Great article found in the Qualified Remodeler.....
By Harry Spaulding
In the face of economic downturn, energy efficiency is one topic that is hotter than ever with consumers. Green building has also become a prime focus of today’s environmentally conscious homeowner. Combine these issues with a consumer desire for suitable prices and unlimited options and you have a clear view of today’s window market.
As fuel prices continue to rise, energy efficiency weighs heavier than ever on the minds of consumers. But extreme temperatures aren’t the only weather-related concern. Consumers living in regions that face severe windstorms also seek protection from nature.
“When it comes to windows, it’s obvious that clear glass and single-pane glass are ‘out,’ replaced by insulated glass with Low-E coating that helps keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by reflecting the sun’s UV rays,” says Kathy Krafka Harkema
With recent hurricane damage still on the minds of consumers, Sid Spear, Simonton Windows vice president sales and marketing, has noticed an “elevated awareness of impact-resistant windows in coastal areas. We are even seeing an interest in areas of the Midwest that often experience intense weather events.”
“Energy efficiency tends to be a bit more of a focus in replacement whereas green is a bit more of a focus in new construction,” says Brian Hedlund, JELD-WEN Windows & Doors product marketing manager, windows.
Green building is beneficial to the environment and also to the pocketbook, so homeowners find it doubly appealing. In response, manufacturers are beefing up efforts to provide the widest range of green products.
“Green is so common in the market today in so many ways that it has to be the number one trend,” says Lance Premeau, Kolbe Windows & Doors product manager. “From certified lumber to recycled content, green is prevalent in virtually all aspects of the market. Performance has always been important, but with green and the future Energy Star guidelines, it is becoming critical.”
“Their most frequent requests are for greater energy efficiency and green products,” he continues. “Energy efficiency has become a bigger factor in window replacement. Two years ago, improved energy efficiency was not a primary reason people upgraded their windows. Today it is. They’re understanding that the return on their investment is abbreviated and can be significant in light of current energy prices.”
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Ask the Right Questions: Find a Quality Remodeler
An article from the Florida Home Builders Assocaition.....
As a homeowner, how can you find a quality remodeler these days? If you are trying to ensure a successful remodeling project, you need to do some probing with a very specific list of questions for your short list of prospective remodelers and their customers. The answers to these questions should help to narrow the field even further and lead you to a customer-focused, quality remodeler.
"You are more likely to be satisfied by a remodeler focused on quality and customer satisfaction," according to Ed Caldeira, a remodeling industry expert. "You can find them by asking the right questions." To this end, Caldeira has as suggested group of questions that can help homeowners accomplish the ultimate goal: satisfaction with the finished job, whether the project is a remodeled kitchen or bath or a room addition or some other change to the house. In his capacity as director of quality programs at the NAHB Research Center, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Caldeira conducts extensive audits of remodelers cross the United States. He is the coordinator and one of the judges for National Remodeling Quality (NRQ) Awards, sponsored by NAHB’s Remodelors Council and the NAHB Research Center.
As is the case in most business situations, in order to make an educated decision, you need more information than may be provided initially by the remodeler. Two sets of questions will help probe beneath the surface of a newspaper ad or a listing in the yellow pages or a brochure. The first set of questions is for the remodeler and the second set is for his client referrals.
Start by asking a couple of questions about the remodeler’s specific satisfaction ratings. Answers to questions like, "What are your customer satisfaction levels?" and, "How do you gauge satisfaction?" should be helpful indicators. Also ask what percent of business is repeat customers or referrals. Caldeira asserts that quality remodelers not only have good results, they think it is important to get customer satisfaction feedback and use it to improve. Remodelers who are particularly proud of their customer satisfaction ratings may show you completed client surveys.
With this information in hand, move on to the timing question: "What do you do to make sure that the project will be completed on schedule?" Caldeira says a green light response includes the remodeler describing a well-planned remodeling process that leaves little to chance. He notes that quality remodelers have reliable, well-defined construction processes that prevent unpleasant and unnecessary surprises. The best remodelers have documented procedures.
You also want to be able to depend on good workmanship quality. A remodeler worth consideration should be able to answer the question, "How do you make sure that workmanship quality is up to your standards?" Caldeira says quality remodelers have long-term relationships with qualified craftsmen and use a formal inspection process to constantly reinforce the company’s quality standards with these workers.
Because the home remodeling industry is highly competitive, quality remodelers often "go the extra mile" to set themselves apart from their peers and to stay abreast of developing industry issues. Find out if your remodeler is active in a trade organization such as the NAHB Remodelors Council and if he has won any industry awards such as the National Remodeling Quality Award.
Next, take into account that the remodeler you choose will be in your home, interacting with you and your family on a daily basis. Quality remodelers should be able to keep you satisfied throughout the construction process by keeping you informed of project status, addressing your concerns, respecting your privacy, and minimizing disruption to your day-to-day activities. Specifically ask how the remodeler will do these things.
The last question for the remodeler, but certainly not the least important, is, "What happens if I discover a construction error after the warranty period?" Caldeira says quality remodelers stand behind their work even when a latent material or workmanship problem is discovered after the warranty period ends.
To verify the accuracy of a remodeler’s responses, ask for at least three referrals to people for whom the remodeler has done the same type of work. Since the remodeler will be providing the list of referrals, you would expect them to say they are satisfied with the work done. You should go beyond that and gather more in-depth details with questions, such as:
Is the finished project what you thought it would be? (The answer to this should tell you if the remodeler is good at communicating what you will ultimately get.)
Was the project completed on time? Were there any big surprises along the way? (These inquiries will help you gauge whether or not the remodeler’s processes are standardized and under control.)
Did you have to ask the remodeler to correct problems you found during the construction process? (The answer to this will show if the remodeler has high quality standards.)
As the job progressed, how did the remodeler keep you informed and address any of your concerns? (This speaks to the remodeler’s desire to keep customers satisfied from start to finish.)
Did you have cause to call the remodeler back after the job was complete? For what reason? How long did it take to resolve the problem? (This will help you see if the remodeler stands behind his work.)
What changes, if any, would you make if you could do the job again? (This question will garner useful information about the remodeler’s design expertise and ability to anticipate your needs.)
As a homeowner, how can you find a quality remodeler these days? If you are trying to ensure a successful remodeling project, you need to do some probing with a very specific list of questions for your short list of prospective remodelers and their customers. The answers to these questions should help to narrow the field even further and lead you to a customer-focused, quality remodeler.
"You are more likely to be satisfied by a remodeler focused on quality and customer satisfaction," according to Ed Caldeira, a remodeling industry expert. "You can find them by asking the right questions." To this end, Caldeira has as suggested group of questions that can help homeowners accomplish the ultimate goal: satisfaction with the finished job, whether the project is a remodeled kitchen or bath or a room addition or some other change to the house. In his capacity as director of quality programs at the NAHB Research Center, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Caldeira conducts extensive audits of remodelers cross the United States. He is the coordinator and one of the judges for National Remodeling Quality (NRQ) Awards, sponsored by NAHB’s Remodelors Council and the NAHB Research Center.
As is the case in most business situations, in order to make an educated decision, you need more information than may be provided initially by the remodeler. Two sets of questions will help probe beneath the surface of a newspaper ad or a listing in the yellow pages or a brochure. The first set of questions is for the remodeler and the second set is for his client referrals.
Start by asking a couple of questions about the remodeler’s specific satisfaction ratings. Answers to questions like, "What are your customer satisfaction levels?" and, "How do you gauge satisfaction?" should be helpful indicators. Also ask what percent of business is repeat customers or referrals. Caldeira asserts that quality remodelers not only have good results, they think it is important to get customer satisfaction feedback and use it to improve. Remodelers who are particularly proud of their customer satisfaction ratings may show you completed client surveys.
With this information in hand, move on to the timing question: "What do you do to make sure that the project will be completed on schedule?" Caldeira says a green light response includes the remodeler describing a well-planned remodeling process that leaves little to chance. He notes that quality remodelers have reliable, well-defined construction processes that prevent unpleasant and unnecessary surprises. The best remodelers have documented procedures.
You also want to be able to depend on good workmanship quality. A remodeler worth consideration should be able to answer the question, "How do you make sure that workmanship quality is up to your standards?" Caldeira says quality remodelers have long-term relationships with qualified craftsmen and use a formal inspection process to constantly reinforce the company’s quality standards with these workers.
Because the home remodeling industry is highly competitive, quality remodelers often "go the extra mile" to set themselves apart from their peers and to stay abreast of developing industry issues. Find out if your remodeler is active in a trade organization such as the NAHB Remodelors Council and if he has won any industry awards such as the National Remodeling Quality Award.
Next, take into account that the remodeler you choose will be in your home, interacting with you and your family on a daily basis. Quality remodelers should be able to keep you satisfied throughout the construction process by keeping you informed of project status, addressing your concerns, respecting your privacy, and minimizing disruption to your day-to-day activities. Specifically ask how the remodeler will do these things.
The last question for the remodeler, but certainly not the least important, is, "What happens if I discover a construction error after the warranty period?" Caldeira says quality remodelers stand behind their work even when a latent material or workmanship problem is discovered after the warranty period ends.
To verify the accuracy of a remodeler’s responses, ask for at least three referrals to people for whom the remodeler has done the same type of work. Since the remodeler will be providing the list of referrals, you would expect them to say they are satisfied with the work done. You should go beyond that and gather more in-depth details with questions, such as:
Is the finished project what you thought it would be? (The answer to this should tell you if the remodeler is good at communicating what you will ultimately get.)
Was the project completed on time? Were there any big surprises along the way? (These inquiries will help you gauge whether or not the remodeler’s processes are standardized and under control.)
Did you have to ask the remodeler to correct problems you found during the construction process? (The answer to this will show if the remodeler has high quality standards.)
As the job progressed, how did the remodeler keep you informed and address any of your concerns? (This speaks to the remodeler’s desire to keep customers satisfied from start to finish.)
Did you have cause to call the remodeler back after the job was complete? For what reason? How long did it take to resolve the problem? (This will help you see if the remodeler stands behind his work.)
What changes, if any, would you make if you could do the job again? (This question will garner useful information about the remodeler’s design expertise and ability to anticipate your needs.)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Water Misers
I found this on the Builder Magazine Site...good reading
By:
Nigel F. Maynard
In 1992, congress reduced the maximum water consumption level of toilets from 3.5 gallons per flush to 1.6, and opponents were hopping mad. Plumbing contractors and consumers railed that the new toilets were ineffective and wasted water due to multiple flushes.
These critics were more or less accurate, but that was then. Fast forward 16 years and manufacturers have stepped up their game. Today’s toilets perform exceedingly well. Now change is afoot once again.
The federal government warns that population growth and persistent drought will force at least 36 states into water shortages by 2013. Water conservation is now a national priority, which is why the EPA launched the voluntary WaterSense program to make it easy for consumers to identify and purchase water-efficient products. High-efficiency toilets were recently added to the program.
A high-efficiency toilet (HET) flushes with 20 percent less water than a standard unit. Such toilets may meet the criteria in one of two ways: A single-flush toilet must use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush, or a dual-flush unit must have a full flush using no more than 1.6 gallons and a reduced flush that uses no more than 1.1.
Some manufacturers are exceeding this standard. Lincolnwood, Ill.–based Gerber Plumbing Fixtures has introduced an Ultra Flush 1.1-gallon toilet that uses pressurized air to decrease the amount of water required for a flush.
In addition to dual-flush units, Kohler, Wis.–based Kohler offers the San Raphael Pressure Lite, a one-piece unit that uses 1.0 gallon per flush.
“This toilet represents the future of flushing technology,” Kathryn Streeby, director of marketing for Kohler’s sanitary products, said in a press release. “The industry is progressing to better technology and improved performance while utilizing less water.”
With toilet flushing consuming about 30 percent of all domestic water use, manufacturers say they are committed to the water conservation movement. The question that looms, however, is whether or not that movement will make voluntary standards become law. With the eco-movement gaining steam, it very well could, so be prepared.
By:
Nigel F. Maynard
In 1992, congress reduced the maximum water consumption level of toilets from 3.5 gallons per flush to 1.6, and opponents were hopping mad. Plumbing contractors and consumers railed that the new toilets were ineffective and wasted water due to multiple flushes.
These critics were more or less accurate, but that was then. Fast forward 16 years and manufacturers have stepped up their game. Today’s toilets perform exceedingly well. Now change is afoot once again.
The federal government warns that population growth and persistent drought will force at least 36 states into water shortages by 2013. Water conservation is now a national priority, which is why the EPA launched the voluntary WaterSense program to make it easy for consumers to identify and purchase water-efficient products. High-efficiency toilets were recently added to the program.
A high-efficiency toilet (HET) flushes with 20 percent less water than a standard unit. Such toilets may meet the criteria in one of two ways: A single-flush toilet must use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush, or a dual-flush unit must have a full flush using no more than 1.6 gallons and a reduced flush that uses no more than 1.1.
Some manufacturers are exceeding this standard. Lincolnwood, Ill.–based Gerber Plumbing Fixtures has introduced an Ultra Flush 1.1-gallon toilet that uses pressurized air to decrease the amount of water required for a flush.
In addition to dual-flush units, Kohler, Wis.–based Kohler offers the San Raphael Pressure Lite, a one-piece unit that uses 1.0 gallon per flush.
“This toilet represents the future of flushing technology,” Kathryn Streeby, director of marketing for Kohler’s sanitary products, said in a press release. “The industry is progressing to better technology and improved performance while utilizing less water.”
With toilet flushing consuming about 30 percent of all domestic water use, manufacturers say they are committed to the water conservation movement. The question that looms, however, is whether or not that movement will make voluntary standards become law. With the eco-movement gaining steam, it very well could, so be prepared.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Foreclosure Help Seminar
Here is an upcoming event for the community...
Free, Safe and Reliable Information and Assistance
For all interested persons, particularly businesses, HOA/condominium directors and property managers, civic, education, and ministerial leadership who can help others with information from this program that can result in properties remaining occupied and communities remaining stable.
Presented by:
The Steering Committee for a Coordinated Community Response on Foreclosed and Abandoned Homes and
Supported by:
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and
The Leadership Collier Foundation’s
Civic Information Center
The Steering Committee includes:
-The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Alliance
The Leadership Collier Foundation
-The Collier County Bar Association
-Legal Aid Service of Collier County
-Collier County Government
-Collier Building Industry Association
-Collier County Housing Development Corporation-Local Insurance and Bankers
-Naples Area Board of Realtors
-Collier County Sheriff’s Office
Speakers and Topics:
-Chief Jim Bloom, Collier County Sheriff’s Office:
Community Safety Team Initiative
-Dianne Flagg, Collier County Code Enforcement
Topics Include: How to report suspected code violations, and an update on current enforcement efforts.
-Kathleen Passidomo, Esq., Jane Yeager Cheffy, Esq.,
Francesca Passeri, Esq., Maureen Aughton, Esq.,
BrianWilliams, Esq., Collier County Bar Association,
and Jeffrey Ahren, Legal Aid Services of Collier County:
Foreclosure prevention
Topics include: loan modifications, updates on recent State and Federal legislation impacting foreclosures, legal issues affecting Homeowners Associations, tenants’ rights in foreclosure, how to avoid ‘foreclosure rescue scams’, and other practical tips (including the ‘Dos and Don’ts of Foreclosure’)
Monday, November 17, 2008
4:00 p.m.
Moss Hall on the campus of Moorings Presbyterian Church
791 Harbour Drive Naples, FL 34103
Free, Safe and Reliable Information and Assistance
For all interested persons, particularly businesses, HOA/condominium directors and property managers, civic, education, and ministerial leadership who can help others with information from this program that can result in properties remaining occupied and communities remaining stable.
Presented by:
The Steering Committee for a Coordinated Community Response on Foreclosed and Abandoned Homes and
Supported by:
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and
The Leadership Collier Foundation’s
Civic Information Center
The Steering Committee includes:
-The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Alliance
The Leadership Collier Foundation
-The Collier County Bar Association
-Legal Aid Service of Collier County
-Collier County Government
-Collier Building Industry Association
-Collier County Housing Development Corporation-Local Insurance and Bankers
-Naples Area Board of Realtors
-Collier County Sheriff’s Office
Speakers and Topics:
-Chief Jim Bloom, Collier County Sheriff’s Office:
Community Safety Team Initiative
-Dianne Flagg, Collier County Code Enforcement
Topics Include: How to report suspected code violations, and an update on current enforcement efforts.
-Kathleen Passidomo, Esq., Jane Yeager Cheffy, Esq.,
Francesca Passeri, Esq., Maureen Aughton, Esq.,
BrianWilliams, Esq., Collier County Bar Association,
and Jeffrey Ahren, Legal Aid Services of Collier County:
Foreclosure prevention
Topics include: loan modifications, updates on recent State and Federal legislation impacting foreclosures, legal issues affecting Homeowners Associations, tenants’ rights in foreclosure, how to avoid ‘foreclosure rescue scams’, and other practical tips (including the ‘Dos and Don’ts of Foreclosure’)
Monday, November 17, 2008
4:00 p.m.
Moss Hall on the campus of Moorings Presbyterian Church
791 Harbour Drive Naples, FL 34103
Friday, November 14, 2008
New Page Added to Lazer SW FL website - The Process
Hi,
We have added a new page to our website that explains the remodeling and improvement process that we use at Lazer of SW FL. To all new guest, we are located in Naples, Florida. Here is the link.... http://www.lazerswfl.com/Process.html
Have a great day!
Thank you to all of our customers!
We have added a new page to our website that explains the remodeling and improvement process that we use at Lazer of SW FL. To all new guest, we are located in Naples, Florida. Here is the link.... http://www.lazerswfl.com/Process.html
Have a great day!
Thank you to all of our customers!
Events from the Naples Chamber of Commerce
"We are Your Builder" TM
http://www.LazerSWFL.com
Here are a list of events on the Chamber of Commerce Website...
Events(From Naples Chamber of Commerce )
Naples Public Theatre Shakespeare "Comedy of Errors"
11/12/2008
Kale, Glorious Kale!
11/12/2008
Flu shots
11/12/2008
How to find a Missing Pet -CANCELLED-
11/12/2008
A Taste of Thanksgiving
11/13/2008
Critic's Choice
11/13/2008
Bizet's Carmen
11/13/2008
Broadway Medley: Iconic Performers on Broadway
11/13/2008
Evening on Fifth
11/13/2008
Big Dog Social
11/14/2008
How to Keep Financial Books and Records for Small Businesses
11/15/2008
Renaissance Festival
11/15/2008
OLD FLORIDA FESTIVAL
11/15/2008
Fall Art & Carft Festival
11/15/2008
Mural Painting
11/15/2008
Third Street South Farmer’s Market
11/15/2008
Workshops Schedule at The von Liebig Art Center
11/15/2008
Naples Concert Band
11/16/2008
Major/Minor Concerts “Stuart Chafetz”
11/16/2008
Holiday Desserts Cooking Class, 2 pm Sunday, November 16th $10
11/16/2008
Ballroom Dancing With Champion Dancer Alec Lazo
11/17/2008
Naples Public Theatre Shakespeare "Comedy of Errors"
11/17/2008
ABWA Neapolitan Annual Holiday Auction and Talent Show
11/18/2008
It's aparty
11/18/2008
What’s Left? Cooking Class
11/18/2008
FGCU Marrowthon
11/19/2008
Peter & the Wolf
11/19/2008
Night Vision- Naples Zoo
11/19/2008
Thursday on Third
11/20/2008
Downtown Naples Association Wine Tour
11/20/2008
Studio Art Class Session 2 Begins
11/20/2008
The von Liebig Art Center 10th Anniversary Commemoration and Founders Exhibition Opening
11/21/2008
Opera Naples Concert
11/21/2008
Night Vision- Naples Zoo
11/21/2008
Shelley Plays-Saens
11/21/2008
Digital Photography
11/21/2008
Great Venetian Duck Race
11/22/2008
Awards Presentation for the 47th Founders Juried Awards Exhibition
11/22/2008
Howl-A-Day Jubilee Pet festival
11/22/2008
Third Street South Farmer’s Market
11/22/2008
47th Founders Juried Awards Exhibition
11/22/2008
Outdoor Family Movie
11/22/2008
Vivaldi’s World
11/23/2008
Gulf Coast Big Band
11/23/2008
Naples Public Theatre Shakespeare "Comedy of Errors"
11/24/2008
Festival of Lights 32nd Annual Tree Lighting
11/24/2008
Nutcraker Gala
11/24/2008
Giant Gingerbread Decorating Contest
11/24/2008
Sistas in front of Gattle's
11/25/2008
Wrap it up for the Holidays
11/25/2008
Celebration of Lights (except Thanksgiving)
11/25/2008
Murders of 1940l- Musical Comedy
11/26/2008
2008 Farm City BBQ
11/26/2008
Felix in front of Gattle's
11/26/2008
4K Walk/Run
11/27/2008
Night Vision- Naples Zoo
11/28/2008
Quiet Storm in front of Gattle's
11/28/2008
Nutcraker Boutique Family day
11/28/2008
Alan Darcy in front of Gattle's
11/29/2008
Santa is Coming to for Footed Friends
11/29/2008
Nut Craker
11/29/2008
Naples Renaissance Fall Art Festival
11/29/2008
Third Street South Farmer’s Market
11/29/2008
Music Maker's Concert
11/30/2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Save Green by Living Green (October Issue of CBIA Business Builder Newsletter)
Here is an exert from the CBIA newsletter...good information.
Here are some quick and easy tips to help you live green and save green.
1) Clean or replace your air conditioner’s filter every month to cut your cooling cost and to help your unit run more efficiently.
2) A fan that runs constantly can cost up to $7 a month ($84 a year) so turn your fan off when you leave a room.
3) Avoid pre-rinsing dishes before you put them in the dishwasher and you can save yourself an average of $6 a month ($70 a year).
4) Did you know that appliances that are plugged in but not in use still draw energy and cost you money. Try unplugging un-used appliances or plug into a power strip.
5) Window tinting… not just for cars. Consider having your home’s window tinted on the side of the house that has the most direct sunlight. This will help to keep the house cooler which will reduce your energy bill.
Here are some quick and easy tips to help you live green and save green.
1) Clean or replace your air conditioner’s filter every month to cut your cooling cost and to help your unit run more efficiently.
2) A fan that runs constantly can cost up to $7 a month ($84 a year) so turn your fan off when you leave a room.
3) Avoid pre-rinsing dishes before you put them in the dishwasher and you can save yourself an average of $6 a month ($70 a year).
4) Did you know that appliances that are plugged in but not in use still draw energy and cost you money. Try unplugging un-used appliances or plug into a power strip.
5) Window tinting… not just for cars. Consider having your home’s window tinted on the side of the house that has the most direct sunlight. This will help to keep the house cooler which will reduce your energy bill.
"We are Your Builder" TM
239-289-1994
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