Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and successful new year.  Reminder, we are closed Thursday and Friday, returning on Monday, Jan. 5th.  Enjoy your celebrations and be safe!

Brookstone Builders, Inc. -Merry Christmas

Closing at 2 p.m. today and we will not return until Monday 12/29/14. We hope you all enjoy your friends and family this holiday.  Merry Christmas!



Brookstone Builders, Inc.- Holiday Schedule

Hello and happy Monday. 

Due to the holiday we have a very short week;

 

Monday 12/22/14 Regular business hours

 

Tuesday 12/23/14 Regular business hours

 

Wednesday/ Christmas Eve 12/24/14 Closing at @ 2 p.m.

 

Thursday/ Christmas Day 12/25/14 CLOSED. We wish all, a very happy and safe Christmas!

 

Friday 12/26/14 CLOSED

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny/Santa and chimney measurements

TGIF!  Just a few hours until the weekend.  A busy weekend, the final one before Christmas.  Lots of holiday gatherings this weekend and final shopping and wrapping to do.  Enjoy the weekend and this holiday themed Friday Funny.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Newsletter-Drones

Our latest newsletter has been published, check it out on our website: http://www.brookbuild.com/nlv152.htm  Remember if you want to receive it automatically, please be sure to sign up for it right on our website. 

Brookstone Builders,Inc.-Friday Funny-Santa and roof

Happy Friday! Tis the season so I couldn't resist sharing this one.  I think they need more than duck tape, I think they need a new roof. Enjoy the weekend.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Holiday fire saftey

Tis the season for Christmas trees, lights and candles.  But keep in mind with the use of these items also bring the increase of fire.  In 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 230 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees. Home Christmas tree fires caused an average of six civilian deaths, 22 civilian injuries, and $18.3 million in dire
ct property damage per year. So be sure you are taking measures to avoid fires this season.

Here are a few fire Safety tips:

• Don’t use real candles as part of decorations and remember to always exercise basic safety when using candles throughout the home.
• Never leave a lighted Christmas tree or other decorative lighting display unattended. Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections, and broken sockets. Do not overload extension cords or outlets and do not place an electrical cord under a rug.
• Natural cut Christmas trees always involve some risk of fire. To minimize the risk, get a fresh tree and keep it watered at all times. Do not put the tree within three feet of a fireplace, space heater, radiator or heat vent.
•   Do not burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood, or wrapping paper in a home fireplace.  
• Declare the kitchen off limits to children and those adults not assisting with food preparation. A crowded kitchen can increase the danger of spills and burns.
• Be prepared to deal with cooking fires. Remember to never put water on a grease fire.

To help make your holidays bright, happy and safe be smart with your holiday decorations.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-US Navy project

We are happy to share this piece of news with all. 


http://www.brookbuild.com/USNavyAward111814.pdf

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny/Black Friday

Happy Black Friday, happy shopping.

In honor of the holiday and black Friday we had to share this one.  Be back next week for a regular business week. Have a good weekend!

 

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Thanksgiving message

Wishing everyone a very happy Thanksgiving.  Enjoy the day and the company you are with and be safe in any travels you may have. 

We also wanted to remind you that this Saturday, November, 29th is shop small business.  Many of you will be out doing holiday shopping, if you can support your local merchants by purchasing their items, please do.   When you buy local/small you support your community/neighborhoods.  Small businesses are the ones who have helped put this country back on track for much of the last decade, so support them and our country's well being.  Let's say thanks, this Thanksgiving weekend to the small business.

 

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-hours for the holiday week

Monday- Wednesday, regular business day 8:00a.m.-5 p.m.

Thursday & Friday Thanksgiving holiday observed.

Have a good short week!

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny-rennovations

TGIF! Thanks for a good week, have a great weekend.  

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny/Home Renovation

Happy Friday, hope it is a good weekend!

Brookstone Builders, Inc./Veterans Day

Good morning, Just wanted to let everyone know we are open today. 


But we also wanted to take a brief moment to thank all who have served our country. What you have done, what you have given up for our freedom is not taken for granted.  So though thank you doesn't seem like enough it is truly heart felt. 

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny/construction high rise

Have a great weekend!~

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Solar power

As someone who is in the process of converting my home to a solar energy I was happy to affirm my decision to convert.  Going solar is creating more value for our home. 

Here are just a few facts about solar powered homes:
1) Home appraisals now show that $14,000 solar array could generate about $25,000 worth of energy in its lifetime.

2) The cost of solar panels has declined by 60% since 2011 the systems are more affordable than ever, making solar more attainable by middle-class home buyers.  This is primarily due to state and federal incentives. 

3) Roughly half a million homes in the United states now have a solar panel system, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.


On a personal note, Our home conversion has not been completed, it is a bit of a process so be patient. But, I am excited to see what the panels do to our monthly costs. I also like the idea of giving back, reducing our carbon footprint.  A few tips if you are considering.  There are many companies out there, find the one that fits you.  We qualified under one of the state incentives and did not put any money down.  So once our panels are turned on we should start saving money immediately.  We did not qualify through the first company but found one we did.  Our system is not a very big one but it will save us money each month.  Be sure to ask your questions, do research, I did and honestly it was all good feedback. 

For more on solar energy visit, www.seia.org

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny/Halloween

Happy Halloween All!  Just a reminder for many towns, tonight is Trick or Treating so if you are going to be on the roads, drive slow and watch for kids crossing the street. Have fun and save the candy corn for me! 

Brookstone Builders, Inc.- Friday Funny/Twins on Halloween

As the parent of twins and Halloween approaching, I just had to share this one...
Happy weekend!

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny-Under Construction

T-minus a few hours until the weekend.  Hope you all have had great week, we look forward to talking with you on Monday.  Enjoy a little Homer Simpson;

Brookstone Builders, Inc.- Workers Comp

In keeping with some of our recent posts regarding safety today let's talk about Workers Comp and how it affects insurance policies. 

The construction industry is one of the top industries for Workers Comp claims, and not all are real. The more claims, the higher the insurance policy cost to everyone.  Contractors/business owners need to work to limit the number of cases by proactively reducing the number of cases. 

Here are a few tips to try and reduce your number of incidents:

1) It is so important to hold safety seminars, post safety warnings on job sites, have all equipment in good working condition, and be sure your crew is wearing the proper attire for the job.  If there are safety issues, address them quickly. 

2) Hire smart.  The odds of a claim are the highest within the first 90 days.(Construction Business Owner Aug.2014) Be sure you go through the entire hiring process, including drug testing, background checks.  Try to stay away from short-term hiring. 

3)  If something should occur, document everything, be detailed.  Follow up on the documentation and the care of the employee. Again, it is your responsibility to follow up and be proactive. 

4)  Institute modified duties or hours.  This will get the employee back to work sooner keeping insurance costs down and decreasing the chances of employees making fraudulent  claims to just get out of work. 

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny-Hexing while flying/Halloween

Happy Friday!  For those of you who have Monday off, happy long weekend! 
Given it is October I couldn't help but post this Friday Funny.  Enjoy.

We are open on Monday 10/13/14

Brookstone Builders, Inc- Project Completion/Singer Subaru

For the latest job completion announcement visit our website at
www.brookbuild.com/new.  It is the one dated 9/29/14. 

While you are there, be sure to read the current newsletter, Emergency Generator Tips.  If you haven't signed up to receive our newsletter via e-mail, you can while you are reviewing the Brookstone Builders "NEWS".  And don't forget, we are on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Blogger.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Safety

"Safety first"  We have all heard that phrase before and it should not to be taken lightly anyone in the construction industry. 

According to OSHA Workers Safety Pocket Guide, "Nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately  252, 000 construction sites across the nation on any given day.  The fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all industries."  

With that many injuries occurring, it can be hard to keep up with the paper work involved.  Here are a few tips for the Safety Manager to consider:

1) Be organized-  Have all documents handy.  If you are the one that needs to fill out a report , be sure you have all the current forms needed to file an incident, .  You don't want to have to go back and re-collect the information simply because you had the wrong form.  Fill it out forms as completely as possible, the less blanks the better.  The more details, the better, include eye witnesses if necessary.  Be sure to get the proper spelling of those individuals involved.  You will save lots of time, and energy if you have everything in order prior to anything actually happening.  Take the time to collect the information the first time and record it correctly, again this will save you time. 

2) Educate Staff- Their are all kinds of safety seminars out there and you should participate in them.  Provide employees with handouts when available. Have employees take the First Aid and CPR course. Document the education, complete with an employee signature.

3)Use current technology- There are mobile devices with customizable and user friendly forms.  For users in the field, this is great news.  No more lugging around paper files that may get dirty or blown away on a job site.  Some of the software is designed to look like the paper form, lessening the learning curve is. 

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny-paving heat

Didn't think you would make it, did ya?! Yep, another Friday upon us.  This weekend is supposed to be the return of summer, but in honor of the cold mornings we have had this week, we present you this Friday Funny...  Enjoy and have a nice weekend.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.- Sales life cycle

Often times small businesses
are so busy providing  a service and or product that they don't have time to bring in more business.  This is a big mistake,  you can not rely 100% of the business coming to you because of your exceptional service and reputation.  You need to have a steady pipeline. 

1)Determine what you need monthly and annually to grow your business.
2) Establish a target market and then develop a plan on how to bring them in.
3) Create a sales activity log or calendar.
4)Keep detailed notes of your activities.
5) Be ready with a plan b.

Bookstone Builders, Inc.- Friday Funny-Friday afternoon exit

Well, not just yet, gotta get through the rest of today, but you got this, a few short hours and then you can enjoy the weekend.  Thanks all for a good week, see ya next week for another week of building.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.- Tips on how to get paid on time

Money, Money, Money!   We all want to get paid for the services and or products we provide, yet sometimes it seems impossible to get paid by certain customers. 


Here are a few tips on how to make collections a little bit easier;

1) Outline your payment process clearly before you do any business. Explain your terms and how to submit payment.  Have the customer sign and everyone gets a copy.

2) Extend terms only to customers you know and have had positive payment experiences with. Typically net 30 or 60 is the standard. Customers you know, and have worked with many times before, and are in good standing, may be a candidate for net 90. 

3) Do your homework.  Do not skip credit checks.  This is important, in the end the time spent on doing this will pay off.

4) Always, confirm in writing by signature that your customer has received the product or service.  Keep copies.

5) Submit invoices according to the procedure outlined, be clear and again, keep copies.

6) Be watchful of aging invoices.  You need to keep track of your payment terms, keep your records current. You may have to send payment reminders to certain customers. 

7) Handle disputes as quickly and as professionally as possible.  They will happen and when they do be ready to pull out your copies with signatures and dates. 

8) Handle payment carefully.  When payment is received, it is best to stamp with a received date and make copies.  Attach copy of the payment to the invoice and file properly.

In summary whatever, your system, keep organized
.

Brookstone Builders, Inc- Friday Funny- Friday Sentiments

For many this was the first full week of school which means back to a so called "normal" week and we made it!  Have a great weekend, enjoy the fall like weather.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.- Ice melt reciepe

 September is here, the kids are back in school, it is getting darker earlier, the leaves are changing.  It is coming, yes another New England winter is on the way and if you believe the latest issue of The Farmer's Almanac it is to be another cold one.  (See a previous post-  titled "weather 2014-15") So keep this and be ready to use it, probably often and soon.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.- Friday Funny

Hooray, it is Friday!  Here is to a good weekend. Talk with you on Monday. 
Remember, if you like what you see here, be sure to share it.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.- Wishing all a Happy Labor Day!

Today we celebrate the American Worker, hats off to all.  Thank you to our own staff for all you do for Brookstone Builders, Inc.  We all hope you are enjoying your long holiday weekend and the return of summer. HOT, HOT, HOT, We will be back tomorrow, Tuesday business as normal. Be careful on the roads as students return to the bust stops. .  Have fun and be safe!

Brookstone Builders, Inc.- 30 year anniversary celebration

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for our 30th anniversary celebration aboard the Thomas Leighton in Portsmouth, NH  on Thursday, August, 21, 2014.

We truly value our relationship with you and thank you for all of your support over the many years.

 

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny-construction project commitment

Happy Friday, a little grey and cool today, but the weekend should be nice, enjoy. 

Be sure to check out the Farmer's Almanac winter weather forecast, which I shared on our Facebook.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-2014-15 weather

The season is starting to change. Usually the switch doesn't get flipped until September but this year it seems to be happening already.  A little to early for me, so I am keeping my fingers crossed for a late return to summer and/or a long mild fall.  Regardless of what we want it is going to happen so I went looking to see if  the forecast  are out for this year.  Here is what I found according to Firsthand Weather.


Northeast and Great Lakes: A good portion of the Northeast will likely experience a colder-than-average winter, but it really depends on where you’re located. Places in the northern Northeast like Maine could actually have around average temperatures and snowfall, while regions more to the south and along the coast may feel the effects of heavier snowfall and brutally cold air. The Great Lakes region will be brutally cold; however lake-effect snowfall could be considerably less this year. This was hard for me to include on my winter map, which is why I wanted to mention it here. Waters on the lakes are still very cold from this past winter with chunks of ice that were still being spotted as late as this past July 4th. This will likely have an effect on the lake-effect snow machine this upcoming winter.

www.fristhandweather.com

Brookstone Builders, Inc-Friday Funny-Yippe

That about says it all...
Have a good weekend!

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Press Release/ Job completion

Please  read our latest press release regarding  American Alarm job completion

www.brookbuild.com/AmericanAlarmCompletion080614.pdf

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny- Structural Engineer

Another beautiful Friday on hand.  Thank you to clients, customers and employees for a good week. Enjoy your weekend and we will be back on Monday.

Brookstone Builders Inc,- Guy makes art with semiauto nail gun

Found this and thought it would be fun to share.   Notice they have safety glasses and hard hats on. Note this is NOT an employee of Brookstone Builders, Inc. Just something we found on You Tube.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny- Awarded the bid

Happy Friday, make it a good weekend!

Brookstone Builders, Inc.- Best of Manchester Award

I am late in sharing this, hope you already knew this but just in case... visit www.brookbuild.com then go to News and click on the Best of Manchester Award.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny-proper construction site footwear

It feels like it has been a long week but Friday has arrived, just a few short hours and the weekend will be here.

Have a nice weekend all, talk to you again next week.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Senior Center, Hudson, NH job completion

We are proud to share another job completion, www.brookbuild.com/news.htm

         

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny-summer tan

HAHA. The new tan lines. Enjoy!

Brookston Builders. Inc.-Heat warning for outdoor workers

I know we have shared articles on heat related illness before but is important, knowing the signs, how to prevent it can literally save lives.  So here is just another something to review so it is top of mind.

Preventing Heat-related Illness

Helpful tips for beating the summer heat

Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can be a threat to your health. Unfortunately, you do not have much of a choice when it comes to job site. Follow these tips to stay safe in the searing heat.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when a person cannot sweat enough to cool the body—usually the result of not drinking enough fluids during hot weather. It generally develops when a person is playing, working or exercising outside in extreme heat. Symptoms include:

·        Dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache and vomiting

·        Blurry vision    

·        Body temperature rising to 101°F

·        Sweaty skin

·        Feeling hot and thirsty

·        Difficulty speaking

A person suffering from heat exhaustion must move to a cool place and drink plenty of water to avoid a more severe heat-related condition—heat stroke.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the result of untreated heat exhaustion. Symptoms include:

·        Sweating stops

·        Unawareness of thirst and heat

·        Body temperature rising rapidly to above 101°F

·        Confusion or delirium

·        Possible loss of consciousness or seizure

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that must be treated quickly by a trained professional. Until help arrives, cool the person down by placing ice on the neck, armpits and groin. If the person is awake and able to swallow, have them drink a small glass of water every 15 minutes or until help arrives.

Tips for Staying Cool

The combination of heat and humidity in the summer months can be downright uncomfortable and even dangerous. Stay cool by following these safety tips:

·        Drink plenty of water. In hot weather, drink enough water to quench your thirst. The average adult needs eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, and even more during hot weather.

·        Skip the caffeine and soda; drink water instead.  

·        Dress for the weather. When outside, wear lightweight clothing of natural fabric and a well-ventilated hat.

·        Eat light. Replace heavy or hot meals with lighter, refreshing foods. And always eat smaller meals before work or intense activity.

 

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny-Construction worker takes a lunch break

We made it to another Friday.  Hope everyone has a great week. Just a few more hours to go and you can relax.  Hope everyone has fun plans for the weekend.

Brookstone Builders Inc.-Latest Newsletter

In case you haven't received our latest newsletter via e-mail then here it is; wwwbrookbuild.com/nlv.150.htm

If you would like to sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter, we promise it is only quarterly.  We pride ourselves on not sharing our list with anyone as well as not sending you "junk".  You may do so on our website.

Thank you and have  nice day. Remember if you are working outside, drink plenty of fluids. 

Brookstone Builders, Inc- Friday Funny, Holiday version-4th of July

This week, Friday Funny is brought to you a day early due to the holiday.  Office closed tomorrow, Friday July 4th.

Here is hoping everyone has a wonderful 4th of July and holiday weekend.  Be safe, but be sure to remember what we are celebrating and those who help maintain our countries liberties and freedom.

Brookstone Builders, Inc.- 4th of July hours

We will be observing 4th of July on, Friday July 4th-office Closed.

We hope everyone has a safe and fun long holiday weekend. 

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-Friday Funny- Construction Co-worker

Another weekend is upon us.  Hope everyone had a productive and successful week, enjoy the weekend and talk to you on Monday,

Brookstone Builders, Inc.-4th of July Parade

As you make your 4th of July plans or finish making your plans, be sure to include the Merrimack, NH 4th of July parade in your day.  Brookstone Builders, Inc. is going to be making an appearance this year.  Be sure to give us a wave.