Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

If New York City’s licensing test for home improvement contractors were given in Chinese and included the finer points of bamboo scaffolding, contractors like Gary Lin, 42, of Queens would breathe much easier taking it.

Mr. Lin worked on bamboo platforms while working in construction in Changle, his home city in the Chinese province of Fujian. Now, despite speaking very limited English, he is trying to start a legitimate home improvement company in Flushing, which is rife with unlicensed contractors.

And since the city does not allow bamboo scaffolding – and currently does not offer the test in Chinese – Mr. Lin found himself in a new class with about 20 other Chinese immigrants one recent Saturday preparing for the city-administered test for a home improvement contractor license, a requirement for contracting with a homeowner to do work like repairs, renovations and remodeling.

The class, offered by the Queens Economic Development Corporation, is aimed at familiarizing contractors with the test, which is administered by the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs and consists of 30 multiple choice questions. It is offered in English, Spanish, Korean and Bengali.

Starting in February, the test will also be available in Chinese, city officials said.

To Nicholas Hardie, who teaches Mr. Lin’s class in Mandarin, the change is long overdue. The classes, which cost $100, are part of a pilot program to explore ways of addressing challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs. Mr. Hardie, a Wisconsin native, said he believed that there were an enormous number of Chinese immigrant contractors in Queens working without city home improvement licenses.

“A main reason is the language barrier,” said Mr. Hardie, who said he had arranged with Department of Consumer Affairs officials to take groups of students from two of his classes for the test next month.

He said that his students would be ready to take either the English or the Chinese test, and that he was helping them with the application process, which, among other things, demands proof of liability and disability insurance, and workman’s compensation insurance.

In response to a listing for the class , 78 Chinese immigrant contractors inquired, Mr. Hardie said. But many opted not to take the class or the exam because they thought the language barrier would make passing the test impossible. Of the 37 who registered, most have either been working as employees or have been working for cash under the table, he said.

Burton Hung, a developer and licensed contractor in Queens who volunteered to help Mr. Hardie teach the class, said that oftentimes a Chinese immigrant contractor would save money to buy a van and tools and then hire day laborers.

“If you don’t speak English, you can always hire people to speak English, so you can work outside the Chinese community,” said Mr. Hung, who worked in construction as a child and after immigrating to the United States started as a small contractor and eventually earned a master’s degree in business. But unlicensed contractors have to dodge authorities, and they often get bargained down on prices. And they find it much harder to work under the heavy scrutiny in Manhattan for higher-paying jobs.

At a class on Jan. 21, about 6 of the 20 students could speak some English.

Mr. Hardie explained to them how to collect a deposit and give a written estimate, how to draw up a contract and how to legally cancel one. He covered the finer points of certificates of occupancy and charging sales tax, as well as complying with sanitary, fire and health regulations.

He handed out Chinese translations of the contractor’s exam and license information, as well as translations he made of previous tests.

Mr. Hardie said that, in the past, some contractors who spoke no English still managed to pass the English-language test by memorizing earlier test questions and also by training themselves to recognize key words, phrases and numbers. Adopting this technique, he taught students how to spot such clues.

For example, the mention of $200 in a question most likely refers to the rule that a license is not necessary for jobs paying less than that amount. And the number six in a question may refer to the number of years a contractor must keep contracts on file. The number three may very likely refer to the number of days a contractor must wait between signing a contract and beginning work.

On the subject of contracts, one worker, Kevin Zhang, 36, who immigrated to Flushing four years ago, held up his phone and asked if the contracts could simply be recorded, instead of written. No, Mr. Hardie said.

One of the other Chinese immigrant students was Rose Lu, who owns United Structure Solution, a metal shop in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that has many large contracts and 10 full-time employees. Ms. Lu said she wanted a home improvement license in order to do interior work at a hotel because the license covers lodging establishments.

Ms. Lu said many unlicensed Chinese contractors in Brooklyn and Queens operate as fly-by-night operations.

“A van can bring in a lot of laborers, but there’s no address, no sense of responsibility,” she said, adding that more licensing would help legitimize things.

“The more people who know what they’re doing, the better,” she said.

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City Room: Helping Unlicensed Chinese Contractors by Bridging the Language Gap

Grahame Sydney
Central Otago
Artis Gallery
Until February 5

For nearly forty years Grahame Sydney has painted the landscapes of Central Otago with many of his paintings becoming as well known as the landscapes he has portrayed such as the hills of the Maniototo and the shed at the Wedderburn railway siding.

Now he has produced a set of photographs of the area, published as Grahame Sydney’s Central Otago by Penguin Books.

A group of these photographs have also been issued as limited edition prints and are currently showing at Artis Gallery.

While some replicate the painted images he is well know for, most of them explore new areas particularly images of the area in winter.

These works which are mainly of snow covered trees and landscapes are more related to the series of photographs he produced when he went to the Antarctic a few years ago. These were works which tried to make sense of the immensity and whiteness of the landscape.

Some of the works such as “Fallow Field” are of the broad landscape showing the intervention of man with the lightly tilled field dusted with snow while others such as “Duck Pond Omakau” which has no evidence of human presence shows only a snow shrouded tree and grass looking like some art installation.

Many of the works are similar to his paintings with “Past Lives Nevis Valley” where the central; gravestones provide a surreal landscape dominated by the sculptural hills in the background.

He also has works which incorporate the built environment such as “Fisherman's Hut, Falls Dam” and “Loading Ramps, Ida Valley” where he uses the strong architectural elements of the farming apparatus to contrast with the landscapes.

There are also example of bird studies with Frosted Quail – Cambria and portraits with Donald Harley reminiscent of the artist early portrait drawings.

With these dramatic sprawling landscapes, the almost insignificant impact of man as well as poignant portraits Sydney captures both the raw beauty of the area and the isolation of its inhabitants.

The surprising thing about these limited edition prints is the price. The larger prints (465 x 700 mm) are $1400 and the smaller ones (310 x 470 mm) $750.

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Impressive Otago landscape photos by Grahame Sydney

Advanced Metal Roofing has expanded service to Massachusetts and Maine and will provide those states with the exclusive MetalMan Roofing Systems® product. The company brings their award winning metal roof product and five-star customer service to homeowners in M.A. and M.E. They have also launched websites to support and help publicize these new northeast locations. Learn more at http://www.AdvancedMetalRoofingMA.com.

Amesbury, MA (PRWEB) January 30, 2012

Homeowners in Massachusetts and Maine now have a new option when it comes to roofing their home. Advanced Metal Roofing®, an award winning company with headquarters in North Carolina has opened a new office to service customers in Massachusetts and Maine which will deliver and install their exclusive MetalMan Roofing System. This product provides vibrant and long lasting metal roof colors to complement and enhance the home while also providing energy savings and a long life expectancy that eliminates the need for re-roofing for fifty years or more.

The MetalMan Roofing System for residential metal roofing is an ideal fit for Massachusetts and Maine due to its durability despite extreme weather conditions. The Galvalume sheet base and the Kynar 500 paint finish combine to create a roofing product that won't contract and expand with changing temperatures. It is resistant to mold, mildew, and accumulation of debris, thereby reducing the chances of corrosion and deterioration.

Northeastern states such as Massachusetts and Maine tend to experience challenging weather conditions throughout the year that lead to wear and tear on a roof or even direct damage from storms or flying debris. Heavy rain and damp conditions, snow storms and high winds all present challenges to home maintenance and security. The roof is primarily responsible for protecting the home in the face of these challenges and choosing the best roof for the job is an important decision for the homeowner. Advanced Metal Roofing is excited to introduce the MetalMan Roofing System to northeastern homeowners and to provide a Massachusetts metal roofing system they are confident can provide the protection and durability homeowners require.

Advanced Metal Roofing is a family owned company that has been operating since 1994. The corporate headquarters are located in Wilmington, North Carolina with additional offices near Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C. The company had recently expanded into South Carolina and is now excited to move up the east coast to offer Maine and Massachusetts roofing services. They have been featured as top metal roofers and top remodeling contractors in publications including Metal Construction News, Qualified Remodeler, Replacement Contractor, and Metal Roofing Magazine. They continue to garner five star reviews from customers on independent websites such as CustomerLobby.com, CitySearch.com, and on their Facebook Page.

"Our move into Massachusetts and Maine represents growth and opportunity for Advanced Metal Roofing as well as a benefit for homeowners in the Northeast," comments company owner James Kenton. "We know our MetalMan Roofing System is the best choice for protection, durability, and long life expectancy, and we add the value of the limited Lifetime Warranty. Plus we offer some of the best, most vibrant metal roof colors in the market that are all ENERGY STAR qualified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."

Learn more about Advanced Metal Roofing in Massachusetts at http://www.AdvancedMetalRoofingMA.com and in Maine at http://www.AdvancedMetalRoofingME.com. Contact a sales representative directly at 877-858-7663.

# # #

James Kenton
Advanced Metal Roofing
877-858-7663
Email Information

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Advanced Metal Roofing Opens Location in Massachusetts to Provide MetalMan Roofing System to Homeowners in Mass. and ...

Posted on Monday, January 30th, 2012 by Angie Han

Starting with Being John Malkovich, Charlie Kaufman‘s scripts have generally attracted top-level talent, and a quick glance at the cast list indicates that Frank or Francis will be no exception. Elizabeth Banks and Paul Reubens have just become the latest additions to Kaufman’s Hollywood-skewering musical satire, joining Steve Carell, Jack Black, Nicolas Cage, Catherine Keener, and Kevin Kline. Read more after the jump.

Kaufman’s latest revolves around Frank (Carell), a pretentious filmmaker, and Francis (Black), a popular movie blogger/commentor who takes pleasure in viciously ripping apart Frank’s work online but leads a lonely existence living with his mom offline. Banks is set to play a well-liked actress making comedic stinkers and having an affair with Frank. Herman has been cast as an old-fashioned film critic.

As previously reported, Cage will star as an actor/comedian on the decline, while Kline will play dual roles as the director of the world’s top-grossing film as well as the director’s brother-turned-animatronic head. Keener’s role has not been revealed at this time, though for what it’s worth, female roles outlined in an earlier draft of the script included Frank’s wife, Francis’ love interest, and “a Romanian waitress and two talking ghost-like thumbs who have a Romanian political agenda.” Despite the story that circulated last week, The Hollywood Reporter now confirms that Kate Winslet will not be involved with the project.

The very busy Banks currently stars in Man on a Ledge, and will next appear in March’s The Hunger Games. She’s got another three films lined up for 2012 beyond that: What to Expect When You’re Expecting, Movie 43, and Alex Kurtzman’s Welcome to People. Reubens was most recently seen in Todd Solondz’ Life During Wartime, and is developing a new Pee-wee Herman movie at Universal with Judd Apatow producing. Frank or Francis marks Kaufman’s second directorial effort, after 2008?s Synecdoche, New York.

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Elizabeth Banks and Paul Reubens Board Charlie Kaufman’s ‘Frank or Francis’

27-01-2012 15:05 http://www.drenergysaver.com | 1-866-372-8114 While replacing an old window with a brand new high efficiency model, Larry Janesky from Dr. Energy Saver demonstrates how to install a replacement window for the best energy efficiency, and explains what a window energy efficiency label means. A window is always the coldest spot in a wall and can feel leaky from heat transfers and the "convective loop." High efficiency replacement windows -- if installed properly -- can help your home feel less drafty, save on energy costs, and look great. Understanding the labels and energy efficiency ratings will help you shop and save money with replacement windows. For a Free Window Replacement Estimate contact Dr. Energy Saver today. If you are a HVAC or Home Improvement Contractor, check out our exciting franchise opportunity. http

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Replacing an Old Window with a New High Efficiency Window - Video

30-01-2012 12:39 We at First Choice have been installing Energy Star Products on many of your neighbors homes in Woodtsock, Georgia to arrive at a cost effective solution that not only results in instant curb appeal but saves them money each and every month throughout their years of ownership. By upgrading your home with premium vinyl windows and doors, containing argon gas, low "E" coated glass, you can instantly reduce the energy costs associated with cooling and heating your home by as much as 30%! We offer many styles and colors to choose from to compliment your homes appearance. The same cost effective results can be reached by having specially engineered thermal-wall insulated vinyl siding installed on your homes exterior that increases the R-value up to 5 times that of wood, fiber cement or traditional vinyl siding! No other product can change the appearance of your home and save you money at the same time! First Choice Vinyl Siding is a family owned business, we have been serving the Atlanta metro area since 1991. When you invite us to your home for a free consultation, we evaluate your needs, listen to your questions and concerns and educate you on the products and services to arrive at a stress free solution for your homes exterior. Your confidence is highly regarded and we address this with quality craftsmanship paying close attention to detail and backing this with a lifetime warranty on all products and services! Serving all of Metro Atlanta and Woodstock Ga Area, call First ...

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Windows Replacement Woodstock Ga (770) 516-6187 | Vinyl Window Siding Woodstock Ga. - Video

30-01-2012 13:24 Locating Your Sales Order Number Our customer service representatives will ask you to provide the sales order number or, SO number, in order to identify your window in our system. In the top right or left corner of the glass in between the two panes on the metal spacer, there will be a series of numbers -- usually five to eight digits - followed by a decimal and three digits. Please have this number ready when speaking with your Milgard representative as it will expedite your service.

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Locating Your Sales Order Number - Milgard Service Video - Video

30-01-2012 13:24 Maintaining Your Sliding Window - We are going to learn how to maintain your sliding window. The first step is to slide open the sash. On the top of the window, you will notice a few tabs. These tabs prevent the sash from being removed from the outside. Next, we will remove the sash. Ensure the window is clear of the last tab and the lock is not touching the jamb. Lift up on the sash from the bottom. Pull out and down to remove the sash. / You may notice that moisture and debris is present in the window track, this is normal. Using a putty knife, lift up and remove the track. Using a non-abrasive cloth, soap, and water, clean the track. It is important to avoid abrasive chemicals. To reinstall, slide the track in the groove, sloping it away from you, and press down. The track will need to be snapped into place. A soft block of wood and mallet are needed for this. Place the block of wood at an angle on the track and pound the block along the length of the track to snap into place. Install the sash from the top, slide it in from the bottom. Next, you will need to have access to the outside of the window to check and clean the weep-hole cover and weep-hole. A putty knife and pipe cleaner are needed. Take off the weep-hole cover. Inspect to ensure the flap is moving. Use the pipe cleaner to clean the weep-hole of excess debris. Place the weep-hole cover back into the weep-hole.

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Maintaining Your Sliding Window - Milgard Service Video - Video

30-01-2012 13:25 Proper Single Hung Sash Removal - We are going to show you how to remove the sash, the operable portion of the window. There is a silver take-out clip on either side of the jamb. With the sash closed, use a screwdriver to pop the clips out at a 45 degree angle. Perform this on action on both take-out clips. Remove the sash stops, which are located in the top corners of the window. Slide the sash up until you feel it disengage. You will want to make sure both sides catch on the take-out clips. Once they catch, you want to be able to see the bottom of the spring loaded balancers and you know you are past the engagement point. Slide the sash to one side and remove. To re-insert the sash, place it above the bottom of the balancer. Line up the sash, push it in. Make sure you have clearance on the other side and balance it back and forth until you feel both tops catch. Slide the sash down about an inch or two. Make sure you do not see the balancer or any metal on either side of the spring. Then, push in both of your take out clips and bring down the sash. Finally, reinstall the sash stops.

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Proper Single Hung Sash Removal - Milgard Service Video - Video

30-01-2012 13:26 Adjusting the Sliding Window Rollers for Smooth Operation - We are going to show you how to adjust and clean the rollers. Occasional adjustments may be needed to maintain smooth window operation. On the bottom of your window there are two assemblies containing vinyl wheels. Each assembly has two positions for each wheel. Remove the wheel by snapping it out of the wheel casing. Raise or lower the wheels to the desired height and snap them back into place. Repeat this step on the other wheel assembly. Once the wheels are snapped back into place, clean your rollers. Make sure the wheels roll back and forth, and there is no dirt or debris in them. Spray your wheels with a small amount of silicone spray-- just a quick shot for each one. Take a paper towel and wipe down the rollers to ensure sure there is no excess silicone. To reinstall the sash, start with the top. Slide in from the bottom and slide it back and forth.

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Adjusting the Sliding Window Rollers for Smooth Operation - Milgard Service Video - Video