{"id":208,"date":"2018-07-26T12:50:23","date_gmt":"2018-07-26T12:50:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/?page_id=208"},"modified":"2023-03-09T20:05:29","modified_gmt":"2023-03-09T20:05:29","slug":"perspectives","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/?page_id=208","title":{"rendered":"PERSPECTIVES"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jkspuc7c-cfaefa2a65775c0440314d0f1da3facb\">\n.avia-section.av-jkspuc7c-cfaefa2a65775c0440314d0f1da3facb .av-parallax .av-parallax-inner{\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/perspectives-banner.jpg);\nbackground-position:50% 0%;\nbackground-attachment:scroll;\n}\n.avia-section.av-jkspuc7c-cfaefa2a65775c0440314d0f1da3facb .av-section-color-overlay{\nopacity:0.3;\nbackground-color:#000000;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_1'  class='avia-section av-jkspuc7c-cfaefa2a65775c0440314d0f1da3facb main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_submenu  avia-builder-el-first  avia-full-stretch av-parallax-section avia-bg-style-parallax av-section-color-overlay-active av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-25  container_wrap sidebar_right'  data-section-bg-repeat='stretch' data-av_minimum_height_pc='25'><div class='av-parallax' data-avia-parallax-ratio='0.3' ><div class='av-parallax-inner main_color avia-full-stretch'><\/div><\/div><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay-wrap\"><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay\"><\/div><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><main  role=\"main\" itemprop=\"mainContentOfPage\"  class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-208'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jwwke46c-17898807a4e0183d65d3bce16e38fc1b\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-jwwke46c-17898807a4e0183d65d3bce16e38fc1b{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\nfont-size:70px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-jwwke46c-17898807a4e0183d65d3bce16e38fc1b .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-jwwke46c-17898807a4e0183d65d3bce16e38fc1b .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:70px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-jwwke46c-17898807a4e0183d65d3bce16e38fc1b .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-jwwke46c-17898807a4e0183d65d3bce16e38fc1b .av-subheading{\nfont-size:20px;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-jwwke46c-17898807a4e0183d65d3bce16e38fc1b .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-jwwke46c-17898807a4e0183d65d3bce16e38fc1b .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-jwwke46c-17898807a4e0183d65d3bce16e38fc1b av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-1  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  av-inherit-size'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Perspectives<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/main><!-- close content main element --><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='clear'><\/div><div id='sub_menu1'  class='av-submenu-container av-jrckwyra-63777a4f098f3097605d46d4c32492f8 main_color av-switch-768  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_heading  av-sticky-submenu submenu-not-first container_wrap sidebar_right' style='z-index:301' ><div class='container av-menu-mobile-active av-submenu-pos-center'><a href=\"#\" class=\"mobile_menu_toggle\" aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue8a5' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><span class=\"av-current-placeholder\">Menu<\/span><\/a><ul id='av-custom-submenu-1' class='av-subnav-menu'>\n<li class='menu-item av-1l0u60-6cae948a02d7219a041342d5f59a99f3 menu-item-top-level av-menu-button av-menu-button-bordered menu-item-top-level-1'><a href='#spring2015' ><span class='avia-bullet'><\/span><span class='avia-menu-text'>Spring 2015<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class='menu-item av-1b2u1s-9fbea26db4e87f664a5235b3e924fd5a menu-item-top-level av-menu-button av-menu-button-bordered menu-item-top-level-2'><a href='#fall2015' ><span class='avia-bullet'><\/span><span class='avia-menu-text'>Fall 2015<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class='menu-item av-1fbod4-f7854b93920ce949a395687f15c0e8b3 menu-item-top-level av-menu-button av-menu-button-bordered menu-item-top-level-3'><a href='#spring2016' ><span class='avia-bullet'><\/span><span class='avia-menu-text'>Spring 2016<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class='menu-item av-193pv4-778ffc682883b1332c0c35b112e350db menu-item-top-level av-menu-button av-menu-button-bordered menu-item-top-level-4'><a href='#fall2016' ><span class='avia-bullet'><\/span><span class='avia-menu-text'>Fall 2016<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class='menu-item av-13lv6g-3bfdd9ded2e8670b45f82d9bc121858f menu-item-top-level av-menu-button av-menu-button-bordered menu-item-top-level-5'><a href='#spring2017' ><span class='avia-bullet'><\/span><span class='avia-menu-text'>Spring 2017<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class='menu-item av-1auio0-7f3f5e22dca364481ff958bd571a1e92 menu-item-top-level av-menu-button av-menu-button-bordered menu-item-top-level-6'><a href='#win2017' ><span class='avia-bullet'><\/span><span class='avia-menu-text'>Winter 2017<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class='menu-item av-7fr1s-6aee0d032f3511aba7fdf6f7a1428058 menu-item-top-level av-menu-button av-menu-button-bordered menu-item-top-level-7'><a href='#spr2018' ><span class='avia-bullet'><\/span><span class='avia-menu-text'>Spring 2018<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class='menu-item av-1wk38o-6bd14ea2dc6dfed9e1b9cc7b62f6b521 menu-item-top-level av-menu-button av-menu-button-bordered menu-item-top-level-8'><a href='#fwin2018' ><span class='avia-bullet'><\/span><span class='avia-menu-text'>Fall\/Winter 2018<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class='menu-item av-1pg6a0-f728220c9ed59c840a890abbebceae9d menu-item-top-level av-menu-button av-menu-button-bordered menu-item-top-level-9'><a href='#fall2019' ><span class='avia-bullet'><\/span><span class='avia-menu-text'>Fall 2019<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class='sticky_placeholder'><\/div><div id='after_submenu_1'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-208'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-cc6c6df27382c603251c37e82991dde4\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-cc6c6df27382c603251c37e82991dde4{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#000000;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-cc6c6df27382c603251c37e82991dde4 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-cc6c6df27382c603251c37e82991dde4 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-cc6c6df27382c603251c37e82991dde4 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-cc6c6df27382c603251c37e82991dde4 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_submenu  el_before_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-first '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><a id=\"fall2019\"><\/a>WINDOW FLASHING 101<\/h2><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>Fall 2019<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jw9oe00a-c3fe2c76c75900cccdd80702a4b547eb'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>One of the most important pieces to the puzzle when installing modern day windows is how to manage water. Any new window is expected to seal out wind and water from between the sash and the frame, but how does one ensure keeping water out of the rest of the rough opening? Let\u2019s talk about a few key elements in using the most up-to-date and effective types of flashing; adhesive-backed flashing tape.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#000000;\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_heading  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-1ii6a0-d5a80ae515f15fdf37de5c322160cedd'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-1' class='toggler   av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-1'>Read the Full Article<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-1' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>There are several types of flashing tapes available, with the majority being produced with three types of adhesive: asphalt, butyl or acrylic, as well as some hybrids. Most window manufactures recommend the use of butyl-base or acrylic-based adhesives. Almost all window manufacturers recommend not using asphalt based adhesive. The chemicals in asphalt adhesives can cause window flanges to deteriorate over time. Always follow the Manufactures recommendation when choosing the flashing tape.<\/p>\n<p>Taking the proper time to install a window can seem labor-intense and expensive, but a necessity to keep moisture out. This added time and expense if far less than the cost of call backs when water is found leaking in through an improperly installed or flashed window.<\/p>\n<p>Installing the Window &#8211; Let\u2019s assume the building paper has been properly cut back to expose the window opening. Prior to putting the window unit into a rough opening, steps need to be addressed to make sure sills are flat and level and a sill pan is covering the base of the RO and turned up the sides. The next step is to place a bead of sealant to the jambs and head of the window opening making sure not to put sealant on the sill (meant to allow moisture to escape out through the sill opening). Place the window into the opening, check for plumb and level and install fasteners to Manufactures specifications.<br \/>\nOnce ready for flashing, the first step with the tape is to line up one side of the exterior frame, and cut the tape to length to roughly the width of the tape (usually 3\u201d-6\u201d) longer on the bottom and at the header. So, if you have 4\u201d flashing tape, cut your jamb piece about 6\u201d-8\u201d longer to go past the head and sill. Another very important step is to make sure the tape is fully covering the nail flange, rolling the tape up onto the edge of the frame about \u00bc\u201d. The tape should extend out over the nail flange and onto the weather barrier. Follow the same instruction for the opposite jamb.<\/p>\n<p>Installing the flashing tape to the head or top of the window:<br \/>\nThe flashing tape should extend past the jamb flashing tape by approximately 1\u201d. Ensure the flashing tape adheres to the edge of the window by a \u00bc\u201d and extends over the nail flange and onto the sheathing. Now that all three sections have been installed, use a wheeled roller to press the flashing tapes securely onto the nail flange and weather barrier. Bring the top weather barrier down over the head flashing tape and secure the seams with tape.<\/p>\n<p>This is a brief explanation of a basic window flashing detail. Following Building Code and the Manufactures recommended practices is of the utmost importance. A properly flashed window should keep water from entering and allow moisture to escape the rough opening through the sill.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-b48a40d9cb033449cb8fa315eb5a8262\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-b48a40d9cb033449cb8fa315eb5a8262{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#000000;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-b48a40d9cb033449cb8fa315eb5a8262 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-b48a40d9cb033449cb8fa315eb5a8262 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-b48a40d9cb033449cb8fa315eb5a8262 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-b48a40d9cb033449cb8fa315eb5a8262 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_toggle_container  el_before_av_textblock '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><a id=\"fwin2018\"><\/a><span class='special_amp'>&#8220;<\/span>HIRE<span class='special_amp'>&#8221;<\/span> EDUCATION?<\/h2><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>Fall\/Winter 2018<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jw9oe00a-c3fe2c76c75900cccdd80702a4b547eb'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 70% of construction companies are having trouble finding qualified workers. &#8220;Over the last four years, we&#8217;ve seen rising rates of open jobs,&#8221; said Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Homebuilders.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#000000;\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_heading  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-1eggwo-bc1b90f0096bffb8c0212374ff364b74'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-2' class='toggler   av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-2'>Read the Full Article<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-2' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>During the Great Recession that began in 2008, more than 1.5 million residential construction workers left the industry. Some changed careers; others simply retired. Many immigrant workers went home and never came back. Today, 10 years later, the industry has recovered fewer than half of those jobs. And by one estimate, for every skilled worker entering the workforce, there are five who retire.<br \/>\n&#8220;If we don&#8217;t get workers, housing costs are ultimately going to be even higher,&#8221; Dietz said, &#8220;and that&#8217;s going to price out workers from being able to own their own homes.&#8221;<br \/>\nWe can&#8217;t blame it all on the recession, though. In a recent report, the Washington State Auditor found that good jobs in the skilled trades are going begging because students are being almost universally steered to bachelor&#8217;s degrees.<br \/>\n&#8220;There is an emphasis on the four-year university track,&#8221; said Chris Cortines, who co-authored the report. It&#8217;s an entrenched belief \u2013 promulgated by universities, guidance counselors, parents, peers and the media \u2013 that without that four-year university degree a child will have no future. Yet according to the National Student Clearinghouse, 30% of high school grads who go to tour-year public universities do not earn a degree within six years of enrolling. Obviously, college is not right for everyone. Sadly, there are still negative perceptions that &#8220;Vo-Tec&#8221; is for kids who are dumb, poor or lazy. It&#8217;s tough enough to be an adolescent these days without those labels being hung around one&#8217;s neck. It&#8217;s easier to jump on the college-bound bandwagon. What can be done to get more workers? Here are three ideas:<br \/>\nEarly Awareness. The Washington State Auditor recently recommended that career guidance \u2013 including choices that require less than four years in college \u2013 start as soon as the seventh grade (even earlier, in our opinion). Schools and especially parents will need to buy into this, but if we can just let kids know they have choices, and that they&#8217;ll be supported in those choices, it will make the high school experience a lot less stressful (and possibly safer) for everyone involved.<br \/>\nMarketing. We need to make the trades &#8220;sexy&#8221;; dump the stereotype of the overweight plumber with a butt-crack problem and present skill laborers as role models. The next time you see a TV ad recruiting for our armed forces, listen to what they are saying to make the military appealing to young people: you&#8217;ll have an adventure; you&#8217;ll learn a marketable skill; you&#8217;ll use technology; you&#8217;ll work side-by-side with some really great people. We need to promote the trades in the same way. Building a house should be cool!<br \/>\nFinancing. Tennessee has made its technical colleges free. We think NH should do the same<br \/>\nAgree? Disagree? Have other ideas to encourage young people to enter the trades? Send to <a href=\"mailto:Dan@Selectwood.com\">Dan@Selectwood.com<\/a> so we can continue this conversation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-e7a6feeb1d77f53060920e59557aad13\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-e7a6feeb1d77f53060920e59557aad13{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#000000;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-e7a6feeb1d77f53060920e59557aad13 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-e7a6feeb1d77f53060920e59557aad13 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-e7a6feeb1d77f53060920e59557aad13 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-e7a6feeb1d77f53060920e59557aad13 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-9  el_after_av_toggle_container  el_before_av_textblock '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><a id=\"spr2018\"><\/a>Duties and tariffs and taxes\u2026.oh my!<\/h2><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>Spring 2018<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jw9oe00a-c3fe2c76c75900cccdd80702a4b547eb'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Last year, after a one year \u201ccooling off\u201d period, the United States Chamber of Commerce imposed a countervailing\/anti-dumping (CVD\/AD) duty of approximately 24% on all Canadian softwoods imported into the country.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#000000;\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_heading  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-16jj6w-57b6cbb324050d19fbabd5c0ad861316'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-3' class='toggler   av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-3'>Read the Full Article<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-3' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The basis of the U.S. Canada trade dispute, which began in 1982, is a claim that Canada\u2019s lumber industry is unfairly subsidized through reduced stumpage fees (the price paid to the landowner to harvest timber), as the federal and provincial governments own the lion\u2019s share of the timber land and set their fees administratively rather than through the competitive marketplace. In 2006 the United States and Canada agreed to a resolution to end the dispute. This resolution was titled The Softwood Lumber Agreement and by the end of the year was fully in place. The agreement held somewhat fast with several changes and an extension until the end of 2015. The moratorium on the trade actions \u201ccooling off period\u201d was in place until October of 2016 when talks about new CVD\/AD began becoming official at the end of April 2017.<\/p>\n<p>There are several points to consider when discussing\/debating the countervailing and anti-dumping duty action. The United States is Canada\u2019s largest market for lumber, as domestic producers do not have the capacity to produce enough of the materials needed. Based on information gathered by the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association and the Northeastern Retail Lumberman\u2019s Association, most of the northern states and specifically the northeast use SPF framing lumber NOT produced in the U.S. Softwood lumber accounts for 10.3% of the overall cost of housing. The instability resulting from not having a Trade Agreement and the exorbitant duties is causing drastically increased prices for new homes. There is also one aspect of the tariffs that has not been discussed and which impacts Selectwood\u2019s business specifically; nearly all Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir uppers along with Western Hemlock is sourced though Canada and cannot be provided by U.S. lumber suppliers.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, on March 15th, 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determined that coniferous shingles and sawn shakes from Canada fall within the scope of the CVD\/AD cases and must be included with payment of duties. This includes all Western Red Cedar, Alaska Yellow Cedar and Easter White Cedar shakes and shingles. This new interpretation of the 36-year-old dispute immediately added a 21% duty to these products.<\/p>\n<p>While our lumber and building materials industry overall is certainly aware of the importance to keep a fair trade balance with all of the countries we partner with, it is equally important to recognize that products which are unavailable in the United States should not be subject to these exceptionally high duties and tariffs, or perhaps any tariffs at all. And one question that is often asked is, \u201cWhere do the dollars collected from the CVD\/AD tariffs on Canadian softwoods ultimately end up going?\u201d Inquiring minds want to know.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-a50dddea37089fb07bce57da86dcf05f\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-a50dddea37089fb07bce57da86dcf05f{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#000000;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-a50dddea37089fb07bce57da86dcf05f .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-a50dddea37089fb07bce57da86dcf05f .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-a50dddea37089fb07bce57da86dcf05f .av-subheading{\nfont-size:18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-a50dddea37089fb07bce57da86dcf05f av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-12  el_after_av_toggle_container  el_before_av_textblock '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><a id=\"win2017\"><\/a>THE LASTING LEGACY OF PETER ROBART<\/h2><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>Winter 2017<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jw9oe00a-c3fe2c76c75900cccdd80702a4b547eb'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>When Selectwood&#8217;s co-founder and co-owner, Peter Robart died last May after a long battle with cancer, it left huge holes \u2013 not only in the hearts of those who knew him, but in communities all around the Seacoast, as well as throughout our industry\u2026from here in New England, all the way to British Columbia. If you were to ask people, &#8220;What&#8217;s the first word that comes to mind when I say Peter Robart?&#8221; you would hear words such as &#8220;Kind&#8221;\u2026&#8221;Generous&#8221;\u2026Energetic&#8221;\u2026:Fearless&#8221;\u2026&#8221;Honest&#8221;\u2026Optimistic.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&#8220;One of the main reasons Selectwood<br \/>\nbecame so successful is that Peter made<br \/>\nsome very shrewd investments\u2026in people!&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#000000;\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-14  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_one_fourth  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-137px4-6c5662bde5aec8fb7b84015a16c9bb84'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-4' class='toggler   av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-4'>Read the Full Article<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-4' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>These are the traits people most readily associate with Peter. And while every single one of those words is accurate, underneath that outer layer of happy warmth and positive energy beat the heart of a very smart businessman \u2013 one who for more than 30 years helped to grow and shape the retail lumber industry in northern New England. Selectwood came into existence because of Great Bay Spa &amp; Sauna, the hot tub business started by Peter and his partners, Mark Rudd and Dave Wason. One day, one of their customers who had purchased a Redwood hot tub from them, had a complaint. The tub was so beautiful, he said, it made his pressure-treated deck look cheap by comparison, and was there any way he could order some Redwood lumber to replace his deck and match the tub? A light bulb went off. A container of Redwood was shipped from California to NH. Selectwood was born.<\/p>\n<p>From that humble beginning, Peter and his partners grew Selectwood into one of the premier lumber retailers in New England. Selectwood was the first retail company in North America to join the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, and it has been an active participant in the New Hampshire Retail Lumber Association, the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, the American Institute of Architects and several other industry organizations.<\/p>\n<p>One of the main reasons Selectwood became so successful is that Peter made some very shrewd investments\u2026in people! Did you know Peter majored in Psychology at UNH? Given his success and his predilection for politics, many people would assume Peter majored in Business or Political Science, but no, he studied human behavior. Several years ago, on a golf trip to Florida, Peter said to one of his playing partners, &#8220;Anybody can buy at wholesale and sell at retail. To be truly successful, you need to create positive interaction between the people you are buying and those who are selling. You have to build a relationship built on mutual respect and trust.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To ensure that this happened at Selectwood and Great Bay Spa &amp; Sauna, Peter made it a point to hire very good people and treat them with total respect so that they knew they were valued. Inspired by Peter&#8217;s example, the people he hired treated customers and suppliers with respect so that they knew they were valued. As a true believer in the phrase, &#8220;A rising tide lifts all boats,&#8221; Peter went out of his way trying to turn first-time customers into regulars, and suppliers into partners. And he did it all with grace, humor and integrity.<\/p>\n<p>Over the years, under Peter&#8217;s leadership, Selectwood and Great Bay Spa &amp; Sauna received several awards and accolades from their respective peers. Yet Peter would be the first to tell you that these moments of recognition, however gratifying, are not what constitute a legacy. It doesn&#8217;t matter how many brass plaques hang on your wall, or glass trophies sit on your credenza \u2013 they will all eventually be put in a box and forgotten. What is never forgotten, though, is how you treat others. And that is the true legacy of our friend Peter Robart.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class='flex_column_table av-hswot-0800b5cdda3e6c1ceec43b0aae4bbfac sc-av_one_fourth av-equal-height-column-flextable'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-hswot-0800b5cdda3e6c1ceec43b0aae4bbfac\">\n.flex_column.av-hswot-0800b5cdda3e6c1ceec43b0aae4bbfac{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-hswot-0800b5cdda3e6c1ceec43b0aae4bbfac av_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-15  el_after_av_toggle_container  el_before_av_two_fifth  first no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jwjibh81-440228a3aa26578218a40c4d5583def0\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjibh81-440228a3aa26578218a40c4d5583def0 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjibh81-440228a3aa26578218a40c4d5583def0 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jwjibh81-440228a3aa26578218a40c4d5583def0 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-16  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1712 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1712 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/peter.jpg\" alt='' title='peter'  height=\"350\" width=\"296\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 296px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 296\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ssf9-ea3e01a64eeb82a0fc81d2244daa6b61\">\n.flex_column.av-ssf9-ea3e01a64eeb82a0fc81d2244daa6b61{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-ssf9-ea3e01a64eeb82a0fc81d2244daa6b61 av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-17  el_after_av_one_fourth  el_before_av_one_third  no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jwjiciwm-0a94a1611feada5f25d0fc466562c142\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjiciwm-0a94a1611feada5f25d0fc466562c142 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjiciwm-0a94a1611feada5f25d0fc466562c142 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jwjiciwm-0a94a1611feada5f25d0fc466562c142 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-18  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1713 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1713 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/peter1.jpg\" alt='' title='peter1'  height=\"350\" width=\"484\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 484px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 484\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ssf9-ea3e01a64eeb82a0fc81d2244daa6b61\">\n.flex_column.av-ssf9-ea3e01a64eeb82a0fc81d2244daa6b61{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-ssf9-ea3e01a64eeb82a0fc81d2244daa6b61 av_one_third  avia-builder-el-19  el_after_av_two_fifth  el_before_av_heading  no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jwjiciwm-bcab1d23067ce79b93c8b61ef0a23b3f\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjiciwm-bcab1d23067ce79b93c8b61ef0a23b3f img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjiciwm-bcab1d23067ce79b93c8b61ef0a23b3f .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jwjiciwm-bcab1d23067ce79b93c8b61ef0a23b3f av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-20  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1731 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1731 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/peter-ShowShine-1.jpg\" alt='' title='peter-Show&amp;Shine'  height=\"350\" width=\"379\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 379px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 379\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--close column table wrapper. Autoclose: 1 -->\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-1e488763a73a8ea612e3b6e36c01129a\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-1e488763a73a8ea612e3b6e36c01129a{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#000000;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-1e488763a73a8ea612e3b6e36c01129a .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-1e488763a73a8ea612e3b6e36c01129a .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-1e488763a73a8ea612e3b6e36c01129a .av-subheading{\nfont-size:18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-1e488763a73a8ea612e3b6e36c01129a av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-21  el_after_av_one_third  el_before_av_textblock '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><a id=\"spring2017\"><\/a>Marvin at 7 Tide <\/h2><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>Spring 2017<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jw9oe00a-c3fe2c76c75900cccdd80702a4b547eb'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Marvin at 7 Tide is a one-of-a-kind design destination located in South Boston\u2019s Innovation District. The high-tech, high-touch facility opened its doors in July of 2016, inviting homeowners, architects, design professionals and Marvin retail locations like Selectwood to explore, discover, design, and collaborate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#000000;\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-23  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_one_fourth  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-yfke0-734a29c132493c76e36254230b12ec02'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-5' class='toggler   av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-5'>Read the Full Article<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-5' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><em>EXPLORE<\/em> &#8211; Marvin at 7 Tide illustrates the exceptional craftsmanship and rich history of Marvin Windows and Doors. We invite you to take a peek inside and see what makes Marvin so special. More than just wood, metal, and glass, windows and doors provide light, define spaces, frame views, and connect the indoors and out.<\/p>\n<p><em>DISCOVER<\/em> &#8211; Find your unique style. Browse the inspiration gallery to pinpoint exactly what you\u2019re looking for. From traditional to contemporary, and everywhere in between, Marvin at 7 Tide throws open the windows and doors to a myriad of possibilities.<\/p>\n<p><em>DESIGN<\/em> &#8211; Marvin at 7 Tide supports your design vision with hands-on technology resources, bringing Marvin windows and doors to life. Roll up your sleeves and experiment with scale, wood species, finishes, and accessories. If you\u2019re on the fence between shooting for the stars and playing it safe, we know you\u2019ll leave feeling confident in your final selection.<\/p>\n<p><em>COLLABORATE<\/em> &#8211; Marvin at 7 Tide allows you to fully visualize your window and door needs, leaving nothing to get lost in translation. It provides a great place to meet up with your Selectwood representative, architect, contractor or interior designer to hash out the details of your project.<\/p>\n<p>Marvin at 7 Tide is open for walk-ins and by appointment Monday through Friday 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. Visit www.seventide.com to learn more.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class='flex_column_table av-fuiql-3ce8b34975c4425d0c15deb1fcb05030 sc-av_one_fourth av-equal-height-column-flextable'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-fuiql-3ce8b34975c4425d0c15deb1fcb05030\">\n.flex_column.av-fuiql-3ce8b34975c4425d0c15deb1fcb05030{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-fuiql-3ce8b34975c4425d0c15deb1fcb05030 av_one_fourth  avia-builder-el-24  el_after_av_toggle_container  el_before_av_one_third  first no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jx56jzuj-2f1e4ebb858efcd0909ac2c59185d2c4\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jx56jzuj-2f1e4ebb858efcd0909ac2c59185d2c4 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jx56jzuj-2f1e4ebb858efcd0909ac2c59185d2c4 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jx56jzuj-2f1e4ebb858efcd0909ac2c59185d2c4 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-25  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1716 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1716 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/marvin3.jpg\" alt='' title='marvin3'  height=\"350\" width=\"233\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 233px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 233\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-7a4vx-bd2aa7ae84caa322367fcdc4006e692a\">\n.flex_column.av-7a4vx-bd2aa7ae84caa322367fcdc4006e692a{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-7a4vx-bd2aa7ae84caa322367fcdc4006e692a av_one_third  avia-builder-el-26  el_after_av_one_fourth  el_before_av_two_fifth  no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jx56kn3h-20a626e1ee977b6a4de867e4cfada0dc\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jx56kn3h-20a626e1ee977b6a4de867e4cfada0dc img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jx56kn3h-20a626e1ee977b6a4de867e4cfada0dc .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jx56kn3h-20a626e1ee977b6a4de867e4cfada0dc av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-27  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1733 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1733 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/marvin7-1.jpg\" alt='' title='marvin7'  height=\"350\" width=\"399\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 399px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 399\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-7a4vx-bd2aa7ae84caa322367fcdc4006e692a\">\n.flex_column.av-7a4vx-bd2aa7ae84caa322367fcdc4006e692a{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-7a4vx-bd2aa7ae84caa322367fcdc4006e692a av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-28  el_after_av_one_third  el_before_av_heading  no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jx56l6jg-9da7fdbbcb439da7923334bff09076fe\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jx56l6jg-9da7fdbbcb439da7923334bff09076fe img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jx56l6jg-9da7fdbbcb439da7923334bff09076fe .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jx56l6jg-9da7fdbbcb439da7923334bff09076fe av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-29  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1718 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1718 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/marvin2.jpg\" alt='' title='marvin2'  height=\"350\" width=\"457\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 457px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 457\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--close column table wrapper. Autoclose: 1 -->\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-5dfa96fa7ce4a12f95357121a0f32097\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-5dfa96fa7ce4a12f95357121a0f32097{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#000000;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-5dfa96fa7ce4a12f95357121a0f32097 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-5dfa96fa7ce4a12f95357121a0f32097 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-5dfa96fa7ce4a12f95357121a0f32097 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-5dfa96fa7ce4a12f95357121a0f32097 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-30  el_after_av_two_fifth  el_before_av_textblock '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><a id=\"fall2016\"><\/a>FESTOOL TOOLS: OVERPRICED OR UNDERAPPRECIATED?<\/h2><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>Fall 2016<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jw9oe00a-c3fe2c76c75900cccdd80702a4b547eb'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><em>A Contractor\u2019s Tale<\/em><br \/>\nNot too long ago, a contractor pulled into Selectwood in a brand new, full-size pickup with enough payload, torque and horsepower to haul the Statue of Liberty up Mt. Washington. We teasingly remarked, \u201cYou think that truck\u2019s big enough?\u201d He defended his purchase by rattling off a laundry list of all the demands his truck had to meet \u2013 it needed this much towing strength, this much load capacity, this size bed, room for this many crew members, this many air bags, brakes that were this big, this long a warranty, etc. He concluded by saying that although it was expensive, it would save him so much time, money and headaches compared to his old truck, he\u2019d make it back in no time.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#000000;\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-32  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_three_fifth  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-s7qio-fff2e6f61a2517c8877e77a7ad51002d'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-6' class='toggler   av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-6'>Read the Full Article<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-6' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>It was then we noticed that a number of tools sitting in the bed of his truck were the brands you\u2019d find in a Big Box store. We asked him if, when buying tools, he used the same logic he used to make his truck-buying decision. No, he said. For him, the tools were so inexpensive it was as if they were disposable. \u201cI use one until it fails, then buy a new one.\u201d What about Festool, we asked? \u201cWay too expensive. I can\u2019t justify it.\u201d So we loaned him our personal Festool TrackSaw (portable circular saw with guide rail) and told him to try it for a while.<\/p>\n<p>He came back within a few days and bought his own, plus a few other Festool products.<\/p>\n<p>The moral of the story? Just because a truck or a tool is expensive doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not worth every penny. Yes, Festool products cost more, but they save you so much in time, materials and health benefits, they pay for themselves in short order.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course you folks would say that,\u201d you\u2019re thinking. \u201cYou sell the stuff.\u201d Yes, we do \u2013 because we truly believe in it. And don\u2019t just take our word for it \u2013 check out what a couple Festool fanatics have to say:<\/p>\n<p>Bradlee Kirkpatrick, OCHO Woodworking &amp; Design, Portsmouth, NH.<br \/>\n\u201cI\u2019ve been using Festool products for a very long time. I own a Track Saw 65, which is so old they no longer make it \u2013 it\u2019s been replaced by two other models \u2013 and it just keep going. I also have a 15-volt portable drill that has suffered incredible abuse and still performs great. My favorite is the Rotex 125 [multi-mode sander] that I connect to a Festool dust vacuum. I just used that combination to spiff up the bottom of a 32-foot lobster boat in no time\u2026 upside down, and no dust in my face!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Andrew Neubauer, Neubauer Carriage Doors, Dover, NH<br \/>\n\u201cI first started using Festool about 4 or 5 years ago. I\u2019d known about the line for a while but just couldn\u2019t get past the cost. How could a tool be that much better than the DeWalt or Rigid I was using? Then a friend loaned me his Festool sander and dust vacuum system. After using it for just a couple of days, I bought my own. I work almost exclusively with cedar and mahogany, both of which produce some pretty noxious dust. I couldn\u2019t believe how much the Festool system reduced the dust I was being exposed to. Now I hardly ever wear glasses or a mask, and cleanup is super quick. Based on that experience, I went out and bought a bunch more Festool products \u2013 both the large and small TrackSaws, the Kapex sliding compound miter saw, a router, and the Domino joiner. I can\u2019t say enough good things about Festool.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>About Festool<\/em><br \/>\nFestool is a complete supplier for all applications involving wood. Whether sawing, routing, sanding, planing or extracting dust, Festool has the ideal power tool for every application. Festool tools and accessories are designed to work together in a completely integrated system. And every accessory or component adds value, allowing you to be more productive.<\/p>\n<p>Festool tools share similar characteristics with other brands. However, Festool engineers improvements on many of these tools to enhance safety, efficiency and durability. Festool also offers a variety of tools that are unique to the industry. For example, the Festool line of Domino joiners is unmatched by any other. They allow you to use loose tenon joinery \u2013 one of the simplest and most durable methods of joinery \u2013 making the Domino one of the most sought after tools in the Festool lineup.<\/p>\n<p>With Festool, there is a commitment to quality, product longevity, professionalism and user comfort not found in other products. Plus each Festool machine is designed to work with the Festool HEPA dust extractors to remove wood chips and sawdust, helping to prevent inhalation of airborne dust particles that are now known to be harmful carcinogens.<\/p>\n<p>Most customers \u2013 whether seasoned Festoolians or first-time users \u2013 come back to tell us how their new Festool tool has increased their productivity, making everything from set-up to cleanup a whole lot easier for them.<\/p>\n<p>You can see the complete Festool line-up of power tools at FestoolUSA.com, or ask us about the line the next time you\u2019re at Selectwood.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Fun Festool Facts:<\/em><br \/>\nFounded in Germany in 1925<\/li>\n<li>All tools and accessories are still built in Germany<\/li>\n<li>Every product is designed to withstand heavy use without breaking down<\/li>\n<li>Festool holds over 300 patents and 80 awards (and counting!)<\/li>\n<li>Responsible for many firsts:\n<ul>\n<li>first portable chain saw<\/li>\n<li>first orbital sander<\/li>\n<li>first portable circular saw with guide rail (a.k.a. track saw)<\/li>\n<li>first false joint saw<\/li>\n<li>first professional sander for profiles and edges<\/li>\n<li>first cordless drill with a brushless, electronically commutated motor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The undisputed leader in dust control, so you can take control of your health<\/li>\n<li>Everything is backed by a 3-year, full factory warranty<\/li>\n<li>Risk-free, 30-day, money-back guarantee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class='flex_column_table av-mbufh-d49069f39a3b67f17c9a88b4b44a5336 sc-av_three_fifth av-equal-height-column-flextable'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mbufh-d49069f39a3b67f17c9a88b4b44a5336\">\n.flex_column.av-mbufh-d49069f39a3b67f17c9a88b4b44a5336{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-mbufh-d49069f39a3b67f17c9a88b4b44a5336 av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-33  el_after_av_toggle_container  el_before_av_two_fifth  first no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9pzkhg-faaabdeacc836c690f80a4ac1944e0aa\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jw9pzkhg-faaabdeacc836c690f80a4ac1944e0aa img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jw9pzkhg-faaabdeacc836c690f80a4ac1944e0aa .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jw9pzkhg-faaabdeacc836c690f80a4ac1944e0aa av-styling- avia-align-right  avia-builder-el-34  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1706 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1706 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/fall-2016-Festool_ct-dust-extractor-family.jpg\" alt='' title='fall-2016-Festool_ct-dust-extractor-family'  height=\"350\" width=\"612\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 612px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 612\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-eeac5-2546b2a2b56d6f04716c72fd671e1981\">\n.flex_column.av-eeac5-2546b2a2b56d6f04716c72fd671e1981{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-eeac5-2546b2a2b56d6f04716c72fd671e1981 av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-35  el_after_av_three_fifth  el_before_av_heading  no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9q08xk-cbae4aa1f27557badd5b85d4f68d9673\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jw9q08xk-cbae4aa1f27557badd5b85d4f68d9673 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jw9q08xk-cbae4aa1f27557badd5b85d4f68d9673 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jw9q08xk-cbae4aa1f27557badd5b85d4f68d9673 av-styling- avia-align-left  avia-builder-el-36  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1707 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1707 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/fall-2016-Festool-HK-img-6588.jpg\" alt='' title='fall-2016-Festool-HK-img-6588'  height=\"350\" width=\"330\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 330px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 330\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--close column table wrapper. Autoclose: 1 -->\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-35377847f96365937246004b1b245d92\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-35377847f96365937246004b1b245d92{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#000000;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-35377847f96365937246004b1b245d92 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-35377847f96365937246004b1b245d92 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-35377847f96365937246004b1b245d92 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-35377847f96365937246004b1b245d92 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-37  el_after_av_two_fifth  el_before_av_textblock '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><a id=\"spring2016\"><\/a>Cable Railings: Innovative Safety With A Million-Dollar View<\/h2><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>Spring 2016<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jw9oe00a-c3fe2c76c75900cccdd80702a4b547eb'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Ever since safety regulations started being codified for the construction industry, designers and manufacturers have worked diligently to meet those requirements in ways that are not only effective but aesthetically pleasing. Case in point: railings (\u201cguard\u201d in ICC codes). Whether we\u2019re talking about balconies, decks or stairs, we can all agree that the safety of the people using these areas is paramount. And building codes reflect that: the top and bottom rails must be at certain heights from the floor\/surface; the space between the infill elements cannot exceed 4&#8243;, etc\u2026 most builders know these codes by heart.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#000000;\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-39  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_one_third  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-l4aj4-bdb6142d9679eeb79f8b007246f4b763'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-7' class='toggler   av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-7'>Read the Full Article<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-7' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>For decades, railings adhered to these regulations by using relatively thick balusters that created, in essence, short walls that allowed air to pass through and people to glimpse \u2013 in thin slices \u2013 what was on the other side. But when a house has a spectacular view to a panoramic vista, or an upper hallway that looks down into a magnificent great room, a baluster is literally a stick in the eye.<\/p>\n<p>Enter cable railing systems. Cable railings are safety rails that use thin (typically 1\/8&#8243;\u2013 1\/4&#8243;), horizontal or vertical cables for infill in place of those thick balusters. This allows a nearly unobstructed view while providing the same level of safety as traditional railings. Plus, cable railings have the added benefit of imparting a modern aesthetic to almost any design.<\/p>\n<p>Cable railing systems, which originated on the West Coast, have been around for decades. In recent years, the use of cable railing systems in the northeast has grown dramatically and shows no signs of being a fad. (You know something is popular when realtors start including it in property descriptions!) But before you start installing cable rail systems on every staircase and deck, there are a few key points to consider:<\/p>\n<p><em>Cables and Tensioning<\/em><br \/>\nThere are many different types of cable: type 316 stainless steel is best for coastal areas. The old UBC (Uniform Building Code) and newer ICC (IBC and IRC) codes state that a 4&#8243; sphere shall not pass through any portion of a barrier on a guardrail. As a result, cables that are spaced 3&#8243; apart must be tensioned to 200-400 lbs. to they don\u2019t deflect to 4&#8243; between them.<\/p>\n<p><em>Post Construction and Spacing.<\/em><br \/>\nThe end posts to which the tensioning hardware attaches must be constructed so that they will not perceptibly deflect under the high tensioning load. While this is not difficult, it does require stronger material and more time and attention than a traditional frame. The intermediate posts provide support for the top rail and have a vertical row of holes to support the cable as it passes through between end posts. In our experience, a system is much stronger and lasts longer when posts are no more than 3 ft. on center.<\/p>\n<p><em>Top Rails<\/em><br \/>\nThe top rail must be strong enough to withstand the compression caused by the tension on the cables. Common top rail materials include metal and stronger species of wood. Composite lumber can be used with a support rail.<\/p>\n<p><em>Cable Infill vs. Glass Infill <\/em><br \/>\nSome people \u2013 owners, architects and builders among them \u2013 prefer the look of tempered glass as infill. This can be extremely effective in the right climate\/environment, but less so in the northeast. Cable railings allow easier snow removal and do not require periodic cleaning like glass, especially near the shore where salt spray is problematic. Also, cable railings are much more bird-friendly than glass, as birds can see the cables and avoid injury.<\/p>\n<p><em>Cost<\/em><br \/>\nThe initial cost plus the more involved installation put cable railing costs at about 30-40% higher than traditional, baluster-based railing systems. That said, the cost of maintenance is much lower \u2013 cable does not need to be painted or stained and can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth. And of course, how much are people willing to pay to ensure they don\u2019t lose that million-dollar view?<\/p>\n<p><em>Selectwood Recommends Feeney CableRail\u00ae &amp; DesignRail\u00ae<\/em><br \/>\nCalifornia-based Feeney first started making cable railing systems in 1988. They\u2019ve been improving and refining them ever since. We started offering Feeney products eight years ago and have had nothing but positive feedback from architects, contractors and homeowners alike. CableRail is designed to be used with your own wood or metal frame, while DesignRail is a complete aluminum railing system in your choice of 6 different caps and 8 standard colors&#8230; plus more than 200 custom colors! For more details, call Selectwood at 800.922.5655 and ask for Sales.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class='flex_column_table av-ec239-b9d9b50094180565adc7a6e5c887f210 sc-av_one_third av-equal-height-column-flextable'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ec239-b9d9b50094180565adc7a6e5c887f210\">\n.flex_column.av-ec239-b9d9b50094180565adc7a6e5c887f210{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-ec239-b9d9b50094180565adc7a6e5c887f210 av_one_third  avia-builder-el-40  el_after_av_toggle_container  el_before_av_two_third  first no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jwjl4m9z-08c136e694175a795246a04387f1fed8\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjl4m9z-08c136e694175a795246a04387f1fed8 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjl4m9z-08c136e694175a795246a04387f1fed8 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jwjl4m9z-08c136e694175a795246a04387f1fed8 av-styling- avia-align-right  avia-builder-el-41  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1703 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1703 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/spring-2016-CableRail_MountainPacific_Railings.jpg\" alt='' title='spring-2016-CableRail_MountainPacific_Railings'  height=\"350\" width=\"265\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 265px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 265\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-b3s4t-6c280ae57d41db16a65f0217db8630c8\">\n.flex_column.av-b3s4t-6c280ae57d41db16a65f0217db8630c8{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-b3s4t-6c280ae57d41db16a65f0217db8630c8 av_two_third  avia-builder-el-42  el_after_av_one_third  el_before_av_heading  no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jwjl5e0p-f690bb69e2a7508c474efb45cecb90bb\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjl5e0p-f690bb69e2a7508c474efb45cecb90bb img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjl5e0p-f690bb69e2a7508c474efb45cecb90bb .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jwjl5e0p-f690bb69e2a7508c474efb45cecb90bb av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-43  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1704 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1704 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/spring-2016-CableRail_Spindrift_deck_railing2.jpg\" alt='' title='spring-2016-CableRail_Spindrift_deck_railing2'  height=\"350\" width=\"450\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 450px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 450\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--close column table wrapper. Autoclose: 1 -->\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-731f9a8e35f98953e5139317dd9e9d19\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-731f9a8e35f98953e5139317dd9e9d19{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#000000;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-731f9a8e35f98953e5139317dd9e9d19 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-731f9a8e35f98953e5139317dd9e9d19 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-731f9a8e35f98953e5139317dd9e9d19 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-731f9a8e35f98953e5139317dd9e9d19 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-44  el_after_av_two_third  el_before_av_textblock '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><a id=\"fall2015\"><\/a>Cellular PVC Fabrication: Just Keeps Getting Better<\/h2><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>Fall 2015<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jw9oe00a-c3fe2c76c75900cccdd80702a4b547eb'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Several years ago we wrote about the relatively new successes Cellular PVC was experiencing in exterior trim applications. We thought it was time to take another look at Cellular PVC and examine its recent evolution in the building industry. But first a brief explanation what Cellular PVC is.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#000000;\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-46  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_one_third  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-e41ig-bb60407c07bc3981725c2895bb338357'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-8' class='toggler   av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-8'>Read the Full Article<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-8' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><em>A New Front Deck Becomes A Neighborhood Gathering Spot<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Dave and Cheryl Hill live in an incredibly friendly neighborhood in Sanford, ME. \u201cPeople are always walking by,\u201d says Dave. \u201cAnd if you\u2019re out in front of the house, folks will invariably stop and chat \u2013 sometimes for quite a while.\u201d And that suits Dave and Cheryl just fine.<\/p>\n<p>So when Cheryl wanted to add a deck where she and Dave could enjoy more time in the sun, she thought they should embrace that friendliness and build the deck out front. \u201cI don\u2019t know what I want it to look like,\u201d said Cheryl, \u201cbut I\u2019ll know it when I see it.\u201d So Dave spent some time in front of the house using stakes, string and buckets to define the deck\u2019s size, shape, height, how the front steps might integrate, etc. Cheryl interjected that she\u2019d love to have benches and planters to enhance the curb appeal, so those were incorporated into the plans.<\/p>\n<p>Once Cheryl had her deck fully envisioned, she waited for Dave (whom she fondly refers to as \u201cThe Procrastinator\u201d) to begin construction. After a few months, she realized the project would likely not be completed before winter, so they agreed to hire builder Jim Savage. Jim took Cheryl\u2019s vision and brought it to life using Simpson joist hangers, Azek decking, Cortex hidden fastener system, Azek trim and DuraShell lattice for the skirt. Once Jim completed the deck, The Procrastinator took over and built some beautiful Azek benches and Azek planters. He then ordered a couple of custom-colored Seaside Casual Adirondack Dining Chairs from our sister company, Great Bay Spa &amp; Sauna.<\/p>\n<p>How\u2019s the new front deck working out? Well, over a sunny weekend this past spring, Dave spent so much time chatting with neighbors who were \u201cjust passing by,\u201d he got sunburned on one side of his face. And Cheryl couldn\u2019t be happier. (Not about the sunburn \u2013 about the deck!) Actually, Dave\u2019s pretty happy about it, too\u2026 only now he keeps some sunscreen next to his chair.<\/p>\n<p><em>A Facelift Gives The Dyer Home A Fresh, Updated Look<\/em><br \/>\nThe windows in Harold and Valerie Dyer\u2019s home in Somersworth, NH, had last been replaced in 1972. So the Dyers ordered beautiful new Marvin windows to replace the vintage vinyls, and hired builder Jim Savage to install them. (Savage again\u2026 are you seeing a pattern here?)<\/p>\n<p>Harold offered to help Jim by doing most of the deconstruction himself. As he was pulling back the siding next to the windows, Harold thought maybe they should replace the old siding as well. So he and Valerie ordered pre-colored American Original Cape Cod siding. It looks like cedar shakes but is made from polypropylene, which lasts longer and shrinks\/expands less than vinyl. They also ordered pre-primed Boral TruExterior Trim, which they had painted a dark green for contrast.<\/p>\n<p>As he was removing the rest of the siding, Harold remembered that he had never been happy with the ventilation in the roof, so he decided to expand his demolition to include the old gutters, soffits and fascia. And now with the whole house stripped, it just made sense to wrap it in Blueskin VP100 before putting anything back on. So they did.<\/p>\n<p>As Jim Savage was finishing up with the windows and siding, it became apparent to the Dyers that some of the old doors on the house just weren\u2019t up to snuff, so they replaced a glass slider with a new Marvin slider, a wooden door to the garage with a color-matched ThermaTru door, and the old bulkhead with a Bilco steel door. They also replaced the garage doors for good measure.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe outside is now done,\u201d says Harold. \u201cCourse, we haven\u2019t started doing the interior trim yet. Maybe I\u2019ll save that for another article.\u201d (Wow\u2026 who knew procrastination was contagious? \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class='flex_column_table av-dq9d9-45e5bc61fcb4fc0663e4f48b9990fb51 sc-av_one_third av-equal-height-column-flextable'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-dq9d9-45e5bc61fcb4fc0663e4f48b9990fb51\">\n.flex_column.av-dq9d9-45e5bc61fcb4fc0663e4f48b9990fb51{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-dq9d9-45e5bc61fcb4fc0663e4f48b9990fb51 av_one_third  avia-builder-el-47  el_after_av_toggle_container  el_before_av_two_third  first no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9og00u-38eca586f2c7481ece3f92edf68de3b2\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jw9og00u-38eca586f2c7481ece3f92edf68de3b2 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jw9og00u-38eca586f2c7481ece3f92edf68de3b2 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jw9og00u-38eca586f2c7481ece3f92edf68de3b2 av-styling- avia-align-right  avia-builder-el-48  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1697 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1697 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/fall2015-whitewood-millwork.jpg\" alt='' title='fall2015-whitewood-millwork'  height=\"350\" width=\"324\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 324px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 324\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-a7cp1-cdb8a8f453bccf19ed2b8e32e1543c8f\">\n.flex_column.av-a7cp1-cdb8a8f453bccf19ed2b8e32e1543c8f{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-a7cp1-cdb8a8f453bccf19ed2b8e32e1543c8f av_two_third  avia-builder-el-49  el_after_av_one_third  el_before_av_heading  no_margin flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9ogbzh-ee997cfade61e49877a8671e811cbab5\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jw9ogbzh-ee997cfade61e49877a8671e811cbab5 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jw9ogbzh-ee997cfade61e49877a8671e811cbab5 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jw9ogbzh-ee997cfade61e49877a8671e811cbab5 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-50  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1696 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1696 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/fall2015-perspective-hottub.jpg\" alt='' title='fall2015-perspective-hottub'  height=\"350\" width=\"545\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 545px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 545\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--close column table wrapper. Autoclose: 1 -->\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_heading-536fb124405362efcf26659f23155e8f\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-536fb124405362efcf26659f23155e8f{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#000000;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-536fb124405362efcf26659f23155e8f .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-536fb124405362efcf26659f23155e8f .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-536fb124405362efcf26659f23155e8f .av-subheading{\nfont-size:18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-av_heading-536fb124405362efcf26659f23155e8f av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-51  el_after_av_two_third  el_before_av_textblock '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><a id=\"spring2015\"><\/a>License New Hampshire Contractors?<\/h2><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>Spring 2015<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-jw9oe00a-c3fe2c76c75900cccdd80702a4b547eb'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>New Hampshire has a long-standing tradition of adhering to libertarian ideals. Most Granite Staters prefer less government and fewer rules to a larger state bureaucracy. We also enjoy \u201cpersonal\u201d liberties such as riding a motorcycle without a helmet, operating a car without wearing a seat belt, and carrying your favorite hand gun in the State House.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#000000;\nborder-color:#000000;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#000000;\nbackground-color:#dedede;\nborder-color:#999999;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-jw9pk2d5-b03f6223214490978fbef77d1af1b134 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-53  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_one_full  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-8xf5c-5e727a341d74bedec5a46e15ca71d5e9'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-9' class='toggler   av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-9'>Read the Full Article<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-9' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>When the topic of licensing or registering building contractors comes up, many automatically view it as more government meddling in private business. One needs to study licensing before coming to quick conclusions. Contractor licensing can offer protection to consumers from under-skilled or dishonest contractors. Licensing can also protect good contractors from being underbid by bad contractors. However in our opinion, a poorly designed system that only results in more rules and restrictions, accompanied by needless government fees, would not be worth implementing.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s the position of the New Hampshire Home Builder\u2019s Association: \u201cThe NHHBA supports the licensing of builders and\/or home improvement contractors where the required license or certificate is part of a program designed to promote professional standards, continuing education and fair business practices. The NHHBA continues to oppose legislation that falls short of these goals or that would unjustly or disproportionately impact the industry in pursuit of these goals.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Currently about half the states in the U.S. require contractor licensing or registration. Some states appear to be merely collecting fees for contracting privileges (this is the type of licensing the NHHBA rejects), whereas other states operate effective systems with well-defined education requirements. Of the six New England states, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont do not license homebuilders; the other three do. Rhode Island does require proof of insurance and tax documents, but no New England state requires a comprehensive educational program to build or remodel a customer\u2019s home.<\/p>\n<p><em>Should Builder Education Be Mandatory?<\/em><br \/>\nWith the adoption of the State Building Code in 2010, New Hampshire took a step forward toward standardizing building practices. The N.H. code is based on the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and applies to both residential and non-residential structures. In addition to new construction, the code covers \u201calterations, renovations, repair, removal or demolition of all existing buildings and structures.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The acceptance of the code was a positive first step in the adoption of safe, modern building practices in N.H. It provides builders and building officials standards by which they can judge whether a construction practice is appropriate. Still, there is no way to know if a builder is well versed on the code. And with building techniques and codes becoming more sophisticated, ongoing education becomes essential. There are some builders who are motivated to educate themselves, but there are others who will never find the time to do so. Mandatory education and testing is critical to insure all builders use sound building practices. Quite often after hearing case studies of job site deaths or serious injuries, builders are far more likely to use safe building practices.<\/p>\n<p>To be effective, educational requirements must be reasonable and ongoing. In N.H., we require licensing and education for plumbers and electricians, yet the builder, who should be capable of evaluating their work, has no educational requirements. The N.H. code stipulates that the \u201ccontractor of a building shall be responsible for meeting the minimum requirements of the state building code.\u201d Most often a town or city building inspector will review the work of a builder, yet it shouldn\u2019t be the inspectors\u2019 job to educate builders.<\/p>\n<p><em>Can Licensing Help Reduce Contractor Fraud?<\/em><br \/>\nEven in \u201chonest\u201d New Hampshire, stories of faulty contracting jobs abound. Often it\u2019s hard to determine if a contractor is unscrupulous or is just incapable of performing the contracted work. Often disputes over home improvement or building work end up in small claims court to sort out what actually happened. And even if a contractor defaults or is found to be at fault, there is no guarantee a consumer will ever recover their money.<br \/>\nWouldn\u2019t it be good for the consumer to know that a potential contractor has fulfilled standard licensing requirements? An online state registry would make researching a contractor easy. This would give the good guys an advantage in securing work while not having to worry about being underbid by crooks. Registration or licensing would also benefit the consumer by ensuring the contractor is properly insured. If a general contractor has employees, licensing would prove he has appropriate payroll withholding systems and insurance in place to protect his employees.<\/p>\n<p><em>How This Could Work.<\/em><br \/>\nBuilding inspectors want safe, honest, educated, professional contractors. As stated previously, the NHHBA will not endorse a statewide licensing plan unless a comprehensive educational requirement is included. With the rich educational resources of the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, which is closely affiliated with the National Home Builders Association, we already have a great start. It would make little sense for the State of N.H. to get involved with educational accreditation. Some people will argue that licensing contractors will make construction more expensive. We couldn\u2019t find any facts to support that claim. States that have successful licensing programs should be studied for what might work in N.H.. For instance, in Florida they allow a handyman to perform jobs up to $1,500.00 without being licensed.<\/p>\n<p><em>We Propose a Standardized N.H. Construction Contract.<\/em><br \/>\nWhen considering whether to license builders in N.H., we should also consider a simple, standardized, fill-in-the-blanks N.H. Construction Contract. Many disputes between builders and consumers happen when the ground rules are not well defined. A standardized contract could be a tool for recording information on the builder, including license validation and insurance information. Additionally, the contract could disclose if the builder will be using his employees or independent contractors to perform work. If the contract has a fixed price, it could define how change orders would be billed. If the work is to be performed on a time-and-materials basis, it would outline the labor rates and the formula for billing materials. A standardized contract would protect both consumers and honest builders.<\/p>\n<p>Licensing \u2013 in addition to protecting consumers, promoting safer building practices and establishing a level playing field for competitive bidding \u2013 would have one additional benefit: A contractor could take pride and satisfaction in achieving the educational goals and have the right to refer to himself as a licensed N.H. Contractor. Anyone can print business cards; have lettering installed on a pick-up truck, and poof&#8230; instant homebuilder! The ability to pass comprehensive testing and meet insurance requirements raises the bar and helps create professional credibility. Being able to call yourself a Licensed Contractor implies that you have earned that title. Let\u2019s work to give homebuilders\u2019 and their profession the respect they deserve.<\/p>\n<p>Licensed Contractor implies that you have earned that title. Let\u2019s work to give homebuilders\u2019 and their profession the respect they deserve.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-9gaxh-7acbc4fc69d927031a3118a8936e8756\">\n.flex_column.av-9gaxh-7acbc4fc69d927031a3118a8936e8756{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-9gaxh-7acbc4fc69d927031a3118a8936e8756 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-54  el_after_av_toggle_container  avia-builder-el-last  first flex_column_div '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jwjj0vt5-49396e617a813198b0a0cee15848045c\">\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjj0vt5-49396e617a813198b0a0cee15848045c img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-jwjj0vt5-49396e617a813198b0a0cee15848045c .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-jwjj0vt5-49396e617a813198b0a0cee15848045c av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-55  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-1701 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-1701 avia_image lazyload' data-src=\"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/spring2015-perspective.jpg\" alt='' title='spring2015-perspective'  height=\"350\" width=\"525\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 525px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 525\/350;\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-208","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/208","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=208"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/208\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3340,"href":"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/208\/revisions\/3340"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.selectwood.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=208"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}