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Tag: Massachusetts

Come Visit The Masters Touch Showroom For All Of Your Home Improvement Needs

2012.05.17 07:09:14

Three weeks of rain after a warm and sunny April? Well, that’s New England for you.

It’s still a great time of year for all of us here at Masters Touch. April 1 to June 20 is by far our busiest time of year in terms of leads and sales, and Saturday was no exception. Lot’s of great walk in traffic at the Masters Touch Showroom, with people browsing through all the amazing products we provide.

One family stopped in for a houseful of Fabrica carpet, the standard of the industry. Another couple hired us for a large home renovation project that will include a new kitchen featuring Diamond cabinets, a master bathroom remodel, and a new outdoor entertaining area featuring a deck and patio. Yet another family hired us on Saturday for a houseful of Earthwise Eclipse replacement windows, replacement of all the rotting boards on their home, and two full bathroom remodels.

Not to be out done, Alex Yavarow, one of our lead designers, came to an agreement for a houseful of Hunter Douglas blinds.

Yep, we love the busy season!

Be sure to check out our Facebook page for constant updates on ongoing projects, and amazing pictures of our work posted almost daily. Click here to check it out: https://www.facebook.com/#!/masterstouchweb

Doug

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Schedule Your Home Improvement Projects With Masters Touch As Soon As Possible!

2012.05.08 04:35:33

Planning fall 2012 or even spring 2013 renovation projects? It’s not too early to get your deposit in and get on the schedule.

Business is on the upswing. We already have two sizeable construction projects booked for spring 2013, and this fall is looking to be a very busy time.

It’s always a good idea to plan well in advance for construction projects to allow plenty of time for design and permitting. Rushing through those phases almost always leads to problems later. Our architects and designers are ready to serve you, so call 508-359-5900 today!

Doug

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Masters Touch Answers Your Questions About Home Improvement

2012.05.03 02:40:08

Dear Doug,

We’re going to have our house painted this year. It’s an antique house built in the early 1900’s. Over the years we’ve had a hard time getting a paint job to last very long. We’re considering the permanent coatings you hear about on the radio all the time. Will that be a good investment? What is the best time of year to have the work done?

Dan, Wellesley

Hi Dan,

Well, antique homes are a labor of love, that’s for sure! Exterior paint is one way to really bring out the charm of an older home, but it’s also one of the most difficult jobs to perform. There are many factors that can affect the longevity of an exterior paint job, and most of them come into play on a home that has been around for many decades.

Here are some factors to consider as you plan your project:

How much old paint has built up over the years, and how will it affect top coats of paint? As paint ages, it loses its elasticity, which is a recipe for constant chipping and peeling. This is especially true of older oil-based paints that were manufactured before 1980. On an antique home, chances are there is a significant build up of old, brittle paint. It’s not always easy to scrape and remove this paint without damaging delicate layers of old wood underneath. There should be a careful balance between aggressive paint removal with power tools versus hand scraping and sanding.

Another alternative is using chemical stripping methods to remove as much of the old paint as possible.

Finally, it could be more cost effective to simply remove and replace old siding with new pre-primed wood siding products than it would be to attempt to salvage old siding that has too many layers of old paint.

How well is your home insulated, and how much moisture is escaping from between the inner and outer walls during the spring and summer? Older homes are prone to moisture build up in the walls during the winter. Sources of moisture may include steam from cooking and taking a shower, steam from your heating system, and even moisture from breathing. During the colder months, this moisture is trapped in the walls. During hot weather, that moisture is usually drawn out through the exterior siding. On an older home with lots of old built up paint that has been covered with newer products that don’t breathe well, this moisture will literally push the paint off the home. Many times, this will exhibit at areas where old paint hasn’t peeled before but isn’t adhering well enough to hang on when pressure from moisture below builds. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to wait until at least mid July to paint an old home. This will provide ample time for your home to dry out.

Should you hire one of the fancy new “permanent coatings” companies? Well, if you are considering going that route, I’d recommend getting a quote from more than one and getting a copy of their full warranty. Usually, if something is too good to be true, it is. If your home has old layers of paint, moisture problems, or rotting wood, chances are the “permanent coatings” won’t be so permanent. As you consider the price premium you’ll be paying for a lifetime rated paint job, you’ll want to ensure it really is covered for life and that there is nothing in the warranty that will exclude your home from future service.

Again with the investment level in mind, it would be wise to have your attorney review the contract and the warranty before you proceed. Remember that your home likely has lead paint! The older a home is, the more likely it is to be covered in lead paint. The EPA and the state have strict laws in place that apply to renovations and painting on homes containing lead paint. Contractors and painters are required to be certified by the state before they may work on projects where lead paint is present. Insist on a copy of the credentials of the company AND the crew that will be working on your home. These laws are designed to protect you, your family, pets, and neighbors from lead poisoning and should be followed carefully. The law itself is 48 pages of fine print, but in a nutshell it’s really important to remember not to generate a lot of lead dust, and to contain all dust, debris, and chips while working on lead jobs. Clearly, mechanical grinding or paint shaving on the exterior of a home with lead paint is not a good idea. As you consider the cost of lead compliance PLUS the cost of mechanical or chemical stripping of old paint as mentioned above, replacement of exterior siding and trim covered with lead paint becomes a more attractive option. This is because the new paint job will last longer, and it will be safer for your family and the environment. It may even cost less in some cases.

The bottom line: Living in an antique home is a lifestyle choice, and it’s not for everyone. Routine maintenance is to be expected. Think carefully about the balance between aggressive preparation or even replacement versus a more modest approach of hand scraping and preparation. With the later, you’ll most certainly experience some routine peeling on your home. A good painting contractor will cover the routine peeling with a written warranty, and be honest with you up front about the fact that older homes usually have some problem areas that are always peeling.

Go with the flow and remember, a little bit of uneven paint or some peeling areas are part of the charm of an older home.

Doug

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Come In And Check Out The New Masters Touch Showroom

2012.05.01 03:01:25

On Sunday my son Kellen came to work with me.

We spent the day stripping and waxing all the beautiful old wood floors here at Masters Touch. History does repeat itself. There were many days when I was young and I did this at my Dad’s work. We had a great day working together, and he was really excited to be joining me on the job.

The floors look terrific and our Showroom has never looked better! And perhaps we have a new star employee here at Masters Touch - of course, the last name helps!

Come in and check out all the new displays we’ve added in the last few months, including a full new carpet and area rug showroom, many new tile and wood displays, a complete reorganization of the fabric, custom window treatments, and blinds, and a whole new room dedicated to exterior home care that features windows, doors, siding, decking, railings, shutters, composite trim, and everything you need for your home.

Doug

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As Economy Continues To Improve Masters Touch Is At Your Service

2012.04.26 02:58:50

The economy continues to show signs of life, especially here in Massachusetts. Most of the realtors I know have experienced a real increase in volume as of late. This should bode well for the construction industry, as most folks who are selling or buying homes usually plan on some renovations, painting, and design improvements. Here’s a recent story from the Patriot Ledger.

http://www.patriotledger.com/topstories/x643677004/Massachusetts-home-sales-surge-by-19-percent-in-March

Doug

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Despite Rainy Weather Masters Touch Is Still Hard At Work

2012.04.24 04:25:42

Finally, some rain! And three days of it. As they say . . . when it rains it pours!

While we all welcome the much needed deluge, it’s still a bummer driving to work on a dark, cold, rainy Monday morning. That said, it’s exciting to see our entire team hard at work on so many projects, regardless of the weather. Days like today are planning days, catch up days, and job stocking days for many of our crews, while all the projects with inside work are proceeding as planned.

So while all the exterior jobs such as roofing, residing, repairs, and painting are on hold for a day or two, we’re hard at work on three kitchen projects, a finished basement, four different bathroom projects, two carpet installations, and a kitchen cabinet repainting job, just to name a few!

In addition, we’re stocking several other jobs so we can hit the ground running when the sun comes back out. That includes two deck jobs, a residing job, several trim repair jobs, and countless paint jobs. Back at the office, the sales team, designers, and production managers are hard at work preparing countless job proposals and getting ready for production later in the week. We’re also putting the finishing touches on some improvements at the showroom including a new Starmark Cabinetry display, a new Kleer decking display, final touches on the new carpet showroom featuring Fabrica and Masland carpets, and a general spruce up of the showroom. If you haven’t been in lately, there’s a lot of great new things to see!

A rainy Monday? Yep, but we are still hard at work and eager to serve you. What can Masters Touch do for you?

Doug

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Masters Touch Is Ready To Serve Your Painting Needs

2012.04.19 02:23:31

Our exterior painting crews are ready to serve you!

It's been 15 years of great quality and service, and we back our work with an industry best 5 year warranty. Every job worth $5000 or more includes complimentary color consulting.

Now is a great time to call us and get on the schedule so your home can look beautiful this year.

Doug

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Saturdays At Masters Touch

2012.04.10 01:57:17

Saturday was a great day here at Masters Touch.

The showroom was jammed all day long. After 28 years in retail I can still stay nothing beats a busy Saturday. Time flies by when you are busy, and it’s lots of fun working with great clients and helping them realize their dreams of beautiful home improvements.

On Saturday we booked two full kitchen remodels, a complete deck renovation, several carpet and wood flooring jobs, and also worked with clients who are considering major home renovations. Perry, Nancy, Alex, and I were all in perfect rhythm.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Doug

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Masters Touch Announces April Specials!

2012.04.04 02:12:34

Masters Touch Announces April Specials!

1. Masland and Fabrica Carpets – 20% Off Sale! We are celebrating the grand opening of our new designer carpet showroom. Come in to Masters Touch and see our luxurious, new lines of the best carpet goods in the country! We will discount your order by 20%. Whether you are looking for wall-to-wall carpeting or area rugs, these two lines offer the best quality and the most beautiful styling in the industry. Fantastic value! http://www.maslandcarpets.com/http://www.fabrica.com/

2. Diamond Cabinetry Sale – One of Masterbrand’s top line of cabinets is on sale for this month only! Come in and see our extensive display of door styles, learn about this great cabinet line and we’ll take 10% off of your kitchen or bath cabinetry order. Masterbrand has been making quality cabinets since 1954! Diamond is at the core of this expertise and offers every style, color and species imaginable! Start your project off right and save! http://www.diamondcabinets.com/

3. Want to know what is all the rage in children’s furniture hardware fashions? Check out Hip Handlz! These custom hand painted wooden furniture knobs can add whimsy and charm to any furniture piece. Whether you want knobs with peace signs, puppy dogs, or the Patriots' logo, Hip Handlz adds that unique personal touch. Come in to look at some samples at the showroom! Learn more here! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hip-Handlz/220246124677125

4. Looking for a pop of color to add to your master bath? Need to add some sparkle to the powder room? Well Masters Touch can help! With new colorful and creative tile options from Maniscalco Stone, Masters Touch can help with all of your tile needs. Maniscalco Stone is the home of unique stone, glass, and metal mosaics. For a limited time, take 15% off any of the fine Maniscalco tile fashions featured in our showroom. http://tiles.maniscalcostone.com/project/category/1

5. LightVue Shades and Blinds – Come in and order your new Honeycomb, Pleated, Wood Blind, Solar, Roller or Woven Wood shades and we’ll take 15% off! This is a great value – these blinds are fabricated by a company here in Massachusetts that has been around for over 100 years, and they are priced right! Styles and samples are available in our Showroom. http://lightvue.net/

6. Mullican Hardwood Flooring – 10% Off Sale! One of the finest floors money can buy, Mullican has grown to offer over 1500 hardwood flooring products! We feature many of those products in our Showroom and are extending a 10% discount this month, on your next flooring order! We offer unfinished, pre-finished and engineered styles – all of the highest quality! Come in and see! http://www.mullicanflooring.com/

7. Carole Custom Treatments – 15% off on any window treatment, bed covering or accessory, custom made by Carole’s own workroom! This discount includes the Carole fabric or trim selected for your project. We have thousands of samples in our Showroom and can help you put together the perfect look for your home! http://www.carolefabrics.com/custom/

Note: Quantity Minimums apply to all of these offers. Stop in and ask our professional staff to assist you.

Masters Touch
PO Box 171
Medfield, MA 02052
508-359-5900 ext. 201
Fax 508-359-4042

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Masters Touch To Open New Carpet Showroom On March 28

2012.03.27 03:36:44

Starting March 28 our new carpet showroom will be open!

Masters Touch features the entire line of Fabrica and Masland designer carpets, along with Shaw Carpets, Tuftex, Dixie Home Mills, and Key Carpets. All of our projects include complimenatry assistance with our professional design staff, free in-home measurement that includes recommendations of best seam placement, and top quality professional installation.

Whether you need a custom area rug, wall-to-wall carpet, or a beautiful hand bound runner for your foyer, Masters Touch is the place to go.

Doug

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Growing Old Gracefully And Still Having Fun!

2012.03.22 04:33:16

What am I going to be doing when I’m 70?

Who knows, but I bet it will be fun!

Today I bought a new mountain bike (new to me, anyway, it’s a 1999 Cannondale, full suspension, if you are keeping score.) I’ve had the same mountain bike since 1997, purchased at Fat Dog Bike Shop in Westwood. That bike and me have been to the end of earth and back - well, at least around the block several times. It’s heavy and strong, and has NO suspension.

For the last couple of years I’ve been meaning to get around to upgrading to a new bike. After visiting all the local shops and talking to some friends who ride, it was really looking like I was going to drop a couple thousand dollars for my new ride. That shook me up a bit, but there’s nothing like NEW, right?

Well, not exactly.

The musician part of me has gained a real affection for finding vintage gear on the website Craigslist. On a whim, I looked up bikes for sale and quickly found more than enough bikes for sale locally that would meet my needs. One jumped out at me, the Cannondale. This was the cream of the crop back in 1999! I called to inquire and an older sounding gentleman was on the line. He carefully answered all my questions and gave me his address.

"It’s a house," he said. "Just pull down the side street and you’ll see my shop."

About an hour later I arrive with my trusty sidekick Nyla (the family dog) to check out the bike. Much to my surprise, I walked into a well run used bicycle shop that also specialized in repairs. As I browsed the meticulously maintained inventory, Dick, the owner, asked me “How is business?” He saw the Masters Touch logo on my truck and knew I was a builder. We then chatted about business for 20 minutes as he told me the story of a career in building. Five years ago he retired and keeps himself occupied with the bike shop. I’ve never met a happier man, relaxed, thrilled to be recycling old bikes and helping people find a great deal on their new wheels.

Dick has a new customer, and I have a new vision of how great life can be now and in the future. What am I going to be doing when I’m 70 years old? I have no idea, but if I have anything to say about it I know I’ll be having as much fun as Dick.

Doug

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Masters Touch Continues To Grow As Economy Improves

2012.03.15 02:05:24

It’s been a long 6 years in the commercial and residential construction industry. Recently, however, there’s been some good news, with residential real estate sales on the upswing. We’re getting a lot of calls from clients who are buying and selling, and who are in the market for projects ranging from full interior repaints to major home renovations.

It seems that, in spite of the efforts of our fearless leaders on Beacon Hill and in DC, the economy is improving. Here at Masters Touch, we’ve added 10 jobs since the beginning of 2011, and we’re adding more this year.

Here’s some more good news in today’s Boston Globe: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2012/03/13/building_spurt_brightens_job_outlook/?p1=News_links

Doug

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Exciting New Changes Coming To Masters Touch!

2012.03.06 05:35:05

There are so many exciting changes happening here at Masters Touch.

In the next few weeks we’ll have our showroom completely updated with a new area specializing in exterior home care products. We’ll feature various brands of windows including Marvin, Andersen, Pella, Harvey, Earthwise, and Jeldwen.

Doors will include Thermatru, Andersen, Marvin, Pella, and Simpson. Our “exterior” room will also feature a full selection of Certainteed shingles on display.

In addition, you can see Kleer brand decking and replacement trim, along with Azek railings. While we’re at it, we are near completion of revamping our carpet showroom. Here you will find a comprehensive array of carpets and area rugs. You’ll see fine selections from Fabrica and Masland, two of the preeminent designer brands on the market today. We also feature a full line of carpet for every room in your home by Dixie Home, along with Tuftex of California, two of the best carpet mills in the country.

Over the winter, we’ve tripled the amount of tile and hardwood featured in our showroom, so chances are you’ll find everything you need right here. Of course, all of our products are sold with installation available, always by seasoned professionals.

Need window treatments? Masters Touch features Hunter Douglas and Light Vue brands of premium blinds, and our designers will gladly assist with the design and installation of custom window treatments for every room in your home.

So what’s the most exciting feature at the Masters Touch showroom? Our staff! Our team of professional designers are ready to serve you. Feel free to drop in, or better yet call ahead and schedule a one-on-one appointment with the designer of your choice.

Whether you are considering building your new dream home, renovating part of your existing home, or planning to spruce up a few rooms, the best place to start is Masters Touch.

Everything you need and people you can trust.

Spring showroom hours:

Monday to Wednesday - 7 Am to 5 PM

Thursday - 7 AM to 8 PM

Friday - 7 AM to 2 PM

Saturday - 8 AM to 4 PM

Off hours by appointment for preferred customers.

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Brand New Specials From Masters Touch!

2012.03.01 05:29:27

Masters Touch Announces Brand New Specials!

1. “Room Re-Deux” Special: Make just one call for new carpet, paint, and blinds in three bedrooms for the low price of only $4,990. Price includes furniture moving, removal and disposal of old carpet and padding, installation of new padding and carpet, installation of up to six energy efficient honeycomb style room darkening blinds, and painting of ceiling, walls and trim. This is a great offer that we have never offered before, and who knows if we will offer it again! Stop in today to get signed up! Visit the store for more details.

2. Save 15% off all Tuftex carpet! Tuftex, Shaw Floors premier brand, is a California carpet manufacturer known for its innovative color, design, quality and care for the environment. For this month only, Masters Touch is offering 15% off Tuftex goods. This luxurious carpet will make you feel like royalty when you step out of bed and onto this soft carpeting. Come to Masters Touch to see the wide variety of styles and colors right here in our showroom! For more information on Tuftex, click here! http://shawfloors.com/Tuftex/Tips-Tuftex/About-Tuftex

3. There are so many reasons to use quartz countertops, including its sustainability, its inherent anti-microbial qualities, and its durability. Now, there is yet another reason. For a limited time, Masters Touch is offering Caesarstone Quartz Countertops for an unbelievable 20% off! This is a great offer that you are going to want to take advantage of. Our showroom has samples of several of the most popular colors and styles. Stop by to learn more, or visit Caesarstone’s website at http://www.caesarstoneus.com/

4. Carole Custom Window Treatments Sale! Save 20% on your new custom window treatments and/or bedding ensemble. Come into the Showroom and select from our extensive collection of Carole fabrics and trims. We’ll help you choose an appropriate style of window treatment and/or bedding arrangement and coordinate the entire look! We’ll take 20% off of your order (order must be at least $700). Each piece is custom made for your home – and, there is a difference! Your home is worth it! http://www.carolefabrics.com/custom/

5. 20% Thibaut Wallpaper Sale! Come in and see Thibaut’s latest wallpapers – fresh, new patterns and colors! Take 20% off of your order (6-roll minimum). Beautiful, exclusive designs with coordinating fabrics. http://www.thibautdesign.com/collection/latest_collections.php

6. 15% off Fabricut Fabrics and Trims! Come in and see the new Spring Collection of fabrics and trims from Fabricut. Drapery fabrics, linens, cottons, upholstery fabrics and sheers – all just in! The colors are gorgeous too: prints, checks, stripes, solids and textures. And, you can take an extra 15% off your order, through March! http://fabricut.com/

Take advantage of these specials while you can!

Doug

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New Home Improvement Ideas From Masters Touch

2012.02.19 02:21:49

Technology Makes Home Improvement And Design Better!

A few years ago, my Dad called because he felt it was time to remodel his vintage 1972 kitchen. I remember the classic avocado colored refrigerator, and when 1980 rolled in, he splurged to have it painted a golden yellow. Other than that though, my Dad is like a lot of people. If you don’t keep up with the times, you’ll become set in your ways.

Over a cup of coffee, we discussed Dad’s big plans for the kitchen. I quietly suggested some recessed lights and perhaps some under cabinet lighting. You could have heard a pin drop. "I’ve had the circular fluorescent light for 30 years," he said. "Why would I ever want to replace it?"

So we built the new kitchen around the buzzing old light, but at least we were able to sneak in quartz counter tops, triple pane windows, and then we topped it all off with a great paint job using the latest and greatest paint.

It’s amazing how far we’ve come the last few decades. Every year wonderful new home improvement products are unveiled, adding countless hues and textures to make your world a more efficient and colorful one.

Here’s a look at some great products that you can have in your home right now. While some of these have been out for a while, they’re still worth a look. Be sure to check out these and many other great new offerings before you plan any type of home improvement project.

Counter Tops

After decades of Formica and then Corian, the last 20 years has seen an explosion in counter top choices. Granite, one of the best values, is now available in hundreds of colors. Years ago, most fabricators offered about a dozen colors at the most. Now, there’s also a plethora of fabricated materials that can eclipse granite in some performance characteristics, and offer bold new colors and looks never before possible.

Paint

As oil based paints continue to be phased out to reduce harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that are emitted as they are manufactured or as they dry, 40 years of research and development into water-based products has really paid off. Interior and exterior paints and stains are better than ever, with bold color lines and incredible durability and easy to clean finishes. A quick tip, watch out for "Lifetime" coatings, especially for exterior applications. Believe me, many companies pitching these products also have a bridge to sell you.

Vinyl Floors

We’ve come a long way from the basic vinyl tiles and sheet goods so popular from the 1950s through the 1980s. Today’s luxury vinyl tile is so realistic, you have to touch it to realize it’s not real tile or wood. Digital technology and enhanced manufacturing processes have made these products a popular choice for kitchens in some of the finest homes in the area.

Lighting

Lighting technology seems to be advancing as fast as computers. Every time I visit a lighting shop I’m amazed at the extent of products available and marvel at the advances being made with energy efficient lighting. LED lights are coming on strong and are now being used for practically any type of light you many need in your home. A simple upgrade you can do in your home now is to replace all the incandescent bulbs in your recessed lights with LED bulbs. You will go from 65 watts or more down to about 15 and get a lot more light!

Blinds And Soft Window Treatments

In 1985, metal "mini" blinds were king. Today, there are dozens of varieties of window blinds, with something for almost every home décor. Many of the cellular or "honeycomb" style shades are room darkening and are extremely energy efficient, keeping heat out during the summer and in during the winter. Most products are a lot safer today as well, with chords designed to protect young children from choking hazards. A tip for the ladies – bring your husband into the design shop and show him the blinds that open and close with a remote control. You are guaranteed to get the one you want.

Tile

We all know it and love it – pink, green, or blue gloss tile, 4" square. It adorns the walls of many homes in the area. It’s a tribute to decades of a lack of selection. However, visit any tile design shop today and you will be amazed at the variety. From stone tile called "river rock", which is great for a shower floor, to shimmering glass tile for the bathroom walls or kitchen back splash, there’s something for everyone.

Audio Visual Systems And Home Automation

This technology is more affordable than ever. Just 10 years ago, flat panel televisions were over $10,000. Now, they are priced right and have incredible picture quality. Coupled with a blue ray player and a good stereo, anyone can have a high definition movie theater experience right at home. Better yet, you can integrate the mechanical systems and alarm into a slick package and run everything from your Ipad or Iphone. You’ll be able to control heating, lighting, window treatments, your audio visual system and your alarm from anywhere in the world. Now that’s incredible!

These products are just the tip of the iceberg. Virtually anything you will need, whether you’re doing the work yourself, or hiring a professional, is going to be a vastly superior product from what you have now or what you may have used the last time you remodeled. Make sure you set aside time to learn about all the latest products before you start any project, and you will be enjoying your new improved, color and greener home before you know it.

Doug

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Masters Touch Looks To The Future With New Computer Database

2012.02.07 05:00:25

We’ve just finished upgrading our database software. It was no easy task, as we have accumulated over 10,000 contacts, tens of thousands of attachments such as excel files, word documents, and over a hundred thousand archived emails!

Amazingly, as technological innovations march onward, sometimes the old way is good enough. Our fancy new data base can do all sorts of tricks the old one couldn’t, but it’s a real memory hog and tends to run slower than the old one. As quickly as the speed and memory of computers improves, software developers gobble up all the processing power with powerful programs that do the same thing the old ones did.

But, after a few false starts, it looks like we’ve finally got the new system up and running. As I was going through this process, I was constantly reminded about how important good customer service is, and how upsetting bad customer service is! Calling the technical support lines was a crap shoot. Sometimes a great person would be on the line, and then sometimes a real grouch would answer who really had no interest in helping me solve my problems. As I reflect on that, I’m more focused than ever on ensuring that every single member of the Masters Touch team loves their job, loves being part of a great company, and loves delivering nothing but the best service and quality.

I greatly appreciate the feedback, both positive and negative, that many of our clients give us. Good feedback helps us enhance areas where we’re already strong and subsequently force us to focus on areas that need improvement. Sometimes, an unvarnished opinion can be a bitter pill to swallow, but I look at every situation as a chance to learn and improve, and hopefully eliminate future mistakes.

Doug

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Masters Touch Congratulates The New England Patriots On Their AFC Championship Victory!

2012.01.24 04:51:35

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

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Masters Touch Helps You Select The Perfect Paint Color

2012.01.18 05:38:06

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

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admin

Masters Touch Schedule Already Filling Up!

2012.01.13 05:17:57

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

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admin

Masters Touch Helps You Select The Perfect Paint Color

2012.01.09 01:29:52

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

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