July 2011
Welcome to Living Stone Construction
In This Issue


News  

 

Renovate Smart: Know the Language


About Living Stone Construction

Feature Video

Calendar of Events

 
Special Feature of The Month

Special Announcements

 

 

Tips From A Pro 


Aging in Place

By Robi Eckley 

Ferguson Enterprises

 

"Aging in Place", what does that exactly mean? 

Wikipedia defines it as "the ability to live in one's own home - wherever that might be - for as long as confidently and comfortably possible. Livability can be extended through the incorporation of universal design principles, telecare and other assistive technologies."

Why is Aging in place important & why the focus now?

Aging in place is not anything new; people have been aging since creation. The concept is not new either. As we age, we want to make sure that we are not a burden on our children, as well as ensuring that our parents are cared for as they get older; Compassion for our loved ones, while maintaining independence for ourselves. The other aspect of this is that at any moment any of us can become debilitated, taking for granted our everyday routine and independence. 

The focus now is because, according to the United States Census, there will be a spike in the age 60+ population from 43,043,000 in 2005 to 73,769,000 in 2020, an increase of 71 percent. This means that manufacturers see an increased market potential and are putting their R&D to work to develop new Product.

Besides being the next marketing term, the benefit to you and me is that prior to the focus of "aging in place" our choices of product where very limited; by design it was very institutionalized and not aesthetically pleasing. Now we have a wide array of choices and the design of products on the market is visually stunning and can fit into any style (Traditional, Contemporary, or Transitional).

A great example of this is Kohler's new Elevance Tub vs. the Walk in tub.  Both are used in new construction or remodel applications, but Kohler's new design has many advantages.

  • Kohler Elevance has extra wide opening, chair-height seat and integrated grab bar ease entry and exit from standing, chair or wheelchair position vs. the walk in bath that is a standing entry only. 
  • Kohler Elevance has an easy to lift rising wall requiring less than 5 pounds of force to raise and lower vs. the walk in bath swing door. 
  • Kohler Elevance has Dual leak-proof seals  backed by a lifetime limited warranty when installed by a qualified installer vs. Walk in Bath warranties are limited. 
  • Kohler Elevance  Dual drain system empties the bath in less than two minutes vs. the Walk in bath eight minute drain time. 
  • Kohler Elevance Integrated waterfall fill enhances the bathing experience and fills the bath in just 3-5 minutes 
  • Kohler Elevance  has An integral ledge on the back wall lets you easily reach the optional handshower, deck-mount faucets, and your personal items while bathing 
  • Kohler Elevance Integral footwell lets you easily test the water temperature and allows your body to recline, relieving pressure on your back and knees 

The Kohler Elevance is just one of many products that have recently been released. I challenge you to research products and if you find yourself in need of assistance feel free to contact your local Ferguson. 

 

We want to hear from you!  Tell us what you are interested in learning about under this segment of the newsletter!

 
 
calendar
Calendar Of Events


What's Going On!
 
July 28 - Park Rhythms
"Nuevo Montuno" playing. Free 7-9pm. Food available for purchase
Contact: Recreation and Parks
(828)669-2052
www.bmrecreation.com

Aug. 09 - Groovin' on Grovemont
6pm "Red June" Acoustic Americanan, Bluegrass & Rock. Free outdoor concert in Grovemont Square near Swannanoa Library. Book sale at Library from 5-8:30
 
Asheville Art Museum open FREE to the public the first Wednesday of each month.   
 
Asheville Tourist Baseball
Munch peanuts and Crackerjack and enjoy some good ole baseball this spring and summer! The Tourists are a Class A team in the South Atlantic League and have been a farm team of the Colorado Rockies since 1994. Enjoy a game in historic McCormick Field near downtown Asheville. 
 
Downtown After Five provides free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville. The celebration is every third Friday, May through September, with the goal of encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy downtown Asheville and support local businesses and entertainers. Food and drink vendors offer delicious local fares to enjoy with the music. 

  

Music On Main Street Concert Series presents an outstanding concert every Friday evening from June 10 through August 19 at the Visitors Information Center, located at 201 South Main Street. Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music. Put on your dancing shoes and head to Music On Main Street for some good toe tapping music, where there is a dance area in front of the stage. Bring a chair and sit back, relax and enjoy the music from 7:00-9:00PM. Parking lot seating area opens after 5:30, early admission is prohibited. Please leave your pets comfortably at home, Hendersonville City ordinance prohibits animals in the event area. Admission is free. No alcoholic beverages or coolers allowed. 
Special Announcementsannouncements


Upcoming Awards Programs

 

NCHBA Stars AwardsSeptember 14, 2011 @ 7pm

 

AHBA Parade of Homes   October 13, 2011 @ 7pm

 

Special Announcementsannouncements

Featured Properties 

with the new listing prices! 

 

 37 Cottage Settings Lane

$649,000

 

 

37 Cottage Settings Lane

 

 9 Emerson Road

$849,000

 

 

9 Emerson Rd Front 

 


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Welcome to Living Stone Constructionwelcome

Greetings!


We hope that you enjoy receiving our Newsletter with updates on what's happening in our area and in our industry. When you get ready to interview, or refer contractors, remember that we're an approved builder for many of the areas finest developments.  We've been building homes in these mountains since 1995 and we know that you are not only our potential clients, but also our neighbors.

Sean on porchYou can check out more information
on our website from home, or your smart phone at www.livingstoneconstruction.com.  

Sincerely,
Sean Sullivan
Living Stone Construction, Inc.
Newsnews
Read about other news items by visiting our News page on our website.

Feature Articlearticle  

Renovate Smart: Know the Language 

 

An educated shopper is a smart shopper. This especially hold true in the world of hiring and working with contractors to make improvements to your home. 

As you interview potential contractors, being able to understand the terminology they use can help you avoid miscommunication and ensure a smoother remodeling experience so you and your family can enjoy your new or updated kitchen, bathroom or room addition even sooner. 

Here's a glossary of some of the common terms used by builders and remodelers to help you understand the language of your renovation project:

Allowance: A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for specified items in a contract for which the brand, model number, color, size or other details are not yet known. 

Bid: A proposal to work for a certain amount of money, based on plans and specifications for the project.

Building Permit: A document issued by a governing authority, such as a city or county building department, granting permission to undertake a construction project.

Call-back: An informal term for a return visit by the contractor to repair or replace items the home owner has found to be unsatisfactory or that require service under the warranty.

Certified Lead Renovator (CLR): A professional designation program offered through the EPA that certifies firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools and trains them to follow lead-safe work practices. 

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS): The CAPS designation was developed by the National Association of Home Builders and AARP. CAPS professionals have been taught the strategies and techniques to meet the home modification needs of home owners who want to continue living in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. CAPS graduates pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending education programs and participating in community service.

Change Order: Written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. The change order should reflect any changes in cost.

Cost-plus Contract: A contract between a contractor and home owner based on the accrued cost of labor and materials plus a percentage for profit and overhead - also known as a time-and-materials contract.

Draw: A designated payment that is "drawn" from the total project budget to pay for services completed to date. A draw schedule typically is established in the contract.

Lien Release: A document that voids the legal right of a contractor, subcontractor or supplier to place a lien against your property. A lien release assures you that the remodeler has paid subcontractors and suppliers in full for labor and materials.

Mechanic's Lien: A lien obtained by an unpaid subcontractor or supplier through the courts. When enforced, real property - such as your home - can be sold to pay the subcontractor or supplier. If a subcontractor or supplier signed a lien release, then this lien cannot be enforced.

Plans and Specifications: Drawings for the project, and a detailed list or description of the known products, materials, quantities and finishes to be used.

Punch List: A list of work items to be completed or corrected by the contractor, typically near or at the end of a project.

Subcontractor: A person or company hired directly by the contractor to perform specialized work at the job site - sometimes referred to as a trade contractor.

To learn more about renovating your home, including a checklist for selecting and hiring a remodeler and advice on financing and designing your project, visit www.nahb.org/remodel, or to find a professional renovator in Asheville, contact the Asheville Home Builders Association at www.ashevillehba.com. 

 

This article was written for submission in the ACT, Black Mountain News, and NC Builder Magazine.  Source www.NAHB.org 

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About Living Stone Construction about

Energy Star logoLiving Stone Construction is a first-tier builder of fine custom homes in Western North Carolina.  Our Mission is to provide our clients with a new or renovated home that exceeds their expectations.  We do that with an attention to detail and adherence to our five core values: communication, quality, integrity, value, and timeliness.  Recognizing that each home represents a significant investment with the potential for substantial capital appreciation, we aim to provide our customers with a home that will be a delight to their families for years to come.
 
Everything that we build is "Energy Star Certified" as a standard of construction.  We are an Accredited Master Builder and one of the first and few builders in the county qualified to build certified "Healthy Built Homes" and "NAHB Green".  Most recently, we have become a "Certified Lead Renovator" approved to renovate homes built prior to 1978 with lead paint content.


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Feature Videovideo 

Kohler Bold Independence - Elevance Rising Wall Bath

Kohler Bold Independence  

Introducing an innovative design that provides a true bathing experience while making entry as easy as getting into bed.

Please visit the News page on our website to see other LSC videos.  

Special Feature This Month!project 

  TD Bank Coupon    

* Great Rates!

* 80% LTV up to $3 million.  Will consider over $3 million on case by case basis.
* All loans are portfolio so we don't have all of the limitiations of the secondary market.
* One time close means less hassle and lower fees.
* Construction period is 12 months.
* The 12 month construction period is included in the 30 year term so rate is locked at the beginning of the loan and remains fixed for the life of the loan.
* Second homes okay. 80% up to $2 million.  Same rate as Primary residence
* If building primary residence, can own up to 10 other properties
* Any equity in your existing lot can be applied to the 20 % down payment requirement.
* Loan may be used to purchase lot. 

 

For more information on a loan for your project, contact Melanie Christian at TD Bank.  Use the coupon above to save an additional .125% on your current interest rate! 

We understand that every client has a different budget, and no matter what that price point is, we will work with you to make your dreams become a reality!  Our long term Vision is to be mission motivated and value driven. We are thankful to our past, present, and future clients who are not only our best references, but also our friends. 
  
Sincerely,

 

Sean Sullivan
Living Stone Construction, Inc.

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