Transportation Insight Founder and Chairman Named an Award Recipient for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2015 Southeast Program

Globally recognized supply chain innovator, business leader and humanitarian Paul Thompson was named an award recipient for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Southeast Program in the Services Category. Thompson accepted the honors at the EOY Awards Gala in Nashville, Tennessee last night for his entrepreneurial achievements as founder or co-founder of eight highly successful North American companies, business strategist for numerous not-for-profit organizations and visionary and top executive for Transportation Insight, the flagship brand in his corporate portfolio. Transportation Insight is a Global Trade Top 10 3PL and a North American leader in value-based Enterprise Logistics.

"I am very humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award," says Thompson. "As the revolution in entrepreneurship gains momentum across America, we see entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of job creation and innovation in this country. There is no greater reward than making American lives better by creating successful businesses and organizations. I've always measured success by the satisfaction of the people involved in my entrepreneurial endeavors – our clients, our associates and our business partners. They – along with my family – continue to be my inspiration."

In addition to Transportation Insight, Thompson is also the driving force behind multiple acquisitions and the success of CHTL Logistics, a transactional truckload logistics firm; Custom Shipping Solutions, an organization providing transactional less-than-truckload logistics; United Sourcing Alliance, a group purchasing entity; Total Insight, a LEAN consulting firm; and Property Acquisition Company, a real estate development organization. 

Thompson's vision in creating Transportation Insight in 1999 was to provide consultative, value-based solutions to help shippers in a market made increasingly complex by trucking industry deregulation in the 1980s. The company's co-managed business model has since evolved from simple execution-based transportation management to end-to-end supply chain solutions including predictive, strategic planning – powered by analytics – with emphasis on supply chain engineering, technology, LEAN consulting and Big Data solutions. 

"It is because of Paul's vision that Transportation Insight provides long-term value to our clients, and it is because of his servant's heart that our company has become a top Enterprise Logistics provider in North America," says Transportation Insight President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Baltz, a longtime friend and colleague of Thompson. "Under Paul's leadership, we have assembled an elite organization of like-minded associates who focus on achieving personal and professional excellence while helping to transform our community, our company and our clients for the better."

Transportation Insight and its clients have received logistics industry recognition for excellence, sustainability and growth. The Enterprise Logistics provider has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately-held companies in the United States every year since 2008 to become part of the elite Inc. Honor Roll. To continue its rapid growth, Transportation Insight launched its Vision 20/20 expansion plan in 2014 to become a $3.5 to $5 billion company by January 1, 2020 through acquisition and organic growth channels. 

A highlight of the Vision 20/20 plan is Transportation Insight's new corporate headquarters which opens this summer with space to accommodate triple its current workforce.  With the fully-renovated 1930's-era Lyerly Mill as its centerpiece, the campus will be a catalyst to urban revitalization efforts in downtown Hickory, North Carolina.  The complex includes 70,000 square feet of office space and numerous amenities such as athletic fields, a workout center and a cafeteria employing a chef onsite. The campus fulfills current and future associates' desires for a career that includes fitness and healthy work-life balance. 

Thompson has experienced significant business success, and his strategic work with numerous humanitarian organizations exemplifies his achievements with a higher purpose.  Thompson was instrumental in establishing the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship at Appalachian State University, and he devotes significant time and resources to Samaritan's Feet, Restore Global and many other organizations focused on lifting up those in need.

"Paul has taught me that true generosity is not measured in the size of one's gift, but in the magnitude of one's sacrifice and commitment to others," says Manny Ohonme, President and Co-founder of global humanitarian organization Samaritan's Feet. "We would not be where we are today without his vision, servant leadership and ability to help us create and execute a strategic roadmap far beyond our wildest dreams."

Randy Edwards, Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, was Dean of the College of Business during the formative years of the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship. "Paul is the reason we have entrepreneurship at Appalachian," says Edwards. "He radically accelerated the success of the Center for Entrepreneurship by providing not only significant funding, but also a strategic vision that inspired us to 'go big or go home.'"

"The key to being a successful entrepreneur is to leverage the power of collaboration – one does not achieve significance going it alone," says Thompson. "While vision and focus on continuous improvement of the business model and its processes are critical, empowerment of and partnership with people lead companies to greatness."

"For 29 years, EY has recognized the remarkable efforts of business leaders and the dedication to the communities they serve," said Brad Duncan, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program Principal. "This group of award recipients truly demonstrates the passion, dedication and vision it takes to achieve remarkable success, and we are excited to honor them and share their stories."

As a regional award recipient for the Services category, Thompson was recognized alongside entrepreneurs in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Thompson will now compete for national EY Entrepreneur Of The Year honors to be presented in November 2015 at the EY Strategic Growth Forum and national awards gala in Palm Desert, California.

About Transportation Insight, LLC

Transportation Insight is a global lead logistics provider with more than $3 billion in supply chain spend under management. For more than 15 years, the 3PL has partnered with hundreds of manufacturers, distributors and retailers to achieve significant cost savings, reduce cycle times and improve customer satisfaction rates by providing customized supply chain solutions. Transportation Insight offers a Co-managed Logistics® form of 3PL, carrier sourcing, freight bill audit and payment services, state-of-the-art transportation management system (TMS) applications and business intelligence. Its logistics services include domestic transportation, supply chain analytics, international transportation, warehouse sourcing, LEAN consulting and supply chain sourcing of indirect materials. For more about Transportation Insight, visit www.transportationinsight.com.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.

Tips to Avoid Bad General Contractors

The majority of the clients that we come in and visit are looking to get a project done "yesterday". Unfortunately especially regarding your home or commercial building, you need to make sure that the t's are crossed and the i's dotted. What I mean by making sure you cover all your bases is that not all general contractors come in the same shape size or price point. Not all expensively priced projects are going to come out the best, and not all of the cheapest projects will come out the worst. Here are some quick tips you should do when coming across a general contractor for your building project.

Tips working with a general contractor: 

• Showing up
•  That normally means throughout the entire project not just the day you sign the papers to begin the project. Tardiness should not be a common thing for contractors but also make sure that you are at home at the time of all of the appointments. This courtesy swings on both ends so please make sure you follow through with your word as well. This comes especially important if you need  to give the contractor the keys to gain access to the part of the building needed to begin or continue a project. There are countless of times where the homeowner leaves the house before assisting the team with access to the facility to begin work. Knowing ahead of time eliminates any headaches and speeds the renovation process
• Payment Plans
• Never accept a 100% full payment upfront unless you already have trust with the contractor. Normally some contractors depending on the project will require 10-70% upfront. The payment plan should be discussed prior and written in writing so that there are no surprises further down the road.
• Estimated Budget  
• You have to go over some aspect of the estimated budget as such; types of materials (affordable, medium priced, or high end quality pricing). These all effect the pricing of the estimate as well as if you decide to buy your materials yourself as well. If you decide that you would like to have more of a higher cost of tile, cabinets, fixtures etc., please keep in mind that this will raise the estimated budget due to these changes. Even though labor is usually a fixed cost unless there are building surprises (such as repairs needed etc. ) the material cost will be the most variable cost because high end products can range up to 60% above the average costs of materials. Those aspects are not the fault of the contractor however discussing and putting these details on paper will eliminate any guess work ahead of time.
• Guarantees
• Please take the time to ask and have on paper the labor guarantee of the work performed for your project. Some contractors do not offer guarantees however some do (we have a  1 year guarantee)
• Material Guarantees are SEPERATE from labor guarantees - Most products do come with guarantees (especially the high cost / dependent ones). Please make sure to ask the contractor team to give  you all of the receipts and paperwork dealt with the warranties and guarantees associated with all of the new products especially if they are in charge of the purchasing the materials 
• Rushed Projects 
• Rushed projects are never a good idea. Have you ever tried rushing something and the quality never coming out the best?? Well you wouldn't that happening to crucial elements such as plumbing or electrical.  Keeping projects on schedule make sure to: pay on agreed schedules, provide materials as soon as possible if you agree that you want to purchase materials separately, keep in communication with the director of the project for any decisions needing to be made, attend scheduled appointments, get all of the contracts & permits a head of time, and ask any questions that you may have so that there is no assumptions when it comes to the work being produced. If you act a prominent role in your renovation project, the process will go a whole lot smoother. If the contractor is not producing the work that they have promised, then it may be a good idea to bring your concerns to the company or if the issue is not resolved try to find other estimates available to complete the project.

 

I hope these tips help! These are some of the questions that we come across when we are  at appointments, renovation projects  and so forth. If you are nearby the Northern NJ area don't hesitate to give us a call 201-726-2846 for a free estimate. 

Happy Holidays !
www.nj-newcastlebuilder.com
201-726-2846

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Obtains $7.7 Million Judgment Against “Roofing Police”

These are the stories that give Contractors a bad name!

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Obtains $7.7 Million Judgment Against “Roofing Police” Contractor Accused of Performing Shoddy Work and Deceiving Consumers

View Final Judgment by Default and Order
View Final Consent Judgment

NEWARK - Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs today announced a $7.7 million judgment against John Kot, of Garwood, and his multiple home improvement companies – including Roofing Police, Inc., which has used distinctive vehicles painted to resemble police squad cars.  Under the terms of the judgment, Kot and the companies are permanently barred from performing home improvement work, and Kot is permanently barred from managing or owning any business in New Jersey.

“These defendants allegedly left consumers with shoddy work, broken promises, and warranties that were ignored – often while using business names or language on their websites that implied they had some connection to government or police work,” Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa said.  “We have held them accountable by obtaining a judgment that provides for consumer restitution and civil penalties, and which prohibits them from performing home improvement work, or even owning or managing any business in New Jersey.”

Under the Final Judgment by Default and Order, entered by Bergen County Superior Court Judge Robert P. Contillo, defendant Kot, 41, and the various home improvement companies he operated, were found to have engaged in conduct which comprises 1,542 violations of the State Consumer Fraud Act, Contractors' Registration Act, Contractor Registration Regulations, Home Improvement Regulations, and Advertising Regulations. 

Kot and his companies are collectively required to pay a total of $7.7 million – including $150,000 in consumer restitution, $7.5 million in civil penalties, $38,000 for the State’s attorney’s fees, and $30,000 for the State’s investigative costs.  Kot and his companies are permanently enjoined from performing home improvements in the State.  Kot also is permanently enjoined from managing or owning any business in the State; and the corporate charters of the defendant corporations and companies are annulled.

The Final Judgment by Default and Order is against all defendants in the State’s complaint, except for Gabriel R. DaSilva, Jr., who settled with the State via a Final Consent Judgment.  A $30,000 civil penalty is assessed against DaSilva but will remain suspended so long as he complies with the terms of the settlement as well as all applicable laws.  DaSilva is not barred from performing home improvement work, so long as he first obtains State registration as a home improvement contractor.

“Our investigation and the Court’s findings make it abundantly clear that consumers must be cautious when hiring a home improvement contractor,” Acting Director Eric T. Kanefsky said.  “Through this default judgment, we have ensured that one of the worst can no longer defraud New Jersey’s consumers.”

The State’s complaint, filed on behalf of the Division of Consumer Affairs by the Division of Law, alleged that the defendants performed substandard work; refused to repair their substandard work despite promises and/or warranties; refused to return consumer deposits for work that was never performed; failed to honor guarantees or warranties provided in their contracts; and started work without the necessary state or local permits.  The companies also allegedly advertised through names and statements that wrongfully implied they were affiliated with government or were quasi-police agencies or police-affiliated businesses.

The State alleged that the defendants perpetuated their deceptive business practices through the interchangeable use of multiple business entities, names, addresses and phone numbers. Defendants advertised or contracted with consumers using the following corporations, limited liability companies, trade names and/or unregistered business names:  A-1 American Construction, Inc.; A 1 American Chimney Limited Liability Company; Brick City Chimney Service, L.L.C.; Brick City Chimney Service and Cleaning, Inc.; Roofing Police, Inc.; Roofing Squad; Chimney Squad; Brick City; Brick City Chimney & Roofing Services; A-1 American Masonry; A-1 American Masonry Services; A-1 American Chimney Service; A-1 American Contracting; A-1 American Roofing; A-1 American Gutters; A-1 American Siding; A-1 Affordable Construction; A Above American; A Above Brick City; and Diamond Roofing. Defendants used common addresses in Fair Lawn, Hackensack, Maywood and Garwood.  The State’s Complaint further alleged that the defendants misrepresented their business locations and, in Kot’s case, used as assumed name as an alias in the course of conducting business.  The Division of Consumer Affairs received complaints about the defendants from a total of 81 consumers.

Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Kant, in the Division of Law's Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section, represented the State in this action. 

Advice for New Jersey Consumers, When Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor:

Before hiring a home improvement contractor, New Jersey consumers are urged to:

• Obtain the contractor's State registration number, which always begins "13VH."
• Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs to learn whether the contractor's registration is still valid. Call the Division’s License Verification Line at 973-273-8090, or check the Division's database of all 43,000 registered home improvement contractors.
• Demand a copy of the contractor's commercial general liability insurance policy.
• Contact the insurer to learn whether the policy is still valid.
• Run Internet searches to see if there are online complaints against the contractor.

Additional advice can be found in the Consumer Brief, "Hiring Home Improvement Contractors, (Spanish). 

Advice for Home Improvement Contractors:

To advertise and perform home improvement work legally in New Jersey, contractors must register with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Registration materials are available here.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

Follow the Division of Consumer Affairs on Facebook, and check our online calendar of upcoming Consumer Outreach events.

Thank you for reading!
 

Eddie
201-726-2846
www.nj-newcastlebuilder.com

Division of Consumer Affairs Investigators Checking for Unregistered Home Improvement Contractors in Storm-Damaged Shore Counties

Here is an article stressing the importance of having the necessary certifications/ licenses and insurances especially when dealing with consumers. If you are in search of contractors this is something that you should be asking the prospective contracting companies.

Division of Consumer Affairs Investigators Checking for Unregistered Home Improvement Contractors in Storm-Damaged Shore Counties

NEWARK – Division of Consumer Affairs investigators assigned full-time to Atlantic, Ocean and Monmouth counties since early January have contacted nearly 630 contractors either working on storm-damaged homes or seeking business at area home expo/improvement shows, to ensure they are properly registered with the Division.  Division investigators continue to perform daily patrols of storm-ravaged areas where home improvement contractors are most in demand.

The investigators found that 477 of the 628 Home Improvement Contractors they checked were registered or had applied for registration.  Another 27 contractors had been registered but their annual registrations were expired and needed to be renewed. The remaining 124 contractors were found to be unregistered.  To advertise and perform home improvement work legally in New Jersey, contractors must register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Registration materials are available here.

No fines or monetary penalties were assessed when the investigators found unregistered contractors working on homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy over the past two months.  Instead, warnings were issued and unregistered home improvement contractors were provided information about the state's Home Improvement Contractors' Registration Act and told what they need to do to comply with the law.  If the Division encounters these contractors again and they are still not registered, fines and penalties will be issued.

"Those unregistered contractors who do not take the opportunity we're providing to comply with the law will face criminal charges and civil penalties," Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa said.  "We recognize how important contractors are to the rebuilding process, but they must comply with the law and treat our residents with fairness and honesty in all aspects of their work."

"The 3 Rs – recover, rebuild, restore – will be words heard throughout New Jersey this year, as we continue to undo the devastation wrought by Superstorm Sandy. I want to stress another R – registration – for roofers, masons, window installers or any other type of home improvement contractor," said Eric T. Kanefsky, Acting Director of the State Division of Consumer Affairs. "Consumers need to verify that the contractor is registered before hiring anyone and before paying any money."

Complaints against Home Improvement Contractors were the second largest category of consumer complaints filed with the Division last year.  A total of 1,528 complaints were received and even more are anticipated in 2013 because of the widespread rebuilding and repair needed following Superstorm Sandy.

State law requires registered HICs to display their registration number on commercial vehicles, in ads, on their websites and on consumer contracts.  In order to become registered, a home improvement contractor must provide proof of at least $500,000 in liability insurance and disclose the physical location of the business, among other requirements.

HICs also are required to provide consumers with written contracts for work in excess of $500.  The contract should include detailed information, such as start and completion dates, all work to be performed and the specific products to be used.  It is customary not to pay for the entire home improvement project in advance. The general rule of thumb is to pay no more than one-third beforehand, one-third halfway through, and one-third upon completion.

Consumers can access the Division's online database at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/LVinfo.htm to check whether an HIC is registered. Apple device users may check the database via an app that is free for download at New Jersey Professional License Lookup App . Consumers also can call the Division toll-free at 800-242-5846 and ask whether the contractor is duly registered and if other consumers have filed complaints against the contractor.

NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK (NCPW) is a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions. NCPW 2013 runs from March 3 through 9 and additional information is available at www.NCPW.gov. 

 IMPORTANT TIP:

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of marketplace abuse, can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

Follow the Division of Consumer Affairs on Facebook, and check our online calendar of upcoming Consumer Outreach events.

Reference: 

http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/03042013b.htm

4 Hard Facts About The Housing Recovery

http://www.worldpropertychannel.com/north-america-residential-news/improving-housing-markets-national-association-of-home-buildersfirst-american-improving-markets-index-imi-housing-markets-report-nahb-6340.php

Written by: Lou Basenese
When I boldly predicted three months ago that the U.S. real estate market hit rock bottom, many subscribers objected. Vehemently.

One in particular told me to keep my crackpot predictions to myself. And then, a la Sgt. Joe Friday in “Dragnet,” he said, “All we want are the facts, Lou.”

I thought that’s what I provided on April 9, when I shared 11 irrefutable signs of a real estate recovery.

Maybe it was my wording – “signs” instead of “facts.” So today, let me make sure there’s no misunderstanding.

The real estate recovery is under way. And here are 11 more irrefutable facts to prove it…

Real Estate Recovery Fact #1: Better-Than-Expected Homebuilder Profits

On March 27, Lennar Corp. (LEN) – the nation’s second-largest homebuilder – beat analyst expectations for earnings by 100%. New orders increased 33%. Backlog grew 39%. And total sales rose 30%.

Then, on April 23, D.R. Horton (DHI) – the nation’s largest homebuilder – beat analyst expectations for earnings by 225%. (That marks the second consecutive quarter of stronger-than-expected profits.) New orders increased 19%. Backlog grew by 17%. And total sales rose 28%.

Real Estate Recovery Fact #2: Improving Builder Sentiment

With homebuilders putting up better results, we’d expect their outlook to be rosier. And it is.

On May 15, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose to 29 from 24 in April. That’s the strongest reading since May 2007. It’s also a dramatic improvement from the reading of 14 registered just seven months ago.

Real Estate Recovery Fact #3: More Housing Starts

Homebuilders’ good results and good feelings are translating into increased activity, too.

On May 16, the Commerce Department reported new housing starts rose 2.6% to an annual rate of 717,000 units in April. And March’s figures were revised upward from an annual rate of 654,000 to 699,000.

Real Estate Recovery Fact #4: More New Home Sales

If you’re afraid homebuilders are getting ahead of the market, don’t be. Spring and summer typically bring out the buyers. And the facts show that’s happening once again.

Reference Article:
http://seekingalpha.com/article/616751-11-more-hard-facts-about-the-housing-recovery

Top Five Kitchen Lighting Trends for Spring 2013

http://www.houselogic.com/blog/kitchens/kichen-remodeling-trends-2012/

Lamps Plus Identifies Best Selling Designs and Newest Trends in Kitchen Lighting and Redecorating.

The heart of the home, the kitchen is often the prime target for home improvement and lighting makeovers. As the last of the winter storms recede and spring nears, people are starting to gear up for these projects. Lamps Plus, the nation’s largest lighting retailer has identified the top five kitchen lighting trends for spring 2013, culled from customer favorites and the latest looks from home furnishing trade shows.

“In lighting the kitchen, people these days are thinking function first, form second. You want to meet the needs of your space, but in way that’s stylish and personal,” explains Manja Swanson, Vice President and Designer at Lamps Plus. “We recently published our 2013 Kitchen and Bathroom Lighting catalog in an effort to highlight the designs that are trending most among our customers and the design community at large.”

“Sustainability is definitely a hot topic among customers, and when it comes to conserving energy and landfills, LED lighting is tops,” explains Swanson. Using just a fraction of the electricity of incandescent bulbs and with a lifespan as much as fifty times longer, LED lighting points towards an ultra-green future for the lighting industry.

Stylish and multi-functional, the hanging pendant light is the definitive aesthetic trend for the foreseeable future. “Mini pendant lights are most popular of all,” explains Swanson. “They can be hung in a row over bars or islands, bunched or clustered for a contemporary DIY chandelier, or mixed and matched for a playful eclectic look.” Industrial pendant light fixtures and vintage Edison bulbs in particular are a popular style for converted lofts, as well as commercial spaces like bars and restaurants. With a variety of finishes, from sleek brushed steel to art glass, pendant designs can express the unique personalities of the homemakers, or businesses, who use them.

“The most effective upgrades are often those a person can’t even see,” says Swanson. “Under cabinet lightsprovide both ambient and task for lighting countertops.” Available in a variety of bulb types, under cabinet lighting tucks discretely to the underside of kitchen cabinets and can be chained together to meet any room size or configuration. “For an easy-to-install under cabinet option, our customers are increasingly using tape lights and puck lights. These designs adapt to fit most spaces, adhere to your cabinets with tape or screw mount bracket, and are easy to power without the help of an electrician.”

Track lighting is the multi-tasking workhorse among lighting fixtures. “The kitchen has become more than a place to prepare meals. It’s a place where kids study, families dine, and, as is often the case, the party inevitably migrates. Track lighting has been very popular, available in a range of fresh new designs.” The light heads on these versatile fixtures can be moved up and down along a track and adjusted to spot light particular locations such as food prep areas, shelves or photos and artwork. An offshoot of the track style, the track lighting kit is an easy-to-install fixture that mounts easily onto a ceiling junction box, just like an overhead ceiling light. Unlike traditional track lighting, the heads on these kits cannot be moved up and down along the length of the fixture.

Lastly, for specific work areas such as the sink or stovetop, recessed lights are a perennial favorite. Tucked discreetly into the ceiling, these fixtures consist of a housing that installs into the ceiling, a trim, and a light bulb. Recessed lighting comes with a variety of bulb options to address a kitchen’s specific needs, such as for sink and counter areas and adjustable, focused lights for stovetops and wall art. Recessed lighting can also be used in conjunction with a wall dimmer, making them an excellent ambient lighting source as well.

ABOUT LAMPS PLUS 

For more than 30 years, Lamps Plus has been synonymous with excellence in the retail lighting industry. Established in 1976, Lamps Plus is the nation’s largest lighting retailer, with more than 40 lighting stores throughout the western United States. Together with their retail locations and online business, Lamps Plus serves customers nationwide with the largest selection of functional and decorative lighting fixtures, accessories, furniture and home decor. This selection includes hundreds of products, ranging from traditional chandeliers to the latest in home decor, available exclusively from Lamps Plus. Services include in-home lighting consultations, in-store workshops and installation from expert, licensed electricians. American Lighting Association certified designers are available to offer product recommendations and advice in all our stores, by phone or online at LampsPlus.com. The Lamps Plus family of websites also includes 55 Downing Street, Lighting Luxury Style, Builders Discount Lighting, and Lamps Plus Open Box.

Thank you for reading!


201-726-2846
www.nj-newcastlebuilder.com

What are 203K Loans?

http://www.orangecountyfunding.com/fha-home-loans/fha-203k-renovation-loans/

Plan your Model Home using a 203K Renovation Package in combination with your FHA Loan.   

• Have you found that Foreclosure or just a Home that has the ideal floor plan but needs too much work?  
• How would you like to have this home become your dream home renovated exactly the way you wanted it? 
• What most people don't know about is an FHA 203K Renovation Package.   Say the home costs $100000 but needs $30000 in renovation costs.  As long as it will appraise once repaired at $130000 you can use an FHA 203 K loan and move into your dream home.  

Did you find a HUD home that is uninsurable and won't qualify for an FHA loan?  Then you can purchase that home using an FHA 203K loan. 

A 203 (k) Loan is a type of mortgage that can be used to rehabilitate the home you are living in (done as refinancing), or a home you are looking to purchase. You can also rehab a multi-family single-dwelling with a 203 (k) Loan.

203 (k) Loans are offered via the Housing and Urban Development Office (HUD) of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The 203 (k) Loan allows a borrower to roll the costs of the rehabilitation into the mortgage as opposed to finding separate financing for your rehab job.

While 203 (k) loans sound like a good idea, the process can be very time consuming and difficult according to Todd Barron, president of Applied Mortgage Services in Northampton, Mass. “In the past 18 months I started the process on six 203 (k) loans and not a single one ended up closing,” said Barron.

What’s good about a 203 (k) Loan

• You can borrow funds (as part of a mortgage) to replace your roof, get a new furnace, weatherize, upgrade your kitchen or bathroom, etc.
• You can use the money to significantly improve energy efficiency, such as installing solar panels for electricity or a hot water system or new windows.
• You don’t need to have a lot of equity in your home.
• You can improve the value of the home you want to buy right off the bat.
• You can correct Title 5 (septic) issues before moving in.

The downside to 203 (k) Loans

First of all, there are fewer and fewer lenders willing to administer this type of loan, so your first problem may be locating a willing lender. The property must then be appraised. The lender can not close on the loan unless the condition and value of the house are thoroughly assessed. The mortgage is based on the projected value of the property once the rehab is completed.

Barron said there are two types of 203 (k) loans, a “full-blown” standard loan and a “streamlined” loan. Barron said his company is moving away from standard 203 (k) loans.

Also, adding the rehab component to your mortgage usually raises the interest rate by about a half-percent according to Barron. “Another half percent isn’t a lot, but it makes it (a 203 (k) Loan) less attractive,” he said.

Barron gave the example of purchasing a $150,000 house and wanting to do $30,000 worth of renovations as being worth-while in terms of a slightly higher interest rate. If you wanted to purchase a $280,000 house and do $20,000 worth of renovations, Barron suggested looking at other loan options such as home improvement loans once you purchase the property. Depending on where you live, there are maximum allowable borrowing limits (prior to renovating) for properties.

Standard 203 (k) Loan

Barron said that one of the most difficult aspects of the standard loan is the requirement to have an appointed plan reviewer in order to have FHA approval. The plan reviewer meets with the customer and determines the scope of work. “The plan reviewer has a lot of power. For example, they may require you to add another $25,000 to the project in order to meet HUD guidelines,” said Barron.

The project reviewer has a lot of control over who is hired for the project (s) and ultimately make the decisions on who to hire based on estimates. The project reviewer does a feasibility study that can take “one day or two to three weeks,” said Barron.

Streamlined 203 (k) Loans

Barron said that one of the major differences between a standard and streamlined loan is the maximum amount that can be borrowed is $35,000. “This includes permits, inspection fees, and a ten percent contingency reserve,” said Barron. “So, what you really have is $30,000 to $31,000 for renovation.” Barron said that in the streamlined loan, only specific types of rehab can be done to a property. “You can’t do substantial structural repair,” he said. The plan reviewer in a streamlined loan will allow the customer to seek out estimates themselves and make their own choices regarding which contractor to use.

There are still a wide range of projects that can be done with the streamlined loan, including most energy efficiency improvements.

There are some state-to-state differences that apply to the loans, but most are not usually significant according to Barron.

For more information on HUD guidelines relating to 203 (k) Loans, go to: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/203k/203kabou.cfm

Resource:

http://www.ksbw.com/Beginner-s-guide-to-203-k-loans/-/1824/18263048/-/format/rsss_2.0/item/0/-/f6qfpl/-/index.html

Dont Forget For Those interested in 203K Loans! - We work with the state for those applying for these specific loans as this is a specific type of Renovation Work. Give me a call if you need remodeling and home renovation projects for these kinds of loans! - We also assist with the process of acquiring this kind of loan in conjunction with our work. 

Thank you for reading!


201-726-2846
www.nj-newcastlebuilder.com

International Builders’ Show Fuels Optimism in New Home Construction Growth for 2013

A high turnout at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS), lower mortgage rates, increase in house plan sales and a 20 percent increase in new home construction expected for 2013 are fueling a rebound for the housing industry.

The International Builders’ Show (IBS), the largest home building industry show in the world, ended last month in Las Vegas on an upbeat note. One of the biggest announcements came from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) that IBS and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) would be held simultaneously in Las Vegas February 4-5 2014.

According to the NAHB, the two events will remain separate and distinct shows creating Design and Construction Week, one of the world’s largest gatherings focused on new ideas, products and technologies to design, build and remodel homes. One pass will provide access to both exhibits.

“This new format allows exhibitors to reach a full range of design and construction professionals who buy, specify and influence the products that go into American homes,” said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. “For attendees, it means access to two expansive trade show floors and hundreds of additional suppliers to meet.”

“Two shows, two associations and one place to see and connect with every aspect of residential construction and remodeling,” said John Morgan, NKBA 2013 president and president of Morgan Pinnacle, a manufacturer’s representative for cabinetry and technology brands. “We couldn’t be more excited to deliver this special event for the industry.

The NAHB also announced that new home construction is expected to rise by 20 percent in 2013 making it the best year for the home building industry since the housing market collapsed in 2007. This growth is being fueled by extremely low mortgage rates, recovering house prices in most markets and the desire by consumers for new homes. This was great news for builders and house plans companies like The House Designers, who sell the best-selling, most popular online construction-ready house plans in the U.S.

“Housing is a key driver of the U.S. economy and accounts for 5 to 6 percent of the nations’ gross domestic product,” said Mekael Teshome, an economist at PNC Financial Services. “Not only does it create construction jobs, but it has a high multiplier effect. Retailers will benefit, financial institutions will benefit – even local tax revenues will benefit.”

The House Designers editors and architects were among the 60,000 plus attendees, who were there to check out the newest home products, building practices, and technologies from more than 900 exhibitors.

“Consumers, designers and builders looking to build an energy-efficient home, learn about the latest construction techniques or simply check out the newest, coolest home building products were not disappointed this year,” said Tammy Crosby, Editor-in-Chief of The House Designers. “The show delivered user-friendly products that were extremely high tech, energy-efficient and sustainable."

Added Crosby, “With new home construction on the rise it is the perfect time to incorporate these products into our new house plans, especially our collection of builder-friendly blueprints.”

One of the biggest themes was staying connected. Connectivity was a big buzzword at the show as almost every booth touted some kind of “smart” home technology products that let consumers interact remotely with products in their homes using smart phones, tablets and computers.

Companies like GE® had stand-by generators that could be monitored from a smart phone or computer. Schlage® unveiled a Touchscreen Deadbolt Lock that can hold up to 30 unique codes; Lennox introduced the icomfort Wi-Fi thermostat which allows homeowners to monitor and control the home’s temperature from anywhere in the world.

Smart appliances technology took on a huge remodel with the emphasis on connectivity and convenience, including Wi-Fi enabled wall ovens and LCD online display panels on refrigerators. It was a smart rebranding that took the focus away from smart grid services from local utility companies, which is very limited in most areas and has generated very little buzz from homeowners.

There was quite a showing for products that were made in the USA including Armstrong®, Lumber Liquidators®, Cambria®, Formica®, Therma-Tru® and GE®.

According to Bill Schlegel, Chief Merchandising Officer at Lumber Liquidators®, exotics are still in, but gray is the hottest trend for residential flooring. They have seen an increase in sales for hardwood, engineered wood and even laminate wood flooring in various shades of gray. 

Bamboo remains popular because of its eco-friendly profile. To meet the demand of consumers wanting wider planks and the look of real wood, they now offer wire brushed bamboo with a more strand-like appearance.

Therma-Tru® had several great new product launches to meet the demands of consumers and builders including a variety of new doors, decorative glass options and product line enhancements including adding more door styles, an 8' door option and sidelites to their popular Classic-Craft® Canvas Collection®.

“There continues to be a desire in the market for trend-setting, innovative products which has influenced several of our product introductions for the year,” said Mark Savan, president of Therma-Tru Doors® and Simonton Windows® in a recent press release. “We’re seeing that ‘everything old is new again’ so we’ve embraced this idea with the launch of a sleek, modern line of doors with a vintage flair.”

Among their new introductions is Pulse™ a brand new line of contemporary doors with crisp angles and clean lines – perfect for a homeowner looking for a vintage or nostalgic flair. They are available in oak-grained fiberglass, smooth fiberglass and steel and come in both 6'8" and 8' heights. All new products for 2013 will be available mid-February. Also on display were two new decorative glass options called Lucerna and Arden.

Experimenting with colors for the home just got simpler with Sherwin-Williams® enhanced online Color Visualizer and ColorSnap Studio iPad app. New functionality such as drag-and-drop painting, improved edge detection and a wide array of tools lets homeowners apply color and accurately define surfaces. Users can use one of provided sample scenes or upload their own photo.

“Exploring color is an integral part of the design process, and Sherwin-Williams technologies are helping bring color to life in new and exciting ways,” said Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “Our updated Color Visualizer and ColorSnap Studio iPad app make it easier than ever to experiment with color and bring spaces to life virtually, so colors can be chosen with confidence before a surface is painted.”

ABOUT THE HOUSE DESIGNERS HOUSE PLANS: The House Designers are the leading residential architects and designers in the U.S., owned and operated directly by the designers who represent the majority of pre-drawn plans in America. The House Designers offers the best-selling, most popular construction-ready house plans in the country. Their clients have built homes in every state in the U.S. and in 56 countries around the globe. For more information, visit thehousedesigners.com or call 866-214-2242.

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Drought & Foundation Damage

This year, the United States experienced the worst drought of the past 50 years. Along with the obvious crippling damage to crop production, other less-apparent damage may be affecting homeowners without their knowledge.Dry soil shrinks, and when a home’s foundation is surrounded by shrinking soil, structural damage can result. Visible gaps in the walls, loud cracking sounds, tilting walls – these are some of the telltale signs of foundation damage. Along with these, we’ve created a checklist for homeowners who might have experienced damage due to the drought this summer.

Warning signs

When dry soil pulls away from a home’s foundation, the foundation may sink or crack.

Some of the earliest signs of foundation damage may be mistakenly misinterpreted as the home settling: Windows don’t open easily, doors get caught in jambs and no longer align with locks. But these small signs might be the result of something larger and more problematic. Cracks might appear in the walls or ceilings. If you hear a sound similar to a gunshot, this might be the actual concrete in the foundation cracking. And if the walls begin to noticeably lean, it’s likely the foundation has been damaged.

If your house has experienced any of these signs, don’t be too quick to dismiss them as minor, cosmetic problems. Instead, contact a reputable company to assess the situation before the problem worsens.

Repairs

If superficial damage leads to the discovery of structural damage, it’s important to contact professional structural engineerswho are equipped to handle extensive foundation repair. Experts say that it’s important to take care of foundation problems sooner rather than later, as the damages will only worsen as time goes on. Unfortunately, structural damage can’t be solved by replacing doors, locks and windows. Instead, repairs often involve the installation of steel and concrete tubes, or pilings, that drive down beneath the troubled soil to secure the foundation on bedrock. While these repairs may be expensive, they can prevent the same problem from happening the next time drought occurs.

Prevention and awareness

Homes in the Midwest have been especially at risk to foundation damage caused by the drought due to the large amounts of clay in the soil. Clay is more prone to movement and shifting when moisture isn’t present. So, if you live in an area with high concentrations of clay, look carefully for signs of foundation damage.

Look for gaps in the soil surrounding your house, as this can be a sign of dry soil. If water restrictions aren’t in place in your local community, you can install soaker hoses to water the soil around your home. Also, some experts suggest mulching the surrounding area as this decreases the amount of evaporation.

If your surrounding area has experienced drought, prepare for rain, as a sudden increase of water to the soil can cause erosion. Keep gutters clean and make sure downspouts drain several feet away from the foundation. The drought has caused extensive damage across the country, costing millions of dollars. And many homeowners aren’t aware of the potential for foundation damage. Check your foundation now, and take steps to remedy any problems, so you can continue living in your home for years to come.

Article Provided by: http://blog.homerenovationguide.com

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Bathroom Renovations

There’s no better way to increase the value of your home than bathroom renovations. Performing this type of upgrade will always give you back the best return. The bathroom is an area of the home that can be easily reborn with new fixtures and a paint job. The best places to build sweat equity in any home are bathroom and kitchen renovations.

Let’s say you have a New Jersey home renovation specialist come in and do the job. You’ll get a much more comfortable home with updated features and appliances when you build a new kitchen or bath. The return on your investment will be the number that surprises most people. A large portion of what you spend will show up in the new home value.

When you’re looking for someone to do remodeling work, you’ll be best advised to check with family and friends. Get all of the recommendations you can get. Draw on the experience these trusted sources have found to be solid contractors. Any word of mouth reference you can get will be a good place to start your list of service companies.

If you’re a brand new homeowner then you may have to start out cold and search the local phone book. You’ll want to make a list so you can at least explore all of your available options. Take any referrals you may have and add them to the top of the list. You’ll need to call them all and speak with them a while about your job and the services they offer.

Take a New Jersey renovation for example. You’ll call all of the available contractors that you can find and have them all price the job. Some will be completely out of the ball park and most likely they don’t need the work. Your best bet will always be somewhere in the middle for price.

Bathroom renovations almost always require a permit, and many locations restrict this type of work to licensed plumbers. Make sure the contractor you hire is licensed and also insured to perform the work you’ll need done. There are inspections required in most places as well, so make sure your service company follows through on all of the legal paperwork.

New Castle Builder has done bathrooms for over 15 years now and from which the majority of work comes from word of mouth marketing. Our clients feel safe with us enough to refer our services to their friends and family. We do take up projects working for the state meaning that the state entrusts us with their projects carrying all of the necessary licenses and performing a quality job. 

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Tips for smooth home renovation

Renovation and modification is inevitable to keep the house in best condition and to make the necessary changes for a more comfortable living. Restituting your house can be an exciting experience and even a dream come true for many. But the stress it brings along with the disruption in your daily routine can make your home a difficult place to live in. On the similar note, I’ll discuss few points below that would help you in keeping a cool composure in the most tiresome situations:

Get recommendations        

The last thing you want is your renovated house not being up at par with your expectations or a friend suggesting some brilliant idea and you wishing only if you had heard it earlier. So in order to avoid all the above situations get your plan approved by as many people as you can and invite their suggestions. You’ll be amazed to find, how the final project is much better than the one you started with initially.

Be flexible  

Renovations consume a lot of time, energy and cost. But nevertheless no matter how thorough your planning was, the execution will give varied results. The execution of the projects on time is not unheard of, but still be prepared to modify and adapt your plans as per the situation.

Home preparations    

 Nothing can be worse than restructuring with tons of scattered home belongings. You’ll be already aware about the part of the house to be renovated. So, it would be helpful and suitable to clear out the area. Pack them securely and store them in a safe location. If you are planning a complete house renovation, then you can avail the option of storage services. Excluding the essentials, pack your belongings and store them off to the local storage service until your renovated house is complete. This would not only protect your expensive home items but also simplify the execution of the renovating project.

The emergency budget  

Your planned budget does not include the creative ideas that you might get during renovation. Whether it’s some obstacle that needs to be removed or an insightful idea that needs to be executed, the emergency budget would ease down the stress level.  At all restructuring levels, the emergency budget is the key for the successful project execution.

Be open to changes      

While you have the manpower and tools at your disposal, it would be beneficial to be on the lookout for any aspects that need changes. It would be disheartening and stressful to find any area in the end product that still needs some work. Be open-minded and feasible about the required changes and modify your plan accordingly at the right time.

Be attentive      

 Make your contractor write up every restructuring detail before you sign the contract. This would save your time, money and the unnecessary hassle. Plan each and every detail about the new things to be installed and the incurring cost for the installation.

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Tips for Renovating an Older Home

Q: We just bought a house in Alameda, Calif. It was built in the 1930s and hasn't been touched since. We got it for a good price and are viewing renovations as a long-term project. We had a termite inspection, a roof inspection and a home inspection.

A little termite work was done under the house, and the home inspector pointed out some problems, mainly with the electrical system. The roof has a few more years of life left and no evidence of leaks. The wiring is old knob and tube, so plugs are not plentiful.

Our plan is to move in and renovate as time and budget allow. We're a bit strapped now, but want to make the house our home as much as possible.

We'd appreciate any suggestions you guys might have since you've both walked a mile in our moccasins.

A: We wish you good luck and a lot of fun with your renovation. When you're done, the pride in having done it yourself will be huge.

Before you do anything else, have a licensed electrician give the place a thorough going-over.

Besides the knob and tube, our guess is that you have an undersize service panel with fuses instead of circuit breakers. Modern appliances, such as a microwave or a hair dryer, put more of a load on the wiring than it was designed for. You probably will have to part with several thousand dollars for a new 200-amp service. So, take a deep breath and write the check to get your wiring updated and safe.

Now it gets a lot less expensive.

The easiest way to make a house a home is paint. Painting with your colors makes the house fresh, clean and yours. Do one room at a time. Like everything, there's a right way to do it. Here's how:

First, cover the floors with drop cloths. This part can be omitted if you're going to replace the carpet or have hardwood floors to be refinished soon.

Wash the walls and woodwork with a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) to remove any dirt or grease. Rinse the walls with clear water to remove any TSP residue.

Use painter's masking tape (blue or green) to mask the edges of baseboards, door trim and window trim. The blue and green versions are less sticky and won't take the paint off when removed.

"V" out any cracks in the walls or ceiling with the point of a teardrop-shaped paint scraper. Vacuum any plaster dust from the floor, edges of baseboard and the cracks. Fill the holes with Spackle or patching plaster. Sand the patches smooth. Vacuum again.

Spray the patches with a primer such as Bulls Eye.

Fill any holes and repair any dings in the wood trim. If the paint on the trim is chipped, feather the edges with sandpaper.

Now it's time for paint. The rule is to work from top to bottom: ceiling first, walls next, finishing with door frames, window frames and baseboards.

If the walls and the ceiling are to be the same color, use a 2 1/2-inch angled sash brush to paint a 6-inch-wide swath of paint on the sides of all corners of the ceiling and the walls. If the ceiling and walls are going to be different colors, just cut in the ceiling, making sure to cover the joint where the wall and ceiling intersect. Don't worry if you get a little paint on the walls. You'll be using masking tape on the ceiling to give a straight line for the walls. The wall color will cover any overage.

Paint the rest of the ceiling using a 3/8-inch nap roller. Start in a corner and roll out a 3-by-3-foot square. Draw an "M," then roll across the "M" to get uniform coverage on the square. Smooth out any edges left by the roller by lightly rolling over them. Continue with this method, always working to a wet edge.

If the walls are a different color, use masking tape on the ceiling to ensure a straight line. Use the same technique to paint the walls. Cut in the corners with a brush. Paint a 6-inch patch at the base and around window and door openings. Paint an "M" with the roller, fill it in, smooth out irregularities, repeat and work to a wet edge.

The final step is to paint the doors and windows. Make sure the walls are dry. Mask the edges and paint the wood using the same sash brush you used to cut in the corners of the walls and ceilings. Remove the masking tape, take up the drop cloths and you're done. The room is now yours.

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Lead Safety 101

What is a Certified Lead-Safe Company?

The Department of Health and Family Services grants leadsafe certification to companies that use only certified workers who follow lead-safe practices when doing work that disturbs paint in housing built

before 1978.  Residential lead-based paint was banned in 1978.

What does a Certified Lead-Safe Company do?

Certified lead-safe companies use special work practices to protect people and their homes from lead dust created when paint is disturbed. Renovation and repair work can create large amounts of harmful lead dust.

Lead-safe workers use plastic sheeting to protect floors and furnishings, reduce the amount of dust created, bag or wrap waste, and thoroughly clean work areas daily and at the end of the project.

Working clean is the key to working lead-safe

Why is lead so harmful?

Lead poisoning often has no obvious symptoms, yet it can damage nearly every system in the body.  Lead poisoning causes brain damage, learning disabilities and behavioral problems.  High lead levels can cause seizures, coma, and even death. 

The major source for children is lead-based paint and leaddust in their homes. Children under 6 are most at risk because they are growing rapidly, their brains are still developing, and they tend to put their hands and other objects into their mouths. It takes only a tiny amount of lead dust to poison a child.

Home remodeling and furniture restoration are high-risk occupations for lead poisoning.  Adults with high lead levels can experience anemia, nervous system problems (tremors and balance), kidney problems, high

blood pressure, miscarriages, fertility problems and loss of libido.

How will being a Certified Lead-Safe Company help protect my health and the health of my family?

Certified lead-safe workers create less lead dust during work.  Lead-safe workers decontaminate themselves, their clothing, shoes and tools before going home each day.  These work practices protect their own health and also protect their families from potential “take home” lead.

New Castle Builder LLC Practices Lead Safety and is Lead Certified. 

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