Energy Star Rating

Ence Homes recently received the 2011 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In order to qualify for an ENERGY STAR rating, a home must meet energy efficiency standards set by the EPA. And though Ence Homes is pleased about receiving this award, we’re even happier for what it means for our Mesquite, NV homes for sale homebuyers.

 Money Saver  – Money will be saved by purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified home. All together, Ence Homes customers will save $44,700 per year on utility bills. You’ll be able to put aside money for gadgets, trinkets, birthdays, gatherings, backyard barbecues or family vacations. 

Soothing Quiet – Your home is your haven and at your Mesquite, NV homes for sale you’ll be able to get plenty of rest, relaxation and comfort. As an Ence Homes homebuyer, your home will feature energy saving efficient insulation systems and high performance windows that reduce noise, tight construction and ducts, properly-sized and installed efficient heating and cooling equipment that will keep your home warm during the winter months and cool during the summer.

Not only will you get all the features of a new home but ENERGY STAR qualified homes offer useful energy-saving features that have third-party verification of energy performance. As you consider buying a Mesquite, NV homes for sale, remember all the wonderful features that will benefit your home and your pockets while contributing to the environment by avoiding greenhouse gas emissions.

First Time Home Buyer Tips

Buying your first home is an exciting process. But as you’re eager to purchase your first St. George, UT homes for sale there are many things to consider. The more information you have before setting out on this journey, the more prepared you’ll be. Here are some first time home buyer tips for purchasing your Ence Homes.

Do your homework – Having a handle on your finances is the first step to purchasing your home. Knowing your credit score, how much you have for a down payment, how much you can afford, household expenses, the different loan programs available and what you qualify for is essential.

Kind of place – When deciding to purchase your first home, it’s important to determine the type of home you want and the community you’d like to live in. Ence Homes has several St. George, UT homes for sale communities that offer spectacular move in ready homes or custom home building options and features that only you know is best for you and your family. Consulting an Ence Homes representative can provide you with the necessary feedback needed to make an informed decision.

Openness – Knowing what you want is important but when viewing the various St. George, UT homes for sale options, it’s important to keep an open mind. Remember, when it comes to the move in ready home options nothing is set in stone. You can always change the color of the walls to match the color scheme you want.

Learn – It’s important to have fun but also to learn during this process. Learn all you can about your future Ence Homes neighborhood, the schools and the town. Picture yourself having family gatherings, barbecues and other memorable occasions. Don’t be afraid to talk to your potential neighbors to get a feel of what it’s like to live in the community. You may even meet some friends to invite to your house warming party in your first ever St. George, UT homes for sale neighborhood

 

Outdoor Fireplaces or Fire Pits Safety Tips

An outdoor fireplace or fire pit adds ambiance to your St. George, UT homes for sale backyard while creating a wonderful place to gather year round. But as you entertain, hang out or stay warm during cool Utah nights there are many things to remember. Ence Homes recommends you adhere to the following outdoor fireplaces or fire pits safety tips in order to keep safe.

Safety first – Maintain a clean area around your fire pit or fireplace and clean it regularly. A screen is recommended for creating a barrier from the fire to stop sparks from flying out of the pit. Don’t allow your children or animals to play around or be near the fire. Never burn trash or plastics in your fire because they discharge dangerous toxins.

Fire safety equipment – Fire safety gloves are suggested to manage your fire. In case of an emergency, keep a fire extinguisher, water hose and buckets of water handy.

Location – Place your fire pit or fireplace on a solid surface and keep it at least 100 feet from your St. George, UT homes for sale. Situate it away from anything that can catch fire including overhanging rooflines, plants, trees and electrical wirings or anything that absorbs heat like metal tables, chairs or railings. Position your furniture far enough away from the fireplace or fire pit as well.

Wood – Hardwoods like hickory and oak are suggested because they emit less smoke.

Observation – Use a fatwood stick to light your fire. Start with a small fire to understand which way the wind is blowing, how strong it is and only add fuel when needed.

Ventilation – Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining safety at your home. Never place your fireplace or fire pit in an enclosed area, including your covered patio. Use smoke vents on your fireplace to direct the smoke upwards.

Supervision– Always keep your eyes on the fire and never leave it unattended.

Double check – Make sure the fire is completely extinguished when you’re finished using the fireplace or fire pit before heading back inside your St. George, UT homes for sale.

Sun Safety Tips for Outdoor Fun

Whether you’re barbecuing, attending a family reunion, at an amusement park, pool, beach, or outside of your homes for sale Mesquite, NV, there’s nothing like having fun in the sun. While you’re enjoying outdoor fun it’s important to keep safe from the sun. Ence Homes offers these six sun safety tips for outdoor fun.Sunscreen – Sunscreen’s a necessity year round if you’re on land, in the water and for all pigmentations.  Select a sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of 30+. Stick to sunscreens that contain zinc, titanium, Mexoryl SX and avodenzone because they help protect the skin and never purchase ones containing insect repellent. Apply sunscreen after applying skincare products. Put it on at least 30 minutes before heading out in the sun and reapply it every few hours even if it’s waterproof.

Plan and play around the sun – Avoid direct sun contact during the sun’s peak hours between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Concrete around pools, water and sand reflect the sun’s rays and can reach shaded areas. Find or create a shaded area on your homes for sale Mesquite, NV property or wherever you’re at if you must be outdoors no matter the time of day.

Infants – Infants skin is thin and their melanin’s still developing causing them to burn easily. Don’t apply sunscreen to a baby under six months but try to find a shaded area or clothe them in protective wear if the sun is unavoidable.

Clothing – Wear long sleeved shirts and pants and wide-brimmed hats even if you’re outdoors playing at home.

Sunglasses – Sunglasses aren’t just for making a fashion statement but also for protecting your eyes from the suns UV radiation. Wearing shades is key even if you’re just outside in your homes for sale Mesquite, NV yard. Purchase sunglasses that have total UV protection and avoid toy sunglasses because they don’t protect your eyes fully but just shade them.

Medications – Some medications intensify sensitivity to the sun. Check your prescriptions or consult your doctor to see it’s safe or if you have to avoid being out in the sun.

Fun Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day

Father’s Day is quickly approaching and is on June 19h this year. No matter if you plan on spending the day with Dad around your homes for sale St. George, UT or around town, there are many ways to enjoy the day and honor Dad. Ence Homesrecommends these five fun ways to celebrate Father’s Day.Father’s Day card – as simple as this seems buy a Father’s Day card you can add a personal message to. It’s a unique and fun way to show love to your dad.

Handmade book – create a handmade book with some of Dads memorable sayings, his favorite quotes and family pictures. It’s fun and a creative way to celebrate your father and you can keep it on the mantle or coffee table in yourhomes for sale St. George, UT for more than Father’s Day.

Social networking – if you’re on Twitter, Facebook or any of the social networking sites, do a live tweet or status update shouting out Dad. You can do it from home or any place you’re celebrating Father’s Day. Don’t forget to take a photo with the family to share with your family, friends or followers.

Snack Can – take a piece of colored construction paper and cut it to fit around a coffee can. Using markers or crayons, draw fun pictures and decorate it with everything from stickers and glitter. After everything has dried, glue the decorated paper onto the coffee can and then cover the paper with clear contact paper. Once that’s complete fill the can with Dads favorite snacks and maybe even a gadget.

Crown Dad King – give Dad the day off by crowning him King for the Day. Have a barbecue with his favorite foods, drinks and play his favorite songs and tunes dedicated Dad. Get his car detailed and fill up the gas tank, or better yet wash his car in your homes for sale St. George, UT driveway.

 

 

Ways to Spruce Up Your Patio or Deck

The St. George, UT home builders, Ence Homes design team created a wonderful home. As summer nears you’ll find yourself spending more time outside. Create an outdoor living space that’s trendy, reflects your personality and you’ll actually use. Sprucing up your patio or deck doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be a fun activity that brings the beauty outside to match the beauty inside of your Ence Homes. Here are several ways to spruce up your patio or deck. 

Clean up – as simple as it sounds removing anything you don’t intend on using is a way to spruce up your patio or deck. Once you’ve cleaned it up sweep and dust the area.

Tablecloths – throwing a tablecloth on your table could help disguise an old or rundown table, be good for parties and also bring a nice element to your outdoor living space.

Buy new furniture– purchasing new stylish furniture can liven up your patio or deck. Coordinate your furniture sets color scheme and style to match what the St. George, UT home builders created for you. You can add pillows and some appliances to make your outdoors living space functional like the indoors.

Free standing fountain – a free standing fountain can bring tranquility to your patio or deck and be a great place to relax and unwind.

Add lighting – lighting’s a simple and cheap way to add spunk to your patio or deck. You can use solar lights or candles. Put candles in ordinary dirking glasses to place on your table. For atmosphere, use the outlets installed by the St. George, UT home builders in your covered patio to hang up Christmas lights, Chinese balls, Chinese lanterns or rope lights.

Rugs – rugs just aren’t for the interior of your home. Outdoor rugs enhance your exterior and should be an extension of your interior by adding warmth and color to the exterior. They’re sturdy and designed to endure the elements.

Plants – planting seeds and watching them bloom add life. You can create a project with your family by watering, fertilizing, trimming and removing the weeds from the containers.

 

Grilling Tips to Celebrate National Barbecue Month

The weather is warming up, outdoor cooking season is upon us and Memorial Day is quickly approaching. May is National Barbecue Month. Before you fire up the grill at your new homes in St. George, UT it’s important to brush up on your grilling skills. Ence Homes offers your grilling tips to celebrate National Barbecue Month.

Keep it clean – clean your grill before each use to ensure your food doesn’t get stuck on the grates and that there aren’t any unwanted flavors or debris on your food.

Grill placement – position your grill on stable ground, at least three feet away from your home and away from any overhangs or flowers. Test the direction of the wind to avoid smoke getting into your eyes or from blowing into your home.

Preheat the grill – preheat your grill at least 15 to 20 minutes prior to barbecuing.

Keep things close – to keep an eye on the grill and to avoid so you’re not running back inside your new homes in St. George, UT have everything you need to grill nearby including your food, cooking utensils and anything else needed to cook. Use long-handled utensils to avoid burning yourself.

Safe Grilling – keep a fire extinguisher handy and baking soda nearby to control any grease fires.

Thaw your meats– never put cold foods on your grill. Don’t thaw your foods at room temperature but defrost in your fridge or in a microwave and remember to cook immediately.

Soak your bamboo – your bamboo skewers must be soaked for 30 minutes before placing them on the grill. You can elect to use metal skewers to avoid soaking, especially if you don’t have the time or are forgetful.

Cook meat thoroughly – grill on both sides by turning your fish, beef and poultry at least once for even cooking.

Cleanliness – to avoid cross contamination always use clean plates and utensils to transfer raw and cooked foods. Keep your works surfaces clean and wash your hands frequently.

Following these tips will allow you to enjoy National Barbecue Month and the rest of your summertime barbecue festivities at your new homes in St. George, UT with your family and friends.

Tuscany Ridge Grand Opening!

Ence Homes invites you to their NEW TUSCANY RIDGE COMMUNITY GRAND OPENING ON SATURDAY, MAY 14th! Come tour the new Tuscany Ridge model. The Grand Opening is from 10am-5pm and free hot dogs will be served from 11am-2pm. Directions to Tuscany Ridge Community.Ence Homes is excited to open its newest community in the City of St. George. Tuscany Ridge introduces a new Tuscan and Southwest-European architecture in single and two-story homes.

Nine new home designs will debut at Tuscany Ridge, ranging from 1,528 square feet to 3,000 square feet. Homes here will feature a variety of architectural options, allowing homeowners to create their perfect living space with an array of impressive included features. Ence Homes is also committed to energy efficiency – building a better home for our homeowners and the environment.

Conveniently located off Dixie Drive, Tuscany Ridge offers residents a great location, with nearby schools, parks, bike and walking trails, restaurants, healthcare, shopping, and movie theaters. All of these modern day conveniences will be right at your fingertips.

Be among the first to call Tuscany Ridge home. Call us today to join the interest list for Tuscany Ridge.

Fun Ways to Celebrate the Women in Your Life for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate the special women in our lives. Whether they’re mothers, wives, grandmothers, sisters, aunts or friends Ence Homes appreciates all they’ve done and continue to do. Here are some fun ways to celebrate the women in your life for Mother’s Day in your homes for sale in Mesquite, NV

Family Karaoke – Nothing will show the women in your life how much you love them than singing karaoke songs devoted to them. Mom can join in or simply enjoy the kids, grandkids and Dad sing.

Mother’s Day Celebration – The way to a woman’s heart is for her to have a day off from cooking. Host a Mother’s Day celebration BBQ or feast with their favorite foods at your homes for sale in Mesquite, NV. This is a great way to honor the women in the life and have the family over for good times.

Thank You – Call up all the special women in your life and thank them for being an integral part of your life. A simple thank you goes a long way and shows them

Marathon Mania – Are the Moms movie lovers? At your home, have a marathon of the women in your life’s favorite movies, actor, and T.V. series.

Quality time –Make it appoint to spend quality time with the Mom’s in your life. It can be economical or expensive and range from whatever Mom wants to do from going to an amusement park, white water rafting, skydiving, going to the theater or taking a daytrip.

Mom Coupons – Enlist the help of the kids to create a coupon book for Mom that will have a list of tasks you’ll do for her. The kids will enjoy creating the booklet that Mom is sure to enjoy. They can be daily chores around your homes for sale in Mesquite, NV, a spa day and anything you know they’re sure to enjoy.

Color Theory Design Class

Designer Furniture Gallery is offering a free design class titled Color Theory.  The class will be held on April 29th, 2011 at 11 a.m.  The topic of this workshop is color.  Color is all around us and it affects everyone.  Join us for this workshop and you will learn from one of our Interior Design Professionals , Steve Curtis, how color serves a purpose in the home.  You will also learn how to choose a color for a specific room.  participants will receive a complimentary color wheel along with instruction on how to properly use it.  Please contact Designer Furniture Gallery for more details.  You can reserve your spot online at www.designerfurniture.com or call us at 435-673-2323.