Windows and doors play a key role to the overall beauty, comfort and cost of our homes. They are an integral part of the home envelope and with a good product, installed correctly they maintain the integrity of your home by eliminating air and water leakage. And since the 1990’s we have increased the number of windows or sashes in a home and spend $7,000-$20,000 on replacements.
So what should you look for in a window and what are your choices in today’s market. Besides the style (double or single hung, casement etc) there is the type of window and what it is built from (wood, vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass). Each type has pros and cons, but I believe to be more “Green” one type in particular stands out the most and that is Fiberglass.
Fiberglass is not well known and mostly because they are a more expensive window to build. The benefits however, far outweigh the extra cost on the front end. First, the all-fiberglass and fiberglass-clad products are stronger and tend to insulate better than a vinyl or aluminum window. If you live in an area where hail, strong winds and large trees exist, the fiberglass can withstand the hits with little to no damage. Compared to a vinyl window where R-values are 3.3 to 6.3 on average a fiberglass window R-value rates 7 to 11 in most cases.
Wood windows need to be thoroughly cleaned, resealed and painted carefully so the paint doesn’t hinder the smooth operation of the window working mechanism. A fiberglass window also appreciates a good cleaning to keep the working mechanisms running smoothly but they appear to handle mistreatment better. They can be painted but if you order your favorite dark color to begin with the other great advantage is they resist fading and then you don’t have to do any painting.
The best part of the fiberglass is they expand and contract at the same rate as glass, resulting in fewer seal failures and cracks. What makes them a favorite for “Green” is they take less energy to manufacturer and are primarily made up of silica sand which is an easy to obtain natural resource.
Although they may cost more to start the time you save on maintenance, overall wear and tear appearance will be long lasting curb appeal. To enjoy the benefits of the R-value and maintain a good moisture and air seal your window installer plays a key role in the new window performance. Make sure to ask questions to ensure your windows are installed correctly per the manufacturer’s instructions. Most water intrusions occur when the installer did not properly flash or secure the window to its opening. To learn more about various windows and manufacturers visit: www.jdpower.com and look for residential window ratings. Or visit your favorite window manufacturer directly on their website. Marvin www.marvin.com, Pella www.pella.com , Hurd www.hurd.com , Weathershield www.weathershield.com
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Resale of Homes is Improving. Now Remodel or Tear Down
With the first time home buyer Federal Tax Incentive coming closer to the end - sales have buckled down and started to fall into place. The majority are still bank owned type properties but some well priced traditional homes have also started to make their way through the marketplace.
What is exciting is the "new life" that is going back into some properties that really need the attention. Recently we had one on our block that sold for less than $200k (average is $280-350k). This home was owned by someone out of the state so it sat vacant, unattended which resulted in a waterline break after a heavy freeze. The home had mold and overall water damaged. Being a less favorable floorplan but in a great neighborhood - it took the lower price to finally find a buyer.
At first we all expected the home to be demolished and a better floorplan design to be built on the lot. Instead the new owners stripped it out and worked within the framework that existed. We did a similar remodel back in the late 1990's. The benefit of this was we redesigned the interior space and with basic refinishing kept the taxes from moving sky high as they would have for new construction and if we would added an addition to the home (we switched a porch for a porch etc). The only disadvantage to this is future resale - the market data has to show that it was still built on the original date which may have been 20 to 30 years ago. But for a great neighborhood where you otherwise may not be able to afford to live.... this is another great alternative.
If you decide to invest in such a property make sure that your financing company will allow you to purchase a distressed home or at least what meets their qualification level. 2nd, see if your financing has a special incentive program for renovation funds. Several do offer this type of special financing where they'll allow a loan for renovations knowing that when it is done the value of these restoration activities will bring the value up and be worth it to them for financing the loan. 3rd, check with your city building department regarding fees and the procedures for doing your restoration or does it make more sense to tear down and start over? Weigh the two ideas against each other and based on what you know about the community, how long you plan to live there, one idea may stand out as the clear winner over the other.
What is exciting is the "new life" that is going back into some properties that really need the attention. Recently we had one on our block that sold for less than $200k (average is $280-350k). This home was owned by someone out of the state so it sat vacant, unattended which resulted in a waterline break after a heavy freeze. The home had mold and overall water damaged. Being a less favorable floorplan but in a great neighborhood - it took the lower price to finally find a buyer.
At first we all expected the home to be demolished and a better floorplan design to be built on the lot. Instead the new owners stripped it out and worked within the framework that existed. We did a similar remodel back in the late 1990's. The benefit of this was we redesigned the interior space and with basic refinishing kept the taxes from moving sky high as they would have for new construction and if we would added an addition to the home (we switched a porch for a porch etc). The only disadvantage to this is future resale - the market data has to show that it was still built on the original date which may have been 20 to 30 years ago. But for a great neighborhood where you otherwise may not be able to afford to live.... this is another great alternative.
If you decide to invest in such a property make sure that your financing company will allow you to purchase a distressed home or at least what meets their qualification level. 2nd, see if your financing has a special incentive program for renovation funds. Several do offer this type of special financing where they'll allow a loan for renovations knowing that when it is done the value of these restoration activities will bring the value up and be worth it to them for financing the loan. 3rd, check with your city building department regarding fees and the procedures for doing your restoration or does it make more sense to tear down and start over? Weigh the two ideas against each other and based on what you know about the community, how long you plan to live there, one idea may stand out as the clear winner over the other.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Home Cooling - Improve Efficiency and Lower Your Costs
Home Cooling – Improve Efficiency and Lower Your Costs
Your homes’ cooling depends on several factors (shade, insulation, reflectivity and your personal tolerance to heat). The more you can achieve the better your efficiency will be. We’ve all been taught basics but with a closer look you can easily save even more.
1. Reduce Internal Heat - humans contribute to indoor heat build-up and so do our appliances, entertainment gadgets, lighting and cooking methods. Avoid heating the oven during a hot day and limit your hot water usage. Turn-off the entertainment gadgets by using the new power-saver strips created just for television, Wii, computers and printers.
2. Reduce Air Leakage – sealing ducts can save 10 to 25% on energy costs. They can be hard to find so this needs to be done by a professional it is well worth the long-term savings.
3. Transmission – Simple ventilation techniques can help flush the heat out. Such as the occupants should open and close windows, window coverings at the proper time. Also turning on fans including ceiling fans at the proper time to create air movement.
4. Upgrade to a new air conditioning unit – Since the 1970’s, newer units have an efficiency that is at least 1-1/2 to 2 times greater than the units of that era. Some of the advances made include:
a. Variable-speed or a two-speed blower system
b. Aluminum fins spaced closer together and perforated to improve heat transfer to air.
c. Improved electric motor design.
d. Dual-speed compressors
e. Time-delay relays controlling evaporator fans.
There are rebates in place making the desire to change even more appealing. These rebates along with overall efficiency improvements make this well worth considering.
5. Improve Air Flow - Central air conditioning systems are designed to cool the whole house so closing the registers in unused rooms will not usually save you anything. Make sure your air from every supply register has an unobstructed airway back to a return register. This blockage can pressurize or depressurize portions of a home resulting in poor air conditioning performance. It can also increase air leakage through the building shell. Check to make sure ducts and registers are not badly bent or dirty.
6. Failing the Air Conditioner’s Efficiency Rating?
This mostly occurs due to faulty installation and/or inadequate planning. A common problem due to inadequate planning includes low air flow, incorrect refrigerant charge and duct-air leakage. Periodically have a service call to check the refrigerant charge. For a satisfactory performance and efficiency a home central system should be within one of the correct charge.
7. Basic Maintenance and Service
The difference in consumption between a well-maintained unit versus a severely neglected system can range from 10% to 30%. These (5) maintenance tasks can be performed by a skilled technician or homeowner and really improve your units performance.
a. Clean or replace filters every 1 to 4 months
b. Clean supply and return registers. Straighten their fins (dirt and damage)
c. Clean the blower’s fan blades.
d. Clean evaporator coil and condensate pan every 2 to 4 years.
e. Remove debris from around condenser. Straighten bent fins.
Your homes’ cooling depends on several factors (shade, insulation, reflectivity and your personal tolerance to heat). The more you can achieve the better your efficiency will be. We’ve all been taught basics but with a closer look you can easily save even more.
1. Reduce Internal Heat - humans contribute to indoor heat build-up and so do our appliances, entertainment gadgets, lighting and cooking methods. Avoid heating the oven during a hot day and limit your hot water usage. Turn-off the entertainment gadgets by using the new power-saver strips created just for television, Wii, computers and printers.
2. Reduce Air Leakage – sealing ducts can save 10 to 25% on energy costs. They can be hard to find so this needs to be done by a professional it is well worth the long-term savings.
3. Transmission – Simple ventilation techniques can help flush the heat out. Such as the occupants should open and close windows, window coverings at the proper time. Also turning on fans including ceiling fans at the proper time to create air movement.
4. Upgrade to a new air conditioning unit – Since the 1970’s, newer units have an efficiency that is at least 1-1/2 to 2 times greater than the units of that era. Some of the advances made include:
a. Variable-speed or a two-speed blower system
b. Aluminum fins spaced closer together and perforated to improve heat transfer to air.
c. Improved electric motor design.
d. Dual-speed compressors
e. Time-delay relays controlling evaporator fans.
There are rebates in place making the desire to change even more appealing. These rebates along with overall efficiency improvements make this well worth considering.
5. Improve Air Flow - Central air conditioning systems are designed to cool the whole house so closing the registers in unused rooms will not usually save you anything. Make sure your air from every supply register has an unobstructed airway back to a return register. This blockage can pressurize or depressurize portions of a home resulting in poor air conditioning performance. It can also increase air leakage through the building shell. Check to make sure ducts and registers are not badly bent or dirty.
6. Failing the Air Conditioner’s Efficiency Rating?
This mostly occurs due to faulty installation and/or inadequate planning. A common problem due to inadequate planning includes low air flow, incorrect refrigerant charge and duct-air leakage. Periodically have a service call to check the refrigerant charge. For a satisfactory performance and efficiency a home central system should be within one of the correct charge.
7. Basic Maintenance and Service
The difference in consumption between a well-maintained unit versus a severely neglected system can range from 10% to 30%. These (5) maintenance tasks can be performed by a skilled technician or homeowner and really improve your units performance.
a. Clean or replace filters every 1 to 4 months
b. Clean supply and return registers. Straighten their fins (dirt and damage)
c. Clean the blower’s fan blades.
d. Clean evaporator coil and condensate pan every 2 to 4 years.
e. Remove debris from around condenser. Straighten bent fins.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Get it Right with Light
From entertaining, working on a task or setting the tone for a little romance - the right light will make all the difference in the enjoyment of that space. Lighting is also one of the easiest and most economical ways to recreate the room environment. Here are a few simple ideas worth considering.
Home Office or Study - Avoid eye strain and give a side glow to your activity instead. Where task work on a computer or reading is done consider placing the light on the side rather than above or in front. A few manufacturers offer task lamps just for the purpose of doing a close detail activity. These lamps can be purchased online, at a quality lighting studio or specialty craft/sewing shop.
Bathroom - A combination of lighting is needed here. At the ceiling, have fun and put in a fixture that you enjoy and will in general light the room. If space safely allows add a mini-lamp that uses one 3-7 watt bulb. It is perfect night lighting for those late evening visits. Vanity lighting should ideally light the surface (especially for contact wearers). For good skin tone and to assist with application of make-up try a balanced white-light bulb.
Kitchen - Similar to the bathroom, you'll need a combination of lighting here. Task lighting is critical in food prep, serving and clean-up areas. Recessed ceiling fixtures are a favorite along with "puck lights" or mini halogens under the upper cabinets. Put both the overhead lights and under-cabinet lights on separate switches for more control. The pendents or ceiling fixture over the dining area should also be switched separate and have a dimmer. This will give you the flexibility you are looking for when setting the mood for the room.
Living Room/Great Room - Today's living areas tend to be one large space with multiple activities. A flexible lighting scheme needs a variety of sources. If board games, reading, knitting or similar activities are sharing the space, then task light those areas with the appropriate floor or table lamp. General lighting for the space can be acheived with recessed light fixtures, track lighting, or ceiling fans that offer light kits. Depending on the size of your room you may want the ceiling fixtures to be divided into two or more switches (one for each section or area of the room). To highlight artwork or a fireplace recessed light fixtures with diffusers and the choice of reflector or halogen directional bulbs can direct the light. Over the past several years, manufacturers have introduced outstanding wall art specific lighting which may be worth exploring as well.
Bedroom - To create the environment that will be relaxing and offer ambience you'll love soft controllable lighting. Whether it is table lamps or ceiling fixtures the light bulb selection will make the ultimate difference on the appearance. For lamps, look for 3-way style (not all lamps come with this choice) it will give you more ideal lighting. Ceiling fixtures do not have to be the flush mount as usual, get creative here by introducing a mini chandelier, "art-track lighting", ceiling fan or a short-stem fixture(hangs a few inches off the ceiling). For the closet area you'll want the compact fluorescent bulbs to ensure that clothing colors show true.
Dining Areas - These special occasion areas deserve more than light. Have fun with the ceiling fixture on its own dimmer and maybe it is not a traditional chandlier at all. Add a wall scounce in with your art and consider secondary lighting to increasing the amount of light over sideboards or serving areas. Top off the server, buffet or accent table with a mini-accent lamp. These are usually designed in some kind of fun motif and only take one 3-7 watt bulb. Leave it on all the time so as you walk pass this area, your mini-lamp will soften an otherwise dark corner of the house.
Home Office or Study - Avoid eye strain and give a side glow to your activity instead. Where task work on a computer or reading is done consider placing the light on the side rather than above or in front. A few manufacturers offer task lamps just for the purpose of doing a close detail activity. These lamps can be purchased online, at a quality lighting studio or specialty craft/sewing shop.
Bathroom - A combination of lighting is needed here. At the ceiling, have fun and put in a fixture that you enjoy and will in general light the room. If space safely allows add a mini-lamp that uses one 3-7 watt bulb. It is perfect night lighting for those late evening visits. Vanity lighting should ideally light the surface (especially for contact wearers). For good skin tone and to assist with application of make-up try a balanced white-light bulb.
Kitchen - Similar to the bathroom, you'll need a combination of lighting here. Task lighting is critical in food prep, serving and clean-up areas. Recessed ceiling fixtures are a favorite along with "puck lights" or mini halogens under the upper cabinets. Put both the overhead lights and under-cabinet lights on separate switches for more control. The pendents or ceiling fixture over the dining area should also be switched separate and have a dimmer. This will give you the flexibility you are looking for when setting the mood for the room.
Living Room/Great Room - Today's living areas tend to be one large space with multiple activities. A flexible lighting scheme needs a variety of sources. If board games, reading, knitting or similar activities are sharing the space, then task light those areas with the appropriate floor or table lamp. General lighting for the space can be acheived with recessed light fixtures, track lighting, or ceiling fans that offer light kits. Depending on the size of your room you may want the ceiling fixtures to be divided into two or more switches (one for each section or area of the room). To highlight artwork or a fireplace recessed light fixtures with diffusers and the choice of reflector or halogen directional bulbs can direct the light. Over the past several years, manufacturers have introduced outstanding wall art specific lighting which may be worth exploring as well.
Bedroom - To create the environment that will be relaxing and offer ambience you'll love soft controllable lighting. Whether it is table lamps or ceiling fixtures the light bulb selection will make the ultimate difference on the appearance. For lamps, look for 3-way style (not all lamps come with this choice) it will give you more ideal lighting. Ceiling fixtures do not have to be the flush mount as usual, get creative here by introducing a mini chandelier, "art-track lighting", ceiling fan or a short-stem fixture(hangs a few inches off the ceiling). For the closet area you'll want the compact fluorescent bulbs to ensure that clothing colors show true.
Dining Areas - These special occasion areas deserve more than light. Have fun with the ceiling fixture on its own dimmer and maybe it is not a traditional chandlier at all. Add a wall scounce in with your art and consider secondary lighting to increasing the amount of light over sideboards or serving areas. Top off the server, buffet or accent table with a mini-accent lamp. These are usually designed in some kind of fun motif and only take one 3-7 watt bulb. Leave it on all the time so as you walk pass this area, your mini-lamp will soften an otherwise dark corner of the house.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Start from Scratch and Build
For some of us a place we can eat, sleep and store our stuff is all that matters. To others, creating that special place called "HOME", may need to start from scratch. So what is the best way to proceed?
Building is a huge undertaking. It absorbs your time, finances and can psychologically wear on you. So to make the process a little easier I would like to suggest by selecting the best contractor for your job. And how do you accomplish that? Recently, the Twin Cities Builders Association hosted the Luxury Home Tour and suggested these key questions to make this process a little easier.
First, find a builder creating designs in the style you like, building in the area you prefer to live. After a few visits (yes, tour a couple of their properties) are your finding the staff that greets you helpful, knowledgeable? How about being compatible as part of your "team"?. Remember, you are the employer seeking to hire a contractor that best fits your needs. When you believe you have the right one ask the following questions.
1. Who are the owners of the company? And, how long have they been in business?
2. What is the chain of command and where does the buck stop? Is there a field or site manager and how often will they be visiting the site?
3. Have there been any lawsuits or complaints been filed?
4. How has the resale value of their homes fared?
5. What criteria do you use to select your subcontractors? (yes, almost all contractors have to hire some parts of the job out to a specialist. Electricians, plumbers, hvac, low-voltage technology etc).
6. What percentage of the subcontractors have been with the builder for at least five years?
7. What is your employee turnover?
8. How many customers have built with you more than once?
9. Who will I (the buyer) be talking to when I have a question?
10. Who determines what's acceptable and what's not in terms of quality?
11. If we disagree on quality, how do we work that out?
12. How is pricing determined when I make a change order?
13. When the house is done and we create a punch list, how do I know that your going to fix everything?
14. What kind of measures do you take to prevent future mold growth in the home?
15. Are you environmentally sensitive to the areas around you during construction?
These questions offer great insight to the company's ability to not only deliver you a quality home but are they accommodating (within reason) during the building process and do they offer any kind of customer service not only through the build but for a time even beyond the standard warranty period.
Your home is a great investment - so take the time to thoroughly ask the right questions. Whether you are spending $100,000 or $Millions, make sure you are comfortable because building should be an enjoyable rememberable experience.
Building is a huge undertaking. It absorbs your time, finances and can psychologically wear on you. So to make the process a little easier I would like to suggest by selecting the best contractor for your job. And how do you accomplish that? Recently, the Twin Cities Builders Association hosted the Luxury Home Tour and suggested these key questions to make this process a little easier.
First, find a builder creating designs in the style you like, building in the area you prefer to live. After a few visits (yes, tour a couple of their properties) are your finding the staff that greets you helpful, knowledgeable? How about being compatible as part of your "team"?. Remember, you are the employer seeking to hire a contractor that best fits your needs. When you believe you have the right one ask the following questions.
1. Who are the owners of the company? And, how long have they been in business?
2. What is the chain of command and where does the buck stop? Is there a field or site manager and how often will they be visiting the site?
3. Have there been any lawsuits or complaints been filed?
4. How has the resale value of their homes fared?
5. What criteria do you use to select your subcontractors? (yes, almost all contractors have to hire some parts of the job out to a specialist. Electricians, plumbers, hvac, low-voltage technology etc).
6. What percentage of the subcontractors have been with the builder for at least five years?
7. What is your employee turnover?
8. How many customers have built with you more than once?
9. Who will I (the buyer) be talking to when I have a question?
10. Who determines what's acceptable and what's not in terms of quality?
11. If we disagree on quality, how do we work that out?
12. How is pricing determined when I make a change order?
13. When the house is done and we create a punch list, how do I know that your going to fix everything?
14. What kind of measures do you take to prevent future mold growth in the home?
15. Are you environmentally sensitive to the areas around you during construction?
These questions offer great insight to the company's ability to not only deliver you a quality home but are they accommodating (within reason) during the building process and do they offer any kind of customer service not only through the build but for a time even beyond the standard warranty period.
Your home is a great investment - so take the time to thoroughly ask the right questions. Whether you are spending $100,000 or $Millions, make sure you are comfortable because building should be an enjoyable rememberable experience.
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