Houston, TX (PRWEB) April 04, 2014

HOA Management (.com) is proud to announce a new advertising partnership with R.A. Cummins Construction, Inc. R.A. Cummins Construction, Inc. specializes in exterior renovation for multi-family and single family-residences.

R.A. Cummins Construction, Inc. has partnered with HOA Management (.com) to advertise their services to community associations and property management companies in the Houston, TX metropolitan area that are actively searching for a general construction company. As a result of the new partnership, R.A. Cummins Construction, Inc. will appear on the HOA Management (.com) vendor directory. To learn more about R.A. Cummins Construction, Inc., visitors to the directory can view their profile page on HOA Management (.com). This page allows users to contact them in a number of ways. These include a direct hyperlink to their website, a current phone number, and an email contact form.

With nearly twenty years in the business, R.A. Cummins Construction uses their experience to combine quality workmanship with superior product knowledge to provide clients with a job well done at competitive pricing. They specialize in exterior renovations including exterior painting, window and door replacement, siding and wood replacement, general carpentry, and concrete repairs. RA Cummins can also complete interior renovations such as sheetrock repair and replacement and interior painting. They offer free quotes and prompt reliable service to customers all over the Houston area.

HOA Management (.com) is a leading HOA property management directory that uses targeted marketing strategies to reach out to community associations and offer them free access to its online directory. Association residents and board members are able to connect with professional management companies and service providers in their local area by searching on the HOA Management (.com) directory. To learn more about HOA Management (.com), visit http://www.hoamanagement.com or email sales(at)hoamanagement(dot)com.

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HOA Management (.com) Announces New Advertising Partnership with R.A. Cummins Construction, Inc

By Susan L. Serbin Correspondent

News about the school districts investigation of outsourcing transportation services drew attention as soon as it became known through an RFP (Request for Proposals). The school boards meeting of March 27 was an opportunity for members of the community and representatives of approximately 50 in the transportation department to express concerns.

The first thing made clear by the administration was that no decisions have been made.

The dedication and service of our bus drivers are, without question, the utmost in professionalism, said Don Mooney, Executive Director of Operations. In our budget process, we need to prioritize all costs and look for opportunities to save. The financial consideration is a big part of this, but weve had no responses yet (from interested vendors), and it would be premature for the district to state any information.

Mooney referenced the challenges of the Act 1 environment under which districts function. With a cap set for spending increases, and costs rising in areas such as retirement funding and benefits, the district looks for various strategies of cutting expenditures without negatively impacting the core mission of education, Mooney said in a phone interview earlier in the day. Transportation run by management services is used almost exclusively in nearby Chester County school districts, but is absent so far in Delaware County.

The bus drivers commented on the business aspect, but emphasized the human story.

Everyone in this room cares about the children, said driver John Ballas who has been driving for four years after retirement from a business career. We know the streets, the families and the kids. Speaking for myself and maybe some others, Id give up the pension and sick days and take a pay cut, but no one asked us to do this.

He said drivers provide the kind of extra service that may have spoiled children and families, but are done out of the love of their jobs.

Howard Collier similarly has been a driver with the district for a short period. He took on the job three years ago after a 25-year career with SEPTA.

I love my job here. There is not a child I drive that I wouldnt adopt. We take the kids to school and bring them home safely, said Collier, who said he drives youngsters from 5 to 21 who are challenged in various ways. I will invite every board member to ride my bus, or any other bus, to see how we take care of our children.

Link:
Springfield school bus drivers and residents voice concern over outsourcing idea

Vienna, VA (PRWEB) April 01, 2014

Nova Exteriors, the Vienna, VA based remodeling company, has been awarded the 2013 Angies List Super Service Award which recognizes the top companies across the service industry throughout the nation. Its a symbol that Angies customers recognize and associate with the most reputable businesses in their local area.

On average, one in twenty companies meet the criteria of the Super Service Award. The requirements include maintaining an A average rating throughout the year, a complete online profile, and being in good standing with Angies List. All of these, coupled with the basic requirements to be an Angies List contractor, are what make the Super Service Award so difficult to achieve.

Owner and President of Nova Exteriors, Peter Vlantis, said Achieving such an award doesn't come easy. It comes from a vision, a plan, hard work & determination, that becomes ingrained in our daily activities. Seven consecutive Super Service Awards, and were just getting warmed up. We make it a point to be the best company as it relates to customer satisfaction and our achievement with the Angie's List members proves we nailed it.

Angies List provides a regulated, social medium for consumers and local service professionals to interact and do business. There are over 700 different categories of services available, from window installers to florists to eyeglass repair. For a small monthly fee to consumers, Angies List provides not only user reviews and ratings, but also problem resolution and customer service.

About Nova Exteriors Nova Exteriors is the premiere local home remodeling company in the DC Metropolitan area. They provide window, door, siding and roof replacement services to increase energy efficiency, curb appeal, and home value. Nova Exteriors has done over 10,000 projects in the Washington DC metropolitan area since its inception in 1995. For further information please visit http://www.novaexteriors.com or call (703) 322-1500.

More here:
Nova Exteriors Achieves 2013 Angies List Super Service Award

QUICKREAD

Joshua Walitt is a Certified Residential Appraiser in Colorado, VA- and FHA- approved, and speaker to lending, real estate, and appraiser groups. He has been a Hearing Officer for the Mesa County Board of Equalization, and in 2013 served on Colorados AMC Rulemaking Task Force. He is a Candidate for Designation with the Appraisal Institute. Email questions to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or reach him on twitter @joshwalitt.

By Special to the Sentinel Monday, March 31, 2014

My bank said they ordered an appraisal for my loan, but no one ever came inside the house. Does this sound right to you?

For certain types of loans, such as home equity loans, banks follow specific federal guidelines (called Interagency Guidelines) which allow for the bank to use an exterior-only appraisal from a licensed or certified appraiser in some cases. These types of exterior appraisals are typically used in low-risk lending situations, and can also used by banks for pre-foreclosure, loss-mitigation, and similar situations. Since the property is only observed from the street, the homeowner may not even know that the appraisers visit took place.

With exterior-only appraisals (sometimes referred to as drive-bys), assumptions are made about the interior, sides (if not visible from the street), and rear of the property, as well as the site in general, based on the limited viewing of the property, along with public records, any records in the local real estate MLS system, aerial imagery, or file information the appraiser has on the property, as long as the sources are determined to be reliable. For example, the appraiser may see that the visible parts of the property are in average condition displaying little-to-no needed repairs, so he could assume that the entire property is of similar condition. Or, based on the county records, the appraiser could assume the subject has a covered back patio, a fireplace, and a detached utility building, none of which is visible from the street. Keep in mind, these exterior-only appraisals are not typically ordered for first-mortgage loans, such as when you buy a house.

For first mortgages, a full appraisal is usually conducted, which includes the appraiser viewing the inside and outside of the property. In these situations, the inventory of the property is observed by the appraiser (rather than making assumptions, as in exterior reports). However, it is important to remember that the appraiser is not a home inspector, so he will still make certain assumptions. For example, the appraiser may assume the utilities are functional, the structure is sound, there are no health hazards, and so on, as long as there is no evidence to the contrary.

There are some situations where the bank can loan without the use of an appraisal. If there is ever any question, remember this: a borrower can ask to review copies of all valuation reports that the lender used.

I got my own appraisal a few months ago because I was thinking of listing my house for sale. Now I want to refinance, but my banker wont take that appraisal.

There are several factors at work here.

The rest is here:
Active Appraiser: March 30, 2014

JOHNSTOWN - With warmer weather on the horizon, the city fire chief reminded the public about what is needed when making home repairs.

Chief Bruce Heberer recently told the Common Council he wanted to remind city residents about property work that requires permits, but mostly will not result in a rise in residents' assessments.

Heberer said his code enforcement division and the city Assessor's Office is letting the public know that city permits may be needed for the following work and projects: repairs to foundations, garages, barns, sheds, basements or entryways, carports, patios, breezeways, siding, sheds under 144 square feet, painting, trees and shrubs, window and door replacement, sidewalks, paving driveways, roofs, chimneys, porches and step repair, repairs to outside, interior renovations, insulation, remodeling, boilers or furnaces, hot water heaters, plumbing and electrical.

"None of that work will result in the increase in your assessment," Heberer stated.

Only an increase in square footage could result in assessment increases, he said.

Heberer urged those with further questions to contact the code enforcement office at the city fire station, or the assessor's office at City Hall.

In regular business, the council reappointed Christine Krempa of 804 S. William St. and Helen James of 404 S. Market St. to three-year terms on the city Zoning Board of Appeals. Their appointments will expire on March 31, 2017.

The council also reappointed Peter K. Smith of 206 W. Third Ave. and George Nicholas of 314 N. Perry St. to three-year terms on the city Planning Board. These terms will expire on March 31, 2017.

Mayor Michael Julius also announced upcoming events that included: Citywide Garage Sale, May 2 through 4; City Cleanup, May 8 through 10; and the farmers market starting May 20. The market will go from 3 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday downtown.

Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at manich@leaderherald.com.

View post:
Fire chief issues permit reminder

Published: Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 9:43 p.m. Last Modified: Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 9:47 p.m.

Then there are those homes that havent been fixed at all since the storm blitzed through the neighborhood 100 days ago.

The debris clean-up was fast, there were no casualties and most of the damage was moderate to minor, but a lot of scars remain. Making home repairs after a tornado is a lengthy process.

The so-called Starlight Tornado touched down in Palm Coast the night of Dec. 14 and damaged homes across three major subdivisions. In all, 241 homes sustained damage, including seven that were destroyed, according to statistics from the city and Flagler County.

Total cost of the damage was estimated at $7.2 million.

Additionally, the city has issued a total of 205 permits for damage repair, said Palm Coast spokeswoman Cindi Lane.

Suzanne Bispos home along Barring Place was significantly damaged, but she and her husband didnt waste any time on their to-do list.

When they walk into their backyard, they dont see the same urgency from their neighbors. Then again, one of the nearby homes is in foreclosure and another is a rental property that was vacant the night of the storm. Someone was scheduled to move in a week later, Bispo said.

The structural damage to the rental house means it is no longer a desirable place to live at least not until some repair work is done.

Bispo said she has called the citys code enforcement office. Shes also called the property owner in California and the property manager in Florida. Shes still waiting for someone to show up with a tool belt.

Continue reading here:
Palm Coast still feels jolt of tornado

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Bob & Mariannes Home Improvement Hit List

The Michigan Department of Community Health recently announced $850,000 in funding for lead-based paint hazard control, through the Michigan Lead Safe Home Program, available to families to assist in testing and remediating lead risks within homes. Since its inception in 1997, the Michigan Lead Safe Home Program has made more than 1,900 homes lead safe and has prevented thousands of children from being lead poisoned.

Childhood lead poisoning is the most common yet preventable pediatric health problem in the United States, and these funds will go a long way toward ensuring that more Michigan children have safe, lead-free homes, said James K. Haveman, director of the MDCH.

The presence of lead in decaying paint and dust is the number one source of lead poisoning in children. In total, 90 percent of all elevated blood lead levels result from lead paint dust and surrounding soil in homes built prior to 1978. Elevated blood lead levels cause irreversible brain damage in children including reduced cognitive ability, neurological damage, endocrine system disruption, growth rate reduction, aggressive behavior and hearing impairment.

An estimated 6,786 children under age 6 across Michigan currently have lead levels above the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention action level.

The MDCH Lead Safe Home Program provides lead testing of homes and lead hazard control services through the use of a lead-certified contractor. Common work on homes includes window and door replacement, vinyl siding, painting, soil work and special cleaning. A family or property owner may be eligible for assistance if they meet the following criteria: a child under 6 years old or pregnant female resides in the home; the occupying family is low or moderate income; the home was built before 1978; and the home is located in the county of Bay, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Macomb, Oakland or the city of Detroit, or elsewhere if the child has an elevated blood lead level (five or above). Other certain criteria may apply, as well.

For homeowners or landlords interested in learning more about making their homes lead safe, or for more information about the Michigan Lead Safe Home Program, call (866) 691-5323 or visit http://www.michigan.gov/leadsafe for an application.

Read more here:
MDCH has $850,000 to remove lead paint hazards

Updated: Tuesday, March 11 2014, 10:36 PM CDT Reported by James Tully:

HARRISBURG -- Freezing, thawing, and freezing again.

Ice is doing damage to the exterior of your home and there is another temperature swing on the way.

Focusing on what ice has likely already done; such as cracking apart your sidewalk, driveway, and even your homes foundation, there are cost-effective solutions.

"Really all around your window sills, along your house where your basement is, anywhere water is going to get in you want to seal it off because that is where the damage is going to happen," says Jason Hornung of Hornung's Hardware.

The best material to seal those cracks is a six dollar container of silicone. It applies the same way as caulk. Before you seal anything Hornung stresses that you must get that pre-existing water out of the area.

A good absorber like sand, cat litter or oil-dry will be the most effective.

We also met with Luke Stump from Premier Siding and Roofing. Business has been really good this month for them, with good reason. "That water refreezes and pushes the siding right off the house," Stump explains.

If you notice any of your siding looking out of place the easiest solution is to just hammer a nail into it. However, if you are concerned about the appearance it might be time for a full replacement.

Premier says the average siding replacement costs are between $5,000 and $7,000. Another sharp change in the weather could cause more problems for your home

See more here:
Another sharp change in the weather could cause more problems for your home

Published: Monday, March 10, 2014 at 6:03 p.m. Last Modified: Monday, March 10, 2014 at 6:03 p.m.

The executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg will retire May 1 after building a lasting legacy with the organization.

Tom Webster has served as the executive director of Habitat of Spartanburg since 2008. He had spent the previous year volunteering in the organizations office.

I was just volunteering in the office, I didnt know too much about construction, he said. It was just a good time, good place and good opportunity.

During his time at Habitat of Spartanburg, Webster led the building of more than 30 homes for low-income families in five neighborhoods across Spartanburg County. He also worked to change the appearance of Habitat homes and made sure they lived up to energy efficiency standards.

I wanted Habitat homes to complement the neighborhoods they were in, he said, adding that concrete driveways have been used instead of asphalt and that different types of siding have been used to make sure newly-built homes fit into the neighborhoods.

The homeowners were proud, and the Habitat board was certainly proud, he said.

Webster also developed financial counseling and social service programs run through Habitat of Spartanburg. The social services program held events like health screening and job fairs across the county.

It was about more than building a house, he said. We wanted to make a positive contribution to people in the community.

Webster said he looks forward to spending time with his wife, Patricia, who recently retired from First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, and his grandchildren.

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Spartanburg Habitat for Humanity director retiring