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Portsmouth, NH Fireworks

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Happy Fourth of July Weekend!!!!  Portsmouth's Fireworks will be held on Sunday, July 3rd @9:15pm at the South Mill Pond across from Portsmouth City Hall.  Everybody have a great weekend and be safe out there!!

Please click LINK to see streets that will have Parking Restrictions on July 3rd.

Energy Efficient Home Building

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New Home Energy Saving Tips

With new construction, there are things that you might select up-front that will reduce energy consumption and save money in the future. Most often think of appliances when discussing energy efficiency, but there are many other building materials that relate to energy levels. Below are some new home energy saving tips to get you started.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating systems normally have a percent efficiency rating. The higher the number, the higher the savings. The cost may range based on brand and efficiency. If you live in colder regions, selecting higher efficiency units will result in significant savings.

Appliance Considerations

Energy Star products function more efficiently (as confirmed with testing). Therefore, they lower energy expenses and help preserve our environment. You can search for Energy Star products on the Internet or at local retail stores. Most clearly display the energy star placard that includes statistics on the energy consumed under standard operation. They are widely offered, so you will be able to get appliances with the features you prefer.

Roof and Siding Colors

Darker color shades for roofing and siding shingles take in heat, causing the air inside a house to become hot. Your systems will then run longer to offset it. Picking light colored shingles will reflect the sun rather than absorb it. There are other more complicated solutions such as white roofs (special reflective material) or a green roof (with plantings).

Efficient Features for Windows

Windows are a major means of heat and cooling loss. Double-pane windows offer improved insulation. Additionally, adding a low-emittance layer between the layers will minimize heat flow through the window. Low-E material is virtually invisible. Different types of glaze are available to accommodate particular temperatures. High solar gain options are good for regions with cold weather, and low solar gain glazings are great for warmer climates that use more air conditioning. It is also important to evaluate window positioning to take advantage of natural daylight. This can lower the use of electricity.

Role of Insulation

With the right amount of insulation, you will stop heat exchange through the walls. It is obviously less expensive to add it during construction than to attempt it later. To be the most effective, a home should be insulated from top to bottom. If the structure has a below grade level, also consider insulating bulkhead entryways and hot water piping.

Other New Home Energy Saving Tips

Home construction includes many choices. Remember to include energy efficiency in your assessment of different products and materials. Gauge the effect on the environment and initial cost relative to savings over time. In most cases, going with energy efficient products is a clear decision when looking at the overall benefits. Start by consulting with your contractor for other suggestions.

Fosters Way, Dover, NH

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Foster's Way Dover NH

Work with this custom Builder to design the perfect home for you and your Family. Energy Star rated, smart technology and State of the Art construction methods and materials. Just the icing on the cake given the incredible waterfront community that allows for stunning water views, water access and the opportunity to own a deep water slip. Take your boat to downtown Portsmouth, the Wentworth or out to the Isles of Shoals. This location, stunning design and quality of construction provides the ultimate Seacoast Lifestyle. Additional lots and price points available.

5 lots available, prices start at $895,000.

More info below:

Common Renovation Mistakes

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Common House Renovation Blunders

House renovation projects, big or small, can be unexpectedly complex. Television shows make projects appear so quick and easy that you may not fully realize what is needed to achieve your goals. Whether you attempt it yourself or hire someone, here are some common house renovation blunders to avoid with your next endeavor.

Not Properly Prepping

Getting your home prepped for repair work can help save you some time later on. Dirt will travel farther than you realize during house renovation. For instance, failing to cover doors may make your whole house dirty.

Using Cheap Options

If you are deciding to dedicate resources to repair your property, why not make it last? Many homeowners make the mistake of opting for inferior materials with short life spans. There are ways to save money on a renovation project other than using low quality materials.

Going Too Far With Demolition

Proper house renovation does not necessarily require that you demolish to the studs. You can ultimately make more work by doing so and adding unnecessary expenses. Carefully plan your repair and evaluate what you can salvage before starting demolition. Retaining particular features may require a more careful demolition, so you do need to know this prior to starting.

Using A Design That Does Not Make Sense

You want your home to be contemporary, but going too far with your design can impact the resale value of your property. Additionally, think about the existing elements of your property and ensure that the new design compliments it. Remember all of this when selecting hues, materials, etc. for your house renovation.

Setting An Impossible Budget

It is critical to stay within your target budget, but that is only achievable if you set a realistic one to start. It is also not uncommon for unexpected issues to arise during construction. Try to incorporate a buffer just to be safe.

Staying Away from Common House Renovation Blunders

It is simply too easy to make common house renovation blunders. Being aware will help you dodge them. Assess your space, use an appealing design and enduring products, carefully plan before starting, and set a feasible budget and schedule in which to complete it. This will result in a stress-free project with nicer and longer lasting results.

Home Renovations Cost Vs. Value

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New Hampshire Home Renovation Costs Versus Value

New Hampshire homeowners should check the possible improvement in property value compared to the expense of particular renovations prior to performing any work. Some repairs are more profitable than others. The following is information on New Hampshire home renovation costs versus value.

Many people think that they will regain every dollar spent on a repair, or perhaps even more, in increased property values. This is an expected expectation, however it is not generally what occurs. Different home repairs offer different returns, and that increased value can differ depending on the area. To obtain an overview on home renovation costs versus value, here are a few nationwide averages.

Averages

The figures below were obtained from the Remodeling Magazine Report.

Improvement

  Expense 

   Increased Value        

Cost Regained

Basement Room Addition   

  $63,378

         $42,338

       66.8 %

Garage Addition

  $57,824  

         $33,089

       57.2 %

Bathroom Addition

  $40,096

         $20,455

       51 %

Minor Kitchen Upgrade

  $19,588

         $14,120

       72.1 %

Entry Door Upgrade

  $3,536

         $1,990

       56.3 %

 

Assessing Home Renovation Costs Versus Value

Another factor influencing the value of renovations is whether it is a mid-range or up-scale improvement. Kitchen renovations, for example, can be performed in varying price ranges resulting in a different ending value. So, not only might you evaluate the type of renovation but additionally the quality. For a comprehensive list of home repairs and up to date New Hampshire home renovation costs versus value, visit http://www.costvsvalue.com.

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