Steve Luchetta is the owner of Countryside Restoration and expert contractor. He aspires to reach more people to let them know that his company offers a variety of construction and repair services. With winter approaching, he has many tips on keeping up with the seasons and home upkeep.

Here is our conversation…

AndGraphic:
Go morning Steve, thanks for talking with me today. I know there are many customers that want to learn more about your business. So how long has Countryside Restoration been in operation?

Steve Luchetta:
Since 2011

AndGraphic:
What inspired you to work in the restoration and construction industry?

Steve Luchetta:
I’ve always been a home builder and remodeler but I was working for someone else. I decided to go out on my own after a being laid off a few times.

AndGraphic:
In which counties do you primarily offer your services?

Steve Luchetta:
Northampton, Lehigh, Eastern Berks, Schuykill, Carbon and Monroe counties.

AndGraphic:
Do you work out of state?

Steve Luchetta:
No, we only work in Pennsylvania.

AndGraphic:
Which services do you offer primarily?

Steve Luchetta:
Fire, Water, Storm restoration, any type of interior or exterior remodeling, additions and new home construction.

AndGraphic:
We are currently at the end of Summer and approaching Fall and Winter, which services would you recommend home owners look into right now?

Steve Luchetta:
One beneficial service right now would be replacement windows. People are starting to discuss cold weather and of course it’s not much of a concern in the Summer.

AndGraphic:
Is there a checklist that a home owner can go through or specific things they can look for regarding winterizing their home?

Steve Luchetta:
Cracked glass, loose windows, doors that don’t seal.

AndGraphic:
On average what would be the cost of winterizing a home?

Steve Luchetta:
It really does vary but mainly will depend on how many windows and doors there are in the home. The first thing a home owner can do is count their doors and windows so when they meet with a contractor there is already some solid knowledge there.

AndGraphic:
Are there any differences in winterizing a row home vs a home, let’s say, in a suburban development for example?

Steve Luchetta:
Row homes in many cases are older so it’s always good to check the attic insulation.

AndGraphic:
Does Countryside Restoration work with historical preservation?

Steve Luchetta:
We can. In fact, we do quite a bit of work in one such neighborhood in Easton. There are stipulated items in deeds and contracts that require us to follow certain codes and material guidelines based on the age of the home.

AndGraphic:
Do you currently work directly with any of the historical societies?

Steve Luchetta:
No but we know many of the codes and standards.

AndGraphic:
Do you work with home owners that want to incorporate alternative energies such as solar?

Steve Luchetta:
We don’t install the energy source but can prepare the area for whatever the customer would like to do.

AndGraphic:
Regarding the outside of the house, what should a home owner look for during winter?

Steve Luchetta:
Look for cracks in the driveway, which can cause larger breaks later due to the expanding and contracting of the water and ice. Check your gutters for leaves as this can cause ice dams, which leads to water intrusion.

AndGraphic:
What kind of potential damage can arise without proper winterization?

Steve Luchetta:
Mostly it’s the cost of losing air and heat. These amounts are usually far more in the long run than many upkeep costs.

AndGraphic:
How large is Countryside Restoration right now?

Steve Luchetta:
We have six employees plus myself and other sub-contractors. We can handle any size job and work with the best people and businesses.

AndGraphic:
Thanks Steve, this information is very helpful.

Steve Luchetta:
Sure, no problem.