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From Clark's Desk

First quarter of 2011 is ending along with Winter. Spring is just around the corner. We are finishing up some jobs and starting others. We are ready to go outside.

I take pride in our jobs and your satisfaction with myself as well as the workers on your job. When we start a project we have met with you and discussed what will happen as we start the project. So many factors come into play as well as changes, and the unexpected. These things can cause you as the client stress and myself as your builder stress. In a perfect world everyone agrees and there is no stress. When the unexpected happens and a job takes longer I take the heat. I pass the heat along trying to resolve any and all concerns my clients have. I am working for you and I want you to be happy with your project.

Some things to keep in mind when you decide to remodel or build: Make sure the area for the project is free of all furniture, clothing, window treatments, etc. If at all possible put the items in storage. We will gladly work with you on getting these items moved. We will cover and close off the area of construction to limit dust. Some paints, glues, and cabinets have new odor that you and your family are not used to. These will go away with time. Delays are frustrating to everyone. Delays can start as early as waiting on the Counties approval. Another area of delay is special order items, for which we have no control. Everyone tells you two weeks but we all know this is a good guess. When choosing your flooring, tiles, cabinets, sinks and counter tops always have two choices. These choices should be equally acceptable to you. This will help with the stress of time and budget.

I want to finish your job and give you everything you ask for so you the client can enjoy your new or remodeled space. I find it rewarding to have you satisfied with E&L Builders, Inc. and the work we have done for you. If you are happy I have done my job. Now who is ready for a deck, screened in porch, three season room or any building project we can help you with?

Helpful Hints:

Spring time to plant some seeds inside for transplant to the garden. Try pansies. Lots of color all summer into fall.

Watch for signs of mold as warm weather returns. Keep a dehumidifier running in basements and any area that is humid and moist. Outside use a bleach based cleaner for siding, windows and lawn furniture. Invest in a pressure washer for best results. Clean up leaves that are close to the house.

Time to wash windows, caulk and glaze. Check paint for chipping, these areas will need attention to protect the wood.

Time to prune trees and bushes. Cut back mums at this time. When mums start to grow you can divide them. Also for mums to be full and beautiful for late summer and fall pinch the first blooms off.

Check decks for rotted boards on decks, gazebos and out buildings. You may want to consider upgrading your decks at this time.

Time for weed and bug control of your lawns. Also get a bag of grass seed and just spread it for a little new growth. Walk around your lawn with cleats or have the sports children do this. A easy way to aerate you lawn.

Get the lawn equipment ready. Oil changes, tires, paint rust spots, sharpen blades, check pull cords for problems, and replace spark plugs. Should be ready to go in no time.

Remember bug repellant, and sun screen.

Improved Living Space

With our economy staying a little questionable home improvements are a safe thing to do. You can expand your bedroom, kitchen, bath or add on a sunroom. Great time to start working on a basement, add a two story garage. The possibilities are endless with remodeling.

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen? Add a new kitchen addition and turn your existing kitchen into another space. While adding a new kitchen you can extend the addition to include a family room and half bath. Mud rooms are wonderful for everyday family entry.

Turn an existing garage into living space and add a new garage. Call us with your ideas. We work with a program that will let you see what added space will look like. This program helps us go one step beyond drawings in the prelims phase of building or remodeling. Lets talk about getting started. Not ready now and looking to do something in the future? Call us.

From the Kitchen

My Mother In Law was such a wonderful cook. I would like to share a favorite recipe with you.

This easy Banana Pudding is a wonderful summer desert.

2 small boxes of Instant Vanilla Pudding

1 box Vanilla Wafer Cookies

4 Bananas (ripe but not too ripe)

1 tsp of Vanilla Extract

1 Cup of additional milk

Whip Topping

Mix pudding as directed on box adding 1 cup of additional milk to directions. Add vanilla. Set aside. In a large bowl layer cookies and banana slices. Make sure some cookies lines up on sides of bowl. After the bowl is filled ¾ full with cookies and bananas pour thinned pudding over the top. Pudding will soak into cookies making this the best banana pudding. Top with cookies and whip topping. Chill 2 hours before serving. Good for a couple of days if it last that long.

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