School has started, fall is on the way, and that means just one thing – A fully packed schedule with one thing after another for the next 4 months. For those people who have never owned a home, it may surprise you to know that spring isn’t the only season that goes hand-in-hand with “cleaning”.
Every “homemaker” knows that fall cleaning is just as important as spring cleaning, maybe even more so. The holidays are fast approaching and we’ll all have guests (planned and surprises), new gifts to give new homes, and schedules that will not allow for a moment of spare time until after the new year.
Another thing that non-homeowners may not know is that fall and spring cleaning aren’t strictly about “cleaning”. There are literally dozens of little home maintenance things that have to be done during these times of year. From weather stripping to battery changes, a home requires a lot of attention and if it doesn’t get it, the cost can be quite high.
Below you’ll find a short list of tips for preparing your home this fall for the winter months. Kick back with a cup of coffee (or tea if you prefer), put your feet up and read through them. Relax while you can and enjoy the peace and quiet. My sane self will see you again in January!
Have your heating systems inspected by a qualified service professional, including lubrication and cleaning, replacing filters, a check of belts and thermostats, and having vents cleared of obstructions, as necessary.
Caulking and new weather stripping around windows and other openings can stop the cold air invasion dead in its tracks. You’ll be warmer and the lower utility bills will give you warm fuzzies!
If you use portable electric heater do a full check now to be sure everything is in working order. It is most likely that you’ve had it packed away for the sunny, warm summer and you don’t want to find out on the first cold night of the year that it doesn’t work!
I know you’ve heard it a thousand times, but I’m going to say it again. Change out the smoke alarm batteries! Now’s the time to just go through and change all of them, even if they seem to be fine. This is not a place to save a few pennies. It’s one of those better safe than sorry times!
If you don’t have them, install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you do have them – just like the smoke alarms, change the batteries!
Have your fireplace chimney and flue inspected and cleaned if needed before you build the first cozy fire of the season.
Check window and door locks. We often take for granted that locks we checked at the beginning of summer are still working. Most of us are a/c fiends and haven’t had a window open all summer. Check now to be sure they are all operating properly.
Check around the vents, skylights and chimneys for any roof leaks.
Last but not least, plan extra time for each of these tasks. Then, when you find a bit of free time on your hands, relax and enjoy the quiet of your house before the holiday crazies start!
Have something to add to the checklist? Post it in the comments below. We’re always happy to read your input and ideas!
It’s finally here! That fantastic time of year when our children return to school! Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my children and I love spending time with them. However, as the years go by, I’ve found that one of the greatest joys in life is the beginning of the school year. As Edgar W. Howe said, “If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers.”
It’s not pure selfishness on my part (mostly, but not all). My children are also genuinely happy about this time of year. They’ve missed their friends, are anxious to share summer experiences with everyone, and there’s always the excitement of new teachers, new classrooms, new friends, etc.
For me, the school year means being able to organize my life again. I can make uninterrupted phone calls, have meetings, and take care of things around our home without children under foot. It is the perfect time for me to begin planning any home projects that need to be done whether they are do-it-yourself things or larger jobs that will require professionals to come in. I don’t have to worry about interrupted naptimes, refereeing a fight, or children knocking over ladders. I can plan and schedule things and get them done faster and much more easily.
It’s also the perfect time of year for these projects because it ensures that I can get them completed before the rapidly approaching holidays. While it may only be August, with our busy schedules over the next few months the holidays will sneak up on me. They always do. By planning now I can make sure that all of the things I want to have done in my home will be ready before the visits by family and friends begin.
Whether a new Kitchen, an updated bathroom or smaller changes such as built-in cabinetry, a fresh coat of paint, or new flooring – now is the perfect time to get started on your home projects. Just think of how much easier it will be now that the kids are in school!
Now here’s a little treat for the parents out there who, like me, are excited about the start of the school year. Don’t feel bad. We’re obviously not alone. It’s an oldie, but a goodie
Yay! Spring is finally here! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the flowers are budding…and my house is a mess!
I’m not sure what it is, but something about the winter months turns my home into a packrat heaven. It’s as if we are unable to throw anything away during this time. Of course, the accumulation of holiday gifts, cards, school papers, outgrown clothing and more are the real issue.
My solution? Garage Sale Time!!! Tomorrow morning I will be happily sitting in the sunshine in my driveway and getting rid of a ton of clutter that I don’t need, while making a bit of money to boot. Even the kids are getting involved and will each have their own “store” of toys that they have chosen to sell. And, whatever is left will go immediately into the van for drop-off at a local charity.
Once that is all out of the way I’ll be able to tackle the rest of the spring cleaning with less dread. We’ll spend the rest of the weekend cleaning out gutters and spouts, touching up some paint, cleaning dead plants and weeds out of the flower beds, changing out the air filter and smoke alarm batteries, and touching up window caulking. Next, we will make a list of larger items that need to be handled by the professionals such as scheduling the annual A/C maintenance, replacing any torn or damaged screens, power-washing the exterior of the house and other small repairs throughout the house.
Here are a few tips courtesy of www.organizedhome.com that can help put some spring into your spring cleaning:
Schedule a family garage clean-out. Create efficient storage for sporting goods, camping equipment, recreational vehicles, and garden tools. Reward the team with dinner at a pizza parlor.
Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture.
Tour house exterior and grounds. Make a list of any needed seasonal maintenance.
Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles. Arrange for any needed repairs early; roofing contractors can be hard to find during summer’s construction season.
Use a sunny Saturday to scrape, prime and paint peeling spots on trim or woodwork. You’ll protect wood against Summer’s heat and moisture–and prevent a more difficult paint job come fall.
Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawn.
Changing seasons, changing clothes. Hold a family wardrobe check as you bring out warm-weather clothing. Sort winter clothing for discards and donations before you store.
Hold a garage sale! Declutter house and garage to turn trash into cash. Build your yard sale savvy here.
Wash windows inside and out.
Move furniture and vacuum beneath it.
Arrange for a spring inspection of cooling systems. Don’t wait for the first hot day!
If you find that you have some projects that need a professional’s touch give us a call at 714-558-1094. Happy spring!
With New Classes at Purcell Murray (daytime & evenings now available…)
Showroom Location for Classes: 15400 Graham Street, Suite 102, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Friday, April 16th 11:00am – 1:00pm $58.00 Linda Steidel - “For Every Season There is a Salad” The Launch for Linda’s Latest Cookbook (Cost of class includes book)
Menu: Orzo Salad with Shrimp, Roasted Peppers, Corn & Grilled Portabellas
Soufleed Goat Cheese Tomatoes & Savory Greens with
Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
Crusty Pizza Bread with Gorgonzola Caesar Salad
Chocolate Chip Macaroons
Saturday, April 17th 11:00am – 1:00pm $40.00
Cathy Dyla - “Dine & Learn Featuring All Brands”
Menu: Herb and Lemon Roasted Salmon on bed of Roasted Potatoes
Sautéed Arugula and Spinach
Carrot Cupcakes with Pineapple Cream Cheese Icing & Sugared Pistachios
Friday, April 30th 11:00am – 1:00pm $48.00 Linda Steidel - “Spring in Tuscany”
Menu: The sunlight in the Spring casts a soft glow over the hills of Tuscany.
Menus are fresh, innovative and delicious.
Prosciutto & Grilled Asparagus with Whole Grain Mustard
Chicken Pepperonata with Creamy Semolina and Roasted Mushrooms
Zucchini with Lemon-Thyme Crumbs
Warm Chocolate Cakes with Mascarpone Cream
Saturday, May 8th 11:00am – 1:00pm $40.00 Cathy Dyla - “Dine & Learn Featuring All Brands”
Menu: Mothers Day Luncheon
Waldorf Chicken Salad in Butter Lettuce Cups
Smoked Salmon Napoleons
Spring Pea Soup with Scallions
Lemon Blackberry Cake
Thursday, May 20th 6:00pm – 8:00pm $58.00 Linda Steidel - The “Farmers Market”: Meet Me at 3rd & Fairfax The Fairfax market opened in 1934. It began as a dirt lot of farmers to sell fresh produce and has become a dining paradise.
Menu: Salmon Tempura Salad with Kiyoko’s Dressing
Sea Scallops with Blackberry Puree & Shitake Risotto
New York Strip Steak with Cognac-Mushroom Sauce
Lemon Cornmeal Cake with Lemon Glaze & Crushed-Blueberry sauce
Thursday, June 10th 6:00pm – 8:00pm $58.00 Linda Steidel – “Fathers Day”
Menu: It’s Fathers Day! Gather the Family and salute Dad with his favorite food
Shrimp Chopped Salad with Edamame, Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado,
Corn and Applewood Smoked Bacon
Grilled Skirt Steak with Artichoke-Potato Hash & Black Olive Aioli
Double-Chocolate Bunt Cake with Ice Cream
Saturday, June 12th 11:00am – 1:00pm $40.00 Cathy Dyla - “Dine & Learn Featuring All Brands”
Menu: Seared Pork Chops Roasted with Balsamic Fig Sauce
Potato Cakes with Chives
Braised Lemon Dijon Asparagus, Carrots and Green Beans
Sour Cream Vanilla Pound Cake with Fresh Berry Sauce
Friday, June 18th 11:00am – 1:00pm $48.00 Linda Steidel - “Cooking with John Besh: New Orleans”
Menu: John Besh is the best of a new generation of New Orleans Chefs.
He grew up on the bayous and celebrates the food he grew up with.
Chilled Tomato Soup with Tapenade
Pan-Seared White Fish with Corn
Orzo & Crabmeat Macque Choux
Strawberry Flambé over Lemon-Ricotta Filled Crepes.
Classes are subject to change. Reservations with credit card confirmation are required and should be made no later than 72 hours prior to the class. Cancellations must be made 72 hour prior to the class to avoid charges.
We just wanted to take a moment to tell all of you who voted for our blog in the “Best Construction Blog” competition THANK YOU! The voting for the competition lasted for two months and we finished in third place. This is even more amazing to us when we consider that we were unaware of the competition until two weeks before it ended. We rallied the troops and you, our loyal friends and readers came through for us as always. Below is an excerpt from the Construction Marketing Ideas Blog which hosted the competition:
“The Best Construction Blog and Forum contest has concluded and the voting results are in, but what do they mean?
Obviously, results from what essentially is a “get out the votes” competition provide a different perspective than we would discover from an independent judging panel. They suggest, for example, that Bobby Darnell (http://www.buildingnewbusiness.com) in Atlanta has mastered the art of online viral relationships and networking, while Michael Stone (http://www.markupandprofit.com/blog) has the most enthusiastic and loyal followers, certainly judging by the positive comments associated with his votes. Burgin Construction Inc. in California (http://www.burginconstructioninc.com/blog) , meanwhile, has proven that a local construction business can be a contender in an international competition.”Click for More
Once again, thank you for your support not only in this competition but in our business in general. The true mark of a great company is not the company itself, but its customers and colleagues. And, we truly have the best of both!
On April 22nd California’s “Cash for Refrigerators” program begins. The State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program is funded by $300 million from the federal stimulus package but is governed by each individual state. California has been approved for $35.3 million of these funds.
According to the California Energy Commission Website many of the specifics are yet to be determined, however rebates of $50 – $250 are possible for the replacement of old appliances. All appliances must be Energy Star listed and a list of the specific appliances eligible is expected to be released soon. The new cash4appliances website is expected to be launched on March 1st.
If you’re thinking about a remodel and plan to replace your outdated appliances this is definitely the time to start planning. Once the details of the program are released and the dates for eligibility are set, the funds are expected to go very quickly, just as they did with the Cash for Clunkers program. Planning now for that remodel and purchasing the appliances as soon as the criteria are released is the best way to ensure you receive your rebate. If you have any questions about the program please contact us at 714-558-1094.
Earlier this week Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces and Benjamin Moore Paints announced a new partnership:
“Cambria and Benjamin Moore have joined forces to offer pre-selected countertop and paint color combinations to help you achieve a designer look in your home or business. Chosen by trained color professionals, these suggestions can add confidence and ease to your color selection process.”
This arrangement makes it easy for customers to choose colors which will accentuate one another beautifully. The user friendly coordination tool on the Cambria website is a simple way to find exactly the right combination of colors which were chosen by trained color professionals.
Please leave your comments and feed back once you’ve tried the new tool. We’d love to know what you think about it!
We’d like to extend our congratulations to Designer Cindy Smetana. Her design on the Harmeyer project won Best Kitchen Design - Gold Award in the November, 2009 special issue of Orange Coast Home Magazine! To see the special November issue click on the magazine cover below. If you’d like to see more photos of the Harmeyer project click on the image from the article on the right.
We are so honored to have been a part of this project and are extremely proud of Cindy for all of her hard work on it. Congratulations Cindy!
Wow! It’s almost here! 2010 is just around the corner and, tonight, we will usher in a new decade. It has been quite a roller coaster ride this past year for us and for many of you as well, I’m sure. We’ve seen so many changes in the world from politics to technology and some major changes have taken place in the construction industry.
Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be touching on some of those changes and talk about what we expect remodeling and design trends will be. We’re looking forward to working with you all in 2010 and wish you a very safe and Happy New Year. See you in 2010!
With the holiday season in full swing we thought it would be nice to take this time to recognize one of our more recent additions to the Burgin Construction Family. Though he’s been a member of the family for well over a year now, he’s recently begun taking a more active interest in the company. He’s jumped into his new position with all 4 feet and seems to love his job. While we normally don’t advocate laying down on the job, it’s a process that seems to work well for him. Here is our new Production Manager, Tiger:
As you can see, he’s very much into his work. We’re pretty sure he’s working on some type of osmosis experimentation as he’s always so absorbed in his work he seems to be in a trance. And, while he’s not much of a talker, he definitely keeps everyone on their toes. Have a look at the photo below to check out Tiger hard at work on a “top secret” project we’re going to be starting after the new year. But shhhh, don’t tell anyone!
Another thing that non-homeowners may not know is that fall and spring cleaning aren’t strictly about “cleaning”. There are literally dozens of little home maintenance things that have to be done during these times of year. From weather stripping to battery changes, a home requires a lot of attention and if it doesn’t get it, the cost can be quite high.
