Michael F. Simon Builders

Michael F. Simon Builders February 2010 Newsletter

Are you getting sick of the snow? Do you have Spring Fever? Are you looking forward to relaxing outside again? Now is the perfect time to start planning those projects we've all put off.

If Building, remodeling, or adding onto your home is even a possibility, we have just the thing for you. We've teamed up with our subcontractors and have some great spring specials. How'd you like extra discounts on appliances, lighting, windows, patio doors, and a government tax rebate to make that project more affordable?

Call and schedule a free in home consultation. We'll come to your house and tell you if your ideas are possible and any discounts we can offer you to make the project as economical as possible!

Best regards,

500 & Counting

Last month, the home building industry hit an important milestone when the NAHB Research Center provided National Green Building Certification for its 500th project, and the Research Center anticipates doubling this number of certifications by the end of this year!

The certification recognizes projects that have met stringent criteria in energy, water and resource efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and lot and site design. Certification also requires homeowners to be educated by the builder to help ensure that their homes operate as efficiently as they were built.

Here at Michael F Simon Builders, we are proud to be part of that achievement as we have been a member of NAHB since 1964. Our company's criteria is even more strict then local building codes and the Green Built codes, which means we didn't have to change anything at all to meet the criteria required for the Green Building Certification.

For the last 10 years, every home we build is tested and certified by both Energy Star and Green Built Homes. This means the homes we build are designed to save the owners money while they live in a more comfortable home.

For more information, please visit our Green Building page for more information. Or better yet, give us a call; we'd love to talk to you about the little things we consider standard that will save you money!

Past Projects: Window Replacement

Have you noticed that pesky draft or the cold area by a window, or any other reason your windows aren't performing to your expectations, consider replacing them. Maybe you simply want to take advantage of the $1500 tax rebate.

Michael F Simon Builders has an excellent reputation and recently teamed up with Pella to become a Pella Certified Contractor. We have worked with other window companies, and have been disappointed when it comes to the warranty and service aspect. We put our name behind every home we build or remodel and will only use products that meet our strict criteria. A philosophy we use daily is "If it's not good enough for our own home, it's certainly not good enough for our client's home.

As a Pella Certified contractor, we can extend Pella's discounts to you directly. Receive $100 off each installed Pella window and $300 off each installed Pella patio door.*

With Michael F Simon Builders & Pella teamed up, now is the best time for window replacement. We have the expertise to quickly and professionally install them in any weather and any time of the year.

A Home Owners Nightmare

Last fall, we were called to a home to look at some leaking windows. The home was built in Waunakee only 10 years ago by a "Parade Quality" builder and the windows were shot already. What a shame. We removed the siding from the entire back of the home, installed the missing House wrap, and then installed new Pella windows along with the original siding.

The entire project took less than 2 weeks after the windows were delivered and the savings will kick in immediately. The windows qualified for the $1500 tax rebate and will save the owner money every single day. The housewrap I mentioned earlier will provide peace-of-mind as the missing water deterrent. This along with proper flashing will repel water and keep it from rotting out the windows again.

This made the home more comfortable, more energy efficient and gave them peace of mind all with the assistance of the stimulus rebate. You can't ask for anything better!

To get $100 off each installed Pella window and $300 off each installed Pella patio door and to schedule your FREE In-Home Consultation call Phil Simon at 608-849-5916.*

*Restrictions do apply, call for more details.

Answer: When the temperature drops well below zero, which happens with regularity in Wisconsin during the winter, you bet you can get frost on cold interior surfaces.

Inside your home the air is warm. This warm air can hold a fair amount of water vapor. When warm, moist air contacts a cold surface, it can condense. You've probably seen this in the summer if you take a cold can of soda or pop onto your patio to relax. Within minutes water droplets start to form on the outside of the can.

This same thing is happening on the windows and walls of your home. But the windows and walls are so cold; the water that is condensing is turning to ice and frost.

It can cause damage once it thaws and runs down the windows and walls.. What's more, there is a possibility the water vapor is collecting inside the wall. This is a far more serious problem if it's happening.

The root cause of this problem is not that it is too cold outside or that your home is poorly insulated. It's simply the moisture level in your home is too high.

You can minimize the frost from forming by lowering the humidity inside your home. This is not always easy, but check to make sure your humidity setting on your humidifier is set very low (If you have one). As the outdoor temperature drops, you need to make sure you put less water in the air in your home.

Water vapor also is generated by cooking, showers, hanging things to dry, indoor plants and even aquariums. Just try to watch the water you use indoors when it's cold outside. When cooking, use your cook top exhaust fan. When showering, use your bath fan. Getting the humidity down in your home will eliminate the condensation on those cold surfaces.

Snow Tip:

Does it seem like as you'r shoveling, the snow is sticking to your shovel, making you work harder then necessary? Try putting some car wax on your shovel. Make sure it's dry and clean first of course. This will make you'r life a little easier as your out clearing the snow.

This same trick works great in showers also! By applying a car or boat wax to the sides (do not wax the floor, it will become very slippery!) you won't have that scum build up or the daunting task of cleaning the shower as often.

Featured Lot for Sale:

Fieldstone Estates, Town of Middleton

Lot 5, Deering Trail

This subdivision is located 2 1/2 miles west of the Beltline off Airport Road. Bordering the south side of Whispering Winds subdivision. This large (40,000 sq. ft.) lot is located on a quiet cul-de-sac with the front facing east. Sloping elevation would allow for a half exposure to the rear yard. Rear property line is heavily wooded. Call for price.

For more details about this unique building site, call Phil Simon at (608) 849-5916, or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Tips from Bob & Terry:

Bob Clemens (remodeling expert) and Terry Dowell (Project Manager) from Simon Builders, have picked up a few tips and tricks over their 50 plus combined years here at Simon Builders. This month, they have an exterior tip.

"Now is the time to start planning your exterior home maintenance projects. Take a pad of paper and walk around your home looking from the roof down to the foundation. Make notes of any areas of concern and what corrective action to take." If you're unsure about something, or if you don't know what to look for either contact a professional, or email Paul to get a checklist to use.

If you'd like Bob & Terry to answer any specific home related questions, feel free to email them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Cheers to You: Our New Referral Program

The greatest compliment we can receive is a referral from you! If you know of anyone looking for a lot, a new home or a refresh or remodel in their current home, please have them give us a call.

As a token of our appreciation, we will treat you to a wine or brew of the month club, if your referral builds with us. Please contact us for more details. Cheers & thank you!

New Product: Vertical Lift Oven

Do you want to have the latest and greatest appliance, well then you need the innovative design of this oven. It's guaranteed to make people stare.

With the simple push of a button, the Lift Oven's bottom drops down to the countertop, allowing access from three sides and saving you from having to hoist hot, heavy casseroles. Since heat rises, the heat remains in the oven cavity, resulting in minimal energy loss during the lift operation. The lift oven's functionality increases safety, as the need to reach into a hot oven to remove food has been eliminated. Leave the bottom down and it also doubles as a 24-inch-wide ceramic cook top.

Pictured here:
The BL 253 lift oven with automatic elevating base
Available from Gaggenau.com.

In the next issue:

» Featured Lot for Sale
» New Product: Green Showerheads

» Green Tips

» Tips from Bob & Terry

» Sealing the Envelope

Send story ideas and feedback to Paul Simon ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).