Erie PA Construction Blog

Ex Amish Construction Expands Building 40 x80 Barn

2010-01-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

Ex Amish Construction, LLC is expanding their operations for 2010. Ex Amish Construction, LLC broke ground in December 2009, building a new 40x80 pole building to house their equipment and inventory. The 40 x 80 structure is located on an acre in Conneaut, Ohio. The pole building features a metal roof and siding and unique features such as a custom door and secondary office for meetings with clients. Construction is expected to be completed in late January 2010. Ex Amish Construction, LLC is best known for being the #1 Pole Barn Construction Company serving Erie PA and Conneaut Ohio.

For more information, visit us online at http://www.examishconstruction.com/ or email emanuel@examishconstruction.com.

2010 Fun Facts - Number Crunch

2010-01-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

8.6% - The percentge by which the overall housing market is currently undervalued, according to IHS Global. There isn't a single US Metropolitan area where homes are "extremely overvalued", and just a handful of markets remain, "moderately overvalued."

4.2 - million homes are expected to be headed into foreclosure in 2010.

1,000,000 - The number of Energy Star qualified homes in the U.S. as of November 10, 2009.

33% - The percent of real estate transactions in November that involved distressed properties, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Ex Amish Construction Named Preferred Owens Corning Contractor

2009-12-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

Ex Amish Construction, LLC is proud to announce, that we have been named a preferred contractor by Owen's Corning. Owens Corning is the leading provider of quality building materials, insulation and roofing products.

For more information on the quality products offered by Owens Corning, visit them online at http://www.owenscorning.com/.

For more information on superior construction services offered by Ex Amish Construction, LLC visit us online at http://www.examishconstruction.com/.

Ex Amish Construction has a Theme Song

2009-10-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Okie and Pat Williams on the Conneaut AM Live Show, it's official... we have a theme song... Enjoy!

Ex Amish Construction - PA Certified

2009-10-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

If you live in Pennsylvania, and you considering hiring a contractor for residential construction or remodeling... make sure you are protected. The State of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Attorney General have created a program that MANDATES that all residential contractors become certified with the state.

You can check if the companies you receive quotes from are indeed certified contractors by performing a home imporvement contractor search. At Ex Amish Construction, LLC we are proud to say we ARE a certified home improvement contractor in the state of Pennsylvania and we build our business by providing quality workmanship, reasonable prices and playing by the rules.

Ex Amish Construction LLC, HIC # PA008975

Call Before You Dig... 811

2009-05-10T03:06:00.000-07:00

Whether you are planning to "do it yourself" or hire a professional contractor, make sure you dig safe and call before you dig.... protect yourself for FREE.

When To Call:

Make sure you call 811, before you plant a tree, dig a pond, install a fence, mailbox, deck or install concrete.
The rule of thumb.... if you are going to dig - make sure you call first.

According to the Official 811 Website, "Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences."

How it Works:

Pick up the phone and call 811... when you dial, your call will be routed to the local One Call Center. Operators will ask you for the location of your digging job and route your call to affected utility companies. Your utility companies will then send a professional locator to your location to mark your lines within a few days. Once your underground lines have been marked, you will know the approximate location of your utility lines and can dig safely. This process usually takes 24 to 48 hours, and the service is FREE. Be SAFE before you DIG, call 811.

For region specific information regarding Northeast Ohio:

Ohio Utilities Protection ServicePhone: 1-800-362-2764www.oups.org

For region specific information regarding digging in Northwestern Pennsylvania:

Oil and Gas Producers Underground Protection ServicePhone: 1-800-925-0988Alternate: 740-587-0444www.ogpups.com

If you are looking for a contractor to install your next mailbox, fence or deck. Call Ex Amish Construction, the local contractor you can trust and for all of your do-it-yourself projects, make sure to call 811 and Dig Safe!

Ex Amish Construction on Picassa Web

2009-04-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

Ex Amish Construction is now on Picassa Web.
http://picasaweb.google.com/ExAmishConstruction
Visit us online for photos of recent projects we have
completed including custom deck construction, pole barn construction,
pole garages, roofing, siding and more.

Climb Your Way To Safety - Stay Safe on Ladders

2009-04-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

Spring is here... that's right gutters need cleaned, shingles need repaired, hopefully the Christmas lights are already down, but there are plenty of reasons for homeowner's to be taking the ladder out of the garage to start Spring cleaning.

Before you break out the ladder, here are some tips to keep you safe. At Ex Amish Construction, we know the extensive injuries the improper use can cause... save yourself and your family members large medical bills, and use ladders with care.

Choose the right ladder for the job

Whether you choose a stepladder, straight ladder or extension ladder depends on the job you need to do and how you need to go. Always make sure that the ladder you choose is teh right height for the job.

3 Minute Safety Check

3 minutes could make a difference between life and death on a ladder. Ask yourself the following questions, and do a quick inspection it will save you in the long run!

Are the rungs or steps firm and unbroken ?
Are the rungs/steps free of dirt and grease ?
Does it have nonslip safety feet in good condition ?
If it's a stepladder, does it have a spreader to the lock the ladder open ?
Does it have braces to keep the rails from swaying ?
If it is an extension ladder, is the rope in good condition ?
Are the pulleys and ropes working smoothly ?

Set it up right.

Follow these steps when you set up straight ladders and extension ladders.

Place the ladder on a level surface.
Use wide boards under the feet if you are on soft ground.
Place the feet parallel with the top support.
Leave at least three feet of extension above the top point of support.
Anchor the ladder at the top, and have someone hold the bottom for you.
Make sure the base of the ladder is placed one foot out from the wall for every four feet of the ladders height. An easy way to do this is to count the number of rungs from the ground to the support point at the top and divide by four.

Think Spring and Think Safety before you take your first step on a ladder. If you would like to have your gutters professionally installed by Ex Amish Construction, call 440-812-4240 or visit us online at www.examishconstruction.com.

Custom Built vs. Pre-Built Pole Barn Systems

2008-12-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

It's a wednesday afternoon - we receive a call.... the caller sounds anxiously relieved when a friendly voice is on the other side of the line... and those three words "we need help." I already know, it is a "DIY"... also known as a "Do it Yourselfer". The following fifteen minutes consistant of advice, and tips to saving their project from complete disaster. Thus, it brings us to to the topic of Custom Built Pole Barn Construction vs. Purchasing a Pre-Built Pole Barn Kit.

COST

Many individuals are under the impression that purchasing a pre-built kit is more cost effective, then hiring an experienced contractor to build a barn from the ground up. But, that is not the case... For example, here is a price from a supplier of ple barn pre-built kits:

30x40x10 Pole Barn - 1 36' man door - 1 garage door (standard): $ 7,299.00

Ok, now the estimate from Ex Amish Construction for the proposed pole barn....

30x40x10 Pole Barn - 1 36' man door - 1 garage door (standard) $ 10,000.00

What is the difference ? With the contractor, this price includes all materials and labor. A team of contractors who are experienced in pole garage construction and design, the ability to customize the pole garage at any time.... all of which you can't do with most pre-built system.

Also - buyer beware! The pole garage price advertised does NOT include permits, footers, or any heavy equipment needed to erect the frame of the building....

So the difference, is $2,701.00...
Heavy Equipment Rental (approx. $100/hr) x 10 hours - $1,000.00
Concrete (this varies in each area - space, etc...) - $ 1,000.00
Carpentry Tools...... you get the idea.....
------------------------------------

Buy the time, you add up unforseen expenses, your time and migrane medication.. hiring an
experienced contractor that guarantees their work - priceless.

VERSATILITY

Let's face it... not all plans are set in stone... no pun intended. Once construction begins, 80% of our clients decide to add a window, add a door, skylights for energy effieciency... while most of these are simple- relatively inexpensive additions - these afterthoughts can cost you big bucks with a pre-built kit system.

Pre-built kits are basically molds - with very little room for customization and individuality.
Size - Colors - number of doors is set and if you choose to customize, you will see prices skyrocket.

SERVICE AFTER THE SALE

Construction of any building is an investment. The cost is relative to the quality. If you have any problems or issues... ask yourself, 1.) Will I be on the phone for hours trying to get an operator to answer my question ? 2.) Is the company insured ? 3.) Do I have the capability to fix any building errors ? (remember if the error is in your construction - it is NOT covered by the pre-built kit companies) 4.) Would I prefer having an individual that can come out to my home and fix any neccesary repairs right away ?

Service after the sale. At Ex Amish Construction, we are there for you from conception to completion. You pay for quality, experience and service after the sale.

Conneaut OH & Erie PA Snow Plowing

2008-12-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

Ex Amish Construction, LLC is pleased to announce we are now offering commercial and residential snow plowing and snow removal services! Our snow plowing and snow removal

services will be available to residents of Erie, PA - Conneaut, OH - Fairview, PA - Girard, PA - East Springfield, PA and West Springfield, PA.

To kick off our new service and save you even more - we are offering a 100% BEST PRICE GUARANTEE! We promise to MATCH or BEAT any local competitors price for snow plowing

services.

Our residential services include - snow plowing driveways, sidewalks, and assistance with burried vehicles. In addition, we offer 24/7 service giving you peace of mind that you can call us anytime and we will be there when you need it most. Residential Driveways as low as $10.00 per plow - or you can get a contract plan and save even more.

Our commercial services include snow removal and snow plowing of driveways, parking lots, complexs, office buildings and more. Evening and early morning plowing is available as well as emergency plow services. Don't want to get stuck in a commercial contract ? No problem, we offer pay-per-plow services as well as a standard contract services. In addition, our BEST PRICE GUARANTEE still stands for businesses. Get the most for your dollar, call Ex Amish Construction for all of your snow plowing needs.

Visit them online at http://www.examishconstruction.com/ or call 440-812-4240 for more information.

Certainteed Vinyl Siding Voted #1

2008-11-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

For the 12th consecutive year, CertainTeed walks away

with the gold.

BUILDER magazine polled their readers, searching for the

best in vinyl siding.

Readex Surveys asked builders to vote based upon

brand familiarity, brands used in the past two years,

ease of installation, guarantee and overall quality.

CertainTeed Shingles took the top prize in Vinyl Siding and Insulated Siding.

Ex Amish Construction, LLC is proud to offer our clients quality vinyl siding

manufactured by the industry leader - CertainTeed. For a free estimate

on vinyl siding repair, or new siding installation contact Ex Amish Construction.

Trick or Treat ? Homeowners Prep for Winter.

2008-10-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat? Homeowners and Contractors aren't sure how to answer that question. As gas prices fell last week, the constrcution industry continues to see the cost of building materials rise. Supply and demand is the reason for the falling gas prices, but as construction demands continue to fall to a failing economy... the prices are continually rising, why ?

"It seams like a cruel trick, but really it is simple economics." Katie Schwartz, Vice President of Ex Amish Construction, LLC continues "The building industry is preparing for higher fuel costs, and a continually diminishing economy. Winter is traditionally a slow time for new construction in Northeast Ohio, an Northwestern PA and building supply providers fear it will be even worse this year."

Traditionally, fall is a busy time for roofing companies in Erie, PA and Conneaut, OH. Even with a poor ecomony, one local roofer says he is busier than ever. "People are spending money on the neccesities and you can't have a roof caving in with erie snow. An addition or a new home is a want, a roof is a neccesity." Katie Schwartz adds, "Now is the time for homeowners to get pricing, the market is competitive and homeowners can get a great deal by taking advantage of the declining economy."

Quality Construction - Showstopper on Wheels

2008-08-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

We our proud to unveil our new logo, on our E150 Ford Panel Van. The vehicle wrap is gaining alot of attention on the road from local residents.

One Conneaut Resident shared her thoughts, "Oh my gosh, I just love it! I almost hit the car in front of me - looking at the logo. I LOVE it!" The E150 Panel Van graphics were applied in late June, as the latest component to our refreshed branding campaign.

The logo was designed by Ex Amish Construction's Marketing Department, with the help of a former LA based graphic designer. Share your thoughts here...

Click Here to learn more about how we chose our name.

Gas Prices vs. Construction

2008-08-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

Ding, Ding, Ding... Round 3. He's knocked out or is he ? Ever changing gas prices can be easily equated to watching a boxing match. Construction Companies vs. Gas Prices.

As a Residential Construction Contractor, we have experienced a shift in inquiries from Additions and Large Scale renovations to roofing and other "neccesary repairs."

Homeowners around the nation are taking the age old saying to heart, "if it aint broke, don't fix it." As homeowners fear rising fuel costs, a controversial presidential election and an ever declining economy they are clinging to their pocket books and looking for the best price.

Great Quality, Quick Work, Cheap Prices... the perfect triad - that just doesn't exist, similar to affordable gas prices in 2008. Ask any contractor, and they will be glad to explain the contractor's triangle... think of a triangle, on one side is "great price" the other is "quick work", the third side "superior quality"....

Great prices - Take more time (since there are less labor costs) & are usually of mediocre quality (since the price of quality materials have risen with fuel costs)

Quick Work - That is of good quality, costs more. Since the labor has to be experienced, and adept at utilizing their time correctly and paying close attention to detail. Good Help means more Green.

Superior Quality - While this is a must at Ex- Amish Construction, I would be lying if I told you quality doesn't come without price. Superior Quality means trained professionals which cost more money, the trade of - time.

Our advice for homeowners looking to have renovations or repairs done in 2008 - prioritize.

Complete the projects with the highest priority, and do your research. With ever rising fuel costs, several "fly by night" contractors are advertising cheap prices.

Protect your pocketbook and ask your contractor these 2 important questions when you receive a price quote:

1.) Are you insured ? Any reputable contractor will carry a minimum of $1,000,000 liability insurance and will be glad to produce the appropriate documentation upon request.

2.) Are you a licensed contruction company ?

Reliable Contractors that carry insurance and certifications will be glad to produce those documents, that they pay premiums for annually. All you have to do is ask. A simple request, will give you the peace of mind - that you have hired a reliable contractor who is willing to stand behind their product.

NEW Conneaut OH Construction Company

2008-08-13T11:00:00.001-07:00

There is a NEW construction company in town. Conneaut, OH the town with a population of 12,485, now has more options when it comes to finding a quality contractor for their residential construction needs.
Ex Amish Construction, LLC opened their doors in June of 2008. The owner, Emanuel Schwartz, former project manager for another local contractor for 15 years. "It was time to give the town of Conneaut another option when it comes to construction. We pride ourselves on providing superior service, quick work, and competitive pricing." Schwartz adds "Small towns often have limited options, our goal is make sure they receive a great price and great work."
Ex Amish Construction is located in Conneaut, OH. They can be seen online at www.examishconstruction.com or call 440.812.4240 for FREE Estimates.
Fully Insured, HAZMAT Certified, Heavy Equipment Operator Certified, Licensed in PA and Ohio - Senior Discounts available - Specialized in Roofing, Siding, Decks, Concrete Work, Pole Barn Construction and General Construction.

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