Energy Star

What does the "Energy Star" label on appliances mean? Introduced by the EPA in 1992, Energy Star is a labeling program designed to identify and promote energy- efficient products. Seen on thousands of products, such as appliances, lighting, and consumer electronics, ...

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Raising the Ceilings

We have standard 8-0 high ceilings and like the feel and appearance of more height-what can we do to achieve this goal? One way is to physically  raise the ceiling. You can create a tray ceiling at 9-0 or 10-0 ...

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More in: Bathrooms, Kitchens, Updating your Home, Flooring, Masonry, Roofing & Siding, Going Green, Maintenance, Remodeling FAQs

 

What are Certifications?

We get asked a lot is "What are the initials behind your name?" but the unasked question is "Why are they important?"

  • Certifications are represented by the initials behind the name of the builder or remodeler.
  • They are earned, rather than awarded, by continiuing education demonstrating advanced skill and knowledge of the industry.
  • These are an important part of choosing a professional to remodel your home.
  • They denote that the person will not only do your remodel but has a higher level of skill to make sure the you will not have problems down the road.

 

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation is the result of the work of the Remodelors Council -- in conjunction with the NAHB Research Center, 50+ Housing Council and AARP.

The three-day training program equips graduates with the technical, customer service and marketing skills required to effectively service the burgeoning market for aging-in-place home modifications.


Demographic trends indicate that home owners who plan to stay in their homes as they get older instead of making other housing accommodations are one of the fastest growing segments of the residential remodeling market. Many of these households can be expected to call on remodelers to adapt their homes to their changing needs and lifestyles in order to maintain their independence.

Why was CAPS developed?
The results of an AARP's study sent two messages loud and clear:

* Americans prefer to remain in their homes as they mature, rather than seek assisted living and other arrangements
* Older consumers want a reliable means of identifying the professionals they can trust to remodel their homes

 
 
 

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A Certified Lead Paint Renovator  program in Wisconsin is designed to reduce lead paint exposure in young children that may cause reduced IQ and attention span, impaired growth, reading and learning disabilities, hearing loss, and a range of other health and behavioral effects

Prevention of lead poisoning can be accomplished by eliminating lead-based paint hazards before children are exposed.  Wisconsin's goal is to eliminate this disease by working to make Wisconsin's housing lead-safe, and by improving the detection and treatment of lead poisoning in children.

Wisconsin's Lead-Safe Renovation Rule went into effect on April 22, 2010.  This rule is consistent with U.S. EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule.

Wisconsin has tested and certified Knutson Bros II LLC as being a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.

 
 
 

cgpThe National Association of Home Builders’ Certified Green Professional™ designation recognizes builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who incorporate green building principles into homes— without driving up the cost of construction. Classwork leading to the designation provides a solid background in green building methods, as well as the tools to reach consumers, from the organization leading the charge to provide market-driven green building solutions to the home building industry.

 
 
 

Certified Graduate Remodeler
Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) is an exclusive professional designation designed to emphasize business management skills as the key to a professional remodeling operation.

The CGR designation requires that graduates meet prescribed standards of business practice, possess a minimum of five years remodeling industry experience, have a proven track record of successful project management, complete a comprehensive education curriculum, and pledge to uphold the program's code of ethics.

 
 
 

The RemodelorsTM Council represents and serves the interests of its remodeling industry members. The Remodelors Council is committed to improved management and technical competency of council members, excellence in service to the consumer,and effective government representation of remodelers' interests at the federal, state and local levels.

Working in partnership with locally-organized Remodelors Councils at more than 150 NAHB-affiliated state and local builders' associations, the council provides information, certification, education, and recognition programs geared to keeping remodeler members competitive.

 
 
 

East Troy Wisconsin Chamber of CommerceThe East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce proudly serves as the voice of the East Troy Community, with its mission to coordinate the efforts of local businesses, service organizations, citizens and government to promote East Troy as an exceptional place to live, work and play.

 
 
 
 
epa_leadsafecertfirmCertified Aging in Place SpecialistCertified Graduate RemodelerCertified Green ProfessionalRemodelors CouncilEast Troy Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
 
 
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