Due to all the rain and recent flooding up here in the North Georgia mountains you are probably wondering how you can help prevent water damage from occurring in your home. Below you will find some helpful tips on ways you can help keep your home damage free.
– Make sure you have good drainage.
If you have poor drainage it will weaken your foundation causing cracks, uneven settling, and even pathways for water to enter your home! Make sure your yard is sloped at least 6 inches away from the foundation. This will keep water from settling right next to your home where it could cause walls to lean, crack the masonry, and create leaks.
– Clean your gutters
Did you know that having a clogged gutter can damage your home? A clogged gutter will reroute water down the side of your house causing damage to your siding and foundation. Also make sure your downspouts direct the water 5 to 10 feet away from your house and foundation.
– Check for water leaks
Persistent water leaks can lead to mold, mildew, rot, and even termites and carpenter ants (they like soft soggy wood)!
Check for wet or dark spots under and around pipes, inside sink cabinets, ceilings, toilets, etc and repair any cracked caulking. At a minimum of once a year inspect your roof as well, repairing missing, loose, and damaged shingles.
– Test your sump pump
Sump pumps are a necessity during storms and that is not when you suddenly want to realize yours is not working. Sump pumps should be checked at least once a year, with several checks performed during heavy storm seasons.
How to test your sump pump:
1. Slowly fill the sump pump pit with water. Watch for the float to rise (this should turn on the pump). Then watch to make sure that the water level falls.
2. Test your backup pump in the same way, but make sure you unplug your main pump first. If you don’t have a backup pump, or a generator, and are on municipal water, get a pump that runs on water pressure. If you’re on well water your only option is the battery kind.
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
Winter has begun in the North Georgia Mountains. Have you winterized your home yet? Did you know that by winterizing your home it will help keep the heat in, the cold out and unnecessary damage from happening! Below you will find some helpful tips to protect your home and stay warm and cozy this winter:
Heating system:
•Make sure everything is working properly! If you haven’t done so already turn the heat on to test it. You should hear the furnace kick on and feel the heat blowing out. Keep the heat set at a minimum of 50.
•Replace your air filters if they are dirty.
•Make sure your heating vents are free and clear of dust and debris.
•Check for Carbon Monoxide (Inexpensive tests are available as well as battery operated alarms)
Air conditioning:
•Clean the unit by removing all dirt debris.
Chimney and fireplace:
•Make sure the chimney is free of all animals including birds and squirrels before lighting a fire.
•Check to make sure the flue is working properly.
•Make sure there is not a draft coming from the chimney. To check this light some paper in the fire place with the flue open. The smoke should rise up, if it doesn’t you could have an obstruction and need to call a professional to clean the chimney.
Plumbing:
•Insulate all exposed piping that is in non insulated spaces such as attics, crawlspaces, outside etc. Make sure you insulate them at minimum with foam insulation.
•Insulate your hot water tank with an insulating blanket.
•Turn off all water to exterior water faucets and disconnect the hose.
•If you will be away from your property for a length of time make sure all water is shut off to prevent pipes from freezing, drain the water from the pipes by letting the water run out of your lowest spigot, and consider turning the breaker off on your water heater.
Doors and windows:
•Check for drafts around windows and outside doors. If you feel air coming in install weather stripping.
Roof and gutters:
•Make sure your shingles are not damaged or missing.
•Be sure your gutters are free and clear of debris. Wet leaves in the winter can add weight to the gutter and cause damage. (See the Complete Home Services blog for more on gutter cleaning)
Sprinklers:
•If you have a sprinkler system make sure the water supply is turned off and air is blown through the system to prevent freezing.
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
Love the look of a cabin in the North Georgia mountains, but not sure if wood siding is the right material for you? Not to worry. Did you know there is also vinyl log siding which mimics the look of real wood! Below we will examine the pros and cons of each to help you determine which material is best for you.
Natural Log Siding
Pros:
Natural log siding is quite easy to install and is suitable for a variety of surfaces! This is because it can be easily placed over duct work, wiring, plumbing, etc. Natural log siding can even last for 25-75 years with the proper maintenance and since various wood is used it is available in many different grain patterns and textures! It can also be rounded or flat. Natural log siding is also energy efficient. By installing this siding on exterior walls it will act as insulation for your home and can even bring down the heating and cooling costs!
Cons:
The most common drawback with natural log siding are cracks developing. These cracks are caused due to the frequent temperature changes as well as changes in humidity and moisture. These cracks have to be sealed immediately in order to ensure that the cracks do not get any bigger and provide a home for pests, moisture, and dirt. This siding has to be cleaned frequently and treated to prevent rot and attacks by pests. It will also need to be stained and painted to provide it with appropriate weather protection. The siding can be very vulnerable to mold and mildew if it is not adequately treated.
Vinyl log siding
Pros:
Vinyl log siding is less inexpensive then natural log. It can be crafted into various styles and painted to any color you choose. Since it is not made of organic materials like that of natural log this siding is not susceptible to pests and rot. Maintenance of vinyl log siding is a lot simpler too and it will not rot when exposed to the elements. It only needs to be cleaned every once in a while to keep away dirt and debris.
Cons:
Contrary to belief vinyl log siding does not last as long as natural log siding does. The maximum life of vinyl log siding is set at about 25 years, compared to 25-75 years with natural log. Although vinyl siding offers the look of natural log siding it is still not the real thing and close inspection will reveal that it is the cheaper vinyl version.
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
Last week we talked a little bit about the benefits of having a garage, but what about a carport? You might be wondering how similar they are or which one is best for you. Below we will discuss the pros and cons of each to help you make the best decision.
Carports
Pros:
If your looking to save money upfront the cost of a carport is significantly less then a garage. You also won’t have to consider city regulations and fire safety during construction. This is because a carport is not an enclosed space, so its not necessary to build a fire rated ceiling or walls. Depending on if you have homeowners association rules and what they are, you may be able to build a carport from a kit that takes less then a day to install. Parking your car under a carport will keep the sun from destroying the paint and can also save it from falling tree branches and hail.
Cons:
If you’re looking for space or storage a carport is not for you. Carports are just big enough to shelter a car or possibly two, so you won’t be able to set up a work area or store any items. You probably wouldn’t want to anyway. Because a carport is an open structure it isn’t secure, you can’t lock it or protect it from wind and rain. It also won’t keep animals out. While a carport can add some value to your home it’s nothing compared to a garage.
Garages
Pros:
Garages can be as secure as your home. With good door locks your garage will be a safe place to store cars, tools, lawn equipment, and anything else. You can install all types of shelving, cabinets, drawers, and even hooks designed specifically for garages to customize the area. You could also turn it into a work shop, man cave, or anything else your heart desires. Unlike a carport a garage provides complete protection from the sun, hail, rain and wind. Plus it keeps the animals out. A garage can also triple in value what you paid for it so it is a great investment!
Cons:
A garage does costs quite a bit more up front to build than a carport, and it does take longer to finish. You will also have to follow more rules and regulations when you build a garage regardless if you’re adding it to your home or having it built as a separate unit. City building codes and fire safety regulations require the walls to be fire rated to slow the spread of a fire. Contact your city’s permits office for all of the rules and regulations.
Still confused about what you should build? Feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to help you figure it out.
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 it comes to garages it’s not simply just a space to park your car. It’s also a storage space, a work shop, or for some men a man cave. Garages are a wonderful addition to any property and if you don’t already have one, you should strongly consider investing in one because it can come with a big return. In fact did you know that if you ever go to sell your home there will be a large segment of prospective homebuyers who wont even look at your property without it. The good news though is that for anyone who doesn’t have a garage already it is a relatively inexpensive renovation. Plus your home value can go up as much as 3x the cost of the garage. That makes the renovation virtually free when you go to sell your home. A garage can also benefit you if you own a rental property. A garage that provides parking and storage space can allow you to charge more for rent. In fact some people even rent out their garages to neighbors in need of parking.
If you are considering adding a garage to your home feel free to give us a call and we would be happy to come out and give you an estimate.
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
The weather is getting cold up in the North Georgia Mountains and now is the perfect time to prepare your house for the winter ahead. Did you know that by doing a little cold weather home maintenance you could prevent costly repairs and even lower your heating bill? Below are some helpful tips to get you started:
•Seal any cracks or holes on the outside of your house.
•Replace worn out weatherstripping around your windows or doors.
•Make sure your attic is insulated. You should have at least 12″-16″ of insulation.
•Replace windows with double pane glass or cover single pane windows with plastic window insulation kits.
•Have your heating system inspected and serviced by a HVAC professional in order to make sure your furnace and blower are working properly.
•If your heating system is over 12 years old consider replacing it with a new and more energy efficient system.
•Replace your furnace filter regularly (every 1-3 months) with a quality filter. This improves indoor air quality and allows your heater to run more efficiently.
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
As you probably already know smart technology is starting to take normal home functions to the next level. Security is just one of the many areas of the smart home revolution. These systems are making a huge impact on how you keep an eye on your property and give you piece of mind when you’re away. With many options to choose from it can be confusing to decide which one is best for you. Below we will discuss some of the top selling models and brands in smart home security in order to help you determine which one best fits your needs.
Dropcam
Dropcam is owned by Google. It essentially puts a video camera that is always on inside your home. It has live streaming of 720p video plus live access is free once you’ve purchased the camera. The camera models include a two-way mic (you can talk to your pets, children, etc), and a 130-degree wide-angle lens with a zoom feature. Alerts can be sent to your phone based on motion or sound, it’s simple to set up, and you can create a recording schedule based on the time of day and/or your current location.
Nest Cam
This is the successor to the Dropcam Pro and it is the first security camera from the smart home company Nest. The Nest Cam is small and shoots 1080p footage. It has 8x digital zoom and night vision due to eight IR LEDs. There is also motion detection and just like Dropcam it has cool accessories like a magnet so you can stick it on your fridge and a tripod. The only drawback with Nest Cam is that in order to access video history, people detection and special activity zones it requires an extra monthly subscription to its Nest Aware service on top of the price of the device.
Netatmo Welcome
If you don’t want to pay for a monthly subscription but you still want a smart security system, try the Netatmo Welcome. It is the same price as the Nest Cam, but the Netatmo Welcome offers you full access to your HD videos for no extra monthly payment. It also uses face recognition software so it can recognize your family and friends and instantly alert you with a photo when a possible intruder is spotted in the house.
Canary
Canary is a whole security system in a sleek little box that looks a lot like a router. It includes a camera with night vision and motion detection, accelerometer sensors to detect tampering, and a speaker and siren. Any time it spots something out of the ordinary the alarm goes off and you get a notification on your phone. If you get an alert you are able to see the video feed right away from your smartphone. Plus temperature and humidity can also be monitored.
Honeywell Tuxedo Touch
Honeywell has such a large range of home security and automation products that it is really is difficult to review anything as a single product but the Tuxedo Touch is a great place to start. The touchscreen can organize your video monitoring, smart locks, home heating, etc. It is also voice controlled so you can tell it if you’re leaving the house so it can activate home monitoring. It is all Wi-Fi controlled and if you have the funds to get all the whistles and bells installed then this is one of the most comprehensive options on the market.
Piper
When it comes to Piper “you’re always home” is its motto. You can check the live video feed while you’re away, get notifications to your smartphone, etc.
If it is compatible Piper can also control lights and appliances around the home as well. The 180-degree lens means you can pretty much see a whole room all at once and it can also monitor sound, temperature and brightness for extra peace of mind.
iSmartAlarm
The iSmartAlarm is a much more comprehensive security system and a more involved setup process. There are video cameras, contact sensors, smart switches, motion sensors and much more on the iSmartAlarm. The smartphone app warns you if anything seems out of the ordinary and you can choose to respond in a variety of different ways. There are also no monthly fees or contracts so everything you pay is up front.
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
Now that the weather is getting a bit chilly you might want to curl up and light a fire in the fireplace. How do you know which type is right for you though? Choosing the right fireplace can be a challenge. Below we will discuss each type of fireplace to help you take the guess work out of choosing one.
Wood-burning
A wood-burning fireplace is the oldest and most traditional fireplace option there is. You can’t match the look, smell and sound of a wood burning fire. However, wood-burning fireplaces do require either storing logs or going to the store periodically for a supply. This type of fireplace also has the most upkeep. It requires maintenance of the chimney as well as cleaning ash out of the fireplace.
When wood is burning in the fireplace it spits out burning embers, so screens are also needed to ensure safe use. Finally, wood-burning fireplaces can lose more heat up the chimney than they create. This can be altered though with elements added to the fireplace to reduce air flow up the flue.
If the fireplace has a gas starter, you can easily convert it from wood to gas by adding gas logs as well.
Gas
Gas fireplaces burn natural gas instead of wood. Vented gas fireplaces are constructed much like traditional wood-burning fireplaces, with a firebox that is vented through the chimney. These vented fireplaces allow for the largest variety of burning elements, which can range from ceramic logs that have the appearance of real burning logs and embers to more of a modern look with flames that come up through glass beads.
There are two other types of gas fireplaces as well, direct vent fireplaces and ventless fireplaces. Direct vent fireplaces don’t require chimneys and the flame is kept behind glass. Direct vent fireplaces also emit a large amount of heat and don’t lose warm air up the flue.
Ventless fireplaces have no venting, which means they can be placed against internal walls as long as gas can be brought to the location. Plus all the heat from ventless fireplaces remain inside the home.
Electric
Electric fireplaces are easy to incorporate into any space. All you have to do is follow the instructions regarding placement and plug one into an outlet. This type of fireplace is all about function. Electric fireplaces come in a range of designs to fit any decor and are also a great way to add ambience in your home without breaking the bank.
Ethanol
Ethanol fireplaces are one of the newest additions to fireplace technology today!
The flame requires no venting, which means that ethanol fireplaces can be used almost anywhere in the house. These fireplaces do require refilling and when used properly they are safe, but ethanol is very flammable so you must be careful refilling this type of fireplace.
Feel free to contact C&H construction to discuss the best option for you.
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
Everybody wants a designer kitchen, but unfortunately not everyone can spend $40,000 on a remodeling project. The good news though is that there are some affordable ways to update your kitchen. Did you know that experts say that kitchen upgrades can generally return between 80-105% of their cost when your home is resold? Below you will find some affordable upgrades you can do to your kitchen now without breaking the bank:
Cabinets
New cabinets can take a big chunk out of your budget and hiring a custom cabinet maker is expensive. However, pre-manufactured, modular kitchen cabinets are very affordable and they have drastically improved in recent years.
Some high quality modular cabinets even now come with warranties. If installing new cabinets is not up your alley you can also get a fresh look by painting your current cabinets and/or changing the hinges and pulls on all your cabinets and drawers.
Countertops
While almost everybody loves the look of granite not everybody loves the price of granite. Engineered stone is an option, but it can still be quite pricey. Ceramic tile, laminate, and solid wood are the best options for a kitchen with a budget.
Ceramic tile- Ceramic tile comes in almost any color or style you can think of and costs about 1/10 as much as stone.
Laminate- Laminate is very easy to install and the costs are about the same as tile.
Solid wood- Solid wood can be cut, sanded and treated as required. It comes in a variety of wood types and provides a warmth to the kitchen that some other materials simply can’t.
Kitchen appliances
This might surprise you, but experts say there isn’t much of a difference in reliability between high end appliances and the less expensive ones. You may not get all the bells and whistles on less expensive appliances, but you will get sturdy, functional appliances. Be sure to also look at the details of the different warranties to get the most for your money.
Flooring
When it comes to flooring less expensive options can often be a better choice than more costly ones. The reason is that no matter how expensive your flooring daily wear and tear will still happen. Some of the best options are ceramic tile, plastic laminate, and vinyl flooring.
Ceramic tile- Ceramic tile resists wear, moisture, dents and stains and costs far less than wood.
Plastic laminate- Laminate flooring is one of the most affordable options. Like ceramic tile, laminate is cheaper, easier to install and wears better than solid wood.
Vinyl flooring- Vinyl is affordable, stain resistant, easy to install and long wearing. You can even get vinyl that imitates the look of more expensive materials such as wood or even marble.
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
Did you know that taking a few simple actions can help you save energy and money during the fall and winter months? Below you will find some helpful tips to help you save money and keep your pockets fuller:
1.Get an energy assessment.
If you haven’t done so already, have an energy assessment conducted to find out where you can save the most, and consider making a larger investment for long term energy savings.
2.Get warm from the sun.
Take full advantage of the heat from the sun. Open your curtains on the south facing windows during the day to allow the sunlight to naturally heat your home and close them at night to reduce the draft you may feel from cold windows.
3.Cover drafty windows.
Use a heavy duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape a clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Also install tight fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after the weatherizing is done.
4.Adjust the temperature.
When you are home and awake be sure to set your thermostat as low as is comfortable, but when you are asleep or out of the house if you turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours you could save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills! A programmable thermostat can make it easy to remember set back your temperature.
5.Seal leaks.
Find and seal the air leaks around cut throughs for pipes, gaps around your chimney, recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. You can also add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around drafty doors and windows.
6.Maintain your heating system.
Schedule a maintenance service for your heating system and be sure to understand what is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently. If you have a furnace replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed. If you have a wood burning heater clean the flue vent regularly as well as clean the inside of the appliance with a wire brush periodically.
7.Reduce heat loss from your fireplace.
Keep your fireplace damper closed at all times unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window open during the winter allowing warm air to go right up the chimney. When you do use the fireplace you can reduce heat loss by opening the dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly (1 inch) and close the doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.
8.Lower your water heating costs.
Did you know that water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home? If you turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You will not only save energy, but you will also avoid burning your hands.
9.Invest is proper insulation.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs are lost each year because of improper insulation. If cost is a concern start with foam weather stripping for your windows and doors. It’s inexpensive and fairly easy to apply.
10.Beware of holiday lighting costs.
Be sure to use LED holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays. They also have brands that are ENERGY STAR® qualified as well.
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