Here’s how you can maximize the space in your home, make it more functional
Having spent so much time at home in the past year, many have realized they need more space in their home that’s functional -- but house hunting can be a grind. Instead of just using it for storage, many homeowners are now opting to add living space to their home by finishing the basement. AdDepending on the size of the basement, Smith said, space can be converted into additional bedrooms and bathrooms, game rooms, a second kitchen, mini-bar, a workout room or an office. “It’s just taking the time to work with someone to understand how they can convert that into useable, functional space,” Smith said. “People are really starting to take advantage of finishing basements for added living space that they didn’t think about before.
Winter might still be here, but this is why now is the best time to start planning your home renovation projects
Even though it’s February and a snowstorm recently hit the area, construction projects should very much be on the minds of people who are interested in doing major or minor home renovations, a local construction expert said. One reason is, peak construction season isn’t too far away, with spring starting to draw a bit closer. With contractors already having work lined up for months and a delay in building materials, the sooner a project starts its planning phase, the better. “Now would be the time to start that process,” said Alicia Smith, an interior designer and Director of Marketing and Development for F&S Building Innovations. For more information or to inquire about a commercial or residential construction project, click or tap here.
Free tuition available for Bedford County high school students
ROANOKE, Va. – If you’re interested in learning about construction and building trades and live in Bedford County, you could qualify for free tuition. The Build Smart Institute Core Fundamentals of Construction Program is free to any student who lives in Bedford County in tenth to twelfth grade. You can be in public school, private school or homeschooled. “The construction industry has been starved for skilled workers for decades now. There’s a real deficit even through the pandemic of skilled workers for the construction industry,” said Rob Leonard, Build Smart Institute director.
Chicagoans aid Central American hurricane victims
Construction for Vista Tower topped out April 26, 2019, as concrete for the 101st floor was poured. Here's a look at what is soon to be the city's third-highest skyscraper. Sales of its condo units, cost between $1 million to $17 million.
chicagotribune.comAngels of Assisi begins work on new pet hospital and adoption center
ROANOKE, Va. – Angels of Assisi has begun construction on its new Community Pet Hospital and Adoption Center. The shelter posted about the update on Facebook on Wednesday, writing:“It is an exciting day here at Angels of Assisi as excavation has begun on our new property! A big thank you to everyone that has helped get us to this point. We can’t wait to keep everyone updatedon the progress of the new Community Pet Hospital and Adoption Center. For more information on our new facility,visit https://www.canyouimagine.gives/ #Imagine #HelpIsHere”The new pet hospital and adoption shelter will be located near the intersection of Franklin Road and Elm Avenue in Roanoke across from Roanoke Fire-EMS Station #1.
Downtown Lynchburg businesses struggling with the year’s changes have faith in the future
LYNCHBURG, Va. – As pizzeria workers slice and dice inside Benny Scarpetta’s on Main Street, construction crews continue slicing and dicing the roadway outside. Lynchburg’s Main Street Renewal Project has taken a toll on traffic between 8th and 12th Street over the past year. But in recent months, businesses like Benny Scarpetta’s have hit another roadblock: COVID-19. Businesses have faith in the future of Main Street. “The goal is that it brings in more business and to hear that it’s already on track is super, super nice,” Miles said.
It is a massive job: Route 116 reconstruction will likely finish by Labor Day
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. The twists and turns of Route 116 between Roanoke and Franklin counties has been illuminated with detour signs for months, but the road could reopen soon. VDOT spokesperson Jason Bond estimates the road, which washed out during a storm in May, could be ready for cars by Labor Day Weekend. They have built up the roadbed, they put stone where the road collapsed, Bond said. It is a massive job.Route 116 is a popular thoroughfare between Roanoke and Smith Mountain Lake, and drivers who use the road miss its accessibility. Holiday travelers will have that road for any Smith Mountain Lake trips they want to make.
Why a construction school might be your ticket to a secure future, even in midst of a pandemic
Private industry and manufacturing see that construction is 4% of the GDP, said Rob Leonard, director of Build Smart Institute, a construction school based in Roanoke. Chances are, anyone who learns a skill or multiple skills at a construction school wont have many problems finding work once finished. There are literally thousands and thousands of jobs in the construction industry, Leonard said. For middle school and high school students who are attending a hybrid model and only doing class twice a week, a construction school can be an alternative to further their learning during the other days of the week. For more information on the benefits of a construction school, click or tap here.
Work to improve busy Roanoke County interchange starts next week
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. A project four years in the making to improve a busy local interchange is about to begin. On Monday, work will start on the southbound side of Route 419 near Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke County. Drivers can expect shoulder closures and nighttime lane closures on Route 419 throughout the duration of this project. There will be, also, some impacts to the businesses along that stretch of Route 419 at nighttime, Bond said. VDOT and the contractor will work with businesses along the road during the construction to help them mitigate the impact of the work.
Ready to tackle home improvement projects now that you finally have some time? 5 tips
More time at home has turned into more of an opportunity to do various home improvement projects, although that sometimes can be dangerous. Scott Frankel, co-president of Frankel Building Group in Texas, offered five tips for those who are currently attempting or about to start home renovation projects while quarantined. They aren’t things that are going to necessarily wow your neighbor, but they need to be done.”Don’t bring in outside workers. It’s a real easy way to throw your back out or slip off of a ladder.”Clean out items you don’t need anymore. “When you go to a professional and you say that this is what you want to do, your ideas are organized,” Frankel said.