Stanton Homes - Building Green in the Triangle: July 2008

Finding or Modifying an Accessible Home

"What kind of ramps or walkways should we include in our new home, in order for it to be fully wheelchair accessible?"

Some homebuyers ask this question because a family member currently needs wheelchair accessibility.  Some are buying a home for their retirement and want to include some "aging in place" features, like an entry or walkway that will be able to accomodate a scooter or wheelchair in the years ahead if needed. 

 What Types of Requirements are there for Ramps and Walkways?

There are two specific sets of ramp and walkway requirements.  One is maintained by the ADA, and the other is specified by the VA for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) for disabled veterans.

Both have very similar requirements, but the SAH does have a slightly more stringent set.

Should There Be an Additional Exit?

Here's what you should look for:

Number and Location:  Two means of entrance and exit. 

There should be at least two means of ingress and egress - two ramps or walkways at different locations within the home. 

To meet Specially Adapted Housing requirements, one of these entrances must provide a direct exit from the adaptive bedroom area, and of course be clear of any potential fire hazards. 

Installation: Accessible Ramp or Walkway in New Homes

The ramp or walkway must:

• Be permanently installed.
• Be a minimum 48" wide (or 42" if the hard surface walkway already exists)
• Have a low curb or guardrail on both sides of the ramp with a maximum height of 5 inches, which is designed to provide drainage at the bottom of the curb.

Height and Width: Accessible Ramp or Walkway in New Homes

• The platform at the doorway of the ramp or walkway must be of equal height to the interior house floor.
• The minimum width of the ramp or walkway is 42" from the inside of one handrail to the inside of the other handrail.

Slope: Accessible Ramp or Walkway in New Homes

The slope requirement can be one of the hardest to fulfill.  Homes with high crawlspaces can be especially challenging.  The ramp or walkway must have a slope of 8 percent or less.  This means that each one inch of height should equal 12.5 inches of length.  Thus a doorway which is one foot off the ground (and normally has one to two steps to access it) will require a ramp no less than 12.5 feet in length. 

For specially adapted housing, the driveway should comply with the same slope requirements whenever possible.

Surface Treatment: Accessible Ramp or Walkway in New Homes

The ramp or walkway must be treated to prevent slipping when wet, which can include:

• Broom finish for concrete surfaces
• 1/4 spacing between decking boards

Handrail: Accessible Ramp or Walkway in New Homes

Any qualifying ramp must have a handrail, which must fulfill these requirements:

• Have a maximum height of 30"-34" (SAH - maximum height is 30")
• Have a minimum of 1-1/4" and maximum of 1-1/2" diameter (SAH - miniumum of 1-1/2")
• Have a minimum of 1-1/2" to a maximum of 2" clearance from any mounting surface
• Be smooth and continuous
• If necessary, extend a minimum of 1 foot beyond both ends of any stair or ramp

Platforms and Landings: Accessible Ramp or Walkway in New Homes

Platforms and landings must:

• have a minimum clear area of 5' by 5'
• be provided at any wheelchair entrance
• be constructed of non-slip materials
• include a clear area of 1'6" in width beside the door on the side opposite the hinges
• be provided at minimum every 30' along the ramp
• be provided at any 90 degree turn in the ramp
• be reasonably level with provision for drainage and
• be unobstructed

ADA ramp and walkway requirements are quite specific for commercial buildings and establishments, but not as clear for single family homes.  But this overview of common ADA requirements for ramps, and Specially Adapted Housing ramp and walkway requirements, should help determine construction guidelines. 

What is the most cost effective way to build a home with ramps and walkways?

Each home is different, and the height of the foundation, the slope of the lot, and the location of the entrances and exits will all determine the total length of ramp needed, and the cost of that ramp or walkway.  In some cases, choosing a slab on grade foundation rather than a crawlspace foundation can eliminate some need for ramps - but again, the condition and slope of the lot will influence the type of foundation.  In the Raleigh area, many lots are rolling to some extent. 

Ask your builder if they can make your new home wheelchair accessible, and if so, what type of foundation and walkways or ramps they recommend as the most cost effective combination. 

Find Out More About Accessible Homes in the Raleigh, NC Area

 Stanton Homes offers "Meet the Builder" events, where any potential homebuyer can bring floor plans and ask an experienced, knowledgable general contractor a variety of questions on ADA and wheelchair accessible homes in the Raleigh NC area.  

Stanton Homes for Heroes Military Program 

Stanton Homes - Building Exceptional Living Experiences

Have other questions on ADA requirements, universal design, or wheelchair accessibility in new homes?

Garage and Carport Requirements - Wheelchair Accessible Homes

ADA and Wheelchair Accessible Hallways and Doorways - What to Look For in Your New Home

Housing Assistance Available for Armed Forces Members with Service-Connected Disabilities - Fort Bragg and Pope AFB Areas

And if you're a veteran, active duty, or retired military, ask about "Stanton Homes for Heroes" - Military Discounts on New Homes. 

Stanton Homes - Building Exceptional Living Experiences

Contact us today, or call 919-278-8070.

Geothermal Heating Systems - Answers to Top Questions

Homeowners looking to build greener are considering geothermal heat pump systems.  What's the buzz all about?  Here are answers to some of the top questions - including how much this type of heating and cooling system will cost, and how it works, and whether you should install one.

What is a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System?

A series of pipes, or loops, are buried in the ground near the building or home that is be heated and cooled.   These loops circulate a fluid that either absorbs heat from the surrounding soil, or dissipates heat into the ground.  The fluid can be water, or a mixture of water and antifreeze, depending on the climate and the type of system. 

How can the ground heat and cool air or water?

Have you ever been in a cave?  You probably noticed that the air was nice and cool, no matter how hard the sun was blazing up above ground.   A geothermal heat pump system takes advantage of the natural temperature stability underneath the earth.  The ground underneath the frost line (usually about 4 feet deep) stays a constant 50-55 degrees, no matter what the weather up above is like. 

How does the geothermal system heat the air?

It's similar to a traditional system - but in this case, the earth's temperature has done most of the work.  A geothermal heat pump works with the fluid from the loops, removing the heat.  It then concentrates that heat, and transfers it to the home's standard duct system.  When cool air is needed, the process is reversed. 

How much space is needed for the geothermal loops?

The loops needed for a geothermal system can be buried either vertically or horizontally.   The horizontal method is preferred if enough suitable land is available.

Horizontal Loop System

Horizontal installation of geothermal system loops is probably most common.  Several different methods and layouts are available.  The most common: two pipes (one of which is buried 6 feet deep while the other is buried 4 feet deep), or two pipes (placed side by side in a two foot wide trench, at a 5 foot depth).   There is also the "Slinky" method, in which pipes are looped in a spiral pattern, allowing more pipe in a shorter trench.

Vertical Loop System

Vertical loops require drilling equipment.  Four-inch diameter holes are drilled about 20 feet apart and 100 to 400 feet deep.  Two pipes are inserted into each hole and connected at the bottom with a "U-bend" to form the required loop.  The vertical loops are connected near the surface with a horizontal pipe system, which is then connected to the heat pump in the home. 

What is a Geoexchange system?

A geothermal system is called many different things, including geoexchange, ground water, ground water source, ground water assisted, and water furnace heating and cooling.  All refer to some type of "loop" system that harnesses a constant underground temperature and uses it for heating and cooling.

How can I install a geothermal system into my Raleigh new home?

If you are considering installing a geothermal heat pump system, you'll want to make your decision before the foundation is completed, if possible.   There will be some cost savings if the trenching work can be done at the same time as other lot and foundation preparation work.  Also, once the framing is completed, most home builders will have already ordered a conventional HVAC system. 

What home builders in the Raleigh area will install a geothermal system?

Even though geothermal systems have been used since the 1940s, they are not a typical feature of most homes.  Look for a custom home builder or a green home builder who is willing to work with nonconventional building methods and materials.        

How much does a geothermal system cost in the Raleigh/Triangle area?

Like any heating and cooling system, the total cost depends on several factors.  How large is the home?  What is the climate like?  And in this case, what are the soil conditions?  Is there enough room for a horizontal loop system?  At what point was the decision to install made? 

In general, your heating and cooling equipment and installation costs will be at least double or triple a conventional system - depending on the type of system, the excavation needed, and the size of home.   Several recent quotes in the Raleigh area gave a price tag of $17-30K more than a conventional system, for a new home. 

Update - Find Out How Federal and State Green Tax Credits Have Reduced Geothermal Costs!

Do I save any money by having a geothermal system?

According to Energy Star and the US Department of Energy, a geothermal heating and cooling system will save you about 30% on the cost of heating and cooling energy each month. 

There are other benefits too.

A reduced use of energy reduces air pollution. 

Most geothermal systems have a 25 year manufacturer's warranty - but keep in mind this is just for the loop system itself.  The actual heating and cooling unit usually has the standard 10 year warranty typical of Westinghouse and Trane warranty. 

There are aesthetic features as well - a geothermal system has a smaller indoor-only unit, so there's no big air conditioning unit sitting outside the home.  Homeowners say these systems are quieter and offer more uniform heating and cooling.

Should I install a geothermal system?

A conventional and geothermal heating and cooling system each have attractive features.  The lower cost on a conventional system attracts many homebuyers, but the potential long term savings and healthier environmental impact influence others to choose a geothermal system.   Work with your home builder to determine which system is better for your needs. 

Quick Fact:  Iceland gets 99% of its electricity using geothermal sources!

You may also be interested in:

Green Home Building in the Triangle

What is a Green Home?

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal News and Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas

The Town of Cary is leading the way to helping the Triangle area use less water - by offering incentives to residents. 

As of July 1st, the Town of Cary now offers four different ways for residents to get a financial return while saving water.

• Rebate for High-Efficiency Toilets

Town of Cary residents can apply for a $150 rebate to replace a toilet that uses more than 3.5 gallons per flush with a new High-Efficiency toilet that uses 1.28 gallons per flush.  Cary has approved four hundred rebates (up to three per single-family home), and by June 17 has issued 150 of those.

According to the Town of Cary, issuing all 400 rebates will save the town 2.6 million to 4 million gallons of water per year.  That estimate comes out to at least 6500 gallons per toilet, or 2941 yearly flushes per toilet! 

• Turf-replacement Rebates

The turf-replacement incentive program just started July 1st.  Town of Cary residents will be offered 50 cents per square foot to replace currently irrigated grass lawns with either warm-season grass or "natural area" landscaping (ie shrubs or flowers and mulch).  Warm season grasses use about 20% less water than cool season grasses - but homeowners will need to adjust their habits to use that much less water. 

• Warm Season Grass Incentive

The Town of Cary is offering reduced water irrigation meter fees to residents of new developments that install warm season grass instead of cool season grass. 

• Rain-Barrel Making Workshops

A free workshop will be held on July 14.  Rain barrel conversion kits are $16, and barrels are $34. 

Find out more about all four programs here.

And here's a little more information on other ways to save water:

Rain Water Collection Systems - What Are They, How Do They Work, and How Much Do They Cost?

Gray Water Reclamation System - What is it? How does it work? How much does it cost, and how much water can it save?

You may also be interested in:

Green Home Building in the Triangle

What is a Green Home?

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal News and Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas

What's on your "must have" list when you consider a new home?

Lots of closet space - check.

Great kitchen layout - check.

Formal dining room - nah, can I have an office instead?

It's certainly not the case in every situation, but we have been asked more than once to convert a formal dining room into an office.  In a plan like this one, this could mean making these simple changes:

• Add French Doors between the Dining Room and the Foyer.

Wall off the doorway between the kitchen and the dining room.

Add cable and phone outlets in the dining room. 

And there you go, a great downstairs office in a smaller floor plan. 

Breakfast rooms are getting larger.  They're right next to the kitchen, and informal dining seems to be gaining in popularity.

Rather than set up two separate dining areas, some homebuyers are opting for a convenient downstairs office instead.

But what about resale value? 

If homebuyers are set on having that dining room converted, there is more than one way to have a great office - without turning off future homebuyers who love to have the formal table set up and ready to go.

To make the home appealing to a wider audience:

• Instead of walling off the doorway between the dining room and the kitchen, add a door.  You may never actually open it, but it will be easy to removed by a future homeowner, leaving the framed doorway.
• Go ahead and add the cable and phone jacks.  Usually asking for phone and cable jacks before construction begins can mean a charge of $50-100 each - but it will be much harder to run wiring for extra jacks once the home is finished, which of course means more expensive. 

  

• Consider adding a butler's pantry or wall of built-in cabinets, if room allows.  Your builder may be able to suggest ways to gain room to do this.  These cabinets will be very useful whether the room is used as an office or as a dining room.  For an extra splurge, consider clear or frosted glass on the upper cabinets. 

The example shown is very specific to a dining room - a wine rack and a built-in wine cooler are great for entertaining. 

But even a basic set of cabinets is very helpful - in the office, store all your office supplies out of site.  Convert to a dining room, and there's a wonderful place for table linens, the good china, and more.

No matter what choice you make, think about versatility, and work with your builder to incorporate the functions that you need most - without reducing the ability to sell your home in the future. 

An Informal Survey -

Assume you're considering homes under 2500 square feet. 

As a homebuyer, what is more important to you, a formal dining room or a downstairs office? 

As a member of the real estate industry, what importance does a homebuyer place on a formal dining room, versus a downstairs office?

Floor plan copyright Frank Betz Associates

You may also be interested in these popular articles:

Today's Ceilings Make Statements - Types of Ceilings and Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home

New Home Trends and Ideas - What's the Latest?

Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!

5 Steps to Buying a Lot

Rand Meadows Offers New Custom Homes in Raleigh

Available Land and Lots in the Raleigh/Triangle Area - Bring Your Own Builder

Where to Look - Buying Land to Build On in Raleigh

Rand Meadows offers delightful new custom homes, in a prime Raleigh location.

Rand Meadows is at the corner of Ten-Ten Road and Rand Road, just 11.5 miles from the center of downtown Raleigh.

Lot size is about 1/2 acre, and the homes are nicely spaced apart. 

There is a variety of styles.  Most homes have brick or stone accents. 

Average price of home sold over the past 12 months is $328,250.

Average price per square foot in Rand Meadows is $115/sq ft, and average home size is 2836 square feet. 

There are currently just two lots remaining, both offered at $59,000. 

Lot sizes are .57 and .58 acres.   

Homebuyers can bring their own builder.  Home plan must be approved. 

A community well and septic systems are standard in Rand Meadows. 

Rand Meadows offers lots of green space, and an open feel.  The front of the community is more green and open, while the back half of the community offers homes in a more wooded setting.

Rand Meadows has a Raleigh address, but is actually outside of city limits, so only Wake County property taxes apply. 

Rand Meadows offers a great mix of architectural styles, which blend together well. 

There are a few one story homes, but mainly two story and main floor master homes. 

Rand Meadows is just one example of land available in the Raleigh area.  If you're looking to buy land to build a home in the Raleigh area, there are plenty of options - from quarter acre lots in a community to several acre parcels. 

You may also be interested in:

Additional Raleigh New Homes, Lots, and Land

5 Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Other Available Land and Lots in Communities

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