Aging-in-Place, or Universal Design, means being able to live in one’s home independently regardless of age or ability. We all know someone who has trouble getting around. And with our aging population, we want the guarantee of being able to stay in our own home as long as we choose to. If you are going to design+build a new home, live the way you want because you have planned for it. Enjoy the posts below to see how to make this possible.
Superior Walls: Instant Gratification
Superior walls are efficient because they are pre-manufactured and pre-engineered. Install time is a fraction of a typical foundation. Also, they are pre-studded on the inside so they are ready to be finished out whenever. They are energy efficient because they are insulated panels. This foundation was set in 3 hours, using Superior Walls.
Understanding HERS (Home Energy Rating System)
The RESNET HERS Index is the industry standard by which a home's energy efficiency is measured. The HERS or Home Energy Rating System was developed by RESNET and is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home's energy performance. Certified...
Local Contractor, K-Wall, Provides Custom Garage Floor Coatings!
Professional Grade Floor Coating's are Beautiful & Clean and easy to maintain. All concrete surfaces are mechanically prepared to achieve the strongest bond possible. We offer a wide variety of color choices. Our in house designer Patty will help customize a color...
Reducing Winter Energy Costs
As temperatures drop during the winter, home fueling costs often increase for home owners. Fuel options for home owners largely depend on the region — in the Northeast, fuel oil or electricity are most prominent while in rural areas, propane and wood are often the main choices. But whatever your heating fuel options are, you have options to reduce your costs.
Reducing fuel costs can involve both short-term and long-term solutions and range from simple, inexpensive changes to major home modifications. Here are some ways that you can keep the cold out and the costs down this winter:
Reduce Air Leaks
By caulking and sealing air leaks in a home, an average household can cut 10 percent of their monthly energy bill. Use caulk to seal any cracks or small openings on non-moving surfaces such as where window frames meet the house structure. Make sure your weather stripping in exterior door frames hasn’t deteriorated and cracked, if it has, replace it.
Sealing windows and doors will help, but the worst culprits are usually utility cut-throughs for pipes (plumping penetrations), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. You can buy material that expands to fill the gaps and keep air from flowing through.
Use Energy Wisely
Why It Can Be More Expensive to Build In The Mountains
A question that is asked of builders in our area very often is why it costs more to build in the mountains than “back at home”. There are a number of reasons for the higher costs and since the foundation of our new home is finished and framing has begun I can illustrate many of them. Our dream home was built by Living Stone Construction.
The Skylar Gallery
The Skylar Gallery
The Skylar – semi-custom plan
All of semi-custom plans are fully customizable to create your ONE OF A KIND home.
Price: Starting on your lot at $497,000
Contact: Sean Sullivan 828.669.4343
Features: Energy Star Certified, NC Green Built Home, Universally Designed plan
The Skylar is a universally designed home that not only boasts a quaint craftsman architectural feel, but also incredibly energy efficient construction. This floor plan works well for families of all size and ages. Click “read more” to see more photos, floor plans and more!