Category Archives: Home / Energy

By Jennifer Farnsworth

One thing homeowners don’t want to hear is, “you have mold.”

Area professionals can provide help with a series of steps to remove mold from a home.

“The most important thing for a homeowner or business owner to first understand is that there are steps to mold remediation,” said Mario Gonzalez, of Bio Armor in Ballston Spa.

He said before the mold can be removed, a “mold assessor” has to first meet with the homeowner to determine if there is mold and how it can be removed.

“The most important things to know is that once you find it, you have to determine the reason, fix it, remove the mold and cleanup and then monitor it,” said Bob Serafini of Quick Response Restoration in Round Lake. “Have proper ventilation, use dehumidifiers if necessary and work with a trusted professional.”

Serafini said many times people don’t realize they even have mold issues until they go to sell their home and an inspector discovers the problem.

Once this is determined, the property owner is given a report. They can then contact a mold remediation specialist to take care of the problem.  Gonzalez said the assessor’s report protects the homeowner and the company removing the mold, ensuring there is no discrepancy regarding the severity of the problem.

By Maureen Werther

Interior designers and home décor studios in Saratoga County are producing some of the hottest designs and furnishings in the Capital District.

Bold colors is one trend, said Jamie Davies, who, with her mother, Janet Longe, owns 23rd and Fourth design studio at 138 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, in the new Empire Run commercial and residential complex.

“Navy is the new black,” said Davies, adding that people will see bold pops of color cropping up in walls and accessories in rooms throughout the home. Unexpected places will include kitchen appliances, sinks, oven hoods and wall coverings.

Traditional oriental floor coverings are being paired with modern wall art, lighting fixtures and clean minimalist lines in furnishings, cabinetry and other architectural designs. Those trends will be big in 2018, according to Longe.

Textured wall coverings are also making a return, she said. The newer papers are textured and imprinted with designs reflective of the more contemporary stylized images that are more influenced by technology and digitalized graphic art.

John V. Bove, left, CFO of G. A. Bove and Sons says customer service is a priority.

©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Susan E. Campbell

Trends in the heating, cooling and insulation fields and the sciences behind them project lower costs and greater efficiency, say the experts.

John V. Bove Jr., CFO of G. A. Bove and Sons Inc. of Mechanicville, said his company is experiencing an uptick in propane systems and delivery, especially in new residential construction.

“Propane is very versatile,” said Bove. “The fuel is very similar to natural gas, but gas lines have to stop somewhere.”

A new residential neighborhood may not have been piped for natural gas, although the utility may add lines later on. Meanwhile, propane gas has diverse uses, including heating, hot water, cooking, cooling, fireplace inserts, outdoor grills and fire pits, even for heating the pool, Bove said.

“It’s one source for winter, summer and everything in between,” said Bove.

Among older homes or businesses, it is an easy conversion to propane or natural gas as older oil furnaces reach their life expectancy.

“Schools used to use oil, but it was not good for the environment. You cannot retrofit an old number six boiler, so the schools converted to gas or propane, which was cleaner and cheaper,” Bove said.

The Clements family of Saratoga Springs has occupied 195 Division St., a new construction carried out by Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties is set to break ground on its second build of the year.

Officials said the build represents a “new period of growth for the affiliate,” as it sets a new record with the completion of two homes in one year.

Both homes are in Saratoga Springs. Officials said the Glens Falls area will be the location, yet unnamed, for a project in 2017.

“We’ve experienced an unprecedented amount of generosity this year, which has allowed us to expand our model to accommodate building multiple homes,” said Tammy DiCara, president of the local affiliate. “The people of Saratoga County have really come forward to address the affordable housing issue with some major donations of time, labor, materials, and land. It’s been a pleasure to see the community come together to support the advancement of our affiliate.”

The organization dedicated its 26th build, at 195 Division St. in Saratoga Springs, on Aug. 25 for the Clements family. The city of Saratoga Springs donated the property to Habitat for Humanity. Habitat partnered with the Saratoga Builders Association, Rebuilding Together Saratoga and community volunteers to build the home.