The Future of Building and Remodeling
 


 
     
  Universal Design Allows Homeowners to Enjoy Homes Longer

Families are increasingly interested in planning their building and remodeling projects for accessibility. Universal Design principles simplify products and buildings to make them more usable by all. The intent is to develop accessibility into the original design to reduce the need for future adaptations. Everyday products are increasingly being created to incorporate Universal Design concepts and adding these features to our homes increases both the home's value and our own comfort.

Our Project Design Manager, Nancy Kaiser is a Universal Design Certified Professional as well as a Certified Kitchen Remodeler. She has many simple and useful suggestions for building adaptability into both remodeling projects and new construction. Contact Nancy at 251.1814 ext. 29, or email . 		 
     
  Deep Energy Retrofits and Remodeling
Bungalow Moves Toward Maximum Efficiency

Faced with restoring or replacing the wood siding, the owners of this bungalow installed 4" of rigid insulation under the new siding, with an air barrier and rain screen over that, topping it off with new exterior trim and windows. The attic was completely air sealed and insulated to over R-60. A Home Performance energy audit was performed to guide and measure the results. Steps in order of priority (and cost/benefit)
  1. Get an energy audit from Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
  2. Perform air sealing
  3. Ensure home maintains a safe level of ventilation as the envelope tightens up
  4. Insulate attic first, then basement walls and box sill, then exterior wall cavities and if replacing siding, add rigid foam on top of existing sheathing
  5. Upgrade windows
  6. Heating and cooling (Can be done in conjunction with #3 but sizing of system should always be done AFTER all other improvements are made
This home will be on display during the Sustainable Showcase Tour on Saturday, October 23. We have a limited number of free tickets to this event.

Deep Energy Retrofits for your entire house are performance-based, and help you save money by improving your home's efficiency. They also improve the resale value of your home.  For details, call 251.1814 or email .		  
     
  Improve Your Energy Efficiency in Time for Tax Credits

This is an excellent time to renovate your home to improve efficiency and comfort. You can get tax credits and cash rewards for energy efficiency improvements through the end of 2010. Federal stimulus money offers credits for 30% of costs up to $1500 for qualified improvements. Solar electric, hot water and geothermal systems are eligible for a 30% Federal tax credit (no limit) on systems installed through 2016.

Focus on Energy financial incentives are also available for many improvements. We include Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® evaluations on most of our projects. Whether you are replacing windows, remodeling your kitchen or constructing a room addition it pays to evaluate your home first. Call 251.1814 for details.		  
     
  See us at the on September 26

For the remodel of this Tudor home's kitchen, new cream cabinets and quartz countertops were used to brighten the space but respect the home's vintage. Maple butcher block flanking the range plays off the original maple floor.

Subtle changes to the layout accomplished by moving the range out of a major traffic zone and a new counter depth refrigerator visually expanded the space making it more user friendly for a busy family. Additional storage was added by removing an old radiator and replacing it with a compact unit located in the toe space of the cabinet under the window.

For ticket information for the Remodeled Homes Tour visit the or call us at 251.1814.		  
     
  Join us for the Sustainable Showcase Saturday, October 23

Join us for the first Sustainable Showcase, a one-day Open House event across the Madison area which will enable you to tour Greenbuilt Certified homes and renovations as well as projects that have participated in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®. The proceeds of the event will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Dane County. The event is presented by the Madison Area Builders Association, the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association- Madison Chapter, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, and the REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin.

TDS will be showing the Deep Energy Retrofit home we have in process on Wingra Street in Madison. Tour tickets are $10, and we have a limited supply of free tickets to this event. Contact our office at 251.1814 or email for tickets to this excellent tour. 		 
     
  Take care of last minute details before the winter winds blow!

TDS Care and Repair services are available for all of your small remodeling projects. Our hourly rate is just $60. Use TDS Care and Repair for general repairs and maintenance, window and door replacements, home energy audits and weatherization, interior painting, or small kitchen, bathroom and basement projects. Call 251.1814 or email .

Refer a friend

Refer a friend, relative or colleague to us and we will donate $100 to a charity of your choice, or reward you with 3 hours of TDS Care and Repair service. Please make sure the person you refer mentions your full name. The referral must produce a signed contract worth $2500 or more. We value your referrals and look forward to hearing from you again.		  
     
TDS Custom Construction Design/Build Remodelers and Cabinet makers 1431 Northern Court Madison, WI 53703 251.1814