Well, we've been going around the mulberry bush a bit about the windows. North Carolina code requires that certain windows have an opening of at least 5 square feet (ground floor) and 5.75 feet (second story and up) which means that we have to change which parts of our windows open (we had the small part opening but the requirement is driving us to make the large part opening. Not a huge concern but there is also the concern about the roller shade (rolladen) - if it blocks the opening then we're expecting they will tell us we can't have it. The law is designed to ensure a fire fighter can enter or exit the rooms with all his gear using the window as his egress point.
On the finances front, we have word that the bank has all they need and now we're waiting for the appraisal to come back which will set the basis for the loan amount. We don't see it as a problem but we fully expect the appraisal to come in below the cost-to-build due to the unique construction methods we're using.
This week we went shopping at plumbing and tile supply companies in Florida - the tile prices are significantly lower on some things and they have moved to 24" tiles instead of 16's, 18's or even 20's. Shipping is worth it if we order larger quantities (1-2 pallets of tiles). Bath fixtures we looked at were more that we could actually see them one the showroom floor here which we haven't been able to do in NC. We did find the ADA seat height for toilets to be a bit more comfortable than standard height (and that includes the 5'3" person too!).
One of our projects here in Florida has been to replace skylights. One of the requirements was to minimize light on 3 2/0x4/0 skylights while maximizing it on 2 of the same size (different exposure and roof pitch). We also had to meet Miami-Dade country hurricane certifications which limits your sources. We managed to find a suitable polycarbonate skylight, self-flashing, that meets the hurricane rating requirements. The one thing that isn't available is a high-efficiency unit that diffuses the light while providing insulating values from the blazing heat of the Florida sun. We have been researching skylights for our build and figure that we'll use the OEM skylights (which are horrible for R-Value but the price is right) and add the Aerolenz product beneath the 3 with fading/heating concerns. We e-mailed the folks at Aerolenz and they were extremely helpful with describing the mounting methods and how to measure the openings for the Aerolenz. The R-9 rating of the produce and it's light diffusing qualities are perfect for the southern "cooling" climates. It is quite surprising to us that nobody has been successful at manufacturing and marketing the product in Florida!
One of our projects here in Florida has been to replace skylights. One of the requirements was to minimize light on 3 2/0x4/0 skylights while maximizing it on 2 of the same size (different exposure and roof pitch). We also had to meet Miami-Dade country hurricane certifications which limits your sources. We managed to find a suitable polycarbonate skylight, self-flashing, that meets the hurricane rating requirements. The one thing that isn't available is a high-efficiency unit that diffuses the light while providing insulating values from the blazing heat of the Florida sun. We have been researching skylights for our build and figure that we'll use the OEM skylights (which are horrible for R-Value but the price is right) and add the Aerolenz product beneath the 3 with fading/heating concerns. We e-mailed the folks at Aerolenz and they were extremely helpful with describing the mounting methods and how to measure the openings for the Aerolenz. The R-9 rating of the produce and it's light diffusing qualities are perfect for the southern "cooling" climates. It is quite surprising to us that nobody has been successful at manufacturing and marketing the product in Florida!
Since May, have you had experience with the Aerolenz installation? Have not yet found figures on the solar radiation decrease one might expect. Any ideas?
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