Look at what we found!

Remodeling a Madison, WI home, our lead carpenter, Anthony, came across these pictures.

He was tearing up the old carpet.  The kids must have created this "time capsule" of sorts the last time it was replaced.

Does anyone know who they are?  It might be fun to show them what they wrote back in 1995.

I wonder if Max ever learned to like the piano...

                                          

Sustainable Remodel

On April 21, 2012, we will feature one of our remodeled homes in the

2012 Sustainable Showcase.

This Madison family called us to update a home they'd recently purchased. They wanted to do so in a way that wouldn't interrupt the charm of the existing house, but would make the house more energy efficient and livable.

There were a number of items on their list, and with some design work and a little balancing of priorities, we accomplished what we set out to do--plan for a sustainable, updated house that stayed within their budget.

Some of the features they chose were:

• A whole house fan rather than an A/C unit
• Re-using as much of the current wood and trim as possible
• A soaking tub rather than a whirlpool
• CFL and Flourescent lighting
• Ceiling fans in each room
• A 1.28 gpf toilet in the remodeled bathroom
• Utilizing natural light in the remodeled bathroom

The green practices we followed:

• Lead-safe work practices
• Removing knob and tube wiring so house could be fully insulated at a later date
• Asbestos removal
• Used local source for new cabinetry
• Re-used and re-finished existing wood floors

Are you considering a remodeling project?

There are ways to stay green without increasing your budget.

Let us show you how!

Designed for Your Life

Demystifying Energy Improvements

If you look out your window in the morning and see this on the neighbor’s roof, you know something is not quite up to par with their home’s energy efficiency.

Besides causing you to wonder if your own roof has tell-tale spots (you may want to put on your robe and take a look while the frost is still on the roof, or better yet, ask your neighbor what they can see over their morning cup of coffee), signs like these reveal the lack of knowledge that homeowners, and even many builders, have in regards to performance expectations.

The dark spots on the left side of this picture reveal areas where heat from inside the house has escaped to melt the frost off the shingles. This is concerning for three reasons. The first is the potential of ice damming and the resulting damage. The second is the transfer of heat to the outdoors, which reduces efficiency and increases utility bills. The third, and possibly most concerning, is the evidence that for this home, energy efficiency may have been an afterthought, and along with the keys, the homeowners may have purchased an abundance of missed opportunities and unrealized potential savings.

Last week, I (Cara) crawled into an attic with Anthony as he taught some local maintenance technicians how to make their apartments more efficient. Going into the project, I thought I knew a fair amount about building with efficiency in mind. What I learned, however, is unless efficiency is a priority of the builder, it simply does not exist. The spots on the roof should not be there. They are easily preventable, and planning their prevention, or in this case, their correction, is essential to a well performing structure.

Over the next few weeks, we will work to demystify energy efficiency. We will describe what the term means, the modern expectations for an energy efficient home, and how these expectations are realized.

Watch our upcoming blogs for hints on how to make your home more efficient, including a list of projects, some approximate costs, what improvements can give you the most bang for your buck, and advice on what you may or may not want to tackle on your own.

The Man Cave

Every time I surf through the home building networks on TV, I seem to run into a “man cave” episode. So, with my curiosity piqued (and ignoring the potentially sexist implications), I decided to fire up the search engine and type it in.

One website, boasting the best of the best, caught my eye and I found myself scrolling through photos of rooms that look like hotel fantasy suites minus the hot tub. Star Wars rooms (including a life size 3CPO), and Star Trek rooms (let’s not get the two confused), popped up on the screen. The website promoted theater rooms with walls textured like an actual cave, garages with wet bars, spaces designed to look like a NFL locker room, and even a room built around a pole (yes…you know the kind). After the initial smirk and eye roll, I was impressed by the detail that went into these spaces, and especially the level of craftsmanship displayed. After all, taking a basement block wall and turning it into the Starship Enterprise, and doing it well, is not an easy task. There’s electrical to run (a lot of it for those control panels), and plumbing for the wet bar (where was that on the bridge?), and a good deal of well planned audio and visual equipment. In short, design and planning cannot be taken lightly for a well done “man cave."

If you have dreams of a “man cave” of your own, and you want it to be a place you are proud to invite your like-minded friends, give us a call. We will make sure your space consists of more than a big screen hanging on a painted block wall, attached to a giant orange extension cord running the perimeter of the room. In all seriousness, we would design it so every square foot is utilized to its fullest potential. Non-standard lighting choices, the perfect fixtures, and carefully selected flooring all influence the comfort of your “man cave”. We could even create a wet bar in the place where the replicator should be (as we have not perfected that yet). Or, add that fantasy suite hot tub back in.

Of course, if you are looking for a room that blends with the rest of your decor, we could design that as well, paying close attention to the details that will make your remodel or addition feel seamless and comfortable.

Wish for Santa

Last month we received a call from a DeForest home daycare provider who suffered an overnight kitchen fire. The disaster not only closed their business, but also made their home unlivable. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

We began working immediately to return their home and business to normal.

First, we assessed the damage. We found black walls and ceilings, ashes and dirt everywhere, destroyed appliances, and ruined cabinetry. The acrid smell of smoke permeated the house. A thorough clean-up job, new cabinets, new appliances, as wells as a lot of other work was needed to make this house a home again.

Although a fire right before the holidays seems to be doubly tragic, it provided a window when the kids were home for the Holiday break. This allowed Anthony to begin the task of lead safe demolition as soon as A & J Restoration Services finished cleaning. With the lead safe work out of the way, Cheryl of CB Custom Painting quickly sealed the newly clean walls, effectively erasing any residual smoke odors. New cabinets and appliances went on order and the kids were able to come back to their home away from home.

Although Anthony works diligently on all of his jobs, this one was special, as this smoke damaged home is the home of his children’s daycare provider.

Imagine our surprise when the next week we read this in the DeForest Times Tribune:

Dominic, Anthony’s son, had a special wish for Santa. We find it heartwarming that Santa is using Dominic’s dad to make the wish come true.

Ice dams

With winter fast approaching, energy savings and comfort are primary focuses for many of our homeowners. Snow shovels, blowers, boots, and gloves beckon from their various household corners, and we at Degnan Design Builders, Inc. remember the heavy snows of recent winters with visions of ice dams, soggy insulation, and dripping drywall. Here’s to hoping for a mild winter…

Example of an ice dam

But just in case, there’s nothing like a little preparation to be on the safe side.

One of Anthony’s current projects is an interesting 1950’s ranch home in Madison, WI. As you drive down the quiet street bordered by mature trees, you realize that over the years the houses here have shed their post war look-alike aura for the more individual identities provided by generations of creative do-it-yourselfers. This home in particular started out modest, but with the prior addition of a room off the back of the kitchen, the footprint offered workable space for the homeowner’s desired improvements and updates. Specifically, he wanted the added room to be comfortable both during the summer and winter, a roof that did not develop ice dams and leak, and a focus on energy savings. Being a Green Built Home builder and remodeler, we at Degnan Design Builders, Inc. are prepared to help all of our homeowners meet these three goals.

As every experienced remodeler knows, working with an existing structure can offer some unique challenges, and as each new found layer if interest is peeled back, another may appear. In a house of this age, it is not uncommon to find signs of renovations that were poorly executed, and this home is no different: the floor didn’t align, and the roof actually sloped the wrong way. Another roof was built over the top in an effort to correct the problem, but it simply remained non-functioning. Consequently, in an effort to meet our customer’s goals, Anthony and Seth are working tirelessly to make the needed improvements to the existing structure.

After removing the old roof layers, Anthony is creating a cathedral ceiling which will give the room interest as well as provide an appropriate pitch for the roof.

According to permit records, the roof on this structure is only approximately 5 years old. So, as well as sharing a concern for the triple factors of comfort, functionality and efficiency, this homeowner wanted to know what can make a 5 year old roof wear out as if it has protected a house for decades.

Note how the shingles on the front of the house have curled.

Anthony’s answer: Improper insulation.

And, while the homeowner attempted to fix the problem by installing additional insulation in the attic, the new insulation did not extend all the way out over the wall plates at the overhangs of the house. This was the primary source of heat loss in winters past.

Simply described, proper insulation (in the Wisconsin winter season) creates a barrier between the heated indoors and the cold weather outside. In reality, however, it does much more than keep the household inhabitants snug and warm. When installed correctly, the insulation also sees to the protection of the house itself: wood, shingles and all.

Proper installation takes into account issues such as the type of insulation for the space and how the area is ventilated. But how is it that poor insulation can take years off of a good roof?

It begins with our weather. Remember, in the simplest terms insulation keeps the cold out and the heat in. In addition, it also provides a buffer so the cold and heat do not meet anywhere on the house. It is this meeting of extreme temperatures that damages so many roofs, including this one.

The damage occurs when snow falls on the roof and stays. If the insulation is inadequate, the rising heat meets the cold and begins to melt the snow.

http://www.tecotested.com

Now, in Wisconsin, in the dead of winter, this melt may only happen for a few hours during the short afternoons followed by a hard freeze at night - especially over the soffits and gutters at the edge of the roof. This freeze thaw cycle can take place daily for much of the winter and is the cause of the huge, dangerous looking, overhanging chunks of ice that we call ice damming.

The cycle can go largely unnoticed for most of the winter, but spring eventually comes to Wisconsin, and when the roof begins to reappear, the curled shingles are only the beginning of the problems.

The blockage of ice that forms at (or near) the gutters for most of the winter forces the melting water into the attic. This saturates wood, insulation, and sometimes pushes enough water into the house to penetrate the drywall as well. All this moisture leaves tell-tale lines and streaks on ceilings and walls, along with mold in the attic.

Example of mold due to moisture in the attic

Luckily, this problem is easily avoidable, and although fixing the damage can be daunting, protecting your home from the potential damage can be rather painlessly arranged.

There are many functional options to choose from when considering better insulation, or even replacing a damaged roof. With Anthony’s help, the homeowner of our current job chose a multifaceted approach to make sure that the new roof will stand up to whatever winter brings this year. For his new roofing material, he selected an upgraded, heavier-gauge standing seam metal roof system. In addition, the new roof over the old addition will receive foam insulation and dense-packed cellulose in order to achieve ventilated rafters, air sealing, and maximum energy efficiency. As we replace soffit and fascia around the perimeter of the house, ventilation baffles will be installed along with insulation over the wood top plates of the house (which were the previous heat loss and ice damming culprits).

All of these choices were made with energy savings in mind, and because of his focus on efficiency, over the upcoming years our homeowner will not only look forward to lower energy bills, but also a functioning roof that will last, and a room that will be comfortable in every season.

Do you have any questions or concerns about your roof? Call or post a message to us and we will do our best to help. You can find us here on our blog, on Facebook, Twitter, and in the office too!

Degnan Design Builders is Winner of WBA Remodeling "A Cut Above The Rest" Award for Room Additions over $75,000

Our client recently came to Degnan Design Builders, Inc. with a concern--and a challenge. Create a beautiful, yet functional, 3-season sun porch and prevent future water damage to their home.

These clients had a full walk-out basement looking out toward a small river about 50 yeards away--a river with a propensity to overflow its banks during spring melting or times of heavy rain. Should the river ever flood to the point of reaching their home considerable damage could occur.


A small outdoor patio remains under the waterproofed deck, adjacent to the 3-season sun porch. The deck provides a small overhang to prevent excessive heat gain during summer months while still allowing for sun rays to prenetrate deeply in the spring and fall. The deck was made into a "hot roof" ceiling for the patio by using 10" of dense-packed cellulose insulation. Foam insulates the floor slab and foundation of the 3-season sun porch in case of a future conversion to a 4-season sun room. TThese design and insulation techniques help to ensure the new 3-season sun porch and patio stay as comfortable as possible--for as long as possible.

Installation of a glass railing from RailCraft Glass Railing Systems improved the main level views from the deck.

Natural finished knotty pine

creates a warm interior finish

and appearance

Aesthetics were paramount--both from inside and outside the home. To comply with this request, full Mon-Ray Glasswalls windows were chosen to preserve the views from the home's lower level porch enclosure.

The beautiful, functional 3-season sun porch features a clear-finished knotty pine on the walls and ceiling over top of brick that covers the foundation. A cove for rope lighting tops the patio doors. Wriing for a TV is present if ever desired. Tile, which was an afterthought added by the owner, finishes the floor. The owners report that on sunny days, even when the outdoor temperature is zero, the 3-season sun porch warms to 55 degrees. Sunny November days brought temperatures of 70 degrees! With two ceiling fans installed, the roof deck overhang and all the operable windows, the summer temperatures during construction allowed the 3-season sun porch to maintain a comfortable screened porch atmosphere, as well.

To meet the flood damage protection challenge, Degnan Design Builders used strategies to prevent water from infiltrating the foundation of the home. Siding was stripped from the lower portion of the rear of the house, wood decking removed, and a new foundation was poured for the 3-season porch addition. As a preventative measure, a new concrete wall was poured against the existing wood-framed wall of the house to just below the height of the windows.


A new deeper foundation was added for the 3 season sun porch addition so that the patio doors are protected from potentia flooding.




Before the concrete was poured, a waterproofing membrane was applied over the wood wall, and again, a waterproofing membrane was sprayed on over top of the new concrete and wrapped around the end, tying it into the original foundation. Thus, if water ever rises, it will be blocked by the new foundation and waterproofing membrane.

Drain tile was installed on the interior of the new foundation and tied into the existing drain tile system. That original drain tile had drained to daylight and did not have a sump crock in the basement. The daylight drain was eliminated because in a high-water situation, it would actually allow water to flow backward into the house. Instead, a crock was installed in the unfinished basement with a pump draining to the side yard. This will relieve any water table pressure from underground and any water that may follow the foundation of the house in a heavy rain.

The existing deck structure was re-used to become the roof of the room below. The shape was modified to create octagonal corners to flow with the theme of the octagonal dinette on the existing home. The next challenge was to waterproof this deck roof. Degnan Design Builders elected to treat it much like a shower, using Schluter products, with an exterior porcelain tile installed over a layer of cement board and 3/4" plywood. The multiple layers ensure stability to prevent tile or grout cracking and ensure a waterproof deck/roof surface for years to come. Repairs were made to the joist hangers and fasteners and a new beam system and posts installed over the new foundation to slope the deck surface away from the house for proper drainage of rain and snowmelt.

The deck is unique and stunning with its glass railing and tile surface. The 3-seson sun porch adds diversity to the home, since it already has a sunny 4-season sun room on the main level. The homeowners are benefitting from peace of mind that their home is protected from flood damage as they enjoy the view from their beautiful, new 3-season sun porch.


Railcraft railings preserve the view of the backyard

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Degnan Design Builders Announces Alliance With New Business Associate

Abe Degnan, President of Degnan Design Builders, Inc. of DeForest, Wisconsin, is pleased to announce his company's alliance with AnneMarie Dresen of AnneMarie Design LLC. AnneMarie is an interior designer with over 20 years of experience. "We have chosen to work with AnneMarie because she has a heart for the interests of our clients, a long list of satisfied clientele, shares our values and has a wonderful talent for interior design."


AnneMarie received her training at the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver, Colorado. Since graduating, she has built experience through association with interior design firms in Colorado, North Dakota and Wisconsin. She has owned Annemarie Design LLC for over seven years.


Are you choosing to build, update your existing home through a massive remodel--or perhaps a less drastic change? Degnan Design Builders and AnneMarie Design will work together to create a unique and beautiful environment by giving their attention to the tiniest details so that your home will function well, represent your personal lifestyle and tastes, and be attractive to all who enter your home.

Our firms recently collaborated on a condo remodel project in Merrimac, Wisconsin. While Degnan Design concentrated on the construction aspect of the project, AnneMarie worked her charm to create a warm, inviting aura of Wisconsin in each remodeled condo.


One of the fireplaces at Summer Oaks,
a remodeled Condo in Merrimac WI.
General Contractor, Degnan Design,
coordinated the construction
while AnneMarie Design created the
"look and feel"

One of the values we share is that AnneMarie listens until she understands your needs. Her goal is to create a custom environment that is tailored exclusively to your taste, your unique individuality and any special dictates of the space. She provides benefits and needs that become uniquely yours.


A custom look created by
AnneMarie Design LLC

Together, Degnan Design Builders and AnneMarie Design strive to exceed your expectations. We at Degnan Design work out the construction details while AnneMarie devises the look and feel that is distinctively you. The result is minimized stress, an enjoyable remodeling process and the satisfied confidence that a knowledgeable team is guiding you.

Call us when you are ready to begin your next remodeling project. We will be happy to involve AnneMarie in our discussions to guide you with the decorative aspects of your remodel project planning, furniture layout, color consultation, custom window treatment, or to consult on space planning while we put together your remodeling plans.

Visit AnneMarie's website at http://www.annemariedesign.com/ to see more photos of her work.
Visit http://www.degnandesignbuilders.com/ to see photos of our projects.
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2009 Green Built Home Makeover

THE KICKOFF !

A South side Madison family is thankful for the best early Christmas gift ever this year!



2009 Green Built Home Makeover kicks off!

Terry and Tammy Moss, with their four boys ages 18 months to 12 years, were chosen for the 2009 Green Built Home Makeover project—now in its third year. Degnan Design Builders with 40+ member volunteers from the Madison Area Builders Association went to work remodeling and upgrading the inside and exterior of this home with energy efficient materials, products, and practices following a September 25, 2009 kickoff. The Moss family was chosen for the Green Built Home Makeover by the Madison Area Builders Association because of their need, their efforts to help themselves, and the ability to significantly transform the home. The family had previously replaced windows and doors and added a garage and driveway. They were trying to do what they could. Terry Moss says that the improvements by the Green Built Home Makeover volunteers will help them financially and to get ahead.


Siding in need of repair ................Work in progress

The Moss' home was built during the post World War 2 era. Homes of that era were small and some were built on a concrete slab. Such is the case with this 800 square foot home. GDS Associates began the Project with Home Performance with ENERGY STAR™ testing to determine the location of air leaks, moisture problems and overall energy inefficiencies. The report allowed Project Managers, Abe Degnan of Degnan Design Builders, Inc. and AnneMarie Dresen of AnneMarie Design LLC to determine what improvements would make the most difference. Without a basement, the floors are very cold, even—with carpeting. Volunteers from Sierra Concepts dug down about two feet around the foundation and installed insulation to warm the floors by preventing heat loss through the slab. New siding was added after 1” thick foam sheathing was installed, to prevent thermal bridging through wall studs and provide additional insulation and air sealing. This, along with R-38 Bio-based spray-foam insulation in the ceiling, provided the Moss family with a snug and quiet interior.


Tyler from Maly Ceramic Tile Company
volunteers for this year's project

A closet area that housed the old furnace, water heater and washer/dryer was completely remodeled. There were no heat ducts, so the furnace blew only into the living room and not to any of the bedrooms! As long as the kids can remember, they have woken in frigid bedrooms. Now, new ductwork from a new high efficiency Hybrid Heat Pump furnace and air conditioner installed by volunteers from Cardinal Heating and Brown Heating comfortably heats the entire house including the three bedrooms. Terry and Tammy will no longer have to turn on space heaters two hours before their kids go to bed to warm their rooms. For the first time since they have lived in this house, they will all wake up to warm rooms in the morning and dress in comfort.


Thanks to Closet Tailors for
the new closet systems

A tankless water heater and a water softener are now in a small portion of the hallway closet. The water heater provides a continuous supply of hot water for showers and laundry at a fraction of the cost of the old tank – it runs about 38% more efficiently than a tank heater and has no standby heat loss! A new ENERGY STAR stacked washer and dryer donated by American TV sits alongside a cabinet/counter system donated by Closet Tailors. The unit will give Tammy a place to fold clothes and needed storage space. Closet Tailors also installed a closet system in the master bedroom and shelving in other closets.

The bathroom was depressing with a low ceiling and visible mold around a rotting window and on bathtub walls. Volunteers completely gutted the bathroom to remove the damaged materials. Spray foam insulation in the bathroom walls will prevent condensation on cold surfaces, and a cement board substrate for the tile shower walls will never become moldy. A new tub from Renew It was installed along with new plumbing fixtures and an acrylic block window. An air-to-air exchanger provides ventilation for the bathroom and the rest of the home to remove excess humidity and provide fresh air. A colorful shower curtain and new light fixtures chosen by AnneMarie Design set off the new, bright look. Tammy just loves her new bathroom.


A colorful shower curtain
chosen by AnneMarie Design
brightens the new bathroom

In the kitchen, an ENERGY STAR refrigerator was installed, and a new over-the-range microwave has its vent run outside the house to remove steam and cooking odors. The range, cabinets and countertop were in good condition and reused. Tammy will totally enjoy making and serving scrumptious meals with her new energy efficient appliances for her family and guests and snacks for all the neighborhood kids who congregate at their house

Materials that could not be reused were taken by Royal Container Service to their recycling facility in Madison for sorting and recycling. Degnan Design Builders has always reused and recycled materials in their home remodeling projects. This practice will become the standard for all contractors in 2010 when a new Madison City Ordinance goes into effect. The Ordinance will require homeowners and contractors to reuse and recycle all construction materials for 1-, 2- and 3-family dwellings among other types of projects.

While this project was valued at about $50,000, the story is not necessarily about payback on energy efficiency alone. The improvements did result in air infiltration reduction of 24% and estimated energy savings of 15%. But the bottom line is that the home just didn’t work! The furnace and water heater needed replacement. The house is finally set up with proper distribution of heat, and the systems will improve indoor air quality by providing the proper amount of fresh air and preventing mold in the future. The home will be comfortable and safe since space heaters will no longer be used to supplement the bedrooms. When so many maintenance issues exist, it is important to go the extra mile and make the house work properly to be prepared for the next 50 years of its life. Now, that is green!

Watch for the "REVEAL" in our next post.

To see a list of this year's Green Built Home Makeover donors, click here.


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Degnan Design Builders Wins Another Remodeling Award

Degnan Design Builders, Inc. announced it is the winner of A Cut Above the Rest remodeling award presented by the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) Remodelers Council. The award was received for the Kitchen Under $50,000 category.

The award was accepted by Abe J. Degnan, Vice President of Degnan Design Builders, Inc., at the WBA State Convention in Wisconsin Dells. “We’re proud to showcase the work of our wonderful clients, and honored to accept this award. We strive to create value for our clients, and to make the homes we remodel into the best that they can be. The award is recognition from our peers that we have achieved those goals,” said Abe J. Degnan. Degnan Design Builders, Inc. continues the winning tradition of excellence with nine awards over the last three years.

The award-winning entry can be viewed here:

"It Looks Like Something From A Magazine": Kitchen Remodeling under $50,000

Degnan Design Builders, Inc., based in DeForest for 25 years, is owned by the father and son team of Robert A. Degnan and Abe. J. Degnan. They focus on efficiency and quality as well as craftsmanship and professional customer service in remodeling and new homes. Degnan Design Builders, Inc. is an Energy Star and Green Built certified builder delivering durable homes with excellent indoor air quality. Degnan Design Builders, Inc. is committed to better serve its clients through continuing education and professional designations, including Certified Graduate Remodelor™ (CGR), Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).

Degnan Design Builders Wins 4 Awards

Degnan Design Builders, Inc. announced it is the winner of four A Cut Above the Rest remodeling awards presented by the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) Remodelers Council. The awards include two kitchen & bathroom categories, finished basement, and commercial remodeling.

The awards were accepted by Abe J. Degnan, Vice President of Degnan Design Builders, Inc. at the WBA State Convention in Madison. “We’re proud to showcase the work of our wonderful clients, and honored to accept these awards. We strive to create value for our clients, and to make the homes we remodel into the best that they can be. These awards are recognition from our peers that we have achieved those goals,” said Abe J. Degnan.

The award-winning entries can be viewed at our website by clicking here:

"Functional Luxuries": A Kitchen Remodel under $30,000

"Dramatic Transformation": A Kitchen Remodel over $30,000

"Family Connections": A Basement Finishing

"Kicking Room": A Commercial Tenant Improvement

Degnan Design Builders Inc., based in DeForest for over 20 years, is owned by the father and son team of Robert A. Degnan and Abe J. Degnan. They focus on efficiency and quality as well as craftsmanship and professional customer service in remodeling and new homes. Degnan Design Builders Inc. is an Energy Star builder delivering durable homes with excellent indoor air quality. Degnan Design Builders, Inc. is committed to better serve its clients through continuing education and professional designations including Certified Graduate Remodelor™ (CGR), Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).