Construction Consulting and Inspections http://garynsmith.net Construction Consulting and Inspections Since 1974 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:11:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Construction Consulting and Inspections Since 1974 Gary Smith http://www.indiana.edu/%7Eicy/images/itunes_podcast_icon.jpgConstruction Consulting and Inspectionshttp://garynsmith.net gary smith no Gary Smith smith6673@gmail.com MAY 2012 :: Building Safety Month http://garynsmith.net/2012/01/may-2012-building-safety-month/ http://garynsmith.net/2012/01/may-2012-building-safety-month/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:33:25 +0000 Gary Smith http://garynsmith.net/?p=1368 I know I’m a little head of the game, but one of the sure fire ways to create awareness is to start early! May 2012 is Building Safety Month.

Countless accidents still occur in homes across the U.S. and globally where codes are poorly understood or used improperly. The expanded Building Safety Month will help bridge these gaps and provide a broader platform to share the sphere of knowledge among architects, engineers and skilled industry veterans so that families, businesses and communities can be safe, strong and sustainable.

Wikipedia describes a building code, or building control, as a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for constructed objects such as buildings and nonbuilding structures. Building codes have a long history. What is generally accepted as the first building code was in the Code of Hammurabi which specified:

  • 229. If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death.
  • 230. If it kills the son of the owner, the son of that builder shall be put to death.
  • 231. If it kills a slave of the owner, then he shall pay, slave for slave, to the owner of the house.
  • 232. If it ruins goods, he shall make compensation for all that has been ruined, and inasmuch as he did not construct properly this house which he built and it fell, he shall re-erect the house from his own means.
  • 233. If a builder builds a house for someone, even though he has not yet completed it; if then the walls seem toppling, the builder must make the walls solid from his own means.

The Law of Moses stipulated a specific construction requirement which is also an early form of a building code. The Bible book of Deuteronomy, chapter 22 verse 8, states:

  • “In case you build a new house, you must also make a parapet for your roof, that you may not place bloodguilt upon your house because someone falling might fall from it.”

Facebook Fan Page

I’m a proud member of the American Society of Home Inspectors – ASHI. In May ASHI members will be available to help answer questions and promote residential building safety. We at SafeHome Inspections are proud to be a part of that important initiative where we’ll help create community-wide recognition and understanding of building safety and sustainability. To that event we’re sharing the Building Safety Month Toolkit as seen on www.buildingsafetymonth.org.

Listen to Danny Lipford @ Homefront Radio with Jack Armstrong

2011 Building Safety Month Public Relations Downloadable Toolkit:

Tips On How To Have A Successful Building Safety Month Event – Video

Public Relations Toolkit Cover Sheet

2011 Building Safety Month Logo

2011 Building Safety Month Poster - Download Low Res | Download High Res

Letter to the Editor Template

News Release Template

2012 Proclamation Template

Step by Step Support for Building Safety Month

Strategies for a Successful Building Safety Month Event

What is Building Safety Month? - Download Low Res | Download High Res

2011 Building Safety Month Children Activities:

CODiE & CODEtte Children’s Activity Book

CODiE & CODEtte Children’s Sticker

2011 General Building Safety Brochures and Publications:

Benefits of Building Permits

Building Codes: How do they Help You?

Building Green – Living Better

Building Technology: Then and Now

Careers in Code Administration

201Flood Cleanup: Safety & Salvaging

Mold: Tips on Prevention and Control

Prevent Accidents, Save Lives: Pool Spa and Hot Tub Safety

Safety First – Disaster Preparedness: Tips for Your Home & Family

Safety Tips from Your Building Inspector

]]> http://garynsmith.net/2012/01/may-2012-building-safety-month/feed/ 0 I know I’m a little head of the game, but one of the sure fire ways to create awareness is to start early! May 2012 is Building Safety Month. Countless accidents still occur in homes across the U.S. and globally where codes are poorly understood or used improperly. The expanded Building Safety Month will help bridge these gaps and provide a broader platform to share the sphere of knowledge among architects, engineers and skilled industry veterans so that families, businesses and communities can be safe, strong and sustainable. Wikipedia describes a building code, or building control, as a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for constructed objects such as buildings and nonbuilding structures. Building codes have a long history. What is generally accepted as the first building code was in the Code of Hammurabi which specified: 229. If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death. 230. If it kills the son of the owner, the son of that builder shall be put to death. 231. If it kills a slave of the owner, then he shall pay, slave for slave, to the owner of the house. 232. If it ruins goods, he shall make compensation for all that has been ruined, and inasmuch as he did not construct properly this house which he built and it fell, he shall re-erect the house from his own means. 233. If a builder builds a house for someone, even though he has not yet completed it; if then the walls seem toppling, the builder must make the walls solid from his own means. The Law of Moses stipulated a specific construction requirement which is also an early form of a building code. The Bible book of Deuteronomy, chapter 22 verse 8, states: “In case you build a new house, you must also make a parapet for your roof, that you may not place bloodguilt upon your house because someone falling might fall from it.” Facebook Fan Page I’m a proud member of the American Society of Home Inspectors – ASHI. In May ASHI members will be available to help answer questions and promote residential building safety. We at SafeHome Inspections are proud to be a part of that important initiative where we’ll help create community-wide recognition and understanding of building safety and sustainability. To that event we’re sharing the Building Safety Month Toolkit as seen on www.buildingsafetymonth.org. Listen to Danny Lipford @ Homefront Radio with Jack Armstrong 2011 Building Safety Month Public Relations Downloadable Toolkit: Tips On How To Have A Successful Building Safety Month Event – Video Public Relations Toolkit Cover Sheet 2011 Building Safety Month Logo 2011 Building Safety Month Poster - Download Low Res | Download High Res Letter to the Editor Template News Release Template 2012 Proclamation Template Step by Step Support for Building Safety Month Strategies for a Successful Building Safety Month Event What is Building Safety Month? - Download Low Res | Download High Res 2011 Building Safety Month Children Activities: CODiE & CODEtte Children’s Activity Book CODiE & CODEtte Children’s Sticker 2011 General Building Safety Brochures and Publications: Benefits of Building Permits Building Codes: How do they Help You? Building Green – Living Better Building Technology: Then and Now Careers in Code Administration 201Flood Cleanup: Safety & Salvaging Mold: Tips on Prevention and Control Prevent Accidents, Save Lives: Pool Spa and Hot Tub Safety Safety First – Disaster Preparedness: Tips for Your Home & Family Safety Tips from Your Building Inspector It was a law! :: If it ruins goods, he shall make compensation for all that has been ruined, and inasmuch as he did not construct properly this house which he built and it fell, he shall re-erect the house from his own means. [...] Gift Cards http://garynsmith.net/2010/12/gift-cards/ http://garynsmith.net/2010/12/gift-cards/#comments Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:27:41 +0000 Gary Smith http://garynsmith.net/?p=910 Are you giving a gift card this year? Click the link below for more information…

www.HelpWithMyBank.gov

]]> http://garynsmith.net/2010/12/gift-cards/feed/ 0 Are you giving a gift card this year? Click the link below for more information… www.HelpWithMyBank.gov Are you giving a gift card this year? [...] Now is the Time to Buy a Home http://garynsmith.net/2010/10/now-is-the-time-to-buy-a-home/ http://garynsmith.net/2010/10/now-is-the-time-to-buy-a-home/#comments Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:38:14 +0000 Gary Smith http://garynsmith.net/?p=748

“Enough with the doom and gloom about homeownership.” – WSJ 9/16/2010

Listen to the Survey Podcast

Fannie Mae just released their National Housing Survey. The survey reported:

  • 82% of respondents consider homeownership important to the economy, up two points from January.
  • 70% of respondents think it is a good time to buy a house (of which 36% think it is a very good time to buy), up six points from January. This is also four points higher than the 2003 survey – well before home prices peaked – when 66 % said it was a good time.

]]> http://garynsmith.net/2010/10/now-is-the-time-to-buy-a-home/feed/ 0 “Enough with the doom and gloom about homeownership.” – WSJ 9/16/2010 Listen to the Survey Podcast Fannie Mae just released their National Housing Survey. The survey reported: 82% of respondents consider homeownership important to the economy, up two points from January. 70% of respondents think it is a good time to buy a house (of which 36% think it is a very good time to buy), up six points from January. This is also four points higher than the 2003 survey – well before home prices peaked – when 66 % said it was a good time. “Enough with the doom and gloom about homeownership.” – WSJ 9/16/2010 Listen to the Survey Podcast Fannie Mae just released their National Housing Survey. The survey reported: 82% of respondents consider homeownership important to the [...] Buying and Storing Firewood http://garynsmith.net/2010/10/buying-and-storing-firewood/ http://garynsmith.net/2010/10/buying-and-storing-firewood/#comments Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:11:12 +0000 Gary Smith http://garynsmith.net/?p=736

Fall Home Maintenance

Whether you burn fires as a supplemental heat source for your home or strictly for ambiance and pleasure, it’s important to know how to properly buy and store firewood. For homeowners looking to fuel a traditional masonry fireplace, fireplace insert, or wood stove, the goal should be the same: to get the best quality firewood for the best possible price.

Douglas Trattner has written extensively about home improvement topics for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he estimates that he burned through 15 cords of wood. Most, he promises, was properly seasoned hardwood.

Photo by HouseLogic

Before picking up the phone, it’s important to know exactly what you want to purchase so that you can clearly express that to the wood seller, says Matt Galambos, a Maine arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. This includes determining the quantity, species, and condition of the firewood, all of which affect its price.

How much to buy

Homeowners who intend to heat their homes through the use of a wood stove naturally will require more firewood than those who burn only the occasional fire for pleasure. A person living in the Northeastern U.S. who burns firewood as his or her primary heat source, for example, may require up to five cords of wood to get them through the season. In contrast, a weekend-only fire builder can likely get by on as little as a half-cord. Galambos estimates that for the casual but steady fire builder, one cord of wood should easily last through winter.

Measuring a cord of wood

A cord of wood is defined as a stack of cut firewood that measures 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, or any other arrangement that equals 128 cubic feet. The individual pieces must be stacked side by side rather than the looser crisscross style. Other measurement terms, such as ricks, racks, face cords and piles, have no legal meaning and are often banned by state weights and measurements agencies. Regardless what the load is called, says Galambos, it should always be converted to cords or fractions thereof so that homeowners can determine if they are getting a fair price.

Seasoning the wood

Freshly cut wood is composed largely of water. Not only is this “green” wood difficult to ignite, but burning it can lead to a dangerous buildup of creosote, the cause of chimney fires. Properly “seasoned” firewood is wood that has been cut to length, split, and allowed to air dry for at least six months until the moisture content dips to around 20%. Dry wood will appear grayish in color and the pieces will begin to exhibit splits and cracks on the ends. Compared to freshly cut wood, seasoned wood feels light for its size.

Though seasoned firewood is the only choice for immediate use, green wood shouldn’t be completely ignored, says Galambos. “If you have the room to store it and the time to dry it, buying green firewood can save you up to 25% compared with seasoned wood,” he says.

Always clean your chimney each year. In central MS call 601-212-3042 and speak with Harry Bledsoe.

Hardwood vs. softwood

It’s a common misconception that burning soft woods, such as pine and cedar, leads to dangerous creosote buildup. As long as the firewood is properly seasoned, it can safely be burned in a fireplace or stove regardless of species, says Dr. John Ball, Professor of Forestry at South Dakota State University. But that doesn’t mean that all wood is created equal.

“Tree species differ widely in the amount of heat they produce when burned,” says Ball. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and madrone produce almost twice the heat compared with softer woods, such as spruce, pine, and basswood. Fires built with hardwood not only burn hotter, they last longer, meaning the wood pile won’t get depleted as fast. Homeowners can expect to pay a premium for 100% hardwood, but Ball cautions against purchasing cheaper “mixed-wood” loads that may contain little actual hardwood.

Storing firewood

Homeowners should consider storage long before the firewood delivery truck appears in the driveway, cautions Galambos. A cord of wood takes up a significant amount of space, and if not properly stored your investment will quickly begin to rot. Firewood that is not stowed in a protected space like a garage or shed needs to be six inches off the ground. Firewood racks or simple pallets work well. If exposed to the elements, the wood pile should be at least partially covered with a waterproof tarp. Experts caution against storing the wood too close to the house for fear of inviting pests.

Average prices

Homeowners can expect to pay $75 to $150 for a half-cord and between $150 and $350 for a cord of hardwood delivered and stacked. To save some money, a person with a large truck may elect to pick up his or her own load at the wood lot.

To verify the quantity, species, and condition of the firewood, it’s wise to arrange the delivery for a time when you’re home. Experts say, inspect the wood for type and condition before it’s unloaded, though quantity can only be accurately measured after it’s stacked.

Maximize your fireplace efficiency

It’s true that a traditional wood fireplace can never rival the energy efficiency of a wood stove or even a fireplace insert, but there are ways a homeowner can trim heat loss. Fire-resistant glass doors not only reduce the volume of heated home air that escapes up the chimney, they help radiate heat back into the room. Similarly, a thick cast-iron fireback is an old-fashioned device that absorbs and emits energy in the form of radiant heat. Check the fireplace damper for leaks and always tightly seal it when the fireplace is idle.

Note about invasive pests

Forestry experts like Dr. John Ball strongly encourage homeowners to buy only local wood (wood from within a one- or two-county range) to prevent the spread of pests like the Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/buying-and-storing-firewood/#ixzz123EfwKrV

]]> http://garynsmith.net/2010/10/buying-and-storing-firewood/feed/ 0 Fall Home Maintenance Whether you burn fires as a supplemental heat source for your home or strictly for ambiance and pleasure, it’s important to know how to properly buy and store firewood. For homeowners looking to fuel a traditional masonry fireplace, fireplace insert, or wood stove, the goal should be the same: to get the best quality firewood for the best possible price. Douglas Trattner has written extensively about home improvement topics for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he estimates that he burned through 15 cords of wood. Most, he promises, was properly seasoned hardwood. Photo by HouseLogic Before picking up the phone, it’s important to know exactly what you want to purchase so that you can clearly express that to the wood seller, says Matt Galambos, a Maine arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. This includes determining the quantity, species, and condition of the firewood, all of which affect its price. How much to buy Homeowners who intend to heat their homes through the use of a wood stove naturally will require more firewood than those who burn only the occasional fire for pleasure. A person living in the Northeastern U.S. who burns firewood as his or her primary heat source, for example, may require up to five cords of wood to get them through the season. In contrast, a weekend-only fire builder can likely get by on as little as a half-cord. Galambos estimates that for the casual but steady fire builder, one cord of wood should easily last through winter. Measuring a cord of wood A cord of wood is defined as a stack of cut firewood that measures 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, or any other arrangement that equals 128 cubic feet. The individual pieces must be stacked side by side rather than the looser crisscross style. Other measurement terms, such as ricks, racks, face cords and piles, have no legal meaning and are often banned by state weights and measurements agencies. Regardless what the load is called, says Galambos, it should always be converted to cords or fractions thereof so that homeowners can determine if they are getting a fair price. Seasoning the wood Freshly cut wood is composed largely of water. Not only is this “green” wood difficult to ignite, but burning it can lead to a dangerous buildup of creosote, the cause of chimney fires. Properly “seasoned” firewood is wood that has been cut to length, split, and allowed to air dry for at least six months until the moisture content dips to around 20%. Dry wood will appear grayish in color and the pieces will begin to exhibit splits and cracks on the ends. Compared to freshly cut wood, seasoned wood feels light for its size. Though seasoned firewood is the only choice for immediate use, green wood shouldn’t be completely ignored, says Galambos. “If you have the room to store it and the time to dry it, buying green firewood can save you up to 25% compared with seasoned wood,” he says. Always clean your chimney each year. In central MS call 601-212-3042 and speak with Harry Bledsoe. Hardwood vs. softwood It’s a common misconception that burning soft woods, such as pine and cedar, leads to dangerous creosote buildup. As long as the firewood is properly seasoned, it can safely be burned in a fireplace or stove regardless of species, says Dr. John Ball, Professor of Forestry at South Dakota State University. But that doesn’t mean that all wood is created equal. “Tree species differ widely in the amount of heat they produce when burned,” says Ball. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and madrone produce almost twice the heat compared with softer woods, such as spruce, pine, and basswood. Fires built with hardwood not only burn hotter, they last longer, meaning the wood pile won’t get depleted as fast. Homeowners can expect to pay a premium for 100% hardwood, [...] Fall Home Maintenance Whether you burn fires as a supplemental heat source for your home or strictly for ambiance and pleasure, it’s important to know how to properly buy and store firewood. For homeowners looking to fuel a traditional masonry [...] Public Underestimates Savings of Energy Efficiency: Scientific American Podcast (Listen Here) http://garynsmith.net/2010/08/public-underestimates-savings-of-energy-efficiency-scientific-american-podcast-listen-here/ http://garynsmith.net/2010/08/public-underestimates-savings-of-energy-efficiency-scientific-american-podcast-listen-here/#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:57:34 +0000 Gary Smith http://garynsmith.net/?p=681 A survey finds that most people think cutting back on activities is better for energy savings than efficiency improvements. They’re wrong. Karen Hopkin reports

Most of us know we should rein in our energy use. But to be successful, it’d help if we knew the best way to do it. So scientists asked more than 500 people, “What’s the most effective thing you can do to conserve energy?” The results were illuminating.

More than half the participants focused on conservation by curtailment: switching off the lights, changing thermostat settings and driving less. Only 12 percent went for efficiency: using compact fluorescent bulbs, insulating the house or driving a hybrid car. But scientists say that it’s actually these moves that yield the bigger energy savings. The results appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. [Shahzeen Attari et al., http://bit.ly/bEtA6W]

The study authors think that a big factor is that curtailment is easier to imagine doing—while efforts to improve efficiency would involve, for example, doing research about new appliances or cars, and spending money up front to buy them.

But if people knew more about the actual energy requirements of their activities versus the savings available through efficiency, they might be spurred to act. To quote physicist and energy expert Arthur Rosenfeld: “Energy efficiency is like a Saudi Arabia under our cities.”

—Karen Hopkin

Source:

]]> http://garynsmith.net/2010/08/public-underestimates-savings-of-energy-efficiency-scientific-american-podcast-listen-here/feed/ 0 A survey finds that most people think cutting back on activities is better for energy savings than efficiency improvements. They’re wrong. Karen Hopkin reports Most of us know we should rein in our energy use. But to be successful, it’d help if we knew the best way to do it. So scientists asked more than 500 people, “What’s the most effective thing you can do to conserve energy?” The results were illuminating. More than half the participants focused on conservation by curtailment: switching off the lights, changing thermostat settings and driving less. Only 12 percent went for efficiency: using compact fluorescent bulbs, insulating the house or driving a hybrid car. But scientists say that it’s actually these moves that yield the bigger energy savings. The results appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. [Shahzeen Attari et al., http://bit.ly/bEtA6W] The study authors think that a big factor is that curtailment is easier to imagine doing—while efforts to improve efficiency would involve, for example, doing research about new appliances or cars, and spending money up front to buy them. But if people knew more about the actual energy requirements of their activities versus the savings available through efficiency, they might be spurred to act. To quote physicist and energy expert Arthur Rosenfeld: “Energy efficiency is like a Saudi Arabia under our cities.” —Karen Hopkin Source: Most of us know we should rein in our energy use. But to be successful, it’d help if we knew the best way to do it. So scientists asked more than 500 people, “What’s the most effective thing you can do to conserve energy?” The results were [...] no Deep Energy Retrofit http://garynsmith.net/2010/03/deep-energy-retrofit/ http://garynsmith.net/2010/03/deep-energy-retrofit/#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:30:45 +0000 Gary Smith http://garynsmith.net/?p=318 Lisa Cohn of Energy Efficiency Markets interviews Jeff Smith, a host for HDTV and the DIY Network, about deep energy retrofits. How are they different from energy audits and what are their benefits? Check out his website at www.thegreenedhouseeffect.com.

]]> http://garynsmith.net/2010/03/deep-energy-retrofit/feed/ 0 Lisa Cohn of Energy Efficiency Markets interviews Jeff Smith, a host for HDTV and the DIY Network, about deep energy retrofits. How are they different from energy audits and what are their benefits? Check out his website at www.thegreenedhouseeffect.com. Lisa Cohn of Energy Efficiency Markets interviews Jeff Smith, a host for HDTV and the DIY Network, about deep energy retrofits. How are they different from energy audits and what are their benefits? Check out his website at [...] Lisa Cohn no Deal or No Deal? 7 New Home Sales Tips – Podcast http://garynsmith.net/2010/02/deal-or-no-deal-7-new-home-sales-tips-podcast/ http://garynsmith.net/2010/02/deal-or-no-deal-7-new-home-sales-tips-podcast/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:25:58 +0000 Gary Smith http://garynsmith.net/?p=251

Most of us are familiar with the popular TV show, Deal or no Deal. The show has a good formula for how to negotiate: There is pressure, tension, drama and expectation; it follows a lot of the patterns of negotiating.

Negotiating the deal is sort of a lost art. Not everybody knows how to negotiate because in the past we didn’t have to. This week Roland Nairnsey, new home sales expert, shares his top seven negotiation tip to bring everybody up to speed.

]]> http://garynsmith.net/2010/02/deal-or-no-deal-7-new-home-sales-tips-podcast/feed/ 0 Most of us are familiar with the popular TV show, Deal or no Deal. The show has a good formula for how to negotiate: There is pressure, tension, drama and expectation; it follows a lot of the patterns of negotiating. Negotiating the deal is sort of a lost art. Not everybody knows how to negotiate because in the past we didn’t have to. This week Roland Nairnsey, new home sales expert, shares his top seven negotiation tip to bring everybody up to speed. Most of us are familiar with the popular TV show, Deal or no Deal. The show has a good formula for how to negotiate: There is pressure, tension, drama and expectation; it follows a lot of the patterns of negotiating. [...] 40:00 no Green Verified vs Green Certified http://garynsmith.net/2010/02/green-verified-vs-green-certified/ http://garynsmith.net/2010/02/green-verified-vs-green-certified/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:32:26 +0000 Gary Smith http://garynsmith.net/?p=209 There is no doubt about it. Green is hot! It’s everywhere! But with respect to housing what’s the difference in “Green Verified” and “Green Certified”?

If you talk to 10 different people you’ll most likely get 10 different answers to “What does green mean?”

You’ll hear everything from “Yes, we’ve gone green at my office by buying recycled copy paper!” to “Green…sure I bought one of GM’s new SUVs, they’re environmentally friendly. See, the commercials place their vehicles in a forest setting?”  Actually, General Motors is a member of the Coalition of Vehicle Choice, an organization that opposes clean air legislation and laws directed at reducing auto emissions. Huh, are you sure? Yes, check it out!

What about housing?

When you purchase a home and the builder makes a green declaration how can you tell if he’s done the right thing or just blowing smoke to ride a wave of hype!?!

There are two basic types of Green Certification programs in America today. The builder or owner verified program and the unbiased 3rd party verification.

The NAHB Green Building Standard, LEED-H, Energy Star, Earth Craft and Green Built are some of the more promenant certifying bodies in the US.

Certifications

Certifications for green construction are awarded upon successfully adhereing to the particular specifications of their respective programs. Typically, points are awarded for specific energy or resource efficient principles. Other areas of note are water efficiency, indoor air quality and home owner education.

Verification

Verification for green is typically an indepth technical visual  inspection process that confirms program adherence and includes performance testing. This test is provided by highly trained “energy raters” who deterime, amoung other readings, how air tight the building is and how well the heating and air conditioning system operates.

For more info about green building contact me toll free 1-877-809-6139 or online at http://www.greenbuildinginspector.com.

Home Inspections and Energy Ratings in Central Mississippi at http://www.garynsmith.net

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]]> http://garynsmith.net/2010/02/green-verified-vs-green-certified/feed/ 2 There is no doubt about it. Green is hot! It’s everywhere! But with respect to housing what’s the difference in “Green Verified” and “Green Certified”? If you talk to 10 different people you’ll most likely get 10 different answers to “What does green mean?” You’ll hear everything from “Yes, we’ve gone green at my office by buying recycled copy paper!” to “Green…sure I bought one of GM’s new SUVs, they’re environmentally friendly. See, the commercials place their vehicles in a forest setting?”  Actually, General Motors is a member of the Coalition of Vehicle Choice, an organization that opposes clean air legislation and laws directed at reducing auto emissions. Huh, are you sure? Yes, check it out! What about housing? When you purchase a home and the builder makes a green declaration how can you tell if he’s done the right thing or just blowing smoke to ride a wave of hype!?! There are two basic types of Green Certification programs in America today. The builder or owner verified program and the unbiased 3rd party verification. The NAHB Green Building Standard, LEED-H, Energy Star, Earth Craft and Green Built are some of the more promenant certifying bodies in the US. Certifications Certifications for green construction are awarded upon successfully adhereing to the particular specifications of their respective programs. Typically, points are awarded for specific energy or resource efficient principles. Other areas of note are water efficiency, indoor air quality and home owner education. Verification Verification for green is typically an indepth technical visual  inspection process that confirms program adherence and includes performance testing. This test is provided by highly trained “energy raters” who deterime, amoung other readings, how air tight the building is and how well the heating and air conditioning system operates. For more info about green building contact me toll free 1-877-809-6139 or online at http://www.greenbuildinginspector.com. Home Inspections and Energy Ratings in Central Mississippi at http://www.garynsmith.net There is no doubt about it. Green is hot! It’s everywhere! But with respect to housing what’s the difference in “Green Verified” and “Green Certified”? If you talk to 10 different people you’ll most likely get 10 different answers to [...] Gary Smith :46 Green Minute - Energy Rated Homes of Mississippi no Welcome http://garynsmith.net/2010/01/welcome/ http://garynsmith.net/2010/01/welcome/#comments Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:08:30 +0000 Gary Smith http://garynsmith.net/?p=3 Welcome to our new diggs. Keep an eye out…we’re updating it by the minute!

We’re able to help you with an energy rating which will also help you qualify for a tax credit. Contact us today!

]]> http://garynsmith.net/2010/01/welcome/feed/ 0 Welcome to our new diggs. Keep an eye out…we’re updating it by the minute! We’re able to help you with an energy rating which will also help you qualify for a tax credit. Contact us today! Welcome to our new diggs. Keep an eye out…we’re updating it by the minute! We’re able to help you with an energy rating which will also help you qualify for a tax credit. Contact us today! [...]