Ideas to reduce your Summer energy bills

Posted on May 29, 2011 by Greenlanta

The kids are out of school and the sun is out.  This usually translates into higher energy bills.

Since it is hotter out, the HVAC system will have to work harder. In our house- since the boys are out of school, the HVAC has to try to keep up the the loss of conditioned air when the doors are opened and closed. In addition to loss of conditioned air, there will be more laundry to clean since they like to play outside.

So what are some solutions for the Summer to keep the energy bills down?

If your HVAC or water heater is on it’s last leg, there are systems on the market that cost a fraction to operate. Geothermal HVAC can reduce your heating and cooling costs by over 60% and Solar Hot Water can reduce your hot water needs by up to 90% in Georgia. There are also great green incentives and rebates to help reduce the upfront costs of these systems.

Other simple ideas that have low or no cost include:

  • Installing a programmable thermostat (and programming it!)
  • Turning light offs- they waste energy and produce extra heat (this causes your cooling bills to go up)
  • Find cold water detergents to reduce hot water bills
  • Install a low flow shower head
  • Install a dual flush toilet

For more ideas on how to save watch some of the videos on our Q and A Page.

Contact us today if you need help lower your Summer bills.

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A “green home” starts with a “green design”

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Greenlanta

I once heard that ‘bad architecture is leading to climate change.’ I am not sure if I would blame the design community, however we all need to start with a good design is we are going to build smarter.

You can have a bad design and add lots of energy savings components to that design to help save on energy. OR you can start with a good design and save 20-50% on utility costs, then add energy saving materials to the better designed house.

So what’s the big deal about Southfacing houses? Check out this interview with Prof Lechner who demonstrates with his heliodon on how a smart orientation of the house can save up to 50% on your energy bills.

Bad design orientation has higher upfront and long term costs:

  1. More direct sun on the East and West facing windows causes the heating and or cooling loads to be increased.  This means you have to pay more upfront for a larger HVAC system and you will end up paying more for utilities as well.
  2. A good design allows natural light into you house without increasing the cooling load.  You don’t have to use as much “artificial lighting” if you can get some free sunlight during the day.
  3. Too much direct sunlight is annoying and will be eventually blocked with window shades.   If this happens, artificial lights will have to be turned on increasing the lighting bill and the cooling bill since they put off heat.

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The New Georgia Energy Code

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Greenlanta

Finally, the State of Georgia is getting a step closer to better building through the new GA Energy code.  It will be start being enforced in July of 2011. There are many items that are part of the code that are already suggested by green building programs such as EarthCraft House and LEED for Homes.

Many of the things that are now going to be enforced are already things that SawHorse has incorporated into our best practices. The new code will require other contractors to meet our standard of building and will help to eliminate shoddy construction.

We do not see the new code increasing our construction costs since most of the items are common sense and reasonable.

Here is a video that we shot of Mike Barcik from Southface giving a quick overview of the new code:

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Time for a Green Reboot

Posted on March 6, 2011 by Greenlanta

My friend, Carl Seville must have been reading my mind when he wrote this latest post on his blog. We are a green builder/ renovator, but I prefer the KISS method to green building. We are building a green home here in Atlanta called the Midtown Green House.  Admittedly, we were a bit ambitious at first declaring that we were going to get ALL of the green certifications to demonstrate the differences between the programs.  Then came the paperwork.  We decided to stick with the EarthCraft House program because is have the best prescriptive path to building green.  LEED for Homes has too much paperwork and the NAHB program is not even known well in the Atlanta market.  My clients will get the same house despite the green certification we choose to apply to the method of construction.

The point to green building is to provide our clients with a better house and to get it certified under at least one of the programs so they know that it was built to a 3rd party green standard.

A good builder + a green certification = an amazing house.

Here is Carl’s post that inspired my to write my post to you: Continue reading →

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SawHorse clients are happy about their renovations!

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Greenlanta

We are definitely not perfect, however by keeping communications open with our clients, we are able to address their small issues before they become big ones. Over the years we have tried out different methods to get this feedback and then we tried a simple program out last year and made it “standard operating procedure” (SOP) once we got overwhelmingly positive feedback. Can you guess what it was?

All we did was made it (SOP) to send out an e-mail to the clients (and partners), the salesperson, project manager and management team every week to discuss what happened the week before, and what will happen the next couple of weeks and how the end date is being affected. This seems simple, but if you address the SAQ or WAQ “should ask question, will ask question” before it is asked you lower the anxiety levels. Renovations can be very stressful whether it is your first time OR your 10 time with us since we are in your personal space.

Here is some of the feedback that we got back via video from 2 of your clients last week:

“Way ahead of time and on budget”

“SawHorse does everything they promise, plus more”

Contact us today if you would like to have this same experience.

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Simple Water Saving Strategies for Atlanta

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Greenlanta

I heard that the main solution on the table to create more water sources for the City of Atlanta is to create more reservoirs.  The problem is that we already have too many reservoirs!  Seems silly, but we all have at least one in our house that is too large in the first place.

What am I talking about?  Your toilet!  Older toilets use as much as 3-5 gallon per flush.  Newer toilets can use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush.  The good news is that there are toilets that can flush well at 1.28 gallons per flush and some that can use as little as .8 gallons for #1!

See some toilet options for your home in this video:

However toilets are not the only problem. Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons a year as well.

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Q. What do you recommend for weatherstripping around a side entry door in Atlanta?

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Greenlanta

Just got a good question from one of our potential clients that I would like to share with you.  The questions was- “What do you recommend for weatherstripping around a side entry door?”

Overall the amount of energy loss is not as great as the amount lost through your attic or crawlspace, however the drafts that you feel can affect your comfort.

The type of weatherstripping you will need depends on the on the style of door and if it was designed already to accept it as part of the jamb.  Here is a picture of a door that has weatherstripping designed as part of the door jamb.  As the assembly ages and gets used the weatherstripping can wear out, crack there for loosing the seam necessary to keep the weather out.  The first picture shows the weatherstripping fully installed.  The second picture demonstrates  how it can be removed so it can be replaced.

If you have an older door that does not a jamb designed for weatherstripping you still have several options.  You can install a metal strip inside the jamb so when the door closes it forms a little better seal.  This is the type that you see on older homes and on front doors since it not seen from the inside or outside when the door is closed.  A more effective solution if a metal strip with a rubber/ foam seal that is fasted to the jamb on the outside of the door.  While it is not ideal for a front door since it is not as aesthetically pleasing as the kind that is hidden, it does perform better.

The best way to see which ones are right now you visit your local hardware store.   Most big box hardware stores have half an isle dedicated to insulation and weather-sealing.

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Curb Appeal: The Block : HGTV-Recycled retaining wall

Posted on January 11, 2011 by Greenlanta

SawHorse was invited to participate on the hit show Curb Appeal.  This was our first episode with them and it turned out to be one of the more popular episodes of the season.  My favorite part is where we recycled the chunks of driveway and created a retaining with them.  This saved in landfill costs and materials needed for the retaining wall.

From HGTV’s Curb Appeal page:

Errin Haines recently bought her first house, but unfortunately it is the eyesore of the block. She works around the clock and doesn’t have time to devote to fixing up the front yard. Fortunately, the Curb Appeal team is stepping in and turning the sticks and weeds in her front yard into a gorgeous landscape. In fact, even the mailbox is getting an overhaul. Designer John Gidding’s design plan includes adding a stone patio with seating as well as white washing the existing brick to unify the property. The plan doesn’t end there as John and his team also give smaller makeovers to two of Errin’s neighbors as well. Not only will this unify and inspire the block, but property values will be raised as well, benefiting everyone.

via A First Time Homeowner Gets Much Needed Curb Appeal and the Neighbors Also Benefit : Curb Appeal: The Block : Home & Garden Television.

About the author

Matt Hoots is President of SawHorse, Atlanta’s cutting edge design build firm since 1978.  He also chairs the Green Building Council for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association to help grow better building practices in Georgia.

My profiles: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter YouTube

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Curb Appeal: The Block : HGTV- landscaping saves the day

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Greenlanta

SawHorse was proud to partner with Ed Castro and his team on this episode of Curb Appeal.  Chad Curry of the SawHorse team helped keep this project on schedule and on budget.

From the HGTV site:

Jarrett Bellini spent every last bit of his savings purchasing his corner Craftsman style home in the Highland Avenue neighborhood of Atlanta. When a tree then fell through his roof, he was even further away from being able to fix up his facade and barren front yard himself. Fortunately, designer John Gidding and the Curb Appeal: The Block team are stepping in to revive this dated Craftsman and make it much more welcoming from the curb. John plans to transform this home and give it the style and character it needs to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. And he’s not stopping there because two of Jarrett’s neighbors will also be getting spruce ups of their own, bringing this block closer together.

via A Corner Eyesore Craftsman Home Experiences a Much Needed Revival with a $20,000 Makeover While Two Lucky Neighbors Benefit As Well : Curb Appeal: The Block : Home & Garden Television.

About the author

Matt Hoots is President of SawHorse, Atlanta’s cutting edge design build firm since 1978.  He also chairs the Green Building Council for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association to help grow better building practices in Georgia.

My profiles: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter YouTube

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Curb Appeal: The Block : HGTV- Modern Makeover

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Greenlanta

On this episode of Curb Appeal we were able to introduce a new product to the Atlanta area-thermally modified wood by one of our vendors- Via Veridis.  Justin McAusland- VP of operations for SawHorse managed this project for us.

From the HGTV site:

After remodeling the inside of their new home, newlyweds Jordache and Rashida Avery’s neglected front yard has deemed them the eyesore of the block. Fortunately, the Curb Appeal team has stepped in with a modern design plan to transform this young couple’s corner lot into the home of their dreams. There are some challenges along the way however, but the heavy rains and permit problems can’t stop this team from delivering one of their most dramatic makeover yet. And we’re not stopping there! A duplex across the street also gets the Curb Appeal treatment, leaving this block truly transformed.

via Young Couple’s Rundown Corner Lot Gets a Modern Makeover : Curb Appeal: The Block : Home & Garden Television.

About the author

Matt Hoots is President of SawHorse, Atlanta’s cutting edge design build firm since 1978.  He also chairs the Green Building Council for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association to help grow better building practices in Georgia.

My profiles: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter YouTube

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Curb Appeal: The Block : HGTV- Front Porch Addition

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Greenlanta

SawHorse was the preferred contractor for Curb Appeal- The Block in 2010 when filming in Atlanta.  Here is the episode where we showcased the new EPA rules on Lead in homes.  Jerome Quinn and Chad Curry represented SawHorse well on this episode.

From the HGTV site:

New York transplants, Joanne Hunt and Marc Brotherton moved to Georgia to be closer to family and give their son room to roam. They got the space and now they’re lost because they’ve never had a yard and don’t know where to start. The homes in the area are traditional, remodeled and well cared for, except for theirs which is simple and unkempt. They love the neighborhood, the neighbors, and the Southern lifestyle, but feel there is no way their house will ever fit in. John Gidding and the Curb Appeal: The Block team give them the home makeover and confidence they need to showcase their home and treat the neighborhood to a party with Southern hospitality.

via The Unkempt Home of Two New Atlanta Transplants From New York Is Given Southern Style and Charm : Curb Appeal: The Block : Home & Garden Television.

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

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2011 Energy Tax Credits for Greater Atlanta

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Greenlanta

I have been asked to update consumers and the trade about what is in and out for 2011 as it applies to tax credits and rebates for going green.

You may have heard the buzz about energy tax credits increasing a couple years ago for items such as window replacement to geothermal HVAC.  There have been a few changes in the tax code for 2011.

For energy upgrades to existing houses, the $1500 credit that you have seen windows suppliers and insulation installers advertising was set to expire December 31, 2010.  Many contractors saw a rush of clients at the end of the year take advantage of this expiring credit.  The good news is that the credit was extended for another year, however it is for 10% of the cost up to $500 for this year.

There is good news though, if you live in the city of Atlanta and are a GA Power client you can get up to $4000 for similar improvements.  However, you must go through a home performance contractor that is part of the program to get these rebates.

The other good news is that the renewable energy federal tax credit is still good through 2016.  This applies to qualified products like geothermal HVAC, solar hot water, photovoltaic, and wind power.  You get 30% off the installed cost without a cap on your federal tax return.  The tax credit for the state of GA does expire this year and once the 2.5MM in the fund is exhausted, it will not be renewed.

While most of the credits and rebates mentioned benefits existing homes only, new construction clients can benefit the greatest if they install renewable energy.  New homeowners can get the 30% credit on items such as geothermal HVAC and solar when building new homes.

About the author

Matt Hoots is president of SawHorse- Atlanta’s leading design/ build firm since 1978.  He also is chair of the GAHBA Green Building Council, frequently blogs and writes a monthly green Q&A for Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine.

My profiles: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

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Help me- “Curb Appeal- the Block”

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Greenlanta

The first 2 seasons of Curb Appeal- the Block were filmed in Atlanta, GA.  SawHorse was the preferred contractor for the program.  Here is a testimonial from John Gidding- the lead designer on the hit show:

As the designer for HGTV’s “Curb Appeal: The Block”, I have to find contracting companies that can work with the strictest constraints of budget and schedule, while also delivering work of the highest quality, ready to withstand both the test of time, and of the High-Def cameras. SawHorse met these challenges head-on and I’m pleased to say excelled in every regard. The proof is in the pudding: we hired them again and again, each time creating homes that exceeded everyone’s expectations. I recommend them wholeheartedly.

Here are a few episodes that feature Chad and Justin from the SawHorse team:

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

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Basement ideas in Atlanta

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Greenlanta

Just want to thank all of our clients in 2010 for helping us end the year on a positive note.  We are looking forward to the projects that are scheduled already in 2011 as well.  The types of projects that we design and build at SawHorse seems to vary from year to year, however kitchens, bathrooms and basements seem to be consistent from year to year while attic additions and new home construction is based on available credit.  We have had a few basement inquiries the past month so I decided to put together a basement post for your benefit.

So why a basement renovation?  A.- You get more square footage for you money in comparison to an addition.  Plus you get a chance to take care of some water issues at the same time making your air better to breath.

The reason that basements cost less per cubic space is that you already have exterior walls, a foundation, floor system and roof over the basement.  When doing an addition, you have to account for the extra labor and materials to create the shell of the building.

Here are a few photos of some recent SawHorse basement renovations that went through our design/ build process:

Heards Ferry Basement/ Sandy Springs

This client already had an amazing house and we were able to take some of the architectural elements from the rest of the house and create an new more modern space in the basement.

We created a bar so this client in Sandy Springs could entertain guests.  We were able to incorporate a couple of counter-top height refrigerators behind the bar out of sight from the guests.  Note the task light for the bartender as well as the decorative fixtures for the guests to enjoy.

We were able to take a space under the stairs to create this fun powder room for the guests.  Note the mirror heights for guests ranging from 4 foot to 7 foot.   The wainscoting provided a break in the faux finish on the wall.   Since the space we had to work with was not symmetrical, we were able to add other geometrical shapes such as circles and semicircles without complicating the design.

One of the key elements that they wanted was  a pool table.  95% of the basements that we remodel ask for a pool table as one of the design elements.  Pool table are a great enjoyment for adults as well as their children.  The so called “man-cave” has evolved into a space for the whole family to enjoy.

Basement off the Chattahoochee River

We were able to take this clients old mechanical room (left) and create a media wall with a secret door built in to access the new HVAC that we installed for them (right).  In addition to pool tables, most basements have either a media room or media wall.  A media room provides for a theater like experience.  A media wall offers entertainment for open areas around pool tables and built in bars.

About the author

Matt Hoots is president of SawHorse- Atlanta’s leading design/ build firm since 1978.  He also is co chair of the GAHBA Green Building Council, frequently blogs and writes a monthly green Q&A for Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine.

My profiles: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

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Matt Hoots New Year’s Resolutions for 2011(Part 1)

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Greenlanta

They say it take 21 straight days to form or break a habit.  So I should have warmed up starting December 10 if I was going to have a greater chance of making my resolution a reality.

What was my resolution for last year?  For the most part the same as what most of you were hoping for- eat healthier, get in better shape etc.  So how did I do?  I did get a Wii with a fitness board- I have been making improvements on it, however I still love food so while my cardio health is better my shape is the same.

For 2011, I know that I will still eat since I love food so I am going to try taking the calories out of my drinks.   A regular 12 oz Coke has about 160 calories so if you drink 3 a day, that is 25% of the recommended calories for the day.  I have tried drinking just water today and I feel much better than when I drank diet Coke as a refreshment.  I am using a new Camelbak water bottle that my brother gave to me from his store GoingGear.  It is green since is is BPA Free and it can be reused hundreds of times unlike bottled water from the store.

Even if you are not exercising- if you have a water bottle near you you are more likely to drink water which is good for you.  (This is just like our SawHorse job sites- we try to reduce the amount of dumpsters we keep on them since they will fill up with necessary waste.  The amount of waste decreases if you encourage recycling and reuse of waste products.)

Happy New Year!

Part 2- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle- simplifying the way we do business and live.

About the author

Matt Hoots is president of SawHorse- Atlanta’s leading design/ build firm since 1978.  He also is co chair of the GAHBA Green Building Council, frequently blogs and writes a monthly green Q&A for Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine.

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