From fixing cracked foundations to improving energy efficiency, how can current and future homeowners get the most out of their investment?

The West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design will host two workshops for homeowners discussing energy efficiency and home inspections.

Basic Home Inspections will be offered Tuesday, July 12; Energy Efficiency: Theory and Practice will be offered Wednesday, July 13. Both workshops will be held from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Percival Hall’s Room 204 on the Evansdale Campus.

Home inspections are extremely important to not only new home buyers but also current home owners who wish to keep their houses in great condition.

The Basic Home Inspections workshop will cover topics such as foundations, insect infestations, proper insulation and ventilation, as well as roofing materials and life expectancies.

“This is a perfect opportunity for future homeowners to learn how to spot potential problems when looking at homes,” explained Jody Gray, research associate in the Appalachian Hardwood Center, a joint effort by the Davis College and WVU Extension Service. “It will also help current home owners learn how to assess their homes for future remodeling projects.”

The two-part Energy Efficiency course will begin by covering basic building science, common home energy efficiency issues, a review of building materials as they relate to energy efficiency, and a brief exploration of the Energy Star residential rating program.

The second part will feature a hands-on energy audit at the WVU Sustainable Design Studio. The audit will demonstrate the basics of pressurization testing and infrared thermography to identify problem areas common to many residential structures.

“As a service, we want to pass along the information we have to area residents,” said Gray. “Owning a home is a huge investment. It’s important for current and future homeowners to know as much as possible about inspections, energy efficiency and general maintenance. It can save them time and money in the long run.”

Anyone interested in attending either workshop must register by July 8. There is a $25 registration fee for each workshop. Both are hosted by the WVU Division of Forestry and Natural Resources Appalachian Hardwood Center.

For more information or to register, contact Gray at 304.293.8907 or by email at Jody.Gray@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

la/06/23/11

CONTACT: Jody Gray, Appalachian Hardwoods Center
304.293.8907; Jody.Gray@mail.wvu.edu

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