What To Look For In A New Green Home

Builder Incentives Can Distort Home Value

24 Dec

2007

As builders get creative with rebates and incentives, Fannie Mae raises the red flag to lenders citing "Value Distortion". Situations such as this: "shows signs of price distortion is the sale of a home on Olen Mattingly Road in Avenue, Md. The two-story, 2,158-square-foot home, built within the past two years, was originally listed for sale in February 2005 for $635,000 but languished on the market for more than a year, according to local real-estate agents. The owner, builder Bennett Homes LLC, gradually reduced the price to $469,000 by March 2007. In May, however, the home sold for $600,000, far above the recent asking price. Vangie Williams, a real-estate agent who represented the buyers, says the sale involved a payment by the builder to an organization that collected fees for finding buyers." , are prompting Fannie Mae to tighten disclosures of incentives and rebates to ensure banks are loaning on true values of homes. Builder Incentives Distorting Values

Latest Construction Spending Data Shows Continued Slowdown

01 Dec

2007

Slowing to a snail’s pace, construction spending continues to fall. This fact will have some effects on the overall economy at some point.

“Spending on private construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $863.2 billion, 1.4 percent below the revised September estimate of $875.2 billion. Residential construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $503.7 billion in October, 2.0 percent below the revised September estimate of $514.2 billion.” See the full release Construction Spending Report Oct. 2007.

Only 24% of Californians Can Afford Entry Level Housing

01 Dec

2007

A recent study by the California Association of Realtors shows that only 24% of Californians have enough income to qualify for a typical entry-level home at $482,910. What do these numbers tell us? Simply, prices will have to drop before builders and home sellers will be able to move the standing inventory. With lending standards being tightened and the “no document” loan extinction, problems will continue in California’s real estate market for sellers. Buyers will be in the driver’s seat for some time.

“The California Association of Realtors said the minimum household income needed to purchase an entry-level home at $482,910 in California in the third quarter of 2007 was $99,590, based on an adjustable interest rate of 6.56 percent and assuming a 10 percent down payment. ”

Some areas did show higher levels of affordability “at 48%, the High Desert region was the most affordable in the state”.

Read State entry-level housing affordability at 24%.

Now is the time to build

30 Nov

2007

Home Building Costs are low. Builders are on the sidelines looking for new avenues of revenue. Dust off your plans, now is the time to build. Home Construction Capital wrote Top Five Reasons Why Now Is the Best Time To Build A New Home a few months ago, but may have been premature in calling a bottom. Yesterday’s Wall Street Journal The Upside to the Downturn sums up the current realities driving the home building market. If there was ever a time to build now is it. Home construction costs are coming down and once busy builders are ready to cut deals and return phone calls.

Choosing The Right Home Builder

09 Oct

2007

It goes without saying that building your new home is probably the biggest investment you will ever make. It only makes sense to choose a home builder that has invested in their profession. Here are some requirements you should consider:

Have a minimum of three years homebuilding experience.

Having experience is important in any occupation. Knowing how to build a home is obviously important, but equally important is having the management skills to run a successful company that will be around in years to come.

Derive their main source of income from home building.

Finding someone that can do a craft or skill on the side can be a great way to save money on small and unimportant jobs around your home; however, when it comes to an investment such as the construction of your new home, finding a full-time professional is a must.

Build to the standards set forth in the Homeowner Handbook or equivalent.

Your builder’s contract should provide you with performance guidelines and a warranty program after the sale of your home. These guidelines and the warranty program need to be in writing and reviewed by you and your family members prior to the signing of a contract.

Have an approved Limited Warranty.

Your written, limited warranty should be clear about what is and is not covered after the sale of your home. The limited warranty should be in writing and reviewed by you and your family members prior to the signing of a contract.

Offer mandatory binding arbitration.

Offering mandatory binding arbitration in the contract shows the builder’s commitment to resolving issues with a home owner in a quick and cost-effective manner. You are not obligated to accept mandatory binding arbitration as a method to dispute resolution, but a professional builder will offer it.

Maintain appropriate insurance coverages, including builder’s risk, general liability and other insurances required by law, i.e., workers’ compensation.

Maintaining insurance for a builder is costly but imperative for protecting your investment. CPHBs must show insurance certificates in the company name with current policy dates.

Provide written references from a financial institution, home owners, trade contractors, material suppliers and other builders.

Checking references is time consuming, but it is one of the best ways to determine how a builder truly performs. CPHBs are required to provide 14 different references, which are verified in writing by The Housing Institute, Inc.

Pass an approved building codes exam.

Making sure your builder has passed an exam testing his/her knowledge of the state’s building code is a basic criterion to ensure your home is properly constructed. CPHBs are required to pass an approved International Codes Council® building codes exam.

Offer customer service warranty procedures.

Be sure the builder offers written customer service warranty procedures. Knowing when the builder will return to address any warranty issues in your home and understanding the proper reporting procedure can help prevent unnecessary worry and stress.

Allow for home inspections.

Professional builders will allow you to hire a professional home inspector to inspect the home prior to closing. Having your home inspected can give you additional peace of mind about the construction of your home. See page 104 of the CPHBSM Directory and Buyers’ Guide for guidelines to help you choose a professional and competent inspector.

Complete 16 hours of continuing education.

CPHBs attend a minimum of 16 hours of education classes annually. Classes offered include, but are not limited to business management, building practices, mold, energy efficiency and green building.

Be members of their local homebuilders association.

Choosing a builder who participates in his/her professional industry association means that he/she is more likely to be abreast of current construction issues that could affect the quality of your home. Homebuilders associations also require members to abide by the National Association of Home Builders Code of Ethics.

Adhere to Customer Service Standards

The Housing Institute, Inc. (THI) has partnered with GuildQuality to perform customer satisfaction surveys for all CPHBs. Each builder gets individual results and results compared to peers of the same size, and the results are currently used internally to improve satisfaction. It is the goal of THI, to make the results available to consumers in the future, once the program has been established. THI has also taken these results and are designing education classes to improve criteria where builders are not meeting satisfaction.

See the Certified Professional Home Builder web site of Georgia for more.

Let Mother Nature Heat Your Water, Qualify For EPACT Tax Credit

09 Oct

2007

Hot2o's polymer-based roof solar system heats 50% of a typical households water. Costing less than $500 and qualifies for the federal solar energy tax credit (EPACT).

Hot2o's Solar Domestic Hot Water System.

Saving Water With VitrA

08 Oct

2007

ADA Compliant and Green product lines by German based VitrA.

Evergreen Two Piece Elongated Bowl, Gravity Flush gives 25% water savings with its 1.2gpf over traditional 1.8gpf American toilets. Check out their full line of ADA and Green Toilets.

IceStone Recycled Solid Surface

New Recycled Products Find Their Way Into Green Homes

08 Oct

2007

Interior and exterior building materials are making their way into new home designs. After years of technology advancements and research America's recycling efforts are paying off. From kitchen cabinets to exterior siding choices are many for the green builder.

Recycled Wood Cabinets

The Neil Kelly Naturals Collection is an environmentally sound choice of cabinets - the first in this league to be made from certified and recycled woods with environmentally friendly finishes. FSC certified SmartWood in 12 wood species. green_cabinets

Green Cabinets

Recycled Glass Solid Surfaces

IceStone surfaces are made from concrete and recycled glass. Durable, stronger than limestone, marble, and some granite. Meets LEED certification for building projects.

Recycled Copper Shingles

More affordable than slate, tile or cedar, these recycled shingles are stylish, fire resistant and self healing. bennington_copper_shingles

Revere Bennington Shingles

Recycled Newspaper Insulation

100% recycled newspaper insulation by Applegate. Green Building Insulation

Green Insulation

Recycled Decking

Extruded composite decking byTamko is made with recycled plastic and wood fibers. Three finished, no staining needed, absorbs little moisture. Green Decking

Recycled Decking Products

Custom Kitchen Island Tips and Ideas

08 Oct

2007

Kitchen island ideas can help you a lot when you want to modify the area of your kitchen according to your needs. Your kitchen can become more functional and comfortable if you apply some of the kitchen island ideas. Some of this ideas remind us of the traditional farmhouse kitchen when the preparation work was done on a large worktable. Kitchen may not be used only to prepare the meals for your family but also for getting the family together, along with friends. If you have enough space, there is no problem using the kitchen for both purposes. Getting the right layout can help you a lot in this matter. You and your family and friends can use the kitchen island like an additional eating area, but you can still use it for meal preparation. Kitchen island ideas can make your work in the kitchen become more efficient as the distances between the sink, the refrigerator and the cooktop are shorter and you prepare the meals faster.

Some kitchen island ideas may help you improve your kitchen:

1. Depending on the space you have you can use several ideas for your kitchen island. This type of kitchen works in L, U, or G-shape kitchen that have enough space. If you have a smaller kitchen, this island kitchen may hinder you instead of helping you. So, in such cases, use a custom kitchen island like a portable butcher block or a kitchen cart for food preparation and extra storage.

2. Use a ventilation hood for eliminating the smells from your kitchen. This comes in handy when you use a cooktop for meal preparation. The ventilation hood must be larger with 3 inches more than the cooking area in order to capture all the odors and prevent them from getting everywhere. Another thing that you must pay attention to is the fan capacity. A fan with about 50 cubic feet per minute capacity for each square foot of the cooktop area is ideal.

3. Make your kitchen island more efficient. Put a second sink to use it for washing large pans and pots. You can also buy other items, like a trash compactor, a garbage disposal, a recycle bin and a dishwasher. All these must be close to the sink in order to work more efficiently.

4. Put as much countertop space as you can in your kitchen island. These spaces are important and they must be close to the sink and the cooktop. Allow at least 15 inches of countertop space on each side of your kitchen island. This can help you a lot while in the kitchen. Also, do not forget to put rounded countertops in corners to avoid bruising.

5. Other items can be added to your kitchen island. Use shelves to store cookbooks, collectibles or storage. You can put a built-in TV to face the family room and a microwave may also work very well for heating snacks or for cooking rapidly.

6. It is not necessary to use the same design for your countertops as for your kitchen, f it is still blending with the room overall decor. You may choose a butcher-block countertop for chopping and granite or marble tops for rolling the pastry dough.

7. Your kitchen must always be well illuminated. Permit the natural light to enter your kitchen through large windows and skylights. Also, use light color paint for the kitchen walls, so they reflect the natural light. You may use pendant or recessed fixtures to light up the room. Take care as the electrical codes impose that the outlets are to be put on the sides of fixed kitchen islands, not on the top, to prevent electrical shock.

Bring your kitchen area to life by using these amazing ideas. Transform your kitchen into a multi functioning area. You will be able to use it as an eating area, but for food preparation, too. Anyone in your family will soon enjoy using the kitchen for various activities. Try to read as many kitchen island ideas as you can and try to transform them into reality. Sooner than you think, your kitchen will become the most popular room in the house.

Deon Melchior is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com

Building Your Lake Home

08 Oct

2007

You might have a dream of building a lake home for retirement, for enjoying summers at the lake or for an investment. No matter what your reason for owning a lake home by starting out with a good builder and knowing some of the basics about home building, you will be able to have a positive experience during the home building process. By: Jim Raboin

Start by looking in your area for a builder that suits your needs and has a good reputation in the area. Make sure that the builder is sensitive to your needs and will listen to what you want in a lake home. Notice whether promises are kept or broken. Some contractors are skilled at giving good impressions early but lack the character to do what they say. You can save yourself many headaches by learning to spot this deficiency early on.

Ask your builder the following questions:

1. How many years of experience do you have in building lake homes?
2. What special skills and qualifications do you have to offer?
3. What happens if the project goes over-budget?
4. What type of homes do you normally build?
5. How much input will we have into the design of the home?
6. Are you licensed and insured?
7. Who is responsible to get building permits?

Take your time when looking for a builder. Some of the best builders in the area may be booked up several months in advance, but they also may be able to fit you in as many times builders work on several homes at one time. For instance, as the concrete is drying and setting up at one location, they may be doing the framing on another home.

Have a one-on-one meeting with the builder and see if he/she is open to your ideas and suggestions. Does the builder give you his/her complete attention? Or is he busy taking phone calls during your meeting? If so, the builder might not devote his/her full attention to your project. Then ask to meet some of the key staff who will be working on the home. Do the employees seem professional and interested in their work?

By taking your time when looking for a builder, you will go a long way in the process of having what you want in your lake home. Make your dream home a reality by taking things one step at a time - and starting with a qualified builder.

For more information about what to look for when building your lake home go http://www.bluestoneconst.com.

Jim Raboin and Larry McCulley are co-owners of BlueStone Construction and have over 20 years of experience in the building industry. Jim has been in the building industry since the early 1990’s and is a visionary who has built BlueStone on the idea of giving more than is expected. Larry has been in the industry since 2000 and helps clients build unique homes that reflect their lifestyle. Visit their website at: BlueStone Construction to learn more.

iRobot® Looj™ Gutter Cleaning Robots

08 Oct

2007

If you hate cleaning gutters the Looj may be the answer. Works with standard K-style, aluminum, copper, metal or vinyl gutters.

Looj Gutter Cleaner web site. Retails for $99

Builder Spec Home Inventory Online. Home Builder Inventory by City and State.

08 Oct

2007

You want a new home, but don’t want to wait 9 months to have it built. Well you’re in luck. Today’s housing inventories are at an all time high and creating a buyers market for the ages for those wanting a new home. But how do you find builders with inventory they need to move? This is where SpecHomes.com comes in.

Launched earlier this year, SpecHomes.com provides up-to-date information for new home builder inventory homes and spec house listings. This free service is designed for new home buyers, real estate professionals, home builders and investors. Pick your city and see the inventory that’s available. It’s that easy! Go take a look. SpecHomes the leading authority for Spec Home information online.

Visit SpecHomes.com.

Toll Brothers Forbes Article

Toll Brothers Enters Atlanta Market

06 Sep

2007

Toll Brothers to build a 311 home community in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Housing Prices Increase In 97 of 149 Markets

05 Sep

2007

All real estate markets are not created equal. 65% of the nations real estate markets saw median home price increases per BusinessWeek.
Housing strong in many metro areas

Slide Show

Healthiest housing markets:
Salt Lake City + 21.9%
Binghamton, N.Y. + 19.8%
Salem, Ore. +16.7%
Farmington, N.M. +14.0%
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, Pa. +12.8%

Fuel Costs Hamper Savings, Lumber Prices Retreat Other Costs Rise

26 Aug

2007

Despite a slowing home building market material costs aren’t going down. Read Timber! for more.

West Coast Green Residential Building Conference + Expo

26 Aug

2007

West Coast Green Residential Building Conference + Expo September 20 -22, 2007. This 3-day conference and expo is aimed to green professionals, businesses, and individuals to network, display new technologies.

Speakers include: Michelle Kaufmann Michelle of Kaufmann Designs, Eric Corey Freed Architect, LEED AP, OrganicARCHITECT and Sarah Susanka Author of the Not So Big House series and The Not So Big Life.

Visit West Coast Green for more information.

New home buyers finding it hard to sell current homes in slow real estate market.

26 Aug

2007

The slow real estate market is causing some new home buyers to sweat as the possibility of paying two mortgages becomes a reality when current homes remain on the market longer. Builders are offering record incentives, but would be buyers are struggling with the reality of selling the current home causing them to walk away from juicy deals. Today’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution “Caught between a dream, nightmare�? gives advice for new home buyers and strategies for those trying to sell their current home.

“Face the builder. If you tell the builder you are not financially able to proceed, but that you understand your obligation and would be prepared to abandon the deposit, Adams said most builders would probably work with you to get beyond that situation. He’s even seen cases where the seller returned the earnest money. “Recognize that you have a choice,” he said. “You can’t make someone buy a house. You can’t put a gun to somebody’s head and say, ‘Sign here’ ... especially if someone is facing what they perceive to be a financial crisis."�?

Small Home Designs Gaining Popularity as Attitudes and Demographics Change in Housing

21 Aug

2007

The facts are somewhat surprising, but American homes have increased the square footage of their homes by 50% in the last 30 years. Now the trend for smaller home designs is gaining popularity as empty-nesters and green attitudes penetrate the housing market. Smaller homes, which offer energy-efficient and space utilization are more desirable as Americans become more conscious about energy efficiency and downsizing their lifestyle. Sarah Susanka has written a book called the “Not so big house, blueprint for the way we really live? which offers insight on designing small homes. She believes the true meaning of home is being distorted by giant sized houses and we can all do better at saving time and energy by reducing maintenance and eliminating useless space. To learn more visit her websites: Sarah Susanka Not So Big House Website Wikipedia Sarah Susanka

Mortgage Crisis Up-ends Home Builders

21 Aug

2007

The recent mortgage crisis is causing the publicly traded home builders to take a beating. This morning Bank of America analysts downgraded Hovnanian, Toll Brothers and Standard Pacific while reducing stock price targets by almost a third on all the home builders they cover.

It comes as no surprise that a constricting mortgage market will cut deeply into new home starts and number of available buyers. Tougher lending requirements may take a bite out of remodeling as well.

See full article : Mortgage Crisis Hits Home Builders

New Windows and Doors Offering Functionality and Design

17 Jul

2007

Show off the new view of these new doors and windows! New products blending design with functionality.
Folding Doors Exterior folding door system opens completely to the outdoors. It’s accordion style folding door hinging system allows fast and convenient expanding and collapsing for those backyard parties. Available from Jeld-wen with Custom Wood Series.

Cross ventilation picture windows. Have a beautiful picture window with functionality built in with Mavin Venting Picture window. Winner of Window & Door magazine’s Most Innovative Window. Awesome website to boot.

Multi Panel Sliding Glass Doors Looking for the perfect sliding glass door? Check out Andersen's new four panel sliding glass door. Exterior finish available in wood varieties and grid patterns.

Craftsman classic French doors by Simpson door company called Prairie, French doors. Used for interior or exterior doors, available in wood varieties and insulation. http://www.simpsondoor.com

7 Home Design Tips For Entertaining

21 Jan

2007

Do you want your new home to be the main attraction for formal social settings, sporting events and children’s parties? Then you will need to design with the end in mind. Here are seven tips to remember when designing your new home.

Dining areas
Be sure to consider dining proximity to the kitchen for efficiency. Will you want to close off areas for privacy? How large are your parties? Consider two dining areas for larger gatherings.

Living areas
Today more homes are being designed with living areas and kitchens being used as one area. Perfect for casual entertaining these areas typically utilize focal points such as fireplaces, media centers or large windows to the outdoors. Conversely new attention is being placed on kitchen appearance as well, appliance and cabinetry aesthetic value is to be considered.

Outdoor fun
When the weather is nice there is no better place to entertain than outside. Grilling areas, decks and landscape should flow nicely with your home. Allow appropriate space for tables and chairs for outdoor parties. Be sure to consider existing landscape. Some trees may need to be cut to allow sunlight in your main areas.

Media areas
Fast becoming the most important room in many homes today the media room is a must for the “big game” events with surround sound and HDTVs. Your budget is your limiter on the technology available. Be sure to consider where this room will be in your plan. You may consider placing the media room on the other side of the home for noise considerations. Make sure the sunlight doesn’t impede on the HDTV screen. Big games and screen glare don’t mix well.

Private areas
Make sure other rooms, like bedrooms, can be insulated from the party and away from noise. There may be someone like small children who need privacy and quiet time during party events.

Basements
If your are able to build a basement into your plan these are great places for the above mentioned media rooms or play areas for children. Consider finishing this area out where possible. Be sure to add plumbing and HVAC if needed.

Kids area
Give the kids a place to call their own and play with toys. Be sure to run the appropriate media cables if you foresee this area a place for gaming devices. These are great place for children to congregate while the adults have their fun elsewhere.

Cracked Foundations and Settling

21 Jan

2007

Doors sticking, cracks appearing on your brick exterior, drywall starting to crack? These could be signs your foundation is settling. Don’t panic, there are solutions available to remedy the situation. Hopefully your builder warranty hasn’t expired, but if you have to tackle this problem a Pier Foundation System might be your answer.
Soil movement, or settling, is the culprit for cracks and bulging floors. “The CHANCE Helical Pier Foundation Systems are designed, tested, and proven for applications in expansive soils, high water tables, fill areas, and other areas where unstable soils require piering.” Their patented system; “The concept is founded on the principle of turning a screw anchor into stable subsoil strata until the torque applied indicates that the necessary load capacity has been achieved. Adjustable brackets are then attached to the base of your foundation walls, connecting the screw anchors to the foundation. The weight of your home is then shifted to the screw anchors. In the process, foundations, walls and floors are repositioned and retained from further movement.” New construction and existing foundation repair, peir foundation systems.

Out With The Old, New Flooring Technology is Spicing Up Your Flooring Options

21 Jan

2007

Cold, noisy, and bland floors are thing of the past. Check out these new products for your new construction.

Sound-deadening flooring

Sonic Floor by Kronopol offers sound-deadening, eco-friendly flooring with wood from FSC-certified forests. The under-padding diminishes impact noise for a quite home.

sound-deadening floors by Kronopol Heat up tile and stone flooring
Pre-packaged radiant heating kits up to 40sqft to with thermostats to warm your hard surface flooring. WarmlyYours by Honeywell.

radiant pre-packaged kits

Hand-crafted laminate floors
If deep, rich, color is what your looking for then Wilsonart Flooring’s Red Label Hand Scraped Collection is a must see. Capturing design appeal with special attention to physical texture has been achieved with unique production techniques. Great website to browse around on, main products page.

Puzzle Flooring
What more to say, very different and interesting. Many colors to choose from. From the Puzzle Floor website:
“If you want a hardwood floor that’s one of a kind, you want a Puzzle Floor™. Puzzle Floor™ is easier to install than traditional hardwood strip or plank flooring. The pieces can be installed as a floating floor. The easy-to-assemble interlocking pieces allow do-it-yourselfers to install their own floor if they so desire.”

puzzle floor

Infrared Sauna

21 Jan

2007

Using the same technology as newborn incubators, these new infrared saunas aid in burning calories, reducing stress and detoxify your body. If your thinking of building a sauna in your home this may be a better alternative.

Go to Keys Backyard to see their line of infrared saunas. Prices range from 2-4k. Also check out the benefits of infrared video, be paitent, it takes some time to load.

Energy Efficient Home Building Tax Credits Resources

20 Jan

2007

Green home building can add 20% to 30% in additional costs as opposed to traditional construction. From a financial standpoint those considering green home building should weigh the dollars saved from energy efficiency and tax credits vs. the additional costs to build green. While financial incentives may not be the main point for most green consumers, they do play a major role in determining your construction budget. It’s important to remember that green home building is not an all or nothing decision. One may choose which features best suit their objectives and budget.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides a variety of tax credits for homeowners, businesses, and manufacturers for purchase of energy-efficient equipment, completion of new energy-efficient buildings, and improvements to existing buildings. If you are interested in learning more about tax credits for green home building explore these resources.
Tax form 1040 to includes a line for energy tax credits, in the tax credit section, and will issue regulations early in 2006 specifying what energy efficiency equipment and improvements to existing buildings or new building designs qualify for the credits. The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center hotline is collecting information and will be updating information on the tax credits as it becomes available. You can reach them at 1-877-337-3463. For specific tax advice, of course, please consult your tax preparer.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s REScheck and COMcheck software tools cannot be used to determine percent savings to receive the tax credits described in the Energy Policy Act. These tools are designed solely for energy code compliance. The “percent improvement” provided for envelope (COMcheck and REScheck) and lighting (COMcheck) are not based on a whole building or performance-based approach.

Additional Resources
Tax incentives for buildings and other efficiency improvements
Commercial building provisions
Residential building provisions
IRS tax credit rules and information for homeowners
IRS tax credit rules and information for home builders

3 Steps To Selecting a Green Builder

20 Jan

2007

Finding a knowledgeable Green Builder can be challenging. While the concept is gaining notice with consumers, builders are slow to learn the new green building techniques. Here are three steps to finding a qualified Green Builder.

Contact your regional USGBC office The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation’s Green Building coalition covering every sector of the building industry. With 7,500 members and 75 regional chapters, USGBC provides resources for the green consumer. Visit the The U.S. Green Building Council website for more information, contact them for builders and architects in your area.

Interview certified green builders Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the ranking system by USGBC. To earn certification a builder must submit projects which are judged on prerequisites and performance benchmarks, or credits. Builders are awarded Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification depending on the number of credits they achieve. Be sure your builder has LEED certification.

Ask to see green projects Find out the quality of your builders by visiting past and present projects. Speak with the homeowners if you can. The NAHB also publishes a Green Homebuilding Guidelines PDF, free of charge. Use this as a reference.

HIVE Contemporary Modular Homes

21 Sep

2006

From the HIVE website: "A HIVE home is an eminently practical, somewhat whimsical, always functional, affordable expression of how you want to live. For those who value a modestly sized, well-designed residence, be it modern or more traditional, there is a Hive home to meet your needs."

Modular Homes

One Piece Showers and Tubs Ideas

24 Aug

2006

Looking for a one piece shower or the perfect whirlpool tub for your new construction? Take a look at “America’s Bathtub Company” for ideas.

Lasco Bathware offers a full line of one piece showers, tubs, shower pans, tub/showers, hydrotherapy baths and doors.

ADA-compliant building products, fully equipped, easy-to-clean, and meet all major building codes, install video as well.

Lasco Bathware has been in business for 40 years and has earned the reputation of great selection or and quality products making them “America’s Bathtub Company.”

The Ultimate Trimboards

24 Aug

2006

Make your home to stand out with Azek Cellular PVC trimboards.

See a 30min instructional video here.

Azek Trimboards the ultimate in craftsmanship.
Make your home to stand out with Azek Cellular PVC trimboards.

See a 30min instructional video here.

Azek Trimboards the ultimate in craftsmanship.

Single Coat Rapid Set Stucco by Eisenwall

24 Aug

2006

Save two weeks on your plastering project with Rapid Set Eisenwall. Hand and machine applied, wood or steel frame construction. CTS Cement Manfacturing Corp

Commercial Product Guide

24 Aug

2006

MultiFamilyExecutive’s website offers a full directory of commercial product suppliers. A must see for great ideas for commerical and residential products. Product Directory.

Shower Power WaterTile bodyspray tiles

24 Aug

2006

Clean, wall-mount shower heads for the ultra shower by none other than Kohler See shower products here.

WaterTile info

Impact Resistant Windows

24 Aug

2006

Building on or near the hurricane coasts? Consider products which have been tested and certified to stringent ASTM and Miami-Dade Product Control standards to ensure they resist hurricane force velocity. These new windows are an example of forging new technologies to protect your home from the elements.

“Silver Line’s Weather Stopper™ line of impact resistant windows and patio doors can help protect homes from catastrophe. By combining a series of specially designed, inter-related components, we’ve created a line of windows that will endure the elements and help to protect the homes in which they are installed. From a unique, patented interlocking tilt latch design, to a positive action sash lock to DuPont SentryGlas®, each element of this window has been carefully selected to perform, even under the most severe conditions.”

New construction windows by Silver Line.

Trussway- Roof and Floor Trusses and Structural Componets

24 Aug

2006

Trussway is one of the nations largest manufactures of building componets. Many usages; multifamily and single family homes Trussway They also offer many other services including project management.

Super Secure Door Locks

24 Aug

2006

Saflok manufactures automatic, interconnected, and reinforced dead bolt locks for residential and comercial useage Saflok.

Super Strength Single Hung Windows

24 Aug

2006

Integrity from Martin has a window that they claim is eight times stronger than standard vinyl widows. They also manufacture doors. Go see the specs Ultrex Series

Shower Crescent Rod

24 Aug

2006

Want to feel like you’re staying at the Ritz? Go visit the [url=http://www.crescentrod.com]http://www.crescentrod.com[/url] by Shower Solutions, Inc. of Houston Texas

Cheyenne Interior Doors by Masonite

24 Aug

2006

Two panel plank smooth interior doors Perfect for the rustic, country or western look the Cheyenne interior door by Masonite is worth a look. [url=http://www.masonite.com]http://www.masonite.com[/url]

Full catalog of doors choose Safe and Sound

How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Home Appliance

25 Jun

2006

You go shopping for a new refrigerator, and you’re on a budget. The best buy is the ‘fridge with the lowest sales price, right? Not necessarily. If you buy the lowest-priced refrigerator, you may end up spending more than if you buy a more expensive one. The reason? The cost of owning a home appliance has three components: the initial purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate it. To figure out how much you’ll spend over the lifetime of the appliance, you have to look at all these costs. The appliance with the lowest initial purchase price, or even the one with the best repair record, isn’t necessarily the one that costs the least to operate. Here’s an example of how an appliance’s energy consumption can affect your out-of-pocket costs.

Suppose you’re in the market for a new refrigerator-freezer. Different models of refrigerators with the same capacity can vary dramatically in the amount of electricity they use. For one popular size and configuration, for example, the annual electricity consumption varies across models from a low of about 600 kilowatt-hours a year to a high of more than 800 kilowatt-hours a year. Based on national average electricity prices, that means the annual cost to operate this refrigerator can range from about $50 to $70, depending on which model you buy. A $20 difference in annual operating costs might not sound like much, but remember that you will enjoy these savings year after year for the life of the appliance, while you must pay any difference in purchase price only once. As a result, you may actually save money by buying the more expensive, more energy-efficient model.

You can learn about the energy efficiency of an appliance that you’re thinking about buying through the yellow-and-black EnergyGuide label it displays. The Federal Trade Commission’s Appliance Labeling Rule requires appliance manufacturers to put these labels on:

Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers

Water heaters, furnaces, boilers

Central air conditioners, room air conditioners, heat pumps

Pool heaters

When you shop for one of these appliances in a dealer’s showroom, you should find the labels hanging on the inside of an appliance or secured to the outside. The law requires that the labels specify:

The capacity of the particular model

For refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers and water heaters, the estimated annual energy consumption of the model

For air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers and pool heaters, the energy efficiency rating

The range of estimated annual energy consumption, or energy efficiency ratings, of comparable appliances.

Some appliances also may feature the EnergyStar logo, which means that the appliance is significantly more energy efficient than the average comparable model. For more information on the EnergyStar program, operated by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, visit the EnergyStar website at [url=http://www.energystar.gov]http://www.energystar.gov[/url]

For An Energy-Smart Deal On Your Next Appliance…
Read the EnergyGuide label.

Compare the energy use of competing models.

Estimate their differences in energy costs.

Consider both purchase price and estimated energy use when deciding which brand and model to buy.

Why should I care about energy efficiency?

The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run, and the lower your utility bills. Using less energy is good for the environment, too; it can reduce air pollution and help conserve natural resources.

Don’t all appliances have to be energy efficient?

All major home appliances must meet energy conservation standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s the law. But many appliances beat the standard, use even less energy and cost less to run.

What makes one appliance more efficient than another?

Most of the differences are on the inside—in the motors, compressors, pumps, valves, gaskets and seals, or in electronic sensors that make appliances “smarter.” Even if two models look the same from the outside, less-obvious inside features can mean a big difference in your monthly utility bills.

How can I be sure energy efficiency claims aren’t just sales hype?

Manufacturers must use standard test procedures developed by the Department of Energy to prove the energy use and efficiency of their products. Many have these tests performed by independent laboratories. The test results are printed on the EnergyGuide labels, which manufacturers are required to put on many of their appliances.

What’s the purpose of EnergyGuide labels?

The EnergyGuide labels help you compare the efficiency or annual energy use of competing brands and similar models. Look for the labels on clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerator/freezers, room air conditioners, water heaters, pool heaters and on central home heating and cooling equipment. If you don’t see an EnergyGuide label, ask a salesperson for the information.

Shopping Strategy

Select the size and style. Measure the space the appliance will occupy to be sure your new purchase will fit. Make sure that you’ll have enough room to open the door or lid fully and enough clearance for ventilation. This may help you narrow your choices as you settle on the best capacity and style.

Know where to shop. Appliance outlets, electronics stores and local retailers carry different brands and models. Dealers also sell appliances through print catalogs and the Internet.

Compare the performance of different brands and models. Ask to see the manufacturer’s product literature. Decide which features are important to you. Ask questions about how the different models operate: Are they noisy? What safety features do they have? What about repair histories? How much water do they use? How energy efficient are they?

Estimate how much the appliance will cost to operate. The more energy an appliance uses, the more it will cost to run. Consult the EnergyGuide label to compare the energy use of different models. The difference on your monthly utility bill can be significant, especially when considered over the 10-to-20-year life of the appliance. You could save money over the long run by choosing a model that’s more energy efficient, even if the purchase price is higher.

Ask about special energy efficiency offers. Ask your salesperson or local utility about cash rebates, low-interest loans or other incentive programs in your area for energy-efficient product purchases—and how you can qualify.

Tips to Lower Your Monthly Energy Bill

Being an energy-smart consumer means getting the most from the energy you use. Here’s how you can cut energy waste without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Move your refrigerator if it’s near the stove, dishwasher or heat vents. Vacuum the coils every three months to eliminate dirt buildup that reduces efficiency. Check the door gaskets for air leaks. Defrost the freezer when more than a quarter-inch of ice builds up.

Scrape but don’t pre-rinse dishes by hand if you have a dishwasher that automatically pre-rinses or has a rinse/hold cycle. Use the “energy saver” option found on many machines.

Use pots that fit the size of your stove-top burners. Use lids on your pots and pans so you can cook at a lower burner setting.

Match the water level and temperature settings on your clothes washer to the size of your load. Don’t fill the whole tub for a few small items.

Clean your clothes dryer filters after each use or as necessary.

Ensure that the temperature on your water heater is set to 120 degrees. Some thermostats are preset at the factory to 140 degrees.

For More Information

The Federal Trade Commission offers a wide range of business and consumer information online at [url=http://www.ftc.gov]http://www.ftc.gov[/url] This information also is available by calling the toll-free helpline at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) (TDD: 1-866-653-4261) or by writing: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580.

The Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network offers a clearinghouse of energy-efficiency information at [url=http://www.eren.doe.gov]http://www.eren.doe.gov[/url] This information also is available by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-DOE-EREC (363-3732) (TDD: 1-800-273-2957) or by writing: U.S. Department of Energy B EREC, PO Box 3048, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Your state and local energy offices and local utility company also may be good sources of information.

Produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit [url=http://www.ftc.gov]http://www.ftc.gov[/url] or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Test Your Skills at Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor

25 Jun

2006

Before you sign a contract or make the first payment, take this simple test. It will give you a better idea of what you can expect from your contractor and the home improvement process. 1. An advertisement in the “home improvement” section of the Yellow Pages is your assurance that a contractor is licensed and reputable True False

2. All states require home improvement contractors to be licensed. True False

3. Your state licensing agency can verify that the contractor you’re considering has the appropriate licenses, if required, and that they’re current. True False

4. Contractors should carry what type of insurance?
a. personal liability
b. worker’s compensation
c. property damage
d. all of the above

5. Comparison shopping should be based on
a. reputation and price
b. reliability and experience
c. price only
d. a. and b.

6. When comparing estimates, make sure each one is based on:
a. the same set of plans
b. the same set of specifications
c. the same scope of work
d. all of the above

7. You should expect to pay for a written estimate for your project. True False

8. A well-written contract should include the contractor’s name, address, phone and license number, if required. It also should specify:
a. the payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers
b. an estimated start and completion date
c. the cancellation policy
d. how change orders will be handled
e. all of the above

9. A change order is a written agreement to change the work described in the original contract. It could affect the project’s cost and schedule True False

10. In most circumstances, oral contracts are as enforceable as written agreements. Oral contracts related to real property are an exception to this rule. True False

11. If you sign the contract in your home or at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business, you have three business days to cancel the deal. True False

12. You should expect to make payments when you:
a. sign the contract
b. get a regular invoice weekly, monthly or at milestones
c. sign a change order
d. order a custom-made item
e. all of the above

13. Avoid making the final payment or signing an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work and have proof that subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. True False

14. If you get a loan for your home improvement project, you should have the lender make the check out to the contractor. True False

15. If you use your home as security for a home improvement loan, and you don’t repay the loan as agreed, you could lose your home. True False

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Answers:

15. True. The lender can take your home and sell it, using the proceeds to pay off the loan and any foreclosure costs.

14. False. The check should be made out to you. Otherwise, you lose control of the funds.

13. True. Lien laws in your state may allow unpaid subcontractors and suppliers to “attach” your home through a “mechanic’s lien”. That means the subcontractors and suppliers could go to court to force you to sell your home to satisfy their unpaid bills from your project. Protect yourself by asking the contractor, and every subcontractor and supplier, for a lien release or lien waiver.

12. E. All of the above.

11. True. The Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel the contract. During the sales transaction, the salesperson (contractor) must give you two copies of a cancellation form (one to keep and one to send back to the company) and a copy of your contract or receipt. The contract or receipt must be dated, show the name and address of the seller, and explain your right to cancel.

10. True. Therefore, it’s always best to get verbal agreements added to your written contract.

9. True. Remodelers often require payment for change orders before the work begins.

8. E. All of the above. The contract also should spell out what will and will not be performed.

7. True. Most remodelers will charge for the time they spend preparing a detailed written estimate. The cost of the estimate will vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

6. D. All of the above. If your remodeler suggests deviations, ask that they be presented as options.

5. D. Reputation, price, reliability and experience are the keys to a quality home improvement project. Price alone is never an indication of a remodeler’s competence or ability to complete your project.

4. D. All of the above. Avoid doing business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you’ll be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

3. True. You also can check with local building inspectors.

2. False. Fourteen states do not require licensing for home improvement contractors; 36 states require home improvement contractors to be licensed. Check with your state licensing agency or consumer protection officials to find out about licensing requirements in your area.

1. False. Anyone can advertise in the Yellow Pages. An ad should not be considered as an indication of the quality of a contractor’s work. It’s still best to get recommendations from friends, neighbors, and coworkers who have had remodeling work done. Contractors who are required to be licensed often list their license number in their ads. Check out the contractor with the Better Business Bureau and state and local consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are unresolved consumer complaints on file. One caveat: No record of complaints against a particular remodeler doesn’t necessarily mean no previous consumer problems. It may be that problems exist but have not been reported, or that the contractor is doing business under several names.

Interview with an Owner Builder

24 Jun

2006

Our owner builder Larry had no experience of being an owner builder prior to completing his home. He sent pictures every step of the way and the results were impressive. I asked Larry to answer these questions for me and here are his responses.

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What was the biggest challenge you faced?

Finding the right sub-contractors for each phase. (tips on sub-contractors below)

What misconceptions did you have about being owner builder?

The main misconceptions was the amount of time it took to complete the construction. The saying “rome wasn’t built in a day” should be in the back of your mind. Most people do not show up when they say they will and do not complete the phase as they promise.

How long did it take to complete the project?
10 months.

What did you enjoy most?
Watching each phase being completed. It gives one a sense of accomplishment.

What tips or advice would you give to a potential owner builder?
If you have no building experience: A. Purchase a complete carpentery book and learn the steps of building and terminology. B. Then NEVER let the sub-contractor know it, so that when they speak in big building terms to snow you, you will know the snow job is on.

NEVER pay any sub-contractor up front money. When the job is finished, DO NOT just accept the sub-contractors word “I’m finished” INSPECT IT (twice) to make sure it is finished, and then pay them.

VERY IMPORTANT: Require ALL Sub-contractors to sign a Mechanic Lien Release (or lien waiver) form, showing that you have paid them in full.

Find the right sub-contractor. How?
-NEVER hire any relative, even distance relatives.
-Ask for references.
-Go the the people and ask about the sub-contractor and inspect the work.

Before hiring a sub-contractor let them know up front that you expect and require quality workmanship and be firm on this. Also let them know that the home will be inspected by the mortage company and the home must meet codes. This will help you to eliminate fly by night sub-contractors.

Deal with the same person at the Lumber company’s Contractor Sales Counter. Most of them work on commission and they do charge different prices. The best way to get a better price is to talk to the person you are going to deal with in advance and lock in the price of materials before you begin to purchase material this will save you money when the material prices go up. You will also get a better deal by purchasing all the materials at one place.

These tips and advice are my personal experiences and may not apply in another persons situation.

Would you do it again?
YES!!

Owner Builders

Credit Requirements

24 Jun

2006

It goes without saying that knowing your credit standing is important. Credit plays a major role in the construction process; obtaining loans, qualifying for a good rates on insurance and being extended credit by local suppliers are all are impacted by credit rating. Since most construction lenders require a 620 credit score or better for qualification, it’s important to know your standing before applying for a loan. Some niche lenders will loan on scores less than 620. These loans typically charge higher interest rates and substantial equity or money down is required.
Even if a person has a 620 credit score they still can be denied a loan if their mortgage is reporting a 30 day late in the last year on either a first or second mortgage, HELOCs included.

If you have questions about your credit or haven’t applied for a loan lately it’s well advised to pull a credit report. If you would like to more about credit facts and fallacies follow this link to MyFico.com Understand How Credit Scoring Works! .

The Modern Builder endorses MyFico.com as the best online credit information source and an excellent resource for credit resolution.

Calculating Costs

ASHRAE’s Top 10-How to Ensure Good Indoor Air Quality

24 Jun

2006

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has generated the following list of the top ten things that homeowners can do to provide good indoor air quality.

Fossil-fuel-fired water heaters and furnaces should use sealed-combustion or be power-vented. When natural-draft appliances must be used, they should be tested for proper venting and should be located outside the occupiable space when possible.

Vent bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, and laundry rooms directly outdoors. Use energy efficient and quiet fans.

Avoid locating leaky furnaces, air conditioners, and ductwork in garages or other spaces where they can inadvertently draw contaminants into the house. Install a door closer to ensure doors between houses and garages do not accidentally stay open. Apply weather-stripping to the doors to reduce airborne contaminant transport around the door edges. If ducts must pass through a garage or other potentially polluted space, seal the ducts well to avoid entrainment of polluted air.

Properly vent fireplaces, wood stoves, and other hearth products; use tight doors and outdoor air intakes for these products when possible.

Put a good particle filter or air cleaner in your air handling system to keep dirt out of the air and off of your ductwork and heating and cooling components. Maintain it or replace it regularly as needed.

Vent clothes dryers and central vacuum cleaners directly outdoors.

Store volatile compounds such as paints, solvents, cleaners, and pesticides out of the occupiable space and away from ventilation air intakes.

Minimize or avoid altogether unvented combustion sources such as candles, cigarettes, indoor barbecues, decorative combustion appliances, or vent-free heaters.

Distribute a minimum amount of outdoor air as recommended by ASHRAE 62.2 throughout the home, using whole-house mechanical ventilation.

Provide operable windows or additional mechanical ventilation to every space to accommodate unusual sources or high-polluting events, such as the use of home cleaning products, and hobby activities.

Building with Modular Homes

24 Jun

2006

Modular Homes and the Owner Builder
In the 1950’s Sears and Montgomery Ward began selling packaged homes kit homes in the peak of the real estate boom when building supplies were scarce and costly. Since then the modular home industry has transformed itself into a state of the art production.
Today’s modular home is the symbol of efficiency and quality. The modular home industry provides a wealth of advantages for the owner builder who wants to save time and money without skimping on quality. Not your

What’s different about a site built home and a modular home? Modular homes are 90% built when they leave the factory. This includes walls, flooring, stairs, cabinetry, insulation, lighting fixtures, electrical and plumbing work completed. This reduces on site labor significantly. Since modular homes are built in an off-site indoor controlled environment, control of cost and quality are easily achieved and construction delays are eliminated.

Design
Today’s modular home gives the owner builder a vast array of design options. From a simple ranch design to a customized plan, almost any style of house can be built with today’s modular home technology. The end result is indistinguishable from a site built home.

How are they built?
First your plans are broken into modules which are built in an indoor environment by computer assisted design stations. The plans are fed to building stations where modules are constructed exactly to specifications with complete accuracy. Each phase is completed by experienced tradesmen in an assembly line fashion. The entire home can be built in 30 - 90 days versus the 4 - 9 months needed for site built homes. Once completed the modules are delivered to the construction site and are erected by crane.

Is a Modular Home considered a Mobile Home?
No. They are entirely different in many ways.

If you want to know if you are looking at a mobile home, look underneath the structure. If you see I Beams, or a chasis, you are looking at a mobile home or manufactured house. Manufactured homes are built per HUD standards, modular homes are built to local code. Fannie Mae lending institutions will not typically loan on mobile homes.

A modular home is real property and taxed that way unlike a mobile home which is considered personal property. A mobile home is not attached to the property so it can not be taxed as real estate. Visit the HUD Website for a clear definition.

Modular Homes

Permits and Plan Check

24 Jun

2006

It’s important to understand the importance of permits. While this may seem common sense to many, it is not uncommon for an owner builder to experience significant delays for lack a plan approval form their county. Delays cost the owner builder valuable time and money. It’s important to understand the importance of permits. While this may seem common sense to many, it is not uncommon for an owner builder to experience significant delays for lack a plan approval form their county. Delays cost the owner builder valuable time and money. Research your local permitting process early. Lenders will not release hard costs until proof of permits have been received. Do the right thing and get your plans approved before closing on your construction loan. Never begin building without permits.

What is Plan Check?
Plan check is the process of having engineered blueprints approved by the local building authority. Plan Check is performed to make sure your new home meets all building codes in the county. Most counties can turn around Plan Check request within a few weeks while some counties with high growth and stringent planning and zoning requirements can take longer.

Once your plans have been reviewed you will received a county approval stamp or official correspondence stating the approval. At this point you are issued a building permit number and you may pay for your permits or wait for loan funding.

What is a Site Plan
A site plan is simply a footprint review of your home. A footprint is how your home sits within your property boundaries. Some counties have set back rules which state how your home can be placed on your lot in reference to right-of-ways and streets. Not all counties require Site Plans.

Fees
Permit fees will vary from county to county. In some areas of the country permit costs can be expensive running into the tens of thousands of dollars. Impact fees and school taxes are typically included into your permit and due prior to building. Permitting fees should not be overlooked as they can make up a substantial portion of your total construction budget. Find out your costs early.

What happens if I start building before permits?
Countless of unfortunate souls have found out the hard way that permits are a must. It is very common for building authorities to have structures torn down and started over for lack of permits. Their justification is that there have been no inspections to the property so there is no way to determine if the home has been built to code throughout the process. Building authorities have teams of lawyers and don’t have a problem with making the renegade owner builder an example to the entire community.

Permiting

Building Consultants

24 Jun

2006

What is a building consultant? Building consultants can help steer the owner builder in the right direction in building their home. Building consultants are experts in construction and offer a wide range of services to fill the owner builder’s needs. What is a building consultant? Building consultants can help steer the owner builder in the right direction in building their home.
Building consultants offer a wide range of services to fill the owner builder’s needs. There are many building consultants who advertise to the owner builder on the web. But the owner builder should do their home work on which will meet their needs. Consultants can be individuals, local companies, national franchises with local presence and companies that will never set foot on your project, but act as a coach prior to and during construction. Each consultant relationship offers a unique benefit for the owner builder.

An owner builder should understand what services are offered through interviewing the companies or individuals, then make an educated decision on who best fits their needs. Fees will vary from company to company and will depend on how much involvement is necessary. Flat fee exist as well as percentage of loan fee.

The owner builder will find consulting companies who offer 100% financing of your project, or no money down program. This can be a huge benefit for owner builders who may want to avoid a downpayment. By working with these companies lenders are confident the owner builder is in good hands and don’t require site supervisors, saving them additional money. Some owner builders will utilize these programs for the 100% LTC benefit only.