Recently in High Efficiency Category

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is working toward a building energy labeling program  -- the Buliding EQ label.

For years, ASHRAE has sought ways to help move the nation's building stock toward net-zero-energy use.

The new Building Energy Quotient program seeks the answers to that question with metrics for measuring both the energy the building is designed to use and the energy actually being consumed. The ASHRAE program is being designed to close the gaps between intention and operation.

ASHRAE
http://buildingeq.com/

Fresh water is a critical resource.  We all use water...and we all can save water.

Some areas are more affected by fresh water shortages than others -- those in arid communities (like southern California) and those whose local water infrastructure is crumbling or inadequate. The issue is bigger than those immediate needs, however.  Climate change is affecting our fresh water distribution patterns...and quantities.  We all can help...starting with conservation.

Replace your toilet with a new low-flow model and cut your water use in half. The toilet is the single largest user of water in the home, accounting for up to 28 percent of water use. Replacing an old toilet with a new model will instantly save water and money -- up to $50 a year. For shopping advice, read "5 Tips for Choosing a Low-Flow Toilet."

Home improvements for a home that you just purchased -- new, old or in between -- are often required before a bank will close on a home loan.  However, it's also possible that additional problem crop up...and that there are less necessary, but highly desired improvements you will want to make upon moving into your newly purchased home.

HUD (US Housing and Urban Development) makes loans available through the HUD 203(k) program to help buyers purchase or refinance a property plus include in the loan the cost of making repairs and improvements.  The FHA insured 203(k) loan is provided through approved mortgage lenders nationwide. 

The downpayment on this type of home improvement loan is approximately 3% of the acquisition and repair costs of the property.

The HUD 203(k) home improvement loan goes through these steps:

1. A potential homebuyer executes a sales contract after doing a feasibility analysis of the property with their real estate agent. The contract should state that the buyer is seeking a 203(k) loan and that the contract is contingent on the home improvement loan based on additional required repairs by the FHA or lender.

2. The homeowner selects an FHA-approved 203(k) lender and prepares a detailed proposal showing hte scope of work and a detailed cost estimate on each repair or improvement.

3.  An appraisal is performed to determine the value of the property after renovation.

4. If the home improvement loan is closed, it will cover the purchase or refinance cost of the property, the remodeling costs and the allowable closing costs.  The home improvement loan will also include a contingency reserve of 10% to 20% of the total remodeling cost to cover any extra work needed.

5. At closing, the seller is paid and the remaining funds are put into escrow to pay for the repairs and home improvements during the rehabilitation project.

6. Mortgage payments and remodeling begin after the loan closes.  Up to six mortgage payments can be put into the cost of rehabilitation if the property will not be occupeid during construction.  Some restrictions apply.

7. Escrow funds are released to the contractor during construction through draw requests for completed work. Restrictions apply.

For a list of lenders who offer the 203(k) Rehabilitation Program, see the 203(k) Lenders List.

Before you undertake a home improvement loan, it is helpful to visit with other people -- friends, relatives or classmates in a home improvement class -- about the ins and outs of caring for a home, selecting a good contractor, and monitoring the work being done on the property.  Helpful advice and tips can be shared that cover your particular weather patterns and the kind of insulation or moisture control improvements that will make your home safe and snug for you and your family. 

Housing is the largest investment a family usually makes in their entire lifetime, and it pays to take your time, do your research, and select your home improvement loan and remodeling contractor carefully.