New Methods To ‘Get The Led Out’

March 10, 2010 by Neil  
Filed under Continuing Remodeling Education

Peeling Paint on Exterior Window

Being a former (and current) Ledhead, when I think lead – I think Zeppelin.  Especially when I hear the phrase “Get The Led Out,” which comes from The Loop’s daily late night radio salute to the Kings of Blues-Rock.  But lately “Get The Lead Out” has taken on a whole new meaning in my life.  Beginning in April the EPA will require new rules and procedures for the removal of lead-based paint in America’s older homes.

The EPA will require contractors to use more extensive and rigorous methods to dispose of construction debris than ever before.  The new rules require posting signage to warn of lead danger, HEPA filter vacuums for clean up, the use of air exchangers to remove dust in the air, wet-washing construction areas after demolition and being registered with the EPA for lead-based renovations.

The new rules were enacted to protect children from the dangers of lead poisoning.  Lead is harmful to both children and adults. In children, a tiny amount of exposure can lead to neurological damage, and in adults, lead inhalation can lead to hypertension, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and nausea among other symptoms

All housing, childcare and school structures built before 1978 are affected by the EPA program.  If your house is of this age then you need assume that lead is present in your home and make sure your remodeling company is trained in safe lead paint removal.  Naturally, the new procedures will add an expense to your project not required in newer homes.

Crimson has applied with the EPA to register as a certified renovation firm.  We will also be receiving training and investing in equipment to comply with this new regulations to keep your family safe.  Now I’ll be able to “Get The Lead Out” safely.

Neil & Joel Visit Daniels Design & Remodeling

March 29, 2009 by Neil  
Filed under Continuing Remodeling Education


We recently got back from Fairfax Station, Virginia where we visitedDaniels Design & Remodeling. Here we are with the owner, Ted Daniels. We have known Ted for about five years since we both joined Remodelers Advantage.

Remodelers Advantage is a peer review group we are members of. Every six months we get together with ten other remodeling companies from around the country and evaluate their business. This month we all descended on Ted’s company outside of Washington, DC. We spent two days getting to know his employees, his systems and his family. On our third day we gave Ted advice on how to improve his operations. For our part we take home valuable knowledge not only from Ted, but from the other companies in attendance. We do nothing but eat, drink and sleep remodeling for three days.
We found some great new ideas on marketing as well as a fresh new energy to get back to work. We also learned about some new products being used in other parts of the country. The West coast always seems to lead the way on new technology. In the Midwest we tend to let them be the guinea pigs and learn from their mistakes. There are definitely some new and exciting ideas making their way here soon.
Even though we where in our nation’s capital we didn’t get to see the sites. Unless you count this view from Reagan International Airport!

The tall skinny white object in the background is the Washington Monument. Underneath is the barely discernible Lincoln Memorial. So much for sightseeing! We need to get back home to Illinois and building things.

Crimson Wins 2009 Guildmaster Award

February 28, 2009 by Neil  
Filed under Crimson Life, Remodeling Industry Awards

guildmaster_2009_120x120We are pleased to announce that we have been selected as a 2009 recipient of Guild Quality’s Guildmaster Award. We are one of only 95 companies in North America to receive this honor.

Guild Quality provides customer satisfaction surveying and performance reporting for over 500 homebuildersremodelers, and contractors in North America. Guild Quality collects feedback directly from customers and reports back to the building professional through a web-based service. On average, more than 70% of customers respond to Guild Quality surveys, and their feedback includes rich commentary and quantitative ratings. We use Guild Quality to measure the satisfaction of our clients and to find areas for improvement in our service.

We continually strive to deliver a great customer experience with every project we complete. We know that remodeling is much more than just providing a product. We are a guest in someone’s home, their most valuable possession, for an extended period of time. It is imperative that we communicate and live up to the trust that our clients show in us. This award is a confirmation of those efforts.

Crimson currently maintains a 100% recommendation rate from our previous clients that responded to Guild Quality. To view the rest of our most current survey results from Guild Quality visit our Qlisting.

Crimson Wins NARI Awards

December 21, 2008 by Neil  
Filed under Remodeling Industry Awards

Joel & I recently attended the Chicago NARI(National Association of the Remodeling Industry) presentation of the 2008 Remodeling Excellence Awards. We won three awards!

1st Place – Residential Addition $100k – $250k
1st Place – Residential Bathroom $60k and over
Honorable Mention – Residential Exterior under $100k
The addition was a family room and office we added to a home in Downers Grove. The bathroom was a master bedroom suite we created on the first floor of an existing home out of a living room and powder room. The exterior was a home in Naperville where we added stone to the front of the home, new windows, and new siding to the remaining parts.
Obviously we are very excited to have won these awards. When we are competing against our fellow NARI members it is never an easy thing to win.
Our thank you to all that helped in this process – - from the homeowners to our trade partners – - we owe it all to you.

Neil & Joel Reach the Summit

November 3, 2008 by Neil  
Filed under Continuing Remodeling Education

Joel & I just returned from Park City, Utah where we attended a meeting of Remodeler’s Advantage. RA is group of like-minded remodeling companies from all over the country that come together twice a year to learn, share ideas and improve their businesses.

While in Park City, Joel & I were determined to reach the summit of Bald Mountain (9,400 feet). Each evening after our meetings where over for the day we spent an hour or so before dark attempting to hike up to the top. Finally on the last day we got the timing right and we made it to the top before the sun set! Our friend Mike DuKate, ofDuKate Fine Remodeling in Indiana, came with and took this picture.

Being completely out of shape I didn’t think I would make it. There were a couple of times I thought Joel and Mike would have to carry me. But I eventually made it and got to share in the spectacular view from the top. Then I had to get back down. Thankfully, that part is much easier!

If you would like to see all my photos from Park City here is a link to my slideshow.

  • Tags