As the official kick off to summer we are all hoping that the weather will cooperate so we can host our friends and families for those famous cookouts. But as you start to migrate outside to use the decks and lawns it's important for you make sure that it is safe and secure. All too often we hear on the new about deck collapses, or hear a friend's foot went thru the old rotted out deck.
When asked what first steps a homeowner should take to check out their deck this year Almar's President Terry Quinn said "A simple, annual inspection doesn't take long or require special tools, but it's a great investment of your time. It can help prevent unnecessary accidents, and keep your deck a safe place for everyone to enjoy. Especially here in New England where there's a lot of snow and ice, your deck could have developed a trouble spot over the winter." You may or may not know what you look for yourself, but the Almar team can always come over, do and inspection and make some recommendations.
Almar encourages all homeowners to have your deck inspected for safety and comfort issues. When we examine an existing deck we look for and discuss with you the following issues:
Improper Footings - All footings should be 48" deep and should be made of proper concrete.
Missing joists hangers
Missing or improperly installed railings or balusters
Safe and easy to grip handrails.
Splintering Pressure Treated wood.
Rising nail heads.
Rot issues.
Deck accessories that may be hazardous, such as anything that creates heat (grills, fire pits, etc.)
Upgrading Pressure Treated wood to lower maintenance Composite decking.
By keeping your existing deck frame in good working order, you could just recover the frame with a low-maintenance composite material like Azek and extend the life of your deck, while reducing the amount of time and energy you need to spend taking care of it.
What is Azek? Azek is the #1 brand on stain resistant composite decking. We here at Almar like it because we have very few calls back about it because it is:
- Stain resistant
- Scratch resistant
- Split resistant
- Mold and mildew resistant
- Durable and long lasting
- Impervious to moisture and insects
- Limited lifetime warranty
And Azek comes in a wide range of color options
If you haven't had your deck looked at in a while, please give us a call and we can take check it out for you, and handle all your maintenance issues. Almar Building & Remodeling is a full service remodeling company located on Rt. 53 in Hanover.
Give Almar a call at 781-826-2577.
www.AlmarBuilding.com
1130 Washington St. Suite 3
Hanover, Ma 02339
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
NARI's Warning Signs During Interviews
May is Home Remodeling Month - Check out these Warning Signs homeowners should know from NARI http://www.nari.org/homeowners/warnings/
Warning Signs During Interviews
Avoid remodelers at all costs when:
•You can't verify the name, address, telephone number or credentials of the remodeler.
•The salesperson tries to pressure you into signing a contract.
•The company or salesperson says your home will be used for advertising purposes so you will be given a "special, low rate."
•The builder/remodeler tells you a special price is available only if you sign the contract "today."
•No references are furnished.
•Information you receive from the contractor is out-of-date or no longer valid.
•You are unable to verify the license or insurance information.
•You are asked to pay for the entire job in advance, or to pay in cash to a salesperson instead of by check or money order to the company itself.
•The company cannot be found in the telephone book, is not listed with the local Better Business Bureau, or with a local trade association, such as NARI.
•The contractor does not offer, inform or extend notice of your right to cancel the contract within three days. Notification in writing of your Right of Recision is required by law. This grace period allows you to change your mind and declare the contract null and void without penalty (if the agreement was solicited at some place other than the contractor's place of business or appropriate trade premises-in your home, for instance.)
In addition, be cautious when:
•You are given vague or reluctant answers.
•The contractor exhibits poor communication skills or descriptive powers.
•The contractor is not accessible.
•Your questions are not answered to your satisfaction.
•The contractor is impatient and does not listen.
•Only the work is addressed, instead of your needs as the homeowner.
•There is no way to see previous projects, either through a presentation book, an online presentation or via the company's Web presence.
Warning Signs During Interviews
Avoid remodelers at all costs when:
•You can't verify the name, address, telephone number or credentials of the remodeler.
•The salesperson tries to pressure you into signing a contract.
•The company or salesperson says your home will be used for advertising purposes so you will be given a "special, low rate."
•The builder/remodeler tells you a special price is available only if you sign the contract "today."
•No references are furnished.
•Information you receive from the contractor is out-of-date or no longer valid.
•You are unable to verify the license or insurance information.
•You are asked to pay for the entire job in advance, or to pay in cash to a salesperson instead of by check or money order to the company itself.
•The company cannot be found in the telephone book, is not listed with the local Better Business Bureau, or with a local trade association, such as NARI.
•The contractor does not offer, inform or extend notice of your right to cancel the contract within three days. Notification in writing of your Right of Recision is required by law. This grace period allows you to change your mind and declare the contract null and void without penalty (if the agreement was solicited at some place other than the contractor's place of business or appropriate trade premises-in your home, for instance.)
In addition, be cautious when:
•You are given vague or reluctant answers.
•The contractor exhibits poor communication skills or descriptive powers.
•The contractor is not accessible.
•Your questions are not answered to your satisfaction.
•The contractor is impatient and does not listen.
•Only the work is addressed, instead of your needs as the homeowner.
•There is no way to see previous projects, either through a presentation book, an online presentation or via the company's Web presence.
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