Volume 10, Issue 36 - Home Improvement Guide. Pt. 2 by Long Island Press

s p e c i a l P u l lo u t s e c t i o n fa l l h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t pa rt 2

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

Lo n g Is l a n d P r e s s for S e p t e m b e r 27 - o c to b e r 3 , 2 01 2

HI1

HI2

Long Island Press for September 27 - october 3, 201 2

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

s p e c i a l P u l lo u t s e c t i o n fa l l h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t pa rt 2

adVerTorial

L.I. Contractor Gives Back dedICaTes LIFe, BUsIness To HeLP oTHers

Thirteen years ago, Gary Zaccaro brought with him to Massapequa a six-year-old home improvement company committed to rebuilding and renovating homes, sometimes from the ground up. Since that time, Zaccaro has also dedicated himself to his community and struggling neighbors that he’s also helped lift off the ground, armed with a toolbox and a big heart. Earlier this year, Zaccaro, founder and President of Ambassador Home Improvement, got a call from the White House asking him to visit. No work needed to be done, of course, President Barack Obama wanted to honor the 46-year-old Massapequa resident for his work in the community, and awarded him with the gold-level Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which hangs in his office. The presidential recognition doesn’t just stem from one generous offer to help a family, but from a lifetime of service to his neighbors. “I can’t help the world, I’m one person,” says Zaccaro, also the vice president of Drug Free Massapequa. “But if it’s local within my community I try to get involved as much as a I can.” In January, Zaccaro read about a man battling a very aggressive form of leukemia that limited his interaction with his family because of the dangers of contracting germs and other bacteria. Realizing how sad it was that the man could barely touch his kids, Zaccaro felt like he needed to step in. “I decided to renovate an entire basement for him and make it a germ-free living space gislandpress.com

for him so he can live within his house and be able to still see his family,” he says. “But God forbid his children - he has two little kids - if one of them was sick and he hugged them, he has no immune system, he could die.” The renovation cost $35,000. All of it came out of his own pocket. Three years ago, Zaccaro decided to build a new press box for the local little league team so players, coaches and fans could have a warm area to sit in during games. That cost him $25,000. It’s a lot of money, but he’s glad to do it. Through 19 years of running his business, Zaccaro has rolled with the punches. Business was great in the ‘90s when the economy was booming, and then he had to lead the company through the Great Recession. But he never wavered in his commitment to the community. “My whole life has been trying to get somebody to sign a contract with me so I could renovate their home,” he says. “To be able to sit in front of somebody and say ‘look you don’t have to sign anything, I’m doing it, there’s no charge, I want to do it, I feel good about it,’ it makes me feel really good about myself.”

s p e c i a l P u l lo u t s e c t i o n fa l l h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t pa rt 2 S p r i n g H o m e i m p r o v e m e n t S p e c i a l p u l lo u t S e c t i o n

L G

d T

Za to ho co ren fro tim him str als arm he

fou sad a ask ne Pr to ap th him de wh

tio ge bu his

on th M wi ge

ab ag lim fam of ba wa to he

en ma

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m | Lo n g Is l a n d P r e s s for S e p t e m b e r 27 - o c to b e r 3 , 2 01 2 HI3 L o n g I s L a n d P r e s s f o r m a rc h 2 2 - m a rc h 2 8 , 2 01 2 | w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m B6

Greening Your Home By DAN O’REGAN Higher energy bills seem inevitable when winter comes, but greening one’s home by making it more energy efficient and environmentally friendly is a smart way to help keep home heating costs down during the colder months. According to Gordian Raacke, founder and executive director of nonprofit Renewable Energy Long Island, Long Islanders still have a long way to go in making their homes as green as possible. He offers some tips for homeowners. “Schedule a general checkup for your home called a home energy audit,” he says. “A qualified energy professional will give you a list of upgrades for your home to consider.” Homeowners can then choose what to improve, continues Raacke. Long Island Power Authority (LIPower.org) offers free home energy audits, he adds, as do programs available through the Long Island Green Homes Consortium (LongIslandGreenHomes.org), a cooperative effort of seven municipalities to help residents upgrade their homes’ energy performance. One costly waste for many Long Islanders is heat escaping through folding attic stairs. An easy remedy, says Raacke, is an attic tent—a sealable, insulated barrier

blocking the staircase opening. Attic roof insulation can also be a weak point in many homes across Long Island, says Mark Gunthner, president of Brentwood-based Home Performance Technologies (HomePerformanceTechnologies. com). A quick way to better insulate an attic, he explains, is with spray foam roofing—the application of foam insulation either inside the attic or coating the roof. “[Spray foam roofing] is one of the best measures you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your house,” says Gunthner. “It brings your attic into the thermal boundary so it is now conditioned space, and the heat stays in the attic and doesn’t get lost through the attic.” Attics aren’t the only places drafts can occur in a home, stresses David Magid, renewable energy coordinator at You Save Green (YouSaveGreen.com), a renewable energy contractor with offices in Albertson. That’s because most homes are not completely airtight, he says. “Reducing airflow is critical in the winter time,” he explains. “There is a lot of small things that add up. These small holes can sometimes be equivalent to a window being open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the middle of the winter.”

Homeowners should also look at openings they may not consider problems, continues Magid. Central air vents and wallmounted air conditioner units left unsealed in winter can be a big drain on a heating bill. Massapequa Park-based MAVCAP Industries aims to eliminate this problem entirely with its AC DraftShields. The clearplastic covers fit over central air grates and wall-mounted air conditioners to seal out drafts. The company (ACDraftShields.com) is also developing a cover to fit over electrical outlets to prevent drafts through noninsulated wall spaces. These products keep energy costs down while more efficiently heating a home in the winter. Chu & Gassman Consulting Engineers calculated that AC DraftShields can save oil users $103 annually for through-wall air conditioners and $260 per year for central air grates covered, according to MAVCAP’s website. The products have the potential to save gas users $89 annually for covering through-wall air conditioners and $244 per year for central-air vents. “Something as simple as blocking a draft has a profound impact on [energy costs],” says MAVCAP Industries President Tom Mavroudis. “Depending on how bad your systems are between your outlets, your vents and your through-the-wall air conditioner, you could save 10 to 15 percent off your energy bill.” For more ideas, check out the LI Green Homes Open House, a free event on Oct. 13 at 15 locations across LI, offering tours, green technology in action and talks with homeowners and contractors. To register visit RenewableEnergyLongIsland.org. .

EVERYTHING NOW! Take Advantage of our Biggest Sale EVER!

NOW THRU OCT. 9TH! CALL TODAY: (800)-FOUR SEASONS

More Reasons for Four Seasons ! ®

INTEREST* THROUGH 2017

BATHROOMS MS 50%Off!

he NEW The HAMPTON ROOM is Now 50%Off! Energy Efﬁcient WINDOWS Now 50%Off!

SIDING 50%Off!

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY LIMITED TIME OFFER:

1/2 OFF + 0%!

MONTH

PRICE GUARANTEE

800-FOUR SEASONS CALL FOR A FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION!

FOUR SEASONS The NEW HYBRID ROOM Now 50%Off!

KITCHENS at 50%Off!

Securityy DOORS 50%Off! f!

Built by Long Islanders, for Long Islanders.

Four Seasons® has been the most trusted name on Long Island for home improvements for almost 40 years! See the best addition solutions in America at prices you won’t ﬁnd anywhere else.

See for yourself: • The NEW Hybrid Room: European Inspiration, American Innovation. • The NEW Hampton Room: The World’s Finest Sunrooms Meets the World’s Finest Windows. • Kitchens with FREE Granite work tops and FREE under counter sinks.

DOES IT ALL! SUNROOMS • ADDITIONS WINDOWS • KITCHENS BATHS • SIDING • DOORS AND MUCH MORE!

BOOK YOUR

APPOINTMENT

TODAY! CALL NOW!

(800)-FOUR SEASONS • WWW.FOURSEASONSLI.COM Sunrooms • Additions • Windows • Kitchens • Bath Liners • Siding • Security Doors • And More! Visit our home improvement resource center: 5005 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Holbrook N.Y. 11741 *Loans provided by EnerBank USA (1245 E Brickyard Rd. Ste 640, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. Repayment terms vary from 12 to 84 months. First monthly payment will be due 30 days after the loan closes. 0% ﬁxed APR, subject to change.

HI4

Long Island Press for September 27 - october 3, 201 2

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

s p e c i a l P u l lo u t s e c t i o n fa l l h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t pa rt 2

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

Lo n g Is l a n d P r e s s for S e p t e m b e r 27 - o c to b e r 3 , 2 01 2

HI5

HI6

Long Island Press for September 27 - october 3, 201 2

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

s p e c i a l P u l lo u t s e c t i o n fa l l h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t pa rt 2

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

Lo n g Is l a n d P r e s s for S e p t e m b e r 27 - o c to b e r 3 , 2 01 2

HI7

HI8

Long Island Press for September 27 - october 3, 201 2

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

s p e c i a l P u l lo u t s e c t i o n fa l l h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t pa rt 2

Giving Back By Laura Cerrone John Sopack never expected to have his basement renovated for free. He also never thought he would be diagnosed with leukemia in September 2011. The young married father of two had no escape in his own home from germs that could delay his recovery. Gary Zaccaro read about Sopack’s illness in a local newspaper and decided he would lend a helping hand, and an open wallet. Zaccaro has built his business, Massapequa-based Ambassador Home Improvement, by renovating homes for nearly 20 years. Without any hesitation, Zaccaro completed Sopack’s basement, outfitting it with metal stairs so dangerous mold couldn’t grow, as well as keeping the work environment free of dust. Before donating his time, resources, and paying for Sopack’s basement renovation, Zaccaro had been active in helping the local Massapequa community since 2009. “I know it sounds very generic but I just love helping people,” he tells the Press. Zaccaro was approached by the Massapequa Coast Little League team to help spruce up the baseball fields at John J. Burns Park in Massapequa. The Long Island and New York State champion team was looking to add a press box and Zaccaro, a coach of one of the teams, stepped up to the plate. “I never did something of that scale

before. It was exciting and fun, and it was nice to have good things come out of it,” he says. More good things were to come Zaccaro’s way after helping out Sopack. Zaccaro says someone anonymously nominated him for a President’s Volunteer Service Award. “The White House called my office and I thought it was a joke,” he says, referring to when he was notified in February about winning. Zaccaro describes the experience as one of the most amazing in his life, but is even happier about the response of locals who’ve been calling up and asking how they can get involved, too. He believes that when people work together to help others, it only leads to more positivity. It has also made his employees happier to work for him. “My employees see what I do in the community, and it makes them feel good about working for me and working for this community,” says Zaccaro. Zaccaro says community service can be “infectious.” Recently, Don Higgins Realty, a Manhattan- and Oyster Bay-based real estate company, has also caught the bug, donating 10 percent of its commission sales to charities. Matt McGarry, a real estate broker with DHR who lives in Locust Valley, agrees that employees derive happiness from working for a company that gives back to the community.

Count on Petro for great savings for all your home comfort needs.

• Flexible price protection and payment plans • Energy-efficient equipment options • Comprehensive service plans • 24/7 service and support

USE PrOPANE IN YOUr HOME? Count on us for all of your propane equipment installation and service needs — with no extra equipment rental fees or delivery charges.

call 877.358.2058 to learn more! petro.com

HEATING OIL | PROPANE | NATURAL GAS | PLUmbING AIR CONDITIONING | HOmE SECURITY Additional terms and conditions may apply. Nassau Lic. No. H3600630000. Suffolk Lic.Nos. 3134-P, 2901-RE. ©2012 Petro. P_12581

s p e c i a l P u l lo u t s e c t i o n fa l l h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t pa rt 2

Thinking about how to save on heating oil costs?

Think Petro!

Find out why more of your neighbors choose Petro for their home comfort services, making us the #1 home heating oil company in the country!

3TOTAL HOME 3TOTAL cOMfOrT 3TOTAL SATISfAcTION call today FoR special oFFeRs!

McGarry says DHR’s owner, Don Higgins, has wanted to be charitable for years, but DHR has only been able to donate to charities for about five months due to verifying documentation with the state. In those five months, DHR has donated to the East End Hospice, the Eastern Long Island Hospital, Lead the Way Fund, The Life Enrichment Center at Oyster Bay, Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, Manhasset Student Aid Association, North Shore Animal League America, North Shore-LIJ Health System Foundation and the Peconic Bay Medical Center Foundation, he says. DHR is planning to spread its charitable donations to the Boys and Girls Club in Locust Valley, too, he adds. “Unfortunately because of the economy these charities are the first to feel the cuts,” says McGarry, explaining why they chose to start their charity work. Alure Home Improvements in East Meadow is another Long Island company that has made donating to charity and volunteering its time two of its top priorities. Over the past few years, Alure has been involved with more than 20 different projects that have benefited everyone from college students to cancer patients. Most notable of all the work is the eight times Alure has been a remodeler for the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Sal Ferro, Alure’s president and CEO, says his company’s experience has been rewarding. “I’ve been touched by the number of people we’ve heard from that were inspired to get involved in supporting other charitable organizations after volunteering on one of our Extreme Makeover projects and experiencing

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

“I’ve been touched by the number of people we’ve heard from that were inspired to get involved in supporting other charitable organizations after volunteering on one of our Extreme Makeover projects and experiencing the gift of changing lives.” —Alure Home Improvements President and CEO Sal Ferro

the gift of changing lives,” he says. Ferro echoes Zaccaro’s sentiment that employee morale is improved by their company’s charity work, and their contribution is invaluable and inspirational. “I’m just thankful that Alure is fortunate to be in a position where we can actually make a difference,” he says. From John Sopack, to the eight families with new homes, and all the hundreds of other people touched by Zacarro, Don Higgins Realty, and Ferro’s commitment to the community, Long Island has learned how far the positive, selfless acts of some of its top businesses can reach.

Lo n g Is l a n d P r e s s for S e p t e m b e r 27 - o c to b e r 3 , 2 01 2

HI9

at Affordable Prices From sofas, tables, chairs, beds and lightings, you have thousands of modern items to choose from at IFN Modern. We do our best to provide you with highquality affordable furnishings for your home and ofﬁce, and give you the ultimate shopping experience.

IFN Modern is the perfect one-stop shop for all your home and office furnishings. Visit our website: www.ifn-modern.com or call us toll-free at 1-866-966-5942.

Get$25Off & FREE SHIPPING to the U.S and Canada

Use code IFN223 to receive this Special Offer and save an additional $25 plus get FREE Shipping on your purchase. Offer is valid until December 31, 2012.

#1 ON LONG ISLAND WITH MORE SOLAR INSTALLATIONS THAN ANY OTHER CONTRACTOR

RD O F F A N YOU CA

R A L Act! SO r Electric Bill

minate You Reduce or Eli LE

Now

O SCHEDU CALL NOW TEVALUATION YOUR FREE

• WE NEVER SUBCONTRACT • NABCEP Certified Master Electricians • SunPower Master Designer and Installer on Staff • RELI Gold Member and Pre-Screened Contractor • Up to 5 Years System Inspections and Maintenance … FREE

WE ALSO OFFER SOLAR THERMAL PACKAGES

Find out how we can save you up to 60% off your heating and hot water bills

WITH LOCATIONS IN OAKDALE & SOUTHAMPTON

FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE

(631) 750-9454

info@sunationsolarsystems.com

www.SUNATIONSOLARSYSTEMS.com HI10

Long Island Press for September 27 - october 3, 201 2

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

s p e c i a l P u l lo u t s e c t i o n fa l l h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t pa rt 2

GOOD ADVICE FROM THE GOOD HANDS ®

Q: With all the floods in the news, I’m starting to

wonder: will my home insurance cover me if my house floods? A: Most homeowners policies don’t cover flood

damages. It’s why, in 1968, Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Allstate sells and administers flood policies for the NFIP. While the federal government pays for the actual claims, Allstate handles the claims process. So you can expect the same great service on your flood claim as with your homeowners insurance. You can check your home’s flood risk at www.floodsmart.gov by entering your address. If you have any risk at all, it’s worth talking with me to see how much flood insurance would cost. I’m here to answer other questions you might have about home and car insurance as well. Whenever you have a question, I’m just down the street - or a phone call away.

Call me for a Good Hands® Coverage Checkup. I can help you make sure you have the right coverage at the best possible price. It’s fast and free. Call me today.

Robert Zabbia (516) 799-6900 847 Broadway Suite 101 N Massapequa robertzabbia@allstate.com

Flood insurance may be available through either an Allstate Agent or directly from FEMA and provided by the National Flood Insurance Program. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company

s p e c i a l P u l lo u t s e c t i o n fa l l h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t pa rt 2

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

Lo n g Is l a n d P r e s s for S e p t e m b e r 27 - o c to b e r 3 , 2 01 2

HI11

EVERYTHING NOW! Take Advantage of our Biggest Sale EVER!

NOW THRU OCT. 9TH! CALL TODAY: (800)-FOUR SEASONS

More Reasons for Four Seasons ! ®

INTEREST* THROUGH 2017

BATHROOMS MS 50%Off!

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY

he NEW The HAMPTON ROOM is Now 50%Off! Energy Efﬁcient WINDOWS Now 50%Off!

LIMITED TIME OFFER:

1/2 OFF + 0%!

SIDING 50%Off!

MONTH

PRICE GUARANTEE

800-FOUR SEASONS CALL FOR A FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION!

FOUR SEASONS The NEW HYBRID ROOM Now 50%Off!

KITCHENS at 50%Off!

DOES IT ALL!

Securityy DOORS 50%Off! f!

SUNROOMS • ADDITIONS WINDOWS • KITCHENS BATHS • SIDING • DOORS AND MUCH MORE!

Built by Long Islanders, for Long Islanders.

Four Seasons® has been the most trusted name on Long Island for home improvements for almost 40 years! See the best addition solutions in America at prices you won’t ﬁnd anywhere else.

BOOK YOUR

APPOINTMENT

TODAY! CALL NOW!

HI12

Long Island Press for September 27 - october 3, 201 2

w w w. lo n g i s l a n d p r e s s . c o m

s p e c i a l P u l lo u t s e c t i o n fa l l h o m e i m p r o v e m e n t pa rt 2