The Importance of a Healthy Indoor Environment

Have you heard that each year, $3.5 billion is spent in the U.S. for asthma related illnesses due to dampness and mold issues in homes? Or that $50 billion is spent per year for lead poisoning in children? What about the fact that each year radon-related lung cancer takes the lives of over 22,000 people, more than drunk driving does? If you didn't know these things, you aren't alone.

The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) is trying to bring attention to the importance of a healthy indoor environment with the new National Healthy Housing Standard.  The goal of the Standard is to reduce preventable diseases and improve the overall health of homes and neighborhoods by reducing the poor conditions that cause such illnesses.  The Standard is designed to complement the policies for the maintenance of existing homes, already in place by local, state and federal governments. However, it is not meant to guide new construction or housing rehabilitation.

NCHH wants to make sure that everyone has a safe haven to return to each day that is free of anything that could cause illness or injury. At SkyeTec, we want the same, and offer a variety of inspections to ensure that a home or building is free of mold or moisture, radon, asbestos, lead based paint, carbon monoxide, harmful Chinese drywall, and more.

To view the National Healthy Housing Standard, which is currently in the draft phase and open to public comment, click here.

Earn Rebates with Georgia Power's EarthCents® New Home Program

Thanks to the EarthCents® New Home Program from Georgia Power, Georgia builders and developers can  build energy efficient homes and earn money for doing so. This program is available for both single-family and multi-family homes and was designed as an incentive to build energy efficient properties.

Qualifying for the rebate is easy, simply implement a HERS program and work with an energy rater to ensure that the homes earn the required HERS Index score of 77 or less. The home must also be served by Georgia Power and have all electric heating and water systems.

• Single family homes-$600 per home. Plus an additional $250 rebate is available for homes with a heat pump water heater or a solar water heater.

• Multi-family properties- $150 per unit

Builders that implement a HERS program also receive valuable market differentiation by being able to market the home's HERS Index score. Plus, potential homebuyers are able to clearly see how their home performs and how much they could save on energy costs annually.

Builders can further boost their market differentiation by cost-effectively adding on a moisture prevention program to the HERS program. A moisture prevention program helps to reduce warranty costs, liability, and customer complaints by ensuring that the home is free of any mold or moisture issues throughout the construction process.  Homebuyers are given peace of mind knowing that their new home isn't hiding a costly mold or moisture problem.

With such a great rebate program and the valuable benefits of the HERS program,  there's no reason not to build energy efficient homes in Georgia.

Learn How to Qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for Building Energy Efficient New Homes

Updates to the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficient New Homes from Skyetec2013

Prepare New Construction Sites Before A Hurricane

We are almost two weeks into Hurricane Season and NOAA is predicting another active season.  Here are some tips to help prevent moisture intrusion and reduce warranty and liability costs this storm season:

• Ensure any porous building materials are under cover
• Verify that all windows are closed and sealed prior to the end of construction that day (pending the stage of construction)
• Make sure all dumpsters are covered and closed securely to prevent any flying debris
• Protect all underground piping and underground drains to prevent sand from accumulating inside
• Disconnect power lines and any temporary connections to prevent electrical damage

 Should you run into any issues this hurricane season, contact us to have your problem quickly and cost effectively resolved.

Get Prepared BEFORE a Storm Hits-Homeowner Edition

It's June 12th and Hurricane Season is officially upon us so we wanted to share some tips for homeowners to use in preparation. It is always better to think about these things before a storm arrives.

Here are some helpful tips provided by FEMA:

• Have a Wind Mitigation inspection to find out if your home has any areas that need reinforcing or improvements to better withstand hurricane strength winds. This inspection can also possibly help you get discounts on your insurance policy (in the state of Florida).
• Have an emergency supply kit ready to go and be sure to include copies of all of your important documents and any prescriptions you and your family need.
• Learn the elevation of your property and whether or not it is in a flood prone area
• Familiarize yourself with hurricane evacuation routes
• Board up your windows
• Clean out debris from rain gutters 
• Reinforce your garage door
• Bring in all furniture from outside and secure it
• Install a generator

These are just a few tips to help you get ready for a hurricane ahead of time. Visit Ready.gov for more helpful tips and hurricane information.