Cook Remodeling & Custom Construction, Inc. News
News about Cook Remodeling & Custom Construction, Inc.
Last updated May 25, 2005

Page 1

National Remodeler Council Selection
The National Remodeler Council, which Jeff and Janet are members of, meets bi-annually, serving as a board of consultants offering expert advise in setting company standards, structures, plans, practices, and procedures for remodeling companies. "Besides our 4 days of meetings, we are in frequent communication via the Internet with the group to handle issues of hiring, training, management, financials, administration, and customer service throughout the year as well," notes Jeff. Participating in this group gives insight into issues challenging Remodelers in the industry, and affords a think tank of exceptional professionals proposing solutions to problems.

Jeff Cook Upgrades His License
Jeff studied and passed the examination for a KB-2 contractor's license in 2002. He is now licensed to do residential construction of any size or type, and small commercial projects. In studying for the test Jeff reported that he learned more in depth about coordinating phases of construction, and increased his awareness on how to further improve methods of building. Jeff also said, "Former customers have called me and asked if I could build them a custom home. I wanted to be able to do that for them."
Jeff Cook is now
a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)
Wanting to continue to improve his skills as a professional, Jeff enrolled in the National Association of Home Builders University of Housing CGR certification program for Remodelers. It is the most comprehensive professional designation in the industry that requires ongoing education and adherence to a rigorous code of ethics. The CGR is an exclusive professional designation that identifies those who demonstrate exceptional business integrity, competence, and a solid track record of consumer satisfaction. Traveling around the country to take courses, Jeff said, "Its enjoyable to meet other remodelers with high quality standards. I get some great ideas from their strengths and how our company can do even better."

3-Day Kitchen & Bath
Design Course
The Kitchen is the hub of the home with trends to create a his and her gourmet space that facilitates informal entertaining. Master baths are being updated to serve as retreat spas for pampering and rejuvenation. To be able to provide personalization to reflect their client's lifestyle, Janet has completed over 36 hours of coursework of kitchen and bath design. "There is so much use and activity to plan for,

 3-Day Design Course (cont.) -
and so many appliances and fixtures to choose from. I want to do my best in designing a custom remodel that will exceed expectations. I know I am doing my job well when I hear, 'Oh, I hadn't even thought of that!'"

Certified
Aging-In-Place Specialist
(CAPS) Designation
The National Assoc. of Home Builders'(NAHB): Remodelers Council, Research Center, Seniors Housing Council and the AARP created the CAPS program. The CAPS designation program teaches the skills essential to service the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place. CAPS was developed to help home remodeling professional meet the needs of the 77 million Baby Boomers that are reaching retirement age in the 21st century. The CAPS designation identifies remodelers that have been trained to help people remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of income or ability level, and continue to live in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years.

During the three days of course work, the CAPS curriculum incorporates a variety of information tailored to aging-in-place home modification,




Cook Remodeling & Custom Construction, Inc. News
News about Cook Remodeling & Custom Construction, Inc.
Last updated May 25, 2005

Page 2

CAPS (cont.) - including: background on the older adult population; communication techniques, common aging-in-place remodeling projects; marketing to the aging-in-place market; common barriers and solutions; codes and standards; product ideas and resources, and business management.

CGR and CAPS program graduates are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and participating in community service projects.

Associate Certified Graduate Remodeler
Instead of waiting to pick up CGR courses as they are offered at the annual National Trade shows, Janet and Jeff attend for professional development. Janet flew to Texas, Nevada, and Nebraska to take courses that were being offered at local home building associations so she could more quickly gain and apply the knowledge for the benefit of Cook Remodeling's clients. "I 		had to fly to Texas twice, impressing the Houston members of my commitment to excellence. I don't have the benefit of direct, hands-on construction experience, so I sought to learn all I could from the best in the industry." Many of the courses Jeff also took, enabling them to brainstorm ideas on how to apply the information for the betterment of the company's employees and clients.

All Managers and Employees Complete National Safety Training Course Cook Remodeling wants to provide an environment free from recognized hazards at the workplace, and seized the opportunity when an OSHA trainer from NAHB offered an all day safety seminar in Phoenix.
The seminar discussed how to avoid accidents or injury from electricity, falling, being struck by materials, or being caught in a collapse. "We were the only company at the seminar that day who sent not just one employee, 		Training Course (cont.) -
but the whole team!" noted Janet Cook. The presenter was very knowledgable and provided many pictures in his presentations taken at job sites that had violations for us to spot. Jeff said, "It gave a lot of details to look for," which he and the Lead Carpenters discussed how to implement improvements as they car pooled back to the office. Everyone, after taking a post-test were given certificates of completion for this valuable safety course.

The Company holds health and safety training at least once a month. "It is important to review safety practices" says John Rookstool. "Regular safety trainings reinforce good safety habits. Training helps keep the routine or stress of the job from interfering with safety procedures. It keeps safety at the forefront be reviewing procedures that can prevent an accident or promote quick response to one."



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