Great Falls Construction awarded contract with DeLorme to help repair World’s Largest Globe

We are excited to announce that this month, Great Falls Construction is working with DeLorme in Yarmouth, Maine, to repair the axis of Eartha, the world’s largest revolving/rotating globe.

Eartha the globe measures 41.5 feet in diameter and is made of a light weight aluminum. It revolves on a special cantilever arm and rotates on an axis with a 23.5 degree tilt—just like the earth. Eartha has been delighting visitors to DeLorme’s corporate headquarters for 14 years and the mechanical axis is now in need of repair. Here’s where we come in…

Great Falls Construction is working with DeLorme to assemble custom staging so that the globe can be lifted off the axis and repairs can be made. The DeLorme team will manage the repairs so that the globe can become fully operational again.  In addition to the axis repairs, Delorme also plans to upgrade the globe’s skin panels to better replicate the earth’s terrain. As Maine natives, the DeLorme globe holds a special place in our hearts. We’ve had a blast working with them and are excited to see the globe back in action.   Have you visited the DeLorme globe? We’d love to hear about it. Share your story in the comments!

Project Update: Amistad Offices at 66 State Street in Portland, Maine

Amistad offices in Portland, Maine

The Amistad offices occupied two floors of the building.  On the main floor we supplied and installed new chair railmoldings inside the existing cafeteria space, built new shelving to an existing closet, removed an old storage room and converted it into usable common space, and re-wired the existing light fixtures in the great room. On the lower floor we remodeled an underutilized office space and converted it into two secured walk in storage closets with a pair of sliding pocket doors each.

Job Opening: Estimator

Great Falls Construction is looking for a seasoned estimator to provide their talents to prepare detailed cost estimates for new commercial, residential, and renovation projects. The position will require the selected candidate to use their own experience and modern computer software to review plans, analyze costs requirements, track spending statistic and project budget. Estimates will include all the necessary labor and materials within divisions 1-16 within the construction process.

If you or anyone you know has estimating experience please contact info@greatfallsinc.com

Project Update: Office Remodel at the Catholic Charities of Maine

We recently started a new project at the Catholic Charities of Maine in downtown Portland, ME and we wanted to share pictures with everyone so you can see the work in progress.  We are in the middle of opening up offices into build a much bigger open space for workstations, new floors and natural lighting as well as creating room for more storage.

If you are interested in having Great Falls Construction remodel your office please contact us at info@greatfallsinc.com or visit www.greatfallsinc.com

 

 

 

 

 

Tim Horton’s in Maine set to have interior remodeled completed by Great Falls Construction

Last week we sent part of our construction crew team over to Tim Horton’s in Portland, Auburn and Biddeford, Maine so we could install a new fireplace wall in the main dining area of the cafe and bake shop.  This is not the first time we have worked with the international company as we built a brand new Tim Horton’s in the Westgate parking lot in Portland, ME.

The new wall we are building will be used to house a new electric fireplace and house a flat screen tv for the customers viewing pleasure.  Going beyond framing and building a new wall for Tim Horton’s we will be adding specialty seating, new tables and decorative pendant lighting in each location as well.

These pictures show you the remodel in progress:

Fireplace Wall Framed

Project Underway in Biddeford

Drywall and Taped

Ready for Tile

Biddeford Wall Framed

Portland Underway

DIY Summer Painting Tips

Now that summer has arrived and you can open your windows and let in the fresh air in, it’s is a great time to catch up on your indoor painting. We are happy to provide you with a few of the tips we use on any of our jobs to make sure the paint matches the professional look on all of our construction jobs.

Primer before paint always:
Primer provides a great surface for the paint and it will help to bring out the paint’s true color.

Use the tools the professionals use:
Use an edge pad or cutting brush for clean lines around doorframes, ceiling edges and corners so your walls look great — down to every last detail. Rollers instead of brushes will speed up your project and give an even coat to your walls

Preparation is key:
The surface must be clean, non-glossy and in good condition. Make all repairs to the wall before you start any painting job and feel free to wash them down with a clean sponge.

How much paint will you need:
The pros recommend one gallon for every 400 square feet. Covering textured, rough or unprimed surfaces may require more

Check the weather forecast before you start:
Moisture in the air keeps water-based paint from drying. Skip the humid afternoon paint project!

Door knob tip:
Small plastic bag over your doorknobs will avoid getting paint where it’s not wanted. If you don’t have plastic, make sure you pick up a roll of painters tape to wrap the edges of the mounting plate. There are several different styles of tape that are based on time of usage. Check the label or ask the service person to guide you with the right product to match your project

Clean finish:
If you’re looking for paint in high-traffic areas, start with an eggshell or satin finish which allows the walls to be easily cleaned. A semi-gloss finish is typically applied to doors, trim and casings for added protection and cleanable surfaces. High gloss in the bathroom and kitchen for shiny and durable finish, a parent’s best friend. However, the shinier the finish the more visible wall imperfections stand out so make sure your wall prep work is complete before you apply the glossy finish.

Don’t look back:
Once an area starts to dry, it’s best to leave it alone. Going back over it can leave marks and color streaks in the paint’s surface.

You’re not painting your floor:
Use a drop cloth. It’s the cheap, easy way to save yourself from spilling on the floor

Wall plate advice:
Remove all wall plates and tape off light switches and electrical outlets. This will give your project a professional look when you are finished. Too many DIY’s paint right over the outlet. This is an unsafe practice that can damage the outlets or even cause an electrical fire.

With these easy professional tips you’ll be painting looked the pros and have an amazing looking new room! If you have questions about how you can paint like a professional please contact us at info@greatfallsinc.com or visitwww.greatfallsinc.com

Tankless Water Heaters for a Greener Home

Great Falls Construction wants to be your leader in green construction and design for your home or commercial building.  We are always researching to find the latest products that will allow you, your family or employees the ability to reduce the amount of water and energy wasted everyday without even knowing it.  Our efforts to use green products and use sustainable building techniques will allow you to go about your normal lifestyle while still having a positive impact on the planet!

With all of that being said we would like to introduce you to the Rinnai Tankless Water Heater.

Did you know that your hot water tank continues to heat and re-heat water throughout the day even when you are not using it?  Think about how much energy needs to be used to keep a 30-40 gallon tank of water warm 24/7 365 days a year….

With the Rinnai Tankless water heater there is no more waste.  Only when you get into the shower, turn on the dishwasher or go to wash your hands does the Rinnai unit turn on and start to heat the incoming water.  The unit’s heating elements are ignited and warm up the water on an as needed basis instead of having the water pre-heated for future use.  Once you shut the hot water tap off the unit shuts down and the unit uses zero energy while sitting idle waiting for the next person to use hot water.

The new tankless water heaters claim to be able to save up to 40% on home energy costs and have met the approval for an Energy Star rating by meeting the guidelines of the U.S. EPA.  To top off all of the benefits you will get from a tankless water heater you will save space in your home and you will reduce the chances of having your traditional water heater leak and cause water damage.

Great Falls Construction has worked on many homes and commercial buildings including their own to help reduce energy waste.  If you are interested in remodeling, building or installing a unit that will help you to reduce yours please contact us at info@greatfallsinc.com