December 20th, 2019 | by kristin aull | Posted in
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Merry Christmas!! This week we are showcasing one of JMJ’s Top Suppliers, Pella Windows and Doors of Owensboro. Allison Dominick-Lanham, with Pella in Owensboro, KY, offers FANTASTIC customer service to all of our clients. We understand how stressful it can be making decisions on your future home, and that’s why JMJ takes great care in selecting our suppliers. We trust that they will provide both the materials and the expertise needed to make this process as stress-free as possible for our clients.
Allison is amazing to work with and truly puts our clients’ needs and styles in mind when choosing their window selections. Pella Windows and Doors offers quality materials that make a huge difference in our home’s energy efficiency. We appreciate our suppliers for always working hard in helping us offer high quality materials and amazing customer service.
Allison offers advice and knowledge for our clients when it comes to working with JMJ and picking out their home selections:
1. What products/materials does Pella offer to homeowners?
Pella offers quality window and door products with a number of exclusive options to fit individual design preference and budgets. Pella Windows and Doors are built to last a lifetime, and not just the latest building trends. Pella offers nine lines of windows to fit any customers needs or budget.
2. What do you offer to future JMJ homeowners that makes your business stand out from other window and door suppliers?
Pella professions focus ONLY on window and door products. This allows us to be intentional on selecting the critical key elements of windows and doors that others might miss. Our professionals not only look at the design of the window and door products themselves, but other window and door attributes that coordinate with the project. Our Pella professional works directly with the JMJ team, to achieve the desired goal of each unique home.
3. What is your favorite part about working with the JMJ team?
I have been working with JMJ with 14 years. I enjoy working with Rick because he is so detailed orientated, wants every home to be unique and he is so fun to work with. My favorite part working with JMJ is his commitment to use quality products in all of his homes. He adds that personal touch through the whole process, keeps everyone informed and updated. JMJ has relied on Pella Windows and Doors for years to supply their projects with quality window and door products, insuring their customer’s satisfactions and valued retune on their investment.
4. What advice do you have for family’s starting the home building process and making selections?
Windows and doors are a VERY important part of very home, and are the first line of defense between you and the environment. Be intentional on selecting the best window and door products that will fulfill the projects needs, and not just an allowance. This investment is a huge part in your home.
5. Tell us something interesting/unique about your business or products that you offer?
Pella Windows and Doors have been built and backed by a family owned American company, with a goal to exceed our customers’ expectations since 1925. When you choose Pella, you’re buying more than just windows and doors.
You’re getting the experience of a team of local Pella professionals, who are proudly committed to your satisfaction. Pella is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for replacement, remodeling and new construction applications. Pella has a history of making innovative products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction all backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
September 16th, 2019 | by kristin aull | Posted in
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Hello! The JMJ Team is very excited to announce our bi-monthly BLOG!! We are going to keep you updated with all things JMJ and also give tips and advice on house maintenance and new home construction. I want to first introduce you to the JMJ Team and give a little background on our business.
Rick Bivins started JMJ Custom Homes 26 years ago with the vision of providing the Owensboro area with top quality homes at the most efficient price. The name JMJ signifies the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The Bivins’ family helped originate this name representing the Holy Family as the center of the business. Rick knew with prayer, hard work and determination he could bring this dream into reality.
The JMJ Team consist of five main employees in addition to our subcontractors and suppliers chosen to help fulfill our goal of high-quality labor and materials used on each home.
Rick Bivins is the owner of JMJ and oversees each project and home. Rick is very involved with our clients and works with them throughout the entire building process. He custom designs each house plan for our families, which gives us the opportunity to build every home based on the owner’s needs and wants.
John Bivins, son of Rick, is our project manager. John works on the jobsite and helps oversee each home, as well as, completing different woodwork and construction. John has been working on JMJ jobsites since he was about 5 years old. He grew up learning and his passion for construction has grown over his life and time working with his dad.
Adam Scott is also a project manager that works on each jobsite. Adam has worked with JMJ for 8 years and is very skilled in woodwork jobs. John and Adam make a great team and work together to keep everything running smoothly on each project. The work they provide on each home is vital to all of our projects.
Connie Russelburg, sister of Rick, is our office manager and typically the first voice you hear when calling JMJ. Connie handles all of JMJ’s finances, as well as providing fantastic customer service to our community and clients.
Kristin Aull, daughter of Rick, is the JMJ Marketing and Sales Director. She works closely with each client providing them answers to any questions throughout the project and bidding process. She also handles all of our marketing materials, website and social media.
Together as a team we strive to provide each family with a stress-free and enjoyable building process. We hope you enjoy our Blog!! Be sure to let us know if you have any questions or answers you would like us to go over about our home building process. We appreciate all the continued support from our amazing community and families.
March 30th, 2020 | by kristin aull | Posted in
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JMJ Custom Homes constructs our homes with quality materials and labor of experienced craftsmanship. All materials used on our homes have met our specifications for quality and durability. All work is done under our supervision to attain the best possible results for your investment.
A home is one of the last hand-built products left in the world. Once we have assembled the natural and manufactured materials, the components will interact with each other and the environment. Although quality materials and craftsmanship have been used in your home, they will still need a level of care and maintenance to keep their quality. A home, like an automobile, requires care and attention from day one. General homeowner maintenance is essential to providing a quality home for a lifetime.
Listed below our 10 tips for homeowners to consider with their home maintenance.
1. Regrout or recaulk your tub, showers, and bathroom fixtures
Whether you have grout or caulk as a filler between your tiles in the bathroom, it will exhibit signs of wear and tear over time. If you notice any crumbling, peeling, or mildew, it’s probably time for a touch-up. You can attack moldy grout or caulk with a bleach solution as a quick fix to tie you over for awhile.
Also be sure to clear your drains. Tackle any slow drains in your home before they become clogged. It’s better to snake the drain with a wire hanger, or clog remover tool, rather than use drain cleaner, which can be hard on your pipes.
2. Change the direction of your ceiling fans
You should change the rotation of your ceiling fans twice a year to increase energy efficiency, putting less strain on your heating and cooling systems. Running a ceiling fan properly in the winter can help you save up to 10% on your heating bill. When you change the direction of the fan, you change the way the air moves, more effectively heating or cooling a room.
You want your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise in the summer, pushing cool air down. On most fans, you can change the rotation using the directional switch on the motor—typically by turning the switch down. To get the clockwise rotation in winter, just reverse the switch.
3. Clean out exhaust fans to prevent mold
Fans in your home help clean out smells and moisture, but if they can’t do their job efficiently, you run the risk of growing mold in your home. Once a year, take the time to remove and clean your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. This’ll keep the hardware running smoothly, and the moisture out of your home.
4. Double check your downspout
Take a look around the perimeter of your home to check for downspouts that have become detached from your home. If downspouts become detached or faulty, water will not get directed away from the home and can lead to water intrusion or even foundation issues. This is a minor fix that can save you major cash down the road.
5. Flush out your water heater
Once a year, you’ll need to drain your water heater or have a professional plumber come in to do it. Draining your water heater will flush out any minerals or debris in the system, ensuring it runs more efficiently.
For any professional plumbing needs JMJ recommends McRoy’s Plumbing. Contact Vance Mcroy by email at plumbingmc@bellsouth.net or by phone at 270-929-2293.
6. Gut the gutters
Gutter maintenance should take place at least twice a year, or as the seasons change. Gutters overflowing with debris won’t do their job, and can lead to much more costly water damage. Check and clean your gutters every spring and fall, clearing away any muck, sealing any leaks, and replacing damaged gutters as needed.
For two-story homes, hire a local gutter cleaner to come do the job for you. While you’re at it, get the deck professionally washed and stained and knock out your spring yard maintenance.
7. Test your sump pump
If your home has a sump pump in the basement, you should test it twice a year. Sump pumps typically last about 10 years, and with proper maintenance, could work even longer.
Check the water levels of the pump: if it’s overflowing, it’s probably not doing its job properly. Take time to clean the pump of any debris surrounding it, making sure it can do its job efficiently. Unplug and plug in your sump pump, is its energy source working properly? Nipping any issues with your sump pump in the bud can save you thousands down the line when it comes to water damage and flooding.
8. Check exterior/fill in driveway cracks
When the weather starts to heat up, take a look at your driveway, patio, or sidewalk for cracks in the concrete. Small cracks start to look unappealing, and resurfacing cracks the moment you find them means fewer large repairs on outdoor surfaces down the line. Deep cracks can also raise eyebrows during a home inspection.
Especially crucial before winter, inspecting the exterior of your new home ensures small problems don’t turn into bigger ones.
Repair any exterior paint needing attention, clean and caulk any necessary windows and apply appropriate weather stripping.
9. Regularly get your HVAC professionally serviced
Homeowners can’t fake a well-maintained HVAC unit. “It’s nice to walk into a basement and see the list of every single time the HVAC was serviced because that’s when you know, people are doing it because they care for their house, not just because they’re trying to sell,” says Spaniak.
Spaniak recommends that homeowners get their HVAC and furnace systems checked by a technician in the fall and spring. Not only will this ensure you’re warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but it’ll also show future buyers that you’ve cared for your home.
For any professional HVAC needs JMJ recommends Efficient Air. Contact Billy Emberton by email at billyemberton1@gmail.com or by phone at 270-315-0309
10. Pest Control
Rodents can cause bigger problems than you would think, especially if they are in the basement or walls. Bees, wasps, mosquitoes and even spiders can create a health hazard, so make sure to keep them at bay. If raccoons are a problem in your neighborhood, that can spell trouble and considerable damage. Be sure to keep trash out of reach.
If your home is susceptible to termites, they can ruin thresholds, trim, walls and furniture. As you can imagine, damages are expensive to repair. Talk with your homeowner’s insurance agent to see what coverage you have and what is recommended, and if you have a serious problem with pests, ask for a referral to a professional pest control company.
For any professional pest control needs JMJ recommends Innovative Pest Solutions. Contact Perry Lutz by email at perry@mypestsolution.com or by phone at 270-685-3556.
November 27th, 2019 | by kristin aull | Posted in
Uncategorized
- How long have you been in the home building industry? Can you provide references?
JMJ has over 27 years of experience building custom homes throughout Western Kentucky. We include several references from past clients and a variety of photographs of our previous homes on our website. Check it out at jmjhomes.net!
Here is an example of our most recent review from a happy homeowner:
“We recently moved into our forever home built by Rick and his team. From the first meeting he was open and honest about what to expect from him as a builder. His honesty is what led us to selecting him as our builder. We couldn’t be happier with that decision. They are excellent at what they do and will tell you exactly what you need to hear instead of what you want to hear. The app they use is great as well, it really helps you see the progress of the build without having to physically be at the site! I would completely recommend JMJ to anyone looking for a home that exceeds expectations.”
2. Can you assist with the Plan Design and Printing?
Rick Bivins, owner of JMJ, has a true talent in designing custom floor plans. He can start from scratch on your home design or adjust your floor plan to perfectly fit your needs and budget. JMJ builds homes of all different shapes and sizes. Our goal is to offer our clients quality-built homes at the most efficient price.
3. How will the communication process work throughout the homebuilding process?
Communication between the builder and homeowner is essential from the beginning to end of the building process. JMJ uses an app that keeps our homeowners up to speed throughout the entire process. This app includes all your information and documents from the contract, final selections, invoices, etc. JMJ keeps the homeowners updated and involved throughout the building of the home. Honesty and open communication are very important components when building custom homes.
4. How and when can I make changes or upgrades before and during construction?
JMJ Custom Homes allows our homeowners to have full control over the selections they choose for their home. We have our clients review and sign each product they select for their home to ensure we are customizing to their specifications. Our building app is another key tool for communicating changes and upgrades at all stages of the building process.
5. What steps do you take to ensure your homes are energy efficient?
JMJ Custom Homes spent many years being trained on how to build energy efficient homes. We are very passionate about this aspect in each of our projects. We use Nu-Wool Insulation, which provides a 10-year guarantee on the homeowner’s heat and air bills. If the bill ever exceeds the guaranteed amount, Nu Wool agrees to reimburse the buyer 50% of any excess over the said amount. JMJ also only uses Pella windows in all our projects. We have found that the products Pella offers make a large impact in energy saving costs. JMJ Custom Homes is constantly researching ways to improve energy efficiency and we keep our clients informed on the latest trends and technology throughout the process.
October 22nd, 2019 | by kristin aull | Posted in
Uncategorized
Happy Tuesday, everyone! This week we are showcasing one of JMJ’s Top Suppliers, Carpets Unlimited. Sharon Rone, with Carpets Unlimited in Owensboro, KY, offers FANTASTIC customer service to all of our clients. We understand how stressful it can be making decisions on your future home, and that’s why JMJ takes great care in selecting our suppliers. We trust that they will provide both the materials and the expertise needed to make this process as stress-free as possible for our clients. Sharon is amazing to work with and truly puts our clients’ needs and styles in mind when choosing their flooring selections. Carpets Unlimited offers custom flooring options which allows us to give each home the custom feel we are working to achieve. We appreciate our suppliers for always working hard in helping us offer high quality materials and amazing customer service.
Sharon offers some advice and knowledge for our clients when it comes to working with JMJ and picking out their home selections:
1. What products/materials does Carpets Unlimited offer to homeowners? We offer any type of flooring! Hardwood, laminate, LVT, Ceramic & Porcelain tile, Natural Stone, Carpet. We also carry several great furniture lines and Graber Blinds and window coverings.
2. What do you offer to future JMJ homeowners that makes your business stand out from other flooring suppliers? It is my goal to give our clients the best products available at the lowest possible prices. We offer design services to help the clients pull everything together in their new home; from flooring, shower and backsplash designs, to paint color selections.
3. What is your favorite part about working with the JMJ team? My favorite part of working with JMJ is their attention to detail throughout every step, from scheduling to the premium products they use. It should give the clients peace of mind, knowing they don’t have to worry about the quality of the materials used in their new home.
4. What advice do you have for family’s starting the home building process and making selections? I have always told my clients that when building, start the selection process where you have the fewest choices and work from there. If you only have a few cabinet styles and colors to choose from, select those first, then move to flooring where you have dozens (if not hundreds) of choices and then on to selections like paint colors where the choices are endless.
5. Tell us something interesting/unique about your business or products that you offer? We are a locally owned business that has tremendous buying power, and have products for every budget from entry level to high end and everywhere in between. Ken tells me we will match any locally advertised price on identical products. JMJ customers will have a dedicated consultant to work with throughout the building process. They simply call and make an appointment with me and I will be their representative from beginning flooring selection through final installation of all flooring and tile materials.
We want to give a huge thank you to Carpets Unlimited and Sharon Rone for consistently offering our clients the best advice and assistance when picking their flooring selections.
The JMJ Team
October 1st, 2019 | by kristin aull | Posted in
Uncategorized
Happy fall, Y’all! The leaves are beginning to change and the nights are becoming cooler which means it’s time for homeowners to start preparing for winter. JMJ Custom Homes recommends some very important fall house maintenance tips:
- Remove all hoses from outside hydrants to prevent from freezing and breaking.
- Clean all gutters and remove debris to allow them to flow freely.
- Change standard filters and schedule a time for your furnace to be serviced. JMJ recommends Billy Emberton with Efficient Air. Feel free to give him a call at 270-315-0309.
- Change all smoke alarm batteries.
- Schedule a fall/winter service with Innovative Pest Solutions at 270-685-3556.
- Add a gallon of water to any unused drains, such as, laundry/mud room sinks.
- If your home includes a chimney you will need to have it cleaned and checked before colder weather arrives.
JMJ Custom Homes works hard to build our clients’ homes that will maintain their quality for years to come. Keeping up with yearly house maintenance helps your home maintain (and likely increase) its value and prevents more costly maintenance down the road. . We hope these tips are helpful as you prepare for the upcoming winter months! Have a great week.
The JMJ Team
