Meet Team Patriot: Rich

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15
Jun
Meet Team Patriot: Rich

Rich White wears multiple hats on the Patriot Construction team.  It helps that he is ex-Air Force, as his driven nature keep the wheels running smoothly at Patriot.  Let’s learn a little more about Rich:

What is your role at Patriot Construction?  Assistant Manager of Operations and Technology Integration Coordinator

Most memorable project at Patriot Construction:  Probably my own house because I had to live it as a homeowner with family and personal needs to make sure the job was in our best interest.  I also had to manage the work process to make sure that the work was right, on time, and proper materials and techniques were used to keep warranty repairs to a minimum but still stay in budget of the quoted job.

What is one thing about Patriot that you wish more clients knew?  How truly important it is, to all of the employees at Patriot, that the customer is happy with the work we do.  The sales and project management team take pride in the relationships we build with our customers and really enjoy making their homes a better place.

What is one thing you wish clients knew about you?  As an ex-Air Force enlisted and corporate trainer, I’m driven by the details and the opportunity to educate my customers.  I enjoy answering questions that I know the answers to and the challenge of finding the answers to the questions I don’t.  The process of learning new things and share what I’ve learned make it fun to be at work.

What is one dream project you’d love done at your home?  Backyard makeover with a gas grill kitchen, gazebo, and pool house.  I’ll build it someday.

What is one item you need to have on you to get through the work day?  My phone, of course, isn’t that everyone’s answer?

What do you do for fun when not at work?  Too much to list but a few are, photography & graphics, video graphics & editing, watching movies, wood and metal working and on the top of my list, watching my kids play sports and band concerts.

Who inspires you and why?  My wife because she finds it in herself to put up with my sense of humor and the need to start more projects than I can finish.  She’s superwoman when it comes to keeping me and our kids focused.

15
May
Your Dream Deck

Installing a deck is a great way to create a multi-functional outdoor space in your home. From treated wood to Trex® decking and pressure treated handrails to vinyl handrails, Patriot Construction can build a one-of-a-kind deck for you and your family to enjoy. Here are a few things that can make your deck as unique as you and your house!

Design

It is important to consider your home and the desired placement of the deck in your yard when deciding on its shape. While decks are traditionally rectangular, you shouldn’t be afraid to explore alternatives. A curved element can lend itself to the perfect for outdoor dining space. Choosing to add a pergola can create a shady spot on your deck. An accent wall provides some privacy from neighbors and passing cars. You can even add a pattern to your deck by utilizing multiple shades of stained wood!

Elevations

An elevated deck is a great way to add an outside space to a multi-story home. Patriot Construction uses Trex® substructures, which are triple-coated steel beams. These substructures allow for the strongest and straightest base for your deck, without obstructing any views. Adding a deck to a second-floor bedroom or living space can quickly become a family-favorite spot to relax and watch the sunset.

Lighting

Adding lights to any posts, steps, or decking is a simple way to add a touch of elegance to your new deck. Built-in lights are also a great way to provide visibility on a dark summer night. Deck lighting can also be a way to feature a specific accent on your deck, perhaps a cooking area or built-in fireplace. Lighting an area can also help to create a particular atmosphere; for example, soft lighting is often found to be relaxing while colored lights tend to add a more playful and fun vibe.

Railings

Railings, while not always necessary, can be the finishing touch to add to a deck. Adding a railing around the entirety of your deck is functional and stylish. When picking out the right railing for your deck, consider the color of both the railing and your deck. Your railings can either match or add a bit of contrast to the rest of your deck. Either way, railings are a great way to add character to your outdoor space.

Built-Ins

After creating your perfect deck, adding built-in elements can transform your deck into a cozy and inviting space. Think benches along the perimeter of the deck. Maybe a kitchen or wet bar would be a good fit for your summer entertaining. Fireplaces can add longevity to the usage of your deck. Any of these elements can make your deck the go to space in spring, summer, and fall.

If you’re considering adding a deck to your home, the experts at Patriot Construction would be happy to help! Once the team has worked with you to conceptualize the perfect deck design, our professionals will execute the deck you’ve always been dreaming of, promptly with exceptional craftsmanship. Ready to get a start on your deck installation? Give us a call at (585) 720-0990!

15
Apr
She Sheds

We’ve all heard about the wild popularity of man caves.  Years after the creation of the man cave, women are creating their equivalent: the She Shed.  She Sheds are exactly what they sound like – backyard sheds converted into a space that is all about her.  If you’re considering renovating your old shed into a She Shed, or building a brand new shed for your She Shed, but aren’t sure just what exactly to do with your space, here are some ideas!

Craft Room

If you consider yourself to be artistic and crafty, a craft centered She Shed might be perfect for you!  Add a table and a comfortable chair and, suddenly, you have a useable workspace.  Store, or display your craft materials in boxes or on the wall.  Pegboards are a great way to stay organized and keep your workspace clear while showcasing tools and finished work.  Consider decorating with some of your favorite pieces, from you or other crafters, for inspiration!

Yoga Studio

If you prefer to unwind with some meditation and yoga, create a She Shed that is your own, private studio!  Paint your shed a relaxing and mellow color and add decor that isn’t distracting, to maximize the good vibes.  If you like to follow along with video, add a television to your She Shed.  Consider adding a cozy sitting area with soft light, too!

Greenhouse

If you have a green thumb, create a She Shed greenhouse!  An open-air shed with lots of windows is perfect to build your new greenhouse.  To gain multi-functional use of your greenhouse, consider putting your plants in the center of the shed, with walking space between them and the walls of your shed.  These walls are a great place to store all of your gardening tools. Adding a small lawn furniture set will also make your greenhouse a space to read your favorite gardening magazine!

Reading and Writing Room

If you’re looking to create a She Shed to get your reading done, then it’s all about creating a space with maximum coziness and little distraction.  In this case, fill your She Shed with throw pillows and extra blankets.  Add bookshelves or built-in wall shelving to display your favorite reads and in progress novels.  Windows provide your She Shed with great natural lighting and soft light in your shed allows for nighttime reading.  If you prefer the writing or journaling aspect of literature, take into consideration where you work best.  If you find that your greatest ideas come when you’re at a desk, add one!  It’s all about making your She Shed precisely what you need!

Office

If you’re someone who really loves their 9-5 and happens to work from home, perhaps a She Shed is an excellent place for your at home office.  Add all the office essentials into your shed, like a desk, a comfortable chair and all the storage you may need.  Since this is space is entirely yours, consider taking the traditional desk decorations to the wall, and hang any pictures or trinkets you may want to display.  Things like cork boards and whiteboards help to keep you organized, while an oversized chalk calendar can keep you aware of deadlines and help you stay on track.

Whatever you may want to use your She Shed for, it is vital that it reflects who you are as a person and your interests.  She Sheds can be designed and decorated just for you and your specific needs.  Whether it be work or play, consider creating a She Shed the next time you’re wishing for an empty guest room.  Once you decide you’re ready to create your one-of-a-kind She Shed, let Patriot Construction know!  We’d love to chat with you about this unique project.  You can give us a call at (585)-720-0990!

15
Mar
Meet Team Patriot: Matt

Matt Batista is one of our Sales Consultants here are Patriot Construction. He has been with us for over 5 years! We’re thrilled to be featuring Matt as the first in our “Meet Team Patriot” series. Time to meet Matt:

What is your role at Patriot Construction? I price and deliver quotes with detailed pricing and contracts. Additionally, I assist customers through the job process from quotes to the final walk through.

Most memorable project at Patriot Construction: Definitely the Phillips job. It was a 60K+ complete kitchen remodel. We knocked down walls, expanded the kitchen, and made it a gorgeous grey and black themed kitchen.

What is one thing about Patriot that you wish more clients knew? Patriot offers a variety of services from a simple window replacement to a complete remodel.

What is one thing you wish clients knew about you? I have a passion for my work and treat every job as if it were my own home.

What is one dream project you’d love done at your home? I would honestly love to build my own home from scratch.

What is one item you need to have on you to get through the workday? My cell phone.

What do you do for fun when not at work? I love to spend time with my family!

Who inspires you and why? Jesus Christ, he is my lord and savior with him on my side I can accomplish anything.

15
Feb
Siding: More Than Just Picking A Color

So you’ve decided to side your home!  The next thing that will most likely come to mind is, what color will you select?  While changing or freshening up your current color will make a significant impact, this is not the only detail that is important to your project.  The little things can make such a big difference to your home.  Here are just a few to consider for your next siding project:

  1. Curb Appeal: Many customers don’t realize how inexpensive curb appeal can actually be. You can give the front of your house a major update from anywhere between $1,500.00 to $3,500.00.  This is an area that really defines the look of your home and can be done without breaking the bank.  One option is to add cedar impressions to the front of your house with vinyl stone.  It looks just like real stone!  You then can have the rest of your home sided in the same color for a seamless look.  Another option is to add different color corner posts.  This can draw the attention to the front of the house.  For example, if you chose to side your house in a dark gray, adding white corner posts really draws your eye to the front of the house, due to the contrast in color.
  2. Trimming Windows: When siding your home, there are two different ways to trim your windows.  The first is picture framing and the second is brick mold framing.  Picture framing is a standard look that provides a tight miter and an overall cleaner look.  In the process the windows will look recessed into the house, so the siding seems more prominent.  On the other hand, Brick Mold gives the illusion that your windows are not recessed.  The trim around the window is larger and bolder for a bigger impact. Either option can truly factor into the unique look of your final home design.
  3. Standard Corner Posts Vs. Super Corner Posts: Standard corner posts are usually not insulated and are a smaller size with only one flat look.  They can be a good option if you want a sleek, simple siding job. Super Corner posts are insulated making them hold up better and less likely to crack.  They also come in an array of different looks to add texture and character to your siding.
  4. Soffit Vents: You’ll want to consider perimeter or fully vented soffits.  The two differences are the net free air space flows and preference of look.  Perimeter provides a much cleaner look and has better airflow.  The design of perimeter soffit vents are made to work better with your roof ventilation.
  5. The Final Touches: Small details like light blocks and hose bib blocks can truly add the polished look to your home. Taking extra time going over these areas can make a big difference to the look of your finished siding job.

Overall, a siding project is a massive undertaking and so much more than picking a color. While you may have the final vision in mind, you need an experienced team to guide you through the process. For your next siding project, look no further than Patriot Construction.  Our sales consultants can help you navigate the ins and outs of siding your home, while our construction team executes your job flawlessly!

15
Jan
Ice Daming: The Cold Truth About Your Rochester Home

It’s that time of year in Rochester, NY.  Snow, ice, and cold temperatures make the weather anything but pleasant.  This extreme Upstate New York winter weather is also not ideal for your home, specifically one that hasn’t been renovated in recent years.  A major concern for these houses is ice damming.

Ice damming occurs when a collection of ice forms at the edge of a roof.  This ice prevents melting snow from draining off the roof.  Instead, the water backs up behind the ice dam.  Eventually, this water can leak into your home causing major damage to your ceiling, walls, and much more.  Long term, this additional moisture in your home can cause mildew, mold, and, in general, compromise air quality.

Bad insulation, poor ventilation, and several cold days below 23 degrees are the three major things that cause ice damming to occur.

Obviously, other than the cold weather, you may not be aware that your home is susceptible to ice damming.  In order to find out, be sure to look out for red flags, like melting snow and icicles.  These may indicate you could have an ice damming issue.

Specifically, you’ll want to check if the snow is melting unevenly or sporadically on your roof.  You also will want to see if you have an overabundance of icicles.  In winter weather, we all can get icicles on our home, but in comparison to say, your neighbors, do you have a ton of them?

If you think, or know, ice damming is an issue in your home, prevention is a must!  Essentially, you want to prevent heat loss from your home.  But how can you do that?  Here are some measures you can take in order to prevent or fix your ice damming issue:

  • Cover up or seal all holes that allow hot air to come through.  This includes pipes, heat registers, lights, and electrical.
  • Ensure that you have proper ventilation.
  • Make sure that you have proper installation.
  • Clean your gutters.
  • Purchase and use a roof rake to get snow off your roof.
  • Keep ice from forming along certain pathways by using electrical heat tape.
  • Put calcium chloride up on your roof.  A classic trick is to fill a women’s stocking with the ice melter.

For some of these measures, you may need to seek professional assistance in order to execute, especially in regards to ventilation and installation.  A professional contractor will also be able to assist you with avoiding long term ice damming issues.  This is so important to maintaining the long term integrity of your roof and home.

Living in Rochester, NY, ice damming may seem like an inevitability for every homeowner, but you don’t have to let it become a major issue.  Whether you’re looking for a fast fix or long term prevention, the trained professionals at Patriot Construction can assist if you feel you have issues.  Just give us a call and we are happy to help!

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