Chad D. Collins

Winter Weatherization Tips

2011-12-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

With the holidays behind us and much of the country facing months of chilly or even sub-zero weather, it’s not too late to make sure your home is adequately weather-proofed and save a few dollars (or more) on your utility bills. Here are some things you can do to improve your home’s efficiency and make sure you and your family are comfortable through the winter months:

· Check insulation

According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, in a typical home, about 10 to 20 percent of the fuel bill is the result of unintended air infiltration. Even in a well-insulated home, energy may be wasted through air moving in and out or infiltrating through the home’s building shell or structure. Air leaks around doors and windows, attic hatches, window air conditioners, and through cracks and holes.

Make sure your attic has a sufficient amount of insulation to ensure it stays at least five to 10 degrees warmer than the outside air, otherwise too much heat escapes. Not only will this cause your heat bills to be higher, but it can also cause frozen water to melt and refreeze which can result in a collapsed roof.

Inspect the weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows to make sure it hasn’t cracked or come loose, allowing air to leak, and replace it if needed. This can also help reduce infiltration by insects, dust and moisture and noise. Or, consider replacing your windows or doors with new ENERGY STAR-qualified windows or doors, which can save you about seven to 15 percent on your energy bills.

Maintain your pipes

Wrap your pipes with heating tape every winter and insulate unfinished rooms such as garages or sunrooms if they contain exposed pipes. Check pipes for cracks and leaks and have any damage repaired immediately to prevent costlier repairs later. Keep your house warm—at least 65 degrees. Don’t neglect your basement and crawl spaces, and insulate pipes in those spaces to protect against freezing.

It’s also important to know the location of your pipes and how to shut the water off. If your pipes freeze, the quicker you shut off the water, the better chance you have of preventing pipe bursts and major water damage in your home.

Inspect your heating systems

Be sure to have your heating system serviced every year, and maintain your furnace, fireplace, boiler, water heater, space heater and wood-burning stove. Change your heating and air conditioning filters regularly, and while you’re at it, check the batteries and operation of your smoke and fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

By setting aside a few weekend days now, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle later—and your family can relax and be warm and comfortable throughout the winter months.

Stocking Stuffers for your Handman

2011-12-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

A lighted pair of gloves.

Gloves are on every handyman's wist list. This pair is available from Mechanix for around $25. Click the photo for more information.

A stud finder.

Simply said, every home needs one. This Zircon model is just under $35. Click the photo for more information.

GFCI outlet tester.

This tester is offer by Sperry and is under $11. Click the photo for more information.

Noise suppression headphones.

Ryobi offers these headphones with an auxiliary input for listening to mp3 players while you work. At a price under $50 you're sure to be a hit with this gift. Click the photo for more information.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Update-from-Chad.html?soid=1107938791319&aid=GuNOOrhjfsE

2011-10-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Update-from-Chad.html?soid=1107938791319&aid=GuNOOrhjfsE

Fall Landscaping Tips to Prepare for Winter

2011-09-21T12:42:00.001-07:00

Fall Landscaping Tips to Prepare for Winter

By: Chad D. Collins
Vice President North Carolina Home Builders Association

There is no better time to take stock of your lawn and landscaping needs than during the shorter days and crisp temperatures that herald the beginning of fall. Not only can it help you have a great-looking lawn next spring, but it can save you money on your utility bills during the winter.

Assess Your Lawn

Fall is a great time for new grass seed to take root, especially in cooler climates. Even with meticulous care, lawns can thin out and lose color due to excessive thatch buildup, hard or compacted soils, or periods of high temperature, high humidity, or drought. Compacted soils slowly reduce the amount of oxygen contained in the soil, delaying the penetration of water and nutrients and impeding the lawn growth.
Aerating and over-seeding is an effective treatment to control thatch, reduce compaction, fill in bare spots and revitalize growth. It also reduces water runoff, increases the lawn’s drought tolerance and improves its overall health.

Lawn aeration allows air, moisture and fertilizer to penetrate down to the root zone. It involves removing small soil plugs or cores typically 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter from the lawn. Lawns composed of cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass are best aerified in the fall, when there is less heat stress and danger of invasion by weedy annuals. On the other hand, warm-season grasses are best aerified in late spring and summer, when they are actively growing.

Consider also reseeding your lawn in areas where the grass has gotten sparse. First, rake leaves and debris off your lawn so the seeds can penetrate the soil. Then fertilize your lawn one last time with a high nitrogen fertilizer to encourage root growth. Make sure you get a lawn fertilizer that is labeled “winterizing.”

Energy-Saving Planting

Fall is also the best season for planting trees, shrubs and perennials. Plants planted in the fall benefit from cooler air temperatures, not to mention soil temperatures still warm enough to support good root growth. After a winter of dormancy, fall-planted trees and shrubs practically shoot out of the soil the following spring.

Plant deciduous trees that lose their leaves during the winter in front of windows that receive significant amounts of sunlight. This helps block solar heat in the summer and lets it in during the winter when you need it most, which could help reduce your heating and air conditioning costs.

A six-foot to eight-foot deciduous tree will begin shading your windows the first year and your roof, depending on the species, within five-10 years. Planting evergreen trees or shrubs limits sunlight entering your home and serves as a windbreak.

Winter sunlight is a welcome heat source, but the wind that can accompany it can reduce its positive effects. A natural windbreak will reduce or redirect wind speed. Evergreen trees and shrubs planted on the side of your house that receives winds will help reduce the wind effect. Teaming evergreen trees and an earth berm, a natural or man-made wall, will direct wind over your house.

About Chad D. Collins:
A licensed general contractor since 1997, Accredited Master 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 and his services please visit: www.collinsdesignbuild.com

Remodel Smart: Know the Language

2011-06-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

Remodel Smart: Know the Language

Chad D. Collins, AMB, CGP
Vice President North Carolina Home Builders Association

An educated shopper is a smart shopper. This especially hold true in the world of hiring and working with contractors to make improvements to your home.

As you interview potential contractors, being able to understand the terminology they use can help you avoid miscommunication and ensure a smoother remodeling experience so you and your family can enjoy your new or updated kitchen, bathroom or room addition even sooner.

Here’s a glossary of some of the common terms used by builders and remodelers to help you understand the language of your remodeling project:

Allowance: A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for specified items in a contract for which the brand, model number, color, size or other details are not yet known.

Bid: A proposal to work for a certain amount of money, based on plans and specifications for the project.

Building Permit: A document issued by a governing authority, such as a city or county building department, granting permission to undertake a construction project.

Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR): A professional designation program offered through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers Council™. To attain the CGR designation, a remodeler must take a specified number of continuing education courses and must comply with a strict code of ethics.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS): The CAPS designation was developed by the National Association of Home Builders and AARP. CAPS professionals have been taught the strategies and techniques to meet the home modification needs of home owners who want to continue living in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. CAPS graduates pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending education programs and participating in community service.

Change Order: Written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. The change order should reflect any changes in cost.

Cost-plus Contract: A contract between a contractor and home owner based on the accrued cost of labor and materials plus a percentage for profit and overhead — also known as a time-and-materials contract.

Draw: A designated payment that is "drawn" from the total project budget to pay for services completed to date. A draw schedule typically is established in the contract.

Plans and Specifications: Drawings for the project, and a detailed list or description of the known products, materials, quantities and finishes to be used.

Subcontractor: A person or company hired directly by the contractor to perform specialized work at the job site — sometimes referred to as a trade contractor.

To learn more about remodeling your home, including a checklist for selecting and hiring a remodeler and advice on financing and designing your project, visit www.nahb.org/remodel

Americans Still See Homeownership as a Top Priority

2011-06-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Americans Still See Homeownership as a Top Priority
Chad D. Collins
Vice President North Carolina Home Builders Association

Americans still consider owning a home essential to the American Dream, and Washington policymakers would be wise to keep this in mind in the coming election season.

Proof of this statement is evident in a May 2011 poll conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders by Public Opinion Strategies of Alexandria, Va., and Lake Research Partners of Washington, D.C.

The national poll reached two thousand likely voters and asked them about their attitudes regarding homeownership and housing policy. The results could not be clearer.

Despite the ups and downs of the housing market—and whether or not they currently own a home—voters overwhelmingly indicated that they place a high value on homeownership as a core achievement in their lives.

Of the poll respondents who are current home owners, nearly all of them—95 percent—said they are happy with their decision to own a home and believe that owning their own home is important. Almost three-quarters of respondents who do not now own a home said it is a goal of theirs to eventually buy one.

Equally telling, voters rated the importance of homeownership just as highly as the importance of being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education.

The bottom line is, even after years of economic turmoil and an unprecedented and prolonged downturn in the housing market, homeownership is still a central goal for most Americans. It’s an undeniably deep emotional attachment that can’t be ignored by the politicians who are looking to address budget issues by cutting housing incentives in the tax code such as the mortgage interest deduction.

Americans also feel strongly about the financial benefits—and challenges—of homeownership.

Poll respondents said they considered owning a home their best investment, more than their retirement savings program or stock market investments. And 75 percent said that owning a home is worth facing the potential ups and downs of the housing market.

Meanwhile, non-owners identified saving enough money for a down payment and closing costs as the number one barrier keeping them from homeownership, more than job uncertainty or concerns that the value of their home may drop below the purchase price.

Yet exceedingly stringent mortgage lending requirements could make that barrier even tougher for the typical American family to overcome in the future. For example, according to estimates by both NAHB and the Center for Responsible Lending, it would take more than 12 years for a typical family to save enough money for a 20 percent down payment on a median-priced single-family home.

Lawmakers need to put themselves in the shoes of the average American, and see that excessive down payment requirements and a reduction in housing tax incentives will keep homeownership out of reach for most first-time home buyers and many middle-class households. This would be a fatal blow to the American Dream for many, many families.

Selling Tips for Home Buyers

2011-06-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

Selling Tips for Home Buyers
Chad D. Collins, AMB, CGP
Regional Vice President North Carolina Home Builders Association

There are incredible opportunities to buy a home in today’s market. Interest rates are near historic lows, prices are more competitive than they’ve been in years, and there is a large selection of homes available for sale to choose from. Whether you would like more space to accommodate a growing family or less to better suit an empty-nester lifestyle, the current buyer’s market makes it an ideal time to make a change.

But what if you have to sell your current home before you buy a new one? While the buyer’s market means when you buy your new house you will be able to get more for your money than a few years ago, it also means you will have to make sure your existing home is presented in its most attractive light in order to attract bids from potential buyers.

Here are some tips to help you improve your chances of attracting a buyer:

• Start with a realistic price. Thoroughly research what homes comparable to yours have sold for in the past year, as well as what the asking price is for the homes that are currently for sale. If you are working with a Realtor, they can do this for you. A price that’s too high may keep your home on the market so long that buyers will assume there are problems.
• Curb appeal is critical. Some prospective buyers never get out of the car before deciding that a run-down house is not for them. Keep your lawn neatly mowed and seed bare spots, mulch all the garden beds and plant colorful annuals, and paint or touch up fences, trim and the house itself, if it needs it. Fix anything sub-par that’s visible from the street.
• Clean, clean, clean. From the minute buyers arrive at your front door, make sure that everything they see is super clean. Put out a new welcome mat. Thoroughly clean carpets, floors, baseboards, curtains, windows, and especially all the surfaces and appliances in your bathrooms and kitchens. Repaint the walls if they are scuffed or stained.
• Don’t forget odor. The home should both look and smell clean and welcoming. Open windows in good weather to encourage fresh air to circulate. Use scented cleaners or air fresheners. Some sellers even pop a batch of cookies into the oven or simmer spiced cider on the stove if they know a potential buyer is coming.
• Make sure everything works. Fix everything from the merely cosmetic such as burned-out light bulbs, to things that could raise red flags with buyers such as broken sink disposals and leaky faucets. If you don’t fix it, their home inspector will find it.
• Clutter kills sales. Make sure beds are made, toys are put away, bookshelves are neatly organized, and counters are cleared of personal items. If your house is too full—and that includes attics and basements—prospective buyers will have trouble visualizing their furnishings and possessions fitting in the space. Consider temporarily moving some furniture or boxes to the homes of friends or family, rent a storage facility, or even have a yard sale.

Prospective buyers can see that buying a house that’s already attractive and in good working order will make their lives easier—and could help you get into the home of your dreams that much sooner.

The Lasting Value of Homeownership

2011-05-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

The Lasting Value of Homeownership
By Chad D. Collins
Regional Vice President North Carolina Home Builders Association

During National Homeownership Month in June, the housing industry celebrates the many benefits of owning a home. Despite the downturn in the housing market, families continue to seek to achieve the American Dream of homeownership and take their place among the more than 74 million Americans that own a home.

The value Americans place on owning their home continues even through times of economic hardship. The Fannie Mae National Housing Survey conducted in January 2010 showed that two-thirds of American adults said they still preferred owning a home. And 70 percent of respondents said they believe buying a home continues to be one of the safest investments available.

Home appreciation over the long term builds financial security for a family’s future. But most home owners don’t have to wait for the home’s value to increase to realize the financial benefits. Right from the first year, the majority of home owners are able to annually deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes they paid off their taxable income. This can mean thousands of dollars saved off a family’s tax bill every year.

When the family sells the home, the capital gains exclusion exempts up to $250,000 of the profit ($500,000 for married couples) from taxes.

But the value of homeownership can be much more than financial.

Owning a home can often be a lifestyle improvement, enabling a family to enjoy a neighborhood, features and other amenities that suit their present and future day-to-day activities.

Newly-constructed houses can deliver energy efficiency, storage space, well-designed floor plans, and the latest technologies in electrical systems and appliances. Rooms are often spacious, with high ceilings and lots of windows to let in light. A new home also comes with the peace of mind of little maintenance needed and a warranty against defects.

Existing homes offer neighborhoods whose character has already been established, mature landscaping with tall trees, and an existing selection of businesses and services for the home owner to use. If the home isn’t already a great fit to the buyers’ taste, it can be renovated to reflect the new owners’ needs and preferences.

Homeownership lets families build connections. Owners take pride in their homes, and develop friendships with other people who also own homes and care about the neighborhood. A home is a place where families make a sanctuary that feels comfortable and safe, and where they develop social networks, begin friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.

New Homes Benefit More Than Just Buyers and Builders.

2011-04-20T12:13:00.001-07:00

New Homes Benefit More Than Just Buyers and Builders.

The only people who benefit when a house is built are the family members who get to live there, and the builder who constructed and sold the home, right?

Wrong. The positive impact of new residential construction is far-reaching, bringing benefits to families, businesses and services throughout a community immediately, as well as for years to come.

According to economists at the National Association of Home Builders, the one-year estimated local impacts of building 100 single-family homes in a typical metro area include $21.1 million in local income, $2.2 million in taxes and other local government revenue, and 324 local jobs.

But what does that economic impact mean in the real, day-to-day lives of community residents?

Just think about it. When a family moves to a community and buys a new house, they will likely shop at local stores to buy furniture and accessories to decorate the home. They will fill their car’s gas tank at local gas stations so they can get to the stores, have local mechanics work on the car when it breaks down or needs the oil changed, or buy a new car at a local dealer when it’s time to replace the old one.

The family may need to hire local companies for regular services to maintain their home, such as landscaping, house cleaning, pet sitters or pool upkeep.
The children will enroll in local schools. This increases enrollment, meaning more teachers, janitors, cafeteria workers and other school support staff will need to be hired. Those kids will also join sports leagues and other activities, buy equipment and pay registration fees that provide stipends for referees and coaches.

All of this economic activity puts income into the pockets of local business owners and their families, who can then afford to go out and spend money themselves, which recycles even more money into the community’s economy.

The new family also pays local and state taxes. These tax revenues help pay for a wide range of government services, including school teachers, police departments, refuse collection, parks maintenance and road repairs.

Over the long term, as the families who move into new homes become part of the community, their positive impact continues. NAHB estimates that those 100 new homes also provide the community with additional, annually-recurring impacts of $3.1 million in local income, $743,000 in taxes and other revenue for local governments, and 53 local jobs.

Families who buy a newly built home enjoy benefits including safety, amenities, energy efficiency and floor plans to fit a modern lifestyle. But the advantages of new homes extend far beyond the buyers and the builders—residential construction has a positive, direct impact on the local community for years.

Chad D. Collins, AMB, CGP

May is Remodeling Month

2011-04-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

May is Remodeling Month

Chad D. Collins, AMB, CGP

Families remodel their homes for many different reasons. It may be to accommodate additional people living in the home, to redesign the space better to better suit the family’s current lifestyle, to save money on utility bills, or to reduce their environmental “footprints” and be better stewards of our natural resources.

But as the home building and remodeling industry celebrates Remodeling Month in May, one thing is for sure—remodeling is growing in popularity like never before.

Americans spent $116 billion on improvements to owner-occupied units in 2010. And economists at the National Association of Home Builders forecast that nationwide remodeling expenditures will increase to $131 billion by 2012 as the housing market recovers from the recession.

Many remodelers are seeing increased interest from home owners. Remodeling your home can not only bring your family the immediate satisfaction of enjoying a more comfortable living space, but depending on the upgrades you choose, you can realize savings on utility costs and strengthen the long-term value of your home.

Some of the currently most popular remodeling projects, include bathroom and kitchen remodeling, windows or door replacements, room additions, whole house remodeling, decks, screen porches, roof replacements and finishing basements.

Spring is also when the world celebrates environmental stewardship with Earth Day in April and Arbor Day in June. And green remodeling is one of today’s hottest trends.

Green remodeling means incorporating sustainable, durable, and healthier design into the renovation of existing homes. The most popular reason why consumers choose a green remodeling project is a desire to improve their home’s energy efficiency or indoor environmental quality.

Some of the top upgrades that can make a home more energy efficient include putting in high-efficiency windows and low-flow water fixtures, replacing appliances and water heaters with new ENERGY STAR®-rated ones, increasing or upgrading the quality of insulation, and purchasing a high-efficiency HVAC system that is appropriately sized for the area that is to be heated or cooled.

The remodeling industry is wholeheartedly embracing the green movement. Ninety-one percent of remodelers install energy-efficient windows, 86 percent install ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances, and 70 percent incorporate recycled or recyclable materials into their projects.

Home owners who want additional assurance that the remodeler they’ve chosen is authentically “green” can make sure to hire a remodeler who has earned the Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation. In order to achieve this designation, remodelers must have at least two years of building industry experience, complete the two-day “Green Building for Building Professionals” course, agree to continuing education requirements and sign a code of ethics, among other requirements.

An added incentive to remodel green is the federal tax credits the government is offering for certain energy efficient home improvements that are installed through the end of 2011.

Installation of qualified energy-efficient insulation material, exterior windows, doors or roofs, and certain electric heat pumps, water heaters and HVAC systems are just a few of the improvements that may qualify for a tax credit. To find out more information, go to: www.nahb.org/efficiencytaxcredit.

Chad D. Collins, AMB, CGP

Collins earns Accredited Master Builder Designation

2011-03-30T08:35:00.001-07:00

Raleigh, N.C.—Chad D. Collins of Collins Design-Build, Inc. of Durham, N.C. has completed the 112 hours of course work necessary to meet the requirements for the Accredited Master Builder (AMB) designation. And becomes one of only 47 in the State of North Carolina to carry this high level designation.

The North Carolina Builder Institute, the educational arm of the North Carolina Home Builders Association, administers their continuing education program. An Accredited Master Builder designation is the highest level designation that is recognized statewide and identifies top professionals in the building industry.

Accredited Master Builder graduates complete an intensive series of 112 hours of course work, during which they learn about the newest trends and advanced technology in the building industry. Participants also have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow builders on solutions to many everyday problems encountered in the industry. To keep their designation current, graduates must complete an additional eight hours each year.

The North Carolina Home Builders Association is a state trade association representing 65 local associations and more than 16,000 member firms involved in the residential construction industry. A not-for-profit organization, the NCHBA provides its members with networking and educational opportunities and represents them in matters of government relations and advocacy.

Homes of the Future: What’s Hot and What’s Not

2011-02-19T05:02:00.000-08:00

Homes of the Future: What’s Hot and What’s Not
By Chad D. Collins

Are you planning to move to a new home in the next few years? Thinking about renovating your current home so it’s more appealing to potential buyers when you do decide to move on? Or maybe you just want to change your space to follow the latest trends?

Whatever your plans for your existing or future home, research from the National Association of Home Builders and Better Homes and Gardens magazine shows what features and floor plans will be popular over the next few years.
According to an NAHB survey of home builders on their expectations for homes in 2015, smaller homes with lower prices and more green features will be the predominant force in the marketplace.

As the average size of new single-family homes continues to decline to 2,377 square feet from a peak of 2,521 in 2007, floor plans are focusing on frequently-used rooms. More than half of the builders surveyed said the size of the family room will increase, while the formal living room, entry foyer and dining room are expected to decrease or disappear.

Other features that builders predict are highly likely to be included in the average new home of 2015 include a walk-in closet in the master bedroom; a laundry room; ceiling fans; a master bedroom on the first floor in homes with two stories; and a two-car garage.

Nearly 70 percent of the respondents said that homes will be greener, and about one-third expect them to have more features related to technology.

The most common green features in 2015’s new homes will be low-E windows; engineered wood beams, joists or trusses; water-efficient features such as dual-flush toilets or low-flow faucets; and an Energy Star rating for the whole house.
The families who will be looking to move into new or renovated homes have high expectations for their new space as well.

A December 2010 survey of Better Homes and Garden readers who consider themselves prospective home buyers or who are planning a major improvement to their home indicated that home buyers don’t want any “wasted space” in their next home and they are seeking significant value for the money they spend.

Eighty-nine percent of consumers want high-efficiency heating and cooling in their next home, 85 percent want high-efficiency appliances, and 78 percent want upgraded features and fixtures such as granite countertops, wood flooring, faucets and lighting fixtures.

Efficient use of space also ranks highly in consumers’ desires. The top-ranked living spaces include a separate laundry room; additional storage space; walk-in closets or built-ins; a home office space, workspace or family computing center; and everyday eating space in or close to the kitchen.

Homeownership Can Bring Big Savings at Tax Time

2011-02-17T06:00:00.001-08:00

Homeownership Can Bring Big Savings at Tax Time

Chad D. Collins

As the April 18 federal income tax filing deadline approaches, millions of Americans are sitting down and sorting through dozens of forms to determine how much money they owe Uncle Sam – or, how much of a refund they will get this year. One of those forms, the Mortgage Interest Statement Form 1098, can mean big savings for home owners at tax time.

Form 1098, which home owners receive from their lenders, shows the total amount of home mortgage interest paid during the year. Home owners who itemize their federal income tax deductions can deduct 100 percent of their mortgage interest payments on a first or second home for up to $1 million of mortgage debt. They can also deduct the interest paid on up to $100,000 of home equity loans.

For most home owners, this means they can deduct ALL of the mortgage interest they’ve paid on their home each year.

The ability to deduct home mortgage and home equity loan interest isn’t the only tax benefit for home owners.

The three most important sources of tax savings for home owners are:

• Deductions for mortgage interest
• Deductions for real estate taxes
• The capital gains exclusion for the sale of a principal residence

Home owners are also able to deduct the state and local real estate taxes they pay each year on an owner-occupied home.

When it is time to sell a home, in many cases home owners don’t have to pay capital gains tax on the profit from the sale. Under present law, married couples who have owned and occupied their principal residence for at least two of the past five years do not have to pay any taxes on the first $500,000 in profits from the sale of their home. Single filers earn up to $250,000 tax free.

Another deduction home owners may be able to take is for mortgage insurance premiums. Generally, people who purchase a home without putting 20 percent down have to buy mortgage insurance, and those premiums can also be deducted from taxable income.

Even home owners who don’t use the home as their principal residence and rent it out may be able enjoy some tax benefits, including interest and depreciation deductions.

Buying a home offers tax savings that can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over several years. Home owners rely on the mortgage interest deduction each year to help offset the costs of homeownership and prospective buyers take the deduction into consideration when choosing homeownership over renting.

But the mortgage interest deduction, which has been included in the tax code for about 100 years, is in danger. A national deficit commission has proposed reducing or eliminating the deduction as part of a restructuring of the tax code.

Small Homes, Small Details Among New Home Design Trends

2011-01-20T06:42:00.001-08:00

Small Homes, Small Details Among New Home Design Trends

by Chad D. Collins
Vice-President North Carolina Home Builders Association

Open floor plans, energy-efficient features, and lots of closet space are among the elements that today’s home buyers are seeking in newly-constructed homes, according to industry experts at the 2011 International Builders’ Show. The research and trends presented at the show offer valuable insights and information to home builders so that they can build homes that appeal to the modern consumer’s preferences.

Once-popular features such as large living rooms, soaking tubs and second-floor laundry rooms are now out of favor. Home buyers found that the convenience of not having to carry laundry to another floor was outweighed by the noise that interrupted their sleep.

Home buyers are looking for small details in their new homes, such as a built-in desk under a stairway, or a courtyard tucked between two downstairs bedrooms. Successful home builders “create memory points,” said design trends seminar speaker Kate Brennan of the Chicago design firm Mary Cook and Associates.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average size of a new single family home decreased from 2,438 square feet to 2,377 in 2010. This made designing to maximize space a popular theme at the show. One session focused exclusively on new ideas in home design for floor plans measuring 2,500 square feet or less.

Open floor plans are now in high demand because they are not only more practical for entertaining – the hosts can interact with their dinner guests in a spacious kitchen while they are preparing food – but the lack of walls and closed-off spaces make the home seem much larger.

The kitchen is now the hub of the home more than ever. Even if busy families are bringing home takeout, they want the kitchen island to be large enough to serve a multi-tasking purpose as a place to do homework, crafts, and pay bills – as well as to enjoy coffee on a Sunday morning.

Natural finishes are also more popular. Recycled flooring, using a mix of wood grains on the cabinets and architectural details that reflect the indigenous building of the region – such as using stucco in the Southwest – are more important to buyers.

Session panelists also shared that home builders should pay attention to a growing group of home buyers: WINKs – Women with No Kids. These women have distinct preferences that don’t quite fit into the usual categories that home designers talk about: first-time buyers who tend to be singles and young professionals, move-up buyers who usually have children, and empty-nesters.

WINKs have more buying power than a generation ago and are seeking smaller homes that have multipurpose rooms for entertaining along with intimate “retreat” spaces for themselves.

A survey of 20,000 home buyers in the United States and Canada points out that there are a number of features in new homes that are considered non-negotiable across almost all demographic groups, said Paul Cardis of AVID Ratings Co., who spoke at a seminar on new design preferences.

The top five features include walk-in closets – mentioned by 66 percent of first-time buyers as a “must have” – energy-efficient appliances, linen closets, a large kitchen and the overall efficiency of the home, Cardis said.

To learn more about housing trends and to connect with others on Facebook at www.facebook.com/collins-design-build

Chad’s Top 5 First Impressions of an Existing Home

2010-12-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

Inspecting, selling or buying an existing home may present a unique set of challenges. You should be aware of the differences compared to new home construction and know how to sort out these differences such as clearances, environmental hazards and life safety. How far should a Home Inspector go in reporting these issues? And if something doesn’t meet current code in an existing home, is it necessarily a bad thing? When I evaluate an existing home for a client, I snapshot my review into five simple points:

1- Water Drainage.
What is the water flow pattern with relation to the home, driveway and sidewalks? Is there a negative grade (slope) towards the home? A good rule of thumb is six inches of fall for every ten feet away from the home. I look for the obvious evidence of standing water, such as silt or mud rings on the concrete. I check for mud staining on the foundation and try to determine if it is from overflowing roof water or due to the rising ground flow runoff. How does the water drain away from the home? What damage exists?

2- Shrub / Tree Relationship with the Home.
In most cases, you can tell a lot about the condition of a home just by evaluating the foundation plantings. Neglected shrubs can grow to encroach, impeding the intended access. Overgrown shrubs contribute to accelerated aging and decay of most exterior materials and may hide early warning signs of any potential harmful issues. Because foundations plants are living, they attract insects that feed on their branches and leaves such as termites. A haven for breading pests like mosquitoes, they also serve as cover or screening for a would-be intruder. What hidden problems lie behind overgrown shrubs?

3- Age of Home / Type of Construction Materials.
The age of the home tells me a lot about the types of products used. During certain time periods, Builders went through fad products. With most products, such as asphalt shingles, there is a life cycle. This is true for most all products susceptible to exposure. Has the home been maintained? What do we know now that we didn’t know when we used the applied materials? What are the factors and where are the materials in their life cycle? What needs to be replaced verses what can be repaired?

4- Assess Inefficiencies.
I evaluate the inefficiency of the home. Are high moisture levels present? Molds, mildew and organic growth all stem from air flow inefficiency. I check the condition of the three majors; Plumbing, HVAC & Electric. What is the condition and effectiveness of the insulation, weather stripping, windows and doors? What level of repair, updating or maintenance is needed and at what cost?

5- Conditional Cosmetics.
What is wore out? Where has the caulking failed? What condition is the flooring? Does any work need to be done prior to painting. Is there lead paint or coatings? What needs to be addressed first? Identify a priority list. I usually recommend to start with the lowest hanging fruit; those items with the biggest return at the smallest monetary investment. Is there more to do than you can do yourself? Can the home be lived in while making these conditional cosmetic repairs or updates?

The backdrop to take into consideration is the relationship between the amount owed and the amount needed to address verses the average value of the home comparables (comps) in the neighborhood.

About Chad D. Collins:
A licensed general contractor since 1997, Accredited 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 and his services please visit: www.collins-design-build.com

The Mortgage Interest Deduction is Under Attack

2010-11-20T07:00:00.001-08:00

The Mortgage Interest Deduction is Under Attack

By Chad D. Collins, AB,CGP

2011 Regional Vice-President, North Carolina Home Builders Association

American voters have a clear message for Congress: “Don’t touch my mortgage interest deduction!” However, a recent draft proposal released by the co-chairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (NCFRR) threatens this deduction that often provides thousands of dollars of tax savings each year to American home owners.

The NCFRR — a bipartisan commission created by President Obama to help address the nation’s budget deficit — recommends either eliminating the mortgage interest deduction altogether or severely limiting it among many other changes. This means many home owners could have a much higher tax debt each year than they are used to, which could have a serious negative impact on their family’s financial situation.

Currently, the mortgage interest deduction allows home owners to reduce their taxable income by the amount of interest paid on their home loan each year. Home owners can deduct the interest for up to $1 million of mortgage debt and up to $100,000 of home equity loan debt on both primary and secondary homes that aren’t rented out.

A recent nationwide survey of 800 likely voters commissioned by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that no matter their political party affiliation or homeownership status, Americans don’t want their mortgage interest deduction to be taken away.

Here are some important results of the survey:

• Homeownership status: Even people who aren’t able to claim a mortgage interest deduction support it. Eighty-two percent of renters and 72 percent of owners think tax incentives to promote homeownership are reasonable.

• Political party affiliation: 69 percent of Republicans, 83 percent of Democrats and 70 percent of Independents think it is reasonable for the federal government to provide tax incentives to promote homeownership.

• Comparison to other tax credits: An overwhelming majority of Americans — 81 percent — feel that the mortgage interest deduction should remain in the tax code. This compares to 82 percent for medical expenses, 76 percent for state/local taxes, and 66 percent for charitable deductions.

Critics of the deduction argue that it favors high-income taxpayers over lower to moderate income earners who need it most. But according to the Joint Committee on Taxation, 89 percent of taxpayers benefiting from the deduction make less than $200,000 annually.

Research by NAHB economists — using the Internal Revenue Service Statistics of Income data — also shows that as a share of household income the biggest beneficiaries are younger households, who typically have large mortgages, small amounts of equity in their homes and growing families. A copy of the report can be found at www.nahb.org/TaxIncentivesStudy.

Current home owners rely on the mortgage interest deduction to help offset the costs of homeownership each year and prospective buyers take the deduction into consideration when choosing homeownership over renting. Any change to the tax code that limits or eliminates the deduction will negatively affect homeownership in America.

Learn more about the threat to the mortgage interest tax deduction and connect with others on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SaveMyMID .

Do you leave your crawlspace vents open all year?

2010-11-09T08:00:00.001-08:00

Research indicates rather than removing crawl space moisture, venting makes the problem worse. Especially here in the Eastern United States.
Here’s a snapshot of what happens to the air in a vented crawl space. When hot air rises, most of the air escapes into the upper areas of your home finding its way outside. As the hot air leaves, cool air rushes in through inefficient windows, leaky doors and open crawl space vents to replace it. Then the cycle is repeated. The air in the crawl space that gets sucked up into the home brings along moisture, dust, allergens, mold spores and possibly radon. Because of this cycle, any possibility of meaningful cross-ventilation, allowing moist air to leave through the crawl space vents, is negated.
Building Scientists have found consistently, that when warm, moist outside air enters a crawl space, through an open vent, it instantly cools and drastically increases the relative humidity of the crawl space. When the relative humidity goes over one hundred percent, the moisture is released into the crawl space atmosphere, resulting in condensation accumulation on the earth floor, walls and building components. This accumulation provides an environment conducive to support organic growths such as mold and mildew.
The 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) somewhat acknowledged the problem with - R408.2, Exception 1, stated, "Where warranted by climatic conditions, ventilation openings to the outdoors are not required if ventilation openings to the interior are provided."
Then in the 2006 version of the International Residential Code Section R409 was added as an option - R409.1 “Closed crawl spaces shall be built to minimize the entry of the outdoor air into the crawl space. Specifically prohibited are foundation wall vents.”
The 2009 International Residential Code Edition carries the same theme but with more emphasis on energy efficiency such as air leakage controls.
Crawl space humidification by evaporation of soil moisture is related to the soil moisture content and temperature. Evaporation is generally greatest during summer, when the soil is warm, and least during winter, when it is cold. Vapor barrier ground covers help inhibit evaporation from crawl space floors, thereby lowering crawl space humidity levels.
Unless your home is relatively new, almost certainly your crawlspace has foundation vents. If this is the case for your home, at a minimum, I recommend completely covering your crawl floor with a 10 mil poly / plastic overlapped twelve inches at the seams. The seams should be taped with a vinyl/ waterproof tape. This covering will serve as a moisture vapor barrier over the earth / soil ground cover to inhibit evaporation into the crawl space. Running the vapor barrier up the foundation walls is recommended. If the vapor barrier is run up the crawl space wall to the level of the floor joists, termites could build mud tunnels on the foundation wall that would be hidden from view. So, a three inch inspection gap should be left, exposing the bottom of the wood floor framing and masonry wall.
If the crawl space houses an appliance such as a furnace or hot water heater, the appliance, in most cases, needs make-up air for combustion. Consult your HVAC professional before sealing off any vents. Typically, where appliances are present an inexpensive “make up” air supply is easily installed.
To learn more about crawlspaces and if sealing your crawlspace is a better choice for your family’s home, visit: www.crawlspaces.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. To learn more about Chad and his services please visit: www.collins-design-build.com

The 2010 NCHBA STARS Award Winners Announced

2010-09-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Tamper- resistant receptacles are now code…

2010-09-10T15:54:00.001-07:00

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.

What is the average life expectancy of a wood deck?

2010-09-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

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

Paws4Ever Names New Board Member

2010-05-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Paws4Ever Names New Board Member
Local Custom Home Building Veteran Brings Extensive Management Expertise to Paws4Ever.

Orange County, NC, May 5th 2010 – Paws4Ever, formally known as the Animal Protection Society of Orange County, Inc., today announced the unanimous election to its board of directors, Chad D. Collins, who brings more than 20 years of financial and operational experience in the construction industry.

The talent and diverse expertise of our board has always been one of Paws4Ever’s key assets, as witnessed by our tag-line: "Educate. Care. Adopt. Train." Which brings focus to the four core areas of service that continue to make our whole community a progressive leader in the humane treatment of animals. Stellar industry leaders like Collins, with his proven aptitude to execute, is a critical addition to our team; helping us to broaden the our operating base that we'll need to meet our long-term growth objectives of building strong positive bonds between people and animals that last a lifetime.

Collins is a Senior Business Manager with 20 years of experience driving revenue and profit growth in competitive, volatile markets. Cost control, operations management, and relations. Collins has won numerous top industry awards for relationship management and marketing excellence. Innovative, collaborative, solutions-focused leader with excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, presentation, and team-building skills. For more information on Chad you may visit www.collins-design-build.com

About Paws4Ever
The adoption center is a NO KILL placement partner for animals transferred from county shelters, including Orange, Chatham, and Caswell, where the number of adoptable pets outpaces the space to house them. The learning center provides the most affordable and comprehensive array of dog training in our area, and the sanctuary is home to a 3-acre dog park. In October of 2008, 43 years after its beginning, the Animal Protection Society of Orange County changed its name, to better reflect current mission and programs. Our new name and its tag-line: "Educate. Care. Adopt. Train." brings focus to the four core areas of service that continue to make our whole community a progressive leader in the humane treatment of animals. For more information please visit www.paws4ever.org

Local builder receives professional designation

2010-03-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

Raleigh, N.C.—Chad Collins of Collins Design-Build in Durham, N.C. has completed the 72 hours of course work necessary to meet the requirements for the Accredited Builder (AB) designation.
The North Carolina Builder Institute, the educational arm of the North Carolina Home Builders Association, administers their continuing education program. An Accredited Builder designation is recognized statewide and identifies top professionals in the building industry.
Accredited Builder graduates complete an intensive series of 72 hours of course work, during which they learn about the newest trends and technology in the building industry. Participants also have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow builders on solutions to many everyday problems encountered in the industry. To keep their designation current, graduates must complete an additional eight hours each year.
The North Carolina Home Builders Association is a state trade association representing 65 local associations and more than 16,000 member firms involved in the residential construction industry. A not-for-profit organization, the NCHBA provides its members with networking and educational opportunities and represents them in matters of government relations and advocacy.

The Road to Quality

2010-02-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

The Road To Quality. It is what every family looking for a Builder wants to find. The Road is the idea embodied in this logo.

The challenge with any logo is to maintain clean simplicity while giving pertinent information and eliciting an emotional response from the person viewing it. This logo has a warm feel and meets this challenge quite well.

The graphic representation of the road on the left balances the lettering on the right. As well, the logo's colors may be used in a variety of ways without losing its impact. The graphic might be used alone as a design element in brochures or a website. The white and blue color scheme could be reversed in some cases extending marketing possibilities.

Overall, the logo is balanced, clean and powerful in its simplicity. The logo conveys professionalism while evoking a level of confidence from its viewer.

Lead Base Coatings were banned from residential use in 1978.

2010-02-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

In 2008 the US EPA announced new rules for contractors who renovate or repair housing, child care facilities or schools built before 1978. Under the new rules contractors and workers must have documented training and practice lead-safe work practices to reduce potential lead exposures during renovation and repair activities. The requirements apply to anyone such as painters, plumbers, electricians and contractors who could potentially expose children to lead dust during their work.

In January Chad D.Collins of Collins Design-Build, Inc. become only the sixth firm to become Certified in the state of North Carolina to become a Certified Renovation Firm to conduct lead safe practices in in housing, child care facilities or schools built prior to 1978.

Press Release 12-9-09

2009-12-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

Durham, 12-8-09 – Chad D. Collins of Collins Design-Build, Inc. recently became one of the select group of professional Builders, remodelers, and other industry professionals nationwide who have earned the Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation, identifying him as someone with knowledge of the best strategies for incorporating green building principles into homes.

The CGP program is administered by The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) University of Housing and sponsored locally by The Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties.
In three days of course work, the CGP curriculum incorporates a variety of information tailored to green building and business practices. The CGP curriculum incorporates training by leading building industry practitioners and academics on a range of topics, including strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes using cost-effective methods of construction, and how green homes provide buyers with lower maintenance and good indoor air quality. Techniques are also discussed for competitively differentiating your home products with increased indoor environmental quality as well as energy and resource efficiency.
CGP program graduates are required to maintain their designation by completing 12 hours of continuing education every 3 years a portion of which pertain to green building activities.
Congratulations Chad.

2009-10-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

2009 NCHBA STARS Award Winners

Chad & Emilee Collins of Collins Design-Build, Inc.

The North Carolina Home Builders Association is pleased to announce the winners of the annual STARS Awards, an awards program that honors the achievements of home building industry professionals. More than 250 industry professionals gathered in Charlotte September 16 for the awards gala.

Winners received recognition in categories such as marketing and advertising, Web design, landscape design, interior merchandising, architecture/floor plans and special projects. Awards were also given to local home builders associations.

Best Single Family Detached Home with a sales price $250,000 - $500,000 for the Courtland at Pleasant Green Woods in Durham Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties.

http://www.collins-design-build.com/

Some of what I do...

2009-06-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

Manage all facets of operations, including land acquisition, sales, marketing, estimating, contract negotiations, product development, accounting, payroll, permitting, scheduling, purchasing, and customer, supplier, and subcontractor relations. Collaborate with Frank Betz and Associates in product design and development. Portfolio consists of speculative homes valued in excess of $4,000,000.

Manage from 7 to 10 projects simultaneously. Write a monthly column for North Carolina Builder, the official magazine of the North Carolina Home Builders Association.

• Won 2007 and 2008 MAME (Major Achievements in Marketing Excellence) Building Company of the Year awarded by the Triangle Sales and Marketing Council and the 2007 Builder Director of the Year awarded by the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties."

Chad D. Collins (Collins Design-Build, Inc.) - Builder-Contractor - Durham, NC

2009-06-01T10:43:00.001-07:00

Chad D. Collins (Collins Design-Build, Inc.) - Builder-Contractor - Durham, NC: Chad's talent for sales, marketing, product development, and finance has led the company to impressive financial performance and market growth. Chad's leadership and relentless focus on quality and client service have earned the company no fewer than 15 home building awards. Chad credits these achievements to leveraging the knowledge he acquired while working for other builders to operate the company with virtually no overhead. Through these experiences, Chad learned which approaches, designs, and products work well, are most profitable, and provide the highest value.

Looking forward, Chad wants to focus on custom home building for the executive market. To achieve that goal, Chad founded Collins Design-Build, Inc. Chad's wife, Emilee, a licensed real estate broker and a mortgage planner serves as the company's Broker-in-Charge, enabling the company to offer in-house sales and mortgage lending services.

Chad graduated in 1992 from Central Carolina Community College. Currently, he is completing courses and requirements to earn the MIRM designation; the highest designation offered by the National Association of Home Builders. Chad is very active in industry and community organizations.

He serves on various boards of directors and has earned numerous top awards for membership recruitment from the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties, the North Carolina Home Builders Association, the National Association of Home Builders, The Triangle Community Coalition, and the Hillsborough / Orange County Chamber of Commerce. He is a charter member of the Professional Women in Building Council and the Green Building Council."

Chad D. Collins (Collins Design-Build, Inc.) - Builder-Contractor - Durham, NC

2009-06-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

Chad D. Collins (Collins Design-Build, Inc.) - Builder-Contractor - Durham, NC: A licensed general contractor since 1997, custom home builder Chad Collins has been transforming clients' dreams into elegant, fashionable, timeless homes while building a reputation for skilled craftsmanship, superior quality, and incomparable client service. 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.
From the outset of his career, Chad quickly impressed others with his professionalism, integrity, and astute operations management skills. While in high school and college, Chad worked part time with home improvement retailers and building material suppliers, which opened opportunities to work for regional and national home builders throughout much of the 1990s.
Chad capitalized on his experiences to acquire considerable industry knowledge and to forge strong relationships.

Chad distinguished himself by developing processes, tools, and quality-driven teams that improved ROI and margins, cut annual costs, reduced project completion time, and decreased attrition. As a result, Chad advanced to increasingly responsible positions. Evidence of his talent for coaching and leading teams is that some of the team members he developed continue to work with him.

Following that success, Chad played an important role in helping the company establish operations and a market presence in the Triangle market. His efforts in closing just under $6,000,000 in custom homes in a single year earned Chad the '2001 Builder of the Year Award.'"

2008 Parade of Homes Winners Announced

2009-06-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

RALEIGH - Nearly 400 building industry professionals from North Carolina and surrounding states gathered at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, NC, on Sept. 10, 2008 for the Sixth Annual STARS Awards Gala.

Winners received recognition across 41 categories that covered marketing, advertising, web design, sales centers, landscape design, interior merchandising, architecture/floor plans and special projects. Awards were also given to local home builders associations, communities of the year, a distinguished associate member and a distinguished builder member.

The STARS Awards Gala is held in conjunction with the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference sponsored by the North Carolina Home Builders Association. Each year the competition pays tribute to members who make major contributions to the residential home building industry. In 2008, the program boasted a record number of entries, and a total of 63 STARS awards were presented at the awards gala along with the recognition of 20 Outstanding Achievements. The STARS Awards ultimately symbolize tremendous achievement, honor, and distinction among building industry professionals.

And the winners are...

SUPER STAR AWARDS:

Best Brochure/Direct Mail Piece for a Project by a Builder - Less than 50 homes per year
Collins Design-Build, Inc.
Members of the Raleigh-Wake County HBA and the HBA of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:
Best Logo Design for a Company
Collins Design-Build, Inc.
Members of the HBA of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties and the Raleigh-Wake County HBA

Best Single Family Detached Home with a sales price of $250,000-$500,000
Collins Design-Build, Inc. for the Summerbrooke at Windover in Durham
Members of the Raleigh-Wake County HBA and the HBA of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties

We now offer Home Inspections and Radon Testing!

2009-06-01T10:39:00.001-07:00

We now offer Home Inspections and Radon Testing!

As a Licensed General Contractor and a Licensed Home Inspector, I would love to do your next Home Inspection or if you already have an Inspection but need someone to make repairs... I can do that too! Please consider me. 919-422-2818 or chad.d.collins@att.net"

A little about Chad D. Collins:

2009-06-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

As a business manager and team leader, I have developed and delivered products that maximize financial, operational, and customer value.

Throughout my career, my reputation for exceptional quality, business results, and customer engagement has been founded on integrity and responsiveness. As a result, I have expanded business opportunities with established and potential clients. I excel in attracting, mentoring, and leading high-performing, results-focused teams.

For example, at Torrey Homes, I introduced training and team-building processes that set clear, attainable goals, tied them to company objectives, and ensured accountability. I also developed a number of organizational and scheduling processes that cut annual costs, improved ROI and profitability, and significantly reduced project completion times. Perhaps, the best testament of my ability to cultivate quality teams is that many of my key team members have followed me as I moved to other companies.

Under my leadership, my company and former employers have been recognized among industry peers and business organizations for outstanding market performance, winning numerous awards. I have opened new markets for companies that led to rapid revenue recognition, once again winning awards for sales and revenue production.

While working in other companies, I paid close attention to processes, approaches, and products that worked well, listened to customer needs, and observed how companies responded to customer requests. I was able to leverage these experiences into a competitive advantage in a market not always known for exceptional customer experiences.

I have proven results in all facets of management, I believe your company represents an excellent opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge in new areas and contribute to your strategic market, customer service, and business goals.

Chad D. Collins

2009-05-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

Chad D. Collins

http://www.collins-design-build.com/

Licensed General Contractor

Licensed Home Inspector

2007 & 2008 TSMC MAME

Building Company of the Year