Earlier this year, new performance requirements went into effect on all ENERGY STAR windows, doors and skylights.  Knowing how to identify these labels when purchasing your new energy efficient products is vital to making good investments and ensuring eligibility for tax credits.

Red and Black Labels

ENERGY STAR Red Label

There are two new ENERGY STAR labels to watch for.  The label shown at right was rolled out in October of 2009.  Appearing in either red or black, this label identifies window, skylight and door products which will no longer meet the high-efficiency ENERGY STAR standards effective April 1, 2010.

Blue Label

ENERGY STAR Blue Label

The new, blue label will help you identify ENERGY STAR products that are eligible for tax credits up to $1,500 when installed in 2010.

To ensure the highest level of energy efficiency and tax credit eligibility in your ENERGY STAR purchases, it is always important to consult your green home builder.

Related posts:

1. Home Remodeling and Energy Tax Credits
2. Get Tax Credits for Solar Hot Water Heaters
3. Wood Frame Homes Win

A Custom Island Adds Kitchen Storage

Be honest, can you ever really have too much storage?  Ample storage space is one of the most sought after qualities people look for in a new home.  Building a new custom home is an excellent opportunity to ensure that your new house has all of the storage amenities that you desire.

Before we go through the various types of storage that can be planned into your new build, we want to clear up a common misconception.  Adding storage space does not have to mean bedroom closets only.  There are several opportunities throughout your home to satisfy storage needs that are often overlooked.  Here are some of the top picks for adding extra storage spaces to your new home.

GARAGE

Built-in shelves and workbenches are a simple solution for garage storage. They lessen clutter from large tools and smaller items, such as drill bits, that can get lost in a mess of any handyman’s toys. Garage storage organization can also be done by adding drawers into the work bench. For storing rakes and lawnmowers, consider adding a storage shed onto the rear of the home.

FOYER

When entering your home, it is so easy to drop shoes, purses, briefcases and backpacks, without having a way to organize or hide these items. Having a built-in coat rack and organized shelving systems right near your front or a rear door easily helps keep walkways clean, while also creating a stylish entry way. Benches with storage underneath are another great idea and provide a last-minute spot to tie shoes or remove them.

KITCHEN

Kitchen storage organization is a necessity for any homeowner and there is no such thing as too many cabinets. Make sure your home plan features a copious amount of cabinets and that your builder takes full advantage of all of the space in the plan. A Lazy Susan-style cabinet provides a functional space that also reduces the need to overcrowd a pantry, as it is another area where storage should be plentiful in the kitchen. Storage racks inside longer or lower, hard-to-reach cabinets make it easy to keep dishes and plastic containers organized.

BATHROOM

Bathrooms often have the reputation of lacking in storage space. But with so many modern amenities including window seats, towel racks, built-in shelving and even bureaus used in vanities adding counter space, drawers and cabinetry, such is no longer the case. With these features in place, your bathroom will take on a new life, offering storage for everything from toiletries to towels and linens to dirty clothes.

ATTIC

One of the most popular new ideas is transforming the attic space to create sizeable walk-in storage rooms. Many new homes now feature these walk-in or walk-out attics. Space is plentiful in the attic so why not take advantage of it? The comfort of no longer climbing up tiny, unstable stairs is worth more than peace of mind.

No matter where you need storage space the most, chances are you can never have enough. When building a new home keep these tips in mind and remember to always maximize your space.

Related posts:

1. Trends in Custom Homes Offer Innovative Techniques
2. Custom Kitchen Design Layout Basics
3. New Home Punchlists are Crucial for Homeowner and Builder

Paint Color Trends for Custom Homes

Ever wonder why certain rooms tend to invoke one emotion over another? For instance, warm red-hued kitchens can promote hunger, while cool blue bedrooms invite relaxation.

Choosing the right colors can be as vital to the comfort and success of your new home as your well-thought-out appliances. Your builder or general contractor can assist you with popular color choices, but the majority of these decisions should be based upon your personal tastes. Building a custom home is all about getting what you as the homeowner want, but before painting the whole house red or blue, consider adapting these trends to express your design style throughout your new home.

NEUTRAL COLORS

Neutral colors have a misconception of being boring or uninventive, but neutral doesn’t automatically mean tan or beige. When choosing your home’s colors, think in earth tones.  By choosing warm, muted shades for your color scheme, you can invoke an intended feel without overwhelming the senses. Plus the addition of your furniture, decorative fixtures and pieces of artwork are what will complete the room.  So if it’s feels done before it’s even furnished and decorated, your room’s wall color may be too heavy.

MOOD DETERMINED BY COLOR

When dressing your home up with color, be careful to marry together the right shade with the right emotion.  Warm colors like red, orange or yellow work best in rooms that exude energy, like the kitchen. Kids’ rooms are often bright for a reason, as stimulation and creativity abound with just a dash of color. Cooler shades in the bedroom or bathroom, such as blue, green or gray, conjure up thoughts of mountain and beach side views, which typically produce very relaxing environments.

OPEN FLOOR PLANS

When choosing colors for a home with an open floor plan, the home color design must be cohesive. This is an area where a neutral like a soft chocolate or deep beige can still lend “color” to a space while still allowing you to have fun with your floor coverings, window treatments and accessories. Repeating a color or using different shades of the same color helps create a flow from room to room and enhance the open layout. Brighten each room’s personality with fabrics, window treatments or attractive tile work.

TRENDS FOR 2010

Interior paint decorating trends for 2010 include purples, such as eggplant or wine shades, oranges (think terra cotta) and yellows. Whether a pastel, or rich shade with orange hues, yellow is a stimulating shade in any room. Just be careful not to overdo it.  Green is also a popular home decorating trend, and not just the color. Using organic and environmentally friendly paint products that contain no dyes and are made from natural processes is an easy way to produce a healthy home environment.

For those needing unique color decorating ideas, painting stripes and patterns have become quite popular, while painting just one wall an accent color is an easy way to add color without drastically changing the room. No matter your preference, decorating with color is a fun and exciting process that allows your creativity to flow and so that your family can flourish in your custom home.

Related posts:

1. Trends in Custom Homes Offer Innovative Techniques
2. Certified Renovators of Homes with Lead Paint
3. Quality is in the Decorative Trim Details.

Budgeting for the Right Appliances

Kitchen appliances typically account for about nine percent of the budget when building a new home.  Therefore, the life expectancy of each of your new appliances should be a long one.  Plus, whether or not your new house is a HealthyBuilt green home, you may want to consider installing EnergyStar appliances which may cost more upfront, but will save money on energy bills over time.

Use of Your Kitchen Appliances

Refrigerators can eat up the biggest chunk of your appliance budget, so choosing the right one for your home and family is vital.  Some internal features to consider are shelving depth and space, Twin Cooling technology, gallon door door bins and water filters.  While the external look, feel and dimensions of each piece are vital to maintaining design harmony in your kitchen, first considering your family’s cooking style and eating habits will help determine which one is right for you.

Talk to your family and make a note of how you typically use your stovetop and oven to help select the right ones for your new kitchen.  Some cooks are loyal fans of gas ranges, while others prefer the sleek look of modern electric stovetops.  While the overall look and feel of your kitchen appliances is important, performance and preference take the lead in selection.

The kitchen sink is becoming an increasingly popular site for putting your design eye to good use.  Attractive hardware, under-counter mounts, different color options, shapes and materials all allow you to express your inner kitchen designer.

Your new kitchen appliances each serve a unique purpose, but by working with your builder, each one can be integrated into the design of your new kitchen to create an inviting space for both cooking and gathering.

Related posts:

1. Custom Kitchen Design Layout Basics
2. Tips for Choosing a General Contractor in Asheville
3. Home Theaters Transform a Home

Custom Home Theater System

Home theater systems are not just about picture and sound quality any longer.  This entertaining electronics trend has transformed into an interior design mainstay.  It doesn’t matter if you are installing your system into a new custom home or an existing remodel; visual congruency between your home and theater system is vital to maintaining design harmony throughout your house.  Theater systems should look good, even when the TV is not turned on.

The past 20 years have demonstrated a fast evolution of the home theater system design.  Bulky, big screen televisions and movie projection devices have been replaced by sleek plasma screens and Blu-Ray hi-def video systems.  Tiny speakers are seamlessly built into walls and ceilings.  Even flat screens are disguised behind paintings and tapestries.  Comfortable and flexible options for seating also abound.

Selecting a Home Theater System

The first step is considering your family’s viewing preferences.   Do you prefer a hi-resolution screen for savoring every detail of your favorite movies, a large screen television for gathering around during a big game, or a modest-yet-accommodating TV for enjoying family time?  Be sure to ask for professional advice from your builder and interior designer to ensure that you select a system that fits best with your viewing needs.  Keep in mind, the home theater’s design will need to incorporate a sound system that fulfills these and aesthetic needs.

Setting Up Your Theater System

The next step is to determine the size and configuration of the system you choose.  The size and shape of your viewing room will govern seating arrangements, placement of equipment, and storage options.  An electronics professional can work with you and your custom home contractor to determine the best usage for the space.

Seamlessly Incorporating Your System

Incorporating the system to suit your home’s look and feel can mean the difference between an eyesore of a room and an enjoyable space for gathering with friends and family. Comfortable chairs or sofas that recline, swivel, and allow the viewer to adjust are a few of the many popular seating options.  Eco-friendly dimmers on the lighting systems, attractive wall hangings or curtains for sound quality, and warm, non-distracting colors can help make your room design a success.  Luxury includes like a custom wet bar or vintage popcorn machine can also add to your viewing pleasure.

An effective home theater design is just one special way that you can transform your home.  Time spent viewing movies with family should be time enjoyed.

Related posts:

1. Quality is in the Decorative Trim Details.
2. 10 Must-Have Features for Your Home
3. Tips for Choosing Kitchen Appliances

Wood Trim Details in Custom Home Under Construction

Custom molding and trim speak volumes about craftsmanship.  Truly esteemed and experienced custom home builders can add style and value to your home by carefully incorporating customized trims, such as crown molding, window trim, columns, coffered ceilings, mosaic tile designs and more.  These are just a few thoughtful details that will transform your house into a truly special and unique home.

Interior trim details start at the bottom with the shoe molding and literally work their way up to the ceiling’s crowning glory.

Shoe Molding

Shoe moldings are a beautiful addition to baseboards that can create a smooth and useful transition from floor to wall.  They can even help draw attention to a room’s decorative flooring such as hardwoods or custom tile.

Window Trim

A literal picture frame for outdoor views, window trims perfectly frame your view, adding intrigue to what’s outside.

Panel Molding

Decorative panel molding expertly frames shelving, artwork or open space to add dimension to any wall. A library or media room can even be trimmed in decorative paneling to support plasma or large screen televisions and media equipment, while adding a luxurious richness to the room.

Crown Molding

Crown molding finishes off a well designed interior, adding grace and classic architectural style to an interior room. Like shoe molding, baseboard trim, and window trim, crown molding can and should be consistent throughout your home.  It is a simple, but effective way to add understated elegance.

Good interior design does not stop at the crown.  Many classic homes also feature accents on the ceilings of rooms of all sizes for an extra pop of color, texture, or to draw attention to special lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers and pendant lights.  Cove or coffered ceilings and light medallions add something a little extra to a home’s interior design.

Decorative wood trims are an easy way to update your existing home or add value to a new construction.  Floor to ceiling, your home’s style should be reflected by every trim detail, no matter how small.  A house well-outfitted with a few simple trim accents will certainly deliver that wow-factor that will stand the test of time and trends.

Related posts:

1. Paint Color Trends for Custom Homes
2. Home Theaters Transform a Home
3. Maximize Storage Space in Every Room

Tax Credits for Solar Hot Water Heaters

Long, hot baths don’t have to be a waste of energy.  Solar hot water systems can heat the water for your kitchen or bath without running up your electric or gas bill.

In fact, many homeowners are now replacing traditional hot water heaters with solar powered systems, proving to be a revolution in green building.  Solar water heaters use collection plates and highly insulated storage tanks to harness the power of the sun, thereby reducing carbon footprints and saving money on energy bills.

Systems are categorized as either active or passive.  Active systems circulate the water within the tank using pumps or coils.  While passive systems rely on gravity and the water’s natural temperature based circulation.  An experienced green builder can advise you as to which system fits with your solar water heating needs.  Some factors to be considered include your home site, local building codes, and the size of your family.

Whichever system you choose, the benefits can be astounding.  According to some statistics, solar water heating systems can reduce your monthly utility bill, essentially paying for itself in less than five years.  Your home builder can also help you to comply with federal tax credit regulations regarding a new solar hot water heating system to further help in covering the costs of the unit and installation.  Federal tax credits will pay for up to 30% of the cost of installation of an energy star solar water heating system, but only if the system is installed before the deadline of December 31, 2016.

It’s important to contact your green building specialist as soon as possible to discuss the solar heating options for your home to start saving money and energy.  Whether you’re building a new construction or updating the system in your existing homes, it’s a win-win situation for all homeowners.

Related posts:

1. Tankless Hot Water Heaters Add Convenience
2. Home Remodeling and Energy Tax Credits
3. Residential Solar Panels Save Money and Energy

Custom home by Brock Builders

Do you like the idea of coming home to the lights properly illuminated, a favorite song playing and the air or heat turned to a desirable temperature? What about the ability to open the front door with a keypad lock or fingerprint and no longer needing to fumble for keys? Home automation, better known as smart homes, make this and much more, possible.

Smart homes have the ability to simplify our daily lives into one of freedom and convenience. When building a custom home or undergoing a home remodel, it is important to work with a qualified general contractor who understands home automation. While you may only have the need for a basic package, such as a lighting system, it is still recommended to use a general contractor to assist with the wiring and installation.

What exactly is smart home automation?

A smart home is not just a home of the future, but rather an integrated way to wire a home to a network that controls all of the functions at once. Whether you prefer to use a remote control or wireless access is dependent upon the amount of home automation you wish to have. The heart of the smart home system is the network, which feeds from one main source of wiring and eliminates the need for several components, such as DVD, CD player and lights that are individually controlled.

Home automation systems are available in easy-to-use kits that allow the homeowner the freedom to install timers and wireless gadgets with the ease of a remote. The remote often controls appliances such as lighting, HVAC, and stereos. True home automation, however, is a much more complex system yet features many benefits and simplifies day-to-day activities.

Energy savings are just one of the many benefits of having an automated home, as the homes are typically more efficient. Some home automation systems heat and cool based on the time of day, while others adjust the temperature when someone is physically in the home. The networks can also automatically tell appliances to reduce function levels or go to “sleep,” thus lowering electric bills.

For those only wanting to program the home’s lights and HVAC, smart home technology is not as expensive as one may think. But for those looking for a more complex automated home, there are several exciting advances in wireless home automation and home automation electronics. A few new examples include:

• Programming your thermostat, oven and music from the Internet when not even in the home
• Illuminating the home with light before pulling in the driveway, or out of town to simulate someone is home
• A set of security cameras tied into the lighting system and doorbell
• Having a video feed of your favorite television station and making it visible in every room of the home you enter…and more!

Whatever you envision in a home of the future, chances are likely that it can be done. As technology and imagination continue to grow, smart homes will hopefully one day work in complete harmony to improve our daily functions.

Related posts:

1. New Home Punchlists are Crucial for Homeowner and Builder
2. 10 Must-Have Features for Your Home
3. Home Theaters Transform a Home

Rinnai Tankless Water Heater installed in a historic home remodel

Imagine the luxury and convenience that comes from enjoying a long shower and not having the water run cold halfway through. One of the most in-demand appliances in custom home construction and home remodeling is the tankless hot water heater. Perfect for families who constantly run out of hot water or those looking to save energy costs, tankless hot water heaters qualify for a $300 federal energy tax credit and supply an endless demand of hot water.

Just as with any large purchase for the home, it is important to research the products available and understand the way in which tankless water heaters operate. An expensive purchase, tankless hot water heaters are not necessarily simple, over-the-counter systems. There are several factors involved with purchasing and installing an on-demand hot water heater and familiarizing yourself with the following basics will make your decision much easier.

How they work
On demand hot water heaters don’t store hot water, but rather create it as soon as needed. In tank-type water heaters, hot water is sent from the heater to your appliance, like a faucet or shower head. Hot water sits in the pipes and tank waiting to be heated and cools off when not used.

A tankless water heater works by heating the water directly. While it does not necessarily instantly produce hot water, it will not later run cold. There is no storage tank where water heats and stands by, ultimately cooling over time if unused. That waste of water and energy is what makes tankless water heaters more energy efficient, as they avoid standby heat loss.

Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heater
Depending how you want to use the tankless water heater, you’ll want to decide between whole house heaters or a point-of-use system. Point-of-use tankless water heaters provide hot water for small sources, like a cup of tea. Less expensive than whole house tankless water heaters, point-of-use heaters cost a few hundred dollars, minus installation. The point-of-use tankless water heater is relatively small and will usually fit inside a sink cabinet or in a closet.

Whole House Tankless Water Heater
Although more expensive than point-of-use heaters, whole house water heaters have higher gallon per minute flow rate capacities and can supply enough water for more than one fixture. For larger families, more than one whole house water heater might be necessary, as it is important to have a water heater that can handle the maximum flow of the appliances or fixtures you plan to use simultaneously. Whole house units are available in gas and electric varieties, however there are several additional expenses that come with the installation of whole house electric tankless water heaters due to the large amount of electricity required for operation.

Whatever option you choose, tankless hot water heaters add luxury to any household but also require professional installation and additional research. Working with a qualified general contractor is advised to learn more about choosing the right tankless water heater for your next home.

Related posts:

1. Get Tax Credits for Solar Hot Water Heaters
2. Trends in Custom Homes Offer Innovative Techniques
3. 10 Must-Have Features for Your Home

Custom home by Brock Builders

Whether building a new home from a stock plan or working with a custom home architect, staying in budget is what homeowners aim for most. Although most general contractors will provide a building allowance, not all builders explain what is covered in the construction budget and leave many homeowners confused about what they are actually allowed to choose for their home. Settling for the cheapest bottom line and not comparing allowances from builder to builder often leaves the homeowner with a higher price tag in the end, or less than satisfactory products and finishes in the home. With a few simple steps and questions however, building a house on a budget is not as hard as it seems.

While the term budget can often sound restricting, in new home terms it is meant to identify the bottom line, or implied total cost of building your home. A construction allowance shows more than just the final cost. It should include several components that allow homeowner and builder to agree on the number at the bottom and the products in the end result. Many new homeowners make the tragic error of wanting one number on the receipt but don’t understand how the building allowance works. Before signing on the dotted line, consider the following points:

Don’t buy more house than you can afford.
While this may seem obvious, several new homeowners find themselves building a larger home than they can afford only to run out of money for allowances. If your entire construction budget is spent on the dwelling itself, there is typically not much money left over for upgrades or high-end products and the homeowners are left unsatisfied. Too much house often equals too little money for the finishing touches.

Talk with your builder about your wants before signing any contracts.
A good builder or general contractor will listen to your wants and needs before creating the new home allowance. Discuss what you envision the home will look like. Remember, adding a couple of square feet here and there or switching tile for hardwoods can translate to thousands of dollars in unforeseen upgrades.

Visit wholesalers to see if your choices are available.
You may prefer granite countertops, but your building allowance only calls for laminate. Often times in the construction budget breakdown, the builder’s preferred vendors or stores are available for you to visit and make sure for yourself that the products you anticipate wanting in your new home are in fact part of what you’re paying for upfront.

Spend money now on the products that will cost more to install later.
Products such as tile work, hardwoods, fireplace surrounds and cabinetry can be expensive to upgrade, however they are even more expensive to install at a later date. There are hidden costs in removing, stripping, replacing all of these products, not to mention costs for installation. It makes sense to spend the money now to have them done, rather than pay someone later. After the move in, less costly items such as light fixtures, towel bars, and drawer pulls can be upgraded and installed as time and money permit.

Remember, the most important thing when trying to stay within your new home allowance is to do as much research upfront and talk with your builder about the types of products you envision in the home. Simple conversations in the beginning can result in thousands of dollars saved in the end.

Related posts:

1. Tips for Choosing Kitchen Appliances
2. Tips for Choosing a General Contractor in Asheville
3. Certified Green Builders Produce ROI