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.

It May be Snowy Outside, but it's "Green" at SugarOak!

We have been hearing a lot of buzz about “green” lately, and it is not about spring foliage! It is about environmental awareness, otherwise known as the Green Movement. At SugarOak, we have been committed to environmental responsibility before “Green” was even a buzz word! Our first residential geo-thermal heating and cooling system was installed in the early 90’s, when the technology was relatively new! It is forecast that energy demands in our country, and around the world, will continue to grow. Since buildings are a major source of energy consumption, reducing the energy demands of structures can have a multi-faceted impact on our environment. By building more efficient structures, we help to preserve the environment by reducing landfill space, chemical pollutants and air pollution, and by saving forests and improving water quality. We believe that we are part of the solution; raising the bar of home performance is a necessity. We are committed to training, education and working with our trade partners as a way of meeting the rising standards. So what does this mean for the residential building industry? And what is SugarOak Corporation doing to be green? In the construction industry, environmental responsibility affects a number of phases and trades. There are three basic areas that we focus on: Energy Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality, and Resource Efficiency. We are proud to be building custom homes and additions that meet the specific design needs of our clients while also being more efficient than structures that are built to “meet the code” requirements. In addition, we believe that we are building homes that are more durable, perform better and are more comfortable while lowering the cost of ownership, thus making it a smarter investment. Stay tuned for a more detailed discussion of Energy Efficiency, Resource Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality.

A Masterpiece in the Making

SugarOak Offers a Custom Virginia Country Home SugarOak Corporation is pleased to present a custom home that has blended the casual feel of county living with the contemporary amenities that today’s homeowners require. This home of 4,800 square feet is carefully sited on a scenic lot near the heart of Great Falls, Virginia. The home features an exterior of local stone, authentic stucco, standing seam metal roof and ‘old world’ carpentry details married with the efficient features that earn an EPA Energy Star rating. This home is still in the planning phase, so it is the perfect time to customize the plan, and finishes, to meet your individual needs. Please call us to discuss how we can work together to create your masterpiece!

HomeAid Northern Virginia Recognizes SugarOak

Christy Eaton, Executive Director of HomeAid presented SugarOak with a plaque this week in appreciation for our volunteering to be a Builder Captain on a home renovation project in Herndon, VA. SugarOak donated labor and materials to replace windows in a home that is sponsored by Reston Interfaith.

SugarOak Acquisition and Revitalization Fund successfully completed

With the sale of its final assets on December 31, 2009, the SugarOak Acquisition and Revitalization Fund ("SOAR") has been successfully completed. SugarOak is pleased to announce that despite the difficult economic environment and its impact on commercial real estate values, investors in the SOAR fund received an internal rate of return on their investment of approximately 15.6%. In 2004, SugarOak formed SOAR and raised approximately $10 million for opportunistic commercial real estate investments. SOAR purchased four distressed retail properties, totaling approximately 750,000 square feet. Each property was redeveloped or repositioned according to an individually tailored plan and sold. About SugarOak SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services acrosss multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interested and management portfolios across the US and Canada.