Learn how to protect your new home and loved ones from wildfire danger!

Wildfire in California is a very real possibility, so it’s important to take steps to help prepare your home and property as much as possible. Whether you have a new build, an older home you love, or you’re still in the planning stages, you’ve put countless hours into caring for your home and you’ll want to protect it as much as possible. To help you do that, we’ve put together a list of fire safety resources and suggestions to help you protect your most precious investments: your life, and your loved ones, and your home.

During the planning stage

Do you want to have a wildfire–prepared home? Talk to Trilogy! We build every house according to Wildlife Urban Interface (WUI) building requirements. 

If you’d like to apply for an Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) certificate, we can help you with that, too. You’ll automatically get the IBHS “base” plan, and we’ll go over the optional “plus” plan and its costs. Then you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve done all you can to create home hardening protections.

Before Move-in

• Get fire insurance. Wildfires are a part of life in Butte County, so make sure your house is insured. 
• Make copies of important documents. No matter where you live, you should always have digital copies and extra paper copies to include in your go-bag in case you have to evacuate. This includes your insurance policy, IDs, prescriptions, and anything else you might need. 
• Back up your photo memories. Have irreplaceable photographs? Scan and save them.

After Move-in

• Create defensible space. Remove flammable debris from your yard, trim trees, and get rid of dry leaves, grasses, and other combustible landscaping. 
• Harden your home. This means using fire-resistant materials for your home and firewise landscaping around it—like replacing wooden decks and fencing with non-combustible materials. 
• Do regular maintenance. Get in the habit of doing tasks like pruning, cleaning your gutters, and raking your leaves to maintain your defensible space. Learn about hazardous fuel management to make a difference on your property and in your community!

Important Fire Safety Resources in Butte County

One of the most important things you can do to be ready for wildfires is to familiarize yourself with all the fire safety resources Butte County has to offer. These organizations can assist you and your loved ones before and in the event of an emergency.

• Be Ready, Butte! This community-based initiative helps Butte County prepare for destructive wildfires through awareness, education, and mutual support.
• Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Use this interactive map to see which zone your property is located within.
• Code Red/Alert FM. Butte County residents can register for emergency alerts sent via the FM radio network in a crisis. 
• Firewise communities. Learn how to make the area you live in a safer place by joining together with your new neighbors. 
• Butte Fire Safe Council. This non-profit community organization helps provide fire mitigation and recovery services to Butte County. 
• Butte 211. Butte County residents can dial 2-1-1 anytime to get connected with free community resources.

Get a list of resources ready

Whether you’re building now or in the future, it’s important to keep a list of fire safety resources in Butte County on hand before, during, and after your build. Having fire resources for Paradise, Chico, and the surrounding towns is essential for the safety of everyone in your new neighborhood and our community as a whole.

For more information on how to build a wildfire-prepared home with Trilogy, contact us today!

Trilogy’s got tips for renos and new builds!

For better or worse, cleaner or dirtier, the laundry room is one of the most-used rooms in the house.

Are you looking to make your everyday clothes-washing routine a bit easier? We’ve got some suggestions to help you create the best space for all your washing and drying needs. Check out these laundry room ideas for building or renovating.

Things to consider:

• Layout. What’s the best use of the room’s space? If it’s high traffic, stackable or tucked-away appliances might be your best bet. Or, if you have oodles of laundry, you might want an island in the middle of the room so you can fold clothes with ease. Take building and design specifications into consideration, like how much or little space you have, and where the appliances, cabinets, shelves, etc. should go. 

• Frequency of Use. Does it feel like you spend more time in the laundry room than in your bed? If so, make sure you design a useful, comfortable (hello, cute chair or folding stool), and welcoming space. If you’re in there less frequently, you can shift the focus to a different area. 

• Budget. How much do you have to spend on your laundry room? New appliances can add up fast, so calculate your budget carefully before you donate your old washer or head to the hardware store. 

• Floor. When choosing flooring, pick the right type for your household’s needs. Are you a large family in need of durable flooring because it’s a high-traffic area prone to spills? Or a solo single who prefers a show-stopping floor mural to wow your company?

Add-ons:

• Pull-out laundry drying rack. If you’d rather your wet clothes hang out in your laundry room rather than all over the house, try a custom pull-out laundry drying rack for your laundry room. It folds back into a cabinet when not in use! 

• Folding board. If you find yourself folding a lot of clothes, you might want to consider a dedicated folding board on top of your machines. If they’re too tall, you could use a countertop or island, or hang a butcher-block-style bar just for this chore. 

• Cabinets. Need extra storage space for your detergent, wool dryer balls, and other laundry paraphernalia? Cabinets are a great solution for corralling and hiding your items. 

• Shelving. Whether you use shelves to hold your laundry accessories, décor, or both, they can be a welcome addition to any laundry room. 

• Sink. Got heavy-duty laundry items you need to rinse before throwing them in the wash? Consider installing a sink! It’s perfect for rinsing paw-print-covered coats (we see you, dog owners) or other muddy items.

Design Tips

• Décor. Who says a laundry room has to be all function and no fun? Not us! Beautify your walls with some pretty framed prints or original art, place some cute souvenirs on your shelving, and add a houseplant or two. It’ll help make the space more welcoming.

• Paint. Find the perfect paint in a fun color like rose, buttercup, or sea glass green to adorn your laundry room walls. You can also give existing cabinets an instant update by repainting them a modern hue with luxe-looking hardware in brass or black. 

• Tile. It’s not just for floors! Try tiles above your washer and dryer or as a backsplash paired with cabinets.

• Wallpaper. Welcome some whimsy into the room by opting for a fun tropical print or cheery pattern. If you’re paper-shy, opt for one solo statement wall! 

• Rugs. Laundry rooms are often overlooked as an opportunity for rug placement. But they’re actually a perfect spot for a solid one underfoot. Feeling fancy? Try a runner! 

• Lighting. The right lighting can transform a space—not just by adding more light, but also as a statement piece. Think large pendant lamps, antique wall sconces, and other fixtures with personality.

Make your laundry loads more fun by incorporating some of these suggestions into your next remodel or new home build! And if you’re looking to step into a Palisades Home or a custom-built Trilogy residence, we can work these laundry room ideas and more into your design. Talk to us today to find out how!

The best home prep for the worst kinds of weather

Ah, winter. It’s often an unpredictable time for both temperature and precipitation. Windy, rainy, and sunny, all in one day? Totally possible, especially in Butte County! 

But while you can’t control what the season does from one day to the next, there’s some practical prep you can do to get your property ready and keep it safe from the elements. Whether you have a custom or semi-custom Palisades house, Trilogy’s winter home maintenance tips will help you prepare your home for the season!

Trilogy’s Essential Winter Home Maintenance Tips

Indoor

• Change your HVAC filters. Make sure to start winter off with a fresh filter! Not only will it produce cleaner air, but it’ll also make your system run more efficiently so you’ll save on energy bills.

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. ‘Tis the season for burning candles and lighting fireplaces. But before you do, check your detectors to ensure they’re working properly and can alert you in the event of an unplanned fire!

• Seal or caulk around your windows and doors. This will help keep the cold air out and the hot air in (and help lower those energy bills, too).

• Rotate your ceiling fans. Yes, really! Switching the direction of your fans to spin counterclockwise will stir up warm air (which is especially helpful for those with vaulted ceilings). Be sure to add switching them back to clockwise to your summer home maintenance list!

• Inspect insulation. Head up to your attic to check for any gaps or missing insulation. And while you’re up there, make sure you’ve got the right insulation for your home, too. Having the correct type, thickness, and coverage can make all the difference in your home’s efficiency and heating bills!

Outdoor

• Check your warranties. From your roof to your HVAC system, it’s important to understand what items are still under warranty and which you need to tackle yourself in case you need any repairs or replacements this season.

• Get a chimney inspection and cleaning. If you have a wood stove or fireplace, it’s critical to have it serviced by a pro before using it each season to remove dangerous creosote build-up, which could start a fire.

• Clean your gutters. While it’s best to do this during your fall home maintenance, it’s better late than never. Debris-filled gutters can clog and flood your yard, or even freeze during ultra-cold nights. If you get a mid-winter dry spell, they’re also great tinder for wildfire embers.

• Trim trees and shrubs. On wild and windy days, the last thing you need is dead tree or shrub branches becoming projectile objects. The best time to prune back is fall, but now’s the time to take care of those winter stragglers and dead trees and bushes.

• Cover fragile plants. If you have any delicate flowers or warm-weather-loving citrus, help keep them cozy this season by wrapping them in burlap or other covers. Give them extra attention in a few months by adding fertilizer according to your spring home maintenance checklist!

Home protection for every season

At Trilogy, we don’t just build houses, we build homes. And we care about making yours last, which is why we’ve made a home maintenance checklist for every season. By following these suggestions, you’ll increase the lifespan of your residence and can avoid costly surprise repairs.

Don’t “fall” behind on seasonal prep! 

Woof! What’s that? Why, it’s the sound of the dog days of summer finally departing. And while some homeowners celebrate the change of seasons, others dread the winter weather ahead. Don’t let the appearance of pumpkins turn you into a grumpkin. Get ready for autumn with the help of our helpful fall home maintenance guide.  

Trilogy’s Fall Home Maintenance Guide

1. Yard cleanup. Does the arrival of fall mean you should rid your yard of debris? You better be-leaf it! Otherwise, dead branches, dry leaves, and other flammable natural materials can increase the risk of fires. 
2. Trim trees. Give your shrubs and trees a good trim. It’ll help prevent loose branches from blowing around and potentially causing damage.  
3. Landscaping. While this may seem like a summer home maintenance item, autumn is a great time to plan next year’s garden. Look ahead to a sunnier season, and plant things for spring! Just make sure to use drought-resistant and firewise landscaping. 
4. Roof repair. Nobody likes leaks! Make sure your roof is in tip-top shape before the autumn rain storms begin. Fix any loose shingles or other issues before bad weather wreaks havoc with any weak spots.
5. Fireplace cleaning and inspection. If you have a fireplace or woodstove, it’s critical to get it cleaned and inspected before you use it this season. Otherwise, creosote builds up and can cause dangerous chimney fires.  
6. Sealant. Got cracks? Check around windows and doors, then get those suckers sealed before the cold winds start blowing! It’ll keep your house snug as a bug in a rug (and help lower your heating bill, too). 
7. Heater inspection. Speaking of keeping the house toasty and warm, get your HVAC/heat pump/heating system inspected before you need it. You know what’s worse than cold winter temps outside? Cold winter temps inside because of a broken heater! 
8. Switch your ceiling fan direction. Did you know you’re supposed to reverse your fan’s direction in the summer and fall? It should be spinning counterclockwise in the summer to keep your home cooler, and clockwise in the autumn to keep your home warmer. 

Don’t fall behind on home maintenance 

At Trilogy, we know autumn is the time to get cozy at home. But before you disappear into hibernation with your Snuggie and a bag of spiced apple donuts, spend some quality time getting your abode prepped for the season. Why? It’s important to get into the habit of performing seasonal home maintenance to protect your property and the value of your house. 

But if you’re not yet in your dream home and interested in building it, we can help! Contact Trilogy to see how we can make your vision a reality. 

Trilogy’s done our homework so you don’t have to!

It’s baaack. That’s right, parents: it’s back-to-school time! The good news is, Trilogy’s here to help. We know many of you have been running a marathon through malls for Barbie-pink clothes and Spider-Man-adorned gear and have no energy left to prep anything else…like your living spaces. 

Luckily, Trilogy’s done the house homework so you don’t have to! Years of experience mean we’re at the top of our class on the subject of refreshing and reorganizing homes. Here’s our list of ways to rethink the rooms in your home for maximum workability during the school year. 

⬜ Make your closets multitask. Got a Storage Closet of Shame crammed with stuff you’re trying to forget about? Clear it out and convert it to a mini office with a desk perfect for small spaces.

⬜ Explore alternative desk options. If you don’t have a closet to spare but are tired of cleaning the kids’ glitter off the dining room table, you have a number of options. Try mini-lap tables or standing desks to suit your needs and situation, from homeschooling to hybrid models and beyond. There are even Murphy-bed-like hideaway desks, able to fold up discreetly when not holding laptops or homework. 

⬜ Create a mobile work station. If your kids migrate from room to room when they do homework, get a rolling caddy filled with their supplies. By corralling their art and school supplies in a cart designed to move with them, they can get to work right away instead of going on a scavenger hunt before every assignment.

⬜ Store smart! Use specialty designs for your home to make the most of storage space by utilizing different surfaces. For example, you can designate a cubby filled with baskets to store art and school supplies. Or if you can’t sacrifice valuable floor real estate, try hanging hooks and woven baskets on the wall to fill with supplies for a stylish and functional design. 

⬜ Refresh your paint palette by changing colors for the new school season. Certain warm colors promote wellness, and cool tones can enhance learning. Plus, it’s always nice to change up the scenery after a long summer with everyone home! 

⬜ Update your entryway. And while you’re at it, organize the mudroom to be more efficient. Streamline the get-up-and-go process before school by having everything you and the kids need handy. For example, have a cubby with pens for permission slips, hair brushes, phone chargers, extra socks, etc. Even adding a long entryway table to line up the daily essentials for the kids like homework, lunches, and school projects can be a big help—because they’ll know their stuff is always in one spot! 

⬜ Take command of your cabinets. One of the best gifts you can give yourself this school year is to prep the pantry. Declutter so school lunch items are easy to locate and pack. Bonus points for stocking the shelves with healthy snacks!  

⬜ Search for new ideas. Find inspiration on Houzz or Pinterest for even more creative solutions to make your home as functional as it is beautiful!  

Ace your back-to-school home update

After over five decades in the business, Trilogy gets extra credit with our clients by helping them design a fun, functional, and kid-friendly home ready for the school year. If you’re ready to update your home or build a new one, get in touch with us today. 

The top tasks to keep your home in tip-top shape

School’s out, and you know what’s in? Summer house maintenance! While it may feel like you just got done with spring cleaning, it’s equally important to take care of certain chores this season, too. Tackle them before the dog days of summer set in and your motivation deflates like a duck-shaped pool floatie in the heat. Why? Doing these critical tasks can help maintain your home’s value, safety, and enjoyment year-round. 

Trilogy’s Summer House Maintenance Checklist 

The phrase “summer cleaning” might not be the first thing you think of when planning fun activities this time of year. But it’s just as important as your Pickleball championship game, promise! And luckily, Trilogy’s put together a short list of the greatest seasonal home maintenance tips so you don’t have to. 

In addition to helping your home look and perform its best for years to come, these tips could even save you money! Feeling inspired now? We’ve divided them into indoor and outdoor areas, so you can focus on each one at your own pace. Grab your favorite cleaning and repair supplies, and get ready to go! 

Outdoors

⬜ Check your exterior dryer vent for debris. Remove any so your machine can work more efficiently and use less energy (saving you money!). Also, too much lint buildup there can start fires, so it’s an important safety task to do regularly. 

⬜ Give your yard some summer-loving care! Weed and remove any dry vegetation so plants have room to breathe and grow. 

⬜ Check the sealants around your windows and doors. Proper seals help keep the cool air in and lower your AC costs.

⬜ Repair, stain, or paint your decks and patios. This will improve their appearance and make them safer for everyone this season. 

⬜ Fix your fences. Keep pets and people in, and wild critters out. 

⬜ Mend window screens. Fix any holes to keep pesky pests from sneaking indoors. 

⬜ Maintain your pool. Clogged pumps can lead to all kinds of water damage and plumbing issues, not to mention a breeding ground for mosquitos!  

Outdoor Pro Tips: 

Pick water-wise, drought-friendly, fire-safe plants for your yard. Avoid planting ones that require oodles of water! 

Be water-smart. Don’t water at 1 p.m. during the hottest part of the afternoon when it’ll immediately evaporate. Give your plants a good drink in the morning instead. 

Technology is your friend! Install water-saving devices to automatically save water and money. Also, ensure there are no drips or leaks since they can damage wood, flooring, and insulation. You’ll save money on your water bill, and you won’t need to set reminders to water, especially if you use a timing system. 

Indoors

⬜ Change water filters. Remember, we drink more in the summer when it’s hot! Make sure the H₂O you’re sipping is clean and clear. 

⬜ Clean your kitchen oven vent and bathroom fans. This will keep them running smoothly when in use and help prevent breakdowns. 

⬜ Clean your lint trap in your dryer. It’ll run better and save energy and money on electric bills.

⬜ Clean your washing machine. Yes, even the machines cleaning your clothes need a good clean from time to time! Run a hot cycle with a cup of vinegar to get rid of grime, and then wipe the inside down when it’s done. 

⬜ Clean your dishwasher. Remove mold and mildew from the inside with a damp cloth and clean food residue from the filter. And similar to the washing machine, you can run an empty cycle with a glass dish full of cleaning vinegar. 

⬜ Dust your ceiling fans. Clean the blades so they’re not moving dust around the room when in use. 

Indoor Pro Tips:

Shut the blinds and windows in the morning to keep the cool air in. Bonus: this tactic also protects your carpet, floors, and furniture from sun damage! 

Consider getting window tinting and UV protection for your windows to keep more of the sun’s harmful rays out. 

Keep Your Home Healthy

Dedicate a day (or two!) to these summer house maintenance tasks, and you’ll be set for the season. Then you can get back to the business of BBQing, sipping raspberry lemonade, and watching some of Butte County’s stunning sunsets from your backyard. And if you want expert advice for building a new custom or semi-custom home, contact us at Trilogy. We’re always happy to share our 50+ years of experience in the industry with our clients!