Homeowner Resources

She Shed, He Shed. Whatever role you play in your family or home, we all need to step away from the chaos that is family life. Your garage may be just the place to set up a different sort of shop. Create livable space outside the main home for reading, watching sports, playing games, working on a hobby, or entertaining friends. We've gathered a few ideas to help you imagine and Create the Ultimate Garage Getaway. Update the Flooring Chances are your current garage "flooring" is oil-stained concrete. Consider stone epoxy to update the look of the space instantly. If you ever wish to convert your Garage Getaway back to a working garage, there will be no need to remove carpet or laminate flooring. Stone epoxy combines beautiful stones with epoxy resin to create a durable, … [Read more...] about Create the Ultimate Garage Getaway

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. This year, why not observe this day with a more active celebration of those heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms? Here are some suggestions from MemorialDayFoundation.org, to help you Make a Real Memory this Memorial Day. Visit a cemetery and place flags or flowers on the graves of fallen heroes.Visit a local War Memorial.Make a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead.Make a pledge to aid disabled veterans.Participate in a "National Moment of Remembrance" at 3:00 PM local time, to pause and think upon the meaning of the day, and for taps to be played where possible.Many Americans consider Memorial Day … [Read more...] about Make a Real Memory this Memorial Day

Ah. The sweet sounds of summer: birds singing, children playing outdoors, and the hum of your A/C. Make sure your A/C is ready to go before the heat sets in with regular maintenance now. Maintenance keeps your A/C running smoothly and also extends its lifespan. Although experts recommend professional maintenance for your AC once a year, here are steps for those of you who are ready to Get Your A/C in Shape for Summer. Turn OFF Power Turn OFF power to the unit completely before doing any maintenance work on your A/C from your breaker box. Remove Debris Clear the area surrounding your A/C unit. Cut back branches and plants within a few feet. Remove the cage and fan grill from the top of the unit with a screwdriver to remove any leaves and debris from the interior. Check the … [Read more...] about Get Your A/C in Shape for Summer

Spring is in full swing, and more than likely, so is the use of your deck. May is Deck Safety Month - a perfect time for homeowners to check their decks for common safety hazards. Check out: Stairs and Railings Stairs and railings should be secure and not wiggle. Railings must be properly attached to both the deck framing and deck surface. Railings must be at least 36" high (some areas require 42" height - check your local building codes) with rails no more than 4" apart. If the area behind the stair tread is open, the opening should be no more than 4" high. Keep the stair pathway clear to prevent a tripping hazard. Flashing Check for a metal or plastic guard that directs water away from sensitive areas like the sill of an exterior door. If water gets under the flashing, the … [Read more...] about All Hands on Deck – It’s Deck Safety Month

Carbon monoxide, allergens, poisonous gases, mold - and that's just your living room. Poor air quality may cause sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. If this describes a typical day in your home, it may be time to check your home's air quality. During Air Quality Awareness Week, the EPA will "promote events that increase air quality awareness and encourage people to check the Air Quality Index (DQI) daily." Let's Clear the Air Your indoor air quality may be more polluted than the air outside. Identify potential sources of indoor air pollution with a professional inspection or an indoor air quality test kit. How Do I Know the Quality of My Home's Indoor Air? Two of the most harmful gases within the home are radon and carbon monoxide. We suggest you hire a professional test your … [Read more...] about 3 Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality