At MasterCraft, we try our best to be responsible citizens and respect the environment wherever possible. We are firm believers in solutions that make environmental and economical sense.

In the past year, I added a superintendent to our company which dramatically changed my daily responsibilities and tasks. In the past, I would have several times during a week were I would have to bring materials and supplies to one of our jobsites. I also have a large family and so the Suburban that I drove, made perfect sense.

With a superintendent driving a company truck to the jobsites, I realized that I was burning large amounts of fuel each week in a vehicle that was only being used to transport myself.

A fuel efficient car was a logical solution, but it still posed one problem. The industry standard in construction is to either drive a truck or SUV. I had concerns about overcoming that stereotype but decided that the alternative benefits were too high. Sometimes, one person making a change can start a chain reaction effect that affects a whole industry.

My choice after much research was to purchase Toyota Prius Hybrid. Prior to purchasing the Prius, we did some research on the pros and cons of hybrid vehicles. Here is some of the information that we gathered.

The first concern we had was whether or not the fuel mileage would in fact be accurate. (The 2012 Toyota Prius boasts a 51-city/48 highway MPG) Many cars on the market boast of an impressive fuel mileage, but when placed in everyday working and driving conditions those numbers tend to suffer. Many articles we consulted stood behind the advertised MPG saying that they drove more effiecently in their cars. After one month of Prius ownership the mileage predictions have proven accurate. In a variety of settings the combined average has been 48 MPG. (Toyota)

The biggest concern for most people looking into buying a hybrid vehicle is the lifespan of the battery that the car relies on. We researched several articles that presented different opinions on battery life and the potential costs of battery replacement. Most articles chose to examine the batteries found in some of the original Toyota Prius that were released from 1999-2001. Consumer Report decided to compare the current performance of a 2002 Prius with 206,000 miles on with its original data collected almost a decade ago. The results were very reassuring. Ten years later the gas mileage and acceleration statistics had barely changed, and test drivers claimed that it drove almost identically to the original. However, the most interesting fact was that it was still running on its original battery! (Consumer Report)

If the situation calls for it, battery replacement might be necessary at some point in the car’s life. Battery replacement for your hybrid vehicle is not cheap, but the costs have decreased greatly over time. In the year 2000 a new battery pack would cost approximately $8,000, now most sell for an average of $2,300 or $2,600 from a dealer. On another positive note, Toyota service departments have a program in place that will recycle the used nickel-metal-hydride battery packs when they die and usually compensate the owner for providing the material. (Green Car Reports) (Consumer Report)

I realize that there are some cases where, as a contractor, a truck is still needed on the jobsite. Recently, GM has released a line of Hybrid trucks that do provide a respectable level of fuel savings. While researching this option we came across a line of plug-in hybrid trucks that get a mileage equivalent of almost 100 MPG! The company producing these vehicles is called VIA Motors. They take GM trucks and convert them into a plug-in hybrid style vehicle. Critics say that despite being a hybrid, the vehicle provides plenty of towing torque and can perform all the functions of a typical six-cylinder truck. The one downside to this product is it’s cost; the Silverado based VIA will cost $79,000. Currently there is great interest in the vehicle from companies operating large fleets of trucks. VIA is working on reducing the individual costs to help families and small business owners afford it. If the price is right, this could be another great alternative to contractors looking to save money and promote ecofriendly principles. (NY Times)

Armed with all of this knowledge on the potential of buying and operating a hybrid vehicle I was ready to make the switch.

In June, I traded the Suburban for a new Toyota Prius Hybrid. Based on the average mileage from the Suburban (15 mpg) versus the average mileage of the Prius (48 mpg), I calculated that my savings in fuel alone over 4 years would be $16,044. That is based on 25,000 miles per year at an average fuel cost of $3.50 per gallon. I am not just saving money, driving the Prius will also save 4,584 gallons of fuel over 4 years.

Making the switch was not easy, but the long term benefits of owning a hybrid as a small business owner and contractor make sense. Driving long distances to visit with potential clients or checking up on several jobsites located throughout the area is no longer a financial burden. As a “Green” homebuilder it is also a good example to stand by eco-friendly products such as the hybrid car. I I highly recommend this car for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint, and relieve the financial stress of commuting and travel costs.

High Efficiency, Low Wattage Light Bulbs

Conserving Energy

High efficiency, low wattage light bulbs have been increasing in popularity over the past few years.  They are renowned for their economical use of energy and decreased heat emission in homes. By giving off less heat and using less energy, low wattage light bulbs can have a huge impact on the amount of electricity consumed and help mitigate the adverse effects of energy consumption on the environment. The Environmental Protection agency estimates that if American home owners were to change just one light bulb in their homes to a high efficiency alternative it would save enough energy to light 3 million more homes and prevent almost 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year! (Energy Star)

Saving Money

These factors can also help homeowners save a great deal of money by decreasing their lighting and cooling costs.  Using less energy to light a home will decrease electric consumption and help cut overall utility costs.  The significant decrease in heat emission from efficient light bulbs can help relieve the costs of home cooling as well.  Investing in low wattage bulbs is the perfect way to decrease the electric bill during those hot summer months when the air conditioning seemingly never ceases to run.

Transitioning

Due to new government efficiency standards these alternative light bulbs will soon become the mandated standard for lighting needs.  It makes sense to begin the transition to high efficiency bulbs as soon as possible. These new lights will cost more than the traditional light bulbs of the past, but will last longer and save a great deal of money at the same time. (Plain Dealer)

There are a few downsides to these products however.  The traditional fluorescent bulbs used in in the majority of offices and homes are being discontinued after July 14th 2012 because they do not meet efficiency standards.  The new high efficiency bulbs being produced to replace them will not work in the old fixtures because of reengineered ballast that will be placed in every new light bulb.  This ballast allows the bulb to operate efficiently, but its lack of compatibility with the old fixture causes quite an inconvenience.  Light bulb manufacturers suggest having an electrician rewire the existing fixtures, or for the best results just install new fixtures all together.  Although a monetary and timely inconvenience, the switch to higher efficiency bulbs will save money in the long run. (Plain Dealer)

Concerns

One detriment that needs to be taken into consideration with florescent bulbs is the presence of mercury. Care must be taken when cleaning up a broken bulb or disposing of a dead one.  If the bulb is broken the toxic mercury present inside is potentially harmful if overexposure occurs.  The best advice is to clean up the bulb with plastic gloves and dispose of it properly.  Do not place it in your normal waste receptacles and do not vacuum the particles up. Because the substance is toxic, it should be disposed of separately in a plastic bag.   Some newer high efficiency bulbs are being made without mercury, but you should still consult your local lighting and waste removal representatives so you are familiar with proper disposal techniques in your area. (BBC News)

Quick Statistics

Here are some interesting statistics provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about light bulbs and their Energy Star rated products.

• Potential Savings:  Each high efficiency light bulb can save approximately $6 a year in electricity costs and more than $40 during its lifetime.

• Energy Efficiency: Low wattage light bulbs will on average use 75% less energy and last 6 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulb.

• Heat Reduction: High efficiency light bulbs give off 75% less heat than incandescent bulbs and can help reduce the costs necessary to cool a home.

Disaster can strike at the most in-opportune times.  Whether it is a fire, a falling tree, strong winds or earthquake, the damage is sudden and devastating.  Beyond the concern for physical injury, the inconvenience of a home that is structurally compromised can leave a family in disarray.

At times like these, it is important to find a company that is caring and personal; a builder that will be sensitive to your concerns and show genuine interest in your well being.

MasterCraft Design & Build is a company that brings relief at times of distress and confusion.  We care about each of our customers and we want to take all the time necessary to understand exactly what is important to you at your time of crisis.

There are several steps that are critical in disaster aid:

1.   Quick response to preserve the remaining items and house structure

2.   Accurate and careful cataloging of existing items

3.   Careful and secure storage of critical items

4.   Communication and correspondence with Insurance Adjustors

5.   Accurate Architectural and Engineering evaluation of the house

6.   Timely routing of permits through proper municipal channels

7.   Application of Upgraded Building Codes

8.   Quality dismantling, cleaning and reconstruction of your home

9.   Occupancy and return of stored items

Quick Response:

In most disaster situations, the structure and protection of your house has been compromised.  It is important to choose a company that can arrive quickly and provide temporary protection of your home.  This temporary protection can keep weather from entering your home and causing further damage.  It can also secure your home against intruders or casual observers.  This protection may be required for several weeks until the reconstruction can begin.  If there are concerns about structural integrity, an engineer can give valuable advice to make sure that the structure is safe.

Accuracy and care during cataloging:

Items that are missed or damaged during initial jobsite review can be lost forever.  It is important to find a contractor that cares as much about your families possessions as you do.  Sometimes items are buried beneath rubble, so it is crucial to take enough time and care to sort through the debris and find the items of value that are hidden.  Rushing this stage of the process can cause irreparable damage.

Careful and Secure Storage:

Make sure that all of your valuables are stored appropriately.  Items that need to be in a controlled environment should either remain on-site in an unaffected area or be moved off site to secured storage.  Any items that are dirty or damaged can be separated at this time for cleaning and re-storage.

Communication with Adjustors:

Your insurance adjustor is the communication and pricing liaison for your insurance company.  Their job is to assess the damage and provide the necessary funding to complete the construction and restoration work.  Your adjustor will provide an estimate of the work for you and your contractor to evaluate.  Your contractor’s job is to make sure that all areas of work are covered.  They will also reconcile any costs that are not adequate to complete the work.  If necessary, They can acquire multiple bids to substantiate their prices.  The end result should be an accurate project scope of damages and enough cost to complete the work required to restore your home.

Architectural and Engineering Review:

Your local municipality along with your insurance company will evaluate the need for architectural and engineering drawings.  Most municipalities will require complete architectural drawings if more than 50 percent of your home is damaged.  Many projects will also require engineering if the structure of your home has been damaged.  If there is any doubt, it is best to have your home reviewed by a professional so that the restored structure is stable and secure.

Timely Routing of Permits:

Once the architect and engineer have completed their work, your contractor will need to submit the finished drawings to your local municipality for permits.  This process can take as little as a few days and as much as a few weeks.  The process is usually simple as long as the home is being restored to its original design.  However, if changes are being made to the structure, the review process can take longer.  It is important to be clear with your contractor and understand the effect that any changes will have to the project before proceeding.

Building Code Upgrades:

Many times during the permit process, your local municipality will require upgrades to the rebuilt home.  Building codes are constantly upgraded especially in regard to safety items.  The rebuilt home will have to comply with the updated codes, and these should be noted on the drawings that the architect and engineer produce.  Some insurance policies do not allow for this added cost and it will be up to you to pay that cost.  Many policies allow for the cost of the upgrades.  Your contractor will need to determine this issue with the insurance adjustor.

Quality Home Reconstruction:

The rebuilding process should flow smoothly if all of the previous procedures have been followed.  Make sure that the quality of the items being installed in your home match what you had previously.  If there has been smoke damage, make sure that proper procedures are followed to clean and seal any re-used materials that were affected.  Make sure that all damaged materials have been removed.  Do not let a contractor substitute inferior workmanship or materials.  If you have any questions about these items, make sure and ask for specifications or details to validate the selection.  Make sure that your home is constructed using sound building practices and that you are satisfied with the finishes in all areas.  Get a second opinion if you are not satisfied with answers that you receive.

Occupancy:

Occupancy requires several synchronized steps.  At 90% completion, your contractor will notify the insurance adjustor that the project is nearing completion.  This is necessary so that the insurance company can release the final 25 percent of the funding.  Once the insurance company is satisfied, any final items for construction must be completed.  The final project can then be inspected by your local municipality and application for occupancy can be completed.  If there are miscellaneous items still to complete, your municipality can give a temporary occupancy permit.  This allows you to move into the house and allows your contractor additional time to finish the undone items.  The most common unfinished items are the yard and landscaping work.  Sometimes weather will prohibit the installation of the exterior yard work and this will need to be accomplished at a more suitable time.  Most municipalities will allow up to 90 days for the temporary occupancy before the owner must complete the undone items.

Conclusion:

MasterCraft Design & Build is a contractor familiar with the insurance process and will be able to make the demolition and rebuilding process go smoothly.  We have the ability to negotiate on your behalf and should be able to get you the best final product for your insurance dollar.  Be sure that the contractor you use has the experience necessary to negotiate through and complete your project.

Some of our Restoration Work:

 

• Webster Groves Storm Damage
• (28 pictures)

• This 1920's Webster Groves Home was crushed by a 15,000 pound Oak limb during a storm.  The roof structure and several ceilings were fractured.  The chimney and front gable were torn from the front of the house.

   

   

• South County Fire Restoration
• (30 pictures)

• This South County home was completely destroyed by fire.  The entire structure was gutted and renovated into this better than new final product.  Follow through the sequence of pictures to see this amazing transformation!

   

   

  

  • Bridgeton Tornado Demolition/Rebuild
  • (29 pictures)

  • First of two Atrium Ranch homes destroyed in the Good Friday Tornado.

  

  • Bridgeton Tornado Rebuild
  • (23 pictures)

  • Second of two Atrium Ranch homes rebuilt after they were destroyed in the Good Friday Tornado.