At Home in Berks December 2015

DECEMBER 2015

For 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

Graphic Designer: Brittany Fry

Contents

2015 HBA BerksBoard of Directors

OFFICERS:

PresidentEdward F. Anewalt IV, CLP

Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting (Bernville)

First Vice PresidentJames E. Gavin, Esquire

Masano Bradley Attorneys at Law (Wyomissing)

Secretary/TreasurerEvan L. Hand, III

National Penn Bank (Allentown)

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)

Tom WattsMiddle Creek Roofing, LLC

(Newmanstown)

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS:

Sherrie HallowellTompkins VIST Bank (Wyomissing)

Jason JenkinsBursich Associates, Inc. (Pottstown)

HBA STAFF:

Janet CampisExecutive Officer & At Home in Berks

Editor-in-Chief

Features: Angles:

Departments:

6 Heating Season Outlook

8 6 Essentials for Exceptional Customer Service

14 Today’s Hardwood Flooring is Warranted for Life…Or Until

Incorrectly Installed

23 NAHB Reproaches OSHA For Attempt

to Skirt the Law

24 Clean Air Council v. Review & Advisory Council and the Department of Labor & Industry

26 PA Office UC Service Centers Announces Employer Fact-finding Process Change

30 HBA Restoring Hope Foundation Completes

5th Makeover

34 Choosing the Right Sunroom for Your Home

12 Is IT a Part of your Emergency Response

Program?

18 How Pure is Your Water?

21 Improving the Air You Breathe

25 Small Business Practices

27 Beware Foreclosure Rescue Scams

28 EPA Launches Online Permit Program

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

36 Membership Pages New and returning members, member to member discount programs, and an overview of all Association-related events for January–March 2016.

4 AT HOME IN BERKs December 2015

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

From the President

It Is In Giving That We Receive

Edward Anewalt, CEO Anewalt’s Landcape & Contracting; 2015 HBA of Berks County President

*Name changed

fter reflecting on past charity projects, whether initiated by Anewalt’s or another organization, whether huge or humble, whether publicized or private, I am convinced that charity from the heart has great benefits.

Every year, Anewalt’s participates in an Earth Day project in which we choose a property owner with a landscape need. In 2015, we chose to help out local property owner Samantha* and her two young boys. Samantha does her best to maintain the site; nonetheless, this busy mom wears many hats and needed a helping hand. The scope of the project was to perform a thorough spring cleanup, pruning, mulching, and to plant seasonal color in the flower beds. It would have been rather sim-ple to execute this project without involving Samantha, as property maintenance makes up a large part of our business; however, this year we decided to include the property owner, her children, our employees and their children in the action.

The project proved to be a success on many levels. Let’s mention three here.

Good Breeds GoodFirst, good breeds good. I have learned that even if donating a job seems like a stretch at the time,

whether financially or time-wise, we have always been blessed one way or another for our giving. It’s rather common for us to receive an uptick in sales coming to us after participating in a charity. Ironically, this increased monetary benefit, although greatly appreciated, is far outweighed by things that can’t be measured. Read on!

December 2015 AT HOME IN BERKs 5


JoySamantha was left with a property that was neat and tidy; she didn’t have to

worry about how and when she would get the property shipshape or be con-cerned with finances. Our team felt a great sense of joy knowing that their skills could be used to make someone so happy. In the bigger scope of things, they felt proud to be a part of a team that has its place within the community.

The Future: ChildrenThird and most importantly, the children reaped great benefits from working

alongside dad on the job. How often do we see children on the job with mom or dad these days? It happens way too little. By taking the time to let the little ones experience what we do, we open up a whole new world to them, educate them, invest in their future and bring a little laughter to everyone’s day with their innocent comments and childlike actions. This experience is beyond words!

Without carrying on, I’d prefer to leave you with a few pictures from our project that seem to say it all.

Let me close by encouraging you to find a place in our local community where you can share your time, talents and perhaps money. And, let me thank those of you who already so generously engage in charity projects. May you be richly blessed for your contributions and efforts.

May God bless you as 2015 draws to a close! Thank you for supporting me in 2015 as your HBA president. I warmly welcome Jim Gavin as your 2016 HBA president!


features

race yourself. There are still a few months of winter left.

Though most of us view winter as a sea-son to endure, this heating season should actually be more bearable for homeown-ers because of warmer temperatures and lower fuel costs. Below, you’ll learn details from forecasters and economists—and find valuable tips from experienced heating tech-nicians at E.G. Smith Inc. and Boyertown Oil and Propane.

This Winter’s Weather— & Energy Prices

Forecasters believe that this winter, we may experience the strongest El Nino ever. In our region, scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict this powerful weather pattern will generate a much wetter winter. That could mean rain, sleet or snow—in any event, it could get ugly. The good news: in the northeastern U.S., forecasters believe tem-peratures will be about 13% warmer, on average, than last year. If that prediction holds true, even partially, households will use less fuel to heat this winter—whether that’s natural gas, heating oil or propane.

More good news: In October, the Energy Department released its annual prediction,

which forecasts lower heating bills across the board for the winter of 2015-16. The government predicts a 25% drop ($459 on average) for homes using heating oil and an 18% drop (about $322 on average) for homes using propane, compared to last winter. Those are national averages, but those savings trends are close to what our customers are experiencing locally with E.G. Smith Inc. and Boyertown Oil and Propane.

Investing Your “Energy Dividend”

For a bit of perspective, consider this: The average price for both heating oil and propane has fallen by 40% or more since the winter of 2012-13. The result: house-hold winter heating costs have fallen by $1,000—or more—over the past couple of years. Likewise, gasoline prices have fallen by more than $1/gallon over the past two years, resulting in even greater savings for consumers.

We encourage homeowners to view these savings as an “energy dividend” and to make conscious decisions about how to invest this windfall. If a family gets a tax-refund check for several thousand dollars, they think long and hard about how to use it. Because the

“energy dividend” is hidden in month-af-ter-month savings, consumers may be more

HEATING SEASON OUTLOOK

Michael DeBerdine, III

likely to spend it on shopping, dining out or—in times of low gas prices—a new car.

Though energy prices remain at relative lows, we’ve all learned that they can be vol-atile. That’s why families should consider applying their “energy dividend” toward investments that lower their energy costs for years to come:

• UPDATE YOUR HOME COMFORT Explore technologies that pay off in the long run. Boost efficiency with an on-de-mand hot water heater. Control your home temperature remotely with a Wi-Fi thermostat. Maintain a healthy level of moisture in the air—and help control ener-gy costs—with a whole-house humidifier.

• MAKE CHANGES AT HOME Review your home’s energy perfor-mance, or get a professional energy audit. Adding insulation, sealing ducts, and closing gaps around doors and win-dows can result in significant savings.

• SEEK (MUCH) HIGHER EFFICIENCY A modern oil heat system can achieve efficiencies as high as 97%—a huge savings over older systems that have efficiencies of 70% or less. Or, consid-er converting to a natural gas system.

Winter weather, energy costs & tips for saving



Key Questions for Heating Season

Space heating is the largest energy expense in the average U.S. home, account-ing for about 45% of energy bills. Even so, far too many of us manage our home’s heating system with a “set it and forget it” approach. Here are a few questions home-owners should ask as this winter rolls on:

“When was my last annual maintenance?” Yearly service enables a qualified technician to spot (and fix) smaller problems that could turn into major headaches—even a system outage. In addition, maintenance performed by a qualified technician ensures that your system is operating at peak efficiency—a benefit that can trim up to 10% from heating bills for oil heat households. Research also shows that regular maintenance can extend the life of an oil heat system by up to 50%.

“Is my system protected?” An annual service plan can safeguard against the sig-nificant expense of a major repair. The plan you choose should include annual mainte-nance, which you should schedule anyway. Research a service plan that gives you the level of coverage you need, and be sure it includes 24-hour emergency service.

“How old is my system?” It could pay to find out. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy recommends a professional evaluation for heating systems older than 10 years. There are a few signals that a system may be on its last legs. Your home may heat unevenly, with some rooms becoming warm while others stay cool.

Tips toheat smarter this winTer

Get more out of your heat-

ing system—and spend less —with these wintertime tips:

• Get a programmable thermostat. Turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours, and you can save 5% to 15% off your heating bill, according to the U.S. Department Energy.

• Don’t heat empty space. Close vents, fireplace dampers, and closets when they aren’t in use. Closing these will seal extra openings where heat can escape.

• Let the heat in. Don't block heat vents, radiators, or baseboard heat with furniture, rugs or drapes.

• Learn more. For numerous useful tips—some that are very simple to perform—visit Energy.gov and click on the Energy Saver tab.

Small steps can add up to big savings—and extend the life of your heating system.

Also, if the room housing your furnace or boiler feels warm, even when the system is not operating, it could be experiencing high idle loss—a telltale sign of system underperformance.

“What’s my AFUE?” Annual fuel utili-zation efficiency (AFUE) is a measure of how efficient the appliance is in converting fuel to heat. So, according to Energy.gov, a system with an AFUE of 80% means that 80% of the energy in the fuel becomes heat for the home and the other 20% escapes up the chimney or elsewhere. Energy.gov points out those older, low-efficiency heating systems may have an AFUE of 70%, or even 60%, whereas new high-ef-ficiency systems may carry an AFUE well above 90%. Determining your AFUE can help you make decisions on retrofitting or replacing an outdated system. Energy.gov reports that a higher-AFUE system could trim your heating bill by up to 40%, or more.

The combined forecast of warmer tem-peratures and lower fuel costs makes this the perfect year to assess your heating sys-tem, your energy usage, and whether it’s time to consider an upgrade.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Michael DeBerdine, III, is president and CEO of the Rhoads Energy family of companies, includ-ing Boyertown Oil and Propane and E.G. Smith Inc., in Berks County. Additional information is available at www.boyertownoil.com and www.egsmithinc.com.


features

ou’re in business and making money, congratulations. However, if your

business is like any other business, and it is, then you have competitors. In many cases, your competitors provide the same products and services that you do. So why would a customer choose you over your competition? The answer is providing customer service that dwarfs what your competitors offer. Below are tips for going above and beyond. Not only will your customers notice, these efforts will boost your bottom line.

Customer Service Starts at the Top

As an owner or manager of a company, adopting a customer service philosophy of “do what I say, not what I do” with your employees doesn’t work. If you want your staff to be committed to customer service, then you must be committed to customer service. There are no shortcuts. Use any cliché like, ‘practice what you preach,’ ‘actions speak louder than words,’ or ‘lead by example,’ but

they are all true. If a company provides atro-cious customer service, blame management.

TIP: As an owner or manager, have one-on-one conversations with your employees about your expectations for good customer service. This is a personal way of conveying how important it is instead of mentioning it to a group or writing an email.

Empathynoun; em·pa·thy \'em-p -thēThe feeling that you understand and share another person’s experiences and emotions: the ability to share someone else’s feelings.

All too often, we associate empathy with a negative emotion, like feeling sorry for someone because something bad happened

to him or her. Yes, having empathy with a customer while resolving a problem is vital to making sure a solution is found, but do not forget to empathize with a customer’s positive emotions. Are they excited about their new home? Be excited with them. Are they upset that a particular product is backordered? Understand their frustration. When a customer feels that you are on their side and working with them, everyone feels better. In many cases, when a customer feels better working with you than a competitor they will choose you, regardless of price.

TIP: Throughout your interaction with a customer, take a moment to repeat information that they shared with you so they know you are listening. This will also help you to internalize the customer’s needs.

Conel Roney

Essentials for

EXCEPTIONALCustomer Service



Say What You Mean & Mean What You Say

Did you have a long day and can’t get that bid to a client that you promised? Tough. That question you said you’d have an answer for can wait until tomorrow, right? Wrong. Get. It. Done. The fastest way to lose a cus-tomer is to not follow through when you said you would. No matter how large or small the task is, if you said you would do it, then do it. You would be shocked with how many people don’t complete promises to clients. Following through with your promises, no matter how large or small, will immediately separate you from your competition.

To accomplish this, set realistic expecta-tions for you and your client. For example, a particular appliance might be a special order piece and needs to be priced spe-cifically for each project. This could entail having to secure information from third parties and they might not be able to react as quickly as you want. Give yourself a buf-fer to gather the needed information from the proper sources. If you absolutely cannot hit the deadline you promised your client, call them (don’t email; more on that later) and explain the situation to them. If you’re lucky, they will understand.

TIP: Realize that you have, at most, one excuse per customer as to why you didn’t keep your promise. Never, under any circumstances, use an excuse like, “I’m sorry, I had a bunch of fires to put out.” Do you know what your customer hears? They hear that there are other clients who are more important to you.

To Email or Not To Email? That is the Question.

One of the most essential compo-nents of interacting with customers is using email. It’s easy and efficient, but it’s not always the best route to choose when contacting a client. For simple, day to day interactions, email is fantastic, but don’t use email to deliver good news and never deliver bad news via email. The reasoning is

simple. The client hears your voice. It’s very easy for someone to interpret an email in a different tone than how it was meant to be read, especially with bad news (re-read the section on empathy). Good news works the same way. Who doesn’t like delivering good news to someone? By doing it over the phone, they’ll hear the happiness in your voice and happiness is infectious.

TIP: Were you calling to deliver bad news and got their voicemail? Don’t leave a message with bad news. Inform your client that you have an update and to call you when they get a chance. Make sure to put a little urgency in your voice so they understand the importance of calling you back.

If It Lands On Your Desk, You Solve the Problem

A customer calls in and has a question or a problem, but it’s one of your colleague’s clients and they’re not in the office or unavailable. What do you do? Don’t pass them off. Handle it to the best of your ability. Here at Kieffer’s if you pick up the phone, it’s your issue no matter how large or small the problem is. Do we expect our staff to have a solution right then and there? Absolutely not, but we expect that each employee takes the issue to heart and sees it through. Whether it’s taking a message for a coworker and making sure that person follows up, relaying informa-tion to another department, meeting with another salesperson’s clients, answering a question immediately, or connecting that customer to the right people, it’s our staff ’s responsibility to treat everyone’s client like their own. Adopting this mindset has two benefits. The first is that the client

feels as if multiple people are empathizing (there’s that word again) with their feelings and that they have a team ready to help them out. The second is that it installs a checks and balances system between employees. For example, “Hey, I took a phone message for you an hour ago, did

Continued on page 11



you call them back?” We are all busy, but if we look out for each other, we’re less likely to miss something.

TIP: Want to really wow your customers? Follow up with a client you had interaction with even though they are working with your colleague. Make sure to carbon copy your colleague on the message:

Hi, Mrs. Jones. I realize you’re working with Jane Doe here, but we talked about how to load your dishwasher properly. Is it working out for you? Feel free to contact Jane or myself if you need anything else.

Thank Your CustomersObvious, yes, but how do you thank

your customers? By email? Wrong. By a typed letter on your company’s letterhead?

Wrong. By a hand written note? Right! Gone are the days of handwrit-ten thank you notes, but going old school here really makes a difference. Sending a thank you email is easy. Sending a printed letter is easy.

Sitting down with a pen and a thank you card shows your customer that you sincerely appreciate their business.

TIP: Set time every Friday afternoon to write thank you notes for the week. If you don’t block out specific time to do this, it will never be completed.

Each of these steps is relatively easy to do, but just like exercising, repetition is key. Effective customer service doesn’t just happen. It evolves with effort from every member of your company from the top down, and without constant care it can grow out of control—like my love handles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Conal Roney is the Director of Marketing at Kieffer’s Appliances and writes the award win-ning Kieffer’s Blog—A “Different” Take on The Appliance Industry. Conal sits on the Bucks-Mont NARI Board of Directors and is actively involved within the chapter.For more information about Kieffer’s Appliances, contact Kieffer’s Representative, Kristen Cossa at 215-852-3910 or [email protected].


ANGLES

1. internal Threats should be Taken seriously.Although hackers, viruses, and other external bad actors are real, many business owners are surprised to find out that, even inad-vertently, their own employees can pose a big risk to IT security.

According to CIO Magazine, 63% of survey respondents reported that employees had accidentally allowed unauthorized access to a company network, while 61% said carelessness had led to hijacked accounts. And a whopping 43% revealed that their companies had

been attacked by malicious insiders or disgruntled employees.

2. Third-party security is crucial. Most affiliates would never knowingly put their business part-

ners’ IT security at risk. But intent isn’t required for error—consider the Target breach of 2013, which cost the company 50% of its Q4 2013 profit and affected 100 million people, all because a small

HVAC company had remote access to Target’s servers. 60% of busi-nesses surveyed by CIO Magazine said they failed to safeguard

sensitive data among business partners, while 21% said they never held security planning meetings. And 45% of senior executives admitted they didn’t take full responsibility for security matters.

3. untested policies are surprisingly common. 50% of businesses surveyed by CIO Magazine said they ran inter-

nal tests less than once a quarter, while 60% said they ran external tests in the same time period. And 20% of businesses revealed that they don’t perform any kinds of tests at all. Having sound security

policies in place is important—but having a trusted partner that reg-ularly tests them is even more important for long-term IT success.

Is it a Part of your Emergency Response Program?

Submitted By:Zee Medical Reading Professional Services Group

4. unsoliciTed email, infecTed atTachments, & malicious links are still dangerous.

You could have the strongest security policies in the world in place, but all it takes is one inadvertent click on one malicious link or bad email attachment to infect all of the computers in your office. Never

open ANY email or attachment if you don’t recognize the send-er, hover over ANY link and review the address before clicking on it, and publish a clear and concise policy on these matters

that ALL employees are required to understand and sign.

5. Mobile devices represent the weakest securiTy link.

The integrity of mobile devices has become a hot topic in IT circles—especially as industry standards have risen. But even

with mandatory passcodes, thumbprint scanners, and remote wipe capabilities, each and every mobile device still rep-

resents a potential gateway for hackers. 67% of CIOs said their organizations were affected by mobile security breaches in 2014, while 38% said their existing bring your own device (BYOD) policies aren’t secure enough. 33% admitted that BYOD policies aren’t in place at all at their companies.

Identity theft is a fear we all have with the electronic world in which we live. Did you know that personal identity theft is only one area causing chaos—what would happen if your business was hacked?

The following statistics come from CIO Magazine’s 2015 State of the CIO survey, which collected responses on a wide range of topics from more than 550 American IT executives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:ZEE Medical Reading’s Professional Services Group has the talent and the experience to help you plan for your future. For more informa-tion on our capabilities, and where we might fit into your organization, contact Dale Rothenberger, ZEE Medical Services, at 484.239.6925 ([email protected])




features

TODAY’S HARDWOODFLOORING IS WARRANTED

FOR LIFE…Or Until Incorrectly Installed

New home buyers investing in hardwood floorcovering choose to do so for its timeless, classic

beauty and also for its low maintenance, easy-care, and long-wearing performance. While a first-quality, stylish product choice and generous manufacturer warranty are extremely important, proper installation of hardwood flooring is essential to ensure years of enjoyment.

With today’s manufacturing processes and superior finish coatings, many facto-ry pre-finished engineered and longstrip wood floorcovering products carry lifetime residential warranties that assure lasting performance for as many as fifty years. But did you know that if installed incorrectly the manufacturer warranty is void?

It’s true! As a homebuilder, it is critical that you understand your role in delivering first-quality hardwood flooring beauty that will endure for decades to come. Whether you, a member of your crew, or sub-con-tracted installers complete the installation,

“to be covered under our limited warranties you need to retain your sales slip and make

sure that the flooring is properly installed in accordance with other installation instruc-tions provided with the product.”

That quote is pulled directly from the Armstrong® Hardwood Flooring Limited Warranty and Floor Care Guide. Near iden-tical statements are also find in the Mohawk® Residential Hardwood Warranties document, Shaw® Hard Surface Warranties book-let, Care and Maintenance brochure, and the Mannington® Hardwood Residential Warranties and Floor Care brochure.

Shaw warrants “all first-quality engineered hardwood floors, in their manufactured con-dition, to be free from defects in material and workmanship including milling, assembly, dimension, and grading. Shaw additionally warrants that these engineered hardwood floors will not delaminate when properly installed and maintained according to Shaw’s installation and maintenance procedures.”

Mannington warrants that “when installed according to Mannington’s




installation guidelines using Mannington Ultra-Spread EZ or Ultra-Spread Mastics, and when used under normal household conditions, your Mannington hardwood flooring will not release from the subfloor during the life of the product.”

Mohawk engineered and longstrip “can be installed on, above or below grade on all common subfloors and are warranted against subfloor moisture” given a list of supplied conditions are met. Mohawk goes on to specify that “solid wood products are not approved for direct glue applications and are not covered by its hardwood warranty.”

Proper installation guidelines can vary slightly by product and by manufacturer so it’s important to read and follow the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer in each product carton.

Simply put, manufacturer warranty cov-erage can be negated by:

Improper product storage and handling

Insufficient product acclimation at job site

Excessive moisture or dryness at job site

Extreme temperatures at job site

Use of incorrect adhesives

Defective floor joist assembly

Improper preparation of subfloor

Installing boards with visible defects

Non-compliant installation over radiant heat flooring

And there’s more…

Homebuilders and professional install-ers across the country successfully install beautiful, long-lasting hardwood flooring every day and you can too. As the premier wholesale partner and supplier to the trade for home and commercial projects, contact ProSource of Reading to help you sort out any confusion.


Predicted Trends in Economic Development

for 2016

Local municipalities will be more strategic about how to get commercial and industrial development into their community

Lack of appropriate and desirable inventory will result in missed economic growth opportunities for Berks County

The manufacturing industry and distribution/logistics cluster will continue to generate the most leads for Berks County

Companies will continue to try and figure out how to fit a square peg in a round hole as they determine which locational factors are flexible when they can’t identify the ideal site or building

Companies will be focused on general labor availability in addition to the availability of a skilled workforce

The number of international leads and international interest will continue to grow

• Participation in a regional Made in America (re-shoring) strategy will generate more leads, and opportunities for Berks County companies

Berks County’s willingness to participate in regional initiatives—instead of solely focusing on self-interest—will continue to pay off as we attract more leads, workers and resources

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:ProSource of Reading4634 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, PA 19608(610) 374-1141 • www.prosourcewholesale.com/reading

Our manufacturer-trained staff of floorcovering experts offer wholesale confidence to help guide you to the right product for the right application. Additionally, we can help you provide your client complete instruc-tions for care and maintenance to further protect the manufacturer’s warranty.

For your convenience, ProSource of Reading offers the below links to help you get your next hardwood floorcovering project off on the right foot.

Armstrong Hardwood Warrantyhttp://www.armstrong.com/flooring/flooring-warranties.html

Mannington Hardwood Warrantyhttp://www.mannington.com/Residential/Hardwood/Warranty.aspx

Shaw Hardwood Warrantyhttps://shawfloors.com/flooring/fundamentals/hardwood/warranties/hardwood-warranties

Mohawk Hardwood Warrantyhttps://www.mohawkflooring.com/customer-care/warranty

US Floors Warrantieshttp://www.usfloorsllc.com/technical-info/

Compiled byPamela J. Shupp, AICP, CEcD

Vice President, Greater ReadingEconomic Partnership


I would venture to say that when most people find themselves at a great restaurant for dinner and are approached by their server, they are expecting to hear about the fantastic specials

in store for them that evening. Imagine my surprise the last time I was seated at a dining table only to begin hearing about seeming-ly the least glamorous item on the menu: the water. The waiter’s primary suggestion to my table was not what to eat, but rather to drink as much of their purified water as possible throughout the course of the evening to clean our taste buds and therefore maximize the robust flavors that were to come.

Water is one of the most understated yet crucial elements to the health of the human body, and it does a lot more than just revive

and restore your taste buds. There are two primary aspects of your water intake that are important to note. The first is quantity. The Institute of Medicine believes the average male should drink 13 glasses of water per day, with females consuming 9. Secondly, and more widely overlooked, is the quality of the water you are consum-ing. Drinking plenty of water is not enough if that water has not been purified properly. In fact, drinking water that is tainted with harmful contaminants can have many negative effects, far beyond not being able to enjoy the full flavor profiles of your cooking.

Two questions arise when discussing the quality of your water. How do I know if my water is clean, and if it is not, how can I fix it? Having your water tested is highly recommended to answer the first essential question. The process is simple and is a neces-sary step to identifying potential concerns in your water. If you do find your water to be contaminated in some way, there are options to assist you.

Reverse osmosis systems are an effective way to ensure that the water you and your family consume is safe. In fact, more and more homes are being built already equipped with reverse osmo-sis drinking water stations that purify water and rid it of harmful contaminants such as nitrates, herbicides, pesticides, and lead. Most will also remove chlorine, fluoride, and other pharmaceutical substances commonly found in water provided by municipalities. Some systems, like the Kinetico K5 with a Purfecta guard, can even remove up to 99.99% of bacteria as certified by NSF.

A drinking water station can be installed under the counter or even in a basement. A new faucet would be installed to allow the purified water to be accessed easily for drinking and cooking. Many brands have a variety of colors and styles allowing them to blend seamlessly with your existing fixtures. Multiple water lines can be added to allow for appliances that use drinking water such as refrigerators with water and ice dispensers, coffee systems, and steam ovens. Take the next step, call a local water company to have your water tested.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Kelly Woy of Martin Water Conditioning offers 26 years’ Field Experience.MWS – Master Water Specialist through the Water Quality Association.

Kelly Woy

How Pure is Your Water?

Angles


or those who live in cold weather climates, winter means closing win-

dows and turning on the heat. The goal is to create a warm, comfortable home where families and friends can gather to escape snow and subfreezing temperatures. However, a tightly sealed home can also restrict the flow of fresh outdoor air into a home and limit the removal of indoor air pollutants, including dust, smoke, pollen, animal dander and particulates from mold, bacteria and viruses, which can irritate eyes and breathing passages. Building materials, adhesives, paints, varnishes, furnishings and cleaning products can also increase the level of indoor irritants and damage a home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). This can be disconcerting, especially when harsh winter temperatures give homeowners little choice but to remain indoors.

Fortunately, homeowners can take a num-ber of steps to improve the IAQ in their homes without sacrificing comfort. Begin by regularly dusting and vacuuming the home, taking care to use a damp dust cloth and a vacuum cleaner that uses HEPA filters (which should be checked and cleaned reg-ularly). Pets who also will be spending more time inside should be bathed regularly to limit the amount of dander and hair in the house. Whether bathing the dog or dusting the house, it’s important to use nontoxic, nonaerosol, unscented cleaning products.

If burning logs in a fireplace is part of your winter routine, be sure to inspect the chimney and the flue to prevent the release of soot, particulates and smoke into the air supply. Also, nontoxic candles, such as unscented soy candles, minimize the air pollutants associated with burning candles.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to run a fan periodically to circulate the air. And houseplants can help filter out many air-borne pollutants.

Your local heating, ventilation and air-conditioning contractor can offer you a number of additional products that will help improve your home’s IAQ this winter:

HEPA whole-house air cleaners capture up to 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, helping to clean the air and reduce allergy symptoms often triggered by airborne pollutants.

Whole-house humidifiers replenish moisture and reduce the effects of dry air, including static electricity. This is especially important in winter, when dry nasal pas-sages and scratchy throats are common.

If too much moisture is a concern, whole-house dehumidifiers eliminate excess moisture and help prevent toxic mold growth throughout the year.

Improving The Air You

MaryEllen House

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:MaryEllen House, York International950 Forge Avenue, Audubon, PA 19403(610) 721-0411 • www.york.com

Heat recovery ventilators replace stale, unhealthy air from inside your home with a stream of fresh air, extracting 70 to 80 percent of the heat from the stale air.

Energy recovery ventilators perform the same functions as heat recovery ven-tilators, but with the added benefit of controlling moisture in your home.

Ultraviolet irradiation systems can be added to keep air clean. Mounted inside a system’s indoor coil, the ultra-violet light continuously cleans the coil and drain pan safely and econom-ically by neutralizing mold, bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms.

In addition to improving indoor air quality, many of these products increase the efficiency of a home comfort system as they deliver consistent, dependable comfort.

Poor indoor air quality can be uncom-fortable and unhealthy, especially in winter when a house is closed up. So improving it should be a priority—one that requires a little extra attention in the winter, but one that should be addressed year ’round to help ensure good health and comfortable living.

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features

FILED IN CODES AND REGULATIONS, CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, LABOR, SAFETY AND HEALTH ON OCTOBER 29, 2015

NAHB on Wednesday submitted comments opposing the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) proposal to amend its record-keeping rule

to state that an employer’s duty to record an injury or illness is ongoing for five years.

Right now, a qualifying work-related injury or illness must be recorded within seven calendar days of an employer receiving information that it has occurred. The employ-er can be cited anytime between the eighth day up to six months after the event has occurred for failure to record.

However, per federal law, OSHA is barred from citing an employer for failing to record an injury or illness beyond the six-month statute of limitations set out in the OSH Act, Section 9(c).

DID YOU KNOW: OSHA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the clarification of an employer’s continuing obligation to make and maintain an accurate record of each recordable injury and illness on July 29.

“There is no continuing risk of danger present with respect to recording an injury or illness up to seven days after it occurs. If there were, OSHA regulations would not allow up to seven days to elapse before the recording occurs,” the comment letter states. “Failing to record does not subject a worker to additional health risks on the job. It is a minis-terial function—purely paperwork—rather than a safety issue tied to using a specific piece of equipment. OSHA’s attempts to change the legislation to suit its ‘longstanding policy’ are without legal authority.”

Because the change would be counter to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit decision in AKM LLC v. Secretary of Labor, 675 F.3d 752 (D.C. Cir. 2012), NAHB believes that OSHA does not have the legal or legislative authority to enact its proposed clarification.

In addition, this particular change in the record-keeping rule is expected to have a substantial adverse impact on regulated employers and small businesses, including home-builders and specialty trade contractors.

As such, NAHB has rejected OSHA’s proposal, requested that the agency comply with Section 9 of the OSH Act, and withdraw the proposed rule immediately.

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE, CONTACT ROB MATUGA.

NAHB Reproaches OSHAFor Attempt to Skirt the LawRob Matuga, HBA Staff


features

n June 19th the Clean Air Council (CAC), a non-profit statewide association, filed a 33-page lawsuit against the

Commonwealth for its failure to adopt the 2015 ICC codes and challenging the constitutionality of Act 1 in 2011 (specifically the two-thirds majority required to adopt any code revisions).

The CAC petition requested Commonwealth Court declare the following: 1) Declare Act 1 of 2011 null and void; 2) in the alternative, declare the phrase “triennial code revisions” include all changes to the model codes under review that differ from the Uniform Construction Code, and require only a simple majority of RAC quorum for code adoptions; 3) reverse the RAC rejection of the 2015 edition of the ICC Codes and require the RAC to re-review the codes under the laws existing prior to Act 1 of 2011; 4) require the RAC to uphold its duties under the Pennsylvania Environmental Rights Amendment; 5) award attorneys’ fees and costs; 6) any other relief the Court may deem necessary.

What will happen if Commonwealth Court rules in favor of the CAC lawsuit?

• Act 1 of 2011 will be null and void – RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERS WILL BE REQUIRED IN EVERY NEW ONE AND TWO FAMILY HOMES.

• New Code Provisions will be adopted by a simple majority vote, and

• The RAC rejection of the 2015 codes will be reversed and the RAC will be required to re-review all codes provisions.

UPDATE: As anticipated by PBA, Commonwealth Court ruled that the

original CAC Petition for Review was filed improperly in the Court’s appellate jurisdiction.

In response to the ruling, the CAC filed a 67-page amended petition and over 700 pages of supporting materials on October 9. PBA is preparing to file a petition with the Court seeking to intervene as a party. This is not a matter of right, and PBA must convince the court that it has a substantial interest in the litigation that is not adequately represented by the existing defendants and seek an order from the Court granting PBA the right to partici-pate as a party. If the Court grants intervention and party status, the litigation could, in general, not be settled by agreement of the CAC, RAC and L&I without the approval of PBA, at least absent court order.

Alternatively, PBA could participate as an amicus curiae (friend of the court) and could write briefs but could not present oral argu-ment or trial testimony or cross-examine witnesses, nor could it object to a settlement.

PBA/HBA Staff

CLEAN AIR COUNCIL v. Review and Advisory Council

and the Department of Labor & IndustryYOUR MEMBERSHIP DOLLARS AT WORK AS THE PENNSYLVANIA

BUILDERS ASSOCIATION LEADS THE WAY

FOR MORE INFORMATION HBA MEMBERS CAN CALL (610) 777-8889. MEMBERS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD AT THE HBA OFFICE.

As a small business, what do you feel is most important when it comes to building solid business operations? Running and scaling a business will always be challenging, but having a solid foundation and well established business practices can make all the difference.

BUSINESS FOUNDATION

Securing and maintaining a solid foundation in the workplace is crucial to the dynamics of the company. Establishing and imple-menting ideas and strategies for the company and industry will improve overall performance.

TEAM EXPECTATIONS

Having appropriate team expectations and accountability is impactful to business. Weekly meetings bring together our team to discuss accomplishments and challenges, provide feedback and follow-up, and demonstrate team members’ clear understanding of tasks. This leads to an exceptional order of business, improves efficiency, and reduces error. To build a successful business is hav-ing a solid, core team.

FUTURE PLANNING

As today’s business will always remain important and contin-uously be addressed, it is imperative to build on upcoming years ahead. Looking into the future, ensure business operations, plan for possible changes, focus on development and services, and set goals that are inspiring to reach.

Continue observation of others’ best practice, company reflec-tion, and ongoing improvement for the future, will contribute to your success and the business excelling.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Gregg Bogia,PE, PTOE, President, Bogia Engineering, Inc.1340 Penn Ave., Wyomissing, PA 19610 • (610) 678-3071

Small Business P R A C T I C E S

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features

he Office of UC Service Center (OUCSC) is announcing a change in its process of obtaining fact-finding informa-tion from an employer when determining an individual’s eligibility for unemployment compensation (UC) benefits. In order to help you meet the requirements under Section 302(a)(2) of the PA UC Law for providing timely and adequate information, the Claims Examiner will now contact you by telephone directly in order to conduct a fact-finding interview. You will know that the Claims Examiner is calling as the OUCSC’s toll free number 888-313-7284 will appear as the caller ID. Please direct those calls to the appropriate person (or

department) who will provide information regarding the separation.

Should you choose not to do the fact-find-ing by telephone, please tell the Claims Examiner the nature of the separation, and provide an email address or fax number so that fact-finding documents can be sent to the proper person or department. It is then your responsibility to ensure that the infor-mation requested regarding the individual’s eligibility for compensation is returned to the Claims Examiner timely and complet-ed adequately. If an individual is overpaid UC benefits because the employer or agent of the employer fails to respond in a timely

or adequate manner your account will no longer be credited when the overpayment is established. The employer’s account will be charged with the UC benefits overpaid to the separated employee.

• UNTIMELY RESPONSE - A response is untimely if it is filed more than 14 days after the department’s request for information is mailed or transmitted electronically to the employer or agent.

• INADEQUATE RESPONSE - A response is inadequate if it misrepresents or omits facts that, if represented accurately or disclosed, would have been a basis for the department to disqualify the indi-vidual from receiving compensation.

PA Office UC Service Centers Announces Employer Fact-finding Process Change

For further information, please contact the UCSC at 866-223-4718.



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Scammers are targeting people having trouble paying their mort-gages. These so-called foreclosure rescue companies promise

to stop foreclosure. But they’re out to make a quick buck, and can turn a homeowner’s distress into disaster.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has resources in English and Spanish to help homeowners learn the signs of a foreclosure rescue scam and where to get FREE help.

Access the FTC’s “Money Matters” website at: ftc.gov/moneymatters

Homeowners can find out where to get FREE foreclosure help at HopeNow.com or by calling 888-995-HOPE (4673).

Tell Your CommunityThe FTC also encourages homeowners, business owners, home-

builders’ associations and others to share these resources with their communities by downloading and putting on websites the English and Spanish-language video and Web banners.

Information provided by HBA Staff


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eginning Dec. 21, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require builders to submit their National Pollutant

Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program information online, replacing the current paper-based reporting system.

This rule does not require online submission of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, or SWPPPs. It does, however, apply to forms such as the Notice of Intent for coverage, Notice of Termination and Low Erosivity Waivers.

NAHB has long supported EPA’s effort to develop an online reporting rule. “Since permit coverage is usually expedited when done electronically, we are hopeful that bringing clean water reporting out of the Dark Ages will save builders time and money,” said NAHB Environmental Issues Committee chair Geep Moore.

“However, there is still work to be done to ensure that certain types of sensitive data are handled correctly and efficiently.”

In its comments to EPA, NAHB voiced concern that, under this rule, builders might have to “double report:” submit online

to EPA while still submitting paper forms to a state regulator if their state failed to meet strict electronic reporting implementa-tion deadlines.

The final rule promises to solve this problem by allowing states to not require any additional forms from builders until its online reporting process is working. So this “switching” of whom to report to doesn’t cause confusion for permitees, EPA will seek to ensure that, regardless of whether EPA or the state is supporting the database, builders will still report their information via familiar state Web portals.

NAHB also convinced EPA to give states five years, rather than only two, to get their online permit collection systems up and running.

Where Reporting is a ProblemNAHB was also concerned about builders working in rural areas

where Internet access is often spotty at best. Under EPA’s original proposal, temporary waivers for such issues would be available for only one year at a time. In the final rule, EPA now allows each

EPA Launches Online Permit Program

NAHB Staff

NAHB Staff



state or authorized NPDES program to extend the maximum waiver time to five years: another NAHB victory for members.

Stakeholders also voiced concern over requiring builders to use expensive authentication software to submit certified electronic signatures on compliance documents (a signature is required by law).

Under the final rule, construction site operators can either submit a certified electronic signature or submit all paperwork electronically without a certified electronic signature, as long as they also send a signed hard copy of electronic forms.

Moving to online permits means an increased potential for false or incomplete enforcement data to be published and released via public websites: a security and confidentiality issue raised by NAHB on behalf of its members. NAHB will work closely with states to ensure that builders and developers have ample opportunity to address potential misrepresentations of data, and that clear systems allow permittees to expediently address any reporting errors.

For additional information, contact Eva Birk at (800) 368-5242 x8214.


features

he HBA Restoring Hope Foundation—named this year’s Outstanding Foundation on National Philanthropy Day—has once again accomplished its mission “to construct solutions to address unique challenges of deserving people in Berks County.”

The Landis family of Wernersville, com-prised of parents Jeremy & Meggan and children Gabe & Bella, were this year’s recipients of the HBA Restoring Hope Foundation Build. On June 11th the family received the news that they had been chosen for an all-expense-paid Home Makeover. Renovations began on September 11th and were completed in eight days.

The Process of Finding a Recipient

Applications for the makeover were sent out in early 2015. Then, the evaluation pro-cess began. Credit reports were checked. Home ownership and paid property taxes were confirmed. The finalists were visit-ed, and the board then had the difficult task of choosing one family who, due to circumstances that were unforeseen and

Completes MakeoverJohn Levan, Dawn Wivell Writing Services



uncontrollable, needed assistance. The board also had to determine that the work that was requested fell within the scope of the six-day time frame and the available funds.

Although it was not an easy deci-sion, Diane Salks, Board Chair for the Foundation, offers insight on the selection of the Landis family: “HBA Restoring Hope is about giving fellow Berks County residents a hand up, not a hand out. The Landis’s are a hard-working, tax-paying family who face unique challenges. They are not alone. Berks takes care of our own.”

The June 11th announcement was then planned, while the board decided on the projects to tackle, and which skills and materials were needed to complete them. The Foundation began acquiring the mate-rials, finding organizations willing to donate equipment, soliciting monetary donations, and enlisting and scheduling volunteers for the build. Arrangements had to be made for spreading the word about the build. Businesses and individuals had to be found that would agree to feed the volun-teers during the build. And a place for the family to stay during the build had to be located, as well as a limo to take them to the Big Reveal on September 19th.

About the Landis FamilyJeremy and Meggan Landis both grew up

in Mohnton and graduated from Governor Mifflin High School. Interestingly, they didn’t know each other in school. Meggan moved on from Mifflin and earned a BA in Art History from Penn State and an MBA with a focus on Non-profit Business from Alvernia. She has been a database analyst for Caron Treatment Centers for three years. Jeremy earned an Associate’s Degree in Networking from Berks Technical Institute and has worked as a network administrator at Penn State Berks for 11 years. They were married in 2004.

The couple purchased their home shortly after marrying, and their two children—Gabe (8 years old) and Bella (7 years old)—came along a few years later. Bella is now in 2nd grade at Conrad Weiser East Elementary School. Gabe attends a Verbal Behavior Autistic Support Classroom at

Spring Ridge Elementary School in the Wilson School District.

Gabe has autism, ADHD, epilepsy, and an intellectual disability. Although Gabe does speak some words, he is generally considered nonverbal. He has significant sensory issues—from sights, sounds, and touch—all of which can make social situ-ations and interactions very difficult.

Meggan’s friend and former co-worker, Tina Bruckart, urged her to apply for the 2015 Build. Tina’s husband, Billy, learned about Restoring Hope and believed that the Landis family had a genuine need. The Foundation agreed; it was decided that this family could truly be impacted the most by being chosen as the 2015 recipient.

The Build: A Labor of LoveOne aspect of the build was undertaken

with Gabe in mind. The Landis’s wanted to create a more open space between the kitchen and living room, so they could keep a better eye on their son. Meggan points out: “Over the years we have made many smaller changes to our home, such as alarms on doors and locks on doors and cabinets, to help keep Gabe safer. However, this is a large improvement that could make our home even more comfortable and safer for Gabe.”

One of the biggest challenges during the 2015 build was keeping things in check so that Gabe could feel comfortable walking back into the home. Eric Keller, from the Restoring Hope Foundation, added: “With his severe autism, he does not handle change

very well. We wanted to make changes to the home that would benefit the family and help them live day to day, but we also needed to keep in mind that Gabe can only handle so much. We were especially mindful of his limitations and took great care to not upset him.”

In addition to the open space between the kitchen and living room, this year’s build also included the following…

Kitchen renovated

Bathroom renovated

All rooms painted

Removed the existing sunroom and built a new one

New wall, patio, & landscaping

New insulation

New furniture for the living room, dining room, sunroom and Gabe’s room

New carpeting in sunroom, area rug in living room, & vinyl flooring in kitchen and bath

Added a heat pump

Installed new 200 amp electric service




Meggan Landis agrees: “We feel incred-ibly blessed and so grateful to everyone at Restoring Hope for believing that our family deserves such an amazing gift. We have these amazing kids who have had to deal with a lot of challenges…They deserve great things, and we’re so happy and grateful that every-one at Restoring Hope felt the same way!”

You Can Also Make a Difference

Restoring Hope will soon begin accepting applications for the 2016 build. If you know anyone who could use a hand up, please let them know about this great opportunity. If you are interested in helping next year, you will find an application on their website at www.HBArestoringhope.org. Or you can contact Cathy Sloan, vice-chair & volunteer coordinator, at 610-921-2201 or [email protected].

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:John Levan has a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Alvernia University and attended California State University in their M.A. in Humanities program. He was a small business owner, college instructor, substitute teacher, and elementary school tutor before starting his writ-ing career with Dawn Wivell Writing Services in 2015.

About HBA Restoring Hope Foundation

HBA Restoring Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established after the popular television show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, came to Berks County in 2010. Many Berks County HBA members who were involved with the Extreme Makeover project wanted to continue giving back to the community. The Foundation has since grown to include volunteers who are both HBA members and non-members.

Lisa Welgo, last year’s recipient along with her husband and four children, expresses the sentiments of her entire family on the Foundation: “Everyone goes through rough periods in life. When you’re in the midst of the darkness you look for even the tiniest of positivity. Then God brings the sunshine. Restoring Hope is the sunshine!! To know and understand that so many people have pulled together, worked hard and dedicated themselves to making life a little brighter for someone else is just so deeply touching. I will never forget it.”

Article Photography by Don Carrick at Studio 413


Testimonial submitted by HBA of Berks County memberCarol Wise of Wise Signs

I just want to share my experience regarding savings

on insurances through the HBA of Berks County. Even

though we had been members for a number of years, we

were unaware that Workers Compensation was possibly

available at a better rate through the HBA than on our own.

Recently, due to my becoming more involved through the Membership Committee, I happened to see an article

listing some of the benefits of membership and there it was! I spoke with Janet Campis, the HBA’s Executive Officer, who

gave me the contact information. I made an appointment

with the agent, he came to my office and he informed me that, not only could he save us on Workers Comp,

but that he was sure he could save us money on Business Property and Commercial

Auto insurances, too!Bottom line…we are going to save almost $3,500 per year for these insurances!! Perhaps it would be to your benefit to check into this for

your business! In addition, you may know others who would

benefit from becoming an HBA member and be able to

benefit by saving money.

MEMBERSHIPRestoring Hope Foundationis Recognized

At the National Philanthropy Day breakfast celebration on November 13, 2015, the HBA Restoring Hope Foundation was honored to receive the award as the Best Foundation for 2015. Nominated by the Berks Community Foundation and chosen by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, we were surprised and grateful to receive this prestigious award. Diane K. Salks, Chairperson of Restoring Hope Foundation, accepted the award.

PAYS!


features

Looking to increase your home’s value or just gaining liv-ing space? How about being able to enjoy the outdoors without being bothered by the bugs or the weather? How

about something that is more affordable than a conventional room addition? Maybe you’re looking for a vacation retreat in your own home or a safe play space for children or pets. Custom designed and built within a week’s time in most cases. If you are looking to accomplish some or all of these things than a sunroom is what you are looking for.

Now that you have decided a sunroom is just the room you are looking for then it is time to decide what type of room. There are two types: one being a room that is constructed out of all alumi-num framing with single pane glass units and a 3" core aluminum roof; a non-insulated or what is called a Three Season Room. The

second being constructed of thermally broken aluminum channels and vinyl insulated window units and a 6" core aluminum roof; an insulated or what is called Four Season Room.

“How do you anticipate using the room?” is a question you need to ask yourself. If the answer is to sit out and enjoy the Spring, Summer and part of Fall weather without the bother of bugs or rain, then a Three Season Room is the way to go. However, if you want it to be used as an extra room such as; entertainment room, children’s play room, room for holiday celebrations, home office or even a quiet getaway to snuggle up and read a book on those snowy winter days, then a Four Season Room is the way to go. The decision should always be based on how you will use the room and not how it will be designed, since you can design either unit to look identical and the only difference is how many months out of the year you can use it.

Three Season Sunroom There are different names for a three season room depending on

the manufacturer. For example, one manufacturer refers to it as a Betterview Sunroom. This particular sunroom gives you limitless choice of custom colors to match siding, trim or any other areas of your home’s décor. Full interlocks—located on windows and doors to maximize security and ensure a strong tight seal. The strength of the aluminum allows for structural integrity. Consists of standard 1/8" single pane tempered glass sliding window units or kneewall glass units. Add glass transoms which allows natural sunlight to flow into the room and add warmth, while creating a unique and appealing style. The 3" core panel roof provides insulation and superior strength. All doors, windows and screens consist of easy glide rollers for durability and ease of operation. Then there is the standard dent resistant wall panels to allow for some privacy.

Choosing the Right

Kert & Cathy Sloan

For Your Home



Four Season SunroomAs with the three season there are different names for the four

season room. Same manufacturer as the three season refers to the four season as a Grandview Sunroom. This rooms consists of exclusive thermally improved extrusions with an external element barrier and foam filled insulation for maximized energy efficiency. It utilizes an InsulGlaze 400 high performance glass package for superior energy efficiency. A unique contoured exterior design to add traditional styling to your sunroom. The Grandview offers a maximized glass viewing area. The insulated 6" roof system increas-es the energy efficiency and strength of the sunroom.

Three or Four Season SunroomsEither of these rooms can be installed on an existing concrete,

composite or wood deck. If you already have the deck with a roof then it is a matter of filling in the space with the sliding win-dow units, kneewall units and transoms if height allows. Have it designed with all sliding patio door units allowing you to enter or exit the room through any door. Need privacy on one side of unit from the neighbors, then the solid wall panels can be installed on that side. There are many designs and configurations that can be done with units such as these. They are constructed on site allow-ing for small simple changes to be made at times. Depending on placement of the room in conjunction with the house may decide what style roof. There is the shed roof which comes straight off the wall of the house just under the soffit or an “A” frame which is exactly as it sounds. Most times an “A” frame roof will be shingled to match the existing home’s roof. The shed roof can be shingled but in most cases isn’t necessary since it can be purchased with aluminum skin on both sides.

So, when thinking of needing more space consider taking plea-sure in the outdoors, without worrying about annoying bugs or

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Written by Aluminum & Associates owners Kert & Cathy Sloan. For more information on Aluminum & Associates visit their website at: AluminumandAssociatesSloanCorp.com or call: (610) 921-2201.

inclement weather. It is perfect for entertaining family and friends or escaping the hectic pace of everyday life. Before your eyes, your living space expands to embrace the comfortable manner of living you have always dreamed of.



2016 Upcoming Events…

Membership happenings

JAN14

FEB17

MAR11-13

MAR16

MAR18

2016 Installation/Builders Excellence AwardsThe DoubleTree, Reading6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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

Home ShowSantander ArenaTBD

GA LuncheonTBDTBD

PBA Regional Meeting(All members are welcome!)TBDTBD

welcome new members

Quality Floors Inc.Contact: Chuck Smith 800.446.603510% OFF ANY ORDER (Not valid with any other offers or prior purchases)

Geoff Penske Buick GMC Contact: Victor Popescu 610.777.1300GM 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

Aluminum Associates / Sloan CorporationContact: Kert E. Sloan 610.921.22015% DISCOUNT ON ALL SERVICES

Martin’s Flooring, Inc.Contact: Richie Zook 877.445.7799FREE INTERIOR DESIGN & SPECIAL HBA CONTRACTOR PRICING(Ask about our contractor referral program)

Member 2 Member Discount ProgramAs 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.

Brookside Builders, LLCJim Lanshe1089 Victory Circle, Reading, PA 19605PH: 610-587-7652 Email: [email protected]: Berks Products

Power Kunkle Benefits ConsultingPO Box 6243Wyomissing, PA 19610PH: 610-685-1790 Email: [email protected]: Ed Anewalt

WELCOME THE 2016 HBA OF BERKS COUNTY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: James E. Gavin, Esquire, of Masano Bradly1st Vice President: Cathy Sloan, Hartman’s Home Improvements2nd Vice President: Larry Kehres, L.A. Kehres Building & RemodelingSecretary/Treasurer: Evan Hand, National Penn Bank

DIRECTORS AT LARGE – BUILDER MEMBERS: Dave Hallowell, Heffleger Kitchen CenterTom Watts, Middle Creek RoofingBrian Bogert, Advanced Construction Solutions, LLCDiane Salks, Riverview Tree & Landscaping, Inc.

DIRECTORS AT LARGE – ASSOCIATE MEMBERSSherri Hallowell, Tompkins VIST BankJason Jenkins, Burisich Associates, Inc.John S. Schmoyer, Fulton Bank

Thank you to all who served in 2015. Your dedication to the Home Builders Association of Berks County is greatly appreciated!



Thank You to these Renewing Members of the HBA of Berks County!

31+ YearsKarrick Heating & A/C LLCB & G GlassJohn D. SmithDolan Construction Inc.Ronnie C. Folk Paving, Inc.Reading Rentals

26-30 YearsSchlouch, Inc.Straub Roofing & Concrete, Inc.

16-20 YearsA D Moyer Lumber & Hardware, Inc.Gallen Insurance, Inc.Security Service CompanyMartin’s Flooring, Inc.Dick Wessner, Inc.

11-15 YearsBlatt & Zaffary Electric, Inc.European Builders, Ltd.Geoffrey Penske Buick GMC Trucks

6-10 YearsA.K.A. The Fence Company, Inc.Bogia Engineering, Inc.Mast Roofing & Construction, Inc.24-7 Electric LLCFireside Hearth & HomeHarron’s Insulation & Ceilings, Inc.M & M Mechanical, LLCMartin Construction Company

2-5 YearsAnewalt’s Landscape ContractingDiebolt Landscape Co., Inc.Precision Fire Protection, Inc.Keystone Custom Homes

1st Year AnniversarySolensky’s Spouting & Garage Doors, Inc.Superior Walls by Weaver Precast

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

Bob HoltHolts Remodeling

Kevin KozoTurnberry Custom Homes

Joseph J. Witkowski, Jr.Herbein + Company

Bryan MollB&G Glass

Cathy SloanHartman’s Home Improvements

Kert SloanAluminum Associates / Sloan Corp

Eric KellerBerks Fire Water Restoration Inc.

Patrick J. DolanDolan Construction Inc

Beth A. HahnSAH, Inc.

Gregg A. BogiaBogia Engineering, Inc.

Diane R. SalksRiverview Tree & Landscaping, Inc.

Steven D. BrightEJB Paving & Materials Co.

Larry K. LillUGI HVAC Services

Gregory R. EshbachMalsnee Tile & Stone

John E.P. SchmoyerFulton Mortgage Company

Bruce T. RaderBerks Surveying & Engineering

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

Candidate Announced: HBA Restoring Hope 2015

The Candidate Announcement (Thursday, June 11th, 2015): The Restoring Hope 2015 Build extreme home makeover project will go to Jeremy & Meggan Landis and their two children, Gabe & Bella, of Wernersville, PA.

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.

The 2015 Build will take place from September 13th through 18th with the Big Reveal on September 19th at the Landis’s home in Wernersville, PA at Noon. All are invited to participate, whether members or non-members of the association, through donations of funds, goods, services, or time. Contact the HBA office at (610) 777-8889 or [email protected] to find out where you can fit in. (Length: 5:24)

Ask The Home Inspector Guest: Malsnee Tile & Stone Inc.

Host Joe Kelly welcomes Malsnee Tile & Stone, Inc. to the “Ask the Home Inspector Show.” Guest Zach shares valuable information on what Malsnee Tile & Stones does. They have been servicing the Berks County area since 1935. When considering tile or stonework, let Malsnee be your “go to” com-pany, even if you are thinking of a DIY project. They will not steer you wrong.

The HBA of Berks County, BCTV.org, and the “Ask the Home Inspector” televi-sion show teamed up in 2015 to provide monthly shows to educate the public on home maintenance, construction, and similarly related issues. (Length: 24:53)

Restoring Hope 2015 Build—The RevealWatch the family react as they see their “new” home for the first time! Jeremy

& Meggan Landis and their two children, Gabe & Bella, of Wernersville, PA. are very surprised as they get a glimpse of what the Restoring Hope Foundation has done to their home. Yes, there were tears,

All tears of joy as the family enters their home and friends and family watch. (Length12:09)

When It All Goes Wrong – Restore It!Host Joe Kelly welcomes Berks Fire Water Restorations, Inc. to the “Ask

the Home Inspector Show.” Jessica Prutzman and Eric Keller join Joe to cover topics such as: hail storms, an October snow, pipe bursts, bio-hazard & unat-tended death clean up, or any other damage resulting from water, sewer, or fire.

The HBA of Berks County, BCTV.org, and the “Ask the Home Inspector” televi-

sion show teamed up in 2015 to provide monthly shows to educate the public on home maintenance, construction, and similarly related issues. (Length: 26:07)

Documents

At Home in Berks December 2015