Let's say the EPA has finished its work cleaning up the asbestos contamination from the vermiculite mine and has left town. You need to put a new building on your property, but you know that the basement will go below the level that was excavated and you may find more vermiculite down there. What do you do?

Questions like this one will be discussed at a forum co-sponsored by the CAG (Community Advisory Group) and TAG (Technical Advisory Group ) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, at the Flathead Valley Community College Lincoln County campus. A representative from the EPA will give a brief overview, representatives from Lincoln County will present the main focus and the MDEQ will be present to answer questions. Practical, legal, medical and other consideration about what happens in a post-EPA world will be the focus of the meeting.

When the EPA finishes its work at a site, it leaves in place a system to answer questions about vermiculite, such as: how to handle it, how to protect ourselves and what new people moving in should know. Before deciding on these procedures, they need to hear from county officials, the city council, the county health board and ordinary citizens about what needs to be included.

Some of the possible responses might be an excavation ordinance explaining the process to follow, who to call, how to handle asbestos contamination encountered during an excavation or home remodeling project. Permit requirements for a new business that wants to use an old site may be developed. A discussion will take place on how neighbors can respond to someone who has not allowed the EPA to clean up his property, especially if the property is to be sold. Guidelines will be developed by the county health board to cover exposure from vermiculite found after the EPA has gone.

The EPA will fund someone to help develop the proposals and list the resources that will be available. They also return no less than every five years to see how the process has been working and to make any necessary adjustments.

Persons attending the meeting will be invited to ask questions and to help identify other discussion topics.

Although it will be several years before the EPA is ready to leave, it's not too early to think about a post-EPA world and how we will be affected. The forum will be a beginning to the process and interested persons are encouraged to attend.

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EPA officials to answer question during CAG, TAG meeting Tuesday

INDIANAPOLIS, June 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Unique Home Solutions, a leading home remodeler in Indianapolis, has been awarded a 2012 Guildmaster Award for exceptional customer satisfaction. GuildQuality, an independent customer satisfaction surveying company, has powered the Guildmaster Awards since 2005 to celebrate service excellence in the building, remodeling, contracting, and real estate professions.

Unique Home Solutions was one of the nearly 200 home builders, remodelers, developers and contractors throughout North America recognized for their superlative performance by GuildQuality. When Unique Home Solutions applied for a Guildmaster Award, they verified that they had provided GuildQuality with a complete and unabridged customer list. In addition, Unique Home Solutions achieved a recommendation rate of greater than 90% from their clients surveyed through GuildQuality.

"We are honored to have been awarded the GuildMaster Award. The reason it means so much to us is because it was solely based on our customer's feedback. We strive to not only give our customers a quality product, but a lifetime of quality workmanship and quality customer service. Winning this award means we are meeting these expectations, and we will use this award as motivation to continue providing our customers with the service they deserve," said Bob Dillon, President of Unique Home Solutions.

For more on the 2012 Guildmaster Award winners and qualifications, visit http://www.guildquality.com/guildmaster/.

About Unique Home Solutions

Unique Home Solutions is Central Indiana's largest home remodeling company specializing in interior and exterior remodeling. As an employee owned and operated company, Unique is proud to have served over 25,000 satisfied customers in our 29 years in business. Unique provides Indiana homeowners with custom designed energy efficient solutions for the home, from the top of the roof to the basement floor. For more information on Unique Home Solutions, products or services visit http://www.UniqueHomeSolutions.org

About GuildQuality

GuildQuality's community of quality includes the best remodelers, homebuilders, developers, and home services contractors in the United States and Canada. By using GuildQuality's independent surveying, members collect objective feedback from their customers and use that feedback in their pursuit of continuous improvement in the quality of their service.

Contact: Lindsey Richardt 317-337-9300 lrichardt@uniquehomesolutions.org

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Unique Home Solutions Recognized among the Nation's Best in the Building Industry for their Commitment to Customer ...

The renovation of Waylands University Center calculated at $4.9 million is the lions share of $5.5 million in building permits issued by the City of Plainview in May.

But its not the only commercial construction now under way.

The University Center renovations include an updated cafeteria, giving students easier access to food and drink stations. The long table seating will be replaced by more intimate round tables to better simulate a dining experience. While changing the seating structure will remove some seats, the cafeteria will increase the number of operating hours throughout the day, allowing more flexibility in eating times for students.

Other changes to the University Center will include the remodeling of the student lounge area. Petes Place, located in the basement, will reopen as a coffee shop, serving Starbucks products to students.

The area also will house a grill and a stage area with lighting and sound systems. The south portion of the basement will be turned into offices for student activities and student government.

The courtyard area will be remodeled, and actions will be taken to control the bird population in the outdoor area.

To accommodate the project, the University Bookstore has been moved into McDonald Hall. Other offices from the now-closed University Center have been relocated throughout the campus.

Two commercial remodeling permits for $140,000 and $125,000, respectively, were issued for 3220 Olton Road in the Village Shopping Center.

While no formal announcement has been made, officials with both shopping center owner R-K-R and Ramsowers Furniture acknowledged last week that a national sporting goods chain has signed a lease to locate there.

According to the citys report on building permits, that chain is Big 5 Sporting Goods. The company, along with R-K-R, were issued the construction permits with Randall Roberts Construction listed as contractor.

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University Center renovations boost city building permit totals

Time was, and not all that long ago, that putting money into your house before putting it on the market paid off at resale.

But the "sluggish housing market continues to push down remodeling return on investment," Sal Alfano writes in the most recent cost vs. value report issued by Remodeling magazine, with the overall average cost-to-value ratio dropping to 57.7 percent from its peak in 2005 of 86.7 percent.

Even though the cost of remodeling itself has continued to fall, that is effectively counteracted by a drop in resale values, Alfano writes.

Bottom line: There is no guarantee that any improvement will boost the sale price of a house, especially in a real estate market in which even multiple offers typically result only in an amount near or slightly above asking price.

Yes, doing the necessary improvements to a house will help it compete. If two houses are for sale on the same street for the same price and one has a new roof while the other needs one, it's not hard to figure out which might sell first. But might is the operative word in an era when little about the real estate market is a certainty.

New roof or not, a house's list price must be appropriate for the market to attract buyers who likely will not only expect leak-free conditions, but also a furnace and air-conditioning that work properly.

Market observers say some sellers are still demanding prices well above what's appropriate, in an effort to turn their improvements into more cash. That, they say, is an attitude that keeps many listings sitting idle, some for a year or more.

Not to mention that it assumes the sellers' idea of improvement is in sync with the opinions of the buyers they wish to impress.

Harris Gross of Engineers for Home Inspection in Cherry Hill gets to see the results of homeowners' misguided assumptions about what it will take to sell.

Assumption: Your house has just one bathroom, and you need at least another half-bath (also known as a powder room) for buyers to even consider you.

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Home Economics: Recouping costs at resale is iffy, at best

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va., June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc. of Fairfax County, Va. has won two national remodeling industry awards for the creativity, professionalism and overall excellence of its projects and exceptional customer satisfaction.

Sun Design has won a national Chrysalis Award for a residential basement project in Fairfax County. Chrysalis Awards honor the finest remodeling projects in the country. Some 81 remodeling companies from across the United States were named winners. Winning projects were selected from 420 entries judged on overall design, creative use of space and materials and the degree to which the project enhanced the original structure.

Sun Design has also won The 2012 Guildmaster Award (with Distinction) which is given based on a lengthy track record of exceptional customer satisfaction. The awarding organization surveys recent actual customers of homebuilders, remodelers, real estate developers, and home services contractors across the country and makes awards based on specific testimonials provided by those customers.

This has been one of most spectacular periods in Sun Design's 24-year history. Earlier this month, the company announced it had its best sales month ever in March 2012. Sales were more than $1.8 million, beating its last record of $1.6 million in June 2007. The company won a national CotY Award as a "Contractor of the Year" from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), in April of this year, for a dramatic remodeling project in Fairfax, VA.

Sun Design President Bob Gallagher, said, "This is really an exciting time for all of us at Sun Design. We're beating records, winning the hearts of our clients and growing the organization to exceed the expectations of each and every client."

About Sun Design

Sun Design, celebrating its 24th year, has been the recipient of dozens of industry awards. Each year, Sun Design shows off its work during a series of home tours and other special events. For more information, visit the "Events" page at http://www.sundesigninc.com or call 703-425-5588. Sun Design is located at 5795 B Burke Centre Parkway, Burke, VA 22015.

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Sun Design Remodeling Specialists of Fairfax County Wins Two Major Industry Awards

The Better Business Bureau says a Bismarck-Mandan contractor using the BBB logo is not a member of the organization and has received a failing rating from the business information organization.

JK Customs has a BBB logo on a trailer and on its website but is not actually a BBB member, a news release said..

The companys misuse of our logo is compounded by the fact they have the lowest rating we assign, Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB, said in a release. Our hope is they will correct the misleading advertising issue and work with us to resolve the concerns of their customers.

The BBB also has given JK Customs, owned by Jason Kust, a failing grade due to consumer complaints. According to the release, JK Customs had been accredited by the BBB from 2009 to November 2011, when their accreditation was revoked due to an unanswered complaint. Two complaints have been lodged with the BBB about JK Customs without an answer from the company.

The voicemail for the telephone number for JK Customs was full and could not accept new messages, and no one answered at a phone number listed in court documents for Kust. No one answered at the door of the address listed with the North Dakota Secretary of States Office for JK Customs on Thursday afternoon.

The unanswered customer complaints filed with the BBB involve situations where down payments were made and work did not proceed as planned. The information in the BBB complaints mirrors cases in which customers brought Kust to small claims court and won.

In one case, a man was awarded $2,635 after Kust did not return a down payment on a basement remodeling project when the man decided to cancel the project. In another case, a couple was awarded $3,050 after putting a down payment to have Kust build a staircase and he never showed up to do the job.

In another case still pending in small claims court, Kust is accused of never starting a bathroom remodeling job that a man put $2,000 down on. The plaintiff in that case wrote that Kust did return $500.

In February, the BBBs Advertising Review department challenged JK Customs use of the BBB logo, which misleads consumers into believing the company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, the release from the organization said. The company failed to respond within the six-week timeframe provided and the violation was closed as Major, further lowering the companys rating. The matter has now been turned over to the Council of Better Business Bureaus, where further action may be taken to ensure the company discontinues use of the BBB trademark, a release from the organization said.

Dan Hendrickson, a spokesman for the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota, said the Council of Better Business Bureaus could take legal action against JK Customs for the misuse of the logo.

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Better Business Bureau says local contractor is not a member

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -05/28/12)- According to the Annual BMO Home Renovation Report, fewer Canadians are planning home renovations this year but are choosing projects with the greatest returns - a sign that consumers are scaling back and becoming more strategic on spending amid rising concern about household debt.

Half of Canadian homeowners (51 per cent) plan to renovate their homes in the next year, compared with 62 per cent in 2011. Single family homeowners far out-pace their condo-dwelling counterparts (62 per cent versus 41 per cent respectively).

Regionally, the report revealed:

"The scaled-back plans for home renovations likely reflect increased caution on the part of households as they continue to reduce discretionary spending to rein in debt," said Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "After averaging 9 per cent in the past decade, consumer loan growth has slowed to almost 2 per cent recently, suggesting Canadians are taking recent debt warnings to heart."

The study, conducted by Leger Marketing, also revealed the top five renovation plans for Canadians:

"Making home upgrades can add significant value to a home; however, it's crucial that homeowners consider the financial implications involved," Laura Parsons, Mortgage Expert, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Renovation projects come in different shapes and sizes and vary in return on investment. Homeowners planning to move forward with renovations should consult a professional to help balance wants versus needs and the overall value of the investment."

Ms. Parsons added that if the renovations are smaller in size and spaced out over a few months, a personal line of credit can give homeowners the flexibility to borrow what they need, when they need it. For larger projects, homeowners can consider a secured line of credit, such as BMO Homeowner ReadiLine.

HGTV.ca and BMO offer the following advice on which renovation projects provide the best return on investment to help Canadians make sense of their reno plans:

1. Painting: When done well and with taste, applying a fresh coat of paint to the interior or exterior of a home is a simple way to realize gains on your renovation investment. Return: As much as 300 per cent.

2. Kitchen remodeling: A kitchen renovation can be one of the most costly home improvement projects, However, careful planning, budgeting and shopping will help minimize expenses. Consider aspects such as whether or not the project is in line with the style and quality of the rest of the house and neighbourhood. Return: 68-120 per cent.

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BMO Home Renovation Report: Canadians Scale Back Plans for Spending in 2012

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -05/28/12)- According to the Annual BMO Home Renovation Report, fewer Canadians are planning home renovations this year but are choosing projects with the greatest returns - a sign that consumers are scaling back and becoming more strategic on spending amid rising concern about household debt.

Half of Canadian homeowners (51 per cent) plan to renovate their homes in the next year, compared with 62 per cent in 2011. Single family homeowners far out-pace their condo-dwelling counterparts (62 per cent versus 41 per cent respectively).

Regionally, the report revealed:

"The scaled-back plans for home renovations likely reflect increased caution on the part of households as they continue to reduce discretionary spending to rein in debt," said Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "After averaging 9 per cent in the past decade, consumer loan growth has slowed to almost 2 per cent recently, suggesting Canadians are taking recent debt warnings to heart."

The study, conducted by Leger Marketing, also revealed the top five renovation plans for Canadians:

"Making home upgrades can add significant value to a home; however, it's crucial that homeowners consider the financial implications involved," Laura Parsons, Mortgage Expert, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Renovation projects come in different shapes and sizes and vary in return on investment. Homeowners planning to move forward with renovations should consult a professional to help balance wants versus needs and the overall value of the investment."

Ms. Parsons added that if the renovations are smaller in size and spaced out over a few months, a personal line of credit can give homeowners the flexibility to borrow what they need, when they need it. For larger projects, homeowners can consider a secured line of credit, such as BMO Homeowner ReadiLine.

HGTV.ca and BMO offer the following advice on which renovation projects provide the best return on investment to help Canadians make sense of their reno plans:

1. Painting: When done well and with taste, applying a fresh coat of paint to the interior or exterior of a home is a simple way to realize gains on your renovation investment. Return: As much as 300 per cent.

2. Kitchen remodeling: A kitchen renovation can be one of the most costly home improvement projects, However, careful planning, budgeting and shopping will help minimize expenses. Consider aspects such as whether or not the project is in line with the style and quality of the rest of the house and neighbourhood. Return: 68-120 per cent.

Read more:
REPEAT-BMO Home Renovation Report: Canadians Scale Back Plans for Spending in 2012

Belmond Hospital Administrator Nancy Gabrielson gave members of BIDCO a pictorial tour Monday night of the new $26 million addition at the Belmond Medical Center.

The audience was able to see photos of four floors, from the basement to the roof, and just about everything in between.

Gabrielson said the final touches are being put on the facility. The elevators are finished and working. The helicopter stop on the roof has passed inspection. The initial cleaning has been done, but a more critical cleaning remains before patients can move in and the emergency and operating rooms can be put into service. There are several small jobs being finished, and several state inspections must be completed before the building can be occupied. While the kitchen is being finished, meals are being brought in from the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

We hope to move patients into the new facility by the end of May or first part of June, Gabrielson said. But Ive learned not to get to get my hopes up because there are always delays. We still plan to have our public open house sometime in June. We will be taking down most of the fence around the building and getting the parking on Main Street opened back up.

Gabrielson said extra volunteers are being sought for the next few months to work from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (hours are flexible). These volunteers will show visitors where to find things in the new addition.

A financial report from the first three quarters of the current fiscal year show that business at BMC continues to be strong. There have been 1,644 patient days in the hospital compared to 1,110 for the nine-month period one year ago. There have been 316 surgeries compared to 267 last year. Gross revenue is up over 18 percent.

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Hospital addition nearly finished

Construction crews and maintenance workers continue to work on the Wayland Baptist University campus in preparation for what could be record enrollment in the fall of 2012. The last two years have seen an increase in student enrollment on Waylands Plainview campus, and indicators show that the 2012-13 school year may be no different.

In an attempt to meet the needs of the students, several projects are taking place at Wayland this summer, including the completion of Jimmy Dean Hall. Along with the dorm, the University Center also is being renovated to make it more accommodating to students. Also, the Wheeler Building will be remodeled to add locker rooms for athletics teams.

The new mens dormitory, which was officially named Jimmy Dean Hall at a special announcement March 22, will take the place of existing McDonald Hall, which has fallen into disrepair. Wayland officials looked at the cost of renovating McDonald Hall, but determined that bringing the aging building up to code would not have been cost effective. Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Claude Lusk said the cost per square-foot to renovate McDonald would have been more than the cost per square-foot to build the new dorm.

Dean Hall also will provide an additional 250 beds. The added space for male students will allow Ferguson Hall to revert to a womens dorm, accommodating the growth of Waylands womens population.

Construction of the dorm is taking into account green technologies in all electrical and plumbing fixtures. The outdoor area also will be ecologically friendly. The courtyard of the dorm features four collection pools and tanks that will collect rain water as it drains. The water then will be used to assist in irrigation around the structure. The dorm also will feature increased security, making use of coded keyless entry systems and other precautions.

Although McDonald Hall will not be used as housing next fall, the historic dorm is providing much-needed office space during the summer. As part of the renovation and remodeling plans, Waylands University Center has been gutted and will be reconfigured to become more user-friendly for students. Due to construction in the building, all of the offices housed in the UC, along with the university store, moved to McDonald for the summer.

The University Center renovations include an updated cafeteria, giving students easier access to food and drink stations. The long table seating will be replaced by more intimate round tables to better simulate a dining experience. While changing the seating structure will remove some seats, the cafeteria will increase the number of operating hours throughout the day, allowing more flexibility in eating times for students.

Other changes to the University Center will include the remodeling of the student lounge area. Petes Place, located in the basement, will reopen as a coffee shop, serving Starbucks products to students.

The area also will house a grill and a stage area with lighting and sound systems. The south portion of the basement will be turned into offices for student activities and student government.

The courtyard area also will be remodeled, and actions will be taken to control the bird population in the outdoor area.

Go here to read the rest:
Wayland's University Center getting facelift