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Montana schools watch push for...

MISSOULA, Mont. - For Frenchtown School District Superintendent Randy Cline it is a story eight years in the making. It's also a story that could drag on far longer than it has already. With the Montana infrastructure bill failing to pass the State House by two votes on Thursday, the $426,408 Frenchtown is requesting is in jeopardy once again.

This is the fourth time Cline has requested the money to replace the aging and inefficient windows at Frenchtown Elementary. Staff say windows show up with new cracks all the time. The windows also help make it toasty in the summer and frigid in the winter.

Rather than replacing the whole heating a cooling system, which would probably cost near $1 million Cline opted to ask for window replacement starting four legislative sessions -- 8 years -- ago.

"We were very close to getting it funded the first year, but then we've dropped further down the (priority) list, as there's been more infrastructure needs in schools that have become more important," says Cline.

The Frenchtown request is now 39th out of 50 approved projects that could be funded by bonds if the bill passes. However, that's become less likely, as the amount of money set aside for school projects dropped from $30 million when the bill was first introduced to just $16.3 million.

The total bill will fund about $80 million for sewer, road and school projects as well as the Montana Veterans Home. Other schools higher on the priority list for funding include St. Ignatius, Stevensville, and Polson. Stevensville is looking for close to $2 million.

Read the latest version of the bill here.

Some legislators have tried to lower the cost of the infrastructure bills this session, arguing that school improvements were not as essential as roads, sewers and bridges in a tight budget environment.

Originally the Frenchtown window project cost north of $500,000, but around $150,000 was used to replace the windows in worst shape in 2016. That money was part of a $750,000 levy that passed by just 10 votes in late 2015. Cline says if the state money doesn't come through he will continue to scrape up money here and there to replace the windows gradually.

Cline says he would rather the legislature take on a little debt now than have to deal with the ever-growing pile of infrastructure problems in schools down the road.

"Just because you ignore it doesn't mean it will go away," he says.

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Montana schools watch last minute push for infrastructure bill - NBC Montana

"There are dozens of ways homeowners can make their homes more energy efficient," said Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating. "From retrofitting an old hot water heating system with a tankless system to simply swapping out a water guzzling toilet, even a few small changes can have a significant impact on energy consumption. You're helping the Earth and helping to lower energy bills at the same time."

The experts at Petri Plumbing & Heating offer Brooklyn homeowners these five home upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient:

For Brooklyn residents who want a hand improving the energy efficiency of their homes, a professional from Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. can assess a home's current energy usage and recommend a variety of ways to make it more efficient.

For more information about energy saving tips and products, call Petri Plumbing at 718-748-1254.

About Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is a family owned and operated business serving Brooklyn and the New York City area. Founded in 1906, the company offers a 100 percent guarantee on all services, upfront pricing, and friendly and knowledgeable Service Experts for all kinds of home and business plumbing and heating needs. Services offered include water and gas pipe leak repair and installation, fixture installations, inspections, boiler repair, water heater installation, complete bathroom, kitchen, laundry & utility room remodeling and more. Petri is also licensed and certified by Green Plumbers USA, the first in New York City to receive this designation. For more information, please visit http://www.petriplumbing.com or call 718-748-1254.

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR 865-977-1973 hripley@ripleypr.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-saving-tips-from-petri-plumbing--heating-inc-300446899.html

SOURCE Petri Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

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Energy Saving Tips from Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. - PR Newswire (press release)

In comparison to the bottoms that new residential construction and architecture billings reached during the Great Recession, the remodeling sector shrank less. In 2009, while many small builders went out of business and architects found themselves with fewer prospects, home improvements actually got a slight boost, backed by the Obama administration's economic stimulus package featuring tax benefits for remodeling projects. According to Metrostudy's Residential Remodeling Index (RRI), remodeling activity actually didn't hit its bottom until the tail end of 2011when the stimulus package ended, and the false dawn of a recovery in the sector was realized.

Since then, it's indisputable that remodeling activity has recovered at a far faster pace than new residential construction activity. The latest quarterly AIA Home Design Trends Survey (released in March) reported that amid the sectors responsible for work at architecture firms, remodeling still accounts for the largest share of business activity--a trend seen in results of the quarterly survey since the recession began. More specifically, demand for home additions and alterations account for the largest share of design activity, followed closely by kitchen and bath remodels.

According to REMODELING's annual Cost vs. Value report, the national average cost of a midrange kitchen remodel (minor or major), midrange bath remodel, and additions (be it a two-story, family room, or bathroom) are among the top 10 most expensive home improvement projects. They also are generally regarded as discretionary projects, as opposed to replacement work like installing a window or door when the old one breaks.

Craig Webb, editor-in-chief of REMODELING, says he has found that when times are hard and home prices are sluggish, the real estate professionals who provide value estimates in the Cost vs. Value project tend to be harder on discretionary rather than replacement work. After all, it's hard to sell a home at full price when the potential buyer can clearly see something that's broken. In addition, researcher at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University (JCHS) have found that people are less likely to commission discretionary projects during a downturn; the percentage of discretionary jobs as a share of all home improvement dropped from more than 40% in 2007 to around 33% in 2015. That makes sense, too: Consumers need to use their money for other things.

But since then, Webb says he's noticed that the payback at sales that real estate pros give for higher-priced remodeling projects have risen faster these past few Cost vs. Value surveys than has the payback for replacement work. Webb takes that as a sign real estate pros feel confident prices will keep rising, so an investment in a big-ticket project will be justified at resale. So remodelers should rejoice: Going forward, "investment in discretionary projects is expected to drive overall market growth," JCHS predicts.

High demand for the most expensive projects is nothing but good news for remodelers, as prices rise alongside demand. Over the past nine years, the national average cost for the 10 most expensive midrange projects in the Cost vs. Value report has grown significantly, following a dip after the fallout of the stimulus package. In 2017, the national average cost of the top three most expensive midrange projects all surpassed 2008 prices by over 20%.

The chart below breaks down the change in national average cost for the three most expensive midrange projects between 2008 and 2016, compared to 2017:

Compared to 2017, price growth of the three most expensive home improvement projects on average increased by double-digits in 2013 and 2014. While price growth has slowed in 2015 and 2016, it represents a much more stable growth that matches rising demand and is expected to continue.

The latest RRI release indicates that 2017 will be another big year for the remodeling sector, with the expectation that remodeling activity will rise 4.4%. The index has shown gains year-over-year for 19 consecutive quarters since 2011, but most significantly, the 4Q16 release reported that all 281 metropolitan statistical areas included in the index are expected to post annual gains in remodeling activity during 2017a first for the index.

Buyers face a tight resale market and new home prices continue to reach new highs (the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index exceeded its July 2006 peak in November 2016), making remodeling a favorable option for prospective buyers priced out of the new home market, and current homeowners hesistant to buy up. Compounded by employment growth and rising household income, Metrostudy chief economist Mark Boud anticipates the sector will continue to heat up over the next five years.

Remodelers are facing some of the same challenges as builders however, with labor shortages and the rising cost of materials threatening rising job costs that could turn off potential customers.

The drivers of potential growth in remodeling activity outnumber the deterrents, however. As droves of baby boomers prepare for retirement, rising mortgage rates (along with lack of affordable new homes and tight resale inventory) could deter boomers from uprooting in favor of making home modifications that allow aging-in-place.

Mortgage rates are forecast to increase through 2017 and beyond. We will be watching closely to see what happens in the remodeling market, when mortgage rates surpass the 5% mark," Boud said in the latest release of the RRI. "Higher rates will slow home sales and price appreciation, but the net positive for the remodeling industry will be a large number of households staying in the homes they locked-in at the 4%-or-below range, and choosing to renovate there."

And keep in mind that the baby boom generation has never operated in lockstep. Yes, a large number of boomers will want to stay where they areJCHS notes that health or financial reasons are likely to force boomers to leave as many as 12 million housing units between 2015 and 2025. "Many of these homes are well-suited for younger families in that they are typically older and more affordable," the Joint Center writes. "And given that older households generally live in their homes for some time and spend little on improvements in their later years, younger buyers of these homes will likely want to invest in significant upgrades."

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Better Projects, Faster Recovery? It's All About Cost. - Builder Magazine

A complete filtered-water kitchen sink faucet is designed to combine the benefits of a standard single-lever faucet with an option to deliver on-demand filtered water.

Q: Were planning to remodel our tiny kitchen. We can only fit a smaller one-bowl kitchen sink, but Id like to have some extra features. I remember in a past article you mentioned adding a filtered-beverage faucet to your kitchen sink. I like the idea of having filtered water for beverages and cooking, but I dont want to clutter my small sink area with two faucets. Do they make versatile kitchen faucets that also work like beverage faucets?

A: Many kitchens, especially in city areas, have limited sink space. So, it makes sense that there are a few faucet and add-on filter options you can follow up with at your local plumbing supply center.

Since you are remodeling and starting new, I recommend looking for a complete filtered-water kitchen sink faucet. These all-in-one kitchen faucets are designed to combine the benefits of a standard single-lever kitchen faucet with an option to deliver on-demand filtered water.

With the on-demand option, you can wash dishes and fill buckets with non-filtered water and only use the filtered water when needed for drinking and cooking. This can extend the life of the built-in filter cartridge and declutter your smaller sink area.

Even though an all-in-one kitchen faucet is pricey, it can be a clear choice for adding filtered water to your kitchen.

Master contractor/plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book Ed Del Grandes House Call, the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. For more information, visit eddelgrande.com.

Read the original here:
All-in-one faucet adds versatility in smaller kitchen - Seattle Times

Those shiny new office buildings downtown and trendy office parks under construction on Jefferson Highway may be good for the local construction industry. But theyve added a lot of space to the office market, which is a key factor behind the decrease in occupancy last year.

Overall occupancy decreased from 85% to less than 82.5% in 2016, while rental rates remained flat, according to Ty Gose with NAI/Latter & Blum in a presentation on the office sector at the annual TRENDS seminar.

The other factor affecting the slight downturn was the continued low price of oil, which fell to below $40 per barrel last year.

But oil is now stabilizing at $50 and BRAC has estimated we will gain 2% in employment this year, Gose says. So hopefully occupancy will go back up.

Among the other takeaways from Goses presentation:

In the local residential market, the flood has had a significant impact and in many respects it has been positive, according to Kyle Petersen of Keller Williams Realty First Choice, who made the residential presentation at the TRENDS seminar.

Home sale volume was up more than 10% in 2016 over the previous year, and demand outpaced supply, causing homes to fly off the market: 53% of homes sold within the first 30 days.

Two weeks ago, I listed a house at 6 p.m. Petersen says. I had two offers by 8 p.m. and had to cancel seven showings the next day. Homes are selling within hours of being on the market and at full asking price.

That said, average home sale prices in the Capital Region decreased 3% in 2016, after increasing a total of nearly 10% in 2014 and 2015.

Stephanie Riegel

The rest is here:
New available space, oil downturn cause Baton Rouge office occupancy rate to fall - Greater Baton Rouge Business Report

Before and after: The $44M transformation of a downtown Raleigh building Triangle Business Journal Built in 1970, the 192,370-square-foot state office building had been largely unchanged since its construction. It still had a large amount of asbestos a material commonly used in buildings before asbestos was banned for its risk of causing serious ...

Continued here:
Before and after: The $44M transformation of a downtown Raleigh building - Triangle Business Journal

Apr 25, 2017 - (Newswire)

Many would think that there is nothing to consider when it comes to window replacement in Fitchburg WI. In reality, there is. If you have the need for replacing a window, then you have to think of getting the correct design. Just putting any window in the place of the existing one will not serve the purpose. Windows are not only for bringing in light and air, but they are also meant for enhancing the beauty of the space. For example, bay windows are appropriate for the living room. The clear glass bay windows look very elegant and enable you to enjoy the outside view without any problems. All the products from Kool View company are of high quality that is designed to last for a long time. The vinyl windows are engineered in a way that it will not only make your home comfortable but also help bring down the energy costs with improved home insulation.

You would always like to work with a company that can provide you with options. When you have chosen Kool View, be assured that you will find what you need. The company offers a variety of replacement windows that matches the interior and the exterior of your home. You can opt for Double Hung Replacement windows which is a common and number one choice with homeowners due to its easy maintenance and tilt in sashes. You can also opt for Bay Replacement windows that projects all natural light opening up a room by creating added dimensions, or you can go for Bow Replacement windows that are a style statement both for the interior and exterior of your home. The bow windows also help in increasing sunlight and space in any room.

Apart from window replacement in Fitchburg WI, Kool View also offers basement remodeling in Madison WI, window tinting, adding Sunrooms and Energy rooms, baths and showers and more.

Call 608-222-7777 for more details.

About The Company

Kool View has been offering their clients high quality, superior and affordable home improvement products since 1973. They can put up Sunrooms, take care of window replacement and also offer basement remodeling in Madison WI.

Original Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/opt-for-timely-window-replacement-in-fitchburg-wi-19373398

Read the rest here:
Opt for Timely Window Replacement in Fitchburg WI | WireUpdate ... - WireUpdate

BROOKLYN, N.Y., April 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc., a leading plumbing and heating company serving Brooklyn and Manhattan since 1906, provides homeowners tips to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The 115 million households in the U.S. today collectively account for nearly a quarter of the country's energy usage, according to Energy.gov, with the average family spending upwards of $2,300 per person a year on their utility bills. In New York, electricity costs are some of the highest in the nation, meaning higher than average utility bills for area homeowners.

"There are dozens of ways homeowners can make their homes more energy efficient," said Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating. "From retrofitting an old hot water heating system with a tankless system to simply swapping out a water guzzling toilet, even a few small changes can have a significant impact on energy consumption. You're helping the Earth and helping to lower energy bills at the same time."

The experts at Petri Plumbing & Heating offer Brooklyn homeowners these five home upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient:

For Brooklyn residents who want a hand improving the energy efficiency of their homes, a professional from Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. can assess a home's current energy usage and recommend a variety of ways to make it more efficient.

For more information about energy saving tips and products, call Petri Plumbing at 718-748-1254.

About Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is a family owned and operated business serving Brooklyn and the New York City area. Founded in 1906, the company offers a 100 percent guarantee on all services, upfront pricing, and friendly and knowledgeable Service Experts for all kinds of home and business plumbing and heating needs. Services offered include water and gas pipe leak repair and installation, fixture installations, inspections, boiler repair, water heater installation, complete bathroom, kitchen, laundry & utility room remodeling and more. Petri is also licensed and certified by Green Plumbers USA, the first in New York City to receive this designation. For more information, please visit http://www.petriplumbing.com or call 718-748-1254.

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR 865-977-1973 hripley@ripleypr.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-saving-tips-from-petri-plumbing--heating-inc-300446899.html

More here:
Energy Saving Tips from Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. - Yahoo Finance

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Ed Del Grande, Tribune News Service 12:02 a.m. ET April 27, 2017

These all-in-one kitchen faucets combine the benefits of a standard faucet, along with an option for filtered water.(Photo: TNS)

Dear Ed: Were planning to remodel our tiny kitchen. We can only fit a smaller size one-bowl kitchen sink, but Id like to have some extra features. I remember reading your past articles where you mentioned adding a filtered beverage faucet to your kitchen sink. I like the idea of having filtered water for beverages and cooking, but I dont want to clutter my small sink area with two faucets. Do they make versatile kitchen faucets that also work like beverage faucets?

Deb, Iowa

Dear Deb: Many kitchens, especially in city areas, have limited sink space. So, it makes sense that there are a few faucet and add-on filter options you can follow up with at your local plumbing supply center.

Since you are remodeling and starting new, I recommend looking for a complete filtered water kitchen sink faucet. These all-in-one kitchen faucets are designed nicely to combine the benefits of a standard single-lever kitchen faucet, along with an option to deliver on-demand filtered water.

With the on-demand option, you can wash dishes and fill buckets with non-filtered water and use the filtered water only when needed for drinking and cooking. This can extend the life of the built-in filter cartridge and declutter your smaller sink area.

Even though an all-in-one kitchen faucet is pricey, it can be a clear choice for adding filtered water to your kitchen.

Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is author of the book Ed Del Grandes House Call, the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com.

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Looking for a versatile kitchen faucet - The Detroit News

The former Goodman Furniture store, a problem property Bethlehem fought in court to get redeveloped, could become a $2.5 million project of storefronts topped by 14 apartments.

The proposal, which Bethlehem will present to a judge next month, calls for about three first-floor tenants, a bus depot and an optional building addition to the property at 30 E. Third St. The 700- to 800-square-foot apartments would be on the second and third floors.

The plans were proposed by Collaboration 3, a trio of Lehigh Valley partners: D'Huy Engineering, Alloy 5 Architects and Skepton Construction.

Bethlehem picked the project out of four submitted after the city put out a call for proposals on what to do with the vacant property.

Alicia Miller Karner, director of the city's economic and community development department, said she liked the proposal because it calls for several commercial tenants rather than one large tenant.

She also likes the idea that some of the tenants will face the Greenway trail and Adams and Mechanic Streets. She said that would promote use of the Greenway, which meanders between Third and Fourth streets along the path of a former railroad bed.

She said the plans show the option of a drive-thru for a commercial tenant, but drive-thrus are not allowed in that zoning district. She said the city would not support that portion of the project.

Collaboration 3 indicated the project could be completed within 16 months. The city needs to get approval from a judge because of a legal maneuver the city used to force the redevelopment of the building.

The city had battled with owner Alvin Kanofsky, a 78-year-old physicist, for years to fix up the vacant building. Over the last couple of years, he was cited for code violations some of which are still under appeal.

The city stepped into make emergency repairs in the building and successfully argued to be appointed the building's conservator. Under the conservatorship, the city can make decisions that a property owner would but does not hold the title to the land. The city is looking to force a sale to Collaboration 3.

The plan must be approved by a judge. The city is scheduled to present the plan May 8.

Kanofsky, who has represented himself in court, could not be reached for a comment. In the past, he has declined to discuss the property because of pending appeals.

The building was a priority for the city to redevelop because it is in a high-profile section of the South Side Business District.

The building is in a block the city has invested tens of thousands of dollars in to build up in the wake of Bethlehem Steel's demise and is around the corner from a parking garage and an office building under construction. The office building, developed by Dennis Benner, is to be anchored by St. Luke's University Health Network and Lehigh University.

nicole.mertz@mcall.com

Twitter @McallBethlehem

610-778-2253

Redevelopment plans for the former Goodman furniture store:

3 commercial tenants

14 apartments

1 bus depot

Source: Collaboration 3 proposal

See original here:
What's in store for old Goodman building in Bethlehem? - Allentown Morning Call