Energy Savings Payback
Energy saving can only be achieved instantly if you immediately cut back on fuel use. If you spend money on improvements to gain future savings, you must earn back the money spent in energy savings before you save real money.
Author Archives: Tim Carter
Door Fit is Poor
A door can fit poorly if the wall in which the door is hung is twisted. Doors are usually flat and the wall surface must also be flat for the door to meet evenly all along the edge of the jamb when the door is closed.
Cement Mud Floor DVD
A Cement Mud Floor must be installed under ceramic tile in a shower. This solid base prevents cracks in the tile. The cement mud floor must be installed perfectly or it will be very difficult to install the tile.
Shower Pan Liner DVD
A Shower Pan Liner must be installed under ceramic tile shower floors. The liner waterproofs the floor so water from the shower flows directly into the drain. This DVD shows you how to install one that will perform well for generations.
Wiring For Your House – Make It Cat5 Cable
Both old and new homes should incorporate cat5 cable. This new house wiring standard is low voltage cable that provides options for networking appliances, telephone lines and computers all in one. Cat5 provides for future additions of these electronic devices-- and others we may not even have heard about yet!
Remodeling? Smart Upgrades To Make While Changing Your Roof / Attic
If you are remodeling and have major roof and attic modification underway, now is a smart time to upgrade and add some other projects. Consider additional insulation, wiring, ventilation and wire conduits for starters. Adding one of the great central vacuum systems will also make your home more efficient and pleasant.
Trusses – Gain Space with a Scissors Truss
Ask your builder about special roof trusses that will gain storage space for your home. You can mix standard trusses with scissors, attic, or storage trusses, and avoid losing valuable space that is paid for but unusable. Call in a pro engineer before converting a traditional roof to a vaulted version.
Skylights – Flared vs. Straight Shafts
Skylights bring light, stars and the outdoors in to other parts of your room. Constructing a skylight with a flared, rather than straight, shaft will gain much more light with a simple expansion. Consult a professional structural engineer before tearing into your trusses, however!
Dust Control in Homes
Dust control in the average home can be hard. There are many sources of dust. Paper, carpet, clothes, cardboard, flour, wood, etc. all can be sources of dust. Exterior wind-blown dust also enters through cracks and windows.
A Load Bearing Wall Can Be Deceptive
Your walls can fool you. Posing as an innocent non-load bearing wall, an interior wall may, in fact, be a prime load bearing wall. Check this photo.