Why Insulate Your Home?

Posted on by
2
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.

Share our page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • email
  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious
  • Google Reader
  • LinkedIn

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

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Share our page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • email
  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious
  • Google Reader
  • LinkedIn

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

Posted on by
4
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!
 
Share our page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • email
  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious
  • Google Reader
  • LinkedIn

Remodeling Through Color

Posted on by
1

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.

Like us on our Blog, follow JG Development of Facebook and Twitter.

Share our page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • email
  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious
  • Google Reader
  • LinkedIn

Summer Check List for your Home

Posted on by
Reply
  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans.  Your fan should spin in a forward direction (counter-clockwise)
  • Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer-link.  Lint build up can cause fire
  • Clean any dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Inspect wood decks, steps and railings for damaged boards.  Replace any boards with signs of stress, such as excessive curling, cracking or rotting.  Keep in mind you should re-stain these items every year to protect and preserve the wood.
  • Cut back any trees and shrubbery that are touching the exterior walls or roof of your home
  • Clean around your cooling equipment to make sure it is free from leaves, debris, etc. Make sure to trim any shrubbery that is touching the unit.  Remember to switch the power off before cleaning.
  • Inspect the asphalt/concrete and fill any holes or cracks that are found

If you have any questions on any of these helpful tips or need a referral to a professional, feel free to contact one of our experts at 608-437-6181 or Info@JGDevelopment.com.

Share our page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • email
  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious
  • Google Reader
  • LinkedIn

Get H.I.P Madison Home Incentive Program

Posted on by
Reply

JG Development is proud to announce that it is teaming up with Get H.I.P, a new local Home Incentive Program.  Get H.I.P is a South Central Wisconsin Home Incentive Program for home buyers and sellers.  Participants include builders, remodelers, realtors, lenders, home inspectors and title companies.  To learn more about this new and exciting program visit http://www.ugethip.com/.

Contact the JG Development office to discuss how we can help you take advantage of the Get H.I.P. Program!
Share our page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • email
  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious
  • Google Reader
  • LinkedIn

Decorating for Easter doesn’t have to include bunny rabbits and eggs

Posted on by
Reply
 
Go a diff…erent route and use pastel greens, blues, oranges, and pinks throughout your entertaining area.  Grabbing a light colored table cloth and colorful table settings will achieve the Easter theme without over doing it.  Try Crate & Barrrel for some inspiring patterns like these Calliope Green Napkins (shown on the left) or grow yourself a spring inspired centerpiece by planting some wheatgrass in a pretty pot like the one (shown below) from MakiB’s photo and food blog inmy-element.blogspot.com
Share our page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • email
  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious
  • Google Reader
  • LinkedIn

Prepare your Home for Spring

Posted on by
1

Exterior Inspection:

  • Roof:  Look for any missing shingles or wind damage.  Check shingles for any signs of deterioration.
  • Siding:  Check for any wind damaged areas, cracks in brick/masonry, holes caused by rot, woodpeckers, etc.  Caulk or fill any areas where insects may enter the house.
  • Gutters, Downspouts & Extensions:  Inspect for leaks or cracks.  Check for any debris inside the gutters that could prevent water from flowing properly.

Important Things to Keep in Mind:

  • HVAC:  Check and replace your furnace filter
  • Air Conditioner:  Clean/replace your A/C filter. Schedule your routine A/C service now before the hot weather approaches.
  • Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors:  Make sure to change the batteries in all alarms and detectors.  Remember that hardwired detectors also have back up batteries that need to be changed.  Keep in mind that all homes in the state of Wisconsin are required to have one carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.
  • Oil Filters & Oil Absorption Materials:  All automotive oil filters and oil absorbent materials are now required to be recycled.  Visit the Dane County Recycling Centers link below for local recycling options.

Helpful Links for Spring Cleaning:

If you have any questions on any of these helpful tips or need a referral to a professional, feel free to contact one of our experts at 608-437-6181 or Info@JGDevelopment.com.

Share our page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • email
  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious
  • Google Reader
  • LinkedIn

Innovative Product Helps Moderate Room Temperature

Posted on by
Reply

JG Development, Inc. recently completed a petite wine cellar using American Clay, a natural earth plaster.  The American Clay not only added a beautiful finish to the walls, but also added natural temperature moderating properties to the room.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine reports that American Clay Enterprises, LLC. completed a yearlong, energy-savings experiment on its all-natural earth plasters for interior walls.  The results showed that the plastered walls appeared to provide, on average, more temperature stability than paint regardless of the season.

Other features of American Clay plaster are sound absorption, non-toxic and non-flammable qualities, and easy repair!

Share our page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • email
  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious
  • Google Reader
  • LinkedIn

Universal Design is not just for Baby Boomers

Posted on by
1

What is Universal Design?  Universal Design is the idea that all residential environments and products should be easily used and accessed by all members of the family regardless of their age, size or physical abilities throughout their life span.  A key component of Universal Design is the market appeal.  Done well, Universal Design becomes a virtually invisible element.

The 7 principles of Universal Design are:

  • Equitable use
  • Flexibility in use
  • Simple & inventive use
  • Perceptible information
  • Tolerance for error
  • Low physical effort
  • Size & space for approach and use

Want to learn how to make your home accessible, adaptable and universal?  Contact Randy, JG Development’s NARI Universal Design Certified Professional, to set up an in-home appointment.

Share our page:
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • email
  • StumbleUpon
  • Delicious
  • Google Reader
  • LinkedIn