Thursday, December 13, 2018

Gifts for the New Homeowner


Thinking of gifts for the new homeowner in your life? We’ve got you covered! Check out our list of fun and practical gift ideas that will cheer even the biggest Grinch on your list.

Seasonal
-        “Our New Home” ornament
-        Welcome mats in holiday colors
-        Christmas kitchen towels or serving ware
DIY
-        A basic tool set
-        Flashlight – never have enough!
-        Lightbulbs
-        Surge protector
Cleaning
-        Hand soap
-        Scrub brushes
-        Dust buster
-        Microfiber cloths
Décor
-        Candles
-        Cozy throw blanket
-        Photo frames
-        Pillows
-        Coffee mugs

What do you recommend for the new homeowner on your gift list this year?
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Monday, December 3, 2018

Christmas Décor Safety


Trimming the Christmas tree, hanging lights along the rafters, pulling down the kids crafts from over the years; decorating for Christmas is a tradition we love.
While you’re singing along to your favorite carols and hanging garland, keep these few tips in mind to ensure a healthy and safe Christmas season.
Christmas Tree Safety:
-        Make sure your tree is away from heat sources like fireplaces, candles or heat vents
-        Keep the tree stand full of water
-        Decorate with only non-flammable materials
-        Use only one extension cord per outlet
-        Use only three strands of lights per extension cord
-        Check lights for any broken or non-functioning sockets
Decorating Safety Tips:
-        Always have help when decorating outside especially when using a ladder
-        Do not hammer tacks or nails into electrical cords when handing lights. Use clips
-        Only use outdoor approved extension cords when decorating outside
-        Put cords in low traffic areas to prevent tripping
-        Ensure that blow up decorations are secured properly and deflated when you are not home or asleep
-        Don’t throw wrapping paper in the fireplace
-        Keep candles away from curtains and high enough children cannot reach
What safety tips do you have for decorating this holiday season?

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving


This time of year there is so much to be grateful for.
Much comes to mind such as a free country to do business in, service members across the globe who protect our lives and our freedoms, co-workers and contractors who make our work better.
We are especially thankful though for you – our homeowners.
You’ve allowed us to build your most precious investment. The place where you and your loved ones will gather in this holiday season. A home means so much especially this time of year. Allowing us to be a small part of that experience makes us extremely grateful.
So enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday, whether traveling or home, surrounded by friends and family or quietly with a loved one. And Happy Thanksgiving from all of us.
Here’s a favorite recipe from our family to yours:
Pumpkin Pound Cake
Ingredients
2-1/2 cups sugar
1 cup canola oil
3 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
Confectioners' sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine sugar and oil until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and cloves; add to egg mixture alternately with pumpkin, beating well after each addition.
2. Transfer to a greased 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake 60-65 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Remove pan and cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar.
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Friday, November 16, 2018

Now is the Time to Buy


If you haven’t noticed that the holiday season is in full swing all you need to do is enter one of the many retail locations offering a mix of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas décor. And although it may seem like time is going by at an alarming speed there is still time to get into the home of your dreams for the holidays!
A new home can be great for so many reasons
-        More room for overnight guests
-        Open concept for entertaining
-        Warranty coverage for any unexpected home issues
-        Brand new bathrooms
-        A welcoming entryway just prime for decorating!
-        Walk-in closets, linen closets and extra storage
If you want a new home in time for those Holiday guests and parties, now is the time to buy!  To speed up the financing process obtain pre-approval before making an offer on a new home.  Work with your builder to understand the construction time frame and if it will meet your needs.
A new home is a great way to celebrate the Holidays – so don’t wait!
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Friday, November 9, 2018

Some Perspective on Mortgage Rates


Interest rates are rising and economists predict they will continue through the end of the year. While this can intimidate buyers it is important to keep these increases in perspective. Even if mortgage rates reach 5 percent as predicted this is historically low. Mortgage rates between 1979 and 1990 consistently averaged above 10 percent.
So what does this mean for today’s home buyers?  There are ways you can counter the increase in mortgage rates. If you have the ability, put more money down which will decrease the amount borrowed.
Work on ways to improve your credit where possible. With a credit score above 760 it is possible to get the lowest available interest rate on your home loan.
Already on the market for a new home? Act quickly! With interest rates expected to rise through the end of the year the faster you can lock in your loan and save yourself some money! 

Friday, October 26, 2018

Keep Your Home Germ Free


I’m sure you’ve seen the signs out everywhere – Get Your Flu Shot Here! Flu Shots Available Now!  Flu season officially runs from October to May and while it’s not time to panic, there are things you can do around the house to make your home less hospitable to cold weather germs. Here are a few ideas:
-        Pay special attention to germ hot spots and clean them regularly – this includes the sink, children’s toys, cell phones and door knobs.  Don’t forget the remote contol!
-        Use fans in high humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
-        Wash your sheets, towels and other bedding on high temp every week.
-        Don’t forget to clean ceiling fans, air filters and vacuum to keep the air fresh and free of dust.
-        Be sure to clean your cleaning tools so you aren’t pushing germs around – this includes dust rags, mop heads and sponges.
-        Put the toilet seat down when you flush to keep germs from coming out and landing on other bathroom surfaces. Mop your bathroom floor once a week.
-        Clean the kitchen sink with bleach or vinegar and don’t forget to wipe down the faucet handle.
What tips do you have for keeping your home free of unwanted germs?
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Friday, October 19, 2018

Quality Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail are What We're About

At C and C Builders we are known for our quality craftsmanship and attention to detail which we put in every home we build. Give us a call today to learn more about getting in your new C and C Builders built home. Check out our website candcbuilders.com #newhomescolumbia #newhomebuilders #CandCBuilders

Friday, October 12, 2018

College Football Viewing Party Tips


You may have noticed that along with a slight coolness in the air something else has arrived – college football season! Whether you consider yourself a diehard fan or just enjoy an opportunity to get together with friends this is a great time of year to open up your new home to guests.
Here are a few tips to help you host the ultimate football get together!
1.     Make sure you get the game! Some TV packages carry different schools and some cable companies charge extra if you want to watch something out of the ordinary. You don’t want to get caught without the channel you need!
2.     Think finger foods. People tend to gather in the kitchen and in the living room where the game is playing. Think of foods that are easy to eat while standing up and holding a drink in one hand. Some examples include: chips and dip, pigs in a blanket, sausage balls, pizza bites, veggies and dip, brownies and cookies.
3.     Prioritize comfort! Have lots of pillows for lounging. Move chairs into the room with the television and clear clutter off of end tables or coffee tables.
4.     Think about the bathroom. Have plenty of toilet paper and hand soap. Add a scented candle for an extra touch.
5.     Don’t forget the music. Commercial breaks, half time, there might be opportunities when music is needed for the background.
How do you host a football gameday party?

Friday, October 5, 2018

Make Your Home Smell Like Fall


Finally Fall is in the air! Want to bring some of that Autumn smell inside? Smell is one of the most poignant ways to usher in the season – hence the everything Pumpkin Spice craze!  But you don’t have to go down to your local coffee shop to enjoy the smells of the season.  Here are a few ways to enjoy the smells of Fall right at home!
-        Create a simmer pot and leave it on the stove while you’re home during the day.  Fill a saucepan with water and add in some of your favorite scents. Bring it to a boil and then allow it to simmer, filling with water as needed. Some favorite fall combinations are sliced oranges, cranberries and cloves or apple peels, cinnamon and nutmeg. 

-        Diffuse essential oils for a light and natural Fall fragrance. Popular Fall oils include cedarwood, cinnamon, ginger, sage and vanilla.

-        Look for Fall scented candles or aromatic plug-ins – plentiful this time of year!

-        Make your own potpourri with treasures found on an invigorating Fall nature walk! Look for pine cones, acorns or twigs and then combine with cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and cloves.

-        Create your own scented pine cones by rinsing off pine cones you find around your home and let them soak for an hour. Bake the cones on a foil-lined baking pan for 30 minutes at 200 degrees. Place the pine cones in a gallon Ziploc bag and sprinkle in 30 drops of your favorite fall essential oils. Seal the bag and shake till all the pine cones are coated.  Let the pine cones sit in the bag for a week to really absorb the smell.

-        Maybe the simplest way is to let the Fall air in! Open the windows to get stale air out and fresh air in. Just a few minutes can make a huge difference in how your house feels and smells!

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Understanding Building Codes


If you’re looking into purchasing new construction you may have heard the term “building code” come up in your search.  What does this really mean and how does it apply to you?  Building codes are requirements builders must follow in order to protect public health, safety and general welfare.  This includes construction categories such as building materials, design, fire safety, heating and cooling and energy conservation as examples.
The federal government does not mandate building codes across the country, rather local governments oversee building codes. Codes may vary by location depending on weather, land type and state regulation.
Codes are developed or adopted at the local level and enforced by local authorities.  Multiple parties are involved in code development including public and private sectors of the construction industry, government, consumers and professional trade organizations.
If you have questions about building codes in your area contact your local home building association or code enforcement arm of your local government.
More information can also be found at:

Friday, September 21, 2018

Overlooked Home Maintenance Items


Owning a home is an investment of money and time.  Even new homes require regular maintenance in order to keep up them looking and functioning at their best.  Staying on top of home maintenance now will prevent costly repairs in the future.
Here are a few often overlooked home maintenance items that will prolong the health of your new home.
-        Every three to four months clean the aerator at the end of your faucet

-        Clean out the dryer vent that leads to the outside of the home regularly. Lint can build up and lead to safety hazards as well as problems with the dryer.


-        Change your air filters every month to three months as the filters specify

-        Check under sinks to ensure there are no small leaks


-        Dust fan blades and window blinds

-        Clean refrigerator coils to keep this major appliance working properly

Leading up to fall home maintenance items are important to keep in mind as the weather will be turning cooler. Prepare your home by checking the weather stripping around doors and windows, trim any tree limbs that may be too close to the house and have your fireplace checked before first use.
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