No, we’re not talking about solar panels, although, yes, solar panels could be part of a smart home energy system. Instead, we’re talking about the meaning of the acronym that’s specific to a passive solar home design: Shape, Orientation, Location, Aperture, and Roof overhangs (SOLAR). Continue reading ‘When Designing A Green House Or Addition, Think SOLAR’
Archive for the 'Green Building' Category
When incorporating a skylight into a roof structure, consider the homeowner’s visual and thermal comfort, as well as the seasonal and daily shifts of available daylight. Aesthetically, you want to make sure the skylight fits well with the roofing system. Address any structural or safety issues you have with the homeowner. To help save the homeowner money in energy costs, consider how the skylight(s) can be integrated with electric lighting and HVAC systems, and how the skylight(s) can be incorporated into an overall day lighting control strategy. You may also consider the homeowner’s total utility cost and peak hours for electric demand.
Selling energy efficiency often comes down to numbers – the cost of installation to the anticipated cost savings. Therefore, when it comes to making a sale, come armed with the energy saving facts of installing energy efficient windows and doors. Continue reading ‘Marketing – Let The Numbers Do The Talking’
That Question Has Many Answers
1.) Lasting Durability – Advanced technology results in deck boards with vibrant and longer lasting colors.
2.) Expanded Installation Possibilities – See previous article entitled “Design Elements Add Value For Homeowners & Your Business” for how to build herringbone, zipper decking and decking inlays with composite decking. Continue reading ‘Building Product Market – Why Choose Composite Decking?’
Studies have shown that homebuyers are concerned with the environmental impact of home building. Therefore, it’s important to emphasize that engineered wood is primarily made from wood fiber from small trees grown from sustainable, second-growth forests, thus preserving large old growth trees.
A clearer example is the fact that less than 1% of engineered lumber is wasted during production. This is because of the elimination of defects like knots, wane, pitch pockets and twists. Also, wider on-center spacing of engineered lumber joists enables fewer materials to be used on a project. And the “I” configuration of wood I-joists reduces the wood fiber required in a residential floor system by at least 50%. Continue reading ‘Accessing Green Verification Reports’
Remodeling a kitchen with an emphasis on going “green” means looking at everything from floor to ceiling, and all the details in between. It’s not just about choosing Energy Star appliances, although that’s certainly part of it.
Lighting
Consider all possibilities for daylighting and choose energy efficient ambient lighting; when installing recessed lighting, be sure the fixture is sealed air-tight. Install LED task lighting, and save energy by installing dimmers and multiple switches.
Insulation
Choose high R-value insulation that is resistant to moisture; install a vapor barrier to prevent rot, and reduce air leakage with good infiltration reduction practices. Insulate walls between rooms, too. Continue reading ‘Greening Up A Kitchen Remodel’
Considering a New Year’s Resolution? How about resolving to become a Certified Green Professional or Master Certified Green Professional as your New Year’s Resolution?
Continue reading ‘New Year’s Resolution – Green Building Certification’
Lumber and wood products arguably are the greenest of all building products – sustainable, renewable and durable. Lumber and related wood products (plywood, OSB and engineered wood products) also make up the largest percentage of building materials used in constructing a single family home. Rising prices on these products can squeeze profits. Continue reading ‘A Perfect Storm For Lumber Prices In 2013?’
Like virtually every other building material, an emphasis on “green” products pervade the moulding market. What seems to be getting the most attention as such is veneered moulding. As the vice president of a major moulding manufacturer noted, the market has seen “a growing interest in veneered mouldings because they extend the resource, especially hardwoods.” Continue reading ‘Consumers Eyeing Veneered Moulding As “Green” Alternative’
For all the luxury items possible in today’s bathroom – soaking tubs, steam baths, even flat screen TVs and coolers – it’s easy sometimes to overlook the broader trend in home construction and remodeling: green building. Here are three green design ideas you can incorporate into any bathroom. Continue reading ‘Three Green Design Ideas For The Bathroom’
