September 2nd, 2010
Brand New Drywall Knife
Ok, this wasn’t an intentional experiment, but it did end up demonstrating the destructive powers of Chinese Drywall in a fairly simple, yet profound, way.
On Monday we performed a bid conference with our subcontractors for a Chinese Drywall remediation project in Tampa. For those of you unfamiliar with what Chinese drywall is, it’s a drywall that was imported from China a few years ago. This particular type of drywall emits a gas that corrodes metal components within the home. At this time, it is unknown whether or not the gas that is emitted is hazardous to the health of the people living in homes with the Chinese Drywall. Although there is still some debate on the matter, most experts now agree that the only true method to ensure your home is rid of the problem is to remove every single piece of drywall from the home and start over. As you might imagine, this is an extensive remodeling project and a nightmare scenario for the unfortunate homeowners who have discovered their homes contain Chinese Drywall.
Before I share the details of our pseudo-experiment, I want to outline the true scale of a project like this. In order to remove the drywall you must, of course, first remove all of the wood trim (base molding, door and window casing, crown molding, etc), window treatments, light fixtures, toilets, cabinets, tile which has chinese drywall behind it, closet shelving, carpeting, etc. Once this is done, you can then remove all of the drywall from the entire home. But you are not done yet. Once you have removed all of the drywall you then strip the home of all insulation, electrical wiring, A/V wiring, HVAC ducting and the HVAC air handler! Only then can you begin rebuilding the home. This is the true definition of a dream turning into a nightmare, but must be done because of the potential safety issues created from the corrosive power of the gas being emitted from the drywall, which brings me back to the purpose of this post.
Destructive Power of Chinese Drywall
On Monday, during the bid conference, I cut four small holes into the drywall to inspect the drywall around the installed wall tile. I used a brand new key-hole saw made for the purpose of cutting drywall. After the bid conference I placed the knife into the pocket on the passenger side of my truck and didn’t give it another thought. Then, on Thursday – just three days later – I had the passenger door open and happened to look down and see the knife. As you can see from the photo, the Chinese drywall dust that was left on the knife actually created significant corrosion on both sides of the blade of the knife. The speed and severity of the corrosion is quite surprising, but is a good (and frightening) example of why you would want this stuff removed from your home!
Charter Bay Home Builders is a full-service Tampa Remodeler and Custom Home Builder working throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, and Sarasota. Charter Bay can help with your Kitchen Remodeling, Bath Remodeling, Cabinets, Renovation, Remodeling, Home Design, Design Build, and New Home Building needs.
In addition, as one of the few Tampa remodelers, contractors, or home builders with multiple green building and green remodeling certifications (FGBC Certifying Agent and NAHB Certified Green Building Professional), Charter Bay can also assist those clients who want green features and sustainable building practices incorporated into their projects.
Visit our website –www.CharterBayHomes.com – today to learn how “The Charter Bay Way” delivers:
“Yesterday’s Values • Today’s Technology • Tomorrow’s Vision”
(813) 357-9030
(CBC1255041)
Categories: General Items
August 3rd, 2010
“Customer Service” is a concept that companies bombard us with on a daily basis. The problem is that customer service is frequently over-promised, and then woefully under-delivered. We’ve come to expect that we’ll be sold one thing, but will receive less than was promised.
At Charter Bay, we work very hard to deliver what we promise. We also tend to promise a lot. After posting our last blog post with the testimonial from our most recent completed project we began to think about other positive words we have received over the past few months. After scanning back through some correspondence we have put together a few more examples of the kind of service and quality we deliver to our clients. These examples have been taken verbatim, and are a great source of pride for us as a building and remodeling company in Tampa Bay.
This first one was received during the design process of a two-story home on the water in Apollo Beach:
“OMG!!! We love it. Obviously we’ll take some time to really look it over, but at first glance… it is fantastic. I’m almost speechless. You are a genius and I’d hug you if I could. Thank you for really listening to us and coming up with great solutions to the challenges we presented you with. We love ALL of your changes. Yes, the guest room is a little small, but we’ll make it work… don’t want our guests to be too comfortable and overstay their welcome anyway.”
This next one was received after we had prepared the submittal package for our client to submit to their Architectural Review Committee prior to beginning construction:
“Eric, Thanks for the comprehensive, professional package. Now it’s my turn to be serious. It is such a pleasure working with you. Your attention to detail and concern for quality are truly extraordinary and very much appreciated. I am very glad we wandered by your booth that fateful Saturday, and that it hadn’t blown away before we got there!!! Ooops, hard to stay serious for more than two sentences. But that’s the other remarkable thing about working with you – it’s fun!”
This next one was received after spending a good portion of the day at flooring and tile showrooms:
“Just wanted to thank you for your time and guidance today. I really needed both to get over my tile decision stalemate. I know this is a really busy time for you, but you never once made me feel rushed or “too” pressured….well, maybe just a little but in a good, productive, “make a decision or the entire project falls on its sword” way. 
”
This one was received after the client came back from a short vacation during construction:
“Just saw the bathroom….WOW! It is spectacular, we are THRILLED! The glass doors and new mirror really are perfect. The carpet tile marriage is nice too! If it wasn’t so late, I would have called to say thanks for making it better than I ever expected! See you Friday.”
Charter Bay Home Builders is a full-service Tampa Remodeler and Custom Home Builder working throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, and Sarasota. Charter Bay can help with your Kitchen Remodeling, Bath Remodeling, Cabinets, Renovation, Remodeling, Home Design, Design Build, and New Home Building needs.
In addition, as one of the few Tampa remodelers, contractors, or home builders with multiple green building and green remodeling certifications (FGBC Certifying Agent and NAHB Certified Green Building Professional), Charter Bay can also assist those clients who want green features and sustainable building practices incorporated into their projects.
Visit our website –www.CharterBayHomes.com – today to learn how “The Charter Bay Way” delivers:
“Yesterday’s Values • Today’s Technology • Tomorrow’s Vision”
(813) 357-9030
(CBC1255041)
Categories: General Items
August 1st, 2010
We have received a great testimonial and a five-star rating on Google from our most recent completed project in St. Petersburg. Our client said:
“Charter Bay Home Builders and owner Eric Stockland are a rare find! Eric really listened, gently guided and thoroughly and professionally brought my ideas for two new bathrooms to reality – on time and on budget!! The quality of work from Eric and his subs is excellent and his attention to detail unparalleled. The ongoing, clear communication between client and contractor are a key factor to a project’s success and Eric masters this with several on-line tools, as well as a genuine personal interest in your comfort and understanding of the project at all levels. There were never any “unpleasant surprises” that one often hears about when working with contractors. Eric’s easy-going manner, integrity and extraordinary knowledge of his craft and trade made working with him and Charter Bay Home Builders a unexpected pleasure. Next up, our kitchen!”
Charter Bay Home Builders is a full-service Tampa Remodeler and Custom Home Builder working throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, and Sarasota. Charter Bay can help with your Kitchen Remodeling, Bath Remodeling, Cabinets, Renovation, Remodeling, Home Design, Design Build, and New Home Building needs.
In addition, as one of the few Tampa remodelers, contractors, or home builders with multiple green building and green remodeling certifications (FGBC Certifying Agent and NAHB Certified Green Building Professional), Charter Bay can also assist those clients who want green features and sustainable building practices incorporated into their projects.
Visit our website –www.CharterBayHomes.com – today to learn how “The Charter Bay Way” delivers:
“Yesterday’s Values • Today’s Technology • Tomorrow’s Vision”
(813) 357-9030
(CBC1255041)
Categories: General Items
July 2nd, 2010
The new ENERGY STAR Version 3 guidelines will go into effect on January 1, 2011. These standards outline the requirements for a new home to qualify for the Energy Star rating.
All details for the new standards can be found at:
Energy Star Version 3
Charter Bay Home Builders is a full-service Tampa Remodeler and Custom Home Builder working throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, and Sarasota. Charter Bay can help with your Kitchen Remodeling, Bath Remodeling, Cabinets, Renovation, Remodeling, Home Design, Design Build, and New Home Building needs.
In addition, as one of the few Tampa remodelers, contractors, or home builders with multiple green building and green remodeling certifications (FGBC Certifying Agent and NAHB Certified Green Building Professional), Charter Bay can also assist those clients who want green features and sustainable building practices incorporated into their projects.
Visit our website –www.CharterBayHomes.com – today to learn how “The Charter Bay Way” delivers:
“Yesterday’s Values • Today’s Technology • Tomorrow’s Vision”
(813) 357-9030
(CBC1255041)
Categories: General Items
June 14th, 2010
Green Certification – Working with FGBC Certifying Agents – (Taken from the Winter 2010 issue of Florida Green Building Magazine.
With more than 2,175 green homes certified in the state, the Florida Green Building Coalitions’s (FGBC) standards are the most utilized among builders in Florida. Yes, there are others to choose from, but the defining element of the FBGC standards is that they have been developed to address Florida’s unique climatic conditions.
Since the programs’s inception, hundreds of professionals involved in the construction industry have taken FGBC’s certification course and exam, and then applied to become an FGBC Certifying Agent. Certification requires documented construction industry experience, 14 hours of green-home-construction-education credits, completion of FGBC’s two-day certification course, a passing score on the course exam, and annual registration with FGBC.
Once certified, a professional can work with any builder or homeowner in Florida. There are no “regions” or territories” assigned to certifiers. And, to maintain third-party independence, an Agent cannot perform a certification on one of his homes, or one built by his employer. To ensure that certifiers are upholding the program’s requirements, periodic field verifications are performed, and Agents are required to complete annual education credits to maintain their certification.
One misconception about FGBC’s certification program is that it simply requires a review of the home at completion. In reality, the Certifying Agent acts as a “green consultant” and provides recommendations to the owner and/or design team on integrating sustainable building principles into the home. Certifying Agents are important members of the building team and can facilitate decisions related to energy efficiency, water usage, indoor air quality, product selections, and a multitude of other items including site planning. The Certifying Agent’s understanding of the home’s design, construction, and product specifications is instrumental to the overall certification process.
Charter Bay Home Builders is a full-service Tampa Remodeler and Custom Home Builder working throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, and Sarasota. Charter Bay can help with your Kitchen Remodeling, Bath Remodeling, Cabinets, Renovation, Remodeling, Home Design, Design Build, and New Home Building needs.
In addition, as one of the few Tampa remodelers, contractors, or home builders with multiple green building and green remodeling certifications (FGBC Certifying Agent and NAHB Certified Green Building Professional), Charter Bay can also assist those clients who want green features and sustainable building practices incorporated into their projects.
Visit our website –www.CharterBayHomes.com – today to learn how “The Charter Bay Way” delivers:
“Yesterday’s Values • Today’s Technology • Tomorrow’s Vision”
(813) 357-9030
(CBC1255041)
Categories: General Items
June 14th, 2010
Houston Neal from HVAC Software Advice has written an excellent article which summarizes the Home Star bill into which retrofits are eligible, what the requirements are, and how much rebate is available. I found the information to be excellent and wanted to share it with our readers. You can read the article at:
http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/construction/cash-for-caulkers-the-definitive-guide-to-the-home-star-bill-1061110/#ixzz0qqkZVTgp
Charter Bay Home Builders is a full-service Tampa Remodeler and Custom Home Builder working throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, and Sarasota. Charter Bay can help with your Kitchen Remodeling, Bath Remodeling, Cabinets, Renovation, Remodeling, Home Design, Design Build, and New Home Building needs.
In addition, as one of the few Tampa remodelers, contractors, or home builders with multiple green building and green remodeling certifications (FGBC Certifying Agent and NAHB Certified Green Building Professional), Charter Bay can also assist those clients who want green features and sustainable building practices incorporated into their projects.
Visit our website –www.CharterBayHomes.com – today to learn how “The Charter Bay Way” delivers:
“Yesterday’s Values • Today’s Technology • Tomorrow’s Vision”
(813) 357-9030
(CBC1255041)
Categories: General Items
June 5th, 2010
Please visit www.CharterBayHomes.com for more information on how we can help you with your remodeling or building project!
On Saturday and Sunday, June 5th and 6th, we will be exhibiting our green-focused kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, home renovation, and custom cabinet services at the Tampa Bay Living Green Expo at the St. Petersburg Coliseum Sunshine Center. The Tampa Bay Living Green Expo provides real solutions for people to live better, healthier lives with less impact on the environment. The Expo connects people who are interested in making a positive difference in both their lives and in their communities. The focus will be on sustainable products, services and education. Free admission and free parking.
If you want to learn more about the market you can visit: http://pinellaslivinggreenexpo.org/
Event times: Saturday, June 5th 9 – 5 and Sunday, June 6th 10 – 4
Event Location: St. Petersburg Coliseum Sunshine Center. Click HERE for Directions.
Please stop by our booth if you are thinking about remodeling your home. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home remodeling and renovation, and green building & remodeling. We offer free in-home consultations in Pinellas, Pasco, HIllsborough, and Hernando to help you gain confidence in our work, our products, as well as our services. We hope to see you there!
Call today to get started with your Tampa Bay remodeling project (813) 357-9030
Categories: General Items
April 23rd, 2010
Want to make a difference? How many of these ideas have you implemented in your life?
40 Tips For Earth Day
Charter Bay Home Builders is a full-service Tampa Remodeler and Custom Home Builder working throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, and Sarasota. Charter Bay can help with your Kitchen Remodeling, Bath Remodeling, Cabinets, Renovation, Remodeling, Home Design, Design Build, and New Home Building needs.
In addition, as one of the few Tampa remodelers, contractors, or home builders with multiple green building and green remodeling certifications (FGBC Certifying Agent and NAHB Certified Green Building Professional), Charter Bay can also assist those clients who want green features and sustainable building practices incorporated into their projects. (CBC1255041)
Visit our website –www.CharterBayHomes.com – today to learn how “The Charter Bay Way” delivers:
“Yesterday’s Values • Today’s Technology • Tomorrow’s Vision”
(813) 357-9030
Categories: General Items
April 23rd, 2010
If you’ve been thinking of remodeling your home you are not alone. Local remodeling activity is picking up as more homeowners are seeing the advantages of remodeling their homes today. See the Tampa Tribune article here:
Home Remodeling Grows For First Time In 4 Years
Charter Bay Home Builders is a full-service Tampa Remodeler and Custom Home Builder working throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, and Sarasota. Charter Bay can help with your Kitchen Remodeling, Bath Remodeling, Cabinets, Renovation, Remodeling, Home Design, Design Build, and New Home Building needs.
In addition, as one of the few Tampa remodelers, contractors, or home builders with multiple green building and green remodeling certifications (FGBC Certifying Agent and NAHB Certified Green Building Professional), Charter Bay can also assist those clients who want green features and sustainable building practices incorporated into their projects. (CBC1255041)
Visit our website –www.CharterBayHomes.com – today to learn how “The Charter Bay Way” delivers:
“Yesterday’s Values • Today’s Technology • Tomorrow’s Vision”
(813) 357-9030
Categories: General Items
March 30th, 2010
Please visit www.CharterBayHomes.com after reading our blog - Serving the greater Tampa area.
On Saturday, April 3, 2010, we will be exhibiting our green-focused kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, home renovation, and custom cabinet services at the Pinellas Living Green Market in St. Petersburg. The Pinellas Living Green Market is a specialized area of the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market focused on sustainable products, services and education. If you have never been to the market you definitely want to come and experience it. There is tons of great food, music, vendors, and you can even bring your dog!
If you want to learn more about the market you can visit: http://www.saturdaymorningmarket.com/
If you want to learn more about Pinellas Living Green you can visit:http://www.pinellaslivinggreen.org/
The event will be held from 9 am to 2pm at the Al Lang Stadium parking lot / 1st Ave. S and 1st St. If you have a GPS, just enter - 290 First St SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Please stop by our booth if you are thinking about remodeling your home. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home remodeling and renovation, and green building & remodeling. We offer free in-home consultations in Pinellas, Pasco, HIllsborough, and Hernando to help you gain confidence in our work, our products, as well as our services. We hope to see you there!
Call today to get started with your Tampa Bay remodeling project (813) 357-9030
Categories: General Items
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