At Nautilus Construction, we have had many customers lately inquiring about whether Solar Power is the right decision for their home. It is a big decision for any homeowner.

When Chris and I built our own home last summer, we also considered whether Solar Power would be a good option. We contacted Maine Solar Solutions (MSS) for a free Solar Site Assessment. The amazing staff helped us figure out what was right for our home.

Chris and I really valued the idea of reducing our own carbon emissions and carbon footprint. We also were aware of the rising cost of electricity in Maine. We were interested in lowering our electricity bill and the 30% tax credit which expires in 2032 was also appealing. We wanted to add value to our home and Solar Panels were an excellent investment.

For us, all the boxes were checked for YES for Solar Power! After the assessment, from MSS ,they were able to give us a plan that worked for our individual budget and new home. We went with 20 grid tied Solar Panels on the Southeast side of our roof (shown in picture).

Grid Tied Solar Panels indicate that we get some electricity from Solar Power, but we are also tied to “The Grid,” for us this Is Kennebunk Light and Power. For most Maine families, it would be Central Maine Power. This allows us to still have power when the sun is not shining or its nighttime.

Maine Solar Solutions gave me a basic step by step guide for how our grid tied Solar Panels would work. They are:

1. Solar Panels convert energy from the Sun into Direct Current (DC) electricity.
2. That DC electricity travels to an inverter where it is converted into Alternating Current (AC) electricity for our home.
3. The inverter delivers the AC electricity to our electrical panel, where it is distributed to electrical loads throughout our home.
4. Our home uses the solar produced electricity but still has access to electricity from “The Grid” (KLPD for us) during high demand or at night.
5. When our system produces more electricity than our home is using, the excess Solar electricity is exported back to “The Grid”. We receive a credit for the excess power on our electricity bill. We also receive the 30% tax credit for Solar Installation that the State of Maine applies to our Federal Income Taxes.

“On average, MSS says, a home in Maine with Solar has a payback period of 7-10 years. Once your system is paid for you might enjoy 19-25 years of nearly free electricity.”

This August, Chris and I will have lived in our new home for one year. So far, we have found the Solar Panels effective and easy. Overall, the Solar Power gives us a feeling we are doing something good for our children’s generation, for our planet and even doing a solid for our own wallets. Maine Solar Solutions can be contacted at 207-871-7191.

This blog is a continuation of previous blogs. We will discuss the insights, tips and tricks of how to build a home from Chris Legare, owner of Nautilus Construction, LLC.

Today, we are talking about heating and cooling. Chris recently finished building his own home. He details here some of the choices he made for heating and cooling and why.

“Our goal was to build an airtight, energy efficient home with healthy indoor air quality. There are many different approaches to achieve these things. First, you must consider your budget and how much of a priority quality heating and cooling is to you in comparison to other aspects of building or remodeling your home.

We chose to go with a mid-level price point to achieve all these things. Before framing the house, I had to build the house following the new energy code adopted July 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code IECC 2015). We followed a few of the advanced framing techniques by double insulating the walls and using environmentally friendly cellulose in the walls. These methods are great for net zero homes.

Next, we took into consideration the cooling and heating sources available in Maine. They are boiler and hot water, baseboard heat, furnace supplying forced air, and heat pumps with heating and cooling. You can choose to install each or a combination. We chose heat pumps in bedrooms and main living areas with back up electric heaters in the bathrooms. Heat pumps have come a long way and are very efficient in both cooling and heating your home. However, a backup heat source is recommended. We chose the Samsung Model (pictured) and have been very happy with them.

We also chose Solar Panels on the south side of our house (also pictured).

Solar panels are an upfront investment with a 10-year payback. So, in 10 years we will see the true savings and cost benefit from the panels. We also get a credit with Kennebunk Light, and Power based on our solar energy production. Solar Panels last year were offering a rebate of 26% off the installation cost. As you can see, this really is the future of energy production!”

We did not go completely fossil fuel free. Our range stove and living room fireplace are propane. So, all and all we went with a combination of heating and cooling sources that fit our budget and met our goal of energy efficiency. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks from a builder! Next blog will detail insulating your home.

Written by Suzy and Chris Legare

Basement remodels have been in high demand this year. Perhaps, after families spending so much time together during the pandemic everyone feels like they need more space. For this family that we are highlighting, they have grown children and grandchildren and were looking for more space to entertain extended family.

The questions are often posed to us…so where do I start with a basement remodel? How can I make a finished basement a budget friendly investment? Chris Legare, owner of Nautilus Construction tackles some of these questions with expertise and experience.

Legare says to start first with the foundation. Does the basement already get wet? Certain foundation issues like soft concrete, cracks in the foundation and exterior grade need to be taken into consideration before the basement remodel begins. Those issues need to be resolved first.

Next, consulting a designer or if you have design plans; existing space is taken into consideration in how to transform the finished basement. The design is created in a way that meets the clients budget needs as well as the purpose of the new spaces. What many people are finding is that if you are looking to add square footage to your home adding or finishing your basement is very cost effective.

The photos here show a recent basement remodel done by Nautilus Construction. This family turned an unfinished basement into a living room/entertainment space, an additional bedroom, new bathroom, a functional laundry room and even a little kitchenette for entertainment purposes. “Finished basements are valuable spaces,” Legare says. If you are looking to redefine and remodel your basement reach out to Chris at Nautilus Construction, 207-230-9514.

Chris Legare is the owner of Nautilus Construction, LLC. He also, is the builder of his own new home in Kennebunk, Maine. What has he learned in the process of running a construction business while building his own home? The first thing he would say, is he has a lot of empathy and greater understanding for his clients. A tempestuous housing market, low supply and higher cost of building materials, and the decision fatigue of building a house are all things he can relate to on a more personal level.

Building a new home allows homebuyers to often realize their dreams through their new homes. Chris currently has a two-bedroom house, two children (ages 6 and 9). Chris and his wife, Suzy, quickly realized they needed more functional space for the family to live in. They both also value energy efficiency and green building and wanted that to be a part of their building dreams.

Building a house of your dreams involves consideration of cost and budget. This is when what you and your family value and consider most important come into play. The Legares chose a simple house plan. I modern colonial style design that allowed for more space and room for their family. The children currently share a room and with the new design they will each have their own room which is a win for everyone! The simple design elements allowed for the Legare Family to prioritize energy efficiency by adding solar panels and energy efficient windows. They cut back on fancy interior and exterior finish work and also had to find budget friendly supplies. Chris said, “I would emphasize that currently building costs are fluctuating quite a bit. Both subcontractors and vendors are all very busy.” Chris advises to be prepared for some cost over runs and delays.

Chris said, “If you are looking to build right away, it is my recommendation to make your land offer subject to a building permit.” Things can pop up that can delay building, so its safest to close on the land after you have the building permit from the city or town. To get the building permit, you will need: a house plan, a survey with house placed on lot, and other plans and approvals (wetland delineation, septic plan etc.).

Overall, Chris believes the process of building your own home can be long and its never perfect. Building your own home really allows your own family values and dreams to come true. This is true not just with new homes but with remodeling and any house work you add to your existing home. We will continue these blogs about building and remodeling your homes, with tips from Chris. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates and to learn more.

The Qwirk Family lives in Belmont, MA. They also have a home in Wells, Maine near Parsons Beach. The family was looking to expand their split level ranch home to accommodate family and friend gatherings. Nautilus construction added over 1,500 square feet in this home renovation. A spacious living room and open dining room connect to a beautifully designed white kitchen. The stand out piece on this floor was the 800 pound quartz slab that was used for the kitchen island. It took seven of the Nautilus Construction crew to get it in place. As you can see from the picture it is stunning.

Nautilus Design and Build, LLC worked with Market Square architects to create the design and execute the dreams that the Qwirk family was in visioning. In addition to the first floor renovation there was a guest suite and bathroom added on the third floor. Many thanks to Maritime Excavation, A Fenderson Concrete, and Gelinas plumbing and HVAC. Please check out the latest testimonial from the Quirk family.

Dear Valued Customers, 

Nautilus Construction is committed to staying open during this uncertain time! 

The health and well-being of our customers and staff is top priority! Therefore, will be following all of the protocols recommend by the CDC closely. 

Please give us a call if you are looking to do any improvements to your home. We are still taking on projects large and small. Including home home repairs. 

When your home no longer serves the needs of your lifestyle or your family, doing some remodeling is often a good solution to adapt your current home and avoid having to move. Unfortunately, the excitement that comes with home renovations can quickly be overshadowed by unforeseen problems, budgets that are stretched too thin, and issues you didn’t plan for.

If you are thinking about doing a home renovation, we hope these tips will help you avoid some unnecessary problems, costs, and headaches that often accompany remodeling projects:

Begin with the End in Mind

You likely have a vision for your renovation project – how the space look once the project is completed. Some solid advice includes having just about everything picked out before you begin the work. There will be lots of decisions to be made once the project is underway, so the more you have determined beforehand, the better off you will be. You will be more educated about your choices going into those other in-progress decisions, your budget will be more accurate, and you will save yourself some stress as well. Talk to your contractor, visit showrooms, and do your online homework ahead of time.

Set a Realistic Budget

Every home project needs a budget to keep costs in check. It can be challenging, however, to stick to the budget once the project kicks off. Supply stores and design houses are like candy to remodelers, and you can quickly find yourself adding in extras because you fall in love with the fancier sink, or “now is the perfect time to do this” thoughts comes into play. It’s essential to get an accurate understanding of pricing, for both materials and labor, before you begin so that you can better gauge expenses and expectations. You will very likely add on extras, no matter how good your self-control, and unforeseen items typically crop up during a project, so plan an overage of 10% – 30% to accommodate these extra costs. If you don’t use it, great, but it’s there so your budget won’t become your beast of burden.

It’s NOT as Seen on TV

Unfortunately, DIY and home improvement shows can be very misleading in terms of costs and time. They make everything look easy and doable in a day! In reality, your remodel will not likely come with dozens of crew people jumping in to finish things quickly, and you want your project to be completed for the long-term, not just to look good for a camera shot. Think practically about what you can and cannot do, and talk to professionals about how much certain aspects of your project will cost and how long it takes to complete them. Even a “simple” bathroom remodel takes far longer than one weekend, and getting yourself in over your head in a DIY project can result in it costing far more in the end.

Determine a Sensible Scope of Work

One of the biggest mistakes people make when renovating their home is biting off more than they can handle by way of costs or disruption. Take some time to ask the tough questions about what you really need versus what you would like. Be realistic not just about how much work you can afford, but also how much disruption you can accommodate in your life. Can you really live without a kitchen for an extended period of time, or sleep in the basement for a few months? Maybe yes, maybe no, but the important step is to think through the project and consider what makes sense for your household. This process also helps in planning the schedule and sequencing of your project.

Get Professional Assistance

Even skilled DIYers usually need some professional assistance during certain aspects of a remodeling project. Whether that is an architect, kitchen designer, or licensed plumber or electrician, find your professionals before you begin your renovation. You may decide to have a general contractor manage your entire project, or you may want to hire individual subcontractors as necessary, but speaking with these professionals ahead of time will greatly assist you in making sure your budget, timeline and construction plans are sound. Recommendations from friends and neighbors are a great place to start, and always check a professional’s references, insurance and certifications to ensure you are working with a qualified professional. Equally important is finding contractors that you feel comfortable working with. You don’t want to get half way into your remodel and realize you need to find someone, that can halt your progress and slow down your completion timeline considerably.

Prepare Your Home

Don’t just move your belongings off to the side and cover them with a dropcloth, or jam everything into other rooms during your remodel. Keep the work zones, and your living spaces, as clear as possible by packing up furniture and personal items. For a large remodel, consider renting a storage unit or an onsite storage pod to keep your belongings secure, clean and safe during the project. It’s much easier to work efficiently when there is not unnecessary clutter under foot.

Keep People and Pets Safe

Home remodeling projects are full-fledged worksites and can be very dangerous. From open wall cavities and stairwells, to sharp tools and electrical cords, and dangerous chemicals, these areas are no place for children or pets. Plan for extra safety gates, sealed off areas, and possibly extra baby- or pet-sitting, to ensure your smaller family members are kept safe and sound.

Prepare for Inconvenience and Discomfort

Unless you are fortunate enough to have another home to move to during your remodeling project, plan to have your life turned upside down for a period of time. There will be days without running water or electricity, areas of your home will be a messy construction site (and potentially a dangerous one!), and construction projects are noisy and dusty. If you are prepared ahead of time to live in discomfort, you will probably handle it better.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

One thing that can be guaranteed about all remodeling projects – things will go wrong and some days will be very frustrating! We all like things to go according to plan, but the reality of renovation projects is that unexpected issues will occur, sometimes designs have to be adjusted, and not everything will turn out the way you imagined. It can be easy for tempers to flare. Stay out of the blame-game, and look to solutions and compromises. Keep your eye on the prize, and remember that this won’t last forever. In the end you will have your newly remodeled area that serves your needs and shines with its new products and surfaces!

At Nautilus Construction, we specialize in custom home remodeling and home renovations. We work in partnership with our clients to design the remodel you are envisioning, and our expansive resources in the design and custom fabrication areas allow us to accommodate whatever your needs may be. Please contact us to discuss your ideas – we’d love to help you build your dream!

Market Competition

Pros:

With the real estate market still booming, the national average for the number of days an existing home is on the market is only 30 days! That means you have to be ready to jump as soon as a home is listed for sale, and with that level of competition, your offer better be a sweet one. When you build a home, however, the competition component decreases considerably. Fewer people are in a position to build a home, so there are less people competing with you for land, building packages, and development building sites.

Cons:

Because building new homes means the necessity for available land, it might be tougher to find a parcel in your desired town or neighborhood. Housing developments may not be as plentiful in your desired area either. When you do find a development you like, the likelihood of there being a set realtor, builder, and home design that you must work with is high, so you may need to sacrifice the professionals you prefer to work with for the entities doing the development.

Whereas you can negotiate sales price on an existing home based on issues such as work and upgrades needed, when you build a home there is much less negotiation on price. Build packages are designed with very set margins, and even with a custom-built home, your contractor can only do so much to get you the details you want and still make the profit margin they need to stay in business.

Customization

Pros:

Customization of the house style, features, and other details is obviously a huge pro when you build a house. You can select and personalize all the details of your house when you build it from the ground up – the floorplan and layout, elements such as woodwork and flooring, and fixtures including appliances and door knobs. You can customize any and all of your home’s details to fit your lifestyle and tastes. The rooms can be painted to your preferred colors before you move in, and you can even have the landscaping completed to your liking immediately.

Cons:

When you purchase a build package in a development, you may have more restrictions for customization choices. The timeframe for making different selections is also usually very tight. The developer/builder is working on multiple properties at once, and time is money for a residential builders. You will likely have some opportunity for customization, usually in the form of options and allowances (a set selection of finishes within a specific budget that your purchase includes). Expect options including color choices (although they may be limited), flooring options, and certain finishes and landscaping.

For some, building a custom home represents too many decision to make. At every stage of the build, you will need to decide on design details, select finishes, and decide how to handle changes as they occur. This can be too much pressure, and require way more time and energy than some people have to give. Building a new home is a project – so be sure you are ready to manage all those decisions.

Timeframe

Pros:

When you build a home, you won’t be able to move in right away. The average new construction home take at least seven months to complete, and the more customized the build, the longer it will take to complete. You will have to plan time to do research and meet with your architect and/or builder, but you will have the opportunity to think through design decisions and make ones that are best for you and your family. You will have time to truly create the home of your dreams.

Cons:

The additional time required to move into your new home can be difficult for people. If you have sold your previous home, you may have to find temporary housing, and it can leave a family feeling displaced. It takes time to find specialty finishes, create custom woodwork, and achieve the finer nuances of design that you might want. The level of frustration with the process timeframe can build, and be too much for some people (and some couples) to endure.

Financial Implications

Pros:

If you are planning to build a new home instead of purchase a home already built, you can research the projected costs of the type of home you plan to build and save accordingly. You might have some extra time to find just the right loan package, and even wait for the interest rates to drop.

Cons:

Because of the extended timeframe before your new home is ready to move into, building a new home can be more costly. You will essentially be maintaining two homes during the building project, one that you live in, and one you are paying for as it is built. You need to be sure you have the financial stability to handle these extra living expenses, as well as the likely overages in the budget when you make upgrades (you will make upgrades!).

Emotional Resilience

Pros:

Building a new home can be an incredibly rewarding process. You can exercise all of your creative abilities into designing a truly inspired home built just for you and your family. Because you have built it from scratch, and participated in every step of the process, it will be unique to you, unlike any other home.

Cons:

Building a new home from the ground up isn’t for everyone. The timeframe can feel as if it is dragging on, making decisions about so many details can get frustrating, and communications and negotiations with your builder and other trades can get exasperating. Building budgets most often go over budget, due in large part to decisions you will make for unplanned upgrades and changing your mind mid-stream. These changes are par for the course and to be expected, but if you don’t plan for this budget overage allowance, it can add to the stress of building new. Because it is such an emotionally charged project, relationships will either get stronger or suffer. Being prepared ahead of time for the many challenges of building will go a long way to maintaining healthy relationships throughout the process.

At Nautilus Construction, we specialize in building custom homes. We work in partnership with our clients to design the home you are envisioning, and our expansive resources in the design and custom fabrication areas allow us to handle all the stages of building a house. Please contact us to discuss your ideas – we’d love to help you build your dream!

Kitchen remodels vary drastically from small enhancements to complete overhauls. Whether you want to make some minor improvements like additional cupboards or a built-in breakfast nook, or your kitchen is dreadfully outdated and you want to completely update your design and appliances, where do you start? Do you need an architect? A kitchen designer? A remodeling contractor?

At Nautilus Construction, we prefer a team approach to kitchen projects. We bring in the necessary professionals at the outset, and work together to determine the best design and project implementation. Let’s take a look at who the players in your kitchen remodel might be:

An Architect

Architects are educated in design theory, project management, and building engineering. They work with clients to assess the architectural space, draw up plans and designs, and in many cases, oversee the entire project management. They usually have contractors that they work with, and can help with soliciting work estimates, choosing contactors and vendors, and keep your project moving forward smoothly. Because an architect’s real specialty is design and the best use of spaces, they can offer aesthetically pleasing and innovative design solutions.

A Kitchen Designer

Kitchen designers do not have the same academic background or licensing as architects, and are not typically trained in any engineering or building concepts. A kitchen designer is a type of interior designer who works with clients to create, remodel or update a kitchen’s layout, design elements, and fixtures. With a kitchen designer you discuss materials, themes, colors and patterns, and room layout. Designers keep up with the most current kitchen trends, so can help with incorporating the latest styles, layouts and innovated products to incorporate in your new kitchen. A kitchen designer will help you create a functional and attractive space.

A Remodeling Contractor

Building contractors who specialize in remodeling and kitchens will provide the nuts and bolts of getting your kitchen remodeling project completed. Their experience and knowledge pertains to building construction, sequencing of work, project management, and overseeing all the necessary trades involved in the project. They will make sure all the demolition occurs safely, install new materials, and either complete or oversee trades such as plumbing and electrical upgrades. Because a remodeling contractor likely has the most hands-on experience in this group of professionals, their expertise and knowledge is critical to your new kitchen remodel going smoothly and staying on budget.

What about costs?

Architects are not cheap, but they will ensure your new kitchen floor doesn’t sag and you can safely remove a wall to open up your space. Designers tend to charge less per hour than architects, but their structural skills are likely not comparable and they usually do not offer project management. You might hire a designer to create drawings of your overall look based on your needs, wants, space and budget. An architect might be useful to ensure all your proposed changes will actually work structurally within the building. Building and remodeling contractors charge based on the scope of the project, what role they will play in project management, and other trades that they will need to oversee and coordinate with during the project.

So where do you begin?

In some cases, you may only need a designer to help you figure out the look and functionality you want. In other cases, with larger remodels, you may need an architect for the building designs and a designer to help achieve the décor look you desire. In all cases, you need to work with a reputable, experienced contractor to help you get all the work completed.

Many people bring in their architect and/or kitchen designer first to create the design, then seek out the contractor who can create a plan of action and complete the remodel work. The challenge in this approach is that once your contractor is on board, they may very well identify issues and specifications that haven’t been considered. This will require your architect or designer to redraw designs and blueprints to fit the updated specifications. This is when projects become less efficient and budgets begin to dissolve.

At Nautilus Construction, we like to be involved right from the outset of your new kitchen concept, and work as a team with your architect or designer so that we can ensure your ideas are realistic with your budget, and plan the course of action for your remodel together. There is much less going back and forth, redoing design specifications, and, frankly, wasting of time and resources with this approach. We have a cadre of kitchen professionals that we have worked with for years, and have seen their abilities in action, that we can refer to you to complete your project. Of course, if you have already hired an architect or designer to come up with your new kitchen concept, that is fine too! We appreciate your consideration to help get you from design to DONE with your new kitchen!

Fall is the perfect time to complete some necessary, as well as preventative, home maintenance. Before the cold winter winds, snow and ice begin to pummel your home, take some precautionary steps to protect it. Fall’s cool temperatures make for comfortable outside working weather, often times better than the wet and muddy springtime. It’s a great time to complete exterior repairs, touch up paint and finishes, and make sure your home is buttoned up for winter. Consistent, good home maintenance preserves your biggest investment, saves you money in the long run, and conserves energy.

Here is a to-do list for you to get started on:

Complete Exterior Repairs

Take a walk around your property and look for signs of damage to your roof, chimney, siding, windows/trim, and foundation. Keep and eye out for loose or missing roofing shingles or flashing, chipping or missing paint, broken glass or missing storm windows, and foundation damage such as holes or cracks. Your chimney should be solid, properly flashed, and have the correct cap.

Keep Cold Winds and Critter Out

Be sure to seal any gaps or cracks that allow air leaks in your exterior envelope. Sealing up air leaks can save you as much as 10% on your energy costs! Not to mention cold drafts do not make for cozy winter comfort. Use weather-stripping, caulking and spray foam insulation to seal up gaps and cracks around the foundation, windows and doors, and siding and trim gaps.

Mice and other critters need surprisingly tiny holes to be able to get in your house to make their winter home. Rodents can seriously damage wood, insulation and wiring, as well as raid your pantry and leave a nasty mess.

Clean Out Gutters

Once most of the leaves have fallen around your house, clean out the gutters, and check and secure downspouts. Clogged gutters defeat the purpose of directing water away from your house, can damage your roof and siding, and allow ice dams to form on the building in winter. Downspouts should direct water at least six feet away from the building.

Care for Trees, Shrubs and Landscape

Trees and shrubs are going dormant in the fall, so it is a perfect time to trim them. They are less likely to contract any diseases, and new spring growth will occur where you want it. Falling limbs can cause serious damage to your home and its exterior, so the fall is a time to trim them back away from the house. Keeping trees and shrubs away from a building allows for better air flow (less rot), more natural sunlight (solar heat gain), and protects the building from damage.

Rake all the leaves on your lawns and clean out your garden beds before winter so that spring growth won’t be crushed or denied sunlight.

Make Windows More Efficient

Make sure your storm windows are in good working order and installed properly. If you have older windows, quality storms can be as energy efficient as new windows as long as they are in good working order.

You can also save a lot on energy costs, and make your home more comfortable by installing (and using!) window treatments and curtains. They will allow warm sunlight in during the daytime, and block out cold drafts during storms and overnight.

Remove Window A/C Units

Leaving window air conditioner units in may seem a lot easier on your back and time, but they allow for a lot of cold air penetration into the building. What seals and keeps the bugs out in summertime, does not stand up against harsh winter weather. If you have built-in units you have to leave in, cover the exterior of the unit with an insulating wrap.

Prepare Walkways, Entries and Driveway for Winter

Ice and snow covering your home’s access points can create treacherous conditions for your family and visitors. Prepare for winter hazards by checking all your entries and walkways. Make sure stairs and railings are sturdy, that there are no loose or misplaced walkway materials, and that your driveway is in good condition for snow removal. Marking the boundaries of your driveway and walkways make for easier snow removal, and less lawn repairs in the spring.

If you hire snow removal services, get on their schedule now and ask about any contract program they may have to guarantee your spot in the storm schedule. Committing to their winter contract program can usually save you money over on-call services as well.

Shut Off Exterior Faucets

Protect your pipes from freezing by shutting off your outdoor spigots and draining the line. Drain and store your hoses as well to prevent freeze damage to them. A forgotten faucet left on outside can burst an interior pipe, causing significant and expensive damage to your home.

Ready Your Winter Supplies

Check the working order of all your winter equipment, including snowblower, generator, outdoor lighting, and shovels and scrapers (don’t forget your vehicle supplies!). Repair or replace any broken winter gear.

Don’t be stuck driving around looking for sand and salt when the first snowstorm hits. Stock up on sand, salt, and other ice-melt products. Be sure to get pet- and plant-safe ice melt if necessary. Have plenty of fuel on hand for your snowblower or generator.

Schedule Heating System and Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

The fall is time to have your boiler or furnace cleaned to be sure it is working properly before you need to turn the heat on. This ensures your system is not only working, but improves its energy efficiency, and makes sure your home and family are safe this winter from fire or carbon monoxide dangers.

If you burn wood of any kind, or haven’t done it in a while, have your chimney inspected and cleaned.

Enjoy the nice fall weather while you complete these important annual maintenance items on your home!