Archive for the ‘Quality, Quantity and Cost’ Category
Why we do what we do – Wall Construction that saves you money
Friday, November 11th, 2011
Most people don’t think about how thick their house walls are when buying a home. In an effort to provide the lowest possible cost of a home to the buyer, most builders construct houses with perimeter walls using 2×4 wood studs. We use 2×6 wood studs in our perimeter house walls. They cost more, but they give us a 37% thicker wall and the thicker the wall cavity, the more insulation we can install. The 6” thick walls do cost more — more wood and more insulation, but they are better.
Insulation is graded by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value of the insulation is, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The important thing to remember is that the higher the R-value, the cheaper it is to heat or cool your house.
There are all types of insulation products being used. Due to cost most production home builders use fiberglass batt insulation in their 4” thick walls. This inulation has an R-value of 13. As our base system, we use a sprayed cellulose insulation in our 6” thick perimeter house wall. This is Energy Star rated and has an R-value equal to 23. Then, we have an option to upgrade our system by spraying ½” thick Urethane foam and then installing a 5 1/2” thick fiberglass batt. This system is also Energy Star rated and has an R-value of 27.
Let’s all agree that the cost of energy will never go down. Our primary goal is to reduce utility bills and reduce your yearly operating cost of your home. Can we build with 2×4 walls, you bet and it will cost less, yes in the construction costs but not over the life of the home.
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Cottages and Community Features
Monday, July 4th, 2011
Quality of craftsmanship and design are at the heart of Inglenook Carmel. In all we do, we strive to work in concert with nature, both during and after construction.
We use sustainable materials that maintain their strength and integrity. Our homes are outfitted with the most current and energy efficient appliances and construction techniques available.
We are concerned about the health of the community as well as the planet, and every decision we make reflects that concern. We believe that nothing is more beautiful than natural beauty, and nothing is greener than something that lasts.
Here are a few features we would like to highlight:
Site:
- Low-impact “green” site design complete with underground storm water system and rain gardens.
- 33 percent of the site is green “common area”.
- Permeable concrete pavers at street parking and common drive areas.
- No retention ponds and therefore no HOA liability.
Foundations:
- 9 foot concrete basement walls.
- Tuff-N-Dry waterproofing complete with manufacturer’s 30 year warranty (limited).
Framing:
- 6” thick exterior cottage walls.
- Hard plank siding.
Thermal & Moisture Protection:
- Certainteed “Landmark” composition shingle (“weather wood” or “driftwood”) with manufacturer’s warranty of 30 years.
- R-27 Insulation in cottage exterior walls.
- R-38 Insulation in cottage roof.
- R-22 Insulation in garage roof.
- R-13 Insulation in garage exterior walls.
Doors & Windows:
- Anderson 400 series fiberglass window units with low-e insulated glass.
- Masonite solid core interior doors.
- Insulated garage doors complete with keyless entry.
Finishes:
- Cottage style wood interior trim.
- Hardwood floors on first floor.
- 40 oz Mohawk ”Smartstrand” carpet on second floor.
- Granite counter tops.
- Modern-style gas fireplace.
Appliances:
- 20 cubic foot self-cleaning, General Electric Profile slide-in gas range unit, energy star rated.
- 1.7 cubic foot, 1000 watt General Electric Profile OTR Microwave, convection oven, energy star rated.
- 20 cubic foot, General Electric Profile bottom freezer/refrigerator unit complete with ice maker, energy star rated.
- 24” wide built-in General Electric Profile dishwasher unit complete with a tall tub, energy star rated.
- ½ horsepower garbage disposal.
Mechanical Systems:
- PEX water supply lines.
- 90% heating efficiency, 4 speed blower speed, single stage heating stage gas furnace.
- Air conditioner unit with 13 plus SEER (cooling efficiency), single stage operation complete with10-year compressor and coil warranty (limited) and 5-year functional parts warranty (limited)
Electrical Systems
- 200 Amp service panel.
- $1600 Light Fixture Allowance.
For more information about the individual cottages check out our Homes page.
Tags: Build, Green, Quality
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