ICF's - A solid building option

ICF's (Insulated Concrete Forms) have become a very good energy saving option for foundations and walls. When we first began seeing versions at the IBS convention years ago, we were intrigued but not sold on their stability. Much has changed over the years and we now feel that ICF's are a very good option for not just foundations but entire walls. The decision is now which product to use and there are many.

ASTM International (American Society for Testing & Materials) is the largest voluntary standards development organization for materials, products, systems and services. ASTM has now introduced a new mininum standard E2634 for ICF's. This will help ensure that an ICF product will conform to a standard to meet building codes enforced by building code officials and specified by architects.

As with any new technology, products change rapidly and new ones are introduced constantly. Victor and I make a constant effort to stay informed. That's what keeps us involved and excited about building and remodeling. - Nancy

Home Builders EXPO Feedback

Vic and I are very encouraged by the attendance and general enthusiasm during this year's Expo weekend event. Builders can tend to be "eternal optimists" - that's what gets us up and at 'em during these times. Years past many Expo attendees were really just looking with their sights on projects a year or 2 or 3 down the road. This year however, many people have projects in mind to begin Spring or Summer of this year. They were using the event as it was planned. February and March are perfect for talking to builders and designers to firm up ideas, plans and budgets. Call now so your project can be blooming along with the tulips:)

Home Builders Expo Feb 14 & 15 2009

Grand Bay Builders will be hosting a booth at this year's Home Builders Expo presented by the Home Builder Association of the Grand Traverse Area. This show is a great opportunity to meet Victor and I as one of us will be at the booth throughout the event. The members of this association are professionals in the building industry. If you have a project in mind it will be worth your time to come to the Expo. Our first choice is always to use a fellow member we know we can trust.

Hours: Saturday Feb 14th 9am-7pm
Sunday Feb 15th 11am-4pm
Tickets are $3 at the door Traverse City East Middle School 1776 3 Mile Rd TC
For more info: www.hbagta.com phone 231 946 2305

Educational seminars are offered each day - I'm presenting a seminar for Women on Saturday Feb 14th 11:30am-12:30pm. Come join the fun,Nancy

Focus: The Power of the Woman Homeowner

I'm excited to be presenting a seminar at the HBAGTA Home Builders Expo on Saturday Feb 14th 11:30am to 12:30pm. My topic is all about a very strong and powerful group - WOMEN! I hope to be speaking directly to a group of ladies so that I can explain why they are so important to the building industry and how they can use that information. I'll begin to demystify "Green" and "Universal Design" and briefly discuss 2009 color trends. My goal is to help the woman homeowner use her power to proceed confidently with her home project. Wow-that's a lot to cover in an hour!

*Be one of the first 150 women to attend the Expo on Saturday-Valentine's Day and receive a flower.

Location: Traverse City East Middle School 1776 3 Mile Rd Traverse City
tickets $3 at the door For more info: 231 995 9057 www.hbagta.com