Do you need to winterize your home? Are you leaving for several days or several months? If you want your house to be in perfect shape upon your return, you better do certain things before you walk out the door.
Q&A /
I see miracle energy savings scams all of the time. Some of the things they promise are too good to be true in my opinion. Save energy by doing a lot of small things around your home - use a programmable thermostat, energy saving light bulbs, and more.
Detailed contracts noting exact contractor and homeowner specifications and listing payment schedules help avoid payment disputes.
The foundation of your home is important. An extra 20 inches of concrete will give you full-height eight foot finished ceilings in your basement. You could also get a slab on grade or crawl space basement. Discovery the different building foundation types in this column.
Contractors come in all skill levels. To find the plumber, carpenter, painter or roofer that will do a professional job you must go where they go. Check with the supply houses who sell to these contractors, ask for recommendations. Get the right information about the right contractor for you.
Cost overruns are a nightmare that can be avoided with time invested upfront. Your budget can be maintained by selecting all items and features before you bid out your new home. Bills of the scary kind can be avoided with specific itemization of each feature and elimination of builder allowances.
Insulated glass replacement is possible with a bit of work. Building codes dictate the type of glass needed. Ask about insulated replacement glass at your local glass shop.
A large foundation crack is a serious matter. Professional engineers who understand foundations need to be brought in. Once the foundation has stopped its differential movement, then the foundation repair can begin.
Water vapor in small amounts can cause rot. Vapor retarders are essential to preventing damage. Be sure to have high quality vapor barriers installed correctly.
Modular homes, once completed, look just like a stick built home. Modular home plans allow you to order a new home, yet to be built, in a showroom, and then move in six weeks later. A modular home will astound you with the quality of workmanship.
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