Radon is a problem in Atlanta Homes

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Greenlanta

So what’s scarier than ghost and goblins on Halloween?  Radon in your house since, like ghosts you cannot see it or smell it.

Even scarier, Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the US and Atlanta has some of the highest rates of Radon in the region. The good news is that there is a solution to fix the problem if your house tests at high levels.

The first step is to get your house tested.  There are some DIY kits available and if you suspect that there is Radon in your house, then a long term test by a professional is recommended.

If you are building a new house in the Atlanta area, then definitely plan for Radon vents during construction since it is much cheaper than a retrofit later.  All of the new houses that we have built in the last few years have had have passive Radon vents installed started at the slab and the vent goes to the roof of the house.

SawHorse fans can get a free test kit for a limited time.  Visit our home page for more information.

This post sponsored by SawHorse, “The Sign of Renovation in Your Neighborhood ®.”

 

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FREE Green Bathroom Makeover by SawHorse

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Greenlanta

We work with many great green vendors that don’t always get the credit they deserve for having such great products so we are putting together a design + green dream bathroom contest.  So what is a green bathroom?  It uses less energy, it has a timeless design, is constructed out of durable products, and does not make your house sick.

Sounds simple, however it starts with a good design then great specifications.  For instance many bathrooms have mold on the ceilings.  We are going to use a properly sized bath fan, paperless drywall and a timer switch for the bath fan.  This will insure that the moisture leaves the bathroom and if it stays, the products are mold resistant.

Watch this video to find out more about the contest:

To see a full list of the sponsor and rules of the contest visit- SawHorse Free Bathroom Makeover
 

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Another example of style + green

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Greenlanta

Custom Banquet in Bay Window addition

A couple years ago, our Sandy Springs clients first asked to help them reduce their energy bills by adding renewable energy to their house. We did a solar evaluation and decided that we need to look at other solutions since there were too many trees blocking the sun. We came up with a plan to upgrade their regular HVAC to Geothermal HVAC, and to change our all of their windows to high performance Marvin windows.  They also added spray foam insulation to their roof line and encapsulated the crawlspace to keep the basement dry.  We finished the energy upgrades at the beginning of the summer and they are telling us that their house is not only more energy efficient, it is much more comfortable as well.

 

While we worked to upgrade the systems on the house, they presented us a set of plans to make their existing home functional.  While their house was on a great street in a great neighborhood, it did not fit all of their needs.   We did a complete tuneup of the houses design on the main level and the upstairs.

First we started with new windows and doors.

Custom Marvin windows were used to replace the existing non energy efficient windows

We chose custom Marvin windows since we needed windows that could be made to a custom size and maintain their high performance attributes.  With custom aluminum cladding and low-e glass, these windows will help block out harmful uv rays and drafts that could increase energy bills.

The cladding is a great alternative to all wood windows since aluminum will not rot and will not need replacing for many years to come.

Custom library with new mahogany exterior doors

Another area that we focused on was the library.  It started will a simple enhancement to the existing cabinets and when we finished, they had a complete new custom library with built in storage.

We also took out the windows and installed new custom mahogany doors with low-e glass.  The floors were refinished and we installed all new stain grade crown molding to match the cabinets.

The designer selected a custom stone top to break up the lower and upper cabinets and to provide a durable surface that will never need refinishing.

 

In the end, our clients were very happy with the outcome of both the green upgrades and the craftsmanship that gave them a space that better fit their current needs.

 

 

This post sponsored by SawHorse, “The Sign of Renovation in Your Neighborhood ®.”

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Why am I not getting hot water in my shower?

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Greenlanta

There are several reasons that you are not getting hot water in your master bathroom. The most common is that the water heater is located at the opposite end of the house and it takes a long time to reach your fixtures. The best fix for this is an on demand pump that can bring the hot water to your fixtures faster. Here is a video regarding a similar question, however the hot water heater was not the issue.

This post sponsored by SawHorse, “The Sign of Renovation in Your Neighborhood ®.”

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Why design build contracting is like cupcake wars

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Greenlanta

Working late on some proposals and had the pleasure of watching cupcake wars on the food network with my wife.

As I watched the players get whittled down to just 2 finalist, I started to see the similarities between this popular show and design build contracting.

Round 1- Flavor

Cupcake Wars- the contestants (4) have to pick from ingredients on a table and come up with 3 delicious cupcakes for the judges to critique sole based on flavor.  3 contestants will advance to round 2.

Design/ Build remodeling- the contractor is given 30 min- 1 hour to meet with the homeowner to quickly evaluate the house and give some ideas on the fly about how they would renovate and how much it should cost.  If they have good ideas and are a personality fit with the client, they make to round 2.

Round 2- Flavor and Style

Cupcake wars- the contestants have to not only create a delicious cupcake, they have to theme it as well based on the event that their final presentation will be showcased.  (Tonight’s how was the world series of poker).

Contracting- If the contractor made it to this round, they get to bring their design team into the mix and show that personality and style are a good match for the client.  They are also have to come up with ideas that can fit within the client’s budget as well.

Round 3- Final Presentation

Cupcake Wars- 2 contestants battle it out with a 1000 cupcake display.  They have to have tastefully decorated cupcakes displayed this time so they are judged on taste, individual presentation and over all display.  Winner gets to showcase their display at the event that their display is themed after.

Contracting- By this point the contractor is competing against the budget and the scope.  Hopefully, they asked enough questions in the beginning so the design covers the clients wishes, and the scope of work falls within the budget.  If so, the contractor gets to build the project and show it off to the clients friends and neighbors.

How to combine 3 rounds into 1.  If you win on cupcake wars, clients know that your cupcakes taste good and will not have to sample from 3 different stores.  They will go to your storefront and buy them based on reputation.

In design build contracting, clients can look at the contractors experience, talk to other clients that have worked with them, and look up their credentials on the internet.  This can get you to the final round with your contractor much quicker knowing that you have made a wise choice based on experience.

This post sponsored by SawHorse, “The Sign of Renovation in Your Neighborhood ®.”

Note- SawHorse has won over 125 design awards, been contracting for over 33 years and is a top 10 contractor in Atlanta.

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Review of Atlanta Home Improvement Magazines’s Top 10 Eco Items

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Greenlanta

Full disclosure- I (Matt Hoots) write a monthly column for Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine in their green section. I try to give good green tips for your home and I do get comments every now and them from readers about how they would have done things differently.

I was updating our articles on our SawHorse news section and I came across a list on AHIM’s site what I was porting over an article that I was quoted in.

Their article was- Our Top 10 Eco-friendly Building Materials

Here they are with some of our comments on each of them:

1. Bamboo- this one did not make my list of top 10 mainly because of the energy it takes to get it to the US. There are many locally grown woods that are just as green if not greener since they are actually grown locally and are part of our culture. Bamboo is a fad. Oak hardwoods have been in some houses for over 100 years and still look great.

2. Reclaimed materials- I am okay with that choice. Reclaimed can look great especially if you are building new and need to add some character to the house. I personally love older furniture and distressed flooring to bring in a sense of time to a space.

3. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified wood- Would be a good choice if it was actually grown in the South. There are other green certifications for wood in the South. Again, what is the cost of fuel to transport a sustainably grown price of wood out of a managed forest? Do try to buy green wood if possible and definateley avoid wood that is exotic and cut out of rainforest un-sustainability.

4. Recycled steel- If you use steel, up to 97% is recycled. Much cheaper to recycle than mine ore and process it. Same goes for aluminum. Shame on you for now recycling any metals. Shame on those who recycle the Copper out of your house without permission.

5. Radiant barriers- According to the EPA- they are a not great ROI for your home. They recommend spray foam on the roofline before instead. Radiant barriers are just a seasonal solution, while spray foam give your year round benefits.

6. Weather-resistive barriers- absolutely- especially in the South where we have a lot of moisture to deal with. Protecting your house from the elements is a wise choice that will save you in maintenance costs down the road.

7. Bio-based spray-foam and recycled-content insulation- I am okay with any type of open cell foam when applied correctly. I do like fact that many of them including Icynene are adding bio based products to their foam to be greener. This is a benefit to the environment since these products can be grown while oil cannot.

8. Recycled-content concrete- For residential purposes, I am not sure why it is not mandatory for fly ash to be added to concrete. It is the leftover waste from burning and it does not cost more. Next time you order concrete- ask for fly ash to be added to it. You can also use ground up concrete as a substrate instead of gravel.

9. Permeable pavement- great way to reduce runoff. Just need to get the city of Atlanta on board now to recognize these and other measures to keep the water on the lot when considering permits.

10. Low-E glass windows- thank God they are code now in GA so we don’t have to up-sell them anymore. I love a level playing field. The Low-E coating blocks the UV rays which can heat up your house in the Summer and increase your cooling load on your house which cost your more on your power bill.

Top 10 by Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, comments by Matt Hoots, CEO of SawHorse and Chair of the GAHBA Green Building Council

This post sponsored by SawHorse, “The Sign of Renovation in Your Neighborhood ®.”

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How to get a tax break and “decrease” your debt ceiling

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Greenlanta

No- we are not getting political.  I love listening to the debate our our debt ceiling in congress.  No matter what they come up with short term, long term we are still in trouble since the amount taken in is less than the amount spent.  There were a few years in the 90′s that the reverse was true, but for the last 10 years this has not been the case.

Putting politics aside, I found a brilliant (and legal) loophole that ALL Americans can take advantage of effective immediately.  Not even sure if it should be called a loophole since it should be considered common sense and should be standard practice amongst all individuals and businesses.

Many of you are aware of some of the tax credits and local rebates that you can get for going green, but there is even a greater incentive to going green.

Are you ready for this revolutionary concept?

Let me introduce you to the SawHorse Savings plan:

Step 1- Let SawHorse help you with energy savings on your home.  This will give you some savings which we will use later.

Step 2- Calculate the amount of net savings per year (after the improvement costs are taken out)

Step 3- Take this amount and put it into a Roth IRA or other tax free savings plan for your future.

So what just happened?  You are more comfortable and energy efficient and also are saving for your future tax free?  What I did not mention is that if you invest in a traditional IRA, you can actually put more in now since the savings is based on the amount you have left over after taxes are taken out of your pay.  The traditional IRA get a tax break so you can afford to invest more than the savings.

Here are some numbers:

Net savings for the year-  $2000

ROTH IRA                          $2000 + interested earned

Traditional IRA-                $2000 + plus the taxes you did not have to pay (average $2400 for most tax payers.  More if you are in a higher tax bracket)

Bottom line- “A penny not wasted is a penny you can invest tax free.”

This post sponsored by SawHorse, “The Sign of Renovation in Your Neighborhood ®.”

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How to get 10% more website traffic for free

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Greenlanta

Want to get 10% more traffic to your site without having to pay for it?  You just need to invest a little time in getting your social media campaign up and running.  They key though is to be effective.

Between our facbook page, our youtube page, our profile on hometalk and a couple other sources, we are getting about 10% of our web traffic directed to our SawHorse home page. The key if to have relevant topics of discussion and posts things that people are interested in that would want them to be curious about your site.  We are a remodeling company, but our home page still has links to all of the major social media platforms so you can follow us within the medium that you enjoy.

Start with a blog, get a youtube account and learn how to shoot and create videos, and learn how to talk on facebook and twitter about things that are fun and exciting.

This post sponsored by SawHorse, “The Sign of Renovation in Your Neighborhood ®.”

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Home safety- Lead Paint considerations

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Greenlanta

All houses built before 1978 may contain lead in the paint, and up to 90 percent of those built before 1940 may have lead. This is a serious issue because lead dust, if ingested, is very poisonous. It is even more harmful to young children. Remember the joke about eating paint chips as a kid? That was in reference to the lead that may have been in the paint, which impairs the development of the nervous system, including the the brain.

Effective since October of 2010, a program created by the Environmental Protection Agency requires all contractors working on houses built prior to 1978 to follow strict guidelines regarding lead and lead dust. Your contractor must have undergone the training and passed the test to be qualified to work on your home.  SawHorse was one of the first contractors in Atlanta to get this certification and have been leading the effort to get the word out about the dangers of lead in homes.

Make sure you ask to see credentials. For more information visit www.epa.gov/lead.

This post sponsored by SawHorse, “The Sign of Renovation in Your Neighborhood ®.”

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Atlanta Destinations- Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Greenlanta

Looking for something to do in Atlanta, want to experience nature, but without the drive outside the city?  Consider the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.  There are features for all of the family members there.  If you have young children, put them in a bathing suit and bring a towel so they can play in the water features in the children’s area.

Adults can go for a walk on the new canopy walk or explore the different gardens through out the park.  If you are planning to visit more than once, we would suggest getting a members pass.  If you want to try it out before committing to a membership, they will let you apply that day’s fee to the balance of the annual pass.

Here are some images from Father’s Day 2011:

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Kitchen design tips- Bosch Energy Star Dishwashsers

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Greenlanta

When designing your kitchen the energy cost of the lighting and appliances must be considered or you could actually increase your energy bill.  Choose natural lighting, if possible, or blend of LED’s, CFL’s and other energy efficient options.

The biggest consumer of energy in the kitchen are the appliances.  There are many energy star refrigerators that use just as much energy as a traditional light bulb and there are dishwashers that are both energy and water efficient.

One dishwasher that SawHorse has been recommending to our clients is the Bosch dishwasher.   It runs on just a little over $1. month in energy costs and it does something amazing- It cleans your dishes.  Ranging from $300-to around $1,000 it will not break your budget compared to how much your fridge or stove could cost.

Here is one of appliance dealers talking about how this dishwasher can save you money.

 

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SawHorse Blog Roll- Emily Amy Gallery Blog

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Greenlanta

One of the blogs listed in the blogroll is Emily Amy Gallery Blog- “Thoughts on beauty in life and art from the perspective of a gallery owner”

Self described:

Emily Amy Gallery is a new contemporary fine art gallery located in Atlanta, Georgia. The gallery exhibits a broad spectrum of art that is conceptually significant and visually stimulating, with a focus on works that recall mid-twentieth century modern masters. The painting which serves as the backdrop for my my header and my profile picture is by Emily Amy Gallery artist, Dory Goode.

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Update on green incentives for GA Power and City of Atlanta

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Greenlanta

So I heard that solar was too expensive and going green was only for the rich.  Nice try.

Here is an example of a rebate matrix for a job we are starting next week.  This is an example from a real SawHorse client that opted for a new solar thermal water heater, help fixing their ductwork and upgrading their insulation.  They are getting back 89% of the upfront cost in rebates and tax credits for the solar thermal and 67% of the cost of the insulation and air sealing.  On an $12,790 contract our clients will be getting $10,158 back in incentives.  See our custom matrix below to see what is possible.  If you are interested in getting this type of return as well, call us before the money runs out at 404-256-2567.

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Substantial completion for Midtown Green House

Posted on July 9, 2011 by Greenlanta

We have reached substantial completion at the Midtown Green House and the homeowners have moved in.  This showcase house is a blend of modern design and green elements in Midtown Atlanta.

This the 3rd showcase house that SawHorse had completed that will receive a green certification.  On this house, we chose to go with EarthCraft House for the 3rd party verification.

What made the Midtown Green House unique was it’s collaboration with different organizations including Real Estate agents, contractors, designers and homeowners in an effort to promote green building.  Over 1000 people have toured the house during different phases of construction and there are still several more special events planned.

To see the pictorial progress of the house visit the albums on Facebook.  We also created videos of house and have them hosted on Youtube.

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Curb Appeal in Atlanta- (for your home)

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Greenlanta

If your home needs lots of attention and you have a limited budget, an exterior makeover might be the fastest way to give you house a new look for much less than most interior renovations.

For 2 seasons of “Curb Appeal- the Block,” SawHorse was the preferred contractor in Atlanta.  The lead designer on the show- John Gidding had to take houses that looked awful and work miracles on a budget.  He did a great job on all of the ones that we worked on.

The formula was pretty much the same of each show:

  • We would add a structural feature to the front of the house- usually some type of porch
  • The house would get painted
  • We would add some hardscapes and landscaping

Sounds simple, but if your house needs all three and you leave one of them out, you will not get the full benefit of the exterior makeover.  OR, if your design if not what it could be, you might be spending money on things that do not give you the desired look you are going for.

If you are looking for help with the front of your house, the SawHorse team has partnered with Curb Appeal star- John Gidding to offer you a design/ build solutions for your home.  Even if you are considering a DIY solution, we can still give you a plan that you can do yourself.  Contact us to set up your curb appeal appointment.

 

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