Van Nuys , CA , USA, 10/28/2020 / Story.KISSPR.com /

Maintenance of your living space is a continuous process. There are a few concerns that you need to keep in check at regular intervals for uninterrupted functioning. Gutters are one of them.

Gutter installation, be it for residential purposes or commercial purposes, lays the foundation of any man-made structure. Although they arent in the limelight, unlike other appealing necessities, they sure play a significant role. If the gutter installation and gutter replacement process are not given attention, they can prove as an enemy to the living space.

Proper maintenance is the key to the long life of gutters. But they may curb at some point. To know if your gutters need replacement, look for the following seven most obvious signs:

The very first sign that is visibly obvious is if there are any cracks or holes in the gutter system. Start your gutter repair inspection by checking for those.

While it sounds like a straightforward process, you need to know it isnt really the case. Large cracks and holes are plainly visible on the dry, clear days. But to inspect for smaller cracks, you need a storm to help you.

It is essential to check whether the cracks and holes are small or large ones. If there are just small cracks, start with considering if they can be repaired. A few small cracks can be handled by a dab of a well-placed sealant. But if there are large and extensive cracks and holes, or even too many smaller cracks, you need to consider gutter replacement. They are supposed to get worse with each passing storm.

If you think large cracks are the ultimate worst that could happen if the gutter system fails, wait until you locate rust or corrosion leaving their marks. It is the biggest killer of gutters. It directly indicates that the protective coating of your gutter is broken, and its nearing its end.

The worst part is once it starts, its impossible that a gutter system can escape from it. Theres no stop, and immediate gutter replacement is your saving resort.

The coating of your gutters is made to last for a long period of time. They are to withstand season after season of temperature changes, huge amounts of rain, blistering winds, etc. But of course, they stop supporting after a period of time.

Look for discoloration or peeling of the paints on the exterior siding. If theres a couple of sections thats been compromised, know that the protective layers are worn out. If your gutters arent painted, look for spots from the side of your home.

Your gutter system keeps on collecting debris and other litters. If you are getting it cleaned regularly, it wont be a problem. But most of the homeowners do not give time to this process. As a result, the weight of the debris starts piling up until the day it can no longer take more.

If your gutter system looks like they are overloaded with weight and being pulled down, know that you are deep into the problem. Theres no resort to fixing at this stage. The only solution is to replace the gutter as soon as possible, or itll collapse.

Not every telltale sign would be around the gutter. Since the gutter systems are one of the foundational components for the house, you may find the signs seeping around the foundation itself.

When mold and mildew start to grow around the foundation of your living space, it affects its structural integrity. Moreover, these unsightly and smelly elements are a serious danger to health as well.

Look for its signs in the basement of your place. Green smelly patches are what you need to locate. If you find its existence there, even in the smallest form, know that the spillage has crossed the boundary of exterior damage. The only way out is to call the The Rain Gutter Specialists in LA and get the gutter replaced.

To locate a problem before it turns into something big and serious and creates havoc, its vital to keep checking the gutter system every once in a while. If in one of your check trips, you find a section to have sagged, know that its time to take action. Even a small and less noticeable sag can turn into a big problem. The same goes for uneven levels of the gutter line.

Take a walk after a storm has hit. If you find large puddles of water near the foundation, its a sign that gutters are too clogged or theres an overflow. Either way, it calls for a new system.

If the aforementioned signs are in the initial phase, one is likely to consider getting it repaired. Its okay to choose that option unless the problem is likely to not be curbed by just repairing. Do not take any risks and take the decision of gutter replacement wisely.

The Rain Gutter Specialists are the gutters installation and replacement services in Los Angeles. We hustle to offer you the best quality residential and commercial rain gutter services in Los Angeles at a fair price. To experience the skillful and friendly services, schedule your appointment now!

Check out The Rain Gutter Specialists on Fonolive andCityFOS.

Media Contact

LA County Rain Gutter Specialists

https://www.theraingutterspecialists.com

Contact Sales

14815 1/2 Oxnard St.

Van Nuys, CA 91411.

Contact Number

Phone: 818.779.1580

Guy Ziv Email: [emailprotected]

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Leading roofing company M & J Roofing has expanded service area to two new locations and has also launched a power washing company.

Turnersville, NJ - October 28, 2020 -M & J Roofing is pleased to announce the recent expansion of their service area to Monmouth and Atlantic County this month. The company is a top roofing company Gloucester County and Camden County and is fast rising as the # 1 roofing contractor in the entire New Jersey. M & J Roofing caters to both residential and commercial clients.

We are excited to announce that we have recently expanded our services to two new areas, Monmouth and Atlantic County, from this month onwards. We have observed lack of premier roofing service in these areas and thus the expansion. At M & J Roofing, we aim to take our industry-leading roofing service to as many people as possible to ensure a safe home/office for all. We promise the same standard o premium roofing assistance for our new service areas that we have always been known for in Gloucester County and Camden County, stated a leading spokesperson from M & J Roofing.

The company website is bustling with long list of rave reviews from customers -

I would definitely recommend this company to anyone I know or if anyone is looking. Mike was easy to talk to, very accommodating to my work schedule, professional and provided great customer service. They did a great job. I absolutely love my new roof! - Kristie T.in Deptford, NJ

M&J Roofing is the type of company you want to do business with. Very professional and got the job done as promised in the time he said it would take. - Robert C.in Sicklerville, NJ

We are glad that our customers have appreciated our services. Its their love that inspires us to give our best in every project we take. We aspire to be the #1 roofing contractor in the whole of New Jersey who will always be known for impeccable roofing assistance, ideal professionalism and 100% customer satisfaction.

A family-owned business with a whopping 17+ years of experience, M & J Roofing is a GAF Certified roofing contractor and offers each customer a lifetime roofing system. The company specializes in extending a comprehensive roofing support for all major kinds of roofing jobs, be it roof repair or roof replacement or new roof installation. M & J Roofing also offers roof cleaning and preventive maintenance programs.

Per the statements of the spokesperson, they are flexible to work on all popular roofing types, including metal roofing, tile roofing or asphalt shingle roofing.

Count on us as your one-stop roofing contractor for any kind of roofing job. We have been in the industry for nearly 2 decades now and our experience in the field is almost unparalleled. Our company is backed by a seasoned team of highly knowledgeable and expert roofers who promise you the finest roofing assistance in the industry. Whether you need help with leak repair or flat roofing or roof replacement or skylight installation for commercial buildings, we assure you a superior service for all these and more.

Added to regular roofing services, M & J Roofing extends emergency roof repair service for roof damage incidents caused by wind, storm or hail.

Speaking further, the spokesperson mentioned about their newly launched power washing company in South Jersey under the title Pro Exteriors Power Washing. The new unit offers a wide range of pressure washing services, including siding, concrete, asphalt, roofing, house as well as commercial business cleaning.

For more information, please visit https://www.mjroofingllc.com/

LOCATION

Media ContactCompany Name: M & J RoofingContact Person: Mike LannelliEmail: Send EmailPhone: 856-725-5759Address:4171 NJ-42 Building A 2nd Floor City: TurnersvilleState: NJ 08012Country: United StatesWebsite: https://www.mjroofingllc.com

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M & J Roofing growing as the #1 roofing contractor in NJ, expands to Monmouth and Atlantic County - Press Release - Digital Journal

Source

Some investors may or may not be familiar with the latest addition to my portfolio. The company came across my radar by chance and before that was not known to me. For those of you who own a home and are doing outdoor projects you may be more familiar with their products, or you may not even realize it was a public company. The AZEK (AZEK) company operates in the outdoor living arena. I find this space especially compelling as recently the surge in home demand and time spent at home has led to an increased level of investment and spend around the home. The other large public sector companies that operate in this space have recently seen huge increases and demand and I believe AZEK will as well. Additionally, its closest competitor trades at a level of valuation that makes AZEK much more appealing as a way to play the sector. I believe the relatively unknown nature of the company being public has led to its undervaluation compared to peers. This gives new investors and opportunity to capitalize on the valuation dislocation.

The AZEK company is new to public markets and perhaps is why it is relatively unknown. The company is actually well covered by analysts with 15 ratings on the stock.

Source: Marketwatch

The stock currently has an average analyst price target about 10% higher than where shares currently trade. While I generally do not pay attention much to analysts it is a positive to see the target is higher than where shares currently trade. The shares have performed quite well since its IPO in June of 2020. The shares came out at a price of $23 per share and have only seemingly gone up from there.

So what does AZEK do exactly?

Source: Investor Presentation

Through a portfolio of brands it operates in both residential and commercial building solutions. The primary focus being on residential sales which make up about 84% of sales and over 90% of EBITDA. The most notable of its products is the TimberTech brand. This is primarily a decking solution that is composite which outlast and outperforms traditional wood decking options. It also offers exterior siding options, rail options, and other various products that contribute to its overall residential sales division.

Below we can see a better snapshot of the company and a bit of its recent performance.

Source: Investor Presentation

The company has been growing sales at an attractive clip noted as an 11.4% compounded annual growth rate and has also been expanding margins to quite attractive levels as well. As we can see, a majority of the company's sales come from decking and rail solutions and is primarily driven from the renovation and investment of existing homes. New construction also contributes to about 17% of sales which I predict will continue to be a strong tailwind as new home demand is outpacing supply and the average home continues to be upgraded to new all time high price levels.

The growth in AZEK products is primarily attributable to the fact that in the long run they are less maintenance.

Source: Investor Presentation

While installation costs may be a touch higher versus traditional options, the long run cost of maintaining the composite products makes total ownership cost come in at almost half. AZEK identifies the current market opportunity at around $7.6 billion in which it is growing 7% annually. As the homes built in the early 2000's continue to begin their upgrade and renovation cycle the company believes it can convert about 78% of potential customers to its product type.

Now, there is competition, primarily from industry giant TREX (TREX). TREX has seen its share price continue to reach new highs as it benefits from the very same trends we highlighted above.

Interestingly enough and unbeknownst to me, the TimberTech brand actually has as much recognition/usage as the TREX brand.

Source: Investor Presentation

Of further note is that the company is actually rated number 1 for the highest overall quality.

Of course the company is not just reliant upon residential sales, although it makes up the bulk of its sales. While commercial could be a focus for the future of the company to diversify sales away from being primarily residential, I believe it does not offer the same upside potential. The company has seen strong growth in its commercial division with sales growing 7.1% on average from 2015-2019. The company has made acquisitions in the last few years but those have been primarily focused in the residential space. I expect the company to continue to acquire in the future anything that may be complimented to its reach with distributors and consumers. However, I expect the company to be highly focused on brand reputation as it stands to be of importance to the current management team.

As the company has not been public for very long we have limited financial information to review besides what the company has provided investors.

The company has only reported once since going public, beating estimated on both the top and bottom line.

Source: Seeking Alpha

The company saw a slight overall revenue increase thanks to strong growth in the residential segment of 5.5% or $10 million. There was a decrease in the commercial segment which offset these gains however. The commercial segment reported revenue of $31.7 million down from $38.7 million or almost 20%.

On a positive note, the company gave guidance in which it expects sales to grow 12%-17% year over year and earnings growth of 14%-19%. This should lead to some healthy results.

As we can see below the company has been proving itself for the last few years with a continued trend of sales growth.

Source: Investor Presentation

Not only has sales continued to grow, mostly in the residential category, but earnings and margins have improved.

Source: Investor Presentation

With the margin profile expanding alongside sales and continuing to do so it is a healthy equation that should lead to higher earnings which usually leads to a higher share price. Additionally, the company used its proceeds from its IPO to retire debt and improve its balance sheet.

As we can see below the company stands in a position of financial strength.

Source: Investor Presentation

With $215 million in cash on hand and a term loan being the only real debt. This leaves AZEK with a 1.5x DEBT/EBITDA ratio for the current year based on expected earnings. This loan is due in 2024 and gives the company time to reduce it or refinance it at a more attractive rate. Considering current rates, it would make more sense to maintain a reasonable amount of debt so long as there is a better return for the use of capital.

While we need to wait to see earnings normalize, analysts expect the company to earn around $1 per share next year. I believe this is below what the company can do, but given that, the shares trade around a forward multipe of 37x earnings. Not a cheap price by any means.

However, let's see how that compares to peers.

Data by YCharts

The shares trade quite a few turns lower on both a forward P/E basis and P/S ratio than other distributors and manufacturers of outdoor products. This leaves room for AZEK to catch up once it proves itself a bit more as a public company.

I believe AZEK shares while appearing expensive on the surface have plenty of room for growth. The company operates in a space that is experiencing tremendous growth as evident by its fourth quarter forecast. Should demand continue to grow as expected by the increasing demand for home ownership and backyard living experiences than the company should continue to benefit and see increased sales. I believe this is the reason other public companies in the space trade at such premium valuations. My expectation is that as AZEK reports a few quarters of growth beyond analyst expectations the shares will move higher. The company stands in a financially strong position and operates in a space with limited competition and plenty of room for upside. For these reasons, the company has found its way into my portfolio.

Disclosure: I am/we are long AZEK. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Excerpt from:
New Portfolio Addition: The AZEK Company - Seeking Alpha

EIGHTY FOUR, Pa., Oct. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 84 Lumber, the nation's largest privately held building materials supplier,is launching a full-scale recruitment effort to fill immediate openings at its locations in greater Houston, Texas, which include three retail stores, a door shop, and an engineered wood products (EWP) hub in the metropolitan area.

On October 29, the company will host a Hiring Event at its South Houston Store (11203 Galveston Road). At the event, job seekers will learn more about the company culture and get the opportunity to be interviewed for open positions that include management trainees (MTs); lumber yard, warehouse, and door shop associates; sales coordinators; drivers; and driver helpers. In all, the company seeks to fill as many as 20 positions following the recruitment event.

"At 84 Lumber, we're proud to be an American company focused on putting America back to work at a time when many people are seeking employment or a fresh start during these challenging times. The residential housing sector is booming, which means our business continues to expand. We're hiring," said Jorge Espinoza, division vice president. "Now is the time for people to consider a career in the construction industry, which offers immense opportunity when it comes to growth. We're determined to find the next generation of 84 Lumber team members who want to build a career with us."

MTs hired by 84 Lumber enter an intensive, one-on-one, on-the-job training program that teaches them about the company's business and puts them on a path to become a future leader within the company. Starting salary for a management trainee is more than $40,000 per year.

Lumber yard, warehouse, driver helper and door shop associates need no prior experience and perform essential functions behind the scenes from management of supply shipments to operation of heavy equipment. These associates can expect a starting pay of between $10 and $15 per hour based on experience.

Drivers help load trucks and deliver materials to customer job sites. Hourly pay for the job is between $12 and $15 per hour depending on experience.

Those hired as sales coordinators will perform essential customer service activities to support the sales associates and stores. Sales coordinators earn between $12 and $20 per hour based on experience.

"We are a family-owned company, which means we are committed to helping our employees build and cultivate a career with us. In fact, more than 95 percent of our store managers started as MTs, and nearly all of our store leadership team began on the MT track," Espinoza said. "As we see it, 84 Lumber recruits individuals with a can-do attitude, a willingness to work hard, and a desire to learn. Once we find these people and they join the company, we find ways for them to grow with us."

Espinoza added that 84 Lumber expects it might find the right fit from all types of candidates a college graduate with no construction experience, military veterans ready to embark on their next career challenge, or people with some previous work experience who seek to redirect their career.

Candidates interested in participating in the Hiring Event on October 29th are asked to pre-register. To sign up, go to https://84americandream.com/hiringevent/and complete the form. Once you are registered, you will receive an email from 84 Lumber with the link to apply for the desired position. To save time, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for positions online before they attend the October 29th event.

NOTE: 84 Lumber requires all attendees to wear a mask at the event. Recruits will also be asked to practice social distancing during the Hiring Event.

To learn more about 84 Lumber, follow the company onFacebook,InstagramandLinkedIn.

ABOUT 84 LUMBER Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Company is the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components and industry-leading services for single- and multi-family residences and commercial buildings. The company operates nearly 250 stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops and engineered wood product centers in more than 30 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking and drywall.A certified national women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy Knox,84 Lumber was named by Forbes as one of America's Largest Private Companies in 2018 and one of America's Best Large Employers in 2019. For more information, visit84lumber.comor join us atFacebook.com/84lumberandlinkedin.com/company/84-lumber.

Contact: Jeff Donaldson, BLD Marketing Email: [emailprotected] Phone: (412) 347-8039

SOURCE 84 Lumber

See the article here:
84 Lumber to Host Hiring Event in Greater Houston, Seeks to Fill Immediate Openings in Management, Lumber Yard, Other Positions - PRNewswire

The owner of an Elmhurst-based construction company faces 17 felony charges that accuse him of defrauding customers, engaging in money laundering and other financial crimes.

On Tuesday evening, Edmund Kavanaugh, 51, of the 600 block of South Washington Street in Elmhurst was arrested and jailed in Will County after he was charged with committing crimes through his business, Goliath Construction Corporation.

Kavanaugh has been the subject of numerous complaints throughout the Chicagoland area by many agencies, according to a Will County Sheriffs Office news release.

The detectives that worked this investigation are certain that additional unknown victims of Kavanaughs home repair schemes exist, officials said. The Will County Sheriffs Office is urging those victims to come forward and report these crimes to your local police jurisdiction.

The sheriffs office, Romeoville police, Illinois Department of Revenue, Will County States Attorneys Office and Elmhurst police participated in the investigation of Kavanaugh.

Kavanaugh faces multiple charges of home repair fraud, money laundering, continuing financial crimes enterprise, structuring and theft by deception.

He remains in jail as of Wednesday on a $1 million bond.

A criminal complaint alleged Kavanaugh entered a contract with two Romeoville residents to install a new roof, siding, windows, driveway and garage when he was prohibited by a court order from engaging in home repair work, was not a licensed roofer and knew he would not complete the work.

Kavanaugh was charged with obtaining a certificate of liability insurance by providing false information to an insurance agency.

The structuring charge alleged Kavanaugh made multiple deposits to JPMorgan Chase Bank that were lower than $10,000 to avoid the banks federal reporting requirements.

Goliath Construction Corporation was incorporated on Aug. 8, 2018, and failed to follow the states reporting requirements for corporations, according to the Illinois Secretary of States website.

Read the original post:
Construction company owner defrauded Romeoville customers: records - The Herald-News

SiteAware (formerly Dronomy), a startup developing a verification platform for construction, today closed a $10 million funding round co-led by Axon Ventures and Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH. The company says the funding will be used to accelerate its expansion in the U.S. market as construction resumes post-pandemic-related delays.

Housing construction is gaining steam as developers sprint to meet demand. According to the U.S. Commerce Department, housing starts occurred at a 1.19 million seasonally adjusted annual rate in June, representing a 17% increase from May. While thats down 4% year-over-year, construction activity for both single-family properties and multifamily buildings saw double-digit rises.

SiteAware employs AI to enable corrective action during construction to eliminate rework and provide a record of work performed. Customers get real-time actionable insights verifying layout, workmanship, and omissions of things like concrete forms and steel and curtainwall embeds. In addition, they receive a detailed breakdown of masonry installation and detailing, waterproofing and sealants, siding elements, and finishes and exterior elements verified in real time by SiteAwares digital twin technology.

Digital twin approaches to simulation have gained currency in other industrial domains. For instance, London-based SenSat helps clients in construction, mining, energy, and other industries create models of locations for projects theyre working on, translating the real world into a version that can be understood by machines. GE offers technology that allows companies to modeldigital twinsof actual machines and closely track performance. Oracle has services that rely on virtual representations of objects, equipment, and work environments. And Microsoft itself providesAzure Digital Twinsand Project Bonsai, both of which model the relationships and interactions between people, places, and devices in simulated environments.

As for SiteAware, it autonomously captures job site data and 3D design files entered into the platform for verification. Off-the-shelf drones and software supplied by the company create a virtual replica that can be accessed via a web browser. As the drones fly over a site, the 3D model is updated and uploaded to remote servers. Using digital twinning, SiteAwares photogrammetry tech superimposes models from consecutive scans to verify against design documents. AI algorithms trained on over 100,000 databases of construction elements compare the twin to the documents and feed into analytics dashboards, providing an overview with performance and risk metrics.

SiteAware CEO Zeev Braude asserts the technology can be a boon for large construction projects, which rely on project managers to keep tedious manual records. These managers are often responsible for keeping tabs on countless tasks, in addition to tracking the progress of dozens (or more) contractors. Analysts like McKinsey say the intractable logistical challenges lead 98% of large projects to suffer cost overruns of more than 30%. Making matters worse, 77% are estimated to be at least 40% late.

SiteAware competes with companies like HoloBuilder, Buildots, and OpenSpace, which similarly offer AI-powered construction site-reporting solutions. But SiteAware, which was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas with 25 employees (it expects to have around 100 by 2021), says it already has a number of paying real estate developers and general contractors in the U.S. These customers have about 20 construction projects ongoing totaling a combined $5 billion, according to SiteAware.

The series A funding round announced this week brings SiteAwares total capital raised to date to $10 million. Existing investors lool Ventures, Oryzn Ventures, the Flying Object, and Power Capital Venture also participated.

Read the original here:
SiteAware raises $10 million to track construction zone progress using drones and AI - VentureBeat

As part of our initiative called Curious Cornhuskers, an anonymous reader asked The Daily Nebraskan, What is being built in the courtyards in front of The Courtyards?

North of 17th Street on the outskirts of campus is The Courtyards, a well-known apartment-style hall. Recognized for its convenient on-campus amenities, The Courtyards has been both a presence on campus and the home of many students over the years.

However, within the past few weeks, there has been some construction at the apartment complex. Many arent sure what University Housing is building or why they are building something in the first place, and because of this, curious cornhuskers are shrouded in mystery regarding the new construction.

The structures resemble small garages used for storage and seem to be built in the open outdoor spaces within the complex.

According to associate director of Housing Facilities Operations Larry Shippen the construction is for a new utility shed in the Poets Court region of The Courtyards. The shed was built to replace the outdoor storage that was lost when the exterior stairs in the north and south courtyards were removed over the past year.

The staircases were removed because they were deteriorating, and replacement costs were exorbitant, Shippen said in an email. The old stairs contained storage elements under the staircase its where we housed our snowblowers and other landscape and outdoor equipment.

Shippen said that construction for this utility shed began two weeks ago, and they are still waiting for siding, which is scheduled to arrive in another two weeks. Installation takes a day, and that will conclude the construction at The Courtyards. Until then, residents will have to make do with the noise.

curiouscornhuskers@dailynebraskan.com

See original here:
Curious Cornhuskers: What is being built in front of The Courtyards? - Daily Nebraskan

PALM BAY In the fall of 2019, the Palm Bay City Council, at the recommendation of its Community Development Advisory Board, approved a grant award in the amount of $527,158 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to the Parks & Recreation Department for renovations to the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center, to include ADA accessibility improvements. The Center, located at 1275 Culver Drive N.E., is a 501 (3) nonprofit organized in 1987 for the purpose of providing a safe and healthy environment for area seniors to socialize, exercise, learn, and play.

The renovation includes the replacement and repair of various systems and elements of the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center and adjacent wood-shop building. Interior renovations will include the replacement of the existing kitchen cabinets and counter-tops, flooring repairs, and the installation of hurricane-rated, insulated windows and doors as well as upgrades to facility doors, bathrooms, and drinking fountains. Exterior renovations to the facility will include the repair of mortar joints, the replacement of exterior siding, LED lighting upgrades throughout the property, the replacement of the existing pedestrian bridge, and necessary repairs to the irrigation system. A new HVAC unit will also be installed at the facility and existing ducts and grills will be repaired as needed. Existing facility features including the sidewalks, outdoor landings, indoor and outdoor access ramps, and parking areas will be upgraded to ensure ADA compliance and accessibility. Further improvements to the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center include upgrades to the woodshop facility to comply with current standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Following a competitive bid solicitation, the City of Palm Bay selected Archangel Engineering and Construction to carry out the renovations, with an estimated total project cost of $400,609, not including contingencies. The Greater Palm Bay Senior Center renovation project will begin on October 1, 2020 and is anticipated to last five months.

The Center is expected to reopen in early 2021.

Read the original here:
Extensive renovations for Greater Palm Bay Senior Center - Hometown News

No healthy, net zero energy home achieves the requisite standards of indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy use reduction without innovative products and systems, and the Ultimate Zero Energy Now (Z.E.N.) Home by Thrive Home Builders, in Denver, is no exception.

But, as the folks at Thrive will tell you, achieving the highest levels of building performance isnt enough to compete in a production-home sales environment; you also need products that will attract attention from the curb as well.

The products featured in the Ultimate Z.E.N. Home are a mix of those, in some cases serving both performance and market appeal. Theres also a local utility in the mix, a willing and able partner in helping lower and offset high-rate use times for electricity with financial incentives and tools for home builders and buyers.

RELATED

Cosmos from Panasonic uses sensors to continuously monitor indoor air quality 24/7 and remove harmful indoor toxins and volatile organic compounds. When the sensors detect unhealthy indoor air conditions, Cosmos automatically activates connected IAQ products to exhaust contaminated air and bring in fresh, filtered outside air to restore normal levelsall from a sleek, unobtrusive hub.

The homes all-electric, single-zone, heating and cooling system from Mistubishi offers a full-range variable refrigerant flow that precisely matches its output to changing indoor comfort demands to effectively provide indoor comfort. Rated at SEER-17.5, the Energy Star-certified ducted mini-split system delivers 33,000 Btu/hour of cooling power and 40,000 Btu/hour of heating capacity.

LP SmartSide Trim & Siding high-performance products protect against impact, moisture, termites, fungal decay, freeze/thaw cycles, high humidity, and more. The lightweight products have been proven in third-party testing to save time and resources on the jobsite and install 22% faster than fiber-cement lap siding. Products are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative to minimize environmental impact, and the no-formaldehyde manufacturing process uses 99% of each log. Backed by a 5/50-year limited warranty.

Durable and non-woven, DuPont Tyvek DrainWrap allows moisture vapor to escape the home, while vertical grooves channel water away from the wall system. Self-adhered and easy-to-use, DuPont FlexWrap is a one-step solution for flashing the corners of windowsills, door sills, and larger penetrations to help seal out water and air.

Aprilaires 5000 series electronic air purifier provides an electronic MERV-13 filter designed to remove 98% of airborne allergens as small as 0.1 microns. The unit integrates with the central air system so air introduced to the return plenum is further purified by an air cleaner, then delivered to the homes supply ducts by an air handling unit programmed to run continuously at low speed.

Within a complete suite of sleek, stylish, and energy-efficient kitchen appliances, the kitchens 36-inch induction cooktop from Samsung is about as appealing as anything in the house. Not only does the companys Flex Zone induction technology automatically adapt to large, small, or uniquely shaped pot and pan sizes, it features digital touch controls, Wi-Fi connectivity to monitor activity,a power boost for each burner that boils water faster, and LED surface lights simulate a gas flame ... with the precision of induction.

Serving eight states, electrical utility Xcel Energy is working with EEBA to develop an online course to teach builders how to sell the benefits of high-performance homes and show a return on investment for them and their buyers. The company also is committed to sustainability on a utility scale with a 10-year goal of 80% carbon-free power generation that relies more heavily on renewables, such as wind and solar. It also pays builders a cash incentive for homes that exceed the local energy code by at least 10%.

For more information about the Ultimate Z.E.N. Home, including photos and videos of its construction and more product details andmaterials, go to pbultimatezen.com.

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A Closer Look at Products Innovation in the Ultimate Z.E.N. Home - Pro Builder

A property's exterior says a lot about it, and investing in the right siding can help attract buyers and help a home sell quickly. That's good news whether you're selling your own home or flipping a house to sell.

But which siding material should you choose? If your goal is to make your property look more attractive while increasing its resale value, fiber cement could make a lot of sense.

A few key ingredients go into fiber cement siding:

Fiber cement is a popular siding option for a few reasons. First, fiber cement is extremely durable, and if installed correctly, it's designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Fiber cement also looks great. Often, it mimics the look of painted wood, only it doesn't require nearly the same level of maintenance as wood siding, which can rot over time. Wood is also subject to termite damage, whereas fiber cement is not.

The one thing fiber cement doesn't always do the best job of, however, is insulate. In that regard, you may be better off with vinyl siding. But from an aesthetic standpoint, you might feel fiber cement offers a more natural look than vinyl.

The average cost to install fiber cement siding is $19,700, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That's definitely more expensive than vinyl siding, which costs $15,800 on average.

On the other hand, with fiber cement siding, you'll get a better return on investment. The NAR reports that those who install fiber cement add $15,000 of resale value as a result, which means they recoup 76% of their investment. With vinyl siding, the cost recovery is just $10,000, which means 63% of that investment is recouped.

Fiber cement siding looks attractive and has a relatively high cost recovery value. If your existing siding is worn and needs to be replaced or you're completely flipping or building a house from scratch that needs siding, it's worth looking at fiber cement, as it may offer more aesthetic appeal than vinyl.

That said, if you're thinking of installing fiber cement siding for a home you plan to live in yourself, you should know there will be more maintenance involved. With vinyl siding, you'll usually just power-wash your exterior once or twice a year to keep it clean. Fiber cement siding, however, may need to be recaulked or repainted every few years, so make sure you're up for that level of maintenance (or have the means to outsource it) before moving forward. In addition to that, prepare to power-wash your fiber cement siding once or twice a year the same way you would vinyl siding.

All told, fiber cement could be a great addition to your home, one that contributes to its curb appeal for many years to come. The fact that it could add resale value is certainly something to factor into your decision.

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Fiber Cement Siding: Worth the Investment? - Motley Fool