Lyon E-News...
Tidbits, Tips, and Trends for our Clients and Friends

July 2009

Lyon Construction + Design

Tidbits

Feats of Clay . . .

Kansas City Home Design magazine celebrated the winners of their annual Design Excellence awards recently.

Lyon landed awards with 2 projects in 2 categories; an Interior Design award in the Interior/Kitchen category for a beautiful classic Sunset Hill kitchen (see large kitchen photo above), and an Outdoor Award for a stunning outdoor kitchen space (see picture above).

Thanks go out to our partners: Bev Odom of Madden-McFarland Interiors, Chris Migneron of G3 Collaborative architects and Jill Tran of Jill Tran Interior Design.

Click on the following link to see our name in lights and read more about it: KC Home Design

Tips

Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits From 'Remodeling' magazine, regarding remodeling-related energy-improvements:

The goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act tax credits is to both stimulate the economy by encouraging homeowners to complete energy-efficient upgrades and to save energy by requiring high-efficiency equipment and products.

Tax credits have been offered by the federal government in past years, but the new legislation provides for a higher credit amount and an expanded list of improvements.

Consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in existing homes can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost, up to $1,500 for improvements "placed in service" starting January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010.

Call us, or see the links below, for a complete summary of energy efficiency tax credits available to consumers. Another helpful site: recovery.gov

Summer Home Maintenance Tips:
The living is easy indeed -- but don't forget to complete a few tasks around the home. Watering the lawn is in order this time of year. When doing so, be sure to direct sprinkler heads away from the house. We don't want water directly hitting the siding, windows, or foundation! While outside, it would be smart to pay attention to the following exterior house items too:

Check the condition of exterior surfaces. Touch up any areas that need paint before they deteriorate. Inspect bricks and concrete for cracked mortar or loose joints and repair.
Inspect grading around the house to be sure water drains away from the foundation on all sides. If water pools near the house, you could have some seepage to the interior and a wet basement, damaged wood framing or sheetrock, and even mold in the basement space.
Check your inside and outside foundation walls and piers for termite tubes and deteriorated or soft wood.

If you need help, feel free to give us a call.

Trends
Home Projects with a return on investment:
Are you looking to invest in a home renovation project, but want to make sure you'll get a good return on your investment? Read on for a list of projects industry experts recommend for 2009.

According to Remodeling magazine, these projects rank among the highest in terms of "cost recouped".

Kitchen Remodeling    Kitchens -- the center of the home -- are always high on a buyer's list. If you're limited in what you can do then consider investing in the kitchen (or bathroom) first.

Minor kitchen remodels include upgrading countertops, installing spiffier faucets, replacing appliances, or refacing cabinets that are still in good shape. Those who have a bigger budget might consider incorporating better lighting and at least one luxury appliance.

Bathroom Remodeling    Like the kitchen, a house with resplendent bathrooms is more sought-after. While the high-end bathroom might be a little out of reach for many right now, there are plenty of small changes to be made that are worth the investment. Look into a small soaking tub or body spray shower. Invest in better quality tiles or stone for the shower area.

Energy Efficiency    Anything having to do with efficiency and "going green" is high on the renovation list. This can include projects such as insulating, caulking, replacing windows or doors or adding more energy-efficient skylights. You can even go as far as installing low-flow toilets and faucets, high-efficiency furnaces and hot water heaters. Don't forget about energy tax credits available 2009-2010!

Outdoor Living Spaces    Another winner in return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine, is the addition of a deck. With more people staying home to save money this not only gives you a place to relax or entertain, but it also gives you a great return on investment. It's more living space to enjoy.

Making a Change in Existing Space    Would you love to add on to your home, but it's just not in the budget? Try using existing space to create a new room. Consider turning on underused dining room into a study, library or in-law area. Make better use of the entrance way between the garage and the house. That big closet that really needs an overhaul can become a small office.

Recent Project
The in-laws have moved, and we've been helping them transition to their new space - by adding cabinetry and a new kitchen backsplash, re-conditioning the deck, stripping wallpaper and adding trim, fixing stuck doors and damaged exterior trim -- all the usual home improvement and maintenance items. If you have some work of your own - we can help.

Testimonials
From one of our interior design partners: " I wish very much that I had more professionals like you to work with. It was so easy and your professionalism fantastic. I am so hands on and always take care of so much that working with you was like a breath of fresh air!

- R. Green; Interiors by Robin, LTD

More Feats of Clay.
We've officially kicked off our small projects division: Lyon Cub! Call the Cub anytime for those honey-do projects that just never seem to get done... Whatever the project, Lyon Cub can help!
Call 913-236-5966, email: info@lyoncub.com or click www.lyoncub.com

Special Offer - Lyon Cub Cash!

Call now, and get cash back upon payment for the following Lyon Cub services: $50 cash back with purchase of $500 or more in services, and $200 cash back with purchase of $2,000 or more in services. Offer good through Aug. 2009 only. Conditions apply.

VISIT US ON THE WEB AT WWW.LYONBUILT.COM

Lyon Construction+Design is a full-service residential remodeling and construction company specializing in restoring and updating grand homes. Their work has garnered numerous awards for remodeling excellence.
Owner Clay Lyon holds a bachelors degree in science and mathematics from Colorado State University and masters degree in business administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. His professional certifications include NARI Certified Remodeler; Registered Environmental Professional, State of Oregon; and Registered Asbestos Abatement Project Contractor/Supervisor, EPA. He's on the national board of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and is a board member representing industry partners for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

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