Posted on Tue, Jul 20, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
This summer, McClurg Remodeling & Construction Services joined with 12 other local businesses to build a deck for Judy Aguirre, a Baldwinsville mother who suffered a spinal cord injury, which caused paralysis, when she fell in her home.
Once a year, the McClurg team works on a project to help an individual or group in the community as our way of “giving back.” We were approached by Judy’s sister, Jennifer Harte, a young mom herself, and asked if we could help Judy by building a deck that would allow her to exit her home and watch over her two sons. We met with Judy and her family and we were inspired by her strength and outlook for the future. We knew we had to help.
When we arrived on site we found a back door exit that she couldn’t use. We decided to create a large deck that spanned the length of the house to provide space for Judy to experience maximum mobility without encountering obstacles. We incorporated features that would allow her to resume an active lifestyle as she undergoes therapy for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Composite decking was selected because of its non-skid surface and easy maintenance. Glass side panels were installed on the deck for safety and aesthetics. Judy can view her yard without obstruction from the deck. A ramp with wood rails was built to allow Judy access to the yard. The deck will also enable her to exit the home in case of an emergency.
Over the course of the project we learned a great deal about Spinal Cord Injury. According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center, 1 in 50 Americans experiences paralysis. That statistic accounts for approximately 6 million people. Here are some facts about Spinal Cord Injury:
- While stroke is the most prevalent cause of paralysis (29 percent of cases), Spinal Cord Injury ranks second (23 percent of cases). Multiple Sclerosis is the third most prevalent cause and accounts for 17 percent of cases.
- Approximately 1,275,000 Americans have experienced Spinal Cord Injury. Most injuries occur in the work place (28 percent) or in motor vehicle accidents (24 percent). Injuries due to sports or recreation activities account for 17 percent of cases while falls account for 9 percent. Fifty six percent of those injured are between the ages of 16 and 30. Every year there are 12,000 new injuries.
- The average annual cost for medical care required to treat a person with a spinal cord injury ranges from $288,566 to $775,567 during the first year following an accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, the annual cost of continuing care can range from $16,000 to $140,000.
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and improving the lives of people living with paralysis by funding research and providing grants, information and advocacy.
Finally, we would like to recognize and thank our partners in the project:
84 Lumber, East Syracuse
Benjamin Electric
Black Glass
Calley's Hardware
Healy Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Liverpool Lumber Company
Matheison Portable Toilets
Nightingale True Value Hardware
Skaneateles Scapes
Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners
Trex Decking
Van Derhoof Roofing Company, Inc.
Posted on Tue, May 18, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Decks are a great way to add outdoor living space to your home. A deck can be as simple as a grade-level platform that stands on its own a few inches above the ground or as intricate as multi-tiered structures with steps, railings, pergolas, trellises and built-in features such as tables, benches, planters and hot tubs. If you are planning to add a deck to your home consider the following:
- What are your needs? Do you plan to use the space for outdoor dining and entertaining? Will you need built-in seating? Will you add planter boxes? Do you plan to place a hot-tub in the space? Will you include special features like a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen? Consider storage needs too. Benches and planters are great places for built-in hide-away storage.
- Where do you plan to place the deck? Outdoor living areas are often built off of kitchens, living rooms or family rooms to maximize use. You should also consider sun exposure and shade. In Central New York, a deck placed on the south or west facing side of a home will optimize the warmth of the sun. If you want to avoid the sun, deck surfaces can become hot and unusable during 90-degree days, build your outdoor space in a north or east facing area. Also consider privacy.
- Think about size. What type of outdoor furniture do you plan to use on the deck? Measure the furniture and allow space for pulling out chairs and walking around. Include space for a grill. If you will be adding a hot tub, fire pit or outdoor kitchen factor the dimensions of those features into your plan. According to Better Homes and Gardens' July 2010 Remodel Magazine, "the average deck size is 12x24 feet." Decks that are smaller tend to be more costly per square foot.
- Complement the design of your home. You may want to consider hiring a designer to help you plan your deck project. A deck that blends with the architecture of your home will add value. The style of your home will dictate the types of materials and accents to use in the project. For example, a contemporary style deck would look odd on a white colonial home. But a deck built with white rails and architectural elements similar to those on the house will add to its appeal. A designer could advise you on product options and how to optimize your outdoor living space.
- Choose materials wisely. Homeowners have a range of options for decking materials. Pressure treated woods remain the most popular because they are cost-effective and have a life of 10 to 15 years. The downside is that pressure treated wood needs annual cleaning and staining. Composite decking is more expensive than wood and holds up for 15 to 25 years. It usually requires cleaning to prevent mildew growth and may require staining depending on wood content. Vinyl is the most durable decking product and has a life from 25 to 50 years. Its cost is comparable to composite and it requires the least amount of maintenance, a periodic hosing. One of the advantages of composite and vinyl decking is that you won't get splinters on your feet. Consider looks, durability, maintenance and finally, cost when selecting decking.
Check out these links for more information about decking products:
Composite decking
Correct Deck
Trex
Thermal Industries Dream Composite
Vinyl Decking
Azek
Thermal Industries PVC/Vinyl Dream Deck
- Include lighting in your plans. Deck lighting can include wall sconces adhered to an exterior wall, accent lights around the perimeter, post lights, or flood lights affixed to a roof awning or placed near the base of a deck. Put switches indoors if possible for convenience and consider using dimmers and timers. You may want to include solar lighting and a bug zapper.
- Plan landscaping. Spending 5 percent of the total value of your home on landscaping can add 15 percent or more to the value of your home (SmartMoney magazine). If you are landscaping for privacy choose tall, easy to maintain bushes or trees which can also provide shade. If you add a trellis use climbing plants to enhance the beauty of your deck. The easiest way to add color is to place containers of showy annuals and vegetables on the deck. Don't forget to water because containers dry out quickly.
- Plan for maintenance. Minimally, each spring you will need to clear your deck of debris and dirt. You will need to hose it off or, in the case of wood, use a pressure washer. Dirt can be removed with a stiff scrub brush and commercial cleaners. If there is mold growth, use an oxygen bleach cleaner. Wood decks will need to be stained annually. After cleaning, let the deck dry out for three days before applying stain.
- Plan a budget for your project. The average cost of a wood deck for a mid-range project is $11,260, while the cost of a composite deck is $15,890 (Remodeling magazine). This estimate is based on a 16x20 foot deck project with a bench, planter, railing and steps. For an upscale deck project using composite decking, the average cost is $39,270. This project is based on a 16x20 foot deck with a 10 foot diameter six-sided platform, a bench, planter, rail system and stairs. If the initial cost is too much, you might be able to save money by doing your outdoor project in stages. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, talk with your contractor about the best way to achieve the results you desire. Also, consider the added value to your home and the payback.
Posted on Mon, May 10, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Judy Aguirre, a wife and mother of two young boys, fell in her Baldwinsville home last September and suffered a broken neck which left her paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. For three weeks she was in intensive care and she spent another 10 weeks in rehab. Throughout her ordeal, her main worry has been for her husband, Xavier, and their sons Nicolas, age 11, and Diego, age 8, who attend Reynolds Elementary School.
Judy's life has changed dramatically since the accident. While medical expenses were covered by insurance, rehab services, adaptive equipment and home conversion expenses were not. To address these needs, the Aguirre's family and friends held a fundraiser to purchase a used wheelchair van and pay for physical therapy.
Scott McClurg and I first met Judy and her family in February after being contacted by Judy's sister, Jen Harte. Jen had contacted us to ask for our help in adding a wheelchair accessible deck to the Aguirre's home. The meeting was not what we expected. For someone who had experienced an event which completely turned her life upside down, we were both surprised and inspired by Judy's amazingly positive attitude and outlook. We were also inspired by her family. Everyone, as it turns out, has rolled up their sleeves to help Judy, Xavier and the boys.
Scott and I felt honored to be invited to help out and joined "Judy's Crew!"
We shared our story about meeting Judy and her family with our employees and several of our suppliers. Their responses were overwhelming. They just asked "tell us what we can do to help." So, on May 19 we will begin work on a 16'x28' deck with a ramp off the back of the Aguirre's home. We will have help from Judy's new friends:
- Trex is donating decking material.
- Black Glass is donating glass railing panels.
- 84 Lumber is donating the structural pressure treated wood framing.
- Skaneateles Scapes will donate footing excavation.
- Liverpool Lumber will donate the fasteners and pressure treated rail materials.
- The McClurg Team will provide labor.
We're still seeking a donor to provide concrete. Contact Brian if you can help - 673-2051.
We're ready to go and excited about working with this wonderful group of neighbors. The deck will enable Judy to exit her home and spend time in the yard with her boys and family. She is determined to recover from her injuries and remain an active mother.
If you'd like to track our progress as Judy's deck is constructed, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We'll be posting pictures and periodic updates.
If you want to assist the Aguirres, one of their biggest challenges is preparing meals for the family. Xavier works a full day and returns home to care for Judy and the boys. Judy's sisters note that it would help tremendously to have pre-made meals for the family that Xavier could reheat. Gift cards for meals are welcome. The family can also use donations to help with the cost of physical therapy and rehab. For more information contact Jen Harte at (315) 254-9171.
Posted on Mon, Apr 05, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Spring has finally arrived! The ice has melted from the rooftops and milder temperatures encourage housebound Central New Yorkers to inspect our homes for winter damage and start "spring cleaning." Here are ten areas of the home you should check for problems:
- Foundation walls. Check for cracks, breaks and heaving.
- Outside walls and siding. Inspect for missing shingles, cracked boards, chipped bricks or openings that allow moisture to penetrate the walls. Use silicone caulk to repair vinyl siding openings.
- Roof. Check for loose, damaged or missing shingles. Look for damage to soffits and air circulation vents that may be loose or missing. Inspect skylights for cracks, gaps and leaks.
- Chimney. Check for cracks and loose caps.
- Gutters. Clean and inspect. Re-attach loose gutters.
- Wood trim. Check for cracks, breakage and rot.
- Steps and sidewalks. Check for cracks and breaks.
- Attic. Check for signs of inside water penetration such as stains on wood or insulation.
- Sump pump. Check operation by filling the pit with a garden hose until the float switch is activated. If the pump turns on and the float has free motion, it's working properly.
- Windows. Open and close windows to be sure they're working properly. Check screens for holes and tears.
After inspecting your home, make a "to do" list of repairs. Addressing minor repairs when you first notice problems will preserve the value of your home and save you money in the long run.
Then, it's time to begin spring cleaning. We like to start with these general maintenance tasks:
- Wash the windows.
- Change the furnace filter.
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Clean mold and mildew from decks and porches.
- Stain and paint decks and porches.
- Clean out exterior drains.