Uniquity Builders, Inc.

Yes You Really Can Make a Difference With These Green Building Tips!

You don't have to be an environmentalist to use green building materials, it's not only beneficial for the health of the environment but beneficial to your personal health as well. As an individual it's hard to believe that your actions will impact the environment at all, but they do. Every small effort on your part matters, immersing yourself in the "green" life of building could be just what you're looking for to start your journey. 

The goals of green building are:

• Life cycle assessment: evaluate the environmental impact of homes
• Sustainable design: minimize the total environmental impact associated with all stages of the project
• Energy efficiency: reduce energy consumption
• Water efficiency: reduce water consumption and protect water quality
• Material efficiency: use recycled plastics and metal, and rapidly renewable plant materials
• Indoor air quality enhancement: reduce volatile organic compounds and other air impurities
• Maintenance optimization: have proper maintenance during and after construction to ensure the green criteria is met for the life of the structure
• Waste reduction: reduce waste of energy, water, and materials used during construction
• Reduce impact onto electrical networks: reduce peak demand so there's less impact on carbon emissions and climate change

There's more information about these goals at en.wikipedia.org. 

Many building materials have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to our health, using products that carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal, the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) seal, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) plaque, or are
rated by the KCMA are healthiest and most eco-friendly options available. Companies like Green
Building Supply sell supplies rated by the FSC and the ESP for guaranteed environmentally friendly building materials. The Home Depot and Lowes have also started carrying FSC certified wood.

We are dealers for MidContinent Cabinetry which is certified by the KCMA for its ethically supplied wood
and green practices, one of our installations is shown on the left. Steel is another recyclable material that we have used in projects such as the one shown on the left of an island counter top. We also often use fiber cement siding (shown on the garage addition to the left), which is made with recyclable materials and is highly durable. Fiber cement siding is moisture resistant, pest resistant (including woodpeckers), and fire resistant. 

It is known that green materials tend to cost more upfront but yield more profit over time. An example of this is with plumbing pipes. Most plumbing pipes are not environmentally friendly. Common pipes used are copper, PVC, and (formally) lead. Lead pipes have been known to release lead into waterways and cause lead poisoning from exposure. Lead was super common in homes before the 80's because of their affordability but have now cost home owners more in the long run to replace because of lead poisoning. PVC is very common now because of its affordability and versatility. But at the end of its lifespan it's not recyclable and will go to a landfill. Copper pipes are the most "green" material available because they can be recycled at the end of their use and last for decades, but they do cost more up front. 

In 2010, California implemented the Calgreen building standards code. This code implemented both mandatory and voluntary measures. The mandatory measure involves water and energy efficiencies, indoor air quality, and the use of sustainable building materials. The voluntary measure  involves the enhancement of the mandatory requirements/adding substantial features such as solar, high performance HVACs, energy efficient lights, etc.. The current version is the 2019 code. 

As much as 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US are from electricity production. Moving heavily towards renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar can help stifle the effects that coal fired power plants and natural gas power plants have put on the planet. Did you hear about the power plant that was bad for the environment all year? He got coal for Christmas. Not only would using these renewable resources be great for the planet, it would be great for your wallet too. Solar power has an undeniably high return on investment. 

Green building leads to a better quality of life, better for you and everyone around you. It reaps benefits for the world. Its most notable downfall (the typical higher prices) is consistently being adjusting to get lower prices making these building methods easier to access for anyone, with any budget. In fact according to www.greentechmedia.com, it costs only about 2% more to build with green materials in your home and they yield more profit in the end. If you want to start your green life and build a home that makes you feel healthier, give us a call at 209-772-9200 or toll free at 800-498-1833. 

Sources: https://elemental.green/10-eco-building-materials-revolutionizing-home-construction/

https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/About-Us/What-is-Green-Building-Supply#Do

https://www.kcma.org/certifications/environmental-stewardship

https://www.sciline.org/water-quality/drinking-lead/

https://www.greenamerica.org/fight-dirty-energy

Fake Contractors Want Your Money... Don't Become Their Next Victim!

If you haven't had the potentially cash draining experience of working with an unlicensed contractor, you probably know a friend or family member who has.  It's becoming so common these days that the victims are beginning to fight for tougher laws to end the home improvement scams. 

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) has been conducting a series of sting operations in California in an effort to catch and punish these unscrupulous contractors, similar to the one in the video below.

In previous years undercover stings have been conducted in Elk Grove, Napa, Santa Cruz, Bakersfield, and Redondo Beach, California, resulting in felony arrests, citations, and Notices to Appear before the CSLB.

      

The CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) involved in the stings always give the suspects the proper forms and information they need to acquire their license and become compliant with the law.  However, they always seem to end up arresting repeat offenders during some of their stings. 

Which is why it is so important that you check the license first before hiring anyone to do any kind of work at your home.  The CSLB has even updated their website to make it easier for you to do just that.  When you log onto their homepage, you see the Insant License Check box to the right.  Enter the license number and hit search, simple as that.

 

If you found this article helpful, feel free to stop by our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com

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Source: cslb.ca.gov

Give This Smokin' Hot Smoke Alarm A Try!

If the time has come to upgrade your old smoke alarms, consider getting the Atom Smoke and Fire Alarm from First Alert. It's called the Atom because it's tiny...I mean like an inch and a half in diameter tiny! But, don't let it's diminutive size fool you. This little guy packs a punch!

The Atom's super responsive photoelectric sensor can detect a smoldering fire before it bursts into flames. But won't trigger false alarms due to steam from your shower or your burnt toast. Not only is it tiny, but cute and stylish, too. In addition to standard white, the Atom will soon be available in bronze, wood grain, and stainless steel finishes, so it should blend in perfectly in any room in your home. Mount it on a wall or on the ceiling for maximum protection. With a price tag just under $30, it's super affordable, too!

                                     

We all know that a number of things can cause a house fire. Some are preventable, such as a fire caused by candles or smoking. But some are just beyond our control, like an electrical fire. With Atom's long-life lithium battery and 10 year warranty, the Atom will protect your home and family for years to come!

If you found this article helpful, feel free to stop by our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com

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Source:  Firstalert.com

Energy Efficiency Fits Perfectly Into Any Home Decor.

Every home owner has different styles and tastes when it comes to the overall look of their home. But there are a few things that should be the same in every home, no matter what your personal style is. Here are just a few of those must-haves...

• Energy Star Appliances - All of your major appliances, which includes your fridge, dishwasher and HVAC system, use a ton of energy. Appliances with the energy Star rating use much less and can significantly reduce your energy bills each month.

                                                   

• Dual-Pane Windows - Double-paned vinyl or wood-framed windows can reduce energy usage by up to 24 percent in cold climates during the winter, and by up to 18 percent in hot climates during the summer, when compared to older, single-pane models.

• Lever Door Handles - This type of pull down door handle just makes your home easier to use. Along with wider doorways, rocker switches and single handle faucets.  Especially for the aging homeowner.

                                  

• High-Efficiency Toilet - High-efficiency toilets use 20% less water than standard toilets and flush the same amount of waste just as, if not more, effectively. Water savings from high-efficiency toilets can save over $800 on your water bill over the lifetime of the product.

                                                      

• Efficient Water Heater - Water heating accounts for 12-18% of a home's total energy use. So, clearly, an efficient system is a must. Choose a model that heats water using the ambient air in addition to electricity. Also, look for the Energy Star rating.

You may have noticed a trend in this list of must-haves...most are designed to save you energy, water and money! The homes of the future are energy efficient and water conscious, and they achieve that with help from products just like these.

So, whether your personal style is contemporary, chic or retro, any of these products is bound to fit right in.

 

If you found this article helpful, feel free to stop by our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com

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Don't Let The End of Summer Be The End of Your Home Improvement Projects

Labor Day has come and gone, which means summer is unofficially "over."  Even though it's still plenty hot outside and we do still have a few more weeks of summer ahead of us, according to the calender.  But, still, as Labor Day passes the BBQ's stop, pool parties are replaced with study sessions and your remodeling projects get put off for another year. 

With the holidays right around the corner, the money you would've spent on those home improvement projects will have to be spent elsewhere, right?  Not so fast!  Even if you’re on a budget, there are ways to get that magic new kitchen or finally get rid of the 1970’s green fixtures in your bathroom.

        

Unfortunately, many homeowners have been dreaming about what they want their new kitchen or bath to look like for a long time, and that vision most likely has no relation to the real cost of remodeling.  That’s when it’s time to call a professional, like us, so we can spend time together talking about what is really most important to you and how we can transform your kitchen or bath into a more welcoming space and give you what you want the most, while staying within your budget.

Before we get together for our first visit, decide what your need/want/wish list is versus nice-to-haves. You can start by asking yourself :

• What really bothers me about my current kitchen or bath?
• What would I like to change, but realistically can wait until later?
• What am I unwilling to compromise on no matter what the cost?

Here are some basic guidelines to get you started.

Wood Costs Vary
If new cabinets are definitely on your need or want list for right now, oak is the least expensive wood to choose.  Maple and hickory (such as those in the kitchen shown above) are a step up from oak.  Woods such as alder and cherry are the most expensive.

If you’re on the fence about new cabinets, you might consider refinishing your current cabinets and adding new knobs, pulls, and hinges.

Countertop Options
Granite slab and stone counter-tops are more pricey than granite tile or ceramic tile.  Keep in mind that if you’ve got your heart set on having that granite slab countertop, and you forgo new cabinets because they’re on your “nice-to-have” list, if you change your mind later and wish you had new cabinets, granite can’t be removed and reinstalled. 

Instead of granite countertops, you might also want to consider granite tile.  Ceramic tile is the most economical of countertop choices, and there are a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from…

Appliances Choices Abound!
If you really want commercial appliances in your kitchen, like a Wolf or Viking range, and your budget doesn’t allow for their $6,000 price tag, you can still enjoy cooking on “commercial-like” appliances that are much less costly, in the $2,500 price range.

 

If you found this article helpful and you would like some budget remodeling help, give us a call at 800-498-1833 or stop by our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com or simply scan the QR code below.

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Save Energy, California, and Get Some Money Back, Too!

Have you made a few upgrades at your house lately such as replace old, leaky windows, or upgrade to a new energy efficient air conditioning unit?  If you have, you could be eligible for a rebate from PG&E! 

Through the Energy Upgrade California program, homeowners could qualify for rebates of up to $6,500 from PG&E when energy-saving improvements are made to their homes.

The program rewards you for taking a comprehensive, whole-home approach to energy efficiency, rather than focusing on individual improvements. Heating, air-conditioning, and water heating all work together to help you live comfortably and lower your utility bills.

                            

It's fairly easy to qualify. Owners of single-family residences, two- to four-unit townhouses and condominiums, single-family homes, and two- to four-unit buildings in homeowners associations all qualify for rebates. A local contractor or rater will work with you to determine which improvements are best for your home and how to qualify for rebates.

PG&E offers suggestions to help you determine which "bundle" will best suit your home and upgrade needs. For example, if you were to upgrade your heating or cooling system, which would include the furnace or air conditioner, duct insulation, and duct sealing and/or replacement, you could earn up to $1500 in rebates!

An attic upgrade could get you up to $2500 in rebates! That would include attic insulation and air sealing, whole-building air sealing, duct insulation, and duct sealing and/or replacement. You can also create your own bundles if you don't see one that suits your needs.

As always, you can call us at 800-498-1833 to do the work needed to get your energy rebates!

California's ultimate energy goal is to reduce our emission of harmful greenhouse gases (the pollutants that cause climate change) to 1990 levels by 2020. To reach that goal, Californians must reduce their home's energy consumption by about 40%. Increase renewable energy in our utilities’ power mix to 33% and almost triple the amount of rooftop solar and other distributed power we have today. And make sure all new homes produce as much energy as they consume (called Zero Net Energy).

Visit pge.com/upgrademyhome for more information about the rebates. Also, make sure you stop by energyupgradeca.org to learn more about California's energy goals and much more.

If you found this article helpful, feel free to stop by our website at  www.uniquitybuilders.com.

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How "Green" is Your Home?

You've been recycling your cans and bottles for years now, you're doing your best to use less water, especially with California's extreme drought conditions.  And you make sure you keep the lights off and use natural light that flows in from the windows whenever possible.  In short, you're doing your part to conserve, recycle and, basically, live green.  But are you doing enough?

Here's a few tweaks you can do to your home to make sure you are living as green as possible and save a little money while you're at it.  Some of these tweaks can be a bit costly up front, but you'll see the savings almost instantly.  Take a look.

• You're already a pro at saving water, but what about the hot water?  Did you know that turning the thermostat on your water heater down 5 degrees will save energy, also?  You could also install an AirTap from AirGenerate.  It's a device that conserves large amounts of energy by drawing heat from the ambient air to warm your water.  It costs around $700, but could reduce your water heating bill by up to 50%!

                          

• Keep cool and warm air from escaping your home by plugging up small holes with nontoxic spray foam.  Check for holes around wiring and pipes, and where the foundation meets the wall.  Make sure you choose a foam with no urea-based formaldehyde.  This costs less than $100 and pays for itself during the first heating or cooling season.
• Update your toilets to a dual-flush toilet.  Dual-flush can significantly cut down on your water use as opposed to conventional models which use anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush.  Dual-flush toilets use as little as 0.8-1.6 gallons of water per flush!  Cost can range anywhere from $150 up to $700, depending on which brand you choose.  And you could see up to a $100 decrease on your water bill per year.
•  If you have those old school metal blinds covering your windows, it may be time to get rid of them!  In hot weather, those blinds act as a radiator because heat builds up between them and the window.  You can expect the same thing to happen with the cold air in the winter time, also.  Cellular or honeycomb shades made of fabric provide a layer of insulation.  Cost will be between $50 to $200 per shade  and can cut 10-15 percent off your heating and cooling bills per year.

You can also contact your utility company about conducting a home energy audit.  This is usually a free service they provide which will analyze everything in your home to see where else you could make changes.  By implementing the changes suggested in the audit, you could potentially cut your utility cost in half!

 

If you found this article helpful, feel free to stop by our website at  www.uniquitybuilders.com.

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Soirce: wholeliving.com

 

Give Your Kids Your Honey-Do List this Summer!

It's hard to believe that summer vacation is past it's halfway point and school will be starting in just a few weeks.  There are still so many things we haven't done on our Things-To-Do-This-Summer list!  And it's not just weekend getaways, but those little home improvement projects that we swore we would finally get to this summer. 

With your kids on summer vacation, you have plenty of helpers to get through your home improvement projects in no time.  I'm sure by now you've heard "Mom, I'm bored" at least a few times.  Even though there is an abundance of toys, video games and family pets to occupy their time.  Oh, and there is also that place called "outside" where they could go play, but you know how that goes.  So, for the kid with "nothing" to do...hand them a paint brush and get creative!

                        

Any kid would love to add their own personal touch to the patio furniture you were planning to refurbish.  In addition to helping you paint and reupholster, they can help pick out new fabric for the cushions and a fun new paint color for the furniture.

Does your backyard fence need a fresh coat of paint, as well?  That's something that a kid could do without too much trouble and a mistake could be easily fixed.  Perhaps you need to make some minor repairs to your deck?  Kids could help you sand down rough spots or even reseal the deck.

Getting your kids involved in repairs and projects like these is a great way to teach them some basic home maintenance skills.  Not only will this teach them skills they will retain throughout their life, but they will feel like they are contributing to the overall look of your home.  It gives them a sense of ownership and they're more likely to help maintain the projects they assisted you with. 

But remember to put safety first...  Make sure kids are wearing the proper safety gear, are supervised at all times and that they aren't working above their skill level.  But most important, remember to have fun!

 

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to stop by our website at  www.uniquitybuilders.com.

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Step into The Future With Home-Automation

Some may say that the phrase "The Home of The Future" is kind of a moot point these days.  It seems as though every home product out there is able to connect with your smart-phone or tablet through your home's WiFi connection.  If we so choose, we can all have a welcome home greeting from our house, while the lights turn on automatically and the thermostat cranks up to the perfect temperature.  All because we walked through our front door.  So, the home of the future is, kind of, already here.  Take that, Tony Stark!

We already have companies like Comcast and AT&T offering home-automation services, where you can monitor your home's security, energy use and more from an app on your phone.  Even Apple, Google and Microsoft are getting into the home-automation game.  Soon you will be able to communicate with your home through your Xbox One console, if you can get your kids off of it that is.

For about $100 you could give SmartThings a try.  SmartThings offers a WiFi enabled hub that allows you to connect products from a range of companies including Quirky, Jawbone and Honeywell, and control them with a single app.  It also sells sensors that can be placed on "dumb" devices to make them smart. 

 

                               

Home-automation is really an extraordinary thing!  You could have the ability to "talk" to just about anything in your home.  From appliances like your oven or refrigerator, to lamps, A/C units, even your dog's food bowl! 

Besides feeding your dog, home-automation has many other practical uses.  If you have an aging-in-place family member, it could help you, for lack of a better term, "keep an eye" on them when they are home.  It can help you make sure your kids get home from school safely while you're at work.  Really what it comes down to is peace of mind.  And don't we all need just one less thing to worry about these days?

 

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com.

 

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A Few Tips For a Beautiful Deck!

Ahh summertime!  The days are longer, our skin gets darker and our hair gets lighter.  We spend more time outdoors playing, relaxing, and BBQing.  There is also a lot of entertaining to be done at home, most likely outside on your deck.

But what if your deck just isn't up to par and replacing it just isn't in the cards this year?  There are ways to fix up your deck without spending a ton of money.  Here are a few tips and tricks to pretty up your deck for the summer.  

• Clean your deck!  Sometimes all your deck needs is a little TLC.  A garden hose or power washer and a push broom will usually do the trick.  Remove all furniture and plants from the deck to make sure you don't miss any spots.

                                            

• Add paint or a stain.  Painting or staining your deck is a great way to bring a deck back to life.  It adds some color and helps to protect it from the elements. 
• Paint a "rug" on your deck.  If you choose to paint your deck, maybe get a little creative and paint a "rug" on it.  Pick a few of your favorite colors, a funky pattern and have fun!  You can find tutorials and ideas online.

                                                       

• Add lighting.  Illuminating your outdoor living space has never been easier and it doesn't even have to be wired to your house!  You can buy solar lights just about anywhere these days and they are extremely affordable.   

                                                     

• Create "rooms".  If your deck is big enough, you could create spaces that mimic the inside of your home.  Place the BBQ at one end with a table to create the "kitchen".  At another end, arrange your patio furniture like you would the furniture in your living room.  The different spaces allow for guests to move around and engage in different conversations.

                                                         

                                                        

Your deck doesn't have to be that boring spot where you bbq while everyone else waits inside.  Make it fun and engaging.  Make it bright and inviting.  Make it a space you'd be proud to show off! 

 

If you found this article helpful, feel free to check out our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com.

 

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Celebrate Summertime With a Gorgeous New Deck From Uniquity Builders!

As the weather warms up and allergy season subsides, we'll all be spending more time outside.  We'll be taking more walks, having more picnics, playing more golf and of course, more outdoor entertaining!  Between BBQ's, parties and family get-togethers, your home is bound to be a busy place this summer. 

If that's the case, then maybe your outdoor space needs some sprucing up?  A little landscaping and maybe some potted plants to pretty up the space.  Maybe your deck could use a little more than a fresh coat of sealer on it, as well.

If your deck has taken a beating the past few years, then it may need some repairs or may even need to be replaced.  Take a few minutes to check your deck for loose or warped boards and wobbly railings.  Nails that may have worked themselves upwards causing a trip hazard.  Also, check to see if there is a gap between the deck and your home.  All of those could be signs that your deck may be in need some major repairs. 

Check out this video to see the type of quality care we put into every deck we build.

 

And the next video shows what some other guys do...

 

So, if you or someone you know, are in need of a new deck or just some repairs, give us a call at 800-498-1833!  We would love to get to know you and chat about your visions for your home.

For pictures of some of the gorgeous decks we've built, head on over to our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com

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