Month: March 2017

Spring Checkup – foundation vents

It may not feel quite like Spring yet in the capital region, but don’t let that fool you. Now is the time to start looking around the exterior of your home for any damage that may have happened during the Winter. We’re welcoming the arrival of spring by clearing and checking the foundation vents around your home.

If your home has a crawl space there are vents in your foundation. Vents allow air to circulate in the crawlspace, helping to avoid the buildup of excess moisture which could lead to mold growth.

When inspecting the vents in your foundation you first want to clear the vent of any debris that may have accumulated during the winter, after all, air can’t circulate if the vent is obstructed.

After clearing your vent check to ensure that the screen on your vent is still intact. Wild animals think that your crawlspace is the ideal place to set up camp for the winter. The screen on your vents SHOULD deter the little critters, but a damaged screen will do you very little good. Small animals, such as mice, can fit through holes as small as the diameter of a pencil, so make sure to do a thorough inspection.

A Room with a View: A Modern Kitchen Update Takes Advantage of a Beautiful Setting

The best design is that which works with a home’s environment. When structure and setting come together cohesively, both are made better for it. A renovation can give us the opportunity to make the most of a home’s surroundings, as illustrated beautifully in this Project Spotlight, in which a kitchen undergoes a modern transformation and the most is made of incredible views of Ballston Lake.

For this project, the clients wanted to update their kitchen to reflect a more modern aesthetic and to make the feel of the space light, bright, and open to their beautiful vista of the lake. The coveted feature of a two-sided fireplace bisecting the kitchen and living area was already in place, but needed renovating to match the client’s contemporary vision.

In the kitchen itself, some features were completely replaced, while some pre-existing aspects were reworked to fit in with the new vision. The new kitchen island was positioned in a different location than the old one, but the original tile flooring was able to remain, as the client had enough leftover tiles to infill at the former island location. The new island cabinetry was positioned to align with the existing feature tiles.

Speaking of that kitchen island, it includes a built-in table and a three inch Miter Fold edge profile on a Cambria quartz countertop. Together, the results are spectacular.

In order to take full advantage of the home’s winning views of Ballston Lake, the existing casement window over the sink was replaced with an awning style window. The new unobstructed view of the lake is a major improvement, and brings the outdoors in for the owners on a daily basis.

The standout feature of the two-sided fireplace was also beautifully improved. Stacked stone was used from floor to ceiling, and a floating mantel completed the clean, modern look.

Project Planner John Hudson gives credit to the clients for helping to make this renovation such a success. “The owners attention to detail and our ability to create the beautiful, modern look that they described really sets this project apart.”

Learn the Lingo – Hygge

It was big in 2016, and it looks like it will be here to stay for 2017, it’s Hygge!

…What is “Hygge”?

The Danes used the word “hygge” to describe a feeling or mood that comes from taking pleasure in everyday moments. Hygge can be described as creating an intimate, cozy, and relaxed environment where you can take time to savor the smallest special moments.

In terms of design, the concept of hygge has translated into fireplaces, warm thick blankets, soft lighting and varying shades of white.

Oh, and one last thing in case you were wondering – it’s pronounced “hue-guh”.

learn the lingo

Congratulations on 40 Years, Robert Page

Last week we came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of an employee whose craftsmanship, talent, work ethic and dedication have been such an integral part of Schrader and Company’s history and success.

Robert Page joined the company in 1977. It was his first job after graduating from high school, and decades later, it still is. As our cabinet designer and shop manager, Robert’s hand has touched hundreds of projects that have bettered and beautified the homes of clients across the capital region. His precision and cabinetmaking skills are unparalleled in our industry and we count ourselves very lucky to have his expertise in our ranks.

Four decades of commitment to one company speaks to the steadfast character and loyalty of Robert, which is as much a part of his value as his singular shop skills.

Thank you, Robert, for these many years of hard work, friendship, and artistry. We hope you enjoy your getaway to the Lake Placid Lodge!

Cabinetry Built to Last: The Proof is in the Pudding

There are many things that Schrader and Company Construction Services is known for in the capital region community, and one of them is the beauty, durability and unparalleled quality of their custom cabinetry.

Fabricated right here in Burnt Hills, NY, each Schrader custom cabinet is created using the best procedures, techniques, and designs under the supervision of Cabinet Designer/Shop Production Manager Robert Page, who has been designing and fabricating cabinets with the company since 1977.

Robert explains how the cabinets are built with an eye to longevity as well as aesthetics. “We make sure our cabinets have an unmatched finish, using the best available products and procedures. Thicker coatings are applied during the finishing process, and the actual finishes used are the best on the market. Only the best and most reliable hardware (moving parts) is used. The hinges, slides, etc., are all built, tested and proven to last a lifetime.”

As far customizing the cabinetry to the client’s design ideals and specific usage needs, the possibilities are virtually endless. There are myriad options available in terms of light rails, fascia, and crown moulding, and countless interior accessories for convenience of use.

Dovetail drawers and soft close hinges are all standard for Schrader cabinetry, and when the casework is always fabricated in our facility, it enables the crew to have remarkable quality control.

“Exceptional installation of the cabinets, trim and accessories is the last responsibility when considering high quality cabinets. A great installation will give great cabinets that wow factor,” says Robert.

But a picture is worth a thousand words, and the below photographs are the perfect illustration of why it pays to invest in quality cabinetry in a room that must withstand as much wear and tear as the home kitchen.

On the left is a picture of very low grade, poor quality cabinets, installed 1999. They are de-laminating falling apart and in dire need of replacement. Pictured on the right are high quality Schrader cabinets, installed 1995, still holding up beautifully over time, and functioning perfectly for the owners.

Which would you rather have in your home?

Month: March 2017

kitchen after remodel