The Dallas Builders Association’s Parade of Homes — presented by Atmos Energy — will hold open six luxury Dallas residences from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 7. This scattered-site, self-guided tour benefits Operation FINALLY HOME, an organization that provides custom mortgage-free homes to combat-wounded U.S. military veterans and their families. The Association’s eighth project is currently underway in Irving. Featured homes are situated in several neighborhoods in Dallas, including Briarwood, Midway Hollow, and East Dallas near White Rock Lake, as well as in West Dallas just south of the Trinity River. Hoffmann Homes builds award-winning innovative green homes using quality materials, sustainable building practices, smart technologies, and reliable and efficient energy sources for maximum comfort. Pioneering home builder and residential developer Alan Hoffmann was first inspired to pursue alternative construction methods after visiting his ancestral home on the Spanish island of Ibiza. The 400 year old home had three-foot thick perimeter walls comprised of stone excavated from the building site. The mass of these walls allowed the ground’s ambient temperature to conduct up through the walls to keep the house cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. Hoffmann replicates this elegantly simple system today in his distinctive mode of construction with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs). Our Parade of Homes build in the Abode @ White Rock community is 2111 Autumn Sage Place. Old-world features such as thick thermal mass walls, breezeways and whitewashed cement finishes are reimagined in a modern context in Hoffmann Homes’ newest build. Situated in the Abode @ White Rock green community, the home features high-performance windows, proper housing orientation and a storm shelter/pantry. Each home in the community is certified with the Department of Energy’s Net Zero Ready program, Energy Star Program and Green Built Texas. While every Hoffmann Home starts with a high-performance building envelope (ICF), they also include conditioned attics, seal combustion furnaces, whole house dehumidification, whole house water filtration for indoor air and water quality. The homes are also solar-ready and are pre-wired for rapid electric vehicle charging. Other features include a natural gas tankless water heater, high-efficiency gas furnace, sealed combustion gas fireplace. These natural gas appliances help reduce energy use, lower utility costs and reduce emissions while increasing homeowner comfort. For more info visit www.hoffmannhomes.com. Tickets for the Parade of Homes are $25 for ages 12 and older. They are available at ParadeofHomesDallas.com. Tour maps will be emailed to ticket holders a week prior to the event.

A homeowner with the opportunity to enhance two, side by side garages engaged CRDG to take on this unique project. The garage hosting the new sport court enhancement was properly built for a roof deck and already included decking. A complete upgrade was necessary for the other garage to properly support a new roof deck. Masonry, structural steel and new roofing were essential in order to incorporate all the bells and whistles that create this new outdoor living space. An operable shade system with heating along with the appliance counter and TV provides everything one would need without having to run back into the house. The double garage has something for everyone in the family to enjoy!

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers Who we are? http://www.themasonscompany.com/ has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.

When seeking a professional painting contractor in Houston, a thousand things must run through your mind. Let the painting professionals at Duran’s Roofing & Remodeling set your mind at ease. Painting is second nature to us. As you may be good at your job, we’re pretty good at ours. Painting, you might say, is in our blood. Family owned and operated is all we know. Before our painters put the first brush of paint to your walls, we make sure that your surfaces are clean and free of damage. Preparing a fresh canvas and painting with proper technique makes your old walls look like brand new once again. Duran’s Roofing & Remodeling works hard to make sure your property looks amazing, inside and out. Our experienced paint crews know how to create beautiful finishes inside your home, while properly protecting your home’s fixtures and non-painted surfaces. From offices to storefronts, let our experienced commercial paint maintenance specialists make sure your business looks great all year long. Whether it is damage touch-up or whole property repainting, we can do it. We’ll work with your schedule to ensure minimal downtime and inconvenience to your employees and customers. Our painting services are more than just a few rollers and cans of paint. We take pride in our work and in the relationships we build with our clients. Complete client satisfaction is our goal, and we attain it by keeping the process simple. Our courteous, clean-cut staff will arrive when they say they will, get the job done right, complete all work on time, and finish on job on budget.

When your pipes burst, a toilet overflows, or you notice suspicious dampness, you need more than a plumber—you need an emergency plumber in Atlanta you can trust. Meet Atlantis Plumbing, a family-owned, trusted local company serving the greater Atlanta area with fast, friendly, and reliable plumbing services 24/7. Decades of Experience Rooted in the Community Established over 60 years ago and now with thousands of satisfied customers, Atlantis Plumbing has built a reputation on steady, dependable service. Their licensed professionals bring years of experience to every job, giving you peace of mind when you're dealing with urgent, unexpected plumbing disasters. 24/7 Availability When You Need It Most Emergencies don't wait for business hours—and neither does Atlantis. With around-the-clock service, including live operators ready to take your call, they ensure help is just a phone call away. Whether it’s the middle of the night or a busy weekend, Atlantis is on call and on site fast. Upfront Pricing and Honest Communication A plumbing emergency shouldn't add financial stress. Atlantis offers transparent, upfront pricing so you're never blindsided. Before any work begins, they'll provide a clear estimate—no hidden fees, no surprises. Speed Meets Expertise Emergencies demand swift action—but not at the cost of quality. Atlantis strikes the perfect balance: rapid response paired with the skilled, licensed professionals who understand the complexity of modern plumbing systems. Fully Equipped to Handle Any Crisis From burst water lines to sewer backups and leaking water heaters, Atlantis’s team carries the tools and know-how to address your emergency promptly: • Water leaks: Quick diagnosis and repair, including high water bill analysis. • Clogged drains and sewer issues: Advanced solutions ranging from snaking to hydro-jetting or camera inspection. • Sewer repair & replacement: Trenchless methods available to minimize disruption. • Water heaters: Repair or replacement—gas, electric, or tankless. • Polybutylene pipes: Experts in identifying and replacing this outdated material. • Gas leaks: Safe, professional response (after gas company clearance). Trusted Service with a Personal Touch Emergencies are stressful. Atlantis eases the burden with professional, courteous technicians who get the job done with respect and care for your home. Their approach is old-fashioned in the best way—friendly, honest, and dedicated to customer satisfaction. Multiple local voices have recommended them as the one plumber they’d always call. It's that level of trust that assures homeowners and businesses alike in times of crisis. Comprehensive Coverage Throughout Metro Atlanta Whether you're in Atlanta proper or surrounding areas—like Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, or Lawrenceville—Atlantis covers it. Their reach spans Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Dekalb, Cherokee, and more, ensuring emergency plumbing help isn't far when you need it most. Value Beyond the Emergency Atlantis doesn’t just put out fires—they help prevent them. With services like free high water bill analysis and long-term maintenance options, they add value that stretches well beyond the immediate fix. They offer senior and military discounts, plus financing with approved credit—helping ease the financial burden of unavoidable plumbing repairs. Hiring an Emergency Plumber: Why Atlantis Stands Out 1. 24/7 live support—get help when it counts. 2. Licensed, experienced plumbers—quality you can rely on. 3. Transparent pricing—know what you're paying. 4. Quick, efficient responses—fast relief without sacrificing standards. 5. Wide range of services—from leaks to sewers to water heaters. 6. Easy scheduling and flexible payment options—designed for your convenience. Sample Emergency Scenarios & How Atlantis Helps Your Basement Is Flooding at 2 AM A frozen pipe has burst, sending water everywhere. You call Atlantis. Their team answers immediately, dispatches licensed plumbers within the hour, stops the leak, assesses the damage, and begins cleanup and pipe repair—all before breakfast. Sewer Backup During Dinner Party Your main sewer line backs up, and your guests are greeting more than your cooking. Atlantis arrives pronto, uses a camera inspection to pinpoint the blockage, resolves it with hydro-jetting or replacement, and gets everything draining again—without using your yard as a trench. Unexplained Spike in Your Water Bill You notice a huge spike in your bill—but no visible leak. Atlantis sends a tech for a free high water bill analysis, finds a small underground leak, and repairs it promptly—saving you money on unnecessary wastage. Water Heater Fails on a Winter Morning No hot water on a chilly morning? Atlantis arrives, diagnoses the heater issue, and either repairs it or replaces it with a similarly warranted unit—serving gas, electric, or tankless systems with equal confidence. Outdated Polybutylene Pipes Start Failing You suspect your home has older polybutylene piping prone to leaks. Atlantis offers specialized inspection and replacement options, bringing your plumbing system back up to modern safety and reliability standards. Final Thought In crisis situations, you don’t want to waste time or money. Atlantis Plumbing delivers fast, knowledgeable, and compassionate emergency plumbing services across Atlanta. With fair pricing, skilled professionals, and full-service capabilities—from leak detection to sewer repair to water heater replacement—you’re not just hiring a plumber. You’re hiring peace of mind. When plumbing emergencies strike, remember: Atlantis Plumbing is standing by, 24/7, ready to restore order to your home or business.

The Whirlpool W11569437 Washer Console is your washing machine's control center, containing the user interface and display. This electronic panel allows you to select wash cycles, change settings such as water temperature and spin speed, and track the status of your laundry. You can control the washer by pressing buttons, turning knobs, or using a touch screen (depending on the console design). A clear display shows the selected cycle, the estimated time remaining, and any error codes that may appear. A functional console is essential for operating your washer efficiently and ensuring your clothes receive proper care.

This South Dartmouth office and apartment building looks gorgeous with new cedar shingle siding, Harvey replacement windows and more! Located in scenic Padanaram village, the owner chose premium white cedar shingles. Wood siding is a New England favorite for many reasons: -Wood siding such as cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks when installed properly by an experienced siding contractor. -It is much easier to repair wood siding than any other home siding option. -A variety of styles, textures & thicknesses are available such as clapboards, shakes, shingles, and board & batten to match any homeowner’s style. -Wood siding is versatile and available in a variety of paint or stain options. You can even get the boards pre-stained which provides protection from U.V. rays, water & mildew. -Wood that is harvested from sustainably managed forests are extremely environmentally friendly. It also produces the least greenhouse gas, air pollution, water pollution and solid waste. Along with cedar shingle siding, we installed ten of our top selling Harvey Classic double hung replacement windows. These beautiful, energy efficient windows feature easy, finger-tip operation and tilt in for easy cleaning. Harvey Classics come in a variety of colors, grid patterns, and hardware finishes. Manufactured right here in the New England, every window is customized to your specifications! To finish this project up we also installed PVC trim, gutters and downspouts and a Therma-tru door! For over 40 years, homeowners throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Eastern Rhode Island have trusted Care Free Homes to provide professional grade home improvement products, quality workmanship, and outstanding customer service. In addition to fantastic product warranties we also provide our very own 10 year workmanship guarantee! Our customers do not pay a single penny for home improvement projects until their project is complete and they are 100% satisfied. Qualified homeowners can even take advantage our financing options! When it comes time for your exterior home improvements call us for a free quote!

Misaligned door was removed and reinstalled for a proper remount. Door now opens and closes properly and operates smoothly.

Bru’s House of Color was established in April 1961 by Charles “Bru” Baker, hence the name. The store is currently owned and operated by Ray & Darlene Wiemer who purchased the business in 2000. We have been serving the community in the same location since 1963. Each of our professionally trained staff members have been part of our family for a minimum of 10 years. We are a true professional paint store, not a paint department. Bru’s is your one-stop paint store for the professional or the “do it yourselfer”. We are here to assist you in any way we can: answering questions, determining proper products for each project, custom color matching as well as color consultations. “Big Box Store selection and prices.” In addition to all things paint, we are also able to provide custom window coverings– measuring and installation are part of our service. We can also bring our showroom to your home for a true professional consultation at no charge. “Our most important product is service, and our most important customer is you.”

This Victorian Era home needed new windows because the old ones were not operating properly, were sweating, did not meet egress standards and were drafty. We installed a premium vinyl window from Milgard Windows and Doors. Thsi product offers the same traditional look of the original windows but with the benefits of vinyl. Since vinyl is available in several colors, the homeowner chose the Matte Black option for this project. The interior of the windows is white so that it matches the casing, trim and baseboards.

Every year, the same thing happens. The first real snowfall arrives, demand for de-icing materials spikes overnight, and the businesses that waited too long find themselves scrambling for supply at the worst possible moment. Facility managers, property owners, contractors, and municipalities all depend on a steady supply of salt and ice melt to keep their properties safe and operational through winter. The ones who plan ahead sail through. The ones who don't pay more, wait longer, and take on real risk. Sourcing de-icing materials well is not complicated, but it does require thinking ahead and understanding the options. The choices you make about what to buy, how to buy it, and who to buy it from have a direct effect on your costs, your reliability, and your ability to keep people safe when conditions turn dangerous. This article lays out what matters. Why Your Choice of Supplier Matters More Than You Think It is easy to treat de-icing material as a commodity, something you grab whenever you need it without much thought about where it comes from. That works fine until the moment it doesn't, usually in the middle of a storm when everyone needs supply at once and the casual sources have run dry. At that point, the relationships you built before the season become the difference between staying stocked and being stuck. Reliable supply is the whole game in winter operations. A property that runs out of ice melt during a storm faces safety hazards, liability exposure, and disruption, none of which can wait for a back-ordered shipment. This is why establishing relationships with dependable rock salt suppliers before the season starts is one of the smartest moves a facility manager or contractor can make. It locks in supply, often locks in better pricing, and removes a major source of mid-winter stress. The lesson here is to treat sourcing as a planning decision rather than a last-minute errand. The businesses that come through winter smoothly are almost always the ones that secured their supply chain early, chose suppliers who could actually deliver when it counted, and never had to gamble on finding material during a shortage. Reliability bought in advance is far cheaper than scarcity paid for in a crisis. Bagged or Bulk: Matching the Material to the Job One of the first practical decisions is whether to buy de-icing material in bags or in bulk, and the right answer depends entirely on the operation. Each format has clear advantages, and many operations end up using both for different purposes. Bagged material offers convenience, control, and easy storage. It is simple to handle, easy to distribute to different locations or crews, straightforward to store without special equipment, and convenient for spot application by hand. It suits smaller properties, businesses without bulk storage, and situations where portion control and tidiness matter. Bulk material, on the other hand, tends to make sense for large operations that go through high volumes, where buying in quantity lowers the per-unit cost and the operation has the equipment and space to store and handle it. The tradeoff is between the convenience and flexibility of bags and the volume economics of bulk. For many operations, the right approach is a mix: bulk for the high-volume core of the work and bags for flexibility, spot treatment, and locations where bulk handling is impractical. The key is to match the format to how the material will actually be stored, moved, and applied, rather than defaulting to one or the other out of habit. Thinking this through in advance avoids both the waste of over-buying bulk you can't handle and the expense of relying entirely on bags for a large operation. Rock Salt Is Not Your Only Option Rock salt, or sodium chloride, is the workhorse of winter de-icing for good reason. It is effective, widely available, and cost-efficient, which makes it the default choice for most operations most of the time. But it has limits, and understanding the alternatives helps you choose the right material for the conditions you actually face. The most important limitation is temperature. Rock salt becomes less effective as temperatures drop, and in genuinely cold conditions it can struggle to do the job at all. This is where alternatives come in. Calcium chloride, for instance, works at much lower temperatures than rock salt and acts quickly, which makes it valuable when conditions are severe or when fast melting matters. Operations that face hard freezes or need dependable performance in extreme cold often keep calcium chloride for sale on hand for exactly those situations, using it alongside rock salt rather than instead of it. The practical approach is to understand the conditions your property faces and stock accordingly. For many operations, rock salt handles the bulk of the work while a faster, colder-rated material like calcium chloride covers the extreme days when ordinary salt falls short. Matching the material to the temperature and the urgency of the situation is what separates an operation that stays ahead of winter from one that is constantly reacting to it. Securing Your Supply Before the Season Knowing what to buy is only half the equation. The other half is making sure you can actually get it when you need it, which means securing your supply before winter arrives rather than after it has already started. Timing is one of the most underrated factors in winter operations. The logic is simple. Demand for de-icing materials is highly seasonal and spikes sharply during storms, when everyone needs supply simultaneously. Prices and availability both move against the buyer at exactly those moments. By contrast, planning ahead, estimating your needs and arranging supply before the season, puts you in a far stronger position. Working with established rock salt suppliers ahead of time means your material is accounted for before the rush, often at better pricing and with the confidence that it will be there when the first storm hits. This kind of planning also lets you think clearly rather than react under pressure. You can estimate your seasonal needs based on your property and past winters, decide on the right mix of materials and formats, and arrange storage in advance. Operations that do this consistently spend less, worry less, and never find themselves making frantic calls during a storm. The effort of planning ahead is modest, and the payoff in reliability and cost savings is substantial. Storing and Handling What You Buy Securing supply is not much use if the material degrades before you can use it, which makes proper storage and handling an important and often overlooked part of the equation. De-icing materials are sensitive to moisture, and poor storage can turn a good supply into a clumped, hardened mess that is difficult to apply. The fundamentals are straightforward. Keep material dry and protected from moisture, since salt and ice melt readily absorb water and can harden if exposed. Store it in a way that suits the format, whether that means a proper bulk storage area or a dry space for stacked bags. Keep it accessible, so crews can get to it quickly when a storm hits and time is short. And handle it with the right equipment for the format and volume, which protects both the material and the people working with it. None of this is complicated, but neglecting it can undermine even a well-planned supply. Good storage practices protect the investment you made in securing supply early. There is little point in arranging your materials ahead of the season only to have them degrade before use. Treating storage and handling as part of the overall plan, rather than an afterthought, ensures that the material you secured is actually usable when the moment comes. It is the final link in a supply chain built to perform under winter conditions. Estimating How Much You Actually Need One question trips up operations of every size: how much de-icing material to buy. Order too little and you risk running short during a storm. Order too much and you tie up money and storage space in material you may not use. Getting the estimate reasonably right is a meaningful part of sourcing well. Several factors shape the answer. The size and type of the areas you treat, sidewalks, lots, entrances, and drive lanes, set the baseline for how much material each application consumes. The local climate matters too, since colder regions and those with frequent snowfall go through far more material than milder ones. Application frequency depends on how often storms hit and how quickly surfaces need to be cleared, which varies with the kind of property and the expectations of the people who use it. And the type of material plays a role, since different products are applied at different rates. Past experience is often the best guide. Operations that track what they used in previous winters, adjusted for the size of the property and the severity of the season, can estimate their needs with reasonable confidence. For newer operations without that history, it helps to plan conservatively and to work with a supplier who can replenish stock reliably, so that a low estimate does not turn into a mid-storm shortage. The goal is not perfect precision but a sound, slightly cautious estimate paired with a dependable supply relationship. That combination lets an operation keep enough material on hand to handle the season without over-committing to volume it cannot store or use. Thinking this through before winter, rather than guessing during it, is one more way that planning ahead pays off when the snow starts to fall. The Bottom Line Sourcing de-icing materials well comes down to a few straightforward principles: plan ahead, choose reliable suppliers before the season, match your materials and formats to your actual needs and conditions, and store what you buy properly. The operations that follow these principles move through winter with confidence, while those that improvise pay more and take on needless risk. Winter is predictable in one respect: it arrives every year, and demand for de-icing material spikes the moment it does. The businesses that prepare for that reality, rather than being surprised by it, are the ones that keep their properties safe, their costs controlled, and their operations running no matter what the season throws at them. A little foresight before the first snowfall pays off through every storm that follows.

REDEFINING CUSTOM THEATER SEATING The FORTUNY theater chair was created for the most luxurious home theater. It’s concept is unique in many aspects and the design combines leather upholstery, varying stitching finishes, ergonomic contours, real wood veneer and an independently controlled reclining mechanism. The chair was designed by the Mitra Theaters team as a seating solution for their exclusive high-end home theater projects. Careful attention has been paid to the overall comfort of this chair. Ergonomics have been thorougly studied during the design and development process. High quality foam with different densities in combination with zigzag seating support and webbed backrest support are used to create a comfortable and soft feel which maintains a proper balance for ones body.
 
A steel frame and mechanism ensures a smooth operation now and in the future. The independently controlled reclining mechanism allows the user to adjust the backrest independently from the footrest, giving the user full freedom and the ability to adjust the chair to a position that fits one’s body structure. The articulating headrest is a feature which ensures ultimate comfort while viewing a movie in the reclined position. It gives the proper neck support needed and guarantees the perfect viewing in relation to the film screen. The Fortuny is also available as a fixed chair and in a manually operated reclining version.

TrueMark provides specialized home solutions that enhance everyday living. In this project, we replaced an outdated or non-functional fixture with a high-efficiency ceiling fan. Beyond the physical mounting, we ensured the unit was properly balanced for silent operation and securely anchored to the ceiling box for safety. This installation not only improves the room's air circulation but also adds a refreshed aesthetic to the space. Whether it's a precision door retrofit or an essential fixture upgrade, Jake ensures every detail is handled with professional care.

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers http://www.themasonscompany.com/ has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.

This project focused on realigning and calibrating garage door safety sensors for a homeowner in Evanston, IL. The door was failing to close properly because the infrared sensors were misaligned, causing the system to stop midway. Our technicians inspected the wiring, cleaned the lenses, and adjusted the sensor angles to ensure accurate detection and smooth operation. After the alignment, the door closed safely and consistently without interruptions. We also tested the opener system and verified that the safety reverse function worked perfectly. The homeowner appreciated the quick fix and the improved reliability of their garage door. Proper sensor alignment is essential for safety and prevents unnecessary wear on the opener system.

As a manager of a building or property, you quickly learn the art of mediation. One minute you may be working with a vendor to keep the building’s operating system running efficient and smooth; the next moment you may be calming a tenant down after finding the change in the system disrupted his office’s workflow. Give and take; it’s the only way to make sure every day runs perfectly. Overall, you have two goals to strive for in everything you do. 1. Keep the building running properly, upgrading systems as appropriate, and striving to do all you can on a pre-established budget. 2. Keep the building occupants happy, with as little disruption as possible. While some changes are minor, barely registering on a building occupant’s mind, with HVAC challenges, that’s rarely the case. If a HVAC contractor is replacing an air handler, for instance, and disconnects one and moves to the next unit, it may cause major disruptions to sensitive areas of a building. And if the occupant wasn’t prepared for the disruption, you can have a mighty unhappy customer on your hand. Anytime you are working on HVAC projects throughout your building, there are strategies you can put into place to keep things running smooth. Communicate with occupants Communication is key to any good relationship, and as a property manager, this rule is a great place to start. If you will be working with the HVAC equipment, block out the timeframe for work to be done, and understand the potential consequences of the process. Then communicate this process with every point of contact you have throughout the building. The more detail you can provide, the less surprises you’ll have throughout the process. You can also work with your building’s occupants before the process begins, finding out if there are better timeframes than others. Establish a realistic schedule As a property manager, its easy to provide your expectations for the HVAC project at hand, and request that the proposal be written in such a way that work is completed on your timeframe. Unfortunately, many contractors want your business and will agree to anything upfront in order to win the bid, knowing full well the work will take longer than specified. Instead of projecting your timeframes into the proposal process, ask for HVAC project bids to establish realistic schedules of how long the process will take, and what areas of your property will be most effected throughout the schedule. This will help you avoid crises between you and the contractor, and you and your tenants. Plan for the whole system If one small piece of your HVAC system is weak, its easy to fix that one small piece. But how will that impact your overall system? Will it cause weak spots in different parts of the building – maybe a corner office will have reduced air flow, and therefore be colder in the winter and warmer in the summer? When retrofitting new pieces with older existing systems, its easy to reduce the efficiency of your entire system. Before agreeing to certain repairs, make sure you understand how it will impact your entire system overall. An easy way of handling this problem is by working with the same HVAC contractor again and again, He will understand your system’s potential, and know when to make repairs, and when to replace. Have points of contact available for immediate assistance In many cases, problems arise because connections can’t be made. Can the HVAC contractor get a hold or you or another person that can make decisions at a moments notice if a problem arises? Do you have access to decision makers throughout the building that may be impacted by this change? Many projects have been put on hold simply because a person in authority can’t be found to give the go-ahead to move forward. If you have access to these people during the time of the project, you’ll be able to complete the project in record time. Test Finally, if you can test things in stages, or test when the potential for problems is the smallest, you reduce the chances of bigger emergency issues falling into your lap. If you’ll be installing a new terminal unit, can you make the switch on a Saturday morning when the building is largely unoccupied? If you’re replacing a large system, can you replace and test in phases so the entire project isn’t released at once? Most issues can be avoided with just a little strategy from the beginning. If you’ve never had a HVAC maintenance team to help you stay on track with your building’s heating and cooling, now may be the time to find out how easy a team approach makes the process.

The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers has provided historic preservation consulting and contracting services on countless structures throughout entire Midwest region including several dozen on the National Register of Historic Places. We believe that a multi-disciplinary approach to the planning of all aspects of historic preservation projects is necessary to preserve the heritage of our built environment. As active participants in the preservation community we are appreciative of the limited resources available for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage embodied in historic structures. We endeavor to provide historically appropriate, sensitive, creative, and responsible solutions to the stewards of these treasures. Our solutions are applicable to the repair of all structures including, Brick, Stone, Masonry Restoration, Fountain, Water features - buildings, high-rise structures, parking structures, airports, bridges, tanks, plaza decks, and historic structures. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers is an operated business which provides high quality masonry restoration and fountain repair service in the state of Arkansas, Nebraska, Des Moines IA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN, Denver Co, Oklahoma City, Springfield IL, Dallas TX, Florida and entire Midwest region. Our commitment to quality and a standard of excellence on every level is the foundation the company has been built upon. Our skilled and conscientious craftsmen specialize in the historic repair, renovation, replication and restoration of any structure we are contracted to work on. Our nearly 30 years of experience assures efficiency, safety and quality by using the proper materials and installation procedures. This unparalleled experience has earned us a reputation for providing clients with the highest quality repair and installation services available.

Bru’s House of Color was established in April 1961 by Charles “Bru” Baker, hence the name. The store is currently owned and operated by Ray & Darlene Wiemer who purchased the business in 2000. We have been serving the community in the same location since 1963. Each of our professionally trained staff members have been part of our family for a minimum of 10 years. We are a true professional paint store, not a paint department. Bru’s is your one-stop paint store for the professional or the “do it yourselfer”. We are here to assist you in any way we can: answering questions, determining proper products for each project, custom color matching as well as color consultations. “Big Box Store selection and prices.” In addition to all things paint, we are also able to provide custom window coverings– measuring and installation are part of our service. We can also bring our showroom to your home for a true professional consultation at no charge. “Our most important product is service, and our most important customer is you.”