Who is Home Tech Construction, Remodeling With Air Quality In Mind

When your builder selects what goes beneath your carpet or wood flooring they will pick what is the most cost effective for the bottom line. Most commonly used are particle board, plywood or strand board, these pressed boards are manufactured using formaldehyde, this chemical is found to be dangerous even at low levels. Ask your contractor to show you materials that are manufactured with few or no chemicals.

Carpet can be a lot more pleasant to walk around on barefoot then cold wood or marble, know what your little piggy's are getting into! New carpet can have over 200 chemicals for everything from making them stain resistant to keeping the pile high. Most outgassing happens in the first few weeks but will continue to a lesser degree throughout the life of the carpet. Consider using smooth floor covering such as wood, marble or tile. If your tootsies cry for carpet consider area rugs made of wool or other natural low pile covering, these can be easily rolled up and taken to a green cleaner when necessary.

After you pick out your Energy Star rated AC and heating units remember, even the best systems have to be maintained! Your heating and cooling system can be the #1 assault on your homes air quality if the necessary steps are overlooked.

Be sure to have the system checked annually for proper filtration and if the budget permits choose a system that controls fresh-air intake, humidity levels and the homes circulation. A good contractor knowledgeable in green energy and green building can point you in the right direction.

Did you know paint is assigned "levels of safety?" Do your homework and know where you paint stands on the toxic scale, then choose wisely!

Know the importance of clean breathing during slumber time. If you put all your air quality attention on only one area let it be the bedrooms!

It's while you're at rest that your body repairs itself and the importance of a clean, comfy disruption free eight hours of sleep every night cannot be understated for your health and well being.

Please use only green cleaners for your carpet and bed dressing. Keep clean sheets on the bed to lessen the population of irritating dust mites. Although throw pillows can add a little flash and style be sure to choose natural fabrics that can be easily cleaned.

If you use a humidifier be sure to keep it clean and be aware of the humidity levels in your room, over doing it can be bad for both you and your home.

None of us are surprised to hear that some of the biggest VOC's offenders are our household cleaners, what we use to make everything shiny and "sanitary." Try some of the new "green cleaners" there are more of them on the market every day, and when cleaning you kitchen and bath crack the window to circulate the air and give fumes a way out.

When you choose your cabinets ask the salesman or your contractor about the formaldehyde content of the product you intend to use. Pressed woods vary in the amount of chemicals used in manufacturing while natural woods have less. This information is more readily available as more people are demanding it.

Be sure your Bathroom is built with proper ventilation! An exhaust fan is a must for removing moisture, odor, and the gases emitted by personal care products such as hairspray and deodorant. Stay aware of possible mold growth as this can turn into a major home and health issue if allowed to get out of hand.

Consider that your basement can be an excellent addition to your living space, if proper moisture levels are maintained. You may want to have a professional contractor such as Home Tech Construction come in and provide a free estimate for turning your dingy basement into a family or play room for the children. If this is not an option for you please be aware of the chemicals you have stored there. Be sure that all paint cans, and toxic products are tightly sealed to keep fumes in and store away from places little hands may go. If it is possible it is best to store volatile or toxic chemicals away from the home in a shed or storage unit.

In some places such as the North East you may want to consider radon testing for your basement. You can go to the EPA at www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html,to find where the radon threat is highest.

Do you always see the damage done to your home over the year, through storm after shingle rattling storm?....No, not all structural damage done to your home is visible to the naked, untrained eye!

During an HTHC a professional keenly attuned to structural integrity and spotting problem areas will inspect your home. Our home tech will pinpoint the areas of concern before they turn into problems that can affect your health or bank account. He/she will also give you cost cutting tips for correcting these potential problems before they turn into your costly headache.

Our home tech will be looking for:

- Loose shingles and areas where moisture can seep in, settle and feed dangerous mold.
- Old and loose fitting insulation where costly energy can escape from your home.
- Rotting and damaged floor, porch boards and railings.
- Poorly fitting doors and windows where energy can escape and moisture can enter.
- Insects and insect damage.......is on the short list of the areas covered during your Home Tech Home Check.

Also consider a "Comprehensive Home Energy Audit!" An Energy Audit can pinpoint exact areas of energy loss, using an inferred camera as well as employing the use of a blower door to accurately determine the airflow of the structure. Is your home too tight or not tight enough? Find out by scheduling your Home Tech Home Energy Audit. We use BPI certified technicians using top of the line equipment to analyze your homes envelope.

Home Tech gives a free "Comprehensive Home Energy Audit" with every signed construction contract.
(this offer does not apply to previously signed contracts or handy man contracts!)

US Green Building Councel Long Island Chapter

"Make your next home remodeling project a green one with REGREEN .!"