The summertime has arrived and you might be considering getting a pool to keep you cool in the Georgia heat. There are two types of pools to choose from above ground and in ground. So which one is best for you? Below we will discuss some of the major differences to help you decide.
Installation-
Above ground pools are able to be installed fairly quickly, and in some cases they can even be installed in one day although most will take several days as you have to clear and level the area, erect the pool, and install the liner and fill it with water.
In ground pools however, will typically take a minimum of 6-8 weeks to install once the work has begun.
*It is important to note that there are very few if any companies that offer pool installation unless you buy the pool from them. This means that a pool purchased online may require a DIY installation.
Cost-
Above ground pools are typically priced anywhere from $800-$3000. Online DIY above ground packages typically range from $4000-$8000. The price generally depends on size of the pool, optional equipment and the quality of components. More expensive above ground pools are deeper and thicker, with more durable materials and have options such as in pool lighting, safety ladders and/or steps, pool cleaners, and a more effective filtration system.
In ground pools are typically priced anywhere from $5000 and up. Like all pools the price depends on the pool type, size, options, and features.
Landscape-
Many homes have sloping yards, some slope up and some slope down. In both these cases retaining walls need to be used to extend the usable area by cutting into an up slope, or building out over a down slope. There is usually always a way to make a pool work, but it comes with a much higher price tag when significant landscaping and retaining walls are needed.
Safety-
No matter which type of pool you choose pool safety is always a concern especially if you have children. Above ground pools are typically considered safer than inground pools. This is because without a surrounding pool deck falling into the pool or hitting your head on the cement is less of a possibility. However, the safest pool is one that surrounded by a 4-sided pool fence during the summer and a safety cover during winter both of which require a solid pool deck to anchor to.
Maintenance-
Above ground pools are generally considered easier to maintain than inground pools, however this is only due to smaller size and water volume. It truly depends on the pool equipment and on the care given to the pool. Many above ground pools are sold with small pumps and filters in an effort to keep the cost down and some pool owners don’t run the pump long enough or give the water chemistry enough attention.
In ground pools are more often easier to keep clean given that the pump, filter and cleaning equipment is much larger and more effective then that of a above ground pool.
Another type of long-term maintenance cost is repairs. In ground pools will cost much more in this area than above ground pools will because above ground pools are simpler, with less things that can go wrong, and fewer products with lower price tags. In the long run an in ground pool can cost several times the amount that a above ground pool will cost.
Pool Permanence-
Aboveground pools are sold in two types, Portable and Permanent. Portable pools are the Intex style pool, used for just a few seasons, perhaps 5 years at the most. “Permanent” aboveground pools last much longer, but their permanence is questionable. I have seen 25 year old aboveground pools, but others may befall some calamity.
Permanence has a reverse benefit for some people, that it can be removed in the future, if one so desired. In-ground pools, especially concrete pools have an easy 50 year lifespan, if not longer, and are difficult to remove.
In ground pools are usually refurbished every 25 years or so, with new tile and coping, plaster and equipment. Vinyl and Fiberglass inground pools also can last for decades, if not 50 years, with new vinyl every 10 years or fiber resurfacing every 20 years.
Features-
Some above ground pools can come with in-pool lighting, heaters, automatic cleaners and salt chlorine systems, but unless you build a custom concrete pool above the ground you are limited to only these basic features.
In ground pools however, can have attached spas, fire features, waterfalls and other features. You can also build an in ground pool in any shape you want not just round or oval or square and in any color palette you want, not just light blue.
Inground pools can be built with vanishing edges that seem to flow into the horizon, or be equipped with automatic safety covers. They can have tanning ledges, benches and swim-up bars. Anything you can dream up can become a reality with a in ground pool.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
We are living in a time of abundant choices. Paint comes in thousands of colors and even buying wood can be challenging as there are several different varieties. So it shouldn’t be surprising that decking options have grown dramatically over the past several years. It wasn’t that long ago that the only choice you had for your deck was wood, which perhaps came in two or three types. However due to an explosion of composite lumber, plastic decking and hardwood imports there’s now a dizzying array of decking available. In this article we will discuss each options pros, cons, and recommendations in order to help you determine which material is best to fit your decking needs.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pros: It is economical and plentiful. PT wood can last around 15 years when properly treated with a water repellent every two years.
Cons: If you use southern yellow pine it will crack and splinter as it dries. If Left untreated some PT wood turns muddy grey. In addition PT preservative chemical residue may cause health problems.
Recommendations: Consider PT wood that is factory-treated with water repellent such as Hickson’s Thompsonized PT and Osmose’s Armor All PT. You can also get prestained PT such as Osmose’s Woodshades which comes in three colors. If you want less toxic alternatives ACQ Preserve with UltraWood water repellent and Kodiak lumber are both good choices as they are preserved without arsenate, and are backed for life against termites, decay and fungi.
Redwood and Cedar
Pros: Redwood and cedar has glowing color, attractive straight grains and a natural resistance to decay and insects. The wood can also be left untreated to weather naturally and the life span is more than 20 years.
Cons: Both options are expensive. Redwood sapwood which is the newer wood closer to the bark rots when exposed for sustained periods to moisture and cedar sapwood breaks down quickly in moist conditions.
Recommendations: Clear heart, clear, B heart and B grade redwood are all fine for lower budgets. If you want to go with cedar clear all heart is the premium choice. Good lower cost alternatives include appearance grade and No. 1 select tight knot (STK).
Tropical Hardwood
Pros: Now more widely available, ipe (E-pay) is a durable teaklike tropical hardwood sold as Ironwood or Pau Lope (pow LOW-pay). It is twice as strong as oak and is more durable than redwood and cedar. It has a life span of at least 40 years and is resistant to insects and decay. Ironwood is backed by a 25-year transferable warranty, while Pau Lope comes with a 20-year limited warranty. All grades are virtually knot-free and have tight grain patterns which make this wood resistant to water. Another tropical hardwood option is cambara it is less durable than ipe but is also knot-free.
Cons: It is an expensive choice And requires predrilling for fasteners.
Recommendations: Ipe (E-pay) is the most durable choice but costs about $2 more per square foot then cambara.
Plastic-Wood Composites
Pros: It is virtually indestructible. It has skid resistance, sustainability, it’s low-maintenance, resists decay, and repels insects and UV rays. It is also splinter free and easy to work with. Trex, TimberTech and DuraWood EX come with 10-year warranties, while ChoiceDek and DuraWood PE are backed for 20 years.
Cons: Some composite decking has a plastic appearance and some times colors can fade over time. Some building codes also don’t allow composite lumber so check before you order it.
Recommendations: Typical choices are plain deck boards such as Trex and ChoiceDek, and shaped tongue and groove deck boards, such as TimberTech and SmartDeck’s DuraWood EX. SmartDeck also offers a 100 percent plastic product called DuraWood PE. If you’re going to be wiring the deck consider ChoiceDek and DuraWood as both of these deck and rail systems are formed to allow running wires within posts or deck boards.
Vinyl Deck Systems
Pros: Vinyl deck systems typically include deck boards, rails, spindles and fascia. They create a low maintenance deck that does not need sealers or finishes and is free of splinters and cracks. They also resist UV rays if treated at the factory. The three major manufacturers of vinyl deck systems Kroy, DreamDeck and EZ Deck offer limited lifetime warranties.
Cons: These systems can be very expensive. Vinyl can also fade and get brittle with age unless specially treated at the factory and all vinyl eventually loses its gloss.
Recommendations: Skid resistant planks are available in a variety of colors from Kroy, DreamDeck and EZ Deck. Also opt for color-fast, no-fade treatments like the one used by EZ Deck.
Feel free to contact C&H Construction your North Georgia mountain licensed home builder with any questions you may have about your decking options, redoing your current deck or installing a new one.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
When you think about choosing carpet you might think of the different materials, but did you know there are actually different ways in which it is constructed? Below we will discuss the different types so that you can make the right choice for your home:
Cut pile carpet
Cut pile is today’s most popular type. It is able to achieve it’s durability through the type of fiber used, the density of the tufts and the amount of twist in the yarn. There are 4 types of cut pile carpet. Those are:
Textured Plush –
The textured surface helps to hide footprints and vacuum marks, it add a causal beauty to any room, and it’s a great carpet for your whole house.
Saxony –
This has a refined look, it works well with traditional interiors, and is ideal for living and dining rooms.
Friezé –
This has a curly textured surface because the yarn is extremely twisted. It has a informal look, and it helps to minimize footprints and vacuum marks.
Plush
This has a dense and luxurious feel however, it does show footprints and vacuum marks easily so it’s best for low traffic areas.
Loop pile carpet
With loop pile carpet the loops are all the same height. This type generally lasts a long time in high traffic areas. Many of today’s popular Berber styles are loop pile with flecks of a darker color on top of a lighter color. This is a excellent choice for contemporary and cottage homes.
Multi-level loop pile carpet
Multi-level loop pile usually has 2-3 different loop heights in order to create a pattern effect. This provides good durability and a casual look.
Cut loop pile carpet
Cut loop pile combines both cut and looped yarns. It provides a variety of surface textures, including but not limited to chevrons and swirls. The multicolor effect also hides soil and stains.
If you have any questions about installing carpet in your home feel free to give us a call.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
What does having a low ACH (Air Change Per Hour) mean for you?
-You can reduce energy consumption due to air leakage.
-You can avoid moisture condensation problems.
-You can avoid uncomfortable drafts caused by cold air leaking in from the outdoors.
-You can save up to 30% on your energy bill just by making necessary upgrades following a home energy assessment.
The current Georgia building code requires a new home to have a air tightness test performed and be at 7 ACH or lower to receive a Certificate of Occupancy (C/O). This same code also requires duck tightness testing under certain circumstances but this article will discuss the air tightness only.
To measure the amount of air leakage in a home we use a tool called a blower door and a manometer which measures pressure. Let’s first start off by talking a little bit about what a blower door is. A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of an exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the home lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all the unsealed cracks and openings.
Blower door tests are done to find the air infiltration rate of a building to determine how airtight your home is and to help find leaks. In addition to finding air infiltration a blower door test can also help find defects especially in conjunction with an infrared camera. The blower door will intensify the natural infiltration occurring in a house while the air outside that is forcing its way in shows up as a different color on the infrared camera. There are two types of blower doors calibrated and uncalibrated. It is important that when testing you use a calibrated door. The calibrated blower door has several gauges that measure the amount of air pulled out of the house by the fan. Uncalibrated blower doors can only locate leaks in homes and they provide no method for determining the overall tightness of a building. The calibrated blower door’s data allows the auditor to quantify the amount of air leakage and the effectiveness of any air-sealing job.
Blower door results can be expressed in a few different metrics. The most common one is air changes per hour (ACH), or how many times a house’s air is completely replaced in a given hour. Because we take our blower door measurement at 50 Pascal, most codes and standards reference the air changes at that elevated pressure, but we can also calculate the air changes under natural conditions as well. For example a code-built new home with decent air sealing might have 7 air changes per hour at 50 Pascal that means if we kept the blower door running for an hour it would pump in enough air to completely replace the home’s air 7 times. The math and metrics can get a little bit complicated so let’s put them in context. Here is a rough scale to compare your blower door test number to other standards: 10-20 ACH50 – Older homes with almost no air sealing 7-10 ACH50 – Average new home with some air sealing 7 ACH50 – OK infiltration level and the 2009 IECC energy code requirement 3-5 ACH50 – Good and achievable target for most new homes. 3 ACH50 and lower – Tight home with great air sealing, and required by the 2012 energy code first adopted in MD and coming to other jurisdictions soon. .6 ACH50 – Super tight home and the Passive House standard.
Preparing for testing:
– If you heat with wood be sure all fires are completely out this also includes hot coals before the auditor arrives.
– Remove any ashes from open fireplaces.
– Plan for a walk through of your home with the auditor.
– Be prepared to point out areas that you know are drafty.
– Expect the auditor to request access to all areas of your home this can include closets, built-in cabinets, attics, crawl spaces, and any unused rooms.
– Expect the auditor to set controls on all fossil fuel appliances to ensure that they do not fire during the test. This can include stoves, water heaters, etc.
– Expect the test to take up to an hour or more depending on the complexity of your home.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home Builder located in Blairsville,Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains is certified in air tightness testing.
When you think about choosing carpet you might think of the different materials, but did you know there are actually different ways in which it is constructed? Below we will discuss the different types so that you can make the right choice for your home:
Cut pile carpet
Cut pile is today’s most popular type. It is able to achieve it’s durability through the type of fiber used, the density of the tufts and the amount of twist in the yarn. There are 4 types of cut pile carpet. Those are:
Textured Plush –
The textured surface helps to hide footprints and vacuum marks, it add a causal beauty to any room, and it’s a great carpet for your whole house.
Saxony –
This has a refined look, it works well with traditional interiors, and is ideal for living and dining rooms.
Friezé –
This has a curly textured surface because the yarn is extremely twisted. It has a informal look, and it helps to minimize footprints and vacuum marks.
Plush
This has a dense and luxurious feel however, it does show footprints and vacuum marks easily so it’s best for low traffic areas.
Loop pile carpet
With loop pile carpet the loops are all the same height. This type generally lasts a long time in high traffic areas. Many of today’s popular Berber styles are loop pile with flecks of a darker color on top of a lighter color. This is a excellent choice for contemporary and cottage homes.
Multi-level loop pile carpet
Multi-level loop pile usually has 2-3 different loop heights in order to create a pattern effect. This provides good durability and a casual look.
Cut loop pile carpet
Cut loop pile combines both cut and looped yarns. It provides a variety of surface textures, including but not limited to chevrons and swirls. The multicolor effect also hides soil and stains.
If you have any questions about installing carpet in your home feel free to give us a call.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
Septic tanks are an alternative treatment of wastewater compared to sewer. Septic tanks are often used in rural areas such as the North Georgia Mountains in order to deal with the small amount of sewage created by a single household. The septic tank is part of a septic system. The way the septic system works is one line will enter the tank on one end and exit on the other. By the means of bacteria breaking down the solids, almost everything turns into a liquid. The liquid then flows into the drain field and is absorbed into the groundwater and is cleaned naturally. There is only a little sludge that sinks to the bottom of the tank and stays there. It’s almost like sand.
Installation
The supernate from a septic tank is not as clean as the water released by wastewater treatment plants. This supernate would pollute streams and the groundwater if it came in contact with them before trickling down through the soil. As a result soil permeability must be carefully tested before installing a septic system. The term permeability refers to how easily water can trickle down through soil. Septic systems do not work well in clay soils since clay is a relatively impermeable soil and does not allow the supernate to soak in. So if a septic system is installed in clay soil the supernate often rises to the surface of the ground producing a very unsanitary situation. The Health Department has established soil testing procedures which must be followed before a septic tank can be installed. These procedures test the permeability of the soil. The procedure is outlined below:
1. A 2 feet deep hole is dug in the soil.
2. The hole is saturated with water. Then the hole is filled with water to a known depth.
3. The water is allowed to sink into the soil for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes the depth of the water in the hole is then measured. Once the soil has been tested and the Health Department has issued a permit the septic system can be installed. The first factor to be considered when you are ready to install is the size of the tank. The size you need depends upon the size of the family and the type of use. For example a larger family will create more waste and will require a larger tank. Households which use their tanks for garbage disposal will also require a larger tank. The amount of available land will also influence which tank size is chosen.
In non permeable soil up to 60% of the water can come to the top of the ground and will be dispersed through transpiration or breathing of plants. The other 40% will become groundwater.
The last consideration when installing fill lines is that the supernate must be distributed evenly across the ground. When the ground is sloped then the lines should be connected in parallel or in series to provide efficient removal. The lines should also be placed so that they are perpendicular to the slope of the land. Another way of saying this is that the fill lines should be parallel to the contour lines of the land.
Maintenance
The need for only minimal maintenance is one of the major benefits of having a septic system. Preventing plant growth on the septic field is the most intensive maintenance required after installation. Trees must not be allowed to grow over your septic tank system as the leaves can clog the septic lines. Grass must be mowed above the septic field. This prevents brush and small plants from growing in the field as the plants could sink their roots down into the septic lines and break them. Also don’t allow anyone to drive or operate heavy machinery over any part of the septic system and don’t build anything over the septic field. Good septic system operation and maintenance include conserving water, being careful that nothing harmful is disposed of through the system, and having the system inspected annually and pumped regularly. By educating everyone in your household about what is and what isn’t good for septic systems you can begin to develop good maintenance habits.
What is harmful
What you put into your septic system can greatly affect its ability to to its job properly. Remember that your septic system contains living bacteria that digest and treat waste. As a general rule do not dispose of anything in your septic system that can be just as easily put into the trash. Your septic system is not designed to be a trash can and solids can build up in the tank and will need to be pumped. The more solids that go into the tank the more frequently the tank will need to be pumped and the higher the risk for problems to arise.
In the kitchen avoid washing food scraps, coffee grinds, and other food items down the drain. Grease and cooking oil can contribute to the layer of scum in the tank and should also not be put down the drain.
The same approach used in the kitchen should also be used in the bathroom. Don’t use the toilet to get rid of plastic, paper, towels, facial tissue, tampons, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts, dental floss, diapers, kitty litter, etc. The only things that should be flushed are waste-water and toilet paper.
When used as recommended by the manufacturer most house hold cleaning products will not affect the operation of your septic system. Drain cleaners however are an exception to the rule and should not be used as they can kill the bacteria and disrupt the operation of the septic tank. Cleaners such as bleach, disinfectants, and toilet bowl cleaners are ok as long as they are used in moderation and in accordance to the product label.
In order to avoid permanently damaging your septic system do not dispose of hazardous household chemicals such as paint, varnish, paint thinners, oil, anti-freeze, pharmaceuticals, antibacterial soaps, gasoline, pesticides, etc. Even a small amount of these chemicals can destroy the helpful bacteria and pollute the ground water. If you need to wash paint or stain from brushes and rollers squeeze out all the excess paint on several layers of newspaper and get as much out as you can before rinsing.
While many products out there claim to help septic systems work better the truth is that most engineers and sanitation professionals believe that commercial septic additives are at best useless and at worst harmful to your system. There are two types of additives: biological (bacteria, enzyme,and yeast) and chemical. Biological additives are harmless but some chemical additives can harm the soil in the septic field and contaminate the ground water.
Appliances
A few appliances can also harm your septic system. They are garbage disposals, hot tubs, and water softening systems .
Garbage disposals can increase the amount of solids in the tank up to 50% and should not be used at all. Because a garbage disposal grinds kitchen scraps into tiny pieces once they reach the septic tank they are suspended in the water and get pumped out with the liquid waste into the soil. It also significantly increases the amount of sludge and scum in your septic tank. Many states require a larger minimum size tank if there will be a garbage disposal in the house.
Hot tubs are very common to have today and while the soothing waters may be good for your body the large amount of water that drains from the hot tub is harmful to your septic system. Emptying large amounts of water into your septic system can cause an overload, stir the solids in the tank causing them to be pushed out into the septic field, and eventually cause the system to fail. Instead of draining the water into your septic system the hot tub water should be cooled and drained on to grass or other areas of your yard away from the septic system.
Some water softening systems pump hundreds of gallons of water into the septic tank all at once. This again can stir the solids in the tank causing them to be pushed out into the septic field, and eventually cause the system to fail. Water softeners also remove the hardness by using a salt to initiate an ion exchange. This flushes pounds of used salt into the septic system and can affect the digestion in the tank and reduce the permeability in the soil of the septic field. If you are going to use a water softening system you should have alternative routing installed.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about installing or maintaining a septic system.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
Fiber cement siding is a cost effective material that can look just like wooden d log. It is low maintenance, termite proof and provides fire protection too. This siding offers several advantages over wood and will add value and elegance to your project.
When compared to other siding materials fiber cement siding offers superior resistance, stability, moisture resistance and it is pest resistant too. One of the most important attributes of the fiber cement siding is that it can withstand many variations in weather conditions such as snow, ice, heat and freezing temperatures without decaying. Fiber cement siding requires little to no maintenance when compared to vinyl siding which needs to be cleaned and washed and wood siding which needs to be painted and treated to maintain its beauty.
Fiber cement siding can also be combined with weather barriers and insulation to increase the energy efficiency in your home. This product has also been recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council for its durability and sustainability.
Fiber cement siding is not affected by localized heat, that normally melts or damages vinyl siding. Fiber cement siding holds paint very well and trim board is available in several sizes. It has the durability of cement and usually offers a class 1A fire rating.
Wood insects will not eat or damage it, it does not rot, and is resistant to deterioration from salt and ultraviolet rays. Most companies will warranty their product for about 50 years which is proof of its durability.
Fiber cement doesn’t have many drawbacks unless you are considering using vinyl siding as fiber cements installation and handling costs are higher when compared.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or you may have about installing fiber cement siding.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
Refrigerators are often thought of as boxy and boring, having no style and serving no purpose other then keeping your food cold. Times have changed though and manufacturers are now thinking outside the box to try to redefine what the modern refrigerator is really capable of. Today you will find an increasing range of color and style options, cleverly designed units designed to disappear into your kitchen decor, and a wide variety of new smart features.
With the reinvention of the refrigerator finding the perfect model to fit your needs and budget is no easy task. Fortunately we have an overview that is designed to assist you in narrowing down the countless options. Finding the right refrigerator is all about understanding your needs. So let’s get started:
What type of style do I need?
Style wise you have four options to choose from and figuring out which one is best for you is the first step towards making a final decision.
Top freezer
Chances are good that this is the style that immediately pops into your head when you hear the word refrigerator. The bottom two thirds are dedicated to fresh food storage and the freezer is sitting on top. Tastes have changed since this style was first created, so if you’re looking for something modern and high end then a top freezer model probably isn’t for you. However, if style isn’t a big concern then you will find that top freezers offer some of the best bargains on the market. Plus there are still enough of them being made to offer a solid variety of choices.
Bottom freezer
If you’re looking for something more on the simpler side and want a little better access to your fresh foods, then a bottom freezer model might be right for you. Bottom freezer models aren’t much different from top freezer models except for the fact that the freezer is located on the bottom. This means that you won’t have to bend over while looking for commonly used food. However, it does mean that frozen foods will be located around your ankles. Although a majority of models now come with drawer style freezer doors which can make getting frozen food out a little easier. Bottom freezer models do tend to be just slightly bigger than top freezers, but there is also less variety of models to choose from.
Side-by-side
Side-by-side units split your refrigerator in half, offering you frozen food on the left and fresh food on the right. Some models offer equal space for both sections and others allow an extra couple of inches for the fridge. This can make for a narrow freezer section, so if you need a wide freezer space you might want to consider something a little less limiting. Side-by-side models come in a wide variety and tend to showcase more features than horizontal ones. Many of these features are aimed at saving space, especially when it comes to the shelving inside the doors. Side-by-side units also require much less clearance to open the doors, making them ideal for narrow spaces.
French door
The very popular french door models combine the drawer of a bottom freezer with the low clearance doors of a side-by-side model. This means that you will have a full width, double door refrigerator with plenty of storage space. Some models come with two separate freezer drawers with the top one located about waist level. This will keep you from bending down not quite as far as you would with a bottom freezer. With the high demand for French door refrigerators you’re sure to find a huge variety of options, including models with top of the line smart features that you won’t find with other styles. You can also upgrade the look of your refrigerator to match your decor or even camouflage it entirely among your cabinets.
What size refrigerator do I need?
This can vary but a general rule of thumb is that you will want about 4 to 6 cubic feet of refrigerator space per person in your household along with a little bit of extra room. Full size refrigerators range from 10 to 32 cubic feet so this means that a family of four probably won’t want anything less than 20 cubic feet, and might even prefer something a little bit bigger. That being said a bigger refrigerator means a bigger energy bill so be careful not to splurge on extra space that you won’t actually need as you will be paying more both upfront and down the line. If you are looking for something on the smaller side you will probably want to stick with a top freezer model as none of the other types of refrigerators come in sizes much smaller than 20 cubic feet.
Do I need a cabinet depth refrigerator?
Cabinet depth refrigerators are simply refrigerators that are designed to align perfectly with the edges of your cabinets, leaving only the refrigerator door sticking out. This gives your refrigerator the appearance of an expensive, custom made unit that’s built directly into your cabinetry without it actually being custom built. It won’t give you any extra storage space but they are more fashionable than standalone units.
What features do I need?
Refrigerators have come a long way since the days of the egg holder and the butter bin. These days you will find a wide variety of features designed to bring a whole new level of functionality to your refrigerator.
Take care of your food
Do you always want a variety of fresh ingredients on hand? Many models offer sectional climate controls for the different compartments in your refrigerator that can help you keep your foods fresher for longer. For example LG’s Push & Seal Crisper Drawer goes so far as to vacuum the air out of your produce bins whenever you close them.
Do you live off of frozen food? Look for advanced defrosting features such as GE’s Frost Guard which is designed to help eliminate freezer burn.
Do you love a nice glass of Chardonnay? Look for a refrigerator with a built in wine rack.
Multitasking features
Some features are designed to make your refrigerator more functional. Just look at in door water dispensers for example. Refrigerators have been dispensing water for years but now GE boasts a PreciseFill smart dispenser on several of its models that will dispense the exact amount you need or automatically detect when your cup or water bottle is full. Other models have water dispensers designed to easily accommodate tall or bulky containers. Some will even dispense hot water. Samsung recently teamed up with SodaStream unveiling a refrigerator capable of dispensing fresh seltzer water. LG has started producing models with blast chillers capable of making your warm drink icy cold in minutes and if you’re constantly making runs to the gas station to pick up a bag of ice for your cooler look for a unit with an ice maker capable of dispensing ice in bulk.
Other extras
– Quieting models that make for less humming and buzzing
– Anti bacterial interior coatings to help keep your food germ free
– LED lighting
– Steel reinforced hinges to support heavy storage in your door
– Spill proof shelving to help keep messes from dripping through your refrigerator
– Touch screens and built-in Wi-Fi
Should I get a smart refrigerator?
Simply put smart refrigerators are not cheap and whether or not the cost is worth it is really up to you. For some people smart technology gives refrigerators a whole new cool factor and the fact that we use our refrigerators every day makes these features an investment.
Smart energy efficiency
If you are looking for a greener kitchen and lower power bill you will likely enjoy smart features that are aimed at making your refrigerator more energy efficient. Many new models can track their own energy consumption and some even go a step further delivering the information straight to your smartphone and even allowing you to monitor usage or change the temperature remotely. If energy efficiency is an important factor in your buying decision but a top of the line smart refrigerator doesn’t fit within your budget don’t worry there are plenty of other features available that will help you go green without breaking the bank. At least one model comes with a sensor that detects when the door isn’t fully shut and others will allow you to access commonly used ingredients without ever opening the refrigerator at all using a door within a door compartment or a sliding panel. Features like these are small but a big difference when it comes to your energy usage.
Communication
Smart refrigerators don’t just share usage data with you. Some Whirlpool models are equipped with 6th Sense Live technology that will send you texts letting you know when the water filter needs to be replaced or alerting you to a power outage. Other models are equipped with intuitive features that kick in whenever something isn’t working helping you to identify the problem and troubleshoot a solution. There are even models that will offer suggestions on what to make for dinner if you’re willing to take the time to tell your refrigerator what ingredients are inside of it.
Entertainment
Some of the most talked about smart features have been focused on entertainment. More than one manufacturer has introduced models with Wi-Fi, integrated speakers, and LCD touch screens built into the door. Samsung has even incorporated popular apps like Google Calendar and Twitter into its high end models. Do you want to check the weather? Know what’s happening on the morning news? Looking for step by step recipes? Want to stream your favorite Pandora station while cooking? With an entertainment minded smart refrigerator all of this is possible with just a tap.
If you decide that a smart refrigerator might be something you would be interested in make sure to shop around. Different manufacturers have different visions for where smart technology is headed so you’ll want to be sure to find a brand that emphasizes the specific type of technology and features that you are looking for. So far it seems that Samsung has focused almost exclusively on entertainment, while Whirlpool’s features are geared more towards energy efficiency. LG has taken a broader approach with its high end refrigerators offering a mixture of smart technology. Other brands such Kenmore and GE are more conservative focusing less on entertainment and connectivity and more on subtle design and engineering upgrades. Though your choices might be limited to two or three models per manufacturer, the variety is definitely there. Whatever your decision is do a little homework, shop around to get the best deal, then buy with confidence.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about finding a new refrigerator.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
If you’re lucky enough to have a garage at your home you definitely know the benefits they bring. Garages keep your car out of bad weather and help preserve your paint job for a longer amount of time, they provide a useful storage place, and they can even be a work shop or a man cave. What about the security of your garage though? How many times have you asked yourself who has my garage code? Did I forget to close the garage? Well now you have the answer. With a smart garage opener the power of monitoring and controlling your garage is now right in your pocket!
A smart garage opener has many benefits. Let’s take a look at some:
•You can open and close your garage door from anywhere with just a click on your Smartphone.
•You can receive alerts when the garage door opens and closes.
•You can monitor your garage door from anywhere with not only your smartphone but you can also use a tablet, or another connected device.
•Most smart garage door openers work with all major garage door opener brands.
•They can be installed in minutes using your home’s Wi-Fi.
If you want more information on how you can benefit from a smart garage opener feel free to give us a call.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains
A smart door lock is a lock for your front or back door that does not require a traditional key but a code instead. A smart door lock generally comes with a touch screen and you install access codes for people to be allowed to enter and exit your home. Do you want to know what time your kids came home? You can give them their own user codes so you know when the door was unlocked and which code was used. The same goes for house cleaners, contractors, or anyone else you wish to allow access to your home. Note that the exact number of codes you can assign does vary based upon which smart lock you purchase.
The smart door lock attaches to the inside of your door and can come with several customizable features. Most smart door locks are even compatible with home automation systems! A smart door lock that integrates with a home automation system has many interesting features. In fact there is even a way to set up a chain reaction between your smart lock and your home automation system. For example if your door is unlocked, your thermostat can be alerted to rise or when you unlock a door lights of your choice can turn on as well.
Simplifying your life is so much easier with a smart lock and a home automation system. Be aware though that specific features are only available with certain smart locks so when purchasing one make sure you look at all of the features offered and decide which lock would work best for your needs.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.
