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

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

Truss beams and corbels

Truss beams and corbels - custom home Fishers, Indiana

Ceiling beams

Ceiling beams - custom home Carmel, Indiana

Ceiling beams and reclaimed flooring - Midwest Living Idea Home

Ceiling beams and reclaimed flooring - Midwest Living Idea Home

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

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.

Dining room opened up and stone surround added to the fireplace.

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 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.

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. So to our clients, family and friends—we thank you for your confidence, support and loyalty throughout the years.

Enjoy your home this holiday season! It’s where lasting memories are created and unforgettable moments are shared.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Best regards,
Your Friends at Gradison

Posted below are some gratitude quotes to read and enjoy.

  • We have all been given the gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Use one (or two) to say “thank you.” ~Author Unknown
  • Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel. ~Author Unknown
  • Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

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

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

Tip: Replace carpet with hardwood flooring. Pictured: Distressed hickory, wide-planked, hardwood flooring

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