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10 QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK BEFORE HIRING ANY CARPET INSTALLER
1. Are you licensed bonded and insured?
2. What is your state issued registration number?
You can call the State and verify the status of his license and see if there have been any complaints filed against the installer.
3. How long have you been installing carpet? Always ask for references and require at least 5 years experience.
4. What type of experience do you have? (Apartment work, new construction, custom homes or remodeling?) You want to hire someone who is experienced with your type of work.
5. Do you use a power stretcher?
Good installers always use a power stretcher to install carpet properly.
6. How much do you charge per yard?
The going rate for apartment grade carpet varies in geographical areas. Dont assume that the cheapest price is the best price. It can be wise to pay a little more for a job well done.
7. How long do you guarantee your work?
Most will offer a one-year warranty. Better installers will offer two years and some will even offer a lifetime warranty. If your carpet comes loose or develops wrinkles it is nice to know you can have it fixed at no charge.
8. How far in advance must I schedule you?
You need your carpets installed in short order. Your hope is to find someone who you can depend on to show up on time and finish on schedule.
9. Can you supply me with some references?
Ask for several from jobs similar to yours. Check references.
10. Will you measure how much carpet I need?
If you dont know how much carpet you require, an experienced carpet installer is qualified to measure for you. Some installers charge for measuring but will refund the charge if you hire them to install your carpet. Proper measuring and seam placement is essential in saving money.
Wood
Hardwood floors go with any style of house, are durable, and beautiful. Hardwood is a good design choice to create room to room continuity for open floor plans. The benefit of hardwood is that is can be refinished many times over its lifespan, however instillation requires it to be nailed to a subfloor. It usually costs $3-$8 per square foot, but can be up to $14 per square foot for exotic varieties. Instillation typically costs $5-$12 per square foot.
Engineered Wood
This type of flooring has a top layer of real wood with plywood underneath. Engineered wood is a good choice of flooring for kitchens, basements, and over in floor heating systems. For instillation, it can be nailed, glued, or installed as a floating floor over a cushioning pad. More manufactures are making a self-locking variety that does not require nails or glue so it can be a good DIY product. Pricing is comparable to hardwood floors.
Bamboo - Green Option
Strips of bamboo are glued together in flat, vertical, or woven patterns and then sold from the manufacturer in planks. The end product is often confused with wood. Since bamboo is a grass, it grows faster and is thought of as a renewable and sustainable product, although much energy is used to ship the product from Asia. Prices are comparable to wood.
Laminate
Laminate flooring has a top layer of plastic that looks just like wood over layers of plywood. This type of flooring is very durable and can be installed right over an existing floor, no glue, nails, or tear-out necessary. This can be a great DIY project although installing around doors and corners is tricky. Laminate costs from $1-$7 per square foot and $2-$5 per square foot for instillation.
Linoleum
This is the top environmental flooring choice and is made from renewable biodegradable materials like cork and linseed oil. Mineral pigments create vibrant colors for the flooring. It can come in squares that need to be glued down or planks to install as a floating floor. Varieties that are unfinished need to be finished every two years. The cost is $5-$12 per square foot and $7-$12 per square foot for instillation.
Cork - Green Option
Cork comes from the bark of a tree, so harvesting cork leaves the tree standing and able to regenerate bark over the next coming years, making it a sustainable material. It comes in tiles or planks and can be glued down or installed as a floating floor. This flooring comes finished, but should be resealed every few years. Cork costs $2-$6 per square foot and $3-$5 per square foot for instillation.
Ceramic Tile - Green Option
These come in a variety of sizes, colors, designs, and textures. There are four basic types of tile. Glazed ceramic tile comes in an unlimited amount of colors and textures and is virtually maintenance free. Quarry tile is unglazed and has better slip resistance than glazed tile. Porcelain tile comes glazed or unglazed, is extremely durable and stain resistant, and works great outdoors. Terracotta is unglazed, comes in earthly colors and a rustic look. It is not as durable as other tiles and must be sealed periodically. Tile can cost from $1-$100 per square foot and $4-$12 for instillation. Recycled glass tiles are made from at least 25 percent waste glass, which are combined with materals like clays and silica. They're low maintenance and come in a variety or sizes, colors and textures, just like non-recycled glass tiles.
Carpet
Carpet is the most versatile of all flooring options and has the most colors and textures. To test the durability of a carpet, the more fibers per square inch the more durable it will be. Some carpets are rated from 1-5 on the wear and tear, 5 being the best; a 3-4 is normal. Wool carpet is the standard quality and feels the best against hands and feet, naturally durable, and resistant to stains and moisture. Nylon is extremely durable, but make sure it is treated for static electricity. Acrylic feels similar to wool, resists wear, crushing and mildew, and is inhospitable to insects. Polyester has bright colors and is resistant to moisture, but is extremely hard to clean stains out of. Polypropylene olefin is used for indoor/outdoor carpeting and is highly resistant to stains, moisture, and mildew. Carpeting costs $2-$12 and 50 cents to $2 for padding and instillation.
Stone
Stone gives a luxurious look in a home. Soft stones like limestone or sandstone must be finished every few years while harder stone like granite or marble need to be finished every 4-5 years. Polished stone can be slippery when wet, so make sure to choose stone that has a textured, skid resistant surface for bathrooms and kitchens. Stone can cost from $2-$100 per square foot and $5-$10 for instillation.
Vinyl
Vinyl tiles or sheet goods are durable, come in a variety of colors and patterns, and virtually maintenance free. They are backed with felt or foam for a softer underfoot feel. Thicker vinyl mean higher quality and a higher price, but can have a textured surface that looks like real stone or wood. The best vinyl products may offer warranties for up to 15 years. These are cost effective at $1-$5 per square foot and $1-$2 for instillation, although the cheaper varieties have fewer colors and patterns to choose from.
Types of Windows:
Many homes have only the basic types of windows - meaning square and boring. Updated windows can make a nondescript home into one that shines with curb appeal. But you need to know what is available (and what its called) when talking to your window professional. Here are some terms you should know:
1.Fixed This type of window cannot be opened. It is usually inexpensive and suitable for higher windows that wont be opened anyway.
2.Double hung One of the most common windows and a great window for a period home. The window consists of two sashes that move up and down. Only half of the window can be open at one time.
3.Casement Another common window, casement windows are hinged vertically to swing in and out like a door and operated with a crank.
4.Awning Awning windows are similar to casement windows but are hinged horizontally.
5.Jalousie Jalousie windows are horizontally placed narrow strips of glass, lowered by crank. Out of favor today, they were very popular in the mid-century.
6.Sliding Sliding windows move on top and bottom tracks. They are very common and can be inexpensive.
7.Paladian A paladian window consists of group of three windows with an arch over the center. These windows have become very popular in the last decade. They provide visual interest and drama to a home.
8.Picture Picture windows are especially popular in ranch-style homes. They are large fixed windows flanked b y 2 casements or double-hung windows.
9.Clerestory Clerestory windows were especially popular in Craftsman homes. They consist of a strip of small horizontal panes set high on a wall.
10.Elliptical or Arched Elliptical or arched windows often placed above double hung or fixed windows in todays new homes.
For 19 years the Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo's Rampathon is a community event that brings together volunteers from the HBAGK, City of Kalamazoo and surrounding communities who have donated their time, skills, and resources to build wheelchair ramps for local Veteran residents who is in need.
In previous years, volunteers from the HBAGK, Senior Services and the Kalamazoo United Way work together on the Rampathon event and construct a wheelchair ramp for a local child and elders with disabilities, or mobility limitations preventing them easy access in and out of their home. The Senior Rampathon took place in May and the Junior Rampathon in October of each year.
The HBA has recentely started a new tradition of the Veteran's Day Rampathon which takes place on Veteran's Day. HBA members along with volunteers from the community unite together to build a ramp for Veterans in need of a ramp to improve access to their homes.
The 20th annual Ramapthon will be on November 11th, further details will be coming soon.
If you know of a Veteran in need of a ramp please call Amanda at the HBA at 269.375.4225
If you know of senior in need of ramp please contact Senior Services for additional informaiton.
Thanks to all our partners, sponsors, contributors, & volunteers for makings the 19th Annual Fast Built Project Happen! Video created by Rhino Media Productions. For other Fast Built videos check out our YouTube Channel HERE!
For 19 years, Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity and the Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo have worked in partnership with a local family to build the annual Fast Built house. In 2010, the Fast Built Project is took a new twist, volunteer members of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo built a portion of the Kalamazoo Regional Public Safety Training Facility on Nazareth Road. They built four training building within a large pole barn will commence at 7:00am and continue until midnight. The buildings is be used by fire and police departments across Kalamazoo County for training.
This past year
If you are interested in volunteering or donating materials, please contact the HBAGK office at (269) 375-4225.
The annual Parade of Homes proudly presents a selection of spectacular homes featuring the latest trends in construction, architecture, landscaping, technology, interior design, energy efficiency, and more. These spectacular homes are located throughout Kalamazoo and VanBuren County. The 2012 Parade of Homes will be June 8-16, additional details will be released as they are finalized.
$250,001 - $350,000
Best Kitchen
Home 6
Lutz Construction
Curb Appeal and Landscaping Elements
Home 2
Scheffers Construction Company
Interior Elements and Design Features
Home 4
Brausch Builders
$350,001 - $500,000
Home 9
American Village Builders
Home 30
Home 32
Select Building and Design
$500,001 - 700,000
Home 21
T.A. Scott Construction
Home 29
Watts Homes
Over 700,001
Home 11
Visser
Remodeled Homes
Best Overall Transformation
Remodeled Home F
Kozar Construction
Green Built
Home 10
Universal Design
Home 3
The Stonehenge Group
Smart House
Up to $250,000 Condominium
Home 5
Powell Custom Homes
Up to $250,000
Home 22
Jeff A. Hansen Builder
Home 25
Roberts Development Group
$250,000 $350,000 condo
Home 17
Interior Design
The first Fall Parade of Homes proudly presented by the HBA will feature a selection of spectacular homes showcasing the latest trends in construction, architecture, landscaping, technology, interior design, energy efficiency, and more. These spectacular homes are located throughout Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas.
October 7-22
Fridays 4-9 pm
Saturdays 1-9 pm
** Sundays 12-5 pm
Wednesday 4-9 pm
** Please not not all homes are open on Sunday
The Home Expo, a Southwest Michigan premier home and garden event, is put on annually by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo in 2012 the show will be March 7-10. Each year the Home Expo showcases new building trends, products, ideas, and inspiration! Whether you are a homeowner, looking to buy, or plan to own your home in the future, this is a great family-friendly event. Home Expo also features lots of educational sessions, special show discounts, and activities for the kids. Save time! Come visit our exhibitors all under one roof - everything you could need for your home, dont miss the next Home Expo!
Become a Member! Find out how being a member could benefit you.
For Members
View exclusive members only content, discounts, and additional resources.
Builders Voice: monthly e-newsletter, read current and past issues online.
Building News: Click here to view News from the Building Industry in our area and around the country.
Member to Member Savings: Classifieds posted by HBAGK and Members.
Government Issues: Local, state and national government affairs and legislative updates. Builders Voice (e-newsletter image): monthly e-newsletter, read current and past issues online.
Member Marketing: Magazine, Website, E-Newsletter... with all of the exclusive member-only advertising opportunities, you cant afford not to advertise!
5 REASONS TO JOIN
The Home Builders Association
of Greater Kalamazoo (HBAGK)
1. THREE MEMBERSHIPS IN ONE
With your paid Associate or Builder Membership with the HBAGK, you automatically become a full member of the Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Thats three memberships for the price of one! By being a part of this network, you gain access to numerous resources designed to help you make the most of your membership investment and connect with the benefits that you value most.
2. GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
The HBAGK actively monitors and works with municipalities in the area, lobbies local and state governmental officials and legislation, represents the building industrys position on a variety of regulatory issues including land use, fees, building & development regulations. In Washington, DC, the National Association of Home Builders lobbying team represents your interests at a national level.
3. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Many opportunities are presented to the HBAGK members throughout the year for new and continuing education courses. The HBAGK realizes education is an important part of membership and strives to bring to its members current and cutting edge courses at affordable prices.
4. MARKET YOURSELF
Many HBAGK members take advantage of the numerous opportunities to advertise and market their products and services to other members. Whether its an ad in Builders Voice, HBAGKs monthly newsletter; advertising in the annual membership directory, sponsoring a special event, participation in Home Expo or Parade of Homes or advertising on the HBAGK website, theres no doubt that there is no limit to marketing our members!
5. NETWORKING WITHIN YOUR INDUSTRY
The HBAGK offers its members many opportunities throughout the year to network amongst your industry peers. Our General Membership Meetings (GMMs), bring HBAGK members together and are a great way to develop new business contacts in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. All members are urged to get involved with the numerous Events and Committees available for your participation with your HBAGK membership.
DO BUSINESS WITH A MEMBER!
Support your fellow HBAGK members and get some savings at the same time. Use this page to promote your business and introduce new products or services. Visit this page often to check for new discounts and watch your Builders Voice newsletter for an updated discount list. Contact Scott McGraw at smcgraw_hbagk.org if you have questions about how to make Member to Member Discounts work for your company.
B-Dry Systems of SW Michigan, Inc.
Contact: Dale Stiemsma
810 Bryant Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269)345-2900
OFFER: 20% off waterproofing & concrete lifting services
Best Way Disposal
Contact: Chris Phillips
2314 Miller Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 345-3300
OFFER: 10% off regular list price on construction dumpsters and portable restrooms in the Kalamazoo area.
Canneys Water Conditioning, Inc.
Contact: Kevin Canney
3712 Miller Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 343-2691
OFFER: 10% off any water treatment system or 100% towards the rent & installation of any rental.
Chemical Bank
Contact: Mark Schrepper
211 East Water Street, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 324-7066
OFFER: $200 off closing costs for one-time close construction financing. $200 of purchase and refinance mortgages. FREE pre-qualification. Financing for self-employed.
Clean Earth Environmental Contracting Service
Contact: Dale Hubbard
5189 King Highway, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
(269) 381-2400
OFFER: 10% discount off 1st months rental of portable rest rooms.
Consumers Credit Union
Contact: Susan Balbaugh Hoxie
PO Box 525, Oshtemo, MI 49077
(269) 345-7804
OFFER: $250 off closing costs for new construction, purchase, or refinance transactions.
Culligan Water Solutions of Kalamazoo
Contact: David Jackson
5066 South Sprinkle Road
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 488-3788
OFFER: Builder discount and pricing packages available.
Gordon Water Systems
Contact: Tom Duisterhof
618 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 382-0068
OFFER: Free water cooler rental with bottled water service.
GreenStone Farm Credit Services
Contact: Emelee Rajzer
225 W. Lyon St., P.O. Box 637, Schoolcraft, MI 49087
269-679-5296
OFFER: $250 off closing costs on any new one-time close construction loan. Free pre-approvals.
Holiday Inn West
2747 S. 11th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-6000
OFFER: Special room rate for HBAGK members and their families and employees $99 per night Sunday through Saturday (plus applicable taxes).
J.B. Printing Company
Contact: David Sims
429 E. Kalamazoo St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 349-9601
OFFER: 15% off any new order for printing or mailing service, (does not include postage)
Okun Brothers Shoes
Contact: Marvin Okun
179 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 342-1536
OFFER: 25% Off work shoes and work boots for all HBAGK member company employees.
Portage Plumbing Inc.
Contact: Patrick Kovach
8336 West RS Ave., Schoolcraft, MI 49087
(269) 372-5902
OFFER: Labor or fixture discounts for the first remodel or new home project with a builder/member.
Ron Jackson Insurance Agency Inc.
Contact: Dave Holzwarth
814 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 345-8577
OFFER: 10% discount on group insurance programs.
Quality Touch Painting
Contact: Quincy Nunn
40794 Robin St., Mattawan, MI 49068
(269) 998-1116
OFFER: Any closed business to Quality Touch Painting that comes from a member telling a friend, family member, colleague, etc. of our services will recieve a cash certificate for $25 (total sale of project must be greater than or equal to $300).
Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites
100 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 384-2655
OFFER: Special room rate for HBAGK members and their families and employees $149 per night Sunday through Saturday (plus applicable taxes).
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