Seasons Greeting from K Squared Builders

That's a Wrap!

That's a Wrap!
at least for Lance's work trailer.
It showcases some of the projects we have done, and hopefully will be a real "eye-catcher"
Let us know what you think of it!

Spring Newsletter 2015

Houzz awards K Squared Builders for both Design and Service.

K Squared Builders, Inc. of Keymar, MD Receives
Best Of Houzz 2015 Award

Over 25 Million Monthly Unique Users Rated Top-Rated Home Building,
Remodeling and Design Professionals in the United States and Around the World

Frederick, Md.  January 19, 2015 – K Squared Builders, Inc. has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” for Design & Customer Satisfaction by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The quality oriented design build remodeling firm was chosen by the more than 25 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 500,000 active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: Design and Customer Satisfaction. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 25 million monthly users on Houzz, known as “Houzzers.” Customer Satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2014. Winners will receive a “Best Of Houzz 2015” badge on their profiles, helping Houzz users around the world who discover and love a professional’s work to learn even more about that business’ popularity and satisfaction rating among their peers in the Houzz community.

“We are honored to receive both of these awards, and couldn't do it without the great clients we work with. Thank you all for trusting the “K Team” to help with your wide range of projects.” Dale Kramer


“Houzz provides homeowners with a 360 degree view of home building, remodeling and design industry professionals, empowering them to engage the right people and products for their project,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of industry marketing for Houzz. “We’re delighted to recognize K Squared Builders, Inc. among our “Best Of” professionals as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”

Follow K Squared Builders on Houzz http://www.houzz.com/pro/ksquaredbuilders/__public

About K Squared Builders, Inc.
Professional Remodeling "The way you want it"
• We listen
• Help Visualize
• Convert dreams to a feasible plan
• Build/Remodel them to fruition

About Houzz
Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality.

Seasons greetings and Thank You from the K Team!

Dear Friends,
As 2014 and K Squared Builders (K2) first full year in business draws to a close, I find it appropriate to update, or at the least provide insight into how we got started and where we are heading.

Way back in 1979, I got my start in carpentry as a helper for a German Baptist carpenter. Thankfully that sect was allowed to use power tools! Eventually I worked full time for them as a self-employed carpenter so technically – I was self-employed first at 16!

From there, I worked for two commercial contractors where I became the footing foreman for each and learned much about concrete, retaining walls and grade work…as well as plumbing.

Using that experience, I partnered with a friend to create T&D Construction. We knew how to work hard, but without any business training, made an easy target for some bigger companies who prey on the naive. More lessons learned.

In 1987, I went to work for Jerry Liu, a Montgomery County remodeler, who when asked about benefits stated “you get paid for what you work”. I took the job as a carpenter and soon became a lead carpenter and then project manager including building a somewhat complex custom home. In 1996 I switched roles to represent him as his Salesman/Estimator. It was one of the best moves of my career, participating as they became one of the most respected remodelers in the DC Metro area …while earning “full” benefits.

All good things come to an end.., so that better things can start! In January 2013, I started the involved process of becoming a Maryland Home Improvement Contractor and finally in August of 2013, K Squared Builders, Inc. was “officially” born. At that time, I still represented D G Liu as a licensed salesman and continued to do so until about June of this year at which time I knew it was time to go “Fulltime”.

The K TEAM: Who says family cannot work together? I am doubly blessed to have both my children working for me now. Lance not only is a skilled Lead Carpenter but has earned great customer praise as my Project Manager for running their jobs not just smoothly and efficiently, but with high quality. Daughter Nicole Cook has taken over our bookkeeping, freeing me up to pursue new work and as well as spending some time in the field as well. Her computer skills are a great help and asset to us…and I get to see my beautiful granddaughters when she is here working…priceless!

Scott Warnick started as an partially skilled helper but has quickly advanced to carpenter status. What he initially lacked in skill was more than compensated for by his excellent work ethic and positive attitude. I am fortunate to have him as part of the K TEAM and he also has received many compliments.

David Buckner and Josh Hosey have both provided much needed fill-in help and we look forward to utilizing them whenever possible. Last but not Least, Daughter-in-law Whitney Kramer runs all of our permits and her “get-it-done” attitude, “gets-it-done” in that (sometimes) frustrating task!

Maybe the most unknown member of the K TEAM is our loyal, tried and true sub-contractors. Having worked with many of them for beyond 15 years provides us with a valuable resource that we are pleased to have the pleasure of working with as well as the trust to have them represent K2

And now…drum roll please…the MOST important members of the K TEAM.
That is you: My Clients, friends, family, tradesman and associates that have chosen to let us help with not just your projects but have referred your friends and families as well. Because of you, we have had a surprisingly busy and productive first year at K2. Without you, none of this would be possible! We have built additions, kitchens, custom decks, office spaces, water damage restorations, windows, roofing, siding, bathrooms and more.

Myself and the entire K TEAM thank you for your ongoing trust and loyalty and are looking forward to seeing what 2015 has in store for us, through you.

Unlike many companies that are driven only by profit and growth, we are driven to provide a quality project, at a fair price and on schedule. I personally guarantee that every job will be completed “The way you want it”.

Have a most Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday Season!
Sincerely,

Dale Kramer President K Squared Builders, Inc.

Every Work with "That Guy"?

Ever work with "that guy"? 
TIP OF THE DAY: Ask your remodeler "When something goes wrong, how do you handle it?" How they answer might be a "tell" of how the job would go.

"'Job Well Done"

"My husband and I want to thank you, Lance, and the crews for a wonderful job, well done. The list is long and I hope I haven't left something out:

-trim work in hall, kitchen, powder room and family room
-a hand rail to the second floor
-removal of wallpaper - the job turned out to be much more difficult than anticipated
-paint - most of the first floor
-renovation of the powder room from top to bottom, including a much-needed shelf in the cabinet
-helping me select a neat and different sliding patio door
-grab bars in 2 bathrooms

Not only are we pleased with the work, we can't say enough good things about how you and all the workers were on time for scheduled work and how it was done neatly, and well-cleaned up afterward.
Also, the workers were respectful of our privacy as best as possible.

Thanks to all. Can't wait to plan next project!"

Kay and Joe B.

Be prouder of your Powder...Room!

Be prouder of your Powder...Room!
Just because powder rooms typically are small, doesn't mean they have to be ugly. Removing old wallpaper usually is not an easy task, but it can dramatically change the look of any room. 
Notables - Omega custom walnut cabinet. Moen fixtures, Toto toilet, Granite top with undermount sink, taller recessed medicine cabinets, chair rail, removed recessed light and added light above vanity. 

Before

Decked Out!

K Squared Builders

designed and built this unique deck in Darnestown MD. Notables include: Dual decks provide ample entertainment areas while creating an easy way down to the back yard. Brick support columns with limestone caps compliment the deck while blending it in with the architecture of the home. Trex decking with hidden fasteners and a beautiful double border. Trex composite rail system complete with post, pier and step lighting nicely accent this space day or night. Underdeck Oasis under deck drainage system to keep you dry no matter how hard it rains This will be especially useful when the future patio is built!
Thank you Lance, Scott, Josh, Dave and George for your fine work!

K Squared does light Commercial

"I absolutely love the space. There is good flow in the work areas, great natural light and it feels relaxing and comfortable.
You and the crew did a fabulous job. Thank you again. I will certainly refer you to anyone in need!"
Kim 
Jumpstart Therapy
Gaithersburg, MD

Kim owns Jumpstart Therapy, a pediatric occupational therapy clinic which specializes in helping children ages 12 months through 7 years old We were glad to be able to help prepare their new therapy location in Gaithersburg, MD. Check out their website at http://www.jumpstart-therapy.com/

Do you Shudder to Shower?

Then shatter the shoddy shanty to shambles and shine up your shins in a new showery showplace!
I guess what I'm trying to say is. let us rip out your old leaky shower and replace it with one you are proud use.

Can't Cope?

That's OK, we can, and do!
Coping is a way of back-cutting moldings to ensure a tight fit at inside corners.
Crown molding first was used  over 2500 years ago by the Greeks and were cut from stone. Today's crown molding most commonly is made from pre-primed woods. There are some synthetic alternatives out there, but be wary as many times they give a wavy look.
A general rule of thumb is that the height of the crown be 1/14th of the wall height . A great way to further add to the look, is to add multiple pieces of trim to create a "built-up" look.
In the second picture, 3 pieces of crown are used, and then the wall between them will be painted to match the trim. This creates an even more substantial feel for these 9' ceilings.

Join the K Team.

Landon proudly displaying his K Squared shirt. He already has a great fascination of tools and building things. Looking forward to the day he joins the K Team with his daddy Lance.

Had or Heard of a Bad Remodeling Experience?

Had or Heard of a Bad Remodeling Experience?
Over many years of meeting with folks regarding their home-improvement needs, I hear way too many horror stories about past experiences within the construction industry. The cartoon depicts quite well how differently the "same thing" can be understood...er, misunderstood by all parties involved.
It does not have to be that way! Whether purchasing a service or commodity, the representative should be directing many questions to you about what your needs, goals, and visions are. If they don't care in the first meeting, chances are, they won't care later.
Just as important are clear specification/contract documents. You should always know exactly what it is you are purchasing , in writing, before you order/sign anything. If the salesperson balks or is defensive in anyway, politely reuse the contract and find someone willing to provide these basic things.
If hiring service work, always check that they are properly licensed and insured. In Maryland, a quick check at the MHIC website will tell you if a contractor's license is active and whether or not they have any complaints against them.
Lastly, ask for referrals and then (hard as it may be) pick up the phone and actually call them. My favorite question to ask: "What went wrong, and how did they handle it"
Do your due diligence and you might be pleasantly surprised how smoothly your homes remodeling can be.

When not to Share?