What makes a house a home?

What makes a house a home?

   Here’s a list for a single-family, 2,085 sq. ft.    home: 

·                        13.97 tons of concrete

·                        13,127 board- feet of framing lumber

·                        6,212 sq. ft. of sheathing

·                        6,144 sq. ft. of interior wall material

·                        3,100 sq. ft. of roofing material

·                        2,325 sq. ft. of exterior alding material

·                        2,085 sq, ift of flooring material such as carpeting, tile or wood plank.

·                        129 linear ft. of ducting

·                        15 windows

·                        13 kitchen cabinets, 2 other cabinet

·                        12 interior doors

·                        7 closet doors

·                        3 toilets; 2 bath tubs, 1 shower stall

·                        3 bathroom sinks

·                        2 exterior doors

·                        2 garage doors

·                        1 patio door

·                        1 fireplace

·                        1 range, 1 refrigerator, 1 dishwasher, 1 garbage disposal; 1 range blood

·                        1 washer, 1 dryer

And the kitchen sink!

Source: National Association of Home

Building your own house… want construction pricing? Go to www.EstimateConstructionCostFirst.com

 

LIGHT BULB COMPARISON

LIGHT BULB COMPARISON

Halogens. Part of the incandescent family, energy-efficient halogen bulbs produce the lamiliar color and quality of light of the lameduck 40 t0 100 watt incandescent A 19 bulb. New to the market, these high-efficiency halogens are energy-efficient enough to comply with the government’s new standards for lighting. They cost around $1.50 to $2 per bulb and can last for up to 2,000 hours – twice as long as a traditional incandescent. 

CFLs. Much improved over the past five years spiral-shaped compact fluorescent lamps can last up to 10,000 hours and cost about $2 to $3 each depending on burning lime. Dimmable CFLs cost more, and most can’t dim to quite the same low level as a halogen. Still, they’re up to 75% more energy efficient than incandescent. 

 

LEDs. With a life expectance of 25,000 plus hours, light-emitting diodes are likely to be the light source of the future. Not a bulb at all LED’s can be integrated into a fixture or even into a glass enclosure designed to look like a traditional bulb and screw into a standard light fixture. But with a per-unit price of $40 or more and with limited beam spread, they’re not expected to find their way into mainstream use for at least five years. They are at least as energy efficient as CFL’s. Source: Building Products. www.ebuild.com

For free electrical estimating software, use www.EstimateConstructionCostFirst.com.

SUBSTAINABLE DESIGN AND IDEAS FOR KITCHENS AND BATHS

SUBSTAINABLE DESIGN AND IDEAS FOR KITCHENS AND BATHS

ONE SIZE FITS ALL” is no longer the rule. Appraisers and banks evaluate a bathroom as “FULL BATH” with a tub. However, more and more families are opting for just a large walk-in shower! Depending upon your home appraiser, this could affect the value; however, if a shower is a universal design (having no curb) for convenience and wheel chair access, the appraised value could be greater.

Appliances used to all be matching – stainless and the same manufacturer brand. Today, the trend is mixing up the scheme. Double ovens no longer have to be stacked. Refrigerators no longer side by side or 30” to 40” wide. Dishwashers are raised for convenience. The placement of appliances is changing as family lifestyles change. T.V. in the kitchen along with computer stations is a must. A drop station for those transport: keys, phone, etc. 

Kitchens are downsizing and even divided into two areas instead of one big kitchen. Combining use of space is also on the minds of several home makers. 

Green trends are turning homeowners to consider downsizing and doing a makeover by recycling existing materials and products.

According to a survey by Kitchen and Bath News, over 25% said they prefer recycled materials and energy efficiency was their no. 1 concern. Some green-energy savings products include: 

·   R-100, a 1 ¼” thick counter surface that is made of recycled glass and tile by Richlite Co. 

 ·   Avalanche water closet by Gerber fixtures, a 1.28 gal. per water flush.

·   Wood counter product call “Kirei Board” made from sorghum plant stalks with no added urea formaldehyde adhesive and will not emit toxic formaldehyde.

·   Whirlpool side buildings, they are built permanently and with permanent solutions. With this, permanent solutions promote a design approach that provides multiply uses of a single element. The political differences also influence the approach, to sustainable building. Local government should immediately push for:

·   St. Charles Cabinetry provides steel case cabinets in brushed stainless with over 20 powder coated colors available for that high tech look.

·   Vetrazzo is a recycled glass that is used for countertops.

·   Icestone is also a recycled glass and concrete material used.

·   Lutron sensors and controls can save 60% on lighting energy. www.lutron.com.

Top Notch, Your pioneer for energy-efficient construction and green products for over three decades.

For building material calculator, go to www.EstimateConstructionCostFirst.com.