Custom Builders like Energy Efficient Heat Pump Water Heaters

In a typical American home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 16% of total annual energy expenditures, a little more than for air conditioning, on a national-average basis, and twice as much as is used for refrigerators. An average American family pumps nearly 3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year from heating water. New Energy Star standards are dictating that electric hot water heaters in new homes are very energy efficient and only the new Heat Pump style electric water heaters make the cut.

Rheem is one of the manufacturers of one of the new heat pump style water heaters that we really like for its efficiency and minimal cost over traditional hot water heaters. Remember, the two easiest ways to reduce your energy use for hot water are to a) use less hot water, and b) reduce heat loss in your water heating and hot water distribution systems by properly insulating your hot water pipes within the non conditioned space. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning custom home builder in Asheville NC now in our second decade of building fine custom homes. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.

ICFs do not drip like SIPs

Homes built with ICFs look the same as conventional new homes both inside and out. ICFs, or Insulated Concrete Forms, are forms or molds that have built-in insulation for accepting reinforced concrete. ICF structures are built using conventional house plans and refined with conventional exterior finishes. So, what makes them different from timber-based ones? Several things, reinforced concrete homes have the following advantages over wood structures: constant temperatures that do not give access to drafts or cold spots, non toxic: no CFCs, HCFCs, or formaldehyde, a 2-hour fire rating, termite and pest resistant, can withstand severe storm hits, no rotting or molding, can support concrete floor and roof systems, help eliminate outside noise, and require an estimated 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than comparable frame houses.

Building with concrete helps save trees, reduces residential heating and cooling costs, and also reduces landfill construction waste. Advantage Development Co. is a master certified green building professional here to serve all of your building and real estate needs in Asheville NC. Visit us today at www.AdvDevCo.com to learn more about why we build better homes while saving the planet.

Air quality is Easy to Build In

Indoor air pollution, the degradation of indoor air quality by harmful chemicals and other materials, can be up to 10 times worse than outdoor air pollution. This is because contained areas enable potential pollutants to build up more than open spaces do. With new homes being built tighter and more energy efficient, this can be a real concern. If you do not analyze all of the actual building materials that go into your home you could be breathing in toxic chemicals for years to come after moving into that nice, new home.

You may think indoor air pollution does not apply to you. After all, you live nowhere near a highway, farm or industrial plant. You do not smoke and you do not use a wood-burning stove. But indoor air pollution comes from some places you would not normally think of, like your house (building materials), the land it is sitting on (radon leakage, here in the mountains) and everyday items you can purchase at the store (chemical cleaning agents). In addition, if you consider that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, and around 65 percent inside their homes in particular, you can see why indoor air pollution is an important issue. Advantage Development Co. is a certified green home builder and can build you that new home while assuring you indoor air quality (IAQ) will be of the highest levels possible on a new home in the Asheville area. Visit us today at www.AdvDevCo.com to learn more about us, and why we build better homes.

Solar and Geo Thermal can Save You Money

First off, let me start by saying that North Carolina state government has renewed the 35% renewable energy tax credit for active solar, PV, passive solar, and other renewable energy systems. Coupled with the 30% federal tax credit (which now thanks to the stimulus has no cap for individuals), this is now a 65% off discount on these technologies if you pay enough taxes to use the credits.

Remember, tax credits are directly subtracted from the tax amount you owe the feds and state, and you can roll the deduction forward for up to five years if you fail to use it all in the first year.The major new change is that geothermal has been added to the list of renewables for the first time. There is a cap, but it is pretty high ($8400 on the credit) so many small/medium systems will not reach the cap. At 65% off, the price of a geothermal system can look a lot like the price for a high-efficiency air-source heat pump. And a geothermal system with a water to water heat exchanger to replace a boiler system powered by oil or propane can look like a fast payback. I will not just throw out numbers because different home sites will vary a lot, but if you pay taxes, geothermal should be very seriously considered for both new homes and upgrades of existing homes. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us and custom home building.

Black Mountain Builders like 2x6 Walls

There has been an ongoing debate about energy efficiency of exterior walls (2x4 or 2x6), which is better? In terms of wood used, if both have the same stud spacing, the 2x6 obviously uses more wood. But if you can go up to 24inch on center for the 2x6 walls, it is about the same volume of wood used. (About 1/3 less due to spacing, but 1/3 more due to thickness). Some drywall installers complain, but there is no problem here, sheetrock does just fine with 24inch spacing of studs.

In terms of R-value, 2x4 will get you between R-13 and R-15 for most cavity insulations, and 2x6 can give you R-19 to 23. From an insulation standpoint, you're obviously better off with the higher R-value. Another option is to use 2x4 walls but apply a rigid foam board to the exterior sheathing, thus upping the R-value of a 2x4 wall to about R-18. This can also be done for 2x6 walls, giving you a new R-Value of about R-24. There are some considerations when using exterior foam board that relate to attachment of your siding so be careful. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning builder here in Asheville always ready to discuss design considerations with our new home clients. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more.

Black Mountain Builder uses FSC wood because its Green

The Forest Stewardship Council was created to change the dialogue about and the practice of sustainable forestry worldwide. This impressive goal has in many ways been achieved, yet there is more work to be done. FSC sets forth principles, criteria, and standards that span economic, social, and environmental concerns. The FSC standards represent the world’s strongest system for guiding forest management toward sustainable outcomes. Like the forestry profession itself, the FSC system includes stakeholders with a diverse array of perspectives on what represents a well-managed and sustainable forest. While the discussion continues, the FSC standards for forest management have now been applied in over 57 countries around the world. Advantage Development Co. is a certified green custom home builder in Asheville NC and always strives to only use FSC certified wood in the fine homes we build. Visit us today at www.AdvDevCo.com to learn more about us.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Net Zero Homes

By 2015, if General Electric has their way, all our homes will be running on smart grids with mini-turbines and solar panels to produce electricity, consuming zero net energy in the process. GE says that their smart energy system, dubbed the Net Zero Home project, will center around a $250 central management hub that will allow all of a home's networked appliances and on-site power-producing equipment talk to each other, as well as to the smart grid outside the home. As an Asheville Custom Home Builder and certified green professional we have embraced new green technology, employing it in all of our new construction when possible, providing our clients with more sustainable, higher quality, more efficient homes. Visit Advantage Development Co. on the web at www.AdvDevCo.com or call us today at (828)-215-9064 for a free consultation, you will be glad you did.

Black Mountain Custom Builder likes Cork Flooring

The very best material for avoiding damage from denting and dog claws is cork flooring. We have heard this time and again from dog owners. Where wood and bamboo are durable because they are hard, cork is durable because it is resilient, it yields under the pressure of the dogs claw and then returns to its original shape. And cork is naturally quiet, warm, hypoallergenic, fire resistant, a great alternative to conventional carpet, yet as long lasting as a wood floor. Nova Cork flooring products are even FSC-certified! Advantage Development Co. is an Award Winning Custom Home Builder in Asheville NC now in our second decade of building fine luxury homes. We love educating our clients on new sustainable, eco friendly green building materials that are durable and healthier for your new home. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us and why we are better.

Black Mountain Custom Builder explains Manual J Calculation

Year-round, comfort is the goal. In the summer, your air conditioning system not only cools your homes air (sensible cooling), it removes moisture (latent cooling). In the winter, your heating system must keep you comfortable without causing high utility bills. Make sure that your HVAC contractor uses the Manual J residential load calculation procedure. Insist on it! Manual J is the official standard for residential load calculation and is required by many building codes around the country. By accurately performing a Manual J calculation you can be assured that your HVAC system has been sized properly for optimal performance and maximum energy efficiency.

Your HVAC contractor will carefully measure your home and evaluate its levels of insulation. Windows, sizes and quantity will be noted, levels of infiltration will be estimated and internal loads including lighting and kitchen appliances will be taken into consideration. A computerized analysis will be completed that indicates just how much heating and/or cooling capacity your new system should provide. After the installation of your new system is completed, you will receive a copy of the computerized load calculation for your records. As an Asheville NC Custom Builder and certified green professional we only use qualified HVAC contractors that properly perform Manual J calculations on all new heating & cooling systems installed in our fine, luxury custom homes. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.

Black Mountain Custom Builder talks Carpet

If you are considering wall-to-wall carpet for your home or project, stop, look, and read on. Take a minute to think about the pros and cons of your carpet choices before you buy that next roomful. Carpet is synonymous with comfort, it is soft, absorbs sound, and makes a house warmer, literally and figuratively. Unfortunately, it also contributes to poor indoor air quality (IAQ),off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), absorbing and retaining moisture that can lead to mold, and is a huge sinkhole for dirt and dust mites. Carpets containing high VOC materials and compounds can be extremely hazardous for your health by affecting the indoor air that you are breathing.

If your heart and feet are set on carpet, go with natural fibers, like wool, hemp, silk, linen, and sisal. My favorite is wool: The innate beauty and durability of pure wool provides a natural soil barrier, adds warmth and comfort, is inherently flame resistant, plus, it comes from a renewable resource. Look for natural fiber carpets free of toxic dyes, pesticides, herbicides, and flame retardants. Two of my favorites are Earth Weave and Natures Carpet, both 100% wool complemented by solid environmental practices. Ensure healthful carpet installation by using tack strips instead of adhesives, which can be loaded with VOCs and make the carpeting harder to remove/replace/reuse/recycle later on. Padding increases softness and the carpet's life, so, again, look for natural wool and rubber; there are many made from recycled products. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder and certified green professional that is always educating clients on potential health risks of different types of building materials so that more green products can be chosen. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Radon

Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can not see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims about 20,000 lives annually. Learn how you can protect your family Test Your Home for Radon, It is easy and inexpensive Fix your home if you have a radon level of 4 pCi/L or more. Radon levels can be high in mountainous areas and as such Advantage Development Co. installs a radon mitigation system in every home we build to assure best indoor quality for our clients.

Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. The untimely deaths of Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve have raised public awareness about lung cancer, especially among people who have never smoked. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented if radon systems are in place. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Builder we are very concerned with a home owners health and always install radon mitigation systems to avoid radon leakage into the interior living space of our fine luxury homes. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on No VOC Paints

With good reason, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates paint within its Top Five environmental hazards, and has produced research that shows VOC (volatile organic compound) levels indoors while paint is drying are 1000 times higher than outdoors. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the dangers faced by people who work with paint. It reports that painters have a 20% increased risk of a range of cancers and a 40% increased risk of lung cancer, in particular.

In general, it is recognized that children and older people are particularly vulnerable to solvent vapors. When added to headaches, other allergic reactions, skin problems, heart stressing and effects on the reproductive systems, conventional paint is something you should think hard about before inviting into your home. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning custom builder in Asheville NC that has recognized the health hazards of indoor paints for years now. We always recommend low or no VOC paints and finishes to our clients for indoor applications on their new homes. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us as a custom builder in Asheville since 1990.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Foam Insulation

In recent columns, we’ve looked at cellulose insulation as well as fiberglass and other batt insulation materials. The other option for filling wall and ceiling cavities is foam insulation that is sprayed into the cavity. There are several such materials that are used for this application, all installed by professional insulation contractors. Closed Cell foam-in-place insulation is by far the best and also the most expensive type of home insulation. As an award winning Asheville NC Custom home Builder we educate our clients on all building materials relative to cost versus performance gains.

Polyurethane is by far the most common foam-in-place insulation material used for homes, but there are several quite different formulations. Closed-cell polyurethane has been around for decades, though the ingredients have changed considerably in the past 15 years as ozone-damaging blowing agents were replaced with safer chemicals. The polyurethane is sprayed into the wall or ceiling cavity as a liquid (much like spray paint), and as the components mix they instantly expand, foaming to create the insulation. The material fully cures in a few hours to form a quite hard, high-density (2 pound per cubic foot) material. In a wall cavity, enough material is typically used to expand to several inches thickness, but not so much that the foam bulges beyond the inner face of the framing. Closed-cell polyurethane insulates to between R-5.8 and R-6.8 per inch—a considerably higher insulating value than any other cavity-fill insulation. Advantage Development Co. has been the builder of choice in Asheville NC since 1990, and is a multiple Asheville “Parade of Homes” Winner. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about our company and why we win awards year after year.

Black Mountain Custom Builder says Build it Green

Green building is good for the environment. It is energy efficient, which reduces the need to burn fossil fuels and helps fight climate change, one of our countrys most pressing environmental issues. It also makes efficient use of water and other resources, minimizes pollution and waste, and reduces overall environmental impact. But, as building professionals and consumers are increasingly discovering, there are as many advantages to building green as there are techniques. As an award winning custom home builder since 1990 we have come to realize that green building is just plain smart building.

Green buildings cost less to operate because, among other things, they use less energy and water, and require less maintenance. They have better indoor air quality because they minimize chemicals, mold and other harmful substances. And they have excellent resale value-because green buildings are quality buildings and they're built to last. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC certified green professional home builder here to build that fine custom home while getting you any level of green certification ranging from NC Healthy Built, NAHB Green or LEED Certified. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Granite

Granite is a natural stone that is among the most popular materials used for home decor. In fact, it is a very hard stone and as far as hardness quotient is concerned it ranks right after the diamond. Different continents including Africa, Asia, America and Europe produce granite in good quantity. Like diamond granite too, has an innate beauty that has achieved a perfect blend with its toughness. So, granite has a history that is old, strength that is extraordinary and beauty that is unsurpassable. As an Asheville NC Custom and Green Builder we love installing granite on both the exterior & interiors of fine custom homes that we build.

No wonder therefore, that granite has become one of the greatest choices for the home makers to decorate their houses. In fact, the brilliant colors and textures of granite are sure to add beauty to your home. When it comes to granite counter tops, the color ranges from white to red, green, black, blues and many other exotic shades. Since it is constructed naturally out of molten rocks, different minerals and other elements have resulted in the variations in color and texture. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning custom home builder that truly appreciates the beauty & durability of granite in the fine homes we build. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/about.html to learn more about us, and why we are better.

Black Mountain Custom Builder likes Strong Foundations

A large foundation crack is a serious matter. Professional engineers who understand foundations need to be brought in. Once the foundation has stopped its differential movement, then the foundation repair can begin. Yes, as Engineers and Master Builders we understand that foundation problems in a home can be disastrous in many cases. We take great measures when building our custom homes to never have a call back related to foundation shifting. By installing our footings on virgin soil, adding 50% more steel and concrete, re-enforcing walls properly, not back filling before walls are braced, and providing proper soil drainage we have never had a foundation related issue with a home we have built.

Many foundation problems can be avoided with the addition of extra steel to the concrete footers and actual foundation. The building code requirements for structural steel are minimum requirements. At Advantage Development Co. we increase the size of steel from #4 rebar to #5 rebar and the number of pieces of steel in every foundation we install. As Award Winning Asheville NC Master Builders and Engineers we understand the important concepts of building a quality home that will last for generations. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/index.html to learn more about who we are and why we build better custom homes in Asheville NC.

Black Mountain Custom Builder likes Cultured Stone

Cultured stone is becoming more and more popular for both the interior and exterior of homes. Cultured stone is a man made stone manufactured primarily for decorative accents. It is made up of cement, natural aggregates, and iron oxide pigments. In order to give cultured stones a realistic shape they are often created by using a mold of a natural stone. Using cultured stone in your home has many advantages over real, natural stone. We have been using cultured stone for many years on our craftsman style mountain homes and many of our clients prefer it over natural.

One of the main benefits of cultured stones versus natural ones is that cultured stones are much more lightweight. This is an advantage because it places less weight on the foundation of your home. In addition, when using cultured stone you are not required to have a brick ledge on your foundation. This is mostly due to the fact that the back of a cultured stone is flat allowing for excellent surface contact. Cultured stone is also faster and less difficult to install than natural stone. It is also easy to find, and simple to replace. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder for over twenty years we have always been a big fan of Owings Corning Bucks County cultured stone. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on New Tax Credits

Consumers who install solar energy systems (including solar water heating and solar electric systems), small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell and micro turbine systems can receive a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service before December 31, 2016; the previous tax credit cap no longer applies. North Carolina also offers a 35% state tax credit for solar home systems with very high caps on the limits allowed. The total tax credits are 65% for home solar now, not including rebates & monies paid back to the homeowner by NC Green Power. Solar Home Systems are now affordable, and very reliable. As an award winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we encourage new homeowners to take advantage of solar & the tax credits allowed.

A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder and Certified Green Professional that embraces solar technology as a viable alternative energy source for new homes. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about who we are and why we build better homes.

Black Mountain Custom Builder likes Pavers

As more and more homeowners grow tired of looking at their ugly, stained or cracked concrete, dirt or asphalt driveway they are turning to beautiful, durable and maintenance free driveway pavers. A well-chosen and properly installed driveway can add to the aesthetic appeal of your home, create opportunities for landscaping focal points, and significantly increase the value of your property. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we use driveway pavers on many of our custom home projects.

We really appreciate the old world look pavers give a drive and the style that is added to the overall homes look.There are two types of driveway pavers: mortared and mortar less. Mortared pavers have mortar between the pavers and thus create a hardened non-flexible surface. This type of surface is prone to cracking and makes replacing a section or a paver more difficult. Mortar less pavers are the preferred method. Instead of mortar a special mixture of sand is used to make a very solid but flexible driveway surface. And if a paver ever breaks or cracks, replacing it is very easy. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning builder in Asheville NC now in our second generation of building fine custom homes. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about who we are & why we build better homes.

Black Mountain Custom Builder likes GeoThermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) are a relatively new technology that can save homeowners money. These ground-source heat pumps use the natural heat storage capacity of the earth or ground water to provide energy efficient heating and cooling. GHPs should not be confused with air-source heat pumps that rely on heated air. Geothermal heat pumps use the relatively constant temperature of the ground or water several feet below the earth's surface as source of heating and cooling. Geothermal heat pumps are appropriate for retrofit or new homes, where both heating and cooling are desired. They can be used for virtually any size home or lot in any region of the U.S.A geothermal heat pump system consists of indoor heat pump equipment, a ground loop, and a flow center to connect the indoor and outdoor equipment.

The heat pump equipment works like a reversible refrigerator by removing heat from one location and depositing it in another location. The ground loop, which is invisible after installation, allows the exchange of heat between the earth and the heat pump. GHPs are also typically more efficient than electric, gas or oil-fired heating systems. They are more energy efficient than air-source heat pumps because they draw heat from, or release heat to, the earth, which has moderate temperatures year round, rather than to the air (which is generally colder in winter and warmer in summer than the earth, resulting in less effective heat transfer). Advantage Development Co. is an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that specializes in saving new homeowners energy. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.