Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Rain last month drove up calls for service

BUSY TIMELino Rivera works on the roof of a home in Thousand Oaks on March 6. Recent storms have caused a surge of new customers for local roofing companies. BOBBY CURTIS/Acorn Newspapers When it rains, it pours.

That is certainly the case for the roofing industry, which has seen a boom in business since the torrential downpour last month.

The National Weather Service reported Camarillo saw 2.85 inches of rain on Feb. 17the most rain in one day the city has had in four decades.

It was frantic, Dawn Espinosa of Camarillo-based GreatWay Roofing told the Acorn. Over that one weekend, we received over 100 calls about leaks. Even now, were still trying to catch up.

Other Camarillo roofing companies have also been flooded with calls from homeowners throughout Ventura and Los Angeles counties seeking estimates.

Ron Ostlund of Fortress Roofing said he has been incredibly busy the last few weeks.

Its so much increased business that I am actually turning work down, the business owner said. Im a really, really small company, and I do most of the estimates myself and all the work myself, and theres no way I can handle the activity thats going on.

But the Camarillo resident, who said he has at least a three month backlog of jobs, is certainly trying.

Ostlund said many people dont even know they have roof problems until it rains and water starts leaking into their homes.

Before the heavy rains, (business) was a little stagnant, the roofer said. People dont spend any money on their roof unless they have to. Thats just kind of human nature. . . .

Its a little overwhelming, but Im not complaining. Its definitely good for business in the long run.

While many roofers are trying to capitalize on the increase in business, Fred and Susan Esquivel of Esquivels Roofing said their situation is different.

The business received between 50 and 75 calls a day during the rains, a volume they were not able to handle given their small crew and the fact that the company is winding down after three decades in business.

Susan, the office manager, said Esquivels Roofing is finishing its already scheduled projects over the next few months before Fred retires.

Were doing roofs over again because weve been around so long, said the office manager, adding the company did respond to requests for service from its longtime customers.

The irony of having their phones ring off the hook as the company is scaling back was not lost on Susan and her husband, who said the drought has definitely affected business.

Its feast or famine, she said. Roofing is expensive and its the last thing most people want to do, but in a sudden rainstorm, especially like the one we had, all these people needed plastic, and we had a lot of insurance companies calling us.

They werent alone.

Espinosa, the office manager for GreatWay for more than a decade, said shes been underwater with calls since the storm last month.

The company, which is booking house calls about two weeks out due to the high volume of requests, even hired extra workers for support.

Ive pretty much been by the phone, she said. People are panicking because they dont want water in their house, which is understandable.

However, she said, homeowners shouldnt get their leaky roofs fixed in haste.

Espinosa said most homeowners insurance companies will pay for tarps to protect houses from unwanted water damage.

We suggest they look into that so they can make a good decision and dont have to make a quick decision, the office manager said. If you get someone who is not necessarily qualified but can do the work (fast), you might have to go back and redo something. But if they take some temporary measures to cover the initial leak, they can take their time getting the right contractor.

Espinosa said people often put off fixing or replacing their roofs because it can be costly and you dont get to see it.

But keeping the roof maintained could save money down the road, she said, adding the expense is worth it.

Your roof is important. Its protecting everything.

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It's raining business for roofing companies - Camarillo Acorn

Few lake-view homesites remain at Sunset Pointe

Since its grand opening only eight months ago, 15 new homes have been sold in the small Southwest Cape Coral community of Sunset Pointe. Only six lake-view homesites remain in the quiet neighborhood located at the end of Cape Coral Parkway. In addition, D.R. Horton's Southwest Florida division has also just released two new home plans in the community.

Homes start at $279,990 at Sunset Pointe, each with a two- or three-car garage. The public is invited to tour the professionally decorated Camden model. Featuring 2,795 square feet of living space, this one-story home offers four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. A great room and caf space adjoin an open kitchen and overlook the lanai.

The 1,641-square-foot Avon and 1,816-square-foot Clifton floor plans are the new additions. These homes are designed to get the most efficiency and enjoyment out of a smaller, more maintenance-friendly footprint. At the heart of the Avon is an open-concept living room, kitchen and dining area that flow to an expansive outdoor living area. A flex room in the Clifton can be configured with optional French doors or as an optional third bedroom.

All plans feature tile roofs and paver drivers, and select sites offer views of a central fountain lake.

The public is invited to tour a professionally decorated model, which is open seven days a week at 3067 Sunset Pointe Circle in Cape Coral. For an appointment or more information, contact sales agent Robin Hull at (239) 850-2492.

Founded in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas, D.R. Horton has operations in 78 markets in 26 states in the East, Midwest, Southeast, South Central, Southwest and West regions of the United States. For more information, visit http://www.drhorton.com/swfla.

RE/MAX Realty Partners announces 'Top Agents' for January

RE/MAX Really Partners has recognized its top three agents in residential closed real estate for January 2017.

Maureen Gobbi was the "Top Agent" in the office. She has many years of experience in all aspects of residential sales and can be reached at 239-850-0448 or morecape@morecapecoral.com

Rachel Dysarczyk and Bob Osborne attained the No. 2 and 3 positions as office leaders for January. Both are seasoned agents with many years experience in residential real estate locally, working with both buyers and sellers. Dysarczyk can be reached at 239-898-3948 or rachelgetsresults@hotmail.com. Osborne can be reached at 239-850-4279 or bosborne1@hotmail.com

RE/MAX Realty Partners is a full service residential, commercial and property management firm located at 3501 Del Prado Blvd., Suite 110, in Cape Coral, FL 33904. All inquiries are welcome at 239-424-7387.

Neal Communities debuts new floor plans at Daniels Place

Neal Communities (NealCommunities.com) recently introduced two new floor plans at Daniels Place, a master-planned community in Fort Myers with 85 single-family homes.

The new floor plans offer homebuyers the flexibility of adding a second story. The Silver Mist 3 is the most recent addition to Daniels Place. With 2,912 square feet of living space, the new design features four bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms and a three-car garage. The Silver Mist 3 also has separate dining room and office areas as well as a covered lanai.

The community's other addition, the Sea Star, offers a bonus room option, which takes the community's original plan and incorporates a second story. The 2,379-square-foot Sea Star offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a three-car garage. Similar to the Silver Mist 3, the Sea Star also has separate dining room and den spaces as well as a covered lanai.

Located in the Daniels Parkway location, homes in the community feature views of an 8.4-acre natural preserve area and a 2.71-acre lake. Homes start from the high $200,000s.

For more information, visit the sales center at 8251 Wildlife Preserve Lane in Fort Myers or call 239-220-1743.

With over 40 years of experience building homes, Neal Communities has over 70 communities throughout Southwest Florida. The Lakewood Ranch-based builder, to date, has built over 11,000 homes in Southwest Florida. For more information, please visit http://www.NealCommunities.com.

Fischler Property Co. facilitates closing of downtown office space in Fort Myers

Fischler Property Company recently assisted in the sale of a Class A office condo located at 2121 West First St., Unit 2, in downtown Fort Myers. The seller was 2121 West First Street LLC, and the buyer is Courtside LLC.

Michael F. Curran, of Fischler Property Company, arranged the sale of this office condo. The property is located at the corner of West First Street and Clifford Street, one block from the Caloosahatchee River directly southwest of the heart of Fort Myers' Downtown River District. The condo encompasses the entire second story of a two-story building constructed in 1973 and extensively renovated, both exterior and interior, in 2005. The unit contains 3,157 square feet of rentable area with both stairwell and elevator access.

Fischler Property Company is a commercial real estate firm focused on investment, infill and redevelopment across Southwest Florida.

For more information, visit http://www.fischlerco.com, call 239-288-9754, or email Michael Curran at mfc@fischlerco.com.

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Frances Parrish , frances.parrish@independentmail.com Published 9:03 a.m. ET March 11, 2017 | Updated 13 hours ago

A maintenance man does repair work on a closet causing odor in the gym at Riverside Middle School on Thursday, March 9, 2017 in Pendleton.(Photo: Katie McLean/ Independent Mail)

Cracked floors, aging roofs and separating walls are just some of the issues Anderson School District 4 hopes to eradicate with the construction of a new middle school.

Last month, the Pendleton-based school board voted to move forward with a $79 million bond referendum. It will go before voters May 2.

On the list of projects, District 4 Superintendent Joanne Avery saidbeing building repairs, new construction and safety upgrades are some of the immediate needs of the district.

"The plan is a result of lots of data collection and inclusion from the community," Avery said.

Instructional projects make upabout $62 million of the referendum. These projects include a new middle school, roof upgrades as well asheating, ventilation and air conditioning systemreplacements and upgrades to threeelementary schools. An agriculture classroom, lab and a sustainable garden are also on the list.

In the category of safety, about $3 million, projects includenew security gates for Mount Lebanon, Pendleton and Townville elementary schools as well as Pendleton High School. The other projects includecommunication safety rooms,outdoor fencing and door and window safety upgrades at all schools.

Narrow hallways are a hallmark of older sections of Riverside Middle School on Thursday, March 9, 2017 in Pendleton.(Photo: Katie McLean/ Independent Mail)

"We've spent a lot of time looking at safety," Avery said. "We have a different lens that we're looking at safety now. Having been through a school shooting, you take a step back and look at things a little differently."

Athletic projects equal about $11 million of the referendum. These projects includenew practice fields, a competition track and soccer field, a new competition high school gym as well as a renovated softball field and field house.

Spending on outdoor recreational projects would be about$2 million.Projects consist of playground upgrades at La France, Pendleton and Townville elementary schools, as well as walking trails for La France and Mount Lebanon elementary schools.Townville Elementary School athletic field upgrades are also on the list.

The biggest single expense is the new middle school. With the existing aging school, officials say it's more cost efficient in the long run to build a new one.

Harris team reflects five generations of flooring expertise

Construction bid, director next for Anderson joint career center

"There's a lot of structural concerns based on the age of the (middle)school. It's going to need HVAC and roof renovations. The one road access point in (to the school) is a concern," Avery said. "We've spoken to DOT, and they've said once you touch that school, you'll have to deal with that road."

Riverside Middle School was built in 1955, and about 75 percent of the building is original. Prior to 1997, an addition with several classrooms was constructed and building renovations were also made in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Then in the mid-2000s, the kitchen, media center and several classrooms were renovated and expanded.

Now, aging clay pipes leave a sewer and musty smell throughout the school.Many of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning units are about 15 years old, and are so loudteachers have to use microphones in class so the students can hear them.

"When it's running, you're competing to be heard," said Riverside Middle School Principal Kevin Black.

About a year ago, the concrete overhang from the roof on the second floor was sagging and the district constructed braces to stabilize it.

In an upstairseighth-grade hallway,the floor near the stairwell is cracked and uneven, and the roof leaks, leaving brownstains on the ceiling tiles.

Significant cracks in the flooring can be seen in some of the older sections of Riverside Middle School on Thursday, March 9, 2017 in Pendleton.(Photo: Katie McLean/ Independent Mail)

In another hallway,the tileand concrete in the floor is separating. While it's been covered by a piece of metal so no one trips, the cracks are still exposed in theteacher's break room.

"How much longer do you have without pouring a lot of money into it?" Black said."The older the facility, the more problems you're going to have."

About 10 more classrooms are needed to house sixth-grade in the middle school, something the district believes is best for the children because they lose instructional time at the elementary schools,

Other significant building upgrades include roof and HVAC renovations for La France, Pendleton and Townville elementary schools. According to the report from Shepard & Associates, LLC, part of La France's roof needs to be repairedand another part of the roof will outlive it's lifespan in three to five years.

At Pendleton Elementary, part of the roof is 19 years old, and the company recommends to replace the roof as soon as possible instead of waiting until the end of its 25-year lifespan.

At Townville Elementary, part of the roof has outlived its lifespan and is recommended to be replaced as soon as possible, while newer additions to the school need a little maintenance.

"The renovations for the HVAC and roofs have to be done," Avery said. "That's an immediate need that will have to take place."

If the bond referendum passes, Avery said she hopes to get all or most of the projects completed in three to four years.

Follow Frances Parrish on Twitter @frances_AIM

Anderson School District 4 calls $79 million bond referendum

Anderson School District 4 keeps projects tabled

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District 4 bond would replace school with cracked floors, leaky roof - Anderson Independent Mail

Receiver Robert Woods saw opportunity on the field and also a chance to come home. Offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth wanted to move west, and provide stability and leadership for a young team.

The new Rams players, of course, mainly were drawn by the huge paydays they will earn after they signed free-agent contracts on Friday.

They are key additions for a franchise aiming to improve its fortune and end what has grown to a 13-year playoff drought.

During an introductory news conference at Cal Lutheran, Woods and Whitworth said they were looking forward to playing for new Coach Sean McVay and with quarterback Jared Goff.

Woods grew up in Carson and starred at Gardena Serra High and USC before he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2013.

The Rams made the trip home and so did I, said Woods, who received a five-year deal that could be worth as much as $39 million. Big day, very exciting. I just cant wait to get going and look forward to working with Jared Goff.

McVay said he has been a fan of Woods since the receiver was running precise routes for USC.

Hes one of the rare players that has the ability to play both on the inside and the outside, McVay said.

Woods joins a receivers corps that includes Tavon Austin, the eighth pick in the 2013 draft, and second-year pros Pharoh Cooper, Michael Thomas and Nelson Spruce.

My biggest thing, or how I look at my game is as a complete receiver, said Woods, who has 203 career receptions, 12 for touchdowns. A complete receiver needs to be able to play inside and outside. I think I can move all around the field. I can match up against quick corners. I can match up against big corners with speed and quickness.

While the Rams were drawn to Woods because of his potential, the 6-foot-7, 330-pound Whitworth brings 11 years of NFL experience at left tackle.

Whitworth has played his entire career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, including the last two seasons.

His resume kind of speaks for itself, McVay said. I havent seen, really, any falloff. Hes a pros pro.

The Bengals tried to keep Whitworth, but their offer reportedly did not include the number of contract years or guarantees offered by the Rams. Whitworth agreed to terms on Thursday.

This just seemed like one of those opportunities, he said. To go and make a difference and try to be a part of a locker room that I could be a leader and be someone that can help a team turn in a direction that they want to go.

At 35, Whitworth is the oldest player on the Rams roster and four years older than McVay.

Age is obviously an issue, he said, laughing. But he has not missed a start in the last three seasons. I still feel like Im going to win enough percentages of blocks that youre going to feel like thats not a position you have to worry about.

The addition of Whitworth, McVay said, will send Greg Robinson to right tackle, where he will compete with third-year pro Rob Havenstein. In the wake of the release of center Tim Barnes, McVay said interior linemen would be trained at guards and center while the Rams continue to search for replacements.

Barnes was among four veterans removed from the roster via trade or release, including defensive linemen William Hayes and Eugene Sims as well as tight end Lance Kendricks. All had significant histories playing under former Coach Jeff Fisher.

McVay said the departures were not an attempt by the organization to distance himself from the Fisher era.

Theres a lot of respect in this building, and me personally, for Coach Fisher and what hes accomplished and what he did here, he said. Its more along the lines of looking at what weve got in place, what weve seen out there in free agency and through the draft and how we can find a way to make the best roster decisions.

The Rams have about $17 million in salary-cap space.

That could grow if they release more players, or if they trade cornerback Trumaine Johnson. The Rams put the franchise tag on Johnson for the second year in a row and will pay him $16.7 million this season if they cannot work out a long-term deal.

Notes

The Rams tendered restricted free-agent defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks, who is due to appear in court next week after his arrest in Sacramento last week on suspicion of felony domestic abuse. Were continuing to gather information in regards to that, McVay said. Its a very serious incident. Were just continuing to gather those facts. Really see what went on. But were hoping to get some things figured out and then how that affects and dictates the way that well move forward. . Tre Mason, a running back who did not play last season after several off-the-field incidents, was waived by the Rams, according to the NFLs transaction report. Mason, a third-round pick from Auburn in 2014, was placed on the did not report list at the start of training camp last July. Mason had been arrested four months earlier on suspicion of drug and driving-related offenses. He also was reportedly involved in other incidents that required police intervention. Mason, 23, rushed for 972 yards and scored six touchdowns in two seasons.

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New Rams cite opportunity to play in new offense for heading west - Los Angeles Times

News & Observer

Duke's pieces coming together as it heads into ACC title game News & Observer Still, considering the rough ride Notre Dame had its first time through the conference -- Jerian Grant's second semester ineligibility effectively wrecked the Irish in 2013-14 -- the work Brey has done since stands out even more. Brey frequently ... and more »

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Duke's pieces coming together as it heads into ACC title game - News & Observer

To properly figure the replacement cost of your home, don't rely on Zillow estimates or what you paid for your house when you bought it.

"Market value is not comparable to construction cost," says Brydon. Market value includes the cost of the land and depends on things like your home's location, the economy, and the price you could sell it for. The cost of new construction to replace your home could be very different.

So Brydon recommends that you make a date with yourinsuranceagent. He'll have software that can estimate the replacement cost of your home. To make sure you get the most accurate replacement cost, follow these steps:

Review your home's vital statistics as listed in your policy. Make sure the policy includes correct information about your home's square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, its age, and the structural materials it's built with. Also check that the type of flooringlisted in the policy is accurate.

"If you've added a second story to the house or remodeled with top-of-the-line upgrades, keep your agent in the loop," saysChris Hackett, senior director of personal lines at the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, a trade group. Such a change would make a big difference in how much insurance you need.

Get a "new-policy" quote. Even if you're renewing your policy, ask your agent to recalculate your home's reconstruction value using the most current construction cost data and updated property details. A "new policy" estimate will likely be more precise than a "renewal" quote, which may be based on less up-to-date info.

Request a copy of the reconstruction valuation report.Review it for accuracy and make any corrections necessary. Ask the agent if you have any questions.

Repeat this process every year or two.One reason so many are underinsured is inertia. Homeowners buy insurance when they buy their home, then they forget about it. Rising construction costs can quickly outdate your policy limits.

Buy the extended replacement cost endorsement. Most homeowners insurance provides for replacement cost up to specified limits. Hackett says you want extended replacement cost coverage, which will typically pay up to 25 percent above your limits. That costs more, but it's especially important when natural disaster strikes and the sudden large demand for construction labor and materials causes price spikes.

Protect against other perils. Another reason homeowners can find themselves underinsured is because standard homeowners insurance policies don't cover everything.Youll need additional policies for flooding and earthquakes. You might also need separate policies for hurricanes, wind, and hail if you live in a high-risk zone.

Consider getting a "floater" to your policy. If you own unusually valuable furs, jewelry, silverware, or artwork, a floater could cover the full value of those items. If you live in an older home, consider adding an ordinance or law endorsement (an extra feature), which will help pay the higher cost of bringing plumbing, wiring, or other key systems up to current codes when rebuilding.

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How to Give Yourself a Home Insurance Checkup - Consumer Reports - ConsumerReports.org

(NAPSI)You can keep your windows from decreasing your homes energy efficiency and increasing your monthly energy bills.

Windows typically account for 15 to 30 percent of the total heating load in a structure and may account for over half the summer cooling load. Money may be escaping out your windows.

I encourage homeowners to think of the hot and cool spots throughout their homes, said Darrell Smith, Executive Director of the nonprofit International Window Film Association (IWFA). These are indicators of areas that can be addressed to help boost a homes efficiency.

Full window replacement may not be the most cost-effective means for improvement.

A professional installation of window film can provide the sameif not morebenefits for homeowners as complete window replacements, said Smith. In addition, a film installation can often be completed without a major disruption in use of the rooms.

According to Smith, the potential savings per dollar can be seven times that of the installation of new windows. On average, an installation on a single-family home may range from $4 to $12 per square foot, depending on the type of window film installed.

Once window film is installed, it can help block up to 84 percent of the suns heatkeeping a home cool in summerand help hold heat inside during winterresulting in lower energy bills and a warmer environment.

An additional feature of window film is the ability to block up to 99 percent of ultraviolet rays from passing through a window, said Smith. This offers homeowners an extra measure of protection for furniture, floors and cherished heirlooms.

For more on window film or to find an accredited installer, visit http://www.iwfa.com.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)

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Clearly, Window Film Saves Money - The Southeast Sun

By MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON Associated Press

Dwain Livengood can save money on his home renovation project by doing the work himself. But he also knows that do-it-yourself projects in historic homes like his 100-year-old farmhouse require extra planning and research, and that mistakes can be costly.

Self-awareness is pretty huge, says Livengood, who grew up in the house in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and is the third generation of his family to own it. Saving money isn't worth it if in the end it looks like an amateur did it.

He is planning the first major renovations to the property, including a new kitchen, hardwood floor restorations and window repair.

DIY fails in historic homes can do more than look bad; they can seriously damage a home's structure and character, says Jody Robinson, historic preservation officer for the city of Bellevue, Kentucky. DIY has a place in historic home renovation, she says, but it needs to be well-researched.

If your home or neighborhood has a historical designation, there probably are restrictions on what you can do, particularly to exteriors. Consult with local authorities before initiating projects or hiring contractors.

The difference with a historic home is the materials used and how they were constructed, Robinson says.

Slate roofs, wood gutters, weight-and-pulley windows, plaster walls and old building materials require special attention, experts say. Luckily, there are numerous places where owners of historic homes can find information about which projects they should and shouldn't attempt on their own.

Cities, preservations societies, restoration enthusiasts, and even businesses that specialize in historic renovation offer workshops and classes. Window repair, plastering, basic fireplace fixes and tiling are among the most popular subjects.

Understanding your home's construction and appreciating historic renovation methods are the first step, says Benjamin Curran, department head for historic preservation at Savannah Technical College in Georgia. Through its Historic Homeowners Academy, the school teaches classes geared to the do-it-yourselfer.

When homeowners try to apply modern solutions to old homes a remodel can easily turn into a re-muddle, Curran says. For example, using the wrong mortar can damage old bricks.

He recommends taking a class and consulting with a professional or historical preservationist.

From there, it's a question of what is achievable. What is the breadth of your skill set? Where might you stretch yourself and learn more? Curran says.

Jim Wigton, president of the Monrovia (California) Historic Preservation Group, says it was formed nearly 40 years ago by residents who were restoring homes and wanted to share knowledge.

At the beginning of the organization, we invited craftspeople in to share how to do things, says Wigton, adding that group also offers a home tour and works on city-wide preservation projects.

Livengood, who has experience restoring antique carriage and tractors, plans on repairing the 40 wood windows in his foursquare house this spring. Using tips from a professional restoration company, he will replace the rope that holds the cast-iron weights that allow the windows to move up and down, and will paint the windows interiors. He's hired a professional to tackle the exterior. He anticipates the work he does will reduce the repair costs by $200 per window.

Windows are a good DIY project because the work is more time-consuming than difficult, says Danielle Keperling, who with her parents and husband owns Historic Restorations in Lancaster. Her company is open to teaching the how-tos in order to reduce project costs, she says.

To maintain a home's historical character, repairing old windows rather than installing new ones makes a big difference, says Keperling.

Windows show the age of the house, she says.

Whenever Doug Heavilin hires a professional to work on his 1902 Queen Anne Victorian in Franklin, Indiana, he shadows the person, soaking up as much information as he can.

I've learned 90 percent of what I know about plumbing by sitting there and watching a plumber, says Heavilin, who is restoring the 4,700-square-foot house with his wife, Amy. They've finished five of the home's 22 rooms.

During their restoration journey, they've learned to install tile, hang wallpaper and drywall, repair plaster, and match stain and paint. He once engineered a solution to create rounded replacement pieces for their home's turret.

The Heavilins read books and magazines, watch videos, take classes and swap tips with other homeowners before starting a project.

But they also know things might not go as planned, and say it's important to be flexible. You never know what you're going to find, says Amy Heavilin, recalling the time they discovered that their dining room chandelier was wired to a pipe with a coat hanger.

We're at the point where I'm pretty comfortable with whatever we find, Doug Heavilin adds. I'm not always happy, but I'm comfortable.

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DIY work on older houses takes extra know-how, flexibility - Dothan Eagle

Jessica Williams jessicawtn

The Alamance-Burlington School Systems Joint Facilities Task Force held what was ultimately an informational meeting Friday morning to introduce new members and get them up to speed on the current state of school facilities.

Assistant Superintendent for Operations Todd Thorpe presented the five-year facilities plan, which contains schedules for painting, repaving, repairing covered walkways, installing new lighting and roofs, HVAC and window replacement, carpet removal, electrical upgrades for nearly all schools, and a new gym floor for Broadview and South Graham.

County Planning Director Libby Hodges also presented an update on projected growth in Alamance County that uses a formula to predict how many students will be added to each school by all currently approved housing developments.

A chart showed that growth is concentrated mostly in the Mebane area, which could mean trouble for the already-over-capacity Eastern Alamance High School, and demonstrates the need the Board of Education hopes for a new high school to be built between Eastern and Southern.

Board of Education member Patsy Simpson expressed some frustration with the lack of discussion about funding the new high school considering that county commissioners Tim Sutton and Bill Lashley are on the task force.

Im hoping at some point this committee and where were heading to is how to financially address where we need to be in the future, Simpson said. I recall when we met with the county commissioners, saying, God, I hope we can get Tim and Bill on this facilities committee because I want you guys to be with us, meaning with the board. What I would like to see on the agenda is honest feedback from you two as far as what you want to discuss in order for us to be friends and for us to really talk about how we can work with you two guys to get where we need to get.

The Board of County Commissioners is responsible for funding capital improvements in the school system, and will decide how the $150 million redistricting plan that includes two new schools and renovations for current facilities is funded.

Sutton and Lashley, the most fiscally conservative members of the board, have spoken out against building new schools and using public-private partnerships to help fund construction in the past, but their first two meetings on the Facilities Task Force havent delved into those details.

Sutton told Simpson that hes also eager to start that discussion, and that coming up with a plan they can sell to taxpayers would be essential to funding new facilities and renovations.

It works two ways. Youve got to show us what you want to do, and weve got some good ideas as far as what we think you ought to do, Sutton said. But more than anything, PR-wise, weve got to convince the public, if this is a bond referendum, or even us, as far as how money can be put out there as a result of things we do, not just bonds. It has to be a PR deal thats a good package for everybody.

Between now and next months meeting, members of the Task Force plan to visit Southern Alamance High School, which is one the districts most overcrowded high schools with the greatest need for renovations, to see first-hand whats needed to meet the school systems goal of having world class facilities.

Reporter Jessica Williams can be reached at jessica.williams@thetimesnews.com or at 336-506-3046. Follow her on Twitter at @jessicawtn

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Joint panel eager to talk funding - Burlington Times News

Thursday was a day of moving forward in the Greene County Hunter Education Firing Range project, with bids for security cameras and HVAC systems being awarded and physical progress being made at the range due to the days excellent weather.

At the same time workers at the range site were moving and stacking timber and brush cut to open up the trap/skeet area of the range, members of the committee overseeing the grant-funded project were approving bids for range security camera and HVAC systems.

Blountvilles Dynamark Security Inc. was granted the job of installing security-and-safety cameras at the range, which must be finished in September under terms of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency grant funding the work.

Dynamark brought in the low bid of $14,900, beating out three other bidders. Some of the cameras installed will be wireless while others will be hard-wired, depending on the terrain and vegetation.

The purpose of the cameras is primarily to be for monitoring the shooting areas for safety reasons, and to provide a visual record of any firearms accidents, should any ever occur.

If anything happens, we want to be able to see it, Greeneville Police Chief Terry Cannon, a committee member, said.

Installation of the cameras is expected to take about 12 days.

Another bid granted Thursday was for HVAC systems at the range, primarily for the administration/classroom building that is now almost entirely enclosed and which has utilities roughed in.

Air Pro Heating and Cooling of Greeneville brought in the low bid of $32,800. The work is expected to take about 14 days once it begins.

HVAC needs at the range are limited in that many of its structures are open pavilions and shelters.

At the range, work included clearing and piling downed trees and brush that had been removed in what will become the trap/skeet area.

Work in that area of the range has proceeded somewhat slowly due to its low elevation, which has caused frequently muddy conditions in rainy periods. Thursdays clear skies and moderate temperatures helped dry the area enough to allow heavy equipment to lift and stack the cleared wood.

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Work Advances At Hunter Education Firing Range - Greeneville Sun