DV Wise Inc is a Certified Green Professional Builder

NAHB has petitioned the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to rethink a new “interpretive rule” that changes the accepted definition of a showerhead and limits the usefulness of additional hand-held devices designed to improve a shower’s accessibility for the elderly or disabled.

With the new interpretation, the allowable gallons-per-minute flow applies to the entire shower stall, rather than individual showerheads.

“DOE said the change is intended to improve water efficiency, which is a goal we support. Unfortunately, the solution goes too far,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones.

“Most people want to stay in their homes as they get older, so it’s very important to be able to identify and then remove any barriers within the home that can restrict these older home owners’ ability to live independently,” Jones said. “Modifying a traditional shower stall with a single showerhead by adding a flexible hose is one such improvement.”

Similar modifications — included in NAHB’s Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation — are also helpful for the disabled or others who take seated showers.

Created in partnership with AARP, CAPS provides a curriculum and educational designation for remodelers and designers serving the “baby boomer” population. More than 4,000 housing professionals have now earned the designation.

Under DOE’s proposed definition, a shower with two showerheads — each with fully pressure-controlled and anti-scald control valves and individual shutoffs that are easily accessible from both inside and outside the shower stall — would not work effectively under the new definition because the total amount of water pressure would have to be split between the two heads.

The rule potentially bans the installation of spa-style showers and similar features popular with many new home buyers — limiting consumer choice, but not necessarily saving water.

“DOE would have to come up with a ruling regarding the number of showers people are allowed to take and how many minutes they can last — and I don’t think the agency is prepared to go that far, for good reason,” Jones added.

“Had the agency gone through the typical notice-and-comment process in which manufacturers, suppliers, builders and consumers have an opportunity to review and offer suggestions for improvement — DOE might have addressed these concerns in a more equitable and informed manner,” Jones said.

DOE may review comments submitted by NAHB, plumbing and fixture firms and other advocacy groups, but it is not required to consider them in its final decision.

Source: NAHB

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Meanwhile, panelist Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said he expects solid job growth to help buoy the housing recovery. He is anticipating average monthly job gains of 125,000 this year, 250,000 in 2011 and 300,000 in 2012. He also pegs GDP growth at 3% this year, approximately 4% in 2011 and close to 5% in 2012. Our other panelist, Macroeconomic Advisers President Chris Varvares, had a somewhat more optimistic outlook than Zandi, saying that GDP will rise 3.7% this year and that annual housing starts will hit about 1.2 million by year-end 2011. All of the panelists agreed that the Federal Reserve will likely maintain interest rates near rock-bottom levels through the end of this year, that the chance of a double-digit recession is fairly remote, and that policymakers will need to take action within the next two years to increase revenues and cut spending in order to keep the housing and economic recovery on track. For detailed coverage of the forecast conference, please see our press release and the next edition of Nation’s Building News Online. Contact: MondayMorningQuestions@nahb.org. 

Source:  NAHB

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Although the original bill did pass with the Merkley language included and was signed into law two days later, the House and Senate began immediate consideration of a reconciliation package (H.R. 4872) that included language secured by NAHB that effectively eliminates the Merkley provision in the new health care law. The reconciliation package was approved late in the evening on March 25 and is expected be signed by the President soon. Although NAHB remains concerned about other provisions contained in the new health care law, the removal of the Merkley provision’s direct attack on the construction industry is a good development in an otherwise highly politicized and controversial piece of legislation. Going forward, a thorough analysis of the new law’s impacts on NAHB members will be forthcoming soon; also stay tuned for a more complete update in Nation’s Building News and at the upcoming Spring Board of Directors Meeting. Send questions to MondayMorningQuestions@nahb.org

www.dvwise.com

DV Wise Inc, Denver North Carolina, custom home builders

As the economy begins to stabilize, homeowners are still spending on outdoor living and landscape architecture, but they’re forgoing many of the bells and whistles that became fashionable during the housing boom and instead are refocusing on the basics, according to a recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). ASLA surveyed residential landscape architects about their perception of the popularity of various outdoor living and landscape features and elements for 2010.

Nearly 95 percent of the survey respondents rated outdoor living spaces such as kitchens and entertaining areas as somewhat or very popular this year. Overall, the market for residential landscape design has dropped significantly, according to Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, the organization’s executive vice president, but there is still plenty of demand from clients who need to sell their homes and are looking for any way to differentiate their properties from the many others on the market. Upscale residential landscape design hasn’t paused, however, Somerville notes. High-end homeowners are still requesting outdoor living and landscape design as much as ever.

Creating outdoor living and entertaining spaces is still popular, but a lack of ready financing means that homeowners are changing their approach to projects. “The real difference is that people are looking at ways to economize on what they’re doing,” Somerville says. “We’re seeing people scaling back or doing bigger projects in increments.”

While classic outdoor living elements such as dining and seating areas (according to 95.6 percent of survey respondents), grills (94.4 percent), lighting (93.4 percent), and fire pits or fireplaces (94 percent) remain very popular, interest in elements such as outdoor sinks (50 percent), refrigerators (52.8 percent), and showers (36.5 percent), as well as high-tech systems such as outdoor televisions (35.6 percent) and stereo systems (57 percent) has declined overall. Other outdoor living elements rated somewhat or very popular for 2010 include:
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Installed seating such as benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps, and boulders (90.6 percent);

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Weatherized outdoor furniture (77 percent);

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Counter space (73.5 percent).

Many types of water features will still be popular this year, including decorative elements such as ornamental pools, waterfalls, grottoes, water runnels and bubblers (86.8 percent); hot tubs and indoor/outdoor saunas (79 percent); and swimming pools (72.4 percent), the survey found. However, other recreational amenities such as sport courts are reportedly much less popular.
Somerville notes that the back-to-basics attitude among residential landscape design clients is driven in part by economic concerns—from financing to return on investment—but it’s also partly due to a desire for lower-maintenance features and the growing interest in sustainability.

The residential landscape architects surveyed indicated high interest among homeowners in landscaping and garden elements that require less maintenance and consume less water overall (94 percent), contribute to a household’s sustainability, and even supplement a household’s food needs. Many of the strategies for creating a low-cost, low-maintenance landscape deliver dual benefits, because they also contribute to a more sustainable landscape. Sixty-seven percent of surveyed practitioners also said that organically managed gardens will be somewhat or very popular this year. Other highly popular landscape and garden elements include plantings of native flora (83.9 percent) and vegetable gardens/orchards and vineyards (78.5 percent).

Other sustainable landscape design elements that will be somewhat or very popular in 2010 are:
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Drip or other water-efficient irrigation systems (85 percent);

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Native, adapted, or drought-tolerant plants (85 percent);

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Reduced grassy lawn areas (73.9 percent);

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Permeable paving (72.5 percent);

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Recycled landscaping materials (68 percent);

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Rainwater or graywater harvesting systems (64 percent).

Although they have been affected by the economic downturn, landscape architects luckily haven’t been hit as hard as many of the other design and construction industry segments, according to Somerville. The diversity within their practices tends to mean they can focus on planning services when demand for landscape design and construction is low. Also, landscape architecture tends to trail declines in the larger design and construction segments, to experience less dramatic declines, and to recover before building design and construction, notes Somerville. Landscape architecture’s recovery will be slow and gradual, mirroring the recovery of the broader economy, she adds.

ASLA offers several tips for designing resource-efficient, low-maintenance residential gardens and landscapes on its website.

By Stephani L. Miller

Source: residential architect online
Publication date: March 16, 2010

http://www.residentialarchitect.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=275&articleID=1226434&artnum=1

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For decades, ICC and ASHRAE have worked to develop codes and standards that become the industry standard of care for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of residential and commercial buildings in the United States and internationally. In coordination with the efforts of ICC and ASHRAE, USGBC has been leading a nationwide green building movement centered on the LEED Green Building Rating System since LEED was launched in 2000. The convergence of these efforts in the IGCC is perhaps the most significant development in the buildings industry in the past 10 years.
Leveraging ICC’s unrivaled delivery infrastructure to reach all 50 states and more than 22,000 local jurisdictions and ASHRAE, USGBC and IES’s technical strengths, this partnership will accelerate the proliferation of green building codes and standards developed jointly by ICC, ASHRAE and USGBC and IES, across the country and around the globe. The newly launched IGCC establishes a previously unimaginable regulatory framework for the construction of high-performance, commercial buildings that are safe, sustainable and by the book.
A landmark addition to the technical content of the IGCC is the inclusion of ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, as an alternate path of compliance. Standard 189.1 is a set of technically rigorous requirements, which like the IGCC, covers criteria including water use efficiency, indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, materials and resource use, and the building’s impact on its site and its community. Standard 189.1 was written by experts representing all areas of the building industry, who contributed tens of thousands of man hours. Developed in a little over three years, the standard underwent four public reviews in which some 2,500 comments were received.
“The emergence of green building codes and standards is an important next step for the green building movement, establishing a much-needed set of baseline regulations for green buildings that is adoptable, usable and enforceable by jurisdictions,” said ICC Chief Executive Officer Richard P. Weiland. “The IGCC provides a vehicle for jurisdictions to regulate green for the design and performance of new and renovated buildings in a manner that is integrated with existing codes as an overlay, allowing all new buildings to reap the rewards of improved design and construction practices.”
“Bringing together the code expertise of ICC with technical expertise of ASHRAE to create a comprehensive green building code will accelerate our transformation to more sustainable building practices,” Gordon Holness, ASHRAE president, said. “ASHRAE is committed to providing the design guidance building designers and engineers need to reduce the energy consumption of buildings.”
“The U.S. Green Building Council’s mission is market transformation and we’ve long recognized the need to reach beyond the market leaders served by LEED to accomplish this goal,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council.
“Broadening the scope of the codes and establishing a higher floor allows us to continue to raise the ceiling, a critical factor in how the building industry is working to mitigate climate change. We are thrilled to see this set of complementary green building codes and standards; our organizations working collaboratively will advance green building nationwide in a way that was never before possible. ”
“IES is pleased to support the collaborative efforts of the organizations which demonstrate expertise in code and technical standards development in this comprehensive green building code,” said Rita Harrold, IES Director of Technology. “IES looks forward to ongoing guidance for sustainable building practices.”
On Monday, March 15, ASHRAE, IES and USGBC will join ICC at its Washington, D.C., headquarters as they and their co-authors (the American Institute of Architects and the American Society for Testing Materials) launch the IGCC. On Monday, Standard 189 .1 and the IGCC will be available for wide distribution, providing much-needed content, code language, and vision for more safe and sustainable future. The organizations are also working together to advance related education and advocacy efforts to promote adoption, enforcement and compliance with the IGCC codes that will pave the way for green buildings and neighborhoods, while creating jobs and strengthening the economy.
For more information on IGCC: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/IGCC/Pages/default.aspx and on Standard 189.1: www.ashrae.org/greenstandard.
——————————————————————————–

About ICC
The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. The International Codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States
About USGBC
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
With a community comprising 80 local affiliates, more than 18,500 member companies and organizations, and more than 140,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs. www.usgbc.org
About ASHRAE
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 51,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education. www.ashrae.org
About IES
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) is the recognized technical authority on illumination. For over 100 years; its objective has been to communicate information on all aspects of good lighting practice to its members, to the lighting community, and to consumers, through a variety of programs, publications, and services.
IES is a forum for the exchange of ideas and information, and a vehicle for its members’ professional development and recognition. Through technical committees, with hundreds of qualified individuals from the lighting and user communities, IES correlates research, investigations, and discussions to guide lighting professionals and lay persons via consensus-based lighting recommendations. www.ies.org

http://www.housingzone.com/probuilder/article/ca6722739.html?nid=2469&rid=6397697

News Release
March 11, 2010
HousingZone
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MOORESVILLE, NC -<September 28, 2009>-  The North Carolina Home Builders Association announced the winners of the annual STARS Awards, an awards program that honors the achievements of home building industry professionals. More than 250 industry professionals from across North Carolina representing over 64 associations gathered in Charlotte September 16 for the awards gala.

Winners received recognition in categories such as marketing and advertising, Web design, landscape design, interior merchandising, architecture/floor plans and special projects. Awards were also given to local home builders associations. 

From the Lake Norman area, the  STARS Awards Winners went to

Best Single Family Detached Home with a sales price over $1 million and under 5,000 square feet, DV Wise, Inc., Tom Wise, President, for the Davidson Run Lane residence.

Best Single Family Detached “Green” Home with a sales price $500,000 – $1 million

Schreiner Custom Homes, Steve Schreiner, President, for the Mountain Cove Drive residence

Best Single Family Detached “Green” Home with a sales price over $1 million

LKN Properties, LLC, Brian Robinett, President, for Villa Cerretta

Best Whole House Renovation under $500,000

Roger Layman Architecture, Roger Layman, President, for the renovation of a 1920s mill cottage in Davidson, NC

Best Whole House Renovation, $500,000 and over

Advanced Renovations Inc., Duane Johns, President for their Lake House transformation in Mooresville, NC

Best Kitchen Renovation

International Kitchen and Bath, Inc., Lisa Carlay

Best Home Addition

Perry Interior Design, Kerri Perry, for “The Ultimate Man Cave”

Best Educational Effort (Small to Midsize HBA)

Lake Norman Home Builders Association for Lake Norman University, Sandra Wallace, Member Services Director.

Best HBA Member Communication-Single Piece or Campaign (Small to Midsize HBA)

Lake Norman HBA, Sandra Wallace, Member Services Director, for their Super Heroes membership campaign

Best HBA Government Affairs Initiative (Small to Midsize HBA)

Lake Norman HBA for their “Fix Housing First” State of the Industry Luncheon, Larry Airey, Executive Officer.

The Lake Norman Home Builders Association’s mission is to promote, inspire, and safeguard integrity in the building industry for the enrichment of our community. The association represents 200 builder members and 300 associate members who live and work within the Lake Norman community.

Lake Norman Home Builders Association is located at 836-D Williamson Road, Mooresville, NC  28117. Tel: 704.664.5622, Fax: 704.664.0290.

www.DVWise.com

Davidson college, although small, is one of the top academic institutes in NC, and enroll students from across the nation. The pristine environment surrounding the college is relaxing and stress free, with a large amount of traffic being on foot or bicycle.

New homes are being built in Davidson, but the major interest seems to be in purchasing and renovating the historic structures currently in place. Restoring a home is dramatically different from building one. The restoration process is slow and expensive, this is not a process for those with little patience or small budgets. The end results from restoring a home in historic Davidson, NC is immeasurable, with style and functionality being the forefront of the home.

Historically beautiful Davidson, NC has many peaceful summer evenings to offer a family, just ask those already enjoying the peacefulness.

DV Wise

Memorial Day is a nationally recognized holiday, for those brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom and rights. Recently, a WWII veteran was welcomed into the most peaceful and everlasting resting place. His bravery and courage, in the defense of our country, has been recognized by senators, congressmen, governors and all military personal.

This day is for him, and all those like him, so as we enjoy a warm summer breeze, cool lemonade, watching our children playing in the sun, and all the beauties of summer, remember to thank those that made all of this possible.

Thank you Doug, rest peacefully my friend.

DV Wise

Insulation

The insulation in the walls of your Lake Norman home may have settled, leaving large uninsulated areas where cool air can easily escape, increasing your energy bill. These areas can be refilled with insulation, without any damage to your walls or home.

Windows

Old windows may not be very energy efficient, even if they are double paned windows. Homes that have settled, or the lumber used to build it, cured and shrank, can cause gaps between the window and the window frame. The gaps need to be caulked with a weather resistant, non-shrinking caulk.

Doors

Exterior doors are the most energy wasting areas of a home. Doors take a beating from the heat, cold and wind from our Lake Norman weather, causing them to warp, shrink, or deteriorate over time. Few of these exterior doors are repairable; most probably need to be replaced. A top quality exterior door is expensive, but can easily pay for itself in energy savings.

Central Air Units

Older homes may have units that use much more energy than necessary, or may not be capable of cooling your home during our long hot summer days. A HVAC professional can evaluate your unit and its efficiency.

There are numerous methods that can be implemented to reduce your monthly energy bill; these suggestions are only a few of the many that can save you money.

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We have built numerous custom homes using Frank Betz plans. They are preferred by many of the top home builders across the nation. Their high quality standards exceed expectations even from the home owner.

Here is a direct quote from the Frank Betz website:

“Since 1976 Frank Betz Associates, Inc. has specialized in custom and stock home plans. FBA has developed an unsurpassed reputation as a leading provider of home plans. With more than 100 years combined experience, our team of expert’s design trend setting, award winning home plans for builders, developers and consumers alike. At Frank Betz Associates, Inc. it is our goal to create home plans that set the highest standards in residential design and support those products with unparalleled customer service.”

DV Wise Incorporated is proud to be associated with the Frank Betz team!