Blah to Spa Videos

Helpful videos available on YouTube.  We take a very small bathroom and totally transform it, maximizing space with a wall-hung stool, outer sliding door, wall to wall stone shower made with 1/4" thick granite panels.  Let us know what you think of this project or give us suggestions for additional videos you would like to see. 

Part I - Demolition   http://www.youtube.com/user/DMBKspringfield#p/a/u/1/kdBcB4rEuRg

Part II - Beautiful!    http://www.youtube.com/user/DMBKspringfield#p/a/u/0/wT3_CUVlCbk

Aging-In-Place Checklist

We are all aging, like it or not. The important question becomes...how are we planning for our future? Chances are you like the idea of moving to a new home less and less as your belongings increase and your energy level decreases.

By planning ahead with kitchen & bath or all over home remodels, you can be sure to renovate your living spaces to accommodate special design needs unique to older adults and handicapped persons. This doesn't always mean that the radical changes have to be made immediately, it means current projects are approached with possible future needs in mind.

A great example would be preparing tub, shower and toilet areas with blocking in the walls for future grab bar needs when remodeling a bathroom. It can be as simple as choosing lever faucets, curbless shower system, or slip-resistant flooring. In a kitchen remodel, elements to include in design would be proper counter space for dish landing near all appliances, roll out trays in lower cabinets, raised dishwasher with push button controls, and open under-counter seated work areas.

There are many things to consider and the utilization of a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) in your home remodel projects will increase the likelihood that you can remain in your home, comfortably and safely, well into your golden years. CAPS is a certification offered through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) where applicants complete a three day training course to equip them with the technical skills needed to effectively meet aging needs in home modifications. To locate a CAPS professional in your area you can search the NAHB Directory online.

ToolBase Services, a subsidiary of the NAHB provides a helpful Aging-In-Place Design Checklist as a starting point in your planning.

Curt Trampe, owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Springfield, IL, maintains the CAPS certification and can be reached at 217.529.9300 or by visiting our Design Center at 4823 Rodger St. or online at www.dreammakerspringfield.com.

Concrete Countertops - Awesome!

So what do you think of when you think of concrete? Do you think warm? Flexible?

Well it can be both warm-looking and a flexible solution to tricky spaces...not to mention just so sharp-looking. Tinted, raw edges, integrated sink, contemporary, traditional, inside or outside--always one of a kind results. Enjoy these great inspirational photos...

Home Expo 2011

So you could say we love color - and colorful people - and lively events - etc.

Home Expo 2011 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center was a great success. Although a little tiring, we love seeing clients, friends and colleagues and having the opportunity to give the community a feel for who we are at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. We are so thankful for the Springfield Area Homebuilders Association and the efforts put in for a great Home Expo event.

If you missed us this last weekend, we have an album of pictures on our Facebook page and invite you to view those and become a fan, become involved, and let us know what is on your mind. You can ask us questions, stay posted on upcoming events, and enjoy frequent articles and links on design and remodeling as it relates to the kitchen and bath business.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/DreamMaker-Bath-and-Kitchen-Remodeling-of-Springfield/337071039686

TV in your Shower? Okay!

So you are ready to go to bed and the big game goes into overtime...no problem. The video below shows you how simple it really is to add TV to your bathroom, shower, etc.
So whether it is the big game,the nightly news,the morning weather forecast, or MTV... put this on your list of added conveniences available.
(Please note: Waterproof remote is included. Larger capacity water heater is not. )

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DgSrzYtG2liU%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded&h=33a55

Let us know what you think...Would this "Enhance Your Life & Improve Your Home"?

Interior Design Day - March 26, 2011

Come join us at the Interior Design Day at Lincoln Land Community College. Curt Trampe will be presenting one of 25 different workshops available between 9am-3pm.

"Remodeling: Changing Interior Walls" will provide the basics of how to approach a larger, more inclusive interior remodel. When the your walls are in the way of your vision...don't become paralyzed. Removing walls is possible, it just requires proper planning.

Registration is required and seating will be limited so call LLCC today -- 217-786-2432 or www.llcc.edu/commed Workshops offered listed below.

Color Can Change Everything

If you find yourself paralyzed by all of the color options available, use the Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer tool to see how different colors might look in your space. It allows you to upload a picture of your room, select the areas to be painted and then have fun viewing the over 1500 shades! It's simple to use and just might help you take the plunge into a more vibrant world if you have fallen into the safe nest of white walls.

Eco-friendly CAN be Economical Too!

It has been a known fact that being eco-friendly in the products we choose can often be a more costly choice. This is changing however and the folks at EconomicalEco.com are making efforts to share their knowledge and resources to help you Go Green without going broke. http://www.economicaleco.com/

In the specific market of cabinets, Lyptus is a more renewable wood developed by Weyerhaeuser. It is a fast-growing wood derived from eucalyptus trees. This hardwood is comparable to a Maple but grows much faster and produces more volume and less waste when milled.

So ... Lyptus in the cabinet world makes a lot of sense. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield is proud to offer Showplace Cabinetry. In their long line of wood species available, Showplace features Lyptus cabinets in a multitude of stains, styles, and finishes. The video link below shows how eco-friendly and value come together perfectly with the Lyptus Cabinets by Showplace Wood Products.

The DreamMaker Design Center features 6 kitchen and 6 bathroom displays -- Lyptus included. Visit us today, located just a mile off of Toronto Road in Industrial Park-- 4823 Rodger St., Springfield, IL. 217-529-9300. http://www.dreammakerspringfield.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umd3ls5C_dU

blah to Spa - Video Part 1

Follow our progress on the small bathroom remodel. Part 1 of our video series shows the tear our and prep for new materials. Coming soon....Soterra Stone panels with Dal accent tile, toto wall-mounted and in-wall tank stool, floating cabinetry by Showplace, "Melt" pendants by Tech Lighting, LED accent lighting....

Curt Trampe published in Remodelers Journal

Curt Trampe was recently published in the Oct/Nov 2010 issue of Remodelers Journal, a national trade publication distributed by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). The article entitled "How I Built My Business" can be at http://www.nari-digital.com/nari/20101011#pg14 or on the DreamMaker University blog

http://www.dreammakerspringfield.com/university/?p=236

Vacation Fun

Check back for updates on this home project - a very small master bathroom goes from very blah to very SPA! Follow also on Facebook or www.dreammakerspringfield.com

2011 Community Classes Scheduled

As we kick off 2011, we at DreamMaker have scheduled our community classes for the first quarter of this new year. The Bathroom Basics and Kitchen Starter Classes are offered on a rotating basis. Each of these classes last 2 hours and are free of charge to the public. We only ask that you call our showroom (217-529-9300) or register online so we can plan accordingly.

If you are scared to death about the thought of starting an indepth remodel, then consider us your support group. We will walk you through the basic frame work of what to consider before you pull the trigger. Whether doing it yourself or looking for help on how to choose a design/builder, we would love to have you join us.

Saturday, Jan. 29th -- Bathroom Basics, 9am -11am

Saturday, Mar. 12th -- Kitchen Starter, 9am - 11am

Saturday, April 16th -- Bathroom Basics, 9am - 11am

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Check back for more information regarding the Springfield Home Expo 2011 - February 25th thru the 27th. Now at the Prairie Capital Convention Center.