Value Engineering
Posted by Bradley Chazin on Tue, Sep 01, 2009
The buzz among Minnesota builders and Remodeler’s these days is value engineering.
What exactly does that mean?
Value Engineering is identifying ways to improve construction and design so that the value of the product increased relative to the investment.
The problem today is, in an effort to keep cost down many Minnesota Builders and Remodelers are substituting cost for quality.
Let’s look at some aspects of a Minnesota Room Addition to see what would be the best value;
- The minimum R value in a wall is R-15 Western recommends R-19
- The minimum R value in a ceiling is R-38 Western recommends R-44
- The minimum R value in a floor is R-30 Western recommends R-38
Why the increase in the R value? It is one of the easiest and best ways to save long term heating and cooling costs and the return on investment is quickly recovered.
What would be the best value in a new or Replacement Window in the Twin Cities?
- The minimum U value in a window is U-1.20 For Minnesota windows Western recommends U-0.30
U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor (U-value) of a window assembly. U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-value, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.
What does the term ‘Solar Heat Gain Coefficient’ mean for Minnesota windows and what rating does Western recommend?
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window (both directly transmitted and absorbed) and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits in the house.
With a U value of .30 or lower AND a SHGC of .30 or lower you can qualify for the federal energy tax credit that will credit the homeowner 30% of the cost of the windows up to $1500.00. And remember this is on top of the savings in heating and cooling costs.
Roof sheathing is the first step to a quality Minnesota Roof. What roof sheathing does Western recommend?
- The minimum roof sheathing required on a Minnesota roof is 3/8” Western recommends 7/16” -5/8” or thicker.
The 2007 (current) Minnesota State Building code (1309.0905, R905.2.1) requires solidly sheathed decks or 1 inch thick nominal wood boards.
What’s the best vinyl siding to use on a Minneapolis- St Paul home?
- Builders grade vinyl siding v/s premium vinyl siding. Western recommends. 0.44 Or thicker.
Thickness is the key here. A thin vinyl siding will be prone to holes from hail or even hitting it with the line from a weed eater. A thicker siding will be much more durable and carry a longer warranty.
What’s the best fiber cement siding to use on Twin Cities homes?
- James Hardie fiber cement siding v/s off brand fiber cement siding. Western recommends James Hardie siding products.
James Hardie fiber cement siding is designed to last a lifetime, resisting cracking, rotting, hail damage, termites and many other possible problems. James Hardie siding products are produced from all natural, non-toxic, renewable materials that make for a highly durable alternative to vinyl and wood siding products. It also carries a 50-Year Express Limited Transferable Product Warranty.
Be sure to check back often for more ways to make your project more energy efficient, durable, beautiful and to get the most bang for your buck.