christmas2014

Merry Christmas & Happy New Years in 2015

christmas2015

It’s our favorite time of the year here at BuildEx Construction LLC – a leading window & door contractor in Western Massachusetts.

And we have been able to make it this far with your support and partnership.  The 2014 has been exciting and busy!

We would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Years!  This is the time of the year to reflect upon everything which is valuable and cherish those moments with loved ones and friends.  It takes a lot to build a business.  Gaining trust, serving customers, building a network and working hard are all things that we share.

BuildEx Construction is very happy to be moving forward into the new year together.

Be Blessed!

Mike Krasnov
Owner
BuildEx Construcion LLC

BuildEx Springfield Office

BuildEx Recently Relocated Into Their New Springfield Office

BuildEx would like to announce that they have recently moved to their new office.

The Springfield office is located at 143 Main Street, Suite #306, Springfield, MA 01105.  BuildEx relocated to the new Springfield office to better serve their clients.  The new location allows BuildEx to operate more efficiently and solidify their presence in Springfield and throughout Massachusetts.

BuildEx Construction LLC focuses on window replacement, door installation, finish carpentry and general construction.  BuildEx prides themselves on the ability to provide contractors with reliable and top quality work.

If you have any questions about your window or door project, or would like some information, contact us at 413-328-1778.

BuildEx Springfield Office
BuildEx Springfield Office
New window installation with PVC trim covering

Window Replacement Procedure: Valley View Apartments in Chicopee, MA

We recently were able to have a large window replacement job at the Valley View Apartments in Chicopee, MA.  This procedure was typical for replacement windows and window installation.  We have outlined some of the more major steps involved in the process to get you more familiar with what a typical window job entails.

Removal Of Old Windows

Old Windows Before Replacement
Old Windows Before Replacement

The very first thing that must be done is to assess the condition of the old windows designated for removal. Most of the time the windows will be deteriorating and letting in cold air – costing you extra heating bills during winter. Many of these windows are made out of wood and in time mold and other natural elements can cause the wood frame to break-down. In these cases it is best to fix the windows by installing a completely new window and adding a layer of PVC trim all around the frame – protecting and preserving the windows for many years to come.

Install New Wooden Frame and Windows

New window installed with new frame
New window installed with new frame

Once the old windows are removed the next process involves making a custom frame for the specific window sizes and installing it into the empty space. After which you would position the brand new windows within the frame. This step is very important in ensuring that the windows are aligned properly and have been sized to fit perfectly into the new frame. This step involves custom carpentry and an experienced hand.
Skilled carpentry and window installation crew
Skilled carpentry and window installation crew

Cover All The Remaining Frame with PVC Trim For Protection

New window installation with PVC trim covering
New window installation with PVC trim covering

Including the PVC trim around the frame really makes a huge difference in how long your new windows will be effective. This small investment of time and money will insure you against having to make major changes for a long time to come.

Apply Caulking to Seal Up Window From Extra Space

Apply Caulking To Seal New Windows
Apply Caulking To Seal New Windows

By properly applying caulking you seal up any additional spaces between the window and frame effectively and add yet another layer of protection against drafts and weather. The proper application of caulking is not only a technical aspect but also an aesthetic process which can make the windows look much better to the eye if done right.

Enjoy Your New Windows!

New window, frame and PVC installation
New window, frame and PVC installation

 

Replacement Windows Brick Wall

Replacement Windows Vs. Window Installation: How To Identify What You Need

Replacement Windows

Replacement Windows Brick Wall‘Replacement windows’ is usually the term used when referring to replacing old windows with new ones. Window replacement is the most typical type of window work requested and is very popular. You can read a lot about the effect and value added when replacing your windows in your home or building.

Replacement windows are specific to when you already have windows installed. Therefore if you’re looking to swap out your old and outdated windows, upgrade the quality, or simply change the style features of your home, replacement windows is your place to look.

A typical person is not entirely aware of the terminology or implications of specific industry-related information. One of those cases occurs when talking about replacement windows. Initially it may seem that there is no difference between window replacement and window installation. In fact, these two terms are different at the core and knowing the difference can help you find the information your searching for quicker and with better results.

Window Installation

As opposed to what was mentioned above, window installation is a term used specifically for new construction projects that need windows on a first install basis. Most contractors assume someone inquiring about window installation, although sounds universal, are talking about a brand new installation. Installing windows where nothing is set up yet is a slightly different process than typical window replacement that requires removal and other essential fitting techniques.

 

What Are The Options?

Like many other fields of design and construction there are many styles and types of windows to choose from. The field can be highly customized or streamlined. The three major types of windows fall into either vinyl windows, wood windows or historic windows. Once you have selected the type of window you want, the next area that offers customization and choice is choosing a window style! There are many different styles, something for any job or project you may have.

round-top-windowbay-windowsarch-top-windowcombination-windows

What many clients may not know is in fact the options before them. This is why BuildEx Construction understands the need to give as much information as possible. Your project is possible with the proper consultation and team working with you. Anyone interested in replacing their windows is highly recommended to do their research before-hand. Window installations offer a lot in return and are not as straight-forward as many people outside of the construction world may think.

Happy choosing!

BuildEx Construction LLC – Door and Window Replacement Specialist

Window Replacement

Replacement Window Projects Are Now In Season

Window Trim Replacement window projects are in season. Spring time is a great opportunity to resolve your windowreplacement goals. Especially if window replacement has been on the agenda all winter long. With the warming temperatures and nice spring air, removing old outdated windows and window frames and installing new and upgraded replacement windows is one step away from being completed by our professional and verified Installation Master construction crews and by the Better Business Bureau verified window replacement contractor, BuildEx Construction.

With summer fast approaching many crews and contractors will be busy and time management will become harder to keep up with. You can avoid the competitive construction market in the summer by scheduling your window replacement project for the spring. This gives you more opportunity to find a suitable time, as well as get a better window installation price! Now is the season to get your window replacement and construction work done.

BuildEx Construction can provide you with many different variations, to different window colors and builds, to custom and specialty window replacement or clean new window installations. Window replacement is our top priority and we wish to provide anyone looking for replacement windows in the Springfield, Hartford and Boston areas with top-rated work backed up with years of experience.

Although window replacement is our specialty construction field, BuildEx Construction has taken pride in providing competitive and positive experiences for our customers in other construction fields. Besides window replacement, we are also focused on door replacement and installation, as well as more common items requested frequently from us, including full-scale siding projects, interior remodeling work especially kitchens and finish carpentry. Each job we take is another opportunity for BuildEx to prove their value.

If you wish to get an estimate, or find out more about replacement windows, we recommend you get in touch with us directly and speak about your needs. Now would be a great time to get your window replacement job you’ve been waiting to begin completed.

installation_masters_logo

BuildEx Now An “InstallationMasters” Window Replacement and Installation Contractor

installation_masters_logo

BuildEx Construction, a leading window replacement and home remodeling contractor is announcing that it is now qualified by InstallationMasters for new construction, window and remodeling projects.

Everyone who is building or remodeling a house should know that, no matter how much they spend on top notch windows, the windows won’t perform properly if they’re not installed correctly,” explained Michael Krasnov, manager of BuildEx Construction. “Poor installation techniques can defeat the advantages of the product and result in air or water leaks, wasted energy or improper operation.

To qualify its installers as certified InstallationMasters™, BuildEx Construction sent them to an intensive two-day training course conducted by InstallationMasters™-accredited instructors. The installers had to demonstrate competency by passing a written test designed to assess the knowledge they gained during the training course. Once they passed the test, they became certified InstallationMasters™ installers.

Consumers can confirm that a window installer is qualified under the InstallationMasters™ program by asking to see his/her ID card, provided by the national program administrator upon successful completion of the exam.

The InstallationMasters™ Training and Certification program was developed by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), which BuildEx belongs too – a professional association of some 300 top residential and commercial window, door, and skylight manufacturers and suppliers, which has been recognized for over 60 years as improving product quality performance standards and installation methods in the window and door industry. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), the InstallationMasters™ program was launched nationally in 1999.

Home Construction Building

The educated consumer, in addition to looking for AAMA-certified windows as quality products, will also insist that these products be installed by certified InstallationMasters™ installers. Installed properly, windows are more likely to perform as they have been designed, tested, and certified to perform, with fewer frustrating service calls required to correct problems.

For more information about the InstallationMasters™ Training and Certification program, contact us or visit the InstallationMasters™ web site at www.installationmastersusa.com.

Window Installations

Window Home Improvements That Pay For Themselves

Christian Science Monitor Reports:

1.) A typical window insulation kit runs about $15 and will work on five windows. And it will easily pay for itself over the course of just one winter. What are the savings?

Estimate saving of $20 per window, or $100 total.

2.) Energy Star forecasts big savings on replacement windows that earn its certification. What are the savings?

You’ll save anywhere from $126 to $465 a year for an area covering 2,000 sq. ft.

Read More

“Energy savings is certainly on a lot of people’s minds as Winter 2014 has kicked off in fearsome fashion across the United States. Yet savings know no season, and are sometimes affected by a timeline of when energy investments will have paid for themselves. Unfortunately most products don’t come with this information clearly stamped on the box, but that’s where we come in! Here we examine seven popular product categories to see how long it might take before you realize any returns on investments.

Plastic Window Wrap

plastic-window-insulation

Taping up your windows isn’t kind of home accoutrement that will win you any awards from Architectural Digest, but some people

swear by plastic window wrap as a way to keep energy costs down by keeping the cold out. It’s a simple fix, too: by putting plastic film over a window (and this works best for older windows), you cut down on the heat loss through the pane. This does nothing to control heat loss through a low-quality frame, though.

Payback Time: A typical window insulation kit runs about $15 and will work on five windows. And it will easily pay for itself over the course of just one winter. Josh Peterson of TLC’s How Stuff Works estimates you’ll save $20 per window, or $100 total.

Replacement Windows

Wrapping old windows is just a temporary fix for the larger issue of replacing your windows. Depending on how drafty your living space you may want to consider upgrading from single-pane windows, especially if you’re getting clobbered on your energy bill. The trouble is, replacing your old windows isn’t cheap. Homewyse.comestimates it costs between $2,673 and $3,550 to upgrade eight mid-level windows, including installation. Is there any hope of seeing through to a payback?Window Installations

Payback Time: The good news here is that the Energy Star forecasts big savings on replacement windows that earn its certification. You’ll save anywhere from $126 to $465 a year for an area covering 2,000 sq. ft. On the downside, it could take roughly 10 years before you’ll see a payback. The long timeframe, though, is mitigated by an immediate increase in comfort and visual aesthetics to your home. And if you’re handy enough to install your own windows, you could cut the up-front costs by at least 25%.”

Source: http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Saving-Money/2014/0114/7-home-improvements-that-pay-for-themselves

Window & Door Installation Contractor - BuildEx

BuildEx Construction Wishes You a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

Window & Door Installation Contractor - BuildEx

It’s our favorite time of the year here at BuildEx Construction LLC – a leading window & door contractor in Western Massachusetts.

And we have been able to make it this far with your support and partnership.

We would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Years!  This is the time of the year to reflect upon everything which is valuable and cherish those moments with loved ones and friends.  It takes a lot to build a business.  Gaining trust, serving customers, building a network and working hard are all things that we share.

BuildEx Construction is very happy to be moving forward into the new year together.

Be Blessed!

Mike Krasnov
Owner
BuildEx Construcion LLC

Replacement Windows Brick Wall

Easy Tips For Covering Your Windows!

We all have windows, and they are designed to let in air and sunshine. But we also need to cover those windows sometimes to keep the air and sunshine out — not to mention for privacy. There are some simple solutions, and we have some super tips for measuring and installing window coverings.

There basically are two ways to cover your windows: You can mount the window coverings inside or outside the window frame.

An inside mounting usually will let in light around the edges, but will let you add drapes if you want. When you measure the windows for this type of mounting, measure it at the top, from the widest part of the inside frame, in the middle and again at the bottom of the window. Then do the same thing with the height. These measurements are critical for this type of mounting, so make sure they are correct before shopping. Also, you will need to check the mounting brackets to make sure they will fit, too.

An outside mounting means the window covering will cover the window and frame, so little light gets in. It also allows for a little more error in measuring. Measure the width of the window, including the frame, and then add 1.5 to 3 inches on each side. Do the same thing for the height.

When you have all of your measurements, you can start shopping. If you can find standard-size window coverings to fit your windows, you usually will save money.

There are some cut-to-fit blinds and shades. These are pretty easy to use. There also are some great deals online, even if you need to have your window coverings custom-sized.

Use good wall anchors. If the ones that come with your window coverings don’t look sturdy enough, buy better hangers at your hardware store. If you use good hangers, they will stay up forever. Don’t forget to use a level, too.

Some inside hangers are held in place by springs, which means there is no hardware installation. These work only if they are a good, tight fit. You don’t want them falling down every time you raise or lower the covering.

Having the same window coverings throughout the whole house will look better than having something different in each room.

Working comfortably

Working while on your back usually is not very comfortable, especially when you are in the dirt under your house in your crawl space. Try an inflatable swim raft to make things more comfortable. The raft might not survive the ride, but it will make the work a little more tolerable, and a cheap raft will only cost you a buck or two at the discount store. You just might be so comfortable you’ll decide to take a nap. Probably not, but at least you can get the job done!

Use old golf bag

We always use a golf cart these days when golfing, but we also try to recycle things we no longer need. An old golf-club bag placed in a wheeled carrier makes a great yard caddy. Fill that old golf bag with yard tools like rakes, hoes and shovels, and wheel it around your yard as you work. Your tools will be super handy, and you’ll love the ease of it. You even can stuff work gloves, seed packets and other smaller items into the pockets of the golf bag. When you are finished working, just wheel it into the garage or shed, where it will be ready to go next weekend.

Super hints

• If you think you might have missed a few gaps around your windows or doors, do the incense test. Light some incense and hold it in front of the areas where you think the leaks are, and you will see the smoke move very quickly if there’s a leak. Then you can fill those gaps when you get a chance.

• If your water heater is located in the attic, garage or basement, then wrapping it in an insulating blanket made for your water heater can keep it warm longer and save you money on your utility bills. These are available at your home center and will pay for themselves in just one season for most folks. They are easy to install, too.

• If you are tiling a floor and don’t want to buy a ton of plastic spacers, or just want a smaller gap between the tiles, use a penny. They are easy to use, easy to remove and cost, well, pennies!

Q. I am having a problem with my clothes dryer. It turns off before the clothes are dry. It does heat up, but it just shuts down too early. Can you give me a few things to check before I call someone in to fix it?

A. The first thing to check is the exhaust duct. These can be clogged with lint and can cause the dryer to overheat when it’s running, which will then cause it to shut down or catch fire. Check your hardware store or home center for a flexible tool that will clean out your ducts, and see if that takes care of the problem.

Q. I am trying to finish out my basement so we can use it as a family room. Currently the walls are just the standard concrete block. I plan to install wood paneling. What do I need to put between the concrete lock and the paneling?

A. You need some type of vapor barrier between the concrete and the paneling to prevent moisture problems. This can be just a sheet of plastic as long as you tape each piece to the next one. You might also want to add some foam insulation panels behind the paneling if you need more insulation. Make sure you let the paneling acclimate to the room for several days before you install it, and give it room to shift a little as well.

Q. I want to paint my bathroom walls but they are made of some type of vinyl. What type of paint should I use?

A. Scuff-sand the walls to take the gloss off them. Then use a primer and paint. The glossier the paint, the easier it will be to clean later on. If you have the option of adding a mildewcide to the paint, do so to inhibit mold and mildew.

Reader tips

• I had to remove the housing on my lawn mower to make some repairs, and I had two very stubborn screws. I guess they had just been in place too long and maybe got a little rusted. I tried just about everything I could think of, but nothing would work. I finally got my soldering iron out so I could hold it on top of the screw to heat it up. It worked on both of them! Thank goodness!

• We have a closet in our garage that is great for storage but was always a hassle to get in and out of because of the doors. I took the doors off and converted them to sliding doors. Now I can get into the closet more easily and we don’t have to back the cars out to do it. These “pocket doors” really are neat. I may have to add some indoors, too.

• I bought a large bucket of glossy white paint and decided to paint my workshop with it. Wow! It made a huge difference! Now I can see so much better. The white, glossy paint reflects so much light, and sometimes I don’t even need to use the extra lights to see what I’m working on.

• Our refrigerator was not working like it used to. I finally called a repairman to fix it. It turned out that a mouse had gotten stuck in the fan and died, and was preventing it from turning. I was embarrassed for sure, but glad it was only a small problem. I should have looked a little closer when I was cleaning.

• I keep my sliding glass doors very clean since they offer the best view of the mountains near our house. But I have almost run into it a couple of times, and the worst was when my dog DID run into the door. I knew I had to do something, but I wasn’t really sure what I could do that wouldn’t mess up our view. I bought some very simple decals to place on the door at eye level for humans and pets. They are hardly noticeable to most people, but my dog hasn’t made that mistake again, and I don’t think I will have to worry about anyone else running into the doors.

Shoptalk

• Vinegar is one of those everyday household products that we all have in our homes. It has tons of uses there, as well as in the shop and even outdoors. It’s really inexpensive and can save you money in many cases. We have put together a list of some of our favorite, tried-and-true uses for the stuff. You also can get this information, as well as a lot of other interesting tips, on our website at www.thesuperhandyman.com. We hope to hear from you soon. Have a super day!

• Black & Decker’s new Gyro Screwdriver is a super little tool that every homeowner will really get a lot of use out of. Its compact size means you can keep it handy inside the house or in your toolbox. It has an onboard LED light to help you see what you are working on, even in a dark closet or under your sink. The gyroscopic feature allows you to change the direction and speed of the screwdriver by repositioning your wrist. A lithium battery keeps a charge for a long time (up to 18 months) so you won’t be without it when you need it. To see it in action and learn more, visit www.blackanddecker.com or at your favorite home center or hardware store.

• E-Z Fuse Tape is made by the SuperGlue folks, so you know it’s going to take care of your glue repairs. Its bond is permanent and stays flexible while on the job. It’s waterproof, nonconductive, insulating and weather-resistant. You can use it on garden tools, sporting equipment, automotive repairs and lots of other things. It’s available in several sizes and colors, and it’s super easy to use. Check it out at your home center or hardware store, or online at www.supergluecorp.com.

Article was taken from https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20131206/entlife/712069977/