How GFCI Outlets Keep You Safe

GFCI outlets help keep homeowners safe from electric shocks. Here’s how.

What are GFCI outlets and how do they keep homeowners safe?

GFCI outlets are required by the National Building Code, and they essentially protect you from receiving an electric shock from any faults in your home’s electrical devices. They function by comparing the current on the input side of the outlet to the output current on the neutral side. If you have a faulty blender, for example, and the outlet detects an arc, it will trip the power to it so you don’t get shocked.

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GFCI outlets essentially protect you from receiving an electric shock from the faults in your home’s electrical devices.

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You’ll find these outlets anywhere in your house where there’s recurring moisture (kitchens, bathrooms, basements, etc.). In all of our homes, all the bathroom outlets are connected to the GFCI in the master bathroom, and all exterior outlets are connected to the standalone outlet in the utility room. You’ll also see a GFCI outlet wherever your sump pump connects.

If you have any more questions about GFCI outlets or you have any other real estate needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d be glad to help you.

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? 

If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our eleven new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.

Tips for Maintaining Your Charleston Home During This Heavy Winter

After heavy snowfall this winter, you might be wondering about how you should be taking care of your Charleston Home. Here are some tips from our Warranty Manager to keep everything in check.

Today we’re delighted to be joined by assistant warranty manager Todd Hansen. Since it's been a heck of a winter this year with all the snow we’ve gotten, I wanted to talk to him about some of the questions he’s been getting.

As far as snow on the roof is concerned, this is something that’s more of a concern with older homes. In our homes, we use roof trusses that are actually designed for a heavy snow load. Our homeowners don’t have to be concerned about any kind of snow on the roof, unless we have six or eight feet up there. Most have under a foot, which isn’t anything to worry about.

Another thing we’ve noticed a lot is overflowing gutters and downspouts full of ice. Although some of the ice will melt as a result of the dark color of the roof, he recommends using some heat tape in the gutter to keep water from freezing and help it drain to the ground. It’s important to keep the ends of your gutters clear, however, to make sure water flows away from the foundation of the house. If things are backed up and water flows towards the house, that could make things dicey.

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We don’t recommend using any traditional ice melt.

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For ice and snow-packed areas, we still don’t recommend any ice melt. The freezing and thawing will cause driveways and walkways to peel off, which is called spalling. It wears away at the finish a lot faster than it should. Instead, we recommend putting down sand, gravel, or kitty litter to add traction and protect your concrete.

Finally, make sure to keep your garage swept out. You don’t want to spray it out in the winter, so use a broom or shop vac instead. In the spring, we do recommend that you hose out your garage to get any of that salt residue that’s left behind out. We also recommend caulking and sealing your driveway once things warm up.

If you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? 

If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our eleven new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.

These Brand-New Spec Homes Are Just Waiting for the Right Buyer

We have some great spec homes available in our area that are just waiting for the right buyer.

Snow is still on the ground, but here at Charleston Homes, we’re ready for spring. With that in mind, today we’re excited to show you some great spec homes available in our area. We have properties in Arbor View, Stratford Park, Pebblebrooke, and other great communities just waiting for the right buyer. If you like what you see, all you have to do is reach out to us and we’d be happy to take you on a home tour.

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? 

If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our eleven new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.