Well, it’s good news really… Lumber futures are starting to go higher. Although this is bad news for building costs, it’s good news for the economy. Building costs always seem to be the leading indicator of an economic improvement. Here’s a nice graph showing where lumber is right now in relation to the last few years. Blue Sky Building Company continuously monitors building cost in an effort to stay on the front edge of the market.
Lumber Futures as of February 2010
Well, we were surprised and humbled to walk away from the 2009 North Carolina STARS Awards Gala with 4 first place awards. This was a statewide event with heavy competition. We were excited to win first place for:
While we are obviously thrilled about this from a selfish standpoint, but it also speaks volumes about the caliber of homes being built in Brunswick County. Without clients who have the vision and budget to allow us to show what can be done…there would be no awards. So, thank you to all of our client from the bottom of our hearts.
Well it’s happened again, despite strong competition. Blue Sky Building Company has won two first place Diamond Awards in the 2009 Brunswick County Parade of Homes. The first place awards for our two homes basically covered the best single family homes in the $500k to $1 million price categories. These were some of the largest categories of competitors. The homes that won were the Villa Toscana and Hemingway’s Cottage, both located in Ocean Ridge Plantation. This brings the count to four for our award winning homes in Ocean Ridge Plantation alone. Two other homes in Ocean Ridge Plantation also won first place honors, making it a sweep for this year’s Parade in Ocean Ridge Plantation. We also received Best of Show for our outdoor living area and our ceiling trim detail.
Blue Sky Building Company is very proud and honored to have won the 2008 Brunswick County Parade of Homes Diamond Award. The first place award was received for the best single family home in the $600k to $700k price category. This was the largest category of competitors with 7 awesome entries. The home that we won with was the Briggs Residence in Ocean Ridge Plantation. We were also thrilled to receive the Best of Show for our screened porch outdoor living space.
We are thrilled to have our first Certified EPA Energy Star Home. Although Luke has a bunch of experience with Energy Star certifications in the great white north, it’s the first one under our belt here at Blue Sky Building Company. I will not lie to you…this was a very tough one. The experience of grabbing a tiger by the tail comes to mind.
We made the decision to go the Energy Star route at the rough-in stage…actually after it was all roughed-in. Our homeowners, Bill & Lori Bonnington, were gracious enough to go along for the ride. Ultimately it benefits them with greater comfort and lower energy bills. This over 3,600 square foot house was not only large, but complex in its design. Take those two intimidating factors, throw in being that far along and a fire suppression system (sprinklers, but that’s another story) to boot and the tiger starts growling. But we held on for the ride and it paid off in the end.
We received a 5-STAR rating, actually just one point shy of 5-STAR PLUS, the highest rating possible. It means a bunch of geeky stuff. This home will produce 28.2% less carbon dioxide, 31.7% less sulfur dioxide and 28.7% less nitrogen oxide than the normal home. For you extreme geeks that’s 4 tons of carbon dioxide, 46.6 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 11.5 pounds of nitrogen oxide. The annual energy savings on this home is projected to be around $714. Pretty cool huh?
We also did a few green things as well. We installed a vent in the garage that comes on with the garage door opener and shuts off after 15 minutes. This helps to expel dangerous and obnoxious fumes after the door has closed and you’re drawing water for your bath. Of course you’ll never run out of hot water with the two instant propane water heaters.
Blue Sky Building Company is thrilled to have been selected as a Featured Builder at Thistle Golf Estates & Cottages.
Thistle Golf Estates is a 400 plus acre luxury golf community located between Wilmington, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Set amongst a beautiful and challenging 27 hole golf course, yet only minutes from North Carolinas most beautiful family beaches. Only 145 homes are planned for this community, giving resident privacy and an abundance of open space surrounding and pleasant panoramic views.
Within easy access of two major airports and with an abundance of dining, shopping and entertainment venues, this makes Thistle Golf Estates the perfect location to own a home.
The community takes its name from an ancient Scottish golf society dating back to the early 1800’s and maintains the Scottish feel with impeccably maintained, wind swept fairways, large bent grass greens and surrounding hillsides covered with heather and wild flowers. The homes have a distinct beauty and charm and are designed to reflect ‘Old World’ influences and include steep pitched roofs and stone accents.
Residents can not only enjoy a round of golf on the Golf Digest 4 ½ star awarded golf course, but also the private facilities of the future Residents Center which includes a swimming pool, fitness facilities, full indoor and outdoor kitchens and social areas.
We think you’ll agree this night view of the clubhouse is spectacular.
For more information contact:
Trish Ferber – Sales Director • Phone: (910) 575-8700 • http://www.thistlegolf.com
We’re very excited to add the Certified Green Professional designation to our repertoire.
Offered by the National Association of Home Builders, the Certified Green Professional designation is another way building professionals can become educated in, and involved with green building.
The designation requires NAHB-approved training, and additional continuing education every three years. Training includes extensive discuss ion on how green homes provide buyers with lower energy costs and higher value, and includes strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction.
Blue Sky Building is proud to have a newly revamped website. We now have the ability to bring you the latest news about what’s happening in our neck of the woods and around the country. Over the next few days/weeks we’ll try our best to update this blog to reflect what’s been going on this year and what is yet to come. Be patient with us. Welcome.
