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Subtitle:  As incentives wind down, energy experts wonder whether the market for home performance contractors will wither away or thrive Images: 

I’ve been involved, if somewhat peripherally, with the Home Performance industry for quite a while. I was one of the original group working on Home Performance with Energy Star in Atlanta quite a few years ago. As I learned more about this evolving field, I felt that it was both important and necessary, and thought that it had potential to be a profitable business model.

Subtitle:  Coming late to the table on a project, yet again Images: 

I was recently hired to be the Green Rater on a LEED for Homes project that is already under construction. This particular project is a fraternity house and the delay was due to a late decision to pursue LEED certification.

Apparently there was some confusion as to whether it was a commercial or residential building and if it should be considered a single family or multifamily structure. All these issues preceded my involvement – I am now involved and will work diligently to keep the project on track.

It May Be More Important Than Ever to Know When to Walk Away from a Potential Job

TODAY’S DRYWALL INCLUDES MORE THERMAL PERFORMANCE, MOISTURE PREVENTION AND SOUND CONTROL

By way of technology and innovation, standard gypsum board has evolved into a wide array of products that address specific performance requirements—from moisture, mold and impact resistance to specific fire-rated designs to indoor air quality. “There are also options that greatly enhance the aesthetics of a finished wall, such as Level V finishing systems, as well as flexible gypsum board products designed specifically for curved walls that are engineered to flex during installation and provide more design options for builders,” says Amy Lee, manager of marketing communications with CertainTeed Gypsum.

PVC EXTERIOR TRIM AND MILLWORK GRABS MARKET SHARE WITH LOW-MAINTENANCE, DESIGN-FRIENDLY OPTIONS

Traditionally the vast majority of exterior trim and millwork consisted of wood, but in today’s market, several more material choices are now available. One option that continues to grow in popularity with more selections available every year includes polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and urethane products, which are known for their low maintenance and all- weather durability—especially in regards to moisture resistance.

“Advancements in urethane and PVC exterior millwork that require very little long-term maintenance have been widely embraced by builders,” says Kathy Ziprik, spokesperson for Fypon. “Companies are now offering thousands of exterior decorative millwork pieces that are fast and easy to install and also come factory- primed, ready for staining or painting either prior to or after installation.” In addition to aesthetics, a critical factor in exterior enhancements to the home includes long-term performance and durability, Ziprik says.

Energy-efficient appliances, water-sipping showerheads, recycled-content countertops, and more.

Lighting designer recommends "subtle" lighting, touts benefits of CFLs and LEDs.