Blog: Tips and Tricks
Read the latest green building and energy efficient tips and tricks
Top ways to save lumber on job sites
The current pandemic along with increased demand for housing and lumber tariffs have created the perfect storm for contractors. Lumber costs have up significantly over the last year. While you cannot completely avoid the increase in costs, there is still a little...
Top 5 Mistakes that Designers and Contractors make in Kitchen Designs
A kitchen is more than just "cabinets and countertops." If you are redesigning the whole space, design, durability, and building science are major considerations that need to be applied to the plan. Here are some observations on how our industry can do better and...
International Builders Show & KBIS 2021 Day 1 Review
I attended the International Builders Show last year in Las Vegas. They hosted over 1700 exhibitors to include ones from the Kitchen and Bath Show (KBIS). This year due to COVID-19, the show is online with just over 300 exhibitors. I remember hearing whispers about...
Electic Cooking: Induction Cooktop vs Electric Cooktop
Table of contentsElectic Cooktops vs. Induction Cooktops by CategoryQuick Heat Transfer Science LessonHow Electric Cooktops HeatCoil Electric CooktopInfrared Electric CooktopHow Induction Cooktops HeatMAGIC... (actually) MAGIC MAGNETS!Boiling Water: Electric vs....
Aluminum clad windows versus all fiberglass windows
Table of contentsWhat's the difference between aluminum and fiberglass?Window CoreWindow GlassCladding optionsDurabilityIs the fiberglass option more expensive?Which one is easier to work with?What is a "thermal break"?Which is best for your project?Additional...
Thanks for helping SawHorse win “Best of Houzz 2020”
Thank You! Houzz just awarded us "Best of Houzz 2020" for customer service. We were not expecting this award and we got it because of people like you. We are honored that you all had such great things to say about us. The SawHorse staff will keep working to exceed...
Do I need a building permit in the City of Atlanta?
Table of contentsTypes of projects that might need a permitLicensing requirementsApplicable CodesTypical plans needed to pull a permitWhole house renovation (interior being gutted to the studs)Bathroom renovation (no structural alteration) The answer is most likely...
“HOW TO GET A PERMIT IN SANDY SPRINGS, GA” PERMIT PROCESS AND CHECKLISTS
About Sandy Springs Sandy Springs is the 6th largest city in Georgia and second largest in metro Atlanta according to its website. In 2005, Sandy Springs incorporated and started to provide some of its own services. This included providing building permits and...
What is that smell? Crawlspace and basement “moisture + odor” issues in older Atlanta homes
When asked “How do I get rid of that smell in my basement”? Sometimes the answer is to remove the people making the “smells”, however more often than not, the source of the smells the house itself. There are several sources of smells in basements and crawlspaces. Here...
HVAC Showdown: 80% versus 90% AFUE furnaces in Atlanta
Whether designing new custom homes, expanding existing homes, or renovating existing spaces, the house's mechanical systems must be considered part of the final design. Most houses we renovate have standard efficient HVAC systems or 80% AFUE furnaces before we start....
Getting to know Your Home: Common HVAC terms every homeowner should know
It all started with a simple question from a homeowner about their HVAC system and as I was writing an explanation for them to share with their HVAC tech, I realized this would make a good blog series. HVAC can be made simple OR complicated with a bad design. Here are...
SawHorse Q & A – Does SawHorse work with outside architects and designers?
Yes. Our business model is to make sure all of the designs and specifications are completed before the contract is signed. If a set of plans is brought to us by one of our strategic partners, we help begin a schematic estimate for construction so the client will know...
High performance (green) homes sell for more than their neighbors
Most argue that green homes cost more without considering the performance and value benefits. Studies have shown that green homes use less energy and water and sell for more. This home has high-performance systems and renewable energy, which helps the operating costs...
Radon is a problem in Atlanta Homes
So what's scarier than ghosts and goblins on Halloween? Radon in your Atlanta house since, like ghosts, you cannot see or smell it. Most indoor air pollutants, such as mold and toxic chemicals, are easily detected with your nose. Radon is an odorless gas; therefore,...
