Category: The HUB

Sustainable Design and Development

brandon
Jul 19 |14:38

How and where communities locate, design, and develop affordable housing affects their overall approach to growth as much as it does the household budgets of their residents. Communities that seek to grow and develop more sustainably can begin by asking themselves the following questions:

  • Is affordable housing in my community well located, near transportation choices, and away from sensitive natural areas?
  • Are new housing developments designed to encourage walking, connect to nearby uses and amenities, and incorporate parks and open space?
  • Are affordable homes being constructed with materials and techniques that reduce energy and water use and improve resident health and well-being?

Download Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Development (PDF)

 

Charleston Recycles

jose
Jun 28 |21:54
Recycling
Author: jose

Last time I wrote about the Bogarden initiative and the changes to the recycling program in Charleston County. Because it is complicated for everyone, including myself, to decifer what is and what is not acceptable by the countie’s recycling facility, below is a link to the latest newsletter from the Environmental Management division of Charleston County. The four page pdf shows in more detail what is and is not accepted, curbside calendar and instructions based on six zones as well as dropsites and convenience centers. Read More…

 

The BP leak is still going….

paul
Jun 9 |21:31

The BP leak is still going….every day the estimate of the amount of oil spilling from this huge leak is increased. We don’t have a lot of time before this monster invades our beaches and wetlands. Please help…. Volunteer at our “Boom-b-ques”, spread the word, buy a T-shirt from this site.  All proceeds go to defraying the costs.

Go to www.sossaveourshore.com to learn more.  Save our Shore is in need of hair (yes. . .hair) panty hose AND $$$ . . .so go buy a T-shirt!

 

What is a community development studio? follow us on twitter @thehubsc

admin
May 29 |23:57

What We Do.

The mission of the Community Development Studio is to provide affordable  planning, design and development services that give our urban and under-served communities the tools needed to become more sustainable, stable and vibrant places for future generations.

It is our goal to design and develop projects which are a catalyst for local economies while protecting, preserving and enhancing the environment to maintain quality of life and sense of place.

Who We Help.

We serve the local governments, community development organizations, neighborhoods, non-profits, and schools primarily in the Lowcountry.

Read More…

 

Home Inspection Reports

rich
May 23 |22:29

You are selling your home.  Congratulations!  One of the first things your buyer will have done before closing is a home inspection. Once the report is generated, typically the buyer or buyer’s agent contacts the seller (you) to demand these items be repaired, or to compensate the buyer for the listed repairs with a reduction in sales price.

This can be a frustrating time for a seller.  No one told you up front that this was part of the transaction, and to make matters worse, you have no idea how to repair the items, or how much it will cost.  The home inspection report follows every deficient item statement with, “have a contractor evaluate and repair”.  Time to go to work and find a contractor to repair the items quickly and for a fair price.  Not an easy task.

Fortunately, there are companies that specialize in these sort of real estate transaction issues.  If you have an agent, rely on them to direct you to a qualified and licensed professional.  Many times the buyer pushes harder than what is actually needed to repair the items by asking for replacement for example.  A good contractor can give you factual knowledge and pricing of the deficiencies as it relates to code compliant construction.  Often, deficient items can be resolved with nothing more than a letter from a licensed contractor.