| ย | Michael F. Simon Builders November 2009 Newsletter Michael F Simon Builders - Quality Defined! You hear the word "quality" thrown around a lot with different companies; some say it has even lost its credibility. At Michael F. Simon Builders, we feel we have earned the right to not just use the word, but that our homes are the definition of quality. That's why, when we wanted to update our image, we chose a lion's head as our logo and the door knocker instantly fit. If you see our vehicles around town, you'll see the lion's head and know without even reading our name, that we are the industry leader with over 116 years of pride. We have pride in everything we build just like our clients take pride in their home. We have also changed our motto "Quality Defined" as we have been, and continue to set the bar for quality construction. We have also updated our website which can be seen at www.qualitydefined.com. Best regards,
Tune-up from RG Heating Before Winter Everyone knows the more efficiently a piece of equipment runs, the more money it can save you! RG Heating and Air Conditioning finds that to be especially true with regard to your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. With summer coming to an end and winter just arriving, now is the time to think about maintenance of your heating system. Preventive maintenance helps ensure your furnace will give you reliable service when you need it. RG offers a Safety and Efficiency Agreement (SEA) program to all of their customers - present, past and future! How RG's SEA program works is this: You sign up for the service knowing in advance what services RG will provide and the cost it will be, they call you to schedule the work to be done, you determine the day and time that works best for you, they send their qualified technicians out to do the work and your equipment gets a full inspection to ensure it is running at its peak efficiency! RG's SEA gas furnace tune-up includes the following services: - *Check the safety controls
- *Check for gas leaks
- *Clean the condensate line
- *Vacuum the furnace
- *Lubricate the moving parts
- *Replace the thermostat batteries
- *Perform a carbon monoxide test
- *Check the gas pressures
- *Replace up to (2) 1" filters
- *Run and check the furnace
- *Check the temperature rise
- *Inspect the humidifier
- *Adjust the return air dampers throughout the home
In the unlikely event that there is a problem, RG will diagnose it, let you know ALL of your options and let you decide what you would like them to do further - if anything. It's up to you to decide how they will proceed. They never make a repair without the consent of their customers. In addition to knowing your equipment is running at optimal efficiency, RG's SEA customers also receive a 10% discount on all repairs - current and in the future. Signing up is easy and your agreement can be cancelled at any time. Just give RG Heating a call and they will help you prepare for those cold winter nights that we all know are on the way!
Past Projects: Before & After Remodel Pictures Scroll over any picture to see what it looked like before Simon Builders came and worked their remodel magic. Below- A second story was added to this home. The owners loved their neighborhood and location, but wanted more space.  Below- This older looking kitchen was "Refreshed" to bring it up to date. Now this kitchen is warm and cozy and invites guests to pull up a stool and admire all of the detail that makes this kitchen an extension of the owner's personality. 
Below- This kitchen was small and cramped before. We took out the wall on the far left, and added six feet of dining space as well as a patio door that leads out to the new porch. Unless you saw this kitchen before, you'd never know it was added on to, even from the outside! 
Ceiling Fans Save Energy All Year Long Fans Help in Winter, Too
In the summer, ceiling fans offer a comfortable alternative and accompaniment to air conditioning, but in the winter employing the reversible blade option provides a means of circulating the hotter air that rises to the ceiling. This helps save on heating bills when the weather gets cold. Now is a good time to do this. If you already have fans in place, check to see whether they are Energy Star qualified. Ceiling fan/light combinations that have earned Energy Star accreditation are about 50 percent more efficient than non-conforming units. The difference lies in improved motors and blade designs. A model with an Energy Star light kit included provides even greater energy savings, and the bulbs don't need to be changed as often.
In the summer, using fans wisely while turning down the AC can save a lot of money.
Size Matters
A good rule of thumb is a 36- to 52-inch diameter blades for rooms measuring 200 square feet or less. For rooms 200 to 400 square feet, we recommend a diameter of 52 inches or greater; if the space is more than 400 square feet, two or more fans can be used.
The number of blades makes some difference in airflow, however, whether to choose a four-, five-, or six-blade version is really a matter of aesthetics.
It's important not to underestimate. The most common size sold in the U.S. is a 52-inch diameter, which is excellent in rooms up to 150 square feet. It's better to choose a slightly larger fan for a room than to choose a diameter that might prove to be too small to adequately provide air movement.
A Ceiling Fan as a focal point?
There are so many different looks you can get from adding a ceiling fan to a room. It could serve as a focal point or be more understated. It doesn't matter if the room is contemporary, traditional, tropical or transitional, there's a ceiling fan to match.
| ย | ย | 2009 Best of Business Award Congratulations Michael F Simon Builders, Inc. The Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is pleased to announce that Michael F Simon Builders Inc has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the General Contractors category. The SBCA Best of Business Award Program recognizes the best of small businesses throughout the country. Using consumer feedback and other research, the SBCA identifies companies that they believe have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports.
Green Tip: If your fireplace isn't a sealed combustable unit, only use it in the early fall or late spring when not using your furnace. Remember to close the fireplace damper after the fire is out. This can save money and improve comfort while preventing heat loss. (If your fireplace is a sealed combustable unit, you can use it year round. Sealed combustable units have a non-operational glass front.)
Featured Lot for Sale:Tuscany Ridge, Waunakee Lot 13, Tuscany Lane Click for Printable Lot Map This development is located just north of Carriage Ridge subdivision off of Woodland Drive. This large 1.25 acre lot has mature trees, abuts a conservancy and is located on a private drive. Priced at $264,500.00.
Tips from Bob & Terry: Bob Clemens (remodeling expert) and Terry Dowell (Project Manager) from Simon Builders, havepicked up more than a few tricks and tips over their combined 50+ years here at Simon Builders. This month, they'd like to mention a quick maintenance task that can save you a lot of problems this winter. It's time to get ready for cold weather! Before the freezing temperatures come, prevent damage to your home during the long winter months using these tips. Remove Hoses
Do what you can to keep the winter weather from damaging your pipes and plumbing. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, storing them inside for the winter. This will prevent the water thats inside the hose from frezing back up into your home and possibly causing a pipe to burst. If you'd like Bob & Terry to answer any specific home related questions, feel free to email them to
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New Product: Green Light Switch  Studies show that people conserve more energy when they can see their usage in real time. The Maestro eco-minder dimmer operates on a similar principle. It features an LED display that changes from red to green when the homeowners are saving energy by at least 15 percent. The green light moves down to show additional energy savings. It comes in white, almond, and ivory. www.lutron.com
Cost: $45.50
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!
In the next issue: ยป Kitchen Before and After Pictures
ยป New Product- Vacuum in a Drawer
ยป Green Tips ยป LED Holiday Lights ยป Tips from Bob & Terry ยป Simon Builders earns Pella's "Certified Contractor Certification" Please send story ideas and feedback to Paul Simon.ย ย
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Message from Phil Simon, Simon Builder's President About a month ago, I was talking to Kevin, a past client that we had built a new home for back in 1990. The subdivision we built for them in, like most all subdivisions, required a certain amount of trees and shrubs be planted in the front yard. Because there was no requirement for planting trees in the backyard, very little was planted. Well, Kevin mentioned that the trees in their backyard are finally large enough to be attracting wildlife, as they now have a squirrel visiting daily. That night as Kathy and I ate dinner on our screened in porch (as we typically do), we watched a doe and two fawns frolic in the conservancy behind our home. The fawns played more like kittens for what seemed to be an hour and then suddenly left. Along came a red fox with a gray tip on its tail. The fox played for a while and then laid down and watched the squirrels that were very busy burying acorns. The deer have been daily visitors and now we are seeing the fox a couple of times a week. We can also hear pheasants, though I have not seen them. Being spoiled with Mother Nature in our backyard, my thoughts turned back to Kevin, who after 19 years is starting to see squirrels. So why do I bring this up in our newsletter? Did I mention we have lots for sale? All of the lots we currently have โfor saleโ have an outlot, conservancy or greenway out the rear. Can I show you the lots I am talking about? Next Spring, you too can sit out in your new screened in porch enjoying dinner and having Mother Nature at the edge of your lot. You don't need to wait 19 years to enjoy mature woods. We have that for sale right now. So what are you waiting for? Give me a call. |
