ConstructionCoach's Blog - Home Improvement Tips, Tricks & Great Resources

Energy-Efficient Green Building Products Basics: Geothermal

2011-10-09T17:13:00.001-07:00

Goal: Find ways to make your own mark on helping the environment seems difficult at best. Sure, turning the lights off makes a difference, but there has to be something more. For most of us, building a wind-farm in our backyard really isn’t the most practical solution, so what can be done to make a concerted personal effort to help?

One practical answer lies in today’sgreen building products and specifically geothermal heating & cooling technology. Chip away at the dependence and over-use of fossil fuels.

Geothermal technology taps into the constant 57 +/- degree Fahrenheit deep within the earth to make heating and cooling efficient and practical. Water is being circulated to extract heat for heating purposes at almost no energy cost. Conversely, in the summer months, the geothermal water absorbs heat within a house, sends it into the earth to dissipate and cool water back to 57 +/-degrees. The savings from this are not only apparent in your lower energy bill, but in the reduction in energy required to heat and cool your home.

Installation: Depending on the available land, a geothermal installation company digs either several deep vertical shafts in a small area or shallow horizontal trenches over a larger area to lay polyethylene pipe in. This piping is linked in one loop. Its beginning and ending sit at the geothermal unit inside your house.

Benefits: There really isn’t a downside to geothermal temperature regulation. Installing a geothermal system has the potential to save 30%-70% on energy consumption. Government tax credits offer up to 30% discounts for system installations (verify with a tax professional). There is no risk of fire, gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning since no natural gas and/or fossil fuels are involved. Geothermal systems allow consumers to make substantial energy reductions, and save money in the long run. For a practically-minded person who wants to make a difference to the environment the choice is clear: a geothermal heating & cooling system. AMHAC has been successfully installing geothermal systems for years with many positive results & testimonials along the way.

GEOTHERMAL FACTS:

• Geothermal heat pumps were first written up in Life magazine, the October 25th1948 issue entitled: A Healthier Environment

• No flames, no fuels and no odors lead to important benefits to people with environmental sensitivities. More consistent humidity levels reduce the growth of molds and allergens. High-efficiency filters create even healthier environments.

• The average life span of a geothermal heat pump is 22 years. This is twice the life of an outdoor air conditioner a ground loop life expectancy is more than 50 years (department of energy)

• A Geothermal system can use a device called a desuperheater to supplement the buildings hot water generation. In the summer months, the heat extracted from your building is used to supplement hot water generation providing almost “free” hot water

• Geothermal Water-Source Heat Pumps help satisfy up to one-half or more of the requirements for LEED Certification.

• If even 30% of the (residential & commercial) HVAC market employed geothermal, there will be a savings of 177,239,835 kWh - a demand reduction of 36,564,000 kW or 36,564 mW. 30% of geothermal installations among the industrial users such as schools, hospitals etc will reduce carbon outputs by 35,486,053 metric tons and CO2 reductions of 130,115,529 metric tons -

• the equivalent of removing approximately 29 million cars from road s or planting over 8 billion trees.

For more information check out Understanding the Federal Tax Incentives

www.SabinesGreenProducts.com

Cool Products, Straight Talk to Improve your Home & Life

Green Begins at Home

2011-08-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

They say Charity begins at Home but What about Green? Everyone wants to be more sustainable, so how do we go about doing that in our own homes? Here are some suggestions from The Rainforest Alliance on easy steps to make your home one of today’s green building projects.

1. Buy foods grown on Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

This includes coffee, tea, cocoa, bananas, orange juice, etc. that come from healthy farms where rainforest is conserved and workers receive fair treatment.

2. Purchase Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)/ Rainforest Alliance Certified wood products

You can do your part to conserve forests around the world by purchasing wood and wood products that are responsibly harvested and processed

3. Choose responsible vacations

Believe it or not, vacations can be green building projects….sustainable tourism dollars really can directly benefit the environment and the communities you visit.

4. Take control of your mailbox

Subscribe to something called Catalog Choice, a free service that let you communicate your mail preferences to companies and reduces the number of unwanted catalogues in your mailbox. Saving on paper is one way to implement strategies towards green building projects.

5. Support renewable energy and energy efficient technology

Choose Energy Star rated appliances, install LED lighting and consider installing a solar energy system. Replacing old energy-consumptive refrigerators with modern less consumptive ones is an important way to choose green building products.

Enjoy researching and selecting green building products for your home.

SabinesGreenProducts.com

101 on Organizing and Decluttering a Bedroom

2011-08-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

As the summer is winding down, what better time to start getting organized for the upcoming school year. Having a small room can sometimes be an issue when trying to stay organized, but there are many home improvement products and home improvement repairs that can help reduce the clutter.

Built-in bookshelves that surround my bed do a great job. It also turns my bed into a cozy nook with books and other miscellaneous items. Having these shelves built into the wall saves a lot of space in the room for a big desk, dressers or even a TV stand.

Speaking of television stands; another great way to save space is by eliminating a television stand - taking the first step toward a smart home. While many televisions today can be mounted to a wall thus saving a lot of space in a small room not all televisions can be mounted to a wall. For those units which require a stand consider one with built-in shelving. Store DVDs, books, and the cable box on these shelves. Any time home improvement products have double functions it’s a winner.

Another great way to make a small room unique and less cluttered is by putting in a window seat. A window seat is a great spot to sit and read and it can also be a storage bench. This is a great place to put old cherished items out of the way of the floor space of the room. A window seat can also have built in bookshelves, which can make a great reading nook for readers like me.

Look for home improvement ideas with dual purposes. Doubling of uses makes a small room is not such a bad thing. www.sabineshome.com

Beautiful Home Improvement Projects for Basements

2011-08-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

From a reader:

A basement remodel can be a great way to improve a home. Last year my family redid our once unfinished basement into a beautiful new hang out for my family and friends.

We hired a home improvement contractor to help finish the basement. The contractor ripped up the original floors and put in a beautiful white fluffy carpet where the television and couch area was ultimately arranged. This carpet was comfortable to walk on and was cozy if someone wanted to sit on the floor.

Next the room was painted a dark forest green color that we picked out from Benjamin Moore and Co. The white carpet and walls created a beautiful balance. Next the contractor built a small bar area with a cherry wood countertop. We installed a small refrigerator and since the basement was set up for plumbing, we also had a small sink installed as well. The contractor gave us this home improvement idea because he said when entertaining it is nice to have several areas to eat and drink throughout a home. We liked the bar area because we didn’t want people to spill on the white carpet.

The basement has two large rooms off the main room. One room we converted into a work out room with an elliptical, weights and a treadmill. The contractor helped us install mats against the walls and we put a gray carpet down the floor for floor exercises. The gym turned out great and is very beautiful.

Finally, we turned the last room into a home theater. We put down the same white carpet in the main room and painted the room a dark red. Next we bought 6 oversized reclining chairs, 3 in 2 rows and it really made it feel like a small theater. We installed an overhead projector with a screen that recesses into the ceiling and comes down when we want to watch movies. The home theater turned into a beautiful room to hang out on a rainy day.

Our basement remodel was a successful home improvement project with a little help from contractors. Our basement is now three beautiful new rooms in our home.

Home Décor – Staircases –Thumbnails of Homes

2011-08-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Source: http://SabinesHome.com

Staircases should be thought of as an integral part of the home design and, because of its decorative element as part of home décor. In fact a home can be evaluated in terms of style and sophistication simply by taking a close look at the type and the level of detail in its staircase(s). Yet, in so many homes this important design element is left as a mere utility. While homeowners spend a lot of time thinking about kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels staircases are rarely given similar consideration.

It is not a matter of installing molding versus no molding but rather a more profound study of lay-out, material selections and finish springing from a particular design point of view. In other words, looking at a staircase can be an analysis of what the architecture of a house is all about.

Turn of the century homes had grand foyer staircases. One of the most famous examples of elaborately designed stairs can be seen at “Rosecliff”, the Newport, RI mansion designed by McKim Meade and White. The walls around the entrance staircase surround the stair in the shape of a heart to reflect the owner’s love for his wife.

Contemporary homes too can dazzle with staircase details such as unique tread materials or railing systems made to perfection by artisans, for example. In today’s homes lighting fixtures are a big part of high-end staircases. Wall sconces usually provide backdrop lighting with a grand chandelier adorning the center volume of the space.

While staircases have the utility function of getting a person from one floor to another travelling through the space can, and I would argue should be an experience in and of itself. It is this design motivation that is consistent in the mansions of yesteryears and those of today.

Homes with elaborate foyer stairs have secondary, rear or what would today be called family stairs. They are commonly located near the kitchen. In the olden days, staff/servants would be the sole users of rear stairs. Today, however rear stairs are usually the fastest way to move from one floor to another and are therefore predominantly used by all family members – thus the name change to “family stairs”. They too should express the overall style of a home.

Green or sustainable architecture thinks about how large a house should be and conversely how small it can be for today’s lifestyles. Shrinking down makes every element of a home more significant. Green/sustainable architectural design likely relies on a single staircase, which in turns gives staircases even greater design significance.www.SabinesHome.com

Cool Products, Straight Talk to Improve your Home & Life

Power Tools – Pink or Blue

2011-08-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Go into any home improvement store and you know empirically that women make up a good portion of today’s shoppers. Companies like Home Depot are now reshaping their offerings to make their stores more appealing to women. Specifically, Home Depot expanded its relationship with Martha Stewart to add more “female friendly” products.

Troy-Built, a company that makes outdoor power equipment reports that their surveys show women now influence purchasing decisions 44% of the time even around outdoor movers and other heavier equipment and a “whopping” 21% of women purchase their equipment without any male input.
As a woman who loves to take on home improvement projects as well as outdoor gardening projects, I will boldly speak for all women for a moment and state there are definite differences in the evaluating criteria between women and men.

Simply put, women look for different features than men. For starters, women carefully judge weight of their home improvement products and tools. There is one simple reason for this: as women, we know if successful jobs start with the ability to manage material and tool weight. Personally, I have learned that my husband will usually reject my selections. His likely response will be: “this feels insubstantial, if not flimsy…”. Women also assess the size and strength it takes to operate a tool or a piece of equipment. Their hands are smaller and less strong.

These are obvious differences but, until recently, manufacturers were not paying attention to them. Admittedly finding a middle ground for both sexes poses formidable challenges. However, now that women make up a good percentage of the buying public manufacturers really do not have a choice. Perhaps we will soon see smaller and lighter pink tools on one side of the tool isle and conventionally sized and weighted blue tools on the other.www.SabinesHome.com

Cool Products - Straight Talk to Improve Your Home & Life

Convenient home improvement ideas: In-sink Dishwasher

2011-08-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

I am someone who has always washed dishes by hand and is completely accustomed to it. As such, I do not see it as a huge task and never even really consider simply tossing my pots and plates into the dishwasher, much less thought about home improvement products for dishwashing. A product from KitchenAid, however, is starting to make me change my mind.

Appliance and accessory maker KitchenAid has come out with the Briva in-sink dishwashing machine. The idea for this type of unit is not really new in the appliance market; the concept was actually introduced first in 2004. But, this model has several features that make it perfect for suiting all different situations and, with its stainless steel frame and sleek design, looks very modern and fits in with pretty much any style kitchen. The small size of the dishwasher, along with the fact that it is built in, right next to the sink basin of the countertop, means that it conserves space—especially perfect for people living in apartments and smaller spaces.

The Briva uses up to 50% less water than a normal, full size dishwashing machine, and also has a two-minute washing cycle function, a great feature when you need to reuse a pot or dish for another part of a long recipe. The heat of the water used can be dialed up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit in order to sanitize items.

Briva’s functionality explains its popularity with urban residents and younger homeowners. When not in use, the dishwasher has a cover that encloses the top so that you can work right over it, chopping vegetables or using it as extra table space. The machine’s small size means water conservation water, making it not only a time saver but also a water saver – this could well be your support of today’s green home improvement products.www.ConstructionCoach.com

Green Home Improvement Products: Packaged Solar

2011-07-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

With the many current local and federal incentives for renewable energy use, it’s no wonder more and more residences are looking to incorporate green energy into their home repair and home improvement projects. Generally, these projects can be pricey and complicated to plan, but as technology improves, companies are finding ways to make the switch easier and more convenient for consumers.

Recently, for example, it was announced that for homeowners looking to take their first step into using renewable energy to power their homes the Japan-based manufacturing company Kyocera released the perfect product. Their solar division is now offering solar bundles known as “MyGen”—kits that will provide homeowers with all the major equipment and parts needed for an installation of a photovoltaic system, including an inverter and disconnects. The packaged materials mean less trouble around sourcing different showrooms/warehouses.

Installation would only take between one or two days, and the bundle comes with a diagram and installation instructions for even more convenience. However, the new sets do have some accompanying inconveniences. The package cannot be installed in a DIY fashion; licensed home improvement contractors, namely an electrician needs to be found from a contractor directory for proper installation. System sizes range from 2.5 to 7.5 kW systems.

Regardless, Kyocera and other companies like Grape Solar are making the switch to solar for residents much simpler and more appealing by condensing them into sets. Our guess is that even more companies will follow suit with, perhaps, more and different types of solar panels to suit different needs, environments, and home repair ideas. www.ConstructionCoach.com

FSC-Certified Wood Furniture Brings Nature into Home Décor

2011-07-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Often, owning wood furniture and other accompanying natural-themed accessories for home improvement projects comes at the cost of hurting the environment. However, JH2 OneTreeHome has put together a collection of tables, beds, and benches that are beautiful and sustainable.

The furniture is made of glass, steel, and FSC-certified Nanciton (also known as “Caribbean Rosewood”) and Cedro Macho woods. These woods are known for their hardness and durability, and JH2 OneTreeHome acquires it from Nicaragua. Much of the wood comes from the millions of trees that were felled during Hurrican Felix in 2007, making the products a great green home improvement idea.

The furniture in this collection has modern shapes and structures, but the natural grain and color of the wood are purposely left largely untouched for an earthy appearance and feel. This unique style has attracted many high-profile commercial clients to the company’s wares; Barney’s New York, Four Seasons, and W Hotels have all worked with JH2 OneTreeHome. However, residents interested in buying the furniture for home décor can do so, too. The collection also includes bedroom, living room, and dining room furnishings, including beds, coffee tables, and desks.

While doing a home repair, adding in a piece from this sustainably-sourced collection would be a simple upgrade, especially since its style, a mix of classic and contemporary, would match many different settings.www.ConstructionCoach.com

Kitchen Remodels to Brighten Every Home

2011-07-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

What is the most used room in your house? In my house it is the kitchen. Here everyone congregates and comes together to talk, eat drink and just hang out. Having a homey kitchen is an easy home repair that can create a great atmosphere.

Kitchen remodels can be a lengthy process. Cabinets need to be picked out, countertops, appliances and lighting. During our family home repair on our kitchen, we found great home improvement contractors who changed our kitchen into a beautiful place.

My parents met with the various contractors. We all wanted to have a happy, cheery environment so we went with a beautiful cherry maple colored cabinet in a square classic design. The cabinets brightened the room immediately from its original dull, white painted cabinets. It changed our kitchen from a 1970’s sitcom kitchen to a beautiful modern-day space.

After the cabinet change it was on to buying a new refrigerator. We are a family of five and always have a full fridge so we needed a large one. We bought a GE profile with 25.1 Cu. Ft. bottom freezer unit with a stainless steel finish. We then bought a new gas stove, a Kenmore freestanding gas range stove with a large oven for all the family baking fun. With three girls there are always birthdays, play dates and bake sales going on, so our oven is always in use.

As the last two kitchen improvements we had a granite countertop installed complete with a new tile back splash. “Ubatuba” is the name of our granite – it has a beautiful dark green color with black specks in it. The granite countertop brought out the cherry in the cabinets and it really tied the two colors in together. The backsplash is a rather colorful tile. It has red, yellow, green and blue and it really makes the kitchen a cheery, happy environment.

The home repair made our kitchen a happy spot in our home, one that could not have been created without the help of home improvement contractors.

www.constructioncoach.com

Easy Home Repair - Mudrooms

2011-07-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

Do you often find yourself constantly cleaning your house? Kids have a way of bringing in dirt. The solution: A Mudroom. From the huge piles of mail, to the shoes, bags and clothing they have to go somewhere with kids. The mudroom is just the perfect place.

Last year my mom decided to get some new organizing system in our mudroom. My mom used a to help her throughout this process. The first step my mom did was search for a water-resistant floor. A mudroom is a place where dirty, wet shoes can be left. After searching through a, we found a reliable to put in the flooring. My mom went with a vinyl floor because it is easier to clean. She ordered a nonslip surface vinyl to prevent any accidents from slipping.

A bench is the next useful installation so that changing in and out of shoes and wet clothing is easy. The bench seats two and we purchased it from Crate and Barrel and it had two large open shelves underneath. These shelves were great for storing boots, running shoes and other miscellaneous items. We also bought extra wicker baskets to store sports equipment.

Finally paint gave some more character to the mudroom. We wanted a bright color to make the room a cheery environment. We went with a waterproof paint to protect the walls of the room from the rain and melting snow that my family may drag in.

Lastly my mom bought hooks for the coats at crate barrel - big hooks for when we have heavy winter coats in the winter. Crate and Barrel had nice bronze hooks that came in a set with six hooks. Two extra coat hooks to have extra room for guests coats, and umbrellas, hats and mittens and voila: a great mudroom.www.constructioncoach.com

Inexpensive and creative home repair ideas for college students

2011-07-07T16:47:00.001-07:00

A home repair for your new apartment can be a long and difficult process without steps to get the job done right. This past summer I moved into my first apartment, and my friends and took a lot of inexpensive steps to make our apartment into our own.

My roommate and I decided to take an inexpensive route and do as much work as possible ourselves. We started by painting the bedrooms. My roommate and I wanted a nice color in the room that was not too bright, or not too dark so we went to Benjamin Moore painting for help. There were many workers that helped us find the right paint color, brushes and rollers. TIP: An important thing when painting is making sure every window has tape surrounding it so that the paint does not stain the window glass.

Benjamin Moore has many cool, and different paint options that are very popular in the college age range. From their “tattoos”, which are stencils with which to create beautiful designs on the walls. They are very easy to apply and Benjamin Moore offers many different tattoos. We used the Hibiscus tattoo. The stencil was 22X 17.25 inches and we used a quart of paint. Painting our room was a small home repair that helped improve the room immediately.

We bought a lot of the other stuff in our room. At Bed Bath and Beyond we found different styles of bedding and many inexpensive comforter sets. My roommate and I bought a Sidonie reversible comforter set, which had bright cheery flowers in white pink and grey on a black background. The comforter is reversible which is always good for college students if a spill occurs. The flowers on the bedding matched our wall tattoo and looked great with the color choice we used on the wall.

We bought inexpensive mirrors as well with frosted flower designs around the sides. It matched the flower theme of our room.

A home repair on an apartment can be a fun and inexpensive process when you make the right decisions. We love our college room and we know we did not break the bank creating it.www.ConstructionCoach.com

Clean Energy Investment

2011-03-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

Who is first in the world of clean energy investments? China with $54.4 billion invested in 2010 according Reuters. Sadly US investment in 2010 was only $34 billion - just under 60% LESS. Even Germany, a country the size of the State of Texas, spent more with$41.2 billion.

In light of the recent nuclear disaster in Japan it is high time to focus intensely on renewable energy. US policies and incentives must finally focus on this sector. The incentive policies of China and Germany are clearly working!

Contractors - Look for Smaller Home Remodeling Projects

2011-03-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

February home construction decreased by 22.5% to a seasonally adjusted 479,000 according to the US Commerce Department. Building permits fell by 11.8% indicating further softness to come in home construction.

If history is a gauge, confidence will only return with solid job growth.Worldwide uncertainty from the continuing events in Northern Africa to the nuclear question in Japan can only be negative influences on highly connected world markets.

What does this mean for the construction industry? Where should individual contractors be looking for work? Smaller type of home remodeling jobs from individual homeowners. This trend will likely be with us for months to come.

Dramatic Solar Technology Innovations!

2011-03-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

Today's solar cells convert only a small spectrum of light into energy and roof installations can be tricky in strong winds. Today, solar cells are generally layered to increase output. In the end, today's efficiencies range but energy outputs are generally around 18-25%.

A lot of trail blazing research is going on in US laboratories. Efficiency and outputs are likely to increase sharply. Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, for example have developed a new type of semiconductor. Solar Junction claims the price of solar power could drop from today's average 16.5 cents to below 10 cents per kilowatt with its new semiconductor technology.

Solyndra products, distributed by Allied Building Products as of Feb. 2011, makes cylindrical solar panels with copper indium gallium selenide instead of conventional rigid silicon.

Stay tuned - our predictions: As these and other new technologies come to market over the next couple of years, solar power might just become THE predominant energy conversion along with the new wind technologies.

Green Fuel Technology = Hope

2011-03-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

"Making Diesel from CO2 and Sunlight" is the headline in MIT's technology review.

In light of the continued unrest in the Middle East this type of research should be fostered so that production levels can be reached asap. Much like JF Kennedy pledged to put a man on the moon, President Obama should pledge to bring these green fuel technologies to production levels. Let's end the US dependence on oil - the price is getting simply too high!

Change Your Fuel, Change the World - Movie

2011-02-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

J. Catsoulis, New York Times writes "...the film preaches to the unconverted with passion, energy and graphics so clear that they would make Al Gore weep all over his PowerPoint."

Free Presentation, Sunday, March 27th, The Community Room, Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton, CT

Home Improvement has made a Come-Back

2011-02-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

More good news in the US home improvement sector. Lowe's also reports strong sales.

Home Depot Earnings suggest convincing Sector Improvement

2011-02-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

Home Depot surprise earnings and increase in dividend suggest stabilization in the home improvement marketplace in spite of lagging housing market. This decoupling of the two sectors is an important, yet often overlooked point.

Management reports US consumers are once again spending money on overdue home improvement projects. Big ticket sales are up a decisive 9.6%. Home Depot plans to hire more than 60,000 seasonal associates - every job counts.

LED Lights - A Bright Development!

2011-02-17T13:09:00.000-08:00

With the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs companies are stepping up to create recyclable LED bulbs. Phillips predicts LED's will account for 50% of the light bulb market by 2015. It recently received Energy Star qualification. LSCG too has an Energy Star approved line called DEFINITY. The company claims the bulbs are dimmable, contain no mercury and are fully recyclable.

While the initial cost of these bulbs is rather high, to say the least, they do last MUCH longer. We believe, the fact that manufacturers have also vastly improved light quality means the marketplace will adopt them over the horribly polluting and mercury containing so-called energy efficient light bulbs.

Mixed data for Home Improvement

2011-02-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

CNBC reports mixed activity in home improvement with one common note: Consumers are once again spending money but on smaller types of projects. This is consistent with comments from ConstructionCoach.com vendors.

Good-bye Thomas Edison - Hello EFCI

2011-02-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

The number of truly revolutionary inventions soon to be on home supplier shelves is remarkable.

EFCI stands for "Electrical Fault Circuit Interrupter". It is an intelligent outlet which shuts down when too much current is drawn. This prevents house fires. It is turned OFF until something is plugged, preventing children from harm.

AND is will perhaps be one of the biggest savings in energy cost as current flows can easily be turned on and off saving electricity from running when not needed. THIS IS HUGE!John La Grou, the inventor indicates there are an estimated 10 Billion outlets in North America alone. See more!

Let's hope that building departments around the country will adopt this technology asap. Property insurance companies are certainly going to be big promoters.

Mushrooms instead of Styrofoam

2011-02-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

Eben Bayer reports that 25% of our landfill is taken up by styrofoam products that will exist for thousands of years since none is not bio-degradable. Then image packaging the composts to top soil! This is what "green" solutions are all about. Check out this brief video. SEE FOR YOURSELF!

Be a part of what makes our planet a better place!

What Chemicals are in Your Water?

2011-02-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

The Epa announced "...an extensive review of perchlorate and other toxic substances....in city water supplies..."

Do you know what chemicals are in your water - municipal or well? Most people don't ! But one thing is clear: to keep water borne disease in check water companies use various chemicals. Perchlorate is a compound found in rocket fuel and fireworks - this cannot be good for your body.

Anyone concerned about their health, perhaps taking vitamins or working out should really start with a water filtration system. Sadly, do not rely on government standards - take action in your home to protect your health!

Wind Power without Noise

2011-01-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

Wind turbines without noise pollution - this is what Urban Green Energy presented at the Consumer Electronics Show this year. It's blades capture wind from any direction. Reportedly, 30% federal government subsidies are available....Pretty compelling case for municipalities!

Be Smart - Get the Most Money for Your Home

2011-01-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

"Buyers purchased the fewest number of homes last year on records going back 47 years" according to the Associated Press. Ouch!

The only good news December sales show improvement over November. Are you a seller of real estate presently? It means you need every trick in present your home in the best possible light. It might be counter intuitive but spending a little money to make your home look perfect to a buyer is essential in the market. Consider hiring a home staging expert to help you - it pays!

What Light Bulb will you Choose?

2011-01-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

California is the first state to phase out the 100-watt incandescent bulbs forcing consumers to choose among halogens, fluorescent bulbs and LED's.

Since all bulbs have different light qualities, usage lengths and price points a little investigation is advisable before outfitting a whole house. Furthermore new technologies are on the horizon. Who would have thought that choosing even a light bulb can be this complex?!

Less Expensive and Clean Living on Europe's Islands

2011-01-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

It used to be more expensive to live on an island due to the need to ship in resources, and most importantly, ship in fuel. The tiny Spanish Island of El Hierro off the coast of Africa might change this entirely due to its installation of hydroelectric turbines run by wind power.

Cleaner living that costs less? It makes you want to move to one these islands. Reported similar efforts are underway throughout the Greek Islands. It makes so much sense. It is surprising that it took this long to finally get into construction.

Growth in Green Technology Jobs - a Pipe Dream

2011-01-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

The recent announcement by Evergreen Solar to shift production of solar panels from Massachusetts to China in order to stay price competitive should be an eye-opener to current administration. Solyndra too is closing one of its two production facilities. While the Chinese government is providing huge incentives to attract manufactures from oversees, the US government is offering loan assistance programs - hardly enough in the face of rapidly eroding prices from imported Chinese products.

Barack Obama spoke frequently of "green technologies" as a growth area and a source of manufacturing jobs. Sadly, the evidence says otherwise. Just when you think, perhaps this applies only to the solar industry think again. The New York Times reports that "China just passed the United States as the world's largest builder and installer of wind turbines."

Nuances of Home Improvement

2011-01-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

Regardless of geographic area certain architectural styles sell more easily than others. One of the hardest style is probably mid-century modern.

Even acclaimed homes of this genre appeal to a narrow slice of buyers as illustrated by the mid-century Highland Park, Illinois home designed by James Speyer and David Haid. The home can even claim to have been used as a movie set, yet reportedly it has been on the market for over a year.

Home improvement is motivated by various goals. If yours is to both improve your home and create added value think about how marketable the architectural style of your home is first.

What would you like to know more about?

2011-01-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

We are in the process of creating a new TV program to make home improvement easier and more fun.
Please send us topics you would love to know more about ( info@ConstructionCoach.com ).

You and/or your house might be featured.

Your House shipped by Container

2010-12-29T15:17:00.000-08:00

Want to have authentic European style and quality in your home? Cars can be shipped around the globe so why not pre-fab homes?! Check out Huf Haus from Germany.

Be sure you think through room scale and lay-outs, however. Room sizes and furniture differ. But it can all be done. We live in a truly small and connected world.

Internet Use at Par with TV - research shows

2010-12-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

"Americans are now spending as much time using the Internet as they are watching television, and the amount of people on the Internet has increased 121 percent over the last five years." Forrester Research

QUESTION TO ALL HOME RELATED VENDORS: "What's your online strategy?"

Call us (203) 629-1310 - ConstructionCoach.com gives you the visibility to today's Homeowners !!!!

GET LEADS EVERY DAY

What State is the "Greenest"?

2010-12-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

Vatican City according to accounts provides 200 watts per inhabitant vs 80 in Germany and saves 89.84 tons of oil equivalent. Even the "popemobile" might soon be powered electrically. Is your house next?

Affordable and Beautiful Holiday Decorating Ideas

2010-12-02T05:45:00.000-08:00

Decorating does not have to be complicated. Take one eye-catching piece such as wire bowls from Alessi fill it with a few ornaments, add a couple of colorful pointsettias (choose one color!) and there is a whole room ready for the Holidays No need to go overboard and just right!

Construction continues to be in Rough Shape

2010-11-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

As we have been reporting, the Wall Street Journal is now finding a dramatic fall in housing starts measured by the number of building permits:

down 11.9% when a 1.6% drop was expected.

"The Commerce Department data...showed that regionally, housing starts in october plunged 30.5% in the West and 13.4% in the South. Construction rose 12.9% in the Northeast and 1.0% in the Midwest"

What does this mean? For building professionals and contractors this means they have to spend their dollars on effective marketing. Due to soooo many prosperous years, many simply do not know how to market their companies. ConstructionCoach.com can help! Today's homeowners who are contemplating specific projects are searching online. You must be visible to them there. It's that simple.

For homeowners it means: Support the contractors who have helped you in your moments of home improvement needs. It is the Season for Giving. Surprise them with a registration on ConstructionCoach.com. See for yourself how grateful they will be!!!!

Join In !!!!

2010-11-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

Unknown Facts behind today's Construction Costs

2010-11-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

Contrary to most homeowners' beliefs that reduced home improvement work has resulted in less expensive cost for their home improvement projects Remodeling Magazine reports that projects costs have indeed increased. Given rapidly increasing operating cost from workmen's compensation, insurance and a whole roaster of state and local fees there is only so much any business can absorb.

These findings are consistent with comments from many of ConstructionCoach.com's vendors. Legislators had better pay attention to avoid ANY further tax increases which would simply stunt the home improvement industry and likely force many small businesses to shut their doors across this country.

#1 Home Maintenance Job

2010-11-10T10:42:00.000-08:00

Keep your gutters clean....let your drainage work. It's like cleaning the circulation in your body. It is the simplest and yet the most overlooked home improvement project.

Coolest Audio Visual Toys for Your Home

2010-11-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

What's behind every cool and truly enjoyable product such as the ones pointed out by Cindy Perman, CNBC? The right installers to make them all hassle-free. There is nothing worse than "stuff not working right" when it comes to the toys and technologies in homes. Find consumer-rated audio-visual installers on ConstructionCoach.com - Installers who stand ready to earn your ratings!

Design Tip to make your Bathroom into a Private Spa

2010-10-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

One way to create spa like bathrooms is with natural textures. Note the floor to ceiling stone tile, a smooth floor & the wood towel rack and table. Choose a stone or tile you love and let it be the centerpiece. Keep it simple so that each material "shines". See more examples a excellent stone/tile installations.

From the White House to Your House

2010-10-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post reports the White House is once again going solar with photovoltaic panels and a solar water heater. Is your house next? Check out ConstructionCoach.com for great solar vendors and information in the upcoming "Green Homes" magazine.

CT Solar Incentives for CT Businesses

2010-10-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Wondering what a solar installation will really cost? The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund reopened its commercial solar photovoltaic program with $3MM.

CT has the second highest electric rates in the country...time to really take a close look!

Do Show Houses Work?

2010-10-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

The New York Times presents the Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House - but who benefits?

The Homeowner who lends the property? Not really as his house is a mish-mash for styles.
The Visitor? Not really - better to view a designer's portfolio & meet the designer in person
The Designer? A lot of effort and expense for little return.

In the days of online media the return on investment is far greater in a medium that is distributed to millions of visitors.

There is Plywood & Plywood - Know the difference!

2010-10-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

Chances are your renovation project requires some plywood or other wood products. Have you discussed using so-called sustainable forestry products with your carpenter? This is one example of how your product selections either support responsible timber harvesting - or not. Knowingly or unknowling you VOTE WITH YOUR PRODUCT PURCHASES every time.

Look for the "FSC" certification from the Forest Stewardship Council - a great program with independent third party monitoring!

EPA Grants for Students to Design Sustainable Technologies

2010-10-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

On 9/14 the EPA announced 55 new grants for students who "design creative solutions to sustainability challenges" around the globe. Awards start at $10,000 and go up to $75,000. Click here to learn more!

Create Peace in Your Surroundings

2010-09-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Today's hectic lifestyles make us yearn for harmonious environments more than ever. Why do some spaces have a soothing feeling while others don't?

Designers of Western teachings discuss furnishings, color and textures, etc. as solutions. Eastern design sensibilities have long regarded the balancing of the land, home and the cosmos at large as the first and fundamental step to peaceful spaces.

Kevin Higgins from The Pranic Wellness Institute recommends a Pranic Feng Shui treatment. Cleanse your home and office of the stress energies you bring to it. Selling your home? Be sure to have the five basic Feng Shui elements in harmony with each other. Experience the difference.

You will likely want to give this gift of peaceful surroundings to all your friends - makes a great move-in gift. What better than to cleanse a new home or apartment of the previous occupants energies.

Wealthy Consumers shift toward internet Usuage

2010-09-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Vendors - The Financial Times just reported a further 16% shift toward the use of the internet and away from print media in 2010 among high-end consumers.

SO, where do you think you should market your products and services? Get aboard, register on ConstructionCoach.com.

Be found by people who have money to spend on their homes. Get your slice of the work.

Clever Solutions from Experts

2010-09-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Changes on and around your properties can have undesirable effects. A new house next door might feel imposing. Storm damage / tree loss might lead to an unsightly utility pole. Homeowners' reactions usually call for a total screening out of a given problem. This can be costly. Landscape architects usually talk about ways of guiding the eye. Hawthorne Brother Tree Service Inc. suggests even the transplanting of a single mature tree might visually end unsightly matters.

Almost Invisible Deer Fencing

2010-09-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Do you want your garden to survive deer? If the answer is "yes" you likely wind up with deer fencing, which can be ugly in open spaces. The only alternative to deer fencing are frequent and highly toxic chemicals to keep deer from nibbling shrubs and plants. These chemical are toxic to all animals and possibly children.

Most installers tell you that posts must be installed no wider than 8 feet apart for proper strength. Fulton Landscaping Design, Inc., however set hollow tube steel posts in concrete deep into the ground. The result: deer fencing that is ever so barely visible and after two years and two severe winters continues to hold up just fine. Kudos!

Where does 80% of CO2 polution come from?

2010-08-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

According to partners at Booz & Company 80% of CO2 pollution - the main cause of global warming - comes from cities. The good news is there are examples of cities aiming for greener city living across the globe. Check out Portland OR, Freiburg, Germany, Malmoe, Sweden, Lille, France and Dezhou, China. These cities are attempting to implement the use of green technologies alongside many changes in their transportation systems across their cities - they raise the bar for all cities across this planet. All city and town planners should carefully study these cases.

Invitation to EVERYONE

2010-08-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Marketplace laid out two important motivations for anyone & any municipality to want to recycle:

(1) create a cleaner and greener planet, and

(2) load up our children with less debt

According to Marketplace's Bill Radke Cleveland, for example pays $30/ton to dump into landfill and receives $26/ton for recyclable content. Pretty compelling...

Pick YOUR reason. Bottom line: a little thought and willingness to sort trash goes a really long way. It is the sort of thing where EVERYONE - every homeowner, every renter and every city dweller - can truly make a difference. START TODAY!

Estate Tax Regulations shape our Physical Surroundings

2010-08-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Sadly, the Wall Street Journal article Tiny New House, Old Kyoto Soul almost romanticizes the tiny, wedge shaped homes all over Japan. It misses the fact that they are driven by a flawed inheritance tax structure. FACT: Heirs are unable to pay the huge inheritance tax burden so zoning regulations have been created to allow for less than postage stamp lots/dwellings. Ask any Japanese: This is born out of necessity NOT desire.

Some Things are Obvious & Simple

2010-08-22T14:56:00.000-07:00

WHICH DRAIN DO YOU THINK

WORKS ?

It's not fall in New England yet, but the intense summer heat has taken its toll on trees. Leaves are already coming down in August.

Throughout the 2010 summer there have rarely have ordinary rain showers. Rain events mostly came and seem to continue to come in the form of downpours. Therefor, now more than ever, be ready, maintain/clear your gutters and drains of leaves and debris to prevent flooding around your house and property.

Creative Municipal Planning

2010-08-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Bravo to administrators who are looking for creative solutions! The New York Times reports on several projects where land from environmentally compromised to brown fields and land fills is being seriously studied as settings for large solar and wind installations. Fantastic - bring on more of this kind of American resourceful & collaborative thinking!

A Pool for every Budget - Dumpster Pools

2010-08-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Dumpster Pools in NewYork City - yes you read correctly. And yes, they are not always new and unused dumpsters. It goes to show with the right know-how one can dress up anything. How do you feel about this new NYC phenomenon?

Living Lawn Mowers

2010-08-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Wall Street Journal reports: " As more homeowners, businesses and towns seek to maintain land with fewer chemicals or fossil-fuel-powered machinery, a growing number are trying goats to get rid of unwanted vegetation."

"Green thinking" is great. But this is truly a repackaging into the green movement. It has been done for years especially on large tracks of land. Examples in Greenwich, CT alone are the late Leona Helmsley's sheep on her estate, Mel Gibson with his whole animal farm or Tommy Hilfiger's horses on one of his former properties.

Sleep Here - Entertain Friends There - View Collection over There

2010-08-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Conventional architecture organizes tasks under one roof. Our family life, entertaining friends, parking cars, offices, hobbies etc all take place within one house.

By contrast, architect Philip Johnson explored the various facets of his life in separate structures each designed for a single purpose. The recent Greenwich Time article shows rare images of the various buildings. Check it out. Which approach do you think is harder for architects?

Let the Sun Shine on your Energy Costs

2010-08-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

To all Connecticut Homeowners: Take advantage of the State tax benefit to leased solar installations. Read more. See this week's solar article on ConstructionCoach.com.

Architects for Every Style

2010-07-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

How do you feel about an interior structure like Dennis Hopper's Venice Beach home as reported by Yahoo? Find architects and designers for all styles of residential architecture in Construction Coach.com's directory.

China - yet another oil disaster going on - NOW

2010-07-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Gulf is not the only oil disaster going on right now. BBC World News quotes Greenpeace findings of 20cm thick oil slick along the Dalian coastline. What are we doing to our planet? Get answers in our upcoming on line magazine "Green Homes".

Cuba - The next Gulf Disaster in the Making

2010-07-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

Image Cuban oil and gas explorations - 45 miles off the Florida Keys.... Just take a look at Cuba's technological sophistication and it should be clear to all that this is the next catastrophe in the making. Check out this recent CNN report.

Does the American Family Room come from American Family Lifestyle?

2010-07-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

Travel to houses all around Europe and you will likely not see a "family room" and a "living room" under one roof. There is only one living room. So does the architectural feature of a family room originate in American family lifestyle?

It turns out, the concept of a "Family Room" versus a formal "Living Room" does not. According to Joan DeJean's New York Times article architect Augustin D'Aviler coined the term "le plus habite - literally the most lived in."

DeJean further describes the replacement of large-scale showcase "grand salons" with large rooms with a conversational and interactive foci between residents and their guests back in the 1770's in France. Fascinating how history repeats itself.

Create your own Destiny

2010-07-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

The National Association of Home Builders reports today (July 19, 2010) a sharp decline in the construction of new homes. What does this mean? Fewer contractors working in new construction and looking for home remodeling and home maintenance work. HOW CAN THEY CONNECT WITH HOMEOWNERS TO GET WORK?

ANSWER: Today's consumers shop online to find Home Products & Services. Be visible! Get registered on ConstructionCoach.com for little money.

Bath Maintenance 101 - submitted by a Homeowner

2010-07-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

A simple hair screen over the tub drain could have avoided this 3-hour snaking ordeal. Tenants were not observant and hair built up over time to the point of zero water flow/tub drainage. This homeowner wants to everyone to know how simple measures often make all the difference in home maintenance.

2010-07-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Wood treated with an alcohol and sugar process to give it the strength of tropical woods? Eco-friendly and durable? Too good to be true? Check out "Kebony" as reported by the reputable
Financial Times

Kebony and other pre-fabricated, structural engineered timber systems are examples of the many exciting "green" building materials coming from Europe. See more in our upcoming online magazine "Green Homes".

House Insights from the Heat Wave - a Quick Check List

2010-07-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

What is the heat wave telling you about your house?

Where are the hot spots? Add insulation to cut down on energy/cooling demands

Are your A/C compressors running properly? Do they need freon boosts?

Is your electronic equipment protected properly against brown outs and outages?

Good to install surge protectors and back up systems

Does the irrigation system have the proper coverage? Burnt lawn & wilted plants tell all

Water evaporation is high - does your pool have the proper water table?

Be sure to protect pool systems

Would your house benefit from an awning to provide you shade?

Would a ceiling fan on the porch provide relief?

Extreme weather patterns are no longer the exception. Pay attention

to what your house and property are telling you under extreme

temperature conditions and big rain events.

Coming shortly....

2010-07-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

Learn how to get from the Before to the After in the upcoming Video. Learn tricks from the experts on www.ConstructionCoach.com.

Organic Gardening Works

2010-06-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Compost, vinegar and water rewarded by nature......

It could not be simpler and more gorgeous.
Have a great weekend everybody!

The Construction Coach

PLug in + Charge your Commuter Car right at the Station with Solar Power

2010-06-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Stamford Advocate reports (April 4, 2010) John Rountree and the Town of Westport, CT are collaborating on the installation of solar panels on the roof of Westport station to create enough energy to charge up electric commuter cars.

Imagine going to work while your car simply recharges.
Innovative thinking, creative town managers backed by the power of the sun!

Three experts agree

2010-06-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

In Construction it is rare that two people agree, much less three experts. ConsumerReports.org, the National Kitchen & Bath Association and ConstructionCoach.com agree on granite as the top choice for today's kitchen countertops. BUT NOTE: once you select the material, now come the details! READ MORE in "Tips and Tricks from the Experts" before getting into your project!

Magic Tree Care

2010-06-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

It's all about energy and interconnectedness. So, of course, trees are also energy systems. Don't do landscaping without his Tree Whispering. Learn his techniques at his course at Omega Institute. His results speak for themselves: multiple years of his tree care already saved a beautiful old beech from advanced disease and a 400ft long hemlock hedge from rapid decline.

Tell us your tree care stories.
The ConstructionCoach

Is your Furnace Burning Fossil Fuel?

2010-06-11T13:02:00.001-07:00

The BP disaster is a wake-up call to the fact that Consumer demand drives oil exploration into deeper and more treacherous terrain. Every Homeowner with oil and natural gas furnaces is an involuntary participant in the risks of fossil fuel extraction, transportation and refinement.

Perhaps, if there is a silver lining from this environmental catastrophy it will be that every Consumer seriously considers credible and reliable alternative technologies that are available today.

Read more about our upcoming "Green Homes" online magazine on the home page of www.ConstructionCoach.com

What is the Single most Difficult Part of any Home Improvement Project?

2010-06-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

The last 10% of any building project. Solution: ConstructionCoach.com's consumer-based rating system. When you hire a contractor listed on ConstructionCoach.com your voice matters! These contractors want your positive review! Homeowners, this is your ticket to complete jobs. Empower yourself!

Check it out: New info in Kitchen Magazine

2010-06-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

New Content, new Home Products and new Vendors just added.Check it out. Return frequently: new info all the time. Get yourself ready for your next project with insider tips and great resources.

https://www.constructioncoach.com/magazine.cfm?id=1

Coffee Tables as Conversation Pieces

2010-06-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

Among all home products, finding the right coffee table, i.e. the right size, look and style is none of the hardest things. It is the one piece of furniture where a designer truly has to have both design and fabrication knowledge. Sit down with the owner of OuterBox and create a table for your living room or library that is a one-of-a-kind conversation piece.

What is the most used Appliance in your Kitchen?

2010-05-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Is it your fridge? Is it your stove? Many homeowners with the built-in Miele coffee systems answer enthusiastically: Our Miele Coffee system.

Did you know of the new Miele showroom/distributor in Greenwich, CT. Learn more about it on on www.ConstructionCoach.com

How do you shop for trees?

2010-05-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Tony Fulton, Fulton Landscape Design Inc says: "I shop for trees the way women shop for shoes" recounting the 7,000 years of soil, the 6,500 boxwoods, the 4,500 rhododendron maxis, and the two tri-axle tractor trailers full of seashells from Florida, among other trees, plants and materials he shipped in for the job. Quote from Summer 2010 issue of atHome.

Trade Tricks

2010-05-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Life is made easier when you know the tricks. This certainly applies to the care of building products, like flooring, roofing, etc. Discover the various insider tips in ConstructionCoach.com's "Project Guide-Kitchens".

Healthy Home Products

2010-05-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

Every morning we take a shower, make coffee or drink your tap water we rely on public water to be safe. Perhaps as Test:How Clean is our Water Arpil 19,2010 suggests we should indeed seek a more studied answer. Perhaps a water filtration system is a really smart renovation project for your home and the health of your entire family.

Realtors enthusiastically embrace ConstructionCoach.com for their Referral Needs

2010-05-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

At our presentation yesterday, Realtors embraced ConstructionCoach.com as a great way for their clients to
find contractors and for them to stay clear of contractor referrals.

Our new "Project Guide - Kitchens" was a hit as well.

Watch for more upcoming presentations to be announced shortly.

Think Kitchens Think Green

2010-05-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

April 2010 New York Magazine asks: How clean is your water?

It is common knowledge that today's water has high levels of chlorine. Sensitive "noses" can often even smell it. Consider including a water filtration system as part of your kitchen remodel. Think green think health. Find out about these and other important topics on the ConstructionCoach.com's Project Guide - Kitchens.https://www.constructioncoach.com/magazine4.cfm?magazine_id=1&highlight_number=4&highlight_title=Eco%20Friendly%20-%20Green

Excited to welcome Butler Gates our newest home technology vendor

2010-05-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

The next time you think of an entrance gate for your home, think of the company that built the gate at America's First Home, the White House... Butler Gates.

Check them out on ConstructionCoach.com, The Directory of home products and home services.

SPECIAL OFFER: Register as a Homeowner and you qualify for Butler Gate's FREE computer imaging to see just how beautiful and private your entrance can indeed be.

Welcome to Brendan Moran Custom Carpentry

2010-05-12T04:55:00.000-07:00

ConstructionCoach.com welcomes "Brendan Moran Custom Carpentry" ,builder whose construction management and carpentry work can be in found in many
celebrity homes around the greater New York and Connecticut area.

Online Construction Guides now LIVE - "Kitchens made easy"

2010-05-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

Check out our New Online Construction Guide - "Kitchens made easy" - great kitchens, unique content, great resources, consumer rated and easy to use! We are super excited: Learn what goes into great kitchens from the experts.

Watch for the New Online Guide

2010-04-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

We are excited to roll out our new Guide "Kitchens Made Easy" shortly now.

Nowhere do more trades intersect than in kitchen remodels. Managing it all can be challenging.

- Who and what comes first?
- What do I need to know when I.....(fill in your question of the moment)?
- What decisions have to be made when?
- How long do product orders really take?...these and so much more will be answered in the Construction Guide.

Check out truly exciting kitchen, products and trends and learn some trade tricks.

The Construction Coach

Get the Real Story before you hire Contractors

2010-04-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

How do you check out a contractor? You check references. Who provides the references? The contractor.

So how credible are these references? Marginally. Go to www.ConstructionCoach.com - the search engine with a rating system. ALL consumers can comment and rate the vendors they hire - wow....at last... a place to tell and get the real story.

Sample Article - Great Info on www.ConstructionCoach.com

2010-04-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Energy Star – do you know what it stands for?

In December 2008, the EPA’s Inspector General released a report that described “the Energy Star program’s reported savings claims were inaccurate and the reported annual savings unreliable.” Consumer Reports adds in its September ’08 report that “the program relies on consumption claims submitted by manufacturers but has no procedure to verify the claims.”

Sadly, Energy Star stands for a US government backed program without oversight. Energy Star has no independent, third party or government testing process in place. Know that manufacturers submit the data on the label. There are no universally applied testing standards or independent verification procedures in existence today. Result: Time and again there are reports of claims on products sold in the US marketplace that turn out to be inaccurate.

By contrast, consumers in the EU, Australia and Korea, for example, benefit from more stringent labeling methods for their household products. In other words - it is possible. American consumers should have the opportunity to have confidence household products sold on the US market. Given the state of today’s Energy Star rating system: Ignore it! Instead check EU labels on the products you are interested in. It’s only a click away. Regrettably, today it is the only way US consumers can have confidence in the energy efficiency of the products they purchase.

Great Results for March - just under 50,000 hits

2010-04-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

Just under 50,000 hits in spite of extensive power outages, loss of phone and internet for thousands of households on the East Coast. This also illustrates that Homeowners across the country are making www.ConstructionCoach.com their source for Home Improvement information & resources.

Welcome to all Canadian Vendors

2010-03-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

To all Canadian Vendors wishing to sell into the US marketplace. Be it throughout the United States are to a certain part - come join www.ConstructionCoach.com - The Directory of Home Products & Services.

It's easy; it's cost effective. Questions? Email Info@ConstructionCoach.com

Sabine 's 3/15/19 Interview on WGCH---Click to listen!

2010-03-27T00:35:00.000-07:00