Granite is a natural stone that is among the most popular materials used for home decor. In fact, it is a very hard stone and as far as hardness quotient is concerned it ranks right after the diamond. Different continents including Africa, Asia, America and Europe produce granite in good quantity. Like diamond granite too, has an innate beauty that has achieved a perfect blend with its toughness. So, granite has a history that is old, strength that is extraordinary and beauty that is unsurpassable. As an Asheville NC Custom and Green Builder we love installing granite on both the exterior & interiors of fine custom homes that we build.
No wonder therefore, that granite has become one of the greatest choices for the home makers to decorate their houses. In fact, the brilliant colors and textures of granite are sure to add beauty to your home. When it comes to granite counter tops, the color ranges from white to red, green, black, blues and many other exotic shades. Since it is constructed naturally out of molten rocks, different minerals and other elements have resulted in the variations in color and texture. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning custom home builder that truly appreciates the beauty & durability of granite in the fine homes we build. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/about.html to learn more about us, and why we are better.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Foundations
A large foundation crack is a serious matter. Professional engineers who understand foundations need to be brought in. Once the foundation has stopped its differential movement, then the foundation repair can begin. Yes, as Engineers and Master Builders we understand that foundation problems in a home can be disastrous in many cases. We take great measures when building our custom homes to never have a call back related to foundation shifting. By installing our footings on virgin soil, adding 50% more steel and concrete, re-enforcing walls properly, not back filling before walls are braced, and providing proper soil drainage we have never had a foundation related issue with a home we have built.
Many foundation problems can be avoided with the addition of extra steel to the concrete footers and actual foundation. The building code requirements for structural steel are minimum requirements. At Advantage Development Co. we increase the size of steel from #4 rebar to #5 rebar and the number of pieces of steel in every foundation we install. As Award Winning Asheville NC Master Builders and Engineers we understand the important concepts of building a quality home that will last for generations. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/index.html to learn more about who we are and why we build better custom homes in Asheville NC.
Many foundation problems can be avoided with the addition of extra steel to the concrete footers and actual foundation. The building code requirements for structural steel are minimum requirements. At Advantage Development Co. we increase the size of steel from #4 rebar to #5 rebar and the number of pieces of steel in every foundation we install. As Award Winning Asheville NC Master Builders and Engineers we understand the important concepts of building a quality home that will last for generations. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/index.html to learn more about who we are and why we build better custom homes in Asheville NC.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Cultured Stone
Cultured stone is becoming more and more popular for both the interior and exterior of homes. Cultured stone is a man made stone manufactured primarily for decorative accents. It is made up of cement, natural aggregates, and iron oxide pigments. In order to give cultured stones a realistic shape they are often created by using a mold of a natural stone. Using cultured stone in your home has many advantages over real, natural stone. We have been using cultured stone for many years on our craftsman style mountain homes and many of our clients prefer it over natural.
One of the main benefits of cultured stones versus natural ones is that cultured stones are much more lightweight. This is an advantage because it places less weight on the foundation of your home. In addition, when using cultured stone you are not required to have a brick ledge on your foundation. This is mostly due to the fact that the back of a cultured stone is flat allowing for excellent surface contact. Cultured stone is also faster and less difficult to install than natural stone. It is also easy to find, and simple to replace. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder for over twenty years we have always been a big fan of Owings Corning Bucks County cultured stone. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more.
One of the main benefits of cultured stones versus natural ones is that cultured stones are much more lightweight. This is an advantage because it places less weight on the foundation of your home. In addition, when using cultured stone you are not required to have a brick ledge on your foundation. This is mostly due to the fact that the back of a cultured stone is flat allowing for excellent surface contact. Cultured stone is also faster and less difficult to install than natural stone. It is also easy to find, and simple to replace. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder for over twenty years we have always been a big fan of Owings Corning Bucks County cultured stone. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Black Mountain Custom Builder likes New Tax Credits
Consumers who install solar energy systems (including solar water heating and solar electric systems), small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell and micro turbine systems can receive a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service before December 31, 2016; the previous tax credit cap no longer applies. North Carolina also offers a 35% state tax credit for solar home systems with very high caps on the limits allowed. The total tax credits are 65% for home solar now, not including rebates & monies paid back to the homeowner by NC Green Power. Solar Home Systems are now affordable, and very reliable. As an award winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we encourage new homeowners to take advantage of solar & the tax credits allowed.
A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder and Certified Green Professional that embraces solar technology as a viable alternative energy source for new homes. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about who we are and why we build better homes.
A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder and Certified Green Professional that embraces solar technology as a viable alternative energy source for new homes. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about who we are and why we build better homes.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Driveway Pavers
As more and more homeowners grow tired of looking at their ugly, stained or cracked concrete, dirt or asphalt driveway they are turning to beautiful, durable and maintenance free driveway pavers. A well-chosen and properly installed driveway can add to the aesthetic appeal of your home, create opportunities for landscaping focal points, and significantly increase the value of your property. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder we use driveway pavers on many of our custom home projects.
We really appreciate the old world look pavers give a drive and the style that is added to the overall homes look.There are two types of driveway pavers: mortared and mortar less. Mortared pavers have mortar between the pavers and thus create a hardened non-flexible surface. This type of surface is prone to cracking and makes replacing a section or a paver more difficult. Mortar less pavers are the preferred method. Instead of mortar a special mixture of sand is used to make a very solid but flexible driveway surface. And if a paver ever breaks or cracks, replacing it is very easy. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning builder in Asheville NC now in our second generation of building fine custom homes. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about who we are & why we build better homes.
We really appreciate the old world look pavers give a drive and the style that is added to the overall homes look.There are two types of driveway pavers: mortared and mortar less. Mortared pavers have mortar between the pavers and thus create a hardened non-flexible surface. This type of surface is prone to cracking and makes replacing a section or a paver more difficult. Mortar less pavers are the preferred method. Instead of mortar a special mixture of sand is used to make a very solid but flexible driveway surface. And if a paver ever breaks or cracks, replacing it is very easy. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning builder in Asheville NC now in our second generation of building fine custom homes. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about who we are & why we build better homes.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on GeoThermal
Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) are a relatively new technology that can save homeowners money. These ground-source heat pumps use the natural heat storage capacity of the earth or ground water to provide energy efficient heating and cooling. GHPs should not be confused with air-source heat pumps that rely on heated air. Geothermal heat pumps use the relatively constant temperature of the ground or water several feet below the earth's surface as source of heating and cooling. Geothermal heat pumps are appropriate for retrofit or new homes, where both heating and cooling are desired. They can be used for virtually any size home or lot in any region of the U.S.A geothermal heat pump system consists of indoor heat pump equipment, a ground loop, and a flow center to connect the indoor and outdoor equipment.
The heat pump equipment works like a reversible refrigerator by removing heat from one location and depositing it in another location. The ground loop, which is invisible after installation, allows the exchange of heat between the earth and the heat pump. GHPs are also typically more efficient than electric, gas or oil-fired heating systems. They are more energy efficient than air-source heat pumps because they draw heat from, or release heat to, the earth, which has moderate temperatures year round, rather than to the air (which is generally colder in winter and warmer in summer than the earth, resulting in less effective heat transfer). Advantage Development Co. is an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that specializes in saving new homeowners energy. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.
The heat pump equipment works like a reversible refrigerator by removing heat from one location and depositing it in another location. The ground loop, which is invisible after installation, allows the exchange of heat between the earth and the heat pump. GHPs are also typically more efficient than electric, gas or oil-fired heating systems. They are more energy efficient than air-source heat pumps because they draw heat from, or release heat to, the earth, which has moderate temperatures year round, rather than to the air (which is generally colder in winter and warmer in summer than the earth, resulting in less effective heat transfer). Advantage Development Co. is an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that specializes in saving new homeowners energy. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Black Mountain Custom Builder gives you The Royal Flush
Dual flush toilets handle solid and liquid waste differently from standard American style toilets, giving the user a choice of flushes. It is an interactive toilet design that helps conserve water that has caught on quickly in countries where water is in short supply, like Australia, and in areas where water supply and treatment facilities are older or overtaxed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that by the year 2013, an estimated 36 states will experience water shortages as a result of increased water usage and inefficient water management from aging regional infrastructures. Using less water to flush liquid waste makes sense, but in the United States there may be cultural biases that make accepting a more hands-on approach to personal waste harder to accept [source: Safe Plumbing].
Dual flush toilets may be another defining moment in the development of the American john: the introduction of environmental conservation to the process of elimination. Interest in low flow and dual flush toilets is on the rise in the United States, due in part to increased government regulation and the rising cost of water, and there are incentives for making changes in the way we use the commode. In the next months, we will see why change may be a good thing, learn more about the specifics of the dual flush and find out how government and business are coming together to help America flush responsibly. Advantage Development Co. is an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that is concerned with building our new homes in a more energy efficient manner to lessen our carbon foot print on the planet. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we build better custom homes.
Dual flush toilets may be another defining moment in the development of the American john: the introduction of environmental conservation to the process of elimination. Interest in low flow and dual flush toilets is on the rise in the United States, due in part to increased government regulation and the rising cost of water, and there are incentives for making changes in the way we use the commode. In the next months, we will see why change may be a good thing, learn more about the specifics of the dual flush and find out how government and business are coming together to help America flush responsibly. Advantage Development Co. is an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that is concerned with building our new homes in a more energy efficient manner to lessen our carbon foot print on the planet. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we build better custom homes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
