HOW TO GET STARTED BUILDING A CONCRETE HOME

Source:www.stonediamondtool.com Date:2019/3/13 Read:352

Whether you're a builder who wants to offer customers the superior qualities of a sustainable concrete home or a buyer who wants to save money and conserve resources by living in one, here are six important action steps you should take to attain your goals.

DEFINE YOUR COMMITMENT TO GREEN

Before embarking on the home design process, establish your environmental priorities and level of commitment, suggests Green By Design author Angela Dean. Do you want to save money and resources by using fewer building materials? Do you want to achieve greater energy independence? Or do you simply want to create a healthier living environment? Dean recommends listing your goals in terms of budget, aesthetics, function, health, enjoyment, and environmental stewardship.

DO PLENTY OF RESEARCH

Visit a variety of online resources to learn more about green building and the role concrete can play. Also research other environmentally responsible building materials that require little maintenance, don't need frequent replacement, and can be reused, recycled, or disposed of inexpensively and responsibly. One excellent online resource is the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, which has lists of certified low-emitting interior products and building materials broken down by product category.

TAP INTO THE FULL POTENTIAL OF THE HOME SITE

Properly orienting a home in relation to sun exposure, wind patterns, mature trees, water resources, and drainage flow can make a huge difference in optimizing performance. When meeting with the design team, make an effort to capture natural energy flows, evaluate potential hazards, connect to the community and services, design with sensitivity, and preserve and enhance natural assets, says Dean.

CHOOSE AN ICF SYSTEM

There are more than 20 brands of ICFs in North America, each with some variations in design, composition and performance.

Here are several important questions to ask when choosing among them:

· What ICF product will best suit my specific needs? ICF systems offer an integrated approach to residential construction and should be evaluated in terms of their overall performance rather than individual components.

· Does the system meet the prescribed residential building code requirements in my area? Final approval of your home design will be up to local code officials.

· What is the price of the system, and how quickly can the forms be delivered?

· Does the manufacturer have a technical department to assist with specific design issues?

· Does the company provide onsite support during form installation?

· Is a warranty offered for product defects and, if so, what are the terms?