Heading south for the winter? Before you lock the door and head for warmer weather, it’s important to make sure your home is protected against cold temperatures, ice, and unexpected winter storms. In this episode of All About Home Construction, we share practical tips for snowbirds on how to winterize a home before leaving for months at a time. From shutting off water and draining lines to setting thermostats, checking gutters, and keeping your house secure, we’ll walk you through the steps to prevent damage and give you peace of mind while you’re away.

In this episode of All About Home Construction, we take a closer look at how the High Country has recovered in the wake of Hurricane Helene. From wind-damaged roofs to water-soaked basements, homeowners across Watauga and surrounding counties faced enormous challenges. With nearly $2.5 billion in claims filed statewide, only a portion have been paid, and many families have found themselves navigating tough battles with insurance companies.

We talk about why roof and wind damage claims were often more successful than foundation or flood damage claims, how low flood-insurance coverage in western North Carolina made recovery harder, and why neighbors helping neighbors has been just as important as insurance payouts.

It’s a story of resilience, rebuilding, and the strength of our mountain communities—because when times get tough, the High Country proves we’re truly Mountain Strong.

On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we’re breaking down the blower door test — what it measures, what the grades mean, and how to understand those “theoretical hole” sizes. We’ll explain how air leakage impacts your home’s comfort, efficiency, and energy bills, and share practical steps you can take to tighten up an existing home. From sealing attic penetrations and basement rim joists to weatherstripping doors and improving ductwork, we’ll cover the best ways to reduce air leakage. Plus, we’ll talk about how making your home tighter might also mean adding proper ventilation with an HRV or ERV. If you’ve ever wondered how leaky your house really is — and what you can do about it — this episode is for you.