Blog Archives - Page 14 of 47 - McDonald Contracting

Blog, Recent Work

Open-Concept Kitchen Renovation

15Nov2022

This may be one of our favorite kitchen transformations ever! The homeowners wanted to create a fluid living space between their kitchen, living room, and enclosed porch. Our team at McDonald Contracting worked closely with them to bring their dream kitchen and dining space to life. To create the open concept look, we took down a load-supporting wall, added a support beam, leveled the floors and raised the ceiling; these turned three separate spaces into one. As a result, the home is now more functional and creates a true heart of the house. Please take a look at this home renovation and let us know what you think!

BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER:

Preview the video here!

Thanks for checking out this recent home renovation. We absolutely love how it turned out.

Blog, Recent Work, Tips

6 Ways to Keep Your House Warmer This Winter

14Nov2022

Winter weather is right around the corner! With the upcoming drop in temperatures, it is essential to ensure your home is ready for the winter and your heating systems are prepared for a chilly winter. At McDonald Contracting, we want to make sure you have an stress-free and warm holiday season. So, take this as your PSA to make sure to prep your home for the colder months ahead. Concerned you don’t have time? Our UpKeep Maintenance Services were designed to ensure your home is maintained for every season of the year.

Check out our tips on how to keep your home warmer during the winter –

Adjust Your Furniture
- A task as simple as rearranging furniture that blocks air vents and radiators guarantees a warmer home. Air will circulate freely throughout your home, guaranteeing a more efficiently heated home.
Close Your Fireplace
- Although a working wood-burning fireplace adds to a cozy, winter household aesthetic, the chimney chu is a direct route for warm air to escape your home. Think about closing and sealing your fireplace to keep the warm air in and the cold air out! Not sure how to do this? Our team at UpKeep can help.
Clean Your Vents
- A quick clean of your exterior furnace vents will not only increase your energy efficiency, but it will also mitigate dust accumulation! Properly filtered, warm air is a must during the winter, and our Upkeep maintenance services include cleaning your exterior furnace vent.
Service Your Heating Unit
- A general service of your heating system is a great way to keep your house warm this winter. If your heating system isn’t running to its fullest potential, that cozy indoor warmth during the colder months may be just out of reach. Unsure how to service your heating system?
  - Part of our UpKeep services includes an annual service of your heating unit. We will change filters and supply essential maintenance of the exterior condenser and interior furnace.

Adjust Your Ceiling Fan Switch
- A simple reset of your ceiling fans to spin clockwise at the lowest speed is optimal for heat circulation. This quick switch will ensure the maximum value for your home’s heating system.

Winter should be filled with hot chocolate, sledding, and time spent with friends and family! Consider some tips above to ensure a cozy and warm home for the holiday season. Interested in our Home Maintenance Upkeep services too? Click here to learn more.

Recent Work

Six ways to maintain your home this fall

11Oct2022

Happy fall! Apple picking and trick-or-treating shouldn’t be the only things on your calendar this season. The fall is the perfect time to prep and maintain your home for the coming months. Too busy? Consider our Upkeep Services! Starting at just $150 per month, and our team at will ensure that your home stays in perfect condition!

Whether you plan to use our Upkeep Services or not, we highly recommend maintaining your home in the following ways…

Screen Removal
- New England weather can be unpredictable! Please consider removing your window screens to prevent possible screen damage and breakage from the classic New England winter weather that is just around the corner.
Caulking
- Annual caulking around plumbing fixtures is a great way to prevent water damage inside and outside your home. A water damage bill will be exponentially higher than the cost of annual caulking!
Smoke Alarms
- Safety is of utmost importance! An annual alarm inspection and battery replacement is a quick and easy way to protect you and your family from possible harm.
Drain & Trap Cleaning
- Your drains and traps should be on your home maintenance to-do list. Drains and traps should be cleansed to prevent residue buildup and avoid clogging.
Heating & Cooling
- Your home’s heating and cooling units are expensive essentials. A filter change and basic service to both units will ensure that your home is effectively heated and cooled for years to come.
Power Washing
- A trip to the car wash is likely a regular part of your schedule. If you clean your car, why not do the same for your house? The exterior of your home can quickly get dirty, which makes a yearly power wash a no-brainer.

We at McDonald Contracting highly recommend preventative home maintenance! Don’t have the time to complete all of these tasks yourself? Our Upkeep Services are a great way to ensure your home stays in great shape! Feel free to contact us to learn more!