We're set to close on our financing this Friday, July 6. It's hard to believe it's been almost a full year since we purchased a tennis court and the dream of building our own home "someday" became more eminent. The timber for the heavy beams has been ordered and once we close on the construction loan, we will order the SIP panels. Last week we had a great time looking at plumbing fixtures....skeptical about what we would find, we were pleasantly surprised with our options. We are almost certainly going to install the Toto Aquia toilet - a dual flush, low flow toilet. This should be helpful with our septic system, but I've read the low water level is a little disconcerning at first use.
On a separate note, we are having to re-evaluate our fireplace. Our builder just discovered that our home won't qualify as "Energy Star" with a non-sealed wood burning unit. So, we need to decide what is more important to us, the "Energy Star" label (which is simply that, a label, but something we really believe in) or having a real log burning on those cold, long winter nights in Wisconsin. It's looking like we may be giving up the crackle of a "real" fire for a natural gas insert....we've just got to find one that fits. (Sound familiar, Jason?!)
If you find our blog interesting in any way, you might want to check out the blog of our "virtual friends," Jason and Stacy Hammond. It is just unbelievable how much we have in common - they are hoping to break ground on their home in Minneapolis this month, and are documenting their process for the Star Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/blogs/newhouse/
2 comments:
couple of interesting notes on the fireplace. I was against using a gas fireplace at first but I had an interesting conversation with a an environment and energy expert from the State. He told me that it's a misconception that wood is more environmentally friendly than gas. He said that wood burning is responsible for a large number of particulates in the air only second to automobiles.
The Kinsman fireplace we selected is heater rated and with a blower can easily heat the room like a woof burner. There are a couple of other modern fireplaces like the Black Diamond from Town and Country and the Montego L-series that you may also want to check out.
We closed on our loan on Monday (and the similarities continue). We also sold our current home on the 4th. Just need the inspection on Monday.
can't wait to see what you guys do next.
Jason
Wood-burning fireplaces are terrible for the environment, as Jason said. Did you know that in London, fireplace usage is either forbidden or strictly regulated?
Wood-burning fireplaces also actually make your home cooler. They suck the warm air OUT of your house. The only place that is actually warmer is directly in front of the fireplace.
Of course, a good wood-burning insert is a different story, but they are universally ugly.
We heat most of our Pennsylvania house in the winter with a gas fireplace, dispersing the heat with a ceiling fan. Love it!
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