Which Windows are best for your Home

 Choosing the right windows for a new house or for remodeling an
existing house is very critical. Windows are not just aesthetic elements,
they play a big role in safety and energy efficiency.
Strategically placed singularly or as an assembly of
more units can dramatically change the appearance of
the house; placed symmetrically with rhythm and balance
will give a majestic look to the house independently from the style.
A more random layout will give a more informal and casual look.
To be energy efficient, a window shall have a
low conductivity value: u=36 min. which require the use of double glazing.
Window framing are available in aluminum, vinyl or wood clad.
Aluminum or vinyl are commonly used in subtropical climates.
Wood clad are better looking and cost more, but
might have a condensation problem between the two materials.
Safety in florida is very important. windows are the weakest element
in a house, that is the reason their fabrication has to meet rigid criteria
established by the FBC. All windows need to be approved by the
bldg dept prior installation by providing a certificate showing NOA test results.
regulations might be annoying but in many cases they protect the owner and save lives.https://www.mangonearchitects.com/

Home Renovations that help increase a home value

   Realtors.com lists replacing the garage door as the top item which will increase a home value, averaging a 97% return when selling a home.
Replacing a roof with a more durable metal roof impresses buyers.
Updating an older kitchen results in a good return as long the update is not overly luxurious.
Installing new siding and windows generally recovers 80% of the cost.
Buyers tend to pay more for upgraded bathrooms, refurbished patios and energy saving devices.
Investopedia.com recommends renovating the basement, replacing gutters, downspouts, plumbing, insulation, heating and cooling system as investments that will impress buyers.
Finally, new neutral interior paint, quality flooring, doors and updated fixtures (including lightening)
can raise a home value to buyers.

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How to make an old masonry house resistant to earthquakes - Come rendere antisismica una vecchia casa in muratura portante

How to retrofit an old house that will resist earthquakes.
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Universal and Sustainable Design

Multi-family buildings are now required to meet code requirements for handicapped individuals and for energy conservation.  Single family residences are not currently required by Code to meet the same standards but are increasingly designed with sustainability and universal accessibility by all people in mind (i.e., universal design), without compromising the aesthetics of the space.

Everyone will experience physical challenges at some point in life - through illness, physical injury or limitations of old age.  Universal design takes a preventive, pro-active approach, accommodating an individual's changing wellness so they can remain functional and independent in their own home.  It focuses on providing a living space where people of different capabilities can live in a household at the same time.  A residence that incorporates universal design so it is flexible for all occupants of the space and maintains its usefulness as circumstances change for its occupants, reducing the need to relocate, is inherently more sustainable.

Energy efficiency and a healthy indoor environment are major components of good universal design: encompassing water conservation, non-toxic building materials, air quality, elimination of allergens and focusing on how the light, thermal comfort, acoustics and noise generation affect the quality of the space.  In addition, using the best products and materials that can be afforded and will last the longest will have the least long-term impact on the environment.

For example, a kitchen that incorporates universal and sustainable design would be easily accessible from all adjacent areas, including wheelchair access.  It would maximize the efficient use of space, light and fresh air.  Appliances would be quiet and energy/water efficient.  Upper wall cabinets could be located at a lower height and include open front shelves. Counter tops would be wheel chair accessible.

When a living space is energy efficient, healthy, and can be used equally by all occupants, good sustainable and universal design has been achieved.

Remodeling vs New House

Is remodeling an old house less expensive than building a new house?
I have been asked this question many times, and it is very hard to answer.
It depends on many factors. Past work experience can be used as a general guide line.
My builders and I came up with the 40% rule of thumb.
In general, the remodeling work should not exceed 40% of the house's total area.
There are different degrees of remodeling.
It makes sense to remodel an existing old house, when the work is primarily cosmetic (no structural work), even if the amount of work exceeds 40%.
It does not make sense, (unless the final cost will be less than the market value of surrounding homes)
when there is structural work involved, like a new addition greater than 40% of the existing house, or adding a second floor on top of the existing house, because the foundations are not strong enough to
support additional load.
Technically everything can be done. Keeping the project in the budget is a different matter, and there are too many variables to generalize. Each case needs to be evaluated in the proper context.

Wood Deck

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How to to build your house stronger on a budget

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