Call Us Today! (518) 399-1891

Monthly Archives: April 2014

Building a Home

Source: HUD

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/res/respamor.cfm

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/mps/mhsmpsp.cfm

If you want to build a new home, there are a number of things you need to know before you begin. HUD, the Housing and Urban Development Authority, is an excellent resource for homeowners to learn about property rights and other legal matters.

MPS Supplementing Model Building Codes

The Minimum Property Standards (MPS) establish certain minimum standards […]

Alternative Buildings

Alternative Home Designs

Geodesic domes are perhaps the most well-known of the alternative home designs. Developed in the 1940s by Buckminster Fuller, these domes became a favorite of the counter-culture during the 1960s. The almost spherical shape keeps materials at a minimum, reducing costs while maximizing space, and also serves to make them extremely sturdy. […]

Foreclosures

Foreclosure homes and other properties are becoming an increasingly attractive option for both future homeowners and investors. Most homes are sold ‘as is’ by banks or other mortgage holders and are usually priced significantly below the average of similar homes on the market. Some foreclosed homes are in relatively good condition while others can […]

FHA Rehabilitation

FHA Guidelines for Rehabilitating a Home

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), administers various single family mortgage insurance programs. These programs operate through FHA-approved lending institutions which submit applications to have the property appraised and have the buyer’s credit approved. These lenders fund the […]

Red Flags

18 Red Flags To Look For Before Calling the Home Inspector

1) Brown stains on the ceiling.
A possible indication of a past or current leak. Water travels; so don’t assume that the source of the leak is directly above the stain. Water could be coming in from the roof.

2) Mildew smell in the basement.
A sign […]

Glossary of terms

Here is a quick overview of terms used in this guide and that you’ll need to know as you gather information about your home heating and cooling options.

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP
A heating-cooling unit that transfers heat in either direction between the air outside a home and the indoors.

AIR SUPPLY FOR COMBUSTION
The air that a […]

What is a Home Energy Audit?

An energy audit is an assessment of a home, building, or business that measures how much energy is being consumed, any existing problems where energy is lost, and recommendations of things that can be corrected  to increase efficiency, thus saving you money over time. This may be done by a professional using infrared cameras […]

Residential Foundation Insulation

Introduction

Homes being constructed today are more energy efficient than those built even just a few years ago, primarily due to significant improvements in building products and techniques as well as development of high-performance heating and cooling systems and other appliances. However, the benefits of foundation insulation are often overlooked. Heat loss from an uninsulated, […]

10 Ways to Save Energy in the Winter

There are many ways to conserve energy in the cold winter months. This not only helps our budget, but also the environment.

1.Make sure that registers and air ducts are not blocked by furniture or other debris. This can cause poor heat circulation and the furnace to work harder, using more electricity and creating extra […]

Remedies to Indoor Air Quality Problems

Living Areas

Paneling, pressed-wood furniture and cabinetry. These products may release formaldehyde gas. Remedy: Ask about formaldehyde content before buying furniture or cabinets. Some types of pressed-wood products, such as those with phenol resin, emit less formaldehyde. Also, products coated with polyurethane or laminates may reduce formaldehyde emissions. After installation, open windows. Maintain moderate temperature […]