Hingham Ma: Deck Safety Month 2012

By: Allison Q Guido, CS

The weather is improving and many of us are moving outside to enjoy the sunshine with our friends and family. This past weekend we celebrated the Christening of our son Giovanni and as everyone was coming back to the house to enjoy the company and food at the cookout it made me think that like many of our homeowners it was time to have Craig inspect the deck to make sure there were no issues that might cause a safety issue.

AlmarBuilding has an in depth Deck Evaluation Checklist provided by the North American Deck and Railing Association that we use to look for any potential problems on existing decks.

The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.

According to the NADRA website, “The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it's important for homeowners to check their deck… Older decks require closer scrutiny. Many of these decks were built before code requirements were in place to protect consumers. Some of these decks may have deck-to-house attachments using only nails. If your deck is older, it is even more important to have it inspected.”

Some tips the NADRA suggests homeowners consider when choosing a remodeling professional are:

* Ask friends and family members for referrals and contact state and local licensing authorities and trade associations such as NADRA or NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).

* Meet with and carefully evaluate all potential deck builders. Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of the decking and railing materials they prefer to use. Good builders take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a relationship.

* Pay attention to the deck builder's experience, licensing, insurance coverage and professional references.

When hiring a deck builder, there is more to consider than just price. In addition to the tips above, NADRA recommends homeowners contact their city or county building department to speak with an inspector knowledgeable about deck construction.

So when you are ready to review all of your options for your deck or porch give Almar Buildinga call. Our full service remodeling team can help you every step of the way thru any renovation project you are looking to tackle: Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Sunroom, Siding, Windows, Decking, and even roofing.

As a third generation family owned and operate company for over 50 years we have all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company including financing. We service the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohassett, Duxbury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

Milton Ma: Check Your Deck

Protect your family and friends
By: Allison Q Guido, CS

May is Deck Safety Month® A NADRA DECK SAFETY PROGRAM a Consumer Checklist

Decks and porches can be a great place to spend time with friends and family, but in some cases it can be the place where the fun day comes to a screeching halt. According to the NADRA* website, “The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it's important for homeowners to check their deck

 Almar Building & CAT Exteriors has an in depth Deck Evaluation Checklist provided by the North American Deck and Railing Association that we use to look for any potential problems on existing decks. But there are also some quick things you can do on your own as well.

 
      1.      Check for splitting or decaying wood.

2.      Is the Flashing sound and firmly in place?

      3.      Are there any missing, loose or corroded fasteners.

4.      Check that railings and banisters are secure and not loose.

5.      Check that stairs and handrails are secure.

6.      Check that stair treads are in place and there are no open stairs.

      7.      Clean away any leaves or debris, and make sure there is no mold or mildew.

8.      Make sure any source of fire or heat is places away from flammable surfaces.

9.      Lighting: make sure there is adequate lighting and that it works properly.

10.  Make sure there are no limbs or branches that might fall on the deck. 

So when you are ready to review all of your options for your deck or porch give Almar Building & CAT Exteriors a call. Our full service remodeling team can help you every step of the way thru any renovation project you are looking to tackle: Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Sunroom, Siding, Windows, Decking, and even roofing.

As a third generation family owned and operated company for over 50 years we have all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company including financing. We service the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

 * The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.

Deck Safey 2012: Preventing Deck Failure

By: Allison Q Guido, CS

As a professional remodeler I find that decks are probably the project we get the most calls about but are the hardest to sell. Why is that? We find that homeowners often think that decks and porches are an easy project that any handyman or part-time carpenter can do and aren’t sometimes aren’t willing to hire a professional.

This often concerns us because decks and porches being built properly is so important to the safety and well-being of you and your family. We want to avoid future problems and potential injuries by building a safe and secure deck that is in line with current Mass building codes. 

Almar Building & CAT Exteriors also recommend that homeowners with existing decks have them inspected regularly to make sure that there aren’t any new safety issues arising from age and wear and tear. Many older decks might have been built prior to the current building codes which were written to protect homeowner’s safety. Decks and porches can fail for a variety of reasons. According to the North American Deck and Railing Association website “especially due to old age, poor maintenance, improper building methods or exceeding load capacity. Heavy snow loads during the winter in northern regions can weaken the deck, necessitating an inspection in the spring before high levels of activity return.”

Craig Guido, CS says “Deck failures can be prevented, homeowner’s just need to understand the importance of having existing decks inspected regularly and the importance of hiring a professional contactor. By providing regular maintenance, inspections and knowing the limits of the structure homeowner’s can be sure to protect their families.”

So when you are ready to review all of your options for your deck or porch give Almar Building & CAT Exteriors a call. Our full service remodeling team can help you every step of the way thru any renovation project you are looking to tackle: Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Sunroom, Siding, Windows, Decking, and even roofing.

As a third generation family owned and operate company for over 50 years we have all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company including financing. We service the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohassett, Dubury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

Reducing Musty Smells in Basement

Utilizing your unfinished basement can be a great idea for adding living space to your house without taking on an addition project. We have had clients finish their basements to make:

· In-Law Apartments
· Wine Cellars
· Family/Playrooms
· Gyms
· Movie Theatres

Entertainment spaces Many people don’t want to finish their basement for fear of trapping a musty smell in the carpet. When finishing your basement one product Almar often recommends is Dri-Core. Dri-Core is a subfloor system that is slightly raised off of the concrete. Because it is slightly raised off of the floor it allows for some air flow between the concrete and flooring. The Dri-Core moisture management system allows any seepage or moisture to channel freely under the Dri-Core subfloor panels to keep floors both warm and dry.

Now Dri-Core doesn’t mean you don’t still need a good foundation system. It is not intended to protect again flooding, but rather normal basement moisture. And depending on your home we might still recommend installing a dehumidifier so that the space is as comfortable as possible.

How do Dri-Core subpanels prevent moisture? Dri-Core’s website states, “DRIcore has an integrate high density polyethylene membrane bonded to the underside of the panel which
provides an excellent moisture barrier. DRIcore has also been designed with Air Gap technology that encourages constant air flow and evaporation of surface moisture emitted from your basement concrete floor.”

So if as you start planning your basement renovation give Almar Building & Remodeling in Hanover Ma a call 781-826-2577 and we can go over all your design and product options to fix your specific wants and needs.

Almar Building & Remodeling Co Inc, was started in 1959. For over 50 years our third generation family business has been serving homeowners on the South Shore Ma (Hanover, Pembroke, Scituate, Hingham, Norwell, Duxbury, Cohasset, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Plymouth and more) For more information about on how you can work with Almar Building on your upcoming
Renovation (Addition, Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Sunroom) then please give
call us at 781-826-2577

http://www.dricore.com (photos utilized from the Dri-Core website)

http://www.almarbuilding.com

HAPPY 10 Year Anniversary to Allison Guido

By: Craig H. Guido, CS (Hanover. Ma)

Ten years ago this week Almar Building & Remodeling invested in it’s own future when we welcomed our General Manager Allison QuinnGuido, CS as the third generation of Quinn’s to the team full time. (Almar was founded in 1959 by Allison paternal grandfather Gerald Quinn.) Allison had worked part-time with Almar thru college running vinyl siding installation crews, and helping with the marketing in the office. But upon her graduation from West Virginia Wesleyan College she joined the team full time taking over the administrative tasks full time.

In Almar’s 53 years we have gone thru many different phases but we have been delighted to have Allison’s leadership and organizational skills with us thru the last decade especially as we navigated thru the recent economic challenges.  Allison was learning the new skills of running a business in the moment. When asked about her time at Almar she said; “One of the greatest parts of being part of a small family business is that I have had the opportunity to jump right in and have my opinions heard. Terry has given me the opportunity to learn by doing and opened me up to education experiences I never would have been able to have in other situations.”

In the time Allison has been with the Almar team we have won Remodeling Magazine’s BIG 50 Award - 2005. In addition Allison has individually been recognized with the following honors:

Builders Association of Greater Boston Rookie of the Year – 2004

Cape &Plymouth Business Magazine 40 Under 40 Award – 2010
West Virginia Wesleyan Young Alumnae Award - 2010
Professional Remodeler Magazine 40 Under 40 Award – 2011
Bay State Alumnae Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha: Zeta Lady Award – 2012
And featured in both 2008 and 2009 by South Shore LivingMagazine as one of their Women in Business.

Aside from all her duties here at Almar, Allison also captained our Asthma Avenger team for several years till the American Lung Association stopped their Asthma Walk. She is also the current president of the Alumnae Association for Notre Dame Academy in Hingham Ma, and the Secretary/Treasurer for the Bay State Alumnae Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha – in all her free time from looking after the hopefully fourth generation of Almar’s leadership, 9 month old Giovanni Quinn Guido.

When I think about working with my wife, I think that “ Allison’s leadership and organization not only help our team on a daily basis, but has been a major factor in Almar’s ability to survive and grow over the past 10 years.” As we look to the future Allison and I are hard at work thinking about where we want to take Almar Building & Remodeling, and CATExteriors over the next ten and twenty years.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT REMODELING PROFESSIONAL

Tips to help save your big investment

May is National Home Improvement Month. Before you dive into a major home remodel, however, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) reminds homeowners to take a close look at the contractor they plan to hire for the job.

Almar Building & Remodeling President Terrance F Quinn, CS, CGR, CAPS, VSI., is a remodeling veteran with more than 47 years’ of experience who says homeowners need to ask the right questions before committing to a contractor. As a professional remodeler has made it his job to inform consumers about what to look for before signing on the dotted line.

“Homeowners are always looking at the bottom line, but they should be aware of what it represents,” he says. “Many homeowners have 60 percent or more of their net worth invested in their homes, so a remodeler can be responsible for half of someone’s physical existence.”

That’s a big responsibility. Quinn recommends that homeowners do their homework by asking the right questions. The goal is to find out whether the remodeler has a track record of happy customers, if he or she will communicate with you openly, work on a realistic time schedule and within your budget. Here are some things to keep in mind:

What type of contractor do I need? Deciding which type of professional to hire will depend on
the size and scope of your project. A general remodeling contractor works on a variety of home projects that either does not require professional design services, or design services are outsourced.

A design/build contractor, on the other hand, provides both quality design and construction services within the same company. They will oversee a project from start to finish, keeping design, budget and engineering in mind. (A Design/Build contractor can also be a General Contractor)

Another option is to work with an architect to help you create plans and drawings. For remodels, it’s important to work with an architect who has done remodeling work in the past because they will be sensitive to the challenges existing structures may represent.

Check references Ask the contractor how long they have been in business and request the names and numbers of references. Also, look at photos of completed work to determine the quality, fit and finish of installations.

Insurance is important Inquire about the contractor’s certification insurance and request to see a copy, or get the name of the insurance agency, to verify coverage. Massachusetts require that contractors carry property damage, personal liability and worker’s compensation insurance, but don’t assume a contractor has it.

Shop for honesty and professionalism Choose a remodeler who is communicative and straight
forward. Quinn says he provided client with a new client kit which includes all of Almar’s contact information for each team member, how to prepare for the project, commonly asked questions, details about the client’s specific project and much more.

How do I compare estimates? Make sure that each contractor provides a quote for the same
scope and level of quality for the work. Beware of bids that are much lower than others. Quinn says “Unless the quotes are written and detailed out you can never assume contractors are estimating the same project for you. You also need to be aware when trying to compare types of contractors to each other, if one is a professional business with an office, staff, and history and the other is not – what could that mean for you short and long term.”

Trust in the professionals Lastly, once you’ve decided on a plan and the contractor, let
them do their job. Too much micromanaging or design changes can take additional
time and ultimately cut into your bottom line, Quinn says.

Certified remodelers with NARI Some NARI members are also certified; NARI certification is a challenging process that requires a contractor have extensive knowledge of the industry and a commitment to professional conduct. Contractors who are certified by NARI have received an acceptable review by the NARI Certification Board by providing an outline of their hands-on experience, training, education, technical skills and practices in business management. They are committed to staying current with industry issues, and have successfully completed a rigorous written exam, which includes questions about business management, building codes, construction law, specification, safe use of tools and equipment, safety standards, math and other special skills.

Remodeling your home can be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Homeowners can gain a sense of security knowing they’ve done their homework before choosing a remodeling professional.

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About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. The Association which represents more than 8,200 member companies nationwide—comprised of 63,000 remodeling contractors— is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry.”™ To locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling
professional, visit NARI’s Web site at www.nariremodelers.com, or contact the national headquarters, based in Des Plaines, Illinois, at 800-611-NARI.

Almar (781-826-2577) is proud to be a member of NARI and is committed to uphold the
standards that all NARI members represent. Almar’s entire team is ready to work with homeowners from all over the south shore of Massachusetts like Hanover, Pembroke, Hingham, Norwell, Scituate, and Cohasset. As a full service Design/Build remodeler Almar can handle all phases of remodeling: Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, and Sunroom projects.