Preparing for Heat and Hurricanes
As we look ahead to the hottest three months of the year, it’s important to remember that extreme temperatures—cold and heat—can take a toll on our homes. Below we’ve pulled together five simple strategies to mitigate the impact of summer Texas temps.
Service your air conditioning unit. Change your filters if needed. Schedule a tune-up (if you haven’t already) to get ahead of any issues before the heat of the summer arrives.
Keep window coverings drawn and consider using small appliances such as toaster ovens to make it easier for your air conditioner to cool your home.
Check your sprinkler system and replace broken sprinkle heads.
To ensure your home can withstand heavy downpours this summer, clear your gutters of debris.
Prepare for Hurricane Season, which officially begins on June 1. Be sure to read our full guide to Readying Your Home for Hurricane Season.
Fresh and Clean for Spring
Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in the books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.
-Martin Luther
Springtime is here, and the new season has ushered in warmer temperatures, the budding of plants, the making of plans, and of course Easter. As we look ahead with joy in the spirit of vitality, we’re sharing three things we’re doing to freshen up our home and make room for all that is to come!
With gratitude,
Carroll and Jeff Patrizi and your CAM team
Declutter
Spring is the best time to purge, donate, and reorganize. Take your three most cluttered spaces (think the pesky junk drawer, your overstuffed coat closet, the catch-all utility shed) and tackle one each week.
Prone-to-Procrastination Tasks
Clear gutters of debris and leaves to prevent damage to your roof and siding. Give your stove hood filter a good scrub to remove all the grime accumulated in the winter months. Check and change your water and ice filters.
Clear Surfaces
Pare bookshelves, coffee tables, bedside tables, and desks down to essential objects and meaningful keepsakes.
Photo by Dennis DeSilva · Architecture by John Dazey · Interior design by the home’s talented owner
December Notes
For the greatest, most profound, tenderest things in the world, we must wait.
—Dietrich Bonhoeffer
We pray that your December is full of light, love, and joy.
With gratitude,
Carroll and Jeff Patrizi and your CAM team
Now until Dec 27 | Alley Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
Screen this free, digital, highly inventive adaptation of the Dickens classic from the comfort of home.
Now until Dec 19 | Stearman Santa Fly-in at the Lone Star Flight Museum
Welcome Santa as he arrives in a Stearman airplane. Guests can be photographed with Santa and make ornaments!
Now until Dec 20 | Houston Symphony presents Very Merry Pops
Enjoy this iconic annual concert featuring treasured carols and holiday favorites. In-person (socially distanced) and livestream tickets are available.
Dec 16 | The Muppet Christmas Carroll at Market Square Park
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a free screening of this family friendly holiday classic.
Now until Jan 10 | Zoo Lights
Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the beautiful Houston Zoo grounds and take in the sights and sounds of the season.
Dec 25 | Christmas
Gather with loved ones, sing carols and hymns, watch White Christmas, open gifts, enjoy a festive meal—whatever your holiday rituals are, may they be full of laughter and joy.
Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God's own love and concern.
—Mother Theresa
A candle is a small thing. But one candle can light another. And see how its own light increases, as a candle gives its flame to the other. You are such a light.
—Moshe Davis
CAM Wins GHBA Prism Award
We’re honored to be the recipient of Greater Houston Builder’s Association’s 2020 Houston’s Best Prism Award in the Whole House Renovation category. Our winning project encompassed:
the construction of an addition to blend seamlessly with the original house structure.
the renovation of the existing kitchen to include top-of-the-line appliances.
an extensive modification of the facade with new windows and doors, lime-washed brick, specialty paint from Belgium, and a gorgeous slate roof.
master carpentry craftsmanship to update the fireplace, stairwell, and master bath.
The result is a beautiful, ultra-livable dream home for our clients. To learn more about GHBA’s Prism Awards, visit their website.