Articles

Energy and New Homes
By Bill Bullock and Becky Williamson, Memphis Light Gas & Water
Jan. - April 2007

Location, square footage, countertops, flooring and architectural style—those are the primary elements homebuyers consider when purchasing a new home. As energy costs continue to rise nationwide, savvy homebuyers are beginning to add energy efficiency to that list of decision factors.

Most of us assume that every new home is energy efficient and that efficiency—and the resulting energy use—would not vary much among homes. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In fact, utility research shows that average natural gas use per square foot for a newly built house can vary by 56%, while electricity use can vary by 32%, based on the energy efficiency of the home.

Certainly, all homes built today are more energy-efficient than houses constructed 20, 10 or even five years ago. This is largely the result of increases in federal mandates for equipment manufacturers and wider availability of better building materials. While these improvements enhance the efficiency of specific equipment and materials used in the construction of a new home, they do not guarantee that the new home is energy efficient.

The overall energy efficiency of a home is guided by language in the energy portion of the area’s official construction code, which sets the minimum standard for home construction. Most construction codes in the area were adopted long ago, before energy costs became a topic of dinner party conversations.

Fortunately, there are steps homebuyers can take to determine the energy efficiency of a new home, whether it is a contract home built for a specific buyer or is a speculative home already completed.

If you are contracting for a new home, modest construction upgrades beyond minimum code and standard-grade equipment will have a significant impact on energy use and resulting utility bills. Measures which improve the building envelope, heating and cooling systems, water heating equipment and other appliances will pay dividends for the life of the home and equipment. Since these added costs will be included in the home’s final purchase price, they can be financed through your mortgage, reducing your immediate expenditures while providing long-term savings.

If you are considering a speculative home that is already completed, ask questions about the materials and equipment used in the home’s construction. A builder who constructs an energy-efficient home will gladly tell you about the home’s unique energy features and can offer documentation. Beware, however, that anyone can tout “energy efficiency” so you’ll need to learn to separate legitimate statements from misleading claims.

Energy efficiency is not a visible feature, so it is often overlooked. A more efficient home, however, can save you hundreds of dollars per year on utility costs—which means more money for decorating your new home.

This is the first in an ongoing series of articles regarding energy considerations when buying a new home. Future articles will focus on specific building components that can greatly reduce your utility costs. To request a summary checklist of energy features to look for when buying a new home, send an email to ecobuild@mlgw.org

Bill Bullock is manager of economic development and energy resources at Memphis Light, Gas and Water. He holds degrees in engineering and business, and has over 20 years of energy-related experience. Becky Williamson is the strategic marketing coordinator for MLGW, coordinating MLGW's EcoBUILD and online energy analysis tools among other programs. She holds degrees in marketing and business administration, and has over 10 years of energy-related experience.

Top Ten Home Décor Trends for 2007
Jan. - April 2007

In the spirit of David Letterman’s much-loved Top Ten lists, interior designers and industry experts share their predictions as to what will be hot in home décor in the coming year.

Certain themes will continue from previous years, with some gaining momentum as they become more widely accepted. Still others will explode onto the scene as fresh, inventive options for today’s decorating enthusiasts. All of them will be woven together seamlessly by the thread of personalization and comfort.

COLOR.
Color is key in home fashion, according to Lori West ASID, of Everyday Spaces, Inc., with red taking a turn to the softer side with offerings of peach, melon, and muted yellows and oranges. Blues, greens, aquas, purples and pinks will continue to evolve, and be featured in both brilliant and more subtle hues.

Sarah Anderson ASID, of Sarah Anderson Interiors, agrees that this year’s fashion colors will focus more on natural but slightly muted brilliance in the mineral and jewel tones, and sees browns remaining strong as backdrops for more potent splashes of color for impact and drama. Based on PANTONE’s Home Furnishings Forecast for 2007, Anderson suggests consumers look for hints of violets within taupes; deep browns and greys; and hues like “Adobe Rose”, “Deep Taupe” and “Grape Nectar” added to the natural palettes of greens and desert tans.

STYLE
Vicki Ingham, senior editor and group manager of Home Decorating & Design Books, sees formal and traditional decorating styles enjoying new popularity with younger homeowners, as GenXers look to historically inspired design as an anchor. Pairings of traditional and casual, or traditional and modern - once the preserve of high-end designers – will also become increasingly mainstream. Ingham cites Vera Wang’s new line of home goods for Kohl’s as directly targeted at the consumer who wants “classic style with a modern twist.”

TEXTURES
According to West, anything goes with regard to textiles – from opulent layering of shimmering tones and earthy textural weaves, to sleek modern and retro chic (retro in line and shape; chic in the combinations of current color and texture.) Anderson adds that in addition to variations on textured leathers, wovens and textures made from resins intertwined with bronzed and antique silver metallics will add a glimpse of glamour.

WALL TREATMENTS
Madonna’s newly adopted son has one. So does Andy Roddick. For years, decorative wall murals have been popular and cost-effective ways to change a room’s appearance. According to Todd Imholte, president of Environmental Graphics who produce the Murals Your Way line of wall murals (www.muralsyourway.com), this trend will continue to gain strength in the coming year. “There’s no better way to customize a home or office than by adding a decorative wall mural,” says Imholte. “By reflecting your individual tastes and interests, it creates a very distinctive look plus fosters a warm, comforting living environment.”

The Murals Your Way website contains over 5,000 images licensed from world-renown artists and photographers. Also available are Custom Murals that can be made from personal photographs, artwork, or illustrations.

Ellen Sideri, founder and CEO of ESP Trendlab, also recommends hand-painted murals, printed murals, wallpaper, upholstery, wood paneling or walls clad with a “skin” of tiles or mirror. She sees “wrapping” or “enveloping” rooms as one of the hottest trends in home décor, as it adds texture, warmth and glamour to even the most minimalist setting.

FUNCTIONAL DESIGN
Today’s consumers are seeking a look that’s beautiful and sexy, but also practical for daily living, says Scott Yerkey ASID, of Scott Arthur Yerkey Design, Inc. Rather than having a certain style imposed on them, consumers will continue to design their homes to reflect their individual habits and lifestyles. Trevira decorative and upholstery fabrics will be popular options, as they’re full of life and texture, yet also user-friendly and functional.

FURNITURE
Well-designed rooms are about finding the “wow” factor in combining seemingly disparate finishes, materials and textures in new ways, according to Furniture.com lead designer C. Davis Remignanti. Grain, imperfection, age and character will continue to dominate wood finishes, with a focus on time-proven styles rendered in finishes that emphasize the natural quality of wood.

CABINETS
Paula Peterson ASID, of Interior Viewpoints, predicts kitchen and bathroom cabinetry will continue to boast a more customized, furniture approach. Cabinets will take on a more casual look by receiving painted and glaze finishes, and may also feature a combination of wood, glass, stone and metal (including wire mesh in cabinet doors.)

METAL INFLUENCES
However, stainless steel’s dominance as the “in” metal is over, says Frederick Miller ASID, of HKM Architects + Planners, Inc. Warm-toned, oil-rubbed bronze and copper will become more prevalent in hardware, plumbing and lighting fixtures, and will also take center stage in both large and small appliances. In addition, the shiny, mirror finish of chrome will make a strong comeback, appearing in unexpected places like decorative accessories, vases and small furnishings.

ENVIRONMENAL INFLUENCE
Miller also cites a focus on “sustainability.” The availability of green products is increasing dramatically, thereby allowing professional and amateur designers to create aesthetically pleasing homes and workspaces, while minimizing their environmental “footprint.”

COMFORT
The relaxed yet ultra-stylish cottage look has recently taken off, adds Remignanti, with even the trendiest pied-a-terres in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles adopting a “lake retreat” attitude. This cozy ambiance fosters the prevailing theme that “every room should be a living room” of comfort and relaxation.

Boost Home Sales with a Pre-Listing Home Inspection
Jan. - April 2007

Homeowners eager to sell their homes may want to pick up the phone and call a local home inspector before putting their home on the market. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), this simple step adds value to a home and can help speed up the process and likelihood of an offer in a “buyers market.”

“Sellers are beginning to realize the importance of this service,” said Joe Corsetto, 2006 ASHI president. “By investing in a pre-listing home inspection, homeowners can uncover and address any issues before a prospective buyer walks through the door.”

Pre-Listing Inspection Benefits

Pre-listing inspections can provide an accurate assessment of a home’s condition before it goes on the market. Because of the wide range of construction practices and the “normal” wear and tear on the components of a home, home inspectors can offer a wealth of information to a homeowner anxious to convey the condition of their home to prospective buyers. Benefits of a pre-listing inspection include the following:

- Pre-listing inspections can resolve differences of opinion about the house before it goes on the market

- Pre-listing inspections can help a homeowner price the home to reflect its true condition rather than having to negotiate on price when issues are discovered

- A pre-listing inspection allows homeowners to make repairs ahead of time, or identify a contractor to make the repairs at a fair price, so that they don’t become stumbling blocks during the purchase process

- A pre-listing inspection alerts homeowners to immediate safety issues before visitors tour a home

- Pre-listing inspections give buyers peace of mind in making a decision thereby adding perceived value to a home being considered for purchase

“Ultimately, homeowners may find that the biggest benefit of a pre-listing inspection is that a home might sell faster and for more money,” said Corsetto. “But you have to find the right inspector. That’s why I recommend ASHI Members as a homeowner’s best assurance of receiving a fair and objective evaluation of their home prior to listing.”

For more information, visit www.ASHI.orgor call 800-743-2744.

Avoiding Home Improvement Scams
Jan. - April 2007

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers homeowners these top ten warning signs that a home improvement contractor may not be reputable:

1 You can't verify the name, address, telephone number or credentials of the remodeler.
2 The salesperson tries to pressure you into signing a contract.
3 The salesperson tells you a special price is available only if you sign the contract "today."
4 No references are furnished.
5 Information you receive from the contractor is out-of-date or no longer valid.
6 You are unable to verify the license or insurance information.
7 You are asked to pay for the entire job in advance, or to pay in cash to a salesperson instead of by check or money order to the company itself.
8 The company cannot be found in the telephone book, is not listed with the local Better Business Bureau, or with a local trade association, such as NARI.
9 The contractor does not offer, inform or extend notice of your right to cancel the contract within three days. Law requires notification in writing of your “Right of Recision”. This grace period allows you to change your mind and declare the contract null and void without penalty (if the agreement was solicited at some place other than the contractor's place of business or appropriate trade premises-in your home, for instance.)
10 You are given vague or reluctant answers or your questions are not answered to your satisfaction.

In addition, avoid contractors who exhibit poor communication skills, are impatient and do not listen to you, or situations in which the contractor is not accessible. Your needs as the homeowner should be addressed, not just the work at hand. Your contractor should also present examples of previous projects if asked, along with references. Don’t hesitate to call those references – a reputable contractor will be happy you did. Here are just a few questions to ask previous customers:

1 Could they communicate well with the remodeler?
2 Were they pleased with the quality of work? (This is a tough question, however, since everyone defines "quality" differently. It is much better to ask to see the completed project to determine the level of quality for yourself.)
3 Were they satisfied with the remodeler's business practices?
4 Did the crew show up on time?
5 Were they comfortable with the trades people the remodeler subcontracted to?
6 Was the job completed on schedule?
7 Did the remodeler fulfill his or her contract?
8 Did the contractor stay in touch throughout the project?
9 Were the final details finished in a timely manner?
10 Would you use the remodeler again without hesitation?

NARI is a professional association whose member companies voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics. Consumers can search www.RemodelToday.com to find a remodeler who is a member of NARI.

Contract Tips

Keep in mind when signing a home remodeling contract:

◦ Go over all the details of the project before the work begins.
◦ Every time a change is made to the contract, make sure there is a written confirmation and have both parties sign it.
◦ The homeowner should be clear on everything in the contract before they sign so that when the bill comes, there are no surprises to dispute.
◦ If the homeowner changes his or her mind about something, he or she should let their remodeling contractor know right away. This will prevent any unwanted work and charges to the bill. Homeowners should make sure to discuss how the remodeling contractor will handle changes to the contract before the project begins.
◦ Establish that the contractor only works according to the written version of the project, and that verbal requests be put in writing before acting upon them.
◦ Keep a copy of the contract at the work site for quick reference and clarification.
◦ Ask the remodeling contractor for a written statement that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid to prevent any subcontractors from filing liens against the home. This is called the Affidavit of Final Release and should be requested at the time of payment.

The following should be on the contract:

◦ The contractor’s name, address, and phone number.
◦ Details of what the remodeling contractor will and will not do, including cleanup and protection of personal property around the work area.
◦ A detailed list of all materials.
◦ Approximate start and completion date.
◦ A detailed outline of the warranty on the workmanship and materials.

Lastly, always keep a copy of the most recent contract and agreements. If these guidelines are followed, an open communication between the homeowner and the contractor has been established, making for a smoother ride for all involved.

For more information about finding a qualified remodeling professional, consumers can call the NARI National hotline at 800-611-NARI and request a free copy of NARI’s brochure, “How to Select a Remodeling Professional,” or visit www.RemodelToday.com and download the brochure - click on the homeowners guide for more information.

Copyright 2007 Metro Marketing P.O. Box 2713 Cordova, Tennessee 38088-2713 901.753.6716 FAX: 901.753.7236
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