Christmas Closing notice

Merry Christmas to all, from all of us at Brookstone Builders, Inc.  Celebrate, be merry, safe travels. and goodwill toward men.

We will be closed Monday, December 24th and Tuesday December 25th.

Newtown, Ct- we are thinking of you...

Our deepest sympathies to all those who lost a loved one on Friday. 

Friday Funny-Building Material

Happy Friday All!  Holiday is almost here and I am sure many of you have lots of shopping to do this weekend, remember to help with the Made in America movement by purchasing items that are made in America.  Have a great weekend.

10 Ideas for Lowering The cost of Consturction

 Food for thought on this Tuesday...

http://www.brookbuild.com/10IdeasForLoweringTheCostOfConstruction.pdf

Friday Funny-Santa's ladder

Santa's version of a ladder, be safe Santa.  Have a good weekend all!

DirecTV project-Press Release

http://www.brookbuild.com/DirectTV112612.pdf

Friday Funny- Drawings

TGIF to all!  Happy shopping, decorating or whatever holiday preparations you may have lined up for the weekend.

Let It Snow... Protecting commerical property during winter months.

Let it snow.... Here in Manchester, NH it has been lightly snowing for a few hours now.  If it is to be the winter the experts are predicting this one is nothing, and only the first of many more storms/inches to come so with that if you are a property owner, you need to be thinking about how to protect your investment.  Don't delay winter is here.

 Protecting commercial property is a key issue for any businessman as it comes as one of the most significant part of their business. Commercial property owners need to protect their properties from both man maid accident and disastrous weather condition. In most of the cases, the commercial property owners need to fight against the furious attack of different natural disasters like earthquake, flood, storm, snowfall, rainfall, hailstorm, etc. Moreover, those natural disasters are seasonal and different types of natural disasters are occurring at different periods of the year in a regular manner. The approaches and precautions must also be different as the type and pattern of natural disasters vary from season to season. Winter is very sensitive time for commercial property owners as they are in the risk of facing serious damages in their commercial properties during this time in each year.


 Types of commercial property damages during winter:
It is mainly the snowfall and strong wind during the winter, which is considered as severe weather condition. Heavy snowfall can cause several leaks in the commercial roofing materials and disrupt the structural bonding of the roofing system itself. Again, strong wind with the storm can also cause significant damage in the commercial properties, as well. Some businesses had to pay severe
damage as they failed to ensure adequate precautionary measurements for their commercial properties, to protect from winter season.
Preparations for the protection for commercial properties in winter is completely different from the protection plan in the summer. Both the property owners and the restoration companies will find it difficult to restore the commercial property from any damages during the winter season. Fighting against snowfall is sometime harder than fighting against heavy rain and commercial property owners need to get proper preparation so that they can start and continue their property restoration mission during winter season.

How to get prepared for commercial property restoration in the winter?
There is no alternative of regular maintenance in order to avoid sever damage, even after any devastating weather condition in the winter season. Commercial property owners must have at least one contract with a professional and expert roofing and restoration companies for that purpose. It may not possible to find or detect any damage without proper investigation and only experts can help the commercial property owners in this issue. Moreover, people should have special and detailed investigation on their commercial property just before the winter at each year.
People may have to face severe damages in their commercial property if their luck is bad enough to face a disrupting weather in the winter season. It is suggested to have corporate or business contract with commercial property restoration companies so that you can get excellent and faster restoration service after any such natural disaster. Having a good insurance coverage can also help the commercial property owners to get financial support for restoration purpose. Commercial property owners must have both internal and external resources along with a good financial position through which they can deal with any restoration process in the winter season.

Friday Funny- Drawings

Happy Black Friday.  Hope everyone had a nice/safe Thanksgiving.
Happy Shopping to all the shoppers this weekend. When you are out doing your Christmas shopping please help small business this weekend/ Saturday Nov. 24th..

Thanksgiving Funny

Happy Thanksgiving all!  FYI- If you need us, we are open on Friday.

Thanksgiving History/Cooking Safety

 We tend to get caught up in all that we have to do to prepare for the holiday, we forget what it means, how it came about so this is just a reminder as to what we really are celebrating.  Happy Thanksgiving to all.  If you are traveling this week, safe travels to you.

 http://holydays.tripod.com/thanks.htm

Keep in mind that if you are hosting Thanksgiving at your home you can save on heating cost that day.  Turn your heat off once the crowd shows.  Let the body heat and the heat from the kitchen heat your home.  Also keep in mind if there should be a grease fire in the kitchen, do not attempt to put it out with water.

• Turn the Heat Off - Don't try to move the pot. You might accidentally splash yourself or your kitchen with burning oil. And that would be bad.
• Cover the Pot with a Metal Lid - Fire cannot exist in the absence of oxygen. With the lid on (and the heat off), the fire should quickly consume all the oxygen and put itself out. Use a metal lid since glass will shatter.
• Pour on Baking Soda - Baking soda will extinguish grease fires, but only if they're small. It takes a lot of baking soda to do the job.
• Spray the Pot with a Class B Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher - This is your last resort, as fire extinguishers will contaminate your kitchen. Still, it's better than the alternative if the fire is getting out of control.
• Get Out and Call 911 - If the fire does break out of control, don't try to be a hero. Get out and find a phone to call 911.


Whatever you do, DO NOT do the following:
• Do Not Use Water - Pouring water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire. The vaporizing water can also carry grease particles in it, also spreading the fire.
• Do Not Move the Pot or Carry It Outside - Throwing the pot outside might seem logical in the frenzy of the moment. But trying to move the pot might splash burning oil on you, your home, and anything outside.
• Do Not Throw Any Other Baking Product On the Fire - Flour might look like baking soda, but it won't react the same. Only baking soda can help put out a grease fire.

Friday Funny-How to relax on a job site

Have a great weekend!

Safety First while on any construction site

Accident Prevention- Your No. 1 intention.  We at Brookstone Builders do practice this mantra. 

http://www.brookbuild.com/constructionservices.htm (see Safety Management systems)

Friday Funny-Building Design Error

Happy Happy Friday!  It is supposed to be a pretty nice weekend, enjoy.

Election Day/ Newsletter

Today is the day you have the chance to make your choice, to have your voice be heard. Don't sit ideally by, get out and vote.


It seems like overnight the weather has changed.  Some areas in New England have already reported seeing snow.  Many are expected to get a dusting today.  Read the following to be sure you are ready for the snowy season.

http://www.brookbuild.com/nlv143.htm

Friday Funny-Design Build

Happy Friday!  Have a good weekend. 

Hurricane Sandy/Halloween

Our thoughts are with those who have felt the wrath of Hurricane Sandy.  This was a record breaking storm for much of the east coast.  Stay strong and and be there for each other as the rebuilding begins. 


Happy Halloween!  If you are trick or treating, be safe.  Watch your step with all the slippery leaves and downed limbs and etc.   Remember to check your candy before you consume it and be sure to bring along a flashlight. 

Friday Funny- Building Material/Sandy in New England

Here is one, sort of timely, with Halloween coming up.  But I wouldn't think  a which living in a gingerbread house but then again I guess that is another level of the joke. Ha-Ha.

New England, spend some time this weekend getting ready for the storm.  Sounds like it has some potential to be a big one.   http://www.wbur.org/2012/10/25/hurricane-sandy-storm-new-england

Take inventory of your supplies, like water, batteries, bread,  basic food supplies, radio. Also be sure you have an exit plan should it get that bad.  Walk around your yard and put things away like your kids toys, patio furniture, etc.  Better to be prepared than not. 
  
Have a good weekend!

Valued Relationships

All of us at Brookstone Builders truly value the relationships we have built with clients of all types over the years.
We are proud to share some of the testimonials we've received and for which we are grateful.
And we look forward to the possibility of adding your name to our ever-growing list of satisfied clients.

Read what our customers are saying about us;

http://www.brookbuild.com/testimonials.htm 

Friday Funny-Ladder safety

Clearly this guy thinks ladders are over -rated.  Hope OSHA didn't stop by when this happened.

Happy Friday! Have a nice weekend. 

Earthquake in ME

The Earthquake that occurred in ME last night was felt across NE.  Earthquakes, especially one of that size are rare in this area but it does remind us they can happen.  We need to be prepared for them and other natural occurrences such as large snow and ice storms, which do happen frequently in this area, and it sounds like may happen alot this winter season. So with that in mind, it  is a good time to get prepared.  You can create your own home and or office emergency kit.   Be sure you include all necessary medications and copies of all your important documents.  An escape plan is a good idea too.  You may have to leave in a moments notice and you will need supplies and important documents, so keep all of these things in one very accessible spot so you can grab and go.  If you have pets and small children be sure to think of their needs and include those items in your kit as well.

The list on the following website is a good guide for you to make your own kit.  http://72hours.org/build_kit.html

 Earthquake Tip from a Builder:  If you should experience another earthquake in your lifetime, one of the safest places in your home or office is in a door way.  Doorways have more support and tend to be more structural secure.

Fire Safety

This is an old newsletter but now that the weather is turning cooler and we are spending more time indoors this is a good one to re-read when considering designing and building fire protection systems.

http://www.brookbuild.com/nlv132.htm

Friday Funny-Wrecking Ball

Happy Columbus Day

Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century but did not become a federal holiday until the 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus' achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. Throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have appeared in recent years.This holiday is controversial because the European settlement in the Americas led to the demise of the history and culture of the indigenous peoples. However, you feel about the day, hope it is a good one.

Friday Funny-Use the rights tool for the right job

Recycle

Remember what Bob Builder always says, Reduce, Reuse, RECYCLE.  Have a good day.

Friday Funny- Building Permits

Have a nice Weekend!

Meet our Management Staff

Experienced Management Team
Experience frequently makes the difference. The difference between success and failure... between on-time and behind schedule... between on-budget or not.
With decades of first-hand, practical experience, Brookstone Builders' leadership team can provide dependable solutions, straightforward communication and results.

http://www.brookbuild.com/experiencedconstructionmanagement.htm

Friday Funny-House Addition

Winter Perdiction-Get ready New England

After a year of unprecedented warmth – both during the winter and summer months – the great debate over whether or not Old Man Winter will return with a vengeance is on.
Last winter was the fourth warmest for the contiguous 48 since record keeping began in 1895, with 24 states experiencing below-normal precipitation. In fact, California experienced its second driest winter ever. In only 10 states—chiefly across the nation’s midsection— was winter precipitation above normal.
The situation became critical this past spring and summer with broiling hot temperatures across much of the country and the most severe drought conditions the nation has seen in more than 50 years.
For the coming season, we’re predicting that winter will return to some – but not all – areas. We think it will be a “winter of contraries, as if Old Man Winter were cutting the country in half. The eastern half of the country will see plenty of cold and snow. The western half will experience relatively warm and dry condition. In other words, as in the political arena, the climate this winter will render us a nation divided.  For more follow this link  http://www.farmersalmanac.com/weather/2012/08/26/will-winter-return-with-a-vengeance/

Safety=Productivity

Thought of the day... Education and Training result in better performance on the job.  Operators who know and understand how to properly  and safely use their equipment are not only much more likely to operate it safely, they're able to work faster and more efficiently, which leads to better overall performance and cost savings.  Starting from the top of a comanyy down each individual must make the choice to ensure everyone's well being. 

Friday Funny

oops- Yet another example of a design not working or someone not reading their designs.

In Remembrance

Friday Funny-Train Track construction

Oops, someone didn't read their drawings very well

All of us at Brookstone Builders truly value the relationships we have built with clients of all types over the years.
We are proud to share some of the testimonials we've received and for which we are grateful.
And we look forward to the possibility of adding your name to our ever-growing list of satisfied clients.

http://www.brookbuild.com/testimonials.htm

Friday Funny

Happy Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy and be safe!

Brookstone Builders Newsletter-"Whatever Happened to Customer Service"

http://www.brookbuild.com/nlv142.htm

Friday Funny

This is sort of like, measure twice and cut once.  Review drawings twice and lay it out once.

Brookstone Builders Completes St. Joseph's Hospital Renovation Project

http://www.brookbuild.com/StJosephRenovationCompletion072712.pdf

Friday Funny-Pink Panther demonstrates what can go wrong on a job site

This Friday Funny is a little long, but funny (6 min).  Pink Panther shows us just how much can go wrong if you are not paying attention at all times on a job site.  At least they are wearing hard hats. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3fuqgWWe7c


Enjoy and have a great weekend,

Decks Collapse because of poor construction

 If you have an elevated deck, patio or porch at home or place of business you should watch this news story that the Today show had on this morning.




http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/48647770/ns/today-today_rossen_reports/t/rossen-reports-many-backyard-decks-collapse-experts-warn/#.UCpT8aODRI4

Friday Funny- The right tool for the right job

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Second Chance for Success Project

Second Chance For Success, Keene, NH

Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012

Builder: Brookstone Builders

Engineer: SVE Associates

Architect:  George Hickey

Owner:  Cheshire County

Financed by the New Hampshire Housing Authority

Building Green

Environmental Benefits of Building Green
   Enhance and protect
     ecosystems & biodiversity
   Improve air & water quality
   Reduce solid waste
   Conserve natural resources
Economic Benefits of
Building Green
   Reduce operating costs
   Enhance asset value
   Enhance profits
   Improve productivity
   Enhance job satisfaction
   Optimize life-cycle costs 

For more on Building green visit our website.  http://www.brookbuild.com/green.htm

Friday Funny-Brick v.s. wood contruction

Dehydration, can hit fast when working outdoors

The heat and humidity is supposed to creep back in late this week.  Don't become dehydrated, your urine color will help keep you informed.

http://flowingdata.com/2012/02/17/urine-color-chart/

Friday Funny-roofing joke

Q: How was it that the nosy roofer ended up doing such a bad job?
A: He couldn’t stop the eavesdropping.

Brookstone Builders Earns Energy Star Partnership

Porous Pavement Saves More Than Just the Environment

http://www.brookbuild.com/nlv134.htm

Friday Funny

Building Green

http://www.brookbuild.com/green.htm

Friday Funny

Have you wondered why mitigation and risk-reduction are often unpopular choices in construction?  http://brookstonebuilders.blogspot.com/2012/04/impediments-to-mitigation.html

Friday Funny

Happy 4th of July

Friday Funny

Healthcare Renovation

Cost and Space-availability issues have brought about increased demand for renovation in health care; it is one of our specialties.

Friday Funny

Staying cool on the job..

Heat illness can be a serious threat.  Your best defense is to learn how to say cool when it gets hot. 

When it is hot outside, your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. Normally, your body cools itself through sweating but when it is hot and humid sweating is not enough and the result can be heat illness.

Follow these suggestions below to stay cool when working outdoors in the heat.

1. Wear loose, light-colored clothing and some type of hat.
2. Adapt to working in hot conditions gradually, especially if performing strenuous tasks.  
3. Take breaks in the shade when possible.
4. Avoid overexerting yourself during peak temperature (midday).  
5. Drink liquids frequently, even if you don't feel thirsty.  At least eight ounces every 20-30 minutes. Choose water, fruit juice or sports drinks. Stay away from drinks with caffeine which can dehydrate you.  
6. Be aware of the weather conditions and plan clothes, beverages accordingly. 

There are  three forms of heat illness to watch for;

1. Heat cramps-sever muscle spasms in the back, stomach, arms, legs which are attributed to the loss of body salt and water during heavy periods of perspiration.  To treat heat cramps, move to a cooler area and drink 6 ounces of water every 15 minutes. Follow up with medical exam.
2. Heat Exhaustion- heavy sweating , cool or pale skin, nausea, headache, weakness, vomiting and fast pulse. To treat heat exhaustion, move to cooler area  and lie down with legs slightly elevated. Cool body by fanning and applying cool wet towels.  If conscious, drink 6 ounces of water  every 15 minutes. Follow up with medical exam.
3. Heat Stroke- high body temperature, sweating stops, red and often dry skin, rapid breathing and pulse, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, confusion or unconsciousness. To treat heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.  Heat stroke can be life threatening so it is important to move fast and seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, move to cooler area, remove outer layer of clothing.  Immerse in cool water if possible or apply several cool wet clothes to the body.  DO NOT give them liquids.

Natural Disasters

Natural Disasters cost us dearly in terms of life and infrastructure. A few ideas on how to prepare...
www.brookbuild.com/nlv138htm.

Friday Funny

Woman in Contracting

Paula Scales, President/Owner of Brookstone Builders, Inc.

Guest Speaker for sba.gov, “ Women in Contracting with the Federal Government”

Wednesday, June 13 at Manchester SNHU

Why would you want the Federal Gov as a customer?

1. The U.S. Go. Is the world’s largest buyer of goods and services.
2. Government purchases total over $425 billion a yr.
3. Federal agencies are required to establish small business contracting goals

Is Becoming a Government Contractor Right for you?

1.  Can you spend the time required to identify agencies and buyers?
2. Can your business financially support the costs involved in a government contract? 
3. Are you prepared to learn and follow the federal procurement rules?

What is WOSB (WOMAN OWNED, SMALL BUSINESS)

1. 83 Industries Identified that will be eligible for WOSB or EDWSOB(Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Business) Set-Asides up to $5 million for manufacturing and $3 million for all other contracts
2. 2.      Thrid party certification required or self-certification with required documents uploaded to SBA Repository website
3. 3.      Success in contracting opportunities relies on the “Self Marketing” efforts of the firm

Will it benefit my company?

1.      Do you have a market as a prime contractor directly with the gov?

2.      Are you ready to be a contractor for the gov? Financially, past performance, etc.

3.      What industry codes will you be competing in? Will you be competing in one of the 83 industries codes?

4.      Which set-asides would be available for your industry? Which certification will you need?

Qualifying for the WSOB Program

MUST be a small business defined by their primary NACIS code unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more women that are U. S. Citizens.

1.      Must own at least 51% or more.

2.      Must be direct ownership

3.      Individuals must control the strategic policy setting, day-to-day operations.

4.      Individuals must be the highest paid employee in the firm

5.      Individuals must be the highest ranking officer in the firm

6.      Restriction on outside employment

7.      Does not require that woman have technical expertise or license but must demonstrate ultimate managerial and supervisory control over those that do

Our Firm Qualifies

1.      Read WSOB contract

2.      Registers online

Documentation needed

1.      Birth Certificate verifying U.S. Citizenship

2.      Copy of certification

3.      Trade certificate from state

4.      All Corp. information that verifies Women ownership

5.      Approved Third party certificate

First steps to Success

Identify opportunities

Do your research

Go to the pre bids

Fill out document correct

Do the follow up contacts

Keep in touch regardless of the outcome

Builder's Motto

"Working safely may get old, but so do those who practice it."  Author Unknown

Friday Funny-Teamwork

ISNETWORLD

ISNETWORLD is a global resource for connecting corporations with safe, reliable contractors and various supplier http:// www.brookbuild.com/nlv141.com

Friday Funny

The design/build approach can save a project's owner time and Money, but requires a certain type of contractor http://www.brookbuild.com/db.htm

Friday Funny

Well done is better than well said. Ben Franklin

Friday Funny