Is a whole-house generator worth the cost? After spending a good amount of time reading articles and online threads about the question, I can say that I've at least learned what additional questions to consider....as they say, it's all about location, location, location....and comfort levels. If your lifestyle includes a well and septic system, odds are you're at least a good candidate for a generator. But even if your friendly neighborhood subdivision building code requires a sump pump, a generator might also be a most important home amenity....
After last summer's wind storms, and the early 2009 ice storm, we invested in a whole-house generator....a fully automated system with transfer switch. And although the utility service lines to our resort community home (in Hide-A-Way Hills, near the Hocking Hills Region) were buried when we built in 2005, in southeast Ohio trees are tall and electric lines are mostly overhead. Our generator is a 20kw unit (Guardian), which will run all the basics plus heat pump on one side of the design, and our electric furnace on another side. An automated system can certainly be a priceless part of your vacation home...one that kicks on immediately can save your pipes and wallet, not to mention your peace of mind when you're miles away.
Two important points here....first, it's definitely not a job for the average or weekend handyman; we'd strongly recommend a licensed electrician who knows code requirements and has a few generator installations under the belt. Second, your heating source greatly affects the generator size (and cost) you'll need or want. An electric furnace simply requires more wattage than a propane furnace; you'll find online sites where you can estimate needed generator size, but they won't necessarily ask what type of furnace you're using. Again, here's where that licensed electrician will come in real handy. I've talked with our electrician about the number of "fixes" they've done on improper generator installations.
Some of the threads I've read talked about the odds against extended power outages, noting that in the long run the cost is far above the value. Perhaps a good point, certainly affected by where one lives, but I've spent some time talking to the folks at our rural electric cooperative service provider. They've noted that while power outages have been relatively non-severe in the past decade or two, recent and future signs are now suggesting something different. In the overall community of Hide-A-Way Hills, we're looking more closely at backup generators for our lodge and/or clubhouse, along with updated emergency shelter and management.
But back to the money matter....again, a couple of points to note, anecdotal though they are: during the recent storms, motel rooms were quite difficult to find, as so many were booked for the emergency crews brought in to help. And the cost of a motel for even a couple mounts well into the hundreds of dollars after a few days....along with additional meal costs, and perhaps the need to run back and forth to get what's needed at your home.
And what about return on investment? For background, a couple of places to start online are this article at realtor.org, and another article covering 2007 cost vs. value for standby generators. It appears that the average return (upon home resale) of a whole-house generator is about 58%....and the second article notes that it might be as high as 89%. From here, even in the 60% range it's something to strongly consider....just one or two fairly extended outages will tell you why. While it's important to consider ROI, ultimately the purchase is for much larger reasons....just like the purchase of your home itself, primary or vacation.
In Hide-A-Way Hills, we're holding a public meeting for members with South Central Power on Saturday, May 16 at 10am. Presentations and discussion will involve generators (including South Central's "Generlink" option for non-whole-house generators), the overall power grid and design, tree trimming and cutting, and right-of-way issues.
©2009 ikarensell Enterprises, Inc. Doug & Karen Parker, Prudential Calhoon Company Realtors, http://ikarensell.com
Hilliard's newest high school will fully open its doors to students and staff for the 2009-10 school year, with a projected enrollment of 1,043 students in grades 9-11. As was done before with the opening of Darby High School, high school seniors will be able to finish their studies at one school, while juniors and under will have more time and opportunity to help establish their own high school. The expected enrollment breakout for Bradley's first year will be 335 juniors, 384 sophomores, and 324 freshman. That's a nice balance to allow students plenty of space (literally and figuratively) to grow into things. And keeping things in the "Cats" family, with the choice of "Jaguars" as mascot, is right in line with the long-time and long-run approach to planning in the district...just as the Bradley facilities mirror those that have come before it (and saving plenty of tax dollars, by the way....)
The effort to gain approval for Bradley High School was certainly not without controversy, but Davidson and Darby High Schools simply could not accomodate what enrollment was requiring. Most importantly, even if the existing buildings could have somehow been expanded, significant numbers of students would have been excluded from participation in various curricular and extracurricular activities....by the numbers. The district went through this same sort of logic when Darby was planned.
If you'd like to take a quick look of how things are progressing, here's a link to a Visual Tour of Hilliard Bradley High School as of mid-to-late March. Additional links follow below, providing more information sources about Hilliard City School District's newest addition. Having read through the various updates on the Hilliard Bradley Web site, it appears that planning is about all it can and should be and then some.
As a former Hilliard school board member, and a member of the political action committee known as CAGH (Community Advocates for Greater Hilliard): which worked to counter opposition to the plans for a third high school in 2004, I admit to a specific perspective on where the school district has been, and where it's headed...and it's a most positive view.
And I want to specifically recognize and thank the somewhat limited but incredibly dedicated membership of CAGH: Tom Trimble, Julie Righter, Bill Righter, and Karen Joslin, along with Brian Parish and Brenda Hampel. As I review the old newspaper clippings about the levy and CAGH efforts, it's important to also thank the various community members who took significant time to write such thoughtful and persuasive letters to the editors.
The Hilliard School District has long benefitted from outstanding administration and oversight from paid staff and volunteers....folks who didn't suffer from agenda-itis. In my mind, that's the primary reason the district has remained stable, successful and attractive to outstanding educators....not to mention those of us who just moved to Hilliard (or stayed there) because of what we knew about its schools. It's truly been about the kids, for decades. Oh, and did I forget to mention that Hilliard City School District is "Rated Excellent with Distinction"...it's been that way since well before the state of Ohio created the rating system.
Welcome Hilliard Bradley High School and all Jaguars!
Doug Parker
Hilliard Bradley High School - attendance areas
Hilliard Bradley High School - staff
Hilliard Bradley High School Fight Song! (performed by TBDBITL)
Well, it's a bit of work, too...but it all directly benefits Hocking Hills State Park. The Friends of the Hocking Hills are searching for helping hands to volunteer time for one of the organization's biggest annual fund-raising events...Shoot the Hills, April 17-19. Coordinating the volunteer effort in Melody Strickland....give her a call at 740-332-1902. You needn't commit to working the entire weekend....various time slots and assignments are available. No photography credentials are necessary....just a love of the famous Hocking Hills Region, perhaps....
And if you're coming to visit the parks, please keep in mind the new "Carry In, Carry Out" policy - any potential waste (including recyclables) carried into the Parks must be carried out. Please help the staff and the many park volunteers keep the hills clean and green.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (http://www.ohiohome.org) is now offering a new down payment assistance program for low to middle income buyers. Using OHFA's homeownership programs also provides access to loan money to cover closing costs.
The new Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program provides a loan (as a second mortgage) for up to 3% of the home's purchase price that can defer loan and interest payments until August 2010.
This is of course in addition to the $8,000 tax credit offered on the federal level for first-time homebuyers. Income and sales price limits apply, depending upon your area .
OHFA's First-Time Homebuyer Program is limited to homes located on less than two acres, and you must have a signed purchase agreement to apply for the loans. Your real estate agent should ensure that you indicate in a purchase offer that you intend to apply for special financing. Remember too that most bank-owned or foreclosure properties require lender pre-approval letters with offers.
For a full look at OHFA's homeownership programs, options, and overall requirements, pay a visit here.
Doug and Karen Parker, Prudential Calhoon Company Realtors, http://ikarensell.com, 614-850-4909 and 740-569-3616
If you're traveling around and through the Hocking Hills Region, you'll soon notice more marketing for one of the area's best-kept dining secrets. And you don't have to be a member of Hide-A-Way Hills (HAH) to relax and dine at the lodge; we'd love to have you see what's made HAH such a special getaway since the 1960's (using "we" because HAH members own and operate the Club...that's how our microbrewery came to be years ago).
The HAH Lodge offers a decidely casual and rustic atmosphere, and the prices are right. Come spring, you can even dine out on the deck, too. Check out the nightly and weekly specials, along with the general menu, at http://tinyurl.com/HAHlodge . For reservations, please call 740-569-7944.
You might even want to stop by the very longstanding Wednesday night dinner group...we're usually there, so don't be shy about introducing yourself to us or any of the other members of the group who gather in the lounge at about 6pm for drinks followed by dinner.
Hide-A-Way Hills is also planning our 50th Anniversary for 2011 by the way. It's been a most interesting ride in The Hills through the years, as our resort community became a treasured place for both primary as well as vacation homes. For more information about how HAH members live, visit http://tinyurl.com/HAHamenities
Doug & Karen Parker, Prudential Calhoon Company Realtors, http://ikarensell.com
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We Kare'n Sell ('n Live!) primary & vacation homes, log homes, land, Hilliard to The Hocking Hills & Hide-a-way Hills. Hilliard Chamber of Commerce,Hocking Hills Tourism Assn, Friends of Hocking Hills.
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