Amen, Glenn. I started when I was 12 helping Dad on weekends and evenings when Mom worked. At 15, I helped during evening weekends, and summer vacations (and getting paid!) when he went out on his own. At 17, I went to the Armstong School of Resilient Installation to learn all that I could, which was before certifications. They confirmed shool completions back then but didnt "certify" as they do now. All my life I have been taught on the job and Dad pulled me aside when other co-workers and his bosses did things inappropriately to save time and cut corners, telling me this isnt the way you should do this, but we do what we have to when we work for someone else. Every facet from pattern scribing inlaid resilient sheet in a room full of pipes and old radiators, all the way down to professionally and expertly installing vinyl/rubber cover base corners. Nothing was too big or too small to do right. At 21, me and Dad had a falling out in business. He had his own busienss now doign commercial and residential subcontract work and was becomming like so many others we laughed at and despised for doing shoddy work to make a buck, then I went out on my own. I am not maligning my Father. I love Him and he taught me pretty much evrything I know, but I couldnt do the work he was asking me to do anylonger when I knew it wasnt right. He had changed. Business had changed him. Money and time was becomming more important that job quality. Business certainly isnt easy, but a time comes when it's either right or its wrong, with little middle ground. Whhen professionals hit that crossroad, then take the wrong path, it changes them, and each time they elect that improper path, it makes the next crossroads easier and easier to take the wrong path, until the day comes that money and time means more than giving people who trust use with their work a professional job. I am an advocate of installer and buiness educataion no matter how they go about obtaining it, whether that be on the job, through a mentorship, union apprentiship, manufacturer or distributor training session, or certification. If certifications are the only way they can get proper training, they shoud go get it. Consumers need to step up and make a fuss when anything isnt exactly how they want it to be. We live in a low cost wallmart and home depot world, where as long as the price is right, they can live with almost anything. As an employer, I instill in my men and women the same installation and customer service values my Dad originally instilled in me, and I demand that on every job. I believe much of the talent has moved to the commercial spectrum too. Its where the money is at. Interesting you should say that (about commercial work getting the good men). When I left Dad, I went all commercial for about 10-11 years before we started opening up stores. Did alot of traveling and made alot of money. Now we bring those values and quality to the residential sector. In the end if something isnt done right, it doesnt matter why.

I'm putting my money behind bossyvossy. PVC is not only structurally weaker, it has a shorter lifespan. If you plan on "flipping" your house to an ignorant buyer who doesn't know the shortcomings of PVC windows, go ahead and use them. But if you plan on keeping your home or passing it on to the next generation, what sense would it make to install windows that are going to need replaced in 20-25 years? Is it worth saving a few bucks on the front end just to spend 100% or more of what you are planning to spend on today's less expensive PVC windows? A QUALITY aluminum framed window with a high performance finish will easily last in excess of 50 years. Plus, PVC is the scourge of the planet in both its manufacture and disposal whereas aluminum is totally recyclable. Help yourself and help the planet and go aluminum. They may not be as good as old growth wood windows, but they are more affordable and require less maintenance.

Is this a new build or a renovation project? If a new build best bet is to speak to your builder/design team. I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to help you with any needs. I see the address for the builder is in Denver. Most Coloradans know that hardwood isn’t always the best option up here. As far as sheet vinyl goes, you’re not limited for that I don’t think. There are so many engineered flooring options these days and they look great.

Hi, we are considering installing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in our condo building hallways for ease of maintenance and durability. 1. Has anyone had success with using LVP (e.g., Karndean's Art Select or COREtec) in a commercial or multi-family common area? 2. What is your experience with durability and can you please post pictures? 3. Do you recommend glue down installation or specific manufacturers/product lines? Thanks for sharing your experience!