Jul 22, 2015
It definitely pays to go green, especially when building. LineShapeSpace got to work with their friends at Autodesk to tell the story about sustainable architecture, construction, AND why it matters for small business. The infographic below dives into explanations, costs, examples and reasoning’s as to why going green with building is the way to go. Cha-ching!
Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency of your home to minimize environmental impacts. Some of the ways to build green are by choosing better building materials, as well as choosing more efficient appliances to save on energy and water consumption.
Some Statistics
Buildings in the United States account for;
- 39% Energy Use
- 68% Electricity Consumption
- 30% Landfill Waste
- 38% CO2 Emissiona
- 12% Water Consumption
Buy Recycled
Examples of construction materials that can be readily found with recycled content include:
- Insulation
- Carpet & Carpet Padding
- Plastic Lumber
- Kitchen Countertops
- Glass Tiles
- Drywall
- Steel
- Landscaping Materials
Benefits of Building Green
Environmental
- Emissions reduction
- Water conservation
- Storm-water management
- Temperature moderation
- Waste reduction
Economic
- Energy and water savings
- Lower utility demand
- Reduced building costs
- Increased property values
- Decreased infrastructure strain
- Tax Benefits
Social
- Improved health and productivity
- Improved quality of life
- Green bragging rights
- Better sustainable conscience
For more information on building green and the benefits that come with it, take a look at the infographic below.
Jul 15, 2015
Building a new home can be a pricey endeavor, and it can be tempting to cut costs wherever possible. This makes competitive bidding look like a great idea. However, when it comes to finding the right contractor, there are far more things to consider than the price tag. Finding quality building services isn’t anything like shopping for a new car, it’s about building a relationship.
What Is Competitive Bidding
Competitive bidding in the construction industry is when two or more companies are all trying to obtain the same project and are forced into a price competition. The competing companies will analyze and estimate the work needed to complete the project and then attempt to arrive at a competitive price for the project.
Often you won’t usually have complete plans for each of the contractors to look at, and in this situation a good contractor will factor in the cost of anything missing from the plans. Things like moldings, light sockets, and so on are often overlooked, and this leaves room for an dishonest contractor to lower the apparent cost. Eventually, you will be made aware of those extras and end up paying for them anyways.
Why’s It So Bad?
Assuming all of the contractors in the bidding war aren’t trying to ‘trick’ you, a bidding war still puts a distasteful element to the owner/builder relationship.
This simple reason alone should be enough to make you avoid a bidding war at all costs. The competitive bidding war is the start of your owner/builder relationship and it can put you and the builder on opposite teams. It’s not surprising that many owner/builder relationships that are born of competitive bidding turn adversarial. Now both you and the builder will be in financial competition with one another.
Because no attempt was made at establishing a genuine relationship, both parties will start to look at each other as cold, heartless, business entities.
What Can You Do to Avoid it?
Meet your prospective contractors face to face. Talk with the staff, their references, visit completed job sites, and search the internet for awards and certifications. Once you’ve done that with a few different companies you should be able to determine which contractor will be best for your project.
Finding the right contractor is the one thing you’ll want to invest a little more money into. In the end there needs to be a mutual trust between both you as the owner, and the builder. Unfortunately trust is hard to build when you start a relationship with competitive bidding.
Jul 8, 2015
Available immediately is this Regency Homes model, based on our Pinecrest floor plan, located at 16161 W Street, Omaha, NE 68135. This home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a three stall garage. The home was built with livability in mind, and at 1888 sq ft of living space this home is extremely spacious and versatile, and at only $340,000 you had better act soon or this home will be gone!
The three stall garage is perfect for families with multiple cars, or for those who would like to use the additional garage space as a workshop.
If you’re looking for a home that is easy to maintain but has plenty of space for everyone, this beautiful new home in the Quail Hollow Community of Omaha has all the amenities you could ask for but is still a home that is easy to navigate as well as easy to maintain.
The kitchen is gorgeous, warm and open to the great room. It has energy star rated stainless steel appliances and expansive granite countertops that make preparing meals a breeze. This kitchen has beautiful wooden cabinetry that allows for plenty of storage space. Additionally it also has a large pantry where you can store more food and appliances. You’re sure to find a place for everything in this kitchen. The large island is great for preparing, serving and eating at, and is a great addition for families who like to entertain.
The kitchen is openly connected to the great room and the dining room.
The great room features a gas fireplace to add warmth and ambiance to your home, as well as expansive windows. The great room is connected to the kitchen to allow for an open feeling in the home as well as allow light to flow freely throughout the living space, but it is also disconnected from the kitchen in that it has a plush carpet where the kitchen has gorgeous hardwood floors.
If you’re concerned about making the great room a little more intimate than an open floor plan usually allows for, push the thought out of your mind. Making intimate spaces in an open floor plan can be as easy as painting the rooms different colors and using furniture to separate the areas.
The master bath has a double vanity that will make getting ready for the day, or bedtime, a breeze. This bathroom also has a luxurious soaking tub/whirlpool. This bathroom is perfect for anyone who comes home from a long day and simply needs to find a place to relax.
The basement of this home has access to the back yard and is currently unfinished, but if you ever choose to expand, finishing it will be a simple matter.
This home also has a back porch that is great for outdoor family diners and entertaining. From the porch you have a gorgeous view of the walking path near your home.
To learn more about this new model home for sale in Omaha, NE please contact Regency Homes. If this home isn’t quite what you’re looking for, be sure to take a look at our Available Homes, or our Models and Plans library.
Elevation as shown may not represent base elevation. All Plans are approximate. Some optional items may be shown. Copyright holder will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law for copyright infringement.
Prices subject to change.
Jul 1, 2015
July is an eventful month in Omaha this year. Not only is there an Independence Day celebration, but all month there are farmers markets, concerts, free movies, and hydrant parties to keep your kids cool. Be sure to get out of the house this month and go have some fun!
Annual Armbrust Acres Independence Day Celebrations
When: July 4th
11:00am – 11:00pm
Where: 168th & Center
Cost: $10 Armbands
Join the Armbrust Acres neighborhood on 168th & Center in celebrating Independence Day with fun for the whole family! Food trucks, carnival games, music, and a parade are just a few of the festive activities you can expect. Of course, the evening will be topped off with a dazzling and grand fireworks display! Check out the schedule of events to see what’s happening throughout the day. Proceeds from the event help support efforts for a new playground. Help support the community and enjoy the holiday all at the same time!
City of Papillion Farmers Market
When: Every Wednesday through September 09
Where: City Park in Papillion
84th and Lincoln Streets, Papillion, NE 68046
Shop fresh produce, baked goods and art from local vendors. Live music on select nights. Note: No market on June 17.
Rockbrook Village Friday Concerts
When: Every Friday through August 28th
7:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Rockbrook Village Shopping Center
108th & W Center Rd, Omaha, NE 68144
Local musicians will entertain families every Friday night this summer. Bring family, friends, and a lawn chair for a delightful evening. Dine and shop in Rockbrook Village before the concert!
Monday Night at the Movies
When: Every Monday through July 27th
Dusk
Where: Midtown Crossing
31st-33rd and Farnam-Dodge Sts, Omaha, NE 68131
Outdoor movies will roll at sunset on a 26-foot inflatable screen in Turner Park. Blankets/chairs welcome; food/snacks available for purchase. First three hours of garage parking is free.
Omaha Under the Radar 2015 Festival
When: July 8 – 11, 2015
Time Varies
Where: Bancroft Street Market
2702 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68108
4 days. 11 events. 39 acts. An annual experimental performance festival featuring four days of performances, multiple venues, and inspiring performers from around the country.
Walking Tour: Historic Vinton Street Business District
When: Every Second Friday through October 09, 2015
5:00pm – 6:30pm
Where: 18th & Vinton Streets (NE Corner), Omaha, NE
Experience Omaha! Join us for an 8-block guided walk through an historic commercial district of South Omaha. We’ll note architecture, the arts, ethnic culture, local business, and the past/present the second Friday of every month through October 9.
City of Omaha Hydrant Parties
When: June 15th – August 7th;
Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Various Locations (Check the Schedule)
If you and your kids want a unique way of cooling off this summer, be sure to come to one of Omaha’s Hydrant Parties! The times and locations vary, so be sure to check out the schedule.
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