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Sunday, May 12, 2013
Growth pays for itselfFront page of the Florida Today Paper. "Commissioner's weigh wisdom of keeping school
impact fee". Our community leaders want to continue to impose impact fees on new construction where other communities
all over the state are dropping this fee. Inherent in the cost of a new home is the cost of the road it is built on, the property
tax that has been paid on the homesite, the sales tax paid for the materials to build the home, the fees and taxes to build
and buy a home and the property tax charged on the home forevermore. The building of new single family homes generates jobs
in the local community, millions of dollars in income to the local businesses in the first year of construction and thereafter
in maintenance, and millions of dollars in taxes and fees. Impact fees add thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home and effectively squeeze a lot of people from
qualifying for one. Our community leaders need to understand that it is everyone’s responsibility to provide for parks,
schools, roads and law enforcement. Perhaps that means broadening the tax base to help ensure each resident pays their fair
share. It is just easier for the county to impose another fee than to have to ask the voters for approval. 5 people should
not get to decide our fate.
12:10 pm edt
Friday, May 3, 2013
Make Bathrooms Safer, Easier To Use for AllUniversal design concepts
open a world of possible improvements. Bathrooms can be hazardous to your health—the statistics
prove it. Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 235,000 people
over the age of 55 come to emergency rooms with injuries that happened in the bathroom, and 14% of them, almost 33,000 people,
are hospitalized. Injuries increase with age, and for all ages, the most accident-prone activities were bathing, showering,
and getting out of the tub or shower. Curbless showers are not only useful for wheelchair users or homeowners who make need a walker;
they are also beautiful and easier to clean. Hand-held shower heads on an adjustable slide make showering convenient for users
of different heights. By applying the concepts of universal design products a lot of these hazards can be
eliminated. Consumers don't have to forego aesthetics in their quest for products that address some of
the sensory losses and decreased mobility that come with aging. Considering that 90% of Americans age 50 and older say they
prefer to stay in their homes, according to AARP, there is growing market for universal design. Three of the biggest
trends in universal design are curbless (zero threshold) showers, taller toilets (aka: comfort height toilets), and layered
lighting to eliminate glare. These features provide convenience and safety across all age levels. None of these features suggest
disability or reflect an institutional look. Curbless showers use a trench style or linear drain rather than a central drain,
and from a remodeler's standpoint, that means the shower floor only need slope in one direction rather than two, which also
makes it possible to use larger tiles on the floor, opening up greater design opportunities.Flip-up seats, grab bars, and hand-held
shower heads on a vertical slider are other conveniences that serve people with a range of abilities. A seat offers a place
to rest or a safer way to trim toenails or shave legs than trying to perform those tasks while leaning against a shower wall
or bending down with one foot propped up on the shower curb. There are companies making some fun and funky
grab bars, and manufacturers are also working harder to incorporate support in other products, like towel bars and even soap
dishes. For homeowners who steadfastly resist the notion of grab bars, Peterson advises putting the necessary blocking in
the walls behind the tile so that the bars easily can be added at a later date if needed. Other universal design features include: *
No-touch faucets.* Lever handles instead of door knobs.*
D-ring or loop pulls on cabinets and drawers with soft close slides.* Counters
with knee space beneath for sitting and/or wheelchair access* Low-sheen or honed
finish on floors to reduce glare* Wide doorways for ease of access*
Storage at the point of use Employing universal design concepts and products in a bathroom will not
only create a convenient and beautiful space for homeowners to age in place, but will also make their homes welcoming and
safe for visitors of all ages and abilities.
10:37 pm edt
Friday, December 14, 2012
Remodeling Trends for 2013According to Remodeling Magazine here are the Top Ten Trends for 2013.
10. Kitchen CabinetsA clean, simple, contemporary look will be popular with homeowners
looking to economize and eliminate unnecessary clutter and fussy details that equate to high maintenance and complicated living.
For those who don’t want to spring for new cabinetry, re-facing or refinishing cabinets offers more bang for the buck.9. CountertopsGranite has been dethroned. While granite isn’t going away and still has
many die-hard fans, the new king of countertops will be quartz composite — the closest thing to no maintenance, bullet-proof
countertop materials available today.8.
Hardwood FloorsPre-finished and engineered
wood flooring will become more popular than the once gold-standard of site-finished flooring. Pre-finished woods provide a
hard, durable finish, are an installation time saver, and eliminate the sanding dust dilemma. Engineered wood floors are also
compatible with under-floor heating systems, a big plus in cold climates.7. Glass BacksplashesGlass mosaic tile is on the way out. Taking its place are glass/stone/tile mosaic composites that can add
more texture and visual interest and that tie in more readily with stone or quartz countertops. Be on the lookout for back-painted,
solid glass panel backsplashes in contemporary settings, which provides an ultra-clean, almost ethereal look to a polished,
modern kitchen setting.6. Stylishly
Simple SinksGoodbye double-sinks, hello
deep single-bowl sinks. With accessories such as fitted colanders and dish drains, deep single-bowl sinks have all the benefits
of a divided sink, plus the large size to actually fit that roasting pan or those baking sheets into the sink all at once.
Stainless is still popular, but the quartz composites are a great value and durable option.5. Color PaletteCharcoal is the new black. 2013 will find this silky color everywhere as it blends the right amount of chocolate,
grey and a touch of green.4. Bathroom
StoneSynonymous with luxury, Calacatta
marble will find its way into both traditional and contemporary bathrooms. Calacatta is a rarer stone than Carrara marble,
but is quarried in the same region. It is valued for a whiter background and bolder grey veins.3. Texture and SparkleBedazzled may find its way into home décor and design as homeowners seek a blend of classic textures
and colors with pops of bold color and elements of sparkle. Glossy glass tile backsplashes and sparkle on polished nickel
fixtures trend in 2013.2. Living In
Your Home Longer/Multi-Generational LivingWith many certified aging-in-place specialists (CAPS), designers predict a growing trend to help aging baby boomers
safely “grow old” in their homes, for as long as possible. Watch for easy kitchen and bath upgrades to enhance
functionality, comfort and safety.1.
Healthy Home, Healthy LivingGreen and
sustainable design is here to stay. The number one trend for 2013 will be to create a healthy living environment, free of
toxins and harsh chemicals. More and more homeowners are taking advantage of federal and state incentives to evaluate their
home’s energy efficiency and overall performance. Upgrade trends include the use of low VOC materials to improve indoor
air quality, testing combustion safety, and radon mitigation.
4:47 pm est
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Green Energy TipI just changed all the flourscent light fixtures in my office to the new
t-8 flourescent bulbs. The bulbs look almost the same as the older (fatter) flourescent bulbs, but slightly thinner.
They are nice and bright, but the best part is that the fixtures do not hum. No humming at all! But here's
the really good part. These new t-8 bulbs will last longer and they are 35% more energy efficient that the old t-12
bulbs. Yes, it did cost a bit of money to change out the fixtures, but I believe I will recover my expense in about
8 months. But I especially love how quiet they are. If you are interested in getting a quote on how much it will
be to change out your light fixtures, contact me and I will put you in the right hands.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Derman HomesMy name is Mark
Derman and I am a hands on Florida State Licensed Certified Building Contractor and a Licensed Real Estate
Sales Associate in Florida. I have been building homes in Brevard County since 1986 and have built over 300 new
homes. I oversee all my construction projects myself and stay with the project til completion.
My wife Debi also helps me with my business and is a very experienced Realtor working with Surfside Properties in
Rockledge. She can help you sell your present home, help you find an existing home, or help you find the right property
to build on. Mark Derman of Derman Homes was named "2009
Builder of the Year" by the Home Builders and Contractors Association of Brevard" Derman Homes is a progressive building company dedicated to guiding our clients through a positive building
experience and build lasting relationships. Mark Derman is a State Certified Building Contractor building and remodeling
homes since 1986.
Derman Homes is a Green Builder. "A green home is healthy, efficient, durable, sustainable
and has the least impact on the environment." Derman Homes is a Design/Build
custom home builder. "One company, at the beginning, who can handle the design and construction aspects of your
home or remodeling project at the same time." Mark Derman has earned
the "CAPS" (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) designation from the National Home Builders Association.
"Building and remodeling homes for the rest of our lives." Consultant services-You are in control of building
your new home. We can help you with building permits, getting contractor pricing, and lining up the subcontractors. | | Derman homes can also assist
you with remodeling or renovating your existing home. We can help you modify and upgrade your home to be barrier free
and adaptable so you can remain in your present home for the rest of your life. |
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