BUILDING trends
Your Local Resource for Construction News
(left to right) Ken Ausley, Barry Mansfield, Todd Duffy and Steve Ausley.
The leadership at
ACA Construction Group
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BUILDING TRENDS
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COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION (ERV) PTAC STEAM CLEANING ROOFTOP UNIT RECOMMISSIONING EFFICIENT INDOOR LIGHTING OCCUPANCY SENSORS EFFICIENT COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM EFFICIENT MOTORS COOL ROOF CEILING INSULATION UPGRADE GREEN ROOF ROOF INSULATION UPGRADE WINDOW FILM OR SCREEN AIR-COOLED AND WATER-COOLED ELECTRIC CHILLERS HEAT PUMPS PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS UNITARY AC AND HEAT PUMPS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE DEMAND CONTROL VENTILATION (DCV) DUCT TEST DUCT REPAIR ENERGY
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From the Publisher Publisher Advantage Publishing Inc. Scott Costello 4140 NW 37th PL, Suite D Gainesville, FL 32606 Gainesville: 352-372-5854 Ocala: 352-368-1707 Scott@advantagepublishingInc.com www.advantagepublishinginc.com
Advertising Sales Manager Scott Costello Scott@advantagepublishinginc.com Advertising Sales: Sarah Sander Dillon McLean Senior Writer: David Greenberg Staff Writers: Molly Bruce Jacklyne Ramos Public Relations: Faith Reeves Design: Brad Palmer Enews Brief: Anja Majcen Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Building Trends cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Copyright 2008, Building Trends Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
The recovery and restructuring of our industry is underway. As you will see in the article from FHBA, we are on the Road to Recovery. Building Trends is recovering and restructuring as well. As you have seen in the ebriefs, we have consolidated some things within the company and have reduced the frequency of the magazine to every two months. As part of the restructuring, we have combined Commercial and Residential into one magazine. This doesn’t change our focus. Our number one priority is to continue to advocate for the construction industry in North Central Florida, whether it is residential new construction, remodeling, commercial construction or industrial construction. We will always focus on bringing to you interesting stories about the positive things going on the building industry. We will continue to leave it to others to write about the doom and gloom. To that end I believe we have the perfect story to demonstrate how this industry adapts to changing times in order to provide quality product to its clients and customers. Ocala builders Ken and Steve Ausley, of Ausley Construction and Barry Mansfield, president of Cullison-Wright Construction Corp. saw the challenge before them and created ACA Construction Group, LLC. Led by Todd Duffy, ACA Construction Group was designed to put together the best of Ausley and Cullison-Wright to be able to bid on commercial projects that were beyond the capacity of each company individually. The result is a company that has become a leader in large-scale commercial projects in Marion County and an expert in school construction. This issue also includes another of those feel-good stories to which I was referring. Alachua County is definitely known as a green community. But it is often the case that the leaders in making this community green are overlooked. Creating a green community starts with the people who build the community. In this article we feature just a few of the builders and suppliers who are doing their part to make this community green. In fact, green is the underlying theme in several of the articles in this issue. Among those is a great feature on trends in building and door design. When you are considering energy efficiency in a home nothing is more critical than the quality of the windows and doors. At a recent membership meeting of the Builders Association of North Central Florida, past presidents were recognized. This is the annual meeting as well where a past president and associate vice president are honored. Jack Greer received the A.W. Fletcher Service Award, and Jay Brown earned the Don Lester Service Award. Both of them are excellent examples of what is right about our industry and were well deserving of their recognition. On a statewide and national scale, we have heard a lot about the Chinese Drywall problem. Spiderman Mulholland is trying to find a solution for it. During the building boom in the middle of this decade and following the devastating hurricanes that hit Florida, builders and remodelers were doing everything they could to keep up with demand. Unfortunately, one of the results of that was the importation of toxic Chinese drywall. Spiderman Mulholland and his team at US Building Consultants, Inc, are working hard to find solutions that will keep people in their homes and make those homes safe. And of course, as always, we bring you another example of Jake Fuller’s humor. There is one other change we are making. In our survey we did in May, an overwhelming response was a request to open up the covers to the entire industry. We want to bring you great stories on people in the industry, whether they are builders, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, suppliers or subcontractors. You will see and hear more about this in future issues. If you are interested in reserving a cover of Building Trends, please contact us today.
Until next time,
Scott Costello
www.BuildingTrendsMagazine.com
BUILDING TRENDS
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BUILDING trends
Your Local Resource for Construction News
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Contents Publisher’s Column
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Jakes Corner
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Business Spotlight
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Gainesville’s Spiderman Tackles Toxic Chinese Drywall
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Product Spotlight
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Cover Story
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Environmental Perspective
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Windows and Doors are Getting More Stylish and Functional
ACA Construction Group Thrives on Big Challenges
Green is the Word
Jakes Corner
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Jake Fuller appears in Advantage Publishing’s magazines as our featured political cartoonist. Originally from Lakeland, Fuller has been living in Gainesville since 1970. He is married to Laura Fuller, probably well-known to many local business leaders. They have two sons, both attending Santa Fe Community College. His work is internationally syndicated by Artizans.com, and also appears on the websites of Jewish World Review, Irreverent View and AAEC, and in the annual publication “The Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year.”
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BUILDING TRENDS
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Business Spotlight
Gainesville’s Spiderman
By Jacklyne Ramos
Tackles Toxic Chinese Drywall Spiderman Mulholland inspects air conditioning system coils in a Boynton Beach home for signs of toxic Chinese drywall. One sign would be blackened coils.
A
lthough cases of toxic Chinese drywall have not yet been reported in North Central Florida, the forensic experts who are currently investigating the situation throughout the southeast are headquartered in Gainesville. Spiderman Mulholland, the leading investigator at US Building Consultants, Inc. (USBCI), and principal of US Building Laboratories is working with industry-wide professionals to develop protocol for inspection, stabilization, and remediation to help families caught in the crisis. “Our main goal is to find a solution,” Mulholland said. We need to help families who have been forced to stay in their homes and continue to suffer the effects of possible toxic out-gassing,” Mulholland said. USBCI inspects homes throughout the southeast to analyze the toxic Chinese drywall crisis. Through extensive research, Mulholland and his forensic team discovered that prolonged exposure to the 11 sulfur compounds found in the imported drywall has a negative impact on people’s health. “We see the same situations day in and day out,” Mulholland said, “families complain8
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BUILDING TRENDS
ing of the same symptoms and the same persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odors inside the homes.” It is speculated that Chinese drywall was shipped to the U.S. from China during the housing boom in the early- to mid1990s. Additionally, it was used in great numbers in Florida following Hurricanes Wilma and Katrina. It is estimated that it was installed in well over 100,000 homes between 2004 and 2006. Chinese drywall contains potentially toxic materials that release gases, which are believed responsible for damaging homes and causing the health problems. The highly toxic compounds being found are hydrogen sulfide, sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide and carbon disulfide. “While toxicologists are in a legal battle to prove or disprove the human health risk, the physical evidence in the field is overwhelming and should not be ignored,” Mulholland said. USBCI has been closely monitoring the homes and health of many people, including the Kinler family in Boynton Beach. The family has seen a serious decline in health
during the last two years. Crystal and Gerard Kinler, along with their four children, have been persistently ill since they moved into the home which Mulholland confirmed had Chinese drywall. “If the metal fixtures in the house are turning black, what could be said about our lungs,” said Crystal Kinler. “My youngest daughter has been on and off a respirator for years, while my oldest son has ranked up an overwhelming number of school absences for constantly coming down with terrible nose bleeds.” Individuals exposed to the toxic chemicals for prolonged periods of time also frequently experience headaches, coughs, upper respiratory or sinus issues, eye irritation, fatigue, difficulty breathing, body aches and rashes. New technology for stabilization has been tested in a Florida home. Laboratory and on-site testing showed a major reduction in out gassing of sulfur compounds by an estimated 95 percent. “This would be a tremendous breakthrough for us if we could scientifically prove stabilization of the gases in these homes until remediation measures could be conducted,” Mulholland said. “Our main concern is to get people help.” Despite the scientific breakthroughs, Mulholland warns that there is no easy solution to this problem and the source (drywall) will have to be removed from the homes. There is no quick fix or magic formula, just removal of the source. Mulholland is a former United States Marine Sniper and rappel specialist who conducted special ops training. Shortly after leaving the military in 1983, he started his own business doing window cleaning, waterproofing, restoration, and forensic investigations on high-rise buildings that some considered suicidal. His unusual and versatile means of scaling impossible structures with ropes, suction www.BuildingTrendsMagazine.com
g the r building n i d n i f n i lize you We speciiadden problems in h Water Intrusion Drywall Issues Toxic Molds Construction Problems
Spiderman S. Mulholland, CMA, CIEC, EDIC Forensic Investigator/Consultant 1722 NW 80 Blvd. Suite 70 Gainesville, FL 32606 352-505-6771 or 888-44-USBCI Please visit our web site at www.usbcinc.com
(above) Samples from the home’s examination are marked and bagged and taken to the US Building Laboratories office in Gainesville. (right) Using high-tech forensic equipment, inspectors can determine if there are problems with the drywall without having to knock down a wall.
cups, PR-3 pulley rappel systems, specialized wall braces and several of his own designed wall-walking systems inspired the media to nickname him “Spiderman.” He later legally changed his first name to Spiderman. With more than 20 years experience in diagnosing problems and developing solutions for building envelope construction in residential, commercial and high rise buildings, Mulholland has been and continues to work around the clock to develop the solution to the biggest environmental disaster in U.S. housing industry. For more information on Chinese drywall and Spiderman Mulholland, go to his web site at www.usbcinc.com. www.BuildingTrendsMagazine.com
BUILDING TRENDS
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Legislative News
Windows and Doors are Getting More Stylish and Functional By Molly Bruce
photo courtesy Therma-Tru Doors. This classic door is from Therma-Tru’s Mahogany Collection. 10
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With summer already upon us, homeowners should look into investing in a long-term solution to over-working their air conditioners: new and improved windows and doors. Builders have realized the impact some new, innovative materials have on homes, especially in Florida’s climate. A recent change in the Florida building policies, the enactment of the 2007 Florida Building Code, mandates that builders create more energy-efficient infrastructure by using sturdier materials, which will greatly reduce Florida’s energy expenses. The costly energy bills of the Sunshine State, the price Floridians pay for year-round golf-worthy weather, will be drastically reduced. As a homeowner, this means your future homes will be much more cost efficient. Your current home, however, may not be able to stand the heat. Upgrading window frames is an easy way to improve on energy costs. “Traditionally you’re used to seeing aluminum and wood,” said Joe Garcia, president of Window Classics in south Florida. Materials like fiberglass, he said, are much more durable and heat resistant. Vinyl is also a better alternative for window frames. Chris Whitfield, owner of Whitfield Windows and Doors said, “A lot of builders are converting from aluminum to vinyl.” Vinyl frames don’t condensate or radiate temperatures, he said. Don Magruder of Ro-Mac Lumber and Supply Company agrees. “In Florida, we’re seeing more of the vinyl window and Low-E glass,” he said. Low-E glass, preferred by many builders, has a coating on them that reflects heat while remaining invisible. It is also double-paned, adding an extra layer of protection from the elements. These materials are affordable and resilient; factoring in energy savings, they practically pay for themselves. “The new vinyl windows don’t allow heat and cold from the outside,” Magruder said. It used to be much more expensive than traditional aluminum, he said, but the price has come down greatly. Vinyl is moisture-resistant and long lasting, so it will not succumb to rust or corrosion. It is also completely flame-retardant. Fiberglass, while more expensive, is slightly more durable, especially in a humid climate. Both are preferable to aluminum. Joe Garcia, of Window Classics, prefers fiberglass. His only complaint is that vinyl expands and contracts. This can eventually lead to cracking, breaking down, and even water infiltration, he said. Fiberglass, both Garcia and Whitfield agree, is more durable for Florida weather. But if fiberglass is out of budget, vinyl is still an excellent choice for those looking to save on energy costs. “Most vinyl companies have lifetime warranties,” Whitfield said. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, switching from aluminum to vinyl frames can save homeowners $125-340 annually on electric bills.
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(4) There’s an incredible selection of very nice properties for sale out there today, both in regard new construction and to and previouslyphototo courtesy Marvin Windows Doors. owned homes. It’s an excellentThis time for home shoppers to an window from the Marvin enjoy Window opportunity to select from among so many available. and Doors ultimate casement collection
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3OME QUESTIONS HOME SHOPPERS ARE ASKING THESE DAYS ARE 7HAT ABOUT THE ECONOMY If you are secure in your employment you have a chanceFlorida’s to makeweather, this economy workand in your favor. Buying Considering builders homeowners musta home at a discount means that you will be accumulating equity faster account for extreme wind and rain. Preparing for the possibility of when home values Take advantage of the current economic clia hurricane is veryrise. important. Hurricane-proof windows are ever mate, and let it work for you despite the negative news from the doom improving. Window Classics just created a new series of Floridaand gloom pundits. coast-worthy windows. 7HAT are ABOUT SUB PRIME our LENDING AND ALL OF THOSE FORECLOSURES It is “We introducing IMPACT glass on our Integrity line,� very unfortunate that there are some people facing that. While foreGarcia said. are, fact,taking rising, it is important toelements. note thatBuilders Commerce closures Doors areinalso a stand against the traSecretary Paulson recently testified that over 93 percent of ditionally have used wood or steel for doors. Wood warpshomeownin humid ers are making theirdents mortgage on time. Homeowners climates, and steel easilypayments and conducts temperatures. Theywant are to preserve their investment, and it’s only natural to want to protect the materials of the past. home. one’s“Fiberglass doors are more prominent now,� said Whitfield, 7HAT IF PRICES DOWN FURTHER Well, they may, but you have an “because they don’t GO rust or dent.� opportunity right now to get a fabulous deal. I once knewretain someone Therma-Tru doors are made of fiberglass, and they the that would drive past several gas stations to find gas that was elegant look of wood. They have the widest product rangeone-cent of fibercheaper peradded gallon.Whitfield. When you consider that he had a 15-gallon gas glass doors, tank, and then calculated his savings when he purchased a full Barry Heckard of Heckard’s Door Specialties pointed outtank, an you really had to wonder if driving past several gas stations to save a often overlooked door – the one leading to the garage. When upgradfew the cents was around the bestyour decision. much did it one cost that him leads to drive ing doors home,How don’t forget the to around to save 15 cents? A lot more than 15 cents.! the garage, he said. Combined with the other doors being changed, a customer can expect energy savings of up to 40 percent per month. Heckard recommends that the best way to upgrade sliding glass doors, for energy efficiency as well as function and safety, is to simply get rid of them and install high-performance French doors with efficient glass. “Regardless of the size, we can build French doors to replace sliding glass ones,� he said. Besides becoming more durable, weather-proof and safer, doors are getting a makeover as well. “We’re seeing taller doors,� said Garcia. “We introduced 10-foot doors two years ago.� The former standard of six feet eight inches is now surpassed by doors of eight feet and more, he said. Whitfield says he is seeing more eight-foot doors than ever before, too. Homeowners are also installing more transoms above their doors, allowing more light in and adding to the recent height change. With temperature-blocking glass and doors, transoms provide plenty of light without adding heat. Some may consider home improvement a lesser priority or an unnecessary expense right now, but these changes will save money in the long run. They will also make a home more valuable. Builders and suppliers throughout Florida are sympathetic to the current economic situation. “We have tried to drop our prices,� Whitfield said. The 2007 Florida Building Code will protect homes in the future from costly energy bills, but, for now, consider getting your home one step ahead by updating existing windows and doors for cool new designs and less hot air.
The mechanics of our real estate market work efficiently. When you find the home you want, do your research, decide on the purchase price you feel is appropriate, and then negotiate accordingly. However, I would be remiss if I did not encourage you to use a Realtor to help with this process. Put my colleagues’ negotiating skills and market knowledge to work for you. If you cannot arrive at purchase terms acceptable to you on that chosen home, select another. There are certainly other nice homes from which to choose in this market so favorable to buyers. In summary: (OW IS THE MARKET It is a GREAT time to buy a home.! It’s the best market for buyers I’ve seen in many years.
Thomas McIntosh is President of ERA Trend Realty. To learn more about the services offered by ERA Trend Realty, call 352-225-4700 or go to www.eratrend.com.
#ONTACT #OLUMBIA #OUNTY "UILDERS´ !SSOCIATION TO LET US SHOW YOU OUR TALENTS AND DEMONSTRATE INNOVATIONS FOR YOUR NEW HOME
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NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA MAY 2008 BUILDING EDGE
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BUILDING TRENDS
Cover Story
ACA Construction Group Thrives on Big Challenges by David Greenberg
C
ombine the best of what comes with a large commercial builder with a long history of community involvement and networking, and the result is Ocala’s ACA Construction Group, LLC. When Ken and Steve Ausley, of Ausley Construction and Barry Mansfield, president of Cullison-Wright Construction Corp.
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photography by Mitchum Productions
saw themselves losing contracts on largescale construction management projects, they, along with a third partner, decided it was time to create a new company with the capacity to compete for the larger projects. And to run this company they brought in Todd Duffy, who has long roots in Ocala and experience with some of the largest commercial builders in the country.
“The timing was perfect for me,” said Duffy. “I was ready both in terms of experience and family to come back to Ocala. It was also perfect for Ausley and CullisonWright. They were watching companies from outside Ocala get some of the larger jobs, especially in school construction, and they were seeing other people entering into joint ventures to bid on these projects.”
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top) The atrium area on the second floor of Forest High School makes use of natural lighting, minimizing the need for interior lights. (middle) The performing-arts building at Forest High school can comfortably seat 450 people. (bottom) The state-of-the-art media center at Forest High School includes a book-detection system and computer labs.
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(top) The pedestrian entry of Liberty Middle School
Specifically, they saw people maneuvering to bid on the Forest High School project, and felt like it was time to take some action. Duffy, who grew up with the Ausley brothers, and worked as a laborer for their father, Carlyle, during the summers, initially left Ocala to attend college at Eastern Kentucky and earn a degree in building construction. He returned for nine months after graduation and worked for a local home builder. Following that, he spent several years learning his trade in commercial construction, serving in various managerial capacities on several major projects in the southeast for H.J. Russell & Co., which he described as the third-largest, minority-owned contractor in the United States. “One of those projects was building 27 restaurants at the Atlanta airport right before the 1996 Olympics,” he said. “Given the size and activity of the airport, it was a logistical challenge. I can’t imagine doing the same kind of project today with all the security.” Duffy left H.J. Russell to go to Canadian-based EllisDon Corp., one of the top 50 commercial companies in the world. There he gained a lot of experience in projects as a construction manager.
(top left) The center courtyard of Liberty Middle School provides a great amount of outdoor open space. (middle left) The cafetorium at Liberty Middle School can serve up to 1,400 students for lunch. (bottom left) Liberty Middle School gymnasium
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(left) The Liberty Middle School media center is designed to offer a great learning opportunity for students. (below) ACA Construction Group, LLC has become expert at filling the needs in construction of Marion County classrooms. While gaining this experience, he and Steve Ausley kept in touch, following each other’s progress in the industry. “I even interviewed for a job at Ausley, but in the end, I felt I did not have the experience yet,” he said. “We talked a little about partnering, but I felt that I was still learning at these larger companies. I had been working on projects that took 12-to24 months to complete, and I had only done a few. At Ausley, they were doing six-to-nine-month projects, and they had completed dozens. The timing was just not right.” A few years later, as Mansfield and the Ausley brothers were discussing joint projects, the opportunity presented itself again. This time, it was the right time. limit was preventing them from pursuing “We saw the need because we were larger projects. missing out on some of these larger proj- “Working together as ACA gives us the ects,” said Mansfield, the son-in-law of ability to pursue those larger projects,” he Cullison-Wright CEO Jerry Cullison. “By said. putting the three companies together, we And while Mansfield did not know dramatically increased our bonding capac- Duffy like the Ausleys did, he knew his ity, and as a result, we would be able to reputation. pursue much larger projects. We saw a “Todd was raised in Marion County lot of these projects, especially from the and went to school here,” said Mansfield. school district and the county, going to “His big-firm experience brings many larger firms from outside our commu- advantages to us, and he wanted to come nity. We were missing that ability to go back home to be part of a growing comafter these larger projects. At the time, we pany. I did not know him at first, but we get were just not considered large enough. But along very well, and he is a great CEO.” if you combined all our experience and For Ausley, the choice of Duffy made bonding power, we were.” perfect sense. Ken Ausley agreed, saying that for his “Todd is an old friend we grew up company and Cullison-Wright the bonding with,” said Ken Ausley. “He came back to us
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after working with a Fortune 500 company in Atlanta. That kind of experience on large projects, combined with his knowledge of Ocala, our market and our area is a perfect mix. He’s very good at what he does.” Duffy jumped at the opportunity. “When they decided to work together to pursue the Forest High School project, they needed one individual to manage it,” said Duffy. “Steve suggested me. It was a bit of a risk on my part because it involved a large pay cut. But they had a vision of going beyond the one project, and that was attractive to me. It gave me and my family an opportunity to come home. “And knowing the Ausleys the way I did, I did not see it as a significant risk,” he continued. “If nothing else, it was going to be a two-year project, and it would give
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The Carolyn-blue, Venetian plaster walls create a unique look in this spacious bathroom. Photo by David Johnston
Two views of the main entrance to Hammett Bowen Elementary School show the covering over the entrance to protect students, staff and parents during severe weather.
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my children a chance to interact with the rest of my family. After meeting with Mr. Cullison and the rest of the people in his group, I recognized that they had the same work ethic and integrity as the Ausleys. I knew we were all on the same page. I could not have wished for a better group. Both of them have over 50 years of local experience.” A bidder on the Forest High School project was going to need about $35 million in bonding, and as ACA Construction Group, they had it. So with ACA in place and Duffy on board, the group was able to bid on and win the Forest High School project. “This was in 2002, and ACA was just a job site trailer,” said Duffy. “When we needed to have a meeting with a potential big client, we used the conference room at Ausley or Cullison-Wright. I led the team for the Forest High School project, and if it was a success, the plan was to make me CEO.” Things went better than expected. After Forest High School, the group won the bid on Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School. By the time that was over Duffy was able to buy out the third partner and was installed as managing partner at ACA Construction Group. “After Hammett Bowen, our surety company became very confident in our ability,” said Duffy. “As a result, our bonding is now 100 percent from ACA. Neither Ausley nor Cullison-Wright have to be considered for our bonding.” While Ausley and Cullison-Wright may be competitors on projects from the $1 million to $10 million range, that does not keep the group from working together effectively to secure larger projects. In fact, following the two Marion County schools, there was a third – Liberty Middle School, a government bus garage and expansion of the Central Florida Community College Lecanto campus, which is currently under construction. ACA is also building Crystal River High School in Citrus County. The $50 million project is expected to be completed in 2011. These projects are all part of the business plan for ACA. “Right now, we focus on Marion County and the surrounding area,” said Duffy. “We have no desire to be www.BuildingTrendsMagazine.com
Color is obviously important in an elementary school. Such is the case at Hammett Bowen in the media center (top picture), cafetorium (middle) and reception/atrium area. all over the southeast. We don’t want to outgrow our service area. When a client calls and says they want to see me that morning, I can still be there before noon.” It is certainly obvious that the Marion County Schools are comfortable working with ACA Construction Group. It was announced in late January that the LLC had won the bid on another school project – the new Marion Oaks Elementary “U” school, which will be located near the intersection of Marion Oaks Course and Marion Oaks Trace. Construction of the school is expected to be started in July and completed by 2011, at a cost of $18 million. In awarding the project to ACA, Tommy Crosby, the district’s executive director of support services, cited the group’s work on Hammett Bowen in its decision-making process. “The two independent companies (Ausley and Cullison-Wright) focus on the projects that are right for them,” said Duffy. “Together, we focus on what is best for ACA. We are looking at projects like large hospitals, schools, colleges and jails. They compete, but when we are here together we don’t talk about that.” It’s really the best of all worlds. Ausley and Cullison-Wright benefit from their own projects, and they benefit from ACA work, said Duffy. “And as managing partner, I get to use the resources of my partners’ staffs,” he said. “If one of them has the person for our needs, I can draw from those resources. If they don’t have the right person, I can look elsewhere. The benefit of that is it keeps ACA costs down, which makes us more competitive.” As far as Ausley and Mansfield are concerned, there is not a problem competing on the smaller projects and working together on the larger ones. “It is interesting now bidding against Ausley on some projects and working together on others,” said Mansfield. “When we bid against each other, he is a competitor. But in reality, if I don’t www.BuildingTrendsMagazine.com
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The campus courtyard at Forest High School offers a traditional high school look and feel.
No high school gym is complete without the school’s letters painted on the bleachers – in this case Forest High School’s FHS.
get the job, I would rather see a job go to someone in the community. That’s my big push, and that’s part of the reason ACA exists. At Cullison-Wright, I am going to try my hardest to get every job that makes sense for us. If I don’t get it, I’d rather see it go to Ausley than to someone else.” Ausley says the two companies have been competitors for half a century, but it has always been friendly. “We’re now in our second generation competing against each other,” he said. “But we’ve always been close friends. We obviously share common interests. When I sit behind my desk at Ausley Construction, and Barry sits behind his desk at CullisonWright, we are each responsible for what goes on at our respective companies. I don’t like to lose to anyone, but if we have to lose to someone, it would be better to lose to him. The bottom line is that we have good relationships with a lot of other builders here in town. We don’t mind competing against Barry. Sometimes we win, and sometimes we lose.” In fact, said Ausley, the two companies were recently competing on a project that was less than the normal scope of ACA. 18
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When they studied the situation, they decided it made sense to work together. “Separately, it is likely neither of us would have gotten it,” he said. “But because of our connection at ACA, we talked about it, and it made sense to pursue it as a joint venture.” With all this activity, Duffy sees a bright future for himself and ACA. He believes more than ever that the decision he made to relocate his family back home was the right one. He, his wife, Michele, and children Ryan, 11, Hayden, 8 and Megan, 6, have been able to return to family. And he says he has found himself in a professional position that is perfect for him. “One of the things I like best about ACA is our commitment to the community,” he said. “We are all involved as coaches with youth baseball, soccer and football, and we have helped rebuild concession stands for some of the area’s recreation facilities.” ACA also sponsors a science and math camp for underprivileged children in the school systems’ low- and reduced-lunch programs, and participates in a program that provides dictionaries for all third-grade students in Marion County annually. “If we have one flaw, it is that all three of us have trouble saying no to anyone who asks,” said Duffy. “In the last year, things have slowed some in construction. But we never cut back on what we do for the community. That’s what makes it fun to come to work here every day. It is something that we must have all learned from our parents. We’re just trying to do what they did – work hard and be responsible members of our community.” Duffy sees ACA Construction Group continuing to work hard, do well and be vital members of the community. He says that’s the priority. “My partners have developed outstanding reputations over the last 50 years,” he said. “Part of my responsibility is to maintain that.” To learn more about the services provided by ACA Construction Group, LLC, go online to www.acaconstruction.com or call (352) 624-1079. www.BuildingTrendsMagazine.com
Association News
BANCF Past Leaders Honored By David Greenberg
J
ack Greer and Jay Brown epitomize everything that makes the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF) successful at representing its members. Greer served in the very visible role of president in 2000, and Brown, the 2006 associate vice president, has long served behind the scenes. Both were recognized at a recent BANCF membership meeting for all they have done for the association. Greer earned the A.W. Fletcher Service Award, annually presented to a past president who provided outstanding service during the previous year. He was recognized for his work in what was a very successful Parade of Homes™ in a difficult year. “It’s been nine years since Jack was president, but he continues to get things done for the association,” BANCF President Adam Bolton said when he presented the award. “In light of current economic conditions, the annual parade had to undergo critical decisions and creative ideas. He took on this complicated BANCF project and made it a huge success.” Later, Bolton, who is also president of Robinshore, Inc., spoke further about Greer who has preceded him in that leadership role as well. “It is obvious to anyone who knows Jack Greer that he has always been a huge supporter of the association,” said Bolton. “The fact that he is receiving this award now is proof of that. To me, following in the footsteps of other Robinshore past presidents, like Jack, there has always been a tradition of supporting the association. To see Jack receive this award during my presidency makes it even more meaningful for me.” www.BuildingTrendsMagazine.com
Greer said that being recognized by BANCF was a special moment for him. “I was honored to receive this award, and I am proud to be associated with the home builders for more than 30 years,” he said. “This is an association that does so many good things for the community.” Brown, of Brown & Cullen, Inc., was named as the recipient of the Don Lester Service Award, for his work as associate vice president. In recognizing Brown, Bolton spoke about his work in some of the association’s most challenging areas. “Jay dedicates much of his time and expertise to work on complex and difficult issues on behalf of all BANCF members,” said Bolton. “Many times, his efforts are
behind the scenes, advocating compromises on regulations that would increase housing costs in our community. He also chaired the GRU Committee working on several critical issues this past year. He has done a lot for the association for a long time. His dedication is appreciated by a lot of people. He is always working on behalf of the industry.” Like Greer, Brown felt humbled by the recognition. “It is an honor to be granted this award by my peers,” he said. “There are so many members of the builders association that do so much in our community. I am glad to be associated with all of them.” Greer and Brown each received an engraved silver cup – replicas of the original awards presented to Fletcher and Lester.
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Environmental Perspective
“Green” Word is the
By Faith Reeves and Molly Bruce
By Roland Sosa
Photo courtesy Eco Timber Flooring. This solid bamboo flooring from Eco Timber is sold to local builders and homeowners by INDIGO. It is made with Formaldehyde-free adhesive and goes toward LEED credits.
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Photo courtesy Eco Timber Flooring. Bamboo flooring is available in a variety of colors. This example of hand-scraped Hickory is in a spice shade. It features 100 percent FSC certified content and is made with Formaldehyde-free adhesive.
F
rom supermarket canvas bags to T-shirts and keychains, “going green” is everywhere, and the local building industry is front and center. Building green is a combination of energy efficient design and construction. From using local, recycled materials that are not harmful to the environment, to incorporating solar energy, the building industry is implementing more and more helpful techniques each year. Our local building community is one of the leaders in the movement. Adam Bolton, the president of both Robinshore, Inc. and the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF), said that Robinshore has brought about these earth-centered changes because Gainesville consumers want it. “Gainesville is a progressive city and its citizens are more sensitive to being environment-friendly than others,” Bolton said. Michael Pellett, co-founder of Campo Verde, agrees. “Comparing Gainesville to a city of the same size, you have more consciousness among the consumers for green, because of the academic nature or the employment base,” he said. Both individuals strive to rise to that need. Robinshore’s goal is to incorporate energy-saving technology that will show payback in five years or less. Campo Verde is the result of Pellett’s aim to be environmentfriendly. The neighborhood will feature green-certified homes that range from $500,000 to $800,000. Pellett said that the prices aren’t currently as high because of the economic downturn, but that doesn’t mean the homes are not appealing, and environment-friendly homes are the most likely to sell on the market.
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“People are interested in the green concept,” Pellett said. Although none are finished yet, he expects that several of the healthy, sustainable homes will be finished by the end of the year. All the homes will be certified by the U.S. Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes or the Florida based FGBC program. The LEED for Homes rating system rewards credits in eight different categories, some of which include innovation and design process, water efficiency and indoor environmental quality. Some of the categories have prerequisites and minimum point requirements. There are 136 points total. To be certified, homes must get 45-59 points. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all your green home needs from flooring options to roofing, check out INDIGO on Southwest Fourth Avenue. “Every product that we have contributes to LEED points,” said Liberty Phoenix, owner of Indigo Green Store.
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All of the products sold at INDIGO are made from either sustainable, recycled, locally sourced, nontoxic materials or all of the above. INDIGO also carries water- and energy-saving devices ranging from commodes to solar panels. Phoenix says that going green was very much a consumer-based market until this last year when she noticed that more and more builders are seeing the need and willing to make the change towards building green. While Phoenix’s store contributes to LEED certification, there are other national certification programs including American Lung Association Health House, ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes and Environments for Living. Florida also has EarthCraft House, Florida Green Building Coalition and Good Cents. There are a lot of certifications that rate energy efficiency, which can be confusing to consumers, Bolton said. Overall, they are more interested in performance than a rating. David Melville, vice president of David Melville Contracting Services, which serves customers all over Florida, said that he has noticed a huge interest in energy-efficient building. “Everyone’s interested in saving money,” he said. While developments like Campo Verde specialize in building green, the movement has impacted the entire building industry. Although Robinshore Inc. always exceeds standards for energy efficiency, Florida requirements are now mandating builders to meet increasing standards, Bolton said. He added that there are several ways to do that. One of the most inexpensive and effective ways is through insulation. In Florida, insulating your attic has a dramatic impact on your energy use. Bolton also said that windows and doors are important components. “Better thresholds improve energy efficiency,” he said. “Better seals, and a fiberglass or wood door, is preferred.” Barry Heckard of Heckard’s Door Specialties carries materials that contribute to a greener home. “Every component of our doors and door systems is ENERGY STAR approved,” he said. Windows, too, are getting green. Bolton said, “Almost every home is being built with dual-paned insulated glass.” The windows are built to reflect heat with their low-emissivity ray glass. Changes in traditional residential construction is not the only way builders have embraced the green movement. “Gainesville is very active in solar technology,” Bolton said. GRU, for example, launched a new solar electric program on March 1. Through it, participants will invest in their own photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate electricity and sell it directly to GRU. Participants must sign a contract for 20 years at a rate of 32 cents per kilowatt hour. It will be the nation’s first solar PV electric feed-in-tariff program. 22
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Photo courtesy IceStone. Countertops sold at INDIGO and manufactured by IceStone are made of recycled glass and concrete.
Pellett is excited about the new tariff and what it means to the community. All of the Campo Verde homes will be able to participate in the tariff, he said. From solar to building, Gainesville continues to be proactive and progressive. “In the community of green building, Gainesville is far above and beyond, in terms of what we’re doing now,” Bolton said. “Green building is on the forefront of the green movement.” www.BuildingTrendsMagazine.com
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