Tabor Design Build Blog

Back to School Means Autumn is Here

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:46:21 EST

Today was back to school day for Montgomery County. Even though my kids are grown there's something about the start of school that sets routines in motion. I reorganized my closets and planted mums this weekend in celebration of Autumn. Then one of my friends sent me a note about the number of days until Christmas! Already? If you're back into your routine and you are thinking about the holidays to come, this is the perfect time to remodel your kitchen or bathroom. There is just enough time to complete your project before the family gatherings begin.

Happy Autumn!

Design/Build vs. The Architect

jtabor.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:54:21 EST

Used to be if you wanted an addition, you hired an Architect. For a large fee they create your plans to include everything you wish for. You put it out to bid with three contractors. From there several things can happen; 1. You find a contractor with a great price but after construction begins so do the change orders. 2. You find that the bids are all out of your budget. You go back to the Architect, spend more money redesign and hopefully lower the price. 3. The plans are put in the back of your linen closet with your dreams of a Master Suite.

Tabor Design Build does exactly what our name says, we Design and Build your project. We listen to your space and budget needs, then design the space you want that fits your budget. Because we design and build we can complete the construction quickly, with less disruption for you and your family. This is Stress-Free Remodeling. Isnt that what you want for your family?

Honoring Our Veterans

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:51:34 EST

On August 13th and 14th the Tabor Design Build Team is joining forces with TW Perry, Trex Company, Duley & Associates and Carl's Masonry Unlimited to provide new wheel chair ramps at the Deale, Maryland home of Maureen, a Veteran Nurse who served in Vietnam. TW Perry and Trex Company have donated all of the building materials, while the Tabor Team and Carl's Masonry are donating the design and labor for this project. Additionally, Duley & Associates donated a land survey that was needed for the building permit. We are honored to be able to offer this service to Maureen and thank her for her service to our country. Thank you too to TW Perry, Trex, CMU and Duley for their generosity. If you know a Veteran in need of a wheel chair ramp, please contact me at Tabor Design Build, Inc. John and Tammy Tabor are committed to honoring our Veterans.

The Dog Days of Summer

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:52:50 EST

The "dog days of summer" originates from a constellation in the summer sky called the Dog Star which is visible from July 23^rd to August 23^rd,not a dog sweltering in the summers heat. That makes more sense to me since my dog is inside my house, probably on the couch, enjoying the air conditioning and taking a nap, while I work. Seems to me his dog days of summer aren't so bad.

Its hot this summer, darn hot. These are the days I appreciate an energy-efficient HVAC system, energy star appliances, low-e gas filled insulated windows, added insulation in the walls and attic, LED recessed lights or compact fluorescent bulbs and tank-less water heaters. All of these reduce my utility costs making it easier for me to cool my home during the dog days of summer.

My dog appreciates them too.

Celebrating the 4th of July

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:48:02 EST

Happy 4th of July to one and all! It's time for the all American celebration. Nothing's better than gathering with family and friends to celebrate our great nation. Hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill with Mom's potato salad, corn on the cob and watermelon. And then the fireworks. I remember the look on each of my daughters faces as they marveled at the displays for the first time. Now I get to watch my granddaughters smile in wonder. May all of you enjoy a safe and happy 4th this year. Thank you to our troops and their families. God Bless America!

Peggy

To Add-on or to Move?

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:39:54 EST

While it might seem like a "no-brainer," when you run the numbers it is typically cheaper to build an addition than to buy a new home that equals the space of your existing house plus an addition. At the very least, the closing and realtor costs involved with selling your old house and buying the new house would push this option over the top. At Tabor Design Build we can offer you a feasibility study with preliminary designs and cost estimates for your home addition. Call the Tabor Team to discuss a feasibility study for your home today.

Memorial Day

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:27:34 EST

As a military brat I feel I really understand the true spirit of this day. As a kid we often took part in the celebrations offered at the military bases where we were stationed. But more importantly, whether at home or abroad, we as a family honored those men and women, and their families, who sacrificed to protect the freedoms of the United States of America. Thank you to all who have served, especially my Dad, Grandpa and brother Don. I salute you.

Peggy Card

Uniquely Tabor

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:43:03 EST

Having worked in this industry for more than 25 years I can say that John Tabor's unique approach to Design Build benefits the Homeowner in so many ways. The three that stand out the most to me are 1) The Trade Day 2)Scheduling and 3)Lack of Change Orders.
It was the idea of "Trade Day" that first WOW'd me. Everyone meeting at the job site to review the plans and the existing home. The collective experience of this construction team works to determine the most cost effective and time efficient way to perform the remodeling. With the team's recommendations, John is able to pin-point the daily progress the team will make during construction for an accurate timeline, even allowing for weather conditions. With all of this organization and planning, the projects are completed in a shorter period of time and any change orders are usually add-ons by the Homeowner, such as "let's paint this room too!" Working with John Tabor has enriched my experience and has contributed to the happiness of many Montgomery County families.
My favorite example of this is the Harris family from Silver Spring. Last year we designed and built the addition of their dreams. This family was able to stay in their home during construction and we completed the project on time and on budget. The Harris family loves their new spaces!
Peggy

Screened Porch

jsherrick.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:21:33 EST

All to often a screened on porch looks like a deck with a roof on it. Because that is what it is.

However, with careful planning, craftsman carpenters and quality materials, your porch can add to the beauty of your home.

Spring has Sprung

jtabor.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:39:31 EST

Spring is here again. What a wonderful time of year. All the beautifully colored blossoms are out. This is my favorite time of year.

It's the perfect time to start enjoying the outdoors with a new deck or screened porch. We'd would love to help you make the most out of this season. Contact us to start planning your next outdoor project.

We're Not Getting Any Younger

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:26:05 EST

When you think of home remodeling you probably think of updating cabinets in your kitchen or new tile for your bath. But as we age, remodeling can take on a whole new meaning. There is a positive trend in remodeling to renovate your home for "aging in place". At Tabor Design Build we can use Universal Design to modify your home and create spaces that enable you to "age in place" in comfort and style. Adding a single story Master Suite addition enables you to live on one floor. Your new Master bath can be built to take you into the future with a curbless shower with bench, adjustable handheld shower fixtures and levered handles. For more information call me or any member of the Tabor Team.

Peggy Card

jtabor.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:44:54 EST

When I look at this picture of the Dunn's kitchen in Bethesda, that we completed last year, it makes me realize how lucky our company is to have a talented designer like Peggy Card working with us!

Look at the way the curves compliment each other, from the arch at the entrance way to the ceiling that mirrors the countertop. A true work of art by an artiste!

Give Peggy a call to let her transform your kitchen.

If It Sounds Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is!

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:47:09 EST

More and more I hear, what kind of deal are you offering or you're higher than the other guy. Homeowners love our process and the quality of our work but another remodeler comes along and offers them the same end result but for 20% below our estimated budget. Whenever I hear the word deal I think of the things my Dad always said, "You get what you pay for" and "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." How many times have you gone to purchase that extraordinary deal you saw in the paper only to find it wasn't what it seemed? You are faced with buying the deal, the poor quality product you will need to replace next year, or you go over budget, paying a higher price but getting a quality product that will last for many years to come. The same is true of your remodeler. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is and you get what you pay for. Unless you can afford to redo the work a year or two down the road, do you really want to compromise quality for savings?

Remodeling and Life Transformations

jsherrick.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:16:44 EST

Remodeling is more than nailing boards together, installing cabinetry and flooring or adding a coat of paint. A remodeling job done correctly, can transform your life. You spend the majority of your leisure time in your home. Have you ever considered that making your home what you want it to be would make your life more enjoyable? Take a look at the following two photos.

In which kitchen would you enjoy cooking meals for your family every night? They are both the same kitchen space! Just before and after photos.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:31:15 EST

To help move old man winter along, start planning your spring cleaning. Washing windows and letting in a breeze is only one way to give your home a fresh spring look. Winter's warm fuzzy fabrics in rich darker tones can be replaced with light airy sheers and fun spring colors and patterns. Give your home a fresh coat of paint, fill your planters with blooming flowers and let the sunshine in.

Montgomery County Home Show

jsherrick.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:49:17 EST

On February 13-14, 2010 we participated in the Montgomery County Home Show. By all accounts and estimations the home show was a success for most involved, especially the attendees.

While the venue was on a smaller scale, attendees had the opportunity to visit booths from all types of trade contractors, to remodelers and even pots and pans and desert sauces. For those interested in doing or having projects completed in their homes, the show was a great place to meet perspective contractors and look at different products.

I am no economist, but I worked the entire show and found that people are becoming interested in having remodeling completed in their homes again. I spoke with several lenders and found that they are loosening up on their lending restrictions and starting to lend again. All very good signs for our economy.

Tabor Design Build will also be exhibiting at the Washington Home and Garden Show, March 12-14, 2010. Take a ride into town and come see us at the convention center.

Colour My World

pcard.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:44:33 EST

For a lot of us, our world is hearth and home, more specifically our kitchens. Family and friends gravitate to the kitchen, whether there is enough room or not (at Tabor, we can fix that for you). At the end of a busy day our kitchen colors can energize or sooth us. Leading color experts have put a new twist on some old kitchen colors. With today's dark cabinets and stark appliances in black, white or silver, our accent colors can make or break our kitchen design.

Pantone suggests:

Agrestic - The appealingly contemporized country style calls for comforting combinations, like bruschetta browns, tender greens or warm golden yellows, with an unexpected accent of vibrant pink.

Savories - Accent your home with deliciously exuberant, youthful and whimsical hues. This palette includes tasty blends of chocolate and daiquiri green, with dollops of bright hues to embellish the mix.

Ethnic Chic - Style reaches a new level of sophistication when you pair deep purple with misty yellow and stone grays or juxtapose burnt orange against vibrant blue and dark brown.

Warm yellow gold, deep purple and taupe gray are fun and clean in this sunny kitchen. The rooms paint colors reflect the new Ethnic Chic.

Sherman Williams 6839 Kimono Violet:

Pratt & Lambert 1672 Waxen Yellow:

Benjamin Moore HC 99 Abingdon Putty:

Benjamin Moore 2114 Wet Concrete:

Snow

jtabor.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:34:51 EST

I love the snow! Snow so high we can't get out of the driveway without a snow plow. Being stuck at home with no electricity and none of our electronic distractions working, helps to put things in their proper perspective. It confirms what is most important to me. My home and family.

Great News from Saturday's Washington Post

jtabor.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:35:08 EST

"Spending on remodeling is likely to increase after the quarter ends in March and continue rising through the rest of the year, according to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, which publishes the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity report.

So, if you have the money - or access to credit - now might be the best time to call a remodeler and get on his schedule."

Reflecting on 2009

jtabor.nospamplease@nospam.tabordesignbuild.com — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:16:53 EST

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As 2009 comes to an end, I reflect on the many things I am thankful for; family, friends, business associates and of course our clients. I realize how fortunate I am. This was an exciting year for us at Tabor Design Build. We completed several large whole-house remodeling projects and additions, beautiful baths, kitchens and basements. We are thankful for these opportunities and worked hard to deliver outstanding quality, on time and on budget.

For next year we are looking forward to seeing the real estate market improve as we all feel better about the future and regain confidence in our economy. Our focus on Kitchens, Baths and Additions will continue to grow, and we will continue to work hard to fulfill our commitment to our clients.

I wish all of our valued clients, friends and partners my sincere wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

With best regards,

John Tabor, CR