Qualified Remodeler Magazine

APR 2016

Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.

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ofered a solid business continuation model for the employees as the process played out. "The new 42 owners are really excited and have really taken the reins," says Harrell, who still serves as chairman of the company, a duty that requires quarterly visits to the ofce. "They really took the reins fve or six years ago. I was still there, trying to be useful without being in the way." Based in Mountain View, Ca., the $12 mil- lion remodeling company today is run by Ciro Giammona. For Harrell, the biggest beneft of the ESOP, beyond a stable and prosperous retirement, was the opportunity to watch her employees grow as professionals as they took on the management of additional responsibilities. "It was great to watch them grow and become mature owners," notes Harrell. "It's kind of a mira- cle. It's like a fower unfolding everyday. It's really wonderful. And for me, I'm free. I'm free to have another life after 30 years and that's incredible." HomeAdvisor Trend Watch: Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials Key for New Decks and Porches By Marianne Cusato, HomeAdvisor Housing Expert According to HomeAdvisor data, in 2015, the two most popular deck/porch materials fell into synthetic/composite and pressure-treated pine categories — claiming 41 percent and 39 percent of the market share, respectively. Although vast diferences exist between these two types of materials, the unifying char- acteristics are elements of durability and low maintenance. This highlights the trend toward minimizing efort and expense while maximiz- ing enjoyment of the fnal product. The primary diferences between these two popular cate- gories are price point, and overall look and feel. Pressure-treated pine is the most afordable option, but it provides a less fnished fnal prod- uct. Further, the material must dry for several months before it can be painted. On the other hand, synthetic/composite materials ofer a wide range of colors and tex- tures, and also provide a higher-end fnish that is complete upon installation. The drawbacks to these materials are a higher price point and a potential for fading over time. While most products are truly durable, some manufacturer models will weather with elemental exposure. Experts recommend viewing aged samples of synthetic or composite products before making a purchase. Cedar and redwood are less popular ma- terials. But together, they make up nearly 15 percent of the market share — claiming 10 percent and 5 percent respectively — according to HomeAdvisor data. This comes as no surprise. While these materials provide the most authen- tic aesthetic, they also require a greater commit- ment to maintenance. HomeAdvisor data from the True Cost Guide shows the average national cost for install- ing a new deck or porch is $6,921 (excluding materials). Above-ground, Treated Lumber Stays Compliant for Deck Joists and Support Beams Deck, joists and support beams treated to above- ground standards, UC3B, will remain build- ing-code compliant when the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) publishes updates to its use category system (UCS) later this year. "The use of subjective language in the latest revisions has created confusion in the mar- ketplace about the standards," said Bill Fields, President of Viance LLC. "Everyone should understand that above-ground treated wood, currently used and sold, remains acceptable un- der the IBC and IRC building codes for the most common deck framing applications." While there are certain conditions that require ground-contact treated material, the AWPA U1 standard will continue to allow above-ground treated wood to be used for decking, fence pickets, railings, deck accessories, as well as deck joists and support beams, said a release from Viance, a company that ofers wood- preservative systems to AWPA standards. All of Viance's residential preservative sys- tems are recognized under the stringent AWPA standards, which are directly referenced by both the IBC and IRC building codes. Viance's preser- vative treatments will continue to be covered un- der the terms of the Lifetime Limited Warranty, when used appropriately in above ground code compliant applications," the company said. Only materials treated to the AWPA standards, and is third party inspected by an ALSC- accredited agency, may use the CheckMark quality indicator on the end tags. Contractors can learn more at www.treatedwood.com/op- tions. In addition, the Softwood Lumber Board published an new guide for treated wood use, which can be found at www.woodnaturally.com/ select-the-right-preserved-wood. continued QualifiedRemodeler.com QR April 2016 13 IN BRIEF MAKE IT SOLID. We've been mixing for 80 years so you can BUILD IT. Grab a bag and pour it, no excuses just SOLID RESULTS. Anything is possible WITH SAKRETE. Concrete, Mortar and Stucco Mixes Maintenance and Repair Products for Concrete and Asphalt T H E P R O ' S C H O I C E | S A K R E T E . C O M For more info circle 56

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