Get a Paint Job: A new coat of paint can re-energize a home's decor and make it healthier, too. Traditional paints emit harmful volatile organic compounds (often called VOCs). Instead of exposing your family to these harmful fumes, opt for new "low" to "no VOC" options on the market today.
ENERGY STAR® Upgrade: Cut down on your energy consumption by upgrading to new Energy Star-rated appliances and electronics. The organization has placed its blue star of approval on everything from dehumidifiers and refrigerators to ceiling fans and DVD players. Each product is designed to run more efficiently, reducing its "operating cost." For even better results, remember to unplug all electronics while not in use.
Keep a Tight Seal: No matter how great your HVAC system, you won't see the results if you do not protect your home from uncontrolled air leakage those spots around your windows and doors where your expensive heated or cooled air slips outside, virtually unnoticed. New caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is a big help.
Love Low-E: Short for “low emissivity,” these state-of-the-art windows improve the insulation value of the window itself. This is a more significant upgrade to consider, but if you live in an older home, it can make a huge different on your utility bills, and make your home far more comfortable, too.
For help with any of these ideas or to talk about other energy efficient improvements to your home contact Naples Construction Group at (239) 825-1866 or visit our website http://www.naplesconstructiongroup.com/
Daily work and helpful tips from a Certified General Contractor running a successful construction company in Naples,Fl.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
How To Pick A Home Builder
Plan. Many people don't get what they want because they don't know what they want. Be prepared to tell the home builder exactly what you have in mind. A few points to consider include what uses the home will serve, exterior and interior appearance, square footage, if you want gardens or storage, number of bathrooms, and type of plumbing and lighting fixtures.
Budget. You want your original plan to accommodate all your desires. If all your desires put you over your budget, it's time to modify. A good home builder will be able to suggest as few modifications as necessary so you can get within your budget without losing the dream.
Make a list. I recommend making a preliminary list of reputable home builders in your area. Recommendations, word of mouth, online rating systems, newspapers and magazines make good resources for compiling your list. Remember with Large companies who build hundreds of homes a year that you will be just one in a pond of many. Also, you will have a superintendent overseeing your home not a general contractor. Where as with smaller companies the owner/operator who should be a general contractor will more likely be running your job.
Conduct interviews. It's important to have all your preparation finished by the time you interview the builders. You're in charge. They work for you. Make sure they can give you what you want. It's best to schedule all interviews in advance; this can help you resist the temptation to sign with the first builder you interview. Find out how long the business has been around, and ask about relevant experience, financial status of the builder's license and its insurance coverage. Also, go on your gut feeling. You should feel comfortable talking to him.
Call us when your ready to build your dream home- (239) 825-1866
Visit our website- http://www.naplesconstructiongroup.com/
Budget. You want your original plan to accommodate all your desires. If all your desires put you over your budget, it's time to modify. A good home builder will be able to suggest as few modifications as necessary so you can get within your budget without losing the dream.
Make a list. I recommend making a preliminary list of reputable home builders in your area. Recommendations, word of mouth, online rating systems, newspapers and magazines make good resources for compiling your list. Remember with Large companies who build hundreds of homes a year that you will be just one in a pond of many. Also, you will have a superintendent overseeing your home not a general contractor. Where as with smaller companies the owner/operator who should be a general contractor will more likely be running your job.
Conduct interviews. It's important to have all your preparation finished by the time you interview the builders. You're in charge. They work for you. Make sure they can give you what you want. It's best to schedule all interviews in advance; this can help you resist the temptation to sign with the first builder you interview. Find out how long the business has been around, and ask about relevant experience, financial status of the builder's license and its insurance coverage. Also, go on your gut feeling. You should feel comfortable talking to him.
Call us when your ready to build your dream home- (239) 825-1866
Visit our website- http://www.naplesconstructiongroup.com/
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