
Pardon our Dust raises a good question about contractor markup costs. The homeowner feels 22% is way overboard but from the comments and through a bit of research it looks like 22% is actually quite reasonable. Despite what people think or talk about there is no industry standard for pricing remodeling jobs. Successful contractors run their business at the margins that suit them and what the market will bear.

A new renovation project takes a lot of planning, whether you're doing it yourself or not. You have to coordinate the schedules of the contractors, gather the materials, and prepare your home. But don't forget one last important preparation: bracing the family for the disruptions that will ensue.

Hansa Stella Faucet
The K/BIS 2008 conference and show in Chicago has wrapped up and we've pulled together a list of the best coverage. Some of favorite new products include the Fisher and Paykel "gas in glass" range and we welcome a new kitchen countertop material, glass, from ThinkGlass.

K/BIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) is under way in Chicago and the cancellation of more than 1000 American Airlines flights hopefully won't damper the launch of the show although we do know of some folks who are scrambling to find alternative transportation. If you are one of the unlucky booked on American Airlines here are some tips for sorting out your situation.
Regardless of how you get out there, as usual this year's show is primed for new product announcements as well as a focus on ways to beautify your home through design and decorating.