Welcome the Spring with a New Deck Installation

As the weather begins to warm up, many of us begin to plan home improvement projects for the season. One such project that may be on your to-do list is deck replacement. If your deck has seen better days and is in need of repair, now is the perfect time to consider replacing it with a new, safer, and longer-lasting one.

At our company, we specialize in deck replacement and have years of experience in creating beautiful, functional, and durable decks that enhance the value and enjoyment of your home. Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance composite or a wood deck, we have the expertise and resources to help you choose the perfect material and design that fits your style and budget.

In addition, we offer a wide range of services, from deck repair and maintenance to custom design and installation of features such as lighting, railing, and stairs. Our team of experts is committed to providing you with the highest quality workmanship, using only the best materials and following the new construction codes.

GAF President’s Club Award

Lemus Construction, Inc, is proud to announce that GAF has honored us with its most prestigious contractor award: The “Three Star” 2019 GAF President’s Club Award. This highly coveted award recognizes our company as one of the “Elite of the Elite” roofing contractors in the United States.

HOW TO WINTERIZE AN APARTMENT AND BE PREPARED

A large part of a change of seasons is being ready for whatever comes next. That is especially true with the winter season in many parts of the country, as it’s time to prepare and brace yourself for however treacherous the season actually becomes. This can be accomplished with a checklist of sorts, for both residents and managers. Little things like putting stakes next to flourishing plants will let an individual know where the sidewalk ends and the garden begins, or using a snow melter—like calcium chloride—can help alleviate a problem before it even starts.

Other simple steps include: closing storm windows, if applicable, to add another layer to keep cold air out of a home; leaving curtains open during a day saves money on heating costs; keeping doors closed minimizes the space that needs to be heated, while also eliminating extra work done to insulate; keep door gaps closed so heat doesn’t escape a living space, such as attaching door sweeps on the bottom; insulate outlets and switches, as they let in more cool air than people realize; make sure the heating system is up to date and working properly; curtain installation may add both beauty and warmth to a space; don’t cover vents so heat doesn’t get caught; and use ceiling fans to their full capability—which means running it in reverse can bring warm air to the floor.

Winterization is important not only financially and health-wise, but also helps the environment by reducing carbon emission into the atmosphere. And along with these tips, investing in items like blankets and candles are little things that go a long way.

RELIABILITY STARTS AT THE TOP

Lemus Construction is the recognized leader in providing roofing and exterior renovation solutions for residential and commercial properties throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area, including New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. Locally family-owned and operated for almost two decades, we specialize in outstanding exterior remodeling services for roofing, siding & windows. We have amassed a long list of highly satisfied customers who know we follow through on all our promises.

Our team is a valuable combination of roofers, supervisors and account managers, guaranteeing that your experience with us is hassle-free and enjoyable. Each helping to provide you with choices on high quality products and services so that they can make an informed remodeling decision. All provided with the best service, features and craftsmen in the area.

It’s the dead of winter, when the sky gets dark before 6 p.m. and wind chills cause people to tremble uncontrollably.

Lemus Construction, Inc., of Furlong, Pennsylvania, has received GAF’s most prestigious contractor award: The GAF President’s Club Award. This highly coveted award recognizes Lemus Construction as one of the “elite of the elite” residential roofing contractors in the United States.

GAF is North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, and only GAF Master Elite® Contractors can compete for its President’s Club Award. To qualify for this award, a contractor must demonstrate an exceptional level of excellence in their business, especially in the areas of Installation Excellence, Consumer Protection, and Installer Training.

Lemus Construction has been a GAF Master Elite® Contractor since 2008. To become a Master Elite® Contractor—a status that less than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide have achieved—a candidate must demonstrate proper licensing and adequate insurance, have a proven reputation and show commitment to ongoing professional training.

Only a handful of contractors nationwide qualify to earn the GAF Master Elite designation, but even fewer of those are companies that perform a full range of exterior services. Lemus Construction is one of those rare companies. “We specialize in outstanding exterior renovations,” says Victor Lemus, president. “We are roofing contractors, which is why we received the GAF award—but our services also include siding, windows, doors, insulation, gutters, skylights, decks, and stone service. We work in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and we’re fully licensed and insured.”

As a recognized leader in providing services for residential, multi-family and commercial properties throughout the Tri-State area, Lemus Construction has amassed a list of highly satisfied customers. “They like our company because we offer the best combination of certified labor, most advanced and cost-effective materials and the best warranties to protect our customer’s long-term Investments. We have excellent customer service and our staff is devoted to listening to the customer’s needs. Combine that with our professionalism and it translates into state-to-the-art installations systems” states Lemus.

“Our team is a valuable combination of roofers, supervisors, and account managers,” continues Lemus. “All employees undergo ongoing education and training for adherence to safety standards and to meet any new installation guidelines from manufacturers, which happens when new materials are introduced and technical specifications change.”

All of the hard work is to maintain the high level of customer satisfaction, Lemus explains. “We give each customer undivided attention, which can be a challenge at times. But it’s important to every customer to feel like the priority. An account manager is assigned to each project and is there for the customer at every step along the way—and beyond, to the post-installation review.”

Heavily involved with charitable endeavors, Lemus Construction is a company that gives back.
“We donate $100 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for every roofing or siding project that we do,” says Lemus. “We also work with Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, providing services at cost or sometimes even pro bono.” The company helps veterans as well, not only working with Veterans of Foreign Wars but with local veterans who call for prices on contracting services.

“For 2015, we’d like to retain 100% of our customers and achieve 25% growth in new projects,” concludes Lemus. “Our new challenges are multicomponent projects and achieving steady growth in talent, improved installation methods, and new equipment with advanced training.” Moving into the future, Lemus Construction has no plans to slow down.

About Lemus Construction

Family-owned and headquartered in Bucks County, Lemus Construction specializes in outstanding exterior construction including roofing, gutters, downspouts, siding, windows, doors, and insulation. Conducting business at the highest level of both safety and quality standards, Lemus is certified by the most reputable manufacturers and offers a wide array of warranties. The company is a member of National Roofing Contractors Association, National Association of Remodeling Industry, Occupational Safety and Health Association, Better Business Bureau (A+ Rating), Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, Community Associations Institute, and Pennsylvania Apartment Association.

Lemus Construction, Inc.
3428 York Road
Furlong, PA 18925
(215) 996-9966
https://www.lemusconstruction.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LemusConstructionRoofingAndSiding
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LemusRoofing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lemus-construction-inc-
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfbaJCa8bIk

About GAF

Founded in 1886, GAF has become the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The company’s products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope and commercial roofing systems, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by its commitment to Advanced Quality, Industry Expertise, and Solutions Made Simple for contractors, specifiers, and property owners alike. In 2011, GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles and, in 2012, it introduced the GAF Lifetime Roofing System. For more about GAF, visit http://www.gaf.com

SIDEWALK DANGERS | WHY MANAGERS MUST CLEAN-UP FAST

It’s the dead of winter, when the sky gets dark before 6 p.m. and wind chills cause people to tremble uncontrollably. Making matters worse, snow is falling and it doesn’t have an endpoint in mind. This is when thinking ahead can really help you and your short-term future. Being proactive is important, not only for residents in their daily lives but also the managers that look after them and have their well-being in mind. However, sometimes observing a weather report is only helpful to a certain degree. If a foot and a half of snow is set to fall in one’s neighborhood, the best course of action is to stay vigilant and understand how to address the concern.

Recent incidents, including one that led to a particular court case in New Jersey, can better prepare managers for the perils of not being prepared. In the recent New Jersey Supreme Court case “Qian v. Toll Brothers” in August 2015, the court ruled that an association is not immune from liability for personal injuries sustained on a sidewalk which is privately owned by the community association.” The ruling, however, was pretty consistent with common law and related provisions of the Condominium Act and Planned Real Estate Development Full Disclosure Act.

Still, it’s kind of a ‘heads up’ to apartment and condo managers to better take care of property in dire weather. If the temperature drops to a certain degree, snow can freeze and then it becomes like an ice skating rink on walkways and sidewalks. Snow is usually not as feared as much as ice, just due to unpredictability because you don’t know where the slick spots are on an icy path. Going back to the court case, Cuiyan Qian sued Villas at Cranbury Brook Homeowners Association because of a slip and fall that was attributed to unsafe sidewalks on the property. The case was then thrown out due to tort liability, or the fact that the sidewalks were deemed public and associations are not liable for such injuries. But the state Supreme Court reversed the lower court’s decision, saying the Villas — in their own business governing documents — had a duty to upkeep the sidewalks for residents. Also, the Villas collected money from residents as a means of taking care of the elements and the grounds.

And even with no easement to protect the property from non-residents, the Villas was still burdened with the responsibility. Also, the Villas maintained liability insurance for injuries sustained, further demonstrating that they took full responsibility for the sidewalks. Ultimately, after the court considered the fact that the sidewalks were owned, maintained, controlled and insured by the Villas, it made its determination upon the premise that “residential public-sidewalk immunity does not apply in the case of a sidewalk privately owned by a common-interest community. Who owns or controls the sidewalk, not who uses it, is the key distinguishing point between a public and private sidewalk.” In determining ownership, the Supreme Court opined that “(a) critical factor in determining whether a sidewalk is ‘public’ is whether the municipality has sufficient control over or responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the sidewalk.”

Condominiums and homeowners’ associations are impacted by such a decision going forward because of maintenance responsibilities and insurance policies. This is language written into the fabric of a legal binding agreement, and must be overlooked and possibly overhauled if necessary for the benefit of the property and the residents. Going forward, the timely removal of snow combined with an association’s negligence during any season — not just the winter — is important and necessary to show due diligence as an ownership body. Items like checks and cleanup history could be important if a certain property holder is ever sued, as it would show such diligence is taking place. Managers should converse with attorneys in an attempt to create logical yet informative agreements between properties and residents, and so a situation doesn’t come up like the one that impacted the Villas.

TAKING CARE OF WINDOWS AND CRACKS CAN HELP WARM A WINTER HOME

When you think of cold air invading your premises, you wonder where it comes from in the first place. Sometimes, the air comes through places where you least expect them—such as through electrical outlets that contain gaps. And often, air comes through windows that are not properly insulated to endure a rough winter season. Aside from replacing windows during a drafty season, there are easy ways both residents and managers can make amends for less than stellar weather.

There’s the often obvious solution of putting plastic over windows—which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the cold glass of windows. It is cheap and effective, requiring only plastic sheets and some strong tape as adhesive. Caulking comes in handy during the winter, too. Some buildings have various cracks that open up in the wintertime and get smaller during the summer. These are more prevalent in older structures and occur everywhere, from door frames to roofs to around windows. Instead of letting warm air escape into the abyss, caulking can help seal in the air.

The same methodology works just for windows. Rubber sealant, which can be purchased at any hardware store, can be cut to fit your windows’ dimensions and keep out drafts. It’s cheap, effective and not an eye sore—except maybe until the sealant is ripped off in the spring. Shades and curtains provide different patterns for aesthetic purposes, and they also allow residents to choose how much light they want to shine in the first place. It’s natural heat when the windows are open, and shades can be adjusted to allow only a certain amount of light to come inside.

A SLIP AND FALL CAN BE A MANAGER’S WORST NIGHTMARE

One of the worst nightmares for condominium and apartment managers revolves around the health and well-being of a resident being compromised. When it comes to preventing liability from falling on an owner’s back during a resident’s unfortunate slip and fall on rental property, a manager must realize that doing something as menial as putting a sign next to a slippery walkway is not sufficient enough.
One insurance firm estimates that the overall cost of slip-and-fall injuries in the United States is about a $60 billon total annually. Of course, the easiest way not get potentially sued by a resident is to be proactive. Working to maintain property is an integral part of that process because if everything is taken care of as it should be, it’s hard for someone to fall in the first place. One way managers can be more on the ball is to be attentive.
If a parking lot has many cracks or potholes, it would probably be in the best intention to fix the cement so that someone doesn’t break an ankle when walking to their residence. Many falls tend to occur on sidewalks, too, and are caused by cracks or winter conditions — notably snow and ice. A manager should always be aware of possible inclement weather, especially in states that feel the wrath of a winter season. Being prepared is being one step ahead in that regard.
To add on to that point, maintaining sidewalks, parking lots and porches outside of buildings is not just a winter activity; it should be done on a year-round basis. If for some reason a manager cannot take care of a potential problem before it occurs, at least alert residents of treacherous conditions. A sign warning residents of uneven pavement or that a sidewalk tends to become icy is better than nothing.
There should be a list for managers to adhere to consistently, including: wet or greasy floors; torn carpeting that may cause tripping; wet or greasy doormats; dangerous exposed wiring; and uneven floors.
Managers should always document everything to show they have done their due diligence, just in case a resident does try to sue on the basis that a manager or property did not properly take care of a certain situation. Safety inspections, maintenance work and a history of slip and falls are included in those documents. Employees should also be made aware of a property’s practices, just in case the manager is unavailable in an emergency scenario.
But let’s say a slip and fall occurs: who is responsible? A property owner may very well be held responsible if he or she knew about an issue and did not proactively try to fix the problem. Or, maybe the manager even somehow contributed to a scenario that made matters worse — such as tearing up concrete and not clearing away remnants of the construction.
Liability is often a common sense debate, and in a court of law simple questions may arise. Those include how long dangerous conditions existed and what time-frame there was for a manager to properly handle the situation, were attempts to solve the issue deliberate, and did the victim him or herself do everything possible to avoid the situation.
If a fall occurs, a manager should offer assistance immediately, call emergency personnel if applicable and document the situation. Routine inspections should be commonplace to prevent even one fall from happening.
Also, managers should look into their insurance options because they may not be protected from disastrous claims at all. Just one accident could put managers in the position where their insurance coverage goes over its threshold. An umbrella or excess liability may be necessary to provide ample insurance coverage and protect not only the manager, but also the business.

LEMUS CONSTRUCTION NAMED BEST OF THE BEST

The Lemus Construction team won the national recognition from Best Of The Best Television. Watch the video!

CURB APPEAL

In the real estate business, sales have a pronounced peak during the spring. Therefore, we must get ahead of the game! Over seventy percent of persons looking to buy or to rent a home consider curb appeal important enough to make or break the deal. Even if the interior is pristine, we need to entice them with an inviting exterior.

Usually referred to as the frosting, and defined as the pride of ownership, homes with clean and fresh curb appeal command higher prices and take less time to place. Property values are indicative of a neighborhood curb appeal: the more attractive, the more desirable.

Along with the mandatory spring clean-up recommended by the experts that includes landscaping, pot holes, street drains, pavement cracks, sidewalk upheavals, clogged gutters and spouts, we compiled a list of easy and fairly inexpensive suggestions to boost the curb appeal of your communities:

• Repaint/repair entrance signs
• Repaint yellow curb lines at entrances and intersections as well as ground STOP signs and lines, and speed bumps
• Replace faded traffic signs
• Repaint the fire hydrants exactly as they currently are: yellow body and the different cap color, which represents the size of the pipe to the main connector
• Remove stains and moss from roof
• Remove stains from siding.
• Tour the community at dusk to make sure all street lights are operational and try to standardize the fixtures
• Ask your waste management company to repaint/replace all rusted or deteriorated containers
• Repaint/replace grills and benches at parks or picnic areas
• Repaint/replace playground equipment
• Repaint/replace house numbers, if possible, front and back of units
• Repaint/replace mailboxes or box clusters
• Replace broken glass in windows and doors of common areas
• Replace broken screen in windows and doors of common areas

Remember: we never have a second chance to make a GOOD first impression!