After spending a little time watching a couple of design shows, and a couple of home makeover shows, and a couple of those real estate and home buying shows, I have become convinced of one thing:

Most modern Americans would buy a house with cardboard boxes as cabinets as long as the cardboard boxes had a granite countertop on top of them!

Granite countertops

It seems a bit unfortunate that the material used on the top of cabinetry has become the tipping point for homeowners who are deciding between a great home with a tile countertop, and an obviously poorer quality home with granite countertops, as though this was the single most important criteria!

I am going to step out on a limb here and say that granite is not the best material for kitchen countertops, and has become a status symbol like wearing a Mercedes Benz hood ornament on a chain once was for hip hop and rap artists. It is just symbol of affluence.

Tile countertops

The numbers and types of tile available today, offer an amazing array colors and textures, impervious to bacteria, attractive, and far more durable than granite. Heck, they are even available in granite if you so choose!

Quartz countertops

The new kid on the block for countertops is quartz. The material is made from ground quartz and resin, and the completed product is hard, resilient, impervious to bacteria, and comes in a wide variety of colors.

Other materials

Even the plastic laminates, and other synthetic materials common a couple of decades ago still have a place and a purpose. There is nothing wrong with them, and the types, styles and colors available, and the fact that they are impervious to bacteria, and relatively low in cost, still make them a good choice.

There is nothing wrong with granite countertops, but they are probably not the best material on the market, and definitely not the best criteria for choosing a home!

Comments: Feel free to disagree and let us know why in the comment section.

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The number of wooden or composite surfaced homes built in the United states is much smaller than fifty years ago, but there are still some being built. Outbuildings, like garden sheds, utility buildings, cabanas, and storage buildings are often built with wood or wood composite materials, which require a little extra attention to keep them looking good and functioning properly. A planned maintenance schedule for preventative maintenance can increase the life and functionality of any structure, and this is nowhere more of a truth than with wood or composite structures.

Even if your building is covered mostly with brick, there are still wooden areas that need your attention. The most likely spots are the upper portions of the gable ends, the soffit, and facia boards.

Preventing moisture is the key

Moisture is the enemy of wood. To preserve your wooden structure, you need to prevent moisture from getting into the wood. This is accomplished with paint, stain, or some other type of wood preservative, to seal the moisture out. The edges and ends are most susceptible. The will need extra protection where they are exposed, or joined. This is the job of caulking and trim.

Build a planned maintenance schedule

The best way to go about this is to have a schedule for cleaning, painting and sealing your wooden building. This is best done once a year, or at least every 18 months. This may seem like a lot, but you are dealing with the life of your structure, so it is important.

Wood structure preventative maintenance checklist and tips

Please follow the order listed below. If you caulk the building, and then realize you need to level it, your caulking may separate when the building is being leveled.

• Check the building for levelness. Do this first.
• Check for wood to ground contact and correct this.
• Check for termite trails on the sides of any concrete blocks.
• Scrape off any loose paint. Completely clean the entire building exterior. This is important for finding potential problems, and for assuring a clean surface that your coating will adhere to.
• Check for missing or damaged shingles.
• Remove any brush, limbs, or other debris.
• Check the edges of the eves and overhangs to make sure that there is nothing rotting there. If there is any potential damage from moisture in this area, you should consider adding, or extending metal flashing.
• Check directly under the roof, where it contacts the outside of the building, caulk any places where there are gaps.
• Check the corners of the building, look for gaps, and caulk accordingly.
• Check around doors, and windows.
• Check the door and window weather stripping.
• Check the siding, and caulk any exposed nail or screw holes.
• Apply your paint, stain, or wood preservative only when these other steps have been taken, and the building is clean and dry.

If you have a planned maintenance schedule, and practice preventative maintenance, it will increase the longevity of your building, and the building will stay in good condition as long as you continue your planned maintenance schedule.

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Safety first!

Anytime that tools are used, there are dangers, so use them appropriately, and follow all applicable safety practices. Plumbing safety practices go beyond those of most other maintenance topics. There is more potential for microbial activity. Take special care when servicing plumbing drain waste and sewer lines.

Interior:

Plumbing is both an indoor and outdoor concern. We will start with the indoor, or interior of the home.

Hot water heater

Things to check:

Look for leaks and drips, particularly around fittings and connections. This is the most likely place for a leak to occur.

The TP, or top pop valve is always a concern, this valve “pops off” if pressure reaches a dangerous level inside the hot water heater. Most are set to open at around 150 pounds per square inch. TP valves should be checked at least once a year. TP valve activation is usually accompanied by hissing, or the sound of running water, and possibly, the presence of moisture.

Hot Water Heater Repairs: Top Pop Valve

Toilets

As with all other plumbing fixtures, leaks are the most prevalent at the fitting connections. The flushing and filling mechanism opens a drain when the handle or button is moved, and then seals the tank to allow refill, while simultaneously opening a supply line valve which refills the tank to a predetermined level, and the water supply valve is closed by a rising float.

This float and flapper mechanism is simple, but there are a few things which should be checked. The seals, and the flapper may shrink, or crack, which can cause annoying leaks, the filler mechanism may wear out, or become clogged, preventing proper operation. This is evidenced by intermittent, or constant running water. A good inspection would involve looking at the mechanism as it is working, checking for leaks around the supply, drain, and other fittings.

Showers and tubs

Showers and tubs have supply lines, and drains, and with showers, there will be a shower valve, supply line, and a shower head. Check for leaks around these.

Some repairs can be accomplished fairly easily, but most require getting into the plumbing chase, or the wall behind the tub or shower. In such cases, unless you are an accomplished handyman, the work might be best left in the hands of a professional plumber.

Sinks

Sinks have drains and supply lines, both of which are easily accessible, and these areas should be should be checked for leaks. Repairs are straightforward. Most have shut off valves installed under the sink.

Exterior

Most exterior plumbing supply line problems involve line breaks due to activities like digging. The majority of outdoor plumbing problems have to do with clogged drain lines. There are, of course, outdoor water supplies to external faucets, and irrigation lines as well. Where irrigation is concerned, back flow prevention is important, and proper irrigation head adjustment is a must for both your lawns health, and water use.

Things that should be checked are wet spots in the lawn, or around the foundation.

Related repair articles coming soon:

Changing a top pop

Repairing a faucet washer

Replacing a valve seat

Repairing a solder joint by sweating

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There are several competing ideas about how the term “rule of thumb” came into being.

One has it that there was a time that a man was allowed to beat his wife, as long as he used a stick no larger than his thumb. Another, that it was the distance on a map that a ship would be safe from the shore, others having to do with a variety human measurements. However the term originated, it has come to mean a general rule that is specific enough to serve as guidance in most situations. That is what we are presenting here.

Angle cuts

When you cut the top of a post for a fence that will not be capped, always cut it at an angle. This will allow water to run off, avoiding potential problems with rot.

Crowns

When fastening lumber, there will almost always be a crown, or an upward bend, this should always be on top, or pointed upward. Gravity will always try to force everything downward, and placing the crown up will counter this tendency.

Radial curl

When looking at a board for a deck or other outdoor structure that will be exposed to the weather, look at the end of the board. There will be a section of the radius of the log that it was cut from. There will be a slight curl toward what was once the outside of the log. This will become more pronounced with exposure to weather, causing a cupping effect which, if placed on top, will allow the board to hold water, and cause premature degradation.

This is a growing list

We will be adding more as we have opportunity. We also want to invite you to comment, and let us know of any rules of thumb you might want to suggest.

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Despite the economic difficulties of the time, it can still be a good time for home improvement. Many people are deciding to ride out the remainder of the financial storm where they already live, and any improvements made to their property at this opportune time, will almost certainly pay high dividends when the economy begins to recover. Home improvement financing loans can be obtained at some pretty low interest rates at this time. With the economy still in disarray, contractor costs will likely be less than in times of higher demands for their services.

Home improvement financing

Home improvement isn’t cheap, and most people don’t have several thousand dollars sitting around for home improvement financing. There are several ways to finance a home improvement project. If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you have decided to perform the work yourself, which will save you money, but only if you practice careful planning. Whether you do the job yourself, or hire a contractor, you will still have to pay for the job.

Home improvement financing: Pay as you go

You can plan your home improvement project so that it can be done a little at a time, as the money is available. If this is the method you choose, you should plan the project carefully in segments matching the amount of funding as it comes available, and set a start and finish date. Do your homework and know exactly what material you will need, the cost of the material, and set up a plan, and a time frame for each part of the project.

Home improvement financing: Pay with credit cards

You can pay for the materials using a credit card. If you take this route, pay off the credit card bill in such a way that you will avoid late fees and other such onerous problems imposed by credit card companies.

Home improvement financing: Home improvement loans

If your credit is in good condition, your home mortgage payments up to date, and your equity in the home sufficient, you can probably get a home improvement loan without too much trouble. Shop around a little on this option. Credit unions are a good source. Large lumber and hardware chains sometimes offer home improvement credit cards with low to no interest. Doing your homework on this part of the project can pay huge dividends in the form of savings.

Home improvement loans: Government funding

FHA Title 1, HUD, and VA

If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for home improvement loans from one of these agencies:

FHA Title 1

FHA Title 1 home improvement loans make it possible for homeowners to get loans without equity backing up to $25,000.00. This includes the construction of buildings which are not residential in purpose. These loans extend to manufactured housing, and fire safety equipment, and may in some cases be available for long term renters.

HUD

HUD has a number of programs ranging from basic home improvement loans to “fixer upper” loans like their 203(k) program. It would take a separate article to just give a thumbnail description of the possibilities, so the best way to learn more is just follow the link above.

VA

The VA will assist Vets in home buying, and there is an abundance of information available on their website. I am not sure how far into home improvement this extends, but I thought it should be included, especially with the numbers of young men and women involved in various conflicts throughout the world who will return, and are deserving of every benefit possible.

State and local governments

Some states and cities also offer incentives for home improvement, essentially paving the way for home improvement loans with financial institutions as well as special home improvement loans for local citizens. Your best bet for information is to search for state and local information for your area online, or call the state or local entity for details. These vary widely from one location to another.

The main lesson in home improvement financing is that like most other endeavors, good planning and doing your homework will produce the best results and the best bang for your buck.

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Home ownership is a wonderful thing. Home ownership has always been the main component of the American dream. Home ownership allows you to build equity in something solid and corporeal, but like owning anything else, it comes with responsibilities. Home ownership, in most cases, comes with a payment, or mortgage. We all know this, and want to get the best possible deal at the best possible rates. This is a matter of doing your homework with due diligence, and getting a variety of opinions and offers before committing.

There are other things you should consider, like location, quality of the product, and a lot more.

Counting the hidden cost of home ownership

One thing that is not often given the consideration that it needs is the cost of upkeep. Home maintenance and improvement is as much a part of home ownership as the mortgage. Buying a home without considering home maintenance and repair costs is like buying a home without considering the cost of the mortgage. Remember that these costs will also increase over time.

Taxes

They say that there are two certainties in life, death and taxes, and there will be property taxes on your home. Talk to your county tax office to get the low down .

Insurance

Home owner insurance is an expense that you will need to consider, luckily, it is simple to determine. Just find a few companies, and check prices.

Home owners associations

Depending on where you live, there may be a home owners association, and these usually come with a fee. Talk with your real estate agent for details.

Home maintenance costs

The cost for home maintenance varies from situation to situation, but it is a widely accepted theory that it costs between 1 and 3 percent of the cost of the home mortgage per year. So, if your mortgage payment is $3,000.00 per month, you should be putting back at least $300.00 per month for maintenance and repair. These costs include such things as:

Lawn and landscape maintenance

This is one of the easiest costs to determine. If you plan to do this job yourself, consider the cost of equipment and equipment upkeep, and materials like pesticides and fertilizers into the equation. If you hire a lawn maintenance company, figure the annual cost, and add that into the budget along with your finance costs.

Pest control costs

Prevention is the key to a solid pest control program at home. Pest prevention is the outcome of good outdoor maintenance practices, good indoor hygiene, and a properly sealed home. Unfortunately, such things are often ignored by homeowners, and prevention is not always possible. The net result is that the average homeowner will need to pay someone to do the work of preventing and controlling pests. This is usually done with an annual contract, so the cost can be determined by calling a few pest control contractors, and getting prices, then adding them to the overall cost of home ownership.

Roofing

Roof replacement costs due to storm damage are normally covered by homeowners insurance, but that does not mean that you will not need to replace the roof from time to time during the life of your home. Such costs should be considered and added.

Painting

Even if your home is brick or stone, there are usually a few places on the homes exterior, and most all of the interior that will need to be patched and painted from time to time.

Heating and air conditioning

Improvements in the safety and longevity of home heating and air conditioning have made our lives more pleasant and safe. These units will last for many years, but they do need to be maintained, filters replaced, and lubricated. They will also need full replacement, or replacement parts installed at some time in the life of your home. This is an area which should be taken into account ahead of time.

Plumbing

All systems eventually fail, and plumbing is no exception. If you live in a house for long enough, you will have plumbing problems. They can range from simple clogs and leaks, to massive catastrophic failure. Even the small problems will cost money to repair, and the longer they go without repair, the larger the problem and expense when the repair is made. For such repairs, money needs to be available immediately to perform them.

Home improvements

Live in a place long enough, and you will want and need some additions and improvements. Setting aside money to make such improvements is a wise idea. Home improvement financing and related costs should be considered when buying a home, particularly if you already have improvements in mind when you make the purchase.

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It’s always great to find that by doing one task, you have solved several problems. There are some things that you can do for your home that will help you out in several home maintenance categories. This one is simple, easy, cheap, and will save you more money than you can imagine. Energy cost savings are worth the small amount of extra effort, and saving money while adding comfort and safety, well, that is great!

Seal your home for energy cost savings!

It is that simple. It will save you money on energy loss, but it can also save you money when it comes to pest control, allergies, and other health issues, and cleaning products as well. If some of this sounds familiar to you, it is because many of the methods, and techniques used for home energy cost savings are the same ones used for pest prevention and pest control. By sealing your home, you kill at least 2 birds with 1 stone.

Start by sealing your homes exterior

Doors and windows

Start by caulking around door and window frames check and replace all window and door weatherstripping including door sweeps. If you can see light under your door, or around your door, it is time to replace it.

Lines and pipes

Check all electric line, communication cable, and plumbing entrances into your home, and caulk, or otherwise seal them.

Seal inside your home

Perform the same tasks you performed outside your home, inside your home. Each entrance from the outside will have a corresponding exit to the inside. Check them all, and seal them all.

Sealing and insulation

Insulated windows

If your windows are single pain glass, it would be a good idea to replace them with updated energy cost saving windows. They will pay for themselves in short order with the energy you save.

Home made insulated windows

If for some reason you are unable to do so, you can have Plexiglas cut to the dimensions of the inside of your finished window frames, add some weather stripping material between the window frame and the Plexiglas, place the Plexiglas against the window frame, and use trim to seal these in place for relief during extremely hot or cold periods. Watch for excess condensation, and any signs of mold or mildew, and remove periodically for air drying if humidity is a problem in your area.

Attic and wall insulation

A little more insulation can often add up to a lot of energy cost savings.

Attic insulation

Check your attics insulation, and add more if needed. The standard rule of thumb for determining the need for attic insulation is: If the insulation is below the level of the ceiling joists, you need more. Just poke your head into the attic, and see if you can see the ceiling joists. If you can’t, you are alright. If you can, you should add more.

Wall insulation

Wall insulation is a little more difficult to determine. If you live in a newer home, you probably have sufficient insulation in the walls. If you live in a much older home, you should check to see if any insulation is present. There is a simple and relatively easy way to determine if your walls are insulated. Get a flashlight, and a screwdriver, turn off the electricity, remove a wall plug, check for insulation in the wall cavity. Be careful to replace the wall outlet properly before turning the breaker on. This only needs to be checked in the outside walls.

Attic ventilation

If the system cannot remove heat during the hot season, it will retain heat, causing excessive energy consumption. If it allows heat to dissipate during the winter, it will allow excessive energy consumption. Make sure that any electrical or mechanical components are working properly. If you have a rotary vent that will not rotate, it should be repaired or replaced. If the vents are operated thermostatically, and the system is not functioning properly, it can be less efficient than a static system.

Following these steps will increase the energy efficiency of your home, and increase the energy cost savings, and because your home will be well sealed it should lower the population of pests inside the home, which will save you money on pest control.

For more money saving tips see: Saving Money At Home Money Saving Tips

Note: EPA estimates that homeowners can typically save up to 20% of heating and cooling costs…by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists.

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There are times when everyone needs a little help around the old home place, but before you call in a specialist for home repairs, there are a few common things that you might check.

These things happen more often than you might expect, so don’t feel bad if it happens to you.

1. If the air conditioner is not spreading cool air to some rooms in your home, and other rooms are cool, before you call the air conditioning company for a repair, check the vents to make sure that they are open.
2. Electric problems with appliances. If the toaster isn’t toasting, or the blender isn’t blending, please check to see that it is plugged in. This can be embarrassing, but don’t feel bad if it has happened to you. I have known mechanical and electrical engineers who have done the same thing! If it has an electrical plug attached, check to see if it is plugged in.
3. If you check your appliance, and it is plugged in, check the breaker. This can sometimes solve the problem without discarding the appliance, and also alert you to other potential problems that might need a service person.
4. The same is true for electric problems involving lighting. If it is a lamp, check to be sure that it is plugged in, that the breaker is on, and that the bulb is still good. If it is another lighting type, check the bulb, and check the breaker.
5. In general, if something electrical is not working checking breakers is a good first step.
6. If you have water on the kitchen floor which appears to be slowly building into a larger puddle, and there are no apparent leaks under the sink, check under the toe kick for dropped ice cubes. This has happened on more than one occasion, and be a little embarrassing for the home owner or renter when the plumber arrives.

Everything on the list has resulted in several service calls, so I know that they are pretty common. In general, you should check all the simple things first, and avoid the expense of an unnecessary service call.

We will be adding more to the list as they come up. If you have some of your own, feel free to share them in the comment section.

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Service calls can be expensive, so you will want to get the most out of each service call when you have to request help from a plumber electrician, or appliance repairman. It will help your service man if you are able to accurately describe the symptoms of the problem you are having when you contact him. It makes a difference, as to what materials and tools he might need to bring to the job. Most service and maintenance people who have spent a good deal of time in their business, have seen heard, felt, and even smelled just about everything you can imagine enough times to recognize the symptoms, and make a solid tentative diagnosis. This allows them to bring along whatever they think is the likely replacement part or material as well as any tools they might need that they might not normally carry with them.

Thinking about service calls

If the problem is a leak under your cabinet counter, is the leak a drip, a spray, or a gusher? If the problem is lighting, does the light not respond at all when the switch is flipped? Does the switch sizzle? Does the light flicker, hum, or buzz? If the problem is rodents or insects, where are the droppings, or where do they seem to be coming from? Is the air conditioner not working as in, not blowing, blowing but not cooling, not coming on at all, or is it making a rattling grinding sound, or a hard buzz? In other words, use your senses to describe what you are encountering when you request a service call.

Some things fall into several categories at once, like garbage disposals. Is the disposal overflowing, or not draining, does it have an unusual sound, and is that sound a hard buzz, like it is stuck, or is it a loud clashing sound? When you flip the switch, does anything happen at all? Does the switch flash, or smoke, or have a burning odor? When contacting your repairman for a service call, this information will be helpful.

Here is a sort of checklist for what you might want to watch and listen for, and relay to the service man:

Electric lights and appliances

What type of appliance or light is it?

Describe what happens when the switch is activated:

1. Does nothing at all
2. Makes a loud electronic buzz
3. Smokes
4. Sparks
5. Whirs

Water problems

Describe where the problem occurs:

Indoors or outdoors?

Describe when the problem occurs:

1. All the time
2. When the handle is turned
3. When draining

Describe what happens when you turn the handle:

1. With pressure, like a squirt or spray
2. Drips, slowly
3. Floods

Anything you can relay to the service man could be helpful, and might help to keep him from having to make two trips, and save you money on the service call in the long run.

If you have other ideas and suggestions, feel free to share them in our comment section.

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Fresh water and safe drainage are important to your families health and well being, and the longevity of your home. The items listed below should be checked at least once per year.

Plumbing checklist

1. Exposed pipes outdoors. These are the plumbing entries into your home, or extensions such as outdoor faucets. We recommend learning where your water supply meter is located, and becoming familiar with it’s operation in case of problems, and also learning where you main drain line clean out is located if you don’t know this already. Check for things like wet spots, puddles, or corrosion on outdoor pipes.

2. Exposed pipes indoors. Most exposed pipes indoors, are under sinks, or behind the toilet. Check for wet spots, drips, and other moisture problems. Look for excessive oxidization on fittings and connections. These can be a sign of a small leak, and severe corrosion can cause leaks.

3. Reduced water pressure. Low water pressure at the faucet can have several causes. It can be a leak, which is bleeding off pressure, or, it could be a blockage, such as sediment in the nozzle of the fixture. Check for obvious things like water bubbling up from the ground, and hissing sounds. You can also turn off all water fixtures in the house, and see if the meter is still turning. If it is, a leak is probably the cause. If not, start with simple things like removing the splash screen from the offending faucet. If there is sediment inside, clean it, or replace it with a new one, and reinstall. The same thing should be done for slow shower heads.

4. Drains. Check drains for the speed with which they empty out. If it seems to take too long, you may have a partial clog. Such clogs in kitchen and bathroom sinks can usually be removed by removing the “p trap” and cleaning it out.

5. Vents. Vents are a part of your homes drainage system, and are in place to allow air to replace draining water to avoid poor drainage through vacuum lock. Check the vents visually, most vent problems are related to the vent becoming covered, or clogged. We have run across vents clogged by birds nests, and other natural occurrences.

6. Valves and valve handles. Valve handles should be checked for tightness. Look for seepage around the handles.Toilet handles should be checked for proper movement and play.

7. Tile and caulking in tubs and showers. Broken bathroom tile, and missing caulking can allow water to damage your walls and floors. They can also be a sign of damaged plumbing. Check and repair.

8. Mold and mildew. Fungus can be a problem itself, and can point to other problems. Most fungi grow in the presence of water, if you find any, try to determine why it is growing in that particular place. Clean the area thoroughly with bleach, or other suitable products.

9. Check for solid connections on fixtures. Fixtures should be snugly attached to their bases. Tighten as needed.

10. Hot water heaters. Check the top pop valve to be sure that it is not allowing water to bypass. If it is bypassing, replace it, or have a plumber replace it for you. Look for rust and corrosion, as these could be a sign of other problems. When dealing with hot water heaters, it is a good idea to have a gas or electric expert do the work.

11. Washing machine connections. Washing machine supply lines should be leak free, so check for good connections, check the condition of the hoses as well. The washing machine drain should be checked for proper position and drainage.

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