You would be very surprised to learn how you can utilize the space you already have. You can take all that wasted basement space and turn it into a TV room, a bar room, a bedroom, or even a mini apartment for that kid that grew up but won’t move out yet,(or better yet, you’re mother-in-law!). The attic is always a good spot to look to see if you can reclaim some precious space. If you have a new baby coming home soon, it is a great idea to add a room or two up there. You can put the older siblings up there or use it for the playroom so your home isn’t strewn with toys. You can keep it a mess and not worry too much about your guests thinking you’re messy. Pop up a dormer to create a passage, a little creativity and some good old fashioned workmanship, and viola, more room on a decent budget! If we really put our brains in high gear, we can come up with creative ways to restructure our current living space to get the most from it. Rearranging closets, moving walls, adding openings and levels can all add to the useable space in our homes. Enclosing a porch is a great way to give you that much needed elbow room.

The basement can offer quite a bit. Usually it is cozy and out of the way, so it can be used as a sanctuary for a bit of privacy from guests. Whichever type of space you decide to create, you will need to consider a few things. First is escape passages in the event of emergencies, such as egress windows or bilco doors. Second is the height in correlation to what you want to do with the area. If it is to be a TV room, then most of the time you will be sitting or lying down. If it is going to be a bar room, you will probably need more height to stand comfortably. Basements tend to be more humid or even damp. You will need to accommodate for this by either waterproofing with paint or lifting the floor with a moisture barrier underneath. In some cases you may need a sump pump and a special closet to house it. If you choose to put a bathroom down there, you may have to dig through the foundation and install a mini septic tank with a pump. You may need to install heating and air conditioning as well, depending on what’s there already.

The attic can have some plusses and minuses. That all depends on how big it is and how you can get to it. Usually the roof needs to be raised in one or more spots to make headroom, like a dormer over a stairway or in a room where the existing slanted roof is too low. However, it does offer more daylight and a better view. It would also keep the personal areas, like bedrooms, up and away from guests, and offer better supervision of loved ones. The attic is more subject to the weather; therefore you would definitely need better insulation and temperature control.

The porch may be the best option to increase living space for the entire family. They are usually right off the living room and are somewhat boxed in already. All that would need to be done is close it in and insulate, add windows and doors where appropriate, then create open access to it.

All of these options are great for cutting down the budget, removing zoning obstacles, and shortening the build time. Permits can be a real hassle to get for additions. There are so many variables to consider. Consequently the process for an addition can take 8 months just for the approvals. Permits are much easier for remodeling the inside. Call us to discuss all the specific details and possibilities for your home. We’d love to show you!

With many working on a tight budget, getting a home makeover may seem improbable. Recently, The Mazzei Group has teamed up with The Sherwin Williams Paint Company, making it more affordable to design your home, no matter the color. While The Mazzei Group ensures to keep their work around the budget of their customers, they also strive to provide the best quality work and service.

Sherwin Williams products provide the best appearance, durability, and performance to each of these customers. Together, Sherwin Williams and The Mazzei Group are providing their customers with top service and superior products such as our low V.O.C paint called, ProGreen 200. With this product, The Mazzei Group is able to provide a large array of colors with this product to their customer’s as well as giving them a green alternative.

What is Progreen 200?

ProGreen 200 allows you to get the results you want without compromising your budget or the environment.

ProGreen 200 enables you to deliver an attractive, uniform finish while meeting environmental regulations and demanding budgets. Its low-VOC, low-odor formula makes it ideal for painting occupied areas while its durability and competitive pricing are perfect for new commercial construction applications. And, with availability in Primer, Flat, Low Sheen, Egg-Shel, and Semi-Gloss sheens, ProGreen 200 will satisfy your project requirements.

This low-VOC, low-odor paint meets the needs of contractors, commercial builders, property owners, and architects alike. Since it can be applied in occupied areas, scheduling hassles for you and your clients are virtually eliminated increasing productivity and profitability for everyone.

One of the best ideas I’ve seen for heating a home comfortably and efficiently is Radiant Heat in flooring. Basically, radiant heat is installed under flooring as opposed to forced hot air or baseboard radiators, (or convective).

First, I like the feeling of being comfortable in all areas of my home, not just warm in some areas and cold in others. Usually, typical heating systems are warm near the heat source then cold near windows or at the end of the system. Radiant heat is evenly dispersed throughout the home so there are no noticeable differences in different spots. Also, I don’t need to keep my feet as warm as with convective. I can sit or play with the kids on the floor without worrying about being cold. I do love a good fireplace, but we typically don’t use them to heat our homes these days.

Second, and equally important, is the efficiency of the system.  Studies conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) indicate that with radiant heating systems people can be comfortable at temperatures 6°F to 8°F lower than with convective systems. Not only that, but take a look at the graphic. With radiant heat, the lower living area is where the heat is focused, whereas with convective, the air is heated and consequently it rises to the ceiling. In addition, convective heat is placed on outside walls. This temperature differential causes cold outside air to be drawn in. the bigger the difference between outside and inside temperature, the bigger the air infiltration. It then takes more energy to effectively heat the lower living area.

… As a result, the thermostat can be set 6°F to 8°F lower, and use less energy. It is estimated that each degree the temperature is lowered saves between 3% – 5% on energy costs. That equates to 18% – 40% savings.

Other benefits of radiant floor heat include maintaining the humidity level. It does not dry out the air as does convective. It is also easier to install, and can be increased in sections. So if you are adding an addition or redoing your whole heating system, it just works.

There are two kinds of Radiant Heat for flooring, electric or water. Electric is scrolled through a mesh which is then laid out under flooring in sections and wired accordingly. Water based is installed via flexible tubing that can be run under a new floor or even through joists under an existing floor. Water has three added benefits. First, it can be installed under existing flooring without having to rip it up. Second, it can be installed under any kind of flooring, whereas electric may have an issue under a rug. Third, it can be connected to a water heater or even a solar heating system.

In the end, radiant heat in your floor is better all around. Call us today to discuss the cost vs. savings you can realize by installing this very ‘green’ idea!

You can read about our work on this project in our four-part blog series here: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Also, check out some clips we’ve edited together from the episode itself below.

After coming into the general contractor’s arsenal as a material used in the construction of skate parks, Skatelite has seen considerable usage as a eco-friendly option for siding on both commercial and residential builds. Made of pressed paper and resin, Skatelite is durable enough to withstand the most vigorous skateboard session, heat resistant, and unaffected by paint thinners and other graffiti removal tools.

As a result of those properties, Skatelite has potential to become the next big thing in the world of alternative siding. For example architect and avid skater Paul Masi actually used the material to side his own home, as well as using it as his kitchen floor, countertops and facings for appliances. While working with The Discovery Channel on Construction Intervention, The Mazzei Group also used the technique to give Staten Island ultra-lounge Locale, it’s unique appeal.

If you’re interested in having Skatelite installed on your home or business please contact us.

Check back in the coming days to watch exclusive video of The Mazzei Group construction crew hard at work on the renovations.

Click here to get episode summaries and local times and listings in your area.

Construction Intervention Promo:

The one hour prime time docu series uses their construction know-how to not only rescue restaurateurs and save small business owners from stalled renovation projects, but to help give local businesses that are at the heart of their communities a pick-me-up! Whether establishments need to be redesigned for functionality or rescued from disaster, the ultimate goal is to improve local businesses and the communities in which they live.

The Mazzei Group Construction goal was to rescue a Downtown Staten Island restaurant from a construction nightmare. Endless delays and poor contracting left the owners desperate and out of cash. Piles of garbage and poor construction required a total makeover.

Ettore was chosen for two reasons, his expertise in the construction business and his 30 years experience building renovating & operating restaurants, catering halls & hotels.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4. Friday 2/19. 10am. The custom Corian bar arrived and was set in place by CD Fabricators.  Immediately following, the floor behind the bar was waterproofed and tiled with a gray quarry. Bathrooms were tiled with quick set mastic and toilets and vanities installed late afternoon. On the exterior the skakelite skin was completed and the finishing design was started. The 5 x 12 sheets of  Skatelite was cut into 10” strips and secured to the building using hat furring channel and stainless screws in a riveted pattern. The logo was etched in the Skatelite. Early morning the awning arrives and exterior lights are installed. On the interior carpenters electricians & finishes work through the night. LED’s were installed at the base of the bar, on the center column and around the skylight. Two chandeliers were installed and high hats complete. The lutron lighting system, outlets and dimmer switches were completed. The back bar niches were wallpapered and glass shelves installed. Sinks, Ice bins and under the counter refrigeration were set in place and piped. Early morning doors & trim was completed. Albert Martin Interiors delivered the banquettes & curtains and they were installed. Clean up began and the restaurant was ready for the 3pm reveal to its owners.

Day 4 photos:

The one hour prime time docu series uses their construction know-how to not only rescue restaurateurs and save small business owners from stalled renovation projects, but to help give local businesses that are at the heart of their communities a pick-me-up! Whether establishments need to be redesigned for functionality or rescued from disaster, the ultimate goal is to improve local businesses and the communities in which they live.

The Mazzei Group Construction goal was to rescue a Downtown Staten Island restaurant from a construction nightmare. Endless delays and poor contracting left the owners desperate and out of cash. Piles of garbage and poor construction required a total makeover.

Ettore was chosen for two reasons, his expertise in the construction business and his 30 years experience building renovating & operating restaurants, catering halls & hotels.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3: Thursday 2/18, 6am; Bluestone Drywall completed the rock and taped using a quick drying compound. The electricians roughed in the lights and LED’s and Pete the painter started his magic. The ceiling was painted flat black and wall paper finishes were applied. Outside the framing was completed, sheathed with densglass, primed and waterproofed with Grace Material. The roofers followed right behind, shoveling the snow off the roof recoating the roof and parapet walls. Total Builders applied stucco to the rear block wall and poured the interior trenches after the plumbing was roughed. The night shift arrived and started siding the exterior with skatelite, a pliable, durable, waterproof, black ramp like armor. On the inside the crew worked through the night, the sub floor was shot down and hardwood floor was nailed. The DJ Booth, coatroom & VIP’s were completed. The trim was stained and doors were painted ready to be installed.

Day 3 photos:

The one hour prime time docu series uses their construction know-how to not only rescue restaurateurs and save small business owners from stalled renovation projects, but to help give local businesses that are at the heart of their communities a pick-me-up! Whether establishments need to be redesigned for functionality or rescued from disaster, the ultimate goal is to improve local businesses and the communities in which they live.

The Mazzei Group Construction goal was to rescue a Downtown Staten Island restaurant from a construction nightmare. Endless delays and poor contracting left the owners desperate and out of cash. Piles of garbage and poor construction required a total makeover.

Ettore was chosen for two reasons, his expertise in the construction business and his 30 years experience building renovating & operating restaurants, catering halls & hotels.

Click here for Day 1

Day 2: Wednesday 2/17.  The interior build out began to include stage, 2 VIP areas, skylight, back bar with niches, coat room and buildout for three unisex bathrooms & one handicapped bathroom. Plumbing, electrical & HVAC rough was quickly started following the buildout. Sound proof insulation was installed. Bluestone Drywall, were patiently waiting to cover the walls with white. 1pm The first breakdown occurred. The lights did not arrive and the ceiling had to be rocked. A split second decision was made to change the new construction lights to old work, leave a whip and rock the ceiling. At 3pm the engineer decided the fluted block exterior wall was unsafe and must come down. Scissor lifts were raised and the hammer guns went to work. Joey Lagner & his team from Fine Line Construction started demolition and was complete in three hours. They worked through the night to frame the 2 x 6 new wood wall.

Day 2 Photos:

The one hour prime time docu series uses their construction know-how to not only rescue restaurateurs and save small business owners from stalled renovation projects, but to help give local businesses that are at the heart of their communities a pick-me-up! Whether establishments need to be redesigned for functionality or rescued from disaster, the ultimate goal is to improve local businesses and the communities in which they live.

The Mazzei Group Construction goal was to rescue a Downtown Staten Island restaurant from a construction nightmare. Endless delays and poor contracting left the owners desperate and out of cash. Piles of garbage and poor construction required a total makeover.

Ettore was chosen for two reasons, his expertise in the construction business and his 30 years experience building renovating & operating restaurants, catering halls & hotels.

Day 1: Tuesday, 2/16, start time: 3pm. The Mazzei Group Construction was greeted by piles of garbage, termite damaged beams, miles of dangling electrical wires & a crumbling façade. The interior was quickly demolished and rebuilt; replacing termite damaged studs and sistering the fire damaged ceiling. The existing bar was demolished and floor joist repaired. The exterior fluted block was made safe until an engineer could make his evaluation. Working round the clock, Day 1 goal was accomplished with no glitches.

Day 1 Pics: