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CNS Construction CHRONICLES
CNSCONSTRUCTION.IO | (412) 347-1040
OCTOBER 2024
I have always had a vision of creating a construction company. I just didn’t know how or when it would happen. My cousin Calvin and I started building forts in the woods together when we were 7 or 8 years old. I have always liked carpentry and working with my hands, and Calvin — who is the “C” in CNS Construction, for “Calvin ’n Sam” — felt the same way. I entered the construction trades as a carpenter in my early 20s and worked for contractors on all kinds of projects, from building decks to flipping homes. I saw what some companies were doing right for their clients, and what others were doing wrong — sowing mistrust along the way. That experience was the basis for starting our business. When Calvin and I formed our LLC last year, our goal was to build out the best contractor-client experience possible. We adopted the great practices we saw at some companies and avoided the bad ones. We resolved to treat every client like gold and to treat anybody who works for us like gold. With that mindset, in just 18 months, we have seen our business explode. Our path hasn’t always been smooth! When Calvin and I were little, we were mortal enemies. We would fight over toys. We would fight over everything! One of our fights is famous in the family — a battle over who was actually 5 years old. Calvin was 5. I was 4. Like I said, we fought over everything! I don’t know exactly how it happened, but when we were 7 or 8, we just stopped fighting and became best buddies. Our fathers are brothers and live within 30 minutes of each How 2 Cousins Built a Thriving Business on Trust and Teamwork FAMILY FIRST
other, and we visited so often that we grew up like brothers too. We dug bunkers on the hillside and pretended we were at war. We built woodshop projects together. As we grew older, we played sports together and went hunting with our dads. As we went on to college, I studied business for a couple of years, but the classes seemed dull. I wound up dropping out and going into the trades. A couple of years later, I was forced to take a break. After injuring the AC joint in my shoulder in a snowboarding accident, I couldn’t build decks. I started an e-commerce business on Amazon to make money, but I scaled the business too fast and failed. I learned a ton from that setback. It catapulted me into gaining as much knowledge as I could. I started reading a business book a week to strengthen my knowledge and insights. It was an expensive lesson, but what I learned has really helped us. In putting those lessons to work, I have made another discovery: I love sales and marketing. The whole tone of the customer relationship is set during that initial sales process. We have crafted our entire business around making that experience as awesome, honest, and trustworthy for the client as we possibly can. We’re family, and we like to treat our customers as family. That is the core of our service mentality, and it is the core of this business. Our family has been at the heart of everything we do, and we believe it’s the reason we have had so much success so far. We are looking forward to getting better acquainted with you and your families in the months to come!
WE VALUE YOUR REFERRALS! Your referrals help the community! CNS will donate $100 of every job to local charities. Your business and referrals help people all over Pittsburgh!
—Sam Milligan 1
CNSCONSTRUCTION.IO | (412) 347-1040
Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com
Easy Steps to Prep for Cold Weather Don’t Let Winter Freeze Your AC
unit, but one that will keep things from falling into the top. Even a piece of plywood can work as a suitable cover. If you have a heat pump, however, you shouldn’t worry about covering the unit. Before winter arrives, clean your unit to the best of your ability. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris on top or inside the unit. You can even
“Game of Thrones” may have coined the phrase, “Winter is coming,” but it’s the reality we all face this time of year. The temperature is dropping, and winter’s cold, snow, and freezing conditions will soon envelop us. There’s always much to do to prepare for cold weather, and you may not realize your air conditioning unit needs
some attention. Taking a few extra steps to protect your air conditioning unit will ensure it’s ready when you need it again when the heat returns.
use a garden hose to rinse the outside. Once you’ve cleaned it out and are sure the warm weather is over, cut the power
supply to your unit. This will ensure your unit doesn’t turn on during an unusually warm winter day.
Winterizing your AC unit protects it from snow, ice, and rust. It also prevents unwanted critters from
invading your unit and making it their home for the winter. The process can seem daunting if you’ve never touched your AC unit before, but it only takes a few minutes and is easier than you think.
Once the cold weather arrives, don’t ignore your AC unit until spring returns. Continue to check on it to ensure the cover is doing its job and remove critters nesting below or near it. Replacing and repairing an AC unit can become expensive quickly. Be proactive and winterize your unit to
If your unit is under a tree or in an area where icicles or snow could fall into it, invest in a cover. You don’t need a cover over the entire
reduce risk and lengthen its lifespan.
How Do I Choose a Good Home Improvement Contractor? ASK YOUR CONTRACTOR
Seek out a specialist. While you may be tempted to hire a jack-of-all-trades, choose a contractor who specializes in the work you need. A roofing crew that repairs and installs roofs all year long is more likely to do a perfect job than someone who offers to build your bathroom, rehab your basement, and install your roof as an afterthought. Trust your gut. Look for a contractor who communicates openly and honestly, starting with your first meeting. Take note of how well the contractor answers your questions and how quickly they respond to calls, emails, or texts. Finding a level of comfort and trust with a contractor can make a major difference in your outcome. We would love to hear your questions and answer them here each month. Email us at hello@cnsconstruction.io with “Ask Your Contractor” in the subject line, and we will do our best to respond!
authenticity. Also, ask for references. A trustworthy contractor should be able to direct you to satisfied customers for testimonials about their work. Explore their experience. Make sure your contractor won’t be jumping into your project brand-new. Ask how many years of experience their workers have in doing the kind of job you want done. Make sure the team leads and skilled workers have a proven track record of successful completion. Look for certified installers. Manufacturers’ certifications amount to a promise of skilled, reliable work. If your contractor is certified by the manufacturer of the roofing, decking, or other building materials being used, they have undergone extensive training and can meet exacting standards. Basically, it means they will do the work right.
Finding a trustworthy contractor for your home construction or repair project is essential to your peace of mind. Unfortunately, a few bad actors have given the industry a bad rep. As you look for the right fit, keep these tips in mind. Check the reviews. Reputable contractors usually have plenty of positive online reviews. Examine each review for realistic details and specifics about a particular project, to check their
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CNSCONSTRUCTION.IO | (412) 347-1040
@CNS-Construction
Guard Against Losing Your Homeowners Insurance Stormy Days
The Good Book
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23
If you are concerned about keeping your homeowners insurance, you aren’t alone. Homeowners in many parts of the country have been hit by premium increases and a disturbing rise in cancellations and non-renewal of policies. Areas at high risk of hurricanes and wildfires have been hurt most, but many homeowners in Pennsylvania are running into problems too. A growing number have complained to state regulators that insurers were using drone photos of their roofs as a basis for canceling or refusing to renew their policies. State officials criticized the companies for cutting off homeowners insurance when the aerial images only showed discoloration or streaking, rather than significant roof decay or damage. Some homeowners with roofs that are only 10–15 years old are failing insurance companies’ inspections. Other problems that can trigger a coverage cutoff include faulty electrical wiring or plumbing or siding in poor repair. Insurers have faced heavy losses in areas of the country hit by catastrophic storms and wildfires, causing some to cancel policies en masse. Pennsylvania has set several safeguards for homeowners. Unlike some states, the state does not allow insurers to cancel policies because of the policyholder’s history of filing claims. Acceptable reasons for canceling include failure to pay premiums, a “substantial increase” in hazards the policy covers, or a homeowner’s willful or negligent conduct, according to the state. Insurers must give specific reasons for cutting off insurance, and they must prove the risk is substantial. They also must give policyholders advance notice and time to fix the problem. If the insurance company doesn’t comply with these rules, policyholders also have 10 days from the day they received notice of cancellation to file a complaint with the state. Fixing the problem is a sound strategy for homeowners who can pull it off, because finding coverage after a previous policy has been canceled is usually difficult and expensive. Given this insurance- industry trend, this is a good time to assess any roofing, siding, or structural problems in your home and take steps to repair them.
CNS Testimonials “I can not say enough positive things about this company! I was able to easily schedule an in-person appointment and was given an estimate at that visit. No waiting! Sam was very knowledgeable about products and made great recommendations regarding our back deck replacement. They are quick to reply to calls and text messages and keep you informed at every step of the process. Last, but not least, their workmanship is incredible!” –M.P.
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CNSCONSTRUCTION.IO | (412) 347-1040
@cnscousins
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
@CNS-Construction
2681 Sidney St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203
@cnscousins
INSIDE 1
How 2 Cousins Put Family First to Build a Thriving Business
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Winterize Your AC Like a Pro Ask Your Contractor: How to Hire the Right Company CNS Testimonials Safeguard Your Home Amid Insurance Policy Cutoffs
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Cozy Up With Grandmacore
CLASSIC COMFORT
LIST OF SERVICES: • Design and Build • Architecture Drawings • Custom Decks • Roof Construction • Stamped Patios • Concrete • Roofing • Siding • Hardie Siding • Gutters, Soffit, and Fascia • Windows and Doors • Outdoor Kitchens • Outdoor Living Spaces
How to Design Your Home With Grandmacore Aesthetic
the grandmacore scene, either. It just requires a few simple design elements.
Do you remember how cozy and calming walking into your grandmother’s home felt? If so, you’re not alone. In recent years, “grandmacore” has taken over the interior design world, prompting many to embrace the charm of their grandmother’s aesthetic. You don’t have to be a grandparent to get into
Imagine your grandma’s house for a moment. What do you see? Maybe a selection of unique antiques , a classic rocking chair, cat-themed decorations, or other items that evoke nostalgia. Antique furniture, vintage linens , classic books , handmade decor , and houseplants are great ways to bring grandmacore into your home. To maintain this feel throughout your home, stay away from modern and minimalist decor, mass-produced art, and bright neon colors. Bringing the grandmacore style into your home is a surefire way to improve your mood and reminisce about fond memories from your grandma’s house!
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CNSCONSTRUCTION.IO | (412) 347-1040
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