First, you’ll want to determine if your property contains lead-based paint. Hastings Construction Inc. can conduct a risk assessment to determine what lead hazards, if any, do exist. Or, you can choose to assume that your renovation will include the removal of lead paint and our team of professionals will incorporate lead-safe work practices in all of our renovation procedures.

Regardless of the approach we take it’s critical for you to be familiar with the appropriate steps for each phase of the renovation – preparing for the renovation, during the renovation, and following the renovation. You’ll want to read The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right for a detailed description of how to renovate homes with lead paint.

Why wait to start saving money on your energy bills?

Contact Justin at Hastings Construction today to get the details about the weatherization tax credits.

If you want to reduce the carbon footprint of your family as you build or remodel, you can incorporate sustainable building principles for little or no extra cost if they are included as part of the initial green building home plans. Even if a green construction project costs more than a conventional construction project in the building phase, green structures are more efficient and reduce the environmental impact over time.

Incorporste these five green building design elements as you create your customized green house building guide.

Siting: Choose the Location Carefully

1. Choose a location that allows the use of mass transit (if available) or is within walking distance of business and recreation locations you frequent.
2. Insist that the builder protects and retains existing landscaping and natural features.
   • Choose drought resistant plants that require little pruning for your sustainable landscapes.
   • Use composts and mulches to save water.
   • Use recycled content paving materials, furnishings, and mulches.

Energy Efficiency: Find Solutions to Reduce Your Energy Usage

1. Develop a design that uses 40 percent less energy than California Title 24 standards.
2. Incorporate passive design strategies (e.g., building shape and orientation on the site, passive solar design).
3. Develop a design that incorporates natural lighting. In addition to reducing energy costs, natural lighting will improve well being and increase productivity.
4. Install high-efficiency lighting systems with advanced lighting controls – include motion sensors tied to dimmable lighting controls. Also plan for task lighting to reduce general overhead light levels.
5. Use a properly sized and energy-efficient heat/cooling system in conjunction with a thermally efficient building shell. Maximize light colors for roofing and wall finish materials; install high R-value wall and ceiling insulation; and use minimal glass on east and west exposures.
6. Minimize the electric loads from lighting, equipment, and appliances.
7. Consider alternative energy sources such as photovoltaics and fuel cells that are now available in new products and applications. Renewable energy sources provide a great symbol of emerging technologies for the future.
8. Ask your builder to use computer modeling to optimize the design of electrical and mechanical systems and the building shell.

Materials Efficiency: Use Green Building Materials

1. Use materials that promote resource conservation and efficiency (e.g., reused, recycled content, zero or low toxicity, sustainably harvested materials, high recyclability, durability, longevity, and local production).
2. Use dimensional planning and other material efficiency strategies. These strategies reduce the amount of building materials needed and cut construction costs. For example, design rooms on 4-foot multiples to conform to standard-sized wallboard and plywood sheets.
3. Reuse and recycle construction and demolition materials. For example, using inert demolition materials as a base course for a parking lot keeps materials out of landfills and costs less.
4. Require plans for managing materials through deconstruction, demolition, and construction.
5. Design with adequate space to facilitate recycling collection and to incorporate a solid waste management program that prevents waste generation.

Water Efficiency: Strive for Water Conservation

1. Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a gray water system that recovers rainwater or other nonpotable water for site irrigation.
2. Minimize wastewater by using ultra low-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads, and other water conserving fixtures.
3. Use recirculating systems for centralized hot water distribution.
4. Install point-of-use hot water heating systems for more distant locations.
5. Use a water budget approach that schedules irrigation using the California Irrigation Management Information System data for landscaping.
6. Meter the landscape separately from buildings. Use micro-irrigation (which excludes sprinklers and high-pressure sprayers) to supply water in nonturf areas.
7. Use state-of-the-art irrigation controllers and self-closing nozzles on hoses.

Occupant Health and Safety: Build to Reduce Illness and Improve Performance

1. Choose construction materials and interior finish products with zero or low emissions to improve indoor air quality. Avoid using building materials and cleaning/maintenance products that emit toxic gases, such as volatile organic compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde because these gases can have a detrimental impact on occupants’ health and productivity.
2. Provide adequate ventilation and a high-efficiency, in-duct filtration system. Use heating and cooling systems that ensure adequate ventilation and proper filtration to significantly improve indoor air quality.
3. Select materials for effective drainage from the roof and surrounding landscape, install adequate ventilation in bathrooms, allow proper drainage of air-conditioning coils, and design other building systems to control humidity.

Sustainable Construction Resources

If you've decided to hire a contractor to help you turn your dream into reality, you will want to manage the process to make sure the end product matches your pre-construction vision. So, it's important to take the time before the construction begins to ensure a well-run construction job. Attention to detail during the pre-construction phase can eliminate construction surprises and help you hire a "best fit" construction company for your residential or commercial building project.

Use this list of tips to manage your construction project and your ongoing relationship with your builder:

1. Search for a qualified building contractor or general contractor.

Often the best resource for a qualified construction contractor is a friend or business colleague who has recently completed a building project. Ask to see the completed project and/or drive by the construction site to see if what the builder has done appeals to you. Pay attention to all construction sites in your area as well. If you see a project that you like, write down the builder information so you can call and discuss your project with company owner.

You can also find independent contractors' advertisements in your local Yellow Pages listings or in ads posted in your local newspapers.

2. Develop a list of potential home building contractors for your project and check their references.

To make sure you are evaluating the contractors by the same criteria, make a list of standard questions to ask each of the builders' references to help you narrow your list of options (e.g., was the project completed on time, were there unexpected cost overruns, did the contractor solve problems as they arose, was the contractor responsive to your questions and requests for changes).

3. Verify the construction license for each residential building contractor.

Make sure the builder has a construction license that is registered with the State and that the contractor carries appropriate insurance (i.e., building contractor general liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance). Use http://www.contractors-license.org for verification. All subcontractors should also be licensed and have insurance.

4. Get a written quote from contractors.

Once you've narrowed the list of potential home building experts, ask for written job quotes. Sometimes one builder seems to be the "best fit" for you. In this case, you might want to get a quote and if the quoted price fits your budget and expectations you can move quickly to write a contract and begin the construction or remodeling.

If, however, you don't have a favorite builder, ask two or three of the potential contractors to submit project bids. Review the bids, ask clarifying questions and make a choice. Pay careful attention to the distinctions between the components of each builder's proposal and negotiate for cost savings and add elements that might be missing.

5. Obtain a signed contract before the construction begins.

Once you've decided to hire a contractor, make sure you get a formal contract that outlines all of the components you discussed when reviewing the informal bids. Insist on enough detail to protect your interests. At a minimum, each contract should include: (1) start and end dates for the construction project; (2) a schedule for payment based on work completed and supplies used (e.g., most contractors require a pre-construction payment of one-third to one-fourth of the total cost of the project); (3) a detailed list of materials included; (4) a clear explanation of "allowances;" (5) an explanation of responsibilities of general contractor (as appropriate); and, (6) a detailed description of the scope of work to be performed.

It's best to expect construction delays due to inclement weather, material shortages, or a change in scope of work. If you do experience delays — especially in the project timeline or scope of work — insist on the use of a written change order or approval to clarify expectations and control cost overrides.

6. Get the proper permits.

Talk to your contractor about the permits that he will get before he starts the project to avoid any fines. Verify that the permits have been obtained before the start of the project.

7. Stay informed during the construction process.

To ensure the project meets your expectations requires your involvement. Visit the construction site, ask questions, and demand changes if the quality and/or design do not meet your standards. Sharing your concerns during the process allows the builder to make changes without major implications for the project.

8. Be prepared for challenges during the building process.

Recognize that every project has problems that crop up during the construction phase. Establishing good communication and clear expectations before you break ground will ensure a professional resolution of all challenges that emerge.

If you are getting ready to build a new custom home or remodel your existing home, you’ll want to be aware of all of the latest trends (e.g., green building, home and garden hardscapes). If you incorporate current design trends in your design you will not only update your living space, but will also increase the value of your home when you sell it.

There are several resources – print, video, and online that can help you find information about new products and the latest in home design trends. In the next few posts, I will share several “can’t do without” resources for home builders and remodelers.

One of the most comprehensive design sites for homeowners is the companion to the popular HGTV channel. In fact, the Web site – www.HGTV.com – has a wide array of tips and trend topics for all rooms of your home as well as ideas for your outdoor hardscapes. So, check it out, add the Web site to your favorites, and sign up for updates.

You’ll get ideas for simple to complex home projects in all budget ranges as well as hot topics related to the current season.

Happy reading!

Question One: Can you explain the difference between an architect and a designer? When is it best to hire an architect and when is it best to hire a designer?

An architect is a professional who is trained and licensed in the planning and designing of residential and commercial construction projects. Architects also participate in supervising the construction of buildings. In essence, architects are hired to translate a building user’s requirements into a construction blueprint of an inhabitable environment. Architects have a bachelor’s degree and have passed state licensing exams.

Professional building designers, or home designers, specialize in designing single family homes. In some cases, they may also design other light frame residential buildings, agricultural buildings, and decorative facades for larger buildings.

Unlike architects, home designers are not legally required to pass exams or receive special licenses. However, a designer who carries the title “Certified Professional Building Designer” or “CPBD” has completed training courses, practiced building design for at least six years, and passed a rigorous certification exam.

While fees vary widely, most Certified Professional Building Designers charge between 3% and 6% of the total construction cost. Architects, on the other hand, have two common fee structures. Some may charge by the hour ($75-$200) while others establish fees based on square footage of the inhabitable space (fees generally range between $1.50 and $8.00+ per square foot).

Since architects have more extensive training than designers do, they are most often hired to design new construction – residential and commercial. Architects are also employed to create seamless, more complex additions to existing structures (e.g., add-on to a historic building). Finally, when an architect designs the construction documents that are used to solicit bids, the contractor hired must build the structure according to the specifications of the construction documents. This legal requirement ensures that the building will meet the building user’s expectations.

Home designers are often hired by building users to design smaller, less complicated structures and additions. For example, most home owners would consult with a designer when remodeliong a kitchen or bathroom. DoItYourself builders might also hire home designers as a low cost alternative to hiring an architect.

So, let the scope of your project and the depth of your budget determine your choice. If you have a straight forward project with a simple design, you probably will be well served by a designer. If, on the other hand, you are planning a large, complex construction design, you will want to hire an architect.

Whatever you decide, you’ll want to follow standard pre-construction practice to make sure you get what you want. See our Hiring a Construction Contractor: Eight Tips for Getting It Right article for tips on how to hire the right contractor to build your professionally designed building.