C.W. Wright Construction Info & Tips

Basic Rain Gutter Maintenance

2009-10-19T20:31:00Z

Rain gutters on your home can easily become clogged with leaves and debris. That's why it's important to inspect and clean them twice a year; usually in the fall and again in the spring. Loosen dirt that has blown into the gutters and scrub with a stiff brush. You can then flush the gutters with a steady stream of water from your garden hose to clear any material that may be clogging the downspouts.

Another way to prevent clogs is to install a mesh screen or leaf-catching system. Make sure that you purchase a type that can be easily removed when it's time to clean.

You may want to adjust the slope of your rain gutters from time to time. Run water through them, and if you find they drain slowly, reposition them so they slope toward the downspouts at a rate of 1/4 inch for every 10 feet.

Be sure that your downspouts expel water away from your home. If necessary, add downspout extenders that carry the water away. Also consider concrete or plastic splashblocks that are slightly sloped and extend away at least 4 feet from the home.

Also check your downspouts for rust, flaking, or peeling paint & leaks. Make sure they are affixed tightly against the fascia boards of your home's exterior. Check the fascia boards themselves fro dry rot or other damage, and, if need be, replace them with lumber treated with wood preservative to prevent water damage. You can finish them to match existing boards.

Fall Gardening checklist

2009-10-06T19:22:00Z

Fall is not the time to neglect your garden! Here are a few tips we wanted to pass along to you which will help you ensure a beautiful, healthy yard.

Planting: Fall is a great time. The soil is still warm and moist. Coupled with cooling air and you have happy plants.
Mulch your falling leaves into garden soil or start a compost pile.
Cover your plants with mulch, compost, woodchips, and bark can all be used to give your plants a layer of nutrients & protection for winter.
Divide your perrenials. You should do this at least every 3 years to keep your perennials healthy & productive.
Before the rains come fill in erosion in your yard, fertilize & reseed.
Care for your trees: remove dead or detached branches, trim tree limbs that are close to power lines or your roof, look for rotting or disdease. Call a professional tree service if you notice problems.
Prune trees & shrubs to encourage healthy spring growth.
Clean & store tools, toys, and outdoor furniture. Dip tools into a mixture of sand & motor oil before storing. This cleans & lubricates them.
Store propane tanks outside & cover with plastic or tarp.
Uproot dead potted annuals in your garden.
Make sure any and all surface water on your property drains away from your home.

For more tips visit these web sites:

www.yardcare.com

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

2009-09-23T20:00:00Z

Here are some home maintenance and safety tips for homeowners as we enter the fall season:

Check all window & door locks for proper operation
Check your home for water leaks
Review your fire escape plan with your family
Make sure you have working nightlights at the top and bottom of stairways (indoor & out)
Have a heating professional check your heating system (you should do this once a year)
Protect your home from frozen pipes
Replace your furnace filter
Run all your gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone
Test any emergency generator you may have
Have a certified chimney sweep check and clean your flues and fireplace dampers
Remove any bird's nests from chimney flues or outdooe electrical fixtures
Test and clean smoke detectors & carbon monoxide alarms
Ensure caulking around doors & windows is adequate to reduce heating/cooling loss
Ensure caulking around bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water leakage

Home Construction FAQ: Budget Allowances for your Project

2009-09-02T23:11:00Z

What is an allowance in a home improvement project?

Allowances are guideline budget numbers which indicate how much you can spend on certain items. These items are generally finishes such as tile, doors, moldings, knobs and hardware, fixtures, or floor coverings. They are items that, at the time of bidding and contract, homeowners have usually not yet decided upon.

The allowance is not a fixed price, but a reliable ball park number which is determined by the homeowner's budget, taste, and needs. Generally, as long as you do not exceed this estimated number, you will not increase your overall project cost.

Allowances can include many items, so you should be very specific in your contract about what the items are. The allowance for items should include sales tax and delivery charges as well.

When deciding upon your allowance numbers, your contractor can help guide you, but you should do your research so that you have a good sense of what items cost. Pricing items online and in show rooms prior to writing in your allowance numbers will be helpful. Of course, your contractor will also have a sense of cost and should ask you lots of questions to determine what level of finish work you can choose and still keep you within your budget.

Allowances give you flexibility and time to select finish items that you like. But be careful, they can add up. And since these are the cosmetic items, which are fun to select, you could get carried away. Remember, it's ultimately the homeowner's responsibility to be familiar with the cost of items for which you make allowances.

Your contractor is there to guide you so be sure you ask lots of questions and keep an open line of communication. This will keep your project on time, on budget, and as stress-free as possible.

Detecting Water Leaks in your Home

2009-08-25T23:02:00Z

Did you know that you can check for water leaks using your home water meter? All water meters have either a triangle leak detection hand on the meter face or a sweep hand which can be used to indicate the flow of tiny amounts of water.

Locate your water meter. Carefully remove the meter box lid using a screwdriver or appropriate tool. Visually examine the area around the meter to ensure your safety (be especially cautious of spider nests). A cap covers the face of the meter; lift the cap so you can see it.

Check for leaks by turning off all known water uses inside and outside your home. This includes ice makers, automatic pool fillers, and evaporative coolers. When all water sources are turned off, the triangle (low flow indicator), should not move. If using the sweep hand, mark with a pencil the location of the sweep hand on the rim of the meter. Wait a moment to see if the sweep hand has moved. If it has, or if the triangle continues to move, there is water flowing somewhere on your property.

If this is the case try tunring off the house shut-off valve (usually located where the waterline enters the house). If the low flow indicator or sweep hand is still moving, there is water flowing outside the home. If the low flow indicator or sweep hand stops moving with the house valve off, then water was flowing/leaking inside the house.

We hope this is helpful!

Home Construction FAQ: The Structural Engineer

2009-08-10T20:34:00Z

What does a Structural Engineer do?

When preliminary design work is finished, and the size and shape of the home is set, the structural engineer gets to work. They tabulate the vertical loads of building materials, occupants, and contents of the structure, and then they select the appropriate sizes and strengths of the building's supporting members. The path of vertical loads is traced (roof, floor, columns, footings), to the supporting soil. They establish and design the limits which prevent the wall finishes and ceilings from cracking. The structural engineer also works with geotechnical engineers to limit the settling of a structure over time.

While it's critical to measure and assess vertical loads, a structure's lateral load is important as well. Using applicable building codes, the structural engineer matches forces with resisting elements from the peak of the roof to the bottom of the sturture's footings. Walls are checked to assure that they support both the load from the floors above and gusts from severe winds and storms. Structures are bolted form their foundations to resist the lateral sliding forces of earthquakes. Through careful calculations, a structure becomes a logical mathematical proof where all forces cancel.

The structural engineer is responsible for translating his or her calculations into construction drawings for use by the contractor. Plan views of the individual building levels are then developed. Details of the various connections are created and cited on the plans. Specifications for the structural materials and required inspections are added to complete the work. No variations that affect the building's performance escapes the scrutiny of the structural engineer.

Going Green in the kitchen? Countertop Materials

2009-08-04T22:43:00Z

When choosing green home improvement projects, you have many options. Especially in the kitchen. Consider green and eco-friendly materials should you be thinking about a kitchen remodel. Especially your countertops. It's one of the first things people notice in the room and it can change the whole look of your decor.

One of the most popular green building materials for kitchen counters is recycled glass. It's a fantastic look. Ice Stone countertops are made from recycled glass and concrete. Ice Stone surfaces have similar durability to quarried stone, while reducing waste and CO2 emissions. Have a look at www.icestone.biz.

Bamboo can provide an excellent alternative to hardwood countertops. This beautiful, all-purpose material can be half the cost of many other countertops, too. It's durable and and completely renewable. A good resource for bamboo countertops is: www.teragren.com.

Another material to consider is reclaimed wood. This is great for the environment. Recycled paper compressed into a solid block then covered in a natural resin is another green strategy for counters. It incorporates paper and reclaimed wood. Check it out at: www.paperstoneproducts.com.

Recycled aluminum is another great option. Companies that produce these countertops use 90% recycled aluminum. Some companies even use recycled abrasives and recirculated water to finish the production of their countertops. The best thing is, these materials can be recycled should you ever want to remove them. How green can you get?!

Window Replacement

2009-07-22T23:33:00Z

If your home is in need of window replacements, your options are retrofit windows or new construction windows. Retrofit windows are installed rather quickly by removing existing window glass and sliding in a new window frame assembly within the existing frame. However, homeowners should be aware that if the existing windows have moisture problems, more than likely, retrofit windows may not slove the problem. Thsi is when new construction windows should be considered.

New construction windows require that the entire window assembly (glass and frame), be removed prior to new window installation. Flashing, building paper, and sealants muast all be reapplied. Additionally, stucco or siding may need to be cut away during installation and replaced upon completeion. Obviously this requires more time, effort, and cost than a retrofit, but often it is the most economical and best choice in the long term. Updated windows are a key to maintaining your home's value and energy efficiency. Therefore, it's important not to cut corners.

Using Salvaged & recycled Materials in Landscaping

2009-07-20T20:41:00Z

Landscaping elements give you a great opportunity to use salvaged or recycled materials. Lumber made of recycled plastic or recycled composite lumber makes very durable landscape edging. Broken concrete can be used to create attractive paths or retaining walls, as can tumbled glass.

Use slavaged or recycled-content for hardscapes (planter beds, patios, edging, walls, walk-ways and driveways). You can also use FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) sustainably harvested wood, though this can cost a bit more.

For landscaping and hardscaping, composites and recycled plastics are generally more durable than wood since they don't rot, crack, splinter, or require wood treatments like staining.

The Forest Stewardship Council website has many resources on green building suppliers and the FSC-certified program:
Visit them at: www.fsc.org

Indoor air quality and your garage

2009-07-16T17:42:00Z

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), an attached garage (which most of us have these days), is one of the biggest contributors to poor indoor air quality in your home. Car exhaust contains many known cancer-causing chemicals, and it can migrate into living spaces through doors, or cracks in walls or ceilings adjacent to the garage. Other pollutants commonly found in garages include benzene from lawn mowers and power tools, pesticides used in your garden, toxic cleaning agents, and the chemicals contained in paint and adhesives. One or all of these items are probably sitting in yours right now!

But properly designed and sealed garages can keep this polluted air out of your home. You can also use foams, caulking, or weatherstripping to create a barrier between the garage and your living spaces. Be sure to completely seal garage walls and celings adjacent to the interior. Doors should have full wetherstripping and sealed thresholds. If using a spray-applied foan, be sure it creates a complete air barrier.

As an additional measure, install an exhaust fan in the garage on th eopposite wall from the door into the home. It can be triggered by an electric garage door system and put on a timer to run after the door has opened or closed.

Solar Water Heating Systems

2009-07-15T21:03:00Z

Solar water heating systems use solar panels and water storage to collect and store heat from the sun for home hot water use or space heating. Solar water heating systems are typically used to deliver preheated water to a standard water heater. Solar water heating is more cost effective than ever as a result of newer technology, reliable products to choose from, and rising energy prices.

Homeowners should choose only those solar water heaters that are SRCC (Solar Rating and Certification Corporated) certified. Before selecting equipment, ensure that there is a sufficient south-facing roof surface on which to place the solar collector panels, that the roof will accomodate the system's weight, and that tehre is enough area near the water heater for for any additional equipment needed (storage tanks, pumps, pipes, and controllers).

There are Federal tax credits available for installing solar hot water systems. Your tax advisor should have information on available programs, as should your contractor ,or the solar energy equipment installer you work with. You can also visit the California Energy Commission's website:

www.consumerenergycenter.org.

Preventing Sewer Backups

2009-06-30T21:13:00Z

Sanitary sewer systems handle 3 kinds of waste: used water, human waste, and toilet paper. To prevent back-ups and keep these sytems working properrly, here are a few do's and dont's to keep in mind. They may seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised at how many people "do" the "dont's" !!

Don't pour grease, fat, or oil down your drain.
Instead, collect grease, fat, or oil in a container and dispose of it in the garbage.

Don't use the sewer to dispose of food scraps.
Instead, put food scraps in the garbage or start a compost pile.

Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket for garbage or chemicals. These items can kill "good" bacteria used for sewage treatment, and can enter the bay with harmful affects.
Instead, place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of solid waste items. This includes disposable diapers and personal hygiene products.

Also, avoid planting trees with shallow, spreading root systems new your home's sewer lateral. Tree roots seek water sources such as cracked sewer lines. Once tree roots have penetrated the sewer lines through cracks, they can create a dense web and trap materials causing costly, messy back-ups.

Water Pressure

2009-06-29T19:25:00Z

Maintaining Proper Water Pressure

Water pressure is controlled by the internal diameter of the pipes. The smaller the diameter, the lower the water pressure, and the greater the velocity of water moving through it.

In order to ensure proper function, there is a standaardized system of building codes that control many aspects of plumbing including:

Internal pipe diameter that must be used for a particular function
Amount of slope or downward drop that drain pipes need to function properly

Water Supply

In most homes, water comes from one of two places; a private well (not so common in our area), or a service pipe that connects to the city's water main.

For homes with private wells, a pump pushes water up into a pressure tank where it is stored for use. Homes with city water have a water supply line that is connected to the city's water main. Water passes through a water meter that measures the volume of water used in the house. In case of repairs or emergency, both systems usually have a shut-off valve located near the start of the incoming line that enables the water supply to be temporarily cut off.

Water supply lines are generally made of copper, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride plastic, (CPVC), or galvanized steel. Pipes that carry cold water branch out from the main pipe. Some water is directed to the hot water heater for heating, and hot water pipes originate from there.

Where Does Wastewater Go?

When wastewater goes down the drain, it forst passes through a trap; a U-shaped curve in the pipe that retains a small amount of water so that sewer gas cannot come up through the pipes and enter your home. It then passes into the main waste drain pipes.

The main component of the waste drain is the soil stack, a vertical stack of pipes taht is connected to the outbound sewer line. The stack has a vent which extends vertically through the roof, allowing gases to escape and promote drain flow by drawing air inward. It's very important to keep this vent clear. Plugged vents can trap dangerous gases and inhibit drainage.

Heating and Cooling Systems

2009-06-23T21:39:00Z

Anytime your air conditioner or furnace is running, it's using valuable energy and costing you money.You can cut down on the energy and cost of these appliances by doing the following:

1) Install a programmable thermostsat. This will allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day so you are only heating and cooling your home as needed. Keep the thermostat turned down when you are away and when you are sleeping.

2) Change your filters. replacing them every 3 months will keep your furnace and air conditioner running efficiently.

3) Install a high efficiency furnace. New furnaces are 90%+ efficient, and can pay for themselves in reduced energy bills.

4) Shade your interior compressor. It will stay cooler and not have to work as hard.

5) Install a Radiant Hydronic Heating system, the most efficient and healthy way to heat a home. Hot water runs through plastic tubing in your floor which radiates heat into a room instead of having warm air blow, which uses more electricity and spreads allergens.

Have a question? Need some more tips? Feel free to contact us: info@cwwrightconst.com

C.W. Wright hosts San Carlos Chamber of Commerce

2009-06-22T19:23:00Z

C.W. Wright Construction hosted the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce June business mixer. We had a great time; great food & drink and enjoyed the company of over 75 members of the local business and political community. It was a wonderful evening in our beautiful office courtyard.  Guest included San Carlos Assistant City Manager Brian Moura, Architect Dave Kastrop, and members of local media. We were grateful to be be able to host such an active and professional group of people in our community.

Project Budgeting: Hard & Soft Construction Costs

2009-06-08T19:23:00Z

For homeowners considering a remodel, it is first essential to prepare a preliminary budget. The purpose of creating a budget is to both understand and control costs. There are many resources available to help you with creating a budget, however, it's important to understand the nature of the beast; the hard and soft costs associated with your project and some examples:

Hard costs include the fundamental materials and labor involved in building. The nuts and bolts structural work as well as work needed to improve the site per City or County codes. Below are some examples of the hard costs you will need to budget.

1) Building costs: Cost of construction as it relates to the structure

2) Site improvements: on site costs such as grading, sidewalks, drainage, etc.

3) Landscaping: most local juridictions require a landscape plan

4) Contingenies: This is an amount budgeted in a construction loan to pay unanticipated costs incurred during construction. The amount typically ranges from 5-10% of total cost for new construction and 10-20% for remodel work.

5) Change Orders: When changes to the scope of work are implemented upon agreement by the architect, homeowner and contractor or subcontractors. Change orders are common to most projects, and very common with large projects.A Change Order is work that is added to or deleted from the original scope of work of a contract, which alters the original contract amount or completion date.

Common causes for change orders to be created are:

- The project's work was incorrectly estimated
- The customer or project team discovers obstacles or possible efficiencies that require them to deviate from the original plan
- The customer or project team are inefficient or incapable of completing their required deliverables within budget, and additional money, time, or resources must be added to the project
- During the course of the project, additional features or options are perceived and requested.

Soft Costs are slightly more flexible items including the costs associated with your design work, the finishes chosen, appliances, and the like. These costs also include permits and fees, which can change, off-site improvements such as sidewalks & traffic lights, and equipment such as security systems, sound systems, etc.

There is always a cost range which correlates with the products and materials chose to work with. For exapmle, choosing Green building products or high end appliances will add to the cost of your project. Here on the Peninsula, a good cost range rule of thumb is anywhere from $200/square foot and up.

Knowing the hard costs and then budgeting for soft costs will help you understand the feasibilty of your ideas as well as allow you to identify your project's priorities, recognize trad-offs, and revise your estimates.

Energy Efficient Lights: Current Options

2009-06-02T20:07:00Z

Incandescents are the light bulbs we have always known, and with all due respect to the old stand-by, they are very wasteful. Incandescents bulbs use most of the electricity they draw to emit heat. They also don't last very long, requiring constant replacement, as well as generating trash. For a long time, one could argue that energy efficient bulbs cost too much, and continued buying incandescents to save money. But that is quickly changing. Energy efficient light bulbs are less costly than ever, they provide superior light quality, and pay for themselves in energy savings and reduced need for replacement.

Options:

You will be glad to know that moving to efficient bulbs has never been easier. LED lights (Light Emitting Diodes), are increasingly affordable and flexible. These efficient and technologically superior lights will likely be the choice of the future. In the meantime, CFL's (compact florescent lights), are meeting the immediate need for energy efficiency. CFL's are designed to fit into the same light sockets as incandescent bulbs, and they have come a long way from the CFL's of the past. Many emit the warm light we prefer in our homes. In fact, some experts compare the soft warm light opf CFL's to morning sunlight. Again, they can be used anywhere to replace a traditional incandescent. They last a long time, and they are a very easy way to save money on your untility bill. In addition to indoor spiral bulbs, CFL's are available in the tradtional bulb shape, as well as reflectors.

CFL Bulbs:

The base of a CFL bulb is a ballast that generates an electric charge which flows through the gas-filled tube. Those gases emit UV, which activiates a phosphor coating inside the tube, resulting in visible light. This chemical process creates a lot of light but very little heat. When buying CFL's, make sure to always look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) symbol to ensure the ballasts of the bulbs have been properly fireproofed.

LED Bulbs:

As mentioned above, LED stands for "light emitting diode". LED lights don't have a filament to burn out and don't create much heat, which accounts for their long life spans. They also use a fraction of the elctricity used by incandescents. LED's may definitley be the future of energy efficient lighting. Already they are the most efficient on the market. While still expensive, pricing has been dropping over the past decade. The demand for high efficiency lighting has also spurred development of newer, cheaper materials in their manufacturing process.

Energy Efficiency: Your home and the sun

2009-05-14T21:51:00Z

How your house relates to the sun

Ideally situated homes use very little energy to heat or cool. Take advantage of natural solar movement and use natural ventilation to either insulate or cool your home. How is your house situated?

South Facing: This is the preferable orientation for windows with a roof eave or awning. The low winter sun naturally heats your home, while the high summer sun can be blocked by roof overhangs or deciduous (leaf dropping) trees.

West Facing: This side of your house needs lots of attention. In the summertime, the long days can literally bake you exterior finish, which can result in peeling or cracking paint. Your home can also overheat if your windows are not protected with shades, awnings, or plants. In the winter, most of the rain from winter storms come from the west. It's importatnt to maintain this side of your home as water can lead to mold, mildew, dry rot, and insects, which can become costly if left unaddressed.

North Facing: This is the cool side of your home. Windows on this side provide great reflected light which reduces glare in the eyes, or on your computer and TV screens.

East Facing: This is the morning side of your house. It doesn't overheat like the west side can, but it does get low-angled sunlight, which can cause glare.

Green Tips: Paint & VOC's

2009-04-28T19:22:00Z

Conventional paint contains many harmful chemicals that emit gases into the air, which can have health consequences for people as well as the planet! The gases emitted are called Volitile Organic Compounds, or VOC's, which arte a class of carbon-based chemicals that have the capacity to evaporate readily at room temperature. VOC's are responsible for the smells associated with new paint and can cause headaches and other symptoms in many people.

"Green" paints are those that contain less of these chemicals and heavy metals (petrochemicals, solvents, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, biocides, and cadmium), while still providing high performance. You can choose paints that are low-VOC, zero-VOC, recycled, or natural, which can be made of plant-based materials.

"Green" paints are comparable in cost to conventional mid-to-high quality paint.Recycled paint can be much less expensive, costing about $10 or less per gallon. It's durabilty, however, can be a little lacking. With paint, as with many things, you get what you pay for. Look for formulas with a high solids content, and remember that a more durable paint can cost a bit more at first, but the longer wear will save you maintenance costs in the long run.

There are several manufacturers of "Green" paints, including some of the traditional, national brands like Benjamin Moore's Natura line, or e-coat, a recycled paint by Kelly Moore. An online search or a call to your painter will provide you many resources. Or give us a call!

Have a question? email us at: laura@cwwrightconst.com

Green Tips: Windows

2009-04-24T18:32:00Z

According to a study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the energy lost through inefficient, aging, residential windows accounts for 2% of total U.S energy consumption, and 9% of total U.S. residential energy consumption. Because energy efficiency is a crucial part of sustainable design, energy efficient windows can greatly impact the environmental performance of a home or building.

High performance windows can be a bit more expensive up front, but long term operating costs related to heating and cooling your home will be reduced. You will also experience greater comfort during hot summer or cold winter months. In addition, high performance windows cut noise and UV light. This results in less fading of window treatments, furniture, and the like.

High performance windows ar those that combine multiple glazings, Krypton glass interior, low E-coatings, as well as tight seals and insulated frames.