January 5th, 2010 by Gradison
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
After the exterior remodel - curb appeal in Carmel, IN
Tags: Cost vs. Value, Curb appeal, custom remodel, custom remodeling Indianapolis, home improvement, largest full-service remodeling company, remodeling, Remodeling Indianapolis, renovation
Posted in best home remodeling, builders and remodelers, custom home design remodeling indianapolis, custom home remodeling indianapolis, custom remodeling, home improvement remodel indianapolis, home remodel, home remodeling, indiana home basement remodeling, indianapolis home remodeling companies, major custom home remodeling indiana, quality builder, renovation builders | Leave Feedback
December 16th, 2009 by Gradison
The scope of this remodel project in Carmel, Indiana was to open up the existing dining room, add a generous-sized island in the kitchen and stone surround to the fireplace.
The remodeled new open space offers plenty of seating on the beautiful center island with ogee edge granite tops, re-finished hardwood flooring, wood beams, new appliances (including wine refrigerator) and fresh paint. Feel free to contact us to get some ideas for your Indiana home remodeling project.
Stone surround added to the fireplace, space opened up to sitting area. The coordinating mantel and wood beams tie the space together.
The newly remodeled space offers plenty of seating on the beautiful center island with ogee edge granite tops. The space is now open to the dining area.
Tags: custom remodeling Indianapolis, Fireplace remodel Indiana, Kitchen remodel Carmel Indiana, remodeling
Posted in custom home remodeling indianapolis, home improvement remodel indianapolis, home kitchen remodeling indiana, home remodel, home remodeling, indianapolis home remodeling companies, major custom home remodeling indiana, renovation builders | Leave Feedback
October 28th, 2009 by Gradison
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.
Tags: custom remodeling Indianapolis, home improvement, largest full-service remodeling company, remodeling, Remodeling contract, Remodeling Indianapolis, renovation
Posted in best home remodeling, builders and remodelers, custom remodeling, home remodel, home remodeling, quality builder, renovation builders | Leave Feedback
October 27th, 2009 by Gradison
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
Tags: custom remodeling Indianapolis, Remodeling Indianapolis
Posted in best home remodeling, builders and remodelers, custom remodeling, home remodel, home remodeling, quality builder, renovation builders | Leave Feedback
October 22nd, 2009 by Gradison
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.
Custom built-ins, fireplace with stone surround, recessed flat screen televison
Entertainment space and wet bar
Tile backsplash, Cherry cabinetry, granite tops
Space overview: sitting area, bar area and game area
Tags: custom remodeling Indianapolis, finish basement
Posted in best home remodeling, custom remodeling, home remodel, home remodeling, quality builder, renovation builders | Leave Feedback
October 1st, 2009 by Gradison
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.
Tags: Remodeling contract
Posted in best home remodeling, builders and remodelers, custom builders indianapolis, custom remodeling, home remodel, renovation builders | Leave Feedback
September 3rd, 2009 by Gradison
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
Tags: largest full-service remodeling company, Remodeling 550
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July 28th, 2009 by Gradison
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.
Tags: energy efficient, geothermal, green building, low-e glass, lower utility bills, renovation, sustainable materials
Posted in best home remodeling, energy efficient building, green building indianapolis, home construction ideas, home remodel, home remodeling, renovation builders | Leave Feedback
July 16th, 2009 by Gradison
A few questions to ask when selecting a remodeling contractor:
1. How can you assure us that your company will continue to thrive financially and stand behind the homes you build and remodel?
We are a diversified company and remain financially sound through land development, new construction, remodeling projects and our other subsidiary companies. Our pipeline of future projects looks promising with several projects in the design/pricing stage. We have been through several downturns during our 23 years of building and remodeling homes and are well positioned to not only survive, but to take advantage of the economic situation by gaining market share.
2. How do you ensure that you can stick to a budget?
Working diligently in the beginning to ensure selection choices, as well as your needs and desires, are firm priced prior to entering into a contract. This process makes staying on budget much easier. Our best pricing is achieved by sending out clean information and selections to the vendors. Our past experience indicates that our clients spend less than 2% over contract amount, which seems to be less than other builders.
3. How often are you on the job site?
Your project manager will visit the job site daily, depending on the phase of the project. Bottom line, we will make sure the project is built to our high standards. Communication as well as an experienced, reliable project manager is key to any successful project.
Some questions to answer before remodeling:
1. What do you hope to achieve?
2. How long do you plan on staying in your home?
3. How do you see the space being used?
4. How much entertaining?
5. Who will most frequently use the space?
6. What kind of return do you expect on this home renovation investment?
Make a list of the items that you must have in your project. And don’t forget to consider what your family’s needs might be in 5-10 years, it could be very different from your current needs.
Tags: building budget, custom remodel, remodeling
Posted in best home remodeling, builders and remodelers, home remodel, home remodeling, renovation builders | Leave Feedback
