TOP COMPANY NEWS & TRENDS - Q3
Welcome to the Third Quarter Newsletter of 2020.
July - August - September
Within this blog, look for:
A Featured Project
Remodeling Tips
Trends Within the Industry
Company News
FEATURED PROJECT:
SIMPLE AND SOPHISTICATED SUNROOM ADDITION
These wonderful clients needed a little bit of extra conditioned space to relax and entertain at their house in Black Mountain.
So, they called in the pros to enclose, level, insulate, and finish an existing covered patio to create a sunroom.
The siding was matched perfectly so you wouldn't even know it was an addition. We added large, energy star windows that allow tons of natural light in but won't run up the A/C bill!
We converted the wood-burning fireplace that was previously on the patio, into an electric fireplace for convenience and efficiency. Now, they don't have to deal with the soot and ash from a wood-burning fireplace but can still enjoy the ambiance
The last thing we did was to extend the rock work on the fireplace in the living room from the mantel to the ceiling. This gives it such a grand and luxurious feeling. Seeing it now, I can't imagine the fireplace without the additional stonework.
NOTABLE TRADE PARTNERS ON THIS PROJECT:
The masonry work was completed by Silver Stone Construction.
The flooring was installed and finished by Vitality Botnar at Botnar Flooring LLC.
The windows were supplied by Hensons Building Materials.
We would also like to give a shout out to CG Electric and Al Ellis for their work!
REMODELING TIPS:
WEATHERPROOF YOUR HOME
Is it just me, or has the weather this year seemed extra crazy! Keeping your home weatherproofed will lower utility bills and increase the life of your house. Drafty doors and windows are unpleasant. Moisture seeping in causing mold, mildew, and rot is a nightmare. High heating and cooling bills are a drag. Luckily, the people over at Mental Floss have already created a list of 7 Smart Steps You Can Take to Weatherproof Your Home.
1.) Insulate, Insulate, Insulate!
Insulating your attic and basement is one of the best ways to keep your heating and cooling costs down. Do a quick spot check to make sure there aren't any cracks, gaps, or compressed insulation. If you notice any of these, you are not properly insulated. If you notice any insulation is wet or moldy, this is an indication of a much bigger problem that needs to be addressed. If your insulation is full of dirt and debris, it still may be doing its job but, it could be causing poor indoor air quality. If you're looking to upgrade your insulation, look into spray foam insulation. There are open-cell and closed-cell foam insulation options. You can read the difference and which one might be your best option here.
2.) Get Techy
Installing a programmable thermostat can help you save on heating and cooling costs by automizing your schedule. It's easy enough to replace the thermostat yourself! You can even get some that connect to an app or Alexa that makes adjusting the thermostat even easier. Many of your other appliances are getting smarter as well. You can reduce utility costs in a number of rooms in your house.
3.) Paint Your Home Right
Exterior paint is your first line of defense against the elements. Harsh UV rays, heavy rains, high humidity, freezing winters, and high winds are constantly berating the exterior of your home. These extreme weather conditions will cause the paint to peel and cracks allowing these elements to find its way into your home. Your home can become drafty. Moisture can seep into the paint, causing mold, mildew, and algae to take root. The right exterior paint can help weatherproof your home and maintain its integrity.
4.) Give yourself A New Outlet
Exterior paint is your first line of defense against the elements. Harsh UV rays, heavy rains, high humidity, freezing winters, and high winds are constantly berating the exterior of your home. These extreme weather conditions will cause the paint to peel and cracks allowing these elements to find its way into your home. Your home can become drafty. Moisture can seep into the paint, causing mold, mildew, and algae to take root. The right exterior paint can help weatherproof your home and maintain its integrity.
5.) Allow Yourself To Vent
Make sure your home has proper ventilation, especially around your dryer, in your kitchen, and in your bathroom. Besides being apart of building codes, venting your dryer outside will protect your family. The dryer vents out warm, moist air. If this air isn't removed from your home, it is the perfect condition for mold. This will cause poor indoor air quality due to mold and structural issues due to rot. Additionally, dryer lint is extremely flammable and causes poor indoor air quality due to lint in the air. Having proper ventilation in the bathroom removes excess moisture and odor. Similarly, in the kitchen, ventilation removes odors, heat, and smoke. This helps conserve the quality and durability of your home.
6.) Treat Your Flue
A wood-burning fireplace sounds cozy and quaint but it does require some extra upkeep. Besides the annual chimney sweep, you also need to mind your flue. When you aren't burning a fire, you need to remember to close your flue. The chimney is designed to let our warm air and will do so, even if it isn't from the fire. Just don't forget to open it back up when you light that fire!
7.) Strategize Your Remodel
Some homes may require more weatherproofing than others, depending on where you are located. We have noticed Montreat almost always has water issues! If you are in a flood zone or in another area prone to large weather events, it could benefit you to consult an architect or an engineer that specialized in extreme weatherproofing. Then, of course, call us to help you make those improvements!
CUSTOM REMODELING
COMPANY NEWS
CUSTOM REMODELINGIt's Award Season!
2020 WNC PACE AWARD / WNC STARS AWARD
As members of the Asheville Home Builders Association, we are eligible to submit our projects to the PACE Awards Program. PACE stands for Promoting, Advertising, and Construction Excellence. It is a way to gain recognition for and celebrate all the hard work we and other builder members put into the projects over the year. Like everything else, there are some changes happening to these awards. First, they are being rebranded as the WNC STARS Awards. In addition, the award categories have been expanded! We have submitted 8 entries! Typically, the awards are presented at the Fall Gala. We are still waiting to see what the Gala will look like this year. However, the AHBA decides to handle the Gala, I know they are doing so with the members best interest in mind.
Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs.
You will also be able to see the list of winners in this year's Parade of Homes & Awards Magazine, which comes out in December 2020. Make sure to take a peek at the back page of the magazine! We are an associate feature builder this year!