There are still individuals in the construction industry that will question a sealed or conditioned crawlspace but this argument should be put to rest. Studies have shown significant improvements in the home efficiency and environment with the installation of a sealed crawlspace. According to a study conducted by Advanced Energy sealed crawlspaces, when properly installed, will perform better with relative humidity, wood moisture content and energy efficiency than a traditional vented crawlspace.
The study has shown that during the summer of 2003 the studied sealed crawlspace only exceeded 70% relative humidity only 5% of the time while the vented crawlspace stayed above 70% almost all the time. The wood moisture content in the sealed crawlspace stayed below 12% during the study while the vented crawlspace wood moisture varied greatly. Also the sealed crawlspaces showed an annual energy use reduction of 15% for sealed crawlspace with insulation on the floors and 18% for sealed crawlspace with insulation on the foundation wall.
Here are some of the main benefits to having a sealed crawlspace:
1. Improved Moisture Control
- A sealed crawlspace improves the moisture content of the space by preventing transfer of moisture through three of the main entrance points, the foundation wall, the soil floor and the foundation vents.
2. Pest Control
- By removing moisture from the space the appeal to subterranean termites is reduced.
3. Improved Efficiency
- As already stated from the study results a sealed crawlspace can improve the efficiency of the home.
4. Improve Indoor Air Quality
- A good number of contaminates can come from your crawlspace. By cleaning up the space and you may be able to improve the air quality of your home. A sealed space can reduce the mold content in the crawlspace and can be used or modified to prevent radon intrusion.
5. Improved Maintenance
- This is a non-intended benefit but due to the increased visibility and improved environment homeowners are more likely to “visit” the space leading to better home maintenance. Also if the insulation is installed on the walls the floor structure is visible and individuals are more likely to find problems around plumbing or HVAC.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
How to Choose Your Remodeling Project
When making the decision on which project to do I often tell homeowners there are several factors to consider and depending on your situation one project may be more profitable or beneficial to you than it would be to someone else. With the down turn in the economy there has been a lot of emphasis on the Return on Investment (ROI) of a project. There are several factors to consider when deciding on a project especially if you are not looking to sell any time soon.
1. What value will you get out of the remodel?
- This is the first and foremost question that I always ask when several projects are being considered. If you are going to stay in the home for any period of time you are going to get a certain amount of use out of the remodel. If you are considering a kitchen and a home office and you love to cook but rarely ever work from home then the obvious answer to this question for you is the kitchen. Remember your home is something you should enjoy not just look at as an investment.
2. Does the room in question date the home?
- Most of the time this comes in to question when considering the two large projects in the home, bathroom and kitchen remodels. When considering either one of these, ask yourself if they date the home. I am able to often times date a home based on the kitchen and bathroom alone.
3. Does the room need repairs?
- Does the room have problems that may result in bigger damages if they are not fixed? This is a good indicator to move the project up higher on your priority list. It may seem odd that this is a factor in choosing a remodel but I’ve seen individuals select items such as home offices when their bathroom was outdated and the faucets were already leaking. Also if the room needs repairs and you are going to be doing it anyway it may be a good time to remodel. I’ve always told clients you can turn a bad event such as a water damage into a good one by going ahead and remodeling the room. You already have to do the work why not get what you want out of it.
4. Are you going to be selling soon?
- Finally if you are going to be selling soon then you need to consider the ROI but you also need consider other aspects of the home as well. Review the questions above and then finally ask yourself based on the above question will the selected project help improve your chances of buying your home if you were the one looking to buy it?
1. What value will you get out of the remodel?
- This is the first and foremost question that I always ask when several projects are being considered. If you are going to stay in the home for any period of time you are going to get a certain amount of use out of the remodel. If you are considering a kitchen and a home office and you love to cook but rarely ever work from home then the obvious answer to this question for you is the kitchen. Remember your home is something you should enjoy not just look at as an investment.
2. Does the room in question date the home?
- Most of the time this comes in to question when considering the two large projects in the home, bathroom and kitchen remodels. When considering either one of these, ask yourself if they date the home. I am able to often times date a home based on the kitchen and bathroom alone.
3. Does the room need repairs?
- Does the room have problems that may result in bigger damages if they are not fixed? This is a good indicator to move the project up higher on your priority list. It may seem odd that this is a factor in choosing a remodel but I’ve seen individuals select items such as home offices when their bathroom was outdated and the faucets were already leaking. Also if the room needs repairs and you are going to be doing it anyway it may be a good time to remodel. I’ve always told clients you can turn a bad event such as a water damage into a good one by going ahead and remodeling the room. You already have to do the work why not get what you want out of it.
4. Are you going to be selling soon?
- Finally if you are going to be selling soon then you need to consider the ROI but you also need consider other aspects of the home as well. Review the questions above and then finally ask yourself based on the above question will the selected project help improve your chances of buying your home if you were the one looking to buy it?
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Top Remodeling Projects for Boosting Your Home Value
While the economy is recovering from its recent downturn many people are looking to improve their home instead of moving into a new one. Whether you are just looking to improve the value of the home because of the recent downturn in home values or your home is in need of a few improvements, a little insight into how the value of your home will react can help in making that decision.
According to the National Association of Home Builders the following are some of the best projects to add value to your home.
• A Home Office Remodel
As more individuals are beginning to work from home the home office is becoming a necessity in the home. Creating a pleasant workspace for these individuals can add value and appeal to your home.
• Renovate or Add a Family Room
The family room tends to be a focal point in the home. By improving on this you can add value to your home.
• Replace the Roof
The roof is one of the first impressions people have of a home and greatly affects the curb appeal. To increase the architectural appeal for the home look at architectural shingles or alternative materials. You can even increase the energy efficiency of the home.
• Landscape Your Yard
Landscaping is also a part of the curb appeal. Have a professional look at your yard a see what you can do. With people beginning to use the outdoors as living space you a cannot only increase the appeal of the home but the perceived livable square feet.
• Replace Old Windows
Replacing old windows can increase the appeal of the home and has a high ROI but be careful in making this decision. While windows can save you money on your utility bill their payback periods tend to be very long and not worthwhile if you are staying in the home.
• Remodel Your Basement
Are their areas of your home that are habitable but not currently finished like your basement. These are easy areas to add square footage and value to your home with little interruption to your currently living area.
• Paint, Paint, Paint
Painting is one of the most important items in a home when it comes to appeal. A bad paint job can ruin a project and a home. While you think you may be a painter look to a quality professional to help with this item.
• Remodel Your Kitchen
Kitchens are a big investment but they also help sell the home. Size does matter and individuals like a kitchen they can work in. Consider your options and need for updating. There are several ways to update a kitchen without a total overhaul.
• Remodel or Add a Bathroom
Like a kitchen bathrooms can help sell a home. If your bathroom is outdated, look at updating fixtures, flooring and other aspects of the room to give it a facelift.
According to the National Association of Home Builders the following are some of the best projects to add value to your home.
• A Home Office Remodel
As more individuals are beginning to work from home the home office is becoming a necessity in the home. Creating a pleasant workspace for these individuals can add value and appeal to your home.
• Renovate or Add a Family Room
The family room tends to be a focal point in the home. By improving on this you can add value to your home.
• Replace the Roof
The roof is one of the first impressions people have of a home and greatly affects the curb appeal. To increase the architectural appeal for the home look at architectural shingles or alternative materials. You can even increase the energy efficiency of the home.
• Landscape Your Yard
Landscaping is also a part of the curb appeal. Have a professional look at your yard a see what you can do. With people beginning to use the outdoors as living space you a cannot only increase the appeal of the home but the perceived livable square feet.
• Replace Old Windows
Replacing old windows can increase the appeal of the home and has a high ROI but be careful in making this decision. While windows can save you money on your utility bill their payback periods tend to be very long and not worthwhile if you are staying in the home.
• Remodel Your Basement
Are their areas of your home that are habitable but not currently finished like your basement. These are easy areas to add square footage and value to your home with little interruption to your currently living area.
• Paint, Paint, Paint
Painting is one of the most important items in a home when it comes to appeal. A bad paint job can ruin a project and a home. While you think you may be a painter look to a quality professional to help with this item.
• Remodel Your Kitchen
Kitchens are a big investment but they also help sell the home. Size does matter and individuals like a kitchen they can work in. Consider your options and need for updating. There are several ways to update a kitchen without a total overhaul.
• Remodel or Add a Bathroom
Like a kitchen bathrooms can help sell a home. If your bathroom is outdated, look at updating fixtures, flooring and other aspects of the room to give it a facelift.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Welcome to S.O.C., Inc.
Since this is the first blog that I will be posting I thought I would give you a little insight into the company and what to expect in the future from the blogs. I created S.O.C. because I saw a need for a company that cared about the customer just as much as they cared about their bottom line. For years I worked in the industry and saw more of an emphasis on the profit a job made over the quality of job. Because of this I decided to create a company that could provide quality service and also be a resource of knowledge for their clients.
The construction industry has various opinions on how to construct a home and what is considered to be a proper repair. I have been on various sides of the arguments and have constantly sought to educate myself on the best way to bring quality construction to the forefront of the industry. I beleive education is the best way to help a client because I believe a client who is better educated on a subject will be able to make a better decision and ultimatley be happier with that decision.
I will take the chance through these blogs to bring little tidbits of knowledge to you. Anywhere from how-to's to general information regarding remodeling, construction or building science. I may even post anecdotes of what not to do or what could happen just to help make you feel a little better about your experiences. If there is something you would like to know about or have a funny little story about your construction experiences please comment or send an email to services@soc-nc.com.
Thank you,
Grey Isley
The construction industry has various opinions on how to construct a home and what is considered to be a proper repair. I have been on various sides of the arguments and have constantly sought to educate myself on the best way to bring quality construction to the forefront of the industry. I beleive education is the best way to help a client because I believe a client who is better educated on a subject will be able to make a better decision and ultimatley be happier with that decision.
I will take the chance through these blogs to bring little tidbits of knowledge to you. Anywhere from how-to's to general information regarding remodeling, construction or building science. I may even post anecdotes of what not to do or what could happen just to help make you feel a little better about your experiences. If there is something you would like to know about or have a funny little story about your construction experiences please comment or send an email to services@soc-nc.com.
Thank you,
Grey Isley
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