Important Winter Maintanence Tips by Bruce Coburn

By now everyone has done their winter heating maintenance and cleaned or replaced their furnace filters. But do you know that one of the biggest impacts on your comfort at home is not the temperature of the air but the level of humidity in the air? Experts tell us that relative humidity levels inside your home during the winter months should be kept between 30% and 40%. Maintaining winter humidity levels within that range will make the inside air feel warmer, can reduce dry, itchy skin and static shocks and will lessen the damaging effect of excessively dry air on hardwood floors, wood furniture and interior wood trim.
Many modern heating and cooling systems include a built in humidifier. It is important to keep this part of the system properly maintained. Maintenance should occur at the beginning of the heating season since that is when it is most needed and used. There are two major types of built-in humidifiers, power humidifiers and steam humidifiers. Both types require maintenance. Power humidifiers have an internal fabric element that water runs over and a fan that atomizes the water and pushes it into the air as it is flows through the ductwork. The humidifier element in a power humidifier should be replaced at the beginning of the heating system and depending on the quality of the water, again half way through the season. Steam humidifiers heat water to create steam that is introduced to air in the ducts. Steam humidifiers have a water filter that should be replaced one or two times per season, again depending on the quality of the water.
You can search on-line for do-it-yourself replacement elements and filters by looking up the manufacturer and model number on your humidifier. Even better, have your heating and cooling service mechanic replace the element or filter during their regular checkups.
If your built-in humidifier was installed more than five years ago, it’s a good idea to trace the copper water supply line back to where the water valve is. Some older water valves are of a type known as a saddle valve and are prone to leaking and clogging. You can tell a saddle valve by the style of handle it has and that it will be clamped around a water pipe. A saddle valve will have a small “T” shaped handle that will take several rotations to fully open or close. If this valve is fully open and your humidifier does not seem to be getting enough water or if the supply valve is leaking, you should have a plumber replace the valve with a new “gate” type valve.
Stay warm and comfortable all winter long by maintaining the indoor air humidity level and the humidifier that does that job.
At Visnic Homes we care about the continuing care of your home. If you have questions about anything else, feel free to ask. You can like our Facebook Page - Visnic Homes to stay up on our latest tips!

Peaceful Settings

I was at our new job in Arnold, MD on Saturday to meet the photographer. It was a spectacular day and the view across the Severn River was soothing and magnificent. I stood where the kitchen will be and imagined how our clients will enjoy special moments here. That is one of the things I like best about building custom homes. Our clients give us their dreams and we create a reality for them. This particular house started as a teardown. The foundation is now in for the new home and each day it will take on more and more of their vision. You'll be able to follow this progress soon via webcam on our website.

Reflections

It occurred to me the other day how fast 21 years has gone. I remember starting our first custom home…the details were critical as my name was on it. It was the first one that was “mine”. When I came up for air a couple of years later, we had finished 8 homes! The last 21 years has been a bit like that. We’ve completed over 200 homes, each one very special to me. As I reflected on what we’ve done, I came up with a fun list I’d like to share with you.
Did You Know?
Visnic Homes….
*has worked with influential Washingtonians planning their homes for over 20 years in the Washington/Baltimore Metro Region.
* has built more custom homes than any other custom builder in the Washington/Baltimore Metro Region.
*has won more awards than any other custom builder in the Washington/Baltimore Metro Region.
*has built more “pure” custom homes for a more diverse cliental than any other builder in the region.

*has built multiple projects for the same families over ten times. Today, two more are in the works.
*was the only custom builder to start and finish in the community at the Reserve in McLean.
*has built over 40 custom homes in Avenel, Potomac, MD.
*has built in nine counties: Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince George, Montgomery, Howard, Frederick, Anne Arundal, Queen Anne, and Talbot.
*has longtime relationships with the best architects, interior designers, and craftsmen in the Washington/Baltimore Metro Region.
*has built homes from 2000 to 26,000 square feet, with the same TLC.
*has built more Green homes with GeoThermal Systems than any other custom builder in the region.
*has facilitated the sale of more residential lots than any custom builder, and many production builders.
*believes no architectural issue is insurmountable.
*has been invited to build in more exclusive communities than any other custom builder.
*had very quiet phones after the recent earthquake and hurricane!

To all who have had confidence in our ability, I offer a cliché from Bob Hope, “Thanks for the Memories!’. I look forward to the next 21 years, building more memories with you.

Ted Visnic

Building an In-Law Addition

We’re receiving more requests to build a new In-Law Addition than at any time in the past. As the baby boomers become more involved in taking care of aging parents, this presents the simple solution. Multi-generational living is on the rise nationwide.

Some choose to renovate within their home, while others are building an entirely independent addition. These additions have all the convenience of their own homes, and allow their relatives to have a feeling of independence while being close.

If a freestanding addition is not possible, converting existing space to a bedroom, bath, kitchen and living space is a great alternative. We look at your home and lot, and bring in our design team to optimize the space. We have partnerships with many renowned architects and can match you with the one that reflects your style.

Recently, we renovated a home on St. Michael and built not only the main house, but two freestanding additions to accommodate the extended family. To see this home from start to finish, visit VisnicHomes.com and click on Portfolio/St. Michael Renovation.

An Interview with a Client

We recently finished a gorgeous home on Kent Island for Gary Mangum. Having lived on Kent Island for a while, Gary wanted a home that could withstand the strong winds that reach 70 mph nightly. We used a unique concrete construction to solve this issue. The interior of the home has room to spare and beautifully crafted features.
Here are Gary’s words:
Q: What would you have changed about your experience?
A. I wish I had met Ted earlier in the process. I would have liked
for him to be involved from the first meeting.
Q. How was Visnic Homes to work with?
A. Ted was outstanding to work with. The home took over 3
years to build. His experience and expertise is remarkable. He was my advocate the entire time. His staff have been phenomenal…upfront and candid.
Q. How was the quality?
A. Impressive. I’m from a farm background and it all looks good to me, but more telling, my friends are all impressed.
Q. Describe the process.
A. Ted wanted the “Team” first. He put together the architect, interior designer, and of course, himself. Laura, in his office, understood me, what I got and didn’t get.
Q. How are you enjoying the home now?
A. We do a lot more entertaining, use it a lot more. I’m working out of the home 3 to 4 days of the week. We built lifestyle into the home that brings people over. We have a baseball diamond for the boys, pool, shooting range, and more.
Q. Any last words?
A. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change anything. There were no surprises and I was very comfortable. The only think I’d change is to not poke my nose into any of the contractor hires. Ted knows more than I do, and in the end, he was always right!
To take a photo tour of this home, visit visnichomes.com/custom_homes_portfolio.html

Play Ball!

As many of you know, a major part of our lives is spent driving to, coaching, and cheering our kids in athletics. My particular passion is baseball. The Visnic Team has been involved with our area high schools and youth leagues for years. We’ve found giving back is a truly gratifying experience.

In the Spring of 2008, we renovated the baseball field at Glenelg High School in Howard County. We, also, built long awaited dugouts. When a safety issue was brought to my attention at Bullis High School, regarding the orientation of the field, our team came in and turned the field around so the sun would not blind the hitters.
Coaching in the Baltimore Metro Baseball League has also been an incredible experience. In fact, some rising stars that we have sponsored and coached have come out of our youth teams:_Mike Thomas, now at Rider U. is about to break their strike out record._Kevin Jacob was drafted by the Yankees, but is staying to finish his senior year at Georgia Tech._Jeff Guthridge is playing for Hofstra._CT Stanley is a clean up hitter at York University._Alex Frederick, now at Armstrong Atlantic has been a weekly selection as the MVP of the Sun Belt League._Steve Visnic (my son and one of the greatest structures I’ve ever built) holds the appearance record for a single season as a pitcher at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Baseball has been important in the development of these fine young men, and giving back has had quite an impact on our Visnic Team. And boy, did that whole experience race by!

Enjoy
Ted Visnic

A Home With a View

Last week we taped a video of an incredible home on Kent Island. It's 22,000 sq. ft. and has majestic views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Bay Bridge. It was a beautiful day and I could envision the family we're working with living there and enjoying life. That's what we like to do. Listen to you, work with the team we put together, and make you happy. The interior designer has been adding his selections over the last weeks, and the home is really coming to life with tiles & marbles I've never seen before.

Working together is truly a passion with me. I get such a thrill seeing a client's ideas come to life. Watch for the video in a few weeks!