The EPA’s eagerly anticipated Watersense label for showerheads was finalized March 4, and manufacturers are now submitting products for testing. Like Watersense certifications for lav faucets and

toilets, qualified showerheads must meet performance specifications as well as flow rates. Units receiving the label will have a flow rate of 2.0 gpm or less – 20% lower than the current federal standard

of 2.5 gpm- while also meeting performance- attribute requirements for flow rate across a range of pressures, spray force, and spray coverage. The specifications apply to showerheads and handheld

showers, but not to bodysprays. Showerheads and heandhelds must be tested by an EPA licensed  certifying body to qualify for Watersense. A number of manufacturers are already offering showerheads

that combine lower flows with improved performance, which means buyers won’t have to wait long to purchase certified fixtures. The EPA says it expects labeled products to hit shelves as early as May.

Here’s a simple concept that makes perfect sense. Capture the wasted heat from water used in a shower or dishwasher and put it back to work. The Power-Pipe is a simple heat transfer device that

uses copper as a thermal bridge. As hot graywater ( see my blog on graywater) flows vertically down the central copper pipe9 typically from a shower) copper tubes attaced to the pipe carry cold

water up, capturing some of the heat. That pre-heated water, the company says, should then be diverted to the home water heating system, presumably via insulated pipes. The company claims

that up to 40% of a home’s water heating costs can be recouped with this gadget.  Cool but Hot….    www.renewability.com 

The $ 8,000. first time home buyer tax credit has been extended. We have not gotten all the details but it looks like it will last until March. We will keep you posted.

Good afternoon everyone, this is a list of the Top Mistakes made by Homeowners going into the Remodeling or Building process. We will be going into each one more in-depth in the next few weeks but this will get us started.

1. Trying to do your custom remodel without a professional builder.

Doing a custom remodel on your home is more complex than most people realize. It akes skilled professionals years to learn the business and even then changes in the industry, materials, and codes make it difficult to keep up.

Solution: Find a competent builder you can trust. Negotiate a reasonable fee for his services and hire him.

2. Choosing a builder primarily because of price. The expression “you get what you pay for” applies to the home building process. If you’ve heard horror stories about people’s experience with their builder, it usually can be attributed to someone trying to get a deal.

Solution:Your home is a major investment. Make an informed,purposeful, thoughtful decision and don’t be lured by the lowest bid.

3. Biting off more than you can chew. In an appreciating market, the rise in value can cover this mistake, but in a flat or declining market, it can be disastrous.

Solution: Know what you can afford and stick to your budget.

4. Hiring a builder when your gut instinct tells you not to.

Solution: After careful research and comparing builders, go with your instinct, not the discounted price.

5. Making choices for your home that only you love, but everyone else hates.

Solution: Get good counsel from your builder,designer and real estate professional before you make your decisions.

6. Expecting workers to be on your job every day from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Solution: Recognize that some days no work is scheduled at all because inspections may be taking place or rain has caused a change in the schedule.

7. Underestimating the importance of making all selections before construction.

Solution: Make all selections prior to construction and enjoy the building process.

8. Homeowners giving direction to subcontractors on the job.

Solution: Communicate only with the construction manageror builder. The Construction Manager is the only person on the job who has all the information related to your project. Subcontractors have only one piece of the puzzle.

9. Not understanding the Change Order process.

Solution: Discuss the builder’s Change Order process with him and be sure you are clear with how it works. Cooperating fully with this process will go a long way toward your enjoyment of the whole project.

If anyone has any to add to this Please let me know. Avoid these common mistakes and you’ll be way ahead of the game.

Tagged Under : budget, careful research, choices, decisions, declining market, good counsel, horror stories, mistake, professional builder, remodel, remodeling, skilled professionals

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