Turnage Company News

Archive for the ‘Turnage Company’ tag

“Greenwashing” - What is it and how to avoid it

without comments

Green is Hot!

Everyone knows that the hottest word in the building industry is green which is often used in a phrase such as building green, a green project or a green product.  What does green mean?  The term green can be defined many ways but should be defined to closely exemplify “a consideration for the environment”.  So, what about any phrase with green in it, wouldn’t that be a good thing to consider, the environment?  Absolutely, if its green-ness can be proven.

Beware of Green

The number of items that are considered green are inumerable and so are the entrepeneurs trying to benefit from the latest industry movement.  I do not have a problem with entrepeneurs, companies, or anyone that is considering being green for the right reasons, but it is just a fact that many people are only looking at being green because of the potential for monetary gain.  There is a term called greenwashing and this term usually signifies something that is far from being considered green.  In short, greenwashing is labeling something green when in fact it is really not, or it may be a little green but significantly more money or time has been spent advertising being green than the consideration for the environment.  So, how do you know which things are really considered green and how not to be greenwashed?  Can one actually prove that a product lives up to its green representation?  It is not as hard as one might think.

What to watch out for with regards to possible Greenwashing

(my summary of the top five items listed on various website sources)

  1. Hidden trade offs - when something may be good for the environment but there are hidden trade offs that are more harmful than the good that exists.
  2. No proof or certification - when there is no proof or certification backing up the environmental benefits.
  3. Intentional vagueness - when information has intenionally be left out because the truth about the claim would degrade the “green-ness” of the item . 
  4. Irrelevance - when a claim for the good of the environment is made but it is irrelevant because it HAS to be due to environmental or other regulations, etc.
  5. Intentional deception - when something is claiming to be Internationally or Nationally recognized or certified to a certain standard but it has no such certification nor meets any such standard.

Final Common Sense Tips

  • Be suspicious of all environmental claims unless you have verified them.
  • Look out for poor use of scientific facts, especially when listening to politicians: “Reducing carbon emissions will protect the ozone layer”, “emissions can be offset”, “the greenhouse effect is not certain” etc.
  • Look out for buzzwords that put a gloss on reality: ”carbon intensity”, “sustainable development”, “carbon offsets”, “clean technology” etc.  Buzzwords usually are in place to pull your attention away from something that is being covered up.
  • Environmentally friendlydoes not necessarily mean it is good for the environment.
  • Use your common sense and your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t.

Is Turnage Company a Green Company?

The Turnage Company does not want to have the word green attached to our company name because of the reasons outlined above, but the Turnage Company does support, recommend, and provides products and services that are considered green or “good for the environment“.  We not only focus on the outdoor environment but also the indoor environment such as overall air quality, humidity control, and energy efficiency.  Our focus in this area provides you with a home environment that is MUCH HEALTHIER for everyone.  At the Turnage Company, doing things that are good for our client’s environment (home and business) is nothing new for us.  We have been providing healthy and energy efficient suggestions, products, and services for years now  (e.g. un-vented attics, spray foam insulation, sealed crawlspaces, energy efficient appliances and equipment, dehumidification, low-e glass, etc.).

If you would like to know what options you have to create a healthier environment in and around your home or business, please contact us for more information.

Turnage Company Jacksonville Florida
Turnage Company Jacksonville Florida

  904.387.0770

Love Your Location?

without comments

Dear Friends, Customers and Neighbors:
Despite the gloom in the news, the majority in our neighborhood love their homes and
have no intention of moving. For them, it is THE BEST MARKET IN MANY YEARS
to make improvements. Why? Consider the following:

  • The construction industry—including craftsmen, tradesmen, and material suppliers—
    is crying for work. Material prices are extremely competitive, quality subs are
    plentiful, and scheduling is a dream.
  • Interest rates are still among the lowest in my adult lifetime. Home equity lines of
    credit, the primary vehicle used by our clients to fund projects, are tied to the
    prime rate which is currently at only 5%. I remember when rates were nearly 20%.
  • Banks and mortgage companies are still looking to make loans to those with
    good credit, in stable neighborhoods, with large amounts of equity in their homes.
    That’s how banks used to make money, and they’re going back to their roots,
    willingly or not.
  • Jacksonville is still growing. The inventories will eventually be absorbed. The
    market for houses is simply returning to historic trends and will stabilize and begin
    to appreciate once again.

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO INVEST IN YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE.

An appropriate addition or remodel is perfect for the family who wants to
MAXIMIZE THE ENJOYMENT OF THEIR EXISTING HOME. A new kitchen, a family
room addition, a master bath or covered porch will be something that you and your
family can enjoy today and in the future. That’s worth a lot.
The right project will also add value to your property if you ever do sell, just like all
the projects designed and completed over the past two decades by Turnage Company.

WHY USE TURNAGE COMPANY?

  • We have successfully designed and constructed over a thousand remodeling
    projects. We can design and build the right project for your home.
  • We are financially stable. We can and will finish your project without a financial
    train wreck. There are companies out there vying for your business that are
    teetering on the brink of financial disaster. Caveat emptor! Let the buyer beware!
  • We deliver a great project for a great price. We have never been the cheapest
    contractor, or the most expensive contractor. We are the best value contractor,
    which is why so much of our business is repeat projects for existing clients.

So if you’re planning a project, please,
CALL TURNAGE FIRST.
Tom Turnage
President

Call Turnage First!

without comments

Planning a project?…Call Turnage First!!


“We love what we do…..and it shows!”

That isn’t just a fancy tagline, it is our passion. At the Turnage Company, we truly do love what we do and it truly does show. We invite you to take a look at a few of our residential projects and see for yourself. http://www.turnageco.com/projects_residential.shtml If you are interested in a commercial project you can find that here. http://www.turnageco.com/projects_commercial.shtml

The Turnage Company is an award-winning design build contractor and remodeling company that specializes in beautiful custom homes, creative renovations, and architecturally pleasing additions. These are Turnage specialties but our services do not stop there. Please contact us for additional information.

Since 1989, we have helped hundreds of homeowners fulfill their dreams, from initial concept and design through final completion. The Turnage Company should be your single source for planning, design and construction services, eliminating the additional expense and confusion of hiring mulitiple professionals.

Our goal is to set the standard for client satisfaction by providing the highest quality of design, workmanship, and attitude to achieve an outstanding client experience. Your project is unique. So is our commitment. There are design challenges, zoning and code issues, safety and security worries that are all unique to your project, as well as your lifestyle. It’s your home, it’s your family, and it’s your money. So it’s personal! That’s why it’s important to choose a professional that has set the standard, such as the Turnage Company.

Call TURNAGE first to design your next project!

904-387-0770

Turnage Company

Florida State Certified Building Contractor - License number CBC057150

Written by TDavis

August 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 am