Author: Craig Diehl

A potential silent killer that homeowners in New Hampshire should be aware of
while purchasing and owning a home is Radon gas which includes air and water. Radon is
tiny radioactive particles that can be carcinogenic to your lungs and other internal organs
over prolonged exposure. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US.
Over 21,000 Americans die yearly from this silent killer.

I remember helping my father install numerous Radon fans on his new homes in the
Seacoast of New Hampshire and his customer base in the mid-to-late 1980s. Overall
awareness of Radon gas seems low among homeowners and the purpose of this blog is to
help raise awareness of this issue. This awareness should especially be pertinent to the
homeowner who owns or plans on buying an energy-efficient home because the house is
so well sealed that the Radon gas could be trapped in the living areas of the house.
Radon gas is a byproduct of decaying granite bedrock. Although New Hampshire is
nicknamed the “Granite State”, Alaska has a higher concentration of Radon gas than New
Hampshire.

As a homeowner or homebuyer, how do I determine if Radon gas is an issue? The
answer is to test the air quality and, if possible, your well for Radon gas. The EPA
recommends that tests should be repeated every two years because Radon gas can
fluctuate.

If you test high for Radon gas, there are mechanical systems to combat Radon gas.
There are also passive ways to lower Radon gas. Overall, either a mechanical system or
passive alternatives will not eliminate radon gas but rather lower the concentration within a
safe tolerance for your family to absorb.

Please consider American Building & Design for your next remodeling project

As I drive around the Seacoast of New Hampshire for work-related activities I have
been noticing a phenomenon concerning new home builds. Building lots that were once
considered undesirable are now being built on. The seacoast of New Hampshire and the
Southern Maine coastline have become desirable areas to live in, and the new construction
home industries have been strong for the last decade.

The purpose of this blog is to focus on sound building fundamentals and methods of
construction. My concern for these new construction builds is that new homes dismiss the
fundamentals of building sound, long-lasting homes on the land that they sit on, because
either there is a rush to start a project or an absence of property to build on.
Therefore, what are sound building lots for homes to sit on? Topography would be
my number one concern when buying a building lot. Water runs downhill; therefore, I
would look for a lot that has a defined topography, in which the house would sit on the
highest elevation. IBC and standard building code dictate 1”/10’ of slope around the
perimeter. In my opinion, this minimum dictated by building codes is not adequate for a
long-lasting build in the New England area. I would prefer a 4”/10’ slope to ensure
snowpack and drainage are defined.

The second fundamental that I would search for when choosing a building lot is
ecology, especially the soil. Soils are so underrated by homeowners and builders when
choosing a building lot for a home. Try to avoid clay-based soil, because it’s likely that the
building is a candidate for foundation issues. Also, clay has poor drainage properties for
lawns.

The last fundamental that would be a deal breaker when purchasing a building lot is
not having a southern exposure house. Southern exposure for a home provides bright
natural light all day and warms your house up through radiation, which is an important
heating detail for a home in New England.

Please consider American Building & Design for your next remodeling project