Ask WicksteadWorks | Experts in Residential High Performance Building Standards

A Quick Sheathing Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:35:00 +0000

This photo is of an exterior wall of a home we are rebuilding. It shows how air passing through the exterior wall has been filtered by the fiberglass insulation. What appears to be staining on the yellow fiberglass is actually years of particulates, pollutants, being filtered from the air entering the house. So you thought buying replacement windows would prevent air infiltration?

Why do you care about air infiltration? 1. Most of the pollutants do get through into the home. 2. The air getting in is hot in the summer and cold in the winter and costs you. 3. Wet air is drawn to dry air. In the summer your, most likely, over-sized HVAC unit short cycles and can't remove the humidity and you argue with your spouse over the thermostat. Yes, you care about air infiltration. The best part? The home pictured was built to Georgia code. This a tiny example of a huge shortcut that can be taken to make your home profitable to a "to code" builder.

How do you do it properly? Sheath with Huber's Zip System and use open cell spray foam insulation. It will add 12k to a large project and pay you back within a few years financially and immediately from an air quality point of view. How do you repair an existing home? Rip off all the existing siding, sheathing, insulation or re-size your HVAC, add HEPA air filtration, add a dehumidifier. Both of these options are bordering on ridiculous. The point? Cheap goes down to the bones. Ask a 3rd party construction science group to recommend a builder or remodeler. An example is Southface in Atlanta. You could go with an EarthCraft builder or Remodeler. Or you could make your life easier and just hire me.

The Shame...

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:44:00 +0000

I have an admission. I added a second story to my own home a little over 5 years ago. We ran out of Hardie trim and added Windsor One corner board to my chimney because it was easier to purchase on the fly. I noticed last week that is is already rotten. Yes, rot on my own 5 year old project...unacceptable!

I have steered my clients away from using wood of any kind on their exterior for years. On my own home, on the area mentioned above, I used Windsor One which comes primed and then we primed the end cuts. This is the best exterior wood trim on the market today, but it didn't matter. Wood these days comes from smaller and smaller trees thus softer and softer wood. hardie and other manufacturers produce cementitious products to replace wood siding, trim, soffit, and nearly every other necessary exterior product. What is not made in a cementitious product is made from PVC. Why are cementitious products better? They are made of cement and wood fiber, they don't rot, they don't burn, carpenter bees do not eat them. Because they do not expand and contract very much they hold paint for an average of 20 years. Expect to repaint wood at least every 5 years and probably 3. A well done exterior is the key to long term sustainability. Eliminate rot which eliminates mold which helps eliminates bad air inside your home.

Your architect will most likely whine about authenticity and the natural aging of your home. Ask them if they will mind chipping in on the maintenance.

I can show you many examples of sided homes that have no wood on their exterior that would surprise you. I only build incredible homes and this is a small example of how to keep them looking and behaving that way.

San Marco Mineral Paints

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:14:00 +0000

I have discovered, not in a Columbus way, but more like an "I found out about" way, San Marco Mineral Paints. This is very cool stuff. They have many products but I'll focus on their lime based products. The base is made of lime stone that has been soaked in water for 2 years. The technology was established at least as far back as 400BC with the Roman Empire. The "paint's" properties actually absorb CO2 for 1000 years as part of it's curing process, slightly longer than you home will last, partially solving the problem of modern tight building envelope issues. Its alkalinity makes mold and mildew impossible. The product has zero VOCs, no really no VOCs, unlike typical latex paint. Typical latex paints do not have to include the VOCs in their pigmentation as part of their net count. San Marco's paints meet current European VOC standards which far exceed US standards. It is also fade resistant. Although there is minimal availability in the US, the Italian company has been around for over 50 years. Luckily, we do have a dealer in Atlanta. Oh, and the best part, it costs the same as Benjamin Moore’s "low" VOC products. We will be transitioning to using this product exclusively.

As with all posts I can assure you this is an unpaid endorsement. Its just one of those things we should all be using.

Find out more: http://san-marcousa.com/index.html

WicksteadWorks Recognized for Achievements in Green Building

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:24:00 +0000

What is being said @ us...

WicksteadWorks Recognized for Achievements in Green Building
Atlanta renovator/remodeler earns numerous distinctions/honors

ATLANTA – WicksteadWorks, one of metro Atlanta’s top design-and-build construction management firms continues to be recognized for its outstanding achievements in environmentally friendly renovation and preservation.

Recently, Frank Wickstead owner of the seven-year-old firm received The Georgia Institute of Technology’s Environmental Leadership Award for his commitment to green and high performance building standards as well as his commitment to education about the subject. The award celebrates an individual or group that has had a significant environmental impact via a long-term commitment, resulting in a body of exemplary work.

Earlier this year, WicksteadWorks captured The Southface Energy Institute’s EarthCraft Renovator of the Year Award. The firm also won the honor in 2009. Created in 1999, EarthCraft House is an environmentally friendly building program of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA). The EarthCraft House program was co-created by the Home Builders Association and Southface Energy Institute and was named 2004 and 2008 Green Building Program of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders. The voluntary green building program has consistently provided a model for healthy, comfortable homes that help reduce utility bills and protect the environment. The EarthCraft House certification process follows a checklist designed to verify that each EarthCraft home addresses site planning, energy efficient techniques and equipment, waste management and indoor air quality.

“With the EarthCraft program we are able to consistently double the square footage of a home while lowering overall utility usage and cost.” said Wickstead. “It is a great feeling for us to be able to eliminate asthma symptoms of a home’s inhabitants while also lowering our client’s overall monthly bills.”

WicksteadWorks was also recently awarded the distinction of being named a GuildMaster with Distinction from GuildQuality. GuildMaster is a volunteer third party customer service surveying company. The award celebrates service excellence in the building, remodeling, contracting, and real estate professions. Each year, GuildQuality gives special recognition to the companies that demonstrate an ability to deliver a consistently superior customer experience.

In June, WicksteadWorks was named one of Remodeling magazines, Big 50. Each year since 1986, the publication inducts the owners of 50 remodeling companies that have set exceptionally high standards for professionalism and integrity through exemplary business practices, craftsmanship and impact in their community or the industry at large. The Big 50 selection process has become increasingly rigorous in recent years, and the result is one of the strongest classes to date. All 2010 inductees stood up to detailed examinations of their businesses and books, and demonstrated an admirably deft ability to restructure, retrench and hustle to remain viable in a challenging economic climate.

Also last month, WicksteadWorks was named one of Qualified Remodeler magazine’s 55 quality leaders nationally. In the article Frank Wickstead was quoted as saying that, “Our best business practice is very simple. It is to keep our customers happy through what is, at best, a stressful endeavor. It may sound counter intuitive from a business point of view but the client and their project must be more important than the money. It is a leap of faith that living by this principle will pay off in the end, but it does.”

About WicksteadWorks
WicksteadWorks has completed a wide variety of projects earning numerous honors for their work. In 2009 and 2010 the Atlanta-based remodeler was recognized by Southface and The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) as EarthCraft Renovator of the Year. In 2007, WicksteadWorks received an OBIE Award for Best Renovation. WicksteadWorks completed a whole house renovation transforming a 1930’s bungalow into a modern energy-efficient home, while maintaining the original architectural integrity. More recently, WicksteadWorks was featured on Renovation Nation, a regular program on the Planet Green channel, for the innovative water conservation and rainwater reuse techniques they incorporated into a Myrtle Street project. For more information about WicksteadWorks visit www.wicksteadworks.com.

We won EarthCraft's Renovator of the Year again!

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:04:00 +0000

WicksteadWorks won the 2010 EarthCraft Renovator of the Year! This is the second year for us. We were busy last year and we are almost booked for 2010. I attribute this workload to our partnership with the EarthCraft program. Opening ourselves to third party inspection is a way to sharpen our own processes and be policed when our eye wanders off the ball. Thank you to Southface and the Greater Atlanta Home Builder's Association for the acknowledgement. It is incredibly appreciated.

Lead, Your Home ,and the EPA

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:11:00 +0000

The fact is that if your home was built prior to 1978 it most likely contains lead. It is contained in most coatings prior to being outlawed in 1978. Coatings are paint, lacquer, polyurethane, stain, etc. Lead is a bad thing, especially for children under 2 years old when everything goes from hand to mouth. Lead can be a major, obvious problem in high doses. Lead, on the other hand, can show up in subtle ways in low doses. Low level lead poisoning can result in emotional problems, A.D.D., and a 5 - 7 point reduction in IQ.

The good news is that lead coatings can be encapsulated. A fresh coat of paint can seal the lead away until it is disturbed. This is not the case when paint is allowed to chip and peal. When this has occurred then it has to be professionally remediated. Long story short, maintain your house on a regular basis. Have your painter back for a pressure wash and touch up on a yearly basis. It is relatively inexpensive and it will prevent wear, rot, and bigger problems like a lead contamination. Already have chipping and pealing? First, avoid the pressure washer which can spread the contamination. Second, call a remediation group for advice specific to your home. The remediation team should be certified by the EPA for Lead Removal or have Lead RRP (Remodel, Repair, and Painting) certification. I would recommend a painter with RRP certification. It will usually be the most cost effective.

As of April 22, 2010 all painters and remodelers will be required to gain Lead RRP Certification. This ensures that they have gone through the EPA training and have a basic knowledge about how to reduce the spread of lead and cleaning up properly when repainting, repairing, or renovating your home. If interviewing a firm within that realm, remember to ask if they have made the time to gain the certification.

For more information about Lead RRP certification visit: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm
For more information on lead poisoning and avoiding lead visit: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/

If you have questions or comments about the information offered in this article or anything having to do with residential design and construction please feel free to email me directly at frank@wicksteadworks.com.

"Putting Up" a 1920's Bungalow

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Originally published @

http://thecom-position.com/
juliette@thecom-position.com

This Atlanta residence and home to Architect Richard Bunn and Ken Felts completed its renovation in 2008. The project is a 900 sq ft addition of a large kitchen, seating-den space, master suite with work area and outside porch with a fireplace and wood-fire stone baking oven. The design and construction was intended to extend the life of the house for the next 100 years. The purpose of the renovation was to create space responding to their modern lifestyle and design sensibility. The kitchen extends onto the porch, connecting the inside to the outside.

Ken who has not been involved in a design project prior to this one noted the obsessive level of detail occurring during the design process. He says he can now truly appreciate the time it takes for a designer to work thru the design. The success comes out of the detailed needs assessment, careful planning and three-dimensional study of spatial relationships.

Ken also witnessed the positive “tug of war” occurring between Dick as the Architect and the Contractor during the building phase. They both had visions of how something should be done which at times created friction. The final solution solved collaboratively made the project stronger, illustrating the importance of the designer’s involvement through the construction process.

Ken moved into this house from the typical large newly constructed home with big furniture. Now living in a much smaller but well thought out space with a Knoll Risom Chair replacing his Lazy Boy “lounger” has been a positive change.

He says everything is so comfortable and

perfect for the way they live and entertain. The kitchen

can accommodate ten cooks, and has.

They spend most of their time in the kitchen, living, Master and outside. Evidence to how we don’t need a lot of space if it is well designed.

The renovation was designed and constructed based on Earthcraft principles. “Earthcraft House created in 1999, is a residential green building program of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association in partnership with Southface Energy Institute. This program serves as a blueprint for energy and resource efficient homes.” Definition from the Earthcraft’s website. The mission of Southface is to educate research, advocate and provide technical assistance for residential and commercial sustainable building technology for architects, designers, builders, owners and realtors. The Earthcraft program is specific to the southeast region due to building specifications responding to the climates of the region.
Some of the features designed into this home are the Tankless water heater, Water filtration system, HVAC and Electrical systems and building shell construction.
Dick educated the contractor on Earthcraft materials and methods. Since then the builder has passionately adapted these practices for his own business and is now a listed Earthcraft builder.
Dick Bunn, Principal Architect and Interior Designer with Insight Design in Atlanta Georgia has produced over 5,000,000 square feet of space for his corporate, professional service, retail banking and higher education clients.
Dick’s design knowledge and approach fostered talents of many fortunate interior designers and architects mentored over the years.
Wicksteadworks, an Atlanta based construction firm specializes in sustainable residential construction . Their customers rave about the thorough process, high quality work and excellent communication. Their work has been in national publications, HGTV Ground Breakers, Better Homes and Gardens and Bob Villa.com
Dick and Ken both have a passion for cooking. See our article Preserving… It’s Not Just For Your Grandmother

Designer/Architect: A Richard Bunn, AIAhttp://www.insightinc.netBuilder: WicksteadWorkshttp://www.wicksteadworks.com
Guiding Principles: Earthcrafthouse.com www.Southface.org
Photographer: Nate Dorn http://www.dornbrothers.com/
Photographer: Lee Grider http://www.f64studio.com
Also see information at the USGBC website on sustainable building at LEED for Homes, LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=147

Practicle Solutions for Converting an Historic Home into a High Performance Home

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:35:00 +0000

You might have the desire to increase the efficiency of your home but not at the cost of removing the elements
that made you fall in love with your home in the first place. There are several systems and products on the market
today that you might consider. The following are a few of my favorites.

Geo thermal heating and air conditioning is an excellent system. It will reduce the cost of comfort in your home over 50%. The only drawback in the past has been the cost. There is currently a 30% uncapped tax credit that brings the price down to earth… no pun. With the tax credit in place the system will cost twice that of a typical HVAC system. All geo thermal systems work with a series of loops that when buried transfer the constant 55 degree temperature of the earth into a comfortable 65-75 thermostatically controlled degrees in your home. Geothermal loops contain either a gas, typically freon, or water. I prefer the gas systems for a number of reasons. They are less expensive systems. They are less complicated systems. They require less maintenance and they are more efficient. The loops for a gas filled system only disturb a 5’x5’ area of your yard which should remain “tree free” but can be covered with other vegetation or impervious surface. If you plan to be in your home long-term or are in current need of a system upgrade, consider geo thermal. I should also mention that a terrific byproduct of geothermal heat transference is close to free hot water.

Residential greywater systems have come a long way. They have evolved from a Frankenstein-ed collection of devices just a few years ago to the self contained sophisticated but simple systems of today. Greywater can be used for several purposes including toilet water and irrigation. A typical residential greywater system will collect shower and sink water, excluding kitchen sink water, and then pump that water to be reused as toilet water. This reuse will save 30% or 30000 gallons of fresh water in the average home. The system will consist of a reservoir, a filtration system, and a pump. Excess collected water will overflow to the sewer system and municipal water will fill the reservoir when less shower water is created than is needed by toilets. The best all in one residential unit on the market today is made by PACE, Inc. Less sophisticated models have been a maintenance headache requiring a monthly filter change and bleach tablet replacement. PACE, Inc. has added an advanced filtration and cleaning system without dramatically increasing the cost of the unit which is less than $4000.00 plus installation which will vary based on your home. If you have a basement with exposed plumbing then the installation will be less complicated than other scenarios

Hearing a lot about foam insulation? It is truly an excellent product. In existing homes foam can be installed in the rafters and in the floor system (if there is a basement or crawl space). Foam in the rafters transfers the “building envelope” from the ceiling to the roof. This shift will reduce the air temperature in the attic up to 50 degrees in the heart of the summer. Foam in the attic and the basement is the best but most expensive option. If cooling your home costs more that heating it then apply the foam in the attic. If the reverse is true then apply the foam in the basement. There are two basic types of foam insulation which are open cell and closed cell. Both will seriously outperform fiberglass and lower monthly expenses year round. Not to get too complicated; open cell in an air barrier, closed cell in an air and moisture barrier. Closed cell is a superior product but, in my opinion, is too expensive for the moment. The only time closed cell MUST be used is in the installation of a wine cellar where its moisture blocking properties will stop wood rot caused from condensation. The best open cell foam on the market is Icynene LD-R-50 which has replaced high VOC petroleum based ingredients with castor oil making it very environmentally friendly. Icynene is also the only foam on the market that is inherently fire resistant. Other open cell spray foams require the application of a fire retardant. A proper installation will include removing the fiberglass insulation from the ceiling joists to allow conditioned air to flow into the attic.

Installing these systems will bring your home to the cutting edge of modern residential construction technology while maintaining the integrity of your historic gem. If you have questions or comments about the information offered in this article or anything having to do with residential design and construction please feel free to email me directly at frank@wicksteadworks.com.

Our Newest Addition

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:04:00 +0000

Frank and Ashley Wickstead are very proud to announce the birth of their son George Anthony on July 22 at 8:24am weighing in at 7lb 10.4oz. Mommy and baby are both doing great.

Our Birthday Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:36:00 +0000

We are sending this newsletter to celebrate our 6th birthday and to let you know what we accomplished in our past year.

In addition to being published at least once a month this year we were also featured on HGTV’s Groundbreakers and The Discovery Channels Renovation Nation with Steve Thomas.

We were chosen by The Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of Atlanta’s Top 20 Remodelers.

We joined GuildQuality which is the premier third party customer surveying and reporting company for the residential construction industry. After just a few projects we became one of the top 1% of GuildQuality’s membership.

We were incredibly honored to be named The EarthCraft Renovator of the Year by The Southface Energy Institute. EarthCraft has consistently been named the most recognizable residential green building program in the country. The program has become part of our culture. Regardless of scale we integrate EarthCraft standards into every project. EarthCraft assures that we increase the energy efficiency and sustainability while improving the air quality of every project. We would like to think we are walking the walk with regards to high performance construction methods. “Green” is not just a marketing tool at WicksteadWorks.

We added [smarter construction] to our name to let you know who we are in the industry and as a challenge to ourselves. We require continuing education within the company at all levels. We make it our job to know what the newest technology is and find out for ourselves if it is worth our endorsement.

Here are a few examples.

We are very excited about Icynene’s new LD-R-50 product. This is the newest and best insulation on the market. This is an open cell spray foam insulation with amazing insulating values, inherent fire resistance, and a castor oil base which dramatically reduces the VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) usually associated with spray insulation products.

We are currently researching the ability to install modular second story additions. We plan to install our first within a few months. Modular methods allow us to maintain our minimum EarthCraft standards while reducing overall cost to our client and speed up our already fast production schedules. This method is incredibly efficient with very little waste and much less intrusive to the neighborhood.

We consider ourselves experts on water conservation with respect to rainwater and greywater reuse, use reduction, and integrating whole house systems to work together towards the common goal of seriously reducing overall usage and dependency on municipal sources.

Nonnie's New Role

While we welcome Suzanne Seymour on board for design and specifications, Nonnie Preuss is moving in a new direction. For years we have wanted to focus on fostering relationships with likeminded organizations, and prospective clients. Nonnie will take on this task heading up Business Development.
Look for her at Green functions around town, and do not hesitate to call her with referrals. In addition to that new roll, Nonnie is designing a new division at WicksteadWorks in response to feedback she has received from clients just like you! She will be fine tuning it over the summer, stay tuned for a late summer/early fall debut. In the meantime you can reach Nonnie at 404-626-6881 or nonnie@wicksteadworks.com , she would love to hear from you.

We are always here to answer any questions you may have about your home so don’t hesitate to send an email directly to frank@wicksteadworks.com. This would be the least we can do for you. Everything you have just read has been inspired by you, our clients and friends, who constantly challenge us to improve; so once again, thank you!

WicksteadWorks Named Renovator of the Year by EarthCraft

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:17:00 +0000

WicksteadWorks recently received an award honoring their devotion to green building practices. Southface and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association named the Atlanta remodeling company as the 2009 Renovator of the Year. This is an extraordinary honor for WicksteadWorks as the award represents their dedication to going above and beyond the established measures to decrease energy consumption in an exiting home. WicksteadWorks does this by ensuring every single completed project meets or exceeds the standards of EarthCraft certification. By building to EarthCraft requirements, all renovations completed by WicksteadWorks will result in lower monthly utility bills and a healthier home environment for the homeowners.

Winners were determined by a team of EarthCraft House judges. Considering all of Frank Wickstead's green building designations and his persistence to encourage the industry to build green, it makes perfect sense that WicksteadWorks was able to impress the judges. Here's what one of them had to say about the remodeling company in Atlanta:

“WicksteadWorks has actively embraced sustainable building standards and pursues best-practices to achieve quality certified projects,” said Daniel Harvey with EarthCraft House. “Frank Wickstead and his team are dedicated to responsible building and construction methods that lead to improved energy efficiency, sustainability and air quality. Frank is making an impact in Atlanta, and for that reason, we named WicksteadWorks our Renovator of the Year.”

Congratulations WicksteadWorks!

So, how are you being effected by the economy?

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:01:00 +0000

I have heard this question enough that I would just publish the answer.

Builders entering the remodel market...

Beware folks. There is one essential difference between a remodeler and a builder. A builder sells a product. A remodeler sells a service. At WicksteadWorks, on-time, on-budget, and perfect detailing will get you a 5 out of 10. To get a 10 we have to be concerned about the journey along the way. Although we fail occasionally, at our best, we sell a pleasant experience. We hear from the vast majority of our clients that they would start another one immediately.

Vendors are collapsing...

This is one that took us by surprise and has thrown us for a loop or two. Our main material vendor went under. We followed our rep to another company but the service was terrible. We have switched again to a new company that is so far exceeding our expectations in service and pricing.

Another difficulty is that items that everyone used to stock now have a 2 week lead time. No one wants inventory. This is an example of how hard times are making us better. We now have to be twice as organized and on-our-game as we used to be.

Can you get a loan?

I was personally able to refinance my home to a fixed rate 4.65% rate saving us considerable money on a monthly basis. Those of you who have made good decisions along the way, live within their means, and are not buried in debt can find considerable opportunities out there in this environment. Many banks are gone and MANY loan brokers are gone. Those that remain NEED to loan money. They just need good customers. It is true that home values have dropped. If you had 20% or less equity in your home then you are most likely in a position now that you will not be able to secure a Line of Credit. If you had 30% or more equity, you are most likely in a good place for an inexpensive LOC. Call me, I'll tell you who is lending.

To our competition...

Take this time to get better! Be proud that you are doing well in this economy. Those that survive these times are the companies that deserve to be in business. Have you not managed to accomplish licensing? Then get to it! This economy along with our new licensing requirements will leave a very competitive market where most of the bums are no longer around (I know of at least one that is still around!). Who are the bums? They are the ones that have given our industry a black eye for years. The guys that give the low bids with the full intention of killing their clients with change orders and the ones that consider profit before all things... quality, relationships, the industry, etc.

Prepare for the fight!

Just last week I heard our economic situation encapsulated beautifully by a very wise man. Think of a price fighter before a championship bought. He will have to trim the fat and make every training session concise and productive. Every move will need to be simplified. We know the big fight, the turn in the economy, is right around the corner. When we come out of this we will be leaner. Our processes will be stronger. Our methods will be smarter. We will be better prepared and well organized. To our competition, beware, we are going to come out swinging.

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:03:00 +0000

If Noah Had to Build the Ark Today

In the year 2009, The Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States , and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans." He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard....but no ark. "Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark ?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah. "But things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood Home Owner's Association zoning laws by building the Ark in my backyard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Planning and Zoning Board for a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines, overpasses and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it. Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go! When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space. Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Civil Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience. To make matters worse, the Customs and Immigration Agency seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark. "

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord. "The Government has beat me to it."

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Tips to Make your Home Eco Friendly

Holly McCarthy

There’s an old cliché that says that home is where the heart is, and that’s true for most of us. We feel at home in a house only when we love it – it may be just four walls with a roof on top, but if our heart calls it home, there’s nothing to beat the feeling. A home must be a place to relax in, to hang out, and to ease the tensions after a long day at work. Another aspect of a much-loved house is that it must be cost-effective to maintain on a regular basis. It’s a well-known fact that homes that are eco-friendly are easy to maintain and cost you less in terms of energy and power. Besides this, you’re also helping to save the environment. So if you’re looking to make your home eco-friendly, here’s what you need to do:

· Use energy efficient appliances: Switch from your regular incandescent lights to CFL tubes that do not use as much energy as their predecessors. Invest in appliances that come with the energy star rating so that you don’t spend thousands on your power bill. While your initial investment costs may be higher than expected, you’re definitely going to save money in the long term through reduced recurring costs.

· Make your home more energy efficient: You can do this by investing in insulation to make sure that your air conditioner works efficiently. Energy lost through cracks in windows or through high ceilings make up a large part of your power bill, so make sure your home is insulated well if you want to save on costs and reduce the amount of energy you consume.

· Cut down on your appliance usage: It’s best to make a compromise when it comes to saving costs and helping the environment – use your clothes washer, but air dry your clothes rather than use the dryer. Run your machine only when it’s full to save on water and power usage. If your clothes are not too dirty, wash them in cold water. In the bathroom, don’t leave the taps or shower running. Get leaky faucets and toilets fixed at the earliest to prevent water from being wasted. Don’t leave your water heater on for longer than you need it. Invest in an automatic thermostat that adjusts the amount of heat (or cold air) needed according to the number of people in the room.

· Use cleaning materials and detergents that are non-toxic: Most cleaning supplies are full of chemicals that only create foam and do not contribute much to the cleaning process. Check out your local stores and buy products that are less harmful to the environment and your skin.

· Use paints that are eco-friendly: Almost all regular paints are made with volatile organic compounds (VOC) that contribute to air pollution and that are responsible for making you ill when you breathe in the fumes. Buy paints that are labeled green – they either have no VOC or very little of them.

By-line:
This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of a construction management degree online. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12@gmail.com

Fragile housing market presents opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:42:00 +0000

Atlanta Business Chronicle by
Doug DeLoach Contributing writer
The Atlanta real estate industry has been adjusting to conditions that have remained relatively resistant to the scenarios unfolding in other areas of the country. “The longterm forecast for Atlanta is very good,” said Scott Simpson, president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors and managing broker at Prudential Georgia Realty. Domonic Purviance, senior consultant for the Atlanta region at Metrostudy Inc., which maintains one of the largest databases of primary housing market information in the country, said, “The Atlanta region will experience the most growth in closer in market areas and submarkets, as well as those areas with superior accessibility to major regional employment centers.”
Metrostudy’s analysis identifies parts of Cobb, Cherokee, DeKalb, Forsyth, Gwinnett and North Fulton as being sweet spots for growth. Other markets expected to remain relatively strong include Coweta, Douglas and Rockdale counties. For the near future, while all geographic markets will be impacted by strong competitive interference from resale inventory, some areas are less likely to quickly recover from the darker effects of the housing market downturn.
According to the National Association of Realtors, while 84 percent of homebuyers use the Internet for research, about 79 percent of homebuyers and 85 percent of home sellers end up using an agent.
“Buyers are looking for more competency and deeper market knowledge today,” said David Tufts, president of The Marketing Directors Inc. “Our employees are paid a salary, so they’re not desperately trying to make a sale every day to survive. They can be more consultative.”
An abundance of inventory may give builders an incentive to move product, but, at the same time, belt tightening is prompting some homeowners to stay put, a situation that tends to play into the game plan of some industry businesses. “I’m hearing a lot of, ‘We decided not to buy a new house, but we’re going to make those improvements we always wanted to make,’ ” said Frank Wickstead, president and CEO of WicksteadWorks, a highend remodeling company.
“The second story additions and the teardown/rebuilds have gone away, but we’re seeing lots of kitchens, basements and master suites being remodeled,” Wickstead said. On the other hand, anecdotal evidence shows that consumers who have the wherewithal to build or buy new are proceeding with their plans, albeit scaled down from the original. “The trend has been away from 8,000 square foot houses to a really well done 4,500 square foot house,” Wickstead said.
The “green” movement also has impacted home sales and construction. Headquartered in Atlanta, Southface Energy Institute is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing sound environmental education and outreach programs. “Last year and earlier this year, when the stuffing started coming out of the economy, we were very concerned about what would happen to our business,” said Gray Kelly, director of sustainable developments at Southface.
“However, in 2008, although we certified fewer houses than in 2007 by about 70 percent, we increased the number of EarthCraft builders by about one-third.” Growth in residential real estate experts offer tips on how businesses in the residential real estate industry can come out ahead.

Adjust your business to a smaller market size.
Housing activity is unlikely to rebound to 2005 to 2007 levels anytime soon, if ever.
Higher inventory levels will continue to create downward pressure on prices in general, which means businesses servicing the real estate industry must also adjust prices in order to remain competitive.
Due to the smaller market size, business must be willing to look at adjusting the size and cost of their operations, at least in the short term.
Learn what “green” means. There are different standards and criteria for green building and development in the market (such as LEED, Green Globes and ENERGY STAR), but all of these standards share emphasis on similar things.
Gather and pursue referrals for all they're worth.

Reasons and Steps for Improving Indoor Air Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:48:00 +0000

Our spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends, and even pets – all are inhabitants of our homes at some point in time. We try to provide the best of accommodations for these extra-special guests and house mates when they visit: clean sheets, sparkling bathrooms, and all the comforts of home. But how do we control the quality of those elements in the home that we can’t see? Sure, everything may look clean, smell nice, and feel comfortable, but there are other factors to consider when thinking about building, renovating, or improving the quality of your current home.

We want to believe our home is a safe place, a haven from the dangers of the world. Old sayings such as “Home Sweet Home” and “There’s no place like home” describe the favorite environment of many people. But there is cause for concern regarding our homes; the place we so often long to spend time in and share with others may not be as safe as we would like to think. According the United States Green Building Council, Americans spend on average 90% of their time indoors, where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that “levels of pollutants may run two to five times – and occasionally more than 100 times – higher than outdoors levels.” These pollutants come from many sources, indoors and out.

Most of the pollutants found in the home come from outdoors, not surprisingly. But it is estimated, according to contractor Frank Wickstead, that "60% of interior air pollutants come in on the bottom of our seemingly clean shoes". He and sustainability consultant Holley Henderson agree that a good walk-off mat and shoe removal are essential to improving indoor air quality. Dirt and dust from our shoes can easily wind up in the air that we breathe indoors. Another simple, but often overlooked solution is to change HVAC air filters at least once per month, especially for those with pets or suffering from allergies and asthma. Not only will a clean filter provide clean air, but it will reduce the stress on your HVAC system by keeping the system's coils and heat exchanges clean and working properly. Frank also suggests updating the HVAC system and duct work if you're in an older home: "An updated HVAC should cost less to operate, is more efficient, and will have a more advanced filtration system to keep pollutants out of the home." Wayne Robertson, an energy consultant and green building commissioning agent, concurs that improved filtration and adequate fresh air are key to improved indoor air quality. Before the purchase of a new HVAC system, there are a few steps to complete beforehand to make sure your investment will pay off. Air leaks and condensation in hidden areas of the house can result in wasted energy and even mold, so start with these tips from Frank Wickstead to make sure the house's existing condition is conducive to improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality:"Depending on the scale of the project the building envelope should absolute be the first consideration. The basics of the building envelope are the insulation and windows. The best insulation on the market today is open cell spray foam. It is always best to install in the walls and the attic but not always practical. Installing in the attic alone is a very good compromise when a project does not involve removing interior drywall. The foam in the attic moves the building envelope from the ceiling to the actual rafters or roof. This means that the attic becomes "conditioned" so your house is no longer wearing a 150 degree hat in the summer or 40 degree hat in the winter. It also means that the duct work in the attic is no longer fighting against these extremes. Next is the windows. Sash replacements solve a lot of the problems historically experienced when replacing windows. The allow the interior trim and casing to be retained while replacing the actual sashes, which house more advanced double-paned glass, ray-blocking film, and argon gas. The next considerations after the building envelope is encapsulating the crawl space, water-proofing basement, and updating the duct work and HVAC. These considerations will make all the difference with regards to air quality. If there is a crawl space, proper encapsulation will assure healthy, dry air beneath the home as will properly waterproofing a damp basement. Mold needs two things to survive, moisture and heat. Removal of both of these will eliminate mold 100% of the time. The remediation of mold from a home without removing the moisture of heat source is an absolute waste of money. The mold will return. Improperly done duct work is a serious health hazard. If not properly insulated, it will absolutely be a source of moisture due condensation. That condensation when occurring in a basement, attic, or crawl space will almost always result in mold and then circulate spores throughout the home." - Frank Wickstead When we think about home improvement and increasing the value of a home, there is no aesthetic upgrade that compares to the peace of mind gained from knowing that your investment is saving you money and helping you to breathe healthier air. Without access to fresh air and natural light, our healthy connection to the outdoors is lost. Anne Harrell, wife and mother of three in Marietta, believes that access to natural light and working windows that can let in fresh air are two simple ways of improving indoor environments. The USGBC would agree: "(Indoor) occupant well-being can be improved by providing views to the exterior and by providing daylighting." Often when a home is renovated, window trim is simply painted over resulting in an inoperable window. Make sure when renovating that purchasing new windows and doors is a priority, so that you can let air circulate when desired and keep openings sealed tight when necessary.

Reducing pollutants in the home and improving indoor air quality are not only essential to comfort, but may also help to prevent physical sickness. Experts have, according to the U.S. EPA, coined the term “Sick Building Syndrome” to describe situations where a person is suffering from acute conditions and discomforts that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, when no specific illness or cause can be identified. Causes of SBS include poorly ventilated spaces, inhalation of biological contaminants like mold and bacteria, pollutants from the outdoors brought in from air intakes, and the inhalation of Volatile Organic Compounds such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and tobacco smoke (epa.gov). Steps to take to improve ventilation and eradicate mold have been outlined above, but there are other dangers which might require a little more effort to identify and remove. Radon and Carbon Monoxide are both invisible and undetectable by humans without the help of a detection device. According to the EPA, "Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims about 20,000 lives annually." Carbon Monoxide is a gas that presents an equally serious threat, and detectors should be installed in all homes. Detailed information on how to detect both Radon and Carbon Monoxide can be found on the website of the National Safety Council (nsc.org).

Besides naturally occurring dangers, there are many toxins in common products that we ourselves introduce into our home, probably without knowing their potential for harm. Many household cleaners containing bleach and ammonia can be irritating and potentially harmful. Josh Dorfman explains in his book, The Lazy Environmentalist: "Most eco-cleaners perform just as well as their conventional counterparts without using hazardous ingredients. The EPA estimates that anywhere from three to twenty-five gallons of toxic materials - mostly in cleaners - are present in the average U.S. household, so the situation can pose risks and be highly corrosive". The book lists many eco-cleaner options, including the popular Method and Seventh Generation brands. Formaldehyde and other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are also major household hazards. VOCs can come from many indoor sources including cabinetry, carpet, glues and adhesives, composite and pressed wood products including furniture, some fabrics, paints, and thermal insulation.. According to the USGBC, "When in high concentrations, these compounds can cause health problems, including eye, nose, and respiratory irritation. In addition, many volatile organic compounds are carcinogenic." A simple way to avoid the introduction of these chemical contaminants into the home is to purchase products which contain low or no VOCs and no added urea-formaldehyde. Learn more about how to choose healthy products from USGBC's GreenHomeGuide.org.

Prevention is one of the key objectives when investing in better indoor air quality. Some of the effects of toxins and pollutants are known, but there are still many questions that remain unanswered surrounding their potential for harm. Autism is a condition which affects people of all ages, and although the exact cause and cure is not known there is some supporting evidence to suggest that a healthy environment may be a key factor in preventing its development. According to the Autism Research Institute, "Autism is a complex disorder with many contributing factors. While there are many theories as to the cause of the increase, ARI believes environmental factors—including unprecedented exposure to toxic substances and over-vaccination of infants and young children—are the key factors triggering this devastating epidemic." By investing in a better indoor air quality, we can rest well knowing our families and friends are protected.
Starting a green home renovation project is simple, decide what needs to be improved. Visit USGBC's GreenHomeGuide.org and download a copy of the REGREEN Residential Remodeling Guidelines. These guidelines provide a summary of 10 types of common remodeling projects so that you can decide which is best for your situation: Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living / Working, Finished Basement, Home Performance, Major Addition, Gut Rehab, Deep Energy Retrofit, and Outdoor Living. The guidelines also include a library of environmental strategies for each of the home's systems, pre-design issues, and case studies of successful green home renovations. These guidelines will give you a place to start, but always consult a professional to help secure a maximum return on your investment. Assembling a design and construction team early, before any decisions about the project are made will "set the stage for optimal project development", according to Wayne Robertson. He and Holley Henderson agree that the sooner the commitment to sustainability and experienced team members are introduced into project planning, the more successful the the project will be.

-Samantha Harrell, LEED AP

Sustainable Building Professionals in the Atlanta Area
Samantha HarrellBenign Design
samantha@benigndesignllc.com

Nick HarrellCore Studios Land Planning + Landscape Architecture
www.coreatlanta.com

Frank WicksteadWickstead Works
www.wicksteadworks.com

Holley Henderson
H2 Ecodesign
www.h2ecodesign.com

Wayne RobertsonEnergy Ace, Inc.
www.energyace.com

Other Resources:
United States Green Building Council (USGBC.org)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.gov)
National Safety Council (NSC.org)
Southface Energy Institute (Southface.org)
Greenguard Environmental Institute (Greenguard.org)
Carpet and Rug Institute (Carpet-Rug.org)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC.org)
Greenseal.org
BuildingGreen.com
Southeasterngreen.com

The new National Green Building Certification

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:19:00 +0000

The NAHB, National Association of Home Builders, has finally released their National Green Building Guidelines and certification. I have reviewed the program and have been named a Verifier by the NAHB meaning that I am familiar enough with the standards that I can verify that the standards are being met by builders attempting certification. I really do like the program. It is the perfect link between Earthcraft and LEED standards (which it is way too similar to be coincidence).

Earthcraft is a very successful green building certification. It was originated by the Southface Energy Institute and the Greater Atlanta Home Builder's Association. It is a good standard that takes the average project to 30% above standard building code. It makes great advances to the HVAC system and tries to bring the rest of the project up from "builder grade" including window and building envelope standards that should, in my opinion, be code. It also includes no-brainers like back priming which is the practice or priming all 6 sides of exterior wood trim and siding instead of the usual 1 side as practiced by most builders. Yes! That's why you paint every 2 years and your soffits are rotten! All that said, Earthcraft is my company, WicksteadWorks', minimum standard.

LEED for Homes is a program by the USGBC, United States Green Building Council, that should be considered the pinnacle of green building standards. It considers site selection, where wood originated, how far away were materials manufactured, advanced water and energy conservation, recycled content... the works (yes, Earthcraft does some of that too but LEED takes it to the next level). LEED is not for everyone, it is a serious Gore-like commitment (Wait, doesn't his house uses the same amount of energy and water as Rhode Island?). We are about to start a LEED for Homes project that will hopefully prove that the program will work for the masses. I'll keep you posted. All and all LEED is a great program that keeps us, the industry, reaching for a better product.

The new NAHB program nicely bridges the gap between Earthcraft and LEED for Homes by creating levels of certification from "Certified" to "Gold". Certified would roughly = Earthcraft. Silver-Gold would roughly = LEED for Homes. The NAHB website is very easy to use and very helpful. Most data entry can be done online. I look forward to the program gaining popularity.

Can't get enough? Check these out...

http://www.nahbgreen.org/
http://www.earthcrafthouse.com/
http://www.southface.org/

Can I Afford to be Green?

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:27:00 +0000

The idea of sustainability with regards to remodeling a home is becoming a practical reality rather than just a political statement. Popular new technologies in the field of green architecture and home improvement include house cooling from solar panels and geo-thermal HVAC systems that heat and cool the house from the constant temperature of the earth. Dimmable fluorescent bulbs (that now cost $250 each) are also extremely popular.

While solar power has made huge advances, powering an entire house with the sun is still not a practical solution, but systems for the home can be relatively affordable. A solar water heating system can be installed in the average home for at $6,000 after a federal tax of $2,000. This amount added to a 30 year mortgage starts paying for itself in the first month considering that 17 percent of a home’s energy usage is spent heating water.

Instant heating or no-reservoir water heaters can easily be retrofitted into any home and will cut water heating expenses by 50 percent. The unit installed should average $2,500 after gas supplier rebates that are offered during the year. The hot water never ends, and homeowners are not constantly heating up to 50 gallons or more water in a tank that will eventually fail.

Installing a cistern to collect rainwater for irrigation is another technology. The system will cost as little as $3,000, and homeowners can take comfort in knowing their yard is beautiful without breaking irrigation restrictions.

Interview about Historic Renovation with BobVila.com

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:24:00 +0000

What do you think the definition is of a "historic" home?

I would describe a “historic” home as any home that tells a story or any home with a story. A home that tells a story could have a chapter on the period of the day, in leaner times a chapter on what materials were indigenous when she was built, or in more prosperous times, a chapter on what was treasured at the time. On the other hand, any home can have a story, like a chapter on the tree that was grown when the soldier went to war or the baby was born or the chapter on the piece of door casing where siblings stood on tippy-toes to show how much they had grown. To some people telling the story is very important; “this is a perfect example of gothic revival architecture!”. Other folks would much prefer the home that comes with the story. This one could be a simple ranch owned by one family since the fifties with a list of tales.

If home buyers are looking at purchasing an older property for the purposes of renovating, what should they consider before they take the plunge?

Before a home is identified, the remodeling team should be outlined if not determined. The team should consist of the architect, remodeler, and, specifically for a historic home, a structural engineer. The team should then be introduced to any home that is being seriously considered. Within an hour the home will be scrutinized for the design possibilities, the structural integrity, and a ballpark budget.

What are the most commonly overlooked considerations people make when embarking on a historic home renovation?

1.) Establishing the team mentioned above from day one will guarantee that project objectives are met. Some teams should also involve an interior designer, decorator, or landscape architect depending on the scope of the project. The clarity of this team-vision will guarantee that drawings are not created that far exceed an assumed budget or that can be build on the existing foundation, etc.

2.) Another consideration should be to understand the “end game”. It is usually a bad idea to remodel the kitchen this year, the bathroom next year, a second story addition in 2 years WITHOUT first having a master plan determined. Clients will often fall in love with a phase 2 that requires tearing out a portion of phase 1.

3.) Renovating a home in an established Historic District presents a few unique hurdles. The plans will have to be approved by the neighborhood. This can be a breeze or a nightmare depending on the neighborhood. You might consider dropping in on a meeting before buying the home. Other guidelines may include materials and paint colors among many others.

What resources are out there for people who want to renovate a historic property?

BobVila.com is, of course, a great place to start in addition to other websites including:
http://www.nationaltrust.org/
http://www.achp.gov/
Local Historic Societies, like ours in Atlanta, are a perfect place to start. They will always be a fountainhead of neighborhood specific sources and information.

Why is it important to keep the original historic considerations in mind when renovating these properties?

There are two ways to look at Historic consideration.

1.) Make sure that materials and means are kept consistent with original materials and means. New technology should also be checked out. To make a remodeled home more sustainable, it is my opinion that products like cementation siding and trim should be considered IF architectural requirements can still be met. If wood must be used on the exterior, it must be installed correctly (primed on all 6 sides, etc).

2.) Taking a home back to its historic roots can be an expensive goal. You might have found a gorgeous Victorian that has experienced a couple of unfortunate additions or renovations along the way. I reiterate the idea of the design team here to make sure you are not buying the quintessential money pit.

What common mistakes do people make?

The most common mistakes I see people make is getting in over their head, making a hasty decision to buy a home with out first doing the research mentioned above. Another huge mistake I see people make is not having a master plan from the beginning. They do a little here and a little there. This will result in a non-cohesive project andor will result in tearing out a piece of phase one during phase 2.

Who are the most important "partners" in these renovations? (i.e., architect, contractor, inspector, etc.)

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to determine the project team from day one. Having the team assembled before the home is purchased would be the ideal. Like with most things, leave it to the pros. The team should always include an architect and remodeler or contractor. I recommend these two being separate entities. A little bit of friction between these two will always result in a better project. One will be pushing design, the other will be, should be, maintaining the budget. The project team should also include a state licensed structural engineer. The team can also involve a landscape architect and an interior designer or decorator. Make sure that all team members align with your personal and project expectations. It is a top priority that they see you, the homeowner, as an essential part of the team.

When handling major renovations, like adding bathrooms or redoing a kitchen, what are some of the most important things to keep in mind?

This is not usually a topic to discuss when speaking of historic preservation but every project should consider modern green systems. Historic homes are notoriously bad with respect to energy efficiency, sustainability (especially when not properly maintained over the years), and air quality. There are many ways these can all be dramatically improved without devastating the architectural integrity of the home. HVAC systems (including the ducts) windows (I know this is a controversial one), and insulation will need to be seriously improved 90% of the time.

What are some "habits" of people who can successfully complete this type of renovation?
Do your leg-work!! Like in most aspects of life, proper planning will ensure the best results. Get lots of opinions from different minds, again the idea of the project team.

Patience grasshopper… Renovation is not an exact science. Modifications will usually have to be made in the field. On my projects, the project team meets weekly. This adds a little cost but makes sure that alterations are made efficiently and inexpensively.

In a best case scenario, renovation is stressful. There will be an emotional cost. Make sure the team aligns with your personality and expectations. The project needs to be a place you look forward to visiting. If properly done, it can be a lot of fun.

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Frank Wickstead) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:07:00 +0000

We at WicksteadWorks wanted to set up an easy way to offer advice to those of you that might need it. Please let us know if you need anything.