Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Roofing Products in the US to 2016: Market Databook

http://www.reportlinker.com/p01011225/Roofing-Products-in-the-US-to-2016-Market-Databook.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Home_Building_and_Improvement

Synopsis

Timetric's 'Roofing Products in the US to 2016: Market Databook' contains detailed historic and forecast market value data for the roofing products market in the US, including data for domestic production, supply balance, existing stock, imports and exports. Review and forecast data is included for categories of the roofing products market like Clay Roofing Products, Slate Tiles and Bitumen Roofing Felts.

Summary

This report is the result of Timetric's extensive market research covering the roofing products market in the US. It contains detailed historic and forecast market value data for the roofing products market and its categories (Clay Roofing Products, Slate Tiles and Bitumen Roofing Felts), including data by domestic production, supply balance, existing stock, imports and exports. 'Roofing Products in the US to 2016: Market Databook' provides an overview and insight into the operating environment of the roofing products industry in the US. It is an essential tool for companies active across the US construction value chain and for new players who are considering entering the market.

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Roofing Products in the US to 2016: Market Databook

Lex FriedmanSenior Writer, Macworld

Lex uses a MacBook Pro, an iPhone 4S, a third-generation iPad, a Kindle 3, a TiVo HD, and a treadmill desk, and loves them all. His latest book, a children's book parody for adults, is called "The Kid in the Crib." Lex lives in New Jersey with his wife and three young kids. More by Lex Friedman

Apple has quietly extended its iMac 1TB Seagate Hard Drive Replacement Program through April 12, 2013. Last year, Apple acknowledged that certain Seagate drives in 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMacs could fail, for 1TB models sold between May 2011 and July 2011.

Now, however, Apple is broadening the window of affected iMacs: Any 1TB iMacs sold between October 2009 and July 2011 could be affected, the company says. The Replacement Program was due to conclude back in July of this year, but Apple has now extended the eligibility window for customers to obtain their free replacements until April 2013.

You can paste your iMacs serial number into a form on Apples website to confirm whether your Mac is subject to the recall. Apple says it will perform the drive replacement free of charge for affected customers, and urges customers to take advantage of the offer as soon as possible. Of course, youll want to ensure your iMacs data is backed up first, since the fix involves replacing your existing hard drive.

If you already replaced your drive before learning it was eligible for Apples Replacement Program, the company says you should contact Apple for a refund.

Continued here:
Apple quietly extends 1TB iMac Seagate replacement program

PARKERSBURG, W.Va., Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MS --Before the holidays bring family celebrations and visiting friends to your home, create a new look and improve its comfort level. Check out the suggestions below, make your project list, and then go to Woodcraft for the tools and accessories to get the job done.

(Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121016/NY91721 )

"Put safety first," cautions Scott Phillips, host of The American Woodshop. "Before you begin your first project, make sure you have eye, ear and breathing protection available and then follow the manufacturer's directions for all the tools and products you use. Have a first-aid kit and a phone handy, and enlist help for the heavy-duty work."

Entrance & Windows Give your entrance an easy update with a new door or add color and new hardware to an existing one. Install new windows that are attractive, reduce heating and cooling costs, and are easy to maintain.

Kitchen & Dining Areas Apply stain or color to your kitchen cabinets and replace hinges and pulls or knobs to brighten your "home cafe." If your cabinets have seen better days, install new ones either store-bought or ones you build. For wood furniture, consider using a stain or topcoat to change the room's decor.

Shelving & Lighting Add shelving to help control clutter (bedroom/bathroom closets) and provide more display space for photos and collectibles (living room/ family room/kitchen). Enhance cabinets and furniture with LED lighting.

Living/Family Room Arranging furniture into "areas" will allow for varied activities simultaneously. Use plants, a bookcase or a divider to separate areas. Paint walls, hang pictures or stain wood furniture to add color.

Handy Helpers from Woodcraft

For more information about Woodcraft, contact the store nearest you, visit http://www.woodcraft.com or call (800) 535-4482.

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Create a Fresh Look for Your Home

"Weather-stripping will get the biggest bang for the buck as it can net up to 25 percent in savings on heating and cooling bills," said Eric Raines, PSO manager of energy efficiency and consumer programs.

The American Electric Power-Public Service Company of Oklahoma website says, "Caulk, seal and weather-strip openings from your home to the outside."

Weather-stripping can be done by a painting contractor, a window installation contractor or any handyman firm and is usually bid by the job or by the window.

Scott Graybill, owner of Sooner Weatherstrip in Tulsa, said the typical residential exit door can be outfitted with new weather seal all around and a threshold sweep for $120.

Raines recommended increasing attic insulation if the joists are showing through the old insulation. Ceiling joists are usually 3 1/2-inch-wide "2-by-4s" and insulation less than 3 1/2 inches is good for only about R-9 (4 times too little). The recommended R-value for attic insulation in northeastern Oklahoma is "R-38 - 15 to 16 inches of blown-in insulation." This can save you 10 percent on your cooling and heating bills, Raines said.

Steve Blackburn, owner of Burnett Insulation of Tulsa, said $1,000 would get a 15-inch-deep layer of "Certainteed InsulSafe SP" fiberglass insulation blown in to a 1,800-square-foot attic. That depth provides an insulation value of R-38.

Next in the $1,000 winterize roundup is the "programmable thermostat," said Raines. These can deliver a year-round energy savings of $150, conservatively, or as much as $185. They can be used to raise or lower indoor temperatures while no one is home and set for more comfortable temperatures 15 minutes before residents return. The U.S. Department of Energy website says, "By turning your thermostat back 10 degrees to 15 degrees for 8 hours, you can save 5 percent to 15 percent a year on your heating bill. Savings are figured at 1 percent per degree when the setback period is 8 hours long."

Install storm doors, at least on the worst-performing exits, for up to an 8 percent savings. Home Depot has Andersen storm doors for $194 to $220.

Install storm windows all around your home for a 25 percent savings on heating and cooling bills. Lowe's has Comfort-Bilt storm windows in several sizes: 36-by-55 for $60, 28-by-47 for $74, 32-by-47 for $71.

Often, a change in heating and cooling philosophy leads to savings. In winter, set the thermostat on 68 degrees during the day and 58 at night for a 15 percent savings.

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Action Line: Time is now to winterize your home

Project Manager leads local group through green construction process at Federal Office Building 8

Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 16, 2012

Director of Public Programs at the National Building Museum, Paul Killmer said, One of the most interesting aspects of the building was the insertion of the atrium space, creating a lightwell which is a component integral in achieving LEED Gold Certification. The group also marveled at the enlargement and treatment of the windows, the beautiful floating staircase, and the green roof which protects the building and surrounding area from storm and water damage.

Last September, Turner Construction Company was named the number one green builder in the country by Engineering News-Record for the fifth year in a row. With the largest LEED-accredited staff in the United States, Turners commitment to sustainability goes beyond job sites and certifications and translates to operations and community outreach. The company was recognized in twenty-three categories by the publication and also ranked number one in general construction, education, healthcare, correctional facilities and pharmaceutical. and commercial facilities by the publication.

About Turner Construction Company

Turner is a North America-based, international construction services company. Founded in 1902 in New York City, Turner has 5,200 employees worldwide and works on 1200 projects each year, for an annual construction volume of $8 billion. As the largest general builder in the United States, Turner ranks first or second in the major market segments of the building construction field, including healthcare, education, sports, commercial, and green building. The firm is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF, a publicly traded company, and one of the worlds leading international construction service providers.

For more information please visit http://www.turnerconstruction.com.

About HOCHTIEF

HOCHTIEF is one of the leading international providers of construction-related services. With more than 80,000 employees and a sales volume of EUR 23.28 billion in FY 2011, the company is represented in all the worlds major markets. With its core competencies in development, building and operation, the Group delivers services for the entire life cycle of infrastructure projects, real estate and facilities. The focus of the related business activities is on four strategic areas: energy infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, major cities, and resources. With its subsidiary Leighton (HOCHTIEF share around 54 percent), the Group is market leader in Australia. In the USA, the biggest construction market in the world, HOCHTIEF is the No. 1 general builder via its subsidiary Turner and, with Group company Flatiron, ranks among the most important players in the field of transportation infrastructure construction. Because of its engagement for sustainability, HOCHTIEF has been listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2006. Further information is available at http://www.hochtief.com/press.

Kali Bowers Turner Construction Company 2028982526 Email Information

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Turner Construction Company Hosts The National Building Museum Construction Watch Tour

This stately 18-room Colonial sits on 3.3 acres of land along a beautiful old winding street in Needham that already has subdivision approval for a second home.

The seven-bedroom mansion at 436 South St. has been extensively renovated starting in 2002 with a 2004-2005 addition that seamlessly blends in with the original home while doubling its original size to 9,524 square feet of living space.

The current owner has added an enormous kitchen with a resplendent master bedroom suite above and finished basement below, plus an attached three-car garage. The home and land are on the market for $3.6 million, but the home itself and its half of the property is a second option, priced at $2,850,000. The 1.85-acre buildable lot alone is listed for $750,000.

Built in 1932, the grounds of this white clapboard house with black shutters are beautifully done, with a large front yard, a long circular granite paver driveway and a rear meadow.

The homes original living, dining, den and home office rooms have been restored with their original wood fireplaces. A new entry foyer with inlaid marble floors was created, a granite wet bar was added off the den, bay windows were put in the dining room, and a porch off the office has been enclosed into a sunroom. The sunroom leads out to a restored in-ground pool surrounded by new granite pavers.

The new kitchen and adjacent butlers pantry have custom white-wood cabinets and Uba Tuba granite counters. The kitchen has vaulted ceilings, a center island and a large clock-topped built-in surrounding a professional grade Wolf gas stove. There are double wall ovens, dishwasher and large side-by-side Sub Zero refrigerator. The floors are Chinese slate and extend to a dining nook that overlooks the pool.

Theres also a new full bathroom with a shower and a mud room off the kitchen, and direct access to the garage.

The second floor has five bedrooms, with the addition serving as a master bedroom suite. This spacious area has a large oak-floored bedroom overlooking the pool, a marble bathroom reachable through leaded glass doors with a large center window, free standing tub and walk-in shower, and a large dressing room with built-in wardrobes and drawers.

The other four bedrooms have restored hardwood floors, and all have wood-burning fireplaces. There are two other full bathrooms here, plus a large laundry room.

The third floor offers two additional bedrooms, plus a kitchen space and ceramic tile bathroom.

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Needs more than met in Needham

What do you do when you break a board? Toss it in the Dumpster, save it for your wall collection or paint something on it and make it an art piece? George Rocha takes his broken decks and makes them into decks! How is Rocha resurrecting the dead? Black magic, perhaps? Well, he wouldn't go too deep into the actual processof his technique, but you will find out that he's a 100%skateboarder and that his company, Iris skateboards, is making a deck skateboarding has never seen before.

ESPN.com: Can you explain what is an Iris skateboard? Rocha: They are cruiser boards made entirely of broken skateboard decks. Skateboards are made with glue and the catalystin that glue is toxic, so it can't be put into landfills. So you have to do something with them. So I take broken ones and make them into skate-able ones and it just perpetuates the idea of keeping skateboards under your feet.

Are you an eco-conscious person? Yes, I am. I'm not, like, a tree hugger, but I do think that we do have a responsibility on this planet not to kill it. So this is like an extension of that.

YamaodaHow many people do you know that skates a recycled board in their own backyard pool they've poured themselves? George Rocha goes frontal.

Is that the inspiration for making these decks? No, it was more like a bonus. The inspiration is skateboarding itself. There are other people that will take broken boards and make sculptures -- for example,Haroshi,who's amazing at his craft. I'm not trying to copy; I'm just doing my version of what to do with a broken board.

Where are you getting the broken boards from? Fortunately I live in San Francisco, where a lot of great companies exist here and they allow me to use their returns -- places like Deluxe, FTC and NHS. Big thanks to them. I do want to make a note that every board I use must be broken or cracked. If it's rideable, I'm gonna go down to the park and find a kid who wants it.

Is it possible to take a broken Iris board and make another one? That's a good question! I can't wait for the day to have a stack of broken Iris boards and glue them together! Just perpetuate the cycle, you know.

What's your work background? I've been building skateparks and working as a masonry carpenter most of my life. I started making ramps when I was 10 years old. I got hooked on making skateparks first at Freddy Smith's Skate Park, called "The Skate Hut," in Providence, RI. When my friend Sloppy Sam began a company [called] Breaking Ground is when I learned concrete. I basically jumped in and had to learn; that was 1999 or 2000ish. After that I've worked withGrindline,Redand theDreamland crew -- great dude doing great work. Then I decided to stop traveling so much and to try and make my living in SF. I made Thrasher's "Double Rock" park and I make private pools for people.

How long does it take to craft an Iris board? It varies. I make them by hand, so at best I can probably make 10 a week, just me. You can't walk down the street with one of these boards without someone stopping you and being like, "What is that?" It's obvious it's made of other boards, but [you] don't know how or the story behind it, so hopefully when someone gets one, they will know the story and keep passing it on.

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Broken-board resurrection

Contractors for the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District are grinding and patching rough spots on roads in Oswego's Cedar Glen and Windcrest subdivisions this week.

Beginning next week, contractors will install an asphalt overlay on the streets in the two subdivisions if weather conditions permit, Jeff Humm, engineering supervisor for the agency, said Monday.

Over the past year the two subdivisions located east of Ill. Route 25 and north of Waubonsie Creek, have been a construction zone as contractors have installed sanitary sewer lines in the right-of-way adjoining the streets.

Fox Metro hired Len Cox & Sons of Crest Hill last year to complete the project at a total cost of $1,892,867.

The agency is financing the project through a low interest loan obtained from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

The agency undertook the project to make sanitary sewer service available to approximately 190 homes in the two subdivisions that have been served by private septic systems since the 1960s.

If their septic systems are functioning properly, Humm said homeowners are not required to hook up to the new sanitary sewer lines.

However, Humm said, homeowners will be required to connect to the new sewer lines in the future when their septic systems require repair or replacement. The Kendall County Health Department, he said, does not issue permits for repair work or replacement of septic systems if a public sanitary sewer system is available.

Many Cedar Glen and Windcrest homeowners have already decided to disconnect their septic systems and connect to the new sanitary sewer lines.

As of last Sept. 28, 50 homeowners had connected to the new sanitary sewer lines and six more connections are pending, Humm said.

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Street work underway in Cedar Glen, Windcrest

Sustainable design is practically status quo now, but many clients are still unfamiliar with the lexicon surrounding building performance. Enter the architect. With this increased emphasis on energy efficiency, the onus of communicating and even assessing a buildings performance is starting to fall on the architect.

In the past, architects may have deferred to the engineer or dedicated energy modeler for the information, says Jim Hanford, AIA, the energy-efficiency leader in Miller Hull Partnerships Seattle office. But integrated design and increased client awareness are blurring the distinction in roles. As architects, were being asked to give more information about the performance we expect out of our projects, Hanford says. Energy modeling is how we can do it.

Assessing the performance and operations of a building is new territory for most architects. To help introduce architects to the relatively technicaland potentially intimidatingtopic, the AIA recently released An Architects Guide to Integrating Energy Modeling in the Design Process, a document that covers the building energy fundamentals and provides step-by-step instructions to predictingand hopefully reducingthe energy consumption of buildings.

Available as an online download for free, the 86-page guide was written, compiled, and reviewed by a committee of architects, sustainability experts, and building-science officials, as well as staff members at the AIA. The guide covers a range of topics on energy modeling, says Sean Quinn, Associate AIA, a sustainable design specialist based in the Washington, D.C., office of HOK. It gives a nice breakdown of the reasons why we care [about building energy performance] and definitions of key metrics such as energy use intensity and benchmarks, which are some of the things that confuse people the most, Quinn says.

The guide not only serves as a primer for energy modeling newcomers, but is also informative for people with experience in the process. For tech-y guys like myself, Quinn says, the review of energy modeling software toward the end of the guide is great because we have many designers who want to learn more about this stuff. The guide, he says, provides advice such as if you're trying to accomplish x, then look at this tool.

Other topics covered include a background on the role of energy modeling in the design process, baseline best practices, and suggestions on how architects can take a leading role in the energy discussion, from a projects conceptual design to post-occupancy. The guide also explains how architects can offer energy modeling as both a value-added service as well as an ongoing service.

The guide wont turn its readers into energy modeling experts. But it should empower architects to become integrally evolved in the [energy modeling] process, Hanford says. Too often we let the engineering side run with it, and in some cases they dont fully understand the intent of the design, or its hard for them to model. We need to be involved to ensure they're representing the architecture and design intent as best as it can be done.

Beyond the technical, financial, and business aspects, learning about building energy performance and modeling will also benefit design, Hanford says. In the past, energy modeling has been used by most firmsand ours as wellas a means to confirm the decisions that we've made and to quantify how much better we're performing than a typical building. As were working on more low-energy buildings and higher performing buildings, this offers an opportunity to drive design decisions.

As with any technology, the tools used for energy modeling are evolving every day. The AIA anticipates developing the second phase of its energy modeling guide next year, pending budget approval from its board this December.

Quinn, for one, looks forward to increased compatibility among building design and energy modeling software programs, which he says would streamline the workflow significantly. Hanford, the energy-efficiency veteran from Seattle, is optimistic about several upcoming programs that he is currently beta testing. Software programs that offer qualitative, simple, but still informative output, he says, could help encourage more designers to participate in energy modeling.

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AIA Releases Energy Modeling Guide for Architects

Construction has started on a huge new mall on the Manatee Sarasota line, but more than the shoppers are excited because the development means thousands of jobs.

The $315 million Mall at University Town Center is being built by Taubman Centers Inc. and Benderson Development Co. of Manatee County and will be similar to International Plaza in Tampa. Taubman also developed International Plaza.

The mall work means 1,000 construction jobs, 2,000 jobs at the mall, and another 3,000 for the planned retail and restaurants around the new mall.

"It's been 35 years since there has been a new regional mall built in the greater Sarasota Manatee area," said Mark Chait, of Benderson Development. "We're really pleased and excited that 50 percent of our specialty retailers will be new to this market.

"They will really add an element that's been lacking and people are truly excited for."

The anchor stores will be a Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and Dillards.

The plan stalled a few years ago, but is now expected to open in October 2014 off of Interstate 75 near Lakewood Ranch.

The county will welcome $100 million in annual sales tax revenue, and the mall is expected to pump about $400 million into the regional economy.

"This is going to give us a lot of jobs, which is sorely needed and it is going to be a good thing for everybody," said Carol Whitmore, Manatee County commissioner. "But, this is going to stimulate Manatee and Sarasota county, big time."

And there is more construction planned. Two hotels, office space and 1,700 homes are also due to be built in the area.

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Sarasota mall means shops, thousands of jobs