Writer, lawyer, and communications strategist, Holly Amaya, points out some good things to add to your to-do list during the month of August:

1. Check your washing machine connections: With the kids home from school and loads of sweaty garments to clean, your washing machine has likely taken a major beating this summer. With all that extra use, be sure to check that the water supply hoses which connect to your machine are in good condition.

2. Prune dead wood from your lawn and garden: Now’s the time to tidy up your perennials and clear those unsightly dead twigs and branches, according to Tony Smith, president of Nursery Enterprises in Rexburg, ID.

Not only will you have a more attractive yard, but “by cleaning them out this summer, you’ll create a clean slate—and next summer you’ll have a better grasp in understanding your plants’ health.” Smith says.

3. Get the gunk out of your gutters: Summer thunderstorms can clog your gutters and lead to costly water damage down the road. Properly functioning gutters direct water away from your home, but muck and debris can cause water to collect around your home’s foundation and seep into your basement, if you have one. (Clogged gutters also make great homes for rodents and other vermin, just in case you needed another reason to tackle this task.)

4. Deal with wasps, mosquitoes, and other insects: Wasp activity peaks in late summer; these insects become more aggressive and likely to sting in, you guessed it, August. So you’ll want to spray for wasps and eliminate them, pronto.

“First, drain any areas that are holding water—this step alone should significantly cut down on mosquito activity,” he says. This means birdbaths, planters, or any other places where rainfall might have accumulated. “For further prevention, invest in forms of mosquito repellant like citronella candles, mosquito traps, and bug zappers.”

Finally, check the seals around your home, including doors, windows, and dryer vents. Caulk or expanding sealants should be more than enough to seal most openings, according to Patterson.

5. Clean natural stone around your home to prevent food, dirt, and oil stains from setting in: “After a summer filled with nonstop grilling fests, family gatherings, and just general outdoor fun and wear and tear, it’s important to properly clean natural stone around your home—whether it’s outdoor granite countertops, stone walkways, or patios—to prevent food, dirt, and oil stains from setting in and leaving permanent marks,” says James Freeman, chief operating officer of Colonial Marble & Granite.

6. Get your furnace prepped for winter: “When residential furnaces fail, they typically do so during the coldest days of the year, which is why it’s important to have these systems inspected in August, before temperatures drop,” says Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating, in New York City. “An annual tuneup and inspection can help homeowners save money, maintain comfort, and ensure safety when units are turned on for the first time in several months.”

(For the whole article, click here)

I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories of people dealing with different construction companies and contractors. Here is an example of a terrible experience – the homeowner didn’t know that the contractor wasn’t licensed.

It’s important to do your homework!

Keeping up with your credit report is a very important part of planning out your financial future. If you’re planning on buying or building a new home, it’s critical that you know your financial standing. It’s also extremely important to make sure that there are no discrepancies or fraudulent activity on your credit report.

Get a free copy of your credit report from all three credit bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com!

There’s a new way to power our North Carolina homes! This energy efficient source is created, managed and transformed right here in NC. Duke Energy’s natural gas is now coming from…

hog waste!

This is a great and natural way to power our homes and support our local farmers! Click the link below for more information.

http://www.witn.com/content/news/Inside-look-at-Duke-Energys-hog-waste-to-power-operation-478589653.html

Imagine that this is YOUR opportunity… YOUR blank slate. You can build whatever new home you can think of… what would you do?

Whatever you can dream up, we can build! We can make it a reality. We believe that it’s all in the details, that there is a difference with Kit Corp Homes.

If you can visualize your dream home in the picture, we’d love to hear from you to find out how we can make it happen!

New Bern is a beautiful, historic town with so much to offer! That’s why it’s no surprise that New Bern made the cover of Where to Retire!

New Bern makes the cover of Where to Retire magazine

We proudly serve New Bern and the surrounding areas. If you know someone who is looking to relocate to New Bern, get them in touch with us! We would love to make their retirement dreams come true with a brand new Kit Corp home!

Are you an animal lover like we are? Check out these special additions to different homes around the world! They are meant specifically for our furry friends… or maybe we should say “furry family”!

Do any of these ideas sound like something you’d like to have in your new home? We can customize any idea and make any design happen when you choose Kit Corp to build your new home!

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/95454675/list/spotted-pampering-touches-for-pets-around-the-world

We’re several days into the new year. How have you done on your resolution? Do you even have a resolution for the new year?

Why not focus on yourself and your living space this year? Try not to overwhelm yourself. Small steps and a plan can help you reach your goal. The article below gives a month-to-month break down of little things you can do to help make your home feel more like the home you’re striving for!

After all… when you’re happy with your home and living space, the rest just seems to fall into place! Happy home, happy heart – at least, that’s what our Kit Corp Home owners have told us 😉

We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday and joyous new year! We also hope that everyone stays safe today with the snow and ice we received last night!

With all of these frigid temps and weather, how has your home held up to Winter? Have you taken the necessary steps to help cut your costs brought on by the cold weather? There are several steps that you can do to prepare your home for the season.

Winterize Your Home!