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The Builder In You

Home Building & Remodeling Advice
for Owner Builders

Insurance for Owner-Builders

December 13th, 2007

When you are an Owner-builder, there’s a bevy of things going on. You’ll have money tied up in materials, you’ll be hiring subcontractor after subcontractor, and you usually have a lender overlooking your every move. One of the most important things you can do before starting any remodeling or new home construction project is to explore the requirements and legalities involved in properly insuring you and your project. Read the rest of this entry »

Paint - It’s What’s Inside That Counts!

December 13th, 2007

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with paint. We love the results, yet we hate the process. It’s true that nothing can lighten, brighten, or dramatically change a room like a fresh coat of paint. The good news is that with the right tools, the right colors, and the right plan, you might actually enjoy the process as much as you do the completed project!

The hardest part is picking the paint. Color is everything and picking the right one can be tough. Here are some things to think about when choosing paint colors and finishes: Read the rest of this entry »

Energy Star and Energy Guide Labels

November 21st, 2007

When looking for appliances, one of the many factors you may take into consideration is the ongoing operational costs. The Federal Trade Commission has established the Appliance Labeling Rule which requires manufacturers of certain appliances to place the easily recognized yellow and black Energy Guide Label on most home appliances (except ranges and ovens). The label provides an estimate of the appliance’s energy consumption and annual operating cost. It also shows the highest and lowest energy consumption estimates for similar models. This allows for an easy comparison between models you may by considering. Read the rest of this entry »

Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use

November 21st, 2007

If you want to know more about how energy efficient your appliances are, the U.S. Department of Energy has provided a great resource for estimating your electricity loads and the resulting operating costs. Read the rest of this entry »

Local Moves - DIY Style!

November 21st, 2007

Even when you’re just moving across town, the anticipation of a new home and new neighbors can become pretty stressful when combined with the long list of to do items that suddenly surface. The best advice for your move? Be aware of the process ahead of time and follow these steps: Read the rest of this entry »

Long Distance Moves - Plan Ahead!

November 21st, 2007

While the excitement of a new home and a new community can often ease some of the stress associated with relocating, the long list of to do items that suddenly surface during the process can quickly become overwhelming. The best advice for your move? Be aware of the process ahead of time and follow the steps shown below. Read the rest of this entry »

What Are the 4 Basic Elements of Green Building?

October 11th, 2007

Green building is more than the actual construction of your home, though that is a big part of the process. It is a beginning to end process which begins with the selection of your land, the design of your dream home, the materials and practices used during construction and finally, how you operate and maintain your dream home once it is completed. Tell your UBuildIt Consultant this is how you want to plan and build your dream home and they can help you from start to finish. You can incorporate as many or as few of these elements into your home’s design as you choose.

You decide how “Green” you want to be. Read the rest of this entry »

Ten Things To Think About When Buying Land

October 8th, 2007

Buying land for your dream home is a big investment for you and your family. While you might use a real estate professional to help you find just the right piece of land, there are 10 things you will want to take into consideration when looking at each property. As you review each of these elements, your UBuildIt Construction Consultant can be a great help in determining their impact on your project. Read the rest of this entry »

Top 7 Reasons to Build Your Own Home

September 7th, 2007

When you compare the process of buying a home that adequately fits your needs with building a home that truly satisfies your needs, it’s easy to see why building is simply better. And aside from the dramatic sense of accomplishment, there are many reasons to consider taking the lead on such a task. We’ll list a few of the more timely ones here. Read the rest of this entry »