Blog
Selecting a draftsman or architect
When selecting a draftsperson or architect to design my building project, who should I choose? My experience over the years has varied. We have been involved with architectural firms. individual architects, draftsmen, and drafting firms. All have a place in the market, and many times the project itself dictates the firm or person that should be used. If you are thinking of working with a building contractor, many times it is wise to get their counsel first. If you have already decided to work with; let’s say a draftsman, look at some plans he has finished in the past. Ask … Read more
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Planning and designing a room addition
Do I need a set of house plans to add the room on the rear of our house? Planning is an integral part of any process, regardless of what it is. House additions and alterations are no different. Before investing in a set of building plans, you need to first see if you can do what you want. There may be restrictions that will not allow you to add the the addition the way you have it set in your mind. Some restrictions may be utility easements, subdivision regulations, zoning issues, neighborhood association regulations, and many other types of stipulations. … Read more
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Home Trend Garden and Remodeling Show Recap
If you stopped by to see our booth at the Home Garden and Remodeling Show then thanks. We participated in the annual event for the first time in several years and we’re glad we did. Although we’re doing many creative things with our inbound marketing, we still realize you can’t pass on the chance to get your name out in an event of this scale. We’d like to thank the Homebuilders Association for organizing the event and Trend Appliances for their main sponsorship. Three reasons we gleaned for getting an annual booth in this event: 1) You get your name … Read more
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Trend Appliances Home Garden and Remodeling Show
If you haven’t made plans yet for this weekend, then schedule a trip to the Trend Appliances Home Garden and Remodeling Show. If you’re considering an addition, a remodel, a hardscape project, or just any little thing to make your home better; then come on out Friday, Saturday or Sunday. You can get all the information on the main promotional site linked above. The show is coordinated by the HBAL and sponsored by Trend Appliances. If these types of improvements aren’t in this years budget, dreamers and planners are welcome too. Come on out and get some ideas for that … Read more
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Building a custom home- get an estimate not a guestimate.
What do you mean estimate verses “guestimate”? An estimate for a construction project is arrived at much like an estimate for your car repair after an accident. You list the parts and labor and give an estimate. With one huge exception: the construction estimate does not have a standardized cost manual like the automotive repair center does. Additionally, there are many more products to define for the end cost. For this reason, you must be sure that your building contractor is giving you a good detailed estimate, and not just a “guestimate”. A detailed estimate will always have “take off” … Read more
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How to stay “alive’ in this wavering economy.
I was recently asked by a “younger” builder who has been in the home building business for about 6 years, “How do I stay alive in this economic downturn?” My answer, “It’s hard”. Those of us that have been here for a while, know that we will face ups and downs in the market. We knew that in tough times like the late 1970’s to early 1980’s, we had to diversify to survive those economic changes. Those times had different challenges, as lending was available, but at peak rates. We paid 18-21% for construction loans, and 30 year mortgage rates … Read more
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When remodeling: Part 2
How did this story unfold? Here’s another little known fact the “contractor friend” won’t mention. The original builder of your home is absolved of many and maybe all responsibilities/warranties when someone else works in that house. Below is a list of examples that may trigger this situation: Carpentry, such as altering of framing or even moving a doorway Electrical alterations HVAC alterations Plumbing alterations Any carpentry change can have an effect on the structural integrity of the house. Any electrical change will have an effect on the electrical panel and code. Any plumbing change can affect the status for code … Read more
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When remodeling, why do I need a licensed contractor?
Recently I was asked to bid on a basement remodel that required some framing, electrical wiring, plumbing, insulation, drywall, trim carpentry and painting, along with a few other odds and ends. As we always do, I completed a drawing, followed by an itemized cost estimate based on that drawing. I quoted the job and was asked several questions by the homeowners in regards to the estimate. They asked if they could use my scope of work and plans to have a “contractor friend” quote the job also. I agreed to let them use the plans and scope of work, with … Read more
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Compilation of Live Tweets from International Builders Show
Rough start out of the gate Where to start We’re here Louisville’s very own G.E. Seminar on Financing More New Products New Kohler Products Green Appliances Solar Panels Shameless self plug Some fun amongst all the hard work 🙂 Back to the ville. The last connection. The trip home. Last tweet.
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International Builder Show Post 1
After visiting the 2010 International Builders Show in Las Vegas this past month, we came back with new insights leading to new ideas for upcoming months. It was a great show, and featured many new products and designs for new home buyers and remodeling customers. Some of the most interesting to Buck and I were the new energy saving products including: water saving devices and systems, electrical saving devices and systems and sewage disposal systems. High energy efficient products and building practices were also a big part of the show. The use of energy efficient building systems and practices, along … Read more
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4 things we’re doing to stay leading edge
The best way to get through tough times is to act. We haven’t been sitting around crying the blues. I recently became a Certified Renovator, as required by the EPA Renovating Repair and Painting law that takes effect in April 2010. We recently took courses dealing with drywall specifications and finishes along with painting finishes for new and remodel construction. I just completed a course concerning ICF forms, and the part they play in the Green Building process. We will be attending the International Builders Show later this month. We will be attending educational courses concerning upcoming codes and standards … Read more
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2009 this too shall pass
We’re looking forward to a better year in 2010 than 2009. Last year was a tough year for most of the building industry. The wavering economy and financial markets put a stop to the new home buyer market. The buyers were not only concerned that their net worth had diminished with the fall of the stock market in 07 and 08, but they were also concerned about their employment situations. Concerns and debates over nationalized health care and the unwillingness of banks to lend were two other headlines that led to uneasiness. These are still concerns for everyone in 2010. … Read more