Blog

Time to Update Your Kitchen

You have wanted and needed to update your kitchen.  The appliances are 15 years old, or more.  The counter tops are stained and you can’t keep them clean.  The linoleum on your floors is coming up at the edges, and your cabinet doors just don’t hang right anymore.

I’d think you’d agree…it’s time for a new kitchen.

Just thinking about the process seems overwhelming doesn’t it?  At Black Oak Renovations we specialize in Kitchen remodeling.  It all starts with the dream.  Let me show you.  We can customize your concept by doing very simple steps.

Creating the plan. Together we design the plans and the budget to make your project run as smoothly as possible and completed on time.  When you work with Black Oak Renovations we take into account your goals for your project and the discuss the feasibility of it in conjunction with your budget, your neighborhood and your short and long term plans. Our objective is to turn your thoughts and dreams into reality. To find out more about our process, please visit our website at www.blackoakrenovations.comDSCN0116

Are You Ready for Snow?

winter prep

Are you ready for snow?  Most of us in the South are not.  We don’t always trust the weather forecasts, because most of the time, they are not accurate.  But, have you rushed to the store at the last minute to get items to stock up on?  Here is a list of some items to prepare a kit for your home.

  • Bottles of water
  • Flashlights (always keep fresh batteries around)
  • Dry wood for fireplace
  • Fire Extinguisher – If you keep a wood burning fire for the entire time, it’s best to keep one close by.
  • NOAA radio – get up to date information on weather and roads
  • Extra blankets and sleeping bags
  • First-Aid kit
  • Food items – Items that don’t require cooking (canned food, bread crackers, dried fruits, snacks, etc.)
  • Baby items – formula, food, diapers/wipes
  • Battery powered lamps or lanterns
  • Supply of sand or cat litter for walkways
  • Reading material
  • Paper products – toilet paper, tissue, toweling, etc.

 

 

 

The Inside of Your Home Need to be Ready for Winter

After you have completed your checklist for the outside of your home, don’t forget the one for the inside.

This is a good time to check your smoke alarms and CO2 detectors.  House fires occur more during the winter season, plus with closed up homes and the heat on can sometimes cause carbon monoxide to be in your homes.  Make sure to have your HVAC company check your system for any issues.  Don’t forget to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and change your air filters.

Feeling a draft by your doors or windows when you walk by?  Make sure you check the seals on your doors and windows.  You may need to caulk around some of the surfaces as well.

It’s great to warm up by the fire on a cold day.  But, you want the fire to stay inside your fireplace. Make sure you have your wood burning stove or fireplace cleaned yearly.

These are just a few tips to help get you through the winter.

Be on the lookout for some additional winterizing tips.  Please share with your friends and family members as well.

image description

image description

Getting Your Home Ready for Winter

Getting Your Home Ready for Winter

We all dread the cold. We get out the coats, the hats, gloves and sometimes even the long underwear. Unfortunately, we sometimes fail to do the same with our home. Since your home is more than likely your largest investment here are some tips that may help you prepare your home for the winter months.

What to do about preventing your pipes from freezing:  There are several things you can do to protect your pipes.  First, if you have a crawl space under your house then you will need to close the vents around your house to protect them from the cold air.  Second, disconnect all hoses and install foam covers.  They only cost a few dollars and you can find them at most hardware stores.

Clean your gutters and roof.  Leaves can easily clog up your drain spouts and gather on your roof.  They also can create ice dams that block water from draining properly which can cause it to back up and possibly cause water damage inside your walls.  The water will find somewhere to go.

Garage doors can keep your house warmer. You may not realize that, but keeping your garage doors closed can help your water heater run more efficiently by not having to work so hard.  Don’t forget to make sure the seals around the door are tight and that it closes completely.

Taking care of your home now will help stop any surprises in the future. Especially, when you go to renovate your home to make it the way you want.

Be on the lookout for some additional winterizing tips.  Please share with your friends and family members as well.  Checkout our Facebook. Facebook.com/blackoakrenovations

Volunteerism

Volunteerism!

No Im not talking about rooting for the Big Orange. I’m talking about volunteering your time and talent to those less fortunate in our community. read more…