What winter upgrades do you need for your home?

This is no time to neglect your home, regardless of where you live. At this time of year, many homeowners – especially in colder regions – neglect the condition of their homes in anticipation of warmer weather. Even in warmer regions – where weather can be unpredictable – this is the time of year when home improvements take the back burner. Let’s take a look at some areas of your home that can benefit from your attention right now.

Doors/Windows. Perhaps you did all the right things before the colder weather set in…you checked for drafts, replaced weather stripping…maybe even replaced some of your doors and windows. Now is the time to determine if the improvements you made were effective. If you are still experiencing some drafty conditions, it’s time to call your local contractor in to perform an inspection and schedule the required work to fix the condition as soon as weather permits.

Roofing/Gutters. Again, you may have performed the necessary inspections/improvements to your roofing prior to the onset of winter, but are now finding that it’s not enough. Now is the time to inspect your roofing and gutters, or better still, call a professional to discuss any ice dams or icicles that may cause serious damage to your roof. In warmer climates, this is the time of year to address any gutters that may be sagging as a result of too much rain and debris.

Landscaping. Regardless of where you may live, there is no better time than now to consider your outdoor landscaping. Even if it’s currently covered in snow, by calling a landscape professional now, you’ll avoid being wait-listed when everyone else in your neighborhood decides to act. The process for designing and constructing your perfect paradise can – and should – take months, so even in warmer climates, why not start planning now, before everyone else does?

Remodeling. For many homeowners, holidays reveal that they simply don’t have enough room in their current home or that their existing space could use some remodeling. With proper planning by a remodeling professional, you’ll be ready the next time guests emerge on your home for any reason.

Siding/Fencing/Decks. This time of year also has a way of revealing imperfections or problems with your siding/fencing and/or deck. It may be time to upgrade to a newer vinyl or other available material for maximum durability and beauty.

After the holidays are over is the perfect time to start planning those home improvement projects you’ve been putting off for far too long. Get a jump on your neighbors who will all be envious of how great your home looks when spring and summer roll around. You’ll leave them all scratching their heads saying “why didn’t I think of that?”

Remodeling the kitchen is the trend when we upgrade our homes.

If you’re shopping for a new home, chances are, whether you cook or not, the kitchen is an area of great interest. The bathroom is also likely high on the list to inspect. That’s because we spend a lot of time in both of these rooms, socializing and taking care of the, ahem, important stuff.

These two areas of homes are so vital that there’s even an association to educate, certify industry professionals, and promote ideas for these rooms. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), founded in 1963 as The American Institute of Kitchen Dealers, has nearly 40,000 members. Earlier this year it released its top trends for kitchens and bathrooms for 2010.

Finding what you like in a home is most important but if you’re considering a resale in the future, understanding what appeals to the masses can help. Here, then, is a look at some of the top trends from NKBA.

Concealed Kitchens. This doesn’t mean that you walk into a home and can’t find the kitchen. Instead, the kitchen area blends with other areas of the home. Formal dining spaces often aren’t used much. But when a home has a kitchen that opens to a great room, it allows far more flexibility for people’s lives. What may be concealed are items such as commonly used appliances. Ultimately, the harmonious blending of color, design, and functionality make kitchens aesthetically pleasing and useful. NKBA writes in a press release that, “Clean structural lines coupled with sleek color palettes enable the space to establish a distinctive identity, without overpowering the surrounding rooms.”

Thirst-Quenching Stations. NKBA writes that beverage stations, complete with under-counter refrigerators that hold beverages and wine, are a new element in many kitchens. Exemplifying our attachment to our morning ritual, many of these beverage stations include a coffee station (“simple single-pot coffeemakers to larger units capable of espresso, latte, and cappuccino”), states NKBA. The design typically includes space for stemware, beverage mugs and glasses, and condiments. This setup allows people to gather to quench their thirst while being out of the way of the chefs.

Rounding Out the Edges. Think soft geometry. Countertops, islands, archways, and even light fixtures, are being designed with soft, round edges. According to NKBA, “The introduction of rounded islands and countertops carves a smooth-flowing traffic pattern throughout the room, while an appropriately placed arch will bring an overall softening to the more angular fixed features that are typical in kitchens and baths.”

Varied Heights. No more monotony. Kitchen countertops, islands, and even walls are being designed for specific purposes and that means their heights are varied. The various heights create “a beautiful counterbalance.”

Asian influence. There has long been a fascination with Asian countries and now it seems that the impact of Japanese design is showing up in subtle ways such as “clean lines, open spaces, and neutral color palettes with bold splashes of color in select areas,” according to NKBA. The association says oftentimes there will be “one strong anchor piece of Japanese origin” that designs are built around.

Whether you’re shopping for a new home or thinking of remodeling your current home, remember that trends do change. However, those that tend to stick are the ones that combine pleasing looks with highly functional features.

Written by Phoebe Chongchua as found in Craig Lilly’s Newsletter.

Home too small - Choose home improvements or move?

The walls are closing in. Your teenagers are warring over closet space and you long to have a real office room instead of camping out at the kitchen table. What’s the best solution? Should you improve the house or move to another?

The answers to four primary questions are a good place to start in the dilemma to improve the house or purchase another. Homeowners who are happy with their current neighborhood and school district (usually the top two owner’ priorities) are wise to weigh answers to the following:

1. How long do you intend to keep the house?

This initial question has impact on several levels. First, it makes little financial sense to pour money into a house only to sell it. Second, if you’ve ever lived around and through a remodeling project, you know that the emotional upheaval you suffer during construction needs to be offset by enjoying the benefits once the improvements are complete.

Even if you aren’t thinking of moving in the near future, be sure to do the math in the following question before wading knee-deep into a project.

2. Will you be able to recoup the cost of improvements when you sell?

A real estate agent or appraiser can show you comparable properties (comps) of recent sales to determine how much if any the improvements will increase market value. If you make improvements that don’t add to market value, be prepared to walk away from what you’ve spent especially if selling in a short period of time (less than five years on the average, depending on the type of improvement.)

3. Are the improvements you’re considering logical given the age, size, and location of the house?

Just as you wouldn’t install a new sunroof on a dilapidated car, making expensive additions to a house that’s full of functional obsolescence makes little financial sense.

Many appraisers would tell you that it’s much tougher to recoup the investment from home improvements if they aren’t similar in style and design/era to the existing home. And before hammering the first nail, make sure you check the setback requirements for construction especially on rear and side lot lines. What a nightmare it would be to construct a room addition, only to have all or part of it in violation of zoning laws and/or owned in part by your neighbor!

4. Could additions/changes over-improve the house?

A house at the top of the market for the neighborhood can take longer to sell since buyers often purchase on the low side, hoping to maximize equity and improvements made over time. There are some additions that aren’t welcomed by certain buyer segments.

For example, families with young children might shy away from owning a swimming pool since it’s the number one cause of death for children under age five. A remodeled master suite in a third-floor loft could be undesirable if the prospective buyer/target was retirees. Even though you may want to make additions/changes based on your immediate needs and desires, it never hurts to look down stream at who a potential future buyer might be in order to avoid over-improvements you can’t recoup.

By asking these top four questions, you may not have all the information you need to adequately weigh improving the house versus moving to another. But they will serve as talking points to get you focused on solving your homeownership needs in an organized and cost-effective manner.

Written by Julie Garton-Good as found in Craig Lilly’s Newsletter.

Electrical Tools

1. A multimeter (Volt-Ohm-Ammeter), and learning how it is used. Some may say this is an unnecessary luxury for the handyman, but I would disagree with that. These have come down in price (around $20) to the point that their benefit far outweighs their cost. This is the tool that allows the average person to check, BEYOND ANY DOUBT, that the circuit they are working on is de-energized, and this alone is worth many times the price. Also, I would recommend the multimeter over simple probe-type ‘circuit checkers’ because of the functionality gained at a modest increase
in price over the cheaper alternative.

2. Diagonal wire cutters, also called “dics” (NOT “dykes”!, even though that is how it is pronounced). Buy a midrange pair or better; cheap ones rust easily, dull quickly and are hard on the hands. Some better pairs have a crimping tool built into the area behind the pivot joint.

3. Electrical tape. They’re all about the same, although if you buy 3M then you know it insulates properly. When using, remember that ‘length is more important than thickness’. What this means is that most amateurs think they are doing a good job by wrapping a connection 8 or 10 times around (thickness), but commonly make the mistake of not covering past the *ends* of the exposed wire far enough, with the also common occurrence of a joint becoming exposed when the wire is pulled or moved a little bit. Electrical tape is rated to 600V per thickness, so it is better to use that ‘extra’ amount to cover at least 1.5″ or more past the exposed wire, than to wrap it around and around so many times. Also, make sure to pull the tape tight while you are wrapping.

4. A good razor knife. Some folks like ‘dedicated’ wire-stripping tools; I use them occasionally myself. But day-in-and-day-out I prefer a sharp razor knife, for several reasons. First, a razor knife can strip any wire that wire strippers can, and it is useful for other things – fewer tools to tote. Second, I find I am much less likely to nick a wire I’m stripping when I use a razor knife: I can ‘feel’ it better. Third, the razor knife is only a blade change away from being fully sharp; a wire stripper has to be replaced when it gets dull. Fourth, it is cheaper, and to me is easier on the hand. Fifth, A razor knife can be used to slit wires and cables, and strip large cables (like your car’s battery cable) that are much too big for a wire stripper.

5. A probe and clamp set for the multimeter. These are available pretty cheaply, and allow you to work much more safely and easily, by letting you attach one lead to the device with the clamp, leaving one hand free, or by allowing you to reach hard-to-access terminals using fine-point probes.

6. A cheap plug-in radio. Yep! A radio! This is very useful when rewiring switches, or cutting circuits on and off. Plugging the radio into an outlet you’re working on allows you to throw a switch or breaker from far away, and tell whether power was restored or not. Saves a lot of walking back and forth, and stair climbing.

7. A fuse puller. I prefer the scissor type made of bonded layers of phenolic. Very cheap, and provides a huge leap in safety when removing fuses over the ‘shadetree’ method of prizing it out with the blade of a screwdriver.

8. A couple of straight- and Phillips-blade INSULATED screwdrivers. Never shy away from buying quality tools: you’ll thank yourself in years to come.

9. A good pair of needle-nosed pliers. Besides the obvious uses, these are great for picking up itty-bittys that invariably get dropped in inconvenient places when doing electrical work.

10. A telescoping inspection mirror (the small, round kind). Indispensable for reading part numbers and labels in inaccessible places, and for looking around and under to search for scorching and loose wires. SINCE THESE ARE METAL, ALWAYS WEAR GOOD, DRY LEATHER GLOVES WHEN USING THIS AROUND ANYTHING LIVE.

11. And the least obvious? A flashlight – maybe two, if you want to include one of those headband-mounted kind that leaves both hands free.

For more articles by this author, go to Helium.

“Fear-of-building-permit” affliction is mostly not justified. A building permit is actually worthwhile protection for the owner. However, to ensure full benefits and avoid potential delays, homeowners should obtain basic knowledge about the permit process before embarking on a building project, whether a new house or a kitchen remodel.

PURPOSE OF BUILDING PERMIT
When crossing a bridge, especially a long, high span over water, we clearly understand the need for safe construction. Those who have been inside buildings during hurricanes or earthquakes also realize (very clearly) the critical importance of proper construction.
During more usual daily events, we tend to forget about safety of building construction. In general, such lack of concern is expected and necessary so we can focus on solving more immediate problems. However, ensuring building safety remains an essential function that should not be neglected.

A building permit is one tool that can be useful in the effort to provide safe buildings.

Constructing a new building or making changes (alterations) to elements of an existing building must be done properly to ensure safety of occupants, both current and future. Though difficult for current owners and occupants of buildings to admit, they will almost certainly not outlive the building unless it has already started to collapse. The building essentially has a “life” of its own and will serve new owners. The permit process, when applied correctly, helps to ensure that building safety is maintained throughout the life of the building.

BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS: GENERAL
In the US, each municipality (city, township, borough) or county generally has a building department that is responsible for managing the building permit process.

Key code officials, such as construction official, are typically local government (municipal, county) employees. For small communities, code officials may be state employees. Building inspectors are often government employees also. However, inspection functions may be subcontracted out to private-sector firms.

The property owner is always responsible for the permit, even if the builder or contractor (as owner’s agent) handles the paperwork.
Basic information must be included on the permit application, including names of owner and contractor, general description of proposed work and estimated cost. Permit fees, typically based on type of construction and estimated cost, are supposed to cover the cost of plan review and inspections by code officials and inspectors.

Regulations set time limits for code officials to review and release the permit application, as long as there are no outstanding design issues (see Plan Review). Many building departments turn permits around in several days. However, the owner or contractor should call the code office if there is some delay without explanation.

The permit (when issued) typically is valid for a specific time limit, such as one or two years. If construction has not started before the limit expires, a new permit may be required. Permits may be amended to include additional construction. Revised design plans may be required for such amendment.

ONLINE INFORMATION
Information about building permit requirements is available online. Many communities provide building permit application forms. The following samples from around the US illustrate some of the better information and capabilities provided:

Baltimore, Maryland
Austin, Texas
Freehold Township, New Jersey
Oakland, California
State of Washington
US Census Bureau

RESPONSIBILITY FOR DESIGN
Building design is a separate function from construction. The general public often does not understand that some person or persons other than the builder are responsible for design.

For any building that serves the public, state laws require that a licensed architect or engineer must design the building. The design professional (architect or engineer) prepares design documents (plans & specifications) to show construction requirements for the completed building. Plans and specifications must satisfy requirements of the applicable building codes. Design documents, submitted along with the building permit application, become the key documents governing construction.

For single-family houses, plans may be prepared by the owner or builder, depending on state regulations. Quality of such plans is often severely deficient.

PLAN REVIEW
During the permit process, plans and specifications are reviewed by various code officials responsible for specific aspects or “systems” such as framing and foundations, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. However, intent of “plan review” is only to ensure that; (1) Plans have been prepared by qualified person or persons, and (2) In general, plans and specifications conform to basic requirements of the building code.

The public has the very common misconception that code officials “approve” design plans. In fact, code officials are almost universally not licensed architects or engineers and are therefore not qualified to completely check or approve design plans.

When the building code includes prescriptive provisions, code officials may use such provisions to review plan details. However, code officials more typically seek to ensure that overall quality of plans appears to be adequate. In practice, code officials tend to focus on the most obvious “life safety” issues, such as fire protection.

Quality of plan review varies greatly. Code officials may be overloaded such that they have time to perform only cursory review.
Whether code officials perform detailed plan review or not, the responsible design professionals remain completely responsible for quality of plans and specifications. Inadequate design plans can cause major problems during construction.

BUILDING INSPECTION
Building inspectors use plans and specifications to inspect construction work. However, similar to plan review, quality of inspection varies greatly.

The public has the common misconception that municipal building inspectors “certify” every element of construction. In fact, building inspectors only perform limited inspections to determine that, in general, construction conforms with requirements of design plans.
Whether building inspectors perform detailed inspections or not, the builder / contractor remains completely responsible for quality of construction.

When design plans do not include necessary information, major problems can be expected. The inspector should insist that the builder obtain revised plans from the responsible design professional. However, in practice, inspectors generally “overlook” such deficient design and allow the builder to make design decisions to “fill in” the missing information. Major legal claims have resulted from this all-too-often practice.

ENDGAME: CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
After final inspections are performed, the responsible code official issues a “certificate of occupancy” which is required before anyone can occupy the building.

Similar to other misconceptions about the role of code officials and inspectors, the public has the general misconception that issuance of a certification of occupancy means that code officials “approve” of the entire design and construction. Builders often use this misconception to divert attention from themselves when building defects are discovered.

Essentially, the certification of occupancy means only that code officials have completed their responsibilities in accordance with state regulations.

AFTER-THE-FACT PERMIT
Many owners and contractors seek to avoid the permit process entirely. Saving cost of the permit fee is given as one reason. However, avoiding the need for design plans and the perceived “hassle” of inspections are usually much more important as reasons for skirting the building permit.

Initial “savings” all-too-often end up costing owners much more in repair costs to fix defective construction. Lack of a building permit is often revealed during a real estate transaction. Owners can then be faced with significant cost to show what was built. In some cases, code officials may require partial or complete removal of interior finish materials to allow for inspection. Threat of fines (some quite high) may be used by code officials if the owner attempts to resist an order for an after-the-fact permit application.
Sometimes, current owners were not aware that previous owners had performed construction without a permit. Current owners may then find themselves “on-the-hook” for obtaining an after-the-fact permit when they try to sell the house.

For more articles by this author, go to Helium.

John F Mann, PE
Structural Support
1212 Main Street
Belmar NJ 07719
732-556-6080
www.structural101.com

The back wall needs to be relatively square at the corner. This is more true if you intend to put cabinets around the corner. A corner that is not square can create real problems for the do-it-yourself project. As long is it is not off more than about an inch over a distance of about 10 feet, you will probably be able to hide it with trim, spacers, and caulk. For amounts more than that, you may want to call in a professional for advice.

Any appliances that will be installed along with the cabinets need to be taken into consideration while planning the project. Will the stove be a full size, drop-in, or range top? This will change your requirements. For a regular stove, just stop the cabinets about 1/4 to 1/2 inch on either side. With a drop-in, the cabinets need to come right up to the edge so that the top of the stove can meet the counter. For a range top, the cabinets will run right on through the area. However, you will need to plan for the electric in all three cases.

The placement of a sink will be critical. It will have to be plumbed. If a dishwasher is being installed, the slot to the left or right of the sink is the idea place for it. This will make it easy to run the supply and drain lines. Do not forget that the counter has to be cut for the sink.

Normally, the cabinets will sit on the floor. Measure the height of the cabinets and mark a line along the wall. This will give you a guide for keeping the tops of the cabinets level. Once all of the cabinets are placed and fit properly, screw them to the wall and to each other. Be careful not to leave any screw points sticking out where they can cut a hand or arm reaching into the cabinet.

When the cabinets are solidly attached, bring in the counter top. Put it in place. Do whatever adjustments are necessary to make the corner joint fit right. This is where spacers come in. When you have the counter top placed, screw it down from underneath. Use silicone or caulk along the back. With a little care, you will be able to hide any extra gaps with this caulk.

After the cabinets are installed, attach any hardware like door handles that you need. Install the sink and stove. Check for leaks and that the stove works properly, and the job is complete.

For more articles by this author, go to Helium.

“A professional remodeler knows how to translate a home owner’s dreams and budget into a beautiful reality,” said Donna Shirey, CGR, CAPS, CGP, President of Shirey Contracting in Issaquah, Wash. and 2010 chairman of NAHB Remodelers. “They have the expertise and skills to satisfy a customer while keeping the budget in check.”

Here are five tips for planning a successful home remodel that you can enjoy for many years to come.

1. Compile a list of home remodeling ideas and draft a budget for the work.

You likely have some projects in mind, such as modernizing the bathroom, renovating the kitchen, replacing windows or repairing the roof. Prioritize your wish list: Maybe you don’t have the budget for your dream remodel, but professional remodelers can maximize your dollars by doing the work in phases, suggesting budget-friendly products and materials, and implementing creative design solutions.

2. Look for a professional remodeler to help plan the project.

Start by searching NAHB’s Directory of Professional Remodelers at nahb.org/remodel. You’ll get a list of nearby remodelers to contact. Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project.

3. Check the references and background of the remodeler.

After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project’s needs, be sure to conduct some background research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references, and asking if they are a trade association member (such as NAHB Remodelers). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated, and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.

4. Agree on a contract.

Talk over the details of the home remodeling project and begin reviewing the contract. You’ll want to check the remodelers’ insurance coverage, ask about any warranties on their work, know who is responsible for obtaining any building permits, and understand the process for making any change orders after the contract is signed. Make sure that you and your remodeler see eye to eye before you sign on the dotted line.

5. Take advantage of the energy efficiency tax credits.

If your remodel includes replacing windows or doors, adding insulation, installing new roofing, upgrading heating or air-conditioning units, updating the water heater, or installing energy generating products (such as solar panels, heat pumps, or wind turbines) then you can take advantage of federal energy efficiency tax credits through 2010 that will help defray costs and maximize your remodeling budget while reducing home energy bills.

Written by Realty Times Staff as found in Craig Lilly’s Newsletter.

Written by Realty Times Staff

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