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Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Wood Wise.

Hank, Kathy, Ben, Cindy, Bill, Becky, Andrea, and Steve

Wood Wise has had over 25 years to refine our remodeling process. We are constantly making improvements, responding to input from our homeowners and our review of each project. Our goal is for you to be so pleased with the process and the results that you call us for future projects. We love our work and it shows.

One part of remodeling that is critical is the quality of our sub-contractors or trade partners. We are confident when we say we have the best team of tradesmen (plumber, electrician, cabinet installer, painter, tile installer, HVAC company, and more) in the remodeling business.  They take their work seriously and desire to do their best on every project. The trade partners understand our high standards and conduct themselves with integrity. On the few times they need to return to address an issue, they are quick to respond and make the necessary repair. Our relationship with them is great so your relationship and experience with them is excellent.

When you choose Wood Wise as your remodeler, you can be assured the Wood Wise team, including trade partners, will provide you with the best quality work in the industry.

Compact spaces call for creative solutions. This powder room has a small vanity which required a smaller sink. As with all the selections, WW designer Kathy Walker helped the homeowner with the pros and cons of the sinks at Fergusons. This decorative vessel-type sink with the bronze-finished single faucet fits the space well and makes this bathroom stylish for family and guests.

There are few things less exciting than picking out a new toilet. Or a faucet or sink. Yet few things affect our daily living more than plumbing fixtures that either work well or don’t. When you choose Wood Wise to remodel your home, you gain knowledgeable advocates who will accompany you to the plumbing showroom to help you make the best choices. Today’s toilets can be one-piece or two-piece, skirted or non-skirted, have elongated bowls or round, and be comfort or standard height. And these are just some of the considerations. The choices on sinks and faucets is even wider. We pass along to you our years of experience in remodeling so you will make confident choices. Our goal is for your home to become a place of comfort and convenience.

For more information on buying the most important seat in the house:

http://shop.ferguson.com/support/buying-guide-toilets

Cabinets are one of the biggest investments you make in your kitchen remodel. So choosing the right ones is important. The world of cabinets has changed dramatically from even 15 years ago. Previously, custom-made cabinets that were made in a local woodworking shop were thought to be superior. Factory cabinets were not well made and lived up to their low expectation of being flimsy. Cabinet companies woke up and made the necessary changes to improve their product. Factory-made cabinets now boast of great features such as all-wood boxes with dovetail construction, full-extension, self-closing drawers, concealed adjustable hinges for optimum door alignment, and much more. The cabinets come with a fine furniture finish that brings out the beauty of the wood that is sturdy. Wood Wise is a dealer for KraftMaid and Waypoint cabinets, both offering many door styles, woods, finishes, and storage solutions. We have found today’s factory-made (often called “semi-custom”) cabinets are the best choice for homeowners. Our cabinet expert, Kathy Walker, makes it easy for you to choose the cabinets that will make your home both beautiful and convenient.

This existing bathroom was dated and tired. The closet was small and dark. The homeowners asked Wood Wise to help find solutions to the layout, lighting, and selections. After considering several options, the homeowners chose this up-to-the-minute look that includes double-vanities and a large shower with half-glass wall all in beautiful shades of gray and white. The closet is convenient and full of light. This remodel has transformed the daily lives of these homeowners.

We all know how to shop for a car. We look at the quality, reliability, features, price point and more as we make a decision on which car to buy. Shopping for a remodeler isn’t quite the same. The typical advice on getting bids from three remodelers gives you a price but doesn’t take into account that just as cars come in different levels of quality, features, reliability, etc., so do remodeling projects.

Going with the remodeler you trust with good references will yield the best remodeling experience and end results for you. Wood Wise Design & Remodeling is a full-service remodeling company that has been in business for over 25 years with over 500 completed projects. We excel at good design, top-notch project management, quality construction materials, reliable subcontractors, completion of projects on time, and stellar results. And we give you contact information for dozens of our past clients for you to contact about their experience with Wood Wise. We think you will find we are worthy of your trust to deliver the best remodeling experience with the best finished project.

The master bathroom is usually the last place we see at night and the first place we see in the morning. It can affect our outlook and attitude for the day. These homeowners realized that their inefficient and poorly arranged bathroom was affecting their lives and needed some help. They turned to Wood Wise designer Kathy Walker who came up with the perfect plan to best utilize the space. Taking out some walls and moving the door from the bedroom freed up room for a double-bowl vanity, a large spa-worthy shower, and a convenient walk-in closet. Now starting off the day in this beautiful space gives these homeowners a positive boost.

Kitchens, outdoor living spaces, bathrooms – these are just some of the areas being improved by Wood Wise. Homeowners count on Wood Wise for good design and high-quality construction. Check out a few of our latest projects:

by Hank Wall

When home prices went south in 2008 it sent a shockwave through the nation. Everyone thought our homes would remain steady despite the economic ups and downs. Economist Michael Walden said that the decline in housing values which started in August 2008 was the first time in fifty years that real estate in the U.S. lost significant value across the board.

When your retirement is in part dependent on your home equity you can’t afford another dip in housing values. Likewise, you can’t put all your eggs in the stock market or mutual fund basket since those are even more volatile than real estate. Years of accumulated retirement funds might be at risk if the stock market plunges.

As a risk-averse “older guy” I have more confidence in Triangle real estate than ever before. This is a booming sunbelt region with years of steady growth projected. People are moving here for many reasons from many places. Triangle real estate value is gaining 5% annually on average and even more in some residential markets. If I can get 5% with very low risk of a real estate collapse I am feeling secure with my home’s equity.

I think of my recent home improvements as part of my investments. My wife and I will enjoy a very good return on these improvements, most of what we spent. Our home looks so nice after last year’s kitchen renovation that we may postpone moving to enjoy it another year or two. It will still look new in a few years when we decide to sell and we get to enjoy it week to week until we do move.

Investing in your home in the Triangle has big advantages. You enjoy your investment, unlike your shares of some company stock. Fluctuations in value are less likely. Raleigh real estate is limited and will continue to increase in value, especially closer to town. Living in the After (remodeled) version of your home will give you the feeling of success more than some up and down number called your net worth. Your home equity is increasing and is safe. Your home improvements benefit you now since your life enjoyment increases.

Call Wood Wise when you are ready to improve your home. We can help you enjoy your home as your personal refuge from the busy world and as a solid investment.