Model reMODEL: Philadelphia, PA

Kitchen Recycling Center

• Important to plan the location of under-cabinet recycling centers so as not to obstruct plumbing, electrical, or other future access needs

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Latex Foam Sealant

• Remained soft and flexible after installation
• Foam discharged and expanded more slowly than polyurethane foam, making it appropriate for around windows and doors where over-application is undesirable
• Clean-up with soap and water was easy

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Flexible Gas Piping

• Installation was easy; used conventional tools
• Materials cost was higher for flexible piping, but labor time was reduced by 20%
• Eliminated time-consuming processes of measuring, cutting, and threading associated with rigid pipe
• Especially suited for enclosed wall or floor cavities because it can be "fished", or pulled through, the cavities

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Recycled wood/plastic composite decking

• Material is slightly more dense than pressure-treated lumber, therefore more difficult to cut

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Plumbing Manifold and PEX Water Supply Piping

• Labor time, compared to copper piping, was reduced nearly by half
• Some parts were not readily available
• Plumber recommended installing valves at the fixtures to make adjustments and repairs convenient

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Prefinished Drywall Corners

• Contractors felt the corners covered imperfections, produced square corners, and improved trim work

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Low-VOC Paint

• Painters enjoyed the lack of odor, especially when painting enclosed areas such as closets
• Low-VOC paints are ideally suited to remodeling when the home is occupied during application

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Additional Information

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Kitchen Recycling Center

• Installed, four under-counter baskets cost about $300 to $325

Latex Foam Sealant

• Sealing around windows and doors took about 3 hours labor and cost $102 total

Flexible Gas Piping

• Total installed cost for flexible piping was $1,275 vs. $1,011 for conventional rigid pipe

Recycled Wood/Plastic Composite Decking

• Material cost for decking material was 16% higher than pressure treated lumber

Plumbing Manifold and PEX Water Supply Piping

• Material and labor costs were lower for the plumbing manifold system than for a comparable copper system
• Overall savings about one-third over conventional copper piping, with the majority attributable to reduced labor cost

Low-VOC Paint

• Installation cost was identical to conventional paint
• Material cost varied from the same up to 10% higher than conventional (premium) paint