Checklist for Hiring a Builder or Remodeler

You have a home design you love - now it's time to find a builder. Here is great information from the National Association of Home Builders we want to pass on. If you are building a new home or addition, or remodeling your home, use this checklist to help you select a builder to perform the work.

 

• Does the builder or remodeler have a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers? 
• How long have they been in the building business? It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. Will they be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties?
• Have you called your local Better Business Bureau? They can alert you to any complaints.
• Does the builder/remodeler have sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
• Will the builder/remodeler provide you with names of previous customers? Ask them if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.
• Have you seen the builder/remodelers work, both completed and in progress? Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
• Are you able to communicate with the builder/remodeler? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
• Will the builder/remodeler provide you with a complete and clearly written contract? The contract will benefit both of you. Review it carefully.
• Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids. If the builder/remodeler is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem.

 Your architect can also refer builders in your area and set up interviews to match you with the best builder for can also refer builders in your area and set up interviews to match you with the best builder for your project.

  

Source: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=125965

 

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Solar Technology: Solar Shingles

Solar Energy is often incorporated into our residential architecture.  Leading the pack in new solar technology is the Dow Chemical Company.

Dow has been developing Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) building materials that enable solar energy cells to be incorporated directly into the design of commercial and residential building materials such as roofing systems, exterior sidings, fascias and more. Dow’s BIPVs make solar power accessible and affordable for homeowners.

From solar product to an experienced solar support team, Dow offers an integrated, seamless solar solution that's intuitive to set up, install, use and maintain. Most importantly, it's backed by decades of innovation and on-the-ground R&D knowledge.

The Dow POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle delivers true building-integrated aesthetics by integrating PV functionality into an asphalt roof-shingle form factor. It utilizes high-efficiency, CIGS-based, PV cells manufactured on a flexible substrate. These cells are laminated and subsequently over-molded into the final shingle design using conventional materials and polymer processing methods. Dow's groundbreaking technology integrates low-cost thin-film photovoltaic cells into a roofing shingle design, which represents a multi-functional solar module. The innovative product design reduces installation costs because the conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously.

The DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle was named one of the "50 Best Inventions of 2009" by Time magazine, and is expected to be available in 2011.

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Protect the Environment: Pick 5

Being green architects, we are very concerned about our ecosystem as a whole.  All of us working together can make a huge difference in protecting the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a new “Pick 5” program designed to identify areas of improvement and take action. The object is to look at the list and pick five things you can implement in your daily life.

1. Use less water! Take showers instead of baths, fix leaks, and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. And buy efficient fixtures by looking for the WaterSense label.

2. Commute without polluting! Use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs.

3. Save electricity! Do a home energy audit, get programmable thermostats, buy Energy Star products, turn stuff off when you’re done, and change your bulbs to compact fluorescents.

4. Reduce, reuse, recycle! Try to find products with less packaging, take reusable bags on shopping trips, creatively reuse other products, and recycle what's left.

5. Test your home for radon! Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless gas that can seep into your home and cause lung cancer.

6. Check your local air quality! When you exercise outdoors, use your local air quality forecast to help plan the best time for a workout or run.

7. Use chemicals safely! Read pesticide labels carefully. Lock up pesticides, paints, and cleaners where kids can't reach them.

8. eCycle! Take your old computer, DVD player, or other electronics to a recycling center. This helps keep hazardous substances out of the landfill.

9. Enjoy the outdoors safely! Find out the quality of beach water from your state office and get the UV Index to protect yourself from the sun.

10. Spread the word! Teach others where you work or go to school. Encourage people to Pick 5 for the Environment!

Of course, this is a short list, feel free to add items you feel you can tackle to improve your local community and personal environment.

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Things To Do in NH This Weekend

Planning to build or remodel a home in the Lake Sunapee, NH area?  If so, make plans to attend a special Open House this weekend!  Not only can you tour a beautiful custom home but you can get all of your questions answered about building a home from local green building experts Bonin Architects & Associates, Northcape Design Build, and Colby Real Estate!

Open House with Q&A

Saturday, May 1st   4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Call for Directions!

Bonin Architects & Associates  603-504-6009

Ask questions about eco friendly homes, green technology, sustainable design, green materials, smart building, and more!  A question-and-answer session will be guided by what you want to know, so bring your ideas and questions!  See you there!

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House renovation: Lead Paint

Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is enforcing new regulations to prevent lead poisoning, and if you are considering a home renovation, this might pertain to you.

By requiring states to administer and enforce Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) programs, the government is taking the lead to remove the dangers of lead in paint, the soil around your home, dust, drinking water, and other places you come in contact with in your daily life. Lead poisoning is nothing to fool around with and can lead to serious health problems in your family and community. For instance:

If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:

Damage to the brain and nervous system

Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity

Slowed growth

Hearing problems

Headaches

Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:

Reproductive problems (in both men and women)

High blood pressure and hypertension

Nerve disorders

Memory and concentration problems

Muscle and joint pain

If you are planning to buy a home built before 1978 and renovate it, read on:

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.

Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before buying a pre-1978 housing.  Sellers have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to ten days to check for lead hazards.

Make sure you hire a Qualified Lead Professional to remodel your home, and be sure to read the EPA’s pamphlet on Renovating a Home Built Before 1978.

Following the guidelines is in your family’s best interest!

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Glass Mulch – a Popular Landscaping Choice

Perhaps you’ve heard of the newest alternative to traditional gravel and bark mulch – glass. That’s right, recycled glass is now a popular landscaping choice with numerous benefits.

Glass mulch looks like colorful gravel and comes in a variety of colors. The mulch is made from recycled glass debris which is tumbled to remove sharp edges, making it safe for children and animals, and beautiful for planters, gardens, and around trees.

Design options are endless, as the glass mulch can be coordinated to match your home’s architectural style and colors or create an outdoor living space with a specific theme (for instance, blue glass mulch is very popular for simulating water).

In addition to using recycled material, glass much carries other environmental benefits: it lessens the impact on landfills, conserves water and withstands heavy drainage without washing out, requires very little maintenance, and does not need to be replaced every year like traditional mulch does.

Some popular applications in residential architecture? Landscaping, terrazzo flooring, counter top applications, water features, fire pits, and hundreds more!

Landscaping photos by EnviroGLAS

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Lake Sunape Area Open House

Our next event will be held at a spectacular custom home near Lake Sunapee, NH. If you are looking for land in the Sunapee / New London area, or already have property and are planning to build a new home, this event is for you!

Open House at a Lake Sunapee Custom Home

~ Talk with the Green Building Experts ~

Green Architect Jeremy Bonin, Bonin Architects

Green Builder Everett Pollard, Northcape Design Build

Lake Sunapee Realtor Dan O'Halloran, Colby Real Estate

Here's your opportunity to get your questions answered about building a new home or addition or remodelling your existing home. Q&A based on audience discussion! Ask about Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act guidelines (CSPA), budgeting and costs, green home design, working with an architect, custom home costs, green building materials, and more!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Registration is required. Directions will be given to registrants only.

To register call Bonin Architects & Associates, New London, NH
603-504-6009

Relaxing atmosphere - Refreshments

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