Well we were slated to start digging today, but mother nature has other plans for us. Until the temperatures settle down, we're in a holding pattern. There is a possibility of digging this weekend (temps projected to be low 40's) and pouring the foundation on Monday. The foundation guy said if it was his house, he would like to see above freezing temps for 3 days and lows not less than 18 degrees. We're not in a hurry, we want to make sure the product is good.
Not sure how many people know this but we are trying to do a lot of 'green' things with our home. The major one is having a geothermal heat system. I think the last energy audit we saw from Alliant shows we will save $50,000 over the next twenty years in heating costs. Also along the energy line, we have designed the house to take advantage of the south and west exposure for sun. A couple of other green ideas that we are researching but haven't decided on are:
Recycled blue jeans (cotton) insulation (scraps that are recycled from blue jean manufacturers)
Harvesting our rainwater for irrigation
Harvesting our drainwater (grey water) for flushing the toilets
Recycled material carpet
Recycled material - hard surface flooring (in place of ceramic tile)
LED lights
A 'green' paint product with no VOC's (volatile organic compounds)
Buffalo grass (native to Iowa and doesn't have to be mowed as often as bluegrass)
Native Iowa plants that are used to Iowa's possible dry/wet climate.
As far as design items, we are looking at a darker color for the exterior, like burgundy, forest green or brown. Inside colors will be 'warm' colors. The kitchen cabinets will be Rustic Hickory, that will have knots and streaks in them, trim and doors will be knotty pine. Stairway will also have a top and bottom rail that is Alder (another type of rustic wood) with oil rubbed bronze spindles. Appliances (which we already purchased) will be black. The stove will be a flat top and the refrigerator will have french doors on the top with a bottom drawer freezer. Countertops will be a laminate material, but a new one called high definition laminate that seriously some of the patterns look like real granite. You would have to walk up and touch it to know the difference. Wood burning fireplace in the living room.
Pray for mother nature to give us some warmer temps to at least get the foundation in soon!
---Amy
1 comment:
Hello Guys,
I just thought I would share some of my thoughts with you about you “green solutions”
1. geothermal heat
Excellent Idea. I wish I could do it in my place. Make sure you consider the fact that the envelope of your house should be as tight as possible to maximize this system. You should also consider building with 2x6 construction at 24” o.c. This will minimize the amount of stud cold spots and allow you to increase the insulation values of your walls. Especially if you are going to have limited wind blockage to protect your house.
2. Recycled blue jeans.
Great if it works and cost the same or less. If you don’t get the same insulation factors out of the blue jeans then it is a mute point. If you get the same or better then maybe it is worth a few extra bucks to be able to breathe in peace when in your attic.
3. Harvesting rainwater.
A great idea. What else are you going to do with it? Let it erode your yard? It will also allow you to save some time in the long run when it comes to watering.
4. Grey Water
I have heard of people using their gray water and using it to irrigate plants inside and out. It may be something you can combine with rainwater especially if you have an abundance of gray water. However, I don’t know how much the plumbing is for this. I know you are going to need holding tanks somewhere and they are not cheap. If you use gray water for your toilets, does that mean you have to set up separate water supply lines to the toilets and then separate supply lines for your sink and shower? If so we are talking some extra cash. Also, if you are using well water the cost of water is small. City water you may get a payoff.
5. Recycled Tile
This to me is a total cost and looks issue. I am guessing that new tile costs less. I would just go with the lowest cost best looking material with this one.
6. Green Paint Products
I wouldn’t suggest these green paints. Jennifer and I just used one in our basement and the coverage was bad, sheen didn’t seem the same, walls marked easier, it is harder to clean and it isn’t cheaper. So what if it has less odor when applied. Regular paint will have less odor too if you wait a couple of days.
7. LED Lights
Absolutely, LED lights provide better light (in my opinion) use less energy and give off less heat. All good things.
8. Plants
Whatever wets your whistle. However, if the plant are made for the Iowa climate then why keep runoff and gray water for irrigation? Unless your irrigating a garden or something.
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