Each year, Remodeling Magazine publishes an annual report on the relationship between remodeling costs and resale value. National and regional averages are compared for over 30 popular remodeling projects.

See how Indiana compares:
Remodeling 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report (East North Central region)

To learn more about the Remodeling 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report click on the link below.

About the 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report

Seven of the top 10 Cost vs. Value projects involve the exterior of the home—making curb appeal a necessity in the Indianapolis, IN market. Does your home need some curb appeal? If so contact us and we can help!

Before photo of exterior remodel, Carmel IN

Before photo of exterior remodel, Carmel, IN

After the exterior remodel - curb appeal in Carmel, IN

After the exterior remodel - curb appeal in Carmel, IN

When compared with high-end floor coverings, such as ceramic tile or slate, stained concrete is frequently a low cost alternative. And the life expectancy of a concrete floor will surpass most floor covering materials.

The low maintenance needs of decorative or stained concrete also make it appealing to many homeowners. In most cases, just regular sweeping and damp mopping will keep the floor looking like new for many years.

Stained concrete basement floor

Stained concrete basement floor

Concrete stained a rich, earth tone warms up this room

Concrete stained in rich, earth tones will warm up a room

Gradison Building Corp., a custom home builder and remodeler in Indianapolis, Indiana was featured in the Indy Star recently. The article discussed the importance of a remodeling contract. Why should I sign a contract? What should be included?

These are just a few of the questions Gradison answered in the article, which focused on the importance of not only having a remodeling contract, but also understanding it.

View the Ask A Remodeler article

Are you considering a remodel project? Contact us today.

The Remodeling Show is in Indianapolis! According to the Remodeling Show website, this is the only national event that brings together the entire remodeling community to preview innovative products, share information, build relationships with manufacturers and suppliers and network with peers.

Exhibits: October 28 - 30, 2009
Conference: October 27 - 30, 2009
Indiana Convention Center
Downtown Indianapolis

Information on the Remodeling Show

Remodeling Show 2008

Remodeling Show 2008

A custom basement finish is an extremely cost effective way to add living space to your home. The basement that feels like an extension of your home, rather than just a storage space, will add value both in terms of personal satisfaction and return on your investment.

Working with a professional remodeling company like Gradison Building Corp. will ensure quality construction and increase the likelihood that you will maximize your home’s true value.

Home theaters, wet bars, exercise rooms, game rooms and wine cellars all make the basement a playful space that caters to adults. It’s the one spot in the house where the design can be all about personal enjoyment and having fun. With the right finishes, the basement can quickly become the most popular space in the house.

Are you considering finishing your basement? Let us help! Contact us for a complimentary feasibility study on how you can turn your basement into the space you have been dreaming about.

Built-ins, stone surround

Custom built-ins, fireplace with stone surround, recessed flat screen televison

Wet bar, granite tops

Entertainment space and wet bar

Tile backsplash, Cherry cabinetry

Tile backsplash, Cherry cabinetry, granite tops

Space overview: sitting area, bar area and game area

Space overview: sitting area, bar area and game area

Yes, from both a legal and practical perspective. Legally, any work over $150 falls under the Home Improvement Act. The act applies to any contract between a ”Supplier” and an Indiana residential dwelling owner (”Consumer”), which concerns a home improvement project when the contract price exceeds $150. The act requires the written contract to contain a number of provisions in order to be legally binding. It is recommended that you have an attorney review the contract if you’re unfamiliar with legal contracts. (See the Indiana code on Home Improvement Projects IC 24-5-11-10 for more specific information.)

Practically speaking, an agreement should be signed no matter the size of the job. The agreement should properly outline the terms and work to be performed. The more descriptive the work to be performed, timing and the payment terms, the less likely a misunderstanding will occur. You should take extra time to thoroughly review the specifications (or scope of work) prior to signing the contract to make sure you are clear on the services provided.  Ask questions and request that your contractor revise the agreement with clarifications. Be sure your issues are properly represented and documented in writing.

There are generally two types of agreements, fixed price and cost plus. The fixed price agreement is a firm bid for a specified scope of work. This type of agreement diminishes the risk of unexpected cost overruns. The cost plus agreement, (or time and material agreement) while sometimes practical, often leads to disagreements due to a lack of cost controls. Be smart when entering into any contract agreement, but especially a cost plus agreement. Buyer beware - if it’s not in writing, it’s not in the deal.

Every remodeler member of the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI) has agreed to participate in the Builders Quality Assurance Standards as a membership requirement. These standards provide homeowners with a way to ensure the quality of the project will measure up to an industry approved set of standards.  We strongly encourage consumers to use a BAGI member as they are held to a higher standard of excellence.

Remodeling magazine has named Gradison Building Corp. on the Remodeling 550 list as one of the nation’s largest full-service remodeling companies.

The Remodeling 550 is a list of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies based on residential remodeling revenue for 2008. The list divides companies into four categories: full-service, specialty and replacement, insurance restoration companies and franchise operations.

According to the magazine, “full-service remodeling companies are almost always local, one-branch operations that rely to a large extent on referrals and repeat business, as well as their reputation, to keep crews busy.” The Remodeling 550 is the first list of home improvement companies since the magazine published the Remodeling 1,000 list in the 1990s.

Remodeling 550 List: Full-Service Remodelers

Here are some tips adapted from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) about how to start a home remodeling project:

  1. Prioritize what you need and want
  2. Browse magazines and websites for ideas (keep photos of what you like so you can share them with your selections coordinator)
  3. Remember to factor in traffic patterns and furniture placement for each room
  4. Determine your budget for the project
  5. Establish good two-way communication with your professional remodeling contractor

Remodeling can be intrusive but an experienced remodeler will be organized, honest and efficient - working to keep disruptions to a minimum.

For more information, the NAHB offers a list of “getting started” articles.

Idea: use mailboxes in your mudroom to control clutter

Idea: use mailboxes in your mudroom to control clutter

Time to clean out your garage or storage area?

If so, you are just in time for ToxDrop. ToxDrop allows you to properly dispose of your hazardous household waste items - including paints, stains and lawn care items as well as several electronic items like old cell phones and DVD players.

Meridian Street ToxAway Day

DATE: Saturday, August 15
TIME: 9 am  -  2 pm

LOCATION: Meridian Street United Methodist Church, 5500 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis

For a list of accepted items, please view the following link:

Meridian Street ToxAway Day

For more info:
www.indy.gov/ToxDrop

Gradison Building Corp. is currently working on an upscale whole-house renovation project that incorporates several energy-conserving products and practices as well as sustainable materials.

Through smart design and construction, our approach to this extensive remodeling project will result in a healthy home for our client and will conserve natural resources. Not to mention lower utility bills and increased home value - both significant benefits to the homeowner.

The following is a partial list of green elements integrated into the project:

  • Installation of Low-E glass windows with a U-factor of .28
  • Older furnaces replaced with a geothermal heating and cooling system
  • Desuperheater hot water heater (an energy saving device within the heat pump that recycles waste heat from the home to heat household water)
  • ManiBloc PEX plumbing system (shorter runs, quieter and more efficient)
  • Insulation - 5″ cellulose and ½ inch foam spray (on 2 x 6 frame)
  • Fiber cement siding
  • Metal roof
  • Utilizing many local vendors and materials
  • Natural Bamboo flooring throughout main level
  • Direct vent sealed fireplaces (replaced older masonry fireplaces)
  • Main structure was salvaged (less in landfill)
  • Sea wall installed to prevent erosion

Most of the existing materials removed from the home including interior doors, windows, light fixtures, cabinets and some appliances were donated to BAGI for their annual garage sale held at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Watch for updates on this exciting whole-house renovation.

Contact us today to discuss your green ideas or to schedule a consultation and remodeling assessment. We look forward to helping you with your next project.