Alone in the Wilderness – Footage of a True Craftsman

I happened to wake up early this morning and flipped through to PBS where I came across this video, Alone in the Wilderness, the story of Dick Proenneke.  Dick Proenneke retired at age 50 in 1967 and decided to build his own cabin on the shore of Twin Lakes. The first summer he scouted for the best cabin site, and cut and peeled the logs he would use for lumber for his cabin. Dick Proenneke returned the next summer to finish the cabin where he lived for over 30 years.

This is just a quick video, but shows some spectacular craftsmanship for a man, working alone, in 1967, in the middle of Alaska. He builds his log cabin, from timber he fell on his own, a moss roof, doors, hinges, and a stone chimney all while gathering all of his food from the land.

If you haven’t had a chance to catch the video on PBS, you can purchase a number of the different videos produced by Bob Swerer Productions here www.dickproenneke.com.

Read Full Post »

Which Products Deliver Greatest Return on Investment for Your Customers

There is no doubt that we are seeing an increase in remodeling. All of our Kuiken Brothers locations continue to buzz with builders and remodelers working on a wide variety of projects on the residential side. Based on what we are seeing in the article and research below, we want to make sure that you are taking full advantagWe of all of the products and services available to you as a building professional that will help to keep these projects running quickly and smoothly. Our nine locations continue to stock one of the largest inventories of building materials in the northern New Jersey and southern New York markets. Our showrooms are staffed with knowledgeable employees that will help your customers choose the materials that will work for their homes. Our kitchen and bath designers will even render a sketch that you have created on a napkin and present you with a complete 3D drawing that you can present to your customers – all you have to do is handle the installation.

Take a quick look at the following article. If you see this trend continuing and have questions about the materials or services that we can provide you with, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. Ryan Mulkeen Kuiken Brothers Company, Inc rmulkeen@kuikenbrothers.com (201) 705-5375. I will introduce you to one of our knowledgeable representatives and they will walk you through your project from start to finish.

Source: residential architect online

Publication date: November 24, 2009

By Stephani L. Miller

Which mid-range and upscale remodels deliver the most bang per buck? According to Remodeling magazine’s “2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report,” which compares construction costs for 33 popular remodeling projects against the share of costs recovered at resale, replacements of siding, roofing, entry doors, and windows are among those that deliver the greatest return on investment for homeowners nationally. National averages for costs recouped declined for many of the project types from the 2008-09 report, but return on investment improved for a few project types: attic bedroom remodel, back-up power generator, basement remodel, entry door replacement (steel), entry door replacement (fiberglass), roofing replacement, and upscale grand entrance.

Among mid-range projects, steel entry door replacements yield a 128.9 percent return on investment (national average) while homeowners can expect to recoup 83.1 percent of the cost of an attic bedroom remodel. Wood deck additions also deliver a high rate of return, with an expected 80.6 percent return on investment.

Upscale replacements of siding and windows deliver a greater return on investment compared to master suite additions, bathroom remodels and additions, and major kitchen remodels. Replacing siding with a fiber-cement product returns an estimated 83.6 percent of the investment, while 79 percent of the investment for a foam-backed vinyl siding replacement would be returned. Replacing old windows with new wood windows yields an estimated return of 71.5 percent, and installing vinyl windows increases the return on investment to 76.5 percent. Comparatively, an $111,794 investment in an upscale major kitchen remodel would return 63.2 percent at resale, and an investment of $52,295 in an upscale bathroom remodel would return 61.6 percent.

The REMODELING “2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report” provides data for 80 cities in the United States and includes tables with national and regional averages. The report is available for download at http://www.costvsvalue.com and features complete project descriptions, 3-D images, and QuickTime movies generated in Google SketchUp for all 33 project types surveyed. A comparison tool allows users to compare data among cities as well as to the past three years’ worth of information.

Read Full Post »

Builders, Remodelers & Architects View Kuiken Brothers Showrooms As Extensions of Their Businesses

Kuiken Brothers Midland Park showroom was recently renovated to showcase a complete selection of Marvin's custom, made to order product line

Our builder and architect customers should view Kuiken Brothers Showrooms as extensions of their businesses. We have hundreds of products on display in real-room settings so that you and your customers can make quick and easy product selections.

If you are looking for replacement windows and want to know about all of the different options, finishes, grille patterns, hardware options that are available from Andersen Windows, visit a Kuiken Brothers Showroom.

If you are building an addition to an older home and want to match the same exact look and feel of your windows – same grille pattern and style – check out Marvin’s “Made To Order” line. See, touch and feel it in a Kuiken Brothers Showroom.

Having a difficult time trying to decide which of our mouldings would look best in your house based on the line drawings posted in our Moulding & Millwork Catalog? Visit a Kuiken Brothers Showroom where we have all of the mouldings on display, and can send you home with samples so you can see exactly how they fit into the look and feel of your home.

Customers can step on composite deck displays, and feel what the railings will actually work like once installed

It would not be unheard of for someone to make all of their windows, doors, mouldings, hardware and decking selections on one Saturday morning (individual results may vary!). Kuiken Brother’s friendly and courteous staff will join you as you walk through the showroom, offering advice to ensure the selection process goes smoothly so the project can be completed in a timely manner.

Read Full Post »

Understanding the Energy Tax Credit for Doors and Windows

When you are discussing window and door replacement with your customers, are you letting them know that by making an “energy-efficient” improvement now through 2010 can help them earn up to a $1500 tax credit? There is a lot of information out there, but one of the best websites that we have found was launched by Therma-Tru www.MyEnergyTax.Com. They even created the video above that helps give an overview of what products qualify, and more importantly, how to submit for the tax credit with links to the IRS website and more.

Understanding the Energy Tax Credit and being able to offer it to your homeowner customers as an option will be to your benefit. Helping them save $1500 on their window and door replacement can really help you differentiate yourself from your competitors. Need more information?

For more information on qualifying products and links to the manufacturer websites which show qualifying products, visit our Green Building webpage.

Read Full Post »

Kuiken Brothers team of Millwork specialists are knowledgeable on the latest products available in the marketplace. With so many options to choose from today, we are more than happy to walk you through our showrooms and explain the differences between styles and finishes. We work with a network of trusted suppliers who stand behind their products, ensuring your remodeling or new construction projects stay on time and on budget.

Entry doors must be tough enough to withstand rain, wind, sun exposure, and would-be intruders, yet spectacular enough to make a strong first impression. Fortunately, Kuiken Brothers has a wide range of options and technologies to meet these demands.

Marvin Custom Entry Doors

Create your own custom design or be inspired by our architectural collections. Marvin Entry Doors are truly one-of-a-kind and handcrafted from premium hardwood, such as Honduran Mahogany and Cedro Macho. Add sophistication and beauty to your home with an authentic hardwood entry door from Marvin.

Masonite Entry Doors

Homeowners, remodelers, architects and builders rely on Masonite for a comprehensive line of beautiful and durable entry systems that add value to any home. Our extensive line of products, available in wood, fiberglass and steel, come in a range of panel designs and glass configurations that are sure to enhance any architectural style or design need.

Simpson Entry Doors

No wood door company offers more standard designs than Simpson. And if your customer can’t find what they’re looking for in our catalogs or on our web site, sketch up a door design and let our Custom Door Manufacturing Facility make it a reality. Simpson has been making doors for America’s finest homes since 1912 in the forestlands of the Pacific Northwest. That’s nearly 100 years built on product innovation and generations of employees that are passionate about what they do.

Upstate Custom Entry Doors

Our doors are stile and rail construction available in 1-3/4” or 2-1/4” thickness. Custom thicknesses available on request. We use Solid, Pattern-Grade South American Mahogany, Spanish Cedar, Douglas Fir, White or Red Oak to ensure beauty, strength, and durability over time. Exterior doors are glued and doweled with a marine epoxy to withstand the worst weather. Our solid floating panels can be raised or flat, and are designed to move with the natural expansion and construction of the wood.

TruStile Entry Doors

You never get a second chance at a first impression, and we think your exterior doors say a lot about you. We also think exterior doors should complement the architectural style of your home. That’s why all of our 400+ door styles are available in exterior grade. With TruStile, you never have to sacrifice style for function. All exterior doors receive our exclusive TruBolt system to ensure that the structural integrity of the door will last a lifetime.

ThermaTru Entry Doors

Therma-Tru entry door systems are not only the brand that most builders prefer; they are also unmatched with the best warranties in the industry. Every line of doors we offer comes with a package of performance that is unrivaled in the industry. With a front door by Therma-Tru, not only will you see an increase in comfort, energy efficiency and performance, you will also see an increase in curb appeal. Our fiberglass and steel entry doors will add beauty and security to your home.

JELD-WEN Entry Doors

JELD-WEN offers a range of wood, fiberglass and steel entry doors. The Wood Door options offer natural warmth and a rich appearance to match any architectural style. For a superior, virtually maintenance-free durability in nearly any climate, choose JELD-WEN Fiberglass Doors. Ask us about JELD-WEN Steel Doors, which are a practical choice that offer lasting strength and are low-maintenance, available in 24- or 25-gauge galvanized steel.

Read Full Post »