Nathan Chesebro - Environmentally-Friendly Home Improvement

When most people come to Nathan B. Chesebro, a Maine home builder, for renovation, they would like to renovate problem areas of their home. Occasionally, these problem areas are obvious issues like a leaky roof or an unsafe deck, but sometimes the problem areas are also troublesome because they're not environmentally-friendly. Modifying a home to be more eco-friendly can help home owners feel better about their property and it can help them increase their efforts to combat global warming. If you'd like to work with a contractor like Nathan B. Chesebro to renovate your house in an eco-friendly direction, consider redoing something that already needs it and using environmentally-friendly materials.

If you're hiring a contractor to install a new deck or patio, consider using composite decking boards, made from renewable materials like recycled plastic and wood waste. Not only is composite decking material better for the environment, it won't rot, splinter, crack or warp like wood does. For kitchens that require new countertops, instead of going with the usual granite options, consider paper-based countertops. These countertops are made from wood waste and they're sustainable, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant and heat-resistant. If you'd rather go for a showier countertop, consider using recycled glass materials, which are often colorful and made from shattered windshields, stemware and bottles fused together. While you're re-doing your counters, consider using bamboo plywood instead of the usual, less-sustainable options – bamboo is sturdy, striking and it's a sustainable wood resource that grows quickly. Eco-friendly builders like Nathan Chesebro will also have custom suggestions that fit with your particular project, so don't hesitate to ask for their input in addition to your ideas.
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Nathan Chesebro - Creative Home Renovation Ideas

If home renovation is on your to-do list and you plan to work with a contractor like Nathan B. Chesebro, owner of Chesebro Construction, Inc. Inc., consider additional, more creative renovation ideas in addition to your existing plans. Contractors usually enjoy installing creative renovations and they can make your home much more enjoyable to live in. If your first thought is under-staircase storage or something similar, you're on the right track, but there are even more creative ideas available to you.

• Magnetic walls will avoid the necessity of putting holes in your walls ever again. If you're re-doing your walls anyway, why not make sure that they'll stay nice for years to come by installing magnetic panels behind them. These magnets can be strong enough to hang anything from, including that flat-screen TV you've been eying.
• Trash and recycling chutes in your kitchen will make cleaning the counters and picking up while you cook much easier. They can be installed in the space between your cabinets and counters, so if you're having the area re-done, trash and recycling chutes will make it even better than before.
• If you're having hardwood or stone floors installed, consider making cleanup even easier than a broom and dustpan. With vacuum baseboards, you'll only need a broom and the flip of a switch to remove debris from your new floors. You simply slide open the cover, sweep the debris in front of it and turn on the vacuum function.

Contractors like Nathan Chesebro can make these renovations happen and they can make sure that you're happy with the results. Browse around and pick a creative home renovation that the whole family agrees on and then talk it over with your contractor to see what they think.
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Nathan Chesebro - Working With Your Contractor

Contractors like Nathan B. Chesebro are hired to do a number of construction tasks, ranging from building new homes to completing simple home renovation projects. When you hire a contractor, it becomes both of your responsibilities to make sure that the working relationship is pleasant and ends well. It is not entirely the contractor's job to keep things running smoothly and it helps if you are proactively trying to work with, rather than against, whoever you have hired. Nathan B. Chesebro and other contractors greatly appreciate the right amount of help from their clients and they have an easier time making sure their clients are satisfied with this assistance.

The most important aspect of working with your contractor is defining what you want and need early in the process. Ideally, you should make a list of your wants and needs before ever consulting with a contractor like Nathan Chesebro. Let your contractor copy your notes or, better yet, make a spare copy yourself. Additionally, you should address any concerns that you have as they arise. This will allow your contractor to amend issues as he works and to keep you happy. Failure to address a concern could cause the entire project to turn out wrong, leaving you unhappy and causing arguments between you and the contractor. Proactive avoidance is the best way to keep both parties happy – contractors and construction companies want to make you happy so that they have a larger base of satisfied customers, so they prefer it if you address issues when you find them. Also, if you have ideas for additional renovation projects, tell your contracting company early on so that they can potentially combine purchases and labor to save both of you time and money.

Nathan Chesebro - Home Resale Renovation Mistakes

Nathan B. Chesebro is a Maine-based home builder and renovation contractor who helps his clients build their dream homes and increase their existing homes' values. Even when using an experienced contractor, though, it's easy to make renovation mistakes that sabotage your efforts to increase your home's resale value. For example, many clients come to contractors like Nathan B. Chesebro and they make their home renovation sound like it is just for them when they're actually looking to increase its value on the market. In cases like these, contractors will build an elaborate shower or turn a spare bedroom into a pricey theater room without question. If, however, the client would have told the contractor that they were renovating for resale, the contractor might have recommended something more reasonable and more likely to interest buyers.

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when renovating their home for resale is to insist on stone countertops. Yes, stone countertops are desirable, but if they tack on an extra $12,000 cost to selling a $200,000 home, they're not worth it. New, cheaper countertops, on the other hand, can be worth every penny. Another issue that contractors like Nathan Chesebro frequently encounter is people who underestimate their budget. Unexpected costs pop up and, if you're not prepared, they can cause problems. Once you decide what a project will cost, re-evaluate it considering construction fees, and then add an extra 15 percent to allow for unexpected costs – the worst that can happen is that you'll have money left over after the renovation. Of course, there are many other mistakes that renovators see all of the time. These can include skimping on the necessities, making a home too modern, sticking with stagnant floor plans or assuming that everyone wants hardwood floors throughout the house.

Nathan Chesebro: Eating Organically On A Budget

Eating organic food, those which are grown or produced without pesticides, hormones or other additives, is great for your health and the environment. But getting back to the basics of growing food can be costly. Organic foods are more expensive since the producers need to use labor not chemicals. But many people are willing to pay a higher cost for these foods because of the benefits they offer. Nathan B Chesebro tries to eat organically whenever possible.

1.      Use coupons and specials. Checking coupon websites and even the brand of your favorite cereal can help you save at the grocery store. You can also check your local grocery store for weekly specials and sales.

2.      Compromise. Not everyone will have the budget to eat 100% organic. Choose which foods to spend the extra money on. Use the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists, found in the link below, to determine where you should splurge and buy organic and where it’s not necessary.

3.      Grow your own food. This may seem like an extreme way to eat on a budget but it will save you money and you will know 100% where your food is coming from and what was used in the process. Start small with a backyard or even kitchen garden with herbs and your favorite vegetables.

4.      Buy local. Not only is local food cheaper because it costs less to ship, it can help your local community grow by supporting farmers that live nearby. You can ask the farmer directly about their growing methods to ensure they fit with your beliefs. Many local farmers won’t seek USDA certification even though they grow organically because of the high cost associated with the organic seal. 

Nathan Chesebro enjoys growing and eating organic food. 

Sources:

http://foodbabe.com/2013/05/20/how-to-eat-organic-on-a-budget/ 

Nathan Chesebro - Giving Back To Get More

Volunteering in your local community isn’t just good for your neighbors, it’s good for you too. Nathan B Chesebro gives back to his town of Bristol by supporting local organizations and donating his time and skills to those in need. It is important to understand some of the health benefits to volunteering.

1. Volunteering increases self-confidence. If you are doing good for your community, you will most likely feel a sense of accomplishment and greater purpose. When you see the good you are doing, you will feel more confident with a greater sense of pride and identity.

2. Volunteering combats depression. With all of this new-found confidence and pride, you will feel more positive and be less likely to experience depression and the symptoms it brings. You can also fight off depression with the social support system you are building when volunteering. Meeting all of those new friends will help you focus on the positive parts of your life and have someone to turn to in times of need.

3. Volunteering fights off physical disease. One of the best ways to prevent diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes is to stay physically active. Working in a community garden or painting over old graffiti will get you moving and provide you with your daily dose of exercise. This will not only help stave off disease it can boost your self-esteem when you see how great you look.

Donating your time to improve your local community is well worth the effort. You will be able to see the effects of your hard work not just in your neighborhood but in yourself too. Nathan B Chesebro has donated his time and skills as a home builder to help a family in need after they lost their house in a fire.
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Nathan Chesebro - Helping The Community Grow

Nathan B Chesebro believes in supporting and giving back to his local community. He understands the important giving back holds. Sadly, not everyone comprehends why giving back is so vital. These are just a few of the many reasons why you should try to pay it forward and help out in your town.

1. Build relationships. Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends and network. You can also strengthen existing relationships by coming together for a common cause. Taking the initiative to help your community will allow others to see you as a trustworthy leader who wants to improve the lives of those around him.
2. Make an impact. It goes without saying that by volunteering in the community you will make improvements to it. The results can be visible, like seeing the different in a before and after park clean up. But there are also things that can’t be seen, like the growing trust and pride that community members will feel.
3. Improve and develop skills. Getting out into the community and leading a hand has so many facets that you will more than likely learn a new skill. You may not know how to garden but you can learn by helping out in a community one. Learn for the expert gardeners in your area so you can not only keep the community one alive but you can start your own too.
4. Because it feels good. This may the most obvious but it is important to remember that giving back makes you feel good. It gives you an internal sense of pride and accomplishment.

Nathan Chesebro enjoys lending his skills and expertise to help his local community. He and a team of local professionals even rebuilt a home that was lost in a fire for a family in need.
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Nathan Chesebro - So You Want To Start A Coin Collection?

Breaking into the world of coin collecting can feel overwhelming. It can be confusing how to start your journey into finding, assessing and storing your new treasures. Experienced coin collector Nathan B Chesebro suggests you start slow and focus on having fun building your collection. 

Start with the coins you already have. You can use these to understand what to look for and start building your collection. Check in your pockets, under your couch and in your car. You can even ask friends or family members if they have any unique or old coins lying around.

There are some common questions coin collectors will ask themselves to determine if they want to add a coin to their collection. 

·         Is the coin appealing to you? This is different for each person. You may connect with a coin because it was made in a year that holds significance for you or because it has your favorite president on it.

·         How lustrous is it? The luster of a coin is its shininess. There is no way to restore this once it is gone. Old coins that still maintain their luster can be worth more.

·         Is it damaged? Damage like corrosion or scratches can decrease the coins value.

·         How worn is it? The wear of a coin is the biggest factor in determining its value. 

After you have assembled a few coins, think about purchasing a coin album to keep your collection organized and protected. There are albums that hold a particular size coin and others that can hold any denomination. 

By answering a few simple questions and getting your equipment you are well on your way to a great coin collection. Nathan Chesebro likes to hunt for rare coins near his home in Maine.

Practical Tips to Maintain Your Organic Garden

Gardening is a good hobby, and it is extremely rewarding. Organic gardening is something you can do even if you do not have a lot of space to plant. You can have a small organic window garden on the 15th floor of a building or a small backyard garden if you have space behind your house. The possibilities are many, and the results are rewarding. If you are living in a high rise building, you can have a small organic window garden in a small wooden box, and you can plant some fresh herbs for your kitchen. Here are a couple of tips you can use to maintain your organic garden.

Natural Nourishment for Plants
Most soils have sufficient natural nutrients to help your plant grow. However, you can use organic compost to help them grow faster and produce better crops. If you need to use fertilizers, make sure you use natural fertilizers. Manure from plant-eating animals like chicken, horses, rabbits, cattle and sheep are great for plants.

Plant Rotation
It is important to make sure you do not plant the same vegetables in the same place every year. The disease can build up and destroy your plants. You can change the type of vegetable you plant, and also maintain a different variety each season.

Use Mulch
Use mulch as a top layer (one or two inches) over the soil to keep weeds away, and to prevent fungal disease spores from getting onto plant leaves. If you can use mulch made from organic materials such as cocoa hulls it will decompose and add organic material to the soil.

Nathan Chesebro maintains an organic garden where he grows several vegetables and flowers.
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Three Fishing Rods You Might Want to Consider for Your Next Fishing Trip

Using the right fishing rod is important if you want to bag the best catch of the day. But with so many different fishing rods available, which ones should you choose? Here are three fishing rods you might want to check out before you go on your next fishing trip.

Shakespeare Ugly Stik

This is one of the most popular of the Shakespeare brand of rods. This two-piece, medium action rod is a great fishing rod to add to your collection and use on your next fishing trip. The rod does not come bundled with a reel. If you want to save money, buy one reel and different rods to suit your fishing needs. This particular rod is available from five to nine feet and has stainless steel framed guides and EVA foam grip. It is one of the most durable rods available and are not easily broken unless you run over it with your pickup. It is moderately priced and can be used for trolling.

Daiwa D-Shock

The Daiwa D-Shock is a high-quality rod that includes a spinning reel. The rod is a favorite for many anglers because of its durability. It has two ball-bearings and can be used as a main rod or a backup rod. Once you get used to this rod, you will want to use it as your main fishing rod. Its quality and affordable price make it one of the popular fishing rods for beginners. The Daiwa D-Shock is quite sturdy to handle big fish and sensitive enough for the smaller ones.

Abu Garcia Orra SX

The Abu Garcia Orra SX is a lightweight graphite rod that can handle all fish sizes, and is great for both beginners and experienced fishermen. The rod is strong and helps control the fish you catch. The rod is moderately priced and is a great fishing rod to have in your collection.

Nathan B Chesebro learned to fish when he was a child and has spent several afternoons fishing with his family and friends.
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How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient and Save the Environment

Saving the environment has become one of the most important things to do today. With the amount of pollution and greenhouse gasses being emitted it has become the civic duty of every human being to do what they can to protect the environment. One of the ways you can help save and protect the environment is by making sure your home is energy efficient. There are several small things you can do that can make a big difference. Here are a few suggestions.

Insulation
Adding insulation to your walls, attic and ceilings in your home can help in a big way. You can use weather stripping or caulking to make sure the windows and doors are well-sealed to prevent cold drafts from entering in, and to keep the warm air inside the home during winter. The caulking and weather stripping will also help in summer by keeping the cool air inside the house.

Overhaul Your Windows
If you are using aluminum windows, it will allow heat to pass through easily. To stop this from happening, you might want to use vinyl frames instead, as they are more heat resistant. Double-paned argon gas-filled windows are perfect for keeping the cold out and the heat in during winter. You can tint your windows to keep the temperature inside the house stable. Tinting the windows helps make the house look attractive. A simple thing like opening the blinds will allow natural light to fill the room and reduce your energy consumption.

Replace Old Appliances
You might want to replace old appliances with newer ones as they will help in reducing your energy bills. When you are shopping for new appliances, look for Energy Star certified appliances.

Nathan Chesebro of Bristol, Maine is a Lead Certified builder who has a keen interest in energy efficient homes.

Nathan Chesebro - How to Save Money on Construction Costs?

Whether you are renovating or building a new house, there are several ways to save money on construction costs. Construction is expensive, and if you can save a couple of hundred dollars, you can use it for something else. Here are some tips you can use to save money on construction costs.

Go Over the Project Carefully

When you hire a home builder to construct your home, you will need to sit down together with him and go over the construction project carefully. The project should list the various jobs that need to be done and the costs involved. Check it carefully and see if there is something that has been included in the schedule that is not needed for now. Sometimes contractors can assume you want certain things done when you have not asked for it. Do not hesitate to ask questions if you do not understand something. After all, you are paying for the job. For example, if the schedule lists crown molding, but it’s not something you want, ask him to take it off the project. It will probably save you hundreds of dollars.

Do It Yourself

If you are handy with a paint brush, or if you are a die-hard do-it-yourself person, you might want to take up a couple of odd jobs and work on it. A contractor earns anything between $18 and $25 an hour. If you can step in and take care of a couple of odd jobs for your home, you can save quite a bit of money. If you can work on the plumbing, painting or electrical work, you can handle those jobs instead of leaving it to the contractor. However, you should be realistic about what you can do. If you are not qualified to do the plumbing or electrical work, it would be better to leave it to the professionals.

Nathan Chesebro of Chesebro Construction, Inc. is a skilled home builder in Midcoast, Maine.