Barry Rutenberg
President
Gainesville, Florida
DuPont Corian Solid Surfaces and Zodiaq Quartz Surfaces
DuPont Corian works well in wet areas and in spaces that are difficult to keep clean and germ-free. Corian can be customized, allowing homeowners to add their own personal touches to traditional applications, such as wainscoting. Bathrooms are also ideal for a Corian vanity top or Zodiaq quartz surfaces in the shower and tub surround. The quartz crystals in Zodiaq and the subtle veining in the Corian provide a distinctive look, while helping to create the sought-after appearance of a luxurious, spa-like retreat. Click here for more information
In My Own Words
"DuPont has given us a series of different products— Corian and — with long-term warranties. I once used another brand in a house, and about four years later, we had a crack and couldn't get any service or a replacement. DuPont is large enough to provide good support. Besides the 10-year warranty on its products, we also get backup from the installer. If your local installers and suppliers don't have the same attitude and work ethic, it doesn't benefit the customer. In this case, everyone works together.
Schlage Interior and Exterior Locksets
www.schlage.com
If security and aesthetics are important in your choice of locksets, Schlage can offer both. Schlage handlesets offer the best opportunity to create curb appeal and great first impressions. The Maximum Security lockset, which deadbolts to protect the perimeter of the home, exceeds ANSI Grade 2 standards and provides Grade 1 Security Features for extra security and peace-of-mind. Schlage's Maximum Security handleset on front doors combines style and security along with its Ultima Lifetime Anti-Tarnish Finish.
The Schlage line of levers offers decorative upgrades for home interiors. Upgrades from knobs to Schlage's Accent and Flair levers, which combine contemporary styling with the convenience of easy-to-operate, lever entry. Click here for more information
In My Own Words
"We are one of the few builders in our market to use Schlage. We must have all of our locksets shipped in from 130 miles away, and we can get product in two days. We could get Schlage locally, but we get better pricing out of town.
"Schlage has a good customer image, and security is important to people. That's one of the reasons we have larger keys made with our company name on them to give to buyers when we go to a closing. It's a very nice touch.
"In the mid-1990s, when Schlage changed its finishes, some of them didn't hold up well. But Schlage replaced all the locks within the entire house. They gave us very good customer support during that time, and they have continued to do so. Since then, there's been no problem."
Masonite Interior doors
www.masonite.com
The Masonite Palazzo Series of interior doors features raised moldings, combined with unique high-definition panel profiles. Available in 6-foot 8-inch, 7-foot and 8-foot heights and two architectural designs — the Capri and the Bellagio — the Palazzo makes a striking impression. With its primed, smooth surface, Palazzo accepts paint beautifully. Click here for more information
In My Own Words
"For years we used Luan doors. Then we switched to birch, because they painted better than solid Luan and birch doors. But when we introduced Masonite doors, customer acceptance was 100% overnight. It was one of the quickest changes I've ever seen. We put Masonite doors in the model, and the line was almost universally accepted, even though it was less expensive to us."
Tamko's American Heritage Series of laminated shingles is recognized for quality in appearance and performance. Lamarite Slate Composite Shingles offer all the beauty of slate without high cost and performance issues. Lamarite shingles are made from composite materials that are fire-resistant and enduring. Metalworks Steel Shingles include three different styles and a full array of colors. All of these shingles feature a unique, four-way locking system for easy installation and superior wind resistance. Click here for more information
In My Own Words
"We're not a cement tile market here in Gainesville, so we use Tamko shingles. The product performs and if there's a question, we get support. There was a time when I had to replace a roof a year, but no more, thanks to the quality of the Tamko product and the support we get. If we have a problem, we can get it taken care of quickly.
"Our local supplier has the authority to deal with any problems quickly — whether it is getting people to approve a replacement, make an exchange, whatever. A company with that kind of in-depth support makes a significant difference. As with their cars, customers never want to have a problem with their roofs. But if they do, they want the problem fixed effortlessly, conveniently and quickly. They don't want to spend their lives having punch lists done."
Kohler Performance Showerheads
Kohler's single-function, performance showerheads feature 11-inch-diameters, while multifunction showerheads feature three spray options: aerated, coverage or massage. All performance showerheads prove a more consistent design aesthetic among all lavatory, bath and showering components. Performance showerheads are available for the Forté, Fairfax, Revival, Memoirs, Stillness, Purist, Taboret, Finial and Revival collections. Click here for more information
In My Own Words
"All of our plumbing, with the exception of the water heaters, but including faucets, is Kohler. We like not only their name recognition, but also their design. We get good pricing, good value and vendor support. I'm not going to tell you that Kohler fixtures cost less than other makes, but Kohler's combination of design, product support and high name-recognition gives us plenty of value."