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.

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

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.

# # #

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.

Selecting and Maintaining Your Water Heater

Most homeowners don’t give a second thought to their water heater—until the hot water stops flowing. Here’s what you need to know when selecting a new one and maintaining the one you have.

Storage tank water heaters have an insulated tank where water is heated and stored until it's needed. They're available in electric, propane and natural gas models.

1. Tank size is an important consideration.
Base your decision on household size. One to two people will need a
30-gallon tank. Three to four people will use a 40- to 50-gallon tank.

2. Also think about the recovery rate — the number of gallons of water the water heater can heat in an hour. The greater your demand for hot water, the higher recovery rate you need.

3. Know the dimensions of the space where your water heater will be stored and ensure that the one you want will fit.

Tankless, or on-demand, (Like the Rianni Systems) heats water as it passes through a series of coils in the unit instead of storing it.

1. These units only heat water as you use it, so they are usually more energy-efficient than a traditional storage tank water heater.

2. They’re available in electric, LP and natural gas models.

3. Most tankless units can provide up to 3.5 gallons of heated water per minute. They are best for homes that demand only one or two areas of water use at one time, say the shower and the dishwasher or the kitchen sink and the washing machine.

Energy-efficiency
Whichever fuel source you use, a water heater can be the third largest energy user in your home, so you’ll want a unit that offers energy and cost savings. Research the energy-efficiency and yearly operating costs of a water heater before you decide which one is right for your needs. You can find this info listed clearly on the Energy Star label.

Maintenance tips
Many new water heaters come with a self-cleaning feature that automatically fights
lime and sediment build-up to lengthen tank life and maintain peak efficiency
for a longer period of time.

As water is pumped into your water heater tank, sediments settle on the bottom. Depending on the water quality, these materials can rob your water heater's efficiency. If left unchecked, they can not only make your water heater work harder but also allow your tank to rust and slowly be corroded until you need to replace the entire unit.

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

Request more information: Click Here

Scituate Construction: Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Spring has sprung. While you’re banishing the cobwebs during your annual spring
cleaning, take some time to give your home a thorough inspection. A few simple
maintenance maneuvers will ensure that your home will remain in good shape and
that all systems will keep humming efficiently.

Clean your gutters.
After a long winter, dirt and debris will gather in the gutters. Clean them out and ensure that they
are still in good repair. Direct the downspouts away from your foundation. If the ground closest to the house along the foundation puddles water from the downspout, add extenders to direct the water further away from the house so that the water doesn’t cause damage.

Inspect your roof.
If you can’t remember the last time you had a roof inspection, it’s probably time to call in
a professional to take care of any repairs. Check for loose shingles or damage, and have them fixed before leaks happen. If you had issues with roof dams or heavy snow accumulation on the roof during winter, you might see damage to the lowest few feet of your roof. Ice and water can seep under the flashing, wreaking havoc on insulation and the roof deck below.

Check your foundation, basement and crawlspace.
Before those spring rains hit, check the foundation around your house for cracks or imperfections. Seal them or call in a contractor if necessary to keep water from seeping into your house. The same goes for walls and floors of your basement and crawlspace. Check for any signs of moisture and seal as necessary. Also, keep a close eye on the sump pump. Ensure that it’s working properly and get a battery backup just in case.

Maintain your A/C.
Call a qualified HVAC contractor to give your air-conditioning system a once over. Doing so each
year will help ensure that the system is running at peak performance and help
to lower your energy bills. Be sure that the inspector looks at the system’s
condensate drain hose where sediment can build up. Use a wet-vac to suction out
any blockage.

Fix the deck.
If you have a wood deck, now’s the time to inspect the surface for warping, loose boards and popped nails that could cause damage to treading feet. If you have stains or discolorations, you should reseal the deck so that it is protected against heavy spring and summer rains.

Clean the water heater.
The average lifespan of a water heater is eight to 12 years. If yours is more than five years old,you should check around the base for any leakage or rust. If you find some, replace the heater. For areas with hard water, you may be required to drain the water heater to eliminate sediment that builds up in the tank.

Almar Building & Remodeling (781-826-2577) is a full service General Contractor located in Hanover Ma. We've covered the entire South Shore since 1959 - including Scituate, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Cohasset, and Duxbury. Almar can handle all of your home's to-do list including Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Basement Renovations.

Plymouth Remodeling: NARI Helps Educate Homeowners

By: Craig H. Guido, CS

Even though we had a mild winter here on the South Shore, I can feel the excitement of Springs approach in our Almar family. Clients are excited about getting new projects underway. Our carpenters are excited that they can comfortably work on exterior projects again, and I’m
excited to start talking to new clients about new projects and how Almar and CAT Exteriors can make their homes even better.

With that in mind I was delighted to be invited by the Eastern Massachusetts chapter of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) to help represent professional remodeling companies at last weekend Plymouth Home Show. EM NARI is a not-for-profit trade association committed exclusively to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and providing ethical and quality service to the region's remodeling homeowners.

I was happy to have the chance to talk to many of the Home Show attendees and educate them on how as a member of EM NARI professional remodelers and industry associates come together to improve our companies and client experience thru education and collaboration. And also to
let them know that homeowner’s can utilizes the resources that EM NARI provided
to educate and protect themselves and their homes when they decide to partner on remodeling projects.

EM NARI’s commitment is shown in our PEAK program, which aims to provide the absolute best remodeling experience for homeowners in Eastern Massachusetts. PEAK represents the four key aspects of the remodeling industry — Professionalism, Excellence, Ability, and Knowledge — to ensure that homeowners can find the right professional partner to do their remodeling.

Professionalism — All EM NARI members agree to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards of care outlined in our six-part Code of Ethics. These extend beyond building standards to all areas of business practices including marketing and sales, contracts, and customer satisfaction.

Excellence — NARI sponsors both regional and national Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards to recognize the excellence and quality of its members. These prestigious awards encourage EM NARI members to strive for quality and excellence in every remodeling project. (View the latest
EM NARI CotY Award winners.)

Ability — EM NARI expects its members to maintain skills and expertise through continued learning and education. NARI offers a number of educational programs, seminars, conventions and rigorous remodeling certification programs. The better informed and trained your contractor is, the better your results.

Knowledge — Knowledge is power. Our extensive library of resources offers homeowners information on any number of topics from how to hire a contractor and what questions to ask, to adding value to your home and local licensing laws. The more educated the homeowner, the more
successful your remodeling project will be.

Almar 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.

Hanover Contractor: Pella Pro Expo 2012

By: Allison Q Guido, CS

Craig and I love to have the opportunity to get out of the office and attend new educational programs. We know that we can only keep improving ourselves and Almar Building & Remodeling by paying attention to new products and best business practices. So we were delighted to be invited to the Invitation only Pella Pro Expo held at Gillette Stadium.

This Expo featured not only seminars and workshops on the latest ‘hot topics’ in the remodeling industry but also included many well know manufacturers. It was great opportunity to have one on one time with the manufacturer’s reps themselves to ask specific questions and learn about
new products and improvements to old products.

It was great to see all the Pella window and door products up close especially
their new 350 Series. As stated on the Pella Website:

Pella 350 Series windows offer an exclusive energy-saving system with triple-pane glass making them Pella’s most energy-efficient products. Advanced technology makes them stronger and more durable. Distinctive styling gives them a more beautiful look. Choose from three frame colors, two grille types and multiple hardware finishes and styles.

Maintenance-free vinyl frames
Stronger and more durable with 61% more vinyl
Dual-color frame option
Optional triple-pane glass for maximum energy efficiency
Fold-away crank won't get in the way

We were also lucky enough to attend two seminars presented by Patrick O’Toole from Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler on marketing and technology trends in remodeling. Craig and I are looking forward to sorting thru all our notes and putting new processes to work for all our remodeling clients very soon.

And don’t forget to give us a call (781-826-2577) at Almar Remodeling Co to organize all of your remolding projects. Almar is located in Hanover Ma, and serves many South Shore towns like: Hanover, Scituate, Norwell, Hingham, Cohasset, Duxbury and Pembroke for all of your Home Remodeling needs (Additions, Kitchen Renovations, Bath Remodels, Basement Finishing)

Hanover Remodeling: Celebrates National Organize Your Office Day

Did you know that March 8th is National Organize Your Office Day?

I don’t know about you but I work much better when things are organized and I am not surrounded by clutter and piles. All those piles juts make me stress about everything on my to-do list that I haven’t gotten to yet. So as I sit here on Organize Your Office Day I wanted to share some of our favorite tips that we use to keep our office running smoothly and organized.

1. Add Built in Cabinets
Adding Huntwood Cabinets to your home office can be a great way to utilize your space. From desks to storage cabinets built in can be a great way to customize your office. Adding sufficient storage is easy and can even make your work space feel bigger if done right.

2. Labeling
By labeling your binders and folders you will be able to store important items when you don’t need them in a uniform manner while still being able to find them in seconds when you do need to reach for them. Labeling also helps smooth the transition when someone new comes in to help or find files

3. Custom Shelves
You can Recreate a Grand or not so grand library. These can be a great way to display your cherished items while still being organized and still have space to have all your work needs at the tip of your fingers.

4. Purchase Magazine boxes to store booklets, magazines, catalogs you want to keep. Remodeling like many other industries has plenty of industry and homeowner based magazines. These publications have great Renovation ideas and information but sometimes we can’t look at them all right away. Magazine boxes help us sort ideas and keep from having piles of old publications lying around

5. Add Natural Light
Natural light is so good for us. It keeps us from getting tired and keeps us healthy. If you have to spend a lot of time in the office a large Replacement window or Velux Suntunnel could be just thing you need to make your office space more comfortable. In addition to reducing energy needs natural light can help make you more efficient.

Of course there are hundreds of other tip and suggestions and to-do to help you be more organized but I think 5 is a stress free amount so give us a call and we’d be happy to help you tackle some of the suggestions above.

And don’t forget to give us a call (781-826-2577) at Almar Remodeling Co to help organize all of your remolding projects. Almar is located in Hanover Ma, and serves many South Shore towns like: Hanover, Scituate, Norwell, Hingham, Cohasset, Duxbury and Pembroke for all of your Home Remodeling needs (Additions, Kitchen Renovations, Bath Remodels, Basement Finishing)

*Photos of Huntwood Custom Cabintry. Almar is a Huntwood Dealer

Welcome to the Neighborhood At Home Designs

Almar Building and Remodeling (Hanover, Ma) is always looking for ways to improve our customers experience and make the remolding process smoother and less intimidating.

We know that not just Addition, Kicthen, Bathroom and Basement Renovations but the small projects also can use some deisgn help. For instance, replacement windows would look even better with some custom draperies.

So we were very excited when recently we had a new neighbor move in next door to our office. AT Home Designs: Sisters Tina Sousa-Vieira and Teresa Tavares own and operate this Design showroom providing Interior Décor for Home & Business. I was pleased to have the opportunity to take some time today to stop into the design center and sit down and for a one-on-one to learn more about At Home Designs product offerings.

Tina & Teresa offer custom window treatments, upholstery, complete interior design services. They are featuring Hunter Douglas, Kravet, Robert Allen, Duralee, Carole Fabrics and much more!

Almar is excited to have the opportunity to work more closely with At Home Designs to improve our remodeling process and client experience. For more information about how Almar &
At Home Designs can help you with your renovation please give Allison a call at
781-826-2577 or visit our website to request more information.

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.