For years we have played the “what’s the best way to dispose of jobsite waste?” game. The only real option has always been to bring in an on-site dumpster. It is the perfect solution for large jobs and makes cleanup during and after a project very easy. But for smaller jobs, they just don’t make much sense.

Getting a dumpster is a big hassle, even more so for homeowners than for contractors. You have to schedule the drop-off, make sure someone is there to receive it, and then deal with the limitations. You are often limited to how much of the dumpster you can use and for how long. You have to plan well in advance for the project and are at the mercy of their schedule. And, last but certainly not least, you have a rather large and ugly metal container sitting in your drive.

Now, there’s a much simpler alternative. The Bagster from Waste Management is the perfect solution for small renovations, garage cleanouts, landscaping and other home improvement projects. It can hold up to 3,300 lbs and is roughly equivalent to an entire 8ft pickup truck bed!

We recently began using these bags on smaller jobsites and we love the ease and simplicity. We no longer have to work around someone else’s schedule to get a dumpster onsite and if we find that we need more space we just pick up a new bag. Our customers also appreciate the bags for their cleaner and lower profile looks.

The bags are available at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Tustin Meadows Nursery and other local stores. They generally run approximately $30 per bag and pick-up charges vary based on the area. The average pickup price in the Orange County area is $129 for the first bag and $109 for each additional bag.

Though they do have some limitations, the bags will hold just about anything. So, next time you wake up on a Saturday morning and decide it’s the perfect day to start that project you’ve been putting off you can actually do something about it! Just head over to www.thebagster.com, make sure they offer pickup in your area, find a local retailer, pick up a bag and get to work!

While I am a blogger, I am also an avid blog reader, especially when it pertains to the Home Improvement industry. I generally am a major stickler for ensuring that our blogs are original and that I am not simply repeating what someone else has said but today will be a bit different. During my usual rounds of my regular blogs this week I came across one that had some really fantastic ideas. So, I decided to share it with our readers, of course, with a link back to the original source – Ecohome Magazine (www.ecohomemagazine.com).

As always, if you need help with any of your Home Improvement projects please give us a call at 714-558-1094 or visit our website at www.burginconstructioninc.com!

Simple steps—from visual tricks to ventilation—can help maximize smaller house plans.   -   By: Katy Tomasulo

With the shrinking economy and a growing interest in sustainable building, many pros and consumers are opting for smaller footprints that make more efficient use of space without sacrificing style or luxury.

Excel Homes, a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of custom modular homes, offers a broad range of styles and sizes. Steven Saffell, director of architectural design and innovation for the company, offers up these trends and tips for maximizing space and altering the illusion of size without giving up amenities or comfort.

1. Combine spaces, but define them. The trend toward great rooms connecting the kitchen to the living room and/or dining room has remained for some time. To continue that vast, open feel but still define each space, incorporate subtle room separation with columns, by changing the floor height with a sunken sitting area, or by simply changing the flooring. Excel Homes is incorporating “visually connected room dividers,” a more stylish twist on the passé half wall. These include two-sided fireplaces between the kitchen and living room or built-in bookcases with see-through glass backs.

2. Find a happy medium for ceiling heights. A desire for energy efficiency has started to trump consumers’ need for soaring ceilings. To maintain the grand effect of a high ceiling, incorporate soffits or trim to create shadow lines; sculpted ceilings create interest and draw the eye upward, Saffell says.

3. Connect with the outdoors. Well-thought-out outdoor spaces are increasingly extending livable space outside the home’s footprint. Connect them to the indoors with larger or multiple patio doors.

4. Get organized. Clutter can make smaller spaces feel cramped and uncomfortable. Use the “ship-building” theory of “a place for everything” by thinking out where everyday items, such as vacuum cleaners, will go. Upgrade closets with built-in organization systems rather than just rods. “Organize their lives as well as their outfits,” says Saffell.

5. Let in the light. Daylighting goes beyond installing extra traditional windows with typical views. Something as simple as installing a ribbon of windows above or below kitchen cabinets can help brighten up the space and make it feel larger. In bathrooms, high, narrow windows let in light while maintaining privacy; transoms on interior bedroom walls are another option.

6. Keep the air moving. Stagnant air can make a home feel tight. Design for air movement, including clerestory windows and interior transoms.

7. Future-proof unused space. Outfit unfinished basements and walk-up attics with wiring and plumbing in anticipation of future remodeling.

8. Leave the master suite alone. Though square footage of master bedrooms may be down slightly, the desire for an escape is keeping the cozy, well-appointed master suite on the top of homeowners’ lists. Saffell says the master bath, like the kitchen, is still an area buyers are willing to pay more for. They also still want a separate tub, but are more likely to outfit the shower with jets and select a soaking tub instead, “investing more in the things they’re going to use on a daily basis.”

To view and comment on Excel Homes’ latest design ideas, visit the manufacturer’s Drawing Board blog at www.exceldrawingboard.com.

Katy Tomasulo is Deputy Editor for EcoHome.

Each year Remodeling Magazine compiles a list of the 550 biggest Remodeling companies in the country. This year, Burgin Construction is honored to have been included in that list.  

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard, there are approximately 530,200 Contractors in the country who provide remodeling services. On this year’s list, we came in at 189. This means that in the eyes of our employees, clients, and colleagues, Burgin Construction is considered to be in the top 1% of those 530,200 contractors.

We would like to say thank you those who have assisted us in our efforts to become one of Orange County’s premier remodeling companies, from employees to clients and vendors to subcontractors. We are very grateful that you have chosen to become a part of our family over the past 20 years and we are looking forward to working with you again over the next 20!

Recently we did an interview with Builder and Developer Magazine and answered several questions on the remodeling industry. One of the questions we were asked was what are the current trends we are seeing in design for kitchens. The only answer we could give was that the latest trend is to “buck the trends”. More and more homeowners are planning to stay longer in their current homes and want to personalize their space.

This has led to more companies expanding their custom options to meet the needs of their customers. A perfect example of this is DeWils Cabinetry’s new custom stain color matching program. With this new program, homeowners are no longer limited to only 21 stain colors. The color options are now virtually unlimited.

So, if you’re finding that standard cabinet color options just aren’t enough for you we have the answer!

If you’re looking for a way to keep temperatures and cooling costs down in your home this summer – take it outside. Outdoor grilling will keep you from having to heat up the house by cooking in the kitchen and the need to offset that extra heat by turning down the thermostat. A simple charcoal grill is all that’s required but for those that prefer a complete outdoor kitchen there are many options. From stone and brick layouts to various countertop surfaces and a huge selection of grills and cooktops, you can have a gourmet kitchen right in your backyard. If you’d like more information on how to plan and create your Outdoor Kitchen please give us a call at 714-558-1094.

To get your outdoor cooking started, we’ve included the recipes below to create a meal that’s sure to please the entire family!

Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
(recipe courtesy of California Olive Ranch)

Ingredients:

• 1 (packed) cup fresh cilantro
• ¼ (packed) cup fresh oregano
• 1 (packed) cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1½ tsp kosher salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar, or to taste
• 2 Tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¾ cup California Olive Ranch EVOO
• 1 (1¼-pound) skirt steak

Directions:

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

1. In a blender, combine the herbs, garlic, pepper flakes, salt, pepper, vinegar, lemon juice and California Olive Ranch EVOO.
2. Process to make a thick, textured puréed sauce.
3. Taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, pepper flakes and vinegar.

For the Skirt Steak:

1. Combine the skirt steak and 1/3 cup of the Chimichurri in a plastic zip-top bag; remove as much air as possible. Place in the refrigerator and marinate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Reserve the remaining Chimichurri to use as a sauce.
2. Remove the steak from the marinade, and discard. Shake off the excess, then pat dry with paper towel; allow to come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill until the meat is seared and crusty on the outside and medium-rare on the inside (internal temperature 130° to 135°F), about 3 to 4 minutes per side. For medium, cook to 140° to 145°F.
4. Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes, then slice across the grain on the diagonal into thin slices. Serve with Chimichurri Sauce.

Grilled Avacados

Ingredients:

• 8 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and halved
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grilling
• 2 lemons, juiced
• S & P, to taste

Directions:

• Preheat the grill
• Place peeled and pitted avocado halves in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and sprinkle with salt & pepper
• Place avocados on the grill, cut side down. Grill for 1 full minute on each side.  That’s it!

Grilled Cheese Bread:

Ingredients:

Dacor’s Get It While It’s Hot promotion extends through December 31, 2009 with enhanced appliance packages that everyone will love! With the purchase of Dacor’s qualifying package models, you will receive a FREE eligible reward model. You can save up to $4,760!

Call us at 714-558-1094 for details on qualifying package models.

The Burgin Construction family would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day holiday. As we spend the weekend with our family and friends in celebration of our freedom, we will be keeping in mind all of those who have served our Country in order to secure that freedom. To our troops serving at home and abroad as well as their families who sacrifice so much – THANK YOU!!!

For anyone planning to handle their own fireworks shows this weekend, the link below from Kids Health provides safety tips for staying safe:

Fireworks Safety

Over the past few months our company has begun offering home repair and maintenance services through our new Handyman Division. We can take care of those “honey do” lists that you’ve been trying to make time for and save you money in the process. In celebration of the 4th of July we are kicking off our “Freedom From Home Repairs” special. Now through the end of July you’ll get 15% off any of our Handyman services just by mentioning this blog post!

Our Handyman Services include:

• Carpentry
• Built-In Cabinetry
• Fireplaces and Mantles
• Tile Work
• Drywall Repair
• Small Remodels
• Moulding
• Storage and Organization Solutions
• Flooring
• Showers
• Doors and Windows
• Much More!!!

Give us a call today at 714-558-1094 to schedule your free estimate and get more details on our Handyman Services. Don’t forget to mention this post for 15% off!

This title is an inside joke in the construction industry but lately I’ve been seeing a lot in the news about Homeowners doing projects themselves and it truly fits in this instance.

With all of the concern about the current economy many people are choosing to take on their own home improvement projects, and a large number of those are finding that Do It Yourself isn’t as easy as all those tv shows claim. From injuries to additional costs, DIY’ers are paying a very high price for trying to tackle projects themselves.

Knowing when to hire a contractor (in other words “sub it out”) is very important. Injuries from home improvements are on the rise this year and include everything from nail gun injuries to table saw mishaps to falls from ladders. Here are 5 tips for DIY’ers:

1. Take Proper Safety Precautions – Depending upon the project and equipment make sure that you take all the necessary precautions for your safety.
2. Read All Directions – I know, it always seems so pointless and you think you can do it yourself. It’s possible that reading the instructions will save you lots of time and money so do it!
3. Create a Budget – Even if you are doing a project yourself you need to create a budget and stick to it.
4. Make Sure You Have All The Right Tools – Many home improvement projects need special tools. Don’t try to make-do on a job with the wrong tools, make sure you have the right ones.
5. Be Careful and Don’t Rush! – The shows make it look so easy. In reality it’s much tougher and a project can’t be done in an hour. Take your time and be careful, not only when it comes to safety but also in measuring, purchasing, etc.

If you’re planning to tackle a home improvement project on your own I hope these tips will help you. If you are still trying to decide if you can handle your project alone keep in mind – “When In Doubt – Sub It Out!” and give us a call at 714-558-1094.

The big news in the construction industry yesterday was the announcement from Home Depot that they will be closing their Expo Design Centers and liquidating all products. Starting today, all of the Expo stores will be dramatically lowering prices in order to clear out merchandise before the official closing.
So what does this mean for you? This could mean major savings for those homeowners looking to keep costs down on a remodel. Savings on many of the supplies needed for a remodel can help you to keep the overall remodeling costs down or allow room for extras that you otherwise couldn’t afford. With the lower prices Expo could be a one-stop-shop for all the supplies you need for your project including: appliances, cabinets, tiles, plumbing fixtures, lighting, flooring and decorative items. Home Depot has announced that they expect stock to go quickly due to the drastic price cuts.

Expo Design Centers in the Southern California area are located at:

Anaheim
1011 N Tustin Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92807
(714) 688-4000
Store Hours:
Mon – Sat 10 – 8
Sun 11 – 6

Huntington Beach
6912 Edinger Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 842-9091
Store Hours:
Mon – Sat 10 – 8
Sun 11 – 6

Laguna Niguel
25600 Rancho Niguel Rd
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 362-7800
Store Hours:
Mon – Sat 10 – 8
Sun 11 – 6