Built By Adams Blog

Great Green Flooring Options

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:28:00 GMT

There are many green flooring options on the market that offer significant advantages over traditional flooring - both for you and for the environment. Here are the types of eco floors that general contractors in Maine are working with on green projects:

Sustainable & Renewable: There are many eco floors that are made from sustainable and renewable materials. Bamboo is a fast growing naturally sustainable plant that creates a look similar to hardwood. Cork comes from the bark of a tree and is able to be harvested and regrow without cutting down the tree.

Recycled: Many traditional flooring options can be made from recycled materials without sacrificing look or performance. In fact, recycled carpet is often preferable to traditional new carpet because it is pften made using low or no VOC's (volatile organic compounds).

Reclaimed or Repurposed: Taken from a previous space and reused in a new space, this is perhaps the most eco friendly choice. It also creates a one of a kind look in your living space, like reclaimed wood from a barn as an eco floor.

The above green flooring options are just a few examples of the plethora of eco floors on the market right now. With so many choices available, you won't have to sacrifice your design aesthetic to save the planet. For more information, contact your general contractor in Maine or read on.

Top Five Eco Countertops

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:09:00 GMT

Many consumers are interested in “greening” their new custom kitchen or kitchen redesign project. A good first step is always choosing a green builder in Maine, but you also need to know what materials are on the market. If you think “going green” in the kitchen begins and ends with Energy Star rated appliances, think again. There are several green material options from floor to ceiling and in between. Here are the top five eco countertop choices on the market right now.

Recycled Glass – This type of eco countertop is the most similar to the ever-popular high end granite choice that you see in many custom homes. However, since it is made with a combination of recycled glass mixed with cement or porcelain it is a more environmentally friendly choice than traditional granite.

Recycled Paper or Wood – Similar to the above, this eco countertop choice combines recycled materials with cement. However, the finished product is completely different. Most of these products end up looking more like soapstone than granite.

Reclaimed Wood – This is the “reuse” part of reduce, reuse recycle. These eco countertops are made from wood that has been repurposed from other projects. If you are considering wood countertops with your green builder in Maine, you should see if you can find reclaimed wood. Think of the trees you could be saving!

Recycled Metal – A new twist on the above theme. Like glass, paper and wood, metal can also be recycled into new countertop materials. There are two options here – repurposed metal countertops from existing metal countertops or recycled metal combined with a resin compound to make new countertops.

Laminate – Laminate is to countertops what linoleum is to flooring. Often the most inexpensive option, and until recently one of the least eco friendly. Fortunately, you can now find laminate that is made from recycled materials and water based adhesives.

Your green builder in Maine can discuss the above options in more details, including brands and pricing.

Pros and Cons of High Efficiency Windows

Tue, 18 May 2010 15:03:00 GMT

With plenty of time left to take advantage of the energy star tax credit, many consumers are looking for improvements they can make to their home that qualify as well as provide a good return on their investment. High efficiency windows are one product that comes to mind pretty readily. But will the money spent on windows equal energy savings?

Pros of High Efficiency Windows:

The major benefit of high efficiency windows is the windows’ energy savings. By replacing older, draftier windows, both heating and cooling costs will be reduced. Additionally, the temperature in your home will be more comfortable without climate control, thanks to the improved insulation provided by the high efficiency windows. Certain types of high efficiency widows can also provide improved daylight and view in the sunlight and reduce condensation in cold. Last, but certainly not least, the purchase and installation of high efficiency windows will qualify you for the energy star tax credit due to the windows energy savings.

Cons of High Efficiency Windows:

In a word: expensive. Replacing windows with high efficiency windows is a costly project depending on how many windows you have. And you won’t necessarily make it up in the windows energy savings if the rest of your home is not energy efficient. For example, if your basement and attic are poorly insulated, you won’t achieve nearly enough energy savings to realize a positive return on your investment. It’s like putting a band aid on a broken arm, if you will.

The Bottom Line:

High efficiency windows can be a great investment and definitely qualify for the energy star tax credit. However, to maximize the windows’ energy savings, look at the whole house picture. It is relatively inexpensive to do little things like insulate your attic and basement at the same time you install high efficiency windows. And thanks to the energy star tax credit, all these improvements will earn you money back – both in the short term and as a long term investment.

Buying Land Tips – Land is More Than Just Dirt

Mon, 17 May 2010 18:12:00 GMT

If you’re serious about building a custom home in Maine, most likely you’ve already done a lot of research. You probably have a custom homebuilder in Maine, have narrowed down your home plan design and have a short list of vacant lots that meet your needs. But before you purchase the land, there are a few things you need to know.

Things that come with the land: We’re not just talking about a great view and a desirable location for a subdivision lot. Many lots come with easements, restrictions, and zoning that may prevent your dream home from becoming a reality. If you don’t know about these things before you sign a contract, you will be left with a vacant lot that isn’t suitable for your dream home.

Things that don’t come with the land: While you may not know much about utilities, you need to know enough to ask your Maine contractor. Find out where the building envelope is on the land, and ask how much it will cost to bring in utilities if they aren’t already factored in.

Things surrounding the land: Keep in mind that your home will be affected by factors outside the four corners of your lot. Sights, sounds, and even smells from beyond your lot will become part of your living experience. It’s best to make sure that they’re ones you can live with by researching the area and asking your Maine custom home builder for help and advice.

You can’t be expected to know everything there is to know when buying land and building a home. But it is important to know what you don’t know, and ask for help. For more information, read this article and contact a custom homebuilder in Maine like Built By Adams today.

Taking Advantage of the Federal Energy Tax Credit

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:31:00 GMT

April 15th is tax day - are you sure that your tax professional and you got all your deductions, including the federal energy tax credit? If you're not sure, it is certainly worth looking into because you can receive some of the cost of certain home improvements as a tax credit thanks to the energy efficiency tax credit!

Items purchased and installed to improve home energy efficiency in 2009 or 2010 most likely qualify.
You can receive up to 30% or $1,500 toward the cost of improvements to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Most, but not all improvements qualify for the federal energy tax credit.

To find out more about the energy efficiency tax credit, read on...

Celebrate Earth Day with Green Living Tips and Green Project Ideas

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:31:00 GMT

April 22, 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. And while the green movement has gained momentum and is growing by leaps and bounds, we can all do more to be a little bit greener. So in honor of Earth day, here are some green living tips and green projects that you can complete around your house – this spring and year round.

Step 1) Grade your home. The most effective way to grade your home’s energy efficiency is to have a home energy audit. However, you can do it yourself by focusing on these major areas of energy inefficiency:
• Heat Loss: If your home is more than five years old, it makes sense to check it for heat loss. The most common areas for heat loss are doors and windows.
• Poor Insulation: Another source of heat loss is poor or nonexistent insulation in basements and attics.
• Energy Costs: Before you can improve on your energy savings, you need to know what you are spending and where.

Step 2) Start small. There are many green living tips to improve your home’s energy efficiency without spending a lot of money – some are even free! For example:
• Switch out lightbulbs in favor of CFL’s.
• Install a programmable thermostat so that you aren’t paying heating and cooling costs when you aren’t home. With a programmable thermostat, you can “set it and forget it”, until you see the energy savings on your monthly bills.
• Use common sense. By far the simplest way to save on energy costs is to be a conscious consumer. Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Turn off and unplug electronics when they are not in use. These can seem like small things, but they add up to big energy savings for you and the environment.

To Read the Entire Built By Adams Article About Earth Day

Adding a Garage. Is it Worth the Cost to Build a Garage?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:44:00 GMT

While homes with garages are more common in New England than in any other part of the country, there are many homes (particularly older homes) that do not have them. Many of these homeowners wonder if its worth considering a garage addition and if the convenience and value added are enough to offset the garage building cost.

Benefits of Adding a Garage:
• Protection from the weather – Winters are awfully cold in New England, and garages provide shelter and some insulation for your vehicle from inclement weather. Additionally, they come in handy on rainy days and hot summer days to keep you, as well as your car, out of the extreme weather conditions.
• Extra functional space – While the degree to which you want your garage to be finished may vary from a bare bones garage to a customized space with a garage room or bedroom built in above it, you are adding useable space to your home. It gives you a place to perform maintenance on your car, provides storage for tools and other items that you are unable to store in the house, and can add additional living space in the form of a garage room or garage bedroom upstairs.
• Increased home value – Adding a garage can add $10,000 onto the value of your home, conservatively. The nicer and more finished the garage, the higher the impact on the resale value. Additionally, it is very likely that a garage could be the amenity that qualifies your home for a certain buyer or makes them choose your home over another without a garage. If your garage is partially finished or has a garage room or garage bedroom over it, even better for potential buyers.

To read the entire article read our article Garage Additions. Is it Worth the Cost to Build a Garage?

Maine Kitchen Concepts - Design & Remodeling

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:06:00 GMT

One of the most important rooms in any home, and the one you likely spend the most time in, is the kitchen. Yet when many homeowners and homebuyers are designing or remodeling their kitchens, they don’t spend the necessary amount of time planning a functional kitchen concept. Since building a new custom kitchen or even remodeling an existing kitchen will cost tens of thousands of dollars, it really does warrant sitting down with your contractor and figuring out what you need to make your Maine kitchen your dream kitchen.

Here are a few suggestions based on Built by Adams’ 30 plus years of experience building and remodeling Maine kitchens:

Applicances: If you are using existing appliances, have model numbers, sizes and specs on hand for your contractor or kitchen designer. If you plan on purchasing new appliances to go with your new Maine kitchen, be sure they will fit your kitchen design. You would be surprised how many homeowners go through the remodeling process and get to that final step of installing the appliances, only to find that they don’t work – cabinets won’t open properly or the appliances just plain don’t fit in the space.

Materials Selection: Many people come up with a kitchen concept based on looks and don’t take into consideration their day to day lifestyle. White cabinets are lovely, but they tend to show dirt, wear and tear more than natural wood cabinets. Granite countertops create a high end look, but are more expensive and difficult to clean than laminate. It’s important to find a balance between how the materials look and how they will perform.

Layout: This is the most important part of the design process. It is important to make sure that the kitchen is laid out in the most user-friendly way possible. A few things to take into consideration:
• Distance from the dishwasher to the sink: Ideally, the dishwasher should be next to the sink.
• Adequate counter space (landing space) adjacent to the stove, oven and refrigerator: 36 inches on both sides of the range and sink is ideal, but you can get away with half that. Just make sure you have at least 18 inches minimum.
• Island or no island: The additional counter and storage space provided by an island may not be worth it if it comes at the expense of the rest of the kitchen and makes the space too crowded.
• Placement of appliances: Appliances that are put in the corner tend to not function as well conceptually. For example, if the dishwasher is in the corner, it may block off lower cabinets when opened. A side by side refrigerator that is against a wall won’t be able to fully open without the door hitting the wall. An oven should be placed wherever there is room for you to stand in front of it when it is open to put food in and take it out, not on the side.

Space & Organization: Whether your Maine kitchen is a sprawling eat-in space or an efficiency, make sure you are maximizing the space you have by keeping it organized. Lazy susans, drawer organizers and pull out trays are great ways to make sure that you are able to access every inch of cabinet and drawer space while keeping them organized and functional.

While it may seem excessive to agonize over your kitchen design, it is one part of your home where you really do want to “sweat the small stuff.” You’re making a tremendous investment in your new or remodeled Maine kitchen, and you want to get the most for your money both while you live there and in resale value down the road. By contacting Built by Adams for a design consultation and following the above suggestions, you can make sure your dream kitchen concept is even better in reality.

Best Home Remodeling Investments (ROI)

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:13:00 GMT

Many homeowners that are unable to sell their existing home (or don't want to) in the current housing market are considering remodeling their Maine homes. Homeowners should find a contractor in Maine to advise them about their home improvement options. Most importantly, a Maine contractor should be able to tell you which home improvements will net the highest return on investment, and which remodeling plans should be skipped altogether.

When to Spend:
o Kitchen Remodel: When remodeling a kitchen, it is best to keep everything in moderation. There is certainly money to be made from updating an outdated kitchen. However, when you add in expensive upgrades like restaurant quality appliances and high end custom cabinets, you may not make your money back.

o Bathroom Remodel: Bathroom remodels almost always earn a great return on investment, even with high quality upgrades. Bathrooms are one area of the home where buyers really appreciate upgrades and modern conveniences.

o Attic Bedroom Remodel: If your attic is large enough, it makes sense to finish the space into a large bedroom. It adds value and because you are finishing existing space rather than creating new space it is very cost effective.

o Basement Remodel: More than in other parts of the country, most New England homes have existing basements. If yours is unfinished, finishing it can be an easy way to add some additional square footage without the cost of an addition. Similarly to adding an attic bedroom, the space is already existing, which is much more cost effective than starting from scratch.

o Upscale Siding Replacement: Upgrading siding to maintenance-free siding is a good investment and can be a great selling point. You can achieve a fairly reasonable return with vinyl, and even more so with the higher end and nicer looking fiber cement.

When to Save:
o Family Room or Home Office Addition: While these spaces are nice to have, they don’t make or break a home purchase and generally cost more than the value they add to the home. Unless you can streamline to building process of a family room or home office addition with a panelized or modular addition, you will most likely save enough money to make it worth the effort.

o Window & Roofing Replacement: Windows and roofs are expensive to replace, and it is often unnecessary to replace them if they are functioning properly.

o Bathroom Addition: For very small spaces, bathrooms sure are expensive to add because they require electrical and plumbing contractors.

o Custom Additions (Wine Cellars, Home Theaters, etc.): Because custom additions are just that – custom – they rarely have the same value to another person as they do to you. It is unlikely that you will recoup your spend on these upgrades. A better option is to build a panelized or modular addition to save costs and streamline the process.

o Custom Amenities (Swimming Pools, Tennis Courts): Similarly to the custom additions above, custom amenities are a lifestyle choice and may not be universally appealing. In fact, some amenities, like swimming pools, may actually detract from the value of your home with some potential buyers.

How to Decide:
o Check Comparables: See what else is in your area. While master suite and bathroom additions don’t generally make good investments, you may consider them if all the other homes in your area have them. It brings your home up to par and levels the playing field.

o To Stay or to Go? Ask yourself how long you are planning on staying in your current home. If you plan on staying five years or more, it may be worth making upgrades. If not, ask yourself what the return on your investment is going to be.
o Investment vs. Resale: Are you looking to remodel your home as an investment or are you trying to improve it to make it more attractive at resale? If you’re planning on selling, stick with the suggestions above and skip the rest.

o Quality of Life: Sometimes it’s worth spending the money on an upgrade even if you know you won’t get it back. For example, how much is having an extra bathroom or swimming pool worth to you? For some people, it’s priceless.
o Consult an Expert: Consult a home improvement contractor in Maine or visit this helpful link: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2009/costvsvalue/division/new-england.aspx

Building New vs. Buying an Existing Home in Maine

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:18:00 GMT

In the current economic climate, as the rate of foreclosures reaches new highs, it appears that there are many existing homes to be had at rock-bottom prices. But buyer beware - you generally still get what you pay for. Here's why it may still make more sense to build a new home in Maine vs. buying an existing house:

• New is New: A new Built By Adams home will be built with the latest technology, green building practices and building code standards. The materials, fixtures and appliances in the home will be under warranty, which means you will avoid costly repairs that are standard upkeep for most existing homes.

• It's All About You: Built by Adams works with you from the design process to the home's completion to ensure that your new home includes all the features and amenities necessary to suit your lifestyle. Finding an existing home with the same level of customization without renovation is next to impossible.

• Getting Your Money's Worth: Advocates of buying an existing home vs. building a new home are constantly touting the affordability of buying over building. And while the cost per square foot of an existing home may initially appear to be less, it is not really be so once you take into consideration the cumulative costs of energy loss, repairs and renovations.

There are certainly situations where buying an existing home in Maine is the right fit for you, especially if timeline and convenience are your two biggest concerns. However, a new home purchase is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime, and you owe it to yourself to make sure that you're getting what you pay for.

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Ready or Not, Here Comes Winter!

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:36:00 GMT

While we've been enjoying some unseasonably warm weather over the past few days, as New Englanders we know that the weather is bound to change any minute - for the colder. Here are a few tips to help make sure your home is ready for the winter even if you aren't:
• Insulation: Basements and attics are two common problem areas for winter heat loss.
• Weatherstripping: A little effort can go a long way toward preventing heat loss around doors and windows, and this is an easy do-it-yourself fix.
• Get extra credit: There's still time to qualify for home improvement tax credits from the federal economic stimulus package.
• Read on for more great tips from the online edition of the Portland Press Herald and contact Built By Adams today to discuss how your home can benefit from an energy audit.

First Time Homebuyer Credit Extended and Expanded!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:25:00 GMT

There was a lot of speculation about what was going to happen when the first time homebuyer tax credit expired on November 30, 2009. Good news for first time homebuyers and existing homeowners - the homebuyer credit will continue and will be expanded to include more potential homebuyers. Here are the highlights:

• New Purchase Deadline Extends into 2010: Purchases must close by 6/30/10.
• Existing Homeowners May Qualify: Current homeowners who have owned a principal residence for 5+ years are eligible.
• First Time Home Buyers Will Receive Largest Credits: Buyer credit for first timers is still $8,000 or 10% of purchase price, whichever is less.
• Income Guidelines Expanded: More high income buyers will qualify, thanks to increased ranges.
• Read the full list of 10 Things to Know here.

At Built By Adams, we are excited to see the buyer credit extended and expanded to include existing homeowners. Many of our repeat clients have been looking to upgrade or downsize, and this credit will help make that dream a reality. So start checking out home plans and contact Built By Adams today to set up an appointment!

Installing Fiber Cement Siding vs. Vinyl Siding or Wood Siding

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:03:00 GMT

Exterior siding is an important choice in the new home building or exterior remodeling process. Siding is an important part of the home as it is one of the 1st things we on a house. There are lots of choices but mostly our customers are interested in the top 3 exterior siding products - Fiber Cement, Vinyl Siding, or Cedar Wood Siding. To guide someone in the right direction, it helps us to know what you are trying to accomplish as far as maintenance, overall upfront cost, environmental impact, and aesthetics.

My personal favorite is fiber cement siding with the color pre-applied in the factory. The paint baked on in the factory will provide a 15-20 year guarantee on the paint finish making it almost maintenance free. The final result is really sharp, high-end look to a home.

Remodeling Magazine just did a study that showed fiber cement siding to provide the best return on investment for remodeling projects on existing homes. The study showed the following:

Residing with fiber cement gives a 31% better return than adding a bathroom and costs $61k less to complete

Minor kitchen remodel gives you a 10% less return on investment than residing with fiber cement

Adding a second story addition nets you 23% less return on investment than fiber cement residing

Also, fiber cement is much more fire resistant then Vinyl or Wood, is Hurrican Resistant, will resist decay, rot, or termites much more effectively, is more durable, and has a higher lifetime value. Fiber cement is definitely an upgrade but it has a lot of benefits. On average it runs about double the cost of Vinyl, and slighly more than wood (when you factor in painting on site). You will have to use composite or wood trim, where vinyl you can get away with vinyl trim corners and aluminium wrapped rake boards.

Fiber cement is probably the "greenest" of all the sidings because its made with recycled materials and readily available materials. Vinyl is an oil based product making it the least green product on the market, but it also never needs any painting and the manufacturing process is being improved on every year to incorporate recycled vinyl materials. Wood siding is dying breed of siding, but still used on higher-end homes. Provides a similar look to fiber cement siding, but without most of the benefits.

At Built By Adams, we install all 3 sidings for custom new homes and remodeling projects. It all depends on the customer and what they are trying to accomplish and the budget.

Ten Things You Can Do Today!

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:44:00 GMT

It doesn't have to be Earth Day for you to help combat climate change! Try following these green tips:

Build Green & Use Solar Power - if remodeling or building a new home, use green materials and solar energy (use federal tax credits and state buy down programs if available) to reduce 1000 to 6000 lbs. of CO2.

Purchase Green Power - if available in your area, purchase 100% green power from a company and prevent 3800 to 6200 lbs. of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

Wash Cool - do two loads of your laundry per week in cold or warm water instead of hot (and hang stuff out to dry when you can), save 500 lbs. of CO2 a year.

Store Smartly, Save Money - buy energy star refrigerators and other appliances and save money as well as 1000 lbs. of CO2 a year.

Light Up - replace three incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs in your home and eliminate 300 lbs. of CO2 (lasts longer, burns less).

Recycle - recycling half of the aluminum, glass, plastic, and paper you use reduces 2400 lbs. of CO2.

Turn If Down, Turn If Up - turn your heater down and your air conditioner up by three degrees and save 1050 lbs. of CO2 per year.

Drive Less - 15 miles less diving per week (bike, carpool, walk) eliminates 900 lbs. of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year.

Tune Up - clean oil and properly inflated tires eliminate 1000 lbs. of CO2 per year.

Drive Smart - a hybrid or electric vehicle eliminates 5600 lbs. of CO2 per year.

Click here to view these tips on Global Green's website.

New Tax Incentives for Greening Your Home

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:37:00 GMT

Still looking for ways to lower your taxes? Greening your home means you can get more greenbacks in return. The stimulus plan approved by Congress in February offers tax credits for making your home more energy efficient. Read more from the New York Times...

How can the new tax law make our homes greener?

Uncle Sam is offering up to $1,500 in tax credit for energy-efficiency upgrades like new insulation and windows. The credits are worth 30 percent of the total cost for the upgrades. For example, if you spent $3,000 on eligible windows, you can get back $900.

What exactly is covered? Can I get money back for weather stripping?

Yes. There are four types of upgrades that are covered. The first batch are home-shell improvements like insulation, windows and sealing. These are designed to make the home tighter and close up leaks. The next batch are home heating, ventilating and air-conditioning, or HVAC. This includes efficient air-conditioners and furnaces. A third batch is renewable energy technology like geothermal heat pumps, solar water heating, small wind generators and photovoltaic systems. The last batch — and perhaps the most popular — are hybrid and diesel cars.

Are the credits limited to green improvements that we make right away?

No, the credits for the home shell and HVAC are available if you make these investments anytime before Dec. 31, 2010. Investments in renewal energy systems are eligible for credit until Dec. 31, 2016.

How about upgrades that were made last year?

There are some tax credits available, but they are only for renewable energy technologies like geothermal heat pumps and solar panels, not for things like windows, doors, insulation and HVAC. To claim credit for any investments made in 2008, fill out I.R.S. Form 5695. That same form will be updated in early 2010 to reflect the new changes.

What’s the best way to use these tax credits? Should I start shopping for a new air-conditioner?

As a general rule of thumb, the first thing is to seal and insulate your house, which can reduce your heating and cooling bill by about 20 percent. But what will make the biggest impact is specific to each home, so get an energy audit. Check the Web site of your local utility or state energy office, which sometimes offer an audit for free or for a nominal fee.

How about solar cells and wind generators? The new tax law gives an additional $2,000 for installing these renewable energy systems. Besides, aren’t these greener and sexier than storm windows?

A lot of people think that, but it only makes sense to install renewable energy technology if you’ve already made the home very energy efficient. If you live in a leaky home that wastes a lot of energy, installing solar energy panels doesn’t make sense. Also, solar panels cost a lot more than storm windows.

Tax preparers might not know about these credits. Where can people go for more information?

Products need to meet certain criteria to qualify, so it’s a good idea to do some research. Ask your retailer, check product packaging, or try manufacturers’ Web sites. The Alliance’s Web site, ase.org, and the site of our partners at the Tax Incentives Assistance Project, energytaxincentives.org, have information and links to I.R.S. forms. Energy Star (energystar.gov) also provides details on qualifying products and estimated savings.

Should people be looking for less obvious things? For example, can homeowners file for a new wood-burning stove?

The new law does cover any stove with a thermal efficiency of 75 percent or more that uses a “biomass fuel,” which means anything from crops to wood. So, yes, a very efficient wood stove is covered. But the most important thing still is to make sure your house is insulated and sealed. It may not be sexy, but at the end of the day, it’s what puts more money in your pocketbook.

To read the full New York Times article, please click here.