Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Facilities Management Expo Seminar Presentation

As you know, we recently exhibited at the Facilities Management Expo in Depew, NY. We were lucky enough to be asked to present a seminar which we titled "Concrete Leveling: When is it right for your facility?"

The seminar was information driven and designed to help commercial and industrial facility managers see examples of what types of projects are ideal for concrete leveling and which ones are better suited for replacement.

We discussed the changing business environment, how facility managers are feeling pressure to complete more projects with the same or less budget dollars than previous year and the dangers of liability-driven situations (we recently completed a project for a company who lost a million dollar lawsuit because of a trip-and-fall situation involving concrete slab transition).

There are a number of points we discussed at the seminar as supporting information and explanation. For example, we show a chart which indicates a very significant savings using concrete leveling (in this case, stabilizing the slabs) versus replacement for a customer. Discussion of this slide included the fact that this was an industrial facility in which there were exceptionally high OSHA standards and additional regulations which are not typical for standard warehouses; replacement in their facility would cost significantly more than in a typical warehouse because of the product they manufacture and store. It was an ideal project for concrete leveling.

Our open-dialog format encouraged audience participation and we fielded many good questions about our application and its' appropriateness for specific situations. We have already completed a couple of projects for people who attended our seminar that day and we look forward to completing more!

Thanks to Nancy Boyd Haley at PPM for producing such an effective show!



Monday, November 9, 2009

Facilities Management Expo!

The FM Expo is this Thursday, November 12th, from 11AM-6PM, at The Hearthstone Manor. We will be in booth 303. We are looking forward to seeing our current business partners and meeting new contacts! The show is aways a fun and informative environment in which to communicate and share ideas.

Please stop in and see Pete's seminar presentation at 1:00PM in which the discussion will focus on determining when concrete leveling is the best option for your facility.

Click here, FMexpo, or on the title of the blog to visit the FM Expo website; new features have been added and user friendliness improved! You can also pre-register online to expedite your entry to the show.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Concrete Leveling Saves More than Just Another Pool Deck!

A Note from Pete the Leveler:

In October, we successfully completed another pool project bringing our total of pool decks raised in WNY to 48 between 2007-2009. This was our first indoor pool and, more importantly, a pool in which replacement was almost inconceivable.

The house and pool were built by the owner himself 25 years ago and is a thing of beauty. The pool has a bar along the outside perimeter and a spiral staircase leading to the second floor that had also been affected by the drop of the concrete below the flagstone. Raising the pool deck back to original position using concrete leveling was the only viable way to save the pool deck from demolition.

After completing over 800 projects in the last three years, the feeling of bringing value and successfully solving another concrete issue never gets old, but this particular project brought a unique type of satisfaction. As a company, making money is a necessity; however, saving something that worthy of saving and knowing that for the owner of this pool we saved the blood, sweat and tears that go into creating something with your own hands has a particularly satisfying feeling upon completion.

Any skill worth having is a skill worth testing to ensure continued improvement...

Shown below are a before and after picture in the bar area of this project.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Fall into Concrete Leveling...

As the season moves forward, remember that concrete leveling is not at the mercy of the elements in the same way as pouring concrete. We will likely be leveling concrete into mid-December; we even completed an exterior project last January for one of the municipalities. Just because the season for pouring concrete is winding down doesn't mean that concrete leveling is ready to stop for the year!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Sharp General Contracting

Sharp General Contracting is an outstanding full-service building and remodeling company. I met them through the Home Improvement Council. Every customer that mentions them communicates having had a positive experience with Sharps highly-skilled and professional team. I was just speaking with one of our customers and she is planning on having Sharp complete her kitchen remodel; she said that she had spoken with three designers and the one that Sharp recommended is the only one who understood her vision for her space. If you are looking to build or renovate, I would definitely recommend Sharp General Contracting

http://www.sharpgeneralcontracting.com

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Presenting BOMA's Prosperity Buffalo Show!

Are you a member of BOMA (Business Owners & Managers Association)?

Visit A-1 Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair at the upcoming BOMA show, Prosperity Buffalo!

The show is Monday, October 5th, from 11Am-3PM at the Adam's Mark Buffalo which is located at 120 Church Street, Buffalo, NY 14202.

Visit with companies who provide products and services specific to your needs!

If you want information about becoming a BOMA member, exhibiting at the BOMA show or attending the BOMA show, contact Jennifer at 716-856-3801 or visit www.bomabuffalo.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!!!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Is Ridgid SeeSnake the Best Tool Ever???

Ridgid SeeSnake Micro Inspection Camera has become one of the most useful tools we have ever purchased, making estimating a void size a definitive calculation. Whether used in a warehouse, raised patio or pool deck, being able to see to measure the void below the surface makes us more effective. What a great tool!

To view the SeeSnake, click the post title or this link: http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/SeeSnake-micro

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

When to Replace...

So...you love the idea of concrete leveling...it is a great alternative to replacement, but is it right for your project?

Part of our complementary consultation is to assess your individual project and let you know when concrete leveling is an ideal option. It is also our responsibility to tell you when your money would be better spent on replacement.

Concrete leveling is not for you if:
  • your slabs have extreme, significant cracks (shattered like a broken window pane)
  • you want the concrete to be a different shape than it currently is
  • you want to pay more for replacement (just a little concrete leveling humor based on a bit of truth!)

If we have visited you and told you that we think replacement is your best option, for any variety of reasons, one of the companies to whom we refer business is Emerald Services.

Ed Shanahan is the owner of Emerald Services and is very conscientious and dedicated to providing quality results. If you contracted with him for replacement, your decision would be sound.

You can call Emerald at 716-570-2211 or visit his website by clicking the title of this post or clicking the link below.

www.emeraldserviceswny.com

Thanks for stopping in & have a great day!!!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Buffalo Decorative Concrete

Steve Wilhelm's company, Buffalo Decorative Concrete, offers great options for beautifying your concrete: engraving, staining & sealing! His website is under construction but should be complete soon!

http://www.buffalodecorativeconcrete.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Buffalo News Announces Recent Home Improvement Council Board Appointments

Click on the post title above or on the link below to visit the Buffalo News site to see recent Home Improvement Council board member appointments which include me! I am the new chairperson for the Membership & Development Committee.

http://www.buffalonews.com/409/story/786610.html

Repower America Focus on Clean Energy Economy

Hello! I just wanted to share the link to Repower America. Their focus on energy efficiency, renewable generation and unification of electrical transmission is much needed. They also offer pages for each state so you can keep tabs on what is being achieved locally.

Click on the link http://www.repoweramerica.org or on the post title above to view Repower America's website.

Have a great day!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Home Improvement Council Picnic

Here are pictures from the Home Improvement Council of WNY annual picnic. There was lots of food & fun! Thanks so much to Donna Czora of HIC and Bill Miller of Siegel Landscape & Drainage for planning this event!


Ed Warren & Mark Miller ~ Siegel Landscape & Drainage
Conversation...

Jennifer corraling the kiddo!

Frank DiCarlo ~ Paragon Restoration


Chris Yeager ~ A-1 Concrete Leveling

Jeff Valone ~ Try-lock Roofing

Dinnertime

At the Bar...
More conversation...

Horseshoes!

More Horseshoes!!!

Even More Horseshoes!!!

Signing In...
50/50 Winner!

Pete Easton & Nicole Young ~ A-1 Concrete Leveling
Donna Manages the Sign-In
Ed Warren ~ Siegel Landscape & Drainage

Bob Yavicoli from Ranch Construction
Scoping out the Plasma TV...

Anne from Phillips Construction Sells 50/50 Tickets


Donna Signs Everyone In!

Bill Wears the Sponsor List!



























Sunday, August 2, 2009

A 1 Concrete Leveling Western New York-Foundation

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:The video shows the process that A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair Great Lakes Region uses to straighten bowed basement walls. The A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair system used by the Youngstown Ohio, Buffalo New York, Pittsburgh (PA) and Erie (PA) Divisions utilizes the patented pumping system to fill the cinder block cells in conjunction with rebar and jacks to straighten and solidify bowed basement walls ensure it does not move in the future.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Welcome Summer!!!

The season is definitely here! We are already busy and looking forward to summer.

Thanks to all of you who have had us complete projects in one area and are now having us return to complete additional projects for you. We appreciate your business!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call 716-341-4550.

Happy (Almost) Summer!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

We Pumped Up Our Rear Patio!

Hi, there! So, as many of you know, Pete and I bought a house in February. The rear patio was sinking down between 2" and 5". Obviously, the most sink was at the foundation in the corner! We pumped our patio up this past Friday and now it looks great! I have included some before & after pics below. We are so excited to paint or stain it now and we are trying to decide which way we want to go (which treatment, pattern and colors). Will post the end result once we decide.

BEFORE #1


AFTER #1


BEFORE #2


AFTER #2


BEFORE #3


AFTER #3









































Friday, March 27, 2009

Homeowner Beware...Help Your Family be Aware!


This is a picture of my parents, Mary and Floyd; in the winter they live in a lovely retirement community in Sun City, Arizona. I was on the phone with my Mom yesterday and she started telling me about this "contractor" who knocked on her door earlier in the day and offered to repair some small cracks in the exterior of her home (which is stucco, as are most homes in AZ). He said that he would give her a great deal; only $1900 instead of the standard $2200. Hmmfff... He would not stop badgering her and finally my Mom firmly stated "I am not having this done!" Then, he came back later and wanted to paint the exterior of her house (which was just painted four years ago). When she said no to that, he offered to repair the stucco cracks again, but for the special price of only $1700. Hmmmfff... Of course, my Mom is not a push-over and will not be bullied. I was on the phone with her when he knocked on the door a third time; what a pain!


My purpose in mentioning this story is just as a reminder to everyone that reputable contractors are not typically knocking on your door to get work. Receiving a flyer on your door or in the mail or being offered a better price on your project during a slow work period are marketing tools; knocking on someone's door and trying to intimidate them into letting you fix something at their house is not marketing...it is bullying. Please share this with your friends and family. The elderly are often targets so if you are lucky enough to have your parents or grandparents in your life, make sure they know not to trust someone who shows up on their doorstep randomly offering home improvement services. I am including a link to a story on the AARP website which addresses this issue precisely; it is http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourmoney/scamalert/articles/scam_alert__fix-it.html.
Happy Spring!!!







Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Buffalo Home & Garden Show - It's a Wrap!

The Buffalo Home & Garden Show was a resounding success this year, with attendance up over 50% versus last year; all of the vendors noticed the difference. Exhibiting at the show is well worth the effort and energy. It is great fun to connect with past and future customers. I have included a couple of pictures of our booth. We would like to extend our sincere thanks both to the customers who attended this year and to the staff of Marketplace Events for orchestrating the show. Thanks!!!





Friday, February 13, 2009

A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair- Bowed Basement Wall Repair System

The video shows the process that A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair Great Lakes Region uses to straighten bowed basement walls. The A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair system used by the Youngstown Ohio, Buffalo New York, Pittsburgh (PA) and Erie (PA) Divisions utilizes the patented pumping system to fill the cinder block cells in conjunction with rebar and jacks to straighten and solidify bowed basement walls ensure it does not move in the future.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

2009 Buffalo Home & Garden Show

Spring is in the air.......

Well...it is almost springtime again and ideas are abound for how to improve our living spaces inside and out.

We will be exhibiting at the upcoming Buffalo Home & Garden Show. Visit us at booth #567. See you there!

For more information about the show you can click the title of this blog entry or the home show logo (along the right-hand side) to view the show website. For your convenience I have included the show schedule and admission rates below.

Show Dates & Hours
Saturday, February 28 ~ 10:00 am-9:00 pm
Sunday, March 1 ~ 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Monday, March 2 ~ 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Tuesday, March 3 ~ 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Wednesday, March 4 ~ 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Thursday, March 5 ~ 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Friday, March 6 ~ 10:00 am-9:00 pm
Saturday, March 7 ~ 10:00 am-9:00 pm
Sunday, March 8 ~ 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Admission
Adult Rate: $10.00 at the Door
Adult Website Rate: $7.00 (Buy On-Line and SAVE!)
Children 6-12 years: $3.00
Children 5yrs and under: FREE

Thursday, February 5, 2009

A-1 Concrete Leveling- Foundation Repair Process

This presentation shows the process that A-1 Concrete Leveling uses to raise houses that have settled through our patented piering process and our bowed basement wall system. The system has saved customers thousands of dollars and sovled hundreds of foundation issues.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Watch our Videos!

Hi, there! I added a link to our flagship video which is posted on Youtube.com. You can click on my picture along the right side or on the title of this post to view the video.

You can view our YouTube channel at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/a1concreteleveling

Also, if you click on our logo along the right side it will take you to our website for additional information: http://www.a1concreteraising.com

If you have any questions that are generated by viewing our video, please post them and we will answer as soon as possible!

Thanks & have a great day!

Nicole

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A-1 Concrete Leveling Buffalo Customer Testimonial

Video Clips from Driveway Project

These are some of the video clips from the driveway project we completed. The clips include the customer's reaction and the finished results.

Before Picture of Driveway Project




This is a picture of a driveway project we completed in Buffalo, NY. We have a series of video clips shot during the lift.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

2007 Home Improvement Council Award for Outstanding Customer Service


A-1 Concrete leveling Western New York Division received the 2007 Home Improvement Council Award for Outstanding Customer Service. We have received this award for two years in a row. The award represents the sum of our company and our commitment to our customers.

2008 Home Improvement Council Award for Outstanding Customer Service


This is the 2008 Home Improvement Council Award to A-1 Concrete Leveling Western New York Division for Outstanding Customer Service!!! It is an award that we are proud to have received because our goal is to bring value to every customer every time!!!

Friday, January 16, 2009

A-1 Concrete Leveling Intro

Hi, there! I am starting this blog to discuss our concrete leveling application. We have saved commerical, industrial, municipal and residential customers 50%-70% versus the cost of replacement. Why replace when you can raise?

A-1 Concrete Leveling, located in Buffalo, NY, is a construction company whose primary application is raising sunken concrete slabs through a hydraulic pressure injection process using patented equipment. We drill a series of 1" diameter holes through the sunken concrete slab, then hydraulically inject a slurry, or grout, to fill the voided areas below the slab. This raises the slab back to its' original position, saves money and the environment and eliminates the need for replacement.

A-1 Concrete Leveling is America's Largest Concrete Leveler! This is a locally owned and operated franchise and there are over 50 divisions nationally. "We Pump It Up!"


I will be posting info and pictures on a regular basis. Please let me know if you have any questions.








A-1 Concrete Leveling Intro

Hi, there! I am just starting this blog to let people know about our concrete leveling application.

A-1 Concrete Leveling, located in Buffalo, NY, is a construction company whose primary application is raising sunken concrete slabs through a hydraulic pressure injection process using patented equipment. We drill a series of 1" diameter holes through the sunken concrete slab, then hydraulically inject a slurry, or grout, to fill the voided areas below the slab. This raises the slab back to its' original position, saves money and the environment and eliminates the need for replacement.



We are America's Largest Concrete Leveler! "We Pump It Up!"


This is a locally owned and operated franchise and there are over 50 divisions nationally.


We have saved commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers 50%-70% versus the cost of replacement.


I have included one before/after photo set below and will be posting info about our application as well as more before/after photos. Please let me know if you have any questions about our application.