Learn the Lingo – Cerused Wood

Cerused Wood

There is a design trend showing up in those “Top 10 Trends for 2017” posts – Cerused Wood. Today we’re talking about what it is and it’s history.

A variety of colored waxes are available to consumers today.

Cerused wood isn’t a type of wood, it is a treatment applied to wood. Starting with the french in the 1500’s, the ceruse finishing technique was originally implemented to prevent wooden beams from rotting. Wood would be treated with a paste derived from lead; this paste would be used to fill in the grain in wooden beams and paneling, protecting the wood and contrasting the wood grain against the rest of the surface of the wood.

The ceruse finish is often applied to oak because characteristically oak has an open grain. Other hardwoods, such as ash, can make good options when looking for lumber to be treated.
Today lead based paint is no longer used to achieve cerused wood’s distinct appearance. Instead consumers can choose from nontoxic waxes that come in a variety of colors. If you love the look of cerused wood, but don’t want to use wood, large format tiles are available that will capture the the appearance you are looking for – a great option for bathrooms.

Learn the Lingo : Internet of Things

Internet of things

Do you know what the internet of things (IoT) is, or what it has to do with your house? Today we are giving you a very brief overview of the IoT and the impact of it on homeowners.

 

The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of of devices that connect to the internet and to each other. Everything from smart appliances, wearable devices, smartphones, headphones, smart plugs and more can be considered parts of the IoT.

 

What is great about some of the new automation technology coming to market, is that they don’t require you to dump your old “dumb” appliance. There are products available that will allow you to retrofit the hardware you already have available.

 

For example, look at the Roost Smart Battery for smoke detectors. This wifi enabled battery will allow you to get updates from your alarm while you’re away, monitor battery life and snooze those false alarms- great if you are prone to forgetting things in the oven. Other products like smart plugs allow you to control whatever is plugged into it from your phone.

 

While this is a very exciting time for home automation technology, it is also a time where we are still trying to figure out how this technology will effect our daily lives. Many have asked “how secure are these devices?”, they are after all, linked up to the internet. How might others use these convenience devices to disrupt your life?
One this is pretty clear, home automation technology is here to stay. Whether or not you choose to jump on the bandwagon right away is up to you. Look to see more news regarding IoT devices, security and legal issues that arise due to their usage in 2017.

Project Spotlight: A More Efficient and Beautiful Space for a Busy Local Medical Practice

Medical Office Renovations -waiting room

This Project Spotlight takes us into a different kind of renovation; one that calls for innovation, close attention to detail, and specialized construction. Today we’ll look behind the scenes of the remodel of a busy local medical practice, and how Schrader and Company was able to transform the space into a brighter, more appealing, and more efficient office for both doctors and patients.

The fundamental considerations when undertaking this project were two-fold. This busy office needed to be able to function at normal patient volume and maintain a professional and pleasant environment during the construction. And strict attention must be paid to keeping all areas clean and sanitary. These challenges were addressed with careful phasing, exceptional dust protection and noise control, good communication with office staff, and some overnight work on behalf of the Schrader field crew.

This unique renovation allowed for Schrader’s famous custom cabinetry to shine. President Ben Cangeleri explains, “Most of the innovation came through the ability to provide truly custom cabinetry.  A feature as simple as creating a hold in a door and installing an attractive ring allows for the physicians to access the garbage can without touching a door handle, which helps maintain the safety and sanitation standards that our client was looking for. Additional openings in the cabinets were created for easy access to this practice’s most commonly used instruments.  And of course all of the materials that were used meet the chemical requirements for a lab and exam room.”

The waiting room was also given an updated look, specifically designed to be more aesthetically appealing.  A carefully constructed space with thoughtful design communicates so much to anyone who enters it, and this is especially important when it comes to places of essential, and sometimes nervous-making, business. The new clean and inviting waiting and examination rooms instill a sense of calm and comfort in patients.

The clients were thrilled with the beautiful renovation, and the redesign resulted in increased office efficiency and a better patient experience.

Winter Home Care Tips – Check Your Sump Pump

sump pump

It can be easy to forget about your home’s sump pump, and that can lead to potential problems down the line. Luckily checking your home’s sump pump is easy.

It is very important that you check your sump pump before a potential rainy/wet season or after a long dry season (like the last few months here in the capital district). You can always check the owner’s manual for instructions specific you your sump pump model. Most sump pumps can be checked by pouring water into the hole where your sump pump is located. If your sump pump is functioning it should turn on after a few gallons of water have been poured in. 

In addition to to checking the sump pump check the basin for any debris that may have fallen in over the course of time. Removing debris from your sump pump basin will help it run efficiently and prolong the life of the sump pump.