The unexpected email came in around noon on a Friday.

“Hey! I’m Mary Sue’s daughter and I wanted to thank you for doing such a beautiful job remodeling my parents’ home! I truly love everything that you did to transform this wonderful home for the young couple that will bring new life to it. Best of luck and success with your future endeavors. Mary Sue K.”

Mary Sue’s Parents, Mary Sue and Oscar M., built their new brick ranch home on a quiet cul-de-sac on Picardy Place in the Oak Park subdivision in Raleigh in 1963, and moved in January of 1964. After their two children grew up and left home, they lived there together until Oscar’s passing in 1995. Mary Sue continued to live in the home until her health declined and she moved to an Assisted Living facility in early 2012. Her Power of Attorney (POA) and long-time family friend was tasked with selling her home as quickly as possible in order to return the funds to her estate to provide for her continuing long-term care.

The home still had the original electrical and plumbing fixtures, cabinets, flooring, and door hardware; and was largely un-insulated. Dark wood paneling and solid doors separating the front of the house from the back presented a dark and outdated environment.

Based on the sluggish Real Estate market conditions and a professional assessment of the property, her POA concluded that in its current condition the home would sit on the market for many months and that he would eventually be forced to take a fire-sale offer. He asked Cary NC Builder Jeff Wiblitzhouser, President of Paradise Found Construction, to take on the task of completely renovating the house, which included gutting and redesigning both Baths and the Kitchen, and reconfiguring walls to create a brighter and more open and inviting atmosphere. He teamed up with Interior Designer Kathy Gariboldi of Raleigh’s reInvented Spaces to help with amenity and color selections and went to work.

Wiblitzhouser understood the market value of not only updating the home to reflect current interior design trends, but also of taking the necessary steps to significantly increase the homes energy and water usage efficiency while these updates were being done. He convinced Mary Sue’s POA to make a modest investment in air-sealing measures and adding additional insulation, and install EPA Energy Star Qualified electrical fixtures and appliances, EPA Water Sense rated toilets and plumbing fixtures, and CFL lighting at little to no extra cost.

He called in Durham’s Southern Energy Management to conduct performance testing and validate the efficiency improvements in energy and water, as well as the air-sealing and indoor air quality improvements and other improvements necessary for the Home to be Certified Green under the International Code Council (ICC) 700-2008 National Green Building Standard™ developed in partnership with the National Association of Homebuilders Association (NAHB) and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Additional Green features of the home included refinishing the existing hardwood floors with a no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) clear coat finish, installing durable next generation porcelain tile, and using no VOC carpet and paints to create a healthy and light-filled living environment. The spectacular granite countertops featured in the kitchen and bathrooms served as the design palette used to create a wonderfully harmonious balance of muted tones throughout the home.

As a result of the updates and Green Certification, the home was sold to a young family within 3 days of construction completion.

The Importance of Green Certified Building

Wiblitzhouser is passionate about Green Building, and the importance of Green Certified Remodels and New Homes to not only the Nation, but also to Local Communities.

“Finding Paradise on Picardy” is a typical example of smaller single-family homes that were built in abundance during the Economic Expansion following the end of WW II. These homes represent a significant percentage of dwellings in many communities, and are often in neighborhoods that are in desirable locations in the community, have larger lot sizes, and established traffic patterns.

At the time they were constructed, many of the building science techniques and products relating to energy and water efficiency, the minimization of air intrusion and leakage were largely unavailable or unknown. The harmful effects of chemical off-gassing of common home construction material, furniture, and cleaning chemicals were also unknown or misunderstood.

The price of energy and fresh water resources were also comparatively less expensive than they are today. These older homes inherently have significant energy and water usage inefficiencies built into them. But they can be easily renovated to remove the inefficiencies with a relatively modest investment in insulation, water usage, air sealing, and energy efficient heating and cooling equipment, light fixtures and appliances; all of which add up to huge cost savings.

As the scarcity and price of our natural resources continues to rise, it becomes increasingly critical to our National Security and our ability to maintain control over our destiny that we continue to make measurable progress toward independence from foreign sources of energy. A collective movement toward increasing the energy and water efficiencies in these older homes will contribute significantly toward achieving these vital National goals.

The Value of Revitalizing our Existing Communities

Rather than demolish structurally sound and functional older homes to make way for larger homes with larger carbon foot-prints, renovating them to reflect current design trends and amenities that today’s buyers want, and at the same time increasing their energy and water efficiency and indoor air quality to reduce the overall cost of ownership make these homes attractive to home buyers. It provides an opportunity to bring younger families into these older neighborhoods, giving them new life, and at the same time raising community property values.

Economic Value and Return on Investment of Green Certified Homes

The reduced energy and water usage of a Green Certified Home translates into real dollar savings each and every year of the home’s operation. Reduced maintenance costs obtained through the use of more durable building materials and superior building science practices also serves to reduce total Cost of Ownership of your home.

These cost savings translate into positive dollar savings every year, and contribute to paying back any initial investment costs in resource efficiency upgrades. Once the initial investment is paid back, any savings going forward (adjusted for inflation) provide a positive cash flow and return on your investment!

By lowering the total cost of ownership of these homes, they become even more affordable and attractive. This becomes particularly important for older members of the community who may depend on a fixed-income in their later years of life.

As an added benefit of the renovation process, all outdated but still usable products and building materials are easily removed and re-cycled through Community based Non-Profit Business’s such as Habitat For Humanity.

Bonus Energy Efficiency Rate of Return

Energy and water savings enjoy a higher rate of return over traditional financial investment instruments. This is because the real rate of return of, say, a Bond or Certificate of Deposit (CD) has to be adjusted downward for inflation over the term of investment. Therefore, a CD that paying a 5% return over 3 years has to be reduced by the affect of each year’s inflation rate, resulting in a return of less than 5%.

Conversely, let’s take a corresponding investment in a more efficient Heating/Cooling unit that reduces your energy consumption and therefore your energy costs, and results in that same 5% return on your investment. But, energy costs will continue to rise every year at a higher rate than the overall inflation rate, let’s say 8%. Now, as a result of your wise investment, you are earning an additional 3% yearly on your investment.

“Healthiness” of Green Certified Homes

The health and comfort of a home’s occupants is a primary goal of a Green Certified Home. Measures are taken to eliminate air intrusion (drafts), properly control humidity levels, and eliminate hot/cold spots within the home.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can be affected by gases (including carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds), particulates, microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria) or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse health conditions.

Eliminating the source of these contaminants is key, and controlling the humidity, moisture, and unfiltered air of a home is critical. Filtration and the use of ventilation to dilute contaminants are the primary methods for improving indoor air quality in most buildings. Providing fresh air ventilation that improves indoor air quality, as well as maintaining optimal humidity levels and eliminating the intrusion and duration of moisture are also paramount.

Competitive Advantage in the Real Estate Market

The “Finding Paradise on Picardy” Green Certified Remodel project was undertaken in order to quickly sell the home, and it accomplished this by being sold within days of being listed in Triangle Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

These types of Green Certified Remodels represent significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important in the current housing downturn. Many of these homes are located in desirable neighborhoods within their communities, and remodeling them to be Green Certified and offering modern amenities makes them attractive to buyers, helping to raise other property values within the neighborhood.

Green Certified Homes continue to demonstrate increased buyer interest, command higher new construction and resale values, and spend fewer days on the market compared to traditionally built structures. The Triangle has seen an increase in the sales penetration for Certified Homes every year, comprising over 35 percent of new construction in recent Quarterly statistics from the Triangle MLS. They spend much less time on the market, and can command a premium price.

These homes also offer additional unseen and under-appreciated value. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees.

Quality Assurance of Green Certified Homes – Verification to a Defined Standard

Many claims are made in the marketplace regarding the “Green” nature or products and homes, the “Increased Energy or Water Efficiency” of products and homes, and the “Healthiness” or “Increased Air Quality”. But how do you know for sure these claims are measurable or adhere to a defined standard?

The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is the preeminent residential green building rating system. It sets green baselines for all new residential construction, development, and remodeling projects. ANSI-approved and consensus-based, the NGBS provides a menu of green building practices for builders, remodelers, and land developers to plan their green projects. These building practices, when employed in construction and development, improve the living environment for residents and reduce the project’s environmental impacts.

The NGBS requires that a qualified, independent third-party inspect the project and verify that all green design or construction practices claimed by the builder toward green certification are incorporated correctly into the project. Most projects require at least two inspections. When you buy, remodel, or build a Green Certified Home that has been Certified using the NGBS, you can be assured that your home has been verified to conform to a defined set of Green Building Standards.

2013 Green Certified Home Tour Open House

Paradise Found Construction’s Whole House Green Certified Remodel was the first-ever Green Certified Remodel to be entered into the Raleigh-Wake HBA’s Remodelers annual Star Awards in 2012, where it was awarded a 2012 Star Award for the Best Green Certified Remodel. The Raleigh-Wake County HBA is currently the largest local Home Builders Association in the US.

President and Owner Jeff Wiblitzhouser also entered the project for consideration as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2013 National Project of the Year for Green Certified Remodel. His project was selected to be the winner of the NAHB 2013 Nation Project of the Year, Green Certified Remodel. Wiblitzhouser was honored at an NAHB Green Awards Ceremony at the International Builder Show (IBS) on January 23rd 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The National and Local Award Winning Green Certified Home “Finding Paradise on Picardy” will be open to the Public to view and experience during the Green Home Builders of the Triangle’s Green Home Tour on the weekend of April 20-21. The address of the home is 5010 Picardy Place, Raleigh NC 27612.

Updated Design Features of “Finding Paradise on Picardy”

• Beautiful granite counter tops in the Kitchen and Baths.
• Updated electrical and plumbing fixtures, door and bath hardware, and stainless appliances.
• Solid wood cabinets in the Kitchen and Baths.
• Light and bright natural hardwood flooring through-out.
• Next generation porcelain tile in the Kitchen and Baths.
• Natural travertine tile accents in the Kitchen.
• A bright and open floor plan achieved by introducing a French door in the Kitchen and enlarging the opening between the Family Room and the Hall.
• Completely redesigned and configured Master and Hall Baths to accommodate current building codes and enlarge the Master Bath and the Shower.
• Frameless shower glass enclosure and door in the Master Shower.
• Elimination of dark wood paneling in the Family Room and brightening the Laundry paneled walls with paint.
• Brightening of the fireplace brick masonry with a multi-step faux paint.

Energy Efficient and Green Features

• Certified Green Remodeled Home by the National Association Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center in conformance with the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard, Section 305.5.
• Verification of conformance to ICC 700-2008 by Southern Energy Management, Inc.
• Overall verified energy usage decreased by more than 20%.
• Overall verified water usage decreased by more than 50%.
• Old cabinets and vanities, electrical and plumbing fixtures, and doors and hardware removed donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStores.
• Metal deconstruction components recycled.
• Original hardwood flooring reclaimed and refinished.
• Window and door trim removed to facilitate spray foam air sealing and insulation.
• Preservation and re-installation of original wood trim, shelving, wainscoting, and doors.
• Floors penetrations and perimeter bottom plates caulked and air sealed.
• Attic penetrations and top plates air sealed.
• HVAC duct work, returns and plenums, supply boots, and furnace re-worked and air sealed.
• Floor insulation added and un-insulated voids in crawl eliminated.
• Attic insulation increased to R38.
• Attic pull-down stairs insulated and sealed.
• Fireplace chases air sealed in crawl and attic.
• External ventilation added to the Master and Hall Baths.
• No VOC paint used on all interior surfaces.
• No VOC Bono water-based clear finish applied to hardwood flooring.
• No VOC Green Certified Carpet installed in Family Room.
• EPA Energy Star Qualified electrical fixtures installed.
• EPA WaterSense rated plumbing fixtures installed.
• HVAC supply and return ducts cleaned and vacuumed.

Paradise Found Construction is a National and Local Award Winning Green Certified and Conventional Remodeler and New Home Builder in Cary North Carolina, and serving Western Wake County and The Triangle.

They specialize in New Homes, Kitchens, Baths, Additions, Renovations, and Remodeling and excel at integrating cost-effective, energy efficient, healthy, environmentally and socially responsible building materials and products, and the latest in Building Science techniques into Residential and Commercial Construction.

Paradise Found Construction was the recipient of the NAHB 2013 National Project of the Year for Green Certified Remodeling, and the winner of the 2012 STAR Award for Best Green Certified Renovation by the Wake County Home Builders Association.

For more information please call us at 919 830 7218 or email Jeff@ParadiseFoundConstruction.com.

Website: http://www.ParadiseFoundConstruction.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParadiseReFound

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseFoundConstruction

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwiblitzhouser

Green Certified and Energy Star Qualified Homes and Remodels Boast Superior Sale/ Resale

The growing demand in the Triangle for healthier home environments, superior energy and water usage performance, and advanced materials and construction methodologies continues to spur growth in Green Certified segment of the market. This year’s Wake County Home Builders Association (HBA) Remodelers Tour and Remodelers Star Awards marked a milestone by having the first ever Green Certified Remodel entered by Cary Builder Jeff Wiblitzhouser, President of Paradise Found Construction. His Whole-House Speculative Remodel of an older home in Oak Park generated significant interest, and was sold within days of being listed in the Triangle MLS.

Green Certified and Energy Star Qualified homes offer many advantages over a traditionally built or remodeled home, and a growing body of evidence suggests that they hold their value better over time versus a traditionally built home. There are many factors that account for this premium added value.

Green Certified and Energy Star Qualified homes (including Green Certified remodeled homes) take advantage of up to date building technologies and advanced construction techniques and methodologies. Jay Beaman, President of Beaman Building and Realty Inc. and past President of the Wake County Home Builder Association (HBA) as well as past Board and Committee Member for the National HBA and Green Home Builders of the Triangle (GHBT) notes “Incorporating the most up to date building science information on products and techniques makes our homes, both new and remodeled, the best they can be. Although North Carolina is a leader in the level of building code advancements, a code-built home is still just the minimum level of home you are allowed to build. Through the Certified Green Building and Energy Star programs builders now have guidelines, education, and training to help them achieve the highest levels of quality of life construction (generated by lowering operating costs and optimizing comfort) for their clients, while acting as good stewards of the environment we all share.”

For most of us, our home will be the single largest investment that we’ll make in our lifetime. It makes sense to purchase a home that meets high energy and water usage performance standards. You’ll save money every year on lower utility and maintenance costs, which will translate into real dollar savings over the course of your home ownership.

Fossil fuel and fresh water costs will continue to rise because the scarcity of these resources will continue to increase. The increase in the price of these resources should at least keep pace with the overall inflation rate (they will likely exceed inflation) which will protect the payback on you receive (in the form of lower utilities cost) on your investment as a result of your water and energy reduction measures.

High-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, energy and water efficient appliances, fixtures, and lighting and weather resistant building materials are all manufactured to higher standards, and often are accompanied by longer product warranties.

Steve Bowman, President of Bowman Mechanical Services who is an area leader in the installation of Geothermal HVAC systems comments: “Geothermal heat pumps are becoming a mainstream method to heat and cool spaces in commercial buildings, schools and residences. A typical residential geothermal heating and cooling system can save as much as 75% in operating costs over a conventional propane/electric heating and cooling system and as much as 50% over a high efficiency natural gas/electric system. An added bonus of these systems is that heat generated by the unit can be harnessed to function as a “hot water generator” which can reduce typical domestic water heating costs by as much as 50%.”

Steve also notes that the average life of a geothermal heating and cooling system is 24 years, compared to conventional heat pumps, which last an average of 14 years in North Carolina. Maintenance costs are also lower because the equipment is installed in a crawlspace, basement or other designated mechanical area, eliminating deterioration caused by outdoor climate exposure. There continue to be State and Federal Government incentives in the form of tax credits that can help to offset the initial investment.

The total cost of home ownership, the increased healthiness of your indoor air quality, and the greater comfort derived from a finely tuned heating/cooling system combined with reduced external air intrusion, are all widely recognized value drivers that combine to differentiate Certified Homes from others, and add real value when it’s time to sell your home.

Quick Turn Quality Appraisals based in Raleigh has been championing High Performance and Green homes for over 6 years. Their perspective is based on value. These Certified properties continue to demonstrate increased buyer interest, command higher new construction and resale values, and spend fewer days on the market compared to traditionally built structures according to Karin Argeris, owner of Quick Turn. “There has been an increase in the sales penetration for Certified properties every year. The Triangle Multiple Listing Service (MLS) indicated that for the first quarter of 2012 these units comprise over 35% of new construction.”

When appraising a property, Green Valuation Specialists consider not only energy upgrades such as a sealed crawlspace, doors, windows, HVAC, and insulation, but also improvements to the Home Energy Rating System Index (HERS) rating of the home. Therefore, in order to properly value properties after implementing energy upgrades in an existing home, Quick Turn recommends obtaining HERS tests prior to starting and again after the completion of the project in order to properly document reductions in energy usage. The analysis and documentation required to qualify a remodeled home for Green Certification includes the pre-remodel and post-remodel HERS Ratings as well as monthly estimated energy savings.

Quick Turn converts the monthly energy savings into an additional capital value for the property. For a seller, this translates to a higher listing price. While this would appear to be a negative factor for buyers, the reality for those financing these types of energy and water efficiency improvements is that the higher monthly payment may provide a greater tax deduction whereas higher recurring utility costs will not.

Karin emphasizes that whether for new construction or remodeling existing homes to higher performance standards, Certification is critical. “Since the Triangle MLS listings are only beginning to provide HERS ratings, and there is no centralized database for certified properties, having a property evaluated by a Certified Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Rater is critical for obtaining proper market value.”

Bob Kingery, co-founder and CEO of Southern Energy Management, a local and national stand-out in providing Third Party RESNET Certification Verification services for area home builders, summarizes his company’s involvement and leadership in efficiency efforts that have been a catalyst to help make the Triangle the second largest market for Certified homes in the nation: “Over the last ten years, Southern Energy Management has qualified more than 11,000 ENERGY STAR and Green Certified homes. It’s one of our proudest achievements. As a certified B Corporation, the goal of providing a tangible benefit to people and the environment is something we’ve built into our DNA, and helping our clients plan quality energy efficient homes is a vital part of that mission.”

I often ask this question when helping home owners make decisions regarding implementing strategic measures that differentiate a high performance home; “How much monetary and well-being value will a Level 3 versus a Level 1 granite counter top offer you over its’ lifetime versus the same investment in a higher performing heating/cooling system, strategically upgraded insulation including spray-on foam, more energy and water efficient appliances and fixtures, or even higher performing glazing and sealing in your windows and doors?” The answer is overwhelmingly obvious, these high performance investments reward you with not only a higher return on your investment, but also a measurable increase in your comfort and well-being.

About Paradise Found Construction:

Paradise Found Construction is a Cary, North Carolina based Construction Company, serving Western Wake County and the Triangle, and is a Conventional and Green Certified Remodeler and Builder of high-performance Energy Star Qualified and Green Certified homes. They specialize in integrating cost-effective energy efficient, healthy, environmentally and socially responsible building materials and products, and the latest in Building Science techniques into Residential and Commercial construction. Paradise Found Construction is the winner of the 2012 Star Awards for Best Green Certified Renovation by the Wake County Home Builders Association.
This article was brought to you by the team at Paradise Re-Found (Cary Remodeling). As a Green Remodeling company that specializes in kitchen, bath, additions and backyard renovation, we control costs and create a unique customer experience. This blog is intended to be only consumer information and does not suggest anything beyond simple advice.

Please call us at 919 830 7218

106 Ortons Point Place, Cary NC

Jeff@paradiserefound.com

Check out our website: http://caryremodeling.net/cary-remodeling-home

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ParadiseReFound

LIKE us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CaryRemodeling

The Remodelers Council of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County celebrated its 19th Annual STAR Awards Gala announcing the winners of the 2012 Remodelers Council STAR Awards. Paradise Found Construction was awarded the winner of the Gold Award for the Best Green Certified Renovation for the year.

The Remodelers Council STAR Awards which Showcase Triangle Achievements in Remodeling is a program designed to recognized local remodelers for their work during the previous year. Awards range in price point for categories such as Best Outdoor Living, Best Kitchen, Best Bathroom, and Best Historic Renovation to name a few. Each year, judges from outside the Raleigh-Wake county area judge the entries based on strict guidelines and award the best home with the STAR Award.

Entries were evaluated with a Satisfaction Survey filled out by homeowners, as well as the following judging criteria:

• Workmanship

• Detailing

• Quality of Materials Used

• Overall Appearance

• Floor Plan & Design

• Lighting

• Special Touches

• Overall Customer Service & Responsiveness

• Overall Customer Satisfaction

Paradise Found Construction won this year’s Gold Award for the Best Green Certified Renovation for its work on a quaint 1960s brick ranch that was transformed into a whole house remodeled Green Certified Home with an open floor plan.

The spectacular granite countertops featured in the kitchen and bathrooms served as the design palette used to create a wonderfully harmonious balance of muted tones throughout the home. Beautiful naturally finished hardwoods with a No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS) clear coat finish, next generation porcelain tile, and No VOC carpet and paints combined to create a healthy and light-filled living environment.

The home was equipped with the latest in energy efficient conservation features including updated EPA EnergyStar Qualified electrical fixtures and appliances, EPA WaterSense rated toilets and plumbing fixtures, CFL lighting, upgraded insulation and air sealing measures, and rain water harvesting.

This article was brought to you by the team at Paradise Re-Found (Cary Remodeling). As a Green Remodeling company that specializes in kitchen, bath, additions and backyard renovation, we control costs and create a unique customer experience. This blog is intended to be only consumer information and does not suggest anything beyond simple advice.

Please call us at 919 830 7218

106 Ortons Point Place, Cary NC

Jeff@paradiserefound.com

Check out our website: http://caryremodeling.net/cary-remodeling-home

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ParadiseReFound

LIKE us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CaryRemodeling

• Cabinets: With unlimited cabinet choices, colors and woods, the time to be creative is now. Open shelves, roll out racks, display space, and wine racks can combine with more conservative contained cabinetry to offer a hybrid of space, style and practicality.
• Countertops: Although granite is still the most popular new countertop on the market, there are also some exciting and gorgeous choices that involve recycled materials as well as the newly introduced quartz and quartz composite tops.
• Updated Flooring: Beauty and function can come together in new kitchen flooring that allows a variety of flexibility and durability. Solid hardwood, stone and ceramic are truly exciting statements that blend looks with practicality. Based on overall design and floor plan, finding the most comfortable and dynamic flooring will appeal to every homeowner.
• Lighting: Magic can happen any time in both meal preparation and presentation, but the kitchen is a busy place that needs to be bright and sunny no matter the time of day. Lighting installation at the top of the cabinets and under the counter can showcase any new remodeling project.  Super-energy efficient LED lighting continues to come down in price with more eye pleasing lighting bandwidths. LED lights also now avoid the brightness delay of the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) while also having the advantage of dimming.
• Fresh Paint: Whether you want your new kitchen to have a daring and bright personality or one that features a calming and soft presence, the colors of the rainbow are truly at your disposal as summer fast approaches.  The blue palette offers an ideal backdrop for new appliances and countertops, while a wisp of soft neutrals can surround you in dreamy shades that highlight both flooring and cabinetry.
• Latest Appliances:  Stainless is still the classic look for refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and microwaves. New generations of EPA Energy Star Qualified and EPA WaterSense qualified offerings are now entering the remodeling marketplace on an increasing basis. Multiple ovens, configured together, to handle a wide variety of cooking tasks both large and small are fast becoming an exciting new trend.
• Plumbing Fixtures: With the world facing a finite water supply, EPA WaterSense qualified plumbing fixtures are becoming more readily available. This high efficient makeover will perform beyond expectation and they will save water.

Some of the best memories of every holiday and every family visit can now take place in the warmth and comfort of a beautifully remodeled kitchen. We offer the best value and can create efficient, healthy, and eco-friendly environments that meet the needs and wants of both you and your family. Give us a call today!

This article was brought to you by the team at Paradise Re-Found (Cary Remodeling). As a Green Remodeling company that specializes in kitchen, bath, additions and backyard renovation, we control costs and create a unique customer experience. This blog is intended to be only consumer information and  does not suggest anything beyond simple advice.

Please call us at 919 830 7218

106 Ortons Point Place, Cary NC

Jeff @paradiserefound.com

Check out our website: http://caryremodeling.net/cary-remodeling-home

Follow us on Twitter  https://twitter.com/#!/ParadiseReFound

LIKE us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/CaryRemodeling

Photo credit: freshemezine.com

We always think of the kitchen as being the centerpiece of a home. It is true that it is a great gathering place. It is where we break bread with family and friends; and it is a place where there is a lot of activity throughout the entire week. But of all the home improvement projects on a homeowner’s radar, none can be the source of greater pride when finished than the bathroom. Although we just saw a smile or two, think about it for a minute. This is the room that you head to first thing every morning; it is a good possibility that you flick the bathroom light off as you head to bed each and every night.

In the typical home, there are different bathrooms with different purposes. From the master bath to the half bath each is unique and each has a slightly different function. Having a state of the art bathroom is not only fun to do in a remodeling project; it is a very cool when it is complete. Here are some things to consider before you start your bath remodeling in Cary NC:

• When you go green you go smart: There is a good chance you will save money over time by the simple installation of water saving faucets, showerheads, and low flow commodes.
• Before you start the project, have a detailed inspection done by a plumber to assess any leaks and/or hidden problems.
• Do a rough sketch of what you want in changes including a larger tub or Jacuzzi to make sure you have enough room.
• Additional storage space is a great consideration.  The addition of shelving and cabinets might give you a premium amount of space and nicer aesthetics.
• Decide what type of budget and timetable will fit within your lifestyle and stick to it. Looking at all the numbers honestly and realistically will eliminate any surprises once the renovation begins.
• Look at a variety of sources when shopping for fixtures. Prices can vary store to store, so do some homework online and in the newspaper before you head out.
• Remember that color can make the bathroom look spectacular, and a fresh coat of paint will always make a huge difference in first impressions.
• Finally, find a reliable contractor who truly works for you and your family.  A contractor with experience in both plumbing and remodeling is an excellent choice. Go online and check both history and background. Just be wary that some things you read online in recommendations might be written by the contractor. Find customers from various sources and check with the BBB or the local chamber and get personal referrals.
• Keep organized by staying on track with deadlines.
• Finally, look at the big picture. Remodeling is truly a number of smaller projects that all come together when compete.
• Bathrooms are fun to do and can really change how you and your visitors view the entire home. Good luck!

This article was brought to you by the team at Paradise Re-Found (Cary Remodeling). It is intended to be informative and in no way does it suggest anything beyond suggestions and advice.

Please call us at 919 830 7218

106 Ortons Point Place, Cary NC

Jeff @paradiserefound.com

Check out our website: http://caryremodeling.net/cary-remodeling-home

Follow us on Twitter  https://twitter.com/#!/ParadiseReFound

LIKE us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/CaryRemodeling

Photo credit: 3superizon.com

What is an FHA 203k Mortgage Loan?

The FHA 203k Loan is designed to provide cash to repair, renovate, or remodel an owner-occupied residential home. It can also be used for multi-unit residential rental properties of three or less units, as long as one of the units is owner-occupied. The home’s value must come in under or at the FHA Loan limits established for the County that the home is located in, and must also conform to minimum HUD standards.

The loan’s amount is based on the mortgage amount plus the amount of added appraised valued to the property that will be realized once the renovation or remodeling projects have been completed, thereby providing much needed cash to complete the construction projects.

The loans aren’t offered by all Mortgage Lenders, and each Lender has established the guidelines under which they will offer the loan.

What Can the FHA 203k Mortgage Loan be Used For?

The FHA 203k Rehabilitation Loan can be used for a wide range of residential property improvements including bringing the home up to the latest trends and styles in kitchens and bath design, completing exterior or interior repairs, replacing old appliances with new Energy Star appliances and HVAC systems, undergoing complete renovations and additions, replacing flooring, and even landscaping. There are a small number of “luxury item” exclusions, such as hot tubs and swimming pools (although some maintenance and repairs are covered).

There are two versions of the loan; a “Streamlined” loan which can provide up to $35,000 of cash to make “non-structural” repairs and improvements, and the “Full” loan which covers a broader range products and services and can provide cash of up to 35% of the property’s appraised value (including the value of the improvements being made). Your Mortgage Lender can help you decide which loan is best for your particular situation.

 Why the 203k is a Loan for Our Time (A Rare Source of Renovation Financing)

The FHA 203k loan helps solve a major problem facing the current residential real estate market; how to accelerate the sale (and removal) of these distressed properties from the sales inventory.

A large percentage of the current existing home sales market comprised of “Distressed Properties”. These include not only homes that have been foreclosed on and are now bank owned, but also homes that are being marketed under a “short sale” agreement with the financial institution that holds the note on the home.

Many of these homes suffer deterioration due to being un-occupied, as well as having regular maintenance that was never performed on  the home. There are also instances these types of properties that have become victim to vandalism.

Even if these homes have been reasonably maintained, they generally fall outside of the current kitchen and bath design trends and styles. This makes them an extremely attractive bargain, because these types of projects add the most “bang for the buck” and greatly increase the likelihood that the remodeling projects will add substantially to the appraised value of the property after taking into account the improvements.

The FHA 203 loan is a fantastic option for financing remodeling and repair projects at a time when limited solutions exist in the market place that provide cash for these purposes. What’s more The FHA 203k loan can not only be used to purchase a home and finance improvements, but can be used to re-finance an existing home and provide cash to do all of the same types of constructions projects.

Why Waiting to Renovate Often Translates into Never Renovating

The vast majority of remodeling and repair projects fail to be funded to completion or ever undertaken  at all. It is very difficult for the average homeowner to finance large projects with cash reserves, primarily because of the many competing priorities on the family’s finances and cash.

Consequently, those projects that can add many years of enjoyment and utility to one’s home never materialize. What’s more, ongoing maintenance and repairs often get deferred, resulting in larger and more expensive repair projects that occur due to added years of destructive weather and pest damage.

The absolute best time to  renovate your home is at the beginning of your ownership. This is the time when you are taking the home that you purchased and molding it into your lifestyle and furnishings. Create your perfect paradise by integrating remodel projects into your other move-in projects, and then sit back and enjoy the home paradise that you’ve custom-tailored to meet your standards and desires.

In select states, from now into October of next year, buyers need a down payment of only $100 to purchase a HUD-owned REO home.

The buyer must be an owner-occupant, utilizing financing insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Standard FHA underwriting guidelines apply, and the sale must be for the full amount of the current list price.

The $100 down payment incentive program has been approved for two of HUD’s four national regions – the regions managed by the Denver Homeownership Center and the Atlanta Homeownership Center. HUD homes in the states listed, as well as the Caribbean are currently eligible for the program.

Denver Homeownership Center’s Jurisdiction:

• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Missouri
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• North Dakota

• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming
• Utah

Atlanta Homeownership Center’s Jurisdiction:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Mississippi

• North Carolina

• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Caribbean

HUD’s $100 down payment incentive program can also be applied to an FHA 203k loan, which can be used to fund repairs and renovations on the home. The 203k program allows buyers to finance both the mortgage and additional money for rehabilitation needs with a single government-insured loan.

Matt Martin, CEO of Matt Martin Real Estate Management (MMREM), says this is one of the most exciting features of the new incentive program and should drive a lot of exposure to FHA’s 203k offering.

MMREM is under contract with HUD to assist with disposition sales of its repossessed homes. MMREM handles properties throughout 16 states, or about a third of HUD’s REO portfolio.

With an FHA 203k loan, “buyers can find a property that needs some TLC, fix it up however they want to, and finance the whole thing for $100,” Martin explained.

“MMREM is excited to work with this recent initiative, in a way that it supports putting HUD homes back into the hands of homeowners,” Martin said.

In addition to $100 down instead of FHA’s typical 3.5 percent down payment, HUD says it will also cover up to 3 percent of the closing costs in most cases.

Cork is considered to be a sustainable choice  because removing the bark does not kill the tree or necessitate cutting the tree down. The bark from a single tree can be stripped from the trunk and lower branches every nine to twelve years, with the average number of harvests being between fifteen to twenty times over the course its lifetime. The alternative for most other wood flooring products require cutting a tree down (for example Oak), that can take up to a hundred years to replace.

Once the bark has been removed it is boiled to make it more malleable and less prone to breakage during the production process. Cork flooring is made from the scraps left over from the production of other products. These by-products are ground up, formed, and baked in large ovens.

Jeff Wiblitzhouser is a Green Remodeler and Builder of high-performance Energy Star and Green Building Certified homes. Specializing in integrating cost-effective energy efficient, healthy, and environmentally and socially responsible building materials and practices into residential construction. To contact Jeff call 919-830-7218 or email him here

Bamboo is a member of the grass family. It has several unique characteristics, including:

•  It is a rapidly growing invasive plant – it can grow up to 65 feet or more in height within a span of four years
•  Cutting does not kill or damage the roots of the plant, and as such it can quickly regenerate to be harvested again
•  Its extensive root system not only makes bamboo more adaptable to environmental conditions, but it also helps in areas prone to soil erosion by keeping the soil in place

Design and Build Your Energy Efficient Green Built Cary NC Home

While products designated as Organic are more readily understood to have been grown without the use of environmentally detrimental chemicals and additives, what determines a Green product’s Greenness  may not be as apparent or even as narrowly defined as the term Organic is.

For example, just because a Green product is made from a plant doesn’t necessarily imply that the plant was grown organically. Bamboo is a great example; some products made from bamboo are considered Green because the alternative products are made from plants that take many multiples of time and resources to produce than bamboo plants does, making the bamboo product a much more sustainable(and less expensive) alternative.

So what does Green Building mean in the context of residential home construction?

The short answer is that Green begins with Blue, that is, the Blue Logo of EPA Energy Star^® designation. So, at its core, Green Building adheres to the EPA’s standards of resource and performance efficient construction methodologies and product specifications.

 Jeff Wiblitzhouser is a Green Remodeler and Builder of high-performance Energy Star and Green Building Certified homes. Specializing in integrating cost-effective energy efficient, healthy, and environmentally and socially responsible building materials and practices into residential construction. To contact Jeff call 919-830-7218 or email him here