Archive for the 'Remodeling' Category

Welcome to National Lumber’s Blog

Published May 26, 2022 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , Custom Millwork , Engineered Wood Products , Insulation , Lumber , Millwork , Paint , Pneumatic Tools , Reliable Truss , Remodeling , Turn-Key Framing 4 Comments

Founded in 1934, with ten lumberyards in New England, National Lumber has the experience and quality building materials you need for every project. Let National Lumber be the single source for all of your building and remodeling products. The National Lumber Family of Companies includes Reliable Truss, Pro Insulators, National Millwork, Kitchen Views, National Building Products, and Oxford Lumber — covering everything from the rimboard at the foundation to the roof shingles along with everything in between. Visit our websites to see all we have to offer.

Our blog will share information about the wide range of products and value-added services available to you. If you’d like to follow the blog via email, you can easily subscribe using the box at the right. Keep up-to-date with the latest events hosted by National Lumber as well as new products and services by joining our Constant Contact mailing list.

We’re ready to serve you. If you have any feedback, questions or concerns, be sure to leave a comment!

Check List for Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

Published April 18, 2014 Building Industry , Building Materials , Events , New Products , Remodeling , Shower Enclosures Leave a Comment
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Mike McDole speaking to a guest at the EM NARI Networking Event

Mike McDole, Senior Vice President of Sales at National Lumber, speaking to a guest at the EM NARI Networking Event

On April 16, 2014, Kitchen Views at National Lumber and Allstate Glass hosted an EM NARI Networking Event at the Kitchen Views showroom in Mansfield, MA. Please check out Brandy Souza’s Kitchen Views blog posting for more information. There are lots of event photos available on our Facebook and Google+ sites.

Did you know? Our insulation installers deliver outstanding results.

Published December 12, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , Insulation , Remodeling , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Closed cell spray foam insulation being applied

Closed cell spray foam insulation being applied

Pro Insulators delivers the difference between insulation products and outstanding results. Our insulation installers specialize in fiberglass batts, blown-in fiberglass, and spray foam insulation. Having the right specialists on your team can keep a project running smoothly as they apply their specialized experience to your building project. Just as you have traditionally subcontracted work to a trusted plumber as part of your team, you can hire the insulation installers of Pro Insulators (HIC #161268), a division of National Lumber.

“I am an Energy Star builder and I use Pro Insulators exclusively because of their knowledge on what is needed to meet or exceed Energy Star levels. They are always on-time, the staff is courteous and professional, and they leave the jobsite very clean. They are one of the best subs that I have!” – Roger Lucier, RS Lucier Contracting

Building code compliance and OSHA safety compliance are met when you hire Pro Insulators. We have all the proper safety and work equipment. Most importantly, we are up-to-date on meeting codes for energy efficiency and current building standards. Whether your project is residential or commercial, new building or a retro-fit project, we have the products and installation expertise you need. Whichever type of insulation you choose, our professional team of experts will leave your jobsite clean and ready for your next phase of construction.

We’ll provide a free evaluation of your project and an estimate. Call 978-423-6051 today to discuss your project insulation needs. Then you can decide if it’s cost-effective to subcontract this work and leave yourself free to work on other items.

If you work with a specific National Lumber representative, please ask about these products and services. If you don’t have a specific contact, you can email insidesales@national-lumber.com and we will have someone contact you.

Thank you for your business. We are honored to be your supplier for building materials and more!

The National Lumber Family of Companies

www.national-lumber.com

Did you know? Reliable Truss and Components has in-house design and engineering departments

Published November 14, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Building Technology , Construction , Green Building , Lumber , News , Reliable Truss , Remodeling , Technology , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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reliable truss floor tracker truss assembly

Reliable Truss and Components, a division of National Lumber, has in-house design and engineering departments to work with you every step of the way from your initial quote to the final delivery of your product. When it comes to wood and steel trusses, structural components and custom prefabrication, our experts here at Reliable Truss have the ability to offer our customers efficient project coordination and higher quality and more feature-rich products than offered by our competitors. Our innovative processes allow us to provide exceptional service from “under one roof”.

“I wanted to extend my personal thanks to you and the rest of the folks at National Lumber and Reliable Truss for that fantastic tour. I found it to be a very valuable learning experience. While I was generally familiar with metal plate wood trusses, watching the actual manufacturing was quite an experience. I was very impressed by your plant and also by the sophistication of the MiTek software. Previously I was not aware how extensive a capability existed for pre-fabbing wall and floor sections. Again, the machinery and your plant were very impressive. For me the Alpine steel trusses were a complete revelation. In the past I had done some work with light structural steel trusses (angles, tees, and gussets), but these light gauge steel trusses are definitely something to look for a way to use. Thanks again.”  Thomas J. Vaughan Jr, P.E., GSC Engineering, Inc.

Our sales team is exceptionally versed with industry knowledge, and is here to assist you with choosing the components you need for your project and making sure your delivery is on time. Our registered engineers have the expertise to design the components you need for your project, all the while considering our environment, by practicing green building methods to minimize waste. The Reliable Truss facility is state-of-the-art, with fully integrated building industry modeling software to high production automated equipment, allowing us to provide customization and additional solutions to our customers.

If you work with a specific National Lumber representative, please ask about these products and services. If you don’t have a specific contact, you can email insidesales@national-lumber.com and we will have someone contact you.

Thank you for your business. We are honored to be your supplier for building materials and more!

The National Lumber Family of Companies

www.national-lumber.com

National Lumber's Family of Companies: National Lumber, Kitchen Views, Reliable Truss, National Millwork, Pro Insulators

Great news for the home improvement industry: Survey says consumers are willing to spend more on home remodeling.

Published November 6, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , News , Remodeling , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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consttruction workers putting up an exterior wall panel

In a recent online survey of 5,000 participants, it looks as though homeowners are willing to spend upwards of 30% of their home’s value to renovate or remodel a part of their home. This figure is higher than recorded percentages of 2007 and 2010 for home remodeling costs, which will be a positive impact on the entire home improvement industry.

The survey was comprised of approximately 70 questions to determine whether the participants would prefer remodeling versus moving from their home. To some degree, all of the participants were interested in some sort of change to their existing home.

Consumers are planning to use more expensive materials, which is projected to scale an average budget of $102,000 on their improvements. Approximately 74% of the respondents plan to hire a general contractor for the work, and more than half of the respondents plan to hire an architect, rather than tackling the remodel or renovations themselves.

Some of the planned projects for these homeowners are larger in scale and include multiple rooms. Right above the halfway mark is the percentage of homeowners who are likely to remodel a kitchen.

Our professionals at National Lumber and Kitchen Views at National Lumber are here to serve you through every phase of remodeling projects. We can supply you with the building supplies you need and the services you deserve. Additionally, our kitchen division has the expertise to work with homeowners on design and selection of materials. Contractors are then provided with detailed plans and materials. One of our designers will follow the project from concept to completion. Kitchen Views at National Lumber, where the designers are pros and the views are yours!

Resource: Americans Willing to Spend More to Remodel, Survey Says 

Worries Arise From New OSHA Proposed Ruling Regarding Silica

Published September 5, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , News , OSHA , Remodeling , Safety , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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The National Association of Home Builders issued a press release last week regarding a proposed ruling by OSHA to protect construction workers against the inhalation of silica dust particles. The proposal warrants concern from industry workers because it encompasses core aspects of building.

construction worker sawing dry brick releasing dust containing silica

photo courtesy of nahb.org

Here is an excerpt from the release:  

OSHA’s Proposed Silica Rule Raises Concerns for Construction Industry

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28–A coalition of construction industry groups is concerned about a proposed rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that’s intended to protect workers from inhaling dust containing silica, created by activities such as cutting brick or block, and sawing, grinding or drilling concrete.

“We need practical, science-based solutions that protect workers in all facets of construction,” said Rick Judson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a builder and developer from Charlotte, N.C. “Unfortunately, OSHA’s initial announcement about this proposed rule indicates we aren’t there yet.”

To read the full press release, click here.

Homeowners are spending again to remodel their homes

Published March 5, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , News , Remodeling Leave a Comment
Remodeler meets with homeowner to discuss details

Remodeler meets with homeowner to discuss details

As reported today by LBM Journal, remodeling spending rose 11% in 2012. According to the U.S. Commerce Department, home improvement spending throughout the nation is estimated to total $126.3 billion in 2012, up from $114.0 billion in 2011. Click here for chart. This critical component of the residential sector has not been this strong since 2007.  Read the whole story at CEPro.com.

Perhaps it’s pent-up need that is causing homeowners to finally begin spending again to remodel their homes. Those who had been waiting to see how the economy would impact them, have finally waited as long as they could to do required work on their homes. For some that may mean needing a new roof, while others may finally be ready to replace windows. With the popularity of home improvement shows, people are also seeing what is possible not only for kitchens, but for other family gathering areas of their home and are being inspired to renovate their homes in the increasingly popular style of an open floor plan. Fortunately for the remodeling industry, many homeowners know what they want, but realize that they are not able to do the work themselves.

We’re seeing a strong trend in the online research of products such as cabinetry. Remodeling contractors, are you finding that your customers are better educated about products than in the past? We’d like to hear about your real life experiences with homeowners, and what you would like them to understand about the remodeling process. Drop us a note!

Remembering a Mentor to the Remodeling Industry

Published February 21, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , News , Remodeling Leave a Comment
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In everyone’s life, one hopes for a mentor to share wisdom and provide motivation to become our best. The Remodeling Industry was fortunate to have such a man providing leadership on a wide scale, and his influence lives on in ways that some may not even realize.

Excerpts with permission from Shawn McCadden’s blog posting,
In Remembrance of Walt Stoeppelwerth: The Godfather Of Remodeling To Many

Walt Stoeppelwerth

Walt Stoeppelwerth

On February 18th, 2013 Walt Stoeppelwerth passed away. Walt was the President of HomeTech Inc in Bethesda, MD for over thirty years. Walt helped shape the Remodeling Industry through his teaching and writing as a columnist with Remodeling magazine. He was a visionary with a unique ability to identify, fully understand and solve existing as well as future challenges within the industry.  He would share his observations, speculate on the likely consequences if the challenges were not addressed, and suggest or predict the solutions he felt would address the challenges. His brilliance was his ability to then create and provide the required solutions, and, through his consulting, direct others who wanted to participate in making the evolution happen. His business model was not reactive to the perceived and often misguided needs expressed by remodelers and industry partners, but rather proactive in creating and providing the solutions and the guidance remodelers and industry partners really needed to improve and foster true success. In summary, Walt had the intimate knowledge, insight, creativity, resources, contacts, relationships and solutions to change the industry and cause tremendous social benefit at the same time. When people feel better about themselves and their businesses, they listen and seek for more of what helped them. Additionally, many then share what they have and know with others with the hopes that they too will benefit.  Walt was a master at setting that example and making it happen for so many remodelers.

 Click here to read the full message.

Contractors: Don’t Forget Your Massachusetts Lead-Safe Licensing Waiver

Published October 7, 2010 EPA Lead Rule , Remodeling 1 Comment
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Important reminder! If your company was certified before July 9, 2010 under the federal EPA RRP rule, you are entitled to a waiver of the Massachusetts state certification for the first 5 years (coincidental with the EPA certificate date) but you must fill out the form from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. You can find the form right here: Lead Safe Renovation Contractor Licensing Waiver

If you are working on pre-1978 homes in Massachusetts, you MUST have the MA certification or waiver. Filling out the waiver form along with providing proof of EPA RRP certification will save you $375. Fill it out now and get it in the mail.

This will also quickly get you certified in the Massachusetts Department of Occupational Safety’s Lead-Safe Renovation program. Another important aspect is that you will be listed on the Massachusetts Currently Licensed Lead-Safe Contractors List. Homeowners are checking this list when looking for contractors.

National Lumber has all the tools and supplies you need to help comply with the new lead-safe renovation rules. Visit or call your local National Lumber store today to see how we can help you.

Staircase Baluster Upgrades Made Easy

Published September 9, 2010 New Products , News , Remodeling 1 Comment
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Crown Heritage has a new great way to add another profitable service to your remodeling business – upgrading balusters!

The Transformer System is a revolutionary way of upgrading staircase balusters, and it’s easy because you can replace the balusters without removing the newels and handrails. You can easily upgrade a staircase in one day! At last, the staircase can be added to the list of remodeling opportunities for your business!

See how easy it is! View the installation video at www.TheTransformerSystem.com

For more information, see the Transformer System brochure on the National Lumber eShowroom or contact your local National Lumber retail store.

National Lumber
www.national-lumber.com

 

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