There really is a new buzz in the housing market. Our inquiries are up. There is a greater sense that now is the time to buy as sustained economic optimism builds and before building and land costs increase.

Some are just anxious to get on with their lives. They are tired of waiting for a better moment. Families grow and nests empty. It’s time to move on as they feel the market has stabilized. The “Blue Chip” Washington area real estate market proved its durability…again. We lead the U.S. in sustained value and are at the front of recovery. Over 1,200 homes sold in Bethesda / Chevy Chase and over 400 just in Mclean over the past 2 years, in what some characterize as the toughest market in memory. The D.C. metro area is highly regarded among my builder friends around the country.

There is tremendous value in the market and our network of premium lot opportunities is expanding. Even now, we are regularly approached by sellers and many of the best lots are trading before they are listed.

“Infill” custom homes are now a very popular choice. In response, our Downtown Collection of home designs is well suited to meet the demand for efficient luxury living close-in. But that’s another blog…...

Visnic Homes

This article was posted in Visnic Homes Blogs

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!

This article was posted in Visnic Homes Blogs

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 

This article was posted in MyBlog, Visnic Homes Blogs and tagged with custom homes, Visnic Homes, Visnic

Ted Visnic on 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. In this picture, you can see how we built not only the main house, but two freestanding additions to accommodate the extended family. To see this home from start to finish, visit http://www.offersandphotos.com/links/visnichomes.html.
Ted Visnic is the CEO of Visnic Homes. He has built over 200 custom homes and renovations in the Washington Metropolitan Region. He has been building for over 20 years.

This article was posted in MyBlog, Visnic Homes Blogs