New Blog

Our blog has moved to our new site.  Please visit: http://dickinsonhomes.com/blog/

Understanding the Different Levels of Drywall Finishing

Wisconsin Carbon Monoxide Alarm Law

Effective on  February 1, 2011 homes must have carbon monoxide alarms installed in accordance with Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code CH 21 & 28  (code language for CH 21 can be found here and code language for CH 28 can be found here).  This law went into effect almost a year ago but today, builders, inspectors and homeowners still know little about this law and what is required.

Schlage LiNK is Now Nexia

The home security and monitoring service from Schlage known as Schlage LiNK has gone through an overhaul and is now called Nexia Home Intelligence.  The homeowner will still be able to controll their locksets, lights, thermostat and a camera from a smartphone, iPad or computer but there are new additions that are worth noting.  One new addition is the video recording service, which was previously not offered for the Schlage LiNK video cameras.  Indoor video cameras are currently offered but outdoor cameras and the ability to pan and tilt are rumored to be in the works and available in the near future.  Another new addition is the ability to add non Schlage/Nexia products to the system.  A list of compatable products can be found here.  I like the to option to add in-wall interior and exterior light switches to the Nexia Z-Wave system.  Window and door sensors can be added now and help to increase the home security.

The Nexia system is still wireless so components can be added at any time if the homeowner wants.  A monthly or yearly subscription is still required to run the system from an external device.  Nexia looks to be adding new products and features in the future.  They have announced a partnership with Pella for Z-Wave controlled shades or blinds that should be out around summer time.

We will be adding Nexia products to our Cedar Ridge model this summer.  We hope this will provide a hands on experience for future homeowners to test this system and what is has to offer.  Please contact us if you have questions or would like more information.

New Lighting Standards Begin in 2012

As of January 1, 2012, traditional 100W incandescent light bulbs will not meet the standards and will no longer be available a most stores.  Similar standards will phase in for other types of light bulbs over the next three years.  Traditional 75W incandescent light bulbs will no longer be available as of January 1, 2013.  Traditional 40W and 60W incandescent light bulbs will no longer be available as of January 1, 2014.

New Book From Sheri Koones

Author Sheri Koones has been a big proponent for the modular industry.  Her previous two books, Modular Mansions and Prefabulous, helped to change people's perceptions of modular construction.  Long thought to be trailers or doublewides, her books show that any style or design can be built modular today along with the benefits of modular over site construction.

Her new book, Prefabulous+Sustainable, goes one step further and offers some inexpensive alternatives to creating a healthier, more energy efficient house that is better on the environment.  The book is 233 pages and is full of beautiful pictures, floor plans, everything you wanted to know about green building options, and has a forward by Robert Redford.  All of her books are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and you can find more at Sheri's website.  I keep all three books on my desk.

WHY SHOULD WE HAVE A BLOG AND, IF YOU ARE INTERESTEAD IN BUILDING, WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT.

EWhy should we have a blog? Is this going to be another social media outlet page?  What can we offer that will make this blog worth reading and following? 

The short answer is experience.  We are a 3^rd generation family business and in our family we have engineers, designers, project managers, an architect, and carpenters and we have been in this industry for a very long time.  To us, Dickinson Homes is not a job or an occupation, it our way of life.  We have seen, done and learned a great deal over the years that we want to share.

Social media is a great way to keep people informed and interested but at the same time it puts pressure on the reader to interpret the constant flow of information they receive.  We have always favored face-to-face conversations in order to help the potential homeowner sort through all the information and help them make informed decisions during their home planning.  From helping customers design and build their homes for over 40 years, we have an insight for the information people would like to know and the information they should also know about construction.  By publishing this blog, we hope to educate future homeowners prior to their projects.

Our blog will not be a substitute for meetings but at the same time we are hoping to use it as a platform to share our knowledge and findings in a more detailed format and go into more depth than we can on other sites.   Details such as code requirements, construction practices, planning, new materials and products, along with all things building related.  If you are interested in these items I would encourage you to follow our blog, sign up for the email subscription or check back from time to time.  We are always working to be better so, as the reader, please let us know what we can do to improve this blog.