Make your home winter-proof in four steps!

It is winter! The time of year when we look for warmth and coziness at home. Curl up under a blanket on the couch with a good book or a fun series, while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Of course, you prefer to do this in a nice house that is completely winter-proof. Would you like to be extra comfortable this winter? With this 4-step plan, your home is optimally prepared for the winter!

1. Check the roof

Start by inspecting the roof of your home. In autumn the weather is often stormy and a lot of leaves fall. This can cause problems on the roof in winter. Are you going on the roof? Pay particular attention to roof tiles that have blown away or shifted . Autumn storms can blow or crack the lead near the chimneys. Therefore, check the lead connections for cracks and check any clogged gutters . Clean the gutters around your skylights and dormers. Leaves can clog the gutters. Rainwater runs over the edge of the gutter. Repair, repair and clean the roof where necessary to prevent leakage or wood rot in the roof boarding and tile battens.

Tip: Winter showers? Make sure that all rainwater drains continue to function properly. Snow and wind can cause piles of snow and drifting snow, which can cause leakage when the snow melts. Leakage due to drifting snow can never be completely ruled out, but you can do a lot about it yourself. Therefore, make sure that the drains are and remain free and thawed. Do you have a conservatory? Then clear the roof of snow. Where possible, remove snow from roofs, gutters and gutters, but in all cases ensure that this is done safely.

Everything checked? Come back down (carefully!): time for step 2!

2. Pay close attention to ventilation

Done with the first step? Then you can move on to the next point on the checklist: the ventilation system. Good ventilation ensures a healthy indoor climate in your home, all year round. The filters of the heat recovery units in particular require attention; these must be cleaned or replaced regularly. Check the filters of the heat recovery unit: is the filter dark gray or black? Then it needs to be replaced: you can order new filters here. If the color is white or light gray, the filters are still clean and you can leave them in place.

3. Check the smoke detectors in the house

It is wise to regularly check and clean the installations in your home by vacuuming them with a vacuum cleaner and/or blowing them out with compressed air. The smoke detectors in particular require a check every now and then. Most smoke detectors beep when the battery starts to run out, always make sure you have a battery in stock, the smoke detector will only stop the beep once the battery has been replaced. As long as they do not beep, you can assume that they are active. However, it is wise to regularly press the test button: this way you can be sure that the connection works properly and the smoke detectors are properly connected. So safe!

4. Inspect the sanitary facilities in your home

Time for the last step on the checklist: the plumbing! The plumbing in your home is used intensively every day. To keep your sanitary facilities working properly and looking good, it is important to check them regularly. Start by checking the bathroom drains. Check whether dirt has accumulated in the siphon under the sink and in the shower drain. Clean the drains where necessary and put everything back neatly.

Tips: Did you know that it is good to use the large flush button of the toilet regularly? Solely using the small (water-saving) button can cause blockages.

New Construction Homes Builder in Austin, TX

Steve Zbranek from Austin is also the right place for new construction projects. We have 45 years of experience as a custom home builder company and know exactly our strengths. In new Austin custom home builder projects, we like to work together with our chain partners in a LEAN construction process. This combination brings out the best in the construction process and the parties involved; openness and transparency, mutual trust, "doing something for each other" and working more efficiently, resulting in reduced costs and time and a pleasant working atmosphere.

What is chain collaboration in construction?

Chain collaboration is the superlative of working in a construction team. When a client realizes a project through chain collaboration, the pre-selected subcontractors are involved in the project consultation during the preliminary phase, i.e. during planning and price formation.

The “chain” of companies listens to the wishes and requirements of the client and advises him with their years of expertise and know-how. The chain thinks along about the most practical solutions and can even contribute to cost savings.

Better price/quality ratio

In chain collaboration, the objective is to realize a project with the best possible price and quality ratio. The client (also part of the "chain") strives for the best quality at the best price and not at the lowest price (as is often the case with traditional contracting in construction).

The benefits of chain collaboration

Because the “chain” works together from the very first moment of a project, there is great mutual trust between all parties. Trust in each other also pays off in practice.

We work with respect for each other's work, which results in time savings and higher quality. The time savings is due to the fact that we work according to LEAN construction in (especially serial) renovations.

LEAN comes from the automotive industry and is the English word for slim. It literally means “slim construction” and is intended to increase quality and reduce waste and the associated failure costs. In short, when working Lean we strive for higher quality at lower costs.

The project has a better flow because parties can carry out their work in close succession, in a well-thought-out process in advance. Proper preliminary consultation, complete provision of information and analysis of the work to be carried out is essential. This is where the power of chain collaboration comes to the fore. Because the chain partners and specialized contractors are involved in the project and the associated planning from an early stage, they know the ins and outs from the start of the work.

Interested?

The Benefits Of A New Construction Home

Don't just build homes indiscriminately, but listen to the needs of the resident. Everyone has their own wishes.

Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes listens to those wishes; whether it concerns the layout of your future home or which facade you like or don't like.

We also look at how you, as a corporation, investor or developer, can make your housing project as attractive as possible. For now and in the future.

With smart methods and 45 years of experience, we not only build homes but also care centers and schools. Not only new, but also old or a combination thereof.

Even when several functions come together in a building, we do not turn our backs.

New Construction Home

When you have us build a home, you choose the many advantages that new home construction has to offer. For example, new construction is easily 30% more efficient than a home built 20 years ago and a new-build home will be quieter due to good insulation, so you can really relax.

New construction always meets your specific wishes, both in terms of interior and exterior. This way you can enjoy your home to the maximum. At Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes we work with modern equipment and a skilled team to realize what you have in mind.

Our custom home builders Austin professionals know what is best for every new construction project. We create clear expectations, make clear and realistic agreements, deliver on our commitments and keep you consistently informed about your project.

We Think With You From A To Z

Whether it concerns an office, farm or home; At Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes we are happy to think along with you. Let us know your wishes and we will take care of the rest.

We take a lot of worries off your hands and advise you with our expert knowledge about the wide range of possibilities of new construction. We draw up and monitor the construction plans, keep an eye on costs and are your permanent point of contact until completion.

BUILDING A LIFELONG HOME, YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT LIKE THIS BEFORE!

A dream home involves more than the foundation, the house and a top-notch interior. A home only becomes a dream home because of the environment and the people who live there. And if you live in a nice place, you want to enjoy it for as long as possible. Fortunately, this is achievable with a lifelong home!

Austin Custom Home Builder: Turning Your Dream Home Into Reality

In the dynamic and vibrant city of Austin, there's a team of professionals who are dedicated to more than just constructing houses – they're in the business of crafting dream homes. As the leading "Austin Custom Home Builder," their expertise lies not only in bricks and mortar but also in the art of translating your vision into a living reality.

Unveiling Your Vision

The journey from a mere concept to a stunning custom home is an exciting adventure. Austin Custom Home Builder experts begin by actively listening to your desires, understanding your lifestyle, and embracing your aspirations. They acknowledge that each project encapsulates your unique identity and personal story, and their aim is to seamlessly integrate these elements into every facet of your home.

Masters of Architecture

Once the vision is crystal clear, the architectural genius comes into play. Austin Custom Home Builder professionals are armed with an intricate knowledge of architectural trends and styles, perfectly blending contemporary aesthetics with Austin's distinctive charm. Whether your heart leans towards sleek modernism or rustic Hill Country design, these experts can bring architectural plans to life that harmonize with both your dreams and the local environment.

The Art of Design