One of the fun things about fall is the Home Remodeling Show in Chicago. Steve Gray Renovations attended this years show and saw some pretty cool products. Pella Windows displayed the latest in their architect series. Three new wood species were introduced – mahogany, alder, and douglas fir. Decorating trends have gone towards these woods for bookcases, trim and mantels. Now, Pella is able to provide matching doors and windows, where in the past, these items had to be custom made to “look” like they match – Thanks to Pella they now do. Visit www.Pella.com to view their full line of products.

We are working on a great project in Sycamore Springs. This project is capturing a lot of interest. We are completing the demolition stage and moving towards bringing the plans designed by Gary Nance to life. Click here to see some of the drawings. We will be bringing more updates in the future.

Daylight Saving Time: While busy running around the house changing the clocks, check your smoke alarms as well. Some smoke detectors are wired with security systems and may not need anything, but for those that aren’t, replace the batteries. 90% of homes are estimated to have smoke alarms – 30% are estimated to have dead or missing batteries. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be checked if you have them. Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless, colorless toxic gas and can be deadly. Most detectors are placed near the furnace. As homes become older, this becomes more of an issue with having older furnaces and water heaters. Contact us if you are interested in having a Carbon monoxide detector installed.

Furnace: This is the time of the year that we turn on the furnace for the first time. This is also the ideal time to get the furnace units cleaned out, check the heat exchanger (this is what can crack and release dangerous carbon monoxide), and change out the filters for the furnace. We suggest following this up with review the humidifier system (if you have one) on the furnace. Taking these steps now will help keep your system at its best all season long. 

Firewood: For those who are partial wood burning fires, we have information on a few wood types that can add fragrance to the cozy atmosphere.

• Apple - it not only sweetens the smell, it produces colorful flames.
• Cherry - although not as sweet as apple wood, cherry wood still adds a little sugar in the mix.
• Hickory - Known to many great barbecuers, hickory brings in a nutty aroma and is a heat producer.
• Black Birch - don’t like you fires so sweet? Black Birch adds just enough spice with its cinnamon scent.

If you need someone to deliver some of the best firewood in town and will stand behind it give us a call and we can get you in touch with them. They can also stack for you if needed.