It's December and it's getting cold outside.

It's that time of year.  It's gets dark quickly, and it's get cold. This should come as no surprise.  However, that doesn't stop us from exclaiming, "boy, it's sure cold out here!"  That being said, if it's cold in your house, that's a problem.  Maybe it's time for some insulation to keep the cold out, or some weatherstripping to keep the blustery wind out.  Either way, now is the time to get things done.  Sorry to say, it's not going to get warmer for at least a few month, so make the decision to make those changes that will warm your body and heart, and possible save you a few dollars.  It's a idea.

Annual BRAG Home Tour

It's that time of year again... Saturday, September 28 from 10 pm to 6 pm Sunday, September 29 from 12 noon to 6 pm 2013 Remodeler's Home Tour Come out and see our project kitchen & bath at 1517 Pauline Blvd, Ann Arbor. The home was built in 1965 and still had the original kitchen. Come see what more storage, counter space, and design can do. We would love to see you.

Camping vs Indoor Living

Today's topic is Camping vs Indoor Living.

With camping, you are left to Mother Natures' whims.  You have to deal with the sun, the cold, the rain, and go to sleep when it's dark, and rise when it shines.

Now with indoor living, you have much more control over your environment.  In fact, with today's remodeling options, you can customize your home to make it whatever your wish it to be.

So, today's question is: what would you like to do to your home??  The sky's the limit.

Summer is us, and that means rising temperatures and giving our air conditioners a workout.  Our air conditioners, like our homes, need preventative maintaince in order to continue to run efficiently.  At first sign of use, or damage, take care of the problem.  Most issues will not resolve themselves, contrary to what we hope.  This is good advice, and not just for your heating and cooling.  Roofs, walls, floors, all can benefit from some care so that they last long into the future.  Remember, your home is a big investment, tend to it on a regular basis. 

We just had a short, but strong downpour here at Cardea Construction Company.  One minute nothing but hot and humid, the next, downpour.  Then as fast as it came, it ended. 

My thought for the day, check your basement.  If you have one of those ugly, "I don't go down there unless I have to" basements, you might not be aware of changes that are occuring.  Changes like dampness, leaks, even mold, if gotten to early on can be fixed.  If left to their own devices for an extended period of time, it will cost you a whole lot more to repair.   So, note to self... do go down into your basement on a regular basis and keep track of what is going on down there.

Here in Michigan, our weather can change on a dime, sometimes even change on a penny!  Your home needs can change, too.  One day, it's just you.  The next day, you have a family.  The next day, empty nesters.  And all through these changes, the one constant is your home.  With a little planning, it can accomoate, and enhance every stage of your life. 

Consider the basement.  Once relegated to dark, damp and dank.  Used for fruit cellars, coal shoots, storage, and other mundane things.  Today, basements have the potential to add an amazing amount of square footage to a home without eating up much, if any of your lot.   With a bit of planning, a basement can transform itself into wonderfully useful and atrractive living space, and improve your life. 

Does all this changing weather get you thinking about remodeling and making some changes to the inside of your home???  Change can be scarey, but it can be good. Think about it.

It might be time for a kitchen remodel if,

Your kitchen looks older than you feel.
Those drawings on fridge aren't your childrens, they are original cave man art.
You have to store as much as you can in the oven, because you have no cupboards.
And counters... what are those??

Relax, we can help.

All this heat got  you thinking about how cool your basement is??????  Consider remodeling it and make it usable and useful extra space for you and your family to enjoy.

Happy Friday to everyone.  I hope you all get a chance to enjoy the sunshine today, at least for a little while. 

Here's my Friday thought, spring is finally here, and the flowers make everything so much prettier outside.  Does the inside of your home match it? 

Quick Tip: Check your gutters at the down spouts for leaf litter, before it rains again.

It's been a while, but I am back.  Carol spent the day at the Senior Expo at Washtenaw Community College.  Cardea was there because we feel that sometimes the best place to be is home. As we age, sometimes it is difficult.  We want everyone to understand that homes can be modified, made more accessible, and safer. 

Have a great weekend everyone.