These "silent sellers" help remodeling company Farina & Sons build brand and reinforce a positive image of the company. More
Five years ago, an audience of luxury kitchen and bath designers nearly revolted when the keynote speaker at an industry event drew cautious aim. In a speech that touched on matters ranging from the poverty outside their windows to the environmental side effects of the construction boom to the imminent U.S. invasion of Iraq, he gently compared them to the first-class passengers on the Titanic drinking champagne while conveniently ignoring the people packed into steerage below and the risk of catastrophe ahead. More
Built in 1922, the Orlando, Fla., home was located a few blocks from the city's historic section. The homeowners wanted to add modern conveniences and decor, yet retain the home's original look and feel. They tapped Victor Farina, president of Farina and Sons, in Orlando, to find a way to mesh these goals. Farina, in turn, called an interior designer experienced in historic renovations. More
Anyone with an Internet connection can log on and see for themselves the customer service record of most remodelers. And there's nothing wrong with that. But what happens when the remodeler needs protection from the homeowner? More
Although the construction and layout of these houses, known as Mediterranean or Spanish style, are most suited to the climates of southern California, Florida, Texas, and Arizona, the style has since gained popularity across the country.The design includes stucco siding, clay roof tile, wrought iron accents, arched doorways, colorful tiles, and carved doors and columns. At 60 to 100 years old now, the houses often need quite a bit of work to bring them back to their original luster. More
