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The following are guidelines we use when planning, designing and building projects.
Project Consideration, Planning and Design
Recommendations for design
Value engineering suggestions
Plans review and corrections
Price planning services
Assistance with specifications
Building permit
General Conditions and Project Management
Secure storage of materials during course of project
Onsite trash and recycling services
Full OSHA-compliant safety program
Weather protection of Project and materials
Remediation of damage to adjacent areas
Full accounting with budget analysis and cost tracking
Scheduling and ordering
Common labor for cleanup and miscellaneous
On-site and off-site project management
Full subcontractor management
Excavation and Dirtwork
Existing trees and landscape features preserved as possible
Utility lines installed in sleeving
Full compaction of all replaced soils
Remove, conserve and replace topsoil
Stormwater management practices
Foundation and Concretework
Radon mitigation measures under slab or in crawlspace
Consider frost-protected shallow foundation
Use insulated concrete form blocks (ICF) where practical
Foundation insulation at perimeter and sub slab
Waterproofed foundation / basement
Perimeter subsurface water control drainage system
Rough Carpentry and Framing
Engineered lumber for the floors and roofs
Non-CCA pressure treated lumber
Insulated structural headers
Microlam stairway construction
Solid wood blocking for handrails, towel bars, etc.
Semi-finished storage space at attic, etc.
Use FSC-certified lumber where budget allows
Use recycled / reclaimed wood products
Employ lumber-efficient framing practices
Structural insulated panels (SIP) where practical
Plumbing and Hydronic Heating
High performance radiant hydronic heating system
Sealed combustion high efficiency boiler
Controls with energy saving modes and timers
Insulated hot water pipes
High quality water saving plumbing fixtures
Water filtration at the kitchen sink
Floor drains at mechanical and laundry rooms
Outdoor water spigots on each side of building
Fire hose station on each floor level
Stub out for future irrigation system
Solar hot water heating system where practical
Ventilation and Forced Air Heating Systems
High efficiency HVAC units with economizer function
Geothermal exchange heat pump system integration
Powerful and quiet exhaust fans in the bathrooms
Sealed and insulated ducts, where applicable
Range exhaust ducted to outside
Backdraft dampers on appropriate ducts
Heat recovery ventilator, where appropriate
Carbon monoxide sensor, hardwired with battery backup
Use high quality filters on circulating duct systems
Electrical and Related
Intelligent lighting system design and controls
Insulated airtight recessed light fixtures
Compact fluorescent lighting in non-exposed fixtures
Wiring for phone / internet / tv with Cat 5e and RG6 cables
Extra capacity in electrical system for future additions
Dimmers on appropriate lighting circuits
High quality electrical controls and devices
Outdoor electrical outlets on each side of building
Smoke detectors, hardwired with battery backup
Stub out for future grounds lighting
Photovoltaic (solar) power systems where practical
Hydrogen fuel cells for commercial buildings
Optional backup power system for emergencies
Roofing and Related
Consider cold roofs and superinsulated roofs
Continuous venting of roof at eaves and ridge
Use insulation baffles to keep air flow open
Install ice and water shield membrane
Snow fences and gutters where appropriate
Use durable recycled content roofing products
Windows and Doors
Intelligent fenestration design for solar gain
Solid insulated entry doors where not glazed
High performance metal clad windows and doors
All glazing to be low emissivity multiple pane glass
Solid wood interior doors
High quality locksets and hardware
Insulating window treatments
Use skylites and skytubes for daylighting
Insulation and Weatherproofing
Reduce air and moisture infiltration from exterior
Sealant system at all wall and ceiling penetrations
Insulation that meets or exceeds the model energy code
Sound insulation at bathrooms and mechanical room
Air and vapor barrier at high moisture areas of house
Bottom plate continuous seal at perimeter of walls
Use recycled cotton or cellulose insulation products
Inject non-expanding foam around windows and doors
Drywall and Plaster
Recycle drywall waste if services are available
High-impact bullnose corners on drywall
Use vacuum-assisted sanders for finishing
Attach drywall panels with screws
Minimize acrylic products in drywall finishes
Use natural or earth plasters where appropriate
Cabinets and Counters
Solid plywood carcass construction for all cabinets
Use solid wood doors on all cabinets
Nontoxic or sealed countertop substrates
High quality non toxic countertops
Cabinets in laundry area if plan allows
Recycling center in kitchen or pantry
Use ultra high quality finishes on all cabinets and doors
Finish Carpentry, Interior
Real wood trim at interior (Finger Jointed ok if painted)
Solid wood or full wrap laminate shelving
Solid wood flooring installed over cork
Install wood skirting on the stairs
Use nontoxic adhesives and glues
Heavy duty bath accessories
Securely anchor all handrails, grabrails, etc.
Use bamboo materials wherever appropiate
Finish Carpentry, Exterior
Solid wood exterior siding
Solid wood exterior trim package
Build decks with rain and snow in mind
Decks constructed of ACQ (non CCA) framing
Use polymer / recycled wood decking
Solid wood railings and details
Stainless steel fasteners on all exterior trim
Corrugated steel skirting at foundation
Finishes and Decoration
Low VOC paints and finishes everywhere
Use only low / no VOC adhesives
Water based wood finishes
Exterior material protection with paints and stains
Super high quality caulking at all gaps / transitions
Quality tile installation at all wet area floors
Minimize use of carpets where possible
High quality natural carpet with long lasting pad
Heavy glass panels and door at showers
Use real linoleum, not vinyl for resilient flooring
Appliances
High quality energy and water-conserving appliances
Gas and electric provided for dryer and range
Minimize use of superfluous appliances
Landscaping
Use native and drought-tolerant plantings
Reuse shredded vegetation waste for mulch
Preserve topsoil quality
Use greywater for irrigation if codes allow
Plant trees and other vegetation for wind / sun control
Conceal detention / retention ponds with landscaping
Minimize non-permeable surfaces where possible
Miscellaneous
Photograph all walls before applying drywall
Photograph all underground work
Owners orientation package with manuals, etc.
All work done to code or better
Walk through orientation with Owner
These specifications are for general planning purposes, and are intended for use as guidelines in the design and budgeting process. The actual constraints of the Project (including design considerations and budget) may require different specifications. It is the intent of Blue Sky Builders to construct the absolute best product possible given the parameters of the Project, and to integrate as many of the above listed features in order to achieve the highest level of quality and satisfaction possible.
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