by Sean | Dec 22, 2020 | Building Green, Energy Efficiencies
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.7.7" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0"]MERV Ratings and Their Impact on Air Filtration [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129154706/merv-rating-asheville-livingstone-designbuild.png" _builder_version="4.7.7" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.7.7" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0"]Indoor air quality is one of today's hottest topics when it comes to homebuilding. As homes have become more energy-efficient, they've become tighter envelopes. So, what does that mean for your home's indoor air quality? We came across this great article on NAHB's website. If you're interested in building a green, sustainable home, this is a solid read. As crises such as COVID-19 and wildfires impact the country, chances are more clients are asking about indoor air, health and safety in the home. Many NAHB members are already using various construction techniques, such as active radon mitigation systems and installing low- or no-volatile organic compound (VOC) materials, to set themselves apart in the market and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in the homes that they build. How can you effectively talk about air filtration and ventilation, particularly when these issues are top of mind for customers during the pandemic? To start, it is important to understand how the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating system for air filters works. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, with 1 being minimal filtration and 20 being the highest efficiency and maximum filtration on the scale. Ratings are determined by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2. READ MORE [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
by Sean | Dec 14, 2020 | Building Green
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="3.22" custom_padding="51px|||||"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.7.6" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.7.6" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0"]Radon and Your Home [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129154713/Untitled-design-4-copy-4.png" _builder_version="4.7.6" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0" title_text="radon-new-construction-living-stone-asheville"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.7.6" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"]We wanted to share with you this article from the EPA on radon and what you need to know. Plus, learn how radon-resistant features in new homes are helping to save lives. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas found in soil and rock. It seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls and joints. In some parts of the country, groundwater can be a major source of radon. All homes should be tested for radon. Learn more about radon in groundwater and drinking water. Among non-smokers, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Lung cancer due to radon exposure claims about 21,000 U.S. lives annually, based on EPA estimates. More information about radon exposure and lung cancer. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented; this is especially true for radon-related lung cancer. Using common materials and straightforward techniques, builders can construct new homes that are resistant to radon entry. To read the rest of the article, click here. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
by Sean | Aug 17, 2020 | Construction, Construction & Design
FEATURE: Customer Builder Online It's not very often a national builder magazine reaches out to you to discuss a barn. Then again, this isn't your typical barn. What started as a place for our client to store his "toys" ended up being one of our most asked about projects. We've had people reach out to us from all over the country about the hobby barn. Customer Builder Online reached out to us recently for a Design Spotlight on the man barn. The space is multi-functional with room for bikes and cars, as well as an upstairs loft space. To see the entire hobby barn, you'll find it here.
by Sean | Jun 15, 2020 | Building Green, Construction & Design, Postings
Fresh Air Design Options for Post COVID-19 Market Feeling like you need a little more nature in your life? So is everyone else. Outdoor spaces are more important than ever. Not only are they an extension of your home, but they also make your home feel even larger. But you don't have to take our word for it. Below is an article from the National Association of Home Builders. Adding outdoor amenities to living space has been increasingly popular for several years. The demand for outdoor living space is especially strong for millennials and baby boomers, and driving innovations for both renters and homeowners. As communities continue to address the public health concerns of COVID-19, studies have indicated that outdoor transmission is rare — making outdoor amenities an important consideration for people seeking respite from the coronavirus. READ MORE
