Bathrooms: We all know that when individuals are looking to purchase a home, they are carefully reviewing how functional and updated the bathrooms are. Bathroom renovations, done right, are a HUGE way to increase the value of your home without a whole lot of money out of pocket. That’s not to say you can’t put a lot of money into it if you wish! Hot bathroom paint colors for 2012 are in pallets of greens and ivories. Add or change tile and use such products as recycled glass, natural stone, porcelain, ceramic or quartz. Think about a beautiful but unusual sink and facet combination! What about a heated towel rack or even heated flooring! All of these things provide a spa feel to one of your most favorite rooms! Don’t wait until you are ready to sell your home to make a change! Do these things NOW so YOU can enjoy them!

Updating the Kitchen: Stainless continues to be the “favorite” in appliances for our kitchens but those “concealed” appliances such as drawer-style refrigerators, microwaves and spice cupboards are also popular and perhaps should be considered in your remodel. Kitchen islands, with a beautiful stone top such as granite, silestone, cesar stone and even concrete, are almost a must-have in any entertaining environment these days! Custom kitchen cabinets and beautiful lighting fixtures give all kitchens warmth and elegance. If getting ready to retire, think about renovating your kitchen with an open concept incorporating easier to reach cabinets!

Outdoor Living Space is HOT. Adding a sunroom or deck complete with an outdoor kitchen, internet access, television and sound capabilities will really give your home a whole new floor plan with additional (and comfortable) living space for family and friends to gather. These types of spaces can be as inexpensive or expensive as you desire! Home entertaining is HUGE! A perfect place to have your family and friends just might be what you need! Don’t forget a possible “water” or “fire” feature to add ambiance!

The House Carpenters and/or Chestnut Bay Cabinets welcome the opportunity to work with you and/or your designer/architect to create that special space in the most important “place” in your life—your home! Call Us Today!

The Bishopric Companies
1112 Main Street, Unit 18
Osterville, MA 02655
508-420-3165

To assist in preparing the outside of your home for the upcoming season, consider the following items:

Roof: Have your roof inspected for winter damage such as leaks and missing or broken shingles or tiles. Remember the flashing, eaves, and soffits. Inspect rafters for water stains. Examine the siding under roof eaves, and the ceilings in the rooms below, for water or discoloration, indications that ice dams might have created leaks along the roof edge. Inspect the roof for cracked, curled, or missing shingles. Note: Asphalt shingles typically last 20 years.

Gutters and downspouts: Clean out gutters. Inspect and repair weaknesses and check for proper drainage. Clear gutters of debris and check them for corrosion, joint separation, and loose fasteners. Flush out downspouts and unclog leader pipes.

Siding and trim: Inspect and clean siding. Does the house need pressure-washed? Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. Check for loose nails.

Exterior caulking: Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Caulk any leaks or cracks in basement walls and seal.

Windows and Door Screens: – Label and store removable storm windows and doors. Be sure to clean all windows and repair or replace any damaged screens. Repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers. Is this the year you wish to replace your old and inefficient windows with energy efficient windows?

Decks and Outside Stairs: Look for water stains where the deck ties to the house. Ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay, weakening the deck structure and the house. Rid your deck of moss and mold. Pressure washers are a great tool.

Yard cleanup: Remove all debris from the yard. Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from flowerbeds and lawn. Cut back and trim vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures. Inspect trees for broken branches and if needed, hire a professional to remove branches out of reach. Begin spring landscaping projects.

Cracked Pavement/Driveway: Repair cracks in the driveway and paths before weeds take up residence. Home centers sell patching materials and fillers designed for asphalt and concrete surfaces. Or, is this the year that you need to repave?

Paint: Are there areas which need painting? Trim? Porch? Have you been thinking about a new color pallet?

Air Conditioning System: Disconnect electric power to the outdoor condenser on your air conditioner and clear it of leaves and debris with a vent brush, power blower, garden hose, or the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. If the cooling fins are exposed, be careful not to bend them. Vacuum the grille and register inside the home to ensure good airflow. And change your furnace filter

Sprinkler System: Check the system for leaky valves and exposed lines. Also, ensure that it is working properly!

Security Systems: Check all windows and doors to be sure they close and lock property. If you have an alarm system, is it functioning properly?

Pests: Check for termites and insects – Call exterminator if needed.

Well Water: If you have well water, have the water tested for safety.
Our House Carpenters are a professional staff fully insured and certified not only for your annual maintenance but also for any custom project you are thinking about! You never have to worry about liabilities when you hire us for even the smallest home improvement projects or our annual Home Care Program – perfect for second-home owners who live miles away and need reliable services year-around at the best prices.

For more information visit The House Carpenters at www.bishopriccompanies.com and look under Home Improvements or call us directly at 866-245-2027.