蘑菇视频

Jul 19, 2013 By James Pletcher Jr. for The 4 min read

Despite advances in home construction technology, local builders remain committed to what is tried and true.

However, that doesn鈥檛 mean they won鈥檛 give the customer what he wants.

While, in 2009, the housing industry went into steep decline during economic recession, many builders were motivated to create innovative designs and offer more choices to attract customers. The benefit to purchasers of new homes is better technology, increased options and a home designed for the way families live today. New technologies are enabling homeowners to automate lights, entertainment and security systems, thermostats, door locks and more. Experts say that coordinating these control systems and using the latest in home construction materials can save time and money and increase the value of the home.

For example, according to Eagle Construction of Glen Allen, Va., the standard ceiling height has grown from eight feet in the 1970s to nine and 10 feet today, partly because manufacturing technology advances allow taller structural framing and longer sheets of wallboard. This higher ceiling makes rooms feel more spacious and airy, increasing the livability of today蘑菇视频 homes. Also, while home designs of the 1990s featured larger, mansion-like dwellings, plans today lean toward more effective use of space.

Home design in the 2000s, according to Eagle Construction, have moved from the usual 鈥渓iving room, dining room, kitchen and family room鈥� to open floor plans with the kitchen at the heart of the home. This provides better flow for family living and entertaining, with accompanying home office or other personal spaces.

This meets with the approval of some local contractors.

鈥淏ut I鈥檓 a little more old-fashioned in the way I approach construction of homes,鈥� said Chip Ciarrocchi of J&C Builders Limited of Uniontown.

Ciarrocchi, who has 40 years of experience in building homes, said he continues to use plywood for sheeting rather than particle board and steel beams rather than manufactured ones because they are durable and they work.

But he is not opposed to what the client wants.

鈥淚 will build to suit the individual,鈥� he said.

He also has followed trends while continuing to use more traditional building techniques and technology.

One area local builders have embraced technological advances is in heating and cooling technology.

Ciarrocchi said that furnaces he installs in his homes are 鈥�90 percent efficient and the new air conditioners are 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio)energy rated. That came up from nine and 10 SEER ratings.鈥�

Mike Shimko, president of the Builders Association of Fayette County and a local contractor with Ciez Construction of Uniontown said he also works with more traditional systems and materials.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 use the new technology unless people specifically ask for it because the cost is high.鈥�

Shimko added he also uses plywood and other tried-and-true materials. 鈥淓verything is pretty much the same as it has been,鈥� he said, in building technologies.

Meanwhile, during the past decade, home lighting has moved to the layered look with mood lighting, task lighting and general lighting sources in each room. Compact Florescent Bulbs have taken the place of incandescent bulbs in ceiling fans, lamps and recessed lighting fixtures, with LED bulbs making strong inroads, as well. While requiring more robust circuitry, these lighting options provide measurable energy savings.

Also, so-called 鈥渘ew generation鈥� vinyl siding holds its color longer, is more rigid and more natural in appearance. Insulated vinyl siding protects the home from moisture.

Quality builders have realized that stronger exhaust fans were depleting fresh air supplies in the home. Fresh air intake vents were added to replace air and keep interior environment healthy.

One of the most significant advances came from the energy crisis of the 1970s. It forced many to look at conserving energy through better home insulation. 鈥淭riple track鈥� storm windows and storm doors became more common.

For more information on construction, home technology and automation, call your contractor or the Builders Association of Fayette County at 724-438-0630.

James Pletcher Jr. writes a weekly real-estate story for the 蘑菇视频 from a variety of angles. If you have an interesting story about buying or selling a home in Fayette County and would like a story written about it, please contact 蘑菇视频 Executive Editor Mark O鈥橩eefe at 724-439-7569.