Michael F. Simon Builders

Michael F. Simon Builders May 2010 Newsletter

It's hard to believe it's been a year already since we changed our logo and launched a new web site qualitydefined.com.  Over the last 30 years, our business has evolved, and so have we.  

Because a brand lives in the mind of consumers, we took an initiative to sit down with some of our past customers, our trade partners, and others outside of our circle to get a better sense of our brand.

One thing that surprised us is that few people know that we also do remodeling -- and a lot of it!  In fact, some of our employees are dedicated solely to remodeling. (Check out our remodeling page.)

So, if you or someone you know is thinking of refreshing, remodeling or adding space to a home, please give us a call or pass along our information. We greatly appreciate your continued business and referrals.

We were also humbled, but perhaps not surprised at the perception of Michael F. Simon Builders as the highest quality home builder in the area.  We are fortunate that our clients have a keen eye for quality and craftsmanship, and appreciate the value it delivers today and tomorrow. 

We feel we have always focused on the right things, starting with listening to your needs and wants.  We strive to provide timeless design, the best materials, craftsmen dedicated to the trade, honest and upfront bids, and a very detailed process, all to deliver a great experience and a quality home for our clients. The part we enjoy most is getting to know people like you throughout the process. 

As many of you have already learned, there are many builders who say "quality," but only one who can define it.  So while we have a new logo and new look, you can be assured we'll keep delivering the same top-notch, quality projects.

Best regards,

What Homeowners Should Know about Mold

As mold has been a growing topic lately, we wanted to offer some information about it. Mold is a type of fungus. It occurs naturally in the environment, and it is necessary for the natural decomposition of plant and other organic material. It spreads by means of microscopic spores borne on the wind, and is found everywhere life can be supported. Residential home construction is not, and cannot be, designed to exclude mold spores. If the growing conditions are right, mold can grow in your home.

In order to grow, mold requires a food source. This might be supplied by items found in the home, such as fabric, carpet or even wallpaper, or by building materials, such as drywall, wood and insulation, to name a few. Also, mold growth requires a temperate climate. Ggrowth occurs at temperatures between 40º F and 100º F. Finally, mold growth requires moisture. Moisture is the only mold growth factor that can be controlled in a residential setting. By minimizing moisture, a homeowner can reduce or eliminate mold growth.

Moisture in the home can have many causes. Spills, leaks, overflows, condensation, and high humidity are common sources of home moisture. Good housekeeping and home maintenance practices are essential in the effort to prevent or eliminate mold growth. If moisture is allowed to remain on the growth medium, mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours.

Consequences of mold. All mold is not necessarily harmful, but certain strains of mold have been shown to have adverse health effects in susceptible persons. The most common effects are allergic reactions, including skin irritation, watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, congestion, sore throat and headache.

What the Homeowner can do. The homeowner can take positive steps to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of mold growth in the home, and thereby minimize any possible adverse effects that may be caused by mold. These steps include the following: Before bringing items into the home, check for signs of mold. Potted plants (roots and soil), furnishings, or stored clothing and bedding material, as well as many other household goods, could already contain mold growth.

•  Regular vacuuming and cleaning will help reduce mold levels. Mild bleach solutions and most tile cleaners are effective in eliminating or preventing mold growth.

•  Keep the humidity of the home low. Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors. Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms by opening the windows, by using exhaust fans, or by running the air conditioning to remove excess moisture in the air, and to facilitate evaporation of water from wet surfaces.

•  Promptly clean up spills, condensation and other sources of moisture. Thoroughly dry any wet surfaces or material. Do not let water pool or stand in your home. Promptly replace any materials that cannot be thoroughly dried, such as drywall or insulation.

•  Inspect for leaks on a regular basis. Look for discolorations or wet spots. Repair any leaks promptly. Inspect condensation pans (refrigerators and air conditioners) for mold growth. Take notice of musty odors, and any visible signs of mold.

•  Should mold develop, thoroughly clean the affected area with a mild solution of bleach. First, test to see if the affected material or surface is color safe. Porous materials, such as fabric, upholstery or carpet should be discarded. Should the mold growth be severe, call on the services of a qualified professional cleaner.

Whether or not you as a homeowner experience mold growth depends largely on how you manage and maintain your home.

Past Projects: Second Story Addition

We had mentioned a few months ago that we would be adding a second story onto an existing home. We thought we'd follow up with some pictures of the finished result.

This particular home is in a great location and neighborhood that the owners have fallen in love with. They wanted more room for their family to enjoy and didn't want to move.

Scroll over the pictures to see the "Before" picture.

This project had its own challenges that we were happy to solve. We started by removing the deck that was off of the front door and beefed up its footings to hold the extra weight we would be adding to make it a covered porch with a bedroom above. Next, part of the roof, was removed as we framed up the new bedrooms. Soon, the tarps that are the temporary roof will be removed and the shingles will go on.

After this addition is complete, two new bedrooms will give this family the space they were looking for. A new bathroom and Master closet are also added as well as closets for storage.

Michael F Simon Builders is known for their large homes, but there has always been a Simon Builders remodeling crew that focuses on remodeling. That's how we can continuously deliver the same quality found in our homes, in each and every remodel.

Cabinet Cornucopia

As a professional builder, we keep our eyes on emerging trends in the housing industry, from new structural materials and energy-saving systems to interior finishes.

One of the big trends we're tracking - and accommodating for an increasing number of our homebuyers - is the use of cabinetry in a greater variety of rooms and areas in the house. No longer are cabinets just for the kitchen, bathrooms, and perhaps the laundry area. We've seen and installed them in outdoor and secondary kitchens, closets, wine rooms, dining areas, butler's pantries, home theaters, game rooms, and other spaces where storage is a practical necessity. Beyond their practical value, attractive cabinets are a worthy aesthetic addition, as well.

Cabinet suppliers have responded to this broader demand with features and finishes that fulfill specific functional needs and stylistic tastes.

For example, cabinet catalogs display a wide variety of components, including wine bottle and glass racking systems, dedicated storage for CDs and DVDs, cabinets to display -- or hide -- audio and home theater components, and even electronic hardware to raise and lower flat-panel televisions from the surface of a cabinet. In the kitchen or master bath, "garages" with roll-up doors conceal unsightly countertop appliances, while other cabinets with glass fronts and built-in lighting highlight fine china, glassware, or even sculpture.

Suppliers have become hip to the outdoor kitchen trend by creating cabinet systems and finishes that better withstand the elements. No longer limited to stainless steel boxes and fronts (although that look has a certain appeal and durability), outdoor cabinets are either engineered with a polymer additive to look like natural wood or finished with coatings that adequately protect natural wood from weather and use.

In addition to improved function, cabinets now offer more variety in their style. Manufacturers offer a wide range of panel fronts, ranging from intricate and ornate designs to simple flat door and drawers that evoke a contemporary feel. They also offer more finish options, from dramatic paints and cozy glazes to stains that highlight natural wood grains.

One recent design trend combines different materials in the same cabinet. For example, a center pane of glass in a cabinet front could be framed with natural maple trimmed around the outside with a brushed metal rim. Another design approach uses one color for the perimeter cabinets of a kitchen and a complementary color for the center island.

These and other treatments allow us to offer unique cabinets to our homeowners, cabinets that are customized in both appearance and function. The cabinets that used to be mere "storage" have been transformed into furniture-quality fixtures throughout the home.

Green Tip:

It's that time of year again!

Have your air conditioner serviced. This will allow your equipment to operate at peak efficiency and can prolong its life, all while lowering your energy bills! Call James from RG Heating & Air Conditioning at 608-849-6728. Make sure you mention that you got their name from our newsletter and receive our builder discount!

Featured Home for Sale (or rent):

  

682 Inverness St, Oregon WI

Reduced to $799,000

This home has 4-5 bedrooms with fine details throughout! Distinctive Craftsman's style! Home is situated on The Legends of Bergamont golf course! Designed with expansive windows & panoramic views of the country side & golf course! Dramatic wall & ceiling plaster details! Entertainment Centre w/surround sound on both levels! Gourmet kitchen w/top of the line appliances & Brazilian teak island w/sink! Screened porch! Wet bar! Wine room! Central Vac! Security System! And More!

Click here for pictures and more info.

If interested, 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, the dynamic duo would like to remind you to check your downspouts.

Even if you cleaned your gutters on schedule last fall, now's a good time to make sure your downspouts are still flowing freely. Carefully run a metal snake down your spout's elbow to clear any leaves, twigs, and other debris that may have made its way inside. Make sure your downspout is connected at the elbow and that you return it to the lowered position after mowing. This small step goes a long way in making sure your basement is dry and comfortable.

If you have any questions or concerns about waterproofing or have a current problem, we've had great success and highly recommend Sierra Concepts, LLC. (608-277-8995)

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: IPhone Universal Remote Control

It's cool to have a universal remote to control your home theater, since it's so frustrating using 3 or 5 different remotes to use each device in your home theater. ThinkFlood's RedEye is something really smart. It's a fail-proof way of transforming your iPhone into a universal remote control.

ThinkFlood's RedEye uses an iPhone dock and an iPhone app to make this work. The dock is controlled using the app via WiFi, which then sends out IR signals to your home theater. This is a great way of reducing the clutter in your living room, by simply using a stylish dock and your iPhone to control your home theater. We know that iPhone users want to use their phones to do basically everything.

The RedEye is available right now for $188. That's not too expensive, since you'll probably spend a bit more if you want to get a good universal remote control. Think about it, the iPhone's touchscreen is top of the line. Combine this with the dock and you get the equivalent of the higher-priced universal remotes at a lower price. The Logitech Harmony 900 will cost you $400. You can tailor the buttons on the iPhone to suit your liking, and you can group devices into single macros, enabling you to do many things with just a touch of your phone.

Available from Think Flood for $188.

In the next issue:

» Available Lots
» New Products

» Green Tips

» Past Project- Adding Cubbies

» Tips from Bob & Terry

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