“Green” building trends are the wave of the future.

This year has seen builders embracing “behind the wall” systems that help them construct homes that are more energy efficient, comfortable and temperature-controlled. For instance, integrated systems that work below grade, above grade and behind the walls are better at protecting a home from air and water infiltration, temperature fluctuations and energy loss. Builders are also using energy-efficient high-capacity water heaters, spray foam insulation, new roofing and siding materials, LED and CFL lighting, and Energy Star appliances.

At Virginia Homes, “Big Differences, Better Homes” isn’t just a tagline.  It’s the attitude behind how we build our homes.  From the roof to the foundation, and everywhere in between, Virginia Homes is committed to building greener, healthier homes. We’ve taken the ‘green’ building movement to a whole new level, with cutting edge technology – from air and water filtration to active radon removal, formaldehyde free building products to low-VOC paint.

As part of our “Live Green. Save Green.” program, Virginia homes aren’t just energy-efficient, they’re HERS rated.  The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance. HERS identifies the rated home’s energy performance compared to a home built only to code requirements.  A standard, code-built home has an index of 100. Each point below 100 represents a 1% improvement in overall energy performance.

For example, a home with a HERS index of 70 is 30% more efficient than a standard, code-built home. With a HERS score of 50, Virginia homes perform better – around 50% better – than a standard new home!  And that translates into serious savings when it comes to your utility bills!

HERS scores: 

Virginia Homes – 50 avg. HERS score  

Energy Star home – 85 avg. HERS score

Standard new home built to code – 100 avg. HERS score

Existing home – 130 avg. HERS score

Estimated average annual utility bill:
Virginia Homes - $1,500/year
Energy Star home - $2,200/year
Standard new home - $2,700/year
Existing home - $5,000+/year

The HERS Index was developed by RESNET, and is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured.  RESNET, the Residential Energy Services Network, was founded in 1995 as an independent, non-profit organization to help homeowners reduce the cost of their utility bills by making their homes more energy efficient.

For more information about Virginia Homes’ “Live Green. Save Green.” program, click here!

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Let the sun shine in! Aka, why light is good for you.

While many people are well aware of the dangers of too much sun, not everyone is aware of the benefits of sunlight. In fact, relishing a bit of daylight can make a big difference in how people feel, think, and perform.

Sunlight provides nutrition for human beings. Natural light helps to produce Vitamin C, as well as Vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that helps alleviate depression, aids in the absorption of other vitamins and minerals, and may help minimize the chances of developing several types of cancer. People who tend to stay indoors and out of the sun may develop fatigue, depression, headaches, and even seasonal affective disorder. Just fifteen or twenty minutes spent in natural light each day can make a huge difference.

Studies have shown that people who are able to work near windows or in spaces equipped with a skylight tend to be less prone to negative emotions, are able to focus on tasks with greater ease, and in general are more productive and happy with their work.

Why does light have such a huge effect on us? It has to do with our circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are biological, mental and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle and respond to light and darkness within an organism’s environment. Circadian rhythms are found in almost every living thing, human beings, animals, plants and even tiny microbes.

Circadian rhythms are produced by natural factors within the body, but they are affected by signals from the environment. Light is the main cue influencing circadian rhythms. Exposure to light turns the genes that control our internal clocks "on" and "off."  Our brains receive information about light through the retina. The retina contains photoreceptors that are used for vision, but also contains specialized cells that are photosensitive and project directly to the brain where they guide our master circadian clock to synchronize biological rhythms.

Circadian rhythms dictate sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature and other important bodily functions. Abnormal circadian rhythms are directly linked to sleep disorders, obesity, diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder. 

Bottom line?  Sufficient exposure to light – natural daylight if possible – will help you sleep better, feel better and perform better at work! 

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

How to Host a Successful Backyard BBQ

Those sweet summer breezes have returned. Our pools are opening, our sweaters are put away in the attic, and our favorite TV shows have ended. Considering the lack of indoor activities, there is no better time to host a barbeque.

While that may sound quite terrifying at first, we’re here to tell you that the only thing to fear is fear itself – and mosquitos bearing West Nile Virus, but we have a solution for that too!

Hosting the perfect summer barbecue is simpler than you think. The first step, other than procuring a barbeque, is to invite your family and friends, and estimate the amount of people you will be cooking for. Now take that number and add about five more carnivores.

Here are some other BarbeCUEs:

CUE NUMBER ONE: Be Prepared.

A common cause of barbeque-phobia is not having enough food to satisfy everybody’s needs. Pretending as if you are cooking for more people will ease your stress and possibly even save you from cooking dinner the next night.

           

CUE NUMBER TWO: Healthy doesn’t have to be Hellish.

To set your get-together apart from the rest of the field, consider healthier alternatives to traditional high calorie options. Instead of potato salad with mayo, opt for fruity summer salads or grilled vegetables. For your meat options, stay away from fat meats, like ribs and pork chops, and instead grill up seafood, flank steak, or boneless chicken breasts.

           

CUE NUMBER THREE: Relish Today. Ketchup Tomorrow. 

There is more to a party than just feeding your guests. Making sure they are happy and entertained is also part of your hosting duties. The first key is to make sure they are comfortable. Citronella torches can be an easy way to spruce up your backyard and keep the mosquitos away in the process. Now that your guests are not busy swatting bugs, they will be ready to play games. (Whether these games involve alcoholic beverages or not is up to you.) Your local super store sells a plethora of inexpensive entertainment options, from badminton to board games.

With these BarbeCUES, there will be no mis-steak-ing that you are the Heisenburger of barbeques.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Charles Ruma and 2014 Home for Hope Featured in Dublin Villager

Check out this great article in the Dublin Villager featuring Virginia Homes' Charles Ruma and the 2014 Home for Hope!  Charles, a cancer survivor himself, is a board member of the James Cancer Hospital Foundation board and is building the second Home for Hope in Dublin's Wellington Reserve to help fund cancer research.

Proceeds from the sale of this home will benefit James Cancer Hospital.  Read the article in its entirety here.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

10 Ways to Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day

Dads are the best and they deserve the best. If you’re struggling over what to get Dad this Father’s Day, don’t worry. We have a few fun ideas that he will love and have him feeling loved.

10 Ways to Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day:

Take Him Out to the Ball Game

One of the best things about Fathers Day is that it happens during baseball, lacrosse, and soccer seasons. Treat the sport’s fan with tickets to one of his favorite games. You can cheer for your favorite team, scream at the top of the stands, and enjoy good food, all while building cherished memories. 

Buy Him His Favorite Gadget

Spoil his inner nerd with one of the latest tech gifts to hit the market. Bluetooth shower speakers, joysticks to attach to his iPad, and a 3D printer are all perfect ideas for the Dad who is tech savvy.

Spruce Up His Man Cave

Does his man cave need some attention? Buying him a rug, game console, or new chair could be big help for both him and the family. After all, a well-relaxed dad is a happy dad.

Update His Tool Cabinet

If Dad’s into building things, a new toolbox or a state of the art drill might come in handy for future projects. Take his collection to a new level with one big item or a few smaller ones.

Head Outdoors

Unleash the inner warrior in Dad and take him outdoors.  Go-karting, paintballing, and camping are all active ways to celebrate this Father’s Day. You can de-stress, have fun, and revel in some friendly competition.

Have a Movie Marathon

Reminisce over his favorite movie lines, villains, and heroes by hosting a movie marathon. Add popcorn and movie trivia to spice it up or see how many movies you can fit into one day.   

Quench His Thirst

If he’s a fan of hops, then taking him to the local brewery (or non-local brewery if you don’t mind the drive) is an ideal way to spend the special day. Learn about the brewing process, beer facts, and enjoy beer tastings all while saluting Dad.

Indulge the History Buff

There’s no better time to enjoy the past than the present. Get dad and head over to the history museum for a flashback into time. Not only will it be a special day, but both you and Dad can learn a thing or two about our nation’s past.

Enjoy Thrills and Spills

If he lives for adrenaline, take him to the theme park. You can bond over rollercoasters and waterslides and then challenge each other to the highest one yet. Screaming will never be so fun.

Rev Up and Enjoy a Car Show

There is always a car show around the corner. Surprise Dad with a first row seat to the see the roaring engines and top gear displays. You can discuss car facts, styles, and take pictures with some of the hottest cars in history.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of our friends, homeowners and associates. Virginia Homes had a terrific 2013, and we are looking forward to an even better 2014. We are excited about the great things that will be happening in the months to come. Keep in touch and get all the latest news on our Facebook page or visit our website at www.virginia-homes.com 

Virginia introduces new Wellington Reserve neighborhood in Dublin

Have you heard about our newest community?  Wellington Reserve is stunning, with 28 scenic lots that are surrounded by woods and open space. This neighborhood is conveniently located on Brand Road, just east of Coffman Road in Dublin. Wellington Reserve is part of the Dublin City School District, which includes Dublin Coffman High School. And its convenient location gives residents proximity to parks, recreation & commuting routes.

Now is the time to build the home you always wanted in Dublin!

Homes are priced from the $480’s

Contact Jim Woods 614-832-5222

Kyle Alfriend 614-395-1776