“I invested in the Franklin Franchise and I have been pleased with the immediate growth and development of that operation, even in this challenging economy” said Carter, who lives in Marion County near Chattanooga. “I always knew RSU of Chattanooga was going to be a great opportunity.  RSU provides a proven process, a brand, training and on-going support.  Locating the right person to run the company in Chattanooga was the final step.”

Brad Wardlaw, a local contractor and businessman from nearby Hixson, joins the Company as the Operations Manager.

“RSU Contractors gives me established systems and procedures, technology and resources that I simply could never have developed on my own,” said Wardlaw.  “By joining forces with RSU, I can best utilize my knowledge and experience to really grow this operation.  As a contractor and with my experience in real estate I see the opportunities in Chattanooga.  I know and understand the market and I am excited to join the RSU Team.”

RSU Contractors specializes in all types of remodeling and renovations, including additions, accessory structures, kitchens, baths, whole-house remodels and commercial projects. The company also offers a comprehensive home maintenance program.   Training for the new Franchise begins January 23^rd inMurfreesboro,TN the Franchise headquarters.  RSU of Chattanooga opens for business in February.

“We have taken our 29 year business experience and developed a unique franchise opportunity,” said Mark Williams, president of Franchise Operations.  “Our focus is to deliver high quality work by qualified professionals.  At RSU we attract some of the best talent and the entire company is supported by a process driven software program called the CommandCenter.”

RSU Contractors currently has operations in Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro and serves parts of Davidson County.  “We are looking for quality minded professionals to open operations in other communities,” said Williams.

About RSU Contractors

RSU Contractors, founded in 1982 is a franchise organization specializing in remodeling and renovations for residential and commercial customers. The company, headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tenn., also offers a maintenance program for year-round repairs and inspections.  RSU has received numerous awards, including being named one of Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50 in 2008 and recognized as one of the Top 500 remodeling firms by Qualified Remodeler magazine.   Please visit www.RSUcontractors.com for more information.

Brad Wardlaw and Mark Williams during a recent meeting in Chattanooga.

It’s Inspection Time Again?

Routine Inspections are a key part of any plan – locating a small leak could save you thousands.  A small leak is the worse as it slowly rots wood framing without exposing itself through drywall finishes….

• First you should establish a complete checklist or get professional help
• Every accessible area of the home should be inspected once a year
  • Crawl Space areas
  • Basements
  • Attics
  • House Exterior and Perimeter
  • Interior Rooms – especially areas with plumbing

Taking steps to prevent and to address issues around the home only make dollars and sense.  Many repairs or simple maintenance routines may cost you now but chances are problems that remain unaddressed only get worse costing you thousands of dollars more. RSU Contractors is here to help.

Safety, Security & Emergency Planning

• Safety – Simple inspections and routines like checking smoke detectors, fire-safety inspection, and common sense approaches to work around the house and the general condition of the home.
• Security – A security checklist to review general conditions locks on windows and doors, exterior access. Removing foliage away from concealed entry points
• Emergency Plan of Action – How prepared are you.  Could you and your family comfortably survive for 3 days or more?  What is your plan in case of fire, power outages, storms…

Taking steps to prevent and to address issues around the home only make dollars and sense.  Many repairs or simple maintenance routines may cost you now but chances are problems that remain unaddressed only get worse costing you thousands of dollars more. RSU Contractors is here to help.

Seasonal Plan

Frequency of service is another key step in creating a Home Maintenance Program.  Each property is different and so are the owners.  There will be some regular maintenance work that must be done more frequently – for example HVAC filters should be changed monthly and other jobs may require weekly attention.  Quarterly routines are most recommended and should correlate with the seasons.

• Fall – Deal with falling leaves and prepare for winter conditions
• Winter – deal with winter conditions and routine inspections
• Spring – Re-activate winterization and prepare for outdoor activities
• Summer – Accomplish routine maintenance & routine inspections

Taking steps to prevent and to address issues around the home only make dollars and sense.  Many repairs or simple maintenance routines may cost you now but chances are problems that remain unaddressed only get worse costing you thousands of dollars more. RSU Contractors is here to help.

Poor Construction, Inferior Products & Material Lifespan

• Product failure – In some cases an inferior product will fail or have a short lifespan.  These products must be replaced or repaired.  Consider budgeting to replace over an extended time period.
• Let’s face it – during the construction booms many houses were poorly constructed.  Some problems do not show up for many years later.  Many neighborhoods will show the same problems on every house.  If the same wood window was used then every south and western facing windows have wood-rot.
• Materials have a lifespan.  The building industry has been notorious for over-promising product and material performance.
• Poor planning – Many houses and developments were just not planned very well.  Drainage and flooding problems can a multitude of concerns…

Taking steps to prevent and to address issues around the home only make dollars and sense.  Many repairs or simple maintenance routines may cost you now but chances are problems that remain unaddressed only get worse costing you thousands of dollars more. RSU Contractors is here to help. Contact us for more information.

Mother Nature is not your friend

• Storms and weather occurrences can create major damage or just expose maintenance problems
• Sun fades products and can promote fading and dry-rot
• Rain and water problems create a multitude of problems on roofs, siding, basement and crawl spaces.  Moist conditions create mold…
• Extreme Temperatures – Heat and humidity stress all exterior products and force mechanical systems to work overtime or may expose undersized or inferior systems.  Cold makes products more fragile and some products fail in freezing temperatures.  Changes between seasons causes expansion and contraction within and between different products.
• Without routine maintenance like caulking — gaps can expand to allow more moisture into the wall cavity which can slowly cause structural damage and promote Termites…

Taking steps to prevent and to address issues around the home only make dollars and sense.  Many repairs or simple maintenance routines may cost you now but chances are problems that remain unaddressed only get worse costing you thousands of dollars more. RSU Contractors is here to help.

For most people, the home is their biggest investment, yet very few really take the time or effort to maintain this asset.

Today’s Tip: Keeping up on Home Maintenance.

A Home Maintenance Program

When it comes to maintenance and property protection you should develop a Comprehensive Program that is customized for your home and property. Some key elements are:

• A Professional Consultation: A good understanding of what a complete Home Maintenance Program should be. The plan must be tailored to meet your homes specific needs — it must include routine inspections along with specific maintenance tasks like cleaning out gutters or drains, removing leaves, etc.
• Team Approach: Chances are your maintenance program will require using a qualified contractor or service technician. HVAC mechanical work will require a qualified technician. Only attempt jobs you are qualified to perform then consider help from others whether it’s a friend, family member or professional company.
• Be Reasonable: Set-up the program so you can stick to it. Consistency is the key. Too often may be overkill and ignoring problems is not a good idea. Problems rarely fix themselves

Taking steps to prevent and to address issues around the home only make dollars and sense. Many repairs or simple maintenance routines may cost you now but chances are problems that remain unaddressed only get worse costing you thousands of dollars or more. RSU Contractors is here to help – contact us to find out how!