Building a home
-
KMS Woodworks on Jan 26, 2013This may be too late...as orientation is critical to good design...but passive solar is one way to heat a home with out using fossil fuels or lots of electricity. This combined with earth sheltering or Earth Bermed designs further enhance the stable temps. http://kmswoodworks.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/small-living-vs-sustainable-living/ Another key to more sustainable living is to keep the size down...less is most cases is better.Helpful Reply
-
-
Lori Gay on Jan 26, 2013Thank you... we have gone with some geothermal power source. I appreciate the tip!Helpful Reply
-
-
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on Jan 27, 2013Is this a slab construction or crawl/basement config? You should consider at least a 2 inch foam barrier between the foundation walls and outside soil. Be sure that you have back fill against the foundation walls assuming a basement/crawl config using pea gravel not soil. And be sure you have at least a 4 inch foundation drain pipe placed just below the top surface of the poured foundation footer. What geothermal system are you using. Water Furnace is one of the best and largest brand around. If your on a slab, be sure to place again at least 2 inches of foam board down prior to placing cement. This will make a tremendous difference on the comfort of the floors.Helpful Reply
-
-
Lori Gay on Jan 27, 2013Thank you!Helpful Reply
-
-
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on Jan 27, 2013Lastly, before back fill is placed, have a licensed pest applicator come in and mix the soils with termicides to prevent termites in the future. This is the best time to do this as they can assure that you get a good quality barrier. If its a slab, be sure to get treated around every floor opening where pipes are placed and around footings for bearing walls within the center of the house.Helpful Reply
-
-
Lori Gay on Jan 27, 2013Thank you. I just forwarded this to my builder to make sure they do it. I really appreciate the help.Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
How do you keep cats off of the outdoor furniture?
Stray cats lay and spray my outdoor furniture how do i keep them off my patio and furniture?
How do I paint a metal entry door to withstand extreme heat & sun?
I was so proud of myself. I stripped my front door of layers of bad and cracking paint from the previous owners (it was like stripping bubble gum), sanded, bought a h... See more
How to decorate a guest bedroom with PINK carpet
We just bought a house.. great bones.. awesome spaces.. but carpeting is not my taste.. We have a bedroom with pink ( almost a rose) color carpeting.. I would like th... See more
Hardwood Floors or Carpet in Bedroom: What's Your Preference?
Hey Hometalkers! We've got a cozy debate going on here: when it comes to bedroom flooring, do you lean towards the warmth of carpet or the timeless elegance of hardwo... See more
How do I clean salt marks on my salt water pool?
My salt water pool leaves white marks all around the pool I have tried everything to remove them with no luck. Can someone please help me????
If you could redo your master bathroom, what would you change?
Dreaming of a master bathroom remodel?Tell us: If you could change just one thing, what would it be?Your input could inspire others looking for master bathroom ideas ... See more