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IBS19.Feb19

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Construction Marketplace 2 3 Tuesday, February 19, 2019 NARI Accreditation Supports Company Success By Dan Taddei, MS Ed. BCA, Director of Education and Certification, National Association of the Remodeling Industry When the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) first rolled out the Accredited Remodeling Company program, long-time member Bingo Emmons, CR, CRPM, UDCP, was uncer- tain. On face value, accreditation sounded interesting, but Emmons wasn't sure it was for Creative Construction of Wisconsin, Inc., the company he and his wife, Deb Emmons own. After reviewing the program overview, however, Emmons changed his mind and applied to become a NARI Accredited Remodeling Company. Build a Better Company Once Emmons explored the Accreditation Standard, he discovered a blueprint for a thorough company-wide evaluation. The blueprint also provides a plan to support organization updates as needed. "The pro- gram provided the perfect handbook on how to prepare my business to hand over to the next generation," Emmons said. The timing could not have been better. The Emmons' had started thinking about succession planning, handing the busi- ness to their son and retirement. That's when Emmons had a startling realization: their business wasn't ready for a management change. "Everything was in my head and very little was documented. I should have done all of this day one, not some 30-plus years later," Emmons said. Best Practice: Documentation Recognizing how documentation can be the difference between failure and success, the team at Creative Construction of Wisconsin, Inc. identified processes, how to improve them where needed and then set to documenting every- thing. At the beginning it seemed like a daunting task. "When you first look at the com- pliance requirements of the program, it can be overwhelming. Tackle compli- ance step by step and it becomes much less intimidating," said Deb Emmons, who served as the company's champi- on. By assigning tasks, delegating responsibilities and managing small steps – one task at a time – Deb's team was able to complete the NARI Accredited Remodeling Company process in two months. Diligence paid off. Not long after becoming a NARI Accredited Remodeling Company, the business was hit with an OSHA inspection. They had just seven days to produce multiple doc- uments. The inspection went smoothly because of all of the doc- umentation produced to become accredited. A great example is the Injury and Illness Prevention Program. The Emmons' always fostered a strong safety culture, but before completing the NARI Accreditation paperwork, it was an informal practice. Their IIPP program was clearly documented and this made it easy to demonstrate their commitment to safety best practices. Thanks to the NARI Accreditation preparation, Creative Construction of Wisconsin, Inc. passed its OSHA inspection with flying colors. Find out about how the NARI Accredited Remodeling Company pro- gram can help your company implement best practices. For more information, visit www.nari.org/arc, email info@nari.org or stop by IBS booth #N1173. Montigo Features Suite of Products at Show By Jonathan Burke, Chief Executive Officer, Montigo Montigo is exhibiting at the show this year in IBS booth #C2249. This is Montigo's third year hosting a booth to showcase our state-of-the-art custom/commercial fireplaces, as well as a selection of our residential line-up. Montigo looks forward to this opportuni- ty to network with industry professionals and show off our industry-leading prod- uct portfolio. IBS is an annual event hosted by the National Association of Home Builders. The largest tradeshow of its kind, more than 80,000 industry professionals gather together to see the latest in building inno- vation and trends. Contact us if you wish to book a specific time to meet with us at the show. About Montigo Inspired by architects, guid- ed by builders, manufac- tured to perfection, Montigo fireplaces bring quality, beauty and warmth to your environ- ment. Montigo specializes in manufac- tured gas fireplaces for residential and commercial spaces. We also offer the largest selection of modern, linear gas fireplaces with an array of different options to create a fireplace that flick- ers with your style and taste. Founded in 1976, Montigo is Langley, British Columbia-headquartered with manufacturing opera- tions in Langley and Ferndale, Washington. For more information, go to www.montigo .com or stop by IBS booth #C2249. Evaluation Reports for Building Officials By William Gould, P.E., Vice President, External Relations and Client Services, ICC Evaluation Service, LLC Building product manufacturers need to demonstrate their products and systems comply with the International Building Code ® (IBC) and International Residential Code ® (IRC). One way of accomplishing this is to achieve recogni- tion by ICC Evaluation Service (ICC- ES) through its independent, ISO 17065 and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited building product evaluation process. ICC-ES is a subsidiary of the International Code Council (ICC). ICC-ES Evaluation Reports are established to safeguard the built environment and make the building official's job easier when approving products for installation. ICC-ES evaluates innovative build- ing products to the requirements of the IBC and IRC through ICC-ES accept- ance criteria and code-referenced con- sensus standards. Evaluations address performance characteristics such as structural, seismic and fire resistance. Acceptance criteria are necessary when building codes do not include sufficient guidance or requirements on the product or system. They are developed internal- ly by the ICC-ES technical staff in con- sultation with the report applicant and with input from interested parties. New ICC-ES acceptance criteria and revi- sions to existing acceptance criteria are reviewed and approved by the evalua- tion committee – comprised entirely of building code officials – through open public hearings, or through an alternate process that involves the solicitation of public comments through the ICC-ES website. When technical and manufacturing quality control evaluations are com- plete, ICC-ES issues an Evaluation Report (ESR) to the manufacturer. The Evaluation Report provides a unique number and authoriza- tion to apply the ICC-ES Mark of Conformity to the product label. The ESR number is a quick and easy way to find IBC and IRC compliant products, and code conformity can be verified on the ICC-ES website directory. The ESR number is prominently displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the evaluation report, and is also applied to the label on the manufacturer's product for inspector verification on the project site. Of course, more detailed informa- tion is contained in the evaluation report; however, the ESR number itself is a good starting point. ICC-ES Evaluation Reports assist design professionals, and ultimately, building officials in product selection, specification and approval for use on building and residential construction projects. ICC-ES ESRs are the most rec- ognized product evaluation reports used by code officials through- out the United States. Since today's construction schedules are generally compressed, and project resources are limited, the evaluation report can streamline the local review process. Building product manufacturers that main- tain current ICC-ES ESRs hold an advantage over those that don't, because their products already have been inde- pendently evaluated and proven compli- ant with the latest building code require- ments. The next time you meet a building product manufacturer on your project site or in the office, remember to ask them: "What's your ICC-ES ESR num- ber?" For more information, visit www.icc-es- pmg.org, email espmg@icc-es.org or stop by KBIS booth #SL4222 and IBS booth #C3022. Lux by Bracketron: Breaking the Phone Mount Mold Forever Today's smartphones have more and more applications for daily use such as GPS, music and Bluetooth hands-free calling. Smartphone holders have become a must-have accessory for peo- ple to be able to use their phones safely in their vehicles. In some states, it's illegal to hold your phone while you're driving. Most manufacturers of smartphone mounts have solely focused on function and features to sell their products in the market. The Lux line of smartphone holders not only works great, but looks great. It complements the sleek design of smartphones and car interiors alike. Lux mounts are made with high quality zinc alloy materials, soft touch rubber accents with smartly designed acces- sories to complete the experience of using a Lux mount in your car or home. All mounts come with a dash and vent option to fit anyone's needs. Lux phone holders work with almost all smart- phones, including pop- ular models like iPhone X, 8, Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and Google Pixel 2. Keep your Lux, even when you're ready to upgrade your phone, making it truly universal. To learn more, visit www.bracketron.com or call 952.746.7775.

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