The recently enacted EPA rules regarding work conducted on structures with lead paint present became effective on April 22, 2010. The Renovate, Repair and Paint rule (better known as RRP) has presented remodelers with additional paperwork, equipment requirements and cleanup procedures. The RRP rule presents homeowners looking to remodel with additional costs associated with some remodeling projects.
The RRP rule applies to structures built prior to 1978 that may have lead paint present. Structures covered under the rule are single family homes, multi-family homes, apartments, condominiums, schools and any facilities conducting child care. If the structure is tested and found to not have lead paint present, the rule will not apply. The rule applies to interior projects disturbing more than six (6) square feet of lead paint and exterior projects disturbing more than twenty (20) square feet of lead paint.
So why is it important? Lead paint chips, dust and particles are toxic to humans, especially children in the development years from birth to six years of age. I am no scientist, but it was explained to me that lead molecules closely resemble calcium molecules, therefore, as children’s bodies are craving calcium for development they are ten times more likely to absorb lead molecules. Protecting children is all the reason I need. It is important and the right thing to do.
Adams Construction Services, Inc. is an EPA Certified Lead – Safe Firm with two Certified Renovators on staff. For more information on the new RRP rule or any remodeling questions call us at 812-282-8453 or visit our website at www.Call28Build.com. RRP information and a link to the EPA website is near the bottom of our home page.
Adams Construction Services, Inc. recently began to utilize social media on Facebook and Twitter. As we “learn the ropes” with this more recent technology, I am discovering a great deal about the power and popularity of these websites.
You may visit us on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the following links:
Memorial Day weekend often reminds us of family gatherings, lake trips and other vacation related activities. Every year you should be certain to spend some time thinking of those who fought and paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedom. We in the United States of America enjoy a level of freedom and economic prosperity unlike any other nation on Earth. We have our men and women in uniform to thank for this great fortune.
The Adams Construction Team and I wish you a Happy Memorial Day.
Our firm was one of the firms recognized by Remodeling Magazine in the 2010 Class of the Big 50. This distinction is not reserved for large firms, as ours certainly is not, but rather is reserved for firms setting the pace for the remodeling industry in one of eight categories. Our firm was recognized in the Teamwork category. Please visit the following link to view the article. http://www.remodeling.hw.net/big50/2010/adams-construction-services.aspx
As a result of this honor, I was invited last week to attend the Remodeling Leadership Conference and Big 50 dinner in Alexandria, Virginia. I enjoyed the conference, meeting the editors of Remodeling Magazine and meeting 47 of the other Class of 2010 firms.
Reflecting on this honor for our firm, for me, it really does come back to teamwork. You see, although I got to make the trip and be photographed for the magazine, there are many great people with me helping to “row the boat” and make things happen. Without them, the Big 50 honor would not have been possible. I appreciate all of my team members and all that they do to make things happen for our clients.
I apologize for my prolonged absence from this blog. Between our success at the two winter home improvement/remodeling shows in Louisville and the volume of calls we have had coming into our office since the weather improved, we have seen a dramatic increase in inquiries for work and sales. I have been busy.
With Spring and soon Summer upon us, we have seen a high volume of calls for decks and outdoor living projects. My favorite new product for these type of projects is the new Trex line of Transcends decking. This product gives you the benefits of a composite and PVC deck board in one package. The base board is composite with a PVC shell added, thus the product features a 95% recycled content and the excellent durability/washability of PVC for the walking surface. This is truly having your cake and eating it as well! This “hybrid” product combines the two products to overcome the weakness of each (composite – lack of scratch resistance, tendency to stain/mildew; PVC – lack of recycled content and high cost). Trex Transcends also includes a 25 year stain/fade warranty that is unsurpassed in the industry.
We look forward discussing your next remodeling project very soon.
Plan to pay us a visit in booth 1509 at the Louisville Home, Garden & Remodeling Show this weekend March 5-7, 2010 at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center. As a member of the Energy Pros of Louisville, we are again part of the “Sustainable City” area of the show. It is hard to miss the Energy Pros aisle with its 20′ width and green carpet.
At 12:00pm on Saturday, March 6 I will be conducting a presentation on “green” products with a focus on the CertainTeed Solaris Solar Reflective Shingles and the brand new Trex Transcends Decking at the Energy Pros Education area.
We look forward to speaking with many of you at the show and discussing your remodeling projects.
I recently had the distinct pleasure of a visit from the foremost educator in the construction field. Michael Stone of Construction Programs and Results was in Louisville last week to conduct an educational session at a post frame building conference and I had the opportunity to serve as host during his visit. In addition to logistical items such as getting Michael to and from the airport and to his hotel, we had the chance on Thursday for a lunch and extended visit at our showroom.
Having Michael at our showroom was special for me, largely because he played an important role in its very existence. You see, one of the services Michael provides in his business is coaching for individuals in the construction business. I am a former coaching client and must tell you that we would not have grown and become who we are today without him. Thank you Michael.
You can learn more about Michael, his books and Construction Programs and Results by visiting www.markupandprofit.com.
It appears that remodeling activity has recently hit bottom with the remaining quarters in 2010 to show improvement. The Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University has recently released the (LIRA) measure indicating the improvement. The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) is designed to estimate national homeowner spending on improvements for the current quarter and subsequent three quarters. For more information please visit this link:
Our recent experience at the Build, Renovate & Landscape Show last month in Louisville seems to mirror this optimism. The show was well attended with our company becoming acquainted with many potential clients. Thanks to all who visited our booth at the show.
Please contact me if I may be of assistance with a remodeling or renovation project at your home. Until next time….
CertainTeed, the leader in high quality building products, recently introduced a residential roof shingle with “Solar Reflective Technology” call Solaris. This shingle is available in four colors, has a limited lifetime transferable warranty, is a Landmark style dimensional shingle and will qualify (in most cases – check with your tax professional) for the Energy Tax Credit available through the end of this year.
This shingle reflects sunlight (and therefore heat) during the warmer months to minimize heating of the attic space and therefore the interior of the home. This product meets Energy Star guidelines and also contributes points to projects pursuing LEED designation or the NAHB Green Building Guidelines. Please visit this link for additional information:
Please contact our office at 28Build or 812.282.8453 or visit our website at www.Call28Build.com to learn more about CertainTeed Solaris shingles or to discuss your remodeling/home improvement project today!
Happy New Year! We look forward to 2010 and wish everyone happiness and prosperity this year. Our economy is still facing challenges, however, the economists and pundits are now saying that we are in recovery and on the cusp of modest economic expansion. Some of the economic data I have seen recently seems to support this point of view. Let’s hope they are correct.
Please plan to visit us at the Build, Renovate & Landscape Expo at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Downtown Louisville. The show runs from Friday, January 15 through Sunday, January 17. Hours are 2-9 on Friday, 10-9 on Saturday and 10-6 on Sunday. Please come see us at booth 508!
Also remember that the IRS energy tax credits for qualified replacement windows, HVAC system replacements and insulation will be ending December 31, 2010. Please contact us if you have any questions about eligibility and the type of products that qualify.
As 2009 comes to a close, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This has been an interesting and busy year for our Team. We opened our new showroom in April, I attended courses throughout the Fall and earned three NAHB designations, and our entire Team attended the NAHB National Remodeling Show and Deck Expo in Indianapolis in October. Our Team has grown this year to include some new faces to better serve our clients.
I trust that everyone will enjoy some additional “family time” this week. I am looking forward to Christmas with my wife, eight year old son and four year old daughter, as well as other extended family members.
I appreciate everyone who has contributed to our accomplishments this year; Clients, Team Members, Vendors and Trade Partners alike.
As the end of 2009 draws near, we are planning for 2010 to be a more robust year for remodeling activity. As the economy and job market show signs of stabilization, we expect increased demand as many homeowners proceed with home improvement projects they may have put off in 2008 and 2009.
Plan to visit me and other members of the Adams Construction Services, Inc. Team at the Louisville home improvement shows this Winter. The Louisville Build, Renovate and Landscape Expo will be at the Kentucky International Convention Center (downtown) January 15-17, 2010. The Louisville Home, Garden & Remodeling Show will be at the Kentucky Exposition Center (fairgrounds) March 5-7, 2010. These shows give you the opportunity to see new products, meet building professionals and ask home improvement questions. You can also visit us at our showroom at 590 Missouri Avenue, Suite 105 near Kye’s in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Don’t forget that tax credits are still available on certain upgrades to windows, HVAC systems and insulation. Watch the news as a subsequent stimulus package being considered in the legislature may include additional home improvement opportunities. Contact our showroom at 28BUILD/812.282.8453 or visit the Green Building page on our website at http://www.Call28Build.com for more information.
I recently completed all the courses necessary to earn the Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation through the National Association of Home Builders. The endeavor to earn my CGR began in May 2008 when I took the PREP exam. My results on the exam indicated that I needed to complete four courses which I did this year.
Earning this designation was certainly informative and satisfying. An unanticipated benefit of pursuing the CGR designation was the opportunity to meet people from all over the United States. The chance to network with other individuals in the remodeling business has been valuable, especially as our industry is enduring so much change.
We traveled to Michigan over the weekend and I attended an education course there on Monday. We were in the Dearborn and Ann Arbor areas, which appear to be very vibrant and active. Most of the attendees in my course were remodeling contractors from Michigan, Northern Ohio and the Chicago area. All reported an increase in remodeling activity this year and especially this Fall. As the national economy is only beginning to show signs of stabilization, I thought it was interesting that the contractors from Michigan, of all places, were so upbeat.
You see, much of the mainstream media would have you believe that the State of Michigan is completely boarded up, desolate and destitute. I have made two trips there this fall and have found just the opposite. I understand that the Michigan unemployment rate is high as the auto industry has been so battered. I am sure they are reflecting and see the wisdom of diversification – and will look to make different decisions in the future.
Michiganders, like most of us in America, have a way of moving on through hard work and perserverance, regardless of our environment. Some in all areas of the United States have fallen on hard times, and some always will – I hope for better times for them. Some are victims of their own lifestyle and poor decision making – I hope for a better future for them, that they may make a turn for the better.
So go forward confidently, you live in this great land called the United States of America!
I visited the NAHB Remodeling Show and Deck Expo 2009 earlier this week in Indianapolis. I attended two courses on Monday and Tuesday which gave me the opportunity to take advantage of some valuable education and networking. In my networking with other professionals, it seems that a common theme is holding true – the remodeling market in the US is trending upward with the slowest times most likely behind us. I spoke with other remodelers from the Midwest who, like our company, appeared to have experienced the slowest sales in 2008.
On a side note, while visiting the BuilderBooks store at the show, I met a remodeler from Australia. Yes, you read that correctly, Australia. Peter and I found one another while browsing through the various construction related books offered. What a rare opportunity to network with someone in my profession from the other side of the globe!
Our entire team is headed to Indianapolis on Friday to take in the exhibit hall portion of the show. I am challenging each of our team members to look for opportunities to learn something at the show that allows them to better him or herself and better serve our clients.
Replacement windows are a great investment in your home that can pay many dividends, and with some windows eligible for the Energy Tax Credit, now is a great time to look at replacing yours. We offer vinyl, clad wood and composite frame replacement windows from names such as VinylMax, Simonton and Pella. Some wonderful advantages of replacement windows include the following:
Improved comfort
Savings on your energy bills
Added beauty and “curb appeal”
Low maintenance and ease of operation
A more quiet interior (new windows are far more effective at cutting down exterior noises)
Enhanced home value/resale appeal
When shopping for replacement windows, make sure to ask about what is standard equipment vs. optional equipment. Most manufacturers base priced windows do not include things like Low E glass and Argon insulation, which is required to have the best performance and to ensure eligibility for the Energy Tax Credit. Call us for answers to your questions about replacement windows or any type of remodeling project.
We have some great products to offer for improvements to your home this fall. One of my favorites is the Leaf Relief gutter protection system. This is my favorite for several reasons. It eliminates the unpleasant and dangerous task of cleaning your gutters. It keeps your gutters working at peak performance to protect your home from water damage/water infiltration. It offers value by making your home more maintenance free. This system offers many advantages over competing systems such as:
Proven to be nearly 100% effective
All aluminum construction
Not visible from the curb on most homes
Manufactured by Alcoa, a trusted name in the building material business
Less cost than competing systems
We also offer roofing materials from CertainTeed and siding from many vendors. You can visit our website at www.call28build.com to see our work and print coupons. Call us to help get your home ready for Fall & Winter!
I recently returned from Indianapolis where I spent a week in class to receive two professional designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The experience was very worthwhile and also gave me the opportunity to network with other professionals from the building industry.
The first designation course I took was to become a Certified Green Professional (CGP). The CGP designation better positions me to serve our clients who wish to incorporate “green” and energy efficient components in their remodeling or new construction project. As we look for new ways to minimize energy consumption and preserve the environment, education in this area is becoming more important for building professionals.
The second designation course I took was to become a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). The CAPS designation allows me to better serve our clients who wish to incorporate Universal Design or have needs for enhanced accessibility for themselves, family members or friends. The CAPS designation is a natural fit for myself and Adams Construction Services, Inc., as I have previous experience as a licensed Health Facility Administrator in the State of Indiana. We have completed many new construction and remodeling projects that incorporated Universal Design and enhanced accessibility.
I look forward to further educating our team at Adams Construction Services, Inc. on these important areas of expertise.
As some of you are aware, we have been in the process of moving into our new showroom. This process began with the construction phase in March and early April with our physical move occurring on April 16. We are still working on a few items including cabinet displays, exterior product displays and finishes on electrical/plumbing. This has been a good exercise for us as now we are in the role of our clientele – waiting for parts, deliveries, staff and the like. Believe me, we have experienced frustrations just as many others have. For me, the small issues that have arisen are reasonable in that they are easily remedied nuisances. The fact is that I am so excited to have everything completed and see the finished product that these things are frustrating. It has been a great experience for us to “walk in our clients’ shoes.”
Our new showroom is located near Kye’s in Water Tower Square Business Park at 590 Missouri Avenue, Suite 105 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Please plan to visit us soon. We are here from 8-5 Monday through Friday. Please visit our website at http://www.adamsconstructionservicesinc.com for more information and a map.
Hello to everyone. I just wanted to share my recent experience as an attendee at Dave Ramsey’s EntreLeadership Master Series Conference in Franklin, Tennessee. I am sure most are familiar with Dave and his nationally sydicated radio show, several books and Financial Peace University program. What an experience to spend four days with the self made, successful business person. The lessons taught are very applicable to our construction business and the implementation of the concepts will no doubt lead to a better atmosphere for our employees and better service to our clients.