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Summer is upon us. School is out. Beach fun and BBQs await. At the same time, you’ll want to keep your home in top shape by going over this summer home maintenance checklist.

Home maintenance is par for the course for owners. In fact, on average, we spend between one and four percent annually on maintenance and repairs. For a $200,000 house that’s at least $2,000 each year. Still, being proactive with home maintenance can help you avoid getting hit with a big repair bill.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist Exterior

Summer home maintenance doesn’t have to be daunting. Follow this simple checklist to get the important tasks done outside.

Power wash your home.

This gets rid of dust, dirt, and tree droppings. Plus, it helps you inspect the exterior for any loose or rotted siding or bricks.

Check your gutters.

Yes, you did this in the spring too. But there will be new debris and gutters can get damaged by all those spring showers.

Repair and repaint.

Touching up any chipped, cracking, or faded exterior areas will improve how the home looks and help to protect it from the elements.

Look for foundation cracks.

The changing temperatures can cause things to move. Inspecting for cracks and leaks can prevent you from finding out later that groundwater or insects have been getting inside your home.

Wash those windows.

It’s a great way to keep kids busy instead of playing with electronics all day when not at camp. Hire them to wash the inside of the windows they can reach. You can clean up the outside ones. Then look how much lighter and brighter it is in your home.

Reseal decks, doors, windows.

After the power washing above it’s also a good time to reseal your deck and recaulk doors and windows. This can prevent small toes from getting splinters outside and improve energy efficiency in your home.

Inspect outdoor equipment.

You may need to repaint patio furniture or tighten the screws on that swing set. They’re going to be getting a lot more action this season. If you have a pool, check your safety fences and flotation devices and make sure all the equipment is in good working order. You’ll also want to clean out the grill, both inside and outside, to keep it safe to use.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist Interior

Although you plan to be soaking up the sun and enjoying the outdoors this season, there are still things you can do indoors to keep your house in good condition.

Service your air conditioner.

It may be harder to schedule this now that other people’s A/C units are giving up the ghost. Still, it’s a good idea to annually service your air conditioning unit to extend its life. You may be able to get a service membership with your A/C repair people that has you scheduled every year for maintenance (and a heating tune-up too).

If you have a window air conditioning unit, make sure to check the filter before powering it up for hard work this summer.

Clean out dryer vents.

Clogged lint and dust in a dryer vent can cause a house fire. Plus, the build-up is costing you in utilities too as it takes longer to dry your clothes. Avoid this by cleaning out the venting both inside and out of the home. See this Ace Hardware video on how to do it at home.

Check your electrical.

It’s a good idea to flip your circuit breaker every six months. Now is also a good time to look around the house for electrical hazards. As you’ve added devices, are there too many plugs in one outlet? Or are cords creating a hazard?

Clear out your garbage disposal.

We’re not saying every job on this checklist is a pleasant one. But avoiding the cost of a plumber’s visit is a bonus.

Test detectors.

Test and replace the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Inspect ceiling fans.

Get the ladder out and clean the ceiling fan. While you’re up there make sure that you have the ceiling fans set to run counter-clockwise. This is what sends the air down at you for a cooling effect. In colder months, you’ll want them going the other way.

Clean home baseboards.

It has to be done sometime. Again, you might give kids this chore. It’s easy for them to climb around on the floor. They might even enjoy dragging that bucket of soapy water and rag through the rooms of the house. Tell them they can pretend to be Cinderella.

High-Quality Homes

Of course, your best starting point is a high-quality home built with craftsmanship and attention to detail. Saussy Burbank is renowned in the Carolinas for building distinctive homes. Find out more today!

In our new series, Ask an Agent, we’re reaching out to Saussy Burbank’s own agents for answers to commonly asked questions in real estate. In this inaugural article, sales consultant Sherry Webb (SW) helps us answer the question: how long does it take to buy a house. An edited transcript of the conversation follows.

To begin, presumably, there is no easy answer to the question: “how long does it take to buy a house?”

In new construction, it’s a little bit different than general brokerage. Depending on the state of construction the home is in, it can take six to eight months. At Bryant Towns, the timeline was roughly 28 weeks.

In what other ways does buying a new build differ from a previously owned home?

One of the advantages of the new home is personalization. With a new home, the buyers get to choose their selections to put their own touches on the home. With a pre-built home, you’re not able to make any changes without going back in and renovating or having to rebuild.

New construction also comes with a warranty. With new construction, buyers are getting a more energy-efficient home. You are getting an Environments for Living and Energy Star certification, and a better-built home because we are building by the current code. Materials and what was required by code 30 years ago were different.

What are the stages in the timeline?

If construction has not started yet, we’ll begin from the ground up with a foundation walk. The customer looks at the location and the home sites to see where the house is going to sit. After they select their home site, the foundation is set and we start to frame the actual home. Meanwhile, the customer meets with our design center to choose their flooring, cabinetry, lighting, etc.

Once the house is framed, the customer gets to meet with the building field manager for a pre-drywall meeting. That’s when they can select where electrical will be installed. For instance, if a room is going to be used as a home office, you might need more outlets there.

After that meeting, our crews go in to do insulation and drywall — build the bones of the house. Then floor tiles and hardwoods are installed, cabinetry, light fixtures.

Then it’s on to the finishing touches. We call it ‘punching out the house.’ A crew does the fine-tuning and makes sure everything is in top shape.

Finally, there’s a “blue tape walk” with the buyer to see if anything has to be touched up further. We orient them to their new home, where things are, and how things function in the home. At that time the house is considered complete.

Is there anything a buyer can do to expedite the process?

No, I wish they could. That is one of our challenges on the sales side. Once we reach interior paint, we say we’re roughly 60 days out. But we can’t be certain with COVID, and with the real estate market so crazy in Charlotte.

Plus, with townhomes, the whole building has to be done before you get a certificate of occupancy. So you can’t close just one unit. Spencer Towns just closed in November, and Bryant Towns is scheduled to close out in July.

The timelines we set are really good for setting expectations. We have a production schedule that we follow and we do our best to keep the customer up to date. I’ll send emails with pictures of what’s going on in the house, outlining what’s happening, so that they have a really good understanding of what to expect.

Are there any common mistakes buyers make that slow the process that we can help them to avoid?

If the buyer doesn’t like the selection they made or it wasn’t what they expected that can cause delays. If we need to make adjustments, the product has to be ordered and we may have to have a vendor come back out.

Why would you suggest they buy with Saussy Burbank?

Saussy Burbank is a local company and that’s a rarity in our market. I’ve been with the company for 10 years. It’s a family-oriented atmosphere. We care about our homes and our customers, and we have an amazing-looking product that is unique in our market.

One of the great things that sets Saussy Burbank apart is our longstanding relationships with our vendors. They understand our focus on a higher quality and a higher level of craftsmanship.

We have an amazing warranty team there to look after the buyers in the first year. We also do a two-year warranty on plumbing, heating, and air, and a 10-year structural warranty. So, our buyers can enjoy the peace of mind that they’re in good hands with a high-quality home and that they have a great team of warranty people that are going to look after them if there are ever any issues.

Saussy Burbank seeks to be your source of real estate information. Have questions you want to ask our agents? Reach out and let us know. The answers might make our next blog!

 

 

 

The love and companionship of a pet is one of the greatest joys in  life. It is unconditional, comforting and a lot of fun. Your pets are part of the family, and where you live is not only home to you—it’s home to them!

You work hard to make each room of your house comfortable and functional for the humans, but have you thought about the felines or canines who live there too?

Get On Their Level

The first thing to consider is safety. We all know about baby-proofing a house, but pet-proofing is also important. Take a walk through each room of your house and observe at pet-level for safety hazards, including exposed wiring, medication storage, long window blind cords and open windows (they can easily fall through a screen!).

Also be cautious of  things that could  tempt them to get in trouble, like trash cans without lids they could stick their head  into, potted plants they could tip over, and food stored where they can reach it. Watch for plants and foods that are poisonous to pets! Aloe, jade, philodendron and amaryllis are common décor in homes but are toxic to dogs and cats. In the kitchen, apple seeds, grapes, coffee and chocolate are also no-no’s for your four-legged family members. So, be sure to store these items in a place that’s not easily accessible to them in your Charleston home.

Carve Out Their Space

Much like humans, pets like to have spaces to call their own. You know your pet better than anyone—what makes them comfortable? If they like to cuddle with you, consider  a special blanket on the couch or your bed that is all theirs. If they get overwhelmed by noise or activity, a pet bed in a tucked-away corner would be better and make them feel safe. Pet beds come in a huge array of sizes, patterns and colors, so you can still match them to your décor. Some of Saussy Burbank floor plans even allow you to carve out a special pet-nook just for Fido or Spot.

Feeding time is also something to consider. Your pet most likely wants some peace and quiet at mealtime, so set aside a designated  space for their food and water bowls that isn’t in a main thoroughfare in your home. Ask your Saussy Burbank builder about options for built-in food and water dishes. Some can even be slid into cabinets to they’re out of sight when not in use.

If you have a cat, you probably keep the litter box out of sight and smelling range, but make sure that it is also in a place that your pet can access safely and comfortably.

Outdoors Is Their Domain, Too

Don’t forget to check your yard in the same way as your interior! If you have a dog that likes to dig or jump,  ensure the fence meets their needs – and fences are almost always an option you can add onto your Saussy Burbank home in the Charleston region. Many pets also like to have a space for themselves outside, whether it’s their own small house or a raised, shaded bed that allows them to stay cool.

Set Them Up for Success

It’s frustrating when pets create messes or damage your possessions. Thinking ahead and taking away possibilities for disaster  will go a long way in the happiness of your pet—and yourself!

Put a washable throw rug inside the main door your pet uses, so you can easily wipe excess dirt or mud off their feet as they come in. Clip dogs’ nails regularly, so they don’t scratch your furniture or your floors. Get a scratching post for your cat, so they don’t use your couch as one. Brush your pet often to keep shedding hair to a minimum. Take preventative measures and have cleaners that are safe for your furniture in the case of a mess.

When making finish selections in your new Summerville or Kiawah River home, choose a hardwood color that’s most likely to camouflage those inevitable tufts of hair. Add treads or carpet to your stairs to prevent pets from slipping and sliding – therefore reducing scratches. Even paint colors and carpet choices can go a long way in creating harmony between four- and two- legged members of your household!

Spending just a little bit of time inside and outside your house thinking like your pet can ensure  you and your pets will live a happy and minimally stressful life together. Find the home of your dreams for you and your pets in Charleston, SC with Saussy Burbank. Learn more today about our high-quality homes.

As North Carolina opens back up following Covid-19, so are many of the places and events in and around the Raleigh area.

Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, hosts thousands of fun events year-round. Whether you want exhilarating or educational, athletic or artsy, culinary or cultural, you’ll find plenty of options when you’re looking for fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend.

Let’s start with festival favorites. These are the Raleigh NC events you’d plan your weekend calendar around:

Yet this sampling represents events only one weekend of the year (fortunately not overlapping ones). What about if you’re looking for something to do in Raleigh, NC, on a weekend without a citywide event? Here are some other favorites to consider.

Raleigh Weekend Things to Do

The city has been dubbed “The Smithsonian of the South” for its arts experiences. We already mentioned the North Carolina Museum of Art, but you might also enjoy exploring the many local galleries in town. You’ll find work by painters, photographers, sculptors, and illustrators in the locally-owned and campus galleries. CAM Raleigh is the hub for contemporary modern art. Every First Friday you can also enjoy food trucks and entertainment at CAM.

To see a live performance, check out the Carolina Ballet or the city’s regional professional North Carolina Theatre. The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts also hosts touring Broadway shows, musicians, stand-up comics, and more.

Music lovers will want to check what North Carolina Opera or North Carolina Symphony are up to. Or, if you’re more of a contemporary music fan, what’s happening at venues such as the Red Hat Amphitheater or The Pour House Music Hall.

Sports fans can also often find something fun to do in Raleigh, NC. The city is home to:

If you just want to get out and be active on your own, you’ll be happy to know Raleigh was labeled Men’s Health’s third sportiest city in America. That’s because you can skate, bike or ride, swim, swing, boat, run, hike, walk, kayak, and so much more in the many recreational areas in Raleigh.

You may get hungry while you’re out and about on your weekend in Raleigh, NC. Some top spots to check out include:

Immerse Yourself in Raleigh’s History

Another fun way to spend the weekend in Raleigh? Visit and tour some of the historic sites.

The North Carolina Museum of History is an obvious choice to relive the state’s history. The museum hosts a permanent exhibit, The Story of North Carolina, but also welcomes rotating exhibits exploring a variety of eras over more than 14,000 years. You can also explore more than 3,000 square feet showcasing NC Sports History.

Or you could visit the City of Raleigh Museum or the Raleigh Fire Museum. For outdoor historical fun, you might take a self-guided walking tour that includes the first public park in the United States solely devoted to Dr. King and the civil rights movement. You might also stroll by the North Carolina State Capitol building (build in 1840) and the Governor’s Queen Anne-style home, the North Carolina Executive Mansion.

Mordecai Historic Park is home to Raleigh’s oldest home still on its original foundation (Mordecai House) and President Andrew Johnson’s boyhood home. Simply walking through the Historic Oakwood neighborhood will give you a sense of 19th-century Raleigh. The candlelight tour in December is an annual tradition.

For more modern homes in Raleigh, NC, look at what Saussy Burbank has on offer. We’ve been building premier homes in the Carolinas since 1989. Our new homes and townhomes have earned regional and national awards, including seven Best in American Living® awards.

Our Raleigh homes are found Inside the Beltline and in North Raleigh.

 

 

 

 

You may read the words “SouthPark” and think of potty-mouthed cartoon characters. But when it comes to Charlotte neighborhoods, this SouthPark is a far cry from the satirical animated series. One of Charlotte’s more upscale residential and commercial neighborhoods, this is a great place to find or build your next home.

The SouthPark neighborhood in Charlotte is named for the shopping center located at the corner of Sharon and Fairview Roads. There’s something for everyone at this Simon property with 150+ stores. You can shop Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Apple. Or visit Old Navy, Urban Outfitters, Crate and Barrel, and The Container Store. Major department stores include Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. Plus, you can grab a hearty meal at Maggiano’s or The Cheesecake Factory or a quick bite at one of the mall’s 20 eateries.

If you’re really into retail therapy, there is also boutique shopping on Morrison, which borders the mall. Plus, you can find many high-end retailers at Phillips Place, which is just a few blocks away.SouthPark denizens also enjoy easy access to a sprawling Harris Teeter grocery store known locally as the “Taj ma Teeter.” Or visit the multi-story Whole Foods which has a wine bar and offers a calendar of cooking classes. You might wonder why we’d highlight the grocery stores in a Charlotte neighborhoods round up. Trust us, when you see these two, you’ll know.

Getting Out & About in SouthPark

Still, if you’re considering the various Charlotte Neighborhoods, don’t pigeonhole SouthPark. This is not only a shopping Mecca. The area is home to many restaurants and fun places to enjoy a drink with family or friends. Great options for those nights you don’t want to stay in include:

If you’re just looking for a treat, visit Renaissance Pastry for traditional French patisserie or Golden Cow Creamery for made-from-scratch ice creams in creative flavor combinations.

 

For entertainment, residents of this Charlotte neighborhood can also enjoy a show at Symphony Park in the summer. This gorgeous green space beside the mall has a bandshell where the Charlotte Symphony plays Pops concerts and festivals are held. In the winter, expect a skating rink to be set up in the mall parking lot too.

SouthPark is also home to a newly renovated Morrison Library. This multistory library has rocking chairs on its patio and a light-filled second level for you to do research or enjoy reading your latest book.

The Regal Phillips Place movie theater is another option. This multiplex features new release films. While you’re killing time before showtime, walk next door to Restoration Hardware. This a commanding building boasting upscale home goods and furniture with over 50,000 interior and exterior square feet. There’s even a rooftop patio restaurant.

Where Would You Live in SouthPark?

Even though SouthPark is named after the mall, there are many young people and families living here. You’ll find massive homes with manicured lawns, luxury apartments, and chic townhomes.

Within this Charlotte neighborhood, you’ll find smaller residential neighborhoods to choose from. Barclay Downs and Beverly Woods are two popular choices in the SouthPark area. Barclay Downs is nearby the Myers Park high school campus, and the A.G. Middle School, so families are drawn to this neighborhood. Beverly Woods is further from the mall, eateries, and entertainment, but you’re nearby one of the city’s bigger YMCA branches and an elementary school.

Mountainbrook also shares many of the same schools as Myers Park residents. The homes here are mostly from the 1960s and 1970s. That means a lot of ranches and split levels. But many are newly remodeled on lots with lovely trees.

Foxcroft is home to more of the neighborhood’s custom-built homes. You might see a modern home beside a French Provincial nearby a ranch from the 1950s. The newly built homes are on the larger side. The price tags come in higher too with prices regularly topping the million mark.

The homes in Fairmeadows originate from the 1950s and 1960s. But here you’ll find bigger lots. Plus, the neighborhood has its own swim club. People are buying property here for the primo location and then remodeling or rebuilding.

If you don’t want the headache of a remodel, check out the new homes Saussy Burbank has built in SouthPark. Custom homes are currently available on Closeburn Road. With 5 bedrooms, four full and 2 half baths, and around 4,000 square feet, these homes offer a downstairs owner’s bedroom, front and rear porches, main level laundry, and a lot of storage. Find out more.

 

May means sunshine and time outdoors again. Plus, for those who like to festoon their house to suit the season, it means the dry spell since December is broken. With Memorial Day fast approaching and July Fourth on the horizon, those with Colonial-style homes have the edge of course. Here are some patriotic decoration ideas from around the web for your inspiration.

Colonial-style homes are one of the most popular house styles within the United States. Maybe because people have been living in this type of home since 1876! The Colonial-style home is typically two or three stories with brick or wood facades and a fireplace. The classic floor plan won’t have the owner’s downstairs suite, but rather a kitchen and family room on the first floor with bedrooms upstairs. Nevertheless, when you custom-build your Colonial-style home, you get more leeway.

Of course, with the arrival of Spring, you may already have started to spruce up your exterior. Certainly, it is a good idea to do a home maintenance check in and around your house in readiness for the season. But now, with Summer on its way, homeowners who like to add decor can bust out the patriotic bunting.

Colonial Style Homes Patriotic Exteriors

We don’t need to tell you that you’re going to be working with a red, white, and blue color palette. What will make your house stand out is how you use the familiar patriotic trio to color your Colonial-style home exterior.

Hanging bunting from the second-floor windows, or even under the roofline will make a statement. Of course, we’re expecting you to have a flag hanging high as part of your patriotic pomp. If not more than one. You might also drape long strips of red, white, and blue striped fabric down the side of the house or alongside the front door.

Window flower boxes can add to the overall effect. If you have blue containers, you have an advantage. Otherwise, you might plant bright red geraniums and blue cornflower with some white daisies.

On Etsy, you can find all kinds of patriotic decor. Some of our favorites are:

If you want to be patriotic all year round, you can paint your front door a deep blue or a bright red. But regardless of your door’s color, you can still add festive fun by hanging a basket and filling it with flags and maybe some flowers too. Or you might hang a wreath made of red, white, and blue ribbons.

For even more creative takes on patriotic Americana decor learn more about the many different motifs which can be adapted in a number of ways.

Patriotic Porches Work Too

If you have a porch or patio to work with, you can also add some patriotic flair there too. You might add a blue throw rug to the floor and red cushions to the patio chair (bonus points if the chairs themselves are a white frame). Or red chairs with white cushions and a blue rug. There are several combinations to work with in this color scheme.

Maybe you don’t have room for furniture and just have a front stoop? Line up some bright blue planters or blue and white striped pots and fill them with red flowers.

If you have kiddos, you could have fun with them:

You’re proud of your home and you’re proud of your country. This is the time of year you get to draw attention to both. Owners of any style of home can take these ideas and run with them, but it’s just going to look that much more on-theme to be hanging up the stars and stripes from your Colonial style home.

Find the Colonial-style house that you want to make your home in and around Charleston, SC or Charlotte, NC with Saussy Burbank. Learn more today about our craftsmanship and experience building high-quality homes.

Whether Spring is coming in like a lion or a lamb where you live, one thing remains true: it’s time to review your home maintenance checklist. It doesn’t matter if it was a long, hard winter or not. You’ll still find there’s plenty to do around your home as the seasons change. Here’s help.

Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist

Let’s start outside since it’s finally nice enough for you to enjoy being outdoors.

1. Go on Walk About

No, you don’t need to explore the wilds of Australia as the Maori tribesman might. Yet, the first step in meeting your home maintenance checklist need is touring your exterior. Take a close look at your foundation, windows, walls, and decks to determine the toll the winter season has had.

2. Climb the Ladder

Winter is tough on roofs, and you may not see all that you need with both feet on the ground. If you don’t want to climb up there, you could also use binoculars to try and spot trouble. You’re looking for:

3. Look for Water Stains

Surveying your exterior walls, pay close attention to the areas under eaves and near gutters. Any water stains in these areas would suggest your gutters aren’t running off adequately. Start the season off right by clearing out your gutters of any collected debris.

Around the entire exterior look also for any openings or damaged areas where carpenter ants or woodpeckers have been at work. Keep an eye out also for signs of birds’ nests or any other creatures burrowing into your exterior walls.

4. Examine the Foundations

If you find cracked masonry on the exterior of your home, and it’s part of the foundation, you can’t just caulk it and hope for the best. You’re likely to need to hire a professional to restore your home to a solid footing for the coming months.

While you’re looking down, check your patio for any loose or damaged pavers. It’s also a good idea to sweep up decks and look for warped or loose planks. Inspect your driveway and any concrete or asphalt paths for cracking too as freezing and thawing can be rough on hardscaping materials.

5. Look in at Windows

Windows are for looking out and admiring your beautiful landscaping and watching kids at play, right? Well, this is the time of year when you also want to look in closely at the windows from the exterior.

Check for loose or worn weather stripping. If you don’t replace it, you could end up paying much more for cooling this summer than you expected.

Look also for any condensation captured between glazed windows. If you see moisture in double- or triple-glazed windows it means your weather seal has been compromised. For energy efficiency, you’ll want to get the glass or entire window replaced.

6. Tidy Up

Spring is the time to clean up landscaping too. Go around the yard and collect fallen branches and leaves. Otherwise, your lawn will enter into the warmer weather months with barren patches.

Other great ways to get your house in shape for the nicer days ahead include:

Interior Home Maintenance Checklist

Of course, the spring home maintenance doesn’t stop outside. You may want to do a general, all-over spring cleaning. This is a good time also to test all the fire and smoke detectors in the home and install new batteries. You’ll want to survey these other areas of your home as well.

7. Check the Attic, Crawlspace, or Basement

If your home has an attic, climb up there to check for any indications that water is leaking in. It’s a good idea to go up on a sunny day. If you see sunlight streaking in, you can bet that some things you don’t want to see coming in could soon follow. The same is true of the crawlspace. Once you get in there, look for water leaks or other indications that the winter has damaged the foundation or walls.

In the basement, you’ll want to look for cracks, be sensitive to any excess dampness, and use a flashlight to scrutinize exposed wood framing. You don’t want to see any tunneling in the wood supporting your home. If you do, call pest control ASAP.

8. Ready Your AC

The furnace is getting ready for its off-season, and your air conditioning unit is on deck. It’s a good idea to:

9. Look for Leaks

Check your kitchen and bathroom and laundry room for any signs of leaky pipes or loose hoses. Any wetness underneath cabinets, around the dishwasher, or around the washer machine could spell trouble. Take a gander around your water heater too to make sure all pipes and hoses are properly sealed.

Aren’t you happy to be a homeowner? Yes, it takes work to get everything squared away again as Spring starts. You may have less to look after when you move into a new construction home. Nevertheless, this home maintenance checklist can help keep your forever home in top-notch condition, and set you up to enjoy a relaxing season of fun with family and friends.