Green Houses?

The term “greenhouse” has taken on a whole new meaning in the last year or two. Ever since the big gas increases, people have been industriously finding ways to save on fuel. The fuel issue has made people reconsider other aspects of their lives- how else they can save money on the resources they use. As a result, many people are creating new ways, or using old ones, to save money on their household expenses and building “greenhouses” to conserve energy, prevent pollution and waste, and generally save money down the road.

Many of these techniques are “old” in the respect that we’ve been down this path before. Most of us recall the energy crisis in the 70s. This is a fantastic opportunity for many people who are out of a manufacturing job to invent something or take advantage of an existing invention (e.g. Biodiesel) and create a new job. But I digress.

There were a few tricks in the 70s that were blown off and have now resurfaced as a viable way to save energy, keep the air clean, save money, or just plain get off “the grid.” One way is windmills. These can be as simple as a 3’ diameter span to help run your clothes dryer. Something this small would not be able to run your entire house but it could help with some of the bills. Another system that was cost prohibitive in the past is solar energy. Again, one array may not take the whole house off the grid, but it could at least contribute to saving money and the environment. They may not be cheap now, but I would imagine that finally we have come to understand that we need to do something and I would presume the cost could come down if enough people demand the product.

What Steve is incorporating into his houses is sealed crawlspaces. This is different from regular vented crawlspaces in a couple different ways. First, the lack of vents on the walls of the crawlspace prevents moisture from the outside air from getting into the crawlspace, creating condensation, and, potentially, mold. Second, the crawlspace temperature is incorporated into the main part of the house by creating a vent leading from the house to the crawlspace. This way, the humidity can be regulated simultaneously with your humidity in the home.

You can view more ideas on the following website.

http://www.eere.energy.gov/

Moving Scams

I was going through my million bookmarks that I have on my internet browser and stumbled upon this one. I thought it would be a good idea to share some ideas in this website about getting scammed when moving with a moving company. http://www.movingscam.com/

New Phase

A new phase can mean many things in life. In the life of Duke Brothers, it not only means new, tangible, visible creations of lots are available for customers to choose but it also means progress.

When Steve and Tom decided to step up the size of the homes in the neighborhood, they committed themselves to a new chapter in the Duke Brothers story. Growing pains naturally follow and it is a challenge to keep up with the demands of the job every day. But we manage to pull through and every Friday is a salute to getting through another week!

We have waited a long while to get these streets in the works. But the city finally approved the plans and as the streets are being cut in, the water lines and storm drains will be laid next, then the sewer will be directed, the electrical and gas will be set, and finally paving will begin! The process should only take a couple months but building can begin right away, even without pavement.
A new phase in life and in real estate can be a good thing, indeed. We all look forward to this change here at Quail Run and we’re excited about all the new neighbors joining our community.

Duke Brothers

Hello and welcome to the first Duke Brothers post! My name is Lisa Duke and I am married to Steve, Vice President of the company. His Dad, Tom, is the president and here's a little bit about us:

Tom Duke

Born and raised in the Nashville area, Tom Duke has had many adventures in his life.

He has been in the air force, sold Electrolux vacuums, and been a banker. From Tennessee to Texas to California, Mr. Duke would eventually find himself in Atlanta before the move to High Point where he has lived for more than 30 years.

Mr. Duke made the decision to begin building on the land around 1988. Starting a construction company focused on new homes, he would subcontract most of the work until Steve came to work for him in the early 90s. He continues to live in the lovely, early 20^th century farm house on the top of the hill, but is now surrounded by several dozen single-family homes, most of which his company constructed.

In his spare time, Tom enjoys music including dancing and playing the sax.

Steve Duke

With a light Southern drawl, Steve still jokes he is from California, having been born in Los Angeles County. His early childhood spent in Atlanta, he has lived most of his life in High Point on the 70 original acres Tom purchased off Gordon Road.

After high school, Steve learned the trades of a home builder including framing, brick masonry, landscape grading, and drafting. Joining his dad in the early 1990s, they would soon be managing all the construction on Quail Run Farm.

Steve enjoys playing drums, riding horses, home-winemaking, and traveling to his mother’s native England every few years to visit extended family.

Lisa Duke

A Jersey girl at heart, Lisa has lived in the Triad since 1990. After working in the advertising and marketing field for nearly eight years, she attended graduate school to study geography. When the aerial photography firm with whom she was working decided to close their North Carolina office in 2004, Mrs. Duke found herself at a career crossroads.

Since Duke Brothers would need help with their growth, Lisa obtained her real estate license in 2005 and is a new home sales specialist. She started her own company under the name Point of Beginning.

Lisa met Steve in 2001 when she had trouble with the crown molding in her dining room. They married in 2003. Mrs. Duke enjoys salsa dancing, learning about wine, and writing.