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Remodeling firms that are working in homes where there is lead-based paint will have to pay a $300 certification fee in order to comply with the Lead:Renovation, Repair and Painting rule established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The rule, which will take effect on April 22, 2010, addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that are inhabited or frequented by pregnant women and children under the age of six.

The rule establishes required lead-safe work practices, including posting warning signs for occupants and visitors; using disposable plastic drop cloths; cleaning the work area with HEPA vacuuming and wet washing; and individual certification through a training course. Remodeling firms can begin applying for their certification on Oct. 22.

Remodelers also now are required to give potential clients who own homes built before 1978 the new EPA pamphlet "Renovate Right" so that they are aware of the new lead paint regulations. The brochure is available on the EPA's Web site by clicking here, or by calling 800-424-LEAD (5323).

Click here for more information...
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What to do When Money is Tight

Almost all businesses will have a cash crisis at some time or another. How you manage that crisis is key.

The steps you take - or don't take - will affect your reputation and that of your business. It will affect your relationships with employees, vendors and bankers. And, ultimately your decisions will determine if your business will survive.

While this may sound dire, there are several steps you can take to improve your cash crisis quickly:

Become a spending disciplinarian

Cut out all unnecessary expenses. For every expenditure, ask yourself, "Will this get me another customer?" Do you need a new piece of equipment or can you buy it used? Do you use all six phone lines or can you cut it down to four or three? Do you need a new truck just because the lease is up on your old one?

Be rabid about collecting your cash
Try to get your customers to pay on time or even early. If you haven't received a payment on the day it is due, call them and ask when you can expect payment. Get a specific date. Continue calling until your bill is paid. Offer discounts to your customers for paying early.

Send invoices more frequently
Instead of sending customers an invoice once a month, consider billing every week. It might be a bit more work, but it will get you cash in your checkbook sooner.

Click here to read more...
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4 Steps to Making Existing Homes Energy Efficient

The owner of Coupeville, Wash.-based Clifton View Homes said there also is a good living to be made turning existing homes into high-performance remodels. "We make good money doing this," said Clifton, noting that 75% of the U.S. housing stock was built between World War II and 1995.

"The average 1960s home uses two to three times the energy of today's [new] homes," said Clifton, who won a gold EnergyValue Housing Award this year from the NAHB Research Center and the Department of Energy.

Clifton provided the following guidelines for boosting the efficiency of existing homes:

Step One: Perform an Energy Audit
The first step to making an existing dwelling energy efficient is to conduct an energy audit, Clifton said. He mentioned two free energy modeling software programs pros can utilize to analyze the home's total heat loss: the Department of Energy's Rescheck and Washington State University's Component Performance Analysis.

In addition, pros should conduct a blower-door test to figure out where the worst leaks are and collect a year's worth of utility bills from the homeowner.

Click here for more information...
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Featured Product
ModernView Designer’s Series

During these tough economic times, customers are looking for a high-quality product at a more reasonable price, so for these budget-minded customers we have a great line of cabinets - Bertch's ModernView Designer's Series.

ModernView Designer's Series offers:

• Customizable yet still reasonably priced cabinets
• Quality Finishes and Stains
• 13 Different Door Styles
• Complementary Hardware
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

ModernView Designer's Series allows you to offer your customers a kitchen tailored specifically for them, while remaining within a realistic budget.

Please encourage your customers to stop into our Design Center (705 Main Street), and take advantage of our design services! If you have any questions or would like more information, sample finishes or pricing on this product, please contact Evanston Lumber Design Center (847) 440-8700, e-mail us, or check out our Design Center Web Site.

Also, check out the following web sites to learn more about ModernView Designer's Series and Bertch Cabinets.

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Upcoming Seminar
Decking Installation Seminar

When: June 25th
12pm-2pm

Where: 1031 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL
(our warehouse)

Driving Directions

Seating is limited, so RSVP NOW to guarantee a seat!
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Closeout Lumber Items

1 x 6 x 8' Pau Lope
Qty: 9
Price: $3.15/L.F.

1 x 6 x 12' Pau Lope
Qty: 6
Price: $3.15/L.F.

1 x 6 x 14' Pau Lope
Qty: 6
Price: $3.15/L.F.

8 x 8 x 14' Douglas Fir
Qty: 1
Price: $3.50/L.F.

To view our entire list of closeout items, visit our web site
* Please note: Closeout items subject to prior sale and in limited quantity
** L.F. - Lineal Foot
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Employee Spotlight

Name: Glenn Robinson
Years of Service: 4
Position: Sales (Windows, Doors and Cabinetry)

Q: What do you like best about working at Evanston Lumber Design Center?
A: Helping customers solve problems.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?
A: Spending time with my family and traveling.

Q: Tell us about your family
A: My daughter Melissa and her husband just had their first child that they named Brielle - I'm a grandpa! Also, my daughter Melinda is currently engaged to be married next fall. And my wife Renae is loving being a grandma and looking forward to our daughter's upcoming wedding!

Q: What is a little known fact about you?
A: I've been to Las Vegas 50 times since 1991!
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