Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Arguably, the best way to install lap vinyl siding is to get a professional siding contractor to do the job for you. Thats also twice as expensive as the alternative approach of doing it yourself. Since vinyl siding is only moderately challenging to install, at least on simple one-story homes, lets walk through the process.

What this guide entails:

1. Tools and Materials for hanging siding2. Insulation3. Removing Old Siding4. Quality Window and Door Trim5. Preliminary Steps for Hanging Siding6. Guide for Hanging Siding Pieces7. Wrapping Up

The must have tools include:

via VinylSiding.org

Additional tool considerations:

Materials:

In our DIY guide, we are assuming you are working with lap vinyl siding, or the traditional look of horizontal boards that appear to wrap around your entire home. Vinyl siding offers other variations such as vertical panels, tiles and even a split-wood appearance. The horizontal lap is the most common and our main focus.

With that variation comes two distinct types known as hollow-back or foam-back. Hollow-back is the most common type and offers enormous amount of variation with colors, width of panels, design or profile of panels type of hem line, and thickness of siding. Standard thickness for residential siding usually ranges from .040 to .046 inches.

The thicker the material, the more durable it is, in terms of impact resistance. While these measurements seem very thin, hollow-back vinyl siding is fairly adequate in providing insulation. It scores .61 on the R-value scale. Compare this to say Cedar Shake which scores .9 and is around 10 times the thickness.

Foam-back vinyl siding is ideal for increasing the insulation of your home. Better insulation means greater energy efficiency. Foam-back scores 1.8, or three times the R-value of hollow-back. In terms of all types of siding, this is near the top. To put things in perspective, Fiber Cement, Brick and most Stone veneers are all well under 1.0. Besides increasing insulation, foam-back also enhances impact resistance, generally has less seams, and the foam material (EPS) doesnt absorb moisture.

The caveat is, of course, the added material cost. Hollow-back usually runs about $1.50 to $3.50 per sq. ft. for material. Whereas foam-back premium vinyl panels can costs $2.00 to $4.50 per sq. ft. Siding systems must also account for the additional thickness, which may add to overall cost. And waste of materials gets more expensive going with insulated. The tools for the project are all essentially the same, though youre better off using a circular saw for cuts rather than relying on tin snips.

While it is possible to put vinyl siding over some instances of existing siding, we suggest you remove all the old siding. Working from scratch is the first goal of a siding project. This way, you can see if any portion of the exterior walls needs repairs and address that before new siding goes up. Plus, youll have better ability to put house wrap along wall studs and create a smooth sheathing for all new siding.

Removing old siding can be fairly labor intensive. A professional crew charges between $1,000 and $3,000 for this part of the siding work. The crew will consist of 2 to 6 workers who likely have the experience to complete a tear off in 1 day.

The main tools are: ladder(s), pry bar, reciprocating saw to cut through nails, and disposal bin. The larger disposal bins can be rented and hauled away, but that will run you around $1,000. Alternatively, you could lay out large tarps to you put waste onto, or use a utility trailer. Both these options usually mean multiple trips for eventually dumping of the material.

With siding removal, it is recommended you start at the top and work down. The first step is to remove all items from the house that can be removed, such as light fixtures, address plates, outlet covers, etc. Special care must be used around windows and any trim that is going to be retained. With regards to utility fixtures and electric meters, you have to work around these. A reciprocating saw can help, but you obviously do not want to tamper with any electrical wires.

Then just use the ladders, plural, to have your crew pry off boards, dropping them into the disposal area on your property. Tackle each wall until the project is complete and make sure to clean up all loose pieces and nails.

When installing vinyl siding around windows and doors, J-channel strips are usually placed around all edges to fit the siding and hide your cuts on siding panels. Fitting is also known as butting siding boards into channels.

When it comes to economical siding systems, basic J-channel strips are usually included. These amount to about .65 to 1.5 inches of trim. That works and is functional for installing the siding. But it makes for an arguably low quality project. Why not transform the average, basic doorway into an inviting entry?

Wider versions of corner posts, window and door trim can greatly enhance the overall appearance of any siding job. Such design options as 5 inch lineal, pilaster, mantels and crown moulding are all possible in vinyl siding and add a majestic appearance. That are all functional as well, proving the J-channel for siding panels to fit into.

Typically, a home with vinyl siding recoups about 80% of the cost put into it at the time the home is sold. This amounts to a very good ROI. Adding high quality trim will routinely increase that number. For better understanding on making quality trim work, see this article from Georgia-Pacific Vinyl Siding & Accessories. Going the DIY route allows you to make a conscious decision on the trim you find most appealing and to use it throughout the homes exterior.

In our guide below, where we reference J-channel pieces, you can substitute that with quality trim pieces. Ply Gem provides a few examples of vinyl siding and related accessories.

The preliminary steps for installing siding are measuring, leveling and fastening trim pieces to the house. Measuring and trimming are the exact science portion of the job while fastening trim entails the art and skill that makes for premium quality.

Youll always work on one wall at a time. So first measure length of outer counters from eave to foundation. Similarly, if the wall has an inner corner, measure that vertical line from upper point to foundation.

Next, measure gable lines, or from roof peak on the eave side, along the rake, to where outer corner meets lowest part of the eave. Write these measurements down.

Additionally, measure width of the wall along the bottom edge, at top of the wall where the gable starts and then overall height of the wall from eave to ground.

Next cut J-channel strips based on the measurements for every edge except outside corners. J-channel is what edges of siding panels fit into. Corner moldings also have J-channel as well as the molding that enhances the visual appeal of the overall siding, framing each wall. Next, youll cut 2 corner moldings a 1/2 inch short of the measurements you made for outer corners.

Then prepare to attach the corner moldings. Because these are what frames the siding, it is critical they be plumb, or aligned exactly to the vertical edge of the house. To prepare for accurate attachment, use your level and chalk line to assure vertical precision. Lines on both walls that the corner piece will be attached to is suggested.

Then youll attach the corner piece on either side of the current wall. Start at the top and fasten it on both sides every 10 inches or so. Along the way, double check that you are maintaining straight alignment. Attach the other corner post with equal care.

Next attach the J-channels strips along the roof line. Measurements on these strips need not be as precise as corner pieces. Where precision matters here is mitering of the two pieces that meet at the peak and along the edge of the corner posts. Mitering is as simple as cutting pieces, with tin snips, at an angle so everything aligns with a snug fit.

By this point you should be done with fastening all trim pieces for the current wall you are working on. Additional preliminary steps are for adding trim to all objects or openings along that same wall.

Next youll do trim around windows, doorways or other permanent features along the exterior wall. J-channel goes around the outer edge and pieces are mitered for alignment and to account for proper drainage. Your first go at these areas can take awhile to think the process through. To help understand what it takes, see the video below for a good visual on fastening trim and drip cap around a rough entry:

Final part of the preliminary steps is the starter strip. First prepare the wall with two considerations. Placement of the strip is typically an inch or two above the foundation. The measurement you took at center of the wall from roof peak to foundation will help determine if siding panels will be exact or if youll need to specially cut a piece to make it fit at the gable peak. Sometimes, vertical adjustment of the starter trip can help, but more often youll need to plan on it not being exact.

If the measurement is say 18 feet and your siding panels are 10 inches wide each, then youll be able to fit 21 panels along that wall with 6 inches left over, so the final panel would need to be specially cut. The second consideration is to ensure the starter piece is exactly level.

Using your level, use a pencil to mark off a level line an inch or so above the foundation. When thats done measure exact length of that line to the foundation, and proceed to move down the wall making similar markings at same length. Then snap a chalk line along your pencil markings. Double check that line to ensure it is level.

You are now ready to install your siding panels.

via A2HomePros

Installing siding is relatively easy compared to the first preliminary process. It is time consuming and there are certain caveats to keep in mind. The two biggest are that unlike trim, siding is never fastened to the wall. Instead it is hanging on the wall. When pieces are nailed via the hem line, you will never want to make it so the panel cant slide left to right.

Vinyl siding needs allowance to expand and contrast due to temperature changes. So nails are hammered straight (never at an angle) and a gap of 1/8th inch is left between panel and nail head.

The second major caveat is that pieces are always cut short. Youll always want to measure each piece before cutting, and not assume that your corner posts are 100% accurate. So, if width of the wall is say 10 feet 2 inches, and your panels are 12 ft in length, youll cut each piece to 10 ft, 1.5 inches. The exact allowance will depend on what the siding manufacturer notes, but usually it is around a half inch, which translates to a quarter inch allowance on each side.

Now, if your wall is say 20 feet in length and youre working with 12 ft. long panels, then youll need to overlap pieces to have it fit. This is where ingenuity comes in. Overlapping seams ought to never line up as that would be fairly visible from a distance. So, youll cut panels at different lengths to vary the distance at which seams will occur.

Another pro tip is to consider the piece that will overlap on top. The idea is that seams are visible from one angle and very hard to detect from another angle. Pros go with maintaining overlaps that are away from street view. So, panels closer to the front wall go on top. On the front wall, youll make a decision based on which side of the house gets more foot or vehicle traffic.

Once all that is considered, the process of hanging siding entails cutting out measured lengths and snapping bottom edges to lower pieces. The starter strip has its own edge to snap the first piece to, and each piece after that provides a strip to snap the piece above it.

Another pro tip is the vertical adjustment youll give each piece as you work your way up. The hem line is a small gap, but will budge just a little bit, and enough that you can pull up slightly before nailing each piece.

Nails along the hemline can be every 2 to 3 feet, and each time youll want to pull up slightly before nailing the piece to the wall. Ideally, youre using your stud finder to nail along the studs.

Inserting pieces around windows, doorways and fixtures takes a bit of practice and special cutting. Youll essentially want to cut the hemline out and insert the cut portion into utility trim pieces to ensure that those arent flapping in the J-channel on windy days, along the windows edge. Along window and door sides, the process is essentially the same as for corner post J-channels.

When you get to walls with gable ends, youll cut your panels at the angle that matches the roofs pitch. The gap allowance on each side of the panel is still in effect.

When you get to the top, youll specially cut a panel so that there is likely no longer a hem on that piece. For gable walls, youll end up with a pointed piece that cant fit into any channel and expect to stay there, so youll use a small head nail to fasten that to the wall. For walls where the eaves are parallel to the ground, youll use a utility strip to snap the specially cut panel into that trim.

Once the first wall is done, the rest of the job becomes easier to understand and complete. Your first time installing vinyl siding on a home will probably introduce unique situations around every corner, or on particular walls. Its important to take a moment to think things through rather than doing a rush job that has poor results.

Pros work efficiently, but that comes with lots of practice. Its often good practice to pause along the way and take a wider view, checking how the whole wall is coming together. The goal is to align siding that is level and installed with care.

When the job is done, relax and enjoy your new siding.

Some considerations to consider going forward are annual cleanings. See this article for how to go about that. Also be on the lookout for panels needing special attention or repair. Popping panels out is relatively easy and new ones can be put in. Keep in mind, the color of pieces will be different as sunlight will cause colors in vinyl to fade ever so slightly.

Another caveat with vinyl siding is that it doesnt fare so well under intense heat. This is a non-issue from direct sunlight, but a neighbors window coated with Low-E can reflect sunlight in such a way as to overheat, and ultimately warp vinyl siding. This is actually quite rare, but it does occur.

Moreover, if you enjoy cooking outdoors on the grill, be sure to keep that a good 10 feet or more from your walls. Intense heat from the grill will possibly damage the siding if left too close to the wall. Besides, the further you are away, the more you can appreciate the craftsmanship of your homes vinyl siding.

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How to Install Vinyl Siding DIY Guide Siding Cost ...

According to YouGov research, more than a quarter (28%) of Brits are worried about being the victim of a burglary. Whether youve popped out to the shops for an hour or left your house unattended for two weeks while youre on holiday, a wi-fi security camera is a great way to get some peace of mind when youre not at home.

A wi-fi security camera records short video clips when it detects motion in its field of view. So that could be caused by a person, an animal or a vehicle, for example. The camera uses your home wi-fi network to transfer the videos it records, either to a secure area online or to a Micro SD card. This means you dont need cables running all over your property or a bulky central unit as you would with a traditional CCTV system.

The camera also lets you see a live view of whats happening outside or inside your property via an app on your phone or tablet. The cameras are set up via the same app, and some connect directly to your home internet connection while others require a base station that plugs into your router and remains in your home.

Theres an overwhelming amount of choice when it comes to selecting a wireless security camera, but there are two key types you need to consider: outdoor and indoor.

Outdoor security cameras: These are weatherproof and can be installed on the exterior of your property. This does require some DIY, such as drilling holes in a wall to fix the camera to it. They should also be placed at high-level so they cant be stolen. They are great at acting as a deterrent to burglars before they attempt to break into your property and theyre also handy if you want to keep an eye on garages, sheds or other buildings that are not directly connected to your home, or your car parked on your driveway. If the worst does happen when youre not at home, youll have footage that you can pass on to the police to help them identify and prosecute the perpetrator.

There are both mains-powered and battery-powered outdoor cameras on the market. How often the batteries rechargeable lithium-ion or standard alkaline batteries) need to be replaced or charged theyll be either rechargeable lithium-ion or standard alkaline batteries will depend upon how many times the camera detects motion or is used for live-view. As a guide, expect to get anywhere between three months to a year. Mains-powered outdoor cameras are also more fiddly to install.

Indoor security cameras: Indoor wi-fi security cameras are designed to be placed inside your home. They dont need bolting to a wall and instead are freestanding. They are usually mains-powered, although some battery-operated indoor cameras do exist and are handy if you plan on regularly moving them around inside your home.

If protecting your property is your sole intention, wed recommend getting an outdoor wi-fi security camera. However, there are some reasons you might opt for an indoor wi-fi security camera. They can provide peace of mind if you live in an apartment or rented accommodation where youre not permitted to install cameras on the exterior of the building. Similarly, they can be useful if you want to check in on your pets when youre not around or perhaps confirm the kids have come home from school.

Youll notice that the winner and runner-up are both Arlo models. Of the wi-fi security cameras weve tested, Arlos were consistently top performers. There are currently six Arlo cameras on the market. Arlo, Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro2, Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra are all battery-operated wi-fi security cameras that can be used indoors or outside. Arlo Q is the companys wired indoor wi-fi security camera. As you go up the range, the cameras differ in the video quality, field of view and extra features.

The Arlo records in 1280x720 (known as HD-Ready) but it doesnt record any audio with the video. It has a 110-degree field of view and uses CR123 batteries rather than a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so its more expensive to run. The Arlo Pro records the same video quality but with audio, and has a larger field of view and a rechargeable battery. The Arlo Pro 2 has all of this but boosts the video quality to Full HD (1920x1080). Arlo Pro 2 also includes the ability to set activity zones so video is only recorded when motion is detected in these areas of the cameras view. Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra build on Arlo Pro 2 further with the inclusion of colour night vision. The Pro 3 records 2K (2560x1440) footage with a 160-degree field of view while Arlo Ultra ups the quality to 4K (3840x2160) and has a 180-degree field of view. Its worth noting Arlo, Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 come with seven-days free rolling online storage for the lifetime of the camera, while Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra only offer free trials - after which youll need to pay a monthly subscription fee.

Video doorbells can also double as a wi-fi security camera. Via an app, they allow you to see and talk to whoever is on your doorstep when the doorbell is pressed, but as they have a camera in them, they can also be used to record and alert you when motion is detected. Only two of the market leaders, Ring and Nest, have video doorbells available in the UK, but more are expected to launch in the near future. We rate the latest version of the Ring Video Doorbell.

As with many internet-connected devices, theres a concern that hackers may be able to gain access to your wi-fi security camera and view the outside or inside of your property. The market leaders for these systems make sure your videos are saved to secure areas online, but the strength of the password you choose when setting up the camera plays a part. Always choose a unique password that doesnt contain any personally identifiable information such as your surname or date of birth. A strong and secure password should be a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters as well as numbers and special characters. And make sure you apply any firmware updates to the camera as soon as theyre available (youll be able to see these in the app) as manufacturers often deal with any security flaws via these updates.

Overall best wireless security camera: Arlo Ultra 4KRunner-up wireless security camera: Arlo Pro 3Best if youre just starting out: Neos Smart CamBest budget wi-fi security camera: Blink XT 2Best for gardens: Ring FloodlightBest for parents of teenagers: Nest IQBest security camera with no contract: Eufycam E

Most wi-fi security cameras store video captured after motion is detected in a secure area online. Some cameras allow you free access to these videos for a short time after theyve been recorded (24 hours, for example), but if you want to view or download them to your smartphone up to 30 days later, youll need to subscribe to a monthly service that can cost anywhere from 3 to 7. Other cameras require you to subscribe to view videos at any point after theyve been recorded, while others come with a free trial - anywhere for three months to a year - of the service, after which time you have to pay. Alternatively, some cameras allow you to store the footage on a Micro SD card (either inserted into the camera or the base station).

The cameras record video at different resolutions. On the whole, look for a wi-fi security camera that records in 1920x1080, which is Full HD. Anything lower than this and youll run the risk that video wont be clear and sharp. Our winner and runner-up both record in 4K (also called Ultra HD) and 2K respectively. The pictures from these are extremely clear, making them ideal for watching over larger areas as you can zoom-in without losing any detail in the video.

Different cameras have different fields of view (the area covered by the lens). The larger the field of view, the larger the area covered by the camera. Consider where you plan to place the camera and whether the field of view will be large enough to cover everything you need.

Most wi-fi security cameras only offer black and white night vision, but some come with colour night vision. This is possible because they have an LED light built into the camera. Colour night vision means if you do see someone suspicious on your property, youll be able to give police a detailed description including the colour of clothing, hair or skin (something that isnt possible with black and white night vision).

Many wi-fi security cameras also include a microphone as well as a speaker, so you can talk to and hear anyone in view of the camera. This is perfect if you want to shout at a trespasser to get off your property or talk to your pets when youre not at home.

Some wi-fi security cameras are available in kits that include two or more cameras. These are ideal if you want to cover more areas of your property than one cameras field of view can reach. Multiple camera kits are usually better value than buying a single camera kit and then buying additional cameras at a later date.

Some wi-fi security cameras have a built-in siren that can either be turned on automatically when it spots any motion, or manually from the app. This can be a great way to encourage someone creeping around your property to leave.

The Good Housekeeping Institute has assessed the performance, ease of use, and design of 42 wi-fi security cameras to find you the best out there. We look at everything from the quality of the video it records both during the day and at night, to how clear the sound and microphone that lets you talk to people at your property as well as hear them, is. We also look at extra features such as sirens, how simple the app is to navigate and, if relevant, whether the battery will last for a long time or if youll be climbing a ladder to replace it every week.

See the article here:
The best wifi security cameras - top 5 wifi security cameras - goodhousekeeping.com

A veteran New York City police officer and his fiance were arrested and charged with the murder of the man's 8-year-old son, who froze to death in an unheated garage, authorities said Friday.

Michael Valva, 40, and Angela Pollina, 42, who both lived in the Long Island community of Center Moriches, were charged with second-degree murder in the death of Thomas Valva, Suffolk County police said.

The youngster was kept in an unheated garage the night before his death when overnight temperatures outside dipped to 19 degrees, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart told reporters on Friday.

The boy's body temperature was just 76 degrees when doctors tried to revive him, Hart added.

"The medical examiner has ruled it a homicide with a major contributing factor of hypothermia," Hart said. "We believe certainly that Thomas was kept in the garage overnight preceding his death."

Suffolk County police responded to the couple's home, on Bittersweet Lane, on Jan. 17, answering a report that a little boy had fallen in the driveway and lost consciousness.

They found Valva performing CPR on Thomas in the basement at about 9:40 a.m. before the boy was rushed to Long Island Community Hospital and pronounced dead there, officials said.

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Michael Valva's story that his son was trying to catch a school bus, fell and lost consciousness soon came apart, according to Hart.

"As with any unattended death, homicide detectives conducted an investigation which revealed inconsistencies in the timing and the nature of the child's injuries as reported by his father," Hart said.

"We have determined Thomas was as never in the driveway that morning and he suffered head and facial injuries that were not consistent with the father's account."

Police found the couple had an extensive home security system and kept close tabs on all of the children in their blended family Valva's sons, ages 6, 10 and 8-year-old Thomas, and Pollina's three daughters, 6 and 11-year-old twins, police said.

Investigators said that this footage helped them find that Valva's surviving sons were punished with "food deprivation and exposure to extremely frigid temperatures," according to Hart.

"We are still investigating the extent of the abuse and if it extended to all of the children," Hart said.

Social workers took away all the surviving children on Jan. 17, police said.

Valva has been with the NYPD since 2005 and was last assigned to the department's transit force, officials said.

"I just really want justice for my son. He deserves it. This should never have happened," the boys' mother and suspect's estranged wife, Justyna Valva, told NBC New York.

"I just keep praying for this case to be fully resolved and my little angel Thomas to rest peacefully in heaven."

The ex-wife, who told police that Thomas suffered from autism, said Michael Valva had trouble controlling his anger.

"I just wish I had more time with him on this Earth," she said of her son. "I just wished somebody helped him."

Both defendants are expected to be arraigned on Saturday morning, their lawyer, Matthew Tuohy, said.

"Both of them maintain their innocence 100 percent. Well see how the facts bear out," Tuohy told NBC News on Friday afternoon.

David K. Li is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

See the article here:
NYPD officer, fiance charged with murder after his son, 8, froze to death, officials say - NBC News

Good Guys Electronics via Rakuten is offering the Ring Alarm 5-piece Home Security Kit for $104.99 shipped when coupon code GG10 has been applied during checkout. Note: You will need to be logged in to a free Rakuten account to use this code. Thats $94 off whatAmazon charges and is within $6 of the lowest price we have tracked. Ive been using Ring products like Video Doorbell 2 for going on three years now. Setup and management have always been simple. This specific kit includes a Ring Alarmbase station, contact sensor, motion detector, keypad, and range extender. After everything is up and running, youll be able to configure smartphone notifications for activities like a door or window opening and more. Rated 4.5/5 stars.

Hopefully itll never be needed, but todays savings leave you with enough to score Rings $35Panic Button. As youd expect, when activated it sounds the Ring Alarm siren. If youre subscribed to Ring Protect Plus itll also notify emergency responders. Having this around is a simple way to provide the entire home with an additional layer of safety.

The Alarm kit above isnt the only Ring product weve found on sale. In fact, we have several. Swing by yesterdays roundup to find Ring Video Doorbell 2 at an all-time low of $90along with some other products.

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Secure your home at $94 off with a 5-piece Ring Alarm Kit, now $105 - 9to5Toys

Updated: May 25, 2018:

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We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time. Please refer to the date at the top of this page to determine when this Policy was last revised. Any changes to our Privacy Policy will become effective upon posting of the revised policy on the Website. By continuing to use our Website and Services following such changes, you will be deemed to have agreed to such changes.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, your dealings with our Website or Services, or if you would like to change any of the information you have provided to us, please contact us at: privacy@jdsupra.com.

As with many websites, JD Supra's website (located at http://www.jdsupra.com) (our "Website") and our services (such as our email article digests)(our "Services") use a standard technology called a "cookie" and other similar technologies (such as, pixels and web beacons), which are small data files that are transferred to your computer when you use our Website and Services. These technologies automatically identify your browser whenever you interact with our Website and Services.

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If you would like to change how a browser uses cookies, including blocking or deleting cookies from the JD Supra Website and Services you can do so by changing the settings in your web browser. To control cookies, most browsers allow you to either accept or reject all cookies, only accept certain types of cookies, or prompt you every time a site wishes to save a cookie. It's also easy to delete cookies that are already saved on your device by a browser.

The processes for controlling and deleting cookies vary depending on which browser you use. To find out how to do so with a particular browser, you can use your browser's "Help" function or alternatively, you can visit http://www.aboutcookies.org which explains, step-by-step, how to control and delete cookies in most browsers.

We may update this cookie policy and our Privacy Policy from time-to-time, particularly as technology changes. You can always check this page for the latest version. We may also notify you of changes to our privacy policy by email.

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The Registrar of Contractors and the Residential Contractors Recovery Fund: One Size Does Not Fit All - JD Supra

by Timothy InklebargerJanuary 23, 2020

Shon Kokoszk, Collette McDonald, Eric Zeier, Collin Gravitt

Atlanta real estate professionals upped their game this week at a series of forums presented by Icon Coaching founder and real estate expert ShonKokoszka at the 2020 Business Planning Clinic at Perimeter Center sponsored byCollette & Associates Real Estate Experts, Hindson & Melton Attorneys at Law, ACHOSA Home Warranty LLC, and Mold Boss.

Attendees were given insight on local market trends, contract changes in 2020 and lead generation, among a myriad of other topics.

The presenters inspired the attendees to make 2020 their most profitable ever while mitigating liability that is inherit in our business, said event organizer Collette McDonald,founder of Collette & Associates Real Estate Experts. You know that it hit home when 90 percent of the agents stayed the entire time, even through happy hour with Atlanta rush-hour traffic looming. It was so successful we were asked to do another event which will be held at the end of February.

Originally posted here:
Find out who was at the 2020 Business Planning Clinic - Atlanta Agent magazine

Full System Integration Between SiteOne and Izenda Platforms Provide Real-Time Dashboards and Reports to Identify Trends, Optimize Performance and Reduce Costs

SiteOne Services, a customer service and work order management platform for builders, now delivers advanced business intelligence and actionable reports to customers using their platform. SiteOne will be demonstrating the new reporting features of their platform at the NAHB International Builders Show this week at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Booth #SU1325, January 21-23.

Business Intelligence (BI) tools provide access and insight into an organizations available data through visual dashboards and reports for the purpose of improving decision-making. For Izenda, BI tools should also be easy and intuitive, empowering both simple and power users to derive actionable insights from their data through robust self-service reporting. The integration of Izendas application-based intelligence tool allows critical data points gathered by SiteOne to be extracted and analyzed to create real-time dashboards and reports such as aging, total open work requests, total closed work requests, cost per lot, cost per project, cost per market, cost per region, and cost company-wide. Reports can also identify common, costly occurrences that can be corrected in future construction.

Leader in Warranty Management Leverages Leader in Business Intelligence

The beauty of BI is that with each insight you uncover, a new question is formed eventually leading to a critical insight into your business that will improve operations, guide strategy, and more. For SiteOne, identifying those next-level insights will be much more accessible with Izenda, said Jaimi Panini, vice president of product at Izenda. For example, while reviewing costs per lot, you notice that warranty expenses in some lots are higher than others. Another report shows that the issues are all related to painting. That would then drive you to cross-reference which painter worked on those lots and discover there is an issue with a specific subcontractor you are using.

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According to research by BuildZoom, after falling or remaining flat for three decades, construction costs have increased sharply since the mid-2000s, to a tune of 23.6 percent. The rise was driven by both material and labor costs.

Every opportunity a builder has to reduce expenses contributes greatly to their overall success, said Mike Giosso, president and founder of SiteOne Services. BI helps builders implement effective strategies by intelligently analyzing data that already exists to help make better decisions in the future. Our customer Edenbridge Homes is a great example of data-driven decision making. Most builders reserve one to two percent of their budget to cover future warranty expenses. However, through careful analysis of their weekly reports and methodical time management, Edenbridge Homes warranty costs over the last three years have averaged well below one percent, and they now project up to a 35% annual savings.

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SiteOne is a seamlessly easy, 100% paperless platform for builders and developers that provides a better, more effortless way to facilitate requests, automate processes, resolve concerns, and share critical information with homeowners. The company was founded 20 years ago on a disruptive idea: To provide seamlessly easy tools to facilitate and automate the extremely fragmented service process for home builders and developers. Two decades later, they are delivering on that idea. Large, medium and small real estate developers trust SiteOne as their partner in providing a customer experience second to none.

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SiteOne Services Selects Izenda to Provide Home Builders with Business Intelligence to Help their Organization Thrive - MarTech Series

2930 Salem Oaks Drive, Conway

2,820 square feet of living space

4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath

The Tracy Tidwell Team, ERA TEAM Real Estate, 501-472-4709

Check out this stunner in the Salem Oaks neighborhood of west Conway!

Offered for sale by ERA TEAM Real Estate, this Tom Watson-built home at 2930 Salem Oaks Drive has all the extras, including quartz countertops, a spa-like master bathroom with custom shower, a spacious master closet with built-ins, and a covered patio.

This one-story home has a traditional design with modern touches, such as a light brick exterior with contrasting dark roof and shutter accents. The open floor plan includes 2,820 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. The design is swathed in light and dark contrasts -- for instance the white wall paint and trim complement the darker wood floors. The custom lighting is particularly appealing in this home, ranging from crystal and bronze chandeliers in the dining spaces, to glass fixtures in the kitchen.

The flow of the floor plan is particularly nice, as the family room, kitchen and dining spaces are all adjacent and easily accessible to one another. The master suite is apart from the other bedrooms and has a modern barn door to separate it from the main living spaces.

The kitchen is white on white, with just a touch of contrasting color in the dark oven hood, the stainless appliances and the modern hardware on the drawers. Some special features include custom glass light fixtures, some glass fronted cabinets, and a unique glass backsplash. Dining options include the separate formal space in the front of the home, a breakfast room adjacent to the kitchen, and a breakfast bar at the end of the kitchen counter.

Other features in this home include:

Green features including Low-E windows, tankless water heater and Rf Rdiant barrier sheath.

Gas log fireplace in the family room.

Two-car, front-entry garage.

Separate laundry room with storage, work space and mudroom.

One-year warranty offered by the builder.

Hot tub and walk-in shower in master bath.

Decked out with special touches throughout, this home is a must-see! Call to schedule your personal showing of the home, which is priced at $397,700. For more information or to arrange for a private viewing, please call The Tracy Tidwell Team of ERA TEAM Real Estate at 501-472-4709.

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Stunning home in west Conway offers special touches throughout - Log Cabin Democrat

There are so many different options out there were it comes to smart plugs that it can be so difficult to make a decision and choose the right model to buy. Well, today theres really only one good choice, so its easier than even for anyone looking to add some smarts to their dumb old devices like lamps, coffee makers, fans, space heaters, and more. The newly upgraded version of the best-selling Gosund Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plugs is on sale right now at one of the best prices weve seen for any smart plugs, let alone popular ones like this. Use the coupon code E22PXEVO at checkout and youll pick up a 4-pack for $20.99. Thats only $5.25 each for these awesome smart plugs that are compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant. Dont miss out!

Here are the key details from the product page:

Follow @BGRDeals on Twitter to keep up with the latest and greatest deals we find around the web. Prices subject to change without notice and any coupons mentioned above may be available in limited supply. BGR may receive a commission on orders placed through this article.

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Add smarts to every dumb device in your home with $5 Alexa smart plugs - BGR

In 2015, Ashley Moore and her husband traveled down a quaint street in a private neighborhood just outside of Tomball, Texas, northwest of Houston. Old oak trees lined the road creating a canopy above, sprinkling soft-dappled light below as the couple peered out at the gorgeous five-acre lots leading up to each of the four home sites in the idyllic countryside hamlet. When they pulled up to the classic Southern home, Ashley was immediately smitten with the large porch spanning the width of the faade. And although the interiors were dark and dated, Ashley saw beyond the ornate, old-school cosmetics to the fabulous bones beneath, and she felt a calling to breathe new life into this home through a renovation.

I have always loved to design and decorate, but this was my first house to remodel. I saw so much potential the first time we toured it. Thankfully, my husband trusted my vision for the home because we bought it! Two days after we closed on the house, we started the demo, Ashley says of the project that lead her to launch her dream business, Moore House Interiors.

I love how this room incorporates the brick from the exterior into the interiors through the traditional mantel, says Ashley. Image: Grace Laird

Ashley shiplapped the entire master bath and painted it white to make the space feel bigger. Image: Grace Laird

I love the soft gray cabinets; theyre a bit unexpected but add warmth to the room, says Ashley. Image: Grace Laird

Ashleys main goals were to update the interior and exterior, bringing to life her take on an upscale classic Texas farmhouse. When we moved in, my main objective was to transform the house into a home, says Ashley. We wanted to brighten up the house while creating a space that reflected our family.

RELATED:A Lake Martin Home Gets A Makeover

First, she knew that paint would completely transform the dark faux finishes in the master bedroom and dining room, as well as the red-painted walls and dark cabinets in the kitchen and breakfast room. She also had two other must-haves: hardwood floors throughout the first floor and new kitchen windows that opened up to the back of the property.

I just love the fact that our home really reflects us as a family. It combines my husbands love for rustic design, and my love for antiques, without being too fussy, says Ashley. I hope that everyone who enters it feels like they are at home, too. Image: Grace Laird

Our master bedroom catches my breath every time I step foot in it, says Ashley. Image: Grace Laird

Everyone says that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and ours really is, says Ashley of her favorite room in the house. Its where we spend the majority of our time, and it functions so well for our busy family. Image: Grace Laird

My husband thought I was crazy for wanting new windows since the kitchen already had decently sized windows in good shape, but I imagined washing dishes and watching the kids play in the backyard through counter-to-ceiling windows. The move paid off with a breathtaking wall of windows that brings the outside in. This spacious kitchens soothing palette sets the stage for relaxation and togetherness after long, busy days. Use the slider to check out the pre-renovation before photo to see what a stark contrast it offers! (Before: MooreHouse Interiors; After: Grace Laird)

The overall aesthetic is airy and sophisticated, an elegance that is beautiful, but not untouchable a Houston farmhouse renovation with an inviting ambiance that feels laid-back and comfy for both children and adults.

For example, just off the elegant kitchen an uber-functional and chic mudroom area doubles as a spot for dad and the kids to drop their day-to-day stuff at the door, while a built-in dog kennel offers respite for the pups below.

Nearby, the laundry and crafting room boasts neat little homework stations for the kids, just within earshot of the kitchen, so Mom and Dad can help if needed.

I love the functionality of this space, says Ashley of the hallway mudroom. We use it every single day its a place for the kids to store their backpacks, baseball gloves and shoes. Image: Grace Laird

The dog kennel is the perfect drop spot for my husband to unpack his pockets at the end of the day and a cozy space for our dog to sleep at night, says Ashley. Image: Grace Laird

We have tons of built-in storage in this room, and since it was so large, it made sense to convert it into a homework area for the kids, says Ashley. Image: Grace Laird

RELATED:This is NOT Your Typical Modern Farmhouse

The modern, family farmhouse features rustic beams, shiplap in several rooms, and reclaimed wood in the study. I like to describe my home as casual and collected, says Ashley of her layered design approach. I love new functional pieces, but my favorite items in our home are those that have been passed down to us or vintage pieces I discovered at local antique stores and flea markets.

The living room is a perfect example: a framed transom window, which was a treasure saved from her in-laws home remodel, doubles as meaningful art. My Paw-Paw put the frame on it so we could use it in our home, says Ashley. And the side table next to the couch is another heirloom that belonged to Ashleys husbands grandmother.

Our dining room table was made by a family friend, and the wood he used came from a barn in my mothers hometown, says Ashley. The dining room also houses her milk-glass collection and the familys heirloom piano. Image: Grace Laird

In the study, Ashley replaced a desk nook under the stairs with a reclaimed wood wall housing a secret built-in gun safe, a surprise for her husband on their fifth anniversary, and a fitting backdrop for his hunting trophies. Image: Grace Laird

The framed transom window was a treasure salvaged from her in-laws home remodeling project. It was the perfect addition to her Houston farmhouse renovation. Image: Grace Laird

Ashley loves the antiques she was able to incorporate into their living room. The side table next to the couch belonged to my husbands grandmother, she says. We stripped it down to the natural wood to blend it with our decor. Image: Grace Laird

As for found treasures, The living room chairs were actually $10 flea market finds! I loved the shape, so I refinished the wood before sending them off to my upholsterer, says Ashley, adding, Theyre definitely my favorite chairs in the house.

Ashleys favorite elements of the stunning great room are the vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling layered with reclaimed beams, the Austin Stone fireplace, and all the natural light. Image: Grace Laird

This is the familys casual, everyday dining space. It features an antique farm table and big windows that are perfect for keeping an eye on the little ones while they ride bikes or play basketball, says Ashley. Image: Grace Laird

Though creating her dream home through this Houston farmhouse renovation felt like one huge, yet exhilarating risk, it offered an invaluable learning experience that provided a launchpad for Ashleys dream interior design business. She was also quick to credit the contractor from Stillwater Builders as a terrific teacher who also instilled great confidence in her as she brought new ideas to the table.

I loved every moment of designing this home I was in my element while remodeling this house, and the whole process lit a spark in me. I truly believe God used this home to guide me to the path Im on now. If it werent for this remodel, I think Moore House Interiors would still just be a dream, says Ashley. People often ask if I could do it all again, would I do anything differently with the design? And my answer is no I love this house. It just feels like us.

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Check Out This Beautiful Farmhouse Renovation - StyleBlueprint