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On the Level by Hibbard Construction, Inc.
 
Table of Contents

  • From the Builder

  • Energy Efficient Remodeling: Save Money Now and Continue to Reap Rewards Later

  • Replacement Windows: Knowing & Choosing the Right Type of Window

  • Window Treatments: Home Decor Meets Energy Savings

  • Reduce Summer Cooling Bills: 5 Tips

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    Market Watch

    Saving Money With a Government Backed Mortgage Through VA, FHA or USDA Loans

    The market for government loans is skyrocketing. More and more families are ready to settle down in their dream home, and government-backed mortgages seem like a way to make home ownership happen quickly and easily.

    Housing Starts Fall, But Permits Rise in June

    Housing starts fell more than expected last month, but government data out Tuesday morning suggest there could be more favorable news for the housing market on the horizon.

     
     
    Commodity Watch

    Housing's Contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP)


    Housing contributes to GDP in two basic ways: through private residential investment and consumption spending on housing services. Historically, residential investment has averaged roughly 5 percent of GDP while housing services have averaged between 12 and 13 percent, for a combined 17 to 18 percent of GDP. These shares tend to vary over the business cycle.

    Residential investment includes construction of new single family and multifamily structures, residential remodeling, production of manufactured homes, and brokers’ fees. Consumption spending on housing services includes gross rents (which include utilities) paid by renters, and owners' imputed rent (an estimate of how much it would cost to rent owner-occupied units), and utility payments. Including owners' imputed rent in GDP has been standard practice in national income accounting for a long time. Were owners' imputed rent not included, an increase in the homeownership rate would cause GDP to decline.

     
     
    Homeowner Checklist

    Check your home's exterior wood for paint or wood stain needs


    Most wood siding and exterior trim requires painting or staining, so take a moment each summer to check its condition. Wood deteriorates quickly unprotected, so look for warning signs of moisture or wear. Moisture penetration can cause rot, while exposure to ultraviolet light can deteriorate the surface.

    Check the entire exterior of your house for paint failures such as bare spots, cracking, peeling and blistering. Use binoculars to look at eaves and distant areas.

    1. If the paint or wood stain is failing in a reasonably uniform pattern, or in areas exposed to more weathering, then the paint is simply wearing out.
    2. If the paint or wood stain is failing in localized areas, further inspection is required. Blistering paint, for example, usually indicates moisture in the wood.
    3. Check carefully wherever the end grain of wood is exposed. Paint is critical in these areas to prevent moisture penetration.
    4. Look behind bushes, shrubs and vines. These areas stay wet longer, causing the paint to deteriorate more quickly.
     
    On the Lighter Side content

    "Come and Get It!"


    My cooking has always been the target of family jokes. One evening, as I prepared dinner a bit too quickly, the kitchen filled with smoke and the smoke detector went off. Although both of my children had received fire-safety training at school, they did not respond to the alarm. Annoyed, I stormed through the house in search of them. I found them in the bathroom, washing their hands.

    Over the loud buzzing of the smoke alarm, I asked them to identify the sound.

    "It's the smoke detector," they replied in unison.

    "Do you know what that sound means?" I demanded.

    "Sure," my oldest replied. "Dinner's ready."
     
    We appreciae your referrals!!

    We are here because of you!

    Hibbard Construction has been in business since 1971 because of our dedication to outstanding quality, the best customer experience possible and the many referrals received from people just like you. Now more than ever we need your help passing the word. Your referrals of friends, family and associates who are considering a new home, remodel or commercial project are invaluable. One quick and easy way to pass the word is to use the "Forward to a Friend" link below. Your help will make it possible for us to continue the "Hibbard Standard" for another 38 years.


    Know someone who might be interested in this email? Please forward it to them.

    If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, click here.

     

    We'd hate to see you go but if you no longer wish to receive this email, then please feel free to unsubscribe . Please note that the unsubscribe feature is limited to our system and therefore we have no ability to control emails forwarded from another party.

    From the Builder

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    Greetings!

    Well, the weather finally warmed up and summer has officially made its way to the Treasure Valley. I hope you have had the opportunity to get outdoors, do a little camping and fishing and enjoy some of those activities that make Idaho such a great place to live.

    With the warmer weather finally here, many of you will see an increase in your power usage as air conditioners will be working to keep your homes cool during the warmer months ahead.

    With that being said, I have decided to focus this newsletter on Energy Efficient Remodeling. Now is a great time to replace windows before the cold of winter makes it appearance in Idaho. I have also included information on window treatments and insulation to help beat the heat of summer and keep the heat in during the winter.

    With all of the energy tax credits available to homeowner’s, it’s hard to pass up such a great opportunity to save big on these types of remodels. Also, this initial investment will continue to save you money down the road for years to come!

    Wishing you and yours a safe and happy summer!

    Sincerely,


    Jeff Hibbard
     

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    Energy Efficient Remodeling: Save Money Now and Continue to Reap Rewards Later

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    As a current or potential homeowner, we have been told that it is a buyer's market in the real estate field for some time now. Well, it's currently a remodeler's market in the construction game.

    New home construction has been lagging for the past two years now, and though new construction has been weak, there is an increased demand for remodeling. Homebuilders and construction companies are getting into the remodeling game more than ever — subsequently driving up competition and driving down material and labor prices. This is great news for the homeowner considering a remodel project!

    Now is the most opportune time to remodel because costs are just going to increase. The most popular remodeling projects are kitchen and bathroom upgrades and overhauls. But, a new trend is rapidly developing and more and more homeowners are spending their remodeling dollars on energy- efficiency and green products.

    Click here to learn more about Energy Efficient Remodeling and Tax Credits available to homeowners.

     

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    Replacement Windows: Knowing & Choosing the Right Type of Window

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    Choosing the right vinyl home replacement windows can seem like a daunting task. But knowing the processes involved and the important factors to consider before investing in energy-efficient vinyl windows for your home can simplify the process for you.

    Knowing & Choosing the Right Type of Window:

    Vinyl windows are less expensive than other types of windows and are the best in terms of both efficiency and durability. However, you have to decide on the right type of vinyl window that will suit your environment, budget and taste. Vinyl windows are available in a number of categories thereby widening your options:

    Double Hung Vinyl Replacement Windows are easy to clean and are equipped with an upper and lower sash that accelerates ventilation.

    Casement Vinyl Replacement Windows tops the chart of energy efficiency and ventilation and suits cabinet set ups the best.

    Bay and Bow Vinyl Replacement Windows create an illusion of space and almost look like a naturally extended part of a room.

    Picture Vinyl Replacement Windows are perfect for highlighting the panoramic view of enticing scenery outside if any.

    Gliding or Sliding Vinyl Replacement Windows as the name suggest slide on tracks and are easy to maintain.

    The Internet can provide you with an inexhaustible resource of the types, qualities, sizes, features, colors, trends and competitive market prices available in the market of vinyl windows.

    Click here for more information and energy ratings for vinyl replacement windows.

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    Window Treatments: Home Decor Meets Energy Savings

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    Energy saving window treatments and coverings are the cost effective solution to wintertime heat loss and summer time heat gain. The right combination of energy saving window coverings and treatments can almost instantly provide home energy savings.

    Window treatments don't just reduce heat loss and heat gain, they also enhance home decor and the efficiency of new replacement windows. With that said, the window is where decor and energy efficiency can effortlessly meet.

    How to choose

    There is no absolute or perfect answer for every home. Some insulating window coverings are more energy efficient than other thermal window coverings.

    But for many homeowners, window treatments must also be as decorative as they are energy efficient. Which energy saving window treatments will best suit your home will depend largely on the season and your regional climate.

    Click here for a description of the various types of window treatments and the energy savings each type offers.

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    Reduce Summer Cooling Bills: 5 Tips

    We are all so happy to see those hot summer temperatures roll around again, aren’t we? That is until those cooling bills start rolling in as well! 

    Whether you keep your home comfortable by using a sleek new energy-efficient central air system, old-fashioned evaporative cooler or even with floor fans and window units, there are additional steps you can take to significantly reduce your summer cooling bills not just now: but for every season hereafter! Here are some tips:

    1. Raise The Temperature A Bit: Your house doesn’t need to be kept as cold as your refrigerator in order for your family to be comfortable! Try setting your thermostat to 78 degrees and see how it feels. Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to set a program for your home’s temperature throughout the day and overnight as well: no more wasted energy when you don’t need it!


    2. Install Ceiling Fans: Putting ceiling fans in as many rooms as possible will greatly increase your comfort levels while allowing you to run your cooling system less. It costs relatively little to run them, and the increased air circulation they create make a big difference.

    3. Add More Insulation: Attic temperatures during the hottest months can soar to well over 100 degrees and, depending on where you live and the number of shade trees that are protecting your house, can even top off at 150! If your attic insulation is lacking, adding another layer will help to keep that heat up in the attic where it belongs and away from your upstairs living areas.

    4. Close the Drapes: Keep your blinds, shades, shutters or drapes closed during the hottest parts of the day. You especially want to make sure they are drawn on windows with a western exposure since afternoon heat is particularly searing.

    5. Invest in Window Tinting: Today’s window tinting products are more attractive and practical than ever before and their cost is a mere fraction of the expense of replacement windows. The best products will reject up to 75 percent of the sun’s heat while still allowing you to enjoy the view all day long.

    All of the above tips will really help to substantially reduce your monthly cooling bills and allow your family to enjoy a better quality of life and optimum comfort at home.
     

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    Energy Efficient Remodeling by Hibbard Construction

                        Before                                                     After

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    This 1980's Ranch Style home located in Kuna, received a major face lift that eliminated its retro look and enhanced its curb appeal with a newer, modern feel.

    The homeowners decided to add a charming front porch and new window configuration along with energy efficient windows. Dormers were added to the roofline to capture that quaint country charm. This gave the home an updated look and allowed for better natural indoor lighting and increased energy efficiency.

    The old rustic cedar channel siding was removed and replaced with James Hardie board siding that is backed by a 50 year warranty and significantly reduces maintenance requirements for the homeowner.

    Under the Hardie Board siding the home was wrapped in DuPont™ Tyvek® weather sheeting. The addition of the weather sheeting is like putting a windbreaker over a sweater and will help seal the home to keep inside air comfortable and outside air and water where it belongs.

    The end result is a home with a modern appeal and with the use of technologically advanced building materials, the home’s energy efficiency rating has been drastically increased!
     

    Hibbard Construction, Inc. - 716 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605. ph (208) 459-7048
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