Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.1.1, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # J.R. LeFaivre Construction | Maryland Remodeling & Design-Build Contractor J.R. LeFaivre Construction Company is a Maryland remodeling contractor specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, sunrooms, and whole-home renovations with quality craftsmanship since 1976. ## Posts ### [Vinyl Offer](https://lefaivre.com/vinyl-offer/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** ## Remodeling magazine ### *Writer: Jim Cory* Matt LeFaivre, of LeFaivre Construction, in Taneytown, Md., is “a vinyl guy.” That means, he says, that “I specify vinyl exclusively unless something else is requested.” And from the manufacturer whose products he uses, LeFaivre says he wants “things that we consider standard.” For instance, argon gas between panes, low-e coating, and vinyl construction with multiple air chambers to reduce heat transfer. Not everyone is that gung-ho about vinyl windows. Minneapolis remodeler Marty Schirber, owner of Castle Building & Remodeling, almost never specifies vinyl. The last time it happened, Schirber was remodeling a garage into living space and the client wanted a particular brand of triple-glazed, krypton-filled windows. “I had to call around and ask who sold them,” he says. Most of the windows Schirber installs are wood double-hungs on big, older homes. Because he aims to match existing, vinyl’s not a consideration. Ditto for Cindy Knutson-Lycholat, owner of Knutson Brothers II, in East Troy, Wis. “We’re very wood-oriented,” she says. Knutson-Lycholat restricts her use of vinyl windows to situations where, for instance, a client is converting a screened porch to windows or adding a room for a hot tub. “We do them where there’s an unheated room that somebody wants no maintenance for,” she says. #### **Weighing the Pros and the Cons** Philadelphia remodeler Ed Finkle takes a different tack. “All the replacement windows I use are vinyl, unless the client really wants wood.” He, like other contractors, cites the pliability of vinyl and its imperviousness to moisture as major reasons. Unlike wood, vinyl doesn’t shrink or swell with changes in humidity, so callback problems are minimized. To fill both window and storm door needs, Finkle uses a local manufacturer called Northeast Building Products for three reasons: quality, availability, and breadth of selection. The windows are av ailable in three distinct price/quality levels, and Northeast Building Products guarantees they’ll be ready in 10 days, though Finkle says the company will “usually call within four or five days” to schedule a pickup. Rapid turnaround is a must for manufacturers and suppliers of vinyl turers and suppliers of vinyl windows. “From our standpoint, service is the optimal thing,” LeFaivre says. One big reason he picked his current product line over another three years ago was the manufacturer’s ability to deliver in half the time. “If I order it on Wednesday afternoon, I have it one week later, or less.” That compares with three to four weeks for custom wood widows. If, for instance, wood windows are specified as part of the materials package for a kitchen job, “I order them when I order the cabinets,” LeFaivre says. #### **No Ifs, Ands, or Buts** What general contractors find when competing against window replacement companies for vinyl window installation is that solid warranties — that is, the promise of worry-free windows — are a strong selling tool. For instance, another factor that sold LeFaivre on his current supplier was that company’s “clear-cut, lifetime warranty — no ifs, ands, or buts replacement.” He combines it with a warranty, offered by the product’s distributor, on glass breakage. “So customers get two warranty papers,” LeFaivre says. “One for the window, and one for lifetime glass breakage, through our suppliers.” LeFaivre says offering the two warranties gives him an advantage, “because sometimes we’re going up against big window replacement guys, and we need anything we can to separate ourselves.” In three years, he has yet to get a call on the glass breakage warranty. *For more product information, visit [ebuild.com](http://www.ebuild.com), Hanley Wood’s interactive product catalog.* **Categories:** In The Press --- ### [Gifting the Next Generation](https://lefaivre.com/next-generation/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** ## Remodeling magazine For Jim LeFaivre, 55, there was never any question as to who would take over J.R. LeFaivre Construction Co.: It would be his son, Matt, 27. Matt proved himself a worthy partner over the past seven years, doubling sales from $900,000 to $1.8 million. Jim LeFaivre invested well for his own retirement, putting money into mutual funds and real estate, without hurting the business. “I don’t want Matt burdened with paying me whatever the business would be worth on top of trying to make the business go,” LeFaivre says. The father and son have started transfer­ring responsibilities. This past year Matt’s taken over managing employees, as well as job scheduling. His father lets him make mistakes and discover new systems along the way. “He lets me go at my own pace,” Matt says. “If you plan early enough, you can take time to learn the correct way to run a business.” Jim works fewer days each week and lets his son assume the leadership role. (Jim LeFaivre’s will legally stipulates that Matt gets the business, should misfortune intervene with their plans.) They’ve hired a production manager, but Matt has managed some jobs, so he knows when one is produced correctly. They’ve also avoided the thorny issue of employees not respecting the next generation: Matt helped hire the employees who have joined the company over the past seven years and has made key personnel decisions. Jim says as his responsibilities decrease and his son’s increase, their salaries will be adjusted. The final transfer will be the fi­nancial workings of the business. When the transition is complete, they’ll draft legal papers. Jim has promised Matt he’ll be his consultant for life, a call away. But he may have trained his son so well that the phone never rings. **Categories:** In The Press --- ### [Warranty Wars: Who Pays?](https://lefaivre.com/warranty-wars/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** ## Remodeling magazine ### *Writer: Matthew LeFaivre* A few years ago, Michael Gervais, owner of Prime Construction in Burlington, Vt., was putting an addition on a house and was trying to match the color of the shingles for the new roof. It just so happened that the homeowner had saved half a bundle when the house had been roofed, eight years before. Odd, though, that the stored shingles were blue. The shingles on the roof were gray. Not only were they gray, but they were decomposing and falling off. Gervais found out that the shingle had been taken off the market due to continuous problems. Yet, when he sought to have the faulty product replaced under warranty, the manufacturer refused, citing flawed installation. “If you don’t follow their \[installation\] guidelines to the penny, they won’t make good on the warranty,” notes Gervais, who did not install the original roof. #### **Limited Warranties** Manufacturers of asphalt shingles offer various levels of warranty, from 20 years to so-called lifetime warranties. But what does that mean? Essentially, it means that manufacturers will replace their product if it’s proven defective and if the defect is in no way traceable to faulty installation. And even when they stand by the warranty, they often pay for just the product, not the new installation. “Most companies will not pay for the labor,” says Matt LeFaivre of J.R. LeFaivre Construction Co. in Taneytown, Md. “They’ll either do it themselves, or give you the materials and expect you to install it.” A little more than four years ago, LeFaivre’s company installed shingles as part of an addition and two years after that the contractor got a call. The shingles — which carried a 25-year warranty — were curling. “To this day, we don’t know what it was or why they did that,” LeFaivre says. In this case, the manufacturer replaced the shingles, installing the replacement product with its own reps. LeFaivre says that, worst case scenario, he would have replaced the shingles himself because, apart from manufacturer-supplied warranties on products such as appliances, his company guarantees its work for five years. #### **What’s Covered?** Most of the asphalt shingles Jim Lydon, of Lydon and Son on Nantucket, Mass., installs carry a 25 or 30 year warranty. The warranty covers defective product, but not the effect of natural disasters such as, for instance, a hurricane. So, in inclement weather, “if the shingle company plays hardball, they won’t cover the wind damage,” Lydon says. “They tell you to go to the homeowners.” They, in turn, go to their insurers. “All bets are off when the wind is blowing at 54 mph or higher,” says Lydon. **Categories:** In The Press --- ### [The Long Goodbye](https://lefaivre.com/long-goodbye/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** ## Remodeling magazine ### *Writer: Matthew LeFaivre* My dad, Jim LeFaivre, formally began the exit process in 1999 after he’d owned the J.R. LeFaivre Construction Co. for 23 years. But I believe he had a plan in mind long before he actually set things in motion. This began the long goodbye. I joined the company full time in 1996. My role grew gradually and at my own pace. I began in the field, moved into the office to computerize the company files, then pursued an interest in architecture and took AutoCAD classes. Although sales was not a major interest, I became intrigued after making several sales calls with my father. My first appointment was for a kitchen estimate. I sold the project on my second visit. I was very excited and wanted to learn more. As time went on, Dad taught me more about sales and customer relations by discussing scenarios and allowing me to figure out how to handle them. Then we’d discuss the pros and cons of the decision. #### **Selling the Sales** By directing me toward sales, Dad had given me the opportunity — without pressure — to take his business to a new level, a level set by my own goals. Feeling like a partner increased my drive and made me focus on being productive. Giving me this freedom was the most important thing my dad could have done. Our business revenues from 1997 to 1999 went from $450,000 to over $1 million. In 1999 we began discussing my father’s exit strategy. Dad asked if I wanted to take over the business when he was ready to retire, and I was excited about the opportunity. Although he had never forced any of his children to work in the business, it was his wish that one of the five of us would be interested in it. My sister Katie is our office manager. Within five years I will take complete control of our company. Even after 23 years in the business, Dad rarely took time off — maybe a week each year, if he was lucky. Since our plan has been in place, Dad has had time to pursue outside interests such as riding his Harley, hanging out on his boat, and spending time at his home near the Chesapeake Bay. He now works three or four days a week and spends many summer days on the water. Yet every year the business continues to grow in volume, and I continue to gain the skills necessary to keep it headed in that direction. The new kitchen and bath division I began in 1999 helped us increase our volume and profitability. I will continue to work on this area of the business. The actual exit strategy focuses on retirement income from rental properties and land, an IRA, and investment income from stocks; Dad will make time available for consulting after his retirement and ownership transfer. #### **Looking Ahead** We are now in the final five years of the 10-year plan. In the near future we will be promoting one of our lead carpenters to production manager to handle the ordering and day-to-day operations in the field. I will handle sales, marketing, and design. My long-term goal is to increase profitability. I’ve learned the value of properly implemented systems as a way of increasing productivity, profitability, and allowing me more time with my family. Working closely with my dad on his exit strategy has shown me one path that I may take with my own children. I hope that one of my three sons will take the reins from me when I am ready to settle down. I’ve learned not to pressure or push your children to do something they are not ready for, but I look forward to presenting the same opportunity to my sons and letting them decide if it is what they truly want. *—Matthew LeFaivre is president of J.R. LeFaivre Construction Co., in Taneytown, Md., and a member of the NAHB, NKBA, and HBAM (Home Builders Association of Maryland) Remodelors Council.* **Categories:** In The Press --- ### [Sold on Systems](https://lefaivre.com/sold-on-systems/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** ### Who wouldn’t like to gain the equivalent of an extra work day per week, speed up employee training, reduce mistakes increase sales and profits, sleep better and take two real vacations every year? Thanks to a 250-page three-ring binder on his desktop, Matt LeFaivre of J.R. LeFaivre Construction, Taneytown, MD, says he is enjoying all these good things. LeFaivre’s 250-page Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual, based on Turnkey System, does more than 20 custom management checklists. The checklists provide step-by-step procedures on to open the office in the morning, make bank deposits, handle telephone leads, do kitchen estimates, write up change orders, file job records and close up the office at night. To make a bank deposit, for example, there are eight specific steps to follow, including how to endorse a check, fill-out the deposit slip and record account numbers. The checklist for paying bills has 18 items covering things like the right way to get an approved list of invoices, how to locate checks and how to enter bills on the computer program. The SOP manual also covers estimating, design production. For kitchen estimates, for example, LeFaivre says checklists cover every phase of the project in a thorough and consistent manner: - A Pre-Estimate checklist ensures that complete information is recorded accurately during the first appointment to specify existing conditions, functional needs and design wants. - A Kitchen Estimate checklist nails down products and costs. - Once completed, the Kitchen Estimate checklist is so comprehensive that someone unfamiliar with the project can use it to develop the final specification document. - Using the accepted specification document, office staff can follow another checklist to produce the job contract. - Once the contract is signed, field staff use checklists for production steps and change-orders. If this all sounds like getting bogged down with too much paperwork, LeFaivre says the exact opposite is true. “Having a system in place is giving me the equivalent of one extra work day per week,” LeFaivre says. “Checklists cut out all the unnecessary things I used to have to do – like being tied up on the phone answering questions all day long. That’s time I need to be out in the field and on sales calls because we’ve never been busier. In recent months we’ve been doing about five estimates a week and closing 60 percent of them. “Checklists also let everyone in the company know exactly what to do, including our subs. They let me know that things were done, and if not, why not. There will always be human error, but a system puts an end to excuses and shows you areas for improvement.” #### **Sold on Systems: A logical progression** Moving to systems management was a natural step, LeFaivre says. His father, Jim LeFaivre, started the company 26 years ago when the former school teacher’s summer work grew into a full-time business. LeFaivre began helping on jobs when he was young. After attending Franciscan University, Stubbenville, OR, he worked full time in the field. In 1997, LeFaivre moved into the office to help his father expand business past the $500,000 mark. LeFaivre’s first step was to do a complete financial analysis. It showed greater opportunity, especially in kitchen remodels and additions, and sales and mar­keting were improved to target this work. The result has been steady growth. In 1998, the company did $1 million in gross sales. In 1999, they reached $1.2 million. This year they are projecting $1.5 million. But as the company began to grow, working together as a father-and-son team posed new chal­lenges. “Everything I was doing was on the computer, but Dad was doing stick estimates and hand-written con­tracts,” LeFaivre says. “Our concern was that if we didn’t get on the same wavelength we would get so busy that we would lose control. We were writing messages on sticky notes and scraps of paper.” When Jim LeFaivre heard about the Turnkey System at the Remodeling Success Systems Boot Camp in 1997, he advised his son to look into it. The compa­ny bought it from the Master Builder Group in 1998. “What 1 really like about the Turnkey System is that it’s easy to customize. You do have to make the time to customize it and put it into effect, but if you take the time the system will later reward you with more free time to do other things. #### **One step at a time** The Turnkey System provides management check­lists for administration, sales, marketing, estimating and production. Developed by David Lupberger, a remodeler and industry consultant, it can be imple­mented as is or customized. LeFaivre started by customizing the administrative section, the easiest to do, and the most critical in terms of saving him time. “There was not enough order in the company,” he says. “Getting administration organized saved me years of fooling around trying to figure out a system of my own. Now, anytime we have a problem every­one knows how to take care of it by going to the binder. More than 90 percent of questions can be answered through our manual. “The growth we’ve seen in the past two years would have taken five without a system in place. And we’re not only doing more work but we’re making more money.” #### **Implementing a system starts with commitment from the top (By Linda Francis)** Run Your Business so it Doesn’t Run You! The need for systems is a sign of success. When a remodeling business grows, adds people and multiplies the number of times something gets done, then new systems become essential for both profitability and sanity. However, a system by itself is no guarantee that the desired benefits will be gained. For a system to work, sup­port for implementation must come from the top. That means commitment to change is needed from the owner and managers. The first challenge to successful sys­tem development and implementation is finding the time. You need to commit at least an hour or two per week to develop your systems. No magic solutions here. As Nike so loudly exclaims, “Just Do It.” Commit to creating one system at a time until all are developed. Creating systems or customizing a program is a relatively easy process: - First, identify procedures you do repeatedly – Change orders, invoicing, estimating, purchasing, hiring, etc. - Next, prioritize the list in terms of frequency of occurrence, level of frustration, money lost or time wasted. - Now, in order of priority, pull together the people involved with an operation and have them dia­gram the current methodology. - Then, have them create or adopt a new system that works. Keep it as simple as possible. - Use the new system for a pre­determined period of time. - Once you have lived with the system for a while, modify and tweak it as needed. - Review all your systems regularly to make sure they still meet your needs. That’s the easy part of the process! Now comes the hardest part – imple­mentation. The four keys for implementing suc­cessful systems are - You have to let go. Most likely the new system has someone doing something you used to do. Work on your delegation skills and get out of the way. - Provide the necessary training. Just because your new system says that Charlie will do the change orders does not mean that Charlie knows how to do them. - Inspect what you expect. Check in regularly on how things are going until the new system becomes a habit. - You have to set the example. The worst offender for not following a system is usually the owner. Your leadership is critical. - Systems are a great way to improve quality, productivity and your personal sanity. As long as you know the results you need and the personal commitment required, the investment in time and costs is well worth it. *Linda Francis is a remodeling industry consultant and trainer, OR’s Staying Sane columnist, and author of Run Your Business So It Doesn’t Run You. She can be reached at Ifrancis@pacific.net.* After administration SOPs were in place, sales and marketing were done next. For LeFaivre, this meant simply refining and codifying the changes they had already put into place. Implementing SOP checklists for pro­duction has been the most difficult because the work done is so diverse, LeFaivre says. One challenge is that pro­duction checklists don’t apply to every job. Kitchens are so unique that LeFaivre developed some separate checklists for them. He is also considering creating sep­arate checklists for baths. Despite the difficulties with production checklists, they tell employees and subs exactly what to do on each job. Checklists are included in field job folders and employees and subs are required to check off, sign and date the forms as the work is completed. This provides a management tool for LeFaivre to review jobs and iden­tify areas for improvement if there were any problems. LeFaivre also wrote a section for the manual to cover company personnel poli­cies, and has developed or revised busi­ness forms. Customization and expansion of the original SOP manual has increased its pages from 174 to dose to 250. LeFaivre doubts that there is much value in going beyond this point. “You can only do so much,” he says. “The possibilities of a system are endless, but you have to be careful because you could go crazy and get to the point where it’s no longer useful. At the same time you have to keep on your system. When we started this I thought we’d get our SOPs in place and that would be it. But you have to constantly manage your system. Your system will run your company, but you have to run your system.” Matt LeFaivre can be reached at lejaivre@qis.net. For information about the Turnkey System contact the Master Builder Group at (888) 818-6614 or at www.turnkeyprogram.com. **Categories:** In The Press --- ### [Market Wise](https://lefaivre.com/market-wise/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** When you do business in a small, close-knit, rural community like Taneytown, Md., you have to make sure to do it right. If you do, people will talk. And if you don’t, people will talk even more. That’s why the princi­pals at J.R. LeFaivre Construction Co. make sure the approximately 70 jobs they do per year are everything their clientele expects. Jim LeFaivre, who runs the business with wife, Patty, son, Matt and sister,office manager Katie Reed, also knows that when your employees are happy, it ex­tends to your clients. To that end, his company has instituted an employee­ retention program that includes such benefits as a retirement program, health care coverage for employees and their families, a bonus program, and company vehicles. But what makes LeFaivre Construc­tion’s retention program truly stand out is the fact that they extend the program to their subcontractors-offering them education and help in running their businesses. “We know they have the skills in the trades,” Jim says. “So by helping them do well in business, we are assured of a steady stable of subs.” Full-service remodeling *40+ years in business* **Categories:** In The Press --- ### [7 Projects That Add Value to Your Home](https://lefaivre.com/home-improvement-projects-add-value/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** #### *by Forbes Magazine* ![A couple looking at home improvement projects on tablet.](https://lefaivre.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/7-home-improvements-featured.jpg) Many home improvement projects don’t add value to your home, especially in a down market. In fact, some improvements can even detract from the asking price when you decide to sell. On the other hand, some projects can add significant value to your home. So which home improvement projects should you invest in, and which projects should you avoid? Below are some helpful tips for home improvement projects that increase the value of your home, and home improvement projects to avoid altogether. Before we actually talk about the different home improvement projects you should or shouldn’t do, let talk about money. No matter if you want to make big or small changes to your home, you need to have a way to pay for them. You can either save up the cash or use the equity you have in your home by using a home equity line of credit through a company like Figure.com. ### 7 Home Improvement & Remodeling Ideas that Increase Home Value Many projects do add value to your home, and improve your family’s quality of life. By working on these projects now, you can enjoy the benefits and updates. If you make green upgrades, then you can also start recouping your investment in these green energy technologies once you complete the projects. Some home improvement projects that add value to a home include: ### 1. Remodeling the Kitchen Most people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home, and because of this, updates in this room pay off. According to [HGTV](https://www.hgtv.com/), you can expect to recoup 60%-120% of your investment on a [kitchen remodel](https://lefaivre.com/kitchens/), as long as you don’t go overboard. You should never make your kitchen fancier than the rest of the house, or the neighborhood. #### **Why You Shouldn’t Invest in a Deluxe Kitchen** For example, a historic home in my neighborhood has been on the market for more than two years. During the owner’s last open house, I went in to check it out, and immediately saw why the house hasn’t sold. The quaint Arts and Crafts style home was built in 1900 and has a lot of charm. Unfortunately, the homeowners had invested over $60,000 upgrading the kitchen. The enormous kitchen, easily the size of the living room, features appliances and countertops that might look more at home in a fancy restaurant kitchen. The style, size, and quality of the kitchen don’t fit in with the rest of the house, or the neighborhood. If you plan on selling your home within the next five years, keep potential buyers in mind before you start on any major remodel; many people won’t pay for a fancy, deluxe kitchen. #### **A Little Paint Goes a Long Way** When it comes to how much you spend on a kitchen remodel, prices can run the gamut, from $5,000 to $75,000, or more. Get the biggest bang for your buck on a kitchen remodel by looking at color. Fresh paint, in modern colors, can go a long way towards updating the look of your kitchen. Plus, paint is relatively cheap. You might want to consider using low-VOC paint; this makes your kitchen more eco-friendly, and helps your family avoid breathing in dangerous chemicals, like benzene, that off-gas from regular fresh paint. #### **Energy-Efficient Appliances** Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Energy Star-rated appliances are better for the environment, and they also help you save money, because they use less energy. Potential buyers often look for ways to save money when shopping for a new home. If you’re looking upgrade your appliances to save energy, learn more about the the best time of year to buy large appliances. ![Man creating home improvement project in kitchen.](https://lefaivre.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/energy-efficient-appliances.jpg) ### 2. Bathroom Addition If your home only has one bathroom, you can recoup a large chunk of your investment by adding another one. HGTV estimates that you can recoup 80%-130% of whatever you spend adding a bathroom. When it comes to finding room in your house for an extra bathroom, take a look at any extra rooms or underutilized spaces. Consider other spaces, such as closets or areas under the stairs, too. If you want a half-bath you need at least 18 square feet. If you want a full bath, including a stand-up shower, you need at least 30 square feet. If you want a bathtub, make sure you have at least 35 square feet to work with for a bathroom addition. See these bathroom design and remodeling ideas to get you started. Like any project, the cost of [adding a bathroom](https://lefaivre.com/bathrooms/) depends largely on the types of additions and accessories you want to use, and the cost of each of these items. You can save money by frequently checking Lowe’s and Home Depot; they often drastically reduce prices on sinks and toilets that have been floor models. You can also find great prices on tubs, doors, toilets, and fixtures if you shop at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. ### 3. Reinventing a Room Adding more square footage to your home with a new room can be an incredibly expensive project. Although you can recoup some of your investment, anywhere from 50%-83%, this project’s costs can quickly spin wildly out of control. Just turn on any of those home remodeling TV shows; projects that start off with a $15,000 budget quickly turn into $30,000 or more when homeowners and contractors run into unexpected problems. Reinvent the existing space in your home to save money. Finish a basement, or convert the attic to a bedroom. Many homeowners can also add small apartments in, or over, their garages – which they can then rent out as a room. Before you demolish walls and rafters, try to think about the ways that you, and potential buyers, can use the space: - Versatile rooms have greater appeal to potential buyers. - Basements frequently work well as second living rooms, or game rooms. Many people also turn this space into a small apartment for an aging relative or a tenant. - Attic spaces often work well for craft rooms and game rooms, especially if they have high ceilings. If you have kids, you can add swings to the rafters, and create a cool play room just for them. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report, an average basement remodel, with the addition of a wet bar, costs $64,000. You can save a significant portion of this by doing the work yourself, but even then, adding a new room can be expensive. ![Master bedroom remodel in a large city.](https://lefaivre.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/room-reinvention-project.jpg) ### 4. Adding Energy-Efficient Windows These days, buyers shop for homes with energy efficiency in mind. Old, drafty single-pane windows are a major turn off. Energy Star claims that adding Energy Star-rated windows can save you up to $500 a year in heating and cooling costs by making your home more energy efficient. According to HGTV, you can expect to recoup 60%-90% of your costs when you invest in energy-efficient windows. You can also receive a green energy tax credit of 10% for this upgrade, as long as you install Energy Star-rated windows. You might also qualify for additional credits from your state, or even your utility company. Learn more about available offers and rebates in your area by visiting the Energy Star Rebate Finder. They have a searchable database that gives you specific information for your state. Just make sure you check “windows” so you get product-specific information. I searched for energy-efficient rebates in my zip code and discovered that my utility company, DTE, offers rebates to customers who install Energy Star windows. Energy Star estimates that the average cost of window replacement in an average-sized home costs $7,500-$10,000, or more. If the new windows save you several hundred dollars a year, and you recoup a tax credit, you can eventually recoup your investment. ### 5. Deck Addition Adding a deck increases the value of your home. [Outdoor living spaces](https://lefaivre.com/outdoor-living/) have become more desirable, especially since more people stay home for vacation (i.e. referred to as a staycation). If you make your deck and your backyard more appealing, your house will be more appealing to prospective buyers when you decide to sell. HGTV claims that homeowners recoup 65%-90% of their investment by adding a deck. The cost of adding a deck to your home varies widely. Everything depends on its size, and how many bells and whistles you want added, like built-in seating, multiple stairs, built-in flower pots, and the size of the deck. Decks can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000, or more. Again, it all depends on the design and materials used. As you might guess, you can save a huge chunk of the cost, usually half, by doing the work yourself. Keep in mind, however, that deck construction isn’t easy. You need specific tools, such as a bandsaw, and the cost of the tools can be very expensive, especially if you don’t plan to use them again. If you decide to hire a contractor, shop around before you choose someone to work with. Make sure you get at least three quotes, with specifics, from the contractors you interview. Thoroughly check references for the contractors before you agree to a contract or work order, and watch out for home improvement repair scams. Sites like HomeAdvisor or Angie’s List can ensure you hire a contractor you can trust. ### 6. Energy-Efficient Insulation If your home lacks basic insulation, and has old doors that let in plenty of hot and cold air, home inspectors working with potential buyers will include this in their reports. Homes that haven’t been modified with energy efficiency in mind cost more to live in and maintain. Updating your home to save energy doesn’t have to cost a lot of money and can make your home more appealing to potential buyers. You can save $2,500 or more each year just by making some changes. For example, you can add extra insulation to your attic for $200 or less, and this small change can save you hundreds each year on your utility bill. Seal cracks around the house to save even more money on energy costs, and to make your home more appealing to buyers. The U.S. Department of Energy (USDE) estimates that the average house has enough leaks to equal a 3×3 foot hole in the wall. You can find leaks in your home during the winter. Anytime you feel a draft or cold spot, you’re in an area that leaks air. You can purchase a thermal leak detector for $40 or less (e.g. Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector). These handheld devices alert you to temperature differences around your home. This then allows you to add caulk or insulation where you need it the most. You can often discover leaks, and areas that need more insulation, in these areas: - Around doors and windows - Around electrical sockets and light switches - In recessed lighting - Around the attic hatch - In the basement - Anywhere ducts or wires go outside the house Another easy retrofit is to use CFL light bulbs in all light fixtures. CFL bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and each one saves, on average, $40 in energy over the course of its lifetime. You also save on cooling costs because CFLs emit 75% less heat than traditional bulbs. You can easily calculate how much you can save simply by counting the number of lights you have in your home. You can also install a programmable thermostat. Most buyers expect to see programmable thermostats these days, and they can save you money. Energy Star estimates that installing a programmable thermostat will save the average homeowner $180 per year in heating and cooling costs. If you need to replace your hot water heater, consider spending a bit extra to purchase a high-efficiency water heater. Savvy home buyers know these water heaters can really trim energy bills. If you use less than 41 gallons of water each day in your household, a tankless water heater saves you 24%-34% on your water heating costs. If you use more, count on a savings of 8%-14%. ### 7. Basic Updates Basic updates add the most value to your home. Keep the paint fresh, fix the roof when it leaks, replace wood that rots, and get rid of any mold that you find. These types of chores keep your home from deteriorating over time. Buyers want a healthy, solid, safe home, and they look carefully for signs of routine maintenance. I’ve replaced the electric wiring in my home, repainted the outside, replaced the plumbing, and repainted the interior. These projects keep my home in tip-top shape so that when I do decide to try and sell again, buyers will see a well-cared-for home. **Categories:** In The Press --- ### [Silent Screen](https://lefaivre.com/silent-screen/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** ## Source: REPLACEMENT CONTRACTOR Magazine ### LITERATURE AND LAMPS: SILENT SCREEN Selling aids will enhance your credibility accordingly. For instance, when selling a window job, Maryland contractor Matt LeFaivre, of LeFaivre Construction in Taneytown, gives homeowners information on low-E and other aspects of the wood and vinyl windows his company installs. “They read while I’m measuring,” he says. “Tell them about low-E and you’re ahead of the guy coming in behind you.” Swing Line Windows, like many companies, uses a glass presentation kit that includes heat lamps to show the different properties of its glazing. “You can sit there and talk all day,” Moeslein says. “But the salespeople who are successful will always have some way to demonstrate to the homeowner through seeing, touching, and feeling.” **Categories:** In The Press --- ### [Use Caution When Decking the Roof](https://lefaivre.com/decking-roof/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** ## Remodeling magazine ### *Writer: Jim Cory* North Carolina remodeler David Tyson sees them all the time down at beachfront properties on the coast. “Somebody gets a bright idea: Why not put a deck up there? But with no thought to loads, weight, or waterproofing.” He’s talking about decks that are built over existing living space. And one of the big problems with them, he points out, is that because the deck covers a roof, any problems that develop with the roof will mean that the deck has to be removed in order to accomplish repairs. #### **Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof** Decks over living space are usually desirable because of the view they afford. They seem simple, but actually are fraught with potential for problems, say contractors, unless you’re used to doing that kind of job and are familiar with the requirements. Chief among the requirements is protecting them from moisture. “Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof,” Tyson reiterates. “Anytime you build something you walk on over living space, you’ve got to make sure no water comes in.” Water leakage into the space below can result from several improper installation procedures. First off, a wood deck that isn’t properly flashed where it’s bolted to the house will sooner or later leak. A second problem is load. Deck posts placed on flat roofs, even those resting on 2-by block to distribute weight, risk puncturing the roof membrane, causing leakage. #### **Decks without wood** Some contractors get around that by treating the deck like a roof, instead of the other way round. Tom’s River, N.J., remodeler Eric Borden builds decks over living space on a fairly regular basis, mostly as part of a larger remodel. On a recent project that involved interior alterations and construction of a family room, the client wanted a deck on top of the addition to capture river views. Borden gave the roof a 1#142;4-inch pitch for drainage and made the roof itself the deck by applying a fiberglass coating to the roof surface, which creates a seamless membrane similar in texture and density to a boat bottom. The fiberglass coating system he uses goes down in one layer and takes a day to dry. Posts for the railing system are attached through the deck and counter-flashed to prevent water coming through the posts. Proper drainage off the nearly flat surface is key. “We’ve done them with scuppers, outside roll-offs, you name it,” Borden says. #### **Call an engineer** The last time Jim LeFaivre, LeFaivre Construction, Taneytown, Md., built a deck over living space, it involved a 12-by-15-foot treated wood deck on a flat roof off a second-floor bedroom. “I was very apprehensive,” he recalls, “but we’d done a lot of work for these people.” LeFaivre first verified that the structure could support the deck, then he coated the roof surface with rubber before installing 4-foot-square sections, so that the sections can be lifted individually in the event repairs need to be made. Tyson suggests it’s often wise to get an engineer involved. “Make sure your roof load can support it or that you put direct support under it going down to load-bearing walls so that they support the weight,” he says. Calling in an engineer is “cheap insurance. That way, the engineer gives you specs on how to do it, the liability is off the contractors’ shoulders, and you have something to hand the inspector.” **Categories:** In The Press --- ## Pages ### [HOME](https://lefaivre.com/) **Published:** August 11, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Sunrooms](https://lefaivre.com/sunroom/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Additions](https://lefaivre.com/additions/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [About Us](https://lefaivre.com/about/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Bathrooms](https://lefaivre.com/bathrooms/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Kitchens](https://lefaivre.com/kitchens/) **Published:** May 20, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Services](https://lefaivre.com/services/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Testimonials](https://lefaivre.com/testimonials/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Specialty Projects](https://lefaivre.com/specialty-projects/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Replacement Windows](https://lefaivre.com/replacement-windows/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Outdoor Living](https://lefaivre.com/outdoor-living/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Interiors](https://lefaivre.com/interiors/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [In The Press](https://lefaivre.com/press/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Green Building](https://lefaivre.com/green/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Exteriors](https://lefaivre.com/exterior-home-space-maryland/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Contact Us](https://lefaivre.com/contact/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Basement](https://lefaivre.com/basement/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ### [Awards & Credentials](https://lefaivre.com/awards/) **Published:** June 2, 2020 **Author:** admin --- ## Page Layouts ### [Homepage header style](https://lefaivre.com/layout_manager/homepage-header-style/) **Published:** February 29, 2016 **Author:** admin --- ### [Dark transparent header](https://lefaivre.com/layout_manager/dark-transparent-header/) **Published:** March 12, 2016 **Author:** admin --- ## Portfolios ### [Shower](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/bathroom-5/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bathroom, Shower --- ### [Vanity](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/bathroom-4/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bathroom --- ### [Vanity](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/bathroom-3/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bathroom --- ### [Master Bath](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/bathroom-shower/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bathroom, Master Bath --- ### [Vanity](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/bathroom-8/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bathroom, Master Bath --- ### [Master Bath](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/bathroom-7/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bathroom, Master Bath --- ### [Master Bath](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/bathroom-6/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bathroom, Master Bath --- ### [Shower](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/bathroom-2/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bathroom, Master Bath, Shower --- ### [Master Bath](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/bathroom-1/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bathroom, Master Bath --- ### [Kitchen: cabinets, backsplash](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-cabinets-backsplash/) **Published:** May 22, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Subway tile backsplash, modern and affordable **Portfolio Categories:** backsplash, cabinets, Kitchen --- ### [Bar & Upper Cabinets](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-bar-upper-cabinets/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bar, Interior, Sunroom --- ### [Skylights](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-12/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Interior, Sunroom --- ### [Interior](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-11/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Interior, Sunroom --- ### [Skylights](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-8/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Interior, Sunroom --- ### [Interior- Full Cabinets, Bar](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-corner-view/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bar, Interior, Sunroom --- ### [Interior- Full Cabinets, Bar](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-full-cabinets-bar/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Bar, Interior, Sunroom --- ### [Exterior](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-7/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, Sunroom --- ### [Exterior](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-10/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, Sunroom --- ### [Outside Entryway](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-6/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Sunroom --- ### [Exterior](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-9/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, Sunroom --- ### [Outside Entryway](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-outside-entryway/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Sunroom --- ### [Exterior](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/sunroom-exterior/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, Sunroom --- ### [New Home: Rear Deck](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-rear-deck/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Rear deck and garage. **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, New Homes, Rear --- ### [New Home: Outdoor Living](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-outdoor-living/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Outdoor Living space. **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, New Homes --- ### [New Home](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** High energy efficient home construction. **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, Front, New Homes --- ### [Replacement Windows 4](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/replacement-windows-4/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Replacement Windows --- ### [Outdoor Living: Cedar Deck](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/outdoor-living-cedar-deck/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Outdoor living solution with easy access to backyard **Portfolio Categories:** Deck, Outdoor Living --- ### [Radius Deck Preparation](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/radius-deck-preparation/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Heating decking before bending it to the radius **Portfolio Categories:** Deck, Outdoor Living --- ### [Addition: Rear Deck & Sunroom](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/addition-rear-deck-sunroom/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Covered patio below deck **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Exterior, Sunroom --- ### [Additions: Side Entrance](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-side-entrance/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Easy access to the back yard **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Exterior, Sunroom --- ### [Additions: Interior](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-interior/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Safety railing and no maintenance materials **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Interior, Sunroom --- ### [Basement 6](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/basement-6/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Basement --- ### [Kitchen: galley style](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-galley-style/) **Published:** May 28, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Great design for a narrow kitchen space **Portfolio Categories:** Kitchen --- ### [Kitchen: coffee, wet bar](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-coffee-wet-bar/) **Published:** May 28, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Designated area for efficient design **Portfolio Categories:** Kitchen, wet bar --- ### [Kitchen: island sink](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-island-sink/) **Published:** May 28, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Useful for when two chefs are in the kitchen **Portfolio Categories:** island, Kitchen --- ### [Kitchen Interior](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchens-interior-test/) **Published:** May 20, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** This open design allows for better flow **Portfolio Categories:** Kitchen --- ### [Kitchen: custom casing & counters](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-custom-casing-and-counters/) **Published:** May 28, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** The custom details that stand out **Portfolio Categories:** counter, Kitchen --- ### [Unique Interiors](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/unique-interiors/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Interiors, Specialty Projects --- ### [Specialty Project 21](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/specialty-project-21/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Specialty Projects --- ### [Specialty Projects 20](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/specialty-projects-20/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Specialty Projects --- ### [Specialty Projects 19](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/specialty-projects-19/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Interiors, Specialty Projects --- ### [Unique Interiors 2](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/unique-interiors-2/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Interiors, Specialty Projects --- ### [Preserving History](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/preserving-history/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Specialty Projects --- ### [New Entry](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-entry/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Specialty Projects --- ### [Replacement Windows 6](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/replacement-windows-6/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Replacement Windows --- ### [Replacement Windows 5](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/replacement-windows-5/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Replacement Windows --- ### [Replacement Windows 3](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/replacement-windows-3/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Replacement Windows --- ### [Replacement Windows 2](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/replacement-windows-2/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Replacement Windows --- ### [Replacement Windows 1](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/replacement-windows-1/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Replacement Windows --- ### [Additions: Screen Room](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-screen-room-2/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Vinyl lattice accent and functional hose bib **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Exterior, Sunroom --- ### [Additions: Shades](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-shades/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Shades for opening to keep the sun out of your eyes **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Sunroom --- ### [Additions: Garage Frame](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-garage-frame/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Conventional framing and manufactured trusses **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Garage --- ### [Additions: Extension Interior](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-extension-interior/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** New family room with access to the back yard **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Extension, Interior --- ### [Additions: Hallway](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-hallway/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** New hallway to bedroom **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Extension, Interior --- ### [Additions: Extension](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-extension/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Added living space **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Extension, Exterior --- ### [Additions: Garage Foundation](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-garage-foundation/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Foundation construction in progress **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Garage --- ### [Additions: Garage](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-garage/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Finished garage **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Exterior, Garage --- ### [Additions: Ceiling Detail](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-ceiling-detail/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Beadboard ceiling and fans to keep the air moving **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Interior, Sunroom --- ### [Additions: Patio Extension](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-patio-extension/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Hardscapes are functional and look great **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Patio --- ### [Additions: Rear Left View](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-rear-left-view/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** A place to relax and keep the bugs away **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Sunroom --- ### [Additions: Screen Room](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/additions-screen-room/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Vinyl lattice Accent **Portfolio Categories:** Addition, Sunroom --- ### [Basement 9](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/basement-9/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Basement --- ### [Basement 8](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/basement-8/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Basement --- ### [Basement 7](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/basement-7/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Basement --- ### [Basement 5](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/basement-5/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Basement --- ### [Basement 4](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/basement-4/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Basement --- ### [Basement 3](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/basement-3/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Basement --- ### [Basement 2](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/basement-2/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Basement --- ### [Basement 1](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/basement-1/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Basement --- ### [New Home: Stone Rear](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-stone-rear/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Rear & Side view **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, New Homes, Rear --- ### [New Home: Stone Facade](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-stone-facade/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Stone Facade. **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, Front, New Homes --- ### [New Home: Framing](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-framing/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Main level framing begins. **Portfolio Categories:** Framing, New Homes --- ### [New Home: Screened Deck](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-screened-deck/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Screened deck. **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, New Homes --- ### [New Home: Front & Walkout](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-front-walkout/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Front & Side walkout view. **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, Front, New Homes, Side --- ### [New Home: Front & Garage](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-front-garage/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Front & Garage side view. **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, Front, New Homes, Side --- ### [New Home: Side Walkout](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-side-walkout/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Side & rear view with walkout basement. **Portfolio Categories:** Exterior, New Homes, Rear, Side --- ### [New Home: HVAC](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-hvac/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** High energy efficient systems. **Portfolio Categories:** Interior, New Homes --- ### [New Home: Basement](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-basement/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Framing Basement Walls **Portfolio Categories:** Framing, Interior, New Homes --- ### [New Home: Roof Truss](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-roof-truss/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Roof truss installation. **Portfolio Categories:** Framing, New Homes --- ### [New Home: Water Proofing](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-water-proofing/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Foundation sealing and water proofing. **Portfolio Categories:** Foundation, New Homes --- ### [New Home: Stone Preparation](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-stone-preparation/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Basement floor stone preparation. **Portfolio Categories:** Foundation, New Homes --- ### [New Home: Grading](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-grading/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Grading and lot preparation. **Portfolio Categories:** Foundation, New Homes --- ### [New Home: Foundation](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/new-home-foundation/) **Published:** June 1, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Foundation forming and framing **Portfolio Categories:** Foundation, New Homes --- ### [Outdoor Living: Patio and Fire Pit](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/outdoor-living-patio-and-fire-pit/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Connecting decks to a patio and fireplace **Portfolio Categories:** Outdoor Living, Patio --- ### [Outdoor Living: Entertainment Deck](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/outdoor-living-entertainment-deck/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Entertainment area with a beautiful view **Portfolio Categories:** Deck, Outdoor Living --- ### [Outdoor Living: Posts and Railing](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/outdoor-living-posts-and-railing/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Decorative posts and railings **Portfolio Categories:** Outdoor Living --- ### [Outdoor Living: Patio](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/outdoor-living-patio/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Beautiful patio entertaining space **Portfolio Categories:** Outdoor Living, Patio --- ### [Outdoor Kitchen & Porch](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/outdoor-kitchen-porch/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Outdoor entertaining at its finest **Portfolio Categories:** Outdoor Living, Porch --- ### [Outdoor Living: Covered Lower Tier](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/outdoor-living-covered-lower-tier/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Custom bench seat **Portfolio Categories:** Deck, Outdoor Living, Tiers --- ### [Outdoor Living: Deck Lower Tier](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/outdoor-living-deck-lower-tier/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Covered patio under deck with hot tub **Portfolio Categories:** Deck, Outdoor Living, Tiers --- ### [Outdoor Living: 2-tier deck](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/outdoor-living-2-tier-deck/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Low maintenance decking and railing **Portfolio Categories:** Deck, Outdoor Living, Tiers --- ### [Outdoor Living: Pool-Bar](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/outdoor-living-pool-bar/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** A 4-season entertaining space **Portfolio Categories:** Outdoor Living --- ### [Radius Deck & Benches](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/radius-deck-benches/) **Published:** May 29, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** A truly stunning space to entertain **Portfolio Categories:** Deck, Outdoor Living --- ### [Kitchen: island bar](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-island-bar/) **Published:** May 28, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Kitchen island adds counter space and seating **Portfolio Categories:** island, Kitchen --- ### [Kitchen: wall, counter island](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-wall-counter-island/) **Published:** May 28, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** counter, island, Kitchen --- ### [Kitchen: seating area](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-seating-area/) **Published:** May 28, 2020 **Author:** admin **Portfolio Categories:** Kitchen, seating area --- ### [Kitchen: country style](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-country-style/) **Published:** May 28, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Modern update to a traditional design **Portfolio Categories:** Kitchen --- ### [Kitchen: island cooktop](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-island-cooktop/) **Published:** May 28, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Nice flow while cooking meals **Portfolio Categories:** island, Kitchen --- ### [Kitchen: cabinets, island](https://lefaivre.com/portfolio/kitchen-cabinets-island/) **Published:** May 22, 2020 **Author:** admin **Content:** Kitchen island adds counter space and seating **Portfolio Categories:** cabinets, island, Kitchen --- ## Page Builder Smart Areas ### [Footer Home](https://lefaivre.com/znpb_template_mngr/footer-home/) **Published:** March 14, 2016 **Author:** admin --- ## Categories ### [In The Press](https://lefaivre.com/category/in-the-press/) --- ## Portfolio Categories ### [Kitchen](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/kitchen/) --- ### [cabinets](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/cabinets/) --- ### [island](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/island/) --- ### [backsplash](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/backsplash/) --- ### [wet bar](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/wet-bar/) --- ### [seating area](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/seating-area/) --- ### [counter](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/counter/) --- ### [Outdoor Living](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/outdoor-living/) --- ### [Porch](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/porch/) --- ### [Deck](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/deck/) --- ### [Tiers](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/tiers/) --- ### [Patio](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/patio/) --- ### [New Homes](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/new-homes/) --- ### [Front](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/front/) --- ### [Rear](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/rear/) --- ### [Foundation](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/foundation/) --- ### [Framing](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/framing/) --- ### [Interior](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/interior/) --- ### [Exterior](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/exterior/) --- ### [Side](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/side/) --- ### [Bathroom](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/bathroom/) --- ### [Shower](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/shower/) --- ### [Sunroom](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/sunroom/) --- ### [Exterior](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/exterior-sunroom/) --- ### [Bar](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/bar/) --- ### [Basement](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/basement/) --- ### [Addition](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/addition/) --- ### [Sunroom](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/sunroom-addition/) --- ### [Patio](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/patio-addition/) --- ### [Interior](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/interior-addition/) --- ### [Exterior](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/exterior-addition/) --- ### [Garage](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/garage/) --- ### [Extension](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/extension/) --- ### [Replacement Windows](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/replacement-windows/) --- ### [Specialty Projects](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/specialty-projects/) --- ### [Interiors](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/interiors/) --- ### [Interior](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/interior-sunroom/) --- ### [Master Bath](https://lefaivre.com/project_category/master-bath/) ---