As I’m sure you know, Earth Day is this Thursday, April 22nd. There is always a wide array of feelings about Earth Day, however this year there is something for everyone to celebrate.

April 22nd also marks the kickoff of The Cash for Appliances program in California! The California Energy Commission has set up a handy website to help consumers find out what items qualify and make it very easy for you to get the form and information you need. I have checked out the websites for a few other states and must say that California’s is well above the rest. It’s a very user-friendly site that provides all of the information you will need.

From my research, I found that the best rebates seem to be for refrigerators. So, if you’ve been thinking about giving your Kitchen a facelift – now is definitely the time! Just click on the picture below to go to the California Cash 4 Appliances website and get started.

Also, April 22nd, is the deadline for the new EPA Lead Based Paint certification  for contractors. If you are having any work done on your home please ask to see the contractor’s certification. You can find more information about certification and requirements by clicking on the image to the right.

If you have any questions about either of these programs please feel free to give us a call at 714-558-1094. We will be happy to help you in any way. Happy Earth Day!

Yay! Spring is finally here! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the  flowers are budding…and my house is a mess!

I’m not sure what it is, but something about the winter months turns my home into a packrat heaven. It’s as if we are unable to throw anything away during this time. Of course, the accumulation of holiday gifts, cards, school papers, outgrown clothing and more are the real issue.

My solution? Garage Sale Time!!! Tomorrow morning I will be happily sitting in the sunshine in my driveway and getting rid of a ton of clutter that I don’t need, while making a bit of money to boot. Even the kids are getting involved and will each have their own “store” of toys that they have chosen to sell. And, whatever is left will go immediately into the van for drop-off at a local charity.

Once that is all out of the way I’ll be able to tackle the rest of the spring cleaning with less dread. We’ll spend the rest of the weekend cleaning out gutters and spouts, touching up some paint, cleaning dead plants and weeds out of the flower beds, changing out the air filter and smoke alarm batteries, and touching up window caulking. Next, we will make a list of larger items that need to be handled by the professionals such as scheduling the annual A/C maintenance, replacing any torn or damaged screens, power-washing the exterior of the house and other small repairs throughout the house.

Here are a few tips courtesy of www.organizedhome.com that can help put some spring into your spring cleaning:

• Schedule a family garage clean-out. Create efficient storage for sporting goods, camping equipment, recreational vehicles, and garden tools. Reward the team with dinner at a pizza parlor.
• Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture.
• Tour house exterior and grounds. Make a list of any needed seasonal maintenance.
• Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles. Arrange for any needed repairs early; roofing contractors can be hard to find during summer’s construction season.
• Use a sunny Saturday to scrape, prime and paint peeling spots on trim or woodwork. You’ll protect wood against Summer’s heat and moisture–and prevent a more difficult paint job come fall.
• Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawn.
• Changing seasons, changing clothes. Hold a family wardrobe check as you bring out warm-weather clothing. Sort winter clothing for discards and donations before you store.
• Hold a garage sale! Declutter house and garage to turn trash into cash. Build your yard sale savvy here.
• Wash windows inside and out.
• Move furniture and vacuum beneath it.
• Arrange for a spring inspection of cooling systems. Don’t wait for the first hot day!

If you find that you have some projects that need a professional’s touch give us a call at 714-558-1094. Happy spring!

With New Classes at Purcell Murray (daytime & evenings now available…)

Showroom Location for Classes: 15400 Graham Street, Suite 102, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Friday, April 16^th 11:00am – 1:00pm $58.00
Linda Steidel - “For Every Season There is a Salad”
The Launch for Linda’s Latest Cookbook (Cost of class includes book)

Menu:
Orzo Salad with Shrimp, Roasted Peppers, Corn & Grilled Portabellas
Soufleed Goat Cheese Tomatoes & Savory Greens with
Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
Crusty Pizza Bread with Gorgonzola Caesar Salad
Chocolate Chip Macaroons

Saturday, April 17^th 11:00am – 1:00pm $40.00
Cathy Dyla - “Dine & Learn Featuring All Brands”

Menu:
Herb and Lemon Roasted Salmon on bed of Roasted Potatoes
Sautéed Arugula and Spinach
Carrot Cupcakes with Pineapple Cream Cheese Icing & Sugared Pistachios

Friday, April 30^th 11:00am – 1:00pm  $48.00
Linda Steidel - “Spring in Tuscany”

Menu:
The sunlight in the Spring casts a soft glow over the hills of Tuscany.
Menus are fresh, innovative and delicious.
Prosciutto & Grilled Asparagus with Whole Grain Mustard
Chicken Pepperonata with Creamy Semolina and Roasted Mushrooms
Zucchini with Lemon-Thyme Crumbs
Warm Chocolate Cakes with Mascarpone Cream

Saturday, May 8^th 11:00am – 1:00pm $40.00
Cathy Dyla -  “Dine & Learn Featuring All Brands”

Menu:
Mothers Day Luncheon
Waldorf Chicken Salad in Butter Lettuce Cups
Smoked Salmon Napoleons
Spring Pea Soup with Scallions
Lemon Blackberry Cake

Thursday, May 20^th 6:00pm – 8:00pm $58.00
Linda Steidel - The “Farmers Market”:  Meet Me at 3^rd & Fairfax
The Fairfax market opened in 1934.  It began as a dirt lot of farmers to sell fresh produce and has become a dining paradise.

Menu:
Salmon Tempura Salad with Kiyoko’s Dressing
Sea Scallops with Blackberry Puree & Shitake Risotto
New York Strip Steak with Cognac-Mushroom Sauce
Lemon Cornmeal Cake with Lemon Glaze & Crushed-Blueberry sauce

Thursday, June 10^th 6:00pm – 8:00pm  $58.00
Linda Steidel – “Fathers Day”

Menu:
It’s Fathers Day!  Gather the Family and salute Dad with his favorite food
Shrimp Chopped Salad with Edamame, Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado,
Corn and Applewood Smoked Bacon
Grilled Skirt Steak with Artichoke-Potato Hash & Black Olive Aioli
Double-Chocolate Bunt Cake with Ice Cream

Saturday, June 12^th 11:00am – 1:00pm  $40.00
Cathy Dyla - “Dine & Learn Featuring All Brands”

Menu:
Seared Pork Chops Roasted with Balsamic Fig Sauce
Potato Cakes with Chives
Braised Lemon Dijon Asparagus, Carrots and Green Beans
Sour Cream Vanilla Pound Cake with Fresh Berry Sauce

Friday, June 18^th 11:00am – 1:00pm $48.00
Linda Steidel - “Cooking with John Besh: New Orleans”

Menu:
John Besh is the best of a new generation of New Orleans Chefs.
He grew up on the bayous and celebrates the food he grew up with.
Chilled Tomato Soup with Tapenade
Pan-Seared White Fish with Corn
Orzo & Crabmeat Macque Choux
Strawberry Flambé over Lemon-Ricotta Filled Crepes.

Classes are subject to change. Reservations with credit card confirmation are required and should be made no later than 72 hours prior to the class. Cancellations must be made 72 hour prior to the class to avoid charges.

For More Information Visit  www.purcellmurray.com or Call (800) 294-0644 EXT.500

On April 22nd California’s “Cash for Refrigerators” program begins. The State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program is funded by $300 million from the federal stimulus package but is governed by each individual state. California has been approved for $35.3 million of these funds.

According to the California Energy Commission Website many of the specifics are yet to be determined, however rebates of $50 – $250 are possible for the replacement of old appliances. All appliances must be Energy Star listed and a list of the specific appliances eligible is expected to be released soon. The new cash4appliances website is expected to be launched on March 1st.

If you’re thinking about a remodel and plan to replace your outdated appliances this is definitely the time to start planning. Once the details of the program are released and the dates for eligibility are set, the funds are expected to go very quickly, just as they did with the Cash for Clunkers program. Planning now for that remodel and purchasing the appliances as soon as the criteria are released is the best way to ensure you receive your rebate. If you have any questions about the program please contact us at 714-558-1094.

Yes, I know. For all of you who grew up in the 80’s I’ve just managed to get a song stuck in your head that you never thought you’d have to hear again. And, while you may hate me for that, I’ll try to make it up to you with rest of this blog!

Recently, while researching new materials and trends for bathroom showers, I came across the Ebbe Square Shower Drain. Now, while shower drains have never been the most exciting portion of a shower, these really caught my eye. Not just for their looks, though they definitely stand out and add a touch of luxury, it was the lack of screws. You heard me, no screws!

My bathroom cleaning pet peeve has always been taking out the screws on  the drain cover (please oh please don’t let me lose one down the drain) and prying it off in order to clean the cover or clean out the drain. Ebbe drains include a uniquely designed twist and pull “grate puller” which is used to quickly and efficiently remove the grate for easy cleaning or replacement. Brilliant!

That alone was enough to sell me on the product but there are many other features that make these unusual square drains a hit:

• 10 finishes – polished chrome, bright brass, black chrome, brushed nickel, antique pewter, polished copper, oil rubbed bronze, brushed bronze, polished nickel and satin nickel.
• Square shape – It’s easier to cut tile to a square drain than to cut, nip and grind to fit a round one. Simple cuts are easily made, and waste little precious time. Ebbe drains are sized to match standard ½”, 1”, 2”, and 4” tile without cutting. When cutting is needed, cuts are straight saw cuts. No grinding to match a radius. Consider the how much easier mosaics will be to install.
• Grout Locking Perimeter Edges – One of the most distinct features of the ebbe drain body is its heavily undercut Grout Locking Edges. These features insure that the ebbe drain is thoroughly attached to the surrounding mortar and structure.

If you’d like more information on the Ebbe Square Drain or need help in planning your bathroom remodel please give us a call at 714-558-1094.

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.

Though the recent weather may not give the impression that winter is on its way, the calendar is a stark reminder that winter, and the accompanying holidays, are fast approaching. Many people are making their holiday travel arrangements now and, if you’re like me, your home is going to end up being the hub of the excitement during the next few months. You’ll be entertaining on an almost weekly basis once Thanksgiving gets here and won’t have time to come up for air until late January. Also, if you’re like me, you’re currently finding a ton of small items all over the house that need attention before this whole crazy holiday things hits. From general maintenance (can’t have the heat going out on Christmas Eve!) to some simple facelift items (a dab of paint here, some new caulking there) there are many things you can do to keep your home beautiful and safe during the winter months. Below are a few tips that can help save you time and money as well as ways for keeping your home safe the whole year through.

For more detailed items such as finish carpentry (moldings, casings, etc.), new cabinet hardware, new plumbing fixtures, new doors, ceiling fans, extra outlets, lighting, tile/grout repairs, grab bar installations, deck and patio cover work and much more give us a call at 714-558-1094 for a consultation!

Make sure you print out your coupon from the weekly blog email we sent for a special offer on the above services! (if you didn’t receive a coupon please let us know and we will send one out to you asap!)

T Have your heating systems inspected by a qualified service professional at least once a year including lubrication and cleaning, replacing filters, a check of belts and thermostats and having vents cleared of obstructions, as necessary.
T Make sure window air conditioners do not allow cold air to sneak through or around sides, top and bottom. Local hardware stores can provide covers and other easy, low-cost ways to keep that cold air out.
T Caulking around windows and other openings can stop the cold air invasion dead in its tracks. A warmer home and lower utility bills can result.
T When using a portable electric heater, keep flammable materials – bedding, clothing, draperies, rugs and furniture at least three feet away, even if it has safety features such as cut-off switches or heating element guards.
T If you use an electric blanket to keep warm on a cold night, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you turn it off and unplug it when it’s not in use.
T Install a smoke alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. Test it monthly to ensure it is working properly. Be sure and change the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year.
T Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
T Have your fireplace chimney and flue inspected each year and cleaned if needed. Open the flue and use a sturdy fireplace screen when you have a fire. Burn only untreated wood; never burn paper or pine branches-pieces can float out the chimney and ignite your roof, a neighbor’s roof, or nearby trees.

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!

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:

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!