Boston & Brick's online newsletter for July 2017
THE MASONRY MONTHLY
JULY·2017
2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com
IN THE NAME OF HIGH QUALITY
A Dedication to the Highest Standard
W e’re often asked where we got the name Boston Brick & Stone. Given that our business is situated in the middle of Pasadena, thousands of miles from Boston, it’s a fair question. In 1992, back when Boston Brick & Stone was founded, we wanted to come up with a name that conveyed the character of brick and stone work. Something that conveyed a sense of high quality without using the words “high quality.” We brainstormed and came up with a great idea. We would survey an existing customer base and get their thoughts. Everyone had their own ideas on how to communicate “high-quality brick and stone,” but as we read through the responses, we picked up on a trend. The word “Boston” kept coming up over and over again. It seemed people were onto something. We went with it and finalized our name: Boston Brick & Stone. It’s simple and straightforward, and it says everything it needs to. While I haven’t personally been to Boston (I do promise I’ll get out there one of these days), I know that throughout the past 25 years and into 2017, the name has stood like a brick house. The sentiment of high quality remains strong. People continue to turn to us for some of the toughest brick and stonework jobs in Pasadena, the greater Los Angeles area, and beyond. Everyone, from contractors to homeowners, as well as the National Park Service, have come to rely on our exceptionally high standards and expertise. And when it comes to restoring the brick and stone of historic homes and buildings, exceptionally high standards are a must. When you restore a historic building, you have to follow a stringent set of guidelines. Structures that are deemed “historic” and listed on the National Register of Historic Places are recognized as such for a reason. If we, or anyone else, were to change the look of a structure, its function, or in some cases even its material components, there is the possibility the historic status of the building could be jeopardized.
Restoration is very different from renovation and it requires an incredible level of detail. When it comes to restoring a historic home, for example, it must look exactly as it did originally. Basically, we’re applying today’s technologies and methods to yesterday’s structures. It can be a challenge to follow
today’s building standards and codes when restoring a historic home, but nevertheless, the standards have to be followed. Sometimes, it can take serious thinking outside the box to find a way to maintain an exact look while following current building codes. But we get it done. Again, that’s why so many clients have come to rely on our services. It’s a dedication that earned the attention of the National Park Service. As a result, we’re currently the only company allowed to work on national park buildings. We’ve done restorations in Grand Canyon National Park, and we have pending bids to work on buildings in Death Valley National Park, as well as Zion National Park in southern Utah. We’re out there updating old fireplaces to today’s specs. In national parks, there are fireplaces that have been in near-constant use for decades. We have to make sure these fireplaces are 100 percent certifiably safe, all without changing their appearance in the slightest. As much of a challenge as it is, we love every minute of it. We get to leave our mark on history, and when we’re successful, no one will ever know Boston Brick & Stone was there.
Dave Laverdiere
www.bostonbrick.com |
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MANAGE YOUR ENERGY, NOT YOUR TIME
TESTIMONIAL Here’s what a happy client had to say about one of our services. “We had our patio and rear yard hardscape rebuilt by Boston Brick & Stone, and we could not be happier! Their mason, Sammy, has been with them forever, and he started every day with a smile and a commitment to craftsmanship. Anthony oversaw the project with a keen eye for finish and quality, Mark designed the project beautifully, and Dave, the owner, was frequently on site and a pleasure to work with. Boston Brick & Stone will never be the cheapest bid, but paying for quality only hurts once! That being said, we feel like we got 110 percent value for the price paid!” – Rola nd W., Pasadena, Ca lifornia People claim time is money, but an overemphasis on paying attention to time may actually prove harmful to a productive business day. The Harvard Business Review insists that truly productive individuals attempt to manage their energy over the abstract concept of time. Doing so isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Here are a few great tips for managing your energy: Identify What Gives You Energ y Getting caught up on the latest news, playing with your kids, enjoying a snack — the things that give us energy are the same things we want to sacrifice when we feel like there just isn’t enough time. In reality, these are the things we should be falling back on when we start to feel overwhelmed. Know When You Need a Break — And Take One! Ultradian rhythms are the cycles that occur throughout the day, in which our bodies move from high energy to complete burnout. They tend to last from 90 to 120 minutes, and when we start to feel sluggish, we’re wired to think the answer is powering through with a cup of coffee. It’s not. At the end of 90 to 120 minutes of solid work, it’s time to take a break. Do one of those things that gives you energy. You’ll come back refreshed and ready to dive back in.
Don’t Multitask The human brain is designed to truly focus on one task at any given time. While we can catch up on Netflix while doing the dishes, trying to finish your tax returns while in a planning meeting with co-workers is a disaster waiting to happen. Give your complete attention to one task before moving to another. You’ll feel less overwhelmed, you’ll finish quicker, and you’ll find your work is better than it would have been otherwise. Stick to the Rhythm Once you’ve started focusing on your energy over your time, don’t let yourself fall back into bad habits. Work, relax, work, relax. The longer you stick to a new method, the easier it becomes. Soon you’ll find managing your energy is second nature, and your productivity will reap the benefits.
OUR SERVICES
CHIMNEY
•Chimney inspection •Chimney restoration and repair •Chimney construction •Chimney sweeping
FIREPLACE •Fireplace inspection, restoration, or repair of an existing structure •Installation or reconstruction of new structures HARDSCAPE •Backyard patios
•Outdoor kitchens and barbecues •Outdoor steps, walkways, and paths •Retaining walls •Outdoor fireplaces •Driveways
HISTORICAL RESTORATION Our restoration work includes: •Restoration of the main lobby chimney system of the El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. •Repair and restoration of the chimneys in 56 original historic cabins on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. •Historical chimney restoration for the lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park. •Faithful restoration of the chimneys in the Nottingham and Arden properties in Beverly Hills. BRICK RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION
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DOES YOUR CHIMNEY PASS INSPECTION?
When it comes to the home, safety is everything. The home represents refuge from the outside world. It’s a place to relax and make memories. It’s a place that, above all else, should be counted on for safety and security. When a chimney or fireplace wasn’t built to meet or surpass specifications or codes, or when a chimney hasn’t been inspected in years, the occupants of that home could be at risk. Chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected when built and at least once a year after that. For those buying or selling a home, the National Fire Protection Agency recommends that all of the chimneys and fireplaces in the home be inspected by a professional chimney technician. Not all chimney inspections are created equal. In fact, one of the many qualities that set Boston Brick & Stone apart from the competition is our 12-step certified chimney and fireplace inspection. This detailed inspection includes visual, physical, and camera inspections. Through this exacting inspection process, we can determine if there are existing problems within the chimney and provide you with a complete analysis.
• Visually inspect the facing, hearths, and all attached components. • Visually inspect the foundation and hearth support. • Visually inspect the chimney where it passes through the attic. • Visually inspect the chimney at the roof intersection. • Thoroughly look at the flashing and surrounding roof. • Visually inspect the chimney as it protrudes above the roofline.
• Visually inspect the flue with a powerful light. • Visually inspect the crown and the attachments. • Conduct a push test. • Follow up on any potential problem. Additionally, we include on-the-spot reports of facts and solutions, complete with repair costs. The final detailed report is a resource homeowners and professionals can use to make informed decisions easily and with confidence. Assessments are thorough, easy to understand, and accurate. Once our assessment is complete, we provide you with an estimate with all fix options — an estimate that is guaranteed for 30 days.
The 12-Step Certified Inspection Checklist:
• Scan the flue and smoke chamber with a high-tech camera. • Visually inspect the firebox, throat, damper, and smoke chamber.
MEME CORNER
HONEY-GARLIC GLAZED CHICKEN THIGHS
Ingredients
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1/3 cup honey • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 cup soy sauce • 1/2 cup ketchup
Directions
1. Lay chicken thighs into the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker. 2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, and basil. Pour over the chicken. 3. Cook on low for 6 hours. 4. Enjoy!
Recipe inspired by AllRecipes.com.
3 www.bostonbrick.com |
SERVING THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com
INSIDE
page 1
A Dedication to the Highest Standard
page 2
Handling the Personal Energ y Crisis
page 2
Testimonial
page 3
Does Your Chimney Pass Inspection?
page 3
Honey-Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs
page 4
Take a Dip in the Aloha State
HAWAII IS CALLING
If you’re looking to take a tropical trip, what could be better than Hawaii? It’s the unofficial family unwinding capital of the world, known internationally for its perfect weather, absurdly beautiful beaches, and a great variety of activities that are sure to keep anyone engaged. Take the world-famous Road to Hana in Maui, for example — a twisting drive through miles of exotic rainforest, with breathtaking views of cliffs and gorgeous black sand beaches littered along the way, just perfect for
stretching your legs and taking a dip. Contrary to its name, the road trip typically ends just past the small mountain town of Hana, in the Oheo Gulch, a rainforest area that boasts tons of waterfalls and standing pools like glass. Or, if a long drive doesn’t strike you as fun, take the kids to Turtle Beach on Oahu, where sea turtles swim, sometimes coming up on the sand to bask in droves. Get a bit of basking done yourself or strap on some fins and a mask to swim with the turtles — just don’t touch, or you might face a hefty fine. Maybe sea turtles aren’t your thing. Maybe you’re more into manta rays, which do not have stingers but do sport a wingspan of up to 12 feet. Watch these enchanting creatures do triple backflips in the dark tropical waters. If you’re on the big island, you can see them at sundown off the Kona Coast. Watch their acrobatics from the shore or journey with your family to the sandy floor of the ocean, which is a lot easier than it sounds. Divers shine lights toward the surface, attracting the plankton that mantas love to eat. These harmless and immense animals will dance eerily close, and the effect is absolutely dazzling.
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