In our last Wacky (semi) Wordless Wednesday piece we had three pictures where we looked at entryway & asked what issues you see, what might you have done differently, or does everything look good to you? Well lets take a closer look at it… As I mentioned, I can easily see why the architect designed it this
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While no one can say those in the “Green” / Energy Efficiency fields march in lock step like the Borg, I couldn’t resist using that line from Star Trek. The reason, well it appears that a big part of the collective is moving towards using kBtu/SF for measuring usage. For more on this aspect &
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The Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 (aka EPAct) established a $2000 tax credit for eligible contractors / builders for every new home sold that is certified to meet certain “energy efficiency” standards. While this was initially scheduled to expire at the end of 2007, the tax credit has been extended several times, and is
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“Jessica is sad because she wants to save energy and save money. You can make her smile again…” Huh, what? Well there appears to be “a Washington proposal to change the ENERGY STAR program (that) would deny average consumers the “easy choice” on which they rely. Help us Save ENERGY STAR.” Well if one looks
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Welcome to KBIS New Orleans 2013 It is always interesting checking out the local displays – amazing woodwork, journey & cause Even if you don’t sign up for classes, there are always some good learning opportunities on the floor. Modenus group talking about Blog Tour finds & upcoming designs & materials seen in Cologne, London,
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If you are wondering why the name Todd Vendituoli might sound familiar, well that might be because he has done a few guest articles for us here on Off Grid Living: Water & Hydronic Radiant Heating. Well this week I was honored to be able to return the favor by doing a video interview with him on my
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In a recent email sent to NAHB members, I couldn’t help but click on the piece entitled; “NAHB’s Recommended Code Amendments Can Save Home Buyers and Home Builders Big Bucks”. Why that sounds so great, a deal where everyone wins… sweet. So is this really a win-win, win-lose, or plain lose-lose? Well let’s take a closer look at these
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For numerous years the codes have required that all bathrooms either had a window OR a light & mechanical exhaust system be installed (see legal section below). The thought process was the homeowner could either open the window to remove certain obnoxious gasses &/or the excessive moisture or turn at least turn on a fan
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As many of us know (or are about to find out), the codes are a changing here in Alabama and in many other areas of the country. While most of the focus has been on the Energy portion, there are quite a few other changes in the “building” aspects which hardly ever get mentioned. Besides
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For many the following email & idea may come as a surprise. For some of us the only surprise is that they have taken this long to think of it. It appears that RESNET in conjunction with their Energy Smart Builders program would like a new label to use on their buildings. Good idea or no…
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