Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) April 29, 2014

Work just got a whole lot easier for painting contractors! Painters will never have to worry about risking measurement errors, running out of paint midway through a job, or sketching elevations ever again. Scope Technologies, the leading provider of remote aerial measurements, is pleased to announce the launch of PaintScope, a new tool that uses advanced takeoff technology to compile precise measurements of a home or buildings exterior surfaces into an easy-to-use report.

PaintScope was designed with busy painting contractors in mind, says Jerod Raisch, Founder of Scope Technologies. Contractors can have hours worth of measuring and drawing work completed for them by simply ordering a PaintScope report online. Painting companies will save time and money by minimizing manpower, driving time, fuel consumption, planning efforts, and wasted paint.

Each PaintScope report, compiled into an environmentally friendly five pages, includes satellite imagery of the structure; clean elevation drawings of the structure from every angle with color-coding to distinguish surface types; and complete, accurate measurements of all surfaces including:

-Fascia, window and corner trims -Railings -Outdoor ceilings -Soffits -Doors, garage doors and garage door trims -Surfaces of the same body colors -Any other surface that could potentially be painted

PaintScope reports can be branded with the painting contractors company logo and color-scheme so that contractors can share their measurement reports with customers or potential customers, demonstrating their professionalism and painting expertise.

Its the little details that make PaintScope such an incredible benefit to contractors, says Raisch. From the detailed elevation drawings to the branded reports that helps with sales, PaintScope is essential for helping painting professionals improve their business bottom line.

PaintScope reports come at competitive prices. Discounts for high volume orders are available. Speak to a Scope Technologies representative for custom pricing by calling 877-697-2673 or order a PaintScope report today at PaintScope.com.

About Scope Technologies Founded in 2011 to help companies expand their business, Scope Technologies uses advanced mobile and cloud technologies to provide tools that help streamline processes with the ultimate goal of improving businesses bottom line. The Denver-based companys visionary leadership, engineering and programming teams develop Scope Technologies state-of-the-art systems and programs for use in the cloud for optimal delivery and growth.

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Scope Technologies Launches Time-Saving Tool for Painting Contractors

April 29, 2014 - Lowes Home Centers has agreed to implement a comprehensive, corporate-wide compliance program at over 1,700 stores nationwide to ensure that contractors minimize lead dust from renovation activities, as required by Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule. Company will also pay $500,000 civil penalty, which is the largest ever for violations of RRP Rule. Settlement stems from violations, discovered by EPA inspectors, of RRP Rules recordkeeping and work practice standards at private homes. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ariel Rios Building Washington, DC, 20460 USA Press release date: April 17, 2014

WASHINGTON Lowes Home Centers, one of the nations largest home improvement retailers, has agreed to implement a comprehensive, corporate-wide compliance program at its over 1,700 stores nationwide to ensure that the contractors it hires to perform work minimize lead dust from home renovation activities, as required by the federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, the Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. The company will also pay a $500,000 civil penalty, which is the largest ever for violations of the RRP Rule.

The settlement stems from violations, discovered by EPA inspectors, of the RRP Rules recordkeeping and work practice standards at private homes that had been renovated by Lowes contractors. EPA enforces the RRP and other lead rules to protect children and others who are vulnerable to exposure to lead dust that can cause lead poisoning.

Todays settlement sends a clear message to all contractors and the firms they hire: Get lead certified and comply with the law to protect children from exposure to dangerous lead dust, said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPAs Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Lowe's is taking responsibility for the actions of the firms it hires, and EPA expects other contractors to do the same.

Todays settlement requires Lowes to institute a robust, nationwide program at over 1,700 of its stores to ensure that the contractors it hires to perform renovation projects, like window and door installation, are properly certified and adhere to practices that help prevent lead contamination in customers homes, said Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division. This action, the first of its kind to address lead safe work practices on a system-wide basis, will help prevent childrens exposure to lead in communities across the nation by raising home improvement contractors awareness of EPAs lead safety regulations and contributing to a culture of compliance.

EPA discovered the violations through a review of records from projects performed by renovators working under contract for the following Lowes stores: Alton, Ill.; Kent and Trotwood, Ohio; Bedford, N.H.; Southington, Conn.; South Burlington, Vt.; Rochester, N.Y.; Savannah and Lebanon, Tenn.; Boise, Idaho Falls, and Nampa, Idaho; and Muldoon, Ark.

The government complaint alleged that Lowes failed to provide documentation showing that specific contractors had been certified by EPA, had been properly trained, had used lead-safe work practices, or had correctly used EPA-approved lead test kits at renovation sites. Additionally, EPAs investigation found that Lowes had also failed to ensure that work areas had been properly contained and cleaned during renovations at three homes. EPAs investigation was prompted by tips and complaints submitted by the public.

In addition to the civil penalty, Lowes must implement a comprehensive compliance program to ensure that the contractors it hires to perform work for its customers comply with the RRP Rule during renovations of any child-occupied facilities, such as day-care centers and pre-schools, and any housing that was built before 1978. For these projects, Lowes must contract with only EPA-certified renovators, ensure they maintain certification, and ensure they use lead safe work practices checklists during renovations. In addition, Lowes must suspend anyone that is not operating in compliance with the rule, investigate all reports of potential noncompliance, and ensure that any violations are corrected.

The RRP Rule, which implements the federal Toxic Substances Control Act, is intended to ensure that owners and occupants of housing built before 1978, as well as any child-occupied facilities, receive information on lead-based paint hazards before renovations begin, that individuals performing such renovations are properly trained and certified by EPA, and follow specific work practices to reduce the potential for lead-based paint exposure. Home improvement companies such as Lowes that contract with renovators to perform renovation work for their customers must ensure that those contractors comply with all of the requirements of the RRP Rule.

Lead-based paint was banned in 1978 but still remains in many homes and apartments across the country. Lead dust hazards can occur when lead paint deteriorates or is disrupted during home renovation and remodeling activities. Lead exposure can cause a range of health problems, from behavioral disorders and learning disabilities to seizures and death, putting young children at the greatest risk because their nervous systems are still developing.

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Corporate-wide Settlement with Lowe's Protects Public from Lead Pollution During Home Renovations

by Chris Willis, KGW Staff

kgw.com

Posted on April 28, 2014 at 6:38 PM

Updated yesterday at 8:22 PM

PORTLAND-- The State of Oregon is cracking down on unlicensed contractors.

This is the time of year when home-improvement projects get started and state investigators say there are more unlicensed contractors ripping people off than they can keep up with.

If you hire an unlicensed contractor to do some work on your home and something goes wrong, often you are simply out of luck, with no recourse. Scammers, thieves and shady contractors are going door to door looking for easy money.

So how big of a problem are unlicensed contractors?

Oh its a huge problem, we run across it every day, said Tim Lenihan, an investigator with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.

Lenihan said these scammers have been at it for weeks.

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Home remodel season brings contractor scams

Paver Patio Kansas City Landscape Designers 816-500-4198
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Bainbridge Island, WA (PRWEB) April 29, 2014

AGS Stainless, Inc. (http://www.AGSstainless.com) proudly unveils its newest product offering Starlight solar-powered LED accent lights that are easily-mountable and an energy-saving lighting option for any deck or outdoor living space. Starlight is the first solar-powered light designed specifically for cable railing systems. Housed in a stylish yet sturdy marine-grade stainless steel shell, this new exterior lighting accessory nicely complements the full-line of AGS stainless steel decking/stairway cable rail systems offering sleek, long-lasting elegance at an affordable price.

Created as a lighting accessory for a wide-array of exterior settings and both residential/commercial applications, the display possibilities for Starlight are nearly endless: mounted upon stainless steel decking posts within outdoor living spaces, illuminate second-story railings to create depth, front walkway pillars to create a welcoming visual affect, attached to any buildings exterior to accentuate focal points while customizing a Clearview Railing System. Starlight is the first lighting accessory to the Clearview line of stainless steel railing systems and the first product of its type for the cable rail industry.

The Clearview line of stainless steel railing systems have long been well-revered throughout the industry. Clearview is the clear choice for those wanting a stainless steel railing system that adds beauty to their project. The Clearview design and ordering process is straightforward and simple: sketches and approximate dimensions are submitted to AGS Stainless where CAD drawing and all details of your system are created by a member of our design team. An AGS Stainless design expert works directly with you to ensure every detail is just right, keeping you up-to-date as your customized project progresses from design through assembly and shipping. Each railing system is custom fabricated for on-site installation direct from the AGS Stainless factory located in the Pacific Northwest to ensure prompt delivery and attentive service and so every individual nut, bolt and handrail fitting is just right.

Continuing AGS Stainless long history of inventive products, Starlight is made up of pre-drilled, 316-grade brushed stainless steel for durability and ease-of-installation; it also features three light channels and an open bottom for a beautiful down-lighting affect. Furthermore, Starlight can provide up to twelve hours of lighting without electrical wiring simply one rechargeable AAA NiCAD battery is included that gets recharged during daylight hours via the 1.5x3 slim solar panel. Starlight is designed to enhance practically any call-out area outdoor living spaces, grand entryways, second-story railings you name it, explains Kevin T. Harris, Director of Sales & Marketing at AGS Stainless. It is so simple yet elegant it quite literally lights up any space needing a bit of light.

Lastly, since Starlight is a mountable, solar-powered LED accent light its an ideal energy-saving option and lighting solution when an electrical supply is neither wanted nor available. Everyone who sees these asks: What is this? adds Harris. In fact, my neighbors want some installed within their outdoor living space as soon as possible because they look so unique and accent things so well.

About AGS Stainless: AGS Stainless Inc., (AGS) manufactures the Clearview line of Railing Systems. For more than two decades AGS Stainless has been a factory-direct supplier of custom-made stainless steel railing systems. With an innovative component-based design and all stainless steel construction; Clearview railings eliminate the need for any on-site welding or cutting of posts and railings. AGS design department generates CAD (computer-aided design) documents for each railing project insuring precise, project-specific fabrication. Each Clearview railing system is made to order to the highest quality standards, and delivered to you ready to be installed-with a few simple hand tools. We offer stainless steel components in either high-quality grade A304 or marine grade A316, and our infill options are: stainless steel cable, stainless steel horizontal bar or tempered glass panel. For more information, visit: AGSStainless.com or call 888.842.9492.

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MEDIA: To download hi-resolution images of AGS Stainless products, visit: AGS Media Site.

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Introducing Starlight by AGS Stainless: The First Solar-Powered Light Specifically Designed for Cable Rail Systems

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PriceWaterhouseCoopers Southampton
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Inventing things is not John Wards profession, but architecture led him to an invention that saves money and the environment.

As an architect designing a Napa Valley winery, Ward conceived the solution, called the VinValve, during the design phase of a project.

Manual diversion valves were being phased out by the county at the time because they had to be activated by humans who weren't always paying attention to the issue.

The county came back to us and said, were not going to allow manual water diversion valves anymore in outdoor areas instead, were going to require you cover the crush pad with a roof, Ward said.

Constructing a roof would have required more spending, more raw materials and more vehicle trips during construction. Also, a roof would have blocked scenic views of the valley.

So, I went back to them with an idea for a rain-activated automatic valve system, Ward recalled. After a quick first rinse of the work area, the below-ground-level device is automatically activated to divert water from crush pads into holding tanks for treatment, and sends rainwater to storm conveyance systems.

Filing a patent application was a first for me, said Ward, who co-developed the system with Auburn general contractor Butch Chamberlain.

I couldnt have done this without Butch, said Ward. Having the idea is one thing, but bringing it to fruition required a partnership.

Ward grew up in the Sierras, where he developed an appreciation for the natural environment, moved to Sacramento at age 17 then to Napa in 1999, where he met his future wife Kelly, who is a landscape architect. They live in Napa with their daughter, Helena, 1.

I invented some crazy things when I was really young, and have always been pretty mechanical, but with this I just saw an opportunity to solve a problem, like any other architecture problem, he said.

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Napa architect helps invent storm water protection system for wineries

By Dan Moran dmoran@stmedianetwork.com | @NewsSunDanMoran April 29, 2014 6:04PM

Rain-soaked bags of yard waste without the recently required required disposal stickers sit along a street north of downtown Waukegan. City officials are trying to inform residents about new procedures for disposal of items like grass clippings and brush. | Dan Moran/Sun-Times Media

storyidforme: 65640566 tmspicid: 23477225 fileheaderid: 11468250

Updated: April 29, 2014 6:04PM

Walnut Street resident Marcia Schlitz says her home lost 50 percent of its assessed valuation between 2008 and 2012, and now I get to pay for my own yard waste while her property taxes have remained almost the same.

Schlitzs comments before the City Council on April 21 echoed complaints heard around Waukegan as residents adjust to a new waste-disposal contract that does not include blanket pickup of things like grass clippings or tree trimmings.

According to Schlitz, when the city made the decison late last year to save money by making yard-waste collection a per-bag service, who was going to go door-to-door to (tell) all of these people who have leaves raked to the street and bags piling and piling up on the parkways?

Each ward has at least one block with yard waste waiting to be picked up, because now (bags) need to have stickers, she said. I dont know if it was a communication issue, but not everybody gets (the newspaper), not everyone is attached to the hip with Internet and media, so someone needs to stand up to the table and say, Its our responsibility to deal with this.

Several aldermen agreed with Schlitz, including 6th Ward Ald. Larry TenPas, who said that even after information campaigns including letters sent home with Waukegan Public School students some residents still do not know that the city doesnt pick up yard waste.

Once you give people a service, its difficult to take it away, and the education process has not been very good so far, TenPas said. Ive got bags sitting all over my ward waiting to be picked up. ... Ive got leaves all over the curb, but its hard to tell if theyre from this year or last (fall).

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Confusion, complaints about Waukegans yard-waste disposal