Author: Horton Group

What are the benefits of underground electric?

underground electric

The initial monetary cost of placing power lines underground can be steep for developers and builders, but this price ensures high quality and value.

Compared to overhead electrical lines, underground electric is far less susceptible to power outages caused by inclement weather. Especially in the northeast and along the shoreline, where there are occasional blizzards and tropical storms, underground electric significantly reduces the risk of power outages caused by falling trees or high winds.

Eliminating eyesores like overhead power lines also provides homeowners and tenants with the best quality product and enhances property values. At The Residences at 66 High Street, we made sure members of the community can enjoy the picturesque views of Long Island Sound without any obstructions. Likewise, by placing power lines underground at 350 Goose Lane Office Park, tenants can better experience the beautiful grounds.

At Horton Group, we believe that, in order to guarantee overall quality, it is essential to preserve the natural environments on which we build. By choosing underground electrical lines, we avoid compromising the aesthetic quality of nature that is so vital to our vision.

 

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What is Facilities Maintenance?

A lot of relief comes with the completion of a residential or commercial project. But what comes next? Even after brand new construction, there is a great deal of upkeep to consider in order to maintain the quality and integrity of the buildings and grounds. Facilities maintenance ensures both general maintenance and emergencies are taken care of by experts.

Including the facilities manager during the planning and construction phases is a good idea. This allows the facilities manager to provide input, helping to decide what products and materials will hold up best for the space and foot traffic. Once the building is complete, facilities maintenance performs routine services to prevent degradation. Services of facilities maintenance may include:

  • General building repairs
  • Routine exterior painting and painting of interior common spaces
  • Implementation of operating procedures
  • Safety code compliance

In addition, if an emergency should arise, facilities maintenance has the expertise and contacts to fix the problem. Horton Group provides facilities maintenance services for both residential and commercial developments. We know quality maintenance will prolong the aesthetic appeal and product longevity of any space.

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What are Historic District Commissions?

Connecticut is full of historic towns and sightings. With modern advances and population growth, it is important to preserve a sense of history and character, paying homage to the roots of each town. Settled in 1639, the town of Guilford is a testament to a place holding onto its small-town New England charm while the area continues to grow in popularity.   

Historic District Commissions enhance the town’s deep-rooted history and identity while carefully accommodating growth. They work to preserve and protect historically significant architecture, buildings, homes, and landscapes. Historic District Commissions are responsible for the following:

  • Making periodic reports to the legislative body
  • Initiating planning and zoning proposals
  • Commenting on applications for zoning variances
  • Assisting with any capital improvement program involving historic
  • Providing information to property owners involving the preservation of the district

Within Guilford’s downtown, there are two historic districts, the Guilford Town Center Historic District and the Whitfield Street Historic District. Guilford’s Historic District Commission is charged with monitoring these areas. For the full list of rules and regulations, click here.

The site for The Residences at 66 High Street falls within the Whitfield Historic District. Abiding by various rules and regulations set forth by the town, the project needed to fit with the fabric of historic Guilford. In the end, the renovated industrial Mill Building and the three new modern colonial buildings do just that.

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What is Hardie Board Siding?

hardie board siding

James Hardie was the first company to develop fiber cement siding and trim in the 1980’s. Since then, James Hardie has invested over $100 million in research, development, and product advancement. It is no wonder Hardie Board siding, just like the company, stands the test of time.

Longevity

James Hardie tests all siding and trim products against outdoor elements. This includes severe elements such as hurricanes, snowstorms, and fire, as well as more common elements including UV rays, rain, pests, and the changing of the seasons. James Hardie siding products come with a 30-year, non-prorated warranty, and trim products come with a 15-year, non-prorated warranty.

Region Specific Products

We all know that different climates have different weather elements, so James Hardie creates products for specific regions. Whether you live in a wet region, a state with freezing temperatures, or a hot and humid climate, the HardieZone® system will ensure you get the best type of siding for your region. Click here to enter your zip code and learn more.

Design

When it comes to real estate, we want it all – longevity and great design. Hardie Board siding and trim offers multiple options. Depending on your preferences, you can keep a traditional look, or create a modern aesthetic. James Hardie products also use ColorPlus® Technology, which helps keep color bright and fresh.

When building The Residences at 66 High Street, we knew we wanted superior quality, luxury appeal, and products that last. This is why we chose James Hardie products for our siding and trim.

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What Makes a Property Energy Efficient?

Inefficient energy consumption is harmful to the environment and causes energy bills to skyrocket. At Horton Group, we aim to provide high-quality products that are economically and environmentally sustainable. We strive for energy efficiency, which saves future buyers and tenants money, while doing our part to save the environment.

While the term is often thrown around, people seldom understand the many factors that go into making a structure truly energy efficient. From the early stages of design and construction, to the appliances and systems set in place near completion, our projects like The Residences at 66 High Street implement building technologies to ensure energy efficiency. These include:

Using the above building techniques and appliances, along with those available on the Department of Energy website, developers, homeowners, and business owners can play a major role in reducing emissions for the sake of the environment and their savings. Energy efficient building techniques can reduce energy costs to a fraction of the overall average.

Energy efficiency in both new and old buildings is a low-risk investment. Occupants are sure to save substantial sums of money as a result of drastically lower energy costs. For investors, developers, and builders, any extra time and money spent on energy efficiency will pay off.

 

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What’s it like living at 66 High Street?

Residences at 66 High Street
Kathy Moniello, a resident at The Residences at 66 High Street, shares her experience of living in one of the luxury condominiums in Guilford. 

After selling an oceanfront home in Westbrook, Kathy moved to High Street in December 2017. “Because I was leaving something so beautiful, I knew I couldn’t settle,” she said. The Residences at 66 High Street have not disappointed.

“Everytime I pull in and see the beautiful grounds and walk to my unit, I feel joy and pride in ownership.” 

From the high-end units, to the friendly and supportive residents, to the helpful team at The Horton Group, Kathy has settled in to a new life in Guilford.

The high-end look and feel of 66 High Street, including the property, amenities, and individual units, is something Kathy appreciates. Within her unit, she loves the top of the line appliances, ample storage, and ability to customize to her needs and style. With the fitness room being completed, residents are bringing in a personal trainer for group classes a few times a week. Kathy is also looking forward to the proposed pool.

It’s easy to be captivated by a luxurious unit, but when paired with incredible neighbors, that unit becomes home. “I don’t know how we have attracted so many wonderful people,” says Kathy. The residents help each other out, spend time with each other, and have created a strong bond. “Last week,” she says, “we were all out with our dogs, then before you know it everyone went to get a bottle of wine. Someone got the pizza they were making, and we were all over at my unit having a little party.”

The Horton Group has spared no expense building the Residences at 66 High Street.

“They have been amazing throughout the entire process,” Kathy explained. “Whether it is Earl, Kenny, or Jason, they want the very best outcome.”

Kathy’s unit was completely finished when she bought it, but she wanted to make some changes, including switching to a stackable washer dryer and installing a central vac system. “This can be difficult to do post construction, but instead of saying, ‘It can’t be done,’ Jason came in, looked at what I wanted and said, ‘This is how we can make it happen.’”

By paying attention to every detail during the development, building, and marketing of 66 High Street, The Horton Group built more than luxury condominiums. They built an unparalleled community. And it was just what Kathy was searching for.

 

Interested in the Residences at 66 High Street? Schedule a showing today.
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What makes a property ADA Compliant?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It also ensures individuals with disabilities can enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

The Annual Disability Statistics Compendium found that 12.8% of Americans are living with disabilities. This does not take into account senior citizens with decreasing mobility or those that are temporarily disabled due to events including accidents, illnesses, or medical procedures.

The ADA focuses on five different titles, or sections, to provide those with disability the right the equal opportunity. Title III (Public Accommodations) addresses “nondiscrimination on the basis of disability by public accommodations and in commercial facilities.” This includes privately owned facilities that are open to the public.

In 2010, the Department of Justice revised regulations within the original ADA of 1990. The regulations called for the 2010 ADA Accessibility Standards for Accessible Design, which set minimum requirements for newly constructed or renovated facilities to be accessible for individuals with disabilities.

There are a handful of requirements that must be made in all existing buildings and new construction deemed a public accommodation or commercial facility. A few requirements to be ADA compliant include:

  • Common use circulation paths in employee work areas in commercial work areas.
  • Accessible routes from site arrival points and within sites.
  • Alterations to primary function areas in existing buildings.

Here is the complete list of the requirements included in the Accessibility Standards for Accessible Design. For more general information about the ADA, click here.

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What is the Role of a Project Manager?

Project managers, especially in construction, are responsible for juggling a handful of responsibilities. From start to finish, they carry out all aspects of the building process to align with the visions set forth by clients and developers. All the while, a project manager must ensure that tasks get completed safely, on time, and on budget.

Construction project managers must be experienced within the industry, as they tend to a variety of responsibilities requiring a great deal of knowledge. These include:

Planning: Before a project gets underway the project manager must establish a timeline for each stage of construction. Throughout construction, the project manager makes sure each stage is finished for timely completion.

Resource Management: Project managers must understand what resources and tools are required for a given project and have them available.

Staffing: Just as they are responsible for the resources for projects, a project manager is also responsible for staffing individuals of all trades. Hiring the correct people is essential, as the timeline and quality of work is dependant on it.

Setting Benchmarks: Setting benchmarks allow all parties involved to have a clear understanding of when certain things need to get done.

Budget Management: Project managers are responsible for the financial planning of a project and ensuring that the scope of work stays within budget. If any changes are made that influence cost, those too must be accounted for by the project manager.

While the above list encompasses the broad roles of a project manager, a lot more work goes on behind the scenes in order for a project to be completed on time and at a high quality. For a project manager to be successful, it takes a great deal of cooperation, communication, and confidence in his or her decisions.

 

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What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

engineered_hardwood

Hardwood floors are a sought after finish in any home. Hardwood floors create a high-end look, are durable and easy to clean, and have a low-allergy surface. But solid hardwood flooring can expand, contract, and warp during warm or humid months. This is why we choose to install engineered hardwood flooring from Neal’s Wood Flooring in The Residences at 66 High Street.

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of several layers. The top and bottom layers are 100% natural wood. The middle layers consist of plywood, hardwood, or fiberboard, and are crossed in different directions. Engineered hardwood flooring is typically between ⅜” and ¾” thick.

What are the benefits?

The construction of engineered hardwood flooring prevents warping and bowing, leaving you with durable, long-lasting floors. This allows you to install engineered hardwood flooring in areas of the home that are subject to moisture, such as basements or bathrooms. In these rooms, installation should occur with a protective moisture barrier.

What type of wood can be found in engineered flooring?

When it comes to engineered wood flooring, the possibilities are endless. You can find just about any type of wood, including hickory, oak, maple, walnut, birch, tigerwood, and even bamboo. You also have options for the surface finish, including wide or narrow boards, gloss or matte finish, or hand-scraped or distress for a rustic appearance.

Getting the right look is important when choosing wood floors. Depending on the room size, flow of traffic, and level of the room, some options will be more suitable than others. Neal’s Wood Floors answers some additional frequently asked questions here.

 

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Certificate of Occupancy: What is a CO?

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Certificates of occupancy (CO) determine whether a building is suitable for living or working. The primary purpose of a CO is to:

  1. Dictate a structure’s function. Functions of a structure can include residential, retail, commercial, or industrial properties.
  2. Determine if the structure is suitable for occupancy. Structure is suitable for occupancy so long as it complies with all standards and codes related to its function.
  3. Make sure a structure complies with building codes.

While requirements for COs may vary depending on location, they are typically needed in a number of different instances, which include:

  • New construction.
  • Property conversion – when the function of a building changes. The Residences at 66 High Street are an example, as the history industrial Mill Building was turned into residential units.
  • Change of ownership.
  • Major construction – Any construction that changes the occupancy of the property or alters the entrance or exit of the property.

Certificates of occupancy are ultimately awarded if the structure passes a number of inspections, which include plumbing, electrical, fire safety, and general building.

 

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