Category Archives: Services

ServiceSpider.com – An Auction Website For Homeowners And Contractors

ServiceSpider makes the online auction process that has long been used by companies like eBay, available for homeowners and contractors to buy and sell services on the Internet.

After beta testing for a year ServiceSpider releases a new version of their auction website with many new features such as forums. On ServiceSpider.com homeowners can save time and money by letting contractors compete for their home improvement needs.

Homeowner Haye Kesteloo came up with the idea for ServiceSpider while working on a bathroom remodel project in 2006. “As I started to contact different contractors to get quotes for my project, I found it difficult to establish what a fair price should be for a job well done.” Prices, time estimates, and other factors varied from one contractor to another, and Kesteloo found himself wondering if there wasn’t a better way to navigate the Home Improvement market using the Internet. Kesteloo decided to stop wondering and to make the idea a reality, helping homeowners and contractors in the process. With that plan in motion, ServiceSpider was born.

Most homeowners know how difficult and time consuming it can be to find the right contractor for a home improvement job. Scheduling appointments, checking references and licenses and other related issues can make a job seem much more difficult than it needs to be. This is where ServiceSpider comes in. As a homeowner, one needs only to go to http://www.servicespider.com, and create a posting about the job that needs to be done. Need a leaky shower fixed? Maybe it’s time to upgrade the electrical panel? Or perhaps it’s time to replace those old windows? Whatever the home improvement needs are, once the job is posted at ServiceSpider, the service request will show up on the site’s home page, and will be automatically send to matching service providers in the area. Free of charge to the homeowner, ServiceSpider will have pre-screened contractors offering competing bids for the job. One can even read the reviews from other homeowners on different contractors and see how they are rated.

Currently, in the greater New York area alone, there are over 700 service providers, so a match can be made quickly and efficiently. The homeowner chooses how, when and where they will be contacted, be it phone, fax, or email. The homeowner is in charge!

For Haye Kesteloo, making ServiceSpider a success is a full time job. He knows that finding the right contractor for the right job and for the right price can be a challenge, especially in the current economic climate. Kesteloo offers the following advice: “Take your time when choosing the right contractor. Don’t let yourself be hurried into making a decision. Make sure the contractor you hire is licensed and insured and that you receive a written contract.”

For additional information regarding ServiceSpider, please contact Haye Kesteloo directly or go to www.servicespider.com.

Via EPR Network
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New ShapeBook 2009 With 2D3DSteel 2009 Software Announced By South Fork Technologies, Inc.

South Fork Technologies, Inc. (SFT) releases the new ShapeBook 2009 with 2D3DSteel 2009 software for steel construction professionals. ShapeBook is a tool for estimating cost per weight and surface area, a quick reference to dimensions and design properties, and parametric AutoCAD 2D and 3D drafting for structural steel design and detailing. ShapeBook is based on the AISC Steel Construction Manual 13th Edition. In addition we have added large pipe sizes, small bar size materials, plate, flat bar, round bar, and square bar. To download a free 30 day trial, please visit our website at http://www.southforktech.com.

ShapeBook is now a powerful tool for estimating the cost of steel, and coatings. The “Calculator Material List” calculates the weight, surface area, and costs for all material. Material lists can be easily edited. List items can be re-priced, inserted, deleted, sorted, or dragged to a new location. Lists can be saved and loaded into ShapeBook as needed or imported into spreadsheet or database software. Lists are printed with a user title, date, page numbers, line numbers, and column & row outlines.

Dimensions and design properties are displayed in ShapeBooks’ corresponding display tabs. ShapeBook displays the detailing dimensions in fractional inches. Design properties are shown in decimal format according to the tool tip definition available by hovering over any of the values. A dynamic user interface provides fast shape selections. Shape selection lists can be saved to a file, and the current selection list can be automatically saved when you exit and automatically restored next time you run ShapeBook.

Structural steel shapes are available in US Imperial and Metric units. Your shape selection list and the currently selected shape are converted to metric, or US Imperial format, whenever units’ mode is changed. You can search and select shapes using up to three different search keys, each with a separate property with minimum and maximum values. ShapeBook provides hard copy output to your printer, all on one sheet including a diagram.

2D3DSteel 2009 is an AutoCAD VLX application that draws 2D and 3D steel shapes in AutoCAD 2000 through 2010. 2D3DSteel now includes many new specialized tools for drawing and dimensioning steel. 2D3DSteel will run in any version of Full AutoCAD f r o m 2000 through 2010. All shapes available in ShapeBook can be quickly and accurately added to your drawings. Using 2D3DSteel 2009 with AutoCAD, you will have powerful tools to draw steel details, connections, and model structural steel framing. 

2D3DSteel 2009 has pull-down menus and 6 tool bars. The list below gives a short description of the commands on each 2D3DSteel 2009 tool bar.

– 2D3DSteel Main tool bar has six fly out tool bar buttons on it providing access to all of 2D3DSteels’ commands on one tool bar to save screen space if needed.

– 2D3DSteel Settings tool bar controls 2D3DSteel layer and linetypes, centerline modes, node point modes, and dimension text lock colors. This toolbar has two commands for saving and restoring your object snap settings. It also includes commands for fast centerline and node point mode changes.

– 2D3DSteel Shape tool bar commands draw the shape selected in the ShapeBook dialog as 3DSolids, 2D Cross sections, and 2D Web and Flange Views. New cope commands draw a cope pline that can be used as the end of a 2D member or to cope a 3DSolid.

– 2D3DSteel Lines tool bar is a powerful set of tools for line work in your drawings. Line commands for the 2D3DSteel object lines, hidden lines, centerlines, and dimension lines. Line commands can also be used to quickly change to a 2D3DSteel layer/linetype setting. All of the commands in 2D3DSteel except for these line commands save and restore your current layer and linetype settings. Commands on this toolbar include drawing offset rows of centerlines, centered rows of centerlines, centerlines at equal spacing, centerlines at maximum spacing, and an intelligent handrail picket tool.

– 2D3DSteel Holes tool bar has four types of 2D holes, round holes, edge holes, slotted holes, and elliptical holes. Each of these four types can be drawn filled, open, or hidden. 3D Hole command is used to add holes in 3DSolids and the Polyline cut command can change any shape created with a closed polyline into a cut out in a 3DSolid with a specified depth. Two bolt group commands draw a single row of holes and a double row of holes.

– 2D3DSteel Dimension toolbar includes a transparent command for fast 10 key XX.YYZZ feet, inches, and sixteenths input at any AutoCAD distance prompt, a transparent command for metric input in millimeters at any AutoCAD distance prompt. Special dimensioning commands are included for horizontal or vertical dimensions with automatic .Y & .X point filters to quickly line up dimensions, rotated dimension commands that remember your rotation angle, and commands to lock and unlock associative dimension text with text color id for easy member shortening and un-shortening.

– 2D3DSteel Plate tool bar has five commands for drawing 2D plates that are used in addition to the commands on the 2D3DSteel Shape tool bar.

ShapeBook with 2D3DSteel is a time locked 30 day free trial. To continue using the program you can purchase a permanent registration key for ShapeBook 2009 with 2D3DSteel 2009 or just for ShapeBook 2009.

Here are some key features of ShapeBook with 2D3DSteel:

– A quick reference to dimensions and design properties of steel.
– Based on the AISC Steel Construction Manual 13th Edition.
– Includes large pipe sizes, small bar size materials, plate, flat bar, round bar, and square bar.
– Dynamic hierarchical shape selection and selection list save and load features.
– Calculator Material List for estimating the cost of steel, and coatings.
– Search and select shapes using up to three different search keys.
– 2D3DSteel AutoCAD VLX application that draws 2D and 3D steel shapes
– New specialized 2D3DSteel tools for drawing and dimensioning steel.

What’s New in This Release?

– New AISC Steel Construction Manual 13th Edition data.
– New large pipe sizes, small bar size materials, plate, flat bar, round bar, and square bar.
– New Calculator Material List for estimating steel and coatings.
– New centerline and node point options in 2D3DSteel.
– Many new features and improvements in 2D3DSteel for modeling and drawing steel details.
– New automated setup for the 2D3DSteel application in AutoCAD.

About South Fork Technologies, Inc.:
South Fork Technologies, Inc. is a steel detailing and software company, based in Toutle, Washington. We provide quality detailing and consulting services to steel fabricators. South Fork Technologies is also a developer of computer software for the steel construction industry. We are celebrating our tenth year in business serving the steel construction industry.

Via EPR Network
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Affordable Web Commercials for Contractors

Big Time Productions, INC is proud to announce the launch of YourWebAds.com. Yourwebads.com is a turn-key marketing solution for today’s small business professionals.

Challenging economic times require that you get the best VALUE and RESULTS from every advertising dollar!

The NEXT big thing for small business is web commercials. And here at YourWebAds.com, we’ve created an economical mutli-media marketing option that can help grow your business no matter what the financial climate may be.

We creat high-end custom web commercials. You get the commercial (uploaded to the top video search engines) and a website with your own domain name to house it for only a $499 one time start up costs and a low $19.95 per month. Stop wasting your money on a yellow pages type listing….. the future is now and it’s happening online!

Check out the link below to learn more about this amazing opportunity:

http://www.yourwebads.com/c-3-contractor-services.aspx

Use coupon code number JU12 at checkout and get $100 off your transaction.

Via EPR Network
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Rhema Roofing and Exteriors Helps families Not Only Rebuild, but Sift Through Complicated Insurance Process

Rhema Roofing and Exteriors: Storms may not damage your car but can still destroy the integrity of your roof.

Record Catastrophic Hail Storms Strike Tulsa in ’07 and again in 08 Rhema Roofing and Exteriors Helps families Not Only Rebuild, but Sift Through Complicated Insurance Process

Rhema Roofing and Exteriors, the premier residential restoration firm in the Southwest, announced today that its Tulsa office has helped home owners throughout the Tulsa area this year not only rebuild, but understand and work through the often complex insurance claims process.

“Most homeowners do not realize they have hail damage. Why? It is impossible to see damage from the ground,” states Terry Gwaltney. “Homeowners need a trained professional who knows the difference between nail pops, blistering and hail damage.

Just because your car didn’t get dinged up doesn’t mean the integrity of your roof hasn’t been compromised. The solution is to have a trained professional examine your roof up close. And since our company offers no obligation free 35 point inspection, homeowners have nothing to lose – with one exception. If homeowners wait and do not file a claim in time, they may have to pay out of pocket.”

In addition to offering homeowners great workmanship and great customer service, Rhema has a team of insurance claim specialists that assist homeowners in understanding and working through the often complex insurance claims process. Some appreciative customers from both residential and commercial properties have commented:

The 5 star customer care program delivered more than promised. Tim B.

Rhema took care of my entire project making a stressful event turn into a great no hassle experience. Ann J.

has had to increase its production capabilities this year to keep up with demand. On any given day the company has workers in the area re-roofing homes, as well as helping with siding, gutters, and other exterior trades. With a strong commitment quality control, Integrity has one of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the industry.

About Rhema Roofing and Exteriors. Rhema Roofing and Exteriors is committed to the communities it serves providing employment and resources for long-term cooperative growth.

Via EPR Network
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Natural Stone Restoration Classes For Those In The Stone Restoration Trade Or Those That Are Starting A New Enterprise

Josveek Huligar, a founding member of the Natural Stone Restoration Alliance, an association of independent stone restoration professionals has conducted a very popular monthly class on the art of detailed restoration of natural stone countertops for a few years. Due to many requests, an additional class to the weekend itinerary this year included natural stone floors. This particular segment of the self described “boot camp” has become a demand in the field of stone restoration.



The weekend classes are described by Mr. Huligar as“A true “hands-on” experience. No seats. No stories. No sales pitch. Each student has the opportunity to perform multiple repairs, honing and the highly coveted art of top-polishing an additional note to the counter top repair class; the students receive a full set of tools including a variable polisher inclusive in the price of the class. Everything you need to get started.”

Those who have attended the recent class had this to say;

“I went to the class in hopes of going home confident that I could “DO” the best quality work not just understand the theory and fundamentals like I have in other “learning scenarios.” I also wanted to learn as quickly as possible so we could learn as much as possible in a short time. I think both of those goals were met. Now comes the confidence building from experience and practice.

Thanks again to youJofor being willing to share your excellence in your craft, and to Topshop for the hospitality and help, and Tim Scarlata of atlanticgranite.com and Topshop of topshopllc.com for the fabricators perspective, and the learning I received from the everyone’s experience who attended.

I had a great time!!! (Still a bit stiff and sore, but a great time!)”–Duane Brock- Omaha NB.

Al Shulze of WeDoFloors – Orlando Flresponded,“I can honestly say just learning Jo’s floor method, will cut my time in half. If you’re just starting out in the business Take the class and get a foundation it will save you a ton of money from buying unnecessary equipment and time on the job.”

“The class was everything stated above and more. It exceeded my wildest expectations. Now Jo is another story in itself. His charisma and humor is second to none. Now let’s see if that gives good old Jo a big head. Lol.”Ken Albrecht- Plano TX.

“The classes are very hands on and a lot of very useful tips and technique’s, on floor refinishing and granite repair. Jo’s a good teacher, knows what he’s doing!!!” Paul Malarz- Rochester NY.

Dave Wilson of Seam- Master StoneCare CA. adds“Jo showed me how to push the limits with heat and popping a shine. It really opened me up to perfecting my floor process. I went to the class hoping to learn a few things and was not disappointed.”

“It was nice to meet everyone at the class and thanks to TopShop for the facilities, help and food during the day. I have picked up two jobs on granite repairs and travertine scratch removal and feel confident that I can handle any problems it can throw at me.”George Barnes- Denver CO.




“Thank you Josveek Huligar for sharing your knowledge, techniques and passion for natural stone. I have been to many classes and seminars and I learned more from the NSRA class than all the others combined.Thank you Dave (TOPSHOP) for the use of your shop and all the tips you gave me.

It is obvious that the NSRA is truly dedicated to helping improve the stone industry. Anyone who passes on this class is making a HUGE mistake. Thank you to all involved. I will back the NSRA 100%” Tim Scarlata of atlanticgranite.com- Rochester NY

“Great class” said Paul Klees from Bonstone.“I received some valuable hands-on training with respect to surface polishing and repair techniques. It was amazing to see the use of different diamonds, pressure and the little amount of water needed to achieve a nice polish. I will definitely attend another class to brush up on my skills.”

“The class is described as a three day, 9 to 5, training session It’s more like you’re finished when you’ve completed the task successfully. Exactly as it is in the real world. There are no time limits to the class.” Steve Patrick, Patrick Stone Restoration – Columbus OH.

“The amount that I have learned in the four days I was up there has surpassed years of working with stone. I looked at many other classes offered. What encouraged me to select this class is the unorthodox way to restore stone by using many different distributors products and chemicals – and even making our own! There were endless varieties and techniques that could be used. Overall, learned invaluable techniques and methods that can save me time – make more money, and understand more about the constantly changing stone industry – keeping me on top of my game. Granite which was my adversary, had now become a friend, and all other stones a piece of cake to work with! Thanks to all in the class and especially with Jo for his patience and time to answer all my questions to the fullest.” Glenn K, Advanced Stone Restoration, Oahu Hawaii

Students from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Hawaii as well as from the mainland of the U.S. have gathered to learn from this stone restoration expert. From the beginners to the seasoned professionals, the class has had it’s impact. It is also interesting to note that once you take the class and participate actively on the NSRA forum you can attend the class to advance your skills for free. No other class offers this truly unique offer. Do not be fooled by the imitators on the internet that have tried to copy this unique program. Learn from the originator.

Josveek adds, “We are setting up the next class for 2009, it will be taking place on February 6th-8th. in Rochester NY. Two days for counters and one full day for floors. We’ll be offering an additional class for a small fee on the 9th for practice or advanced techniques. We will give full details as soon as we have it all worked out with tooling.”

Ultimately the “boot camp” is for those who have a real interest in learning the stone restoration trade or to advance their existing skills. From the art of restoring counter tops to floors, this class has it covered.

The Location
Atlantic Granite & Marble Inc
450 lee road
Rochester ny 14606
1-585-254-6109

Airport
(ROC) Greater Rochester International Airport
1200 Brooks Avenue
Rochester, NY 14624

Accommodations
Comfort Inn West
1501 W. Ridge Rd. , Rochester, NY,
US, 14615 | Phone: (585) 621-5700

Terms and conditions.
If cancellation is made over 30 days before the program date, 50% of the tuition is eligible for refund, or 100% of the tuition is transferable to another program/date. If cancellation is made within 10 to 30 days of the program date, 25% of the tuition is eligible for refund, or 100% of the tuition is transferable to another program/date.

If cancellation is less than 10 days of the program date, the entire tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.

We reserve the right to cancel an event at our discretion. In the event of course cancellation, 100% of the tuition will be eligible for refund or transferable to another course.

Countertop Class $1,800.00
Floor Class $ 400.00
Extra Day $ 200.00

Via EPR Network
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Aquavida Pool Remodeling Specializes In Swimming Pool Remodeling And Resurfacing, Offering Eco-Friendly Pool Solutions

Green’s the new black, as the fashionistas of the world would say, and it’s hitting the pool and spa runway full force. Energy-saving, eco-friendly products are making their way into the market, teasing dealers with trendier options and enticing homeowners to save a buck or two — not to mention the Earth. It’s time to look into upgrading and revamping the pool and making way for the next generation of “greener” pastures.

“The average age of pools we are remodeling is 15 to 20 years old,” says Thomas Lopez, president of Aquavida Pools in Phoenix. “At that point in time, they didn’t really offer any economical or efficient motors back then.” But times have changed, and repair-driven pool remodels are now taking a backseat to lifting up the hood and replacing what’s inside — because you want to, not because you have to.

Pool remodeling can be costly, especially if moving toward a more eco-friendly backyard. It’s an investment, says Lopez, and one that not everyone is able to make.

Green pool makeovers are a smaller part of the remodels Aquavida Pools does, says Lopez, because of the financial investment Green renovations can cost anywhere from $1000 to $35,000, adds Lopez, depending on what’s being done.

One of the main consumer selling points of going green — besides being more eco-friendly, of course — is the financial payback. But the initial cost of the project can scare customers away from green renovations. In today’s unstable economy, customers may have a hard time seeing beyond the bottom line and into the future.

Pump Magic
For the consumer who has just started thinking about remodeling a pool, there is a good place to start that doesn’t break the bank. “Probably the most economical approach is the basic industry-standard upgrade pump, an [energy efficient motor],” suggests Lopez. “The armatures in the motors consume less energy,” adds Lopez, so at a minimum, he recommends customers doing this upgrade.

But for consumers who are able to put a little more investment into their pool remodel, Lopez recommends a programmable pump. While these pumps generally cost more than the standard upgrade, their payback is well worth it.

Behind The Curtain
Micromanaging the pool through the use of a home automation system has really taken off, and while it’s more popular to the buying public as a convenience, manufacturers are eagerly finding ways for consumers to understand its energy-saving purpose, as well.

Incorporating an automated system during the pool remodeling process is a must have for the pool owner on the go. Time is a precious commodity these days and an automated pool makes life that much simpler.

“Controls themselves add flexibility and automation to managing the pool, even if people have got time clocks,” says Lopez. “Whenever you’ve got a proper pool controller, you can have multi-day or weekend settings. You can have settings for different periods of the year.”

Not only does automation offer a finer, more optimized control of pump speed, but it also allows “you to do a better job of managing energy-efficient equipment.You claim more energy savings from it, and at times, it’s what actually enables the energy savings in some of the other equipment.

Here And There
Little upgrades also mean bigger savings. Lopez recommends owners change over to LED lighting. The lights consume considerably less power and they last a lot longer, not to mention, “you probably have around a 80 percent savings in energy consumption with LED lighting,” he adds.

A simpler renovation suggestion is a programmable time clock. Phoenix’s swim season ends around the middle of October, says Lopez, but he notes that customers with a typical Intermatic time clock would still allow the pool to run on an eight-hour cycle, even during the off-season.

“So when you have a programmable time clock, you are able to put two program groups in it and set it to the exact day, so it will switch from group A to B, meaning summer and winter,” adds Lopez. Oftentimes, Lopez groups the time clock with the standard energy-efficient motor, inviting customers to start with a small, yet affordable eco-friendly renovation.

“Clearly, when you look at the energy savings opportunity, that falls in very nicely with the big push that’s going on in the world at large,” says Lopez. “Everybody is paying attention to the energy crisis. We aren’t green for the sake of being green. Everything is focused on the payback for the consumer. People are looking for the payback.”

Via EPR Network
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Correct Building Products, manufacturer of CorrectDeck CX with Microban antimicrobial product protection, expands composite deck recycling to include jobsite scrap

Correct Building Products(R), manufacturer of CorrectDeck(R) CX with Microban(R) antimicrobial product protection, has announced on May 9, 2007 a pilot program to collect plastic wood composite jobsite scrap, complementing its active recycling program.

This information is timely as spring deck building season arrives. Additionally, more consumers are expressing interest in “green” building products. What many consumers and contractors are unaware of is that Correct Building Products produces composite decking made from recycled materials that can be recycled again. Green-conscious consumers can select CorrectDeck composite products with confidence.

Made from Recycled
CorrectDeck composite decking is made from 80 percent recycled ingredients such as waste sawdust, recycled plastic and polypropylene recycled materials. Located in Maine, Correct Building Products harvests scrap from local lumber yards as well as collects polypropylene bins from retailers and post offices. The manufacturing plant recycles and reprocesses all manufacturing scrap at the factory, meaning all downfall is recycled. There are no emissions and zero manufacturing waste. “Most forms of plastic recycling transform the plastic into a less valuable product,” said Martin Grohman, president of Correct Building Products. “Upcycling is very rare, but these products ‘upcycle’ a low-value waste product like sawdust into a high-value product such as premium composite decking.”

Completely Recyclable
All CorrectDeck products are also completely recyclable as a finished product – free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – and can be safely incinerated. CorrectDeck products are also printed with their resource content “60 Wood/40 PP” to make future recycling easier.

“Composite deck material is quite recyclable – it contains no thermosetting materials and is rot-resistant. In fact, recycling of composites is routinely done,” added Grohman. “We’re doing our best to promote recycling and to reduce the usage of unsustainably-harvested tropical hardwoods.”

Jobsite Recycling
The company will also be instituting a scrap recycling program to make efficient use of waste produced on jobsites. Recyclable materials include decking, railings and even installation sawdust. The test program includes a recycling container located outside CorrectDeck’s largest dealer, Hancock Lumber. “Once we get the process worked out,” noted Grohman, “we’ll expand the program as quickly as possible. Contractors have to pay to dispose of scrap. This free program will not only help them, it helps the environment.”

Correct Building Products(R) LLC is a $30MM+ producer of wood-composite products of all types, including CorrectDeck(R) and CorrectDeck(R) CX composite decking, RapidRail(R) and RapidRail(R) CX composite railing, and Dimensional Composite Lumber. Visit the website at www.correctdeck.com or contact Mike Descoteaux, Correct Building Products, 8 Morin Street, Biddeford, ME 04005, 207-284-5600, miked@correctbp.com for more details.

Via EPR Network
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Welcome to EPR Construction News

EPR Construction News is a new blog, part of EPR Network, that is going to be focused on and will be covering the construction news and stories from press releases published on EPR Network.

EPR Network (EPR stands for express press release) is one of the nation’s largest press release distribution networks on Web. The EPR’s nationwide network includes 12 State based PR sites, one major PR forum and a number of industry specific PR blogs and what started as a hobby on Internet years ago turned out to be a rapidly growing business today. EPR Network is also known as one of the most trusted (human optimized, published, edited and monitored, spam/scam/low quality PR content free) PR sites on the web with more than 10,000 company and individual press releases distributed per month. EPR Network is putting your press releases on top of all major search engines’ results and is reaching thousands of individuals, companies, PR specialists, media professionals, bloggers and journalists every day.

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