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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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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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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!