Mirror Mirror on The Wall

Here is what I see when I look in the mirror. What I needed to know is what others see in me and my company Levco Builders.

To figure out the problem, I  had to interview some of my thoughtful, articulate clients and ask them an open ended question that they could answer.

There is no post project questionnaire that could produce the results that I needed.

A favorite song of mine written by Shel Silverstein The Winner came to me while writing this post.

Not all projects are worth bidding. Occasionally I realize too late that I have won a project that I would have been better off not winning, regardless, we maintain our dignity and plow through. There are things to learn from every project and client interaction so a little older and a lot wiser we regroup and start over.

Let's Go Fishing

The key is to think like an avid fisherman. When fishing for a certain type of fish in a lake, you must use the right bait and tackle for the fish you want to catch.

Once you ask the fifty thousand dollar question, you must be an active listener. Listen carefully my friends! you never know what you might hear.

The most interesting thing I discovered was that I had used a secret weapon in my arsenal that I didn’t realize that I had.

Initially, I was cautious, I struggled with whether I should even talk about what I learned.

My secret weapon comes naturally and is just who I am. “No one is going to out Joe Levitch, Joe Levitch”.  I realized that by defining who I am and what I stand for, that I am differentiating myself from the heard. I am my strongest suit.

On the projects I enjoyed the most, what my clients were buying was unique and not a commodity. In other words, who I am and how and I present my self and ideas is what they are buying. Remodeling is just a vision and the vehicle I use.

Here are some of the things I learned about myself.

The Envelope Please

• I was excited about the project. I could see what the clients vision was of their home and couldn’t wait to make it happen. That excitement made the client feel good and that was the chemistry that got the relationship going.

• Several clients were explaining that they were frustrated by contractors who wanted to do much more work than necessary. They were pleased that I was able to identify a cleaver solution to a complex problem before we started.

• Occasionally price is the only deciding factor. Those clients are shopping for a transaction not an interaction. They are frequently not a good fit.

• Another client had seen my work at a neighbors house and wanted to get that level of satisfaction. The trust was created by someone else going first.

• One client had had a heart attack remodeling a home in the past and didn’t want to have another one. They found me and although I was just starting out at the time, they realized that I was willing to work closely and together to get through the growing pains of a new company.

Simple Toy

Recently lots of leads are coming from our website. There is a tremendous amount of great content, so I am told. I feel like the more information I can put up on this site, the more I am able to help folks get to know me, and see my work, without having to leave the privacy of their own home so to speak.

• One client liked how I was able to explain my process. They could tell that I had put a lot of thought into helping explain what you get for your investment. They really liked how I was able to break bathrooms and kitchens into bite size pieces.

The premise is that if you can’t explain the “it” (a remodeling project in this case), then you don’t understand the it well enough to do the it. An example is using a toy to show the Bernoulli Principal of Aerodynamics in action, rather than showing the mathematical equation and loosing 99% of the folks.

My suspicion is that to the extent that I define who I am well and differentiate myself from the heard, I will attract a certain type of project and client. If that is working for you then refine it. If not, reinvent yourself and go fishing again until you catch what you are fishing for.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.

Knob & Tube with Splices

During almost every remodeling project Levco does, especially in Boise’s historic North End, we encounter Knob & Tube Wiring. It was the craze back in the late 1800′s to the early 1900′s, it was relatively safe ( compared to kerosene or gas lamps) and it was cheaper to install than the armored cable alternative.

Knobs are the porcelain insulators that are nailed in and keep the wires from touching. Tubes are the porcelain insulators that were stuck in holes that the wires would run through.

Danger occurred when splices were done improperly because poor connections caused heat and heat caused fires. Other problems included a fused neutral conductor and the ease for homeowners to add larger fuses when they continuously popped. Heat was dissipated through open air and truly the wires should have breathing room. Overloaded circuits are not uncommon in older homes because there were no previous requirements for the number of outlets.

Proper Junction Box

Knob & Tube was a system where single wires, a hot and a neutral, were run to each outlet and switch. When a wire came close to or was required to go through a wood member, it would also be attached to or go through a porcelain insulator. Splicing was done anywhere. The insulation was carved back, the new wire was wrapped tightly and ideally soldered, and then covered with electrical tape, which,in those days, was different and called friction tape.

The truth is that if your home has Knob & Tube wiring, and it still works well you are doing OK. With age, the insulation around the wires becomes brittle and is often disturbed during renovations. Aggravation occurs when a wiring problem crops up because the connections could be anywhere.

Rough Electrical

Take a complicated three way switch, for instance, with connections of other wires anywhere in line and power allowed to come from different circuits. You can see how solving a problem could be a nightmare.

These days all connections must be made in an accessible electrical box.

What is missing from knob & tube wiring is the ground wire which is an added safety element that has been an added feature to the code. There have been lots of upgrades in electricity delivery since those early days of electrifying homes.

Since the end of World War II, electrical gadgets have become common. These days we have far more electrical conveniences (necessities) in the home, which  requires more circuits, at least 4 in a modern kitchen.

At Levco, we only use licensed electricians to provide our electrical work.

Andy the Electrician

Most electricians are fluent in the old time wiring techniques. The ones we use  specialize in remodeling and don’t mind the intricacies of adding to an existing system or in some cases ripping out the old stuff back to where it is safe and going from there.

Like anything difficult, it takes a special subcontractor who has a passion for remodeling. If your wiring requires updating during the course of a remodeling project, you can rest assured, Levco will take care of any problems and upgrades your electrical system may need. Our motto is to “do as much as necessary yet as little as possible” to make you home safe and functional for years to come.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.

Drain Cleaner

I was doing a free plumbing repair for a friend who happened to be a Tennis Pro. I had always been impressed with his athletic prowess and chiseled body. Not having grown up in a competitive sport, I was never coached or had to develop a killer instinct to always win. I had little understanding or respect for what he did for a living.

He had a clogged sink in a small bathroom of his 100 year old house. I had removed the P Trap made some progress with the drain cleaning tool when it got stopped by a T fitting deep within the wall. I had tried every trick I could think of. I was sweating and frustrated. I was cramped and uncomfortable and I decided that I wasn’t going to be successful. In fact I had other things to do.

I began to clean up and pack out when I told him that I had given it my best shot and that he was just going to have to call a plumbing company that specializes in this sort of thing.

What Motivates You?

He immediately told me “Thanks, I see that you have given it your all, no problem” He kept heaping on the praise and thanks.  He repeatedly assured me that he would take care of it. I was so relieved he let me off the hook for fixing his clog. Then he said something that I will never forget.

He slipped in a word that stopped me in my tracks and motivated me like nothing external had ever motivated me in my life.

He was helping me pack out my tools and said thanks one more time. Joe, he said, have a great afternoon “looser”. I was shocked! He had slipped in that word barely audible that instantly boiled my blood. How dare you I thought, It really pissed me off. “what did you say” I barked? He calmly said, no big deal man, we will get it taken care of Monday, you gave it your all. That Asshole! How dare he, I heard what he said and it got my goat…..” I thought you had game,” he said as he shrugged.

I promptly turned around and unpacked my stuff. I fixed the problem by using my head and approaching the clogged drain from the other direction (toilet side) going backwards up the pipe. I felt damn good doing it. I was fiercely determined and ultra focused. When I finally got it, I felt fantastic and proud that I had won. All the while he had this Cheshire Cat air about him. What a prick I thought. Then it hit me.

Holy cow, Pete Peterson had just gotten under my skin and had gotten results out of me that I didn’t think I could accomplish. He had just coached me.

My Coach Pete

A coach and a motivator of people all his life. He had figured out the magic word and deftly delivered it at the perfect moment to get me to accomplish a task he knew I could accomplish despite the fact that I had nearly given up. He used it to get what he wanted out of me. It took less than a second to say, he muttered softly and never repeated it. The power of that word said at that moment in time was all it took.

Who knows if it would ever work again, (I keep the experience with me in my mental toolbox should I ever need it again). It was a special moment that I will never forget. I thanked him and have a new respect for coaches and leaders who have the ability to motivate others throughout the world.

I often reflect upon that incident. I wonder if we all have a word and a moment that would get us to accomplish something amazing that we had within us but didn’t believe we could do.

What is your word? Can you find the word that works for others?

 Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.

Casement Egress

The Challenge:

This home had a functional basement without an egress window. It smelled musty and we suspected moisture in the walls.

The Idea:

To remove the windows and upgrade to vinyl and add an egress window. The client wanted a paver window alcove. We started with one window to replace and added the two others with a Change Order

The Solution:

We removed the windows and the wall we found mold and had to clean it up. We also found that the old aluminum windows were installed from the inside, leaving an open pathway for water to enter the home. We insulated with foam rigid board and re-framed the wall to enclose her main water supply shut off.

The Details:

New trim and drywall, paver window surround, Amsco windows

Investment Range: $4,200

Time Frame: 2 weeks

Moldy Stuff

Mold, also know as Fungus, has become a huge issue in homes as of late, with concerns coming from the medical as well as the insurance communities. Many misconceptions are floating around, which that have caused panic and hysteria. Usually a trained sense of smell is all that is required to locate a problem, and visible signs all that you need to confirm the diagnosis. The spores can cause a respiratory irritation, and if a preexisting sensitivity or respiratory illness exists, it can exacerbate that problem.

But all mold  is not bad, although I often refer to it as the “M” word. We must remember that mold is what makes the blue in blue cheese. It is what makes bread rise in the form of yeast. Mold is also the natural decomposer, it digests rotten organic matter (sometimes before the expiration date).  It is also the foundation of fermentation. God only knows where we would be as a civilization without that.

Mold Triangle

Mold, like fire, has a triangle of opportunity to proliferate: some sort of food (some sort of organic matter),  warmth (in most cases), and moisture. When combined the organism flourishes and reproduces at an incredible pace.

The EPA has set guidelines for dealing with mold and I believe they have a very sensible approach. they have provided many resources and reading materials to understand mold, to prevent it, and remove it as needed. The bottom line is that we want to prevent its growth and proliferation by being aware of where it comes from and making sure we treat it with respect.

From Levco’s perspective, mold in an area that is moist is an outward sign of a water problem that requires fixing. If dry, it is a sign that there was an issue that was not cleaned adequately. From a health perspective we focus upon proper respiratory protection, proper disposal of contaminated materials, and good personal hygiene.

We categorize water problems into two categories Acute and Chronic.

Acute:

The source of acute water problems are usually obvious. The stopping of the leak is of foremost importance. Cleaning up after an acute leak takes patience and attention to detail. we have seen many acute leaks that have not been dried adequately and have provided the third leg of the mold triangle. Seepage between floors and under materials tat do not breathe like vinyl flooring are prime locations for mold growth.

Chronic:

We find all sorts of telltale signs of mold that have existed for eons. In one case, a hillside leak came through a foundation crack and created mold growth in the insulation. It was stopped by the visqueen vapor barrier and never made it to the drywall. The wall eventually dried out, but when we went to remodel we needed to take special precautions not to breath in the spores.

Chronic Mold

We were recently referred by an insurance agent to a client who was having her laundry room flooring replaced with tile. When the contractor removed the vinyl, there were all sorts of black colored mold that had disintegrated the particleboard underlayment and left visible stains on the OSB subfloor. Within a few minutes, it became obvious that the leak was resolved long ago and the moisture was gone as well. The dust like material was easily vacuumed up with a HEPA vacuum and then the area was scrubbed with a soap and water solution. Finally, the entire area was soaked with a strong antibacterial solution and allowed to dry prior to having the new plastic underlayment applied and tile set.

How We Attack a Mold Issue:

Once we have decided to remediate a mold issue,

1. We survey the affected area from a safe distance.
2. We protect ourselves and provide containment.
3. We rapidly determine whether this is a project we can handle or if it requires referring to a specialty subcontractor.
4. We focus our attention upon ensuring that the leak or source of moisture has been resolved.
5. Once resolved, we make a plan for cleanup and repair.
6. Depending upon the severity, building components might require cleaning and disinfectant all the way to removal and disposal.

As a remodeler I was forced to add a mold clause that addresses the issue.

MOLD: Mold is a naturally occurring form of bacteria, it is everywhere including in healthy homes. In some occurrences, rare instances, sensitivity and reactions to particular types of mold can occur. We do not proclaim to be specialists in this field; however, we are aware of what it looks like, how to clean it up, and basic prevention techniques. When we suspect a mold hazard to health, we will at our discretion, contact a specialty contractor or mold resource for third party verifications and or recommendations. The Owner will be consulted and a Change Order will be initiated to provide this task at the Owners expense.

Having a third party response to a mold issue can be an expensive undertaking. At Levco, we try our best to handle these issues for our clients reasonably and responsibly. We have several backups in this area, most of which come with a hefty price tag.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.

John In His Happy Place

A to Z Tools at 6042 Franklin Rd., is another business I frequent and like to send folks to.

I suppose every town has a used tool place, but none are as unique as this little shop. I discovered the store in a strip mall just west of  Curtis on Franklin Road 10 years ago. I made immediate friends with the owners. The sheer magnitude of the tools they’ve got on display is awesome and initially overwhelming. Still, it only takes a few moments to get a sense of where things live because it is very organized.

Tools are something I have always been fond of, and that was another thing I had in common with Grandpa Ben. I also remember my first tool. It was a finish hammer that I still have and use regularly, given as a birthday present by my older brother Mike.

John & Nipa Wilder shared my love of tools and understood the difference between “home owner grade” and “construction grade”.  John knew where they were made, what kind of bearings they had, and what each item cost new. He used to scour the pawn shops weekly for only the high quality stuff, and eventually got preferential pricing because he was a regular. When the downturn in construction hit several years ago, he was prepared for the flood of tools that came in as contractors bailed out of the area.

The Shop

They started in Boise in July of 1998. John had worked in Redding California in the same industry and had essentially been in the tool business all his life. He would travel to tool expos all over the North West and had a keen eye for what people would like to add to their toolbox. He also would take tools in on trade or just buy them outright. He would clean them up and make sure they operated properly and would always either take one back or trade it in for another one, if it wasn’t up to snuff.

Beyond being a customer, I became part of their family. Whenever I need to be cheered up I would stop in for a beer after hours, where I could surround myself with tools and tell them what was up with the family and my projects. I especially loved the “Out of Order” bathroom that I offered to fix, only to discover that it was working fine but reserved for their special customers only.

The Parallel Bridge

As I get older, I find it harder and harder to find tools I don’t have. I hold John & Nipa personally responsible for that. Despite the two of them suffering an amazing amount of medical issues, they kept the shop running. Where they found the strength and mental toughness to continue the store, surely comes from a different generation.

John passed away  a little over a year ago, leaving Nipa holding down the fort. I thought she was going to close up shop last December, but like the Energizer Bunny, she just keeps on going.

John was fascinated with the new Bay Bridge being built next to the existing one. He had no doubt that he would survive to its completion. Although he didn’t, I will toast him when they finally get it done, and surely have his spirit with me as I drive it someday.

If you find yourself needing a great used tool for a good price please stop in and see Nipa first. Odds are she has several to choose from.  After all a used tool is created as soon as the wrapper is removed.

I especially appreciate how they care about me, my employees, and my family. Nipa, who’s a native of Bangkok Thailand, greets me with “How yo’ boy”? Somewhere along the line, she developed a love for my son Ethan. She is coming to his next gymnastics meet and will be cheering every bit as loud as his mother.

Don’t wait, go in and buy some tools at A to Z  Tools today. Tell Nipa Joe sent you.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.

Al Davis

Although winning isn’t everything, it feels pretty good when you do.

I recall vividly as Al Davis, former owner of the Oakland Raiders said “Just Win Baby” It got me thinking about what Levco and the remodeling industry in general has in common with the game of football.

I also got caught up in the frenzy of college football this year and celebrate another fantastic BSU football season.

From my armchair, “Remodeling is much like a football game, except when it is done correctly, there are only winners, no losers”.

• Both teams develop a game plan based upon reviewing tapes and having faced similar challenges. Although we don’t use tapes we review previous projects to learn from them.
• We have owners that agree to play each other. In our case the opponent is in the form of a remodeling project.
• We both use lots of illustrations to plan out what we will do.
• Football uses a coach and we use a Project Manager who calls the plays.
• We both take a break at milestones to review the plan for the next phase.
• We both believe that we are the best despite there being other teams out there that do the same thing just a little differently.
• 

  Kellen Moore

  There is a set of rules that we are all supposed to play by, some teams do a better job of it.

• Occasionally we both drop the ball. We always pick it up and keep playing.
• When we take a break, we rehydrate for the next set of downs.
• Football has players that specialize in all areas of the game from running and passing, to kicking. We have employees with overall knowledge of the game and employ specialty subcontractors for those complicated tasks.
• We both plan ahead and use the best resources and are always on the lookout for the best talent available.
• A fumble isn’t always a bad thing.
• We make progress and have setbacks on a regular basis.
• We both keep track of statistics.
• Occasionally we punt.
• Extra points are scored on clever plays.
• We both celebrate small victories and have occasional setbacks.
• In the end we all celebrate the game and in our case the completion of the project.

After looking at the similarities between football and remodeling, I was left at the threshold of trying to describe what winning means to me.  I borrowed a phrase frequently that was created at Flying Pie Pizza,  “We Always Win”.  As I see it, the only way to have our interests aligned is to let everyone know how we measure our success. As I open the door here is what I see.

Winning for Levco is:

Our Team

1. Creating a team approach to each project and developing relationships that are solid.
2. Knowing that we did a great job and created what the client wanted.
3. Keeping in control of the schedule and the scope of work.
4. Having Change Orders signed before additional work is started.
5. Coming in on budget.
6. Tinkering with our systems to improve our process.
7. Showing that we care.
8. Finding a better idea no matter the source.
9. Listening very carefully to each other and allowing every voice be heard.
10. Adapting to existing conditions.
11. Finding clever solutions to complicated problems.
12. Anticipating problems and special needs before they arise and handling them in stride.
13. Keeping everyone and everything up to date.
14. Getting everyone paid on time.
15. Dealing with problems swiftly and decisively in an honest upfront way.
16. Celebrating our successes.
17. Learning from setbacks.
18. Creating a fabulous remodeling project that looks like it was always there.

In closing, winning for us does not come at anyone’s expense. The beauty of remodeling in Boise, Idaho is that I have created a working model for our continued success and prosperity. The fruits of our labor go way beyond a paycheck which is why we do what we do so darn well.

Rest in peace Al, you won a lot.

Love Joe

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.

The Challenge:

New Sun room

This is a home in an area near HP. They had a covered back porch that was sinking and wanted to enclose it .

The Idea:

Tear out the floor and install footings and stem walls. Reinstall floor joists and connect to the existing HVAC system.

The Solution:

We added two foundation walls and hacked the overhung roof back into position. We provide and install new windows and relocate the existing back door.

The Details:

Dow dura-ceramic floor without grout lines, operable windows. bead board. Colorful paint palate.

Investment Range: $12,000

Time Frame: 3 weeks

The Challenge:

New Addition

This is a home in a fairly new subdivision with CCNR rules. In addition to a building permit we needed approval from the home owners association.The addition is at the rear of the home and created a 20 x 20 or 400 sf addition. There is only access from the front of the home along the side.

The Idea:

To build an addition that is the same height as the home and uses extensions of the HVAC system.

The Solution:

We added a the space and included a vaulted ceiling. During the project we noticed that the window we had specked was too small. We were able to enlarge the window at no additional expense to the owner.

The Details:

Pergo brand flooring, operable windows,vaulted ceiling, and french doors.

Investment Range: $21,000

Time Frame: 4 weeks

Ceiling Cave In

At Levco working with insurance companies has become a regular thing. Usually, things go well, but occasionally they go very sideways. We have used our vast experiences to share what we have learned. Here is how we handle insurance claims related to a Flood or Fire.

In most cases, the insurance company wants to work with everyone and get your home back together quickly. If they omitted something in their bid that is discovered after the fact, it is normally not a problem.

Owner Decided to Switch to Tile

The number one issue Levco has had is related to owners having unrealistic expectations of their insurance carrier. Owners believe the insurance agency is going to remodel more than was effected by the disaster! This is a constant battle.

• The idea is not to profit from a disaster. If you had hardwood before for instance, and want tile now,  you must sign a remodeling contract with a bid for the additional work. We do credit the difference, but has led to huge misunderstandings.

The second most frequent problem is that home owners have no idea what is excluded. They walk around as if no matter what happens that “You’re in good hands” or “You have an umbrella over you.” That is clearly not the case.

Thirdly, you will always need to pay your deductible out of pocket. The contractor won’t ” work it into the bid”.

Finally, you do not need to get 3 bids. If you select Levco, we will rebuild for the amount the insurance company allows.

Issues we have had include, but are not limited to.

1. Occasionally adjusters disallow repainting an entire room. They will only do a ceiling or one wall of a room.
2. Mitigation contractors (the disaster service of choice) butchering up the place, way more than is necessary.
3. The mitigation contractors pushing to be the company that rebuilds the home. You are not obligated. You may use your choice.
4. You may do your own work, however you are reimbursed at a substantially lower rate.

Flood

Frozen Split Pipe

Water problems. You are only covered by that which is caused by a domestic source. That means that you have to have something malfunction first, like a burst washing machine hose, or a toilet malfunction. If shingles blow off then you have a leak, OK, but not a worn out roof.

Exclusions include:

1. The malfunction that caused the flood. (You always need to pay for that)
2. External sources are not covered. (Unless you have federal flood insurance).
3. Having a rider that allows for code upgrades. Without it, things like hardwired smoke detector and upgrades to your electrical system, that are required will come from your pocket.
4. If the city system backs up into your home’s basement toilet, you need to get the city’s insurance carrier to take care of the bills. (This is not as easy as you might think)
5. If you are a renter, you are out of luck if you don’t have renter’s insurance. If your stuff is ruined in a fire, tough luck.
6. Although there is an exclusion for doing LSPW (lead safe work practices) in an emergency (during tear out and drying), a contractor must do LSWP in pre 1978 homes during the rebuild phase.

Fire

Garage Fire

Fire and Smoke. In one case, a neighbor had a fire in a rundown home and the insurance company replaced all sorts of things.  In Boise, like most metropolitan areas, a total loss is rare, so do not expect your burnt home to get replaced.

Issues we have had include but are not limited to.

1. Mitigation contractors (the disaster service of choice) go crazy cleaning everything you own and in one case, running up a $12,000 dry cleaning bill.
2. Delaying the cleanup to hold the home owner hostage until they get the rebuild contract too.
3. When rebuilding, we are held to new codes. Frequently there are huge headaches with getting structures rebuilt in the same place or with like materials.
4. Detached structures are rarely covered for enough to replace them. Your contents are normally not the problem.
5. If you are a renter, you are out of luck if you don’t have renter’s insurance. If your stuff is ruined in a fire, tough luck.
6. Although there is an exclusion for doing LSPW (lead safe work practices) in an emergency (during tear out and drying), a contractor must do LSWP in pre 1978 homes during the rebuild phase

Mold:

Unheated Garage with ADU Above

Just a note, after speaking with my agent Brian Frechette of Farmers insurance in Boise. Mold has been excluded as a covered item for the past 10 years but there is some softening occurring. If there is mold as a result of a recent flood then the additional cost associated with removing it is possible that you are covered. The circumstances must be as a result of an acute loss. Again you need to check with your agent for specifics.

Levco has your back. We take care of  the rebuilding that comes after a disaster. We do it well, and we do it quickly. We understand the intricacies and we have the relationships with the adjusters in the area.

Insurance companies Levco has worked with so far:

Liberty Mutual Insurance

Farmers Insurance

Farm Bureau Insurance

Auto Owners Insurance

Formost Insurance

Oregon Mutual Insurance

Safeco Insurance

God forbid, if some disaster befalls your home, insist that Levco is your insurance related rebuilding contractor of choice.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove them at once.

Made in America

I saw a video of a home that was built in Montana that had a gimmick associated with it. They essentially looked at every aspect of the home, even down to the foundation bolts, and made sure the components were made in America. There had to be a catch.

I was initially impressed and somewhat amazed to discover that it could be done.

In my little world here in Boise Idaho, nothing is made in America any more as far as I can tell.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe I am as patriotic as the next guy, but it isn’t easy buying a commodity that hasn’t come from, have a component, or ingredient from, or been assembled on a different continent.

Made in the world is a better description of how things really are. Companies have gobbled each other up and learned how to be more efficient and profitable.

My friend who moved from Oregon bought some frozen blue berries that reminded him of home. When he inspected the package, he was shocked to learn it had come from Serbia. They have an abundance of fruit in Oregon. How is it cheaper to get it from Serbia?

Honda

I just bought a GE microwave. I figured it was an American made product. Nope, although GE is what we think of as an American company, my microwave was assembled in Malaysia, according to the sticker.

I showed up to a potential client’s home in a Honda CRV. He glared at me because it was a foreign car.(he drives a Dodge truck). My car was assembled here, with foreign company ownership that employs local people to sell and service the darn thing. Odds are it was manufactured in their East Liberty Ohio plant.

Back Pack Vac

I used to love a company that had local roots a vacuum company that got very big with a hit back-pack vacuum. I would bring mine back to the factory whenever a part broke. I felt like I was participating in making them a great company because they would not only fix the part, but also file a report with ideas to make the darn thing better. I just found out that the company was sold to a larger manufacturing company. They gave their local sales staff a made in America top of the line vacuum as a parting gift when they moved their operations to Texas and their assembly plant in Mexico. Did the vacuum made in America work better? Hell if I know. Did the company move to cut cost and increase profit? You bet. That is Capitalism at its best. Is there less corporate income tax out of the country? Sure, it is every country’s best interest to have their work force fully employed.

Is buying local the answer? You would think that local producers could compete because transportation costs are going up. But bean counters all over the world have done the math. Having cheap labor trumps transportation cost. Trust me, the moment that that is not true, everything will go back to the way it was.

Flags of the World

One local producer of vegetables couldn’t keep up with demand, so although he was growing while in season, he would import during cold months to avoid heating costs without telling his clients. The cost stayed the same year round, go figure. That is what capitalism is.

Does locally grown produce taste better? I don’t think so. I wish it did. Does it make you feel better that it is grown locally? Sure it does. But is the buying public willing to pay twice or three times as much for it?

Industry has found ways to preserve veggies to the point that we can’t tell the difference, so we make decisions with our pocket books 99% of the time and that is why this stuff happens. Jet Fresh on the vine ripened tomatoes, sounds local, looks like a text book tomato, product of New Zealand. Alaskan salmon filets are shipped to China to be processed, then brought back here, and still cost less than you can get them processed in America.

We would have to change our lifestyles and go back to eating things that were in season and avoiding them during the other times of the year. Weird, I remember doing that. This generation has no idea about that. You can now buy any perishable fruit or vegetable year round if you want some.

Rosie Can

Remember when “Made in America” meant something? I do. Take tools, for instance. Now, most of the great tools are foreign made or owned by a foreign company. Remember Craftsman tools? Is it more important to have great tools or have them made in America?

There are still examples of a hand full of really made in America places, but they are rare. I can’t even begin to imagine where all of the components of this American made computer really came from.

Sam Walton got it. He set up an American company that went global to bring consumers what they wanted. Low price stuff.

In the mean time, a large percentage of our workforce sits idle. Henry Ford figured out that he had to pay his employees enough to buy his products. What if we lost our ability to pay for their stuff? Cash and credit are tight, perhaps we have more leverage than we think?

There are foreign companies that have figured out how to make a profit by manufacturing on our soil, why can’t our companies bring manufacturing back to our soil?

• Is our capitalistic system firing on all cylinders?
• Has greed made the wheels fall off the cart?
• What caused our companies to move away?
• Was it pure greed?
• Are all of the American manufacturing companies in survival mode?

Money

The goal for every manufacturing company is to make money. No one said how much is fair, or how to achieve this goal, other than to play by the rules. Last check there was no rule about where things must be made. Every company I know has a propensity to figure out ways to decrease cost and improve the bottom line. The big corporations are just taking it to the next level. If those global companies that have moved out can give the illusion of made in America to the purchasing public, then all the better for them.

I can see how paying someone $2.00/day (and they like it) is attractive.

What is it Going to Take

Competition and anti monopoly rules used to keep prices in check and worked when we were essentially landlocked. Now that technology allows for instant communication, the world has essentially shrunk. Not to mention computer automation, We just don’t need people doing what a robot can do better, faster and for less.

What is it going to take, a carrot, a stick, or both? to bring back some of the jobs that have been lost?

My prediction is that the moment one company tries moving back and it works… the rush will be on. Essentially, they have to figure it out on their own.

One promising thing I have seen lately is a advertising campaign that basically says “High School is not enough” referring to Higher Education as what it is going to be required to make it in this country.

Let’s hope we find a way to make “Made In America” mean something again, and that it happens sooner rather than later.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove them at once.

Obvious Water Problem in Basement

Water enters basements in a variety of ways. I wrote an informative article on ways it enters our homes. This article focuses on how to take preventative actions.

In Boise, Idaho, we live on the edge of a desert; and we have fairly sandy soil, which is a good thing. Most older homes have never had any moisture proofing needs, and many have basements. The most we are used to seeing is some mineral effervescence from moisture passing through the concrete foundation walls. Other than making paint impossible to stick to, it causes little harm. Over the years it may break down the concrete and require patching or replacement in severe situations.

When acute water enters the home it can usually be tied to an event.  A hose left on next to the foundation. Torrential downpour for a day or so. Rapid snow thaw. A sprinkler head broken off. You get the idea.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to dealing with water in basements. Inside Job or Outside Job?  Prevention or Acceptance? It is not always black and white, and often we take multiple approaches to ensure success.

Hillsides are a special challenge and may require retaining walls. We used several redundant systems on a newly created basement where flooding was a common occurrence.

Prevention

Prevention includes anticipating that there will be a problem and then blocking moisture from entering in the first place. Therefore, it is an outside job. This is best done during construction, normally it is the last thing that needs to be done. Provided that the redundant systems that are installed work, there need only be routine maintenance. If a failure occurs, like a tree root growing into the foundation after settling cracks them, we must move on to acceptance. This does not mean giving up, it just takes a different approach.

Examples of prevention include

Swale

• French drain system hooked to downspouts
• Positive drain grade away from home.
• Directing sprinklers away from home.
• Gutters.
• Grading and drain swale.
• Proper sub-grade window wells and drainage plan
• Down spouts being piped away from the basement
• Tar parging
• Bituthane or other rubberized membrane
• Sheet drain
• Diatomaceous earth rope in key way of footing to stem wall connection
• Dry wells
• External pumping stations.

Acceptance

Acceptance, on the other hand, is primarily an inside job. Once you determine that attacking from the outside is a more expensive way to go, or there is no access, IE the water is coming in through the floor, you must attack the problem from the inside.

The principle is that water is going to get in via cracks or increased pressure or you name it. Then we take control of it and pump it out before it causes damage in our homes. One caveat is to pump uphill as little as possible. Gravity is your friend on a hillside, use it!

Examples of acceptance include

1. Perimeter trench with piping to the collection area.
2. Deep well collection area.
3. Sump Pump.
4. Dry-Loc paint
5. Xypex or other specialized interior coatings.
6. As a bonus a small fan can be added to eliminate Radon Gas (Radon is a know carcinogen that is emitted from the earth)

Removing water from a basement is challenging process. It is costly but worth every cent. Having a useable space within the footprint of your home is the cheapest square foot addition you can do. The days of the scarey basement should be a thing of the past.

Let us evaluate your basement for refinishing. These spaces can be warm and inviting if given the proper attention. With the addition of an egress window, there is safety, security, and natural lighting.

If you have a damp, wet, or scarey basement in the Boise area, and need to get it evaluated for repair, please contact us right away at 208-947-7261

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove them at once.

Typical Bungalow

Levco has been remodeling in Boise Idaho for the past 6 years and just renewed our registration for another year with the Idaho  Bureau of Occupational Licensing. This makes us a well established remodeling company here in Boise Idaho.

We recently had an internal focus group session on what sets us apart from our competitors, and here is one in a series of the unique things that we came up with.

Our niche is Aged Home Upgrades. I love it because it allows me to say what I do in one breath. It is not complicated or confusing and it speaks to our love for older homes and upgrading them or updating them depending upon your slant to work for these modern times.

Lets face it times have changed and so have our habits and way of life.

Typical small bath

Often times these homes are smaller in square feet than the sprawling ones of the 80′s and beyond. They were built to last in the 30′s-70′s and were state of the art at the time. many of the kitchens were boxy and had less emphasis in our lives. Products have improved as well  from the bathroom to the kitchen there have been some really good things that are available now that help us live better than those days. Not to mention the energy efficient upgrades that can pay off in a matter of a few years.

Great Lighting

From modernizing appliances like a convection oven, and comfort height toilets to better lighting and energy efficient appliances and windows, there are a bazillion ways to improve our homes. Whether you are remodeling on a dime and want to do projects one a year or interested in investing on your last remodeling project of your life, we want to be the ones that help you make the right upgrades for you and your home.

Remember you don’t need to do everything at once. Pick a room per year, get the big problems solved, then work on the other areas of concern. Prioritizing your upgrades makes the decision making process less daunting. Before you know it your home is far more functional and moving makes less sense.

Opened Kitchen

One area that we are seeing tremendous progress in is re-designing kitchens to work better. The term “opening up kitchens” means many different things depending upon your particular home. It encompasses a theme of taking down unnecessary obstacles to flow between rooms and sight lines. We have had amazing results on multiple occasions and encourage an in home evaluation.

Another common upgrade is in a bathroom. Homes built shortly after the turn of the century only had tubs. Showers were introduced later on. Many homes were upgraded with shower valves but had a large window on the shower wall. Relocating and resizing that window just makes sense.

Now that is comfort

Speaking of bathrooms, fixtures have become worth swapping out. From both a water efficiency and ease of use  perspective. Lighting upgrades and indoor air quality with proper ventilation makes the bathroom upgrade a very valuable and affordable proposition.

Additions that bump a wall out or add additional living space are usually more expensive than staying within the envelope of the home but adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit ADU makes a tremendous amount of sense. We have built and remodeled several garages to accommodate visiting guests, older parents, college students or just renting to a tenant that offsets the cost of the project.

Since this is what we love to do, please contact us for for a complementary in home evaluation. Let’s see what we can do to upgrade your home today. 208-947-7261

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.

Typical Residential Panel

I realized this issue after a friend called. He had just purchased a remodeled home, and was concerned that his electrical panel was mislabeled. This turns out to be a fairly common problem.

What happens is that over the years, our electrical needs change and or problems occur, and an electrician is called to either upgrade or replace a faulty breaker.

The electrical paned is opened up and the circuit breakers a rearranged to fit better. Unfortunately, the step that is frequently skipped is relabeling the panel correctly.

Years ago, we had half of the gadgets that we have now. Rather than enlarging the panel box itself automatically, a first step is to get breakers that are 1/2 size. Once a panel is full you must upgrade to a larger service which in turn mandates a larger upgraded panel.

When Levco evaluates  a kitchen remodeling project, we look for ways to avoid upgrading the service or enlarging the panel to save cost, but it is often it is inevitable.

On a recent whole house project, we eliminated an electric water heater and an electric stove as well as an electric furnace.  This allowed a full panel box to have 8 free spaces.

Kitchens require at least 4 separate 110 circuits, and one 220 stove circuit. That doesn’t account for a lighting circuit. There are requirements for GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)  as well as AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter). These take up much of the freed up space.

Typical Fused Panel

So why is it important to know what fuse or breaker controls which part of your home’s electricity. Well surely safety is one reason. Say you want to replace a bathroom fan and it’s switch. It would make sense to turn off  the breaker that controls it. But say you flip the wrong one. This could make you an electrocution patient in the Emergency Room. (If you’re lucky)

The Trick:

So here is the trick to labeling them correctly yourself. Having two people to do this makes sense and will cut down on the running around. Cell phones are a time saver if you are out of ear shot. It should take less than an hour, and you may even have fun.

First, find the electrical panel. There may be several other panels called sub panels as well, so locate them too. If at any time this seems frightening, stop and get an electrician to help. I don’t want anyone to put themselves in danger. Open the hinged cover. you should not see any wires. If you do then either there is either not protective cover plate, or you have gotten into the panel too far.

Half Size Breakers

Make a drawing of your panel, y0u will notice that each breaker is numbered next to the corresponding breaker. (Some are fairly faint). Then turn everything on in your house, (except for your computer). Have someone then flip one breaker at a time off. Identify what that breaker controls in each area of the home logically. You can turn the breaker back on and go to the next area. Take a small electrical fixture like a lamp with you and plug it into the outlets and see which ones are controlled as well.

Hint: Usually the outlets that are controlled are in the same general region as the lights that are effected but you never know.

Single

Numbers also appear on the ends of the breakers themselves. These refer to the number of AMPS that can go through them prior to popping. There are very specific rules about size of wires and the number of amps they correspond with. Fiddling with changing out breakers to solve a popping problem is not recommended.

Electricity Can Be Dangerous

Once you have operated each breaker or unscrewed each fuse and have a good map of your electrical panel, use mail labels to transfer your information. Place the appropriate label next to each breaker (or on the panel cover if there is not room) each breaker, and viola, you’re done.

Example of good labels are to the point, and in large enough lettering to scan in a hurry.

• Front room north wall outlets.
• Guest bath.

220 Breaker

You may find breakers that do nothing. You will find  breakers that are tied together. These are 220 volt breakers and need to be operated together.

Common 220 electrical fixtures

• Water heater
• Your spa
• Your electric stove

When it comes to working on electrical components, I always recommend double checking. If, for instance, you want to replace a weak outlet, be sure the power is off for certain by using a tester or plugging something in before you get behind the cover plate.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove them at once.

The new Cost VS Value 2011-2012 addition of Remodeling Magazine has arrived. This is their ninth year and have seen some slight but steady trending shifts. Here is the two bullet synopsis.

• The BAD news is that the continuous drop in home values, combined with a steady rise in construction costs, has decreased the value of many remodeling projects.

• The GOOD news is that the value replacement components,i.e. windows and doors has remained stable. Getting the funds for a major remodel remains difficult, so the general trend is to do smaller projects. Projects are being paid for in cash and thus tend to be smaller in scope.

On a brighter note, Levco is positioned to capture a large part of the remodeling segment by focusing on a fairly new element of remodeling I like to call “Aged Home Upgrades“. This is a phrase I coined and like to use to describe our niche. It refers to the age of the home not necessarily the occupants. Look for lots of new content regarding this topic.

Their homes are in older, established neighborhoods. Many folks have either living been living in their homes for a long time or have paid them off. This means they have either known for years what would make living in them better, or just know that it is time to update a room or two. Often the kids are gone and rather than downsizing in this economy…they choose to upgrade.

AHU (Aged Home Upgrades) also encompasses a popular trend called Universal Design. This encompasses a real surge in the industry to help folks stay in their homes and live in relative comfort rather than being forced to live with outdated and difficult to use bathrooms and kitchens.

Universal Design

Universal Design (UD):

• The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design.
• A user-friendly approach to design in the living environment where people of any culture, age, size, weight, race, gender and ability can experience an environment that promotes their health, safety and welfare today and in the future.

If this sounds like exactly what you are looking for, then you have found the remodeler that speaks your language. We are ready to come evaluate your home for some upgrades that will surely add value to your home while adding enjoyment and pleasure to your life.

We will be presenting this topic at a FREE one hour seminar at the Idaho Remodeling Show. 3PM Saturday January 28th 2012 at the Boise Centre on the Grove, hope to see you there.

Call Levco Today 208-947-7261

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove them at once.

Natural Gas Range

A neighbor is just getting natural gas piped to their home and I am being kind enough to assist Intermountain Gas in allowing them to tap into our line and essentially branch off. This is the second time this has come up so far.

It turns out that the system’s pressure runs at 55LBS and each one is just given 7 water column inches (WCI) barely any; in fact it can be stopped with finger pressure. I was told that the 55# line could handle another 26 homes.

It is possible that the environmental damage done outweighs the benefits of extracting more energy from the earth.

Distribution Berkeley Ca

Natural gas is invisible and odorless. We add a scent called Ethyl Mercaptan, or Mercaptan for short in 1937 to help us detect leaks after a school explosion in New London Texas. The same thing goes for propane.

Natural Gas is piped all over the country through an intricate network of underground pipes This network, like everything, requires lots of observation and maintenance or the darn stuff gets out and can blow up a neighborhood. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen very often.

I recall hitting a line while attempting to dig a post hole. Talk about embarrassing, We now have a great system of line locating called Dig Line, a free service that can be contacted by dialing 811.

What's Under There?

I switched to Natural Gas many years ago from Oil to heat my home. I did it because the heating oil was expensive and the machinery was antique, and the heat was dirty as well as primitive when it comes to energy efficiency. I found a site where lots of energy sources are compared.

Although we have some of the cheapest electricity cost in the nation here in Boise Idaho, natural gas still beats it for doing all of the things we heat in the home.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that residential  natural gas stoves became competitive with electricity in ability to hold high temperatures and pricing.

Fracking

Lately things are changing around in the energy world. It used to be that electricity was generated by coal and by hydroelectric plants exclusively, Now wind and solar energy are becoming players. What I don’t get is that they are using natural gas to create electricity. It must make sense to the bean counters.

I am more inclined to use less electricity rather than use our natural gas to create electricity.

Incandescent bulbs are being phased out as of the beginning of this year to incentivize  more energy efficient means of illuminating the darkness, like compact florescent and LED. Now there is something to crow about.

Natural gas has been in the spotlight lately because it is becoming more plentiful as a result of a controversial new technique of extracting it called fracking. This is where a mixture of chemicals, or in some cases waste water is pushed into the ground and the gas is liberated. In Ohio recently, there has been an unusually large number of earthquakes possibly linked to the practice.

Compressed Natural Gas

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is being touted as clean energy and many municipalities and garbage trucks are being converted in our area. The infrastructure is not in place for the general public yet. However, you can count on growth in that sector, especially if the numbers work out to be less expensive than other fossil fuels.

Regardless of the method of extraction, this country has seen Natural Gas production and utilization on the rise. I sincerely hope a better/safer extraction method is invented soon. From my perspective Natural Gas is a viable BTU (British Thermal Unit) producing, fairly clean, (if you don’t count Fracking right now) fossil fuel energy source that has not met its potential yet. In our nations energy hungry state, I see lots of room for increased dependency on Natural Gas in the future.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove them at once.

Hey, You missed a spot!

I have had clients who love to watch the progress of a project. That pleases me. This is usually a good thing if you have the confidence of the client. Once lost it can ruin your will to press on.

Every new client is an opportunity to succeed in knocking their socks off but it is a precious thing that should never be taken lightly or for granted. Once lost it is a painful experience. No job has ever gone so smoothly to not have encountered a situation, so I anticipate it and deal with it as it happens.

The down side is, it can turn into a test of wills, who can outlast who. never mind that the project turns out great, the client may dwell on the negative experience and demoralize everyone with the negative aspects of the process.

Putting the hammer down

Every profession has it’s “You missed a spot” story and remodeling is no exception. My dad tells a story of a client that is being picky during the project so the contractor takes her over to a beautifully painted window stool and says how does this look to you. Surely the woman says that is just beautiful and proceeds to complement the contractor on how smooth and white the surface is. The contractor abruptly pulls a hammer from hits tool belt and hits the stool causing a perfectly round divot to appear. Aghast, the woman shouts out with alarm… why did you do that. The contractors calmly says “Mam when that is fixed and smooth again that is when you will know we are done”

OK, that is pretty harsh, but it is like judging anything before it is done. Remember the best cake in the world if judged before it is done is just a glob of goo. We welcome constructive criticism. There have been multiple times that clients have thankfully pointed out things in time for us to fix. We are not perfect and need everyone to pay attention, Like I always say, “Remodeling is complicated, pay attention”.

This quote, if studied can be taken both ways which is why I love it.

There is no rule more invariable than that we are paid for our suspicions by finding what we suspect. Henry Thoreau 1817-1862

In other words, those that are spring loaded one way or the other… will be most satisfied when their expectations are met.

Our job is simple. We just take a bunch of ideas and turn it into a cool living space using lots of talented labor, great materials and subcontractors. The challenge is to orchestrate everyone and everything to get the job done on time, on budget, and have the process as well as the end result exceed expectations. No problem.

Dalai Lama, what a sweet man

I had the honor and privilege to see and hear the Dalai Lama in Sun Valley several years ago and to be honest, he moved me. I embraced his message of compassion and incorporated it into my life. Although I can always improve here are some of the tips I use and teach to my employees that make sense to me. How we at Levco deal with adversity is what makes us compassionate remodelers.

• 1, We understand that it hurts but refuse to take it personally.
• 2, We constantly reevaluate where we are and what we are doing, all the while realizing that through dealing with the process of making it better, we will learn something very valuable.
• 3, We make every effort to listen very carefully to learn what is behind the message because the majority of folks that are critical have a valid beef. They often have difficulty expressing it in a constructive way. It is up to us to translate the message into something positive.
• 4,We adapt and overcome. We always win. Even our harshest critics usually complement us at the end because we always show that we care. Through the worst of times we are resilient, If we can’t make improvements to our systems or processes we are done. I have turned every bad thing that has ever happened into a learning experience.
• 5, There are folks out there that can’t be pleased. No matter what you try or do. Unfortunately, we don’t always know who they are before we start a project, we look for the warning signs but, like shit… it happens.
• 6, I believe that the highest level of customer service and appreciation can only come from something bad happening. So I never approach bad news or adversity with apprehension. OK, I’ll admit it, “I’ve got that, I’m just looking for the pony” mentality. (That’s a story for another post)

In closing, remodeling is not easy…It is a complicated and difficult way to make a living. Those that do it well deserve accommodation and have my sincere admiration. At Levco we bring a boat load of remodeling and life experience to the table, we are up for the challenges of the industry and are not embarrassed to brag about it.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove them at once.

Frosted Edge

For years now I have noticed an interesting phenomenon that I am not sure anyone else notices. It has to do with recognizing roof patterns in the winter. This is clear evidence that heat is escaping through your roof.

Head down the block and check out your roof and compare it to your neighbors place. Of course there are a myriad of issues that could be contributing to the results you find, but this is a telling sign.

If your roof is the bare one when others have snow or frost, despite having a similar pitch, you could be losing a boat load of energy in the form of heat. This year has been ridiculously light on or late for snow, but you can see it on the frosty mornings too.

Thermal imagery is available in the valley, which that can do a more accurate picture for you. There are also companies that specialize in energy efficiency audits. But for now, this crude visual tool may get you moving in the right direction.

Missing Insulation

The fix could be adding insulation or filling a hole. It could be as simple as a detached exhaust vent. The important thing  to understand is that there is no one size fits all approach. You need to figure out what is causing the problem and address each individual situation to fix the overall issue.

Here is another look at what you might see if you look at your roof at just the right time.

From a remodeler’s perspective, this is always on our minds. At Levco, we always take a look at  the attic and make sure that the existing conditions are addressed and that anything we disturb is re-insulated when we are done.

Over the years, we have made many recommendations to homeowners when we’ve seen problems, and remodeling is a good time to have these issues evaluated and addressed.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove them at once.

Prioritizing

It is that time of year again, the time when many of us internalize, categorize, and prioritize what we hope to accomplish in the coming year.

2012 may be the year to remodel your home! Levco Builders LLC is preparing for a great year by sharpening our processes, taking our continuing education, and inviting folks to join us in figuring out what could be done to their homes to make living in them more enjoyable. One thing is for sure…if you do not decide to remodel, nothing will get done.

Demo in Full Swing

Remodeling your home is not something that is done often. Rarely does a client have firsthand knowledge of the process, and they are full of trepidation and angst about trusting their home to a stranger. This is why the referral process is so important.

Be sure to ask for my Selecting a Remodeler booklet when you fill out the Contact Us page on the site

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

• Are you tired of having a home that has a design flaw?
• Have you lived there for a while and know what needs to be done to get the place tuned up, so that the kitchen makes sense?
• If you could open up the kitchen, wouldn’t the flow of the area improve?
• How long do you see yourself living in this home?
• What could we do to increase the functionality?
• What could we do to increase the level of enjoyment of your home?
• What can we do to anticipate the future needs of your family?
• If we could only update one thing what would it be?

Often we find folks that would rather just start over in a new home because it seems too daunting of a task to itemize the flaws in the one they own now.  Our busy lifestyles do not lend themselves to regular upkeep and maintenance.

I’ve been asking …what tipped you over into deciding to remodel?

• One client knew what they wanted for years and had a three phase approach.
• One client knew what they wanted and was looking for a remodeling firm that fit their style.
• One client had the idea that they hated what they had, and just knew there had to be a better plan.
• Several were pregnant and there was no way they were going to be able to live in the home as it was.

Nowadays, folks would rather stay in their homes, usually because of a neighborhood or proximity to places they work, ridiculously low resale value, you name it.

2 day New Tile Flooring

IDEAS FOR HOW TO GET IT DONE.

Pacing yourself and finishing one thing at a time is a viable option to many folks.

We have consistently completed multiple projects at several homes. One project a year is all they can afford both financially and emotionally.

No matter the size or scope of the idea you have in mind, We would like to visit and evaluate.

Call today for a complementary in home evaluation of your remodeling ideas. 208-947-7261

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove them at once.

The year in review leaves me breathless. Here are a few of Levco’s more noteworthy 2011 accomplishments.

1. We completed a staggering number of challenging projects.
2. We lost a long time employee in Diane Ferguson, and added Ron Ireland, Nate Steiner, and Josh Mitchell.
3. We made lots of homeowners happy with their homes again.
4. We attracted some tremendous subcontractors to our team.
5. We strengthened relationships with vendors and our support staff of secretary, bookkeeper, and CPA
6. We battled with the Boise City Historic District, and the fight goes on.
7. We got help with our processes from a local famous source.
8. Our website moved to WordPress, and was recognized by Mike Jefferies as being “in the top 10% of remodeler’s web sites in the country”
9. I learned to BLOG and have published over 2 per week for the year.
10. We added a client portal to our website. It has set the bar for clear communication between our clients, subcontractors, and vendors in our region.
11. We downsized our overhead to become more competitive.

On a more personal note,

I delivered my daughter to college where she is thriving.

My son learned to drive, and won first place in his regional gymnastics competition.

My wife and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary.

All in all it has been a challenging and wonderful year as I glance back in the rear view mirror of life.