Remodeling

With This Contract, I Thee Build

If the title sounds a bit like a wedding vow to you, it is as intended. After all, signing a contract with a builder to construct a new home for you, or remodel your existing home is, in some ways, very similar to entering into marriage, albeit a very short one. Although some people do marry their childhood sweethearts, it is much more common for individuals to go through the courting process before entering into a serious relationship. Same can be said for choosing a builder. There is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with having trust in a single builder if [...]

Understanding Allowances Included in Building Contracts

When a builder provides a bid to a potential customer for construction of a new home or remodeling project, they will most likely include allowances for specific items to be included in the contract. If one has never been involved in a building project, they may not be familiar with what an allowance is and why they are necessary. This lack a familiarity with this important part of a contract can, and sometimes is used by a builder to obtain an unfair advantage over the competition and usually results in problems for the customer when they realize how the allowances [...]

New Residential Energy Code Explained

New Residential Energy Code Explained Enforcement of the latest Energy Code, as decreed by the federal government, began in April of 2012. This code specifies minimum insulation values for wall and ceiling assemblies, as well as windows and doors. The code also determines the minimum efficiency of heating and cooling equipment. The assemblies and equipment installed on each project are then required to be inspected by a state certified independent company to verify that these minimums have been achieved. A blower door test is also performed by this company for each new building. This test is to determine the air [...]

Hollow core or solid core doors?

I recently had a conversation with a customer about the choice between hollow core and solid core interior doors. I thought it might be useful to share my thoughts on this subject. The following is a list of comparisons that may help guide with your decision. Durability: Common sense would dictate, with little dispute, that the s.c. (solid core) door will have an extended life beyond that of a h.c. (hollow core) door. The question would then be how much longer the s.c. door will last, as compared to the h.c. door. I’m unaware of any studies on the [...]