Charlotte, NC 09-20-2010
STARS Awards honor best of the home building industry
The North Carolina Home Builders Association recognized 59 HBA members as winners of the annual STARS Awards on September 15 at the Hilton Charlotte Center City Hotel. The STARS Awards program honors the achievements of home building industry professionals from North Carolina and surrounding states.
Winners received recognition in areas such as marketing and advertising, web design, landscape design, interior merchandising, architecture/floor plan and special projects. Awards were also given to local home builders associations.
Best Internet Marketing/Advertising Project for a builder, developer, associate, realty company or community:
Outstanding Achievement—Collins Design-Build Inc. for the company’s interactive Facebook page—Member of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties.
Best Black and White Ad one-half page and under for a builder, developer, associate, realty company or community
Collins Design-Build Inc.—Member of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tamper- resistant receptacles are now code…
Tamper- resistant receptacles are now code…
…and will play an important next step to making your home a safer place for children.
According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data, each year, approximately 2,400 children suffer burns and severe shock when they stick items into the slots of electrical outlets. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that there are six to twelve child fatalities a year related to this.
The new National Electrical Code® (NEC®) now requires new homes as well as any renovations to have tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles installed. These new receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the contact openings of the receptacles. When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, both springs are compressed and the shutters then open, allowing for the metal prongs to make contact to create an electrical circuit. Because both springs must be compressed at the same time, the shutters do not open when a child attempts to insert an object into only one contact opening, and there is no contact with electricity.
Most often power outlet accidents by children are with parents or caregivers who look away for just a moment, only to face undue tragedy and pain as the result of a child's curiosity. The NEC’s mission is to provide electrical safety in the home. Tamper-resistant receptacles are a simple and easy way to protect children from serious injuries that continue to happen every year.
Once the code changed and we started using tamper-resistant receptacles on our projects, we have found that the new tamper-resistant receptacles add about $0.50 to the cost of an unprotected receptacle. On a national average, most homes have about 75 receptacles resulting in an overall added cost of under $40. This amount may vary slightly based on the type and style of tamper-resistant receptacle used. Point being, this is a minimal increase in cost and it buys a significant increase in electrical safety for our children.
You may be familiar with those plastic outlet protectors sold in the childproofing sections of retailers. Parents, you know the ones. The ones where you break your fingernails back trying to remove the things every time you want to vacuum. They are plastic inserts that fit into the slots of the outlet preventing a child from inserting an object. Some parents may feel a little uneasy about the effectiveness of these devices. And some may debate if receptacle caps can be removed by children. These inserts can be lost also may be a choking hazard for some ages.
Increasing awareness of child electrical safety, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association has developed a program titled Real Safety that identifies the dangers electrical receptacles may pose to children, educating users about tamper-resistant receptacle function. For more information on Real Safety visit the website at www.childoutletsafety.org.
About Chad D. Collins:
A licensed general contractor since 1997, custom home builder Chad D. Collins has been transforming clients' dreams into elegant, homes while building a reputation for skilled craftsmanship. Chad's commitment to excellence has earned Collins numerous top industry awards, including the coveted Triangle Sales and Marketing Council's MAME Building Company of the Year in 2007 and 2008.
…and will play an important next step to making your home a safer place for children.
According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data, each year, approximately 2,400 children suffer burns and severe shock when they stick items into the slots of electrical outlets. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that there are six to twelve child fatalities a year related to this.
The new National Electrical Code® (NEC®) now requires new homes as well as any renovations to have tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles installed. These new receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the contact openings of the receptacles. When a plug is inserted into the receptacle, both springs are compressed and the shutters then open, allowing for the metal prongs to make contact to create an electrical circuit. Because both springs must be compressed at the same time, the shutters do not open when a child attempts to insert an object into only one contact opening, and there is no contact with electricity.
Most often power outlet accidents by children are with parents or caregivers who look away for just a moment, only to face undue tragedy and pain as the result of a child's curiosity. The NEC’s mission is to provide electrical safety in the home. Tamper-resistant receptacles are a simple and easy way to protect children from serious injuries that continue to happen every year.
Once the code changed and we started using tamper-resistant receptacles on our projects, we have found that the new tamper-resistant receptacles add about $0.50 to the cost of an unprotected receptacle. On a national average, most homes have about 75 receptacles resulting in an overall added cost of under $40. This amount may vary slightly based on the type and style of tamper-resistant receptacle used. Point being, this is a minimal increase in cost and it buys a significant increase in electrical safety for our children.
You may be familiar with those plastic outlet protectors sold in the childproofing sections of retailers. Parents, you know the ones. The ones where you break your fingernails back trying to remove the things every time you want to vacuum. They are plastic inserts that fit into the slots of the outlet preventing a child from inserting an object. Some parents may feel a little uneasy about the effectiveness of these devices. And some may debate if receptacle caps can be removed by children. These inserts can be lost also may be a choking hazard for some ages.
Increasing awareness of child electrical safety, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association has developed a program titled Real Safety that identifies the dangers electrical receptacles may pose to children, educating users about tamper-resistant receptacle function. For more information on Real Safety visit the website at www.childoutletsafety.org.
About Chad D. Collins:
A licensed general contractor since 1997, custom home builder Chad D. Collins has been transforming clients' dreams into elegant, homes while building a reputation for skilled craftsmanship. Chad's commitment to excellence has earned Collins numerous top industry awards, including the coveted Triangle Sales and Marketing Council's MAME Building Company of the Year in 2007 and 2008.
What is the average life expectancy of a wood deck?
Your deck is really no different than your home, in that, you want it to be built with the same quality and attention to safety, as well as, compliant with the Building Codes.
In Central North Carolina, it is common to see asphalt shingles protecting our dwellings. In most cases, these shingles carry a 25 or 30 year life expectancy. What is the average life expectancy of a wood deck? Even with routinely applying a sealing agent or a wood preservative to an exposed wood deck, most experts agree that the average life expectancy of a wood deck to be 10 to 15 years. That figure puts millions of wood decks in the U.S. on the other side of their useful life and may be possibly unsafe. 850 reported injuries and 20 deaths have occurred due to deck collapses since 1999.
Deck failure is a growing problem across our nation. It is estimated, of the forty million existing decks, roughly half need to be retro fitted or rebuilt. Whether you have an existing deck or you’re thinking of building a new one, it is important that you consult with a qualified licensed professional such as a Structural Engineer, a Licensed General Contractor or a Professional Licensed Home Inspector to insure your deck is structurally sound and safe.
According to the Simpson Strong Tie Company, there are five warning signs of an unsafe deck:
1. Rot-
Left exposed to the elements of nature, the structural integrity of the posts, beams and joists can be compromised and may no longer perform the function for which they were installed. This exposure may make your deck unstable.
2. Cracks-
It is common for cracks to develop as wood ages. Large cracks may lead to excessive cracking and can weaken the structural components of your deck, making it susceptible to collapse.
3. Rusty Nails or Fasteners-
Galvanized or not, many metal connectors, nails and even screws can corrode. Once a nail starts to rust, it weakens and any associated shear forces may cause the nail to work free or snap.
4. Loose Fastener Connections-
There is a significant amount of vibration on a deck not only from people and pets but from the wind and rain as well. A fastener, such as a nail will work free and rise. Have you ever stubbed your toe on a decking nail that’s not seated? Loose railings and wobbly staircases are an example of the effects of loose fasteners and these areas should be addressed or they may fail.
5. Missing Connections-
Your deck may be unsafe if your only means of attachment to your home is nails. You should see a combination of wood, bolts, nails (or screws) and metal connectors at the band attachment to your home. If all you see are nails, your deck may be at a high risk to collapse.
If you are a Real Estate Professional with existing home listings or you, as a home owner, are in the market to sell your home, the North Carolina Home Inspection Licensing Board is recommending decks be brought to the current (new construction) Building Code, specifically if the deck is nailed to the home with no other visible means of attachment. Nails can corrode and fail behind the deck band causing the deck top collapse. Unless it can be otherwise demonstrated that the deck attachment to the home is secure; the deck should be bolted to the home or directly supported from underneath.
The North Carolina Residential Building Code Chapter 5 states:
R502.2.1
Decks. Where supported by attachment to an exterior wall, decks shall be positively anchored to the primary structure and designed for both vertical and lateral loads as applicable. Such attachment shall not be accomplished by the use of toenail or nails subject to withdrawal. Where positive connection to the primary structure cannot be verified during inspection, decks shall be self supporting.
As a Professional Licensed Home Inspector, when I inspect decks not only do I check for the 5 warning signs but I also put my Licensed General Contractor experience to use by evaluating the three types of forces that put pressure on your deck:
• Uplift- which is the lifting upward pressure effect caused by the wind pushing your deck upwards from underneath.
• Horizontal- the lateral movement side to side caused by people walking on the deck and leaning on the rails.
• Downward- the simple gravity of people standing on the deck as well as furniture snow and ice.
I also evaluate the continuous load path. The continuous point load path is the transfer of weight from the top, through the deck, to the post and down to the footings.
Hiring the right professional is vital. A Qualified Structural Engineer, a Licensed General Contractor or a Professional Licensed Home Inspector all should be able to evaluate the means of attachment and the condition of your deck. It is my recommendation to have your deck or screen porch professionally evaluated. A regular maintenance routine, as well as, educating yourself on the warning signs and knowing the steps to a stronger, safer deck will help ensure your deck is structurally sound and properly maintained.
About Chad D. Collins:
A licensed general contractor since 1997, custom home builder Chad D. Collins has been transforming clients' dreams into elegant, homes while building a reputation for skilled craftsmanship. Chad's commitment to excellence has earned Collins numerous top industry awards, including the coveted Triangle Sales and Marketing Council's MAME Building Company of the Year in 2007 and 2008. To learn more about Chad please visit www.collins-design-build.com
In Central North Carolina, it is common to see asphalt shingles protecting our dwellings. In most cases, these shingles carry a 25 or 30 year life expectancy. What is the average life expectancy of a wood deck? Even with routinely applying a sealing agent or a wood preservative to an exposed wood deck, most experts agree that the average life expectancy of a wood deck to be 10 to 15 years. That figure puts millions of wood decks in the U.S. on the other side of their useful life and may be possibly unsafe. 850 reported injuries and 20 deaths have occurred due to deck collapses since 1999.
Deck failure is a growing problem across our nation. It is estimated, of the forty million existing decks, roughly half need to be retro fitted or rebuilt. Whether you have an existing deck or you’re thinking of building a new one, it is important that you consult with a qualified licensed professional such as a Structural Engineer, a Licensed General Contractor or a Professional Licensed Home Inspector to insure your deck is structurally sound and safe.
According to the Simpson Strong Tie Company, there are five warning signs of an unsafe deck:
1. Rot-
Left exposed to the elements of nature, the structural integrity of the posts, beams and joists can be compromised and may no longer perform the function for which they were installed. This exposure may make your deck unstable.
2. Cracks-
It is common for cracks to develop as wood ages. Large cracks may lead to excessive cracking and can weaken the structural components of your deck, making it susceptible to collapse.
3. Rusty Nails or Fasteners-
Galvanized or not, many metal connectors, nails and even screws can corrode. Once a nail starts to rust, it weakens and any associated shear forces may cause the nail to work free or snap.
4. Loose Fastener Connections-
There is a significant amount of vibration on a deck not only from people and pets but from the wind and rain as well. A fastener, such as a nail will work free and rise. Have you ever stubbed your toe on a decking nail that’s not seated? Loose railings and wobbly staircases are an example of the effects of loose fasteners and these areas should be addressed or they may fail.
5. Missing Connections-
Your deck may be unsafe if your only means of attachment to your home is nails. You should see a combination of wood, bolts, nails (or screws) and metal connectors at the band attachment to your home. If all you see are nails, your deck may be at a high risk to collapse.
If you are a Real Estate Professional with existing home listings or you, as a home owner, are in the market to sell your home, the North Carolina Home Inspection Licensing Board is recommending decks be brought to the current (new construction) Building Code, specifically if the deck is nailed to the home with no other visible means of attachment. Nails can corrode and fail behind the deck band causing the deck top collapse. Unless it can be otherwise demonstrated that the deck attachment to the home is secure; the deck should be bolted to the home or directly supported from underneath.
The North Carolina Residential Building Code Chapter 5 states:
R502.2.1
Decks. Where supported by attachment to an exterior wall, decks shall be positively anchored to the primary structure and designed for both vertical and lateral loads as applicable. Such attachment shall not be accomplished by the use of toenail or nails subject to withdrawal. Where positive connection to the primary structure cannot be verified during inspection, decks shall be self supporting.
As a Professional Licensed Home Inspector, when I inspect decks not only do I check for the 5 warning signs but I also put my Licensed General Contractor experience to use by evaluating the three types of forces that put pressure on your deck:
• Uplift- which is the lifting upward pressure effect caused by the wind pushing your deck upwards from underneath.
• Horizontal- the lateral movement side to side caused by people walking on the deck and leaning on the rails.
• Downward- the simple gravity of people standing on the deck as well as furniture snow and ice.
I also evaluate the continuous load path. The continuous point load path is the transfer of weight from the top, through the deck, to the post and down to the footings.
Hiring the right professional is vital. A Qualified Structural Engineer, a Licensed General Contractor or a Professional Licensed Home Inspector all should be able to evaluate the means of attachment and the condition of your deck. It is my recommendation to have your deck or screen porch professionally evaluated. A regular maintenance routine, as well as, educating yourself on the warning signs and knowing the steps to a stronger, safer deck will help ensure your deck is structurally sound and properly maintained.
About Chad D. Collins:
A licensed general contractor since 1997, custom home builder Chad D. Collins has been transforming clients' dreams into elegant, homes while building a reputation for skilled craftsmanship. Chad's commitment to excellence has earned Collins numerous top industry awards, including the coveted Triangle Sales and Marketing Council's MAME Building Company of the Year in 2007 and 2008. To learn more about Chad please visit www.collins-design-build.com
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