How to Get Floor Plans of a House – Are House Floor Plans Public Record?

The post HOW TO GET FLOOR PLANS OF A HOUSE- ARE HOUSE FLOOR PLANS PUBLIC RECORD? appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

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Custom Home Plans

Stock Plans

Single Story Addition Plans

From   $1,500.00  –  $3,980  DEPEND ON SQ FOOTAGE

Two Story Addition Plans

From   $2,680  –  $4,980

Other Services

From $100 to $690

Plan Expediting *Varies by Job

Commercial Services  ATLAS GREEN HOMES  713 545 2429 

Please call our office for more information for commercial plans.

The post GENERAL PRICING FOR ROOM ADDITIONS PERMITS. ATLAS GREEN HOMES  713 545 2429  appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

What is a Green Building?

There has been an increasing concern with environmental and pollution issues in recent years. This has not come about completely without some serious justification. All indications are that we are in a serious crisis. The Green Building movement is a reaction to this crisis. A Green Building is a home, building, or other structure that is built, maintained, repaired, or even demolished with thought to the environmental impact. This impact may take several forms.

One of these forms is energy efficiency. The production of electricity from the burning of fossil fuels is one of the most harmful activities to the environment in existence today. Green Buildings consider renewable energy sources that might include the use of wind, solar, low impact hydro power, or biothermal energy. The source of power is not the only concern. Another concern is the reduction of power use in lighting and appliances.

Water pollution is another concern of the Green Building Movement. This is especially true in the case of urban runoff. Storm water runoff is a major source of pollution in rivers and lakes. Green Buildings take into consideration the reduction of all toxic materials. This includes mercury, asbestos, and lead. These three substances have been linked to major health problems.

Green Building also is involved in waste. Waste is a key word. Waste can be reduced. It can be reused and recycled. The reduction of waste in construction, or renovation, and even demolition involves such things as proper disposal of materials. Landscaping is also involved. Large scale landscaping projects involved with Green Building seek to protect and preserve natural resources as much as possible.

The above are just some of the factors that are part of the Atlas Green Building Movement. They have in common a concern for the environment. There are a wide range of issues that are nearing the real danger point. Global warming has become more than just a liberal hobby, and a recognized scientific fact. Pollution of the sea and the waterways is endemic and increasing. Asbestos and lead have poisoned and sickened thousands. People are beginning to wake up and realize that we live on a fragile planet and we continue to abuse it at our risk. The Green Building Movement is a place to stop the slide, and return to sanity. It is a grassroots movement that offers hope not only to us, but to the generations that will follow us upon this earth.

The post What is a Green Building? appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

Summarize the details

One of the largest sections of the contract should be the scope of work. It will be narrowed down into room portions, such as “Bathroom 1″ or “Bedroom 2.” Each item to be replaced, repaired, or altered should be listed in this area. Read over it entirely to avoid any future conflict. If there’s a room or part missing, such as painting a bathroom, point it out to the contractor. An amended contract will need to be written up.

Payment terms

You want all the payment information written in the contract to include as much detail as possible. Reputable contractors typically ask for a percentage — usually 10 percent — of the total cost upfront. They’ll require payments throughout the project, from once a month to every quarter, depending on the size of the renovation. If you don’t agree to all the terms, discuss them with the contractor before signing. They may have a particular financial need to cover, such as purchasing expensive granite for the kitchen, that requires a higher payment than others in the terms.

Those small details

Every detail of the actual renovation process could be in the contract, but everyday details are often left out. Discuss where the workers will take breaks on the property and whether they’ll use your bathrooms, for instance. It’s these little details that can bother you over time if they aren’t covered contractually. Specifically, discuss where heavy machinery needs to park during work and after hours. Many yards are damaged without contractual information about proper machinery positioning.

Times and dates

Both you and the contractor have schedules to maintain, so it’s important to add that information into the contract. Include start and end dates in the contract along with any amendments. (Rain, snow, and other natural events may prolong the project in the winter, for example.) Add in daily work hours for the contractor as well. You don’t want them showing up on Saturday at 5 A.M. turning on the jackhammer. Both of these time elements keep everyone comfortable on the job site with reduced labor from improper scheduling.

The aftermath

The renovation may look spectacular, but there could be a lot of tools and materials littering your yard, driveway, and garage. Make sure the contract stipulates who cleans up after the project. Some contractors assume the customer cleans up, including hauling away heavy debris. Go over all the specifics about clean up to avoid any conflicts. Heavy debris is expensive to remove on your own.

Considering lawyers

The majority of contractors are relatively trustworthy, mainly because they want to work with you again in the future and they’d like you to refer them to your friends and neighbors. However, any questions about wording or contractual changes can be brought to a lawyer’s attention. They can look over the information to verify both parties’ responsibilities. Lawyers may only charge you for the one visit, making the fee worth it for your project. You’ll be able to have the project work out the way you want with the right price.

Regardless of your project’s scope, all contracts need to be agreed upon by both parties before any remodeling work can start. When everyone knows their limits, true progress can occur on a job site. You’ll find the project completed to your liking with possible new work in the future.

The post What to Know Before You Sign a Remodeling Contract appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.