A-1 Concrete Leveling

Concrete Leveling Walks the Straight and Narrow

2011-08-09T22:22:00.002-04:00

As a company it is always positive to hear feedback from your customers and it is particularly nice when the feedback reinforces the company values. Listed below is a customer testimonial from a project A-1 Concrete Leveling completed this summer. During the estimate the customer, Craig J. in Amherst, NY, enlightened me about how his organization has a “a board of business cards” on which employees post cards from local companies they have hired. The card moves toward the front of the “Good” board as others have positive feedback and vise-versa if the company does not perform well.

Below are comments from an email we received from Craig after we completed his project.

"I wanted to make sure to drop you an email to thank you and your company for a GREAT job on the sidewalk and especially on the A/C pad on the side of my house.

Thanks again for a great job. It is nice to have a contractor that you can trust!"

And below is the response we received from Craig when we asked if we could post his comments on our blog.

"YES, of course you can use my email for positive feedback on your blog. I will move your card to the first row of the GOOD side of our bulletin board at police headquarters."

Thanks for your business and positive feedback, Craig; it is much appreciated!

Soho Burger Bar Pumps It UP!!!

2011-04-25T19:57:00.000-04:00

Check it out...Buffalo's, The Nicole, says "Soho Burger Bar, baby!!! Woo hoo!!!" Soho on Chippewa in Buffalo is remodeling and implementing a gourmet burger bar concept. We like burgers and, as it turns out, Soho likes level concrete...

We would like to thank Soho for having us out to pump up the bar...okay, so it was the floor supporting the bar. Soho Burger Bar will be unveiling their new platform at the end of May or early June. When you visit. make sure you think of us as you sit at the bar drinking your favorite beverage and biting into a juicy, delicious, one-of-a-kind burger.

Live from Buffalo: Soho Burger Bar and A-1 Concrete Leveling...A Winning Combination!

Check out Buffalo Rising's article about Soho Burger Bar at http://www.buffalorising.com/2011/04/soho-burger-bar-chippewa-grows-up.html#SlideFrame_0.

A-1 Concrete Leveling Western New York Division (Buffalo, NY) Helps Raise Higher Education to Higher Ground…

2011-03-27T21:57:00.001-04:00

A-1 Goes Back to School at UB

This link above is a video of A-1 Concrete Leveling Western New York Division (Buffalo, NY) raising sunken concrete at the University of Buffalo during the Fall of 2010. This was A-1 Concrete Leveling’s second time back at U of B using our patented concrete pumping system. By raising over 120 concrete slabs, the University of Buffalo saved money, the environment (versus replacing) and down-time. A-1 raised 120 slabs above grade without slowing down UB’s student population. Check out how A-1 Concrete Leveling provided another concrete solution in Buffalo.

2011 Buffalo Home & Garden Show

2011-03-20T12:09:00.000-04:00

What a great show! The 2011 Buffalo Home and Garden Show was, once again, fantastic! Many past customers of A-1 Concrete Leveling stopped by the booth to thank us for the projects we did for them and we had the opportunity to visit with potential customers and our fellow vendors. We are looking forward to a full and exciting season!

2011 Exhibitors

A Best Inc.

A-1 Concrete Leveling

ABC Hardware & Rental Inc

About Time Décor

ADT Security Services Inc.

Alden Pools and Rainbow Play

Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter

American Fence

American Glass Block

Amherst Alarm Inc

Anchor Marine

Andersen Windows

Apollo Drywall & Painting

ARTBYBLAIR

Artisan Concrete Overlay of WNY

Arxx /Seaway Wall Dist.

Astrum Solar

ATC Systems Inc/Rainbow of WNY

Aurora Sewing Center

Awnings Plus & D'Avolio

Barden Building Systems

Barefoot Wine & Bubbly

Basement Remodeling

Basements by NES--"The Owens Corning Basement Finishing System

Bath Fitter

Bauer Specialty/Leafguard

Beauty Pools

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing/One Hour Heating & Air

Best Buy/Verizon Fios

BFS Direct, Inc.

Big Bob's Flooring Outlet

Big L Distributors

Black Rock Roofing

Braendel Painting

Braymiller Builders

Brownstone Homes

Buckeye Chocolate Company

Buffalo Energy, Inc.

Buffalo Geothermal Heating

Buffalo Glass Block

Buffalo Hardwood Floors Decor

Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors

Buffalo ReUse

Buffalo Spree Magazine/Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens

Buscaglia Decks

C2 Paint/Evan Hill Paint

California Closet

Capital Heat Inc

Capozzi Paving & Concrete Inc

Carolina Kids Furniture Decor

Carpet Care Services

Carpet Factory Outlet

CertaPro Painters of WNY

Chameleon Pools & Concrete Inc.

Classic Home Improvements Inc

Colden Closet Décor

Colley's Pools

Collingwood Construction Corp

Comfort Windows

Complete Contracting

Complete Heat, Inc.

Concrete Innovations

Cookie Lee Jewelry

Cook's Warehouse Inc

Cornerstone Concrete

Cortese Brothers Inc

Country Peddlers

Countryside Stove & Chimney

Cozy Homes Construction

CPR Custom Concrete

Creative Window Designs

Cutting Edge Landscaping

Culligan Water

Custom Covers & Canvas, Inc.

Custom Curb Appeal of NY

Custom Curbing of WNY

Custom Interiors Kitchen & Bath

Custom Security Communications

Customized Surfaces

Cutco Cutlery

Darling Paints

Decks, Etc.

DeGeorge Ceilings, Windows, & Doors

Dennis Evchich Insurance Agency

Designer Mailbox

Designer Pools

DesignNY Magazine

Direct Bug

Direct Security/ADT

Door Solutions

Eastern Energy Control

Ecolo Ionex

Elite Curbing & Landscape

Empire Glass Block and Tile

Empire Masonry Heaters

Enchanted Hearts

ENERGSMART Insulation

EnergyMark, LLC

Euroshine USA Inc.

Everdry Waterproofing Of Upstate NY

EverStone by DeJoy, Inc.

Fireplace Outlet Inc.

First Investors

Fisher Pools

Flowers by Johnny

Four Seasons Sunrooms by Warren's

Fox's Lawn Furniture Inc

Frank's Basement Systems

Freewatt/ECR International

Garage Floor Coating.com

Gary Pools & Leisure Decor

Geotherm Inc.

Gourmet Creations

Grape Country Soaps

Green Solutions of WNY

Greyhound Rescue Adoption Team

Guardian Fences

Habitat for Humanity/ReStore

Hamburg Overhead Door Inc

Hands and Paws Cookies and Treats Inc.

Harper's Heating & Cooling

Hart To Hart Industries Inc

HB&O Funding

Helen's Gem Collection

Heritage Centers/Allentown Industries

HMP General Construction

Home Comfort

Home Improvement Council of WNY

Home Star Solar

Hoover Industrial Supply

Housecrafters

Indoor Air Professionals Inc

Ingersoll Painting & Construction

Inside Out Casual Furniture

Interior Maintenance Services

International Housewares Inc

International Stone Gallery

Intertech Digital Entertainment Inc

Invisible Fence

Ivy Lea Construction

Jack of All Trades Computer Services

James Hardie

Janette's Designs

JC Penney Custom Decorating

JDH Custom Woodworking/Shutterworks

JM Enterprises

Jman Photo

JMT Construction

John H. Black Company/Cambridge Pavers

K-9 Connection

Kate Laine Jewelry

Kingz Concrete Solutions

Klemat Plumbing & Heating

Knauber's Kitchen Refacing

Kohler Awning Inc

Kwik Klean Air Duct Cleaners

Lakeside Jewelry Design

Leadsafe of Erie County

Leisure Craft Pools

Leveled Contracting Inc.

Lifestyle Photography

Lifetime Cookware

Lifetime Service Center

Light City Enterprises

Little Giant Ladder Systems

LJ Builders

Longaberger Baskets, Pottery and Wrought Iron

Lumber Liquidators

M.P. Caroll Hardwood Flooring

Maculo Enterprises

Make-A-Wish Foundation of WNY

Mario & Son Tile and Linoleum Co Inc

Mark Callen Photography

Mark Enterprises, Inc

Marvin Windows Of New York

Mary Kay Cosmetics

Master Chong's World Class Tae Kwon DO

Maximum Security Services Inc

Memories, One Stitch at a Time

Menne Nursery & Florist

Met Life Insurance

Michael S. Smith Graphics

Modern Windows of NY Inc.

MRM

Munro Products

National Fuel Gas Corporation

National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation

National Overhead Door Inc

Nature Stone by John Parker Contracting

New Dimensions Of WNY Ltd

Nexgen Windows & Doors LLC

Niagara Cabinets

NOCO Energy

Northeast Window Tint

NYS Department of Public Service

NYS Lottery

NYSERDA

Oasis

Ohiocraft Furniture

Pace Landscaping

Pacific Pools by JLB

Patio Enclosures Inc

PCS Plumbing

Pella Of WNY

Perf-A-Lawn

Perfect Lawn

Pet Connection Programs, Inc.

Picket Fence and Exteriors Inc.

Pollard Windows

Pool Brite Inc

Pool Mart Inc

Premier Fence

Premier Remodeling

Premier Woodworks Décor

Pro Fireplace Sales & Service

Pro Paint of WNY, Inc.

Quality Filtration

Rain Soft

Raynor Doors Of WNY

Recreational Warehouse

Regal Entertainment Group

Regent Corp/Superior Stone Flooring

Renewal By Andersen

Satellite Solutions

Sauna Bobs

Scentsy Wickless Candles

Scott Lawn Service

SEFCU

Seibold Construction Inc.

Select Comfort

Select Marketing/Dream Silk/Thentix Skin Conditioner

Seneca Plumbing & Heating Supply Co Inc

Servpro

Sheridan Surgical Inc

Shield Security Systems

Shiny Object Media

Siegel Landscape & Drainage

Signature Landscaping Inc.

Signlanguage Inc

Silpada Designs Inc.

Softub Express

Solar Liberty

Solid Ground Concrete/New Era Edging

Sound & Theater (S& T Enterprises)

Southtowns Vacuum

Stanley Steemer

Starbird Concepts

Stockmohr Company Inc.

Storage Mobility Of Buffalo LLC

Sun Enterprises

Sunroom Additions & Improvements

Sunset Builders & Roofers

Superior Contracting, Inc.

Superior Decks & Gazebos

Superior Heat Co. L.L.C.

Superior Walls Of Upstate NY

Superview Handmade Embroidery Arts

Surface Magic

Switala's Construction

Tastefully Simple

Teeth Whitening Experts

Territory Mortgage

The Good Feet Store

The Kaz Companies

The Sherwin Williams Co.

The Tree Doctor

The Vinyl Outlet

Tiede Zoeller Tile Corp

Timberbuilt

TimberTech

Time Warner

TJW Custom Homes & Additions

Touch of Purple

Town Insulation

Upstate Systems, Inc.

Urban Valet

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

USA Bird Supply

Utech Basement Waterproofing

Vacinek Complete Home Services

Ventry Concrete Contracting

Verizon/FIOS

Vetter Vineyard Winery/7 Vines Wines

VIP Pet Sitting

Vision Auto & Plate Glass/Rustop

Waste Management of New York, LLC

Watercure By Health Keys

Wayne Block Development

Williamstown Construction

Window Depot USA

Window World of Buffalo

Wood-Tex Products

Yard Pros Landscaping

Zenner & Ritter

A-1 Concrete Leveling Western New York (Buffalo) video at Applebee's

2011-02-05T01:26:00.001-05:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation: This video is a series of clips showing A-1 Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair Western New York Division (Buffalo, NY) raising a concrete entry slab at an Applebee’s restaurant. Concrete leveling provided a cost savings as well as eliminated down time and made for a more convenient dinning experience for the customer. Check out how A-1 Concrete Leveling provided another concrete solution in Buffalo.

A-1 Concrete Leveling Western New York (Buffalo) video at Applebee's

View more videos from Peter Easton.

A 1 Concrete Leveling Western New York

2010-11-26T00:48:00.001-05:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

A 1 Concrete Leveling Western New York

View more presentations from A-1 Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair.

Facilities Management Expo 2010

2010-11-04T20:44:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Nancy Boyd Haley for organizing a fantastic Facilities Management Expo today!!! We were able to meet with many of our regular commercial and industrial customers and connected with some great people that may become customers. As always, it was fun to see the other vendors too. Thanks again to Nancy and all the attendees at the show!

Here's a list of companies that exhibited:

A-1 Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair
A-Verdi Storage Containers
ABC Hardware & Rental
ADMAR Supply Co
ADT Security Services Inc.
Advanced Facilities Services Int'l Inc.
AFE-Chapter 28
All State Fire Equipment of WNY
Allentown Industries
Allied Building Products
Apac Equipment Inc. **
Be-Bright Lighting, Inc.
Botanicus Interior Landscaping
Buffalo Concrete Solutions**
Buffalo-Energy, Inc. **
Building Controls & Services, Inc.
Bulb Man, Inc.
C.S. Kimeric, Inc.
Casco Security Systems, Inc.
Centimark Corporation
Channel One Media Video Photography
Cintas Corporation
Cintas Document Destruction**
CIR Electrical Construction Corp.**
Contract Flooring**
Cooper Sign Co., Inc.
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Chautauqua County**
Culligan Water
Custom Curb Appeal of New York**
Darling Paint, Inc.**
Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Co., Inc.
Diedrich Technologies, Inc.**
Dobmeier Janitor Supply Inc.
Dyson B2B, Inc. **
E.M. Cahill Company, Inc.
Ecology Roof Systems/Abraxas Restoration
Energy Curtailment Specialists, Inc.**
EverDry Waterproofing
Frank's Landscaping & Drainage
GDF Suez Energy Resources NA **
GLR Recycling Solutions Inc.**
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Hamburg Overhead Door, Inc.
Held's Janitorial Services Inc.
HJS Supply Company, LLC
Home Improvement Council of WNY
Indoor Air Professionals, Inc.
Integrity Pest Services Inc.
Jani-King of Buffalo Inc.
KW Crowd Control**
McCullagh Coffee
Millington Lockwood Business Interiors
Mr. Plumber HVAC
National Assn. of Purchasing Mgmt (NAPM)
Niagara Metals LLC **
Northeast Window Tint
NYSAR3 - New York State Assn. for Reduction, Reuse & Recycling
O'Connell Electric Company
Old Glory Flag & Banner
Painters Plus Home Decorating Inc.**
Philipps Bros. Supply Inc.
Que Centre
R.P. Fedder Corp.
Raymond E. Kelley, Inc.
Regional Computer Recycling & Recovery (RCR&R) Rigidized Metals Corporation **
Seneca Plumbing & Heating Supply Co., Inc.
Shell Fab & Design, Inc. **
Shiffler Equipment Sales, Inc.**
Solar Liberty
Sunnking Electronics Recycling
The Davey Tree Expert Co., Inc.**
The MJA Company
Thurman Thomas Global Energy Group**
U.S. Green Building Council-NY Upstate Chapter
Valvoline Instant Oil Change
Van Hook Service Co.
Verizon Wireless

Experience the A-1 Advantage!!!

2010-11-03T20:41:00.005-04:00

A-1 Concrete Leveling is America's Premier Concrete Leveling Company!

The most modern concrete leveling techniques!

The 1" diameter holes drilled through the slab by A-1 are the smallest in the industry
Smaller hole size avoids weakening the slabs or raising the slabs too quickly
A-1 fills the void completely and raises the slab safely

The most environmentally responsible concrete leveling material.

Limestone-based slurry used to raise sunken concrete is natures' original green material and has stood the test of time
Limestone is used by farmers to fertilize crops
Limestone was used over 3000 years ago to build the pyramids!
Limestone is natural and won't disturb the landscape, in fact, it may help...everyone has received a mailer offering "organic lime treatment" for the lawn

A-1's patented Concrete Leveling System has been perfected over the last 30 years!!!

Facility Managers: Maximize Your 2010 Budget

2010-10-29T15:36:00.007-04:00

Since we have entered the final quarter of the year, there are many industrial and commercial properties contacting us as they review their annual budgets. You know the old adage: use it or lose it! If you are like others, the weather may have impacted your ability to make improvements or maintain every aspect of your property. Since concrete leveling is not subject to some of the same weather restrictions, we are helping facilities maximize their end-of-year spend using our value-oriented concrete lifting solution. If your facility has budget spend remaining and sunken concrete, let A-1 Concrete Leveling help you increase your overall performance rating on budget usage!

Limestone

2010-09-15T11:30:00.002-04:00

Limestone

Click the link above to read an interesting article which discusses the long-term durability of naturally-occurring limestone making limestone a proven building material that can last for centuries.

Of course this is part of why we use a limestone-based slurry in our hydraulic pressure injection application for concrete leveling. Our grout material effectively re-establishes the sub-base and creates a natural, stable sub-support for the slab.

It is unusual that the author did not mention that the Egyptian pyramids are made of limestone since they have been around for thousands of years!!!

This article was written by nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, Tim Collins, and published on the Ask The Builder website.

Enjoy!

Coal Fly Ash EPA Ruling Controversy

2010-09-02T13:43:00.011-04:00

The EPA continues to delay their decision on whether coal fly ash should be classified as a hazardous material. We use an agricultural limestone (ag-lime) mixture for leveling which does not include any coal fly ash. There are varied opinions on the fly ash topic and if you search the web, you will get differing perspectives relative to the dangers presented by coal fly ash. The 60 Minutes segment below addressed the 100 billion gallon coal fly ash disaster in Kingston, TN, in 2008 which is one major contributing factor in coal fly ash being reviewed by and possibly reclassified as hazardous by the EPA. The EPA's decision remains open to public contribution and discussion and is due to be formally decided later this year. More information can be viewed http://www.epa.gov/.

WOW! What a great benefit event for our friend Ed Warren!!!

2010-08-30T09:20:00.007-04:00

It has been a busy summer, and also a sad summer... One of the worst things about this year is that our very good friend, Ed Warren, has inoperable brain cancer. We have been part of the fundraising committee since its' inception and the benefit was held yesterday at the Polish Falcons in Depew (right down the street from Ed's house). Months worth of work resulted in a resounding success!!! Thanks to all the individuals and companies who have helped to support Ed's benefit by donating auction items, baskets and money. Although the event is over, donations will continue to be thankfully accepted through Paypal at http://www.edwarrencancerfund.com/ and at any Lake Shore Savings Bank branch.

We Love Our Customers!!!

2010-07-26T10:31:00.005-04:00

What a lovely card we received from Sharon in Cheektowaga! It is always nice when we get such supportive and positive feedback from a customer. Our great thanks to Sharon whose thoughtfulness is much appreciated. She was a fantastic customer!

Home Improvement Council Golf Event

2010-07-22T12:30:00.008-04:00

The Home Improvement Council Golf Event which was this past Monday, July 19th, at Arrowhead Golf Resort in Akron, NY. Some of us played golf while others helped work a closest to the pin event, sold tickets for a 50/50 raffle and helped keep the golfers hydrated. There are some great people in the council and it was fun to see them!

Bee News Lancaster / Depew Community Guide Ad

2010-07-18T15:26:00.003-04:00

Wow! Earthquake in WNY!

2010-06-23T15:14:00.010-04:00

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck in Canada and I felt it here in Buffalo!

I have been in a few earthquakes in my lifetime and as soon as I felt the distinct swaying while sitting in my office, I thought, "I know what this is!" It took me about an hour to find anything online about it and the first place I looked was the USGS website (it's all there now, of course!).

The funny thing is that I addressed this exact topic in my post on May 23rd. In that post I discussed how long concrete leveling will last and I said:

"So, A-1 Concrete Leveling has been around almost 30 years but could concrete leveling last 30 years? Sure, in an ideal situation. But, then, a new pour wouldn't sink if it existed in ideal conditions and no one would need us! The fact is that the ground moves. There are a variety of factors which affect the sub-surface support of a slab and every situation is different.

According to the USGS earthquake website (www.earthquake.usgs.gov), as of today, there have already been almost 7,000 earthquakes worldwide in 2010 with almost 2200 of them occurring in the US; while that may not affect us on a daily basis, it is having a constant effect deep below the surface."

Little did I know that it would be affecting us just one month later!!!

The USGS reports that the two most damaging earthquakes Western Quebec had previously experienced were a 6.1 in 1935 and a 6.2 in 1732.

Click this post title to view the details of the quake at www.usgs.gov (be sure to check out the info on different tabs as it is really fascinating!).

Another Great Video from The A-1 Akron Franchise!

2010-06-23T14:50:00.003-04:00

Click on the title of this post to view another great commercial video from Rob Keith in Akron, Ohio. You may remember from one of my previous posts that Rob is the franchisee of the original A-1 Concrete Leveling location which is near Peninsula, OH, where Grover Miller, the inventor of our equipment lives. This one shows the before and after of a driveway upper apron. Our thanks to Rob for posting this and others on YouTube. Enjoy!

Edward D. Warren Benefit Fund

2010-05-28T12:42:00.006-04:00

Our friend Ed Warren has brain cancer.

You may have met Ed; he has worked for Siegel Landscape & Drainage for years and has been at thousands of homes over those years. Along with Siegel owner, Bill Miller, Ed has been an annual fixture in Siegel's booth at the Buffalo Home & Garden Show as well.

Ed had brain surgery on March 31st but only 40% of the mass could be removed and the remaining mass is entangled in his optic nerve; additional surgery will result in blindness and possibly diminished higher functions. Ed is now undergoing a year of radiation and chemo to try to stop the growth of the cancer. Ed's family, including wife, Jen, sons, Josh, 8, and Jake, 6, are doing their best to help support Ed through the treatments.

Please visit Ed's support website, www.edwarrencancerfund.com (or click the post title above to visit) for more information.

A group of Ed's closest friends are organizing a benefit for Ed and his family at the Polish Falcons Club (www.polishfalconsdepew.com), located at 445 Columbia Avenue in Depew, NY, on Sunday, August 29, 2010. This location was just decided two weeks ago. The website will communicate information on the benefit as it becomes available. Tickets will be available to purchase in advance and will include soft drinks, draught beer and food, which is being donated by local restaurants. There will be a basket auction as well as a live auction. If you would like to donate anything to include in a a basket or a big-ticket item for the live auction, please contact Joe Makowski at joe@edwarrencancerfund.com.

A PayPal donate button on the website links to a benefit fund set up by Ed's father, Dave Warren, who works for Lake Shore Savings Bank. Donations are also being accepted at any Lake Shore Savings Bank branch location. This money is being used to pay for medical expenses which are not covered by insurance (already thousands of $$$) and for basic needs for his family including mortgage, utilities and food.

Please donate if you can! Your help is much appreciated.

2010 Buffalo Home & Garden Show Testimonials

2010-05-25T00:21:00.007-04:00

At the 2010 Buffalo Home & Garden Show, we had a few customers who were kind enough to let us video their testimonials. We raised Lorraine's patio in 2009, Gary's entry in 2007, Elaine's garage in 2007 and Nelson's driveway in 2007. Click on the post title to view the video on YouTube. Hope you enjoy watching!

How Long Will Concrete Leveling Last? Check Out Our Pic Below: Before ~ After ~ Now!

2010-05-23T06:46:00.013-04:00

People often ask how long concrete leveling will last and the answer is, well, it depends... Corporate A-1 Concrete Leveling was born almost 30 years ago and has over 50 franchises nationally making A-1 America's largest concrete leveler.

So, A-1 Concrete Leveling has been around almost 30 years but could concrete leveling last 30 years? Sure, in an ideal situation. But, then, a new pour wouldn't sink if it existed in ideal conditions and no one would need us! The fact is that the ground moves. There are a variety of factors which affect the sub-surface support of a slab and every situation is different.

According to the USGS earthquake website (www.earthquake.usgs.gov), as of today, there have already been almost 7,000 earthquakes worldwide in 2010 with almost 2200 of them occurring in the US; while that may not affect us on a daily basis, it is having a constant effect deep below the surface.

Erosion may be accelerated if there is a poor drainage situation which contributes to greater slab movement during freeze/thaw cycles; when water freezes it increases in size by 9% so if it is in a void under a concrete slab, it results in the slab heaving (www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/122Adensityice.html).

Another situation which may compromise the sub-surface is if a utility line or drainage is installed underneath the slab; if it is an original installation and the slab has sunken, leveling is a great option to return it to original position as all the initial settling will have occurred, but if you have a new utility line or drainage installed, be prepared to see some shifting of the slab...then call us and we can help!

Whether you have your existing concrete leveled or have newly poured slabs, as in life, the only true constant is that everything is changing.

We wanted to share a recent picture of a project we completed in 2007 (our first year as a member of the A-1 family); this is the first in what will be an ongoing series of "Before ~ After ~ Now!" project recaps.

Thanks for checking us out!

Check Out This Fun Commercial from the A-1 Franchise in Akron, Ohio

2010-05-21T22:15:00.007-04:00

Check out this commercial from Rob Keith in Akron, Ohio. Rob is the franchisee of the original A-1 Concrete Leveling location which is near Peninsula, OH, where Grover Miller, the inventor of our equipment lives. Click the title of the post to view Rob's video. Enjoy!

A Slight Variation on Catch & Release...

2010-05-11T11:03:00.009-04:00

Yesterday Pete was at an estimate for MJ Peterson in the City of Buffalo and some tenants approached the property manager he was with to ask for assistance helping an animal who had gotten his head stuck in a plastic jar. Looking at the video below, I am not sure what this animal is (it kind of looks like a groundhog?), but I am sure he was just looking for some food and maybe there was a bit left at the bottom of the empty jar, and, voila, stuck! The tenants said that the animal had been running in the street and they were concerned that he would get hit by a car. The property manager got his employee to use a tool to hold the animal while they pulled the container off his head to set him free. A-1 Concrete Leveling is not just helping raise Buffalo to higher ground, we are also, in conjunction with our friends at MJ Peterson, helping save animals from food-search related injuries.

Green Rock, well...rocks!

2010-05-03T12:07:00.005-04:00

Check out this article from This Old House which talks about Green Rock, which is made from recycled concrete. What a great way to reuse old concrete when the only option is replacement!

http://hardwareaisle.thisoldhouse.com/2010/05/green-rock-new-life-for-old-concrete.html

Or just visit the Green Rock website directly.

www.greenrock.us.com/

Oh, My! Check out the Wonder How To Website...

2010-05-01T22:41:00.002-04:00

I have recently discovered www.wonderhowto.com (you can click the post title above to check it out for yourself). If you are looking for a how-to video, this is the place to go. It picks through thousands of websites to find the best instructional videos to help you do whatever it is you need to do. Embarrassingly enough, I stumbled across it looking for instructions on how to dance the paso doble, but you can look up how to make a delicious crepe, how to align your feet for a kickflip, how to chill a beer instantly or how to build a bat house for bats in your barn (not really sure I can think of who would need this?). Anyway, suffice it to say that this is a functional and fun site that might help you if you are looking to learn something new! Good luck!

Get a Little Greener at Treehugger.com

2010-04-30T12:54:00.005-04:00

Treehugger.com is a great resource for learning about eco-friendly trends in all areas. The best thing about the site is that it shows you easy, achievable ways that you can make choices or perform activities is a more earth-friendly way. It is an offering of the Discovery Communications as in Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet. Another great thing about this site is that it really has something for everyone from make-up to cars to travel to food to science and on and on.... Click the title of this posting to visit treehugger.com and get a little greener!

Thanks to Joan in Buffalo!!!

2010-04-22T18:18:00.004-04:00

Even though our customers are always kind and a pleasure to work with, it is especially nice when we receive a handwritten note, especially when it includes a compliment! Our great thanks to Joan in Buffalo. We genuinely appreciate receiving her very kind note!!!

Contractor Network Night - All Contractors Welcome to Attend!

2010-04-16T08:47:00.006-04:00

Contractor Network Night is sponsored by the Home Improvement Council.

You do not have to be a member of the council to attend and network.

This is a great opportunity for contractors to interact with other contractors and to discuss solutions to challenges we all share in the home improvement construction industry.

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
Tony Rome's - 1537 Union Road, West Seneca
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM - Cash Bar

Get to know HIC Chairman & Co-Chair
Bill Miller - Siegel Landscape & Drainage
Jeff Valone - Try-Lock Roofing

Questions? Contact Donna at 716-568-2111 or donna@hicwny.com

For more information on the Home Improvement Council, click the title of this post to be redirected to their website.

University of Buffalo: A-1 Goes Back to School to Teach Sunken Concrete a Lesson!

2010-04-02T23:47:00.010-04:00

This video was recorded while completing a concrete leveling project at Hadley Village Apartments at the University of Buffalo on March 29th, 2010. We raised a string of centrally located walkway slabs in an effort to eliminate surface water pooling. This saved UB budget dollars, saved their maintenance crew clean-up time from mud tracked into the apartment common areas, saved students the inconvenience of having to maneuver through an area being under construction for a lengthy time and resulted in the desired solution of redirecting the surface drainage of the slabs and eliminating pooling water. Our thanks to the UB staff and students for their support!

"Oops!" says The Nicole of Buffalo! Our foreman, Josh, pointed out an error I made in one of the slides included in this video. Because it would be complicated to replace the slide in the video, I am letting the world in on my mistake (wish I could say that I never make mistakes, but I think everyone knows that's not true...)! So, on the second to last slide in this video, which is titled "The Concrete is Raised & Class is Out!", I mistakenly put in our first year of business as 1997 instead of 2007; why I am stuck in the last century and over a decade behind I do not know, but I made this exact mistake on a piece of literature for the home show in March and had to cut out stickers printed with 2007 to cover up my mistake on 1000 postcards... You'd think I would have learned my lesson (maybe I need to go back to school?). So, while it may sound less impressive that we have only been raising concrete slabs since 2007, rather than 1997, it is infinitely more impressive that we have raised over 4200 slabs since 2007 rather than what would be a much lesser accomplishment if we had only raised that many since 1997! My apology for my error! Thanks to Josh for catching it and pointing it out!

List of Corporate Customers

2010-04-01T00:21:00.006-04:00

Happy Springtime! The sun is out and we are happy to have our season starting off. Thought it would be nice to include a list of some of our corporate customers many of which for whom we have completed multiple projects over the past several years.

Applebee’s (TL Cannon)
Baker Victory Services
Basset Park Manor
Ciminelli
Delaware Towers Condos
Delphi
Elderwood
First Niagara
FMC Peroxygens
Goodyear-Dunlop
Greif
Honeywell
Kenilworth United Church of Christ
LBM Construction
LMM Properties
MJ Peterson
National Air Cargo
Niagara Hospice
People, Inc.
Sharp General Contracting
Timon Towers
Tonawanda Church of Christ
Town of Newfane
Town of Tonawanda
Town of Wales
Town of Wheatfield
U.S. Border Patrol
Uniland
University of Buffalo
Village of Akron
Walker Center
Weinberg Campus

Click Here to Visit our Facebook Page!

2010-03-27T19:11:00.001-04:00

When visiting our Facebook Page, please take a moment to become a fan! Thanks!

New York Geographies Served by A-1 Concrete Leveling

2010-03-26T10:46:00.005-04:00

We serve all the municipalities of Erie and Niagara counties.
We also serve Genesee, Wyoming, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Orleans counties.

Municipalities of Erie County
Akron (village)
Alden (town)
Alden (village)
Amherst (town)
Angola on the Lake (hamlet)
Angola (village)
Aurora (town)
Billington Heights (hamlet)
Blasdell (village)
Boston (town)
Brant (town)
Buffalo (city)
Cheektowaga (town)
Clarence Center (hamlet)
Clarence (town)
Colden (town)
Collins (town)
Concord (town)
Depew (village)
East Amherst (hamlet)
East Aurora (village)
Eden (town)
Elma Center
Elma (town)
Evans (town)
Farnham (village)
Gowanda (village)
Grand Island (town)
Hamburg (town)
Hamburg (village)
Harris Hill (hamlet)
Holland (town)
Kenmore (village)
Lackawanna (city)
Lake Erie Beach (hamlet)
Lake View (hamlet)
Lancaster (town)
Lancaster (village)
Marilla (town)
Newstead (town)
North Boston
North Collins (town)
North Collins (village)
Orchard Park (town)
Orchard Park (village)
Sardinia (town)
Sloan (village)
Springville (village)
Tonawanda (town)
Tonawanda (city)
Town Line (hamlet)
Wales (town)
West Seneca (town)
Williamsville (village)

Municipalities of Niagara County
Barker (village)
Cambria (town)
Gasport (CDP)
Hartland (town)
Lewiston (village)
Lewiston (town)
Lockport (town)
Lockport (city)
Middleport (village)
Newfane (town)
Newfane (CDP)
Niagara Falls (city)
Niagara (town)
North Tonawanda (city)
Olcott (CDP)
Pendleton (town)
Porter (town)
Ransomville (CDP)
Rapids (CDP)
Royalton (town)
Sanborn (hamlet)
Somerset (town)
South Lockport
Wheatfield (town)
Wilson (village)
Wilson (town)
Youngstown (village)

Best Ever Response to a Practical Joke!!!

2010-03-25T09:38:00.007-04:00

One of the best things about exhibiting at the Buffalo Home & Garden show is the interactions the vendors have with each other.

As a customer, you will see that we genuinely like and respect each other; it is evident is the referral process. We are constantly sending customers to other companies when the project they need a solution for is not something that we do and we receive many referrals from exhibiting vendors as well. This in-building referral process happens naturally and having so many contractors and service-providers who know each other in one place makes the Buffalo Home & Garden Show a must-attend for those with home improvement needs. Along with establishing contact with potential new customers and connecting with past customers, we have built and supported some great professional relationships through the show.

What you may not see is the fact that we also really like to have fun and play tricks on each other. If there were an award for "Best Sport" for practical jokes being played it would have to be Michael Pace from Pace Landscaping. We upped the ante this year by commandeering Mike's tv slideshow when he stepped away to get a bite to eat. We replaced the lovely pictures of the fantastic work he provides with an "after" picture that resembled Sanford & Sons yard. Of course we waited until the last hour of the show to do this and I stood closely by to let any passing customers know that we were playing a little joke and that Pace is a truly great landscape company. The customers laughed with us and really seemed to enjoy the fact that the vendors have a comaraderie that allows for practical jokes.

Upon Mike's return, he immediately told a customer that he could also do this to their yard and that the safety cones and plastic furniture would be extra. He played it out with a few customers who understood the joke and laughed heartily at his straight-faced sales pitch for this "after" result. Truly hilarious and one of the best sports ever. He played through it like a champ!

Mike, thanks so much. You're the best!!! By the way, we are scheming and plotting for next year; we suggest you do the same;-)

Click on the post title above to view Pace's website where you can access their blog to see their tips and suggestions or ask a question of your own. Also on their website is a link to view their Facebook page where you will see stunning pictures of Pace's work which is top-quality.

Click Here to Check Out Our New Google Profile!

2010-03-19T19:21:00.000-04:00

Check out my new Google profile http://www.google.com/profiles/a1concretelevelingwny

Welcome 2010 Concrete Leveling Season!

2010-03-18T15:06:00.003-04:00

And the concrete leveling begins! Yesterday marked our first project for the 2010 season. This 200SF rear patio was sinking 2"-3" and completely stressing out the homeowner. At the end of yesterday, he was the happy owner of a raised and re-established patio.

Get the grill out!!!

2010 Buffalo Home & Garden Show Rocked!!!

2010-03-15T21:17:00.006-04:00

Yea for a great home show! We were lucky to talk with so many great potential customers. One of the best things was seeing previous years customers and re-connecting with some of our vendor friends. Our first project of the season is scheduled in a couple days and we are looking forward to a fun year. Thanks to everyone who attended and all our fellow vendors who exhibited!

Buffalo Home & Garden Show Final Weekend!

2010-03-11T20:20:00.003-05:00

The Buffalo Home & Garden Show continues through this weekend. Visit us upstairs in booth 1105 on Friday (10AM-9PM), Saturday (10AM-9PM), and Sunday (10AM-6PM). We look forward to seeing you there!

2010 Buffalo Home & Garden Show

2010-03-04T16:38:00.002-05:00

Ready, set, GO! Here's our booth for the 2010 Buffalo Home & Garden Show! We are on the upper floor in 1105. See everyone there!

Best Materials May Be Best!

2010-02-22T12:04:00.002-05:00

We are always sourcing materials and looking for the products we need at the best prices. One of the companies we stumbled across last year is Best Materials. We order online at great prices and the items are delivered within a few days. Check them out to see if they offer items you need at prices that are better than you can find elsewhere (just don't forget to factor in the shipping charges!). You can visit their site at www.bestmaterials.com or click the title post above to link. Good Luck!

ecohaus

2010-02-15T21:16:00.002-05:00

Check out this very cool Pacific Northwest based ecofriendly source for building materials!

ecohaus, green building, interior finish supplies

Buffalo Home & Garden Show is Coming!!!

2010-02-05T14:28:00.009-05:00

Maybe I am a bit optimistic, but spring is in the air, right? Well, if not right now, the upcoming Buffalo Home & Garden Show signifies the beginning of our residential home improvement season!

Visit us in booth 1105 on the upper level.

2010 Show Dates & Hours

TWO WEEKENDS ONLY!

Friday, March 5 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 6 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday, March 7 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday, March 12 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 13 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday, March 14 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Click the title of this posting to view the Buffalo Home & Garden Show Website where you will find more information and can purchase your admission tickets in advance at a discounted rate of $7.00 which is a $3.00 savings off the price of admission!

Who will be exibiting? So many helpful home improvement professionals ready to provide solutions for your situation!

A Best
A Taste of the World
ABC Hardware & Rental Inc
About Time
Admiral Home Improvement, INC.
ADT Security Services Inc.
Air Movers
Alden Pools and Play
American Clear Water
American Fence
Amherst Alarm Inc
Andersen Windows
Apollo Drywall & Painting
Art by Blair
Art Effects Glass Inc
Arxx /Seaway Wall Dist.
ATC Systems Inc/Rainbow of WNY
Aurora Sewing Center
Awnings Plus
AXA Advisors
B&G Woodworking
Barden Building Systems
Basements By NES
Bath Fitter
Bauer Specialty/Leafguard
Beauty Pools
BFS Direct, Inc.
Black Rock Roofing
Bobcat of Buffalo
Braendel Painting
Braymiller Builders
Buffalo Hardwood Floors
Buscaglia Decks
Capital Heat Inc
Capozzi Paving & Concrete Inc
Carpet Care Services
Cellino Plumbing
CertaPro Painters
Chameleon Pools & Concrete Inc.
Classic Window & Door Inc
Colden Closet
Colley's Pools
Collingwood Construction Corp
Comfort Windows
Complete Heat, Inc
Cookie Lee Jewelry
Cooks Warehouse Inc
Cornerstone Concrete
Cortese Brothers Inc
Cosella-Dorken
Country Peddlers
Countryside Stove
Cozy Homes Construction
CPR Custom Concrete
Creative Window Designs
Curb It and Decorative Overlays
Custom Covers & Canvas, Inc.
Custom Curb Appeal
Custom Interiors Kitchen & Bath
Customized Surfaces
Cutco Cutlery
Dan Burandt Waterproofing
David's Exterior Home Improvement
DeGeorge Ceilings Inc
Dennis Evchich Insurance Agency
Designer Pools
Dietrick's Custom Cabinets
Direct Security/Brinks Home Security
Duro Shed
Ecoquest International
Elite Exteriors & Interiors
ENERGSMART Insulation
European Gourmet Almonds
Euroshine USA dba Linens & More
Everdry Waterproofing Of Upstate NY
Fisher Pools
Four Seasons Sunrooms By Warren's/Gutter Stuff
Fox's Lawn Furniture Inc
Frank's Basement Systems
Gary Pools & Leisure
Gleason Geothermal
Gourmet Creations
Green Solutions of WNY
Hamburg Overhead Door Inc
Hands and Paws Cookies and Treats Inc.
Hart To Hart Industries Inc
Heritage Centers/Allentown Industries
Home & Garden Party
Home Comfort
Hoover Industrial Supply
Housecrafters
Hy-Cite
Indoor Air Professionals Inc
Inside Out Casual Furniture
Interior Designs By Tina
Interior Maintenance Services
International Housewares Inc
International Stone Gallery
Intertech Digital Entertainment Inc
Invisible Fence
Ivy Lea Construction
Jack of All Trades Computer Services
Janette's Designs
JC Penney Custom Decorating
JDH Custom Woodworking
JLT Industries
JM Enterprises
Jman Photo
John H. Black Company, Inc.
K-9 Connection
Kaz Brothers Construction
Ken-Ton Fabricators
Klemat Plumbing & Heating
Knauber's Kitchen Refacing
Kohler Awning Inc
Kwik Klean Air Duct Cleaners
LeadSafe Erie County Health Dept.
Leisure Craft Pools
Leveled Contracting Inc.
Lifestyle Photography
Lifetime Cookware
Little Giant Ladder Systems (Wing Ent)
LJ Klein Development
Longaberger Baskets, Pottery and Wrought Iron
Lumber Liquidators
M & M Iron Art
M.P. Caroll Hardwood Flooring
Mario & Son Tile and Linoleum Co Inc
Mark Callen Photography
Mark Enterprises, Inc
Marvin Windows Of New York
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Master Chong's World Class Tae Kwon DO
Maximum Security Services Inc
Menne Nursery & Florist
Michael S. Smith Graphics
Mid City Home Improvement
MLA Home Inspections
Modern Windows of NY Inc.
MRM
Munro Products
Natale Builders
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation
National Overhead Door Inc
New Dimensions Of WNY Ltd
New York Life Insurance
Nexgen Windows & Doors LLC
Nu-Look
NYS Department Of Public Service
Pace Landscaping
Pampered by Nature
Paragon Forming & Design
Patio Enclosures Inc
PDM Services Inc
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
Pella Of WNY
Perf-A-Lawn
Picket Fence and Exteriors Inc.
Pollard Windows
Pool Brite Inc
Pool Mart Inc
Pro Paint of WNY, Inc.
Quality Filtration
R. Broad Concrete
Rain Soft
Rayzor Supplies
Recreational Warehouse
REM Sleep Solutions
Satellite Solutions
Scott Perry & Co.
Seibold Construction Inc.
Select Comfort
Select Marketing*
Seneca Plumbing & Heating Supply Co Inc
Sew On-Sew Forth (Main Factory Sales & Service)
Sheridan Surgical Inc
Sherwin Williams Co.
Shield Security Systems
Shiny Object Media
Siegel Landscape & Drainage
Signlanguage Inc
Silpada Designs Inc.
Softub Express
Solid Ground Concrete/New Era Edging
Sound & Theater (S& T Enterprises)
Southtowns Vacuum
Stockmohr Company Inc.
Stockton Roofing & Siding
Storage Mobility Of Buffalo LLC
Sun Enterprises
Sunroom Additions, Inc.
Superior Heat Co. L.L.C.
Superior Sights and Sounds, Inc.
Superior Walls Of Upstate NY
Supervacuums
Superview Handmade Embroidery Arts
Switala's Construction
Tastefully Simple
Territory Mortgage
The Davey Tree Expert Company
The Space Lifters
The Vinyl Outlet
Timberbuilt
TimberTech - DeckTeck
Time Warner
TJW Custom Homes Inc
Touch of Purple
Upstate Systems, Inc.
Utech Basement Waterproofing
Vacinek Complete Home Services
Vastola Heating & Air Conditioning
Verizon
Vincent's Heating & Cooling
VIP Pet Sitting
Vision Auto & Plate Glass/Rustop
Waddell & Reed
Watercure By Health Keys
Wayne Block Co. Inc.
Window World of Buffalo
Wood-Tex Products

A-1 Concrete Leveling Franchise Locations

2010-01-26T21:49:00.003-05:00

Below you will find the locations for all of the A-1 franchises nationally.

Colorado
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver North, CO
Denver South, CO
Ft. Collins, CO

Georgia
Atlanta, GA

Illinois
Chicago West, IL
Crystal Lake – Rockford, IL
Chicago South of I-55, IL
Collinsville, IL

Indiana
Anderson – Muncie, IN
Indianapolis North, IN
Evansville, IN
Lafayette – Terre Haute, IN
Ft. Wayne, IN
South Bend, IN
Greenwood, Bloomington, Columbus, Seymour, IN

Iowa
Des Moines, IA

Kansas
Kansas City, KS

Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Louisville, KY
Western KY

Maryland (MD)

Michigan
Ann Arbor – Lansing – Oakland, MI
Flint, MI

Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN

Missouri
St. Louis, MO
Kansas City North, MO
Kansas City South, MO

New York
Buffalo, NY
Syracuse, NY

Ohio
Akron, OH
Ashtabula, OH
Canton, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland East, OH
Cleveland West, OH
Columbus, OH
Dayton, OH
Toledo, OH
Youngstown, OH

Pennsylvania
Erie, PA
Philadelphia West, PA
Pittsburgh North, PA
Pittsburgh South, PA
Central PA

Tennessee
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Johnson City, TN
Nashville North, TN
Nashville South, TN

Virginia
Richmond, VA
Northern VA

West Virginia
Charleston – Huntington, WV

Check Out the A-1 Columbus Commercial!

2010-01-26T11:29:00.003-05:00

Click the post title above to visit their website!

A-1 Concrete National Franchise Meeting

2010-01-25T14:07:00.007-05:00

The A-1 Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair National Franchise Meeting was held in Ohio last week. There were a variety of presentations including Akron Bearing, Bosch Tools. A-1 Franchise, Keystone Foundation Repair, located in Carlisle, PA, demonstrated their carbon fiber wall straps which is an option they offer for bowed basement wall stabilization (seen in picture below).

For the awards dinner, A-1 Corporate rented out the Football Hall of Fame, which we had to ourselves for the evening. What a treat!

Our thanks to A-1 Corporate for providing a beneficial meeting! It was great to get together with our fellow A-1 franchise owners for business and fun. There is no better way to grow and improve than to share ideas and information in a group setting.

A-1 Concrete National Meeting

2010-01-21T07:46:00.003-05:00

A busy week of meetings with A-1 corporate and other franchise owners from around the country. What a great way to learn what is working for others and share things that we are doing!

Interior Conference Room

2010-01-19T15:10:00.001-05:00

Interior Conference Room
Originally uploaded by A-1 Concrete Leveling

Town of Wheatfield

Project Comparison Analysis

2010-01-17T11:06:00.001-05:00

Project Comparison Analysis
Originally uploaded by A-1 Concrete Leveling

This facility's strict OSHA guidelines all but eliminated the option of replacement.

Better for Replacement?

2010-01-15T13:21:00.001-05:00

Better for Replacement
Originally uploaded by A-1 Concrete Leveling

Yes, if cracked like a shattered windowpane or resembles a spiderweb.

Better for Replacement?

2010-01-15T13:18:00.001-05:00

Better for Replacement
Originally uploaded by A-1 Concrete Leveling

Yes, if many slabs need to be addressed versus replacing one or if surface too deteriorated.

Companies Using Concrete Leveling

2010-01-13T12:31:00.001-05:00

Companies Using Concrete Leveling
Originally uploaded by A-1 Concrete Leveling

YouTube Upload Totals

2010-01-12T13:32:00.005-05:00

Visit our YouTube channel! We are 1 upload visit away from 7,000. Click this post's title and then sit back, relax, watch a video or two!!!

Anatomy of a Lift

2010-01-12T11:27:00.001-05:00

Anatomy of a Lift
Originally uploaded by A-1 Concrete Leveling

This is what our material looks like under the slab after it has set for a week. We removed the original blocks because they were deteriorated and it allowed us to get this great show and tell picture! After the blocks were replaced with new ones, we were able to fully pressurize and complete this project.

Anatomy of a Lift

2010-01-12T10:59:00.001-05:00

Anatomy of a Lift
Originally uploaded by A-1 Concrete Leveling

This shows how our material looks being pumped under a slab.

Home Improvement Council Awards for 2009

2010-01-11T13:14:00.008-05:00

We received this Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Customer Service in 2009 from the Home Improvement Council of Western New York which is a contractors advocacy and networking group of which I am a board member. Click the title above to view the HIC's website for links to quality contractors.

A-1 Concrete Leveling at Applebee's

2010-01-09T12:58:00.004-05:00

This video was recorded when completing a concrete leveling project at an Applebee's Restaurant in November 2009. We eliminated an entry-slab hazard and we did so before the restaurant opened which saved them not just budget dollars, but more costly down-time and customer inconvenience.

Click on blog title to view Applebee's website.

Seasonal Shutdown? No Way!

2010-01-07T17:44:00.006-05:00

Even though the snow continues to fall, we can still complete certain projects! Of course, outside projects aren't much of an option right now...but interior projects can still be completed.

During the week between Christmas and New Year, we completed an interior warehouse project at the Goodyear-Dunlop Tire manufacturing facility in Tonawanda, NY. The timing was ideal for the facility manager as that time-frame is a recurring annual shut-down week and minimal scheduling changes needed to be made to facilitate completion of the project. Also, he was able to take advantage of 2009 budget dollars that would have gone unused.

So, to all our industrial, commercial and municipal customers, please keep in mind that the snow on the ground now does not keep us from completing your interior project now.

Customer Letter!

2010-01-03T22:57:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Paul & Carol Welker for the complimentary letter below.

We enjoyed working with you and appreciate that you took the time to communicate your satifaction not just to us but to your family and friends.

At the BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) Show...

2010-01-03T22:28:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T13:30:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! Wishing everyone health & prosperity in 2010...

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put the words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and the first chapter is New Year's Day." - Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Facilities Management Expo Seminar Presentation

2009-12-01T12:00:00.008-05:00

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!

Facilities Management Expo!

2009-11-09T10:31:00.004-05:00

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.

Concrete Leveling Saves More than Just Another Pool Deck!

2009-11-02T09:13:00.005-05:00

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.

Fall into Concrete Leveling...

2009-10-19T11:12:00.002-04:00

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!

Sharp General Contracting

2009-10-07T14:14:00.032-04:00

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

Presenting BOMA's Prosperity Buffalo Show!

2009-09-29T13:49:00.003-04:00

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!!!

Is Ridgid SeeSnake the Best Tool Ever???

2009-09-22T21:52:00.005-04:00

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

When to Replace...

2009-09-15T20:32:00.004-04:00

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!!!

Buffalo Decorative Concrete

2009-09-10T23:31:00.003-04:00

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

Buffalo News Announces Recent Home Improvement Council Board Appointments

2009-09-09T09:58:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-09T07:51:00.004-04:00

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!

Home Improvement Council Picnic

2009-08-30T09:58:00.008-04:00

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!

A 1 Concrete Leveling Western New York-Foundation

2009-08-02T21:26:00.001-04:00

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.

A 1 Concrete Leveling Western New York-Foundation

View more presentations from Peter Easton.

Welcome Summer!!!

2009-05-31T19:22:00.002-04:00

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!

We Pumped Up Our Rear Patio!

2009-04-19T15:31:00.005-04:00

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

Homeowner Beware...Help Your Family be Aware!

2009-03-27T16:53:00.006-04:00

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!!!

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

2009-03-11T14:12:00.003-04:00

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!!!

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

2009-02-13T22:50:00.005-05:00

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.

2009 Buffalo Home & Garden Show

2009-02-11T11:44:00.009-05:00

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

A-1 Concrete Leveling- Foundation Repair Process

2009-02-05T23:30:00.004-05:00
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.

Watch our Videos!

2009-02-01T12:13:00.004-05:00
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

A-1 Concrete Leveling Buffalo Customer Testimonial

2009-01-21T21:38:00.003-05:00

Video Clips from Driveway Project

2009-01-21T16:40:00.001-05:00

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

2009-01-21T15:45:00.004-05:00

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

2007 Home Improvement Council Award for Outstanding Customer Service

2009-01-18T21:20:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-18T21:07:00.003-05:00

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!!!

A-1 Concrete Leveling Intro

2009-01-16T02:08:00.001-05:00
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

2009-01-16T01:56:00.000-05:00

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.