A Green Dream House for Local Farmers

One of the best things about building a home from the ground up is the opportunity to tailor your space not only to your style and tastes, but to your values.

In this Project Spotlight, we will look at a home that reflects the homeowner’s desires for an energy efficient house that makes the most of green technology innovations.

These particular clients are the proud farmers of Lovin’ Mama Farm in Amsterdam, NY where they cultivate two acres of fruits, flowers and vegetables. They aspired to construct a well-built home on their extended family’s beautiful property, the Strawberry Fields Nature Preserve. Their goal is to continue farming their family’s land, and continue a proud legacy of conservancy that can be enjoyed now as well as passed down to future generations. And in keeping with their ethos of being environmentally-friendly, they wanted their home to be extremely energy efficient.

This project was a collaborative effort, from start to finish. The homeowners brought their own considerable knowledge of “green”  practices and innovations to the table, and under the careful oversight of an architect we were able to achieve a design that maximizes energy efficiency and also leaves room for future design additions, like a potential wraparound porch.

We started with the shape of the house. The simple rectangular shape used here is the most energy efficient shape. The home employs a geothermal heating and cooling system, by local firm Aztech Geothermal. Geothermal energy is heat derived from below the earth’s surface which can be harnessed to generate clean, renewable energy. When used as a home heating and cooling system, it involves using underground pipes laid below the earth’s surface, where temperatures remain consistently moderate. The pipes in the ground circulate a water solution and carry energy to the heat pump in the winter for heating and remove heat from the building into the ground in the summer. The consistent temperatures mean the home’s heating and cooling systems don’t need to use as much energy to achieve a comfortable seasonal temperature.

A big part of creating an energy efficient home is ensuring a tight seal around potential air leaks where heat or cool air can escape. We used blown in cellulose insulation in the attic, dense pack cellulose in the walls, and a ZIP System(R) wall sheathing with one inch foam to provide continuous insulation around exterior walls. We carefully went over all areas of potential air leakage, caulking all cracks and using spray foam wherever needed. We also installed double pane Andersen 400 series windows, as well as Thermatrue and Andersen doors.

But a house also needs to breathe, and to that end we installed an HRV heat recovery ventilator, which continually turns over the air and captures heat–allowing for air flow, but also minimizing heat loss.

The home has also been setup for solar panels, which the homeowners hope to install in the near future.

This project perfectly illustrates the many design and technology innovations available to clients who are looking to create a small energy footprint while still living in style.

We loved working on this home with these dedicated local farmers on this picturesque property, and increasing our knowledge of energy-efficient home-building. We know they will enjoy it for many generations to come.

 

 

 

Meet Lynn Fredericks, Schrader and Company’s New Office Administrator

We are excited to introduce our new office administrator, Lynn Fredericks.

Joining us in 2018, Lynn is a very visible addition to our team. She’ll be known to our clients and contacts as the face and voice of the office in her role, and we couldn’t be more pleased about that. Lynn is positive, outgoing, and professional and we know you’ll enjoy working with her as much as we do.

We hope you’ll call or stop by the office soon to meet Lynn and say hello to the rest of the Schrader and Company team of professionals!

On her own time, Lynn:

  • Loves to cook and bake and has an addiction to recipes/cookbooks
  • Is a running enthusiast
  • Loves to hike and has completed the Fire Tower Challenge, Cranberry Lake 50 mile Challenge, Saranac Ultra 6er, and is actively on her way to becoming an Adirondack 46er.
  • Love spending time with family and friends
  • Live on property that has been in her family for over 100 years!

We Are Hiring! Are You the Project Planner We Need?

We are looking for a Project Planner/Sales Professional to join our team!

Could you be the right person for this rewarding and exciting job?

Our ideal candidate is:

  • is passionate about remodeling, new construction and delivering exceptional service to our clients
  • has experience prospecting for new business
  • is able to listen and comprehend our client’s vision and concerns
  • is confident communicating and presenting project budgets
  • has extensive experience, or ability, to estimate, specify and facilitate the planning of complex renovation projects in an accurate and detailed manner
  • is able to perform consultative sales and close the sale
  • is exceedingly professional, motivated and organized
  • is a highly skillful communicator verbally and in writing
  • our clients and prospects would trust and enjoy working with
  • 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 looking to enjoy a meaningful and rewarding career with a great company

Here is what you can expect from us:

  • A competitive compensation package with opportunities to advance
    • A combination of salary and commission compensation, health insurance program, paid time off, holiday pay, cell phone, etc.
  • The challenge and reward of planning high-end, complex home renovation projects
  • Working in a dynamic industry with an energetic and innovative company
  • A truly family culture where the average 18 year employee tenure is a result of care for each other and mutual respect
  • A culture that encourages excellence through high standards and continuous improvement.
  • Encouragement and support of the advancement of your skills through training, seminars, trade shows, etc.
  • The pride of being a part of a company with a stellar reputation for over 43 years

If we have your interest, tell us why you would be successful in our company. Email Ben Cangeleri at be*@***********co.com.  Please include a resume and references.

Our hiring process:  1) resume review, 2) phone interview 3) in-person interview(s), 4) reference check 5) assessment, 6) final selection (those who move on in the hiring process will be notified)

 

We Are Hiring Carpenters!

We are looking to add talented, hardworking, and motivated Lead Carpenters/Carpenters to our team of industry professionals.

Our ideal candidate is:

  • 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 a work vehicle
  • is looking to enjoy a meaningful and rewarding career with a good company

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, Mileage 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 18 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 since 1973

 

If we have your interest, tell us why you would be successful in our company.  Email Ben Cangeleri at be*@***********co.com.  Please include a resume and references.

 

Happy Retirement, Rose!

Please join us in bidding Rose Kenyon a fond farewell with all our very best wishes, as she retires from a long and successful tenure at Schrader and Company.

Rose became a part of Schrader and Company in 2000, and in her more than 17 years with us has proven to be an invaluable part of our company structure.

Rose’s official title is Staff Accountant, but her role has grown to encompass many duties over the years, including much demanding administrative and marketing work, at which she excelled.

Our clients know Rose as the friendly voice on the phone and cheerful face at the office, ready to assist with anything. Over the years, our customers have always taken the time to tell us how much they enjoy working with Rose, and we have been very proud to have her be the first impression many people receive of Schrader and Company.

Rose is a consummate team player. She is thorough, reliable, and up for any challenge the day might bring. She brought all of these wonderful qualities to our office, as well as her kindness and friendship.

“Rose brought such positivity to our work environment”, says Ben Cangeleri. “She never had a bad day, and beyond her optimism and professional attitude, she was ready to take on any task.”

“In her role, Rose had to work with everyone in the company, and with every client. Her ability to navigate any situation with efficiency and poise has been a tremendous asset to us,” reflects Silas Schrader.

We know that Rose is looking forward to spending lots of time with her beloved family, especially her grandchildren. We hope the days ahead give her much-deserved time to focus on all of her passions and hobbies, including gardening and knitting, and plenty of time outside.

This isn’t a sad goodbye. Rose will always be a part of our Schrader and Company family, and we hope she will stop by and see us often.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Rose for her many years of dedication and hard work.

Congratulations on an accomplished career with us at Schrader and Company, Rose–and here’s to your well-earned retirement!

If You Build It…

Spring will come?

Well, to be fair, spring will come no matter what–all current weather evidence to the contrary. But spring and summer and even the golden, crisp days of early fall would be so much more enjoyable when spent relaxing and entertaining in your beautiful new outdoor living space.

This Project Spotlight is an excellent example of how you can increase the livable space of your home with the addition of a screened-in porch and deck.

For these clients, we removed a large, existing deck to create a new fully screened porch and outdoor deck, using the best in low-maintenance, weather resistant materials. We modified the roof framing to create the eye-catching tongue in groove spruce ceiling which serves as a stunning design element.

The flooring of both the porch and deck areas is Azek Decking, made of a premium composite material which will never rot, and the boards come together with a hidden fastener system. The screening is a Screen Tight system, which will allow the homeowners to enjoy their outdoor space free from both the nuisance of bugs, and mess of leaves and debris.

The addition is built seamlessly around the existing features original to the home, and the bay window really pops when set against the new deck and doorway to the porch. The custom-made truss, wrap-around stairs and light fixtures are the finishing touches that give this project such polish and style.

The clients are thrilled with their new porch and deck, which added about 350 square feet of livable space to their home. It’s perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and making the most of the best weather days of the year.

Which are on their way to us. Any day now…

Aging In Place and Style

Many homeowners come to us with hopes of renovating their current house with an eye to the future. We all want to be able to reside safely in our homes as we age, and there are fantastic design innovations that are making that dream more possible than ever before.

When we approach a remodel with the goal of making it a client’s “forever home”, one of the most important rooms to focus on is the bathroom. This is where we can employ thoughtful design elements and techniques to make it safe and sustainable for an occupant of any age and ability, without compromising on beauty and aesthetic.

This project is a great example of the marriage of sleek, attractive details and smart aging in place strategies. This particular homeowner tasked us with providing a spa-like bathroom that came closer to his desired, more modern aesthetic, while tastefully including a few very important safety features.

To begin the project, the contents of the bathroom were removed down to the framing. A small unused closet was also removed to increase the bathroom space, making movement in the room easier.

We added a curbless shower which includes a linear drain and a hinged open glass shower panel. This curbless design eliminates any kind of step up or down from the shower, greatly reducing tripping hazards under wet conditions. The stunning stainless steel bathroom accessories are multifunctional as both towel bars today and grab bars in the future.

Beyond the safety measures, the finished project presents as a sleek, luxury bathroom with great use of color and line. The grey floor and wall tile are complemented by the white wall-hung sink and Teak towel shelf.  We also created the beautiful custom cabinetry linen shelf which provides ample storage and an attractive design feature.

The client is thrilled with this transformation, and can rest assured that this bathroom will allow him to safely age in place in the home that he loves.

We were thrilled to make his goal a reality, and are ready with the expertise and tools to make that happen for you as well. Give us a call if you’d like to strategize about ways to make your home safe and sustainable for your family for many, many years to come.

 

Schrader and Company Joins BNI

At Schrader and Company, we are always looking for ways to become more involved in our community and support our fellow local business owners.

We recently joined an organization with just this purpose, and we’re excited to tell you about it. Business Network International is the world’s largest business networking and business referral organization. The mission of BNI is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive and professional referral marketing program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.

We are proud to be part of the local Saratoga chapter, Triple Crown Referrals. Our involvement in this organization has given us the opportunity to get to know other business leaders in our area, to learn about their passion for their particular industries, and to discuss our capital region community and the unique needs of our local consumers.

Every business involved in BNI is excessively vetted, and we have been so impressed with the caliber and quality of the Triple Crown Referrals team. In getting to know one another and educating each other about our own companies at length, we are assured that we share the same guiding principles and goals.

We are pleased to pass along our new network of business contacts to our clientele. Should you find yourself in need of a reputable and respected professional in another industry, don’t forget to check with our team. We might know the perfect person for you!

 

Sunken Tub, Elevated Design

It’s always exciting for us at Schrader and Company when we are given the opportunity to design and execute something truly unique for our clients. We love to challenge the depth and breadth of our collective craftsmanship, and this Project Spotlight afforded us just such an occasion.

This particular home was designed and built by our client’s father many years ago–a special circumstance in and of itself. When it came time to remodel the bathroom, the goal was to update all of the space’s functional and design aspects while paying respect to one very distinct original feature, the sunken tub.

Our mission was to modernize and reshape that sunken tiled tub while providing our client with a bathroom fit for a five star hotel. To accomplish this feat, we started completely fresh and all of the contents were removed down to the framing. The tub area was reframed to accomplish the client’s desired shape and size. We designed, fabricated and installed a custom vanity, built-in mirror, lighting soffit and two linen tower cabinets all with a white finish and pewter glaze. On top of the stunning cabinetry is a natural stone vanity top with two rectangular, undermount sinks.

A significant design feature of this bathroom is the mesmerizing movement and fluidity of the floor and wall tile. Surrounding the distinctive tub is a frameless rolling shower enclosure that enhances the stunning appeal of the tub and bathroom. Finally, using a darker color paint on the ceiling adds to this bathroom’s serious “wow” factor.

The total effect of all of these thoughtful changes is one of sleek, luxurious elegance. This bathroom would not be out of place in any design magazine.

This was a truly rewarding renovation project that exceeded our client’s hopes and expectations. They love their distinctive, beautiful, modern bathroom and we loved working with them to create it.

It’s a “before and after” transformation we never get tired of looking at, and we think you’ll agree!

  • Before

 

We Are Hiring! Are You the Office Administrator We Need?

We are looking for a dynamic professional to join our Schrader and Company team as an Office Administrator.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about the unique operations of a small business, willing to learn, grow and contribute to the advancement of the company, and can manage the multiple aspects of administration. If you are highly organized, self-motivated, a good communicator and bring a positive, self-starting energy to your work, we are looking for you!

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 18 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 be*@***********co.com. Please include a resume and references. Or visit our website’s “Join Our Team” page.