Since the house only had one bathroom, Johnell thought it was time another one. She met with me to discuss the plan: Add a spa-quality bathroom in the storage space. The challenge was to maximize the space which included the shower, toilet, and vanity while also leaving room for plenty of storage.

Behind the scenes many things needed to happen:

• Remove the existing wall separating the storage room and bedroom to add two feet to the new bathroom area.
• Frame a new wall. Add a glass block window.
• Modify the current plumbing dividing the room and add a toilet, a sink, and a full shower.
• Install a heat run from the basement through a main floor linen closet and into the bathroom, while still keeping the linen closet functional.
• Spray foam the angled ceiling to maximize R-value without sacrificing head room.

Then we got to the stuff that the transforms a cramped storage space into a luxurious bathroom:

• Install custom storage cabinets at two different angles for a seamless appearance.
• Install vanity and granite countertop.
• Tile the shower, floor, and the remaining wall space.

The result for Johnell is a spa quality bathroom where the cabinets blend into the angles of the ceiling and transform this uneven, dark and slanted space into a functional, spacious, and royal setting.

Good Luck

Jason- J Carsten Homes

National Association of the Remodeling Industry, MN Chapter

NARI of MN is proud to announce the newest recipient of the Achievement in Consumer  Excellence (ACE) award. The ACE award recognizes companies that provide outstanding service in quality, responsiveness, meeting deadlines, professionalism, and communication. JCarsten Homes is a recipient of the NARI of MN Achievement in Consumer Excellence award.

What is the ACE Award? ACE – Achievement in Consumer Excellence is a consumer rated award program that recognizes NARI MN members who provide exemplary service. All members who provide products or services to consumers are eligible. Member companies of all types and sizes can be recognized as ACE Award recipients based on consumer evaluations of their work.

The ACE Award recognizes members who receive an average score of 4 (out of apossible 5) on five criteria: quality, responsiveness, meeting deadlines, professionalism, and communication. Consumers who have directly worked with the NARI member rate them in each of the five areas. To qualify members must receive an average score of 4, with no score in any individual category lower than a 3. Members who receive the required scores on a minimum of five surveys are recognized as a NARI MN ACE Award recipient.

Good Luck

Jason- J Carsten Homes

On the Houzz platform:

Design professionals showcase their portfolios, sharing their work with a community dedicated to home and landscape design. 25,000+ professionals have uploaded nearly 250,000 inspiring photographs, making Houzz the Internet’s largest database of design and decorating ideas.

Homeowners collect their favorite photos, find design professionals in their areas, upload photos of their homes and gardens, and swap tips and questions with other members. 800,000+ ideabooks have been created by Houzz members, and new ones are added every minute.

Site visitors can browse by 7 different styles and 21 different spaces such as kitchen, bathroom, or wine cellar.

Check it out.

Good Luck

Jason- JCarsten Homes

Fred and Nancy bought their Bloomington condominium with the intention of remodeling the kitchen. I met with them at a folding card table in an empty room. They charged me with creating a design that eliminated the choppy floor plan to make the kitchen feel bigger, but not intrude on the living room or dining room. Fred also wanted a place to grill steaks. Nancy wanted a pantry for storage and added lighting to brighten up an otherwise dark and dated kitchen.

But that is only the beginning of the challenge: Fred and Nancy wanted the main bearing wall gone. The problem – Fred and Nancy live on the first floor of three-story condominium. In addition to supporting the weight of the upper levels, the plumbing for the two floors above them runs directly through the middle of the wall Fred insisted on being removed. On top of that, the condo association had minimal knowledge of how the building was constructed and only scattered, random blueprints from 30 years ago.

In the mean time, Fred researched every aspect of construction and wanted to be involved at every step of the transformation. He didn’t want seams anywhere on the countertops, which was a lofty request that was initially met with resistance. Our design called for a 125” wide arched, elevated countertop. The maximum width of most granite slabs is 126” or less, which left little room for cutting. In addition, the cabinet wood species changed from maple, to hickory, to cherry, back to maple, and finally settled on lyptus, a special order wood that would take three weeks to get in.

The Plan-

• Remove the entire kitchen and set up a temporary workstation using the cabinets and countertops we removed and reconnect the microwave and refrigerator in a new location for the duration of the remodeling.
• Support the 2^nd & 3^rd floor units with a temporary beam and remove the bearing wall.
• Temporarily shut off the plumbing to the entire wing of the building and reroute the plumbing.
• Install a new beam to support the upper floors. Install arches in the new opening and on the ceiling.
• Maintain the fire protection and sound deadening qualities of the original construction.

The final result gives Fred and Nancy the openness they desired. The custom lyptus cabinets add an aesthetically pleasing contrast to the black walnut floors. The new island with the arch and pillars picture frame the main wall of cabinets, which is centered with a new range and a custom wood hood that draws your eye to the beautifully designed slate backsplash. The new Wolf grill allows Fred to stay indoors to grill his steaks. The corner pantry with a frosted glass door provides Nancy with abundant storage for canned goods, oversize pots and pans, as well as miscellaneous appliances. The granite countertops on the island are perfectly seamless and provide a spacious area for their guests to gather. Recessed lighting in the main kitchen and in the ceiling arch brighten up the work space, yet are dimmable for more intimate entertaining.

In the end, the kitchen portrays the flare and style that complimented Fred and Nancy’s taste!

Good Luck

Jason- J Carsten Homes

Residential Project Under $15,000
Winner: Closets for Life
Honorable Mention: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

Residential Kitchen $60,000 and Under
Winner: Posch Builders, LLC
Honorable Mention: w.b. builders

Residential Kitchen $60,001-$75,000
Winner: James Barton Design-Build, Inc.
Honorable Mention: DiGiacomo Homes & Renovation, Inc.

Residential Kitchen $75,001-$90,000
Winner: Structural Dimensions Inc.
Honorable Mention: J Carsten Homes

Residential Kitchen $90,001-$120,000
Winner: Bluestem Construction
Honorable Mention: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

Residential Kitchen Over $120,000
Winner: White Crane Construction
Honorable Mention: Streeter & Associates, Inc

Residential Bath $30,000 and Under
Winner: Metamorphosis Group, Inc.
Honorable Mention: J Carsten Homes

Residential Bath $30,001-$60,000
Winner: James Barton Design-Build, Inc.
Honorable Mention: Knight Construction Design, Inc.

Residential Bath Over $60,000
Honorable Mention: w.b. builders

Residential Interior $150,000 and Under
Winner: Finished Basement Company
Honorable Mention: Schrader & Companies

Residential Interior Over $150,000
Winner: Jones Design Build LLC
Honorable Mention: Streeter & Associates, Inc

Residential Interior Specialty
Winner: Structural Dimensions Inc.
Honorable Mention: Closets for Life

Commercial Interior, Exterior or Specialty
Winner: Pure Design Environments

Residential Addition $200,000 and Under
Winner: TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders

Residential Addition Over $200,000
Winner: Awad + Koontz Architects Builders Inc.
Honorable Mention: TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders

Residential Historical
Renovation/Restoration
Winner: Vujovich Design Build
Honorable Mention: DiGiacomo Homes & Renovation, Inc.

Residential Exterior
Winner: Sicora, Inc.
Honorable Mention: Southview Design

Residential Exterior Specialty
Winner: Mantis Design & Build, LLC
Honorable Mention: Knight Construction Design, Inc.

Entire House $250,000 and Under
Winner: College City Design/Build, Inc.
Honorable Mention: Building Arts Sustainable Architecture + Construction

Entire House $250,001-$500,000
Winner: Streeter & Associates, Inc
Honorable Mention: Sicora, Inc.

Entire House Over $500,000
Winner: Northway Construction Services
Honorable Mention: TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders

Universal Design
Winner: Jones Design Build LLC

Associate of the Year
Winner: All, Inc.
Honorable Mention: Granite Tops, LLC

Best Newcomer
Winner: Metamorphosis Group, Inc.

Best of Show
Winner: Northway Construction Services

Good Luck-

Jason- J Carsten Homes

Induction cooking is faster and more energy efficient than traditional electric cooking. It allows instant control of cooking energy similar to gas burners. The surface of the cook top is only heated from contact with the vessel. There are no flames or red-hot electric heating elements as found in traditional cooking equipment.

How it Works: A coil of copper wire is placed underneath the cooking pot. An alternating electric current flows through the coil, which produces an oscillating magnetic field. This field induces an electric current in the pot. Current flowing in the metal pot produces resistive heating which heats the food. While the current is large, it is produced by a low voltage. So unlike other forms of cooking, heat is generated directly in the pot or pan as opposed to being generated in the stovetop by electrical coils or burning gas.

Benefits

• Flame-less cooking- In situations in which a hotplate would typically be dangerous or illegal, an induction plate is ideal, as it creates no heat itself.
• High Efficiency- an induction element has heating performance comparable to a typical consumer-type gas element, even though the gas burner would have a much higher power input.
• Easy to Clean- the cooking surface is flat and smooth, even though it may have several heating zones. Since the cooking surface is not directly heated, spilled food does not burn on the surface.
• Control- Since heat is being generated by an induced electric current, the unit can detect whether cookware is present (or whether its contents have boiled dry) by monitoring how much power is being absorbed. That allows such functions as keeping a pot at minimal boil or automatically turning an element off when cookware is removed from it.

Limitations

• Compatible Cookware
  • Glass and ceramics are unusable, as are solid copper or solid aluminum cookware.
  • Cookware must have a flat bottom since the magnetic field drops rapidly with distance from the surface.
  • Generally, if a magnet sticks to the bottom, it will work on an induction cooker

• Price. Although a Viking induction range can top out at $6,000, some models now cost a little over $1,500. LG recently introduced a cooktop hybrid with two induction and two electric elements for $800.
• Not everyone is sold. Controlling it and understanding which setting will provide the right amount of heat is difficult. Also, once the pan is removed from the heat, the heat goes away. That makes techniques like stir-frying difficult as well.

Good Luck

Jason, J Carsten Homes

Here’s what I saw was needed:

• Asbestos abatement company to remove the asbestos from the water pipes.
• Plumber to remove the pipes that ran through the 2×8 floor joists and then reintstall the pipes
• Electrician to remove electrical lines and reinstall them
• Framer to sister in additional joists on either side of damaged joists

That’s 4 subcontractors when the customer thought he only thought he needed one.

When I build a new home, I may use up to 45 different subcontractors to get the job done. That’s a lot of companies. I’ve worked with each one of them. I know how they work, how long it will take, and how they handle issues after installation. It has taken me years to come up with the list of subcontractors I use today.

While I know the list of contractors is valuable (especially to me), it’s only part of being a general contractor. A general contractor also:

• Pulls necessary permits
• Sets up other items needed for subcontractors to do their job
  • Preps site for work to begin
  • Dumpster
  • Portable toilet- (Do you want us using your clean bathroom?)
  • Site access- especially in a remodel
  • Security- to prevent theft and control access to the site
  • Is on site to handle questions and communicate and coordinate between subcontractors
  • Sets the schedule and ensures that subcontractors complete jobs as specified
  • Is on site for all inspections
  • Warranties the work of all the subcontractors
  • Ensures that subcontractors are appropriately licensed and have the required liability insurance and workman’s comp insurance.
  • Pay the subcontractors and get the necessary mechanic lien releases
  • Ensures daily clean up and coordinates communication and changes with homeowner

Obviously, being a general contractor is a full time job for me. A homeowner can be their own general contractor. But keep in mind a project is more than just a list of contractors- there is a lot of time and experience that goes into making a successful project.

Good Luck

Jason- J Carsten Homes

I didn’t create my website.

I don’t sow my own clothes.

I don’t farm all the food I eat.

I don’t do a lot of things for two reasons:

1) I realize that I currently don’t have the talent to do something;

2) It may take a long time to learn how to do something properly and I feel my time is better spent doing something I am good at.

As a construction professional, I do a fair amount of work for the projects I have. But electrical, plumbing, and heating professionals all have separate licenses which means they have training that I don’t have. I hire them to do their respective work. I can hang drywall, paint, make cabinets, and install tile, but I choose to hire professionals for these jobs as well. They have the tools and skill sets to get the job done faster and better than I could do it.

Don’t get me wrong. ANYONE can learn to do ANYTHING with enough time and determination. But my point here is to know your limitations and realize that spending more money to have a profession do the work may be better than you spending all your time learning and still getting mixed results.

Good Luck

Jason- J Carsten Homes

The InSoFast Benefits:

• Provides R-10 insulation in only 2 inches saving room in tight spaces.
• Attachment studs are made of 100% recycled polypropylene. This material has low thermal conductivity yet has extremely high strength characteristics.
• These studs will never mold or rot and they will not bow or twist, leaving a straight, stable surface for drywall or exterior finishes attachment.
• The studs can be located with a stud sensor.
• A unique self-aligning notch system is designed into the InSoFast panels to assure that the panels are installed on the concrete surface in alignment. This keeps the studs and wiring chases aligned.
• The tongue-and-groove design on the ends of the InSoFast panel help to keep the panels flush on the surface. They are also flashed in such a way as to keep water from traveling to the front side of the panel.
• Wiring Chases run vertically at 16″ on center and horizontally at 24″ on center in the panels. This grid work of chases provide easy access to pull wiring to any location.
• Each InSoFast panel has three attachment studs with a ribbed surface to allow the adhesive to maintain a tight adhesion to the wall.
• The three recessed attachment points on the face of the integrated stud allow for any mechanical fastening that may be needed. Because these attachment points are recessed, hex head masonry screws can be used.

A couple points to keep in mind for this system:

• Check with local building department to see if they re familiar with the  InSoFast system and to find out what type of inspections and documentation they will require.
• Most building codes require a 15 minute thermal barrier over foam products. Standard 1/2″ drywall typically meets this requirement.
• The basement walls must be dry, secure, and relatively flat.
• Additional mechanical fasteners (screws, nails) may be needed depending on your application.

Good Luck

Jason

• Strength & Durability- Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces™ are stronger than granite. Cambria is a surface that is truly everlasting.
• Maintenance Free – No sealing, polishing or reconditioning is needed. Simply wash with warm water. It’s that simple. Plus, unlike granite, Cambria will resist stains from common food items such as wine, coffee and tea.
• Food Safe – Unlike granite, Cambria has been certified by NSF International as safe for use as a food preparation surface. Cambria is nonporous; therefore, food and moisture cannot penetrate the surface — the main source of growth for harmful bacteria.
• All Natural – Cambria is created from pure natural quartz, an extremely hard stone. In fact, quartz is the hardest non-precious stone that can be found in the earth’s surface.
• Everlasting Value – With its beauty and performance advantages over granite, a Cambria kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity will add value to your home.
• Guaranteed – As the only producer of quartz surfaces in the United States, Cambria is covered by a Lifetime Limited Warranty.

Safety and Performance

Today’s busy families demand products that stand up to rigorous use. With Cambria, you can be assured of a product that is not only beautiful and elegant, but also strong, durable and safe for food preparation.

Cambria’s nonporous surface:

• Is certified by NSF International for both Splash Zone and Food Zone
• Is nonporous, reducing the potential for bacterial growth
• Is as food-safe as a stainless steel countertop
• Resists stains caused by common food items such as coffee, tea and wine
• Is stronger than granite
• NEVER needs sealing or refinishing to keep its natural luster
• Is maintenance free – simply wash with warm water
• Comes with a limited lifetime warranty

Green Story:

Quartz is a mined product. It is mined through a pipe, one vein at a time and then is back-filled to preserve the integrity of the environment. Seventy percent of the material that is taken out of that vein is used in the finished product.

Granite is also a mined product. It is mined by destroying an entire area of a mountain, rain forest, etc. Approximately only 35% of the initial material becomes the finished product.

Pricing:

Same price for any of the 96 colors. Same price for any of 9 edge profiles.

Good Luck.

Jason