2009 New American Home

While at the Builder Show in Las Vegas last week, I attended the seminar hosted by the builder, architect, interior designer and landscape architect of the New American Home. Their insight into the creation of this 9,000 square foot energy efficient Gold level scoring home was fascinating. This prepared me for the visit to the site - I knew what was behind the walls and why product decisions were made.

This "green" home is an elegant contemporary design which regeisters as a near-zero-energy home and was built as a laboratory of construction ideas. I look at it as a buffet of design concepts and construction techniques. Some really emphasized solar -photo voltaic cells which probably doesn't make total economic sense here in the Northern climates. However, there were many great ideas which you'll begin to see in our future projects.- Nancy

Int'l Builder Show in Las Vegas

Victor and I are attending the NAHB convention next week in Las Vegas. It's known as the International Builder Show (IBS) because the construction industry is so global in scope. It's similar to the auto show in that companies introduce their new products for the coming building season. Regional sales staff and company owners are available for us to meet and question. Over the last 25 years, we have found some exceptional new products and improved construction methods by walking the expo floor.

However, I have always felt that the educational seminars offered at the convention are the most important aspect of our attendance. Victor and I both attend different seminars during the week. This approach allows us to take in twice the information to bring back to our business in Traverse City, MI.

Undeniably, this year's focus will probably be the state of the industry due to the economy. We have seen times like this in the past and we know that things will rebound. With the knowledge we will gather during the IBS, Grand Bay Builders is positioning itself to continue to be a home building leader in Northern Michigan.

I'm excited to be heading to Vegas and will share my insights in future posts,Nancy

2009 HBA President

We are pleased to announce that Victor is serving as the 2009 president of the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area. He is proud to have been elected by his peers. Victor has always believed in continuing education for building professionals. He plans to keep the Association active in offering educational programs to its membership. - Happy New Year, Nancy

Cost vs. Value 2008

Remodeling Magazine publishes an annual report which helps determine the real value in your remodleing project. Here are the national Top 10 Project Paybacks:

Once again, exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars spent in this year’s Cost vs. Value survey. When you compare the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal—siding, windows, and decks—give you the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.

1. Upscale fiber cement siding (86.7%)
2. Midrange wood deck (81.8%)
3. Midrange vinyl siding (80.7%)
4. Upscale foam-backed vinyl (80.4%)
5. Midrange minor kitchen remodel (79.5%)
6. Upscale vinyl window replacement (79.2%)
7. Midrange wood window replacement (77.7%)
8. Midrange vinyl window replacement (77.2%)
9. Upscale wood window replacement (76.5%
10. Midrange major kitchen remodel (76.0%)

I'm always happy to talk about any project you may be considering with regards to cost vs.value in the Traverse City Area. Now is a good time to begin exploring ideas for 2009, Nancy

Offer of the Month

Grand Bay Builders is now a member of TraverseCoupon.com. We are excited to be offering special savings to our customers monthly. Check it out at the website http://www.traversecoupon.com/. January's coupon will focus on kitchens. Stay tuned, Nancy

Drafty Window and Door Solution

We recently solved the drafty window problem in our waterfront cottage with just a few hours of time. While strong direct winds were blowing off the water, we gently pried off the trim and exposed the almost empty spaces around the windows. Fiberglass insulation had proven inadequate to block strong driving winds. Using the Great Stuff Pro product, I filled the cavities using the applicator, allowed the product to cure and nailed the trim back on. Success!!
I suggest doing this while the winds are strong- you will easily locate any areas that need more foam- and what a great feeling to have solved the problem. I also insulated around the electrical plugs and switches that were leaking – However, I caution that power must be turned off to those areas- no kidding!!! If you don’t know how – trust a professional to do this for you. - This is definitely worth the effort -Nancy

http://building.dow.com/na/en/products/sealants/gspwindowdoor.htm
(http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11270).

Welcome to our first blog

I'm excited to begin this blogging adventure. I think it will be fun to share my ideas in so many areas of the building process. Now that my blog site is up and running, I'll gather my thoughts and really be ready to delve into this new medium. I encourage you to subscribe to our blog and receive updates- click on the orange atom/rss icon. Feel free to post your comments or questions so I can get the ball rolling. Thanks, Nancy