At SugarOak Quality Counts

When you buy a new car, you check the ratings. How does it do in the crash tests, what is the gas mileage, how are the repair records? How does it look and perform? Do you like what you see and how it feels when you drive it? Does it have the design features that you want; cup holders, DVD player, GPS? It is the same with our homes, except that we don’t get a test drive! Take a look at the ratings; is it being built by a reputable builder known for quality? Has it passed any inspections above and beyond the code requirements? Does it have the design features that you want? At SugarOak we are committed to quality and customer satisfaction. We want our homeowners to be happy with the look, feel and performance of their homes. We are committed to being an EPA Energy Star Partner and have our homes inspected and tested by Third Party Professionals. We are proud to announce that the home at Bittersweet Farms, in Great Falls, Virginia, has just passed the first phase of the Energy Star Inspection! Stop by for a visit and see how much quality counts!

Energy Efficiency - Doing More With Less

SugarOak is a partner with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an Energy Star Builder; homes that earn the Energy Star rating meet rigorous EPA guidelines. According to the EPA, Energy Star homes typically use 15% - 30% less energy than homes built to meet the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and typically use 20% - 30% less energy than standard homes. All of our Project Managers, Site Superintendents, Carpenters and field staff have participated in EPA Energy Star training seminars. We even volunteered one of our projects under construction to be used in the field training portion of a seminar taught by the leading expert on Energy Star, Sam Rashkin, National Director of the EPA Energy Star Program. It proved to be an exceptional learning opportunity for SOC and other members of the building industry. We also have training and certification in the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Green Building Standards. Some elements that are critical to energy efficient construction are; effective insulation techniques, minimizing thermal bypass at the exterior envelope, tight duct construction and distribution systems, exterior envelope air sealing, installation of air barriers, high performance advanced windows, high efficiency heating and cooling equipment, correctly sized heating and cooling equipment, use of Energy Star appliances and use of some high efficiency lighting. We work with our clients to manage their priorities and achieve the best possible results. We have our work tested and inspected by a third party, Home Energy Rater (HERS). This assures that our homes meet the Energy Star of (NAHB) Performance Guidelines.