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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.
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!
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
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.
Trim trees. Give your shrubs and trees a good trim. It’ll help prevent loose branches from blowing around and potentially causing damage.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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!
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.
If you grew up watching Sesame Street as a child, you may recall the recurring song “The people in your neighborhood.” In this sweet little ditty, the main singer asks a second person about the people you meet outside your home. The tune imagines the various residents, the jobs they do, and what makes them happy.
And while the song is decades old, it’s a great reminder today to be a good neighbor and homeowner to the people in your neighborhood. Wondering where to start? Luckily, Trilogy has had over 50 years of experience learning how to be a good neighbor and builder. Check out some of our suggestions on the topic below!
Here’s how to be a favorite neighbor by taking care of:
Home Clearance and Fences.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Good fences make good neighbors.” It’s true! But if you’re going to build a new one, it’s a smart idea to check in with your neighbors before you start digging holes. Make sure you understand where the property lines are so you don’t encroach on their yard or cut off some important view. The same goes with home clearance—nobody wants part of someone else’s roof carport or other structure overhanging their space.
Landscaping.
Does anyone ever want their house to be known as the neighborhood eyesore? Ensure your yard isn’t an overgrown jungle where raccoons reenact their version of the Hunger Games. Keep it mowed and tidy to prevent weeds from flourishing and sending pesky weed seeds into your neighbors’ yards. And while you’re at it, consider putting in firewise landscaping. It’ll help protect your home and contribute to your street looking its best!
Noise levels.
Okay, so say you’ve built a brand spankin’ new fence and are patting yourself on the back for creating more privacy for both you and your neighbors. Don’t forget: even if you have a fence, people can still hear you. While you may prefer to start your day at 6 am with water aerobics in your pool or a good old leaf-blowing session, your neighbors might not appreciate it. Remember to keep noise levels at a respectful level.
Security.
Another way to be a good neighbor is to think about the safety of your home in relation to people who live in the area. Keep your property well-lit outdoors and install motion-activated lights (just be mindful you don’t have a floodlight shining into your neighbor’s bedroom.) If you live in a gated community, don’t give out the gate code to just anyone. Be watchful and discuss suspicious activity with the other neighbors to help make your area a safer place.
Bonus: Cookies!
Ever since Ruger’s brush with literary fame after he wrote about a dog’s day in the life at Trilogy for our blog, he’s been giving the humans “advice” whenever we sit down to write. Our resident canine coworker is a big fan of cookies (the moo-flavored kind) and strongly suggested this as a top tip to be a good neighbor. And you know what? We agree. There’s nothing nicer than a plate of warm cookies to bring people together or welcome new ones to the neighborhood. So without further ado, we’ve got two cookie recipes for your two-legged and four-legged neighbors.
A pinch of sea salt to sprinkle over the top of each cookie
Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and heat the oven to 325°F.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, and stir slowly until it caramelizes. When you see brown flecks and smell a rich, nutty flavor, remove it from the heat and pour it into a bowl to cool. Then, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
Combine the ingredients in both bowls, mixing well.
Use a small scoop or your hands to shape small cookies on the cookie sheet, and then sprinkle a bit of sea salt over top of each.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Ruger’s Favorite Pupalicious Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe (for dogs, adapted from Flora and Vino)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, or oat flour
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large ripe banana (or 2 medium bananas), smashed
Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to 350°F.
If you’re using whole oats instead of oat flour, blitz the oatmeal in a blender until it has the consistency of flour.
In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter and bananas together, and then add the oat flour until combined.
Roll the dough out on the counter into a thin slab around ¼ inch thick.
Cut shapes with a knife or a cookie cutter, and then place them on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes, and make sure they’re cool before putting them into your dog’s mouth!
Let’s be good neighbors together
At Trilogy, we recognize the importance of being a good neighbor and part of a community. It’s one of the many reasons we go above and beyond for our clients, whether they’re building a Palisades Home or a custom home. We think the key to turning a house into a home is trust, kindness, and caring throughout the building process. If you want to find out more about how we can help you, contact us today.
If you’re a new homeowner, congrats! Maybe you’ve just started unpacking in your shiny new home, or are putting the finishing touches on the decor post-move. Now a new chapter begins. Being a homeowner means staying on top of upkeep, so it’s time to start thinking about how to preserve your home for years to come.
Wondering where to start? Trilogy has compiled a helpful list of home maintenance tips, by season. There’s never a better time to create good maintenance habits than now!
HVAC: Before it gets too hot, get your HVAC system serviced so it works well during the dog days of summer.
Pests: Have a good pest control service check your home for unwanted guests who may have wintered in your home.
Roof: Clean your gutters and do roof inspections during the springtime, or after any significant weather events. A roof leak or malfunction can get expensive quickly.
Summer
Home Safety: Make sure your home is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and change the batteries before they run out.
Windows: Clean your window screens so your home gets good airflow, especially on hot summer days.
Septic: If you have a septic system, get it pumped and have it checked according to the size vs. the number of occupants, etc. No one wants toilet troubles in the middle of a summer BBQ party!
Leaks: Keep an eye out for any leaks inside your home, and get them fixed immediately. A small drip can turn into a big mess with expensive damage rapidly.
Fall
Yearly fireplace cleaning: If you have a chimney or woodstove, do an inspection before use and do a yearly cleaning. Otherwise, dirty chimneys can cause dangerous fires. Pro tip: call early fall to take advantage of off-season pricing.
Autumn Yard Maintenance: Got a yard? Get your landscaping ready for winter. Rake leaves, and compost, bag them up, or mulch them. Get your trees trimmed to avoid flying branches in storms which could damage your property.
Checklist: Create a monthly home checklist for other items particular to your home and property.
Sealant: Fill in any cracks in the interior of your home and the exterior siding with sealant. This will help make your home more efficient during the colder months, and help you save money on energy bills.
Winter
Doors: During the winter months, tackle indoor projects. Oil your doors so they function properly and don’t squeak.
Decluttering: Focus on interior areas and clean the garage, basement, and other storage areas so you have less clutter and temptation for rodents looking for a nest for the winter.
Countertop maintenance: If you have granite, marble or other porous stone countertops, it’s important to reseal them at least once a year. This kind of material is susceptible to stains, germs, and moisture settling into the surface.
Ice and Snow: If you live in an area with significant winter weather, stay on top of snow and ice maintenance. Shovel snow from walkways, and make sure it doesn’t pile up on the roof too much to prevent roof collapse. Safely check for ice dams on your roof, or get the help of a professional company. These dams create ridges that prevent snow and other precipitation from draining from the roof.
At Trilogy, we know sometimes unexpected things come up after the contractor has built your house. It’s why we offer support to all our clients. If you have a question or an issue, call us first. If it’s our responsibility, we’ll come and fix it. If it’s a homeowner to-do, we’ll let you know and point you in the right direction on the best way to proceed. It never hurts to ask!
And if you’re thinking about rebuilding or designing a new home, you can contact us, too. Whatever you are building, let’s do it together!
Butte County is no stranger to beautiful nature views, stunning hikes and waterways, and photo-worthy sunsets. But as heavenly as our little spot in California is, it’s also prone to wildfire. Trilogy builds every home to code or above when it comes to firewise building practices. Once your home is built and we hand you your keys, it’s up to you to ensure your landscaping is as wildfire-resistant as possible. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind as you plan out your yard:
Give your garden a firewise design
Start by making sure all plants are five feet or more away from the house. Create a defensible space of 100 feet around your property so it can be protected in the event of a wildfire. This means removing all debris, dead branches and shrubs, and other combustible materials.
Plant firewise plants
Another key point is to plant only firewise plants. Focus on water-rich, native species like the California poppy, manzanita, oaks, yarrow, wild lilac, and yucca. Avoid ultra-flammable plants like eucalyptus, rosemary, bay laurels, and juniper. Many of these have high levels of oils and resin which are extremely flammable. Remember, the goal is to create a beautiful yard less vulnerable to wildfires.
Choose non-combustible fencing material
If you’re building a fence, avoid using flammable fencing materials. Instead, opt for non-combustible ones like metal or steel. If you must have a wood fence, make sure it isn’t connected to the house—be sure the five feet of fencing between your home and the rest of the fence is non-flammable material. Fire can spread quickly from a fence to the house.
Trilogy can recommend firewise building practices
At Trilogy, we’re happy to give advice and recommendations for everything from your design dreams to your doormat. We’ve been experts in our field for over 50 years, and have an abundance of resources and know-how we love to share with our clients. It’s one of the ways we bring our True Quote process to life when building a higher value.
