Majors Home Improvement

Attorney General Warns Consumers of Unapproved Hurricane Protection for Windows

2010-09-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued a consumer advisory warning Floridians about window film companies that have sold or are selling products to residential homeowners as “hurricane protection.” The implied benefits leave homeowners with a false sense of security, and ultimately very vulnerable to the destructive forces of hurricane winds and flying debris.

Through information gathered from the International Hurricane Protection Association (IHPA), investigators have determined that aggressive sales tactics may have misled some homeowners to believe the hurricane protection for windows has been approved for residential as well as commercial use, when in reality the film protection advertised has only been approved for commercial use. The Florida Building Code compliant forms of hurricane protection contain no approval(s) for film applied to a residential structure. The consumer must be aware that passing some but not all testing does not qualify a product for approval.

Purportedly, some window film companies are also falsely claiming that by purchasing the window film for residential use, the homeowner will be eligible for an insurance discount. In reality, the insurance industry may not recognize this discount because the window film does not meet the standards for use in a residential home.

Recently, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) has began issuing manufacturer and dealer alerts in an effort to make sure companies are adhering to proper business procedures. While most members are following proper advertising and sales practices, some are not. Additionally, not all film manufacturers are part of the IWFA, therefore they are not held to the same standards.

Attorney General McCollum offers the following recommendations to consumers to avoid falling victim to dealers who may be misrepresenting the film’s capabilities:

· Ask to see the product approval and the corresponding number;

· Go to www.floridabuilding.org and/or www.miamidade.gov/buildingcode/ to assure that the number supplied is verifiable;

· Check with your local building department. Most building departments require a permit to install hurricane protection; and

· Report any company that is making fraudulent claims about window film.

Consumers who believe they may be victims of fraud may contact the Attorney General’s fraud hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or file an online complaint at http://myfloridalegal.com.

Betterliving by Majors Home Improvement | Pensacola Sunrooms

2010-09-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

Pensacola sunrooms - Customer Testimonials regarding BetterLiving Sunrooms. Add new living space today with a new sunroom. Sunrooms bring the outdoors inside regardless of inclement weather and biting bugs.

How to Replace Your Windows for Energy and Tax Savings - Pensacola windows

2010-09-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

There may be a window in your home that is old and drafty, or even falling apart. You may have a window that sticks, or one that you have to prop open. You’ve tried caulking, taping, driving screws into that old window but there is nothing that you can do to fix it. It is probably time to give up on fixing that old window and consider a replacement.

If you have one old window, chances are you have others. These windows can be robbing your house of energy making it hard for you keep your house at the right temperature in either summer or winter. Since windows can account for fifty percent of a home’s heating and cooling needs this wasted energy can equal a lot of wasted money on utility bills.

Now may be the best time to replace your windows for more than one reason. The weather outside is mild in most of the country, so opening up large holes in the side of your house will not create any major discomfort during the operation. Plus, the government is offering tax credits for installing energy efficient windows. These tax credits are set to expire at the end of this year so get your money while the gettin is good!

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides tax credits for homeowners who improve the energy efficiency of their homes including the installation of new windows. A window’s measure of efficiency is based on how well it keeps the outside out and the inside in. Tax credit eligible windows must meet minimum criteria of efficiency known as the U-factor and the Solar Heat Gain coefficient (SHGC). The U-Factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping and the rating scale ranges from .20 to 1.20. The lower the number the greater the window can resist heat flow and the better its insulating value. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a window blocks heat from the sunlight while letting in the visible light. The SHGC rating scale ranges from 0 to 1. The lower the SHGC the less solar heat can get through.

To reach tax credit levels both the U-Factor and the SHGC must be equal to or less than .30. Each window you buy should have an energy-performance label on it supplied by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This is the only rating council recognized by the federal government when issuing tax credits. You can check out energystar.gov for more information on qualifying windows and how you can go about getting your credit.

The next big question is whether or not you should attack this project yourself. Watching a pro put in a window looks easy, but there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. If you have never put in a new window before, replacing all the windows in your house by yourself is asking for trouble. Replacing one window may be within the grasp of most do-it-yourselfers, but swapping out a dozen or more becomes a huge project. Where will you store the windows when you buy them? How will you dispose of all the old windows? Do you really have the time to finish the job once you start? For Pensacola windows replacement consult with a professional licensed contractor in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

A seasoned professional window installer can replace all the windows in a typical home in just one or two days. They can guarantee their work and handle all the purchasing, disposal, and paperwork for permits if necessary. You may be surprised just how inexpensive it is for a pro to do the work. If your time and/or skills are limited, hiring a pro is the way to go.

When hiring a pro always get three estimates and get everything in writing. This includes start and finish dates, the brand, type, efficiency levels of the windows, and the total cost of the job. Never pay in full up front and don’t make final payment until the job is 100% complete.

If you are confident with your skills and want to give it a go yourself here is an idea of what you are in for and some things to keep in mind when replacing your own windows.

Before you begin, check with the local building codes to see what types of windows may be required, such as impact resistant or tempered glass, and whether or not you are required to pull a permit to do the work.

Essentially, when installing a replacement window you will be removing the old window sashes and the tracks they run on, leaving only the window’s jamb. The new window will slide into place from the inside and secured to the old jamb. It is important that the window fits comfortably inside this jamb.

This is where most people make mistakes. Sometimes it is hard to tell how big the new window should be, and it is necessary to delicately remove the interior trim of the window to get an accurate measurement. If you buy a window that is even slightly too small for the opening and it leaves gaps, you’ll end up with same or even worse drafts than the old window. If you buy a window that is too big for the opening the window can stick or not open at all.

If the jamb is damaged and needs to be replaced it may impact the exterior finishes of the home such as the siding or trim. This is a situation that would require more time and skill on your part, but one that a pro can easily handle.

The width of the jamb should be measured at the top, middle, and bottom. The height is also measured in three places. Take the smallest measurement of height and width and subtract ¼ inch. Ideally, this will give you the size of the replacement window you need to buy.

Replacement windows
are different than new construction windows. Replacement windows are designed to slide right into the existing window jamb from the inside of the house. New construction windows come with a nailing flange and are designed to be put in from the outside of the house into an opening without a jamb.

Don’t be surprised if you have to custom order your replacement windows. This process can take a few weeks, and most custom order windows are not returnable. Never pull out the old window until you have the new window in hand. You don’t want to have a piece of plywood on your house covering a hole for a few weeks while you wait for your window to arrive.

To remove the old window you have to remove the small stop trim on the sides of the window that hold the sashes in. Remove these carefully as you will be using them again later. With the trim removed you should be able to pull the sashes out. If they are connected to the wall by a weight, cut the cord or disconnect the chain and let the weight drop into the wall. You won’t need it any longer. Remove the tracks that held the sashes in place and clean the jamb of any debris.

If all is in your favor, the new window is ready to go in. Set the bottom of the window on the jamb and tilt the window into place. Push it all the way into the opening until it is seated against the stop trim on the outside. Check that the window is sitting level in the jam. It may be necessary to use small shims to make sure the window is sitting level. Measuring the window diagonally from corner to corner and make sure the measurements are the same. This will insure the window is square and will operate properly.

Screw the window into the jamb according to the manufacturer’s specifications and seal the window into the jamb with caulk, both inside and out, to prevent drafts or leaks. Replace the small stop trim to finish the job.

It sounds easy in theory, but there are dozens of things that could pop up when replacing windows that can make the job quite challenging. Start with one window to test your skill. Don’t bite off more than you can chew and attempt to replace all your windows yourself right off the bat if you have never done it before. It could end up costing you double if you have to hire a pro to fix your mistakes.

About the author: Jason Gurskis is a licensed home improvement contractor based in Mystic Island, New Jersey dedicated to making homes more comfortable, durable, and energy efficient.

Published FoxNews.com

How To Select The Most Qualified Home Inspector

2010-09-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

Looking to buy a new home?

Buying a place where you will live for many years can fill you with anticipation and excitement. Now you've finally found the home that is just right for you.

You've walked through the place, probably more than once, and everything looks perfect. But this could be the largest investment of your life to date. Is your roof up to par? Do you require window replacement? You need to be sure.

You need a home inspection. Today, it's required by most lenders before the deal is closed, but who do you choose to do it?

Your real estate agent can provide several names for your perusal. Here are some questions to ask when interviewing them.

* Certifications: Check for affiliations such as those from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO).

* Experience in building: The inspector has to be able to look at a wall, for example, and know how it's put together. Many home construction features are hidden from view.

* Experience as a home inspector: Check how long he or she has been in the business. Experience, training and insight are required for a thorough inspection.

* Ask to see their typical inspection plan and checklist. It should have space for written details and advice.

* What types of equipment will be used? Cutting-edge inspectors use more than a ladder and flashlight. They may bring electrical circuit analyzers, a carbon monoxide and fuel gas analyzer, a digital moisture meter and a digital camera to document their findings.

The report should contain a detailed picture of the house on the day of the inspection. It should itemize major components and their condition.

It should include a listing of items in need of normal maintenance or attention. And the report must list major repair items, any defect that could present a significant expense to repair and estimated repair costs.

When choosing, don't pick the cheapest inspector. For about $50 more, you could get a more complete picture of the property.

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Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. Specializing in Replacement Windows, Sunrooms & Enclosures, Screen rooms and Patio Covers, Entry Doors, Vinyl Siding, and Fabric Awnings – Majors Home Improvement is the local home improvement company of choice for Northwest Florida and South Alabama.

Majors Home Improvement Ranks 140th in Remodeling’s Top 550 National List

2010-09-08T05:26:00.000-07:00

Majors Home Improvement is named for the prestigious distinction of top 550 Replacement Contractors nation-wide.

Pensacola, FL (September 8, 2010) – Majors Home Improvement, a leading Milton, FL-based home improvement company specializing in sunrooms and vinyl replacement windows and doors, has been ranked 140th place among Replacement Contractors in the United States by Remodeling 550 which lists and rates the largest national remodeling and home improvement companies.

Ranking higher on the list than any other replacement contractor or remodeling firm in the Greater Pensacola area, Majors Home Improvement improved seven places over its 2009 ranking of 147th.

“Our primary goal is to create lifelong customers, and this award reflects our commitment to that goal,” said Mike Majors, President of Majors Home Improvement. “Strong customer relationships are the key to promoting growth in a challenging economy. Take care of your customers, and they will take care of you.”

Based on residential remodeling revenue, the Remodeling 550 is a list of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies in the U.S. Data for the 550 is based on a survey jointly developed by Remodeling, its sister publication Replacement Contractor, and Specpan, a consultancy and business data collection provider. Additional information was obtained through survey mailings, phone calls, and public information sources.

About Majors Home Improvement

Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. Specializing in Replacement Windows, Sunrooms & Enclosures, Screen rooms and Patio Covers, Entry Doors, Vinyl Siding, and Fabric Awnings – Majors Home Improvement is the local home improvement company of choice for Northwest Florida and South Alabama.

For more information, visit www.majorshomeimprovement.com

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Thinking About New Replacement Windows?

2010-09-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

Check out our new Squidoo Page for Window Replacement. We have compiled a list of articles, videos and other pertinent information that may be of interest to you.

Happy reading!

Majors Home Improvement Earns High Customer Recommendation Rating In GuildQuality Surveys

2010-09-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Majors Home Improvement, a leading Pensacola door and window replacement contractor who specializes in sunroom construction, has achieved a 99% Customer Recommendation rate through GuildQuality's independent customer surveying and performance rating service.

Pensacola, FL September 1, 2010

Majors Home Improvement, a full service sunroom and vinyl replacement window remodeling contractor in the Greater Pensacola, FL area, has achieved a Customer Recommendation Score of 99% through GuildQuality’s customer satisfaction surveying and performance reporting service. The real-time feedback service allows customers to relate their service by giving a thumbs up or down among other satisfaction-oriented criteria. Majors Home Improvement earned the rating after accumulating over 100 completed surveys by phone and email.

“In light of these difficult economic years, it’s reassuring to know that everyone at Majors Home Improvement remains committed to providing an unsurpassed customer service experience,” said Mike Majors, President of Majors Home Improvement. “Happy customers are the lifeblood of our business. Lifelong customers and word of mouth referrals are simply priceless, regardless of the national economic outlook.”

“Majors Home Improvement is known as a leading sunroom builder and window replacement contractor in the region,” said Geoffrey Graham, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GuildQuality. “The company’s track-record and focus on delivering outstanding customer service makes them an ideal fit for our network.”

About Majors Home Improvement
Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. Specializing in Replacement Windows, Sunrooms & Enclosures, Screenrooms and Patio Covers, Entry Doors, Vinyl Siding, and Fabric Awnings – Majors Home Improvement is the local home improvement company of choice for Northwest Florida and South Alabama.

For more information, visit www.majorshomeimprovement.com or contact.

About GuildQuality
GuildQuality provides customer satisfaction surveying and performance reporting for over 500 homebuilders, remodelers, and replacement contractors in North America. GuildQuality collects feedback directly from homeowners and reports back to the building professional through a web-based service. GuildQuality achieves a 70% response rate to its surveys, which includes comment-rich qualitative feedback in addition to quantitative ratings.

For more information, visit GuildQuality.

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11 Things That You Should Know Before Buying A Sunroom

2010-06-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

Do higher gas prices and clogged highways have you spending more time at home? Do you wish you had a great space for your kids and their friends to hang out? If you've had the idea to turn your deck or patio into that wonderful sunroom addition, now is a great time to add a sunroom. There are many different designs and decisions to make so here is a list of some of things you may want to consider before you buy. Not all sunroom dealers and manufacturers are the same!

Here are 11 things that you should know before buying a sunroom, along with how Majors Home Improvement sunrooms answers these concerns.

1. SEE THE SUNROOM

Ask if the contractor if you can see full size models. Seeing an actual sunroom can give you a sense of the different designs and decorating ideas. Ask if the contractor has a display home where you can see their finished work on someone's home, or request to see some pictures of sunrooms of previous customers.

2. COMPARE THE COST AND VALUE OF A SUNROOM

Make sure they offer a free, no obligation consultation - measuring at your home to provide you with an exact cost for your project. Consultants can offer great ideas on how to utilize your current deck or patio as a foundation for your sunroom addition. Watch out for contractors who offer sunroom cost over the phone. This can hide the true cost of a sunroom project. Scheduling an appointment will be the only true way to be sure you can compare the sunroom cost and value of each product before selecting a sunroom company.

3. ASK ABOUT UL® APPROVAL

Would you live in a home where the electric system was not UL approved? Be sure the sunroom has UL approved wiring systems. Electrical raceways should not only be safe but they shouldn’t interfere with the sunroom décor. Watch for contractors who only offer electric as an afterthought by using awkward surface mount electrical boxes and conduit to run wiring and mount outlets.

4. CHECK THE ROLLER WHEELS ON WINDOWS AND DOORS

When building a sunroom, the sunroom windows and doors are an important centerpiece to the room’s decor. The quality of the windows and doors not only provides the outdoor feel but they’re a key a factor in a fully insulated sunroom that allows you to entertain for four seasons. To maintain durability, it's the rollers that keep the windows and doors operation smooth for the long term. Steel rollers on stainless steel tracks are the best system for heavy windows and doors. Be sure the rollers are covered under the warranty.

5. WHAT ABOUT ENERGY STAR®?

ENERGY STAR is a national program that rates the energy efficiency of consumer products. You’ll hear the term four seasons sunroom used frequently and it refers to sunrooms designed for year round heating and cooling. These sunroom designs are eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR. If you are considering a four season sunroom, be sure the windows and doors are ENERGY STAR qualified in all 50 states.

6. ASK ABOUT INSURANCE

Workers compensation insurance is a big expense that many contractors don't want to absorb, so they cut corners by hiring sub-contractors to do the installation. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could bear the liability and the original sunroom cost presented by the contractor becomes a huge loss.

7. SCREENS SHOULD BE GLARE FREE

Many companies will show you pictures of sunrooms and screened porch photos that have fiberglass screens. Black aluminum screens minimize the obstruction of your outdoor view, and are stronger than fiberglass screens.

8. CHECK OUT THE HANDLES

Your sunroom will get lots of use, so the door handles should be strong and easy to use. Color matched handles with mortise locks look better - and last longer. Screen handles should be full size and well fastened.

9. ASK IF SUB-CONTRACTORS WILL BE USED ON THE CONSTRUCTION

If so, find out how and what part of the work will they do. If sub-contractors are used for specialty work on your installation, be sure they are fully insured and that your sunroom company will stand behind their work. Using installers whose only job is building a sunroom helps ensure that the sunroom cost doesn’t begin to inflate.

10. BE SURE YOU GET THE RIGHT PERMITS AND THE NECESSARY INSPECTIONS

Identify what permits will be required and how they will be processed. Find out who will schedule the inspections required by your local building department.

11. WHAT TYPE OF WARRANTY IS INCLUDED?

How long is the labor guarantee, and what does it include? Ask about the Manufacturer's Warranty, and who stands behind it!

Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. We are proud to be the local home improvement company of choice for the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast. Majors Home Improvement is proud to be a dealer of Betterliving Sunrooms. "Not all sunrooms are created equal!"

June Newsletter

2010-06-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Our June Home Improvement newsletter is now online.

Hurricane Shutters FAQ

2010-06-21T07:41:00.001-07:00

Q: Should I tape my windows when a hurricane threatens?
A: NO! It is a waste of effort, time, and tape. It offers little strength to the glass and NO protection against flying debris. After the storm passes you will spend many a hot summer afternoon trying to scrape the old, baked-on tape off your windows (assuming they weren't shattered). Once a Hurricane Warning has been issued you would be better off spending your time putting up shutters over doors and windows.

Q: Should I put shutters over my doors?
A: Obviously sliding glass doors, french doors or any door with considerable glass in it should be protected. Some double doors or garage doors should either be shuttered or reinforced. In Hurricane Andrew many of these type doors gave way.

Q: Why should I get hurricane shutters?
A: People who live in coastal counties from Texas to Maine, and those in other hurricane prone areas, such as most of the Florida peninsula, will find shutters an excellent investment for protecting their lives and property. They protect against wind and wind-borne debris. These shutters protect not only the windows or doors they cover, but also possessions and people inside the building. Once a window or door has been breeched by hurricane winds tremendous pressure is brought to bear on interior walls and upward pressure on the building's roof. This can lead to roof failure which exposes the entire contents of the building to the storm. Shutters are a first line of defense against the hurricane. Much of the damage and building failure in Hurricane Andrew could have been prevented by well installed hurricane shutters over windows and doors.

Q: Why should I bother with shutters if I live in an evacuation zone?
A: Shutters will protect your house and possessions from wind damage whether you are there or not. If the storm surge should reach your home then the shutters won't protect against the flood of water. But not every place in the evacuation zone will flood. You should take every reasonable precaution to protect your property.

Q: What are the best kind of shutters?
A: The best kind are those that are affordable, are easy to install, and offer the greatest protection. Which of these properties is most important to you depends on individual circumstances. For a disabled or elderly person it may be ease of installation with either an automatic closing mechanism or accordion type shutters. For those with limited incomes plywood shutters may be the only affordable option. For most people the best compromise would be steel panels, which offer good protection, but are expensive and take effort to install. Aluminum panels are lighter and easier to install, but offer less protection and may not meet the building code for your area.
Which ever type you decide on it is important to remember that shutters are only as good as the quality of their installation. Ensure that the shutters or their anchors are installed by qualified workmen and that quality materials that meet the building code for your area are used.

Q: What about the plastic film and shatter resistant windows I've heard about?
A: Although these are remarkable products that are being improved every year, they are no substitute for shutters. If you have windows that for some reason, such as access, can't be shuttered then you may wish to consider using the film or installing the shatter resistant glass.
Remember that the film only protects the glass. The frame is still under pressure and the whole window could fail. Windows with these treatments will still suffer damage from the impact of debris and may have to be replaced after a storm, whereas a shutter would take most or all of the energy of such an impact. Films and special glasses also might not meet the building code for your area.

Q: How do I choose an installation company I can trust?
A: The same way you go about choosing any company that performs a service. Make sure they are licensed, get references, and then check the references. Ask your neighbors and friends about who installed their shutters and if they had any complaints or recommendations. Check out a company with the Better Buisness Bureau, your local licensing authority, or contractor accociation.

Q: When is the best time to get my shutters installed?
A: The best time to have shutters installed is when the house is built so they can be a part of the design. If you own a house without shutters have them installed as soon as is pracitcal. Keep in mind that the beginning of hurricane season may be a busy time for most installation companies. Do NOT wait until a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area.
At the start of each hurricane season you should test out your shutters. For permanently installed shutters try closing each one to make sure they work smoothly and lock tight. For panels and plywood shutters try a couple of windows and doors to ensure the hardware works and check the time you need to complete the job. Check all panels for warpage or other damage which could compromise its integrity. Repair any problems at this time so that everything is ready when a storm threatens.
When a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area check all mechanisms and hardware again, and maybe pre-install the more difficult shutters. If you live in an evacuation zone and it will take 2 or 3 hours to complete your shutter installation, you may want to start during the Watch phase. If you are not in an evacuation zone you should time your installation early in the Warning phase so that you are not struggling with panels during high winds.

Q: What if I can't afford commercial shutters?
A: The least expensive, effective method of protecting windows is probably using plywood. The key to plywood shutters is thickness and installation. Use at least 5/8 inch exterior grade plywood, it makes the shutters heavier but safer. They should be cut to fit inside the window frame, installed prior to hurricane season, marked for which window they are made for, and stored with their hardware, preferably in a dry location. Heat and moisture over time will warp plywood, and a good fit is essential to their effectivness. For full instructions on how to make these shutters click here.
If even these shutters seem too expensive consider making them for two or three windows at a time, starting with the most vulnerable. After a few years you will have your whole house ready.

Q: Can condominium associations prohibit shutters?
A: The short answer in Florida is NO. Chapter 718 of Florida Statutes of the Comdominium Act (1991) permits each board of administration to adopt specifications as to color, style, etc., but all specifications "shall comply with the applicable building code". The Florida statutes further state "... a board shall not refuse to approve the installation or replacement of hurricane shutters conforming to the specifications adopted by the board."

SOURCE: NOAA

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Majors Home Improvement is a fully licensed contractor who is a member of the NAHB and BBB (with an A+ rating). Call today for a FREE estimate.

Hurricane Shutters Buyers Guide

2010-06-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

There are a host qualified hurricane protection products for your home. Each of the listed options below meets current Florida Building Code (FBC) standards, and can also satisfy insurance requirements. FBC is in most aspects similar to the International Building Code (IBC) with respect to the testing and approval of hurricane shutters.

Furthermore, the Miami-Dade County norms, often considered the most stringent requirements for hurricane shutters, rely on self-developed testing methods referred to as TAS.

Passing the tests prescribed by the TAS norms is required only for shutters approved for use in the Florida HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone). FBC will accept testing performed by TAS methods for inclusion in the FBC Database of approved building products. Both Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida maintain web-searchable databases of products approved for use as hurricane protection.

Aluminum Hurricane Panels

Hurricane panels secure to the outside of a house using bolts or tracks. They deliver excellent protection for doors and windows without changing the look of your house.

The panels are measured and cut to cover the opening, and can be affixed to the house with a track or secured directly to the structure. The window will be completely covered when installed, and you can’t see out of the window once they are in place.

This is generally the least expensive type of shutter protection. The panels are lightweight, making them easy to carry, but can be awkward when installing over large openings. When not in use, storm panels should be stored in an easy to reach location.

• Inexpensive
• Removable
• Simple to Store
• Easy to Install

Clear Polycarbonate Hurricane Panels

Also known as Lexan panels, polycarbonate hurricane panels are transparent allowing light through the opening. The panels are heat-formed into a corrugated shape to further increase impact resistance.

Like aluminum hurricane panels, they are lightweight and strong and can be installed vertically or horizontally to meet the needs of the opening. These panels are put up when there is threat of a storm, and taken down after.

The panels are measured and cut to cover the opening, and can be affixed to the house with a track or secured directly to the structure. The window will be completely covered when installed, and you will be able to see out of the window once they are in place.

The panels are lightweight, making them easy to carry, but can be awkward when installing over large openings. You will also need a place to store the panels when they are not in use.

• Lightweight
• Removable
• Simple to Store
• Easy to Install

Accordion Hurricane Shutters

Accordion shutters unfold easily to cover and protect during a storm. When not in use, they remain permanently affixed to your window, which eliminates the need for storage.

They are made from a lightweight aluminum and installed into tracks on the top and bottom that guide the movement of the shutters as well as hold them in place. The top track holds a wheel carriage that adds to ease of movement. These are manually operated.

Accordion hurricane shutters need to be maintained by lubricating and cleaning annually. You won’t need to worry about storage as they are left in place retracted when not in use.

• Can double as a security measure.
• Easy to deploy by one person.
• Eliminate the need for storage.

Bahama Hurricane Shutters

Bahama hurricane shutters resemble decorative shutters that typify the look and feel of a tropical home.

These one-piece hurricane shutters attach directly above your windows. Prop them open to shade the window and lower and secure them the wall for quick storm-ready protection.

• Minimum maintenance.
• Easily operated by one person.
• Aligns with architecture of your home.
• No storage necessary.

Colonial Hurricane Shutters

Colonial hurricane shutters are also permanently affixed to the structure, and considered “decorative”. Like Bahama hurricane shutters, when they are made of material strong enough to withstand hurricane force winds, and installed to meet current building code standards, they serve as viable protection for your home. They can also be easily closed in the event of a storm.

• Minimum maintenance.
• Can be automatically deployed.
• Easily operated by one person.
• Aligns with architecture of your home.
• No storage necessary.

Manual or Electric Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters

Properly installed rolling shutters have minimum impact on the architectural integrity of your property. When not in use, they are stored in an enclosed box above your window. When needed for storm protection, you can manually lower them with crank handles from inside or outside the building or, automatically lower them with a motor, in which case manual overrides are included.

Electric or motorized roll-down shutters are a popular solution for lanai area of a home. They can be installed to easily enclose the entire lanai. In addition to storm protection, rolling shutters function for security, light and sound control and insulation.

• Can be automatically deployed.
• Easily operated by one person.
• Aligns with architecture of your home.
• No storage necessary.
• Excellent theft deterrent.

Impact Resistant Hurricane Windows and Doors

Impact resistant hurricane windows and doors are not considered “shutters”. They are an alternative to shutters that offer full-time protection against the elements, intruders, UV rays and noise. This is generally going to be the most expensive option in hurricane protection.

The benefit of total home replacement of windows and doors with impact resistant products is that you never have to think about it again. Once installed by a qualified, licensed professional your protection is in place 24-7-365.

If your windows and doors need to be replaced, you might give serious consideration to replacing them with impact resistant hurricane windows and doors. The cost of replacing a window or door with a non-impact product and then adding a shutter to meet current codes is very close to replacing the opening with an impact product.

• Always deployed.
• No maintenance.
• Least obtrusive of all protection systems.
• No storage necessary.

Final Considerations

Typically the least expensive option will be the most labor intensive and conversely, the most expensive options will be the most worry-free. Keep in mind that the front of your home has the highest aesthetical priority. You want protection in place that doesn’t detract from the architecture.

The back of your home will take the next level of priority, and typically will be the most expensive area to protect due to the fact that you generally see the most glass in the back. You can generally save a great deal on the back of the home with shutters vs. impact-resistant doors and windows.

The sides of your home usually are the last priority. Although they can’t be seen, it is still vital to protect the openings as they are vulnerable.

Since each application has Florida Building Code approval, your choice should be based on your lifestyle and which product best fits the specific opening. You should consult with a professional licensed building contractor to determine what the best option is for an opening. Each application needs to be installed according to Florida Building Code specifications to meet the requirements of protection, which should satisfy your insurance company as well.

PNJ feature People on the Move - Majors Home Improvement

2010-06-09T06:08:00.000-07:00

From staff reports

Majors Home Improvement has been selected by Remodeling magazine to join the Remodeling Big50.

Each year since 1986, the Remodeling Big50 inducts the owners of 50 remodeling companies that have set exceptionally high standards for professionalism and integrity through exemplary business practices, craftsmanship, and impact in their community or the industry at large.

Remodeling editors, columnists, industry leaders, and the companies themselves make the nominations each year. Winners are selected in these categories: business savvy, fine design, industry impact, market wise, movers and shakers, niches, sales and marketing, and teamwork.

Majors Home Improvement was selected for the teamwork category.

Pensacola News Journal

Up to 14 hurricanes predicted for Atlantic storm season

2010-05-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

Up to 14 hurricanes predicted for Atlantic storm season

"(NOAA) forecast 14 to 23 named storms, with 8 to 14 developing into hurricanes, making it one of the most active ever."

Enter to WIN $10,000 Sweepstakes

2010-05-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

Enter to WIN Our $10,000 Home Improvement Sweepstakes. Sign up for our newsletter HERE.

WEAR TV 3 features Majors Home Improvement's Big50 Honor

2010-05-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

SEE VIDEO HERE

ESCAMBIA COUNTY - Majors Home Improvement has been selected by remodeling magazine to join the 'Remodeling Big-50.'

The Big-50 Award is presented to companies who set high standards with their business practices, craftsmanship, and impact in their community.

As you may remember....in 2008... WEAR was awarded a ten thousand dollar grant through Oprah's Big Give project... To support two local agencies: ARC Gateway and United Cerebral Palsy.

The owners of Majors Home Improvement stepped in and matched the grant... Allowing us to give each agency 10,000 dollars cash.

Big-50 winners are featured in May's issue of Remodeling...Which is read nationally by almost 100,000 contractors.

REMODELING's 2010 Big50 Profile - Michael Majors

2010-05-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

Michael Majors
Majors Home Improvement, Milton, FL

Award category: Teamwork
Speciality: Exterior remodeling
13 years in business
2009 volume: $2.6 million
Staff: 3 office, 10 field

Many companies that specialize in siding and windows are founded by salespeople. Majors Home Improvement, launched by former window and siding installer Mike Majors, is an exception. What Majors saw in the field indicated to him that superior customer service was a huge competitive advantage. “I thought I could do a better job,” he says.

Exemplary service fueled his company’s growth for a while, but after four years he ran up against a problem: he wanted to hire a salesperson but didn’t have the leads. So Majors decided he needed to find key people to help him grow.

Today both his marketing manager and his sales manager have advanced degrees, and both have been with the company for more than five years. “You have to find the right people and take care of them,” Majors says. Forty percent of business originates as repeat or referral, a fact the owner attributes to employees’ willingness to go the extra mile and to incentives that encourage them to do so. “I am going to do the right thing for them and for the customer,” Majors says. “I put my needs and wants last.”

BEST PRACTICES
* Exceptional customer service: Company installers use dropcloths and booties, and salespeople are required to visit the job while it’s in progress.
* A recent collective effort substantially cut company overhead, reducing expenses such as the phone (by 70%) and truck maintenance. Smarter use of marketing dollars reduced that expenditure from 8% of revenue (when it was budgeted for 10%) to 5.4%.
* Having evolved from salesman/installer/secretary to the leader of a capable and efficient team leaves Majors looking for ways to expand his operation, both with new products and new branch locations.

- Jim Cory
REMODELING: http://bit.ly/blRbyv

WSJ.com - The New Rules of Remodeling

2010-05-18T07:17:00.001-07:00

This is a good read regarding the current home improvement market: http://on.wsj.com/byBoUq

Majors Home Improvement Wins REMODELING's Big50 National Award

2010-05-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

PENSACOLA, FL – MAY 17, 2010 – Majors Home Improvement has been selected by REMODELING magazine to join the REMODELING Big50. The Big50 awards were presented at a gala dinner at the Remodeling Leadership Conference in Alexandria, VA, on May 14, 2010. The 2010 Big50 winners are featured in the May issue of REMODELING, a national trade publication read by more than 80,000 professional remodeling contractors.

Each year since 1986, the REMODELING Big50 inducts the owners of 50 remodeling companies that have set exceptionally high standards for professionalism and integrity through exemplary business practices, craftsmanship, and impact in their community or the industry at large. Big50 remodelers run successful, often growing, companies of various sizes that have taken the lead in raising industry standards.

The Big50 selection process has become increasingly rigorous in recent years. All 2010 inductees stood up to detailed examinations of their businesses and their books, and they all demonstrated an admirably deft ability to restructure, retrench, and hustle to remain viable in a challenging economic climate.

“This distinction is quite an honor,” says Michael Majors, President of Majors Home Improvement. “This award represents our organization’s shared vision, and we are privileged to be named to this select group of remodelers.”

REMODELING editors, columnists, industry leaders, and the companies themselves make the nominations each year. The editors select the owners of 50 companies that exemplify the best of the industry that year. Winners are selected in these categories: business savvy, fine design, industry impact, market wise, movers & shakers, niches, sales & marketing, and teamwork. Majors Home Improvement was selected for the category of Teamwork.

REMODELING magazine, published by Hanley Wood Business Media, is the leading publication in the home improvement industry. Designed to address the specific concerns of residential remodeling pros, the magazine is both a business tool and an industry leader for a market that topped $300 billion in 2008. See the magazine online at www.remodelingmag.com.

Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. We are proud to be the local home improvement company of choice for Northwest Florida. See us online at www.majorshomeimprovement.com.

# # #

Biz expo adds more fun

2010-04-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

Each year the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and Family Fun Fest expands.

This year, organizers have added Expo Café to the line up of events featured 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center. The café will feature local nonprofits serving treats in the theater room while visitors enjoy entertainment, including a fashion show.

The outdoor Family Fest will feature face painting, games, inflatable bounce house, door prizes, and new this year, a dog fly-ball demonstration.

The main focus of the event is to allow area businesses and nonprofits to showcase their goods and services.

"Our goal is: shop local, buy local, support the local economy," said Meg Peltier, president and CEO of the chamber. "A lot of people don't realize how many great businesses we have here in our own backyard."

The indoor and outdoor show features 100 vendors, including Majors Home Improvement, a participant for nearly a decade.

"It's great to have a booth so people can come in with coffee in hand and kick tires and talk to someone about a project they want to do," said Jonathan Wells, Majors' operations manager.

In these economic times, that face time is important, Wells said.

Josie Cotti, vice president of the chamber's membership services, said attendees will find a "broad spectrum" of vendors to chat with.

Among them: Banks, medical and elderly services, health care providers, builders, and cosmetic, sunglass and gift basket vendors.

PNJ

4 Tips for Buying New Replacement Windows

2010-02-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

When purchasing replacement windows for your home, you are probably hoping to never be forced to buy new windows ever again. Let's face it. It aint cheap.

So keep these tips in mind when deciphering this hefty investment:

1) Research window manufacturers. Settle on one with positive growth, a solid financial history, and, of course, a comprehensive warranty.

2) Avoid standard size-only windows. No window opening is truly uniform. Although the initial cost outlay will be greater, getting custom windows to fit every opening of your home will pay off in the long run due to increased energy efficiency, plus the finished product will simply look better.

3) All components are not equal. Vinyl should be virgin vinyl, not recycled vinyl, commonly referred to as regrind. Regrind will crack and yellow over time. Many times, this is the very reason why some windows are drastically priced lower than others.

4) Check the label. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)is a non-profit organization who provides unbiased assessments regarding energy performance ratings so consumers can compare different products and make informed product choices. Do not buy any window lacking the NFRC label.

As with any big purchase, the more you know about replacement windows, the better off your buying experience should be.

Good luck!

Big Green Egg Giveaway Winner

2010-02-10T14:48:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Martha Corn of Milton, FL! Martha won Majors Home Improvement's Big Green Egg Newsletter Giveaway.

Thanks to everyone who participated. Stay tuned to this site (and stay registered for the newsletter). There is yet another contest just on the horizon!

For replacement windows, hurricane shutters, sunrooms & screenrooms, and kitchen & bath remodeling - Let Majors Do It!

Customer Service: The New Marketing Craze?

2010-02-09T20:43:00.001-08:00

It's a sentiment that many share, "Marketing is the promise one makes in order to get another person to buy something." And, in the land of Home Improvement, there is marketing aplenty. "Buy 3 Windows, Get 1 FREE!" Or, "Call TODAY and we'll double your tax credit!" And my favorite: "Buy your sunroom NOW and enjoy your FREE wicker furniture set TODAY!" Seriously... wicker?

However, in this down economy, less and less conventional marketing can be afforded due to declining revenues. Consequently, the buzz phrase "Customer service is the new marketing" has found a foothold in many business conversations.

And it's completely plausible. Talk is cheap, and no marketer would argue that word of mouth referrals are not a thing to be highly coveted. After all, lead cost is nominal, perhaps a small referral fee to the referrer... Plus, the probability of converting a sale is much better than, say, a Yellow Page prospect.

But does all of this honestly mean that customer service is the NEW marketing? Perhaps when the glitz of TV spots and the glam of magazine spreads are gone, some businesses are only left with the option of re-dedicating themselves to the ideal of treating a customer the right way. Too little too late?

I maintain that a down economy is only part of the reason some companies are currently on hard times. It's the very lack of customer service that has been the primary force for many a downturn. Solid companies with ethical practices are still thriving and marketing even in these uncertain times.

Same-day-only discounts and other high pressure sales gimmicks are usually the harbingers of what is to come after signing a contract with an unscrupulous home improvement outfit. Poor communication, delays in installation and lack of proper service after the sale are certain to follow.

Therefore, it's prudent to inspect all details from the very onset. Request all warranties in writing. Inspect every aspect of the itemized contract (accept nothing scrawled on the back of a business card). And don't be sheepish about requesting customer referrals who can speak on the contractor's behalf.

Customer Service is the new marketing? On the contrary, customer service is the very fundamental aspect of marketing... nothing new about it.

Window Tax Credit and Reading the NFRC Label

2010-02-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

It's tax time and it's cold! Therefore, there is no better time to review why it's a good time to buy energy efficient vinyl replacement windows for your home, and get tax credit up to $1,500.

To get in on the energy cost savings, as well as the attractive tax incentives:

* Purchase qualifying windows or doors from Majors Home Improvement, then save your sales receipt and the NFRC/ENERGY STAR label with your tax documents. **
* Have your windows or doors installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
* Claim the tax credit on your federal filing for the 2009 and/or 2010 tax year.

A “qualifying” window or door is one that carries both a U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30.

HOW TO READ THE NFRC LABEL:

1. Find Your NFRC Label
It comes in the form of a sticker right on the window, itself. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a nonprofit organization who provides energy performance ratings for windows, doors, and skylights. NFRC administers a third party certification and labeling program to provide consumers with verified product rating information.

2. Compare Product Performance
The NFRC label provides standard information on how a window or entryway system performs. NFRC ratings evaluate whole product performance for standard conditions. By reviewing the NFRC label information, consumers can make informed choices. The most important energy ratings are U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.

3. Look For The ENERGY STAR® Label
By meeting certain energy performance criteria a product may receive an ENERGY STAR® Designation. For more information about ENERGY STAR® windows, see www.energystar.gov.

Survey Uncovers What Consumers Really Think About Being Green

2010-02-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

Survey Uncovers What Consumers Really Think About Being Green

Out of Space?

2010-02-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

Is your bathroom too small? Perhaps a bathroom remodeling project is in order? Many older homes simply lack the square footage of today's spacious floor plans. Remodeling that cramped space only makes sense for both aesthetic and practical considerations.

Check the adjoining rooms to determine if you can gain a few square feet by removing a closet or shifting a wall. Make sure to consult with a qualified contractor before attempting any interior demolition. A good bathroom remodeling specialist will be able to determine how and where your bathroom can safely and efficiently be expanded.

In some cases, restructuring the floor plan is not an option. However, simply replacing old fixtures can free up a considerable amount of space. Look to add sleek new door knobs and vanities, and you might find astonishing results. Also, consider switching the traditional bath tub for a space-saving standing corner shower, especially if the room is not a Master Bath.

There are ways to improve any bathroom however big or small. If a tiny bathroom is a problem in your home a little imagination and advice from a bathroom remodeling specialist will allow you to turn tiny into terrific far more easily than you might think.

5 Things to Consider When Planning Your Kitchen Remodel

2009-11-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

Visualize your goal. This part is easy. First, decide what you need, and then determine what you want. It might be a good idea to prioritize your list of “wants,” so you can easily make budget decisions when finalizing your design plan.

Know your investment. Consult with a local realtor to determine how much your home is currently worth, and to see how much a new kitchen might add to the home’s overall value. Home improvement trade publications also offer annual “Cost Vs. Value” reports that provide comparative information for popular home remodeling projects.

Set a budget. Every homeowner is cost-conscious nowadays, and setting a reasonable spending limit only makes good sense. However, be cautious to avoid skimping simply for the sake of cost. You are spending a substantial amount of money into a long term investment – not to mention that you will get a result that you can enjoy for years to come. In order to cut cost, consider keeping the same basic layout, if possible. Relocating plumbing and electrical can be a significant expense.

Take inventory. Assess the needs of your home, and write down all items for future reference. Make sure to involve the whole family in this process. You might want to consider these questions:
- What must change?
- What must not change?
- Are there any current safety hazards?
- Is there adequate counter and drawer space?
- What special features are currently lacking?

Consider a professional. Simply put, hiring a professional designer can help you avoid costly pitfalls or design mistakes that lead to future regret. A true professional will observe state and municipal building code regulations as well as uphold the highest ethical standards in the industry – giving you the confidence that your remodel will be a solid investment.

Good luck!

Find out more HERE

4 Little Known Secrets to Successfully Remodel Your Home

2009-10-25T08:21:00.002-07:00

Dear Homeowner,
We want your next remodeling project to meet your expectations. Of course, we want to be your home improvement company of choice. However, regardless of who you ultimately choose, we offer this guide as an informational tool helping you to avoid the scams and unscrupulous tactics that are rife within the home improvement industry.

By reading this report, you will learn:
• How to discern the truth regarding the biggest misconceptions about home construction.
• How to avoid common scams used to pressure homeowners into buying.
• How to choose the RIGHT CONTRACTOR for your project.

We know it’s sometimes hard to figure out the “good guys” from the “bad guys.” For this very reason, we proudly offer this report.

SECRET #1 – Avoid The Two Biggest Misconceptions About Remodeling

Misconception #1: Taking a contractor’s word simply at face value.

Request to see all claims in writing. Believing simply what a contractor tells you can be a costly mistake. If a contractor claims to be a member of a particular organization, there is certainly nothing wrong with asking to see proof. Hearsay is not admissible in a court of law, and so should be the case when it comes to dealing with your biggest investment – your home.

Misconception #2: Going with the lowest price saves you money.

This statement is not necessarily true. Everyone wants three things when making a purchase: 1) Low Price, 2) Best Quality, and 3) Best Service. It’s nearly impossible to get all three. As the old adage goes, “You can’t get something for nothing.” Before accepting a low price, consider the level of service involved, the type of company you are choosing, the design of your project, and the specifications of your project. Price should always be weighed, but value is always the more important consideration.

SECRET #2 – Elude High Pressure Sales
Beware of high pressure tactics; they are intended to get you to sign a contract immediately. A good deal of skepticism is recommended for any offer that states, “You must sign now!” If you are offered a limited time special, ask for documentation or samples of flyers stating to that effect. Legitimate companies make legitimized “limited time only” offers.

SECRET #3 – Beware Of Door-To-Door Handymen
These people may not be contractors at all. Never allow them into your home until you have checked them out thoroughly. Even if they turn out to be real contractors, door-to-door contractors are notorious for providing incomplete or sub-par work. There is no real savings if you spend your time tracking down a contractor to finish the job, or, worse yet, you must hire another contractor to correct the other’s inferior work.

SECRET #4 – Ask These Questions Before Hiring Any Contractor

“Are you licensed?” Make sure your contractor is deemed by your state to have the proficiency and knowledge to work on your home.

“Do you carry general liability insurance?” This type of insurance protects your property in case of damage caused by the contracting company.

“Do you carry workman’s compensation insurance?” This insurance protects you from liability if a worker is injured while on your property. Some contractors claim that your homeowners insurance will sufficiently cover them. This statement is simply not true. In most cases, your homeowners insurance excludes injuries sustained by hired workers.

“Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau or any other building association?” Conscientious contractors usually belong to multiple associations. These associations investigate contractors’ backgrounds and references as well. Therefore, undesirable contractors are usually weeded out of these organizations.

“Will you pull the required permits?” A reputable contractor will pull a permit on every job where one is required. Some contractors may ask you to pull your own permit. This could be a warning sign that the contractor is not licensed to do the specified work. In addition, some insurance companies will not cover work that is done without a proper permit.

“Do you guarantee your work?” This one is simple. If a contractor can’t guarantee it, then don’t buy it.

“How do you handle your clean-up?” A clean work site is fundamental to a smooth remodeling project. Your contractor should dispose of any debris at the end of each day. Your home should be left “broom swept.”

Feel smarter? We hope so.

Now, you should be properly prepared to solicit estimates for your upcoming project. At Majors Home Improvement, we know it’s necessary for you to feel comfortable with your contractor. We hope you find this information useful to that end.

We are proud of the fact that we avoid high pressure sales tactics, follow local and state laws, and offer all of our guarantees in writing. In our opinion, there is no other way to do business. We value your trust, and we are pleased that you are considering us for your home improvement needs. We hope that you will allow us to give you a competitive estimate on your next job. After all, estimates are FREE!

Best of luck with your remodeling plans!

Majors Home Improvement - Windows Tax Credit - TV Spot

2009-10-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Windows & Doors -Tax Credit Up To $1,500

2009-10-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Majors Select® windows and patio doors help increase your home's comfort and energy efficiency. Buy today to qualify for a federal income tax credit of 30% of the product cost - up to $1,500.*

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“the Act”) provides federal tax credits for eligible building envelope components that improve energy efficiency. To meet the eligibility performance criteria under the Act, windows, doors and skylights must have both a U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30.
Qualifying and Claiming Tax Credit is Easy**

To get in on the energy cost savings, as well as the attractive tax incentives:

Purchase qualifying windows or doors from Majors Home Improvement, then save your sales receipt and the NFRC/ENERGY STAR label with your tax documents. **
Have your windows or doors installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
Claim the tax credit on your federal filing for the 2009 and/or 2010 tax year.

A “qualifying” window or door is one that carries both a U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30.

2009/2010 FEDERAL ENERGY TAX CREDIT DETAILS

Tax credit applies to "qualified energy efficient improvements" which include exterior windows, doors and skylights, for the taxpayer’s principal residence in the United States.**
Tax credit is for the cost of the product only and does not include installation costs. Be sure to ask for a sales receipt that shows the cost of the product only.
Tax credit is 30% of the amount paid for the product up to a maximum of $1,500 combined for 2009 and 2010 (including other eligible items listed in the IRS Notice).**

For more information, check out the ENERGY STAR guidelines at the ENERGY STAR® website.

*Many Majors Home Improvement products with Low-E glass meet the performance requirements for the tax credit when used for remodeling or replacement. Please consult your tax planner and review all IRS guidelines. Majors Home Improvement is not a tax advisor.

**The above is the best available information and is a partial summary of the revisions to the federal tax code (U.S. Code Title 26, Section 25C) as updated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Taxpayers should check IRS Notice 2009-53 for further details on the tax credit. Other energy efficient improvements may apply; check IRS website for more details and updates.

The information discussed in this communication relates to tax credits for existing “non-business” properties (defined as the taxpayer’s principal residence in the United States.) For information about tax credits for homebuilders for new construction in 2009, please refer to the IRS Website.

Majors Home Improvement bears no responsibility for validating or obtaining the tax credit and expressly disclaims any responsibility for determining whether a particular purchase or application qualifies for the tax credit. Further, Majors Home Improvement does not intend to and is not providing legal or tax advice and recommends that purchasers consult their own tax advisor or the IRS to determine whether the products they purchase for a particular application qualify for the tax credit.

Majors Home Improvement - Testimonial - Owen & Nancy Englander

2009-10-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

Majors Home Improvement - Testimonial - Cathy Hubeli

2009-10-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Majors Home Improvement - Testimonial - Curtis & Katherine Hoglan

2009-10-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

Majors Home Improvement - Testimonial - Gary & Judy Zeckinne

2009-10-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Majors Home Improvement - Testimonial - Jack & Betty Williamson

2009-10-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Majors Home Improvement - Testimonial - Steve & Lorrie Brown

2009-10-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

Majors Home Improvement Makes Remodeling’s Top 550 Contractors List

2009-09-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

National Industry Publication Recognizes Local Contractor

In its annual compilation, the Remodeling 550, Remodeling magazine honors Majors Home Improvement as one of the largest remodeling companies in the United States. Majors Home Improvement makes the replacement contractors list at 147th place.

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, there are approximately 530,200 Contractors within the United States who provide remodeling services. The Joint Center divides that number into 320,100 specialty trade firms and 210,100 general contractors.

“It’s a real honor to be distinguished as one of the best in your industry,” said Mike Majors, owner of Majors Home Improvement. “However, the true measure still remains with our loyal customers. We would like to say ‘Thank You’ for making us the premier remodeling company on the Gulf Coast over the past 12 years, and we look forward to serving you again in the near future.”

The Remodeling 550 is a list of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies based on residential remodeling revenue. The list groups remodeling companies into 4 major categories: full-service, replacement or specialty, insurance restoration, and franchise. Data for the 550 is based on a survey jointly developed by Remodeling, its sister publication Replacement Contractor, and Specpan, a consultancy and business data collection provider. Additional information was obtained through survey mailings, phone calls, and public information sources.

WEAR-TV 3: Energy Savings Makeover

2009-08-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

WEAR ABC 3 :: Energy Savings Makeover

PENSACOLA - For six months we have been following a local Gulf Power customer in her quest to lower her power bill and make her home more energy-efficient.

Now, the results are in. How much difference does it make when you have consistent energy habits and the proper equipment to support them?

Channel Three's Kathryn Daniel finds out.

Sarah Riley and Pete Bailey set a goal this past May: to lower her energy use by 40 percent. That's when Bailey did an energy checkup. At the time, her power bill was high and her house was very inefficient, but since then, she's had a complete energy makeover and the first month of data is in.

Pete Bailey/Gulf Power: "Mrs. Riley had a sixty three and a half percent reduction in her daily usage."

Sixty three and a half percent cut in her daily use of power translates to a savings of 88 bucks a month for Bailey.

In August, a team of local businesses donated and installed a slew of energy-saving elements to Riley's home: Gator Insulation put in new material in her attic over a previously uninsulated room; Majors Home Improvement put in the most efficient windows on the market, along with making her hurricane shutters; and Associated Equipment upgraded her heat and A/C unit. Will Clause of Southern Breeze One Hour Air installed it for Riley.

Pete Bailey: "The biggest driver of your energy bill is your heating and cooling costs."

Bailey says all of the upgrades were necessary for such a reduction, and the new A/C unit is the most crucial one for savings.

Pete Bailey: "Absolutely, compared to what she had before, this system is 40 to 45 percent more efficient in terms of heating and cooling the building."

With our current cold snap, Bailey says customers are now concerned about how to manage their heating units. He says set your thermostat at 68 degrees, and lower than that if you're going to be out for much of the day.

Pete Bailey: "If the house is going to be unoccupied for four hours or more and you decrease the temperature three to five degrees, the amount of energy it takes to bring your temperature back to 68 is less than it would've took to maintain that 68-degree temperature during that four-hour time period."

Bailey says Riley was already practicing good energy habits, and now has the efficient house to accompany them. Before the makeover, her house scored a D-minus. Now, it's an A-plus, and a project the Gulf Power crew has enjoyed.

Pete Bailey: "It really is, it is really wonderful to see when people come together and make a difference in the community and help someone who is really in need, it was a good deal."

Kathryn Daniel, Channel Three News.

For more energy and money saving tips, click on "Energy Savings Makeover" on our website.

Ten ways to add value to your home

2009-07-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

Simonton Windows

Whether you’re interested in making a resale investment or just want to enhance your living space, industry experts agree there are a number of easy ways you can add value to your home.

“Home improvement projects always equate to increasing the value of your house,” says Don Zeman, host of the home improvement radio show, Homefront with Don Zeman. “Whether you’re replacing an old dishwasher with a newer, energy-efficient model or simply adding crown moulding to a bedroom, every activity you do means you’re investing in the future of your home.”

A contractor and builder for 25 years before starting his nationally syndicated radio show, Zeman knows the best ways to add value to a house. “Research shows that major remodeling projects like adding a bathroom or renovating a basement definitely pay off when it comes time to selling your home,” says Zeman. “Those are big projects. Homeowners need to understand that smaller and medium-sized projects can also have huge benefits.”

According to Zeman, there are 10 extremely positive home improvement projects that can make life in your current home more enjoyable in the short-term and pay big dividends when selling the home in the future.

Project #1 – Create a designated home office space. Whether it’s just part of a room partitioned off with an obscure acrylic block wall to create a private nook or an entire room, home offices are essential parts of today’s living. The multi-functional space can be used for children to study, paying bills, writing or for a home business.

Project #2 – Treat your ceilings as the fifth wall in a room. Accent and embellish them with beaded plywood, paints or decorative finishes. Consider adding a lightweight urethane ceiling medallion from Fypon® around ceiling lights and fans. Two-piece medallions snap into place in less than five minutes to add more ambiance to a room.

Project #3 – Invest in your lawn. Nothing puts forth a better first impression than a well-manicured lawn and continuously-maintained shrubs and flower beds. If you’re selling your home, a buyer immediately forms his opinion of how well you have taken care of the interior by the look of the exterior.

Project #4 – Replace old, leaky windows with energy efficient vinyl windows. ENERGY STAR™ compliant windows help save on heating and cooling bills all year long. And, for added safety and security, consider Simonton StormBreaker™ Plus impact-resistant windows. Much like a car windshield, when broken the glass in these windows adheres to a heavy invisible plastic interlayer, thus reducing the damage inside the home from storms or crime attempts.

Project #5 – Expand living space by adding a deck or sunroom. Increasing the amount of usable space in a home always equates to adding more value. Whether it’s placing an awning over a patio area, converting a screened-in porch to a sunroom or adding a deck, the creation of more living space makes life more enjoyable for you now and adds an appealing selling feature for the future.

Project #6 – Remove mildew from your home’s exterior and prevent it from coming back. Start by killing any mildew by using a garden sprayer and JOMAX®, which contains an EPA-registered mildecide that kills mildew without harming your siding, shrubs or grass. After killing the mildew, prevent it from coming back by using PERMA-WHITE® Mold and Mildew-Proof Exterior Paint.

Project #7 – Trim out exterior windows and doors. If you have old, rotting wood around windows (or no trim at all) install all-weather millwork. Fypon cellular PVC trim resists insects, rot and termites, making it an ideal low-maintenance product.

Project #8 –Upgrade the master bathroom with a tub window. Made of durable acrylic blocks, Hy-Lite’s fix and operable windows provide privacy in the bathroom while allowing light into the room. A decorative bathroom window over the tub serves as a focal point in the room.

Project #9 – Replace rotted columns and porch posts with fiberglass columns. When you start spending several weekends each year repairing and repainting exterior rail systems and columns, it’s time to invest in low-maintenance fiberglass columns. Structural load-bearing columns from Dixie-Pacific are an affordable investment. Options include columns with lifetime finishes to eliminate painting and a variety of styles to complement any home design.

Project #10 – Bump out to a bay or bow window. Along with adding extra living space, bay and bow windows add instant visual interior and exterior appeal to homes. People value the extended space that can highlight a holiday tree, a window seat or simply adds more light to the home.

For more tips and ideas on adding value to your home, along with information on products discussed here, visit www.homefront.com.

Matchmaking 201: the marriage of gas and glass

2009-06-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Simonton Windows

PARKERSBURG WV - Dearly beloved, we join together, in bonded matrimony … gas and glass. For anyone interested in one of the best unions of all time, it’s important to look at the marriage of gas and glass in window and door units.

Why is such a marriage of importance to the average homeowner? Because it can either save them — or cost them — hundreds of dollars each year on heating and cooling bills. The union of gas and glass firmly stands together to block harmful ultraviolet sunrays, a major cause of high energy costs, faded flooring and condensation buildup.?Homeowners selecting windows and doors for new homes or as replacement units need to fully understand the construction of fenestration products and their potential cost-saving benefits. That’s the advice of Bill Lazor, senior product manager at Simonton Windows.

“In this age of advanced technology, it’s unthinkable and unwise for anyone to have just plain glass in their windows or doors,” says Lazor. “Clear glass offers no protection at all from ultraviolet rays coming into the home that can cause fading of carpets and furnishings. Plus, your heater and air conditioner work harder to keep the home comfortable when only plain glass is used in windows.”

According to Lazor, the ideal selection for homeowners is to specify an IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) made of at least two pieces of annealed glass sandwiched together with a thermal spacer and then filled with either an Argon or Krypton gas. These odorless, harmless gases are denser than air and act as an invisible barriers to prevent damaging UV rays and extreme temperatures from entering the home. Similarly, the IGU helps prevent the comfortable, climate-controlled air in the home from escaping to the outdoors.

"If you want to have a highly energy efficient home, consider glazing and gas options when thinking about your windows,” says Lazor. “Low E glass is a ‘must’ if you want to maximize the energy efficiency of your windows. Tinted and clear glazings (or coatings) help prevent the transference of heat, cold and sunlight into the home. That’s one reason why Low-E coatings are so popular. Gas-filled insulating units, where the invisible gas is hermetically sealed in the window unit using spacer systems, is an excellent barrier. The more barriers that separate the inside of your house from the exterior, the stronger your protection from heat gain or loss.”

Concerned about the idea of having gasses in your windows? Don’t be. The two most popular gas fillers for windows, Argon and Krypton (which are present in the air we breathe), are odorless and nontoxic. These gasses, when forced into an IGU during the manufacturing process, are carefully sealed so they won’t leak out. The gasses help reduce heat transfer between the glazing layers and the chance for condensation buildup on the interior and exterior of your windows.

“Homeowners need to fully understand the construction and options involved with windows before making a major purchase,” says Lazor. “We encourage them to visit the www.energystar.gov, www.efficientwindows.org, and www.simonton.com web sites. The information on these web sites is critical in determining what type of windows work best in your specific geographic area.” In addition, Simonton Windows offers a series of free consumer booklets by calling 1-800-SIMONTON. The award-winning booklets, entitled “What every homeowner should know about window replacement,” A few ways to save energy to make the most of your home” and “A few things to think about when choosing windows for your new home” are all information-packed with cost-saving ideas and advice for homeowners.

Headquartered in Parkersburg, W.Va., Simonton has manufacturing facilities in Pennsboro, Harrisville, St. Marys and Ellenboro, W.Va.; Paris, Ill.; Bradenton, Fla.; McAlester, Okla. and Vacaville, Calif. Founded in 1946, Simonton Windows’ hallmarks include superior quality products, outstanding customer service and delivery of “made-to-order” vinyl replacement or new construction windows in seven days or less under normal business conditions. For more information on Simonton Windows, call (800) SIMONTON or visit www.simonton.com on the Internet.

Ten tips for rebuilding after the storm

2009-05-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Simonton Windows

PARKERSBURG WV - Whether you’re looking at replacing a few roofing shingles or your entire home after a hurricane or severe storm, the process of rebuilding can be intimidating. Experts at Simonton Windows, manufacturers of impact-resistant Simonton StormBreaker™ Plus windows and doors, offer these tips for homeowners faced with the challenge of rebuilding:

Tip #1 – Take pictures of your damaged home immediately after the storm and contact your insurance company. Leave your home “as is” until your insurance representative visits and assesses the damage. They’ll tell you when you can start cleaning up and rebuilding. As part of the rebuilding process, make a home disaster kit for the future. Include inside a water-tight container a disposable camera, tarps, bungie cords, duct tape, waterproof markers, heavy plastic garbage bags, copies of insurance papers and other items that can help secure your home and personal items immediately after a storm.

Tip #2 – Get contractor references and written job quotes before selecting your contractor. While the temptation to “get back to normal quickly” may be great, do not jump at the first contractor who offers his services. Beware of “door-to-door” contractors. Make certain the contractor you hire is licensed in your state and has a staggered payment plan for services so that you don’t complete payment until the project is done. Check with your insurance company to determine their requirements and involvement before you start rebuilding. And, if you feel you’ve been “gouged” by a contractor, report this immediately to state officials.

Tip #3 - Check your local building codes. Even if your home is just a few years old, codes in the southeast change rapidly. The window or roof that was in your home just a few days ago may no longer meet current codes. It’s not simply a matter of reconstructing the home you had. The law requires you and your contractor to abide by current codes when rebuilding after the storm. Visit www.statelocalgov.net or www.ibhs.org/building_codes for more information.

Tip #4 – Research storm-enhanced building products. Take this opportunity to “upgrade” the building products in your home to secure it from future storms. Investigate building products that offer protection from storms, such as impact-resistant hurricane windows. Using these enhanced products may even lower your insurance rates in the future because you’re going “above and beyond” to create a storm-safe home. Visit www.simonton.com for information on impact-resistant windows featuring tempered and laminated glass with a thick, plastic interlayer. Much like a car windshield, this glass resists puncturing during severe storms.

Tip #5 – Plan for future storms by requesting your contractor to use additional foundation reinforcements. Wall framing-to-floor systems should include anchor bolts or connectors tying the wall framing to the foundation. These connections will help the walls resist wind uplift forces as well as wind shear forces that try to push the walls over.

Tip #6 - Select exterior products that withstand the challenges of coastal living. For example, urethane moulding, millwork, door and entrance trim all resist salt air, humidity, sea spray, termites, warping and rotting. These products will long outlast wood trim on a home and require minimal upkeep. Visit www.fyponinc.com for more information. And, when considering windows, remember that vinyl-framed Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows with Dade County approval and featuring impact resistant glass, are perfect for rebuilding.

Tip #7 – Choose energy-efficient products that can save on your long-term heating and cooling bills. Go the extra step by ordering building products that meet ENERGY STAR™ guidelines in your area. Select windows with vinyl frames, which is an excellent insulator. And, when thinking about the glass in your windows, think about lowering your monthly energy bills by specifying windows with double-pane Insulated Glass Units featuring argon-filled Low E glass. Visit www.ENERGYSTAR.gov for more details.

Tip #8 – Build a safe room. Use your rebuilding opportunity to create a “safe room” inside the home that is specially reinforced to withstand severe weather and serve as a safe haven during storms. Consult Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your Home, published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Contact FEMA at (888) 565-3896 or visit www.fema.gov for more information.

Tip #9 – Before rebuilding, pay special attention to the roof, windows, doors and garage doors you select. These are the four critical areas of your home that can receive the most damage during severe storms. And, once penetrated, these areas can cause wind to enter the home and collapse the structure. For comprehensive information about keeping your home safe, visit http://www.blueprintforsafety.org/.

Tip #10 – Ask questions and save paperwork. Don’t rush through any building decisions. Check out all products carefully and inspect warranties. Save receipts, product information and warranties in a secure location for the future.

For more tips on rebuilding and living in coastal areas, call 1-800-SIMONTON for the free eight-page brochure, “Making the Most of Life on the Coast.”Headquartered in Parkersburg, W.Va., Simonton has manufacturing facilities in Pennsboro, Harrisville and Ellenboro, W.Va.; Paris, Ill.; Bradenton, Fla.; McAlester, Okla. and Vacaville, Calif. Founded in 1946, Simonton Windows’ hallmarks include superior quality products, outstanding customer service and delivery of “made-to-order” standard vinyl replacement or new construction windows in seven days or less under normal business conditions. Simonton StormBreaker Plus products require additional manufacturing time. For more information on Simonton Windows, call (800) SIMONTON or visit www.simonton.com on the Internet.

WEAR TV-3: Extreme Dream Makeover

2009-05-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

My Journey Begins Now: Prayers for this family

My Journey Begins Now: Prayers for this family

Majors Home Improvement - Cabinet Restyling TV Spot :30

2009-04-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Pensacola News Journal - Prepping for the hurricane

2008-07-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

JAHNA JACOBSON

Why hasn't a cable channel started a show called "Hurricane House"?

They could come to the Gulf Coast any time between June and November and shoot exciting footage of residents sitting in their plywood-darkened homes, feet propped up on ottomans constructed of canned goods and using cases of bottled water as end tables.

But while stocking up for the possibility of a hurricane is just a matter of a shopping trip, securing the outside of your home against damage from winds of more than 100 miles per hour is a more labor- intensive project.

Fortunately, there are more attractive and simple options than boarding up the windows and forgoing trees in the landscape. While there isn't anything that will withstand the strongest storms, you can find ways to shore up against lighter hits.

Even though we're into the hurricane season, it's not too late to batten down the hatches, said Jonathan Wells, marketing director at Majors Home Improvement.

Take a look around the exterior of your house and really examine it for problem areas, Wells said.

"You want to look for anything that is not well attached to the home," Wells said, such as siding or soffit.

"The main thing is making sure all your openings are properly secure, such as doors, windows and roof vents," he said. "When that opening is breached, creates a vacuum inside the house, and you lose the roof."

Some people forget about securing the garage doors, but if they blow loose, you could have some extensive problems, Wells said.

Right now, most of Majors' calls are for hurricane shutters and impact-resistant replacement windows. Updated hurricane codes and possible impact on insurance rates should be considered in any such renovation plans, Wells said.

And since most of the Pensacola area storms come later in the season, even custom systems are still a good option for area homeowners, Wells said.

"With these systems, there can be some time involved," he said. "If you are getting something basic, you might be able to get it as soon as two weeks. Some may take as long as six weeks."

Covering windows is one of the biggest concerns for Gulf Coast residents when we see that there is a system heading our way. Rather then lugging the plywood out of the back shed, many homeowners are opting for easier, lighter systems that can even result in a break on their homeowners insurance.

Joe Tillman, a sales representative with Ventilated Awnings Improvement Co., said there are a lot of different options available with different levels of ease and cost.

"It's much easier to protect the window and put them up," Tillman said. "They're not as heavy or cumbersome, and some of them stay up all the time."

Some of the most popular options include:

"A cents Fabric shield panels - The tarp-like material attaches to the window frame with grommets that are attached with wingnuts or with a roll-up system.

"A cents Hurricane panels - Either aluminum or clear Lexan panels that are custom fit to the windows of the home.

"A cents Accordions - The collapsing panels stay up on the outside of the windows, and you pull them to and lock them in the middle, which can be done from outside or inside the home.

"A cents Roll-ups - Panels that roll-up into a box that is permanently affixed to the window. They can be manual or motorized.

"A cents Bahamas - Decorative shutters that can be solid or louvered and are permanently installed on windows for shade and protection.

"A cents Hinged colonials - Shutters on the side of the windows which fold to the middle and lock in place.

"We really started getting calls in April," Tillman said. "But we're still getting calls and still installing."

Landscaping

The next big concern on a homeowner's hurricane prep list? The trees.

The biggest issue for an existing landscape is the trees, said Justin Scher, general manager at Pinelands Nursery in Milton.

"The smaller shrubs are not going to be anything to worry about - they may have some defoliation from the wind, but as far as being able to prep those you have to take it as it comes," Scher said. "What you have to look at is low-lying branches, dead branches, weak branches - they need to come out."

Some trees are still holding dead branches and larger limbs from previous storms, which could become dislodged and dangerous in high winds.

"They could become airborne or fall," Scher said. "Get them cleaned up."

Falling branches and toppled trunks can not only tear down power lines, they can cause considerable damage to a home.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS) recommends reducing the length of branches that have weak attachments to the trunk and reducing the number of branches that had a diameter that is less than half that of the trunk. Create a balanced canopy, but avoid cutting interior branches that will leave the weight and drag concentrated at the ends of the limbs.

Trees that are leaning toward the home or have rot or damage to their main trunk may have to be removed for safety.

Not surprisingly, native trees fare better in the storms than non-native species. Trees with deep root systems and lower centers of gravity are better able to handle the winds. They may grow more slowly, but they won't blow down as quickly. Trees planted in groups are less likely to suffer damage, and those planted with adequate space for root systems will be less likely to topple in the storm.

The fan palms that are popular in our area, such as the Chinese fan palms and the Washingtonians are also susceptible to damage.

"The fronds catch a lot of wind," Scher said. It's like having a sail at the top of a pole, so "trim up the bottom of your palm. It helps the stability of the palm and it will catch less wind and it helps to keep the tree from getting as beat up in the wind."

Homeowners in coastal areas and on the beach also have to consider that their landscaping may be exposed to salt water during flooding. Oleander and perennials such as lantana and blue daze are good choices for these areas, as are native, salt tolerant ornamental grasses.

People have become more conscious and cautious about what they plant and where they plant it following the last few busy storm seasons, Scher said.

"A lot of people who had extensive damage from trees are leery of planting trees that get big," Scher said. "They think because their pine trees came down that pines are junky trees. But those trees are native, they are made for that environment, there's not anything that you can plant that is not going to be susceptible to winds over 100 miles per hour like we have had."

Pensacola News Journal

WEAR TV-3: Angels In Our Midst - Majors Home Improvement

2008-05-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

The 10-thousand dollar grant that W-E-A-R received from A-B-C's Big Give was immediately matched by majors home improvement.

Their employees and business associates grew the project even more with in-kind services.

But, the community also stepped in to multiply the good of the Angels In Our Midst.

Michael Beasley called right after the first big give story aired. He's a small business owner of an internet technology company, COMP-U-CARE U-S-A. He installs and repairs computers for homes and offices and keeps the systems running smoothly. He offered his time and expertise...

Michael Beasley, Comp U Care USA; I'm just glad that we were able to help them out. Their computer system did need a lot of work. So, we're able to give them ten hours a month for the next year at least to get them going.

Michael's also trying to help them get computers donated to be used for the children's therapy.

Darren Dowler, Majors Home Improvement; It spreads. It just spreads and to have people coming in that we didn't even know, like the I-T guy.

He just stepped forward and gave some time. I thought that was great.

The owner and designer for Webs Infinity also stepped forward. They went to Arc Gateway's website for information. Creative types that they are, they were eager to do a makeover.

Karen Douglas, Webs Infinity; I had no idea and I keep saying that, but I had no idea everything that goes on here.

I'm hoping to show people everything that goes on here; everything that ARC does for the children and the adults.

Rose Sanford, Webs Infinity; A lot of people just don't know how much goes into what they do for these children. And I think if we can get that out there, they'd get a lot more support.

Blink M-D, Incorporated came in and did a free technology assessment for the center...And a lot is still needed to bring them the technological advances that can help the children.

An anonymous donor found a wish list on the website and donated a computer, printer, two portable d-v-d players and a digital camera....to be used in therapy.

After seeing the progress one U-C-P client made with a new adaptive computer, Pensacola Junior College is donating another talking monitor to the agency.

Darren; I've really seen a lot of things that I don't normally see and to me there's a lot of people need some help out here. And every little bit helps.

The Big Give has been an eye opening experience. What some people saw, moved them to help.

Michael; I was blessed with a lot of people helping me as I was coming along. So, this is definitely a way to help out others.

Darren; When I go home, first of all, I count my blessings.

WEAR TV-3

Call Your Broker

2007-07-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

Replacement contractors say Internet lead providers need to do a better job qualifying what they sell.

By Jim Cory

Jonathan Wells, marketing manager for Majors Home Improvement, in Milton, Fla., thought he'd struck gold earlier this year after inking a $50,000 patio cover deal from a lead produced by one of the Internet lead providers the company uses. That one Internet lead provider generated $125,000 worth of business, in January alone.

But during the following months, the service — which Wells declined to identify — yielded little or nothing that was sold. By late spring, Majors Home Improvement decided to terminate the relationship.

Internet lead brokers have been supplying home improvement companies with business for at least eight years. But many company owners who use one or more brokers say they get too many bogus leads: inquiries that are not for their product, are in the wrong market, or are pranks. “They machine gun the leads at you, and a lot of them are throw-aways,” Wells says.

VETTING PROCEDURES

John Herman, owner of Thermal Sash Window and Door Systems, at one time considered Internet lead brokers “a major lead source” for his Chester Springs, Pa., company. In mid-March of last year, he phoned MyFreeEstimates.com, in Egan, Minn., to complain about lead quality. The company's rep convinced him to sign on for a monthly program “that guaranteed me lots of leads,” Herman says.

The following month, Herman says, “they pumped me about 15 leads, most of which were pretty bad.” Since some of the leads were not even for windows, Herman grew suspicious and, to test the company's vetting procedure, filled out an online application for “John Fullofit,” using his office address and ZIP code. To his dismay, the $25 lead e-mailed to him included a list of the “Top 10 things to do when receiving bids from contractors.” Among other things, the list advised homeowners to obtain four estimates and to “get a new bid from every contractor every time you get a new estimate.” Herman was livid.

LEVERAGE LOW COSTS?

Eric Carstens, who founded MyFreeEstimates .com two years ago, says that the sheer volume of contacts his company receives and sells to home improvement operators precludes the ability to check each and every lead.

Though the number of appointments set on leads from lead brokerage companies like his may not be as high as leads from other sources, Carstens says the low cost of Internet leads — from $25 to $65; more if they're exclusive — makes them advantageous for many contractors, who can balance such leads against more expensive lead sources. But, he says, those with a phone room to set appointments, and a strong salesforce, invariably make the best use of Internet leads.

In fact, many home improvement companies use Internet lead brokers to augment other lead sources. Legacy Remodeling, in Pittsburgh, has used lead brokers “on and off” for the last six or seven years, says owner Ken Moeslein, who notes that to many contractors, such companies are viewed as possibly providing “the magic bullet” of abundant, low-cost leads.

Still, many companies are reluctant to dispense with any potential lead source, however hit-or-miss it might be. The quality of leads, and service, provided by brokers varies widely from one to the next. And no one's arguing with the cost. “At one point they were really good leads,” says Kris Parsons, marketing coordinator for Joe Percario General Contractor, in Roselle, N.J. “It's not a bad lead source,” she says. “It just needs to be fine-tuned a bit.”

Replacement Contractor Magazine

How to analyze windows when buying a home

2006-10-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Simonton Windows

Displaced survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have scrambled to purchase new homes in Baton Rouge, Houston, Atlanta and other markets in the wake of the devastating storm. While many have a “must buy now” attitude, building industry experts advise people to slow down and make smart buying decisions.

“It’s understandable that people want to restart their lives as quickly as possible, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of making poor purchasing decisions,” says Don Zeman, host of the nationally-syndicated Homefront radio show. “Buyers need to carefully evaluate a home, especially the windows, before making a financial commitment.”

According to Zeman, who has 25 years experience as a contractor, windows are tops on the list of considerations because they’re intimately connected to the energy performance of a house.

“People generally don’t realize how critical windows are to a home,” says Zeman. “Older, poor quality windows are a major source of energy loss. Conversely, well-performing windows can help homeowners lower their energy bills by keeping a home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This is important especially now when natural gas prices are expected to rise dramatically as a result of Katrina. Anything a homeowner can do to help control energy bills is important.”

What makes a window “good” or “bad” and how can homeowners identify the difference? According to experts at Simonton Windows®, the age, efficiency and composition of windows in a home should be reviewed before making a purchase.“

Older windows can lose their efficiency,” says Bill Lazor, senior product manager with Simonton Windows. “They can actually suck the life and energy out of a home causing heating and cooling bills to soar. Just like every other product in the home, windows have a lifespan. “Typically, windows should be replaced about every 20 - 25 years. Windows made with vinyl frames and insulated glass units create some of the most energy efficient products in the marketplace.”

Lazor recommends that when looking at a potential home purchase, consumers check for “burnt out” areas on carpets near windows. “That’s an indication that harmful ultraviolet rays are easily entering the home through the glass panes,” says Lazor. “This means the windows do not have an efficient glass package and it’s an indicator that a homeowner may expect high energy bills. If this is the case, a home buyer may need to invest in replacement windows with Low E coatings that are designed to filter out the sun’s harmful UV rays and reduce fading inside the home.”

Lazor offers the following tips to help home buyers evaluate the effectiveness of windows in a home they’re viewing to purchase:

Tip #1 –Determine how many panes of glass are in the windows. Single-paned windows are the least energy efficient. You can replace them with double- or triple-paned ENERGY STAR® compliant windows to enhance energy efficiency and make a home more comfortable during all seasons.

Tip #2 – Do the windows open and close easily? If the windows are hard to open or close --- or they don’t stay open or won’t lock — it could be a sign that the windows need replacing.

Tip #3 – Have someone stand outside the window. With a small flashlight, stand inside and “travel” around the window’s perimeter. If the person outside sees areas of light coming through, this is an indication of seal failure — and probably energy loss.

Tip #4 – Check the window frames. If you find warping, pitting or rotting wood or aluminum frames, it’s time to consider replacing the windows. If you go this route, consider vinyl framed windows for your replacement package. Vinyl is a great insulator, plus it’s easy to maintain.
Tip #5 –Look for condensation inside the glass on double- or triple-glazed windows. This could indicate seal failure. If this is the case, you might need to replace the glass or the entire window.

For more details on evaluating windows, call 1-800-SIMONTON to request the free booklet, “What Every Homeowner Should Know About Window Replacement.” And, for additional product information, visit www.simonton.com.

Majors Home Improvement: Quality along the Coast

2006-02-24T20:38:00.000-08:00

Gulf Breeze - In 1997, Majors Home Improvement, Inc. began serving the Gulf Coast Community by offering quality exterior home improvement remodeling with an affordable price. Since then, we have increased our service by adding Kitchen Remodeling and Interior Doors.

The exterior of this house is an example of the transformation your home could experience with the quality products, including elegant and functional shutters. The exterior of this house is an example of the transformation your home could experience with the quality products, including elegant and functional shutters.

Our service region has also grown to include communities as far West as Mobile, AL to East as far as Panama City, FL and all the surrounding areas.

At Majors Home Improvement, we realize that your satisfaction is critical to our continued success, especially since much of our business is gained through repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals. Therefore, it is our mission to make all stages of your remodeling project a pleasure. And to follow up, we back all of our work with the very same dedication of 100% customer satisfaction.

We are proud to be the local home improvement company of choice for the Gulf Coast.

Your home and your family are valuable assets worth protecting. And with the current increase in regional hurricanes, the urgency of preparedness has never been greater. Our hurricane shutters are locally manufactured and are custom-made to specifically fit your home. Furthermore, all of our shutters meet the Miami-Dade County Building Code requirements giving you the confidence that you need in times of severe weather.

Our hurricane shutters are locally manufactured and are custom made to specifically fit your home. Furthermore, all of our shutters meet the Miami-Dade County Building Code requirements giving you the confidence that you need in times of severe weather. Our hurricane shutters are locally manufactured and are custom made to specifically fit your home. Furthermore, all of our shutters meet the Miami-Dade County Building Code requirements giving you the confidence that you need in times of severe weather.

Additionally, hurricane shutters make an existing home very attractive in the home buying market. Financially, it only makes sense to safeguard your investment since prospective home buyers will desire homes with storm protection rather than those without.

Whether you want to replace drafty windows or simply want to enhance the overall appearance of your home, vinyl replacement windows may well be the answer to your needs. Not only are vinyl replacement windows energy-efficient, they are long lasting and virtually maintenance-free.

The vinyl components in our window products are warranted against peeling, flaking, chipping, blistering and corrosion for the life of the product. And, as with all of our products, our replacement windows are custom ordered to fit your home’s specifications and your budget.

* All of our windows come standard with:

* Double pane insulated glass.

* Interlocking sash for tightness and security.

* Double weather-stripping to block air, dust, and noise.

* Tilt sash for easy cleaning (except casement style windows)

* Many glass packages available

Enjoy the outdoors without worrying about weather and insects. Don’t be bound by the calendar any longer. With your new sunroom, you can extend your seasons and enjoy all that you love about the outdoors, longer and more often during the year.

We offer a full line of sunroom styles to suit every home size, architectural type and budget. All styles can be customized to size with many optional features to choose from. These include glass transoms, solid or glass kick panels, shingled roofs, skylights, ceiling fans and specialty electrical packages for spas.

Get more livability and enjoyment from your home with a custom-built sunroom that you

will value now and for seasons to come. Our custom-built sunrooms are built to last, and blend beautifully with your home.

Let one of our qualified consultants provide you with a design for your favorite decor and lifestyle. Contact us for a free, no obligation estimate.

Originally featured in Gulf Breeze News.