Sockness Maintenance

2012-01-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

Finishing Your Basement to Fit Your Needs

For many homeowners, finishing your basement can be a fun project with a world of possibilities. Maybe your current home set-up is missing that special feature that you always wish you could incorporate. Or maybe you're a growing family looking to take advantage of more space in your house. No matter what your situation, we have some great reasons for you to make finishing your basement a 2012 project. We've also included photos of basements by Sockness Builders, Inc. below, and ideas to help get you brainstorming about what your basement could be.

First, here are some great reasons to start your basement finishing project right away...

Flexibility: Many homeowners look especially forward to a basement project because it's an area of their home where they can really be creative. Instead of worrying about matching color schemes with the rest of the house, or creating a space that flows with everything else, your basement can be a separate area. Besides, with so many options for what to turn your basement into - the possibilities are endless!

Resale: Homebuyers these days are very interseted in houses that have room for a growing family. By finishing your basement, the added value that you are creating in your home can make your property more marketable when it comes time to consider resale.

Company: If you're a family that hosts company for long weekends, holidays, etc. a project such as this could give you the extra space (or separation!) that you need. Many basement finishing projects also include an extra bedroom or bathroom.

Entertainment: Finished basements are notorious for being the best "hang-out" spot in your home. The large, versatile space is often a popular room for get-togethers, parties, etc. Especailly if you are considering adding a pool table, theater room, or game room to your plans, your basement could become everyone's new favorite part of your home.

Next, here are some fun ideas for ways that you can transform your basement space...

Basement Bar: Maybe one of the most popular basement transformations is turning your downstairs space into a bar area or hang-out. This gives you the option to have a great area to unwind after a busy day at work, or a great space to entertain friends!

Playroom: Growing families often see the need to use their downstairs space as an extra area for their kids too! It's common for homeowners to designate an area as a kids' playroom in their finished basement. This can come complete with window seats, built-in storage benches, etc.

Exercise Room: With all of the extra space you may find in your newly finished basement, it might also be a good idea to include a workout room. Many homeowners can create a gym in their home by moving exercise equipment into one space, or even adding a rubber floor.

Theater Room: A great idea for those who like to entertain, creating a theater room can give your family and friends the perfect place to watch the big game or the latest movies. Creating stadium-type seating or adding acoustical aspects of the room only help to enhance the theater experience.

Man Cave: Becoming increasingly popular is the idea of having a special part of your home as the designated "man cave." Basically, the ultimate in a men-only hang out, this space can include many of the above features including a bar area, theater room, game room, etc.

The possibilities really are endless when it comes to finishing your basement. Below are a few different sketches by our on-staff designer which show other homeowners' ideas brought to life. If you're intersted in remodeling your basment, give us a call! We can put your ideas down on paper like the ones below and help to make sure that your basement dreams become a reality.

Interested in maintenance or remodeling work on your home?

Contact Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions Today!

608.868.6228 jon@socknessbuilders.com http://www.socknessbuilders.com/

The 411 on Egress Windows

2012-01-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

The 411 on Basement Egress Windows

If your home has a livable or sleeping area in the basement, then you might already know all about egress windows and why you would need one. If you're unsure or just recently decided to convert your basement area to a bedroom or living area, then read ahead for more information...

What is an Egress Window?

An egress window or a 'scapewel' is a required window in a dwelling that is there for the purpose of emergency exit if needed. The state requirements make it so that this window must be large enough and low enough to accomodate occupants should they need to escape through it in the case of an emergency. The photo above shows what this type of window can look like from the inside of a home's basement.

How Do I Know For Sure if I Need One?

If you do have a livable/sleeping area in your basement, then Wisconsin code would require that you have two means of exit from that area. The first can be your stairway or means of getting from the basement to your first floor. The second needs to be an exit to the outside of the dwelling from that same space. In many basement situations, an egress window is the safest and most economical way to keep your home safe in the case of a fire emergency. Does your basement sleeping area have two ways of exit?

Are There Other Benefits to Having an Egress Window?

Aside from the safety requirement to have a basement egress window, there are also a few benefits that make adding one of these to your home a good idea. First of all, depending on the type of egress window and well that you choose, adding one of these can bring a considerable amount of natural light to your dark, downstairs space. Next, a basement egress window can actually increase the value of your home by allowing you extra saleable square footage that you might not have had before. Finally, most all of the window wells are easily added to exisitng home plans. Many even offer planting space on the "step" area of the well to help with the aesthetic appeal of the window. It's even possible to add "dome covers" (as seen to the photo on the right) to help keep rain/leaves/etc. from falling into the well.

What are Some of the Wisconsin Egress Window Requirements?

Wisconsin's basement egress window requirements have three main components: window height, areaways, and light/ventilation/size. For height, no egress window can be more than 60" above the floor of the space. Ideally, an egress window should be 46" or less from the ground, and if it is between 46" and 60" then a permanent step needs to be in place. Next, there is a requirement that the window have an areaway, or a window well space. You can see in photos above that this space needs to be as wide as the window, and depending on how deep the well is, steps or a ladder need to be in place to allow easy exit. Finally, there is a requirment which states that the window must be large enough to provide natural light into the room. The technical requirement for this is that 8% of the square footage of the space be window. The window must always be openable from the inside and the absolute minimum size for the overall window is 20" X 24".

If you think that you may need an egress window in your home's basement area, please feel free to give us a call at 608-868-6228. With all of the state requirments, we can make it easy for you to make sure that your basement area is safe in case of an emergency!

For more detailed information on state requirments, visit: http://docs.legis.wi.gov/code/admin_code/sps/safety_and_buildings_and_environment/320_325/321/II/03/5/b/4/d.

Interested in maintenance or remodeling work on your home?

Contact Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions Today!

608.868.6228 jon@socknessbuilders.com http://www.socknessbuilders.com/

Could Your Project be our 2012 Parade House?

2011-12-29T08:21:00.000-08:00

Could Your Project be our 2012 Parade House?

This Saturday night we'll be saying goodbye to 2011 and welcoming in a new year. If you're like most of us, you're probably left wondering where the time went. We feel like it was just a few weeks ago that we were meeting and talking with all of you at our home in the SCWBA's Parade of Homes at the end of the summer. Believe it or not, we're already starting to plan and look forward to the 2012 parade!

We are currently looking to secure a project (or projects) that we can feature in the upcoming event. If you've ever wondered about having your own home remodeling or new construction project in the parade, read below for facts about what it means to have your house featured. And... enjoy photos from this past year's parade home!

What are the benefits to the homeowner to be featured in the Parade of Homes?

There are many reasons why a homeowner or future homeowner would want to include their project in the Parade of Homes. The main reason, and the most appealing, is the discounts that are available. If you're a client featuring your remodeled or new home construction project in the parade, you will save THOUSANDS of dollars! Suppliers and craftsmen working on your project value the opportunity to showcase their work, and as an exchange for this, they offer discounts that just aren't available any other way. These discounts could make your dream project affordable, or could allow you to add that extra part of your project that you wouldn't have been able to otherwise.

I'm not looking to build a new home, but am considering a remodel project. Could it be featured?

Over the years the SCWBA Parade of Homes has evolved to better fit the changing times. One of the major improvements was adding a "Tour of Remodeled Homes" to the new homes that are being featured. This gives area contractors the opportunity to showcase work that was done to improve upon people's existing homes as well. Examples of projects that could be featured include kitchen renovations, exterior remodeling, finishing a basement, or adding a home addition. There are many possibilities, and anyone interested can run their project ideas by Sockness Builders and it would be determined right away if it could be a potential Parade of Homes feature.

When would my project need to start in order to be a possibility for the Parade of Homes?

Depending on the size and scope of your project, it could depend. For a new home, we would need to get started in the next couple months. If you are considering a remodeling project, it could start this coming summer and still be ready in time. The parade is always held during the month of September, so planning for this spring or summer would allow you to be able to take advantage of the great savings.

Interested in maintenance or remodeling work on your home?

Contact Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions Today!

608.868.6228 jon@socknessbuilders.com http://www.socknessbuilders.com/

Spread the Cheer!

2011-11-28T09:02:00.001-08:00

Spread the Cheer!

Sockness Builders, Inc. places great importance on helping to support the community that we do business in. That's why helping and donating to the Milton Food Pantry has become a priority for us. We believe that all of the kids in our community deserve a Christmas that is special. We know that it's a goal of the Milton Food Pantry to put meals on the table and presents under the tree for the kids and families that would otherwise go without. We believe in this notion as well, and especially during the holiday season, we're inviting everyone to help the Milton Food Pantry make this a reality.

If you were out and about in Milton over this holiday weekend, you may have noticed a north pole (pictured to the left) in some of the businesses that you frequent most often. The pole is decorated with envelopes, each representing a family in need of a holiday meal, or a child in need of a toy for this holiday season. Participating is easy... all you need to do is take an envelope from the tree and you will be making the holidays brighter!

If you're generously donating toys, donations can be dropped off anytime through December 16th at any of the local banks - First Community Bank, Bank of Milton, and Milton Savings Bank. Toy donations can also be brought to St. Mary's Church on the night of Friday, December 16th between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. If you choose to generously donate a holiday meal, donations can be dropped off at St. Mary's church on Friday, December 16th between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM as well.

We hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and we're looking forward to working together with all of you to make sure that our community has a merry Christmas as well.

Interested in maintenance or remodeling work on your home?

Contact Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions Today!

608.868.6228 jon@socknessbuilders.com http://www.socknessbuilders.com/

Make Your Kitchen Reflect Your Personality

2011-11-17T08:31:00.001-08:00

How to Make Your Kitchen Reflect Your Style

With the holidays and even colder weather just around the corner, you'll probably be spending more time than ever inside your home. In fact, the kitchen may become your most used space in the house, especially as we look forward to next week's Thanksgiving celebrations. As you're working on preparing this year's feast, playing cards with friends at your table, or even just spending time with family around your kitchen island, consider a couple of simple ideas that could make you love your kitchen even more.

Tiled Backsplash: Are you looking to create a new focal point in your kitchen? Adding a backsplash behind your range, or even around your entire kitchen, can add that extra "pop" that brings your style into the room. You can choose from many assortments of colors and styles that reflect your personal flare and help tie together the decorative ideas of the room.

Kitchen Island: Are you often wishing that you had more counter space in your current kitchen set-up? Adding an island can give you just what you need and more! This extra addition can give you more countertop room, an extra prep sink for preparing meals, more storage for you kitchen gadgets, and even bonus seating! There are many different ideas that can work with your existing layout. You can even include your own personal style by choosing a cabinet color that offsets what you currently have.

Open Shelving: Opening up shelving spaces in your kitchen can be the perfect way for you to showcase your pottery and dishes, and also add accent colors to the room. Replacing a few wall cabinets with shelves can open up a small kitchen wall and draw your eye upwards, making the room appear taller. Also consider replacing just a couple of regular cabinet doors with a glass or frosted glass option too!

Lighting: Maybe you already have a kitchen island, but you're looking for a fun way to add more personality to the room? Try kitchen pendent lights! With so many options to choose from, you can modernize your kitchen with sleek, small pendent lights, or help to warm up the space by choosing a more substantial fixture. Lighting can be fun, but you want it to be functional as well... adding in recessed can lights to areas where you need the extra brightness can also help to make your kitchen the favorite room of your home.

Open Space: You can also open up an area of a partition wall in your home to help create more flow from your kitchen to another space, such as the dining room. Often called a "pass-through," this space can give you decorative options by framing it with crown moulding or wide trim, and it can also be functional as well by doubling as a small breakfast nook with stools and a countertop.

Interested in maintenance or remodeling work on your home?

Contact Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions Today!

608.868.6228 jon@socknessbuilders.com http://www.socknessbuilders.com/

Before the first snowfall...

2011-11-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

Before The First Snowfall

On this morning's news you might've heard that dreaded word... the one word that is always a blunt reminder that our mild fall days are coming to an end and will soon be replaced by shovels, slippery roads, and winter coats... SNOW. Even though we know every year that it will be making its way into our Wisconsin weather report, it's never easy to take. I think that most of us are always hoping that we'll get lucky this year and have an "Indian Summer" lasting into Thanksgiving time, or that Mother Nature will somehow forget that it's that time of year. After all... there are still 44 days left until the official start of winter.

Whether you're dreading the colder days or you're ready for winter's arrival, it's important to make sure that your home is ready for the weather too. There are many things that you can do to make sure that your home is nice and cozy for those blustery winter nights when nothing sounds better than curling up on your couch with a good book. Check out these weatherization tips below and make sure that you are your home are ready to weather the winter - and give Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions a call to help with any of these simple fixes.

Air Tightness: On windy days do you walk by your front door and shutter when you feel a cool breeze coming through? This could mean that your door is either not aligned properly or not sealed as tight as it should be. One of the first things to check is the weather-stripping on your front door. Is it old and damaged? Replacing it can greatly decrease the amount of air that is leaked between your home and the outside. Other possible air paths can be found around your door frame and these can be easily fixed by caulking around your doors. The best way to check your home's air tightness is by conducting a Blower Door Test where thermal imaging is used to locate problem areas in your home that if fixed, will save you energy costs in the long-run.

Your Windows: The windows around your home are another possible reason for warm air escaping or cool air getting in. Caulking around the exterior of your windows can dramatically improve the tightness, and in homes with painted trim, caulking around the interior of the window frames can help even more. If you have single-pane windows in your home, make sure that storm windows are installed and are closed tightly before the winter months.

New Windows: If you do have a home with single-pane windows, replacing these with a more standard "thermal-pane" window can have a major effect on sealing the air leaks in your home. A thermal-pane window is actually built with a gap of air between the two panes, and this acts as an insulator for your home. Not only will this change save you money on energy costs each year, but it will also make your home quieter as the windows create a better barrier to the outside noises.

Attic Insulation: Have you heard the word "R-value" before, but wondered what it meant? Well the R-value is the measure of thermal resistance, referring to the insulation in your home. The higher the R-value, the better insulated your home or attic is. A common, and good R-Value that is most commonly used in attics is R-50. If your home's insulation hasn't been checked for some time, it's likely that the R-value is lower than what it should be to keep your home insulated properly. Even insulation that started out at standards can settle or get moved from utility or mechanical companies tracking through your attic. Having this checked out and having extra insulation blown in if needed can help with your home's energy efficiency.

If your home could use a weatherization inspection this year, give us a call. We can help you save money on your energy costs and help keep your home the warm and cozy retreat from the cold all winter long.

Interested in maintenance or remodeling work on your home?

Contact Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions Today!

608.868.6228 jon@socknessbuilders.com http://www.socknessbuilders.com/

Making Your Front Stoop "Trick-or-Treat" Worthy

2011-10-31T12:38:00.001-07:00

Making Your Front Stoop Trick-or-Treat Worthy

It's Halloween and that means that you might have more visitors than usual at your front stoop this evening. Is your not-so-desirable exterior scaring them away? Or is your front entrance inviting them in? No matter what time of year, there are many maintenance fixes that can take your front stoop from "frightening" to "fabulous." Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions can help you with any of these fixes that will help bring your personal style to the exterior of your home... and might even make you the new envy of the neighborhood!

Front Door: What better way to make a first impression than with your front entry door? This is the gateway to your home and it can be the perfect place to add a personal touch that will really tie the style of your home together. Front door options allow you to create so many different looks. From real wood doors which give a more rustic feel, to decorative glass doors which can make your home more sophisticated, this change can be just what your home needs. Not only does a new door provide added style, but it can also serve a more useful purpose too by giving you better security options with a deadbolt or allowing you to have a wider entryway.

Storm Door: Looking for a more practical way to spruce up your front entry? Save energy with a better insulated home by adding a storm door to your existing front entrance. There are many different options to choose from, and something that will go with any style of front door that you may already have. Storm doors are also great to have in the warmer months of the year too! A storm door allows you to leave your main entry door open, using the storm door screens to get fresh air, and still have a secure door in place.

Columns: This can be the perfect way to add a touch of style to your home design. Whether you're going for a more elegant curb-side appearance, or a more rustic feel, columns can give your front porch a completely different look. The best part is that many of the options available are completely maintenance free!

Yard Lights: Everyone wants to have a home that they are proud of. Once you get your front entry looking exactly how you want it to in the daylight, use yard lights to make it just as appealing in the darkness too! Yard lights can create a dramatic look that will not only brighten up the front of your home and allow you to show off your design features, but it can make your front entry more secure by lighting the area.

Halloween Decorating: Of course, you can always spruce up your front entry in a fun way by using any of these Halloween yard decorating ideas (from http://www.wikihow.com/)!

1. Use black lights in place of your garage or porch light to really capture the eerie effect!

2. Use old planks of wood in the shape of tombstones and use markers to write names such as "Barry M. Deep" or "Justin Tyme" on the newly created gravestones!

3. Use fake cobwebs from the store ($1-$4) to stretch over chairs, railings, trees, and shrubs.

4. Bring a CD player outdoors and let it play scary sounding tracks on repeat to really set the frightening mood in your yard!

5. Create a yard dummy! Use old clothes stuffed with pillows to put together a dummy that can greet trick-or-treaters as they come by your front entrance. Top off your dummy with a pumpkin or scary mask for a head!

Interested in maintenance or remodeling work on your home?

Contact Sockness Building Maintenance Solutions Today!

608.868.6228 jon@socknessbuilders.com http://www.socknessbuilders.com/