“Choosing Podesta was the easiest and least-stressful part of the entire project because we knew that we could trust the team to deliver on their promises and provide top-notch results. Every chance we get, we recommend Podesta for remodeling projects.” |
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This month The Blueprint is featuring John Demiris. John first visited San Francisco in 1979 and decided then he wanted to stay permanently. He started as an apprentice painter for several years to gain experience and then made the move to work independently in 1985 and formed Demiris Painting. He always liked the idea of being in control of his own destiny and enjoyed the direct interaction with the customer. His first exposure to Podesta Construction was when he was painting a home in San Mateo where Podesta was doing a remodel project across the street. He introduced himself to one of project supervisors. Now, after almost 10 years of working with Podesta Construction they have developed a long lasting relationship, and John has enjoyed working with a “truly professional organization” on many successful jobs. Originally coming from a small village in Greece to America in 1976 – this has become John’s second home and being able to work with Podesta has been like working with family.
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The season has started... to the communities we do business in through donating services to the educational institutions. Recently we have donated services to the following schools and charitable events:
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Project SpotlightCreative Design With Small SpacesSituated on a quiet street in the Castro, this 1913 home offered extraordinary views from the rear of the house. The owners had a strong personal attachment to their home and loved the neighborhood. The home was challenged by the narrow width of the lot (23') and the existing Gambrel roof. They were looking to take advantage of several elements of their home. The Master Suite was lacking closet space and the bed fit clumsily in the room protruding into the doorway. The front façade had deteriorated significantly and the owners were looking for a new design. The Kitchen at the rear had a roof that provided an incredible opportunity for a roof top deck. In addition, they had other areas of the home that had to be updated and restored. The owners had worked with us on a previous remodel of their Master Bathroom. They were familiar with the exceptional quality of our work and customer service. They were also aware that we provided Design services and contracted us to prepare the preliminary design and feasibility study. We worked through different versions of design and provided cost input on the different components of the project. Renderings were extremely useful in visualizing the proposed space. The Master Suite final design included re-engineering the structural support for the Gambrel roof thus eliminating certain walls and relocating them. We captured extra space for built-in cabinets and closets, relocation of bed (thereby eliminating the intruding door swing), and incorporation of door for roof deck access. For the roof deck the existing structure was reinforced to current code which also provided proper support for blue stone pavers as the decking surface. The façade was re-designed with new windows and door respecting the existing architecture and incorporating a new planter balcony and trim details.With all these exterior changes, we were still able to obtain Planning approval over the counter. By making these important improvements to the existing home, Podesta Construction was not only able to add value to the home, but also enhance the owners comfort and love for their home.
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Green Building TechniquesEPA RRP (Renovate, Repair Paint) Regulation(effective April 22, 2010):
If you’re considering remodeling an older home, you should be aware of the dangers of possible lead poisoning due to exposure to lead-based paint. Lead poisoning can lead to permanent developmental and behavioral problems in children who are exposed at ages younger than six, but it affects the health of adults as well. Even a small amount of lead in your system can lead to a wide variety of health issues, such as reproductive problems, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and convulsions. Pregnant women can transfer lead to their unborn child. Even pets are susceptible to lead poisoning. Effective April 22, 2010 all contractors that work in a potential lead-contaminated environment must be certified by the EPA to do so.
All contractors should follow these three simple procedures:
The use of lead-based paint in home application was banned in the U.S. in 1978. Prior to this, lead was commonly added to paint as it increased the durability of the paint, shortened drying time, and helped the paint resist moisture and corrosion.
Common remodeling activities, such as sanding, cutting and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint which can be harmful to adults and children. Ingestion and inhalation are the most common ways for lead to enter the body.
If you aren’t sure about the lead content of the paint in your home, there are several steps you can take to find out. If your home is old enough, you may just want to assume that the paint is lead-based. If your home was built before 1940, there’s an 87% chance that it contains lead. A building constructed between 1940 and 1960 has a 69% chance of containing lead, and a building built between 1960 and 1978 has only a 24% chance. Lead test kits, which are available at your local hardware store, can be used to determine the lead content of existing paint. Make sure the test you purchase has been approved by the EPA. Another option is to hire a certified inspector to determine which areas of your home contain lead-based paint.
If you have lead paint in your home, be sure to work with a certified contractor to ensure proper removal. Ask to see their certification. Before work begins, review plans with your contractor on how they plan to confine dust to the work areas and ensure proper cleanup after the work is completed. Know the facts before you start. Get more information by calling
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Podesta Construction
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