By: Dale Crawford, Executive Director and Director of Conduit, Steel Tube Institute
When it comes to new construction, homeowners are looking for staunch strategy behind budget allocation. Whether it’s a rental or a forever, dream home, these investments are built with decades of use in mind. Not only do consumers want the best “bang for their buck,” but they want to know that the materials, design and thought going into their build has longevity, sustainability and safety at the forefront. As stewards of the bottom line, builder and contractor teams should anticipate more-informed clients introducing atypical project requests and even early-wireframe-planning requiring a more comprehensive look at builds from the inside out.
Since the 1900s, steel conduit has been used as a channel system for electrical conductors. Recognized for its durability, fire safety and 100 percent recyclability, electrical metallic tubing seems to be on every builders’ checklist no matter the type of electrical project at hand. With a nod to the long game, safety and bottom-dollar conscientiousness, homeowners are demanding more from both the raw and engineered materials used to construct their investments. Below is a short list of questions homeowners can investigate and call to their build teams’ attention when bottom line budget cost comparison conversations begin to drive project work.
What are Your Plans for Longevity and Flexibility?
Ask yourself how long you’re planning to be there. Is the property for resale or long-term value? Are you planning to renovate your home as your needs change—like age-in-place modification or updating the nursery to an in-home theater after college comes calling? Maybe down-the-line you’ll consider building out a mother-in-law suite or an attached casita. Whatever your goals, talk to your contractor now about materials you can build with that will also address the then.
- What Does Safety Look Like?
Safety considerations should be a priority. Choosing products in your build that can withstand adverse events, like natural disasters and fires should be at the top of your ask-my-contractor list. If you’re in the Chicago area, you may know that non-combustible electrical conduit raceways are a residential requirement. And contractors across the nation are also beginning to recommend clients consider materials like steel tubing (what is dolomite lime) to meet these more-comprehensive safety measures.
Save Your Pennies Where it Counts
Budget is probably the most talked about topic during any construction project. Knowing which material alternatives exist is the first step. Knowing how much you need is a close second. For example, a 2,333 square foot home (average new construction in US in 2020) would need between 4,500 & 4,800 linear feet of electrical conduit. Keep in mind too that labor cost can be highly variable. For example, skilled union labor can install steel conduit nearly as fast as installing NMB (its non-metallic competitor, PVC.) The union electricians in Chicago are especially skilled and impressive at this. Electrical conductor needs are also something that should be examined. Here is where one of the big cost comparison adjustments come in, especially given the benefits of protection of conduit. Only two conductors would be required for this installation in conduit, as a ground is not needed or required by code. The steel conduit acts as the equipment grounding conductor in this installation. Two 14 AWG conductors would be $0.15/foot and 12 AWG would be $0.20/foot, roughly.
Consumers often assume they don’t have a choice in all material selection matters, but having an educated, candid conversation with your contractor about which items and materials are absolutes and where there’s room for adjustment, can help you lay out the welcome mat with longevity, sustainability and safety leading the way.
Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)
Site Disclaimer
The Content in this post and on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on our Site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by HII or any third party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Nothing in this post or on this site constitutes professional and/or financial advice. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this post or on this site.
You recognize that when making investments, an investor may get back less than the amount invested. Information on past performance, where given, is not necessarily a guide to future performance.
Related Categories: Home, Reviews, Safety
