New Year, New Goals

Happy 2018!

We hope you enjoyed a peaceful and happy holiday season.

As you celebrate the sense of renewal and resolution that always accompanies the beginning of a new year, we invite you to cast your eye about your home, and ask yourself what you might want to improve or create in the coming year.

The post-holiday quiet is the perfect time to reflect and ask these questions about your house:

    • If you cooked the big holiday meal or baked the December days away, did your kitchen work for you?
    • Would an improved use of that so important space make next year’s holidays run smoother?
    • Did you host out of town family or welcome the return of children and adult children under your roof?
    • Did you have enough space to comfortably accommodate your guests?
    • Did you feel proud and comfortable sharing your living room, bathrooms, and bedrooms with all who entered?
    • As you decked your halls both inside and out, did the reality match the cozy vision in your head?

Just as we embrace New Year’s goals and resolutions for our health and wellness, now is the perfect time to set real, concrete goals for your home. The long, cold days of winter keep us inside, and all too aware of the ways our home might function better for our families if we made some important and creative changes. Now is the perfect time to meet with a Schrader and Company craftsmen and discuss your hopes and dreams for your home.

So as you corral endless muddy boots,wet mittens and soggy snowpants in the coming months, think about what a custom mudroom could do for your family.

On days and nights when the bitter temperatures keep you housebound, consider if improved energy efficient windows and doors might keep your heating costs lower and your home warmer.

And while you whip up the healthy meals that will help you reach all your wellness goals, contemplate a gourmet kitchen with Schrader custom cabinetry. We have it on good authority that even kale tastes better when cooked in a kitchen you love.
As for us at Schrader and Company, our 2018 goal is the same as it has been since 1973–to continue to earn our clients’ trust and loyalty by providing the very best in quality remodeling and construction.

Our resolution is to make your home resolutions a reality.

Is there a difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?

grey hexagonal tiles as a kitchen backsplash

Both ceramic and porcelain are seen as the “go to” choice when it comes to tile materials and there are a lot of similarities between the two. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both are made from clay and other natural materials, then fired in a kiln, but there are certain factors that result in the differences between the two types of tile.

Great example of rectified porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are made from a clay that is more refined and purified than the clay used to make ceramic tiles. The tiles are then fired in the kiln at a greater pressure and higher temperature than ceramic tile is fired at. The result of this process is a leads a harder material with greater design flexibility than ceramic.

Tiles made from porcelain are offered in a large range of sizes because of it’s durability. The edges of porcelain tiles can be rectified, making it a perfect material choice for large format tiles.

What’s the difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer?

Many people use the terms “interior decorator” and “interior designer” interchangeably, but the two occupations are very different from each other.

An interior decorator will come into an already completed space and make it look aesthetically pleasing. An interior decorator is concerned about furnishing, textiles, colors, and textures within a room or space. Although there are many interior decorator courses and programs available, interior decorators are not required to complete any schooling.

An interior designer does more than help you look at swatches, their job is to make your space not only aesthetically pleasing, but functional as well.

Someone who has studied to become an interior designer will have a large set of skills and technical knowledge that they will bring to each and every job. Interior designers learn how to read blueprints, understand ADA requirements, structural requirements, and building codes. In addition to these areas of knowledge, interior designers will have spend time studying color, textiles and space planning. Will also learn 2d and 3d rendering programs.

An interior designer works with your contractor from the beginning of your project. They can anticipate what your needs will be in the future and incorporate design solutions into the project. For example, an interior designer will consider things such as natural and artificial lighting and how it affects the mood of the room. They will also give input as to where things such as electrical outlets will be placed in order to best suit the needs of their clients.

We hope you have found this informative, come back soon to find out how an interior designer can save you time and money on your next home project.

Announcing Our #schradercookingcontest!

Kitchen Remodel After Custom Cabinetry

As we say goodbye to summer, one of the things we start to look forward to is the indulgence of warm, fall food. The cooler weather beckons us into our kitchens to gather with family and friends and celebrate the harvest season with hearty, comforting dishes that help give us that cozy autumn feeling. So show us your favorite home cooked meal of the season, and you could win two tickets to an upcoming fall cooking class of your choosing with Mazzone Hospitality!

To enter:
1. Like and follow us on Instagram or Facebook (or both!)
2. Post a photo of your favorite fall meal on either platform using the hashtag #schradercookingcontest
3. Tag a friend who might also like to participate

This photo must depict a dish prepared by the poster! And be sure to tag @schraderandcompanyinc in your submission. The contest will run for two weeks, from September 18 to October 2. We will vote in the office on the final day and choose the winner!

Meet Brooke Stollery, Schrader and Company, Inc. Interior Designer

We have an exciting new addition to our Schrader and Company team. Meet Brooke Stollery, our new in-house interior designer. We sat down with Brooke to discuss her career path and passion for interior design, and what she brings to the table for us as a company, and for you, our valued clients.

Why did you enter into interior design?

I chose interior design around my sophomore year in high school. For a while, all I knew was that I wanted to do something with design, (I quickly ruled out fashion design after a bad experience with a sewing machine). I have always been around construction and renovations because my parents flip houses into apartments. I think I was probably 16 or 17 when I realized I wanted to create spaces. When I got to Cazenovia College and began the interior design program it was just a huge confirmation that I had chosen the right career path. I think, for me, that interior design is the perfect combination of helping people and creating something beautiful.

What is the most important part of the service you provide? To put it another way, what problems do you solve for clients by being part of their project?

I think the biggest part of an interior designer’s job is making sure that the spaces you create are functional and accessible. There is a huge difference between creating something pretty and creating something that actually works, and I think interior designers are often overlooked for how important our role can be. Space planning is so much more than choosing a tile or a countertop. I think it is so important that everything we create should be just as functional as it may be aesthetically pleasing.

What aspect of your work most excites and/or challenges you?

I have always been a problem solver, so I think space planning is my biggest challenge and my biggest thrill. It’s like solving a hard puzzle when you figure out a design for a challenging or small space. I would never want to give up on providing someone with a better design just because it may be tough to figure out. Another exciting part of working for a construction company is that you get to see your projects from start to finish. A lot of designers may never get to see their work completed in person, so it’s really amazing that I will have that opportunity.

What are you most looking forward to about being part of the Schrader and Company team?

Along with being part of their projects from start to finish and seeing how things improve and come together in the end, I am so excited to be a part of a team who truly cares about their clients. There is no cutting any corners at Schrader and Company, if they’re going to do a project, they’re going to do it the best and with all options considered. Everyone here is extremely hardworking and that is very encouraging to me.

You can learn more about Brooke by visiting our “Meet the Team” page on our website, or stop by the showroom and say hello in person!

Learn The Lingo – Gambrel Roof

You’ve probably seen at least one gambrel roof at some point in your life, but you may not know its name.

The gambrel roof, is sometimes called a “barn roof” or a “Dutch roof”, and there are many examples of this style of roof all up and down the Hudson Valley.

This type of roof is a two sided roof, where each side of the roof has two slopes. Starting at the top of the roof, the first slope is fairly shallow, the second, lower slope is fairly steep.

A gambrel roof has its advantages. The slope of the roof allows for more head room in the top level of the home, as well as shortening what would otherwise be a tall roof.

Gambrel roofs are not a good choice for those with homes in areas subject to strong winds and heavy snowfalls.

The word “Gambrel” comes from the medieval Latin word gamba, which translates to a horse’s hock. Can you see where it comes from?

What are the best materials for outdoor kitchens?

We’ve talked about what you should consider before beginning your outdoor kitchen project. Today we’re talking about the best materials for you to use in your outdoor kitchen.

An outdoor kitchen in upstate New York is going have to hold up to our winter weather, the freeze and thaw cycles of spring and fall, and summer heat. In addition to being able to weather the elements, materials should be able to withstand high temperatures from the grill, be easy to clean up spills, and withstand general kitchen abuses.

Countertops –

Avoid porous countertop materials such as limestone in favor of materials such as a cultured granite with UV stabilizers. Granite should still be sealed on a regular basis to keep the countertops looking fresh and new.

Other suitable options for outdoor countertops include marble and stainless steel.

Engineered countertops and quartz countertops are not suitable for outdoor kitchens.

Cabinets –

Stainless steel is a great choice for outdoor kitchen cabinets. Good stainless steel cabinets should be rigid, and have welded corners for structural stability.

If you love the look of wood, consider teak cabinets. Teak wood is known for its natural resistance to rot and decay. Cabinets made from teak will still require regular maintenance (sealing with a waterproof finish) to keep it looking it’s best.

Cabinets made from marine grade polymer make for a quick and easy clean up. Marine grade polymer cabinets are water tight so you can just hose down your kitchen space if needed.

Floor–

If you outdoor kitchen is not being built on a pre-existing patio area you’ll need to pick out a durable flooring material. Just like the kitchen inside your home, expect that the flooring will be heavily trafficked and abused (falling pots, food spills etc.).

With that in mind Natural stone like slate, sandstone, marble are great options for outdoor kitchen flooring, but keep in mind they may absorb oil and stain.

Concrete is another great flooring option, to prevent cracking from out freeze thaw cycles look for a formula that has an additive base that will help the concrete withstand temp changes without becoming damaged.

Thinking about getting an outdoor kitchen?

Outdoor kitchens are showing up everywhere now. Before you jump on the trend here are three questions to ask yourself.

Do you have the space?

Even if you already have a deck or patio attached to your home, you may have to make some changes to accommodate your new kitchen. Your current deck may require additional support in order to hold the weight of the outdoor kitchen island. You may also need to build out from your current deck to make room for the kitchen, do you have the space on your property for that? Can you build upwards easily in order to create a shelter from the weather?

What features are you looking for?

Outdoor kitchens run the gamut from the most basic of basic to the all out outrageous. So what do you want in your kitchen (and don’t forget it all adds up!). At minimum an outdoor kitchen should have some sort of work surface, a grill, and a gas line if needed.

An outdoor sink isn’t necessary, but it can be very convenient. However Installing an outdoor sink can become expensive depending on your water lines. Would you be able to make due without a sink or is a must have?

Outdoor fireplaces, smokers, pizza ovens, tiki bar, your imagination (and budget) is the limit when it comes to building your outdoor kitchen. Which brings us to our next question…

How often will you use it?

Are you already a grilling enthusiast? Does your family love to dine al fresco? Chances are an outdoor kitchen would be a great investment for your home and lifestyle. If you’ve never grilled before and you cringe at the idea of sharing your eating space with bugs and all things creepy crawly, it would be a good idea to hold off on adding an outdoor kitchen to your home.

While the outdoor kitchen is becoming more and more popular, the addition of an outdoor kitchen may not boost your home value as much as other home renovations might.

Summer time is a great time for these projects

Warm rays of the sun, cool breezes, the smell of flowers in the air, it could only mean one thing. That’s right summer is just about here in the Capital Region, and we’re sharing some of the best projects to begin now that the threat of snow and frost has passed.

Replacing windows

Windows can be replaced anytime, but who wants to install a bay window in the middle of January? Replacing your windows with more efficient windows in the summer months can also help keep your utility bills down.

Kitchen Remodeling and Renovations

Kitchen projects can become tiresome pretty quickly, especially if you prefer home cooking over take out. Luckily you can still enjoy a home cooked meal without use of your stove during these warm months. Go ahead and brush up on your grill skills while your kitchen is temporarily out of service. Cooking outside during the summer is also a great way to keep your home cool!

Adding a Deck

The outdoors are where it’s at during the summer months, which is why adding a deck or patio to your home is one of the best summer projects. Adding a deck or patio can be a quick project if you’re prepared and have someone knowledgeable doing the job, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your new addition.

Protect Your Patio From Ticks

We had a fairly mild winter here in the capital region, and because of that it is predicted that we will be dealing with an influx of ticks this year. Now, don’t let that ruin your backyard activities this summer. We’re here to share a few tips to keep ticks at bay naturally so you can enjoy the warm weather.

Clear brush and tall grasses around your home.

Ticks do not jump or fly, instead they wait on tall grasses, brush, and leaf matter for a potential host to pass through the area. Clearing out areas of overgrowth will lower the chances of you coming into contact with ticks in your backyard. Keep your lawn mowed and your yard free of leaf debris throughout the season to deter ticks from hanging out on your property.

Create a mulch barrier

Here’s a fun fact, ticks do not like to cross mulch and gravel, they find both materials to be irritating. You can use this to your advantage and create a barrier around your property line. If your backyard is adjacent to a wooded area, you’ll want to create a three foot wide barrier between the treeline and your lawn

Keep woodpiles stacked nicely and away from shade

Chrysanthemums

Tick thrive in moist shady areas, don’t let your woodpile look like a four star hotel. Keep it stacked neatly and in a sunny area if possible.


Repel with plants

There are a few plants that are useful in repelling ticks, these would make a great addition to your mulch barrier, or to planters kept on your patio. These plants include: Mint, Lemongrass, Thyme, Rosemary, Garlic, Chrysanthemums, Fleabane Daisies, and Mexican Marigolds.

 

We hope that you are able to implement some of these anti-tick tips in your own backyard. Of course, don’t forget to check regularly for ticks on yourself, and especially on children and pets. A little bit of prevention and vigilance can go a long way when protecting you and your loved ones from ticks.