Homeowner Resources

October 6-12 is Fire Prevention Week. No one wants to think about a house fire. Although we don’t want to scare you with statistics, we will share a couple to make a point. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there are more than 350,000 home fires in the U.S. each year. Here are 5 Common Causes of Home Fires You Can Prevent. Cooking Fires Cooking fires are the most common cause of house fires. They are responsible for a whopping 48% of all residential fires. Grease is the main culprit, and in particular, unattended cooking. Prevent: Never leave your kitchen unattended when cooking with oil. This includes foods such as bacon that produce grease. Keep a fire extinguisher handy in your kitchen. There are several different grades and uses for fire extinguishers. Be … [Read more...] about 5 Common Causes of Home Fires You Can Prevent

To achieve the ultimate assessment of where and how air leaks occur in your home, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests hiring a qualified technician. The technician will conduct an energy audit of your home. On the other hand, we know you don’t need an expert to tell you there’s a draft coming in from beneath your basement door. But what about less obvious sources of air leaks? Give your house an Indoor Air Leak Check Up this month and cut your home's energy costs. Winter weather is around the corner, so keep the drafts out and warm air in. Don't let your energy budget from escape your home through places you may not have considered. These include: Light switch platesElectrical outlet platesFireplace dampersCable lines for TVPhone linesMail slots Most of these leaks can be … [Read more...] about Give Your House an Indoor Air Leak Check Up

It's time to take a closer look at the Prefab Home Trend. A Prefab Home may sound like a modern ambition, but they’re nothing new. Consider “Modern Home No. 187” listed in the Sears, Robuck & Co. catalog in 1913. The humble catalog advertised a remarkable 2-story house with a cobblestone foundation and matching chimney. This particular home was referred to as “an architectural triumph”. It was available for purchase as a kit to be assembled on a customer’s property. The price tag was $1,273. What is a Prefab Home? Prefab homes are built almost entirely inside a factory instead of traditional on-site construction. What are the differences between Prefab Homes, Modular Homes, Kit Homes, and Manufactured Homes? Prefab and Modular Homes Prefab Homes and Modular Homes are … [Read more...] about A Closer Look at the Prefab Home Trend

Fall-planted bulbs are a great way to create a glorious garden, full of color and variety. You may not know that September is the perfect month to plant them. Beginner gardeners love their nearly foolproof reliability. Master gardeners relish their design impact. Here are some creative ideas and tips to plant the basic and beautiful bulb. Whatever your skill level, follow the planting recommendations on the label and get them in the ground this fall. Plant bulbs just about anywhere in your garden as long as the soil drains well and there’s plenty of sun.Plant them in clusters as opposed to a line. Clusters of color have more impact.Put lower blooming bulbs in front of the taller blooming bulbs.Try planting smaller bulbs directly above the larger ones for a jumbled and unexpected … [Read more...] about Tips to Plant the Basic and Beautiful Bulb

You’re back from vacation, there’s no holiday in sight, and the days are still long and hot. Need something to do? It’s the perfect month to go through your End-of-Summer To-Do List. Don’t let the busy days of autumn sneak up on your family. It’s time to show demanding September who’s boss. Prep Your Furnace for Winter Yes, we know it’s hot outside, but you know what happens after hot. Cold. Your furnace is more likely to go on the blink in the dead of winter. Have your furnace inspected by a professional and make sure it’s ready to go when the temps drop. Maintaining your furnace in the summer will be more cost-effective than emergency calls in the winter. Furthermore, a service professional can ensure your system is safe to run after being dormant all summer. Clean and Store … [Read more...] about Your End-of-Summer To-Do List