March 2010

We're always looking for ways to connect with our clients and friends. Many people liked the Ice Dams emails that I sent out during the snows and suggested I keep it up.
From time to time, I'll send out notes and ideas of green building, action items, maintenance tips etc. of things I hope you'll find of value.
In addition, I'll include notices of things happening in the greater Bethesda area, like the "Turkey Time" notes supporting the BCC Rotary's Turkey Chase on Thanksgiving morning. If you have something you would like to add or suggestions as to how I might make this better and more useful, please send me an email.
We're doing this through "constant contact" which allows for easy email updates or "opt out."

Sincerely,
Mark Scott
MARK IV Builders

Simple Energy Savings

Since we've been performing Home Energy Audits, I've noticed a consistent energy leak in the homes we've inspected.



The blue shows the cold air blowing between the trim and the drywall.



It appears that regardless of the size or quality of the home, most painters caulk up one side of the doors and windows and down the other and the top almost always gets missed. I've learned that the cold air from the attic finds it's way down through the inside of your walls and exits into your family room and bedroom creating drafts and making things generally colder.

It's simple to fix. Buy a couple of tubes of cheap painters caulk. Then one rainy weekend caulk the tops of the doors and windows. Don't stop at the exterior doors and windows. The interior doors suffer from the same air leak issues.

While you've got the step ladder and caulk gun out, check your bathroom medicine cabinets. You'll be surprised how few are caulked to the walls. It's another reason you're always cold in your bathroom. One client, Gay, has seen a $50 monthly savings from caulking.







More Cold Air coming in around your medicine cabinets.


QUALITY REIGNS
EVEN IN A RECESSION

Members of The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Metro DC Chapter, proved once again that their commitment to creativity, craftsmanship and sustainable remodeling and design is worth recognizing. This coveted recognition was celebrated during NARI's Capital COTY Awards ceremony on January 30, 2010. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) awarded MARK IV Builders a 2009 Capital COTY for Best Kitchen.



Malech Kitchen Before and After






MARK IV is an award-winning, EPA certified remodeler, ready to:

* Walk you through the Design/Build process.
* Conduct an Energy Audit & perform the remediation.
* Provide you with a Home Maintenance Plan.
* Repair everything on your "Honey-Do" list.


MARK IV Builders
5161 River Road, Building #2
Bethesda, Maryland 20816
(240) 395-0400

View our website at: www.markivbuilders.com