GLASS TRADE WINDOW TO GROWTH IN CONSTRUCTION

During summer months, it isn't uncommon to see roofers, painters and builders working diligently on homes and businesses. But this summer in particular, construction seems to be going on everywhere you look.

And wherever there is a new building, there is a need for windows, mirrors and glass doors. Area glass companies are working hard to keep up with the increased demand.

"We've been in business for 30 years and this is the most building we've seen," said Ann Brookman, who owns Edgewater Glass Co., 324 S. Plaza Way, with her husband, Gordon. "This is really incredible for us and for Cape."

Stanley Downs, manager and owner of Cape Classic Windows & Doors, 879 N. Kingshighway, said his business has more than doubled in the past year. He believes that the lower interest rates are allowing people to build their dream homes.

"When the interest rates went down, business went up," said Downs. "Everybody is so busy, it's hard to find someone to do the small jobs."

John Baker, who owns Cape Paint and Glass, 15 N. Middle St., attributes the increase in his business to a lot of area companies moving away from flood areas.

In addition, Cape Paint and Glass has been involved in making public buildings handicapped accessible, due to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Edgewater Glass, which specializes in custom-made glass products, attributes its boom to the recent remodeling craze and low interest home improvement loans.

When interests rates for home improvements went down, many people realized they could remodel or rebuild at a low cost, said Ann Brookman. That's when the company first noticed the increase in business.

"We are doing a lot of customized, personalized work," she said. "People are using the low interest rates to build the things they want, rather than settling for something off the rack."

The recent construction craze has also prompted area glass companies to hire new employees, in addition to having their regular staffs work overtime.

"We got so busy that we had to hire three new people," said Gordon Brookman. "And our stained glass business increased so much we had no choice but to hire another artist."

The Brookmans themselves are feeling the stress of the recent business boom. They often work 14-hour days, just to keep up with the workload.

Cape Paint and Glass has hired a couple of new employees, but Baker said he would rather just have everybody work more hours.

"It makes more sense to pay these people overtime than to run the risk of hiring someone new and maybe having to lay them off down the road," Baker said.

But none of the glass company owners anticipate a decline in the future.

"We're going to keep going full blast," said Gordon Brookman. "We don't plan on slowing down at all."