Mark Fitzgerald

Schellter Advanced Building Science Saves Energy and Money

By Mark Fitzgerald, in High Performance
Nov. 15th, 2011 | Comments (0)

We recently completed our 20th home that incorporates Schellter™ Advanced Building Science technology and the results have been tremendous.

Lower HERS Scores Mean Happier Energy Bills


Our whole-house systems approach on the standard Schell Brothers home has produced an average HERS Index Score of 55. For those of you not familiar with the HERS scoring system, lower is better and each 1 point decrease corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption and your energy bill.

For reference, a 10 year old plus house would likely have a score in the 125 to 150 range, a new home built to minimum code would score 100, and a new Version 3.0 Energy Star home is required to score in the 75-80 range.

So our homes on average are 45% more efficient than the code home and at least 20% more efficient than a typical Energy Star home. Keep in mind these scores are based on our standard homes – all of which include Schellter™ technology.

For those looking for extreme efficiency, we just recently completed two homes that feature the addition of Geothermal HVAC and Solar Panel options, which produced HERS scores of 30 and 32.

We Publish All our HERS Scores – Ask Other Builders if They Do the Same

In August, Schell Brothers became the first Delaware Builder to enter into an agreement with the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) to publish and market all HERS scores. RESNET’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is the Nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance.

To learn more about Schellter™ visit our Advanced Building Science section or stop by one of our Community Sales Centers.

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Guest

Extreme Employee Makeover

By Guest, in Culture
Nov. 5th, 2011 | Comments (0)
Guest post by Chris Antonio from Antonio’s Training.

I’ve always been a sucker for feel-good movies. You know that kind of story that pits the underdog against impossible odds only to have them shock the world and accomplish the impossible.  After all, there’s something incredible about watching someone or something change for the better that strikes a chord in all our hearts and inspires us to be better than we ever thought possible.

I remember seeing the movie Rocky in my early teens and almost jumping out of my seat when the unknown fighter from Philadelphia nearly dethroned the heavyweight champion of the world.

I almost cried watching the movie Rudy when a less than average boy with no size, strength or athletic ability refused to be deprived a chance to play for the mighty Notre Dame Football team.

I’ve recently watched the Blind Side – the story of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher – so many times that I could probably recite the entire movie.

As a trainer, my passion for feel-good movies has always been linked to my business. My goal with each and every client I train is always to create a before and after picture so dramatic that people just can’t help being inspired. I guess you could say it’s like doing an extreme makeover but for bodies instead of houses.

2011 Corporate Fitness Challenge

2010 Corporate Fitness Challenge

For the past 4 years I have had the privilege to offer my 12 week body transformation to members of Schell Brothers Companies. During this time I’ve trained over 38 employees and seen some amazing results.

I witnessed Jeff Anemone get into the best shape of his life at the youthful age of 50. I saw Mark Moore chisel his abs so tight you could wash a basket of clothes on his stomach. I watched Megan Spangler go from a gym newbie to outperforming 90% of the men at the gym with 40 chest-touching pushups. I was there when Kevin Stevenson got ripped while experiencing the birth of his 4th child at the age 30 and I helped Sue Raueber become the first female winner of the Schell Brothers biggest loser contest.

But more than being part of these great transformations was getting to know the kind of people that work for Schell Brothers. They are a special group that take pride in their work, and are motivated to be the best at whatever they put their minds to. So it was only fitting that they would achieve great results with my 12 week Body Transformation program and it’s no wonder they receive countless annual awards for the homes they build.

So yeah, I admit it. I’m a sucker for feel-good movies and I will definitely be glued to the TV on Friday November 18th at 8:00pm to watch a small builder from Sussex County Delaware mobilize an entire town on national TV to build a soup kitchen for people in need in the worst economy this country’s experienced in the past 50 years.

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Gina Masenior

Heritage Creek is a Hidden Treasure

By Gina Masenior, in Heritage Creek
Nov. 4th, 2011 | Comments (0)

Growing up in the military allows you to be diversified, adventurous, and open to new friends and experiences.  It also causes you to pack your bags every two years, whether you need to or not.  Originally from Northwest New Jersey (yes, there are towns that are not just exits off the Turnpike), I learned tenacity and drive, warmth and humility, hard work, and love of family.

In 1989, we moved our family to Baltimore, Maryland. We enjoyed wonderful new adventures and I started my new home sales career. After discovering the glorious beaches of Delaware, I moved to a sales position in the “lower slower” environment.  At first, it was a little nerve-wracking starting over and meeting new friends. The idea of changing grocery stores, doctors, moving away from family, etc. can be a bit overwhelming. What I discovered is the warmth of the people of Delaware. It’s where you can call your electric company and get a real person to speak with! I also discovered that living near the beaches brings families together more often.

In 2011, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to join a great company and sales force with Schell Brothers, a local builder whose mission statement captured my need to work for a customer-oriented company with the eye on future growth.  The Schell Brothers community of Heritage Creek in Milton, Delaware is a hidden treasure. Originally settled in 1672, Milton was known as the “Head of the Broadkill River.” Just a few miles from the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, sea captains and shipbuilders lived and worked here. As one strolls through the town, one can see the historic Victorian and Craftsman style homes and historic landmarks.

The idea behind Heritage Creek was to duplicate the Victorian and Craftsman style homes with full porches, rear garages, and a wonderful Boulevard to stroll down on starlit nights.  The curb appeal is highlighted by overflowing flower boxes on every home,  as well as hanging baskets along the tree-lined streets.  Come find out why Southern Living named Milton one of the 17 best small-town getaways in the United States.

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Michelle Capaldi

New Homes of 2015

By Michelle Capaldi, in Sunset Harbour
Nov. 1st, 2011 | Comments (0)

Refrigerators that talk, motorized floors,and programmable robots that take care of household chores: this was what we all imagined for the future of new home construction, right?

Well, the future is nearing, and, based on a recent Yahoo article, the home we all remember from the Jetsons cartoons may miss the mark.  In fact, if you’re like most consumers, you’d trade all those gizmos for a well-designed home with energy efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, and longevity.

Energy Efficiency Focus

After reading Yahoo’s article about a poll taken of builders on what the “New Homes of 2015” would look like, I couldn’t agree more with the energy efficiency focus. In the survey, builders said that, in the future, they would be “embarking on the energy science that goes into a house and why it’s important for our homeowners”.

It’s just fantastic that other builders are saying to themselves: “In 2015, we will become a more energy efficient builder” It made me think:  What about today?
Read More »

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Deloris Cauley

Just Another Day in Paradise

By Deloris Cauley, in Independence
Oct. 29th, 2011 | Comments (0)

In case you missed my last blog, let me sum it up for you. I moved from the big city in Washington, DC to what I call “Paradise”, meaning the beaches of Delaware.  A year later, I’m Beltway-free and loving life at the beach.

I’ve spent the past year acclimating myself to the area and have discovered that I don’t miss anything I left behind.  The bottom line is that I have found the most incredible restaurants, the best tax-free shopping,  unique farmers’ markets with the freshest of produce, a familiar brewery within a few minutes of my house, fairs and festivals every weekend, kayaking, sunset beach walking, state parks, fishing, golfing, lavender farms, quaint towns, movies on the lawn, surf fishing,  and much, much more.  Having all this while I’m still working, I can’t imagine what I will find when I retire here!

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Jordan Gorsch

Lucy Loves Lewes Landing

By Jordan Gorsch, in The Reserves at Lewes Landing
Oct. 28th, 2011 | Comments (0)

Are you a dog lover? They always bring a smile to my face. Here at Lewes Landing, we have quite a few homeowners who have pets.

It’s perfect; we have ½ acre home sites so your best friend has plenty of space to run and play. We had homeowners (Chris & Nancy) come in this week and introduce me to Lucy – their NEW 9-week-old golden retriever puppy! I must say, I AM IN LOVE! We have “the loop” here in the community that is just over ½ mile and is popular for walks, jogging and riding bicycles. This is such a fun place to live with the best neighbors! Even if you don’t have a dog, you’ll love the privacy, space to entertain and garden! Stop in and tour our great community!

By the way, have you ever visited the beach during the Sea Witch Festival? It’s so much fun and they have the “best costumed dog parade” which is hilarious! The costume parade is on October 29th at 11am – check it out!

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Adam Pettengell

The List!

By Adam Pettengell, in Live Like a Local
Oct. 19th, 2011 | Comments (0)

I bet you’re wondering what The List is. You might be thinking about a list of reasons to buy in Delaware, or a list of reasons to buy with Schell Brothers over any other builder at the beach, or maybe a list of reasons to buy from me over any other salesman. In fact, you would be way off the mark (other than the buying from me part, of course).

Many locals and visitors look forward to the first off-season release of The List. In fact one might say it’s a date that brings smiles to people’s faces, saves money in their pockets and results in adding to the variety of social outings one can have. Are you intrigued? Have I built it up enough?

The List is a collection of all the restaurants, when they’re open in the off-season, and what specials they’ve got going on for food and drink, and it’s updated every two weeks! It became available for download today in mini form to tide you over until the full version is available on Wednesday, October 26th. The List is the great idea of Hadley McGregor whose website, Locals Only, tells what’s going on and when. It’s a gold mine of information.

Rehoboth and Lewes are all-year-round locations. In the off-season restaurant hours often change, which is shared on the website, but each restaurant also does specials and there are unbelievable deals to be found.

My wife and I recently visited the Blue Moon in Rehoboth for “Tasting Tuesday” – Three courses with three different wines all for $35. This restaurant is top notch and “Tasting Tuesday” is a huge hit with the locals. I had baked oysters, blue cheese salad and halibut. Every course was crazy good and the wine is always a bonus. The other reason why we like to go to the Blue Moon is dessert. It’s a little extra but “Moon Pie” is worth it, and it’s not a dessert you eat by yourself. It’s gigantic in size with multiple layers of ice cream, sauce and a cookie base! We always share it and are lucky if we finish it! Pure deliciousness.

This is just one example of how The List can save you money, increase your happiness and quickly get you on the good side of your better half! Well worth it and just one of the things that makes living in Sussex County extra special. So what’s on your list?

If you’re a new homeowner, soon to be new homeowner, established homeowner, visitor, or simply a lover of food, then on October 26th you’ll be printing off the full version of The List and keeping it close by for when you want to go support the local businesses and enjoy a great meal at the same time.

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Jeremy Bell

Thanksgiving Special Air Date

By Jeremy Bell, in Extreme
Oct. 13th, 2011 | Comments (4)

The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 2-hour Thanksgiving Special featuring the Dunning family is set to air Friday Nov 18th at 8/7c on ABC. In preparation for the show, our local ABC affiliate WMDT plans to show a behind the scenes look at the build experience from 7pm – 8pm.

In the meantime, the Dunning family is settling into their new home at the Jusst Sooup Ranch. Their home is free from many bills thanks to the endowment that was established with funds raised during the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build. Because the professionally managed endowment takes care of the majority of the home’s operating costs through a board that handles all the funds, Ken Dunning will finally be able to retire from one of his many jobs next year so he can help his family more in the soup kitchen.

Check out the video update with the Dunning family.

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Cindy Jenne

High Performance Benefits Provide “Wow” Factor

By Cindy Jenne, in The Reserves at Lewes Landing
Oct. 12th, 2011 | Comments (0)

Two weeks ago I attended a seminar that focused on selling high performance homes. It was a 3 hour meeting and each topic that was discussed is exactly what Schell Brothers has incorporated in our Schellter™ Advanced Building Science that’s now standard in all our homes.

Schell Brothers is in “rare air”, among just 10% of builders nationwide who have moved their building process in this direction.  When I demonstrate our homes I can see that these high performance benefits continually wow our prospects. Our buyers realize immediately that Schell Brothers is including quality, energy efficiency, and huge savings for them in the future that cannot be found in other new home construction.

I have been in Sales and Real Estate for 20+ years and I’ve always found that I love to sell what I believe in.  I was very excited when Schell Brothers offered me a Community Sales Manager position because I knew that I would be immediately walking into a culture I could totally embrace. Schell Brothers was always known for the quality and high level of customer service they offer, and the company’s focus on high performance features is the icing on the cake.

Here’s a brief look at the features Schell Brothers introduced this year:

Enerwize™, which exemplifies the comfort, savings and peace of mind that you will find in your new Schell Brothers home. The standard features include Rinnai tankless hot water heaters, 16 Seer air conditioners, 95% efficient Amana gas furnaces and variable speed blowers which ensure you will be comfortable in your new Schell Brothers home.

SanctuAir™, that will insure that you and your family are living in a healthy environment. SanctuAir™ exceeds the requirements of the EPA Indoor AirPLUS program by including standard features such as; MERV 13 air filters, low VOC materials, and advanced moisture and humidity management.  This will ensure that you will find relief from allergies and respiratory problems that have been denying you or family members a healthier quality of life.

4TRESS™ technology, which has taken Schell Brothers quality to a new level. You will find that your new Schell Brothers home is more durable, and also offers additional strength, moisture & water protection, and sound reduction.

These are only a few of the items that make up Schellter™Advanced Building Science that guarantees energy efficient features, great air quality, and a home that is constructed with exceptional quality.  I hope you’ll visit the Reserves at Lewes Landing and totally understand why I am so excited!

Did I mention that I love what I sell?  See you soon.

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Adam Pettengell

My Nights are a Different Story

By Adam Pettengell, in The Villages at Herring Creek
Oct. 11th, 2011 | Comments (0)

My days may be spent finding people their dream homes. However, my nights are a different story as I work late into the wee hours of the darkness creating nightmares and instilling fear in all who dare enter my secret world. Which Adam do you know?

It’s my double life and I love it. Helping customers find the perfect home type and homesite to begin the rest of their lives is such a buzz. But come closing time, I also get a huge kick out of playing ‘Fineas’ at All Hallows Revenge, the new Haunted attraction out on Route 9. I guess it’s part of our culture here at Schell Brothers rubbing off on me that made me think about going and having fun scaring folk, or it could just be the kid in me resurrecting itself in big, hairy monster form. Perhaps a touch of both. I love my job with Schell and am very passionate about creating happiness. My new homeowners here at the Villages at Herring Creek are more than homeowners; by the end of the home building process I call them friends. (Probably because they have never met Fineas.)

Halloween back across the pond isn’t a big time of the year like it is in America. I love how everybody goes out and gets costumes and decorations for the homes and obviously the parties! I guess this year my costume for our annual Schell Brothers Halloween party will be a lot easier. (Don’t worry… Fineas will not be making an appearance.) My family enjoys the fall season here at the beach and it’s my wife’s favorite (the local Dogfish Head Pumpkin Ale may have something to do with that!). Everything looks so pretty and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the changing colors and cooler temperatures with Sea Witch, Film Festival, Punkin Chunkin and obviously All Hallows Revenge. Looking forward to reliving it all through my children’s eyes and letting that spirit captivate others who are looking to call Sussex County home.

Whether creating dreams or nightmares, I can honestly say I love what I do and look forward to each new adventure that comes my way. Cheers!

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