Fun At The Minnesota Builders Show…
This year’s Minnesota Builder Show not only allowed twin cities builders and remodelers to visit with local vendors in the industry, but also provided some fun and entertainment. The show, sponsored by BATC, had a Mardi Gras theme, and included a parade and a casino night. The event gave builders and remodelers an opportunity to look at the latest technology and also promoted camaraderie.
The show was held Thursday, February 24th at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Following are a few photo’s of the event:
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Industry News on February 24th, 2012 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Let’s Delve Into 2012!
It is good to be back after a nice, long holiday break between Christmas and New Years. It was nice to relax with family and friends and have some time to do a little reading, something I enjoy. Isn’t it funny how a little down time can spark some renewed energy? And…just in time for the new year!
While 2011 was a better year for some in the remodeling and building industry, others still found it challenging. At PGC, we are confident the year 2012 will be one of continued growth and we are ready to delve in. We all have to keep in mind that there is good news out there. In fact, according to 8 Cities With The Best Home Price Recovery, “Minneapolis is one of cities in the country that has seen the biggest recovery in home prices.” That is good to hear and many builders are also feeling confident. “Despite the obstacles and challenges that remain, a large number of builders are feeling optimistic about their prospects for 2012, and for valid reasons. While the road to a housing recovery has been a bumpy one, several key market metrics, including housing starts, have steadily trended higher during the past 12 to 18 months,” that according to the article, 2012 Home Building Outlook: Builders Largely Optimistic About Growth found on HousingZone.com. The outlook for the remodeling industry is improving, as well. In Model Year, an article found on the NARI website, Jonathon Smoke, Executive Director for Research at Hanley Wood in Washington, said that “he believes in the the future of the remodeling industry and that many factors show growth.” And… let’s not forget that consumer spending was up during the holiday season. That’s more good news!
We all certainly have plenty to be thankful for. At PGC, we are committed to our customers, and are looking forward to a busy year, fabricating and installing beautiful countertops for your home!
Happy New Year to all!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite, Industry News on January 2nd, 2012 by Barb | | 0 Comments
2011 Coty Awards—Another Success
The 15th Annual COTY Awards, which were held Friday, November 18th at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota Campus proved to be yet, another successful event. Fellow NARI members attended the event to recognize colleagues that stand out in the remodeling industry, as well as other associates in the organization. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to the following companies who won this years awards:
Congratulations to all:
Residential Project Under $15,000
Winner: Closets for Life
Honorable Mention: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
Residential Kitchen $60,000 and Under
Winner: Posch Builders, LLC
Honorable Mention: w.b. builders
Residential Kitchen $60,001-$75,000
Winner: James Barton Design-Build, Inc.
Honorable Mention: DiGiacomo Homes & Renovation, Inc.
Residential Kitchen $75,001-$90,000
Winner: Structural Dimensions Inc.
Honorable Mention: J Carsten Homes
Residential Kitchen $90,001-$120,000
Winner: Bluestem Construction
Honorable Mention: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
Residential Kitchen Over $120,000
Winner: White Crane Construction
Honorable Mention: Streeter & Associates, Inc
Residential Bath $30,000 and Under
Winner: Metamorphosis Group, Inc.
Honorable Mention: J Carsten Homes
Residential Bath $30,001-$60,000
Winner: James Barton Design-Build, Inc.
Honorable Mention: Knight Construction Design, Inc.
Residential Bath Over $60,000
Honorable Mention: w.b. builders
Residential Interior $150,000 and Under
Winner: Finished Basement Company
Honorable Mention: Schrader & Companies
Residential Interior Over $150,000
Winner: Jones Design Build LLC
Honorable Mention: Streeter & Associates, Inc
Residential Interior Specialty
Winner: Structural Dimensions Inc.
Honorable Mention: Closets for Life
Commercial Interior, Exterior or Specialty
Winner: Pure Design Environments
Residential Addition $200,000 and Under
Winner: TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders
Residential Addition Over $200,000
Winner: Awad + Koontz Architects Builders Inc.
Honorable Mention: TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders
Residential Historical
Renovation/Restoration
Winner: Vujovich Design Build
Honorable Mention: DiGiacomo Homes & Renovation, Inc.
Residential Exterior
Winner: Sicora, Inc.
Honorable Mention: Southview Design
Residential Exterior Specialty
Winner: Mantis Design & Build, LLC
Honorable Mention: Knight Construction Design, Inc.
Entire House $250,000 and Under
Winner: College City Design/Build, Inc.
Honorable Mention: Building Arts Sustainable Architecture + Construction
Entire House $250,001-$500,000
Winner: Streeter & Associates, Inc
Honorable Mention: Sicora, Inc.
Entire House Over $500,000
Winner: Northway Construction Services
Honorable Mention: TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders
Universal Design
Winner: Jones Design Build LLC
Associate of the Year
Winner: All, Inc.
Honorable Mention: Granite Tops, LLC
Best Newcomer
Winner: Metamorphosis Group, Inc.
Best of Show
Winner: Northway Construction Services
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Industry News on November 22nd, 2011 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Taking It To The Streets…
From time to time, we get asked for pricing information on “scrap” material. Most customers however, are not really looking for “scrap” granite, but rather are looking for pricing and information on partial slabs, (material that is left over from a full slab), for a smaller project such as a bathroom vanity, a fireplace surround, a bar top, a shelf, etc.
Scrap granite is the “actual waste” from a project and tends to be smaller pieces, or chunks that typically have no further resale value. Our scrap, in most cases, is thrown in our dumpster and picked up by Veit, our Waste Management service, who then ships it to a sand and gravel company for crushing. Our granite is typically mixed with concrete rubble and then re-used for road bases, driveways, and who knows…maybe your street?
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Industry News on November 15th, 2011 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Natural Stone—Beautiful, Durable & Sustainable!
The Green Building movement has become a popular topic of interest over the last couple years, as more and more people are becoming aware of the need to help sustain the environment. Natural stone has been used for building for centuries because of its durability and beauty, but its sustainable properties will allow it to progress in the building industry for centuries to come. While there are many misconceptions about stone and sustainability out there, the MIA, Marble Institute of America, is working hard to help over come them. They recently produced a Sustainability video to help educate architects, designers, contractors, and consumers on how natural stone is the natural choice when it comes to sustainable building products. I hope you take some time to watch it and learn more on the subject.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Industry News, Marble on March 3rd, 2011 by Barb | | 0 Comments
