GC Network Blog

Think Green & Beat the Winter Blues!

2008-09-03T14:45:00.003-04:00

It's going to be another cold, hard winter. Many of us heat our homes with gas and/or fuel oil and are wondering what to expect from the cost of staying warm this winter. A little forethought can save hundreds and what used to be a list of small savings ideas, are now paying off much more quickly as fuel costs reach record highs. If you're thinking of upgrading your home in the name of energy efficiency, keeping these tips in mind will help you pay attention to energy efficient qualities of your home.

Here's a short list of things to think about to save some green this winter:

Heat goes out in the winter the same way it came in during the summer, through your windows and doors. Take your air conditioner out in the early fall. (I know, sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many people leave them in, wrap them up with a plastic bag and let heat seep out around them all winter long). Also, take your screens out and install your storm windows for that extra layer of retention.

If your windows are old and drafty, get an estimate to replace them. Information is power and most window replacement companies are happy to provide you with a free estimate. Thus armed, you can take a look at last years heating bills and using a low estimate of about 20%, figure out your savings (don't forget, you'll save 20% of this years high fuel costs so inflate your last years numbers accordingly). New windows are a great investment that actually raise the value of your home and in many cases, installing energy efficient windows also means getting a nice little tax break in the spring, so figure this into your decision making equation.

If you decide not to invest in new windows but acknowledge that your windows are old and drafty, you might want to consider stopping by your building supply store for plastic window insulation kits. These are fairly low in cost (around $4-$10 each) and pretty easy to install.

Another great way to save money with a relatively low investment is to make sure that you have a programmable thermostat and THAT YOU PROGRAM IT! You can program your thermostat to lower your heat during the day and raise it slightly in the afternoon. Many homes already have a programmable thermostat but the homeowners haven't taken the time to learn the few easy steps required to program it. Now is the time to get serious about saving energy.

Shop around for your fuel and lock in if possible. Many fuel suppliers will allow you to commit to purchase a specific amount of fuel throughout the year and lock in at a somewhat lower rate. There may be some restrictions and requirements but it's worth taking a look at these savings.
Remember that the money you invest toward making your home energy efficient will save you money for as long as you own your home and add valuable equity that will maximize your profits if and when you ever decide to sell your home. Going Green means saving Green!

Buying land in the Adirondacks

2008-08-28T16:19:00.001-04:00

Land sales in the Adirondacks have been steadily climbing over recent years. Many land parcels have been in the same families for generations and the most recent owners have begun to recognize the value of this extremely desirable territory. This article will outline many important questions that you will want to have answered before investing in your Adirondack dream. If you're searching for the perfect getaway location to build a home or vacation residence, you may want to consider enlisting the aid of a local Realtor. Governed by a code of ethics and required to meet licensing requirements, these folks can offer invaluable assistance as you work through the steps below. In most cases, the seller of the property pays the realtors fees, so you can still work within a budget and take advantage of this great ally.

The most important aspect to ensure regarding any prospective property is that it can be developed to suit your needs. You will need to investigate whether the property is subject to any deed restrictions that may interfere with your building plans. If your property is in a development you will need to review a copy of the restrictive covenants of the development to ensure that your plans comply with any restrictions or guidelines established therein. You also want to review the deed to see if there are any easements or land use grants that have been applied to the property. The Adirondack Park Agency is an organization whose charge is to oversee the use of the land within the boundaries of the Adirondack Park. They have published a Citizens Guide to land use in the park which is available online through the GC Network website. Make contact with the APA early in your process and ensure that your plans for the property conform to APA regulations.

You'll need to investigate the availability of your utilities. Inquire as to whether the property has city or community water and/or sewer connections available. You may want to make the sale contingent upon the ability to install a septic system suitable to the size of your intended home. Is the property large enough to allow for a septic system, a well and the square footage of home that you want to build, all within applicable codes? Be sure that the property does not have any restrictions regarding the availability of water.
Locate the nearest electric pole and speak to the electric supplier to determine the estimated cost to bring electricity to this property. Internet use has become increasingly important; if this is a priority for you then you will want to know if cable is available as well. If not, find out what kind of alternative access is available and what costs are associated with obtaining it.

You will also need to investigate the accessibility of the land. Ask the seller if the land is accessible by public road. If this land is not accessible by public road you will need to verify that you have a deeded right of way that provides for your use as well as the use of future owners of your property. In a private road situation, you will want to find out if there is a road maintenance or association agreement in place to maintain the road and if so what rights and fees are associated with it.

You will need to ask the property owner about the previous uses of the property and inquire about any possible hazards on the land such as buried waste or fuel tanks. If these items exist you will want to predetermine the costs to remove them and whose responsibility it will be to do so. Make your sale contingent upon a satisfactory title search securing your interest in the property. It is also a good idea to initiate a new boundary survey of the property.

Local lenders and builders who have worked with others in the neighborhood or town are another great source of information. Speak with a local lender who has supplied nearby residences with construction loans. The same goes for builders of the nearby homes. These individuals have first hand knowledge of any potential pitfalls that may be encountered along the way.
To find a Realtor, Lender and/or a Builder, visit the Homeowners Resource page of the GC Network website. We've listed many of the forms that you will need along with many other helpful tips and advice designed to make building a home in the Adirondacks easier and more convenient.

Contractors: How Important Is Your Business Card?

2008-08-27T12:45:00.005-04:00

How important is your business card? Simply put, your business card is your most functional, useful tool for digging up new business. Can you attract and gain new business without a business card? Absolutely, just as you can dig a hole without a shovel, but let's face it, tools are designed to take advantage of a better way of doing things. They are generally inexpensive and highly effective when used properly.

Most everyone knows how to use a shovel; you place the pointed tip into the ground. Step on the rear of the head with your foot and leverage your weight to drive it into the ground before levering the handle to extract your earth, thus leaving a hole. Why am I going into detail about how to use a shovel when I just stated that everyone knows how? Well, because even though it seems like the simplest thing in the world to do, I wanted to remind you of all of the complex theories that come together to make it work optimally.

Using your business card is much the same and there are many ways that you can optimize the performance of your business card. The most important thing you should do, is to make certain that your business card reflects you, your personality and the essence of your business. The purpose of your card is to compliment the memory of you, so that later on, a person can see the card and call to mind your business and your most recent encounter. Or vice versa, they can see you and recall whom you are and what it is that you do from the information on your card. Thus, having made the connection and deciding to pursue it, they are fortunate enough to have your contact information at the ready.

I have seen thousands and thousands of business cards, many with varied shapes, sizes and gimmicks designed to make a strong, memorable impression. Some people collect them neatly in a book or binder designed specifically for this purpose but I can name a dozen people of my acquaintance who have a desk drawer just filled with them. If my card is in that drawer, you can spot it in a matter of seconds because it stands outs from the pile and it is highly recognizable with my big yellow construction helmet logo. I like to think those folks are reminded of me several times each week, when they open that drawer.

Another good thing to keep in mind when designing and purchasing your business cards is that you're going to use them, a lot. In fact, every chance you get. Purchase a good quantity, at least a thousand (you always get a better unit price this way anyhow!). There is no worse feeling than meeting someone, giving them your pitch, knowing that you've made a great contact and then leaving them empty handed. Don't let yourself run out and if you are getting low - order more early. When handing out your card, try to give two to each contact. One card is for the contact and one card is for him to pass on to a colleague or friend. A personal referral of this nature is one of the strongest possible sources of new business and I bet one closed deal more than pays for the entire box of business cards!

The last thing that is important to mention about purchasing business cards is this: buy from a local vendor or printer. In most cases they will cost you a little more from a local shop versus buying them online, right? Wrong, Wrong and Wrong! Yes, the "price" may be a little higher but the "cost" of not doing business locally is the cost of lost opportunities and it can be extremely high. These folks print business cards, how many people does your local printer see day in and day out? I guarantee you that he belongs to a Chamber of Commerce and that he engages in multiple networking opportunities in order to promote his own business, so he's probably pretty well known in your community. He's an amazing source of referrals! It is well worth that extra ten or fifteen dollars to do business with him and to maintain an established relationship with him. He's also going to guide and advise you on how to get the most out of your cards, you'll get better service and a better quality of card because he cares about keeping your business in business.

GC Network representatives get their cards from Tim Cooper of G & S Printing. Tim provides us with business cards that we are proud to hand out to our customers and contacts. We get guidance on the layout, a proof before going to print and Tim always makes arrangements to hand deliver the finished product. We have received countless referrals for new listings from Tim. Ask any of his clients and they will tell you that that local connection is a priceless benefit to doing business locally with G & S Printing.

Don't forget to send GC Network a handful of your business cards, we keep them handy and pass them along to folks needing your services while we are out networking, working at tradeshows and at various other opportunities! Contact us for mailing instructions.

INTRODUCING PIZAZZ PAINTING, 1-800-PAINT-JOB

2008-08-26T16:05:00.003-04:00

When you think about hiring a contractor to perform a service at your home or business, you start out with questions like: ""How much will this cost me?", "How long will the job take?", and "How do I know I'm hiring a trustworthy Contractor?" Here at GC Network, we've gathered forms and information to help you ferret out the answers to these questions and many more. However, when it came time to get to know Pizazz Painters, we found that owner Michael McGrath has done his very best to answer your questions before you even get the chance to ask them.

Pizazz Painting is all about eliminating the guesswork associated with any type of residential, commercial, interior or exterior paint job. Pizazz Paintings website, http://www.weneedapainter.com/, is set up to streamline the estimate process, provide you with helpful information and lists many great customer testimonials written by local residents who've enjoyed their Pizazz Painting experience.

Anyone who's ever picked up a paint roller thinking that it's easy and less expensive to undertake their own painting project, knows that by the time you get finished, (if indeed, you get finished) you've spent a small fortune on supplies and mistakes and a huge amount of time trying to get it just right. What seems like a fun project ends up being hard work and not a little stressful. Hiring a professional changes all that. You define all the variables up front with a free estimate for the time and investment you'll be making and you get to have fun picking out colors and applications with the guidance and advice of an experienced painter.

Pizazz Painting has over 19 years of experience in Interior & Exterior Painting, Power washing, Wallpapering, Decorative Finishes and Deck Staining. They have written, proven, processes for applying their trade and Pizazz provides no less than 30 references with every proposal, including before & after photos and testimonials. Their proposals all come with proof of insurance, letting you know that Pizazz is serious about their business.

Many of the testimonials for Pizazz Painting have customers referring to Michael "Mike" McGrath's personal involvement in their project from start, to finish, to the extra mile that is part of Mike's business philosophy. Education and knowledge is another facet of Pizazz Painting. Mike keeps up to date on new products as well as application techniques in order to offer his clients a wide range of services and solutions to their painting and wall covering needs. The secret of this companies success is found in that commitment to quality products, personal service and Mike's dedication to maintaining prompt and constant communications with his clients, delivering the promised results within the estimated budgets.

As Pizazz Painting celebrates it's 20th year in business, Mike & his wife, Nicole are also celebrating the 8/8/08 birth of their first baby, a son, who brings new perspective to his hard working dad. "It's amazing how the everyday stresses disappears when you look into the eyes of your child." We send our heartfelt "Congratulations" to the McGrath Family!

Mike's Fab Five or favorite recommendations are as follows, be sure to let them know that Mike (& GC Network) sent you:

Chad Viele, General Contractor
(518) 798-2204

St. Andrews Ace Hardware, A great family hardware store
(518) 792-2193

Starratt Plumbing & Heating, Greg Starratt
154 Glen Lake Road
Lake George, NY 12845
793-7346

Panera Bread, Frank Snyder
820 State Route 9
Queensbury, NY 12804
(518) 761-6957

Four Star Flooring, Hank Freebern
102 Quaker Road
Queensbury, NY 12804
(518) 745-5250

The Adirondack Economy, Whats your outlook?

2008-08-14T13:40:00.007-04:00

Recently, the Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. ran an ad titled Turn down the Gloom and Doom in the Post Star and The Chronicle. It was a very positive ad so I find it kind of interesting that so many area residents kicked up a buzz about it, but the ad definitely seems to have people talking. Todd Shimkus, President of our Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, commented on the thought provoking ad in the Chambers Blog saying 'kudos to Glens Falls National for giving us some perspective and a chance to reflect on the good things that we might otherwise overlook'. A handful of folks that I've spoken with tend to agree with Mr. Shimkus.

It's about time someone cried out in protest, not just of our economic situation but of the way we're choosing to react to it.

Look around at all of the new construction and new enterprise in our area and wonder about the decision making that led up to the implementation of these ventures. It seems that those executives and businessmen aren't building in fear of a downward spiraling economy but are building in anticipation of a growing and thriving one.

While there just isn't any denying that things are tight and that we are all feeling the effects of a tough economy, history and logic tell us that the economy will right itself in time. You can make a lot of guesses about how and when that will happen or you can look ahead to where you want to be when it does, and then, just maybe you can construct your own path from one place to the other.

Maybe that's the point to what Glens Falls National, the ARCC and all the others are trying to tell us. Think forward to a better time and in between that time and this one, lies the way to get through it all. If you're stuck in wallowing in the mud, you have to choose not to wallow but to look toward the solid ground and chart a careful course to surer footing. Many of us have been wallowing in that pit of mud, commiserating with each other about how much mud there is, how thick and black it is, wondering how much worse it will get. In doing so, we've inadvertently accepted an outlook filled with Gloom and Doom.

This week some of our communities leaders have taken a stand against the demoralizing negativity and have pointed out a way to a better tomorrow. It happens by refusing to willingly participate in a recession. Maybe we can't change the events affecting us, but we can change our responses, and it's our responses that determine our outcome. Reach out and grab the hand of progress, then, reach back and offer it to someone else. YES, let's Turn Down the Gloom and Doom!

Thinking of Building or Remodeling in the Adirondack/Saratoga Region?

2008-08-12T13:02:00.002-04:00

Introducing GC Network, a network of Upstate New Yorks Contractors, Suppliers and Residential Construction Tradesmen.

Visit our hot new website http://www.gcnetwork.net/ - The Place to Find The People You Need for Your Next Residential Construction Project!

In todays day and age finding a contractor, supplier or specialist can be really tough. The wave of Cellular telephones and Cable telephone providers has caused the various telephone books to miss listing hundreds of qualified contractors each year. You know that they are out there but where?

They are on GC Network, thousands of them and they want your business!

GC Network has scoured Washington, Warren, Saratoga and Essex Counties to find them for you. We have brought them all together to one website designed to provide you with the ultimate network of builders, remodelers, specialty trades, suppliers, manufacturers and even provided you with many of the forms you will need in order to check references, request bids, estimate and order supplies and much more!

Whether your construction project is large or small, you will find the people and resources you need to get the job done here at GC Network. Registration is easy and FREE, so create a personal folder in order to store your chosen contacts, this will save you valuable time on future searches. If you are having trouble finding exactly what you need, please send us an email with the details and you will experience the power of the network as we locate your information and provide you with a connection.

We will not sell or share your personal information unless you specifically request that we do so, so registration is safe as well as FREE! Please let your GC Network contacts know that you found them listed at http://www.gcnetwork.net/ so that they, too, can enjoy being part of a complete, comprehensive and powerful network that works!

GC Network also has a Blog! We will use this forum to share information, resources and advice, along with introducing you to our listing contractors, informing you about events and responding to your questions and needs. We will occasionally publish articles on subjects that we feel will be of interest to our customers and/or network members and we encourage you to let us know what we can do to bring more value to the site to make it bigger and better. Our network members work hard at their trades and do not always have the time to get online with information and answers to questions but if you have a question, whether it's specific or more general, share it with us and we will get you the answers through our vast network of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals.

Visit http://www.gcnetwork.net/ today and do not forget to Tell a Friend about us!

HELP WANTED: SNOWPLOWER CONTRACTORS

2008-08-11T17:01:00.002-04:00

GC Network is looking to add snowplowing businesses to our listings. Last year, we spoke with a lot of people on the lookout for someone to plow snow from their residential driveways and it seemed as though there were less folks offering this valuable service.

Homeowners, if you are looking for someone to plow your driveway, it is important that you recognize all of the aspects involved in getting your job done. We believe that one of the reasons that residential snow plowing contractors are hard to find is that the costs of fuel and liability insurance are making it difficult for them to make money by providing this service.

Often, it is not the size of the driveway that determined the majority of the fee; it is the cost of getting to that driveway. We all know that gas is horrendously expensive today and it is taking a huge toll on all of our tradesmen especially those involved in over the road activities such as snow plowing. However, there is a great way to combat this cost. Talk to your neighbors, if you can get together with three or four of them, you can offer your snow plow company a very attractive situation and chances are, if he can save money by plowing a handful of properties in a concentrated area, he will be happy to share some of that savings with you. We love this idea because less traveling to and from jobs means using less energy and expelling less waste. You have just done something Green in the midst of all that snow!

Gone are the days of the non-professional snow plowing service. Many businesses and individuals have learned the hard way that having liability insurance is a must. We have all heard those stories about the snow plow guy who pulls someone who had gone off the road in a storm out of a ditch, only to be later sued for damaging her bumper. It is not easy being a Good Samaritan anymore and so you can expect to pay your snow plowing fees via invoice versus a little cash and a handshake.

Your snow plow driver is a professional and a business man, much the same as any other contractor you might hire to provide a service at your home. They are great people who work long hours in risky weather to earn the fees associated with their services. Ours even jumps out of the truck to shovel the walkway. I am sure it is included in his fee but on a cold, snowy morning I am very grateful for this extra service!

If you have a terrific snowplowing contractor, send him to GC Network so that we can tell all your friends and neighbors about him!

MEET CHIPPEWA STONE LLC.

2008-08-08T15:32:00.010-04:00

GC Network will be interviewing many of our contractors and suppliers and sharing the interviews with you here on our Blog. We admit, we liked the idea of starting with a terrific company we have known for a long time. Chippewa Stone LLC. offers their beautiful stone products Nationwide, but is owned and operated from right here in our hometown of Fort Ann.

Chippewa Stone, LLC. is a family owned business built and operated with pride and dedication to quality. Fort Ann natives Marty and Bonnie Graves started this growing company that now has quarries in Fort Ann and Whitehall.

Chippewa Stone offers a range of high quality natural building and landscaping stone to home owners as well as contractors. Bonnie heads up the sales office using her knowledge of the entire Chippewa product line to assist contractors with efficiency and to provide homeowners with guidance and advice on the best selections to complete any project. They have a rich selection of colors, cuts and textures to choose from, that will look exquisite in or on any building, residential or commercial, interior or exterior, yard or garden. You name the project and Chippewa Stone has a product that will add the finishing touch you are looking for. The Natural Granite and Quartize Stone products have been used to create Fireplaces and Landscapes that, in our opinion, are as much beautiful works of art, as they are functional components. Visit their website to see for yourself! http://www.chippewastone.com/

It is hard to resist a pun when asking, -What is the cornerSTONE of your success?- Bonnie firmly states -Quality Stone Products!-

We went one step further, we asked a few contractors why they choose Chippewa Stone and while they echoed words like -Better Quality and Great Products- they also tell us that the people behind the product are -Fair and Reliable- giving them a great selection of quality products at great prices. We have to agree with one homeowners statement- There is something special about building with local stone, quarried and cut right here in Washington County.

Since networking is very important to us here, we will round out all of our interviews with referrals. We asked Bonnie to give us five contractors or suppliers that they work with often and would refer to our customers. Here they are:

The Stone Artist
Jerome Pollock Jr. Masonry
218 Gilchrist Road
Argyle, NY 12809
Office: 518-854-3775
http://www.jpstoneartist.com/

Kevin Maynard
Residential Carpentry & Masonry
Route 149
Fort Ann, NY 12827
518-796-3458

Victor Aguero
686 Deweys Bridge Road
Whitehall, NY 12887
518-642-1497

Volt Landscaping
Rob Wing
Sunnyside Lake Road
Queensbury, NY 12804
518-793-5899

Baker Masonry
Route 22
Granville, NY 12839

GC Network thanks Bonnie and Chippewa Stone LLC. For being our first highlighted business! Please visit them at http://www.chippewastone.com/. Let them know that you found them on GC Network!

Getting the most out of GC Network.

2008-08-08T13:31:00.003-04:00

Welcome to GC Network. Our site is designed to provide you with a massive directory of Contractors, Suppliers and Residential Construction Tradesmen serving Warren, Washington, Saratoga and Essex Counties. Currently there are over 1000 Contractors, Suppliers and Tradesmen listed on the site. Many of them have listing that show pictures of their work, a description of the services they provide and all of their contact information including a link to their own website if they have one.

GC Network has provided you with a page of Homeowner Resources to assist you with things like Building Permits, Contracts and other Construction Forms. We have also created a Folder option so that as you find people that you would like to keep handy for later contact, you can store them in your folder for quick reference later. All of the information and resources including the folder option are 100% completely FREE!

You can also use the Contact Us page to ask us questions, request more information or advice. We are here to help you and it is important to us that you find GC Network to be a complete, comprehensive resource. Your feedback is immensely important to the success of our network. If you are looking for a contractor or a specialty product but can not find what you need on the network, let us know and we will find it for you. We encourage all contractors & suppliers to Get Listed so that our customers can find them quickly and easily!

Please let your Contractors, Suppliers and Tradesmen know that you found them on GC Network and return when your project is complete to give them your rating on the services and/or products provided to you. By participating, you become the most important part of our network and the reason we are here.

Visit us today and be sure to Register! http://gcnetwork.net/

Contractors Get Listed Today!

How to Submit Plans for a Building Permit

2008-08-07T07:39:00.003-04:00

Submit your building permit by as many as 8 weeks in advance of when you want to start your project. Often the building permit activity is very high during and in advance of the building season and this can cause backups and delays. In most cases a minimum of 2 weeks is required by the Buildind Department in order to review and approve your plans. By closely reading your building permit requirements and adhering to the guidelines for documentation laid out below, you can minimize delays caused by having to obtain follow up information during the permitting process. (Please note that these are basic guidelines, each individual town and county may have different requirements)

Before the Building Department can issue any building permit, you must submit the following:

1. Local Regulation Compliance Certificate (LRCC#1)
This certificate, including your property I.D. number from your tax statement, tells us at the Building Department that the location and use of your construction project has been approved by your township or village. It is not a permit to build. It is not an approval of your plans.

2. Two (2) sets of plans signed and/or stamped by the Zoning Official.
Plans for residential construction under 1,500 square feet in calculated floor area can be drawn by the owner, builder or architect, etc. Plans for residential construction over 1,500 square feet of calculated floor area must be prepared by or under the direct supervision of and stamped by an engineer.

The construction documents shall include the name and address of the design professional and shall bear that individual's original signature, seal, and date. You may also be required to submit a document detailing the construction specifications of your proposed structure.
All plans must be drawn to scale.

All plans must show footings, elevations, cross-sectional views, and enough plan views to show what is being constructed; this includes floor plans. Before and after floor plans are also required for fire repairs, remodels or alterations to existing residential or commercial buildings. Plans must show dimensions and lumber sizes, spans and intervals.

Lists of building materials and specifications will not be accepted in lieu of plans. Drawings that do not show lumber sizes and dimensions will not be accepted as plans.

Please contact the Zoning Office for your jurisdiction regarding procedures for applying for zoning compliance and numbers of plans to be submitted to Zoning. The Building Department requires two full sets.

3. Environmental Health Approval
Almost unanimously the permitting offices will require a Water Supply and/or Sewage Disposal Permit. Approval is either a permit or a memo to approve the type of sewage disposal and/or water supply you plan to use. It is not a plumbing permit or sewer permit. It may be required for non-habitable construction, such as a garage or a deck. It is always required for habitable construction.

4. Complete site plans
Site plans clearly indicating all structures, any setback, any new structures and any additions, location of well(s), drainfield(s), and drainfield expansion area(s), Septic system, and neighboring structures if applicable. Site Plans must show elevation markings, and where the water runoff will go. In some cases, a clear drawing done to scale will satisfy this requirement.

5. Application for Building Permit
Many applications are available on line at http://www.gcnetwork.net/ or through your local permitting office. In some cases you will have to visit the actual office to obtain a permit. You must include the address where the construction will take place. A lot number is not sufficient. Specific directions to the site must be included.

You must complete the application using a typewriter or blue or black ink. You must complete all applicable questions, sign and date the application. Most Permitting agencies require full payment of all applicable fees in advance to accepting the application for review.
You must submit all plans, site plans, LRCC#1, Sewage disposal and other applicable forms and fees at one time, incomplete application will not be accepted.

6. Fees
Fees will vary from location to location but are generally based upon a certain dollar amount for every square foot of new construction along with an application fee. A single-family residence will generally warrant a minimum fee of $150.00. Other fees to be aware of are Inspection Fees, Septic System Permitting Fees, Demolition Fees, Heating Equipment Fees and Certificate of Occupancy Fees. These fees can add up quickly and should be evaluated along with all other building costs prior to commencement of the project. In many cases these fees can be included in construction financing obtained by your financial institution.

If plan revisions are necessary, the same fees may be charged a second time, as applicable.

7. Other
The following is a list of items that will be required only in certain circumstances, as applicable:

· Contractor's Workers Compensation certificate - contractors provide proof of Workers Compensation Insurance in order to obtain permit approval.
· Soil Erosion Permit - If you are building within 500 feet of surface water (lakes, ponds, streams, drains, wetlands) or if you are disturbing more than one acre of land, you must have this permit. This application can be obtained from the permitting agency you will be submitting your application to.
· Structural Design Loads and Calculations - For all commercial plans.
· Occupant Load - For commercial plans where applicable.
· Construction Classification and Use Group- Required to be shown on commercial plans.
· Architect/Engineer Seal and Signature - Required for residential construction with building area in excess of 1,500 square feet.

At the earliest stages of your planning, you should make contact with your permitting officials and obtain an application for your building permit. Ask questions about the process and whenever possible seek advice from those who have gone through the process before you. If you are building in a newer subdivision, ask your neighbors about their experiences, ask a reputable builder or seek someone from the town who is familiar with the processes. A little information at this stage can save you a lot of costly delays all along the way.

Contractors Insurance: What kind and how much should you have?

2008-08-06T11:33:00.005-04:00

Many contractors learn their trade while working for another experienced contractor. Eventually, having gained a good working knowledge of the trade they are ready to tackle the American Dream and venture into entrepreneurship. While the boss had a vested interest in turning the student into a skilled professional of his trade, he rarely had an opportunity to do any business training off of the job site. One often-overlooked aspect of this on the job training is how to get started. New York State does not require that contractors be licensed in their field. Proper insurance coverage is really all that is needed in order to go out and solicit business. Listed here you will find the most common insurance types required to offer contracting services. You will learn what the coverage is and how it protects you and your customer’s interests.

General Liability - Provides Protection for your Company against financial losses caused by third-party claims of property damage, injury or bodily harm, loss of life or limb, or negligence.

General liability insurance includes blanket coverage that extends to direct or indirect actions of the insured (and the insureds employees), which result in loss or damage, as well as products or structures constructed by the insured that cause loss or damage due to a fault in the structure.

Here in New York a contractors general liability policy should include coverage for the following situations: bodily injury, with coverage including medical costs and lost wages for the injured party; property damage; completed projects and operations; contractual liability covering property leased or rented for the contractor's office or facility; liquor liability, which includes injury related from employees and officers consumption of alcohol at the workplace and/or at work-related functions like holiday parties or mixers; fire, lightning, or explosion damages; hired and non-hired auto coverage; legal defense costs; medical payments and personal injury.

The amounts of coverage necessary in each individual area will differ for every contractor, so engage an insurance professional who can offer expertise and guidance in assembling a policy that will provide adequate coverage. The generally recommended minimum coverage for most contractors is $2 million.

General contractors will require their subcontractors to carry a general liability insurance policy covering themselves and their employees and listing the General Contractor as an Additionally Insured. An insurance certificate will provide proof of general liability insurance and as an Additionally Insured party the General Contractor can expect to be notified within 30 days of a discontinuance or cancellation of the policy.

Workers Compensation - Provides Coverage to employees injured on the jobsite.

New York State requires businesses with payroll employees to carry workers compensation insurance, often referred to as workmans comp or workers comp. Due to the increased risk of injury for construction workers, workers compensation insurance is necessary to protect your employees and your business as well as your clients. This insurance provides wage replacement coverage for any employee who is injured on the job, coverage for medical costs, economic losses, pain and suffering, and in cases where there is an accidental loss of life it may provide settlement payments for dependents.

As with General Liability Insurance, if you are operating as a General Contractor, you will need to require that all of your subcontractors carry and supply proof of their own individual workers compensation policies covering themselves and any employees they will bring to your jobsite.

Disability - Provides Coverage to employees injured off the jobsite.

Short-term disability insurance goes into effect as soon as you or your employee is unable to work due to an illness, injury, or birth of a child. This coverage ranges from as little as a few days to as much as one year. In New York employers must provide at least 26 weeks of coverage.

Inland Marine – Provides Coverage of Equipment and Tools in the event of theft, fire, vandalism and mysterious disappearance.

Inland Marine Insurance covers goods in transit over land, or any goods exposed to possible loss or theft while being shipped, warehoused, or held by U.S. Customs officials or the U.S. Post Office. Coverage may also include goods or equipment other than building materials, but which are frequently transported from one location to another.
Nearly any product, equipment, or material may fall under the umbrella of inland marine insurance. Inland marine insurance coverage may also include scheduled properties, riggers liability, builders risk, contractor's equipment, goods and properties, computers, and communications equipment.

Bonds – Provide a variety of assurances to your customer regarding the satisfactory conclusion of your business together.

A bond is not an actual insurance policy but a form of credit issued by the bondholder or surety to the principal or contractor.

Bond premiums are typically between one and three percent (1-3%) of the bond amount. The bond is then extended as a form of credit. If the client or subcontractor makes a valid claim, the contractor is responsible for the full amount of the bond.

Bonds premiums are not included in your general liability insurance policy. There are many types of bonds including bid bonds, payment and performance bonds, contract bonds, subcontractor bonds, maintenance bonds, supply bonds and license bonds.

Life: Provides coverage for your customer in the event of your demise.

In response to the abundant information being shared by customers, you may occasionally encounter a customer who requests that you provide him with a short-term life insurance policy naming him as your beneficiary.

Short-term life insurance is a relatively inexpensive method to accommodate and promote your customers best interests. The small premium can be passed on to your client as a cost of doing business and the policy suspended or cancelled at the conclusion of your work.

Commercial Auto & Truck - Provides Coverage for Liability and Physical Damage to your vehicles.

Many contractors insure their vehicles under their personal insurance policies since their vehicle is often used as their primary transportation. The greatest difference between personal and commercial auto insurance is the level of coverage. A typical Commercial Auto policy will list coverage of 1 million dollars or more.

Premiums and coverage amounts are determined by the types of vehicles, the level of usage, the type of usage, and number and driving record of the employees listed as drivers.
I have given you the basics on Contractors Insurance. Your next step will be to make an appointment with an insurance professional to assess your individualized needs. You do not want to buy more insurance than you need, nor do you want to spend more than you absolutely must, but more importantly, you want to be sure that you have adequate coverage in the event that you need to make a claim or a claim is made against your business. Upstate New York offers many Insurance Agencies with skilled professionals who are educated and informed about the Insurance requirements for contractors doing business in our state. Beware of purchasing insurance on the Internet, it may seem faster and less expensive but you are assuming some risk of insufficient coverage. Take the time to discuss your businesses insurance needs and educate yourself on how to insure them, ask questions about what is or is not included in your coverage and then work on getting a competitive premium. Remember, it is only a great deal if it meets your needs!

A World of Thanks to Kevin O'Brien of R.J.OBrien Insurance Agency for taking the time to sit with us and educate us on the insurance Contractors need. If you have more questions or if you just need a great deal from an experienced Insurance Agent, call Kevin at (518) 793-5173. R.J.OBrien Insurance Agency is the Independant Insurance Agency that returns your calls! Located at 83 Bay Street in Glens Falls.

WHERE TO START A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT?

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Getting started always seems to be the hardest step but it’s really easier than it seems. Take these steps and you’ll be on your way;

1) Decide exactly what you want to include in your project and decide how much you want to spend.

2) Decide how involved you want to be in the project. If you want to be very involved be sure that you have plenty of time to commit to the process. Most construction projects aren’t complicated but they are complex and will require a significant amount of time to manage and organized especially in the early stages.

3) If you’re going to manage your project yourself, visit our “HOMEOWNERS RESOURCES” page to find helpful forms like Building Permits and Project Management forms for estimating the project costs and hiring contractors. You will want to contact your County Building Codes & Enforcement department for guidance and regulations; many offices are listed here for you. They’ll ask you questions about your projects size and scope and direct you as to what paperwork and inspections will be necessary. In most cases you will need to visit the county or town building to pick up the paper work although they will occasionally consent to mail it to you if you are persistant that they do so. You will want to take advantage of this opportunity to let them know that you are eager to comply with the codes and appreciate any assistance and guidance they can offer you.

4) If you decide that you’d rather have your project managed by a General Contractor or Project Manager you can find them in the listings for Contractors. You will want to pick at least three who serve your geographic area and then use our “HELPFUL FORMS” to obtain and check recent references and then conduct an interview of your choices in order to choose the contractor who best suits you. Most General Contractors and Project Managers will handle all of the permits and planning for you although they will need to gather some information from you in order to do so.

5) Pick up a binder and keep all of the information from your project in tabbed sections so that you have everything in one place and organized. This will save you lots of time and energy later. Even for small project, paperwork and receipts pile up quickly. Having a binder is the best way to ward of the stress of lost information and miscommunications. I keep several blank forms in mine in order to remind me to document everything!

6) Permits take time, plan accordingly! Whether you are managing the project yourself or using the services of a General Contractor, you need to be aware that completing, submitting and getting approval of your Building Permits takes a good chuck of time. Even a small project can take up to three weeks to get Permit Approval and a complicated project or anything with engineering can take triple that time (or more!) See “HOW TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT A BUILDING PERMIT” for more information.

Our First Blog

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Welcome to our first Blog. We will use this forum to share information, resources and advice, along with introducing you to our listing contractors, informing you about events and responding to your questions and needs. We will occasionally publish articles on subjects that we feel will be of interest to our customers and/or network members and we encourage you to let us know what we can do to bring more value to the site to make it bigger and better. Our network members work hard at their trades and don't always have the time to get online with information and answers to questions but if you have a question, whether it's specific or more general, share it with us and we will get you the answers through our vast network of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals.

Let's begin with the into to our website http://www.gcnetwork.net - The Place to Find The People You Need for Your Next Residential Construction Project!

In today’s day and age finding a contractor, supplier or specialist can be really tough. The wave of Cellular telephones and Cable telephone providers has caused the telephone book to miss listing hundreds of qualified contractors each year. You know that they’re out there but where????

They’re HERE, thousands of them and they want your business!

GC Network has scoured Washington, Warren, Saratoga and Essex Counties to find them for you. We’ve brought them all together to one website designed to provide you with the ultimate network of builders, remodelers, specialty trades, suppliers, manufacturers and even provided you with many of the forms you will need to check references, request bids, estimate and order supplies and much more!

Whatever your construction project, you’ll find the people and resources you need to get the job done here at GC Network. Registration is easy and FREE, so create your own folder in order to store your chosen contacts in, this will save you valuable time on future searches. If you’re having trouble finding exactly what you need, please send us an email with the details and you’ll experience the power of the network as we locate your connection.

We won’t sell or share your personal information unless you specifically request that we do so, so registration is safe as well as FREE! Please let your GC Network contacts know that you found them listed at http://www.gcnetwork.net/ so that they, too, can enjoy being part of a complete, comprehensive and powerful network that works!