Practice Better Building Habits
Friday, February 13th, 2009
When it comes to building just about anything from a house to a small pump house, building practices are only good when they don’t hurt the surrounding area or the earth as well. Here are a few better building practices to get into the habit of practicing.
1. Think Efficiency: If you are adding onto your home or making an existing home better, consider hiring a home performance contactor or an HVAC contractor to inspect your addition or your addition. At Mike’s Heating and Air Conditioning in Royal, Arkansas, one of their qualified technicians will come out for a small fee and check how well your homes a/c or heating unit is performing and to what extent it need to be updated. They will even fix air leaks and help you install a high-efficiency furnace if needed.
2. Think Air Quality: When it comes to indoor air it can be contaminated 10 times more than the outside air. During construction these levels can be even higher because of the dust and moisture that is created. When adding to your existing building or a newer built structure wait till all sealants, and adhesives have dried before adding in carpet or other items. Make sure too that the entire air has been well vacuumed and the inside air has proper ventilation as well.
3. Think Efficient Wood Use: Advanced framing is a plus when building new or adding on. Hire a contractor who uses the new advanced framing techniques or even optimum value engineering. This process is where studs are spaced 24 inches on center instead of 16 inches on center. This method helps reduce wood waste that can end up adding to building waste already.
*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Always use reclaimed or recycled scrap or materials when it comes to construction. The best additions to your home of reclaimed items such as old doorknobs and other hardware or even salvaged doors and windows. They will bring more charm to a home and offer a cheaper alternative to new items as well.
