The Hammer Reports from ICC the Builder

Are you starting the New Year with a Renovation Project?

Maybe you’ve thought about this renovation for a long time.  You’ve anticipated the project, the problems, and the outcome.  You’ve saved some money, interviewed a few different contractors (hopefully) and gotten more than one price.

You’ve spoken to the contractor’s references and seen examples of the type of work the contractor does.  The decision is made and you are ready to go!

Here are a few things you may NOT have thought about ……or questions you may want to ask your contractor (if you haven’t already).

1.  Is there a firm timetable for getting the job done?  When will the project start, how long will it take and when is it going to be done?

2.  Will the adjacent areas be protected during the renovation and will the area be left tidy at the end of the work day?  Don’t forget you still have to live in the house and renovations are a huge disruption in the flow of living.

3.  Will the contractor be on-the-job daily or just the workers?  Who is your communication point?

4.  What time do they start in the morning?  Most contractors are on the job site and prepared to begin at 7:00am.

5.  How can the contractor be reached during the project or afterwards?

6.  Have you reviewed the entire contract?  Is it clear what will be done and what it will cost?

7.  Did you ask your contractor for a Certificate of Insurance?  If the contractor has employees the Certificate must show there is Worker’s Compensation Insurance as well.  Don’t be afraid to ask.  It’s not being pushy….it’s being prudent!

8.  Good luck.  NOW you are ready to go.

The Hammer Reports from ICC the Builder

With great pleasure we'd like to announce our new affiliation with Donald Gardner Architectural Design Group. If you want to check out some of their exceptional new home designs, we have a direct link from our website's “Why Choose Us” page or go to www.dongardner.com – we think you’ll be impressed.

At Inselmini Construction Company, we are striving to stay diverse. The market for new home construction and renovation has changed over the past five years and we're proud of our ability to change along with it. Most of 2011 and 2012, we ran a full crew of men dedicated solely to roof replacements. Throughout 2013 and 2014 we've returned to our “roots” of custom home building and commercial construction but we continue to work on renovation projects in Indian Lake and Hidden Valley. Next month we are heading to Fayette County to begin construction of a new custom home. 

Locally, we are finishing up two projects in the Ravenwood development (Brinkerton Road past Pitt/Greensburg campus). This is a great spot to build if you're thinking about a new home.  The plan is thoughtfully laid out and the home sites are spacious. It is conveniently located close to businesses and major transportation, yet tucked away in a charming country setting.

Another local spot to visit is Palmer Place. Home sites are available in this premier gated community located in Latrobe and developed by golfing legend, Arnold Palmer. Berkshire Hathaway, formerly Prudential Preferred Realty, is giving the development a fresh look with new signage and an exciting new marketing plan. Next time you are out taking a drive, put this spot on your route.

Have a great summer!

Until next time - this is The Hammer Reports  

The Hammer Reports from ICC the Builder

Happy 2014!

We recently came across a great news item about light bulbs – yes, light bulbs. Did you know that a ban on 40 and 60 watt incandescent light bulbs went into effect on January 1 of this year? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. In a recent study by an independent research company, less than 1/3 of adults knew these light bulbs would no longer be available.

Incandescent 40 & 60 watt bulbs represented 60% of all the light bulbs sold in the U.S. The study also found only 10% of the 1,000 adults surveyed, were familiar with energy-efficient light bulbs such as LEDs (light-emitting diode) and CFLs (compact fluorescent light).  These energy-efficient light bulbs use up to 75% less energy and can last 25 times longer than the incandescent bulb.

credit: homechannelnews.com

As you can see on this infographic, one of the issues with energy-efficient lighting for your home is that not of all of these bulbs are dimmable. Good news is that dimmable CFLs and LEDs are available at your local hardware and Big Box stores. However, please know that regular and dimmable energy-efficient bulbs are not interchangeable. You cannot use a “dimmable” bulb where you don’t have a dimmer switch.

Please feel free to contact us with your questions. You can use the contact form available on our website or post a question on ICC's Facebook page. We’re happy to help in any way we can!

Until next time – this is The Hammer Reports