Wayne Baruch Artisans Group, LLCWayne Baruch Artisans Group, LLC

  The Wright 

    Our e-newsletter for our friends, building partners, and colleagues

    January, 2010

(908) 256-5953

www.ArtisansGroup.biz

wbaruch@ArtisansGroup.biz

N.J. Reg.: 13VH03065300

In this issue:

  • Remodeling Ideas for Small Bathrooms

  • Recognizing damaged exterior trim

  • Available training for dealing with lead-based paint

  • Course at Raritan Valley Community College

  • The way to a Happy New Year

  • Famous Quote

  • Green Tip of the Month

Welcome to the Artisans Group Family

A customer is not just the person who hires us for their project.  Instead, a "customer" is everyone who is involved in the project: our client, each of our building partners, suppliers craftspeople, and even, the building inspector.  This philosophy allows all stakeholders to support each other optimally, which makes for successful projects.  

Thanks to each of you and welcome to everyone who recently joined our Artisans Group network…we couldn't do it without YOU!  We appreciate the opportunity to work with you.  

Famous Quote

“Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.”

 -Immanuel Kant

Let us help you to upgrade your living spaces to be your home at its best

We specialize in historic restoration, structural work, and repairing insect and water damage. In addition, we love constructive reuse, "green" projects, custom carpentry, and other special solutions. We serve home and business owners from Bucks County, PA, and in the counties of Central New Jersey.  Here are just a few ways we can help:

- Kitchen & Bath Remodeling
- Additions and moving walls

- Replacement Windows
- Decks & Patios
- Closets and Unique Storage Solution

GREEN TIP OF THE MONTH

Recycling fresh trees after Christmas can make a huge difference in reducing waste. Instead of taking up space in the landfill, trees can be ground into wood chips, which can be used to mulch gardens or parks or to prevent erosion at a local watershed.  Your landscaper can probably help, or many local tool rental stores have a wood chipper.  

Before using a new tool, remember of course to read, understand, and follow all safety precautions!  

- Norm Abram, This Old House

Remodeling Ideas for Small Bathrooms

2Many homeowners are faced with the problem of having to change the look of a small bathroom. Here are some tips on how to make the most of small bath spaces:

One of the most popular solutions for small bathroom remodeling is to simply knock off one side. This will allow you to expand in one direction and get more space. The problem though is that this solution is not cheap. Aside from spending a lot to reconstruct a new wall, you would also have to consider paying for extensive changes in plumbing and wiring, and remember that the Building Code specifies some dimensions. 

There are other options if you do not wish to push back your walls of your small bath. We may simply replace previously large fixtures and features with smaller bath tubs, sinks, toilets, and cabinets.  Another excellent idea for small bathroom design involves hanging objects.   You can opt for free floating cabinets or shelves, small hanging hampers on wall hooks, and install a pedestal sink, instead of a vanity.  Since walls are usually 4 1/2" thick, we can also create more space by replacing closets with cabinets.  

Small bathroom remodeling will not be complete without a new coat of paint. One technique is to avoid dark colors. Choose lighter ones and pair that with equally light colored tiles and fixtures. The light color will not just be soothing. It can also help create the impression that you really have more space. If you want to paint some designs, choose those that aren't too large. Moreover, you can use artificial or natural light to create the impression of expansiveness. It is always great if you can simply install a large window (remember to specify privacy glass), or a solar tube.  Have a dimmer installed so you can create softer light when your mood calls for it.

Small bathroom remodeling can actually be a lot of fun. The real key is to simply change viewer perspective and utilize every available space.  The key to a successful project is to talk with an experienced professional who can combine your ideas with their expertise to make your vision a reality.

REFER YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY...
AND GET A $25 GIFT CARD

Many of our customers “find” us as a result of word of mouth. This simple, yet gracious, act by our customers has allowed us to be successful, and we offer our gratitude and a token of our appreciation for this generosity through our Referral Reward Program!

Here's how:

1. Simply refer someone to our services by phone, website, email or by forwarding this newsletter to them.

2. When your referral signs a contract for their project, we'll automatically mail you a $25 Artisans Group gift card for a purchase from a number of local merchants.

Offering you this reward is part of our way of saying, "We appreciate the faith that you have in us and our building partners."  Please remember to tell your friends and colleagues to mention your name when they call or write to us!

ATTENTION - Fellow trade professionals (including painters, electricians, plumbers, and 

designers), architects, engineers, landlords and other building owners, and realtors!  If you own, 

sell, live in, or work on pre-1978 buildings, and especially those that young children and pregnant women visit regularly, you MUST read this in the interest of people's health and/or your business.

 

Please mention The Artisans Group.  The LEW Corporation is one of our 

co-instructors for our course at Raritan Valley Community College. 

Course at Raritan Valley Community College

February - April, 2010 - Wayne is a co-instructor for Raritan Valley Community College's Weatherization and Green building Principals Certificate program. www.raritanval.edu/cce/index.html  

 

Call RVCC Corporate & Continuing Education

118 Lamington Road, North Branch, NJ 08876, 908- 218-8871

The way to a Happy New Year

  • To leave the old with a burst of song;

  • To recall the right and forgive the wrong;

  • To forget the things that bind you fast

  • To the vain regrets of the year that's past;

  • To have the strength to let go your hold

  • Of the not worthwhile of the days grown old;

  • To dare go forth with a purpose true,

  • To the unknown task of the year that's new;

  • To help your brother along the road,

  • To do his work and lift his load;

  • To add your gift to the world's good cheer

  • Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.

- Robert Brewster Beattie

E-mail The Wright

M.A., New Brunswick: While shoveling snow around my home, I saw something weird in the surface of some trim.  The paint is intact, but the surface isn't smooth.  What's happening? 

A: Thanks for your question.  We need some more information.  I assume that the trim is made of wood?  Can you compress the trim If you push on it with your thumb?  Are there any joints between the piece of trim and any adjacent material?  Can water get into the opening?  Is the trim near or touching the ground, or is it constantly exposed to water?  Most likely, water has gotten into the wood and began damaging the interior.  Depending on its severity, we should replace the trim.  Sometimes, wood-boring insects created holes that let water inside.  In other cases, the caulk and paint haven't been maintained.  We must remember to check the material behind the trim, and that insects and/or water haven't done more damage elsewhere.  The bottom line is that after the damaged trim is repaired, regular inspections and upkeep will save you time and money, and eliminate hassles.

You can e-mail The Wright by sending your questions to wbaruch@ArtisansGroup.biz. Please be sure to include your name and phone number in case additional information is required to answer your question.