A GREEN MAKEOVER SUCCESS New Jersey’s Anthony James Construction gives a home renovation star quality ~ By Jack McGee Although the ENERGY STAR® label is most commonly applied to new homes, when a customer requested it for a renovation, Anthony James Construction achieved the transformation in characteristic style. A custom home builder and remodeler, Anthony James Construction is also recognized for excellence in historic preservation, reflecting the company’s craftsmanship and ability to meet homeowners’ unique needs. It is a tradition that began with founder Anthony J. Cerami Sr. in 1952 and is carried on today by a second generation with owner Anthony Cerami. “We’ve built a solid reputation in this market,” Cerami says. “Our goal with each project is to exceed expectations, and that requires being an innovator and offering the latest products and approaches like green building.” Cerami positions his business to build green by including environmentally friendly measures – both standard and as options – in his proposals. He says building green is both a marketing decision and a natural outgrowth of the company’s philosophy. “Being a market leader is about maintaining our edge and continuing to expand on our strengths in innovation, design knowledge and service.” All of those factors came into play when the company completed a major renovation that upgraded a house to ENERGY STAR® standards. Usually reserved for new homes, even the ENERGY STAR® program advises that it may not be practical for an existing home to qualify. Cerami fielded the request when he reviewed the benefits of ENERGY STAR® with a customer before it was decided their home would not be torn down completely. Accepting the challenge, he consulted with experts and found it was possible for a renovated home to qualify for ENERGY STAR®. “We were able to fulfill all the requirements, and the homeowner loved the result,” Cerami says. Recommending ENERGY STAR® heating and appliances is standard practice at Anthony James Construction. “Energy efficiency is a big selling point for us along with natural gas,” Cerami explains. Natural gas heating is most requested by customers, and natural gas water heaters, dryers and cooktops are other favorites. Cerami recently began suggesting gas lights, “They’re really starting to take off,” he says. “It’s a very charming look, and with the electronic ignitions they add to a home’s character while using the latest technology. We’ve found that to be a winning combination.” For more information, visit www.anthonyjames.com. SIDEBAR Building a Green Brand For Anthony James Construction, going green goes beyond how homes are built. It is a way of communicating the company’s commitment to innovation and market leadership. The company’s brand identity is defined under the banner, “We’re Going Green.” According to owner Anthony Cerami, “The ‘We’re Going Green’ emblem is displayed on our trucks and our website next to the U.S. Green Building Council logo. We also use it in all advertising and printed materials.” Cerami finds his best marketing tool is the company website, which includes a link to ENERGY STAR® online resources. The company also benefits from ENERGY STAR®’s name recognition and connection with green construction by placing signage on every ENERGY STAR® qualified home Anthony James Construction builds. Further ensuring the company stands out from the rest is a unique and award-winning innovation – Anthony James Construction house wrap. Similar to the white wraps commonly seen on homes before siding is installed, the wrap garnered a Hanley Wood Remodeling Magazine marketing award in 2003. By protecting against moisture and air infiltration and improving energy efficiency, the wrap aligns with the company’s green brand while promoting awareness of the company on site. Additional plans include a brochure detailing the company’s green building capabilities. “It’s all part of our strategy to gain exposure and recognition as a green builder and an innovator in the area,” Cerami explains. “We’re doing new things that the public is looking for, and this is helping us get the message out there.” Westfield Historic Preservation Commission Annual Harry Devlin Awards - 2007 WESTFIELD -- The Westfield Historic Preservation Commission's 15th annual Harry Devlin Awards Presentation and reception was held in Council Chambers at the municipal building on Wednesday evening, June 13. Receiving awards for outstanding restoration or renovations were: Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCarthy, 835 Wallberg Ave.; Mr. and Mrs. Barney Veres, Jr., 280 Canterbury Road,; Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Baum, 720 Lawrence Ave.; Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mandelblatt, 730 Lawrence Ave.; Mr. P. Mark Martini, 17 Stanley Oval; Mr. Ralph Bencivenga, owner of Bovella's Pastry Shop, 101 E. Broad St.; and Mrs. Frances R. Kelly, manager of Wachovia Financial Center, 170 E. Broad Street. The awards are presented each year to recognize property owners who have demonstrated established historic preservation standards when expanding, altering, restoring and maintaining their buildings and grounds. Wendy Devlin Gates chaired the judging, assisted by WHPC members Diana Edkins, Liviana Feniger and Betty List. The commission also honored winners of its recent Youth Contest during the awards program. The award winners, from third, fourth and eighth grades, had submitted an artistic or written interpretation of their favorite older building or site in Westfield with explanations of why they should be preserved. Barbara Burton and Jody Melloan chaired the judging of the entries. Prizes were donated by the Downtown Westfield Corporation. The WHPC's mission, described by the ordinance creating it in 1984, is to help protect "the historical, cultural, architectural and social heritage of Westfield -- given in trust from generation to generation to be used, enriched and then passed on. The character, lifestyle and quality of life of the town depend in great measure on towns protecting their heritage of the past." - From the Westfield Leader Westfield Historic Preservation Commission Previous Devlin Awards Mr. & Mrs. Peter Tortorello of 747 Boulevard received the Devlin award for their addition and renovation sensitive to the original architecture of their 80 yr. old home. In addition to interior alterations, they added a family room and office on their first floor, all in character with the original site. - Westfield Leader - July 2003 Mr. & Mrs. DePalmer of 225 Woodland Ave. received the award for their extensive renovations since moving into their home in 1994. They have completed a new kitchen and master bedroom, enlarged the garage and added a portico. - Westfield Leader - July 2000       From Remodeling Magazine - April, 2003 All Wrapped Up nthony James Construction, Westfield, N.J., wants clients to know they're in good hands. The company follows up its sales presentation with a thank-you note and, following the signing of a contract, sends clients information detailing how the company's practices differ from those of other contractors.     "We remind then of the differences," says owner Anthony Cerami. His company uses premium lumber. Drywall is glued and screwed, so nails aren't popping out in a few years. They also use quality, 25-year shingles, not builder grade, and a cement backer-board in all tub and shower enclosures that is water resistant and has a lifetime warranty.     To pull its promise of quality construction together at the end of the job, the company organizes a post-project walk-through with owner Cerami and the lead carpenter on the project. The purpose is to explain policies like the company's five-year warranty on mechanicals and finish work, as well as to hand off a 31-page spiral-bound booklet called the Homeowners' Manual.     The manual offers detailed maintenance instructions, covering virtually every area of the home, inside and out, including mechanicals, and also spells out the company responsibility in the event a warranty issue arises.     Most important, though, for Cerami, is that the walk-through gets the client "back up to a nice level" of rapport, he says -- the kind of feeling that tends to dissipate a bit in the final weeks of a project. And the kind that leads to referrals. - J.C.       From the Suburban News - October 17, 2001 BUILDING AND CONSUMER EXPERT Bill McCauley reports to Reuters Broadcast News Service from a site in Westfield about healthy homes. Anthony James Builders Builds A 'Healthier Home'    WESTFIELD -- Reuters Broadcast News Service, a national television news-feed, was in Westfield at a new home construction site being built by a local building company, Anthony James Builders. Home building and construction expert Bill McCauley chose the site as part of a national campaign to help homeowners combat outside pollutants entering their homes.    Anyone who has been outside the past few weeks has experienced the unhealthy, heavy air that has forced many to seek refuge in an air-conditioned environment. But just because one is outdoors, doesn't mean one's lungs are safe from breathing in smothering doses of dense, polluted air. Pollutants and allergens can enter a home through leaks in window frames, outlet boxes, attics, doors and any place that is not sealed tight or ventilated properly.    McCauley feels that home- owners must make it a priority to educate themselves about the latest building materials and techniques such as spray foams and plastic housewrap. These can prevent 10 to 50 percent of airborne pollutants and allergens from entering the home and save homeowners money on heating and air conditioning costs. From the Suburban News/City News - At Home - February 28, 2001 Anthony James Construction of Westfield Recognized by PSE&G’s EEH 5 Star Program Public Service Electric and Gas Company’s (PSE&G) energy Efficient Home 5 Star (EEH 5 Star) Program has recognized Anthony James Construction of Westfield for committing to the energy-efficient construction of a single-family home on Badeau Avenue in Summit. The EEH 5 Star Program certifies single-family, townhouse condominium and multifamily homes, which meet the highest levels of energy efficiency and use over one-third less energy for heating, cooling and water heating than the average new home built in New Jersey. Every EEH 5 Star home is tested and inspected upon completion to assure it conforms to the superior construction specifications of both PSE&G and the U.S. Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Home Program. EEH 5 Star Homes can include upgrades such as: added levels of insulation in walls and attics; high-efficiency heating, cooling and hot water system; insulated or storm windows and doors; sealed and insulated ductwork and special energy-efficient controls. An EEH 5 Star home can provide a number of benefits, including: lower energy bills; increased quiet and comfort; increased assurance of quality heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation; improved indoor air quality; and the possibility of increased resale value when the home is ultimately sold. In addition, buyers of homes certified under the EEH 5 Star Program may be eligible for one of the U.S. ENERGY STAR® Mortgage Programs. These mortgage programs feature stretched qualifying ratios, and reduced interest rates and/or reduced mortgage closing fees for homes that are certified as being energy-efficient. For more information on EEH 5 Star builders and their energy efficient communities, call the EEH 5 Star hotline, (1-800) 220-8090, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From the Suburban News - Business Review - April 12, 2000 Anthony James Construction "There Truly Is A Difference" Remodeling is today’s affordable answer to changing family needs. It’s time to stop contemplating alteration or renovation work on your home and contact Anthony James Construction, located in Westfield, phone (908) 233-2225. Whether you need an entire interior or exterior renovated, rooms added or a custom home built, this contractor has the experience and ability to handle the job. A home is the biggest investment that most people make, and maintaining the value of their investment is a prime concern. Anthony James Construction understands that you have an idea for your home and will work with you, from concept to completion, to make that idea a reality. They specialize in additions, add-a-levels and major renovations which add space and new appeal to your present home. If you want to build the home of your dreams, Anthony James Construction will be responsible for all phases of your project. They stand ready to apply economical and practical design building concepts to residential properties, with great attention to detail and architectural characteristics. For many years, Anthony James Construction has been serving the area’s expansion and new home needs. Call them at (908) 233-2225, or visit them on the Web at www.anthonyjames.com for more information. Their reputation is backed by experienced craftsmen who strive to give you the type of home that you can feel proud of for years to come. Although their schedule is a few months out, their professionalism and the quality of their work is well worth the wait. From the Cranford Chronicle - Home Improvement Section - April 16, 1992 Homes Need Special Care By MARE PALTZ SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Homeowners who are growing out of their old houses will be glad to know that their homes are a specialty to Anthony James Construction in Clark. Anthony Cerrami , co-owner of Anthony James Construction, said the business specializes in major renovations such as room additions, kitchen extensions and adding levels to existing homes. Mr. Cerrami said that because of the hard economic times, one of the most popular projects among do-it-your-selfers is the exterior shell program. For this project Anthony James Construction will complete the exterior of an addition, including the foundation framing, roofing and windows among other things. As a way of saving money, homeowners complete the interior of the house. One of the main concerns at Anthony James Construction is the matching of new additions architecturally and structurally to that of the existing house. Mr. Cerrami said this is important because it allows the addition to look as though it was part of the original house. For people who want to change the look of their home without a major renovation, Mr. Cerrami suggests changing the windows, both which will enhance the beauty of the house. He said some of the most popular window styles are circular tops, elliptical tops or bow windows. Mr. Cerrami said he prides the business on the strong emphasis he places on service and customer relations. "The key to our success is in our services," he said, explaining that 80% of their work load comes from referrals. According to Mr. Cerrami, Anthony James Construction is a professional firm whose employees take pride in what they do. They are always courteous to their customers and are careful about such details as leaving a clean, safe work site at the end of each work session. Anthony James Construction, which has been in business since 1975, follows the tradition of customer design and exceptional quality, coupled with the input of their customers. From the Suburban News - Business Briefs - April 4, 1990 Construction Anthony James Construction, Inc. offers a full service home improvement company specializing in room additions, add-a-levels, kitchen expansion, and dormers. Anthony James Construction follows in the tradition that has been established by founder Anthony J. Cerami Sr., in 1952. Today, a second generation of builders continues in that same tradition offering quality home improvements at affordable prices. They offer an exterior shell program for the do-it-yourselfer which is a very popular choice. It consists of entire exterior masonry, framing, siding, gutters, and leaders, roofing and of course, Anderson Windows; all at a substantial savings to you. They also have a kitchen remodeling division which maintains the same standards as their construction division; exceptional quality, outstanding value, and personalized service.