At Home in Berks June 2015

JUNE 2015Home Builders Association of Berks County

PROJECT BY:PROJECT BY:

Parade HomesParade Homes Homes ofParade HomesParade Homes Homes Homes

2015

Make Your Home Perfectly You.Start Fresh. Design It Your Way.

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JUNE 2015

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32For Advertising Opportunities: call 610.685.0914 Ext. 1Read At Home In Berks Magazine Online at HBAberks.org

The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction of print or digital articles without written permission from Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc., and/or the Home Builders Association of Berks County is forbidden. The placement of paid advertisements does not imply endorsement by HBA of Berks County.

Publisher: Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc. 610.685.09142921 Windmill Road, Suite 4, Sinking Spring, PA 19608

Contents2015 HBA BerksBoard of Directors

Officers:President

Edward F. Anewalt IV, CLPAnewalt’s Landscape Contracting

(Bernville)

First Vice PresidentJames E. Gavin, Esquire

Masano Bradley Attorneys at Law (Wyomissing)

Secretary/TreasurerEvan L. Hand, III

National Penn Bank (Allentown)

Immediate Past PresidentPatrick J. Dolan, AIA, LEED AP

Dolan Construction Inc. (Reading)

Builder/Remodeler Directors:

David HallowellHeffleger Kitchen Center (Reading)

Brad KehresL A Kehres Building & Remodeling

(Leesport)

Eric KellerBerks Fire Water Restorations, Inc.

(Reading)

Bryan MollB & G Glass (Reading)

Associate Directors:Sherrie Hallowell

Tompkins VIST Bank (Wyomissing)

Peter HartKohl Building Products (Reading)

Jason JenkinsBursich Associates, Inc. (Pottstown)

HBA Staff:

Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOMExecutive Officer & At Home in Berks

Editor-in-Chief

Barbara M. BohrmanMember & Event Coordinator

Features:

Angles:

Departments:

6 No Ductwork? No Problem! Updating an old home with

ductless air conditioning.

23 A/C: What You Don’t Know Could Cost You…BIG Steps everyone can take to keep their A/C system operating at peak efficiency.

26 Get Help With Your New Home From Start to Finish

Tips for home building, lowering living costs, and other related information.

30 Ready to Buy a Home? How to start the process

of purchasing a home.

4 From the President HBA of Berks County President Edward Anewalt.

32 Membership Pages New and returning members, member to member discount programs, and an overview of all Association-related events from May – July 2015.

12 2015 Parade of Homes Preview the quality construction

& superb designs Built by Berks!

4 AT HOME IN BERKs JUNE 2015

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889

From the President

Edward F. Anewalt IV, CLPAnewalt’s Landscape Contracting

The theme of this issue—BUILDING & REMODELING—sure made it easy for me to write about. After

years of planning, Lori, my wife, and I embarked on our own remodeling projects. Yes, that’s right—projects; one at our home and the other at our business.

Let’s talk about our home project first. Lori and I began dreaming of our addition four years ago. The house we live in did not have the right flow for our family of four so we began planning, looking around, being observant, and gathering ideas and photos of our desires.

Gather InformationThis first step, of simply observing, proved

to be very helpful when the time came to discuss our future addition with the archi-tect. We already had a strong direction and opinion about our addition. This brings me to you.

If you are considering embarking on a remodeling project, start to look around. Get a feel for what you like and don’t like. I even suggest starting a folder for your project. When you find something that you could envision incorporated in your project, snap a picture of it, rip it out of a magazine, take notes on it, and put it in your file. When you meet with the con-tractor or architect, you will be the one driving the bus.

One concrete example of a medium we had hoped to incorporate into our addi-tion was the slate floor at the Nittany Lion Inn in University Park, Pennsylvania. Lori and I, both PSU graduates, frequented the Nittany Lion Inn in our postgraduate years.

We often commented about the floor and how beautiful it would work in our style of home since our home already had rustic characteristics. We snapped photos of the floor, considered how it would pair with the wood we intended for our addition, and pursued different sealing options for the floor. Knowing we wanted a similar floor created great conversation when we met with the flooring company. The professionals helped us to consider a few sealing options and patterns that we did not know existed.

The end result was happy customers (us) that made their own choices (the slate) under professional guidance (the reputable flooring company)!

Visit the Parade of Homes

Another fantastic way to gather ideas is to visit the Parade of Homes! Take advan-tage of this incredible opportunity to see the latest and the greatest in construction. The beauty of the Parade of Homes is not only seeing the projects, but having the chance to talk with the contractors in the moment.

I stress that you seize this opportunity since contractors, depending on their ‘in sea-son,’ may not always have unlimited time to spend with you. Contractors love spending time with clients in their off-season, if they have an off-season, since the dialogs can be casual and unhurried. In season, however, even though a contractor may have your best interest at heart, time may be sparse.

If you are contacting a contractor in season, I suggest from my own business experience, asking the contractor what his turn around time is if he doesn’t tell you

& Remodeling101

up front. That way, if your project is time sensitive, you’ll know up front if you can work with the named contractor.

Have an Open MindI do want to mention our commercial

project as this is a magazine read by both home owners and business owners alike. In 2001, when we purchased the location of our business, Anewalt ’s Landscape Contracting, the property had several exist-ing buildings. At the time, we remodeled minimally to work within our budget and within our needs. Since 2001, our business has grown and we are bursting at the seams in the office building in which we currently conduct business.

Once again, Lori and I gathered ideas and photos of what we would like to see. Similarly, we visited other landscape con-tractors to appreciate the flow of their business throughout their buildings, jotting down ideas. Finally, we listened to our staff. To us, their input for the future renovation was just as valuable as ours, since they spend countless hours at Anewalt’s.

When we met with the contractor, we presented this conglomeration of ideas and then waited. With professional know-how, our contractor used his expertise to propose a plan that gelled our ideas with his knowl-edge. The end result was an even better plan than we had anticipated.

In summation, it was great that Lori and I came prepared with our ideas, however, it was imperative that we were open-minded and flexible. The end result—a functional, structurally sound, and aesthetically pleas-ing space that fit us perfectly.

In closing, have fun with your remod-eling! Any change can produce stress. Maintain your humor and an open mind as you push through your new project. Of course, compromise, too! Your spouse, col-league, field man, or even child may have great perspective.

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features

No Duct Work? NO PROBLEM!

Berks County is full of them—beautiful, old brick homes, stone farmhouses, historical inns, and

even renovated barns. Home owners and contractors alike are lovingly restoring these structures to their historical grandeur, while adding the modern amenities we’ve all come to consider necessities—dish-washers, en suite luxury bathrooms and even media rooms.

But, one modern luxury (or is it a necessi-ty?) is often missing: central air conditioning. The reason: no duct work.

It may be impractical, or even impossi-ble, to retrofit duct work into an old home or building, especially when trying to pre-serve the original architecture. This often leaves home owners with the impression that central air is simply not an option for them. So, instead, we play the twice-a-year

Angela DeLong

JUNE 2015 AT HOME IN BERKs 7


Continued on page 8

While the cost of a ductless mini-split system may seem higher than a tradition-al central air system, the cost may actually run about 25% less when considering the additional cost of retrofitting ductwork into an existing system. Your investment really depends on what you are looking to accom-plish. A reputable HVAC contractor will

visit your home or building to get a good feel for the exact details of the proposed job. They will be able to provide you with several options to meet your goals and fit your budget.

Heating with Ductless Systems

Owners of older homes are also likely to have an inefficient heating system—usually an oil burning furnace—and are quite often outside of the natural gas utility’s footprint, making conversions to alternative fuels dif-ficult. For these folks, the ductless system can provide relief in the winter months, too. Just turn it on for instantly warm air—no more waiting for radiators to warm up.

You can choose to heat your whole home or building with the mini-splits, which are powered by electricity. If you are interested in this option, make sure you inform your HVAC contractor, so that you can pur-chase a system that will adequately heat the whole building.

game of lugging big, inefficient and—let’s face it—ugly, window air conditioners down from the attic in the early summer and back up to the attic again in the fall. Otherwise, we will spend all summer roast-ing in our own homes and doing everything to avoid going to the upper floors for about 4 months each year.

It’s time to stop this madness. It’s time to do what Europe and Asia have been doing for decades. It’s time to go ductless.

Central Air without DuctsDuctless mini-split systems, like the

Mitsubishi Intertek, now allow you to cool your home without any ductwork. They are energy efficient—EnergyStar estimates that these systems can save 30% on your home’s heating and cooling costs.

Oh yeah…did we forget to mention that they will also heat your home? More on that later.

Ductless options range from one-room to multi-room to multi-floor. They offer much more flexibility than a traditional HVAC system, allowing you to heat or cool only certain areas without the complexity of ductwork to contend with; so, they are generally easier to install. For these reasons, ductless systems have been the primary way of providing indoor climate control through-out Europe and Asia for decades now.

Connect with the HBA…

Home Builders Associationof Berks County

@HBAberks

HBAberks

Group: HBA Berks

Channel: HBAberks





When Dave Strick at TradeMasters Contracting was considering HVAC solutions for the Mariawald Renewal Center in Shillington, PA, he had many factors to consider. This 40-year-old, ductless building was being renovated for spiritual retreats for up to 48 guests at a time. But, most of the dormitory rooms would be vacant a good portion of the time, with the exception of just a few offices on the first floor.

The center is a non-profit, run by the Sisters of the Precious Blood Convent on the same property. As such, it was imperative that any new system would help to control heating and cooling costs for years to come.

Dave and his son, David Jr., did some research and contacted UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to

determine the best solution for the facility. The team decided that a mini-split option was the way to go. This choice not only prevented the costly installation of ductwork, but the high efficiency ratings would mean lower monthly utility bills, too. Plus, the ability to adjust the thermostats in each individual room not only added convenience for the guests, but additional savings on the electric bill. All of these cost-saving measures were exactly what the non-profit needed. UGI is now working with the Convent to determine if there are any additional utility rebates for which they can apply.

Over the course of the 6-week project, TradeMasters and UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing installed 16 Mitsubishi Intertek outdoor units, connecting to 34

indoor heads. All refrigerant and electrical lines were hidden within outdoor conduits color-matched to the existing siding. Each interior room was fitted with a wall mounted head unit connected to its own wireless thermostat.

For this facility, the ductless mini-split was the best solution, providing cost-savings on both the installation and the monthly maintenance.

If your home or business is looking for an alternative to retrofitting ductwork, a way to save space, an alternative heat source, or added efficiency and savings, it may be worth your time to look into a mini-split option. Contact a reputable HVAC contractor and ask for a free, in-home consultation to discuss the many options available for your unique situation.

Case Study:Mariawald Renewal Center

Continued on page 10

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Another option is simply to use the duct-less system as auxiliary heat—turning it on only in the rooms that are in use to provide a little extra warmth. Then, you can turn down the main system’s thermostat to keep your heating costs down. And, when you are running low on oil and want to conserve those last few gallons until your next delivery, you can always rely on the ductless system.

Ductless as a Solution to Other Problems

Ductless systems have a wide range of other applications. Many consumers have chosen mini-split systems to heat or cool that oddball section of their home or build-ing—a sunroom, attic, or garage—or a new addition to the building that cannot easily be tied into the existing HVAC system.

Sometimes, a one-room mini-split system is the perfect solution for that one area of the building that always seems to be too hot or too cool.

Ductless systems can also be the perfect solution for homes that simply do not have the space for a traditional central heating and air conditioning system. Homes with-out basements, such as mobile or modular homes, can benefit greatly from this tech-nology. Recent trends have shown many people looking to install these systems in their shore homes.

Many businesses are also choosing a ductless solution for multi-room living spaces. In these instances, business owners, churches, or non-profits often have rooms that are used at irregular intervals—maybe only on weekends during church services, or in dorms that are used only during spe-cial events. If those circumstances dictate that just some of the rooms will need to be heated or cooled just some of the time, a ductless solution may make the most sense. It allows for the heat or air to be turned on only when needed, and only where need-ed. The mini-split system also allows each room’s occupant to set the temperature to his or her own preference.

How Does It Work?So how, exactly, does a ductless mini-split

system work? Each system has a condensing unit on the outside of the building. The com-pressor—the heart of the condenser—uses inverter technology. The compressor adjusts to the load on the inside of the home to run at whatever speed is needed to keep the area comfortable—that is where the real energy savings come in.

Each outdoor unit then connects to up to eight indoor units. The most common residential installation would have one out-door unit connected to one to three indoor heads. Each of these indoor units then can be controlled by a conventional thermo-stat or a remote handheld unit, allowing for separate climate control in each of the individual zones.

The indoor selections can be wall mount-ed, floor mounted, recessed for drop ceiling



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applications. There are also air handler options for retrofitting conventional heat pump installations.

Rebates for High EfficiencySince these systems have no duct work,

there is zero duct loss, making mini-split systems extremely efficient with ratings as high as 26 SEER. Not only does this add

up to big savings on your energy bills; but, because of these high ratings, most mini-split installations qualify for rebates offered by the local electric utility companies. An experienced HVAC installer or general contractor should be able to assist you with choosing qualifying models and obtaining these rebates.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela DeLong is Marketing

Manager for UGI Heating, Cooling

and Plumbing and for UGI Energy

Services, both headquartered in

Wyomissing, PA. UGI offers sales,

service, and installation of many

HVAC systems, including ductless

solutions. For more information

visit www.UGIHVAC.com. Contact

Angela at [email protected] or

by phone at (610) 743-7008.



The Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA) is proud to sponsor the lineup for the 2015 Parade of Homes. The Parade will run over two Friday — Saturday — Sunday periods: beginning on Friday, May 29th through Sunday, May 31st, and again from Friday, June 5th through Sunday, June 7th. Homes are open on Fridays 3 –7 pm and on weekends

12 – 6 pm.It worked so well last year that we’re bringing it back! This year’s Parade will again feature REMODELED HOME ENTRIES

along with NEW HOME ENTRIES. Both our exceptional new home builders and our incomparable remodelers rose to the occasion with some really spectacular creations you won’t want to miss.

Come preview the quality construction and superb designs. Take the time to see as many as you can fit into your schedule. Use this Guide to get a brief description of each of the projects. Then, use your GPS or follow the directions to see and touch for yourself the craftsmanship our builders and remodelers have put into each Parade entry.

A special thank you to the corporate sponsors of this year’s Parade — their commitment to the entrants and the HBA has once again made this a FREE event for you to enjoy with your family and friends.

PS: Feel free to sing I LOVE A PARADE! as loud and as often as you would like.

ADDRESS: 51 Edinboro Lane, Reading, PA 19605 (Lot 231 Willow Glen)

ADDRESS FOR GPS: Same

MARKETING STATEMENT: This Celia II is an open concept home that features a Superior Wall Xi basement system, 9’ first floor ceilings, modern tile flooring that combines the beauty of hardwood and versatility of ceramic tile. Off the garage, an upgraded mud room offers a “drop-zone,” while the kitchen showcases granite countertops and white cabinets with crown molding. The master suite offers a retreat of sorts with a massive walk-in closet and tile shower.

DIRECTIONS: Route 222, Exit onto Rt 61 North. Follow 4.2 Miles and turn right onto Snyder Road (at traffic light adjacent to Raymour & Flanigan). Follow .3 Miles and turn right on Calais Drive. Then follow .5 miles and turn right onto Edinboro Lane. Home is on the right.

NEW HOME ENTRY

1 FORINO CO. LP



2015 PARADE OF HOMES

ADDRESS: 17 Glen Oley Drive, Reading, PA 19606


MARKETING STATEMENT: Welcome to another home by award-winning Builder, Hearthstone Homes. Although no award can replace a satisfied customer, we are honored to have been a part of the Parade for 25 years. This plan is a collaboration of our experience and the client’s ideas. This decorated home captures curb appeal, captivating coiffured ceiling, first floor living, natural light, oversized kitchen, attention to detail. Let’s build Berks County! Visit www.HearthstoneHomesInc.com or 610.378.4851.

ADDRESS: 186 N. Fairwood Avenue, Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (Green Valley Heights)


MARKETING STATEMENT: For over 30 years, Sal’s Landscaping has provided Berks County and surrounding areas with quality service and customer satisfaction. We provide residential and commercial landscaping services and base our designs on your individual needs. We’re proud to be a 2014 Berks County Parade of Homes Winner! Hoping to make 2015 our best year yet. So come out and view our work at this year’s Berks County Parade of Homes.

DIRECTIONS: Take Oley Pike Turnpike Road, make right onto Glen Oley Drive, the house is on the left.

DIRECTIONS: Take 422 W to Sinking Spring. Make a right turn onto Green Valley Road (Sheetz Gas Station). Make a right turn onto Faust Road, and a left turn onto N. Fairwood Avenue.

NEW HOME ENTRY

REMODELED HOME ENTRY

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HEARTHSTONE HOMES INC.

SAL’S LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE, INC.




ADDRESS: 320 Logan Avenue, Wyomissing, PA 19610


MARKETING STATEMENT: Whole house remodels are transformative, as seen in this Wyomissing home. Highlights include a new custom kitchen with solid ash wood island top and built-in appliances, and distinct, staggered-size hardwood floors. Elsewhere, the home’s bath was influenced by a traditional style and showcases custom vanities with tower, as well as a custom tile shower.

ADDRESS: 1731 Reading Boulevard, Wyomissing, PA 19610


MARKETING STATEMENT: The appeal of this 4,000 square foot custom home located on the Boulevard in Wyomissing begins with its elegant exterior, showcasing a blend of cedar impressions and field stone. Influenced by both traditional and craftsman styles, the home features an open design concept which emphasizes its livability. Highlights include its custom kitchen and bathrooms, along with hand-scraped hardwood floors.

DIRECTIONS: 222 South to US-422 Bus/Penn Avenue exit. Turn right onto Clayton Avenue. Turn right onto Reading Boulevard. Turn left onto Logan Avenue. Destination is on the right.

DIRECTIONS: 222 South to US-422 Bus/Penn Avenue exit. Turn right onto Clayton Avenue. Turn right onto Reading Boulevard. Destination is on the right.


NEW HOME ENTRY

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D&B CONSTRUCTION GROUP




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ADDRESS: 481 Golf Course Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508


MARKETING STATEMENT: Your bathroom is your oasis—a space that serves as your own personal retreat. In this Birdsboro custom bath remodel, D&B Construction Group created a modern design that features a wall-mounted, open-shelf vanity, wall-mounted faucets with his & hers sinks, a custom tile shower and convenient, under-counter automatic night light. Every inch was designed with the homeowners in mind.

ADDRESS: 817 Broadcasting Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610


MARKETING STATEMENT: Is the kitchen the heart of your home? In this Wyomissing custom kitchen remodel, D&B Construction Group used an open-design concept perfect for the homeowner who loves to cook and entertain. D&B began by removing interior walls and adding steel reinforcements to support the home’s structural integrity. The new kitchen features cabinetry and countertops in comple-mentary tones, built-in appliances, and a custom island with cooktop and automatic downdraft.

DIRECTIONS: 422E to 176 South. Take PA-10 Exit 7. Turn left onto PA-10/Morgantown Road. Turn left onto Golf Course Road. Turn slight left onto Zion Road. Take first left onto Golf Course Road. Destination is on the right.

DIRECTIONS: US-422 Bus West turns into Penn Avenue. Turn right onto Woodside Avenue. Woodside Avenue turns into Snyder Road. Turn right onto Wellington Boulevard. Turn left onto Broadcasting Road. Destination is on right.



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LEAD ON!

Contact the HBA 610-777-8889 or [email protected]

www.HBAberks.org

There are volunteer positions available in HBA Leadership:

Committee Members

Committee Chairs

Board of Directors

and Officer Positions(some require a presidential appointment

or vote of the Membership)

ADDRESS: Timberlake: 700 Baywood Avenue, Wernersville, PA 19565


MARKETING STATEMENT: This Parker Traditional home has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. The first floor boasts hardwood flooring, study, dining room, family room with gas fireplace, and kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances with Corian countertops and breakfast area. The kitchen leads to a spacious deck. The second floor hosts four bedrooms with walk-in closets including the Owner’s Suite with private Venetian bath. The second floor also boasts a hall bath and laundry room.

DIRECTIONS: Route 222 N to Route 724 exit. At the top of the ramp, turn left. Travel 1.4 miles and turn left on Route 422 E/Penn Avenue. Travel approximately 3 miles and turn right onto N. Church Street. Go .5 miles and turn left on Timberlake Road. Model is on the right at corner of Timberlake and Baywood Avenue.

NEW HOME ENTRY

8 KEYSTONE CUSTOM HOMES




ADDRESS: Buckingham Preserve: 1 Furlong Road, Douglassville, PA 19518


MARKETING STATEMENT: This Ethan Traditional boasts 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. The first floor features hardwood flooring, an open foyer, study, dining room, family room with gas fireplace and a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite island and breakfast area leading to a deck. The second floor hosts 4 bedrooms with walk-in closets. The Owner’s Suite features a private Venetian bath. The second floor also boasts a hall bath and laundry room.

DIRECTIONS: From West – Route 422 E, make right on South Center Road, left on East Main Street. 724, right on Unionville Road, take first right into community on Furlong Road, model is on left.From East – Route 422 W, merge onto Pottstown Pike, Route 100 S, merge onto W. Schuylkill Road. 724W, left on Unionville Road. Make first right into community on Furlong Road. The model is on the left.

NEW HOME ENTRY

9 KEYSTONE CUSTOM HOMES

To learn more about the Parade of Homes and see this

year’s Award Winners, visit

www.HBAberks.org

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Platinum

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ADDRESS: 566 Imperial Drive, Mohnton, PA 19540


MARKETING STATEMENT: This log-style home is nothing but custom and traditional. Boasting four bedrooms and five bathrooms, this home’s open kitchen includes an arched stone hood and a custom wood bar top. The master bedroom presents a stone fireplace and custom stained glass door leading into the master bath, where a stone shower awaits. An open staircase leads into the day-light basement which highlights a large family room and guest suite.

ADDRESS: 85 Reider Road, Fleetwood, PA 19522


MARKETING STATEMENT: European Builders, Ltd. welcomes you to another beautiful custom home in the heart of the Oley Valley. There is a grand, two-story foyer framed by a wrought iron baluster bridge and ten-foot high ceilings throughout the first floor. A two-sided stone fireplace is appreciated on the patio and in the two-story great room. The first floor master bedroom suite has a balcony with breathtaking views.

DIRECTIONS: Take 222 North from Lancaster, get off at Business exit going towards Shillington. Right onto 724, right onto 625, make left onto Hickory Road, make right onto Imperial Drive. The house is on the left.

DIRECTIONS: Take Route 73 South toward Oley, left onto Friendensburg Road, left onto Main Street, right onto Water Street, left onto Stitzer (before bridge) — right onto Mill Road, right onto Reider Road (stone road). The house is on the left — 85 Reider Road.


NEW HOME ENTRY

11

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ADDRESS: 129 Stella Drive, Sinking Spring, PA 19608


MARKETING STATEMENT: Grande Construction presents Green Valley West located in Sinking Spring, PA. These luxu-rious single family homes are surrounded with natural beauty. The Augusta Model features many extravagant upgrades such as; Hardwood floors, Stone Mantle; Expanded Kitchen Granite Island; Master Suite with Custom Tiled Shower; Arched Balcony Overlooking the First Floor; and a Sunroom that leads to a Composite Deck along with many more upgrades.

DIRECTIONS: Take 422 West thru Sinking Spring. Turn right onto Gaul Road. Development is straight ahead with the single homes on the right and semi’s on the left.

NEW HOME ENTRY

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We’re already a few weeks into the cooling season—the time of year when some home owners may begin to notice small problems with their central air conditioner.

An unlucky few will experience a catastrophic A/C system fail-ure, which can cause a few sweaty days and a major unexpected expense. Fortunately, there are steps everyone can take to keep their A/C system operating at peak efficiency.

Do It YourselfHome owners who neglect basic A/C maintenance do so at their

own peril, says Bruce Crawford, who manages service and instal-lation for E.G. Smith and Boyertown Oil & Propane. He offers a handful of simple maintenance techniques that can lower cooling costs, prevent unnecessary repairs, and extend a system’s life span:

• Check the Filter…and replace it regularly. Most home owners have heard this tip —if you don’t replace the filter, it can block airflow, which makes it more difficult for cool air to reach your living space. But, Crawford explains that neglecting filters for too long can quickly compound the problems: coils can freeze,

What You Don’t KnowCould Cost You…

BIGMichael DeBerdine III

Angles

Continued on page 24

leading to a service call, or the condensation drain can become blocked, leading to flooding. A good guideline: replace your filter monthly during cooling season.

• Keep it Clean & Clear. Your system’s outdoor unit plays a vital role, housing the system’s compressor and releasing unwanted hot air. When it is surrounded too closely by vegetation or sim-ply becomes dirty, its performance declines. In turn, this makes the entire system work harder, which can reduce the system’s life span. Crawford says home owners should start every spring by clearing leaves, foliage, dust, and debris from their outside unit.

• Manage Your Thermostat. If you can, turn it up. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that every degree increase in your AC’s temperature can reduce your electric bill by 7%. You should also avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your system, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That won’t cool your home any faster, but it could result in unnecessary expense.



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• Use those ceiling fans. Don’t choose between your ceiling fans and your A/C system—use both. Fans create a wind chill effect that will make you more comfortable in your home. In fact, if you cool with an air conditioning system, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort, accord-ing to Energy.gov.

Questions You Should Ask When was the last time my system was professionally

serviced? Routine annual service prevents about 70% of all A/C outages and can increase the life span of a system by up to 50%. Clearly, maintenance is vital. Be sure to choose a provider with trained technicians, and ask for details on what the annual service entails. A reputable HVAC company should include a thorough cleaning, a full system inspection, lubrication of all moving parts, and a system review of refrigerant, condenser coil, belts, and wiring.

Do I have a service contract? Every home owner should inves-tigate the benefits of a service plan that offers coverage for repairs and includes the routine maintenance described above. Think of it this way: Most people believe it’s too risky to drive a car with-out insurance, so they use insurance to protect themselves from the high cost of an accident. Likewise, it makes sense to protect

another costly investment: your A/C system.

Am I under warranty? Central air-conditioning systems carry warranties, but what those warranties cover—and how long they last—can vary dramatical-ly among manufacturers. Take time to dig out the paperwork from your last

installation, or from the pur-chase of your new home, and

find out whether your system is still under warranty and what, specifically, it covers.

How is my system performing? Your central air conditioner has one very important job: to make your home livable. Assess how well it’s doing that job: Does it cool evenly, or are there areas in your home that stay noticeably warmer? Is it running smooth-ly, or is it unusually noisy? If you answer any of these questions negatively, it makes sense to have a cooling system assessment by an HVAC professional.



When To Replace Eventually, every home owner will have to install a new system.

Aside from a complete system failure, there are several indicators that may lead a home owner to consult with an HVAC installer:

• Systems older than 10 years. For these systems, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy recom-mends evaluation by a qualified contractor.

• An addition to your home. If you’ve added square footage to your home, your cooling system may not be adequate to meet your needs.

• Problem areas. If existing equipment is not properly cooling specific rooms or areas of the home, it may indicate an under-sized (overtaxed) system that’s ripe for a breakdown.

While it’s undoubtedly a major investment, a new central A/C system offers key benefits: increased efficiency, lower utility bills, better air quality and a more consistent temperature throughout your home. An experienced cooling installer will help you iden-tify a properly sized system for your specific situation. In addition, many providers—including E.G. Smith, Inc. and Boyertown Oil & Propane—can help home owners identify hundreds of dollars in savings through utility rebates, manufacturers’ incentives, and customer loyalty programs.

When it comes to keeping cool and saving money, start with the basic steps, and have a professional provide annual mainte-nance. You’ll benefit from lower cooling bills—and you’ll add years to the life of your central air conditioner.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Michael DeBerdine III is President and CEO of the Jerome H. Rhoads family of companies. The organization serves Berks County through local subsidiaries including Boyertown Oil & Propane and E.G. Smith Inc. For information, visit www.boyertownoil.com or www.egsmithinc.com. Contact Michael by Email at [email protected].


Angles

Lindsey Olpp

Get Help with Your New Home from Start to Finish

Building a new home is a huge step. It is the start of a new and exciting chapter in life. While this is something to be

excited about, a considerably large amount of time and work goes into the process.

At UGI, we understand it is essential to be equipped with the resources and information needed to reduce stress and make your home building experience a positive one. For that reason, we created

FindNBuild, a free website, and mobile app, to be a resource for all of your home building needs. This website serves those in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as the Lehigh Valley and Berks County.



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most of the articles can also apply to house-hunters, current homeowners, and even renters.

Cost is an important factor to consid-er throughout the home building process. Money cannot bring you happiness, but it sure helps. There are several articles that share ways to help save money for all the costly scenarios soon-to-be or current home owners may encounter including building,

remodeling, decorating, and landscaping. There are also articles that include tech-niques to add value to your home over time for resale in the future.

One of the most important factors to be aware of when owning a home is the cost of living, or utilities. FindNBuild offers many articles that share cost-saving measures

It offers a convenient way to find local home builders and resources, along with tips for home building, lowering living costs, and other related information.

Local Home BuildersThe primary goal of FindNBuild is to

offer a fast and easy way to find the best local builders in the area. Choosing a home builder is the first step and also the most important decision to make in the home building process. With all the decisions that go in to building a home, it is essential to have a builder who is compatible with your needs and who is willing to work with the home buyer.

The local home builder search tool allows you to search by country, city, or school district. You can also narrow your search results by radius from location, price, and number of bedrooms you want.

Local ResourcesWith all the dynamics involved in build-

ing a home, it is important to have resources. FindNBuild puts theses resources at your fingertips with a dedicated local resource and utility information section.

Home Builder AssociationsChambers of CommerceHome Improvement CentersAppliance DealersHVAC ContractorsLandscaping ContractorsMortgage Calculators/

Financial InstitutionsMoving Companies

& Truck RentalsStorage CompaniesUtilitiesVisitor Bureaus

Home-Building Tips & More

On FindNBuild, you will find numerous short articles with tips that cover a vast amount of different information to guide people who are building homes. However, Continued on page 28

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ES IN

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you can take throughout the building pro-cess. For when you are living in the home, FindNBuild offers ways to keep your home energy efficient. This will not only save you money, but it is helpful to the environment.

Additionally, it has a home heat savings calculator to compare energy costs and a source to check for natural gas availabili-ty where you plan to build. Natural gas is the most efficient and affordable way to heat your home, and its availability should be considered a top priority in building a new home.

In addition to saving money, new home own-ers and people building homes need general guid-ance. Similar to most aspects of life, knowl-edge comes with experience. FindNBuild acts as your guide for owning a home, house-hunting, home building, improv-ing the environment of your home, and much more.

Relax & Remember the Big Picture

Building a home can be one of the most exciting times of your life, and maybe a little stressful at times. Remember that you are working towards your dream home and a new chapter of your life. FindNBuild can help guide you through the home build-ing process, so take the first step in your homebuilding journey with FindNBuild. Visit www.findnbuild.com or download our free app.

If you are a builder interested in being listed in FindNBuild for free, please visit www.thebdx.com/findnbuild.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lindsey Olpp is a Marketing

Intern at UGI Utilities, Inc., a

natural gas and electric utility

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660,000 customers in 45 counties

in Pennsylvania and one county in

Maryland. Go to www.ugi.com and

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[email protected] or by phone

(610) 796-3469.

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Angles

Home buying season has officially begun! With that in mind, here is some insight to starting the process of purchasing a home.

Renting vs. BuyingDid you know, in many cases your mortgage payment could be

cheaper than paying rent? Today many people, especially of the younger generation, do not realize they could be in a position to purchase a home—so they become renters. Why? There is a lack of knowledge and education around home buying.

Consulting with a mortgage representative will help answer questions and provide guidance. In fact, many potential buyers are able to make monthly mortgage payments, however, they fear not having enough money for a down payment. This is discour-aging for a potential homebuyer, preventing them from looking into their options. Contact a mortgage representative and see if buying a home is right for you.

First-time Home BuyersContrary to what you may have heard, the mortgage industry

has many options available for first-time home buyers. There are products that allow for little or no money down, which could include a reduced monthly mortgage insurance premium. The buying process can be daunting, so make sure you consult with a mortgage representative.

Choosing the Right LenderThe first step in the home buying process is choosing a repu-

table lender to navigate this complex process. Be sure to choose a lender who is communicative and willing to work with you to find the right product/program that fits your needs.

This is an exciting time for you and your family; the right lender will help to alleviate the stress associated with the home buying process. After you have selected your lender and prior to shopping for your new home, they will discuss product options and begin the qualification process.

Product OptionsThere are many options available to help you purchase a home.

For example, products such as USDA, FHA, VA, and PHFA allow a buyer to put little or no money down. They may also allow for the seller to pay all or a portion of the closing costs.

Kathleen A Godio, SVP

Ready to Buy a Home?



What Proof Do You Need?You should begin locating, assembling, and either copying or scanning information that many lenders ask to see during the loan approval process. You MAY need to provide:

O Personal Federal Income Taxes (and Business, if self-employed) for the last 3 years

O Checking and/or Savings Account Statements for the last 6 months

O Proof of other sources of income

O Fully Executed Sales Agreement with all addenda for home you choose

O W-2 Wage and Tax Statements for all jobs of all applicants

O Most Recent two Pay Stubs for all jobs of all applicants

O Current Mortgage/Home Equity Statements on all loans

O Statements for all assets listed on application (checking, savings, stocks, IRA, 401(k))

O Home Owner’s Insurance Policy Declarations Page

O Condo/ Home Owners Association documents (if applicable)

O Most Recent Property Tax Bill

Each transaction is different, so make sure you have a capable lender whom will outline the options for rate, terms, qualification, cost and cash needed.

Your Part in the ProcessWhile your lender carries the bulk of the work, you will be asked

for a wealth of information and need to be prepared to follow the instructions regarding information requested by your mortgage lender. Your cooperation as the home buyer will aid in making the process a smooth one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Kathleen A. Godio is the Director of Sales & Marketing for National Penn’s Mortgage Group, an Equal Housing Lender. She has been in the mortgage industry for 35 years and brings her wealth of knowledge to her staff. She provides product training, marketing, insight on planning and implementing sales strategies. To contact Kathleen you can email her at [email protected].

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2015 Upcoming Events…

Membership happenings

May29-31

Jun2-6

JUN5-7

Jul17-18

JUL21-25

JUL15

Parade of HomesBerks CountyAll Day

Spring NAHB Board MeetingMarriott Wardman Park, Washington, DC All Day

Parade of HomesBerks CountyAll Day

PBA Committee & Board MeetingsWyndham Grand, Pittsburgh, PAAll Day

Association Leadership InstitutePittsburgh, PAAll Day

LobsterfestFish Pond WestStart Time: 5:00 pm

to renewing members of the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA)

Quality Floors Inc.Contact: Chuck Smith 800.446.6035

10% OFF ANY ORDER (Not valid with any other offers or prior purchases)

Geoff Penske Buick GMC Contact: Victor Popescu 610.777.1300

GM AFFINITY PROGRAM & PARTNERSHIP WITH HBA (Call Victor for more details on how you can save.)

Berks TransferContact: Bob Quinn 610.926.7626

$50 OFF 1ST CAN ORDER TO NEW CUSTOMERS

Aluminum Associates / Sloan CorporationContact: Kert E. Sloan 610.921.2201

5% DISCOUNT ON ALL SERVICES

Martin’s Flooring, Inc.Contact: Richie Zook 877.445.7799

FREE INTERIOR DESIGN & SPECIAL HBA CONTRACTOR PRICING(Ask about our contractor referral program)

Member 2 Member Discount ProgramAs one of the many benefits of membership in the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA),

the following members are offering the discounts listed to HBA members only.

If you would like to join the HBA or offer a Member 2 Member Discount, contact the HBA office: 610.777.8889.

31+ YearsHenry R Sharman, Inc.Fronheiser Pools

26-30 YearsReading Box Co., Inc.

21-25 Years84 Lumber

16-20 YearsOmega Builders Inc.Reading Muhlenberg Career

& Technical CenterRoland Stock, LLCGrande ConstructionStackhouse Bensinger Inc.

11-15 YearsSnyder’s Construction Co.Bachman’s Roofing, Building

& Remodeling, Inc.

6-10 YearsInstall AmericaKohl Building ProductsTurnberry Custom HomesStoney Creek RentalsGreth HomesJames A. Turner CompanyMorgan Enterprises

2-5 YearsDown To Earth HardscapesFleetwood BankMohns Drywall, LLCAll Green Lawn & Tree Care, Inc.Basement Waterproofing SpecialistsD & S Elite Construction, Inc.Masano BradleyRE/MAX of ReadingAmeriCon Builders, Inc.Lehigh Valley Contractors AssociationUGI HVAC Enterprises, Inc.

1st Year AnniversaryJonathan P. Brightbill ConstructionStankiewicz Drywall, Painting,

Construction, LLC


welcome new members

Landmark HomesLaura Leonard1737 West Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522PH: (717) 733-1536www.ownalandmark.comSponsor: Stephanie O’Hara

Middle Creek Roofing LLCBen Lapp5 Stump Road, Newmanstown, PA 17073PH: (717) 949-2414 www.middlecreekroof.comSponsor: Eric Keller

Survey OneGregory Dimovitz280 Faith Drive, Mohrsville, PA 19541PH: (610) 916-8816www.surv1.comSponsor: Edward F. Anewalt


Membership happenings

James Gavin, EsquireMasano Bradley

Tom KearseKohl Building Products

Deborah KearseKohl Building Products

Larry KehresL.A. Kehres Building & Remodeling

Brad KehresL.A. Kehres Building & Remodeling

Edward Anewalt IVAnewalt’s Landscape Contracting

Walter GrethGreth Homes

John NewtonGreth Homes

David GallenGallen Insurance

Bob HoltHolts Remodeling

Kevin KozoTurnberry Custom Homes

Joseph J. Witkowski, Jr.Herbein + Company

Bryan MollB&G Glass

Cathy SloanHartman’s Home Improvements

Kert SloanAluminum Associates / Sloan Corp

Eric KellerBerks Fire Water Restoration Inc.

Patrick J. DolanDolan Construction Inc

Beth A. HahnSAH, Inc.

Gregg A. BogiaBogia Engineering, Inc.

Diane R. SalksRiverview Tree & Landscaping, Inc.

Steven D. BrightEJB Paving & Materials Co.

Larry K. LillUGI HVAC Services

Gregory R. EshbachMalsnee Tile & Stone

2015 Foundation Club Members:(In date order)

These members understand the important role legislation plays in their businesses and the importance of electing and supporting legislators who are sensitive to the

issues affecting the building industry.

Call the HBA office at 610.777.8889 to learn how to become a member

of the FOUNDATION CLUB.



What’s HOT ON HBAberkschannel

Experienced Mom & Pop RemodelersHost Joe Kelly welcomes Aluminum Associates to the “Ask the

Home Inspector Show.” Kert & Cathy Sloan join Joe to cover topics such as: selecting a remodeler, small projects to upkeep your home, remodeling ideas, aging in place, and extreme home makeovers.The HBA of Berks County, BCTV.org, and the “Ask the Home Inspector”

television show teamed up in 2015 to provide monthly shows to edu-cate the public on home maintenance, construction, and similarly related issues. (Length: 24:46)

Home Energy Efficiency = SavingsHost Joe Kelly welcomes East Penn Energy Solutions to the “Ask

the Home Inspector Show.” W. David Wallace joins Joe to cover top-ics such as: home comfort level vs. energy cost savings, how homes

‘breathe’, the value of an energy audit, indoor air quality, and mold.The HBA of Berks County, BCTV.org, and the “Ask the Home Inspector”


Changing World of Construction — Hiring a Contractor

Host Joe Kelly and Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM, discuss the HBA, HBA Restoring Hope Extreme Home Makeover annual builds, changing landscape of construction, new & innovative products, PA laws and licensing, and how to hire a great contractor.

Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Berks County (HBA), was the January 2015 guest on Berks Community Television’s (BCTV) “Ask the Home Inspector,” hosted by Joe Kelly.The HBA of Berks County, BCTV.org, and the “Ask the Home Inspector”


A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out — Restoring HopeHost Joe Kelly welcomes the HBA Restoring Hope Foundation to the

“Ask the Home Inspector Show.” Diane K. Salks, Board of Directors Chair, and Dennis Kintzer, Board of Directors and Fundraising Committee Chair, join Joe to talk about everything you ever wanted to know about the HBA Restoring Hope Foundation.The HBA of Berks County, BCTV.org, and the “Ask the Home Inspector”


Reading | 610-401-03901-866-497-2481

4850 Perkiomen Ave., Reading(Exeter Township on Route 422)

Mon., Tue., Thurs., Fri. 8-8Wed. 8-5 Sat. 9-3

42

Documents

At Home in Berks June 2015