November Checklist

The heat is finally winding down and fall is slowly transitioning into winter. But before you jump into the holiday festivities, it is important to take the time to address your home’s needs and safety. Before you get too cozy, make sure you go through this checklist to prep your home for the winter.

1. Check your safety devices – Increase your family’s protection by checking your home’s safety devices. Check smoke detectors regularly and replace your detectors’ batteries. Establish a fire evacuation route that you and your family are familiar with in case of emergencies.

2. Air Duct cleaning – Before you turn on your heater, don’t forget to get your air ducts cleaned. Allergens and contaminants can circulate the air through your air ducts if they are not properly cleaned. Learn more about our air duct cleaning services and Rotobrush technology.

3. DIY fall décor – Consider DIY crafts and projects this year. Doing it yourself lets you control your budget and can even help you save cash for gifts in December.

4. Clean the kitchen – Holiday parties are approaching! Consider deep cleaning your kitchen to accommodate all the food prep and family gatherings to come.

5. Get your windows fixed – Loose windows may not be a pressing issue now, but it’s better to get them fixed before the cold weather or rain really settles in this winter.

6. Maintain your garden – Now is the time to clean up old and unwanted growth. Clean up plant debris and weeds and rake your lawn leaves.

7. Refresh your patio – Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t spend time outdoors! Consider adding some light fixtures, fall decorations, and setting up a seating area where your friends and family can gather during the holidays.

8. Clean gutters – Keep your gutters clean from leaves and twigs to help prevent clogging. Getting rid of your gutter debris can prevent blocked gutters and water damage to your home.

9. Check on your fireplaces – Have your fireplace serviced before you light it this season. Keep your family safe and get your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent chimney fires.

Comparing Kitchen Countertops

Remodeling a kitchen is an exciting process. But it can also be overwhelming to figure out what layout, design, and materials you want to use in your new kitchen, especially when considering kitchen countertops. Countertops are a significant part of a kitchen remodel. From style to functionality, discover the pros and cons of different countertop materials below.

1.   Ceramic tile – Ceramic tile is an inexpensive countertop material that can provide a lot of design options. The downside of having tile is that the grout in between each tile piece must be cleaned. Ceramic tiles can also be easily broken, which requires occasional repair and replacement.

2.   Concrete – Concrete countertops are versatile. It can be colored, textured, polished, or shaped to your preference. The downside of concrete is that these countertops are extremely heavy and require special bracing. Most often, custom craftsmen are required to install concrete countertops.

3.   Granite – As a natural stone, granite is one of the most popular options for a kitchen countertop. Granite can come in slabs or tiles. Each piece of granite is unique, so no granite countertop will be exactly the same as another one. In order to keep granite in good condition and prevent stains, it must be sealed periodically.

4.   Marble – This natural stone is another popular choice for kitchen countertops. Because of its natural features, each marble countertop is unique. Because it is a natural stone, marble can be very expensive. Additionally, because it is a soft stone, it can also be easily scratched and stained unless sealed regularly.

5.   Quartz – Quartz countertops are derived from natural quartz and combined with pulverized rock, glass, or metallic flecks for variety. It also has antibacterial agents and are highly durable, making them much harder to scratch. Unfortunately, quartz is very heavy, expensive, and needs to be installed by experienced installers.

6.   Soapstone – Soapstone is commonly found in different tones of whites and greys. It has a warm look, resists stains well, and is easy to clean. On the other hand, it can easily be scratched and needs to be oiled periodically.

7.   Stainless steel – This material is becoming a more popular choice in the home. The pros of having steel as your kitchen counter is that it is generally germ-resistant and sanitary. Cons include steep pricing and the necessity of finding specialty workmanship to fabricate it.

For more information regarding kitchen countertops and remodeling, contact our team at Caldwell Construction for a consultation or general questions about our work.