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 19th, 2009 by Gradison
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

Concrete stained in rich, earth tones will warm up a room
Tags: custom remodeling Indianapolis, renovation, Stained concrete, sustainable materials
Posted in best home builder, best home remodeling, custom builders indiana, custom builders indianapolis, custom home design remodeling indianapolis, custom home remodeling indianapolis, home improvement remodel indianapolis, indiana home basement remodeling, new home construction ideas | 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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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
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
Posted in best home remodeling, builders and remodelers, home construction ideas, home remodel, home remodeling | Leave Feedback
August 13th, 2009 by Gradison
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
Tags: home improvement, remodeling, renovation
Posted in best home builder, best home remodeling | Leave Feedback
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