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Home Improvement Topics
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Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 6:38 AM
 Wellman Construction is proud to announce that it was the recipient of a 2011 Sand Dollar Awards along with other members like: BCB Builders, Stock Development, Toll Brothers and the Lykos Group, just to name a few. The Sand Dollar Awards are the highest accolades given by the council, and are presented each year to member builders, developers, architects, remodelers, interior design firms, landscape architects, trades, marketing, sales and advertising professionals who have demonstrated building, design and marketing excellence. This award acknowledges the creative and dynamic ability of Rob Wellman and his team. Rob is well known for his friendly service, creative quality and affordable solutions to home remodeling. Here is what one customers said when learning about the award, "I think that Rob could earn many more awards......Certainly one regarding the friendliest and highest quality! He is number one in my book!" CBIA’s Sales and Marketing Council‘s mission is to help members increase sales and provide training and support in developing effective marketing techniques for their businesses. Please take some time to visit our website to see the type of work we do and what we are ready to do for you! |
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Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2011 8:17 PM
Contractors and builders come in all shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of experience and expertise. You may choose to hire a contractor based on price, experience, personality, personal recommendation, and so on. But when it comes to energy efficient installations, retrofits and building, you need a professional who has the knowledge and training to do the job safely and effectively. Trained ProfessionalsRESNET Qualified ENERGYSMART Contractors and Builders are experts in their individual trades and have additional training in safe energy efficient practices. When errors such as improper venting can mean illness and even death for your family, you want to know that you're working with a trained professional who knows the risks - and how to prevent them. ENERGYSMART contractors receive continuing education on an annual basis to stay on top of the latest developments in energy efficiency and safety. EffectivenessWhile ordinary contractors are focused on their specific trade, RESNET Qualified ENERGYSMART Contractors and Builders think of the house as a set of interconnected systems. They understand how a change in one system can affect another, and they know how to avoid such mishaps. Save MoneyA more effective job done by a professional who is specially trained in energy efficiency will save more energy, saving you money on your energy bills each month. The most energy efficient windows will still leak air if they're installed incorrectly. RESNET Qualified ENERGYSMART Contractors and Builders have pledged to abide by our Code of Ethics. RESNET develops the national standard for quality of home energy audits and ratings, and has developed stringent ethical standards to ensure the highest quality of service. Complaint Resolution Process RESNET has developed a complaint resolution process for consumers who beliieve that their contractor or builder has acted outside the RESNET Code of Ethics. When you work with a RESNET member, you have the confidence that RESNET is standing behind you. |
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RESNET: Posted on Monday, July 18, 2011 5:58 PM
 Windows account for around 20 percent of your home’s energy loss in any home, so repairing leaky windows can significantly reduce your energy bills. New energy efficient windows using low-E technology reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, and filter the sun's rays which can damage furniture and carpeting over time. Simply weather-stripping loose windows can save around $15 per year per window in energy costs, while making your home much more comfortable to live in. Rather than repairing your windows, you may want to consider replacing them. Government incentives on energy efficient windows may help reduce your cost. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified windows, which meet or exceed US Department of Energy performance standards without sacrificing style or versatility. Today’s ENERGY STAR qualified windows are twice as efficient as the average windows manufactured just 10 years ago. Poorly installed windows will cause air leaks and drafts, resulting in increased energy costs. Make sure your installer is qualified and experienced (check references) and prepared to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, or you may void your warranty. Whether you choose to repair or replace your windows, you are taking a step in the right direction to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Your local RESNET Qualified EnergySmart Contractor is the best place to start. |
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RESNET: Posted on Monday, July 18, 2011 5:33 PM
A/C and Heat loss can happen through leakages around entry doors as well as through glass in patio doors or doors with window elements. Replacing old doors can dramatically reduce A/C and Heat loss and result in substantial energy savings. Doors generally have a smaller impact on your energy bills than windows, but depending on the condition of your entry doors, glass patio doors and garage doors, replacing them could add up to significant savings. Energy Efficient Garage Doors If your home has an attached garage, the garage door(s) will have a high impact on the thermal comfort of your garage and your home. Garage doors can be made from various materials – wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, etc. and these materials will determine much of the insulation performance of the doors. Insulation will impact thermal efficiency as well as soundproofing of the garage doors. If you are planning to buy a new garage door, an insulated model may represent high energy savings for you. Simpler steel, aluminum or wood garage doors can cost you between $750 and $1,500 but prices do vary and carefully comparing performance, style and price is recommended. Energy Efficient Patio Doors Having older or regular, inefficient patio doors can cause huge energy losses, resulting in high energy bills. Energy-efficient patio doors are a very wise investment – the energy saving will pay for the higher initial cost many times over. When replacing patio doors, look for a low emissivity (low-E) glass with a double or triple pane to reduce A/C and Heat loss in winter and A/C and Heat gain in summer. Good quality glass will also have thermal breaks (if it has metal frames) and preference should be given to hinged or swinging doors. This type of door is far more energy efficient than gliding or sliding doors. Sliding doors are typically energy-inefficient, since air leakage around the weather stripping is very difficult to avoid. Energy Saving Benefits of Storm Doors Storm doors are secondary doors that fit over primary exterior doors. They can save energy by: - Reducing leakage through spaces around existing doors
- Creating an insulated air space between itself and the existing doors, reducing A/C and Heat conduction
Storm doors will also protect the main door, reduce maintenance costs and allow for natural ventilation during warm months which will lower air conditioning costs. Greener Interior Doors When replacing interior doors, remember that wood can be harvested in an un-sustainable manner which contributes to forest destruction and climate change. Choose doors that are made of certified wood. Look for a seal by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure that you’re not contributing to deforestation. Major retailers like Home Depot, IKEA or Lowe’s are offering some product lines with FSC certified wood. Effective Installation Makes All the Difference Whatever doors you decide to replace, have them installed by a competent professional to ensure that you will be getting maximum benefit for your investment. A poorly installed door that leaks air will waste energy, no matter how energy efficient the door is. RESNET Qualified ENERGYSMART contractors have been trained in energy efficiency as well as their chosen trade. |
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RESNET: Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 10:28 AM
 RESNET, the Residential Energy Services Network, and its allies called upon legislators to ensure that consumers, homebuyers and builders remain incentivized in 2011 and Congress answered that call. While many people mistakenly believe the $2,000 federal tax credit for new, energy-efficient homes ended in 2010, the good news is that Congress extended this tax credit through the end of 2011 (January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011). Included in this tax package recently signed into law are extended tax credits for: - Consumer purchase of energy-saving products. While restrictions exist t hat lower the credit to pre-economic recovery act levels, extended tax credits cover window incentives (up to $200), oil and gas furnace and boiler incentives to 95 percent efficiency (from $150-$200) and water heater and wood heating system incentives (up to $300).
- Manufacturer installation of energy-efficient appliances. A manufacturers' credit exists for highly efficient appliances designed to save energy in new or existing homes (i.e., those with greater efficiency than today's average appliances).
"This is a major win for hard-working Americans who build or buy energy-efficient homes, products and appliances," said Steve Baden, executive director of RESNET. "In today's politically charged era, our push to garner bipartisan support for improved home energy performance is a notable victory. Congressional extension of these benefits offers across-the-board stimulus, from lowering consumer utility bills to reducing dependence on foreign oil and improving the environment."
To be eligible for the tax credit, a new home must be 50 percent more energy efficient than code. In 2009, 37,506 homes were verified for the tax credit. According to the Census Bureau, this represents more than 10 percent of all new homes that were sold in the U.S.
While homeowners who received these incentives in 2010 are ineligible for a repeat tax credit, those "on the fence" about improving their home's energy performance may be spurred into action. Consumer rebates carry the potential to stimulate both environmental and economic gains. According to David Goldstein, Ph.D., energy director of the Natural Resources Defense Council ( NRDC), "Homes account for more than 20 percent of the global warming pollution in the United States. Responsible energy action can achieve significant pollution reductions and tens of thousands of dollars in cost savings for each home." |
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Posted on Monday, January 17, 2011 9:48 AM
 A RESNET EnergySmart Contractor has completed special training in energy efficiency, home performance, combustion safety, ventilation and indoor air quality. They know the most effective procedures for energy efficient installations, retrofits and building projects. They understand how the house works as a system, and how a change in one area can affect other areas. More importantly, they know how to prevent harmful side-effects while making your home more energy efficient, and how to recognize and remedy potential home performance problems. Contractors come in all shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of experience and expertise. But when it comes to energy efficient installations, retrofits and new construction, you need a professional who has the knowledge and training to do the job safely and effectively. When errors such as improper venting can mean illness and even death for your family, you want to know that you're working with a trained professional who knows the risks – and how to prevent them. While ordinary contractors are focused on their specific trade, EnergySmart Contractors understand how a change in one area of the home can affect another, and they know how to avoid costly mishaps. They understand the big picture. A more effective job done by a professional who is specially trained in energy efficiency will save more energy, saving you money on your energy bills. RESNET has implemented a third party complaint resolution process for consumers who believe that their contractor has acted outside the RESNET Code of Ethics. When you work with a RESNET member, you have the confidence that RESNET is standing behind you.
About RESNET: RESNET is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Government as a national standards-making body for the energy efficiency industry. RESNET created the EnergySmart designation for contractors and builders in the interest of homeowner protection and safety. The EnergySmart designation sets a national standard of competence for energy efficient installations, retrofits and building projects, and includes training on industry best practices and related safety issues. For your own peace of mind, we recommend hiring a Qualified RESNET EnergySmart Contractor In addition to being a certified EnergySmart contractor, Cheryl Wellman is a New York State licensed CPA and has experience with both real estate construction management and development. You can contact her anytime at directly at Wellman Construction, cheryl@wellmanconstruction. |
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