Office Makeover

One thing that sets Benchmark Contracting apart from other general contractors is our ability to creatively envision with you for the best possible outcome. We work with your existing space, your budgetary constraints, and your ideas to design the perfect layout for your business.

Businesses have different needs in terms of privacy, soundproofing, seating, office spaces, lobby size, and front or back office billing areas. We will ask you all the important questions that you may not have considered to get you from "Oh, that looks better." to "This is my office? Wow!"

We even want to know how long your patients usually wait. Is it a short time and you merely need somewhere to store magazines so they don't look a mess and a friendly layout that works for both patients and staff? Or is there generally a fairly long wait with several doctors coming and going for their patients that requires a wider hallway and spaces for television and a fish tank in the lobby? Have you considered upgrading your electrical system to include more outlets for charging iPads and cell phones that clients frequently use while waiting? Leave it to us to consider all these factors and more!

Gravel Driveway

At first glance, gravel driveways appear quite simple - grade the ground flat, spread some gravel and start using it. Well, it turns out there is more than meets the eye. Adam Heath, Design Director for Mid Atlantic Enterprise, a leading hardscape specialist in Eastern Virginia, recently shared these eye opening tips on designing, installing and maintaining gravel driveways:

Tip #1 - Spend money up front for proper installation

Many homeowners think of gravel as being an inexpensive driveway material. However, Heath explains that affordable gravel drives are often not installed properly. “Forgoing a compacted base or opting for flimsy plastic or wooden edging will eventually lead to maintenance problems and dissatisfaction," he says, "you know, everything everyone hates about pea gravel driveways."

Heath explains the proper installation method of a gravel driveway as follows:

• Excavate down 12”
• Compact the subgrade
• Lay woven geotextile fabric so that it covers the bottom and sides of the excavated area
• Add 8” of base material, compacting in 3” lifts (well graded crusher run)
• Install edging (steel or anodized aluminum)
• Spread a 3” layer of pea gravel

When using this installation procedure, Heath says you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $35 per square foot. “A quality pea gravel driveway will cost less than pavers, but more than asphalt or concrete,” he points out. Heath sees many improperly installed gravel driveways in his area of Virginia that have ruts, drainage problems and gravel that escapes its boundaries. “I’d recommend switching to exposed aggregate concrete to reduce costs rather than skimping on the installation,” he concludes.

Tip #2 - Use Belgian block edging to dress up a gravel drive

Most homeowners don’t put enough thought into the edging material for their driveway. Not only does it contain the gravel but it also can serve as a decorative border. Heath likes to use Belgian block along the edges of the gravel driveways he designs. “When edging a driveway, the jumbo blocks that measure 11” x 8” x 4” are best,” he says. This is because the block can be set lengthwise atop the compacted base material and the three inches of pea gravel added which will leave one inch of block rising above the surface of the finished driveway. "If you’re interested in going the extra mile, you could lay the block on its face in a running bond or offset running bond pattern to form a decorative apron," Heath adds.

Tip #3 - Be prepared for annual maintenance

In reality, no driveway material is maintenance free - concrete will need occasional cleaning and sealing, pavers require weeding and joint filling (if no polymeric sand is used), asphalt must be sealed and sometimes tar has to be reapplied. A gravel driveway comes with its own maintenance concerns, which according to Heath can be kept to a minimum with proper installation techniques (see Tip #1 above). “We find that yearly re-grading helps keep the driveway looking its best for years,” he says. For driveways that are installed without woven geotextile fabric or 8” of compacted base material maintenance requirements increase. Without these two elements the gravel will sink into the ground easily and is more likely to be washed out of place by rainwater or runoff from irrigation.

Tip #4 - Use your driveway to collect water

Your driveway covers a lot of square footage; in fact it is probably the largest paved surface on your property. For this reason, Heath suggests using it for water collection. “Gravel isn't permeable by itself. You must design a driveway in a way that allows water to pass through into an underground reservoir. Generally speaking you have a layer of #2 or #3 gravel, then #57, #8 as your setting bed, and then your pea gravel. Depending on the water collection needs the depth of each layer will vary,” he explains. The water collected from your driveway can then be used to supplement landscape irrigation needs. Products Heath mentioned using for this type of application are Gravelpave2 and Rainstore3 from Invisible Structures, Inc.

Tip #5 - Avoid ruts by making the surface layer of pea gravel shallow

Many people avoid gravel driveways because they don’t like the unkempt look of tire ruts. “When the gravel is too deep it moves around while cars drive over it,” says Heath. “We never spread more than a three inch layer of pea gravel.” Keeping the top layer of gravel shallow will mitigate general shifting and lessen the need to regrade.

Using the Gravelpave2 system from Invisible Structures (as mentioned in Tip #4), can also help keep gravel in place. In this case, only one inch of gravel should be spread. The grid below the gravel holds it in place and prevents ruts. However, Heath points out that with this system re-grading may be needed more frequently to keep the grid-work from showing through.

Tip #6 - Use local stone for a color that will look natural

Most regions have their own distinct color of gravel that is readily available. “Here in Williamsburg darker browns and beiges are common, if you move south to North Carolina the colors get lighter,” says Heath. If you want your driveway to look natural in its wider context, select a gravel color that comes from a local source. However, if you have your heart set on a certain color, anything can be obtained for an added price.

Tip #7 - Consider how gravel will look with the style of your home

When making decisions about the design of your driveway, including the materials you will use, start by taking cues from the style of your home. “Gravel pairs especially well with Colonial or country estates, while it may not be the best choice for a modern home,” says Heath. “I rarely suggest a gravel drive for clients that want a clean, crisp and contemporary landscape.” If you’re looking to enhance the historical roots of your property, he does say that gravel is well suited for your home.

Tip #8 - Let your climate dictate whether you use gravel

When making improvements to your landscape your climate should always be a top consideration. Do you have any extreme weather conditions - lots of rain or snow, blazing heat or high speed winds? “The biggest downside to gravel driveways is that plowing takes special considerations and a very experienced operator,” Heath points out. If you have snow accumulation on the ground multiple times during the winter gravel may not be the best paving choice. “One trick is to allow the first snowfall to pack down forming a protective layer further mitigating gravel migration or loss,” says Heath. As long as your gravel driveway is installed properly (see Tip #1), rain, heat and wind should have little impact on the surface.

Source: Landscaping Network

Designing for a Galley Kitchen

Galley Kitchen
A Basic, Inexpensive Kitchen Design that Really Works for You
By Lee Wallender, About.com Guide

Think the galley kitchen is working against you? Think again. The galley kitchen is a classic, and it works beautifully with your remodeling--and with your eventual cooking needs.

FAQs About the Galley Kitchen

Yes, the name “galley kitchen” really needs to be changed, as it evokes images of tiny propane stoves on sailboats (it is often called a corridor-style kitchen, too).

Q: What is a Galley Kitchen? 

A: A galley kitchen is defined as a long, narrow kitchen that has counters on either side of a central walkway. The counters can be interspersed with appliances, sink, cabinetry and other functional items.

Q: What Benefits Do Galley Kitchens Have? 

A: Galley kitchens are, by nature, small. So, you have the cost-saving benefits of size. Also, galley kitchens are ergonomically superior to other kitchen design layouts.

• You save space in your house for other rooms. 
• Because countertops are one of the most expensive elements in the kitchen, this cost is drastically minimized. 
• The major kitchen services (water, electrical, etc.) are kept together. 
• An excellent use of the kitchen triangle design. 
• You save money because you can use stock kitchen cabinets. 

Q: Can I Remodel My Galley Kitchen Myself? 

A: Yes. A typical galley kitchen might range from 100-150 square feet, a very manageable size for a DIY remodeling job.

Steps to Galley Kitchen Remodeling

The galley kitchen can be remodeled much like any other kitchen, but there are a few exceptions. Take note of the following:

1. Use Kitchen Designs Appropriate for the Galley Kitchen. Kitchen islands, breakfast bars, and other similar things only suck away room from the galley kitchen. You’ll need to keep the galley kitchen to the basics: upper and lower cabinets, counters, refrigerator, sink, stove/oven, and possibly a dishwasher. 
2. Watch the Sink. Huge farmhouse sinks or sinks angled at 45 degrees are great ways to waste space. Instead, look for scaled-down sinks and keep sinks parallel to the counters. 
3. Find Creative Space-Saving Ideas. Pushing kitchen cabinets all the way to the ceiling maximizes storage space, though this does tend to create an imposing presence. If storage isn’t all that important to you, then pull the cabinets down six inches to give you more breathing room. Use lazy-susans and roll-out shelves to better utilize that often-wasted space at the back of cabinets. 
4. Consider Blocking Off a Window. This is one of the more painful decisions to make. Does the window give you ample light and air? If not—and if you really need cabinets—you can install a drywall “plug” over the window, and then run the cabinets right across. 
5. Use Light and Neutral Shades. Lighter tones will make your galley kitchen feel much larger. You can use brighter shades for nearly everything in your galley kitchen: counters, cabinets, flooring, wall paint, and even appliances. 

Source: Home Renovations

Small Kitchen Makeover

Do you have a tiny kitchen, but your current setup is not working with the space you have? Here are some tips and tricks for redesigning a small kitchen for functionality and appearance:

Choose smaller appliances. European appliances tend to be thinner than US appliances, so their smaller spaces are better designed. Look for a European brand when shopping for a smartly designed dishwasher to keep all the modern conveniences with the same cleaning capacity.

Move the faucet. In addition to having a smaller basin, get rid of the faucet built into the sink and mount it to the wall.

Switch out the oven. A convection/electrical oven will allow you to double burner size with a turn of the knob instead of having burners that you never use. Opt for a narrow model, about 24", which is still wide enough for a turkey, and often has the ability to rotisserie a chicken by moving the drawers.

Chill out. Your refrigerator is the bulkiest appliance in the kitchen. Search for under-counter fridge or freezer drawers for tight spaces, or replace your existing fridge with a narrow model that may be taller.

Lay it out well. The most important space in a kitchen is the area between the cooking surface and the sink. As long as this space is at least 36” you won’t feel cramped during meal preparation. Even if the cook top has to be within 6-9” of a tiled wall, it’s good to maintain these measurements for ease of cooking

Open up. Avoid wall cabinets which can make the space feel boxed in. Instead, use floating shelves for storing and displaying dishes.

Declutter. Keep only the gadgets and items that you truly need and use on a regular basis. After all, a professional chef can whip up a gourmet meal with just basic kitchen items. You can, too.

Source: Cultivate

Paver Driveway

A paver driveway will lend a sophisticated appearance to any style of home. Interlocking pavers come in a wide array of colors and shapes and can be laid in many different patterns. You can choose from concrete pavers or clay brick pavers, both are very durable. One of the main benefits of a paver driveway is that it will not crack because of the flexibility the joints between each paver provide. Additionally, repairs are simple because specific areas can be targeted without having to redo the entire drive.

 Better Brick   The part of a driveway where visitors park is among the most important parts of an entry landscape. It's also the largest expanse of paving, which becomes costly when poured in place. Traditional brick is not always strong enough to become a driving surface unless it is laid on a concrete slab, which is very expensive since this involves literally paving the area twice. Precast concrete pavers made to look like brick provide the perfect alternative. Here reddish coloring is blended with dark steel gray accents that undulate through the paving. This is an excellent relief for an otherwise too-red surface, but more importantly is a strategy for concealing discoloration from oil spots and tire tread marks, both unique to driveways.

Turf Lattice   This innovative driveway utilizes lattice pattern turf pavers to create a highly permeable driving surface. What would have disappeared beneath a lawn is fully visible in this application, but its subgrade installation detail is much the same. Gaps that would otherwise be filled with soil and planted are packed with tiny gravel to create a highly permeable surface for coastal conditions where regulations strictly deny runoff. This unique application demonstrates how precast concrete pavers can be the stuff of truly innovative green modern design.

Exact Match   This beautiful new home with its sandy color palette features real stack stone veneer. To apply stone to the driveway to pick up the same tones as the stone would not be worth the high expense. The huge color range of precast pavers allows this driveway to become a perfect match to the overall palette without custom manufacturing. The variations give this driveway the same values of light and dark that real stone would have provided at a fraction of the cost. Add this to the potential for permeability and the solution proves to be the perfect contemporary use of the product.

Source: Landscaping Network

Renovation ROI

Beyond curb appeal, certain projects will provide higher returns than others. U.S. News asked real estate agents and home contractors for their recommendations:

Attic bedrooms. 

According to Remodeling, you'll recoup 73 percent of your investment when turning the attic into a bedroom. However, this also ranks as one of the most expensive projects, averaging $50,148 nationally. But if you have the money, an attic bedroom is a desirable feature among homebuyers. "Any time you add additional square footage like that can have a very positive effect on the selling price," says Paul Wyman, a real estate agent with Wyman Group in Kokomo, Ind.

Kitchens. 

Although a kitchen remodel returns only 66 percent, on average, Chris Dossman, a real estate agent with Century 21 Scheetz in Indianapolis, says kitchens are one of the first things homebuyers look at. "If you have a house that doesn't have an updated kitchen but you have a remodeled attic, that's not what people are looking for," she says.

The cost of a major kitchen remodel varies widely depending on the region. Nonetheless, it's important not to go overboard, as you don't want to price your home out of the local market. For example, if you're in a neighborhood where the average home value is $200,000 and you put in a $50,000 kitchen, you're out-pricing your house.

A major kitchen redesign may not be a good decision if the space only requires a facelift. "You don't have to completely gut your kitchen if it's in good working shape," says Adam Taffel, a real estate broker with Centre Realty Group in Newton, Mass. In many cases, less-drastic updates like refinishing surfaces, upgrading appliances, and installing new light fixtures will cut it.

But making the mistake of opting for a facelift when the space does, in fact, need a full-scale remodel will cost you. "You need to ask yourself questions like, 'Are the cabinets structurally sound enough that if I spend a significant amount of money refacing them, are they going to just fall apart anyway?'" says Darius Baker, a contractor with D&J Kitchen & Baths, Inc. in Sacramento, Calif.

Baths. 

Investing in a bathroom remodel yields a 62 percent return, on average, but you've got to do it right. Many homebuyers are looking for a master bathroom with two sinks, custom showers, and great lighting. You'll turn off buyers if you only put in the minimal amount of work. "A lot of folks, when they buy a home, don't want to have put a lot of work into it," says agent Wyman. "An outdated bathroom requires a lot of work." Since bathrooms are especially prone to looking dated, pick neutral colors and finishings.

Also consider bumping out the size of a bathroom. Many buyers looking for a three-bedroom home want two full baths rather than one full and one half bath, says bath contractor Baker.

And sometimes less is more. "Giving it new paint, a new toilet, a new shower faucet, and a new [shower]head is probably the best bang for your buck. But that's assuming the flooring is nice and the walls around the tub and shower are in good standing condition," says contractor Dennis Gehman of Gehman Design Remodeling in Harleysville, Penn.

As you aim for the best ROI, don't squander money with these renovations:

Home offices. 

A number of people work from home, but most don't need a full-blown office. If you do convert a spare room to an office, opt for removable furniture rather than built-in cabinets. Built-in furniture gives the buyer fewer options with what they can do with the room, says Gehman. A home-office remodel recoups only 43 percent, on average.

Sunroom additions. 

You may recoup a fair amount if you live in a region where the sunroom can be used all four seasons, but in most cases, adding a sunroom will get you nowhere near a dollar-for-dollar return. Sunroom additions were among the lowest on Remodeling's list in terms of recouping costs—a paltry 46 percent. "We always try to get [buyers] their top three 'must haves' and a sunroom is rarely one of them," says agent Dossman.

"I see almost no sunrooms going in right now," says Daniel Steinkoler, president of Superior Home Services, Inc. in Washington, D.C. "More people these days are working within their existing footprint to improve their home."

Frankenhouses

Look out for these big problems when homeowners design things without the help of an architect or contractor:

Dysfunctional floor plans

One Frankenhome owner constructed an addition that made the traffic flow in the home a nightmare. The only way from the living room to the kitchen was through a bedroom. Imagine stumbling through a bedroom for a midnight snack!

Room ratios gone awry

One of the signs that a home was remodeled without much thought is a five-bedroom-to-one-bathroom ratio. That makes for a scary morning schedule! A similar problem is a home with inadequate infrastructure. This would be an existing kitchen and/or dining area that is too small to support the crowd that can be gathered in a huge, new family room or the family members that fill up a newly added suite of bedrooms. Make sure you keep the big picture in mind and don't get carried away with "fixing" only one area of your home. Remodeled areas or additions must be carefully balanced with your existing home.

The bad garage conversion

Converting the garage to extra living space can be one way to add space while minimizing costs. However, thoughtless conversions ruin curb appeal when the new residential wing still looks like the old garage. In addition, you should also carefully consider a major consequence of this type of remodeling: You don't have a garage anymore, which can seriously affect your home's value and appeal.

Unbalanced floor plans

While you may want to devote more space in your home to your hobbies or areas of interest, don't do it at the expense of everything else. For instance, one home we saw had a huge kitchen, complete with a beautiful island, but no living room. That doesn't make sense for most families! Even if you think it works for you, you must keep an eye to resale — even if you anticipate that it will be years in the future. No one will want a house that is too intensely personalized.

Bedrooms with no closets

Bedrooms may end up with no closets for a couple of reasons. A previous renovation could have removed closets to increase the bedroom's floor space, or could have reallocated the square footage of the closet to an adjoining room. (For instance, they could have used the closet space to add a separate shower to an existing bathroom or to maximize the closet space in a master bedroom. Whatever the cause, this is not a good design solution. It negatively affects resale value since rooms without closets cannot be considered bedrooms, as well as reducing the functionality of your home for your own family.

The house that ate your neighborhood

Monster houses are aptly named for this season. Homeowners or speculators who try to force too much onto a residential lot cause many problems for those nearby. Views are blocked, sunlight is restricted, and neighborly relations are strained to the breaking point. While variety in design styles or elements can add interest to a neighborhood, make sure your remodel takes into account the context of its immediate environment.

Jungle landscaping

No matter how lovely the inside of your home, when the landscaping is taking over the yard and sometimes the house, it creates a dark, scary feeling. Keep the landscaping under control and you will avoid the appearance of a Frankenhouse.

Source: Desert News