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…
There are a lot of homeowners in America who don’t have to worry much about basement waterproofing. In places like Arizona or Nevada, there just isn’t enough precipitation to cause flooding problems, except in rare circumstances. But in vast parts of the country, including here in New Jersey, flooding is a constant concern. There are,…
It may not be as exciting as kitchen upgrades or new appliances, but siding truly is one of the most important aspects of the home. It’s your first protection against rain, sleet, wind and snow. It serves a key structural function, but it also plays an important aesthetic role. Often times, people don’t really think…
As summer fades into the distance and winter looms up ahead, things are changing around your average American home. Warm-weather clothing is being folded up and put away. The coats, hats, gloves and scarves are coming out in full force. Cars, yards, and homes are being winterized. The furnace is being tuned up, and there…
Have you ever tried to install or repair your own roof? Many homeowners with a knack for home improvement projects would answer ‘yes’, whether the aim was to save money or learn a new skill. Roofing is, however, a highly-specialized trade. In many cases, these DIY roofing projects don’t go as planned. That’s not to…
Every homeowner dreads the idea of waking up one morning and discovering a major problem – something that absolutely needs to be taken care of, even if it costs tens of thousands of dollars to address. This comes with the territory of being a homeowner, but that doesn’t make it any more agreeable when it…