RISSAY_ARCHITECTURE | CONSTRUCTION

Trinity Transformation Completed

The Trinity project that we spoke about in several previous posts is finally complete and has been photographed.  The only things remaining from the original home are the masonry walls, wood joists, and stairs.    The house had a very well built structure, but all of the interiors had been neglected for decades and needed a major overhaul, in both style and functionality.  Infrastructure wise, it received all new plumbing, electrical, lighting, doors, roof, drywall, windows, and insulation. 

The windows are all Low E II Argon filled to try to minimize heat loss/gain through the windows. The spray foam insulation could realize energy savings up to 60% greater than if traditional insulation was used.  The windows, entry door, and insulation all qualified for the federal tax credit.  It is important to check what qualifies when buying these materials.  As for the windows, by paying an extra $300 total to get the more energy efficient windows, the homeowner will get over a $1,000 credit on his taxes.

The home also received all new custom milled wood flooring, marble tile, counters, and fireplace surround, plumbing and lighting fixtures, furniture, tile, appliances, custom millwork, etc.  Scott and Jim built a custom entertainment center for first floor (1^st picture below), which also incorporates a coat closet, which the 1^st floor previously lacked. Since most full beds would not be able to get up the spiral stairs or 3^rd floor window, we asked Springhouse Woodshop to create a custom wood bed and nightstand for us.  The two pieces were expertly crafted, and most importantly the bed completely disassembled to get up stairs. 

As you can imagine, the small space and stairs was an issue throughout the project, but alas it is complete and the homeowner is enjoying his new home very much.  Below you can find a picture of the 1st floor custom entertainment center, as well as some before and after photos.  Check back soon for the “Trinity Completed” photo album to see the whole project!

Time to Prepare for Spring

Here are a few photos of two planter boxes we have just completed for a client in Society Hill on Delancey Street.  As we approach March and the coming of Spring, it is time to start preparing for warmer weather.  What better way to spruce up your curb appeal, but with custom planter boxes and some fresh vegetation!

These expertly handcrafted solid cedar windows box planters with a raised panel are built for years of carefree enjoyment.  They feature full bottoms with drainage holes for direct planting inside the box. Each planter is custom built to fit your window and painted in your choice of color.

Individual planters range from $400-$500 and includes installation and hardware. Price may vary depending on size. Save money when you buy 2 or more! Quality Workmanship and Parts Guaranteed 100% for a full year!  So act now to beat the Spring rush!

Granite vs. CaesarStone

One significant aspect of any kitchen remodel is what is the countertop going to be?  Two popular choices are Granite and CaesarStone.  So what are the differences? What are the pros and cons?  We’ve done countless jobs with both materials and would like to give you a little insight into the two products.

 

Material

Granite is obviously a solid slab of stone.  There are countless varieties of granite.  Granite differs mostly on where it comes from, chemical makeup, colors, density, porosity, amount of pitting, etc. 

CaesarStone is a manufactured product using 93% quartz aggregates and 7% pigments and resin (which bonds the stone together). 

 

Color

Granite comes in countless colors and variations (check out http://www.tropicalstone.com/ for a glimpse of the many choices).  Since it is a natural stone, no two are alike.  Each slab of granite, even if it is the same kind/name, can look completely different than the next slab. 

CaesarStone currently offers 40 variations (http://caesarstoneus.com). The quartz is completely natural, but because it is smaller pieces, with pigments added, and the final product manufactured in a factory, the same color/variation is going to look the same everywhere you see it.

 

Staining 

Granite- Although many people don’t realize it, granite is porous and susceptible to staining.  Lighter variations are more vulnerable to staining than darker colors because it is more porous.  Granite needs to be resealed once a year minimum to help reduce the likelihood of getting stained and prevent it from getting a dull appearance.  You also have to watch what cleaner you use on granite because some can counteract the sealer and damage the stone. 

CaesarStone is approximately 17 times less porous than Granite and thus virtually stain resistant.  There is no need to ever seal CaesarStone and there is no annual maintenance.   You can also use any product to wipe the surface.

 

Durability

This category is going to be a direct comparison.  CaesarStone is much more crack and break resistant than granite, as it performs over two times better in sudden impact tests and almost four times better in flexural (slow, constant pressure) tests.  Both materials are highly scratch resistant.

 

Warranty

Granite- Warranties for granite are really going to depend on the supplier of the stone and the fabricator of the stone.  The majority of the places will offer no warranty on the actual piece of granite itself because it is a natural stone and they cannot guarantee it will be free of defects.  Most fabricators will offer a one year warranty on the installation though.

CaesarStone offers a lifetime warranty on its product and installation.  The warranty is for residences only and indoor use; they have a different warranty for commercial properties.  It also must be installed by a CaesarStone Certified Fabricator, which there is an abundance of.

 

Price

Granite can range as low as $50 per square foot installed to $150+ easily depending on the variation.  Not all granite is equal.  As mentioned before there are many variations affecting the quality of granite.  Low end often has pits in the surface.  Some granite is priced low because that type is so readily available and often the lower end can be more porous and susceptible to stains.  The biggest thing is ensuring you have a quality fabricator and installer.  Last thing you want is to spend several thousand dollars for a good stone and have the installer permanently mess it up.

CaesarStone typically ranges from $60-98 per square foot installed.  The cost difference solely depends on the color/variation you pick.  All of CaesarStone is of the same quality with lifetime warranty.  With a CaesarStone Certified Fabricator, you are sure to have a good installation since it will be under the company’s warranty.

 

Final Choice

Of course the final decision is always up to the homeowner.  I hope this entry helped shine a little light on the subject and will help you make your decision.  Both are good choices and it ultimately comes down to your preferences and what works best for you and your lifestyle.  We consistently use both in our kitchen renovations (as well as bath vanities and custom built-ins).  Thinking about remodeling?  Rissay can always help with both the design and construction of your project.  Feel free to e-mail us at [email protected] or call 215-713-0750.

Green Roof

   So one of clients is interested in doing a green roof for his house, since he needs to redo the roof already.  We already knew the basic concepts behind a green roof, but as always we want to know as much information as possible before getting into any project.  After doing hours of research and contacting several suppliers and installers, we decide the best bet is a local Philadelphia installer that gets all of their materials from one of the nations largest green roof and wall supplier. 

     What are the benefits of a green roof? One of the first major benefits of a green roof is that it acts as another thermal barrier for the roof.  It adds mass and greater thermal resistance, thus letting less heat to enter the house during the summer and letting less cold to permeate through the roof during the winter.  A green roof can also greatly extend the life of the physical roof and membrane (if properly installed) since it acts as a physical barrier between the elements and the roof.  One of the greatest benefits for the city itself, especially such a dense, urban one as Philadelphia, is how much it  reduces stormwater runoff and the heat island effect.  The plant material and soil absorb the water, allowing it to naturally evaporate, rather than picking up pollutants from ashphalt, cars, etc and entering into city's overworked runoff sewer system.  The vegetation and soil help to filter pollutants and carbon monoxide as well.  The primary contributor to the heat island effect (large cities being a few degrees warmer than the surrounding areas) are typical black roofs.  Black absorbs the sun's rays and stores the heat, releasing it back out generally at night.  White colored roofs and green living roofs help reduce this effect by not retaining the heat. Lastly, green roofs are simply much more pleasing to look at that your typical roof.  It gives a living, vegatative oasis in the middle of the dense city where yards are not often an option.  More to follow on Green Roofs in upcoming posts.