New EPA Lead Rules
Posted on Feb 27th, 2010 by Doug Marsh VP, CR, CAPS, GBP | 0 Comments
While lead in paint has been banned in Austrailia and Europe since the 20's the US took another 50 years to address the issue. Now new rules will be in effect starting April 22nd 2010. The "RRP" (renovate, repair, paint) rule applies to housing, public and private that was constructed prior…
Vent hoods/makeup air
Posted on Jul 23rd, 2009 by Doug Marsh VP, CR, CAPS, GBP | 0 Comments
There I was sitting in another Green Builder seminar and the presenter, a Green Builder from Fredericksburg, started talking about vent hoods and make up air. I had never really got it about how these sometimes huge CFM vent hoods can radically affect the air inside a building. Since appliances…
Remodeling Definition
Posted on May 22nd, 2009 by Doug Marsh VP, CR, CAPS, GBP | 2 Comments
Remodeling Definition
The City of Austin is in the process of adopting another ordinance that may have a chilling effect on remodeling projects. This ordinance is a little difficult to understand however some of the ramifications for Homeowners could be:
Homeowners will be restricted to remodeling a…
Drying In
Posted on May 19th, 2009 by Doug Marsh VP, CR, CAPS, GBP | 2 Comments
I grew up hearing this phrase and have used it so many times but now that I am learning about building science in hot humid climates I am going to start saying drying in. After building for 35 years I am really comfortable with a building wrap on the outside…
Moisture in the Home
Posted on Apr 2nd, 2009 by Doug Marsh VP, CR, CAPS, GBP | 0 Comments
Moisture in Your Home
As we continue to build and live in tighter houses we must be more aware of the moisture that we naturally generate within our homes and alleviate it. Cooking, bathing, and laundry actions all create moisture that must be relieved. Nothing like the little bath vent…
Certified Aging in Place and Universal Design
Posted on Mar 7th, 2009 by Doug Marsh VP, CR, CAPS, GBP | 0 Comments
3/7/09 CAPS AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN
A few months ago I eagerly attended training for a certification in Aging and Place (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) and universal design. It was very informative and included how to market this certification, ethics, and how to be with the Clients that might…
McMansion Ordinance - be prepared
Posted on Jan 14th, 2009 by Doug Marsh VP, CR, CAPS, GBP | 1 Comments
McMansion Ordinance- Be prepared
In October of 2006 the City of Austin enacted the McMansion Ordinance. This ordinance was created to restrict building out of scale, too large on a lot remodels, homes and/or duplexes. The Task Force that helped write this ordinance was initially composed of 3 Architects, 4 Neighborhood…
McMansion Tent Survey
Posted on Jan 7th, 2009 by Doug Marsh VP, CR, CAPS, GBP | 2 Comments
McMansion Ordinance Tent Survey
If you are building a 2 story addition and/or adding a 2nd story on top of an existing structure be prepared to produce a McMansion Tent survey to complete the framing inspection: you will not be able to proceed into the insulation stage without…