Waukesha County Home

OCTOBER 2017 HOME 3 Homeowners are discovering that archi- tectural accents can go a long way toward improving both the look and value of their homes. When renovating a space, the term "millwork" may be mentioned by designers and contractors. While it might be a mys- tery to some, millwork can give rooms unique looks. Millwork refers to items traditionally made from raw lumber in a sawmill. Exam- ples of millwork include crown molding, base trims, door frames, window casings, chair rails and paneling. Cabinets may also classify as millwork. Used for both decoration and to increase the functionality of buildings, millwork comes in various types. Generally, millwork is fabricated in two ways. Stock millwork tends to be mass-produced commercial items. These low-cost items are inter- changeable and may be widely available at retailers, including home improvement centers. Custom millwork is a product that is custom-designed and produced for indi- viduals and special building projects. Some- times referred to as "architectural mill- work," these pieces may be more ornate and made-to-order. Homeowners who want to match a focal point of a home or an existing style often turn to custom millwork. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, ornate millwork was largely reserved for royalty or the very wealthy. Skilled carpen- ters would hand carve each piece, taking weeks to finish most projects. Eventually, millwork became more commonplace. Dis- tinguishing one property from another today could mean turning back to the more distinctive designs of the past. Homeowners looking for ways to enhance their properties can embrace millwork to achieve a luxury feel without a sizable investment. The first step is to choose mill- work that will coordinate with the era and style of a home's existing decor. Ornate millwork in an overly modern house may seem out of place. The millwork should match the architectural theme of the home. Although some do-it-yourselfers can suc- cessfully install prefabricated millwork, for custom designs and a truly seamless look, it is important to have millwork professional- ly installed. Individuals should research carpenters who specialize in millwork and verify their license and reputation through a consumer protection agency. Popular types of millwork include crown molding, corbels, wainscoting, and custom bookcases. Homeowners may not realize that millwork can be added to spaces of all sizes to give them an air of sophistication. Although millwork was traditionally formed from hardwoods, eco-friendly home- owners can now find millwork crafted from synthetic materials and even reclaimed woods. Endless laundry? Consider going commercial Millwork can add appeal and classic feel to renovated space Homeowners are rediscovering the beauty and value of millwork. Does the idea of doing laundry make you want to throw in the towel? Unfortunately that would only contribute to more laun- dry! According to the information and statis- tics website Quora, in a typical year, an average family can do upward of 250 loads of laundry. Even with advancements in laundry technology, it can take more than two hours to wash, dry and fold a single load of clothing. For active men and women and those with large families, laundry piles are even greater and may seem like an ever- present and never-ending task. Rather than gathering up all of the cloth- ing and linens and heading to the nearest laundromat, homeowners can bring the laundromat to their homes. Investing in commercial laundry equipment might be the best way for homeowners to solve their laundry woes. A few distinct differences set residential and commercial washers and dryers apart. Residential equipment tends to be small and can easily fit into homes and handle the demands of family laundry. Commercial machines, however, are designed for large loads. This includes bulky comforters or throw rugs. Individuals who are doing many loads per day may find that commer- cial washers are more practical, as they are designed to stand up to the demands of daily use. Furthermore, commercial machines tend to wash and dry heavy items more thoroughly and more quickly than residential machines. Because commercial equipment can han- dle larger loads than residential machines, the potential for energy savings can make commercial machines worth the extra investment. For example a typical home dryer can take an hour to dry a large load on high heat, while it may take only half that time to dry the same load in a commer- cial dryer. A factor to consider is that commercial washers and dryers are designed to be serv- iced rather than replaced. Even though the initial cost of commercial machines may be higher than residential units, homeowners may break even or possibly save money if they don't need to replace the machine as early as they might with a residential unit. Although there are many benefits to upgrading to commercial laundry equip- ment, B&C Technologies, an industry leader in commercial and industrial laun- dry equipment, advises homeowners to con- sider various factors before making their decision. Homes may need to be outfitted to accommodate commercial units. This includes larger water lines for adequate water supply, larger drains, upgraded elec- trical power, and a natural gas supply for the dryer. A new exhaust vent may need to be installed to accommodate the greater amount of expelled air. Naturally, the space needed to house commercial units also mer- its consideration. Commercial laundry equipment can make doing laundry easier for some home- owners. When laundry piles up, you might want to consider commercial equipment. While the initial cost is higher than consumer washers and dryers, they won't have to be replaced nearly as often. Large loads, heavy items more easily handled

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