Villa Voice

February 2010
In This Issue
Before & After Finished Basement
Q&A With An Energy Audit Pro & The 3 Common Sources of Home Energy Loss
Upcoming Event: Free tickets to the Home Expo
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Quick Links
 
 
 
MHIC #67168
MHBR No. 3122
 
Office Phone:
410-349-3282 
Greetings! ,
 
I have been asked several times about the meaning behind "Your home. Love It."
 
Several years ago when Jeff and I were remodeling a large portion of our home, I came to understand what the experience of remodeling was like.
 
There were a myriad of decisions that needed to made. There was a disruption of "regular" everyday life. We worked to find ways to balance our budget with our heart's desires. And then, there was the excitement of seeing it all come together.
 

We had many reasons for remodeling our home. For instance, the windows were original from the late 1960's. Many couldn't be opened on a beautiful spring day, and yet the cold winter air had no problem blowing through. Another, was our home had zero curb appeal. Aside from the logical reasons, mostly we wanted a home we would love to come "home" to. As we checked stuff off our list, I began to feel a sense of love for our home. I fondly remember a few paw prints that remained in the hall after a romp in tray of wet paint, by a cat that has since gone to pet heaven. We had really come a long way from where we began. This sense of love, pride and accomplishment was a feeling I wished for all to have. That's how Your Home. Love it! came to be.

 
Have a Happy Valentine's Day!
 
Warmly,
Joanne
Your Home. Love It. Image-small
Finished Basement Remodeling Story...."I just love it..."
 
Some Things Are Worth the Wait 
 
 Before
                                    After
BeforeAfterAfter seven years of living with the basement of their Pasadena, MD home a construction zone, Robyn Cincinnati and Greg Moore decided it was time to hire a remodeler to complete the home improvement project they had been doing themselves for nearly a decade.
 
(To read more and see more pictures of this project click here).
Q&A with an Energy Audit Pro &
 The 3 Common Sources of Home Energy Loss
I chatted with Adam Levitt, President of Pro Energy Consultants. Adam helped me gain some insights about home energy audits. We talked about finding a reliable company, the common sources of home energy loss, costs and reasons to have an energy audit completed for a home.
 
1. How does a homeowner find a reliable company?
 
Adam suggests talking with other folks who've had energy audits completed. Referrals and recommendations are a good start. There is also useful information on the web. Adam explained there are no standard certifications required to complete a home energy audit. Adam has a Level 1 Thermographer certification. This certification allows him to interpret infrared camera results, which are important to making recommendations to help correct deficiencies. 
 
2. What do you find to be the most common sources of energy loss in homes?
 
Adam said he sees three culprits commonly. The first two are common because they are not a required in the building codes. And, the third is especially common in older homes.
1. A lack of air sealing along the sill plate.
2. Unsealed duct work
3. Deficiency of insulation, especially in attics.
 
3. What are the estimated costs of energy audits?
 
To be fair and understandably, Adam was most comfortable talking about his company's costs. Pro Energy Consultants' energy audits are $425 for a home up to 2500 square feet. Adam's company does not do any of the work he recommends as a result of the energy audit's findings. He explained there are companies that are advertising low cost energy audits, but cautions homeowners to take the time to learn what is included and excluded. Adam's company does a full energy audit that includes the systems of the home.
 
4. How long does it take and how long to receive the results?
 
The entire process is dependent on the size of the home. It takes typically, about an hour and a half. The homeowner receives a report in about 3 days.
 
5. Why should a homeowner consider an energy audit?
 
Adam hears many different reasons why homeowners are considering an energy audit. Sometimes homeowners are frustrated with rooms feeling cold and/or drafty, and high utility bills. Homeowners may even have concerns about their home's air quality. Either because the air is smelling badly or they are experiencing a new allergy and/or some kind of other respiratory problems.
 
If you'd like to learn more about Pro Energy Consultants, click here to visit their website. If you have any questions about home energy audits or would like more information please give me a call at (410) 349-3282 or send me an email to jmhall@villabuildersinc.com.
 

Thank you to Adam for sharing some of his valuable time with me.

 
 
Annapolis Home & Remodeling Expo
 
Help us spread the word. If you have family, friends or co-workers considering home remodeling projects, please invite them to meet Jeff and me at the Annapolis Home & Remodeling Expo. The home show is a nice, neutral setting to meet us and learn more about what we do and how we can help them.
 
I have free tickets while they last. If you would like a ticket or two, or know someone else that might, please call me at (410) 349-3282 or email me at jmhall@villabuildersinc.com. I will gladly mail them to you. We would love to see you there.
 
Where: National Guard Armory
           18 Willow Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
           For map click here.
When: Saturday Feb 27 10 am - 7 pm
           Sunday Feb 28 11 am - 5 pm
 
This year's special guests:
Sat., Feb 27 Noon & 4 pm What's it Worth? with Dr. Lori. Award winning TV personality and certified antiques appraiser. Bring your antique or collectible for an appraisal by Dr. Lori (limit one item per guest.)
 
Sat., Feb 27 11 am & 3 pm Garden Guru Mike McGrath. Garden Editor from WTOP Radio and National Public Radio show "You Bet Your Garden."
         
$6 Adults
$5 Kids 8-12
$4 Active and Retired Military
 
 

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 1511 Ritchie Highway, Suite 101A
 Arnold, MD 21012
410-349-3282