Posts about Construction

How to Find Good Builders in Nassau County

August 26th, 2010

26 August 2010 – Hiring Builders in Nassau County can be a stressful process.  You have probably heard many horror stories about builders abandoning jobs, finishing late, not meeting time lines, going over cost, etc.  A number of unprofessional builders can harm the reputation of the industry, but there are good builders in Nassau County and all over, you just need some tips to find them.

So what are some tips to hire good builders in Nassau County?
Make sure you ask and get information on their relevant experience.  Do ask to go and visit previous Nassau County based jobs. This should not be an issue for reputable builders in Nassau County.
Speak with people the builders have worked with.  Many builders know the art of sales and how to make you feel that they will handle everything and do it on time.  It is easy to believe them, but better to rely on actual customers to hear how they did.

Discuss with the builders about how they meet time lines, the process of picking finishes, perhaps discuss bonuses for finishing on time and penalties if they are late.  Make sure the builders incentives are aligned with yours, to finish in a fast and quality manner.  And make sure that they have worked on the types of projects that match your vision.  For example, if you want a modern finish, but all of their projects look Victorian, you should ask the builders if they have some examples of modern work. This will help make sure you are happy with your experience.
Price is not everything; don’t be lulled just by price because often the lowest priced guys are the guys who run into trouble, run out of money or go over budget and then you will pay for this whether with them coming to you for more money or them abandoning your job either in the short term or for good.
Follow these steps above and you will improve your chances greatly of finding good builder in Nassau County.

EmpireHD
213 – 37 39th Avenue Suite #271
Bayside,
New York
NY 11361
(866) 969-2288

Empire HD – Contractors, Builders and Renovation Specialists with Lifetime Professional Knowledge for your residential or commercial especially in Brooklyn, Long Island, New York, Raleigh, Wake Forest, Wakefield as well as most of Long Island including all of Nassau County.

Loft Conversions London Resume Trading In The City

August 19th, 2010

First Choice Loft Conversions London is to resume trading after a year of restructuring its business. The company had previously sized down its operation from 50 working employees to a handful of key personnel.

Roger Coe, Managing Director of Loft Conversions London, commented that with the economy out of the recession demands for lofts were on the rise again. “After all a conversion will lead to an increase in the value of your house” he remarked.

A typical loft conversion costs around £10,000 and that figure can rise considerably for much larger projects. Some people opt to turn an attic into an extra bedroom, significantly boosting their properties value; whilst others prefer to turn their lofts in a study/home office.

First Choice Loft Conversions London have been servicing the London area and the surrounding home counties for over 20 years and Mr Coe has almost 35 years of experience in the trade. In fact many of the new companies showing on Google were founded by people who have trained under Mr Coe’s supervision.

He plans to dominate the London market as he did in the 1980’s as the first loft conversion specialist in the capital. The company offers a ten year guarantee on any work that they undertake and will also beat any written quotations received from rivals.

For more information on First Choice Loft Conversions London contact Roger Coe at mail@1stchoicelofts.co.uk.

SmartMixx™: the only Mixing Station recommend by Ardex

December 8th, 2009

Mix levelling compounds to Perfection thanks to SmartMixx™.

The ultimate mixing station Designed by Contractors for Contractors is available for purchase from SmartMixx.com
Perfect for prelevelling or finish cement and concrete, achieve beautiful concrete or cement floors every time!

But don’t take just our word for it, SmartMixx™ is the only mixing station recommended by ARDEX:

“Correct mixing is critical to the performance of ARDEX levelling compounds. After putting the SmartMixx™ through its paces in our Sydney laboratory, we can confidently say that the combination of mixing capacity, helical paddle design and built-in timer makes for a perfectly mixed ARDEX product in the shortest possible time.
Dr. Rolf Offerhaus
Ardex Technical Manager
ARDEX Australia Pty Ltd

SmartMixx™ is 100% designed, engineered & made in Australia to ensure best quality.

Learn more about SmartMixx™ at www.SmartMixx.com and see what you can achieve* with SmartMixx™ by visiting www.ConcreteArtisans.com where you’ll find great videos of various jobs carried out using SmartMixx™.

**SmartMixx™ is the mixing station recommended by ARDEX and Concrete Artisans Pty Ltd. Results may vary depending on but not limited to the following conditions: the contractor’s expertise, quality of the product used, general humidity and temperature levels, quality of the water used, etc.

SmartMixx™: The Wonder Mixing Station – To Mix And Pour All Self Levelling Cements

September 9th, 2009

SmartMixx™: The Wonder Mixing Station – To Mix And Pour All Self Levelling Cements.

SmartMixx™™ is a revolutionary portable mixing station designed by professional flooring contractors for contractors. This innovative concept has been fully tested by Concrete Artisans over many years* and then meticulously engineered into a production model. SmartMixx™™ is practical durable and affordable, SmartMixx™™ will change the way contractors mix and pour self levelling cements.

So what is SmartMixx™™?

SmartMixx™ is a mixing station for all levelling cements such as Ardex K15, K12,K80, Arditex, Pandomo K1, etc. These are some of its main features:

  • Mix 80 Kg of product in 2 minutes.
  • Fully Detachable Pro-Tool Stirrer
  • Light Durable Aluminium Structure. Weighs just 18 Kg.
  • Smart Splash / Dust Cover
  • Hands Free Mixing
  • Precision Pouring
  • 4 Wheel Mobility.
  • Ergonomic Handles.
  • Doubles up as Trolley to Transport Product & Tools
  • 100% made in Australia.
  • When you purchase a SmartMixx™ you ‘ll also receive detailed instructions for operation and maintenance of your unit. Learn more about SmartMixx™ a www.SmartMixx.com
    See what you can achieve* with with SmartMixx™ at www.ConcreteArtisans.com where you’ll find great videos of various jobs carried out using SmartMixx™.

    *SmartMixx™ is the mixing station recommended by Concrete Artisans Pty Ltd. Results may vary depending on but not limited to the following conditions: the contractor’s expertise, quality of the product used, general humidity and temperature levels, quality of the water used, etc.

    Novacel 4226REN Film Protects Sheet Metal During Laser Cutting (Z087)

    June 19th, 2009

    Chicago, June 18, 2009 (word count: 327)

    High-resolution images are available on request.


    NOVACEL is the worldwide leader in industrial surface protection, particularly for uncoated metal. Novacel is currently extending its offer with a highly innovative protection film for sheet metal called Novacel 4226REN. This film is ideal for protecting metal such as stainless steel during laser cutting.

    Novacel 4226REN provides many benefits that make all the difference. It’s guaranteed to not peel off or form air bubbles during cutting, and stainless steel is protected from discoloration due to laser cutting. The film can be printed with brushing or polishing directions, as well as cutting patterns to allow the sheet metal to be laser cut in a single run. The film has an outdoor resistance of six months, and peels off in one piece without tearing.

    4226REN cuts down on laser cutting time and maintains surface integrity throughout the mechanical transformation cycle on parts being cut (bending, backing, stamping, forming, etc.). The film’s material prevents any risk of suction between pieces of sheet metal during automated handling.

    This film is free of harmful chemicals. As with the entire Novacel range, 4226REN is recyclable.

    Product features:

    •Color: white/white
    •Film type: UV-resistant LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
    •Outdoor resistance: 6 months
    •Thickness: 100 µm
    •Adhesive type: natural rubber
    •Adhesion strength (AFERA 4001): 140 cN/cm
    •Lengths: 1,000 and 500 m (3,280 and 1,640 ft.)
    •Custom printing

    Samples are available upon request.

    About Novacel:
    Established in over 60 countries, Novacel develops and produces self-adhesive films for temporary surface protection in the electronics, home-appliances, automotive and building industries. Its films can be applied on a great variety of surfaces such as stainless steel, pre-coated metals, aluminium, plastics, profiles and high-pressure laminates. At every stage of the transformation process (folding, stamping, profiling, etc.), as well as during handling, transport and fitting, the film acts as a protective barrier against outside aggression, preventing scratches, dirt, etc. Novacel is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified. NOVACEL is the official partner of the LAMPRE cycling team, as well as of Alessandro Ballan, World Champion 2008-2009.

    For more information, please contact:

    NOVACEL
    Agnès Othmani
    Communication Manager
    Tel: +33 2 32 82 72 28
    E-mail: aothmani@chargeurs-protective.com

    Or:

    FRENCH TECHNOLOGY PRESS OFFICE
    205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3740
    Chicago, IL 60601

    Fax: (312) 327-5261
    E-mail:
    contact.ftpo@ubifrance.fr

    Pandomo Wall: the Contemporary yet Magnificent Finish

    April 8th, 2009

    Pandomo wall is white cement based decorative render developed by Ardex GmbH Germany. It’s the ultimate surface finish.

    Unlike other renders, Pandomo Wall creates a breathable and particularly hard surface at only 1-2mm thickness! This incredibly versatile product can be directly applied over most surfaces: emulsion paints, alkyd finishes, plasterboards, tiles, floor coverings, gypsum plasters, cement and lime-cement plasters, concrete and a lot more. Suitable for all interior dry surfaces such as walls, ceilings, splashbacks, columns and every other surface that needs a unique appearance.

    Concrete Artisans has creatively used Pandomo Wall for private projects around Sydney and country New South Wales in a wide variety of colours. For more information, downloadable pdf, videos and images, please visit our web site www.ConcreteArtisans.com.au

    Or check out our new Forum where you can find all the answers you need regarding Polished Concrete Floor, Wall and related subjects www.concreteartisans.com.au/forums

    ICF: the Ultimate Polished Cement Floor Option

    April 8th, 2009

    Concrete Artisans Pty Ltd developed an exclusive MicroTopping Cement System for High Traffic Areas.

    ICF can be installed directly over a porous and sound concrete slab at a thickness of only 6-10mm. For substrates such as tiles and timber, Concrete Artisans Pty has developed a separate system suitable for these.

    Available in four classic tones of grey, ICF is polished with exclusive Polishing Machines in order to obtain the iconic industrial cement look.

    Because of its superior durability and hardness, ICF is ideal for building foyers and entrances, showrooms, retail shops and all high traffic areas including domestic houses and apartments.

    For more information, images, downloadable pdf and videos, please visit our web site www.ConcreteArtisans.com.au

    Or check out our new Forum where you can find all the answers you need regarding Polished Concrete Floor, Wall and related subjects www.concreteartisans.com.au/forums

    Cantor Professional Software Receives Windows Vista Certification

    May 16th, 2008

    CANTOR Software GmbH announces their successful completion of certification procedures
    for CANTOR Professional Version 2008.1

    “Certified for Windows Vista TM”

    This new Windows Vista certification will now take place alongside certifications for Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. CANTOR is now equipped for the newest Redmond Version, making them one of the first internationally operating companies to successfully fulfill the Quality and Reliability Standards as defined and listed on the Microsoft© website.

    Originally entered into in December, 2006, the certification process was lengthier than anticipated, primarily due to the test procedure itself, which had been changed and altered a total of four times since its onset. These changes had made it most important for us to provide our customers with a Certificate Version of our software based on these latest Microsoft modifications, supporting the understanding we have with our clients that CANTOR software support the latest Microsoft technology as quickly as possible.

    What is the great significance behind the Vista TM Certification? An immediately recognizable identification symbol, the “Certified for Windows Vista TM” logo attests to the compatibility of CANTOR software applications with this operating system, all of which, during the certification phase, have undergone rigid testing procedures conducted on computers operating with the Windows Vista TM system. CANTOR’s compliance with technical requirements has been tested in four main areas: reliability, security, compatibility with the Windows Vista TM and subsequent operating systems, as well as smooth, trouble-free installation and de-installation of the software. According to VERITEST, software applications complying with the “Windows Vista TM” certification criteria provide a high level of user-friendliness and, as such, are among the most modern, competitive products on the market.

    Windows Vista TM offers an abundance of modified safety mechanisms for the programs being installed. All programs not yet certified for Windows Vista will remain functional during a transitional period. It is expected, however, that the new Microsoft security mechanisms will be increasingly activated with subsequent versions and updates. This could lead to extensive difficulties with programs that have not yet been certified. In a “worst case” situation, these programs would be rendered non-functional. This is the reason that so much effort has been placed on obtaining certification for the CANTOR Professional software as quickly as possible.

    With this certification, Microsoft© has attested the CANTOR Professional Version 2008.1 has excellent security, durability, and resource-conserving attributes, all qualities are of central importance with respect to smooth production flow and the avoidance of downtime.

    As a Microsoft © GOLD CERTIFIED Partner of long standing, we will continue to provide our customers the assurance that CANTOR software products always comply with the latest standards in technology.

    Thomas Mulitze is the Customer Relationship Manager for CANTOR Software GmbH. CANTOR, providing highly comprehensive ERP software solutions for the window and door industry, has successfully integrated all operational processes in modern Window & Door Manufacturing. The dynamics of the system significantly increases production volume, while substantially reducing operational costs and material wastage. CANTOR is a full subsidiary of ALBAT+WIRSAM Software AG for Glass, and a member of the Glaston Corporation. For more information please visit us online at www.cantor-software.de.

    ToolmanDepot.com Launches Online Research Panel

    April 13th, 2008

    Lockport, IL April 11, 2008 – Building Contractor website ToolmanDepot.com is currently recruiting contractors to join an online research panel on ToolmanSurveys.com. ToolmanSurveys.com will offer its member contractors the opportunity to take online surveys and provide their thoughts and opinions and directly influence industry manufacturers and service providers.

    ToolmanSurveys.com will be using advanced market-research and database technology to manage the respondent panel. ToolmanSurveys.com will offer research services to building contractor manufacturing companies and service providers. This direct link between manufacturers and suppliers with their customers will enable these companies to more effectively meet their customer’s needs.

    Building contractors are able to register for a ToolmanSurveys.com for free and will have a chance to earn incentives for participation. Survey respondents will be randomly selected from the ToolmanSurveys.com respondent database and all members will have an equal chance to be selected for survey participation. Upon the completion of each survey randomly selected members will earn gifts, ranging from retail gift certificates at national chain stores to premier memberships on ToolmanDepot.com

    To learn more about this new research panel visit www.ToolmanSurveys.com.

    About ToolmanDepot.com

    ToolmanDepot.com is a unique online community consisting of homeowners, contractors, and manufacturers and suppliers and we offer something for each of them.Our site allows visitors to keep ratings and contact information of their favorite contractors in their myToolman Depot account. We also offer visitors a free monthly newsletter and access to our library of home improvement articles that is updated on a frequent basis.

    For more information contact Richard Labus, 815-603-1822 at ToolmanDepot.

    www.toolmandepot.com

    Pandomo: what to consider before a makeover

    March 25th, 2008

    If you are thinking of having a makeover for your home, office, apartment or retail shop, you should pay attention to the following advice.

    The condition of the structure (floor, walls, ceiling) or the ‘bones of the house’ are the most important thing to consider before start asking for colour swatches for the walls or samples for the floor finish.

    Just think about this: no colour is going to look good if there’s dampness showing through the walls or lumps and cracks showing through the floor. All these ‘little problems’ will give you more than a chronic headache: they will lower the value of your property as well.

    So here are the easy steps you should follow: check the plumbing and the electrical; make sure you don’t do any modifications to load-bearing walls (or one hauling plumbing pipes, electrical conducts or gas).You may have already considered all this, but what about the floor finish? Where to start? Is it possible to get rid of the old terracotta tiles? If you want to completely change the floor finish and go for an eco-friendly option, you should choose Pandomo. No matter if you already have tiles, timber, old slabs or magnesite floors; Concrete Artisans provides a pre-levelling system that allows the successive installation of Pandomo. The result: no lumps, no cracks, just a perfectly flat and natural smooth floor finish.

    Ardex Pandomo is a natural white self-leveling cement produced by Ardex in Germany and recently brought to Australia. It complies with the requirements of the Green Council of Australia for Low VOC Content Compound. Plus Concrete Artisans Pty Ltd carries on a dust free and environmentally friendly installation (for more details go to www.concreteartisans.com.au).

    Pandomo is the floor you always wanted:

    -the right colour for you

    -natural look

    -unique design

    -durable (guaranteed to match the building’s durability)

    -eco-friendly

    -inexpensive.

    Pandomo is available from accredited Ardex Contractors only to ensure the installation process meets the highest building and construction standards.

    For more information, please contact:

    CONCRETE ARTISANS PTY LTD

    p: (02) 8003 4411

    www.concreteartisans.com.au

    info@concreteartisans.com.au

    “The Building Industry’s Guide to Working with the US Government – 2008 Small Business Edition”

    March 12th, 2008

    “The Building Industry’s Guide to Working with the US Government – 2008 Small Business Edition”

    Author Bobby Anderson – http://www.path-finder.com

    Order Online – http://stores.lulu.com/pathfinderpublications

    Washington, DC – March 7, 2008

    ISBN: 978-1-4357-1292-8
    Author Bobby Anderson has published the first ever guide to working with the US Government specifically designed for the building industry.

    Bobby Anderson has one simple purpose for this 697 page reference and contact guide.

    He wants to help Small Businesses in the Building Industry grow their company and reputation by doing business with the US Government.

    After assisting several small businesses in the building industry by marketing them to the US Government and other Prime Contractors, he decided to make this simple process available to all small businesses. He states, “Not all companies can afford a Consultant to take their Company through this process – I want to make it affordable to everyone.”

    Bobby’s education and experience works well for this publication.

    Bobby has 15 years in Construction & GIS Project/Program Management including 4 years in the Middle and Near East as a Consultant. Nine of these years have been spent working under Prime Contracts from the US Government, including the US Department of Defense (DoD), Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), US Department of State (DoS), the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Justice (DoJ).

    Included in the Book:

    · Over 1500+ Contacts of Government Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs)
    · Over 2000+ Prime Contractors (Building-related Decision Makers)
    · Agency Overviews
    · Simple Step by Step US GOV Requirements for Doing Business
    · Marketing Tips and Free Training
    · Upcoming USGOV & Other Association Conferences
    · Existing & Upcoming Projects
    · And Much, Much More…..

    The Building-related Agencies Covered:

    • Department of Agriculture

    • Department of Defense

    • Department of Energy

    • Department of Homeland Security

    • Department of Housing & Urban Development

    • Department of Interior

    • Department of Justice

    • Department of State

    • Department of Transportation

    • Department of Veterans Affairs

    • Environmental Protection Agency

    • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    • National Aeronautical & Space Administration

    • Naval Facilities Engineering Command

    • US Army Corp of Engineers

    Industries Discussed:

    • Architecture & Engineering

    • Construction (Commercial, Residential, Institutional, Industrial)

    • Oil & Gas

    • Heavy & Civil Construction Utility

    • Highway, Street & Bridge Construction

    • All Other Specialty Trade Contractors

    • Facilities Maintenance

    • Building Inspection

    • Interior Designers

    • Drafters

    • Real Estate

    • Land developers/Planners

    • Land Surveying & Mapping

    • Building Suppliers

    • Equipment & Building Manufacturers

    Mr. Anderson has made this guide user-friendly and can be found helping small businesses around the US.

    ###