Ask an Architect

Contractors' Quotes, continued
...know exactly what is included. There should be no mystery. These are items that should be included: cost of materials, hourly labor cost, and number of hours projected to complete the project.

Discuss what the contractor's markup on materials is and what percentage he or she is adding on for profit. The quote should be transparent; that way it's fair to you and to your contractor.

Don't forget to discuss what will happen if the project runs over its projected budget. Hold back a percentage of the payment until the job is completed to your satisfaction. Make sure you feel comfortable and well informed before you sign a contract. And don't forget to get references -- ask to speak with the contractor's three most recent clients.

Finding True South for Solar Orientation
From Jenna W., Maine: I really want to orient my new house with the path of the sun. How do I figure out where true south is?

Rick says: For calculating the solar orientation of your site and house design, you will need to use a compass to find magnetic north, then transfer
magnetic north to a true north correction.Your
compass will give you your site’s orientation
relative to magnetic north. But you need to know
how to calculate true north and true south
orientation if your new house is to have proper
solar orientation. This will require knowing compass
variation, also known as declination, for your specific
site and applying this value to the north arrow
orientation you have recorded.

For a more indepth discussion of magnetic variation
and, perhaps most important for your purposes,
the compass declination for your site, go to the
NOAA website.

Using the zip code of your property, this website
will automatically calculate the latitude, longitude,
and resultant declination for your house site.
Using this information, you can easily calculate
true north and thus true south for your property.
You now have the information necessary to
explore the opportunities for true solar orientation
while developing house design options.

Flat roofs
From Jane M., Los Angeles:
I've heard that a flat roof can cause problems
with roof leaks. Is that true?

Rick says: A flat roof
is never really flat; it has a slight pitch to allow water
to drain to internal drains or exterior scuppers.

Many people are afraid that a flat roof (known
in the industry as a "low-pitch roof") will
cause problems, but in fact a flat roof -- properly
constructed -- can have advantages. Particularly
with internal drains, ground erosion or splashing
on the exterior siding, common with a pitched roof,
is avoided.

Flat roof technology is certainly well proven, as
demonstrated by the millions of square feet of low-pitch
roofs found around the world. One major drawback
is that the materials used and the installation procedures
are specialized and not for the average do-it-yourself
homeowner.

However, don't be afraid of designing with a low-pitch roof
if it does what you want architecturally. Seek out an
experienced installer approved by the roofing manufactor--
and you'll end up with a fully warranteed, longterm roof.

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