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MAY 2011 ISSUE
Greetings!

We're excited to present the April edition of our e-newsletter to help you get more from your home. Each month, we'll offer valuable information on maintaing your home, getting the best value for your new construction or remodeling project, and we'll even share a laugh together.

Let us know what you think, and any ideas or resources that you'd like to share with other homeowners.
HOME OWNER TIPS
10 Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Summer Heat

Residential HVAC System 

Like it or not, it's coming. Soon, temperatures and humidity levels will soar and our homes will be heating up in the summer sun. What can you do to mantain a cool home on the hottest summer days? Check out our list below of 10 ways to prepare your home for the summer heat.

 

1. To begin, change your filters in your heating/cooling system. Change them regularly - at least monthly.

2. Next change your thermostat over to "cool" and test the system by turning the temperature down. If the air conditioner does not turn on, first check to make sure no breakers are tripped. If you can't figure out the problem, call your heating and air-conditioning repair provider. Calling early may keep you from making an "emergency" call when the temperatures are soaring and the repair people are much busier.

3. If your cooling system turns on, make sure it is putting out adequate cooling. Set the thermostat at 78 degrees.

4. If your air conditioner needs repair or replacement, do it before the hot weather hits so you're not wilting as you wait for the service provider.

5. Your air ducts may need testing for leaks and then may need to be properly sealed. Your attic insulation probably has compacted, so you may need to add an additional 5 to 8 inches. Your windows and doors and other parts of the building envelope may need caulking and weather stripping. Consider solar window film to keep out the heat.

6. Change your old thermostat to a programmable model. You can save up to $100 a year by using a new set-back thermostat. If your thermostat is old and uses a mercury switch, then call your local public works department to find out how to dispose of this toxic material.

7. Consider installing a whole-house fan that uses cooler air in the evening to cool the entire house and pushes hot air out of the attic area.

8. If you cover your air conditioner's condenser unit (the part that is outside the house) for the winter, take off the cover and clean the coils. Clear areas around the condenser unit so that it has full air flow.

9. Ceiling fans or whole house fans can help greatly reduce your need to use the air conditioner, increasing comfort throughout your home.

10. Take down the old storm windows (if you live in areas where you need them) and get those screens cleaned and ready to put up.

Courtesy of  Charles and Hudson

 

PROJECT OF THE MONTH
Photo Collage - Project of the Month

1. Front view of house with brick and stucco. The wrap around porch has masonry baluster and fiberglass columns. 
2. Kitchen with CWP maple cabinets. The crown moudling with a rope insert was built up to the custom soffit. The floors a vinyl Mannington tile. The island countertop is 42 inches tall to accomdate bar stools. 
3. Sitting room room with custom hardwood flooring with border. The walls have applied panel moulding and the ceiling is a coffered ceiling with crown moulding. 

4. Family room with built-in bookcases. The entrance to the room has three archways with columns. The smooth fiberglass columns are 8 inches round with Tuscan cap and base. Floor has leather look porcleian tile with wood border.

HOW TO BUILD...
The Right Way: Investing In Your Home   Generally speaking, most people realize that you do indeed get what you pay for. If you want the highest quality and finest craftsmanship, you have to pay for it. The most talented professionals in any industry command a higher price because the quality of their work means they're in demand. The same holds true for professionals who work on your home. You get what you pay for.      

The Wrong Way:
 Cutting Corners

There are occasions when paying the bargain basement price is smart. Work being done on your home is not one of those occasions. In our decades of experience, we've been approached by homeowners who made their decision based on solely price only to have the lowest bidder unable or unwilling to do the job as promised. The finest work done by trained professionals who work for a licensed, bonded and properly insured company isn't available at a cut rate.

MCB Featured in Luxury Home Quarterly

Backyard cabana built by MCBMonmouth Custom Builders was recently featured in Luxury Home Quarterly magazine for the company's work on an backyard cabana. The cabana features the latest in audio and video technology, and it's perfect for entertaining summer guests.

 

"We're honored to have our work featured in a high-quality publication such as Luxury Home Quarterly," said Jon Levy, Vice President of Monmouth Custom Builders. "The cabana project is a great example of the type of highly customized work we do every day."

 

Read the entire story now.

Joke Corner

The strong young man at the construction site was bragging that he could out do anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen. 

After several minutes, the older worker had had enough. "Why don't you put your money where your mouth is," he said. "I will bet a week's wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won't be able to wheel back." 

"You're on, old man," the braggart replied, "Let's see what you got." 

The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to the young man, he said, "All right. Get in." 

Thanks for reading this edition of the Monmouth Custom Builders e-newsletter. See you next month! Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments about the newsletter, an upcoming project or anything pertaining to new construction or remodeling at the Jersey Shore.

Sincerely,

Jon Levy
Monmouth Custom Builders
In This Issue
Home Owner Tips
Project of the Month
Right Way/Wrong Way to Build
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 SERVICES:
New Homes
Renovations
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Backyards
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259 Monmouth Rd.
Deal, NJ 07723

732.517.0400
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PROJECT OF THE MONTH VIDEO

The current project of the month is a remodeled kitchen and bathroom. Monmouth Custom Builders created a modern, unique space to perfectly fit the homeowner's vision and desires.

Watch the video now.