Builders, Realtors, lost your income? Worried about feeding yourself and your family? Read This.

August 9, 2009 at 5:44 am · Filed under Uncategorized

Since the beginning of time, man has sought fruitlessly for the Fountain of Youth. An array of studies done on various mammals have shown that it is possible to promote longevity. Far and away the most effective method is restricting caloric intake by as much as 30 percent. In every case, as long as optimum nutritional requirements are met, average and maximum life expectancies are increased by an equal amount.

According to a paper just published in the prestigious journal Science, restricting food intake dramatically prolongs life in a close relative of man: the monkey. Conducted over 20 years, the study has found that only 20 percent of the calorically restricted animals have died, compared with 50 percent of those allowed to eat anything they want. Not only that, the restricted animals look much younger, have fewer physical disabilities and have a much lower prevalence of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Their immune function is much better, and every marker that measures biologic age is improved. And interestingly, caloric restriction does not lead to significant differences in weight, as these animals handle calories much more efficiently.

The fact that restricting calories prolongs life expectancy in monkeys makes it highly likely that a similar effect occurs in humans.

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Eco-friendly Construction Leading to Healthier & Asbestos Free Homes

June 29, 2009 at 5:51 pm · Filed under building, energy codes, green building, remodeling

Are you considering purchasing a “fixer-upper” or remodeling your older existing home?  Here is something to consider.

Highly regarded throughout the 20th century, asbestos gained immense popularity because of its reluctance to conduct electricity and fire resistance qualities. Asbestos can appear in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires.

Most homes built before 1980 could harvest asbestos or other environmental defected insulation methods. Those involved in home improvement, construction and remodeling scenarios should know that the implementation of eco-sustainable construction, green remodeling and green energy home solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world.

According to the experts, the general rule of thumb is if the asbestos is in good shape, it’s posing no apparent risk. If it’s in bad shape, it could be a problem. In many situations, the best action in dealing with asbestos is no action at all. However, if an inspector deems removal necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling asbestos materials.  They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any potential exposure.

When asbestos deteriorates and its fibers become airborne, it has the potential of causing severe lung ailments such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Due to the fact most asbestos-related illness are usually diagnosed in late stages, sometimes 20 to 50 years after exposure, a mesothelioma prognosis is usually poor.

 

When involved in home improvement or remodeling, it is especially important to embark on the proper inspections to insure the safety of your clients, building workers and your reputation. Problems with asbestos in older buildings should be addressed in a rational manner. The removal of asbestos must be done by professional abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic materials. Although not all asbestos is considered dangerous, it is best to leave any suspected materials un-disturbed until a professional can determine the best course of action.

 

Once the removal is complete, green alternatives should be considered, such as: cotton fiber, lcynene and cellulose. These green options have the same beneficial qualities as asbestos, minus the health deteriorating and toxic components.

 

The Department of Energy concluded that cooling and heating counts for up to 50-70 percent of all energy used in the average home in the U.S. In today’s state, this philosophy can also save natural resources. Using methods of sustainable construction allow for you and your family to live in a healthy and safe home, free of health corroding materials.

Chuck Miller GMB   CGB  CGP   MIRM   CMP   MCSP   CSP

President / Builder – Chuck Miller Construction Inc.

(208) 229-2553

chuck@chuckmillerconstruction.com

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House Energy Bill Would Create National Building Code

June 13, 2009 at 4:59 am · Filed under building, energy codes, green building, pending legislation

 

Last month by a 33 to 25 vote, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved legislation that would limit greenhouse-gas emissions and create a national building code that completely supplants the national model code development process.Prior to consideration of H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy Security Act, NAHB sent a letter to members of the committee expressing the association’s concerns over the federal preemption of states’ rights to determine building codes.”NAHB is concerned that H.R. 2454 violates state and local rights to establish building codes and efficiency targets within their jurisdiction,” the letter said. “We regret that the committee did not consider NAHB’s testimony presented on April 24, 2009, and that we must oppose this legislation. H.R. 2454 is unnecessarily prescriptive, falls short of creating an effective energy policy that is constitutional and endangers housing affordability.”

The House committee approved new measures to establish a national energy code administered by the Department of Energy (DOE) that comes complete with enforcement penalties and civil action against builders and home owners occupying non-compliant homes and buildings.

NAHB, along with a handful of other real estate groups, supported an amendment offered by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.)  to strike the egregious language, but it failed on a party-line vote of 31 to 20.

The new building code provisions in HR. 2454 provide for the following:

  • New national energy efficiency targets taking effect on the date of the bill’s enactment that require states and localities to prove code compliance at 30% above the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) level. By Jan. 1, 2014, the new target would be 50% above the 2006 IECC.  Between years 2017 and 2029, the code target increases 5% every three years until it reaches 75% above the 2006 IECC by 2029.
  • The Department of Energy secretary can set interim code targets, as long as they are higher and based on the life-cycle of the home, not on economics or the payback to consumers.
  • Within one year after the date of enactment, a national building code will be established. States are required to adopt the national code within one year from that date, they can adopt a state code that is equally stringent or they can adopt California’s Title 24 building code within two years.
  • If after one year the DOE doesn’t have a certification from a state that its code meets the targets, then the national energy code automatically becomes the applicable building code for that state or locality.
  • Federal violations will be levied against builders or owners of a building if they permit occupancy of a home or building that is out of compliance with the national energy targets, even if the state refuses to adopt the new code, because the national building code will be in effect regardless.
  • If a state or locality is out of compliance with the codes, it will not receive emission allowances under any cap and trade plan. Also, states will lose federal funding from other parts of the bill on a sliding scale for each year of non-compliance.
  • If a state or locality fails to enforce either a compliant code or the national building code, then the DOE will enforce codes federally through “inspections” and enforcement fees.
  • The DOE will also assess a civil penalty for violators of this section. Each day of unlawful occupancy is considered a separate violation. If the home is constructed out of compliance with the provisions of this bill and it has been conveyed by a knowing builder or a knowing seller to an unknowing purchaser, then the builder or seller is the violator. The U.S. District Court has jurisdiction for all legal issues.

To read the legislation, click here and enter H. 2454 in the box at the center of the page.

It is unclear when the bill will go to the House floor. NAHB will continue to monitor the situation closely.

I encourage all building industry professionals to contact your congressman and voice your opposition to this bill.  I suggest that you also contact your Senators and express you opposition should this bill pass the House.

Chuck Miller GMB   CGB  CGP   MIRM   CMP   MCSP   CSP

President / Builder – Chuck Miller Construction Inc.

(208) 229-2553

chuck@chuckmillerconstruction.com

 

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Construction and Development Financing

June 11, 2009 at 8:26 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

Wonder why lenders are reluctant to make A, D & C loans?

Construction&DevelopmentLoanDelinquency

Any questions?

Chuck Miller GMB CGB CGP MIRM CMP MCSP CSP

Presdent / CEO

Chuck Miller Construction Inc.

www.chuckmillerconstruction.com

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What Will Happen to Housing After the Downturn?

May 21, 2009 at 6:37 pm · Filed under building, home building, land development, real estate ·Tagged ,

I just finished reading an article on ResidentialArchitect.com in which several Hanley Wood editors shared their predictions on how the downturn may transform housing and several architects shared their predictions of the future of housing and design. What are your predictions?

Whether you are visiting BuildIdaho.com for the first time or are a regular visitor, you are here because you have an interest in housing. The contributors to the article on ResidentialArchitect.com were editors and architects. But I would like to hear from you. I would like to hear from future homebuyers. I would like hear from industry professionals – Builders, Developers, Realtors, lenders, suppliers, building officials, planners. What are your predictions for the future of housing in the Treasure Valley.

I have my thoughts, but I would really like to hear from you before I share my thoughts.

Chuck Miller GMB CGB CGP MIRM CMP MCSP CSP
President / Builder – Chuck Miller Construction Inc.
(208) 229-2553
chuck@chuckmillerconstruction.com

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