Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Layering Twice is Not so Nice If you need a new roof, and two layers of roofing are already in place, building codes require stripping the roofing down to the sheathing. Most homes are strong enough to support two layers of roofing, but installing some of the heavier laminated shingles over even a single layer may overstress rafters and other structural parts of your home. If you are considering doubling up, check the manufacturer's warranty of the new roofing material to make sure it covers that type of usage.

Another important reason to consider complete removal before re-roofing is to have your roofer check for rot, water damage, or insect infestation underneath. Figure on an extra $100 per 100 square feet to strip off and dispose of the old shingles.

Whenever a new roof is installedor if old shingles are being removedyou'll need new underlayment (roofing felt) to create a moisture barrier between the roofing and the wood sheathing and rafters underneath. The sheathing may also have to be replaced if it's damaged.

Estimating Costs Suppliers sell roofing by the square, or 100-square-foot area. To estimate how much roofing you'll need, multiply the overall length and width of each roof section in feet to measure its area and add 10 percent to allow for waste. Then divide by 100 to determine how many squares you'll need. Figure on about 30 squares for a typical 2,300-square-foot house, plus roughly $3,500 to $10,000 for labor. Keep an extra bundle of shingles for minor repairs, like after a heavy storm.

Watch the Warranty A full warranty covers replacement of defective materials, while a materials warranty offers prorated coverage. Most warranties include full reimbursement for materials and installation for a limited timeup to 10 years for asphalt shingles and 50 years for fake slate and steel roofing we've seen. Generally, none of the warranties cover damage from winds above 85 mph. Nor do they cover faulty installation; ask for a separate labor warranty from the installer. Save all receipts and invoices.

First Rate Fire Rating Look for roofing with the highest fire rating, Class A.

The Solar Factor If you're considering going solar and also replacing your roof, it would be best to have them installed at the same time. Ideally, a structural engineer as well as a roofer should assess the roofs condition, including how much weight it can handle. Before installing a rooftop solar system, contact the roofing products manufacturer for written approval of the solar installation to ensure the roofing warranty will not be voided. Also, the fire classifications for the roof assembly and the solar system should be the same.

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Best Roofing Buying Guide - Consumer Reports

MCGREGOR, Texas (KWTX) A fire that broke out early Tuesday afternoon in a metal building at a McGregor roofing materials plant continued to burn Tuesday night.

Smoke from the fire was visible at least 45 miles away.

The fire was reported at around 1:45 p.m. in a building at GAP Roofing at 1158 Bunker Rd. in McGregor.

About twelve employees were evacuated from the facility before the first firefighters arrived.

The roof of the building, in which asphalt-saturated roofing felt was stored, later collapsed.

It was too dangerous for firefighters to go inside, so officials said Tuesday night they were letting the fire burn out.

Firefighters were able to keep the flames from reaching asphalt tanks near the building, but were keeping a close eye on them, McGregor Fire Chief Marty Dominguez said.

There was no immediate concern that the tanks might explode, he said.

Jeffrey Mincy, EMS Director/Chief Paramedic with Coryell Memorial Healthcare System EMS, said the fire had died down significantly by nightfall, but at least two crews would be out there at all times to monitor the blaze and put water on the tanks to keep them cool.

Volunteer firefighters from McGregor, Coryell City, Oglesby, and Gatesville responded to the fire, as did firefighters from the City of Waco Fire Department.

Earlier in the day, crews were driving fire units into McGregor in order to fill tanks with water as they continued to battle the flames.

As the fire died down, less water was needed, so the rural hydrant system at the site was adequate, said Mincy.

Mincy said the building would be burning for days.

Officials with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality were on scene Tuesday night evaluating the impact and potential hazards of the smoke caused by the materials being burned.

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Fire consumes building, contents at local roofing company - KWTX

Idaho Statesman

'Con artist' sentenced to 20 years for stealing nearly $400000 from roofing companies Idaho Statesman Josh Adams, owner of Paradigm Roofing Group in Boise, offered a statement to the court Monday about the damage Deveraux caused to his finances and reputation. In addition to stealing money from Adams, Deveraux also spread false rumors about Adams ...

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'Con artist' sentenced to 20 years for stealing nearly $400000 from roofing companies - Idaho Statesman

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN) Shares Bought by Aberdeen ... Sports Perspectives Beacon Roofing Supply logo Aberdeen Asset Management PLC UK boosted its stake in Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (NASDAQ:BECN) by 71.0% during the ... Shares of Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN) Sees Large Outflow of MoneyHighland Mirror The Radnor Capital Management LLC Takes Position in Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN)DailyQuint FY2018 EPS Estimates for Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN) Cut by Northcoast ResearchThe Cerbat Gem BBNS -CML News -Trade Calls all 11 news articles »

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Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN) Shares Bought by Aberdeen ... - Sports Perspectives

February 2, 2017 Updated 2/2/2017

DaVinci Roofscapes Davinci Roofscapes improved production efficiencies for its polymer roof shakes and slate products, which allowed it to cut costs to its customers to better compete with traditional materials.

Orlando, Fla. DaVinci Roofscapes is passing along a reduction in internal costs to its customers with high hopes that homeowners ultimately will enjoy the savings on its polyethylene shake and slate products.

Price cuts of 11 to 16 percent went into effect in the fourth quarter of 2016 as the Lenexa, Kan.-based manufacturer repositions itself to be more competitive with natural alternatives like cedar and other roofing materials like asphalt.

Rather than hold on to that additional profit, we wanted to pass it on to the market, DaVinci CEO Ray Rosewall said at the International Builders Show in Orlando. We want homeowners to know they should be paying less so the contractors and distributors arent tempted to hold onto the extra dollars.

Its working in one region already, he added.

With our stock distributors in the Northwest, we are equal to or less than real wood, Rosewall said. Were in a significantly better position than weve ever been.

Founded in 1999, DaVincis lineup used to be considered specialty products, but company officials say it has gone mainstream since the first installations in 2001. Rosewall said from an aesthetic, performance and cost standpoint, synthetic roofing products are very competitive nowadays.

In 2016, about 85 percent of DaVincis business was replacement roofing and 15 percent was new construction, compared to an 80-20 ratio before the housing bubble.

During the depths of the building recession it was like 5 percent new construction, so things have improved and we expect it to continue, Rosewall said, adding that the company saw double-digit growth last year.

DaVinci Roofscapes DaVinci automated some operations to cut production costs of its roofing systems.

DaVinci also realized some operational efficiencies that prompted the price decrease. Some 1,000-ton machines were added in recent years that took production from molding two parts in a cycle to eight parts. Then, wheels were put on the off-the-shelf conveyors so they can be rolled into place for in-line collating. Customers get bundles of pre-sorted product in all the different widths, sizes and colors they ordered.

With other companies you have to do that on the job site, Rosewall said. That adds time and youre totally dependent on how effectively they shuffle products together. By 3 in the afternoon theyre not as motivated as 8 a.m. and you get inconsistent color segregation on the roof. You get down and see a purple splotch. Weve eliminated that risk by doing it in-house for the roofer.

Previously, the production crew would mold all the 9-inch parts, put them on a pallet and then into the stock room until they were needed. Then, all the various sizes and colors for a job would be taken out of stock for collating and bundling.

Now we do all that when we mold, Rosewall said. Weve eliminated the double handling. Weve eliminated the additional labor. Its much more efficient for us and it improves our response time to the customer.

The change didnt affect the full-time workforce, and it eliminated the need to bring in temporary workers for collating, Rosewall said.

DaVinci also has tweaked its material technology with foaming agents that reduce resin content and product weight, particularly for its starter shingles.

A lot of the companys EcoBlend roofing products are being shipped west to California, where the shake and slate tiles can help builders meet the states Title 24 code requirements that call for zero-net energy houses by 2020 and non-residential buildings by 2030. The EcoBlend lineup has been approved by the Cool Roof Rating Council to reflect sunlight and heat away from a house or commercial structure. The roof tiles reduce the cooling load of a building, which saves energy and contributes to a lower heat island effect in heavily populated areas. DaVinci is out with four new EcoBlend colors for a total of six.

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DaVinci cuts its prices for polymer roofs - Plastics News

Heads-up, Angelenos: Roofing scams are popping up in the wake of recent storms.

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer warned residents Thursday about falling victim to roofing scams, saying his office has already received complaints.

Feuer said his office has only received several complaints so far this year, but he is putting out the warning because "we are at this moment where we can prevent ... complaints if we do our work collectively well.''

At a news conference at City Hall East, Feuer highlighted a recent case where an elderly couple paid an unlicensed contractor $5,900 for roof repairs that instead made the problem worse.

Feuer's office is seeking more than $95,000 in restitution for the couple. The man was convicted of contracting without a license and must perform community service and was placed on probation for three years.

Feuer said consumers should be wary of contractors who show up at their door unsolicited, ask for a large down payment in advance, or say they will do the work without a permit.

Numerous problems are associated with hiring unlicensed contractors, Feuer said, noting that they often are not bonded, typically do not have workers' compensation insurance and are frequently not trained to do the work.

Rick Lopes, chief of public affairs for the California State Licensing Board, said some scam artists will prey on elderly, physically infirm couples, make up a non-existent roof repair problem and then pretend to do the work before making off with an easy payment.

Lopes estimated there are 60,000 to 70,000 unlicensed contractors working in the state and said his office gets roughly 20,000 complaints per year, but he could not say how many are related to roofing scams.

With the state having been in a severe drought the last few years, the scams change, Lopes said. He pointed out that roughly a year ago, he and Feuer held a similar news conference to warn about scams related to the drought.

"The fact is there are going to be people out there (doing scams) no matter what's happening,'' Lopes said.

Published at 4:04 PM PST on Feb 2, 2017 | Updated at 6:05 PM PST on Feb 2, 2017

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Watch Out: Roofing Scams Popping Up in Wake of LA Storms - NBC Southern California

BRANDON HUTCHESON

bhutcheson@stategazette.com

The Dyersburg City School Board convened for their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. inside the central office buildings boardroom.

All board members, as well as city schools director Neel Durbin, were present.

Board chairman Dr. Scott Self began the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Under new business, Dr. Self turned the meeting over to DHS Principal Kim Worley.

Worley then presented the addition of a CTE Course at the high school.

For the last several years, we have talked about students achieving a certificate of some type, state Worley. So we have partnered with TCAT for students to do different things to earn a certificate in something. The last several years we have been doing welding.

In the course, TCAT supplies the teacher, at no cost to DHS. They would teach at the DHS campus for the benefit of DHS students, who would also receive duel-enrollment credit.

The grant for the program was written by TCAT, and DHS will receive over $100,000 in equipment for the addition of a Machine Tool Technology program.

Black and Decker, about half of their employees will turn over in the next few years, so they are looking for some people to go into that field, added Worley.

For the course, DHS would have to undergo a brief construction period on the west-wing building, for the wiring and addition of a roll-up door. The total project would come in at a cost of approximately $16,000, which would be the only cost to the school.

Worley added that the construction would be completed by spring break.

She also mentioned that the construction of the $500,000 hitting facility began last Monday.

The purpose of the hitting facility is to provide more space for athletes and coaches. According to Worley, the facility will house batting and pitching cages as well as full turf throughout the building.

She added that through fundraisers and donations from the previous year over $100,000 was raised. DHS sold roll-up doors to various companies for $25,000 each. DHS baseball and softball will also give another $100,000 over the course of 10 years, from funds from their annual fundraisers, and the high school itself will give another $100,000. Worley added that they are still roughly $90,000 short from the half-million mark.

We have a proposal on how we could rent that [the hitting facility] out, added Worley. If our baseball and softball teams are paying to use that facility, then [other groups/organizations] will have to pay to use that facility as well.

The other thing is that it is not taking money out of any other funds as well. It is not costing the general fund, so its not taking away from teacher pay, teacher insurance, or any other type of fund.

I think it is important to point out that the city agreed to loan us the money at 0 percent interest to help us get things going, so we appreciate them, added Dr. Self.

She added that the project should be completed by April.

Also Director Durbin presented a bid for restrooms to be added at the softball field in the amount of $46,000.

Those items were approved behind a motion of Dr. Matt Tosh with a second from Gleyn Twilla. The motion passed with a full board vote.

The board then moved to a review of 22 policies. Other than minor amendments in language, no detailed discussion occurred. Twilla made a motion to approve the amendments of the existing policies with a second from Yates. All members voted in favor, and the motion passed.

Also the board held a first and second reading of Policy 4.206 Special Programs. The policy was approved with a full board vote behind a motion from Yates and a second from Carlos Doss.

A lengthy list of student successes from DHS, DMS, and DIS were presented before the board as well.

A group of seven DHS FFA freshmen participated in a Parliamentary Procedure presentation. These FFA members were under the guidance of Patsy Peckenpaugh, first-year advisor for DHS FFA. The team was the top scoring team in regional competition, and will be competing on the state level in March.

Dr. Self announced that the board will be visiting DMS at 8 a.m. on Feb. 24, and also that a board retreat will be held in Jackson from Feb. 24 25.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

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Additions at DHS, policies OK'd at city school board meeting - State Gazette

At the podium, architect Fredrick Kincaid presents plans for the Lorraine Avenue project on Monday night, Feb. 6.(Photo: Mollie Shauger/NorthJersey.com)

After roughly three hours of testimony and questions from Montclair Planning Board members and the public, an amended plan to redevelop the former Warner Communications building on Lorraine Avenue will have to wait at least another month for resolution.

The developer, Michael Pavel, has been seeking approval for a mixed-use development at 237-249 Lorraine Ave., near the Upper Montclair Train Stationand within walking distance of Valley Road businesses.

There have been several hearings before the Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission within the past year. Duringthat time, the board heard and approved a plan for a two-floor building consisting of 4,925 square feet of retail space on the first floor and 5,300 square feet of medical office or general office space on the second floor, along with 60 parking spaces.

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The developer then amended the plans, increasing the second-floor office space by 3,671 square feet, ora 36 percent increase in building area. The second floor would contain general office suites.

On Monday night, Feb. 6, there was debate amongboard members, withat times,a confusing exchange over how Historic Preservation Commission recommendations should be perceived. In a January memo to the board, the HPC had labeled the proposed addition to the building as too intrusive in size and scale in the Upper Montclair Historic Business District, as board member Martin Schwartz pointed out at Mondays meeting.

In that same memo, the commission stated that it believes the proposed project does not meet the criteria under the HPCs Historic Design Guidelines, particularly in regards to rear additions. The HPC provided 10 recommendations or requests to the applicant before the Planning Board approves the project.

In an earlier memo to the Planning Board, the HPC stated that the building was "too large for the site and is not complementary to the [Upper Montclair]historic district.

About a dozen residents in attendance watched intently as Fredrick Kincaid of the architecture firm Jarmel Kizel in Livingston presented changes in architectural details, such as in the brick corbeling and brick color, which he said were meant to reduce the scale of the building, so it would not be a huge, monolithic structure. Changes were based on HPC and public recommendations, Kincaidnoted.

Kincaid saidthe size of the second floor was reduced slightly, resulting in about a 26-square-foot reduction in total building size since the last proposal.

Board Vice ChairJason DeSalvo commented that the revisions dont change the size of the building, alluding to the HPCs recommendations.

Board member Martin Schwartz asked Kincaid how the building fits in with the context of the neighborhood, referencing a section of the municipal code, which states, The arrangement of buildings and structures on the site shall be designed so as to create a harmonious appearance with respect to each other and with existing structures in the immediate neighborhood.

Montclair resident Nancy Katz addresses the board and applicant witnesses during the Feb. 6 Planning Board meeting.(Photo: Mollie Shauger/NorthJersey.com)

We kept the basic structure of the original building, responded Kincaid. Were keeping the existing building.

Kincaid, using pictures, pointed out other buildings that differ in size and style within the immediate neighborhood.

Schwartz asked Kincaid if the proposed addition meets historic design guidelines, which call foradditions to be made smaller and simpler in design than the historic building itself. Kincaid responded that the addition is not smaller than the original building in square footage.

However, Kincaid did say that the proposed design met other HPC guidelines.

But during the testimony, board member Anthony Ianuale wondered as to how much the historic guidelines applied, unsure whether the building itself was historic or part of a historic district. Ianualesaid the board should get more advice as to what guidelines then apply, and how to interpret HPCs suggestions.

Board attorney Arthur Neiss clarified that the boards decision is based on the municipalsite plan ordinance and zoning ordinance, but can weigh the HPC comments in its decision.

After some back-and-forth over the HPC comments,DeSalvo attempted to summarize the discussion, suggesting, What the HPC is saying to us is, We dont think you should approve it, from their perspective. Its too intrusive in size and scale. It doesnt fit into the neighborhood.

We could stop our deliberation right there and say, We agree, make it smaller, were not approving it, said DeSalvo, garnering a round of applause from the audience.

The board did not approve it that night. Another debate erupted over whether a waiver was required if the application deviates from design standards.The developer is not applying for a variance.

Schwartz argued that the waiver is required because the application doesnt meet certain municipal standards. In clarifying his points at the meeting, he told The Montclair Times, This is not a clear issue, because there are design and historic preservation standards referenced in the Montclair [municipal] code and Master Plan. The issue is, what is the weight of those standards as it relates to the neighborhood character, Upper Montclair Historic District and other issues impacting that area, in contrast to the zoning standards of height and bulk where there are no variances being sought?

Applicant attorney Neal Zimmerman has previously argued that the applicant complies with the zoning ordinance, and the design guidelines should not supersede that fact.

They [the HPC]recognize that the zoning ordinance prevails, Zimmerman told Planning Board Chairman John Wynn.

There was no decision at the meeting as to whether the application would require a waiver.

This is a legal issue which needs to be sorted out, Schwartz later said.

In response to a residents question, Wynn said that if a waiver was required, then it would still give the board the ability to say "no" to the application.

If theres no waiver required and no variance required, we have no choice but to approve regardless of what we feel and regardless of what the community feels, because it meets the municipal law standards that have been passed by the council, and are in effect for the town, Wynn said.

Braemore Road resident Jennifer Haughton put Kincaid on the spot, asking if he would want a building like the one proposedacross from his property, to which Kincaid responded he wouldnt mind living next to a "commercial area." Haughton then asked if he currently resides next to a commercial area, to which Kincaid said he lived a few blocks away from one.

In response to another residents question on lighting, Kincaid said lights would be designed in a way that theywould not shine into residential homes.

Nancy Katz of Upper Mountain Avenue asked whether the six HVAC units could be moved from the roof. Kincaid said its possible, but not the best option, as the units would work more properly and efficiently on the roof, where there is more air. Kincaid reiterated that his client is willing to screen the equipment.

Katz said the proposed building looks like a very large branch bank.

Im very passionate about the neighborhood, Katz said. This does not fit, period.

Another resident, Frank Rubacky, said the application should go back to the HPC to decide whether its an intrusive or harmonizing building. He said the Planning Board isnt qualified to rule on the application, and suggested the application be kicked back to the HPC.

Irma Macfarlane of Braemore Road was concerned that with the train tracks being so close to the buildings wall, sound would bounce back.

Its simple physics, Macfarlane said.

The whole point of being in Montclair was character, diversity of the residents and, hopefully, respect, said Mcfarlanein concluding her comments.

The application was carried to the March 13 Planning Board meeting, when it's expected the municipal engineer would present testimony.

Two other applications on Monday's agenda were also postponed to later dates. The applications were for a major subdivision at 44 Pleasant Ave. and a minor subdivision at 39 Alexander Ave.

Email: gray@northjersey.com

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Montclair Planning Board hears plans for 'scaled-down' building - NorthJersey.com

Replacing old windows is often a worthwhile investment for homeowners. Energy-efficient windows can prevent heating and cooling loss and keep homes more comfortable throughout the year. Such windows also can improve a home's resale value, proving a good return on investment for homeowners who want to upgrade their homes before putting them on the market.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners might find it more cost-effective to replace old and/or inefficient windows to improve their energy efficiency. Such an upgrade can save homeowners substantial amounts of money on heating and cooling costs.

Window replacement projects can be costly, so it pays to get the job right the first time. Before beginning a window replacement project, homeowners should research which windows will meet their specific needs, learning the subtleties between finishes and features, as well as comparing prices for the windows and installation.

Choose the right time of year

The best time of year to plan window replacement is when the weather will be warm, ideally in the spring or early summer. However, homeowners do not want conditions to be too warm, as each room where new windows will be installed will temporarily be exposed to the elements. Furthermore, caulk adheres better in warmer weather and will dispense easily.

Locally, getting the job done in the warmer months still holds, but the main reason is to avoid the rainy season.

Basically what you dont want is downpouring rain, said Dave Crawford, co-owner of Battle Ground Building Supply.

He said precipitation is the biggest concern when installing new windows in the region, adding ambient temperatures around 50 degrees were desirable.

Consider available features

When replacing windows, homeowners may want to install the same style windows they currently have. But the problems that led to the need to replace windows may still exist even when new windows are installed. When replacing windows, consider energy performance ratings based on the locations of the windows in the house. To make sure they make the most educated decision, homeowners can investigate the solar heat gain coefficient, U-factor, visible transmittance and light-to-solar gain. Explanations of these ratings are available at http://www.Energy.gov.

For those looking for more energy efficiency, Crawford said it might be time to replace if current windows are aluminum-framed, as the metal isnt an insulator. Some of the older vinyl framed windows may also not be as energy efficient, but newer vinyl and fiberglass frames tended to be better suited for insulation.

Don't ignore

maintenance needs

Maintenance costs involved with cleaning, repairs and painting can add up. When shopping for windows, consider the amount of maintenance they will need. Wood-framed windows may require more upkeep than aluminum, fiberglass or vinyl. Also, consider if certain window types, such as double-hung windows,

casement windows, awning windows, or slider windows, would be practical.

Keep home style in mind

A poor match between windows and the style of the home can produce unwanted changes in the appearance of the home. Replacement windows should match the style and appearance desired.

Expect minimal disruption

When homeowners hire professionals who are good at their craft, window replacement projects should not be a terrible inconvenience. According to American Window Products, Inc., seasoned professionals will be able to complete a replacement window upgrade in a short amount of time depending on the size of the home and the number of windows being replaced.

Replacing windows can be a costly task, but one that will provide a more energy efficient home that can help homeowners save money in the long run.

Shop around

Before making the final decision of purchasing windows, looking at multiple retailers might also be a good idea, as Crawford explained prices can vary depending on who the vendor was.

You could get the same window from one company as you do another, and theres maybe a $300 price difference between one company versus the other, yet they all pay the same to get them, Crawford said.

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How to find the right replacement windows - The Reflector

As tradition has it, we enter a New Year by taking stock of what 2016 had to offer in order to assess whats to come.

This years annual Industry Pulse report is a bit of an anomaly, however, considering the recent election. Note that the survey ran just after Election Day through the end of November, when emotions were still running very high. Those reactions will have some bearing on some of the reported projections and, considering much of the nation is still holding in a wait-and-see pattern as the new administration takes the lead, there is still an air of uncertainty. Even so, the overall tone of the data suggests we are on the same path of general health and prosperity that weve documented the past two years.

The challenges of the industry take on the same themes as in the past as well. Respondents told us they are still concerned with overregulation, the still-recovering economy and a housing market that has yet to completely stabilize. Controlling costs, maintaining quality, keeping up with demandespecially during a labor shortageattracting new talent, and turning a profit are all still keeping our industrys finest up at night.

But despite these challenges and the ambiguity of the near future, sales are widely up, companies are seeking to hire and there are more products available to the market now than ever before.

If 2016 had a word, many would say it was uncertainty. The industry reported signs of hesitation among customers as the world speculated about an unprecedented United States election. Every election year, I see much of the same thing, says Joe Mills, Sunrise Windows & Doors. You talk to a lot of people, you give a lot of estimates, and hear a lot of well get back to you.

But, as the speculation finally gave way to a conclusion, the market at large improved. In fact, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes jumped seven points to a level of 70 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index published in December. This is the highest reading since July 2005, NAHB reports.

This notable rise in builder sentiment is largely attributable to a post-election bounce, as builders are hopeful that President-elect Trump will follow through on his pledge to cut burdensome regulations that are harming small businesses and housing affordability, said NAHB Chairman Ed Brady. This is particularly important, given that a recent NAHB study shows that regulatory costs for home building have increased 29 percent in the past five years.

Many of those who opted to answer queries regarding the outcome of the election cited this very reasonDonald Trumps stance on federal regulationsas why they believed the new administration could have a positive impact on the industry. Those who believe the incoming administration will have a negative impact widely cited Trumps foreign and domestic trade policies as potential hazards to the industry, as well as economic and education policies. The respondents who have a positive outlook almost unanimously cited tax code reform and Trumps stance on federal regulations as a potential benefit. Another popular opinion among this segment was that the workforce skills and job training programs stand to improve under the new administration.

No matter your opinions on what the new administration will do for our industry, what really makes a difference, says Scott Gates, CEO of Western Window Systems, is businesses that try to make things better. You can overemphasize or over-define your strategy on what you think legislation is going to do, he says. But what we try to do is address what the customer wants. Because the customer is who actually makes decisions, and we feel like very rarely are you punished for making things better.

To put some of the product and sales trends in context, its important to understand which companies are doing business in new construction versus replacement. Of the manufacturers surveyed, 44% sell a majority of their products for replacement, 23% split their efforts evenly and 33% sell more products for new construction.

As for dealer respondents, 62% focus more than half their efforts on the replacement sector. Note that, of the remaining 38% that focus more on new construction sales, 77% are serving both commercial and residential markets.

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The 2017 Industry Pulse - Window and Door