Home Building Information » Miscellaneous http://www.homebuildinginformation.com Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:25:58 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 LVL-Engineered Wood-Laminated Veneer Lumber http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/lvl-engineered-wood-laminated-veneer-lumber/ http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/lvl-engineered-wood-laminated-veneer-lumber/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:55:52 +0000 carlh1 http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/?p=261 Is all LVL Engineered Wood created the same? Once plans are down and you know loads, how can 3 different building companies give you 3 different prices?
Gouging I guess?
I was told that there are only 3 big companies who make
this …is this correct?
Thanks,
Greg

Greg,
Actually, there are a dozen or more engineered wood manufacturers, but only a few may be available in your area. The Engineered Wood Products Association has a good list.

These companies can price their products differently because they are proprietary, manufactured products. Beams from one manufacturer cannot be easily substituted for those of another. These products are not commodities like a 2×12 joist which can be purchased from dozens of suppliers.

I would count myself lucky to have several manufacturers to price out. A few years ago, there might not have been a choice.

Good luck with your project,
David Moore, AIA
Original Home Plans

“Dear Readers,
Do you have a question for David?
Click here to “Ask the Architect“.
Carl”

]]> http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/lvl-engineered-wood-laminated-veneer-lumber/feed/ 0 Green Flooring Alternative http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/green-flooring-alternative/ http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/green-flooring-alternative/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:48:41 +0000 carlh1 http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/?p=249
David,I am in the preliminary stages of determining cost of a very efficient, contemporary duplex. The goal to is make this affordable and durable. As a newly married couple my wife and I intend on locating this duplex near a local college campus and renting out the other unit, perhaps down the road…
both of them. So, durability is key.

The duplex will be VERY compact, a two car (stacked) garage, with two floors above that (3 total). Is concrete over floor sheathing feasible on the two floors above the garage? How can this best be executed?

Photo courtesy of MAXXON Inc.

And would something like this blow a tight budget? Would something exposed like this be a 1.5″ lightweight Gyp-Crete or a thicker re-enforced system?

The name “light weight Gyp-Crete” makes me think that it could deteriorate over time… not a durable as “real concrete”? Thanks for any insight you may have!

Evan”

Evan,

Your question is a timely one since concrete is becoming increasingly popular as a “green” flooring alternative.

“Gyp-Crete” is actually a trademarked product made by Maxxon Corporation although there are similar gypsum-concrete products made by other companies. They are a mixture of gypsum and concrete used to increase fire resistance, decrease sound transmission, and as a leveling compound. Gypsum-concrete is not a finished floor; it is an underlayment below other more durable finish materials such as tile or carpet.

For a finished floor, you would need to install a layer of reinforced, regular concrete. This can be done at a reasonable cost, but the sub-floor and framing must be stiff enough to help prevent cracking. There are lightweight concrete mixes which may be suitable for your application, and I would suggest talking to a concrete contractor who specializes in slab work.

Good luck with your project,

David Moore, AIA
Original Home Plans

“Dear Readers,
Do you have a question for David?
Click here to “Ask the Architect“.
Carl”

]]> http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/green-flooring-alternative/feed/ 0 Maximize the Energy Efficiency of Your New Home http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/maximize-the-energy-efficiency-of-your-new-home/ http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/maximize-the-energy-efficiency-of-your-new-home/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:33:19 +0000 carlh1 http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/?p=246 “Hi David,

We’re looking to build our 1st home and are looking for advice in making it as energy efficient as possible.

In addition to Energy Star appliances, Tankless water heaters, 14 SEER HVAC, cellulose spray insulation and low E windows we’re interested in Solar Shingles and rain water collectors and any other suggestions.

Thanks
Tom”

Dear Tom,

Here’s my list of the 5 most important things you can do to maximize the energy efficiency of your new home:

1. Site your building to maximize or minimize solar gain depending on your climate.
2. Use deep overhangs and deciduous trees to maximize seasonal shading.
3. Install the greatest amount of wall and roof insulation you can afford.
4. Install the most energy efficient doors and windows you can afford.
5. Install the most efficient HVAC equipment you can afford.

It sounds like you’ve got many of these items on your list already. If you want to add more items, there are endless resources available on the web.

Two major organizations who promote energy efficiency are the U.S. Green Building Council, http://www.usgbc.org/, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), http://www.nahbgreen.org/.

Don’t forget to provide adequate ventilation for your energy efficient home. If you build it correctly, your home will be extremely air-tight which can lead to mold growth and other indoor air quality problems. Building Sciences Corporation is a good source of information about this issue, http://www.buildingscience.com/resources/homeowner_resources.

Good luck with your project.

David Moore, AIA
Original Home Plans

“Dear Readers,
Do you have a question for David?
Click here to “Ask the Architect“.
Carl”

]]> http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/maximize-the-energy-efficiency-of-your-new-home/feed/ 0 Ask the Architect http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/ask-the-architect/ http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/ask-the-architect/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:04:26 +0000 carlh1 http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/?p=241 Homebuildinginformation.com announces a new FREE service called “Ask the Architect“.

A well designed home or room addition is essential to building a cost effective and more livable home.

Is bigger better? Is it possible that new technology and/or new materials might have drawbacks? …And, so on.

Professionals in home design know the answers. It’s what they do. It’s all they do.

Now you can ask questions concerning the design of your new home…FREE.

Whether you have questions about design, building green, or saving energy, or whatever your question is, you can ask Harvard trained architect David Moore.

Build Your Own House is proud to be associated with David and encourages you to ask him for advice.

There is no charge for this service, so ask away and let’s get building!

Carl

]]> http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/ask-the-architect/feed/ 0 Contents http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/contents/ http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/contents/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:26:07 +0000 carlh1 http://www.homebuildinginformation.com/?p=61 HomeBuilding Information Table of Contents
(Under Construction)

  1. Additions & Major Renovation
  2. Allowances-contractor
  3. Appliances
  4. Architects/Home Designers
  5. Basements
  6. Basement finishing
  7. Bathrooms Universal Design
  8. Bedrooms
  9. Bids…take the middle ground
  10. Books – Home Building, Landscaping, Home Design & Interior Design
  11. Budgets …a must
  12. Build or Buy, that is the question
  13. Builders-How to find a good one
  14. Building Products
  15. Building Products that should be banned
  16. Building the House Step by Step-the Process
  17. Cabinets
  18. Contractor allowances
  19. Contracts
  20. Cost to Build (Actual!) – Custom
  21. Cost to Build/Buy (Actual!) -Tract Home
  22. Counter tops
  23. Credit
  24. Credit Scores
  25. Credit Repair
  26. Decks
  27. Doors…do’s & don’ts…pocket that pocket!
  28. Driveways & Sidewalks
  29. Electrical
  30. Elevators
  31. Energy
  32. Entry Foyer
  33. Exterior
  34. Financing
  35. Fireplaces
  36. Floor Covering
  37. Floors
  38. Foundations
  39. Garages & Carports
  40. Green building…hype or not
  41. Guarantees & Warranties
  42. Hardwood Floors
  43. Heating & Cooling
  44. Home Building Products
  45. Home Building Products that should be banned
  46. Home Plans…looks do count
  47. Hot Water Recirculation Systems
  48. Insulation
  49. Insurance
  50. Kitchen
  51. Land – Building Site
  52. Landscaping
  53. Model Homes
  54. Paint & Stain
  55. Permits
  56. Plumbing
  57. Punch list
  58. Software- Home Design & Landscaping
  59. Solar power for the home
  60. Stairs
  61. Step by step
  62. Storage
  63. Tile
  64. Trim
  65. Ventilation
  66. Walls
  67. Warranties
  68. Wind power for the home
  69. Windows

Be sure to visit my “Blog” and “Build or Remodel Your Own House“

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