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Tune In For Dish Maintenance

Satellite dishes provide access to a wide range of programming, but maintaining these sensitive instruments requires some fine tuning. If you have a satellite dish or are thinking about installing one, there are a few channels of maintenance to watch for. Strong winds may move a dish out of alignment, and over time, lines can …

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Oven Cleaning – Naturally

Cleaning your oven is an important but messy job involving harsh chemicals.  But it doesn’t have to be!  Here’s a recipe for a natural oven cleaner using products that won’t hurt your hands — or the environment.  Make a paste of baking soda and water.  Apply the paste and scrub with steel wool.  For stubborn …

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Easy But Intricate Tile Design

If you are planning to install tile flooring, there is a way to add a unique touch. In the right place, a tile inlay can add a special look to your floor. Thanks to today’s precision technology, professionals can produce very intricate designs. After selecting a design and colors, they use a computer guidance system …

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A Common Rotter

Dryrot can be big trouble. It is sneaky, and makes itself at home in a structure long before you can visually detect it. For dryrot to thrive, it needs a combination of moisture, heat, and air. These amenities are in generous supply under kitchen sinks and in bathrooms, as well as in attics with poor …

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Some Concrete Facts

Think the facts about concrete are – well, concrete?  You’re wrong. There are some cold, hard facts you should know before using it for your home improvement. Different jobs require different formulations of concrete — and there are literally hundreds of mixes to choose from. If you are not sure which to use, contact a …

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Essential Paint Preparation

Preparation is the key to a great paint job on previously stained or lacquered furniture. Start by washing surfaces with a cleaning solution, then rinse well with clean water. Next, give cabinets a good sanding with 320-grit sandpaper and lastly wipe surfaces down with a tack cloth. Now your furniture is ready for that fresh …

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Blotting Is Best For Pet Stains

 If you have pets, you probably have pet stains. When cleaning up after a pet, always blot the stain. Rubbing can drive the stain deeper into your carpet. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals as these could set the stain permanently AND void a carpet’s warranty. For stubborn stains, fetch a professional who is experienced with …

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Be Fully Apprised For Appraisal

Want to be fully apprised when the appraiser comes to your house? Before the appraiser rings your doorbell, have these documents on hand – A copy of the original plans and specs, a survey of the house and property, the deed or title report, your purchase date and price, a recent tax bill, and a …

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Walls That Carry The Weight

Could you identify the load-bearing walls in your home?  Load-bearing walls are vital to a structure’s strength, and include exterior walls supporting the roof, ceiling, and upper floor loads. They usually run through the center of the house and are supported with columns in the basement. When remodeling, load bearing walls can be removed, but …

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Dishwasher Tune-up

If your dishwasher isn’t getting the job done, it may not be getting enough water. The water-inlet valve, which brings water from your outside source, may be responsible. It is easy to replace. You will find it at the bottom of your machine, under the access panel. If it is defective, you can replace it …

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Natural Way To Unclog Drains

Do you need a simple, really cheap way to unclog sluggish drains? You only need three things — and you probably have in your kitchen. To free up sluggish drains, simply mix one-half cup each of salt, baking soda and vinegar, and pour it down the drain. Follow this with two quarts of boiling water, …

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Arresting Lightning Damage

Each year, the cost of lightning strikes adds up to millions of dollars of damage to electrical systems in homes throughout the country. To prevent this from happening to you, install a surge arrestor. This investment is the initial step for whole-house protection because it safeguards hard-wired equipment like air-conditioning systems or appliances that can’t …

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Powerful Outage Protection

Last year, more than 75 percent of Americans suffered a power outage due to aging, outdated utility systems. To protect yourself, consider installing a whole-house backup generator. Once wired to your home’s electrical system, a whole-house generator can automatically repower important systems like heating, air conditioning and refrigeration before damage can be done.

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Right Formula For Carpet

Are you getting ready to replace some old carpeting in your home? Don’t waste money buying more than you will need. To buy the right amount of carpeting, the formula is: the room’s length times width — in feet — divided by 8.  This will give you the amount of carpet you will need in …

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Summer Storm Windows?

Storm windows are only good for winter, right? Wrong. Storm windows help save money even on the hottest summer days. If your house has central air conditioning, keeping storm windows down can prevent expensive energy leaks by slowing the flow of hot outside air into your home. Remember, houses leak just as much in the …

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Know Your Left From Right

Nothing is more frustrating than wasting time and effort turning screws, nuts or bolts the wrong way.  Simply remember, “righty-tighty and lefty-loosey.”   This means turning most threaded items to the right, or clockwise, tightens them and turning them to the left, or counterclockwise, loosens them.  Remember, righty-tighty..lefty-loosey.  Do that and you’ll be sure to beright …

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Hardwood Floors And Water Don’t Mix

Do you have hardwood floors?   Don’t use your water to clean them.  Wood and plain water just don’t mix.  When cleaning hardwood floors, use a warm water and 5 percent vinegar solution. Wring the sponge or mop twice to avoid puddles or seepage. For prefinished hardwood floors, clean and wax with products offered or recommended …

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Spring Hazmat Disposal

Spring-cleaning can save space in your home, but did you know it could do the same thing for the environment? You can dispose of all paint, thinners, motor oils, kerosene and dangerous cleaning solutions at your local recycling center.  Empty spray paint and solvent cans by inverting them and depressing the button until nothing remains.  …

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Buying 2nd Home

Thinking about a second home?  Here’s some house rules to follow.  Buying a second home can be a smart investment, but it should work for your lifestyle, too.  If you’ll be renting it out, know all the maintenance details.  If it’s a vacation home, spend time in the area before you buy, in case you …

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