Seattle Building Pays Attention to the Electrical

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2010312150_plumber21.html

Q: I'm a builder and I never miss a chance to read your column. With the slowdown in construction, I've been doing research on new building trends so I can be ahead of the curve once I get back into action. What do you see for the future as far as new trends that builders may want to include in new home construction?

— Don, Kentucky

A: When a building trend catches on, it usually follows three guidelines: 1) Ease of initial installation; 2) Materials that stay within budget; 3) A good payback for the builder and homeowner. According to those rules, two new homebuilding trends jump out at me: generator-ready homes and waterless urinals.

A generator-ready home basically means that the home's electrical breaker panel is set up by the contractor to accept the additional "transfer switch" and electrical equipment needed to install a standby private generator system. The payback for the contractor? It's an easily added electrical-panel option that may make the difference in a home sale for the contractor. Payback for the homeowner? Because the special electrical panel is ready to accept the transfer switches and controls, future installation costs for the standby generator system can be cut by a sizable amount.

Residential waterless urinals are another new-home trend that can easily be installed in a bathroom. All that's needed is a small drain line, since water lines are not required. The payback for the contractor? Waterless urinals add "green value" to the home and can be part of a complete water-saving package offered to the buyer. Payback to the homeowner? Thousands of gallons of clean, potable water can be saved per year without changing the homeowner's lifestyle.

These new trends are so cool you might want to consider installing them for existing homes, as well.

Q: About eight years ago, we bought an old farmhouse that uses well water. Recently we noticed that when we run our water it has a very musty smell and looks cloudy. It will clear up after a while, but comes back again in a few hours. We thought it was the water heater, but I shut off the heater and just ran cold for a day and the same thing happened. Where do we check next?

— John, Nebraska
A: If you ever notice strange odors, colors or tastes, the water quality needs to be checked as soon as possible. You'll need a licensed well company to test and check the water for impurities. It sounds as though you may be on a shallow-type well system that may be vulnerable to contaminants and critters that may find their way into your water system.

I don't want to gross anyone out, but strange problems can happen with a private well. Years ago, I had friends living in an old farmhouse, and their water started to "taste funny." So, they called in the well guy. Turned out that the well was full of snakes, and not all of them were moving. I believe my friends may still be in therapy!

Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call" and for hosting TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. For information visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.