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McBride Earns Fifth Consecutive Top 500 Remodeler Award

Dave McBride, Owner of McBride Remodeling, poses with his Top 500 Award plaques.

For the fifth consecutive year, McBride Remodeling has been selected as one of Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 Remodeling firms. As the country’s premier publication serving home improvement specialists, Qualified Remodeler has been tracking the largest and most successful companies in the industry since 1978. McBride Remodeling’s spot on the list solidifies its position as one of the top remodelers in the United States.

“We are honored to be included on QR’s list of top remodelers. It’s a testament to the hard work and craftsmanship of our team, and the support of our community. We’re proud to have helped generations of families create the homes of their dreams,” says Dave McBride, Owner of McBride Remodeling.

To qualify for the QR Top 500, businesses must meet a set of criteria including installed remodeling dollar volume, total years in business, industry association membership, industry certification, industry awards, and community service.

“Based on Qualified Remodeler’s analysis, the Top 500 firms tend to share several common attributes, including strong revenues, a commitment to customer service, insightful sales techniques and strong customer loyalty,” says Qualified Remodeler owner and editorial director, Patrick O’Toole. “These attributes helped put the firms on this list and contribute to their success.”

McBride Remodeling has been crafting beautiful, inspiring home environments with superior quality and craftsmanship for over 35 years. Their core values of professionalism, cultivating relationships, integrity, dedication to community, and the drive for excellence guide every home maintenance and remodeling project, making them the preferred choice for home remodeling in Petoskey and beyond.

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Welcoming Earl to the McBride Team

Today is a particularly proud day for our McBride team as we get to introduce all of you to the newest addition to our company. I’m sure you will find him a strong symbol of all the hard work we accomplish here at McBride Construction. 

You may have seen him hanging around the office for a few weeks and wondered… who is this new guy?  Well, we can tell you he is as strong as steel and has the strength of 10 men. His stature’s been the same ever since he was brought into this world. He is a tough one who many say was forged from fire. His nickname is “Tube-Man”, but his real name is Earl!  

We had to persuade him to come up to Northern Michigan where he could enjoy life a bit more. He is an old soul and deserves some of the comforts we all have here. He has been called many things through his extensive work in the trades. His reputation for years has been part of the folklore told around campfires. There have been songs written about him and his work. His time in the south of Florida has left him a reputation that spans many years of stories, jokes and a standard of the work ethic known only as “Earl”. Because of his unknown background, but obvious vast experience, many have bragged that he actually had a hand at solving some of the most difficult construction projects known to man…  

  • The Colossus of Rhodes
  • Great Pyramid of Giza
  • Hanging Gardens of Babylon
  • The Eiffel Tower

Mysteriously there are cave drawings near The Hanging Gardens of Babylon and The Pyramids of a stick figure of a tube-like man who carries a HUGE hammer and spike. No one can verify Earl’s age, so don’t ever ask him, and he sure won’t tell you about his travels.

In our time of knowing him it has been very hard to determine the validity of many of the stories that are told, but this we know to be true from a trusted source…Earl brings Good Luck! His fellow workers down south worked tirelessly next to him in the blazing sun, and he always was on site for inspiration and a symbol of work well done.  At days end fellow workers honored his presence with a simple pat on his hard hat just for a job well done, and it always brought them good luck and safe results. So as you get familiar with Earl as our newest hardworking symbol, remember the folklore that will bring you good luck for the rest of your days. A simple pat on his hard hat or maybe just a little recognition as you walk by can’t hurt. 

The bottom line is that Earl does represent what we all do every day. We work safe, hard, and proudly carry a BIG hammer. We’re very glad he is in our corner and will keep a watchful eye on all of us. 

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McBride Featured as a Customer Satisfaction Leader

Dave McBride, owner of McBride Construction, Inc. has been recognized as a national leader in the remodeling industry for customer service satisfaction in the July 2018 edition of Qualified Remodeler magazine. Read the article: click here to download a PDF of the magazine or flip through it online.

The 4th annual Qualified Remodeler/GuildQuality customer satisfaction report ranks the factors that matter most in creating satisfied customers and highlights the best practices and techniques deployed by 60 of GuildQuality’s highest-scoring remodelers nationwide.

Dave McBride’s photograph, in addition to other nationally recognized remodelers’, is featured on the front cover. 

The McBride Construction, Inc. mission statement is “to provide superior quality construction and remodeling services, while doing what it takes to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible for the client.” We are honored for Dave to be recognized by Qualified Remodeler and GuildQuality as a representative of McBride’s accomplishment and continued desire to best serve our clients. Learn more about what makes McBride different. You can find our customer testimonials surveyed by GuildQuality here.

Do you have a project completed by McBride that you love? Tell us about it in a review on Facebook or Houzz!

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What is McBride’s Design/Build Difference

What is design-build?

Design/build is a method you can use on your next construction project that assigns one firm to do the design and construction. This is a different approach from the traditional construction process, where you would hire an architectural firm to design a structure, and then request bids from contractors to build the structure based on the design. You can compare design-build to design-bid-build here.

In design-build, you communicate with a single point of contact for both the design and construction of your project. This may be a better approach to take because it can help you reduce risks and control costs. For example, if your design is seen as impractical from the builder’s perspective, you have the opportunity to discover and resolve the issue with your design-build contractor before significant work is started. In turn, this will reduce your overall costs and lead to better results.

Having a single point of contact also helps you, as the homeowner, to maintain control over your project. Instead of having multiple design and construction budgets to oversee, you can use design-build to help you negotiate an overall cost for completing the project and moving forward in construction with the same team that initiated the design.

Having a single driving force working with you may provide real advantages, considering all the risks and errors that can occur during a construction project. The Design/Build method helps increase your involvement and control over the project management and communication, which will ultimately help you complete your project successfully, with less stress and frustration.

The McBride Difference

A design-build company such as McBride Construction can often offer an easier and more affordable remodeling solution. From the very beginning of your project, our team of professionals make it a collaborative effort to draw up your plans and be held accountable for the final result. Our mission statement, “to provide superior quality construction and remodeling services, while doing what it takes to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible for the client”, infiltrates every aspect of our business. Read more about our McBride Method here, and give us a call for your next construction or remodeling project.

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McBride Construction Inc. Wins 2018 Builder of the Year Award

Executive Officer, Eric Leister

“Builder of the Year” was presented to McBride Construction for strong leadership in promoting the mission of the association.  McBride also received a “Special Tribute” Award from the State of Michigan, signed by State Representative, Lee Chatfield.

“Associate of the Year” was presented to Edgewater Design Group, LLC, for dedication, leadership and promoting the mission of the association. A “Special Tribute” Award was also presented from the State of Michigan, signed by State Representative, Lee Chatfield.

“Affiliate of Year” was presented to, Sonya Habecker of Northern Shores Concierge, for outstanding leadership in promoting the mission of the HBANM and dedication to promoting events.  A “Special Tribute” Award was also presented from the State of Michigan, signed by State Representative, Lee Chatfield.

“President’s Award” was presented to Adam Caron, of Rasmussen, Teller, O’Neil and Christman in recognition of extraordinary dedication of time and talent in service to our construction industry. Adam was also presented with “Special Tribute Award” from the State of Michigan signed by State Representative Lee Chatfield.

“Clyde Whaley Award” was presented to Robin Hissong Berry for her extraordinary dedication of time and talent in the service to our association at the local, state and national levels.  This award is named after the first Secretary of the Board of Directors of the HBANM.  Robin was also presented with a “Special Tribute” Award from the State of Michigan, signed by Representative Lee Chatfield.

“Dick Crawford Award” was presented to Asuka Barden, of  FO Barden Lumber in Boyne City. She received this award in recognition of extraordinary dedication of time and talent in service to our community. She also received a “Special Tribute Award” from the State of Michigan, signed by Representative Lee Chatfield.

“PWB Scholarship Award” This award is presented to a student who is continuing education in the trades.  This year’s recipient is Raymond Canningham of Charlevoix High School.

Attendees were honored with a short presentation by Bob Filka, from the Home Builders Association of Michigan. Bob discussed State Affairs.

Other presenters were: Nona Szczepanski, PWB President, Jeff Grantham, HBANM Board Member, Christine Cole, HBANM Board Member,  Paul Aggeler, Preston Feather Building Centers, Tomi Jo Janisse, Consumers Energy, and Greg Burroughs, HBANM, President.

Special guests included:  Several Past Presidents of the HBANM and couple of the Charter Members of the HBANM. Brandon Kargol, from U.S. Congressman, Jack Bergman’s office.

Sponsors for the “AWARD’s NIGHT” were:

  • DTE Energy
  • Preston Feather Building Centers
  • Grantham Building & Remodeling, LLC
  • Consumers Energy
  • Home Builders Association of Michigan

photo courtesy of Sandra Lee Photography Studio

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McBride Construction Inc. Receives 2018 Guildmaster Award

We are proud to announce that McBride Construction, Inc. was named as a GuildQuality’s Guildmaster with highest distinction!

To earn the Guildmaster Award, McBride received the highest response rate (at lease 89% of surveys must be returned—they received a 91% response rate) while maintaining a minimum of 90% recommendation rate. McBride far exceeded this marker and had 100% of their respondents that would recommend them. 

“We are so proud to have been awarded GuildQuality’s Guildmaster Award with highest distinction. This means that McBride Construction has earned a 99% customer satisfaction rate as well as 100% referral rate from our clients. These numbers reflect that we care for each customer with the highest regard. Constantly monitoring and learning from our customer feedback makes us one of the top remodeling companies in the industry!”

– Jay Sackrider, Senior Estimator, McBride Construction, Inc.

This is quite an honor! For full details on this award please click here.

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What to Consider When Hiring a Contractor

Trying to hire the right contractor to work on your home can sometimes be a daunting task. As a homeowner, if you don’t hire someone with the right qualifications, you can put yourself at risk. Before you hire a contractor, make sure you have completely researched him/her and his/her company.

Here are some important credentials to check out before signing the contract:

  1. Make sure the contractor has a license. Hiring an uninsured contractor can potentially cause problems and risks.
    1. Get the license number, name of contractor, name of company, phone number, and address so that you can confirm legitimacy of the company.
    2. Call the Contractors State License Board and BBB to check for any complaints, and past or pending lawsuits.
  2. Ask the contractor to provide client references, as well as supplier references so that you can check him out.
  3. Make sure the contractor will obtain the necessary permits before starting the job so that you don’t have to be concerned with doing it yourself.
  4. Find out if the contractor/company is insured for Workers Compensation and General Liability. Make sure the subcontractors are also insured; otherwise you may be liable if there are any injuries on your property.
  5. Ask the contractor to provide a complete fixed price contract with start and end dates, and accurate design drawings so that everything that is agreed upon is clearly stated and in one place.
  6. Find out what the warranty policy is.
  7. Find out what the policy is for changes that need to be made, but is already defined in the contract.
  8. Make sure there is a No Smoking, No Drinking, and No Drug policy on the job.
  9. Confirm that the job site will be cleaned up at the end of each day to ensure safety and orderliness.
  10. Make sure the contractor is someone you will be comfortable with having yourself and/or your children around.

Shopping for contractors takes time and effort, but is a necessary duty. You will be glad you did it when everything goes smoothly and efficiently, and you can enjoy the results of a job well done.

For over 34 years, McBride Construction Inc. has provided superior quality construction and remodeling service in Northern Michigan. We have succeeded in consistently delivering a first-class product and our reward is that our clients return for generations and refer their discerning friends. Contact us about your remodeling project today!

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Value in what you don’t see: Foam Insulation Around Windows

Part of the value of hiring McBride Construction, Inc. is in the hidden details. At McBride Construction, we make it a point to to go the extra mile and ensure that even the unseen areas of your home are finished correctly. Case in point, we utilize foam insulation around every window we install.

Historically, the only method of insulating around windows was to pack the cavity with fiberglass insulation. The downsides of fiberglass are that it is nearly impossible to fill all of the nooks and crannies and that this form of insulation soaks up moisture rendering it ineffective. Currently, many contractors still rely on this method of insulation. At McBride Construction, Inc. we keep our eyes and ears open to learn of advancements in building and remodeling practices and have adapted the method of insulating with foam around windows.

Being located in Northern Michigan where our winters are long and cold, the fact that spray foam insulation saves on energy costs and lowers utility bills is important to us. In fact, studies by the US Department of Energy show that 40% of a home’s energy is lost as the result of air infiltration through walls, windows and doorways. Buildings treated with spray foam insulation typically insulate as much as 50% better than traditional insulation products.

 An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value—the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. Learn more here.

At McBride Construction, Inc. we know there is more to the science of remodeling and new construction than just nailing a few boards together. Obviously, we strive to make the visual appearance of our work appealing but we are proud of our work behind the scenes to ensure superior functionality.

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Why McBride’s Designations Matter to Your Remodeling Project #1

In the “Our Team” section of the website my name is listed and then followed by a series of initials:  CGR, CGB, CGP, CAPS.  Listed out like that, they may look impressive; but they may not seem to have a whole lot of meaning nor much bearing on the kind of work we are able to do for you. In a series of blog articles, I’ll explain the meaning of each abbreviation and describe why I invested the time and money into earning the right to use these initials—for the sake of the jobs we undertake for you.

These initials are actually “designations” awarded by the University of Housing, which is the educational branch of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The NAHB has approximately 50,000 Builder Members across the country, of which McBride Construction is one. One of the primary purposes of the NAHB is to improve the professionalism of its members in order to provide better quality housing stock throughout the country.  For that purpose, they have developed educational curricula concentrating on the kinds of projects that builders and remodelers throughout the country undertake. They have also selected experts from around the country to teach the classes required by any particular curriculum. When a student meets the requirements of the designation by taking classes, exhibiting experience, and passing examinations, they graduate and are entitled to use that designation after their name—for a period of 3 years. To keep the designation beyond that, they keep taking Continuing Education classes. What this means is that the builders and remodelers who hold these designations stay on the top of their game.

If you are considering a building or remodeling project, consider your options:

  1. You could choose a contractor who does not invest in ongoing education. They do the work to the best of their knowledge, but it may not be using the latest best practices of the industry. They are as good as what they have been able to learn through experience.
  2. Or you could choose a contractor who is committed to investing in continuing education. This contractor has a network of associates who are the best in the country and is able to gain from their experience. This contractor dialogs with others who also strive to build businesses that provide a great customer experience.  They learn about new and upcoming laws and regulations, so that they can complete jobs without unnecessary interruptions and unexpected costs. This contractor stays on top of new products and trends, so that they can educate their clients about possibilities which they hadn’t even yet envisioned.

This contractor has invested time and money into building themselves and their company to be able to offer unequaled service and the most satisfactory of results. As a result of this investment, they have a network of people from around the country who can advise them when they meet challenging situations. They are committed to their clients’ for the long haul.  After investing so much into their professionalism and business, they can’t leave it all behind easily.

Because of my commitment to providing excellence to my customers, I’ve chosen to continually train myself and my crew on the latest best practices in the industry. I’ve joined and been active in the association. I’ve traveled to where the courses were offered. I’ve networked with the best minds in the industry. I’ve learned so much—and I’m still learning. I’ve passed the tests and earned the designations. And over the years, as I was investing in my education and in my company, we’ve remained here as solid as a rock for over 30 years.

Stay tuned for explanations of each designation and how those designations can mean better results for your project.