Herrick Construction in San Jose, California

Real Hero!

2012-02-04T16:30:00.001-08:00

Michael Spykes,
You're a 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded and dying in The jungle somewhere in the Central Highlands of Viet Nam .. It's November 11, 1967. LZ (landing zone) X-ray. Your unit is outnumbered 8-1 and the enemy fire is so intense from 100 yards away, that your CO (commanding officer) has ordered the MedEvac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the ......enemy machine gu...ns and you know you're not getting out. Your family is half way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day. Then -over the machine gun noise- you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter. You look up to see a Huey coming in. But.. It doesn't seem real because no MedEvac markings are on it. Captain Ed Freeman is coming in for you. He's not a MedEvac so it's not his job, but he heard the radio call and decided he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire anyway. Even after the MedEvacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway, and he drops it in and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 3 of you at a time on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire to the doctors and nurses and safety. And, he kept coming back!! 13 more times!! Until all the wounded were out. No one knew until the mission was over that the Captain had been hit 4 times in the legs and left arm. He took 29 of you and your buddies out that day. Some would not have made it without the Captain and his Huey. Medal of Honor Recipient, Captain Ed Freeman, United States Army, died last Wednesday at the age of 70, in Boise , Idaho May God Bless and Rest His Soul. I bet you didn't hear about this hero's passing, but we've sure heard a whole bunch about Kobe Bryant's divorce, Dr. Murray, that sicko Sandusky, and a 72-day sham marriage. Shame on the media !!! Medal of Honor Winner Captain Ed Freeman Now... YOU pass this along. Honor this real hero!!!!!!

Marine Stuns Crowd!

2012-01-25T17:01:00.001-08:00

Just watched a video, Marine sings National Anthem. WOW!

Click on the link!

WATCH: Marine Stuns Crowd at Tea Party | The FOX Nation

Types of Construction

2012-01-19T15:35:00.001-08:00

Residential – Light Construction – This type of construction consist of houses, condominiums, and small apartment buildings. The majority of carpenters work in this type of construction. Most light construction is platform framing; wood-framing method.

FINDING A CONTRACTOR FOR YOUR PROJECT.

2012-01-10T15:10:00.001-08:00

Lets understand something, finding a contractor is not easy, or is it. We know license contractors have at least four years of experience in a TRADE. FACT – contractors that just received their license are more eager to do a better job, (they need the reviews). FACT – new contractors have less overhead and profit. FACT – if a contractor says they a the best, RUN AWAY!!

Set reasonable ground rules, there are more lies than truths. When interviewing a contractor – keep it simple – you are going to see the contractor and their workers for the life of your project.

If the lowest price is the only concern, then you need to get ready for a the ride of your life.

Good Hunting!

Finish Carpentry

2011-12-29T15:47:00.001-08:00

What do you expect from a finish carpenter? How much experiences and knowledge are you expecting? What level of education do they need? Are you looking for someone that has a contractors license?

Hiring a Carpenter

2011-11-28T07:55:00.001-08:00

Carpenter

Services, costs and hiring best practices - essential information you need to get great Carpentry Service

December 2010

Homeowners face many important questions when hiring and working with a Carpenter, including: What services does a Carpenter commonly provide? What is the best way to find good prospects? What should I look for when I interview the Carpenter? How do I make sure that the Carpentry Service is done right? Do I need a contract?

Use the following information to understand your options, make good decisions and get quality work at a fair price.

Carpenter - Basic Information and FAQ

How do I avoid the scams and get good Carpentry Service at a fair price?
First, decide on ALL product / service options. Compile a list of work and quality requirements (see the next section). Have at least 2 qualified pros complete detailed bids on the work. Use a written contract that ties payment to verifiable results. Download theCarpenter Hiring Guide for step-by-step details.

What should I expect to pay for Carpentry Service?
Most Carpentry Service work is quoted at a fixed price, for specific service(s) or deliverables. The underlying hourly rate for a Carpenter ranges from $31 to $47. Usually, a minimum fee will be charged, which represents 1.5 - 2 hours of effort. In some cases, the quoted job price may be negotiable, particularly if other work is performed by the Carpenter.

Do I need to use a licensed Carpenter for my job? If so - how do I verify license status?
A professional Carpenter must be licensed to provide most Carpentry Services. To check a Carpenter's license status, search the telephone directory or online for your state's professional license board or department. Contact the licensing authority to verify license standing and history for the business and individual.

Should I use an insured Carpenter for my project?
Your Carpenter should carry adequate liability insurance for work related damages. Your Carpenter should also have workman's compensation insurance for job related injury or health risks.

Does my Carpenter need to be bonded?
A bond will protect the homeowner if the terms of the contract are not met by the Carpenter. A bond is recommended for any work over $500. Make sure that your Carpenter's bond is valid and that the bond limit will cover the cost of completing or re-doing the work, before any work begins.

HVAC Change Out

2011-11-19T12:28:00.001-08:00

Changing Your HVAC System? Don’t Forget Permits

Avoiding HVAC Building Permits Costly for Consumers

SACRAMENTO – Property owners who change out their warm-air heating, ventilating or air-conditioning (HVAC) system need to make sure that their state-licensed contractor takes out a building permit from their local building department to avoid fines and additional repairs. Building permits generate routine inspections to help assure that the system was installed properly, is functioning efficiently, meets Home Energy Rating System (HERS) testing and verification requirements, and complies with the State Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

During Contractors State License Board (CSLB) undercover sting operations at residential properties over the past three years, investigators have found a growing trend of licensed contractors who are violating state law by telling consumers that building permits are not required to install HVAC systems. “Up to 40 percent of the contractors who were invited to give project bids at sting locations told investigators that a building permit isn’t necessary, which simply is not true,” said CSLB Enforcement Chief Dave Fogt. “Even worse, a homeowner’s insurance policy could be cancelled if their insurance company finds that work has been done on the property without a permit.”

Just as with all home repair, improvement or construction projects, homeowners need to ask about state and local requirements. Penalties for not obtaining an HVAC building permit vary from city to city.

“We want to make sure that consumers are aware of their project responsibilities and know the right questions to ask their contractor so they aren’t stuck with fines and an inefficient HVAC system,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands.

“We’re proud of the fact that CSLB receives relatively few complaints against its 300,000 licenses each year,” said Sands, “but this illegal trend of skirting building permits needs to be corrected. HVAC contractors will continue to be sting and sweep operation targets.”

California’s 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards indicate that HVAC ducts should leak less than 15 percent but, according to California Energy Commission statistics, the average duct system leaks about 30 percent, wasting energy and increasing utility bills.

When HVAC contractors (known as C-20 Specialty contractors) “pull” the local building department permit, the system can be inspected by the department or a third-party field verifier, referred to as a HERS rater, to ensure that ducts have been properly sealed. If an HVAC system fails inspection, it has to be repaired by the contractor at no additional cost to the consumer.

"Contractors must comply with all applicable California building standards, including using certified HERS raters to test and verify that HVAC installations meet energy efficiency standards," said Energy Commissioner Karen Douglas. "For the best energy efficiency and cost-savings, consumers will want to team up with their state-licensed HVAC contractors to make sure all permits and energy regulations are followed."

CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips before hiring anyone to work on their home or property:

· Only hire state-licensed contractors and ask to see their license and a photo ID to verify their identity.

· Always check the license number on CSLB’s website at www.cslb.ca.gov or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com to make sure the license is in good standing and that the contractor has a workers’ compensation insurance policy if there are employees.

· Only pay 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment. There is an exception for about two dozen licensees who carry special bonds to protect consumers. These exceptions are noted on CSLB’s website.

· Don’t pay in cash or let payments get ahead of the work.

· Get at least three bids and three references for each contractor, and visit completed project sites in person.

The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. More information and publications about hiring contractors are available on the CSLB website or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752). You can also sign up for CSLB email alerts. CSLB licenses and regulates about 300,000 California contractors in 43 different categories, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States. In fiscal year 2010-11, CSLB helped recover nearly $45 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

# # #

CONTRACTORS MUST HAVE !

2011-09-29T13:23:00.001-07:00

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in paint and other products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from industrial sources and leaded aviation gasoline, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk.

EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.

Contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:
- Contain the work area.
- Minimize dust.
- Clean up thoroughly.

Laws and Regulations
- Drinking Water: Lead and Copper Rule
- Lead Abatement Professionals: Information for abatement, inspection and risk assessment professionals.
- Lead Air Quality Standards
- Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil: Rules and Regulations
- Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP): Beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
Compliance
- Lead Paint Compliance Monitoring: Information about inspections, evaluations and investigations.
- Lead and Copper Rule: Compliance Help

LOWEST BID!!

2011-09-29T08:09:00.001-07:00

I can not stress enough when taking the lowest bid (RESIDENTIAL). You are taking the chance of paying more then the highest bid.

Reviews!!

2011-09-27T09:16:00.001-07:00

Attention home owners! Look out for false reviews. Ask for references and find out if you can go look at past projects, or may be one in progress. Call the references, ask questions. Just be aware of the scams, please!

Construction and Carpentry

2011-02-26T11:55:00.001-08:00

About one third of the construction industry is made up of carpenters. The construction industry is a vital part of the United States Economy. Carpentry is one of the oldest trades known. The Roman armies always had a large number of carpenters.

In London, England, a group of carpenters founded an organization called Carpenters’ in 1333. The French word for carpenter is carpentier; the word derives from the Latin word carpentarius (chariot maker). At the end of the middle Ages (1453) carpenters where considered important to the success of a booming economy and in turn highly respected. Carpenters where known as Master Carpenters, today most General Contractor are carpenters.

Carpenters are important in building America. Over time, the carpenter tools have change due to the need of production. Power tools have replaced most of the common hand tools. Safety is a big concern when operating power tools. With proper training and introduction to power tools the job site and project is safe. The skill of a carpenter is knowing his/hers ability and knowledge of the trade and the materials to be used.

Today the construction industry is broken down into three trade groups, A, B, and C adding up to 43 different licensing classifications. When interviewing contractors for your project always ask for their license number, write it down, or make sure the number is on their business card. Then call the Contractor State License Board or go to their website cslb.ca.gov. You can then make sure the license number matches the classification you are looking for. You will also find out if their Bond is active or suspended. There is a lot of information that can be found on the cslb website, that information will benefit you and your project. Always make sure your contractor is qualified to do the work you are requesting.

· Does your project need a permit?

Always check with your cities Building and Planning Department. You can call or visit their website. Your contractor can walk your plans through and apply for your permit. There are some permits available online. The city may require plans for your project. There are guide lines on who can draw up your plans, your contractor will know.

· Was your home built before 1978?

If so, find out what needs to be done before your project starts. The epa.gov is the website to visit to find out more. Yes, your contractor knows but check the website for certified lead paint firms.

Construction has been around for a very long time and Carpenters have been there from the start. Carpentry is one of the oldest trades known. The Construction Industry is the key to building a nation and boost an economy.

Bathroom Remodel

2010-11-27T10:56:00.001-08:00

Just finished another Bathroom Remodel in San Jose, CA.

Carpentry Work

2010-07-19T19:44:00.001-07:00

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Almaden

2010-05-12T16:26:00.001-07:00

Just finish building a deck and cover.