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Congratulations to the Kraft family and the entire New England Patriots organization for making it to their fifth Super Bowl since 2002. 

It’s a remarkable accomplishment. 

Over the years Robert Kraft has set high standards for the type of employee that the Patriots will add to the team, whether it’s players, coaches, or management.  That singular focus on adding quality people to the organization really shows, as they are consistently considered by most football fans to be the best franchise in the league.

Here at Masters Touch, we may not be winning Super Bowls, but we have the same high standards for our team.  Our best asset is the amazing people we’ve assembled over the years.  Our Core Values are not just for show; our entire team understands the important things in life.  To view our Core Values here at Masters Touch please click on the link below.

http://masterstouchweb.com/index.php/core-values 

Nothing is more rewarding than delivering jobs on time, on budget, and with the highest quality and the best possible service we can provide.  To us, that’s our Super Bowl, and we work hard every day to bring home the trophy!

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Home Design Remodel And Rebuild | Home Improvement | Doug Masters | New England Patriots | Bob Kraft | Tom Brady | Bill Belichick | Super Bowl | Core Vales | Medfield | Norfolk Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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The Perfect Paint Color

The perfect paint color can make or break any project, whether it’s a kitchen remodel, a full exterior repaint, or a quick spruce up of any room in your home.

For many people, selecting paint colors for interior walls or the outside of their home is no easy task. It ranks up there with preparing tax returns or installing the baby seat in the car "correctly." It shouldn’t be a stressful ordeal, but rather a fun and creative exercise.

Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a kaleidoscope of colors in your world.

1. Relax and have fun! It’s only a paint color and you’re supposed to enjoy picking out just the right color for you. Still, you’ve heard of road rage? Well, I’ve seen classic cases of "paint color selection rage" many times over the years. With all the possible things in your life that could stress you out, don’t let picking paint colors be one of them!

2. Plan ahead and you will give yourself plenty of time to work through the process. It can take days or even weeks. Don’t rush through the process or make a final decision while your impatient painter is tapping his foot waiting for the fresh sample on the wall to dry.

3. Weeks! How can it take weeks to pick out a paint color? Well, keep in mind it’s important to see an actual sample of the paint, not just a small color chip. Many manufacturers now offer small jars of samples for many of their colors, but often you’ll need to purchase a quart of the desired color.

Apply a test patch right on the area you will be painting, or use poster board and tack up a sample. You’ll want to cover an area at least 24 inches square and put on enough coats for uniform coverage. Once you have samples up, it’s important to live with them for a few days. You’ll be amazed at how bright some colors can look during the day and how dark they will look at night. Look at them in the morning and afternoon to get a good feel for how the natural light affects the overall appearance of the color. Be sure to wait for a cloudy day and see if you still like the color, it could look drab without the sun.

4. Make sure you get the sheen right! Whether you are selecting colors for interior walls and trim, or exterior areas of your home, the gloss level of the paint can have a huge impact on how you perceive the color. A good rule of thumb for interior painting is flat for ceilings, eggshell or "low luster" finishes for walls, and semi-gloss finish for woodwork. One exception is a full bathroom, where steam may affect the paint finish. Use a good mildew and moisture resistant paint, usually with a satin or semi-gloss sheen, in bathrooms and you’ll minimize the wear-and-tear of the paint.

For exterior paint, there are myriad options for finishes ranging from flat to high gloss, stain to paint. Each and every product will have its own look and feel, and the same color mixed into two different products can look dramatically different. This is another reason why painting a sample of the actual product is so important. You’re not just evaluating the color, but ensuring you like how it looks once it’s applied in various gloss levels. A good old fashioned barn red applied in a flat stain will look a lot more authentic than the same color in a high gloss enamel, so make sure you test colors in the same product you will be using for the entire project.

5. Remember that for interior colors, other items in the room can affect the color. In a kitchen, for example, you’ll want a color that works with the cabinets, counter tops, flooring, and accessories. It’s a good idea to finalize all the other items first, and then pick a paint color that will bring harmony to the room. It’s a bad idea to pick a paint color and then think you’ll quickly be able to find fabrics and other accessories that work with them. Custom paint colors are easily accessible and affordable. On the other hand, custom fabrics, not so much!

6. Don’t be afraid to call a professional! For some people, color coordination comes easy and finding a palette of colors is a breeze. For others, the mere thought of having to commit to a color on the walls is overwhelming. Sometimes, hiring a professional designer or color consultant is money well spent. An experienced, well-trained designer will provide expert advice on how to coordinate the colors and finishes throughout your home.

7. Relax and have fun! Refer back to number one on this list whenever you feel a little stressed or that you’re never going to find the right color, because you will. It just takes a little patience and a little time. And before you know it, everything will come together.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Home Design Remodel And Repair | Home Improvement | Interior Design | Painting | Paint | Paint Colors | Exterior Painting | Interior Painting | Paint Samples | Kitchen Remodel | Bathroom Design | Cabinets | Counter Tops | Flooring | Paint Test Patch | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MA | MASS

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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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Selecting the perfect paint color for every room in your home is no easy task.  There are so many factors that can affect how a color looks and feels.  How will it look on a bright, sunny day?  What will it look like on a cloudy day, or at night when there is much less natural light to brighten up most rooms?

It's a very good idea to test paint colors with large sample boards or paint them right on the wall.  Be careful though, because if you build up too much paint in one spot it may "flash" through the finish paint.  Don't be afraid to try a few colors and live with them up on the wall for a week or two before you paint.

One of the most important things to remember - it can be fun!  Don't get stressed out.  At the end of the day it's only a paint color.  If you pick a color and you aren't happy with it, you can always repaint.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, give Masters Touch a call.  Our professional designers have years of experience with color specifications, and we'll be glad to help you find just the right color for your project.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Home Design Remodel And Rebuild | Home Improvement | Painting | Paint Selection | Interior Design | Interior Painting | Exterior Painting | Masters Touch Showroom | Customer Service | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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Showroom Specials For January

Top Knobs Sale!  Take 20% off your total purchase of 20 knobs or more!  Cabinetry hardware is one of the fastest and easiest ways to instantly change your kitchen.  They can take your kitchen cabinet look from modern to rustic in just a matter of minutes.  Come to the Masters Touch Showroom to look at the full catalog and to see samples of the knobs and pulls up close. You will be amazed at the selection, style, and quality that Top Knobs provides. Check out their website at http://www.topknobs.com/Default.aspx .

Save 15% on Hunter Douglas Duette Architella® honeycomb shades.  This is the season where we really start to see our heating bills skyrocket.  We have a way to potentially lower your energy costs.  As much as 50% of a home's heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows. Hunter Douglas Duetter Architella honeycomb shades offer superior energy efficiency thanks to their patented honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb construction.  Buy four or more and save 15% on the product total cost.  Learn more about the shades here! http://www.hunterdouglas.com/starter-guide-advantage-energy-efficiency.jsp?sop=hp

1.  20% off Thibaut Sale!  Come into the showroom and see our great collection of Thibaut fabrics and coordinating wallcoverings.  We'll take 20% off your order!
http://www.thibautdesign.com/collection/allcollection.php

2.  Rhode Island Tile on sale now! Save 15% on your order placed before January 31.  Come in and see the beautiful ceramic, porcelains and glass tile on display in our showroom!
http://www.ritile.com/

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Masters Touch Showroom | January Specials At Masters Touch | Home Design Remodel And Rebuild | Home Improvement | Interior Design | Hunter Douglas Duette Architella Ho | Rhode Island Tile | Tob Knobs | Cabinetry | Thibuat Fabrics | Design Build | Ceramic Tile | Porcelain Tile | Glass Tile | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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Happy New Year!

2012 is the year the world ends, right?  Or was that last year? 

Well, regardless, we're planning on a great year at Masters Touch.  In 2011 we added lots of impressive talent to our team, and that bodes well for 2012.  We already have a large back log of work for winter and spring, so if you are planning any projects it would be wise to call us now.  Our design and production staff are ready to serve you.

Meanwhile, we will continue to sharpen our saw.  There's always room for improvement, and during the holiday break and into the first quarter, we'll be focused on a complete review of all our systems of production with an eye on finding any and all ways we can better serve our customers.  One way we can do that is to continue to listen to the excellent feedback we get, whether good or bad.  Sometimes, it's not easy to hear that we didn't deliver exactly what we promised, but it's imporant to use those situations as learning opportunities.  We'll also look inward and look hard to find any and all areas where we can do a better job.

Here's to a safe and happy 2012 for everybody (at least until the world ends!)

Doug Masters
Chief cook and bottle washer

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Home Design Remodel And Rebuild | Home Improvement | 2012 | Masters Touch Staff And Production | Customer Feedback | New Employees | Winter Projects | Spring Projects | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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The Angels Among Us

Everybody knows at least one, if not a handful – the angels among us. These are the people who are always smiling, always upbeat, and always there for you. These are the people who shine so brightly.

It’s Sam, who recently moved here from Egypt with his family to start a new life. He pumps gas for a living six or seven days a week. An amazing bright star, his smile is infectious. He always has an extra moment to say hello to the boys in my car while juggling the fill-ups of four other customers. Sam never complains when it’s freezing out or raining down on him all day. He appreciates his work and the people he comes in contact with, even if they are impatient to be on their way, and it always shows. He’s a great dad, loyal husband, and someone who always makes you smile.

It’s Mary Ann. I met her when she volunteered to help my wife’s elderly great-aunt. She would take her shopping, spend time with her, and help in any way possible. I’ve gotten to know her over the years and there’s never a time when she isn’t a ray of sunshine on a dark day.

It’s Andrea, the retired school teacher. A fixture at church, she’s always working hard to help wherever or whomever she can. Whether it is directing the Children’s Choir, playing piano during service, or lending an ear to listen to your troubles. Andrea never departs without a bear hug and a tender blessing.

It’s Bob, now retired, one of my mentors for over 25 years. In over two and a half decades, I cannot recall one time that I ever saw Bob treat anyone disrespectfully or speak an unkind word. Certainly one of the happiest people I have ever met, Bob shared a lot of his wisdom with me when I was younger. However, it is his outlook on life, that is the best lesson I’ve learned from him. He sees the good in everybody, and in all situations and always conducts himself with grace and class.

It’s Allan, now almost 70 years old and still working as a painter in his golden years. Not one to complain, Allan shows up faithfully for work every day. Always patient with difficult customers, never one to complain about aches and pains, he continues to inspire those around him to be better at what they do and how they conduct themselves.

It’s Drew, the former quarterback of the local football team. When he was our hometown hero, he conducted himself with grace and humility. Drew treated fans with respect, looked them in the eye, and patiently signed autographs while answering their many questions. All this, while playing at the highest level which could have easily dominated his time, and yet he performed countless charitable acts in his community. Now he’s off raising his family, happily married, with his own vineyard and still focused on family values and his ongoing charity work.

It’s John, my seventh grade history teacher. His passion for not only history but also for life, helped bring out the best in each and every one of his students. We didn’t dare let him down by missing an assignment or passing in a lousy paper. He truly inspired many young people to go on to become successful, hard working adults.

It’s my wife, Michelle. I remember the day we met and she held my hand. I was hooked instantly, for I knew she was a very special person with a warm, kind heart. She’s my true angel.

Still, it’s easy to get swallowed up in the muck and the mire of today’s constant barrage of negative information and negative energy. It seems as if there is a full time assault on our sensibilities everywhere you look or listen – television, newspapers, the radio, the internet, the person in the car behind you honking their horn because you are not speeding when they are in such a hurry… it seems endless at times.

This holiday season, I hope you can take a moment to reflect on who the angels are in your life. Take a cue from them and pay it forward. Spread the good word, lend a hand to somebody in need, be a shoulder for someone to cry on.

As musician Eddie Vedder sings on the Pearl Jam song 'Just Breathe' - "Oh I'm a lucky man / To count on both hands / The ones I love / Some folks just have one / Yeah others they got none...

It's a moving lyric and one that is mindful of how lucky some of us are and how lonely and lost others just might be without our even knowing it. So, if a moment in time presents itself, make that small sacrafice of a minute or two and be someone's angel this holiday season. You'd be suprised how important a small gesture of kindness can be.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Home Design Remodel And Rebuild | Home Improvement | Interior Design | Holiday Message | Seasons Greetings | The Angels Among Us | Pearl Jam | Eddie Vedder | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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I'd like to thank the Needham Rotary Club for inviting me to be their guest speaker.  The Rotary Club is a great group of people who perform countless acts of good will and charity work. 

It was an honor to meet everyone and have an opportunity to reflect on some of the marketing concepts here at Masters Touch. 

Keep up the great work!

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Home Design Remodel And Rebuild | Needham Rotary Club | Home Improvement | Marketing Strategy | Interior Design | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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I'm looking forward to my speaking engagement at the Needham rotary club today.  It's always nice to meet and discuss business with other like-minded folks.

After that, we're starting filming at a new renovation project in Westwood, which is an addition and kitchen.  Hopefully the sun will be shining and the mercury will rise!

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Speaking Engagement | Needham | Home Design Remodel And Rebuild | Home Improvement | Interior Design | Painting | Kitchen And Bath Remodel | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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Exciting News! 

It looks like we will be adding Fabrica, Masland, and Dixie Home carpet lines to our flooring showroom.  These designer carpet and area run lines represent the full spectrum of possibilities for your home.  Watch for future updates and sales.

From the Fabrica web site: (http://www.fabrica.com/forms/company.aspx)
Fabrica carpet and rugs are recognized for our singular beauty and exceptional quality. Using superior materials, state of the art technology, and highly skilled craftsmen, Fabrica creates carpet and area rugs that offer "Quality Without Compromise".

From the Masland web site: (http://www.maslandcarpets.com/broadloom.asp)
Beautiful, stylish Masland carpets represent over 140 years of manufacturing expertise and a legacy of outstanding quality, design mastery and color leadership. Masland's comprehensive collection of broadloom carpet includes traditional velvets to contemporary patterns and exciting textures, offered in extensive and sophisticated color palettes. Tufted and woven carpets, in the finest wools and branded nylon, Masland has the creativity, craftsmanship, and color you have been searching for.

From the Dixie Home web site: (http://www.dixie-home.com/)
Bring beauty, style and warmth into your home with Dixie Home carpets. Dixie Home offers an array of high fashion, trend setting residential broadloom carpets which includes traditional velvets, contemporary patterns and a wide range of interesting textures all in exciting, fashion forward colors

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Masters Touch Showroom | Fabrica Carpets | Masland Carpets | Dixie Home Carpets | Home Design And Remodel | Interior Design | Home Improvement | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MASS | MA | Metrowest

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Why Build Green?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the definition of Green Building, which formally came into being in the 1990s, breaks down to creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the building’s life-cycle. That would include siting and design concepts, to construction, daily operation, maintenance, necessary renovations and finally deconstruction. In essence, from the ground up new buildings or homes or home renovations will be eco-friendly which has become such a major concern over the last few decades.

So what does all this really mean to the layperson? For example, is Building Green cost efficient? Well, in some instances biodegradable materials do cost more, but in the long run save on energy costs. By using Green Building methods and materials we can all maximize both economic and environmental performance. Even long standing buildings can be augmented with new green construction methods. And it is generally buildings in commercial settings, including schools that are now adopting the green system of construction.

In percentage points, again provided by the EPA, these types of buildings account for 39% of total energy usage; 12% of total water consumption; 68% of total electricity consumption, and 38% of carbon dioxide emissions. Strung together, that is an extremely high percentage of the total economic and environmental pie puzzle.

What it all comes down to in the end is how is Building Green beneficial to us now and in the future – both short and long-term?

The environmental benefits include – protection of our ecosystem, improved air and water quality, reduction of non-biodegradable waste materials and the conservation and restoration of our natural resources.

The economic benefits include – reduction of operating costs and the creation of new markets for green products and services, thus creating jobs.

The social benefits include – the enhancement of our collective comfort and health, the minimization of strain on our local infrastructures and the improvement of our overall quality of life.

Some examples of Green Building construction include – reused and recycled content or materials made from renewable resources, using minimal pollutants thereby reducing product emissions and landscaping techniques that reduce water usage.

Products used in Green Building include such seemingly innocuous, but necessary things as paints with no volatile organic compounds, low water toilets, energy efficient windows and LED lights.

Finally, it must be reiterated that any type of building has the potential to be or become green. As mentioned earlier, schools and commercial and public buildings are now adopting this method of construction or remodeling, but now, laboratories, health care facilities and private homeowners are jumping on board.

The best way to discover new concepts of incorporating Green Building in your home or office is to visit the EPA website at www.epa.gov. The site offers an extensive overview, including historical data, ideas, tax breaks and lists of other sources all in enthusiastic support of an issue that continues to gain precedence in our everyday lives. After all, economic, social and health concerns affect us all and will continue to do so as long as we inhabit this planet.

In the end it’s up to us to make a more fruitful, productive and environmentally sound world for our loved ones and future generations. And Building Green is just one of many things we can embrace to make that happen.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Home Design Remodel And Repair | Building Green | EPA | Interior Design | Interior Painting | Exterior Painting | Green System Of Construction | Environmental Protection Agency | Environment | Carpentry | Roofing | Lighting | Home Improvement | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Quincy | Braintree | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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A quick look at one of our core values.

Balance:

What happens when somebody is sick, or there is a family emergency?  Well, at Masters Touch, we have a family first attitude.  All of our staff and subcontractors know that if they have an issue, their job will not be in jeopardy if they need time off to deal with it.  Whether it's a health crisis, a funeral, or a parent-teacher meeting, it's important to be able to take a day or two here and there and take care of the important things in life.

Life, that thing that happens outside of work, can certainly make scheduling projects very difficult.  That said, we hope our clients will be understanding if a delay occurs due to a "life issue."  A little bit of patience, compassion, and understanding is much appreciated, and we thank those of you who "get it" in advance.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Master Touch Core Values | Balance | Home Design Remodel And Repair | Customer Appreciation | Employee Appreciation | Masters Touch Staff | Subcontractors | Job Security | Home Improvement | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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Well, Thanksgiving is THIS Thursday.  That means several things:

1 - Only 33 days until Christmas.  A great gift idea - A Masters Touch project gift certificate:  What could be better, or more original, than a new master bath suite, a new kitchen, or even new paint and floors through out your home.  This year, give an original gift that will keep on giving for years!

2 - Time to relax for a few days and be thankful.  It's more and more difficult these days to get a little R 'n R.  The phone never ceases to beep and vibrate and remind you that you are "always on call."  This year Masters Touch will be closed Thursday to Sunday including the show room and all production.  We're hoping our staff can take a few well deserved days of to relax and enjoy some family time.  We're also hoping you will do the same!

3 - Winter is looming.  We'll be sending out an email to all of our customers in December to remind them to be ready this year.  We'll be offering automatic roof snow removal this winter, so don't get caught with massive snow and ice build up like last year.  As always, are crews remain on stand by ready to help you.

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Masters Touch Project Gift Certific | Masters Touch Showroom | Masters Touch Holiday Hours | Flooring | Home Design And Remodel | Kitchen And Bathroom Design And Rem | Interior Painting | Roofing | Roof Snow Removal | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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It's important to keep up with routine maintenance on your home.  Whether it's the roof, a paint job, the heating system, landscaping or gutter cleaning, you should always make sure you take care of your most important investment. 

On Friday I met with a potential client at a beautiful home they were purchasing in Walpole.  What struck me about the property was how well maintained it was.  From the exterior grounds and paint job, to the immaculate interior, it was clear that the house was owned by a family that put a lot of emphasis on proper care.  The house needed nothing, save for a fresh coat of paint on the interior walls to update the colors for the new homeowners.

I look at hundreds of homes each year, and it is always very apparent when I visit a home that has not been well cared for.  Generally, a home in disrepair will cost a lot more to work on, and that goes for any type of work. 

It's never a good sign when a potential exterior painting client calls in and proudly exclaims, "I haven't painted my home in 12 years!"  Invariably, I'll go visit homes like that and they are a wreck.  We cannot make up for years of neglect with one job, and to top it off, the next paint job isn't going to last as long because the wood is usually damaged by over exposure to the elements.

While it is tempting to put off routine repairs and maintenance on your home, it is bad idea.  Be sure to assess your home's needs, and make sure you have a plan in place to address them before one problem after another gets ahead of you.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Home Remodel And Repair | Home Maintenance | Interior Painting | Exterior Painting | Roofing | Gutter Cleaning | Heating Systems | Fireplace | Flooring | Windows | Siding | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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January will mark the 15 year anniversary of the "official launch" of Masters Touch! 

Our very first job was in November 2006, painting an addition.  I've taken some time out of my day to reflect on all the good times and the bad times, while everyone here at Masters Touch continues to double their efforts for a bright and prosperous future.

Recently, I found myself going through our database - which is nearing a milestone of 10,000 contacts - in chronological order based on the dates they were entered.  It's like travelling back in time, remembering when a certain person was entered and thinking back to why.  Were they friends or family?  A new customer?  A vendor?  A potential employee?  Well, whatever the situation, it brings a smile to my face.

I'll touch base more on our celebration of 15 years of quality and service in the future.  For now, as always, a big thank you to all our valued customers and hard-working staff, as we look forward to another 15 years!

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | 15 Years Anniversary | Customer Service | Customer Satisfaction | Home Remodel And Rebuild | Design | Painting | Carpentry | Roofing | Kitchen And Bath Remodel | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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I spent yesterday working in the yard stacking wood, cleaning up the leaves, winterizing the faucets, and of course for me, a nice morning hike with the dog and my son Kellen. 

Every once in a while it's nice to have a "real" day off with no phone calls, no internet, and ultimately no stress. 

I suppose I could pay someone to stack that wood, but it's really therapeutic to work with my two boys, age 6 and 3, and my daughter Reagan, age 9.  A great family time followed with some football in the yard with my dog, who I swear is the late and lamented Walter Payton reincarnated.  It was a great "recharge your battery" day and I'm very thankful for that.

Now, it's Monday again and time to make the donuts.  All the crews are out on their jobs, the weather is beautiful, and the office and the Masters Touch Showroom staff are hard at work planning our next projects. 

Life is good.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Home Remodel And Repair | Masters Touch Showroom | Home Improvement Projects | Customer Service | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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Our spring and summer 2012 production schedule for larger projects is filling up quickly. 

This is one of the more popular times of the year for major renovations such as whole house remodels, additions, new kitchens, and similar larger jobs.  When school is out for summer, many families are able to relocate for a couple of months, which makes major construction less intrusive into daily life.

It's not too late to book Masters Touch for spring and summer jobs by any means, but given the outlook for the residential construction industry in Massachusetts heading into 2012, it would be wise to get your deposit in before the end of the year to secure your place.

This is also an opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers who continue to hire us for new projects at their home and refer us to their family, friends, and coworkers.  We really appreciate it and are thankful that you trust us enough to refer us.

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Spring Schedule 2012 | Summer Schedule 2012 | Home Remodel And Repair | Customer Satisfaction | Kitchen And Bath Remodel | Customer Bookings | Customer Referals | Home Improvement | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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A major winter storm before Halloween?  Trees down everywhere and the power out!?! 

After last winter, I'm sure you'll all agree, we're just not ready for this yet!  Of course, my kids had a great time sledding all day, but for the rest of us, it's just too early for this kind of weather!

We at Masters Touch are still confident that we'll be able to finish up the last few exterior paint jobs we are working on in the next couple of weeks, and we certainly will button down all the roofs we have to finish before winter really sets in.

That said, it's never too early to prepare for winter.  This year, we'll be sending out an email to all of our existing customers to remind them we have crews available for routine snow removal from roofs.  Plan ahead this year, and don't get caught by surprise.  Hopefully, it will not be as bad of a winter as last year, but you are better safe than sorry!

Oh, and in the mean time, enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and the melting snow!

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Winter Snow Removal | Exterior Painting | Home Remodel And Repair | Roofing | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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In the next few weeks we will be upgrading our database software. 

I'm afraid I'm dating myself a bit here - I've been using ACT software since it was a DOS program.  Ouch!  We're currently using "Act 2000" and will be upgrading to "Act 2012."  This after just upgrading the server and many of the work stations to be able to handle the change. 

It's been a daunting task, and I'm sure we'll hit more road blocks in the next few weeks.  We're going to make every effort to avoid any communication issues with our clients during these equipment and software upgrades.  In the end, we'll be able to better serve all of our customers with a faster, more comprehensive and more accurate database which will soon be "in the cloud."

Change is difficult...

Change is good...

Sincerely,
Doug Masters
Chief cook and bottle washer

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Computer Upgrade | Act 2000 | Act 2012 | Customer Service | Customer Communications | Home Improvement And Repair | Home Remodel | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Massachusetts | MA | MASS | Metrowest

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Columbus Day. 

It's been a beautiful weekend.  Warm and sunny - definitely Indian Summer.  And what could be better than a final brilliant weekend before the fall really sets in? 

We have a few weeks left for exterior painting and then the cold weather should really hit us.  However, that won't slow down exterior construction, so there's still time to sign up for various types of work.  Whether you need a roof, siding, trim repairs, all new windows, or an addition, we perform those kinds of projects right through the winter.

Don't forget about interior work as well.  Whether it's time for a new kitchen, a finished basement, or some interior painting, our experienced craftsmen are ready to serve you.

Take advantage of our winter seasonal pricing for painting:  20% off any project over $2000.00 or more, and 25% off any project of 25% or more scheduled for production between December 1st and April 1st.

Masters Touch remains . . . at your service!

Doug

Tags: Masters Touch | Doug Masters | Winter Specials | Interiro Painting | Siding | Roofing | Window Installation | Kitchen Romdel. Home Remodel And Re | Carpet Installation | Wood Floors | Customer Service | Design Build | Medfield | Norfolk | Walpole | Millis | Dover | Sherborn | Westwood | Needham | Newton | Weston | Wellesly | Natick | Holliston | Massachusetts | MASS | MA | Metrowest

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