Mountain West Construction, Inc.

Parade Volunteers

admin — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:11:12 +0000

How To Cut Crown Moulding

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:40:14 +0000

Obtain a Compound Miter Saw

The key to cutting crown in a standard miter saw is that the moulding must rest at an angle with the TOP of the crown on the saw’s table (imagine the table is the ceiling) and the BOTTOM of the crown leaning against the fence (imagine the fence is the wall.) In essence, everything is upside down. You may want to create a jig that will ensure you keep the moulding at the correct angle each time.

Then, turn your miter box one way or the other (depending on whether you want an inside or outside corner) to 45° and make your cut. Waste a few inches of material to make some “templates” for yourself. Then, when you need to make a similar cut again, it will be easier if you have an example piece to look at.

If you wish to stop a piece short of a corner, try a self return to finish the edge. The miter is the same as it would be on an outside corner, just returned back into the wall.

How Does the Historically-Low Interest Rate Affect You?

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 20:38:51 +0000

According to CNBC, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed loan is 4.87%. This is apparently the lowest interest rate we’ve seen, at least the lowest since Bankrate started tracking this figure 25 years ago. So, what does this mean for you?

1. Now is the best time in history to buy a home. The interest rate is low and the housing market is weak. This means that you can buy more house for less money and pay less to borrow that money.
2. Home equity lines are seeing low rates as well. So, if you already own a home, now is the best time to borrow some money to renovate. You can finally finish that basement, add that additional room, or update your kitchen.
3. Property investment. If you have the means, now is a great time to pick up a fixer-upper and turn it. If you are hesitant about the weak housing market, turn it into a rental home. While the market is lacking home-buyers, there are plenty of people looking for a nice place to rent.

How will you benefit from the low interest rates? Feel free to comment!

Value of a Bathroom

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:40:03 +0000

Recently, I received a real estate bulletin in the mail. In the center of this piece, there was an article about a bathroom addition and its return on investment. Is a new bathroom a good idea? Their opinion was no, but had a disclaimer that the numbers may vary according to your neighborhood. I would like to take this article and clarify some things.

It is always a good idea to consult with a realtor to establish the resale effect of your remodel or addition in your neighborhood if resale is your focus. However, do not let the numbers that they throw out scare you away. Call an expert contractor and have them look at your project. He may be able to make some suggestions to optimize your space as well as your budget. Adding a half-bath is a much more cost effective way to alleviate the high traffic you may be facing. There may be a way to reconfigure your existing space and still have enough money left to go on vacation.

Bottom line: An updated home will sell better than an outdated one. Kitchens and bathrooms are two key areas that influence homebuyers’ decisions. While resale percentages can be helpful, they are still just averages. Every home is different, as is every remodel project.

Does It Make Sense to Remodel in 2010?

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:41:17 +0000

The economy is still down. The nationwide unemployment rate is just below 10%. Surely this is a sign to hold off on that new kitchen or bathroom you’ve been wanting, right? Not necessarily. Obviously, you manage your own finances and ultimately know what is best for you, but don’t rule out remodeling just yet.

2010 is a year of opportunity. Take a look at why remodeling just might make sense.

- Investment: Real estate will always be a good investment. We have seen a decline in the appraised value of homes, but judging from the past, it will bounce back. If you are currently looking to sell your house, you have noticed that it isn’t worth what it was. Buyers are comparing remodeled homes to un-remodeled homes, and as they negotiate price, they pick the remodeled home to purchase. So, in order to sell your house now, you’ll have to take a loss. Unless, that is, you remodel, hold onto it for a couple more years and sell when the market has picked back up. You might as well enjoy your home while you are in it!

- Green building: Are you aware of the tax credits available for you to make your home more energy efficient? This includes upgrading your appliances, windows, and insulation. Plus, you’ll save more money on your power bill.

- Phase Remodeling: You may still have some hesitation about taking on all that you want to do. Throughout the second half of 2009, more homeowners chose to break up their large renovations into phases. This allowed them to make adjustments if there were any changes in cash flow, as well as reduced the stress of having so much going on at one time.

As you evaluate your own situation, you may find more questions than answers. That’s ok. At least you have a start. Set goals and realistic budgets. Then, speak to your contractor candidly about both. Ask questions and listen for advice. Your contractor should be able to recommend areas where you can cut some costs without cutting the quality and overall look that you want to achieve.

We hope you found this information informative and helpful. If you have questions, just visit our website at www.mwcflatrock.com and click on the “Ask Marc” link found on our home page.

EPA Lead Safety Law: What you need to know

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:42:15 +0000

Was your home built prior to 1978? Approximately 80% of the homes in Henderson County were constructed prior to 1980. During these years, lead-based paints were used. Lead paint chips and dust are hazardous and you need to be aware of these dangers.

FACTS:Lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems. This can result in learning disabilities, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. Pregnant women exposed to lead can pass the poison along to their fetus.

Lead can cause hypertension, high blood pressure, and other dangerous and painful ailments.

Lead dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. It is invisible and toxic. People can also be exposed to lead through lead paint chips and lead found in soil. Lead paint was banned in 1978 for use in residential dwellings.

Lead dust can be disturbed through remodeling and can endanger you and your family.

THE LAW:Effective April 22, 2010, contractors working on homes built prior to 1978 must meet the EPA guidelines for projects that disturb lead. Contractors must seal the work area, post warning signs, and clean using special equipment. They are required to be certified through the EPA and can be fined heavily if there are infractions.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU:If you are planning on remodeling your pre-1978-built home, be sure to consider the safety of your family above all. Do not attempt to do the project yourself until you understand the dangers of lead and how to handle it. A certified professional is the best option. Be sure to ask contractors that you interview if they have been trained to perform lead-safe work practices and ask to see a copy of their certificate. They should also provide you with a brochure entitled “Renovate Right”, which was published by the EPA and contains valuable information about lead. Remember, your health is the top priority.

More information about the dangers of lead can be found on the EPA’s website. Just follow the link below.

http://www.epa.gov/lead/index.html

2010 Prospering Conference

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:44:10 +0000

Join us Tuesday, February 9, 2010 for the Prospering Conference at Blue Ridge Community College. See what remodeling trends look like for the upcoming year as well as receive information on Return on Investment (ROI), resale, and more. Hope to see you there!

Congrats Marc!

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:43:37 +0000

Mountain West Construction is proud to congratulate our very own Marc Reynolds for winning the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Ambassador of the Year award!! The award was presented last Thursday evening at the Chamber’s annual dinner and awards program held at Kenmure Country Club. The Ambassador Committee is comprised of volunteers who wish to reach out to Chamber members and into the local community. As a volunteer, Marc donated time and resources to the Chamber and its members and looks forward to everything 2010 has in store.