An energy-audit is a great “tune-up” for your existing home. I have been offering energy-audits for free for people in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County now for about four years. My goal is to help people reduce their monthly bills by identifying easy to correct...

I am working on a research project that looks at different wall types (2 x 4 wood, 2 x 6 wood, ICF, other) compared to annual energy usage. The more data I can collect for each wall type the closer I will get to scientific conclusion. If you have a moment, can you please fill out...

Well we finally have winter with snow! This makes some of us happy, and some of us who like warm weather. . . not so much. But it is cozy inside, and nice when you don’t need to go out. Have a cup of hot chocolate! I (Phyllis) have posted before about importance of not...

Congratulations to Judith Trumbo, Business Person of the Year, Welhelmina Johnson, Diversity Leadership award, the Thompsons for the Family Farm Steward award, and Rocktown Kitchen for Entrepreneur of the year at this year’s Harrisonburg Rockingham Chamber of Commerce...

As a Junior at James Madison University studying Architectural Design, I’ve heard my share (and more!) about sustainable design and how our environment is worsening each year. But as a college-level architect, I know my sustainable designs and ideas won’t be...

This time of year it is sometimes hard to get warm. Does your house have that one room that is always a few degrees colder than the rest of the house? Are there places in your home you don’t use this time of year? Look for the air leak if your house is cold or uncomfortable...

Guest Post by Architect Deborah Smith. I am a self-proclaimed homebody, but nothing will peel me off the couch faster than getting to travel and experience new places and old/new buildings.  The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. has been on my list of places to visit for quite...

We love working with non-profits in our community that are doing good work. The Harrisonburg Rockingham Child Day Care Center is one such client and have just kicked off their capital campaign. This organization provides full-day child care and learning opportunities in a secure...

Are you looking for a locally made well-crafted gift for someone special this year? Check out Unlimited Creations & Design, LLC. They have made several items for me and it is always beyond expectation. Bryan Shirkey is a true craftsman. He created this coat rack for my office...

CrossRoads Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center is hosting a Gingerbread House design competition. I hope you will bring your a game and please don’t limit your construction to a simple A frame house! I am serving as a judge for the gingerbread house design competition...