Month: August 2016

Learn the Lingo- Plumb vs. Level

The terms “plumb” and “level” sometimes get switched around, but the two words are not interchangeable.

Not to be confused with the fruit, “plumb” refers to a line that is exactly vertical or perpendicular to a horizontal plane. To check if a wall is plumb you can use a tool called a “plumb bob”, which is a weight that has a string attached to it.

Plumb refers to something, a wall in most cases, is straight up and down. The term “level” refers to something being straight from side to side- like a floor, if your floor is not level you may have some problems. You can use a level to check if a surface is even by using a spirit level (sometimes called a bubble level, or just level).

A spirit level is a horizontal plane that has a vial of liquid with an air bubble encased within it. When the level is placed on a surface the bubble of air will indicate whether or not the surface is parallel to the horizontal plane.

learn the lingo

Office Administrator Needed: Now Hiring

Group of business partners looking at camera with smiles, pretty leader in front

Schrader and Company Construction Services is a Burnt Hills based upscale home remodeling and custom home building company looking for a full-time Office Administrator.

Who will succeed in our company? A person who…

is passionate about the unique operations of a small business
is willing to learn, grow and contribute to the advancement of the company
can manage, or learn to manage the multiple aspects of administration
is highly organized, consistent and appreciates good systems
is savvy with most business software’s and willing to learn programs unique to Schrader and Co.
has a strong sense of client service and professionalism
would represent the company in a positive manner at all times
has a strong work ethic and will work productively and efficiently
is a problem solver with a “can do” attitude
is energetic and optimistic
enjoys working with others but is also self-motivated when working alone
is a good communicator
desires to enjoy a meaningful and rewarding career with a respectable company

Sound interesting? Here is what you can expect from us:

A competitive compensation package with opportunities to advance
- Hourly compensation, health insurance program, paid time off, holiday pay, etc.
The opportunity to learn and/or enhance your skills as a professional administrator
Consistent work hours
Working in a dynamic industry for a small, energetic and innovative company
A truly family culture where the average 17 year employee tenure is a result of care for each other and mutual respect
A culture that encourages continuous improvement and high standards
A culture of excellence
The pride of being a part of a company with a stellar reputation for over 40 years

If we have your interest, tell us why you would be successful in our company? Email Ben Cangeleri at ben@schraderandco.com. Please include a resume and references. Or apply online now!

Carpenters Needed: We are now Hiring

Modern business people sitting at workplace

Schrader and Company Construction Services is a Burnt Hills based upscale home remodeling company expanding its team of carpenters.

Who will succeed in our company? A person who…

is passionate about carpentry and home remodeling who knows the craft or is eager to learn it.
can manage, or learn to manage the multiple aspects of home renovations
has a strong sense of client service and professionalism
our clients would trust in their cherished homes
has a strong work ethic and will work productively and efficiently
views safety as paramount
is a problem solver with a “can do” attitude
is energetic and optimistic
enjoys working with others but is also self-motivated when working alone
is a good communicator
is looking to grow into a project management
can lift heavy materials, climb a ladder and perform other physical tasks required by the job
has tools and appropriate transportation
is looking to enjoy a meaningful and rewarding career with a good company

Sound interesting? Here is what you can expect from us:

A competitive compensation package with opportunities to advance
- Hourly compensation, health insurance program, paid time off, holiday pay, fuel reimbursement, tool maintenance, cell phone, etc.
The opportunity to learn and/or enhance your craft skills from some of the finest carpenters in the industry
The challenge of building and managing high-end, complex home renovation projects
Consistent work hours
Working in a dynamic industry for a small, energetic and innovative company
A truly family culture where the average 17 year employee tenure is a result of care for each other and mutual respect
A culture that encourages continuous improvement and high standards
A culture of excellence
The pride of being a part of a company with a stellar reputation for over 40 years

If we have your interest, tell us why you would be successful in our company? Email Ben Cangeleri at ben@schraderandco.com. Please include a resume and references. Click Here to Apply Online!

The Pro’s and Con’s of Concrete

In the past few years we’ve seen concrete becoming increasingly popular material for countertops. What are the pros and cons of concrete and is it right for you?

Pros

Relatively cheap –

Costs for concrete countertops can range between $65 and $135 per square foot (1.5-inch-thick countertop). Prices can vary depending on materials used, intricacy, time spent designing, and location.

Lots of styling options –

Concrete countertops can be customized in numerous ways. Pigment can be added throughout the entire surface for color, staining the concrete can create the look of marble, granite, or other natural stones.

The edges of concrete countertops can be finished many ways, from a rustic “ragged” looking edge, to an intricate rope detail. Pieces of glass, stone chips, or tile can be added into the surface for a mosaic look.

Seamless

Very large concrete slabs can have seam lines, however by using a color matched filler the appearance of seam lines can be drastically reduced.

Cons

concrete_style — Surfaces like these need to be sealed well

Needs to be sealed-

Concrete is a porous material. In order to protect the look of a concrete counter top it will need to be sealed. There are two types of concrete sealers, those that penetrate inside the concrete, and those that form a protective top layer. Depending on what sealer is used and the amount of countertop usage, you will most likely have to reseal the surface every 1-3 years.

Some people report that even when sealed, certain liquids like coffee, or oil can still leave their mark on the concrete surface. Concrete will also scratch overtime, being most noticeable on dark surfaces. Some owners love concrete for the “patinaed” look that their countertops take on overtime, chalk it up to beauty being in the eye of the beholder, or homeowner in this case.

Heat Resistant (?)

Concrete by itself if fairly heat resistant within reason. That being said, concrete sealant is not a resistent to heat.

Hairline Cracks-

Concrete countertops can be precast off site, or they can be poured on site. Those countertops that have been formed in place are more likely to crack than the precast slab. Houses settle down overtime and things shift, the custom pour countertop is made to fit your house at the time of installation, not 5 years down the road. This leads to hairline cracks in the surface. Larger cracks are easy to fix, smaller cracks may become something you’ll have to live with over time.

There you have it, concrete countertops in a nutshell, check out our other articles on countertop materials.

A Crash Course in Solid Surfacing Materials

We’ve gone over the differences in natural stone countertops before, now we’re talking about “Solid Surfacing Material” (SSM). While there may not be as many differences between brands of SSM, we’ll talk about what SSM is and what materials are commonly used in its creation. What is “Solid Surfacing Material?” A man-made material, solid surface […]

Comparing Natural Stone Countertops

Today we have an amazing selection of materials to choose from when looking for a countertop. It can be a little daunting. We'll be comparing some common countertop materials so you don't have to. First up, we're covering natural stone! Granite The most popular countertop material Comes in a wide range of colors - vibrant blues, [...]

countertop kitchen

A Successful Sail at The Saratoga Hospital Foundation’s 34th Summer Gala

The Saratoga Hospital Foundation can certainly call last Wednesday’s summer gala a success. Over 1,000 guests set a new attendance record and raised $306,500 for the Saratoga Community Health Center.

The theme of this year’s 34th annual event was “Set Sail”, and the decor and details were thoughtfully planned to create a bright, nautical atmosphere.

There was an abundance of auction items, both silent and live, and a professional auctioneer working at a fast clip to set pulses racing and paddles raising.

We are thrilled that our donated live auction item, a private dinner for ten at our showroom with Chef Kim Klopstock and complimentary concierge service to coordinate party details, went for $4,000.00. This money, along with the other proceeds raised at the gala, will go directly towards Saratoga Hospital’s Community Health Center, and enable them to continue providing excellent health, dental and behavioral care to Saratoga county’s underinsured population.

With each event we attend and each organization we support as part of our “Rebuilding a Better Tomorrow Initiative”, we become more aware of the importance of fostering a sense of fellowship in our great capital region.

It is truly inspiring to see so many hard-working people among us, championing worthy causes and creating positive change in our communities. We are enjoying being a part of this philanthropic movement, and hope you are enjoying following along with us.

A Crash Course in Solid Surfacing Materials

ssmcountertops We’ve gone over the differences in natural stone countertops before, now we’re talking about “Solid Surfacing Material” (SSM). While there may not be as many differences between brands of SSM, we’ll talk about what SSM is and what materials are commonly used in its creation.

What is “Solid Surfacing Material?”

A man-made material, solid surface is made up of acrylic or polyester resins, various minerals used as a filler with pigments added in. The result of this mixture is a completely homogeneous and non-porous surface that comes in a large variety of colors. With SSM you can get the look of natural stone without the hassle.

Solid Surfacing countertops can easily be made to fit your cabinet configuration, making it a perfect choice for seamless countertop installations. Solid surfacing is popular in hospitals – the easy to maintain, non porous material with seamless construction means there are less crevices for dirt and bacteria to hide in.

Wear and tear will show on SSM countertops eventually. While the surface itself may burn, get scratched or stain, owners are able to buff out surface markings. Deeper cuts and gouges can be filled if needed. It should be mentioned though that some darker/ highly pigmented surfaces will over time show scratches. Cutting boards are highly recommended if you decide to go with a SSM countertop.

Acrylic VS Polyester

Acrylic

Beware of solvents (Acetone, paint thinners)- They will damage the surface
Low gloss surface, less visual depth than polyester
Can be “thermoformed” into intricate shapes

Polyester

High gloss surface
More brittle (An issue for fabrication and installation, not so much for the user)
Can handle higher temperatures
More difficult to guarantee solid seams

Acrylic currently makes up a large percentage of products on the market today. Still, if you would prefer a polyester based material there are still some options out there for you.

We hope you’ve found this informative, next time we’ll cover wood and concrete countertops.

countertop material

Featuring Chef Kim Klopstock – Saratoga Hospital’s Summer Gala

This Wednesday, August 3rd is Saratoga Hospital’s 34th Annual Summer Gala, and we will be there with bells on to help raise funds for the Saratoga Hospital Foundation and their goal of providing the underinsured with the health resources they deserve.

Our donated item for the live auction will grant the winner the opportunity to experience the unique culinary talents of another outstanding upstate New York chef, Kim Klopstock.

Chef Klopstock is the owner of The Lily and the Rose gourmet catering company as well as Fifty South Restaurant in Ballston Spa. Both businesses deliver delicious cuisine using only the finest and freshest ingredients from local and regional farmers and vendors. Whether catering a special event or entertaining diners at the restaurant, Chef Klopstock strives to create a family atmosphere and a spirit of community. Well ahead of most kitchens, Kim has been accommodating dietary restrictions and minimizing her kitchen’s environmental footprint for years.

With her focus on wholesome, healthful food, Kim Klopstock is the natural choice for the chef who will treat the lucky winner of our donated auction item for the Saratoga Hospital Foundation. The package includes not only a great meal for ten at the Schrader and Company showroom, but concierge service to coordinate the details of scheduling and free transportation for all participants.

We are once again offering everyone an opportunity to experience the talents of our highlighted chef. Enter HERE to win a $200 gift certificate to Fifty South, Chef Kim Klopstock’s “Farm to Fork” restaurant in Ballston Spa. The winner will be announced in the September newsletter.

And watch this space for photos and updates on the 34th Annual Saratoga Hospital Summer Gala. It’s sure to be an evening to remember…

A Look at the Saratoga Hospital Foundation

A great hospital is a cornerstone of any community, and we in the capital region are fortunate to have many options for excellent medical care. Chief among them is Saratoga Hospital, and we will be showing them our support on August 3rd at their 34th Annual Summer Gala.

The Saratoga Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the hospital and helps bring attention to many areas of need, from nursing scholarships to fundraising for better ICUs and operating rooms.

The goal of this year’s summer gala is to raise funds for the Saratoga Community Health Center, which serves the underinsured population in our area. Last year’s gala netted a record $406,000 for the Community Health Center, enabling them to do some truly wonderful work for the deserving patients of Saratoga County.

The Community Health Center offers primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services. They provide everything from prescription coverage assistance to insurance navigation, to a community garden and food pantry. They offer classes to help people better manage chronic conditions and provide resources for healthier lifestyle choices.

We are hopeful that this year’s gala will once again yield record returns and ensure that the Community Health Center can continue their important and far-reaching work. To that end, we have donated a prize for the live auction that we know will entice bidders to raise their paddles. The winner will be treated to a private dinner for ten at the Schrader and Company showroom featuring the talents of Kim Klopstock of Lily and the Rose gourmet catering company and Fifty South Restaurant in Ballston Spa.

Access to affordable, quality healthcare is something that many of us take for granted, but too few enjoy. The Saratoga Hospital Foundation is there to remind us that many of our neighbors still need our help, and we look forward to doing our part on August 3rd to raise awareness and much-needed funds for this worthy cause.