Making a Difference | Turner Construction Company

Stephen Orr, Editor in Chief of Better Homes & Gardens, shares insights into the renovation of his 18th-century Cape Cod home, which he and his husband intend as their 'forever home.' The renovation project was undertaken with a specific vision: to balance modern design elements with the home's historical features, intentionally preserving its character rather than pursuing a complete modernization that would erase its past. Orr discusses the challenges and discoveries inherent in renovating an older property. He highlights the importance of embracing imperfections, noting that the house, built in 1760 with a 1938 addition and a 2023 sunroom/kitchen, showcases visible 'seams' where different eras meet. This approach deliberately avoids creating a 'white box reno' often seen in modern condominium conversions, where historical elements are removed in favor of pristine, new finishes. Instead, Orr celebrates these layers of history, viewing them as integral to the home's romance and unique identity. The discussion also touches upon the resistance encountered from some who advocate for full renovations over preservation. Orr emphasizes that while preserving historical elements can be more costly and complex than a complete overhaul, it ultimately maintains the unique architecture and design that define such homes. The couple deliberately opted against erasing the past, choosing to integrate it with their contemporary lifestyle. Orr explains how they blended time periods and design styles. The home is imbued with historical influences, including 18th and 19th-century decor and marine-themed elements, but intentionally avoids replicating a period museum aesthetic. Modern pieces are incorporated to create a dynamic contrast, ensuring the home feels current and personal rather than strictly colonial. This layering of old and new allows for a fresh, unique aesthetic. Practical advice is also shared regarding renovation decisions, such as considering resale value. Although the home is intended as a 'forever home,' Orr acknowledges the pragmatic need to implement features that would be appealing to future buyers if circumstances changed. This includes environmentally conscious design choices aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and lowering utility costs, thus adding long-term value. Financially, Orr reveals strategies for managing renovation costs. He and his husband took on many responsibilities typically outsourced, such as ordering materials and coordinating deliveries, with the assistance of their general contractor. This hands-on approach helped them save money and gain a deeper involvement in the project, emphasizing that taking ownership of certain tasks can be a low-lift way to ease the financial burden of a large-scale renovation. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHomes #CapeCod #InteriorDesign #ForeverHome #DesignPhilosophy #BudgetRenovation #HomeImprovement

All Times Construction, a local business committed to improving and innovating, specializes in a range of construction services for both homes and businesses. The company offers services including home additions, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and basement remodels, along with carpentry and painting services. Founder and owner Eliel Souza brings a lifetime of experience to his work, having grown up observing and participating in his parents' construction company in Brazil and Portugal. Souza expresses a particular passion for renovation projects, highlighting his enjoyment in transforming old spaces into new, customized environments for clients. Souza recounts a memorable pre-pandemic project where he crafted a custom dining table from discarded wood during a kitchen remodel, illustrating his dedication to unique client requests and resourceful building practices. He emphasizes the importance of his team, stating that he has personally mentored each employee to ensure professionalism, kindness, and safety on every job site. This focus on trust and client satisfaction is central to All Times Construction's operational philosophy, especially given the personal nature of working within clients' homes and businesses. The company has recently completed several garage additions throughout the MetroWest region, noting that such projects can significantly increase a homeowner's return on investment, reportedly up to 60% according to todayshomeowner.com. Souza attributes the business's two-decade longevity to its client-centric approach, emphasizing that making families' dreams come true is the core mission. This dedication is reflected in positive customer testimonials. Lisa Ferretti, a client, provided a five-star review, praising Eliel and his team for their hard work, responsiveness, and commitment to customer satisfaction, specifically commending their basement and bathroom renovations. Another client, Marcelo Ferreira, highlighted Souza's excellent communication skills, noting his ability to maintain clear and comprehensive communication throughout the entire construction process, from initial planning to final touches. Ferreira stated that this effective communication prevented confusion and contributed to a smooth and stress-free project experience. All Times Construction is prepared to assist with various projects, from remodels and additions to painting. Prospective clients can reach Eliel Souza by phone, visit the company's website, or visit their physical location in Holliston. This business profile is an advertising feature designed to inform readers about Hopkinton Independent advertisers. #AllTimesConstruction #HomeRenovation #BusinessProfile #ConstructionServices #KitchenRemodel #BathroomRenovation #BasementRemodel #GarageAdditions #ClientSatisfaction

Corey Turner, owner of Turner Home Improvement, provides insights into upgrading a home's exterior as warmer weather approaches. The discussion focuses on various aspects homeowners should consider when planning outdoor renovations. This includes understanding the benefits of different materials, assessing the current condition of exterior components, and selecting appropriate upgrades to enhance both curb appeal and functionality. The importance of proper planning and execution for such projects is highlighted, emphasizing that timely upgrades can prevent more significant issues in the future and contribute to the property's overall value. Turner Home Improvement's expertise covers a range of exterior improvements, such as roofing, siding, windows, and doors. The segment likely delves into the latest trends in sustainable and energy-efficient materials, which can offer long-term savings on utility bills. For instance, discussions might include the advantages of insulated siding, double-pane windows, or roofing materials designed to reflect solar heat. Maintenance tips for different exterior elements are also crucial for preserving the longevity and appearance of home upgrades. Homeowners are advised on routine inspections and preventative measures to tackle wear and tear caused by weather elements. The presentation by Corey Turner serves as a guide for those considering home exterior projects, covering the selection of reputable contractors, understanding project timelines, and budgeting effectively. It likely addresses common pitfalls to avoid and provides advice on how to ensure that the chosen upgrades align with the home's architectural style and the homeowner's personal preferences. The segment also implicitly promotes the idea that investing in exterior improvements not only boosts aesthetic appeal but also improves structural integrity and increases property market value. Furthermore, the discussion might touch upon the regulatory and permitting aspects of home improvements, ensuring that homeowners are aware of local building codes and requirements. This information is vital for undertaking projects that are compliant and safe. The overall goal of the 'Great Day Home Improvement' segment is to empower homeowners with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their exterior renovation projects, ensuring a successful and satisfying outcome as the weather warms up and outdoor living becomes more prominent. #HomeImprovement #ExteriorRenovation #CoreyTurner #TurnerHomeImprovement #OutdoorUpgrades #PropertyValue #HomeMaintenance #SustainableMaterials #EnergyEfficiency

Joe Campbell, while attending Michigan State University in 2003, discovered College Pro, a franchisor focused on teaching young entrepreneurs how to manage a summertime painting business. Having grown up with a father who owned a concrete company, Campbell found the contracting business a familiar environment. He successfully ran a College Pro franchise for two summers, gaining hands-on experience in hiring and training painters, as well as in sales, marketing, and estimating. He considered this experience a valuable extension of his college education, teaching him about business processes, goal setting, and team building. Kimbal Musk, brother and business partner of Tesla Motors founder, Elon Musk, is another notable alumnus of the College Pro program. After graduating, Campbell moved to Phoenix in 2006 and joined Arizona Painting Company. He later became a co-owner of the business alongside Doug Caris and Joe Miller. Under their leadership, the company has expanded significantly, now operating approximately 30 crews in the Phoenix metropolitan area and six in Tucson. The company has distinguished itself in the local painting industry by prioritizing its employees and introducing several innovative practices. Campbell believes that a strong team is crucial for success and has implemented refined hiring processes and career advancement opportunities within the company. Many employees who started as helpers with no prior experience have progressed to leading their own crews, contributing to employee satisfaction and higher standards of customer service. Arizona Painting Company has also introduced industry firsts, such as providing printed estimates to customers on the spot, eliminating the previous need to send them via email or fax. Furthermore, the company was the first local painting contractor to offer a 10-year warranty on their work. This warranty is made possible by their commitment to using two coats of Sherwin-Williams Duration, a high-quality paint, and their meticulous approach to surface preparation. Campbell stated that this strategy of using premium materials and thorough application, rather than cost-cutting, has significantly differentiated them in the market and offers homeowners greater peace of mind. The company has also embraced online reviews to enhance transparency and professionalism within the local painting trade. They have accumulated hundreds of positive reviews from past clients and have received numerous accolades. These include being an Angie’s List Super Service Award honoree for 11 consecutive years, a certified Rosie on the House partner, holding an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and receiving a BBB Ethics Award nomination. The company was also recognized with the “Best of Houzz” honor in both 2015 and 2016. Campbell emphasized that their core philosophy is continuous improvement and setting industry standards, aiming to provide the best possible customer experience from beginning to end. Beyond their business operations, Arizona Painting Company is actively involved in community service. Their annual “Paint it Forward” event provides a free $5,000 paint job to a family in need. They also organize annual back-to-school events, distributing 75 to 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to local children. During the Thanksgiving season, the company donates 75 turkeys to St. Vincent DePaul and provides $500 in gift cards to families. Additionally, they contribute to the local Toys for Tots program every holiday season, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to the community. #PaintingContractor #Entrepreneurship #BusinessInnovation #CustomerService #CommunityInvolvement #Arizona #EmployeeDevelopment #QualityStandards #OnlineReviews

Choate Construction, a prominent general contractor in the Southeastern U.S., faced challenges in maintaining consistent branding and operational efficiency in its signage processes due to rapid growth over several decades. By 2016, with six offices across multiple states, each generating various types of signage—from jobsite banners to safety and directional signs—the company recognized a need for a more unified approach. The existing decentralized system led to inconsistencies in brand representation and significant inefficiencies in time and resources spent on signage creation and procurement. Emily Bridges, Choate's Marketing Director, highlighted that the company's growth had strained the previous siloed, office-by-office autonomy regarding signage. This autonomy negatively impacted branding cohesiveness, consistency, pricing, and overall efficiency. Project teams in each office were individually responsible for their signage needs, leading to redundant efforts and a lack of standardized practices. Catherine Yaw, Manager of Graphic Design, corroborated this, noting a continuous influx of custom signage requests that required extensive design work, coordination with multiple vendors, and intricate project management to ensure timely delivery. Before 2017, Choate Construction engaged numerous signage vendors, with each office maintaining its preferred suppliers. Duncan-Parnell, a signage and graphics provider with a regional presence similar to Choate's, had already been serving Choate's Charlotte and Charleston locations. Choate Construction sought a single, consolidated partner who could not only service all their offices but also help implement an online store for streamlined ordering, allowing the company greater control over design elements, corporate colors, and logos to reinforce their brand identity across all locations. After a thorough evaluation of various signage elements, pricing models, and three potential providers, Choate Construction selected Duncan-Parnell as its sole signage vendor. The decision was primarily influenced by three key factors: cost-effectiveness, the capability to develop an online portal, and efficient turnaround times. Duncan-Parnell demonstrated competitive pricing, assuring local offices that the transition to a centralized vendor would not incur higher costs. They also collaborated with Choate to create an online ordering system that automated order reception and processing, significantly enhancing efficiency. Furthermore, Duncan-Parnell worked closely with Catherine Yaw to pre-approve artwork and negotiate reduced production and shipping times. The implementation of this new, unified process in 2016 was largely successful, with minimal issues encountered during the rollout. Both Emily Bridges and Catherine Yaw affirmed the positive impact of the change. Yaw specifically praised Duncan-Parnell's production team for proactively addressing and resolving issues related to materials, colors, pricing, and production speeds until all parties were satisfied. Since establishing this centralized system, Choate's signage portfolio expanded from fewer than 50 elements to 150 by 2020. This growth included the integration of innovative signage solutions like LED crane signs and the rapid deployment of essential COVID-19 related signage across all jobsites during the 2020 pandemic. Bridges emphasized the importance of consistency and responsiveness in their partnership with Duncan-Parnell, highlighting the vendor's reliable response times, product quality, and willingness to collaborate as a true partner. This strategic move allowed Choate Construction to manage its brand more effectively and improve team productivity, demonstrating the value of a strong vendor partnership in a growing enterprise. #GeneralContractor #ConstructionIndustry #BrandingConsistency #OperationalEfficiency #SignageManagement #VendorPartnership #ProcessImprovement #OnlineOrdering

This article provides comprehensive guidance on undertaking renovations and additions to homes within the city of Burlington. It outlines the specific requirements for obtaining building permits for various types of projects, including interior renovations, basement finishing, exterior renovations, and structural additions. For interior renovations, a permit may be required. The application process necessitates an approved zoning clearance certificate, a completed building permit application, designer schedules detailing qualifications as per the Ontario Building Code (OBC), and detailed construction drawings. These drawings must include fully dimensioned floor plans for each storey, showing room types, sizes, framing details, window and door dimensions, ductwork layout, new and existing plumbing, and smoke alarm locations. Cross-sectional details illustrating wall, roof, and floor construction, along with HVAC design, including heat loss/gain calculations, are also mandatory. Properties with existing septic systems may need a separate septic permit. Additionally, BMEC Authorizations or Minister’s Rulings with CCMC Evaluation Listings are required for innovative materials or systems, and permit fees must be paid according to the current Building Permit Bylaw. Finishing a basement strictly requires a permit. The submission requirements are similar to interior renovations, including a zoning clearance certificate, application form, designer qualifications, and construction drawings with fully dimensioned floor plans indicating room types/names, window and door sizes, smoke alarm locations, ductwork, and plumbing. A separate septic system permit might be necessary if a new bathroom is added to a property with an existing septic system. As with other projects, BMEC Authorizations or Minister’s Rulings and permit fees are essential. Exterior renovations, such as window or cladding replacements, roofing, landscaping, and aesthetic upgrades, may also require building permits or other municipal approvals. The article notes that a list of projects not requiring permits is available separately. For structural additions to a house, a building permit is mandatory. The application package requires a pre-building approval from the Community Planning Department, a completed building permit application, designer schedules (OBC compliant), and an energy efficiency design summary. Construction drawings are extensive, including a fully dimensioned site plan showing lot lines, existing and proposed structures, setback distances, and water/sewer service locations. Floor plans for each storey must be fully dimensioned with room names, framing, and structural elements. Exterior elevations are required for all building sides, detailing window and door openings, building height, finished grade level, exterior finishes, and limiting distance calculations. Cross-sectional details for footing/foundation, wall/floor, and roof construction are also needed, along with HVAC design. Roof truss and engineered floor joist details, stamped by a professional engineer, are required if applicable. A separate septic system permit may be needed for properties with existing systems, and BMEC Authorizations or Minister’s Rulings for innovative materials are a must. Permit fees apply. The article also addresses frequently asked questions, such as additional approvals needed before a building permit, which may include a pre-building approval application for zoning, forestry, and site grading/drainage regulations. It emphasizes the property owner's responsibility to contact Conservation Halton and the Niagara Escarpment Commission if the property falls within their boundaries. Homeowners can design their own projects if they meet code compliance, but professional designers must be qualified under the Ontario Building Code and submit a declaration form. The permit cost involves a minimum fee covering plan review and site inspections. Permit processing takes approximately 10 business days for an initial review. Applications are accepted electronically, and inspections are required and must be scheduled directly with the building inspector. #HomeRenovations #BuildingPermits #HomeAdditions #BurlingtonCity #ConstructionGuidelines #PropertyDevelopment #OntarioBuildingCode #ZoningRegulations

The article discusses the growing trend of sustainable construction, particularly within the concrete industry. It highlights observations from the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, emphasizing the widespread adoption of eco-friendly products and services across various construction phases. The author notes that sustainability is not limited to specific building materials but encompasses a broader spectrum, from project planning and execution to interior furnishing and long-term building management, including water and recycling systems. The content mentions several examples of sustainable products and practices beyond the concrete sector, such as office chairs made with significant recycled content and designed for high recyclability at the end of their lifecycle. It also references paper companies offering new dispenser models to reduce waste and a ceiling recycling program that diverts construction waste from landfills, thereby saving costs and reducing environmental impact for contractors. These examples underscore the diverse ways sustainability is being integrated into the construction supply chain. Within the concrete industry, the article identifies familiar sustainable products and systems. These include concrete polishing, which offers aesthetic and functional benefits while reducing the need for additional flooring materials; insulated concrete, which improves energy efficiency in buildings; and environmentally friendly concrete coatings. The use of recycled materials in decorative concrete applications is also highlighted, with specific mention of recycled glass and a recycled porcelain aggregate called EnviroMODE. These innovations demonstrate the concrete industry's contribution to green building. A central message conveyed at the Greenbuild conference, and reiterated in the article, is that making sustainable choices in the built environment is a pragmatic approach. The article frames sustainable practices as logical steps toward efficiency and resource conservation, posing rhetorical questions like "Why not save energy?" and "Why not use more recycled material?" This perspective suggests that sustainability is not merely an ethical consideration but also offers tangible benefits, such as cost savings and improved operational efficiency. The article concludes by addressing the economic climate at the time of writing (late 2008). Despite financial challenges, it expresses optimism for the construction industry's future, anticipating a positive shift in 2009. It particularly emphasizes the emerging opportunities within sustainable construction. The author suggests that companies which proactively educate themselves and embrace green building products and systems are better positioned for growth and success in an increasingly environmentally conscious future. This highlights the strategic importance of sustainability for long-term business resilience and prosperity. #SustainableConstruction #ConcreteIndustry #GreenBuilding #RecycledMaterials #ConstructionTechnology #EnvironmentalImpact #BusinessGrowth #EnergyEfficiency #WasteReduction

United Home Restoration, a remodeling company based in Johns Creek, Ga., is profiled, highlighting its commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Owner Scott Hessing emphasizes his hands-on approach, being present on job sites daily from 8 a.m., which he notes contrasts with other contractors who often make only initial visits. This direct involvement ensures quality assurance and fosters client trust. The company specializes in installing decks and fences, performing custom trim work, and interior and exterior painting for both residential and commercial properties across Metro Atlanta. Hessing expresses a willingness to charter his crew out of state for projects, showcasing the company's flexibility and ambition. The core values of United Home Restoration are safety, quality, and efficiency. Hessing, affectionately called "Frijoles" by his crew, finds immense satisfaction in his work, not only from seeing projects come to life but also from the positive reactions of clients who are often astonished by the speed and quality of work delivered at a fair price. The dynamic nature of the job, which keeps things from becoming monotonous, is another aspect Hessing enjoys. He also values the strong camaraderie among his team of a dozen employees, divided into three crews. His Cuban heritage helps him connect with his largely Spanish-speaking crew, improving his Spanish while they bond over shared musical tastes. The article notes the company's resilience, as Hessing observed slower periods during the holiday season for local businesses, contrasting with the current bustling activity that signifies more jobs. Hessing incorporated United Home Restoration approximately a year ago, receiving crucial advice on insurance from his mentor, Clint Crowe, owner of StormROOF Systems. His deep familiarity with the Johns Creek area has been instrumental in building a strong client base, including a memorable instance where a client turned out to be his sixth-grade teacher, illustrating his local connections and reputation. Beyond business, Hessing is actively involved in community advocacy. He has sponsored North View High School's football team, despite having attended rival Chattahoochee High School, demonstrating his commitment to local youth. He also regularly contributes to Lifeline's animal shelter, providing breakfast, toys, blankets, and newspaper, a practice he attributes to lessons from his mother about giving back to the community and helping the less fortunate. Hessing expresses gratitude for being in a position to support nonprofits and community initiatives, underscoring the company's dedication not just to business success but also to social responsibility within the Metro Atlanta area. #UnitedHomeRestoration #ScottHessing #HomeRemodeling #JohnsCreek #MetroAtlanta #CommunityAdvocacy #DeckInstallation #FenceInstallation #HomeImprovement