Well, just had lunch with one of the top executives from James Hardie at a local BBQ joint here in the SouthEnd. I always like taking visitors to the local bars and eateries. Give them a taste of the neighbor flavor, sights and sounds.
But this was not your ordinary lunch on Friday afternoon. No, far from your blue plate special.
It is not every day that you have the top executive from a billion dollar corporation at your lunch table at Mac's Speed Shop. And, I was going to make sure I made the most out of this opportunity. This is a chance that most people wait 10-15 years for and I had 45 minutes, uninterrupted, with the decision maker at one of world's top brands.
We were brought together because we share a vision. A glimpse into the Charlotte housing market,
specifically the remodeling and renovation industry and the current condition of the average home in our region.
It is always exciting when you can "be on the same page" with today's decision makers. With someone who can make a difference and is willing to take the initiative to create and launch a marketing program that could change our industry. Good stuff.
So, what is our vision. It is simple. Reach 10,000 homeowners in the Charlotte market. Literally, contact ten thousand homeowners with an important message from James Hardie and our friends here at SouthEnd.
Now is time to replace the siding on your house.
A grassroots campaign targeting 30-50 neighborhoods in the greater Charlotte area.
There are so many homes between Lake Norman and Rock Hill that need residing. So many houses that need to replace the exterior siding. Houses built from the 80's through the earlier part of this decade.
James Hardie has the name and the top brand in residential siding. SouthEnd has 12 crews that have completed over 1,200 siding projects here in Charlotte over the past year and has a great reputation in our community. A great marriage that we want to finalize soon!
Our goal is to bring the best siding product to 10,000 homeowners and let them see the benefits to residing.
The fact reamins that only re-siding your home with fiber cement gives you the best return on your investment, 5 years in a row.* Go with James Hardie.
Good lunch with a great man representing a wonderful brand. Doesn't get any better than that, does it?
*Quality Remodeler
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Catching up with Micah
I was in the warehouse this morning looking for a 4" X 4" post to replace my mailbox. Someone clipped my mailbox a couple of nights ago and broke the post in half. I keep looking for neighbors who have recent car damage, but no suspects yet.
While looking through our lumber, I ran into Micah Tolles, Project Manager here at SouthEnd. Although we work together, I have not seen him over the past three days. He and his wife have twin boys that are four years old, so I know his life can be hectic.
"Hey buddy, what is going on," I yelled across the warehouse. "Man, I have been everywhere this week, Everywhere," replied Micah.
So, I ask the obvious, where is everywhere?
Turns out Micah has been traveling between Lake Norman to Rock Hill, SC looking at a number of projects that homeowners are considering for spring renovations to their homes.
"I see so many homeowners that have decided to invest in a home remodeling project, people are staying put," noted the construction management gradute from WCU. "Folks are building decks, knocking out walls, residing their houses, building outdoor living areas and sunrooms. Families want to renovate their homes and recreate a new home with these projects."
He reminded me that most homeowners are ready to make the investment as activity has picked up over the past two weeks.
For the first time in over a year, customers have two or three projects that they are considering for their homes. Even some homeowners that are looking at projects for homes that are much newer, less than 5-6 years old, are calling.
Spring, eternal spring.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
While looking through our lumber, I ran into Micah Tolles, Project Manager here at SouthEnd. Although we work together, I have not seen him over the past three days. He and his wife have twin boys that are four years old, so I know his life can be hectic.
"Hey buddy, what is going on," I yelled across the warehouse. "Man, I have been everywhere this week, Everywhere," replied Micah.
So, I ask the obvious, where is everywhere?
Turns out Micah has been traveling between Lake Norman to Rock Hill, SC looking at a number of projects that homeowners are considering for spring renovations to their homes.
"I see so many homeowners that have decided to invest in a home remodeling project, people are staying put," noted the construction management gradute from WCU. "Folks are building decks, knocking out walls, residing their houses, building outdoor living areas and sunrooms. Families want to renovate their homes and recreate a new home with these projects."
He reminded me that most homeowners are ready to make the investment as activity has picked up over the past two weeks.
For the first time in over a year, customers have two or three projects that they are considering for their homes. Even some homeowners that are looking at projects for homes that are much newer, less than 5-6 years old, are calling.
Spring, eternal spring.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Friday, March 12, 2010
75 million homes
As a remodeling contractor here in the Charlotte, NC market, we closely follow the highly anticipated Home Star program that has been proposed to stimulate the ecomony as well as promote energy-efficiency upgrades to American homes.
This program is designed to provide homeowners incentives for retrofitting their homes.
There are hundreds of contractors from Seattle to Charlotte that are anxious to get this program pushed through the Senate and get approval here in 2010.
Folks, I do not see this happening within the next 9 months and that is shame. Part of the snag is there are so many contractors that need to be trained in EPA's lead paint rule.
And, let's face it, the Senate will not move quickly on approval. Not going to happen.
It is estimated that over 230,000 remodelers must be trained to ensure compliance with the rule. Only 14,000 have been certified to date. Our class is in two weeks, but you can see that it will be nearly impossible to certify nearly a quarter of a million contractors before the April 22 deadline.
Roughly 79 million homes constructed before 1978 are subject to Lead Renovation, Repair and Repainting rule. That's right, nearly one-third of our homes need to be retrofitted by certified EPA remodelers.
79 million. That is a staggering number of houses that need renovation and improvements to become energy-efficient. Staggering number.
Once Americans become more aware of this program, you can anticipate homeowners will rush to call contractors to perform these efficiency upgrades.
Please make sure you contact a properly trained and qualified contractor.
Most of this information was provided by NAHB Remodelers.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
This program is designed to provide homeowners incentives for retrofitting their homes.
There are hundreds of contractors from Seattle to Charlotte that are anxious to get this program pushed through the Senate and get approval here in 2010.
Folks, I do not see this happening within the next 9 months and that is shame. Part of the snag is there are so many contractors that need to be trained in EPA's lead paint rule.
And, let's face it, the Senate will not move quickly on approval. Not going to happen.
It is estimated that over 230,000 remodelers must be trained to ensure compliance with the rule. Only 14,000 have been certified to date. Our class is in two weeks, but you can see that it will be nearly impossible to certify nearly a quarter of a million contractors before the April 22 deadline.
Roughly 79 million homes constructed before 1978 are subject to Lead Renovation, Repair and Repainting rule. That's right, nearly one-third of our homes need to be retrofitted by certified EPA remodelers.
79 million. That is a staggering number of houses that need renovation and improvements to become energy-efficient. Staggering number.
Once Americans become more aware of this program, you can anticipate homeowners will rush to call contractors to perform these efficiency upgrades.
Please make sure you contact a properly trained and qualified contractor.
Most of this information was provided by NAHB Remodelers.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Monday, March 1, 2010
SouthEnd on display at the 50th anniversary of Charlotte's Southern Spring Show
SouthEnd Home Improvement has designed and built a special display for the Southern Spring Show which opens this Wednesday, March 3 at The Park in Charlotte, NC.
Over 40,000 visitors are expecetd for the annual event from Wednesday through Sunday, March 7th.
"We are excited about this year's show," stated SouthEnd's President, Jamie Oliver. "Our booth will feature some products that will appeal to homeowners looking for ideas on home remodleing projects and we can showcase our talent as one of Charlotte's top-rated contractors."
SouthEnd Home Improvement provides quality workmanship and expertise to help homeowners add value to their homes through remodeling, renovations and additions. We specialize in roofing, windows, siding, gutters, decks, porches, sunrooms and more!
This year's Southern Spring Show will be the largest show expected for this region. Visitors can talk with professionals from more than 400 companies showcasing: the latest and greatest in kitchen and bath, building and home improvement, outdoor living, green living, the green market, decorative arts and crafts, and wineries. Taste, travel and shop the marketplace at your own pace and with your own unique spring plans in mind.
But, best of all, meet the professionals who can help you with information and advice to create your own dream spaces inside and outside your home.
Drop by the SouthEnd Home Improvement booth #1133 and say hello. Also, don't forget to register for a free in-home consultation and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Over 40,000 visitors are expecetd for the annual event from Wednesday through Sunday, March 7th.
"We are excited about this year's show," stated SouthEnd's President, Jamie Oliver. "Our booth will feature some products that will appeal to homeowners looking for ideas on home remodleing projects and we can showcase our talent as one of Charlotte's top-rated contractors."
SouthEnd Home Improvement provides quality workmanship and expertise to help homeowners add value to their homes through remodeling, renovations and additions. We specialize in roofing, windows, siding, gutters, decks, porches, sunrooms and more!
This year's Southern Spring Show will be the largest show expected for this region. Visitors can talk with professionals from more than 400 companies showcasing: the latest and greatest in kitchen and bath, building and home improvement, outdoor living, green living, the green market, decorative arts and crafts, and wineries. Taste, travel and shop the marketplace at your own pace and with your own unique spring plans in mind.
But, best of all, meet the professionals who can help you with information and advice to create your own dream spaces inside and outside your home.
Drop by the SouthEnd Home Improvement booth #1133 and say hello. Also, don't forget to register for a free in-home consultation and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
It's tough to put a price on the happiness
While a good return on your investment is important in every remodeling project, experts say that the most important factor in your decision should still be whether the project improves the way you live in your home now.
When looking into any kind of home improvement, a home-owner needs to plan in advance exactly what they hope to achieve by making improvements.
SouthEnd has developed a program that shows homeowners the cost versus value for each remodeling project. We will show homeowners which project they should consider for repairs, improvements or replacement. And, which project has the highest priority with the quickest return on investment.
"The fact of remodeling is that you never get your money back instantly," says Finley Perry of F.H. Perry Builder in Hopkinton, Mass. "If you're undertaking a project because you're going to stay in your home awhile, and it will enhance your lifestyle, then great -- do it. It's tough to put a price on the happiness many young families get from fixing up their house and truly enjoying it for the next 20 years."
Overall, home owners recouped an average of 63.8 percent of their investment in 33 different home improvement projects, according to REALTORS® who responded to the survey.
Since the peakremodeling year of 2005, exterior replacement projects have gone to the top of the chart. Front entry doors rank the highest in the return on investment along with siding and window replacement. Why? Because these types of improvements not only increase the curb appeal of the home but can also make your home more energy efficient while improving the decor inside the house.
On average in 2008, households whose homes had appreciated by at least 100 percent over the previous decade spent over 2.5 times more on improvements than those whose home values increased less than 50 percent.
At the end of the day, be happy that you have the best quality that you can afford. Cheap fittings and finishes certainly do not have the same durability as guaranteed good quality ones, and cutting price by opting for low quality doesn't always pay, as the work will deteriorate and lose value quicker than had the work been performed with better quality materials.
What you are trying to achieve is getting the best value for money that you can, and often the cheapest option isn't the best.
It's tough to put a price on the happiness, but you can consult an expert to discuss your options.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
When looking into any kind of home improvement, a home-owner needs to plan in advance exactly what they hope to achieve by making improvements.
SouthEnd has developed a program that shows homeowners the cost versus value for each remodeling project. We will show homeowners which project they should consider for repairs, improvements or replacement. And, which project has the highest priority with the quickest return on investment.
"The fact of remodeling is that you never get your money back instantly," says Finley Perry of F.H. Perry Builder in Hopkinton, Mass. "If you're undertaking a project because you're going to stay in your home awhile, and it will enhance your lifestyle, then great -- do it. It's tough to put a price on the happiness many young families get from fixing up their house and truly enjoying it for the next 20 years."
Overall, home owners recouped an average of 63.8 percent of their investment in 33 different home improvement projects, according to REALTORS® who responded to the survey.
Since the peakremodeling year of 2005, exterior replacement projects have gone to the top of the chart. Front entry doors rank the highest in the return on investment along with siding and window replacement. Why? Because these types of improvements not only increase the curb appeal of the home but can also make your home more energy efficient while improving the decor inside the house.
On average in 2008, households whose homes had appreciated by at least 100 percent over the previous decade spent over 2.5 times more on improvements than those whose home values increased less than 50 percent.
At the end of the day, be happy that you have the best quality that you can afford. Cheap fittings and finishes certainly do not have the same durability as guaranteed good quality ones, and cutting price by opting for low quality doesn't always pay, as the work will deteriorate and lose value quicker than had the work been performed with better quality materials.
What you are trying to achieve is getting the best value for money that you can, and often the cheapest option isn't the best.
It's tough to put a price on the happiness, but you can consult an expert to discuss your options.
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Why not now?
In these trying times, many folks are asking themselves one strong question,
"Is my money safe?"
We need to know that when we pay for something it has value. We want to invest where it matters.
Your house is your prize possession. Right?
It is the largest investment you'll make in your lifetime.
Then, why gamble? Why take chances?
With a majority of homeowners planning to stay in their homes instead of moving in 2010, they'll look to preserve or increase their home's worth by spending an average of nearly 5 percent of its value on making improvements.
This is not a trend. We are staying put. We need to protect our investment, our prize possesssion.
And, every American homeowner will have a home improvement project over the next six to eight months that they are considering. All of us need to make the necessary repairs to our homes.
A project that can see a quick return on their investment and energy savings that could range from a 8-30% per household.
Why not now?
Call your contractor, schedule a home consultation. If you are like me, you want to trust your contractor. You want to know the facts before you begin your remodeling projects.
Hire a professional.
Invest where it matters, invest in your home.
So, why not now?
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
"Is my money safe?"
We need to know that when we pay for something it has value. We want to invest where it matters.
Your house is your prize possession. Right?
It is the largest investment you'll make in your lifetime.
Then, why gamble? Why take chances?
With a majority of homeowners planning to stay in their homes instead of moving in 2010, they'll look to preserve or increase their home's worth by spending an average of nearly 5 percent of its value on making improvements.
This is not a trend. We are staying put. We need to protect our investment, our prize possesssion.
And, every American homeowner will have a home improvement project over the next six to eight months that they are considering. All of us need to make the necessary repairs to our homes.
A project that can see a quick return on their investment and energy savings that could range from a 8-30% per household.
Why not now?
Call your contractor, schedule a home consultation. If you are like me, you want to trust your contractor. You want to know the facts before you begin your remodeling projects.
Hire a professional.
Invest where it matters, invest in your home.
So, why not now?
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
Friday, February 12, 2010
Home Star Program - Cash for Caulkers.
Over the past weekend, my neighbor caught me in the yard and walked over to ask me what remodeling projects were we working on this month. I mentioned that most of our work has been roof replacements, siding projects, installing windows and a few bigger projects such as a detached garage.
As I described each project, my neighbor nodded that he too, would need to replace his roof within the next four months or that his wife wanted to take advantage of the Tax Credit for replacing windows before the deadline in November of this year. He seemed overwhelmed by the thought of each project, but agreed that these "home repair projects" were a necessity.
My neighbor is not alone.
More and more families are facing the same situation. We are living in homes that need to be "remodeled" or retrofitted. Regardless of the builder and no matter which decade your home was built, every house will age through stress, weather and the changing environment.
And, my discussion with my neighbor reminded me of a phone call that I received about a month ago from a past president of the NARI. He invited me to join him on a conference call to discuss a program that could be the most impactful intiative for us as American homeowners.
I am hoping that this is not the only time we will hear of the Home Star program. My wish for every homeowner is to have the opportunity to protect their biggest investment of their life, their home.
Last November, a program was proposed to the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB) stimulus program similar to Cash for Clunkers program. This program would create more jobs in the construction indsutry as well as nd Retrofitting or remodeling homes require less energy to operate.
A $23 billion program to weatherize thousands of American homes. It is still too early to know if the program will be enacted, but it is currently gaining momentum at the highest levels of government.
As a struggling homeowner, I need this to be pushed through. I know that I am not alone.
"Home Star" (in a nod to the Energy Star program), the program would consist of $18 billion in homeowner incentives, $2 billion for quality assurance audits on energy efficiency projects, and $3 billion in retailer incentives as well as funds to create awareness for the program.
The question is, how quickly will we see this stimulus program gain momentum and can we get this pushed through Congress and the Senate?
Will the politicians delay such an important program for us to protect our homes and make the much needed repairs that are on the "to-do list" for every American?
Mark Whitlock
SouthEnd
mark@sehomeimprovement.com
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
As I described each project, my neighbor nodded that he too, would need to replace his roof within the next four months or that his wife wanted to take advantage of the Tax Credit for replacing windows before the deadline in November of this year. He seemed overwhelmed by the thought of each project, but agreed that these "home repair projects" were a necessity.
My neighbor is not alone.
More and more families are facing the same situation. We are living in homes that need to be "remodeled" or retrofitted. Regardless of the builder and no matter which decade your home was built, every house will age through stress, weather and the changing environment.
And, my discussion with my neighbor reminded me of a phone call that I received about a month ago from a past president of the NARI. He invited me to join him on a conference call to discuss a program that could be the most impactful intiative for us as American homeowners.
I am hoping that this is not the only time we will hear of the Home Star program. My wish for every homeowner is to have the opportunity to protect their biggest investment of their life, their home.
Last November, a program was proposed to the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB) stimulus program similar to Cash for Clunkers program. This program would create more jobs in the construction indsutry as well as nd Retrofitting or remodeling homes require less energy to operate.
A $23 billion program to weatherize thousands of American homes. It is still too early to know if the program will be enacted, but it is currently gaining momentum at the highest levels of government.
As a struggling homeowner, I need this to be pushed through. I know that I am not alone.
"Home Star" (in a nod to the Energy Star program), the program would consist of $18 billion in homeowner incentives, $2 billion for quality assurance audits on energy efficiency projects, and $3 billion in retailer incentives as well as funds to create awareness for the program.
The question is, how quickly will we see this stimulus program gain momentum and can we get this pushed through Congress and the Senate?
Will the politicians delay such an important program for us to protect our homes and make the much needed repairs that are on the "to-do list" for every American?
Mark Whitlock
SouthEnd
mark@sehomeimprovement.com
http://www.sehomeimprovement.com/
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