Backfill & Curb-Cut

Time to level the playing field. Our foundation cured for two weeks. I wish I cured that fast. Tim McMahon of McMahon Excavating and Johnny Byers kept the trucks rolling, and Ray McMahon poured the fill, dished the dirt, and laid down the limestone. PAB Concrete cutters cut the opening for the driveway. Everyone enjoyed the "cool December breezes", just so relieved not to be sweating a hot sun and high humidity. Jeff Caples and crew poured the footings and walls. Arun and Reese [NPB carpenters] said that the walls are good and square. The weather has been, well......interesting.

Breaking Ground

Ground breaking on November 23, 2009. Dig this! The first scoop. We are looking to find something special. Oh sure, the sewer and water laterals should be down there somewhere. But, we're looking for a slightly different destination. We are building a special home for the "tree-hugging, energy-conscious, quality addicted, style sensitive, empty [ or near empty ] nesters." Does the concept of "the healthy home" matter to you? Are you already tired of the term "Green"? Or, do you feel it is about time you had this type of choice right here in Beloit. You have already owned the big house. You've raised your kids and want something very nice, but smaller and easier to manage. Something that doesn't cost much to heat. Energy costs seem to only go up. We don't see that changing!

There are lots of expensive homes for sale. The questions are....how many are new...with geo-thermal heating and cooling, the best performing windows, and an open design that capitalizes on the passive solar capabilities of the south-facing rear of the home? Do you like the thought of hardwood floors harvested and milled right here in Wisconsin? Do you care that radon gas mitigation is already taken care of? Do R-28 walls and R-50 ceilings make sense to you? Does it seem smart to preheat your hot water with the geo-thermal system and utilize tankless... "on demand" technology to deliver efficient hot water as needed? How about a three sided centrally located gas fireplace combining with ceiling fans and the ventilation system to warm up that January day with the wind chill at -25F?

Should your house be set up for "one floor" living? Would it be nice to have a suite in the partially exposed basement to accommodate your children and grandchildren? Or, maybe you have a teenage child who will be off to college soon. They will appreciate their own bedroom at the other end of the house from your master suite. The basement bath will have the tub for the kids.

What if health or surgical challenges require that one of you or your parents has special needs? The second bedroom suite on the first floor can be readily converted from an office or guest bedroom to a "handicap friendly environment". How about a lovely, yet, "barrier free" shower to facilitate wheel chair access? Together with door openings planned to handle wheelchairs, these considerations can help keep our loved ones comfortable in the home as long as possible. Do I have to mention the cost of nursing homes?

Yes, we are building something special on the last undeveloped lot in the very popular Turtle Creek subdivision. Great neighbors with a wonderful mix of ages. The location is convenient to retail, restaurants, healthcare and just minutes from the interstate system. You can be on your way to Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Rockford and the rest of the world in minutes.

We are partnering with "Healthy Homes" of Mt. Horeb, WI. They are expert consultants in green / healthy home environments and have been involved with us since the the beginning of this project. You can check them out at www.HealthyHomeReports.com.

Please ckeck in with us as we build. I will be posting developments as they unfold.

Matthew Goodwin, President...No Problem Builders Inc.

Project Release -- ‘Green Build’ with Healthy Homes

‘Green Build’ with Healthy Homes 
Project Release 
16 May 2008

 

Beloit-based No Problem Builders, Inc is looking a little green these days and it’s not due to envy. The remodeling contractor recently signed an agreement with Healthy Homes, a ‘Green Build’ consulting firm , to serve as a ‘Green Build’ guide to certification on an upcoming new home construction project. “The glory days of the McMansion may be entering its swan song, and as a builder we are always looking towards the future.” explained Matthew Goodwin, President of No Problem Builders. “We are building a 1500 square foot “empty nester” home and want to educate ourselves in product and practices that make sense for our environment. We look forward to sharing our results, when we bring the house to market, with those who are interested in either remodeling existing homes or building new in an eco friendly manner.” The contractor will partner with local subs and vendors to showcase ‘green’ product and services.

Anne Goodwin, co-owner, is excited about the process. “Our goal will be to earn a Green Build certification, but the real excitement will be in the details of the process. Who knows how many levels of decision making will be affected by thinking ‘green’ all the way”. And we look forward to sharing the benefit of this experience by choosing to donate a percentage of the home’s sales proceeds to help bring a ‘Green Build’ educational program to Beloit.” No Problem Builders, Inc member of the National (NAHB), Wisconsin (WBA) and South Central Wisconsin (SCWBA) Builder’s Associations, has served the Stateline region for over twenty-five years.