Note: Before installing a wood burning stove, seek advice from your stove dealer, your local building inspector or fire department. And check with your insurance agent. The insurance company may have its own specifications for installation and, since you are changing the method of heating your home, your agent must be notified in order to maintain fire insurance coverage on your home.
A. Wall Protection
1. Standards for clearances from walls and ceilings that are the basis for many local building codes state that all combustible materials, woodwork, unprotected walls, furniture, firewood, etc., should be no closer than 36 inches to a wood stove.
A simple test will tell if you have enough clearance to an unprotected wall. Place your hand on the closest surface. If you can keep your hand there comfortably while the stove is operating, the location passes the test. If not, you need additional protection.
You can read the rest of the article at: Wood Burning Stove
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
Navigating a Construction Contract: - Allowance Items
By Morris and James Carey
The Associated Press
The allowance you got when you were a kid is nothing like an allowance in a construction contract. Unlike your parents, your contractor is not giving you anything when an allowance is included in the deal.
If you are getting ready to hire a contractor you should clearly understand what an allowance is, how it relates to the project and how to best determine whether it is reasonably accurate.
An allowance in a construction contract refers to a dollar value (or monetary allowance) that is assigned to an item of work (e.g., light fixture budget, plumbing fixture budget, painting budget).
In theory, this practice is used by architects, engineers, designers (and other construction professionals) to establish budgetary guidelines. This is only done when details or specifications are not available for the work in question, although it is important to make sure that every item in the budget be assigned a value.
Using an allowance instead of pricing specific items can be risky.
With allowance items, if the value of the allowance in the contract is greater than what is needed to make the actual purchase, the contractor will normally refund the difference to the client. On the other hand, if a greater sum of money is needed to purchase an allowance item, it comes out of your pocket even if the contract is for a fixed price.
There is a major downside to using allowance budgeting. Unscrupulous contractors will use allowances to reduce their bid in hopes of getting the client to sign on the dotted line.
In a kitchen remodel, for example, a contractor might assign cabinetry, countertops and appliances as allowance items, saying that the items can be purchased for the values he included. The problem arises when the client decides to purchase the items and discovers that the level of quality isn't what was expected, resulting in a major budget crunch.
Solve the problem before it becomes one.
Once the "blueprint" or "basic set of plans" has been developed, the next step is to create a corresponding set of details known as "specifications." The specifications explain, in depth, each of the elements contained in the plan.
For example: Where the plan might show a sink, the specifications would indicate the brand of the sink, model number, size, color and even what it's made of. Generally speaking, the more thorough the specifications are, the more accurate the bids will be.
Remember: if it were your home that was going to be remodeled or built, no one could know exactly what the entry porch light fixture was going to look like until you selected the one you wanted.
To ensure that your bid is as accurate as possible, the prices contained therein should be based on an existing specification that lists exactly what you want, in detail.
You don't have to use an allowance even if you haven't made a decision on exactly what you want. All you have to do is select something that's close.
For example: You may not be able to decide on which faucet you want to use. However, most contractors have books that you can look through to find something appealing. Then, that item can be priced and included in the bid. Then everyone involved will have a better idea of what is on your mind. A price without associated details doesn't tell anyone anything about what you really want.
If an allowance must be used, then you should at least ask the contractor to include a notation that reflects the highest and lowest priced items in that category. You should always do your best to be aware of the prices of the items stipulated as allowances. If not, there is a good chance you will be shortchanged. Allowances should not be taken lightly.
Keep in mind that you have as much responsibility to a written contract as the contractor does. And when you sign on the dotted line, it would be good to know that there won't be a series of up-charges that follow.
Remember: The budget always looks much higher at bid time than it does at purchase time.
Make as many selections as possible before beginning the bidding process. The low bidder may be low because of insufficient allowances.
If you must use an allowance in the bid, do plenty of shopping on your own to arrive at an allowance value that is comfortable in your mind and that will cover the cost of what you want (and don't forget to include taxes, delivery fees, and extra installation costs for more complicated items).
Never be in a rush to get bids, or enter into a contract.
If allowances make up 20 percent or more of your construction contract, then you could be asking for serious budget trouble. especially if you haven't done your homework. Most contractors are honest, but what if you get a "bad" one? You should allow for that.
The Associated Press
The allowance you got when you were a kid is nothing like an allowance in a construction contract. Unlike your parents, your contractor is not giving you anything when an allowance is included in the deal.
If you are getting ready to hire a contractor you should clearly understand what an allowance is, how it relates to the project and how to best determine whether it is reasonably accurate.
An allowance in a construction contract refers to a dollar value (or monetary allowance) that is assigned to an item of work (e.g., light fixture budget, plumbing fixture budget, painting budget).
In theory, this practice is used by architects, engineers, designers (and other construction professionals) to establish budgetary guidelines. This is only done when details or specifications are not available for the work in question, although it is important to make sure that every item in the budget be assigned a value.
Using an allowance instead of pricing specific items can be risky.
With allowance items, if the value of the allowance in the contract is greater than what is needed to make the actual purchase, the contractor will normally refund the difference to the client. On the other hand, if a greater sum of money is needed to purchase an allowance item, it comes out of your pocket even if the contract is for a fixed price.
There is a major downside to using allowance budgeting. Unscrupulous contractors will use allowances to reduce their bid in hopes of getting the client to sign on the dotted line.
In a kitchen remodel, for example, a contractor might assign cabinetry, countertops and appliances as allowance items, saying that the items can be purchased for the values he included. The problem arises when the client decides to purchase the items and discovers that the level of quality isn't what was expected, resulting in a major budget crunch.
Solve the problem before it becomes one.
Once the "blueprint" or "basic set of plans" has been developed, the next step is to create a corresponding set of details known as "specifications." The specifications explain, in depth, each of the elements contained in the plan.
For example: Where the plan might show a sink, the specifications would indicate the brand of the sink, model number, size, color and even what it's made of. Generally speaking, the more thorough the specifications are, the more accurate the bids will be.
Remember: if it were your home that was going to be remodeled or built, no one could know exactly what the entry porch light fixture was going to look like until you selected the one you wanted.
To ensure that your bid is as accurate as possible, the prices contained therein should be based on an existing specification that lists exactly what you want, in detail.
You don't have to use an allowance even if you haven't made a decision on exactly what you want. All you have to do is select something that's close.
For example: You may not be able to decide on which faucet you want to use. However, most contractors have books that you can look through to find something appealing. Then, that item can be priced and included in the bid. Then everyone involved will have a better idea of what is on your mind. A price without associated details doesn't tell anyone anything about what you really want.
If an allowance must be used, then you should at least ask the contractor to include a notation that reflects the highest and lowest priced items in that category. You should always do your best to be aware of the prices of the items stipulated as allowances. If not, there is a good chance you will be shortchanged. Allowances should not be taken lightly.
Keep in mind that you have as much responsibility to a written contract as the contractor does. And when you sign on the dotted line, it would be good to know that there won't be a series of up-charges that follow.
Remember: The budget always looks much higher at bid time than it does at purchase time.
Make as many selections as possible before beginning the bidding process. The low bidder may be low because of insufficient allowances.
If you must use an allowance in the bid, do plenty of shopping on your own to arrive at an allowance value that is comfortable in your mind and that will cover the cost of what you want (and don't forget to include taxes, delivery fees, and extra installation costs for more complicated items).
Never be in a rush to get bids, or enter into a contract.
If allowances make up 20 percent or more of your construction contract, then you could be asking for serious budget trouble. especially if you haven't done your homework. Most contractors are honest, but what if you get a "bad" one? You should allow for that.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Is Your Home Sucking Cash Right Out of Your Pocket?
What happened to being able to be comfortable in your own home? Unfortunately, high energy costs this winter resulted in many people having to turn down their thermostats, and instead bundle up in extra sweaters and socks. And rest assured it will only get worse. If the energy costs keep rising at the present rate, you could be dishing out over $1,000 per month just to heat your home by 2011. Add this to the cost of fuel to fill up your car, and suddenly you can see your pay cheque disappearing, as if by magic.
It is a fact that today’s well-informed homeowners are looking for newer, more efficient ways to build homes. They want strength, comfort and lower energy bills, while also allowing for flexibility of design and lower future maintenance costs.
Building technology has advanced greatly. Quality builders are using ICF’s (Insulated Concrete Forms) to create homes that are safer, stronger and healthier than ever before. This type of building is based on simple, interlocking, stacking “blocks” made from flame-retardant expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels connected by molded-in high density polyethylene structural foam bridging.
Filled with concrete, these blocks create a monolithic wall with a minimum insulation value of R25; which then because of the heat retaining properties of concrete increase their performance to R50.
They also have a fire rating which is just under four hours. In addition to all this, there is an added bonus of efficiency because building the walls of a home with ICF’s can take one half of the time (or less) of conventional construction.
The really good news is that now everyone can afford to live in one of these homes; everyone who is concerned about future energy costs and their environment. The initial investment is only about 10% more than the old way of building (wood-frame); but considerably less when you think of the long term costs of energy and maintenance.
Adding other energy efficient features, such as High Efficiency Tank-Less Water Heaters that can heat your whole house while giving you an endless stream of hot water; High Efficiency Low-E Argon Windows, Heat Recovery Ventilators connected to an “Earth Energy” system that pre-conditions incoming air, and Radiant Floor Heating which gives you the ultimate in comfort with body temperature heated floors, can slash 50% off of a homeowner’s monthly heating and cooling bills.
Gone are the days of buying a home for appearance sake only. A little bit of effort and common sense can go a long way in making your home more energy efficient. New homebuyers are consciously choosing to make informed decisions concerning their future and that of their family’s future. They are turning to homes which are more energy-efficient, and environmentally-friendly in addition to paying them dividends for years to come.
About the Author: Harvey Juric, ICF Consultant and CEO of ICFhome.ca is a custom home builder in southern Ontario. He runs several websites promoting energy efficient home. If you are interested in modern home building, his thoughts may be found on the following web sites: Insulated Concrete, Repairing/Building Contractor, Ontario Building Code, Luxury Home Home Design and Ontario-Home-Builder.com
It is a fact that today’s well-informed homeowners are looking for newer, more efficient ways to build homes. They want strength, comfort and lower energy bills, while also allowing for flexibility of design and lower future maintenance costs.
Building technology has advanced greatly. Quality builders are using ICF’s (Insulated Concrete Forms) to create homes that are safer, stronger and healthier than ever before. This type of building is based on simple, interlocking, stacking “blocks” made from flame-retardant expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels connected by molded-in high density polyethylene structural foam bridging.
Filled with concrete, these blocks create a monolithic wall with a minimum insulation value of R25; which then because of the heat retaining properties of concrete increase their performance to R50.
They also have a fire rating which is just under four hours. In addition to all this, there is an added bonus of efficiency because building the walls of a home with ICF’s can take one half of the time (or less) of conventional construction.
The really good news is that now everyone can afford to live in one of these homes; everyone who is concerned about future energy costs and their environment. The initial investment is only about 10% more than the old way of building (wood-frame); but considerably less when you think of the long term costs of energy and maintenance.
Adding other energy efficient features, such as High Efficiency Tank-Less Water Heaters that can heat your whole house while giving you an endless stream of hot water; High Efficiency Low-E Argon Windows, Heat Recovery Ventilators connected to an “Earth Energy” system that pre-conditions incoming air, and Radiant Floor Heating which gives you the ultimate in comfort with body temperature heated floors, can slash 50% off of a homeowner’s monthly heating and cooling bills.
Gone are the days of buying a home for appearance sake only. A little bit of effort and common sense can go a long way in making your home more energy efficient. New homebuyers are consciously choosing to make informed decisions concerning their future and that of their family’s future. They are turning to homes which are more energy-efficient, and environmentally-friendly in addition to paying them dividends for years to come.
About the Author: Harvey Juric, ICF Consultant and CEO of ICFhome.ca is a custom home builder in southern Ontario. He runs several websites promoting energy efficient home. If you are interested in modern home building, his thoughts may be found on the following web sites: Insulated Concrete, Repairing/Building Contractor, Ontario Building Code, Luxury Home Home Design and Ontario-Home-Builder.com
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Waterproofing Your Foundation? What Is The Right Choice?
by: Dagmar Rakos
What is foundation waterproofing?
Waterproofing is Protecting your property foundation – be it residential or commercial – from cracks due to natural processes such as water damage, thermal movement, shrinking, settlement and other causes.
Think of foundation waterproofing as a long term solution for protection of your property.
Did you know that 44% of new homes have leaking basements without 3 years of completion? And the warranty on dry basement on a new home in USA and Canada is only 1 or 2 years?
Think of what can happen if you don’t pay attention to properly seal your house foundation.
It not only causes countless damage to your property it also decreases value of your house, costs money to repair, wastes time, not to mention various health and life hazards.
So what is the Solution to this problem?
Waterproof your property the right way as you build it!
There are many products on the market and it is difficult to choose at times, but not all are the same quality.
The easiest, simplest and smartest way is to apply rubberized liquid membrane. Liquid rubber membranes are elastomeric polymerized coatings made from liquid rubber – the same quality tough material your car tires are made from.
Advantages: They are easiest to apply, quick to dry, cold applied. You can do it by yourself, by using sprayer, roller or trowel. The liquid cures into an elastic rubber coating on the wall, able to fill up eventual cracks in foundation wall because of its flexibility. They also come with a long warranty and are very cost effective.
If you want the best ones you should aim at the ones which are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-flammable, also VOC compliant, offer superior vapor and water barrier protection, and no priming is required before installation.
Disadvantages: Possibility of inconsistency in coverage, but the newest liquid rubber foundation waterproofing membranes will help you to determine the "right" thickness by intensity of color f.e. the Gray Coat All Seasons Formula from Aquasealusa.com blends in with the concrete foundation, so over-spraying is no longer a problem, making it much easier for the applicator to apply.
There are of course other products on the market like sheet membranes, cementitous waterproofing, hot tar or bentonite, but they either don’t offer such a long warranty, are labor intensive or low quality, or you have to use company employees/certified technicians who are the only ones allowed to apply their product which will cost extra money.
Basically it comes what your needs are and how much money your are willing to invest to protect your property properly.
What seems to be cheaper at the beginning can be Very costly later on if you don’t do it right the first time.
© Dagmar Rakos
Waterproofing-foundation-guaranteed.com
About The Author
Dagmar Rakos is the site Administrator for Waterproofing-Foundation-guaranteed.com
Highly effective, easy to apply foundation, basement and specialty waterproofing products for ICF and standard construction. For home builders and waterproofing contractors.
Available at http://www.waterproofing-foundation-guaranteed.com.com.
What is foundation waterproofing?
Waterproofing is Protecting your property foundation – be it residential or commercial – from cracks due to natural processes such as water damage, thermal movement, shrinking, settlement and other causes.
Think of foundation waterproofing as a long term solution for protection of your property.
Did you know that 44% of new homes have leaking basements without 3 years of completion? And the warranty on dry basement on a new home in USA and Canada is only 1 or 2 years?
Think of what can happen if you don’t pay attention to properly seal your house foundation.
It not only causes countless damage to your property it also decreases value of your house, costs money to repair, wastes time, not to mention various health and life hazards.
So what is the Solution to this problem?
Waterproof your property the right way as you build it!
There are many products on the market and it is difficult to choose at times, but not all are the same quality.
The easiest, simplest and smartest way is to apply rubberized liquid membrane. Liquid rubber membranes are elastomeric polymerized coatings made from liquid rubber – the same quality tough material your car tires are made from.
Advantages: They are easiest to apply, quick to dry, cold applied. You can do it by yourself, by using sprayer, roller or trowel. The liquid cures into an elastic rubber coating on the wall, able to fill up eventual cracks in foundation wall because of its flexibility. They also come with a long warranty and are very cost effective.
If you want the best ones you should aim at the ones which are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-flammable, also VOC compliant, offer superior vapor and water barrier protection, and no priming is required before installation.
Disadvantages: Possibility of inconsistency in coverage, but the newest liquid rubber foundation waterproofing membranes will help you to determine the "right" thickness by intensity of color f.e. the Gray Coat All Seasons Formula from Aquasealusa.com blends in with the concrete foundation, so over-spraying is no longer a problem, making it much easier for the applicator to apply.
There are of course other products on the market like sheet membranes, cementitous waterproofing, hot tar or bentonite, but they either don’t offer such a long warranty, are labor intensive or low quality, or you have to use company employees/certified technicians who are the only ones allowed to apply their product which will cost extra money.
Basically it comes what your needs are and how much money your are willing to invest to protect your property properly.
What seems to be cheaper at the beginning can be Very costly later on if you don’t do it right the first time.
© Dagmar Rakos
Waterproofing-foundation-guaranteed.com
About The Author
Dagmar Rakos is the site Administrator for Waterproofing-Foundation-guaranteed.com
Highly effective, easy to apply foundation, basement and specialty waterproofing products for ICF and standard construction. For home builders and waterproofing contractors.
Available at http://www.waterproofing-foundation-guaranteed.com.com.
Your Guide to Wireless Security Cameras
by: Bob Hett
The use of wireless security cameras has been gaining in popularity over recent years. This can be for many reasons. Some people use wireless security cameras to make their home secure and to monitor their home. Other people use them to monitor their nannies or their employees. Some people use it for surveillance of their store or office. Whatever the reason may be, wireless security cameras are quickly becoming the preferred method of security for many people. If you would like more information, then let this be your guide to wireless security cameras.
Wireless security cameras are so popular because you can literally put them anywhere you want because you don't have to worry about wires. The placement of them is very flexible and they are very easy to install. They are also quite inexpensive to purchase and many come with warranties. The only drawback is that wireless security cameras require that you change the battery pack on them every 4 to 8 hours. The battery packs can be recharged so it is best to have more than one so you can easily change them out.
Wireless security cameras work by sending video signals to a receiver via a transmitter in the wireless camera. The receiver can be connected to a TV, VCR, computer, etc. No wires are needed between the camera and the receiver. The receiver can be placed anywhere from 700 feet to 10 miles away from the wireless camera. It just depends on which wireless security camera model you buy. The receivers can penetrate as much as 8 walls. They also penetrate most solid objects such as: glass, plastic, wood, fiber glass, and some metals. This is an added benefit for people when they want to place the camera in a certain spot.
If you have trouble viewing the wireless security camera image, you may have to move the camera a bit. Sometimes moving it just a few feet can make a huge difference in what you see. You also have to pay attention to what kind of material the signal has to travel through. The denser the material, the weaker the signal will be. It is usually best to have the receiver positioned hire than the camera. This will give you the best range.
The above was all of the important information you should know about wireless security cameras. If you are considering getting a wireless security camera, you will be glad to have known all of this information. A wireless security camera is a cheap and effective way to monitor anything and to help you feel more secure. It will give you peace of mind and leave you feeling glad you decided to purchase a wireless security camera.
About The Author
Bob Hett offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Security Cameras and home safety. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.securitycamerasreview.info
The use of wireless security cameras has been gaining in popularity over recent years. This can be for many reasons. Some people use wireless security cameras to make their home secure and to monitor their home. Other people use them to monitor their nannies or their employees. Some people use it for surveillance of their store or office. Whatever the reason may be, wireless security cameras are quickly becoming the preferred method of security for many people. If you would like more information, then let this be your guide to wireless security cameras.
Wireless security cameras are so popular because you can literally put them anywhere you want because you don't have to worry about wires. The placement of them is very flexible and they are very easy to install. They are also quite inexpensive to purchase and many come with warranties. The only drawback is that wireless security cameras require that you change the battery pack on them every 4 to 8 hours. The battery packs can be recharged so it is best to have more than one so you can easily change them out.
Wireless security cameras work by sending video signals to a receiver via a transmitter in the wireless camera. The receiver can be connected to a TV, VCR, computer, etc. No wires are needed between the camera and the receiver. The receiver can be placed anywhere from 700 feet to 10 miles away from the wireless camera. It just depends on which wireless security camera model you buy. The receivers can penetrate as much as 8 walls. They also penetrate most solid objects such as: glass, plastic, wood, fiber glass, and some metals. This is an added benefit for people when they want to place the camera in a certain spot.
If you have trouble viewing the wireless security camera image, you may have to move the camera a bit. Sometimes moving it just a few feet can make a huge difference in what you see. You also have to pay attention to what kind of material the signal has to travel through. The denser the material, the weaker the signal will be. It is usually best to have the receiver positioned hire than the camera. This will give you the best range.
The above was all of the important information you should know about wireless security cameras. If you are considering getting a wireless security camera, you will be glad to have known all of this information. A wireless security camera is a cheap and effective way to monitor anything and to help you feel more secure. It will give you peace of mind and leave you feeling glad you decided to purchase a wireless security camera.
About The Author
Bob Hett offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Security Cameras and home safety. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.securitycamerasreview.info
Monday, April 10, 2006
Your New Appliances - What to Keep in Mind Before You Go Shopping!
Most of your budget will likely go towards the things you just can’t live without such as a sink, dishwasher and refrigerator. Therefore, selecting quality appliances that will give you the most for your money is essential!
With the abundance of brands, styles, colors and technologically advanced machines, it’s hard to weed out the good and the bad and pick what’s best for you. Luckily, we put together a few guidelines to make this process much easier!
Dishwasher – Look for brands with low energy consumption, a delay timer and an economy cycle or half-load button, all which will result in saving water and saving money.
Refrigerator – One feature worth paying for is a new design to prevent frost build-up. By circulating air inside the freezer compartment rather than using a defroster, you can say goodbye to freezer burn!
Sink – Materials include stainless steel, which can withstand more abrasions and is hygienic and trendy, and fireclay and ceramic which are more traditional for their solidity and wide range of colors.
Oven – Multi-functional ovens may be worth the investment. Traditional cooking and fan assisted cooking and grilling are increasingly popular. The combination also provides cooks with more options such as browning and thawing.
Range – Ranges are either free-standing or built-in. Picking one out depends on the design of your kitchen and the features you want. Worthwhile accessories include a cooker hood, splashback, grill, griddle plates, rotisserie, wok burner and fish-kettle burner.
Taps – A cost-efficient option is the three-way or tri-flow taps which take away the need for bottled water or other purification system. New models also offer dual-flow for hot and cold filtered water.
Countertops – Formica and Corian are some of the most common surfacing materials, however new trends such as Luxore®, a non-porous heat and chip resistant stone, and Swanstone®, a reinforced surface with seamless joints which is moisture resistant and requires no fabricated edges, are becoming increasing popular.
Flooring – The cost of installing can be as much as the material and harder options such as tile can be tiresome to stand on too long. Softer, more absorbent materials include cork, carpet or vinyl and most of the time, are much cheaper.
Original Article @ Home Appliances
With the abundance of brands, styles, colors and technologically advanced machines, it’s hard to weed out the good and the bad and pick what’s best for you. Luckily, we put together a few guidelines to make this process much easier!
Dishwasher – Look for brands with low energy consumption, a delay timer and an economy cycle or half-load button, all which will result in saving water and saving money.
Refrigerator – One feature worth paying for is a new design to prevent frost build-up. By circulating air inside the freezer compartment rather than using a defroster, you can say goodbye to freezer burn!
Sink – Materials include stainless steel, which can withstand more abrasions and is hygienic and trendy, and fireclay and ceramic which are more traditional for their solidity and wide range of colors.
Oven – Multi-functional ovens may be worth the investment. Traditional cooking and fan assisted cooking and grilling are increasingly popular. The combination also provides cooks with more options such as browning and thawing.
Range – Ranges are either free-standing or built-in. Picking one out depends on the design of your kitchen and the features you want. Worthwhile accessories include a cooker hood, splashback, grill, griddle plates, rotisserie, wok burner and fish-kettle burner.
Taps – A cost-efficient option is the three-way or tri-flow taps which take away the need for bottled water or other purification system. New models also offer dual-flow for hot and cold filtered water.
Countertops – Formica and Corian are some of the most common surfacing materials, however new trends such as Luxore®, a non-porous heat and chip resistant stone, and Swanstone®, a reinforced surface with seamless joints which is moisture resistant and requires no fabricated edges, are becoming increasing popular.
Flooring – The cost of installing can be as much as the material and harder options such as tile can be tiresome to stand on too long. Softer, more absorbent materials include cork, carpet or vinyl and most of the time, are much cheaper.
Original Article @ Home Appliances
Sunday, April 09, 2006
“Building a Home is Not Rocket Science…”
Building a home is not rocket science, but it is a very involved,complex, process that can quickly turn a dream home into nightmare.
I can't blame anyone for trying to save money, we builders charge more than most folks want to pay, but the real question is can you really save enough money to make it worth your effort?
Builders receive discounts on labor and materials that the one-time owner-builder will never be able to negotiate. Those of us who are any good at this tend to make fewer mistakes and we have a lot of experience that can save money on the job too.
Not only that but we have software and other systems that can make a very complex process much more manageable and predictable. Finally we have a lot of experience dealing with zoning boards, architectural review committees, building officials, etc...
Does every homeowner experience this type of nightmare? No! Some folks actually do a pretty good job. But ask one if he or she would ever do it again. The vast majority would answer, "No."
The best suggestion I can offer is to do some serious research so you know as much as possible before you build. Visit your local library and do some serious reading about the home building process.
Visit the homes of other people who have built their own homes. Walk through model homes and neighborhoods similar to what you are looking to build and talk to as many people as possible before you make a decision.
Some books suggest that you can save in the neighborhood of 25% by acting as your own general contractor. However, since the average professional builder probably realizes an actual profit on a new home in the 5 - 10% range (if they don't make many mistakes), you will need to keep in mind that there are other factors involved. How much is your time really worth, and how much will the mistakes you make end up costing you?
Original article @ Home Building
I can't blame anyone for trying to save money, we builders charge more than most folks want to pay, but the real question is can you really save enough money to make it worth your effort?
Builders receive discounts on labor and materials that the one-time owner-builder will never be able to negotiate. Those of us who are any good at this tend to make fewer mistakes and we have a lot of experience that can save money on the job too.
Not only that but we have software and other systems that can make a very complex process much more manageable and predictable. Finally we have a lot of experience dealing with zoning boards, architectural review committees, building officials, etc...
Does every homeowner experience this type of nightmare? No! Some folks actually do a pretty good job. But ask one if he or she would ever do it again. The vast majority would answer, "No."
The best suggestion I can offer is to do some serious research so you know as much as possible before you build. Visit your local library and do some serious reading about the home building process.
Visit the homes of other people who have built their own homes. Walk through model homes and neighborhoods similar to what you are looking to build and talk to as many people as possible before you make a decision.
Some books suggest that you can save in the neighborhood of 25% by acting as your own general contractor. However, since the average professional builder probably realizes an actual profit on a new home in the 5 - 10% range (if they don't make many mistakes), you will need to keep in mind that there are other factors involved. How much is your time really worth, and how much will the mistakes you make end up costing you?
Original article @ Home Building
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Home Mortgage Financing
ICFhome.ca and "The Mortgage Store" have joined forces to give you the best possible home mortgage financing and home buying solution.
We work for you, not the bank, or we help overcome any issues on your behalf in finding you the best possible solution.
Generally speaking, rates can only be guaranteed for up to 120 days or 4 months, so if it takes longer than that to complete the home then the rate can change.
One of the many benefits of using our services is that we monitor your file and make periodic requests to extend the guaranteed mortgage rate, so as to protect you as much as possible in a rising interest rate environment.
Equally as important, we offer you a choice of over 100 mortgage products from 30 different lenders, and we package up your application for you and shop for the best rate and terms possible, in most cases better than what you can obtain from your bank.
If your credit is acceptable, then there is no charge for our services because the lender will pay us what is know as a ‘finder’s fee’. If however, you are not ‘bankable’ and are considered a non prime borrower, then (in most cases) we can still find you home mortgage financing but a fee may apply for our services.
If you have never used a mortgage broker, then perhaps it’s time you did, because you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our industry now originates 1 in every 3 mortgages in Canada, and within ten years that statistic will be 3 of 4 just like to USA.
Aside from more products to choose from (many with better repayment terms), you will receive invaluable, unbiased professional advice (you will not get from your bank) and personalized service that is ‘second to none’. The bottom line? Less hassle, better service, and a better end result for you.
Original Article: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/Get_Financing.html
We work for you, not the bank, or we help overcome any issues on your behalf in finding you the best possible solution.
Generally speaking, rates can only be guaranteed for up to 120 days or 4 months, so if it takes longer than that to complete the home then the rate can change.
One of the many benefits of using our services is that we monitor your file and make periodic requests to extend the guaranteed mortgage rate, so as to protect you as much as possible in a rising interest rate environment.
Equally as important, we offer you a choice of over 100 mortgage products from 30 different lenders, and we package up your application for you and shop for the best rate and terms possible, in most cases better than what you can obtain from your bank.
If your credit is acceptable, then there is no charge for our services because the lender will pay us what is know as a ‘finder’s fee’. If however, you are not ‘bankable’ and are considered a non prime borrower, then (in most cases) we can still find you home mortgage financing but a fee may apply for our services.
If you have never used a mortgage broker, then perhaps it’s time you did, because you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our industry now originates 1 in every 3 mortgages in Canada, and within ten years that statistic will be 3 of 4 just like to USA.
Aside from more products to choose from (many with better repayment terms), you will receive invaluable, unbiased professional advice (you will not get from your bank) and personalized service that is ‘second to none’. The bottom line? Less hassle, better service, and a better end result for you.
Original Article: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/Get_Financing.html
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