1. Before the start of a design, I have a landscape architect provide a “site analysis plan” indicating every feature of the site. Owners have no problems conveying to the designer what they want in their home; however, the site has a lot to say and should be taken into consideration. The following are just a few examples:
a. Morning rooms, such as a breakfast area, are much more comfortable and pleasing when placed on the Southeast side of the home. It is great to view the rising sun with that first cup of coffee.
b. Exterior decks and patios are used considerably longer when placed on the south side of the home where they are protected from colder North winds and they receive more sun.
c. The site analysis plan also advises the designer of the topography so that drainage of the site can be properly planned. Tree size and location are also included in the site analysis making it possible for the designer to save desirable trees and vegetation.
2. Energy cost should be of concern to all homeowners because cost will rise as we continue to deplete vital petroleum resources. Here are a few tips to make your home more energy efficient and save you money over the life of the home.
a. If your home is designed with 2×4 exterior walls, consider using 2×6 walls instead. This allows for 33% more insulation. If your home is one story, you may be able to place the studs at 24” on center in lieu of 16” on center – the 2×6 cost about 1/3 more but 1/3 fewer studs are required plus you will have the same cubic inches of wood supporting the ceiling and roof but with 1/3 less interruption of the insulation. Another advantage of the 2×6 – they are wide enough to allow for a v-notch to be cut at the bottom of the stud to place the electrical wiring so that it does not interfere with insulation.
b. Raising the roof takes on a whole new meaning when referring to an energy efficient home. Raising the roof rafters 12” allows your ceiling insulation to extend to the outer perimeter a full 12” thick. The outer perimeter is where you need maximum insulation the most but in conventional built homes you have the least. That is because the rafters normally are placed on top of the double top plate of the stud wall. The rafters are notched to form a fit to the top plate. The result is only a few inches of space to place the insulation and some space must be left for ventilation. Using the modified raised plate, the ceiling joist is placed on top of the stud wall and an additional plate is placed on top of the ceiling joist. This will raise the roof rafter and allow your insulation to be far more effective by extending full thickness to the outer perimeter.
c. Insulate under your base plate of exterior walls. This is a location where insects often enter the home. It is also an area where lots of heat can enter or escape. There are numerous insulating products especially designed for insulating under your base plate including conventional fiber insulation strips to expandable liquid urethane.
d. In addition to the above items, be sure to include the more familiar energy efficient techniques in your home construction: i. Insulated doors and windows ii. Heating & cooling systems with high energy efficient ratings iii. Appliances with high-energy efficient ratings.
Making your home more energy efficient is a one-time expense but the savings last for the life of the home.
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