Joe Arruda Construction

March 31, 2012

After ten years of working strategically with Joe Arruda Construction, Inc. (as consultant and freelance project manager),  I’ve decided to join their team full-time.

This joining of forces allows us to take on much larger, more sophisticated and complex projects (with all the necessary equipment, manpower,  insurances and capital, as is required to handle all phases of the design & construction process).

Joe Arruda Construction, Inc. is uniquely equipped to engage in high-end remodeling and property redevelopment.
All of our 2012 projects are also the subject of a video documentary production.

The Mahar Contracting website will be taken down shortly (abandoned).  Please be advised of my new construction management & project consulting contact information:

Lead Paint Laws in MA (RRP Contractor)

November 19, 2011

At this time, Mahar Contracting will not be pursuing the Lead Paint Renovation Contractor License (RRP).

I fully endorse any proactive, safe, health-conscious, sanitary and eco-friendly practices (this is our planet and our lives, after all)…but for the EPA to attempt to suck an entire industry (and consumers) through a 1/2″ pipe, while being empowered to fine for the friction it creates is a total abandonment of sanity and common sense.

“I don’t love money enough to steal it, let alone to have my pursuit of it open an invition for the EPA to audit my world.  I have often been accused of (and thanked for) having a tendency towards documentation, minutia, legal compliance, etc… (and I’m still not interested).  No, thanks.” 

1. If you own a home built before 1978 and you are looking for a contractor who is willing to do remodeling work, you can visit: http://www.mass.gov/leadsafe (there is a list of certifed/licensed contractors for ”RRP” [Renovate, Repair, Paint] and “RRP+MOD” [Moderate Deleading, Renovate, Repair Paint]).

2. Don’t buy a home built before 1978 unless you have done your homework (and I’m happy to help with homework).  My rates are $90/hour for valuation, feasibility and/or advice on how to appropriately navigate and budget for the reality of owning a non-compliant home (specific to each property).

3. If you have a Total Remodeling Budget of over $150k and share my mission of pursuing a formal “Letter of Compliance” (a final and forever ”get out of jail free” card).  My normal rates apply – I’ll courteously introduce you to the solutions you seek and assist you in controlling the costs associated with compliance/independence.

I’ll only remodel or consult on a pre-1978 home when the homeowner is interested in FOREVER taking the EPA out of the equation with regard to all future work (and eliminating this problem for all future contractors).  You shouldn’t have to hire a haz-mat crew every time you want something done to your home – we will make the problem go away or I won’t touch it.

RRP CONTRACTORS:

The decision to ”subscribe” to the new practices will impact every business differently.  I applaud any of my competitors, clients and associates who are making an effort to absorb the cost and logistics of compliance (through licensure instead of contract management), but I have personally found it to be cost-prohibitive as a matter of licensure (carrying with it the burden of more liability than I’m interested in having in my business, particularly on any project under $150k, and placing me in direct communications with my least favorite regulatory entity).

Congratulations on your efforts – There is a chance I may hire or refer your business (but most likely not – I would much rather have a certified deleader who has much more invested in training, equipment, insurance and possesses a truer sense of the liability associated with their presence on my client’s jobsite).

Exterior Vinyl Trim Products

October 19, 2011

Modern vinyl trim is becoming more like a “carpentry” material (cut, shape, mill and paint).

PROBLEM: 5 Years after new construction (by another contractor) the trim on this otherwise beautiful home began to rot.

CAUSE: Flashing, caulking, priming and installation issues resulted in otherwise preventable damage.

SOLUTION:  Remove all rotted exterior trim and install new architectural trim (using vinyl, with appropriate caulking/flashing).

The new product is Azek(TM) brand vinyl trim.  All trim below the window line (first floor) was replaced with Azek product (and painted to match existing).

The window sills were properly flashed, all window panels installed behind the sill drip line, and all built-up components were caulked excessively.

Water Infiltration is no longer an issue for the interior and the elements are no longer an issue for exterior rot.

The transition between the two finished products is not visible to the eye and the homeowner now has a lifetime product.

PROGRESS PHOTOS:

10% off Vinyl Windows

April 20, 2011

ORDER BEFORE MAY 15th and save 10%

Spring is here!  Interest rates will never be this low again.  Fuel prices are on the rise.

CERTAIN WINDOWS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ENERGY TAX CREDIT.

Schedule your vinyl replacement window project before May15th and receive a 10% Discount off the entire project.

Call or Email us at info@MaharContracting.com to schedule a free consultation & quote.

NOTE: we use Harvey brand replacement windows.  Discount applies to projects in Bristol County, MA.

Windows & Doors

March 25, 2011

…some pictures from recent energy tax credit eligible projects:

Cozy Kitchen

March 25, 2011

This small residential kitchen was a basic conversion from old to new, with only a few custom elements – oak cabinets, laminate countertops (with beveled oak edge).  A little manipulation of “this old house” was required to make everything function the way it should and integrate the new finishes:

Commercial Feasibility

March 25, 2011

Proposed revitalization of an entertainment/academic venue.  In conjunction with Mahar Enterprises, Inc. consulting team – provision of all budgetary, design and code compliance information (including solar and all building systems upgrades).

Below are a few images from one of many proposed design options:

Residential Remodel – Dartmouth, MA

March 19, 2011

BEFORE

CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

WORK BEGINS…

 

Corporate Office Remodel

March 19, 2011

Mahar Contracting converted an open office space into three separate offices, while preserving the interior architectural features of the building.  Work was performed over two weekends, on-time, within budget, and with zero client downtime:

Client: Southcoast Precision Tile (Fred Hilliard, Proprietor).

Southcoast Precision Tile

March 19, 2011

Mahar Contracting is pleased to announce our formal working relationship with Fred Hilliard and “Southcoast Precision Tile” (a tile contractor and home improvements company, serving MA/RI).

In addition to design, estimating, consulting and project management services, Mahar Contracting is providing carpentry related trades for all of their remodeling projects.  Fred’s talents are worth standing behind and we’re excited about the potential of our working relationship…for growth into a larger market.

Owner/Operator, Fred Hilliard, is a long-time friend and extremely competent tradesman.  His professionalism sets him apart in the categories of “ethics” and “customer service” (traits which has served to win him a 5star customer rating as a “Service Magic” contractor).  

Mahar Contracting only deals with the most reputable and outstanding construction professionals.  I’m personally proud to count Fred Hilliard and Southcoast Precision Tile among them. (Mark Mahar)

See you on the jobsite!

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