Culpeper Choices

Spring 2018

Pointing you in the right direction.

THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME INSIDE AND OUT Realtors® Plumbers Equipment Lawn & Garden Hardware Store Well Maintenance

Tired of running out of hot water?

Schedule your free consultation now!

We specialize in customer service first.

Next, its all areas of residential plumbing, energy efficient hot water solutions, natural and LP gas work. See our Facebook page, see our reviews, see our work, see what everyone is raving about.

All of our work carries a 5 year parts and labor warranty with 10 year warranties available. We even have special 0% financing for up to 18 months!

Owner, Russell Furr

Don’t believe me? Ask Nancy Davis!

“

Russell did the following at a house we bought in a foreclosure:

- installed two bathroom sinks - installed an instant hot water unit for the kitchen sink - installed a booster valve on the hot water heater - fixed a broken shower head pipe - fixed a tub drain pipe that had been disconnected before the dry wall was finished - replaced the guts of all toilets Over a year later, everything Russell fixed is still working perfectly. I was stunned at how quickly he was able to complete all of those items. It is obvious that Russell is highly skilled and takes pride in his work. I would recommend Russell to everyone!

- Nancy Davis, February 12

“

DON’T WAIT, CONTACT US TODAY! 540.845.3653 | Russell@culpeperhomeservices.com | culpeperhomeservices.com |

CulpeperHomeServices

Pointing you in the right direction to choose a Plumber April 2018

How to choose a plumber Sometimes plumbing problems get complicated.

If you encounter an issue that’s too big for a plunger or some store-bought drain cleaner, you’re probably going to need a professional plumber.

And if you haven’t done the proper research, calling a poorly qualified or dishonest plumber will only make your headaches grow.

A professional plumber can determine if your plumbing fixtures, septic system or equipment need to be serviced or replaced. They can locate leaks and plumbing problems you may have trouble tracking down. And professional plumbers usually have a few more tricks up their sleeves than the average do-it-yourselfer for unclogging stubborn drains.

An experienced and competent professional will ensure your house stays comfortable and sanitary. But you should know what to look for now, so you don’t hire the wrong plumber in a pinch.

Consider these points to help you find a good plumber.

Choose Ahead of Time Because a plumber may be necessary in an urgent situation, it pays to have one ready to call at a moment’s notice. So start your search now, well before something bad happens.

Waiting until you have a plumbing emergency is a common mistake. Emergencies leave you open to dealing with unscrupulous people. And there’s a good chance that you’ll end up paying too much for their services.

Start your search for a plumber to service your home just as soon as you can.

Ask for Recommendations Talk to people you trust. Friends and family members may be able to refer you to an excellent professional. Good wordof-mouth recommendations are the best way to find excellent service. Look for people in your local area. Sometimes, plumbers may charge extra if you are not in their designated service region.

Search Online Consider looking online for a good plumber. Just remember that information on the Internet is not always correct.

Be mindful of who is giving a stellar customer review. Look closely for complaints about shoddy work or high prices.

Dissatisfied customers are more likely to talk about their experiences. Of course, one person's bad experience may

not accurately reflect what you can expect. Look for multiple reports from different sources before drawing a conclusion.

Compare Prices Cost should always play a role in picking a plumber. Contact at least three different plumbers to get an idea of the differences in labor and material costs. They should be able to provide you with estimates for different services.

It is vital that you find a professional who knows what he is doing. Whatever you save up front could turn into extra expenses down the road if the work isn't done correctly.

Ask Questions Asking questions is the best way to form expectations. Not only should you understand labor rates, but you should also know if there are any guarantees on work. Find out how long the plumber has been in business and where he received his training.

The bottom line is that you need to hire someone who cares about their customers and their homes. Conducting a thorough search before an emergency will prevent you from being disappointed. choices | spring 2018 | 3

Pointing you in the right direction to choose a Realtor® April 2018

How to choose a Realtor

®

The true value of a good realtor is evident to anyone who’s been through the process of buying or selling a home.

A good Realtor® will become a true asset to people who want to get the very best from their transaction. Not only can a realtor help you find or sell a home, these professionals are also trained to assist you with every step — no matter how tedious.

But, as with any profession, some realtors are better than others. Be sure you make the right choice when selecting a realtor. The sale of a home is too momentous a decision to get wrong.

Here are some tips that can help.

Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor® Realtors® have solid knowledge of the real estate business and must follow a strict code of ethics.

While a real estate agent may or may not also be a Realtor®, all realtors are required to be licensed real estate agents.

To become a realtor, a real estate agent has to join the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This allows him or her to attend industry meetings, get NAR newsletters, and access software and educational tools.

With their licensure and training comes an assurance that realtors are well trained professionals, and that they will provide you with the best possible service.

Where to Start Looking Talk to people in your social network for referrals to find out the good real estate professionals in your market. Recommendations are one of the best ways to find a qualified real estate agent or realtor.

In some cases, agents are good at helping clients to purchase homes, but they may not be as skilled at selling them.

Remember this as you search for the right professional for your situation.

Also consider getting in touch with local brokers or searching the NAR directory online.

And no matter how you find them, always work with credible, responsible agents. It’s a wast of time to settle for anything less.

Comfort Level When you have your first consultation with a prospective real estate professional, focus on your comfort level while interacting with them.

Do you get the feeling they are genuinely concerned about your needs? Or are they focused on their commission? Do they know the current housing market? Can they negotiate a contract?

It is important that you feel comfortable with the agent. You 4 | spring 2018 | choices

must trust that this person can behave ethically and help you secure a good deal.

Communication and Planning Your agent should be an effective communicator. If you are selling your home, your agent should develop an effective marketing plan, explain it to you, and respond to any questions or concerns you have.

The marketing plan will probably involve placing advertisements and conducting open houses to invite the public for home viewings.

If you are purchasing a home, the agent should listen to your guidelines and price ranges.

Above all, your real estate agent needs to provide updates on progress. Do not work with someone who does not return phone calls or emails.

More Resources To get a better idea about the process of buying and selling a home, conduct some research on your own. Real estate magazines contain good information and can be a great way to start your research.

There are also a lot of good resources on the Internet, such as www.Realtor.com, which is associated with NAR and which contains free, useful information.

You may find housing statistics, market forecasts and tips, but nothing beats the power of networking. You need to find people with similar interests who will help you in your endeavor.

Upon successfully buying or selling your home, keep your real estate agent's contact information on hand.

You may want to refer other people to him or her. You may also need their services again someday.

We’re Your Neighbors!

Culpeper Office

www.montaguemiller.com

332 James Madison Highway Culpeper, VA 22701 800.825.6825 l 540.825.3300

MOVING UP? MOVING HOME TO CULPEPER? We can smooth the way to your next home, in town or away on some land!

We’ll guide you through sale of your current home, through the loan process and through negotiating your offer!

Then we’ll manage your entire transaction to successful settlement!

HOPING TO BUILD? WE KNOW GREAT BUILDERS TOO! From the start of your dream until you turn the key to come home, we can help!

We’ll help you select a parcel-- big or small, open or wooded!

We will help you through local zoning rules, the well & septic processes, and financing!

STARTING OUT, BUYING FOR THE FIRST TIME? SCALING DOWN FROM THAT BIG HOUSE? We can help you all the way through your adventure!

We’ll point to you to helpful Lenders, Inspectors & Settlement Firms!

We will inform and guide you each step of the way!

We’ll even bring the hot dogs for your housewarming bar-be-cue!

Let us Raise Your Expectations! choices | spring 2018 | 5

Pointing you in the right direction to choose a Realtor® April 2018

Real estate trends locally

March brought another month of falling home sales in the Fredericksburg region because of too few homes for sale.

Strong demand also fueled price increases across much of the region.

Long & Foster Real Estate’s Market Minute report for the Fredericksburg region includes Fredericksburg City and Spotsylvania, Stafford, Culpeper and Caroline counties.

Inventory compared to a year ago fell between 13 percent, in Culpeper County, and 23 percent, in both Caroline County and Fredericksburg. Median sale prices rose across the region, except in Fredericksburg, and lack of homes for sale cut into the number of transactions for the month.

A “perfect storm” of market conditions is compounding an ongoing inventory crunch, said Larry “Boomer” Foster, president of Long & Foster Real Estate.

Builders’ margins are squeezed by rising labor and materials prices, so they are not meeting demand for entry-level and move-up homes. Would-be sellers of existing homes, many of whom refinanced at low interest rates, are reluctant to list their homes because they aren’t finding the selection of properties they want to move into.

“There has never been a better time to sell,” Foster said.

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“People who have homes that are ready to go on the market are going to be getting top dollar.”

He cautioned that for both buyers and sellers, it is important to ask the right questions before enlisting the help of a real estate professional. Find out what services they offer and their track record of results, he said.

For sellers, what is the agent’s ratio of final sale price to initial asking price, and how long are their clients’ homes on the market before selling? For buyers, how skilled is the agent at locating homes that might not even be on the market yet, negotiating a contract, and getting to the closing table in a reasonable amount of time.

“You might think you’re getting a deal with a discount broker, but it ends up costing more in the long run,” Foster said. “If you get a broker who isn’t good at negotiation, can’t navigate the process, doesn’t know the contract or the marketplace – they hurt everybody. They especially hurt the consumer.”

The Long & Foster Market Minute is an overview of market statistics based on residential real estate transactions for more than 500 local areas and neighborhoods and over 100 counties in eight states. The easy-to-read, easy-to-share reports include information about each area’s units sold, active inventory, median sale prices, list to sold price ratio, days on market and more.

Information included in this report is based on data supplied

by Metropolitan Regional Information System and its member associations of Realtors, which are not responsible for its accuracy.

The reports include residential real estate transactions within specific geographic regions, not just Long & Foster sales, and they do not reflect all activity in the marketplace. Information contained in this report is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, should be independently verified, and does not constitute an opinion of MRIS or Long & Foster Real Estate.

In Rappahannock, it’s a small step from routine to Extraordinary

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Rappahannock County an hour west of DC ... A World Apart A treat for the eye and soul with 25% of the County in the Shenandoah National Park and another 25% in Conservation Easements. A beautiful and interesting place of rolling fields and forests, clean mountain rivers and “named” foothills.

No stoplights, box stores or strip malls mar the landscape, and one can see the Milky Way at night! Mountain trails and waterfalls abound in the adjacent national park. Add good zoning, environmental protection and the arts, and one begins to see the depth of this friendly community.

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Kaye Kohler ~ Jan Makela Rick Kohler KohlerRealtors.com ~ JanMakela.com choices | spring 2018 | 7

Pointing you in the right direction to choose a Hardware store April 2018

How to choose a hardware store Planning a home improvement project? Then you’re definitely going to need materials. For most, that means a trip (or several) to the hardware store.

A good hardware store can make the difference between a project filled with frustrations or one that sails by with few, if any glitches. A good hardware store’s staff can become great allies, offering advice and recommendations for products, tools, and building tips. And they know other people in the trade: if a staff member can’t answer a question, it’s likely that they know someone who can.

To start, look for a hardware store whose employees are willing to spend time with you, answering your questions in a knowledgeable and patient manner.

Following this tip alone is worth more than most other home repair advice you’ll ever hear — combined.

Consider the service at the hardware store. Diligent and reliable customer service is a major factor in helping you narrow your decision either to big-box retailer or a locally-owned hardware store.

Reflect on some of the smaller home projects you may already have successfully finished. Then talk to the staff at each store, seeking their input on the best way to complete the task you have in mind. As you talk, guide the conversation toward a more complicated home project — and ask again for their advice. Make note of which store’s employees are able to offer the most helpful answers.

Scope out the various departments when you visit the stores.

Determine which store has the best high-quality tools you might need in the future.

Pay attention to additional services such as equipment rentals, how-to classes and referrals to building professionals in the area. After all, if you can't handle a complex project, store staff might be able to point you in the direction of someone who can.

Pricing is another aspect to consider. A store with the lowest prices isn't necessarily the best. They might be cutting corners. On the other hand, if you know a lot about lumber and are interested in purchasing fencing for your backyard, the cheapest store might be best. The most expensive store in town might be best if you are purchasing lumber to make a piece of furniture. Always consider quality as well as price.

If you are still undecided, then let customer service be your 8 | spring 2018 | choices

guide. For hardware and home improvement stores, customer service will help you when you most need it.

Good customer service starts as soon as you enter the establishment. If you are warmly welcomed, this is a step in the right direction.

High employee turnover is not a good sign. It is best to establish a working relationship with people in your hardware store. It is difficult to do that if you are greeted by a different person every time you enter.

Understaffing is another problem in hardware stores. If it is difficult to locate someone, or salespeople are always surrounded by customers, you will not receive a high level of service. You might consider looking elsewhere.

Other signs of poor customer service include long checkout lines, out-of-stock products or a clutter and dingy store.

If you feel treated like a criminal because you had to return something, then find another store that treats you better.

Convenience will also have an impact. Hours of operation, driving distance, and parking will figure into your decision.

If it takes a lot of effort to make a purchase, you should find another store.

The right hardware store will have what you need when you need it. They will stock tools and sell them at a reasonable price. A knowledgeable and friendly staff will have answers if you need them. When you find that store, you can complete your projects with confidence and feel less stressed when it comes time to take on projects.

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Store hours: Ace stores are independently owned and operated. The prices in this advertisement are suggested by Ace Hardware Corporation, Oak Brook,for IL. store Visit acehardware.com Individual retailer regular and sale prices may vary by store, which may impact actual savings amounts in either direction.

Except for Red Hot Buys, Mon-Thur 7:30am-7pm services, hours, directions and more... which extend through the end of the month, and except as otherwise stated, prices advertised in this circular are valid at participating stores through Fr-Sat 7:30 am -8pm ® herein are national dates suggested by Ace Hardware Corporation and may May 28, 2018, while supplies last. Sale and Instant Savings dates set forth Sun 9am-5-pm FIND saleShopping 509 Meadowbrook Center, and Culpeper, VA vary by local retailer. See local retailer in-store signage for details. Offers, Ace Rewards® benefits, product selection/color, items, clearance USasON: closeout items, Ace everyday low prices, return and rain-check policies, and quantities may all vary by store, as well from acehardware.com. Some May 2018 items may require assembly. Ace is not responsible for printing or typographical errors.

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choices | spring 2018 | 9 4/2/18 7:15 AM

Pointing you in the right direction to choose an Equipment Company April 2018

McMICHAEL’S EQUIPMENT COMPANY QUALITY • RELIABLE TRACTORS • EQUIPMENT SALES

COMING SOON! McMichael’s Equipment Co, is growing to meet your needs too! We will be under construction and building a new, state-of- art facility. We will remain open during the construction to be completed in 2018. We offer the latest models and full product offering from all our brands: New Holland, Yanmar, and Kioti Tractors. We also offer several implements and attachments from Woods, Titan, Landpride, Snow-Way and more! In Northern Va.

VIRGINIA’S TOP RATED SOURCE FOR QUALITY EQUIPMENT

10 | spring 2018 | choices

ONE-STOP-SHOP Here at McMichael’s Equipment Company, it’s all about serving our customer’s needs and adapting to meet those needs. For this reason, we are proud to offer products from Scag, Spartan, Cub Cadet and Hustler, Golf Cart rentals, Ez-Go golf cart sales, service and parts, as well as Aluma Trailers, Bad Boy Buggies. It’s no wonder why McMichael’s has been Northern Virginia’s one-stopshop for just about everything since 1939.

0% FINANCING*, CASH BACK AND MORE! Are you ready for the season ahead? Get Ready ‘n Rolling with the tractors you need to handle all the chores on your to-do list. Take advantage of 0% FINANCING*, CASH BACK and more on select compacts, utility and all-purpose tractors.

Stop by today or visit nhoffers.com for more details. Offer ends June 30, 2018.

4232 Lee Highway, Warrenton VA 20187 540-349-2800 • www.mcmichaelsequipmentcompany.com *For Commercial use only. Customer participation subject to credit qualification and approval by CNH Industrial Capital America LLC. See your participating New Holland dealer for details and eligibility requirements. Down payment may be required. Offers good through June 30, 2018 at participating New Holland dealers in the United States. Not all customers or applicants may qualify for this rate or term. CNH Industrial Capital America LLC standard terms and conditions apply.

Taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in price. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. © 2018 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CNH Industrial Capital and New Holland Agriculture are trademarks registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

choices | spring 2018 | 11

Pointing you in the right direction to choose Lawn & Garden Equipment April 2018

K&M Lawn and Garden has what you need Looking back to 2007, Steve Corbin smiles wistfully. He and his partner Greg Funk made a decision to buy J.A. Swan Jr. and Co., a family business that had been in Culpeper for more than 100 years. It was a name that would be missed. In 1901, when it opened to serve the farming community, customers would arrive by horse and buggy.

Today, some eight years after the purchase, K&M has established its own name carrying on a tradition of high quality products partnered with superior customer service for not just the farming community but businesses and homeowners alike.

“It wasn’t easy at the beginning,” admits Corbin, “the economy had bottomed out in 2007.” Starting with four employees and a few phone lines, Corbin worked hard to stay in business. His dedication and commitment paid off as now he employs some 23 employees and there are six phone lines ringing. He has added product lines and his business has increased six-fold or greater over the years. K&M has the largest selection of arborist supplies in a 250-mile radius and is one of the largest SCAG dealers. He also is one of the largest STIHL dealers around as well. K&M’s showroom includes golf carts and recreational and utility vehicles in addition to riding mowers and small tractors.

“Part of our service is not just to sell but to educate the customer about the product as well,” said Corbin, “where and how it was made.”

Part of Corbin’s people approach is who he has running the store. His selection of Buck Hitt to serve as his general manager has been a plus. And, Buck’s wife Sharon, who had been a paralegal for 30 years, decided she’d join the team as well.

Corbin looks to capture the edge in a competitive business by focusing on what he sees as his customer’s greatest angst: time and service.

“Lots of these folks commute to work every day...they may only have a Saturday to get done what they need to do,” said Corbin who has trained his staff to respond quickly to a customer’s needs and get them out the door whether they are buying something in the store or ordering a future purchase.

“That’s why I have a lot of knowledgeable employees on the floor who can answer questions and help customers. We’re very people oriented.”

While Buck is on the floor, Sharon mans the office. It’s a winning combination and has only added to this retailer’s dedication to customer service.

Speaking of which, if you buy a piece of equipment at K&M, whether it’s a weed eater or a small mower, you won’t leave unless it’s fueled, tested and demonstrated for you.

“They’ve really stepped up their game,” said Sharon Hitt, “there are no grey areas.”

Corbin has found success with this business as well as others he owns in the area.

“It’s all about the people...good people are key,” said Corbin as he smiled broadly recognizing a customer.

Be included in Choices!

The next edition of Choices, focusing on HEALTH CARE, will be inserted in the Culpeper Times and Rappahannock News July 2018.

Call 540.812.2282 to be included in this informative section!

Copyright 2018 by Culpeper Times. All Rights Reserved. Information in this magazine is as correct as possible at press time but is subject to change. Reproduction of any photographs, maps, illustrations or written material without prior consent by the copyright holder is prohibited.

12 | spring 2018 | choices

Proudly Built by Proudly Built by Hard-Working ard-Working Americans.Americans.

Proudly Built by Hard-Working Americ

K & M LAWN, GARDEN & ARBORIST SUPPLIES K&M LAWN, GARDEN & ARBORIST SUPPLIES K & M Ira LAWN, GARDEN & ARBORIST SUPPLIES 16033 Hoffman 16033 IraLane Hoffman Lane 16033 Ira Hoffman Lane Culpeper, VA 22701 VA 22701 Culpeper, K & M Retail LAWN, GARDEN & ARBORIST SUPPLIES Store & Service Center Equipment Rental Culpeper, VA 22701 www.kmlawngardenarborist.com 16033 Ira Hoffman Lane www.kmlawngardenarborist.com 16033 Ira Hoffman Lane, Culpeper, VA 22701 801 Germanna Highway, Culpeper, VA 22701 www.kmlawngardenarborist.com Culpeper, VA 22701 540-825-8371; 800-577-8733 540-825-8371; 800-577-8733 540.825.8371 540.829.9600 www.kmlawngardenarborist.com 540-825-8371; 800-577-8733 540-825-8371; 800-577-8733 K &• kmlawngardenarborist.com M EQUIPMENT - 540-829-9600 K &8am-12pm M EQUIPMENT RENTAL -RENTAL 540-829-9600 www.SCAG.com Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 5pm Sat. • kmlawnandgarden K& M EQUIPMENT RENTAL - 540-829-9600 www.SCAG.com

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choices | spring 2018 | 13

Pointing you in the right direction to choose Lawn & Garden Equipment April 2018

Mow your lawn remotely

By Jeff Say A passerby stopped and stared. Along the grass outside Gary’s Ace Hardware, a sleek, almost-Batmobile looking form glided along the grass.

“I want one of those,” the bystander yelled over to Gary Walker, owner of Gary’s Ace Hardware in Culpeper.

Meet the Automower by Husqvarna, now being sold at Gary’s Ace Hardware.

The driverless mower, made since 1995, has become all the rage now thanks to advancements in technology.

Don’t have time to mow? The automower does it for you.

Programmable by your smart phone with an app (that is either included with the higher-end model or can be purchased for $224), the automower has a GPS capability that allows it to map where it’s supposed to mow.

For the demonstration in the Southgate Shopping Center, Walker laid down wire along the grassy area where the mower was working. The mower follows along the grid, grazing like a goat.

“It continuously goes off and mows, about an eighth of an inch at a time,” Walker said.

The mower will operate for about three hours, before needing to return to its charging station. It senses when the battery is 20 percent, then will return for a charge. The lithium-ion battery is good for 8 to 10 years.

The mower, only 9 inches wide, can mow up to an acre and a quarter, depending on the model purchased, Walker said.

Walker said the higher end 450 model sells for $3,499 while the 315 model retails for $1,999.

Walker said one of the more amazing features on the 450 model is a weather setting, that can tell how wet the lawn is and the mower will adjust accordingly.

“It’s amazing the things this thing will do,” Walker said.

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14 | spring 2018 | choices

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Pointing you in the right direction to choose Well Maintenance April 2018

Well water users rejoice!

By Debbie Eisele Thousands of Culpeper and Rappahannock households rely on wells to provide their water to drink, shower, cook, and clean. But if you are on a well and a power outage occurs, well pumps won’t work, of course. This makes getting fresh water without the use of a generator impossible, right? Well, not anymore, thanks to Judson Walls.

Walls, a Warrenton resident, and his wife, Barbara, know what it is like to be without water during a power outage; filling sinks and tubs in preparation, buying bottled water, and flushing toilets with buckets. An experience all too many well users are familiar with.

Creating The Dream He decided to revolutionize the way well users obtain water without the costly expense of a whole house generator, or in conjunction with a generator someone may already have. In 2007, Judson began his journey—creating his invention and starting his company, Constant Water.

“We realized wells are great when they are working, and then we discovered what it means when they don’t work. It surprised us that nothing was out there to help with well water outages. Our exploration of solutions slowly began,” described Judson. He developed the initial concept for his idea throughout 2007, and in 2008, he and Barbara started the arduous process of developing an actual innovative design.

Judson’s journey was not simple.

He said, “Figuring out how to go from a concept to a fully manufactured system is a huge undertaking. It has been a phenomenal experience, but we still learn something new every day. Every step has been an education in strategy, funding, and accounting for the business. Learning about system development, patents, trademarks, and marketing was definitely part of the process.”

Originally, paper & pencil was the method of choice for

Judson to design his holding tank system. “I had to ask ‘how would it work?’ So my initial ‘concept’ tank was a two-gallon pretzel jar and punch ball balloon with hoses. I put it together to simulate holding both water and air.” The end result of this pretzel jar experiment yielded the initial, basic protocol for the tank configuration.

Another important thing to note is the chemical composition of the construction material. People don’t need just any water, they need clean, drinkable water. “I knew we needed to have National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) rating. We knew potable water was critical.”

As a retired Air Force officer, he received extensive electrical training and used his talents to design the electrical components of the system, which runs off a battery. “This part of the concept was easy for me. I knew what components I needed to make the unit do what was necessary,” Judson detailed.

The next phase included finding components to create a simple, reliable, affordable system for homeowners to use.

He laughed as he explained, “We burned up components during the design phase. These parts needed to withstand current flows, amongst other things. We worked with a number of companies to develop the prototypes. Judson described the process was like Edison’s. Along the way, he says, “We found hundreds of ways to NOT make this system.”

MISSION PHOENIX, a disaster relief effort spearheaded by 501(c)(3) Hydro Relief and Water Conservation Resources, is working with a number of funding sources to raise $50 million with a goal of rebuilding 3,000 homes in Puerto Rico.

Constant Water has been selected as the emergency water systems vendor for this large home rebuilding, and a water system will be installed in each of the rebuilt homes. “For many homes, Constant Water will be the primary water source for some time. Additionally, each home with this system will be prepared for the upcoming, and future, hurricane season with an emergency water systems. Homes at risk of long-term storm damage which have our solutions may be more resilient to disasters,” said Judson. “Plus, our systems would save FEMA hundreds of millions of dollars in response costs with every storm.” More information is available at www.gofundme.com/hydromissionphoenix.

16 | spring 2018 | choices

LIFE DOESN’T STOP WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT.

YOUR WATER SHOULDN’T EITHER.

Will you be ready?

Do you lose water when: you lose power? the well pump fails? the water main breaks? the generator fails or runs out of fuel?

Reduces or eliminates reliance on generators • Reliable • Easy to use • Easy installation • Environmentally friendly

Automatically provides fresh pressurized water to the whole house as soon as you lose power— every sink, every shower, every toilet.

Emergency water supply? – DONE! Storm ready? – ABSOLUTELY! www.constantwater.com • 540-347-3440

CONSTANT WATER

www.constantwater.com • 540-347-3440

We’ll happily work directly with your preferred plumbing professional for purchase and installation. Have them call us or send their contact information to info@constantwater.com

Talk with us about Constant Water applications for: • • • • •

Water well backup Low-Flow water wells Unreliable public water systems Construction sites without water Apartments & condominiums (Oh yes. They’re at risk!!)

choices | spring 2018 | 17

"As the proud owner of Horse Power Helps Farm/Sanctuary in Marshall, the welfare of my rescue horses has been my highest and first priority. The scariest scenario for me is a power outage, or a breakdown of the well pump, resulting in no water. On 22 acres, with 11 horses, we have automatic water feeders that supply the horses with fresh, clean water around the clock. When I became acquainted with Judson Walls and learned of his company, Constant Water, the decision to install the supplementary water tanks didn’t take any time at all: it was the right and only thing to do. As it turned out, one day after their installation, the tanks were put to use. The well pump, which was old, broke down and Constant Water, with its fast and simple operation, was supplying water to all the feeders and also to the home of my farm manager and his wife.

Constant Water has simply been the best investment I have made at the Sanctuary."

Barbara Scheide, Marshall The key was the development of a “bladder approach” which pressurizes the tank. “We wanted to ensure no external contaminants could enter the water through our system; it had to be a ‘closed’ system,” said Judson. “We had many experiments and I remember one time I went into the yard to pressurize some new material to see how it would work. It wasn’t expanding the way it was supposed to, even after 40 pounds of pressure were added. Then the bladder exploded!” Judson recalled. “We knew this material wasn’t going to work,” he laughed.

How Does It Work?

The system provides access to fresh water during a well or power outage by using air to pressurize the tanks. When electricity is on, fresh water continuously flows through the tanks.

When the power goes out, the system activates and provides pressurized water to every sink, show, tub, and toilet. “It’s not an endless supply,” Judson said. It is, however, a comfort to many homeowners to have an emergency backup water supply. Judson had developed a solution that offers stability and safety in emergency situations.

“My journey–it is the pursuit of the American dream. It is the opportunity everyone has: to identify a problem, develop a solution, and work very, very hard to make a business and a living. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, and I was even in combat in the first Iraq war,” he said.

Did Judson ever feel like giving up? “There are many times you wonder if you’re going to make it. You’re confident, then you’re scared. Things never move as quickly nor as smoothly as you planned or hoped. Everything takes time and money.

And there is never enough of either,” he stated.

But encouragement from so many people kept Judson going, plumbers and well diggers and drillers especially. Even phone calls from customers and overseas contacts conveyed the value of this solution and have been motivational to him. With this product niche he has developed he just may help individuals all over the world by providing fresh water. “It’s humbling to consider what a wide impact this system can have,” he said.

Ultimately, all of his efforts led to the manufacturing of the 18 | spring 2018 | choices

Benefits to using Constant Water

Home & Livestock Uses: According to Judson, “There are 25 million homes in the US on water wells and they have all experienced problems with electrical outages, pump failures and/or sometimes issues of inadequate water in a well. Plus, there are 800,000 new wells drilled in the U.S. every year.”

Locally, recent concerns have developed over the availability of water in the Marshall area. Constant Water can assist in storing extra water for when it is needed, or can be used to augment current water supplies if a well is failing or if there is a low flow issue. Homeowners would be able to use the fresh water in the tanks while the well refills.

Livestock owners may benefit from this solution as well, as most of Constant Water customers with animals already have generators installed. Judson explained, “They add our systems to conserve generator fuel and reduce the constant noise of a generator, while still assuring the availability of water for their animals both large and small.”

Potential International & Commercial Uses: The initial concept for Constant Water was for the homeowner but now there are other uses Judson has found for this product. Construction sites without running water, or any location that needs potable water could benefit from this water storage solution. There is also an international application that Judson is working on, specifically with Ethiopia. The capital city of Ethiopia is experiencing a construction boom, but electrical and water services are not reliable or stable. Frequently, city residents will go several days at a time without water or electricity. Constant Water is working with Ethiopian representatives to incorporate his solution that will help them receive potable water in this urban environment.

Constant Water system and it was brought to market in April 2016.

Future Aspirations Judson’s vision is to be known for providing a quality product and being an active member of the community. He wants to help the local economy and also have a positive impact throughout the country. “Wouldn’t it be great to have our local region on the map with this system that will help not only community residents but also individuals all over the world? In the future, Barb and I want to be in the position to help others get a great idea off the ground, and give back to our community that has been so supportive,” explained Judson.

If you are interested about this innovative way of having usable, flowing water in your home or business, you call them at 540-347-3440, visit constantwater.com, or visit their offices located at 6649 Garland Dr. #10, Warrenton, VA 20187.

Flooring Specialists & More...

Flooring Specialists & More...

from for 51 51 Years!

Years! from One One Location for from One Location for 51 Years!

Mon - Fri 9 am 5 pm | SatSat. is 10 to 4 pm Mon. - Fri., 9 to a.m.

- 5 p.m., 10am - 4 p.m.

Mon - Fri 9 am to 5 pm | Sat is 10 am to 4 pm

choices | spring 2018 | 19

NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR SALE

Westco Builders Inc. presents The Chestatee River Cottage, designed by Garrell & Associates. This one level, Craftsman style home is under construction and waiting for you. Features include: natural stone, western red cedar shake siding and custom trim, Anderson windows, Trane HVAC, 3 fireplaces, 10’ceilings and 8’ doors, flagstone patios & screen porch, generator, extensive features list included, high speed internet provided by Comcast. Selling now for $949,000 with 17 acres.

Total House Renovations BEFORE

AFTER

Kitchen Renovations BEFORE

Bath Renovations

AFTER

Westco Builders Inc. is a family owned & operated Class A construction company located in Culpeper, Virginia.

BEFORE

AFTER

Recently Built New Homes

Westco Builders Inc.

Specializing in "one level living" residential home construction. So if it's a new home in your future or if you are considering renovating your existing home, Westco Builders and their team would be glad to meet with you to discuss your plans morelocally information on new specializing construction on our lot or new home construction for Weand are ideas. a familyFor owned, based business in one-level-living yours, or to schedule an appointment with our renovation department.

32 years. So if it’s a new home in your future, or a renovation to your existing home, Westco Builders Inc.

Contact JIM GEARING, Westco will be rightPresident, by your side every step of theBuilders, way. For moreInc. information on new construction, on one of our

Jim Gearing, President

540-812-9037 • 540-229-4134 jgearing1@earthlink.net lots or yours, or (Cell) to discuss•your renovation project, contact Jim Gearing.

Westco Builders, Inc. • 540-812-9037 • 540-229-4134 (Cell) • jgearing1@earthlink.net