainless steel hardware with a 6″ to 8″ length. Glass is inexpensive and can be used to add interest to an area like a corner or on either side of a window. There are hundreds of patterns available that can be purchased locally or online. Open shelving on a tiled wall is a great look that minimizes your upper cabinet cost. Backsplash tile and undercabinet, LED lighting are also inexpensive ways to add interest and function to the design.

What is the best way for people to get in contact with you?

By e-mail: joe@capitoldesign.us, by phone: 800-426-3150 or locally at 512-464-1155.

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Tell us a little bit about your company and the services you offer.

Royal Door Refinishing Co. offers a variety of door services to residential customers at reasonable rates. Our services include but are not limited to door refinishing door maintenance garage door refinishing and any other exterior wood that needs to be sealed from the elements to prevent rotting. We also provide weatherstrip replacement and hardware replacement.

How did you come about with the idea of refinishing doors?

I took wood shop in 2007 at elsik high school there I acquired the basic knowledge of what it took to refinish wood. Over the years my interest gained and it became a hobby. Until 2012 my father gave me the spark to create a business doing something I love. I jumped at the opportunity and continue to put my heart into Royal Door Refinishing Company, our work is it clear reflection of that.

What are the basic steps in refinishing a door and how long does it normally take?

1. Remove the door from the hinges.

2. Remove the existing finish.

3. Sand the door until 220 grit smooth.

4. Apply stain.

5. Apply finish.

6. Reinstall door.

The process will vary in time depending on experience it takes our two man crews 2 – 4 hours for one door.

What are the most common requests homeowners have when it comes to refinishing their doors?

Most commonly they want to match the exterior stain color and finish to what is on the interior. Also customers take advantage of having their door refinished by matching the color of the door to the exterior motif of the home.

What are the common challenges you face in the process?

Rain and rotted wood.

Why should people hire a professional to refinish their doors instead of doing it themselves?

A door professional can help you take better care of your doors. We can identify early signs of veneer peeling, door frame settling and help with rot prevention.

What’s the best way for people to contact you and your company?

You can call us at (713)396-0590 or you can go online to www.doorshine.com and reach us there.

By Nicholas Carrier

For the better part of three decades, Frank Gonzales has been a registered contractor in Fort Worth, Texas, serving Tarrant County and its surrounding communities.

Handy Gonzo’s, which is the name of the business Gonzales operates, is comprised of trained craftsmen able to complete whatever the task at hand happens to be when it comes to remodeling. There’s no waiting for one specific tradesman to complete a task, and there’s a hands-on supervisor present at all times for whatever questions or concerns may arise. Those are just some of the ways Handy Gonzo’s has set itself apart from competitors since 1989.

Gonzales said that 50 percent of his business since day one has involved older homes, whether it’s a simple patchwork job or a full-on restoration.

“Older homes are always a challenge, but with the combined experience on working on older homes the outcome of any problem we run into has a successful outcome,” Gonzales said.

In addition to remodeling, Handy Gonzo’s will conquer additions, flooring, carpentry, painting, patio covers and more. All projects are insured for up to $1 million at Handy Gonzo’s. Permits are pulled when needed, Gonzales said, and all work is done by code and comes with a guarantee.

“If it is six months or a year, this will be stated in a written bid estimate agreement,” Gonzales said of the guarantees.

Galleries and testimonials of the outstanding work Gonzales and the rest of the team at Handy Gonzo’s has completed is on full display on his website, www.gonzoservices.com.

“Mr. Handy Gonzo’s job is amazing,” reads one testimonial from a client in Arlington, Texas. “He keeps us posted on all our needs and is a very pleasant person to work with. He’s up front with everything that is going on and makes sure we are pleased and satisfied with all his work.”

By Jake Levin

Tell us a little bit about your experience, company history and the services you offer.

At Joe Funk Electric we offer high quality and experienced electrical services to residential clients in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. We have over 32 years of experience in our chosen field of electrical contracting. We are well established and our people are highly qualified. We have over 180 positive reviews and recommendation with 4.75 out of 5 star average rating. We are here to serve you!

From new wiring to electrical maintenance, and troubleshooting, we have the experience and know how to take care of just about any electrical problems you may have. We’re specialists in the service and installation of electrical systems, and have a comprehensive knowledge of both the newest technologies and systems that have been around for many years.

Service and Repair

In the event that your equipment needs servicing, you have peace of mind knowing we offer emergency service and free estimates. Ask about our warranties and maintenance programs for homes, including contracts for annual inspections.

Installation and New Construction

We can build or install any type of electrical system required in your home. We are committed to giving you the most reliable electrical system for your needs. We are fully licensed and insured.

What are two or three of the most common electrical issues you’ve seen in your area?

Breaker panel upgrades; Lighting upgrades (esp. new recessed lighting); Plug outlet and light switch upgrades.

When is it a good idea for homeowners to consult a licensed electrician?

Anytime there are electrical issues. I never recommend electrical work to be performed by anyone other than a licensed electrician!

What qualifications should people look for before hiring an electrician?

State license; “word of mouth referral (i.e. published customer ratings and reviews).

How are the service contract and fee typically set up?

I work exclusively on a “flat rate basis.” No hourly rates are ever quoted. What I quote up front is what you can expect to pay at the end of the job. Invoice is paid C.O.D. (cash, check or credit card)

What important tip about electrical maintenance and safety would you give to Texas home buyers?

Annual inspection by a qualified electrician. Periodic test of GFCI outlets and smoke detectors by homeowner as directed by manufacturers specs. Call qualified electrician for any necessary repairs.

What’s the best way for people to reach you and your company?

Phone 469 658 5522 (Available 24/7) Email: info@joefunkelectric.com

Licensed and Insured in Texas

Master Electrician License #99281

By Joe Funk