Planning your project

Planning is crucial for a successful building project. Know what you want to do first, have a budget in mind and always allow extra time for unforeseen issues, such as weather and other delays. Here at J&C Adams, our sales team specializes in finding the right products to fit your building, design and budget needs. We will take the time to evaluate all aspects of the project to ensure your satisfaction and success.

Building your team

From small to large jobs, if you choose not to do the work yourself, you will need to hire a contractor. Through our Contractor Referral Program, J&C Adams can refer a qualified contractor that we match to the specifics of your project; we refer only qualified, licensed contractors who meet our stringent guidelines.

If you choose to hire your own contractor, make sure they have:

• Good references
• Proof of insurance
• Proper certification (depending on the scope of the work, there may be specific certification required.)

Finally, a well-written contract is essential before any work begins. Make sure any contract between you and the contractor includes items such as:

• A detailed supplies list
• Approximate start and completion dates
• Warranty information

J&C Adams can be an important part of your project team; we will work with you and your contractor and make sure details are not overlooked. We are happy to speak with the contractor on your behalf if there is important information needed to order your doors, windows or millwork in a timely fashion.

Working with design/build contractors and architects

Some projects require more extensive design and engineering services. If your contractor is not a design/build contractor, you can hire an architect as part of your team. All J&C Adams specialists work with architects on a daily basis and are familiar with specifications of blueprints, as well as CAD drawings and other architectural details. Our showroom is a great place for everyone on your team to meet and discuss the project details, examine actual product features and benefits, and provide details for the order.

Going “green”

The word “green” is everywhere, from cleaning and paper products to paint and lumber.  It seems that everyone has an opinion about what it means to build or remodel “green”, so we’ll start with a textbook definition, courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency:

“Green Building is practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction…Green building is also known as a sustainable or high performance building”

In other words, sustainable or green building and remodeling involves creating energy efficiency for the long-term and using recycled materials whenever possible, in order to be environmentally responsible.

Those intent on building or remodeling green should keep these five key concepts in mind:

1. Resource Efficiency: Involves using materials that do not require additional finishing on the job, or items that use recycled content. An example of this would be a pre-finished exterior clad window or a fiberglass door unit.

2. Water Conservation: Involves reducing water consumption, such as using high efficiency washers and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

3. Indoor Environmental Quality: Involves using items such as low-VOC paints, and formaldehyde-free carpeting and wood frames for doors.

4. Energy Efficiency: Involves using Energy-Star^® rated products appropriate for a given climate. Examples would be windows and doors using double pane low-e glass, as well as foam core fiberglass entry doors.

5. Site and Community Impact: Involves many aspects of the project, including construction site management and waste, as well as a product manufacturer’s operations and business practices.

J&C Adams Co carries many products that adhere to these “green” concepts, starting with how they are manufactured. Please contact us if you are interested in following green guidelines with your choice of doors, windows and millwork.

If you are interested in reading more about Green building and remodeling, visit these websites:

National Association of HomeBuilders
Environmental Protection Agency
National Association of the Remodeling Industry