Check out the article and photo slideshow of this in-progress home. Learn about some of the key features of Meadowlark Builders’ Forest Green home, which held a public tour in April.
With completion scheduled for September, another Tour may be yet to come. www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012204290321
From John Birko, AASBIP Instructor | aastudentbuilding.com
Our young people never cease to amaze me. Working hard and pushing their own personal envelopes of growth, the Ann Arbor Student Home Building Program students won their second straight State TeamWorks championship bringing the gold medal home to Ann Arbor. An all first-year student team representing four Ann Arbor high schools will go to national competition in Kansas City, Missouri from June 23rd to 28th to compete for the national title. Team members are: Grant Stadelman, Huron junior, carpenter and Team captain, William Carras, Pioneer senior and electrician, Patrick Wiesner, Skyline senior and plumber, and Jonas Gearhart/Hall Community High junior,and brick mason.
The students won the presentation portion of the two day competition. They were given an unknown plan and 30 minutes to put together a business plan to build an addition on a fictitious existing house incorporating all the trades and the structural issues in the plans. Each student had to speak extemporaneously to explain their plan. The next day they receive a second new plan. Using that plan,they have five hours to build a structure, working together to complete it on time with limited materials. They were the only team to complete the project.
Gary Dresselhouse was there to witness the event. Gary also served as one of the plumbing judges for the event. Thank you Gary! Also big thanks to Diane Calmeyn who singlehandedly procured funding for all the plumbing materials from Greater Michigan PMC, then negotiated through delivery difficulties to get everything there on time. Thanks PMC, UA 190 and Diane again for all your support.
Kansas City here we come!
- John Birko, AASBIP Instructor
Any home built before 1978 may have hazardous lead paint. Recently the EPA passed laws to require special Lead Paint Renovator Training (aka RRP Certification) for virtually any work being done that could disturb even a small area of painted surface.
Download the Renovate Right booklet here (PDF)
A Guide to Lead Paint Safety Issues (2012)
Lot available: 3.74 wooded acres
- Ann Arbor school district
- Proximity to Polo Grounds.
- On Wagoneer Road between Liberty and Scio Church Roads off Zeeb Road
Asking taxable assessed value $120,000.00
Call John S. Ohanian at 734-761-7538 or email jsohanian@aol.com
We hope no homewner’s fall victim to scams or are taken advantage of by unlicensed contractors. Fortunately, every BRAG Ann Arbor builder member is licensed by the State of Michigan. Always verify your contractor’s license and insurance before working with them, which can easily be done online at www.BRAGAnnArbor.com.
Following the destruction in Dexter, some of our members offered tips and advice for anyone having work done on their home. Read the article here: http://dexter.patch.com/articles/local-contractors-warn-dexter-tornado-victims-to-be-wary-of-scams
Steve Bredernitz, licensed Builder, instructor and owner of Bredernitz Professional Services recently installed a solar panel array for his home in effort to find out for himself how well it works, it’s challenges, and how worthwhile of an investment it is. Read his personal account of going solar here.
Yes, that was Alex DeParry of Ann Arbor Builders (around 1:40 in this clip) featured in this ABC News segment on the positive economic growth of the construction industry. Alex is currently the second Vice President of BRAG Ann Arbor.
Also notice on his yard sign “Proudly Building Homes With Products Made in the U.S.A.”! Alex and many other members have volunteered to promote this effort (see the clip from earlier this year in a previous “Made in America” post.) More on how you can support this job creating effort will be posted throughout the year.
From David Haig, D.A. Haig Consturction, 2012 BRAG Ann Arbor President:
I just replaced all the pipes in a high end home in Ann Arbor for a very good customer. The house was built about 10 years ago by another builder. The customers had 3 pinhole leaks in 6 months. They decided to rip out all the pipes and replace them completely. No more problems since. The manufacturer and supplier both decided not to do anything for them. They sent a completely bogus report back that blamed the problem on water that was too pure and sedimentation at the same time! Also, they claimed that the pipes were not reamed before installation, also bogus. All the leaks were at the top of the pipes not at the joints or the bottom. There may be more local homes at risk of similar problems. Besides the reports below, my plumber Pat Martin has heard of one other case in Michigan.
The Construction Defect Center is monitoring this issue. According to
a statement released by the Center, “We now fear Chinese made copper residential plumbing pipe is going to become one more really big mess for US homeowners.” Chinese-made imported copper plumbing pipes were widely used during the US housing boom that took place from 2004 - 2007. Learn more from this related report.
Salvaged materials can add character to a home, often offering cost-effective and environmentally conscious uses of unique materials with the added bonus of making a fun project and interesting story.
Learn from local experts onsite in this class on March 31st, from 1:00 to 3:00, in Ann Arbor.
Register online at the Hour School website: http://hourschool.com/courses/build-remodel-with-salvaged-materials-in-ann-arbor-mi#.T1kwM5huHzI
About 200 exhibitors, and about 6,000 public attendees, impressive and inspiring displays, friendly people, sping fever, big ideas, thoughtful planning, and helpful local professionals that pay attention to the little things that make homes special too - these words offer a glimpse into what the Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show is all about.
Visit BRAGAnnArbor.com’s Home Show page for full details and a Buy-1-Get-1 Free admission coupon!
