Making Your Home Energy Efficient

Cutting costs is a must these days. Making your home energy efficient isn’t just about getting the most use out of it as possible anymore – it’s about saving as much money as possible, too. There are many ways to maximize the efficiency of your home. Some require the assistance of a professional like HA Construction, others you can accomplish on your own with a small time commitment.

Quick, Easy and Worthwhile Changes Around the House

By making a few changes in your everyday approach to your home, you can conserve energy. If you haven’t done so already, implement these strategies:

• Unplug appliances that aren’t in use. Even if you have them turned off, just having them plugged into an outlet still drains some power. Appliances account for up to 20% of energy bills, so even the small things can make a difference.
• Turn lights off as you leave a room. Better still, open your curtains and use natural light as often as possible.
• Utilize sleep mode features for your personal PC. While the general consensus is that it’s better to keep your PC on, you should still utilize the sleep mode feature and turn off the monitor when it’s not in use. If it’s going to be more than a day until you use it again, go ahead and turn off the whole system.
• Replace every light bulb in your home with florescent bulbs. This may be a well-known fact these days, but reminders are still nice. According to ENERGY STAR, Florescent bulbs use 25% of the energy that incandescent bulbs use, saving $6 per year per bulb, and $40 over the lifetime of one, solitary bulb.
• Turn your heat/air conditioning down at night, and when you won’t be in the home for several hours.

Take it One Step Further

You really won’t know what your home needs to become more energy efficient without a home energy assessment. This will help you to see where your home uses the most energy and where changes need to be made, including your heating and cooling system.

You can, of course, conduct an energy assessment yourself by taking the following steps:

1. Walk around your home and make a list of areas where you feel obvious drafts. Places to check include electrical outlets, window frames, switch plates, baseboards, door frames, attics, etc.
2. Check caulking and weather stripping, both indoors and out, around doors and windows. Make sure there are no gaps and it’s properly installed (if you can see light coming through the sides of an outer door, then the stripping isn’t installed right).
3. Do a building pressurization test. Close all accesses to the outside (doors, windows, fireplace flue, etc), then turn off all combustion appliances (water heaters, furnaces, stoves, etc). Turn on your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to suck the air out of the home – this will pull air through cracks and leaks more readily so you can detect them easier.

While these personal assessments may have obvious results, you might be better suited to hire a professional to do a complete energy assessment of your home, so that you leave no stone unturned. Professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to detect problems. Infrared cameras show the warmest and coldest areas of your home, helping you to see where you might have inadequate insulation issues. Blower doors check for leaks. To find an energy assessor you can trust, contact your local government offices for recommendations.

Changes that Require a Bit More Time and Financial Investment

Now that you’ve made the easy changes and conducted an energy assessment of your home, you may find that it’s time to implement more radical changes that require time and money. Many older homes don’t have adequate windows to keep indoor and outdoor temperatures in their respective locations. You may also find that, while the insulation used in your home when it was built met requirements at the time, it’s insufficient now and needs to be replaced. You may even discover that your furnace is too small, working harder than it should to keep your home comfortable. Or maybe you just want to convert your cold, drafty attic into an energy efficient master suite.

HA Construction can help you with these projects, big or small. Contact Andy today to make a difference in your home energy bills. While an initial investment is required, you’ll save your family money in the long run. And, who knows, you may just find yourself enjoying a movie night with your family without having to huddle together under a stack of blankets to keep warm.

Determining the Type of Carpet That Best Fits Your Needs

Whether you’re building an addition or are simply replacing the old worn-out carpet in your home, choosing the type of carpet to put down isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. The right durability for the location of the carpet, along with comfort and aesthetic appeal (not to mention, your budget) are several factors you must consider.

What Does That Mean?

When you walk into the store to look at carpet samples, you may quickly find yourself overwhelmed with terms that are outside your everyday vocabulary. Before you start your carpeting adventure, familiarize yourself with these terms:

• Pile – the texture and height of the carpet
• Density – how close together the strands of the carpet are. Higher numbers mean the strands are more compact and the carpet is stronger.
• Fiber – the yarn of the carpet, which is spun as two, three or four-ply. Types of fibers include wool, nylon, olefin, polyester and acrylic.
• Weight – the weight of the carpet is determined by how many ounces it is per square yard. The entirety of the carpet (backing, coating and fibers) is the total weight, while the fibers alone is the “face weight.”

“Pile” on the Information

There are several different types of carpet ‘piles’ to choose from, each with characteristics that benefit different room and traffic areas. With cut pile, the ends of the carpet fiber are cut evenly across. The most common forms of cut pile include:

• Frieze – A twisted fiber, frieze is the best carpet for high traffic areas. It’s often used in commercial projects, since the fibers aren’t uniform and hide dirt and other discrepancies well.
• Saxony – With a high density of packed half-inch fibers, Saxony (also known as ‘plush’) has a soft feel. Because the carpet is cut in a uniform fashion, it often shows vacuum marks, footprints and other movement of the fibers. This is considered the best option for formal settings.
• Textured – Less dense than Saxony, textured is still a soft carpet option with a more casual appeal. You’ll see this used the most in homes because it often has a variety of tones and uneven cut, which hides dirt well.

Loop pile is another option, especially durable in high traffic areas. The fibers, as you can imagine, are attached to the back of the carpeting in loops and come in two main varieties:

• Berber – Berber is one of the most common and inexpensive form of loop pile available. The loops are a variety of sizes across the carpet and are usually in natural color tones. While this is usually a great option for bedrooms, you may want to consider something else if you have indoor pets. Because the loop height varies, pets can easily snag their nails and pull several loops at once.
• Level Loop – Level loop has loops consisting of the same height, providing a smoother surface that is also very durable. Notably, however, it is not as soft and comfortable as other options.

There are also combination piles available, called (coincidentally) ‘cut and loop.’ This option is often used to create a pattern in the carpet (such as diamonds or a basket weave look). This option is also softer than standard loop options. As you make your selection and consider the cost of each type, remember that more expensive carpets have more pile (yarn) per square inch, which means it is less likely to crush over time.

Put a Little Bounce in Your Step

The padding you choose to go underneath the carpet is just as crucial as the type of carpet pile. The cushion under the carpet, which gives it a little bounce rather than setting directly on the hard surface of the floor base, can make all the difference in the quality of the carpet installation. Quality, which provides comfort and insulation for both weather and noise, doesn’t mean the thickest padding available. The best options are usually between six and eight ounce weight.

Don’t Take on the Task of Choosing Carpet Alone

HA Construction can help you determine the pile and padding that are best suited for your carpeted area – providing you with insight on the best quality options. Even with a lesson on terms and styles, it can still be a very overwhelming task to choose what works best for your home, since there are so many facts to consider. Andy and the guys at HA Construction are the experts – take advantage of their knowledge and understanding of your needs.

HA Construction Builds Dickey’s Barbeque Pit of Nixa/Springfield

While Andy Flint, owner of HA Construction, has a lifetime of experience within the construction industry, he also has a background in food service. For four years he was the supervisor of the food service department at Evangel, specializing in formal banquets, followed by four years as the kitchen manager at Shorty Smalls in Springfield.

Because of this background and extensive knowledge of the food service industry, Andy develops a special excitement when HA Construction is hired to work on a restaurant. That excitement and experience reveals itself in the results of the project.

“I have a clear understanding of what works best for the food service industry, and what the necessities will be for the owner to run a successful business, says Andy. “Once the project commences, there isn’t much need for the owner to supervise my team – I usually have everything under control and don’t have nearly as many questions as other projects might have, because I can anticipate the owner’s needs and response.”

That’s why building both the Nixa and Springfield locations for Dickey’s Barbeque Pit was such an enjoyable experience for Andy and his team. HA Construction’s participation in the project went beyond building walls and installing windows. Andy’s experience provided him the opportunity to aid in the design process, creating a layout that optimized the management of the business, and shop for the restaurants’ necessary equipment on his own. Not only was Andy able to negotiate lower prices for the equipment with retailers, but he also came across pieces that exceeded expectations. In fact, some of the products he found will now be implemented in the management of other Dickey’s restaurants across the nation.

HA Construction did everything from choosing an architect to submitting plans to the city and obtaining permits. Andy and his team lined up the electrical, plumbing and mechanical engineers and even ordered the drive through menu boards. Working with HA Construction for your restaurant project is a low stress experience, and Dickey’s is proof.

I’m very proud of the HA Construction team who worked very hard, even through the weekends, to meet the opening day deadline,” says Andy. There were, of course, hiccups in the process, but, Andy insists that when it comes to opening restaurants, any obstacles they encounter are his responsibility to deal with. “I don’t bring problems to my clients; I bring them solutions to choose from,” Andy adds. HA Construction was able to exceed expectations for Dickey’s despite a minor obstacle or two.

Dickey’s in Nixa is at 111 North Massey Boulevard. The Springfield location can be found at 1360 East Republic Road. Both were built simultaneously by HA Construction.

Andy raves about how great the Dickey’s restaurants are and that it was a privilege to work on the project. The family friendly, fun atmosphere (with clean restrooms and appealing colors) is a great addition to the Nixa area.

“We at HA Construction enjoyed working on the Dickey’s Barbeque Pit restaurant immensely and wish them success,” Andy says. “We look forward to more projects with Dickey’s and other restaurants in the area.”

Key Elements of a Kitchen Renovation – Part 5: Special Features

There are aspect of a kitchen design that you’ll be able to customize so completely, that you don’t even have to include them at all, if you so choose. While these top three special features have made it to most home owners’ “must have” lists, how you work them into the project design is wholly up to you and HA Construction.

The Island – Convenience and Extra Space

A kitchen island is a countertop (and usually lower cabinetry) that stands on its own in your kitchen, touching no walls. Best suited for larger kitchen spaces, putting in an island allows you to determine the work flow for your kitchen. Just remember that not every kitchen is suited for an island – you must have at least 36 inches of walk space on all four sides.

Most use an island for extra counter space, something that many kitchens seem to be short on no matter how large they are. Utilizing this centralize counter space makes it easier to reach all other sections of your kitchen, rather than cutting vegetables at one end of the kitchen and then attempting to transfer them to the stove on the other side.

Another option is to place your sink in the kitchen island. This also allows for better flow, since most everything you do in the kitchen either ends up in the sink, or requires you to wash something. Just think about how many times you wash your hands while you’re cooking.

You can also place your range on your island. If you’re one of those gourmet cooks that spend a lot of time stirring things on the stove, this is an excellent feature. If you extend the island to create a bar, then your kids can work on homework or your husband can use the laptop while you cook, making for more family time. Just remember that it’s hard to vent a range in the middle of the kitchen – HA Construction recommends simply going without a vent system – it’s not something so essential that you can’t put the range there.

Regardless of what you use the top of the island for, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get extra storage space by placing cabinets and drawers in the lower portion. Even if you don’t think you need them, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll end up using them shortly after your kitchen renovation is complete.

Family Time in the Breakfast Nook

Again, if you have the space available, then a breakfast nook is a great addition to your kitchen remodel. After all, no one really sits at the dining room table for a bowl of cereal. With everyone in your family scrambling (no pun intended) around to get ready for work and school in the mornings, you’ll appreciate a place to sit together, even if just for a few moments, and enjoy each other’s company.

You could do an inviting bench seat in the corner, nestled up to a window with an old-fashion, square metal table. Or you extend the countertop of your kitchen island and place bar stools under it. You could even go a bit more formal and get a beautiful, round wooden table with matching chairs. What you do with it is completely up to you, in keeping with the style of the rest of your kitchen remodel. Who knows, the breakfast nook may even be the element you design your entire renovation around.

Space to Expand in the Pantry

Storage, storage, storage – you just can’t do without it in a kitchen. One of the best ways to optimize your storage is by having a pantry. After all, you’ve got to find somewhere to put all those cans and boxes of food. Or maybe you use it for other things, like your large (but rarely used) cooking devices (such as the bread machine, popcorn maker or wok).

Whatever purpose it serves, you won’t find many cooks who don’t crave a large pantry they can stand in the middle of and mull over dinner options. Many kitchens are without pantries, leaving home owners to attempt creating a sudo-pantry in the garage or laundry room, which is often inconvenient. Without a pantry, your kitchen cabinets fill quicker with non-perishable food items and you suddenly run out of room for dishes and the like.

Basically, a pantry is a closet, and the size depends entirely upon (again) the space you have available. You can do anything from putting in a large floor-to-ceiling cabinet with rows of shelves, to creating an closeted abyss you can get lost in. Just keep optimal reach and storage options in mind, such as shelves that can handle weight, and don’t require a stool to get things down – after all, most people don’t want to accidently drop a can of split peas on their head trying to reach for the pumpkin.

Let HA Construction Help

These last, but just as important, elements of your kitchen renovation are entirely customizable and dependent upon your chosen design and available space. Andy and his crew at HA Construction can help you determine what your best options are so that you get what you want (or as close to it as possible). Give him a call and get an estimate on your project. It certainly can’t hurt to hear his vision for your space.

Key Elements of a Kitchen Renovation – Part 4: Appliances

While we’re not talking about the coffee maker, here (though it’s important to many in its own right), as you plan your kitchen remodel, you’ll want to examine those large appliances that make every day a little bit easier: the refrigerator and the range/oven.

Of course, if you’re pleased with the ones you already have, or at least pleased enough that you don’t want to spend money on new ones, then, by all means, work them into your design scheme. However, if you need an all around update to the two electronically powered devices you use most in your kitchen, you need to know what to look for.

Refrigerators

As with everything else that goes in a kitchen these days, refrigerators come in a wide range of design styles. Everything from stainless steel to vintage looks are available. They even make refrigerators that have faux wood doors to seamlessly blend together with your kitchen cabinets (although, Andy at HA Construction does not recommend using this option because they are hard to clean and often fall off - stainless steel is his best recommendation). Other elements that go into the design of your fridge include the option for a built in, or a counter top height style (drawers instead of doors). Different door styles and colors are also available.

If the new-fangled counter-top design makes you leery, don’t worry, the ever popular types of refrigerators are still available and probably will be for a long time. These obvious choices include:

• Freezer on Top – The most popular choice, by far.
• Freezer on Bottom – Ideal for those looking to have fresh food at eye level.
• Side-By-Side – The freezer and fridge are next to each other, rather than layered.

When examining features, you’ll find them in plenty. As you decide which refrigerator is best for your needs, take these possible features into consideration:

• Ice maker
• Exterior Ice dispenser
• Water dispenser (interior or exterior)
• Water filtration system
• Adjustable shelves/bins
• Temperature-controlled crispers

Range/Oven – Gas vs. Electric

As far as ranges/ovens go, you’ll certainly have to choose a design style that will fit your kitchen renovation, as well as a size (do you want four burners or six) and functionality that fits your usage and budget.

However, all that aside, the main aspect you’ll have to decide on concerning your range/oven is whether to purchase one that uses gas or electric. There are four main considerations when it comes to making this decision:

What You Had Before – If your kitchen renovation budget is tight, then you’ll probably want to buy a new range with the same element as you had before (gas or electric), because, in order to change from one to the other, HA Construction will have to do some rewiring. For example, if you had an electric range and decided to go with gas, then you’d need a gas line put in. However, if you have room in the budget, go for it!

Cooking Preferences – Many people swear by gas stoves for cooking purposes because they are known to cook more evenly and give you more control over the cooking temperature. Electric ranges often wear out and become somewhat unreliable for cooking, with ovens that cook too cool, or the medium setting on the range knob turning out to actually be high.

Operating Costs – Many are concerned that the operating costs for a gas range vs. an electric range have a significant difference. Truth be told, there are just two considerations: gas ranges cost more upon initial purchase than electric ranges and it’s generally more expensive to operate an electric range than a gas one.

Safety – While some might be concerned that the open flame of a gas range is more dangerous, either range type can cause a fire. What can be of concern is the possibility of a gas leak, or failing to turn the burner off completely and allowing gas to escape. Be sure you have exterior venting for the gas to escape out of your home if you use a gas range. You may encounter vents that filter smoke and/or vapors and they are fine for electric ranges. However, exterior venting is a must with a gas range. HA Construction does not recommend down draft venting in this case (an exterior vent that is supposed to pull fumes down under the house) because they are ineffective and costly to install.

Other Range Considerations

Once you determine whether you’re going to use gas or electric for cooking purposes, you’ll then want to look at features. If you decide to go electric, then you’ll want to determine which cooktop is best for your usage habits: solid disk elements, smoothtop surface or coils. Smoothtops radiate heat, are easier to clean and work best with metal cookware. Disk and smoothtops require perfectly flat cookware for optimal performance. Coils can be a great option for electric stoves, and are easily removed for cleaning, but they often become off balance over time, cooking unevenly.

There are also special features worth considering, regardless of whether you buy a gas or electric range. Decide if you want any of the following before choosing your range:

• Self-cleaning capabilities
• Digital oven programming (as opposed to dials)
• Additional storage at the bottom
• Oven window and light

If you’re having difficulty deciding on the best appliances for your new kitchen paradise, then ask Andy and HA Construction for suggestions and tips. Also, be sure to visit a few appliance stores and pick your favorites at each, comparing prices and features, before making your final decision. After all, you’ll be using these appliances on a daily basis, so you need something functional that will last, in addition to providing aesthetic appeal.

Key Elements of a Kitchen Renovation – Part 3: Fixtures

No matter how small, there are several less significant elements to your kitchen renovation that warrant consideration, not just a whim purchase. Everything from what you use to open your cabinet doors to what you get water from will make an impact on the overall aesthetic appeal.

Cabinet Pulls or Knobs

The choices on this one can be a bit overwhelming to first-time renovators. While HA Construction can help you determine a design that will balance other elements within your kitchen, whether you use pulls or knobs is the first decision you have to make.

For starters, you have to know the difference. Knobs are secured to a drawer or cabinet with one attachment point, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes – though you first thought when you think “knob” is likely round and the size of a quarter. “Pull” is another word for handle, which secures to cabinets or drawers with attachment points. Pulls are usually linear, though they may have some form of curvature for design purposes.

If you’re looking to replace the hardware because you want an inexpensive way to update the cabinetry, then you’ll want to match your new items with the holes already there. In this case, you’ll want to find the “Center-to-Center” (also known as CC, C to C, or drill centers) dimension, which is the distance from one attachment point to the other. However, if you end up liking something with a different CC measurement, then simply add a backplate to the new pull to cover pre-existing holes and you’re all set.

While going with pulls or knobs (or nothing at all) can make a variety of statements, so can the design – and there are just too many to list. Keep in mind, however, that most designs have both pulls and knobs in the line – which means, you can always use both, say, with pulls on the cabinets and knobs on the drawers.

Choosing a Faucet

Design (style and finish) is a crucial element in choosing the faucet for your kitchen, but there are other factors to consider too:

• Endurance – You will use this piece of hardware every single day, which means you need something that will stand the test of time.
• Functionality – Again, everyday use here, so you will want a faucet that fits your particular use needs (more on this later).
• Comfort – If you’re using it so often, you don’t want it to feel awkward.

So, most importantly, you need to make sure your faucet works with the sink you choose – or the sink you already have if you’re not replacing it – which means, you’re going to have to read the next HA Construction post before you make your finalized decision. However, nothing says you can’t start looking at faucet options now and narrow it down to your favorites.

Once a sink is chosen, you’ll want to remember three points when you finalize your faucet choice:

• Make sure the faucet fits in the sink hole cut-outs
• Select a faucet size that complements the size of your sink – rather than looking miniscule or overbearing, you want balance between the two
• Be sure that your faucet, or the extra accessories like the sprayer, will reach every inch of your sink space

When you start looking at faucet options, be sure to try them out in the showroom so you know how they feel and work before you buy. HA Construction recommends choosing a sink that is ADA compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act) if you’re looking for something with maximum resell value.

Faucets are made of four materials: cast brass, tubular brass, stainless steel and plastic (usually the faucets with color). Keep in mind that plastic faucets have plastic components, and that means more chance for problems. There are four valve systems available: ball, compression, ceramic disk and cartridge. Each has its own set of benefits, so you’ll want to discuss which is the best option for your needs with HA Construction, though ceramic disk valves tend to be the most reliable. Additionally, HA Construction recommends spending a little extra and choosing a name brand faucet, because replacement parts are much easier to come by than those for off-brand options.

Faucet Style and Options

When you start looking at the design elements for your faucet, you want something that matches the style you're going for overall in your new kitchen. For example, if you're creating a modern look, then stainless steel will be one of your top choices. If you're learning toward vintage or Tuscan appeal, then you'll probably want a brushed copper faucet. What you choose goes beyond color scheme, though.

You'll probably find yourself overwhelmed by this list of faucet styles, but there are several functional design options available to choose from, any of which can add to your kitchen aesthetic or break it, depending on what you choose:

• Single handle faucets
• Single handle with side sprayer
• Single handle with pull-out sprayer
• Two handle, centerset faucet
• Two handle, widespread faucet
• Two handle, single hole faucet
• Two handle basin tap faucets
• Wall-mounted faucet
• Commercial style pot filler faucet
• Commercial style pre-rinse faucet

Finally, you’ll come across several options for functionality that may seem rather appealing. While many of them are great additions if it's within your budget, HA Construction recommends that you stay away from cutting edge technology when it comes to your kitchen water spout. In most cases, these technologies still have bugs to work out before they're viable for everyday use. The operating features you may come across include:

• Scalding prevention set with a temperature peek
• Green faucets that help conserve water
• Water filtration faucets
• Touching the faucet anywhere to turn it on/off (poses a problem when you're simply moving the faucet to another part of the sink)
• Motion-sensor operation (this hands free feature also has problems - think annoying it can be to try and turn on the water in public restrooms with this feature)
• Adjustable Spray heads that pull out of the faucet itself
• Special coatings that make the surface of the faucet easier to clean

Decisions, decisions – and they just keep coming at you. A kitchen remodel is a large task to take on, which is why you’ll want to enlist HA Construction to help with the process. Andy and his staff will be certain that decisions on the smaller elements, like cabinet pulls and faucets, don’t become overwhelming for the home owner.

Key Elements of a Kitchen Renovation – Part 2: Countertops

The items in your kitchen that will definitely see the most use, if you cook at all, are the countertops. You chop, clean, serve and mix there. The kids sit and watch you work your culinary magic, coffee gets spilled and sugar sprinkles the surface. Sweet smelling pies are on display, and hot pans are ready with dinner for all (sure hope you used a hot pad!).

With all this wear and tear, there is no doubt that deciding what countertops to put in your newly designed kitchen can be a daunting task. Generally, there are four factors that come into play when looking to choose your new countertops:

• Cost
• Visual Appeal
• Maintenance
• Durability

As you start looking at the available options, ask yourself which of these factors are a priority and what makes them important to you. You also need to know specifically what you’re looking for in each category.

For example, if you have little ones around the house, time is precious and highly limited, therefore, choosing to go with concrete countertops, even if they’re the next best thing, may not be the option for you because they require a lot of maintenance.

Let’s take a look at the types of countertops that HA Construction can use to revitalize your kitchen.

Everyone’s Favorite – Granite Countertops
Everything from black and brown to green and coral is available in granite. The rumors are true however, this is usually the most expensive option. The actual cost depends on the color you choose, the finish, and where the stone is from. For example, if your top choice of granite is imported only a couple of times a year, then it’s going to be much more expensive than something that is readily available.

Granite comes with two surface finishes:

• Polished – This finish is, of course, shiny with a darker color tone
• Honed – This is a matte finish with softer color tones

Stone Countertops
There are several options for other natural stone counters at varying degrees of cost and durability. However, it’s important to note that natural stone is a softer material and many will need sealant on occasion. As a general rule, only clean natural stone with mild soap, water and a soft cloth. Avoid using cleaners containing bleach or ammonia as well as scouring pads. Always use a coaster and hot pads.

Natural stone options include:

• Marble Countertops
• Limestone Countertops
• Sandstone Countertops
• Quartz Countertops

While natural stone adds more value to your kitchen remodel, engineered stone is also available. Engineered stone is much more durable than natural stone and comes in many more color options. Unfortunately, however, it’s just as expensive as the real thing.

Concrete Countertops
The newest trend that continues to grow in popularity is the concrete countertop. Don’t think for one moment that you’re limited to the gray color of most city sidewalks (though that may be what you’re looking for); pigment additives allow you to choose any color you want for your kitchen.

Unfortunately, as great and modern looking as concrete countertops are, they are pretty high maintenance, as far as counters go. Quick and/or extreme temperature changes may result in warping. Spilling something acidic, such as orange juice, or leaving something wet on the surface will cause discoloration. Preventative maintenance includes adding sealant quarterly and waxing every other month.

There are three concrete counter top finishes:

• Smooth – known as “trowel”
• Sanded – known as “ground,” this exposes the sand aggregate
• Pressed – the veining, which looks somewhat like marble, is exposed

Wood Countertops
This is ofter butcher block countertops, and has many benefits, such as easy use as a cutting board and the ability to sand out scratches from that use. They do need frequent oiling to protect from water damage.

Solid Surface Countertops
Seamless, a multitude of color choices, stain resistant and scratches are easy to repair – it’s no wonder that solid surface countertops are also a popular choice. The only main concern is the risk of damage caused by hot pans, so be sure to use hot pads, trivets or keep hot pots, pans and bakery on the stove.

Laminate Countertops
Truth be told, laminates are the most popular for smaller budget kitchen renovations, and, due to their affordability, may be your best option when you hire HA Construction to do the job. Most laminates are made to look like all of the above options, so you have a pretty vast selection for whatever design you may choose. Of course, laminate countertops aren’t as durable as granite, but they’re reliable for the price.

Other Considerations
As you make your countertop decision, you’ll be faced with choices regarding the types of edging you want. Edging options (depending on the material) include:

• Bevel – Like beveled glass, a beveled countertop has a sloping edge
• Bullnose – rounded edge similar to a half-circle (full bullnose) or a sloping plain (half bullnose)
• Eased – also known as “flat” or “square,” this edge has no design elements, it is just simple flat at a 90 degree angle
• Egg – a molded, decorative edge that has a half egg shape
• Ogee – a tilted “S” shape to the edge
• Radius – an edge with rounded corners

HA Construction can certainly help you decide which countertop type, color and edging fits within your budget, aesthetic approach and needed durability. And, if you’re having a hard time deciding between a pair of options, ask Andy what you can do to fit them both in, such as solid surface countertops and a granite topped island.