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.