Fireplace Options

In the Mountain West, where we do most of our work, the majority of homes have some type of fireplace. Some statistics suggest that more than 75% of home buyers in these areas want a home with a fireplace. We specialize in mountain architecture and I can’t remember a home that didn’t have a fireplace of some type.  Having once spent several days without heat during a mid winter storm induced power outage, I can be counted among this majority. Fireplaces (or heating stoves) provide a focal point and gathering place that can be as aesthetic as it is functional.

Lake Quinault Lodge Masonry Fireplace

Fireplaces and heating stoves come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. For those who want some type of fireplace in their home, there are a number of things to consider when making the choice of which is best for you. Factors such as desired function, type of application, space requirements, cost, and willingness to do the work required for burning wood should be considered.

If you are considering wood burning, check local regulations to make sure it is allowed. Some municipalities with air quality problems restrict or don’t allow wood burning, including many resort towns that are located in mountain valleys with winter temperature inversions.

Available options range from traditional open masonry fireplaces to modern high-efficiency airtight wood or gas stoves that are as artistic as they are functional. Following is a broad overview to present some of the choices.

The Lake McDonald Lodge masonry fireplace at Glacier National Park. The opening is about 6'-6" high.

Masonry Fireplaces – The most traditional (and most expensive), this is the choice for those seeking authenticity and a powerful presence. Masonry fireplaces have a high thermal mass, which works well to radiate heat when it is kept warm, but can have the opposite effect when it is cold. Open face fireplaces also lose most of the heat they produce up the chimney, and in some cases they draw warm air out of the room and send it up the chimney as well. A tight fitting damper  can help control heat loss when the fireplace is not in use.

Masonry fireplaces require the most space, and are often continuous from the foundation all the way to the top of the chimney.  A substantial foundation is required to support the weight of a masonry fireplace, so adding one to an existing home is often not practical.

One type of masonry fireplace, the Rumford style, is designed specifically for heating, and is the most energy efficient open face fireplace for space heating.

A Precast Masonry Rumford Style Fireplace with Custom Surround by Pacific Construction.

A fairly recent advance in masonry fireplace technology is the development of precast firebox and chimney components, which speeds up installation time and offers a UL listed system. Many of these are of the Rumford style.  If you aren’t going to burn wood, building a full masonry fireplace is probably not practical, though masonry fireplaces can and often are equipped with a gas supply for possible future conversion or for a gas log lighter.

Prefabricated Fireplaces – One alternative to the traditional masonry fireplace is to use a prefabricated firebox which can be used with a stone or brick veneer surround to resemble a true masonry fireplace. The construction required for these “insert fireplaces” is much less complicated (hence less expensive) than true masonry, and prefabricated units are more airtight and efficient. They can be equipped with fans that circulate air in a confined space around the firebox and blow it into the room (and in some cases throughout the house) to enhance heating. It is possible to in some cases to retrofit an existing fireplace with a new insert to upgrade its efficiency. Prefabricated fireboxes are available in both gas and wood burning versions, with some models able to do both.

Prefabricated Gas Fireplace with Custom Surround.

Wood or Gas Stoves – These are free standing appliances that are typically much more efficient at heating than any type of built-in fireplace. They require less space, less fuel, and come in a wide variety of styles from very traditional to ultra modern. It is possible to use wood or gas stoves as a primary heat source if they are well located and properly sized, but a wood stove would require a backup system for extended absences and for individual control of private spaces. Gas stoves are usually thermostatically controlled and have blowers on them to increase heating effectiveness. Wood stoves are especially effective if they are close to a large thermal mass such as a masonry wall or concrete slab. Some stoves are clad with slabs of soapstone or a similar material that stores and radiates heat over long periods of time.

Avalon Wood Stove

The decision to burn wood or gas is a personal one, unless you live somewhere where the air quality regulators have already made this decision. Gas is more convenient, doesn’t require storage space, is available just about everywhere, and is cleaner.  The cost of gas versus wood depends on the prevailing prices in your area and the efficiency of the device you are using.

Nothing beats the ambiance of a real wood fire, but this pleasure isn’t without its costs. Wood requires storage space, it’s messy, contributes to air pollution, and it requires work on the user’s part. Even if you buy wood and have someone stack it, someone needs to move it to the fireplace, start the fire, and keep it burning. If you are equipped and willing to cut your own wood, the cost is minimal but the effort is significant. As the saying goes, firewood heats twice – once when you burn it and once when you produce it.

Tom Russell, LEED AP and John Hendricks, AIA Architect

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.  Visit our portfolio for examples of some of our recently completed custom projects.

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Cabin Plan

While we specialize in high end custom mountain homes and cabins, we have always received calls inquiring about stock home or cabin plans.  After some thought, I decided to put together a few plans to satisfy this group.

Cabin Front Entry Elevation

This moderate sized cabin could be used as a rustic cabin retreat, a full time residence, a temporary home, a retirement home, or even as a guest house for in-laws, children or friends.  All of the typical residential features are included for everyday living.

Unlike traditional stock plans or book plans, this architect designed open floor plan comes with well thought out wood interiors, including exposed rustic posts, beams, purlins, rafters, detailed wood paneling, and built-in cabinetry.  Materials are designed for a comfortable rustic cabin, but are flexible per owner preferences.  The energy efficient home also includes large windows to capture the views as well as bring in abundant natural light.

The 1,222 square foot cabin has a smaller footprint, but includes spaces often found in large residences.  The plan consists of a Master Bedroom, a cozy Guest Room with built-ins, an open Entry/Great Room/Kitchen/Dining area, a Laundry Room, a detailed trussed entry porch and adjacent covered porches.

Cabin Floor Plan

Among other energy efficient products and materials in the home, the Great Room includes an efficient wood burning fireplace that exceeds the 75% efficiency standard and qualifies for the Federal Tax Credit program.

Accurate and detailed drawings and specifications speed up construction time and efficiency.  Our detailed plan sets are far superior to standard stock plans or book plans, and include:

• Specifications
• Dimensioned Floor Plans
• Structural Plans
• Exterior Elevations
• Building Sections
• Wall Sections and Details
• Interior Elevations
• Window and Door Schedules
• Electrical Plans
• Finish Plans

Plans are drawn with cad software and can be reversed.  Our plans include the option to customize them, rather than starting from scratch.  We will give you an approximate value before beginning work.

Plans are designed per the latest International Residential Codes.  As many areas have different requirements, the plans may need to be reviewed by a licensed professional in that jurisdiction.

While we have started to delve into the stock plan arena, I would still recommend having a custom home designed for maximum living and cost efficiency.  For more information see Good Quality Architecture Adds Value to Your Home.

Please visit Storybook Cabin Plan for our most recent stock plan, or our Projects for examples of some of our recently completed custom projects.  We do not sell plans of our client’s custom homes.

For more information on our plans please contact us by phone at 208.265.4001, by email, or by filling out your information on our contact page.

John Hendricks, Architect AIA

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.  Subscribe to Hendricks Architecture Blog.

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The Trend Towards Smaller Homes

As an architect specializing in residential design, I am finding more and more people are trending towards smaller homes.  The distressed economy has been leading this evolution, but there are other factors as well, including space efficiency, energy efficiency, sustainability, a return to quality, and long term value.

Many reduced financial portfolios simply cannot currently pay for large lodge homes.  One of the most popular questions I received before we revamped our website was, “Do you design anything less expensive?”  Cozy cabins and small cottages are now in much more demand.

Mountain Cabin

These smaller homes are demanding more efficient use of space, both visually and functionally.  Visually, a home can take advantage of the outdoors by strategically placing windows, doors, materials and landscaping in areas that can seamlessly bring the outside in, and the inside out.  Thoughtful design will make the interior rooms look bigger.  The outdoor “rooms” are also generally cheaper than indoor rooms.

In regards to function, as an example, I’m often asked to design bigger guest rooms.  Some questions I’ll ask are; how long will the guest be staying?  What will they be doing in there besides sleeping?  Can they do without a TV and desk?  Can queen sized beds be used instead of kings?

These questions may help turn a 16×16 room into a more cozy 10×10 room, thus saving 156 square feet per guest room.  Two smaller guest rooms saving 312 square feet, at say $300 per square foot, equals $93,600.  Would the costs be better placed elsewhere in rooms used more often?  The same could be said for having the guests share a bathroom.  Everybody of course has different opinions on this, but the point is architects need to ask these questions to help the home owners save on costs.

On some projects I have considered marine architecture, a great example of space efficiency. Anybody who has been on a well designed yacht can see efficiencies of space at work.  Every cubic foot of these boats is put to good use, whether it’s storage under the seats or cubbyholes above the beds.  Some of the marine concepts can be used in homes as well.

Small Mountain Home

Smaller homes are also more energy efficient and sustainable.  To put it simply, small homes save on energy costs by lowering your heating and cooling bills.  For more information on this please see our blog post on Energy Efficiency.  Smaller homes can also save materials, trees and transportation costs, among others.

Quality, not quantity, seems to be the choice of the new generation, if given a choice between the two.  A smaller home can save more room in the budget for thoughtful architecturally designed details, including coffered ceilings, custom built-ins, wood walls and trim, high end lighting fixtures and appliances, and quality curved windows.  One of the most rewarding projects I’ve designed was a small family chapel on a family’s property.  The exterior matched the rustic mountain style home, while the interior includes exposed beams, wood walls and ceilings, and custom curved windows.  Powder rooms are another example of improving the quality of small spaces at a low cost.

Quality homes also add value over some of the bigger homes.  Resale values are generally increased with better quality, energy efficiencies, etc.  For more information on value, please see our blog post on Good Architecture Adds Value to Your Home.

With today’s lower construction prices, more people today can afford custom designed homes to suit their own tastes.  If homeowners with smaller budgets can compromise on quantity of space, they can enjoy a higher quality home that will last for generations, instead of a spec home that may become quickly outdated.

John Hendricks, Architect AIA

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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A Great Time To Remodel

It’s a great time to remodel, as described by Tom Russell, project architect at Hendricks Architecture.

Remodeling and improving existing homes has taken on a new importance as the practice of cosmetic makeovers and flipping homes has all but disappeared for the time being. I believe that the rapid turnover of houses that was common a few years ago will be replaced by a more long term vision of home, and with that comes the desire to have a home that will meet your functional needs for many years, one that will be affordable to own, and that you can take pride in.

We have received many more inquiries on remodels and additions lately. People are choosing to remodel for a number of reasons:

• Construction costs are low relative to what they have been in the recent past.  
• Government tax incentives are making energy efficient upgrades more affordable.
• Homeowners interested in selling in the next few years are seeing the need to make their homes stand out in a market that is saturated with homes for sale.
• Many people’s net worth has been affected by the current economic conditions, and their plans to build a new home have been put on hold.
• Homeowners who were hoping to build can’t sell the home they live in now, or their equity position in their home won’t provide them enough revenue to build the home they want.
• Quality contractors who used to do only new construction and were booked well in advance are available and willing to do remodel work.
• Bargains in the housing market have allowed buyers to purchase discounted homes in desirable neighborhoods and modify them to meet their needs.
• People like where they live, but find that there are things about their home they don’t like.

A recent home addition under construction, designed by Hendricks Architecture.

In my mind, there are several reasons to consider remodeling an existing home:

• If you like where you live but you don’t like the style of your home, it isn’t performing well, or your space needs are changing.
• Remodeling will improve your enjoyment and appreciation of the home you already live in.
• Some remodel strategies can improve your home’s value in excess of what they cost. Taxable values often don’t reflect the value of these increases.
• Improving the “curb appeal” of your home will likely lead to faster sales and a higher selling price.
• For those interested in a sustainable or green approach to housing, remodeling makes a lot of sense. Reusing and improving an existing structure is often less impactful than building new. The LEED green building rating system for buildings offers several credits for utilizing existing buildings and for material reuse.

Depending on your circumstances, remodeling rather than buying a new home may be a wise choice. Before you decide to remodel your existing home or think about buying a home that will need future upgrades, keep in mind the following:

• A big mistake I see all the time is the Homeowner/ Home Depot remodel. Most people lack the knowledge, equipment and time to do a quality remodel job that looks good and meets safety codes. Discriminating buyers who appreciate thoughtful details, quality craftsmanship, and integrated design can usually tell right away if a project was done by professionals. My advice is to hire an Architect, Interior Designer, and a Contractor who has a lot of remodel experience.
• Depending on the extent of your project, moving out of the house for a period of time may be the only option. If you do decide to stay, be aware that a construction project in an occupied home is always disruptive, usually slower, and will definitely require some sacrifice on your part.
• The payback (in resale value) of some remodels is often less than the investment. Improvements that are less visible (insulation, new windows, re-wiring or re-plumbing) tend to have a lower payback than things like a new kitchen, a bedroom addition, or a new deck. If you are thinking of remodeling to increase your home value, do your homework and a cost/ benefit analysis before deciding how to proceed. This is one area where an Architect can be helpful.
• If you plan on staying put for a while, some improvements may be worth doing simply to increase the enjoyment of your home and how well it functions for you.
• It can be difficult to get a fixed price contract for a remodel project because there are usually many unknowns until the work begins. Depending on the complexity of the project and what is found under the finishes, remodeling can be more expensive than building new. This is another area where an Architect can be a valuable resource. They can help you execute a good contract that is fair to everyone, and watch costs and billings closely to make sure you are getting what you pay for.
• It may be worth offering a contractor financial incentives to finish quickly, or adding a liquidated damages clause (financial penalty for exceeding a set completion date) to your contract.
• Be wary of spending a lot of money to create the nicest home in the neighborhood. The context your home is in will have a lot to do with its resale value.

I have done several remodels for myself, and I have taken part in many remodels as a project manager and as a carpenter. The most important thing I learned from these experiences is that a major remodel is a serious undertaking that requires a lot of planning, a knowledgeable contractor, a flexible budget, and a sense of humor. Hiring skilled professionals will eliminate many of the headaches of remodeling, and will insure better results. It is essential to have good guidance in making decisions and knowing how to get the most for your remodeling dollar. Feel free to contact us if you have questions, or if a remodel project is in your future.

Tom Russell, LEED AP, Project Architect

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Energy Efficiency

At Hendricks Architecture, we specialize in the design of mountain style homes and cabins.  We try to make these as energy efficient as possible to save homeowners on long term heating and cooling costs.  We educate them on the practicalities, costs and benefits of energy efficiency throughout the design process.

According to Residential Design & Build Magazine, 2008′s most asked for feature in a house was energy efficiency.  Currently, Americans use approximately 25% of the world’s energy, and roughly 21% of this is consumed in our homes.  Whether we knew it or not, energy efficiency has always been at the forefront of the green and sustainable movements, and is an important part of the LEED process.  As architects, we are committed to doing our part to promote and implement energy efficiency in the homes we design.

There are numerous ways that energy efficiency measures can be incorporated into a new or existing home, and often these measures will also enhance the appearance, functionality, and resale value of a home. Some of the strategies are listed below.  This is not an exhaustive list but an overview of readily available measures that we can use to enhance the energy efficiency of your home. Many people think  adding energy saving measures to a home will initially cost more, and in many cases this is true. In some cases, just making the appropriate design decisions can save energy and not cost any more. It is important to measure additional first costs against long term savings in energy costs, and consider that no one is predicting cheaper energy costs in the future.

DESIGN AND EMBODIED ENERGY

Probably the most fundamental step in creating an energy saving home is to design it for space and functional efficiency. Minimizing non usable space (hallways are one example) and creating spaces that can serve more than one function like Guest/ Exercise or Laundry/ Mud rooms can reduce the overall building area that needs to be heated or cooled. Open plans tend to feel bigger than they are, and save space that would have to be taken up by walls, doors, etc. A good reference for these strategies is Sara Susanka’s “The Not So Big House”.

It is also worth considering the energy use that goes into everything used in the construction of a home. Materials require energy to manufacture, package, store, deliver, etc.  Almost every decision made during the design process has some impact on the energy use of your home.

SITING, ORIENTATION, & MASSING

A home should be located on its site to allow access to the sun, protection from prevailing winds, minimize site disturbance, and use natural elements to provide shading and shelter. Stacking a building’s spaces whenever possible reduces the footprint and the surface area through which heat can escape. Below grade spaces benefit from the relatively constant 50 degree temperature of the earth, reducing or eliminating cooling cost during the summer.

WINDOW DESIGN AND DAYLIGHTING

Windows serve several functions in a well designed home. Besides framing views and providing a connection with the outdoors, windows allow natural light to enter, provide free ventilation, insulate against heat loss, and help heat indoor spaces when exposed to direct sunlight. Windows are a crucial element in a home’s design and function, and should be carefully sized, located and detailed. Windows are the weak link in a buildings thermal envelope, so it is important to select quality windows with a low U value.

Use clerestory windows to help bring in light

Placing windows to provide ample daylighting will save on lighting costs and the number of fixtures needed. Locating windows to take advantage of solar exposure will reduce heating costs and HVAC equipment required. Direct sunlight does not make for good daylighting, primarily because of glare. The best daylighting utilizes reflected or indirect light from transom, clerestory, or north facing windows. Skylights and solar tubes can be used to provide daylight to interior rooms.

ROOFS, OVERHANGS, AND SHADING

A roof should be designed to shade windows that are exposed to direct sunlight in the summer months. Because the sun is lower in the sky in the winter, roof overhangs should be sized to allow direct sunlight to enter the windows during winter months, maximizing solar heat gain to offset heating costs. On building facades where overhangs are not able to provide shade (gables, etc.), pergolas, awnings, or other shading devices should be considered.  Devices that shade lower windows and act as a light shelf for upper windows are particularly effective.

Providing broad overhangs reduces summer heat gain, yet brings in the winter sun.

A house’s roofing material also affects energy consumption. Lighter colored or reflective roofing reduces heat gain, and a well ventilated or cold roof will help keep attic spaces cooler, reducing cooling costs.

INSULATION AND THERMAL MASS

It is well know that the better insulated a house is, the more energy sufficient it will be. Building codes dictate minimum insulation values for all new construction. Any insulation value beyond the minimum required will be money well spent, especially in roof/ attic spaces where most heat loss occurs. Several insulation products are available that can provide enhanced R-values and provide a tighter building envelope. It is worth considering spray applied foam insulation, blow in blanket, or rigid sheet insulation rather than conventional fiberglass batts.

Spray applied foam insulation.

SIPS panels are also an energy saving system that can be used in lieu of conventional stud framing. In stud/ cavity wall systems, thermal bridging occurs that allows heat to pass through studs that contact exterior materials. SIPS panels have a solid sheet of rigid insulation sandwiched between plywood sheets, and no thermal bridging occurs. They are commonly used on roofs and for wall systems in post and beam construction.

SIPS Panels

Thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb and store heat that is radiated slowly. Materials like concrete, stone, brick, and water all have a high thermal mass. A well placed thermal mass will absorb solar radiation or heat from a fire, and radiate it slowly to keep a space warm overnight or for several days. Concrete or gypcrete floors can be heated by solar or gas fired hydronic systems to provide an even heat that feels warmer than heated air at the same temperature.

NATURAL VENTILATION

Operable windows, ceiling fans, and design that utilizes “stack effect” can all be used to passively cool a space, saving energy that would be required by A/C systems. Ceiling fans can be used in rooms with vaulted ceilings to circulate heated air that collects in the peak of the ceiling. Night venting (operating outside air ventilation systems overnight) can also be used to cool a space without using excess energy. Operable windows in bathrooms will also save energy by eliminating the need for exhaust fans when weather permits.

HVAC EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES

Heating and cooling equipment are available in a wide range of efficiencies and types. Choosing high efficiency equipment that is Energy Star certified, using insulated duct systems, programmable thermostats, and creating multiple zones for heating & cooling are simple energy saving strategies.

If you live in an area where gas is not available, heat pumps are much more efficient than electric resistance heating. Radiant heating systems with a high efficiency boiler are generally more comfortable and efficient than forced air systems, but are best used in homes that are regularly occupied and should be supplemented with ventilation systems. If a home is used only occasionally, radiant heat may not be the best choice from a cost standpoint, as it takes much longer to raise the temperature of a home to comfortable levels. If you are considering air conditioning with a radiant system, remember that you will be installing two systems since A/C requires a network of ducts to distribute cooled air.

Appliances (especially refrigerators, freezers, and ice makers) consume significant energy. Buying Energy Star appliances are a good way to increase the energy efficiency of your home at minimal extra cost.

We would love to talk to you about ways to increase the energy efficiency of your current home, or to help you design a new home that utilizes these energy saving strategies.

Tom Russell, LEED AP, Project Manager

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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LEED Accredidation

Tom Russell of Hendricks Architecture recently became a LEED AP, or Accredited Professional. LEED Accredited Professionals have, according to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), “demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building techniques, the LEED Green Building Rating System, and the certification process.” The USGBC is a non-profit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools, and neighborhoods. USGBC is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System^TM.

The LEED certification process has several rating systems that are specific to different building types and project scopes. LEED for Homes is a fairly new product that was launched in January 2008, after a few pilot versions. It promotes the design and construction of high performance green homes. By using a standardized documentation system, LEED for Homes assures owners that their home has meet rigorous criteria for energy efficiency, occupant health, and minimized environmental impact.

The conventional wisdom is that building a green home or doing a green remodel is much more costly. While in many instances this is true, it is not always the case. It is important to consider long term costs when comparing green building to more conventional construction. First costs can often be offset by long term savings in energy use, maintenance, and reduced equipment needs. The USGBC contends that the net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of a conventional home. It is also worthwhile to consider the intangible benefits of a green home, things like improved health, a cleaner environment, and less dependence on conventional energy sources.

For clients interested in achieving LEED certification for their projects, it is important to have a LEED AP involved as part of the design/construction team. They can help guide you through the certification process, which can be complex and time consuming. Having a LEED AP involved also gains your project a point towards certification.

For homeowners interested in a home that is “built green” but not LEED certified, it is always an option to employ green strategies, products and technologies without going through a certification process. While LEED certification offers assurance of a buildings performance, it is possible to have the same level of performance without being certified. For those considering resale value, LEED certification would likely add value to any piece of real estate because it is a verifiable standard that is recognized nationwide.

For any of our clients interested in building a green home or doing a green remodel, we have the knowledge and expertise to assist you. Whether you are going to pursue LEED certification or you simply want a healthy, energy efficient, low impact home, we would love to talk to you about achieving your goals.

Tom Russell, LEED AP

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How the Stimulus Package Helps Construction

While it is debatable how much the new stimulus package will help the U.S. economy in the short term, there are areas of the bill that will help the construction industry. The American Institute of Architects believes that the bill will create or save as many as 14,000 architect jobs over the next two years, according to AIA President Marvin Malecha.

A whopping $29 billion will be allocated to modernizing roads and bridges, which will help many contractors in those fields, in addition to $18 billion for clean water, flood control and environmental restorations.  Also $5 billion will be used to upgrade Defense Department facilities, including housing for troops.

Energy efficiency is another huge part of the bill, with $20 billion allocated. Homeowners who add energy efficient windows, furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners can get a tax credit to cover 30 percent of the costs, up to a total of $1,500. The credit can also be used by home owners to replace windows or upgrade their insulation. About $300 million will also be given out when buying efficient appliances. Another $5 billion dollars will help low-income home owners make energy improvements. This will greatly help many suppliers and contractors who are involved in these types of work, not to mention homeowner’s future energy bills.

There are also tax breaks for people wanting to install solar panels or wind turbines to power their homes.

About $8 billion will go towards the modernization and renovation of schools and colleges.

Environmental projects at the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency will be given $9.2 billion. This will include building energy efficient visitor centers at national parks and wildlife refuges.

Billions will go towards mass transit. Stations will need to be designed and built. I believe there also might be something in there in regards to building green affordable housing, which of course also benefits architects and contractors.

The National Council of Architectural Registration Board has also listed the following facilities to be built:

* General Services Administration (GSA), energy-efficiency upgrades for federal buildings: $4.5 billion

* Facilities on federal and tribal lands: $3 billion

* National Institutes of Health, facilities upgrades/construction: $1.5 billion

* National Science Foundation, research equipment and facilities upgrades/construction: $600 million

* Department of Homeland Security, new headquarters: $450 million

* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, procurement, acquisition, and facilities construction: $430 million

* Department of Homeland Security, ports of entry: $420 million

* National Institute of Standards and Technology, facilities construction: $360 million

* Department of Agriculture, facilities: $330 million

* Border stations and ports of entry: $300 million

* U.S. Courthouses and other GSA buildings: $300 million

* Fire stations: $210 million

* State Department, Capital Investment Fund: $90 million

* Smithsonian facilities: $25 million

There are parts of the bill that could help individuals and their families, such as:

* A refundable tax credit of up to $400 per worker ($800 per couple filing jointly)

* An expansion of the child tax credit, from two to three children

* Extended unemployment benefits through December of 2009

How does the stimulus bill affect our business?

We specialize in luxury mountain homes, although we do just about everything from Tuscan style to beach house style, from small residential additions to large recreational buildings. Most of our clients historically have been in the private sector and in the higher income classes, and the stimulus package is not geared to specifically help the upper classes. However, while the energy efficient options are always specified by us, the tax credits and rebates could be added incentive for home owners to build, on top of more competitive contractors, and cheaper supplies and shipping costs.

We have always designed everything to meet current codes, and we recommend that home owners go beyond those to save on future energy costs. For example, instead of using an R-38 insulation value at the roof, an R-54 will insulate the house even better, and will save on long term costs. In older homes, the combination of lower insulated walls, single pane windows, and air gaps causes so much fluctuation in temperatures that furnaces are constantly turning on and off in the winter.

As I mentioned, there are a lot of great deals out there already, and these extra incentives could be all some people need to get going. Many architecture firms can’t count on two hands the number of projects and potential projects that are on hold. Some of these projects are starting to come back to life, mostly from people wanting to take advantage of all of the deals. This trickle could turn into a stream of projects flooding architect’s offices within the next year.  In addition, architects designing government buildings could make out very well with this stimulus package.

I believe that banks lending money again will have the biggest affect for us personally, as many of our clients use loan money to fund their projects.  The new stimulus package certainly does not have what most of the construction industry was looking for, but in this economy we should take whatever we can get. Hopefully this can all be part of the light at the end of the tunnel for everybody.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect, NCARB

Hendricks Architecture

For more information, please see this link from the AIA.

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John Hendricks, AIA Architect • Architecture, Planning, Construction Management
418 Pine St, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 • T 208.265.4001 F 208-265-4009 • john@hendricksarch.com