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Two Steps Back for NM Green Building Codes

Joe — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:12:11 +0000

Too bad our governor thinks green building codes and credits are bad for business. Seems like shortsighted thinking to us.
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/State-looking-to-rollback-tough-building-codes

More details from the SEA

- Solar Supporters -

NMSEA ACTION ALERT !!!

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE at the end of this message
Or contact us with questions & comments. We value your input!

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The Martinez Administration is planning to roll back the NM Energy Efficiency Building Code which was approved (after a lengthy and very open process) in 2010, which had a very high level of public support, and which is scheduled to go into effect this July.

Please consider the info below, and take a moment before the end of this week to mail or fax your opinion to the NM Construction Industries Commission.

Points to keep in mind:

1) the average $13 per month savings being quoted in the media is net – ie after including the costs associated with meeting the new code. A major argument from the Martinez faction is that the cost of meeting the code will be greater than the $13/mo saved – a gross & deliberate distortion of the facts.

2) the new code included specific provisions dealing with classic NM architectural innovations and practices. It doesn’t include everything that we would have liked, but it’s a whole lot better than the alternative.

3) the Martinez administration’s rollback strategy has been to “clean house” at the Construction Industries Commission and then ram this change thru before “the public” has time to react. Public hearings are required by statute, so they were scheduled immediately after the Memorial Day weekend – ie to make it as hard as possible for the “opposition” to get organized. This is clearly an inside hatchet job, as opposed to the long and very public process of creating the new energy code specifications in the first place.

4) the Albuquerque Journal published their own editorial on 5/22 supporting this rollback – and using the same misleading arguments ie that costs weren’t considered the first time around, and that the new rules will kill jobs.

5) The Albuquerque Journal has accepted an op-ed by NMSEA VP Gary Vaughn opposing the rollback, which will be published in their “green building” focus section on Tuesday May 31. If any of you want to submit op-ed pieces, better do so ASAP. The bad news is that such a late publishing date will make it difficult for readers to register their opinions with the CIC before “the deadline”.

6) The CIC is required to tally “official” public comments – ie comments that follow their specific rules. That means statements made at the public hearings, and written statements made by mail or by FAX. Emails and any communication with individual commissioners can be ignored at will. So it’s important to mail or FAX your opinion to the CIC at the “official” address or FAX number listed below. And note that comments must be received by 5PM on June 2 – otherwise they’ll simply be ignored. There’s no real need to justify your opinion – all that they will be tallying is Yea or Nay for rolling back the code. The final tally is not legally binding – but it’s the only form of leverage that we have.

7) if you can make the formal hearings, or encourage others to do so, please do that. A big pro-efficiency turn out will make the news and add to the pressure to stop the rollback.

there’s only one week left to “act” – and that includes the long holiday weekend.

9) the bottom line is that the current efficiency code – set to go into effect in July – will have a bigger beneficial effect on NM’s future energy use than any other recent energy related initiative – including our hoped-for “dream” revision of passive solar adobe building codes and incentives, the consequences of PNM’s temporarily delayed PV grid-tied interconnect rider, and the combined effect of our last 11 Solar Fiestas.

STATE OF NEW MEXICO

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES DIVISION

of the
Regulation and Licensing Department

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

Public hearings on the proposed changes to the following CID Rules: NMAC 14.7.6 2009 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code;NMAC 14.8.2 2009 New Mexico Plumbing Code; NMAC 14.9.2 2009 New Mexico Mechanical Code; and,NMAC 14.10.4 2008 New Mexico Electrical Code, will be held as follows:

* June 2, 2011, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: FARMINGTON – McGee Park Convention Center, #41 Road 5568, Bloomfield Hwy
* June 2, 2011, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: ROSWELL, NM – City Council Chambers, 421 N. Richardson
* June 2, 2011, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: LAS CRUCES, NM – Las Cruces Administrative Offices, 505 South Main Street, Suite 249, Conference Room A
* June 2, 2011, 9:00 pm – 12:00 pm: ALBUQUERQUE, NM – CID Conference Room: 5200 Oakland Avenue, NE

Copies of the proposed rules are currently available on the Construction Industries Division’s website: www.rld.state.nm.us/cid and at the CID office in Santa Fe. You are invited to attend and express your opinion on these proposed rules changes. If you cannot attend the meeting, you may send your written comments to the Construction Industries Division, 2550 Cerrillos Road, P.O. Box 25101, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504, Attention: Public Comments. FAX (505) 476-4685.

All comments must be received no later than 5 pm, on June 2, 2011.
If you require special accommodations to attend the hearing, please notify the Division by phone, email or fax, of such needs no later than May 27, 2011. Telephone: 505-476-4686. Email: www.rld@state.nm.us/cid Fax No. 505-476-4685

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NEW MEXICO SOLAR ENERGY ASSOCIATION
1009 Bradbury Dr. SE, # 35, Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-246-0400, 888-886-6765, Fax: 505-246-2251
info@nmsea.org www.nmsea.org

Homebuilding Reality TV show to film in Santa Fe

Joe — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:31:41 +0000

This was a letter we received in our inbox. This is a great opportunity for our homebuilders. Let us know if you want to apply.

My name is Grayson and I am writing from Atlas Media Corp and the DIY Network. I am in the process of casting a show for DIY entitled “Ultimate Home Builders,” a documentary series following the build of 13 homes from the ground up. I’m writing this e-mail to see if you might be interested in taking part in the series. We are looking to film a build that will be breaking ground in the next month, with the length of the project lasting around about 5 months.

In terms of a time commitment, we would send a film crew out to cover key parts of the build about 5 or 6 times during the length of construction. We would also want to do a couple of interviews with you and the homeowner. While we are not able to compensate you for your time, it would be a great advertising and publicity opportunity to be featured on a show that demonstrates the positives of homebuilding.

This is a legitimate television show, which means we are not looking for any sort of money from you. If you have a family in mind that would be interested, then we would like to receive photos of you, the family, as well as a bio giving us a little bit of background about you both. Any information on the house (style, square footage, unique design elements etc) would be much appreciated. Please let me know if you would like any further information on the show and if you are interested in moving forward.

Feel free to check out the DIY Network website http://www.diynetwork.com for a better sense of their programming and viewership.

If you are interested please contact Wise Improvements

Remodel Cost Vs Value In Santa Fe

Joe — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:33:29 +0000

For homeowners one of the most important questions to ask yourself when considering an improvement project (second only to “will I love this?”) is “will this be worth the investment if I ever decide to sell?” This is a daunting question which is not easy to answer. There are so many factors involved including local markets, comps and budget. Luckily for us the Association of Realtors and the Remodellers Council of the National Homebuilders Association (we are members of both) do an annual Cost vs Value report on home improvements, retrofits and remodels.

While Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico do have our own little quirks in this area I think it is a good jumping off point. For example decks, and front door replacements in the mid range category are good performers returning 80.6% and 128.9% on investment respectively. On the higher end remodels replacement of siding (new stucco?) and window replacements (vinyl and wood) performed the best. Check out the full report. It gives average prices for projects and other valuable information. Wise Improvements would love to hear your reaction to this study and your experiences with ROI on improvements and remodels in our local market. If I get enough responses I will post them which may help us all navigate this complex real estate market we all find ourselves in.

Thanks, Joe L.

Finally the US Government Helps Remodelers and Homeowners

Joe — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:43:02 +0000

This is not the entire fix like 2030.org and Mazria’s plan for 4.5 million jobs but it is a start. Apparently it will start with a home energy score program rolled out in ten states. The closest to us will be Eagle county Colorado. We will keep a close eye on this. Then a FHA backed home improvement PowerSaver program. These will be accompanied by a list of skills and guidelines for professionals in doing this kind of work. There is also a SBA program for entrepreneurs looking to get into this field. This is endorsed by the NAHB but they will be tracking it closely to make sure it does not have adverse affects on existing housing stocks and their appraisals. Thanks Joe Biden, Obama, Udall, Bingaman, and Lujan and everyone else that worked on this. Let’s get green retrofitting! For all the information see here.

Doing Business in the Virtual World LIVE Seminars in Albuquerque

Joe — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:19:21 +0000

Wise Improvements has partnered up with Bernadette Vadurro to promote her live seminar Nov 18th and 19th at the Ex-hibit seminar space in Albuquerque. If you want to get ahead with your business in the ever-changing digitally networked world this seminar is for you. You will learn about Blogs, Word Press, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Picassa and all the other free web tools that can help you find new clients and stay in touch with existing ones. It costs $379 for this two day event (lunch is provided). This is a great opportunity for contractors and Real estate Professionals to grow your business and get ahead of the competition. Please contact Wise Improvements directly if you are interested or would like more information.

Green Building Summit and Expo

Joe — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:54:18 +0000

Please join us this weekend for the Green Building Summit and Expo in downtown Santa Fe at the Community Convention Center.

The Summit is for building professionals, appraisers, architects designers and finaciers.

Classes run Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am-4pm. There should be CEU’s available.

The Expo is Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm and is free and open to the public.

to register or for more information please go to

http://greenbuildingsummit.com/

Hope to see you all there

NM Gas Company Energy Efficiency Rebates

Joe — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:55:48 +0000

Check out the NM Gas Company’s Website for rebates ranging from showerheads to new furnaces. This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to save money and lower green house gas emissions. Do a home energy retrofit project before winter, save energy, and get money back directly from NM Gas Co. We can help you by finding a reliable professional.
http://www.nmgco.com/Energy_Efficiency.aspx

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The Low Hanging Fruit. A Place To Start When Remodeling Green

Joe — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:41:46 +0000

by Faren Dancer

www.sundancercreations.com

www.emeraldhomesantafe.com
If you’re looking to do a major renovation on an existing residence, a large menu of possibilities exist for how to green your project. You might look at, not only, potential energy savings and a lower carbon footprint, but an array of healthful and sustainable solutions to add to your ever expanding wish list. Most of us may not be able or willing to tear off the roof, demo the old wing or leave just one wall standing. There are sensible levels of attainment based on what the budget allows.

In our Santa Fe climate a great place to start is your heating system. Your furnace, or boiler if you have radiant heat, can be easily retrofitted with an Energy Star rated unit that can instantly save upwards of 30% on your heating bill. Then one might look to other major appliances. While scanning the horizons of your daily routine, note that refrigerators are notorious energy hogs. Then peak into the laundry where the washers and dryers are gobbling far more BTUs, and water than may be deemed acceptable.

To carry on the theme of saving energy, the next time you catch your reflection in your single pane windows equate their R-Value in the lowest of low, single digits. Unfortunately New Mexico in not one of the 40 states that offer tax incentives or rebates on window retrofits. I do recall the sense of pride that came over me when the state officials scribbled feverishly after I mentioned this at a public hearing.

A modest act of greening might be ripping up the old carpet, with it’s synthetic fiber and years of dirt and dust mites. Then polish up the old satillo tile that lay beneath, or lay down some recycled hardwood, maybe from a demolished barn somewhere in New Mexico. Good old ceramic tile can be relatively inexpensive, doesn’t outgas and maintains thermal mass if not too highly reflective. How long have we been staring at that dated Formica? It wouldn’t be so distasteful if it was colored green, but that’s really seventies man. Let’s look to the future.

Often when we remodel a natural or earthy approach might feel like “back to the future.” Earthy materials like stone, clay tile, recycled wood, adobe, ceramics and clay plasters add warmth and charm. Going the next level, when tackling the kitchen or bath, might be to lose those old cabinets, but refrain from the cheap or easy…formaldehyde free goes a long way when addressing your indoor air quality but certainly a higher hanging approach then simply removing the carpet. For some added flavor you might try tile made of recycled glass, composite countertops from recycled materials or formed concrete, salvaged interior doors, properly placed trees for added cooling in the summer and entertaining the thought of materials being procured within a 500 mile radius of your home.

This feels like the perfect moment to venture back to energy. It’s fairly common knowledge that a well insulated, tight building envelop, complete with your new dual pane, low-e windows (rebate forthcoming), is a fabulous way to be comfortable while saving energy. It is, however, an expensive and interesting challenge to redo that old, poorly installed fiberglass batt insulation, by tearing out all the drywall and blowing in some cellulose.

I recently heard of a local outfit, with some obvious energy consciousness, specializing in re-stuccoing exteriors. You may have opportunity to consider this someday. First, they bring in the spray foam applicator who applies 2’’ of polyurethane to the entire exterior before applying the new stucco. This seals air leakage and adds approximately an R-15 on top of what already exists in the walls. While you’re at it, go ahead, have them redo that needy, old, flat roof. Six inches of foam will do quite nicely. Gee, who ever thought that a tight building envelop could be this much fun!

Let’s see now, we’ve started with the low hanging fruit and got a bit carried away, so now it’s time to rope it back in. Does your toilet have a ring that just won’t go away? It’s the ideal opportunity to switch it out with a brand new, dual flush model. A modest amount of water for number one and the bigger splash for number two. Try one of the new low flow shower heads, replace those aerators in all the faucets, install some rain barrels, plant some drought resistant landscape and bingo! It all adds up to real water savings, relatively painless.

Of course, one of the all time low hangers is paint. But for our next spring freshening let’s go out of our way to use low to no VOCs. Actually, one doesn’t have to travel very far as green is getting a lot of play nowadays. Most all the big paint companies from Sherwin Williams to Dunn Edwards to Home Depot all carry a line of paint that has addressed the issue of volatile organic compounds outgasing into the atmosphere by first finding their way up your nose. Wow, things seem to be smelling better already.

In conclusion, here’s something that everyone might want to consider. It isn’t real cheap, but it’s certainly doable and goes a long way in saving energy, reducing C02 emissions and showing your neighbors you’re up with the times. Give up? Okay, it’s solar hot water. With available state and federal rebates a typical 80 gallon system lands in or around 5k. So when’s the payback? Most money conscious people might ask. Well, here goes. Disabling one C02 spewing conventional tank is like taking one automobile off the road a year or the equivalent of planting an acre of trees, that’s the instant environmental impact. If rolled back into a mortgage refinance the upcharge in the monthly payment is offset by the savings on the gas bill, and keep in mind the price of natural gas is going one direction only. So, show your patriotism, take the leap and go solar sooner than later. The sun will shine down most favorably upon you. This I promise.

P.S. Oops! I almost forgot the lowest hanging fruit of all…compact florescent bulbs (CFLs). With minimal effort and expense, this operation will provide substantial energy savings. Be on the lookout for ways to recycle …these babies do contain mercury.

New Lead Paint RRP rules

Joe — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:46:25 +0000

These videos about the new EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting rules are a must watch for Contractors, Homeowners and Realtors. These are now in effect. Fees a can be as high at $37,000 a day per violation. Need RRP certified renovators, certification classes, and lead inspectors. Call Wise Improvements today!

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/lead-paint/rrp-education-series.aspx

Collect Your Outstanding Debts from Subs and Clients

Joe — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:19:53 +0000

Don't chase after money you are owed

I was turned on to a great website the other day that will send out collection letters FOR FREE for you as if they are from a collection agency to your delinquent subs or clients. The best part is that you retain all the money if they end up paying. It is a cost effective way to remind (nudge) your clients, that might be delinquent on a bill without hiring an agency that keeps up to 40% of the collected amount. Check it out and let us know what you think. This site also has the good concept of setting up a feedback forum so businesses can talk about and hopefully avoid bad clients (like the Better Business Bureau for Businesses)

http://www.businessbeware.biz