I learn something new every day...

Check out this contraption! This is what's called a "blower door test". It's used to seal a door off temporarily and determine the air-tightness of a home. They use the blower-door test among other things to determine the energy efficiency rating that a house can receive. Jimmy Nash Homes uses blown-in cellulose insulation, Anderson Low-E windows, spray foam around those windows, sealed duct-work, and, of course, a lot of folks are opting to install a geothermal system in order to be super energy-efficient. Almost all of his new homes have earned an Energy Star rating of 5 Star or 5 Star+. I can't wait to see how we rate! Jimmy's houses consistently score 25-30% more efficient than other builders in our area being rated by this standard. That translates to at least that much in savings per month in your energy bills, and potentially even more with the geo-thermal heating and cooling. This is so exciting, because we know that energy costs just continue to rise. So why not build energy efficient? New is better!!

Paint!

I admit I have a paint obsession. I love paint. Once, I had to break up with Benjamin Moore, but we got back together. I just couldn't stay away! Needless to say, it took me a long time to decide on paint colors. But I did manage to get them picked, and I love them all!! The best part about the paint is that no one else is allowed in the house while it's being applied. Not that you'd want to be in there anyway while they're spraying that trim paint (respirator mask, anyone?) but the fact is that's what allows them to get the furniture-like finish on the trim that Jimmy Nash Homes is known for. Who wants sawdust in their trim paint?? Not me and certainly other homeowners don't either.
So the painters get the house all to themselves for about two weeks. They cover EVERYTHING. Some things get extra special treatment. The island top came in during paint, so they stopped what they were doing long enough to get it on and then, whooosh...on went the rosin paper and three layers of plastic! Those guys weren't taking any chances! I was so glad I was there before it got covered up, because it would've been torture not to see it until they were done. Here are some photos of the paint in progress. We're getting really close to being finished, and I can't wait to show you the end result!

You've gotta love these guys...

Jimmy Nash Homes has great working relationships with the subcontractors that provide work such as brick, drywall, trim, hardwood, paint, etc. (This list could go on and on!)They are accustomed to working with us, and know the standards and quality that customers come to expect from Jimmy Nash Homes. They all do fantastic work, and since our fireplace was finished up at the end of last week, I'd like to show you the end result. If you can remember, I was having a hard time deciding exactly what I wanted for the fireplace in the family room. Needless to say, we are just tickled with the way it turned out. I can't say enough about all these guys, and anyone that has visited a Jimmy Nash Home can attest that they are the best! Here's a little before and after:




We still have a few details to finish up, but we're getting close. As you can see, if you can dream it up, they can do it. We'd LOVE to see YOUR before and after! Thanks for reading and have a great day!!