House Tear Down

With limited land available, especially lakefront properties, many people are purchasing old camps and cottages to tear the house down and rebuild a new, energy efficient home.

Traditionally, a bulldozer or other large piece of equipment levels the house in a matter of minutes and the debris is taken to a landfill. A green alternative would be to tear the house down in stages, carefully preserving the material and selling it at a demolition auction.

What can be salvaged and reused from a tear down?

• Building components such as doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, etc.
• Glass
• Metals
• Brick
• Wood
• Asphalt
• Concrete
• Gypsum
• Plastics
• Landscaping, including trees, stumps, and rocks

On the other hand, you might want to check out a demolition auction to find recycled materials if you are building a new home or remodeling your existing home. These types of auctions are held at the house to be torn down, and bidders are allowed to tour the home prior to the auction. You can get everything from fixtures, appliances, flooring, and walls.

Tip: Be prepared to be required to remove the items yourself.

NH Architects Open House

Bonin Architects is celebrating our new office location by having a Grand Opening and Open House!

Stop by to say hello and at the same time visit the other Baynham's Square businesses, Ellie's Cafe & Deli, Vessels & Jewels, and The Banks Gallery. Light refreshments provided by Ellie's Cafe & Deli. There is no charge, but please RSVP to info@boninarchitects.com or call 603-504-6009.

When: Thursday, October 29, 2009
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Where: Bonin Architects, 209 Main Street, New London, NH

Whether you're planning to build a new energy efficient home, are involved in green building, or are just curious about our business, please stop by!

Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces combine form and function, making them a great supplemental heat source for your new energy efficient home.

We looked at the new Rinnai RHFE 750 ETR gas fireplace, which has an efficiency rating of up to 83% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) by using a stainless steel heat exchanger and modulating gas value with an automatic blower. In addition, the RHFE 750 has many other features:

Innovative Technology and Safety Features:
• Electronic seven-stage modulating gas valve efficiently uses only the energy necessary to maintain room temperature, while providing seven different flame patterns and heat output
• Automatically adjusts the heat output and blower speed, delivering a consistent room temperature for maximizing comfort
• Sealed combustion system minimizes indoor heat loss
• Stainless steel heat exchanger
• Thermistor for accurate temperature control
• Sensors for power failure, flame failure, overheat, and power surge

Design and Convenience:
• Digital dual timer function enables fireplace to turn on and off for two set periods - great for morning and evening pre-sets
• Pre-heat mode ensures set room temperature is attained
• Full-function remote gives total control of your heat and flame output
• 3-speed fan allows even heat distribution
• On-board diagnostics and safety monitoring system
• Up to 60% heat turn-down with flame visible even on the lowest setting
• Uniquely interchangeable fronts make it easy to fit and update any décor

Advantages:
• Energy-efficient source of zone heating
• Maintains a comfortable level of heat - never too hot or too cold
• Four interchangeable fronts make it easy to change your style often
• Bottom air discharge for optimal heat distribution and for creating space for plasma screens, wall niches and other home décor accessories above the fireplace

The RHFE 750 also comes with interchangeable profiles to complement nearly any interior design. See the specifications and more about this direct vent gas fireplace.

Home Improvement Remodeling

Are you thinking about remodeling your home? There are many remodeling projects that can increase the resale value of your home: adding space, kitchen and bath remodeling, including upgrading counters, cabinets, fixtures and appliances, adding insulation and replacement windows and doors to increase the energy efficiency of the home, and even completely changing the floor plan of the home.

Home remodeling requires good planning and scheduling. After all, you’ll most likely be living in the home during the remodeling. The NH Home Builders Association gives these tips to help stay on schedule:

• Expect to set aside time for telephone calls and regular meetings with your contact person to review progress and discuss the schedule for remaining work.
  
• Ask your remodeler which product orders require the longest lead times. For custom-made items, it is especially important to make your selections as early in the process as possible.
  
• Realize that changes you make to the project after work has begun may affect the schedule and the budget. Change orders should include prices, full descriptions, and authorization in writing before any new work begins.

If your city or town requires an architect to stamp your remodeling plans, consider hiring the architect as the project manager. The architect is your advocate during the design and remodel, saving you money, solving problems that might arise, and most importantly, keeping your goals as the top priority as he or she manages your team of experts during the home’s design and construction.

Read about current remodeling trends