January 13th, 2010 by Gradison
Decorative wood beams offer a distinctive way to add architectural detail to your room and/or ceiling, as well as create warmth and depth. Including wood beams in your new custom home design will add both form and function.
Thinking of remodeling? Due to the innovative construction of these beams, they can also be added to existing homes. The results will enhance your space and give it new life!
The beams come in a variety of specialty woods and styles. A custom stain can be applied to match any existing décor. For additional detail, rustic hardware (clavos, strap hinges and decorative nails) can also be incorporated.
Contact us for more detail on adding decorative wood beams to your home.

Post and beam application with brackets - custom home Westfield, Indiana

Truss beams and corbels - custom home Fishers, Indiana

Ceiling beams - custom home Carmel, Indiana

Ceiling beams and reclaimed flooring - Midwest Living Idea Home
Tags: architectural details, barn beams, custom remodel, custom remodeling Indianapolis, Decorative wood beams, indianapolis luxury custom homes, remodeling, Remodeling Indianapolis, renovation
Posted in Indianapolis home construction remodeling, custom builders indiana, custom builders indianapolis, custom home builder, custom home design remodeling indianapolis, custom home remodeling indianapolis, custom homes indianapolis, custom remodeling, home construction ideas, home improvement remodel indianapolis, home remodeling, indiana custom homes, indiana home basement remodeling, indiana home builders, indiana luxury homes, indianapolis luxury homes, luxury custom home builders, new custom home builders indianapolis, new custom home indianapolis, new home construction ideas, quality builder | Leave Feedback
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
November 5th, 2009 by Gradison
Q: A family member has a lot of allergies - how can I make sure the material I use in my remodeling project is safe for them?
A: The best place to start is by talking with your allergist. Details on your specific allergy (or allergies) can help determine where to focus your time, energy and money.
Find a professional remodeler, like Gradison Building Corp., willing to work with you and your precise needs. An experienced remodeler will listen to your requirements, help you find solutions and make your home a healthier place to live.
There are many areas to consider from the foundation to the fabric on your sofa, so ask questions and do your homework. Flooring is a key component in allergy control since carpet can be a source of many allergens. Hard floor surfaces are a must - especially in bedrooms and closets.
Below are just a few of the many items to consider when remodeling for a healthier home:
- Minimal carpet (none in the basement, because it could draw moisture). If carpet is necessary, use 100% synthetic carpet or polypropylene - no wool fibers.
- Use only solid wood flooring, no MDF or engineered products.
- Incorporate porcelain sinks in the bathroom (less wood cabinetry, less chance for mold to grow and easier to clean.)
- HVAC - no flexible duct work and use special micro filters. HEPA/Ultraviolet Air Treatment systems are available if your budget allows.
- Have duct work professionally cleaned after the project is complete
- Control the humidity - reducing humidity decreases dust mite and mold growth.
- Use low VOC paints.
- Control moisture by monitoring the storage of all remodel materials - make sure materials stay dry during the construction process.
- Contact a home inspector that specializes in air quality. They can perform moisture checks as the remodel progresses and also serve as a resource.
- Use environmentally-friendly construction materials, your contractor will be able to help with this step.
Finishing touches to think about, once the remodel is complete:
- Purchase washable bed linens that can withstand hot water and use allergen covers.
- Use non-upholstered furniture, leather is best.
- No fabric on window treatments.
- Choose surfaces and finishes that can endure bleach cleaning or the cleaning product your allergist recommends.
The American Lung Association website is an excellent place to gather information.
They also have a specific section dedicated to healthy homes.

Tip: Replace carpet with hardwood flooring. Pictured: Distressed hickory, wide-planked, hardwood flooring
Tags: architectural details, custom remodel, custom remodeling Indianapolis, home improvement, remodeling, renovation
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August 20th, 2009 by Gradison
Here are some tips adapted from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) about how to start a home remodeling project:
- Prioritize what you need and want
- Browse magazines and websites for ideas (keep photos of what you like so you can share them with your selections coordinator)
- Remember to factor in traffic patterns and furniture placement for each room
- Determine your budget for the project
- 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
Tags: building budget, custom remodel, mudrooms, remodeling, renovation
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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
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