Time Dwindling on Home Energy Savings - get those Government Rebates Now
A recent decision from the federal government may put an end to one solar energy rebate this year, while another will end in less than five years, according to CNN. The affected benefits, which...
View ArticleFrequent pitfall in hiring a contractor; advice to avoid a nasty surprise at...
Everything’s going great on your new project. The contractor is just about finished with his work. Your new kitchen renovation, addition or windows look wonderful. All is good with the world. Then,...
View ArticleHow to choose a new home heating oil company; compare oil price plans,...
Here in the Northeast, we have a lot of homes which rely on heating oil instead of natural gas for heat. While many of us stay with the same oil company for years, there are sometimes good reasons to...
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Winterize your home now - we won't get fooled again
Last winter was brutal across the country so I will get no sympathy from anyone. I will just say that I promised myself that I would go into this winter with my house and family better prepared to...
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Custom kitchen cabinets at bargain basement prices: a thrift shop for...
One of the most amazing things that occurred during our kitchen renovation was how quickly we were able to sell our old cabinets, countertops and appliances. We put an ad on Craig’s List and within a...
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Have your renovation project bid reviewed by an expert contractor.
Home improvement is one of those areas where the consumer is at a disadvantage: the contractor knows the value of each element of the project and where the agreement favors him over you; but you, the...
View ArticleDon't wait until winter to think about reducing your home energy and heating...
Most people will wait until it is freezing in the heart of winter before they realize that there house is leaking and they are losing energy and heat... and paying a lot of money for the...
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Keys to childproofing safety tips - where to look
Much to my chagrin, I am way past the stage of needing to childproof my home anymore. My kids are both now over 18 years old. No more worrying about child safety, my wife and I now need to worry...
View ArticleSolar Power Installations Boom By Becoming Cost Effective
Once upon a time, the cost to install solar power was too high for anyone to invest in solar as a source of energy. However as the economy continues to languish, solar power installations have boomed....
View ArticleFinancial Incentives from Federal and State Governments still available to...
The rumors that there are no more financial incentives for homeowners who want to become more energy efficient or switch from the old to new and renewable energy are false. And maybe you just want to...
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DIY Home Décor and Design – Three tips before you begin redesigning that room
HGTV showcases a lot of designers and one of the public’s favorites is Vern Yip, a 12-year design veteran and the host for four years now of “Deserving Design,” one of a variety of home makeover shows....
View ArticleGenerating electricity - Let there be light and heat during blackouts
I lost electricity again. It was a beautiful partly sunny unusually warm day for early winter and we lost power. There are many reasons for power outages and this one was a “transformer fire”...
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How to get a squirrel out of your chimney; a DIY project if you can safely...
I was in my home office last week, when I heard a rustling and scratching sound that could only be a bird or squirrel in the chimney. It was right on the flue damper. While it was tempting to ignore...
View ArticleScreen your Contractors – Ask these 5 questions before your project begins
There are five questions you need to ask before you move forward with a prospective contractor on any major home repair or remodeling project. One of our USHOA members did not use our Contractor...
View ArticleClogged Duct-Mounted Aprilaire Humidifier Drain – Another Way Water gets on...
In homes with forced-air heat, indoor air becomes very dry without a duct-mounted humidifier, so they're a pretty common accessory with minimal but important maintenance needs. Most homeowners know...
View ArticleElectrical Fire Hazards - Good Time for Electrical Safety Audit
Any time is a good time to perform an easy DIY Electrical Safety Audit. The more entertainment systems, computers and kitchen top appliances taking up more electrical outlet space and electricity,...
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Fixing A Garage Door That Won't Close – Another WD-40 Success
Our automatic garage door would not close and I was sure that the track had been dented or the bolts had loosened. That seemed to be the only way to explain how the door would begin to close and the...
View ArticleIs your TV room big enough for your TV?
Americans watch an average of 4 hours and 39 minutes every day according to recent Nielsen research. Although, Americans ages 12-34 are getting more of their viewing over the internet and watch less...
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Are Angie’s List Big Deals a Good Discount Offer? Are They Worth It?
I recently received an offer from Angie’s List for a “Big Deal,” for a roofing job for only $8,499 (with a stated value of $13,869+). The exact deal offer headline is “$8,499 for a Complete New Roof...
View ArticleScreening Your Contractors and other Home Service Providers
There are many good contractors to choose from for the variety of different home remodeling or repair projects you may face over the course of a year. There, unfortunately, are a few duds as well....
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