Real Estate »
What To Know Before
Renovating Or Building A Home
(StatePoint)
B
uilding a home or making upgrades?
One of the most important factors to
consider is the material used. While
“all-natural” may be an appealing quality on
your plate, in construction, man-made prod-
ucts often provide more options and value.
Seek out materials offering durability,
energy-efficiency and resistance to threats
like fire and wicked weather. Many such
high-quality products are domestic, so you
can support U.S. manufacturing while mak-
ing key choices.
Boost home beauty, strength and efficien-
cy with these projects:
SOLID FOUNDATION
Start a new home with a solid pre-cast con-
crete foundation. Those from Superior Walls
are customized for individual homes and
installed in one day — far faster than alter-
natives like poured concrete.
Rigid foam insulation in these concrete
panels wards off heat loss and creates a
barrier against sidewall water penetration.
These features make the basement dampfree
and a more comfortable area for extended
living space in the home.
PLUCKY PLUMBING
Perhaps your toilet rattles and leaks; maybe
your tub and sink look dingy no matter how
much you clean them. If it’s time to replace
bathroom elements, use newer materials
offering water efficiency, style and safety
benefits.
Look for a toilet marked with the
WaterSense label, which indicates it’s been
certified to be at least 20 percent more
efficient without sacrificing performance.
The free Water Savings Calculator at the
Mansfield Plumbing website can help you
determine your return-on-investment.
For a coordinated look, consider a suite
of products that work together, like the
Affordable Style Designer series from
Mansfield Plumbing. You get a toilet, tub and
sink, all in the same style.
Switching to an easy-access SmartHeight
toilet can be another smart move. Options
in the bathroom like grab bars, walk-in tubs
and pedestal sinks, all provide enhanced
safety and comfort.
GORGEOUS WINDOWS
Over time, windows can look old and
Polymer slate and shake roofing tiles add beauty and durability to a home.
become difficult to operate. Make wise
replacement choices that add beauty and
privacy to key areas of your home without
compromising light entry.
Whether it’s an acrylic block window
over a bathtub or a set of decorative glass
windows in the kitchen, privacy windows
are a great accent for any room. Those from
Hy-Lite are offered in a variety of styles, sizes
and enhancements. Operable awning, case-
ment, slide and single hung units can easily
be opened to encourage airflow.
Their Home Designer Collection features
nods to architectural styles like Metro,
Mission, Prairie and Baroque to complement
any home.
THE ROOF
Your roof is your protective layer, between
the elements and you. Ideally it should be
impact- and fire-resistant, as well as beauti-
ful. Natural slate and shake roofing materials
evoke traditional charm; however, they tend
to degrade over time. Look for the manmade
alternative.
Polymer slate and shake roofing tiles
capture the authentic look of natural
materials but are more resistant to chip-
ping, flaking and splintering. For example,
DaVinci Roofscapes offers an impressive
array of more than 50 colors and blends for
an enhanced look, plus they resist fire and
severe weather. Their roofs also come with a
lifetime limited warranty, saving you big on
repairs, inspection and maintenance down
the line.
To be a savvy homeowner, don’t leave it
to chance. Select durable, high-quality man-
made products.
*
Melanie S. Bishop
Noah S. Bishop-Cohen
www.MelanieSold.com
nscohen26@gmail.com
Over $42 Million SOLD in 2015
THE NEXT GENERA TION OF "SOLD"
248-867-7800
"SOLD" IS OUR MIDDLE NAME
(248)867-4877
4130 Telegraph Rd.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Max Broock Bloomfi eld Hills #1 Agents
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Ask for Melanie 248-867-7800
UNPARELLELED IN DESIGN, FUNCTION & LOCATION
One of a kind & recently updated to perfection. Rare materials with onyx and stone baths, hardwood fl oors. John Morgan
kitchen open to family room. Nearly 5500 sq. ft , 6 bed, 4.2 baths plus huge walk-out LL. Master with terrace, breathtaking
water views, closet room & dream bath. Enjoy your own pool, spa room & exercise area. Truly exceptional! $1,695,000
1.4 ACRES CLOSE TO CRANBROOK
Stone exterior, custom wood entry door, copper gutt ers and charming porches. Updated, warm and inviting with hardwood
fl oors, gorgeous updated custom kitchen with granite, stainless, butler’s pantry, fi eldstone fi replace & adjoining family room.
3,575 sq. ft , 3 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths. Spectacular views of lush nature including greenhouse. $925,000
Ask for Melanie 248-867-7800
Ask for Melanie 248-867-7800
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
SPECTACULAR RENOVATION
Just completed fabulous master suite. Gleaming hardwood fl oors, newer kitchen with granite and stainless. Stone and granite
baths, newer windows, doors, & more. 2975 sq. ft , 4 bed, 2.2 baths plus fi nished LL. 2 fi replaces, newer landscaping &
circular drive. Too many features to mention, all on a picturesque 1.24 acre with pond. Bloomfi eld Hills Schools. $465,000
Ask for Melanie 248-867-7800
LOVINGLY MAINTAINED
Original owner, spacious center entrance colonial on beautiful picturesque lot. Bright white kitchen, updated baths, newer
roof, furnace, air. 4 bedrooms, 2 full & 2 half baths. 2,769 sq. ft . plus partially fi nished basement. Desirable Birmingham
Schools with a short walk to West Maple Elementary. $425,000
Ask for Melanie 248-867-7800
2067030
24 March 17 • 2016