The Woodmeister Blog

Get ready for the 3rd Annual Architectural Symposium on May 5th in Newport RI!

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
March 30, 2012 in Millwork, Building Trends, Custom Building, General, Community Relations

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Woodmeister Master Builders has once again teamed up with the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum as a presenting sponsor for the 3rd Annual Architectural Symposium in Newport RI on May 5th. This year's featured architect is Horace Trumbauer: Residential Architecture.

This one-day symposium is a unique opportunity to examine the architect and his influence on Newport's historic homes. The event will feature lectures by architectural historians and tours of three magnificent Trumbauer buildings:
 
Miramar – is a private home in the French neoclassical-style on historic Bellevue Avenue.
 
 Miramar - Newport RI
 
Seaweed – another private home, "Seaweed" is a spectacular oceanfront estate situated on Newport's famed Cliff Walk and overlooking Bailey's Beach.
 
Seaweed - Newport RI
 
Rough Point – a gilded age mansion and the former home of heiress Doris Duke. 
 
Rough Point - Newport RI
 
Horace Trumbauer was a prominent American architect of the Guilded Age who produced more than 1,000 building during his career, ranging from hotels and commercial building to private homes, museums and libraries. He is best remembered for his residential designs which included Tudor, Regency, Georgian and French Classical architectural styles.
 
Woodmeister is proud to the presenting sponsor for this event. For more information and to purchase tickets contact the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Musuem: http://www.tennisfame.com/news-events/2012-architectural-symposium

Make Way for Laundry

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
February 20, 2012 in Millwork, Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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Let's face it.  We all have dirty laundry. No, not the dirty laundry of some secret scandal lurking in the closet, but rather, I'm writing about those piles of unclean clothes that seem to accumulate and what to do about it. Not to mention the baskets of clean clothes to be ironed, folded and sorted.  ­Hopefully, this blog post will get you thinking about the possibilities of what to do with handling laundry and some creative ideas for laundry rooms.

Dirty laundry quite often gathers in many rooms of the house – bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, and finally ends up in an unceremonious heap in front of the washing machine.The washer and dryer are usually banished to the basement, far from the bedrooms and bathrooms.  Making the chore of 'doing laundry' literally a haul.  And the din and racket coming from the whirring machines sound more like a fleet of helicopters than seems necessary for the act of cleaning.

Today, washers and dryers look as sleek and sophisticated as a sport car, are whisper quiet, and are much more water efficient than in the past. There are also so many creative solutions available to help organize and manage the flow of clothes – from dirty to clean – that it might even bring a smile to your face.

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Introducing the 'mortgage button' - a tradition from the past that is very much alive today!

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
November 15, 2011 in Millwork, Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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When you embark on a remodeling or new construction project it is often the little details that make a difference. Customizing your home with personalized touches and whimsical features, not only add striking spots of beauty but also make for very interesting conversations!

Take for example the mortgage button. Long known as a Nantucket tradition, this little scrimshaw button was mounted atop a stairway’s newel post as a symbol the mortgage was paid off and there were no liens on the property. 
 
Mortgage button 1     mortgage button 2
 
Legend also states the actual deed was ceremoniously burned and the ashes put inside the drilled out newel post and sealed with the button. Since no evidence of ashes or even hidden mortgages have been found in salvaged newel posts, the actual burning may really turn out to be a myth. But the buttons survive today and remind us of a nostalgic tradition from the past.
 
Even if you don’t own a home on Nantucket, you still can add these decorative buttons to your custom stair project. Each mortgage button is distinctly different and can be carved on ancient elephant ivory, whalebone, and even the traditional sperm whale ivory.  Whether you decide to burn your mortgage or save the deed inside the newel post is up to you. Adding a custom mortgage button however, is a classic detail that will be lovingly caressed every time you use the stairs!

Is hardwood being used more often?

By Roy Berthiaume, Purchasing Agent, Woodmeister Master Builders
September 21, 2011 in Millwork, Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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Recently, we’ve noticed an increase in the use of hardwood lumber for kitchen cabinetry. Hardwood kitchen cabinets are classic choices that offer not only a distinct look to homes but also provide the durability to stand up to the extreme use and conditions typical of kitchen spaces.

It seems, after a few years hiatus, cherry is making a comeback as a popular choice with either a stain or clear finish. Cherry is a great choice for cabinetry. It is very durable and maintains a rich, lustrous finish that only improves with age.
 
We also recently did a kitchen that was made from Macassar Ebony. Macassar Ebony with its distinct striped patterns of blacks and rich dark chocolate browns is a striking choice when matched with a full fill high gloss finish. 
 
Some new projects that are coming up that utilize hardwoods are several nice custom stairs. These stairs will be created with quarter sawn white oak. Quarter sawn white oak is particularly sought after for its grain pattern. Quarter sawn oak has very distinct stripes or "medullary rays" going across the board. These stripes are a unique feature of oak and the wood is very strong, less prone to checking, warping & splitting – a perfect choice for fine furniture, cabinetry and stair components.
 
All-wood cabinetry and millwwork is a versatile option that is perfect whether the design is traditional or contemporary and combined with glass, metal, stone and other materials. Style and trends may change over time but it’s nice to see hardwood making its way back into many new projects and homes.
 
We’d love to hear how you are using hardwood in your projects!

Five things you need to know before hiring a Custom Cabinetry and Millwork company.

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
August 24, 2011 in Millwork, Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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Include Brackets and Corbels in your Architectural Statement

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
July 27, 2011 in Millwork, Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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Have you ever thought about getting LEAN in the office?

By Roy Berthiaume, Purchasing Agent, Woodmeister Master Builders
July 11, 2011 in Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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 We all look for ways to improve efficiencies and be more lean in our manufacturing processes but rarely look at our office and admin procedures.  In our Purchasing Department at Woodmeister Master Builders, we are looking at all of our processes to find areas of waste and unnecessary steps.  We are currently implementing a single-piece flow versus batch and queue flow when processing purchasing requests and orders.

In traditional manufacturing, there is a tendency to run large lots, or batches. In the batch and queue flow, you constantly stack work to be completed and other departments need to wait for you to finish all your 'batches' before they can start on just one their tasks. This creates bottlenecks and lots of waste.
 
With single-piece flow you complete each task before starting a new one. This allows other departments to start their work immediately as we process their orders. Single-piece flow allows for a constant workflow between departments.
 
Stay tuned for more information on our lean transformation in Purchasing.
 
We’d love to hear from you on your own lean improvements!
 
"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all." – Peter Drucker

Maximizing Your Outdoor Living Enjoyment

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
July 5, 2011 in Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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Summer days and nights are way too beautiful and precious to be spent indoors. When planning your exterior living spaces, today’s families are not limited to traditional decks, porches, and patios for al fresco entertaining. Outdoor spaces are now customized in countless ways for every lifestyle and integrated perfectly with the main house. Here are some latest trends and ideas for maximizing your outdoor living enjoyment – without leaving home.

Pools and Spas

woodmeister spaPools today have come a long way from the rectangles of chlorinated water surrounded by concrete that we grew up with. Most pools are now free-form shapes designed and built to look natural and blend seamlessly with the rest of the backyard retreat. The trend is to use natural materials, such as stone, for both durability and beauty. Optional luxury features include heated pools and spas, salt water, infinity edges, waterfalls, fountains, and misting systems. In addition, lighting is an important element for safety and ambiance. When integrated into the pool and spa areas, lighting gives a warm and inviting glow at night. Pool houses, cabanas, and built-in storage spaces for pool equipment and toys are also part of a complete outdoor living design. Custom built-in cabinetry in these recreational areas can provide for clean, uncluttered lines and easy entertaining.

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Are You Prepared for Summer Storms?

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
June 8, 2011 in Property Management, Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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The recent tornados that ravaged central and western Massachusetts are a stark reminder that Mother Nature is often unpredictable and extreme. Although there may be little one can do to stop the destructive power of a highly rated EF tornado, there are some common sense ways to prepare your home for the upcoming summer storms.

In our spring issue of the Master Builder Advisor we wrote about ways to safeguard your home against weather damage all year round – from water damage to lightning strikes. Late spring and hot summer months usher in the season of thunderstorms and hurricanes. Here are a few ways to protect your property before these storms hit.

  • Stow away lawn furniture, umbrellas and other outdoor items that can be easily blown away during high winds.
  •  Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed by removing dead, damaged or diseased limbs. Strong winds can hurl landscaping debris at great speed causing significant damage.
  • Install a whole-house surge suppressor device to protect sensitive electronic equipment and appliances. Electrical surges and fires can be caused by lightning hits to either the house or nearby ground strikes.
  • Install a whole-house lightning protection system. These systems divert powerful electrical charges safely from rods installed along the roof ridge through heavy duty cables into the ground leaving the home unharmed.
  • Consider installing permanent storm shutters to cover windows and glass doors. Shutters can be closed quickly and provide the safest protection, especially to coastal homes prone to high hurricane winds.
  • Flash flooding is often a result of severe thunderstorms and hurricanes. Make sure drainage systems are clear of debris, slope the ground away from the house and make sure sump pumps are working properly.

While no one can control nature and the destructive forces of extreme weather, a few steps of precaution can help protect your home, family and possessions from the devastating effects of unexpected disasters.

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Teak Decking Color Changes Explained

By Roy Berthiaume, Purchasing Agent, Woodmeister Master Builders
May 6, 2011 in Millwork, Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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4 Things to Start Doing on Earth Day

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
April 22, 2011 in Building Trends, Rational Sustainability, Custom Building, General

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 Happy Earth Day everyone!

Earth Day is a great time to reflect on how fortunate we are to live on this beautiful and bountiful planet.  It’s also a good time to remind ourselves how much impact we have on the environment – and how we can make a difference.
 
Here are four things you can do starting today to reduce your carbon footprint, make a sustainable impact, and help to protect the environment when building or remodeling your home.
 
1.  Donate reusable building materials.  The list is long on the many items that can be salvaged, reused and go on to have a new life. Some of the most commonly salvaged materials include: cabinetry, appliances, doors and windows, lighting and plumbing fixtures, lumber, and so much more.
 
2. Choose sustainable materials when building or remodeling.  Choices for ‘green’ products that use creative, innovative and unusual materials - and are beautiful - continue to grow. 
 
3. Perform an energy analysis on your home. This low cost diagnostic test will locate areas of energy loss in your home – plus identify strategies to lower your heating and cooling costs, improve the indoor comfort and air quality, and reduce its carbon emissions. 
 
4. Support local business and suppliers. Much of the energy embodied in materials comes from transportation. So when possible, source for your home building materials and products that have been extracted, mined, harvested, processed, manufactured, reclaimed, salvaged, constructed and sold in your local area.

 

 


Now you See it – Now you Don’t

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
April 13, 2011 in Millwork, Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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Thank you Audio Video Design for coming to Woodmeister and showing our team these terrific new products created by Trufig.  For discerning homeowners looking to conceal or have smooth surfaces, Trufig creates flush-mounted solutions for electronic devices (switches. power outlets, speakers, touch panels etc). Electronic devices can be flush or hidden mounted into most surfaces – drywall, stone, and wood - then faux finished for an almost invisible appearance. 

Trufig was recently awarded “Most Innovative Product” by the ASID’s 2011 Top Pick of the Year.  Designers and Architects will love the clean and aesthetic look this product will bring to their projects!

 

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Architectural Symposium

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
March 21, 2011 in Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum and Woodmeister Master Builders present a one-day symposium featuring the works of Peabody & Stearns.

This is a unique opportunity to examine the architects and their influence on Shingle Style design around Newport. Prominent historians will offer lectures and there will be house tours of three magnificent Peabody & Stearns buildings.

WHEN:
Saturday, May 7 · 8:30am - 4:30pm

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It must be spring!

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
March 10, 2011 in Property Management, Building Trends, Custom Building, General

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It happens every year.  Just when we think winter will never end, spring suddenly arrives with a gush of warm weather, melting snow and heavy seasonal rains. With this change of season usually comes water – and lots of it!

This year, in addition to the semi-annual changing of the clocks and replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, why not start a new tradition?
 
Every year when daylight savings time begins, schedule a thorough inspection and cleaning of your basement sump pump. A little prevention can go a long way to protect your home from unexpected emergencies caused by preventable water damage!
 
Daylight savings begins March 13

National Green Building Standard

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
October 21, 2010 in Building Trends, Rational Sustainability, Custom Building, General

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How I (Almost) Saved the Earth

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
August 24, 2010 in Building Trends, Rational Sustainability, Custom Building

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Scott Adams (the creator of Dilbert) recently wrote an article for the Wall Street Journal on “How I (Almost) Saved the Earth”. Written with wit and humor, Scott laments the struggle to build a ‘green’ home or at least a greener home that looks good, is energy efficient and holds up to the elements. Is that even possible? Yes and no – depending on what your definition of green is.
 
True, the greenest home might be “the one you don’t build” and you live in the forest with the squirrels. But, being pragmatic, as Scott writes, a better definition of green might be…“living the life you want, with as much Earth-wise efficiency as your time and budget reasonably allow.”
 
Well said Scott! Woodmeister Master Builders’ Rational Sustainability is just that - a common sense approach to sustainable construction that utilizes the most advanced products, technologies, and certifications available today.
 
If we all take a thoughtful and serious approach to green building, we can create unique homes that are beautifully designed, well-built to endure for generations – and save the Earth too.


Bathrooms on Facebook!

By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
August 19, 2010 in Millwork, Building Trends, Custom Building

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