At Home in Berks - June 2013

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Preventive Home Maintenance

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Contents

Home Bu ilders As sociatio n of Be rks Coun ty JUNE 2013

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SSOCIATION AL A OF ON

BES T PUB -IN-N LICA ATIO TION N PEN NS

BUILDER SA ANIA YLV

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Features:

Preven tive Ho me Ma intena nce

BEST IN STA TE PUBLICATION

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Nothing to a sp adds style an ace lik e well-pd functionalit y laced lightin g

6 What is an Ounce of

Create a scen yo your e... ur VE VERY RY O OW WN N po po

Prevention Worth?

nd nd!!

Nothing could be truer than the old cliche, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

9 Home Improvement & Maintenance Tips I n today’s housing market, it is

Angles 5

Beware of Unscrupulous Contractors

imperative to keep your home in the best condition possible

11 Changing Trends in

Remodeling R emodeling is back! A survey released by the National

Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in 2012 shows that common remodeling projects have increased

Unfortunately, there are contractors who will take advantage of communities after a disaster.

24 Government Affairs The crisis is now: PA Pension Reform.

26 Alphabet Soup: Letters after names mean things.

They should be a prerequisite when choosing your next professional.

14 Create a Scene...Your

Very Own Pond W hat can be a better focal point in your backyard design than your own pond?

17 How Does Your Garden (and Landscaping) Glow?

It’s the season for everything outdoors. With summer just around the corner, now’s the time to think about ways to enhance your outdoor living spaces.

Departments

From the President

Membership pages

3

HBA of Berks County President Cathy Sloan.

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New and returning members, member to member discount programs, and an overview of all Association-related events from June to August 2013.

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HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

2013 HBA Berks

Board of Directors Officers: President Cathy Sloan, CGR, CAPS, CGP Aluminum Associates/Sloan Corporation (Muhlenberg)

From the President

Who is the HBA? called upon to assist with the building or remodeling of a home in some way or another. They are: carpenters, drywallers, electricians, excavators, heating ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC) mechanics, painters, plumbers, stucco installers, glass & iron specialists, roofers & siders, carpet & flooring experts, concrete & masons, and landscaping contractors. They all play a very important part in the building or remodeling of a home, whether it is to make it functional or to beautify it. Plus, these are the same trade contractors that you call when you have a repair that needs taken care of in your home.

First Vice President Patrick Dolan, AIA, LEED AP Dolan Construction Inc. (Reading)

Second Vice President Ed Anewalt Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting (Bernville)

Secretary Chad Camburn, P.E. Bursich Associates, Inc. (Pottstown)

Treasurer John Schmoyer Fulton Mortgage Company (Wyomissing)

Immediate Past President Kevin Kozo, CGP Turnberry Custom Homes (West Reading)

Associates

Builder Directors Marco Folino, CGB, CGP Folino Homes, Inc. (Blandon) Daphne Frownfelter, CKD

Deer Mountain Kitchens (Robesonia)

Diane Salks

Riverview Tree & Landscaping, Inc. (Temple)

Brad Kehres

L A Kehres Building & Remodeling (Leesport)

Eric Keller

Berks Fire & Water Restorations, Inc. (Reading)

Associate Directors Jim Gavin

Masano Bradley Attorneys At Law (Wyomissing)

Bryan Moll

B & G Glass (Reading)

Sherrie Hallowell

VIST Bank (Wyomissing)

HBA Staff Executive Officer & At Home in Berks Editor-in-Chief Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM

Membership Coordinator/ Office Manager Katie Mauger

T

he Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA) is an association that supports the building industry; but WHO are our members?

Our members consist of all types of companies that contribute to the building industry - some that you may not even realize. Below is a list of different types of companies that you may or may not have considered being contributors to the home building industry and why we believe they are an important part of the industry.

Contractors We are the home builders and remodelers whom, of course, you would expect to be members of a Home Builders Association (HBA). But, it may not be completely obvious how many different types of contractors are involved in the process of building or remodeling a home.

Depending on the project or job, many different trade contractors may be

Architects, designers, engineers, and inspectors are also a huge part of our industry. Whether it is coming up with a new earth-shattering concept, ensuring it is structurally sound and safe, or making all of the pieces fit together just right to look aesthetically pleasing – we couldn’t do it without these professionals.

We also have members which are companies that supply the materials for the building project. These are companies often referred to in the industry as ‘suppliers’ or ‘vendors.’ They may be manufacturers of a particular product or distributors of building products. They are a huge part of our industry; because, they supply the “parts” so the contractors can supply the “smarts” to combine for a perfect install.

We are all businesses. Businesses have to run their business like any other store, service provider, or shop. So, although it may not have been the first type of companies you thought of when you thought of HBA members, it should make sense that many of our members are banks, accountants, lawyers, human resources consultants, insurers, tool rentals, and car dealers. Why are they considered

Continued on page 4

The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction of print or digital articles without written permission from Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc., and/or the Home Builders Association of Berks County is forbidden. The placement of paid advertisements does not imply endorsement by HBA of Berks County.

Publisher: Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc. I 610.685.0914 2921 Windmill Road, Sinking Spring, PA 19608 Dave Hessen, Director of Creative Operations dave@hoffpubs.com JUNE 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs

3

From the President part of the industry? Banks are the suppliers of mortgages for the consumer’s home and also supply financial support to the building industry. Accountants help the building industry to follow all the new tax laws and keep their bookkeeping records correct. Lawyers are there to help us understand the laws and codes we need to follow when building or remodeling a home.

And, all of the other businesses support the construction industry in their own special way.

There is one other type of company that we have as members: restaurants. You are probably asking yourself why and how do they contribute. Their contribution to the industry is by supporting our association by letting us hold our events at their establishment. Plus, it is no secret that construction pros like to eat – and eat big.

All the different types of member companies in some way or another have helped and supported the building industry. So the next time you are considering hiring any type of company, take a moment to check if they are a member of your local HBA of Berks County.

We can help you figure it out...pick up the phone and call us at 610.777.8889 or go to our website at HBAberks.org.

Cathy Sloan

1047 Old Bernville Rd Reading, PA 19605 (Off Rt. 183N)

Cathy Sloan, CRG, CAPS, CGP Aluminum Associates/Sloan Corp. / 2013 HBA President

www.kohlbp.com

610-926-8800

Best

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‘At Home in Berks’ Magazine

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AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2013

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HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

Angles •

You’re asked to pay the full cost in advance, before work begins. Paying a deposit of anywhere from 20 percent to 50 percent is common, however.

• You’re asked to pay cash to an individual instead of a check, money order, or credit card to a company.

Connect with the HBA...

• The salesperson says you’re getting a special low price because you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project.

•

Beware of Unscrupulous Contractors!

The contractor asks you to sign over your insurance settlement check to him directly instead of you paying him from your account.

Home Builders Association of Berks County

References • The contractor is not registered with the PA Attorney General (this can be verified at www.AttorneyGeneral.com) •

The contractor does not have insurance or will not have their insurance agent send you your own copy directly to you by email, fax, or US mail.

@HBAberks

HBAberks

Group: HBA Berks

Channel: HBAberks

By HBA Staff • The contractor doesn’t have a verifiable

mailing address for his business.

t is an unfortunate fact of life that after a natural or man-made disaster, there are people who will try to profit from a community’s misfortune. Tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, windstorms and other disasters can destroy lives and property without warning. Sadly, in the wake of the tragedy, unscrupulous contractors often flock to an area to take advantage of the distressed home owners who are trying to repair the damage or rebuild their homes.

• The contractor won’t provide references for past work; or the references can’t be reached.

I

But a fly-by-night contractor, often referred to as a “Chuck-in-a-Truck,” is one disaster you can prevent if you pay attention to some common warning signs. In fact, it makes sense to look for these signs when you are evaluating any potential contractor, whether it’s for post-disaster repairs or a planned-for renovation to your home.

Here are some common warning signs:

Price and Payment • You’re told you have to sign the contract today to get the quoted price.

If you sign later the price will be higher.

•

The business has complaints that have not been resolved against them with the Better Business Bureau. You can find the nearest Better Business Bureau location at www.bbb.org/us/find-a-bbb.

• The business is not a member of their local trade association, chamber of commerce, or Home Builders Association.

Contract and Completion •

You’re told that “a contract won’t be necessary.” If the job is over $500, it is Pennsylvania law – and is necessary!

Make sure you insist on a complete and clearly written contract signed by you Paying attention to these warning signs and the contractor.

• You’re expected to make final payment will help you select a contractor who will do, and stand behind quality work. before the job is completely finished and you are fully satisfied with it. Find To learn more about finding a reliable out if any of the work requires contractor with an established business municipal, city, or county inspection, in our community, contact the Home and make sure that is done and you Builders Association of Berks County at have paperwork to prove it before you 610.777.8889 HBAberks.org. make the final payment.

JUNE 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs

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Home Repairs & Maintenance

What is an Ounce of Prevention Worth?

By Stephen E. Doyle We’ve heard it many times, but nothing could be more true than the old cliche, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preventative maintenance is the best and cheapest way to keep your house in great shape; reduce the risk of unexpected repairs; and also improves the odds of selling your house at fair market value when the time comes.

T

he warm days of summer have nearly arrived. The daffodils and crocuses have been in bloom for some time. Cookouts, baseball games, swim club trips with the kids, and jaunts to the shore will soon proliferate. But for now, the appeal of a solitary moment enjoying a cold beverage and bacon cheeseburger with sautéed onions - alone on the backyard deck prompts immediate action. A rewarding moment, such as this, is a welcome respite from the daily grind.

It is well deserved.

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AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2013

Upon taking a seat in the deck lounge chair, the creaking reminder of a loosened plank provides the unwanted buzzkill.

The prospect of locating a contractor to take a gander at the pine deck that hasn’t been maintained since it was built 8 years prior coincides with the realization that the kitchen windows have been leaking for several weeks. But denial has drowned out reason up to this point, because the prospect of things creaking and leaking just doesn’t belong in the picture of a happy homeowner.

The time to act is now! Things that creak eventually split, crack, and ultimately collapse.

The first step is to go online at HBAberks.org or phone the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA) at (610) 777-8889 for a list of contractors. The decision to hire a licensed contractor, not a just a “Chuck-in-a-Truck” handyman, is crucial in getting the job done right. Unlike a handyman, a locally-licensed contractor is insured, can pull permits, and is registered as a “Home Improvement Contractor” with the PA Attorney General’s office (go to AttorneyGeneral.com).

Deck Maintenance & Repairs When you walk-through with the contractor to review your project, they should ask questions about the creaking deck. It is a good idea to write down in advance any questions as well as concerns

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

What is an Ounce of Prevention Worth? about the deck; creaking boards, loose railings and steps, and missing bolts. The most commonly installed deck is made of pressured pine. It’s more affordable, initially, which is often the main attraction for the buyer.

While composite decks are a lot more expensive, at the point of purchase, they will likely outlive the pine decks by a couple of decades, if not longer.

However, the pine decks will need regular maintenance like pressure washing and staining. The homeowner who takes decisive action at the first sign of trouble may prevent more than the loss of their hard-earned dollars. They may prevent injury or even death...possibly their own. Maintaining a pine deck should generally cost less than $5 a square foot (professionally done) or under $1 a square foot for the DIY homeowner. Whereas, replacing a pine deck typically costs $25 a square foot.

Leaking Windows Understandably, a leaking window, can be an annoyance for any homeowner. It can also lead to expensive cooling and heating bills, by allowing outside air to pass through the cracks and crevices.

Additionally, water can seep in and result

in damage to the window frame, sill, and walls. Mold usually follows which, in short order, causes the costs of repairs to increase dramatically. It is paramount to repair the damaged window before things worsen considerably. Timely repairs will put the mind and wallet at ease.

Sometimes leaking windows can be the result of improper window installation. One approach is to hire a licensed contractor to remove the leaking window to analyze how the window was installed. This typically reveals whether flashing (flashing is the metal or vinyl material installed around windows for waterproofing and aesthetic purposes) or the installation method was defective.

It then becomes clear whether or not it can be remedied without replacing the window itself.

There are several questions for the homeowner to answer to aid the contractor in diagnosing, and properly fixing, the leaking window:

• Does the window always leak when it rains?

• How long has the window been leaking?

• Is there a specific event that comes to mind when the window leak was first noticed?

• Has the leak worsened?

• Who built the home and when was it constructed?

• Have there been any prior attempts to stop the leak? If so, what was done and what was the result of that intervention?

Early detection and repair can help avert other far costlier repairs such as mold growth removal, drywall & insulation damage, and ruined wood that can become an inviting food source for termites.

Leaking Pipes A Reading city homeowner (an old friend) who worked long and hard, had been funneling away his overtime pay as an emergency room nurse, and was looking forward to a long overdue vacation. He was aware that the fixerupper he had purchased three years prior needed work. But, he was a procrastinator by nature. The corroded copper basement

pipes had been leaking, in several different places, for months. One day he returned home, after working sixteen exhausting hours, only to discover that his basement was submerged in two feet of water!

His new carpeting, furniture, and newly installed drywall had endured considerable water damage. His vacation fund instantly became the basement flood fund. He also had to dip into savings in order to pay the repair bills. The irony is-the overworked homeowner is quite handy. He knows how to sweat copper pipes, having done so for his parents less than one year prior. Yet, in his own house, he kept putting off doing something that would have cost almost nothing: $5 in pipe and cup links, $5 for tint, $20 for a propane torch and $5 for a simple pipe cutter. Or, he could have hired it out for only a few hundred dollars without even getting dirty.

After all was said and done, the very unhappy homeowner forked out nearly $35K! This covered funds paid to professional contractors, new carpeting, additional flooring materials, new furniture, and new drywall. He jokingly said that because of this disaster, he would be eating Ramen Noodles and working many more hours of overtime in order to dig out from under this mishap. All of this could have been prevented for pennies on the dollar with very little change to his normal routine had he simply hired a professional.

Continued on page 8 JUNE 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs

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Home Repairs & Maintenance Damaged Roof Shingles Roof maintenance tops the list of vital home repairs: it keeps the family warm and dry as well as everything else within the home’s walls. Any damage or evidence

of wear calls for immediate action to prevent water from seeping under the shingles and rotting the wood sheathing beneath. Ignoring a problem, even what appear to be an insignificant problem, can lead to thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in unplanned expenses.

Additionally, regular and careful roof maintenance can often SAVE thousands of dollars in heating and cooling costs alone over the life of the home.

If the roof is older than twenty years, with shingles beginning to ‘curl and the edges’ or otherwise show signs of damage, replacement becomes imminently necessary. Three common DIY-inspired (Do-It-Yourself ) roofing repairs are: replacing damaged shingles, gluing down a badly curled shingle, and repairing shingles that have cracked. Always do roof repairs on a dry, warm afternoon. The shingles will be suppler and less likely to crack. Additionally, stay off of a roof that is icy or wet. Also, strongly consider paying a licensed contractor for this type of work. Not only do they have the expertise and experience, the proper tools, the safety training & equipment; but, they also have the proper insurance should all else fail.

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AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2013

Electrical Wiring and Repairs

What is an Ounce of Prevention Worth?

Replacing outdated wiring and electrical panels are jobs best left to electricians.

curtains or blinds, unclogging a toilet, cleaning out the gutters, changing the furnace filters, and even trimming backyard tree branches are some examples of basic DIY projects. But, some things are certainly best left for the professionals.

Some of the warning signs of wiring problems are hot outlets or switches, dimming lights, blown fuses, and tripped circuit breakers. It is best to have a registered electrician inspect the wiring to provide their expert advice. Save the DIY for other projects.

Save your life and the lives of your family. And save some money as well.

It’s all about prevention: fire prevention, headaches prevention, money lost prevention, and prevention of loss of time. Getting a HBA of Berks County member who is a registered contractor is that ounce of prevention that is worth its weight in gold.

Faulty electric wiring is common in older homes. More than half of the nation’s housing units are more than 30 years old. Many of those older homes were simply not designed to meet current-day electricity demands. Homes that are 100 years or greater were wired at 30 amps. Homes from a few decades ago were wired at 60, 100, or 150 amps. More recently, however, homes are commonly wired for 200 amps or more. Usually, an upgrade consists of more than simply changing out the electrical panel. Circuits need to be split-out or added as well.

Do What You Can Yourself There are many problems that will challenge even the most patient homeowner. But, there’s nothing that compares to the sense of overall satisfaction of having completed repairs without forking over money to someone else. Basic sink & tub caulking, hanging

The decision to heed the professional advice of the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA) is a wise one. After obtaining several estimates, a contractor is chosen. Ensure the contractor is endorsed by satisfied customers, people who are willing and able to give a favorable reference. Due diligence here - taking the extra time to conduct a thorough background check will go a long way towards maintaining peace of mind.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stephen E. Doyle is a fourth-year university student at Penn State Berks majoring in professional writing, and is a regular contributor to At Home in Berks. Steve can be reached at sed5273@psu.edu.

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

Home Repairs & Maintenance

Home Improvement & Maintenance Tips By Candace Perkins

House Exterior Due to the severe winds from the recent storms, it is also be a good idea to check the exterior of your home; such as: siding, soffit, fascia metal, stucco, and shutters. Heavy winds can loosen these items which, in turn, could cause water damage to the interior of the home.

W

ith warm weather upon us, it is imperative to perform some important maintenance items on your most prized possession–your home–to keep it performing in top shape.

In today’s housing market, it is critical to keep your home in the best condition possible to assist in maintaining its value while servicing your every need!

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Weather Rips Roofs Berks County and the surrounding areas experienced big storms during the past few months, including a Super Storm.

An inspection of the roofing shingles, or whatever roofing product that is installed on your home should be at the top of your list. Whether you hire a professional to inspect, or drag out the ladder yourself, an inspection is easy, fast, and essential.

Focus on safety first! The number one injury of construction workers has remained “slips and falls” for many years; although incident counts are declining.

Don’t be another statistic. Choose a day on which the roof is dry and the wind is low. Secure your ladder. Have an assistant.

Do not carry tools or items up/down the ladder. Ensure your footing. Stay away from the edges; but view every area of the roof, paying particular attention to edges and areas around the chimney or where one roof line meets another.

Any loose or missing shingles should be either reinstalled or replaced to ensure that interior water damage will not occur. The roofing system is the single most important material on your home; it is strongly recommended to hire a professional roofer or a Certified Roof Inspector to inspect your shingles and perform any repairs; especially, if you are not comfortable walking on the roof.

Gutters & Downspouts Help keep your roof in good shape by cleaning out the fall and winter debris from the gutters and downspouts. A

clogged downspout can create a water damage situation to the interior of the house by causing water to back up into the gutters, then allowing it to overflow.

Water, then, will find the path of least resistance. Sometimes, this is gaining access to the house through an opening in the siding or an adjacent window. Other times, it causes severe water damage to the basement area of your home due to the lack of proper drainage away from the home.

Usually, gutters can be checked without having to go on the roof, though, sometimes roof access is the easiest. It is always recommended to stay as close to the ground as possible, thus, a 6 or 8 foot A-frame ladder on the ground is far safer than leaning over at the edge of the roof.

Ensure that your downspouts are not cracked, broken, smashed, or separated.

As a rule, they should end at least six feet away from the base of the house, or further, if possible. If in doubt, repair or replace. Repairing or replacing downspouts is a fast, easy, and a very inexpensive project, whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, it can literally save you tens of thousands of dollars in avoided water damage.

Change the batteries in detectors when you change the clock for Daylight Savings Time. We’ve all heard this for years, but, few of us comply. If you haven’t done so, now is the time to change the batteries. Count all of the detectors in your home, purchase the batteries, and change all of them out at once.

When we hear the chirping sound of a dead battery in a detector it is common to remove the detector entirely or replace the battery in just that detector. Rather, use this alert as a reminder that all of the detector batteries are low in the house and all need replaced. The $10 or so twice a year in battery cost is a cheap insurance policy to save lives. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors won’t stop the problem from occurring. They WILL allow you to save your life and the lives of your family members and pets should a personal catastrophe occur. Plus, they will give the fire department or gas company ample time to assist you before a total loss occurs.

Electrical Systems The electrical load center, also referred to as an ‘electrical panel’ is the primary safety device of the home. Too much power drain causes wires to heat. Heat turns to fire. Fire ruins and takes lives.

When an appliance or faulty devices tries Continued on page 10 JUNE 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs

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Home Improvement & Maintenance Tips to draw more power than the design of the house’s electrical system the fuse blows or the breaker trips.

This is good. It lets you know there is a problem with a nicked extension cord or broken vacuum cleaner. If, on the other hand, it happens frequently, you are trying to draw more power than the system will allow. You will need to get your panel upgraded and/ or circuits added or existing circuits broken out into two or more.

Unless using a dedicated circuit (meaning an outlet that has a wire that goes all the way back to the panel with nothing else on it) for appliances and window air conditioners, you will likely overtax your electrical system causing the breaker to trip. When this happens, the only thing protecting your life and preventing a burned out house is that breaker. You will need to lessen your electrical load considerably (unplug the A/C or appliance) and call an electrician to add wiring to meet your current needs.

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When the heat of the summer months is highest, you will want the air conditioning to cool you down. Now is the time to get the systems serviced, filters changed, and ready to go. It is not easy to get an air conditioning service man out on the first hot day of the year. Don’t be a procrastinator-schedule it right away!

Apply these tips and get ready to enjoy the warm weather!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Candace Perkins is the Marketing Representative for ServiceMaster Assured Cleaning. Visit servicemasterac.com or call 610.374.1881.

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Home Repairs & Maintenance Changing Trends in Remodeling...

The Rooms&

the Reasons Americans love remodeling. Television networks such as HGTV and DIY run 24 hours a day with shows like “BATHtastic” and “Design Star.” Berks County was energized when ABC’s popular TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition came to town. Magazines, websites and blogs feature happy homeowners gushing over perfect room makeovers. And, with the continuously challenging economy, more homeowners have decided to stay in their current home longer, which has created higher demand for remodeling.

R

emodeling is back! A survey released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in 2012 shows that common remodeling projects have increased, compared to a similar survey from 2010. What’s more, nearly 50 percent of remodelers report seeing an increase in the number of homeowners who undertake remodels to avoid moving, compared to the 2010 findings.

Baths & kitchens Bathroom and kitchen remodeling remain the two most common types of jobs, as they have been consistently since 2001.

After 2009, however, bathroom and kitchen remodeling switched places— bathrooms became the most frequent type of job for professional remodelers.

Seventy-eight percent of the survey respondents cited bathroom remodeling as one of the most common jobs, an alltime high.

Homeowners are frequently asking for a high-end spa feel to their new bathrooms, with features and materials such as television screens built into mirrors, exotic wood finishes, recycled glass tiles and sophisticated lighting systems. Other popular features include those that enable a homeowner to stay in their home as they age; including step-in tubs and shower stall benches with rails.

Both kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects were up 17 percent from two years ago.

Continued on page 12 JUNE 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs

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with Mercedes-Benz Star Service Pre-paid Maintenance* The motivation

In contrast, more than 20 percent of remodelers said there was a decrease in customers remodeling to increase home values as an investment or to prepare for a sale (whether distressed or not). Remodeling to accommodate a change in the number of people living in the home also received low scores.

behind many Whether they are inspired by the homeowners’ decision amazing makeovers shown on television to remodel has shows, or their changing lifestyle changed as well. The necessitates repurposing spaces to make 815topLancaster Ave. two reasons for Reading more efficient use of their home’s square remodeling were www.TomMasano.com the need to repair or footage, homeowners are turning to replace old or outdated components and professional to help improve Stk #33252* Available only to qualified customers through Mercedes-Benz Financial at participating dealers through May 31, 2013. Not everyone will qualify. Advertised 48 month leaseremodelers payment based on MSRP of $42,355 less the theDealer desire formay better newer suggested dealer contribution resulting in a total gross capitalized cost of $40,798. contribution vary and& could affect youramenities. actual lease payment. Includes Destination Charge and Premium 1 Package. Excludes title, taxes, their home. registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options. Total monthly payments equal Cash dueofat remodelers signing includes $0 capitalized More than 50$19,152. percent said cost reduction, $0 acquisition fee and first month´s lease payment of $0.

No security deposit required. Total payments equal $19,152. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, theseoption two reasons for remodeling excess wear and use plus $0.25/mile over 40,000 miles, and $595 vehicle turn-inthat fee. Purchase at lease end for $25,012 plus taxes (and any other fees and charges due under the 1.877.TomMasano applicablepopular lease agreement) in example Subject to credit approval. Specific vehicles are subject to availability and may haveover to be ordered. participating dealer for details. have become more common the See past Other jobs wereshown. window & door For more information, go to HBAberks.

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Home Repairs & Maintenance

D

o you ever wonder how to avoid a service call from your electrician for something that is a simple matter? Well, here are some tips to avoid that frustrating and sometimes costly electrical service call.

GFCI Breakers & Receptacles Do you have a bathroom, basement, kitchen, garage, or outside receptacle that is not working? Most homes have what are called Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) breakers or receptacles. These are commonly used in the locations mentioned above to prevent electrocution when an appliance or equipment gets wet. The GFCI will trip at a very low amperage amount which prevents you from getting hurt.

The mystery lies in locating these devices. While more up-todate electrical codes have corrected some of this mystery it does not help with the home that was wired prior to these modern wiring practices. To locate one of these GFCI devices, first check below your main electrical panel. Many contractors installed these GFCI devices below the main electrical panel and connected all the bathroom, basement, kitchen, garage, and outside receptacles making this a cost effective way to provide the necessary protection the National Electric Code (NEC) warranted. To reset these devices you can push in the ‘reset’ button. If it again trips off immediately, then you might have a more serious issue and you will need to call a qualified electrician.

If you don’t see a GFCI device below your panel, you should check your individual breakers in the panel. There will be a breaker with a trip button on it that should be marked with ‘GFCI.’ Try to reset it by turning the breaker off then on. This will reset the mechanism inside the breaker.

If the breaker again trips off immediately, you might have something plugged into the wiring that is telling it there is a fault. Walk around to all the receptacles to unplug anything still connected then try to reset the breaker again. If it still trips off, then the GFCI breaker might need to be replaced by a qualified electrician. This step can also be used if individual GFCI receptacles are being used.

Arc Fault Breakers All new homes use the new Arc Fault Circuit (AFC) breakers. These do not work the same as the GFCI breakers; but, you can use the same troubleshooting processes. The AFC breaker electronically monitors the circuit. When it senses abnormality to the circuit it will trip the breaker. Portable fans or heaters, treadmills, and almost anything with a motor can trip these off. There is not much you can do in this case. The manufacturers have tried to correct this problem with newer technology, but it still persists. If the problem continues then you might have to replace the AFC breaker to see if that corrects the problem.

investigate everything that is not working.

Most times, as you go through this process, you will find the problem area.

This is especially true during the holiday lighting period when precipitation covers cords or strings of lights.

Let There Be… No light? Why is your light not working after you install a new bulb? Try using the same bulb in another fixture so you know that the bulb you are trying to use is a ‘known-good’ bulb. Many times, bad bulbs that are brand new do not work directly out of the packaging. So, take the time to check to ensure it is a good bulb.

If the bulb is good and the light fixture still does not work, you might need to call your electrician to resolve the issue.

What If It Just Doesn’t Work?

Why are your receptacles and/or lights not working? It could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker. It is important to understand how circuit breakers work.

Most manufacturers have a label on the inside of the electrical panel cover explaining how to reset a circuit breaker.

Also, there should be a ‘panel schedule’ stating which circuit breaker controls what device in the home. Locate the circuit breaker for the area that is not working. The key to a circuit breaker is that you have to turn it off completely and then turn it back on to reset it. This resets the mechanical interlock inside the circuit breaker. Circuit breakers normally trip due to overloaded or shorted circuits.

If the circuit breaker is reset and trips off immediately then you have an overload or short somewhere. Use the same troubleshooting techniques as the GFCI devices listed above. This process usually locates the issue. You can save yourself time, money, and frustration with these simple troubleshooting steps. Do what you can BEFORE you call an expert.

Do a Walk-About

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When troubleshooting these types of problems, it is always best to see the whole picture and not just the individual problem. Go through the home to

David R. Roche is the president of Dave Roche Electric, Inc. Contact Dave at DaveRocheElectricInc.com or call 610.

678.2814.

JUNE 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs 13

Home Repairs & Maintenance important initial decision in designing your garden pond. Locate the pond in an active area of your yard so that you can enjoy it throughout the year. If you have a patio or deck overlooking your yard, set the pond in an area where you can see it from the best vantage point. Keep in mind the safety of people and pets. Check your municipality’s ordinances to see if a fence is required.

HARDSCAPE [hahrd-skeyp] n.

Landscaping without living products.

Hardscapes use materials such as rock, wood, pavers, brick, stone, and concrete in retaining walls, walkways, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, driveways, and ponds.

Pond Design, Size, Shape, and Depth

CREATE A SCENE:

When deciding on the size of your pond, make it as large as the area allows-within reason. Larger ponds are easier to care for. Many pond owners wish they had made their pond larger. A good landscape designer will create designs to help you determine the size and shape of the pond presented with drawn plantings and other features on paper to help you visualize your finished project. A flexible liner should be used when constructing the pond (as opposed to a pre-fab hard plastic pond). Make sure your pond is at least 18 to 24 inches deep. If you are adding Goldfish or Koi, go deeper, if possible.

YOUR VERY OWN POND

By Diane Salks

M

ost hardscapers advocate incorporating a focal point into your landscape design.

This is a central feature of the area that focuses an onlooker’s gaze to anchor the scene. Water features, such as ponds or waterfalls, serve as effective focal points in a well-designed landscaped yard.

What’s Better Than Your Own Pond?

Having a pond will enhance your touch with nature. You’ll get enjoyment with all of the things it brings with it; including: fish, frogs, butterflies, birds, pond plants, and all of the flowers you can plant around it. A natural wonderland is created 14

AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2013

when you have a pond or water feature. It’s relaxing, calming, and your family, friends, & neighbors will love it, too.

Try to picture where you sit the most while you’re outside. Now picture where a great place to put a pond would be.

Remember, a well-designed pond, not only adds beauty and enjoyment to your home; but it also can add value. It is a way you can expand your living space without increasing your taxes.

Pond Location, Location, Location Choosing the location is the most

Sunlight Plus Trees Aquatic plants, such as water lilies and lotus,’ require a minimum of six hours of full sun to achieve their full beauty. If you think your pond would look perfect in that shady corner or under overhanging

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

Create a Scene: Your Very Own Pond trees, your plant choices will be limited.

Placing your pond in the full sun will also encourage the growth of algae. Algae are plants that love the sunlight. All ponds should include a UV light. This not only takes care of any green-water algae problems; but it is also helpful with the health of your fish. Overhanging trees can be beautiful, but you will need to be vigilant about removing leaves that may fall into your pond.

make your house

a home

Drainage Be sure to choose an area for your pond that has well drained soil. Your pond should be placed in an area where storm water runoff will not contaminate the pond with mud and debris as well as pesticide and fertilizer residues from your neighbors’ yards.

V BERKS ISIT COUNT Y

Electricity & Water Be sure that you have easy access to both water and electricity. Pumps, filters, fountains, special lighting, and other accessories run on normal household current. Use a local, licensed electrician.

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Selecting the right pump depends on how many gallons of water your pond holds as well as the filtration system you are using. Proper filtration is critical for the health of your pond.

Creating Waterfalls and Streams Nothing adds to a landscape like the sound of cascading water in your pond.

Flowing water, along with a good filtration system and UV light, creates a healthy environment which attracts more butterflies, birds, dragonflies, and other beneficial wildlife. Mosquitoes are repelled by flowing water. And, of course, a recycling pump is a must.

Adding Plants & Fish Aquatic plants are essential for the health of your pond; but, be careful-aquatic plants are very invasive and can quickly take over your pond. They are available as ‘hardy’ or ‘tropical.’ Hardy plants are plants that will live through our Pennsylvanian winters. Tropical plants will not survive the winter; so they must be taken indoors for the winter. Fish are

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610.929.5049 | riverviewtree.com a great addition, but care must be taken not to overfeed them. Not only is overfeeding bad for the fish, it will hurt the quality of the water which encourages the growth of algae.

Winterizing Your Pond Winterizing your pond is a Fall ritual for a pond owner that is bittersweet. In this area, it is a necessity. Winterizing

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the pond also gives you an excellent opportunity to check the state of your liner, your fish, and your pump. Different people will winterize their pond in various ways; however, there are a few things that you have to do to maintain healthy fish and plants for the future. If you so desire, you can use products to help winterize the pond and your fish. We recommend a Continued on page 16 JUNE 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs

15

Home Repairs & Maintenance

product by Microbe Lift called Autumn/ Winter Prep. It is also a good idea to get a pair of elbow length gloves, because the water will surely be cold when you start the fall clean up.

Choose Carefully Balancing landscape design and hard-

scaping, along with water features, into a unifying theme to create a complete presentation is the real value of hiring a full-service landscaping firm. Reliable and reputable hardscapers are ICPI certified (Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute) and members of their local Home Builders Association. Check the credentials of any landscaping firm to

Create a Scene: Your Very Own Pond

make sure you are hiring only trained and qualified professionals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Diane Salks is the President and Master Gardener at Riverview Nursery & Garden Center. Contact Diane at riverviewtree.com or call 610.929.5049.

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AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2013

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

Home Repairs & Maintenance

How Does Your Garden (and Landscaping) Glow?

By Sue Roeckle

It’s the season for everything outdoors. With summer just around the corner, now’s the time to think about ways to enhance your outdoor living spaces.

W

hether inside or out, few things add dimension, style and functionality to a space like wellplaced lighting. And, when it comes to landscape, patio/deck and security lighting, there are few options easier, safer, and more cost-efficient than low-voltage.

a transformer to reduce the electrical current to less than 50 volts, but more commonly, 12 volts. Less electricity use equals lower energy bills. Plus, since there’s less power involved, it’s safer and easier (cables can be buried just below the surface) for DIY-ers to install.

Illuminate Your Outdoors

On Your Mark...Get Set...

In a nutshell, low-voltage lighting uses

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Make a plan.

Decide which areas you’d like to illuminate: Pathways to help guests navigate safely? A beloved tree to add drama and dimension? Architectural or landscape features to highlight your home’s unique style? Dark areas near doors and windows to deter intruders?

Decide where you’ll place the transformer and which electrical outlet you’ll use.

Continued on page 20 JUNE 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs

17

The Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA) their community building efforts through At Home in Berks, the

Tracy Hoffmann President, Hoffmann Publishing Group Publisher of At Home in Berks magazine

Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM Executive Officer, Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA) Editor-in-Chief At Home in Berks magazine

NATIO NA

BUILDERS ME

and the Hoffmann Publishing Group celebrate 2012 NAHB “Best-in-Nation” member publication.

IATION OF SSOC HO LA

BEST-IN PUBLIC NATION AT ION

Berks County is a neighborly, giving community; we play hard, but most of all...we work hard. The expert craftsmen, contractors, and business leaders of the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA) wanted a unique forum, written by local experts in their fields, to share their knowledge with the business owners and homeowners of Berks.

From this vision grew At Home in Berks magazine.

Association newsletters and magazines are traditionally published about the association and its members. We reinvented this concept with At Home in Berks by expanding our target audience beyond HBA members, to include Berks community business owners and home owners. This innovative approach quickly drew the attention of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) federation, because after just four issues, At Home in Berks achieved the 2012 NAHB “Best-in-Nation” member publication award.

This accomplishment is the result of the Berks County HBA’s vision and desire to raise the level of professionalism and service for home and business owners in Berks County.

LEARN MORE

HBA of Berks County HBAberks.org / 610.777.8889 The Hoffmann Publishing Group hoffmannpublishing.com / 610.685.0914

Home Repairs & Maintenance

How Does Your Garden (and Landscaping) Glow?

Choose the right lights.

Low-voltage lights come in all shapes and sizes. Flood and spotlights are great for illuminating trees, entryways, and architectural details. Area lights provide more diffused light making them ideal for highlighting garden features. Pathway and step lights encourage safety. Add a photocell or timer for automatic on/off.

Install like a pro.

Position all your fixtures and wires. You’ll want to use a flat-nosed shovel to dig a small trench approximately 6" below the surface. Make sure that your fixtures are straight and level. To ensure a consistent brightness level, be careful not to place too many fixtures on one electrical run.

Get All Decked Out With summer officially here, deck & patio season is now in full swing. Your outdoor spaces are the perfect spot for dining alfresco, unwinding with a great read, or entertaining family and friends.

Just because the sun’s gone down doesn’t mean the good times have to end.

Today’s outdoor lighting is designed to deliver beauty, functionality, and energysavings; so, you can enjoy your deck or patio well into the evening.

Landscape lights are meant to enhance the beauty of your well manicured shrubs and plants. There are several options within the category including, low voltage landscape lights, path lights, lighted bird baths and well lights. Landscape lights are available in many finishes and sizes to suit your needs including, inground well lights, tree lights, and flood and spot lights.

A few tips for deck & patio illumination:

place and plan your lighting accordingly.

Consider adding path or step lights for better safety.

Create your lighting plan.

Set the mood.

Identify the areas where activities like socializing, dining, or grilling will take

Create a sparkling ambience for your deck party with party lights, many of which are available in LEDs. Highlight a favorite centerpiece or the roofline of your gazebo with flexible tube LEDs. For those of you who are interested in environmental concerns-or if you are just interested in keeping your electrical bills as low as possible-LED lighting may be a great choice for you.

LED lights are known for their energy saving potential and can save you a significant amount of money over time.

20

AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2013

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

Home Repairs & Maintenance Save with low-voltage.

These easy-to-install energy deck and patio lights reduce electricity output with a special transformer and cable. They’re available in nearly every application – from rail to wall-mount lights.

Max your energy savings with LEDs. Energy savings to the max! LED deck lights provide the greatest energy savings and the longest lifespan. LEDs have evolved rapidly and now are available as rail, recessed step, post cap lights, and more.

Solar Issues.

Beware the downside of solar. Solar may seem like the ideal option for going and saving green. Unfortunately, in the Mid-Atlantic region, there’s not always enough intense sunlight to power them to full capacity. If you do opt to use them, be sure place them in direct sunlight away from shade trees.

Best Ideas for Landscape Lighting Todays landscape and garden lighting options highlight your best garden and landscape features, while using less energy than ever before.

• Honor a favorite tree with strategically- placed, recessed well-lights.

They provide seamless up- lighting for a beloved tree and require less energy when powered by an easy-to-install low-voltage system.

How Does Your Garden (and Landscaping) Glow?

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Highlight your best features with landscape accent spotlights. They’re ideal for illuminating large shrubs, flower beds, and trees. They can also be wired to a low-voltage system.

•

Step up safety and style with LED- powered step lights. Available in a variety of finishes, they help guests navigate their way safely while adding a distinctive ambience.

• Add a little shimmer to your pond with an LED pond light kit. LEDs offer superior protection against water corrosion and have an extra-long lifespan.

Solar may seem like the ideal option for going and saving green. But beware the downside of solar.

Unfortunately, in the Mid-Atlantic region, there’s not always enough intense sunlight to power them to full capacity. If you do opt to use them, be sure to place them in direct sunlight away from the reach of shade trees.

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CFLs to the Rescue.

Four times more efficient than their incandescent counterparts and now available in nearly any lighting application, compact fluorescent lamps

Energy Savings Now is a great time to maximize your home’s curb appeal and snag yourself some energy savings with energy-efficient outdoor lighting. Let’s take a look at a few ways to play up your home’s exterior without breaking your energy budget.

Continued on page 22 JUNE 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs

21

Home Repairs & Maintenance

How Does Your Garden (and Landscaping) Glow?

MAKING YOUR HOUSE

a Home

Finishing Touches At Anewalt’s, we specialize in giving homeowners the finishing touches…the patio, the deck, the lighting, the ambience, gently balancing nature and function.

We listen attentively to you to be sure the landscape complements the aesthetics of your home and the desires of your heart.

Beauty from the inside out

Consider us to make your house a home by having our educated landscape team extend the beauty of your house into the backyard.

percent, you reduce energy consumption by 40 percent.

It’s About Timer Switches.

Evening lighting is a great way to enhance your curb appeal and outdoor lifestyle, but leaving the lights on ALL night? That’s a “going-green” no-no. A simple solution? Install a timer switch and designate the precise time for lights out.

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(CFLs) are the best choice for lanterns, outdoor wall lights, and more. Check that your fixture is designed to accommodate CFLs and your CFL is approved for outdoor use.

The Lowdown on Low-Voltage.

Shedding light on pathways or driveways is a bright way to add a warm welcome to 22

www.AnewaltsLandscape.com

AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2013

your home, while promoting safety. Easy to install, low-voltage lighting systems produce the same quantity of light but use less electrical energy. Cha-ching!

The outdoor environment offers a kind of sensorial celebration – vivid colors, sweet scents and the gentle buzz of life reawakened. Now through the end of fall, your outdoor spaces become an extension of your home. What better way to celebrate the return of outdoor living than to invest in some energy-efficient landscape lighting to showcase nature’s beauty? Don’t delay. Start today!

Dimmer Power.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Just as you would indoors, install energysaving dimmers on your outdoor lighting fixtures. By dimming a light source by 50

Sue Roeckle is the Showroom Manager at Yale Lighting Concepts in Wyomissing.

Contact Sue at 610. 375. 4321.

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Angles government affairs

The crisis is now:

PA Pension Reform

By Susan Wilson

T

he HBA of Berks County never shies away from the important topics at hand that affect Berks county residents. Whether discussing property tax reform or the problems dealing with local building codes and approvals, the members are always willing to take on the tough issues, finding ways to help get the Commonwealth growing again.

The importance of pension reform within Pennsylvania was the topic at hand at this year’s annual Legislative Luncheon.

Mike Rodino, Government Affairs Committee Chair, looks on as Rep. Gillen speaks. Senator Argall seated in foreground.

Mike Rodino, past president of the HBA and chair of the Government Affairs Committee, emceed the annual event on April 11th at Toscani Events by Viva.

Eleven politicians and 42 members attended.

Rodino said he was especially pleased with the productivity of the event, which started promptly at noon with an introduction of the politicians and HBA presidents-past and present, the pledge, a prayer, and finished just after 2 p.m.

24

AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2013

“We all know that there are a lot of important issues in Harrisburg and nationally; but in keeping it locally in Berks County, we have a great slate of individuals out there fighting for us,” he said.

After the buffet luncheon, during which members were seated with politicians, each legislator was given three minutes to discuss their stance on the pension crisis. Members were allowed to ask them questions at the end.

“The forum gives our members a chance to interact with the Berks County legislators and hear answers to their questions firsthand,” he said.

of the newer members of the General Assembly and renew relationships with senior members and hear their positions on issues facing the HBA,” he said.

“Pennsylvania is being presented with some interesting challenges, specifically pension reform, property tax reform, and regulatory activism. All these issues keep Pennsylvania from being able to attract new jobs to the Commonwealth; but, these same issues can be viewed as opportunities when resolved through strong diligent leadership to set Pennsylvania on a course of economic growth for years to come.”

Rodino said it was gratifying to see that the Berks County delegation fully understood the issues that hamper Berks County and the state and that they individually, or collectively, offered possible solutions.

“All the issues we talked about affect the consumer’s ability to purchase a new home or add to an existing structure,”

HBA Associate Member Toscani Events

by Viva prepares a tasty spread for all in attendance.

Since the topic for this year’s luncheon was pension reform, Rodino said the members heard directly from committee members or legislators who have their finger on the pulse of the issue.

“State representatives and senators are the ‘boots on the ground,’ so to speak, and based upon the fact that state budgets must balance, answers tend to be relevant, less political, and sometimes quite passionate,” he said.

Rodino said he thinks the annual Legislative Luncheon is one of the HBA’s most important and informative events.

“It is also gratifying to meet some

Thanks Valerie, Damon, and Sherrie (l to r) for getting everyone in and seated fast. he said. “Regulations and property taxes equate into the price of the project and in calculating the monthly payment.

No matter how we choose to fund the pension shortfalls, unless we make Pennsylvania one of the business-

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friendly states, it will ultimately have a negative impact on the consumer’s ability to purchase.”

HBA of Berks County president Cathy Sloan, of Aluminum Associates, agreed indicating she also felt the luncheon went well.

“I was very glad to see the turnout of legislators we had in attendance,” Sloan said. “I not only enjoyed hearing their views on the hot topics; but, also liked that we got to mix and mingle a little with them. I especially liked that we had one or two sit at each table to allow members to pick their brains on topics that we may not have time for on the floor.”

Sloan said it is always nice to hear that “you have the backing from your legislation to help the hard-working man and not the person expecting a hand out.”

In attendance:

Rep. Jerry Knowles, 124th District; Rep. Mike Tobash, 125th District; Rep. Mike Rozzi, 126th District; Rep. Tom Caltagirone, 127th District; Rep. Mark Gillen, 128th District; Rep. Jim Cox, 129th District; Rep. David Maloney, 130th District; Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, 134th District; Senator David Argall, 29th District; Tom Gombar, for Senator Judy Schwank’s office, 11th District; and President Commissioner Christian Leinbach, County of Berks.

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JUNE 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs 25

Angles

ALPHABET SOUP:

LETTERS AFTER NAMES

By Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM, CGR, CAPS

Interestingly enough, when the academic disciplines are different, both are listed.

Therefore, if instead of earning a DBA he earned a PhD in economics, he would have become “Dr. Makyo Feelgood, PhD, MBA.” Accreditation and Certification

in and around construction and the business of construction. Letters can be earned for academic education, accreditation, certification, designation, and/or recognition. Though the result is the same–the professional can place some letters after their name– the prestigiousness of the accomplishments are not the same. There are clear levels of accomplishments which are greater than others. Said plainly, some letters mean a lot more than others.

Academic Education

W

hen you are handed a business card of a professional with letters after their name, what thought comes to mind? That of the infamous billionaire Thurston Howell III, the famous character from TV sitcom Gilligan’s Island, who was tactless, blameful, pretentious, and lazy? Or the customer-serving, career-minded, educated professional who wants to do the job right the first time to earn your praise and your smile? Letters after names mean things.

They should be a prerequisite when choosing your next professional.

The Difference is in the Details

Letters after names are officially called “post-nominal letters.” They can be earned for a number of accomplishments.

This article focuses primarily on those 26

AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2012

Though a student should be very proud when they earn their Certificate degree, Associate degree, or Bachelor degree, these degrees do not earn the student post-nominal letters.

Earning a graduate degree, either a Master or Doctorate, is considered the highest and most prestigious level of professional accomplishment; so, not only does it come with letters, they are the most prestigious of all letters. As a rule, if someone has a Master and Doctorate in the same discipline, they only display the highest level achieved. Thus, when Mr. Makyo Feelgood earns his Bachelor degree in finance, he remains “Mr. Makyo Feelgood.” When he goes on to earn his Master of Business Administration (MBA), he becomes “Mr. Makyo Feelgood, MBA.” And, when he reaches the pinnacle of academia by earning his Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA), he not only replaces his postnominal letters (replaces MBA with DBA), but we refer to him as “Doctor.”

Thus, “Dr. Makyo Feelgood, DBA.”

Generally speaking, these mean the same thing. Usually, a training or education program is ‘accredited’ by an outside government or accrediting agency and then those who complete the program are ‘certified.’ Though not as prestigious as academic education, certified programs require the professional to have a number of years of experience in the profession, pass a comprehensive test, and complete continuous education to maintain their certification.

Designation Though training is part of earning a designation, and sometimes, so is even passing a comprehensive test, a test is not required of designation programs nor is continuous education or experience.

Therefore, it is an accomplishment worthy of letters; but, at a lower level than accreditation or certification.

Recognition Still worthy of post-nominal letters, recognition is the least prestigious of the four categories. It may be earned through training or simply through reaching a professional career milestone that is often not reach by others in the same profession. Testing, experience, and continuous education, then, are not involved.

Order Means Everything When a professional has earned more than one set of post-nominal letters, it is appropriate to display each set of letters after their name. This is done in descending order with the most prestigious letters being first (closest to the name) followed by a comma then the next set of letters and so on. Thus, when Snoopy earns his doctorate degree in engineering, he becomes “Joe Cool, PhD.” When he passes his first set of Continued on page 28

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Common Degrees, Certifications, Designations, and Recognitions: Academia DBA–Doctor of Business Administration M Arch–Master of Architecture MBA–Master of Business Administration PhD–Doctor of Philosophy Association Staff CAE–Certified Association Executive IOM–Graduate of the Institute for Organization Management Construction CAPS–Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist CGB–Certified Graduate Builder

CGP–Certified Green Professional

CGR–Certified Graduate Remodeler GMB–Graduate Master Builder

GMR–Graduate Master Remodeler

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exams on the way to becoming a Professional Engineer (PE), he is known as an Engineer in Training (EIT) and becomes “Joe Cool, PhD, EIT.” Finally, when Snoopy goes back to school to sharpen his design prowess and eventually earns his Master of Architecture (M Arch), he becomes “Joe Cool, PhD, M Arch, EIT.” It is important to note that post nominal letters DO NOT appear in the order in which they were chronologically earned; but, in the order of the importance of the accomplishment.

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Once earned, a professional has every right to use all of the letters for each accomplishment earned as long as they maintain their license, continuous education, or other requirements of the accomplishment. That said, in common practice, it is rare to display more than three sets of letters at once. Usually, the professional drops the least prestigious accomplishment(s) to display three or less. In certain instances, it is appropriate to show all of the accomplishments (more than three) of the professional in the form of postnominal letters; such as: when receiving an award, when instructing or teaching on relevant subject matter, or other special circumstances (such as shown herein by the author: when writing an article on letters after names). However, even if not used after the professional’s name, the accomplishments should always be shown on a résumé.

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Tying this Back to Construction Like every profession, there are some Chuck-in-a-Truck, Fly-by-Night contractors that give our industry a bad name. Nothing causes the blood to boil more than when a professional builder, remodeler, or trade contractor hears a story of a home or business owner being burned by a conartist or unskilled worker. The scammers and wanna-be’s bring down the reputation of the industry and of the true professional who believes their career honorable, takes pride in their knowledge of the latest codes and products, and maintains a high-level of continuous education as represented by post-nominal letters.

Don’t become a victim. Choose a designer, contractor, real estate agent, banker, accountant, and lawyer who take their careers seriously by staying at the top of their professional field. A professional may cost a little more to hire up front or may ask you to wait a little longer before they can start on your project; but, in the end, will serve you better.

Letters after names mean things. Look for them. Learn about them. Only hire those who have earned them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM, CGR, CAPS is the Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Berks County. He provides insight on construction issues, business operations, marketing, personal finance, and occasionally, on political philosophy/history. Contact Christian at the HBA of Berks County office: Christian@HBAberks.org or, to receive notice of the newest articles written by Christian, follow him on Twitter @CDMalesic.

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Reach the Right Consumers At Home in Berks reaches HBA members and Berks County residents who are business owners, homeowners and associated building trades, services and supply providers who purchase construction-related equipment, materials, supplies and services, and home and property-related goods and services.

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Call the HBA for a tour: 610.777.8889 3030 ATATHOME HOMEININBERKs BERKsfebruary JUNE 20132013

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Big Reveal: 2012 Build of HBA Restoring Hope The Big Reveal (Saturday, June 16th 2012) of the Restoring Hope 2012 Build to Mary Jo Van Sant and her children, Kerrigan & Derrick, organized by the Home Builders Association of Berks County in Pennsylvania, USA. The HBA of Berks County has always represented the best builders, remodelers, trade contractors, and associated professionals in the construction industry. This is our way of thanking and giving back to a community that provides us our livelihoods. The HBA Restoring Hope Foundation (RHF) is neighbors helping neighbors rebuild a community. It is not a ‘hand out’ but a ‘hand up’ for one family in the county each year.

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“The Smart Home:” Home Automation “The Smart Home” has been around for decades; but, it was never truly ‘smart’- until now.

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Charles Bock, President of Stereo Barn, presented to a live audience at the Habitat for Humanity of Berks County ReStore on 9 Mar 13 the basics, definitions, conveniences, and products of Home Automation. (Length: 3:13).

Herb Gardens: Gardening 101 The Home Builders Association of Berks County presents: CEO of Riverview Tree & Landscaping, Inc. and Master Gardener, Diane Salks, sharing her thoughts starting & growing a herb garden, types of herbs that work well together, and growing in a container for limited space gardening with an enthusiastic audience at the Habitat for Humanity of Berks County ReStore in Temple, PA, USA. (Length: 3:17).

Common Contract Clauses As part of an on-going edu- cational series of business topics, Executive Officer Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM presented “PA HICPA & Contracts in Plain English” to a live audience of HBA members. This video explains, in simple language, the following clauses: Signature Block; Complete Agreement AKA Entire Agreement; Notices; Amendments, Additions, Changes AKA Change Orders; Dispute Resolution; Time is of the Essence; Indemnify Against Loss AKA Indemnification; Legally Binding; Counterparts; Severability; Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue; Title and Headings; Event of Default; Terms; Scope of Work; Background; Opening. (Length: 14:35).

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Membership happenings 2013 Upcoming Events...

june 4-8

june 13

JULY 10

Spring NAHB Board of Directors Meeting Washington, DC All Day

Wind Down Thursday Lord’s Lounge at Stokesay Castle 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

A

s one of the many benefits of membership in the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA), the following members are offering the discounts listed to HBA members only.

If you would like to join the HBA or offer a Member 2 Member Discount, contact the HBA office: 610.777.8889.

Aluminum Associates / Sloan Corporation Contact: Kert E. Sloan 610.921.2201

5% discount on all services

AmeriGas Propane Contact: Jim Scheaffer 800.533.3537

Free tank set & 5 cent per gallon discount on propane

Lobsterfest

(Some restrictions apply)

Fish Pond West

Berks Transfer Contact: Bob Quinn 610.926.7626

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

$50 off 1st can order to new customers

JULY

PBA Board of Directors Meeting

25-27

All Day

AUG

Association Leadership Institute

14-17

Member 2 Member Discount Program

State College

Quality Floors Inc. Contact: Chuck Smith 800.446.6035

10% off any order

(Not valid with any other offers or prior purchases)

Portland, OR

Geoff Penske Buick GMC Contact: Victor Popescu 610.777.1300

GM affinity program & partnership with HBA (Call Victor for more details on how you can save)

Martin’s Flooring, Inc. Contact: Richie Zook 877.445.7799

All Day

10% off materials only (Ask about our contractor referral program)

Welcome New Members!

Advanced Construction Solutions, LLC

Tap Pro Tavern Services LLC

Matthew Labe. 2106 Park Plaza Ste. 200, Wyomissing, PA Brian Bogert. 2 Hillside Drive, Newmanstown, PA (484) 219-8603 / MLabe80@hotmail.com (610) 589-4007 Sponsor: Cathy Sloan BrianBogert@advanced-construction-solutions.com Work Type: Remodeling Contractors / Sponsor: Skip Bell The D&B Groups

Damiani Plumbing LLC

Brennan Reichenbach, 4 Park Plaza Suite 200 Wyomissing, PA / (610) 927-6494 Derek Damiani. 4337 10th Avenue, Temple PA Brennan.Reichenbach@thedbgroups.com (610) 763-4248 / DamianiPlumbing@gmail.com Sponsor: Peter Hart Work Type: Plumbing Contractors / Sponsor: Cathy Sloan

Esterly Concrete Co., Inc. John Esterly. 401 Elm Street, West Reading, PA (610) 376-2791 / esterlyconcrete@verizon.net Sponsor: Larry Kehres

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AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2013

UGI HVAC Enterprises, Inc.

dba UGI Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing 150D Love Road, PO Box 12407 / Reading, PA (610) 796-3496 / Pjocsak@ugihvac.com Sponsor: Cathy Sloan

Insuran isataGallen pro at Gallen Insuranc sponso Insurance is a proud HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

2013 Foundation Club Members: (alphabetically by company name)

Daphne Frownfelter Deer Mountain Kitchens, LLC

Patrick Dolan

Dolan Construction, Inc.

Steve Bright

E J B Paving & Materials Co.

John Schmoyer

Fulton Mortgage Company

Aritec LLC Grande Construction Greater Reading Economic Partnership Hosty Equipment Co Terry Maenza Pennsylvania American Water

James Gaspari

PMJ Properties, LLC

York International

Call the HBA office at 610.777.8889 to learn how to become a member of the FOUNDATION CLUB. These members understand the important role legislation plays in their businesses and the importance of electing and supporting legislators who are sensitive to the issues affecting the building industry.

Thank You to renewing members of the Home Builders Association of Berks (HBA)

Sanatoga Water Conditioning

ServiceMaster Assured Cleaning Carini’s Italian Restaurant Stoney Creek Rentals East Penn Energy Solutions Turnberry Custom Homes Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Van Cleef Engineering Associates Maxwell & Lupin, P.C. 11-15 Masano Bradley – Jim years

Gavin, Affiliate GMI First, Inc. Petersheim Bros., Inc. Hearthstone Homes, Inc. VIVA` Bistro & Tapas Lounge Snyder’s Construction Co. T. A. Kozlowski, Inc. 2-5 years

1st Year Anniversary

16-20 years Birchcraft Kitchens Brookside Builders, LLC 84 Lumber Fleetwood Bank Barnhardt Remodeling Fox Rothschild LLP Blue Lake Builders Greth Homes – John Newton, Affiliate Great Valley Consultants James A. Turner Company Hahn Exteriors, Inc. Kohl Building Products–Peter Herbein & Company, Inc. Hart, Affiliate Howard L Stoltzfus Manning Materials Corporation Construction Co., Inc. Masano Bradley Attorneys At Law Omega Builders Inc. Mohns Drywall UGI Utilities, Inc. Morgan Enterprises 21-25 years Telco, Inc. Wolfe Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. LA Kehres Building & Remodeling

is a proud sponsor o sponsor of M L Construction Reading Box Co., Inc. Bachman’s Roofing, Building & Rolling Rock Building Stone, Inc.

Remodeling, Inc. 26-30 years CGR Construction, Inc. Kolakowski Quality Painting, LLC Keystone Interior Systems, Inc. Folino Homes 31 + years Lezzer Lumber, Inc. Henry R. Sharman, Inc. Perrotto Builders, Ltd.

6-10 years

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