Leading up to the Super Bowl Bishop and Blondie were renamed Black and Gold in honor of their support for the New Orleans Saints. No doubt they weren’t the only New Orleans pets pulling for the Saints.

Following the win, two media writers referred to the Saints as “America’s Team” because their victory was seen by many to represent the resurgence of New Orleans after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

According to The Neilson Company, Super Bowl XLIV is the most-watched television show in U.S. history. The New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts match-up drew 106.5 million viewers, beating all previous Super Bowl records and topping the 1983 “M*A*S*H” finale, which drew 105.97 million viewers.

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for winning the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 1, 2009, and becoming the football champions of the world. But beyond being just a feel-good moment in sports history, that day’s victory could result in future benefits for a city whose future was in doubt a few years ago.

An article on AOL’s web site HousingWatch.com says that the city could get a Super Bounce from the win and reports that,

…that annual per capita income in New Orleans could rise by up to $100 now that the Crescent City finally has a winning franchise.”

And says that,

…the short-term psychological boost of a Super Bowl victory could act as an economic tipping point, promoting a virtuous circle that drives real estate prices up over the long term…

…In short, we can only speculate about the likelihood of a Saints property bounce. We do know that with the notable exception of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans has always been a fun place to live and visit, even during the four decades when the Saints sucked. Well, now the Saints are champions. Brokers, start your engines!”

Cedric looks on as Black and Gold, the New Orleans construction dogs, give Hal a high-5.

The wealthy plan for three generations. The poor plan for Saturday night.”

While one certainly does not need to be wealthy to choose custom windows nor poor to pick stock windows, this quote suggests a question that may be worth asking prior to making any significant purchase for one’s home: Does this purchase call for short-term savings or long-term investment?

Custom windows typically offer a long-term investment opportunity while stock windows typically offer short-term savings.

Stock windows are often cheaper because they are mass produced in limited sizes and styles and use less expensive materials and construction methods. For instance,

• Stock windows are constructed using a spring valence for up/down operation
• The wood specie used isn’t highly resistant to destructive climates
• The mould casing is usually fabricated out of pine designed for brick homes
• Joinery (how parts are joined together) may be inadequate for heavy long-term use
• Glass may not be sealed to prevent rot from condensation and water intrusion
• Stock replacement windows may not match existing windows

So, these considerations should be kept in mind when stock windows are considered. Many brands may offer up-front savings, but some brands may not provide good value.

Custom windows, on the other hand, may offer an excellent long-term investment opportunity. However, simply because windows are custom made does not necessarily ensure that they are a good value. There are important things to keep in mind when selecting a millwork shop to build custom windows.

The following considerations have been historically proven to withstand destructively damp climates. Central City Millworks in New Orleans follows these historically proven methods and recommends them for similar climates.

• The most reliable, long-term operation system is the hidden weight, pulley and sash cord system
• The best rot resistance wood for Window sash and jamb is provided by Spanish Cedar
• Glass frames (muttins) should be primed prior to the glass installation
• Glass should be set in a bed of silicone to prevent moisture intrusion
• Correct joinery (the way the window frame is joined together) should be used
• Custom replacement windows can be fabricated to match sound existing windows

For the reasons listed above, custom windows may be more expensive up-front, but could last generations longer than stock windows precisely for those reasons. It’s worth covering that list of reasons in more detail.

First, the hidden weight, pulley and sash cord system is undeniably old fashioned, but is unsurpassed for reliable long-term ease of use. The typical failure simply requires replacement of the sash cords. This is easily accomplished, if access panels have been built into the jamb of the window, by accessing the weights and replacing the sash rope.

Spanish Cedar is by far the best available wood to resist the ravages of damp environments. Historically, New Orleans windows were made with locally available indigenous cypress from old growth forests. This cypress had a natural protection from termites and rot, unlike new growth cypress that does not possess the natural protection that Spanish Cedar provides.

Glazing all glass the proper way ensures long-term prevention of moisture intrusion. The first line of defense is to prime the raw wood before the glass is placed in the wood frames (muttins). Secondly, setting the glass in a bed of silicone is critical for long term protection of the window from condensation on the interior of the glass. If the wood is not primed and the glass not sealed on the interior by silicone, then moisture has an entry point and acts like a cancer to attack the wood from the inside.

One of the most important considerations for window reliability (and wood millwork in general), is correct joinery. The connection of the wood-to-wood joints of moving sashes is critical because they need to be strong enough to hold the weight of the glass but narrow enough to allow maximum entry of light. The time tested mortise and tenon joint is the highest strength wood joint for window sashes, however some mill shops will use dowel joints to speed production. The American Woodwork Institute (AWI) rates the mortise and tenon joint as superior joint to dowel joints. Other mill shops use a butt joint with a large screw to hold the joint together. However, the AWI does not consider this an acceptable joint in any millwork since the screw is set in the end grain (parallel to the grain of the wood) and will not reliably hold.

And when doing price comparisons, be sure to determine whether the quoted price includes:

• The interior and exterior casing
• Priming of all bare wood
• Installation of the glass
• Installation of the window

In conclusion, if your choice of windows is driven by cost savings, then stock windows may be satisfactory for your needs if you at least consider the quality points offered in this article. On the other hand, if your home is likely to be in your family for generations and/or you want to add resale value…then custom windows are for you.

CCM installed New Orleans shutters

In New Orleans shutters have long been a familiar sight on windows, and that will continue for as long as New Orleans and hurricanes exist…however, the opportunity to opt-in to the Individual Mitigation Measures reimbursement program that could cover the cost of adding storm shutters and other covered safety measures will not exist past March 10, 2010.

Over 100,000 applicants for the “Road Home” program should have received a letter near the end of 2009 from the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) that offered them an opportunity to receive up to $7,500 in reimbursement for added safety measures such as strengthened doors, roof tie-downs, elevated air conditioning and heating units, anchored fuel tanks, and storm shutters.

While applicants of the Road Home program may qualify for the program, it is not financed by Road Home. This small-scale mitigation initiative is financed by a FEMA program called the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

In addition to that program, applicant homeowners also have an opportunity to sign up for another mitigation program financed by the same FEMA grant that pays up to $100,000 to reimburse for the costs of elevating their homes.

The LRA advises that if an applicant has already completed the work, he or she must present receipts in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

Any questions about the small-scale mitigation program can be directed to the mitigation hotline at 877.824.8312.

Ref: 36N5MTJQWQ6T

Hidden door to a secret room ?!?

Ten years earlier they had purchased a condominium in a historic building in the New Orleans CBD . It was the family’s New Orleans townhouse which their daughters used while attending medical school. Their three girls graduated and were pursuing careers, so the family decided to renovate the New Orleans townhouse and move back to the city they loved.

The hardest part of making this decision was their two sons, one was in high school, the other in middle school and neither wanted to leave their school and friends. Giving them creative control over the design of their new rooms was a big factor in convincing them to accept the move. This decision led us to one of the more exciting and fun cabinet projects Central City Millworks has been involved with.

VIEW THE VIDEO and LARGE PHOTOS = New Orleans Custom Bookcase and Cabinets

VIEW THE VIDEO and LARGE PHOTOS = New Orleans Custom Built-in Cabinets

Built-in cabinet for stereo components, CD's, DVD's, records...

The family was moving from a large country house to a historic slave quarter condominium where the rooms would be much smaller. To accomplish the down-sizing, the architect worked with all the family members to design built-in cabinetry for their personal rooms and family areas. The built-ins were intelligently designed to maximize storage space while fitting in with the historic character of the building. All family members play musical instruments and had an extensive collection of music in the form of CDs, tape and albums. In the family room under a stairwell David designed a media center that utilized deep full extension drawers to conveniently store their music collection, plus efficiently contain their stereo components.

Large built-in corner desk

The son in middle school wanted plenty of storage for all his various interests and a desk large enough to work on several projects at one time. David designed an arched entablature cabinet with a center dresser and flanking storage cabinets with full length doors. A corner desk with plenty of wall cabinet storage above provided the maximum available work surface. Both cabinets took advantage of every square inch of available space so he had a place to store everything.

The son in high school was a Harry Potter fan and his design was, for us, the most exciting and fun part of the project. Having been inspired by “The Chamber of Secrets” and wanting to have a private space, he requested a room with a hidden entrance. The architect designed a beautiful classic bookcase that defined one end of a living room, using Spanish Cedar, carved fluted pilasters, carved appliqués, and beautifully finished with catalyzed varnish. The center cabinet is a smooth operating hidden door, set on an over sized Rixson hidden pivot hinge, with a magnetic lock operated by a remote wireless switch (an additional hidden mechanical key serves when the remote is not on hand). Central City Millworks’ engineering enabled the cabinet to meet the design requirements of the owner and architect, yet remain completely undetectable as an opening when it is shut.

Just your basic wood bookcase?

The ultimate Harry Potter fan is very happy with his new room and its novel entry. Just recently a piano tutor was training his brother when he walked right behind her and entered the hidden room. The unsuspecting tutor was confused with someone seemingly disappearing behind her. She had no idea it was a secret passage and with the quiet remote lock and the smooth pivot, it totally surprised her.

I asked the mother how the family was adjusting to their new life as an urban family and specifically how were her sons handling the transition. There had been some tough times emotionally she said, but the whole family was embracing and enjoying their new life. Living in the heart of the city this music loving family was able to experience and appreciate the local music scene even more. The family loves sports and they often attend Saints and Hornets games. The kids were enjoying their new school and new friends. In a recent conversation with the mother we received the highest complement from one of sons. During a particularly rough time in his transition, she told him she understood all the difficulties but she just wanted to hear one positive from the move. After a period of reflection he said, “I like my room”. This point, she said, was a pivotal moment in his transition to accepting his new home.

The Central City Millwork design team for this cabinet was Hal Collums, Rob Thornton , and Ernest Myers . Because of the complicated nature of the cabinet the fabrication and assembly was led by Max Mendoza and performed by our cabinet department crew. The installation on–site was led by Max Mendoza and performed by the Hal Collums Construction install crew. Bryon Cornelison was the project manager.

Please click the following link if you would like to read the full story on the custom built-in cabinets.

Built-in cabinet for stereo components, CD's, DVD's, records...

Large built-in corner desk

Corner desk and entertainment center

Please click the following link if you would like to read the full story behind the hidden door bookcase.

Just your basic wood bookcase?

Hidden door ?!?

Hidden door completely open

Bedroom inside the hidden door

Unfinished Balusters in our New Orleans mill shop

The project requires over one hundred and fifty Spanish cedar balusters.  This would be a daunting task for any shop carpenter to turn by hand, however our recent acquisition of a Diehl TL 42 hydraulic automatic lathe came at a great time.

First, the wood comes to us as rough sawn lumber which is then milled to the required dimensions by several machines including a planer and a joiner.  This project’s spindles were four inches thick so they required the Spanish cedar to be laminated together.

Laminating is the process of joining two or more pieces of wood to achieve a desired thickness or width, and like metal welds this joint is often stronger than the material itself.  This process leaves us with rectangular blocks of solid Spanish cedar.

To cut the spindles the machine loads the blank of wood into a carrier and hydraulically forces it against the machine’s interior arbor.  The arbor has a series of hand cut knives which are loaded on to it and sheer away wood leaving the desired spindle profile.  The challenge was getting the knives ground to the correct profile and set at the proper angle.

The use of computer aided drafting programs allowed us to draw the machine and spindle three dimensionally and extrapolate a knife template. The knives were then grinded to match.  This machine will prove to be very useful to complete large orders in the future, however, due to the complex set up process it is still more efficient to turn small orders by hand.

If it is time to upgrade your interior and exterior railing or stairs, then come see what our craftsman can do for your home’s character.

Hand turned balusters

Our craftsman hard at work turning a baluster by hand