Green, Energy- Efficient Cooling for New Homes

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Although summer traditionally begins on June 21, most Americans begin to feel the heat long before then. But ever-increasing energy costs and concerns over environmental pollution have left some reluctant to crank up the A/C, leaving their homes stifling and uncomfortable. As home builders forge ahead into the construction season, it’s a good time to think about what energy-efficient air conditioning and green cooling options are available for the homes they are building. There are four good alternatives to central air conditioners.

Perhaps the most conventional is the whole-house fan, or the “attic fan” as my dad calls his. Whole-house fans use 90% less energy than an a/c unit, and can be run instead of the a/c during the evening, when the outside air is cooler.

Another alternative is the ductless mini-split system, which pairs an external, wall-mounted condenser connected to a series of wall- or ceiling-mounted indoor evaporators via refrigerant lines. Each room can be cooled separately, and the system eliminates wiring, noise, and cumbersome energy-inefficient attic duct work while offering at least 30% in energy savings.

Perfect for warmer climates with low humidity, central evaporative coolers (also called “swamp coolers”) are a good option. Costing about 50% less than conventional air conditioners and consuming about 75% less energy, the evaporative cooler exploits the science fact that evaporating water cools the surrounding air.

Geothermal “heat pump” systems can also be used for wintertime home heating and heating your water year-round. They use about 30%-60% less energy than a typical air conditioner. Geothermal systems rely on the circulation of fluid to transfer heat from your home into the ground beneath, and US homeowners can get a 30% tax credit on geothermal systems thorough 2016.

If budget constraints make these options unpractical for your clients’ home, there are still ways to make conventional climate control more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. One strategy is to install tinted windows to reduce the amount of light and heat that get into the house. Adding extra insulation to the attic will reduce the amount of heat that gets in and keep temperatures inside the house lower. When paired with classic a/c, the humble ceiling fan boosts the circulation of cool air, meaning that the air conditioner can run for shorter periods of time and at higher thermostat settings, saving at least $30 per month on the electric bill.

Welcome Updates to the ACI 318 Structural Concrete Code

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After decades of near-unintelligiblity, the ACI- 318, the guide for structural concrete used in design and construction, has been revised and reorganized to make it more useable for building code enforcement in the construction industry. Many see the current update as the most dramatic changes since 1971. Whereas the entire industry had previously seen ACI-318 as a ponderous document that was tedious to read and difficult to understand, the current edit, which streamlines several chapters, rearranges key information, and simplifies the language being used, is a welcome change.

The changes to the code have come about in response to the improved knowledge of innovation in concrete materials, of how structural concrete behaves, and of increased sophistication in structural concrete technology. The latest changes, however, give a new, clearer, context for that information. According to award-winning structural engineer Cary Kopczynski, the current revisions “revolve mainly around the organization of the code requirements, shifting the focus from a “force-based” to “element-based” format.” For example, instead of organizing the document according to the different forces that affect concrete such as shear and flexure, the new code addresses how concrete performs when it is used in particular building elements such as slabs, columns, and beams.

In older versions of the code, builders had to flip back and forth madly between chapters, piecing together the code for a given structure. In the newly updated code, the structure being built has everything you need to know about the proper code compiled cleanly together in a single chapter. In cases where a complex design incorporating multiple elements is being built, take rebar bends, for example, the information will be published in a “toolbox chapter” that will avoid needlessly repeating information by referencing the previous chapters.

It was clear to the committee that further updates are needed as soon as possible, but the need to both update and reorganize the information was a daunting and time-consuming task. Many vital updates have been postponed until the 2017 update. The current edition isn’t a simpler or condensed version of the structural concrete building code, but it is a clearer and more user-friendly one that designers and builders will be very happy to see.

The building code committee of the American Concrete Institute updates ACI-318 every three years. The ACI standardization procedure mandates that the draft of these changes be made available for public review for a period for 45 days before the update is submitted to the International Code Council. To review the new code, visit the ICC website.

Make the Most of Building Safety Month

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On April thirtieth, 2013, President Barak Obama proclaimed May to be the national Building Safety Month. The proclamation comes in response to the need for greater vigilance in building safety, combined with a need for the private sector take the lead in partnering with civil organizations and governmental agencies to make our nation’s construction sites safer and more productive. The proclamation states that “[a]s Americans, our spirit is strong and resilient, and our buildings should match that spirit … let us work to keep structures sound and up to code. By doing so, we can conserve energy, protect the environment, and help communities withstand the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.” Sponsored by the International Code Council, the theme for 2014’s Building Safety Month is “Maximizing Resilience, Minimizing Risks.”

Cities all over the country are hosting events in conjunction with Building Safety Month. Amarillo, Texas kicked off Building Safety Month by creating an informative display in City Hall that demonstrates each of the themes, and then hosting a hot dog roast during the first week where everyone could stop by for dinner and learn more about the importance of building safety. Oklahoma City partnered with Lowe’s to sponsor the “Build and Grow” event, where families would learn more about the permitting, plan review, and inspection process while building a wooden backyard project. Winter Park, Florida, celebrated Building Safety Month by issuing a mayoral proclamation in support of efforts to promote building safety, and followed it up by launching a public awareness campaign based on the safety issues highlighted by the monthly themes of Building Safety Month.

Truthfully, the idea of needing safe buildings seems like such a no-brainer that people take for granted all the things that must happen to construct and maintain safe buildings. To help us remember the different aspects of building safety, each week has a different theme. The themes for this year focus on the role of code officials in keeping buildings safe.

May 5-11, 2014—Code Officials: Keeping Fire in its Place

May 12-18, 2014—Code Officials: Helping Homeowners Weather the Storm

May 19-25, 2014—Code Officials: Surround Your House with Safety

May 26-31, 2014—Code Officials: Building A Brighter, More Efficient Tomorrow

To learn more about how building codes protect us, or to find out about Building Safety Month events in your area, check the International Code Council website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Construction Trade Show Preview- Summer 2014

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Summer is one hot season to grow your building business. Between June and August 2014, the great state of Texas will play host to three major construction and building expositions. Check out what’s on offer this season:

Build Expo, Houston, June 11 & 12, 2014

This business-to-business trade show is an investment in your professional success. Engineers, designers, realtors, subcontractors, general contractors, architects, developers, and municipal agencies are among the different professions represented at the Build Expo. The impressive exhibition floor shows everything from granite countertops and photovoltaic roofing to CAD systems and cement mixing trucks. There are AIA accredited sessions and over 30 workshops on green building, construction, law, web marketing, LEED, construction finance, and much more. Keynote speakers include Tom Woodstock presenting on negotiation tactics, Bradford Spelbring talking about how tradesmen can improve their bidding and find work, and Trona Trodsen advising about how to lower workers’ comp costs. Cost to attend: $0. Build Expo is the only show in the industry that is free to attend and offers free seminars.

The Sunbelt Builder’s Show, San Antonio, July 23-12, 2014

Specializing in residential construction and technology, the Sunbelt Builder’s show has been an industry staple for years. More than 2,500 leaders in single- and multifamily home building, management, renovation, and financing attend this conference each year, making it one of the première opportunities for networking in the region. Targeted specifically for professionals in the building trades, the Sunbelt Builder’s Show is a great place to showcase your brand, generate leads, and introduce new clients to what you have to offer. You’ll also see an expertly curated complement of innovative, cost-saving new products that will help your business prosper. Cost to attend: Show Pass is $50 at door and includes admission to the sales and marketing workshop.

Fort Worth Home & Garden Show, DFW August 16-17, 2014

There is always something fantastic at a Texas Home and Garden Show. You’ll find dozens of money-saving ideas for every area of the home, alongside the latest technological innovations and design trends. Tens of thousands of products from vendors who serve every aspect of residential home building and remodeling will be featured for your perusal. The show also boasts a large, skilled, squad of experts in home construction, remodeling, and design to help you figure out what works for you, and how to cut costs so that your money works harder for your business. If you want to mingle with your customer base and see what’s new in the industry, check out this show. Cost to attend: tickets are $10.00 at door.

Labor Shortage a Tradesman’s Goldmine

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The Construction Education Foundation reports that average age of a skilled craftsman is 49, and the average age for stonemasons is 69. In the next ten years, an estimated 20% of the skilled laborers in the construction industry will be retiring. Opportunities abound in the construction industry—and are only going to get better. Those looking for home building permit information and residential construction job leads in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia need look no further than HBW. It’s a great time for independent contractors to gain a foothold in the building business.

Between January of 2007 and today, over 2.2 million construction jobs disappeared. But since 2011, residential building permit applications have increased 31% nationwide, and construction spending across all sectors has increased 14%. Yet as the economy improves and the construction industry grows stronger, those 2.2 million out-of-work tradesmen are nowhere to be found.

During the bust, many workers retrained in other fields like truck driving, or took jobs in manufacturing. When America’s energy industry began to heat up, even more of them migrated to work in the oil fields and coal mines. Those job sectors remain strong and stable, and few workers will be lured back into the building business. The jobs that are currently open will remain open until filled by new workers, and many other jobs are being added every day. The issue has gotten so serious that some outfits are poaching workers directly from other job sites.

The more prominent labor shortages are in framing, roofing, plumbing, carpentry, general labor, and equipment operator positions. It’s generally agreed that the most serious labor deficit is in journeyman-level professionals, but even entry-level drywall installers are back up to earning the pre-bust rate-per-sheet of $5.

To meet the need for workers with both skill and experience, many firms are partnering up with state and local agencies to provide specialized training, apprenticeships, and internships. Many states are implementing construction education initiatives to meet the demand for skilled labor. States like Florida and Texas are actively recruiting skilled and experienced professionals who are willing to relocate.  If you’re a trades professional looking to move to those areas, make HBW your first stop for building permit information and residential construction job leads in those markets.

 

 

 

Old Town Tulsa Gets New Lease On Life

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In the 1920’s, Tulsa’s art deco masterpieces were built to house the companies and entrepreneurs who birthed the city’s oil boom. Almost 100 years later, those buildings are being revitalized to accommodate the waves of young professionals who have been flooding into the city seeking an affordable lifestyle and strong entrepreneurial opportunity. Unlike previous generations who sought suburban grandeur, these professionals prefer to live downtown, with their workplaces and social spaces only a short walk away. Remodeling and renovation efforts have sprung up alongside new construction projects as downtown developers race to meet the demand. This activity means that construction job leads for both residential and commercial projects downtown are plentiful, with dozens of high-dollar building permits being issued each month.

Built in 1927, the renowned Tulsa Club Building at 5th and Cincinnati spent decades as THE place for Tulsa’s wealthy oil executives to wine, dine, and entertain their guests and clients. Developer Josh Barrett bought the property in 2013. For the past year, Barrett has been planning extensive renovation, remodeling, and restoration work in the building which will begin in the summer of 2014. The new and improved Tulsa Club will be a mixed-use commercial and residential property of the sort that young Tulsa professionals have been clamoring for.

In the boom years, the social highlight for many Tulsa families was getting dressed up and visiting Vandever’s Department Store at 16 E. Fifth Street. The Vandever building’s ornate red brickwork and intricate windows are fine examples of classic art deco design, and this is what attracted Macy Snyder Amatucci of Brickhugger, LLC to acquire the site. Renovations are underway to completely remodel the interior of the building and to update its electric, plumbing, and T-1 infrastructure.  The revitalized Vandever building will be home to 40 residential lofts.

For those who prefer ultra-modern design, there has also been a massive spike in new residential development in downtown Tulsa. 100 Boulder, a cutting-edge 18-unit luxury condominium development between First and Second Streets, will feature wall-to-ceiling glass windows, hardwood floors, washer/dryers, and stunning views of the Deco District. Geared toward young professionals working in the neighborhood, many of the units have already been sold.

These and many more projects are currently underway in downtown Tulsa. Check out HBW for more information on these developments and construction job leads for similar projects in the Tulsa area. Business is booming and the opportunities abound.

Alabama’s Building Boom Labor Shortage

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The Alabama homebuilding business is booming, and growing much faster than the construction employment sector. Over the past year, the state has seen a 13.6 percent increase in new home sales. Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile have performed even more solidly, with a 17 percent spike in each city over the previous year’s numbers. There have been 600 home building projects added since March, and the median price for a new home is $225,104. The residential homebuilding market, like the rest of the construction market in Alabama, is officially in a growth phase. If the new home construction market is on the increase, why haven’t the construction jobs in Alabama followed suit? As it turns out, the problem isn’t the availability of jobs, but the availability of skilled labor. The building permit activity in Alabama indicates that there are plenty of jobs, but many of them aren’t being filled.

According to Alabama Construction News magazine, the reason that construction employment numbers aren’t matching those of the state’s prosperous auto manufacturing industry is that, “if we’re making more cars, that means more people are going to be hired at the assembly plants and more people are going to be hired at the suppliers, so right now the automotive group and others in manufacturing are doing better for that reason.” Of all the available jobs, people are choosing to work in the manufacturing sector rather than the construction sector, even though there are plenty of jobs to be filled in the building trades.  As it turns out, the reason someone would choose assembly and manufacturing over construction is that they simply don’t have the right training.

Beginning in 2005, the state of Alabama began to realize that it would face a serious shortage of skilled building tradespeople in within a decade. With an aging experienced workforce and only one person entering a building trades apprenticeship for every four professionals who retire, something had to be done. That something resulted in the Go Build Alabama program. Since 2010, the state of Alabama’s Construction Recruitment Institute has been working to provide scholarships for training and apprenticeships for entry-level workers and to correct misconceptions about careers in the building trades and construction industry. To find out more about the Go Build Alabama program, check out their website. If you’ve completed a program and you’re ready to work, visit HBW and check out our building permit reports for construction job leads in the Alabama market.

 

 

Remodeling Makes Good Cents for Owners and Builders

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The numbers are in, and it’s official: the return-on-investment for home remodeling projects of all kinds is skyrocketing! Quality residential construction leads are one positive result of the remodeling boom. This increase in remodeling work is accompanied by an upswing in demand for residential construction specialists and home improvement project coordinators. 

According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, all 35 home remodeling project categories show an upturn in dollars recouped. More and more homeowners are realizing that their home equity comprises a larger portion of their net wealth than their stock or mutual market fund holdings. It’s only natural that they would wish to improve that investment, so home remodeling is a no-brainer. Siding installation, garage door replacement, entry door replacement, deck additions, attic bedrooms, and minor kitchen remodels are tops when it comes to recouping the homeowner’s remodeling costs.

This year’s report is welcome news for the building industry. Lagging economic recovery has dogged the industry for years now, but one of the biggest issues for builders has been the weather. Dramatic and unexpected weather conditions impacted builders’ ability to execute home remodeling projects.  Exterior projects were interrupted by prolonged adverse weather conditions, but even interior projects were slowed down due to labor and material delivery delays.

On the other hand, this weather has driven homeowner demand for remodeling and created a high demand for quality construction professionals. The last few years of wildly inclement weather have encouraged homeowners to replace their roofing, siding, and windows and to install backup generators. This comes in addition to the conventional remodeling work that begins in spring but has been pushed back, nationwide, because the season started late. Industry-wide there is a tremendous backlog of remodeling work to be done. This backlog has created an even higher volume of quality leads and enquiries. True to form, HBW is on top of these trends, helping building professionals locate quality, job leads as soon as they are available.

 

Swim Into Summer!

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Summer is right around the corner and many a homeowner is installing the swimming pool of their dreams. Pools are typically quite an investment, and there are a lot of considerations besides budget that homeowners make when deciding to install a swimming pool. Ultimately, the decision to get a swimming pool is as much an investment in your lifestyle as it is an investment in your home’s value.

One big concern that homeowners face when considering a pool is its impact on their home’s value. There has been a longstanding belief that pools don’t add value to one’s home, but a study by the National Association of Realtors found that an in-ground swimming pool adds an average of eight percent to the value of your home, depending on where you live. In the northeast, they add about 6%, and in the southeast they add up to 10%, but in the southwest they can add a whopping 13% to a home’s value.

Swimming pools also offer a multitude of health benefits. Swimming is a high-octane, low-impact exercise that burns between 423-632 calories per hour. Swimming is also a great for cross-training because it burns a lot of calories but allows muscles damaged during high-impact sports to heal. Even people who want to lounge around rather than lunge through the water enjoy better health, because the pool offers a cool, pleasant place to slow down and relax away from one’s hectic life.

Swimming pools are a great investment for entertaining friends and family as well. Pool parties can create some fantastic opportunities to socialize with neighbors, friends, and co-workers. A swimming pool gives families a place to spend time together and create epic memories without ever leaving the backyard. Because it’s so close to home, a pool offers a safe and convenient place for kids to play where parents can keep an eye on them while controlling who does and doesn’t join their kids in swimming.

Whether you are increasing your home’s value, getting some exercise, or spending time with your family and friends, a swimming pool is clearly a good investment to make. Get started to day by contacting the spa and pool specialists in your area.

Top 5 Upcoming Construction Events and Conferences

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Top 5 Upcoming Construction Events and Conferences

As construction professionals it is important for us to be on the cutting edge of technology, changes in laws and other relevant information that surrounds our industry. HBW Weekly compiled the top five construction events and conferences that should be on every construction professional’s radar.

From Florida, to Texas, to Georgia and even to Vegas for the international conferences, check out our top 5 events and what you can look forward to! Learn, discover and gain cutting knowledge!

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1. What? FHBA Fall Leadership Conference

When? October 17 – 19, 2013

Where? Hyatt Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida

Who? Florida Home Builders Association

Key features: Governmental Affairs Committee meeting featuring an appearance by State Sen. Tom Lee, a speech by Florida Governor Rick Scott, a Wine Tasting to raise funds for the Florida Home Builders Political Action Committee, and a dinner with special guest State Rep. Steve Crisafuli.

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2. What? Build Expo

When? February 12 & 13, 2014

Where? Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas

Who? International Conference Management

Key features: Connect with buyers, suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers in a face-to-face environment, learn new techniques, and gain value knowledge. All educational sessions are complimentary.

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3. What? Automation and Energy Conference

When? November 19 – 21, 2013

Where? Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia

Who? Georgia Construction Aggregates Association

Key features: The conference will “focus on education and new technologies to help companies create sustainable, safe and efficient operations.” Learn the tools needed to make your operations more efficient and more profitable.

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4. What? HBAA Annual Convention

When? November 7 – 9, 2013

Where? Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi

Who? Home Builders Association of Alabama

Key features: Network with builders, remodelers, and associate members from around the state, learn the latest association and industry news and developments, and celebrate achievements with the annual awards presentations.

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5. What? International Builders Show

When? February 4 – 6, 2014

Where? Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada

Who? National Association of Home Builders

Key features: Building Knowledge Sessions featuring over 40 new speakers, Master Sessions offering advanced-level training, Spotlight Sessions discussing emerging trends, and an interactive “plug-in” experience located in the new Tech Hub.

What events rank top on your list? We want to hear from you!