Countertops

The countertop is probably the most abused surface in any kitchen, and bathroom for that matter. So choosing a countertop can be one of the most important choices you make during your remodel. The best way to decide is by knowing what choices are available and matching them with your lifestyle and budget.

We will do a series of posts about the different types of counter top choices available on the market for your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

• Solid Surfaces
  • Stone (includes Granite & Marble)
  • Composite and Recycled Materials
• Tile
• Wood or butcher block
• Stainless Steel
• Concrete
• Laminate

Don’t forget, if you live in the Los Angeles, Ventura or Orange County area give us a call before you remodel!

Just wanted to say “Thanks” to our customers

For those of you out there that have recently taken us up on our new special, we just wanted to say “Thanks.”  Believe it or not, this has been a really fun adventure for us.  We spent a long time finding the highest quality cabinets, knobs, handles, granite countertops, stainless steel sink, garbage disposal, and chrome pull out faucet for the lowest price.  Based on your feedback so far, it looks like we have succeeded!

We appreciate your business and look forward to assisting you with all of your remodeling needs in the future.

Thanks for being such great customers!

- B & R Construction Management

Going Green and The Recovery Act

Although the Recovery Act has a lot of people putting it down, we here at B & R Construction are excited about it.  Did you know there are two ways that the $787 billion Recovery Act can help you?

1. $5 billion of the has been allocated to Home Weatherization.  If you are income level qualifies (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) money has been set aside to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home. We can provide efficient lighting including solar tubes and skylights, on demand water heaters, double pane windows and more.
2. Through 2010, homeowners will be able to claim a 30% tax credit (up from 10%) for purchases of new furnaces, windows and insulation.   Check out the EnergyStar.gov website for a more thorough summary of the Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency.

Contact us today for more information about how to green your home.

Be wary of contractors who lack the proper credentials – Los Angeles Times

Be wary of contractors who lack the proper credentials – Los Angeles Times.

Excerpt:

“Californians spend an estimated $10 billion annually on home remodeling and construction projects, officials say. Many have provided fertile ground for unlicensed contractors.”

Top 5 Tips to Green Your Home

By now we all know we have to take action to make our home a greener environment, but most of us don’t know where to start.

Formaldehyde free cabinets from Bradco

1.  Green Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets -

No we don’t mean your cabinets have to be the color green.  But they should be free of toxins.  Harsh chemicals and in particular, formaldehyde, have been know to cause a large variety of illnesses, including asthma, seizures, and even cancer.  Look for cabinetry that is free of formaldehyde, uses low- or no- VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, and is made from sustainable wood resources.  Bradco Kitchens and Baths makes custom, formaldehyde free cabinets made from 100% sustainable wood sources.

2.  Stop drinking bottled water -

We know that clean water is good for our health, but buying bottled water is actually very bad for the environment.  Bottled water takes an enormous amount of energy, not just to produce, but to get the product to the consumer.  The cost of transporting the 3.4 billion gallons of bottled water to Americans is staggering.  It’s nowonder that gas prices have sky rocketed.  By purchasing bottled water you not only pay for it at the checkout counter, but you also pay for it at the pump and at home as energy bills keep rising.  To top things off, research indicates that bottled water is often no healthier or safter to drink than tap water.  Reverse osmosis systems, such as the one from Everpure® provide the highest level of filtration.  Look for a system that has been issued the highest ratings from NSF International.

Handmade spiral tiles from Eli's Tiles

3.  Conserver water  -

The bathroom is the number one source of wasted water in the home, but now the advancement in toilet technology is astonishing.  With dual flush systems such as the ones by TOTO® and Caroma®, as seen on Oprah and The View, you can conserve water by selecting a little flush or a big flush.

4.  Buy handmade -

It might seem obvious, but we often overlook the amount of energy that is required to make products.  By purchasing handmade products like the tiles from Eli’s Tiles for your kitchen or bathroom, you not only get a one of a kind product, but you are also protecting the environment.

5.  Buy recycled products -

Products made from recycled materials are a great way to show how eco-savvy you are and prevent extra waste from ending up in our landfills.  Recycled aluminum sinks are an excellent way to spruce up your bathroom and do something good for the environment.  If you can’t find a product made from recycled materials, then choose products that can be recycled such as fixtures from Mina that are made from 100% stainless steel.