Parrish Construction

Archive for the ‘Green Building Topics’ Category

2/3 Window Wonderland FAQ: I’m selecting new windows for my home, but I’m confused by all the acronyms–for what appear to be rating systems. Can you help me sort out all the ‘E’s and ‘U’s?

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 Posted in Construction Terms, Energy-Saving Tips, FAQ, Green Building Topics, Heating/Cooling, Insulation, Materials- Construction, Summer, Windows & Doors, Winter | No Comments »

A: Energy Star Acronym Guide for Windows, Doors and Skylights. In the EnergyStar standards set by the DOE and EPA for windows, doors and skylights, requirements change with the latitude. In the northern areas of the U.S., energy concerns are to ...

1/3 Window Wonderland FAQ: I want to save energy in my home by purchasing new windows. Generally, what sort of things should I consider regarding energy efficiency?

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 Posted in Energy-Saving Tips, FAQ, Green Building Topics, Heating/Cooling, Materials- Construction, Summer, Windows & Doors, Winter | No Comments »

A: The salesman says the windows he’s selling are energy efficient. Probably true, but the question you should be asking is: are they the right kind of energy efficiency for the climate where you live and your particular home and ...

Seeing Things “In a New Light”

Sunday, September 4th, 2011 Posted in Electrical, Energy-Saving Tips, Green Building Topics, Lighting | No Comments »

  The average American home has had electric light fixtures for about 90 years.  The simple act of turning on the lights is becoming more complex. Now we have to consider the choice of LED, fluorescent or (for a little while longer) incandescent. Technology has changed ...

Greening Your Home: Consider the Source

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 Posted in Flooring, Green Building Topics, Materials- Construction, Remodels/Additions, Roofing/Ceilings, Safety Hazards | No Comments »

© Snehitdesign | Dreamstime.comWe've all seen the infomercials and heard the warnings about toxic environmental hazards like asbestos and lead paint.  Staying educated about green building materials can protect not only the environment outside, but it can also create a ...

Q- Why Does a “Green” Home Cost More?

Monday, August 1st, 2011 Posted in Building Codes/Regulations, Building Trends, Construction Costs, Costs, Green Building Topics, Materials- Construction, ROI, Safety Hazards | No Comments »

A- It’s true that green houses can, but not always, cost more. Going green means several things, looking at products that are low in toxicity, products that are created with minimal impact, and sustainably produced, and with a responsible disposal. Because ...

Be Water Wise: Conserving Water in your Home

Sunday, May 1st, 2011 Posted in Bathrooms, Energy-Saving Tips, Flood, Flooding, Green Building Topics, Landscaping | No Comments »

The planet’s surface is more than 70% water but the actual usable water on the planet is about 2%.    With the burgeoning population, water is an issue and water usage in the home is a big demand.  Lowering water uses ...

Q- It’s Fall and will start to freeze soon at night. What can I do to prevent frozen pipes?

Saturday, October 9th, 2010 Posted in Advice to Clients, Basements, DIY Home Improvements, Energy-Saving Tips, Fall, FAQ, Flooding, Freezing Temp. Problems, Frozen Pipes, Heating/Cooling, Insulation, Plumbing, Spring, Timely Home Upgrades, Ventilation, Winter, YouTube Videos/"Larry on the Level" | No Comments »

A--As we all settle in for the upcoming Winter, it is worthwhile to consider one aspect of the new season that is not pleasant—frozen water pipes. Whether you are new to our climate or a “seasoned” veteran, a review of ...

Personalize Your Home to Meet Your Changing Needs

Monday, June 14th, 2010 Posted in Aging-in-Place & Handicap Mobility, Building Trends, Design Tips, Green Building Topics, Historic Homes, Landscaping, Timely Home Upgrades | 2 Comments »

By Larry Parrish- CR, CGR, CAPS, GACP    Don’t be moved by age. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age-in-place, meaning to live at home safely, independently and comfortably.    With Universal Design principals, this has ...

A Stitch in Time

Monday, May 24th, 2010 Posted in Basements, Energy-Saving Tips, Flooding, Heating/Cooling, Money-Saving Tips, Safety Hazards, Timely Home Upgrades | 2 Comments »

By Annette Parrish- Vice President   We recently proved the old adage “a stitch in time saves nine”. For weeks our hot water has been coming out of the faucets looking like weak tea and there was a dried rust stain under ...

Keeping Your Cool

Thursday, May 20th, 2010 Posted in Energy-Saving Tips, Heating/Cooling, Seasonal Considerations, Spring, Summer, Timely Home Upgrades | No Comments »

By Larry Parrish- President, CR, CGR, CAPS, GACP       [caption id="attachment_1919" align="alignright" width="243" caption="This ceiling fan helps cool a child's bedroom with vaulted ceilings, where the top bunk usually feels warm"][/caption] Colorado’s climate is just about perfect isn’t it? And it doesn’t get ...
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