Not all home renovations are created equally and some will give you more resale value and will help you to save money on your monthly bills.

Start with the Facts

Get a home energy audit so you can see just where the holes in your home’s envelope are. An energy audit is well worth the investment as it will show you exactly where your home-improvement dollars are most needed. You can also do a home energy audit yourself.

Make your Home More Efficient

Make a list of the top seven things that can be done to improve your building envelope. Having an efficient home will help to improve its resale value and reduce your monthly bills.

• Conduct your test on a windy, cool day
• Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas-burning water heaters and furnaces
• Close all openings like windows, doors and flues if you have fireplaces
• Suck the air out of your home by turning on all exhaust fans, dryer vents, bathroom fans, stove fans etc.
• Light a stick of incense and walk slowly from room to room, paying particular attention to places where leaks are common like around windows and electrical outlets
• Smoke that is blown in or sucked out will show you where the leaks are

Rebates and incentives will help you to decide which energy-efficient renovations will give you the best return on your investment. Your local government will provide rebates, tax credits, incentives and coupons for improvements that reduce your energy and water consumption.

Add on a Bedroom

The number of bedrooms a home has dramatically influences the price. Add on an extra bedroom to increase your home’s value. Buyers tend to only look for listings with the number of bedrooms they need, so adding a room here will open up the market for you.

Prospective buyers can also use the added rooms for offices, gyms etc. too many rooms are never the problem that too few may pose.

Make your Home Safer

Nothing is more appealing than a home that is efficient, quiet and safe. Using ICFs is a great way to really increase the value of your home. Insulated Concrete Forms are wall and basement systems that are cost effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

ICF systems have an incredible R-value of R-32 – R-53. Homes built with ICFs are also more adept at withstanding hurricanes and tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and fires.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Prospective homeowners are really attracted to homes which don’t need a kitchen or bathroom renovation. HGTV predicts that homeowners can expect a 60-120% recovery on kitchen renovations and 80-130% by adding another bathroom to homes which only have one.

Keep your renovations simple with good quality fixtures that are in keeping with the rest of the house and the neighborhood.

John Doe – CEO LineThemes

Open it Up

Modern buyers want homes that are light and open. If you have an older home where each room is separate, consider knocking down some of the walls to open the space up. Add new windows, but be sure to invest in energy-efficient models that don’t compromise the efficacy of your home’s envelope.

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First and foremost, 3D printing will improve working conditions

Human issues are the priority. Companies will still need their staff, if only to operate, programme and maintain the machines. Which raises another question on the subject of training, as 3D printing requires a whole new set of skills. Without doubt, some work will be necessary in that respect. 3D printing deserves to be considered as an asset when it comes to working conditions and occupational hazards: 

When we use a robot, whether it’s to print in 3D or to carry heavy loads, above all we’re seeking to reduce the harshness of the working conditions

Bruno Linéatte, R&D Constructive Modes Manager at Bouygues Construction.

Another factor to bear in mind is that the building and public works industry is having trouble recruiting; robots offer the solution by enhancing the building trade and giving it more appeal. One example is the Yhnova trial carried out in Nantes for the on-site construction of a house with a 3D printing system, Batiprint3D^TM: ” We also had discussions with the workers, foremen, etc. who did express some concern, naturally. But they unanimously agreed on one thing: that this is going to make life easier. If we are to successfully introduce robots to building sites, it will be on the basis that they make work more pleasant for humans”, declares Bruno Linéatte.

3D printing in the building industry: new challenges

Today’s reality is that the construction industry isn’t even close to the widespread use of 3D printing. According to a prospective business study on add-on constructions*, add-on manufacturing is only a secondary field for the building and architecture sectors, with 3.2% of the world market. And that field is restricted to trials or complex items that would generate extremely high costs if manufactured by conventional methods. “This is what the aviation and car-making industries are experiencing; their 3D printing applications are operational but are generally used only for the most sophisticated parts.” 

3D printing for the Sagrada Familia

For the time being, 3D printing only promises to make the construction of very complex or artistic buildings easier and less costly than with traditional formwork methods: 

“Its level of productivity makes it viable only in niche markets. One example is the Sagrada Familia whose construction will be finished thanks to the 3D printing of certain components, including the cathedral’s capitals. For such highly complex shapes, this is quicker than traditional methods” 

Bruno Linéatte explains.

But this technology doesn’t make all of our processes obsolete, on the contrary… It’ll be an extremely useful tool which, rather than ruling us, will help us in many ways.

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Your Water Meter Runs Continuously

Leaks can slowly drain your resources and introducing water into your home in places where you won’t see damage until it’s too late. The easiest way to gauge if you have a leak is to read your meter before you leave for work and when you get back home. If there is a difference in the readings while the home is unoccupied, you have a leak.

Start with taps and toilets for obvious leaks. To check your toilet, add some food coloring to the tank. If the food coloring starts to show in the toilet bowl, you know you need to replace your flapper.

Check for water stains on walls and ceilings. Mold and mildew or peeling paint can also indicate a leak.

Detach your hoses to check outside taps for leaks.

There are Water Stains on the Ceiling

In the lower levels of the home, this could indicate a plumbing leak. Check all fixtures and seal the leak. Water in the floor and ceiling can cause mold and mildew and compromise your indoor air quality. Water can also damage floors and ceilings and even compromise structural framing over time.

If the ceilings are stained in the upper floor of the home, this could indicate a roof leak. These are especially prevalent in the winter as ice dams form. When there are gaps in the insulation, heat from inside the home warms portions of the roof and melts the snow. With nowhere to drain, the water pools on the roof and freezes and expands overnight, pushing up under the shingles and causing leaks.

Regularly clean your gutters so water can effectively drain from the roof, check your shingles and roof for leaks and remediate any gaps in the attic insulation.

Discoloration around bathroom fans is a sign of condensation in the ductwork. This happens when your vents are blocked or when strong winds blow hot humid air back into your ductwork. This water condenses on the cooler ducting and can damage your roofing, fan motor and framing components.

Ensure that the vent is open and the damper is working properly. Keep the fan running for longer or put a timer switch on it so that it clears the ductwork of all moisture before turning off.

Efflorescence on your Chimney Brickwork

When masonry gets wet and dries, the minerals in the water stay behind on the bricks and form small white crystals. In tiny amounts, this efflorescence is harmless, but if thick deposits occur, it means that your chimney is too wet. When this moisture freezes in winter, it can expand and cause cracks.

Check your flue liner for damage as this means that poisonous CO2 gas may be seeping into your home from your fireplace, furnace or water heater.

Reduce the moisture in your chimney by fixing the crown and replacing the flue. Have your chimney inspected to ensure that it is working properly and safely.

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ICF building structures are sustainable / green buildings that qualify for LEED certifications. They allow architects, engineers and designers to create buildings that uses fewer natural resources, are more efficient, sustainable and have a lasting value.

Recycles Raw Materials:

ICFs are hollow, lightweight forms manufactured using high density expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels which are connected by uniquely designed, 100 percent recycled polypropylene webs, making the blocks 60 percent recycled material by total weight.

During construction, the forms are stacked, braced then filled with concrete, which is manufactured with recycled material (slag) and the end product can also be recycled creating a cradle to grave type product. The steel reinforcement that is used in the ICF forms is also made from 99 percent recycled material making the overall use of insulated concrete forms a highly sustainable process.

Reduces Waste and Emissions:

ICFs reduce waste at the construction sites, any waste produced is 100 percent recyclable. They use fewer natural resources, such as gas, electricity and wood. Reducing waste is also an important factor for green building construction; Insulated Concrete Forms can generate as little as 1 percent construction waste. This greatly reduces land filling which produces methane emissions. Furthermore, ICF is manufactured without the use of any CFCs, HCFCs or chemicals. ICF construction is environment and eco-friendly and helps conserve trees too.

Energy Efficient:

ICFs offer a “5 in 1” solution that provides structural strength, insulation, vapor barrier, sound barrier and attachments for sheet rock and exterior finishes in one easy step. ICFs produce high performance buildings that are designed and constructed to minimize maintenance and repair, offer low energy consumption reducing operating costs and has the ability to continue functioning in adverse situations.

Safe and Resilient Structures:

ICFs are durable, resilient and innovative. They offer protection from fires, earthquakes, severe storms, tornados and flooding. Government led public / private programs and National Building Codes are supporting and recognizing disaster resilient building design and continuous thermal insulation which have changed from traditional construction methodologies to providing green buildings with measurable results.

ICF construction results in durable, resilient structures that are environmentally friendly and resource-efficient throughout the building’s life-cycle; from the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition phase. Green building ICFs construction contributes strongly to building safer communities through sustainable construction and providing a healthier way of life for years to come.

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The wind industry is widely expected to become an ever-greater contributor to the world’s future energy mix. DNV GL’s Energy Transition Outlook report forecasts a 15-fold escalation in wind-powered generation from 1.1PWh in 2018 to 17PWh in 2050.

In terms of installed electricity generation capacity, the amount of wind energy will increase more than eight times by 2050 to 5TW globally.

The wind industry already uses vast amounts of data to improve performance, for example exploiting wind farm SCADA data to enable a predictive approach by anticipating faults and planning maintenance in order to ensure greater up-time.

Lucy Craig, vice president of Technology and Innovation at DNV GL – Energy

Digital technologies have been one of the key reasons behind wind power’s growth to date. DNV GL’s report reveals that digitalisation will also be vital in achieving the wind energy industry’s ambitious future growth targets.

In particular, the industry considers improving operational efficiency (identified by 52 per cent of respondents), decision making (42 per cent), and cost efficiency (40 per cent) as the top priorities for further digitalisation.

However, the report also highlights that the benefits of digitalisation could be threatened by issues over sharing data and limited willingness to provide more transparency.

Such doubts are particularly felt in the offshore sector where concerns over data sharing (37 per cent of respondents) and inability to access data (25 per cent) were cited as the biggest barriers to further digitalisation.

Interestingly, barriers related to data were a greater concern in the wind industry than in other parts of the energy sector. Other potential barriers identified include digital skills gaps within the industry and organisations focusing on other priorities.

However, this increased reliance on data brings new challenges and the wind industry faces conflicting priorities when it comes to data sharing. While the benefits to sharing are clear, there is also an essential requirement to protect competitive advantage and intellectual property. Finding the balance will allow the wind industry to unlock a bright digital future.

Craig noted.

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At the ceremony, there were Mr. Nobuta – the representative of Asahi Intecc Hanoi Co,. Ltd, and Mr. Thach Hoang Ngoc- the President and CEO of NSN Construction & Engineering Company with Board of Consultants.

The project has the area of 4.593 m2, which is located at Thang Long industrial area, Hanoi. According to the agreement, NSN project implementation will be from May 2019 to March 2020, and NSN will construct M&E for factory, upgrade parking area and canteen room of Asahi Intecc Hanoi Factory.

NSN was selected for this project has proved the long term and mutually beneficial cooperation based on NSN’s reputation and quality commitment to the customers. Bring the mission “Creating sustainable values”, NSN commits to provide quality projects that are sustainably valuable for not only the owner but also society.

Asahi Intecc Hanoi Factory’s Cleanroom- a challenging project- the foundation of trust and cooperation.

In 2015, NSN won Asahi Intecc Hanoi clean room’s project, which is the first considerable project between NSN and Asahi Intecc Hanoi Co,. Ltd. In fact, clean room for medical sector requires high technical specifications such as: the concentration of airborne is controlled, and which is constructed and used in a manner to minimise the introduction, generation and retention of particles inside the room and in which other relevant parameters, e.g. temperature, humidity, and pressure, are controlled as necessary.

It could be considered as a challenging project, which requires high technical specifications, however, NSN has finished the project exceptionally and hand over the project on schedule.

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Cities reinforce inequality between men and women, and create new differences. This all begins in the playground. Football at school often takes place in the centre of the playground and is monopolised by boys. Girls learn to avoid the ball being kicked around and play games which do not take up much room.

This example is very revealing as it makes inequality part of education, in that the boys take centre stage and the girls are left on the periphery. Not only is the main football game played by one sex only, it also can take up 80% of the playground’s area.
Not being able to use this central area on the playground means having to be satisfied with playing on the ‘edges’ and ‘margins’ and not being able to run and enjoy space. It means never attempting to infringe on space and just accepting what is left over.

Unfortunately, this dynamic is then later seen in the world of work, in civic life, in politics, public space and in the media. However, one must remain optimistic! It is entirely possible to make a city more egalitarian. It is even something which is necessary, as both sexes use a city. By working to improve things for women, you can also make things better for everyone. ’

Some innovative solutions for transforming cities

The good news is that this subject has interested several startups and associations who are working towards more social diversity in urban areas. This may concern men and women, or the inclusion of the elderly or disabled. Ricochet Sonores and Mobalib are two examples of organisations working in this area.

Ricochet Sonore uses music as a way to create connections and share space. By setting up local musical activities, the association promotes social cohesion and access to culture for all. It operates across a very wide area and is aimed at a variety of audiences. Ricochet Sonore is already working with local authorities and social housing organisations.

Mobalib is a collaborative social network. It is a community self-help platform for finding out about services and places suitable for and accessible to people with disabilities. It can also be helpful for other users of public space, such as the elderly for example.

The role of property developers in creating urban equality

The mission of Linkcity, a developer and business operating in the urban environment, is to add to general well-being and the sense of living well together. The business, which is a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, has made gender diversity – a driving force behind local and civic dynamics – one of its fundamental principles in the ideal and sustainable city it imagines for its customers.

In order to increase awareness amongst stakeholders, Linkcity Nouvelle-Aquitaine recently invited Yves Ribaud, Mobalib and Ricochet Sonore to speak at a conference about urban equality. What is the aim? To inspire the audience, comprising around fifty clients, potential clients and elected officials and local authorities to collaborate on meaningful projects.

This sort of conference should allow us to take into account these complex societal issues in a better way. These concerns are not yet being addressed by businesses operating in the urban environment, and we are convinced that this is a subject which must be tackled in order to build better cities.

Camille Foissy, Regional manager Linkcity Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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The Advantages of Panalized Systems

There are many positive sides to panelization which include:

• Factory conditions mean that walls are built to a high quality standard and that there is consistency in construction
• Panelized homes can be constructed in a very short amount of time which means that you save money on labor and you save time too
• Panelization allows for a number of variations in home design
• Little onsite waste
• Less room for errors which will reduce callbacks

Amvic’s SilveRbord

SilveRboard Rigid Foam Insulation is a high performance EPS which is coated with a layer of reflective lamination on both sides. SilveRboard offers a higher R-value per inch compared to traditional flat-sheet insulation and provides built-in moisture and air barriers which eliminate the need for house wrap.

When panalized walls are built with SilveRboard, they meet code and the requisite R-values, and are significantly tougher than other material options because of the reflective lamination. Because they are tougher, they are better for transportation and have less chance of getting damaged in transit to the jobsite or during assembly.

From a carbon footprint standpoint, EPS foam is a greener than other foam products because it is manufactured using steam and heat to expand the product and to mold it as opposed to other products which melt the components and then add foaming agents. EPS utilizes less energy and chemicals in the manufacturing process.

The reflective laminated surface contributes to heat retention in the home in the winter and lowering solar heat gain as it reflects sun in the summer months, making this a duel season product.

The product is easier and faster to install because of its toughness and it requires less mechanical fastening because of the increased strength. This, in turn, reduces labor and installation time and costs.

The reflective lamination is corona-treated which makes it exceptionally easy to adhere tape to. All types of sheathing tape stick to it very well. Other products require specialized, expensive tape. SilveRboard Rigid Foam Insulation is also UV protected and that means that when it sits on the house for several weeks waiting for the siding, the product doesn’t degrade.

All of these features also apply to conventional homebuilding and DIY projects where homeowners are looking to improve the energy efficiency of an existing older home.

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Mind the Gaps

Caulking holes and gaps in your building envelope will help to keep your conditioned air indoors and save you 5% to 30% on heating. Check around doors and windows as well as plumbing and electrical fixtures and seal any gaps.

Prevent Burst Pipes

When temperatures drop below zero, uninsulated pipes can burst resulting in water damage. Check all the plumbing to ensure that pipes are insulated and protected.

Drain garden hoses, water features and ponds and cover them for the season.

Ice Dams

Cleaning gutters of fall debris and repairing any damage the guttering and shingles may have undergone this summer is a very important task. Check that your attic insulation is even and that there are no gaps. Gaps in the insulation will allow warm air from the home to heat parts of the roof.

When the snow melts in those hot patches, it has nowhere to go if gutters are clogged with snow or debris. Overnight, the drop in temperature will cause these puddles of water to freeze, expand and push up under the shingles. Water will then drip down into the attic where it can cause mold, mildew and even rotting of structural members.

HVAC Maintenance

Your furnace will last longer and work more efficiently when you regularly change the air filters. Air filters should be switched every month and furnace maintenance should be carried out annually in the fall. Get a guide to DIY furnace maintenance here.

Check your ducting for holes and repair any gaps you find to ensure all your heated air ends up in the right places.

Check that furniture and other items have not been moved to block vents over the summer.

Smart Lighting

Switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs will save you money. Another option is to install dimmer switches which will regulate the amount of light you use. Dimmer switches use TRIAC technology which dims the lights by turning them off and on hundreds of times a second. This reduces the amount of energy you utilize and increases the longevity of your lightbulbs. This means that, by dimming your lights by 50%, you can save 40% on energy and prolong the lifetime of the bulb 20 times by reducing the amount of heat the bulbs are subjected to.

If you are changing your switches, use this opportunity to insulate behind the switch plate. Your switch plates are holes in your building envelope through which warm air escapes.

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“It’s our goal for the NAHB International Builders’ Show to be the event of the year for our members and industry professionals,” said NAHB Chairman Greg Ugalde, a home builder and developer from Torrington, Conn. “Nowhere else will you find top-level education sessions, a variety of networking opportunities, special events and an exhibit hall full of innovative products all in one place. This is truly an event you can’t miss.”

Attendees with a full conference registration will have access to more than 130 education sessions led by renowned experts on a wide range of industry topics. New this year, Master Workshops, previously known as Master Sessions, will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, the day before the show officially kicks off as part of pre-show education and will be open to all registered show attendees for an additional fee.

IBS will again feature six Centrals that offer specific areas of focus within the building industry with their own schedule of events. A variety of activities are available inside the Centrals including workshops, networking events, roundtable discussions and guided product tours of the exhibit hall. The High-Performance Building Zone will feature real-world construction demonstrations, and IBS Live will host presentations focused on what’s next in home building. Additionally, the IBS show floor will feature the CEDIA Pavilion, a space showcasing exhibitors who specialize in technology solutions for the home.

The 2020 show will kick off on the morning of Jan. 21 with an Opening Ceremonies event featuring basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson. That evening, OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace will host the Official IBS House Party. Other events throughout the week include the Young Pro Party Wednesday night at On The Record at Park MGM, followed by the IBS Closing Concert Thursday night with a performance by award-winning rock band, the Doobie Brothers.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour NAHB’s official IBS show homes, The New American Home® (TNAH) and The New American Remodel® (TNAR). The homes are designed to showcase innovative building technologies, emerging design trends and the latest building products. The showcase products in the homes are provided by members of the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council, and Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines will once again serve as the media sponsors of the 2020 show homes.

During August, IBS registrants can take advantage of several registration discounts. NAHB members can receive a free expo pass or a $100 discount off full registration if they register this month. For a full list of offerings, visit: www.BuildersShow.com/fees.

The NAHB International Builders’ Show is not open to the general public. Building industry professionals and their affiliates are invited to register by visiting the show’s website at www.BuildersShow.com.

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