The New Green Construction Code

In an effort to reduce greenhouse gasses and improve energy efficiency, the International Code Council just released the brand new International Green Construction Code (IGCC).

The new regulations will affect new and existing commercial construction so take a look if you're in the building industry.

Some key points of the new regulations are:

• Improvement of indoor air quality.
• Preservation of natural site resources.
• Installation of renewable energy systems.
• Collection of rain water and gray water.
• Architectural design guidelines for energy efficiency.
• Carbon neutral building design.
• Environmentally friendly concrete.

The bill is being tweaked and will probably face small alterations before approval. We already have a residential National Green Building Code.

Other bills, passed and pending, address many of the green building concerns.

April 30th: Deadline for First Time Homebuyer Credit

For home builders, April 30th looms large. It marks the end of the First Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit.

Since the burst of the housing bubble and the subsequent drop in home sales, contributing to the deepest recession in half a century, this credit, established by Congress, seeks to push new homeowners into the marketplace.

By offering first time homebuyers an $8,000 tax credit for purchasing a new home, the credit offset the lack of funding offered by private lenders. But what will happen after April 30th if the credit isn't extended?

Houses will continue to sell but maybe not right away. We might see an additional drop in sales contracts but, eventually, buyers will still be out there. Because couples get married and start their lives and they want houses.

It would be nice to see the credit extended a little longer but, if not, we'll still houses sell. April will be the month of many contracts as the buyers rush to get in under the deadline.

We're keeping a close eye on the situation here at Builder Chicks and we'll keep you on top of the latest news as it comes out of Washington.

Housing Recovery in the Near Future?

Well, the Standard & Poor’s Supercomposite Homebuilding Index seems to think so. So far just in the first two and a half months of 2010, the index has seen a 14 percent recovery. That's good news.

But housing sales fell in January so we're still getting mixed signals. What will happen when the first time homebuyer's incentive expires at the end of April? We just don't know yet. Some think the incentive will be extended but I have a sneaking feeling that it won't.

The unemployment rate has moderated some but not nearly enough to signal a real recovery. And don't forget that we have large areas of the nation who've seen substantial housing value declines.

I think we're on the downhill side of this recession but I'm also worried that dropping the first time home buyer's credit too soon may set us back a couple of steps.

Favorite Tool Manufacturer?

Are you a Makita girl? Or do you insist on Dewalt tools?

I'm a fan of different types of tools from different manufacturers. I usually choose Bosch for my pinners and staple guns but I like Dewalt for my nailers.

My airless spray gun is Porter-Cable and it's lasted a long time and given me a lot of good service. The only reciprocating saw I'll buy is Milwaukee . I have one of their nailers, too, but I prefer Dewalt's round-head 2-inch framer. And I use Dewalt for portable compressors but I admit that I have a large Craftsman  compressor in my shop.

Like everyone else, I have a shop full of miscellaneous power tools and hand tools. What are your favorite tool manufacturers? And not just power tools. If you have a favorite hand tool, let me know. I'm always ready to try out a new tool, especially if it comes highly recommended.

And remember, use safe building practices.

Green Residential Building

This is where the future is.

Although I initially resisted this snowball-rolling-down-the-hill, I now see some real benefit to our economy and our environment from green residential building techniques.

You see, I paid attention when there was great talk of the "new" way to build sustainable homes from straw bales. I was leery and sure enough, the homeowners had some trouble with mold and some very expensive repairs. But green residential building technology moved on and improved while I was still pondering the old straw bales.

Today's eco-friendly building is embracing energy savings and quality materials, ensuring that the homeowner isn't left with a lemon. Some of the new green residential building trends include:

1. Moving from new construction to remodels.
2. Increased solar and wind generation in homes.
3. Zero-net-energy technology.
4. Local and state incentives and green mandates.
5. Fresh water conservation technology in the home.

If you haven't already dipped your pinkie in the green residential building pond, this might be the time to take a night class or borrow some library books on the subject. Don't be left behind.

Home Security System Companies: A Feature in Your Houses?

I ask this question because it seems to be part of a growing trend. Home security system companies sending fliers, brochures and coming by the job site to push their services.

Maybe this is the norm, and has been for a while, in large metropolises, but it's a relatively new thing in rural parts of the nation. Do you hire home security system companies? And if so - do you contract for one house, or for all your spec houses?

Here in Kansas, the trend seems to be separate from general electrical wiring jobs. That is to say, the electrical contractors are not tackling this lucrative niche in the market. Instead, the home security system companies, themselves, are selling and installing their own product almost exclusively.

If any of you out there are electrical contractors who are slow right now, look into this. Despite the economic slowdown, this speciality is growing quickly. It might become a new, and lucrative construction opportunity for you.

Build it, sister.

A Degree in Construction Management?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 10 percent of all construction management jobs in the US are held by women.

While 10 percent isn't a lot, it's a darn sight better than where the nation was 50 years ago.

Girls looking for a degree in construction management may now focus on green building or other environmentally-aware positions. As the face of construction changes, so will the face of those managing the industry.

10 percent today--50 percent tomorrow. There's no looking back. Check out our list of Builder Chick friendly construction schools.

What Caused the Housing Bubble?

A lot of factors, I'm sure. From greedy lenders to a consumer-driven run on homes in certain areas. One thing's clear, when the bubble popped, the entire nation suffered. The construction companies in California and Nevada don't even resemble the massive crews of ten years ago.

Did government have a hand in the bubble? Probably. But to what extent?

I included this little film today about the Federal Reserve back in the 90's when we all thought nothing could go wrong.

There are more reasons for the bubble that eventually brought us to our knees...to be sure...but this just might be one of the first. This is making me rethink bills like the Home Star Program.



Boston Fed - 

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