At Home in Berks February 2015

FEBRUARY 2015Home Builders Association of Berks County

Small Projects, Home Repairs Maintenance

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Spend 10 jazz- and blues-filled days and nights in the Greater Reading area! Over 120 scheduled events, plus great shopping and dining in one area, make the 25th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest your perfect spring getaway.

For tickets, call Ticketmaster toll free at 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com to order online.

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS • DAVE KOZ • INCOGNITO • BRIAN CULBERTSON • DIANNE REEVES • BONEY JAMES • PIECES OF A DREAM

MINDI ABAIR & THE BONESHAKERS WITH SWEETPEA ATKINSON • THE SOUL OF JAZZ FEATURING JEFFREY OSBORNE, NAJEE, MAYSA, NICK COLIONNE, GERALD VEASLEY, BRIAN SIMPSON

NEW YORK VOICES AND THE READING POPS ORCHESTRA • BILLY COBHAM ‘SPECTRUM 40’ BAND FEATURING DEAN BROWN, GARY HUSBAND, RIC FIERABRACCI • GERALD ALBRIGHT

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAZZ CELEBRATION: KIRK WHALUM, YOLANDA ADAMS, KEVIN WHALUM, JOHN STODDART AND THE DOXA GOSPEL ENSEMBLE • MARC ANTOINE • ALEX BUGNON

STRINGS ATTACHED FEATURING LARRY CORYELL, JIMMY BRUNO, VIC JURIS, JACK WILKINS, JOE COHN • PHILADELPHIA JAZZ ORCHESTRA DIRECTED BY TERELL STAFFORD

REMEMBERING JOE SAMPLE: BOBBY LYLE, WILTON FELDER, RAY PARKER JR., JEFF BRADSHAW, NICHOLAS SAMPLE, LIONEL CORDEW, LIZ HOGUE • BRIAN BROMBERG

NICK COLIONNE • JAZZ ATTACK: RICK BRAUN, PETER WHITE, EUGE GROOVE, ELLIOTT YAMIN • MARION MEADOWS • PAUL TAYLOR • JAZZ FUNK SOUL: CHUCK LOEB, JEFF LORBER,

EVERETTE HARP • FOURPLAY: BOB JAMES, NATHAN EAST, HARVEY MASON, CHUCK LOEB • KIND OF NEW: JASON MILES, INGRID JENSEN, RAY RODRIGUEZ, MIKE CLARK, JERRY

BROOKS PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS LIONEL LOUEKE, GARY BARTZ • PAT MARTINO TRIO WITH PAT BIANCHI, CARMEN INTORRE • LIVE AT THE FILLMORE: TRIBUTE TO THE ORIGINAL ALLMAN

BROTHERS • URBAN JAZZ COALITION • TOMMY KATONA & TEXAS FLOOD • FRANK VIGNOLA & VINNY RANIOLO • THE JOST PROJECT: TONY MICELI, PAUL JOST, KEVIN MACCONNELL,

ANWAR MARSHALL • ROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOOD FEATURING DEVON ALLMAN, CYRILL NEVILLE, CHARLIE WOOTEN, YONRICO SCOTT, BART WALKER • JAMES HUNTER SIX • MIKEY

JUNIOR BAND • ANDREW NEU WITH CAROL RIDDICK, DAVID P STEVENS • DANCE HALL DOCS FEATURING BRENT CARTER • THE UPTOWN BAND FEATURING ERICH CAWALLA & JENIFER KINDER

GREG HATZA & TIM PRICE ORGAN QUARTET • PAT TRAVERS BAND • CRAIG THATCHER BAND • THE ORIGINAL GROOVEMASTERS • REGGIE BROWN AND BUNCH A FUNK

THE ROYAL SCAM • DJANGOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: JOSH TAYLOR,CHRIS HESLOP, BILL NIXON, MICHAEL NIKOLIDAKIS, TREY LARUE • SAX SUMMIT: NATHAN BELLOTT, SETH EBERSOLE,

ANDY MOHLER, GREG WILSON • RANDY HANSEN • CELEBRATE SINATRA: LOU DOTTOLI AND THE SOUNDS OF SUNNYBROOK DANCE BAND • U.S. ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORS AND MORE!*

* LINEUP AS OF 11/26/14. SUBJECT TO CHANGE

James Hunter

Six Dave Koz

Terell Stafford

Incognito

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Yolanda Adams

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April 10-19, 2015Reading, PA

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PROUD SPONSOR OF THE BOSCOV’S BERKS JAZZ FEST

FEBRUARY 2015

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32For Advertising Opportunities: call 610.685.0914 Ext. 1Read At Home In Berks Magazine Online at HBAberks.org

The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction of print or digital articles without written permission from Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc., and/or the Home Builders Association of Berks County is forbidden. The placement of paid advertisements does not imply endorsement by HBA of Berks County.

Publisher: Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc.610.685.09142921 Windmill Road, Suite 4, Sinking Spring, PA 19608

Contents

Features:

Angles

Departments

8 How To Plan & Prepare For a Construction Project

What you should know before you get started.

10 Choosing the Right Contractor

Taking the time to consider your options & expectations.

13 Scam Artists Posing As Contractors Know the warning signs.

15 Bathroom Basics Decorating tips to make your bathroom shine.

18 The New Age of Security & The Connected Home

Learn about ‘not so standard’ security systems.

24 Greater Efficiency, Lower Energy Costs — For Now Energy trends for 2015.

27 Preventing Hypothermia & Frostbite Symptoms & treatment.

28 Debt & Credit Keeping your finances in check.

30 Save Big on Workers Comp Insurance Learn the steps to safety & savings.

6 From the President HBA of Berks County President Edward Anewalt.

32 Membership Pages New and returning members, member to member discount programs, and an overview of all Association-related events from February–May 2015.

2015 HBA BerksBoard of Directors

Officers:President

Edward F. Anewalt IV, CLPAnewalt’s Landscape Contracting

(Bernville)

First Vice PresidentJames E. Gavin, Esquire

Masano Bradley Attorneys at Law (Wyomissing)

Secretary/TreasurerEvan L. Hand, III

National Penn Bank (Wyomissing)

Immediate Past PresidentPatrick J. Dolan, AIA, LEED AP

Dolan Construction Inc. (Reading)

Builder/Remodeler Directors:

David HallowellHeffleger Kitchen Center (Reading)

Brad KehresL A Kehres Building & Remodeling

(Leesport)

Eric KellerBerks Fire Water Restorations, Inc.

(Reading)

Bryan MollB & G Glass (Reading)

Associate Directors:Sherrie Hallowell

VIST Bank (Wyomissing)

Peter HartKohl Building Products (Reading)

Jason JenkinsBursich Associates, Inc. (Pottstown)

Joseph McGrory, Jr.Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell &

Lupin (Lansdale)

HBA Staff:

Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOMExecutive Officer & At Home in Berks

Editor-in-Chief

Barbara M. BohrmanMember & Event Coordinator

21 Start NOW: Renovations & Remodeling

Business picks up for builders & contractors in 2015.

6 AT HOME IN BERKs February 2015

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

From the President

Edward F. Anewalt IV, CLPAnewalt’s Landscape Contracting

Every year, I head back to my alma mater, Penn State, to share a bit of my green industry experiences with

the senior landscape contracting class. It’s always a well worthwhile experience for me.

I find that conversing with the students and experiencing their enthusiasm firsthand as they prepare to enter the ‘real world’ is beyond refreshing. I ponder where those 19 seniors will be in 5 years, in 10 years, and 20 years. Some will become entrepreneurs, some will start their career at nationally renowned landscape companies, others at companies with growth opportunities, some will give back to their community and some may even make their mark here in Berks County.

And, I can’t help but to reflect upon my days at Penn State and the growth my company has experienced since my grad-uation. As a senior at Penn State, I did not necessarily aspire to be the president of the HBA; however, I strove to utilize my tal-ents and thought about giving back to my community. When I left Penn State, I was filled with a great sense of gratitude for my newfound education and the thought that someday I could use my education to help out right here in Berks.

Do you remember Tricia Urban in the year 2010 when the popular Extreme Home Makeover television show came to town? That’s where my calling to the HBA orig-inated. I had the privilege of heading up the landscape portion of the Tricia Urban project, which was an incredibly inspiring project. I was challenged to work together with other Berks landscapers to accomplish a grand project within a short timeframe. During the project, I was privileged to

work alongside of some of Berks’ most skilled contractors. This naturally led me to accept a Board position at the HBA, and eventually to become president. That takes me to the present.

I am energized to contribute to the HBA as your president in 2015, although, I must be clear that we face multifaceted challenges. In a world where face-to-face relationships are dwindling, we must not succumb to professional (nor personal) relationships primarily based upon email and texting. Rather, we need to intentionally reach out to our community members, to its business owners, home owners, and professionals to develop good ole fashioned relationships, ones initiating with a firm handshake and with a foundation built upon trust. Please don’t misunderstand my comments; using Skype, phones to text and for other com-municative applications, plus email, is amazing progress. I use this technology in my day-to-day business dealings, howev-er, nothing replaces the genuineness of a personal relationship with client or vendor. This relationship gives our lives dimension and real purpose and deepens our sense of community. Consequently, if we don’t take time to foster those personal relationships, iconic organizations such as the HBA, will not be around.

Today, I ask you to partake in the events of the HBA in 2015 and beyond. Join us at our social events such as the Lobsterfest, the Spring Golf Tournament, and upcoming new events to connect personally with our local community and likeminded profes-sionals. Think of the networking possibilities. One contact could have positive repercus-sions by connecting you with just the right person at the right time.

It’s Not Just Business… It’s Personal

Moreover, I challenge each of you to reach out to other dependable profession-als to become part of our HBA team. The best way to recruit valuable new Members is to have them recruited personally by you, our Members.

The HBA received its charter in 1957, with Byron Whitman of Whitman Builders (Berkshire Greens), serving as the first pres-ident. Over the next six decades, the HBA grew from its initial group of a handful of home builders to over 750 members at its peak. This number is dwindling and we have the power to change that.

If each of the 270 current HBA mem-bers brings one valuable professional to the HBA, not only will we have a thriving organization, but we will have a surplus of talent added to our association. The HBA was founded with the goals of informing, educating, taking legislative action, provid-ing a forum for business, and professional interaction, and assisting HBA Members in the operation of their businesses. These are notable goals that can help generations of contractors to continue to build a beau-tiful Berks County.

In closing, I ask you to join me in my battle cry to expand our membership and rekindle ole fashioned business relation-ships. Who will you bring to the HBA in 2015 to help our organization thrive well beyond my presidency?

February 2015 AT HOME IN BERKs 7


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featuresfeatures

Property owners, whether they are a home owner or a commercial building owner, are proud of their

investment. The pride of property ownership will generate numerous thoughts for poten-tial improvements to a structure. Likewise, improvements to an existing structure may not meet the needs of the property owner for various reasons. So, a new building may be required. Or, for a multitude of reasons, an owner may desire to build a new home or operate a business venture in a new facil-ity. Whether you are planning to upgrade your home or commercial building or build a new home, office, or commercial build-ing; a construction project is in your future.

Planning PrevailsThe amount of time and thought devot-

ed to planning a construction project will have a direct effect on the success of the finished product. A thorough and com-plete evaluation leading up to the first day of construction will always deliver a fin-ished product that makes everyone proud. Time is valuable to everyone and valuable time devoted to planning is a prerequisite for success.

The first step in planning a construction project is to get your ideas transferred to paper. The transferred images can be sim-ple sketches, photos of similar works, or any media form which can transfer your vision to another individual. The quality of the images is not important, but the

message needs to be clear in conveying your intent. When you are satisfied that your proposed project can be conveyed to another individual, you

are prepared to seek the advice of a licensed professional or

building contractor.

Government HurdleAll building construction

is governed by municipal zoning regulations, plus local

and state building codes. It is very important in the early stages of planning a construction project that your ideas can be brought to reality in compliance with zoning and building codes within your municipality. The project scope-of-work

may need to be altered to meet the zoning and building codes. Thus, it is better to know the rules which need to be followed early in the planning stages rather than sometime in the future.

Zoning regulations deal with the orderly planning and growth of any municipality. Building codes are instrumental in ensuring that your proposed improvement will be built to provide protection from all types of weather and provide a safe environment for all occupants. Preliminary or concep-tual compliance may be obtained from a Municipal Office. Licensed professionals are also a good source of discerning the viability of a project.

Go ProIt is recommended to engage an archi-

tect, professional engineer, or a seasoned building contractor in the early stages of a proposed project. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to draw upon to assist in the development of a successful finished product. A successful construction project is not developed in one meeting; in fact, multiple planning meetings will be required.

Planning meetings should be regarded as sharing sessions rather than plan review meetings. Every thought which enters your mind should be shared with the design professional. What you may consider to be a minute detail could very well be a major factor in design and performance. Also,

Timothy M. Heffner

FOR A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

HOW TO PLAN PREPARE



be prepared to compromise your initial ideas as regulations, building functionality, and your first vision are combined into a working plan.

You also want to be certain that the design professional is listening to you. The design professional is designing a construction project for you and not for their portfolio. If a design professional is not listening to you, it is in your best interest to pursue another design professional for the ultimate goal of a successful improvement. As mentioned earlier, a finished product that exceeds your expectations is achieved by the building owner and design professional sharing all known details and deciding upon the best approach for the benefit of the end product.

Money MattersAs the plans come into focus, the budget

needs to be considered. Affordability is a direct result of the size and the types of materials considered for use in the build-ing project. The funds available must be considered while formulating the concep-tual plans. If a budget is not contemplated during the design phase, more times than not, the project will not be built.

Depending upon the size of your con-struction project, financing from a lending institution may be desired. If financing is desired, it is highly recommended to contact a lending institution during the planning stages to discuss with the potential lend-er their interest in providing financing. Financing is a major component and it is highly suggested to engage a lending institution during the early planning stages. Simultaneous planning will allow a project to begin the construction phase in a shorter span of time.

Design/BuildConstruction projects with the highest

rate of success are the ones which are per-formed using the design/build concept. The design/build concept is where the project team is established prior to the building plans being completed. The project team is created by the owner with assistance from the general contractor. The general contractor needs to be a seasoned builder with experience and expertise in producing a similar project. The seasoned builder is

found by referrals from neighbors, relatives, trade associates, trade partners, and satisfied customers. More often than not, they are members of the Home Builders Association of Berks County (www.HBAberks.org).

After the general contractor is select-ed, the design/build process will begin. The owner will transfer the images of the proposed construction project to the gen-eral contractor. The general contractor will determine, from the information provided by the owner, if an architect or profession-al engineer is necessary for design services. After consultation with the owner, a design professional is selected to develop the plans and specifications.

No “I” in “Team”Plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation,

and air conditioning trade contractors will be introduced to the proposed construc-tion during the design phase, as the need

is determined. Introducing specialty trade subcontractors prior to the completion of the construction documents allows the specialty trades to share their experience and expertise for the benefit of your project. Collaboration of all involved parties during the design phase will place all parties on the same page. A cohesive team will always deliver a finished product which exceeds the initial expectations of the owner. The design/build contractor will build the project fol-lowing completion of the design documents and project financing being secured.

Property owners do not need to be afraid or suspicious of the design/build process. A seasoned team with integrity will always treat their customers with honesty and respect. If concerns arise, the concerns will be addressed in a manner to reach a resolu-tion agreeable to all members of the team.

Construction projects are visions and dreams of a property owner brought to life with an experienced design/build team. Preparation and planning must be treated as the first phase. Many details need to be considered before turning over the first shovelful of earth or hammering the first nail. Do not be discouraged or try to short circuit the planning process. A thorough and complete planning process will allow the construction phase to be performed with fewer concerns and less delays. The design/build approach will allow you to know the seasoned general contractor prior to the start of the construction phase. The

familiarity of the project team will lead to a more successful finished product, since all of the players have a common goal, a com-pleted project that makes everyone proud.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Timothy M. Heffner is the Vice-President/Senior Project Manager of DESCCO Design & Construction, Inc., a full service General Contractor operating in all of Eastern PA. Find them on the web at www.descco.com. Or, contact Tim directly by email [email protected] or by phone (610) 944-0404.


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Super contractors are plentiful and easy to find when you approach the due diligence process with purpose and

foresight. The top listing in Google, largest ad in the phone book (print or digital), great website, handsome smile, or the cheapest price tell you nothing. Builders, remodelers, and trade contractors will work on your most valuable asset and prized possession—your home. More importantly, they will become your go-to expert and most trusted advi-sor in their area of specialty. So, how do you find the absolute best craftsmen, most trustworthy business, and the RIGHT con-tractor for you?

Start at the Very Beginning,A Very Good Place to Start

Professional trade organizations, like the Home Builders Association Berks County (HBA), are the best places to begin your search. The criteria for membership in these associations are stringent; therefore, only the most professional and ethical companies become members. What’s more, educa-tion & continuous improvement are in the members’ blood. They know about the latest building materials & gizmos on the market, understand permitting & inspec-tions, and know the difference between a contract, change order, and punch list (and why each legally protects both of you during the course of your project while keeping communication lines open).

There are many additional professional trade associations for specialty contrac-tors that can also be used to aid in your search. Though the best-of-the-best exca-

Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM

vators, plumbers, roofers, landscapers, etc. make it a point of joining their local HBA of Berks County (www.HBAberks.org), they often are mem-bers of their specialty trade association as well to gain knowledge specific to their trade.

A quick web search for the area you are researching followed by the words “trade association” is a great place to start. Thus, when looking for a kitchen designer, a web search for “kitchen trade association” will reveal the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Similarly, a search for “Electrician Trade Association” will land you at the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).

Is Bigger Better or Does Smaller Surpass?

Just because a company has a bunch of employees, advertises all the time, or

“has done 10 projects in your neighbor-hood” does not mean that they have quality service or are proficient at the trades. On the other hand, smaller companies are not necessarily more detail-oriented or faster to respond just because they have fewer custom-ers. There are good large companies and good small companies. You must determine which is right for you. As a rule, contractors who are constant-ly improving themselves and their businesses through continual edu-cation, training, and networking



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A n e w a l t s L a n d s c a p e . c o moften make the best contractors (and their businesses come in all sizes).

Let their credentials, experience, and expertise be your guide, not the size of their company. Gravitate toward those contractors that are certified experts by outside trade associations or agencies. Consider more seriously those contrac-tors that regularly attend trade shows and conventions in their industry. Education is paramount. Would you want a teacher teaching your children if she had never been to school herself ? Or, an accountant without an accounting degree and the letters CPA (Certified Public Accountant) after his name advising you on your finances? Contractors have certifications, designa-tions, and education as well.

Does this mean you should only consid-er those with letters after their names and education under their belt? Absolutely not! Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg all ran / run incredibly successful business-es without completing their education. They, however, are the exception, not the norm. Give education weight in your deci-sion-making process.

How Do You Interview the Candidates?

Treat your research seriously and pre-pare for the process. After you build a list of potential contractor candidates, spend time organizing your thoughts & prepar-ing your questions before meeting with the first contractor candidate. At each interview, observe how each candidate reacts and responds. Do not be afraid to take notes.

How to Decide?You probably have a budget already in

mind and know how much you are willing to pay. If not, maybe you are planning to

“get three quotations and pick the lowest.”

DO NOT LET PRICE be the main rea-son you choose one contractor over another! Often the lowest bidder is cutting corners somewhere they should not. Would you want the lowest paid doctor operating on your child? Or the cheapest lawyer defend-ing you in court? Make your choice based on service, knowledge, ability, and commu-nication; not based solely on price.

If you can’t afford to do it right, how can you afford to do it over?

When you hire a contractor, you are buy-ing a service and expertise rather than a product. The quality of service the contractor provides will determine the quality of the finished product and your satisfaction with it. Only choose a contractor who returns your phone calls, answers your questions, and has a trustworthy reputation.

This is not a decision that should be solely based on whom you “like” the most or whom was the “nicest” or had the “best personality.” However, you will be working with the contractor and their team for an extended period; so, how you emotionally feel about them should have some weight in your decision-making process. Use your emotions, use your gut…just make sure your research and intellect have a bigger say in your final decision.

Continued on page 12



If you put as much time, or more, into selecting a contractor as you did in selecting & planning your last vacation or in choosing if and where you or your children should go to college, you will make a good decision in the end. Plan for it. Spend time on it. Debate it out with your loved ones. Then trust yourself that you made the right the decision. Moreover, trust your contractor and their expert advice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM is the Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Berks County. He provides insight on construction issues, business operations, marketing, personal finance, and occasionally, on politi-cal philosophy/history. Contact Christian at the HBA of Berks County office: [email protected] or, to receive notice of the new-est articles written by Christian, follow him on Twitter @CDMalesic.

O When you discuss what you would like to do, does the contractor show enthusiasm for your ideas and suggest ways to make them work better?

O Is customer service emphasized?

O Will they work within your budget constraints? Will they be honest when your budget is way less than the project will require?

O Do they seem organized when you discuss the job with them?

O Are their business materials neat, professional, and complete (business cards, flyers, website, etc.)?

O Do they carry insurance to protect you from claims arising from property damage or job site injuries (get a copy of their insurance certificate, do not just ask the question)?

O Are they registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (go to www.AttorneyGeneral.gov and see for yourself, don’t just ask the question)

O Do they offer a warranty?

O Will they arrange for the construction permit?

O Do they specialize in particular types of projects?

Interviewing Contractors:

Prime Office Space 25 Stevens Ave., Building A, Spring Township, just off Penn Ave.Suites from 557 sq. ft. to 2,374 sq. ft.

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featuresfeatures

The Berks County hailstorms (yes, there were two back-to-back storms, about an hour apart) of May 2014 are

still causing many of us great angst. Roofs, windows, doors, awnings, sunrooms, and siding are occupying way too much space in our minds these days.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that after brutal storms and a bone-chilling winter, repairs are needed around the home and business. Unfortunately, there are people who will try to profit from a community’s misfortune—they scam the uneducated out of hard-earned cash. Whether it be from hailstorms OR tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, windstorms or other disasters, nature can destroy lives and prop-erty without warning. Sadly, in the wake of the tragedy, scam artists and unscrupulous out-of-town contractors often flock to an area to take advantage of the distressed home & business owners who are trying to repair the damage or rebuild their futures.

But, a fly-by-night contractor, often referred to as a “Chuck-in-a-Truck” or a

“Sam-in-a-Van”, is one disaster you can prevent if you pay attention to some com-mon warning signs. In fact, it makes sense to look for these signs when you are evalu-ating any potential contractor, whether it’s for post-disaster repairs or a planned-for renovation to your home.

Here are some common warning signs:

Price & Payment• You’re told you have to sign the con-

tract today to get the quoted price. If you sign later the price will be higher.

HBA Staff

Scam Artists Posing as Contractors

• You’re asked to pay the full cost in advance, before work begins. Paying a deposit of anywhere from 20 percent to 50 percent is common, however.

• You’re asked to pay cash to an indi-vidual instead of a check, money order, or credit card to a company.

• The salesperson says you’re getting a special low price because you’ve been

“chosen” as a demonstration project.

• The contractor asks you to sign over your insurance settlement check to him directly instead of you pay-ing him from your account.

References• The contractor is not registered with

the PA Attorney General (this can be verified at www.AttorneyGeneral.com)

• The contractor does not have insur-ance or will not have their insurance agent send you your own copy direct-ly to you by email, fax, or US mail.

• The contractor doesn’t have a verifi-able mailing address for his business.

• The business has complaints that have not been resolved against them with the Better Business Bureau. You can find the nearest Better Business Bureau location at www.bbb.org/us/find-a-bbb/.

• The contractor won’t provide references for past work; or, the references can’t be reached.

• The business is not a member of their local Home Builders Association. Contact the HBA of Berks County at (610) 777-8889 or go online at www.HBAberks.org.

Contract & Completion• You’re told that “a contract won’t be

necessary.” If the job is over $500, it is Pennsylvania law—and is nec-essary! Make sure you insist on a complete and clearly written contract signed by you and the contractor.

• You’re expected to make final pay-ment before the job is completely finished and you are fully satisfied with it. Find out if any of the work requires municipal, city, or coun-ty inspection, and make sure that is done and you have paperwork to prove it before you make the final payment.

Paying attention to these warning signs will help you select a contractor who will do quality work, and stand behind it. To learn more about finding a reliable con-tractor with an established business in our community, contact the Home Builders Association of Berks County at (610) 777-8889 or visit www.HBAberks.org and click on the big tan button in the upper right hand corner that says “Need a Contractor, Product or Service?”


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Called all kinds of names—hall bath-room, powder room, guest bath, half bath, little girl’s or boy’s room, it’s

probably the smallest room in your home.

Make a StatementAll too often, it’s the most blandly dec-

orated room in our homes. Worse still, it’s probably the room most often frequented by your guests!

So, why not let your imagination and creativity flow into overtime! Make a bold statement in the room! Work on creating a focal point. It’s not uncommon for these small rooms to have no window, and let’s face it, there’s nothing beautiful about a toilet or vanity.

Is your bathroom boring or minuscule? Don’t despair. Colors and patterns can give a lift and fool the eye into seeing a larger space. Remember, it’s not the amount of space, but what you do with it that counts.

Be MoodyThe first step in decorating your bath-

room is selecting the theme or mood you want to portray. Once you’ve decided that, the creativity begins.

Here are a few ideas you might want to incorporate, when considering giving this room a complete makeover!

Yvonne Staskel




If you want to “open up” your bathroom, select a color scheme that is light—

• Pale colors tend to recede and will visu-ally expand the room, having it appear larger.

• Deeper colors appear to advance and the room will appear cozier.

• To achieve a sense of the dramatic, you may want to select rich, vibrant colors, regardless of the room size.

Add BlingWindow treatments for bathrooms gen-

erally are required to supply function and beauty—privacy is a must! Pleated shades, vertical blinds, cellular shades, silhouettes would all fit the privacy ticket. All are resis-tant to moisture and can supply complete

privacy. There are many fabric treatments to enhance your bath’s décor. Everything from a short, shirred curtain to pouf valanc-es, balloons, tab curtains—and even throw swags. Coordinating fabric may be used for sink skirts and shower curtains to com-plete the look.

Perhaps you want a more intense refur-bish for the room. Start with the vanity. Replacing a plain laminate top with a beau-

tiful granite surface might be just ticket! Or, how about considering some of the hand-some furniture pieces that are available today. They are not only gracefully designed, but fully functional and designed to give a small powder room a fabulous focal point. Is the base cabinet still sound, perhaps painting it with a high gloss paint will give the room the punch it requires.

Dramatic wallpaper could certainly reduce the boxy feeling these small rooms are typically known for. Think about select-ing something exciting and spectacular! Today’s faux finish wall coverings come complete with embedded jewels and crys-tals! Just think of the drama you can create. And no, this is not your Grandmother’s

wallpaper. The new products are strippable, designed to be easily removed in the future.

Your flooring! How about replacing that vinyl with a new laminate, tile, or wood floor? Even a multi-patterned area rug, might add just the right touch to this often used space.

Now that we’ve looked down, don’t for-get to look up. Do you still have the fixture the home was built with? Lighting fixtures can add such drama to a room. Consider a small chandelier to increase the drama.

Do you have a bare mirror in the room? Consider framing it. There are products available that allow you to frame the mirror



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while it’s still on the wall. What a wonderful impact such a small investment can make.

The Wait is OverSo, what are you waiting for? If your

bathroom is ho hum, wake it up with color and fabric—and who knows—maybe it will help you wake up in the morning too!!

So how about it? Get up. Right now! Go look in your powder room. Could it use a little makeover—or a large redo? If so, call

a professional and let us help you create a room that your guests will be unable to stop raving about!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Yvone Staskel, the owner of Decorating Den Interiors, offers convenience, quality, service, satisfaction, and affordability on every job. It all starts with You at Your Home! Contact Yvonne by email at [email protected] or by phone at (610) 777-3313.

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The security industry has made some major changes in the last 5 years. A standard security system is not so

standard anymore.

The Recent PastIn the past, we thought of security as a

simple or complex system protecting your family and home in the event of an intruder. It was important to report the intrusion to a monitoring station over a standard phone line that could very often be compromised if not protected. Security companies had to

either bury the phone lines to the house or tamper them in the event of an interrup-tion of service.

Cellular communicators were intro-duced as a means of backup monitoring in the event that the phone service was not available. This thought process has since changed dramatically.

New TechnologyEven though the industry and needs are

changing, it is important to understand

that the most crucial part of the system is security. The standard for monitoring ser-vice has changed from POTS lines (copper landlines) to cellular or IP communication as the major telecommunications companies, such as AT&T, plan to phase out copper lines by 2020.

Changing to Cellular or IP service not only provides you with a more secure means of communication, but also offers you more options in controlling your system remotely. You can now stay connected to your home from anywhere.

Being ConnectedMany systems now offer the ability to

have a connected home with the addition of lifestyle devices. A connected home means having the ability to control many aspects of the home from a remote location, be it your smart phone or anywhere you have internet access. The good news is that there is little training necessary and maintenance is minimal. Some of the control options now offered are: video, lighting, locking, thermostat, overhead garage door control, and many others. If you can think it, the professionals can typically make it happen!

Most alarm companies will offer a secure app for the arming/disarming of your sys-tem remotely and viewing your home/business. You can be on vacation and let the pet sitter in just by the tap of the Unlock and Disarm icons while watching them enter on the video camera. You can also receive text messages anytime the system is dis-

The New Age of Security& the Connected Home

Beth Hahn



armed by specific users. Not sure if you closed your garage door? No problem, check the sta-tus and close it if you forgot.

Controlling lighting is also a great deterrent and security measure not only for the home owner as they arrive home in the dark, but a well-lit home reduces the risk of a break-in.

Keeping an eye on the kids as they come home from school, checking on the dog during the day, and recording the intruder as they break into your home are just a few reasons that video cameras are commonly used in residential settings. Additional video cameras and intercom systems make it easier to decipher whether the person standing at your front door is a guest or potential threat. The cost of IP video systems has reduced drastically over the last few years making it much more affordable for home owners to have the added protection cameras offer.

The images from analog cameras in the past were typically blurred or very difficult to make out. IP technology provides a clear and crisp image allowing you to identify most details. The proper camera and lens need to be chosen for each application. Be careful of the many packages available online and at chain stores. The quality of the cameras and NVR are very important to guarantee the life of the system. Video is a great addi-tion to security. Keep in mind that they help identify the criminal after the fact. Installing an alarm system protects your family and home before anything can happen.

Hire a ProWhen choosing an alarm system, take a

good look at the company providing the system and keep a few things in mind:

• Check out the reviews online for the service they have pro-vided to existing customers.

• Check out the alarm company’s website to see that they have the products and services you seek.

Crime Prevention Ideas:Home security is on the minds of a

mass majority of people due to all the break-ins and home invasions in the news each day. Security professionals recommend basic safety precautions to dramatically decrease your chances of falling victim to break-ins; such as:

• Make sure that the system they are quoting fully protects your home or business for the vulnerable points of entry. Package deals do not always cover what they need to.

• FREE is not FREE! Watch out for hidden costs.

• Most alarm companies will have a 3-year contract for the monitoring service, which should lock in the monthly/yearly rate.

• Choosing an alarm company that is local will help cut down on any service/trav-el costs you may have in the future.

Being an educated consumer will help you make the best decision for your home or business protection. When you finally make the decision to install a system, make sure you use it as much as possible. The worst thing that could happen is to be broken into with the system hanging on the wall and not armed. Most systems are very easy to operate and only take a second of thought to arm. Just because you have the sign in the yard saying you have a system doesn’t always mean the burglar will move on to the neighbor!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Beth Hahn is the President of SAH Inc., which has provided commercial/residential sales, cus-tom installation abd service of security, fire alarm, CCTV, card access, home automation and other low voltage solutions for over 25 years. Learn more at www.sahinc.com. Contact Beth at [email protected] or (610) 372-8872.

Upgrade locks on doors and windows

Add strategic lighting for your backyard, driveway, and entryway

Trim or remove plants that have grown beyond first or second floor windows

Keep tree branches (those near your house) at least seven feet from the ground

For the most reliable protection, a professionally installed security system is probably your best bet.

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features

After five or six very slow years, most builders and home improvement contractors were busy during the second half of 2014 repairing damage caused by the May 22 hailstorm

that caused tremendous property damage in parts of Berks County.

The Damage is DoneMany of those same builders and home improvement contrac-

tors expect that repairing hail damage will keep them busy into the spring months of this year. And, as the economy continues to pick up, contractors who do indoor work have been encour-aged by an uptick in business, which they hope will continue into 2015 and beyond.

Kert Sloan, president of Aluminum Associates in Temple and Past President of the Home Builders Association of Berks County,

said he and his staff have been working since the hailstorm to repair siding, gutters, soffit, and aluminum awnings. They expect to have storm-related work going until May.

John Rozzi, owner of John Rozzi Home Improvement Co. in Laureldale, agreed with Sloan that hail repair work was a huge boon for business in 2014. “That hail storm created a bonanza for all of us,” he said. “It’s a shame that people’s homes and cars were damaged, but it infused a lot of money into the local economy. There definitely was a silver lining to the storm.”

In particular, he said, the storm created such a demand for alu-minum awnings that he began fabricating them in his own shop.

“That storm created a tremendous upsurge in the demand for alu-minum awnings,” Rozzi said. “We used to deal in them, and my

wife and I talked about it and decided we’d get started with them again.”

Both residents and contractors are looking for aluminum awnings to replace storm-damaged ones. “As people or con-tractors need them, they come to me and we design and build them,” Rozzi said.

Contract NOW for Spring WorkIn addition to hail-related work, Rozzi

has an increasing number of customers who are looking to have bathrooms remod-eled. As people begin to gain confidence that the economy is starting to improve in Berks County, they’re looking back at projects that they were put on hold during

a very tough recession. “People were just withholding on those big ticket items,” Rozzi said. “I’ll tell you, it was tough sledding for a while. We

stayed okay in 2008, but we hit a brick

Susan Shelly

Renovations Remodeling




wall about three-quarters of the way through 2009.” As business picks up, Rozzi has plans to hire back some of the workers he was forced to lay off.

Bathrooms have been keep-ing workers busy at Eagle Construction and Remodeling, LLC in Blandon, said Jesse Lobb, business manager. As the economy improves, customers have been installing tile show-ers and remodeling outdated bathrooms. A recent project was a curb-less tile shower,

which adds value to a home by improving aesthetics and making the shower highly accessible and easy to use.

Eagle Construction also has seen an increase in customers interested in finishing basements, updating kitchens, and adding built-in entertainment centers with hopes that work will pick up even further as the economy continues to improve.

As people get more confident about the economy, they are looking at or revisiting projects that they can enjoy, which also increase the value of their properties. “A professionally installed patio, walkway, wall, steps, or fire pit will provide areas that allow home owners to enjoy the great outdoors, while also upping home values,” according to Diane Salks, owner of Riverview Nursery, Garden Center and Floral Shop in Alsace Township. “Even prop-erty maintenance services, particularly spring clean-up, edging, mulching, and pruning are good investments in a home.”

Having work already lined up is helpful, Sloan said. He is encouraged that when the hail damage has been repaired, he may pick up more indoor remodeling work. “Hopefully, when people get their roofs done and their siding is done, they’ll come back to other projects they might have been thinking about before the storm hit,” Sloan said.

His company could barely keep up with the demand for sunrooms and patio rooms in the early 2000s, Sloan said, but the recession put a quick end to that aspect of his business. While he’s starting to see some improvement, it’s still difficult for many people to get their hands on enough money for expensive home-im-provement projects.

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“We’re working with customers to do one piece of a project at a time,” Sloan said. “We might put a roof over an existing patio or build a porch. Then, come back the next year to install the glass.”

It’s Not Too Cold to Start NOW…Frank LoRusso at Advanced Construction Solutions in

Newmanstown said his company was getting ready to start five remodeling jobs in January; moreover, he was looking forward to even more business in the spring.

Most of their work is remodeling kitchens and bathrooms he said, while noting that

customers are looking for improve-ments that won’t put them far into

debt. “They want more bang for their buck,” LoRusso said. “They’re not looking to tear out walls and start over, but to improve with new flooring, countertops, and lighting. Consumers are a little bit more educated than they used to be.”

While many contractors are look-ing for indoor work at this time of

year, Salks is looking toward outdoor remodeling and landscaping work that’s

already on the schedule for spring.

“We’ve been receiving request for services of all types,” Salks said. “People are looking for new landscape designs and plantings; renovations of landscapes, hardscapes & ponds; water features; tree pruning & removal; and our property maintenance services.”

Salks is hoping that the already scheduled business for 2015 is a continuation of growth her company experienced last year. “We were very busy all year and were booked out about three months from design & contract preparation to signing & work comple-tion,” she said.

Additionally, customers were starting last year to look at larger outdoor remodeling projects, such as adding patios, walls, walk-ways, fire pits, and pergolas. “Customers are requesting more, in addition to having us design and create landscape plantings,” Salks said. “We also saw an increase in the number of ponds, waterfalls and pond-less features requested.” Salks is hopeful that trend will continue even more strongly in 2015.


Angles

Heating, cooling, lighting, cooking, transportation…when you add it all up, the average household spends thousands of dollars on energy every year. And, energy costs can be

a major line item for some businesses. Below are several energy trends that may become more prominent in 2015 and beyond—along with a few tips and insights to consider.

2015 ForecastEnergy costs will remain lower…perhaps.

The forecast sure looks rosy. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that gas prices will remain in the $2.50-2.60/gallon range through the end of 2015. It also projects that heating oil will cost, on average, less than $3.00/gallon for much of this year. Happy days are here again, right?

Michael DeBerdine III

ENERGY TRENDS FOR 2015

While those of us in the industry are very pleased that our cus-tomers will have an easier time paying for their winter heat, we also tend to take predictions with a grain of salt. Unfortunately, energy prices can be volatile. In the past, we’ve seen swings in pric-ing every decade because of events we can’t control, from OPEC in the 1970s to Katrina in the 2000s.

We only need to look at past predictions to realize how inac-curate they might be. For example, in January 2013, the EIA predicted that gasoline would cost $3.39/gallon. That estimate was off by about 30%. What if current estimates are off by the same amount? Business and home owners alike should continue to seek ways to limit energy use.



It’s How We ActConsumer behavior will change…but not necessarily improve.

People spending less on energy will tend to spend more else-where. In November, the Wall Street Journal reported that sales of large SUVs were up nearly 12% over a year ago. The reason: lower gas prices have given car buyers a reason to reconsider larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles.

Home owners are also saving big compared with last winter. Prices for propane and oil heat have fallen significantly, and the New York Times linked falling energy costs to a December increase in consumer spending.

In this environment, it’s important for con-sumers to remember two things. First, energy prices fluctuate, and they can do so dramat-ically without warning. Second, heating and

cooling accounts for half of a home’s energy budget. The wise home owner will consider

using hundreds of dollars in energy savings this winter to upgrade heating and cooling equipment

or make their home more energy efficient. This invest-ment, unlike a bigger car or more “stuff,” will yield savings

over many years.

It’s Smart BusinessMore businesses will review their energy usage.

In 2015, more commercial users—small, medium and larger—will engage in comprehensive energy reviews as a cost-savings exercise. The energy teams at E.G. Smith and Boyertown Oil & Propane have seen this trend among our commercial users, and have no doubt it will continue because it offers a bottom-line benefit to any company.

During a thorough review, the user evaluates energy use and all possible options, weighing the cost-benefit of switching fuel sources, equipment, and providers. While deregulation opened the market for electricity many years ago, it pays for commercial users to evaluate every aspect of their energy usage: natural gas usage, fleet fueling, conservation, age and type of HVAC equip-ment, lighting, and more. Taking a broader view can yield more savings, and help chart a course for long-term decisions. It can also help companies identify future equipment needs or emerg-ing challenges.

By establishing goals and basing decisions on data, a compa-ny can begin to craft a plan that fits its situation. Commercial users should talk to a few potential partners and learn about the options available. One key point: Seek providers that will operate as advocates for your company’s best interests. The Rhoads fam-ily of companies, for example, will direct customers to beneficial energy programs that we may not offer.

Get There CheaperFleet operators will embrace fueling alternatives.

More businesses, schools, and governments that operate a fleet of vehicles will switch to alternative fuel sources like compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane. One primary reason: both fuels cost far less than the gasoline and diesel that typically power fleet vehicles. The average price per gallon for CNG stands at $2.11 as of this writing—a 45% savings off of diesel.

Other advantages: both propane and CNG vehicles offer far lower emissions and lower maintenance costs than standard cars and trucks. In addition, fleet operators can install their own tanks and maintain their own supply.

Already, one school district in Central Pennsylvania has switched its entire fleet to propane-powered buses, and businesses are exper-imenting with propane as a cost-cutting vehicle fuel. And, some of our region’s fleet fuel providers—including the Jerome H. Rhoads companies—plan to add CNG pumps to existing fueling locations.

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Homes Save, TooHigher efficiency options for home owners.

Innovations in heating and cool-ing equipment have boosted energy efficiency and driven down operating costs. Federal regulation requiring greater efficiency has lead to the development of AC systems that may cost half as much to operate as older systems. Home owners nursing along an older central air system—or who experience equipment failure during a hot spell—will take advantage of new ultra-efficient systems.

On the heating side, home own-ers with older systems may consider replacement after the current heating season. For many, this decision may

involve not only a new heating system, but a new heat source. Oil heat users may consider converting a system to natural gas, for example—a trend that has grown over the past few years. But home owners also have options if they choose to stay with oil.

High-tech boilers can yield significant savings; one model uses a design that eliminates idle loss and can cut 40% or more off of annual heating costs.

Every energy user, whether it’s a home owner, a business or a school district, should take time to review these broader energy trends. Understanding the big picture—and taking time to con-sider your own energy habits—can help you find ways to drive down your energy costs and keep more dollars in your wallet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Michael DeBerdine III is President and CEO of the Jerome H. Rhoads fam-ily of companies, which provides comprehensive energy services including heating oil, natural gas, propane, fleet fueling and equipment installation and service. The organization serves Berks County through local subsidiaries including Boyertown Oil and Propane and E.G. Smith Inc. For information, visit www.boyertownoil.com or www.egsmithinc.com. Contact Michael by Email at [email protected].

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Hypothermia [hahy-puh-thur-mee-uh] noun

1. Pathology. subnormal body temperature.

2. Medicine/Medical. the artificial reduction of body temperature to slow metabolic processes, as for facilitating heart surgery.

Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hypothermia —What to Do?Symptoms of hypothermia include fatigue, drowsiness, uncon-

trolled shivering, bluish skin, slurred speech, clumsy movements, irritability, and irrational or confused behavior.

Here are some tips for what to do if a co-worker appears to be suffering from hypothermia:

• Call for emergency help, and move him or her to a warm, dry place.

• Remove wet clothing and replace with warm, dry clothing or wrap the person in blankets.

• Give the victim warm, sweet drinks if the person is alert. Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol.

• Have the victim move arms and legs to create muscle heat. If they are unable todo this, place warm bottles or hot packs in the armpits, groin, neck and head areas.

• Finally, do not rub the victim’s body or place them in a warm water bath. This could stop the heart.

Hypothermia is not the only danger of working in cold conditions.

Frostbite [frawst-bahyt, frost-] noun

1. injury to any part of the body after excessive exposure to extreme cold, sometimes progressing from initial redness and tingling to gangrene.

Frostbite—What to Do?Frostbite occurs when deep layers of skin freeze. Symptoms

include pale, waxy skin and numbness in the affected area. Frostbite usually affects fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose.

If a co-worker seems to be suffering from frostbite:

• Move him or her to a warm, dry place.

• Do not rub the affected area. This might dam-age the skin. Instead, gently place the affected area in warm—not hot—water for 25 to 40 minutes.

• When normal feeling and color have returned, dry the skin, and wrap the affected area to keep it warm.

• Finally, seek medical attention.

The Key is PreventionTo prevent frostbite and hypothermia, remember these simple

safety rules:

• Dress warmly in waterproof and wind-resistant clothing. Wear several layers to provide the best protection.

• Wear a hat and gloves. Remember, up to 40 percent of your body heat can be lost if your head is uncovered.

• Wear insulated, waterproof boots to protect against cold and dampness.

• Take frequent short breaks in a warm, dry place to allow your body to warm up.

• Drink warm, sweet beverages, but avoid caffeine or alcohol.

• Finally, eat warm, high-calorie foods on meal and snack breaks.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Erica J. Grimm, CISR is the Account Administrator for the PBA Workers Compensation Insurance Program, which has highly competitive rates for all HBA members, especially those in the building and remodeling trades. Learn more at www.HBAberks.org/Insurance.hml. Contact Erica at [email protected] or (717) 755-9266.

Erica J. Grimm, CISR

Angles


Angles

Do you feel like you are drowning in debt? Trust your instincts.

The national average credit card debt per household is $7,087. About 47% of households carry a balance on credit cards from month to month. Our reliance on plastic and other forms of credit makes life difficult for families struggling to make ends meet.

Personal Debt Assessment Even if you are still in shallow water, a

personal debt assessment may be just the financial life preserver you need to keep your debt from spiraling out of control.

How do you know if you need a debt assessment? Ask yourself whether you are experiencing these warning signs:

✘ Do you frequently pay bills late?

✘ Do you pay only the minimum due on your credit cards?

✘ Do you use credit for necessities like groceries?

✘ Have you ever used one credit card to pay off another?

✘ Do you find yourself paying off holiday debt for several months or years?

✘ Have you been contacted by creditors?

✘ Do you use high-cost loans such as payday loans as “quick money” for desperate circumstances?

Debt Credit

Trish Shermot, CME

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is time for you to plan a strat-egy for getting out—and staying out—of debt, develop a sensible spending plan, and communicate effectively with creditors. A personal debt assessment may be just the financial life preserver you need to keep your debt from spiraling out of control.

Your Credit ScoreThe credit industry is keeping

score. Every time you apply for a credit card, a mort-gage, or even insurance, your application is judged in part by your credit score. Lenders objectively measure your credit-worthiness using that number. The higher the score, the more likely you are perceived to repay credit.

Factors that affect your credit score include payment history, amount of debt you carry, length of credit history, whether you frequently apply for new credit, and your credit mix (credit cards, retail cards, mortgage, and personal loans).

The best advice is to pay all bills on time and only charge as much as you can afford to pay in full when the bill is due on credit cards and other revolving accounts.

Consumers Union advises consum-ers not to purchase a credit score report because it is often not the same as what many lenders use. You can order your credit report, on the other hand, free. Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com to order one free credit score report a year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Not everyone has a score if you have not used credit in the past. If you need to establish credit ask your financial institution for a secured loan or something that holds an asset in place while you borrow against it. This will be less risky for the financial institution and the rate to borrow against the asset will be lower than with no asset.

Keep Your Credit Report AccurateProblems can be large or small. The Policy

and Economic Research Council (PERC), Durham, N.C., study of more than 2,000 consumers found that only 0.93% of credit reports examined by consumers prompt-ed a dispute that resulted in a credit score



change of 25 points or more. It also found that only 0.50% of consumers had credit scores that moved to a higher “credit risk tier” upon dispute resolution.

Check the basics first. Check variations in name, Social Security number, and address. Experian lists all variations reported to it to ensure the consumer has a full account of the identifying information reported and can act on it. Often, variations are sim-ply the use of a nickname or a transposed address digit.

Verify data. Some can get complicated. If a loan is sold, the lender listed may not be the original.

Look for errors. A study released in early 2013 by the Federal Trade Commission revealed that one of five consumers report-edly found errors on their credit reports, some of which could affect their credit score. These findings were not far off from

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an earlier study by PERC, which found just less than one of five (19.2%) credit reports examined by consumers contained poten-tially inaccurate information.

When counselors at credit counseling agencies review reports with clients, they often find that the unfavorable information is valid. However, when it is in error, it is important to start the correction process right away.

Dispute errors. Contact the company that has provided the incorrect information and the credit reporting agency in writing and keep copies. Work with both the source of the information and the credit reporting company to resolve the issue quickly.

For help understanding your credit score, talk to the professionals at any of the credit bureaus or your Visions Federal Credit Union. They will be happy to explain the details.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patricia “Trish” Shermot, CME

is a Business Development

Manager of Visions Federal Credit

Union, a not-for-profit financial

institution, completely owned

by its members. Find them on

the web at www.VisionsFCU.org.

Contact Trish directly by email

at [email protected] or

by phone at (610) 376-6639.


Since 1915, workers compensation has been required by law to be provided by nearly all employers in the state of Pennsylvania. As employers know, the cost to purchase this

coverage varies from year to year. However, what many employ-ers are unaware of are the main factors that drive these costs: business classification, losses or claims history, and choice of insurance company.

Who Are You?The starting point for your workers compensation costs is your

business classification. Based on information provided from your agent, data collected by your insurance company, and often physical inspections, the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau (PCRB) will assign a three-digit class code as a numeric representation of your operation, which will then be prominently displayed on your insurance policy. For example, a physician or dentist’s code is 956 and an accountant’s code is 962.

It is imperative that these classifications are correct. For instance, if an electrician is classified incorrectly as a roofer, that electrician will have a much larger workers compensation cost than other electricians properly classified. Classifications can be reviewed at any time by the PCRB to determine accuracy if the business operations have changed.

History Can Cost Or SaveOnce you are assigned a class code, both the PCRB and the

individual insurance companies will compare your loss history per $100 of payroll against other employers in the state who share the same class code. This is where your loss and claims history enter into the pricing equation.

If, according to the state’s actuarial formulas, your loss history mirrors their averages for those in your class code, you will be assigned a 1.00 experience modification. If you are 15% lower or higher, you would be assigned an experience modification of .85 or 1.15, respectively. An employer with an experience modifica-tion of .85 has his manual premium reduced by 15%, whereas an

employer with an experience modification of 1.15 pays an addi-tional 15% on top of his manually rated premium. Preventing workers compensation injuries from occurring is the single biggest thing an employer can do to reduce workers compensation costs.

If an injury does occur, it is important to work to manage the extent of the claim by using insurance company medical cost containment programs, physician panels, and offering light-duty return to work programs for injured employees.

Choose WiselyYour choice of an insurance company is a very important factor

in determining the ultimate cost of your workers compensation program. Every year insurance companies use information released from the state actuaries about each class code to file their overall rating structure. Those filings eventually translate into the exact rates per $100 of payroll shown on your insurance policy, which will vary from company to company.

Additionally, depending on your exposures, loss history, and risk management practices, the individual underwriter at an insur-ance company may seek to deviate from the simple payroll times rate formula shown on your policy and offer a credit or a debit of up to 25% on your premium. More credit is offered to the bet-ter performing employers from a loss prevention and mitigation standpoint; debits are generally assessed to employers who have the opposite track record.

Some insurance companies will work with employers to prevent losses, mitigate claims costs, and protect loss history, ultimately driving down insurance costs through experience modification and underwriting credit. Other insurance companies will not. Consequently, your insurance company will have a large bearing on the long term costs of your workers compensation premiums.

In closing, it’s imperative that employers take an active role in preventing workers compensation claims from occurring, mitigating their costs once they do occur, and partnering with a competi-tively priced insurance company that will assist in achieving both of the above.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Erica J. Grimm, CISR is the Account Administrator for the PBA Workers Compensation Insurance Program, which has highly competitive rates for all HBA members, especially those in the building and remodeling trades. Learn more at www.HBAberks.org/Insurance.hml. Contact Erica at [email protected] or (717) 755-9266.

Erica J. Grimm, CISR

SAVE BIGon Workers Comp Insurance

Angles

With top-tier risk management, claims handling and group purchasing power—the PBA Workers Comp Program through Eastern Alliance Insurance Company

has offered competitive, stable pricing to PBA members for over a decade, returning over $1,000,000 in dividends. Call the HBA for more info at (610) 777-8889

or reach out directly to our Program Administrators—McConkey Insurance & Benefits to learn more at (717) 755-9266 or [email protected]



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2015 Upcoming Events…

Membership happenings

FEB4

Mar19

FEB18

Mar20-21

APR11

FEB26

Mar28

May5

Allwein Wholesale Flooring, Inc.Susan Allwein1475 East Main Street, Annville, PA 17003PH: (717) 867- 4100www.allweincarpetoneannville.comSponsor: Patrick Dolan

Bursich Associates, Inc.Jason Jenkins2129 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464PH: (484) 941- 0438Email: [email protected]: Chad Camburn, P.E.

Heilner Landscaping Co., Inc.Allen Heilner3762 Hay Creek Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508 PH: (610) 286 - 7089Email: [email protected]: Patrick Dolan

Houp Landscaping, Inc. Craig Houp300 Wiest School Road, Oley, PA 19547 PH: (610) 987 - 3500Email: [email protected] Sponsor: Patrick Dolan

Sir Speedy PrintingJoe Demarte2530 Penn Avenue, West Lawn, PA 19609 PH: (610) 670 - 2090Email: [email protected] Sponsor: Edward F. Anewalt

Reading Royals Hockey GameSantander CenterStarts at 6:30 pm

PBA Association TrainingMohegan Sun, Wilkes BarreAll Day

RMCTC Career Round TableReading Muhlenberg CTC9:00 am – 2:00 pm

PBA Committee & Board MeetingsMohegan Sun, Wilkes BarreAll Day

HBA Spring Clean-Up DayHBA Business Campus8:00 am – 12 noon

All About Your MembershipHBA Conference Room3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Easter Egg HuntHBA Business CampusStarts at 10:30 am

Reading Fightin Phil’sFirst Energy Stadium6:30 pm

welcome new members



to renewing members of the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA)

31+ YearsRobert L. Weidele, ContractorDutch Valley Door & Window Co., Inc.RE/MAX of ReadingBerkshire Greens, Inc.Culligan Water ConditioningLeRoy Schannauer Plumbing

& Heating, Inc.North Temple Builders, Inc.

26-30 Years SAH, Inc.Security First, Inc.Knauth Construction

21-25 YearsA.R. Adam & Son, Inc.Visions Federal Credit UnionWelbilt Homes Inc.

16-20 YearsFulton Mortgage CompanyGlen-Gery CorporationBaker TillyBodden Contracting Group Inc.Environmental Design Service, Inc.Heffleger Kitchen Center

11-15 YearsOur City-Reading, Inc.Redstone CompanyBursich Associates, Inc.

6-10 YearsGlen-Gery CorporationA P Merkel Inc.Berkshire Systems Group, Inc.Greater Reading Economic

PartnershipHartman’s Home ImprovementsVan Cleef Engineering AssociatesBerks Concrete Restorations, Inc.Manmiller Electric, LLCPro Max Fence Systems24-7 Electric LLC

2-5 YearsDiebolt Landscape Co., Inc.Wise SignsL2i Construction LLCB & G GlassEisenhauer NissanHampson Mowrer Kreitz InsuranceJohn Rozzi Home

Improvement Co., Inc.

Quality Floors Inc.Contact: Chuck Smith 800.446.6035

10% OFF ANY ORDER(Not valid with any other offers or prior purchases)

Geoff Penske Buick GMC Contact: Victor Popescu 610.777.1300

GM AFFINITY PROGRAM & PARTNERSHIP WITH HBA (Call Victor for more details on how you can save.)

Berks TransferContact: Bob Quinn 610.926.7626

$50 OFF 1ST CAN ORDER TO NEW CUSTOMERS

Martin’s Flooring, Inc.Contact: Richie Zook 877.445.7799

FREE INTERIOR DESIGN & SPECIAL HBA CONTRACTOR PRICING(Ask about our contractor referral program)

Member 2 Member Discount Program

As one of the many benefits of membership in the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA), the following members are offering the discounts listed to HBA members only. If you would like to join the HBA or offer a Member 2 Member Discount, contact the HBA office: 610.777.8889.

Membership happenings

James Gavin, EsquireMasano Bradley

Tom KearseKohl Building Products

Deborah KearseKohl Building Products

Larry KehresL.A. Kehres Building & Remodeling

Brad KehresL.A. Kehres Building & Remodeling

Edward Anewalt IVAnewalt’s Landscape Contracting

Walter GrethGreth Homes

John NewtonGreth Homes

David GallenGallen Insurance

2015 Foundation Club Members:(In date order)

These members understand the important role legislation plays in their businesses and the importance of electing and supporting legislators who are sensitive to the issues affecting the building industry.

Call the HBA office at 610.777.8889 to learn how to become a member

of the FOUNDATION CLUB.



What’s HOT ON HBAberkschannel

Big Reveal: 2014 Build of HBA Restoring HopeWatch the family react as they see their “new” home for the first time. The

Big Reveal (Saturday, September 20th, 2014) of the HBA Restoring Hope 2014 Build to Dennis & Lisa Welgo and their four children, Jessica, Alissa, Hank, and Haley, organized by the Home Builders Association of Berks County in Pennsylvania, USA.

For the 2014 Build, the Board of Directors chose Dennis & Lisa Welgo, of Mohrsville in Upper Bern Township. Lisa has Cerebral Palsy, which she devel-oped as a result of having pneumonia. As she ages, she is experiencing more difficulty navigating. Both parents work full time. Lisa works for the Hamburg School District and her husband, Dennis, works for Microtel. They have four children. Jessica is a lovely 27 year old who has Downs Syndrome and loves to read. Alissa, 20-year-old student at Alvernia University, works three part-time jobs and provides support for the entire family. Hank was adopted by Dennis & Lisa when he was fifteen months old. He weighed only fifteen pounds at the time. He is now a thriving, active 7 year old. His biological sister, Haley, is a lively five year who began attending kindergarten this fall. Shortly after Lisa and Dennis adopted the children, Lisa was diagnosed with cancer. After undergoing treatment, she is blessed to be a four-year survivor.

The project took place from Monday, September 15th thru Saturday, September 20th, 2014. (Length: 22:14)

Private Tour:2014 Build of HBA Restoring Hope

Your personal, private tour of the of the Welgo home (2014 Build) of HBA Restoring Hope brought to you by the Home Builders Association of Berks County in Pennsylvania, USA.

The HBA of Berks County has always represented the best builders, remodelers, trade contractors, and associated professionals in the construction industry. This is our way of thanking and giving back to a community that provides us our livelihoods. The HBA Restoring Hope Foundation (RHF) is neighbors helping neighbors so a community can rebuild itself. It is not a ‘hand out’ but a ‘hand up’ for one family in the county each year. (Length: 19:56)

Crackle Finish: The Magic of PaintUse a Crackle Finish to make old furniture new again with that antique look

that makes it original. The five Berks County locations of Sherwin Williams worked together to present various tips, tricks, ideas, and lessons on how to make things looks brand new on a tight budget. (Length: 5:49)

What is a Contract? (Offer + Acceptance)Day 2 Briefing (Tuesday, September 16th 2014) of the 2014 Build of HBA

Restoring Hope organized by the Home Builders Association of Berks County in Pennsylvania, USA. (Length: 6:45)



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At Home in Berks February 2015

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Transcript of At Home in Berks February 2015