2012 Air Condition Appreciation Tips for Keeping Cool

We have had some hot days here in New England this summer, and I am sure we all have a renewed appreciation for our working Air Conditioning systems. This is why celebrating Air Condition Appreciation Days from July 3rd – August 15, 2012 seems like such a good idea. And as I sit here in my office researching good bits of Air Condition (A.C.) information to share with you, boy am I glad.

For most people in the United States A.C. seems like and absolutely essential utility, one that we cannot live without. 5% of electricity produced in the U.S. that is used to run air conditioners. This can be evidenced by the $11 Billion dollars a year we spend to run our A.C. units.[i] But just over 100 years ago long hot summer days and nights was the norm for everyone. Willis Haviland Carrier is attributed with creating the first successful Air Conditioner in 1902 for commercial applications. But it wasn’t until a 1906 patent application by Carrier that the term Air Conditioning was used by a textile engineer Stuart H. Cramer. Cramer used the phrase 'air conditioning' in a 1906 patent claim filed for a device that added water vapor to the air in textile plants - to condition the yarn.[ii]

Whether you have a window unit, mini-split wall unit, or a central air unit here is some ways you can stay cool, appreciate your air conditioner and give it a long shelf life:

·         Change the air filter every month. If you have central air.
·         Have it serviced every year. It will last longer and more efficiently.
       20%-50%- Percent of energy home owners could save by switching to high-efficiency air conditioners.[iii]
·         Turn your air conditioner down when you’ll be gone for a few hours.

·         When it’s time to replace or upgrade your unit purchase one with a temperature and timer control.

·         Turn off lights in rooms you aren’t using. Lights generate heat and will cause your air conditioner to work harder

·         Keep your blinds or shades down so the sun doesn’t heat up your rooms

·         Do not use your clothes dryer at the same time as your air conditioner. The dryer will produce excess heat
·         Cooking in the oven and using air conditioning is counter-productive when it’s seriously hot outside.

·         Don’t block the air ducts or the path of the air (Keep curtains, shades, plants, animals, mini-blinds away from the front and sides.)

·          Keep your central outdoor system free from any obstructions

·         Close any gaps between your air conditioner and the window sills with weather stripping

If you need your A.C. unit service Almar Building and Remodeling, Hanover Ma has teamed up with another fabulous local company Davis Mechanical in Braintree, Ma. Like Almar, Eric Davis and his team understand that your home is your castle and when you are home you want to be comfortable. They have ensured the comfort of many businesses and residences in the Greater Boston and South Shore area. Your concerns regarding rising energy costs, indoor air quality, energy tax credits and investing in name brand innovative products are just what they are focused on to better serve you.[iv] Check out some special offers from Davis Mechanical.

 

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[i] Air conditioning facts from the U.S. Dept. of Energy

[ii] http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa081797.htm

[iii] Air conditioning facts from the U.S. Dept. of Energy

[iv] http://www.davismechanical.net/about-us.php

Not Just Carpenters, but Local Craftsmen.

by: Allison Q Guido, CS

Craig and I were fortunate to get to take a few days off over the Fourth of July holiday. We headed to head to central Vermont. As we took our Giovanni to some of the sites like Sugarbush Farm, Simon Pearce Glass, Danforth Pewter, Long Trail and Harpoon Breweries, the Windsor Farmers market, Frozen Memories homemade ice cream and Edgewater Farms I started thinking about how great it was to spend a vacation seeking out small local companies that are making things by hand.

I was so excited to see the skills and talents of these hardworking craftsmen and to be able to support them. We were able to visit the small, local businesses everyone is so hot to talk about these days. These are the companies and people who work in the companies that Small Business Saturday was created to support. They are the Americans making things at home, and giving hope to their employees and neighbors. In a world where we hear so much in the news about outsourcing, it was awesome to be able to stand in a small factory and see things being made.

2011 Team Outing

Then I realized that in many ways my team at Almar is just like all of these fine craftsmen. The skill level and dedication that the Almar team brings to each and every project is outstanding. Just like these various artisans the carpenters and tradesman I work with everyday are building and creating something unique and special.

In remodeling every project is different. There is no “cookie cutter” package. Each renovation is specially designed to serve each homeowner’s unique needs. Every home we work in is that “small factory.” And Almar is lucky enough to have some of the most talented people on the south shore to do that for our clients.

June 2012 Educational Team Meeting

When I sat down to write this blog I didn’t intend for it to be an editorial about how great Almar is, but I did want to share my realization of how special and talented the Almar team is. In a day and age where there is so much focus on locally made, grown, support local businesses I guess I always attributed that to farmers and craft makers but I didn’t fully realize how many other professions also fit that mold.   I have always been proud of my carpenters and remodeling team, but I am just a little more proud of them today as I think about the impact they are making and the legacy they leave behind at each home Almar Building & Remodeling has renovated for the last 53 years and counting.

Making your existing space feel like your dream space:

How Almar freshened up a kitchen without a major renovation

     by: Craig H. Guido, CS

Making your existing space feel like your dream space doesn’t always have to involve a major renovation. Almar recently completed a kitchen renovation here in Hanover, MA. But this wasn’t a typical renovation where we demoed all the existing cabinets and started over.

Several years ago when this client needed more space Almar also helped the navigate thru their wants and needs to create a unquite basement space that could serve as both a play space for the kids and an entertaining area for the adults without sactificing all of their storage space. So when they were ready to tackle remodeling the kitchen Almar was glad to help again.

In this 1990’s Colonial there were some features of the kitchen that were fine, the basic layout of the cabinet placement and some of the actual cabinet units themselves were in perfectly good condition and the homeowner liked them well enough. What she didn’t like was the limited storage space and the awkward island that was not really good for cooking prep and made the kitchen hard to navigate, and the out dated Formica countertop which was in rough shape.

Almar’s solution was to leave the existing cabinets as they were, remove the existing countertop, repurpose some of the cabinets in the island to make a peninsula instead leaving space for a beverage fridge, and then adding a bank of cabinets in the eating area.

By removing the existing island and creating a new peninsula we were able to open the floor space up, and create a defined kitchen and eating area. The new peninsula also gave added cooking prep space.

We then installed a new Granite countertop. On the new peninsula we overhung the countertop to create both an extra-large prep area, and a place for stools for countertop dinning.

We were able to fill in the existing hardwood floor with new oak and refinished the whole room so it looked uniform.

For the new pantry area we installed new Black Heritage Cabinets by Huntwood Industries. The black offset the white cabinets in the main kitchen area and provided a beautiful contrast that in not obtrusive to the eating area, and coordinates well with the table.

The floor to ceiling cabinets are split to allow for extra storage and feature pull out draws and soft close hardware. We also included one cabinet unit that is not split in order to store tall items like brooms close at hand, but with all matching doors everything from the exterior looks uniform.    

So this is one example on how you can redo your existing space without taking on an overwhelming project if there are aspects of your kitchen you already like.

A Little Shade Can Go a Long Way

The hot days of summer are upon us. If you’re thinking of ways to reduce your summer energy bills, you might consider investing in a home improvement that will keep your home cool, stylish and comfortable: shade awnings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. You can use awnings to shade individual windows, or you can order an awning custom-made to shade the entire side of your house. If you don’t want an awning all year around, you can order models that retract or roll up when you don’t need them.

 

Types of Awnings

A small, horizontal awning will completely shade a south-facing window during the summer. An east- or west-facing window needs an awning that extends down to cover a larger part of the window. Sideless awnings, called Venetian awnings, can be adjusted as the angle of the sun changes. Venetian awnings, however, are usually not effective at blocking direct sunlight on south-facing windows. Hood awnings are more effective because they come with sides that block out additional sun. Hip awnings project out and down to accommodate casement windows that open outward.

Fabric Choices

In the past, most awnings were made of metal or canvas, which need to be re-covered every five to seven years. Exposure to sun, wind and water wore them out over time. Today, awnings are made from synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic and polyvinyl laminates, that are water-repellent and treated to resist mildew and fading. No matter which fabric you choose, you should select one that is opaque and tightly woven. Also, opt for a light-colored awning that will reflect instead of absorb more sunlight.

Adequate Ventilation
Awnings require ventilation to keep hot air from becoming trapped around the window. Grommets or other openings along the tops and sides of an awning can provide ventilation. The awning may also open to the sides or top to vent hot air.


Almar Building & Remodeling Co is a third generation family owned and operate company for over 50 years. As a fulls ervice general constrution company, 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, Avon, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns.

Swans are not the only partners for life

5 Reasons Why Inspiring Windows and Hunter Douglas Are Strong Partners, Too.
     -    By: Tina Sousa-Vieira (Inspiring Windows)

Hunter Douglas

As a business that designs window fashions and advises individual and business clients on all things related to design, we knew that finding the right partners to work with is key to business success. That’s why we partnered with Hunter Douglas for window fashions back when we first opened in 1997.

We made our selection to be an exclusive partner with Hunter Douglas in much the same way that you might interview and select companies you wish to work with in your home or business. Here’s what was important to us and what we pass along to you:

• Form and Function go hand in hand: It’s not enough to be a beautiful window treatment, it must also serve a purpose to our clients and we recognize that Hunter Douglas marries these qualities with perfection
• Energy Efficiency is Paramount: Hunter Douglas has made a commitment to lowering the carbon footprint by 20% with their Hunter Douglas green program and we have always been committed to helping our clients channeling and exploiting the natural power of sunlight wherever possible.
• American Design and Craftsmanship: We feel there is no explanation necessary. Wherever possible, we advocate for American made.
• Child Safety: We know that your children and pets are the most important dwellers in your home. That’s why we felt it important to have a variety of lifting systems that are cordless or designed to prevent potential hazards
• Lifetime Guarantee: Who wouldn’t want a product they purchased to have a lifetime guarantee? We feel the replacement policy Hunter stands behind is second to none.

We welcome you to use these 5 steps next time you are choosing a company to work with or a partner for your business.

Inspiring Windows is owned and operated by Tina Sousa-Vieira and Teresa Tavares, sisters and business partners. Better known as your Design Guides, Tina and Teresa bring complementary skills and backgrounds to Inspiring Windows. Their mission is to provide a quality design and seamless implementation to clients; always on budget, on time, and with a friendly and thoughtful approach. You’ll remember working with Tina and Teresa and seek them out time and again for each and every design project.

We are ready, willing, and able to help you with all your business and home décor needs: everything from preliminary design, window treatments, color, light, kitchens, and so much more.

Visit our showroom at: 1112 Washington Street
Hanover, MA 02339
781-924-5399, email us at: info@inspiringwindows.com

Hours of Operation:Monday: 10am to 5pm
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Thursday: 10am to 7pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm

Pembroke, Ma: Garage Door Safety Tips

June is National Safety Month, so The International Door Association and the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association have designated June as Garage Door Safety Month. Your garage door is probably the single largest operating piece of machinery in the house and it is vital to your families safety, so you should make sure it is operating correctly.

The website GarageDoorSafety.com states that their mission is “To provide home owners with the most comprehensive residential garage door and opener safety risk assessment available.” This site helps homeowners identify potential dangers created by garage doors. You can also see injury statics such an estimated 7,557 Pinch/Crush Section injuries were reported in the United States in 2007. These injuries were defined as “Fingers caught between section joints, includes amputations, avulsions, etc.”

The Overhead Door Corporation is offering consumers 10 safety and security tips to ensure protection throughout the year.

·         Make sure the garage door opener control button is out of the reach of small children.

·         Do not let children play with garage door remote controls.

·         Never place fingers between door sections. Explain the dangers to children and consider pinch-resistant door panels.

·         Consult the owner's manual and learn how to use the garage door's emergency release feature.

·         Visually inspect the garage door each month. Look at springs, cables, rollers and pulleys for signs of wear. Do not attempt to remove, adjust or repair these parts or anything attached to them. These parts are under high tension, and should only be fixed by a trained door technician.
 

·         Test the garage door opener's reversing mechanism monthly by placing a 2x4 board or a roll of paper towels in the door's path. If the door does not reverse after contacting the object, call a qualified garage door professional for repair. If the opener has not been replaced since 1993, replace the garage door opener with a new one that has safety sensors and auto-reverse as a standard feature.

·         While on vacation, unplug the garage door opener unit or use a wall vacation lock console security switch, which renders remotes unusable and is an optional accessory to most openers.
 

·         Do not leave the garage door partially open. When activated again, it may travel downward and come in contact with an object in its path. This also compromises a home's security.

·         If the opener does not have rolling-code technology, be sure to change the manufacturer's standard access codes on the opener and remote control, or consider investing in a newer model with rolling-code technology which changes the access codes each time the opener is used.

·         Never leave the remote control in the car when given to a parking attendant. A stolen remote leaves you more susceptible to home invasion. Always lock your car when left unattended. It's a small inconvenience for safety and security.

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1dtU1)

So please be sure to consider these tips to protect your family. And if your unit is old and starting to fail please consider replacing it with a more energy efficient unit that will be more safe and secure.

Should you DIY or hire a pro?

May was National Home Improvement Month. And in honor of that Almar Building & Remodeling CoInc offers homeowners advice before they tackle their spring projects: namely, whether to do-it-yourself (DIY) or hire a professional during the busy remodeling season.

According to a consumer poll from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Website NARI.org, the largest determining factor for deciding to DIY or hire a professional was cost, at 40 percent. Thirty percent of respondents placed project type and know-how as the second most important factor, and level of difficulty was close behind at 25 percent. Safety and length of time required to complete the project were last, with 2 and 3 percent respectively.

According to Terry Quinn “Almar frequently gets call to come in and fix or finish a project that a homeowner had thought they could DIY. But once they get in to it find that they don’t have the time or skills to get it done quickly and looking right. And unfortunately in most cases this attempt to do it yourself and save a few dollars costs you a lot more in time money and stress to your personal relations ships.”

 In reality, the home improvement process—though varied across project type—can be very costly and involved for anyone, not to mention a beginner. That’s why it’s important to weigh all considerations before you begin work to prevent a DIY disaster.

Quinn says “Homeowners need to consider if they have they the necessary skills to do the project – will doing it yourself help or hurt your home’s value? Do they have the time? When you work all day long do you want to come home and start a construction project when you could be spending quality time with your family? What’s the true cost savings to doing it myself? We find in most cases none. And if you need to call a professional in after the fact it will cost you twice what you initially thought.

The most important considerations for homeowners have to do with physical ability, skills, time and understanding of what needs to be.

Quinn says that homeowners should have basic skills when it comes to using tools or knowing which tools are necessary, measuring, installing and following product manufacturer instructions.

Quinn also says that homeowners should plan the process from beginning to end to ensure they have time to complete.

And then homeowners should consider the costs. Permits, materials, time and costs associated with correcting mistakes must be factored into the total cost.

 Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touch-ups, but it’s recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure. Visit the NARI Website to access a DIY quiz, designed to help you decide whether you are going to need to hire a professional.

If you find out that you do need to hire a professional, hiring someone who is qualified and competent to do the work is just as important as preventing a DIY disaster. Make sure you do your homework, hiring an unlicensed untrained contractor because he’s the lowest price can be worse than taking on a project yourself that you can’t handle. Get copies of licensees and insurance, choose a NARI contractor, make sure you are comfortable with the paperwork. Both the Almar (www.almarbuilding.com and NARI (www.nari.org) websites is a great place to find more tips on choosing the best professional.

As of April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passed new regulations to address a lead safety concern in homes built before 1978. The Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule is designed to train professional remodelers how to minimize lead dust in the home to reduce exposure to children under 6 years and pregnant women. Remodel-ready homeowners should make themselves aware of lead-safe practices in their homes during a remodel, either by a professional or as a do-it-yourself practitioner, to keep their families safe. Please learn more at www.nari.org/leadsafety

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.