How would you like to make your house more energy efficient AND have the government pay for some of the project costs through tax credits? If this interest you, pay attention. Right now the government has extended/implemented many tax credit programs that last through December 31, 2010. Today, I will touch on a few areas that will make substantial changes in your energy bill as well as being very wise decisions for the future of your home.
Insulation: Adding insulation is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to reduce energy consumed in a home. Most insulation and products that reduce or eliminate air leaks qualify, just make sure they come with a manufactures certification statement usually found in the packaging. Be aware, however, that the insulation tax credit does not include labor costs.
Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning: Furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and central air conditions that meet the minimum requirements installed in 2009/2010 may qualify. You will be happy to know that labor costs for HVAC and Water Heaters are included.
Water Heaters: Water heaters account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home, so a new water heater is a great investment, especially if the government is willing to pay for it! Water heaters have an average life of 10-15 years. If yours is approaching the end of it life you should consider a tankless water heater or a newer version that qualifies for the tax credit program. Qualifying water heaters include gas, oil and propane water heaters (including tankless), electric heat pump water heaters and solar water heaters.
Windows and Doors: Whether it be one window or your whole house this is a very practical project to undertake. With the wide array of window options not only will this add efficiency to your home but could also add an aesthetic boost. If you can’t afford to do your entire house, start with the front and then work your way around. The tax credit does not include installation.
For all of the tax credits that I mentioned the government is willing to contribute 30% up to $1500 if installed in 2009/2010. The property will also need to be your primary residence, rental properties do not apply.
In order to claim these tax credits complete and file Form 5695 with your regular tax return. Although you will not have to submit certificates verifying the material you installed meets the energy requirements you will need to keep them on file.
A tax credit can be a great benefit, it reduces the amount owed to the IRS on a dollar for dollar basis. If your liability is reduced to zero with some tax credits being unused, the balance may be carried to the next years taxes. Please check with your tax advisor to see if these are feasible options for you.
To learn more about tax credits and materials that qualify please visit www.energystar.com.
Detail brings out character in your home!
There are many fine touches that can bring out the character in your home. Adding molding is something people often overlook, but it is a great way to bring out your home’s charm. For example, most people take a lot of time choosing cabinets, paint and tile but don’t put the same amount of time or thought into moldings. With the plethora of different materials available at the local lumber yard adding molding can be an quick and inexpensive weekend project.
Selecting the correct molding for your house is a simple process. First you need to know whether you want a painted or stained product. If you are looking for a product you can stain sticking with solid pine or poplar is a good idea. If your intention is to paint the molding, finger jointed material or MDF (medium density fiberboard, a less expensive product) are you best choices.
Next step, location, location, location!!! Usually all rooms have base and casing, crown and chair rail should be well thought out before installation. It is very usual to see crown molding, chair rail and wainscoting installed in a dining room or family room because these might be the only places you can get away with it. All of the material might be to much for the average living room or kitchen and give off a cluttered feel. As a general rule of thumb keep crown molding in the living room and chair rail in the dining room/hallway. Here’s an idea – for your bathroom think about a chair rail with a wainscoting but do it out of tile. Check out this example http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/covering-bathroom-tile-with-wainscoting/index.html. You will need to take a little time to experiment with molding locations throughout your home.
Installing molding can be a do it yourself job if you have some extra time, tools and a good eye. Chair rail, base and casing are definitely all do-it-yourselfers. Crown molding can be a little tricky especially in older homes where right angles and straight walls are rare. Installing any molding takes a lot of patience and remember measure it twice and cut it once!
Understand the types of molding
Crown Molding : Trim that runs along the top of a wall. Usually where the wall meets the ceiling.
Chair Rail : Trim that is mounted on the wall between 36” and 48” off the ground. Wainscoting : Paneling applied to the lower portion of a wall. Usually underneath the chair rail.
Base Molding : Trim that is mounted at the bottom of a wall.Casing : Trim that surround windows and doors.
Selecting the correct molding for your house is a simple process. First you need to know whether you want a painted or stained product. If you are looking for a product you can stain sticking with solid pine or poplar is a good idea. If your intention is to paint the molding, finger jointed material or MDF (medium density fiberboard, a less expensive product) are you best choices.
Next step, location, location, location!!! Usually all rooms have base and casing, crown and chair rail should be well thought out before installation. It is very usual to see crown molding, chair rail and wainscoting installed in a dining room or family room because these might be the only places you can get away with it. All of the material might be to much for the average living room or kitchen and give off a cluttered feel. As a general rule of thumb keep crown molding in the living room and chair rail in the dining room/hallway. Here’s an idea – for your bathroom think about a chair rail with a wainscoting but do it out of tile. Check out this example http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/covering-bathroom-tile-with-wainscoting/index.html. You will need to take a little time to experiment with molding locations throughout your home.
Installing molding can be a do it yourself job if you have some extra time, tools and a good eye. Chair rail, base and casing are definitely all do-it-yourselfers. Crown molding can be a little tricky especially in older homes where right angles and straight walls are rare. Installing any molding takes a lot of patience and remember measure it twice and cut it once!
Understand the types of molding
Crown Molding : Trim that runs along the top of a wall. Usually where the wall meets the ceiling.
Chair Rail : Trim that is mounted on the wall between 36” and 48” off the ground. Wainscoting : Paneling applied to the lower portion of a wall. Usually underneath the chair rail.
Base Molding : Trim that is mounted at the bottom of a wall.Casing : Trim that surround windows and doors.
Is bathroom remodeling a good financial idea? It sure looks like it!
A bathroom remodel is a solid investment, according to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report. A $15,000 bath remodel will recoup almost 75% of those costs when it’s time to sell your home, and a more extensive $50,000 job returns 70%. In addition, you can maximize the value of your investment by using smart strategies to help you to get the bathroom of your dreams while keeping costs under control.
http://www.houselogic.com/
http://www.houselogic.com/
Small bathroom? Here are some tricks to enlarge it without demo.
Do you have big ideas for your small bathroom renovation? There is absolutely nothing wrong with that!
Here are some thoughts about making your small bathroom seem bigger without calling in the demolition crew. Instead of using the traditional style mirrors get custom mirrors that reach all the way to the ceiling. The color of your bathroom can play a big factor in how big or small it can look. Dark colors should only be used for larger rooms. Another trick is to paint the doors the same color as the walls.
The key factor is the less you have in a small area the bigger it will seem. In redesigning the small bathroom take time and make a conscious effort to de-clutter it will go a long way in opening up the bathroom. This is another great time to evaluate the size of any furniture you have in the bathroom. How many cabinets to you really need? is there to much storage? can the storage be moved to create more space? can the toilet be moved to enhance the bathrooms size?
During your small bathroom renovation, you"ll be looking for more creative and less bulky ways to store your bathroom items. Like space saver cabinets such as the ones that stand over the toilet make great storage areas for toiletries and towels. Shelving and hanging items will keep things out of the way as well. A blank wall is great for shelving and even small cabinets or bins.
There are other ways to get great results during a small bathroom renovation. If you do not use your bathtub consider removing it and adding a slim shower stall instead. Make your ceilings look larger by putting up crown molding and be sure to paint it the same color as your ceiling for the effect to work.
Ross White
www.whiteconstructiongroup.com
Here are some thoughts about making your small bathroom seem bigger without calling in the demolition crew. Instead of using the traditional style mirrors get custom mirrors that reach all the way to the ceiling. The color of your bathroom can play a big factor in how big or small it can look. Dark colors should only be used for larger rooms. Another trick is to paint the doors the same color as the walls.
The key factor is the less you have in a small area the bigger it will seem. In redesigning the small bathroom take time and make a conscious effort to de-clutter it will go a long way in opening up the bathroom. This is another great time to evaluate the size of any furniture you have in the bathroom. How many cabinets to you really need? is there to much storage? can the storage be moved to create more space? can the toilet be moved to enhance the bathrooms size?
During your small bathroom renovation, you"ll be looking for more creative and less bulky ways to store your bathroom items. Like space saver cabinets such as the ones that stand over the toilet make great storage areas for toiletries and towels. Shelving and hanging items will keep things out of the way as well. A blank wall is great for shelving and even small cabinets or bins.
There are other ways to get great results during a small bathroom renovation. If you do not use your bathtub consider removing it and adding a slim shower stall instead. Make your ceilings look larger by putting up crown molding and be sure to paint it the same color as your ceiling for the effect to work.
Ross White
www.whiteconstructiongroup.com
Bathroom Remodel (After)
Master Bathroom photo looking toward vanity 1.
Master Bathroom photo looking from vanity 1 to vanity 2. In this Bathroom we replaced the shower and shower valve, bathtub, cabinets, countertops, mirrors, plumbing fixtures, sinks, added lighting and changed the paint color.
When thinking about insulating, think about spray foam insulation.
Cost and cleanliness aside, there are clear benefits to using spray foam insulation. Because it's a spray and not a long piece of pink fiberglass, spray foam insulation gets into all of the tiny nooks and crannies, providing better insulation. Drafts are filled and the house is warmer in the winter. No cold air can escape in the summer either. In light of these facts, the homeowner with spray foam insulation can expect lower utility bills.
Spray foam insulation fills every little crack and crevice, so vermin and bugs have a harder time getting into the home, saving on extermination bills. Plus, it's such a great adherent, it can stick to a floor and insulate from underneath. Most homes insulated with spray foam have a higher resale value, especially newer homes. There are environmental advantages as well; most notably, there aren't any fiberglass particles floating around in the air.
Spray foam insulation also seems to last longer. It sticks to the walls and won't fall off like fiberglass. An extra bonus is that it doesn't cause itching when touched, unlike fiberglass foam, and it inhibits mold because it doesn't absorb water.
The do-it-yourselfer can also purchase small cans of foam at the home improvement store. These are perfect for sealing cracks around doors and windows as well as gaps around pipes and fixtures. For large insulation projects, however, it may be in your best interest to call in a professional. While it's more expensive to install spray foam insulation than fiberglass, it may pay for itself with the money saved on utility and repair bills.
Design Ideas for Small Kitchens
Small Kitchen Spaces In space-challenged kitchens, finding enough storage space is often a problem. Cutting back on your cabinets and opting instead for a walk-in pantry as well as removing those items that you hardly ever use are easy ways to make space for the items and appliances you do need in your kitchen. So move your china out of the kitchen and into the dining area; use this new found space for your pots and pans.
Your countertops can differ in heights; this allows for visual variety and also helps to maximize productivity if there are more than one cooks in the area. Vary your cabinet door styles to make your space more visually interesting; after all your kitchen does not have to be uniform in its outfit: use one style of door for your wall cabinets and another style for the island. On the same note, choose different cabinet paint colour or decorative finish; burnt orange for the island and gentle yellow for the surrounding cabinets; apply wood stains that are darker for the island and lighter for the rest of the area.
Luxury Bathroom Remodeling
If you are considering remodeling the master bathroom in your home you have a number of luxury options available to you if you really want to turn your bathroom into a place to pamper yourself and relax rather than just a place to wash up. Here are some of the latest designer bathroom trends that are hot right now:
Multi Water Jet Showers – We all know how invigorating it is to be blasted by a really strong stream of water from a good shower head, so why not add a few more to heighten the experience? You do not even need to rip out your existing shower as a multi jet system can be installed easily and surprisingly affordably in most showers with very little fuss and minimal plumbing adjustments.
Steam Showers – If you really want a change in the bathroom a steam shower is something that is growing in popularity. Heat and steam have been used for centuries to relieve aches and pains and relax the body and many people who have them swear that a steam shower works wonders for their overall wellbeing. These units can range from the very simple and basic to higher end models that come complete with a radio, phone, a remote control and connections for your CD player.
Heated Floors – Imagine how nice it would be to step out of your shower onto a warm floor instead of dealing with the shock of freezing cold tiles. Radiant under floor heating makes that a reality and many of the systems available on the market today can be easily installed in the cement under ceramic tiles and stone floors by your local bathroom remodeler.
Heated Towel Racks, LED Lighting and More – There are a myriad of extra finishing touches you can have your bathroom remodeler install to make your bathroom super luxurious for less. From recessed LED lighting to add ambient lighting to heated towel racks and towel warming cabinets there are all kinds of ways to add a few spa touches to your newly remodeled bathroom.
www.whiteconstructiongroup.omSimple & Easy Home Maintenance Tips
There’s an old saying: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is especially true in your home. Preventative maintenance takes just a few minutes of time, but can keep your family safe and minimize costly repairs in the future. If you want to avoid unpleasant situations like a flooded laundry room or a thermostat that roasts or freezes everyone inside, check out these easy tips, compiled as part of Professional Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractor Awareness Week:
Toilet:
Is your toilet leaking? To find out, add a small amount of red food coloring to the tank, and then check the toilet bowl later. If the water has turned red, water is seeping through from the tank, and you may need to change some tank parts.
Washing Machine:
Cracked or defective/leaky washing machine hoses are one of the leading causes for Homeowners Insurance claims. Check your hoses periodically for leaks, and replace plastic hoses every three years.
Make sure that the drain hose is secured to the washing machine outlet box. If not secured properly, the pressure could cause the hose to jump out of the drain outlet when the pump activates, spilling tremendous volumes of water onto your floor.
Refrigerator:
The small water line that goes from your refrigerator—called a capillary line—can easily become kinked. Plastic lines also become brittle from use, which leads to leaks. Both situations can cause extensive damage to the walls, floor, and cabinets around the refrigerator. Be sure to check and periodically replace brittle lines and check metal lines for crimps or kinks.
Garbage Disposal:
Run plenty of cold water when using your garbage disposal.
Do not overload it or dispose of things like bones or corn husks.
Be sure your dishwasher does not drain into the disposal.
Pipes:
Know where your water cut-off valves are located, and know the difference between the outside water cut-off and the inside water cut-off in case of emergency.
If leaving your home for extended periods during winter months, set your thermostat at approx. 60 degrees and leave your cabinet doors open inside. As an added precaution, turn the water off. If the pipes do freeze, turn the heat up, open all cabinet doors, and close your crawlspace vents.
To help prevent clogs, fit all your tubs and shower drains with a strainer that catches hair and soap chips, and clean the strainer regularly. Be sure that overflow holes on tubs and sinks are clear and open to prevent water damage to floors and ceilings.
Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink, as they can solidify in the pipes and cause clogs.
If you have a pipe that is completely clogged, avoid using caustic liquid drain openers (like Drano or Liquid Plumber). The caustic ingredients can get trapped in your pipes and could cause serious damage. Some people try environmentally safe drain maintenance additives, but these are more effective as preventative maintenance and are not meant for use on completely obstructed drains. If you can’t snake it yourself, call a professional!
Water Heater:
Always shut off the power or gas before doing anything to your water heater.
At least once a year, drain water from the tank to remove sediment buildup.
If your water heater is gas, periodically inspect the water heater burner. The flame under the heater should appear blue with yellow tips. If it’s mostly yellow, or if it’s sooty under there, your flue may be clogged, which is a dangerous situation.
At least once a year, have your water heater inspected by a service technician.
Air Conditioner:
Check the condensate hose to be sure it is not blocked with algae.
Clean the outside condensing unit screen of leaves.
Listen for unusual noises and call a professional when necessary.
Humidifiers:
A neglected in-duct humidifier can breed mildew and bacteria or add too much moisture to a house. After the heating season ends, don't forget to pull the plug, shut the water valve and drain the unit. If the unit has a water reservoir, drain and clean it with white vinegar, a mix of one part chlorine bleach to eight parts water or muriatic acid.
Clean mist-type humidifiers regularly to remove mineral deposits.
Thermostat:
While thermostats rarely fail outright, they can degrade over time as mechanical parts stick or lose their calibration. Older units will send faulty signals if they've been knocked out of level or have dirty switches. To recalibrate an older unit, use a wrench to adjust the nut on the back of the mercury switch until it turns the system on and, using a room thermometer, set it to the correct temperature. Caulk the hole where the thermostat wire comes through the wall, or a draft could trick it into thinking the room is warmer or colder than it really is.
Furnace Filter:
Most houses with forced-air furnaces have a standard furnace filter made from loosely woven spun-glass fibers designed to keep it and its ductwork clean. Unfortunately, they don't improve indoor air quality. If you want better air quality, you need to upgrade to a media filter, which sits in between the main return duct and the blower cabinet. Made of a deeply pleated, paper-like material, media filters are at least seven times better than a standard filter at removing dust and other particles.
Although media filters can last up to two years, their tight weave can restrict a furnace's ability to blow air through the house. To insure a steady, strong airflow through the house, choose a filter that matches your blower's capacity.
When you are ready to hire a professional contractor to take care of more serious home problems, visit www.whiteconstructiongroup.com
Toilet:
Is your toilet leaking? To find out, add a small amount of red food coloring to the tank, and then check the toilet bowl later. If the water has turned red, water is seeping through from the tank, and you may need to change some tank parts.
Washing Machine:
Cracked or defective/leaky washing machine hoses are one of the leading causes for Homeowners Insurance claims. Check your hoses periodically for leaks, and replace plastic hoses every three years.
Make sure that the drain hose is secured to the washing machine outlet box. If not secured properly, the pressure could cause the hose to jump out of the drain outlet when the pump activates, spilling tremendous volumes of water onto your floor.
Refrigerator:
The small water line that goes from your refrigerator—called a capillary line—can easily become kinked. Plastic lines also become brittle from use, which leads to leaks. Both situations can cause extensive damage to the walls, floor, and cabinets around the refrigerator. Be sure to check and periodically replace brittle lines and check metal lines for crimps or kinks.
Garbage Disposal:
Run plenty of cold water when using your garbage disposal.
Do not overload it or dispose of things like bones or corn husks.
Be sure your dishwasher does not drain into the disposal.
Pipes:
Know where your water cut-off valves are located, and know the difference between the outside water cut-off and the inside water cut-off in case of emergency.
If leaving your home for extended periods during winter months, set your thermostat at approx. 60 degrees and leave your cabinet doors open inside. As an added precaution, turn the water off. If the pipes do freeze, turn the heat up, open all cabinet doors, and close your crawlspace vents.
To help prevent clogs, fit all your tubs and shower drains with a strainer that catches hair and soap chips, and clean the strainer regularly. Be sure that overflow holes on tubs and sinks are clear and open to prevent water damage to floors and ceilings.
Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink, as they can solidify in the pipes and cause clogs.
If you have a pipe that is completely clogged, avoid using caustic liquid drain openers (like Drano or Liquid Plumber). The caustic ingredients can get trapped in your pipes and could cause serious damage. Some people try environmentally safe drain maintenance additives, but these are more effective as preventative maintenance and are not meant for use on completely obstructed drains. If you can’t snake it yourself, call a professional!
Water Heater:
Always shut off the power or gas before doing anything to your water heater.
At least once a year, drain water from the tank to remove sediment buildup.
If your water heater is gas, periodically inspect the water heater burner. The flame under the heater should appear blue with yellow tips. If it’s mostly yellow, or if it’s sooty under there, your flue may be clogged, which is a dangerous situation.
At least once a year, have your water heater inspected by a service technician.
Air Conditioner:
Check the condensate hose to be sure it is not blocked with algae.
Clean the outside condensing unit screen of leaves.
Listen for unusual noises and call a professional when necessary.
Humidifiers:
A neglected in-duct humidifier can breed mildew and bacteria or add too much moisture to a house. After the heating season ends, don't forget to pull the plug, shut the water valve and drain the unit. If the unit has a water reservoir, drain and clean it with white vinegar, a mix of one part chlorine bleach to eight parts water or muriatic acid.
Clean mist-type humidifiers regularly to remove mineral deposits.
Thermostat:
While thermostats rarely fail outright, they can degrade over time as mechanical parts stick or lose their calibration. Older units will send faulty signals if they've been knocked out of level or have dirty switches. To recalibrate an older unit, use a wrench to adjust the nut on the back of the mercury switch until it turns the system on and, using a room thermometer, set it to the correct temperature. Caulk the hole where the thermostat wire comes through the wall, or a draft could trick it into thinking the room is warmer or colder than it really is.
Furnace Filter:
Most houses with forced-air furnaces have a standard furnace filter made from loosely woven spun-glass fibers designed to keep it and its ductwork clean. Unfortunately, they don't improve indoor air quality. If you want better air quality, you need to upgrade to a media filter, which sits in between the main return duct and the blower cabinet. Made of a deeply pleated, paper-like material, media filters are at least seven times better than a standard filter at removing dust and other particles.
Although media filters can last up to two years, their tight weave can restrict a furnace's ability to blow air through the house. To insure a steady, strong airflow through the house, choose a filter that matches your blower's capacity.
When you are ready to hire a professional contractor to take care of more serious home problems, visit www.whiteconstructiongroup.com
Remember the basics...
Remember to clean or replace your air filters once a month. Not only does it prolong the life of your units but it will also turn you into "greener" citizen because your unit will pull less energy to run.
Ross White
www.whiteconstructiongroup.com
Ross White
www.whiteconstructiongroup.com
When remodeling or replacing consider a tankless option.....
Top 5 reasons to consider a tankless hot water heater:
1. Endless hot water
2. No storing water in a dirty tank! Traditional Water heater tanks should be drained and cleaned at least once a year due to residue build up - 82% of homeowners have never drained and... cleaned their hot water heater tank!
3. Tankless units can be installed virtually anywhere due to the compact size.
4. Tankless water heaters can provide a huge savings on you electric bill. It costs over 50% less to power a tankless heater compared to a traditional heater.
5. Tankless water heaters are extremely durable, lasting longer than traditional tank-type water heaters, and requiring little maintenance over its lifetime.
1. Endless hot water
2. No storing water in a dirty tank! Traditional Water heater tanks should be drained and cleaned at least once a year due to residue build up - 82% of homeowners have never drained and... cleaned their hot water heater tank!
3. Tankless units can be installed virtually anywhere due to the compact size.
4. Tankless water heaters can provide a huge savings on you electric bill. It costs over 50% less to power a tankless heater compared to a traditional heater.
5. Tankless water heaters are extremely durable, lasting longer than traditional tank-type water heaters, and requiring little maintenance over its lifetime.
Thinking about renovating?!
Thinking about renovating your bathroom or kitchen? With the year ending, new kitchen and bathroom trends are popping up. The following is a list of the most popular renovation trends for bathrooms and kitchens.
Bathroom Trends:
Larger, airier showers. Homeowners are now tearing out their tubs to expand showers in smaller bathrooms. Shower stalls are getting larger, airier, and have much more glass, making bathrooms feel more like spas. Homeowners are even taking out partial shower walls, or entire shower walls, and making the entire tiled bathroom a shower. Steam shower. Another big trend in bathrooms is steam. Homeowners are relieving stress in their steam showers after a long day. A steam shower is essentially a regular shower with an added steam feature that is powered by a steam generator. Steam showers range in price from $1,500 to $5,000 and bathrooms must also be reconfigured to accommodate them. Entertainment in the bathroom. Showers aren’t the only new renovation trends in bathrooms–people are also bringing other comforts to their bathrooms. Flatscreen TVs, radios, and even phones are new luxuries being added to bathrooms.
Kitchen Trends:
Environmentally-friendly materials. Homeowners are now turning to green products for home renovations. Sustainable materials such as recycled glass and paper products are being used for kitchen countertops and floors. These environmentally-sustainable products look just as great as their non-eco-friendly counterparts while minimizing impact on the environment.
Color. Color is where it’s at in the kitchen. Bright paint, tiles, and appliances add pizzazz to a usually neutral space. Vibrant blues and oranges are especially popular. These colorful touches modernize a kitchen’s style.Blending the kitchen with other living spaces. Homeowners are blurring the distinction between living areas and kitchen spaces more than ever. Furniture style pieces like armoires and concealed appliances help kitchens feel like open living spaces where families can come together.
Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Roof: Check roof and around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary.
2. Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
3.Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain outside faucets.
4.Fireplace: Clean fireplace of ashes. (Fall) Check chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure damper closes tightly. (Spring) Leave damper open for improved ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned
5.Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
6.Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
7.Air Conditioner: (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
8.Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with clean coils. Also, stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.
9.Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathroom(s). Replace washers as necessary.
10.Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. Replace seals as needed.
11.Storm Windows and Screens: (Fall) Take down screens (if removable type) and replace with storm windows. (Spring) Remove, clean, and store storm windows (if removable). Check and patch all door and window screens. Put screens up (if removable type).
12.Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift out the old caulk bead intact.
13.Basement: Check basement walls and floor for dampness. Be sure to clean dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.
14.Heating System: (Fall) Have heating system serviced. Change filters.
15.Hot Water Heater: (Fall) Drain hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.
Ross White
www.whiteconstructiongroup.com
Article by : http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Home_Maintenance_Checklist--A1730.html
2. Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
3.Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain outside faucets.
4.Fireplace: Clean fireplace of ashes. (Fall) Check chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure damper closes tightly. (Spring) Leave damper open for improved ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned
5.Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
6.Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
7.Air Conditioner: (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
8.Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with clean coils. Also, stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.
9.Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathroom(s). Replace washers as necessary.
10.Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. Replace seals as needed.
11.Storm Windows and Screens: (Fall) Take down screens (if removable type) and replace with storm windows. (Spring) Remove, clean, and store storm windows (if removable). Check and patch all door and window screens. Put screens up (if removable type).
12.Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift out the old caulk bead intact.
13.Basement: Check basement walls and floor for dampness. Be sure to clean dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.
14.Heating System: (Fall) Have heating system serviced. Change filters.
15.Hot Water Heater: (Fall) Drain hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.
Ross White
www.whiteconstructiongroup.com
Article by : http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Home_Maintenance_Checklist--A1730.html
Choosing the right Remodeling Contractor
Some small kitchen renovations can be undertaken as a simple DIY project; painting a few walls, installing a new refrigerator, sprucing up the kitchen flooring. However for a full kitchen remodel sensible home owners call upon the services of a professional kitchen remodeling company.
Choosing the right company for the project can make or break it. Pick the wrong guys and you could end up paying for more than you should have done or worse still find yourself left with a shoddy cowboy job that you have to hire someone else to come in and fix a few months down the line.
The first step in the process of finding the right kitchen remodeling company for your project is to generate a list of the contractors available in your area. Recommendations from friends and family can be helpful, but contacting a company that specializes in the development of a network of reliable and professional contractors can prove invaluable.
You goal is to obtain the details of at least three or four reliable firms that operate in your area and then begin narrowing them down based upon the following criteria:
Is the remodeling contractor properly licensed? - In the US most licensing for kitchen remodeling contractors is done at the state, rather than national level. If you are working with a networking company they will know what the licensing requirements are in your state and match you only with those firms who have been able to prove that all their licensing paperwork is in order.
Can the company provide references? – The best indicator of how good a job a kitchen remodeling company will perform on your kitchen remodeling project is how well they have performed work for other homeowners in the past. Do not be afraid to ask if you can contact one of two of the provided references yourself, to give you additional peace of mind.
How long has the company been in business? – While longevity is not always an indicator that a kitchen remodeling contractor is the best available the fact that a company has been in business for more than a few months is always a good sign.
Once you have your list of possible contractors narrowed down it is time to begin reviewing bids on your project. Do not accept a bid based upon price alone – the highest bidder may be no better than the lowest – but take factors like the company’s availability and local reputation into account as well. Remember too that these people will be in and out of your home for weeks, perhaps even months, so it is also essential that you be certain that you can all work together amicably.
If you find yourself torn between two bids do not hesitate to approach both of them to try to negotiate a better deal, making it clear to both that you are considering other bids. Even if they are inflexible on the price of the job they may be willing to discuss better scheduling or a superior brand of appliance for the same figure.
www.whiteconstructiongroup.com
Article from : http://blog.renovationexperts.com/choosing-the-right-kitchen-remodeling-contractor/
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