If an accountant has a question about accounting, he can ask about a billion other accountants or consult a million Web sites. A builder of technology-integrated homes doesn't have quite as many resources.
Despite homeowner demand for home technologies, tech-savvy builders are still a minority. One place for tech builders to learn about best business practices (besides TecHome Builder) is ToolBase.org. Sponsored in part by the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) program, ToolBase.org is a Web site designed to keep builders up-to-date on home tech.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center provides content for ToolBase.org. But how does this content help a busy builder? TecHome Builder asked Shawn Martin, director of applied technology for NAHB, to explain how ToolBase.org can help builders in six specific scenarios. His responses follow:
A builder has questions about residential codes. In general, the builder would gain insight and information by clicking on the "Codes, Regulations & Standards" section of the site. This includes access to reports and links to code-forming bodies and related industry organizations that can provide additional answers. Builders interested in implementing new practices or construction materials will benefit from information included in "Technology Inventory" or "TechSpecs." There, builders will find primers that provide soup-to-nuts tutorials on implementing new technologies, including code requirements.
A product fails, causing a major delay in construction. Some information can be found in specific topic areas, such as "Mold, Moisture, and Leaks" or "Failures and Failure Prevention," which address common issues builders are experiencing in the field. They range from moisture to corrosion to material failures. The information provided gives some background on the nature of many common problems, and suggestions for how to address them.
A builder runs into moisture and leakage problems. ToolBase.org includes an "Issues" toolbar on the main page tht links to several common construction issues, including mold, moisture and leaks. By visiting the "Mold, Moisture & Leaks" section of the site, builders will find practical information on managing moisture issues and categories of moisture leaks. Builders can also link to related Web sites and other relevant information.
A client expresses interest in energy-efficient lighting. "PATH Tech Sets" would be appropriate in this instance. PATH Tech Sets are a resource to help builders implement innovations in manageable, systems-based packages. Developed by the Research Center through PATH and released quarterly, Tech Sets helps builders choose cost-effective technologies. It demonstrates how the recommended technologies can be used together to achieve benefits that are greater than the sum of the parts: the key to a systems-based approach.
Each Tech Set comes in a variety of options, allowing the builder to choose which package is most appropriate for his project. "Energy-Efficient Lighting" is one of five Tech Sets that include a wide range of information on strategies, code considerations and additional resources.
A builder wants to know how to achieve Green Builder status. The site includes a wealth of information on green home building, green home marketing and the benefits of building greener. It also features case studies, directories of local green building programs, information on the voluntary green building guidelines and Web links to other useful resources.
A builder wants to offer a varietyof energy-saving heating options to offer homebuyers.
A user can go to the "Technology Inventory" and look under the HVAC building system section to get a list of 14 advanced technologies relating to HVAC. Additionally, there is wide range of information sources within the HVAC category. The HVAC Tech Set also describes the way to integrate advanced technologies and best practices into an improved system.
The features of the "Technology Inventory" were recently updated to include streaming instructional video and enhanced CAD drawings.