What Issues Give Experienced Home Builders Pause, When Constructing Your Home?

www.regalclassichomes.com

What Issues Give Experienced Home Builders Pause, When Constructing Your Home? 

 

A new Builder doesn’t know enough to be concerned. An experienced Builder knows when the little hairs on the back of his neck are telling him something really important and that he better be listening.

 

Below are a few examples of items that give experienced Builders pause, when constructing your home:

 

• Not having full water pressure on the hot and cold water lines during the entire construction process.

 

• Installing a new refrigerator with an ice maker the day before closing.

 

• Plumbing work that’s finished late Friday afternoon when the house is almost complete.

 

• Fireplace chimneys.

 

• Flat balcony decks without a roof covering, exposed to the weather.

 

• Window and door seals.

 

• Not having a good hard rain during the construction of your home.

 

• Establishing the finished floor elevation of the slab.

 

• A disagreement with their Homeowner.

 

 

Having full water pressure on the hot and cold water lines during the entire construction process.

One of the worst issues a Builder can have after a homeowner moves into their brand, new, custom built home, is a plumbing leak. Usually it’s because a drywall nail or screw has penetrated one of the water lines. The lines are suppose to be protected from this by “steel nail plates” that are placed between the drywall and the plumbing pipe during rough-in. Sometimes a nail plate is missing or the penetration is from another cause.

 

Smart Builders keep the water lines under full pressure during the entire building process so they have every opportunity to observe a potential water leak before the owners move in. Unfortunately, building a home isn’t an exact science. The water main gets shut off or the well pump that supplies the home is unplugged. Well pumps normally don’t provide as much pressure as Municipal water supplies so Builders have to be extra careful.

Full water pressure can be lower than normal for any number of reasons. The worst mistake, drilling the well and connecting the pressure pump, just prior to occupancy. A recipe for disaster. I can see the new hardwood floors warping from here.

 

Installing the new refrigerator with an ice maker the day before closing.

Even though the plumber, appliance installer or Builder’s handyman is a professional, ice maker connections that were perfectly dry when the refrigerator was installed, decide to leak the night before closing.

 

Plumbing work that’s finished late Friday afternoon when the house is almost complete.

Many of the same issues as #1 & 2 above. Experienced Builders avoid plumbing work on Friday’s if possible. Believe me it’s a hard learned lesson. A water leak can do a lot of damage over a weekend.

Fireplace chimneys- I’m willing to bet, 80 % of the fireplace chimneys in Central Florida leak. Why would that be? Simple, there are many trades involved in the construction of a chimney and it’s located way up on the roof. The construction of the chimney involves the Architect, Builder, framer, roofer, stucco subcontractor, fireplace cap fabricator and painter.

 

That’s a large number of specialists involved in a relatively small item. Unfortunately, that’s what it takes to execute the fireplace chimney properly. It has to be designed properly, supervised carefully by the Builder and executed by the framer, roofer, stucco, metal manufacturer and painting subcontractors. It only takes one mistake for a failure.

 

The roof area is one of the most important parts of a home, especially in Central Florida where we receive so much rain. I’ve seen a tiny pin hole create a very large water leak. It’s an item that requires special attention on the part of the Builder.

 

I can tell you by the looks and the comments I receive when the trades see my up on the roof inspecting the details, they are not use to seeing other Builders up there and that’s not a good thing.

Flat balcony decks without a roof covering exposed to the weather. You can get away with a lot of poor weather proofing techniques in dry parts of the Country that won’t pass muster in Central Florida. We get a lot of wind driven rain and that’s not counting Hurricanes and Tropical Storms.

 

Experienced Builders can look at a set of plans even before the first nail is driven and tell you what design issues will creat a problem. I Can tell you from experience, exterior balcony decks are one of those areas.

 

The exterior deck execution has to be almost perfect. Areas of particular concern are railings, deck membrane, finish flooring material, door pans, exterior wall moisture barrier, deck flashings, gutters, downspouts, painting and caulking.

 

In my opinion, exterior decks in Central Florida should only be designed with roof coverings.

Window and door seals. It’s just windows an doors, what can go wrong? A trained monkey can install a window or door. Yeah, right! It’s all fun and games just before something goes wrong. This may sound like overkill but I’ve learned to be careful the hard way. Every window and door gets field tested with a “Rain Bird” irrigation sprinkler before the homeowner moves in.

 

Bay windows, mitered glass panels, Lanai sliding glass doors, French doors, vertical mullions that join two windows together and single hung windows, they all can leak. Sometimes it’s a manufacturing defect, other times it’s an installation issue. The last thing a Builder wants is for the homeowner to discover a water leak issue, after they move in their new Custom Built Home. The only way to eliminate that possibility is to water test.

 

Careful, sure I am but after my trades get done being annoyed they say, “that’s the kind of Builder I want constructing my home”.

Not having a good hard rain during the construction of your home. An experienced Builder looks forward to days with a hard rain when constructing your Orlando, Custom Built Home. It gives the Builder an opportunity to water test the roof, observe how rain sheds off the structure and make sure the site drainage is functioning properly. What can go wrong, plenty.

 

It’s important to remember, a Custom Built Home is a prototype. Something that has never been built before. Even if it’s a floor plan that has been constructed in the past, many of the variable are being assembled together for the very first time. It’s vital for a home to have a shake down prior to the Owners moving in. 30+ year of home building teaches me this lesson.

Establishing the finished floor elevation of the slab. This is an issue that come up early in the building process but one of the most important. It is often said, if the foundation of a home is wrong, everything after that is a waisted effort.

 

The worst mistake is setting the elevation or the height of the finished floor too low. Then why don’t Builders just error on setting the elevation too high? Well, it’s a balance between the cost involved of raising the elevation vs. setting it too low. It has to be calculated carefully.

 

Other times, in Planned Communities the finished floor elevation is set by the developer, passed to the County Building Department and finally to the Builder constructing your home. Sometimes, that elevation is incorrect and it’s up to an experienced Builder to figure that out. Often, the elevation provided is the pad elevation or the dirt level before the foundation is constructed, rather than the finished floor of the slab. It’s up to the Home Builder to catch this.

 

On parcels outside Planned Communities, it’s up to the Builder to hire a “Site Engineer” to design a “grading plan” that sets the finished floor elevation. Setting the slab elevation is an art, a balance between many variables.

A disagreement with their Homeowners. After all, the main purpose of any company is customer satisfaction. From the very first meeting until after the home is completed, all the Builders efforts are focused upon constructing a home that meets or exceeds their homeowners expectations. Is the misunderstanding due to a a different interpretation of the plans, contract, scopes of work or perhaps a material installed was different from what was expected? In any case, it’s an upsetting reality when somehow the relationship has hit a bump in the road.

 

At our first homeowner meeting, before a single shovel full of dirt has been turned, we ask one of the most important questions of our relationship. If we were chatting two years from now, sitting on your newly created Lanai, having  a glass of iced tea, what would we have to do from this day forward to have met or exceeded your expectations?

 

I listen very carefully to what the owners say and follow that conversation up with an email confirming that I understood them correctly. That conversation becomes the foundation of our path to that homeowners satisfaction. Then we listen some more, develop a complete scope of work and building plans that include all the features desired. Our Interior Designer with the owners help selects all the homes appointments from flooring to roof tile. All before a single shovel full of dirt is turned.

 

Emails, text messages, phone calls, site meetings followed up with emails confirming our understanding and weekly status reports all focused upon clear communications. The last thing we want is a dissatisfied Homeowner.

What Type Of Hardwood Is Best If You Have A Dog?

www.regalclassichomes.com

Homeowners ask, I would love hardwood flooring in my new home but I have a large dog. Is there a way to have my wood floors and my dog? Certainly, you just have to make smart choices. The below article covers the entire subject from the best type of wood to have your dog wear socks! Check out this helpful article. 

http://theflooringgirl.com/blog/best-hardwood-flooring-for-dogs.html

Have an awesome day!

Mike

What Material Should I Use For My Porch Ceiling?

This looks like a great product for porch and Lanai ceilings.

Published on Pro Remodeler (http://www.proremodeler.com)

Home > Tongue-and-Groove PVC Beadboard

---

Tongue-and-Groove PVC Beadboard 

Products [1]

Siding [2]

August 24, 2015

The new ¾-inch tongue-and-groove beadboard from Kleer [3] replicates wooden beadboard in thickness, with reduced thermal expansion and contraction. Ideal for soffits and ceilings, the cellular PVC product can be cut, milled, shaped, nailed, and screwed like wood. It delivers versatility and weatherability for exterior and interior applications and doesn’t require paint for protection or to retain color.

Homeowners Ask, When Can I Move Into My New Custom Built Home?

www.regalclassichomes.com

Homeowners Ask, When Can I Move Into My New Custom Built Home?

As a Custom Home Builder this is a question we often hear when building a home for a family. It makes sense because the homeowners are dealing with a lot of issues. Vacating their existing home or rental, transferring utilities, coordinating the moving company and other deadlines. The homeowners are under a great deal of pressure and so is the Builder.

As the homes delivery date approaches the Builder is coordinating the building trades, County and bank inspections, obtaining the Certificate Of Occupancy and setting the power meter on the home after all County inspections have been completed. All items that are mostly beyond his control. Most of the items that require completion are not physically obvious to the anxious homeowners. In fact it looks as though nothing is happening on their home as the delivery clock counts down.

The actual closing date may still be in question even though the Builder has been providing “weekly status reports” and daily “web camera photos” for almost a year. The Owners keep asking the Builder for a solid closing date and his answers sound circumspect because he can’t be absolutely certain.

From 30+ years of experience I can tell you the worst mistake is to move into your home before it is 100% complete. It sounds like the right decision when the pressure is on but it’s a mistake for the Owners as well as the Builder. Believe me, no matter how well meaning intentions may be it’s not going to end well. Homeowner work days are lost, materials have to be ordered and trades miss appointments. If the walk through list is more than 25 items (not counting paint and drywall touch up) the house isn’t ready to be turned over the the homeowners. It’s better not to move in until the home is more complete.

Every Home Builders goal should be a “zero item” walk through list with the Owners. That s not always possible but that should be the goal. A 25 item punch  list or less  is certainly a reasonable expectation. Obviously, the items should be minor and not “install kitchen cabinets”.

Smart Builders set an appointment to complete the minor items on the walk through list 10 working days from the actual walk through. It allows enough time for the Owners to settle into their home and enough time for the Builder to order materials and schedule the proper trades for completion. The goal should be to have all the workers show up on the scheduled date and finish all the items on the list.

Have an awesome day!

Mike

Can You Help Me Design My Custom Home?

Part 1- Designing Your Custom Home, A Builders Perspective

 

As a Builder with  www.regalclassichomes.com  30+ years of experience constructing custom and production homes, I've see all kinds of home designs. In this multi-part series, I will look at each part of a home design and offer my perspective on what works and not. My opinion is based upon building speculation (offered for sale) and Custom Homes that I've ( constructed for Homeowners). I'll be looking at design functionality as well as the homes potential for maximum resale value.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 2- Designing Your Custom Home, A Builders Perspective- Front Elevation

 

This elevation has lot's of great detail! Round turret for interior stairway, Porte Coacher, wrought iron doors, columns, round top windows, precast details and curved balustrade. You want a front elevation that reaches out and grabs ya and this one does!

 

I'm not a big fan of front side, entry garages but with the trend toward smaller lot's perhaps, it's unavoidable. I prefer a true side entry garage, the mess is away from the more formal areas and positioning the garage on the side of the home allows for more landscaping, which softens the front elevation.

 

Homes with motor courts and front side entry garages have too much hardscape for my taste. All those pavers just takes something away from the street appeal.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below or paste in your browser.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 3- Designing Your Custom Home, A Builders Perspective- Front Entry

 

The front entry is one of the most important parts of your home as it sets the expectation for what your guests will experience once inside. After all, once you press the doorbell when you visit your friends, you have nothing to do but look around waiting for somebody to answer. That's when you have a golden opportunity to evaluate the quality of their home and finishes.

 

In this home, there is a beautiful barrel ceiling that extends from the front door all the way to the front of the Porte Coacher. Finishing this out with stained wood, tongue and groove would look awesome!

 

The homeowners smartly chose decorative wrought iron front doors and the Porte Coacher nicely protects the doors form the weather.

 

The matching columns are a great touch and they compliment the other columns on the front elevation.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below or paste into your browser.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 4- Designing Your Custom Home, A Builders Perspective- Foyer

 

This is the type of excitement you want in your Custom Home if you can afford it.

 

After crossing the threshold you are immediately presented with a dazzling spectacle. A 2 story ceiling in the living room and gallery. You eyes are drawn through the curved glass, past the verandah to the pool and beyond.

 

The living room has a breath taking, precast stone fireplace with a recessed ceiling and convenient wet bar for entertaining guests.

 

Viewing a custom Home is like unwrapping presents at a holiday celebration. It's not just one big present, it's one exciting present after the next! The sight lines to the left and right of the foyer allow a glimpse of what treasures lie beyond. The guests cannot wait to see the rest of the home! You've given them a taste of desert but they have to wait until they see the rest of the home for more!

 

One of the plan features, Sater Design included in this home is something not immediately noticeable, a 2 story verandah. Why is this important? This design feature provides a fabulous source of natural light for the living room. Something that is difficult to provide unless your Architect includes this feature. Most living rooms with similar floor plans, end up being dark because the 1 story verandah cuts off the natural lighting from outdoors.

 

This plan provide a fabulous first impression!

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 5- Designing Your Custom Home, A Builders Perspective

 

Plan Overview:

 

I guess I should have started with an overview as it's probably the most important observation, sorry. Ok, so now I'll provide an overview of the plan.

 

The Padova is what is called a 2 story, split plan. The master suite is on the one side with the other bedrooms on the opposite side of the house. This layout provides maximum privacy for the owners of the home as the children's rooms are away from the master retreat.

 

The center of the home has the more formal areas. Guests can be entertained in the living room, study and dining room without being exposed to the less formal areas such as bedrooms, kitchen and family room. Additionally, this area is the most dramatic part of the design with tall ceilings, precast fireplace, wet bar and views to the pool. A powder room is also available for formal guests and doubles as a pool bath.

 

The master suite is fit for a king and queen with a large master bedroom and pool view, his-her closets and vanities, tub as well as walk through shower, toilet/bidet, linen closet and a fabulous outside garden.

 

It's often said in our industry, the kitchen, leisure room and breakfast nook is the "guts" of the home. If this area doesn't work, the plan design fails. After all, this is where the family spends most of their gathering time. The leisure room has huge 90 degree sliding glass doors, a nook with store front glass and a kitchen with a pantry, bar top  and island. I especially like that the main walkway goes past the center or the kitchen instead of through it.

 

The guest bedrooms both have ensuite baths and bedroom 2 has access to the verandah while bedroom 3 has a private verandah. Both guest suites have something special to offer. I will say, the closets are small for most children bedrooms but perhaps, not for occasional guests.

 

I prefer a dining room that is open on one end as it provides extra space for large family gatherings. This one has that feature as well as space for a built-in or serving furniture.

 

The 3 car garage is adequate and the utility room is set off by itself and not used as a walkway from the house to the garage. The outdoor kitchen is a bit small but there's plenty of verandah seating.

 

Upstairs:

Ascending the grand 2 story staircase is an experience all to itself with windows positioned for exterior views. Definitely impressive!

 

There are 2 additional guest bedrooms, media room, loft and outside deck. The overlook to the area below is designed to impress.

 

I'm not a real fan of uncovered, outside, decks as they tend to leak but they are definitely an eye catcher.

 

Over all, the Padova is a dazzling plan with lot's of architectural sizzle. I can't imaging a homeowner being dissatisfied with this Sater Design.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below or paste in your browser.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 6- Designing Your Custom Home, A Builders Perspective- The Master Suite

 

Could you ask for a more important part of a plan design? After all, this is where the Owners sleep, the ones that are paying for this palace. Privacy, comfort and convenience are all important here. The Master Bedroom has access to the veranda as well as a fabulous view of the pool.

 

The sleeping area is separated from the bathroom by the walk in closets and a vestibule. Sliding pocket doors provide additional noise reduction. One occupant can get up, bathe, dress and even get coffee without disturbing their mate. Nice!

 

The outside air condensers are position against the exterior closet wall to eliminate sound transmission to the sleeping quarters.

 

The Master Suite has 2 walk in closets and a good size linen. I wonder which clothes closet is designed for the man? Perhaps, he can have the linen? Lol.

 

I particularly like the garden area outside the bath as it allows for lots of natural lighting through the windows, without compromising privacy. Beautiful landscaping in the garden is a must!

 

The bathroom has a large tub surrounded by columns for bathing with a walk through shower that even has a seat. This shower may be a bit breezy for my taste so a heated floor in the shower may be a necessity. 

For more tips on designing the master suite. http://actvra.in/4Hj2

 

Last but not least, the plan has a toilet and separate bidet as well as his and her vanity areas. I could definitely be comfortable in this master suite!

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 7- Designing Your Custom Home, A Builders Perspective- Formal Areas

 

A luxury home is all about impact! Homebuyers that want this type of home are looking for more than a large, box shaped plan, that is less expensive to build. This buyer is looking for pizzaz!

 

The Luxury home buyer wants their guests to enter the front door and be " blown away" with a dramatic presentation. This plan does just that with the barrel vault ceiling in the foyer, 2 story gallery and living room, precast stone fireplace, wet bar, columns and curved mitered glass window. Guests will stop and gaze with wonder.

 

The areas such as the living room, foyer, dining room, gallery and powder room are designed for more formal gatherings. These guests are secluded from the more casual areas of the home such as the kitchen, leisure room, utility and children's bedroom.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 8- Designing A Custom Home A Builders Perspective- Children's Bedrooms

 

Fortunately or unfortunately, kids today are quite different from yesteryears. They have a lot more stuff than we ever had a kids, growing up. Sometimes, I think my daughter Melanie would outgrow even our master suite! She had all kinds of stuff!

 

Between, clothes, computer, electronics, makeup and multiple other items, Melanie could fill up an entire suite, just by herself. It's my understanding that our daughter is not much different from the norm. If that's the case, Architects are drawing bedrooms for the under 21 crowd, way too small! It's time for a reality check.

 

Kid's bedrooms require a desk for studies, large walk in closets and a ensuite bathroom.

 

Bedroom 3 has access to the pool area as well as a door for night time rendezvous. That could be good news or not? The breakfast bar is a nice feature and could be a good thing when your daughter becomes a teenager? She might only come out to visit when she runs out of food! Lol.

 

The bathroom is adequate but a nearby linen is a must as well as a much larger closet! As I mentioned in a previous post, I think the bedroom closets on this plan are entirely too small to be practical. Additionally, I would suggest serious sound proofing on a bedroom located this close to the Leisure Room.

 

Bedroom 2 is adequate but has similar issues as bedroom 3 but the outside private Verandah is a great touch. Further, I would suggest sound insulation on the common wall with the utility room.

 

I'm going to address Guest Suite 4 & 5 in another post, assuming they are actually for guests and not children. On the other hand, Guest Suite 4 might be a fabulous space for an older child. They would have their own suite as well as the Loft and a Media Room close by. The Loft could be converted into a game room or a multipurpose space.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 9- Designing A Custom Home A Builders Perspective- The Kitchen

 

One of the most important aspects of a home is the kitchen. Too small and the kitchen is cramped. Too large and you'll walk your legs off cooking the family meal.

 

The truth is, kitchens are not designed by the Architect or Plan Designer but by the cabinet company's designer. Sure, when Architects draw up the plans a kitchen is always included but it more that he is allocating space for the kitchen rather than actually designing it. The layout and design of the kitchen is left to the cabinet company.

 

I suggest having the Architect draw up the preliminary house plans and then send a copy to the cabinet company so they can design it the way you want it. Then have the Architect include their design in the building plans. This way, you get a well designed kitchen by an expert that designs kitchens every day.

 

Contrast this approach to completing the plans only to have the cabinet company tell you the plans are designed in such a way where you can't have the dream kitchen you always wanted. I've seen it happen and it's not going to make momma happy!

 

A good kitchen designer will take into account how you live. The designer will discuss, "the work triangle", what appliances (cooktop, trash compactor, 1 or 2 dishwashers, refrigerator etc.) you want, recycle centers, walk in pantry, what side of the sink you want the dishwasher etc.

 

In regards to the Padova Plan, below are my observations:

a.  The kitchen is on the same side as the garage so unloading groceries is easier.

b.  The main walkway from the foyer to the leisure room passes next to the kitchen instead of directing traffic through the kitchen. That can be disruptive as well  as dangerous.

c. The kitchen has a bar top for casual eating as well as a place for guests to sit and chat.

d. The center island is nice but it interrupts the work triangle between the main sink, cooktop and the refrigerator.

 

As I mentioned previously, have the kitchen company design your kitchen not the Architect.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 10- Designing A Custom Home, A Builders Perspective- Utility & Garage

 

The utility is position as a separate room so the walkway between the kitchen and the garage is not through the utility room. This feature sure beats tripping over laundry on the way to the garage.

 

The room has a countertop area, washer, dryer, drip area and utility sink. It also has natural light through a good size window. The Utility could be more elaborate but it's adequate for a Custom Home of this size.

 

The garage is 3 car and the way it's designed eliminates the straight wall look on the front elevation. The single car garage is setback from the 3 car garage overhead door wall.

 

The distance between the kitchen and the garage is adequate and delivering groceries from the garage should not be difficult.

 

The garage also contains the hot water heater for the home. As I've mentioned in a previous post, I prefer an 80 gallon gas (propane or natural gas) hot water heater with a recirculating pump so hot water is available at every sink. The water heater is positioned so the exhaust can be vented to the exterior.

 

The condensers for the two air conditioning systems for the garage side of the home are located on the exterior wall of the garage, noise is not transmitted to the living area.  One is for the downstairs area and the other is for the 2nd floor. The plan does not show but I will assume, the air handlers for the above systems are located inside the garage. It's more energy efficient to have them inside the living area but costly as they would be using valuable living space. I support the decision to place them in the garage.

 

The plan also makes use of the space under the stairs as a storage closet.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 11- Designing A Custom Home, A Builders Perspective- Nook & Leisure Room

 

The Nook and Leisure Rooms both have trey ceilings for added impact.

 

The Leisure room is where the family gathers to watch TV or just enjoy casual conversation. The size is adequate and I like how it's positioned to enjoy the view of the TV and also the view to the pool through the sliding glass doors.

 

There's a lot of magic going on here that may not be apparent at first look. The glass doors come together without a corner post. This enables the owners to slide both doors back out of the way for a panoramic view of the pool and beyond. The Verandah feels like an extension of the Leisure Room as both spaces flow together. Installing the same flooring materials in both spaces enhances that feeling. It's a really cool feature and very impressive!

 

The technical issue, how do you provide for two glass doors coming together without a supporting post when there is a 2nd story and roof load above? Frankly, it's not an easy issue to overcome and it had to be done correctly. Usually it requires two steel beams that weigh 150lbs/LF. The beams have to span the entire glass door opening in two different direction. The beams rest on the load bearing columns on the Verandah and on the exterior walls. The spans involved are around 30'. The magic isn't inexpensive but certainly worth it in a Luxury Custom Home.

 

I'll make one additional point here that's really important. The Builder needs a backup plan in case the glass door opening deflects or sags, over time. We use threaded steel rods that are accessible from the attic space above so an adjustment can be made without a lot of difficulty. This avoids an issue where the homeowner complains they are having difficulty operating their sliding doors.

 

Make sure the Builder uses high quality sliding glass doors and/or motorized operators as that is quite a bit of glass door to slide by hand.

 

The Nook size is adequate and also has mitered or store front glass for a great view when eating breakfast.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 12- Designing A Custom Home, A Builder's Perspective- Loft & Media Room

 

This loft is located on the 2nd floor, overlooking the Living room, Dining Room with access to the rear deck. It's a great casual space for a game room! Space for a pool and card table or other gaming.

 

The space is more than adequate but being on the second floor away from the Leisure Room and Kitchen is a bit inconvenient. The Loft has a Wet Bar and an additional built in area that could be used for a TV space and gaming accessories.

 

The Media Room is drawn with stadium seating and enough space to really trick out the room with a big screen for movies. As with the Loft, my only comment, if the lot size allowed, a media room would be more convenient on the 1st floor closer to the Kitchen and Leisure Room. That said, most homeowner's would be delighted to have this set up in their home.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

Part 13- Designing A Custom Home, A Builder's Perspective- Rear Elevation

 

The first thing you notice on the rear elevation is the two story roof above the Verandah that allows indirect light to enter the Living Room. As I mentioned in Part 4, this is a vital aspect of this plan as it lights up a room that otherwise would be quite dark with a roof line of 12-14' high. The two story glass opens the Living Room to the fabulous view to the pool.

 

As you view the rear elevation photo below, notice the pool does not have a screen enclosure. It's quite the trend to eliminate a screen enclosure these days. This movement if fueled by the cost of an enclosure ($30,000)

as well as the use of motorized, retractable, screens. Additionally, your pool water will be warmer by 5-10 degree without an enclosure.

 

Bedroom 3, Leisure Room, Living Room, Master Bedroom and the Pool Bath all have access to the pool area. Frankly, that's all part of the Florida lifestyle.

 

The 2nd floor observation deck is a great touch and increases the intimacy of the outdoor kitchen area. The kitchen could be more elaborate for a plan of this caliber but it certainly is adequate. It has a sink, grill, counter top, refrigerator and bar top.

 

Adding an outdoor shower would be a nice touch as well as additional storage for pool toys and seat cushions.

 

Below is a plan designed by The Sater Group. This is just one example of the excellent work this company does. Please visit their web site for additional plans www.saterdesigns.com.

 

To view the study plan for this discussion, click on the link below.

 

http://saterdesign.com/product/padova/

What Orientation To The Sun Is Best For My New Custom Home?

www.regalclassichomes.com

What Orientation To The Sun Is Best For My New Custom Home?

Frankly, I’m surprised so few Homeowners pay attention to the direction of the sun in relation to their home. It really makes a huge difference! More specifically, if the sun shines directly on the side of your home that has the most window glass, your power bill is going to sky rocket. Most Florida homes have lots of glass on the front and rear of their homes and little on the sides. The overhangs are normally 16” wide on all sides with some shading by the front door and maximum shading on the rear porch or Lanai. Additionally, if your Lanai is positioned on the side of the house that receives the late afternoon, summer sun, it’s going to be almost unusable until the sun goes down around 9PM. Also, if you are a late riser, positioning your master bedroom away from the rising sun may be important to you too.

For the purpose of this discussion I’m determining orientation to the sun as the position the front of your home will face in relation to the suns rays.

Eastern Exposure: The last time I checked the sun still rises in the east no matter where you live. That said, if the front of your home faces east you will have the direct rays of the sun striking all the front window glass until noon. After that, the front elevation will be in shade until the next day.  With eastern exposure the Lanai will receive the late afternoon sun. That may not be an issue for you in the winter when the warming sun is welcome but in the summer your Lanai will be quite uncomfortable. If you are fortunate enough to have lake front property, the sun reflecting off the water will magnify the effects of the setting sun.

Southern Exposure- The front of your home will receive a great deal of the warming, winter sun, when it’s lower in the sky and a moderate amount of the summer sun when it’s at the  apex. Since the rear of your home will be facing north the Lanai will receive none of the suns direct rays and will be cool winter and summer. 

Western Exposure- Since the front of your home has lots of glass windows your home will be light and bright all afternoon until sunset. This is the least energy efficient exposure if you are determined to have lower power bills. Having drapes on all the front facing windows would be a necessity. The rear Lanai would be a wonderful spot for morning coffee and watching the sunrise.

Northern Exposure- The front windows will not receive any of the suns direct rays but quite a bit of reflective light. The sun will arc above your rear lanai but will receive none of the suns direct light. This is the most energy efficient exposure to the sun.

Below is my personal ranking of the best and worst exposure to the sun..

1. Northern- best.

2. Southern

3. Western

4. Eastern- least.

If you’ve already purchased you building lot, before you build is the time to minimize or maximize the effects of the sun depending upon your preferences. There are features that can be designed into your home up front but will be difficult to modify once the plans are completed.

Have an awesome day!

Mike

www.regalclassichomes.com

What's The Hottest Design Trend With New Custom Homes?

www.regalclassichomes.com

Published on Pro Remodeler (http://www.proremodeler.com)

Home > Miles of Tiles

---

Miles of Tiles 

Building Materials [1]

Remodeling Design [2]

Flooring [3]

Kitchen & Bath [4]

New state-of-the-art manufacturing and printing techniques have resulted in much more intriguing and versatile tiles.

By Susan Bady

August 14, 2015

Gone are the days when tile was relegated to floors, bathrooms, and the occasional fireplace. New state-of-the-art manufacturing and printing techniques have resulted in a much more intriguing product.

 “Tile is not just about ceramic, glass, and stone,” says DeeDee Gundberg, director of product development for Ann Sacks, in Portland, Ore. “Leather, concrete, wood, metal, and quartz are all interesting materials. Mixed media also can be done in a variety of combinations that create unique looks.”

These reimagined tiles can enhance the architecture of a room and even replace art as a focal point. And it’s grown far beyond its conventional boundaries. “A splash is not just a splash anymore,” says interior designer Lita Dirks, CEO of Lita Dirks & Co., in Greenwood Village, Colo. “Sometimes the tile grows into an entire wall, or the backdrop of the rangehood, or the wall surrounding the kitchen window.”

Super-sized tile

Bigger is better. “Aesthetically, the size format has doubled,” says Barbie Kennedy, principal of Barbie Kennedy Designs, in Palm City, Fla. “Porcelain tiles as big as 5 feet by 7 feet can be used for shower installations with minimal grout lines, and for seamless countertop applications.”

In addition to the standard 3-by-6-inch format, the ever-popular subway tile is now available in 3-by-12-, 4-by-8-, 8-by-16-, and even 9-by-18-inch sizes. Longer, taller tiles are sometimes arranged vertically for impact.

“It used to be common to do a kitchen backsplash with 4-by-4-inch tile,” says John Petrie of Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry, in Mechanicsburg, Pa. Petrie, who is immediate past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, says that the 4 by 4 is rare today: “[It might be] 18 inches, or 12 by 24 inches, or 24 by 36 inches.”

Varied shapes, colors, and locations

Tiles in various, sometimes exotic, shapes—Moroccan or arabesque, penny round, large hexagon, chevron—are popping up more frequently, and vintage looks such as the classic black and white hexagons have become more modernized with larger formats.

Metallics are also creeping back into the tile marketplace. “There was a time when metallics seemed sort of ’90s,” says Alena Capra, owner of Alena Capra Designs, in Dania Beach, Fla. “But [now] I see them in a lot of mosaics and glass. Gold tones are popular as well as chrome, pewter, and platinum.”

Tile is showing up in new locations as well. No longer relegated to wet environments, it’s now seen in vestibules, molding insets, art niches, and on TV walls, “taking tile products beyond the bath and putting them in non-wet environments,” Kennedy says.

Porcelain is ascendant

Buoyed by the introduction of such products as wood-look planks and thinner tiles, porcelain is reaching critical mass. “It’s going to keep getting better because wood flooring never goes out of style,” Capra says. “As much as we love real wood, it’s great to have these low-maintenance porcelain alternatives.” And thin porcelain tile can be installed over an existing floor or used as cladding.

Wood-look porcelain is so realistic that even professional designers can’t tell the difference. Available in planks up to 12 by 48 inches, wood-look porcelain often replaces real wood floors because of its durability, making it an ideal choice for kitchens and other high-traffic areas. It has also become popular for secondary bathroom floors. And in warm, humid climates, a wood-plank porcelain floor is much more practical than the real thing.

Manufacturers can now reproduce images of natural stone on the face of porcelain with minimal repetition, creating the look of nature without the upkeep. “It looks like limestone or marble or slate,” Petrie says, “but you have all the benefits of porcelain—it’s nonporous, extremely durable, and requires less maintenance than natural stone.”  PR

Wood-look porcelain on the floor and in horizontal bands on the wall creates drama in this bath. Large porcelain tiles were used on the wall and tub surround.

The niche in this kitchen backsplash has a mosaic-tile design that makes it pop out of the surrounding white subway tile. The shelf in the niche is made of the same granite as the countertops.

 

---

Source URL: http://www.proremodeler.com/miles-tiles?eid=216548718&bid=1151807

Links:
[1] http://www.proremodeler.com/building-materials
[2] http://www.proremodeler.com/remodeling-design
[3] http://www.proremodeler.com/flooring
[4] http://www.proremodeler.com/kitchen-and-bath

www.regalclassichomes.com

Should I Choose A Concrete Drive and Walkway Or Pavers?

www.regalclassichomes.com

Should I Choose A Concrete Drive and Walkway Or Pavers?

Concrete:

In the past the answer was almost, always, concrete but things have changed in Central Florida! I would like to think for the better.

Typically, flatwork concrete in Orlando is poured 4” thick with 2,500 PSI concrete, delivered and placed by a concrete subcontractor. He hires a separate concrete supplier to deliver ready mixed concrete directly from the plant. The driveway and service walk first have to be formed and the ground prepared for the concrete pour. Normally it is at least a two day process or more if a municipal inspection is required.

Concrete normally lasts for years but develops unsightly cracks over time. Additionally, the smooth concrete weathers and attracts mold. If for some reason a section of concrete has to be replaced the newly replace section will never match the existing.

Builders in the Orlando area have used wire mesh, fiberglass chop, more and deeper control joints,  and increased the PSI to 3,000, all without success.  The truth is concrete cracks! 

Whatever material you choose for your driveway and service walk the public walk still has to be poured in place concrete as that is the requirement of municipalities as well as homeowner associations.

Concrete Pavers:

In more recent years, the market has shifted towards concrete pavers. They are available in many colors, sizes and finishes. In fact the choices are almost limitless!

Before placing pavers the soil  is graded and covered with “concrete fines” then compacted in place. Pavers have to be set individually, by hand so the process is quite labor intensive. After setting, the pavers are covered with sand to fill the joints, compacted with a vibrator and locked in place by a poured in place concrete border. Afterwards, the pavers are sealed to minimize staining. 

Pavers have many advantages. The normally don’t crack, easily repaired if displaced, many shapes, colors, sizes, 4 times stronger than poured in place concrete and backed by a manufactures warranty. The best and most convincing advantage is the cost! Though prices vary throughout the Country, in the Central Florida area pavers are $4.00/SF vs. $5.00/SF for poured in place concrete. Now you can see why most homeowners are choosing pavers over concrete.

Have an awesome day!

Mike

www.regalclassichomes.com

How Quickly Can My Builder Construct My New, Custom Home?

www.regalclassichomes.com

How Quickly Can My Builder Construct My New, Custom Home?

This is certainly a legitimate question to ask any Builder but the answer isn’t always easy to determine. If you ask this question before you hire a Builder you may hear anything from 6 months-2 years. Why is there such a variation in the timeframe? The complete scope of work has not been determined and a number of  issues have yet to be resolved. Below are a few examples:

1. The various municipal permits have not been obtained. Many times, these permits are completely out of the Builder control. It’s better to ask, how long will it take to build my home from the time the building permit is issue or the Notice of Commencement is obtained? In the past, I’ve walked into the Orange County offices in Orlando and walked out with a building permit in hand, on the same day. Other times, it’s taken months depending upon Zoning approvals and how busy the Building Department is.

2. Have you made all your selections? The Builder has many issues to juggle when building a home from material and labor availability to stop work orders from the County because a neighbor called complained about something. The very best thing you can do as the homeowner to speed the delivery of your home is to make all the various selections prior to the commencement of construction. As soon as you sign a contract with your Builder contact his Interior Designer and start making your selections. All of them, from ceramic tile, cabinets and tops to appliances. As soon as your selections are completed the Builder can place the orders,  lock in prices and delivery dates. A Builder never knows when a product availability issue will pop up. The sooner he knows about one the better prepared he will be to adjust.

3. Change orders will throw any Builders carefully planned schedule into complete turmoil. Imagine, the Builder has the next two weeks tightly scheduled and you tell him you've changed your mind regarding those upgraded windows and the lead time for delivery is 4 weeks. The entire building process on your home just came to a screeching halt and the Builders cash flow projection just flew out the window as the bank draws will now be delayed.

Besides, the trades have all pulled off the job and are now working for another Builder across town. Your Builder has no idea when he can get them back working on your home. Just the rumor of a change order on your job can encourage the workman to pull off and work somewhere else. After all, they need to feed their family's and know they won't be getting paid until their work is complete and who knows when that's going to be now that things are changing.

As you can see there a many variables that go into determining when your new home will be completed. Many are beyond the control of your Builder. So when you ask, when can I move into my new home and the Builder appears circumspect it’s because he doesn’t really know because, he is dealing with many issues that are beyond his control.

He also understands time is money, you are paying for the interest on the construction loan, have a home to sell and set up the movers. It’s important that you have a firm move in date so you can schedule too.

Before you sign a contract the Builder will often provide an optimistic timeframe because he knows he is competing against other companies and wants the deal. Additionally, many things will happen that are due to the homeowners actions or inactions.

It’s best to hire a Builder that provides a weekly status report that tells you a projected delivery date, what activities were completed, what will be completed next week and what homeowner decisions are holding up the construction process.

At Regal Classic Homes, before we commence construction we can project what quarter your home will be completed. In that quarter we can project the month of delivery and in that month, what week. One week away we will commit to the actual day of completion. In addition we provide weekly statues reports.

If you and your Builder work together as a team that’s the best thing you can do to make sure your home is completed a quickly as possible.

Have an awesome day!

Mike

www.regalclassichomes.com

A Builder’s Test, How To Quickly Determine The Quality Of A New Home?

A Builder’s Test, How To Quickly Determine The Quality Of A New Home?

Let’s call this the 5 minute Builder’s test. It’s probably really unfair but we are all busy and there are lots on new homes to view.

1. If you pull up to  a new home and it’s foundation elevation is too low you know already, the builder doesn’t know what he’s doing.  Water will sit in puddles in your yard and may end up in your home during a hurricane. Is the driveway pitched away from the garage door? Is the grade sloped toward the front door?  If yes, just keep driving to the next model.

2. When you get to the front door, before you even try the door handle, look around. Are you impressed with the quality of workmanship? Is the fit and finish well done? Does the door bell work? Now try the door knob. Is the door handle loose? Does the front door fit properly? Can you see daylight under the front door as you stand in the foyer? If you answers yes to any of these questions, it’s time to leave.

3. If the home is a 2 story, walk immediately to the “newel post” at the bottom of the stairs, does it wiggle? If the post feels sloppy, turn around and leave immediately!

Am I being too hard on the Builder? After all, we only got as far as the foyer. Some may say, I’m being unreasonable but I don’t think so. The front door and foyer set the tone for the entire house. Everyone that comes to view that home will walk through the front door and stand in the foyer. Anyone that has been building homes for any amount of time knows how important a first impression is. If the Builder doesn’t get it, move on. 

That’s my 5 minute test, what’s yours?

Have an awesome day!

Mike

www.regalclassichomes.com

What's A Blower Door Test & Why Should My Builder Perform On My New Home?

Check out this video for more details.

https://youtu.be/3WSEtSC9VJA

What’s All That Green Board I See On The Outside Of New Homes?

What’s All That Green Board I See On The Outside Of New Homes?

All that green board you see on the outside of homes under construction is a relatively new product on the market called “Zip Wall”. Frankly, it’s a revolutionary product! It’s a structural wall sheathing with a rubberized coating that resists water penetration.

Builders are normally suspicious of new products because we’ve been left holding the bag when the product failed in the past but I really like the “Zip System”. Moisture is a big issue in Florida unlike many other parts of the US. Between our torrential rain and hurricanes it’s something that requires extra care when building a home. 

First the “Zip” structural panels are installed then the seam sealing black tape is applied over panel seams. Together they provide moisture protection and an air infiltration barrier. The “Zip System” eliminates the need for house wrap so tar paper backed stucco lath can be applied directly to the structural panel. What I really like is the rubberized coating on the “Zip” sheathing as it self seals as the wire lath staples are applied to the house. This is a feature house wrap was never able to provide. Additionally, the manufacturer backs their product with a 30 year warranty.

For additional information on the “Zip System” check out the link below.

http://www.huberwood.com/zipsystem/home-zip-system

How To Select Energy Efficient Windows?

Published on Pro Remodeler (http://www.proremodeler.com)

Home > What’s In A Label?

---

What’s In A Label? 

Energy efficiency [1]

Green Products [2]

Windows [3]

The Energy Star label helps sell windows, but the criteria used to determine those ratings on that label have changed

August 06, 2015

By Jim Cory

Remember when all a window had to do was fill a hole in the wall and look reasonably presentable? Actually, to get technical about it, the window is the hole and not what you put in it, or at least that was the understanding for most of its history [4].

Human dwellings, at least in temperate climates, initially had few if any holes in the walls, except the one you used to come in and out. But light was needed and someone somewhere along the way began building walls with holes in them.Someone else figured out how to fill those holes with animal skins, scraped and stretched to a semi-translucent state, or in some cultures, paper. The use of glass goes back to Mesopotamia in 3,500 BC, but the Romans were the first to put it in windows, with frames of wood, iron, or lead.The building product we refer to as a “window”—what goes in the hole, rather than the hole itself—first came into widespread use in England in the early 17^th century.

The Hole Thing

But a window is still a hole, and a “thermal hole” at that. It’s one of those places in the building where energy leaves or leaks. And it’s a biggie. Some research from a dozen years back suggested that even the most efficient windows are nowhere near as effective as a well-constructed wall in retaining energy. “Most windows are ten times less energy efficient than the wall area they replace,” wrote Paul Fisette, in Windows: Understanding Energy Efficient Performance [5] in 2003.

What’s changed? What Fisette says about how windows work or don’t work when it comes to energy in the home remains true, but the difference is that today’s windows are better, meaning more efficient.

That efficiency is measured by the National Fenestration Ratings Council [6], a non-profit organization. The NFRC is, in its own words, “the only uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights and attachment products.”

The organization uses two criteria when determining window performance: U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. (See "How To Read the NFRC Label [7]," which explains criteria on a label and shows consumers how to interpret what’s there.)

The Environmental Protection Agency uses NRCA ratings to award certain window products its Energy Star and its even more sought-after “Most Efficient” categories. A dozen years ago, when Fisette’s article appeared, Energy Star qualification criteria [8]ranged from a U-Factor of 0.30 in Northern Climate Zones (roughly half of the U.S.) to 0.60 in the Southern Zone. 

Fast forward to today, when changes in the window assembly, insulation, and glass have caused the EPA to up the ante onEnergy Star qualifications, as noted by Ohio manufacturer Sunrise Windows on its blog [9]. Also, view a webinar on Energy Star 6.0 [10], courtesy of Quanex Building Products.

Energy Obsessed

Does it make that big a difference? Micro and macro, the answer is yes. The potential effect is huge. Commercial and residential buildings account for about 40% of U.S. energy consumption. Those buildings make up the largest piece of the total U.S. energy consumption [11] pie chart, consuming more energy even than manufacturing. So if millions of windows were replaced with window units more efficient by a third, or better … well, to get an idea, you can view an EPA chart [12] that shows how much would be saved, on average, by replacing a single-pane glass window or even double pane clear glass replacement windows with today’s more efficient window units.

Now imagine today’s double pane windows, which with gas insulation, coatings, etc. are that much more efficient.

Homeowners are not indifferent to this argument. They want a more comfortable house and a lower energy bill. The Energy Star "Partner Resource Guide [8]" cites 2012 survey data showing that when homeowners bought a particular window brand because of label or product claim, the largest number—45%— did so because it was Energy Star Certified. That probably doesn’t mean they could explain the specifics behind that label right off the bat, or what something called “fenestration” is. What it does mean, though, is that they care a lot about how well that window will retain energy.

---

Source URL: http://www.proremodeler.com/what%E2%80%99s-label?eid=216548718&bid=1145817

Links:
[1] http://www.proremodeler.com/energy-efficiency
[2] http://www.proremodeler.com/green-products
[3] http://www.proremodeler.com/windows
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window
[5] http://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/by-title/windows-understanding-energy-efficient-performance/
[6] http://www.nfrc.org/about.aspx
[7] http://www.nfrc.org/WindowRatings/The-NFRC-Label.html
[8] https://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/manuf_res/downloads/PartnerResourceGuide-LowRes.pdf
[9] http://www.sunrisewindows.com/blog/2014/11/12/2015-brings-stringent-requirements-energy-star-windows-doors/
[10] http://marketing.quanex.com/acton/form/5022/001e:d-pp-002d-u-0026/1/-/-/-/-/index.html
[11] http://needtoknow.nas.edu/energy/energy-use/
[12] https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_savemoney

Window-Shopping: Efficiency Is the Incentive

Window-Shopping: Efficiency Is the Incentive 

Remodel Sales [1]

As window products get better and better, standards go up. Count on some homeowners to know about it

By Mike Damora

August 06, 2015

Ever hear that joke about the blonde who purchased new windows? When, a few months later, the company called, inquiring why she hadn’t paid the invoice, she explained that the salesperson had told her the windows paid for themselves.

I know, I know. But really “the blonde” was simply guilty of taking the window company’s promises at face value. Selling windows circa 2005, this was the pitch: “These windows are going to reduce your heating and cooling bills by 50 percent.” So, for example, if your heating/cooling/electricity bills were $300 per month, that would, homeowners were assured, drop to $150, and the monthly payment on the windows—let’s say $280—would really only be about $130. And the kicker: “When you think about it, you’re shelling out the money for these windows whether you own them or not.”

So What Do You Sell? 

I worked for a company once that sold a German window. Great product. And they could prove that their window performed substantially better than competitive American products, using NFRC ratings [2]. They were a decade ahead of their time in performance. The Germans thought that because their window was so efficient, they could charge more and it would go over big with homeowners. They found out that that’s not the way it works in America. We sold sizzle, not steak.

In the old days of selling, you could safely assume that the typical homeowner didn’t know much about how windows worked. Out comes the heat lamp. Every now and then you’d run into an engineer who’d fire off knowledgeable questions, which could be a trial. Otherwise we talked R-value, and homeowners had little choice but to take the salesperson’s word.

Today, advances in glass, coatings, and assembly technology have made the term “R-value” relatively meaningless as far as windows go. Two things are important to homeowners: U-factor, and Visual Transmittance. U-factor measures heat flow through the window assembly. The lower the U-factor, the greater the resistance and the more energy efficient the window is. These technologies have not only upped the ante on energy savings, they do it without reducing incoming light (Visual Transmittance).

What’s also different is that today anyone with a computer or a smartphone can find out all about this in 30 seconds [3]. 

So if you’re telling people—even blondes—that your windows can cut the homeowner’s electricity bills by half, you may find yourself on the local Attorney General’s radar for false marketing and selling. The best new windows may reduce heating/cooling bills by as much as 15 or 20 percent a month.

Metrics Matter 

When window sales fell through the floor in 2009, the government offered homeowners a tax credit of up to $1,500 on purchases of qualifying fenestration products. The idea was to stimulate the economy. The Department of Energy, through its Energy Star program, laid out the criteria for what qualified. The incentive had the intended effect, bringing a lot of people into the market and starting a turnaround for the window industry.

You may think that since there is no longer a $1,500 tax credit for qualifying windows, it doesn’t make much difference, since one window’s as good as another to the untutored eye.

But to a homeowner committed to replacement, the difference is in those performance metrics. They will change again as the Department of Energy ups the ante, with new (voluntary) Energy Star standards set for 2018.

As more Millennials come to own homes, count on them to be aware of all this before ever calling a contractor. A little homework will enable them to quickly figure out, for instance, that the double-paned argon window with Heat Mirror [4] may be just a little less expensive than the triple-paned, but that the window is lighter and saves energy just as efficiently.

They’ll know what they want before you’re even at the door, because they don’t have time to waste on five sales presentations. The advantage is not a tax credit, but a better, smarter, more energy-efficient window, purchased from someone who knows what he’s talking about and has all the information at his fingertips. That makes a really good pitch in the home.

---

Mike Damora is vice president of sales and marketing at K&B Home Remodelers [5], in Succsunna, N.J. Reach him at madamora@kbhomesnj.com [6]. Follow him on Twitter @mdamora [7]. 

---

Source URL: http://www.proremodeler.com/window-shopping-efficiency-incentive

Links:
[1] http://www.proremodeler.com/sales
[2] http://www.nfrc.org/WindowRatings/
[3] http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_anat_window
[4] http://www.eastman.com/Brands/HeatMirror/Pages/Overview.aspx
[5] http://kbhomesnj.com
[6] mailto:madamora@kbhomesnj.com
[7] http://twitter.com/madamora