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Cool projects currently on the Masters Touch schedule:

Two kitchen remodels

One addition with kitchen remodel/expansion

6 bathroom remodels

Design build second floor over breezeway and garage – master suite addition

4 houses of Marvin, Anderson, and Harvey replacement windows

Finished basement with “man town” - home theater, gym area

7 full interior paint jobs

For spring 2012 we already have a large list of exterior paint jobs.  Our spring, summer, and fall schedules are projecting to fill up faster this year than they have in many years, so if you are planning any projects it’s a good idea to sign soon.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Home Design Remodel And Rebuild | Home Improvement | Kitchen Design | Kitchen Remodel | Bathroom Design | Bathroom Remodel | Design Build | Contractor | Interior Painting | Exterior Painting | Additions | Anderson Windows | Harvey Windows | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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Just back after a week of vacation.  It's great to come back and find everything running smoothly.  The entire Masters Touch team is very dedicated to quality and service, and it really shows.

Today I'm performing the final measure for a whole house of new Marvin windows.  This project includes all new exterior siding and Kleer brand composite trim as well.  I have yet to have a customer who wasn't completely thrilled with Marvin windows.  When your home is your number one investment, it's well worth spending a little extra for high quality products.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Design Build | Home Remodel | Replacement Windows | Marvin Windows | Kleer | Contractor | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Metrowest

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According to the seven day forecast, the next time we see the sun might be NEXT Monday!  Of course the mercurial New England weather usually makes a fool out of the weather prognosticators, but never the less, it looks like we're in for a long haul of bad weather.  All this after we haven't really scraped together two sunny days in a row for the last few weeks.

After such a bad winter, this is a huge bummer!

However, let's not let the weather completely ruin our mood!  I used to stress out all day because we're not painting, or roofing, or completing exterior carpentry jobs.  You know what?  I can't control the weather, so I'm not going to worry about it too much.

Sure, I know many clients have deadlines.  They need their homes to look great for a wedding, or graduation party, or some other special event.  We're making every effort to meet those deadlines, but when you get a month of bad weather there's not a lot you can do.

I would like to extend a special thank you to our great clientele who understand that I am not in control of the weather.  It's very comforting when you are doing business with people who realize this, and who understand what is really important in life.  At the same time, a note for the people who are miserable day in and day out, and who use the weather as an excuse to be mean and unreasonable:  Chill out, relax, and be happy and healthy.  There are a whole lot of people in the world who would love to have their biggest problem be that the weather is holding up their home improvement project.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Blog | Painting | Carpentry | Weather | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Roofing | Contractor | Builder | Design Build | Customer Service | Satisfied Customer

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This winter has been one for the ages.  The ice dams of January and February have caused thousands of leaks, millions of dollars in damages, and added to the stress level of just about everybody.  It's certainly not fun being up all night battling a leaking roof, or coping with the aftermath including managing insurance companies, emergency restoration companies, moving companies, and contractors.

Many people do not know where to begin, so here is a guideline of what you will need to consider as you plan your repairs.

Call Your Insurance Company

If you haven't already done so, call your insurance company.  They will be able to answer many of your preliminary questions and get you pointed in the right direction.  Service and coverage vary greatly from company to company, so if they plan to send out an adjuster make sure you meet with him or her and express all of your concerns immediately.  This should include all aspects of repairs that may be associated with your claim, including roof and soffit repairs, mold remediation, and repair or replacement of interior plaster, trim, flooring, and paint.  While your company may refer you to some local providers, you have the right to hire any company you want.  You should insist that they cover the price of repairs to return your home to the state it was in before you had leaks, and that they cover the cost of the company of your choice.  Don't be afraid to do battle with your insurance company, as you may initially get low ball pricing from them and have to negotiate from there.

Call A Restoration Company

That name is a bit misleading.  A good restoration company specializes in emergency work including fire, flood, and mold damage.  They will have certified professionals who can assess your home for mold and recommend treatment or repairs.  While it is always best to call them immediately when you are experiencing a leak, it is never too late to have them visit your home and provide a professional assessment.  This service should be covered by your insurance company, and is a pivotal step in a process you do not want to skip.  Mold and other microbes can cause serious health problems and can affect the resale value of your home, so deal with any potential problems now.

Call A Reliable Contractor

The mold remediation process may add to the damage caused by the leaks.  Often, remediation includes removal of interior and exterior walls and trim, insulation, flooring, cabinetry and custom built-ins, electrical work, including lighting and receptacles, and even window treatments.  Managing the repair process can be an overwhelming task.  Just imagine trying to coordinate movers, electricians, insulation companies, plastering, carpenters, painters, and floor installation or refinishing.  No small task, and better left to a professional.  Again, this should all be covered by insurance, and you can hire the professional of your choice.  As always, don't even think about getting quotes from contractors who are not state registered home improvement contractors, and make sure they are fully insured, including liability and worker's compensation insurance.

Finally, take a deep breath.  While it's human nature to want to blame somebody for the damage to your home, don't take it out on the people trying to help you. Thousands of homes in the area had leaks and severe damage.  It was just “one of those winters,” so make the most of it and look forward to enjoying a nice new paint job inside your home!

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Mold Inspection | Insurance Claim | Contractor | Plastering | Painting | Doug Masters | Ice Dams | Water Damage

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