TB Photo October
Greetings!

We're happy to share some interesting news and helpful tips with you this month.

In this issue:
Read more details below ... We hope you enjoy "news that's on the straight and level" from Titus Built.

Best regards,
Jeff Titus

General Manager

Titus Built Logo and Big 50
Remodeling
Architectural Drawing
 

Remodeling vs. New Home Construction
How are they different from each other?

As we talk with potential clients these days we find there are several questions we hear often. In this article, we will address one of those common questions:
 
Is there a difference between a design-build remodeling contractor and a new home construction contractor?
 
New home construction builders use architects and/or "stock" plans and new home contractors to build your home. If an architect is involved, he/she usually imposes a personal style onto the design and develops the concept drawings and plans on paper. Most architects are not builders - they can conceptually draw the plans, but it takes a quality builder to see the architect's plans and know if the concepts can be transformed into practical, effective solutions without costly alterations during the project. What works on paper doesn't always convert smoothly to the building process. Also, having more "cooks in the kitchen" can cause confusion, a loss of the client's vision, and unclear communications, all areas which lead to significant disappointment during the process of a remodel or addition.
 
When done right, remodeling design is thoughtful and complex. Designing a new home easily allows you the opportunity to trade square footage and budget between bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms in your home. If you want a larger kitchen, you can add the square footage to the kitchen and decrease the square footage in your dining room, for instance. Quality remodelers know how to reconfigure rooms to fit in your existing home by utilizing the space to its maximum potential.
 
Jeff Titus explains, "Many people don't realize that there is a lot more involved in remodeling a home than new construction. When remodeling, there are several factors you need to contend with, such as taking precautions for safety and cleanliness when the home is occupied, working with conditions that are not square or plumb, matching existing materials such as tile, flooring and moldings, and creating designs that will enhance the home as if the new renovation was always there. When moldings need to be matched and suppliers no longer carry the product, Titus Built mills the molding to match the existing detail. When a tile type is no longer sold off the shelf, we contact our suppliers to find a match. It takes years of experience and connections to products and subcontractors to produce fine quality renovations."
 
Titus Built has been remodeling homes for over 15 years. We are design-build remodeling experts. Our experienced staff and trade contractors specialize in residential remodeling by communicating clearly, keeping your home clean and livable while we are working, protecting your property, and paying special attention to the safety of your children and pets. Our integrated service provides a proven, systematic and efficient process from start to finish.
 
There is a difference ... see how we can help.
Tapas
Tapas Chef

Titus Built Tapas Event
Celebrating the "wrap-up" of a client's home renovation

On the evening of September 9th, Titus Built's team and friends enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Schirmer residence to celebrate the completion of their home renovation. The event was catered by Basso Café Restaurant of Norwalk, Connecticut. Chef/Owner Renato Donzelli prepared a fantastic tapas menu with an assortment of Mediterranean fusion cuisine, including delicious Sashimi-style Tuna Mango and Spiced Pork Tenderloin Sliced over Sofrito Catalan. Everyone had a great time and was truly impressed with the evening.

Kudos to David and Valerie Schirmer and Renato for making the event such a success! To learn more about Basso Café Restaurant, please visit their website.
Insurance
Insurance Certificate

Don't Get Caught with Your Pants Down

Make sure your contractor has a Certificate of Insurance

Homeowners, beware: nobody should step on your jobsite without a Certificate of Insurance which has been checked and verified! If you are doing business with a service company that will be working on your premises, you should first make certain that the company has sufficient liability insurance. If work will be performed by the company's owner himself, without other employees, a general liability policy is sufficient. However, if the owner has employees that will be working onsite, workers' compensation insurance is required.

The best way to obtain the Certificate is to have the service company's insurance broker forward the Certificate to you. The Certificate should name you, with the jobsite address, as the Certificate Holder and should name you as the "additional insured." This Certificate will give you proof that coverage is valid, as well as provide you with protection for yourself and 3rd parties in the event a 3rd party sues you due to negligence of the contractor. It will also inform you of the amount of insurance coverage provided so you may determine whether or not the coverage is sufficient for your needs. (For more information, contact your insurance broker.)

Note: In addition to the Certificate of Insurance, homeowners should have a written contract with the contractor which includes "hold harmless" language protecting the homeowner. If a claim is reported and the service company has not provided you (the homeowner) with a Certificate, the claim will go directly against you. If your insurance policy does not cover service companies, the cost of the claim will come directly out of your pocket.
Jeff AwardTitus Built Wins Gold in the 2010 Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards

We are proud to announce that Titus Built has been named a 2010 Gold Winner in the Qualified Remodeler 2010 Master Design Awards competition. The company won first place in the Exterior Facelift category.


Jeff ChamberJeff Titus Receives Award from Wilton Chamber of Commerce

Jeff Titus received the "Certificate of Achievement" Award from the Wilton Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber's annual banquet on October 14th. Jeff was one of three individuals recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the Town of Wilton.

"I am honored to be recognized by the Wilton Chamber and by my business peers in the community. I hope that our recent national recognition by Qualified Remodeler Magazine inspires other local businesses to persevere through these tough economic times and to remember to celebrate progress," Jeff said.

GQ Logo


Report: 100% of Titus Built Clients Surveyed Would Recommend Us to Others


According to GuildQuality, an independent customer satisfaction surveying company, Titus Built is proud to report that 100% of our surveyed clients would recommend us. We'd like to send along our thanks to all of our clients who have already participated in the Guild Quality surveys.

If you'd like to learn more, please visit Guild Quality here.
QR LogoTitus Built Recognized as Top 500 Remodeler

We are proud to be recognized as one of the Top 500 companies in the remodeling industry by Qualified Remodeler. Titus Built has received this prestigious recognition seven times.


EPA Lead LogoTitus Built is Lead-Safe Certified

Jeff Titus has earned a Lead Safety for Renovation Repair and Painting Certification with the State of Connecticut in response to the new EPA regulation for the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP). Protect your family and make sure you only hire a contractor who is with a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.

Facebook
"Like" Titus Built on Facebook!

Find us on Facebook

Please join Titus Built on our new Facebook Page. (Hit "Like" at the top of the page.)

Titus Built on Facebook will keep you up to date with current remodeling and design trends, community events and the latest Titus Built projects.

To make our page as lively and informative as possible, we need to hear from you! Let us know what you would like to learn more about.

Comments, suggestions and questions about your DIY remodeling projects are all welcome on our Wall or in our Discussions Box. And, if you are so inclined, your testimonials or recommendations are truly appreciated and can be posted in our Review Box.

To connect with Titus Built on Facebook, simply hit the "Like" button at the top of our page.







"It was a pleasure to work with Jeff and his team. They listened to our vision for our home and created plans that far exceeded our expectations. Titus' work shows thoughtful attention to detail and creativity. They have a true passion for building and design."

~Mark & Vickie Mathews



Read more client testimonials here.




Thank You to Our New Clients:

Beerbower Family
Kalin Family
Merolla Family
Perkins Johnson Family
Stewart Family




Thank You to Our Repeat Clients:


Bryant Family
McManus Family
Windas Family






Thank You for Your Referrals:

Bob & Matthew Goldkopf
Jerry Miller
Rosanne Olsen
Valerie Schirmer
Bottom Logo Plans
Titus Built, LLC provides a unique customer experience by delivering the convenience
of truly integrated design and construction services.

Call Titus Built today to see how we can help, or visit us online.
Tel: (203) 834-0275  www.titusbuilt.com

Big 50 Logo

Titus Built has been recognized as one of the nation's
Big 50 remodelers by Remodeling Magazine.



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