Our Birthday Newsletter

We are sending this newsletter to celebrate our 6th birthday and to let you know what we accomplished in our past year.

In addition to being published at least once a month this year we were also featured on HGTV’s Groundbreakers and The Discovery Channels Renovation Nation with Steve Thomas.

We were chosen by The Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of Atlanta’s Top 20 Remodelers.

We joined GuildQuality which is the premier third party customer surveying and reporting company for the residential construction industry. After just a few projects we became one of the top 1% of GuildQuality’s membership.

We were incredibly honored to be named The EarthCraft Renovator of the Year by The Southface Energy Institute. EarthCraft has consistently been named the most recognizable residential green building program in the country. The program has become part of our culture. Regardless of scale we integrate EarthCraft standards into every project. EarthCraft assures that we increase the energy efficiency and sustainability while improving the air quality of every project. We would like to think we are walking the walk with regards to high performance construction methods. “Green” is not just a marketing tool at WicksteadWorks.

We added [smarter construction] to our name to let you know who we are in the industry and as a challenge to ourselves. We require continuing education within the company at all levels. We make it our job to know what the newest technology is and find out for ourselves if it is worth our endorsement.

Here are a few examples.

We are very excited about Icynene’s new LD-R-50 product. This is the newest and best insulation on the market. This is an open cell spray foam insulation with amazing insulating values, inherent fire resistance, and a castor oil base which dramatically reduces the VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) usually associated with spray insulation products.

We are currently researching the ability to install modular second story additions. We plan to install our first within a few months. Modular methods allow us to maintain our minimum EarthCraft standards while reducing overall cost to our client and speed up our already fast production schedules. This method is incredibly efficient with very little waste and much less intrusive to the neighborhood.

We consider ourselves experts on water conservation with respect to rainwater and greywater reuse, use reduction, and integrating whole house systems to work together towards the common goal of seriously reducing overall usage and dependency on municipal sources.

Nonnie's New Role

While we welcome Suzanne Seymour on board for design and specifications, Nonnie Preuss is moving in a new direction. For years we have wanted to focus on fostering relationships with likeminded organizations, and prospective clients. Nonnie will take on this task heading up Business Development.
Look for her at Green functions around town, and do not hesitate to call her with referrals. In addition to that new roll, Nonnie is designing a new division at WicksteadWorks in response to feedback she has received from clients just like you! She will be fine tuning it over the summer, stay tuned for a late summer/early fall debut. In the meantime you can reach Nonnie at 404-626-6881 or nonnie@wicksteadworks.com , she would love to hear from you.

We are always here to answer any questions you may have about your home so don’t hesitate to send an email directly to frank@wicksteadworks.com. This would be the least we can do for you. Everything you have just read has been inspired by you, our clients and friends, who constantly challenge us to improve; so once again, thank you!

WicksteadWorks Named Renovator of the Year by EarthCraft

WicksteadWorks recently received an award honoring their devotion to green building practices. Southface and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association named the Atlanta remodeling company as the 2009 Renovator of the Year. This is an extraordinary honor for WicksteadWorks as the award represents their dedication to going above and beyond the established measures to decrease energy consumption in an exiting home. WicksteadWorks does this by ensuring every single completed project meets or exceeds the standards of EarthCraft certification. By building to EarthCraft requirements, all renovations completed by WicksteadWorks will result in lower monthly utility bills and a healthier home environment for the homeowners.

Winners were determined by a team of EarthCraft House judges. Considering all of Frank Wickstead's green building designations and his persistence to encourage the industry to build green, it makes perfect sense that WicksteadWorks was able to impress the judges. Here's what one of them had to say about the remodeling company in Atlanta:

“WicksteadWorks has actively embraced sustainable building standards and pursues best-practices to achieve quality certified projects,” said Daniel Harvey with EarthCraft House. “Frank Wickstead and his team are dedicated to responsible building and construction methods that lead to improved energy efficiency, sustainability and air quality. Frank is making an impact in Atlanta, and for that reason, we named WicksteadWorks our Renovator of the Year.”

Congratulations WicksteadWorks!

So, how are you being effected by the economy?

I have heard this question enough that I would just publish the answer.

Builders entering the remodel market...

Beware folks. There is one essential difference between a remodeler and a builder. A builder sells a product. A remodeler sells a service. At WicksteadWorks, on-time, on-budget, and perfect detailing will get you a 5 out of 10. To get a 10 we have to be concerned about the journey along the way. Although we fail occasionally, at our best, we sell a pleasant experience. We hear from the vast majority of our clients that they would start another one immediately.

Vendors are collapsing...

This is one that took us by surprise and has thrown us for a loop or two. Our main material vendor went under. We followed our rep to another company but the service was terrible. We have switched again to a new company that is so far exceeding our expectations in service and pricing.

Another difficulty is that items that everyone used to stock now have a 2 week lead time. No one wants inventory. This is an example of how hard times are making us better. We now have to be twice as organized and on-our-game as we used to be.

Can you get a loan?

I was personally able to refinance my home to a fixed rate 4.65% rate saving us considerable money on a monthly basis. Those of you who have made good decisions along the way, live within their means, and are not buried in debt can find considerable opportunities out there in this environment. Many banks are gone and MANY loan brokers are gone. Those that remain NEED to loan money. They just need good customers. It is true that home values have dropped. If you had 20% or less equity in your home then you are most likely in a position now that you will not be able to secure a Line of Credit. If you had 30% or more equity, you are most likely in a good place for an inexpensive LOC. Call me, I'll tell you who is lending.

To our competition...

Take this time to get better! Be proud that you are doing well in this economy. Those that survive these times are the companies that deserve to be in business. Have you not managed to accomplish licensing? Then get to it! This economy along with our new licensing requirements will leave a very competitive market where most of the bums are no longer around (I know of at least one that is still around!). Who are the bums? They are the ones that have given our industry a black eye for years. The guys that give the low bids with the full intention of killing their clients with change orders and the ones that consider profit before all things... quality, relationships, the industry, etc.

Prepare for the fight!

Just last week I heard our economic situation encapsulated beautifully by a very wise man. Think of a price fighter before a championship bought. He will have to trim the fat and make every training session concise and productive. Every move will need to be simplified. We know the big fight, the turn in the economy, is right around the corner. When we come out of this we will be leaner. Our processes will be stronger. Our methods will be smarter. We will be better prepared and well organized. To our competition, beware, we are going to come out swinging.

If Noah Had to Build the Ark Today

In the year 2009, The Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States , and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans." He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard....but no ark. "Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark ?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah. "But things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood Home Owner's Association zoning laws by building the Ark in my backyard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Planning and Zoning Board for a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines, overpasses and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it. Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go! When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space. Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Civil Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience. To make matters worse, the Customs and Immigration Agency seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark. "

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord. "The Government has beat me to it."

Tips to Make your Home Eco Friendly

Holly McCarthy

There’s an old cliché that says that home is where the heart is, and that’s true for most of us. We feel at home in a house only when we love it – it may be just four walls with a roof on top, but if our heart calls it home, there’s nothing to beat the feeling. A home must be a place to relax in, to hang out, and to ease the tensions after a long day at work. Another aspect of a much-loved house is that it must be cost-effective to maintain on a regular basis. It’s a well-known fact that homes that are eco-friendly are easy to maintain and cost you less in terms of energy and power. Besides this, you’re also helping to save the environment. So if you’re looking to make your home eco-friendly, here’s what you need to do:

· Use energy efficient appliances: Switch from your regular incandescent lights to CFL tubes that do not use as much energy as their predecessors. Invest in appliances that come with the energy star rating so that you don’t spend thousands on your power bill. While your initial investment costs may be higher than expected, you’re definitely going to save money in the long term through reduced recurring costs.

· Make your home more energy efficient: You can do this by investing in insulation to make sure that your air conditioner works efficiently. Energy lost through cracks in windows or through high ceilings make up a large part of your power bill, so make sure your home is insulated well if you want to save on costs and reduce the amount of energy you consume.

· Cut down on your appliance usage: It’s best to make a compromise when it comes to saving costs and helping the environment – use your clothes washer, but air dry your clothes rather than use the dryer. Run your machine only when it’s full to save on water and power usage. If your clothes are not too dirty, wash them in cold water. In the bathroom, don’t leave the taps or shower running. Get leaky faucets and toilets fixed at the earliest to prevent water from being wasted. Don’t leave your water heater on for longer than you need it. Invest in an automatic thermostat that adjusts the amount of heat (or cold air) needed according to the number of people in the room.

· Use cleaning materials and detergents that are non-toxic: Most cleaning supplies are full of chemicals that only create foam and do not contribute much to the cleaning process. Check out your local stores and buy products that are less harmful to the environment and your skin.

· Use paints that are eco-friendly: Almost all regular paints are made with volatile organic compounds (VOC) that contribute to air pollution and that are responsible for making you ill when you breathe in the fumes. Buy paints that are labeled green – they either have no VOC or very little of them.

By-line:
This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of a construction management degree online. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12@gmail.com

Fragile housing market presents opportunities

Atlanta Business Chronicle by
Doug DeLoach Contributing writer
The Atlanta real estate industry has been adjusting to conditions that have remained relatively resistant to the scenarios unfolding in other areas of the country. “The longterm forecast for Atlanta is very good,” said Scott Simpson, president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors and managing broker at Prudential Georgia Realty. Domonic Purviance, senior consultant for the Atlanta region at Metrostudy Inc., which maintains one of the largest databases of primary housing market information in the country, said, “The Atlanta region will experience the most growth in closer in market areas and submarkets, as well as those areas with superior accessibility to major regional employment centers.”
Metrostudy’s analysis identifies parts of Cobb, Cherokee, DeKalb, Forsyth, Gwinnett and North Fulton as being sweet spots for growth. Other markets expected to remain relatively strong include Coweta, Douglas and Rockdale counties. For the near future, while all geographic markets will be impacted by strong competitive interference from resale inventory, some areas are less likely to quickly recover from the darker effects of the housing market downturn.
According to the National Association of Realtors, while 84 percent of homebuyers use the Internet for research, about 79 percent of homebuyers and 85 percent of home sellers end up using an agent.
“Buyers are looking for more competency and deeper market knowledge today,” said David Tufts, president of The Marketing Directors Inc. “Our employees are paid a salary, so they’re not desperately trying to make a sale every day to survive. They can be more consultative.”
An abundance of inventory may give builders an incentive to move product, but, at the same time, belt tightening is prompting some homeowners to stay put, a situation that tends to play into the game plan of some industry businesses. “I’m hearing a lot of, ‘We decided not to buy a new house, but we’re going to make those improvements we always wanted to make,’ ” said Frank Wickstead, president and CEO of WicksteadWorks, a highend remodeling company.
“The second story additions and the teardown/rebuilds have gone away, but we’re seeing lots of kitchens, basements and master suites being remodeled,” Wickstead said. On the other hand, anecdotal evidence shows that consumers who have the wherewithal to build or buy new are proceeding with their plans, albeit scaled down from the original. “The trend has been away from 8,000 square foot houses to a really well done 4,500 square foot house,” Wickstead said.
The “green” movement also has impacted home sales and construction. Headquartered in Atlanta, Southface Energy Institute is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing sound environmental education and outreach programs. “Last year and earlier this year, when the stuffing started coming out of the economy, we were very concerned about what would happen to our business,” said Gray Kelly, director of sustainable developments at Southface.
“However, in 2008, although we certified fewer houses than in 2007 by about 70 percent, we increased the number of EarthCraft builders by about one-third.” Growth in residential real estate experts offer tips on how businesses in the residential real estate industry can come out ahead.

• Adjust your business to a smaller market size.
• Housing activity is unlikely to rebound to 2005 to 2007 levels anytime soon, if ever.
• Higher inventory levels will continue to create downward pressure on prices in general, which means businesses servicing the real estate industry must also adjust prices in order to remain competitive.
• Due to the smaller market size, business must be willing to look at adjusting the size and cost of their operations, at least in the short term.
• Learn what “green” means. There are different standards and criteria for green building and development in the market (such as LEED, Green Globes and ENERGY STAR), but all of these standards share emphasis on similar things.
• Gather and pursue referrals for all they're worth.

Reasons and Steps for Improving Indoor Air Quality

Our spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends, and even pets – all are inhabitants of our homes at some point in time. We try to provide the best of accommodations for these extra-special guests and house mates when they visit: clean sheets, sparkling bathrooms, and all the comforts of home. But how do we control the quality of those elements in the home that we can’t see? Sure, everything may look clean, smell nice, and feel comfortable, but there are other factors to consider when thinking about building, renovating, or improving the quality of your current home.

We want to believe our home is a safe place, a haven from the dangers of the world. Old sayings such as “Home Sweet Home” and “There’s no place like home” describe the favorite environment of many people. But there is cause for concern regarding our homes; the place we so often long to spend time in and share with others may not be as safe as we would like to think. According the United States Green Building Council, Americans spend on average 90% of their time indoors, where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that “levels of pollutants may run two to five times – and occasionally more than 100 times – higher than outdoors levels.” These pollutants come from many sources, indoors and out.

Most of the pollutants found in the home come from outdoors, not surprisingly. But it is estimated, according to contractor Frank Wickstead, that "60% of interior air pollutants come in on the bottom of our seemingly clean shoes". He and sustainability consultant Holley Henderson agree that a good walk-off mat and shoe removal are essential to improving indoor air quality. Dirt and dust from our shoes can easily wind up in the air that we breathe indoors. Another simple, but often overlooked solution is to change HVAC air filters at least once per month, especially for those with pets or suffering from allergies and asthma. Not only will a clean filter provide clean air, but it will reduce the stress on your HVAC system by keeping the system's coils and heat exchanges clean and working properly. Frank also suggests updating the HVAC system and duct work if you're in an older home: "An updated HVAC should cost less to operate, is more efficient, and will have a more advanced filtration system to keep pollutants out of the home." Wayne Robertson, an energy consultant and green building commissioning agent, concurs that improved filtration and adequate fresh air are key to improved indoor air quality. Before the purchase of a new HVAC system, there are a few steps to complete beforehand to make sure your investment will pay off. Air leaks and condensation in hidden areas of the house can result in wasted energy and even mold, so start with these tips from Frank Wickstead to make sure the house's existing condition is conducive to improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality:"Depending on the scale of the project the building envelope should absolute be the first consideration. The basics of the building envelope are the insulation and windows. The best insulation on the market today is open cell spray foam. It is always best to install in the walls and the attic but not always practical. Installing in the attic alone is a very good compromise when a project does not involve removing interior drywall. The foam in the attic moves the building envelope from the ceiling to the actual rafters or roof. This means that the attic becomes "conditioned" so your house is no longer wearing a 150 degree hat in the summer or 40 degree hat in the winter. It also means that the duct work in the attic is no longer fighting against these extremes. Next is the windows. Sash replacements solve a lot of the problems historically experienced when replacing windows. The allow the interior trim and casing to be retained while replacing the actual sashes, which house more advanced double-paned glass, ray-blocking film, and argon gas. The next considerations after the building envelope is encapsulating the crawl space, water-proofing basement, and updating the duct work and HVAC. These considerations will make all the difference with regards to air quality. If there is a crawl space, proper encapsulation will assure healthy, dry air beneath the home as will properly waterproofing a damp basement. Mold needs two things to survive, moisture and heat. Removal of both of these will eliminate mold 100% of the time. The remediation of mold from a home without removing the moisture of heat source is an absolute waste of money. The mold will return. Improperly done duct work is a serious health hazard. If not properly insulated, it will absolutely be a source of moisture due condensation. That condensation when occurring in a basement, attic, or crawl space will almost always result in mold and then circulate spores throughout the home." - Frank WicksteadWhen we think about home improvement and increasing the value of a home, there is no aesthetic upgrade that compares to the peace of mind gained from knowing that your investment is saving you money and helping you to breathe healthier air. Without access to fresh air and natural light, our healthy connection to the outdoors is lost. Anne Harrell, wife and mother of three in Marietta, believes that access to natural light and working windows that can let in fresh air are two simple ways of improving indoor environments. The USGBC would agree: "(Indoor) occupant well-being can be improved by providing views to the exterior and by providing daylighting." Often when a home is renovated, window trim is simply painted over resulting in an inoperable window. Make sure when renovating that purchasing new windows and doors is a priority, so that you can let air circulate when desired and keep openings sealed tight when necessary.

Reducing pollutants in the home and improving indoor air quality are not only essential to comfort, but may also help to prevent physical sickness. Experts have, according to the U.S. EPA, coined the term “Sick Building Syndrome” to describe situations where a person is suffering from acute conditions and discomforts that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, when no specific illness or cause can be identified. Causes of SBS include poorly ventilated spaces, inhalation of biological contaminants like mold and bacteria, pollutants from the outdoors brought in from air intakes, and the inhalation of Volatile Organic Compounds such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and tobacco smoke (epa.gov). Steps to take to improve ventilation and eradicate mold have been outlined above, but there are other dangers which might require a little more effort to identify and remove. Radon and Carbon Monoxide are both invisible and undetectable by humans without the help of a detection device. According to the EPA, "Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims about 20,000 lives annually." Carbon Monoxide is a gas that presents an equally serious threat, and detectors should be installed in all homes. Detailed information on how to detect both Radon and Carbon Monoxide can be found on the website of the National Safety Council (nsc.org).

Besides naturally occurring dangers, there are many toxins in common products that we ourselves introduce into our home, probably without knowing their potential for harm. Many household cleaners containing bleach and ammonia can be irritating and potentially harmful. Josh Dorfman explains in his book, The Lazy Environmentalist: "Most eco-cleaners perform just as well as their conventional counterparts without using hazardous ingredients. The EPA estimates that anywhere from three to twenty-five gallons of toxic materials - mostly in cleaners - are present in the average U.S. household, so the situation can pose risks and be highly corrosive". The book lists many eco-cleaner options, including the popular Method and Seventh Generation brands. Formaldehyde and other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are also major household hazards. VOCs can come from many indoor sources including cabinetry, carpet, glues and adhesives, composite and pressed wood products including furniture, some fabrics, paints, and thermal insulation.. According to the USGBC, "When in high concentrations, these compounds can cause health problems, including eye, nose, and respiratory irritation. In addition, many volatile organic compounds are carcinogenic." A simple way to avoid the introduction of these chemical contaminants into the home is to purchase products which contain low or no VOCs and no added urea-formaldehyde. Learn more about how to choose healthy products from USGBC's GreenHomeGuide.org.

Prevention is one of the key objectives when investing in better indoor air quality. Some of the effects of toxins and pollutants are known, but there are still many questions that remain unanswered surrounding their potential for harm. Autism is a condition which affects people of all ages, and although the exact cause and cure is not known there is some supporting evidence to suggest that a healthy environment may be a key factor in preventing its development. According to the Autism Research Institute, "Autism is a complex disorder with many contributing factors. While there are many theories as to the cause of the increase, ARI believes environmental factors—including unprecedented exposure to toxic substances and over-vaccination of infants and young children—are the key factors triggering this devastating epidemic." By investing in a better indoor air quality, we can rest well knowing our families and friends are protected.
Starting a green home renovation project is simple, decide what needs to be improved. Visit USGBC's GreenHomeGuide.org and download a copy of the REGREEN Residential Remodeling Guidelines. These guidelines provide a summary of 10 types of common remodeling projects so that you can decide which is best for your situation: Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living / Working, Finished Basement, Home Performance, Major Addition, Gut Rehab, Deep Energy Retrofit, and Outdoor Living. The guidelines also include a library of environmental strategies for each of the home's systems, pre-design issues, and case studies of successful green home renovations. These guidelines will give you a place to start, but always consult a professional to help secure a maximum return on your investment. Assembling a design and construction team early, before any decisions about the project are made will "set the stage for optimal project development", according to Wayne Robertson. He and Holley Henderson agree that the sooner the commitment to sustainability and experienced team members are introduced into project planning, the more successful the the project will be.

-Samantha Harrell, LEED AP

Sustainable Building Professionals in the Atlanta Area
Samantha HarrellBenign Design
samantha@benigndesignllc.com

Nick HarrellCore Studios Land Planning + Landscape Architecture
www.coreatlanta.com

Frank WicksteadWickstead Works
www.wicksteadworks.com

Holley Henderson
H2 Ecodesign
www.h2ecodesign.com

Wayne RobertsonEnergy Ace, Inc.
www.energyace.com

Other Resources:
United States Green Building Council (USGBC.org)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.gov)
National Safety Council (NSC.org)
Southface Energy Institute (Southface.org)
Greenguard Environmental Institute (Greenguard.org)
Carpet and Rug Institute (Carpet-Rug.org)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC.org)
Greenseal.org
BuildingGreen.com
Southeasterngreen.com