Bradly Builders

Saving Money at Home

2008-11-18T12:40:00.001-08:00

There are several inexpensive projects that you as a homeowner can have done to save yourself money in the long run. Now, before you start picturing solar panels and rain barrels, let's explore a few less extreme options.

Number one on the list is your Heating and Air Conditioning system. The is not localized to the unit only, though that is definitely a huge factor. Instead, think of the entire air flow, both active and passive in the house.

Food for thought: If you have a bath fan that is vented to the outside of your home, you are taking conditioned air and pushing it out of the house. All that air that's removed from the house has to be replaced. So, your system pulls air from outside, conditions it, and pushes it back into the home.

So, no matter how "weatherproof" your house is, any vent, window, and door in your home is working against your HVAC system.

Let's start with the basics:

HVAC -- if your unit is approaching the end of it's life cycle (anywhere between 12 and 16 years depending on model) than it's time to consider replacing it. If your unit is younger than that, even as new as a year old, then there are a few things you can do to extend it's life and increase it's efficiency. Diligently replacing filters is key - but so is ensuring that the grills themselves that take in air from the home are clean and clear of household items like plants or furniture. Calibrating the system so that you are expeling the most heated air on the lower floors in winter (allowing it to rise through the home) and cold air on the highest floors during summer (allowing it to "fall" to the lower floors) can change your electric bill dramatically. Contact us today for a free estimate on replacing, upgrading, or simply servicing your HVAC system!!!

Hot Water Heater -- the above recommendations apply as it relates to life cycles of the hot water heater. Just wrapping your hot water heater in insulation might not be the wisest choice, depending on style and manufacturer. If you're looking to replace your hot water heater, email us!!!

Windows -- without a doubt, the single best thing you can do to your home, is replace the windows. With the advancements made over the past 5 years, windows are now as energy efficient as ever. Low-E glass windows, for example, can block out a majority of UV light and lower the temperature in areas with lots of natural light. Replacing the windows also affords you the oppurtunity to reseal them, both inside and out, to decrease air leakage. Bradly Homes offers the best prices around on window replacement; email us for more information!!!

You've Got Plans, Now What?

2008-10-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Plans are approved, permits are in hand....now where do you go? Bradly Homes offers consultation on everything from subcontractor referrals to "Green Building" practices.

Now is the perfect time to hire a subcontractor, as the market slows, and prices drop. But finding the right one can still be a challenge. With Bradly Homes, you're sure to get the highest quality workmanship and can be confident that the job will be done in a timely manner.

As focus shifts to building more environmentally friendly homes, let Bradly Homes show you how easy it can be to complete the project of your dreams without feeling guilty about it's impact on the environment. Choosing select materials, energy efficient practices, and cost effective products is something Bradly Homes specializes in.

With all of our experience, we can help with those projects you've completed as well. Home inspections are a quick and inexpensive way to ensure that you're work is up to today's stringent codes. If you've chosen to "GC" your project, it is always a good idea to bring in experts who can help put your mind at ease about the inspection process. With experience in many of the DC area's jurisdictions, Bradly Homes can consult with you on what your County Inspectors are looking for. Using our contacts at the individual principalities, we can also ensure that you're project gets the prompt attention that you want and deserve.

Personal Relationships Matter

2008-10-02T05:42:00.001-07:00

Home construction, whether it's renovating a basement bathroom or building a brand new home from the ground up, can be stressful. Despite what you might think, it doesn't have to be.

At Bradly Homes, from the moment you contact us, you'll get personal, one on one communication. Quality is as important to us as it is to you. You expect the best from us, and we expect the best from those who do the work. We work with you, not just for you, to help ensure you get the respect and quality you deserve, on budget, on time.

And that relationship doesn't end when the job is complete. We're committed to providing you excellent workmanship that lasts.

Call or email today about your project, and we'll contact you the same business day.

Just have a question about a local contractor or project? That's fine, too. We're not just about making money - we're happy to provide you no cost advice on your projects.