Really?   That’s what President Obama said when promoting new tax credits for energy efficiency. He was talking about the so-called “Cash for Caulkers” program (more officially known as Homestar). It’s a program that’s been proposed by both venture capitalist John Doerr and former President Bill Clinton that would offer homeowners money for weatherization as part of another stimulus package. The program would give tax breaks to pay for upgrades and energy audits.

It’s a great idea — it creates business, therefore creates jobs and makes homes more efficient. People like to talk about building more energy efficient homes, but the reality is that even building every one of the 500,000 or so homes being built more efficiently will make only a tiny dent in energy usage compared to the potential of upgrading the millions of existing homes. Supporters of the program, which is apparently being considered at the White House, say it would lead to retrofits of 5.9 million homes and create 500,000 jobs.

The Home Star program — or “Cash for Caulkers” as some have dubbed it — could provide a big boost to home energy efficiency through billions in tax credits and other incentives over two years. President Obama came out in favor of the program in December as part of the administration’s plan to drive job creation, but the final approval has to come from Congress. The exact size of the program is uncertain, but Efficiency First, a trade association started in early 2009 for home energy-efficiency contractors that helped craft Home Star, put the price tag at about $23 billion.

What would the money go for? Here’s how Efficiency First breaks it down:

•$6 billion in funding for homeowner incentives for those who do at least two significant weatherization projects from a list of 10 eligible project types such as air sealing or insulation. Completing two projects would result in up to $2,000 in subsidies and completing four could earn $3,500, capped at 50 percent of project cost.

•$12 billion for homeowners who undertake a weatherization project that reduces energy consumption by at least 20 percent. A 20 percent reduction would earn a $4,000 subsidy and each additional 5 percent would result in another $1,500 subsidy, with funding capped at 50 percent of project cost.

•$2 billion for program administration, including audits of some projects to confirm they’re meeting the energy improvements

•$3 billion in incentives to encourage retailers to support the program to build awareness and educate consumers

Efficiency First says the program would result in 5.9 million residential energy retrofits and create more than 500,000 jobs new jobs in construction and related industries. “Unemployment in the construction industry is double the rest of the economy,” says Matt Golden, founding president of Efficiency First. “Considering the underreporting in this industry, it’s probably really up in the 20s. These really are smart jobs, because they’re long-term.”

The National Association of Home Builders estimates that 11,000 jobs; $527 million in wages and salaries; and $300 million in business income are generated by every $1 billion in new remodeling and home improvement activity. “That’s a huge impact just in the short run, and in the long run, the energy savings for participating homeowners can be quite significant,” says NAHB Chairman Joe Robson.

(Adapted from an article in Professional Remodeler Magazine)

According to the Department of Energy, hydronic systems average 26 percent less air leakage and a 40 percent reduction in energy usage versus forced air heating systems. Because the system heats from the ground-up, lower temperatures are found at ceiling height, resulting in lower heat loss through ceilings or ceiling penetrations.

The ultimate goal of hydronic heating is to keep and maintain a constant core temperature in the home. There are a variety of retrofit installation options that include panel, slab, thin-slab, snap-panel and heat transfer plates, all of which can deliver hot water via PEX tubing in either “wet-mass” (i.e. concrete) systems or non-concrete “dry-mass” installations.

Thick concrete slab systems have a high heat capacity and are ideal for storing heat from solar energy systems, which have a fluctuating heat output. The downside of the thick slabs is the slow thermal response time. Most experts recommend maintaining a constant temperature in homes with these heating systems. Other installations, such as snap panels, are a dry-mass approach. Snap panels are aluminum panels heated by 3/8- or ½-inch tubing. Most measure five to six inches wide and less than two feet in length. These offer a lower up-front material cost than some wet mass systems and are easier to install in many instances.

The Other Side

While hydronic systems are mostly made for a whole-home approach, electric radiant heating methods can be an equally viable alternative in the right application. Electric radiant floors, also known as dry installations, typically consist of electric cables or mats built into the floor. Systems that feature mats of electrically conductive plastic are also available and are mounted onto the subfloor below a floor covering such as tile. These are pre-built like an electric blanket and are divided into sections, then wired to a central location. Many systems consume a mere 10–20 watts per square foot at full power consumption and can be set to pulse on and off to maintain the temperature the homeowner sets. Given the relatively high cost of electricity in the winter, the most common application for ERH is kitchens and master bathrooms and you can even install a timer so it is only on during those times that you are likely to to be using the bathroom or kitchen.

Does it matter which type of floor you have?

Ceramic tile and wood plank flooring are the most common and effective floor covering for radiant floor heating, but you can also use vinyl, linoleum or carpeting. But remember, any floor covering (say, a thick carpet) that helps to insulate the floor from the room will decrease the effectiveness of the heating system.

Here are some thoughts to help you cope:

·        Good communication prevents most problems, so make sure you and your remodeler agree on a system for staying in touch.  Often the lead carpenter or foreman is the best contact person.  Some contractors provide a box or folder where everyone can leave notes or change orders.  Make sure that you communicate with the designated contact person.  A single worker or subcontractor will not have the information or authority necessary to make changes or assess how it might impact the project as a whole.

·        Share your concerns with the contact person immediately.  What is a minor adjustment now might be a major expense later.

·        Don’t panic!  If you discover what you think is a major problem, get all of the facts and discuss them with your remodeler.  A good remodeler knows there will be problems, and knows how to solve them.

·        Expect that the project feels like it is taking too long.  After the initial demolition and framing, there will be times when it seems like not much is happening.  It is difficult to schedule a project seamlessly without any down time.  All of the subcontractors have other projects to finish before they can start yours and if one phase of your project takes longer than expected for whatever reason, it can impact the schedule.  Discuss this with your contractor.  Most remodelers factor in some down time in every project. 

·        Expect good quality work, but remember that remodeling is an art and even the finest remodeling project will not be perfect.  Finishes applied today may not match older finishes.  Your contractor will strive to blend his new construction with the less-than-perfect conditions that may be present in your home.

·        Your remodeler will appreciate your prompt payment of bills as specified in the contract, instead of having to ask for it.  Most remodelers are working on a smaller profit margin than you might imagine and need to make timely payments to suppliers and subcontractors to get their professional discounts.

·        After the project has been completed, you may notice something that doesn’t seem right.  Contact your contractor and, if you did not pick the “low-bidder”, you should expect a prompt response during the warranty period and after!

Finally, if you did your homework and chose wisely, you can expect to pleased by the end result.  The added comfort, convenience and space will enhance your lifestyle for years to come.

All contracts should include:

·        A detailed description of the work.

·        A list of the specific materials to be used.

·        A schedule of progress payments showing how much you pay at the outset and when further payments are due.

·        An explanation of the change order which deals with changes or extras not included in the original agreement.

·        A procedure for handling disputes between the contractor and the owner.

·        It may include a description of what is not included, such as “the homeowner is responsible for carpet installation” or “the homeowner is responsible for removing personal items and furnishings from the work areas”.

·        A federally mandated recision clause, enabling you to cancel the agreement within three days of signing it.

The next step is often a pre-construction conference with you, the remodeler, the lead carpenter or foreman, the designer (if any), and perhaps the major subcontractors.  The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the project schedule and ground rules.  This is the time to decide what parts of the house are to be work or material storage areas, and what areas are off limits.  Review your remodeler’s policies on crew behavior and let him know what you expect.  While most have clear guidelines concerning things like smoking (not allowed inside), radio use (low volume), phone use (local calls only), bathroom use (port-a-potty) and daily cleanup, these may be modified to reflect your needs.

This is also the time to address concerns about safety and security.  Construction sites are dangerous, especially to children and pets.  Be sure that you are satisfied with measures to separate the work areas from the rest of the house and secure the house during non-work times.  Make sure that you remove all personal items and furnishings from the work area.  No matter how careful and neat the workmen are, there will be dust, debris and the potential for damaging anything left in the work area.  In fact, the constant vibration from the project can cause items outside the work area to shift and fall.  Check that valuable items on shelves in the rest of the house are secured or moved. 

·        They return phone calls promptly.

·        They arrive for appointments on time – or call in plenty of time to explain and reschedule.

·        They are polite, considerate and careful around your home and furnishings.

·        They have vehicles and equipment that reflect positively on their professionalism and work ethics.

·        They carry contractor’s liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance if they have employees.

·        They can provide references and examples of previous work.

·        They will be able to give you before the job starts, a schedule of when it will start and approximately when it will end.

·        They will provide written specifications and a contract that spell out the scope of work.

·        They will not proceed with any work outside the contract without a written change order that includes a description of the changes, the cost, and the impact of the changes on the schedule.

·        Their contract should include a procedure to resolve disputes between the owner and the contractor.

So, where do you find someone like that?  Your friends and neighbors are your best resource.  Try to find homeowners whose projects were similar to yours.  Most homeowners are more than happy to recommend a remodeler that did a good job for them.  And they are also happy to warn you about contractors that they would not hire again, and why!  Ask specific questions:  Did the remodeler show up on time and complete the job at the agreed-upon price?  Was there a problem that needed correcting and did it get done in a timely manner?  Was the workmanship satisfactory?  Did the contractor honor the warranty?  For how long and how quickly did they respond?

For more recommendations, call the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of New Hampshire (603-228-0351).  Ask for a list of members in your area.  Association membership, while not a guarantee, is an indicator that the remodeler is a serious professional.  Lumberyards, real estate agents, interior decorators and bankers are other sources to contact for recommendations.  

Choose several remodelers and make appointments to discuss your project.  The conventional, but flawed, wisdom is to get at least threes bids or estimates.  We think that this method for choosing a contractor almost always backfires.  In fact, a big difference between bids usually means that one of the bidders has misunderstood something important or made a major mathematical error.  Choosing a contractor with a very low bid is just asking for trouble down the road and may lead to an unsuccessful, premature conclusion of your project.  I’ll write more about this in another post.

Many established contractors, including a large percentage of design/build firms, don’t bid on jobs at all.  Why not?  Preparing a detailed bid takes many, many hours of unpaid work, not only for the contractor, but for all of the subcontractors as well.  The companies that you would like to construct your project, the ones with the great references and high standards, are almost never the low bidders.  Sometimes, you really do get what you pay for!  These contractors generally provide ballpark estimates, then negotiate an agreement after the design has been completed.

In the final analysis, choose a remodeler that you feel comfortable with and can trust.  You will have a long term relationship with this firm, so make sure that they will pay attention to your concerns and respond to your personal style. 

For budgeting purposes, keep in mind that the most expensive remodeling projects are those that involve expanding the footprint of the house.  Less expensive are those that reconfigure existing space and even less expensive are projects in which all the walls, plumbing and heating fixtures stay where they are.  The best way to figure out if your budget range is realistic is to run it past good remodelers.  They will be quick to tell you if you’re in the wrong ballpark.  And if you are, don’t despair.  A design professional or remodeler can suggest less expensive alternatives or divide the project into smaller phases.  Almost all successful remodeling projects are the result of a series of compromises between the initial dream and the final budget.

Do you need an architect or design professional?  That depends on your location, and the size of your project and budget.  Some towns may require plans that are prepared by an architect.  Check with your local planning and zoning office for the particular building and zoning requirements for your area.  Most small scale remodeling projects – such as kitchen and bath remodels – can easily be put together by an experienced remodeler and a cabinet supplier.  Larger jobs might benefit from a complete set of construction plans and the input of a design professional.

Using a design/build firm – either a remodeler who provides design services or an architect who provides contracting services – is one way to simplify a complex project.  You hire one firm that handles everything.  The design/build approach to building brings together professional design and construction expertise.  One company handles both design and construction, which means you enjoy greater continuity of service.  This joining of design and construction functions can also save you time and money, and helps make you – the customer – more of a partner in the remodeling of your home.

If you decide to hire an architect or building designer, start by looking for candidates with extensive residential remodeling experience.  Ask remodelers about designers they like to work with.  Make your decision based on a review of their work that might be similar to your project.  Ask for references and check whether their projects stayed within budget and ran smoothly.

Some people think that acting as their own general contractor is a good way to cut remodeling costs.  But few homeowners realize the complexity of the contractor’s job.  Your contractor must understand not only today’s building construction, but the techniques that were used decades ago; plan the job, step by step; obtain or prepare drawings and apply for building permits; hire good, reliable subcontractors (who may have worked with him on many projects); schedule (juggle) all of the elements: material delivery, labor and subs, inspections by building officials, inspect all work; and allow for the inevitable unanticipated delays!

When you hire a professional contractor, you don’t just pay for the labor and material, you also receive the contractor’s ability to save you time and aggravation.  The contractor’s fee take into account all of the expenses directly related to your project such as rubbish removal, liability insurance, and also expenses not directly related such as office and vehicle overhead, tool expense, employee training and warranty work.  That last item is the most overlooked, but one of the most important for you.

You like your neighborhood.  You have a great commute.  Your kids are in good schools and their friends live close by.  You cringe, however, when you examine your house.  It’s dated and cramped.  You start to imagine what your house would be, if only . . .

“If only” is what remodeling is all about!  Remodeling can:

·        Add space: An addition with a new bedroom, bathroom or family room can ease family “traffic jams”.  Potential additional space might be found in the attic or basement.

·        Upgrade a kitchen or bath.  New cabinets and fixtures can make those areas a pleasure to use and can add value when you sell.

·        Get the best use out of the space you have.  The way you live in your house has changed over the years and remodeling can make your existing space more efficient.

·        Save you money.  Today’s building products and systems are far more energy efficient.  Even projects that add space may not add to heating and cooling bills.

Often remodeling can pay for itself.  If your house is smaller or simpler than the rest of the neighborhood, bringing it up to date may increase its value enough to reflect most, or even all, of the cost of the improvement.  When you compare the expense of moving with the cost of remodeling, you may find that remodeling is a more affordable way to get the house you really want.  With remodeling, there is no real estate commission or moving costs to pay, and you don’t have the worries of selling your current home and starting over in a new neighborhood.  A professional remodeler can help you decide whether or not remodeling makes sense for you.

Whoever plans your remodeling project will need lots of information that only you can supply.  The process will go much more smoothly if you have a clear idea of what you want.  Take time to assess your current house.  What do you like or dislike about it, and why?  Make sure to include everyone in the family in this process.  Make a list of things to change, add or take away and rank each item on the list in order of priority. 

A little research will assist you in finding solutions.  Look in magazines that show new and remodeled homes and save the pictures that appeal to you.  Start a separate file for each area to be remodeled.  These pictures will give your remodeler a good feel for your tastes and preferences.  Take a tour of remodeled homes in your community.  Many homeowners would be pleased to show off their “new” homes and if you see great craftsmanship you can find out who did the work!  Home shows are also a great place to gather information about new products and services.  Don’t worry if you don’t come up with the perfect solution for your house and don’t try to decide every detail ahead of time.  Your designer and remodeler will have a wealth of experience to draw upon for ideas and can provide information about products that will influence your decisions.