Building A New Home – Selecting A Builder
While there are no guarantees, here are some things to consider when selecting a builder for your new home: Referrals from family, friends and co-workers can be a good source but find out if they get a referral fee. Usually, someone you know would not refer a builder unless they […]
What You Should Know About House Paints And Painting – Part 2
The primary function of paint is to protect the surface. While we think of paint as decorative, without it wood would deteriorate, crack and rot. Paint provides a protective film over the wood to shield it from the effects of sunlight and moisture. The Primer has several functions. It creates a sealed and proper surface […]
What You Should Know About House Paints & Painting – Part 1
A coat of house paint isn’t much thicker than a sheet of paper, yet it can effectively resist extreme heat and cold, sunlight, rain and snow, chemicals and bacteria – if applied properly. However, if the surface condition is poor and the application is poor, the paint can’t perform […]
Monthly Home Maintenance Tips – August
General walk-through; clean gutters, check downspout extensions and foundation landscaping. Finish up summer projects. Check/add salt to water softener. Check smoke and fire alarms. Change/clean air filter in furnace if using central air. Check for insect/pest infestation – ants, bees, bats, etc. Apply appropriate […]
Building A New Home – The Bidding Process
When you’ve selected your site and are ready with your design it’s time to review bids and select a builder. Builders will quote square foot prices to give ballpark figures. Use this as a guide for the home size you can afford. But keep in mind there are […]
Hazards To Your Home – Radon Gas
According to the EPA, exposure to indoor radon gas is estimated to cause up to 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the US. Because radon is a mobile inert gas, it is able to migrate through soil and rock into the atmosphere where it is quickly diluted. A past study […]
Building A New Home – Planning And Design
Many times when planning the design of their new home, people want to start sketching. Instead, figure out your “wish list.” Determine what you need, what you want and what would be nice to have. Then leave the sketching to the architect, designer or builder. Be specific about […]
Creating More Storage Space
Did you know that the pole and shelf closet was designed over a century ago? Traditional closets waste 60% of their available space but an efficient design can make every cubic inch count. It can actually double your storage space. Having a designer come to your home […]
Making Beautiful Things Happen After Dark
After the sun sets and darkness arrives, display the beauty of your property all year long with a well planned and designed exterior lighting system. Enhance the beauty of your landscape and make more use of outdoor spaces like decks and patios in the summer. Exterior lighting can offer transition lighting between indoors and outdoors […]
Building A New Home – Rural Site Selection
If the land you’re considering is not developed, you’ll need to do additional research regarding septic systems, wells, and land usage. Were perc tests performed? They determine if the soil is suitable for a conventional drain field. If the soil does not perc you’ll need to install a mound system. The location of […]