If your home has older windows, should you replace them with new, more energy efficient ones? Here’s a quick guide to the pros and cons. First, do you need new windows? If your home has single-pane glass windows, you might want to consider energy-efficient windows that will provide moderation from summer heat and winter cold…. Read more »
Great kitchen countertops are a key ingredient in a top-notch kitchen that is both warm and inviting, yet also functional. Here’s a quick guide to the most common material types, their strengths and weaknesses. The current king: Granite. For the last fifteen years, granite has dominated the kitchen counter market. It is a tough, durable… Read more »
As a homeowner, it’s far better to keep up with routine maintenance than spend big bucks down the road on repairs and replacements. Here’s a handy guide to key maintenance issues and how often they should be completed. Monthly maintenance. Change the filters to your heating and air intake ducts, unless you own a systems… Read more »
If you have a new baby in the house, it’s time to start thinking about childproofing your home. Babies become mobile sooner than you think and it is up to you to keep them safe from household perils. Check online or at a home-improvement or baby supply store for a wide selection of latches, gates,… Read more »
Gone are the days when big-ticket home appliances lasted for decades. With some exceptions, the life span for most appliances is ten years or less. All the more reason to do your homework as a prospective buyer and check the age and condition of the appliances in any home you’re seriously considering. Here are a… Read more »
If you buy a home built before 1978, there’s a possibility asbestos may lurk in the building materials. Houses built from the 1800s through the early 1950s used asbestos extensively before the material was phased out. Should you be concerned? What is it and why is it dangerous? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that… Read more »
Homeowners in a rural setting typically pump their water from wells and remove their household waste with a septic system. While pumping water is an easy concept to grasp, many potential home buyers have little knowledge about septic systems, how they work and what it takes to maintain one. Here’s a primer. Waste water. In… Read more »
