10 Questions to Ask a Potential Contractor

Spring has finally sprung! The days are longer, the flowers are blooming, and there's a fresh sense of possibility in the air. It's the perfect time to give your home the attention it deserves after the long, cold months of winter. Not only is spring cleaning important for tidying up your living space, but it’s also an essential time to tackle those maintenance tasks that help ensure your home stays in top shape all year long. At Higher Point General Contracting, we're here to help you with some key spring maintenance reminders to keep your home safe, efficient, and comfortable. 1. Inspect Your Roof Winter can take a toll on your roof, from snow and ice to harsh winds. Now that the weather is warmer, take a good look at your roof to ensure there’s no damage. Look for missing or cracked shingles, leaks, or areas where moisture may have seeped through. If you’re not comfortable getting up there yourself, it’s worth having a professional roof inspection to catch any hidden issues before they turn into costly repairs. 2. Clean Your Gutters Clogged gutters are a common cause of water damage to homes, especially during the spring rain showers. Remove any debris from your gutters, including leaves, twigs, and dirt, and check for proper drainage. It’s a good idea to inspect downspouts as well, ensuring they’re not clogged and that water flows freely away from your foundation. 3. Examine the Exterior As you move through your spring cleaning routine, don’t forget to inspect the exterior of your home. Look for cracks in the siding, peeling paint, or signs of wear and tear from the elements. Touching up paint and sealing any cracks can help protect your home from further damage and keep it looking its best. If you notice any damage that may require repair, now’s the time to address it before the summer heat makes the job more difficult. 4. HVAC Maintenance Your HVAC system has been working hard throughout the winter months, and it's time to give it a little TLC. Start by replacing the air filters to ensure better air quality and system efficiency. Consider scheduling a professional HVAC inspection to check for any underlying issues, such as leaks or worn-out components. This will help ensure your air conditioning system runs smoothly when the warmer months hit. 5. Check Your Windows and Doors Spring is the perfect time to check the seals around your windows and doors. Over the winter, drafts may have formed, leading to higher energy bills. Inspect the caulking around windows and doors for cracks or gaps and re-seal them if necessary. It’s also a good time to clean your windows, inside and out, to maximize natural light and enhance your view of the changing season. 6. Clear the Lawn and Outdoor Areas Your lawn and outdoor spaces need some attention after months of cold weather. Start by clearing away any leaves, dead plants, or debris that has accumulated. If you have a deck or patio, pressure wash it to remove dirt, mold, and grime. This not only makes the space look refreshed but also helps prevent damage over time. Check for any loose deck boards or railings, and address any issues now before you start enjoying the outdoors. 7. Inspect Your Plumbing With spring rains on the way, it’s a good idea to inspect your plumbing for leaks or issues. Check all exposed pipes for signs of rust, corrosion, or leaks, and test your water pressure. If you notice anything unusual, it’s important to address it before it leads to bigger issues, such as flooding or water damage. 8. Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Safety should always be a priority. Take a few minutes to test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace batteries and ensure they are functioning properly. This is a simple but crucial step that can save lives in case of an emergency. 9. Organize Your Storage Spaces While you’re deep cleaning your home, it’s also a great time to organize closets, basements, garages, and attics. Decluttering your storage spaces not only makes it easier to find what you need but also prevents excess weight on shelves or other storage solutions that may not be up to the task. Proper organization can also give you more space to store seasonal items and keep your home neat and tidy. 10. Prepare for Future Projects If you’ve been considering any home improvement projects, spring is the perfect time to plan ahead. Whether it’s remodeling a bathroom, updating the kitchen, or building an outdoor living space, now is when the weather is warming up, and the possibilities are endless. If you need help with any contracting or home improvement projects, Higher Point General Contracting is here to assist with planning, design, and execution. Spring maintenance is an essential part of keeping your home in great shape year-round. With a little effort, you can ensure that your home is comfortable, efficient, and safe. If you need professional help with any of these tasks, from roof repairs to exterior maintenance or even a full renovation, don’t hesitate to reach out to Higher Point General Contracting. We’re here to help you maintain your home and make it the best it can be! Happy Spring! 🌸

The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, but in 2025, it’s more than just a place to prepare meals—it’s an area for gathering, working, and relaxing. As homeowners continue to prioritize comfort, convenience, and style, kitchen design trends have evolved to reflect these changing needs. Whether you’re planning a full remodel or just a few updates, here are the kitchen trends in 2025 that you’ll want to consider for your next project. 1. Sustainable Materials Take Center Stage As sustainability becomes increasingly important to homeowners, the trend toward eco-friendly materials is stronger than ever. In 2025, we're seeing more kitchens incorporating natural materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled stone for countertops. Energy-efficient appliances, low-flow faucets, and LED lighting are also part of the sustainable design movement. The goal is to create a kitchen that’s not only stylish and functional but also environmentally conscious. For countertops, quartz continues to dominate, but with an emphasis on recycled content and earth-friendly production processes. Recycled glass and terrazzo surfaces are also gaining traction, offering a unique look that’s both durable and sustainable. 2. Bold and Contrasting Colors In 2025, kitchen color palettes are getting bolder and more dramatic. While neutrals like whites, grays, and beiges will always be popular, expect to see deep blues, forest greens, and rich earth tones making their way into cabinetry, backsplashes, and even appliances. These hues are being paired with contrasting tones—think navy cabinetry with brass hardware or emerald green cabinets against white countertops. Another fun trend is two-tone kitchens, where upper and lower cabinets are painted in complementary but different shades. It adds depth and visual interest while keeping the space grounded in modern sophistication. 3. Smart Kitchens with Cutting-Edge Technology Technology is increasingly playing a central role in kitchen design. The "smart kitchen" is no longer a futuristic dream—it’s a present-day reality. Homeowners are embracing technology to enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and even safety in the kitchen. From voice-activated faucets and touchless appliances to smart refrigerators that can create shopping lists or suggest recipes based on ingredients you have, technology is making life easier. Another standout innovation is smart lighting systems, which allow you to adjust the mood and ambiance of your kitchen with a simple voice command or mobile app. Integration with other smart home devices, such as thermostats and security cameras, ensures that your kitchen is as connected as the rest of your home. 4. Open Shelving and Minimalist Designs Open shelving continues to be a popular trend in 2025, as it not only adds an air of modernity but also makes it easier to access kitchen essentials. Many homeowners are opting to replace traditional cabinets with floating shelves, allowing them to showcase stylish cookware, glassware, and decorative pieces. This trend pairs well with minimalist design principles, which focus on clean lines, simple shapes, and an uncluttered look. However, while open shelving offers a fresh, airy feel, it also requires a commitment to organization. The trend works best for homeowners who are willing to maintain a streamlined, tidy space where every item is intentionally displayed. 5. Multifunctional Spaces and Layouts With more people working from home, the kitchen is evolving into a multifunctional space that serves as a hub for cooking, socializing, and even working. Homeowners are increasingly investing in kitchen islands and breakfast bars that double as workstations. These spaces are designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, offering plenty of room for meal prep, homework sessions, or casual meetings. Open-concept kitchens are also gaining popularity, allowing for seamless integration with living and dining areas. This setup fosters a sense of togetherness, making the kitchen a perfect place for family gatherings and entertaining guests. 6. Statement Lighting Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a bold statement in your kitchen, and in 2025, it’s all about dramatic, oversized light fixtures. Pendant lights are making a comeback, but they’re now larger and more sculptural. Bold chandeliers or artistic ceiling fixtures can become the focal point of your kitchen, adding a touch of elegance and modern flair. Under-cabinet lighting remains a popular choice for task lighting, but now it's being incorporated into custom cabinetry to create a soft, ambient glow that enhances the overall aesthetic. Whether it’s recessed lighting or LED strips, well-placed lighting can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. 7. Integrated Appliances and Hidden Storage In 2025, sleek, integrated appliances are the norm. Dishwashers, refrigerators, and even microwaves are being concealed behind custom cabinetry to create a more cohesive, streamlined look. The aim is to create a kitchen that feels open and uncluttered, where the appliances blend into the background rather than dominate the space. In addition to integrated appliances, hidden storage solutions are becoming more sophisticated. Pull-out pantries, deep drawers for pots and pans, and pull-out spice racks are just a few examples of how homeowners are maximizing storage in their kitchens. These clever solutions help maintain a tidy, organized space without sacrificing style. 8. High-Performance, Commercial-Style Kitchens For those who love to cook, the rise of commercial-style kitchens continues in 2025. Expect to see professional-grade appliances like large-capacity refrigerators, double ovens, and 48-inch ranges becoming more common in home kitchens. These high-performance appliances are not only built to last but also provide the functionality that serious home cooks crave. With this trend, homeowners are opting for sleek, modern designs that evoke the professional kitchens of top chefs. Stainless steel finishes, heavy-duty cooking equipment, and oversized ranges give the kitchen a polished, industrial look while maintaining a high level of practicality. Conclusion The kitchen trends of 2025 highlight a blend of functionality, sustainability, and creativity. Whether you’re embracing smart technology, bold colors, or multifunctional layouts, the goal is to create a kitchen that enhances both your lifestyle and your home’s overall aesthetic. At Higher Point General Contracting, we’re excited to bring these trends to life in your next kitchen renovation project. With our expertise and attention to detail, we’ll work with you to craft a space that is not only beautiful but also tailored to your needs and style. Ready to bring your dream kitchen to life? Contact us today to get started on your next renovation project!