Siding is one of the most important investments you can make as a homeowner. It’s your first protection against the elements (along with your roof), and it’s also an important aesthetic component of the home. It may not be as exciting as a kitchen or bathroom upgrade, but new siding is a smart investment for…
A big part of being a homeowner is learning how to manage the risks, and learning how to minimize the long-term costs of maintaining a home. This is a process – it’s something that only experience can teach. On the other hand, using the experience of other homeowners is a valuable tool. The more information…
Some people like the winter cold, and others can’t wait for spring. But there’s one thing we can all agree on: Having an efficient heating system is important. Heating bills can have a huge impact on monthly finances when the weather gets cold, and it’s especially frustrating when heat loss accounts for a significant portion…
People often wonder if rooftop snow removal is really necessary during the winter, and what kind of problems could develop if snow is left to accumulate. The answer, of course, really depends on the amount of snow that piles up during a given winter. There are mild winters without much accumulation, and there are years…
The foundation of your home is hidden, but it’s one of the most important aspects of your home’s construction. A healthy, well-formed foundation that holds its shape throughout the seasons is the key to a house that lasts a long time and holds its value. Sometimes, a little maintenance is necessary. If problems are ignored…
A chimney looks like a simple thing from the outside – many people imagine that chimneys are nothing more than a brick “chute” that runs from the fireplace to the roof. Technically, of course, this is accurate – but there is much more to chimneys than meets the eye. There is an array of components…
When you drive through a neighborhood of homes, the gutters are probably not the first thing you notice. In fact, you might not notice them at all – but make no mistake, those gutters are critical. Without them, a long list of problems would appear, from mildew to foundation damage. Aside from the roof and…
When it comes to the aesthetic beauty and livability of the home, windows are a major factor. As a homeowner, the decisions you make about windows can have long-lasting effects. Obviously, the placement and design of windows will decide how much natural light enters the various rooms of the home, and what the lighting will…
As winter gets underway, people across the country are stocking up on firewood for those cold nights – at least those of us who have woodstoves or wood-burning fireplaces. There’s nothing quite like a fire to get cozy and settle in for a dark winter evening. It’s pleasant, warming, even romantic – but let’s get…
Natural light can make an astonishing difference to the comfort and livability of any interior space. Skylights have been common for a long time, but they’ve recently enjoyed a surge of popularity thanks to new designs, better materials, and more cost-efficient methods of installations. Levels of satisfaction amongst homeowners who invest in skylights are consistently…