Contracting Blog
The sniffles, itchy eyes, sneezing, and scratchy throats are common symptoms of spring and summer allergies, but many Asheville residents find themselves suffering from those things throughout Autumn. Mold spores from wet weather and fallen leaves, ragweed, and other allergens plague us when we step outside; however, some of the most irritating allergens are found inside our homes.
Likely to make landfall in southern Florida as a category 4 storm, Hurricane Irma will travel north and impact our area Monday evening into Tuesday with heavy rain and gusty winds. The storm will weaken considerably before it reaches Asheville, but residents should still be prepared for damaging winds and flash flood inducing rains.
The Asheville area is one of the fastest growing urban centers in North Carolina. With a skyline that is as much Blue Ridge Mountains as it is tall buildings, an ever-growing outdoor recreation scene, and some of the best restaurants in the country, it is easy to see why there is so much new construction in our city.
Whether you are constructing a permanent new home, or a vacation house, we have compiled a list of four great places in Asheville to build.
We were spoiled by a relatively cool summer through June, but July has brought the heat and humidity to our area. However, one of the great things about living in the mountains is that you can always find great places to cool off. In this article, we will discuss five ways to stay cool in Asheville in the summer:
We continue to experience cool temperatures this summer; however, July and August promise to bring increased heat and humidity. In our previous article, we discussed the first five of ten tips for homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes:
Though we have enjoyed a relatively cool summer in Asheville this year, your home uses the most energy during the winter and summer months. Heat and humidity put stress on your HVAC system and cause your air conditioning to work overtime. To reduce energy usage and bills, there are several simple steps homeowners can take to improve your home's energy efficiency.
In this article and the next, we will provide ten tips for improving your home's energy efficiency.
Spring is beautiful in western North Carolina. As the ridges turn green and lush, and wildflowers line the roadways, spring is an excellent time to begin your construction project. If you have an idea for new construction, or you have been putting off a remodel, we have developed this short list of four reasons spring is the right time to start your contracting project in Asheville, NC.
Mold and mildew naturally occurs outdoors; however, when they develop inside your home, they can be dangerous to your family’s health. From allergies, to more serious respiratory illnesses, the threats mold pose to your family make it something homeowners must take seriously.
In our previous article, we discussed the potential for mold development after the rain. The EPA provides a helpful description of what mold is on their website:
After a soggy weekend and start to the week, we are enjoying the sunshine and warm weather here in the mountains. Though the rain is has finally stopped, it is important to check and make sure your home is free of moisture and mold. Mold can develop within 48 hours of the occurrence of water damage. We have compiled this short checklist for homeowners after the rain:
1) Is Water Ponding in Your Yard?
With rainfall totals as high as five inches, most homeowners in the Asheville area have experienced water ponding during the event. However, if water continued to collect on your property throughout the week, you likely have grading and drainage issues that need to be addressed. Ponding water can have numerous negative consequences:
· Breeding mosquitoes
· Home and building water damage
· Wood rot around fencing areas
· Mold – even in your yard
If water is not properly draining from your property, the issue will not correct itself. Contact a grading and drainage professional as soon as possible.
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In our previous two articles, we have discussed the first six of nine challenges of building and owning a home in western North Carolina. Below are the first six challenges:
- Finding Land on Which to Build a Home
- Fluctuating Weather: Difficult for General Contractors and Homeowners
- Choosing a Trusted General Contractor in Asheville, NC
- Choosing Whether to Build Your Home on a Basement or Crawlspace
- Maintaining Your Yard and Landscaping
- Clearing Trees and General Forestry Issues
The allure of living in the mountains is undeniable. However, it is important to account for the unique challenges presented by the terrain and the weather in the Asheville area. A good, experienced general contractor can help you navigate these issues to build your dream mountain home.
In this article, we will wrap up our list with three more key challenges to building in western North Carolina.
With its natural beauty, eclectic culture, and abundant outdoor activities, Asheville is an incredible place to live. However, it is difficult to build and own a home in the mountains of western North Carolina. In the first part of our series, Nine Challenges of Building and Owning a Home in Western North Carolina, we discussed challenges one through three:
- Finding Land on Which to Build a Home
- Fluctuating Weather: Difficult for General Contractors and Homeowners
- Choosing a Trusted General Contractor in Asheville, NC
Continuing with our list, here are challenges four through six:
We will begin by saying that we love Asheville and the mountains of western North Carolina. More important than the natural wonders the people with whom we are able to build relationships are the heart and soul of the Appalachians. We are proud to build beautiful structures here in the Asheville area.
Nevertheless, home-builders and homeowners know that there are building and maintenance difficulties unique to this area of the state. In this article, we will discuss the first three of nine challenges of building and owning a home in western North Carolina. In future articles, we will highlight the next six.
This has been a great year for Legacy Contracting. As 2016 draws to a close, we are reflecting on why we have chosen Asheville and western North Carolina as our primary location for performing residential and commercial contracting and restoration services. In this article, we will discuss five quick things that make Asheville a great place to live and work.