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Archive for November, 2010

LEED the way

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

A big part of our business is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) construction, and we’re often sought out because not just any contractor can do it. This page has a good explanation of some of the requirements.

  1. LEED contractors must have a thorough knowledge of requirements and data needed for LEED certification.
  2. LEED design and construction items need to be included in all construction documents.
  3. Attendance at the LEED commissioning meeting is necessary.
  4. A knowledgeable LEED supervisor should always be on site, so it’s good have more than one LEED expert on staff.

If you would like to learn more about LEED construction and LEED buildings, contact us. We’re both knowledgeable and experienced in these areas.

Award night recap

Friday, November 19th, 2010

We’re making more room on our award shelf after last week’s Home Builders Awards of Excellence Dinner. T.W. Ellis took home silver merit recognitions for design and consturuction in three categories: outdoor living, additions with alterations, and additions. The Remodelers Council of the Home Builders Association of Maryland was the source of these awards.

You can read more about the awards program here, but in short, there are three purposes for these awards. They are meant to recognize excellence in remodeling design and craftsmanship, create a greater public interest in the remodeling industry, and to recognize individual contributions to the remodeling industry.

The awards indicate the kind of excellence our customers can expect from our work. Contact us for your next outdoor living, addition, or remodeling project.

5 home addition considerations

Friday, November 12th, 2010

If you’re outgrowing your home, you’re probably considering a lot of different options including putting on an addition. This article can guide you on the steps needed to plan an addition. Here is the basic information:

  1. Make sure an addition is the right option. You’ll have to think through housing values, financing options, and the ability of your family to see the project through.
  2. Find a contractor such as T.W. Ellis that’s reputable and helpful. A good contractor can make the next set of steps even easier.
  3. Begin designing the addition. This is where the process becomes fun. There are lots of design programs out there, so you can make sure you get exactly what you want.
  4. Decide what systems and technology you want in the new room or rooms. It’s better to install these things during construction than after the fact.
  5. Get to know your building codes. If you start building something that violates codes, the authorities will stop you, and you’ll be on the hook for making things right. Do your homework in advance for a smooth ride the rest of the way.

If you’re considering or set on an addition contact us. We’re pros and can get you through the process with the little hassle and quality work.

Three homebuilding hints

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Building their own home is a great way for homeowners to get the right house for them, but it’s a significant undertaking fraught with the potential for problems.  This site presents 10 hints to consider when building a home, but we’ve boiled it down to three key points:

  1. Make sure you have a good relationship with the builder.  The article suggests going to lunch with the builder, don’t micromanage, and work out plans with the builder.  You’ll have many more problems if you don’t get along with the builder.
  2. Keep yourself informed about all aspects of the process.  The article recommends getting to know your contractors language, learning about your bank loan, and ensuring you have the right permits.
  3. Get what you want out of the house.  Be a part of planning the house, correct any issues before construction, and follow the plans during construction.  Winding up with something you didn’t want in a house is the worst outcome for everyone.

If you need more advice or work on your home, contact us. We’re experienced contractors with connections throughout the industry to help you get what you want.