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NOVEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 01
EXCLUSIVE!
HIRING A CONTRACTOR DURING A PANDEMIC PAGE 37
WINTER MAINTENANCE PROJECTS THAT PAYOFF HVAC
ENERGY EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION PAGE 20
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PAGE 6
WINDOWS & DOORS LANDSCAPE
Brought to you by the professionals at the
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BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL PA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
EVERYTHING HOME CENTRAL PA
CONTENTS 5
EDITOR'S NOTE
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CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION
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STUDENT AWARDS
16 5 THINGS NEW HOMEOWNERS MUST DO 17 NEW HOME VIRTUAL TOURS 19 SAVE MONEY: WATER CONSUMPTION 23
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TRAINING OUR NEXT GENERATION OF ESSENTIAL WORKERS
EXCLUSIVE!
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Even during these unprecedented times our members still continue to give back to the community.
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NEW HOME MUST HAVE LIST
WWW.CENTRALPABUILDERS.COM
RISING LUMBER PRICES THREATEN HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
26 BACP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 29
IS YOUR LANDSCAPE WINTER READY?
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4 STEPS TO WINTER-PROOF WINDOWS CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS SPARK NEW HOME DESIGN IDEAS
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WHY INVEST IN REGULAR HVAC MAINTENANCE
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REMODELING RIGHT: DIY OR PROFESSIONAL?
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THE ERA OF THE HOME OFFICE
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BACP MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
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ENERGY EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION
MAINTENANCE 28 WINTER 36 CHECKLIST 1356 S. ATHERTON STREET STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801
HIRING CONTRACTORS DURING A PANDEMIC
814.231.8813
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Building Homes Enriching Communities Changing Lives ,
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The Builders Association of Central PA (BACP) has a long and rich history, serving the residential building industry of the Centre Region since 1957. The BACP is a not-for-profit organization representing builders, developers and remodelers, as well as other professionals, suppliers and related trades associated with the housing industry.
BACP members believe in community!
From the Association's early days, the main objectives have been to be create a desirable community, to fulfill the American Dream of home ownership and to build a strong economy. Our members know the key to a great community is people working together to improve the quality of life for all its residents. That is why BACP members are involved in giving back to the community that they live in. A few project highlights include partnering with Habitat for Humanity to construct homes, building a playground in the Beaver Farm affordable housing community, building a kitchen in the Active Adult Center and updating a home for Housing Transitions. Our members have been and continue to be a strong force in the community.
They are also committed to the future!
Not only is the industry essential to supply residents with housing, it also is the creator of a large segment of the job opportunities in the area. Through partnerships with the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology, the State College Area School District, the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center, and Penn State University, the BACP volunteers with the students and staff to ensure that the curriculum is meeting the current needs of the industry. These "future homebuilders" are engaged in association activities and provided with opportunities to gain work experience throughout the course of the year.
How can we benefit you?
In addition, the Builders Association serves as a link between consumers and the building industry. Let us be a referral source for you. If you are undertaking a home improvement project or are thinking about building a new home, you need look no further than the members of the Builders Association of Central PA. The members of the BACP have submitted proof of insurance as well as financial and professional references. Members also sign a Contractor Quality Commitment document, striving to achieve the highest standards of the industry in every job. A list of trusted area professionals are included in this magazine and can also be found on our website www.centralpabuilders.com.
Executive Board:
2020 BACP Board
President: Devon Warner, Berks Homes Vice President: Don O'Connell, T2B Commercial Interiors 2nd Vice President: Norm Horn, Envinity, Inc Associate Vice President: Doug Olson, Your Building Centers Past President: Chris Warren, Warren Builders Secretary: Brian Wolfgang, Pennsylvania Housing Research Center Treasurer: Heather Pleskonko, Baker Tilly
Life Directors:
Betsy Dupuis, Babst Calland Thadd Wendt, Fine Line Homes
On the cover:
Board Members:
Stephanie Fost, Habitat for Humanity of GCC Brady Grove, The Hartman Group Joe Hart, Peirce-Phelps, Inc Jason Morgan, RG Morgan Construction, Inc. Chad Rimmey, S & A Homes Christa Hosterman, SPE Federal Credit Union Larry Miles, Vigilant Security
BACP Staff
Executive Officer - Keri O'Shea Digital Media Specialist - Emily Wolfgang
Students from Central PA Institute of Science and Technology built and installed cabinets for the 2019 Habitat for Humanity House.
Community Spotlight By Stephanie Fost, (HFHGCC) Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County (HFHGCC) focuses on affordable and safe homes for income qualified families. Homeowners complete 350 hours of sweat equity before beginning their interest free mortgage. HFHGCC can provide affordable homeownership due to partnership from organizations across the community. In July of this year, HFHGCC placed their most recent family in a three-bedroom, twobathroom home. Construction of another new home began in early August with a family planning to move in by Spring of 2021.
From the planning and design phase to the time that the homeowner takes the keys, Builders Association of Central PA members impact affordable housing in Centre County. BACP members including: Bryant Heating and Cooling, GoodCo, Advanced Concrete, Pella Windows and Doors, House Wire Electric, Inc., Shunk's Kitchens, JRS Landscaping, Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc., and Scott's Landscaping donate materials, time and knowledge to Habitat builds. To build any Habitat home, volunteers from all walks of life take part.
HFHGCC and their partner families HFHGCC relies on support from work with local businesses and community partners from all faith- based organizations, the Penn sectors pf the building industry. State Habitat Chapter, Central
Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology and longtime Habitat volunteers. BACP members from Centre Concrete, Pennsylvania Housing Research Center and S&A Homes support the building process as well as additional BACP members who participate in other ways with HFHGCC. These volunteers donate a combined nearly 4,000 hours of their time to complete a new home. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County and our newest family are incredibly thankful for the support of Builders Association of Central Pennsylvania members. Without it, family homes could not be built.
BACP Members Give Back
Photos: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County
Need a Career Change? Unsure What to do After High School? Consider the Trades By Builders Association of Central PA Staff
The spread of COVID-19 this year lead to economic hardship and skyrocketing job losses across multiple industries nationwide. However, the latest employment data showed some good news — a decline in the unemployment rate and job gains in several sectors as the nation reopens. If you or someone you know is trying to plan for after high school or looking for a job change this year, do not overlook a potential career path in the trades. Construction (especially residential) is poised to help lead the economic recovery. Low interest rates and pent-up demand for homes places residential construction in a position to recover more quickly than some other sectors of the economy. Couple that demand with the fact not enough kids choose to enter the trades and you see a problem and a problem few are grasping. For every five people that retire from the trades only one new person enters. This “Silver Tsunami” is going to impact us all soon. It’s going to severely impact our homes, businesses, roads, and every facet of our life. It is time to unmask the fallacy that the trades don’t hold stable, well-paying careers. It is time to reveal the myth that the only path to success is college. It is time to encourage our children to try the trades and see if it is for them. It is time for those currently unemployed by COVID to think hard about training for and entering the trades. The home building industry can offer competitive compensation. The top 25 percent in most construction trades professions can earn at least $60,000 annually. The gender pay gap is smaller in the construction trades. On average, women in the United States earn 80 cents for every dollar a man earns. Women in the construction industry earn 97 cents for every dollar a man earns. Beyond compensation, the trades offer the ability to work in many places and not be parked in a cubicle or office all day. Many of those places make your community better and all the jobs provide you with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Many trades allow you to work while you learn or require low cost training. Unlike four-year degrees, you do not have to worry about attaining knowledge while compiling a large student debt. Photo: Redmond's Complete Comfort
The Builder’s Association of Central PA has created an Ambassadors Committee whose goal is to “promote not only the trades but all post-secondary career paths with the same enthusiasm and vigor currently reserved for four-year degrees.” The Ambassador Committee works closely with two great, local resources for our youth. The State College Area School District (SCASD) and the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology (CPI). SCASD has a program in State High for students to experience the trades hands on. The SCASD Building Construction program gives students the opportunity to learn about 150 skilled trades. You can even graduate with your OSHA 30 certification – a large bonus for potential employers. The Central PA Institute of Science and Technology provides a similar opportunity for those not in the State College School District or those looking for a career change. As one CPI teacher said: “I find it very exciting to work in career and technical education in a time when trade jobs are in such high demand. Our students love attending CPI, learning a skill, completing their education following a hands-on approach, and then immediately entering the workforce to use the skills that they learned at CPI.” Both programs allow exploration of the trades and the ability to learn about stable, well-paying careers that are in high demand not only today but will be even more so in the future. Contact the Builders Association of Central PA for more information on how to start YOUR new career in the trades today!
Photos: Redmond's Complete Comfort
Training Our Next Generation of Essential Workers Redmond's Complete Comfort takes trade advocacy to heart and is committed to training and growing the next generation of trades men and women. By Tera Redmond, Redmond's Complete Comfort Brian Redmond, owner of Redmond's Complete Comfort, decided to pursue the HVAC trade after being introduced by a mentor who was in the field. Four years after graduating he left his employer and we started our own company. Now, 10 years later, we sit on the advisory board at CPI and at least half of our workforce are CPI or trade school graduates. We spend many hours throughout the year in the classroom helping grow students both on the technical side of the career as well as the professional side of the trade.
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"As humans we have a longing for relationships. Our connections, our communities and our relationships within them play a role in what we choose to do. It is no different for the trade industry. As we advocate for the trades it is easy to just tell students that they should get involved but at some point we must be willing to invest both time and money in our next generation. Most of the trades men and women are involved because a parent, friend, or someone that they looked up to told or showed them that they should pursue a career in the industry."- Brian Redmond.
In the last two years, Redmond’s Complete Comfort has focused on building a training program for new team members and an apprentice program for students as young as 10th grade. We have implemented training programs in the field as well as classroom training. The classroom training is not your typical classroom as we utilize live training boards to start and then we move on to virtual reality training. "This is the most innovative training out there. We can replace some hands on training with a safe environment for training new technicians. We can start them with the basic components and then as technicians progress they begin trouble shooting. In a world of technology, applying what they learn from paper to hands has been our biggest hurdle in training our teammates. This has solved that problem. After the completion of the virtual training, technicians are then paired up with a trainer for field experience." said Brian Redmond. At Redmond's Complete Comfort our key strategy to building a strong team is investing in training our next generation while doing what we love. Visit www.redmondscompletecomfort.com for more information.
Builders Association of Central PA Student Award Winners In addition to several endowed scholarships, the BACP recently added two new awards: the BACP Building and Construction Award and the BACP Professional Women in Building (PWB) Award. This year, the BACP was honored to award $1,500 to three very deserving recipients to help further their education and career goals within the residential building industry. These awards recognize local students enrolled in the Building and Construction trade programs. To be eligible for these awards, the students must be Seniors, nominated by a Building and Construction Program instructor and moving forward within the construction industry in their future short or long term plans. If you or someone you know is interested in the trades, we encourage you to visit centralpabuilders.com. There you will find information on different careers, job postings and resources.
BACP Building and Construction Award Recipients
Megan McClure Megan McClure is a 2020 graduate of the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology HVAC program. This was her 4th year in the program and Megan is graduating the top senior in the HVAC program. Megan completed a Co-Op with BACP member, Redmond's Complete Comfort, between 10th and 11th grade and during her senior year and is now a full-time employee for them.
Eric Hill Eric Hill is a 2020 graduate of State College Area School District. Eric was a student in State High's Building Construction Technology Program. Eric plans to attend Penn College of Technology to further his study of HVAC/R. His future goals include starting his own HVAC/R business and to provide job opportunities for his local community.
BACP PWB Award Recipient
Brittany Royer Brittany Royer is a 2020 graduate of the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology Landscape and Horticulture program. Brittany was involved with the BACP’s Everything Home Expo during all three of her years at CPI and worked on two heroscaping projects alongside BACP members. Her future plans are to enter the workforce in the landscaping and horticulture field to gain experience before becoming a hardscape designer and planner.
Photo: Berks Homes
Creating Your New Home “Must-Have” List By Berks Homes
You just decided to build a new home. First, CONGRATS! What an exciting event in your life. We know this comes with a lot of decisions. We want to help you make some right away to help the process move along seamlessly for you. As you begin thinking about what your new home will look like, map out what you can’t live without, what you wish it included, and what you definitely don’t want. This will help you prioritize choices when creating your house building budget.
Your Wants, Needs, and No Ways … Let’s start by answering some basic questions: Do you need a flat yard or are hills acceptable? How big do you want your lot to be? What do you want your home floor plan to look like? Do you need or want any outdoor living spaces? How big should the garage be? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Are there any specific materials or features you’d like to incorporate?
When creating your budget, try to focus on the structural necessities (size, stories, etc.) of your home design first. Whatever is left in your budget can be put toward design features and upgrades like a gourmet kitchen with an island or a peaceful sunroom addition. We often envision the fun stuff like a butcher-block counter and overlook the muchmore-important-to-daily-life stuff like how many bathrooms we actually need. The bedrooms and bathrooms and square feet can set the baseline for your budget. So now let’s get a little more specific, breaking down rooms that are usually the most expensive to customize:
Kitchen: Do you want a space where you can eat in your kitchen? (This answer is yes if you don't plan on having a dining room.) Are there any appliances that are more important to you than others? Which features of a kitchen are an absolute necessity to you? (Examples: soft-close drawers, an island, gas stove, etc.) Photo: Berks Homes
Bathrooms: Do you need a special size toilet? (ADA accessible or one for someone over 6 feet) Will you want a bathtub in more than one room? Will you need a shower head attachment that removes from the wall? (This is great for if you have small kids or pets.) You don't need to answer every single question we've asked you here. But it might be a good idea to take out a piece of paper (or create a document in Excel if you FANCY) and make three columns: Want // Need // Absolutely not (I don't care how much money it saves me we are not doing this) Then as you consider some of the questions above, you'll discover some things you have strong feelings about. Having this list equips you to ask specific questions when you pick out all your options. Like if you build a house with Berks Homes, you'll have an appointment with our Selection Gallery experts to pick out every detail of your home. That becomes much less overwhelming and way more fun when you have this outline. Photo: Berks Homes
Five Things to Do After You Purchase a New Home By Builders Association of Central PA Staff If you’re a first-time home buyer who has just finished the closing process, you might be wondering what you should do as soon as you move-in. Maybe it’s unpacking or gathering new design ideas to make the home your own. Before settling in, there are a few tasks you should consider completing to help keep your home comfortable and family safe. To help you transition to the status of new home owner, consider adding the following items to your to-do list.
Keep Documents Related to Your Home Organized
Develop a Home Maintenance Checklist You should regularly check, clean and/or test a wide variety of interior and exterior systems and structures. A robust home maintenance list can help keep your home functioning at an optimal level and save you time and money in the long run. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a checklist to help you get started with the basic guidelines for keeping different areas of your home in the best shape.
As a new home owner, you’ve likely gathered a mountain of paperwork, printed or electronic. Make sure to keep track of all the documents related to your home purchase, appliance warranties and insurance information. You might need to have those documents handy for future tax preparation or to keep track of items in your home that may need to be replaced or repaired in the future.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
You don’t have to wait for seasonal storms or wintry weather to prepare your home and family for an emergency. In the event of a natural disaster, basic services such as electricity, gas or water may be cut off for days or even weeks, so you should be prepared. The Department of Homeland Security recommends stockpiling at least three days’ worth of food and water for your family. Visit ready.gov for a list of suggested items to include in a basic emergency preparedness kit.
Even if you’ve purchased a brand-new home with the latest energy-efficient building materials and techniques, there are still some improvements you can make to save even more money on utility bills. For example, you can install a programmable thermostat that can be set to automatically adjust the heat or air when the home is most or least used. Visit energystar.gov to learn about more opportunities improve your home’s efficiency.
Change the Locks If you bought an existing home, you should rekey the locks right away. You never know who the previous owners gave keys to. The National Crime Prevention Council recommends purchasing high quality locks that have a long enough bolt so the door cannot be pried open. If you don’t have a deadbolt on your doors, now is a good time to install one or hire a locksmith.
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WHY CHOOSE HEARTHSTONE? Hearthstone is a company unlike any other. The creation of an extraordinary custom home is a way of life with us. We are blessed with an unmatched ability to create any imaginable style of custom, luxury, handcrafted log, heavy timber home or commercial structure. Hearthstone has been creating extraordinary heavy timber homes since 1971. We began as restorers of 150-200year-old structures, and that heritage still drives us today. Nobody in the world has the reputation, capacity and experience in one company to deliver + guarantee the diversity, creativity + quality that we can. The process of engineering, CAD/CAM Modeling, crafting, delivering, erecting, and constructing one of these wondrous buildings is not easy. Currently, our products range from Historic to Modern to Eclectic to Antique… with every style in between. In addition, we offer multiple texturing techniques (Hewing, brushing, chopping, etc.) that makes your Hearthstone structure truly a "one-of-a-kind". Our company history, heritage, and culture make us different from others in this business. We have enough size to focus the appropriate resources on your project, yet we maintain that culture of commitment to the creativity and aesthetics of those who came before us.
HEARTHSTONE’S MISSION To help you conceive & achieve a home that is so much more than a house — it will be an unmatched living environment and a family sanctuary. We at Hearthstone are dedicated to making available to the public what we believe in traditional, custom, American products of uncommon character. Products rich with a magical aura and quiet dignity that make eyes widen imaginations spin, and people realize that pride, respect, and craftsmanship still exist in the American marketplace. Our primary concept is offering you a substantial breadth of choices — without losing the intimacy, efficiency, and drive born from our foundation and focus. Our three broad product lines — Hewn Log Homes with massive dovetailed, and chinked walls; Timber Frame Homes; and Full scribe Log Homes, with huge, Chink-less round log walls — are presented achieving exactly that goal: breadth of choice, with stunning products that share complementary technologies and strengths. To start planning your dream home call Scott Walker at 570-295-1083 or email him at swalker@hearthstonehomes.com. To view Scott’s residential and commercial projects visit www.hearthstonepa.com.
Money Saving Tip: Water Consumption in Your Home By Builders Association of Central PA Staff Home owners use a considerable amount of water throughout the day from hand washing to yard maintenance. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home. Saving money by reducing water consumption is top of mind for many home buyers. According to a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders, water-conserving fixtures — such as high-efficiency toilets, faucets and shower heads — were rated as essential or desirable home features by more than half of the respondents. The following are a few water-saving ideas to save you money. Eliminate Leaks. An easy way to save water is to make sure you have no identifiable water leaks. Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Common leaks inside your home are found in toilets or faucets. Most leaks are relatively simple to repair and require few tools or hardware. 10.2 Tankless Water Heaters. These units are designed to save energy by heating water only when needed. They are similar in cost to traditional gas water heaters but are 30% more efficient, according to the U.S Department of Energy High-efficiency Toilets. Older, inefficient toilets use as much as six
gallons per flush (gdf) and are considered a major source of wasted water in many homes. All new toilets since 1992 must be 1.6 gpf or lower. High-efficiency toilets are 1.28 gpf or lower, and those with the EPA’s WaterSense label have also been performance-tested and are worth considering if you replace your toilet. More information about the EPA’s WaterSense program is available online epa.gov/watersense. Faucets. The latest water faucet technologies for your kitchen or bathroom are designed to shut off the water automatically immediately after use. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save as much as 3,000 gallons of water per year. If replacing your fixture isn’t an option, consider installing an aerator to reduce water use. An aerator is an inexpensive faucet accessory that can be easily retrofitted to a conventional faucet. Shower Heads. Showering accounts for nearly 17 percent of residential indoor water use. A common misconception about low-flow shower heads is that the water will come out as a steady trickle. In fact, modern lowflow shower heads deliver consistent water pressure, allowing a person to wash and rinse without any issues while also conserving water. WaterSense certified shower heads have been tested to demonstrate that they perform as well as or better than conventional shower heads.
Washing Machines. If you are in the market for a new washing machine, a full-sized ENERGY STAR-certified clothes washer uses 14 gallons of water per load, compared to the 20 gallons used by a standard machine. There are other ways to save water while doing laundry such as washing a full load each cycle. Water Softener or filtration system. Soft water can prolong the life of your appliances and save you money over time. Most of your home’s appliances likely require water to function. Think dishwashers, air conditioners, and refrigerators. Travis Hendershot, Culligan Water, explained, "With soft water, your appliances can remain in good health. But, with hard water, you might be doing more harm that good. If you have hard water running through your pipes, it can cause a buildup of calcium and magnesium when heated. For your appliances, this means major inefficiencies. Appliances will require more water to complete their duties, costing you more money. Not to mention, buildups can cause corrosion, which can lead to a shorter lifespan for appliances.” To learn more about ways to save money or improve your home’s overall efficiency, visit the Builders Association of Central PA.
Understanding Factors in Energy-Efficient Construction By Builders Association of Central PA Staff
According to research from NAHB, nearly half of home Programs that measure energy efficiency include: buyers are willing to invest between $1,000 and $10,000 in National Green Building Standard (NGBS) order to save $1,000 annually on their utility bills, and 37% ENERGY STAR are willing to spend upward of $10,000. But do prospective Enterprise Green Communities home owners know what an energy-efficient home is and Green Globes the terminology surrounding the types of building practices Living Building Challenge and features they are looking for? LEED An energy-efficient home is one that uses less energy than a traditional home without compromising service to owners and occupants. Energy efficiency can be achieved through improved thermal envelopes, solar-oriented construction, low-e windows and efficient appliances.
"Our local market continues to see an influx of young, educated buyers who place a lot of value on long term energy costs, a healthy indoor environment, and minimizing a home’s carbon footprint. As the builder, it is up to us to stay on top of the latest building methodologies and materials to help homeowners achieve their goals, as well as our own goal in making all homes a net zero energy home.” – Jason Grottini, Vice President of Envinity, Inc.
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Three Categories of Energy Efficiency
Net Zero-Energy Home A home that produces as much energy as it uses. The energy produced by the home must meet the household’s needs. This is often achieved through renewable energy such as solar panels. To achieve net-zero energy, the home should be designed using a holistic approach that strives for efficiency and reduces energy consumption without sacrificing service or comfort. Net Zero-Energy-Ready Home A home that is outfitted with the necessary structural and technological support to install energy-producing technologies in the future. Net zero energy-ready homes are appropriate for home owners who would like the option to install energy-producing technology in the future. It is also a Department of Energy program that partners with and recognizes builders and those professionals who build to specific requirements around energy savings, comfort, health, and durability. Net Positive-Energy Home A home that produces more energy than it needs. It is energy either produced by specific technologies or saved through energy-efficiency measures. Home owners may receive credit from their utility company for excess energy returned to the grid.
Energy Efficiency Rating Systems: Home Energy Score (HES)
This is a Department of Energy program often used for existing homes. A home receives a score of 1-10 based on its energy use, with 10 being the most efficient. As with a miles-per-gallon rating for a car, the HES is based on a standard assessment of energy-related assets to allow for easy comparisons across homes in the housing market.
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index
This is a Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) program often used for new homes. A home receives a score of 0-150 based on an energy audit and report, with a lower score indicating a more energy-efficient home. The scoring system compares your home to a home built to code in 2006, which is known as the reference home. The reference home would score a 100 on the HERS index, whereas a newer home or one built to a green standard might score a 60. More information on high-performance sustainability and green building practices is available at nahb.org/green. For more information on about the latest green products and building techniques available to you, contact the Builders Association of Central PA.
Photos: Envinity Inc.
Rising Lumber Prices Threaten Housing Affordability
By Builders Association of Central PA Staff
Despite the toll the pandemic has taken on many industries, housing has been a bright spot for the U.S. economy, particularly for single-family home construction. New single-family home sales, a measure of U.S. home building, increased 13.9 percent in July, representing a 13-year high. However, lumber prices have also reached record highs, jeopardizing housing affordability across the country. Without federal government intervention, the nation’s economic recovery is at risk and the American Dream for many families will be out of reach. Lumber prices have increased more than 170 percent since mid-April, adding $16,000 to the price of an average single-family home. A shortage of supply is driving the price surge. When stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures were enacted by state and local governments, most lumber mills closed. Mill operators projected that housing would be adversely affected by the crisis and anticipated a large drop in demand. However, better-than-expected housing demand and home building
activity, along with projects being done by the DIY segment, have left home builders experiencing shortages of lumber. Not only is housing affordability at risk, the housing industry’s potential to help lead the economy forward is limited as long as lumber remains expensive and scarce. And the ramifications for job growth are significant. Building 1,000 average single-family homes creates 2,900 full-time jobs and generates $110.96 million in taxes and fees for all levels of government to support police, firefighters and schools. Actions at the federal level can be taken to ensure that a lasting and stable supply of lumber is available for the residential construction industry to continue to build homes and enrich communities. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has reached out to the Administration and Congress to
urge domestic lumber producers to ramp up production to ease shortages and work with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement that would end tariffs averaging more than 20 percent on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S. NAHB also has asked the U.S. Lumber Coalition to boost production and has offered to work with them to address shortages in the lumber supply chain caused in part by the pandemic. The Builders Association of Central PA is dedicated to providing quality affordable homes to help make our community stronger. To help keep homes at prices within reach for families in our community, contact your Congressional representatives and ask them to take action to address the unsustainable costs of lumber. For more information on lumber prices or home building in the area contact the Builders Association of Central PA.
BACP Member Spotlight: Vigilant Security, Inc. is located in State College, PA. We design, install, monitor and service Intrusion, Fire, Access Control, Video Surveillance , Personal Safety and Integrated Systems. Our name was chosen with care as we believe our clients deserve unsurpassed reliability when it comes to protecting against common threats to life and property like fire, burglary, flooding, vandalism, and personal emergencies. Vigilant is not just our name, it is our attitude about protecting our customers.
cheap. We are proud of our tradition of delivering true value by helping customers find practical, costeffective solutions to their safety and security concerns. However, we know from experience there is a big difference between value and cheap.
To provide our customers with the best solutions, we must start with the right products, BOSCH is our primary supplier. BOSCH is a privately owned company dedicated to providing products and services that are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both We provide state-of-the-art solutions innovative and beneficial. In this way, that will keep you on the leading the company offers technology edge (not the bleeding edge) of worldwide that is “Invented for life.� technology. We design systems that perform for you, not confound and Our services require that you confuse you. provide us access to your home or business to install the products you We are value driven, not cheap! It have selected. We know that seems that so many companies requires that you trust both our today want to brag about being company and our people. If you ask
round, you should not have any difficulty in getting a thumbs-up. When we hire, we start by looking for trustworthy individuals. We then proceed to add professional training and certification. Our customer-friendly and professional sales, service, and central station departments are staffed by your friends and neighbors from right here in Central Pennsylvania and are second to none in the security industry. We hope you will find the accountability of our local ownership coupled with the resources of our international partner will offer you the best chance of finding the solution you are looking for. To become fully aware of how our products and services might be of assistance to you, please explore vigilantsecurityinc.com and contact one of our professionals to design a system tailored to your needs.
Prepare Your Home Before a Freeze By The Builders Association of Central PA Staff
The cooler weather conjures up images of fireplaces and hot chocolate. While it may be easy to prepare your lifestyle for the winter months, as a home owner it is important not to neglect essential pre-winter home maintenance. To keep you and your home safe and ready for cold temperatures, consider taking the following steps.
Prepare outdoor pipes. Before cooler temperatures arrive, you must take steps to insulate your outdoor pipes to prevent damage. How does damage to your pipes occur? When water freezes, it expands, which in turn causes your pipes to expand, leading to cracks or potential bursts. Clear out gutters. Cleaning gutters is a chore for most home owners. Yet, this pre-winter outdoor project can protect your home from future water damage. If your gutters are full of debris, it can back up rain or melting snow that would otherwise be properly drained by gutters leading to potential roof or foundation damage. If you have trees, consider installing gutter protection. These products work on existing or new gutter systems. Inspect chimney and other fire appliances. It’s recommended that chimneys and other fire appliances be professionally inspected annually. This means wood-pellet, coal, wood, and gas appliances and stoves, in addition to your fireplace. Inspect the attic insulation. Ensure that the entire ceiling area is covered. Insulation should not touch the underside of the the roof sheathing, nor should it block vents in the eaves, which could cause condensation buildup and poor air circulation. Schedule a heating system check-up. Schedule an appointment with a heating system expert for a check-up to make sure your system is functioning optimally. Even if you have a new heating system, don’t forget to change the filter. A furnace filter that is dirty reduces the efficiency of your system, which could increase your heating bill. A good rule of thumb is to replace your furnace filter every three months while it is in use. Prepare a cold weather safety kit. Severe winter storms cause power outages, potentially putting you and your family at a safety risk. Before winter hits, consider assembling a home winter safety kit. Some items to consider are a working fire extinguisher, back up generator and shovel or deicing fluid to remove snow from entryways and sidewalks. Trim tree limbs. Trim trees and any dead branches so that they don't damage your home or injure someone. Pay close attention to ones that are close to power lines or the roof of your house. If you need to remove large limbs or a tree contact a professional. Inspect your roof. Give your roof a good look. Check for leaks or missing or damaged shingles.
The final clean up.
Preparing your garden areas for winter serves not only as an aesthetic benefit but also is a good time to prune some (not all) of your shrubbery and cut back your perennials to the ground. There are correct times of year to prune specific shrubs which will allow them to flower the following year, but also there are certain times of the year to do maintenance pruning to shape or reduce in size. Contact your professional for a more detailed plan to make sure your plantings are taken care of correctly.
Thinking ahead to next year. Photo: Green Horizon Landscape
Is Your Landscape Winter Ready?
By: Neil Henry, Green Horizon Landscape Home owners across Pennsylvania are feeling a hint of fall in the air. As we squeeze out the last few warm weeks of outdoor activities, we can also take steps to ensure that next year’s lawn and garden can withstand all fun we come up with. What worked this year? Take a good close look at the annuals you chose for your deck, patio or landscape border. Which ones flourished in the shade, or didn't droop too much in the hot sun? Avid gardeners in the last century often kept a diary that noted bloom times and performance of the flowers and shrubs they planted – but today’s gardener has a smartphone. Take lots of photos of your landscaping and create a folder of the results so you can remember what to buy, what not to buy, and where to put it when it’s time to visit the nursery next spring.
As noted earlier, documenting what worked and what didn’t work this year is a great way to be sure next season, you have the best landscape in the neighborhood. Also, this is a great time of year to be thinking about future projects at your home. Maybe it’s the addition of garden areas, a privacy screen, or an outdoor living space. Talking to your landscape contractor during the ‘slow season’ has its benefits. It allows more time to plan out your project making sure it is exactly how you envisioned it, and sometimes there can be incentives to sign on to a maintenance program early or to pull the trigger on that larger project you have been putting off all summer! Get more tips and help you with your landscaping and lawn-care questions at www.greenhorizonlandscape.com.
Photo: Pella Window & Door
4 Steps to Winter-Proof Windows
By: Pella Window & Door Air can travel in and out of your home anywhere there’s an opening. Most of the year, you may not notice it at all. But in wintertime, you can easily tell that your home is colder and your energy bills are higher. Since there are multiple windows throughout your home, there’s more opportunity for you to lose heated indoor air or let in chilly outside air. To minimize the effects of winter on your windows, you need to follow these steps each year to make sure they’re in prime condition and ready for the season.
Step 1
Step 2
Caulk and seal windows for winter.
Apply new window weatherstripping.
The sealant and caulking is critical during the winter. It helps create a barrier between the window frame and the exterior siding. So it is extremely important that the sealant and caulking remain intact and in good condition.
Once you’ve fixed the sealant or assured it’s in good condition, move on to the weatherstripping. Quality weatherstripping should be tight, covering the space between the window sash and frame to reduce air leaks and prevent water from entering your home. There are a variety of weatherstripping products to choose from, and what you need may depend on the type of window you have: Adhesive-backed foam compresses between the window and the sash to seal gaps and leaks. Tubular rubber gaskets are hollow rubber tubes that help seal gaps. Felt weatherstripping is one of the oldest kinds, and still can do the job in a pinch, but it may not last as long. Spring V-seals are metal or plastic strips that create tension seals to help prevent drafts. In most cases, you can simply unsnap the current weatherstripping and replace it with a new piece.
You need to check out each and every window to ensure everything is in working order and that all seals are airtight — and watertight. While air will make your home cold, water that seeps in and freezes can do even more damage. Manufacturer-recommended maintenance calls for an annual inspection of your windows. Examine where the exterior of your window meets the house to inspect the seal. Pay close attention to the caulking at the lower corners of the windows and under joints between window combinations where water is likely to collect. If you spot cracked, dry, broken or brittle sealant, apply new caulking to fix it and rebuild that barrier.
Step 3
Step 4
Inspect window locks and latches
Hang thermal curtains.
A window that can’t close properly is going to let air and moisture in. Operate each window — open it, close it, lock it, unlock it — to make sure everything is working. If something sticks or is difficult to operate, try cleaning and lubricating it.
Once you’ve completed the maintenance items that help ensure your windows last a long time and stand up to the elements, you can cover your windows to keep the cold out.
Locks, latches and other closing mechanisms may wear or break with enough use. If a thorough cleaning and lubrication doesn’t do the trick, the mechanism may need to be repaired or replaced. Contact your local window professional to get it fixed or to purchase a replacement part and make the repair yourself. Once all window locking mechanisms are in working order, firmly close and lock every window in your home. This ensures you get the best possible seal before winter begins.
Thermal window curtains are heavy and lined with foam to provide additional insulation. They not only help with the cold, they also reduce the noise in your home and block out sunlight. And once spring comes, it’s easy to swap thermal curtains out for lighter window treatments. Thermal curtains can be hung to your sill or to the floor. Hang them as close to the window as possible so that they trap the cold air coming in before it reaches the rest of the room. You can also try overlapping curtain panels or attaching them more closely to the wall to help prevent the chilly temps from venturing indoors.
Winterization really comes down to energy efficiency. Sealing, caulking, weatherstripping and properly locking your windows all work to keep your window operating at peak efficiency in the cold winter months. Over time, you may find that your annual efforts to winterize your windows aren’t paying off like they used to. You feel more drafts and your HVAC system works a little harder to maintain a comfortable temp. That’s when it’s time to consider energy-efficient windows. When heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of your heating and cooling energy use(1), upgrading to new energy-efficient windows can make a big difference. Talk to a window professional to get a better idea of what your home needs before you face another winter. (1)https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/update-or-replace-windows
Coronavirus Concerns Spark New Home Design Ideas By Builders Association of Central PA Staff Homeowners have transformed their living spaces into classrooms, home offices and gyms this year. With people spending more time at home, the future of home design is being reimagined. As homeowners seek out ways to maximize the functionality of their living spaces, here are some of the current trends in home design and renovation.
Modifying Mudrooms and Entryways
A simple area to take off jackets or rainboots when entering your home is no longer an afterthought. Now a focal point, home entryways and mudrooms are a space where mail is dropped off, groceries/delivery boxes are collected, face coverings are removed, or hands are sanitized. Future home design will take these activities in consideration when creating a functional, cohesive and comfortable entryway.
Incorporating Touchless/Hands-Free Home Features
Materials such as copper have natural antimicrobial elements that have the potential to reduce the spread of microbes. Doorknobs, kitchen cabinet handles and other home hardware with copper or other antimicrobial materials could grow in popularity. Touchless faucets, hands-free light fixtures or appliances may also gain widespread usage.
High Tech Furniture
Furniture makers are incorporating traditional, aged, and proven design elements with the more up to date contemporary, transitional, and traditional styles to fit today's trends. Brad Ishler, Amish Furniture Collection commented, “Features such as charging stations, outlets, USB ports, lighting, and hidden compartments are being introduced into Amish bedroom, dining room and accessory designs. The pairing of solid, beautiful, and durable furniture with high tech features make Amish décor one of the most attractive options available today.”
Finding Storage Solutions
From more space to store non-perishable food, home office accessories, or items in the entryway, a place for everything is generating appeal for homeowners. With more time at home, additional storage space will be a valuable feature in future home designs. Photo: Amish Furniture Collection
Creating Private Spaces
Getting homework, virtual play dates and work conference calls completed all in the same space at the same time is a challenge. New small, convertible spaces or nooks in homes can help a full house function a bit better with an additional private or semiprivate space.
Outdoor Spaces
“As vacations and summer activities were cancelled, many of our clients wanted to add on decks, patios, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces as a reprieve from the time inside the home. By expanding their living area outside it created a backyard escape that many realize as a long-term investment for quality family time regardless of the world climate." - Melissa Foster, Cisney & O’Donnell. To find a professional who can help you create your perfect reimagined home, contact the Builders Association of Central PA.
Why Invest in Regular HVAC Maintenance By Mark Etters, Etters Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Don’t wait until your heater breaks to call a professional! Schedule an appointment for a preventive maintenance check-up to make sure your system is functioning optimally. We call it preventative maintenance for a reason: a wellmaintained air conditioner or electrical system is less likely to have issues. During maintenance visits, we’ll carefully inspect your existing systems and identify any emerging issues. Fixing small problems before they can become any worse will save you money on expensive replacement or repairs in the future. Preventing repairs, though, isn’t the only reason to invest in preventive maintenance. In addition to catching emerging issues, we’ll make any adjustments needed to reduce energy without impacting comfort and functionality. For example, something as simple as cleaning an air filter can have a huge impact on the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. A building’s heating and cooling system can account for 70% of its total energy use, so an inefficient HVAC system can lead to significantly higher energy bills. As you’d expect, the dirtier the coils are, the harder the HVAC system has to work to do its job.
Create. Renovate. Invigorate. We bring your ideas to life. For a free* consultation call 800-523-0300 CisneyRemodeling.com CisneyPools.com Serving homes and businesses in the counties of Centre, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Blair for over 50 years. Easy financing available . PA#010651
Remodeling Right
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DIY or Professional?
By Builders Association of Central PA Staff It's fun and inspiring to watch TV shows about home design and remodeling- everything from the latest looks in countertops to whole-house remodels. And YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and other online video sites are chockfull of helpful how-tos and demos to assist homeowners through countless do-it-yourself projects. There are relatively simple home projects that can be completed by DIYers, such as hanging pictures, interior painting, caulking and changing doorknobs and cabinet pulls. And, homeowners with the correct tools and higher skill levels should be able to tackle some aesthetic work such as installing crown molding. But it's also important to know when to stop and hire a professional. Remodelers can tell you lots of funny stories about siding installed upside down - and sometimes scary stories involving do-it-yourself electrical wiring gone awry. So before you buy the latest or trendiest must have for you home, ask yourself a few questions. How much do you know? Replacing the exhaust fan over your oven with a built-in microwave looks like a reasonably simple swap. But if you notice your kitchen lights are dimming when you zap your popcorn, you've probably forgotten that the microwave, unlike the exhaust fan, uses a lot more energy and likely needs a dedicated circuit. A remodeling professional knows that. What if it doesn't work? That YouTube do-it-yourself video may make installing Luxury Vinyl Tile look doable, but will YouTube give you your money back if you don't lay it straight? Professional remodelers may not know everything, but they do take responsibility for everything they do. Are there any unintended consequences? In today's increasingly efficient and more airtight homes, it's more and more important to look at the house as a system. Your new windows are keeping out drafts, but how are they affecting your home's air quality once the "natural ventilation" of the leaky old ones are gone? Do you need to look at mechanical ventilation systems? If so, how big? A professional can tell you. How do you know if it's right for your home? A professional remodeler can advise you on products, finishes, and appliances that match your lifestyle, location, house size, and budget and help you avoid spending money without a reasonable payback on either resource expense (energy and water, for example) or the sale of your home when you are ready to upsize or downsize. And how do you find a professional remodeler? There's a question with an easy answer. Contact the Builders Association of Central PA to find a remodeler with the experience, educational qualifications, and knowledge to do the job right - the first time.
Tips for Hiring a Reputable Remodeler By Builders Association of Central PA Staff After spending more time at home this year, you may be one of the many homeowners motivated to modernize your home and hire a remodeler. Depending on the scope of your project, you will likely be sharing your home with the remodelers’ crews for weeks or even months. It is critical to find a reliable professional to oversee your remodel from start to finish. With so many options, where do you begin your search for a professional? The best place to start is by utilizing a directory of professional remodelers. The Builders Association of Central PA (BACP) has a directory of professional remodelers dedicated to the highest professional and ethical standards in the home building industry. After you have narrowed down your search, take note of the following characteristics to ensure that you will enjoy your completed project.
Experience Ask how long the remodeler has been in business. Longevity suggests financial stability, which is necessary for the remodeler to complete the job and still be available if problems arise after the job is finished. Also, the more jobs the company has completed, the more expertise the remodeler will bring to your project.
Reputation Ask the remodeler for customer names and phone numbers so you can call to get their impressions of the company’s work and customer service. Ideally, ask to be in contact with customers whose projects were similar to the one you’re planning. Ask whether these homeowners would hire the company again.
Business Credentials Ask your remodeler about their involvement with your local builders' association. The Builders Association keeps their members informed about new products, construction techniques, business practices and industry issues. Participation can be an indicator of a remodeler's commitment to professionalism and to the remodeling industry.
License and Insurance Ask to see a copy of the remodeler’s license, if your state has such requirements, and call the licensing agency to find out if there are any unresolved complaints against the company you might hire. It is also important to verify that the remodeler carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Insurance certificates protect you from liability in situations involving job site injuries or property damage resulting from the work being done on your home.
Explore Steps for Estimates and Contracts To make sure you and your contractor agree on the scope of the project, it is important be on the same page about the specifics. A qualified remodeler will provide a written estimate before beginning the work and provide a detailed contract. The contract should clearly spell out what work will and will not be performed and provide a payment schedule. For more information on finding, evaluating, and working with a remodeler, contact the Builders Association of Central PA.
Stay Safe When Bringing Contractors into Your Home During a Pandemic By The Builders Association of Central PA Staff
At some point in time during the pandemic, you may need to bring contractors into your home. Some projects take considerable time and money so it is important to select a contractor you can trust. Just as importantly, be extra careful to follow CDC guidelines during these unprecedented times to keep both the contractor and yourself safe. Here are some questions to ask before bringing a contractor into your home. Do you offer virtual consultations to provide estimates, quotes and designs? What policies and procedures do you have in place for working in private residences, and who enforces them? What kind of daily employee health screenings do you conduct? For example: temperature checks, symptom screening and contact tracing questionnaires What protective gear do your employees use on the worksite to stop the spread of COVID-19? What end of the day cleaning procedures do you have in place? For example: all high contact surface areas will be disinfected each day with approved cleaning agents. How many employees will be working in your home and how will they practice social distancing from you and your family? What is your policy if someone in the household and/or one of your employees are sick or have been contact traced? Do you provide touchless payment options or pay over the phone?
The Era of the Home Office By State College Design and Construction and T2B Commercial Interiors
The coronavirus pandemic has forced businesses and schools to think outside the box and adapt.
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Photo: State College Design and Construction
How much work surface and orking remotely is storage will be needed?
Do you need to keep an ear out for the kids…or do you commonplace If you have a separate home office, need to isolate yourself for may even think about investing in some built- those client calls?
now and become the new norm. Taking time to set up a functioning home office will help you be productive and minimize distractions. Whether you have an entire room that you can use or just a corner of an existing room, take some time think about how you will be using the space:
in cabinetry/shelves. By working with a custom cabinetry supplier, you can tailor the arrangement so that it suits your needs.
Alternatively, if you are sharing space for an office, the use of a mobile cart will allow you to “stash the clutter” at the end of your workday.
Barn style doors are a fun and current way to achieve some separation from your household, but they will allow noise to filter through. French style doors can provide an elegant entrance into your office and will allow you to muffle the dog’s barking.
Is there proper lighting, and if not, how can it best be added? Lamps are the easiest way to add lighting. But adding some recessed lights to the ceiling can also ensure that you have ample lighting for the tasks at hand. Put them on a dimmer so you can adjust the lights to your mood. Don’t forget to think about glare. Where is your window in relation to your screen? An attractive window covering will provide you with flexibility to let light in or keep it out.
Don’t forget the color of things.
If you have to spend a good part of your day in the space, take time to personalize it. Consider a fresh coat of paint in an energizing hue or purchase an office chair in your favorite color. Plants and photos are an easy way to make the space feel more inviting.
What are people seeing behind you on that Zoom call?
If you’re not green screen savvy, think about adding some tasteful art to the wall behind you. A table with a couple plants and a colorful stack of books can also serve as a neutral but interesting backdrop.
What equipment will be required and are there adequate electrical outlets and multimedia interfacing? To avoid overloaded extensions cords or the dreaded tangle of wires, consider hiring someone to add strategically placed outlets and/or multimedia connections to your space. Floor outlets can minimize wire runs and will eliminate tripping hazards.
USB outlets and in-drawer outlets allow you to charge your devices while minimizing the clutter.
Photos: Haworth
For more information visit: State College Design and Construction and T2B Commercial Interiors.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Builders Association of Central PA
To find out more about these quality contractors, please visit www.centralpabuilders.com ACCOUNTANTS Baker Tilly (814) 238-8474
BUILDER-RESIDENTIAL Rowe Construction Co. LLC (814) 542-9820
BUILDING MATERIAL SUPPLIER Your Building Centers Inc. (814) 238-4971
APARTMENT RENTALS Joe Jovinelly Services (814) 238-6671
S & A Homes (814) 231-8560
CABINETRY Lewistown Cabinet Center Inc. (717) 667-2121
Park Forest Enterprises, Inc (814) 238-3431 ARCHITECTS Lorna Arocena Architect (814) 234-1187 ATTORNEYS Babst Calland (814) 867-8055 AWNINGS Mid-State Awning, Inc. (814) 355-8979 BUILDER-RESIDENTIAL Berks Homes (877) 237-4292 Brookside Homes (570) 374-7900
Smith's Custom Builders Inc (814) 422-8047 State College Design and Construction (814) 531-4244 Steve Hackman Builder (814) 422-0785 Valley Homes (814) 355-5452 Warren Builders (610) 334-3141 BUILDER-COMMERCIAL Roeshot Construction Inc (814) 238-5400 TMG Builders, Inc. (814) 355-7256
Shunk's Kitchens Inc. (814) 364-9520 CHIMNEY, FIREPLACE, GRILLS Pennwood Home & Hearth (814) 359-2761 CLEANING SERVICES Stanley Steemer (814) 383-2850 CONCRETE SERVICES Centre Concrete (814) 238-2471 Glossners Concrete Inc. (570) 962-2564 DECORATIVE CONCRETE J.S. Decorative Concrete LLC (814) 299-4484
Fine Line Homes (814) 237-5581
BUILDING MATERIAL SUPPLIER Bennett Supply Company (724) 274-1700
GEM Homebuilders Inc (814) 238-8113
Bricks and Stones Supply (814) 364-1688
Hearthstone Homes, Inc (570) 295-1083
Certified Builders Wholesale, Inc. (814) 342-6540
Loesch Construction (814) 531-5773
DS Building Products (717) 247-2180
Long Construction Company 814) 364-2910
Kohl Building Products (800) 949-5645
Pinehurst Homes Inc (814) 237-4663
Lezzer Lumber (814) 237-3511
Ridge View Builders LLC (814) 231-8822
Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. (814) 669-9227
Pennsylvania Housing Research Center (814) 865-2341
Rossman Construction LLC (814) 404-1453
Swisher Concrete Products, Inc. (814) 765-9502
State College Area School District (814) 231-4153
CONSULTANTS Stiffler, McGraw & Associates, Inc. (814) 696-6280 COUNTERTOPS Custom Stone Interiors (814) 548-0120 DECKS Peachtree Enterprise, LLC (814) 933-2978 EDUCATION/TRAINING Central PA Institute of Science & Technology (814) 359-2793
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Builders Association of Central PA ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS House Wire Electric Inc. (814) 861-1211
GREEN DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION Groundhog Solar LLC (814) 204-3900
LANDSCAPING Apex York Landscaping Contracting Inc. (717) 577-5574
ENGINEERS PennTerra Engineering Inc (814) 231-8285
GUTTERS Mid-State Seamless Gutter Inc. (814) 234-1155
Green Horizon Landscape (814) 466-2281
EXCAVATING Nittany Mountain Excavating (814) 692-8882
HVAC Allied Mechanical & Electrical (814) 238-0238
FENCING Paralux Cable System (814) 345-6690
Breon's Heating and Air Conditioning (814) 360-3927
FINANCIAL SERVICES First National Bank (814) 231-5422 Reliance Bank (814) 235-6469 SPE Federal Credit Union (814) 237-5458 FIRE SAFETY Swartz Fire & Safety Inc. (814) 355-9033
Complete Climate Control, LLC (570) 726-0200 Etters Heating & A/C Services (814) 280-6905 Goodco Mechanical (814) 238-8180 Integrity Heating & Cooling Systems, LLC (814) 753-0400 PBCI-Allen Mechanical & Electrical (814) 238-3756
FLOORING America's Carpet Outlet (814) 238-2103
Redmond's Complete Comfort Mechanical & Electrical (570) 962-0084
FOUNDATIONS Superior Walls by Advanced Concrete Systems Inc. (570) 837-3955
HVAC EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER Peirce-Phelps, Inc. (814) 231-1280
FURNITURE Your Furniture 4 Less (814) 343-6432 GARAGE DOORS Central PA Dock & Door LLC (717) 248-1397
Penstan Supply HVAC (814) 954-5014 INSURANCE Doty & Hench (814) 238-6725 The Hartman Group (814) 231-0100
GREEN DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION Bosak Construction LAND DEVELOPMENT (814) 237-4292 Torron Group (814) 231-2800 Envinity Inc. (814) 231-3927
JRS Landscaping, LLC (814) 353-8300 Landscape II (814) 466-7955 LandServ Inc. (814) 883-4286 Lawnscape LTD (814) 667-2410 Scott's Landscaping Inc. (814) 364-2100 LAWN MAINTENANCE Lawn Doctor of SC Bellefonte (800) 821-1263 MARKETING & ADVERTISING Centre Daily Times (814) 238-5000 Proforma LLH Promos, LLC (814) 632-8588 MASONRY Bassett Masonry, Inc. (814) 948-5090 MORTGAGE SERVICES Core Mortgage Services, LLC (814) 272-0125 Kish Bank (814) 861-5500 M&T Bank (Mortgage Division) (814) 234-5791 NON-PROFIT Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County (814) 353-2390
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Builders Association of Central PA PAVING EBY Paving & Construction, Inc. (814) 359-3462 Jeff Tate Paving, Inc. (877) 202-2383 Professional Services T2B Commercial Interiors (814) 234-8880 REAL ESTATE OFFICES & AGENTS Centre County Association of REALTORS, Inc. (814) 238-7622
REMODELERS Tom Newman Maintenance and Remodeling Inc. (814) 571-3154
SITE DEVELOPMENT Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. (814) 237-1444
Travis Gheen Construction, LLC (814) 404-0607
SWIMMING POOLS Gary Thull Pools, Inc. (814) 355-1009
Weaver's Remodeling and Renovations LLC (814) 355-0911
WATER TREATMENT SERVICES Central PA Soft Water, LLC (814) 203-0882
ROOFING CONTRACTORS- COMMERCIALCulligan Water R.H. Marcon Inc (814) 357-8410 (814) 238-2800 Martin Water Conditioning Keller Williams Advantage Realty ROOFING CONTRACTORS-RESIDENTIAL (800) 887-7555 (814)272-3333 Roofworks USA, Inc (814) 424-2596 TREE SERVICES Kissinger, Bigatel & Brower Realtors Cutting Edge Tree Professionals ROOFING SUPPLIER (814) 234-4000 (814)201-9757 Solid Ridge Metal, LLC (814) 349-5050 RE/MAX Centre Realty WINDOW COVERINGS (814) 231-8200 Budget Blinds of Altoona/State College SECURITY SYSTEMS (814) 467-4467 Park Security Systems REMODELER (814) 695-6695 Cisney & O'Donnell Builders & WINDOWS AND DOORS Vigilant Security, Inc. Remodelers Integrity Construction, Inc. (814) 237-5450 (814) 643-4968 (814) 515-1315 Mammoth Inc. (814) 359-6609 RG Morgan Construction, LLC (814) 386-1485
SHEDS Wunderbar Structures (570) 725-3439
Pella Window & Door (814) 238-1902
SITE DEVELOPMENT Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (814) 571-8454
Remodelers Workshop (814) 548-3000
Renewal by Andersen of Central PA (717) 364-1880 Window World of Altoona (814) 693-0133
GUIDE TO ADVERTISERS Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems JRS Landscaping Shunk's Kitchens Eby Paving & Construction Gary Thull Pools, Inc ReStore Habitat for Humanity of GCC Pennwood Home & Hearth State College Area School District Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology Redmond's Complete Comfort Keller Williams Advantage Realty
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Berks Homes Hearthstone Homes Envinity Brookside Homes Mid-State Awning, Inc. Mid-State Seamless Gutters Vigilant Security, Inc. Green Horizon Landscape Pella Window & Door Cisney & O'Donnell Your Amish Furniture Collection
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Why Do Business with a BACP Member? Your home is one of your biggest investments, so when you need to hire a professional, research and preparation are the key to getting the job done right. The Builders Association of Central PA is your trusted, local resource for all your home needs. We are here to help you find the right professional and to steer clear of illegitimate partnerships. There are many reasons why you should use a BACP member. We have highlighted a few of the most important reasons below:
Members Sign the Association's Code of Ethics
The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to ensure a high level of honesty and fair business practices among association members. Members agree to strive to meet the following ideals: honesty and fairness in business practices, compliance with laws and codes, insurance and safety regulations, high quality in design and craftsmanship and professionalism in all business dealings.
References Checked
Each individual or business applying for membership within the Builders Association of Central PA needs to provide references. The type of references required depends on whether the application is for Builder Membership or Associate Membership.
Proof of Insurance
On an annual basis, each member of the association must provide a current insurance certificate with the Builders Association of Central PA listed as the certificate holder to show proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Informed on Legislation
As the housing industry continues to change and improve at a fast pace, the local, state and national levels of the Builders Association keep our members informed on the most up-to-date information.
