The project went well as we progressed and followed the instructions. Not having the “advice” of a structural engineer, the project soon went “awry” when we
began to erect the walls. No matter what we did (we did follow the directions) we couldn’t get the consistency of the icing just right to hold the walls and roof together.

As we started to decorate the erected walls with gum drops, candy canes, chocolate snow drops, etc. the walls slowly began to collapse! As a result, we decided not to add Ginger Bread Home building to our list of services.

Well, we didn’t end up with a pretty Ginger Bread House but we sure had a lot of fun making it and eating the ginger bread and candy. This is a day at Grand-mom’s and Grand-dad’s home that Jasper and Jett won’t soon forget.

We can honestly tell you that, we aren’t changing our business model. We will continue to build, renovate and add on to your homes as well as update kitchens and baths providing you with great services and using sound science, making your home high performing and energy efficient. We can’t build a Ginger Bread House but we can build or remodel a great home for you.

There is no better time then now to plan your remodel project for the new year. Call us at 512-301-6000 so that we can help you make your dream become a reality. All referrals are greatly appreciated.

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012

As of January 1, 2013  the traditional 75 watt  incandescent light bulb will be history in the U.S.  By 2014 Americans will wave good-bye to their beloved energy inefficient 40 and 60 watt A shaped incandescents.   The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will require the use of more efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), halogens, or LED’s.

In Austin, Texas – New construction must now have 90% high efficacy lamps (fluorescent or LED) or have a calculated lighting allowance of .6 watts per sqft. For example, a 400 sq. ft. addition can have light fixtures with a maximum wattage of 240. That would generally mean they are all dedicated fluorescent or LED.

The back of the home has a large deck that has been neglected over the years and we will be removing the wood and replacing it with Brazilian Hardwood which, with little care, will not only be beautiful but will last for years to come.

So the remodel/addition was set aside and we started the plans for new construction.   The plans are finished, priced, engineering is almost done.      Owners have moved out, and deconstruction will begin next week.   Materials that are salvageable will go to Habitat for Humanity Re-Store.  With the foundation removed, soils will be tested and engineering will be completed.

If you are not familiar with the The City of Austin Arborist Program go to http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/trees/preserve_code.htm. You’ll discover that there are very stringent rules that govern the trees in our yards and that the City of Austin places great emphasis on trees.   Don’t assume anything.    I have found that the best way to get answers from City Staff is to show up early at the City, in what ever department from which you need answers, bring a book or some work with you and plan to wait until you see a staff member.   If you get there early enough, the wait won’t be long.   One thing I did learn this go around is that no matter what the size of the tree, if it is in the City Right of Way, you must request a permit to take it down.   The tree doesn’t belong to you.

By: Stephani L. Miller

Ongoing weakness in single-family housing markets has resulted in dramatically fewer large residential developments, but according to the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) third quarter 2010 Home Design Trends Survey, smaller infill developments close to public transit, commercial opportunities, and other amenities are filling some of the void.

Residential architecture firms reported that access to public transportation and mixed-use facilities has increased substantially in popularity since 2009, along with continuing high demand for infill development. Smaller developments are placing greater emphasis on affordability, as well, both to compete with the swell of lower-priced foreclosures on the market and to offer better value to potential buyers. According to the survey, which focused on community and neighborhood design, architects also noted higher interest in dedicated open space for recreation.

AIA’s chief economist, Kermit Baker, Ph.D., Hon. AIA, points to a variety of conditions encouraging the shift toward smaller infill projects, including home foreclosures that continue to drive down the market, a general resurgence in urban living, and a renewed interest in home affordability that considers commuting time and costs.

Increased interest in multigenerational housing not only reflects growth in immigrant households, but also the surge in formerly independent children boomeranging back to their family homes because of job loss or lack of employment opportunities, as well as the need to provide in-home care to an ever-growing aging population.

While many exterior features that add flavor to a home’s exterior are now deemed extraneous, there is one element that consumers are loathe to part with: porches. Architects reported a significant upswing in the popularity of the porch in 2010, as it tends to add character to infill construction and facilitates a closer neighborhood connection. Sustainable roofing materials, solar reflective roofs, and tubular skylights also experienced increased popularity in 2010, as well as high interest in durable exterior materials, according to the survey.

As part of the quarterly Home Design Trends surveys, the AIA takes the pulse of the residential architecture market. In the third quarter of 2010, business conditions continued the downward trend that began in 2007. However, reports Baker, the downturn has started to even out, and despite a still-sluggish market, inquiries for new residential projects are showing signs of stabilization. Billings in the third quarter scored 42, while inquiries scored 49—both well below the 50-point mark that would indicate an increase in activity, but also substantially higher than the same period in 2009.

According to the survey, remodeling is the only truly healthy residential sector, with nearly double the percentage of architects in 2010 than in 2009 reporting improvements in both kitchen and bath remodeling (43 percent, compared with 27 percent in 2009) and additions/alterations (42 percent, compared with 26 percent last year).

In comparison, architects indicate that all new residential segments have weakened again in 2010, though most not so severely as in 2009. In particular, the custom and luxury home market and the second/vacation home market have been hit the hardest overall, but they both experienced less weakness this year than in 2009.

Read Baker’s full report on the third quarter 2010 Home Design Trends Survey.

It was 1990 when Joel started to build Keith and Darlene’s  home. We had started our friendship three years earlier having met at the Metropolitan Health Club at One American Center.   Keith and Darlene were very much involved in designing this beautiful contemporary style home in the Hills of Westlake.   Not only was Keith a successful lawyer, he was also an Architect and taught Business Law to Architectural students at UT.   The goal in designing the home was to bring the outside in and create a wonderful tree house feel in the master suite by positioning the home just right around a grove of trees.

Before the Deconstruction by Habitat

The home was built; three little children grew into adult hood, graduated from college and  started their own families.  Having lived in the home for twenty years, it was now time to update the kitchen that has served the family all those years.

The cabinets and appliances were removed by Habitat for Humanity.   This was a win win for both owners as well as Habitat because Habitat had the opportunity to  resell all the salvageable items in their ReStore, the owners had a tax deduction for donating the materials to a non-profit, and we all did our part to keep these items from going to the land fill.

The existing kitchen was perfect in size and layout, but needed updating.    With minor modification as to the use of the cabinets (size, special functions and more drawers) the layout of the kitchen was the same.

A Clean Palate to Start Again

Lucy and Joel Katz Taking a Moment After Checking the Daily Progress to See if it Matches the Daily Schedule.

Doing a remodel with home owners living in the home throughout the remodeling process can be most challenging on the home owners.   Keith and Darlene were wonderful throughout the process.   No matter how much you guard your privacy, there are still strangers in your home.  Interestingly enough, some of our Trade Contractors that worked on the remodel are  the same ones that had built the home.    Although we were all conscientious about keeping the space clean it was after-all a construction zone and the worst part is the dust that is generated.   Even though you isolate the area, it is amazing how the dust seems to penetrate into other parts of the home.

The Kitchen is Beautiful - The Effort was Worth the End Result

The original red tube lighting was kept with the back splash matching using solid red glass.   Even the switches and outlets match in color so that they disappear.   Additionally some more lighting was added which created better lite  work stations while sensitive to being energy efficient.

The best part of the process is the shopping,  so we sent them to Wilson’s Appliances in Dripping Springs   http://www.wilson appliance.com.  Wilson has a great show room and lots of appliances to touch and see.

Some of the selections were Miele Dishwasher http://www.miele.com/international/en/home.html,  Wolf Built in Oven, Wolf Unframed Electric Cook Top with a Wolf Downdraft Ventilation System, Wolf Standard Microwave Oven http://www.wolfappliance.com/default.aspx and a 48″ Built-In Side-by-Side  Sub-Zero with Water  Dispenser http://www.subzero.com/BuiltInRefrigeration.  Counter tops are solid surface Silestone.

The cabinets are made of White Oak and the hard wood floors were sanded and refinished to blend in color with the cabinets.

With the kitchen finished and everything in its place, Darlene and Keith are delighted with their new kitchen.

If you have any questions about your thoughts on remodeling your kitchen don’t hesitate to call, Lucy Katz at Katz Builders, Inc., 512-301-6000 or e-mail lucykatz@katzbuilders.com

What Do You Want In Your New Home?

An important question to ask yourself is how will your new home improve your life style? In some cases, if you are in a good location and the investment would be sound, you may want to consider remodeling the home in which you currently live.

Some things to consider when thinking about designing a new home, for which there are easy answers are the following:

* better storage
* more bedrooms and bathrooms,
* inside and outside space for entertaining
* upstairs or down stairs master
* number of garages
* how many bathrooms
* room relationships

Look beyond the obvious to see how the home will fit — and improve — your lifestyle. Maybe the great-room will offer family-activity space that is lacking in your current home, and the home office will mean fewer late evenings away from home. A home with Universal Design will allow you to age in place and adding Green technology (high performance energy efficient technology) create an opportunity to live more gently on the earth.

Will this home be big enough or too big in five to ten years?

Regardless of your current stage of life, a home that is just the right size now may not be the right size in the future. If you plan to live there for a very long time, a design that provides flexible space (flex rooms) enables you to change space usage as your life style and needs change.

Will the design of your home fit and feel like it belongs in the community?

Never design your home before you find your home site. Each home site has unique requirements based on size, slop, trees, sewage, etc. Zoning and neighborhood association regulations can limit the height of a home, or govern the minimum and maximum home size in terms of a percentage of the total home site size.

How will using “Green” building science, when building or remodeling your home, provide benefits?

* Help protect and contribute to the health of you and your family
* Designing for proper ventilation for better indoor air quality will keep your air quality in your home healthier
* Reduce or eliminate the use of materials and products that utilize petrochemicals and synthetic ingredients that emit VOC gases
* Help utilize natural materials.
* Aid in decreasing the demand on non-renewable resources such as heating fuels, water and electricity

Custom homes are one of a kind, site specific and they afford the buyer the ability to develop and control the floor plan, build on owners home site, incorporate Universal Design and energy efficient materials and systems while controlling their budget. Additionally, a custom builder builds 25 or less homes per year.

A customized builder will take an existing floor plan and slightly modify it limiting selections and design as well. These builders build on their home sites or yours. Their homes are not as cookie cutter as a production builder.

A production builder builds on their own land, uses stock plans and provides a minimum of selection choices. They build a variety of homes and sizes and because of their large volume, their homes are less expensive per square foot. Often times there is minimum detailing in the building, enabling the builder to build quickly.

There are many companies that will promise you the moon but deliver a rock. It is important to understand the level of service and quality that is being promised.

The following is a guide to get you started in your quest for information on shopping for a remodeler/renovator. Although this is not a comprehensive list, this will give you a good start.

1.Establish a budget for the total project including:

Cost of the home, design/architectural/engineering fees, soils testing, finance charges, permitting, and other fees.
Once you establish your budget, check with Realtors for comparables to assure that you are not overbuilding/overdesigning your home for the neighborhood.
Check impervious cover calculation, size of septic system if you are adding sq. footage, neighborhood architectural review committee for any architectural restrictions or requirements and City/County.

2. Identify remodelers in the community who are respected, have worked in the community and have solid experience.

3. Interview the remodelers:

• How long have they been in business?
• In what areas have they remodeled?
• What sets them apart from other remodelers?
• How much experience do they have in Green Remodeling?
• What type of warranty program do they offer?
• Do they charge cost plus or fixed fee for the project?
• How do they charge for extras?
• Are they registered with the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC)
• Since projects are registered with the TRCC after the project is completed, are they current on their registrations?
• What is the process during the design phase?
• Who supervises their construction?
• How long have their subcontractors been working with them?
• Who will you be working with during construction?
• Will this person have the authority to make final decisions?
• What is their process for communication?

4. Request a list of references of homeowners, suppliers, subcontractors and consultants such as designers/architects and engineers.

5. Suggested questions to ask those homeowners who are used as references:

• How accessible was the remodeler?
• Was the home completed when promised?
• Did the remodeler stay within your budget?
• Did the remodeler follow the plans and specifications?
• Were there any surprises such as excessive change orders?
• How did the remodeler charge for change orders?
• Were the allowances that were provided adequate?
• Was follow up on warranty work been completed in a timely manner?
• Have all mechanical systems (i.e., air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical) functioned satisfactorily?
• Is the home energy efficient (utility bills)?
• Why did you choose this remodeler?
• Would you use this remodeler again?
• Would you refer this remodeler to a family member?
• Was the remodeler congenial?
• Were you living in your home while the remodeler was doing the work?
• Was the remodeler sensitive to your space and did they clean up after themselves?

6. Suggested questions for suppliers and subcontractors:

• How long have you worked with the remodeler?
• Does he pay his bills in a timely manner?
• Is the remodeler organized?
• Does the remodeler use quality products?
• Does the remodeler supervise jobs closely?

7. Suggested questions for architects and engineers:

• How long have you worked with the remodeler?
• Does the remodeler follow your plans?
• Who develops specifications, you or the remodeler
• Does the remodeler make assumptions or ask questions when in doubt?

8. Once you have narrowed down the list of remodeler, tour their homes during all phases of construction. Some of the things to look for when touring the homes (either under construction or complete) are:

• Does framing appear plumb, level, and tight?
• Is the wire inside the house made of copper?
• Where new construction has been done, does the remodeler install drainage planes, do proper water proofing and flashings?
• Are heating and air conditioning ducts all flex or are there ridged trunk lines with short flex runs?
• Is a major brand of air conditioning being used and what is the Seer?
• What brand of windows are being used?
• What style trim is being used?
• What style of cabinets are being used?
• Are they all wood construction or are they solid wood on the outside and particle board on the inside?
• What is the style of doors and type of hinges?
• How tall are the upper cabinets and how are they trimmed at the top and sides?
• Do the cabinets have any special features?
• Are the lower cabinets all shelves or are there pull out shelves and multiple drawers?
• What brand of appliances is being used and what items are considered standard?
• Examine the style and quantity of lighting being provided i.e., can light, surface mount and dimmers.
• What types and quality of floor covering are being provided?
• Look at the quality of the paint job; examine the finish on the wood work.
• Look for other quality features that the remodeler might provide.
• Observe the organization of the job. Do things seem to be under control?
• What is the condition of the job site as the job nears completion?
• What Green and Sustainable materials were used?

Take the time to do your homework up front. It may take you extra time but the time you take up front will more than pay off in the long run. Only after you have done your leg work should you retain your Remodeler. With your remodeler put your team together at the very beginning of your project. Bidding three Remodelers against each other isn’t the test of getting the best end product, unless you are going for cheap. Since we all know that we can’t get something for nothing, cheap in the end is usually the most expensive because of the challenge created. The best advice you can receive to create the best project: bring your team together at the very beginning; establish a budget; have everyone work together to create your vision as close as possible, within the set budget.