FORT ANN Residents of Fort Ann school district will vote in September on a nearly $3.7 million capital project to replace and reconstruct roofs, improve parking lots, relocate and upgrade the fitness room and create a new 21st Century Learning Center.

The school board on Friday approved setting a Sept. 19 referendum for the $3.69 million project. The polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m.

Much of the work was identified by Mosaic Associates Architects in the five-year building conditions survey it prepared for the district, which has about 475 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Big-ticket items include about $300,000 to repave and improve the main parking area and bus loop and $183,000 to improve drainage and pave the rear parking lot.

School officials also want to transform a classroom into what they are calling a 21st Century Learning Center, which would include a collaborative learning area, MakerSpace area where students can do hands-on projects, LED monitors, multiple whiteboards, reconfigurable furniture and storage and cabinets.

The project allocates $90,000 for a relocated fitness room, including space for yoga, a universal gym machine, treadmills, exercise bikes and a renovated bathroom.

Other projects include fixing water infiltration in the basement, replacing six electrical panels, replacing gym lighting and adding switching, upgrading the public address system, replacing hot water heaters, upgrading exit and emergency light systems and replacing gym doors and hardware and exterior doors.

The project also includes installation of a new auditorium sound system, reconstruction of the stage apron and air conditioning for the high school computer lab.

A number of upgrades would be made to the bus garage, including replacement of the roof, main furnace and air handling unit; installation of new siding and of a fuel tank leak detection monitor.

The district plans to tap $200,000 from fund balance. It would bond the remaining $3.49 million and receive state aid reimbursement of 76.1 percent.

School officials have said previously they have debt coming off the books that would be timed for this project. Superintendent Kevin Froats said there would be no additional tax impact from the project.

The capital project will protect the communitys long-term investment in its schools and bus garage, he said in an email.

People can apply for absentee ballots. Applications must be received by the district clerk at least seven days before the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter on or prior to Sept. 18 if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Completed ballots must be returned to the clerk no later than 5 p.m. Sept. 19.

You can read Michael Goots blog, A Time to Learn, at http://www.poststar.com or his updates on Twitter @ps_education.

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Fort Ann school officials want $3.7 million to improve site, upgrade facilities - Glens Falls Post-Star

Builder Magazine

James Hardie Introduces Luxury Siding Collection Builder Magazine ... http://www.aspyredesign.com, which provides building professionals with a look book of design ideas for the Reveal Panel System, for Artisan Siding products and for the Reveal system + Artisan products in combination, as well as product and installation ...

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James Hardie Introduces Luxury Siding Collection - Builder Magazine

CLADDING on tower blocks is being ripped down across Britain amid fears it could contribute towards another deadly Grenfell-like fire.

Councils across the country have been testing materials on their own buildings heres what you need to know about the controversial building decor dubbed asilent killer.

Eyevine

Cladding is a material which is wrapped around the outside of a building.

It is used to improve appearance and energy efficiency.

Colourful green and blue panels designed to improve insulation and soften the look of the brutalist concrete block were fitted to Grenfell Tower in Kensington, West London,as part of a 9million refurb completedin May 2017.

Dense foam boards coated in zinc rainproof sheets were spaced 30mm apart across the 24-storey building, which housed 120 flats and at least 500 residents.

Just two months before the Grenfell fireLondon Fire Brigadewarned all 33 councils in the capital about the risks of cladding on tower blocks.

The disastrous fire at the 24-storey block was started by a Hotpoint fridge freezer on the fourth floor.

Experts said the composite foam sandwich panels helped spread the fire quickly from the lower floors all the way up the block.

The material used in the cladding on Grenfell was the cheaper, more flammable version of the two available options, an investigation of the supply chain by The Guardian has claimed.

Fireproof cladding initially planned for Grenfell was reportedly downgraded so the council could save money.

Leaked emails seen by The Times reportedly show that Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO), who managed the building on the councils behalf, saved 293,000 by downgrading the material used to clad the 1970s tower.

Arnold Tarling, 55, of the Association of Specialist Fire Protection, said the foam went up like matchsticks.

And he said the waterproof zinc coating made it even harder for firefighters to douse the blaze.

He added: The cladding looks lovely, its cheap, complies with regulations and gives the building a high environmental rating. But its a silent killer.

Witnesses to the blaze on June 14, which resulted in dozens of deaths,described how the material went up like paper.

It has now been claimed the deathtrap cladding is banned in America and a fireproof version could have cost just 5,000 more.

And the claddings manufacturers clearly state in its brochure that it should not be used on a building above a height of ten metres (32ft), according to the Express.

The number of deadly tower blocks with combustible cladding similar to Grenfell Tower is 208, according to the government.

All of those blocks tested so far have failed fire safety checks.

Five tower blocks in Camden were evacuated as emergency safety work was carried out by the council, following the Grenfell Tower blaze.

Cladding has been ripped from other towers in areas including Plymouth, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Portsmouth and Sunderland.

Fears were also raised that the same flammable cladding used on Grenfell Tower could be attached to UK hospitals, schools and hotels.

Ryhl High School in Denbighshire was closed after the county council found cladding on the building was made by the same company who produced that used on the tower block in London.

Concerns were also raised about cladding on three Premier Inns in Maidenhead, Brentford and Tottenham, because they did not appear to comply with government guidance for tall buildings.

Cladding like that used onGrenfell Tower has also been found at up to 30 NHS trusts.

Communities secretary Sajid Javid has slammed the slow progress of some authorities and landlords and said ministers will force them to take action if they do not ensure flats are safe.

He also said he was considering naming and shaming those councils and housing associations who had failed to provide samples for testing.

The BBC has reported that 60 tower blocks have failed new tests carried on both cladding and insulation.

In depth tests checked the cladding in combination with the foam insulation used in Grenfell.

Shockingly, the death trap combination was found in at least 60 other blocks only nine, based in Salford, have been identified so far.

The Department for Communities and Local Government will publish its full findings of the whole system fire test on July 28, the BBC says.

Tests were conducted by theBuilding Research Establishment near Watford and involved setting a fire underneath a mock up of the insulation system used at Grenfell.

Salford had already begun removing cladding, and said they had already expected the nine towers to fail.

They were built in the 1960s and were re-clad recently with shiny panels and insulation to cut energy bills.

According to planning documents, sub-contractors Harley were paid 2.6million to oversee the cladding installation.

A spokesman for Harley Facades told The Sun they worked on the refurb and installation of exterior cladding.

They said: The Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panels are a commonly used product in the refurbishment industry.

Harley Facades Limited do not manufacture these panels.

The renovation works at Grenfell Towers were reportedlyinspected 16 TIMESby Kensington and Chelsea council,whose chief executive has now resigned.

Originally posted here:
What is cladding, why was it used on Grenfell Tower and how many tower blocks have failed the latest fire tests? - The Sun

David made this announcement to a large audience in a meeting

Atlanta, Georgia, United States - 24 July, 2017 - Today, Atlanta Siding and Window Experts Company announced the introduction of new expert and quality products to their customers to ensure more peace of mind. In order to guarantee best quality services that will ensure satisfaction and the peace of the mind of customers.This company has collaborated with renowned and industrial leading manufacturers such as James Hardie Siding as well as Sunrise Windows. Also, they have employed enhanced expertise and professionalism in handling the installations of atlanta siding and windows at all levels.

Atlanta Siding and Windows Experts Company simply announced the new introduction in their line of services quality Sidings and atlanta windows. This introduction emanates from years of research, experience, and developments addressing the nagging issues of fear and lack of peace of mind of their customers. This company is optimistic that this new addition and introduction will bring about the needed solution to the perceived problem of people.

The chief consumer products of the company spokesperson speaking at the meeting said, This new introduction emanates from vigorous and extensive research into the customers biggest needs regarding enjoying peace of mind after installation of siding and windows. Truly, this new introduction will enhance the smiles on the faces of customers.

There were numerous consumer groups in attendance at the meeting, and all of them expressed their optimism as well as pleasure even as they hoped that this new introduction would positively affect the lives of people in Atlanta and other parts of the United States. One amongst the people in attendance expressed his gratitude and said The Atlanta Siding and Windows Experts has chosen to take up the challenge to provide answers to compelling issues regarding lack of confidence and peace of mind people are experiencing and provides a lasting solution. With a bit of luck, this new introduction and improvement will positively change the way people live.

The said event attracted the attention of famous people from different parts of Atlanta and other cities within Georgia. One of the participants said, This new introduction has truly lifted limitations in siding and windows installation and will not be wrong if said to bethe best thing that has ever happened to homeowners recently.

Those planning to become among the early users of this new introductions and products by Siding and Window Experts, they can simply visit the website http://atlantasiding.netd. Early usage of this new introduction will attract great rewards, discounts, and other offers.

The company Atlanta Siding and Window Experts is a leading company in the siding and window installation industry. This Company pridesitself on their craftsmanship, and even when they are sure that no issues will occur in their service, they still offer a 10-year warranty for their labor extra to the warranty offered by the material manufacturers. They are promising customers 15-years warranty on all their Siding and Window Installation services.

Contact Information of Atlanta Siding and Window Experts:

Media ContactCompany Name: Atlanta Siding and Window ExpertsContact Person: SupportEmail: info@atlantasiding.netPhone: (404) 464-5088Address:1778 Delaware Ave NE City: AtlantaState: GA 30307Country: United StatesWebsite: http://atlantasiding.net

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CEO of Atlanta Siding and Window Experts, David Nelson Announces the Introduction of New Expert and Quality ... - Digital Journal

Started out of a truck in 1949 by Robert J. Schmidt and his wife Lavonia, Schmidt Siding & Window Co. (SSWC) has long been a part of the Mankato community.

Our success is rooted in our experienced people, said Pete Matejcek

Owner/VP Sales & Marketing. We work under the mission of exceeding customer expectations, creating customers for life."

Matejcek began his career at Schmidt working as a siding installer in 1994, and then moved into working directly with clients in 1997.

We service southern Minnesota with the majority of our product offering and beyond with certain facets of our service, he shared. We set ourselves apart in our consistency with only using SSWC employees, no subcontractors. This eliminates the division of responsibility when it comes to customer satisfaction.

With a balanced list of product offerings, Matejcek said Schmidt window replacement, Renewal by Andersen, is leading the charge.

When shopping for windows, siding and roofing needs, Matejcek said its important that customers have an understanding of all the aspects of hiring a home improvement company.

Knowing how long the company has offered the product theyre interested in and how long their installers have worked in the field of siding, window installation or roofing are also vital to the shopping process.

And always check online reviews and the good old reliable ask your neighbors, friends and coworkers for references, he added.

Leticia Gonzales

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Schmidt's got you covered - Mankato Free Press

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE: LPX) and BMC Stock Holdings (NASDAQ:BMCH) are both construction companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitabiliy and earnings.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and BMC Stock Holdings revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation has higher revenue, but lower earnings than BMC Stock Holdings. Louisiana-Pacific Corporation is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than BMC Stock Holdings, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and BMC Stock Holdings net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Risk & Volatility

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation has a beta of 1.4, meaning that its share price is 40% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, BMC Stock Holdings has a beta of 1.49, meaning that its share price is 49% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and BMC Stock Holdings, as provided by MarketBeat.

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation presently has a consensus target price of $26.50, indicating a potential upside of 9.91%. BMC Stock Holdings has a consensus target price of $25.00, indicating a potential upside of 14.42%. Given BMC Stock Holdings stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe BMC Stock Holdings is more favorable than Louisiana-Pacific Corporation.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

93.1% of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 98.0% of BMC Stock Holdings shares are held by institutional investors. 1.5% of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 3.7% of BMC Stock Holdings shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

BMC Stock Holdings beats Louisiana-Pacific Corporation on 8 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation Company Profile

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation is a manufacturer of building products. The Companys products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structures. The Company operates in four segments, which include North America Oriented Strand Board (OSB), Siding, Engineered Wood Products (EWP) and South America. The OSB segment manufactures and distributes OSB structural panel products. The Siding segment offers two categories of products, which include SmartSide siding products and related accessories, and CanExel siding and accessories and other related products. The Engineered Wood Products (EWP) segment manufactures and distributes laminated veneer lumber, I-Joists, laminated strand lumber and other related products. The South American segment manufactures and distributes OSB and siding products in South America and certain export markets. Its engineered I-joists are used in residential and commercial flooring, and roofing systems and other structural applications.

BMC Stock Holdings Company Profile

BMC Stock Holdings, Inc. is a provider of building products and services in the United States residential construction market. The Companys segments include Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Texas, Intermountain, Western and Mountain West divisions. Its product offerings include lumber and lumber sheet goods and an array of products, including millwork, doors, windows, structural components, floor and roof trusses and wall panels. Its whole-house framing solution is Ready-Frame. It also offers its customers services, such as design, product specification, installation and installation management. It manufactures floor trusses, roof trusses, wall panels, stairs, specialty millwork, windows and pre-hung doors. It also provides a range of installation services and special order products. The Company groups its building products and services into four product categories: structural components; lumber & lumber sheet goods; millwork, doors & windows, and other building products & services.

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Financial Comparison: BMC Stock Holdings (BMCH) and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LPX) - BNB Daily (blog)

BMC Stock Holdings (NASDAQ: BMCH) and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitabiliy, risk, valuation, dividends and earnings.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings for BMC Stock Holdings and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, as provided by MarketBeat.

BMC Stock Holdings presently has a consensus price target of $25.00, indicating a potential upside of 11.36%. Louisiana-Pacific Corporation has a consensus price target of $26.50, indicating a potential upside of 8.61%. Given BMC Stock Holdings stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe BMC Stock Holdings is more favorable than Louisiana-Pacific Corporation.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares BMC Stock Holdings and Louisiana-Pacific Corporations revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation has higher revenue, but lower earnings than BMC Stock Holdings. Louisiana-Pacific Corporation is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than BMC Stock Holdings, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares BMC Stock Holdings and Louisiana-Pacific Corporations net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Risk & Volatility

BMC Stock Holdings has a beta of 1.49, suggesting that its share price is 49% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation has a beta of 1.4, suggesting that its share price is 40% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

98.0% of BMC Stock Holdings shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 93.1% of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.7% of BMC Stock Holdings shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.5% of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

BMC Stock Holdings beats Louisiana-Pacific Corporation on 8 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

BMC Stock Holdings Company Profile

BMC Stock Holdings, Inc. is a provider of building products and services in the United States residential construction market. The Companys segments include Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Texas, Intermountain, Western and Mountain West divisions. Its product offerings include lumber and lumber sheet goods and an array of products, including millwork, doors, windows, structural components, floor and roof trusses and wall panels. Its whole-house framing solution is Ready-Frame. It also offers its customers services, such as design, product specification, installation and installation management. It manufactures floor trusses, roof trusses, wall panels, stairs, specialty millwork, windows and pre-hung doors. It also provides a range of installation services and special order products. The Company groups its building products and services into four product categories: structural components; lumber & lumber sheet goods; millwork, doors & windows, and other building products & services.

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation Company Profile

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation is a manufacturer of building products. The Companys products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structures. The Company operates in four segments, which include North America Oriented Strand Board (OSB), Siding, Engineered Wood Products (EWP) and South America. The OSB segment manufactures and distributes OSB structural panel products. The Siding segment offers two categories of products, which include SmartSide siding products and related accessories, and CanExel siding and accessories and other related products. The Engineered Wood Products (EWP) segment manufactures and distributes laminated veneer lumber, I-Joists, laminated strand lumber and other related products. The South American segment manufactures and distributes OSB and siding products in South America and certain export markets. Its engineered I-joists are used in residential and commercial flooring, and roofing systems and other structural applications.

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Financial Contrast: Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LPX) vs. BMC Stock Holdings (BMCH) - BNB Daily (blog)

By Danica KirkaThe Associated Press

Mon., June 26, 2017

LONDONArconic, the metal products maker that was once part of Alcoa Inc., said Monday it will stop selling one type of aluminum composite panelling for use on highrise buildings after speculation that the material contributed to the spread of a deadly fire at a London apartment tower.

Reynobond PE, which has a polyethylene core, will no longer be sold for highrise projects, New York-based Arconic said in a statement. The company also makes another type of panel Reynobond FR which is fire-resistant.

We believe this is the right decision because of the inconsistency of building codes across the world and issues that have arisen in the wake of the Grenfell Tower, Arconic said in a statement. We will continue to fully support the authorities as they investigate this.

Read more:

Why Grenfell Tower burned: Regulators put cost before safety

The company previously had warned that such panels posed a fire risk on tall buildings. Arconic says it wasnt the companys place to decide whether the material complied with local building regulations, Britains ITV and Reuters reported.

At least five law firms announced Monday that they were investigating claims on behalf of Arconic shareholders who have lost money on their investments since the fire.

Londons Metropolitan Police said Friday it was investigating what role aluminum composite panels, the insulation behind them and the installation of the overall exterior cladding system played in the June 14 Grenfell Tower fire that killed at least 79 people.

Our tests will look at each aspect individually, as well as how they all worked together as part of the buildings cladding, police said in a statement.

The U.K. government is scrambling to test cladding materials similar to those used at the destroyed tower, hoping to better understand fire-safety risks nationwide.

Arconics announcement came as the government announced that cladding material from 75 buildings in 26 local authorities had failed combustibility tests. Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid said samples from every building tested so far had failed.

The fact that all samples so far have failed underlines the value of the testing program and the vital importance of submitting samples urgently, Javid said. I am concerned about the speed at which samples are being submitted.

Meanwhile, Britains government says it is giving $1.27 million to charities helping fire victims. Javid said the figure recognizes that small charities and not-for-profit organizations are making a contribution to the relief effort.

The funding is in addition to $6.36 million provided for the Grenfell Tower Residents Discretionary Fund.

The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited, One Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5E1E6. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please contact us or see our privacy policy for more information.

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US cladding maker to stop sale of some highrise panels after deadly Grenfell Tower fire - Toronto Star

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Mount Ephraim, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/23/2017 -- The weather is getting warmer, which means energy bills are getting higher. AC units are working harder, and the sun is beating into homes. Luckily, New Factory Window Sales, Inc. can help homeowners cut down on their costs by installing brand new energy-efficient windows. In addition to windows, homeowners can also get vinyl siding installed in their Philadelphia home.

For over 40 years, their team has been the most reliable place to go for window replacements and installation. New Factory Window Sales, Inc. provides the highest quality windows on the market today, and they guarantee that they can save anyone money by installing new quality windows.

Their staff is professionally trained, and they are also fully insured. They offer a lifetime guarantee on all of their materials, and always make sure to get the job done right the first time. While their competitors usually have a quick turnaround with their sales and installation crews, New Factory Window Sales, Inc.'s crew has been with them for over 15 years.

On top of being the best window installers in the area, New Factory Window Sales, Inc. is also efficient at installing vinyl siding. They know how important it is for the outside of a home to look appealing, and that is why they provide several colors, textures, and sizes for customers to choose from. They can take care of any faded or damaged shingles, and get any home looking brand new again.

Those that are interested in vinyl siding in South Jersey or getting new windows should call 856-546-1120 or visit http://newwindowfactory.com/ for more information.

About New Window Factory Sales, Inc. New Window Factory Sales, Inc. is a custom window manufacturer based out of Mount Ephraim, New Jersey on the Black Horse Pike. Their teams of experts have decades of experience in the fields of custom window building and installation, as well as expertise in a wide variety of exterior renovation options like siding and doors. They can be reached by phone at 856-389-4143. Interested parties can also reach them via e-mail or by filling out a contact form on their website.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/customers-go-to-new-factory-window-sales-inc-for-new-windows-siding-this-summer-824717.htm

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Customers Go to New Factory Window Sales, Inc. for New Windows & Siding This Summer - Digital Journal

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Tyler Ziegenfuss of York thought he might want to become a cop after high school.

Then, he found the Building Trades program at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.

And I absolutely love this, said Tyler, who was among dozens of students that helped build a two-story home this past school year in a heavily wooded lot off Route 63 in Piffard.

The students, from GVEPs Charles G. May Center in Mount Morris, began work on the project the second day of school in September when the site had only a foundation and piles of tree limbs that had been hand-cut by the homeowner, Minhhang Huynh, and her friends and family.

I liked seeing how we built this from the ground up, said Tyler, a senior who also worked on last years home-build in Geneseo. When you see the finished project like this, theres a strong feeling inside that you did this. And the best experience is again seeing the homeowner smile.

Like a family

Huynh, a petite woman no taller than the students working on the house, was known to jump in and learn alongside the students.

She made it very personal for the kids, Jared Cali, one of three Building Trades instructors, said of Huynh. Shed blend right in; it was as if she was one of them.

Huynh who the students came to know as Min finished doing the drywall while students were on break watching YouTube videos to understand the mudding process, which uses tape and joint compound to make the seams in the drywall disappear. She also took pieces of remnant tile and turned them in to a mosaic that she installed at the entrance to the home and in a bathroom.

It gave me the confidence to do anything, Huynh said. When the teacher showed them how to do the floor, I said I wanted to learn, too. Being with the students up on the roof, was so fun.

Huynh made videos and photo collage posters showing the construction of her home and the students roles.

Theyve been here the last nine months, so its become like a big family, she said. They were not here to build my house, they were here to build my future. I wanted to do something for them. It was as if God gave me these 65 kids.

Huynh hopes to use her home to teach artistic programs for children. She designed it to have large open spaces and smaller functional spaces.

She also wanted the home to mirror the Abbey of the Genesee in its look. If viewed from above, the house has the appearance of a cross.

Inside, the top trim on the doors is a little bit longer, while the trim above the windows is flush with side mimicking appearances in the Abbey.

The Abbey is my spiritual home, says Huynh, an artist who has been studying and teaching at the Abbey since graduating from SUNY Geneseo about 20 years ago.

A unique feature of the home is its sanctuary with a 12-foot ceiling and two stained glass windows provided by Huynhs friend, Sue Shady of Fairport. A wall cutout on the second floor looks down in to the sanctuary.

Hands-on learning

The Building Trades Program got its start at the Mount Morris campus in the late-1960s or early-1970s when students used to build two small ranch houses every year.

Beyond a trade, they learn life skills, how to work a job site and how to take pride in their work, said Cali.

Potential homeowners submit applications to be considered for the home build. By February, a homeowner and location are chosen for the next year. The homeowner must then have the foundation completed by summer. Homeowners are also required to install pay for materials and final finishing costs. The labor to construct the home comes from the students.

The students get their hands into everything; they become well versed in what they do, said Vincent McKeown, who oversaw the carpentry students.

This years project was somewhat unusual in that it was a two-story home.

The footprint was so small, we were able to tackle it as a two story, said Cali.

Even with the smaller footprint, the chestnut-colored home has about the same square footage 1,500 to 1,800 square feet as a typical ranch house. What the two-story did mean was more doors, more windows and two sets of stairs.

But the more time students can do something, the more the process clicks and it can become permanent to them, Cali said.

Students did about 90 percent of the work on the home. They did rough framing, siding, roofing, electric, plumbing, heating, drywall installation, insulation, finish carpentry and custom cabinets. This year they installed a skylight and complete hardwood floors using a layered flooring system for the first time.

Finding solutions

The students began by setting scaffolding on the second-day of school in September. The first big push on the project was to get the roof on and have the building weather-tight by winter.

Last year, it was 90 degrees when we were working on the roof, this year it was more like 9, Ziegenfuss said.

Through the winter they worked on the inside, doing rough-framing a process that included some repetition when Huynh made changes to the plans such as wall locations or additional storage and progressing in to finish work and small details.

As for the homeowners changes, the students simply went with the flow, McKeown said.

Wed explain why we were doing it and the motivation. It took a little longer, but the students could see the challenges and get experience, and then have the reward of finding a solution, he said.

Spring rains brought additional challenges such as keeping mud under control and out of the house, and frequently checking scaffolding in case it settled in the soft ground, said Richard Wilson, an instructor.

Meeting a milestone

Each year, the Building Trades Program students build a house for a homeowner.

The juniors, who are in the first year of the program, do simpler tasks driving nails, running wires and drilling holes.

I didnt expect it to be so hands on, said Antonio Daniels of Dalton, a junior at Keshequa Central School.

But this really drew my interest, its what I might want to do, he said, noting a grandfather and uncle who work in the profession.

Seniors are encouraged to take on leadership roles as they tackle more complex tasks ranging from designing the layout of the home to installing electrical boxes.

Last year, it was a much bigger house and it seemed like we were worrying if wed finish, said Trevor Taft of York. This year, it wasnt, even when snow came early when we were putting on the roof.

By end of school year, theyve built a home even as juniors acknowledged some doubts it would happen.

I did wonder whether it would pull together in time, but it all came through, said Jared Boss of Dalton, who gave a tour of the home to his mother, Christina, during an open house this month. It started with the foundation and we did our thing. There was a journey and we meet the milestone.

Steps to a career

The project gives the students an opportunity to see a lot of different trades, said Wilson, an instructor.

From there, they may go straight into the workforce or take the knowledge theyve gained to college and grow and nurture it into something more grandiose, Wilson said.

Quintin Bronecki, a senior from Livonia, wasnt sure what he wanted to do when he entered the program two years ago so he took Metal Trades and later Building Trades.

I wanted to get skills because they cant take your skills away, he said, noting that he found carpentry to be more my thing; I felt more in change

With graduation approaching he hopes to go straight into the trades; I hope to be a finishing carpenter.

And for Jared, a junior at Keshequa Central School, hes also thinking about becoming a carpenter.

This, he said, is a stepping stone.

Originally posted here:
Building a home, finding a career: Students get real-world education from the foundation up - The Livingston County News