On the Wire - Older Can Mean Better
Here are some facts of life to keep in mind if you own or are thinking of buying an older home:
If it made it this far, it's probably not going anywhere. Older homes are usually very well built. Years ago, it was easier to get better quality lumber. The sloping floors and walls associated with these buildings are usually the result of settlement, which is seldom harmful. Also, labor was much cheaper compared to materials, and builders could afford to take a lot more time to construct buildings. This old-fashioned workmanship is almost impossible to replace today.
If you do own an older home, don't make plans for the weekend! The character these buildings display is a result of the tremendous attention to detail that takes a lot of time to maintain. Hand crafted wood siding will need repair to the occasional rotted board. Re-painting one side a year should be your regular summer project. Finally, if you don't like surprises, don't buy an older house. Old plumbing, heating and electrical systems deteriorate over time and will usually fail on New Years Day, just before the family is due in for the big dinner. Make sure you budget for emergencies and schedule major repairs BEFORE they occur. Don't write off an older home, just be ready to give it the tender loving care it needs and deserves!
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Ask Tom & Leslie - Outdoor Storage
This week’s question comes to us from Yunna: “I have a question about outdoor storage. I need a space that is weatherproof. Do you have any suggestions?”
Homeowners are always looking for more storage space in and around the house. Often items like lawn mowers, power tools, and pesticides are kept in the garage, and wind up taking the space where the car should reside. Not only do they clutter the garage, but they can be especially hazardous to curious children who can get hurt by sharp tools or dangerous chemicals in their reach.
The good news is that there is a whole new generation of prefabricated sheds that are durable, lockable, and more inexpensive and appealing than their predecessors. People don’t have to be stuck with wood sheds that constantly need to be painted or treated for termites, or metal sheds that rust and warp over time. High-quality plastic sheds are available that can be easily assembled and will both store and protect your belongings. One brand of sheds that we like is Lifetime. These sheds have a wood-grain design but are made of plastic, so they won’t rust, crack or warp like a metal shed, and they’re not susceptible to termite or water damage, like a wooden shed. Plus, you never need to worry about painting it. Also, you want something that is steel-reinforced plastic so it is stronger and durable enough to protect your belongings from outdoor elements. Lifetime sheds have a high-pitched roof, which allows for quick drainage of rain and snow. And a special slip-resistant floor helps keep homeowners safe. Screen vents and skylights allow for airflow while keeping pests out. The sheds also come with two windows and a light so that it’s easy to find things in the shed any time you need them. And, they are expandable via an optional expansion kit so they can get bigger as your storage needs expand. One tip: make sure you measure the area where you plan to put the shed. The last thing you want is to get the shed home and then realize that it is too big to fit in the designated spot.
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Got A Question About Your Money Pit?
You can do-it-yourself but you don't have to do-it-alone. Getting in touch with us is as easy as 1 - 2 or 3!
- The toll-free studio hot line is 1-888-MONEY PIT. Find out when we broadcast in your area by checking out our website at www.moneypit.com. Each week we take dozens of calls, give great advice and offer callers a chance to win a terrific prize awarded to one random caller to every show.
- Call when it's convenient for you, 24 hours a day, same number: 1-888-MONEY PIT. A live person takes your call 24/7! So -- WHENEVER you have a home improvement question -- phone it in. Simply tell our phone screener your first name, and where you're calling from...and ask your question. We’ll get back to you with the answer – or even call you back during the show!
- Click here to email your question to us. We may read your email on the air and we also respond personally to many of the email questions we get.
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On the Air - Termite ID Tips
What do you do if you THINK you see a termite in your house? Before you panic – make sure you can tell a termite from an ant or other bug. We’ll give you some bug identification tips this week on the Money Pit. Download our Podcast online, or visit www.moneypit.com. to find out where you can hear our radio broadcast in your area.
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Fun Fact - Fiberglass Shower Care
Fiberglass shower stalls are less expensive and easier to install than tile, but there’s a trick to cleaning them. Are you “rubbing” your fiberglass shower the wrong way? Fiberglass showers are finished with a layer of gel coat, which is easily damaged by abrasive cleansers. So choose your shower cleaner carefully, and to keep that shiny luster and prevent water spotting, try waxing the shower walls once a month with a liquid auto wax – just the walls though. You don't want to go in for a shower and end up at the hospital!
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Short Cuts - Good Fences
The saying goes, good fences make good neighbors – but yours may be a little worse for wear. Wooden fences can come apart if they’re not properly built. The biggest downfall of a wooden fence is when it’s installed to close to the ground, where rot and termite damage can ruin it. To best way to keep your wooden fence in good shape for years to come , is to treat the bottom of the fence boards with a preservative, and don’t let them come in direct contact with the ground – a good three inch gap is best.
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Copyright 2007 Squeaky Door Productions, Inc.
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