From this page, you will be able to access information on a variety of issues related to flood recovery.

Check out LaHouse seminars and events -- horticulture Lunch and Learn, Master Gardener Training, Lead Certified Renovator Training, other best building practice seminars, seasonal Saturday events and more.

See and connect to the websites of LaHouse Key Contributors, Partners, Allies. Also see a table of Product and Service Donors by product category.

A research-based showcase of solutions and educational programs to help you shape the future with homes that offer MORE benefits with LESS ....

Whenever you build, remodel or buy a home, you have the power of choice. Use this science-based guide to take control of your investment and enjoy a high-performance home that offers so much more than shelter and style alone.

Louisiana homes are susceptible to damage from floods (rising water, including storm surge), wind (hurricanes, tornadoes and other strong winds) and water (heavy rains infiltrating the building. These hazards and coping with them, are explained more fully in this section.

Use multiple methods to make your home resistant to damage from termites, especially Formosan subterranean termites, and other wood-destroying insects. Since basic controls and most state approved stand-alone treatments are not fool-proof, it’s wise to invest in a second line of defense or even a totally termite-resistant structure. Click here to find out how to make your home resistant to termites.

The LSU AgCenter rebuilding group offer a wide array of educational programs related to construction and natural hazard awareness. This page lists many of those program titles, and provides contact information for people wishing to request a program or presentation or ask for our participation in a community event or fair.

Wind is the most common and most costly cause of damage to light frame structures in the United States. There are things you can do, however, to reduce the potential damage from high winds.

You probably think of an air conditioner as something that puts cool air in your homes, but what it really does is remove heat from your home. So an understanding of how heat gets in your home is the key to choosing the most cost-effective ways to cut summer utility bills while staying cool and comfortable.

The LSU AgCenter offers hurricane-resistant home improvement seminars for people who wish to build or restore their homes to make them more resistant to storm and flood damage. This video gives a brief description of material covered in the full 2-hour package. Long and short seminars and trainings can be scheduled on these topics to meet the needs of your group. For more information, e-mail rebuilding@agcenter.lsu.edu .

The LSU AgCenter offers Hurricane-Resistant Home Improvement seminars across South Louisiana. Find out here how to schedule a presentation for your group.

The Rebuilding Registry allows contractors to offer rebuilding services in parishes they serve. It allows property owners to search for those services, to "tell" contractors about their rebuilding projects, and to rate contractors who have worked for them. All users of the registry - contractors and property owners - must create a user account. The registry is a free service of the state. Signing up is easy.

The Registry allows property owners to rate contractors who have worked for them, and let others know whether the recommend that contractor. Property owners find contractors by search for the contractor's company name or by searching the registry for services the contractor provides.

Professionals who are currently licensed or registered by the State of Louisiana as building, plumbing or mold remediation contractors can join the Rebuilding Registry. Property owners will search for contractors based on the types of work they offer. If you offer a service that would be useful to people building, remodeling or restoring their homes, list your services in the Registry. Contact information you provide will appear as a “business card” that you send to property owners.

Geographic Basics in Louisiana include Climate, Flood, Wind and Termites. Read about the climate, wind and flood hazards, and termites in Louisiana.

Louisiana floods - from excess rain and poor drainage; from overflow of rivers, streams and bayous; from drainage channels backing-up; from storm surge; from levee failures.

Portal page for information about obtaining a building permit.

Detailed Instructions for using FEMA's Map Search tool to find your house on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

When you go to get building permt, you will need to provide certain information about your construction project. This page lists the most common items.

When seeking a building permit, you may need addition documents. This page describes the Flood Zone Determination, Elevation Certificate, Foundation Plan, Damage Inspection Rating and an On-Site Waste-Water Treatment Permit.

To obtain a building permit you'll need a description and drawings of your construction plans. This page describes some minimum plan requirements.

Local communities have adopted codes and floodplain regulations that govern building construction and development in floodplains. These requirements, which can apply to both new construction and repair of existing buildings, differ in different flood zones. This document details the minimum regulations.

Manufactured Homes are the buildings we have, in the past, referred to as mobile homes or trailers. While other factory-built homes are built to the codes of the area where they will be installed, manufactured homes are built to a special HUD-code and installed in accordance with HUD guidelines. Thus they are sometimes referred to as HUD-Code homes.

Portal page for information about building industry professionals, the licenses and certifications they should have and how consumers know their hired and contracted professionals have appropriate licenses and certifications for the work they are doing in Louisiana.

Several communities in Louisiana have participated in federal grant programs for which on-site protection of private property is an eligible activity. These programs fund elevation or relocation of floodprone buildings, purchase of floodprone properties and, for non-residential buildings, dry floodproofing. Drainage improvements are also eligible.

Following a Presidential Declaration, disaster assistance is made available to help residents and local governments in the declared parishes recover from the effects of the disaster.

You can keep shallow flood water out of a slab-on-grade home using plastic sheeting supported by the wall of the building or on special stands away from the wall. This is an emergency protection measure that is more effective than using sandbags, but does require advance preparation.

A floodwall is a self-supporting barrier to floodwater. It may look like a garden wall or privacy fence, but it has more internal reinforcing and a more substantial foundation.

A levee is a barrier that holds water away from the building. It can protect your home from flooding as well as from the force of water, scour at the foundation and impacts of floating debris.

Sump pumps sit in the sump. "Trash" or "utility" pumps usually sit above water level and draw through an inlet hose.

If you protect a building with a floodwall, sealant, plastic wrap or any other barrier, you will need to pump water during floods.

Water-inflated tubing is a new and effective emergency method of closing a gap, temporarily raising the height of an existing levee or putting a barrier around a building.

Sandbags can be used to fill gaps in a permanent protection system, to raise an existing levee or to build a complete emergency levee.

Sealing a building so water will not enter is called dry floodproofing. The interior spaces, equipment and contents of the building stay dry.

The phrase “wet floodproofing” may sound like a contradiction, but it is the label used to refer to a collection of methods intended to reduce damage to a building when flooding occurs.

The following is a description of basic features and components used in conceptual design of the house.

More than 100 Contributors, Partners, Allies, team members and friends participated in the July 15, 2003, Louisiana House – Home and Landscape Resource Center (LaHouse) groundbreaking ceremony and recognition reception on the LaHouse site.

A summary of Landscape Topics Relating toHurricane Damage and Recovery, including: Wind Damage to Trees, Determining if Large Wind Damaged Trees Can be Salvaged, Wind Damage to Shrubs, Wind Damage to Herbaceous Plants, Flood Damage to Landscape Plantings, Food Crops, Flood Damage to Lawns, Loss of Shade Trees, LA One Call, and Soil Testing.

The LaHouse operations staff, issue leaders, and the professional contractors and consultants involved in its design or construction.

Precautions to take to avoid dehydration while cleaning up after a disaster.

If your home was flooded, it must be disinfected and dried thoroughly to prevent mildew and future damage by wood rot.

Provides information and tips for using a generator for emergency power.

Most floodproofing systems have openings that need to be closed and watertight during a flood.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of an earth friendly home in Louisiana.

Follow design guidelines to make your home functional for life...

Benefits of low-maintence materials...

Contractors are now required to be lead-certified for the EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP). You play an important role in preventing lead poisoning. Are you ready?

Learn the latest home landscape and garden best practices at the monthly LaHouse Lunch and Learn Seminars.

Following design discussions with technical experts and feedback from the extended House Design Advisory team, the original concept design was premiered at the 2001 Earth Day Festival. The new site offers a wonderful opportunity to nestle the house within a group of beautiful, shady live oak trees – so the house design is now being modified to fit the new site and its features.

Building systems that integrate the five criteria for Gulf Region conditions.

LaHouse is open to visitors Monday - Friday and special events.

LaHouse is open to walk-in visitors Monday - Friday.

Description of building systems and features on the west wing of LaHouse.

A room-by-room description of the systems and features of LaHouse.

Description of building systems and features of the East Wing of LaHouse.

Browse this photo gallery to see progress from the current stage of construction to groundbreaking, highlighting special features, products and techniques used.

Concrete tile is very long-lasting, yet more hail-resistant and less expensive than clay or slate.

Browse this photo gallery to see progress from the current stage of construction to groundbreaking, highlighting special features, products and techniques used.

Conflicting information and media coverage about hazards of mold and how to handle mold problems have left many people confused, concerned and sometimes frightened. If you have or suspect a mold problem in your home, this fact sheet will help you make well-informed decisions about how to fix the problem and prevent its return.

Descriptions of building features thoughout LaHouse.

Description of the building systems and features of the Mid-section of LaHouse.

List of professionals who have earned the Gulf Region High Performance Home Professional designation.

In the right conditions, molds multiply and can release enough spores in the air to cause health problems.

A flood-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion.

A flood-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials came to an LSU AgCenter educational site Wednesday (Nov. 9) to stress that rebuilding "stronger, safer and smarter" is the way to go for those affected by this summer’s hurricanes. Such construction is a major theme behind the LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana House Home and Landscape Resource Center.

Request more information about contributing to the Louisiana House Home & Landscape Resource Center

List of product donors to LaHouse by category

This fact sheet provides basic steps for homeowners and volunteers to use in safely cleaning up mold in their homes and preventing its regrowth. It is focused on mold resulting from flooding but is applicable to other causes as well.

Properly identifying the ant species is the first step in determining whether and how to control them. In this publication there are options for managing various kinds of imported fire ant problems.

Identification, biology and treatment of the elongate twig ant.

This guide provides details on creating a home that keeps comfort affordable with high energy efficiency; is protected from mold, termites, storms, floods and other hazards; is healthy, safe and convenient for a lifetime; is a smart investment that pays dividends; and protects our environment for future generations. Cost: $15 plus tax and shipping. You can order this 88-page, sprial-bound book through our online store by using the Order Publication link below.

People who work or play outdoors are often attacked by numerous species of insects, ticks and mites. If you choose or are required to be outside when insects are active, use a repellent. This publication explains how repellents are chemical substances that protect people from insect attack by making the body unattractive or offensive to insects. A repellent does not have to kill insects to be effective, although it may. (PDF Format Only)

Identification, biology and treatment of the crazy ant in structures.

Louisiana House Home & Landscape Resource Center

A lawn that’s properly cared for and healthy will resist weeds and other pest problems. Following the best management practices (BMPs) in this publication should help keep your lawn in good condition.

Use this checklist to explore components and features of your sustainable Louisiana house.

Most people are aware of the damage fire and severe weather can do to their homes, but many overlook the threat of termites. Photos of termite damage and signs of termite infestation are included in this publication, which covers Formosan subterranean termites and other subterranean termites.

List of donors to LaHouse project.

The LaHouse Teaching Center and House are available for your next event. Click above for details.

Treatments for termites must be integrated with proper maintenance. Eliminate as many conditions conducive to termite infestations as possible by following the five general categories of rules.

The LSU AgCenter’s “LaHouse” is designed to hold up against strong winds and flooding and serve as a model for how to build homes with hurricane-resistant features in Louisiana.

Maintaining your air conditioner can save up to 30 percent on operating costs, protect it from early failure, prevent mold from developing in the system, and help it perform at its best. Follow these tips to save money and protect your health. They'll also keep you cool and comfortable this summer.

This summary of a study of the subfloor moisture levels of south Louisiana, raised-foundation homes with six different insulation systems includes the resulting recommendations – all intended to help homeowners, builders, architects, insulation contractors, home inspectors and others balance energy efficiency, comfort and durability issues.

This summary of a study of the subfloor moisture levels of south Louisiana, raised-foundation homes with six different insulation systems includes the resulting recommendations – all intended to help homeowners, builders, architects, insulation contractors, home inspectors and others balance energy efficiency, comfort and durability issues.

Gifts and letters of commitment for in-kind donations should be addressed to Chancellor William Richardson and mailed to this address.

Proper construction techniques help to keep your roof where it belongs in a storm...

Louisiana House will support programs and interests that seek to engage citizens in taking responsibility for a sustainable future by using appropriate methods and technologies to protect their environment, property and families.

Representing Entergy Louisiana, Renae Conley (CEO) was honored for becoming the first corporate LaHouse Diamond Key Contributor.

The widespread educational outreach of LaHouse will create ongoing, high exposure and promote related interests -- throughout Louisiana and the southern region.

Those who survive hurricanes and other natural disasters are at risk for behavioral and emotional readjustment problems. Most child and adult survivors experience one or more normal stress reactions for several days after a disaster or major trauma.

This article provides a brief overview of ACQ, one the most common treatments for wood used in residential and commercial construction.

Things to consider when constructing or renovating a home to protect your house from termites.

Considerations on integrated pest management of termites and other wood attacking organism are presented in depth.

This summary of a study of the subfloor moisture levels of south Louisiana, raised-foundation homes with six different insulation systems includes the resulting recommendations – all intended to help homeowners, builders, architects, insulation contractors, home inspectors and others balance energy efficiency, comfort and durability issues.

Help discover locations where the Formosan subterranean termite is not known to exist.

One important key for successful management of a pest is to identify it. This publication can help you differentiate between ants and the dry-wood and subterranean termites that are pests in Louisiana. It also contains specific information on Formosan subterranean termites.

A Southern IPM Center publication. When choosing a broadcast bait to control imported fire ants, consumers and professional pesticide applicators face a confusing array of brand names and active ingredients with varying product performances. This guide addresses common concerns about broadcast baits to help consumers and professionals choose products that best fit their needs and situations. (PDF Format Only)

Suggestions for preventing the spread of Formosan subterranean termites.

Damage by termites can be very expensive. A comparison of costs of using treated wood, concrete or steel in construction is presented.

Precautions to take to avoid dehydration while cleaning up after a disaster.

For higher levels of protection and possibly discounted property insurance, consider these options...

The original LaHouse development team.

Portal Page for Getting Started. To help people organize their thoughts and affair and begin to approach their restoration or rebuilding project.

Portal Page for information that would be helpful to people getting started with a project to build a new home on the same site as their storm-damaged home.

An arborist can help you keep your trees healthy and give you peace of mind. Their professional services can help you with an array of other tree care practices, including transplanting, pruning, fertilizing and managing pests. Most arborists are also skilled in tree removal and value appraisals. You will want to read the questionnaire provided in this article to help you decide if you need any of these special services.

In simplest terms, a residential contractor constructs or renovates a building, or supervises the construction or renovation of a building. The contractor provides labor for the job, as well as schedules each phase of the job and the professionals involved.

Portal Page for information about the building industry professionals involved in buying and selling property, including real estate, banking and legal services.

A checklist of recommendations from the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors to use when hiring a contractor.

A building designer designs residential and agricultural light frame buildings, such as single family homes. A designer also might design decorative facades for larger structures.

This section has information about people who provide special services related to homebuilding. These include home inspection, homeowner construction representatives, energy rating, pest control, landscape and flood and wind resistance.

Civil engineers are concerned with the design, construction, and maintenance of an altered physical or natural man-made environment. For instance, civil engineers may design bridges, roads, dams, and buildings.

This article informs the consumer what a residential electrician does, what licenses are required, if any, in the state of Louisiana in order for the electrician to work on your home, how to verify any licenses, and how to become an electrician.

Louisiana law requires all real estate agents working in the state to have a license. Information on who has a license, how one can get a license, as well as information on filing a complaint can be found at the Louisiana Real Estate Commission's Web site.

Real estate agents facilitate the buying and selling of property, such as land and buildings. These agents serve as representatives/negotiators for buyers and sellers. Real estate agents can serve as a “buyer’s agent” or as a “seller’s agent.”

Lenders usually require a termite inspection and mechanical equipment inspection. A more complete inspection is a good idea. Getting a thorough inspection before you buy a home can save you thousands of dollars.

This checklist provides a list of items to look for when you inspect a new or existing house before you purchase the home.

Knowing what questions to ask can save you lots of money and help you find the best contractor to build your house. The Capital Region Builder's Association has provided the attached information to help you ask the right questions.

Structural engineering is a sub-specialty of civil engineering, but can also be a stand-alone degree. Structural engineers design the systems that ensure that buildings and other structures are safely supported and able to resist forces against them, such as hurricane winds.

A home inspector inspects the visible exterior and interior systems and components of a residential structure for condition, safety issues, and evidence of potential problems. It is important to note that a home inspection is different from an appraisal that determines market value, from a code-compliance inspection, and from a warranty evaluation.

An energy rater assesses a house to determine the home’s level of energy efficiency. This audit , called a rating.

The role of a residential landscape architect is varied and can be complex. In very broad terms, a residential landscape architect generally develops and provides design plans for a homeowner’s property that utilizes both landscape and hardscape (built structures or constructed elements such as patios or arbors) elements to provide beauty and function for the homeowner, as well as to solve any related issues.

The residential building inspector examines residential projects under construction to ensure they are being built according to the building codes adopted by the state and/or local municipality. In so doing, the building inspector helps protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Residential inspectors are typically employees of the local jurisdiction, but may be third-party providers.

An architect is a design professional who designs environments in which people live, work, and play.

Improving the energy efficiency of your home is an important and responsible step. Being energy-efficient can save you up to one-third on your annual energy bills. In addition to the personal and monetary benefits, improved energy efficiency has a positive and lasting affect on the environment.

Many homes lost their historic designations in the efforts to clean up and rebuild after the devasting damages caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This article gives an overview historic preservation regulations, who the regulating agencies might be, what you need to preserve or restore, and where you can obtain information and guidance in the preservation, restoration, and repair of your home.

Almost everyone who lives in the 15 coastal parishes that...

Proper cleanup and disposal will prevent future health and injury risks and may save time and money. Debris removal will reduce the potential for nesting by rodents, snakes and insects, or at least keep those infestations in a concentrated area away from the home.

This discussion of different methods of counseling and different factors to use in finding a counselor can help the consumer make good choices in selecting a mental health professional service.

Since November 2005, home building and home restoration in Louisiana are subject to the provisions of the International Residential Code.

This article explains what the words "licensed, bonded, and insured" mean in the context of construction professionals. In explaining these terms, the article also states why hiring someone who is licensed, bonded, and insured is important.

Wind affects different homes in different ways, depending on their design, location and neighboring structures.

Resources used in gathering information about wind resistance.

An interior designer works on the interior and is specially trained in this area. Interior designers follow much of the same design steps and procedures as architects do, only the work of interior designers is specific to the interior.

Land surveyors determine legal property boundaries. They also establish subsurface mineral boundaries to determine the distribution of mineral rights.

This article describes what a plumber does and why you might need one; how a plumber gets licensed; and how the homeowner can verify the license.

As you attempt to restore your life and home after a storm, the availability of local companies and individuals to perform the necessary services will be limited. It often may be advisable to do temporary repairs and wait for local contractors who will be there to guarantee their work long after the storm is over.

If the recent hurricanes have landed trees on your property, Dr. Hallie Dozier of the LSU AgCenter cautions you to hire only Louisiana-licensed professional arborists remove the trees.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of an eco-friendly house in Louisiana.

“Should I repair or should I teardown?” “Should I rebuild here or should I rebuild somewhere else?”There are so many factors that play a part in answering these questions that it must seem overwhelming.

Making every day decisions is not always easy. It came be even more difficult to make a decision after a catastrophic event such as a hurricane, tornado, fire, flood windstorm. Some people may believe they don’t have any options. While there are always options, it’s not always easy for some people to decide what to do.

This page defines some terms used in home construction, repair and maintenance. It is not a comprehensive list but will provide a quick reference for homeowners who are unfamiliar with building terminology. Based on the Housing and Urban Development's 1996 Glossary, but expanded to include terms related to flood and wind resistance, energy, new technologies and architectural terms.

Living in a mobile homes is one option you can consider when planning for your future housing needs. In the past, mobile homes typically were considered starter homes. But today, many people are choosing to make mobile homes their permanent dwelling.

Mobile homes have been steadily growing in popularity as a temporary and permanent primary residence for many Louisiana residents. Mobile homes can provide years of comfortable and convenient living, while giving you the most for the dollar you spend on electricity. Using the following energy conservation tips will help you to make the least of your electric bill.

Homeowners in South Louisiana and elsewhere in the Gulf South who are building homes should add termite protection in the process. Combining termite protection with proper strapping for wind resistance and anchoring to prevent floatation present some challenges for maintaining the integrity of the barrier..

Factory built homes are nearly undetectable from the street and, often, people cannot recognize, from appearance alone, the difference between a factory built home and a site built home. In New Orleans, manufacturers have been dedicated to creating stock designs that are specific to the New Orleans region. The architectural style of a typical New Orleans “shotgun” style house has been adopted and modified to create new home styles that fit seamlessly in their environments.

For those who need fast, affordable and reliable solutions for their housing problems, modular homes might be the best solution. In contrast to what many people think, modular homes are quite different than manufactured or trailer homes. In fact, they are very similar to site-built homes.

"Factory-Built Home” is a generic term that refers to any home that has been predominately designed and constructed in a controlled factory or plant environment. Factory processes are extremely efficient with materials and, thus, are considered more environmentally friendly. In addition, the factory environment can provide a much greater degree of quality control, compared to on-site construction.

If you're thinking of rebuilding in a new location, and would consider moving to a new community, you can do some "long distance" research on the Internet, but visit the new community before making a decision.

Portal page for information about the advantages and disadvantages of site-built vs factory built homes or home components.

Many homes and other structures that were severely damaged in the Katrina and Rita hurricanes had been built on concrete slabs. The question that is on many homeowners’ minds is “Can I reuse the slab?” This answer will require homeowners to ask other questions that are explained in this article.

This section of the web includes information that will help Road Home participants get started planning their start-fresh, home building project.

Introductory segment from the LSU AgCenter "Ready for Rain" video with overview of flood damage reduction techniques.

Users must indicate acceptance of these terms prior to submitting ANY personal, company, service or project information to the Registry.

One of the hardest determinations you'll have to make when you decide to restore a damaged home is how much work needs to be done - and how much help you'll need.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of a house in Louisiana with healthy indoor air.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of a hazard-resistant house in Louisiana.

This "Hurricane Edition" is a guide to flood, wind and water resistance features you can see at the Louisiana House Home and Landscape Resource Center (LaHouse). It was developed during the summer of 2007 for use in mid-construction open houses. Pages will be updated when features become less visible as the house is completed.

Portal Page for house design and architecture as part of rebuilding housing stock in Louisiana.

Air sealing can be one of the most cost effective ways to reduce energy costs and increase comfort in your home. This fact sheet provides information on the most common places where air leaks in homes and how to fix these leaks.

Garages are great places for vehicular, seasonal, and recreational equipment. A well-organized garage space allows for extra storage capabilities. There are several great ways to fill your garage with ample storage while still maintaining room for vehicles, bikes, barbecue grills, and other large equipment if necessary.

Well-designed bedrooms and bathrooms help lead to happier and more positive attitudes. They are the usually the first and last places you visit in your day and should be designed to be relaxing and comfortable.

Kitchens, laundry areas and home offices are three types of workspace commonly found in the home environment. Despite many differences between the three, all should be designed for efficiency and productivity. Try to avoid spaces that are poorly lit, inconveniently located or overly cramped.

Use this score sheet to rate the efficiency of your kitchen – as it is now and with any planned modifications. It will help you design a more convenient and functional kitchen. Compare your “before” and “after” scores with the rating at the end of this fact sheet. (PDF Format Only)

A majority of home-buying and building decisions are made people are in the prime of life and health. Often, primary considerations are safety for children, budget, color, floor plan, neighborhood and school districts. In a society where people live longer and where many medical conditions are treatable, planning for future lifestyles and physical limitations can be very important. This article gives some suggestions on how to design for future accessibility.

A variety of costs -- not just the construction cost -- should be considered when planning a coastal home. Owners should be aware of these costs and consider how siting and design decisions will affect these costs. This information is part of FEMA's Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA 499).

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has requirements for repairs, remodeling and additions. This fact sheet provides recommendations for exceeding those minimum requirements and it lists opportunities for retrofitting in coastal flood hazard areas. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction FEMA 499: Technical Fact Sheet 30.

In inland areas, experience has shown that floods damage areas of buildings not elevated above the flood level and destroy contents of those areas. In coastal areas, wave action causes even more damage, often destroying enclosed building areas below the flood level (and any building areas above the flood level that depend on the lower area for structural support). Source: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series: Fact Sheet 4.

Our predecessors in Louisiana avoided floods by vacating the floodplains during flood season or by building their homes on higher ground and, even then, on piers.

The durability of a coastal home relies on the types of materials used to construct it. Materials and construction methods should be resistant to flood and wind damage, driving rain, corrosion, moisture and decay. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction FEMA 499: Technical Fact Sheet 8.

Many factors affect and limit a home builder's or owner's ability to site coastal residential buildings. Building failures are often the result of poor siting. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction FEMA 499: Technical Fact Sheet 7.

Universal design means creating spaces that meet the needs of all people, young and old, abled and disabled. From the arrangement of the rooms to the choice of colors, many details go into the creation of accessible spaces. Some general guidelines are listed here.

As foam insulation becomes more popular, more an more products are making their way to the market. Often, the proper use of a foam insulation product is very specific, and spelled out in the building code. This page provides links to ICC-ES Evaluation Reports for several foam insulation products.

Energy efficiency can be improved by upgrading several systems on the home. There are a variety of incentive programs. This page provides links to building information and incentives for each of the home systems.

An accessible home incorporates adaptation and accommodation preparations and installations in living and work areas that can make a dwelling safe and functional to the residents for a lifetime. Making a home more accessible for life is a good investment on every level.

It is no secret that the bathroom is the site of many home accidents. Many people take measures to reduce the possibility of injuries—most notable by reducing “slipperiness” with higher friction mats, coatings and by attaching “safety tread” type materials. This is a good start, but, it is only the beginning.

A kitchen is often thought of as the “heart of the home.” For generations, families and friends have gathered in the kitchen to make and break bread and to engage in a wide range of social activities. Today, we live longer than our predecessors did and as a result, are less likely to be as dexterous as we once were and significantly less mobile.

Gerald Brennan was 84 years old when he observed, “Old age takes away from us what we have inherited and gives us what we have earned.” He was referring to those physical capacities we are born with, but, if some of the things we have earned over time such as our unique identities and our homes, then circumstances and old age may well take those away from us also.

Trees and shrubs can provide a valuable buffer zone that can reduce storm damage to homes and property. Trees can be classified as hurricane survivor trees or hurricane victim trees.

New homes in flood prone areas are protected from flood damage by building living space above expected flood levels. Learn more about elevated foundations and development regulations.

Knowing how the sun moves over your particular site will enable you to design more energy efficient and livable spaces.

Structured wiring, upgradeable packages and accessible installations can make a home adaptable to advances in telecommunications and automation without major renovation. Special baseboard and crown moldings designed to route cabling behind it are available. Plan ahead!

Universal design is design for life. The goal is safe and independent living for just about anyone, any age, any size and any ability. With thoughtful planning and product choices for a new home, universal design can be achieved at little or no extra cost.

Information in this section will help you maintain good indoor air quality in your Louisiana house by minimizing health hazards such as mold, dust mites, combustion pollutants and other common indoor air contaminants.

Use this list of guidelines to develop a convenient (family friendly and functional) kitchen plan.

Plan your home with dual purpose rooms and ample storage, room to maneuver, designed to grow with your family.

A functional, accessible and adaptable home will give you and your family room to breathe, room to work, room to play and the potential to expand. It will have adaptable spaces and systems for your changing needs, including advanced wiring so you can take advantage of today's technologies. If you employ universal design techniques, your home will be more visitable - perhaps fully accessible - by family and friends who have impaired mobility.

Landscapers have not been greatly affected by subterranean termites, but they are increasingly challenged by the Formosan subterranean termite. The actions of landscapers impact the risks of subterranean termites. Landscapers should educate themselves on this and other subterranean termites and alter their practices to reduce the risk of subterranean termites entering structures and to slow the spread of the Formosan subterranean termite.

Formosan subterranean termites are more aggressive and cause more damage than native subterranean termite species because of special biological attributes.

Adjusting certain elements of architecture, construction and landscaping can help in Integrated Pest Management.

Many homeowners who own a property built of wood have had problems with wood-destroying organisms. In United States, termites, and decay fungus cause more than $2 billion in damage to buildings every single year. In order to protect their home from these organisms, homeowners need to know what to look for, how to treat problems that arise, and how to keep their homes free of decay and termites.

Here is a checklist you can use to take steps to make your home termite-resistant.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of an energy-efficient house in Louisiana.

Extensive damage from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike has caused many homeowners to build at higher elevations above ground, or to raise their existing homes to safer heights. Many people have, or will, turn to elevators, platform lifts or other mechanical systems as their primary means of accessing the elevated floor.

Experience has shown in inland areas floods damage areas of buildings not elevated above the flood level and destroy contents of those areas. In coastal areas, wave action causes even more damage. The NFIP requires participating communities to adopt a floodplain management ordinance that specifies minimum requirements for reducing flood losses. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA 499) Technical Fact Sheet 4.

The 2005 and 2008 hurricane seasons left thousands of south Louisiana homeowners with a need to build homes with the floor above ground or to elevate their existing homes to safer heights. Stairs, or even ramps, are not the optimal solution for accessing the raised floor; they can pose a problem for the disabled, aging and many others.

The buoyant foundations, senior-design project at LSU has focused a spotlight on this technique. Buoyant foundations are not a legal alternative to elevation in flood hazard areas, and specifically violate the flood and wind anchoring requirements of the buidling code and/or flood ordinance. Homeowners should not pin their hopes on adopting this technique for building, rebuilding or restoring homes.

Ants range from mildly irritating to highly annoying. Knowing the species, its biology and potential control methods can help you manage them. This is a useful reference for pest management professionals, extension personnel and homeowners. A key to ants, color photographs, diagrams and a glossary are included. Spiral-bound copies are available for $12.50 each. To purchase using a major credit card, click on "order publication."

What to do to prevent problems with mildew and decay after storm waters receed..

Cleaning carpets and floors that have been damaged by floodwaters can be time-consuming, but care must be taken to facilitate repairs.

Outside contractors and companies will enter the area to offer their services. Some are honest and will do an adequate job, but be careful in working with outside contractors.

When calm returns after the storm, it’s time to assess the damage and begin repairs. A number of factors should be considered, and the following information may be helpful.

Hiring a qualified contractor for mold remediation is not required, but is generally safer and more effective than a “do-it-yourself” approach.

Although it is uncommon in most homes, toxic mold, also known as black mold, has become a major issue for some home builders and homeowners in the United States. The effects have run the gamut from disposal to litigation. An understanding of the mold issue from these points of view can aid private companies, public policy makers and extension professionals in developing and disseminating unbiased, useful information to these and other groups.

A flood-damaged building requires special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion.

For an average person soil might just be nothing but dirt which you walk on and never pay attention. But for engineers it is a complex material that must be studied.

This publication outlines some of the options for design, operation and maintenance of ornamental ponds and discusses basic environmental requirements of fish and plants commonly grown in these ponds. 20 pages. Full color. (PDF Format Only)

When you’ve committed to adding landscaping to your home, walk or ride around to get some landscaping ideas from other homes. See what is being used in your community and what other people who have elevated their homes to a similar height have done with landscaping. general ideas about how to integrate an elevated first floor into a landscaped yard.

Once you've gotten past idea stage, you'll need to develop a budget, prep the yard, choose plants, put shovel in the ground, and be prepared to maintain your landscape.

Once you’ve decided to elevate your home, or moved into a home that is already elevated, there’s no reason to keep it stark and camp-like. Using creative landscaping, an elevated first floor can be hidden or enhanced, and the elevated home can even offer a new perspective. Window boxes and hanging plants on porches can help add another vertical layer of landscaping. This is a visual guide to landscaping your elevated home, and includes references to local resources.

When you’ve committed to adding landscaping to your home, walk or ride around to get some landscaping ideas from other homes. See what is being used in your community and what other people who have elevated their homes to a similar height have done with landscaping. general ideas about how to integrate an elevated first floor into a landscaped yard. Photos from around New Orleans.

A properly designed and operated irrigation system will ensure that the critical factor of soil moisture will be there to sustain healthy plant growth.

Soil salts affect turf mostly by withholding moisture from plant tissues. They may also compete for uptake of nutrient ions. Try these suggestions to manage a soil salinity situation.

There are four distinct components of establishing turfgrass: clearing and grading to provide the desired contours and good surface drainage, soil preparation, planting, and watering and maintenance.

A collage of storm spot images from hurricane debris.

Each year about 300 deaths and 175,000 serious injuries occur in the United States because people don't properly use ladders. This article lists some "Do's and Don'ts" for using a portable ladder.

Cleaning up wood debris after a hurricane or other severe wind storm can inadvertently spread one of Louisiana’s most destructive pests – the Formosan subterranean termite. The highest concentrations of this termite in the continental United States are in Lake Charles and New Orleans, cities flooded following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

Cleanup after a disaster can be a major problem. Debris from trees, shrubs and buildings may be everywhere. Even though extra resources may be provided, it may be some time before collection is possible. Debris removal will reduce the potential for nesting by rodents, snakes and insects, or it will, at least, keep those infestations in a concentrated area away from the home.

After a flood, you’ll be anxious to use your normal water supply – your private well. But, when floodwater covers your well, or neighboring wells, there’s a possibility the water in your well will become contaminated.

Lead is a naturally occurring blueish-gray metal. It is very abundant and mined in numerous counties around the world including the United States. The problem with lead is it is toxic. The human body has no use for lead, so even small amounts can be toxic. The most notable health effect of lead is in the mental development of young children.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of older homes damaged in Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike, are waiting to be rebuilt. Rising energy costs, the focus on reducing carbon emissions, and the green movement are driving energy-efficient building practices. This has put insulation, air sealing and weatherization high on the safer, stronger, smarter rebuilding list of desirable features.

Preserving and maintaining the great benefits of having an older home will take time, commitment, and money.

Restoration of a home may afford a good opportunity to change the way you use existing space in the home.

This part of the web site will present information related to clearing a demolition site or a new building site in preparation for building a home.

This fact sheet summarizes National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulatory requirements concerning coastal construction and provides recommendations for exceeding those requirements. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA 499): Technical Fact Sheet 2.

View this sample contract to get an idea of the language your contract may include. Source: LouisianaRebuilds (http://www.louisianarebuilds.info/contractor)

Provided is a sample punch list of items that homeowners may want to use as part of developing a project punch list. If you and your contractor disagree about an item on the punch list, a good reference guide to help with your negotiations is National Association of Home Builders’ “Residential Construction Performance Guidelines”.

Information about selecting contractors based primarily on bids received from the contractors to do the work.

Portal page for section of the web that deals with contracts for construction work and change orders used to change what the contract says.

Portal Page for information on knowing when and how to pay contractors for homebuilding and home restoration work.

In this section we talk about drafting a bid specification that potential contractors can use to make offers to perform the work you need done.

There are risks and requirements involved in self-contracting. Building your own home almost never ends up costing less than you anticipated. There almost always will be extra costs associated with something that happens as a result of mistakes made, or unforeseen situations that require additional work. The risk can cost you more than what it is worth.

In this section we describe the construction process from getting bids, to contracting, to closing out the project.

Read the following articles on safety and take all necessary precautions when rebuilding your home.

Portal page for information about managing a construction project so building officials can and do inspect the work at appropriate times and with successful outcomes.

This section of the web provides information about designing the landscape to serve the needs of the homeowner, whether for children playing or moments of quiet reflection. Information also relates to landscape designs based on maintenance requirements and needs for shade or shielding from the wind.

Find out your relative flood risk today. Simply enter your property information and FEMA will show you the relative flood risk to your property.

There is no single V-zone certificate used on a nationwide basis. Local communities and/or states have developed their own certification procedures and documents. This fact sheet contains information that explains the certification requirements for structural design and construction in V zones. SOURCE: FEMA 499 Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series Technical Fact Sheet 5.

If you live in Louisiana, your primary objective in raising a home is likely to be flood avoidance, even if you’re not in an identified flood hazard area. Elevation is the most effective on-site method of reducing future flood damage.

Any home repair or remodeling work you do presents an opportunity to help your home fare better in the next storm. Whether you are just replacing siding or you have damage that's requiring you to completely remove all the wall coverings – inside or outside – you can work to minimize future storm damage at every stage of the project.

Whether you are just replacing a few shingles or have damage that requires you to strip your roof down to the rafters, you can take steps at every stage of work to minimize future storm damage. In addition, for new construction and substantial remodeling or repair, you’ll have to meet residential building codes designed to reduce potential roof damage from storms.

As a homeowner, you need clear information about the options that are available to reduce flood damage to your home and straightforward guidance on selecting the option that is best for you. Quite often this is a difficult task. By knowing the basic questions to ask, you are guided toward the investment in retrofitting that is appropriate for you.

Homes in coastal areas must be designed and built to withstand higher loads and more extreme conditions. Homes in coastal areas will require more maintenance and more upkeep. Homes in coastal areas will cost more to design, construct, maintain, repair and insure. SOURCE: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA 499) Technical Fact Sheet 1.

Definitions of terms used in flood protection.

In Louisiana, waters rise - from rain and tidal surge. It can happen anytime, anywhere, to anybody.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of a sustainable house in Louisiana.

The healthy and eco-friendly home is designed and built to protect both the indoor environment and the outdoor environment, by reducing indoor pollutants, conservation natural resources, managing waste and waste-water and using materials that reduce pollution in their fabrication and transportation to the site.

Seek out incentive programs that could help you create a high performance home. When you “build green,” you not only get a home that is earth friendly and healthy, you are doing your part to help our nation and preserve our way of life for the coming generations.

More does not always mean better. Learn the importance of building a house that is marketable, cost-efficient, and will keep its value for years to come.

Your ideal house will remain only a dream if it is not practical, cost-effective and reasonably easy to maintain. Build with locally available materials using labor-saving methods. Consider not just the purchase and installation cost of materials and systems, but also their life-cycle costs; lower operating costs off-set higher initial investments. Consider also the future marketability of your ideal home.

Low maintenance surfaces and products can enhance and add value to your home.

Portal to information about selection of building materials on the basis of aesthetics, strength and other performance characteristics.

Architectural details should shed rainwater away from the foundations, doors, windows and walls of your home. This article contains important information regarding moisture control on roof leak reduction and leads to information on hot-humid and mixed-humid climate wall assemblies, water-managed foundations, air & humidity control, plumbing, long-lasting materials & equipment, and product warranties.

Over the life of a product, more-durable and longer-lasting options are generally better investments. These options are also better environmentally because they reduce both solid waste and resource waste.

A drainage plane is the layer of water-resistant materials between the cladding and the framing that drains water to the exterior and keep leaks (at windows, doors and cladding) from wetting the framing and insulation. Layers must be lapped properly so water draining from higher points on the house is directed over (not behind) lower layers.

Portal page for the section on Housing Industry Professionals, including Real Estate, Insurance, Code Enforcement, Banking, Surveying, Design Professionals and Contractors.

Los riesgos eléctricos pueden causar quemaduras,choques eléctricos y electrocución (muerte). Fuente: La Occupational Safety and Health Administration de Estados Unidos (OSHA).

Generadores portátiles son usados con un motor de combustion interna para generar electricidad y están comunmente usados durante respuesta a desastres. Generadores portátiles pueden ser peligrosos si se usan incorrectamente. Fuente: La Occupational Safety and Health Administration de Estados Unidos (OSHA).

Use el equipo de protección personal que figuran aquí para protegerse en el trabajo. Fuente: OSHA

Las aguas de inundacion pueden estar contaminadas con efluentes de alcantarillado y restos de animales y humanos descompuestos. La desinfeccion de manos, ropa, herramientas/equipos y superficies en areas de trabajo, es critica en la prvencion de enfermedades. Fuente: OSHA

Las inundaciones pueden causar la interrupcion de los sistemas de purificacion de agua y eliminacion de aguas negras, el desbordamiento de depositos de desechos toxicos y el desprendimiento de productos quimicos previamente almacenados sobre tierra. Fuente: OSHA

Las cuatro causas más comunes de fatalidades en la construcción son: caídas, golpes, quedar atrapado/ pillado y electrocución. Fuente: OSHA.

Esta tarjeta contiene la información relativa a la protección de usted cae mientras está en el puesto de trabajo. Fuente: OSHA.

Inspeccione los andamios y las partes del andamio diariamente, antes de comenzar cada turno de trabajo y despúes de cualquier evento que pueda haber causado daño al andamio.

El plomo es un elemento peligroso encontrado en muchos lugares de construcción. La exposición a plomo proviene de inhalar humos y polvo, y el plomo puede ser ingerido cuando las manos están contaminadas con polvo de plomo. Los trabajadores pueden llevarse el plomo a sus casas en las ropas, piel, cabello, herramientas y vehículos. La exposición a plomo puede ocurrir en actividades de demolición, rescate, remoción, encapsulación renovación y limpieza. (Fuente: OSHA)

Muertes y lesiones serias pueden ocurrir si las grúas no son inspeccionadas y utilizadas correctamente. Muchas muertes pueden ocurrir cuando el aguilón de la grúa, el cable de carga o la carga contacta las líneas de energía eléctrica y descarga la electricidad hacia la tierra. Otros incidentes ocurren cuando los trabajadores son golpeados por la carga, son atrapados dentro del radio de movimiento de la grúa o fallan en montar/desmontar la grúa correctamente. Fuente: OSHA

La Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA) del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, la Oficina de Seguridad Nacional y Preparación para Emergencias de Louisiana, y el Fiscal General de Louisiana aconsejan a las víctimas de los huracanes Katrina y Rita sobre cómo evitar a los contratistas inescrupulosos y las personas que se hacen pasar como contratistas.

El hacer reclamaciones falsas a un inspector de FEMA es una ofensa procesable por ley bajo el Título 18 del Código de los Estados Unidos. Los casos potenciales de fraude o uso indebido son referidos al Departamento de Justicia de E.E.U.U. para ser procesados. Las penalidades por delitos graves pueden ser severas.

El mejor momento para adquirir seguro por inundación es ahora. Por lo general, la cobertura no comienza hasta 30 después de la fecha de adquisición.

Al prepararse para la temporada de huracanes que se avecina, los funcionarios federales exhortan a los residentes a que también preparen sus viviendas.

Las elevaciones aéreas incluyen plataformas aéreas auge-apoyadas, tales como recogedores de la cereza o carros del cubo. Las causas principales de fatalidades son caídas, electrocutions, y derrumbamientos u overs de la extremidad. Fuente: La Occupational Safety and Health Administration de Estados Unidos (OSHA).

El funcionamiento de una sierra de cadena es peligroso. Fuente: La Occupational Safety and Health Administration de Estados Unidos (OSHA).

El trabajo de la demolición implica muchos de los mismos peligros que se presentan durante otras actividades de la construcción. Sin embargo, la demolición también implica los peligros adicionales debido a una variedad de otros factores. Algunos de éstos incluyen: pintura conducir-basada, objetos agudos o que resaltan y material el asbesto-contener. Fuente: La Occupational Safety and Health Administration de Estados Unidos (OSHA).

Despues de un huracan, las comunidades tienen la oportunidad de planear y reconstruir el bosque urbano de tal manera que las futuras tormentas sean menos devastadoras. (Fuente: University of Florida Extension)

Una tormenta o cualquier otro desastre puede dejar árboles destruidos. Pueden quebrarse o dañarse las ramas principales, cortarse o ajarse el follaje o arrancarse o perforarse la corteza. Sin embargo, lo que a primera vista pueden parecer lesiones mortales no necesariamente resulta letal paraun árbol. Los árboles tienen una capacidad increíble para recuperarse de los daños ocasionados por tormentas. (Fuente: Texas Cooperative Extension Service)

Usted es responsable de la remoción de escombros de su propiedad. Para ello, se necesita un plan que trate las prioridades, técnicas de remoción y cuestiones de seguridad. (Fuente: Texas Cooperative Extension Service)

Portal Page for information about preparing yourself and your family financially for a home purchase or home restoration project.

Thie following steps should be taken to file an insurance claim for disaster damage to your home.

If you need furnishings and appliances but cannot afford the full purchase price up front, you can rent the item, rent with the intent to purchase, or purchase on a monthly installment plan. If your intent is to own the item, compare the cost of purchase when choosing one of these options.

The LSU AgCenter offers hurricane-resistant home improvement seminars for people who wish to build or restore their homes to make them more resistant to storm and flood damage. This video gives a brief description of material covered in the full 2-hour package. Long and short seminars and trainings can be scheduled on these topics to meet the needs of your group. For more information, e-mail rebuilding@agcenter.lsu.edu .

The best time to buy flood insurance is now. Coverage usually doesn't begin until 30 days after the purchase date.

After a disaster such as a hurricane, flood or fire, important papers may be destroyed, lost or damaged. Agencies, Web sites and procedures that can help you replace important papers are included in this fact sheet.

Almost 70% of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck, courting disaster if their income is suddenly reduced or stopped. Katrina and Rita took homes and jobs, leaving many with a need to save for rebuilding. Here are some strategies for saving for recovery.

There are many different types of mortgages a person can get when buying or building a home. Some people decide for themselves what type of mortgage best suits their needs. But, if you’d rather have a professional’s advice, you should consult a mortgage counselor. This article lists a few types of mortgages you may consider.

Debris can be hazardous. It often has sharp or rough edges. It may cause falls. Some debris may contain hazardous material such as asbestos, lead or fiberglass, or it may have been contaminated with chemicals or germs by the flood or storm.

If you have decided to restore your storm-damaged home, you’ve already determined that your neighbors are probably coming back, that public utilities will be restored (or you will provide your own), that you will have police, fire and medical services and that there will be jobs and schools. Other things to consider include new building regulations, cost estimates, debris removal, opportunities to upgrade systems and add space.

Lakeview, a coming-back community in Orleans parish - west of City Park and east of the 17th Street Canal, is the venue for an afternoon of presentations and real-world demonstrations of sustainable rebuilding and flood damage prevention. Plan to come to Lakeview Sunday, November 16th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for formal workshops, information educational seminars around the neighborhood, and visits with professionals involved in rebuilding.

Grand Lake High School is the venue for a day of presentations and real-world demonstrations of sustainable rebuilding and flood damage prevention methods. Plan to come to Grand Lake May 16th for formal presentations, information educational seminars and demonstrations, and visits with professionals involved in recovery and rebuilding.

Finding a Contractor Using the LSU AgCenter Online Rebuilding Registry

This Online Learning Module provides instruction on how to create a personal account on the Online Rebuilding Registry.

Learn how to choose the right water heater for your home by choosing the best fuel type, size, first hour rating (FHR), energy efficiency, and assess the cost.

Charting your way to Home Ownership, "Reaching Your Goal through Financial Management"

Choosing the best method to insulate your home.

Determine whether a tankless water heater is right for your home.

Save Energy by Changing Bulbs Settings and Appliances

Charting your course to home ownership, "Navigating your way to a new home"

Raised Floors and the National Flood Plain Insurance Program (NFIP)

Raised Floor Construction, Materials for Sills, Joists, and Sub-flooring

Raised Floor Construction in Louisiana, Foundations

This modules deals with accessing the raised floor contruction home - whether you are handicapped or not

Raised Floor Construction, Soils Moisture and Termites

Information about meeting code for ventilation of raised floor construction homes.

Floor Insulation for Raised Home Construction Homes

Anchoring and Strapping a Raised Floor Structure

Understanding Heating and Air Conditioning - Taming the Dragon

Stopping Air Infiltration in Existing Homes through Caluking and Weatherstripping

History of Raised Floor Construction in Louisiana

This 2-day course will acquaint participants with FEMA’s Coastal Construction Manual and involve discussion of best practices for the design and construction of residential buildings built in coastal environments.

As we track the progress of reconstruction in hurricane recovery and as new products, systems and technoglogies come into the state, we will add to this section. Learn about current educational efforts that may be useful as you build, rebuild or restore your home - and tell us about innovations and educational opportunities we haven't heard about.

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Basic Moisture management in walls

Training workshops approved for CEUs for builders and building officials. Raised Floor Construction with a Touch of Green, 2010 opportunities and registration information.

List of mini seminars scheduled to be held at the Rebuilding Information Station in October.

Homeowners will get information on how to rebuild their homes to better stand up to hurricanes at a series of mini-seminars scheduled for the Rebuilding Information Station in September.

A series of mini-seminars has been scheduled for September at the Rebuilding Information Station (RIS) in New Orleans.

Homeowners will get information on how to rebuild their homes to better stand up to hurricanes at a series of mini-seminars scheduled for the Rebuilding Information Station in August.

The LSU AgCenter, in conjunction with the University of New Orleans’ Center for Hazards Assessment, Response and Technology (UNO_CHART), Tulane City Center and Louisiana Office of Community Development’s Road Home program, is hosting an open house for the Rebuilding Information Station (RIS) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26.

The LSU AgCenter has scheduled seminars at the Iberia Parish library branch locations help people predict storm surges from hurricanes using flood maps.

Come to Hurricane Resistance Days at LaHouse from June 14-17, 2007. Tour LaHouse and hear short presentations on topics ranging from flood maps, flood insurance and storm-surge modeling, to choosing and working with a contractor, to making your home more flood, wind and water resistant.

During Hurricane Resistance Days at LaHouse, there will be tours and presentations.

The LSU AgCenter will hold Hurricane Resistance Days at its LaHouse model home site June 14-17.

These houses will be featured in the 2009 LSU AgCenter Cameron Parish Tour of Hurricane Resistant Homes held May 17.

Newly built-to-code houses that have already survived one hurricane will be featured in this year’s Cameron Parish Tour of Hurricane-resistant Homes.The tour will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 17.

The LSU AgCenter’s Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Unit joins the Vermilion Parish Police Jury to bring a free Community Rebuilding and Flood Protection Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Feb. 28 at Abbeville High School.

Abbeville High School is the venue for a day of presentations and real-world demonstrations of sustainable rebuilding and flood damage prevention methods. Plan to come to Abbeville February 28th for formal presentations, information educational seminars and demonstrations, and visits with professionals involved in recovery and rebuilding.

Lakeview, a coming-back community in Orleans parish - west of City Park and east of the 17th Street Canal, is the venue for an afternoon of presentations and real-world demonstrations of sustainable rebuilding and flood damage prevention. Plan to come to Lakeview Sunday, November 16th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for formal workshops, information educational seminars around the neighborhood, and visits with professionals involved in rebuilding.

The LSU AgCenter, Tulane University City Center and UNO CHART are bringing free workshops for anyone involved in building or rebuilding a house. The workshops will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1.

Course participants will gain a an appreciation of the need for prescriptive foundation design guidance, an understanding of how to use the guidance found in FEMA 550, and the benefits of using this guidance to design and regulate residential construction in the Gulf Coast area. Most suited for engineers and local building officials involved in residential construction.

LSU AgCenter will offer a series of homebuilding seminars at this year’s French Food Festival Oct. 25-26.

This expo will help homeowners learn how to protect their homes from hurricanes and other storms. The event will provide information on the many options available for hurricane protection including retrofitting current structures for flood and wind resistance and energy efficiency.

Building professionals who are licensed or registered to operate in Louisiana can offer services used in building, remodeling or restoring homes.

Use the Registry to find state licensed or registered service providers who wish to work in your parish and who offer the services you need.

Learn about getting around in the Registry and about using this resource when building outside Louisiana.

Step-by-Step instructions for property owners to use the Registry to find a licensed contractor working in their parish and to rate a contractor.

The National Association of Home Builders offers several "Designations" for industry professionals who complete specialized training. Check this page and the NAHB on-line directory to find professionals with NAHB Designations.

A great deal of moisture can move from the ground into and through a foundation and floor system, which can lead to decay, mold under flooring and high indoor humidity. To prevent these problems, keep rainwater away from the foundation with a 5% slope (6 inches/10 feet) of the grade around the house, prevent materials from absorbing water, drain groundwater with underground drainage before it gets to the foundation and allow the moisture in a foundation to escape.

Homes in Flood Hazard Areas require special foundations to ensure stability. This article addresses foundation requirements for homes built in wave-action areas.

Homeowners can design their homes to be built so as to minimize damages caused by flooding. Learning as much information as possible before starting the building process is important. This article gives information on Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the National Flood Insurance Program, base flood elevations, and more.

Your goal for home design and construction is to create a house that meets your immediate and long-term needs for space, function and aesthetics; keeps you comforable and safe by managing heat and humidity; drains and dries when water gets in; and resists damage from floods, high winds, freezing conditions, flying debris and termites. Your home will be more marketable if it ahcieves these goals while being practical and convenient. Includes links to checklists

To overcome the forces that wind places on a building, construction of the walls with connectors and sheathing is important.

Preventing wind damage involves strengthening areas where things could come apart. The walls, roof and foundation must be strong, and the attachments between them must be strong and secure.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC)coverage to pay up to $30,000 for the cost of compliance with State or local floodplain managementlaws or ordinances (II1.D of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP)). In the event the requiredmitigation measures are not completed within two years from the date of the state's or community'sdeclaration of substantial damage and order that mitigation measures be taken, the ICC claim cannotbe paid a

With few exceptions, if you live in Louisiana you should have flood insurance. Flood damage is not covered under your homeowner's insurance policy. A flood without insurance is a terrible financial setback.

Since November 2005, home building and home restoration in Louisiana are subject to provisions of the State Uniform Construction Code, which is adpated from the International Residential Code. These codes contain provisions that address resistance to flood, wind and rain damage, termite infestation, and decay. Whether you are bound by code, or simply because you recognize these threats to durability, there are things you can do to reduce your vulnerability.

Integrated pest management (IPM) may be defined as the intelligent selection, integration and use of actions to manage a pest while attempting to achieve favorable economic, ecological and sociological consequences.

Building safer, stronger, smarter means your home is built to last. It will withstand the challenges of being in a hot-humid, rainy climate and resist damage from flood, wind, fire, and other natural hazards. It uses multiple methods to prevent destruction by Formosan subterranean termites and other damaging pests, and optimizes sun, shade, technologies and construction methods to provide indoor climate control with minimal consumption of energy. It is both durable and energy-efficient.

This article traces the origins of raised floor home construction back to its vernacular form and questions why we do not build this way anymore. It shows the architectural diffusion of this building style and then introduces the ranch, or slab on grade, house. The article explains why a shift in building practices was made in Louisiana, the pit-falls of having made such a change, and gives recommendations for the future.

Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage provides up to $30,000 toward the cost of elevating, relocating or demolishing a building that is being required to come into compliance with the community’s flood damage prevention ordinances because it has been substantially damaged by a flood.

If you have a problem with rising water, there are six approaches you can take to preventing damage in future floods: elevate the building, block the water in the yard, seal the building, use materials that water won't hurt, and elevate appliances and systems.

Not all jobs can be done safely with a ladder or by one person with a ladder. Serious falls are common; every year about 300 deaths and 175,000 serious injuries occur in the United States. Read this article for safety tips when using a ladder.

One sure vestige of a hurricane or bad blow is a large, dead area of the lawn. It usually is located near curbside, or anwhere yard debris is piled up for many days. Some spots can be avoided by careful debris management; others are inevitable and will require restoration.

Articles in this channel contain information you can use to construct a new lawn that will compliment construction work on your home.

Hurricanes and heavy rains can create excessively wet soil that, when combined with high temperatures, can create stressful, and potentially destructive, conditions for bedding plants, perennials, vegetables, shrubs and even trees. If floodwaters have covered any part of your landscape, here are a few tips...

Ornamental grasses are an often overlooked group of herbaceous perennials that thrive in the Louisiana climate and will grow beautifully with minimal effort. It’s time to get beyond lawn grasses and take a look at this other category of grassy plants. You’ll really appreciate what they can add to your landscape.

A lawn can be as functional as it is beautiful if planned properly. Recommended varieties, degree of shade, planting and establishment and other site considerations are included. (PDF Format Only)

It's best to get professional cleaners to work on carpets and floors, but this may not be possible. In any case, begin cleanup as soon as possible.

This is a guide for flood and hurricane recovery information, including financial assistance.

Steps to rid your refrigerator and freezer of noxious odors after a power outage.

Appliances made wet by floodwaters or by rainwater after roofs were damaged will need extreme care before reuse. This care will be important to protecting the life of the appliance and your safety.

Preliminary repairs are meant to keep damage from getting worse. Any temporary structural repairs that can be made will require some creativity since there’s likely to be a shortage of materials.

Not all jobs can be done safely with a ladder or by one person with a ladder. Serious falls are common; every year about 300 deaths and 175,000 serious injuries occur in the United States. Read this article for safety tips when using a ladder.

Structures damaged by the storm are particularly attractive and provide easy access for rodents. The unwelcome pests can damage property and, in extreme cases, pose a potential health problem.

Many snakes, like other residents in the path of a major storm, have been displaced and left homeless. As a result, it is commonplace to find these animals seeking shelter and food in areas close to people.

Floodwater may be contaminated. Includes information on health and safety concerns, using caution with floodwater and other safety tips.

After a major storm or flood, you must assume that all water sources are contaminated until proved safe. Food that has been contaminated by floodwaters should also be handled carefully.

A description of the procedures for disinfecting a water well after a flood.

Even when the disaster has passed, major health and safety hazards remain. Serious injury can result for anyone dealing with the aftermath of a major storm, so it's wise to be overly cautious.

Floodwater may be contaminated. Includes information on health and safety concerns, using caution with floodwater and other safety tips.

The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is a tool developed by, or under contract to, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to rate flood insurance policies sold through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Flood Insurance Rate Maps, or FIRMs, are used to determine flood insurance rates and premiums. This fact sheet explains the use of FIRMs. SOURCE: FEMA 499: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series Technical Fact Sheet 3.

Floodwalls and levees are self-supporting barriers to floodwater. They keep the building dry and protect it from, unequal water pressure on building walls, erosion at the foundation and damage by floating debris.

Identification, biology, and treatment of Little Black Ants.

Identification, biology and treatment of pavement ants

LaHouse is a showcase for best practices and code-plus construction. Its flood- and wind-resistance features meet or exceed the criteria of the Fortified for Safer Living program of the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). LaHouse showcases multiple solutions across a range of price points, integrating durability with other goals of sustainability: resource efficient, healthy, practical and convenient. (PDF Format Only)

Installation of any of these back-flow valves below in an existing sewer line is dirty work, but not technically challenging. View a photographic sequence of installing a simple flap valve.

Elevation provides the best protection for flood damage, short of relocating the house to an area that is less prone to flooding. Raising a structure does not remove it from the special flood hazard area (SFHA); therefore, it does not exempt the owner or the mortgage company from flood insurance mandates.

There is an alternative to blocking the common sewer line. The alternative is to block each drain line where it enters your home - also known as the points of entry - using plugs and caps.

A back-flow valve in the common sewer line should allow sewer water to flow from the house to the sewer system, but prevent flow toward the house. To provide best protection from a flooded sewer system, the valve should provide a good seal and operate automatically.

Repetitive flooding affects thousands of Louisiana homes and businesses. In this publication and its companion videotape, a procedure to demonstrate a non-invasive method to flood proofing is explained as it was demonstrated by a Michigan contractor. Special attention is given to adapting the technology for use in Louisiana’s floodplains.

Elevating a building to prevent flood damage doesn't always mean picking up the entire structure. Explore these three ways to get the floor up.

Wind affects different homes in different ways, depending on their design, location and neighboring structures.

The wind hazard zones for Louisiana are shown in the Wind Speed Map. Minimum design standards for wind loading have been developed by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and are referenced in the International Building Code and International Residential Code at the International Code Council (ICC) website http://www.iccsafe.org.

When home heating costs get uncomfortable, there is a lot you can do to control how much energy you need to use to stay warm.

Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of tasks.

When Hurricane Katrina approached the Gulf Coast in August of 2005, the Iberts took it in stride. The house on St. Andrew Street in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans had been in the Ibert family since 1901 and had been standing virtually unscathed since the 1800s. But, when their home was destroyed by fires that spread throughout the city, the Iberts rebuilt using fireproof and termite-resistant Aerated, Autoclaved Concrete (AAC) for the foundation and exterior walls of the home.

The URBANbuild program gives students hands-on experience building a structure while also making a productive contribution to the recovery of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Global Green USA made a dedicated commitment to sustainable building in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. As part of that commitment, Global Green, in partnership with Brad Pitt, sponsored an international design competition during the summer of 2006. The result is a zero energy affordable housing development in the Holy Cross Neighborhood of the Lower 9th Ward.

This house, completed in May 2008, is one in a series of prototypes designed and built by Tulane University's URBANbuild. This house meets the new 3-feet advisory base flood elevation, and is built for 140 mph winds, which exceeds the wind-resistance requirements of the state uniform construction codes for this area.

LaHouse Resource Center is a Gulf Region Healthy Homes Training Center partner of the National Healthy Homes Training Center and Network. Lessons taught at the Center promote practical and cost-effective methods for making homes healthier.

LaHouse Resource Center is located at the southwest edge of the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is on Gourrier Lane, between Nicholson Drive and River Road, adjacent the LSU golf course.

The Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council has developed a Web site filled with valuable information concerning the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code.

LaHouse showcases four types of construction: Standard 2 x 4 Framing, Advanced 2 x 6 Framing, Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPS) and Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF).

Capital Region Builders Association featured this Model Home on in Prarieville, in the 2007 Parade of Homes. This home is designed and built to meet code requirements for 120 mph wind speeds and the energy efficiency requirements of the International Residential Code.

LaHouse is committed to be a key resource for contractors, designers, code officials and homeowners in shaping the future with sustainable, high performance homes. We will continue to build upon this Online Training Center to assist the gulf region.

The Rebuilding Information Station was an outreach center at the New Orleans Lakefront, set up to assist homeowners in managing the rebuilding of their hurricane damaged homes through information, education and outreach. Partners in the Station were the LSU AgCenter, University of New Orleans Center for Hazards Assessment, Response and Technology, Tulane City Center and The Road Home program. it closed August 31, 2009.

LaHouse is a showcase for best practices and code-plus construction. Its flood and wind resistance features meet or exceed the criteria of the "Fortified...for Safer Living" program of the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Many of the water-resistance techniques are best construction practices; some are required by code.

Windows and doors at LaHouse are selected and sized to meet the cojde-specified design pressure rating for a 130 mph wind zone. Where windows and doors are not impact rated units, they are protected by shutter, panels or screens. Windows and doors are flashed so water drains to the outside, not into the wall cavity.

The roofs at LaHouse are predominantly hip-style for greatest wind resistance. Both metal and simulated clay tile are demonstrated with high-wind installation.

LaHouse has a flood protection level 3 feet above Base Flood Elevation, using three elevated foundations on the house and dry-floodproofingon the non-residential building (garage/classroom). Wind and moisture protection are also addressed.

Walls at LaHouse are wind and water resistant. Sheathing and hardware contribute to shear, lateral and uplift resistance. Layering and taping of housewraps and flashings provide resistance to water and moisture penetration. Drainage planes exclude water that penerates exterior finishes.

LaHouse has several features for flood and wind and water resistance that are not captured in the building component descriptions. These include a Safe Room, Dry Floodproofing, anchoring of the flat roof of the breezeway, porct protection and closets, ground sloping away from the foundation, back-flow protection and elevated utility systems.

Good performance of the HVAC systems depends on eliminating leaks in the plenum and ducting system and reducing friction within the ducts themselves. This 3-part video shows how to accomplish these goals, which also reduce attic air infiltration into the system.

Construction techniques used by Cameron Parish residents rebuilding their homes will be featured during a tour of homes on September 23, 2007, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

As many Louisiana residents struggle to rebuild their homes and their lives in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, homeowners, builders and code officials need help building safer, stronger homes that will resist hurricane damage. They also need help understanding and implementing the newly adopted residential building code. The Capital Region Builders Association (CRBA) has been at the forefront of educational efforts, offering a series of code workshops and model homes.

Through the talent, dedication and generosity of Remson-Haley Architects, Inc., Louisiana House now has two designs.

LaHouse will have the benefit and notoriety of being a Dept. of Energy Building America (BA) Partner, receiving free technical assistance from not just one, but two renowned BA teams.

The third and final Louisiana House location, master site plan and house design were officially approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors in April 2002.

The LaHouse designs and plans are the culmination of an amazing collection of local and internationally recognized expertise – all offered gratis to the cause.

On November 21, 2000, about 100 supporters and interested stakeholders gathered at the site of the Louisiana House Learning Center (LaHouse) for the Site Premier. LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson unveiled the site plan showing what is planned for the fully developed six-acre tract.

Since the inception of the idea for Louisiana House, landscape and horticulture features have been an integral part of the project.

Paula Manship was honored with a ceremonial tree planting at the Louisiana House Site Premier for her generous contribution of $100,000 to support landscaping the six-acre Louisiana House Learning Center site on November 21, 2000. With this gift to the LSU Foundation for the LaHouse Project, Mrs. Manship became the first Louisiana House Diamond Key Contributor.

Lead poisoning is not just a problem in crumbling housing in inner cities. It's a common tragic result of remodeling older homes and other sources. Small exposures, once thought harmless, can cause serious, permanent damage to the brain.

Use this checklist to explore and select components of a "high performance" home in the southern region -- one that provides the benefits of durability, energy efficiency, healthy indoor air, comfort, convenience and more.

We offer online interative, video education on best building practices AND the Gulf Region High Peformance (GRHP) Home Professional designation to recognize professionals who have completed a core GRHP educational program and passed a test to verify knowledge.

In 2003, FEMA began modernizing its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), updating flood risk information and creating maps in digital form. This process in Louisiana was fast-tracked following the 2005 hurricane season. To support community involvement in the transition to new maps, web sites have been developed that display the existing FIRMs, advisory information, and the preliminary Digital FIRMs. This page describes those support systems in Louisiana.

Whether you are just replacing a few shingles or have damage that requires you to strip your roof down to the rafters, you can take steps at every stage of work to minimize future storm damage. In addition, for new construction and substantial remodeling or repair, you’ll have to meet residential building codes designed to reduce potential roof damage from storms.

Any home repair or remodeling work you do presents an opportunity to help your home fare better in the next storm. Whether you are just replacing siding or you have damage that's requiring you to completely remove all the wall coverings – inside or outside – you can work to minimize future storm damage at every stage of the project.

Any home repair or remodeling work you do presents an opportunity to help your home fare better in the next storm. Whether you are just replacing siding or you have damage that's requiring you to completely remove all the wall coverings – inside or outside – you can work to minimize future storm damage at every stage of the project.

If you live in Louisiana, your primary objective in raising a home is likely to be flood avoidance, even if you’re not in an identified flood hazard area. Elevation is the most effective on-site method of reducing future flood damage.

Whether you are just replacing a few shingles or have damage that requires you to strip your roof down to the rafters, you can take steps at every stage of work to minimize future storm damage. In addition, for new construction and substantial remodeling or repair, you’ll have to meet residential building codes designed to reduce potential roof damage from storms.

LSU AgCenter faculty members are working on plans to put the Formosan subterranean termite research project in New Orleans’ French Quarter back on track after the recent hurricanes.

Asthma is a disease that makes it difficult to breathe during an attack. Asthma attacks are set off by triggers,which are different for different people.

LaHouse's landscape features are designed to be both practical and adaptable.

Segment of the LSU AgCenter Ready for Rain video including the factors to be considered in making a decision to invest in protecting a home from future flood damage.

Wet floodproofing segment of the LSU AgCenter "Ready for Rain" video describing techniques for reducing damage to the home without attempting to keep water out of the building.

Segment from the LSU AgCenter "Ready for Rain" video showing details for preventing sewer backflow and using pumps in flood protection.

Segment of the LSU AgCenter "Ready for Rain" video describing construction of panels that can be used to block openings in barrier systems and to protect windows and doors in dry-floodproofed buildings.

Segment of the LSU AgCenter "Ready for Rain" video describing proper filling and use of sandbags and a variety of water-inflated barriers that can be used as temporary flood barriers.

Segment of the LSU AgCenter Ready for Rain video describing benefits and construction of privates levees and floodwalls.

Dry floodproofing segment of the LSU AgCenter Ready for Rain video, showing tips and techniques for sealing the building so water will not pass through the walls, doors and windows.

The Louisiana House Learning Center and LSU Hurricane Center are cooperating to make sure the Louisiana House incorporates hazard-resistant features based on the best local research data available.

LaHouse is a Gulf Coast Region Healthy Homes Training Center -- a partnership with the National Healthy Homes Training Center that brings together public health and housing professionals to promote practical and cost-effective methods for making homes healthier.

LaHouse Resource Center is now a Gulf Coast Region Healthy Homes training partner of the National Healthy Homes Training Center and Network -- a partnership that brings together public health and housing practitioners to promote practical and cost-effective methods for making homes healthier. It also serves as a forum for exchanging information on new research and best practices. The seminars our Gulf Region Healthy Homes Training Center will offer include: - Essentials for Healthy Home Pr

Did you know the air inside buildings is nearly always more polluted than outside air? Learn the types of indoor air pollution and what you can do. (PDF Format Only)

On Novermber 10, 2000, Remson-Haley Architects (RHA) has been selected to design the Louisiana House and produce a master plan for development of the six-acre site.

Lead poisoning is very common. Millions of all ages are affected every year. What is lead and how is it used? Where is lead found? How can my child get lead poisoning? Why is lead poisoning so dangerous? Should my child be tested for lead? Find these answers and more in this free publication. (PDF format only)

Fleas developed on Earth thousands of years ago and have adapted many survival techniques. In Louisiana, they are pests in and around homes and on pets and other animals year round. Control measures and insecticides to use included. (PDF Format Only)

More than 100 people from a broad spectrum of backgrounds participated in the Louisiana House Learning Center Planning Workshop July 18, 2000, in the LSU Design Building.

When calm returns after the storm, it’s time to assess the damage and begin repairs. A number of factors should be considered, and the following information may be helpful.

Construction home page

Consider advanced wiring and designing adaptable spaces....

More is not always better...

Build for wall strength...

Does your home measure up?

Safeguard your roofs and pipes against unually cold weather.

The construction of the LaHouse teaching center provided a unique learning and service opportunity for LSU construction management (CM) students.

Welcome from the LSU AgCenter's chancellor.

Thank you to each of the initial LaHouse brick givers! We look forward to seeing your personal inscription on brick pavers installed on a scenic LaHouse landscape trail.

Homes should create a continuous air barrier system that surrounds all conditioned space...

Heat moves three ways...

Landscaping practices may increase the risk of subterranean termites attacking a structure and of spreading formosan subterranean termites. Concepts on reducing the risks of termites during landscaping are presented.

In the Gulf Region, this means reducing summer heat gain...

ENERGY STAR labels are more efficient yet cost effective...

Your home doesn't have to look "different" to perform differently.

This section of the web provides information about restoring a damaged home, adding new space, changing the use of existing space, elevating, improving energy efficiency and addressing the special issues associated with older homes.

Social areas are places in the home where family and friends can gather for entertainment, discussion or other social activities. Most often, social areas are located on the ground level of the home, but are not limited to one room. Having a few social areas that differ in size and feel can create the opportunity for family members to experience different activities while remaining in close proximity. This can help foster family bonding.

Portal page for information about the various spaces in the home and how to design these areas for maximum functionality.

There are quite a few architectural elements in your home that you have probably dismissed as not adding significantly to the overall character of your house. These may include doors, hallways, stairs and entries. Reconsidering and addressing the significance of these everyday elements, however, may added a renewed vigor to your home.

Building materials have performance characteristics that change with changing conditions. Controlling the conditions , or choosing the right materials for your conditions, can help you achieve maximum performance.

You can save money and be environmentally-friendly at the same time by making your home an ENERGY STAR Home.

Energy prices are volatile. Consumers can take control of their energy bills by make adjustments to their homes for the winter. One way to save energy is by curbing air leakage inside the home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

A great deal of solar heat gain on the west, east, southwest and southeast sides of a house can occur from the rising and setting sun. Cooling demand can be greatly reduced by providing shade structures, trees and shrubs on these sides of a house.

Houses can be designed so that occupants can get the most or least light and/or heat generated by the sun.

When the outside humidity is not high in spring and fall, a home designed with good cross ventilation can be comfortable without air conditioning.

A passive solar home is designed to admit and store energy from the sun in winter for solar heating.

In Louisiana's hot, humid climate, it is most important to minimize solar heat gain in the summer. How you orient the home in relation to the sun can make a big difference in your heating and cooling bill. Other goals include maximizing passive solar heat gain in the winter, capturing mild season breezes, and landscaping to best solar effect. In addition, solar orientation can be important if you're planning to use solar heat and lighting or to convert solar energy to electrical energy.

Planned storage in each room reduces clutter and makes rooms seem larger. When you are designing a home, adding space or planning to change the way you use existing space, evaluate our current and future needs (toys, games, seasonal decorations, bedding, records and files, electronics, etc.). Plan to use adjustable shelving so you'll have some flexibilty.

This section of the web is for information related to situating the home in a community, in relation to the sun and natural hazards, the availability of public services, and with consideration given to parking and the need for public and private spaces.

The surge of salt water brought inland by a hurricane can cause a lot of damage to turfgrasses on lawns, golf courses, sod farms, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and leisure-recreation sites. Here are suggestions to help turf managers overcome saltwater damage to turf.

Even trees that are selected for hurricane resistance can have a hard time adjusting to worst-case scenarios. Proper tree maintenance and handling can improve their survival in severe storms.

How can you recognize when your roof has problems? Use these inspection tips, and suggestions for strengthening.

When you're building a new home, or putting on a new roof according to the building code, the roof will be built to resist the winds prevalent in the area. However, an existing roof can be strengthened even when you're not re-roofing, and often without disturbing any portion of the home that would be visible to the occupants of the home.

Hip roofs (four-sided roof design) are more aerodynamic and inherently more resistant to uplift forces of high wind than gable end and other roof designs. If your home has a gable roof (two-sided pitched roof), the end wall takes a beating during a hurricane and typical framing methods create a vulnerable “hinge” line at the joint between levels. If not properly braced, it can collapse.

Our predecessors in Louisiana, the Indians and the early Europeans, avoided floods by vacating the floodplains during flood season or by building their homes on the higher ground and, even then, on piers.

Flooding directly affects thousands of Louisiana citizens living in and near flood hazard areas.

In addition to designing for flood damage reduction, here are several techniques you can use in building the home to reduce the potential for flood damage.

The purpose of a safe room is to provide a space where you and your family can survive a tornado or hurricane with little or no injury. It is only safe when used wisely.

According to recent wind technology research, it's important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it.

Ways to protect your windows and doors against damage during a hurricane.

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of a sustainable house in Louisiana.

Animated Master Site Plan

A home remodeling project – and your investment in it – can do so much more than update. It can make your home a healthier place to live and breathe for you and your family.

Four-In-One House Construction Plans

LaHouse Resource Center is located at the southeast edge of the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is on Gourrier Lane, between Nicholson Drive and River Road, adjacent the LSU golf course.

LaHouse Resource Center is located at the southeast edge of the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is on Gourrier Lane, between Nicholson Drive and River Road, adjacent the LSU golf course.

What to look for on termites and termite damage when buying a new home.

The LaHouse team is thrilled and honored to welcome a contractor who will help to make the Louisiana House vision a reality. Roy Domangue of Wooden Creations has offered to contribute his services as the LaHouse home building contractor.

Use this checklist to explore features and components of a sustainable Louisiana house.

What your goals should include in this region...

Today, it is possible and practical to have it all...

The goal is to integrate and balance the following criteria...

This guide serves as your comprehensive planning and analysis tool...

Seek out incentives that help you create a high performance home...

Important things to remember about the gulf region.

Find the water vapor balance...

Lighting can account for 15% of a home's yearly electric bill...

The most important messeges to take from this guide...

When conditions change, so do building materials...

Comfort is more than merely air temperature...