BLOG

Elliott Pike Elliott Pike

Ideas to Get Your Garage Organized This Year

If one of your goals for the new year is to get your garage organized, January is the perfect time to get started. Garages are for more than keeping your cars out of the sunlight; they hold some of our most important belongings.

The problem is, it is really easy for garages to become messy and unorganized. Here are some ideas to get you going:

Throw Some Stuff Away

Before you start organizing any part of your home, you should get rid of the things you aren’t using. Be realistic with yourself – you bought that bicycle four years ago and have never once been out for a ride, you can probably give it away.

Once you’ve donated, sold, or thrown out your unused belongings, then you can get started on the organizational process. 

Install Cabinets

Make the most of your wall space by installing cabinets on the bare walls of your garage. Large, floor-to-ceiling cabinets with shelving and cubbies will make it so much easier to store tools and to create organizational zones. Plus, even if the insides of your cabinets aren’t perfectly organized, the mess is out of sight!

If you want your garage to look good, not just feel good, you should opt for custom cabinets instead of box cabinets that may not fit your space. Custom cabinets also tend to be made from higher quality materials and will last longer.

Install Overhead Shelving

Most garages are taller than we need them to be, so take advantage of that extra space by installing overhead shelving. These shelves can store luggage or seasonal items that get stored in big, bulky storage bins and take up a ton of space. Don’t forget to label the outside of the storage bin, so you’re able to find them easily.

Showroom Style Flooring

Something that will help take your garage’s appearance to the next level is getting showroom-style flooring by finishing them with some sort of coating.   

Having your floors epoxied or painted will look great while also protecting the garage floor. This will make your garage floors easier to clean up if something spills and holds up to wear and tear from cars, dust, and foot traffic.

Create A Mudroom

If your garage is attached to the house, it’s a great place to create a mudroom. Add cubbies or lockers for storing all the sporting equipment, rain gear, and extra shoes so they don’t end up in a pile next to the door. Also include hooks to hang items and a place to sit when putting shoes on or removing them.

Work In Sections

Regardless of what is installed, your garage won’t stay organized if you don’t put in the time to ensure everything has a designated spot. It would help if you took the time to put all tools in one area and organize them in a way that makes sense to you.

Then you could find all of your gardening necessities and do the same, and so forth.

Once everything has a place of its own, you have to remember to put it back in that spot after each use. It’s a hard habit to get into, but once you have it down your life will be so much easier!

Read More
Elliott Pike Elliott Pike

Fireplace Comparison: Wood vs. Gas

Three sets of feet being warmed by a fireplace

Whether you like to sip your coffee by the fire on a Saturday morning or drink a glass of scotch by the fire on a relaxing Friday night, a fireplace is a must-have in the home.

Fireplaces are one of the most requested features amongst home buyers since they provide warmth, are aesthetically pleasing, and give a sense of comfort and nostalgia. 

If your home does not have a fireplace and you’re planning on having one installed, you may be hung up on what type to choose. Wood burning is the classic choice, but gas is another excellent option. Which to choose depends on what features you’re looking for.

Let’s compare some of the most requested and asked about qualities of a fireplace to help you narrow down your choice.

Energy Efficiency

If efficiency is important to you, you’ll want to go with a gas fireplace. Wood-burning fires are surprisingly inefficient in heating a room, especially one that does not have adequate insulation.

Plus, with a gas fireplace, you don’t have the possibility of smoke getting into your home like you do with a wood fireplace.

Gas fireplace in a modern living room setting

Wood vs. Gas Costs

If price is the determining factor in your fireplace purchase and installation, gas is, once again, the way to go. A brick wood-burning fireplace is much more challenging to install. The fireplace itself can cost over $8,500, and then you would have to pay for installation on top of that. 

The price of a gas fireplace varies based on size and complexity, but you’ll probably be looking more in the neighborhood of $3,500 plus installation. Along with the cost of installing the fireplace itself, you’ll need an exhaust pipe installed for venting.

Fireplace Maintenance

Gas wins this round too. Wood fireplaces require far more maintenance than their gas counterparts.

With a gas fireplace, there is no ash or soot to clean up. With a wood fireplace, you’ll also have to have the chimney swept to prevent creosote build-up, which could cause a fire.

Gas fireplaces aren’t as high maintenance as wood fireplaces, but they need to be inspected and cleaned each year. Doing so will keep the unit working correctly and efficiently.

Safety

If you have small children or pets in the home, safety is something that you are likely concerned with. Most modern gas fireplaces are cool to the touch, so you don’t need to worry about accidental burns.

Something else to consider is that smoke can enter the home with a wood-burning fireplace, and failing to keep up with maintenance could result in a house fire.

Fire in a wood burning fireplace

The Crackling Fire Factor

Even though all arguments tend to point to a gas fireplace, you may still be considering getting a wood-burning one.

We get it. There’s nothing like the look of the flame that comes from burning wood. Cozying up in front of a crackling wood fire. Hanging your Christmas stockings on the mantle that’s above a wood-burning fireplace. The smell, the ambiance, the experience. These are all things a gas fireplace can’t do.

For many people, all the practical reasons in the world are not enough to replace the comfy feeling that a wood fireplace provides. And if you keep up with maintenance, they’re perfectly safe and functional.

Whichever route you choose, we are here to help. We can help with design choices and installation. So, let’s get started so you won’t have to spend the winter without the sparkle of a fire in your living room.

Read More
Elliott Pike Elliott Pike

Level-Up Your Kitchen With Specialty Cabinets

Cabinets are the star of the kitchen, and they come in so many different styles, which set the tone for the rest of the kitchen's design aesthetic. But cabinets shouldn't just look good, they need to be functional and help make your life easier as well.

Here are some options to turn your cabinets into specialty storage solutions.

Cabinet Pull Outs

If you're looking to optimize storage space and functionality, you definitely want to install blind spot cabinet pull-outs.

These are flexible trays and dividers that can support wider and deeper tray sizes to hold all your kitchen necessities more efficiently. Here are some of the ways you can utilize cabinet pull-outs:

  • Organize Pots and Pans – Instead of having to try to sort through a crowded cabinet to find the pot you need to make tonight's dinner, and you can easily pull the tray out of the cabinet to find what you're looking for.

  • Separate Baking Dishes – You can dedicate a different cabinet and pull-out tray to your mixing bowls and cookie sheets to make it easier to keep track of everything you need when the urge to bake strikes.

  • Spice Cabinet – This is a really cool idea that will make cooking so much easier. We can install a cabinet pull-out specifically for your spices. This way, you can organize alphabetically or however makes sense to you to make seasoning your meals a breeze. This will take the place of a lazy susan, which can make it a challenge to find the spice you need. This spice cabinet does not take up much room, so you won't have to sacrifice much space from another cabinet to install it.

  • Organize Cutlery – Instead of having a messy drawer with silverware, you can install a divider that will keep your knives, forks, spoons, and serving ware organized and easy to access.

  • Hide Cleaning Supplies – We can install a hidden pull-out, usually next to your refrigerator, where you can store your broom or mop without it being an eyesore.

Toe-Kick Drawers

Want something that will make your life easier while also being the talking point of your kitchen? We can install a toe kick drawer in your kitchen.

This cabinet is just what the name implies. Located right at floor level, below it opens with the gentle kick of your toe. It’s a great solution to add extra storage space to your kitchen. Or, this cabinet can also double as a stepping stool if you require some extra height.

Functional Corner Cabinet

The corner cabinet in most kitchens is a huge, unused space. Why not install kidney sliding shelves where you can store dishes, pots, pans, dining room linens, or anything else that needs its own space in your kitchen.

This specialty cabinet option will add much-needed storage to your kitchen and clear room out of other cabinets that may be a bit crowded.

Catch-All Pull Down Storage

Have a tall cabinet that doesn't get used very often? We can install a pull-down unit that will allow you to reach items easily. Not to worry, this unit will not move once it's empty, it stays put, and the shelves can be adjusted to suit your needs.

Want to make the most of your kitchen cabinets? Give us a call! We can look at your current wants and needs and find solutions that will make your life easier.

Read More
Elliott Pike Elliott Pike

Thinking About Finishing Your Attic? Here Are Some Ideas

Most attics are a neglected place in our home where we store things we don't really need. Let's change that!  

Converting an attic into something more practical like a guest bedroom or home office is a great way to maximize the space in your home. Here are some of the attic conversion recommendations, as well as some things you should take into consideration before you begin renovations:

Playroom for Kids

The attic is the perfect spot for a kid's playroom. Since it's out of sight, your kids can leave the room an unorganized mess. That will mean more fun for them and fewer temper tantrums during clean-up time. 

We can install some built-ins to store all your kids’ toys. We'd also recommend some carpeting to reduce the noise of little stomping feet downstairs. As your kids get older, you could transform it into an area where they can play video games or watch movies with friends.

Yoga or Exercise Studio

An attic is an excellent place for an exercise studio. We can help you create a zen space for yoga by painting the walls a serene color and installing full-length mirrors and dimmable lights. If you prefer another exercise method, like stationary bike riding or boot camp-style workouts, we can install rubberized flooring that absorbs sound and is accessible on the knees. 

Home Office

Working from home can come with a lot of distractions. If you need a designated space to do your job where your kids know not to bother you and won't get sidetracked by everyday household chores, converting your attic into a home office like this project, is a great choice.

What's excellent about converting your unfinished attic into a home office is that the space does not need to be huge. Even a small attic can make for a nice place to get on a Zoom call and get your work done. We can install bookshelves and a desk for you to use as a workspace and keep you organized. Since attics tend to be dark, we can install windows or skylights so you can see the outside world and get a little sunlight. 

Things to Consider

  • The attic conversion may be a bit more intensive than you initially thought. For example:

    • Oftentimes we will need to relocate things like air conditioning ductwork or a water heater to make the conversion work.

    • We may have to add new electrical, air conditioning, insulation or even windows (if you want to create a bedroom).  

  • The floor system may need to be “beefed” up.  Sometimes the attic flooring is designed for to support just a minimal amount of weight, not furniture and people.  New flooring framing may need to be added.

  • Since attics are usually used for storage, you'll want to make sure you either include space for your belongings in your new attic conversion or find another spot in the home to use as storage. If you find that the items you were storing in your unfinished attic were just collecting cobwebs and taking up space, you could consider donating them to a local charity.

Want to transform your unfinished, neglected attic into a useful part of your home? We can help! We can take the lead on everything from the design to renovations. Give us a call to get started.

Read More
Elliott Pike Elliott Pike

Why Not Have Some Fun With Your Basement Renovation?

Renovating a basement is a great way to maximize your home’s space as well as increase your property value. Your basement renovation can recoup close to 75% of its value!

iStock-487166208.jpg

Renovating a basement is a great way to maximize your home’s space as well as increase your property value. Your basement renovation can recoup close to 75% of its value!

But, if you don’t require the ordinary bedroom or family room addition that many homeowners complete for their basement, and want to have a little fun, we have some other, more out-of-the-box ideas for you.

Sports Bar

Have a sports lover in your family? Why not transform your unfinished basement into the best sports bar in town?

You’ll want to have all the sports bar essentials like a big screen tv, surround sound, and a small kitchen area to prepare your game time snacks and store your drink of choice.

 Of course, you need the actual bar space, complete with a sink, refrigeration, and nice cabinetry to store your glassware. We can design and build a beautiful, custom bar that will put the finishing touch on your basement watering hole.

Decked Out Cinema Room

Make your family movie nights the highlight of the week by having us turn your big, empty basement into a decked-out cinema room. Basements make great movie rooms since they usually have large, open spaces and few windows to let in unwanted light.

 We’ll do everything from the acoustic work to the lighting to make your basement movie theater more comfortable than your local cinema. We can work out other details like installing big, comfy seats, painting the room a dark color, and installing resilient carpeting that absorbs sound and stands up to popcorn and soda spills.

Yoga Studio

Exercise is so important for your physical and mental health. If you don’t like the idea of going to a crowded gym, you can create a yoga studio or workout space of your own in your basement.

 Yoga studios tend to be sparse and don’t require a lot of built-in equipment, so the focus would need to be on the lighting in the room. Since most basements don’t have much natural light, we could install dimmable overhead lighting.

 Your flooring will also need to be redone, so we could install wood floors that give your new yoga studio a soothing, natural feel.

 You’ll also want full-length mirrors so you can check out your form. Painting the room a lovely, serene color is another crucial part of your yoga studio.

 Suppose yoga isn’t your exercise of choice. In that case, we could easily convert the basement into a home gym by installing a rubberized floor, full-length mirrors, a sound system to play your workout playlist and strategically place your exercise machines of choice.

Tiki Bar

A fun, out-of-the-ordinary option for your basement remodel would be installing a tiki bar. We could paint the room a moody, dark color and install a combination of dimmable and colored lights.

 We could help you find large wooden carved tikis to be a focal point of your bar, along with island-themed seating for you and your friends to hang out and relax.

 You’ll want to display all of your finest liquors on some customized wooden shelves above the bar. You’ll also need a sink or dishwasher to make cleanup easy. 

 Whatever your vision is for your basement remodel, we are here to help!

Read More
Elliott Pike Elliott Pike

Outgrowing Your Starter Home? Some Ideas For Adding Space

It used to be that people bought a starter home to get their foot into the real estate game, and then as life situations changed and more people were added to the family, they would upgrade to something with more space.

Now, many people are looking to stay put, and make their current home fit their needs. If you’re one of those people, we have some remodeling ideas for adding onto a starter home to fit a growing family or changing needs.

NAS_2642.jpeg

Finishing a Basement or Bonus Room

Take advantage of unused space by finishing a basement or bonus room. Depending on your basement or bonus room size, you could turn it into an extra bedroom or just use it as a separate living space so everyone can spread out. 

Finishing a basement can be an enormous undertaking, but there are so many options for what you can do. For example, you can add a bathroom, a bedroom, install a bar, turn it into a movie room. It all depends on what is most important to you and your family.

Expanding Master Bedroom

Having a master bedroom retreat where you can relax and get a little peace and quiet is so important. We can make more space in your master bedroom in a few different ways. One option would be to “bump out” and use some of your yard space to extend the room.

Something a little easier would be to refinish a basement or add space from a nearby bathroom or guest room. You’ll not only have more space for a little downtime, but this could also increase your property value. Whatever you choose, this is a big project with big rewards.

Adding a Bedroom

Similar to extending the master bedroom, we could also add a bedroom for guests or kids. We could find some unused space, get the necessary permits, and turn it into a bedroom. 

One idea would be enclosing a patio area and converting that into a bedroom. Another idea is building on top of the garage. We have built many guest suites above garages, sometimes with a separate entrance from the main house. It could be an excellent option if you have extended house guests as it will give both of you a little extra privacy.

Expand the Kitchen

If you suddenly have more people to feed, you may need some extra kitchen space. One great way to expand a small kitchen is with the addition of a pantry. This will give you more storage and make organization easier.

If you need more counter space, we can look around to see what areas of the house we can extend into. Maybe knock down a wall or make a breakfast nook more functional by adding an island. It may take some creativity, but where there is a will, there is a way!

Upgrading Finishes

Sometimes you don’t need a whole new space or even an expensive remodel project. Just upgrading your finishes will do the trick to make you enjoy your living space again.

Upgrading finishes throughout your home can make the space look bigger, brighter, and more modern. The kitchen can especially benefit from new finishes. Installing new cabinets can completely change the style of your kitchen, while a new faucet with upgraded technology like voice activation can be fun and practical.

If you’d like some more specific ideas on how to increase space in your starter home, let’s set up a consultation. We’d love to help!

Read More
Elliott Pike Elliott Pike

Eye-Catching Color That Won’t Overwhelm The Room

It seems like home décor trends have been stuck in the land of neutrals for years. Thankfully, we are finally starting to see bold color choices getting used. Whether a small pops of color or a big, statement-making update to your home, we have ideas for you.

It seems like home décor trends have been stuck in the land of neutrals for years. 

Thankfully, we are finally starting to see bold color choices getting used in homes, and we could not be more excited. Whether you are looking for small pops of color or prefer big, statement-making updates to your home, we have ideas for you. 

Tile Flooring & Walls

The great thing about using colorful tiles on your floors or walls is that there are so many different options. 

Small spaces like bathrooms and mudrooms give you the perfect opportunity to make a statement. Using unusual patterns in bright colors can bring these smaller, sometimes forgotten about areas to life. 

Each room of your home could have different colored tile using different materials. Using bright colorful patterns will make you feel like you’re in a brand new home! If you like the result in a smaller room, you can start including them in larger areas like your kitchen and outdoor living spaces.

Light Fixtures

Light fixtures should do more than keep a room lit up. They are the perfect way to inject some of your personality into a space. 

Your traditional black or gold fixtures have been staples in home decorating for years. We think it is high time to switch it up and get something like a bright yellow chandelier installed over your dining room table.

Adding colorful pendant lights or sconces to an otherwise neutral space is another fun way to give life to a room. You will be amazed at what a difference a new light fixture will make. 

Cabinets

If you’re brave in your home design choices, installing brightly colored cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom is something you should consider. 

Dark greens and blues have been increasing in popularity recently and can be paired with countertops and a backsplash that is more neutral and timeless. This will give your space a big burst of color without being overdone. 

However, if you aren’t afraid of a lot of color, you could consider bright green or orange cabinets paired with a geometric tiled backsplash.  

Start Small

If you aren’t completely sold on using bold colors in your home design, you can start small with a new backsplash in the kitchen. 

Bright blues are very trendy this year and come in a multitude of designs. You can use small tiles, larger subway tiles, mosaic patterns, or even glass tiles to update your backsplash. 

Wallpaper is another way to include bold color into your home. Doing an accent wall with an unusual pattern with lots of colors will completely change the way the room looks. 

If you look online, there are hundreds of wallpaper choices that will look amazing in your home. We can even install a wallpaper mural to really make a statement!

Are You Ready To Get Bold?

If you’re ready to ditch the neutral farmhouse look and transform parts of your home into a bright and bold space, we would love to help. Let’s start brainstorming and find a way to make your home look more attractive.

Read More
Elliott Pike Elliott Pike

Remodeling For Life Changes

When we think of a “forever home,” it can be easy to underestimate all of the changes that will take place between now and forever.

Significant milestones in life will demand changes in your home. These are some of the home-remodel projects we have helped out with in various life stages:

When we think of a “forever home,” it can be easy to underestimate all of the changes that will take place between now and forever.

Significant milestones in life will demand changes in your home. These are some of the home-remodel projects we have helped out with in various life stages:

bathroom-tile-sm.jpg

Newlyweds

When you’re just starting out, money may be tight, and a big renovation project may not be realistic.

Installing new tile in the master bathroom shower or a new backsplash in the kitchen is relatively inexpensive but can completely transform a room. You and your new spouse could use the project as bonding time.

Having a Baby

Having a child will change your life in more ways than you can imagine. Of course, you will have to convert that extra bedroom into a nursery for your bundle of joy, but other parts of your home will require attention as well.

You’ll want to tackle any safety and health hazards like installing pool barriers and securing windows before the baby arrives.

Once your baby starts crawling and walking, you’ll want to make sure the floors are safe for them. You may want to install durable, easy-to-clean carpeting with thick padding to help protect your baby from falls.

Teenage Child

In the blink of an eye, that sweet baby of yours will become a teenager. If you went all out on a child’s playroom, you could remodel it into a game room.

You could install a big-screen television and some seating so your teen and their friends can enjoy movie nights. Or, if they are into gaming, you could create a space for them to set up their computer and play their games comfortably. 

tv-game-room-sm.jpg

Empty Nest

After spending the last 18 years catering to your kids, it’s your turn. Now you can finally do the big home improvement projects you’ve been waiting for.

We can help you design and install the new gourmet kitchen of your dreams. You can upgrade your cabinets and counter spaces, install a huge island and new appliances. 

If the kitchen isn’t an area you spend much time in, we could help you transform your backyard into an outdoor living oasis. We could extend your covered patio, add a water feature, and you could find some comfortable outdoor-friendly couches or other seating options.

The options are endless! Now is your time to be selfish and create a space you enjoy.

outdoor-living-oasis2-sm.jpg

Retirement or Downsizing 

Getting older is a fact of life, but there is no reason you can’t live in, and enjoy, your home as long as you want.

The most important thing you can do to stay in your home long into your golden years is to move the master suite to the first floor, along with the laundry. This will enable you to live more comfortably while still having room for kids (and grandkids) to visit.

Depending on the layout of your home, moving the master suite downstairs can be a big project. It will involve re-thinking your main floor layout without sacrificing other living spaces. Plumbing and electrical will also be a concern. It may require an addition.

But if you love your home, it’s worth it. We can work with you to create a design that will fit your needs and your budget.

master-suite2-sm.jpg

We Are Here for You

No matter what stage you’re in, we are here to help you through it. Give us a call to schedule a consultation to decide how to remodel your home to fit your life changes.

You might also be interested in: Universal Design Without Looking Institutional

Read More
Elliott Pike Elliott Pike

5 Reasons To Stay Put And Remodel Your Home

Every now and then, the house you love will begin to feel small, outdated, and just not what you want anymore. As tempting as it may be to pack up your belongings and move to a different house, is that really a practical decision? Here is some reasons remodeling your current home makes more sense than moving.

Every now and then, the house you love will begin to feel small, outdated, and just not what you want anymore. As tempting as it may be to pack up your belongings and move to a different house, is that really a practical decision?

Instead of going through the tedious and stressful process of selling your home and buying another, why not just change the parts of your house that are not pleasing you anymore? Here are some reasons remodeling your current home makes more sense than moving to a new one.

You Can Get Exactly What You Want

Let’s say you want a kitchen with white cabinets and marble countertops, a living room with built-ins and vaulted ceilings, and a custom walk-in shower. What are the chances you would find exactly that when house hunting? Finding a new home that suits you perfectly is rare, but with remodeling, you can have it all.

When remodeling, you can look at your family’s wants and needs and design accordingly. Perhaps you want to transform a neglected dining room into a playroom for kids. You can do that. Or maybe you’d like to turn your living room into a theater room with comfy couches and a huge screen for movie night. You can do that too. 

The bottom line is, if you move to a new home, you will end up having to customize it anyway. Why not just remodel the home you already know and love?

welcome-mat.jpg

Increase Your Home’s Value

Not only will remodeling satisfy that itch to move, it will also increase your home’s value. A simple kitchen remodel with new cabinet faces and hardware and new counters will retain 81% of its value when you eventually decide to sell your home. A bathroom remodel using ceramic tile, a solid-surface vanity, and a solid white toilet will recoup 71% of its value. Installing new windows will retain 74%.

To ensure you recoup the maximum amount on a project, it is important you have the work completed by licensed professionals who won’t cut any corners.

You can Improve Energy Efficiency

While you remodel spaces in your home, you can look for ways to make your space more energy-efficient.

If you are remodeling your living room or bedroom, you can install new windows. Switching to energy star windows can reduce your electric bills by 12%. If you are doing a full kitchen remodel, you can upgrade to energy star certified appliances. An upgraded refrigerator will save you 9% on your electric bill. A new dishwasher can help you save on your utility bill while also saving on average of 3,870 gallons of water over its lifetime.

Don’t forget about lighting. Replacing your most-used lights will save you $45 per year. You can also install dimmers and timers to reduce your electricity usage.

Moving is a Hassle

While remodeling can be intrusive and messy, moving to a new home is one of the most stressful events you will experience. While remodeling isn’t exactly a walk in the park, it is far easier than packing up all of your belongings and moving them into a new space.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about things like your kids switching schools or finding a new neighborhood coffee shop with a remodel. Remember, you moved into your home for a reason. You may just need to spruce some things up to make yourself love the home again.

moving-boxes-2.jpg

You Love Your Neighbors

Perhaps the biggest variable with moving is what your new neighbors will be like. They might be great, or they might be "not so great." And it only takes one bad neighbor to make living in your new neighborhood a miserable experience.

If you love your current neighbors, don't take those friendships for granted and make sure you consider neighborhood relationships in your remodel vs move decision.

Remodeling is the perfect way to turn your house into your dream home. We can bring your vision to life and are able to work with a wide range of budgets. Let’s get started on your home remodeling project today.

Read More
Elliott Pike Elliott Pike

ELM Construction Can Help Pollen-Proof Your Home

Spring is in full swing and that means seasonal allergies are rearing their ugly head once again. If pollen, ragweed, and other allergens make your spring difficult, there are changes you can make to your home to alleviate some of those problems.

Spring is in full swing and that means seasonal allergies are rearing their ugly head once again. If pollen, ragweed and other allergens make your spring difficult, there are changes you can make to your home to alleviate some of those problems.

So if itchy eyes and a runny nose has you wishing for relief, read on below for tips on how to make your home more healthy for you.

What is a pollen count and why does it matter?

Put simply, pollen count is a measurement of the number of grains of pollen in a cubic meter of air. The higher the count, the greater chance that those suffering from hay fever will have allergy symptoms. The pollen count is different than a pollen forecast. While the pollen count is an actual count, pollen forecasts are predictions based on past pollen data and weather forecasts.

dirty-dust-filter-vacuum-cleaner-filter-white-background.jpg

Proper ventilation

Ensuring that your home is properly ventilated is the first step to managing pollen and other allergens. Choosing the right filter for your air conditioning system is key. Many particles, including pollen and mold, are too small to be caught by average paper filters. Instead, be sure you are using HEPA filters and replacing them regularly.

Vacuum and clean regularly

A clean house is a healthier house. Vacuuming carpets and area rugs at least once a week will help remove pollen, dust mites, pet hair, mold and other allergens hiding in your home. A vacuum with a HEPA filter will help get rid of other toxins. Don’t forget about furniture, drapes and bedding, which are all magnets for contaminants. Clean the filter on your vacuum regularly.

Control humidity

High humidity creates the perfect conditions for growing mold, mildew and dust mites. Overly dry air will cause pollen to remain in the air. A humidity level of 30 to 50 percent in your home is considered optimal depending on the season.

Windows & Doors

Properly sealing around windows and doors can help reduce the pollen in your home, while also lowering energy bills. ELM Construction can help you find numerous ways to make sure home stays sealed and efficient.

While opening windows can bring in more pollen, that same fresh air can help offset other allergens. Try to open windows when the pollen count is low.

white-dandelion-pollen-blowing-away-across-fresh-green-background.jpg

‘Flexi-Glass’ windows

One of our favorite solutions, though, addresses the issue by giving you fresh air but also blocking much of the pollen. While only for unconditioned spaces, these lightweight windows can convert your screened porch into a sealed space with flexible ventilation. They can be closed to help keep out pollen but opened at 75 percent so you can enjoy the fresh air the rest of the time. 

These flexible windows allow you to control your airflow throughout the year. You can close them in the dead of winter or summer and make your normal screened porch much more comfortable during extreme temperatures.

As an additional benefit, the flex vinyl glazing is resistant to impacts from items such as golf balls or hail, helping to protect your windows vs. regular glass.

Keep in mind that Flexi-Glass products are for screened porches or unconditioned spaces only.

Ready to plan your project? ELM Construction is here to help you improve the health and safety of your home. Contact us today to discuss your next remodel!

Read More