Company Profile: B&H Lumber

Brittingham & Hixon Lumber is a 110 year old lumber company. It was started as a lumbermill back in the late 1800's. It has remained a family owned company for its entire life. It has been owned and operated by the Alexander family since the 1930's when it was purchased from one family to another. Now with locations in Sparta, Oconomowoc, Baraboo, Reedsburg, and Eagle they serve a majority of towns in the Southern Wisconsin area.

Products that are available include:

• Framing Lumber



• Treated Lumber



• Composite Decking



• Windows (Wood and Vinyl)



• Exterior Doors (Fiberglass and Steel)



• Interior Doors



• Millwork



• Hardware (e.g. nails, handles, brackets etc.)

Other helpful resources include:

• Kitchen and Bath design


• Lumber estimates and copying


• Lumber cutting


• much more!
  

Construction Research & The Internet

When you are preparing for, or in the middle of a project; research is an integral part of your work. You have to know the product selections, the benefits and drawbacks of each, the colors, the availability, and even the local building codes. Gone are the days of you running around to ten different places for answers to all of your questions and information gathering. You can save an abundance of time with the internet.

The amount of useable information on the internet is mind-blowing. As long as you know how to properly operate a search engine, you will at last find a foundation of information that you can build on with the traditional resources (e.g. lumberyards, city planning offices).

Internet research will typically produce the best results for product information because most businesses have very detailed websites with complete product offerings and pictures. Sometimes you will only get a product name and a list of offerings but this is only preliminary information, so don't sweat it. You can use their website to get directions to their facility, or to locate locations that distribute their product.

*An important warning* When researching products online you must remember that the product color is not necessarily exactly what is shown on your screen. Many computer screens display colors a little differently than their true tone. Always do a final verification of any color with a physical sample before ordering anything!!!

If you have a question on Baraboo's building codes, once again the internet is a good place to begin your research. You typically can start by getting any information you can from the township's website. If nothing else you will get contact information for the building/ zoning office and personnel. If no particular information is available for specific codes, try entering an internet search for the information. Be sure that the information is relevant to where you project is located.

Once you refine your internet research skills, you will quickly and efficiently be accessing the first and second step information for all your projects. When used in tandem with traditional sources of information, the internet saves you time and money.

Sustainability: Building a brighter future

The need to evaluate how we produce, how we dispose, and how we build has been a hot topic in the recent years. LEED registration for green businesses, Energy Star ratings, alternative energies, and efficiency are the sectors of green that we hear most in the building industry. Unfortunately, a very important component to the 21st century green-conscious person is so often overlooked; Salvage. There are so many great resources and products available to help put a little more emphasis on Reduce and Recycle’s middle brother. Building materials account for an enormous percentage of our landfills. For a 2000 square foot home, approximately 8000 pounds of waste gets dumped into the landfill. By finding creative ways to reuse more and more of that material, the strain of our waste is reduced and we have furthered the goals of sustainability.

Liberty Valley Doors
This company is making a lot of noise in the building world with their salvaged products “Eco-Door”. Beyond the sustainable products, they have made huge leaps as a company to green their company. They went so far as to hire a sustainability manager and purchased a hybrid company car.

Bedrock Glass
All of their products are created from 100% recycled glass. They make immaculate glass tiles, tumbled rock glass for landscaping and crafts, lawn and garden gifts, and they offer mosaic classes to get people having fun while supporting a noble effort.

Habitat Reuse Store
One of the saddest facts about the construction world is how few of us really know about important businesses like this one. This is in essence a resale store for your leftover, otherwise discarded building materials. The Reuse store even has deconstruction crews, contractors that safely disassemble your room or house rather than mindlessly bulldozing it down or burning it. They remove any and all useful products, which is so much more than we expect, recycle what they can and save the landfill from another wasteful project. They offer store credit for donations, and more importantly tax breaks for contractor donations.

$1500 Tax Credit
When there is a need to really motivate people to better their homes (or to spend money in a recession), the government waves money in front of them. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, includes this federal tax credit of up to 30% of your qualifying home improvement project up to $1500. There are many loopholes and stipulations as many government programs have, but through Windsor Windows guide above it makes it pretty clear what you need to do and what you can expect.

Sustainability, as it has progressed thus far, is simply the first trickle of raindrops before the big storm; a storm of planet-awareness and responsible business practices to wash away the hundred year sin of the ignorant industrial revolution. From the revolution of pollution, waste, and surplus to the revolution of technology, computers, answers, and awareness; now we march ahead into the Green Revolution. It will be a revolution of reversing the damage, building a new future, protecting our children’s inheritance, and putting to good use all we have learned in the Tech Revolution to solve the problems of the Industrial Revolution and move forward at peace with the planet.

Tax Refunds and Home Improvement

Taxes are done, refunds are coming. Now is the perfect time to invest in your home. Contractors are fighting for work, material prices are low, and the government is freeing up millions of dollars in refunds for home projects. Spending that refund on your home will help build your equity, make your home more comfortable, and even help the economy bounce back. Here are some projects that will help you get the most bang for your buck.

Replace your old single/double pane windows with Low-E vinyl replacement windows.

-Approximate Cost = $3,000-$10,000

-Energy Efficient Tax Credit Qualification

-Vinyl Windows are low maintainence and easy to clean.

-Approximate change in home value = $6,000-$20,000

Finish your basement

-Approximate Cost = $10,000-$30,000

-Increase your useable home space.

-Approximate change in home value = $20,000-$40,000

Fix drywall, paint, plaster, and miscellaneous interior aesthetics

-Approximate Cost = $5,000-$20,000

-Polish up your home in the places that matter most.

-Change color or freshen up your walls.

-Approximate change in home value = $10,000-$30,000

Paint your exterior

-Approximate Cost = $5,000-$15,000

-Change colors or give your house a new face for the neighborhood.

-Make your house look like new.

-Approximate change in home value = $8,000-$24,000

Money is pretty tight right now. On the other hand, if you have the opportunity to spend the money; now is the time to act. Think about how great it would feel to face the rest of the year with some rejuvination to your home; better still if you can squeeze some tax credit out of your investment.

Deckbuilding time arrives with spring!

The warm weather has started, the grill is thawed out from the pile of snow in your backyard, and you have the itch to do some backyard celebrating. It is the dawn of the deck construction and remodeling season; embrace it!

Treated Lumber Materials

This is the inexpensive route. No matter what option you decide on, the actual unseen frame will consist of "green treated" lumber. This is lumber that has been treated with a combination of chemicals to make is resistant to the elements of nature. The biggest drawback to treated materials is revealed with time. As the sun beats down on treated products that are unstained, they begin to grey and slowly "burn" under the UV rays. The problem can be solved with routine staining, but treated products do not necessarily stain well.

Cedar Lumber Materials

Cedar is a beautiful, naturally resilient wood. It is rich with redish tones and takes to stain very well for an even bolder color. It is in the middle of the price range between composite and treated products. Unstained, it deals with similar drawbacks to treated products but retains a natural wood beauty that green treated products lose through the chemical process. For a truly beautiful deck that you never have to stain, which will last for years and years with nothing more than minor fading, research composite decking products.

Composite Materials

Composite materials are as close to maintenance-free as you can get. The price is about three times as much as treated products, but the value gained is nearly unmeasurable. Never again worry about slivers, routine staining, greying, or the other typical lumber products. There are a plethora of reasons that composite materials are well worth the additional cost, if the funds are available. Brands such as Trex, Evergrain, and Timbertech offer a range of sizes, colors, and resources for the builder, designer, and homeowner.

There are many resources for design ideas as well as additional design ideas for post lights, balusters, and railing selections. Look at resources from the internet, your friends' decks, and by simply driving around. Any excuse to get outside and get creative. Enjoy spring while preparing for your backyard project.

New Construction Upgrades: Where to spend you money

I recently came across a question asked on MyHomeImprovement.Com that I thought was not only interesting and familiar, but answered somewhat incorrectly in my opinion. They have a disclaimer stating that in no way do they insure the accuracy of their answers, but I felt that a little explanation to set the record straight is in order.

Question:
We are going to have a house built in the next year. In what areas of the build would you recommend paying for upgrades? I have heard everything from the cabinets to the linoleum. Which ones will supply the best return/enjoyment for our money?

Their Answer:


Cabinets and counter tops in both the kitchen and bath. Second choice would be floor coverings.





Now I agree to some extent that kitchen and bath are areas where upgrades are the most enjoyable, but upgrades in these two areas are very expensive so as far as the best return they are wrong. You can get a fantastic kitchen and bath without too many costly upgrades. Floor coverings are another partially wrong answer for the same basic principles as the kitchen and bath explanation. The area where you will see the best return for your money and enjoyment are in areas somewhat beyond aesthetics.

Windows:

• Ensure the lowest heat loss/gains


• Consider vinyl for low maintenence


• Are they Energy Star certified


• Upgrade to Argon gas filled glass


• Consider tints, glazes, etc. depending on the region you live in

Exterior Doors

• Upgrade to maintenance-free Aluminum Clad Jambs


• Upgrade to the most energy efficient sill, jamb, and weatherstripping

Floors

• Upgrade to radiant in-floor heat

Deck

• Upgrade to composite decking material (never stain, paint, or get slivers in your feet again!)

These are just a few great examples on areas where you can save money down the line as well as headaches in home maintenance. Rather than spend extra money up front on things that, although may be pleasureable, save you nothing in the long run; upgrade wisely for your future, and your family's future.

Real Estate Agent Contractors: Helping or Hurting the Industry?

An increasing trend in the housing market is the crossing of many real estate agents and firms into the field of General Contracting. They continue to dig deeper into the housing industry. They once only handled the initial sale of property and the sale of a finished product. As time went by, they saw that they could steal that middle ground away from real contractors. Now, many agents and firms handle the general contracting and subcontract out the work to the men and women who do the actual work. Their knowledge is limited, but they depend on the real contractors to fill in the blanks of their shortcomings. The first problem in this situation is the amount of overbuilding they do as they try to maximize production output. I am not claiming that there are not traditional contractors that do the same, but for the most part a carpenter only goes out on a limb with one uncontracted spec home to fill the space between contract homes. Another problem is that not only have these agents/ firms stolen this job from the people doing the actual work, but they make them fight for the subcontracting jobs by pricing them against eachother until they are getting the cheapest price for the job. I have heard the argument that they are trying to keep the costs down, however they are sacrificing not only the lives of the gifted carpenters who aren't willing to undercut their trade, but the quality of the homes as well. You get what you pay for, and they only pay bottom dollar. I have seen too many good carpenters losing jobs to the real estate general contractor with the Amish crew making next to nothing. What message are we sending to our fellow citizens? Have we really become this cutthroat of a society that we will sacrifice people, careers, quality for a few thousand dollars on a $300,000 home? The banks are the real culprits behind the economic slump, but the real estate firms, evolved into general contractors, are the culprits behind a multitude of the housing market problems. Let's give the job of building our homes back to the actual home builder.

Spray Foam Insulation: Superior R-Value at a price

Spray Foam Insulation: Worth the Price?

• In a time of economic uncertainty, any additional cost to a home project in under heavy scrutiny. The benefits of spray-foam insulation are undeniable: superior R-value, no insulation settling over time, no pockets or voids, and a tight wall cavity for extra efficiency. At a cost that is at times twice or even three times more expensive than traditional insulating methods, many homeowners are faced with deciding if the benefits outweigh the costs.

Benefits:

• Stops air and moisture infiltration.
• Drastically reduces energy costs (especially in remodeling of older homes.)
• Increases strength of the structure by solidifying wall cavities.
• Does not sag over time like traditional insulation products and methods.
• Immensely reduces, if not eliminates, dust and pollen infiltration.
• Reduces capcity requirements, wear, and maintenance of HVAC equipment.
• Installer is required to be certified, you are guaranteed a professional result.
• If you choose soy-based foam, you are being extra green in your project.

Drawbacks:

• Costs around twice as much as traditional methods and materials.
• Limited supply for installers, affects price and availability.
• No flexibility for future remodeling, aftermarket electrical runs, etc. through the sprayed walls.

As you can see, the benefits greatly outnumber the drawbacks; however, if we place values on these variables you may still find that initial cost is too great an opportunity cost to overlook. Unfortunately, until the price decreases in the upcoming years, spray-foam insulation will lose a great number of consumers to the initial shock of the price.

Cooper Custom Carpentry: A Family Tradition

I recently had a chance to sit down with Josh Cooper from Cooper Custom Carpentry to discuss some topics regarding the state of the housing market, the current recession, and other important issues that are plaguing the home construction industry.

What is the biggest challenge you are facing as we near the end of the first quarter of 2009?

It has become extremely difficult to get potential customers to commit to starting a project. The bids are out there; in fact I have bid more jobs this year than ever before. The problem is that people don’t know if they will have a job next week, next month, next year. How can they responsibly commit to a new home purchase with that sort of doubt? They have the urge to build; they just can’t get over that hump of pessimism.

What products do you notice gaining popularity recently?

I notice a lot more people requesting options for Cementboard siding. It’s a durable, paintable product with a nice warranty. The biggest thing lately, though, is energy efficient products. More people are trying to be more “green” in their products as well as their carbon footprint. Window ratings to insulation and everything in between; everything is under this new “green consumer microscope.”

How long before you think the housing market bounces back from this recession?

Well, probably not this year. I do think that we will see some slow improvement throughout 2009, but it is going to be a slow climb back to some solid ground. We are just lucky to be in the less volatile Midwest market. Things are bad everywhere, but we aren’t seeing the crash and burn markets like the extreme West and East coast markets.

What’s your favorite part of your job as a contractor?

I like building, plain and simple. Carpentry is in my blood. My father, my grandfather, my uncles, and many other family members all made their living working in the trades. There is a tradition of building that I grew up around. We used to pickup scraps on the jobsite not long after we learned to walk. We used to play in the dirt piles while our family worked. I can’t remember one year that didn’t have a jobsite involved in it.

Well thank you for your valuable time and insight, I wish you luck in the coming years.

Thanks for having me.

If you have a project that you would like to contact Josh Cooper from Cooper Custom Carpentry for your next project please feel free to send an email.

Green Building: Construction Fad or Future?

As we forge ahead into the future of the construction industry, the emergence of advancing green technologies continues to blossom into an undeniable force in the industry. Is the green boom just another building trend, or is this the evolution of the building industry?

• With the ever-changing building codes, new standards are emerging every year. Tighter standards on energy efficiency are one of the driving forces of the green push.


• Rising Energy costs are making the need for tighter houses more important to residents' annual budgets.


• The information that continues to emerge regarding our environmental issues are going to be a major part of people's demand for green technologies and products, many of which are indirectly or directly linked to the building industry.


• As more people buy into green products, the products will become more affordable, which will in turn make the products more accessible to a greater number of households.


• Tax credits for energy efficiency and certain products are making it hard not to go green.


• Building green is our responsibility. People are finally realizing that their actions in this life affect the lives of their children and grandchildren and are begining to act accordingly. This will only continue to push the green boom.

Smooth Building: Ensure your home construction project’s success

So you've decided to build your dream home. If you have already started the process, there is no need to explain the daunting task ahead of you. Don't fret, here are some ideas to help ensure smooth sailing in the sea of pre-construction tasks.

1. Know your budget

I have seen too many people get caught up in the temptation to spend outside their means. It is very important for you to know how much you can spend and prioritize your wants and needs. Make a spreadsheet or document outlining the importance of certain items. You may be able to afford everything you want, but having this list is immensely important if you realize that some cuts need to be made. Being prepared for this now will save you headaches down the road.

2. Invest in a thorough blueprint

Blueprints are expensive, but there is no good way around this expense. A good blueprint ensures that everyone, from loan processor to subcontractor, is on the same page when it comes to your project. The old adage "You get what you pay for" is especially true when it comes to blueprints. This is the instruction manual for your future home, and you don't want a bar napkin sketch being the outline that everyone is working off of.

3. Research your General Contractor

This person will be your field general, your trust in them will be the difference in a dream home or a nightmare. It is tempting to go on price alone, especially if they are a lot cheaper than their competition. Remember that you don't have to go with the most expensive contractor, but the cheapest rarely works out well. Utilize the internet as a preliminary resource, but take it a step further. Ask to see some of their past projects. Ask for customer referrals. Potential contractors should be more than willing to let their former work and former customers do the boasting for them. Be very wary of those who shy away from this request.

4. Ask lots of questions

There is no such thing as a dumb question. There is no such thing as too many questions. The more you understand now, the better you will understand every facet of your project. The worst mistake you can make is being afraid to ask any and all questions you may have. This is, after all, your future home.

5. Enjoy the process

This tip is for your own sanity. It saddens me when I see potential homeowners frustrated and overwhelmed with their project. If you establish a solid foundation before executing your project, the job should pretty much run itself. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as well as your loan money. Remember that this is your future home, enjoy it prior to construction as well as after. Take lots of pictures and cherish every stage of the process.

6. Contact Me

Feel free to voice any questions or concerns to me personally, and I will do everything in my power to help you in your project.

Welcome

Is anyone else tired of hearing the words "recession" or "down economy"? I know I am. The truth of the matter is that the time to build is now! Lumber prices are at record lows, contractors are low-balling eachother for work, and interest rates are in the bucket. The real problem lies in the loan approval process. With the recent crisis in the banking market, banks have nearly sealed their loan departments shut. Many banks are requiring a certain percentage of the actual loan total in deposited cash before they will seriously considering your loan approval. Now is the time for those smart consumers who have a decent chunk of change stashed away in the bank. There is some great information at http://thegreatloanblog.blogspot.com/.

The housing industry needs your business, which reinforces my argument that now is a great time to build. Research your home project at http://homebuilding101.blogspot.com/. A smooth project starts with good research. Know what you can afford and what you want to find a good balance as a solid foundation for your new home. If you are currently working on a home project or in the process of starting one, please feel free to find more information at http://jessepcooper.com.

Happy building!