Foreign Investors

House Plans - A recent article from the AP discussed a recent surge in foreign investment in the housing market.  That in increasing numbers, foreign investors are taking the places of first time home buyers.  A boost in home sales would definitely be helpful to the economy, but do we want foreign investors in our homes so to speak?  With the dollar weakening as of late, I believe we will see a larger increase in this type of foreign investment.  This could help get the market back on track so for that I say thank you foreign investors!

Save Energy Costs

With energy costs reaching record highs it seems a more important time than ever to increase awareness about energy use. Based off the 2005 Building Energy Data Book, the average home energy consumption is broken down like this:
34% Space Heating
34% Appliances / Lighting
11% A / C
n8% Refrigerator
13%Water Heating

There are many things we can do inside our homes to reduce our energy use. Things like switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs, and taking shorter showers. Also, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning down the thermostat 8 degrees F for eight hours a day will save 8-10 percent on home heating costs. A good method to take advantage of this is to lower the thermostat temperature while away from home or sleeping. Your home can also be improved to reduce energy costs. Fixing any gaps below / around doors, making sure the house is properly insulated, and using energy star certified heating / air systems and water heaters can really help as well. Windows from a manufacturer like Jeld-Wen can reduce your energy loss by as much as 65%! High-performance Low-E insulating glass lowers energy costs, helps homes stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, prevents fading of interior furnishings, and reduces condensation. Windows and patio doors with Low-E glass are also ENERGY STAR^® qualified, which means they exceed the minimum energy efficiency criteria for the climate region you live in (by as much as 40 percent).
There are many more things that can be done to reduce energy use, but I hope that you have the gears turning. As always, check out great house plans at Nelson Design Group.