Mason get free Cultured Stone® veneer installation training

Masons, don't go into hibernation - Now is the time to work on your business
Now is the time to work on your business. Use your down time wisely.
Here is a check list of FREE and really cheap ways to increase leads, your credentials and knowledge.
Training: This time of year many manufactures of various masonry products conduct training on product installation and provide certifications. Contact your dealer, distributor or call the manufacture direct to find out about any training classes available in your area. Many conduct on line training webinars. The more certifications you have will increase your expertise and credibility with possible customers. In add will give you certification and that will get you listed on their contactor list for leads.
Build more Business Relationships and strengthen existing: Stop in and visit pool contractors, remodeling companies and other types of business that might refer their customers to you or use you as a sub contractor. Inform your existing contacts of any new services you provide and new products that will be an enhancement to their business.
Get a website: If you do not have a website get one FAST!. You are missing a lot of potential business if you can't be found online. Websites are not that expensive anymore. If you have a young person in your household chances are they can use a do-it-yourself website builder to get you online fast with little or no investment.
Get listed & Get Found: Contact manufactures and asked to be added to their masonry contractors directory on their website. Sign up for free on-line business listings.
go to www.Getlisted.org - this site will help you post your website to multiple listing sites like Google Places, Yahoo Local, Yelp and more.
Don't forget Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter these can be a contractors best tool for find leads as the best lead is a referral form family, friends, and customers social media is the way you can stay connected an in their minds.
Lastly, and most importantly email and business cards. I am always surprised by the number of mason contractors who don't even have an email address. The entire universe communicates view email. There is no excuse they are free. you can sign up for one with www.yahoo.com and google.com.
Business cards get them, make sure you have an email, cell & office phone and website address on the cards. Keep plenty of cards on hand at all times.
Should you like to learn more about this topic please contact me.
click here to sign up for Isokern Fireplace Installation Training

MASONRY VENEER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES THIRD ANNUAL “MVMA DESIGN AWARDS” COMPETITION

Calling all Masons - here is your chance to shine - enter your project in this year’s competition and get the credit, notoriety and bragging rights you deserve. Instone the largest distributor of Cultured Stone Veneer in the US supports local masons and encourages their participation in this year’s competition. Good Luck to all area Masons.

Enter today!

MASONRY VENEER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES THIRD ANNUAL “MVMA DESIGN AWARDS” COMPETITION
TO SHOWCASE CREATIVE USE OF MANUFACTURED STONE

With Manufactured Stone fast becoming one of the most requested wall coverings in new construction and renovation projects, contracting and design professionals are looking for innovative ways to incorporate its rugged, authentic, elegant looks and versatility.
Today, the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA) announced its third annual MVMA Design Awards, a program created to recognize the work of industry professionals who are setting trends by featuring manufactured stone veneer in their projects.
“Our goal is to recognize leaders in the Manufactured Stone industry by highlighting their design successes,” said Mike Fischer, MVMA general manager. “This year‟s theme of „Natural Beauty Fashioned in Stone‟ aims to showcase the beauty and authenticity of Manufactured Stone.”
MVMA Design Awards Facts
All entries will be submitted online at www.MasonryVeneerDesignAwards.com by December 31, 2011
An independent judging panel will announce winners at the MVMA Design Awards in Orlando, FL, February 2012
There is no entry fee
Submissions require high-resolution images of the completed project
More information, including rules and entry can be found at www.MasonryVeneerDesignAwards.com.

About the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association
Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA) was organized and officially began operation in April 2006 to represent the Manufactured Stone Veneer industry‟s manufacturing companies and their suppliers. MVMA is the only incorporated trade association organized specifically for the masonry veneer products industry. The mission of the organization is to advance the growth of the manufactured masonry veneer products industry through proactive technical, advocacy and awareness efforts.

How to choose the right mason for your stone veneer installation.

How to choose the right mason for your stone veneer installation.

Here are a few questions to consider when choosing a mason. Make sure your mason is current with the best practices of the industries. Over the years there has been significant changes and improvement to masonry installation.
Products now exist that are designed to prevent water damage by allowing moisture to escape from behind the installed stone. Your mason should be informed and following these best practices.

What you should ask:
Do you follow the Manufacture Veneer Masonry Association recommended installation guidelines?
These guidelines are only recommendations created by a coalition of stone veneer manufactures. Masons are not required to use them. These guidelines have been revised due to the need to allow proper moisture drainage which over time can cause damage. Make sure your mason is following these guidelines for the prevention of water damage.

Are you a Certified Cultured Stone Installer?
A Cultured Stone Certified Installer has been trained,
has had: their quality of work checked, background checked, are licensed and properly insured.

Are you current with the manufactures best practices?
Manufactures and Dealers offer training on new products and best practice yearly. A good mason will be informed and following these best practices.

What brand products do you install?
Warranty, stone thickness and depth of color is very important as not all stone veneers are created equal. Know what is going under the stone. This is important to protect your home from damage. Here is a list of recommended products:
• Cultured Stone • ProStone•
Semco Natural Stone Veneer• Keene Rain Screen Drainage Systems
• Keene Weep Screed• AMICO EZ Bead, Window/Door Drip Edge
• Self Furring Lath: AMICO Metal self furring lath & Spider Lath self furring fiberglass lathFor a list of Select Installers and Dealers please contact Instone today 888-467-8250 http://www.instoneco.com/

Masonry Industry and Building Inspectors need to get on the same page

Use this To prevent this

I've had conversations with building inspectors who have told me they advise home owners to stay away form masonry applications, stucco and stone veneer to be specific.
Why? Because they have seen too many faulty installations that created mold, stone falling off houses and water damage.

Now being in the masonry industry I found this very alarming, as my job is to inform our customers, contractors and home owners of the measurements to take now to have a healthy wall system. Stone veneer is here to stay, its beautiful, versatile and wanted by homeowners and designers. With proper installation a stone veneer application can last a lifetime.

Currently there is no building code in NJ or NY that enforce the use of a drainage system when installing stone veneer or stucco. Very few consumers are aware of the proper way to install and because these measurements add to the cost of installation, contractors will not recommend the extra expense in fear of losing the bid to a competitor.

Homeowners, you must demand your contractor follow the Masonry Veneer Manufactures Association (MVMA) guidelines. Its well worth the additional cost to protect your investment. Only use a contractor that has been trained and is current with the best practices of the industry.

Masons, help save your industry. Attend installation training on the MVMA guidelines, ask your dealer or distributor about drainage products. Educate your customers on healthy wall systems.

Please use me/InStone as a resource healthy wall systems, the MVMA guide, where to find a trained mason, product information and where to find these products.

contact me via info@instoneco.com or visit www.instoneco.com

(you can visit http://www.masonryvenner.org/ to down load the guide.) (Please know these guidelines are for stone veneer that is installed on the out side of homes/buildings. )

Masonry Veneer Installation Guidelines Training - Free sign up today

Learn how the MVMA installation guidelines will affect the masonry industry moving forward. Please take advantage of this free training for you, your staff and your masons. Sign up today and get informed!

Installation Training Day

Wednesday May 25th 4 pm- 7 pm

Instone New Jersey Distribution Center

1 Red Valley Rd Millstone Township, NJ


The following topics will be covered.



·Hands-on Installation demonstration & training



·MVMA Installation Training Certification with NJ/PA Building Codes reviewed



•Guest Speaker from Keene Building Supply: Drainage & Moisture Control System
•Guest Speaker Bill Foster from Spider Lath:Benefits of using a Mortar Sprayer Application with Spider Lath
•Learn how to reduce the time for the installation of lath & application of the mortar scratch coat by 75%)
Food & Beverages will be served. Attendees will receive participation materials and a certificate of participation.





Prior registration is required to receive the certificate and to attend this free training. Sign up as many as you'd like by filling out the attached form no later than May 23 2011. Return it to info@instoneco.com or fax it to 609-208-2551 For more information please call 888-467-8250

Don't miss out! Sign up today for this very valuable training.

http://www.instoneco.com/

Wednesday May 25th 4 pm- 7 pm

Instone New Jersey Distribution Center

1 Red Valley Rd Millstone Township, NJ

609-208-0085

Don't miss out - sign up today

Owens Corning Reaches Definitive Agreement to Sell
Masonry Products Business for a Minimum of $90 Million
TOLEDO, Ohio, Dec. 15, 2010 – Owens Corning (NYSE: OC), a world leader in building materials and glass fiber reinforcements, announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement with Boral Industries Ltd. to sell its Masonry Products business.
The divestiture will be in two stages. Owens Corning will sell a 50 percent stake in its Masonry Products business to Boral Industries Ltd. for $45 million at closing. The Masonry Products business will then be operated jointly until early 2014. At that time, Owens Corning will sell its remaining 50 percent stake for $45 million and may receive additional proceeds depending on 2013 financial performance. Owens Corning will record an impairment charge estimated to be $115 million, which is primarily related to goodwill and other intangible assets assigned to the business as part of fresh start accounting.

Boral will assume operational control of the business at closing. During the period of joint ownership, Owens Corning and Boral will work together to ensure maximum performance.

The transaction is expected to close by year-end and is subject to regulatory approval.

About Owens Corning
Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass-fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. A Fortune 500 Company for 56 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability by delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives. Founded in 1938, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass-fiber technology with sales of $4.8 billion in 2009 and about 16,000 employees in 28 countries on five continents. Additional information is available at www.owenscorning.com.
# # #

a day of discussions including issues currently surrounding the masonry industry

Press Release
150 members of the masonry & building industry gathered to discuss improving the quality of installation of masonry products and building a healthier wall, during the Instone Training & Vendor

Tuesday February 1, 2011 in Hamilton, NJ, Instone, a New Jersey based company who is the largest wholesale distributor of Cultured Stone® in the United States, distributing masonry products from Maine to Virginia, and the Midwest.
Instone brought together members of the building industry for a day of discussions including issues currently surrounding the masonry industry , a total, on-the-wall installation solution, and immediate measures to protect the industry from the negative impact of faulty installations.
Guest speaker Chris Hines of the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association* delivered the MVMA recommendations for proper installation of masonry veneer products and recommendations for building a healthy wall.
(*The MVMA organization provides up-to-date guidelines of the generally accepted masonry veneer installation methods and details in order to discourage faulty installations.)
Also presenting during the Instone Training & Vendor Day were representatives from masonry products manufacturers such as Cultured Stone®, FireRock, Stone Transitions™, Spider Lath, Keene™ Building Supplies, Semco Natural ThinCut Stone, and AMICO building products, all of which support and follow the MVMA guidelines for installation and healthy wall systems.
Members of the building industry gained valuable information that will improve the quality of installation and gained the knowledge of how to product against unhealthy wall conditions that occur as a result of mold and corrosion.
For more information about Instone or the MVMA please contact
us 888-467-8250 www.instoneco.com www.masonryveneer.com

Jobsite deliveries now available From Instone

Moffett Truck Deliveries
Now Instone can delivery right to a jobsite, drop ship your orders to any location needed. Get Cultured Stone, Semco natural stone, or any masonry products delivered direct to the site. Have multiple locations? Instone will drop ship your orders to all your locations. We make doing business easy.

REMODELERS CAN NOW TRANSFORM HOMES FROM UNINVITING TO UPSCALE IN AS LITTLE AS ONE DAY WITH OWENS CORNING™ VERSETTA STONE™ PANELSNEW STONE VENEER INSTALLS IN PANELS OVER EXISTING SUBSTRATES—NO MORTAR REQUIRED TOLEDO, Ohio –

April 22, 2010 – Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) today introduced Versetta Stone™, the company’s newest line of manufactured stone veneer. Versetta Stone is a non-structural, masonry wall cladding that installs in as little as one day with the ease of a siding product—no mortar required. Versetta Stone panels can significantly expand the business of remodelers and siding contractors by giving them a new option to help homeowners achieve a beautiful stone finish, indoors and out, in as little as one day. Mechanical fasteners enable quick installation in any weather. Versetta Stone panels are easily installed with a nail gun or screws, eliminating the need for mortar. Available in six natural texture/color options, Versetta Stone panels come with a complementary line of accessories to finish the look. “Remodelers are always looking to differentiate, and Versetta Stone panels are a beautiful option that can quickly and dramatically transform homes—and businesses—in a single day,” said Bill LeBaron, vice president and general manager of Owens Corning Masonry Products. “Owens Corning is a leader in manufactured stone veneers because we bring beauty, reliability and sustainability to this category. Versetta Stone panelized stone represents an extension of this leadership position.” Homeowners will enjoy the immediate enhanced curb appeal from the look of stone, which has proven to add to the perceived value of homes during the selling process. In addition, homeowners can feel confident in their selection of Owens Corning™ Versetta Stone panelized stone veneer as it comes with an industry leading 50-year limited warranty, including one-time transferability, and is made with a minimum 50 percent validated recycled content[i][1] – the highest third party validation of recycled content for manufactured stone products. For builders and designers, Versetta Stone panels have been approved under the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center Green Approved Products seal of approval. The Green Approved mark indicates third-party documentation and approval by the NAHB Research Center that a building product contributes to compliance of specific green practices and can earn points towards the National Green Building Standard.Owens Corning is initially offering Versetta Stone panels in a limited distribution in the east coast. To learn more about Versetta Stone™ panels visit www.versettastone.com or call 1-800-GET-PINK®. About Owens CorningOwens Corning (NYSE: OC) is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass-fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. A Fortune 500 Company for 55 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability by delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives. Founded in 1938, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass-fiber technology with sales of $4.8 billion in 2009 and about 16,000 employees in 28 countries on five continents. Additional information is available at www.owenscorning.com.

Add a Little Culture to your Life

http://www.instoneco.com

Selling Stone in 2010

Hey Masons-

Looks like 2010 will be another tough road but you can't hide under a rock till its over. What can we do? Take advantage of every opportunity, relationship, free service, and leave no stone unturned (LOL).

Here are some tips that had been given to me years ago when I started my first business.

I was advise to tell everyone who will listen about my business. That’s because everyone knows at least 6 people that might need your product or services. So the next time you go to a party, little league game, or sit in a waiting room start blabbing about what you do. You never know who is listening.

2. Carry business cards - there is no excuse not to always have them on you. Freely give them out, Business cards are cheap and easy to make on any home computer. The best investment you will make.

3. Collect contact information from everyone you meet- This is a great way to build a marketing list. Reach out to them again via phone , email or mail. Think future! When they or someone they know is ready you will be fresh in their minds because you stayed in front of them with your message and sales pitch.

4. Give referrals to get referrals: Like many of the organized business networking associations promote, you can do the same thing among the people that you already give/do business: like your landscaper, plumber, electrician, web designer, car mechanic, hair dresser, and others. Let them know that you are happy to refer them to others and you'd appreciate them doing the same even. It shouldn't matter if you did not actually provide a service or product to them. I'm sure they would gladly accommodate. Make sure that they have your business card or a flyer to give out too.

5. There is no better new customer than a previous one. The easiest way to get new business is to revisit happy customers. Give them a call, see if you can be of service; ask if they know anyone one that they can refer. Offer a referal gift for every closed lead.

Please visit the Instone website to learn about our product lines, request Catalogs, or to find out how to become a dealer or select installer.

http://www.instoneco.com/

Masonry Veneer Manufactures Association releases new guidelines

Masonry Veneer Manufactures Association newly released Installation Guidelines for Adhered Concrete Masonry Veneer.

Please see visit MVMA for the installation guide released by the MVMA.
This is the industry guidelines only. For Installation instruction of Owens Corning Cultured Stone, please refer to the Ownes Corning website or video.
More MVMA News / Publications
MVMA Technical Bulletin: Water Management Testing
Construction Specifier Feature on Masonry Veneer Flashing
MVMA Installation Guidelines
MVMA Educational Session at IBS 2009

Instone is a Master Distributor of Owens Corning Cultured Stone®, ProStone™, Semco Thin Cut Natural Stone Veneer, Arccast Architectural Pre-cast Concrete, FireRock fireplace systems and Napa Valley Select Cast Series wall and pier cap stones.

http://www.instoneco.com/

Home & Garden Shows Great Place to meet & greet

Home & Garden Shows are a great venue for both consumers and service providers to meet & greet.Almost any home product or service that you can imagine will be represented at a show. You'll meet contractors landscapers, architects and interior designers. You'll also have a chance to see sampling of products such as the newest in flooring and walkways to transform your home and add to its appeal. View displays of kitchens, baths, windows, doors, appliances, furnishings, spas, pools, fireplaces, sunrooms and so much more. Come with ideas and an open mind. You'll leave with inspiration.

• You can meet hundreds of exhibitors under one roof.

• Discover new, interesting products and services.

• Find the best resources in remodeling, landscaping and design services.

• Compare and save.

• Speak with experts.

Special offers and show pricing will be some of the best you can get on desired products and services. Vendors invest a lot when they participate in shows and they want to recoup costs by offer pricing that you may not get elsewhere.

Tips: If you are going with a specific project in mind, do a bit of research before. Establish if the information and offer you get from show vendors are truly good. Be ready to act fast. In the current economical environment vendors are very motivated to make a deal at close to cost.

Enjoy yourself! Going to a Home show is fun and low cost entertainment. Kids are normally free and discount coupons can be found on the show websites. Shows have something for the entire family with meeting a celebrity personality to seeing unusual exhibits. If you aren't in the market for home improvements services now, as a homeowner, it's inevitable that you will. Being informed of various services and products will come in handy!

Home Shows bring you closer to consumers: Home Remodeling is flourishing and is expected to see continual growth in the coming years. Money will be spent on kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, expanded living spaces, exteriors and landscaping.

Capture your fair share!

The Home Show consistently attracts a large, quality audience, ready to buy and eager to learn about the latest products and services for their homes.

• Build relationships.

• Create and build brand awareness.

• Demonstrate the latest products and services to a motivated, targeted audience who can see, touch and buy your product.

Get a return on your investment. Attending shows are an investment and you will want to get a return. By setting goals and creating a plan, you can easily determine the outcome of your participation.

Here are a few suggestions to get the most out of a show.

Collect contact information: Consumers who may only want information now may be a sale in the coming months. By collecting contact information and sending emails periodically about your services, you will stay in their minds when they are ready to buy.

Strike while the iron is hot! If you promise to send more information, a sample or to call to set an appointment, don't put it off.

You have a small window of opportunity while the show is fresh in your prospects' minds.

Don't lose a potential sale with bad follow up.

Share the cost - Consider inviting another service provider that complements your product or service to join you and help defer some of the expense of participation. This can be very productive as you may attract consumers that otherwise may not have considered you.

Come by and see us: Instone will be present at the:Maryland Garden and Home Show(March 13-15, 2009)Home Builders Association of Maryland Builder Mart Show (March 25, 2009)Atlantic Builders Convention(April 22-24, 2009)

We will be available to show you product samples, provide catalogs and to give out general information about the Instone product lines. Please visit our website to view the design gallery and to request information on home improvement, product distribution and to find dealers and masons. See you at the show!

__________________________________________________________________
Instone is the largest distributor of Owens Corning Cultured Stone®, Prostone® in the country. Instone product line includes Nappa Valley Cast Stone, Semco Thin Cut Natural Stone, Arcast – Architectural Pre-Cast Products and FireRock. Instone has been in business over 25 years serving Maine to Virginia, with distribution centers in Connecticut, New Jersey and Virginia. Contact Instone today for product information, dealerships, and to become a Select Installer.
Sincerely

The Instone Team

Phone: (888) 467-8250Email: C.Williams@instoneco.com

Building Products Leader Owens Corning Masonry Products, LLC Introduces ProStone™ Manufactured Stone Veneer: Designed to Help Builders Succeed in a Sl

Building Products Leader Owens Corning Masonry Products, LLC Introduces ProStone™ Manufactured Stone Veneer: Designed to Help Builders Succeed in a Slowing Market.

New product line delivers quality, affordability and compliance with stringent AC-51 codes
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) Masonry Products, LLC, introduces ProStone™, a new line of value engineered manufactured stone veneer products ideally suited to meet the pressures of today's challenging market. ProStone™ provides a quality stone veneer option for use where affordability is a major consideration.
"More than ever, builders need solutions that help them add beauty, substance and affordable differentiating features -- without compromising quality," said Chuck Stein, president of the Owens Corning Masonry Products Business. "ProStone™ is the newest product line to join the company's expanding family of manufactured stone products nationally and internationally for both trade professionals and do-it-yourselfers."
Manufactured to comply with all major building codes including AC-51, ProStone™ products are available in more than a dozen different color and texture combinations to complement a wide variety of design options and architectural styles. The products are backed with a 25-year warranty from Owens Corning Masonry Products, LLC.
"With the cost of land and labor increasing, finding ways to keep projects affordable is more of a challenge," said Joe Landolfi, president of Vegas Valley Construction. "We priced three brands of manufactured stone for The Village shopping center, a high-end, 73,000 square foot project. By selecting ProStone™ manufactured stone we were able to incorporate the rich, refined look of stone at a significant savings while ensuring the quality I look for in manufactured stone."
The ProStone™ brand of manufactured stone is available through an established nationwide network of dealers and distributors for Owens Corning Masonry Products. To learn more, visit http://www.instoneco.com/.
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) is a world leader in building materials systems and composite solutions. A Fortune 500 company for 53 consecutive years, Owens Corning people redefine what is possible each day to deliver high-quality products and services ranging from insulation, roofing and masonry products, to glass composite materials used in transportation, electronics, telecommunications and other high-performance applications. Founded in 1938, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass fiber technology with sales of $6.5 billion in 2006 and 20,000 employees in 30 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.owenscorning.com/.
SOURCE: Owens Corning Masonry Products, LLC
1-888-467-8250

Bringing you up to date on the world of Masonry

Owens Corning ProStone® ;
Shows new colors in current textures and a new texture, Easy Fit Savannah Ledgestone.
ProStone gets rave reviews; Mr. Sal Picone, Picone Stone and Firepalces and Ron Zisko, East Coast Fireplaces, with each over thirty years experience with Cultured Stone®, have both sold and installed ProStone® and agree that the finished look of ProStone® is virtually identical to Cultured Stone® and the ease of installation only enhances the value of ProStone®. Mr. Picone states that the masons, “quite frankly, are thrilled with ProStone®”.
If you are not already marketing ProStone®, it is the solution that you have been waiting for, the true look and feel of stone at affordable prices.

ArcCast – Architectural PreCast Products;
In response to ever growing demand for design solutions that incorporates the classic look of natural stone, ArcCast has created pre-cast accessories to meet your needs. If the standard line does not meet all your needs, chances are ArcCast can custom design a product to meet your requirements.

Fire Rock Pre-Engineered Fireplace Kits;
Fire Rock is a simple way to build a high-end all-masonry fireplace and chimney. This smartly designed system installs in a matter of hours for less than half the cost of a traditional brick & mortar fireplace.

Napa Valley Cast Stone – Select Cast Wall & Pier Cap systems;
This is the newest line we have added to our growing list of products we currently inventory.Napa Valley Cast Wall & Pier Caps offer on-time, on-budget solutions for all your wall and pier cap needs. Select Cast Wall & Pier Caps systems have been architect approved and mason tested for size and weight. Our colors have been matched to the most specified stucco, Cultured Stone®, and block colors to insure cap materials that are perfect for today’s wall cap needs.

In the up coming months Instone will be introducing additional new products, our goal is to be your one stop supplier for all your thin veneer requirements, be it manufactured or natural.

Thank you for your business and continued support. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Cathy Williams - Marketing Manager
Direct: 888.467.8250
email: c.williams@instoneco.com
website: http://www.instoneco.com/

Making a plan for outdoor living increases comfort and value to your home.

Making a Plan for outdoor living.
More and more people think about taking their lifestyle outside, not only for the warmer months but now for the colder seasons as well. With outdoor fireplaces, kitchens, and hot tubs, living outdoors is year round.

If you're thinking about how to create the right environment to transfer your life outdoors, consider this advice for a well thought out plan. Add comfort and increase the value of your home.

1. Let your style lead the way in defining an outdoor room. Whether your taste is rustic with an old world charm, classic with sophisticated architectural accents or linear with a modern edge, odds are that it can be integrated into your outdoor environment.
2. The more accessible your space is, the more you will use it. So put function first.
3. If the area will be a central point in your outdoor lifestyle, consider built-in heating to accommodate weather changes.
4. No other single element sets the mood as well as lighting. Recessed lighting, chandeliers, niche lighting and sconces — all controlled on dimmer switches — create the perfect ambient glow.
5. To complement your outdoor life style, include music. Place the speakers out in the yard, directing the sound toward the house. Not only will this create a fuller sound, but it will also help keep peace with your neighbors.
6. Install your television with easy visibility and minimal sun exposure to eliminate glare. Consider installing cabinetry to protect equipment.

For more information and a free design catalog click here

Instone

888.467.8250
c.williams@instoneco.com
http://www.instoneco.com/

Increase the curb appeal of your home by 10,000

Looking to remodel or improve your home's appearance? Consider an alternative to vinyl and wood siding that will increase its value by $10,000.
Using Cultured Stone® veneer on the homes you build provides curb appeal, but it also does more than that—it raises the perceived value. Homeowners in the same Gilmore Research Group study judged a $295,900 home with an entryway enhanced with Cultured Stone® products to be $9,300 more valuable. Just think, for a small investment up front, you can significantly increase the perceived value of a home. To read more please click on the link below for a detailed report.

http://www.culturedstone.com/literature/docs/53110_OC_CS_CurbAppealBroch.pdf

If you would like a design catalog or any information about home improvement options please contact me. I will be happy to give you a free literature.
Cathy Williams
Marketing Manager
888.467.8250
c.williams@instoneco.com
www.instoneco.com