Homeowner Resources

Burst pipes within the home are rare, but if a break occurs, it can cause major flood damage to your home’s interior. Much of this damage is preventable - if you can shut off the water flow at once. To do so, you and your family members should know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located. Where Can I Find My Home's Water Shut-off  Valve? There’s no simple answer that fits every homeowner. Your main water shut-off valve may be located indoors or outdoors, and several different locations. It is typically found on the perimeter of the house where water first enters your home. Also, it is usually on the side of the house facing the street. If you have a home with a basement, it is probably located on an interior wall near the front of the house and … [Read more...] about Find Your Home’s Water Shut-off Valve

Are your credit cards so full from the holidays they had to undo the top button of their trousers? Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate the ones you love. We know the ones you love don't wish more debt for you. We're sharing a few creative ideas for how you and your special someone can Celebrate Valentine's Day on the Cheap. Write a Love Letter If your special someone has always stepped up to the plate and been there for you, there's no better day than Valentine's Day to let your feelings known. Make it official and put it in writing. Don't make Hallmark do all the work. This small show of affection will go a long way with the ones you love. In this age of texting, a love letter in an envelope is not just unique, it's something your loved ones can cherish for years to come. If … [Read more...] about Celebrate Valentine’s Day on the Cheap

There's a lot of talk about relationships in February.  Since most successful relationships are give-and-take, let's take a moment to think about how much your kitchen has given you this winter. With holiday parties and family gatherings complete, show your favorite spot in the house a little TLC this month with Your February Kitchen To-Do List. 1. Deep Clean Your Refrigerator Empty the contents of your fridge onto the counter. Do this all at once or shelf by shelf.Remove all parts and shelving you can, including drawers.Wash the shelving with warm, soapy water and a sponge. You may also use white vinegar and baking soda, which acts as a deodorizer.Wipe down the inside of the fridge with your sponge using warm, soapy water and dry with a clean towel.Lift and clean the glass on … [Read more...] about Your February Kitchen To-Do List

If you're reading those group texts correctly, it looks like the Game Day Party is headed to your place on Sunday. This means extra seating, fun food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Read our Tips to Tackle a Last-Minute Game Day Party, and we're sure the only fumbles you'll see are in the game. "Extra Points" for the Little Things Small gestures are a big hit: Pre-fill individual disposable cups with smaller snacks such as pretzels and nuts your friends can grab as they wish.Print your own football-themed labels for drink cups to help your guests keep track of their liquid fuel of choice.Use AstroTurf as a table runner to give your snack table a "wow" factor. AstroTurf is available from places like The Home Depot and other home improvement … [Read more...] about Tips to Tackle a Last-Minute Game Day Party

It’s tough enough to keep the New Year’s Resolutions we make for ourselves, let alone our appliances. However, a little maintenance can go a long way to saving you money this year. To help get you motivated, here's our list of  5 Appliance Maintenance Resolutions for the New Year! Heating System Filters should be cleaned once a month and replaced every three months. Make sure the furnace is turned off. Remove the access panel and slide out the screen. Clean dirt buildup and dry filter before replacing it. The Home Depot offers great tips on changing your air filters regularly. Oven Keep it as clean as possible. As grease and spills build-up, the oven has to work harder to do its job, especially heating elements, which uses more energy consumption. Dishwasher Clean … [Read more...] about Appliance Maintenance Resolutions for the New Year!