Being new to SIPS, I asked a contact I met at the Harrisburg Home Builders Show (who has used SIPS many times in the past) for recommendations on a SIP manufacturer. She recommended The Murus Company out of Mansfield, PA - as she's used them a number of times and likes the fact that they're local to the state. I've been in contact with them this morning to discuss the potential of using their SIPS on this project - as we start to look at cost differences between them and Advanced Framing Techniques with similar insulation. It's our intent to judge the cost vs. benefit. I've included a link to Murus' website to the right.
I also had a discussion with a builder in the mid- to western- United States this morning on the experience he's had with SIPs. He swears by them and says by using them, he's far exceeded the requirements of Energy Star. In fact, he stated he beat the Energy Star standard by double-digit percentages (and that's an understatement)!!
Once the preliminary plan is completed, we'll forward that plan to the folks at Murus for review and preliminary pricing.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
NAHB Site has a Great Tool to use!
Today, I was reviewing the NAHB site and noticed that the "Verifiers" section had an Excel spreadsheet to track the points for the job. I had been thinking about creating one for myself when I came across it - and it's very helpful. It's meant for the verifiers to easily track - but it's very helpful from a builder's point-of-view because it clearly discusses requirements needed for some of the points.
I had been wondering how to quantify certain aspects of the Guidelines. For instance, one section said to "use recycled materials" but I don't remember it saying how much to use to get points. The verifier spreadsheet discusses how points will be awarded.
Another area I was unclear how to handle was Section 2.1.1 - "Create an efficient home floor plan that maintains home's functionality." What in the world did that mean? The verification spreadsheet indicated that the architectural plans must indicate "the number of bedrooms and the area of the home based on ANSI Z765-2003." I wasn't familiar with this standard, so I hit the internet in search of it. A Google search on the exact "ANSI Z765-2003" gave me the actual document in pdf format. Coincidentally, the Research Center is also selling this publication for $20 hard copy or $10 download - but the page I found was the same thing - done at no cost. My apologies to the Research Center for spilling the beans on this - but we're all in this to save some bucks!
Anyway, I wasn't familiar with the ANSI standard of square footage calculations for new homes. We were just discussing this very thing in our sister company (http://www.fogartyhomes.com/) - as we were developing some new floor plans to offer for sale. As far as everyone knew, there was no set way of determining square footages - especially for rooms with cathedral ceilings, etc. They were all close, of course, but there wasn't a consistent way to figure this out. I haven't read entirely through this ANSI standard - but it'll probably be some reading material for this evening. It looks like we've found a standard way to account for our square footage. This is a BONUS I found by researching the NAHB Green Building Guidelines - something I can use for all of our homes in the future!!
I had been wondering how to quantify certain aspects of the Guidelines. For instance, one section said to "use recycled materials" but I don't remember it saying how much to use to get points. The verifier spreadsheet discusses how points will be awarded.
Another area I was unclear how to handle was Section 2.1.1 - "Create an efficient home floor plan that maintains home's functionality." What in the world did that mean? The verification spreadsheet indicated that the architectural plans must indicate "the number of bedrooms and the area of the home based on ANSI Z765-2003." I wasn't familiar with this standard, so I hit the internet in search of it. A Google search on the exact "ANSI Z765-2003" gave me the actual document in pdf format. Coincidentally, the Research Center is also selling this publication for $20 hard copy or $10 download - but the page I found was the same thing - done at no cost. My apologies to the Research Center for spilling the beans on this - but we're all in this to save some bucks!
Anyway, I wasn't familiar with the ANSI standard of square footage calculations for new homes. We were just discussing this very thing in our sister company (http://www.fogartyhomes.com/) - as we were developing some new floor plans to offer for sale. As far as everyone knew, there was no set way of determining square footages - especially for rooms with cathedral ceilings, etc. They were all close, of course, but there wasn't a consistent way to figure this out. I haven't read entirely through this ANSI standard - but it'll probably be some reading material for this evening. It looks like we've found a standard way to account for our square footage. This is a BONUS I found by researching the NAHB Green Building Guidelines - something I can use for all of our homes in the future!!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Dimensions, Dimensions, Dimensions
As the plan starts to be drawn, we're exploring the necessary dimensions to minimize waste, etc. The hand-drawn dimensions started at 41' x 27'. The GBG calls for "modular" dimensions as best as possible to take advantage of standard sizes - avoiding unnecessary waste. At this point, we're going to try 40' x 28' - to keep the parallel/perpendicular dimensions consistent with the GBG recommendations. As the preliminary plan gets completed, we'll review the plan for aesthetics - to compare these guidelines vs. the looks desired by the clients. For anyone's reference, you can click on the link to go to the NAHB Green Building Guidelines and look at Section 2.1.3. I'm not sure if the dimensioning is as important with SIPS as it is with regular or advanced framing techniques - only because we've never used SIPS before.
For those wondering about "advanced framing techniques," you can visit the following link: http://www.toolbase.org/Techinventory/TechDetails.aspx?ContentDetailID=625&BucketID=6&CategoryID=13
For those wondering about "advanced framing techniques," you can visit the following link: http://www.toolbase.org/Techinventory/TechDetails.aspx?ContentDetailID=625&BucketID=6&CategoryID=13
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Foundation Considerations
As we begin the process of plan drawing, the clients & I discussed the options for foundation walls. Right now, we're going to explore Superior Walls. We've been using Superior Walls for years on some of our projects. They are already insulated and considered waterproof. I'll have to determine if their waterproof features is sufficient for NAHB GBG points - or if another layer will be required.
We also need to seek out a local third-party verifier. I've had preliminary conversations with the folks at EIC/Comfort Home - who, as I understand, are already certified verifiers. I'll be seeking out costs, etc. associated with this service - and will report once I hear.
We also need to seek out a local third-party verifier. I've had preliminary conversations with the folks at EIC/Comfort Home - who, as I understand, are already certified verifiers. I'll be seeking out costs, etc. associated with this service - and will report once I hear.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
And so it starts!
After being presented with the NAHB Green Building Guidelines (NAHB-GBG in the future), I was sure I wanted to start exploring this idea of building! I was pretty certain I had the right potential customers, too. Luckily enough, they were as excited as I was to explore building green for their new home in the Harrisburg area! They had a unique design - and I wanted to build it!
On Friday 3/14/08, we entered into an Agreement to build this new home for them - and our goal is to see how green we can go without breaking their budget. We determined through a quick review of the NAHB-GBG that our standard building practices at this time would qualify us as a "Bronze" level builder - already somewhat green!
As a side note, there are currently 3 levels: bronze, silver & gold (least to most). Soon, the guidelines will be finished - and a Green Building Standard Program will be introduced - and a top tier "Emerald" will also be introduced.
Our first two activities, I found, have already been interesting:
1. We need to have our Superintendent meet on-site with the customers for placement of the house, etc. Knowing already that we will get points for an infill site, we also need to see if we can do a north-south placement of the house. I believe there are also trees on the lot (some that may have to be removed). As a result, I've made contact with an engineer/landscape architect to help us out. He's local and is certified under the LEED program (a primarily commercial-based green system). Right now, I'm waiting for a return call to check price, etc.
2. I sent the plans to our drafting department to draw up a set of preliminary plans. We have a "Drafting Checklist" that allows us to check off the materials we're using in the house, etc. - based mostly on our standard building practices/products. Because this is new, a lot of my checklist indicated "To Be Determined." We aren't positive yet if we'll be using SIPS, advanced framing techniques, Open floor joists, etc. I'm sure he'll have a lot of questions - so we'll see how that goes.
Well, that's my first experience with the NAHB-GBG!
On Friday 3/14/08, we entered into an Agreement to build this new home for them - and our goal is to see how green we can go without breaking their budget. We determined through a quick review of the NAHB-GBG that our standard building practices at this time would qualify us as a "Bronze" level builder - already somewhat green!
As a side note, there are currently 3 levels: bronze, silver & gold (least to most). Soon, the guidelines will be finished - and a Green Building Standard Program will be introduced - and a top tier "Emerald" will also be introduced.
Our first two activities, I found, have already been interesting:
1. We need to have our Superintendent meet on-site with the customers for placement of the house, etc. Knowing already that we will get points for an infill site, we also need to see if we can do a north-south placement of the house. I believe there are also trees on the lot (some that may have to be removed). As a result, I've made contact with an engineer/landscape architect to help us out. He's local and is certified under the LEED program (a primarily commercial-based green system). Right now, I'm waiting for a return call to check price, etc.
2. I sent the plans to our drafting department to draw up a set of preliminary plans. We have a "Drafting Checklist" that allows us to check off the materials we're using in the house, etc. - based mostly on our standard building practices/products. Because this is new, a lot of my checklist indicated "To Be Determined." We aren't positive yet if we'll be using SIPS, advanced framing techniques, Open floor joists, etc. I'm sure he'll have a lot of questions - so we'll see how that goes.
Well, that's my first experience with the NAHB-GBG!
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