Going Green

There are so many decisions to make when building a new home or remodeling.  I took my time and did my homework before tackling our home building project.  I found that using eco-friendly products would save me money in the future and it felt good taking part in saving the planet.  “Going Green” is a new way of building and decorating that is fast becoming the norm.

 

Environment

 

Global warming, water pollution, air pollution and ozone depletion are just a few of environmental problems facing our planet.  Some are looking for solutions to these ongoing, debated problems.  Consumers who build with green products feel they are making an environmental difference and changing the marketplace. 

 

What exactly are green products?

 

They are products that are eco-friendly and resource efficient.  Some green products can save you money, some may cost you more.  Buying a salvaged, refurbished or remanufactured product can also be considered using green products.  Theirs three ways a consumer can go green.

 

Building Components

 

For insulating your home, you can use formaldehyde-free insulation.  Johns Manville at www.jm.com offers this type of insulation which is made of a new innovative acrylic binder that eliminates binder-related formaldehyde emissions during manufacturing.  The insulation also contains 20% post-consumer recycled glass. 

 

Installing low-emissivity windows is a way to conserve.  Low-emissivity windows have a special coating on the glass that reduces radiant heat transfer, thereby increasing the window’s insulating value.  Pella offers this type of window and you can visit their site at www.pella.com.

 

Tankless water-heating systems are becoming extremely popular.  This system is called an “on demand” water heater as hot water is provided as it is needed.  Demand water heaters heat water directly when you turn on the faucet, without the use of a storage tank.  Therefore, they avoid the standby heat losses associated with gas or electric storage water heaters. 

 

I have a Rinnai system and the great thing about tankless water heaters, you never run out of hot water.  Once the water is heated, it delivers a constant supply of heated water, so numerous showers can be taken, laundry can be done and I can run the dishwasher without ever running out of hot water.  I am also saving energy as it is not heating water all day long when it is not in use.  You can read more about Rinnai systems at www.rinnai.us.

 

Geothermal heating and cooling units have been named “the most energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive of all space conditioning systems”, by the Environmental Protection Agency.  I have the geothermal Trane system and I love it!   It works differently than a conventional heat pump that uses the outdoor air as its heat source.  Geothermal units don’t have to work as hard because they draw heat from a source whose temperature is moderate.  Basically, the system runs off of water that is underground and it takes advantage of the earth’s constant temperature, approximately 55 degrees, to heat and cool a home.  The EPA says homeowner can save 40-70 percent in heating costs and 30-50 percent in cooling cost compared to conventional systems.  You can visit the Trane site at www.trane.com.

 

Materials & Finishes

 

Bamboo flooring is absolutely beautiful.  I covered my stairs and second floor with natural bamboo.  Bamboo flooring is elegant, easy to clean and eco-friendly.  It is a perennial evergreen plant that grows in diverse climates and reaches heights of 125 feet or more.  Bamboo is considered the fastest growing wood plant as it can reach its full maturity in 5 to 6 years, unlike the oak tree which can take 20 or more years.  www.Ifloor.com carries several different colors and patterns. 

 

If you use tile in your bathroom, you may consider The Fireclay Tile Debris Series which can be used as a backsplash and is available at www.fireclaytile.com.    Fireclay Tile manufactures a terra cotta tile that contains 50% post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials. 

 

Decor

 

I found several sites that offer really striking recycled accessories.  One that really caught my attention was Viva Terra at www.vivaterra.com.  They actually have a section titled Eco-Accents offering wall art, sculptures and bowls.  Another site to check out is Spectradecor.com. This site offers recycled glass cabinet pulls.

 

Going Green

 

Going green can become expensive as most products cost more than conventional products, but the majority will save you money in the long run.  You can achieve a positive balance between profit and preservation when using eco-friendly products and feel good about being a part of creating a better environment.

 

 

Interesting article!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/07/insider.health.tips/index.html

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens gain popularity

Over the last 10 years, outdoor kitchens have become extremely popular in both new construction and remodeling ventures. These alfresco prep areas are great for entertaining or just spending quality time with the family. My husband and I decided to add an outdoor kitchen to our new home design, and we love it!

Before the outdoor kitchen, I cooked the majority of our meals. Now with music and sports piped outdoors to my husbands “space” he calls his outdoor home, I don’t cook as much anymore. He even watches the food network to get great grilling ideas and cooks at least 3 times a week. I have been married for 20 years and wish I had built one 19 years ago. Did I tell you I love my outdoor kitchen?

What does an outdoor kitchen look like?

Today’s outdoor kitchen replicates indoor kitchens but some offer special features like covered bar and buffet areas. The latest products on the market for backyard designs include luxury grills, equipped with capabilities of stovetop cooking, kitchen islands, vent hoods, beer dispensing units, refrigerators, dishwashers and sinks.

I was pleased to find that my local gas company offered great products at a discounted price for using all gas appliances. What I liked most about the products, they came with a lifetime warranty. When you have a built in, make sure you get a great warranty and make sure all appliances are certified for outdoor use.

Planning your space

An existing backyard concrete patio is a great place for an outdoor kitchen. If you are planning to put your outdoor kitchen on a deck, additional support may be required. My outdoor kitchen is right out our backdoor. We chose to cover it so that we can enjoy it during any type of weather. Whichever route you chose, your outdoor kitchen should be close to the house to save you steps when you need to go inside for additional supplies.

Typical Space Requirements

Grills

Cooking grills can range from 24 to 48 inches wide and can be 15 to 26 inches deep. Remember to place the grill in a place where smoke will not blow into the eating or seating area. Today’s grills for the outdoor kitchen are really sophisticated. Some grills have built in smokers, commercial quality woks, warming drawers and pizza ovens.

Eating areas

Make sure you have plenty of room for your eating area. Measure your table and allow at least 42 inches between the edge of the table and the wall, deck railing or other fixed object so there is room to walk and be seated.

Counter Space

I enjoy having lots of counter space; open counter space comes in handy when preparing food and it can serve as a holding area for food for serving purposes. You may even want to add a food prep area and a clean up area, including a sink. Under counter space is great for storage.

Fireplace

Adding a built in fireplace or pizza oven is common for outdoor kitchens. A fireplace can make it cozy in the winter months and adds warmth to the atmosphere. Pizza ovens are fun and great for entertaining, but these added extras will also add cost to your outdoor leisure area.

Costs

For the basic outdoor kitchen you can expect to pay around $3000 but some outdoor areas are so lavished that they can cost up to $15,000. It all depends on what you chose to put into your kitchen and the materials used for your counters and built in base.

Outdoor Fun

Alfresco kitchens are fun for the whole family. Everyone loves the smell of grilling food and everything seems to taste better when cooked on the grill. Creating the perfect backyard kitchen has become simple and men seem to love cooking on the outdoor grills. My husband is becoming an amazing grill chef. Did I tell you I love my outdoor kitchen?

Websites:

www.werever.com

www.outdoorkitchensdepot.com

www.fornobravo.com

www.outdoorfireplace.org

www.nancyskitchen.com/grilling.htm

Barkitecture: Pet Projects

They’re family and some of us bring them wherever we go. We love to buy them presents and reward them for being our best friends. Pet pampering has become a tradition for pet owners and despite economic fears, pet owners are still spending billions of dollars each year on their furry friends.

Barkitecture

Some best friends live inside but for those who live outside a luxury dog house can add elegance to any backyard. A doggie mansion could be the perfect backyard addition. Michelle Pollak from La Petite Maison, which is a custom dog house builder, says the market is small but those who chose a luxury dog house always go over the top. La Petite serves clients internationally and in the United States including Alabama. “The houses are shipped whole on a palette, so no assembly is required.” says Pollak.

La Petite Maison offers several different designs to match any style home. Their colonial and brick mansions are popular picks. Their clients include the rich and famous celebrity figures like Rachel Hunter. Most of the homes are around 35 sq. feet and some features include ac/ heat, track lighting and marble floors. You can add all types of accessories to your pet mansion like dvd players, throw rugs and custom paint. Their homes start at $4500. You can check out their beautiful dog houses at www.lapetitemaison.com.

Cat Condos

High end kitty condos are the rave for feline lovers. Cats love to climb and hide in cubbies and many owners are looking to keep their pets happy with designer cat furniture. Mycatsheaven.com caters to those who love to spoil their cats with cat furniture in earthy designs and organic shapes. Cat Condo’s sold by mycatsheaven can be the purr-fect piece of furniture for both you and your kitty.

Extras

Those who buy luxury pet products tend to buy a complete ensemble of pet accessories. Some buy matching sweaters and carriers for shopping trips or visiting relatives. The crystal collar is a popular item or for a rainy day and the puppy trench coat completes a wardrobe ensemble. Zen dining tables are fab for our felines and puppy nail polish is available in every color for your pooches pretty paws.

Traveling

To travel in comfort and style, climate control carriers are available but don’t forget to purchase the pet booster seat for the ride or the pet stroller for the walk down the beach.

Health & Fitness

Everyone who loves their pet wants them to be healthy and fit. If you don’t’ have a great place to walk your pet, no problem. Keep your pet in shape with the latest pet treadmill. Gourmet dog food is also popular choice for picky eaters and pets with spoiled palettes. Pet spas are also on the rise offering services from aroma-therapy to hydro-massage therapy.

State of the Art

There are numerous high tech devices for your loving pet including computerized identification tags, automatic doors, feeders and touch activated toys.

The trend to lavish our pets has become the norm for some pet owners. The driving force is baby boomers and dual-income family households who are spending lavishly on their pets. High end pet products are on the rise as the pet industry grows at a record pace. Our pets are loyal companions and sometimes spoiling them is a reward we offer for their dedication to our families.

A “dogs life” use to mean hard times and poverty but today it takes on a whole new meaning that is not as quite as “rough” as it use to be.

The Right Contractor

One of the most important decisions you will make after deciding to build your home will be who to hire as your contractor.  Your contractor will be working for you for months and you will trust this person with your money and the construction of your new home. It pays to make the right choice!!! 

Before you start looking for a contractor, there are several things you need to already know and have in place.  

1.  Know where you are going to build...have your land or lot already picked out or paid for.

2.  Have your house plans in your hands!

Here are a few questions the contractor may ask.

1.  Exterior:  brick, siding etc.

2.  Roof:  type of roofing

3.  Type of counter tops in each room: bath/kitchen

4.  Type of appliances: inexpensive /midrange/high end

5.  Faucet/Fixtures:  inexpensive/midrange/high end

6.  Flooring:  hard wood/tile/carpet

7.  Master bath tub:  regular:  high end

8.  Hot water heater: regular/tankless

9.  Heating & Cooling:  regular/geo-thermal

10.  Front Door:  inexpensive/midrange/high end 

11.  Landscaping:  how much if any do you want Contractor to be responsible for.

12.  Driveway:  Patios:  how much if any do you want Contractor to be responsible for.

13.  Any specialties you want in your home:  alarm systems:  surround sound:  mounted television:  built in cabinets:  outdoor kitchen

14.  Do you want your cabinets painted or stained?

15.  Windows:  energy efficient?

16.  Spray foam insulation?  

17.  Ceilings textured or not?

18.  Fireplace...gas or wood burning?

19.  House all Electric or Natural Gas...or both?

20.  Any extra buildings wanted:  dog house/barn etc?

After you have your land, plans in your hand and can answer all of these questions (and I am sure there are some I have forgotten) then you start looking for your contractor.

Where to look?

Never hire a contractor that is not licensed in your state.  Every state has a board and a website.  Go to this site and get the names of all of the contractors licensed in your area.

Start asking friends and family who they know...and who they may recommend to build your house.

Find houses in your area that have been built recently that you like...and find out who built those homes.

Then check your list of licensed contractors and contact at least 3 of those builders.  You will need to have your plans in hand.  If he/she is a good contractor...they will take notes...ask you all of the above questions...go home and calculate what your home will cost and then give you a price.  I would not trust anyone who gave me a price off of the top of their head.  How in the world could they possibly know for sure without putting a pencil to paper.

Ask each contractor for references.  Go and see the homes they built and talk to the customers.  This will be the best way to find out all about the contractor and their work.

I suggest getting a lock n key price...not a cost plus price from your Contractor.

Lock n key means the price they give you...if you stick to your choices with no changes...they build it for that price and give you the key.  

Cost plus...means they charge you the cost of the materials...plus a percent.  This is very hard to keep tabs on...and always ends up costing more than expected.

After you see the contractors work, talk to references and get your price...make your decision with who you feel most comfortable building your house.  

Get a contract with all of your decisions added...so there is no question about what you discussed...also get a date of completion.  Sometimes it helps to give a small bonus if completed on time and you get a kickback if it goes over schedule.  Also, negotiate a warranty on your home.  I would get at least a year warranty on construction etc.

If any changes are made...and I know it will happen.  Always get a change order.  A change order is a type of receipt that has what changes you decided to make and the added cost you will be charged for it.  If you don't get a change order...in the end you will be surprised how much more your house will cost for those few changes you made.

Building your home can be a stressful...chosing the right contractor can make all the difference in the world.  Good Luck!

Very Interesting Diet Advice...

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-to-the-primal-eating-plan/

Choosing The Right Mortgage

When you buy a house it will be one of the most important purchases you make in your lifetime. This purchase will be with you for 15 to 30 years. The mortgage you choose needs to be the right mortgage and you need to understand the complexity of the endeavor. Your home loan could cost you as much as 25 to 40 percent of your gross income so do your homework before applying for a home loan.

Mortgage Loan Originator for Regions bank, Allison Bird shared her knowledge of lending with me. There are many different types of home loans and things a consumer should look for when buying or building a home.

Know your FICO Score

First, know your FICO score. Developed by Fair, Isaac & Co., a FICO score is a credit score which is extremely important to your loan. This score was pioneered in the late 1950’s and has become used by all lending agencies in determining your loan rate. The score tallies the borrower’s credit history into a single number. Good credit can get you a lower rate saving you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. According to Ms. Bird, “Credit scores can affect the rate in many cases, on a conventional mortgage there maybe a slight increase for scores below 720 and increase slightly with every 20 point drop. FHA rates increase when a credit score falls below 620.”

Next, get pre-approved or pre-qualified for your home loan. This benefits both the buyer and the seller. You will know how much you can afford and what your payments will be and the seller may take your offer quicker if they know it is a done deal. So what is the difference in Pre-qualified and Pre-approved?

Pre-qualified

Pre-qualified happens when a buyer meets with a mortgage lender and gives them all of their information like income, expenses, assets and liabilities and the broker will give them a letter stating an opinion of what the buyer can afford.

Pre-approved

Pre-approved happens when there has been written evidence of all of your income, expenses, assets and liabilities. Your credit has been checked and approved from the lender. The buyer can close easily as it has all been pre-approved.

Should you lock in your rate?

Rates can change daily so you need to know if rates are going up or down. If they are going up you want to lock in your rate. This means when you close your rate will not change. The average time for a locked rate is 30 days but you will find some are from 15 to 60 days. Once you lock your rate make sure you close before the contract expires. If rates may go down you may not want to lock in your rate but some lenders offer what they call a “float down” which is an option that will give you a lower rate if the rate falls. If you do have a floating lock be sure and watch the market to see if the rate has lowered.

Money Down

The minimum down payment for a new home loan or construction loan will be between 3% - 5%. Know how much house you can afford before building or buying.

Insurance

All mortgage lenders will make you provide insurance for the home and the amount of your home loan. Shop for home insurance before you are ready to close. If you wait until the last minute you will not have time to shop around and may end up paying more than you have to.

Points

What is a point and what does it have to do with my mortgage?

Well consumers can buy points to lower their interest rate. You need to do your homework to see if it is the right economical thing to do for your loan.

Discount points are fees paid to a lender at the closing and the cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan amount. For example, for a $100,000 loan, a discount point will equal $1,000. Each discount point on a 30 year loan usually lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. If your rate is 6.5 percent by purchasing one point it would be lowered to 6.375 percent.

Mortgages

The safest mortgage for consumers is the traditional fixed rate mortgage. This type of mortgage has a fixed rate that will not change over the life of the loan. The fixed rate you received for the life of your loan is determined by the mortgage industry. Rates can change daily, so Ms. Bird advises, “The best way to find the going rate is to contact local mortgage lenders and ask.”

The Perfect Home Starts with The Perfect House Plans!

One of the most important steps a consumer can take when it comes to building a new home is picking out the right house plans. Finding the right plan for you and your family may be a daunting task but trust me, it’s worth the time when you move in and everything about your home fits your family’s lifestyle.

First, before starting to look at plans you must know about the lot or land you are going to build on. The house plan must be suitable for the location you are building on. The size of the lot is important, keep in mind areas for landscaping, a pool or easements will reduce the amount of space that you can use when building a new home. For example, if you want an L shaped garage you may need a corner lot. Two story homes don’t need as much space as a large ranch style home and you may not want to build a log cabin type of home in a city subdivision.

Once you know how much space you have for your home on your lot , there are a few questions you need to ask yourself before choosing your plans.

1.     How many bedrooms do you want and need? Do you want a guest bedroom or living quarters?

2.     How many bathrooms are necessary for your family’s day to day needs? Do I want any half baths?

3.     Will you be working from home? If so, how much office space or a work area will you need?

4.     How often do you entertain? Do you entertain outdoors? Do you want a large kitchen or maybe an outdoor kitchen?

5.     Do you need extra parking?

6.     Do you want a formal room and a casual room?

7.     Do you want a formal dining room?

8.     Do you want a separate laundry room and if so, where do you want it located?

9.     Do you want to build eco-friendly? If so, do your homework on eco-friendly products. There are numerous products presently on the market including icf blocks(you will need to modify your plans for thicker walls if you build icf), tank-less hot water heaters, geo-thermal heating and cooling units and eco-friendly building materials.

10.  Do you want a fireplace?  If so, where?

11.  Do I want to build a low maintenance home? If so, you may consider looking at plans that use brick or a vinyl siding.

12.  Am I going to keep my furniture or buy new furniture? If you keep your old furniture you need to make sure you have ample space for your furniture and that it fits the style of the home.

13.  Do I want a 2-story or single story home?

Next, think about the time you presently spend in certain rooms of your home and why. I love being in my kitchen and cooking so the focal point for my family gatherings is my kitchen. I have a large kitchen with an open den and it fits my needs perfectly. Others like to entertain in a family room with lots of roomy sofas and a fireplace. Write down your needs and look for plans that fulfill them.

Also think about privacy. If you have children do you want your master bedroom close to their bedrooms or would you prefer being on the other side of the house? If you have a 2-story home do you want your bedroom on the first floor and children on the 2^nd?

Do you need privacy in a home office space area?

What about neighbors and privacy? If privacy is important to you and you live in a busy neighborhood, you may consider an L or U shaped house.

After you have asked yourself all of these questions, make notes and then start looking at plans that fit your needs.

You may chose to consult with an Architect for personal plans.  If you do bring all your notes so your dream home can be created just for you.  You can also  shop online for plans from ecommerce sites like eplans.com and dreamhomesource.com

Mark Wilkin, Director of Marketing for www.eplans.com says blueprints online cost around $1000.

I bought my new house plans online but beware of online plans and square footage. Online my plans said it was 4500 sq. feet but when I received them it had over 5500 sq. Make sure you don't just look at heated and cooled sq. feet garages and porches and patios add to the sq. footage and cost of your home. I hired a local design firm to modify my plans for a small fee. If you do buy plans on line, a few simple changes can turn someone else’s design into your dream home.

Cost

Wilkin reminds consumers to make sure they can afford the square footage before you buy your plans. "A customized cost-to-build report is a worthwhile investment that takes into account materials and labor costs in your area as well as the grade of your cabinets, countertops, flooring and
exterior material choices," says Wilkin.

Once I received my final plans, it was several months before we started building. While the excitement almost overwhelmed me and I wanted to get started as soon as possible, it was also a great time to live in my new home before building. I would close my eyes and visualize the house and walk from one room to another. It was perfect. It took another 12 months before my home was complete but when I walked through the doors it immediately felt like home.

Finding the Perfect Plan can give you the Perfect Home.

 

 www.eplans.com

 

Layered Brownies w/ White Chocolate Carmel

Candied pecans:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup pecan halves, toasted

Brownies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate (54% to 60% cacao), chopped
• 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

White-chocolate caramel:

• 3 tablespoons water, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
• 4 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 4 ounces high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina), finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced, room temperature

Bittersweet-chocolate ganache:

• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate (54% to 60% cacao), chopped
• Cacao Nib Gelato

• Special equipment: 8x8x2-inch metal baking pan

Terms You Need To Know Before You Build

When I began my research process on building my new home I came across a few terms that I’d no idea of their meaning. They are important to understand if you are going to hire a contractor to build or remodel.

Mechanics Lien

A Mechanics Lien is a legal claim placed on your property by someone who is owed money for labor, services or supplies for contributing to the building or remodeling of your home. General Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers of building materials are typically the lien claimants. A mechanic’s lien claimant can sue to have your property sold at auction and recover the debt from the proceeds. This law is in place to make sure everyone hired to build your home gets paid. But you also need to make sure you hire a reputable contractor as you can pay him for the supplies or subcontractors work but if he does not pay them, they can still put a Mechanics Lien against your home. It doesn’t’ sound very fair to me but that is how it works.

Cost Plus

This term means the contractor agrees to supply labor and materials for "x" amount of dollars, plus any extras on top of that. This type of agreement leaves the price open to circumstances encountered by the builder. I did this type of contract and I do not recommend it. This type of contract is risky because materials may skyrocket before you need them and you will get a bill for potentially much more than you budgeted for. In the end your home may end up costing way more than you prepared for. With this type of contract it is almost impossible to know what the end cost will be until the project is complete.

Contractors do prefer this type of contract as it relieves them from losing any money if prices for supplies or subcontractors go up. This also means he will not be 100% accurate in his bid because all extras are passed directly to you.

Fixed Cost

I prefer the fixed cost contract which means the contractor will supply all labor and materials for "x" amount of dollars. If the contractor misses something on the plans and it ends up costing more, he has to pay the extra cost, not you. This puts more responsibility on the contractor to be right on target with his bidding, Missed or miss calculated cost will be the contractors problem as he will not be able to charge you more because prices rose or he missed something on your plans.

Change Order

Everyone changes there mind at some point in time when building or remodeling. You may decide to change a color of a room or move a wall a few feet. Make sure each of the changes are put into writing and signed by both parties with documentation of the changes and how much more the change will cost. What may appear as a minor changes can cost you time and money and a lot of small changes can add up to a lot of extra charges. Get everything in writing before the changes are made so you know the cost and there are no surprises when the job is complete.

Eco-friendly “Green” Products

More and more consumers are looking to save money when they build. Eco-friendly “green” products are becoming extremely popular as they are environmentally friendly and can save money. I added bamboo flooring, tankless water heaters and a geo-thermal heating and cooling system to my new home. The upfront costs are more but what you save monthly on your energy bills more than pays for the eco-friendly products in approximately two years. There are numerous eco-friendly products on the market now including solar panels and numerous recycled products.

Building or remodeling can be stressful. Do your homework, do your research and know your terms!

Banana Chocolate Chip Expresso Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting...need I say more?

http://thenoshery.com/2009/08/24/banana-chocolate-chip-cupcakes-with-peanut-butter-frosting/

Build Energy Efficient & Storm Proof

When my husband and I decided to build our new home, I wanted two things: I wanted my home to be energy efficient and to be a safe house for my family from any type of storm. So we decided to build our 5500 sq. foot dream home out of Insulated Concrete Forms. 

If you have no idea what an insulated concrete form is, think about it this way: ICF forms look a lot like a big Lego block made of Expanded Polystyrene.  There are several form manufacturers who offer different brands and sizes.  I used Tritex products for my house.  The form I built with was 9.25” wide, 5.5” deep, and 48” long, and 16” high.  Although all forms are unique, I chose a Tritex form because it’s a good product and less expensive than other brands, but still has all of the advantages of the more expensive forms.  “Tritex forms are a cost competitive, energy efficient, storm resistant material that is contractor friendly and beneficial to the consumer.  It delivers performance, efficiency, and durability at a lower cost,” says Thad Tobaben, General Manager of Tritex. 

Energy Efficient: 

According to the Insulating Concrete Form Association, houses built with concrete forms require 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than a conventional stick frame home.  ICF homes also use smaller heating and cooling equipment because they are so energy efficient.  So where does the savings come from?  Well, ICF walls are R-32+. Conventional wood frame homes are usually R-9 to R-15.  R-value is the resistance to thermal mass and the higher the r-value the higher resistance to thermal mass.  Thermal mass of a space refers to the materials in the space which absorb the heat from the air then return it to the air as the space cools.   

ICF walls use polystyrene foam, which helps cut the conduction losses through the foundation and the above grade walls by 50%. The 6-10” concrete center also takes up to 6 hours to change temperatures, so heating and cooling equipment doesn’t run as much as in a conventional wood frame home.   

We have only been in our new home for about 4 months, but my husband and I have been amazed at how much we are saving on utility bills in our new ICF home.  Our previous home was around 3500 sq. feet.  Our bills now are running close to 40% lower in a home that is almost twice the size of our previous home. By building with Insulated Concrete Forms it’s possible to save hundreds of dollars per year in energy costs.   
 
Safety First: 

I would have never thought living in Alabama, over 300 miles from the coast that I would need to be prepared for hurricane force winds. Hurricane Ivan proved me wrong.  Some members of my community lost their homes and all of their memorable belongings. Then, recently, America watched as Tornados hit Enterprise High School.  My heart broke for the families that lost their children in the storm.  We need to be prepared no matter where we live. 

Any building constructed with ICF’s are a safe house during a storm.  With proper reinforcements, concrete construction cuts shifting and vibrations and is superior to wood frames during high force winds.  When it comes to hurricanes and tornados, ICF homes can withstand up to 225 mile an hour winds: that’s a category 5 hurricane or an F5 tornado.  

Concrete is also fire and heat resistant. 

Economical: 

The blocks are easy to put together and lightweight, reducing the labor requirement but materials can cost more due to the amount of concrete used in the construction process.  “Building with ICF can cost up to 10-15% more than building a stick frame house, but because of the increased energy efficiency you get with ICF, those costs can be recouped in only 2 to 4 years,” says Tobaben.  

Finding a Contractor:  

The hard part wasn’t deciding to build with ICF, but finding a contractor in Fort Deposit.  I called and wrote several organizations and everyone seemed eager to lend a hand.  After weeks on the telephone and meeting with several block companies, Tritex stepped up to the plate and worked with a local builder to make my dream home become a reality. Tritex brought in a crew from north Alabama, built my walls and trained my contractor.  It took about 11 months to build but my house but it was worth the wait.  I am deeply appreciative for Tritex without them going above and beyond the call of duty I would not have my concrete home.  You can visit their website to find out more about the construction process at www.tritexicf.com. 

Plus: 

Did I mention that I have two teenage sons? My 18 year old, Cory, plays the electric guitar and my 15 year old, Aaron, plays the drums.  We decided to put ICF walls around their music room, because concrete walls act as a noise buffer, as well as providing wonderful peace and quiet inside my home!  ICF is soundproof, so they can play all night long and we can enjoy our peace.   

Here’s the bottom line: if you are considering building a new home, look into building with ICF’s.   Your dream home will not only become a reality, but it will be there for an eternity and you can afford to pay your energy bills even after retirement.  My husband says he built me “my castle,” and that’s exactly what it is, a fortress that will withstand the test of time.   

Location Location Location: Chosing the Right Homesite

There are so many things to consider before you build your dream home. One of the most important decisions you’ll make will be where you chose to build. The land your new home will reside on can dictate so many factors of your life. Some homeowners love the country and want lots of land for animals and outdoor activities while others have to be in pizza delivery range and could not image living anywhere but inside the busy city limits.

Buying land can get complicated. Make sure you do your homework before you decide where to build. It is so important that your land suits your home and your home suits your land. Surprisingly some homeowners don’t even check if their new home will fit on the property they desire.

Here are a few things to think about before deciding where to build.

Country Living

Pro’s

Land is less expensive in rural areas and usually the farther you get from the city, the cheaper the land. In rural areas you can build any style and any kind of home that you desire. No one and no community organization dictates what you can or can not do on your property including extra buildings or design styles.

Neighbors are not a stone’s throw from your window and privacy and peacefulness are benefits.

If you have animals, country life can be enjoyable as you have more space and can enjoy open areas. Having more space also helps if you decide to “go green” as some eco-friendly products need extra space for installation including products like geothermal heating and cooling units or solar panels.

Con’s

If you are building in a rural area finding a contractor who will travel the distance may be a challenge. If you do find a builder he may charge more for the distance for his workers and material delivery to your home site will also cost more.

In the country some modern conveniences are not available. Cable and internet may not be offered as most houses in rural areas use satellite services. A deep well may be needed for water and a septic tank for sewer purposes.

Shopping may need to be planned as gas prices are soaring. Work, schools and entertainment may also be a good drive away from home.

Fire Departments are sometimes volunteer organizations and insurance rates can be higher due to your distance from fire hydrants or fire departments.

City Living

Pro’s

If you live in the city you are close to everything you need including schools, work, health care and shopping. Police and Fire protection are nearby and can reach your home in minutes.

Finding a contractor will be easier and city utilities are accessible. Cable and internet will be readily available and entertainment activities are close by. Many city lots are ready for you to begin building and if you plan to resell your property the city may be a better choice.

City Living

Con’s

Traffic and congestion can consume your commute to work. The cost of living is higher in the city and certain subdivision communities will dictate to you what type of house you can build and what you can have in your own back yard.

Crime rates are higher in the city than in the country and depending where you live pollution can be a problem.

You may build your dream home right next to a nightmare neighbor that you will have to live beside for a very long time.

Important Factors to Consider

Water

Make sure the property has access to a public water source or add to your budget a deep private well.

Sewer or Septic

Check to see if a sewer hook-up is available for this property or add to your budget an installed septic system. The number of tanks needed will be determined by how many bathrooms your home will have. If you do need to install a septic system a perk test will also be necessary before a septic field can be installed. This test is extremely important because if the property cannot pass a perk test your next option is to install an engineered field, if allowed in your county. This type of system can be significantly more costly.

Survey

Make sure you have a survey of your land to determine the boundary lines of your property. I also recommend keeping some type of marker on the corners of your property for future references.

Elevation

If the property is on a flood plain build accordingly and make sure you purchase flood insurance.

Restrictions

Check with the neighborhood association to see if there are rules for your community. There may be restrictions on the type of house you can build, if storage buildings are allowed in the yard and what type of driveway you create. Some communities even restrict pets.

Access

Check to see if your property is on a public road that is maintained by the city or county. It’s always a good idea to know who and where to call in case you have problems with access to your home.

Zoning

Check your local zoning laws and make sure the land allows for a residential home.

Smells & Sounds

Make sure you are not hearing a manufacturing plant or a bus stop nearby or smelling a poultry farm down the road.

Choosing the right location can be as hard as finding the perfect home plan and sometimes more complex. Everyone has different needs and expectations for their home site. Do your homework and find your haven for your home.

Pork Chops with Wild Raspberry Sauce

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New Diet Eco-Atkins...very interesting article

http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/ecoatkins-the-new-diet-craze-20090407-9xi5.html

Know Your Budget Before You Build!

Creating a budget for your new home may be a little more complicated than you realize.  There are numerous factors to consider and getting into the building project is not the time to figure out you won’t be able to afford your home.

Whenever I need economic advice, I go to Dr. Keivan Deravi.  Dr. Deravi is a distinguished Economics professor at Auburn University of Montgomery and is responsible for the Economic forecast for the state of Alabama.  Dr. Deravi knows economics, budgets and is always gracious with his knowledge.  He shared several tips and ideas with me on creating a budget.

 Income & Budget

Calculate your take home pay for your household.  Your mortgage payment should never exceed 27% of your net income.  Taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance and incidentals will then take up another 10-11%.  So your total housing expense will be around 37% of your income.

Spending Plan

If you don’t already have a budget for your home, you should.  Your budget should always include a spending plan.

Clothing 5%            Cars & Repair 15%            Groceries 12%           

Savings 5%             Debt Repayment 5%            Medical Expenses 5%

Life & Disability Insurance 5%            Entertainment 5%

Miscellaneous 5%

Construction Costs

Now that you know how much you can afford, you need to know how much house you can afford.  It is truly aggravating loving a house plan and then getting estimates to find out it is not in your price range. 

Get a “guestimate”

Contact local builders who are building the size and style home you would like to build and ask them how much they charged per square foot.  Don’t forget to ask them about pricing on garages, patios and decks as the price will be slightly lower but it needs to be added to your construction cost.  Too many times consumers buy house plans and the square footage stated is only for the heated and cooled space and there home ends up costing thousands more because of added areas not calculated on the house plans.  Make sure you add all areas to get a good “guestimate” of what your home will cost.

You can also visit new homes for sale that are similar to your style and size.  Take the price of the home and deduct the price of the land and divide that amount by the square footage of the home.  This will give you the construction cost per square foot. 

All of the below items need to be added to your per square foot cost.

Land

Private Septic or Public Sewer

Private Well or Public Water

Electrical Service set up

Gas Service

Drawings & Specifications Development

Permits & Fees from Building Departments

Site Access:  Street Culvert & Driveway

Excavation:  Backfield & Grade

Foundation Slab or Wood

Patios & Sidewalks

Decks Porches & Veranda

Fireplace

Landscaping

Always leave 5-10% of your purchase price unbudgeted for changes that you may make during the building process.  This is such and important tip.  Trust me when I say that changes will be made and you will need the extra money to pay for the changes.  The finished cost of a home is almost always more than the original price.

Down Payment

A good down payment is 20% of the contracted price.  Some lenders may want you to take out mortgage insurance if you don’t have the 20% down payment.  This is a guaranty that insures lenders against the loss in the event the borrower defaults on a mortgage.  Save your 20% so you can avoid mortgage insurance premiums as this could be a large and unnecessary financial burden. 

Future Cost & Future Building

Put a little money back for the future as every 10 years you will have repair expenses that will equal one year of your mortgage payments. And if you are just thinking about building and you are in the planning stage, remember the cost of building usually increases 3%-6% per year.  Be sure and include this into your cost estimate if you will be building a year or so away.

Knowing your construction cost and how much house you can afford will make your building process less stressful and will help you maintain your budget for years to come.