Selecting and Maintaining your Hot Water Heater

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Most homeowners don’t give a second thought to their water heater—until the hot water stops flowing.  Here’s what you need to know when selecting a new one and maintaining the one you have.

Storage tank water heaters have an insulated tank where water is heated and stored until it’s needed. They’re available in electric, propane and natural gas models.

    • Tank size is an important consideration. Base your decision on household size. One to two people will need a 30- gallon tank.  Three to four people will use a 40- to 50-gallon tank.
    • Also think about the recovery rate, the number of gallons of water the water heater can heat in an hour.  The greater your demand for hot water, the higher recovery rate you need.
    • Know the dimensions of the space where your water heater will be stored and ensure that the one you want will fit.

Tankless or on-demand heats water as it passes through a series of coils in the unit instead of storing it.  They’re available in electric, natural gas, and propane models.

  • These units only heat water as you use it, so they are usually more energy-efficient than a traditional storage tank water heater.
  • They’re available in electric, LP and natural gas models.
  • Most tankless units can provide up to 3.5 gallons of heated water per minute.  They are best for homes that demand only one or two areas of water use at one time, say the shower and the dishwasher or the kitchen sink and the washing machine.

Energy-efficiency:
Whichever fuel source you use, a water heater can be the third largest energy user in your home, so you’ll want a unit that offers energy and cost savings.  Research the energy-efficiency and yearly operating costs of a water heater before you decide which one is right for your needs.  You can find this info listed clearly on the Energy Star label.

Maintenance tips:
Many new water heaters come with a self-cleaning feature that automatically fights lime and sediment build-up to lengthen tank life and maintain peak efficiency for a longer period of time.  As water is pumped into your water heater tank, sediments settle on the bottom. Depending on the water quality, these materials can rob your water heater’s efficiency.  If left unchecked, they can not only make your water heater work harder but also allow your tank to rust and slowly be corroded until you need to replace the entire unit.

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A Solution to Bathroom Moisture

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Are you having moisture problems in your bathroom?  A bathroom ventilation fan is one of the most under-valued and under-used products in the home.  They are often improperly sized and homeowners don’t run them long enough after a bath/shower.

A great solution for typical moisture issues is an innovative humidity-sensing ventilation fan.

This type of fan detects rapid increases in moisture levels at the ceiling and automatically turns on to remove the excess moisture from the room.  The fan runs for the recommended amount of time and then automatically shuts off.

Some of the benefits of installing a humidity-sensing fan are less cosmetic damage to your bathroom, they run quietly, offer hands free operation and are great for high-traffic bathrooms!

For more information on humidity-sensing ventilation fans, contact the JG office at (608) 437-6181.

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Ways to Bring Warmth and Sparkle to your Dining Room

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If you feel like Christmas has snuck up on you this year, don’t fret- try these guest worthy ideas to bring warmth and sparkle to your dining room with ease.

Low lighting is a great way to add the cozy warmth that makes the season so lovely, consider dimming the lights in your dining space (or using lower wattage bulbs if this is not an option). 

Supplement the lowered light level using lamps.  Place a table lamp or two on your buffet/sideboard and serve drinks from here or add a floor lamp beside an accent table filled with cookies.  The glow from these lamps will draw attention to the items you’ve worked so hard to put together and your guests can help themselves.  The lamps will add a unique layer of lighting which is more interesting that the standard overhead lighting that we are accustomed to. 

Finish the look by purchasing a set or two of filled glass votive candles and scatter clusters of them throughout your living and dining room.  A line of these scattered on your table with a festive garland or swag acting as your centerpiece is lovely, simple and customizable to your decorating style.

Article written by JG Development’s Interior Designer, Amanda Funk.  Learn more about JG Development’s Interior Design Services.

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Universal Design-Safety in Your Home

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Now that winter is upon, and we open not only our hearts but our homes, it is time again to think of the safely of our family, friends and visitors.  Making your home accessible, safer & more comfortable is the focus of Universal Design.

Consider installing a gradual sidewalk to your front door and a stoop raised to the bottom of the door to avoid any steps from the driveway.  Easy for you, easy for everyone! Think it will look like a care center?  Think again; install plantings or planter beds and bushes between the sidewalks to soften the look.  Add some interest by curving the sidewalk. Universal Design is not about making your home look like it is only for people with disabilities, but it is one of incorporating ideas, designs and products that blend with the décor of your home while at the same time having elements that people with disabilities or handicaps will appreciate.

Have parents that are or will be living with you?  Think of all the things that would be helpful and useful for them around the home, that’s Universal Design! Counter-tops of varied height, lever door handles, hard surface floors, custom tile showers, adequate lighting, wide hallways, easily accessible cabinets and sinks.  Anyone of these is easy to incorporate, will be functional with your décor and will be appreciated by everyone.

Keep in mind that Universal Design is for all ages, not just the elderly.  Contact Randy to learn ways you can implement Universal Design into your home.

Article written by JG Development’s Sales/Building Consultant, Randy Ziebarth, NARI Universal Design Professional and Certified Remodeler.

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Home Decorating Ideas for Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends; let your home décor set the perfect tone for the holiday festivities.

When looking for items to decorate with this year, select pieces that can be more than just holiday focused.  Go for accessories that are based on the fall color scheme.  That way, come next year, you won’t be waiting until the week of Thanksgiving to enjoy the pieces you worked so hard to find.  No one will look down on the occasional Turkey themed item, but simple things like changing out your everyday pillows and throws with ones that suit the season is a nice way to bring in that holiday warmth without having to redecorate every few weeks. 

If your furniture is not a neutral tone or does not mix well with fall colors, use candles or picture frames that have a leaf theme for the center piece of your coffee table instead. 

Placing baskets or wreaths throughout the home is also a great way to add texture and color without looking too permanent.

Article written by Amanda Funk, Interior Designer.  Learn more about JG Development’s Interior Designer and Interior Design Services.

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6 Great Tips for Selecting Paint Colors

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Selecting paint colors can be both fun and stressful.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting paint colors for your home or office:

•Select exterior shades that harmonize with the home’s surrounding.  Steer towards the earthier shades (e.g., a grey-blue vs. a bright royal blue).

•Consider the style and era of your home.  There might be some traditional colors associated with them, especially with Victorian and traditional Colonials.

•When viewing paint samples, look at chip sizes proportionate to how they will ultimately be used (e.g., if a wall will be painted taupe with a red accent, view a larger sample of the taupe paint against a smaller sample of red).

•Less is more.  Don’t overuse color, especially in a small room.

•Even though a color may be too strong for an entire wall, consider it for an accent color.

•Most importantly, select colors that work for you and your lifestyle, not what’s considered “in” or “out” at the time.  But don’t be afraid to color your world, you’ll find it will make a world of difference

Article written by Amanda Funk, Interior Designer.  Learn more about JG Development’s Interior Designer and Interior Design Services.  Follow us on Facebook for more home decorating and interior design tips.

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Why Insulate Your Home?

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Adding Blown Insulation to an Attic

What if you had to drive your house up to an “energy fuel pump” and it was easier to tell how many “miles per gallon” your house used in energy?  Would you be satisfied with the “gas-guzzler” home with little insulation and lots of air leaks  Or, would you make some improvements so that your house was more energy-efficient and got many more “miles per gallon”?

Whether you are building a new home or retrofitting your existing home, investing in insulation is the single-most cost-effective way for a homeowner to save money on their future energy costs.  Think upgrading your home’s insulation only matters during cold months?  Think again!  Your home uses energy all year, during cooling season as well as heating season.

Listed below are some benefits to insulating your home:
  • Greater comfort year-round. If you have central-air, your energy costs in the summer can be lowered with insulation improvements.
  • Even temperature distribution
  • Improved acoustics
  • Better moisture control, which can reduce floor squeaks, drywall cracks, structure damage and condensation
  • Potential for increased resale value. Installing proper insulation levels can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers.  In fact, most buyers list energy-efficiency as a prime consideration.  Buyers know they can buy a more expensive home if heating and cooling bills can be kept down.
  • A more environmentally-friendly home that uses fewer of the earth’s resources
  • Lower energy bills, especially if you are retrofitting an existing home, you will notice a difference right away
Existing Structure Infill
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR estimates a homeowner can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on their total annual energy bill) by air sealing and insulating.  Sealing air leaks is the most cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. 60% of all air leaks are in an attic.  As heat naturally rises and escapes through those air leaks, the majority of your home’s heating dollars are being lost.
 
So how can you get started?  Contact a qualified insulation contractor.  A professional insulation contractor is trained in finding common air leaks in a home and making sure all of those air leaks are sealed, which combined with thermal insulation will minimize energy loss from your attic.  Make sure the contractor comes to your house and looks in your attic.  After the home visit you should receive a proposal with a description of what areas will be addressed in your attic and the R-Value that will be achieved upon completion of the job.

Get on the road to lower energy bills and increased savings and call an insulation contractor to assess the insulation levels of your attic.  Moving your home away from the “gas guzzler” category can be done any time of the year, not just when cold weather is here!

Article and photos provided by the experts at Rockweiler Insulation.  For more information on properly insulating your home, contact JG Development.

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JG Development’s commercial division National Construction, Inc. (NCI) enters a formal relationship with Robert’s Construction Associates, Inc.

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NCI RobertsNational Construction Inc. (NCI), a JG Development, Inc. Company, announced it has entered a formal relationship with Roberts Construction Associates, Inc., effective immediately. 

A new business entity, called NCI-Roberts Construction Inc., has been formed and will remain under the existing NCI umbrella.  NCI officially becomes the “parent company” to Roberts Construction.

The two respected commercial construction companies are teaming up to bring greater value to clients and employees of both companies.  Jeff Grundahl, current President and Owner of both NCI and JG Development, Inc. (the residential construction arm), remains the President and primary Owner of the new company.  Grundahl is an award-winning and respected leader in the industry, and will lead the strategic vision of the new company.

Robin Roberts, former President and Owner of Roberts Construction, is Director of Sales and a part-owner of the new company.  He will lead the business development and sales efforts of the new entity.

A third industry expert, Jerry Stodola is a respected industry leader with 35 years experience, and will lead the operations of the new company.

Grundahl explained the reasons behind this new relationship.  “This is the perfect opportunity for NCI to expand its offering, while at the same time ensuring Roberts has a succession plan for the future,” said Grundahl.  “We are taking two well-respected companies and bringing them together to offer a greater range of services to commercial construction clients around the region.  “It is especially exciting to work with Robin Roberts, who has shown tremendous values and work ethic during his 30 year career.  Since 1981 Roberts Construction has completed over 500 hundred projects.  Robin brings to this new venture this valuable experience and a strong team.”

Robin Roberts expanded on the reasons for the formal relationship.  “It is critically important for Roberts Construction to have a solid plan for the future of the company, which maintains the customer service and excellent quality of work we are known for while providing a strategic vision for expansion.  NCI is the ideal partner for Roberts to work with, and together Jeff and I will accomplish great things for NCI-Roberts Construction” explained Roberts.

The new company will retain the core focuses that are central to both NCI and Roberts Construction: designing, building and remodeling commercial facilities; NCI with its focus on retail and commercial-use construction, and Roberts with its background and expertise in church construction and institutional construction.

For the time being, NCI will retain its Blue Mounds Headquarters and NCI-Roberts will be based in the downtown Madison location. No job changes or losses have been announced at this time.

About National Construction, Inc. (NCI)
National Construction, Inc. (NCI) is the commercial construction division of JG Development Corporation, and serves as a design and build general contractor.  NCI offers a full line of commercial construction services and solutions, and specializes in commercial, industrial and retail construction projects, including renovations/remodels, build-outs, additions, and new buildings.  NCI is based in the greater Madison area and serves all of Wisconsin, Illinois, and adjoining states.  Phone 608-437-6318 or visit http://www.nationalconstructioninc.com/ for more information.

About JG Development, Inc.
JG Development Inc. is an award-winning design-materials-build general contractor. Founded in 1990, the company serves southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, eastern Iowa, and completes special projects in other parts of the country.  JG Development specializes in new home construction and remodeling; the company also has a commercial construction arm, National Construction, Inc.  The company is located at 4070 East Brigham Road, Blue Mounds, WI 53517.  Phone 608-437-6181 or visit http://www.jgdevelopment.com/ for further information.

About NCI-Roberts Construction
NCI-Roberts Construction is a full-service planning and general contracting firm based in downtown in Madison, Wisconsin.  The Roberts team is staffed with design and construction professionals providing integrated planning, design, and construction services.  Visit http://www.robertsconstructioninc.net/ for more information.

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Looking for an inexpensive way to freshen up your home for the summer?

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Keep your eye out for garage sales to find a simple piece of furniture you can paint in a bright color to punch up your entryway for the sunny season. A pop of an unexpected color shouts summer and is sure to evoke high spirits each time you catch a glimpse of the piece.  If garage sales aren’t your thing, you might be able to snap something up from Finish It! Home Furnishings in Madison which sells unfinished furniture- you’ll have to move quickly though as they are currently having a store closing sale. Lastly for all those who are thinking this sounds like too much work- there are plenty of places to purchase a seasonal piece to bring that summer splash of color into your space. Just have fun with it-and please throw conservative out the window on this one!
 
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Remodeling Through Color

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Did you know that colors you select for your home have meaning and can set mood? Studies show that color can complement architecture, enhance or diminish the sense of space, create a particular ambience and impact your daily moods.

Color experts have studied how color is likely to affect you.  Here is what they have found:

  • Blue, universally a favorite, is recognized for its tranquil effects; however, if too dark or used to expansively, it can have a depressing effect.
  • Red evokes excitement and is an excellent accent.  Often used in kitchens, it’s felt that red enhances one’s appetite.
  • Green is either loved or heartily disliked, so take care when making this selection.
  • Brown and orange are viewed as friendly and informal colors.
  • Yellow, generally perceived as a cheery color, may make children feel depressed, so use it sparingly.
  • Neutral colors can serve as dramatic backdrops for furnishings, collections and accessories.  Neutrals also add flexibility to introduce new colors seasonally with throw pillows, artwork and other decorative items.

Tips for selecting paint colors:

  • Select exterior shades that harmonize with the home’s surrounding.  Steer towards the earthier shades (e.g., a grey-blue vs. a bright royal blue).
  • Consider the style and era of your home.  There might be some traditional colors associated with them, especially with Victorian and traditional Colonials.
  • When viewing paint samples, look at chip sizes proportionate to how they will ultimately be used (e.g., if a wall will be painted taupe with a red accent, view a larger sample of the taupe paint against a smaller sample of red).
  • Less is more.  Don’t overuse color, especially in a small room.
  • Even though a color may be too strong for an entire wall, consider it for an accent color.
  • Most importantly, select colors that work for you and your lifestyle, not what’s considered “in” or “out” at the time.  But don’t be afraid to color your world, you’ll find it will make a world of difference

Keep in mind that JG Development has a interior designer on staff to help you with your paint color selection.

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