From the Builder

Greetings once again!

This month I want to focus on smart remodeling and adding value to your home. I know for many homeowners, the opportunity to sell their existing home and purchase or build a new home has become a difficult task in our current housing market. Many homeowners have decided to stay put and remodel their current home instead. This is a good compromise and if done correctly, you can add value to your home!

With a wide variety of energy credits still available, the opportunity to save money on your remodeling project while increasing the energy efficiency of your home is a smart approach. Not only will you receive instant savings on your project, but the savings on energy costs will be observed for years to come.

The first step in any remodeling project is to select a licensed and insured contractor. There have been many changes to building practices and laws that must be followed in order to obtain a building permit and receive and certificate of occupancy once the project has been completed.

Recently, Hibbard Construction received accreditation as a certified lead renovator. In April of 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed new regulations for contractors working in homes built before 1978. The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule mandates that remodelers who intend to work in pre-1978 homes to register their company and complete an 8-hour training and certification course with a qualified trainer. The course teaches remodelers how to safely contain lead in a home as it is being disturbed and reduce exposure to residents and workers. Homeowners should be aware that this new rule is enforced and should be skeptical of any contractor who choose not to follow the law.

In our last newsletter, we encountered a glitch with a link to our blog.  Our article on Kitchen remodels would not sync with our blog.  In that article we included several photos of recent kitchen remodels we have recently completed.  If you would like to read the full article or view the photos, click here.

As always, I hope the information in our newsletter is informative and helpful to you. We welcome feedback and if you have a particular question or concern, I am happy to address or research a solution.

Be well!

Jeff Hibbard
 

Back to top

Smart Remodeling – Adding Value to Your Home

Warmer weather has finally arrived and homeowners are starting to plan their dream home remodeling projects. Hibbard Construction would like to offer homeowners a few words of advice for getting the most value out of your remodeling investment.

More Americans are staying in their homes rather than moving. Many homeowners believe it is a terrible time to sell their home. There’s a lot more to be gained through remodeling besides increased functionality, new appliances, efficient systems, updated décor, additional space or the pure enjoyment of making your home your own. There’s also the increased value your home receives when you make improvements.

With so many options available today, there are a number of considerations for homeowners who want to get the most out of their remodels.

Curb appeal goes a long way. Exterior home improvements such as roofing, siding, windows and doors are subject to the elements and usually need to be replaced after a number of years. In terms of re-sale value, updated exteriors give sellers an edge over buyers who are attracted to your home before entering.

According to Energy Star, half of a home’s energy use is dedicated to heating and cooling. If a system is more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace it. New, energy-efficient systems are not only more cost-effective but are also better quality. 

To read more, click here. 

Back to top

Energy Efficiency Makes Good Remodeling Cents!

Before you design a new home or remodel an existing one, you should consider investing in its energy efficiency. You'll save energy and money now and in the long run. It's also a good time to invest in a renewable energy system that will provide your home with electricity, water heating, or space heating and cooling.

According to the government census, there are nearly 110 million occupied homes in the United States. Leading building material manufacturers state that up to 70 percent of these homes are not insulated to current energy code requirements, making them less energy efficient than a new home. However, making matters worse, most new homes built in the last 10 years are constructed in accordance only to the lowest possible legal energy efficiency standards. While it may be legal, it does not address one of the biggest complaints of homeowners…comfort.

Making a home more energy efficient not only makes it more comfortable to live in, it also enables homeowners to lower the cost of maintaining their home year-round and for years to come. In fact, 73 percent of homeowners say they are willing to pay more for an energy-efficient home. And with the government’s energy tax credits, and state efficiency programs, homeowners can save even more money when executing energy efficient projects for their home.

Learn how to optimize energy efficiency with the following home designs and construction techniques:

Does your roof need replaced? Then head to the attic to check out the backside of the roof deck and check the attic insulation level. Your contractor should provide a quote for the roofing replacement and a separate price to add attic insulation to optimize the home’s energy efficiency. Idaho Power has a $.15 per square-foot incentive for adding attic insulation up to R-50. 

To read more and get links, click here.
 

Back to top

Decorating Your Outdoor Living Space

As warmer weather arrives here in the Treasure valley, it’s time to make the most of these warm days and balmy nights by creating a comfortable and appealing outdoor living space.

When decorating an outdoor space it’s important to plan your decor just as you would any indoor room. Use furniture, fabrics, pillows and accessories in the same manner that you would inside. There is an ample assortment of outdoor appropriate materials, so finding items that are suitable for an outdoor environment shouldn’t be a problem.

Tips for a Cozy Outdoor Space
Create functional seating areas with comfortable furniture. Use the same concept that you would use for your indoor space to encourage a relaxing conversation area that people will gravitate towards. Use an area rug made of a weather-resistant material. It will help define the seating area, and offer a comfy gathering element outdoors.

To keep your décor fresh, festive and fun, add an accent of eye-popping color or bold patterns. Upgrade old and weathered patio furniture with slipcovers or new cushions in an outdoor weather resistant fabric.
 
To read more, click here.

Back to top

Hibbard Construction Is Turning 40!!!

In 1971, Bob Hibbard founded Hibbard Construction on the principles of affordable quality and integrity. Soon after building his first home, Bob decided to hire his own crew. By hiring his own framers, painters, and finish carpenters he found that is was easier to build a truly affordable quality home.

Bob's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction helped earn Hibbard Construction its outstanding reputation with customers and businesses alike. Now, his son, Jeff, is carrying on his legacy. As a second-generation builder, Jeff continues in his father's footsteps and is committed to building homes that raise the standard of home construction. Quality products, attention to detail and innovative designs have become a standard for any Hibbard home.

We want to thank each and every one of our clients, vendors, sub-contractors, friends and family for the last 40 years! We hope to keep the Hibbard tradition going for another 40 years.
 

Back to top

Thank you for 40 Years!

Back to top