Recent Articles

  • House Fans


    Consider: Attic Fans, Solar Attic Fans, Bathroom Exhaust Fans, Kitchen Hood Fans, Whole House Fans, and Through Wall Fans.

    Ceiling fans help create a ‘breeze’ , so you may feel cooler, but whole house fans actually move the warm air out of your living spaces.

    In its very essence a house fan consists of an electrical motor, fan blades and an housing to support the motor and the blades.

    The better models have a better insulated housing (and door, and frames), a better and more silent electrical motor, and better and more balanced blades.
  • Fireplaces


    Consider: Wood Fireplace, Electric Fireplace, Fireplace Inserts, Gas Fireplaces, Fireplace Mantles, and Fireplace Screens. Consider ‘Franklin’ stoves that hold the heat rather than just letting it run up and out of your house through the chimney. Safety First! Chimney repair specialists can typically inspect the inside of your chimney with a flue ‘scope’. The scope lets the specialist see if there is a fire hazard.
  • Garden Patios, Walkways and Steps


    Design outdoor spaces as part of an integrated outdoor living plan rather than just as one element at a time. Consider the aesthetic, cost, and durability factors of: Flagstone Patios, Stamped Concrete Patios, and Paver Patios. Also, before you lock in certain materials think about: Patio Installation, Patio Enclosure Installation, Patio Furniture and Maintenance, Patio Umbrellas and Cleaning, Walkway Materials, Walkway Installation, Step Materials, Step Installation, and Power Washing Patios, Walkways and Steps.
  • Chimneys


    Consider: Chimney Caps, Chimney Liner, Chimney Construction, Chimney Flashing, and Chimney Cleaning DIY. Chimney repair specialists can typically inspect the inside of your chimney with a flue ‘scope’. The scope lets the specialist see if there is a fire hazard. Squirrels nests or damaged or loose terra cotta tiles are typically serious concerns for either burning wood in your fireplace or using your flue for furnace exhaust.
  • Window Shutters and Awnings:


    Shading for Energy Savings, Roof Overhangs, Fixed and Retractable Window Awnings, Window Shutters and Hardware and Hurricane Shutters, and Wood and Vinyl Shutters. Most heat enters your home through the windows, potentially hiking the temperature by more than 20 degrees. Clear, heat-reduction windows are available if you are feeling ambitious. If not, consider awnings above eastern and western windows. They can be made to order in any color, size and style and reused for years. Light-reflecting blinds are also a great way to go.
  • Home Wiring Projects


    If you have the Do It Yourself (DIY) skills then you can save money, but if you are relatively new to home wiring…be careful! Turning off the breaker is not enough when it comes to safety, because you may think that you wired something correctly but only learn later that there is a hidden hazard. Faulty ground wiring and other hazards can lead to in-wall or in-ceiling electrical fires that will cost you a lot more in damage to your home than the cost of a professional electrician. With your family at risk, the cost obviously compounds.
  • Texturizing


    When considering Texturizing, you may also want to look into: Chalkboard Paint, Door Painting, Faux Finishing and Painting, General Painting Technique, Indoor Painting Projects, Interior and Airless Paint Sprayers, Magnetic Paint, Paint Applicator Overview, Paint Contractors, Painting Kitchen Cabinets, Painting Various Surfaces, Prepping Interior Surfaces, Stenciling, Wall Murals and Zero VOC Paint.

    For most texturizing jobs, you will want to cut and install the new baseboard, only after the painting is completed.
  • Wall Murals


    When considering Wall Murals, you may also want to look into: Chalkboard Paint, Door Painting, Faux Finishing and Painting, General Painting Technique, Indoor Painting Projects, Interior and Airless Paint Sprayers, Magnetic Paint, Paint Applicator Overview, Paint Contractors, Painting Kitchen Cabinets, Painting Various Surfaces, Prepping Interior Surfaces, Stenciling, Texturizing, and Zero VOC Paint.
  • Zero VOC Paint


    When considering Zero VOC Paint, you may also want to look into how it may relate to: Door Painting, Faux Finishing and Painting, General Painting Technique, Indoor Painting Projects, Interior and Airless Paint Sprayers, Paint Specialty ‘Green’ Painting Contractors, Kitchen Cabinets, Prepping Interior Surfaces, Stenciling, Texturizing, and Wall Murals.

    For years the choices for low and ZERO VOC paint were limited and the cost was high.
  • Energy Saving Appliances


    Take a careful look at considerations for: Energy Star Appliances, Purchasing Efficient Appliances, Estimating Energy Use for Appliances, and Energy Efficiency Standards, Appliance Parts, and Appliance Repair.

    Every home appliance comes with two price tags: what it costs to take it home and what it costs to operate and maintain it each month. ENERGY STAR qualified home appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances.

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