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Timber framers encouraged to tout energy efficiency
Keens joins BSC/LHC as program manager
Masonry heater professionals invited to workshop
Energy efficiency a marketing opportunity
The Timber Frame Business Council's Marketing Committee has crafted a press release designed to remind timber framers that they should promote the energy efficiency of their homes and take advantage of tax benefits of that efficiency.
"Timber framers can attract the growing number of customers looking to build energy efficient homes by promoting the monetary benefits," wrote Lisa Ford, marketing manager at Foard Panel Inc. of West Chesterfield, N.H. "Your first step is to understand how your timber frame business meets the guidelines for energy efficient incentives."
Ford wrote that federal and state energy programs are available. The federal programs offer $2,000 tax credits to builders who construct energy-efficient homes this year. There's also an EnergyStar incentive available based on thermal performance on a blower door test.
State programs vary. "Therefore, the best way to determine the actual 'energy value' of your construction technique is to speak with a certified energy rater in your state," Ford wrote. To locate a local energy rater, visit www.natresnet.org.
Energy efficiency can also help a buyer obtain special mortgage rates. The TFBC's Marketing Committee wants framers and builders to market these messages effectively.
"No matter your business model, try incorporating the benefits of energy efficient construction into your sales pitch," Ford wrote. "At the very least, make certain customers know about the huge reductions in fuel bills they can expect. Depending on building materials, some customers may see a savings of 35-50 percent."
For the full version of Ford's story, go here.
Keens joins BSC as program manager
Linda Keens has joined the NAHB's Building Systems Councils as a program manager. Keens will serve as the staff liaison for the Log Homes Council's Technical, Grading and Membership committees and is primarily responsible for supporting BSC's membership, event and log-grading programs.
"As an outgoing and detail-oriented project manager, I'm really looking forward to working more closely with NAHB's members," said Keens, whose husband is a custom-home builder.
Prior to joining the Building Systems Councils, Keens worked for NAHB's Online Services department for six years, providing in-house training and support to staff involved in developing online content for the NAHB Web site.
While in that role, Keens developed the department's Online Style Guide and content management training program, led the effort to transition over 2,000 pages of members-only content to the NAHB web site, ran the department's member awareness campaign and, most recently, developed and launched the NAHB's new Intranet site.
Keens' contact info: (202) 266-8577, keens@nahb.com.
Masonry heater pros invited to workshop
Rod Zander of New England Hearth & Soapstone is running a workshop for masonry heater professionals that will offer the chance to learn how to build an exquisite 18th century Swiss tiled heater with modern technology.
"This is a hand-built unit with tiles originally made in the 1700s," Zander said. "These are museum-quality pieces." Zander said the building methods are Austrian and much different than what is being done in the United States today.
The workshop takes place Aug. 11-22 in Oxford, Md., on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, under the auspices of the newly formed Alliance of Masonry Heater and Oven Professionals. There are six openings for the workshop; only one or two remain available.
Instructing along with Zander is Richard Jussel, a certified master Kachelofen builder from Austria who works for Austria's Kachelofenverband in research and testing.
For more info, visit the website here or call (860) 491-3091.
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