Recycling and Reuse Centers for Construction Materials

Recycling construction and reusing salvaged materials not only helps to conserve natural resources, but also saves money. According to Metro (oregonmetro.gov), as much as 90 percent of construction waste could be recycled or salvaged for reuse at a lower cost compared to disposal. Garbage disposal fees in the Portland metro area are approximately $94 per [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:01:45+00:00April 13th, 2017|Blog|Comments Off on Recycling and Reuse Centers for Construction Materials

Flipping Houses

source: housingwire The current housing market in Oregon, especially in Portland, has led to an increase in house flipping. A “flip” refers to a home that is bought, usually renovated, and then sold within one year for a profit. Individuals can flip houses within limits and strict guidelines, however if a business buys [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:09:29+00:00August 8th, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Flipping Houses

Oregon CCB CE Update

The Oregon Construction Contractors Board recently conducted a survey regarding contractor continuing education (CE). Contractors that are licensed in Oregon must complete CE units for every license renewal period. Based upon feedback from the survey responses, the CCB approved a course of action to amend to the CE requirements. According to the CCB, this requires [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:09:57+00:00July 8th, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Oregon CCB CE Update

Abandoned Homes in Portland

Despite the rising cost of homes for sale in Portland's red-hot housing market, there are plenty of abandoned and dilapidated houses that have been called 'zombie homes'. These rundown houses often have boarded up windows, graffiti, heaps of garbage, unkempt and overgrown lawns, and non-operable, rusted vehicles on the lawn or driveway. Neighbors are concerned [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:10:29+00:00May 23rd, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Abandoned Homes in Portland

Residential Green Buildings

An Overview of Green Residential Buildings  Sustainable homes can offer benefits to everyone involved in creating and inhabiting such dwellings. Residents of green homes can breathe cleaner air indoors as well as save money on operating costs. In the building process, recycled and reused materials can be used whenever possible, which may help to save [...]

By |2017-07-30T23:24:46+00:00December 20th, 2015|Blog|Comments Off on Residential Green Buildings

Commercial Green Buildings

An Overview of Green Commercial Buildings Buildings can become green, also known as sustainable, in the design, building, and renovating stages. Green buildings are resource-efficient and the overall impact to the environment is reduced. Operating expenses are lowered, plus employees and visiting clients benefit from greater air quality. Qualities of green commercial buildings include: [...]

By |2017-07-30T23:26:12+00:00October 26th, 2015|Blog|Comments Off on Commercial Green Buildings

Design-Build Certification

The design-build project delivery method combines design and construction services. There is one contract for the project owner. A design-build entity can vary, such as a contractor with knowledge about design, an architect that went into the construction business, or a partnership between a contractor and an architect. Our previous article on design-build includes information [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:33:58+00:00May 31st, 2015|Blog|Comments Off on Design-Build Certification

LEED AP Credentials

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) professional credentials demonstrate advanced and up-to-date knowledge of green building design, construction, and operations. The LEED Green Associate credential is introductory-level and demonstrates a general understanding of all the LEED rating systems. Advanced Placement (AP) credentials are an option to demonstrate expertise in specific green building categories and [...]

By |2017-07-30T23:35:59+00:00March 1st, 2015|Blog|Comments Off on LEED AP Credentials

Tax Incentives for LEED and Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings

There are various tax incentives and rebates that commercial buildings can qualify for. Certain incentives apply to new construction, renovations, or both. Below is a description of some of the benefits available to LEED-certified and energy efficient buildings in the Portland metro area. Fire Station 18 - City of Portland. LEED Gold certified. [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:37:19+00:00October 7th, 2013|Blog|Comments Off on Tax Incentives for LEED and Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings

Tax Incentives for LEED and Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings

There are various tax incentives and rebates that residential buildings can qualify for. Certain incentives apply to new construction, renovations, or both. Below is a description of some of the benefits available to LEED-certified and energy efficient buildings in the Portland metro area. (An overview of LEED can be viewed here.) The Database of State [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:37:41+00:00September 23rd, 2013|Blog|Comments Off on Tax Incentives for LEED and Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings