Green Materials Guide: Bethesda Maryland Remodeling

Green Remodeling Materials Guide

Bethesda Maryland Home Remodeling Customers want Green Materials where ever possible. This is the first in a series of articles we found on the topic of remodeling your Maryland home and keeping it eco friendly. I wish I could say I wrote this but I can not, I found it on TreeHugger.com

Your Guide to Materials for Green Home Improvement, Remodeling and Renovation (Slideshow)

Image credit: Getty Images / Dieter Spannknebel
There are few simple choices when it comes to building or renovating a home. From colors to style, location to design, there's an awful lot to consider; part of that consideration is the impact each step will have on the planet. Thankfully, you don't have to settle for materials whose production or use has a big-time negative impact on the planet.
Enter the Green Materials Guide, a new feature over on our sister site, Planet Green. We've put together information and resources on the materials you might need for any home construction, renovation or remodeling job. From the building blocks of a structure, to the system you use to heat and cool it, to the decorations and decor you choose for the walls, the guide is stacked full of green info to help navigate the increasingly busy world of green home improvement; here's a quick peek at everything the guide contains.

Maryland Home Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors



Maryland Custom Painting Contractor serving Bethesda, Potomac and Montgomery County Maryland. We are fully licensed and insured, with excellent references available upon request. Our team of quality-conscious professionals will address all of your home improvement concerns, treating your home and property with high regards.


Call For Free Estimate Now 240 476-7342

We understand... the importance of completing the projects in a timely manner without interrupting your daily life.

Bethesda Maryland Kitchen Remodeling Counter Tops

Office Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors

7 Types Of Kitchen Counter Tops

January 21st, 2009


It is very important that you place lots of thought when choosing the surface material for your counter top. This is because the counter top has to undergo lots of punishment over time. Today, there are many materials with both beauty and practicality embedded in them.
Butcher block counter tops are made from hardwoods like maple, red oak and teak and are easy to install and repair. These counter tops get scratched, burned and stained easily and can be sanded and resealed when required. Butcher block has to be treated with mineral oil or beeswax regularly but is not suggested over dishwashers or near a sink as its wood is sensitive to humidity fluctuations.

Concrete can be tinted any color and include stone chips with varying qualities as they can be custom formed using local fabricators. As concrete cuts and chips easily, it has to be sealed. Though topical sealers can resist stains, they are prone to damage from hot pots. Comparatively, concrete counter tops are expensive too.

Ceramic tile counter tops are found in many colors, styles and patterns which can be easily installed by adept do-it-yourselfers. These glazed tiles are resistant to stains, burns and scratches, while repair to these counter tops is easy and cheap. It is possible to tint grouts to match or contrast tiles; however joints may trap crumbs and soak up stains. This is why it is difficult to clean it, even if the grout is sealed. Moreover, tiles get scratched by sharp objects and may chip if hit hard.

Laminates are popular counter top materials as they are available in hundreds of colors and patterns and are reasonable in choice. They are lightweight and easy to install; but has additional edge treatment costs to be borne.

Natural stones like granite and marble are popular counter top materials that resist all forms of physical abuse, nicks, scratches and scorching of hot pans. Of the two, granite is the tougher material while marble is softer and more prone to staining and etching from the acid in cleaners and foods. This is why they both have to be sealed with a protective sealer periodically.

Quartz resembles granite, but is more uniform in appearance. It is a combination of pigments, stone chips and resins and is resistant to heat, abrasion, stains and does not need any sealing. However it cannot withstand impacts.

There are many solid surface materials available today for use on counter tops which are durable but expensive. They are made from polyester and acrylic resins with mineral fillers and are available in various thicknesses. Scratches and nicks cannot be seen easily here while prolonged heat on it can change its color.

The latest trend in counter top materials is stainless steel and is chosen by those looking for integration of counters with pro-style and other stainless steel appliances. They are heat and stain resistant but tend to dent and scratch easily, shows fingerprints and are expensive.

Looking at all these counter top materials, it is left to you to choose the best material for your counter top, based on your budget, other kitchen appliances and the amount of wear and tear it goes through.

An article from Toronto Home Improvement


Commercial Remodeling Contractors in Frederick Md by BT Martin Contractors

From CRE Office Remodeling for Montgomery County Maryland

BT Martin Contractors specializes in exterior and interior painting all over Montgomery County Maryland as well as custom renovations for both residential and commercial projects. Whatever the project you have in mind, a home addition, new kitchen, new bathroom, fresh paint, basement finishing/renovation, or new deck, you can count on BT Martin Contractors.
MHIC # 83244
301 253-1068
General Contractors Frederick Maryland by BT Martin Contractors

Exterior Home Painting is NOT Interior Home Painting

Maryland Home Remodeling by BT Martin Contractors

Interior Home Painting in Maryland
It's one thing to paint the outside of your home... it's quite another to paint the interior.
Professional Interior Painters are the separation between the "men and the boys"

Here we will go through the step by step process followed by most traditional home contractor painting companies. This list, of course, is just a basic outline and some companies will add steps to this process.
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Interior Home Painting

Painting the interior of a home is a much more delicate process than painting the exterior of a home. Though, most of the steps are the same, the interior process requires a few extra precautions.

Here we will go through the step by step process followed by most traditional home contractor painting companies. This list, of course, is just a basic outline and some companies will add steps to this process; however, if the company you are looking to hire is planning to leave out any of these steps it may be time to look for a new company.

1. Clear The Path

Obviously, when you are painting the inside of any home it is necessary clear a reasonable path so that the painting crew can have sufficient space to do their job. Typically, this requires that all of the furniture is moved to the center of each room.

Once it has been moved to the center of the room, it will then be covered with
Plastic wraps, tarps, or a drop cloth of sorts.

Next, the crew will cover the flooring with drop cloths so as to protect it from paint spillage.

2. Prepare the Surface

This step requires that the home contractor painting crew scan the walls and ceilings. They should fill any cracks or holes, seal any stains, and sand the surface of your walls. This insures that the surface that the paint has a clean and smooth surface to be applied to.

3. Stroke Time!

Now the actual painting begins. The crew will paint as many coats as required to make for a beautiful finish. This, of course, should be to your satisfaction.

4. Have a Look see

Now it is time for the inspection. Both you and the home contractor painting crew leader will navigate your entire home and be sure that you are thoroughly satisfied for the work you paid for.

5. Clean Up The Mess

Now, for the most exhilarating part of the process; clean up! All floor cloths are removed, all materials are excavated, all messes are cleared, and all the furniture is put back in its proper place.

Before Signing Any Paper Work...

Now that you have this information, take it with you in your search for the best team for the job.

My personal suggestion would be to interview the home contractor painting service owner and ask them if they take care of all of these steps. Get a clear idea of what they intend to do and what charges will be incurred for what services.

Make sure that you know exactly where every last dollar of your money is going. If you are working with an honest company, they will have no problem in mapping out this information for you.

In The Meantime

Do a lot of research. Speak with a few different companies. Don't settle for the cheapest. Settle for the company that you think is going to do a rock star job.

I wish you the best of luck and happy searching!
Visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/12/prweb592782.htm for more information on home contractor painting

BT Martin Contractors
301 253-1068

BT Martin Contractors specializes in exterior and interior painting all over Montgomery County Maryland as well as custom renovations for both residential and commercial projects. Whatever the project you have in mind, a home addition, new kitchen, new bathroom, fresh paint, basement finishing/renovation, or new deck, you can count on BT Martin Contractors

Maryland Paint Contractors - What You Need to Know

When you decide to hire a professional to handle your painting, it can be hard to know which companies you can trust to do a good job. After all, your home is probably your biggest investment and you want to be sure that the job is done right.

Residential paint contractors can make your house painting projects go quickly and smoothly and can give you great results...if you hire the right one. On the other hand, they can also leave you with less than stellar results, charge more than you expected or take longer to complete the project than they should. That's why it is so important to know what you are getting into up front.
Here are some tips for hiring residential paint contractors that should help you get great results and know what you need to know up front.

Check Their Credentials
Good paint contractors should have a license (although some states do not require licensing). They should also be willing to tell you up front how long they have been in business and whether or not they have insurance.
You can also ask whether they belong to any professional organizations such as your local Chamber of Commerce or any paint-specific associations or organizations. With this info you should be able to get a good idea of how well established they are and how seriously they take their business.

Do They Guarantee Their Work?
Find out if they offer any guarantees or warranties on their work. If they are willing to offer a guarantee then chances are good that they do good quality work.

Check Out Their Reputation and References

Even if a painting contractor looks great on paper and seems professional when you talk to them, nothing will give you a better idea of what to expect then doing some research into their past work and their reputation.
The best way to make sure that a company or individual painter is really qualified and will stand behind their promises before hiring them is to look into their reputation & references. Find out how to learn more about residential paint contractors before hiring them including where to find real customer reviews, who to ask for recommendations and how to get insight into their past work and experience at http://add6.com/how-to-find-a-house-painter

Maryland Home Remodeling by City Painting And Renovation
240 476-7342
MHIC # 125263

From Maryland Custom Painting Contractors

Maryland Custom Painting Contractor serving Bethesda, Potomac and Montgomery County Md .
We are fully licensed and insured, with excellent references available upon request. Our team of quality-conscious professionals will address all of your home improvement concerns, treating your home and property with high regards.
MHIC # 125263
We understand... the importance of completing the projects in a timely manner without interrupting your daily life.

MHIC Licenced Contractors

Make Sure You Hire MHIC Licensed Contractors

The State of Maryland regulates Home Improvement Contractors. The agency in charge of this is the Maryland Home Improvement Commission or MHIC.

It is a criminal offense to do home improvements without a license and there is no protection from the Guaranty Fund for the homeowner who uses an unlicensed contractor

From the Official Maryland MHIC website:

TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

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  Request references from prospective contractor-check them!
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  If the contractor is providing lead paint abatement services, see if the contractor is accredited to do this work. Call 410-537-3825.
• 
  
  
  
  Get a copy of the contractor’s current liability insurance certificate.
• 
  
  
  
  Always get a written contract.
• 
  
  
  
  Pay no more than 1/3 of the contract price as down payment.
• 
  
  
  
  If a building permit is needed, ask to see it before work starts.

If the last contractor you hired did not do what they said they were going to do you may file a complaint with MHIC here.

To protect homeowners the MHIC has a Guarantee Fund to compensate for monetary losses which arise from poor workmanship or failure to perform the work specified in a contract, but this fund only applies to contracts with licensed contractors.
Certain home improvement work requires a building permit issued by your local Permit and Inspections Office. Failure to obtain necessary permits may result in your job being shut down by local building inspectors. Licensed contractors are familiar with these permits and obtain them regularly.

"The home improvement commission is getting fewer complaints about the use of unlicensed contractors than it used to," said Sy Goldstein, MHIC Chairman. "In part, the association (MICA) has contributed to helping bring this about."

Maryland CRE Remodeling by is a MHIC Licensed Contractor


Fresh Ideas For Painting the Exterior of Your Home
By Chelsi Woolz

When you want to change the entire look of your home quickly and inexpensively, changing your exterior paint colors is arguably the most dramatic and least expensive way to achieve impressive, powerful and immediately measurable results.
A well conceived exterior paint scheme can immediately add freshness, value, neighborhood interest, and marketability to your home. And a fresh coat of exterior paint immediately projects an image of a competent, proud homeowner who takes good care of his or her home.
And the color palette you select can immediately change the mood of your home, as well, projecting any identity from casual beachside cottage to classic, elegant villa. Accentuate details or make them fade into the background.

• Highlight architectural details like windows, door, and unique trim with complementary and attractive color combination drawing on natural tones, like fresh pair and deep, cool topiary green.
• Add a touch of luxurious sophistication with a combination of the deep, warm chocolate of New Look Grounded and its paler counterpart, New Look Element.
• The pale, buttery cream of New Look Georgian combined with the subtle but persuasive blue green New Look Providence tone give the impression of sheer dignified class.
• Get in a Tuscan mood with the casual and relaxed elegance of warm, golden New Look Icon paired with the cool freshness of New Look Topiary.
• Cool, clear, contemporary lines are accented with the subtle yet striking combination of deep and moody New Look Provence, fresh New Look Metro, and the calming coolness of New Look Element.
• Give your home a personality makeover, with the garden inspired New Look Leaf, combined with the informal, beachy combination of sand tones like New Look Georgian and New Look Element, enhanced with the watery coolness of New Look Provence.
• Evoke the romantic mood of the traditional French provincial style when you use the warm yellow tones of New Look Icon complemented by the sky-blue clarity of New Look Provence.
• For a subtle but undeniably striking change, try highlighting trim in a shade closely linked to the rest of the home. A combination of warm neutrals, like New Look Georgian and New Look Element, are ideal for this look.
• To achieve a warm Mediterranean flair to your home's exterior, try pairing a wall colour of neutral yet warm New Look Stillness with the oxidized copper accents of New Look Metro on trim and window surrounds.
• Make your home as inviting as a sylvan pond with a watery cool palette, that combines walls of silvery New Look Stillness with the calming forest shade of New Look Provence. Add New Look Metro's hint of playful azure as the perfect colour to accent the front door.

Use a splash of paint for your house's exterior as a great way of giving it a new lease of life. A great place to look for suitable exterior house paint is your local Paint Place store where you'll find the paint supplies and specialist paint advice you need.

Commercial Remodeling Contractors in Frederick Md by BT Martin Contractors

From CRE Office Remodeling for Montgomery County Maryland

BT Martin Contractors specializes in exterior and interior painting all over Montgomery County Maryland as well as custom renovations for both residential and commercial projects. Whatever the project you have in mind, a home addition, new kitchen, new bathroom, fresh paint, basement finishing/renovation, or new deck, you can count on BT Martin Contractors.
MHIC # 83244
301 253-1068
General Contractors Frederick Maryland by BT Martin Contractors