Chinese drywall

I was flabergasted when I saw the news report regarding the Chinese drywall a few weeks ago, and relieved for my clients when I learned that this drywall was predominately sold to large tract builders.   That is, if you purchased your drywall from Home Depot, Lowes, etc, it is unlikely that you received this toxic material.

Here is an update post regarding a class action lawsuit: http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_econ_fin_material/article/0,2624,HPRO_26526_5942046,00.html?nl=HGPro_v212c_Top5-Chinese

The defective drywall emits sulfur compounds that corrode air conditioning coils, and damages other metals on items inside the home, including jewelry, chrome, silverware and copper wiring inside electrical outlets.  Also,  people who live in homes with the drywall have reported health complaints, from nosebleeds, headaches and nausea to respiratory problems. 

It has been found now in 41 states.

By the way, we still have financing available for owner-builders in most states…  most programs require 20% down.

BUILDMAX article in “Family Home Plans”

Follow this link to excellent article in the Family Home Plans digital magazine Fall 2008, titled “the Upside of the Downturn in Home Construction”.
 
 
http://www.familyhomeplans-digital.com/familyhomeplans/2008fall/

360 Rotating Wall Outlet

New product introduced at the Builder’s show… a great solution to bulky plugs!  Check it out.. may be worth it to install in one area of your new home!

http://marketplace.hgtvpro.com/Product.aspx?Lid=3906-8051224&From=xFP&nl=HGPro_v173c_MP3

Recycled Glass countertops

A client sent me this link for countertops he intends on using for his project…. very nice!  Take a look!

http://www.enviroglasproducts.com/slab.asp

Earth Day!

My family is currently considering building a home in the Santa Fe area, and so I have begun to gather GREEN ideas that are not too costly to implement. I do welcome your finds in this area.

Recently saw the new flush toliets; a button on the back of the toliet lets you choose a half-flush or a full flush! Now that is cool! Find more information here: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/03/dual_flush_toil_1.php

Another area is working in solar power for outdoor lighting needs- not your Walmart solar path lights.. but on a grander scale. Look here for lots of ideas: http://www.solarhome.org/

Also to consider are devices that will completely cut power to outlets to save on current being sucked out even while the appliances are off. I have seen power strips that can do this, or even a remote control unit.

Definitely to consider are the tankless water heaters; I had one in my previous home in Montana.. loved it! I believe I discussed this in an earlier post including rebates available for them.

Wind power- our area receives seasonal spring winds… why not harness some of this? OK, yes, these big systems are still costly, but how about the new HYmini? http://www.hymini.com/
This unit puts wind power into a handset, storing electricity for small devices like cellphones. HEY.. every little bit counts!

Please note that lenders still require homes to be on the grid- plan on hooking up, but using the alternative power sources to lesson your usage, and to lesson your carbon imprint!

GO GREEN!

“Green” Insulation

I enjoy watching Sara Snow’s “LIVING FRESH” show on Discovery Channel, and was intrigued by the most recent show which took her to the warming hut at Crissy Field (part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy).  The hut has been remodeled ‘eco-friendly’ to include insulation made from recycled blue jeans!

Googling this insulating material, found a terrific site that discusses alternative insulating materials:  http://www.inhabitat.com/2006/08/10/lets-talk-about-insulation-baby/  , which tells you more than I can!  Take a look!

Choosing a water heater

The new Energy Policy Tax Incentives Act of 2005 will give homeowners a $300 tax credit on their personal income tax for those who install a high-efficiency gas, oil, or propane water heaters with an energy factor (EF) of at least 0.80.

One company who manufactures a water heater that meets this specification is Noritz.  You can find them at www.noritz.com .      Their list price is $999-1200, for the tankless water heaters, applicable to natural gas, oil, or propane use.

The new Energy Policy Tax Incentives will be in effect from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.   For more information go to www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm

Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC)

 Radon is a naturally occurring result of Uranium deposits in the ground breaking down into radon gas, which then permeates up through the soil into the air.    The problem occurs when it becomes trapped inside a building, and over-exposure can increase your chances of lung cancer.

New construction affords a very good opportunity to protect yourself from Radon gas.. and it is NOT costly!  yeah!

First, some good websites to learn more:

• http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/rad/radon/builder.asp  This is a CO state site, but it has terrific information and graphics, esp in regards to how to install a radon elimination system.  Here is their map of Radon Zones:  

•  http://www.epa.gov/radon/construc.html   This site diagrams out the technique to rid your home of radon.     Here is their advice:
  • Gravel layer under the foundation
  • Plastic Sheeting (over gravel & under the foundation)
  • Sealing and Caulking of all openings of the foundation
  • Vent pipe- running from the gravel under-layer thru the house to the roof.
  • Electrical junction box- to add a fan as needed.

Suppliers for Radon fans and monitors:

• http://www.atlantasupply.com/fantech.htm 
• http://www.hvacquick.com/
• http://www.unitednuclear.com/radondetect.htm
• http://www.healthgoods.com/Shopping/Home_Test_Kits/Radon_Testing.asp

Drywall and mold

I recently saw a commercial on TV advertising drywall with the stud side having NO paper.  The ad indicated that it is the paper that the mold grows on.

Curious, I went to the search engines to learn more… finding this: “Mold proof drywall?  You must be kidding! 

At www.askthebuilder.com Tim Carter indicates “Because mold is in the forefront of the news, wall and ceiling panel manufacturers are constantly rolling out products that are both water-resistant and even inhibit the growth of mold on the surface of the panel. But as with any new product, always be sure to read the technical literature produced by the manufacturer.”

I found out that “Mold’s favorite food appears to be wallboard, also called drywall. Its paper or cellulose backing contains a smorgasbord of organic treats that mold spores crave. A nasty black mold called Stachybotrys chartarum is particularly fond of drywall.” (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/storm/getready/after/mold.html)

First thoughts after reading all this are..

1. live in the high-dry desert like me (LOL)
2. research and read the fine-print on these new drywall products
3. Keep all wood studs dry, and check that your supplier does the same
4. Allow your framing to dry before putting up drywall.
5. Research and read fine-print about mold-resistant paints.
6. Install fans in the bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
7. Waterproof the home… ie flashing on the roof and/or french drains in the foundation

My favorite channel, HGTV, has a website: www.hgtvpro.com and they recommend:  “BuildIQ has a Mold Assessment and Remediation course that gives you step-by-step guidance. For more information, visit BuildIQ.com. In addition, the Building America program offers a wealth of information on ways to proactively address mold issues. Check out the “For Builder’s” section of their website or click here for more information. “
BE Pro-ACTIVE when it comes to mold!

A few sources:

 United States Gypsum Company
Humitek Gypsum Panels
Toll-free: 800-874-4968
Website: www.usg.com

Georgia-Pacific Gypsum DensArmor paperless drywall http://www.stopfeedingmold.com/?ID=TOH2

Lafarge Regular Drywall with Mold Defense