ALmar's Newest Team Member

The entire team is please to anounce an addition to our Almar Family. Our Sales & General Managers Craig & Allison Guido welcomed their first son Giovanni Quinn Guido into the world on August 1st. "Gio" was 6 lb 2 ounces and 19 3/4" long. We are pleased to have him as part of our team, and wish wish Allison a speedy return to the office.

RRP Law - Quick Reference Information

If you own property built before 1978, you must now hire a lead-safe contractor. Why? because unless you have a certificate that says your house has no lead in it any renovation or work must be done following the RRP Law.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.


Beginning April 22, 2010, contractors, plumbers, electricans, painters etc… performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices.

A Lead Safe Renovator Contractor may perform repair, renovation or painting work on your home or facility which may include “low risk” or “moderate risk” deleading.

The Lead Safe Renovator Contractor license is different from a general contractor’s license. In Mass the Division of Occupational Safety is in charge of the Mass RRP Lead Law. To verify a contractors Mass lead license click here. If they say they are insured make sure you call the agent and confirm that the premiums have been paid and the coverage is in effect for the stated date. We cannot afford to trust a pretty face or take someone's word anymore without also being prudent.

Homes and other structures built before 1978 may contain lead paint. If your contractor does not follow lead-safe work practices in carrying out work that disturbs lead paint, lead containing dust may be produced. Exposure to lead dust has been shown to be a significant health hazard for both children and adults.

In Massachusetts, enforcement of EPA's Renovation Repair and Painting Rule has been delegated to the Department of Labor Standards (DLS). DLS' Lead-Sate Renovation regulations (454 CMR 22.00) apply to anyone who is paid to do work that disturbs more than threshold quantities of paint in or on homes, schools or childcare facilities.

This group includes:
• Painters
• Renovation and remodeling contractors
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Maintenance workers
• Landlords

To request a Renovate Right Pamphlete outlining important Lead Hazard information for families, child care providers and schools. Or for more information about how RRP might effect your home please call Craig a 781-826-2577

Summer Promotion

LIMITED TIME OFFER:
Buy 10 or more Excalibur windows and receive a FREE Ipad from Almar Building

It's time to think about the high cost of heating/cooling your home.

Excalibur windows are backed with one of the industries strongest Lifetime Warranties

CALL TODAY
781-826-2577
www.AlmarBuilding.com

Offer Ends: August 30, 2011

Contracts must be signed by August 30, 2011. Packages starting at $425.00 per window unit, 101 UI. Can not be combined with any other offer. Prior sales excluded. Please present at initial meeting. No Cash Value. Price includes normal installation only. Limit 1 Ipad per customer. Ipads will be distributed when final payment has been made.

CRAIG is an AWARD WINNER!

A Huge Congratulations to Craig Guido. Who was honored on June 9th by Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine as one of this year 40 Under 40 Award Winners. Which honors distinguished businesspeople under the age of 40. This program spotlights the region's top young business leaders who excel in their industry and show dynamic leadership.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

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

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.

How to Choose the Right Vinyl Siding

Like everything else these days Vinyl Siding has a ton of options, not just between different manufacturers but as within each Manufacturers own lines. So I thought because Spring has arrived and as more people get outside and see how hard the winter was on their homes they start to consider new siding options.

Almar usually recommends 2 brands for vinyl siding (not that there aren’t a lot more options out there.) We have found that Certainteed and Mastic have offered out clients the best product at the best price points. You can certainly find much more expensive and much lower quality options too. But we feel confident in these choices. The following are 3 basic types of siding styles:

Clapboard

Clapboard siding is design to resemble a typical wooden clapboard look. There are three class clap board styles: Double 4" or 5” Clapboard and Double 5" Dutchlap.

The inches refer to how much of the board is showing. Clapboard tends to be the most cost effective option, and to help you compare between lines and brands you’ll want to see how thick the siding panels are and what the manufacturers warranty is.

Typically in New England we find that most clients choose a Double 4” panel, but the options really are a personal style preference. (Insert photo of each type)

Shingle

A common name for the shingle siding look is Cedar Impressions.

Cedar Impressions is the brand name that Certainteed uses. And these styles of shingles are designed to look like cedar shingles with out the expense and heavy maintenance of wood. What’s good about this look is that it is typical New England. You’ll see these shingles on homes near the water where the owner wants and authentic look with out the authentic maintenance.

Or you can combine them with the clap board look and do certain walls of the house. You can get the shingle look with straight edge, staggered, split-shakes, staggered split, or half rounds. These panels are created from the texture and random size of real cedar shingles so that they look more like real painted or stained wood with out the splitting, cupping, twisting or streaking like real wood.

This type of siding is often more expensive then the clapboard option. And like with the clapboards to help you compare between lines and brands you’ll want to see how thick the siding panels are and what the manufacturers warranty is.

Insulated Vinyl Siding

Because wood studs make up ¼ of your home’s exterior –it’s like having one entire wall with no insulation. So many homeowners decide to go with Insulated siding panels because it can deliver up to 5 times the R-value of any other exterior siding product. From the outside it looks like standard clapboard siding on the back side custom contoured foam provided strength and rigidity for impact resistance, and can increase overall thermal performance of your wall by up to 30% helping to reduce your heating and cooling costs. It can also help prevent air infiltration to reduce drafts and absorb sound for reduced exterior noise infiltration.

Fiber Cement – okay now this isn’t Vinyl siding but this has become a much more popular option in New England in recent years. This too can come in the Lap or Shingle styles. Hardi Plank is the most popular options. With its strength, beauty and durability, HardiePlank® siding enhances and protects homes in all kinds of climates—and now, with the HardieZone™ System, All HardiePlank® lap siding comes in a variety of looks and textures, all of which are engineered for climate. It also comes with a 30-year nonprorated, transferable, limited warranty.

So if it is time to get the exterior of the house spruced up please give Almar a call (781-826-2577) to talk about your wants, needs and budget and we’ll be happy to help direct you to the best product for you and your homes needs.

Cape & Plymouth Business 40 Under 40 winners announced

Almar is please to share that our very own Craig Guido has been named as one of this years 40 under 40 by Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine. From the Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine webiste: Cape & Plymouth Business 40 Under 40 winners announced Published on Thursday, March 31, 2011 Cape & Plymouth Business’ 40 Under 40 Awards spotlight the region’s top young business leaders who excel in their industry and show dynamic leadership. The 2011 class is exceptional in many ways, showing the diversity of paths to success in our region. Working in conjunction with the Cape Cod Young Professionals and South Shore Young Professionals, hundreds of nominees have been culled down to the 40 who best exemplified an entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to community service and potential to positively contribute to the future of our region. Cape & Plymouth Business is proud to announce the 2011 40 Under 40 Awards honorees: Peter Abraham, Convention Data Services; Shawn A. Avery; Dennett Elementary School; Bill Baker Jr., Cape & Islands Glass; Nicole Bernard Dawes, Late July Organic Snacks; Meghan Blair-Valero, Fogged In Bookkeeping; Jamie Bohlin, Cape Cod Celebrations; Bryan Braley, New York Life; Brian Carey, DePaola, Begg & Associates; Cecelia Carey, Carey Commercial; Amy Carpenter, Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce; Matthew Cole, Cape Associates; Adrienne Cormier, Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank; Jeff Cotto, Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency; Eliza Cox, Nutter McClennen and Fish; Heather Cozby, Cozby & Bruno; Shawn Delude, Nauset Disposal; Nicole DiGiusto, Carmen's Café Nicole; Stephen Drowne, BackOffice Associates; Michael J. Duffley, Maffei Landscape Contractors; Vincent Fantasia, The Bank of Canton; Molly Garcia, Mayflower Bank; Craig Guido, Almar Building & Remodeling; Laurel Hartman, Catania Hospitality Group; Felecia Hilliard, Why Weight Coaches; Annika Iliadis, Centerville Yoga & Wellness Center; Justin Labdon, Cape Cod Beach Chair Company; Craig M. LeBlanc, Allen Harbor Marine Service; William L. Leone, Wells Fargo Advisors LLC; Sue Malomo, 20Mile Technologies and Surf Web Studio; Kristen Mitchell Hughes, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce; Catherine Oldham, Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & Islands; Tracy Post, Town of Yarmouth; Bobby Rice, Reel Deal Fishing Charters; Sandy Rubenstein, PureHeat/Camp Wingate*Kirkland; Saul Schrader, Acella Construction Corporation; Dan Shaughnessy, Joyce Landscaping; Jenny Spurling, Simply Be Creative; Jessica Tinti, Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce; Danielle G. Van Ess, DGVE Law; and Taryn Wilson, Cape Cod Cooperative Bank. The honorees will be celebrated at a special event on June 9, 2011, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis. The Master of Ceremonies will be Shailene Jackson of Cape Cod Broadcasting. Jackson is best known as Morning Show Host “Shai” on Cape Country 104. Behind the scenes, she is also Traffic Director and Producer for Cape Cod Broadcasting. Sponsors to date of the Cape & Plymouth Business 40 Under 40 Awards event include Constant Contact, Comcast Business Class, Ryan Family Amusements, Cape Promotional Products, Advacned4Color.com, Cape Cod Broadcasting, Cape Cod Young Professionals and South Shore Young Professionals. Further details on speakers and sponsors will be announced as they are available. Seating is limited at this event, register online here.

Remodeling Misconception #3 If a person claims to have many years of experience, they must do quality work.

The following is an excerpt from our FREE Report: Six “Secrets” To The Perfect Custom Remodel Of Your Home (To Request your copy of the full report please visit our website http://www.almarbuilding.com/)

I can't tell you how many people receive bad workmanship from contractors who've claimed to be in business for 15, 20, 25 years. Take experience claims with a grain of salt. Don't believe just because a person has twenty years experience, he will do a good job. He could have done a poor job for twenty years. Investigate further to make sure you're dealing with a qualified professional.

Ask for the following Items: (or better yet you should be given these items without asking. These items come standard in all Almar information packets)

1. Reference List
2. Testimonials
3. Copies of their Workman’s Compensation & General Liability Certificates (for the current year)
4. Current Copies of their Home Improvement Contractors License
5. Current Copies of their Construction Supervisors License
6. Current Copies of their EPA EER Certificate (required if your house was built before 1978)
7. Current Copies of their Lead Safe Renovator Certificate
8. Other certificates of Merit or Elite Contractor Status from Manufacturers.

So besure you do a little research and realize that you need to compare apple to apples when talking to contractors. If someone is giving a significantly lower pricer you need to know why. If you have any more questions about what you look for feel free to drop us a line at almar@almarbuilding.com or 781-826-2577

Remodeling Misconception #2: Doing It Yourself Saves Money. (Hanover)

The following is an excerpt from out FREE Report: Six “Secrets” To The Perfect Custom Remodel Of Your Home (To Request your copy of the full report please visit our website http://www.almarbuilding.com/)


Misconception #2: Doing It Yourself Saves Money.

Not Always! Sometimes the "weekend warrior" can undertake small projects like painting, hanging wallpaper, routine repairs, etc. But beware of undertaking larger, more complicated projects. What starts out as an attempt to save money can turn into a costly folly. All too often the job is botched and it costs more to have a professional come in and fix what's been done.

According to an article in the Baltimore Sun, less than 20% of these do-it-yourself jobs work out, mostly due to a lack of experience on the part of the homeowner. If you want to be assured your project will turn out the way you want it, call a qualified professional.

Here are some tips one when you should call in a professional:

1. If the job had plumbing or electrical (if you aren't experienced it is risky and potentially dangerous to take this on yourself)

2. When you don't have the experience required.
Even though there are lots of books and online videos a certain amount of experience is required to do remodeling properly & safely.

3. Time Constraints - Neither you nor your spouse wants to be living in upheaval longer than necessary. And even when working with a professional it can take longer than you initially anticipate, and we aren't trying to do it nights and weekends for you.

4. You don't have the right tools.
We find people often spend too much money in tools they'll never use (or don't know how to use) to get started doing it on their own. Its safer and easier to hire a professional.

So be realistic when choosing to do a project on your own and when you are comparing Remodeling Professionals make sure you are comparing similar companies, a professional company will look and feel much different to you then a fly-by-night "guy in truck" and although a much lower price might look attractive on paper consider what you are really getting and who you are allowing into your home.

For more tips or a copy of this complete article please visit our website: http://www.almarbuilding.com/

Remodeling Misconceptions - Part 1

The following is an excerpt from out FREE Report: Six “Secrets” To The Perfect Custom Remodel Of Your Home (To Request your copy of the full report please visit our website www.AlmarBuilding.com)


Misconception: Going with the lowest price saves you money.

No, not necessarily! Everyone tends to look for the lowest price! On a low estimate, you must ask yourself what is being left out or what short cut is being taken.

One roofer had his re-roof job $750 cheaper than anyone else. The homeowner wanted to save money and accepted his proposal. After the job was completed, all the old shingles and nails were still lying around the yard and shrubs and the homeowner was having a fit. The contractor told them that he had not figured clean up in his proposal and that was how he could do the job so much cheaper.

One of the most common signs of trouble ahead is someone who is offering to do comparable work for much less money than others. Chuck Morn learned that lesson the hard way when he converted an attic to living space at his home.

"It was a $50,000 project, but the contractor bid $40,000," Morn said. Not only did that contractor not finish the project, we had to get someone else to finish the project." Meanwhile, the first contractor declared bankruptcy, leaving Morn stuck with bills from subcontractors. Liens were placed against his home.

"It ended up costing a lot more," Morn said. Now, Morn is adding a deck and 600 square feet of living space. "Our thought was, this time let's go with the best contractor we can find," he said.
Like anything else, you can't get somethin' for nothin'. Be careful of choosing your remodeler based upon lowest price.

So when you are comparing Remodeling Professionals make sure you are comparing similar companies, a professional company will look and feel much different to you then a fly-by-night "guy in truck" and although a much lower price might look attractive on paper consider what you are really getting and who you are allowing into your home.

For more tips or a copy of this complete article please visit our website: www.almarbuilding.com

Award Recognition

The Almar team was pleased to find out that we have been award 2 Angie's List Super Service Awards for our work in 2010.

The Award was present to us in the Remodeling - General as well as the Architects & Building Design Categories "for achieving and maintaining a Superior Service Rating on Angie's List throughout 2010 as determined by Angie's List members."

We appreciate and are honored by the support our friends and clients have given us over the years and look forward to continuing and improving upon our systems in 2011 so that we can live up the high standards and expectations we have set for ourselves in the past.

Prepare your vehicle for winter driving

With the prediction that another large storm is on its way to New England this week. I thought it might be a good reminder for everyone to make sure there cars are ready for more cold, snow and ice. The tips below come from a sheet I share with my carpenters every winter so they can be ready before the weather hits.

Reliable transportation is especially important in the winter. Not only should you keep your vehicle in top operating condition all year round - for safety and fuel economy - it is especially important to get it winterized to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous situations while traveling in frigid weather. Check the following:

_____ Belts
_____ Fluids
_____ Add De-Icer Wind Shield Washer Fluid
_____ Add one container of Dri-Gas to your gas tank
_____ Check the antifreeze. The radiator can freeze even while driving.
_____ Brakes
_____ Wiper Blades (Buys some spare ones now, keep them in the vehicle)
_____ Tire Tread and pressure
(Use a tire pressure gage, available at Wal-Mart for about $2.00)
_____ De Froster
_____ Oil Level (Get an oil Change if needed)
_____ Battery (Clean the terminals)
_____ Lights (Do your Head lights and Tail lights work?)
_____ Make sure you have:
_____ Scraper
_____ Bottle of di-icer in the cab of your truck
_____ Jumper Cables
_____ Jack, lug wrench and spare tire.

Always fill the gasoline tank before entering open country, even for a short distance, and stop to fill up long before the tank begins to run low. Keeping your tank as full as possible will minimize condensation, providing the maximum advantage in case of trouble.

· Don't overdrive your visibility. Slow down….leave early enough not to have to rush

· Make sure you leave extra time each morning to get your vehicle warmed up and cleaned off before you leave.

· Drive with your headlights on.

· Include road reflectors, a blanket, heavy boots, warm clothing, and flashlight with batteries.

· Make sure you keep a charged Cell phone with you in case of an emergency.

· Be prepared. Be alert. Be safe.

Almar President Achieves Re certification

Hanover, MA (January 24, 2011) Terrance Quinn of Almar Building & Remodeling Co in Hanover Ma has renewed his Certified Installer status by passing a test on the latest vinyl siding application techniques.

Through the Vinyl Siding Institute’s (VSI) VSI Certified Installer Program, all Certified Installers have completed a rigorous course of study and examination on the proper installation techniques for vinyl siding, soffitt, and accessories, as verified by an independent certification firm, Architectural Testing, Inc., and based on the standard ASTM D4756. All Certified Installers must rectify their status every three-years, and Quinn has completed the recertification examination proving his continued knowledge of the proper installation techniques.

“The VSI Certified Installer Program was created to recognize top quality vinyl siding installers, said VSI President and CEO Jery Y. Huntley. “By Achieving recertification, Quinn has demonstrated that he continues to display the knowledge and skills to install quality durable vinyl siding”

For a full list of VSI Certified Installers for certified vinyl siding, visit VSI’s website at www.vinylsding.org

Almar Building & Remodeling, a full service Design Build Remodeling company serving the South Shore since 1959. They deliver not only a guarantee and warranty with all of their work, but they also promise quality to homeowners.

Almar is a serviced based remodeler who works with the homeowner to get the product that they desire. Their office is located at 1130 Washington St on Rt. 53 in Hanover. For more information please call 781-826-2577 or visit their website at www.AlmarBuilding.com

2011 Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Imporvements

NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) has an article posted on their website dated 12.26.10, talking about how new federal law guts tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. While reading this article I feel like they are taking a totally negative attitude towards the revisions in the tax credits.

Personally Almar was taking the opinion that once the tax credits expired on 12.31.10 that was it we weren’t getting anything in 2011. So my perception of the NARI article is a bit different, cause I’m reading it thinking “Great! At least my homeowners can get something a little extra for the improvements they continue to make this year”

The long and the short of the changes for 2011 are:

1. The bill pushed back the expiration date for tax deductibility of mortgage insurance premiums for another year.

2. In 2011 you can get a 10% credit with a $500 maximum for purchases of insulation materials, exteriors windows, storm doors, skylights, metal and asphalt roofs that resist heat gain.

3. $150 tax credit limit on the cost of qualifying gas, propane, and oil furnaces, and hot water boilers.

4. $300 credit limit on central air systems, electric heat pumps water heaters, biomass stoves, electric heat pumps, and gas and propane water heaters.

5. $200 is now available for installing energy efficient windows in 2011.

These are all huge cuts from the 2010 credit available, but it is still and extra something just for making smart improvements to your home that will continue to save you money year after year. Because don’t forget that once you make an energy efficient improvement the long-terms savings need to be taken into consideration as well.

My hope is that there will be another change and increase in the tax credit program for energy efficient projects, because I think they are very important to the health and comfort of Almar’s clients. Until you experience the change from draft windows to new vinyl replacement, or the change from a home with no insulation to one with you can’t really understand how vitally important the changes your can’t see sometimes are your home.

Allison Q Guido, General Manager

Residential Saunas

I was just skimming thru http://www.wsj.com/ to see if there was anything in the real estate section when an article titled “The Home Improvement That’s the Hottest of them All by Anne Marie Chaker” caught my attention.

The article talks about how residential Saunas have long been part of the Finnish culture, but that they are also making a name for themselves in US households. And it made me think about a basement renovation Almar did a few years ago in Hanover where we added a Sauna to the bathroom section of the remodel.

The article says that “More Americans are making space for sauna rooms, clearing out basements, converting closets, and even partition off backyard sheds.” I think this is an interesting observation. Because we have found that more people in the last ten years have been choosing renovations to make their own homes more enjoyable and resort like even with the unstable economy, and a sauna is a perfect example of bring that comfort home.

Can you imagine anything better in the dead of winter, after a long stressful day, where you don’t want to go to the gym and deal with people any more than coming home and relaxing in your own personal sauna. You can have it be dry or add humidity just by adding water to the rocks.

In our project we were renovating a walk out basement and adding a full bathroom with the sauna as well. While designing the overall space we were able to find out from the homeowner what their wants and needs were for the over all space and then the bathroom specifically.

This homeowner was an athlete (who ran marathons) so the basement had a section for his gym equipment. And the shower was going to be mainly used after work outs, so the faucet and sprayers we picked we are all designed to help facilitate his post workout needs.

The sauna was to help him after his work outs but they also decided that they wanted it to be a social experience as well. So we went for a 2-4 person unit. But positioned it in the new bathroom space so that it wasn’t the focal point of the bathroom, and they chose a light colored wood to help keep the basement space from getting too dark.

So could a home sauna be right for you? I don’t know. I think that they are defiantly a luxury that many people don’t realize they could afford. But I thought it might be something fun to consider if they want to bring the calming feeling of well-being home.

7 Tips to Choosing the Right Remodeling Contractor

1. Ask Questions: Ask your contractor for referrals as well. Ask questions about reputation, quality of work, project scheduling and years of experience. Never take an estimate without examination and asking for clarification.

Almar’s information packets include References, and Testimonials. We expect and appreciate when a potential client reviews the estimate and then calls to ask questions and make changes; we know we don’t always get it 100% on the first try.

2. Apple & Oranges: If you are like most homeowners you probably talked to more than one Remodeling Professional. Did you explain everything equally to each company? Did they complete a design? Did they give you a detailed written estimate so you could compare the scopes of work? Make sure that you are comparing Apples to Apples when trusting someone with your house.

3. Did you know that according to the Small Business Administration, nearly 50% of all contractors go out of business in the 1st year, and over 95% go out of business in the first 5 years. Almar’s been in business for almost 50 years…

4. Quality & Service: Ask yourself: “Do they truly provide “quality” craftsmanship and service? Have you ever heard the old phrase: “You get what you pay for”? Who are their installers? Can you trust them in your home?

5. Insurance & Taxes: Almar’s info packets always include current licenses, insurance, certifications etc…Is everyone you are talking to operating a legal business? Do they have the correct licenses and insurance? Will you, your home & family be protected if something happens during the project? Did you know your homeowner’s policy does not protect you if a worker gets injured on your property or does damage to your home?

6. Warranty: What is their warranty on labor? Will they assist you with manufacture’s warranties?

Almar offers a 3 and 5-year warranty on all their work, fills out manufactures warranty cards, and creates a customized warranty and care & cleaning kit with all of the information you need regarding your project.

7. Project Management: if they are the owner/carpenter, what will happen to your project if they become sick or hurt? Who will finish the project? Who is there to keep the project moving? Who will come back to fix things AFTER the project is done?

Almar has several people who can handle any number of these items: regular communication from our office staff via phone, fax and site visits. We have a lead carpenter regularly on site managing the progress and reliable sub contractors, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters who have been team members for several years.

No matter whom you decide is a good fit for your project, you should feel comfortable and well informed. There are to many “contractors” who don’t have a long and safe track record. The preceding questions are intended as a guide to help you sort through all the factors involved in selecting a remodeling contractor. Our intent is to incorporate all areas concerning remodeling and renovation projects. Call 781-826-2577 for more information.

"Consumer confidence hit a five-month high"

I subscribe to this great e-newsletter for Remodelers called daily5Remodel. They spend all day searching for the best and most important new articles in the Remodeling world and send them to me in an email everyday. Yesterday morning the first article in the list caught my eye and really caught my interest.

It was title: Consumer confidence hit a five-month high. And I thought GREAT! I love good new – lets hear more.

So the article came from Bloomberg.com and was really entitle: U.S. Economy: Confidence Improves, Businesses Expand By Courtney Schlisserman and Bob Willis - Nov 30, 2010

This article stated that US consumer confidence rose again in November to a 5-month high, that spending increases are already giving retailers like Wal-Mart a boost early in the holiday season, and that it looks like this trend will continue as “households sense that job and income prospects are improving”.

It went on to talk about both positives and negatives that are happening right now in our economy, that manufacturing is still growing because of exports and investments in new equipment, and a lot of foreign and business demand, but that housing is still proving to be a “weak link”. But it also referenced anticipation that Dec 3rd report from the Labor Department will show another 145,000 jobs were created in November, on top of the 151,000 that were added in October. I heard on the news this morning that 2 major car companies just announce plans to hire, and Cnn.com reported today that Cyber Monday was the biggest ever with an estimated just over $1 billion dollars being spent. (a 16% increase over last year).

So why do I care about all of these good and bad reports? Because as I combine this information with my Remodeling Magazine Cost V Value report for 2010…(which pretty much said that despite lower construction costs, slump home values pulled down some of the cost-to-value rations this year) I have to try and make plans for Almar for next year. What do I think will happen? Well based on this year, and feedback from my fabulous clients I think next year will continue the growth trend.

What’s going to be “hot” and important for my Almar clients next year? Replacement and repair projects, because they will be more affordable than a larger scale project and help your home hold value. Also projects that people have been holding off on and don’t want to wait any more.

According to Remodeling Magazines Report almost all of the Top 10 projects are exterior replacement projects.

1. Entry Door Replacement
2. Garage Door Replacements
3. Fiber Cement Siding
4. (tied) Minor Kitchen Remodel
4. (Tied) Deck Addition (wood)
5. Vinyl Window Replacement
6. (tied) Foam-Backed Vinyl Siding
6. (tied) Vinyl Siding
6. (tied) Wood Window Replacement
7. Attic bedroom remodel
8. Window replacement (vinyl - Upscale)
9. Basement Remodel
10. Garage Door Replacement - upscale


Things are looking up – I hope you’ll take a few minutes this holiday season to look beyond Dec 25th and start planning your projects for next year.

Alumni Award Winner Announced

Alumni Award Winners Announced
Thursday, September 16th, 2010

Over the first weekend in October we all traveled to West Virginia where Allison was awarded the West Virginia Wesleyan College Young Alumni Achievement Award. Below is the write up about Allison that was published in the Sundial, the College's magazine.

From the West Virginia Weslyan Web Site "As part of the annual Homecoming celebration October 1-3, West Virginia Wesleyan will bestow awards upon six deserving recipients. Three alumni will receive awards for their achievement, while two alumni will be honored for service to the College. In addition, one college employee will receive the Friend of the College/Extra Mile Award.

The honor of the Young Alumni Achievement Award will be bestowed upon Allison Quinn Guido '02 this year. Named one of Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine's 40 under 40, Guido serves as General Manager/Partner of Almar Building and Remodeling Co. in Hanover, MA.

After graduating from Wesleyan in 2002 with a B.A. in Arts Management, Guido earned her Massachusetts Construction Supervisors License in 2003, and was named 2004 Rookie of the Year by the Builders Association of Greater Boston.

As an owner of Almar, Guido joined her father, Terry Quinn and her husband, Craig Guido '00 in accepting Remodeling Magazine's Big 50 Award in 2005. South Shore Living Magazine has featured Guido in their "Women in Business" features, and she is currently working with Better Homes & Gardens online as one of their "Ask the Pros" contributors. As a student at Wesleyan, Guido was active in the community through Zeta Tau Alpha and the Theatre Department. Her service to her community continues today. Through her roles as Secretary for the Baystate Alumnae Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, and President of the Alumnae Association for Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, Mass., Guido has worked with both of those organizations to adopt two families for Christmas and gather gifts for them. She has volunteered at the Survivors Tent at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Boston, and is on the Survivors Tent planning committee for the 2010 event. Since 2004, Guido has coordinated a team for the American Lung Association's annual Asthma Walk.

Guido is also active in the local business community, serving as a member of the South Shore Business Roundtable, South Shore Young Professionals, and South Shore Women's Business Network. In her free time, Guido enjoys the two book clubs in which she takes part, and traveling with her husband."

Less is More in Your Kitchen

Through all the ups and downs of life, the economy and style trends, kitchens always remain the heart of a home. A few years ago most homeowners wanted to add to the kitchen with more space, more cabinets, more, more, more. But today we see that people want to utilize their existing space better, and update to make the space they do have more functional and appealing.

Here are some tips for how we can design & utilize space better.

1. Think about what your daily habits. Contrast those with your wish list for your kitchen. What could you do without, or design differently to be just as effective?

2. Instead of adding a whole breakfast nook, why not add an island, or snack bar?

3. How can we organize the space to be the most effective? If most of your meals are just 2 people, could you just have your daily dishes & silverware in the kitchen and store the extra dishes in another area?

4. Take advantage of space near the kitchen. Can we build a pantry, or recessed unit? Can we utilize existing or new furniture to store items we don’t use all the time?

5. Consider what size appliances you really need. This could help not only to conserve space but also energy. If you don’t have a house full of people do you really need an oversized refrigerator? There are a lot of options available these days from 18” wide full height refrigerators to 24” wide high performance ranges and 18” wide or single drawer dishwashers. Again, this is where considering your normal daily habits can really save you space and energy.

6. To get the most out of your cabinets take advantage of the wide variety of kitchen accessory options like pullouts, spice rack fillers, drawers, backsplash storage areas, drop downs, etc. Consider:

a. Pullouts, also called rollout trays. They allow you to reach all items, especially those stuck in the back of the cabinet. With our Huntwood cabinets we can customize the units for pots & lids, or food.

b. Our Huntwood Kitchenware Organizers are a great addition to a deep drawer, with a beech base plate and 4 square posts. The pegs can be rearranged to accommodate various sizes and shapes of dishes. And what’s great about this is that they prevent dishes from shifting and getting damaged when you open and close the drawer!

c. Spice drawer inserts can maximize the visibility of spices, and can help keep small cans/jars in sight.

d. We can hang racks (wood or chrome) on the inside of cabinet doors for easy access to other small items.

e. For hard to reach spots, we can install tip down cookbook holders, or knife blocks.

f. A breadboard built into the cabinet units is great for extra workspace.

g. Backsplash mounts are perfect for storing all those small everyday items. Or consider a “rail system”. It consist of a metal rail that runs along the back splash with various baskets, racks, and hooks. Providing storage for everything from spices to paper towels & utensils.

There are so many great options available now, these are just a few we’d consider as you get ready to renovate your kitchen. We could talk for hours about drawers designs, pot racks, pantries, wine racks etc…

If you have specific questions or ideas about your kitchen please give us a call 781-826-2577 Craig@almarbuilding.com

Commentary on "Energy Efiicient Windows Melt Vinyl Siding"

As I was doing my daily check in on Twitter the other day, I noticed a link to the http://www.thebostonchannel.com/ posting entitled: “Energy Efficient Windows Melt Vinyl Siding” Having not heard of this before, (it is not a problem that Almar clients have been experiencing) I quickly clicked the link to learn more and spent most of the rest of the day reading and on the phone to my siding manufacturers learning more about this new phenomenon.

In a nut-shell, to adhere to the new Massachusetts building codes and increasing energy regulations, when we install new or replacement windows must be energy efficient, which us defined as having Low-E or “low-emittance” glass. The way low-e windows are made can in some instances cause sunlight to reflect off of them creating a magnifying effect (also called Solar Reflection and Heat Distortion) on your siding, resulting in melting. The good news is this is infrequent problem. There are solutions and ways to prevent this from happening.

Before you get too anxious, please note that for those homeowners on the South Shore this hasn’t been a big issue, because we have so much space between our houses. This Solar Reflection problem is at its worst when houses are only a few feet apart and have a combination of other factors in addition to closeness.

According to the VSI (Vinyl Siding Institute) temperatures from 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit can start to soften normal grades of siding. The heat generated from double paned low-e window can measure in excess of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. A representative from Certainteed Siding he told me that their Cedar Impressions are a good choice because they can withstand temperatures of 300-440 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is very rare to see these melting issues with Cedar Impressions vinyl siding because of this heat tolerance.

According a NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) taskforce studying this issue in February 2010; “Glass in double paned windows may on occasion slightly warp or deflect due to a difference in barometric pressure between the interior of the glass panes and the outside air pressure. This can create a concavity in the glass. Such a concavity is a normal response to pressure differences, does not affect the performance of the window, and does not constitute a defective window condition. However, the concavity may focus sunlight reflected from the window in a fashion similar to the effect seen when light passes through a magnifying glass. The heat generated by the focused reflected sunlight has proven sufficient to visibly damage and distort vinyl siding on nearby houses. Any double paned window may cause this effect, but double paned low-e windows have a higher reflectivity quotient which can exacerbate the reflected light/vinyl distortion phenomenon.”

In conclusion, we must emphasized that there is nothing wrong with the windows or the siding. Unless there is a certain combination of environmental factors, both the windows and the siding will serve their intended purpose without any problems.

These factors include:
1. Concavity in the double glass panes
2. The angle of the sun
3. Other factors: proximity to the adjoining houses (or sidewalls), wind speeds, air temperatures, and buffering foliage.

Replacing the vinyl siding is not a permanent solution, and because you’ll still have the factors that caused the problem in the first place, both NAHB and VSI have recommended some remediation options if you are experiencing.

Options include:
1. Placing a full size screen over the window to reflect the light. (1/2 screens won’t do the job)
2. Block the reflected sunlight with an awning, trees, or shrubbery.
3. Replace damaged vinyl siding with another siding option, such as fiber cement siding.
4. There are also some vinyl siding options, such as CPVC that resist high temperatures of heat, but the current cost can be several times that of regular siding.

This article was created with information from the NAHB report and VSI’s website. It is not a substitute for professional advice. If you have questions that would be specific to your home, please feel free to contact us at Craig@AlmarBuilding.com

For more information about vinyl siding, visit the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) website at http://www.vinylsiding.org/

New Azek Deck & Railings in Norwell, Ma - Almar Building & Remodeling

Master Bathroom and Dining Room Addition Hanover, Ma - Almar Building & ...

Commentory on"CONSUMER ALERT: Contractor took the money, and apparently ran."

The Sunday Globe (Boston) two weeks ago had an article that made me stop and look twice. It was entitled CONSUMER ALERT: Contractor took the money, and apparently ran.

AT first glance you see that headline and what do you say to yourself? “Oh no, those poor people!” That’s what I say too, but then again these people could have prevented this form happening to themselves.

One of the very first things we do is to try and educate our potential client about the pitfalls of committing their time, home, and money to the wrong people. As anyone who had ever talked to us knows we spend a lot of time going thru the steps every homeowner should address with potential partners for their project. From getting current copies of licenses and insurance, to reading the contract and checking the state website for any current information that might be available.

In this Q & A article the homeowner says that they hired a “friend” of two co-works, gave him and $9,000 upfront to purchase the materials “to get a discount”, but after the project never got started and he stop returning their calls, then found out that he was not registered with the state, and wants to know what to do.

Unfortunately we hear this all the time, and we loose jobs to these guys when homeowners get sucked into the thought of getting the cheapest price possible. Well, that thinking just cost them an additional $9,000.00 this is the thing that gives us all a bad name, but until homeowners stop buying into it will never change. Whoever they hired gave them a low-ball price because he didn’t know his costs, and or never intended on doing the project because he isn’t a real contractor.

The Globe writer does a good job of going on to explain just what we always tell clients upfront. You can’t really do anything if you hired an unlicensed person. The state does have $10,000 available thru a state fund in the event of a loss to a contractor (which is funded by fees paid into by all registered and licensed contractors each year), but you must have hired a registered contractor or be eligible for access to the fund. As rightly so, since we are the ones funding the money.

The article goes on to quote Barbara Anthony, the undersecretary of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation “Our mantra at the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations is to only deal with registered home-improvement contractors”

The article also did a good job of reminding homeowners that in Massachusetts a contractor cannot take more than a third of the project price upfront (unless there are special order items, and they can take enough to cover those costs). That’s one of the main reasons Almar clients have so many progress payments in our contract. You’re never too far ahead of us and we are never to far ahead of you.

The article didn’t address some other red flags that we always point out: Never let a contractor tell you to pull the permit. If they aren’t willing to do it, there is a reason, and if you pull the permit you will then become liable for them and their work.

Just remember a deal isn’t always the lowest price. The bottom line is almost never just about money. Who you are working with, where they come from, how long they’ve been in business, how professional they are, and their ability to be here for years to come often will save you way more money then by hiring the lowest price guy. There’s a reason he’s so much cheaper then people who know what they are doing.

And remember that for most people their house is their largest asset! Why hire the cheapest, unlicensed and unprofessional contractor to entrust that asset to? You wouldn’t put your money in an uninsured bank, or hire a lawyer who didn’t have a law degree, or a doctor without a medical license.

If you’d like more information and tips about how to protect yourself and save yourself thousands of dollars while planning your next remodeling project then request my FREE REPORT: The 6 "Secrets" to the Perfect Custom Remodel of Your Home.

It's Time to Conqer McCoy

The American Lung Association’s (ALA) Asthma Walk & Stair Climb is about to happen. On June 12th at 1:00pm hundreds of people will team up to help raise money for research and development so the ALA can continue to fight for a cure for Asthma and other related respiratory disease, and I need your help and support.

Why is this so important to me?

Here’s a short answer to the question. Fifth grade was big year for me. We moved twice. We left the only home I had know in Holbrook in October to move to a beach house in Hummarock for a few months while my parent built their dream house. Finally, in February we moved into the new house in Hanson. Fifth grade was also the year that I, in the middle of this turmoil, was diagnosed with Asthma.

Now, I am sure the signs and symptoms had been there for many years but one afternoon during recess it finally hit. My airways constricted and cut off my oxygen. I only vaguely remember what happened…I may have even just lay down in the middle of the field but I remember people yelling and calling for help. Then being in the nurse’s office waiting for my grandmother to come pick me up. I don’t remember going to the doctor or getting a diagnosis that first time and all the other trips really seem to blend together but I know it changed me. I grew up, because it was really life or death, and none of my family or friends really understood what “asthma” meant until I was living with it and still trying to be a 10-year-old girl.

I remember trips to the hospital and waiting rooms, and passing out one time in the doctor’s office, because inhaling so they could listen to my lungs was just too much for my body to take. Years of prescription steroids (and the bloating that goes along with that), and different inhalers, and Christmas in Children’s Hospital. I knew the drill, I knew my health insurance ID number off the top of my head, I could recite the list of questions the ER would ask at check in and which blood tests and pulmonary function tests would come next.

The hardest thing was not what I couldn’t do or was too scared to do but that people just didn’t understand Asthma. Anyone who had ever gotten out of breath because they ran to hard or danced to long used to tell me they had asthma and ask “What was the big deal? Lots of people have asthma.” You just can’t understand the terror of not being able to walk to the bathroom because you can’t take a breath. And it was hard for me to understand how laughing was so easy for the people in the “studio audience” on T.V.

Asthma isn’t a “Sexy” disease. You don’t see big stars hosting lavish dinners to raise money on E!. The ALA can’t spend millions of dollars in TV commercials just to get people to the walk in this event. They have me and the other 23 million people who have difficulty breathing because of Asthma.

Everyday in America:
40,000 people miss work or school due to asthma
30,000 people have an asthma attack
5,000 people visit the emergency room due to asthma
1,000 people are admitted to the hospital due to asthma
11 people die from asthma.


There are many resources available to people living with asthma and their loved ones only because of the ALA and their fundraising efforts through events like the Asthma Walk & Conquer McCoy.

My family and I are thankful for these resources and the research and development everyday. I still take medication everyday to control my asthma and have learned to listen to my body so I can sense an attack coming. With your help the ALA can continue their work and maybe save another 10-year-old girl and her family from the pain of this disease.

I invite you to join our team (Almar’s Asthma Avengers) and walk with us on June 12th, or support us financially if you cannot walk.