As a Myrtle Beach Home Builder (Ameri Built Homes), we get a lot of questions regarding lawn care maintenance from our homeowners, so we wanted to share these tips by Dawn West, All About Lawns Columnist

A few smart, garden maintenance choices can help your lawn and garden make it through a drought without much damage. Here are four garden maintenance tricks to try:

1. Mow high. A longer lawn might look a little shaggy to you, but an extra inch or two shades out weeds, helps strengthen roots, and fights water loss.

2. Water in the morning. When to water may be up for debate in other seasons, but in hot, dry weather the answer is always “in the morning.” If you water early, the water won’t evaporate before it gets to the roots of plants and grass. If you water later in the day, the sun can sap moisture before it has a chance to do its work.

3. Skip the lawn fertilizing. Fertilizing in the heat of summer is a disastrous idea. You’re almost guaranteed to scorch your lawn. What your yard needs is to put all its resources into hanging tough until conditions improve, not pushing out new growth. Wait until September to fertilize, and you’ll have much happier grass.

4. Let your lawn go dormant. This may sound like heresy to green lawn lovers, but if there’s a shortage of water in your area, sometimes the best idea is to let your lawn go dormant during the summer, endure a month or two of that yellow-brown hue, and know that it will come back strong when the fall rains return.

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.

The ENERGY STAR label was established to:

-Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy; and

-Make it easy for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort.

How Does EPA Choose which Products Earn the Label?

Products can earn the ENERGY STAR label by meeting the energy efficiency requirements set forth in ENERGY STAR product specifications. EPA establishes these specifications based on the following set of key guiding principles:

-Product categories must contribute significant energy savings nationwide.

-Qualified products must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.

-If the qualified product costs more than a conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency through utility bill savings, within a reasonable period of time.

-Energy efficiency can be achieved through broadly available, non-proprietary technologies offered by more than one manufacturer.

-Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing.

-Labeling would effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers.

As a Myrtle Beach Home Builder (Ameri Built Homes), using ENERGY STAR products adds to our ongoing efforts to be an environmentally conscience builder. In one of our communities (Southbury), you could realize a savings of up to 40% in energy costs.

As a Myrtle Beach Home Builder (Ameri Built Homes), we have found that many people - especially singles and young couples who are just starting their careers - have mixed feelings about purchasing a house. They worry about getting tied down and taking on a lot of debt.

Here are 10 compelling reasons why anybody who can afford it should consider buying a home:

1) House prices tend to rise over time, so a house is one of the best investments you can make. Home prices in the U.S. have risen three percent to six percent a year for the past 20 years. That trend is likely to continue. So if you buy a home now, you’ve put your capital in a safe investment where it is likely to grow.

2) You’ll pay less tax. You can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage from your taxable income. The value of this tax break depends on factors like your personal tax bracket, the size of your mortgage, the rate of interest you pay on it and how long you’ve held the mortgage. As a rule, the newer the mortgage, the greater the amount of interest you pay each month and the bigger the tax break. Therefore, recent buyers with young mortgages tend to get the greatest benefit.

3) You’ll be buying a piece of real property rather than putting money in a landlord’s pocket each month. The real cost of renting is higher than the monthly payment. There is also an opportunity cost equal to the amount you would gain by using the money to purchase a home instead. Even if the house you purchased did not appreciate in price, you would be able to sell it and recoup some of the money you put into it.

4) Interest rates are still historically low. This makes it relatively inexpensive to take out a mortgage. The lower the interest rate, the less you actually pay for your house and the sooner you can pay the mortgage off. Our loan calculator can show you how different interest rates affect the total cost of your mortgage and the time it takes to retire it.

5) You’ll be able to use the equity in your home for low-cost loans for other purposes. You can access the paid-up equity you accumulate in your home in the form of a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit. Because they are secured, home equity loans and lines of credit generally carry a lower interest rate than other types of consumer loans, such as auto loans. The interest on them is generally tax-deductible, as well.

6) You’ll have the stability and emotional security of owning your own home. No more worrying about dictatorial or negligent landlords, rent increases or the possibility your building will be sold and redeveloped or turned into a condo. You’ll be able to live in your house as long as you like, fix your monthly payments for as long as 30 years and you’ll be in charge.

7) You’ll be able to redecorate and renovate any way you like, any time you like. Rules about the paint colors you can use will be a thing of the past. And you’ll be able to tear out walls, install a powder room and make any other improvements you want. Best of all, if you decide to sell, you’ll recoup at least part of the cost of the improvements.

You can have a garden. This is one of the big pluses of ownership - a little piece of land you can call your own, where you can grow tomatoes or roses, barbeque, and play with your kids and pets.

9) You’ll be able to put down roots in a community. When you’re a homeowner, you’ll get to know your neighbors, participate in street sales, meet potential baby-sitters and play Saturday-morning touch football in the park. Renters tend to live more insular lives.

10) You’ll have a greater voice in community affairs. Local homeowners generally have more clout - individually and through ratepayer’s associations - when it comes to development proposals, school issues, changes to traffic control and routing and the like. Because renters tend to be more transient than homeowners, they have less influence on policymakers.

In many areas of the country, builders and homeowners alike have seen the importance of building GREEN. However, anyone can say they build GREEN, so how can you really know? As a Myrtle Beach Home Builder, we build our homes to LEED standards.

What is LEED?

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally-recognized green building certification system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2000, LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

LEED promotes sustainable building and development practices through a suite of rating systems that recognize projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance. The LEED rating systems are developed through an open, consensus-based process led by LEED committees, diverse groups of volunteers representing a cross-section of the building and construction industry. Key elements of the process include a balanced and transparent committee structure, technical advisory groups that ensure scientific consistency and rigor, opportunities for stakeholder comment and review, member ballot of new rating systems, and fair and open appeals.

LEED is flexible enough to apply to all building types – commercial as well as residential. It works throughout the building lifecycle – design and construction, operations and maintenance, tenant fitout, and significant retrofit. And LEED for Neighborhood Development extends the benefits of LEED beyond the building footprint into the neighborhood it serves.

Building a new home can be a very lucrative and rewarding investment — provided that you choose the right home builder to handle the job.  These tips will help you clarify your home building goals and find the best home builder to entrust with your project.

Deciding what to build
Before you can choose a home builder, you need to have a clear picture of what type of home you want.  Much like doctors who specialize in different types of medicine, home builders also specialize in building certain types of homes.

First decide which type of home you need:  condo, townhouse, or single-family.

Then determine whether you want a custom home or a production home.  Custom homes are typically one-of-a-kind single-family residences built on land the client owns.  Because every aspect of a custom home is unique, a custom home is typically a higher-end home.  Custom home builders also tend to build just a few (typically under 25) homes per year because each project is so different.

Production home builders, on the other hand, usually build a large volume of homes.  These builders typically build new homes on land that they own and offer buyers the option to pick from several stock floor plans.  Production builders construct homes in every price range from starter homes to luxury homes.

Finding home builders
Once you’ve decided what type of home to build, compile a list of potential builders.  There are several ways to find home builders in your area:

1. Contact your local Home Builders Association.

2. Get referrals from real estate agents, friends, and family.  Someone who has dealt directly with a home builder can give you good advice on things to consider when you choose a builder yourself.

3. Browse the real estate section of your local newspaper or pick up local home design magazines.  You’ll get an idea of what’s available, the price you can expect to pay, and find out which home builders are active in your area.

Make note of home builders who construct appealing homes within your price range.

Checking credentials
A home builder is someone you’ll have to work with closely for an extended period of time — usually several months to a year or more between construction and the warranty phase.  So it’s important to do your homework and look for a builder who’s reliable.

When you check credentials, look for the following:

1. Experience: Look for a builder who has a large portfolio of residences like the one you want to build.

2. A good BBB rating: Check the Better Business Bureau’s website to make sure your home builder doesn’t have an excessive amount of complaints.

3. Affiliations and rewards: Has the builder received special certifications, industry awards, or membership in professional associations?

4. Permanent business address: A permanent business address and good record with local banks and suppliers indicate that a home builder has a stable, successful business.

Look for a builder who has been in business for at least three to five years.  It usually takes a business that amount of time become financially sound.  Your home builder’s financial stability is important because you need to know that he’ll be around to finish your construction and then handle any issues that pop up later.

When you’re sure that a home builder has both a stable business and the expertise to build your new home, interview him.  Ask about his current projects and have him provide references.

Be sure to follow up with the builder’s references because these clients can attest to the builder’s strengths and weaknesses.  Ask the clients if they are happy with their new home.  Were there any problems with the home?  How quickly were problems fixed?  Be sure that a home builder will be responsive to your inquiries.

The final step in choosing a trustworthy home builder should be to examine his work firsthand.  Have the builder take you on a tour of a recently completed home or model home.  Look at the quality of construction features and the durability of building materials.  Look at every detail and ask the builder plenty of questions to get a good idea of what to expect from the home building process.

For years, Mohawk has been an industry leader in actively seeking innovative ways to recycle, reduce, reuse and renew.

We’ve learned that successful energy-saving initiatives and eco-friendly flooring options work for everyone: our business, our industry, our neighbors, our immediate environment and our entire planet.

Mohawk has said that, “Earth Day is more than one day out of the year. It’s about changing the way we think and incorporating earth-friendly thought into even the way we furnish and design our homes. Saving the earth doesn’t mean sacrificing style.”

So Mohawk is always exploring new ideas to make their products and processes more sustainable and reduce their use of natural resources. As a Myrtle Beach Home Builder (Ameri Built Homes), we have found that Mohawk is committed to being responsible and sustainable.

Tankless is the environmentally responsible water heating solution. It saves energy, saves space and saves you money. Produce more hot water using less energy than the most efficient storage tank style heater.

Tankless water heaters heat the water you need, when you need it. Turning any water source into hot water on demand. You are not limited to the amount a storage tank heater can hold.

Enjoy up to 40% energy savings with a tankless water heater. Units are designed to be highly efficient and only heat water when it is needed, a revolutionary advantage over inefficient tank-style heaters.

Traditional tank-style water heaters can build up rust and scale inside their tank, where the hot water you use for bathing and drinking is stored. With a tankless water heater you will always experience fresh, clean water that is heated on demand, as it passes through the unit. As a Myrtle Beach Home Builder, we have had a lot of success with tankless water heaters, not the least of which is, a happy and satisfied homeowner.

Fear not, first time home buyers. Even veteran homeowners sometimes fail to plan—or budget—for maintenance issues and costs. Just like automobiles, all houses require maintenance to function at top performance.

New Homes Still Require Maintenance
You might think that, when buying a new home, your concern for maintenance is non-existent. If you agree with this belief, you are mistaken. Have you bought or leased a new car in recent years? Did you remember that to keep your warranty in force you had to perform “scheduled maintenance” at specified dates or mileage levels?

The same basic rules apply for standard or custom new homes. Buying new homes offer major maintenance and repair benefits compared to those you face when purchasing older houses. However, preventive maintenance will help you avoid future problems.

Don’t be shy. Ask your new home contractor a simple question before your closing: “How should I maintain my new home?” As a Myrtle Beach Custom Home Builder, we know your new home better than you do at this point. We have been involved with your home since before there was even a hole in the ground. We can provide a wealth of information for you about proper maintenance.

Collect and file each warranty you receive. Along with your new home builder warranty, file all appliance, building material, and any other manufacturer or third-party warranties in a master file. Pay particular attention to what is covered, for how long, and what you must do to keep the warranties in force. Plan to keep this file for as long as you own your home, recording your maintenance activities as a reminder and to offer to a buyer when you sell.

During these tough economic times many of us are trying to save money by reducing our electrical bills. One way to do this is by ensuring that your home has adequate insulation.

Insulation can greatly reduce the amount of energy that you have to use to cool or heat your home. The price of insulation can seem like a huge expense up front, but in the end it always pays off to have your home adequately insulated. Blown-in insulation is one type of insulation available for your home.

There are different types of blown-in insulation that are available such as fiberglass, cellulose and foam. Each type has its own benefits, but overall there are different benefits for choosing a blown-in insulation rather than a roll out or foam board insulation.

1. Easy installation
Installation of blown in insulation can be fast and easy. All you need is one person to feed a hopper and one person to actually direct the hose in the area that the insulation is being installed. Generally if you purchase a certain amount of insulation from your home improvement store they rent you the machine that you need for free. This is a great way to install insulation because you do not have to climb into the attic with all of the materials. They are loaded into the machine below and the hose is the only part that has to be brought into the place of installation.

2. Adjustable amounts of coverage
You can blow your insulation in as thick or as thin as you want. You have complete control over how thick you want the insulation to be.

3. Cleaner product
Blown in insulation uses clean products so there are fewer chances for allergies from the insulation.

4. Tighter fits
Since the blown in insulation can fit in all of the tiny cracks that exist, you get a much tighter fit. This in turn creates a more insulated result and lessens the air leaks that might occur with rolled out insulation.

5. No settling
Blown in insulation can be blown in at a high density which helps keep the insulation from settling like it did years ago.

Now Is The Time To Build A Custom Homes In Myrtle Beach-Interest Rates Expected To Rise Next Year

Record-Low Mortgage Rates Will Be Gone in 2011: MBA

Mortgage rates may be as low as they will get and are on course to rise, slowly moving toward 5% by the end of next year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s latest economic forecast. The group predicts rates on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will average 4.4% in the fourth quarter of 2010, increasing to a 4.7% average in the first quarter of 2011 and climbing to 5.1% by the end of next year. Jay Brinkmann, chief economist of the MBA, said he expects a pickup in purchase originations next year. Refinance business, however, is expected to drop next year as mortgage rates begin their rise from record lows. Total mortgage volume is expected to be nearly $1 trillion in 2011, down from an anticipated $1.4 trillion this year and nearly $2 trillion in 2009. The industry is expected to originate an annual $480 billion in purchase mortgages by the end of this year and $626 billion next year; it’s expected to originate $921 billion in refinance mortgages by the end of this year, which will shrink to $370 billion next year. (www.marketwatch.com)
MarketWatch (10/26/10); Amy Hoak

Myrtle Beach Custom Home Builder Ameri Built Homes, Inc. www.AmeriBuilt-Homes.com