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Appliances - Beyond the Basics
Posted on 02/17/2012 at 11:21 am
Appliances - Beyond the Basics
Appliances are part of the “wow” factor that we build into homes. Many clients choose appliances today that are not only functional, but look great and have a variety of features that we never even knew we needed. That being said, we would like to caution you to also think about energy usage and conserving natural resources. Green Builder magazine says that appliances can be big energy hogs, so always look for the Energy Star or Energy Guide labels.
How much electricity do appliances use?
(Source: DOE)
This chart shows how much energy a typical appliance uses per year and its corresponding cost based on national averages.
Refrigerators: These can be the most wasteful because they are always on. Modern refrigerators are 75% more energy efficient than ones built 15 years ago. Today’s smart refrigerators can even moderate the humidity in different bins to accommodate different types of food, prolonging freshness and flavor.
- If it’s more than 15 years old, replace it! Check for rebates at www.dsireusa.org.
- Size matters: one big refrigerator is better than two smaller one.
Washers and Dryers: If you are an average American family, you do 400 loads of laundry a year. Any energy or water savings could impact conservation. When buying a new set, look for the Modified Energy Factor (MEF) - the higher the number, the more energy efficient. Also look for the Water Factor (WF) – the lower the number, the more efficient.
- Dryers with moisture sensors can reduce energy use.
- Most high efficiency (HE) washers use 50% less water than traditional units.
- Energy Star does not rate clothes dryers.
Dishwashers: The more hot water it uses, the higher your energy bills. To dissolve detergent and remove grease, they must use extremely hot water. Newer models may have an internal heating element that raises the water temperature faster. Choose a unit that is also quiet. Nothing stifles a conversation faster than a noisy dishwasher.
- Dishwashers have two Energy Guide labels, one for electric and one for gas.
- Boost heaters increase the initial cost, but can pay for themselves in about one years.
Ranges, Ovens, and Microwaves: Ranges (oven/cooktop combo) are available in electric, gas, and dual-fuel. The benefit of dual-fuel is having the advantage of a gas cooktop with the preferred stable temperatures of electricity for baking.
- There is no Energy Star label for residential ovens, ranges, or microwaves at this time.
- Using a microwave instead of an oven for heating small portions can save up to 80% energy consumption.
Cooktops: Induction seems to be the wave of the future. It creates a magnetic field that heats pans directly, as opposed to traditional electric coils that use conduction to transfer heat. This keeps the kitchen cooler and saves energy.
- Induction can only be used with ferrous (steel or iron) cookware.
- Most flat-surfaced cooktops simply use electric heaters under a ceramic cover.
Range Hoods: Most people overlook this appliance and just opt for what’s cheap. The hood serves several very important functions.
- It removes unwanted moisture, which is very important here in the South.
- It extracts heat and cooking odors.
- It should offer task lighting above your cooking surface to increase safety around hot burners.
Visit www.energysavers.gov or www.energy.govfor more information.
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Master Bathrooms
Posted on 02/10/2012 at 12:12 pm
Master Bathrooms
One of my favorite shows to watch on HGTV is House Hunters. I love seeing different types of homes, from different price ranges all around the world. However, I began to notice a pattern as each couple finally decided on a home: the master bathroom makes or breaks the deal. Whether it’s too small, without a tub, or with only a tub, this is a huge factor that is drawing in potential home owners.
We all want to have a bath room we love! Here are a few suggestions that will help you transform your bathroom into the spa of your dreams:
Atmosphere
- Focus on the atmosphere in the room. You want your bathroom to be warm, inviting, and comforting. Use deep, cozy colors for the walls. Consider investing in a heated floor for your bathroom. It will add a touch of luxury and fight off those cold feet in the morning.
- Notice the lighting in your bathroom. Lighting affects more than just the look of your bathroom. “This is the place where we all do very detailed and important work such as shaving or applying makeup. It is also the first place we see ourselves in the morning and the last place we see ourselves at night. Wouldn't you want the sight of yourself to be a positive one?"says Randall Whitehead, a nationally known lighting designer.
- Mount light fixtures on the wall, flanking the sink. This allows for cross illumination which prevents shadows from crossing your face.
Tub or Shower?
- Get both! Some people like to have a bubble bath, while others prefer to shower. Why not meet in the middle and have both a shower and a bath?
- Purchase a bathtub that suites your taste. Stand-alone bath tubs are perfect for any bathroom. These tubs bring in a very chic, 19th century Victorian feel to your bathroom (that is easily removable if you wanted to try something different down the road).
- Design a shower that will be suitable for your preferences. Showers can range from a simple glass stall to a shower “room” with multiple sprayers, remote control panel for adjusting water temperature and body misters, and if you are lucky enough, a flat screen tv!
When it comes down to creating the “perfect” master bathroom, the truth is … there is no perfect bathroom: only the perfect bathroom for you. Create something that fits you and makes you happy. The bathroom is the first room you go to in the mornings, and the last one you’re in at night. Make it one worth remembering.
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Why Build Green?
Posted on 02/03/2012 at 10:59 am
Why Build Green?
As Certified Green Professionals, we believe it is the duty of our society to meet the needs of today’s generation without compromising God’s planet at the expense of future generations. We can offer you suggestions to design and build your home in a more environmentally friendly way. In addition, you can also realize direct cost-cutting benefits by owning a green home. So why should you build Green? Here are some statistics from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency):
In the United States, buildings account for:
39 percent of total energy use
12 percent of the total water consumption
68 percent of total electricity consumption
38 percent of the carbon dioxide emissionsOur built environment greatly impacts the natural environment, human health, and the economy. It is important to adopt green building strategies, especially in the Custom Home building community so that we can maximize both economic and environmental performance. Green construction methods can be integrated into homes at any stage, but the most significant benefits can be obtained if the design/build company takes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project. Here at RMB Building & Design we can design and build your custom home with Green initiatives to provide:
Increased comfort – Green homes have relatively even temperatures throughout the home, with fewer drafts and better humidity control. Better insulation, air sealing, indoor air quality, and lighting are just a few of the design principles that not only make the home more comfortable, but healthier and safer, too.
Lower operating costs and utility bills – Green homes are typically built with additional site planning to maximize benefits from sun and shade, as well as energy and water efficiency measures, both of which translate into lower utility bills.
Improved environmental quality – Green guidelines pay extra attention to construction details that control moisture, choose materials that contain fewer chemicals, and design air exchange/filtration systems that can contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
Enhanced durability and less maintenance – Green homes strive to increase the useful life of the individual components and the whole house. Longer-lasting materials not only require fewer resources for replacement, but also reduce maintenance and repair costs.
Increased value – Green homes offer greater durability and energy efficiency, which increase both the initial appraised value of the home and, to an even greater extent, the resale value.
For many homeowners, there is an element of satisfaction that comes from “doing the right thing”. Green building is good for the environment, good for people, and good for the future. Homeowners can feel good about doing their part to care for the world they live in. If you have questions about Green Building please contact us.Comments
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Do I Need an Interior Designer?
Posted on 01/27/2012 at 12:14 pm
Do I Need an Interior Designer?
Interior designers can save you both time and money when it comes to designing your home. Hiring a designer early in the project cano help you narrow down the wide range of options when it comes to details such as wall color, flooring, trim color, countertops, and cabinetry. An interior designer will help you feel confident that the overall result of the project will turn out exactly how you envisioned.
Here at RMB Building & Design, it is our job to design and build your dream home! We have years of experience and can offer practical solutions to many concerns when it comes to your everyday living needs in your home! But building and designing a home from scratch can seem like a daunting task for some of our clients. For some of us, deciding how to furnish and decorate our home might be just as overwhelming! There is much planning and decision-making that goes into creating a cohesive design for the interior of a home. Some of our clients decide to enlist the help of a professional and hire an interior designer to help them plan out and execute the aesthetic details. Professional designers help our clients see the big picture. It is their job to connect the dots of your design ideas and to make sure they run cohesively throughout the home.
Not all of our clients feel that they need to hire a designer. We suggest that before you decide to hire a professional, you evaluate your needs and desires when it comes to designing your home. Here are some reasons you may want to hire an interior designer.
- You have ideas, but don’t know how to implement them.
- You just don’t have the time, energy, or the desire to do designing.
- You think you know what you want, but are insecure about whether or not your ideas will work.
- You want to design your home or room based on items you already have. This is a challenge, but it can be done. It generally requires quite a high level of skill. If you don’t have a talent for this, get someone who does.
- You have a piece or pieces of furniture, paintings, and accessories which don’t seem to fit your rooms or style, but which you can’t eliminate because they are family heirlooms or simply because you can’t afford to replace them. After all, you may not want to get rid of great-grandpa’s desk even if it is Victorian and you like contemporary.
- You are trying to achieve a specific style or period such as French Country, Scandinavian, 18th century, 50's Retro, etc..
- You are unsure about color combinations, proportions, mixing patterns, composition and styles.
If you fall into any of these categories, or if you simply want a professional touch, an interior designer is probably the solution to your decorating problems. Your home is too important to your happiness and lifestyle not to have the comfort you desire. We can also help if you are looking for direction on design issues. Please contact us with any questions!
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Smarter Homes
Posted on 01/20/2012 at 11:06 am
Smarter Homes
Technology is changing rapidly and the only thing we can say about it for sure is that it is going to continue to change. That’s not-so-good news for those of us who are older and just want it to slow down long enough for us to catch up with it. The good news is that we have all become more comfortable with technology in our lives. With that said, there is much that technology has to offer when building or remodeling a home. According to HousingZone.com, “automated systems can now control almost every aspect of a home and enhance its livability”.
- Home Security – This is still the most popular automated system. Your home can be programmed to know whether you’re home or away, it can track your movements with sensors, or you can go all the way with video surveillance, which you can view remotely. With the onset of wireless capabilities, security has taken on a James Bond-like feel. There is now a wireless vehicle detection system from HAI which will alert you if a vehicle comes onto your property.
- Home Control System – These include coordinating lighting, thermostats, entertainment, and even irrigation in one system. Audio systems and iPod docks are becoming popular, as well as home theater controls which can run your TV’s and DVD players. Lutron has a system that can control lights, window shades, and temperature from mobile devices, so you can program them even when you’re not at home.
- Automated Showers – This is one of the more interesting product lines on the market. Kohler has digital shower systems that let you design a personalized bathing experience. They control temperature, spray intensity, and angle of water delivery. One product can even coordinate the water with lighting, music, and steam with preset “simulations” of sunrise, sunset, clouds, or thunderstorms. Their newest product, DTV Prompt, is more affordable but still includes multiple water and energy conservation settings.
These types of automated systems offer convenience and the wow factor. But the ones you can control on your mobile devices take it to the next level. Imagine leaving your office in the evening where, with the touch of a button on your phone, you can turn on the lights at home, increase or lower the temperature, and lower the shades all at the same time. When you get home, everything is in place. When you leave the next morning, you can reverse the process using the touchscreen on your tablet.
The great thing about the wireless capabilities of these systems is that they are easy to install or retrofit – no cutting into existing walls to run wires anymore. These wireless systems work great for Grandma or Grandpa, too! From your mobile device, you can check to see if Grandma’s stove has been on for over an hour and call her to see if she’s baking. If not, you can turn off the oven remotely. Grandpa’s bed can be equipped with pressure sensors, and if he is in bed too long, the system automatically notifies someone to go check on them.
The most important function of a smarter home should be its ease of use. Anyone should be able to use it without a thick instruction manual. Sometimes technology isn’t about playing catch-up, making our life more complicated. Sometimes it’s about making our life safer, more convenient, and saving us time. I guess even us “older people” can get on board with that idea.
Let RMB Building & Design, LLC provide you with the home of your dreams. From site selection to move-in, we will seamlessly handle all the details to ensure that you are getting an extraordinary home with southern hospitality. Call or email us for more details.
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Safety First
Posted on 01/13/2012 at 12:17 pm
Safety First
There’s no doubt about it: construction job sites can be hazardous. To protect your property and yourself, always choose a contractor who respects those hazards and trains their workers and trade contractors about safety issues. Our company uses the specific guidelines and regulations for the prevention of accidents as set by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The penalties for failing to comply with those rules can be anything from monetary fines to shutting down the job until violations can be corrected. We help ensure a safe working environment on our projects by complying with these regulations to keep everyone out of harm’s way.
- Inspection – We continually inspect our job sites for potential hazards, and have a designated safety officer that regularly visits each site. Common hazards may include ladders set on uneven ground, scaffolding that is unsecured, trenches that are unmarked, or temporary stairs with no guardrails. If violations are found, they are quickly remedied to get us back into compliance.
- Education and Training – It is critical to continually educate workers, equipping them to be able to recognize and avoid hazards and accidents on the job site. Our safety officer has been trained by OSHA in their requirements. We maintain a written safety and health program and keep a copy on each job site, which we require our trade contractors to follow as well. We also require our workers and trade contractors to read and sign our Safety Plan before they can work on any of our projects.
In addition, our company conducts weekly “tailgate meetings” with our workers on the subject of safety. Our safety officer will choose a subject and give examples of common hazards and how to remedy or avoid them. Such subjects may include things like table saw safety, personal safety (hard hats, eye protection, etc.), or working around electrical equipment.
- For our Homeowners – As a safety-conscious contractor, we know that our clients will want to occasionally visit the job site to see the progress, make decisions, and discuss concerns. Safety should also be a priority for you. You are encouraged to follow the same rules and procedures as our crews. We encourage you to wear hard hats and safety goggles, if applicable, and avoid walking through parts of the house where active work is ongoing without supervision. We are trained to avoid hazards, and you may be so excited about your home that you lose focus on safety issues. Help us keep you safe, too.
So what’s the most common residential job site safety hazard? Not surprisingly, falls from roofs or areas more than six feet above the ground. OSHA lists fall prevention among its most frequently cited violations and they have tightened standards to minimize those hazards.
Let RMB Building & Design, LLC provide you with the home of your dreams. From site selection to move-in, we will seamlessly handle all the details to ensure that you are getting an extraordinary home with southern hospitality. Call or email us for more details.
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“Greige” is the New Beige
Posted on 01/06/2012 at 09:53 am
“Greige” is the New Beige
One thing people have the most difficulty following are the contemporary fads. What is in now? What isn’t in now? Moms, this is for you. Get out of the 90’s, and update your home to be the new contemporary home it should be! After all, it is 2012 now!
Here are a few ideas on ways to update your home:
Color Tones
- Pick one color for each room, and make that color your theme. Bring in pillows, blankets, furniture, and paintings that complement your theme.
- Step outside of the box. I’m sorry folks, but “builder beige” is no longer in. “Greige” is the new beige. Gray is the best neutral to use, flattering to any color of your choice in the rainbow.
- Follow the trend! Tiffany & Co. color tones have sky-rocketed lately. Pale blue and creamy tones provide a calming color palette for visitors.
Tile Flooring
- Tile flooring provides a sleek look to your home. Like I said above, “greige” is the new beige, and that goes for tile too.
- Unfortunately, hardwood floors seem to be getting pushed to the “has been” category in favor of tile floors. However, I’m going to politely disagree with that trend. While tile is very chic, especially in the bathrooms, I am still a fan of a nice hardwood floor. Maybe it’s a Southern thing, but nothing speaks warm and comfortable more than hardwood flooring to me.
Paintings
- Paintings above the fireplace have always been popular. Now, use that painting to tie in your new color palettes in the room!
- And homeowners, if you have a television above the fireplace, research how to get a screen saver. You can easily turn your television into a chic painting with just the click of a button!
It doesn’t cost very much to freshen up and modernize any room – just some paint and a few fabric changes. It will feel and look so much better, and you’ll get compliments from your guests too! It’s a win-win for everybody.
If you have any questions or are looking to update your home's structure please contact us!
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Change Happens
Posted on 12/30/2011 at 11:59 am
Change Happens
When building a new home, once floor plans and specifications have been agreed upon and selections have been made, work begins. Sometimes, however, you may change your mind about a few things after the job starts. Such changes may include picking a different finish for the cabinets, moving a light switch to a different wall, or even as complicated as finishing a formerly unfinished room.
To further complicate matters, in order to deliver your new home as close as possible to the target date, we order many items well in advance of installation. Once a particular item is ordered, making further changes may involve an adjustment in the planned delivery date and may incur additional costs. All of these scenarios involve tweaking or changing your plans in some way. What happens then?
We respect your desire to get exactly what you want in your new home and we know change is inevitable. We have a process in place to document the scope and cost of these alterations, called “Change Orders”, to make sure everyone has a clear understanding of them. Here are the typical steps we take when you inform us of a desired change.
- Depending upon the scope of the change, we will produce sketches or drawings, or find new product information for what you want.
- If any suppliers or trade contractors are involved, they will be contacted to price their portion of the change.
- After receiving and collating all of the new information, we will calculate the additional cost (or credit), along with any time extensions, and relay this information to you.
- If the price and terms are acceptable, we will generate a paper Change Order, which must be signed before the change can be initiated.
- Once the Change Order is signed, the contract will be adjusted accordingly and the change will be incorporated into the project.
By following this document-based procedure, you can be assured that any change you consider, either small or large, is managed in a timely fashion and communicated effectively, while avoiding unnecessary costs. It’s also very important to remember that the sooner we can make any changes, the less it will cost you in time and money.
Let RMB Building & Design, LLC provide you with the home of your dreams. From site selection to move-in, we will seamlessly handle all the details to ensure that you are getting an extraordinary home with southern hospitality. Call or email us for more details.
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Organizing in the New Year - The Technial Way!
Posted on 12/22/2011 at 12:32 pm
Organizing in the New Year – The Technical Way
As the New Year chimes in will you be among the millions resolving to "get more organized" in 2012? With all our gadgets galore (smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktops) you'd think it would be easier than ever! Unfortunately, finding the right tools in an overly technical world can be as overwhelming as accomplishing that never ending to-do list. Here are 4 tools/applications to get you going in the right direction! Save time, get organized, and do it all for under $5.00!
EVERNOTE:
This site/app can best be described as the perfect "mental dumping zone". Using virtual notebooks you classify your categories. Think of subjects such as Recipes, Grocery Lists, ideas by hobby (ex: Gardening Ideas), or even Wishlist. Then, when you come across those sporadic ideas you would normally put on a miscellaneous Post-It note you access your Evernote account via site/app and "dump" it in there. Good bye little pieces of paper ~ hello virtual capture of your mind! You’re always moving, your notes should be too. With Evernote, your memories are on every computer, phone and device you use. With Evernote you can also Share your notes and collaborate on projects with friends, colleagues and classmates. Cost:Free
GOOGLE CALENDAR:
There are many Google fans out there, and it’s easy to see why...Google creates user-friendly, innovative tools that anyone can use! Their Gmail platform (with priority inbox) is perfect for all your email needs. Google Calendar allows you to create calendars for each of your family members. You can easily see where/what everyone is up to, create events for them (think athletic practices) or make changes so they can see what has happened while they were off at work or school (think drum lesson changes). Above and beyond the family streamlining there is also the ability to "invite" others to a single event or a particular calendar, great for the involved Grandparents who want to make a game or for keeping coaches in sync on the tournament schedule. Anything can be done from the site or a smart phone with real time results! Get the whole family in sync with this awesome tool! Cost:Free
MINT
This handy site & app will streamline your finances automatically. Accessed by either their site or app you can set up all your financial accounts to talk to Mint. Then the magic begins, upon signing in, all accounts are brought up to date and you can see at a glance where you stand financially. Want to know your total credit card debt? How about what your worth is compared to your debt? Or even where all your money seems to be slipping away to? No problem, Mint does it all. They even can send you a weekly update with account balances via text so you know where you stand with your budget. In this economy, who couldn't use a little extra information about their financial standing? Cost: Free
BIG OVEN
Ever find yourself roaming the grocery store aisles with little or no clue what to make for dinner? BigOven, a recipe-centric social-networking site with over 170,000 recipes (you can also upload your favorite recipes), has built an app just for you! Browse for recipe suggestions and create grocery lists right on the iPad or iPhone; you'll be eating better and shopping smarter in no time. This app allows you to access your grocery list anywhere on your iPhone! There is also the new beta Menu Planner to plan meals days, weeks or months ahead on a drag-and-drop calendar. BigOven will get any cook inspired and organized in the kitchen and on-the-go. In addition to winning "Readers Choice, Best Recipe App 2011" on About.com, BigOven was named one of the "Best Apps for Foodies", "Best Apps for New Moms" and "Best App for Eating In" by well-known publications.
These are just a few tools to help you get organized in the New Year! For more info about the above mentioned apps click here! Check back on our blog for more homeowner tips and suggestions! Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!
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Working with Architectural Review Boards
Posted on 12/15/2011 at 12:21 pm
Working with Architectural Review Boards
If I’m going to build my home in an established community or neighborhood, why do I have to submit my plans to an Architectural Review Board? Why can’t I just build what I want to? As a design/build firm, we are sometimes asked these questions by our clients. Understanding the thought process behind Architectural Review Boards and what they actually do usually alleviates any concerns the potential homeowners may have.
These boards are set up either by the developer of the community or by the residents themselves to help maintain the aesthetic harmony of the community. Chances are, if you’re going to buy property in a community, you already like what you see – either the look of the homes, the amenities, or the feel of the neighborhood. The Boards make sure that it continues to stay that way. They establish and publish a set of guidelines which gives you the philosophy of the community and the procedures for the new property owners to follow to ensure a smooth process.
The Board usually consists of current homeowners, most of whom usually have some kind of background in residential construction, either as architects, home designers, or builders. Their main task is to protect the property values of the community while encouraging a diversity of design styles and materials. They are not there to tell you what to build, but to ensure that what you build enhances the environment. With that in mind, they may offer suggestions on how to tweak your house plans while still accommodating individual tastes and preferences.
The main items that a Board looks for when they review proposed plans are:
- A home that is consistent in design and scale within its chosen architectural style;
- Color and material selections that present a pleasing exterior appearance and color palette with approved building materials; and
- the diversity of materials within the context of the surrounding area, more specifically the street where the home will be located.
What follows is a typical experience with an Architectural Review Board:
- Conceptual Design Review – You and your designer will submit renderings, sketches, or preliminary drawings of the exterior of the proposed home, as well as a site plan showing where the home sits on the lot. You will also submit the proposed exterior wall and roof materials with color selections.
- Final Design Review – You will submit final drawings and all applicable details of the plans, as well as final exterior material and color selections. Most Boards will require that your home and driveway be staked for their inspection before final approval is given.
- Landscape Review – At some point in construction, you will submit your landscape plan for review. It will indicate which plantings you have selected for the site and their locations.
- Most Boards require the payment of some type of fees. If a construction deposit is required, it will be returned once construction is complete.
- At any time during construction, if the exterior design, materials, or colors change, another submittal will be required for those changes.
- Just remember that the Architectural Review Board has the best interests of the community in mind when they review your plans - they look at the big picture. Ultimately, it is for the betterment of your property value as well.
Let RMB Building & Design, LLC provide you with the home of your dreams. From site selection to move-in, we will seamlessly handle all the details to ensure that you are getting an extraordinary home with southern hospitality. Call or email us for more details.
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