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Air Conditioning For Second Story Additions

People make it a priority to take care of the items they own.  After all, everyone works quite hard to get the things they would like to increase their quality of life.  A car is a good example of an asset we maintain.  There is a lot of upkeep to allow us to have the freedom of transportation. We put fuel in our vehicle so it doesn’t run out of gas; we replace the tires, and complete oil changes.  Our cars can be a life line.  Our homes should be taken care of too and we must not overlook the maintenance that it needs to get the most out of our homes.

Ventilation for Second Story Room Addition

With summer heat coming in strong, air conditioning units need to be calibrated and dampers need to be converted from heat to let the flow of cool air flow throughout the home’s ventilation system.  When adding a second story project to your plate you have to consider the ventilation so you don’t have a hot upstairs.

One common fix it for second story home project is activating your air conditioning unit especially in older homes.  The cooler has been covered for the winter and it’s time for that tarp to come off.  Because the AC unit has been shut off for so long the filters have been stale and bacteria may have had an opportunity to build up in the fibers of the filter.  You don’t want to activate your AC without swapping these filters out and by not having the proper duct work leading to your upstairs project.  They are also known to become dry and brittle over the cool months so a fresh cut filter will do the trick.

Another minor second story house project that can be accomplished for the summer is to get the plumbing situated.  Bathroom additions are common for home projects and keeps people from trucking up and down the stairs.  A second story bathroom will offer the convenience and safety needed with the addition.  Make sure you don’t leave out the pipe work or you will have to rip out all of your hard work and start over.
It’s a good practice to flush your water unit at least once every year or even when you are starting a second story project.  You need to release the water pressure from your home when adding new pipes to the infrastructure to prevent injuries..  The problem is most home owners aren’t aware of this need so it’s often over looked.  When it becomes ignored debris and calcium build up can actually block the pluming making it harder for your water tank to produce enough pressure.

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Sustainable Housing Options

With such vast changes in the world regarding environmentally friendly materials and thinking of affordable rates, it is no wonder why people are beginning to venture out and find new, innovative methods for sustainable housing.  There is chatter in urban communities that want to stay completely off the grid. There is also suburban homeowners seeking to differentiate their home or align with their values of environmentally conscious behavior.  Although this concept can be accomplished it always takes time to engineer a suitable home.  There are a few practical solutions for people to adopt to save money on energy costs.

Sustainable Housing Options

Solar power or photovoltaic technologies can be utilized by converting energy from the sun into efficient electrical energy.  Solar systems are practical not only for homes but also for businesses.  A simple solar system can harness enough power to charge a cell phone, lanterns, and even car batteries.  Think of what could be energized in the home, it’s likely to use this concept to power a heater or even a few lights in the home.

Briquettes – What are they?

Another practical solution for sustainable housing is to use heat.  Briquettes are a very effective source for heat.  It is friendly to the environment and it is cheaper than using coal or kerosene.  Wood burns way to fast and loses its heat, and it takes a lot of manpower to keep wood in stock.  A sustainable home can have heat with briquettes to keep the home warm in cooler months.

Hydro plants are used to generate power for sustainable housing.  The system can completely eliminate the need for commercial electricity if the hydro system is tuned correctly.  These systems generate energy by using water from streams or rivers.  They are effective enough to power small hospital clinics and street lights.  To use this system your home will need to be close to a fast-moving water source.

Wind Mills for Energy

The wind is a very simple method for generating power for any sustainable home.  Multiply your windmills by a dozen or so and you will really harvest a lot of energy.  The only downside is those days that aren’t so windy so adding many windmills to charge car batteries as an alternate power solution can save you a lot of headaches.

Scientists have yet to unlock the full capability of biofuels.  Biofuel is a cheap, readily available source to use as an alternative fuel.  Restraints are happy to have people haul off their sludge and grease, and this resource is available for sustainable housing.  It depends on the homeowner how they will convert biofuels into energy.

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Renewable Energy – What is it?

Without a doubt, solar energy is by far one of the best renewable energies that can be harvested. Renewable energy technologies can range from biofuels, to wind and hydro solutions but capturing the sun’s rays can solve a many energy problems.

PV Technology in Manufacturing Plants

Photovoltaics PV technologies use solar cells to convert light from the sun into power or electricity. Photovoltaic cells are created with materials that are semi conductive with their properties and in their most basic elements they are known to power everyday items like calculators and wrist watches. Now, photovoltaics are providing electricity to homes, buildings and manufacturing plants.

With direct sunlight photovoltaics are the most effective but even cloudy days can offer up power to photovoltaic cells. Dust on the panels and rail fall may cripple the renewable energy technology but the risk of these elements does not diminish the value of harnessing solar energy. Photovoltaics don’t really use the rays but from the electrons that are freed by interaction with sunlight and the materials in the solar cells.
There’s a myth that you must be a grand scientist to create your own renewable energy. The truth is many can create their own system with the right materials and the right guidance. Investing in photovoltaics will let people create an environment friendly power source. It does not pollute the environment and are very low maintenance.
Another renewable energy technology is passive solar power that will heat a home and offer light too. Home owners and business complexes are already engineering and tuning passive solar power. Windows that face outward to the sun are able to take in the heat coming from the sun and then let the heat dissolve slowly into power. Passive solar technologies aren’t a functioning part by any means, but are like using regular items on a structure and modifying these to take in heat.

What is Passive Solar Energy

Passive solar energy doesn’t just capture heat to create heat but it can also be captured to produce ventilation and cooling systems as well. Converting it to cooler air may be a little more extensive but passive solar energy is still an effective renewable energy technology to take advantage of.

One method to maximize on renewable energy technologies either passive or with photovoltaics is to create a structure big and long enough to face the sun at fifteen degrees. This direct angle to the sun will allow the rays to hit the surface to produce a strong enough element for power without sacrificing the integrity of the home or building itself.

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Green Building Techniques

In today’s environment, it’s evident that eco-friendly building is not going anywhere. In fact, contractors who are environmentally conscious are being sought for two reasons: one they are aware of all the regulations and pre-screening of jobs prior to start and two families can have the peace of mind they are creating a home that is not dangerous to live in.

Although upfront costs are typically more for green building the savings over the long run on such things as energy and tax credits make this strategy an easy sell for many homeowners.

Here are a few items you should ask for/seek if you are remodeling and looking for an eco-friendly, sustainable project.

  1. Programmable Thermostat: Average life cycle is about 10 years and allows users to control costs/energy bills much easier than old school air conditioning.
  2. Aerosol Duct Ceiling: Very easy to install and prevents energy loss escaping the heating and cooling of your house.
  3. Structural Insulated Panels: If you are thinking of a conventional building this would replace the wall/framing by offering a panel that is made of OSB, Fiber Cement, and Plywood. Not only does this downsize the lumber requirement but also reduces air infiltration.

Keep in mind energy and green building is still a very new topic. Over the next decade, our society will not only be aware of how to be more conscious but more government incentives and innovation will make green building the only route to go. For more tips on green building, home remodeling, and home improvement follow us on Facebook or subscribe to SJB Construction Inc!

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Starting a home remodeling company?

In modern times, it’s understandable that most people are being pushed out of home remodeling as a result of the housing bubble and real estate crisis. However, there is always room and business for the top tier professionals with solid referring clients, reputation, and quality of service/craftsmanship. For those passionate about home building here are some paths/advice for anyone with dreams of having their own construction company one day.

Experience or Education?

As a standard most general contractors would agree that experience is education. Most companies will take on apprentices and be willing to teach an eager learner so depending on your game plan you may be able to save a great deal of money if you play the cards right.

  •  Experience – As a general contractor you will come across multiple issues that you simply just cannot learn in a classroom or book. Organizing all subcontractors while attaining building permits, securing the property, providing temporary utilities on site, managing employees on the worksite, Site survey/Engineering Architects, hauling/recycling of materials, monitoring schedules and invoicing, and having an accurate archive of product warranties, etc. is a skill one truly learns by doing and masters after hours on the job.
  •  Education– In 90% of cases if you are seeking residential remodeling certifications and 2-year technical degrees (Construction Building Technology, Certificate of Design/Build Remodeling) are the way to go. You will need to pass the California Contractors State License Board test to be a legitimate contractor in California so intensive study courses to prepare may be best for those who already feel confident in their abilities.

Basic requirements

Workman’s compensation– This is a requirement in California to protect any workers in the field operating under your company as protection if they are hurt on the job.

Pay taxes- Regardless of fifteen employees or just yourself, you are required to file all taxes as a business owner under the IRS.
Business Name and Registration- Once you take the leap you will need to register your business as a general contracting business with the department of labor

Cautions

Cyclical earnings– Remodeling is a tricky industry and a smart business owner understands you can triple your typical income one great year and have the potential to flatline or decline in a recession. Re-investment to secure business and monitoring cost efficiency are paramount to success.

Do not expect your exceptional carpentry to get second-story additions– Be prepared to adapt with technology if necessary, maintain superior client service, and be open to client ideas. Nowadays in an information-based society clients can be very demanding and used to have several options to choose from.

Do not take on jobs you cannot hack- If you are in over your head your client will ultimately find out and you risk sacrificing a potential long-term referral/client or even worse monetary damage that your company will have to cover legally.

In Conclusion

Home Remodeling is a very rewarding but challenging career choice for those who wish to pursue it. At the end of a Second Story Addition, Kitchen Remodel or Room Addition seeing the entire project come to fruition is a feeling unlike many other professions can replicate. By making clients happy and adding value/equity to others’ homes feels great as well. Have fun, keep on top of industry regulations/trends, keep an open mind and mainly always be honest with your clients. Good Luck!

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Key Factors 2nd Story Addition

Second story home additions are arguably the most valuable home improvement out there. As stated before a professional, licensed room addition contractor will not be able to even put on toolbags until local building departments give approval of zoning, building, and planning regarding blueprints.

Most structural engineers agree that Second Story Additions are feasible for nearly every homeowner. 2nd Story Additions can always be easier if the weight of the new improvement spans the distance of the house and majority of weight is framed to existing exterior walls.

Some considerations that your remodeling home  plan should account for however are related to age and condition of current structure. These can vary but predominately follow:

  • Load bearing Walls
  • Strengthen Foundation for build

Existing Heating and Cooling System ok?

Well based on 30+ years experience probably not. Adding more square footage to your household means you will need to supplement this with a higher capacity system or just invest in a new unit for the new second story plan.

Also think: Renovation is all about efficiency.If you have the contractor on site and running take advantage of this and try to kill two birds with one stone. It doesn’t make logical sense to purchase dual pane windows (energy efficient) to put in your new upstairs addition and keep your old, aluminum framed windows on the first story. They are less energy efficient, do not increase home value and probably cost more in the end regarding utilities..So if you are interested in a big investment such as a Second Story Addition consider possibly upgrading existing home materials like the example above.

Do not cheap out if considering a Second Story Addition!

Additional expenses may be important and should not be cut if you are going the full distance with your 2nd Story Addition. Siding and Stucco depending on age of  house may have a difficult time being replicated to existing exterior. Account for a full stucco bid if you feel the quality will have a hard time being matched. In the end you will be happy you paid an extra couple thousand for a home that looks great from the base to roof!

During the work what should I do?

It is a good idea and we always inform our clients that you should be prepared to relocate during the important major phases of your second story addition. Homeowners usually are aware this process is like a surgery on your property. Lets face it anyone that argues to be sedated during surgery can ultimately probably get aware with that but it may be best to listen to the professionals and be cooperative during the process.

SJB Construction Inc. Specializes in Room Additions, Second Story Additions, Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Renovation and more in San Diego county. Check out why we have an A+ BBB track record and 5 stars on yelp!

Find San Diego specific county regulations here!

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Renovation in San Diego?

Having second thoughts about hiring a general contractor?

Using separate contractors or contractors with only one niche you risk paying finders fees to these contractors. Worse you can run into time consuming paper chasing multiple licences if violations and issues arise. Using SJB Construction Incorporated our license covers your general remodel. With an A+ rating on BBB you can rest assured this issue has yet to arise however. Deciding on a general contractor versus DIY you also save from the issue of quality disconnect individual aspects of renovation process. (I.E. Project Management)

Benefits

  • -One payment- Hiring SJB Construction Inc. you can write one single paycheck and have all questions addressed at one source.
  • -Liability/Responsibility- SJB Construction Incorporated assumes full responsibility for all aspects of build.
  • Time Management- if any aspect if off it can result in major time loss.

 

– A simple remodel can involve using an electrician, a plumber, a framer, and a painting contractor just to name a few of the possible contractors that may be involved. All of our contacts have 30+ years experience.

Renovation Services ranging from entire home framing, second story room additions , custom cabinetry, roofing, granite counter tops, Demolition Hauling/Removal, Kitchen design, pool construction and more SJB Construction Incorporated serves as a design/build architectural company. Experience with changing building policies in San Diego, volatile material pricing, and firm subcontracted relationships to serve each homeowner best. Call for a no-pressure assessment.

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House Heating Solutions

Okay so it’s wintertime in America and even though most of our readers are here in San Diego (the weather is golden year around) it doesn’t mean that this time of the year it’s not freezing from time to time. Here are some potential issues your home may chilly.

  • Maybe your living room is large and the wooden or tile floor is like ice every morning.
  • You could have a room that does not have much exposure to the sun.
  • Lack of Weather-stripping: Your doors and windows may have a drift as a result of.

So let’s get down to the nitty gritty, as a room addition contractor here is what we did for a recent client whom had a unique case where they had all the “nuts and bolts” in place but still wasn’t content. SJB Construction Incorporated decided to craft a drop down ceiling with additional insulation. Automatically upon insulation being installed you could feel a major difference.

Basic Materials (Excluding Tools, ect.)

  • 2x6x12’s
  • 2x4x8
  • Drywall-Ultra light 1/2”
  • Insulation
  • 40 Minute Quick Dry Mud
  • Red Dot Hot Mud

How to craft to the new drop-down heated ceiling

Without a solid plan of action, it is the blind leading the blind so start with outlining where you will place your new structure.

1. Using a blue chalk line SJB Construction Inc. snapped lines on the existing rafters to account for a level drop down ceiling. (At least 7 inches to be safe from top of roofing so you have enough room for insulation and 2×6’s)

2.Once you nailed off your box frame of 2×6 to the existing rafters (parallel/vertical) you are now ready to cut blocks so you can run additional 2×6 horizontal. (Think of a “t” with 2×6 running both vertical and horizontal). A: First, B: Second once you fasten blocking.

This just provides additional backing to screw into for the drywall.

3. Make sure you run ahead and mark where your horizontal 2×6’s will end. You do not want to make additional drywall cuts. Let the drywall work for you, do not work for the drywall.
See Picture above: Third Stud running horizontal will be the first full sheet of drywall edge into new sheet. Make sure your stud is centered at 48” so you have backing for both sheets of drywall.

*Do not have the edge of 2×6 at 48” you will then only have backing for one sheet of drywall and no room to split the difference.*

4. Electrical: If applicable
You want to make sure to run any electrical if before you insulate. You will need a drill bit to drill through the upper region of your 2×6 to run the electrical to can lights, fans ect.

Tip: Drill upper side of 2×6 to keep integrity in place.

Sweet you are now halfway to heaven…

5. Insulation: So now you are ready for the insulation which you can either take on yourself or hire a contractor. Contractors are usually the most efficient. For about $100 more you can have installed versus dealing with itchy fiberglass and having to run and get the material.

6. Drywall: Once you have the insulation you can now start the drywall phase. Ultralight 1/2 4×8 is great for this type of job. Typical Drywall weighs about 80lb. a sheet, ultralight weighs about 45lb. per sheet.

Finish the job by hanging (screws 6 inches on joints, 12 inches on center), mudding, taping, priming and painting your new drywall. Install any necessary can lights and fans to appropriate electrical wiring.

There you have a new room that is nice and toasty. We noticed a major difference in this client’s home!

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Building Trends for 2013

House Upturn starting to boost lumber prices

Overall trend of lumber has shown that there has been a steady increase in prices since the start of 2012. This study was essential based on a twenty city average for the most commonly used types of 2x4s to build (ENR, see link below).

Pricing are consistently inclining from low levels which was a result of housing market slump which as mentioned  before are now looking much more optmistic. Random Lengths reported as well that framing lumber prices are  up 18.4% over 2011. Framing Lumber is now hovering around $322 per thousand board foot. Another supporting statistic that is great for both General Contractors and the economy was released by the U.S. Department of Commerce is that the monetary value of new private residential renovations is up 15.5 % from previous year.

Other material Prices that are on the increase

  • Concrete and Asphault- Although not as impressive as lumber the bureau of labor statistics stated that ready-mix concrete as of November 2012 in up 2.3%.

Regional Experience

Although San Diego was one of the most impacted economies to take a plunge with the housing market these statistics seem to be aligned with the strength of interest in our services as of late 2012 and 2013. Off the cuff speaking SJB Construction Incorporated is still not experiencing the bull market of building which occured pre-2007. The norm seems to favor smaller remodels such as; Kitchen Remodels, Bathroom Remodels versus an overload of larger projects such as Room Additions and Second Story Additions. However, at bare minimum the general public seems to feel more comfortable about re-investment in their property. Most homeowners are begginning to realize their investment value will ultimately pay off as the world economy shapes up and building prices are rising.

Possible Implications

Taken from a list of the top 5 producers of lumber, Deltic Timber Corporation is listed below. One can draw their own conclusion but the direction of the stock seems to bear optimism. Keep in mind many other factors are involved in the stock market that are completely unrelated to the upward trend (financials of corporation, Div & Yield, P/E ratio, ect.), however at the same token factors such as potential growth opportunity and economic environment also should not be disregarded. Look at the general trend of purchase behaivor, despite one dip it looks like a steady increase from 2012.
Comment and Questions are welcomed, this blog is a blend of industry statistics and 30 years experience riding the cyclical
trend in residential building. Comments/Question? Connect with us on Facebook!

 

Disclaimer: This Blog is opinion based on industry statistics and knowledge of past cyclical trends.

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Renovate in a down economy

Buy low sell high reasonates and is applicable to home renovation in the environment today. It is a well known fact that the market is seasonal with a typical inventory reaching a high point during late summer however falling in the colder months of the year.

According to Motovo Real Estate during the final month of 2012 inventory dropped by 9,551 homes. See chart below.

Home prices in 2012 climbed upwards and the trend seems to be that homeowners are hesitant to sell their homes:

  • They are under the notion that prices will continue to increase
  • Increased investor demand
  • Decreased bank foreclosures

So what does this mean to those whom are seeking to renovate their homes?

Right now is the time to get take advantage of a marginal economy and excellent rates regarding home improvement and repair. Contractors have suffered the past 6 years as the housing bubble decreased the amount of opportunity to build and homeowners have been too skeptical to spend thousands of dollars in a volatile environment.

Just as the market is seasonal so are the prices regarding home renovation. If you are considering custom kitchen designs, room addition or second story remodeling it is smart to be ahead of the curve and lock in excellent rates while you can. Soon with a low inventory Room Addition Contractors will be in demand to add to existing structures.

Other incentives to renovate now

According to usnews.com builder confidence was up to a five-year peak last August. Building Permits rose 7% in July so this is indicative that the home renovation industry is starting forward progression. So in conclusion get on the ball and contact a general contractor soon if you’re pondering any home remodeling project.

Any thoughts feel free to shoot me a line!